Category Archives: Inspirations

Inspirational art, photo and writing collection relating to lifestyle themes.

Perspectives

perspectives

“Studies of a Young Woman,” 1870, Adolph Menzel. Image from a page of the 2015 Desk Calendar, courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store

Perspectives – My life’s perspectives are always changing, and challenging me to do more.

“Perhaps nothing helps us make the movement from our little selves to a larger world than remembering God in gratitude.  Such a perspective puts God in view in all of life, not just in the moments we set aside for worship or spiritual disciplines.  Not just in the moments when life seems easy.”  Henri Nouwen

Perspectives

Staring in the mirror, who do I see?

At first glance, it is simply a reflection of me.

As I peer closer, an added dimension appears.

My face reveals a culmination of my life through the years.

My eyes reflect back to me experiences of times past.

Those times that I’ve rushed through, and the ones I’d wanted to last.

What a contrast; how differently I see things now than I did before.

My life’s perspectives are always changing, and challenging me to do more.

Felecia R. Weber 2015, OntheWingofaDove.com

One of my neighbors, and gracious admirer of my artwork, has commissioned me to do a graphite pencil drawing for her.  The image is a street scene which will require my using the technique of perspective, while sketching out the composition.  Perspectives can involve something as simple as verbalizing a single point of view.  When it comes to other things in life, however, they can be as complex as trying to represent the illusion of depth and distance on a flat sheet of paper.  Perspectives also carry another dimension with them.  For as the relationship between the items being focused upon change, so does the way we in which we view them.

Perspectives, whether used as a technique in drawing or as a way of analyzing life events, are interesting to say the least.  How do you approach things that require you to view them in more than one dimension?

Peace and love,

Felecia

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On Priorities

On Priorities

on prioritiesA Quote to Carry You

July 27, 2015

“For when my outward action doth demonstrate the native act and figure of my heart, in compliment external, ’tis not long after.  But I wear my heart upon my sleeve, for daws to peck at:  I am not what I am.”  From William Shakespeare’s “Othello”

On Priorities – It is fair to say that what we put first in our lives says a great deal about who we are.  Thinking about what my true priorities in life are brought the saying “I wear my heart upon my sleeve” to mind.  Being a task-oriented person, it pleases me when I check off something on my “to do” list as complete.  What’s even better, is when I can check off every item on the list.  However, it seems that when my list appears to be complete, a whole slew of other tasks follow and on and on it goes.

When my “to do’s” outweigh the time that I have to complete them, setting priorities comes into play.  When I begin reviewing my list trying to decide what is the most important thing that needs to get done, I often come to the same conclusion.  The things on my “to do” list are really not important at all!  When I examine my true priorities, I’ve come to realize that the most important thing in my life has already been done.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”  Matthew 6:33

I have found that in turning my life over to Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I have essentially made following him the priority of my life.  As a follower of Christ, it is ever my hope that what “I wear upon my sleeve” is a heart that reflects the love that God has filled it with.  In turn, my true priorities have become completing my part in what God has already done.

Spending time on God’s “to do’s” are rewarding, that certainly is true.  May spreading his love to others be your number one priority too.

Peace and love,

Felecia

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Getting Away

getting away

Photograph courtesy of David Brown

Getting away is something that we all need to do from time to time…

“I suppose that, if you should go to the end of the world, you would find somebody there going farther…”  Henry David Thoreau

Getting Away

Getting away can be one of the most enjoyable things.

It’s amazing the excitement that just the thought of it brings.

No matter where it is, a far off excursion, or lazing on the beach;

There’s just something about getting away and out of reach.

It can restore your well being, it can recharge your mind.

And like taking a journey, you never know what you may find.

Getting away can enhance your thinking, it can brighten your mood.

It has a way of satisfying a hunger, that hasn’t to do with food.

It is something that we all need, so my wish is for you,

That in getting away, you’ll get to rest, refresh and renew.

Felecia R. Weber 2015, OntheWingofaDove.com

Bon voyage!

