Love those!

You know the old saying what came first the egg or the chicken! Well my question is what is and what came first in your life? With me it is Christ, Family, and my Friends. When you put your trust in his words you will find grace, peace and understanding. Sometime I question understanding. My thought for the day is be thankful for what you have whether it is little or great. Love you family, enjoy life, let those you love know it. I have always said you can tell someone you love them, but if you don’t show it they really can’t believe it. So show people that is important in your life that you care and love them. You might be surprised at the results. Hold those that are dear for you close, you may not have them tomorrow. Glorify Christ in everything you do and you just might have those mircles you have been waiting for. Go with God and be blessed this day that the Lord has made! Written By: Melanie Howard Taylor Photo By: Brian Keith Howard

Where were you?

Where were you on that faithful day of April 27th 2011? Those of you that are reading this well you are still with us. So many lost their life’s. It goes to show us that we never know the day or the hour that Christ will come for us. Even though I am ill, I am blessed because the tornado that came through the Bessemer area on 26th was only a block away, while people were trapped in their homes. My family was okay. I had friends that lost everything , but they still had what was precious to them, which was their

family. I give praise and glory for all of you that were saved in this event. May God be with you this day and everyday after. Written By: Melanie Howard Taylor

YOU ARE

You are my strength in time of trouble, you take my hand and lead me each step of the way, you never fail me, you look deep within me and see the good, you carry me when I am too weak to walk myself, you love me no matter what I do, you send me presents everyday, you help me see the good in others and myself, you are my Heavenly Father. I want to praise you and thank you for all these things and the things I can not see. I love you! Written By Melanie Howard Taylor Photo By: Brian Keith Howard

DO NOT GIVE UP!

Depression is something a lot of people have but some just won’t except it. Health issues, family issues, financial issues, employment issues, bulling issues and past issues that we just don’t deal with and we allow it to take us over. I am in that category, My health, brought on financial problems and I have gotten to the place that dealing with all the pressure doesn’t help me or my family. I could scream to the top of my lungs and it wouldn’t help. There are very few people that want to take the time to listen. But if you would stop and take the time to listen it would help those with depression. Sometimes people just need to release and they feel much better. Some do not. I am thankful for those that take the time to care and listen to help me through my depressed state. It is like dominos that you stand up and one is knocked over then they all begin to fall, but if you take one domino out of it’s place they stop falling. Through prayer and understanding will stop the depression and you can start picking up the pieces and start a new. Yes the problems will still be there but you have taken the first step. It is not easy to do, but for yourself it must happen. I can only do what I can, some days it is hard for me to walk across the room, some days I just can’t get out of bed because of the pain I am in. When you have worked all you adult life and can see people and talk to someone, basically have a life and it is taken away because of your health, there is very little you can do. But that’s when you have to take one step at a time as I do. I will not allow myself to lay here and die. I am a fighter and one day it will get better, because I have faith and I believe. Christ said he would not put on us anything that we can not bare. I myself must remember that promise and believe that there is a light at the end of this tunnel I am in. So if you feel you are in a depressed state of mind, talk to some one and start fresh. Do Not Give Up!!! Written By: Melanie Howard Taylor Photograph By: Brian Keith Howard

Stop and Listen

Stop and listen to the wind blow and the movement of the trees as they sway in the sunlight. Hear the birds chirping saying yes it is spring time once again. Robin eggs are opening to the new life that they bring. I hear in the distance a dog barking at someone walking down the lane, or maybe a squirrel has crossed their path. The neighbors all working in their flower beds and gardens. The wind chimes are singing their praise to the new day. I have found a new life in me. As I sit here listening to all around me I want to understand why it is I can’t enjoy the beauty around me. I can’t walk down the street, I can’t dance with my grandson as I did with my oldest grandson, I can’t go places I once could go. I ask my self why many times. I try to push myself everyday, but it just makes me weaker. If I had one wish for you, I would tell you to put your life in your hands and do the things that make you happy, don’t take your life for granted it can change in a moment. What I want most of all is to be near my family and feel the love they can only give. I want to laugh again. I want to have something to smile about, I want the pain to go away and stay away. I want to be myself again. When you pray please pray for me. Pray that my illnesses will help someone to see deep within their selves and compassion for others. I am not writing this to just one person, but to all. Lets make our world a better place for you and I. Hug someone tell them you love them, bring happiness to those that may have less than you, don’t email how you feel put it into a letter and mail it or just pick up the phone and call them. You will make some ones day with just the kindness of your heart! Written By: Melanie Howard Taylor Photo By: Brian Keith Howard

Excited!!!!

Do you ever feel the anticipation of seeing family, having a cook out, sitting around and just have lots of laughter, fun and enjoyment. Well I feel that way today. It is the best medicine I could ever have. With my illnesses just knowing that someone cares enough to take time out of the day and spend it with me makes me excited. I do not drive much at all. I cry most days, the pain sometimes is unbearable, sometimes Todd can just reach over and touch my shoulder, my arm or my legs and I hold my breath with the pain that runs through me. I use a walker now, nit all the time but when my legs just don’t seem to work. Even though I go through this everyday I will stand tall and thank God I have such a beautiful life and family. Without knowing this I would have given up along time ago. So if you are in pain, don’t give up on yourself, just take it one day at a time and live life to it’s fullest. Thank you Lord for loving me! Written By: Melanie Howard Taylor

Do You Hear It?

