Category Archives: Family and Friends

Family and friends short story writing collection relating to lifestyle themes.

On Foolishness and Wisdom

On Foolishness and Wisdom


on foolishness and wisdomA Quote to Carry You

March 24, 2014

“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” Proverbs 12:15

We all make mistakes and regret certain things we’ve done in the past.  Sometimes no matter what the warning signs may be, we proceed with our plans without considering the consequences.  We go blindly after those things we should not, as if we’ve no eyes to see how dangerous they can become.  Despite hearing the sound advice of trusted family and friends, we listen to our own cravings that may satisfy us for a while, but betray our true needs in the end.  It is not always clear which is the best way to go, but there is always one, wise answer for every situation…his name is Jesus.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”  Matthew 7:7

May your way be made sure today and always.

Peace,

Felecia

 

 

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I Can Read It On Your Face

I Can Read It On Your Face

“Betty Newell,” 1922, Charles Courtney Curran. Image from a page of the 2013 Desk Calendar, courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store

 

I can read it on your face…an expression, a look can tell others what we hold inside.

I Can Read It On Your Face

(a poem dedicated to my precious husband Stephen Cullen Weber)

I can read it on your face.

When something causes you to fear.

You needn’t worry, for I am always near.

I can read it on your face.

When a wrong fills you up with anger.

I admire your willingness to help others in danger.

I can read it on your face.

Shown through your gentle brown eyes so kind,

the compassionate spirit that fills your heart and mind.

I can read it on your face.

You are strong, courageous and brave.

Your character is always consistent in how you behave.

I can read it on your face.

When you are filled with pain and sorrow.

You never complain, yet you seek the hope of tomorrow.

I can read it on your face.

All of the love that you have for me.

I cannot express in words dear, how very much you mean to me.

Felecia R. Weber, OntheWingofaDove.com

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” 1 Corinthians 13:1

Sometimes a certain look is all that it takes to convey so much more than words can ever speak.  The eyes can express a feeling so deeply that it touches ones heart in a way that no other form of communication can transmit.  At times, the voice is useless in relaying what needs to be said.

Peace and love,

Felecia

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On Luck and Chance

On Luck and Chance

on luck and chanceA Quote to Carry You

March 10, 2014

“Luck is not chance, it’s toil; fortune’s expensive smile is earned.”  Emily Dickinson

This quote reminds me of when I just staring out  in my life’s work.  I remember when my future boss asked me during an interview what it was that I was seeking in the position I was applying for.  My answer began with “If given the chance…”  I can tell you, after many years of hard work, that chance had nothing to do with luck.  When we are given a chance at something in life, it is up to us to take hold of it and turn it into what we hope for. 

Peace,

Felecia

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Laugh!

Laugh!

“Curious Puppy,” meet Halo Rose, our sweet little friend who belongs to our dear friends Dick & Marilyn Hill. This photo was taken during the first of many of her excursions in the snow.

Laugh a little or a lot…but do it often; it’s good for the soul!

“A  joyful heart is good medicine…” Proverbs 17:22

Laugh!

Do it a little, or do it a lot,

Laugh!

“Gotcha!” Halo wrestling with her big sister Penny Sparkle”…I think she won!

sometimes a good laugh just hits the spot!

Life can be serious, wearisome, and a bore.

A chuckle can brighten and so much more!

Those silly things that cause you to smile,

can make all of the difference, and keep you happy for a while.

Go on have a laugh, it is good for your soul.

Laugh!

“Mommy’s Little Helper,” Halo’s days are not all play…she helps out whenever she can!

And when you are broken, it’s  the glue that makes you whole.

A hearty laugh cheers you when you are blue.

A smile is contagious, see for yourself …find out if it’s true.

Felecia R. Weber, OntheWingofaDove.com

 

 

A Happy Day to you!

Felecia

Laugh!

“Naptime,” Halo taking a snooze…dreaming up more mischief perhaps? 🙂

 

 

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It’s All Right

It's All Right

“After the Ball,” (Detail), 1874, Alfred Stevens. Image from a page of the 2014 Desk Calendar, courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store

It’s all right…when we feel vulnerable, when we are afraid or just unsure; that is when we can become the most secure.

A  mental image came to mind when I was singing praises during our worship time at a recent church service.  I can’t quite remember now what it was in the songs that made me think of it; perhaps I was just feeling a little misunderstood and insecure that morning.  We all have days and periods in our lives when we are just not at our best.  When those times come, I feel anything but “all right.”

My faith in God and my eternal salvation are the most important things in the world to me..for without that hope, that truth, I am nothing.  At the same time, I am in this world and I live my life uniquely.  I interpret the world through my own vision, and what I see is filtered through the eyes of the abiding love that God showers upon me.  Still, I don’t always make the right choices. I make mistakes everyday.  Sometimes I feel so lost and so not knowing what to do…so not “all right.”

Whenever I feel vulnerable and insecure, the same mental image plays over in my mind; as if I am watching a movie.  I am on a stage, like an actress playing the part of that moment in my life.  I tremble as I peer out into the audience, until my eyes search out the familiar faces of my family and friends clapping, cheering me on and mouthing the words,”You’re doing fine!” and “We love you!”  That same image played out in my mind on that Sunday morning, but the face that I saw in the audience was that of Jesus…and he said, “I love you no matter what.  I will never leave you, nor forsake you.  Abide in me and I will abide in you.  For I have already paid the price. “Indeed, when I focus on these promises, it is then that I know, it’s all right.

