An Eventful Year!

I watched the other night a documentary showing the major events that occurred this year: new television shows, political setbacks, breaking wars in various countries, Babies born on special dates, and unexpected people who have died. I started to think about those personal events that transpired in our life, which no media was present to film or historians to tell the stories.

Every New Year, some people like to reflect about their life and sketch out a plan they desire to see how the year should begin and end, but not often do people anticipate or create an alternative for the detours that may come about. We often believe that the year will simply come and go with no contradiction to our plan.

 Yes, for some, it is as planned: making more money, having new babies, traveling to Europe, or buying a new house. Unfortunately, for many, it was a pink slip from a 15 years+ employment with a company, it was a house or business foreclosure, or it was a farewell to a close family member or friend.

Despite of how the year may be played or may have played us, there is something about human resilience that keeps pushing us through to another year. Although we may not know what the next year will bring, those of us who like to make plans will still write them down and expect they will come to completion. Even those of us who had been burnt out by the misadventures of this year, though doubtful that the pain or the anger will go away, will still manage to hope for a brighter new year.  

Therefore, as the year 2012 is coming to an end, I wish that all of us will continue to aim higher and dream bigger. As the Psalmist encourages us in these words: “Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning” Psalm 30:5. This year may have disappointed, but next year will definitely have many sweet surprises.

© December 28, 2012 Natacha Michel

Unknown

If I would die right now, and should leave all behind

What would I have not done, grieving my soul to find?

When the sentence would come forth,

And no one to stand by, not even one to support.

I would have liked that my goodbyes had ended right

With my loves ones I had seen much delight.

If I would die right now, and should face the Master

I would have liked to live as God wanted me to be

Than pretending to love with a heart absentee.

I would have liked to bid better farewells

And wholeheartedly sought to do well.

If I should die right now, should my eyes fall fast asleep.

I would have liked that my soul look not into the deep.  

So while I am yet still awake, I would cling near

In his truth than to live in wonder and die in fear

© December2012 Natacha Michel

Got Talent?

One of my friends, an accountant at a company, is the best “crocheter” I know. She makes the most amazing quilted items for all sorts of occasions. She enjoys and can do all kinds of designs for her family, her friends, and even shares some of her works with her colleagues. Seriously but with tease, I often plant the seed that she should open her own boutique and make some money out of her gift, but she always denies the idea and resents the thought that her “talent” could become her ticket to a more prosperous life. Don’t get me wrong, she is a great accountant, very detailed oriented and good with numbers, but she has a glow about her when she is talking about and showing off her stitches.

Yesterday, my daughter and I watched “Tinker Bell” on our movie night. As much as I’d like to deny it, I have my moments with the fairy tales stories; there is something about them that takes one to the land far far away. Aside my sentiment, the movie was about one’s talent. Tinker Bell was created with the gift to make and repair things, but as she learned that only nature-talent fairies can go to mainland for spring, she thought that her “gift” was too menial and desired to become like one of the other fairies. She tried in vain to create dewdrops with Silvermist, teach a bird how to fly, or light fireflies with iridessa, but no matter what she tried, she failed at it. She wanted to go so bad to the mainland that she was willing to become anything else but who she was to achieve her goal. At the end of the movie, she had to exercise her gift to save the Pixie Hollow from peril, which helped her understand that all fairies had a particular job to do and every talent was essential to whom it is given.

Few of us understand and use our talent freely and satisfactorily; but many of us still try to fill in other’s talent to make it our own, denying our true purpose. We believe that whatever it is, in spite of how we feel or regardless of what people say to us, it cannot be it, it is a mistake, it is ridiculous. We feel that we should be something other than; a singer instead of a painter, a writer instead of a negotiator... Consequently, we will realize that no matter what we try, we can only experience frustration, resistance, and sadness until we accept our talent as what it is and be free to be, to enjoy, and to serve.

