Too Late to Say "Thank You"

 When you're a writer (or any kind of artist), there's a fine line between promoting your work and bragging about it. I want to share my writings, but sometimes pride takes over and I forget how I got where I am.

I'm learning to be very grateful for those who have helped me along the way. 

When I turned fifty, I published my first novel, A Home for Phoebe. I thought of a teacher that allowed me to put my teenage troubled thoughts into words, and that's when Phoebe was born. When I tried to thank Mr. Harriman, I found he had died a couple of years earlier. 

I was too late. 

This week, I thought of Norman Rohrer, the founder of Christian Writers Guild. The summer after I graduated from high school, I saw an advertisement in a magazine and ordered the correspondence course. He gave me the tools to develop those teenage thoughts and put them in a sensible order. 

Later, I took more lessons with Christian Writers Guild, then owned by Jerry Jenkins. This time it was a non-fiction course. I learned to write how-to articles and devotionals. God used those skills to prompt me to write "Putting My Hand in God's." I've been able to distribute and sell over 100 copies in just a few years. 

I wanted to thank Norman Rohrer. 

Today, I learned that he lived to be 95 years old and passed away peacefully on December 24, 2024 - just this last Christmas Eve. 

(click here for Norman Rohrer's Legacy )

I was too late . . . again. 

Why do I wait so long to tell others how much they mean to me? It doesn't take but a moment 

to say "thank you" 

to say "you've been a good friend" 

to say "I love you."

Somebody's Mother

I had never felt so sad and helpless. I chose the line at Walmart with one elderly woman placing canned vegetables, bananas, cat food, etc. on the conveyor. Her total was over $100, and she began searching her purse. She unzipped pockets and peered into slots for something – anything!

I wished I was rich. I wished could pay for her food. But I couldn’t.

She apologized for being unorganized – mumbling about Alzheimer’s. Finding a checkbook, she slowly filled out a wrinkled page – but then she needed identification. My heart sunk. I had seen her purse - stuffed with receipts and crumpled envelopes. I doubted she could find any ID.

“Ma’am, do you have a driver’s license?”

“No, I can’t drive anymore. Will this work?” She held up a business card.  

I looked at her tattered coat, gray frizzy hair, and knee brace (held in place with rubber bands). Her gnarled fingers were still fumbling in her cluttered purse. She could be me in another twenty years or so. I looked behind me. The others in line were not complaining.  One man said, “I don’t have that much with me.”

I asked her if she had come with someone, but she said she came by taxi. That didn't help. 

 I’m not a leader –especially of strangers, but the thought of organizing an impromptu collection for her went through my mind. Then one man handed her a $100 bill. “Is this enough?” The woman reluctantly took it and asked for his name.

“Call me Bob,” he said. “Merry Christmas.”

So, Bob, I want to say thank you for doing what I couldn’t do. Thank you for showing kindness to somebody’s mother. She was all our mother tonight. Thank you.

B is for . . .

This thought has been my theme for the last few years. Our God knows what is best. Both the blessings and trials have their part in our growth and learning. We need to trust Him - his love, his care, his wisdom.

What truths has God been teaching you? 

For more A to Z posts, 

go to Patty Wysong's Blog

or join the blog hop with the Linky below.

Treasuring the Value of Our Freedoms

With the advancement of technology, we can know what is happening around the world as it occurs. This is a blessing and a curse.

I hear of fellow Christians persecuted and executed for their faith. It grieves my heart. I can let it depress me, or I can let it strengthen my faith. I pray for them, and I pray for our country. I pray that we will be strong in our devotion to the Lord.

I pray that we will treasure the value of our freedom of worship and speech. I pray that we will treasure the privilege of owning God's Word and being able to teach it without fear.

If our freedoms were taken from us  . . .

Would we suddenly wish we had attended church more faithfully?
Would we wish we had memorized more Scripture?
Would we wish we been bolder witnessing to our neighbors?

I was reminded of a story of a boy who regretted not paying attention to his lessons in school when he found out that his country had been taken over in war. Suddenly, he loved what he had lost.

"The Last Lesson" 

by Alphonse Daudet (1840-1897)

(CLICK HERE)

Are we using the gifts that God has given us? 

Are we treasuring the value of the freedom? 

