Autumn Snapshots

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Human's Yearning For Something

"Respond to your Children with LOVE 

in their worst moments, 

their broken moments,

their angry moments,

their selfish moments,

their loyalty moments,

their frustrated moments,

their inconvenient moments,

because it is in their most unlovable human 

moments that they most need to feel loved."

Anjali Jagtiani 

(Parenting Coach)

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Listen and Love

  

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Romans 15:2

“Each of us should please our neighbors  for their good, to build them up.”

“You cannot Love People without Listening to Them.”

Love begins with listening 

Every act of love is rooted in the simple yet profound choice to pay attention. When you truly listen, you signal to someone that their thoughts, feelings, and stories matter. This attentive presence forms the bedrock of trust, intimacy, and genuine connection.

Why Listening is Non-Negotiable?

Presence: Giving undivided focus shows you value the other person’s time and being.

Empathy: Through empathy you step into another’s world, feeling alongside them.

Understanding: Words carry layers — listening uncovers emotions, needs, and unspoken truths.

Validation: Reflecting back what you hear affirms that their inner life is real and reflected.

The Cost of Being Unheard

When people aren’t listening,  they drift toward isolation, walls go up, defensiveness takes hold,  and love withers under the weight of misunderstanding. Overtime, repeated neglect of listening breeds resentment more poisonous than any harsh word.

Cultivating Deep Listening

✅ Silence Your Inner Narrator Pause judgments and solutions. Let curiosity, not critique lead.

✅ Ask Open-Ended Questions Invite stories, feelings, and reflections rather than yes— no answers.

✅ Mirror and Paraphrase Repeat back key points to confirm accuracy and show your tracking.

✅ Embrace Pause Allow comfortable silences — they give space for deeper truths to emerge.

✅ Notice Nonverbal Cues Eye contact , posture shifts, and tone all reveal what words alone cannot.

Beyond The Conversation

Listening isn’t just about gathering information — it’s a silent pact of mutual openness.  When you listen without agenda, you invite the other person to lower their shields. In turn, that vulnerability enriches your bond in ways no grand gesture ever could. 

Cultivating Gratitude and Presence in Life

.

There’s something radically liberating in realizing that life isn’t something you’re owed but a gift you get to unwrap each morning. When you shift your stance from entitlement to gratitude, a few powerful things happen:

• You stop chasing more and start savoring what you have. For instance: ✅ Instead of “I deserve a bigger house,” you notice how the sunlight plays on your coffee cup or tea. ✅ Instead of “Why isn’t my life perfect?” you catch yourself smiling when a friend surprises you with a kind text.

• You choose presence over distraction.
  ✅ Entitlement breeds restlessness—you’re always eyeing the next pleasure or status symbol.
  ✅ Gratitude anchors you in the now: you’ll find depth in the simplest moments, like listening to rain on the roof or feeling your heartbeat.

• You transform obstacles into gifts.
  ✅ Hardship feels unfair when you believe you’re owed an easy path.
  ✅ But when life’s a gift—complete with sharp edges—you learn to polish rough moments into wisdom and resilience.

• How to cultivate that sense of “gift mindset”?
  ✅ Morning gratitude pause: Before you scroll your phone, name three small wonders—For instance: warmth from a lamp, the taste of breakfast, a memory that makes you smile, a walk with your favorite creatures, etc.
  ✅ Evening reflection: Jot down one challenge you faced and the unexpected lesson it brought.
  ✅ Service ritual: Volunteer or help someone without keeping score. You’ll feel firsthand how generosity reminds you of your own abundance.

• As you make these practices your own, you’ll notice a curious freedom: the less you demand, the richer life feels.

🥰☀️🧡

A Good Problem Solver

 

Strong and Resilient

Nantahala Rafting Mecca

 

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Crisp Air

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Relaxation By The Lake

 

Relaxing by the lake, a place of peaceful beauty is a great way to unwind and connect with nature. Here are some suggestions for making the most of your time at this inspiring natural spot.

Bring a Good Book: Bring a book you've wanted to read or a favorite novel. Find a cozy spot by the lake, like in a hammock under a shady tree or by the water's edge, and get lost in the story.

Picnic: Prepare a tasty picnic with your favorite snacks and drinks. Enjoy a leisurely meal while enjoying the scenery and sounds of nature.

Mindfulness and Meditation: Relax peacefully with mindfulness exercises or meditation. Focus on your breath, listen to the sounds around you, and let go of any stress or worries.

Journaling: Bring a journal and pen to consider your thoughts and feelings. Write about your day and surroundings, or let your mind wander as you write down your thoughts.