©2012 Natacha Michel

“Your Small Cup Can Make a Big Difference”

When my husband comes home from work, if I am not there yet, he would wait for me to cook dinner so we can eat together. Sometimes, if he is hungry, he would take out some leftover food from the fridge and ate just enough to satisfy his hunger while he is waiting. However, I noticed on some occasions he would put the dish back in the ice box with an amount that one can fairly label as “baby snack” teased. Of course, I grumbled and believed that his slicked action could simply mean that he was avoiding washing the dish and getting his well groomed nails damaged --- until one day.

A couple days ago I was extremely cold at work I decided to have a nice cup of tea. I picked up a medium size foam cup, dropped two spoons of sugar, selected my favorite tea flavor, and mixed with some hot water. I was about to get rid of the tea bag package when I noticed a note in it that said “Your Small Cup Can Make a Big Difference”. It darned on me.

One day I came home from work very hungry. I needed something to eat before I started to cook dinner. So I opened the fridge to get something and you guess it, I found my husband’s spoonful, baby’s snack teased waiting for me. This time it looked anything but a teased and I definitely did not grumble; it was just the perfect size that satisfied my need. His Small “baby snack teased leftover” did Make a Difference.

In life, we never know when we are going to brighten someone’s day or change the world. Something that we may think is an annoyance may become later the very saving grace. Therefore, before we stop doing because we think it means nothing, think again and do it wholeheartedly; because we never know when our SMALL will affect in a BIG way.

©2012 Natacha Michel

What is Missing?

Every day we wake up eager to repeat our yesterday’s chores, our daily routines.

It does not occur to us that may be the end of a repetitious non-sense.

We are so caught up that we do not get to see each other growing old, our children once babies now graduating schools or getting married.

We are so caught up that we missed a smile or a sadden face.

We are so caught up that we missed a worried expression or a joyful noise.

We are so caught up that we do not realize we are all alone, everyone has already gone.

Every day we wake up with buried anxieties; pay bills, don’t miss the bus, win contests, meet jobs expectations.

We are so caught up with our routines, it would seem senseless to steal a sweet kiss, hug our babies, call a friend to say hello, or have a relaxing lunch with a lover.

But when the noise stops, the laughter ceases, and the touches vanish

When a face is no longer present, a familiar voice not heard, or a popular name is almost forgotten

For a short moment we close our eyes pondering on the “what ifs” and open them only to return to our repetitious non-sense - yet again.

 ©2012 Natacha Michel

A Little Prayer

Psalm 9:9 The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Our prayers are with the families of Sandy Hook Elementary School.

 “God will not be absent when His people are on trial; he will stand in court as their advocate, to plead on their behalf.”

Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Unless YOU Care

“Unless someone like YOU cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – Dr. Seuss.

Some of my most valuable lessons are usually learned through children’s shows. My daughter and I have this understanding that she can watch television only on the weekends during school season. So it’s always a delight to see her counting the days anticipating Friday to come so she can watch her latest TV shows; ‘Tom and Jerry’, ‘Gaspard and Lisa’, or ‘Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.’  However, since she was the spotlight winner in her class this month, I decided to treat her to a movie, so we watched ‘Dr. Seuss the Lorax.’ It’s about a twelve-year-old boy who took desperate measures to find a real live Truffula tree for a girl who signaled that anyone who can find such a tree she would kiss and marry him. In his search he learned about the story of the creature who speaks for the trees called Lorax. The movie was really entertaining and had meaningful moments that made you think.  At the end of the movie, this quote came on: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – Dr. Seuss. Think about it, it’s true?

How many times have we heard someone say “I don’t care” about a situation or someone? Or a person said it’s not for me to do, it’s for someone else. There is a Haitian proverb that says "Lè kabrit gen twòp mèt, li mouri nan solèy." Meaning “When a goat has too many masters (owners), it dies in the sun.”

Making a difference is not waiting for others to become too exhausted to lend our hand. Making a difference is doing our part even when no else is involved. We should wake up every day expressing our gratitude through caring and blessings; this is a reflection of light. In the movie, the little boy went to look for the Truffula tree so he could kiss the girl of his dream but he discovered something even more special than that, the tree had not affected only the girl’s longing for a real tree but also the whole community that had been living all these years with plastic trees. When we care a whole awful lot, life simply gets better.