Seeking and Calling

It's been too quiet around my house. I needed something to talk to, to care for . . . I needed another cat. (Besides, the mice and squirrels were taking over the attic.) 

So, last May, I visited the animal shelter. They had lots of cats there. Some rubbed against the bars, looking for attention. Others meowed pitifully. One slept in a ball, in the corner of her cage. She looked like one I had owned years ago. I went to the desk to ask if I could see her and hold her, but someone else had asked first. I went home disappointed. I didn't want any of the others. I wanted her. 

Returning later, I saw that she was still there! When I held her, I felt the soft vibrations of a purr beneath her fluffy fur. I filled out the forms and paid the price and brought my new friend home, but  . . . 

she didn't know me,

she didn't want me,

she was afraid and ran from me.

For weeks, I filled her food dish and clean up her messes. I called her, but she wouldn't come. I lifted her out of her hiding spots and caressed her ears and neck. I talked to her, softly and gently, while she purred in my arms. I named her Fluffy - short for Fluffanutter. 

She enjoyed all the benefits of a home - food, shelter, attention - but she did not want me or trust me. Sometimes, she fought against me and scratched me. I waited and tried again the next day. 

Soon, she didn't run when I came near. Soon, she accepted treats from my hands. Soon, she came to me when she heard my voice. Soon, she slept on my lap - trusting, resting, free of fear. 

It reminds me of Jesus.

"Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you." 

(John 15:16)

We are stubborn and foolish.

"All we, like sheep, have gone astray." 

(Isaiah 53:6)

Jesus searches and calls us.

"For thus saith the Lord God; 

Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, 

and seek them out."

(Ezekiel 34:11)

"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, 

I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine."

(Isaiah 43:1)

"I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, 

but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not."

(Jeremiah 7:13)

"I have loved thee with an everlasting love: 

therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee."

(Jeremiah 31:3)

I almost gave up on taming my cat. I almost took Fluffy back to the shelter. 

 God does not give up. We enjoy all His benefits, but we're not grateful for the One who provides them. We don't want Him or trust Him. We run from Him, but it doesn't do any good to hide. He seeks us and finds us. He calls us and draws us and loves us, until we rest in His arms. 

 "Submit yourselves therefore to God." 

(James 4:7)

If Jesus has been calling you, 
if you want to know more about Him
or how to get to heaven,
email me. I will pray with you. 

Letting God Love Through Me

 When God repeats a message with two sermons, preached by different men, you know He wants you to listen and learn. Yesterday's sermons were both about loving - loving the Lord and loving others. 

It's easy to love those who are close to us, who like the same things that we love, who are kind and good and easy to be around, but can we love those who are different - those that are unlikeable - those that are cruel and evil? Can we let God's Spirit love them through us? 

I hope these sermons will bless you and prick you to want to love, to love Him and to love others - 

"Loving the Lord Thy God"   (CLICK HERE)

"The Skeptical, the Sinner, and the Savior"   (CLICK HERE)

     

Lord, Give Me Eyes

                                    Lord, give me eyes to see your praise.

Each morning sings with sparkling rays,

Trees clap their hands,

Waves dance on sands,

The heavens bright shout forth Your ways.

Lord, give me eyes to see Your face,

So holy, holy, full of grace;

Bow before You,

Praise, adore You,

I consecrate this sacred place.

Lord, give me eyes to see my sin

The selfish thoughts tucked deep within;

May I hate them,

Let You take them,

Cleanse me, change me, new life begin.

Lord, give me eyes to see Your will,

Help me to listen, heart made still;

Give me patience,

Tender conscience,

Letting You my being fill.

Lord, give me eyes to see the lost,

It was for them, You faced the cross;

Blind and crying,

Sinful, dying.

May I see them worth the cost.

Lord, give me eyes to see the lonely,

Tired, crippled, poor, and homely,

As I help them,

As I guide them,

May my life show Jesus only.

Lord, give me eyes to see Your army,

Nothing in this world can harm me;

I will not fear,

With angels near,

Multitudes protect, surround me.

Lord, give me eyes to see Your power,

While I am hiding in Your tower;

Winds and creatures,

Kings and teachers

Obey Your will, before You cower.

Lord, give me eyes to see tomorrow

As nothing worth a boast or sorrow;

Its prides or tears,

The gains or fears,

Its joys or pains I dare not borrow.

