" 750th Blog with Best Wishes and Appreciation"----------- by Susan Pearl

HOO-RAY!! !HOO-RAY!!! HOO-RAY!!!
My "750th blog"  is being published today!!!
Right here---Right now!!!!
WOW!!!  WOW!!!  and  WOW!!!
What Do I Want To SAY?

I am going to take a holiday break from writing my blog
   and I would like to share a Christmas thought, so here goes....

My childhood times at Christmas have come and gone.
My children growing up at Christmas have come and gone.
My grandchildren being little and having Christmas toys have changed
   as the youngest grandchild is twelve years old and interested in archery,
My Christmas with some friends and some loved ones have come and gone
   for they are no longer here,

But the meaning of the Faith, the Hope and the Love of Christmas has not changed
   with the joy that there will be peace on earth
   and goodwill to all people.

"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year"

With my Very Best Wishes and Appreciation,
Susan Pearl

I hope to blog again in mid January, 2018...
   until then please read some of the 750 blogs I have already written.
Let us continue to encourage one another by Faith, having Hope and with great Love.

Thank You

"Give Yourself Time" by Susan Pearl

Lots and lots of changes
  "taking" place,
Making a need of "giving" yourself time
   for the peace of an acceptance grace,
 
Faith, Hope and Love
   are strong
   and they will remain during, through and after
   any changes that have come and gone.

For Faith, Hope and Love
   are stronger than anything else so they will remain-
   long after all of the changes that come and go-
   Faith, Hope and Love solidly stand through to be relied upon,
      as they have in the past, they are now
      and they will be there to assist and go far beyond-
      whatever changes are to come,

And as these changes "take" place,
"Give yourself time" for the peace of an acceptance grace,
It is there to find,
"Give yourself time",
   for the peace of an acceptance grace-
"Give yourself time".

"Repeated Blessings" by Susan Pearl

If I missed the smell of the clover
  because, before I knew it- it was over,
I have to remember that
   a fragrance so divine-
   will repeat itself with time.
And isn't it a wonderful thought to know-
   that such blessings will repeatedly come and go?

"Cheerful Encouragement" by Susan Pearl

"C"  Contentment and
"H"  Heartfelt appreciation in knowing
"E"  Every moment of
"E"  Each day
"R"  Rests in God's loving care and by
"F"  Faith, with an
"U"  Unending hope and with great
"L"  Love remain strong to go on-
           with an encouragement no matter how long.

" Mindset " by Susan Pearl

The past should not last-
   that is why it is called "the past".

The more away from the past my thoughts get,
   the more into today my mind can fit.

It is called a mindset,
  so let me set my mind on "today"
  and live in each moment
  before it slips away
  not ever to be gotten back.

Reliving the past doesn't bring it back,
   it only misses the moments of today
   and that is a lot to take away.

" Highs and Lows " by Susan Pearl

Highs and Lows--Highs and Lows--Highs and Lows--
That's the way life goes.
The higher the highs the lower the lows,
  that's the way it goes,
 Why? Who really knows?
But, for me, the best way
  is to stay-
  in between the two extremes-
  or so it seems.
Because when it is all said and done.
Anything can be under or over done.

"Wendle the Whittler" by Susan Pearl

Wendel whistled while he whittled
He whistled away why he whittled like he didn't have care in the world,
   and, maybe he didn't.
For he could see or envision something in the block of wood as he widdled-
"Something" he knew that an ordinary piece of wood could become
   in the talent of his hands,
 Applying his talent with his time could bring it to be
   what only inside his mind he could see-
   and so he whittled away while he whistled,
   totally focused as his vision began to appear
   and become what he knew it could be
   something wonderful that only Wendel could see.
Even during the process he knew exactly what to do,
Until the spectacular finished carving came into view.

