tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41155691503547233852024-03-05T17:25:30.904-08:00A Place to Remember... [Come Walk With Me]Thoughts, Writings, & Inspirations by Tessa LeaTessa Lea Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371045016245474930noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115569150354723385.post-42243148888356715762013-06-01T18:15:00.002-07:002013-06-01T18:15:44.481-07:00Hello Blog Readers! I appreciate your comments (below) and I apologize if the comment process prompts you for data (email address, registration, etc.); I hope you will take the time and share your comments. Please keep in mind my blog is a space I use to share my thoughts; inspirations; memories; and words of wisdom. When I write on my blog I write... I write without concern of spelling, grammar... I write to share my heart... I write from writers prompts... studies... personal thoughts... I hope as you follow my blog you will use consideration in your comments and keep it 'family friendly' and encouraging. Thank you!<br />
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When you are young you are like a piece of white paper... clean, crisp, innocent, bright, beautiful, welcoming - that first introduction to life... pencil, paint, chalk, ink, the lessons... illustrated with boldness, taking shape, that masterpiece! Perceptions will always skew the real work, the deepest secrets, the lessons learned (and those not learned); what people know and what they think they know... it's all there as that paper gets it's markings - but it's that paper, the creative work; inspired & inspiring, the challenge, the author gave the desire, the will. Shall you always remain the white paper? Only if you cease to live. As you live, the paper is filled with stories; paintings; tear stains; coffee stains; folds from hiding; colors; or empty spaces. The author, the life, the work, that awe inspiring masterpiece - it's up to you! Please share your story - people need to hear.Tessa Lea Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371045016245474930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115569150354723385.post-65514180630982014592011-04-17T20:18:00.000-07:002011-04-17T20:18:44.650-07:00The Potter's House Lesson<strong><u><em>Please read: Jeremiah 18:3-6</em></u></strong><br />
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I've been marred, scared, broken, hurt and torn;<br />
Have made good choices, poor choices and lived life - <br />
But I have been re-born!<br />
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I've been hard and cold as clay; lifeless and empty,<br />
Unforgiving and selfish in many ways.<br />
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But, today I was reminded (in the verse above)<br />
of God's mercy, grace and unconditional love.<br />
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<strong>He</strong> is the Potter... I, the clay...<br />
TODAY - I can be His Masterpiece;<br />
Lord, have your way!Tessa Lea Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371045016245474930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115569150354723385.post-40331216207204772392011-04-09T11:25:00.000-07:002011-04-09T11:57:57.695-07:00In Loving Memory of Tiny Lawrence<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">As I was doing some Spring cleaning (hopefully Spring will get here) today I came across a few photos of a very special person in my life... Tiny Lawrence - he was my bus driver for all twelve years of school. A very special man I will always hold near and dear to my heart. I wrote the poem (below) several years ago to honor his memory.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's blog is for all those bus drivers that may not realize as they transport the 'precious cargo' to-and-from school each day (or to sports activities) they are touching lives. To all the parents, grandparents, children that take those bus drivers for granted... please take the time to thank them for their work, they don't get paid enough for what they do as far as I'm concerned; we pay UPS and the U.S. Postal Service more to transport our packages than our bus drivers to transport our children. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">[Please keep in mind, I graduated in 1983!] I am only one life that was touched by a special bus driver friend. God Bless Tiny Lawrence!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAeftsLobvs8HfEU8q34QDy4Mu23HFMi8_QqOvdMh-YIYZ6UTBtDKW7bXqezgMTeFNDgw0Z0Dbv6d_x-nQCOx03kgO22lIV2BOi8zLnExcuvOn3K74PSa7b-dtaZJoYfBA2-Ij-sEblg/s1600/Tiny+Lawrence+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAeftsLobvs8HfEU8q34QDy4Mu23HFMi8_QqOvdMh-YIYZ6UTBtDKW7bXqezgMTeFNDgw0Z0Dbv6d_x-nQCOx03kgO22lIV2BOi8zLnExcuvOn3K74PSa7b-dtaZJoYfBA2-Ij-sEblg/s200/Tiny+Lawrence+02.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3mbZP4IzTmCSaEYO-gmHP21vh2aykZ6m34CCvpzL-HzgdIWIsJi-4xADMDdRhc0Abp8VIpFZx6E-gayRzmayvT4LzGg0TLmum0dp0WDzaiqb-5Fug7u4F1FGWVUWgshuv5ZUb6o8tog/s1600/Tiny+Lawrence+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3mbZP4IzTmCSaEYO-gmHP21vh2aykZ6m34CCvpzL-HzgdIWIsJi-4xADMDdRhc0Abp8VIpFZx6E-gayRzmayvT4LzGg0TLmum0dp0WDzaiqb-5Fug7u4F1FGWVUWgshuv5ZUb6o8tog/s200/Tiny+Lawrence+01.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh571_FOjuCNZIaf5DbWR3rJUruGjmKoibxpfcwCPvYr9Lz4YwJHTvV0znlZun9gApQEkUqRly2j7zOO2ATikEEaJFSd2DwGfdCQZTyHmbqXRuZoCOzzy1FULyVKo6FAOSGzCLtdsLbfEU/s1600/In+Memory+of+Tiny+Lawrence_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh571_FOjuCNZIaf5DbWR3rJUruGjmKoibxpfcwCPvYr9Lz4YwJHTvV0znlZun9gApQEkUqRly2j7zOO2ATikEEaJFSd2DwGfdCQZTyHmbqXRuZoCOzzy1FULyVKo6FAOSGzCLtdsLbfEU/s640/In+Memory+of+Tiny+Lawrence_0001.jpg" width="483" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Tessa Lea Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371045016245474930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115569150354723385.post-2354493149021592922011-04-05T21:50:00.000-07:002011-04-05T21:50:59.387-07:00My Favorite Place...