Category Archives: Family and Friends

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

Rhythms, A Poem of Life

Rythms, A Poem of Life

Rythms, A Poem of Life – Photograph property of www.OntheWingofaDove.com

Rhythms, A Poem of Life – “I want the freedom to live my life; yet freedom isn’t free.  But there is power in living fully in the way God meant for me.” —FRW

”’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’” —Jeremiah 29:11

Rhythms, A Poem of Life

(a poem inspired by Ecclesiastes 1:1-18…struggles and hope)

Verily, verily – I tell you the truth,

Times like these haunt my days,

up ‘til now, way back to my youth.

In my mind resides turmoil, frustration, and strife…

Born from the hand that’s been dealt in my life.

No. It hasn’t always been pretty.

I’m not gonna lie.

But I swear I’ll keep fighting, ‘til the day I die.

What is the meaning, desperate for answers I search…

High and low, in the streets, in my heart…knocking on the doors of the church.

Gotta find some peace, for my soul to be still…

Is there nothing on earth, my longing will fulfill?

Maybe that’s the problem, when this world pains me so…

Need to peer through the darkness,

see clearly in the light…then I will know.

My life is a book…the best part still to be written…

No matter what lies ahead…I’m never quittin’.

The wounds of my life have wrought scars of steel…

God is commander of this battle,

and to me the victory he’ll reveal.

Felecia R. Weber 2016, www.OntheWingofaDove.com

Rythms, A Poem of Life – A tribute is given to those whose actions they deserve, to those who’ve gone humbly forward with a dignity; that at times was hard to preserve.  For those who’ve triumphed over hurdles that were unwarranted and unfair.  For those who keep fighting for what’s right, no matter the color of their skin; no matter the texture of their hair.  Even though the plight goes on…it seems never ending for some.  I applaud those whose struggles have made a difference for generations to come.  So here is a special tribute from me…an homage this week, to our nation’s Black History.

Peace and love,

Felecia

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Do You Love Me?

Do you love me?

Do You Love Me? – Image property of www.OntheWingofaDove.com

Do you love me? – Love is an emotion that can spawn several different answers to that question…

”If you do not love me I shall not be loved.  If I do not love you I shall not love.”  —Samuel Beckett

Do You Love Me?

Do you love me? (Her)

Yes, I love you, of course I love you? (Him)

Why do you ask? (Him)

I don’t know, I guess I just need to be sure. (Her)

Do you love me? (Her)

I just answered that question…yes! (Him)

Why do you ask? (Him)

Sometimes it doesn’t seem as though you do. (Her)

Do you love me? (Her)

Can’t you tell?  I am here aren’t I? (Him)

But why are you here? (Her)

Because I LOVE you. (Him)

Do you love me? (Her)

I love you more than anything…please don’t ask me again. (Him)

Do you love me? (Him)

Yes, of course I love you.  Why do you ask? (Her)

Felecia R. Weber 2019, www.OntheWingofaDove.com

Do you love me? – That’s an age old question that has been asked by us and of us, I am sure more than once.  Love is an emotion that can spawn several different answers to that question.  Whether the reply is a verbal, “Yes, I love you.”, or shown by a tender hug or receiving a special gift, it is certainly a question that cannot be ignored…no matter how it is answered.

Do you love me? Is also a question that has a depth of meaning to it…

When someone asks Do you love me?, the very reason for asking that question may not even have anything to do with love.  I believe we all have an innate sense of whether we are loved or not.  Some forms of love are natural, such as the instinctual love that a mother has for her newborn child, and the romantic love that develops between two individuals that goes beyond just a physical attraction towards each other.  I suspect that we ask such a question more out of the need to be accepted by others, something that is not necessarily intrinsic, but rather based on one’s personal preferences.  It’s kind of like not wanting to be the proverbial last kid to be picked for the soccer team…won’t you pick me, please?…do you value who I am?

No doubt, this question will be asked in some form or another by many during this week as we celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Perhaps before you ask that question of another, why not try posing it to yourself? Do I love me?  Sounds kind of strange doesn’t it?  But isn’t it one of the most important questions to ask yourself?  And isn’t giving yourself an honest answer just as important?  Too many of us fail to realize how lovable we are…and in turn, how critical it is that we accept ourselves for who we are first.