"Calmness Brings Accurate Reflection" by Susan Pearl

Whenever I take a moment of pause, a quiet time, a moment for reflection-
   especially during a time of illness-
I have learned that I should be in a calm state of mind,
Because having and seeing a reflective moment is like looking into a mirrored pool of water,
 the reflection can only look accurate and when the water is calm,
If there is any turmoil or turbulence or ripples
  the reflection will be distorted.
Even though my surrounding may be turbulent I can be calm and reflect within myself-
and be at peace.
It is an internal refection of being at peace with one's self and having peace of mind,
   trusting that no matter what--no matter which way---it is going to be o-kay---
It is this trust that brings a reflective calmness and a perspective that is clear
   and can be seen with great clarity and depth.

" Fantasy Until Proven Reality " by Susan Pearl

They say, "All that glitters is not gold".
I say that "Something shiny in the rough isn't always a diamond",
                "Don't run in barefoot,
                     it could be a piece of broken glass."
Be cautious and take precautions
        until things prove what they will be,
So until it is shown to be reality consider it a fantasy.

" By the Lake " by Susan Pearl

Moonbeams shining off of the water--
   such a sight on a beautiful night.

Followed by daybreak
   and then bright sunlight
   reflecting off of the water in a different way
   but still showing
   the beautiful night has led into a beautiful day.

" Release " by Susan Pearl

Being "caught" is a form of entrapment--

Release from "being caught" can be swift,
Like a complete disconnect from what is holding us.

OR:

Piece, by piece, by piece,
   will come release.
Step, by step, by step,
   promises are kept.

It takes time
   and it takes grace
   for the new perspectives
   of acceptance and forgiveness
   to come and be in place.

It is to our best interest to work towards such a release.
It is to our own best interest to be at peace.

"Summer Blog Break" by Susan Pearl

Hello---I will be taking a summer break from writing my "Pearls Take Time" blog.  I hope to be writing my blog again in early Autumn.  There are a lot of past blogs that I encourage my readers to read during this time.
Thank You.

Best Wishes.
Susan Pearl

" A New Thought " by Susan Pearl

I learned something new and would like to share it.
It may not be new to others but the way it was worded made me see something in a new way.

A person was very frustrated at the job and workplace pressures to the point of getting angry.
The anger and frustration were showing.
A wise work advisor counseled the frustrated person saying,
   "I think your constant frustration and anger is a sign that you may be in over your head.
      Not everyone is cut out to do what you are trying to do and I think it is not for you because
         I think your frustration is showing you that it is not for you, too.
     We have to be honest with each other and honest with ourselves."

So I think it is not "failing" if a person decides to "stop" pursuing an effort
   that is constantly frustrating to the person to the point of becoming angry.
In fact, I think it is be a "winning" decision to be in harmony with our individual design
   and talents.
We need the "big wheelers" and we need those who plant the potatoes and send them on to the "peelers".
Whether we are sweeping a floor or having an encore---
  take pride in what we do and it will be rewarding to us, too.

" The Revisit Visit " by Susan Pearl

We met for an afternoon visit,
We revisited the past events we had shared many years ago
   and some were happy to recall and some were sad to remember.
So, we spent the afternoon revisiting and not visiting about the present day-
Along with the walk down memory lane were things I had done when I was young,
These memories brought embarrassment and pubic humiliation-
   and as others laughed at me----it was not fun.
Now, how I wish we had visited and not revisited the past the whole afternoon away.
I think we missed an opportunity so know each other in the "now" of today---
   maybe we can visit again soon with something new to say.
If not I'll have to just let it go and think there was really nothing new to know,
   and public humiliation is not for me because I am not the same person I used to be.
I have worked very hard and made countless efforts in behalf for the good of all-
There is a lot more of my life to recall-
-and to put me through an afternoon of public embarrassment-
   Let's just say that I have better things to do-
So now when I notice someone being teased about the past,
I make an effort to direct the conversation to the good the person has done-
   because I know public embarrassment is not fun.

" Duck Recognition Importance " by Susan Pearl

If we do not recognize when something
       walks like a duck,
       looks like a duck and
      quacks like a duck,
 that it actually is a duck-  
    then---- we may become a "sitting duck",
    and not begin to know how to get our ducks in a row.

