I had the wonderful opportunity to speak at a ladies retreat with the April Showers Bring May Flowers theme. I shared my testimony and stories from my book Born Three Times. We talked about how the tough times in life (those April showers) make it possible to bloom like May flowers and bless other people in the process.
There are other things I like to celebrate in May besides the pretty weather. It will soon be seventeen years since I received my second chance at life when a healthy donor liver replaced the diseased liver in my body. It’s with mixed emotions I celebrate my life as I still reflect on the family who made the difficult decision to donate their loved ones liver in May of 1998. April is National Donate Life Month to encourage people to register to be organ donors and to tell their families about their decision. Please consider checking that box on your driver’s license. Currently, nearly 124,000 men, women and children are awaiting organ transplants in the United States.My blog anniversary is also in May. In 2012 I started my twice-monthly blog and can’t believe how quickly the months have flown by. This is my number 72 post. I’ve had 15,251 clicks to this date. People from countries all over the world have read what I have written. I want to keep on keeping on and am continually looking for new ideas. Your input is always appreciated.
Mother’s Day is fast approaching and it’s another reason to celebrate in May. My own mother has been gone for twenty-eight years and the older I get find myself imitating her in some of my ways. Being a mother to two adult sons and grandmother to five grandchildren continues to fill my life with challenges and blessings. As a step-mother to Charles’ two children and his grandchildren, my life has grown in ways I never imagined.
Celebrate those April showers and May flowers God has placed in your life and share those blessings with others.
“For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.”
Song of Solomon 2:11-12
Love hearing from you, Frieda. It keeps me a bit connected to life and beauty back in the USA. You are a rejoicing lady, always grateful for the life you have been given.
ReplyDeleteLove from Carleen
Beautifully written, Frieda! I love how you incorporated so many subjects into this blog and wove them into a fabulous celebration of life. God has blessed you and you bless your readers with His praise.
ReplyDeleteNice reflections on a pretty time of year. A season of renewal.
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful that you use your God given talent of writing to inspire others. Very nice blog.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful blog. Yes, we celebrate life. As mother's day approaches, I think we all reflect on those things our mothers taught us - love of home, family, country and all with a Christian upbringing. My mother has been gone 38 years, and what wouldn't I give to be able to talk to her.
ReplyDeleteAlso the reference you give from Solomon, was part of what I read during the wedding ceremony of my nephew a few years back. I still have my copy, folded, and I keep it in my Bible. May God continue to bless you. Betsy
Frieda, thank you for continuing to challenge us to celebrate all that God gives us, the April showers and the May flowers. You are a blessing and I am grateful that God chose to give you life, everlasting life and a new life and love.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading this whole blog. I so hope that a lot of people signed up to be organ donors. Out of tragedy for those who donate comes new life to others. I celebrate with you in more ways than one 17 yrs. of life after my transplant the same year. We miss our mother! I believe I understand a lot better how she felt at times. Keep up the great writing.
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