Category Archives: Life Experiences

Short story writing collection relating to lifestyle themes.

Through the Fire

Through the fire

Photograph courtesy of my niece Leia Gabrielle

Through the fire, tried and true…how will you go through the fires that have ignited in your life?

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”  Isaiah 43:2

Through the Fire

Through the fire, tried and true…

the path that life has forged just for you.

Its heat seems unbearable,

how it scorches and burns.

There seems no way to quench it,

it’s all consuming, above any other concerns.

Flames ignite into a ferocious blaze.

Soon it surrounds you like a maddening daze.

Suddenly, with only seconds to spare,

you are swept from the rage that has caused such despair.

When you open your eyes, your heart now steady and calm,

a peace washes over you like the sweetest balm.

Your scars have faded, your wounds are now healed…

through the fire, many truths to you God has revealed.

Felecia R. Weber 2015, OntheWingofaDove.com

Unpleasant circumstances may start out as flickering little annoyances, but if we let them, they can grow into uncontrollable flames that seem to engulf our entire lives.  The harder we try to contain the fiery elements of the situation, the more rapidly they ignite into something we cannot possibly extinguish on our own.  At that point we have two choices.  We can go through the fire alone and risk being burned up in the process.  Or, we can cry out for help, be rescued and brought to safety.  Although the right choice seems obvious, impatience, stubbornness and pride can make all the difference in how we choose to go through the fire.

When the flames of life intensify and surround you…how will you go through the fire?

Peace and love,

Felecia

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On Living Deeply

On Living Deeply

living deeplyA Quote to Carry You

June 22, 2015

“The universe is wider than our view of it.”  Henry David Thoreau

On living deeply – Summer has arrived, a whole new season has blossomed right before our eyes.  Isn’t it amazing how no matter what is going on in our daily lives, the cycle of nature silently revolves, uninterrupted and consistently.  Outside my den window right now, the trees are adorned with vibrant shades of green leaves swaying ever so gently in the mild breeze.  It is as though they are whispering a song of welcome to the new season.  In three short months time, those same branches will be splattered with hints of red and golden hues signaling that autumn is fast approaching.  Their leaves will surely rustle and clamor to a different tune by then.  I only hope that, like today, I will take the time to pause and receive the beautifully fascinating gift that God has created and bestowed upon us.

Living deeply, experiencing our world in the profound way that it deserves…can you imagine how much more valuable your own life would be if you do just that?

Peace and love,

Felecia

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Something About Being a Father

Being a father

Photograph by Feleica R. Weber 2015, OntheWingofaDove.com

There’s something about being a father…to his family he is their  protector, provider and friend.

“I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father’s protection.”  Sigmund Freud

Something About Being a Father

There’s something about being a father,

to his family he is their protector, provider and friend.

There is nothing that he will keep from his precious ones,

for a father’s responsibility…does it ever end?

There’s something about being a father,

his love swells when he gazes into his child’s eyes.

A father provides instruction, guidance and encouragement;

his character imparts a steadfast integrity; never will he compromise.

There’s something about being a father,

by setting a consistent and honorable example he leads.

No matter what circumstances hurl themselves at their lives,

a father unselfishly strives to meet his family’s needs.

Felecia R. Weber 2015, OntheWingofaDove.com

My best wishes to all father, for a very Happy Father’s Day!

Peace and love,

Felecia

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Shepherd – What’s in a word?

shepherdShepherd…I can think of nothing more comforting than the thought of me being a helpless sheep with Jesus as my Shepherd…

“The King of love my Shepherd is,

Whose goodness faileth never,

I nothing lack if I am His

And He is mine forever.”*

Protector, comforter, provider, friend, caregiver, gentle guide…the one I want to follow…

Shepherd…What’s in this word for you?  If you can tell me, please do!

“The Lord is my Shepherd,” (Psalm 23:1). I can think of nothing more comforting than the thought of me as a helpless sheep with Jesus as my Shepherd.  My late husband Stephen, without a doubt, also found great comfort in knowing that he needn’t fear anything, for under his Shepherd’s care, everything was complete.  This became more evident to me as I watched him live out his last day.  Although his body had deteriorated a great deal from the cancer that had spread so rapidly, he seemed to be adorned by a pensive strength that allowed him to walk through our home, room by room, seeming to take all of his fond memories into his heart for safekeeping.  He responded to my words and watchful care with a quiet, attentive grace, yet I knew that his mind was very far away.  At one point, as he rested a few hours before he passed, he stretched out his arm as though he was being gently led to a place that the serene expression on his face told me was where he was most willing to go…

“In death’s dark vale I feel no ill

With Thee, dear Lord, beside me;

Thy rod and staff my comfort still,

Thy cross before to guide me.”*

At that moment, the peacefulness that my dear one surely was experiencing made me pause and think of the green pastures and still waters that our Shepherd promises to lead us to and through.  When my Stephen passed, I know that our Shepherd, Jesus, restored his soul…

“And so through all the length of days

Thy goodness faileth never;

Good Shepherd, may I sing they praise

Within Thy house forever.”*

*All verses by Henry W.  Baker, “The King of Love My Shepherd Is.”