So duck recognition is important
   for us to have an awareness of ourselves and for our surroundings, too,
   giving indications on what is best for us to do.

It is best not to be judgmental but to be respectful of differences and diversity
  but at the same time to keep in mind--
It should be a two way street for things to go fine.

" Being Resourceful with Using Resources " by Susan Pearl

If I wear a wide brim hat and carry my own umbrella and wear sunscreen I am being resourceful about having sun protection.

Sunshine is a good thing, but, too much of a good thing is not so good.
Some resources for protection from the sun takes forethought,
   however, there can be natural resources along the way each day.

A natural resource for protection from the sun is a big shade tree-
  so I can actually be in a shadow in the midst of sunshine.  
  To stay in the shade of a tree can be a nice way to spend a leisurely day.

But maybe I have things to do outside in the sun and need to move about more,
So by leaving the natural resource for sun protection --- the shade provided by the tree,
I have to be resourceful.

Throughout life there are natural resources available-
 (sometimes unexpected---- to find them and use them as needed)
Also, there are times for being resourceful-
 (sometimes spontaneous and unexpected----sometimes with forethought and expectation)

When ingenuity and resourcefulness meet to fill a need that is beneficial for all,
    usually an answer for good will be found.

"One Step More" by Susan Pearl

A lady had gone through a very difficult time.
A young man commented to her that he knew it must have been hard.
The lady answered him by saying,
    "There have been times in my life that were not easy,
    but I did know kindness along the way."

To know kindness can make such a difference in our lives and in the lives of others.
Kindness brings encouragement for the courage to go that one step more.
And kindness gives hope that things will get better in a different way then before.
  

" Time and Time Again " by Susan Pearl

It just made sense to him,
     to be outdoors-----partners with nature,
     having a vacation escape each year by hiking in a rugged wilderness land,
    and being held captive by it all being so amazingly grand.
It just made sense to him.

There was something there in the great outdoors
   that no where else held for him-
He was drawn to its beauty and drawn to its charms
   and the majesty that awaited him
  was like a love awaiting for him with wide open arms
  for him to embrace time and time again.

Each time was like a reunion with a tireless and faithful friend,
Calling him over and over to come back again,
Answering that call just made sense to him-
   to go where he wanted truly to be
   with the passion of so much beauty to see
   joined with peace and tranquility.

Best wishes to the outdoorsman and outdoorswoman,
   and the time they spend-
   reconnecting, renewing and refreshing themselves with nature,
   recapturing a small part of what can not ever be totally captured--
With each time like a reunion of seeing a tireless sight of a faithful friend...
   giving a vastness to be drawn on
   and moments to be reflected upon---
   for years to come---- time and time again.

" The Flow of Progress" by Susan Pearl

I go with the flow unless it is going down the drain,
So----Each day---
    I keep "plugging" away.

Yes, to keep plugging away, plugging away-
   to try and to try again to go forward- day after day,
By doing a positive, productive and creative part for a progressive flow
   where all of people's best efforts for good really do show.

And may this flow of progress of so many people's constructive efforts
    keep carrying us all towards the view-
    of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, too,

Positive, productive and creative efforts given each day
  by plugging away-
Will help to keep the negative and destructive things that drain---
  to be held at bay,
So the flow of progress will continue to go towards the very best,
  of ---- life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
  


,

" A Plan Within a Plan " by Susan Pearl

It is best to have a plan and work towards good.

"Knowing our limits" is a "plan within a plan"
    and it is an ongoing "plan within a plan" through life.

Certain limits are in place for certain amounts that won't change.
They are facts like twenty-four hours in any given day.
While other limits change with the passage of time and circumstance.
And respecting these limits give acceptance in knowing a present peaceful way.

No matter what our plan, having this "plan within a plan" is best to be included, too.
And this "knowing our limits" is ongoing our whole life through.
Sometimes it will give us pause to not take on more than we can do.
Others times we realize we have grown and a new way is what to pursue.