Do you hear it? Listen very close. In the back of your mind you will hear the word spoken so softly, say come and hear. God has a mission for each one of us, it is how and when we choose to listen. I do not know why I have the illnesses that I do. I cry most days now, my burden heavy, my mind is not clear, but even though I am ill I still look toward my Father in Heaven, see he is the answer you just have to listen. I have thought so many times that maybe my illnesses will help someone else, or that I can help someone that is like me. I always said you can not know me unless you walk in my shoes. Well if someone is walking there too, I could understand and be a shoulder to lean on. Everyone needs someone that can truly understand. I can tell you until I am blue in the face what it is like to go through my pain, but until you are there you will never understand. So my wish to you “Is if you are ill and can seem to go much further then lean on your family, but most of all lean on Jesus, He has been there and he knows our heart and needs. So do you hear it now? Written By: Melanie Howard Taylor

Remember

I can choose to sit here day after day, but I do not. If there is anyway in my power I will do something daily. As I sit today I remember what I have in my life. My husband, my children, my grandsons, my friends. Don’t give up I tell myself, push forward for someday there will be a better place and a better time in my life. Even though the pain maybe hard to bare, even though there are many sleepless nights, even though I can’t always remember times of yesterday, I still remember my Lord and he still is there with me every step of the way. So when you are down look toward the heavens you will see him there. Written By: Melanie Howard Taylor

Needed

I could begin this writing with an inspirational view, but I am not feeling very inspirational today. This weekend has been very hard on me, my pain is at the point of unbearable. Sleep is not in my history. The only thing I could share with you, is that my husband Todd has been there for me every step of the way. You may not understand, you may question me, but until you are walking my steps you can understand or question me. My faith, my husband and my family is what keeps me going day after day. You prayers are needed, your friendship is needed, your love is always needed, and laughter is a plus. Go with God and be blessed! Written By: Melanie Howard Taylor

Look deep within yourself

Look deep within your heart and soul. You will find it there. No matter what you do or where you go, life will continue there. Sometimes it may get lonely, sometimes it may be hard, but look beyond yourself and you may see the stars. Written By: Melanie Howard Taylor

Go and be Blessed

Time has away of healing old wounds. Live one day at a time we never know what tomorrow will hold. Take one step at a time, be sure to go in the right direction. Find time for the ones you love even if it is just for a moment. You will never regret it. Hold some one that is dear to your heart their strength will help you through the tuff times in life. Find a place that you can go to in your soul and mind that will give you peace. Treat others as you wish to be treated. Never hate someone it will bring you down. Love them in spite of what they maybe putting you through. You will be the better person for it. Look up and let Christ guide you through life’s journey. It is never to late to find grace in His presence. Go with God and be blessed. Written By: Melanie Howard Taylor Photo By: Brian Keith Howard

The Son has Risen!

The sun has risen this morning has it did so many years ago. The Son of God has risen and he is still alive in my heart and soul as many others. Easter has become a holiday for bunnies, colored eggs and children at play, but the real reason for this holiday begin years ago. My Savior died on a cross and in three day was risen so I and you may have salvation. I am proud to be called a Christian I am proud to be a person who has Christ in her soul, I am proud to be a servant of Christ, I am proud of all of you. It is not hard to be a child of God, read your bible it outlines our mission in life, daily prayer, remembering what Jesus went through just for you and for me. So this bright and sunny morning I will praise his holy name the name of Jesus I shall proclaim! Thank you for you grace, your unedifying love, your mercies that has been sent for above. I will walk the extra mile for you and be a light that will shine in the darkness so others may see Christ in me. Forgive for my thoughts that are not pure as snow, forgive for all the things I do not understand, for give Father for I need you to take my hand, guide me through this life here on earth help me stand. I will praise you until the end. Written By: Melanie Howard Taylor

Learning

I would like to begin this morning by wishing each one a very happy Easter. As you go through you Easter weekend, take a moment and reflect upon you life and those around you. My Father in Heaven died for me and you and rose from the grave to make a huge statement. Nothing is to great or too small for his love. I hope and pray that my life will reflect that love. Read the book you may find the cover isn’t what you thought it was. I don’t someone to misunderstand my life, so I will try to look beyond the cover of someone else. I will not judge them! I can’t say I have walked in their shoes and they have not walked in mine. I have lived a tuff life. It has been hard to raise two sons. As a mother I wanted to give them the world and their hearts desire, but it was not possible, but I believe they are the better for it. They held me up for years. Now I am married and my husband stands behind me so I will not fall. Some of you know me, some do not. I am very ill and it seems to worsen each day. My fear is to miss out on watching my grandchildren grow and new grandchild added to our beautiful family. If I could give any advice to anyone it would be “look deep within yourselves and if you are happy with how you do things and how you live your life, then you are on the right track, but if you are not happy find what makes you happy, change your life until you do you can’t help someone else change theirs” I wish you the best that life can give. I thank Jesus for what he went through on that fateful day, cause he did it for me and for you, have faith and stand tall, no matter what comes you will have the strength to over come. Go with God and be blessed! Written By: Melanie Howard Taylor

Don’t pity me try to understand me!