 ©2012 Natacha Michel

An Important Ingredient

Last week I went to a couple’s event. Given that I went without my husband, I sat in the back, which provided a great view to make some observations about all the couples who were present. I noticed one couple sat cozily in the arms of each other on the second row, the husband’s arm was around his wife’s shoulder, and the wife’s hand on her husband’s lap listened attentively to everything that was said. They laugh at every joke, and from time to time shared intimate look with each other. Further back on the fifth row sat another couple who seemed to have an invisible person between them, that’s how far apart they were sitting. They were so serious and rigid in their look almost to the point of sadness. They looked as if the event was their last effort to rekindle whatever that was left between them. They listened with a different kind of attentiveness, barely looked at each other, and not even shared a quick smile. As I scanned through the room looking at different couples, their reactions and body languages, it saddens me to see such a difference in “love” expression.

 All of us who are in a serious relationship can remember the first time we met the “one”. Each of us could describe the clothes, the food, the place, or whatever that created an impact during that time and made that moment so special. However, it seems as time goes on, each of us experiences different setbacks that either slow down the train or drive it too rapidly. For some of us, we do not even remember what happened; we simply become the couple with the invisible third party sitting in the middle.

Everyone seems to have a recipe to maintain a relationship: communication, laughter, honesty, truth, money… to name a few. But no matter what the recipe may be, one should remember the ingredients that made it work in the first place. So I was thinking about the couples at my event. What made them different from each other? Sure the hardship of life can play a major role in our relationship, but could it be that one couple simply keeps their recipe going as a tradition and not the other?

When we are in a relationship, we pledge something to each other. I believe what makes us different from others is the grateful heart attitude. It is not that we do not endure hardship, or that we do not want to call it quit at some point, or that we do not become tired, but to be grateful toward each other can overcome many mountains and chase away the invisible person sitting in the middle.

©2012 Natacha Michel

Are you Content with Less?

The purpose of Nature is the advancement and unfoldment of life; and every man should have all that can contribute to the power; elegance, beauty, and richness of life; to be content with less is sinful.
 Wallace D. Wattles

My husband showed me this quote the other day from a book he has been reading. When I read it, of course I thought how powerful the sentences were and thanked him for the shared knowledge. However, after he left the room to continue his reading, I began to meditate on these words: “to be content with less is sinful.”

Like a popcorn machine, my mind got heated with so many questions popping out everywhere: What does that even mean? Why would anyone be content with less in the first place? These two words do not have their place together. Because according to Merriam-Webster dictionary, to be content means to be “in a state of peaceful happiness,” and less means to have “a smaller amount of.” Therefore, I imagined that for many people, the thought to be in a state of peaceful happiness with a small amount of anything is ludicrous and definitely sinful.

As human beings, we always want more; it is in our nature to seek higher grounds than where we are. God wants us to possess “all that can contribute to the power; elegance, beauty, and richness of life”. Deuteronomy 8:18 says “You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” We should never accept less in our life and certainly never be content with it, but we ought to be grateful with what we have.

To say all that, no matter where we are in life, we should always strive to aim higher. When we defy ourselves to become stronger and better all the time we remain in the game of life. When we stop moving, when we stop aiming, when we stop wanting, we reach our end and become content with less.

©2012 Natacha Michel

That One Thing

This morning I got up feeling blah. I just wanted to crawl back to bed and cuddled myself back to sleep. I imagined how the whole day will play out. All the traffic lights will turn red, the traffic will be just as a mess, and I would be late for my meetings. I thought about the clients unsatisfied with a presentation that took me weeks to prepare and my bosses conspiring with each other to promote someone else before me. I envisioned coming home from work, there will be no parking space available then I would have to drive all the way down the street to park with the risk of getting the car smashed either by other cars or by vandalism.  Then, I thought about when I will fix dinner tonight only half way I would realize that I am out of the most important ingredient for the meal – there goes my dinner.