Lord, give me eyes to see Your best,

Although life’s trials may sorely test;

I understand

It is Your hand,

Within Your arms, I fully rest.

Lord, give me eyes to see Your glory,

No more sin and no more worry.

Righteously crowned,

In Him be found,

Ending of redemption’s story.

A Writer's Prayer

I claimed an old copy of  In the Arena by Isobel Kuhn from my parents' house. My mother and father often talked about her writings, but for some reason, I had never read them. Maybe out of regret, maybe looking for a way to be close to my parents, I picked it up and began reading.

I like to read the forward at the beginning of a book. I've learned that is where you can find an insight into the author's background and motives for the book. This one overwhelmed me, for it was speaking thoughts that were close to my heart.

"Dear Lord Jesus,

         I want to write a love letter to You. Not the 

ordinary  I-love-you kind. Nor the usual just-between-

you-and-me kind; for others will read what I write. 

Something like Elizabeth Barrett Browning's;

                      How do I love Thee?

                      Let me count the ways.

And yet not like that one either, for the subject of 

the letter is not to be my love for You. That has

been too puny, too shoddy, too besmirched with 

failure to be a theme.

        I want this letter to be a revelation of You. When 

people read it I want them to see You. when they 

find me in a perfectly hopeless situation, as so often

I was, I want them to know clearly it was You who

pulled me out,. I want them to see Your infinite

patience, Your unwavering faithfulness. Although

You work so silently, so delicately, there is a 'shining

forth' when You are present. But how can one

make other see it?

        Lord, dear, please will You help me write? I 

cannot put Your beauty into words, but if I can

show You working in the back ground of all that

happened (even as I watched You) that will be

enough. As You did revel Yourself to me, please

reveal Yourself to them!

   You own - by right of purchase, then by 

self-surrender.                Isobel S. Kuhn "

In The Arena by Isobel S. Kuhn

(written in 1958, the year I was born)

Gentle Father

Have you ever argued with God?

Have you ever known He had a job for you, 

but you didn't want to do it?

Have you tried to ignore His voice?

I knew I should call a friend. I knew my recent experience could help her, but I didn't want to trigger the painful emotions that I was sure would come back. I didn't want to call her on the phone.

"Lord, I can't do this."

"She needs you."

"But I don't want to. The memories hurt."

"I know, but that hurt can help her."

"Oh....I don't want to. Can't someone else talk to her?" 

"I want you to talk to her."

I couldn't make myself pick up the phone. I knew I should. I also knew this pressure to obey His voice would not be lifted until I did....yet I did nothing. I just couldn't do it.

BRRRRRRRRING! I picked up the phone. It was her, the one God wanted me to call.

"God, did you call her?
Did you tell her to call me?"

"You wouldn't do it, so I had to do it for you." 

Once I listened to my friend, once I shared my experience with her, once I let God love her through me, it wasn't so bad. Even the memories weren't as painful as I thought they might be.

"Lord, thank you for doing that.
I'm sorry that I didn't do it myself." 

"Trust me, my child.
I will give you the strength to do the impossible."

With happy tears, I went about my day. My heart felt lighter because I had finally obeyed. I had done what He wanted me to do. The next time God ask me to do something, I hope I remember to trust Him and not be such a stubborn child.

Plans, Goals, Challenges

"My gumption has got up and gone." 

Have you ever felt that way? 

You have mountains of things you should do and even more things you'd like to do, but you just don't feel like doing anything.

When I get this way, I know I need a plan - some deadline - some goal - some challenge.

I know I'm a little late for making New Year's Resolutions, but I was a bit busy at the turn of the year. I figure it doesn't matter when you evaluate your time and goals - as long as you do it sometime.

Also, I have learned that no matter how I plan to spend my time and days, I need to be flexible and open to whatever God puts in my path. There's a balance to all of it. We should use our days wisely and make sensible and productive plans- not just sit back and wait for God to give us a job. At the same time, we shouldn't stick to our own plans so tenaciously that we miss the blessings of being used of the Lord.