I am tired of being ill. I don’t allow too many people to see my pain. I try to do things around the house and pay for it later. You may come to see me but never realize the pain I am in. My clothes hurt me some days. I sleep very little even though I take medication to help me sleep. I wake in the night with my legs, neck, arms in so much pain I sit on the coach and cry. Todd doesn’t see those times either. I have been told I have a high tolerance for pain, but I just hide it well. My knees are going quickly it is beginning to be hard to walk from one room to the next. I write because I want to remember. I can go back and remember things that once was. You see part of my illness is my memories. I can’t remember them as good as I once did. You have to write it down or email it to me to remember what I needed to know. I cry most days now I am so sick of being sick. No one comes to see me, I am alone most of the time. I thought I had friends, but when you get down like I am you don’t hear from them so often. I miss my family, I miss my mother who has gone to be with our Lord. I miss so much. I miss work. But no one would hire me now. I could work but maybe an hour a day. I don’t drive too much. I know that my doctor will probably take my licenses away this time. Too many seizers. Many days I just want to go home, but it is not my time yet. I’ll go when the Lord calls me home. So I guess I will just make the best of it. Written By: Melanie Howard Taylor

The Birds are Singing!

I have woke to a most beautiful day the birds are singing, my roses are blooming, We had an angel give us a hot tub for my illnesses and last night was the first of many nights to come that I will be able to rest my legs and back. We never know what is around the corner. The people that gave us the hot tub we had never met them, but through the grace of God we were put together, come to find out the wife has the same problems I have, but has been there a bit longer than me she is in a wheel walker now and can not get in the hot tub any longer. There are many angels around us and our Heavenly Father knows our needs. We never ask him for the little things in our life’s’ only the needs that is beyond our means and control. Prayer has a way of opening doors that were closed. I have faith that my Lord will help us in our time of need. Please continue to pray for our family.
Written By: Melanie Howard Taylor

MY PRECIOUS ONES

My roses are blooming in the garden now. Their fragrance is over whelming. I can not sleep my pain is unbearable at times. I am scared of what is to come in my life. I pick up my grandchildren and I am afraid I will drop them. I want to go onto a mountain top and scream as loud as I can WHY! It has been 2 weeks since my momma has gone to be with our Lord. I miss her everyday. I miss waking up and calling her just to say I love you and see if she and daddy are okay. I want to go and sit in her room and feel her presence there, but I have not been able to. I starting cutting a rose from my garden and keeping it by my chair just to remember that she is still there. I miss you momma, I miss coming and laying my head in your lap while you brush my hair with you fingers and tell me it will be alright. I feel alone sometimes that no one can really understand the pain I feel. My illness is getting worse, I smile and try to push myself forward. There are times that just the feel of my close hurt me. The touch of the man I love so dearly hurts. I find myself listing to other people that have now gotten to the point they can hardly walk or do much at all. I am a fighter, I have a walker but refuse to use it. I don’t want to get that bad. I don’t talk about it to no one much. Because you see if you look at me I look the same, the pain is under my skin I just want to talk to momma she always made me feel as if it will be better some how. Just smile through the pain she says. Please read about Fibromyalgia, OA, Epilepsy, Scoliosis of the spine, Lupus and maybe you will understand what I am going through. I ask you this for only one reason, I don’t want pitty, I just what people to understand me. I need closeness and feel love and that I am not going through this alone. God said He would never leave me and I know he is still holding me up. Please love me for who I am not because what I am going through. I miss you, I miss holding your hand, I miss hugs and kisses, Just that I love you more than that! All my love my precious ones.
Written By: Melanie Howard Taylor

Good Morning World!

Good morning world, God is so great! Prayers are being answered. I know we are to wait upon the Lord. Troubles come and troubles go, but it is how you make it your own. I could stop and give up on my life, my family and my health, but I will not do that. I love my life, I love my family, My health is in God’s hands and my doctors. Our house is in need of much repair, but it doesn’t stop us from living, Mom has gone to a better place with no pain or suffering and it is hard to let her go. But I have my daddy still. The daily visits have been up lifting as we talk about memories and plans for the future. My wonderful husband has stepped in as he always does and picks up the slack in my life. My children have held my hand and holds my heart close to them and I too are holding theirs. The smiles on my grandson’s faces reminds me there is more memories to be made. Friends words have been uplifting with words of joy and kindness. All I can do now is put my heart, my soul and my life in my Lord's hands and ask him to mold me in his likeness. I wanted to end my making this statement. Sometime we hear what we want to hear, we read what we want to read, but look between the lines and have faith into what our hearts tell us. I love you still!
Written By: Melanie Howard Taylor