 I really got up thinking I am not going to smell the roses today. Annoyingly, I got up anyway. However, before I left the house, I took the garbage out just for the heck of it. To my surprise, I noticed the most astounding, remarkable picture that totally blew me away and changed my perspective and my attitude toward the day and everything else in life. Because of the cold weather, my garden has become a derisory place, but right in the midst of my scandalous view, stood one blooming red marigold. It hit me!

Needless to say, my day turned out to be a great day. I realized that not everything in life would be bloomy and rosy all the time. We may not feel up to anything on some days, but as long as there is spark or breath, we will find hope to live, to laugh, and to enjoy every moment of our day and be grateful. So today, I challenge you, no, I dare you to find one thing that you are surprised about in a good way and make it the focus that keeps you going.  

© 2012 by N.Michel/Bellflower's Moment

Cover me

My heart beats with agony

No one finds sympathy

I look and cry holy

Echo replies in folly

I whisper your name timidly

Abbah! I said desperately

I hear you say: “fear not, I am with thee”

I bow down on my knees, my heart repenting

With my eyes closed I feel a fresh anointing

You whisper: “I’ll always be there, don’t worry

My word suffices, just obey

I have made you with special clay

I’ll be always by your side

Even when the road seems far and tight

Praise me and love me

I promise eternity!”

© 1998 by N.Michel/Bellflower's Moment

Are You A Perfect Match?

One of my favorite past time games is playing jigsaw puzzle. There is something about putting broken pieces together only to reveal a mystery picture at the end. However, the secret to this game is patience and perseverance; Patience to find matching pieces and perseverance to complete the puzzle. This game can be as frustrating as time consuming. Any piece that fits incorrectly would distort the picture, but when the pieces are all put together, it becomes a satisfying work of art.

Finding a good friend is like a jigsaw puzzle. Many of us have found people to whom we can confide, tell our secrets, work well together, or simply we can relate to on the same interests. However, some of us cannot say the same, because, developing any type of friendship/relationship requires more than a couple of sweats. We simply miss the connection. In a jigsaw puzzle, every piece contains different sides; each side is designed to meet and fit a particular piece that will help revealed the intended picture.

We can become and maintain a true friendship/relationship only if we are connected to the right person. In order words, we need to become a good fit or match. Forcing a connection with another person usually creates a sour heart and a heavy spirit between the two people. When we do not find our "other piece" and try to plug into another alternative, our picture becomes distorted and confused.

On the other hand, a perfect connection brings the right balance. If you are in a friendship/relationship and find yourself creating momentum to keep the relationship going, or the next time you meet someone new, who desires to become a friend, evaluate the puzzle and ask yourself: "am I the right side for that person?"

© 2012 by N.Michel/Bellflower’s Moment

The Lady at The Well

She walked there every day to fetch water

For her family, her friends, even for others

A place of refuge, she called it sometimes

A way of escape from the misery of time

Life at home was a pitiful crate

Children were starving and a husband out of shape

So the well was her place to flee

But for those passing by she was a center of irony

Through her sad face, she cracked up a smile

But her wrinkles and skeleton figure gave away her mile

Oh if only death could come sooner and eased up her pain

But something kept her going with a sense of gain

She sat a the well waiting for her next teaser

Death constantly remained her faithful keeper

It was almost dawn

And she had to return home

Not enough money to compensate the raging hour

For she would have wanted to bring at least some flour

She hated her life even more

It was the weekend and her children would sleep hungry once more

Her mind exploded with remorseless words

Her children are more deserving than birds

Tears gushed out with frustration and dispossession

Pain and anger in harmony filled with desperation

It was time to go

With nothing to show

Her last customer “another shame” she said

He came with a smile, calming her dread

As she poured water with hidden face

He was imposed and would not gave her space

He drew closer and held her shaking hands

This time she looked through his eyes and saw change

Lost for words she was pleased

As he made her feel finally at eased

She didn’t share a thought with him but he knew everything

Hesitantly she smiled as she grabs hold to a new beginning

He had seen this path before

Many, he knew, had fallen at the same shore

She cried, only this time it was pure joy

Unable to retain herself, she knelt at his feet in implore

“My grace is sufficient” he whispered in her ears

She was perplexed and let go of her fears

Many years she worked at the well

For the first time she believed all was well

A real smile in her face

She said: “the lady at the well had found grace”

Her life, no longer the same

Had met the man who carried everyone’s shame

© November 27, 2012 by N. Michel/Bellflower’s Moment

What Are You Grateful For Today?