”The second is this:  ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  There is no command greater than these.”  —Luke 10:27

In the Bible, Jesus tells us to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27).  In fact, he states that it is the second most important of all the Ten Commandments; (“To love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.” being the first).  But how can you love your neighbor if you don’t love and accept yourself?  I believe that we can genuinely love and accept those around us, our neighbors, co-workers, family members and friends, with an undeniable ferocity.  Can you imagine how dynamic such relationships would be if your love and acceptance of yourself were just as strong?  The first step in doing that however, is to love and accept the one who “…first loved us.”  (1 John 4:19)

Do you love me?  Before asking this questions, consider how much God loves you as the unique person he lovingly created you to be. When you embrace that truth…do you even need to ask the question at all?

Wishing you peace and much love,

Felecia ❤️

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What Does That Mean For Me?

What does that mean for me?

What Does That Mean For Me? – Photograph by Nathan Anderson/Unsplash

What Does That Mean For Me? – There are many types of friendships spanning from platonic to romantic, but there is one thing that they all have in common.

”A friend loveth at all times.” —Proverbs 17:17

What Does That Mean For Me?

What does it mean to love you?  What does that mean for me?

You know I’d do anything for you…but what does that mean for me?

Even when you make me angry; even when you make me cry;

I know you never really mean to hurt me…but what does that mean for me?

Thoughts of you consume me, even when you are not there.

No matter the distance between us; you know I’ll always care.

Nothing can separate us because our lives have already crossed…

You are a part of me forever…but what does that mean for me?

Felecia R. Weber 2019, www.OntheWingofaDove.com

What does that mean for me? – It’s a strange question that can be asked of many things.  In this context, I’d like to speak about relationships, specifically friendships.

There are many types of friendships spanning from platonic to romantic, but there is one thing that they all have in common.  All relationships require each party to give of themselves to the other.  I love how this concept is so beautifully illustrated in the interaction between the fox and the little prince in Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s The Little Prince:

(The fox speaking to the little prince):

”’Please-tame me!’ he said. 

‘What must I do to tame you?’ asked the little prince.

’You must be very patient,’ replied the fox.  ‘First you will sit down at a little distance from me-like that- in the grass.  I shall look at you out of the corner of my eye, and you will say nothing.  Words are the source of misunderstandings.  But you will sit a little closer to me, every day…’”

What does that mean for me?  I believe to be a friend to someone, one must become familiar with that person…their strengths, their vulnerabilities, their habits…everything about them.  This is done mostly by quiet observation, remember, actions speak louder than words.  Throughout this process, one must also give of themselves, by sharing the same with the other person.  It sounds like an arduous task, that is hardly worth the effort…but there is more…

(Again, the fox speaking to the little prince):

”You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.”

Once a friendship is cultivated, it can never be undone really; if it is a true friendship.

Merriam-Webster defines a friend as “one attached to another by affection or esteem.”  Being attached or associated with someone for any length of time does create a history between the two.  And that time cannot be erased, neither the good nor the bad.  The bond of a true friendship is a powerful thing which can and will withstand anything…

(More wise words from the fox to the little prince):

”One runs the risk of weeping a little, if one lets oneself be tamed…”

Just as challenges arise in our individual lives, obstacles threaten to undo friendships.  Emotions tend to play a huge part in this aspect of a relationship…because true friends affect our hearts.  And it is within our hearts that our true selves reside…

(Again, the fox speaking to the little prince):

“But if you come at just any time, I shall never know at what hour my heart is to be ready to greet you.”

Being attached to another, a true friend becomes a part of ourselves.  Our door is always open to them, and we greet them with open arms.  There is no distance, (spatially or emotionally), that is out of reach for the bond that seals the hearts of true friends.

Friendship…what does it mean for you?

Peace and love,

Felecia

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In the Quiet of the Night

In the Quiet of the Night

In the Quiet of the Night – Photograph courtesy of Gail_m

In the quiet of the night – through its stillness shone a light…

”While shepherds kept their watching O’er silent flocks by night, behold throughout the heavens, there shone a heavenly light.” (excerpt taken from the lyrics of the song “Go Tell it on the Mountain,” by John Wesley Work, Jr.)

In the Quiet of the Night

In the quiet of the night,

Throught its stillness shone a light.

So wondrously did it glow,

A beacon to the world did it show.

In the quiet of the night,

The shepherds gathered, not in fright.

The angels sang songs full of glory;

For through the babe, God will complete his story.

In the quiet of the night,

Our hearts are filled with delight.

Our Savior has come…death has lost its hold.

His truth continues to save, just as it was foretold.