Peace and love,

Felecia

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On Vacations

On Vacations

on vacationsA Quote to Carry You

July 20, 2015

“Laughter is an instant vacation.”  Milton Berle

On Vacations – I am certain that most of you would agree that, ’tis the season…for vacations that is! Whether you are planning some time off to visit with family and friends, trek off to the woods for hiking and camping, or set sail for an exotic adventure in a far off land, vacations are something to look forward to and to enjoy.  In fact, having time off to rest and get refreshed is welcome at any time of the year.  Not only is taking a break from the “daily grind” something to look forward to, it doesn’t necessarily have to want for summer or the holidays.

Given all of the changes in my “daily grind” over these past several months, I won’t have the luxury of taking time off for any vacations right away.  Be that as it may, it won’t stop me from enjoying some of the benefits that vacations provide.  For me, closing my eyes and envisioning myself traveling off to a sunny spot on the beach, wading along the waves and scrunching my toes up in the wet sand can be enough to brighten my day.  Thinking back and reminiscing about the wonderful vacations I’ve gotten to enjoy in the past are often just what I need to get me excited about what I have to look forward to when I do have the chance to get away.  Whether smiling for a brief moment over a treasured memory, or spending time perusing through photographs and laughing aloud at some funny things they’ve brought to mind, vacations have a way of invigorating us long after we’ve actually experienced them.

Whether you get to take one or more vacations for real, or at least get to daydream about the ones you’ll get to enjoy in the future, may they transport you away long enough to be refreshed…it is amazing what a little time away can do for you.

Peace and love,

Felecia

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Good Things

good things

Photograph courtesy of my niece Alexia Danielle

Good things come in small packages and they aren’t always evident from the start…

“…the kingdom of God is within you.”  Luke 17:21

Good Things Come In Small Packages

Good things come in small packages,

I’ve heard that phrase before.

There really is a goodness and wisdom gained,

in realizing that less is truly more.

Good things come in small packages,

they aren’t always evident from the start.

Often times they are invisible to the naked eye;

sometimes they can only be seen by the heart.

Good things come in small packages,

it is amazing how quickly and immensely they grow.

A spark of an idea, an act of love, is all it takes.

The best things are poured from above down to us below.

Felecia R. Weber 2015, OntheWingofaDove.com

Good things really do come in small packages!  In fact, many themes it is the tiniest things on earth, that offer the most to us.  Seemingly insignificant treasures have a way of blossoming into the most wonderful blessings…

May you experience how immensely rich even the tiniest gift, or how profoundly the fewest words of wisdom spoken to you can enrich your life.

Peace and love,

Felecia

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On the Little Things

On the Little Things

the little thingsA Quote to Carry You

July 13, 2015

“In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.  For in the dew of little things the heart fins morning and is refreshed.”  Khalil Gibran

On the little things – I had the most delightful conversation with a dear friend this afternoon.  She started the conversation by telling me about how a song that played on the radio earlier in the day brought back fond childhood memories of her father.  Even though it had been many years ago, I could almost feel the joy that one of the little things in her life, such as how her dad enjoyed singing a particular phrase from that song, brought to her still.  Her story in turn, reminded me of a funny little gesture that my husband used to make when he’d hear songs that made him feel all happy inside…and that made my heart smile.

Indeed, it is the little things in life that so often spawn moments of happiness that lead to even deeper feelings of joy and peace…

May your day be filled with many little things that do just that!

Peace and love,

Felecia

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I Couldn’t Ask For More

Couldn't ask for more

Photograph by Felecia R. Weber 2015, OntheWingofaDove.com

I couldn’t ask for more – Choosing to trust in God for everything in and around my life and experiencing his provision fulfills me in ways that I never have been before.