<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>I have a favorite place I go</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>That reminds me of God’s grace.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>A place so infinitely powerful</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>God’s fingerprints are constantly on display.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>A place I feel so humbled and in awe;</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>I cannot help but pray.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>I often feel there is a lesson </em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>For all that share in the pleasure –</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>We are each significant and</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>God’s love we cannot measure. </em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>As each simple granule of salt;</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>Each wave that breaks the shore –</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em>As deep… as wide… God’s love is eternal,</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: large;">We cannot ask for more.</span></em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDRiU3T5l8bEAKwO4DjeYss8kwlM-3HhyvN22RbpQQqg0KEhPthfozcjzldvveGt9iXLrnd7bjYSs5bqbu3YhJ5L3r0cbIAIo0mZJJiDcLi4-o1ldpgQLoXlYbPxh7e48j6AsDaWOk28/s1600/Water+is+deeper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDRiU3T5l8bEAKwO4DjeYss8kwlM-3HhyvN22RbpQQqg0KEhPthfozcjzldvveGt9iXLrnd7bjYSs5bqbu3YhJ5L3r0cbIAIo0mZJJiDcLi4-o1ldpgQLoXlYbPxh7e48j6AsDaWOk28/s400/Water+is+deeper.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjQZ9GwAD9V4RHyMkbf_EdHjy5j1wGUYySHb_SRX1mxKvSNvJFjb7aieIQePcL6Hl612AJKLzFYOgMYdpkasM7uiHoLysD-nq0kn_jShKFZ-Zcv3nWlGWfP03Gzgh1ZKnTpzL6CdtQhQ/s1600/Water+is+deeper+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjQZ9GwAD9V4RHyMkbf_EdHjy5j1wGUYySHb_SRX1mxKvSNvJFjb7aieIQePcL6Hl612AJKLzFYOgMYdpkasM7uiHoLysD-nq0kn_jShKFZ-Zcv3nWlGWfP03Gzgh1ZKnTpzL6CdtQhQ/s400/Water+is+deeper+2.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div>Tessa Lea Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371045016245474930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115569150354723385.post-51878820490335489412011-04-03T11:34:00.000-07:002011-04-03T11:34:10.836-07:00If the Silence is Loud Enough Will You Hear?<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><em>Nobody knew… he was so quiet about it.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><em>Seemed to have it all together –</em></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><em>Nobody’s perfect, but he seemed ‘perfectly okay’.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><em>He cried in solitude, he laughed with the crowd;</em></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><em>He wondered ‘why?’ in seclusion.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><em>He wandered down the lonely path;</em></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><em>The corridor of destruction -</em></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><em>But he was lively and playful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or was he?</em></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><em>Nobody knew… </em></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><em>The silence was deafening, </em></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><em>Piercing the heart with intention;</em></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><em>As if to say ‘Will you listen now’?</em></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><em>Now that he’s gone.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><em>They say ‘Actions speak louder than words’ –</em></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><em>But if the actions contradict, what then?</em></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><em>Listen to the silence, the hush, the calm –</em></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><em>It’s not always peaceful. </em></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><em>It’s blaring with need!</em></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><em>Now the world listens;</em></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><em>As the silence screams for attention –</em></span></div><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>But is it loud enough for you to hear?</em></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/detecting-and-treating-depression">http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/detecting-and-treating-depression</a></span>Tessa Lea Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371045016245474930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115569150354723385.post-69741163093626091942011-04-02T15:20:00.000-07:002011-04-02T15:20:35.536-07:00Sweet Spring Surprises...<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Spring enters with a subtle shyness</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Delicately lining the land with </em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Fresh fragrant love;</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Melodic moisture quenching the</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Earth’s yearning for sweet rain.