Felecia R. Weber 2018, www.OntheWingofaDove.com

In the quiet of the night – sometimes the most amazing things happen during the wee hours of the night.

Picture it, the most unassuming scene.  A newly born baby wrapped is scraps of cloths, placed delicately upon the rough surface of wood and straw used as a makeshift cradle.  The flickering flames of a hastily built fire, projects a glowing light that fills the sky.  The look of uncertainty that adorns the young mother’s face as, little by little, the tiny stall becomes the stage for the greatest miracle of all time.  It is played out right before the eyes of the shepherds and livestock that had gathered to see it.

”The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). —Matthew 1:23

In the quiet of the night – God came down to us.  Jesus Christ, our “Immanuel,” came down to earth, “…and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14).  It is hard to comprehend, even in this modern age that we live in, that such an awesome event could take place in such a humble way.  Unlike the clatter of being under the brightness of the noonday sun, the Savior of the world chose to enter it inconspicuously…yet the glory of that moment still illuminates the world.

May you celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ in the quiet of your heart, and let his light shine brilliantly through you to others.

Wishing you and yours a peaceful Christmas.

Peace and love,

Felecia

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It’s Like a Whisper

It’s like a whisper

It’s Like a Whisper – Photograph courtesy of Gail_m

It’s Like a Whisper – the wind rustling through bare branches, the hushed tones of footprints in the snow…

”O, wind, if winter comes, can spring be far behind?” —Percy Bysshe Shelley

It’s Like a Whisper

It’s like a whisper,

The wind rustling through bare branches,

The hushed tones of footprints in the snow.

Winter’s voice…in the night is crystal clear;

Its chill stings the body from head to toe.

It’s like a whisper,

One can sense the heaviness in the air,

Green leaves turn to orange, yellow and brown,

No signs of life; all that was bright has faded away.

Winter’s howl beckons the respect of a crown.

It’s like a whisper,

Tiny, glistening snowflakes fall, hardly making a sound.

The cold has settled in, long nights linger on;

As winter’s white blanket covers the ground.

Felecia R. Weber 2018, www.OntheWingofaDove.com

It’s like a whisper – Indeed winter is here!  Living in northwestern Pennsylvania will almost guarantee a long, cold season.  Just thinking about the lake effect snow sends a shiver up my spine!  Although I am not fond of the harsh weather that can make the next few months difficult to maneuver, winter does offer us a quiet kind of beauty…

”Even in winter an isolated patch of snow has a special quality.” —Andy Goldworthy

So far, we’ve had a least three heavy snowfalls here over the past month.  On those dark mornings, I was awakened by the delicate tapping of wind-strewn snowflakes on my bedroom windows.  When I peered into the night, through still sleep-filled eyes, indeed the scene was like a whisper.  The wind played a low, whirl of a melody, causing the bluster of snow to dance every which way in the air.  The glistening, white mounds grew silently, as the snow covered everything on the ground with it’s pristine shimmer.  What a sight to behold…truly a winter wonder…until I had to get out there and shovel the drive way!

May winter whisper a tale of beauty in your ears, and fill your eyes with magical delights…enjoy!

Peace and love,

Felecia

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I Just Want to Thank You Lord

I Just Want to Thank You Lord

I Just Want to Thank You Lord – Photograph property of www.onthewingofadove.com

I just want to thank you Lord – you never really know what it means to trust in and follow the Lord until he gives you something to trust him in and follow him through…

”No matter what our circumstances, we can find a reason to be thankful.”  —Dr. David Jeremiah

I Just Want to Thank You Lord

We never know  where life will lead us,

Looking back over recent years…

I just want to thank you Lord,

For keeping me close to you, despite all of my fears.

It’s funny how we search for answers,

Even when the questions have not been spoken…

I just want to thank you Lord,

For making me whole, even after all of my pieces were broken.

Not a day goes by that I cannot say…

”It’s amazing how everything falls into place!”

I just want to thank you Lord,

For putting into motion all that I’ve had to face.

There is nothing that happens by chance…

No happiness, no trial, no sorrow,

I just want to thank you Lord,

For you are with me yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Felecia R. Weber 2018, www.OntheWingofaDove.com

I just want to thank you Lord  – I find myself saying that a lot lately.  I know, this is the season where we reflect upon all of the good things that have happened to us over the past year.  I must say though, my gratitude for what God has done in my life has become a daily posture.