“Here is what I am commanding you to do.  Be strong and brave.  Do not be terrified.  Do not lose hope.  I am the Lord your God.  I will be with you everywhere you go.” Joshua 1:9

Peace,

Felecia

 

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A Christmas Memory: Go Tell It on the Mountain

Go Tell It on the Mountain

Photograph of my mom, Ethelda…she really puts her heart and soul into singing this special song!

Go Tell It on the Mountain

“Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born.” (excerpt taken from the lyrics of the song, “Go Tell It on the Mountain, by John Wesley Work, Jr.)

I am a firm believer that the holidays should be spent with family and friends.  It is then, more than any other time of the year that many traditions are started and shared.  When we can “let our hair down,” be ourselves and celebrate the glory of the season with those that we hold dear to our hearts.  This is certainly true of my family, and although we can’t always be together to celebrate Christmas, our long-standing family traditions and our memories of them, seem to bring us together no matter how far the distance is between us.

One of my family’s Christmas traditions that we started and enjoyed during my childhood, and that I truly love still, is when we would gather together on Christmas Eve night.  Long after dinner was finished, probably around 9:00 pm or so, I got to help prepare a tray full of savory snacks and sweet treats, including my Grandmother’s Italian Christmas cookies that I’d helped to bake, (see my earlier post “A Christmas Memory:  At Grandmother’s House”). Grandmother was right, the cookies did look like little works of art adorning the tray.  Being an artist, this was probably my favorite task every Christmas Eve, because I got to arrange the goodies, the colorful napkins and other accoutrements in a festive display for all to enjoy!

Go Tell It on the Mountain 2

“Shout To All the Earth,” photograph by Felecia R. Weber, OntheWingofaDove.com

My dad would select scripture verses for each of us to read aloud.  Hearing the words spoken from the Bible, telling the story of the birth of Jesus always sent chills through my body. Continue reading →

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A Christmas Memory: At Grandmother’s House

At Grandmother's House

“Grandmother’s Cookies,” photograph by Felecia R. Weber, OntheWingofaDove.com

At Grandmother’s House

There are many childhood memories that I recall and revisit every year as I prepare for the holidays.  I’ve always had a sweet tooth, and thanks to my Grandmother, I have enjoyed baking throughout the years.  So, it is no surprise that one of my favorite holiday memories, is going to my Grandmother’s house to bake her Italian Christmas Cookies.

As I’ve mentioned in past writings, it was always a special treat for me when my parents, sisters, and I would load into the car and drive the half hour or so distance to my Grandmother’s house.  Visiting Grandmother was special any time of the year, but especially during the holiday season.  Grandmother would have been up hours before we’d arrived.  She’d likely have had a few cups of her Red Rose tea, and the mixer, cookie sheets, rolling pin, bowls and other baking paraphernalia set out and ready to use. Continue reading →

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A Christmas Memory: Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

“The Girls at Christmas,” a photograph of my sister Marjorie (left) and me (right) during one of our childhood Christmases

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

If you are like me, you’ve already begun your trek towards celebrating Christmas…putting up the decorations, baking your favorite cookies and sweet treats, making your lists so you are ready to tackle the stores.  No doubt, your ears have heard a few Christmas carols subtly spreading the holiday cheer even when you’ve gone to pick up a few grocery items.  The song, “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas,” that is featured in one of my favorite childhood Christmas shows, “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” is one that I have been humming for the past several days…and my mind has filled up with holly jolly memories.

I can’t help but wear a huge smile as I think of how excited my sisters and I would get during the weeks before Christmas when we were little girls.  My older sister Marjorie and I would rehearse the hymns and carols we’d learned for our Christmas programs at church and school, while scrubbing away at the evening dishes.  We’d spend hours outside leaving our impressions in the snow, hoping that they’d resemble snow angels as much as possible.  Our mom would encourage our creativity by having some sort of project for us to do, like hand painting little wooden ornaments to hang on our Christmas tree.  Many of those ornaments adorn my parents’ tree every Christmas still, and I swear I can pick out at least a few of the ones I’d painted!

Oh, how I loved all of the special activities that surrounded my childhood Christmas holidays.  I especially enjoyed helping to wrap the gifts and make bows for the packages.  What a delight it was sipping eggnog and how my mouth watered at the sight of the colorful ribbon candy and pretty foil-wrapped chocolates that were scattered around our home.  I would seemingly fall into a trance when in the evenings, I’d sit and take in the peaceful glow of the lights that my dad had carefully strung around the tree; each one silently flickering, like tiny flames…little lights of Christmas.

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“All Snuggled in His Bed,” graphite & colored pencil drawing by Felecia R. Weber, OntheWingofaDove.com

Whatever your favorite childhood Christmas memories are, (I’d love it if you’d care to share them), may they warm your heart and create a glow that brings a smile to your face and radiates to those around you…a Holly Jolly Christmas to you!

Peace and love,

Felecia

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