by Sharon O | Sep 5, 2025 | Uncategorized
The younger generation is not only fun to watch but awesome in helping us old folk.
Our granddaughter has a boyfriend who happened to be over at our house with her.
I had not been able to figure out my start page for my blog site for some reason it was not available.
Before we took them out for dinner, I asked them to see if they could help me.
I am not computer smart I know some things but not enough of the ‘technical stuff’.
He came into my den room, juggled the mouse around went up in the upper left corner of the space bar, and opened the site.
I was super impressed it took him about ten to fifteen seconds to help me.
He said, ‘How did you have so much scrunched up in that corner?
I don’t know, apparently every time I tried to log in, it added another little log in square.
Well, the moral of the story is do not discount these twenty something young ones.
They knew exactly what to do.
I even bought them dessert it was worth to me to be able to get back into the routine of writing.
The next issue I have is to set up my new computer and make it user friendly so I can use it.
So far, we are not having success with it.
This computer is old, and it forces me to use my iPad for some things because it took three days to log into amazon.
Good grief I am too old for this.
So that is my sad story for the week.
I appreciate so much my grandchildren and the younger generation.
Sometimes I feel old, but they remind me they can help this ‘grandma’.
I just have to ask them.
by Sharon O | Aug 7, 2025 | Uncategorized
(This was a special writing I submitted to a writing site to see if I could be chosen for submission.
They did not choose mine, so I am posting it here.)
Kindness is a healer
I heard something one day that said, “your kindness leads us to repentance, Oh Lord.’
This always takes me to the memory of the first time meeting a counselor who I would work with for many years.
He was gentle, and soft spoken and most of all KIND.
It spoke volumes to me.
My home growing up was not a kind one.
It was about learning to hold your breath, laying low and don’t get noticed.
It was about staying quiet and to yourself.
Walls of protection was needed and every day we never really knew if there would be rage or silence.
The kindness I learned from this very special counselor nurtured the part of my heart that never experienced it.
Words spoken in a small room were actually listened to. And felt safe for the first time.
I often think of the story of Mary in the New Testament especially after watching the chosen movie.
She was broken and needed something more than she was used to receiving.
Jesus met her with kindness and compassion.
She HEARD that and felt it.
When he spoke her name, it was with gentleness in tone, it was not critical or toxic.
I believe she repented and turned away from her confusion because HE was inviting and kind.
I know I respond to kindness.
I respond to non-threatening words.
A simple soft word ministers to a wounded spirit. Always.
The thing that I have learned throughout my counseling days, is the art of listening.
What a gift it is to give to someone.
I have experienced trauma on many levels.
But in saying that I don’t have to stay there.
I can share hope.
I can share life and healing to those who feel broken and without hope.
I will never compare pain as we know that all pain is different.
Kindness heals.
It is like a beautiful blanket wrapped around someone who is struggling to put one foot in front of the other.
It is a hope filled cheerleader saying, “You can do it, I believe in you.”
Kindness is a healer, and the best gift we can give someone. 
by Sharon O | Jul 26, 2025 | Uncategorized
There has been so much news lately that has truly disturbed my spirit and rattled me.
We are in a deep crossroad of evil and spiritual revival and how we react to it is our testimony of our faith.
I so want to be known as a woman of faith but sometimes it is hard.
Not hard to believe but hard to move forward.
The word has told us that the days ahead will be full of chaos, but we also know our peace comes from deep within.
I remember a child song that says, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart, down in my heart, down in my heart.
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart today.”
I’m in prayer for so much these days.
Family, friends, people I care for.
I watch the news and oh my goodness, some of it is good, so much of it not so good.
Lord help the children.
I know they are the most vulnerable and unprotected.
I am in prayer.,
A cross and kleenex.
by Sharon O | Jul 25, 2025 | Uncategorized
This last weekend we camped with my husband’s side of the family. It was our annual O get together.
There were about 35 of us which included a few dogs and our precious baby grand daughter too.
Almost all of the family camped in assorted tents and trailers.
We had our trailer. I won’t tent camp anymore and our trailer is just the right size for traveling.
We put some meals together and we managed to enjoy ourselves even with yellow jackets in the camp.
As far as I know no one got stung or bit but it was definitely an annoyance.
The camp was full of other campers, and it was hot. We have decided we really like the coast and the cooler weather.
August and September, we will be home not going anywhere. I am ready to stick around here and get settled in.
We have a cat that may have to be put down she is over 11 years old and keeps losing weight. She is down to about 7 pounds now.
It is hard when they get old and you have to make hard decisions.
Our girls are bonded, and they sleep together nightly, and it will be a very hard adjustment.
I don’t like to take them in we have never had an animal just ‘pass’ away in the normal process.
Our old black cat Spook walked across the street, and we never saw him again.
After that I made the decision that no cat will ever go outside.