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Oh but wait, not yet –</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>It scampers away as if to </em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Play ‘hard to get’ with those </em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Yearning for spring’s engaging embrace.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>A freeze – an ice cold embrace;</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Is winter back? It was never gone;</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>It’s only making a slow exit?</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Only to remind us of the jealousy</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Of the seasons to follow – it will be back.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>And it won’t be long.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>For now, scoot over winter</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Spring has a sweet surprise for me!</em></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9smCc4mWAem4_ZM9x563TI_XbcRIH4UtEzlvVSwKOjYVP_fZd82_VUxL8aXGUasRcyUnaluZE6NZINhQkbGyDeiSaJYotQmmnh3rCkQWTMTc3rlVs4lRCU44CcyKJRkiOY3SLhNBhd4g/s1600/Hibiscus+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9smCc4mWAem4_ZM9x563TI_XbcRIH4UtEzlvVSwKOjYVP_fZd82_VUxL8aXGUasRcyUnaluZE6NZINhQkbGyDeiSaJYotQmmnh3rCkQWTMTc3rlVs4lRCU44CcyKJRkiOY3SLhNBhd4g/s320/Hibiscus+02.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Tessa Lea Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371045016245474930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115569150354723385.post-89340126274618996452011-03-30T20:58:00.000-07:002011-03-30T20:58:59.528-07:00Genuine Security...<span style="font-size: large;">The way we think determines how we act in this life...</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">God's View of You...</span></u><br />
<ol><li><span style="font-size: large;">I am <u>acceptable</u>! Psalm 27:10</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I am <u>valuable</u>! [self worth, not net worth]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I am <u>lovable</u>!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I am <u>forgivable</u>! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I am <u>capable</u>! Philippians 4:13</span></li>
</ol><em><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Genuine security</u> is based on something that cannot be taken away!</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Rom 15:7 / Ps 27:10</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Your feelings about yourself will be based on the opinion of the most prominent person in your life -</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: large;">If you're a believer it is not your parents, spouse or friends.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">1 John 4:4 / 1 Cor 3:3</span></em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnGxhCo6ENRR9cfSWuzcllX-xwgSvK4rEwaFi-sLB2imcZWF6yH_dfT6a31z9nMCKwS7a5H-cZP6VzesFp_oLVnt42CN3lo5C2fBJ41HweH8RrVFsB7QzJ52PbC9U3cTI8tB79DHHVO0/s1600/Water+is+deeper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnGxhCo6ENRR9cfSWuzcllX-xwgSvK4rEwaFi-sLB2imcZWF6yH_dfT6a31z9nMCKwS7a5H-cZP6VzesFp_oLVnt42CN3lo5C2fBJ41HweH8RrVFsB7QzJ52PbC9U3cTI8tB79DHHVO0/s320/Water+is+deeper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><em><span style="font-size: large;">The owner brings value to something. Who owns you?</span></em>Tessa Lea Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371045016245474930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115569150354723385.post-88773316823750151962011-03-29T21:18:00.000-07:002011-03-29T21:19:20.981-07:00Reassurance...<span style="font-size: large;"><em>You will show me the path in life; In your presence is fullness of joy; At your right hand are pleasures forevermore. - Psalm 16:11</em></span><br />
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Hebrews 3:16 and 4:11-12 Who labored?</span></em><br />
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God is the provider, He will make a way.<br />
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Why is this happening? Find the answer in God's word...<br />
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This is happening so you can be strengthened and enter into rest!<br />
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What is the rest?<br />
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A place of confidence - a place where I can rest in the Lord. The rest of <strong><u>faith</u></strong>!Tessa Lea Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371045016245474930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115569150354723385.post-21752360296542651422011-03-28T20:57:00.000-07:002011-03-28T20:57:51.555-07:00A Message from Jude today...<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you. - Jude 1:2</span></em></strong><br />
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Blessed today by somone just doing her job. I really needed that - thank you!Tessa Lea Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371045016245474930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115569150354723385.post-13037238986973124362011-03-25T19:25:00.000-07:002011-03-25T19:25:16.835-07:00MARITAL FORECASTI want to share a poem I wrote years ago. We all need to hear words of encouragement; marriages are no different. My marital forecast today seemed to follow the weather forecast in... (smile) What about yours?<br />
