those that we miss

I love this final photo of my Grandma taken in August of 2010.  She celebrated her 96 birthday. We actually put 96 candles on the cake and lit them all.  The nursing home looked the other way.  Look at those flames!  My sister-in-law and I are so lucky we didn't set off the sprinklers.  Grandma loved it.

My mind boggles at living to be that old.  What a gift yet how painful it appeared to be.  She was incredibly strong in all she faced.  I am grateful I knew her and was blessed with her love.

Christmas time can be hard for those of us who have lost people we would have rather kept forever.  I long for a world in which there are no more tears and no more loss.  Until then, this poem in for my Grandmother.

My Grandma

Many tears I have for you shed
I miss your laughter and voice cranky
playing cards or discussing books you'd read
but mostly I miss you smiling at me
through your cooking much love was sent
quick in wit, faster yet in bridge game
one who said loudly what she meant
personality lively, spirit not tame
at your heart a lady true
yes, missed but with Jesus now at your best
I'm beyond thankful Him you knew
by you my life was indeed blessed.


{hugs}
Shea

For you, Connecticut

This is written for the horror that has unfolded for the men and women in the shootings in Connecticut.  I am so very sorry for what these people are suffering through.

Evil Unspeakable

Evil Unspeakable was unleashed yesterday
as a gunman entered a grade school
no explanation or word did he say
as he began to usher in death, a gun his tool

the teachers so brave thought on feet fast
urging children into closets and corners to hide
praying somehow the nightmare wouldn't last
listening to shots ring out as innocence died
teacher young yet oh-so brave
the gunman enter her room from the hall
she answered his question hoping children to save
he took her life yet she saved the kids one and all
families streaming to school all fingers crossed
not knowing who will be thrown to grief's deep end
some finding their young children forever lost
others finding life, a miracle He did send
twenty six have had to face a parent's worst fear
as the terrible tale they did learn
pain before unknown into their hearts did sear
for their lost they forever yearn
Connecticut, alone in your loss you are not
we in America want you to hear us say
safety and healing for you will be sought
we are sending up prayer for you night and day.

with tears,
Shea

finding my inspiration

Exercise.  It really isn't my favorite thing.  In fact, even though I feel great after the fact, I still tend to want to avoid it.  I know it will help me, I know I need it yet I don't want to do it.  (sigh) I am oh-so very human.

This is where skiing enters.  It saved me last winter and it is the same this year.  Stress hits us all, yes?  When  out on the hill, full attention has to be on getting down the hill so there is simply no time to be stressed about anything else.  It feels incredible to come down from the mountain and look up and say to myself, "Can!"  I love the sense of accomplishment not to mention that sleep comes more fully because I can hardly move.  Lastly, it feels good to be tired physically rather then emotionally or spiritually or any other way possible.  It is interesting to me that by honoring the body's physical needs it allows us to cope more fully with all the rest.

So you may not like skiing, this is more then OK.  You should like what you do not what I do.  Find a movement you enjoy and do it.  See if you don't also reap the many benefits.

Heading to Inspiration.

Finding Inspiration

To the mountain I go like true north on a compass

some ski for fun or work or vertical feet to amass

no matter the reason for each

there is always something the mountain can teach

so to the slopes in droves we flock

pulling on helmets, pants and warm ski sock

for me this ski experience is holy

as I learn to fly in life fully

with each turn I take, my soul comes unbound

as I seek fresh powder my truest self found

this is escapism at its wholesome best

a part of me lost becomes freshly whole

as release is found on the slopes for my soul

liberty has come, setting my heart free

by choosing to learn the art of the ski.

snow {hugs},

Shea

Snow has come to life.

The week it finally snowed on us.  This is late for us.  It has made everything so beautiful and white and clean looking.

Snow

For snow let's do a happy dance
now for winter's fun there's a chance
silvery white snow so pure
winter to enjoy not just endure
some with snow do ski
flying down hills, souls free
others snowmen they make
or snowballs just for fun's sake
it is a glorious gift, from His hand sent
moisture for land it is also meant
it does bring ice and shoveling and such
yet I'm going to ski, enjoy it so much
it is healthier in life for the silver lining to look
then to believe I've been forsook
so the snow will come in life and on ground
but here's the secret I've found
Jesus all weather to Earth does send
in life I need to His will bend
learn the lesson: in all trust Him and smile
because Jesus with me will walk winter's mile
not all summer, some rain and snow yes
but through all He does completely bless.

warmly with a {hug},
Shea

When you stop dreaming

When you stop dreaming

A friend and I were just chatting today about having courage to step out to do something scary to us.  Then this came into my inbox.  I need to keep dreaming.  At all costs, do NOT give up.  I am so thankful for the reminder from Seth Barns.

{hugs},
Shea