As I rushed to get up from the bed noticing that it was almost 7:00 a.m., I realized that my morning has not begun as I anticipated. I had only a few minutes to take a shower, prepare breakfast and lunch, and get my daughter ready for school. For a quick moment, I took a deep breath and gathered my thought process with the slow energy I had to figure out the most effective way to get everything done within 45 minutes. So I stepped in the bathroom, took my quick shower and brushed my teeth at the same time. I put on my work clothes and wore my robe over to carry on with the next chores. I went downstairs in the kitchen, placed the prepared lunch in the microwave while chopping the vegetables for a savory omelet with toasted bread. Meanwhile, I prepared my daughter’s school bag, combed my hair and put on some make-up. After I was finished with lunch bags ready, breakfast cooked, I went upstairs to get my daughter ready. She took about 10 minutes to be fully awake, but after she gained her senses it was easy to get her going. Once we were done, I looked at the time and we had exactly five minutes to leave the house to get her to school without a tardy note hanging over our head. We said goodbye to my husband and wished each other well for the remaining of the day. That’s when it hit me.

What if I had woken up with a migraine? What if leaving the house just barely five minutes before school begins, I had a flat tire? What if the road was blocked for whatever reason and I had to make a detour? Although I know I should not ponder upon “what ifs” and my mentioned setbacks are nothing compare to what could have happened really, but I became aware that a day is a "gift". It is not promised that everything will go smoothly according to my plan – I wish it was. It is not promised that we will sleep and wake up to see daylight, many can testify. I am glad that I had time to accomplish all my chores this morning without any obstacles or bad news. However, it could have turned out unsuccessfully.

So to say all that, even through the “rush hours” of our lives we should stop for a few second to count our blessings and expressed our gratitude. We should remind ourselves constantly that our days are numbered and our time is simply too precious to waste it on menial things. So be grateful that it did not turn out the wrong way for you today. What are you grateful for today?

© November 26, 2012 by N. Michel/Bellflower’s Moment

How Are You Doing?

Here you are in the midst of an important presentation at work, going to pick up your kids from school, or reading a mystery novel and suddenly a name or a face of a relative/friend just pop up in your mind. Where did it come from? You may ask. Not that you haven’t thought about this person, but not right at this moment. However, subconsciously, a sudden urges to hear this person’s voice cease you from your activity and wonder what this person is up to.

My mother used to tell me whenever someone comes to mind, it is God’s whispering in our spirit that someone is in urgent need. Either this person is in trouble, or he or she needs to talk. In my experience, most of the time, when I have this “urge”, I would pray and call that person. The response is almost constant – I always called at the right time.

I learned that my submission to the ‘small voice’ pushing me to check on someone is not as important to me as it is for the receiver. From experience, I learn to understand that it is not significant for me to know what to say or what to do when I call a person that was on my mind. It is important for me to listen and wait for what that person’s need of a second “spirit” to agree upon. The effect of “If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you” in Matthew 18:19 really works.

So you may ask what you can do aside from calling. I am glad you ask. When you call a person you were just thinking about, how has he or she reacted? Has he or she felt glad you call or maybe said something like “I was just thinking about you too?” So the next time you have a sudden urge to talk to someone, remember this:

• Prepare yourself to be quiet and not be quick to ask all sorts of questions. 
• Remind yourself, this it is not a typical “checking up on you” kind of business. 
• Inquire God’s wisdom; keep your ears open and your heart ready to allow this person to be humble. 
• Your part may come in various methods; you may be the financial provider/advisor, a caring shoulder, a praying partner, or simply a set of ears. 