These girls have been inside always. They are both over 11.
After they go from us we will not get anymore.
I can’t do it. Molly is on the left and Mosey is on the right. Molly is the one who is ill. They are three weeks apart.
I am sad to make this hard decision, but we must.
This picture was from a few years ago she doesn’t look that good anymore.
This last weekend we camped, and it was fun to see everyone happy.
by Sharon O | Jul 15, 2025 | Uncategorized
This is going to be a test.
I am having issues with my blog site and the current way it is posting my writing, so I am asking my readers, IF you receive this, please let me know.
It is quite frustrating, and I am not sure what to do with this new problem.
There is a lot I would like to write about, but I need to know if it is going anywhere other than an unknown cyberspace.
THIS will be a test. Thank you
by Sharon O | Jul 9, 2025 | Uncategorized
Our little girl turns one.
Our great grandbaby is almost walking now and soon she will be the center of attention in a circle of people, and she won’t know why.
The party is mostly for mom and dad, and grandma and grandpas.
Little one will love it. She most likely will try her first taste of something sweet.
An Aunt is making cupcakes. Mommy reserved a part setting so people can come and mingle without being crowded.
We will take our trailer and go to the park when it’s time.
It really is a blessing to have these experiences and to be here for her.
I am excited. When I was going through my cancer recovery, I prayed that I could meet a great grandbaby.
AND here we both are, in this moment in time. Together.
I can’t show many pictures as my face book page was hacked, and I won’t go through that again.
But I will brag that she is the most amazing and cutest little person we have ever met.
We will be in the area for a few days then pack up and leave for home.
Our neighbor is watching out for the house and cats.
I am excited. Can you tell?
Little one waddles like a little penguin. She is brave when walking and so close to letting go.
It is a busy time for young parents. They have a lot to look forward to.
I do realize I am older now and my energy is not up to what a young mom would have.
It is ok. I can’t enjoy her and hold her while I am sitting down if she will let me.
Did I say she is a very busy little one?
She will be surrounded by so many who care for her.
She is BLESSED as we are to be with her.
Every moment I can be with her and see her joy and see her sweetness.
I will be there.
Our little one turns one.
And We will sing Happy Birthday and clap.
And I will probably shed a tear or two.
Our little one turns one.
by Sharon O | Jun 7, 2025 | Uncategorized
To be a realist: you tend to be very emotional and extremely levelheaded.
No matter the situation you always are able to look at facts in order to make things run smoothly.
————-
I have had this in my phone for a long time because for most of my life I have had to look at facts and truth and be emotionally strong.
I also feel I am levelheaded in many areas for me to press forward and move on in my life.
To be a realist?
Yes, I feel it fits me on many levels.
Where I got this quote is a mystery. IT is not mine, but I am sharing it today.
————–
My dad once said, “you can’t finish if you never start it.”
This is very true, and I have tried to make this work with my writing.
If I don’t take the time to start, to think, to process the words and the meanings
what will I finish and how will it end?
————-
I took a test to see what career ‘you’ were actually meant for: It said YOU are a writer:
You have an unmatched skill for creating vast worlds both through facts and pure imagination.
Your mind is full of creativity, artistry, and expression.
Your heart gracefully guides your hands as you work to bring what is truly your spirit to life,
You were truly meant to guide the world with your words.
————–
Now I don’t think I was meant to guide the world with my words, but I can share words of encouragement,
I can let others work through their words and their process and encourage them.
I am always happy to see others succeed and I appreciate the time it takes to do it well.
Am I a realist?
I am not sure, but I can’t be fake, and I can’t be over judgmental, and I just don’t have it within me to argue or fight.
Maybe I am a realist. I see the world with discerning eyes and sometimes it hurts and saddens me greatly.
To be a realist: you tend to be very emotional and extremely levelheaded with a logical mind. 
by Sharon O | May 24, 2025 | Uncategorized
Today the 24th is a very special day for our family,
Our first grand daughter was born, and we became grandparents.
She was expected to arrive in July but mom had health issues that were too serious to ignore.
Faith Elizabeth came into our lives weighing only 2 pounds 11 ounces. Seventeen inches long.
Tiny and a bundle of intensity.
We were in love the moment we saw her.
I remember the trips up to the hospital where the NICU rooms were.
You let them know you are there to see ‘your’ baby.
Then you wash your hands and be sure you were very clean upon entering the room.
Tiny little fighters lay in the incubators with warming units and oxygen and buzzers and bells.
It really is a place of miracles and also a place of sorrow.
Hopes that were once high and excited rest inside this room of healing.
I am in awe of the work that these nurses and doctors do with the tiniest ones.
Faith had to have an IV in her head where the vein is easier to find on one so small.
I happened to be there when they were removing it and she was so mad screaming and carrying on.
They pulled her hair and that made her mad and they held her still and that made her mad.