Peace and love,

Felecia

 

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On Wanting and Needing

On Wanting and Needing

wanting and needingA Quote to Carry You

June 15, 2015

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures.  He leads me beside still waters.  He restores my soul.”  Psalm 23:1-3

On wanting and needing – I am sure you’ll agree that there is a difference between the things that we want versus the things that we need.  If you are like me, it seems like the things that I want far outweigh the things that I really need.  It also seems that many of the things that I want certainly are not what I truly need.

I couldn’t help but think of the 23rd Psalm when I began to consider the differences between wanting and needing.  Isn’t it interesting how the first verse indicates that the Lord, our shepherd or caretaker, provides so well for us that we are not in want of anything?  The description of being made to lie down in green pastures and being led beside still waters paints a beautiful picture of how wonderfully our shepherd fulfills all of the things we desire.  What is even more amazing to me, is the outcome of being under his care; he restores our souls…something that we all absolutely need, whether we realize it or not.

How about you?  When it comes to wanting and needing…have your wants led you to what (or who) you truly need?

Peace and love,

Felecia

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I Am Yours, You Are Mine

i am yours

Photograph courtesy of Martin Watson

I am yours, you are mine…there is something comforting and confirming about belonging to that special someone.

“In every friendship hearts grow and entwine themselves together, so that the two hearts seem to make only one heart with only a common thought…”  Fulton J. Sheen

I am Yours, You Are Mine

I am yours, there’s no need for you to worry…

here I’ll be, here to stay, never will I leave you.

I am yours, I belong to you…

to no one else on earth will I say that.

You are mine, my forever love…

for you fill my world completely.

You are mine, to protect, to behold, to cherish…

life without you is no life at all; for you to me are essential.

Felecia R, Weber 2015, OntheWingofaDove,com

‘Tis the season…for weddings that is!  In fact, I’ve received three wedding invitations recently.  Indeed, love is in the air and it’s fragrance is so alluring.  I am yours, you are mine…there is something comforting and confirming in belonging to that special someone.  Hearts beating wildly; fluttering eyes snatching a quick glance; smiles promising the pleasure of a kiss.

May all those couples who will soon be joined together in marriage experience true love and fulfillment, now and always.

“…I have been privileged to have experienced such splendidness in my life once upon a time…the majesty of that time still lingers in my memories.”  Felecia R. Weber, OntheWingofaDove.com

Peace and love,

Felecia

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On Intimacy

On Intimacy

leisureA Quote to Carry You

June 8, 2015

“Sometimes the only way the good Lord can get into some hearts is to break them.” Fulton J. Sheen

On intimacy…By definition, intimacy is a relationship marked by acquaintance or familiarity.  It is something essential, innermost, personal and private.   It is the foundation upon which close friends can build a lifetime of shared experiences.  Intimacy has a way of touching our hearts so profoundly that it can be one of the most valuable treasures that life can offer us.

Although having an intimate relationship with another is a most wonderful thing, it is not an inseparable one.  Be it by death or some other circumstance, it can end whether we want it to or not.  When the bonds of intimacy between individuals are broken, we needn’t despair.  When it comes to true intimacy, which I personally describe as being the deepest and purest love that anyone can ever experience, God is the answer, for his love is complete.  Having created us, he knows every intricate detail about each of us.  He is faithful and promises to never leave nor forsake us.  He knows how to fulfill our heart’s desire, and he longs to do just that…forever,  I can’t think of a better example of intimacy than that, can you?

Peace and love,

Felecia

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Time Away

Time awayTime away is a luxury for many; but its true value cannot be determined…

“Oh that I had the wings of a dove; I’d fly away and be at rest.”  Psalm 55:6

Time away can prove to be an invaluable experience, especially when it surrounds you with beauty.  I recently got the chance to spend a most delightful time at The Vanderbilt Mansion and Italian Gardens in Hyde Park, NY with my dear friends Lisa and Walt Richter.  The site is only about an hour’s drive from my home, but it seemed we were thousands of miles away.  Having worked up a bit of an appetite once we arrived, our time away commenced with a picnic  on the vast, manicured grounds.  The weather could not have been more comfortable, and the magnificent views of  The Hudson River Valley were absolutely stunning.

Time awayTouring the opulent mansion felt like traveling back to an era of long ago, while the gardens lured us along fragrant and timeless paths.  I was truly surprised that time had ticked away so quickly as we explored the sites and enjoyed our time away.  To commemorate this particular escape, I purchased a souvenir at the gift shop…a rustic looking paperweight in the shape of a snail.  The little trinket will be a reminder to me of what treasures can be found and experienced when I stop and take some time away.

Time awayTime Away

(a poem about being away…and being at rest)

Time away doesn’t need to be far…

but it should be a memorable experience.

It doesn’t need to be painstakingly planned…

but it should be rich in pleasure.

Time away is a luxury for many…

but its value cannot truly be determined.

Until you go, whether far or near…

you’ll never reap all that time away has in store.

Poem and photographs by Felecia R. Weber 2015, OntheWingofaDove.com

Time awayMay you set aside some time to get away, no matter how far it is…and may you try to do it often.  Enjoy!

Peace and love,

Felecia

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