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<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><strong><em>Marital Forecast</em></strong></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some days are <strong>bright </strong>and <strong>sunny;</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Tender kisses and "I love you Honey's".</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Other days are <strong>overcast</strong>;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Your moods aren't great - but they won't last.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Some days are <strong>cloudy</strong>, but <strong>fair</strong>;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Nothing is perfect, but you both care.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">There are days that are <strong>snowy</strong> and <strong>cold;</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">When being together gets kind of old.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">On some days it's <strong>rainy </strong>and <strong>wet</strong>;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">What ever you do makes each other upset.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">At times there will be <strong>very stormy weather</strong>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">When you have to pray that you will stay together.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">What ever may come - what ever may be,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">You will survive with <strong>LOVE. </strong>I think you'll agree.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">There is a reason for everything, and we all know...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">It takes both the <strong>sun</strong> and the <strong>rain </strong>to make a </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">RAINBOW!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">By: Tessa Lea</span></em></div>Tessa Lea Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371045016245474930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115569150354723385.post-31660479834107461152011-03-23T21:53:00.000-07:002011-03-23T21:53:05.460-07:00TODAY...<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dedicated to my Aunt Mary Strain </span></span><span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(In Loving Memory of Uncle Mike)</span></span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgAOVk-ophYlWG5nN4VmgNXraXKs-B5xNCEA0rONy1wRnYQeHPklclS5b1Rg_TdNHDvrVGcFAPInMjEDVWej55Rcx4isWzlTjYsj6NaSPtj5MhmerNqcFZGo0YhyphenhyphenUJWLQjP-he5izUmE/s1600/In+Memory.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgAOVk-ophYlWG5nN4VmgNXraXKs-B5xNCEA0rONy1wRnYQeHPklclS5b1Rg_TdNHDvrVGcFAPInMjEDVWej55Rcx4isWzlTjYsj6NaSPtj5MhmerNqcFZGo0YhyphenhyphenUJWLQjP-he5izUmE/s400/In+Memory.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">The wind whispered your name in my ear today;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">The rain cried the tears you cried.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">The sun came out and shed a golden light in memory; </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">A sparrow flew by and sang a song of joy just for you.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then a rainbow followed with joyous colors, </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bright and beautiful – like you;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">A reminder… a promise…</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">You are loved.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div>Tessa Lea Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371045016245474930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115569150354723385.post-21856879786399693032011-03-22T23:50:00.000-07:002011-03-22T23:50:05.473-07:00We All Have Days Like This...Kicking her high heels off and quickly throwing her sweater on the couch as she entered the door Marissa ran to the bathroom to relieve herself as she had been holding it for her forty-five minute commute home. "Why do I do this to myself?" she asked herself in relief. Just fifteen minutes to herself before the kids will be running through the door... clean out school bags... homework...reports of day... and her husband Bret will be walking in wondering what's for dinner... oh yes, dinner - she better get started. <br />
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The silence, the solitude, the quiet presence of only she and her God - those fifteen minutes of relaxation embraced her like a long lost friend. Just a five minute rest she thought to herself as she lay on the bed slowly working her way out of the skirt and spanx that managed to hold her together today. Why was she so exhausted? she wondered as it was only Tuesday and she had a relatively uneventful weekend. Although uneventful to her would be exhausting for others - to say the least. Two of her children had swim lessons, one had gymnastics, laundry, house work, homework, and she prepared a meal for an ill elderly couple after church on Sunday. Not to mention the fact that she and Bret were scheduled for a date night they had to cancel due to an unexpected meeting with the boss on Saturday. Ugh! Just five minutes... quiet... peacefulness... rest... she was sound asleep. Oh it was so good, a peaceful, sound sleep.. even if it was for only five minutes. Until...<br />
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"Mom, Jessy hit me!" the door slammed... "She hit me first!".. "Did not."... "Yes you did you liar!"... Startled by the slamming door Marissa jumped to her feet; Emily and Jessy were at it again she thought in frustration. "Stop!!!" she screamed. "Mommy, I got a '<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Magnificent</span> Memo' from my teacher today!" Ashley jolted in her room waving her florescent colored note. "Oh, that's wonderful Ash, let me see." Marissa glanced at the note with a smile giving Ashley a big hug. Tightening the string on her sweats and pulling her t-shirt down, slipping on her slippers as she headed to the kitchen she ran into Bret in the hallway. "I didn't smell the meatloaf when I came in; didn't you say that's what we are having for dinner?" The dagger ed look from Marissa told Bret not to go any further, he had already gone too far. He couldn't resist, 'well excuse me" he muttered in sarcasm as they passed each other in the hallway like flying arrows to an unknown target.<br />