In order words, you may be the one to stop someone from doing a very stupid thing, or help him or her to do an amazing thing. Either way, you will be part of an extraordinary moment.

This “urge” does not come often. Therefore, when it is your turn, be grateful that you are chosen for such a time to be a brother, a sister, a mother, a friend, or just a (…..). The next time you are suddenly thinking about someone, don’t ignore it – Give this person a call and see what’s up!

© November 25, 2012 by N. Michel/Bellflower’s Moment

Are you A Loner?

When was the last time you felt lonely? According to Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary loneliness defines as ‘being one without companion or one not frequented by human beings.’ Although the latter may seem a little defiant, one can measure the “state of loneliness” by pondering upon a few things. Can you count how many true friends you have? Can you truly say how many people would pull through for you in time of need? When in trouble, are you surrounded by people who love and seek to help you or are you looking at the corners of your walls wondering which way to go?

To be lonely does not necessarily mean that one is unfriendly or unkind. It does not necessarily mean that one is unpopular nor has anything to offer to people. Au contraire, a lonely person can possess the same quality of living a fruitful and harmonious life as one who is the friendliest; when he or she accepts the state of mind for which he or she is - a born loner. It is when we fight against that concept and adopt a robotic facilitator to represent our “person” that it becomes a tug of war. Consequently, when this “person” does not fulfill the demand of what we desire it to be, we feel rejected, “lonely”, and desperate.  

However, many of us refuse to resign in the “lonely” world. We desire to be “frequented by human beings” as stated in the dictionary. Loneliness is not such a bad thing if we:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·        <!--[endif]-->Accept who we are – accepting our state of being will bring contentment

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·        <!--[endif]-->Reject who we are not – We should try to remain true to ourselves and decline what others portray us to be.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·        <!--[endif]-->Embrace who we are – If you are not an initiator, don’t pretend to be. If you are not a front row person, it is okay to sit in the back.

 Loneliness provides many opportunities for one to seek gratitude and find strength in areas, which are lacking. In a time of loneliness, it may be that God is seeking our attention straying others from us only to reconnect him with us. So, when we find ourselves in that state of mind, we should not become distraught but we should try to pay closer attention and prepare for the change that may come. After all, we may find ourselves that we are not one “without companion.”

 © November 20, 2012 by N. Michel/Bellflower’s Moment

Happy Thanksgiving!

What better time to express gratitude than Thanksgiving Day? Although Thanksgiving is celebrated in November in America, one would agree that every day ought to inspire gratitude in our life. Gratitude is the expression of showing appreciation for something received and the quality to reciprocate the same kindness.

We should all have something to be grateful for, unless we fall in the selfish throne of forgetfulness. Simply by opening our eyes on a new day shows that we are allowed to see a glimpse of what we could have missed had the dark knight claimed our soul.

Every day, my five year old comes rushing to wake me up at what I would call a disturbing hour because she is so excited to go to school. Although my first reaction is to place a pillow over my head and wish it was a dream,  her bright smile shinning through the dark and her little fingers tickling my side ready to embrace the adventures of a day that has yet begun prompts me to rise up and forces me to share the same enthusiasm. However, I am forever grateful that I can see her face again for one more day. 

On the other hand, sometimes it is hard to regard any form of appreciation when our life does not turn out as expected or as planned; becoming jobless, losing one’s home, unable to conceive, curse with a sickness, or enduring some kind of hardship can quite put a burden that enables one to see the brighter side of the day. However, when we hear about or see the detriments of others, the glimpse of hope soothes our spirit and helps us realize that our life is so far better and not even more deserving than others. In other words, one can exercise a grateful heart and become more appreciative to return kindness by simply looking through to the eyes of another.

As Thanksgiving is approaching, let us seek to be thankful for everyday and every moment. I am grateful for right now.

What are you grateful for?

© 2012 by N. Michel/Bellflower's Moment