Confetti Effect
Palms in the Psalms
Palm trees physically reach upward and psalms do too — not physically but spiritually — expressing longing, gratitude and hope. So I’m thinking of it this way: palm trees are like nature’s psalms — silent, swaying expressions of reaching upward, weathering life’s storms, and standing as reminders of something steady, firm and enduring. ✨
God’s Will in the Winter Chill
This winter, you felt it — the freeze that came and left its mark on all our shrubs! Our usually lush, tropical paradise in our backyard (in Orlando) looks so sad. Vibrant pinwheel jasmine bushes looked torched and turned to shades of brown, our delicate palms drooped in surrender, and our beautiful butterfly garden no longer exists. It was shocking because once-thriving foliage appeared lifeless almost overnight. It was discouraging to look out my window to see something so full of life change so quickly.
The Traveling Good
Let’s go and do good while on vacation.
Traveling together with my family is one of my life’s most enriching experiences — new sights, new cultures, new memories and loads of laughs. But as I’ve gotten older and stronger in my faith, I have realized that too much of worldly things is not what gives me fulfillment. Getting my passport stamped, taking scenic photos and dining at fabulous restaurants is wonderful but there is something gratifying about traveling with purpose: doing good as you go.
….because of the wonderful things He does!
After watching the Wizard of Oz on tv countless times as a kid, attending the Broadway show Wicked, and recently watching the movie Wicked (Part 1) twice in theaters, something has moved me in a different way.
Let Your Light Shine
We have a choice each day. We can choose to make an impact. In this broken and dark world we can become a symbol of hope and goodness. Being there to intentionally help others is the best thing we can do as it reflects our heart and soul. I have listed a few of my Confetti Effects 🎉 and how they may help to elevate, inspire and ignite a spark to those around you.
Rhyme and Shine and Give God the Glory
Poem and photo by Kirsten Telan
Two sweet friends set out on a mission
to spread God’s love without any conditions.
So they gathered together on a beautiful day,
Suffering Restores Our Faith
Most of us would rather not experience the physical and mental pain that inevitably comes with suffering. But the fact we live in an imperfect world pretty much makes hard times a guarantee.
I Can Drive Fifty-Five!
I woke up on New Year’s Day with Sammy Hagar’s “I Can’t Drive 55” playing over and over again in my head. Why? I have no idea. I haven’t heard that iconic rock song in years but I sure did like it along with the MTV video that debuted in 1984.
Did you ever realize that God spelled backwards is Dog?
So what do dogs have to do with God?
Our beloved dogs teach us to understand God’s unconditional love. They are more than just our pets. They are our family. They are our friends. Their presence positively impacts our bodies, our minds, and our spirits. There are heartwarming correlations between God and dogs. They provide us with unconditional and endless love just like God. God is willing to forgive our flaws. God is attentive and He only asks for love in return. He couldn't be physically with us, so He created dogs
Give. Thanks.
A poem by Kirsten Telan
One thing I’ve learned is that a joyful heart,
leads to a thankful mindset and sets us apart.
God’s guidance will land you in the right place,
so trust in His tender mercies and bountiful grace.
Planting seeds of kindness
For those of us who embrace kindness as a lifestyle we may never ask “what’s in it for me?” We choose kindness not because it is going to benefit us, but because we feel like it’s the right thing to do.
A God Wink Is Good For The Soul
WordSense defines a God wink as the following: An event or personal experience, often identified as coincidence, so astonishing that it is seen as a sign of divine intervention, especially when perceived as the answer to a prayer.
The Good Fight
A battle rages on a field of matter,
White and grey will split and scatter,
Channels blocked a science find,
Who wins this battle within the mind.
Lives are lost as fear takes hold,
Silence a thief that can steal one’s soul,
The Choice is Yours
The most grateful people I’ve ever known, are the ones that have suffered silently and all alone.
We don’t have to like our circumstances so we choose to look for the unexpected gifts we don’t want to lose.
The hardest times bring the most profound growth, so we must learn to get out of our own head and take this oath.
Loneliness or Aloneness?
Who’s talkin’ bout my generation?
Loneliness: the state of being alone and feeling sad about it.
Aloneness: the state of being alone but feeling wonderful and in good company.
My Generation knows the difference.
The day we were asked to stay home
A Pandemic Poem by Kirsten Telan
Home sweet home
We have been thrust into your space
Even though we feel safe amongst your steadfast walls
We weren’t ready to be told we can’t leave this place.
Social distancing and quarantine
Two terms that were quickly added to our everyday vocab
This is a whole new Covid territory we are exploring
And finding out it began in a Chinese city called Wuhan in a biolab.
Silver Lining
Time…more time…making time…time is ticking away…tick tock…time with family, time with nature, time outdoors, time at home, time with pets, time to reflect, time to be present, time to be in the moment, time to exercise, time to find faith, time to read, time to write, time to focus, time to pause, and…time to hit the reset button.
The Cardinal on my Fencepost
The cardinal is symbolic of life, hope, and restoration. They are representative of a loved one who has passed away. When I see one, I truly believe it means they are visiting. I have found that they show up when I need them most or miss them.
I have researched the symbolism of red cardinals. As a result, I was blown away by the accuracy of how these gorgeous red birds appear in my life time and time again during periods of sorrow and celebration.
Out of Bounds
Stay in your own lane.
Boundaries create physical and emotional space between you and others. They show people how you want to be treated~what’s okay with you and what’s not. Boundaries help you prioritize your own well being, conserve your emotional energy, and give space to grow.