Carmela Snelbaker

Author of "Thank You For Your Service, Sheep!"
  • About the Author
  • About the Book
  • Contact Page
  • Meditative Writings
  • Monthly Archives: September 2016

    • When Confusions My Companion And Despair Holds Me For Ransom, I Will Feel No Fear

      Posted at 1:43 PM by carmelasnelbaker
      Sep 24th

      Sometimes the words in a song say it all……

      When confusion is my companion

      And despair holds me ransom

      I will feel no fear

      I know that you are near

      When I am caught deep in the valley

      With chaos as for my company

      I will find my comfort here

      Cause I know that you are here

      My help comes from you

      You’re right here pulling me through

      You carry my weakness, my sickness, my brokenness

      All on your shoulders

      All on your shoulders

      My help comes from you

      You are my rest, my rescue

      I don’t have to see to believe that

      You’re lifting me up

      On your shoulders

      Your shoulders

      You mend what once was shattered

      You turn my tears to laughter

      Your forgiveness is my fortress

      Your mercy is relentless

      My help comes from you

      You’re right here pulling me through

      You carry my weakness, my sickness, my brokenness

      All on your shoulders

      All on your shoulders

      My help comes from you

      You’re right here pulling me through

      You carry my weakness, my sickness, my brokenness

      All on your shoulders

      All on your shoulders

      My help is from you

      I don’t have to see it to believe it

      My help is from you

      I don’t have to see it to believe it

      Cause I know it

      Cause I know it’s true

      My help comes from you

      You’re right here pulling me through

      You carry my weakness, my sickness, my brokenness

      All on your shoulders

      All on your shoulders

      …….For King and Country….. Shoulders

      confusion2

      With Respect, Hope, Joy, and Love,  Carmela

       

      Share this:

      • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
      • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
      • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Meditative Writings
    • The Curve Of A Smile Can Set A Lot Of Things Straight

      Posted at 11:19 AM by carmelasnelbaker
      Sep 21st

            Through Humor, you soften some of the worst blows that life delivers, and once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be you can survive it. …. Bill Cosby     

      I am beginning to believe that developing a good sense of humor as a child just might be one of the most important puzzle pieces to a successful and healthy future.ImageEven though we attempt to plan for our future, life has a way of dealing out unpredictable surprises. In the midst of the most sad and serious moments I have had to endure, I like to believe God is the one sending me a silly moment that makes me chuckle to lighten the burden.

      As a parent and grandparent I believe It is so important to encourage a child’s sense of humor. Be silly, read silly books with your child, make humor and laughter a part of each day. It is never to late to teach a child to develop a healthy sense of humor. I heard someone say once that a good sense of humor in life, is like shock absorbers are to vehicles. It can take away some of those nasty, unpleasant bumps.  It truly is as Bill Cosby puts it, once you find laughter, know matter how painful your situation might be you can survive it. Be sure to make many fun and silly memories, so your child has many to select from when experiencing a difficult time!

      As a caregiver I have seen the positive effects of humor. It can diffuse aggression and anger, as well as turn tears into a smile. It also has a calming effect when someone feels nervous or embarrassed. Small children respond to “Oh no, You must have forgot to put your smile on this morning!” Causing the child to stop and think about getting dressed and physically putting a smile on, just might be enough to redirect the unhappy thought and mood and engage them in a playful imaginary hunt for their lost smile.

      A very important thing to remember is humor must never be hurtful or disrespectful. It is possible to recognize funny situations or find humor in a funny story without making fun of a person. I really believe that our “bullying” situations in our schools are simply misguided children, attempting to get people to like them or get noticed by making others laugh, at the expense of another person. I have seen adults with low self-esteem attempt to make themselves look better by tearing another person down and then boasting about their own abilities. Sadly many times they are not at all aware of what they are doing. This is simply what they have felt they needed to do and have been doing it their entire lives.

      I found a beautiful blog: Sending Hope  by: Tracy Hodge That speaks of this very issue. She puts it so perfectly that I am feeling the need to share her words. This is how she put it… Great people, truly great people, are not afraid of the greatness of others. They are not intimidated nor are they threatened when others around them succeed or even surpass them. Great people enjoy lifting others up and never mind showing others the way. On the other hand, small people like to be surrounded by other small people. Small people tear others down in laughter and seldom offer a kind word unless it is to flatter someone in their favor. Small people gossip out of jealousy and have no concept of loyalty. (You can read the entire blog by clicking here)

      Holding The Sky

      Mother Teresa once said: The fruit of Love is service, The fruit of service is peace, And peace begins with a smileImage

      Two very important things to remember…..  Always remember before you put on a frown, make absolutely certain there are no smiles available. and…..If you meet someone without a smile, give them one of yours. You may never know what a positive affect that may bring to the person who has none.