“When we lose one blessing, another is often most unexpectedly given in it’s place.”  C.S. Lewis

I couldn’t ask for more – I usually find myself saying something like that when I receive an answer to prayer, or when I receive some unexpected good news.  I must admit though, when living in my day to day life I may never even consider what I have or do not have.  When I am disappointed about something, or do not receive what I have been seeking, I may allow myself to fall into despair.  Taking the time to concentrate on the subject of contentedness this week has caused me to realize how my reaction to situations impact my well being and my peace.

In my last two posts, On Contentment and It Doesn’t Matter, I have alluded to the fact that true contentment cannot be found in the outcome of our circumstances, but rather, it is a state of being.  As a Christian, I also believe that true contentment can only be experienced through an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ.  That being said, it wasn’t until recently, through various circumstances that have happened in my life, that I can honestly say that I am content…that I couldn’t ask for more.

Soon, it will have been one year ago that I had to say goodbye to my husband Stephen when he lost his physical battle with cancer.  Often times throughout this year, I have relived in my mind those agonizing days and months of watching him slowly slip away, and eventually succumb to the ravishment of the disease.  When I’ve thought I’d cried all of the tears that I could’ve ever cried, more of them poured out of me.  Sometimes I feel so lonely that I think it may suffocate me.  The emotional strain of having to start my life all over again has proven to be an enormously overwhelming task.  At times I’ve wondered if I’ll ever feel whole and happy again.  How could I ever say with confidence that I am content and that I couldn’t ask for more?

“Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again:  Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:4-13

My answer to that question was actually found in part through this very experience.  Living through the ordeal of losing my husband has by far been the most difficult time in my life.  It has also produced the most spiritual growth and maturity in my life.  Having to get on with my life on my own caused me to turn from myself to God.  It was in him and through him, that I found the strength and the will to stand up, wipe away my tears, and face my fears…and my future.  It was through the heartache and the pain that God showed me that my circumstances only have power over me if I let them.  Indeed, I had a choice, to get swallowed up and drown in my grief, or release it all over to God, and trust him to be my bridge that would allow me to cross over troubled waters to the unfamiliar territory that awaited me on the other side.

Choosing to trust God for everything in and around my life and experiencing his provision fulfills me in ways that I never have been before.  Of course, I miss my husband everyday and there is still an emptiness that I doubt will ever go away because he is not here to fill it.  But in living beyond that reality, and walking under the abiding grace, strength and abundance that God continually provides, all of my needs are met and my life is blessed because of who God is, nothing more. No matter what I’ve had to go through, no matter what I am facing now, no matter what lies in front of me, with God behind me, beside me and before me, I am covered, I am content, I truly couldn’t ask for more.

May your circumstances fade into the background and may you experience God’s awesomely fulfilling presence, power and provision.

Peace and love,

Felecia

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It Doesn’t Matter

couldn't ask for more

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater‘s Linda Celeste Simms; photograph courtesy of Andrew Eccles

It doesn’t matter whether I’m happy or sad, for feelings come and go…

“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord,”  Joshua 24:15

It Doesn’t Matter

It doesn’t matter whether I’m happy or sad,

for feelings come and go.

What I hold deep down inside of my heart,

determines what to the world, my actions show.

It doesn’t matter what goes on around me,

there will be good days and there will be bad.

When I think of how God has my life in his hands,

my, how can I be anything but glad?

It doesn’t matter what others say or do,

they have their own lives to live.

My contentment lies in fulfilling God’s purpose for me,

and all of my best to him do I give.

Felecia R. Weber 2015, OntheWingofaDove.com

Being content is more than just being happy or full, for our status can turn into being sad or empty in the blink of an eye.  Being content means having a peace and joy no matter how we feel or what is going on around us.  My contentedness is found in the Lord God Almighty…the one whom I serve, the one whom I live for, the one whom, in fact, is my very life!  He supplies all of my needs, he guides all of my days, he directs me in what he has purposed for me to do, he blesses my life.  It doesn’t matter then, what is going on inside of me or surrounding me, for in God, my contentedness is sure.

May you take the time to focus on where your own contentedness lies and may your answer lead you to everlasting peace.

Peace and love,

Felecia

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