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Marissa thrust at the buttons on the oven to preheat, she accidentally pressed the clock and alarm settings she had to take the time to reset them minute-by-minute. She opened the refrigerator to grab the meatloaf and knocked over the cup of juice that Bret told Ashley to put in there after breakfast. She reached for a paper towel only to find the cardboard tube awaiting refill. She grabbed the dish towel only to realize that Jessy used it to stop his bloody nose before he headed out to the school bus that morning and threw it on the counter. Ugh! Definitely one of those "Calgone take me away" days.<br />
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Do you ever have days like that? See Matthew 11:28-30. <strong><em></em></strong>Tessa Lea Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371045016245474930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115569150354723385.post-65384898285157367972011-03-21T23:49:00.000-07:002011-03-21T23:52:52.749-07:00A Genuine Day...Have you ever picked up a book and started reading it only to find yourself so caught up in it and thinking to yourself '<em>wow it was really meant for me to find this'</em>? That happened to me today - well, it has happened to me many times in the past when I've read the Bible, but today it was different; a different book, and a word, and they <u>both</u> lead me back to the Bible.<br />
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The word is <strong><em>genuine</em></strong>, why it came to mind I really don't know; it just seemed to etch it's way in there to the point I began to wonder myself what exactly was it that is so important about that word today? I looked it up in the dictionary and the definition I found most appropriate for my thoughts is: <em>free from hypocrisy or dishonesty; sincere - </em>at that point I began to laugh to myself. There have been many times throughout my childhood and adult life that I have heard people make comments about Christians being two-faced or hypocrites. I remember one of my favorite Pastors speaking about a time when he went for a house visit for someone that was ill and a visiting family member had told him that he didn't like to go to church because he felt Christians are just a bunch of hypocrites. The Pastor replied with a smile "Well, what better place for them to be then at church?" <em>He was a wise man</em>. After my thoughts today and my purposeful encounter with a word etched in my brain I've come to the conclusion that we are ALL genuinely imperfect human beings with a selfish nature. When someone judges another persons character because they are an 'imperfect christian' what does it say about them?<br />
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The book I picked up today is "<u>The Man In The Mirror</u>"<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"> (</span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Man-Mirror-Solving-Problems-Face/dp/031023493X"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">http://www.amazon.com/Man-Mirror-Solving-Problems-Face/dp/031023493X</span></a><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">)</span> I bought it several years ago as a gift for my husband (at that time he was my boyfriend) as I began to read through the pages of underlined text and notes it led me to reference my Bible and started me on a journey... some great words of wisdom... reminders... a purpose. Just a few verses I was lead to: Psalm 32:8-9 and Proverbs 3:5-6. <br />
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Come along with me...Tessa Lea Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371045016245474930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115569150354723385.post-91317209147677048402011-03-20T23:12:00.000-07:002011-03-20T23:12:33.960-07:00Welcome SPRING! Please Join Me On My New Writing Journey...I have spent a few days revisiting some of my favorite poems. One of my all time favorite poets is a young man named Mattie J.T. Stepanek. He was so young but embodied wisdom far beyond his years. If you haven't heard of him here is a link: <a href="http://www.mattieonline.com/about.htm">http://www.mattieonline.com/about.htm</a> If you haven't read any of his books I would encourage you to do so. He was blessed with a true gift. One of the reasons I love Mattie so much is because in spite of all his struggles with muscular dystrophy he saw the good in things, worked for peace and spread his love with his spirit. He went to heaven in 2004 but his memory and his works will live on forever.<br />
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As I start my new writing journey this first day of spring 2011, I am inspired by Mattie's works. He had the innocence, sweet spirit, open mind, open heart, love, joy, peace, patience and a steadfast faith in the God that made him such a gift to our world. <br />
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I believe that God brings people into our lives to share the fellowship, friendship and faith. Take a few minutes today to think of some of your dearest friends (can be family) that you have been blessed to know. How long has it been since you've told them how much they mean to you? Do they know how they have inspired your life? Do you know where they are today? I encourage you to take a few minutes and call them or send them a little note. I guarantee you it will add a little sunshine to their day.<br />