      With respect, hope, joy and love,    Carmela

      Share this:

      • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
      • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
      • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged anti-bullying, beauty, Carmela Snelbaker, Child, children, compassion, courage, dignity, Divine Love, emotions, family, gratitude, hope, humor, inspiration, joy, kindness, love, Mental health, peace, positivity, respect, sense of humor, smile, wisdom
    • Be That Someone Who Makes Someone Else Look Forward To Tomorrow :)

      Posted at 5:00 PM by carmelasnelbaker
      Sep 12th

      There is nothing more enjoyable then being with someone who is just simply fun to be with. Someone who refuses to be pulled down by the negatives of the world. Someone who takes on the challenge of lifting the spirits of a group of people who are heavyhearted.

      Like the photo above, they simply seem to be filled with a natural Joy and they cannot contain the positive energy. With the lightheartedness of a hummingbird they seem to buzz, zoom, zing and zip around with an urgency that is mesmerizing and can’t help but bring a smile of admiration to others.

      Some days we are not able to escapes dealing with challenging moments during a lifetime. I like to believe God introduces us to people who we need to help us get through life’s journey. When our spirits are low and  a person who has overflowing energy and joy enters into our path, perhaps it is not simply a random joyful encounter but quite possibly an intentional Divine Blessing placed along the path of a difficult day.

      Enjoy each smile that enters your day. Be grateful for each encounter of overflowing Joy, and return the favor to others on days when your Joy cannot be contained.

      See

      Miracles

      In

      Life

      Everyday

      With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love,   Carmela

      via Daily Prompt: Zing!

      Share this:

      • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
      • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
      • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged #blog4peace, B4Peace, beauty, Carmela Snelbaker, Child, children, courage, daily post challenge, divine guidance, Divine Love, DPchallenge, family, fun, God, gratitude, hope, inspiration, kindness, Mental health, peace, pets, positivity, Prayer, respect, Unconditional love
    • Peace In My Heart And Peace In My Soul

      Posted at 6:42 PM by carmelasnelbaker
      Sep 10th

      Share this:

      • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
      • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
      • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Meditative Writings
    • With Every Breath We Take In We Possess The Ability To Recharge Our Souls Daily Prompt: Recharge

      Posted at 1:25 PM by carmelasnelbaker
      Sep 10th

      With every breath we take in we possess the ability to recharge our soul. Focusing on each breath and quieting the mind invites into the core of our soul God’s Infinite Wisdom.

      The world and human chaos drains our souls and overwhelms our senses.

      When we fail to quiet the noise of the world we loose our focus, our life soon spirals out of control and we find ourselves facing life with an overwhelming feeling of emptiness.

      A Life of emptiness leaves us searching for meaning and love. Often feeling lost and hopeless.

      Find a place each and everyday to recharge your soul. Be Still and Listen. Invite in with every breath you take Divine Wisdom and Guidance. Be Still and Listen to the Inner Voice and allow it to lead you.

      strength-3

      Take Deep Breaths and Inhale Truth and Wisdom…..Restore your Soul.

      psalm91-4

      Live every breath in life on a wing and a prayer and be fully charged in the strength of the Lord.

      I found a very interesting story explaining origin of the phrase “On a wing and a prayer”

      The phrase was taken from a WWII patriotic song Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer, 1943. It tells of a damaged warplane, barely able to limp back to base. The lyrics of the song are written below.

      One of our planes was missing

      Two hours overdue

      One of our planes was missing

      with all its gallant crew

      The radio sets were humming

      we waited for a word

      Then a noise broke

      Through the humming and this is what we heard

      Comin’ in on a wing and a prayer

      Comin’ in on a wing and a prayer

      Though there’s one motor gone

      We can still carry on

      Comin’ in on a wing and a prayer

      What a show, what a fight, boys

      We really hit our target for tonight

      How we sing as we limp through the air

      Look below, there’s our field over there

      With just one motor gone

      We can still carry on

      Comin’ in on a wing and a prayer

      Adamson and McHugh wrote several patriotic songs in World War II and were awarded the Presidential Certificate of Merit by President Harry Truman.

      The phrase has many public references to it in the US newspapers from 1943 onward. It was taken up by Hollywood and a film was made ~ Wing and a Prayer ~ 1944

      It is also said that the allusion of the stricken aircraft limping home may have been influenced by the earlier term “winging it” which refers to actors struggling through parts that they have recently learned in the wings of a theater.