Grandma was in tears because it hurt my heart to see her upset.
Her stay there was only three weeks and then she came home.
Weighing only 3 pounds 9 ounces and one of the tiniest babies to go home.
She was strong and amazing and a precious miracle.
Today, 26 years ago we celebrate who she is and who God made her to be.
Happy Birthday Faith Elizabeth.
We love you and always pray that your life will be a testimony of God’s protective love.
Today the 24th is a very special day for our family.  ( The three sisters a few years ago. Yes, Faith and the twins.)
by Sharon O | May 4, 2025 | Uncategorized
Years ago, when I entered into a season of therapy.
I was given at some point in the process of group time or maybe a gift from someone, a basket of words.
They are heart shaped and etched into the pottery stone.
The basket is broken.
Symbolic of what was to come in the days ahead of my ‘healing journey’.
I don’t remember if it always was that way but for me now
it represents the fragile and broken spirit I had when entering into the season of healing.
In the recovery group we were instructed to pick a word and then write about it in our journal books.
Giving voice to our ‘thoughts’ on paper so the feelings would not stay hidden deep inside ourselves.
For many survivors’ feelings stay hidden and silenced and the only way out of that season of silence is to move through it.
The only way out is through.
We were told that over and over.
The only way out is through.
You must move from the dark places inside to a lighter ‘healing place’ restoring your spirit and your broken wounded self-inside.
A broken leg cannot heal if one keeps walking on it, there must be a time for restoration and rest.
Then after a short time of ‘healing’ physical therapy begins so the bone can learn to accept the pressure.
Emotional healing is very much the same concept.
Restoring the broken wounded child and moving her into a strong voice of an adult.
A few nights ago, in the quiet of our room I woke up with the idea of writing the words as a blog post.
Each week one word would be written and focused on.
Exploring the meaning and the thoughts surrounding that word.
——————
When we are broken, we don’t see the potential for healing.
We only feel the brokenness deep inside ourselves.
(or we feel nothing at all)
We are not sure what to do with that internal mess.
so many times, those who enter into this journey go in with great resistance and fear because we don’t know or understand what it will look or feel like.
To find our voice and put words to it.
Our feelings get misunderstood and jumbled and we remain closed off from them because they feel foreign and new to us.
Those who have lived in difficult places or scenes cannot begin to believe when entering a season of healing that it won’t always feel ‘this way’.
A basket of words is a good tool to start when working with someone who is closed off and resistant.
Our group leaders were brilliant and caring and compassionate and wise, they were sensitive and gentle never pushing but always encouraging us to become stronger.
A basket of words is a good beginning
when the door to one’s heart and voice is closed.
Words that can bring life, hope, healing, and new awareness.
Words that challenge and re-direct our thoughts and minds.
Words that change the core of who we are and mature us into stronger people.
Words that change us deep within.
Restoring and renewing our thoughts about life.
Years ago, when I entered into a season of therapy, I didn’t know the life that was to come to me.
A basket of words representing new life.
Peace ~ delight ~ abundance ~ healing ~ beauty ~ rest ~ humor ~ balance ~ change ~ tenderness ~ play ~ willingness ~ courage ~ compassion ~ forgiveness ~ light ~ trust ~ power ~
A basket of words representing growth and health and empowerment…
by Sharon O | Apr 22, 2025 | Uncategorized
Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us?
It was a question they asked themselves.
On the road walking to the village of Emmaus seven miles from Jerusalem.
A few of the men walked along, they were talking about everything that had happened.
As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them.
But God kept them from recognizing him.
He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?”
They stopped short, with sadness written across their faces.
Then one of them said, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.”
Jesus asks, “What things?”
The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth.
He was a prophet who did powerful miracles and was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people.
But our leading priest and other leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him.
As they talked, he scolded them and then took them through the writing of Moses and all the prophets
explaining from all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
The night was ending, and they were heading home, and they offered him a chance to stay with them.
As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it.
Then he broke it and gave it to them.
Suddenly their eyes were opened, and they recognized him and at that moment he disappeared!
They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”
It’s a very good question for many different situations.
My husband and I were at Costco one day and an older man saw my husband’s logo on his shirt and asked about its meaning.
The more this little old man talked to us, the more I thought I should know him.
I listened intently.
Then I said, “Were you a Pastor at one time?”
Yes, HE was OUR Pastor over 35 years ago and I knew HIS VOICE.
I didn’t recognize him at first.
I knew the ‘burning within me’ that recognized him for who he had been.
Not the little old guy we shared with, but the Godly man who taught the word with power and giftedness.
The question is a very real one.
“Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us?”
Our Pastor friend was killed in an accident a few months later but I will never forget HIS VOICE and his gentleness.
And I will always be glad we were able to see him one more time and pray with him in the middle of Costco.
“Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us?” The question still haunts me a little bit.