“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”  —Luke 12:48

It was in my “attitude of gratitude” that I finally understood the meaning of the above scripture, when I read it during my devotions  a few days ago.  I’ve faced quite a few difficult circumstances and challenges over the past four years; beginning with the loss of my husband to cancer, to a family crisis that has led me back to the place where my life began.  Through it all I’ve learned a big lesson…

You never really know what it means to trust in and follow the Lord until he gives you something to trust him in and follow him through.

It wasn’t until I actually had to face and go through those very trying experiences, that I knew personally what it means to be so grateful for the Lord’s working in my life that I actually thank him for ALL things, both the bad and the good.  I’ve learned that, many times, we must go through the bad times in order to get to the good times…and when you think about it, that’s part of what makes the good times so good!

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you too, for taking the time to visit www.onthewingofadove.com.  It is because of you that helps make living life so beautiful!

Peace and love,

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He Leads Me and I Will Follow

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He leads me and I will follow – there is no other way to live…

”The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:  he leadeth me beside the still waters…he leadeth me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23: 1-3

He Leads Me and I Will Follow

He leads me and I will follow,

There is no other way to live.

Under your care, with your provision…

I know there is nothing that is good you will not give.

He leads me and I will follow,

Lord may I never look elsewhere.

For you have everything I can ever want or need…

My Shepherd, thank you for always being there.

Felecia R. Weber 2018, www.OntheWingofaDove.com

He leads me and I will follow – There is never any doubt in my mind that God leads us in the way we should go.  Sometimes he takes us along routes that are painted so beautifully, they delight our senses in ways that we’d never thought possible.  He also allows us to traverse rough terrain, where we may stumble or fall flat on our faces.  No matter what we encounter along the way, and whether or not we understand the reason for each leg of our journey, God leads us…but, will we follow him?

That’s a difficult question to answer truthfully.  We can say to ourselves, “Of course Lord, lead me and I’ll follow you…anywhere…anywhere you want me to go!  I’m there!”  Until he takes us up on our offer…and he leads us somewhere that we don’t want to go. The first few verses of the 23rd Psalm…”The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want, he maketh me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters…” ahhh, what a lovely description.  Who wouldn’t gladly follow?  When we come to the next verse…”Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.”…really?

When the difficulties come, the green pastures grow brown and sparse, and the still waters become murky, do we really have the resolve to follow him no matter what?

It takes time and commitment to develop a relationship with the Lord, our Shepherd.  It also takes a high level of trust to be willing to follow him no matter where he leads us.  A shepherd spends an immense amount of time with his flock.  Not only does he, lead them along green pastures and still waters, as described in the 23rd Psalm, he takes care of their every need. He also protects them from all harm. In essence, one can say that the shepherd is “everything” to his flock.  “…and his sheep know his voice and they follow him.”  John 10:4

How about you?  Do you spend enough time with the Lord, our Shepherd to really know his voice? Do you trust him enough to follow him wherever he leads?  I leave these questions for you to ponder.  May your answers be ones that allow you to respond truthfully…he leads me, will I follow?

Peace and love,

Felecia

I dedicate this post to my father-in-law, John E. Weber, Jr.  I took the photo for this post during my recent visit with you.  I thought of you while writing this post…your selfless love and kindness towards me, and so many others, is a testament to your willingness to follow the Lord, our Shepherd, no matter what.  Thank you for being who you are.  I love you.

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When Something’s Missing

When something’s missing

When something’s missing and you just gotta have it… Photograph property of www.OntheWingofaDove.com

When Something’s Missing and you just gotta have it…ain’t nothin’ gonna stand in your way.

”Stay focused, go after your dreams and keep moving toward your goals.”  —LL Cool J

When Something’s Missing

When something’s missing and you just gotta have it…

Ain’t nothin’ gonna stand in your way.

You just keep searchin’, you have to find it;

No, not tomorrow…but today!

When something’s missing and you just gotta have it…

The sky turns all shades of grey.

You seek high, you seek low…there’s no place you won’t go…

’Cause the emptiness just won’t go away!

When something’s missing and you just gotta have it…

You keep on going…never slowing your pace.

Determination takes hold of your entire being.

You’re gonna get it…soon you’ll be staring it in the face.

When something’s missing and you just gotta have it…

Don’t stop…it’s not something to ignore.

Hold on to your dreams…don’t you ever let them go!

Be inspired…explore…reach higher…soar!

Felecia R. Weber 2018, www.OntheWingofaDove.com

I have nothing more to add to this!😊

Peace and love,

Felecia

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