At any rate a "plan within a plan" of knowing our limits to whatever we do,
   will be an ongoing "plan within a plan" our whole life through.
It brings an awareness of where we are in time,
   and this truth gives an ongoing peace of mind. 

"Back Trail Views " by Susan Pearl

I know a hiker who enjoyed taking the back trails in his wilderness journeys,
He had earned lots of experience and knew the back trails were something he could do.

The hiker would say, "Sure the back trails are harder but the views are worth it."
And then the hiker would share the wondrous sights he had seen on the back trails
  and tell of some of the challenging efforts that having such wondrous sights had required.

Some people try for years and years to attain a goal.
They try over and over again and "trying" is what they know.
And when they reach their goal others will benefit, too.
Because they gladly share the beauty from a back trail view.

By hearing the stories that such a hiker has to tell,
Others are inspired to prepare for taking their own back trail,
And once the dream has started the journey has begun. too.
For the back trail journey that will show that amazing view,
   that is ongoing and stays exuberantly new.


WHEN HELD CAPTIVE BY A REFLECTION OF NATURE'S PEACE,
              OUR SPIRIT SOARS FREE AND KNOWS RELEASE.


I don't know how---
  but, to me,  this writings expresses-
  the awesomeness of the very moment of being in the "NOW".

"Turning a Chore into Fun" by Susan Pearl

I remember a lovely older lady telling me about how things were when she and her husband were young.
She said she remembered "Saturday" was house cleaning day each week.
She would put a paste wax on the living room floor but buffing it wasn't a chore,
Because that evening she and her husband had a lot of fun,
  by dancing to the Lawrence Welk Show in their stocking feet,
They got to have wonderful time and they got a beautiful shine on their living room floor.
It was a "win-win-win",
   The "win" of having fun by dancing,
   the "win" of shining the floor
   and the "win" of her smile as she told how happy and special it had been.
Then I thought it was another "win" by her sharing such a enjoyable memory with me.
And, maybe, more wins are yet to come by others having a smile when they read about
   turning a chore into having fun.

" Weigh and Way " By Susan Pearl

Whenever I have thoughts that "weigh" heavy on my mind,
I remember a dear person's words to me---
"You are making "way" too much out of this".
Nine times out of ten this wise counsel given to me is so true,
And like a guiding light I know exactly what I need to do.
The direction I should go,
An encouraging "way" will show,
Bringing the insight and understanding that I had hoped to know.

"Wants and Needs Coming Together " by Susan Pearl

Sometimes what we want is not what we need.
Sometimes what we need is not what we want.

But in one situation what we want is exactly what we need.
In the same situation what we need is exactly what we want.

We need peace within, we need to be at peace, we need to be at peace.
We want peace within, we want to be at peace, we want to be at peace.

So, if ever we ask ourselves,
     "What do I want or what do I need"?
Let us remember we need peace and we want peace.

All our wants and needs are met by having peace.

"Goals upon Goals" by Susan Pearl

Many goals have been met,
But there are more goals that haven't come to light yet.

So new goals keep coming and show what needs to be done,
Reaching each goal prepares us for the next one,
     and on and on.

Goals upon goals do add up over time,
Making us achieve more qualities of what is hard to find,
Goals of maintaining,
Goals of improvement,
Goals of choices and support systems for quality of life,
  and a list for goals of trying something new,
Living goals upon goals is living a life of trying to attain the best that we can do.
It can become a way of life if we want it to.

"Guarding While Embracing Peace" by Susan Pearl

Peace keeps us centered on what is true.
With peace we will see the things,
That show us what to do or what not to do,

We embrace this peace like a loved one,---holding it, oh, so close---never wanting to part,
Yet while we embrace peace we vigilantly are guarding our heart,
Because, by being faithful and true,
    with what we say and do
     we are embracing what is near and dear to us, too.

