Carmela Snelbaker

Author of "Thank You For Your Service, Sheep!"
  • About the Author
  • About the Book
  • Contact Page
  • Meditative Writings
  • Tag: gratitude

    • Scars, Lasting Aftereffect of Trouble, Suffering or Trauma

      Posted at 11:20 PM by carmelasnelbaker
      May 1st

      slide2

      What determines if our scars and wounds will leave us with wisdom or damage?  Whether we live our lives in love or in fear the probability of pain and heartbreak are equally apparent. Our hearts can break and be easily wounded when we reach out to others in love and we are hurt. Physical as well as emotional hurts can be very hard to bounce back from. There are times in our life when we acquire abusive hurts in our formative years of life that may make dramatic differences in how our lives will develop in the future.

      As the sun comes up tomorrow morning it will be the start of a new day. The world will begin anew in many ways. Many innocent children will be born and many human souls will leave their earthly bodies behind as they are welcomed into heavenly presence.

      Each day brings us very limited and precious moments. We have the ability to choose how to use these moments. As adults we can make choices. We can choose to follow our limited human brains or we can search for higher enlightenment and understanding by opening our hearts to Divine Love.

      Living in God’s Divine Love fills our hearts and minds with a wisdom that surpasses all understanding. It fills us with a strength to Live in Truth and strength to endure the untruthfulness of others life may send our way.

      As an innocent child we are born with a heart of Love. The growth and development of that Love is in the hands of the adults who surround us in our most formative years.

      In my past experiences working in the mental healthcare field I have worked with many adults who were scarred by abuse in their formative years as a child. Reading the many tragic life histories of these children brings tears and leaves a sorrow on your heart that is impossible to forget.

      The child is innately programmed to trust, love and confide in those that care and nurture them. If those in control are harming them, the child does not have the proper developmental tools to understand they are being mistreated. They are only beginning to learn about the world. Their world is love, eat, sleep and play. Learning enters into their lives as they progress in their growth stages.

      “Love is what we are born with. Fear is what we learn. The spiritual journey is the unlearning of fear and prejudices and the acceptance of love back in our hearts. Love is the essential reality and our purpose on earth. To be consciously aware of it, to experience love in ourselves and others, is the meaning of life. Meaning does not lie in things. Meaning lies in us.”~ Marianne Williamson~

      It is never to late to choose to look outside of yourself for Divine Guidance. Open your heart to Divine Wisdom and Living in Truth.

      “We are not held back by the Love we didn’t receive in the past, but by the Love we are not extending in the present.”   ~ Marianne Williamson Quote

      Please pray that the children who have been wounded from misguided adults are blessed with Divine healing of the scars from abuse.  Pray that adults in need may find Wisdom, Understanding, Peace and guidance to seek Divine Love so they may experience love in themselves and others.

      “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” – Helen Keller

      With Respect, Joy, Peace and Love,    Carmela

      Share this:

      • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
      • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
      • Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Print (Opens in new window) Print
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged #blog4peace, carmela, Child, compassion, dignity, divine guidance, Divine Love, DPchallenge, family, gratitude, hope, inspiration, kindness, Living in Love, love, peace, respect, scars
    • Offer Whispers of Truth and Love

      Posted at 4:08 PM by carmelasnelbaker
      Apr 25th

      A Dandelion blowing seeds in the wind.

      Have you ever been in a situation where you are among a group of individuals that you have never met before and you feel drawn to a certain individual? As time passes and you have the ability to talk with them you discover that you share something in common with them. There would have been no way of knowing this through simple eye contact and a smile, but it was intuition that I like to refer to as a Whisper From God.

      More times then not the truest and most beautiful messages come to us as a whisper.

      During a lifetime, individuals will experience very deep hurts. Painful experiences that we carry within our hearts that we will never get over. Emotional heartbreak is not a wound that will ever really heal. You will always miss the loved ones that are no longer with you. We will always feel loss from tragedy. It lives beneath our skin as a secret message written on our hearts. This secret heart message acts like a magnet when God introduces us to someone who has a similar secret message written on their hearts.