Photography and Videography: If you like taking photos and videos, bring a camera or use your smartphone or iPad to capture the beauty of the lake and its surroundings. Try different angles, lighting, and compositions to create amazing images.

Nature Walk: Take a leisurely walk around the lake to explore the area. Appreciate the plants and environment, listen to the birds singing, and feel the peacefulness of nature. Remember to wear suitable shoes and be mindful of any wildlife you may come across for a safe and enjoyable walk.

Sunset Watching: Stay until evening to see a beautiful sunset by the lake. The sky's changing colors reflecting on the water can be a stunning and peaceful experience.

Remember to bring essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, a blanket or folding chair for comfort, and plenty of water to stay hydrated. With these items, you can enjoy your time by the lake and relish its tranquility!

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Life's Treasures

 

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For life's treasures are found within the realm of nature. 

Embrace the warmth of the sun's caress, 

let it invigorate your spirit. 

Plunge into the vast expanse of the Sea, 

its currents whispering tales of distant lands. 

Assimilate the untamed air,

 filled with the essence of freedom and untethered dreams. 

Let nature be your guide, companion, and muse. 

Discover the harmony of existence in its embrace 

as you dance to the universe's rhythm. 

Embrace life with open arms and 

let its wonders unfold in all its blazing beauty.

Let the symphony of nature serenade your soul 

as each note harmonizes with your every heartbeat. 

The whistling wind shall carry away your worries, 

leaving you weightless in its ethereal melody. 

Venture into the lush forests, 

their ancient secrets whispered through the rustling leaves. 

Climb mountains to touch the sky, 

where clouds unravel their atmospheric tales. 

Follow the path of rivers, 

where the water's gentle flow reflects the waning 

and flow of life's journey. 

Seek solace in nature's embrace and 

unlock the profound wisdom it yearns to share.

Magnificent Cullasaja Waterfall

 

Cullasaja Falls is a beautiful waterfall in the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina. It is a popular attraction for nature lovers and adventurers.

Here are some critical points about Cullasaja Falls:

Location: Cullasaja Falls is in the Cullasaja River Gorge, part of the Nantahala National Forest.

Scenic Beauty: The waterfall is known for its picturesque setting, with cascading water falling over multiple tiers along the Cullasaja River. It is surrounded by stunning greenery and a natural backdrop for visitors.

Accessibility: The falls can be reached by driving along US Highway 64, the Waterfall Byway. The falls are visible from the road, making them easily accessible for sightseeing. However, a designated trail to reach the base of the falls has yet to be developed.

Hiking Opportunities: While there is no official trail to the base of Cullasaja Falls, nearby hiking trails offer captivating views of the waterfall and the surrounding area. One popular trail is the Cullasaja Falls Trail, which runs along the Cullasaja River and provides ample opportunities for exploration and photography, allowing you to fully appreciate the elegance of the surroundings.

Cullasaja Falls is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts in North Carolina, a testament to its popularity and stunning natural beauty in a picturesque forest setting. Join the ranks of those captivated by its charm and beauty.

The Beautiful World-Class Gardens in North Georgia --- Gibbs Gardens

Gibbs Gardens is, above and beyond, a place to unwind, relax with your friends and family, colleagues, and peers, or be by yourself will do too.  You can see different flowers and plants in the Four Seasons. The ambiance is inviting. They have a shop where you can buy souvenirs if you want. They have a food center if you want to avoid bringing food. But it's also okay if you have food to cut some costs or wish to provide for yourself. 

It's better to wear comfortable shoes because there is plenty of walking in the area. You can buy tickets online, or you can also purchase them if you arrive there. For more information and the ticket's price, visit their website @ https://www.gibbsgardens.com

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Color Me Beautiful

 

Beautiful Fall Colors 

Through My Lens

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Perfect Faith and Victory

 

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Scenic Fall Foliage

 

“Winter is an etching, 

Spring a watercolor, 

Summer an oil painting 

and 

Autumn a mosaic of them all.”

— Stanley Horowitz

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Boardwalk Daytona Beach

"It can be delayed, but not denied; 

anything that belongs to you comes to you 

when the time is right. 

Never give up. Never stop believing. 

Always have good in your heart."

--Sangeeta Rana--

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Bloom with Grace

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It Is Good To Give Thanks

 

1 Chronicles 16:34

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;

His love endures forever.

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Hope with Feathers

 

“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches 

in the soul and sings the tune 

without the words and never stops at all.” 

-- Emily Dickinson --

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Every Good and Perfect Gift

 

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father 

of the heavenly lights, 

who does not change like shifting shadows.

🎋 James 1:17

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