"A man deviseth his ways, but the Lord directeth his steps"

Proverbs 16:9

I do have a few deadlines:

1. Maine Homeschoolers Convention - March 20-22
    (a workshop - "Splash Into Writing" and an interactive booth)
2. Maine Fellowship of Christian Writers- April 9
    (teaching a session on self-publishing)
3. Publish the next Country Story Collection book - May 1, 2014
   (a book for mothers - "Bolts of Calico")
4. Publish a missionary story - "Nando's Bible" - June 1, 2014
   (plus VBS illustrated version)
5. Finish the sequel to my Phoebe book - Jan. 1, 2015
   ("Going Home With Phoebe")

Things I should do: (goals)

1. Sort through the hodgepodge of boxes in my house
    (toss or giveaway one bag of stuff each week)
2. Write letters to friends or grandkids (don't have email)
    (at least one/week)
3. Post regularly on my blogs (My Back Door, Polliwog Pages)
    (at least two/week)
4. Memorize more Scripture
    (a chapter within this year)
5. Exercise more
    (walk a mile or more/week)
 

Things I'd like to do this year: (challenges)

1. Write some children's companion Phoebe books
2. Do more crafts - knitting, miniatures, tole painting
3. Faithwriters Weekly Writing Challenge
4. Daily Photo Challenge on Facebook

I have oodles of dreams and wishes, 

but I'll just grab those as the opportunities arise.

He Giveth Grace

Did you know?

My middle name is Grace. Also, my maternal grandmother was named Grace and so was my husband's maternal grandmother. So it seemed natural to name our daughter Grace, too. Little did I know that my son would marry a Grace. It gets a little confusing sometimes!

What does grace mean?

The baby books say that Grace means a gift from God. 

The Bible tells us that it is something that God gives us - something special that we don't deserve, a divine gift, unmerited favor. As I've grown as a Christian, I've learned that it is more than the gift of eternal life. It's more than special blessings. 

Grace is the strength,
                      the peace,
                             the wisdom,
                                   the power
to go through an experience that God has put in your life. It is letting Him work through you. It is letting Him take control. It is saying, "Lord, I need You." It is resting in His love and care. 

(Click Here for song "He Giveth More Grace")

"When I am weak, than I am strong."

"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."

"His grace is sufficient for me."

"Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares."

"Abide" 

"Peace Like a River"

Yesterday, family and friends gathered to remember the life of my father, John Beverly. The Gospel was plainly presented - tributes given to my father's godly testimony - memories shared of his life. 

(Audio Recording of Memorial Sevice)

But it didn't begin to tell of all my daddy was to me. 

I don't want to forget. 

I listened to my brothers and watched my sons play with their children. I saw my father. His songs, his stories, his mannerisms, his faith are still here . . . still alive in his children and grandchildren.

There is a loss - a sadness - but there is a peace.

We are covered with billows of blessings. Why should we fear? Why should we mourn? Our God is good and gives us more than we could ever ask for. His grace fills and comforts and sustains us.

Too Busy to Get Anything Done

Did you ever have so much on your mind 

that you can't focus enough to accomplish any of them? 

This month sets off a domino cascade of events for me. 

* Church Activities and Ministries

* Showing a Visiting Friend Around Maine

* Trip to Kansas for our Son's Wedding

* Maine Wedding Reception

* Gifts for Birthdays and Christmas

* Writing Projects and Polliwog Pages

* Travel to Alaska for New Baby

* Travel to Texas for Another New Baby

I know there are so many things to do to prepare for each of them, but my mind doesn't seem to be able to focus on one at a time and ignore the others. I find myself going from here to there (not accomplishing  much), or fiddling at mindless activities (procrastinating to do anything at all).

Also this time of year brings back many memories -

 some happy ones, some not so happy.

Dear Lord, help me to accomplish the things You want me to do today. Help me not to worry about all the things I think need to be done in the next few weeks and months. Help me to let go of the things that don't matter. Amen

"Bless This Food"

I grew up with the habit of thanking God for the food at every meal. Our family holds hands around the table. It gives a sense of oneness. (and also keeps little fingers from grabbing things)

My father tells how a simple blessing poem brought his family to Christ. His older brother learned it at school (Imagine that!) and taught it to the family at home.

God is great and God is good,

And we thank Him for our food;

By His hand must all be fed,

Give us, Lord, our daily bread. 

My grandparents thought about this great God of goodness and sought Him. God blessed the family and used many of the following generations in His service around the world.

Why do we say Grace at mealtime? 

I admit that it can become just a habit - rattling off words without thinking. But where did it begin? Why is it important? Is it a good habit to teach our children?

