Wednesday, December 16, 2009

A Mother Heart

Near to tears and on bended knee
praying to God how can this be?

Wondering what to say and how to pray
knowing that my words are hurtful you say.

Sick and tired of the pain I feel
while looking to God saying is this for real?

Looking ahead what the future might hold
and realizing that I have little influence on how it unfolds.

A mothers heart never rests
it just wants to believe that God knows best!!!!!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Everyday Life

I often find myself daydreaming about life.
It isn't that I am not busy or pre-occupied with other things to do,
but rather I just enjoy the magical get away.

Most of the time I find myself in the warmth of the sun
as it radiates my inner being, finding the peaceful place that only I can get to.

The place where my soul finds refuge, encouragement, rest and refreshment.
My mind can wonder about the future with inspiration and find motivation for the present.

Finding peace within myself is a chore some days, however, through prayer and the uplifting from those who love and care; I can keep my daydreams part of my everyday life.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Steelers Game

The day was beautiful with visions of preparation for the big game.
Watching with much anticipation as I approached the game field.

Saddened as I looked at the players seeing the one that was lame.
Wishing and hoping that healing had come.

When the players ran on the field to play I was amazed.
There was booing for the opponent and cheering for the home team.

It was like the fans were crazed.
Why do they have to behave like this?

As I sit on the sidelines with a towel in my hand.
I feel a dissapointment to all those fans.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

The rooms of my heart

My heart has many rooms; I am a mom.

Many may think that as a mom you don't have feelings but I do! My rooms are full and at times run over with emotions good, bad or indifferent.

There is that bright yellow room full of sunshine and flowers that blooms all year long.

The green room is full of growth, some beautiful trees reaching to the sky and some dainty little saplings.

Blue is the room that is filled with anguish and despair. watching closely as the ruins close in; when you listen closely you can hear the pain and see the hurt.

The red room has a whirlwind of anger with words to match.

I try to focus on the rooms that give me peace but realize that the rooms that hurt and cause me to be angry take over at times.

I can try as I might to keep the house of my heart nice and neat; keeping the doors locked to the intruders. They always seem to find that window of opportunity to sneak pass my guard and so the story goes.


Thursday, August 20, 2009

Counting Blessings

Recently I have been thinking a lot about the blessings in life;
this week in particular has found me reflecting even more.
There was a terrible tragic accident in the town that I work leaving
two families mourning for their children that had drown in the river.
They are not alone in the mourning process as this has effected me greatly.
My heart grieves with the families; trying to make sense out of this only creates more
questions and anger.
I will pray for these families for strength and peace that only comes from God healing hand.
For myself I will try to focus on my blessings in life.
I love that old time hymn that says "count your blessings name them one by one; count your blessings see what God has done".
My blessings are great and sometimes I need to remind myself of them!
So for today I am counting my blessings.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Purpose in life for some is clear and single-minded—those who feel they must paint, or play music, or teach, or diagnose disease, for example. For others, purpose in life goes through several changes throughout the years—Mother Teresa, for example, felt her purpose was to be a sister in a Loreto convent teaching children of wealthy parents, until she discovered another purpose years later—to serve the “poorest of the poor.” Our purpose is always something that makes more of us. It increases our capacity for bringing goodness, for deepening our love and compassion, for filling empty pockets in our soul. Let these questions help you explore what is waiting to “make more of you.”



What have I been doing when my soul felt full? My most fulfilling times in my life have been when I was not focusing on my needs but the needs of those I am surrounded by; my spirits are lifted as I help others. One of those times that come to mind so clearly was the mission trip that I took to Guatemala with a church group. I always watched the videos and listened intensly as the mission groups retold their stories with much enthusiasim and tears about the trip. From the moment that I got off the plane I realized that my life would be changed forever. Gratitude for all that God has given me and the tugging at my heart as to what I would leave behind. More so, now; my soul feels full just loving and being loved by my family. I enjoy every moment that I get to spend with my grandchildren and with my children, they are the light of my life and I recieve many blessings from them. There are some empty pockets in my soul but I am choosing to focus on the positive parts of my life and God to do the rest.






If there were only three things I could do in my life, what would they be?

1.Love the Lord God with all my heart. He is my salvation and breathes life into me when I am not strong enough to take care of me.
2. Love my children, grandchildren, and parents. providing them with the needs I can provide and prayers for them daily for their lives and their salvation.
3. Help others..





What would leave me empty if I could not do it? Loving my family, my friends and others. Helping all that I can with what they need showing them through love that someone cares. Most likey, if could not help others along their journey I would be lost.

How have others affirmed my reason for being on this earth?
I see it in their eyes and their laughter and sometimes in their tears. A while back I was questioning if I should be working in the job I have. I spoke to the Pastor and he said that he felt that I was being used by God, but still I was tired and weary. I continued to pray and ask for God's guidence, I also pleaded with God to affirm me so that I was sure I was doing what he wanted of me. THe very next day a women that I had counseled about a year before showed up where I work and asked if I had a few minutes. I had her come in and these are the words she spoke to me. "I just felt a leading from God to stop by and just affirm the work you are doing." WOW thats all that went through my mind for months after. God heard my prayers and answered with the same words that I requested to hear! What a wonderful God I serve! I am affirmed in many ways by words from those I have helped and by the words that have been offered on my behalf.