" Losses and Gains " by Susan Pearl

Time is moving us on,
Time brings change,
Some changes are losses,
Some changes are gains,
But through it all-
   Faith, Hope and Love will remain.

Faith, Hope and Love "have" been there,
Faith, Hope and Love "are" being there,
Faith, Hope and Love "will" be there-
   all in a special way,
   leading us through to a brighter day.

Generations have known,
   the peace that Faith, Hope and Love have shown.
For it is with time and grace
   we learn to live with all the changes taking place.

Through changes of losses,
Through changes of gains,
Faith, Hope and Love will remain the same.

" Lies and Rats " by Susan Pearl

Lies are like rats.
When you see or find one---
   there usually are thirty more hiding.

" Where, oh, Where is Prudent " by Susan Pearl

Sometimes I wonder what has happened to a certain word or where it went,
    because we don't hear that word as much anymore.
One of these words is the word "Prudent".

Is it prudent to not use the word "prudent"?
I don't think so.
I think "prudent" is a wonderful word
   and it conveys so much in the seven letters it takes to write it,
   or the two syllables to say it.

Has the word "prudent" been tossed aside as being too old fashion to use it frequently
   in these modern times?
Does it sound too much like the word "prunes"?

Does using the word "prudent" outdate us-
   like when I say "mimeograph" instead of the word "copy"?

Some definitions for the word prudent are: good judgement,
   common sense, keen awareness, resourcefulness, farsightedness,
   forethought, caution, and several more definitions-

It truly is a wonderful word and I miss hearing it
   and using it, too.
Let's be prudent and use the word "prudent" more
   in our everyday conversations.

It just might be the prudent thing to do.

"Celebrate the Small Wins " by Susan Pearl

Each day we should celebrate the small wins.
They are there before our very eyes
   for us to recognize.

Life isn't about having one great big award-but really and truly,
   it is about the small wins that lead to such a moment if it is meant to be.
And if that one big award doesn't happen or come our way,
We did have a wonderful and great life by celebrating the small wins each day.

Recognizing the smalls wins
   brings and gives a thankfulness for them.

Living a thankful life is a great life indeed,
   knowing that the small wins are what we need to succeed.

By celebrating the small wins,
   and taking time to notice them,
We recognize the good they do
   and this brings a special happiness, too.

" Leadership Quality " by Susan Pearl

Irritations and frustrations can be parts of daily life,
Why it has to be like that?---I don't know.
But I do know that some of life's irritations can develop our character.
We learn to adapt and adjust and accept imperfections-
   even our own imperfections.
We learn to take things in stride,
We learn how to hang on for life's ride,
Not knowing which way things may go--yet we do know-
   we will be fine either way
   because we won't surrender our pride or character to the irritations of the day.
Our character will become stronger and built upon more and more-
   until, maybe, the irritations won't be so irritating like before.
And that may be,
   what some people call "maturity".
A maturity with a patience that has been developed to a very high degree,
A maturity of patience that has reached a leadership quality.

" Coming Full Circle " by Susan Pearl

"Coming Full Circle" is an expression used to express a moment in life
     that holds great understanding as to what and why that moment came to be.
    
There is a gifted insight to such a special moment
     that shows how it all finally makes sense
     and that it took everything that has been gone through
     to bring about what it has come to be.

Two components finally meeting---- a beginning that started the eventual ending,
and the ending that  forms another new beginning
Life goes forward in a new way
     that closes a chapter, turns a page and starts a new and better day.
    
Realizing incredible hopes coming true
     even more than ever dreamed of, too.
Efforts carried forward and beyond each wall
     are now showing the grand purpose of it all.

What was aspired to--- has been achieved,
The change has been made,  not ever to be the same---

The original concept may have been far too big for anyone to fully see
     what would someday be,
     but when it happens--- people recognize---
     that right before there eyes---
     things have come full circle.
They have been a part of something far bigger than any one person could be,
They have lived to see the time when coming full circle becomes a new reality.