Last Sunday, our pastor spoke from Leviticus 17. God instructed the Israelites to bring every animal that had been killed for meat to the tabernacle, to be offered first as a sacrifice to the LORD. Having to do this often, put God first in their lives. He was to be the center of everything they did.

We are not under the law anymore. We are not required to fulfil a list of rules to gain acceptance to God. But He still wants us to put Him first in our lives. Everything we think or do should bring glory to Him. We should constantly remember that all we have is from Him. Everything we do is arranged by Him.

A dear woman in our church wrote this poem -

First in all of my doings,

First in all I say,

First in all my pursuings,

First in my heart every day. 

Being a Steeple

I like steeples. 

Steeples stand tall against the sky, pointing thoughts and hearts to God.

Yesterday, I chanced to meet someone who had been at the hospital while I was there with my mother. This woman was also living at Gary's House. (a home for those whose loved one is hospitalized) It was not an easy time for either of us, and we built up a relationship just by being there together.

I didn't ever get a chance to open the Bible with her and present the Gospel to her, but she saw us thank the Lord for our food. She knew my father was a pastor and that we listened to hymns on the radio in the morning. She knew we prayed for her husband.

Yesterday, I saw her for only a minute in a local grocery store. I met her husband and mentioned that I had been praying a long time for him. She nodded, said, "yes." I gave her a hug, and she was gone.

As I lay in bed last night, replaying the events of the day - nursing home, thrift store, restaurant, bank, and the grocery store. I thought about that encounter with my friend. I thought of the precise timing of it. A few seconds difference and I wouldn't have seen her. Did God want us to meet?

I know he did. 

I thought of the delays at the restaurant and bank. Was God slowing me down for this reason?

I hope and pray that just seeing me will remind my friend of God - like a steeple.

Also - what if my attitude at the hospital was NOT glorifying to God. What if it had turned her away from Christians and the things of the Lord? Then the sight of me later on would not be a good thing. It would reinforce that first opinion of me and my testimony.

Lord, I want to be a steeple. 

I want to point others to You. 

May my life always be glorifying to You, 

in my words and speech and attitude. 

Lord, may I bring honor to Your Name. 

In Jesus's Name, Amen 

Eating With Sinners

 (Click Here for Yesterday's Sermon)

"Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Him and his disciples, and when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, 'Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?' 

But when Jesus heard, He said unto them, 'They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth. I will have mercy and not sacrifice, for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentence.' "  
(Matthew 9: 10-13) 

Lord, help me to see others as you see them. My natural reaction is to turn away in disgust and disdain. I hate their lifestyle. They smell, and their speech irritates me. . .  but that person is someone that You died for. They need You.  Help me to love the sinner and not the sin. Love them through me. Give me Your eyes to see them as You do.           In Jesus' Name, Amen

Monday Manna - Complete Obedience

"Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt-offerings

as in obeying the voice of the Lord?

Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,

and to hearken better than the fat of rams."

(I Samuel 15:22)

Do I think God will overlook sin because of my service for Him?

Am I making excuses for my lack of complete obedience? 

Lord, may I listen for Your voice

and obey you swiftly and completely.

Amen

Time Blended Together

Today I went with my father to a nursing home to have a Bible study. Seven ladies came out - a larger group than usual. Some were in wheelchairs and dozed, some were alert and sharp, and some had trouble knowing  their name. But when we sang, the tunes triggered memories, and voices sang old hymns of their youth.

My father started a series of the story of Pilgrim's Progress with an old flannelgraph set. (paper figures with scraps of flannel glued to the back)  The residents were fascinated by the pictures and seem to be enjoying it. I'm not sure how much they understand, but even a child's mind can understand the concept of sin and seeking God for forgiveness. We didn't get too far in the story in the last two weeks. (Poor Christian has been left in the Slough of Despond until we go back next Tuesday.)

I must have heard or read this story a dozen times or more since I was a child. I never grow tired of it. I love allegories. I love the concept of a story symbolizing and explaining deeper concepts of life.

Today, I found time to be very relative. It was strange to see old people with minds of children listening to a story that I had heard as a child. The texture and smell of the old-fashioned flannelgraph transported me back to when I was young. Time seemed to blend together. It was hard to know who was young or old, even myself.