If I were to die tomorrow, what legacy would I want my life to leave behind?
I would love for others to say Patti loved God and that she was a good mother, grandmother and friend. That when she saw a need she tried to help and did it with an open heart never expecting anything in return. I want to live my life this way, I know I fail but I really want to live my life with others in the forfront.




In the silence of my soul, what do I believe God has prepared me to do on this earth?
Hopefully, to be a blessing to others.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Placing Your Trust

I always try to trust what others tell me, at times this has come to bite me in the back. I give the benefit of the doubt and make excuses for others because I want to believe that they will do what they say or follow through with there promises. How many times do I have to this happen; well at least once or twice a day. You would think that I would learn right?
When you tell someone something and follow through it builds trust and makes them believe in your word; when you don't it makes one feel used, disappointed and confused.
I am sorry for the times that I may have failed to follow through and ask for forgiveness for my shortcomings.
As for those that have unknowingly disappointed me or lied to me; I forgive you, but please think about what you have said or not done so you don't do it again. For those of you that purposely lied to me and failed to follow through shame on You!!!! Can you really live with yourselves knowing what you are doing to others? I will forgive but not Forget!!!

TRUST QUOTES:
~ It takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it. ~ Anonymous
~ The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it's the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him with his friend. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
~ The glue that holds all relationships together - including the relationship between; the leader and the led is trust, and trust is based on integrity. ~ Brian Tracey
~ Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do. ~Benjamin Spock

Friday, July 17, 2009

The Fact's of Life

I have worked in the field of Domestic Violence for almost two decades now and strangely enough I still take great satisfaction and pride in helping others clear the aftermath of destruction that reaps havoc in their lives from their so called loved ones. Abuse is reflected and conveyed in many forms; the physical aspect is usually what one thinks of when they hear the word abuse or domestic violence but there is so many other ways to obtain Power and Control over another. The way that an abuser usually controls their victims is to beat them down emotionally.
Emotional abuse includes verbal abuse such as yelling, name-calling, blaming, and shaming. Isolation, intimidation, and controlling behavior also fall under emotional abuse. Additionally, abusers who use emotional or psychological abuse often throw in threats of physical violence. The scars of emotional abuse are very real, and they run deep. The longer you stay in an abusive relationship, the greater the toll on your self-esteem. You become depressed and anxious. You begin to doubt your ability to take care of yourself or wonder if the abuse is your fault.
Strange as it seems I tend to look at my own life with those lovely Pollyanna glasses. Maybe those glasses have slipped down my nose abit to allow me to see things as they really are. So as the old song goes......
Ya Take The good ya take the bad ya take em both and thare ya have The Facts of life, the facts of life. There's a time ya gotta go and show and grow And now ya know about the Facts of life the facts of life. When the world never seeeeeeemmmmmsssss to be liiiiiivveennnnn up to your Dreeeaammss and sudenly your findin out that the facts of life are all about YOU!! (UUUUHOOOOOOOOOHOOOOO)

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Take Lemonade

A fresh squeezed glass of lemonade on a hot sunny day; what could be more refreshing? I love the tart sweet taste as it touches my lips. For me the savory taste of the sour lemon is a great combination to the sugared water.
For some it seems that they much prefer their lemonade made with artifical sweetners and pretend lemons. Others perfer the real lemons taste with artifical sugar, while still others just like the good old mix.
Each to their own as some would say, I will take my lemonade the old fashioned way; familar and sweet.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Truth or Dare

When was the last time you played truth or dare? It was never one of my favorite childhood games. I much more preferred to play kick the can, tag, or cards like crazy eights, war or my most favorite time was playing pinochle with my gram on the front porch while she sat on the swing.



My children also liked playing games; learning to play little league baseball, yes I was that mom who was at every game to cheer him on, or at the soccer field watching and working the concession stand. Teaching them how to play cards, UNO was always a family fun night. At times not too much fun for some as life lessons to be taught; be a good looser when you looser and a nice winner when you win.


As I grow older I find the same type of joy when I get to play all sort of games with my grandchildren. They are always delighted and very eager to join me or should I say beat me in a game or two. Passing on to the next generation the love of the game.


Today, however it seems like that old game that I never enjoyed and refused to play came knocking at my door; Truth or Dare. Well, the truth is I love my entire family if you really want to know and the dare is don't judge a book by its cover you know not what you speak of. I will not play this game with you!