      In conclusion, in my opinion as we maneuver through life when we invite Divine Wisdom and Guidance in with each breath we inhale, we are filled with a strength and peace that words cannot explain. 

      Our Soul will always be fully charged, God’s Love will flow through us and reach out to support others. As oxygen is necessary to sustain life, Divine Love and Guidance is necessary for living a Life with Wholehearted Contentment and Peace. 

      With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love,  Carmela

      via Daily Prompt: Recharge

      Share this:

      • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
      • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
      • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Meditative Writings
    • Live A Healthy Life Sandwiched Between God’s Love and Compassion

      Posted at 1:15 AM by carmelasnelbaker
      Sep 10th

      via Daily Prompt: Sandwich

      I began looking for inspiration in photos and I found this interesting photo, with a note saying “share this sandwich with your friends if you like it.” positivemed.com

      the-relationship-sandwich

      This analogy of the relationship sandwich made me reflect on Our Individual Ultimate Relationship in Life. Our relationship with God. God is Love. Experiencing Divine Love within our Soul Is Life Changing.

      children

      One of our greatest needs as human beings is to be loved. We all need love. We need to know that we are important to somebody, that somebody truly cares about us, wants us, and accepts us unconditionally. When we doubt that we are loved, we may develop unacceptable behavior patterns to compensate for it.

      f500745d55c501ce665da74aff21f234

      For example, we may act irresponsibly in a desperate attempt to get attention. Attention is a poor substitute for love but it seems better than nothing at all. We may develop physical symptoms that bring us sympathy and concern. The symptoms cause us genuine pain, but the pain of sickness is more bearable than the pain of admitting that nobody cares.

      waynedyer2

      We may angrily lash out at those whom we think should care or we may try to run away from them and hide, but in either case, we are trying to protect ourselves from the hurt they are causing us by their lack of concern.

      We all need to know that somebody loves us. The good news from God’s Word is that somebody does. To know Him is to find release from the crippling effects of feeling unloved.

      have-you-been-missing-out-on-god-sharp39-s-blessing-here-sharp39-s-a-verse-that-gives-us-a-sharp34-prescription-sharp34-for-receiving-a-very-special-blessing-from-god

      Twice the Apostle John categorically stated that God is love (1 John 4:8,16). Love is one of the warmest words in the English language, and that God is love is one of the most sublime, uplifting, and reassuring truths known to mankind. Love is His nature. It is not merely a friendly attitude He projects. It is the essence of His being. He is always going to act toward us in love because He cannot do otherwise. Love is the way He is.

      god-is-for-us

      As a Child of God when we reach out to God and open our heart and lives to his Love, He envelops us with a Love that surpasses all understanding.

       

      With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love,  Carmela

       

      Share this:

      • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
      • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
      • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Meditative Writings
    • Genuine Human Elegance Is A Heart Shining From Within Filled With Divine Love

      Posted at 12:38 PM by carmelasnelbaker
      Sep 8th

      My heart hurts today. There are children living each precious day of this life with challenges that they bear with so much grace, elegance and strength that is nothing short of miraculous!

      Thank Goodness for the Innocence of a child that shines through with a Light that is so profound and filled with the Infinite Wisdom Of Divine Love,  Being Sent To Them Directly From Heaven.

      As adults we can learn from their examples of limitless strength and innocent wisdom.

      be-happy-for-no-reason-like-a-child1     dove

      We are born with a heart of Innocence and Love.  Somewhere along the way growing up we are taught or begin to question and develop fear.

      When we fail to trust and look outside our limited human self for wisdom, we begin to live a life of selfish limitations. We become negative, we criticize and set ourselves apart from others. We see only through eyes of fear. Once we fail to trust Divine Guidance we begin to fret and become selfish.

      When we attempt to survive on human wisdom alone, we invite in fear and limitations. A person living in fear and survival mindset will always have a “what about me” mantra, and an animal like response to survive.

      When we surrender to Divine Guidance our lives gain clarity. We begin to recognize how much we need each other to survive. Our hearts develop Genuine Love for other humans and recognize our likenesses instead of our differences.

      Genuine Human Elegance is a Heart shining from within filled with Divine Love.

           ~ as Luciano De Crescenzo stated……. ~ We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing one another. ~    

      fret-about-future

      For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.       II Tim. 1:7

      It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect. Psalm 18:32

      Angels shine from without because their spirits are lit from within by the light of God. ~Quoted in The Angels’ Little Instruction Book by Eileen Elias Freeman, 1994

      Never give into to fear. Always remain hopeful and invite the Holy Spirit to take the lead and learn to trust with your whole heart.