I wonder what it will be like in Heaven - in the Celestial City. Will there be any ages? Will we all have the attitudes of children but the wisdom of the elderly? Will it matter? Will we even care?

Empty Bucket List?

Do you have a bucket list? 

You know - a list of things you want to do before you "kick the bucket." 

I have one :
 - travel to Scotland
 - travel to France
 - publish a book √
 - ride in a hot-air balloon
 - learn to play an oboe
 - learn to spin/weave
 - see a whale up close
 - see a giraffe up close √
 - sail a big sailboat √
 - go to a writing conference √
 - own a general store
 - manage a campground with Randy
 - etc.

Recently, I've been re-thinking my goals. 

Those things are fun to think about , (and I don't think it's wrong to have dreams and goals) but something seemed "off." They made me feel selfish and greedy. I finally figured out what was wrong. I heard someone say, "It's too bad your mother didn't get to see the new granchildren before she died." I thought, "No, it's too bad the grandchildren didn't get to know her before she died." 

That's it! 

It's not what we experience before we die that is important, it's how we touch others while we are still on this earth. Seeing far-away places, learning new skills, and accomplishing goals aren't really important. They are "empty buckets." Yes, God may bless us by allowing us to experience these things, but they shouldn't be our goals in life. It's people that are important. Our dreams may be part of being a blessing to others, but they should be side benefits, not the main focus of our life.

What kinds of things should be on our list? 

- leading a soul to the Lord
- teaching a grandchild a Bible verse
- comforting a grieving friend
- witnessing to a neighbor
- encouraging a young mother
- praying until an enemy is a friend
- giving to brother in need
- seeing your children grow in the Lord
- building your marriage
- memorizing Scripture
- learning a new hymn
- etc.

"But lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven,

where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt,

and where thieves do not break through nor steal;

for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

(Matthew 6:20,21)

Nuggets of Blessing

I love how God brings "nuggets of blessing" to light in the Bible. Maybe I have read that particular verse a hundred times or more, maybe I have even memorized it at one point, or perhaps never noticed it at all, but all of a sudden, it has more meaning! It applies to the circumstance I'm experiencing right now. I understand its truths at this point in my Christian growth.

I hope to share these "nuggets of blessing" with you and a little thought of why it seems special to me now.

"Be of good courage, 

and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our peple, 

and for the cities of our God; 

and let the LORD 

do that which is good in His sight." 

(I Chronicles 19:13) 

The phrase "be of good courage" is special to me ever since I learned that the French language has a similar phrase - a rallying call - "Bon Courage!"  We don't have a phrase like that in English. We may say "Good Luck," but that's not the same. "Bon Courage" is a word of comfort and love, giving the recipient a feeling that someone is standing beside him to keep him going through a difficult time. 

"Let us behave ourselves valiently" - There are those who are looking toward us for leadership, to see how we will act in time of testing and trials. It's not a time to give in to our fears and doubts. We need to be strong for others who will follow behind us. 

" Let the LORD do that which is good in His sight"  . . . Ultimately, it is NOT our strength and courage that determines the outcome. While we are standing strong and "behaving valiently," we are trusting in the LORD to do His will. Even if we don't understand the battle, it is not up to us to question - only to obey. Whatever God does is good. 

Have you read a verse in the Bible that "glows" with a special light of understanding? Perhaps it will be a blessing to someone else. Feel free to comment or post your own "Nuggets of Blessing" on your blog and put your link in a comment. 

C'est Accompli !

My son gave me a jigsaw puzzle for Christmas and covered the lid with wrapping paper (taped up very well) - with the challenge of putting the puzzle together without looking at the picture. (leaving only the title showing "Montmatre, Paris")

Because of various reasons, I put it away for a time that I wasn't too busy. I found the box the other day and thought it was a good time to put it together. I opened it and saw that pieces were very colorful -pinks, and oranges, and blues.

It took me about five days to assemble and so much fun!

(and I didn't peek once)

Doing jigsaw puzzles help me sort out my thoughts. I don't know how it works, but when I feel topsy-turvy, putting those shapes and colors together to make a picture help me feel more balanced and settled.

Writing poetry does the same thing. I suppose they have things in common. Writing a poem is sorting through words to find the ones that fit well together. When I'm done, I have a "picture" that expresses my thoughts and emotions.

What do you do to help you sort out your emotions?