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Have a great day. Happy Spring!!!Tessa Lea Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371045016245474930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115569150354723385.post-55727117225007658132010-12-16T13:28:00.000-08:002010-12-16T13:48:59.649-08:00Special Days, Special Ways, Give a GIFT of LOVE...Yesterday, December 15, 2010 my Grandpa Bud was born 87 years ago. His birthday will always be a special time to remember what a blessing he was and continues to be in my life. The week before Christmas holiday tends to be a hectic, chaotic race for the finish line if we succumb to the commercialized, materialistic society of today. Yesterday (Grandpa's Birthday), was a special day, not only for the fact that it reminded me of my Grandpa; but it reminded me of the fact that it doesn't take an expensive gift to leave a life-long impression on someone. As I thought back on our past family gatherings and the gifts we received, honestly, it's sad to say but I don't remember many of the gifts I received through the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I do remember how my Grandpa had a way of making everyone feel special; how something as simple as pulling a piece of candy out of his pocket or a dollar bill out of his wallet and handing it to one of his grandkids would light up a room brighter than any Christmas tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He worked hard for his family and loved the family gatherings. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I miss him a lot but I cherish so many wonderful memories; he gave me a true gift of love and I received it with an open heart. <br />
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This week as you rush towards the finish line to the Christmas holiday please take a few moments and remember someone special, think of a special way of honoring them and letting them know how special they are and why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guarantee you that will be a gift remembered!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[In my “TREASURES” (to the left) there is a poem I shared in memory of Grandpa Bud at his service in November 2009]</span>Tessa Lea Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371045016245474930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115569150354723385.post-5657098700850097952010-11-22T20:16:00.000-08:002010-11-22T20:49:50.143-08:00I'm Thankful...<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our first grade son had a computer project last week where he had to type what he is thankful for and printed it off to bring home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His computer illustrated turkey framed print says… <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">“Food, God, Mom & Dad, and Dog”</span></i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simple and to the point. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to learn from that simplicity and innocence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I worked on my writing today I made a long list of the things I am thankful for (free writing), a typical assignment for this time of year. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I tried to simplify and narrow it down to four things – that was difficult. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so true how an attitude of gratitude will lift your spirits and add a ray of sunshine where you didn’t think there could be, and when you fill your heart (or mind) with gratitude there’s no room for despair.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m so thankful I have a little boy that’s thankful!</span></div>Tessa Lea Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371045016245474930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115569150354723385.post-9089763551256261432010-11-21T11:59:00.000-08:002010-11-21T14:31:45.683-08:00A Great Place to Start...This weekend I took part in a hands-on writing workshop through the "Oregon Poetic Voices" program, sponsored by Lewis and Clark College and the Institute of Museum and Library Technology, and the Jefferson County Library. The two instructors were Joanne Mulcahy and Jarold Ramsey; they were fabulous! I quickly found myself connecting to the instructors as well as the other attendees. There were some really wonderful people attending, with a range of writing experience.<br />
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I have to say to all of you aspiring writers, take advantage of the opportunities in your community to connect with other writers. I thankfully was encouraged by my persistent Soul-Sista to join our local Writers Guild. When I went to the first meeting I was expecting to feel intimidated by a room full of published authors. What I found was a wonderful encouraging group of writers of every level and genre.<br />
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I have created this blog in hopes to encourage you as I become more connected to the writing community and disciplined in my passion as a writer. I'd appreciate your referrals; recommendations and even writing prompts to add to my daily journal. I hope you will follow me on this wonderful piece of modern technology that allows me to connect with writers all over the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- Thank You!Tessa Lea Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371045016245474930noreply@blogger.com0