note to the Reader

Shadows of Love: Stories of life are but Shadows of Love

 
Editorial History:
This blog began late one Saturday evening, 03 July 2011 to be exact.  Already curiosity has grown within WordPress, throughout other associations of the worldwide web, and by word of mouth.  About that, I am very thankful and very excited.  Already curiosity is creeping along the grapevine of assumptions and vain imaginations.  About that, I am disappointed, though not surprised.  
 
For more than 20 years, I have been encouraged to do something with my writing.  One of the first memories of being recognized for my writing style came from submitting my application to a local college.  After reading my testimony, the one who was processing the application contacted me, asking me to share before a small group of teens in her country church.  As the years passed, there were other opportunities to share in small groups and with close friends.  One of the first memories of being recognized on a wider scale came from submitting my application to a nondenominational, multicultural missions agency.  After returning from a short-term missions outreach in the UK, I was given the opportunity to speak before a group at a missions prayer breakfast.  Much to my surprise, there were 200 or so in attendance; a notable pastor of world renown was sitting within an arms’ reach; the video camera was rolling; and the spotlights were focused.  Therein lies my 15 minutes of fame.
 
Of late, those who know me the best and love me the most have been most adamant about it.  I do not work, I am not married and I do not have children and/or pets.  Recent commitments in ministry have come to a close; my time is now free to use at my discretion.  In researching the journey of becoming a published author and becoming effective as a writer, I read again and again that blogging was a beginning point. 
 
So here we are, in the midst of Shadows of Love.  Just as stories of life include times of peace, comfort and pleasure as well as times of strife, longing and pain, so too will this blog include posts as such.  It is my desire that the posts here reflect the journey of life that is common to all.  Life is a journey and there is always movement and change, the end of one thing and the beginning of another.  There is meaning and purpose in everything that happens.  Throughout each day that we tarry on the earth, we are writing yet another page of the legacy we leave behind.  Throughout each day, the Lover is always pursuing His Beloved. 
 
 
Editorial Disclaimer:
Posts added to Shadows of Love may be inspired by:
  • songs I’ve heard
  • books I’ve read
  • conversations I’ve been part of or inadvertently been party to
  • dynamics in relationships I’ve witnessed or experienced
  • inspirations from the Word
  • posts from other blogs

Posts that are reblogs within WordPress will be as they are posted on the original site.  Quotes will be as correct as I know how to be.  Pages that are about the Author are simple straight forward facts.

Other posts are stories that reveal life, love and Truth in all its many facets.  Those stories are meant to be messages of faith, healing, hope, life, love, relationships and Truth. 

Most stories that are shared here may be, and most probably are, a combination of many things on that list above. Most stories that are shared here may be, and most probably are, a combination of things heard, read and experienced yet shared through characters who are a combination of people I’ve observed, I’ve read about or I’ve created. 

Unless specifically indicated, the posts themselves should not be considered autobiographical.  A search for the “real” characters of my posts may, and most probably will, lead to conclusions you wish to see and away from the message of the story.  By far, more profitable and appreciative uses can be had of your creativity and wisdom.  

If you share the posts, with integrity, refer back to Shadows of Love.

If you are encouraged by the posts, with kindness, add your comments.

If you are offended, irritated or worried by the posts or disagree with the posts, with maturity, add your comments.  After all, your opinion is as important as mine and I may learn something.

 

 

Recent Posts

Overwhelmed, Blown Away–Protected

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Like a preemie held firmly within Almighty Hands, I have felt cocooned and altogether overwhelmed and blown away in these six weeks since the move into my home.  The four months of waiting and wading through due process was riddled with unexpected obstacles and gave birth to unimaginable blessing.  Yet all that testified as a weak witness to what was to come. 

 

Anne Geddes

Jack Holding Maneesha. Anne Geddes photography

 

In the morning when I step onto the front screened porch, I am nestled by the sights, sounds and smells of oak and cedar trees, horses and red birds, honey suckle and wild flowers.  In the cool of the evening while working underneath these trees, cleaning up the remnants of the fall leaves, the squirrels scurry about yet coming ever so close, unafraid and not offended by my presence.  Long before the sun sets, the cool breezes ruffle the branches overhead and spur on the tree frogs to serenade me with their unique symphony.  Even as I turn the lights out, I still hear their song as the dark of night settles about me.  There is an overwhelming sense of serenity and peace, acceptance and belonging. 

Each time I leave the property and as I return, I gaze in wonder at new blooms and jewels I had not noticed before as I approach my home.  Each time I walk through my home, I gaze in wonder at the things that fill it even though most of those things have been in my possession for years and years yet now they seem altogether new.  Each time I step into the tub, I am in awe at how much more easy and safe independence is with stainless steel grab bars now firmly in place.  I have never had access to these before, aside from hotel stays.   There is an overwhelming sense of respect and honor, love and affirmation.

A few days ago, the real estate agent who walked with me through the process of gaining the home returned, not for a social visit, but for a day of service.  She brought with her shrubs, bushes, flowers and mulch that she along with a half dozen members of her office used to landscape around my front and back doors.  I watched as they transformed the corners of bareness into beds of color and life.  I also watched in wonder as pallets of lumber and cement were unloaded.  Tomorrow the agent and her team return to build a handicap accessible ramp to my back entrance. There is an overwhelming sense of expectancy and discovery, wonder and newness of life.

Today I went to the local Mexican restaurant.  I’ve been curious about it ever since I moved back to my hometown.  I couldn’t imagine this small town actually having multiple cafes and restaurants, having such diversity and options.  It was 4 PM and I was the lone guest.  I genuinely smiled at the man who greeted me at the door.  He reminded me of a friend from long ago.  I enjoyed the meal tremendously and cleaned my plate that was abundantly filled and graciously served.  I smiled mischievously when I saw the surprise on that same man’s face when I walked away from the register without waiting for the change.  In amazement, he asked, “Are you sure you want to do this?”  I was still smiling as I stepped toward the door … and forgot about the slight decline just in front of it.  I began to lose my balance but wasn’t alarmed.  I knew my cane would balance me again.  Suddenly, I felt two firm but gentle hands around my rib cage.  The man was offering his strength for my weakness.  I will never forget the feeling of those hands around me.  There was a pregnant pause.  He then escorted me to my car as if I were made of gold. 

When I returned home, the news delivered the facts and displayed the photos of the devastation left in the wake of tornadoes of historic proportions.  Still conscious of the impression of those hands, taking in the magnitude of loss and damage from a force of nature, my senses became alert to yet another overwhelming fact of life.  “How Great Thou Art” was being sung on a nationally syndicated game show.  I sat overwhelmed and blown away, yet acutely aware of being protected, of being loved, of being royally esteemed.

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