      Learn to be happy for no reason, like a child.

      There is no amount of elegance as sweet as the beauty, innocence and precious wisdom of a child.

      With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love,  Carmela

      via Daily Prompt: Elegant

      Share this:

      • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
      • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
      • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged #blog4peace, #innerstrength, #LearnToTrust, #thrive, B4Peace, Carmela Snelbaker, Christianity, compassion, courage, daily post challenge, dignity, divine guidance, DPchallenge, Elegant, God, Grace, gratitude, Healing, hope, inspiration, joy, kindness, love, Mental health, peace, positivity, Prayer, respect, Strength, Unconditional love, wisdom
    • Daily Prompt: Sidewalk :)

      Posted at 11:05 AM by carmelasnelbaker
      Sep 3rd

         Hmmm….. Am I Moving Forward in Life or Sidewalking?

      As I watch this little guy walk it makes me realize there are days that I seem to be doing the “sidewalk” as well.

      Some days I wake and intend on moving forward but life events and happenstances seem to alter my path. By the end of the day I realize that I not only haven’t actually made any headway moving forward. As though all the effort I put out was for not.

      Just maybe it is these sidewalks that the Universe uses to redirect our life journey to have it unfold at the precise universal moment it is supposed to.

      gods timing

      Those times in our life that often appear to be a random events in a normal day, that later seem may have been better explained as Fate. A blessing of Divine Intervention.

      It is not the path we take, or the direction in which we go that matters. It is the people we meet along the way that will make our days and life worthwhile.

      So very possibly the message this little sidewalking dog brings me to is this. At the end of a day that may not feel to you to have been productive, have continued faith that quite possibly it unfolded just the way it was supposed to and with precision timing.

      With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love,   Carmela

      via Daily Prompt: Sidewalk

      Share this:

      • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
      • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
      • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Meditative Writings
    • Melodies Of Life….. Songs Can Facilitate Healing

      Posted at 1:06 PM by carmelasnelbaker
      Sep 2nd

                                  Songs can often facilitate healing

      Yesterday I experienced someones unconsolable sadness.

      It did not look as you would imagine it to be.

      It was nasty.

      It was mean.

      It was hidden deep within.

      It was buried deep behind layers of shame.

      Behind layers of guilt.

      For some reason my eyes could see well past nasty, around the corner of mean and over the horizon of both shame and guilt.

      I reached out with words.

      I reached out with hugs.

      I reached out with stories from my life experiences.

      Everything was met with responses of deep anger and rage.

       

      When you burst out crying alone in a room, and you realize that no one truly knows how unhappy you are because you don’t know how to explain whats going on, pray for help. Pray for strength in accepting the help. Pray for the wisdom to put words to your feeling of sadness deep within your heart.

      broken-heart-qoutes-broken-hearts-31855169-489-318

      Life is not always happy.

      It is not a bad thing to let others know when you are hurting.

      If you cannot find strength to ask for help from other people, Pray for help.

      People who are angry and lashing out with nasty words are often very deeply hurting.

      Often the hurt is so deep and so misunderstood that the person is even beyond

      finding tears for the deep sorrow.

      When assistance is refused, turned away or rebuked …… do not give up. Say prayers for the person and continue to provide support, vary the mode of communication, make available avenues or methods the individual can use to  find independent understanding and wisdom. Deep shame based hurt may feel impossible to be verbally communicated to those close to the individual.

      Link to Carry Me by Josh Williams

      Strong Enough by Matthew West

      Link to We Won’t Be Shaken by Building 429

      Never stop praying for others.

      With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love,   Carmela

      via Daily Prompt: Melody

      Share this:

      • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
      • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
      • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Meditative Writings
    • Archives

      • November 2025
      • September 2025
      • August 2025
      • March 2025
      • December 2024
      • April 2024
      • January 2024
      • November 2023
      • September 2023
      • July 2023
      • June 2023
      • May 2023
      • July 2022
      • April 2018
      • March 2018
      • November 2017
      • August 2017
      • April 2017
      • March 2017
      • February 2017
      • January 2017
      • December 2016
      • November 2016
      • October 2016
      • September 2016
      • August 2016
      • July 2016
      • June 2016
      • May 2016
      • April 2016
      • March 2016
      • July 2015
      • August 2014
      • July 2014
      • June 2014
      • March 2014
      • February 2014
      • September 2013
      • August 2013
      • July 2013
      • June 2013

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Carmela Snelbaker
    • Join 291 other subscribers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Carmela Snelbaker
    • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...
 

    %d