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Happy 4th

Splashes of sparklers
making figures eights
in tiny little hands

Skies lighting up with the splashes
of the rainbow; A big bang following
with all the ewws and ahhs

For me, I will celebrate with
children running and laughter abounding
as the fireworks are lit
and the roasting of hotdogs and smores
fills the air

Celebrating life in the fullest
with family and friends
Worry to pass
a celebration to begin!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Sweet Summertime

Splashing of pool water
stinging your eyes

remember no splashing me;
echoing from their Mimi

Laughter mounting with
each whirlpool made
after the refreshing swim
playing yard games of tag


Amusement parks with smiling faces
awaiting each new adventure;
running from one ride to the next


Oh what a joy that touches my soul
just watching those precious faces all aglow

What could be better than this
sweet summertime?

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Bigger Than Life

Imagine a life full of dreams
capturing each breath
Peepers singing their song
with a melody that calms the soul
The smell of a baby
that lightens the heart
Skies all blue
peeking though white puffy clouds
A soft gentle breeze
tousling your hair
Warm misty rain
bathing your skin
This is where life
surely begins
You might think I'm bigger than life
take a closer look;that you are not!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

For Today

I will seek peace within
my heart that is breaking
I will pray for my loved ones
without ceasing
I will enjoy the rain
for the sound is soothing
I will be thankful to God
for the life He afforded me
I will cry if I want to
tears that are sweet
And I will never forget
the love that was once
shown me.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Considering Life

A babies newborn cry
always touches my heart

Tiny little feet waiting to explore
feeling safe and secure

Love that touches a child
only a mother can know

Letting each new experience
be a steeping stone

Considering what tomorrow might bring
for that precious life

Praying for guidence
as I do my best

Hoping that all that was taught
will never be a total loss

Placing my trust in what I have given
understanding that truth will prevail

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Emotional Rape

Its hard to find words to explain
the tragic response to words left to sting


Scared to reveal the blood
dripping from the heart


Flooding emotions of disbelief
accompanied by sorrow and pain


Constant wondering
if I am to blame


Giving a name to describe how I feel
spinning and whining with each new hill

Refusing to take refuge
with storm clouds above

Raping of emotions
is there such a thing?

Look at my soul and see the pain

As the mind and the heart
link hand in hand

Understanding that rapist
target their victims


Knowing full well
their need for power and control


Knowledge is my power
from where I stand


Emotional Rape has no home
even if I must stand alone.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Letting Go and Letting God

The pain of letting dreams and hopes escape
from the mind that connects so close to the heart


A process of jumping mine fields
as you take the journey forward


Wondering and searching each new day
for the never ending pain to go away


Moment by moment pretending to be ok
as tears choked back burn within


Looking for the brightness
with a heart full of teardrops

Learning lesson with each new day
letting go may be the only way

God will be there to protect
giving you courage with each new step

For now I must let go and believe
placing my life in His ever present hands


Psalm 37:5 Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.

Friday, May 29, 2009

A Touch of Wisdom

Looking in the mirror and what do I see
many gray hairs looking back at me.

I graze real close to the eyes that are blue
trying to find that little blonde girl.

With age comes wisdom so its been said;
life experience and a pat on the head.

Begging to differ
that wisdom comes with age.

Listening carefully to my grandchildren
full of life and showing their gentle ways.

Talking with my dear daughter in law
and soaking in her wisdom with each new day.

Age is no factor as you can plainly see
a touch of God's wisdom can be found in you and me.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Tears and Rainbows

My eyes are red from the burning from tears
dripping down to my blotching clevage.

A heart that is black and blue;
beatings from loved ones.

Hands trembling with each negative word
with veins of violet popping out.

Green is the color of envy from some;
how can one live such a way?

The sun (son) yellow and beating on me
the warmth not as loving as it used to be.

Turning these tears of various colors
into a rainbow of happpiness.

A beautiful red rosebud
opening on a warm summer day.

Blue oceans and warm sand
to calm each day.

Johnny jump ups peeking through on
the banks of the yard with those violet faces
that make me smile.

Fresh green grass smells delightful
and just mowed.

And the warm sun
Coverering my tears with colors of the rainbow.

Angels Floating By

Looking for the silver lining in life,
as if it were my job to find.

Knowing all along there is a faith
that needs to be nutured from inside.

Clouds pass by as do the tital waves that roar
from loved ones that throw stones.

Rattling the panes of my heart
causing shattering and splinters.

Time heals all wounds so I have been told;
as I am patiently awaiting the Angels to float by.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Refections of Yesteryears

Reflections of yesteryears with the sweet aromas
of gram-mas perfume lingering in my mind.

Kind words and a smile that reminded me of her love
as fries potatoes and sausages cooking on the stove.

Looking back with my childhood eyes, the
thoughts running wild of a better place in time.

Believing life was wondeful with no grief or pain
numb to the suffering of my lost childhood dreams.

Sexually abused by an uncle with desires of his own;
with my mind racing with nightmares of yesteryears grows.

Looking back has a place in your today, and
looking ahead has a place in tomorrow.

But, living today is what God has given us,
so by His grace that is where I will stay for the day.