      I have found that in the most difficult times of my life God has introduced me to the most beautiful and helpful people. It is as if God has an Intensive Care Unit. I am protected completely from adversity and I am introduced to the most loving people who share wisdom that I need, and it is the magnetic ability of the secret heart messages that we carry that connects us with others living with major painful experiences on there hearts as well. This can only be explained as a result of Living in Love and allowing Divine Guidance to lead you.

      Please pray that those who live in fear, turn off the noise of everyday life, stop reciting memorized prayers long enough to simply be in quiet and peace, open their hearts and lives to Divine Love and Guidance and listen for the Whispers of God.

       

      With Respect, Joy, Hope and Love,   Carmela

       

      Share this:

      • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
      • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
      • Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Print (Opens in new window) Print
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged #blog4peace, Carmela Snelbaker, courage, divine guidance, DPchallenge, family, gratitude, hope, inspiration, joy, kindness, Live in Love, love, madebycarmela, peace, respect, whisper
    • Love Joy and Peace on Earth

      Posted at 9:49 PM by carmelasnelbaker
      Apr 22nd

      fruit-of-the-spirit

      As we celebrate Earth Day today we must keep in mind that in order to continue to exist here on earth we must search deep within our hearts to access a Love and understanding greater than our human selves. We must reach past the fear and allow our eyes and hearts to be open to Love, Respect, Hope and Joy. Human wisdom is limited by fear. Divine wisdom surpasses all understanding and is only attainable by reaching beyond your human ego and allowing the Divine Love of God to lead our hearts to Live in Love.

      Many humans live their entire lives relying on their own wisdom. Believing that they know all and are wise enough to control their lives’ journey and in doing so their actions and attempts at survival trespass the boundaries of others they meet along the way.

      Living in this human survival mode you are unable to see how your actions effect those around you. You will only be able to see what you feel you need to do to survive.  When you are living in the state of survival you are living in fear. You will have a heightened sensitivity. You may react to situations as if you need to defend yourself. Often times when you are in this heightened state of fear you will react aggressively to situations that never even included any hostility or unfavorable criticism. Your mind is simply so heightened and ready to respond that you begin to identify any response as a threat.

      This manner of living will bring only negative results. Can all of the hate and conflict that is going on in the world today be caused by human beings Living in fear and relying on human wisdom alone?

      The enemy is fear. We think it is hate; but, it is fear.
      Gandhi

      Weather it is one individual in a destructive relationship, or a leader of a country, allowing another human to cause conflict, abuse, and intimidation and trespass upon other humans’ rights and boundaries is wrong and must be confronted and stopped. The only way to stand up against fear is with the power of Divine Love.

      It is only after we allow our hearts to be open to Divine Love that we will be able to live and act in love, have empathy toward others and move beyond simple tolerance and embrace and celebrate the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each of us.

      God provides us with the strength to keep going and opens our eyes to reveal awesome beauty and fills our hearts with Joy, peace, love, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness,  goodness, and self control.

      With Respect, Joy, Hope, and Love,    Carmela

       

      Share this:

      • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
      • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
      • Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Print (Opens in new window) Print
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged #blog4peace, Carmela Snelbaker, courage, DPchallenge, Earth, Earth day, family, gratitude, hope, inspiration, joy, kindness, love, peace, positivity, respect
    • Seeking Clarity Amongst the Fog

      Posted at 3:08 PM by carmelasnelbaker
      Apr 20th

       

      There will be many times in a persons’ life when they will find themselves in a state of mental confusion or fog. Survivors will often be in a fog or mental daze for days after a catastrophe.

      Tapping into a positive vein of emotions and strength after an emotional or physical crisis is not always easy.

      Fear, sadness and devastation are very big hurdles to overcome. Attempting to take on the challenge alone can be overwhelming. Depending on the events that we find ourselves battling back from, accepting and trusting another human being with our fragile, vulnerable emotional state of confusion takes a tremendous amount of strength and trust. The alternative of keeping calm and carrying on as if nothing happened and everything is ok, leaves you dealing with very big problems with only weak human wisdom as your defense. Sort of like a very naïve citizen attempting to defend themselves in a courtroom against a relentless attorney. Even though it may be possible it also may leave you to living with angry resentful and negative feeling for years to come.

      Trusting in Divine Guidance and choosing to Live in Love gives you a power that is super natural and greater than all understanding. God’s wisdom will provide you with safety, clarity, strength and a wealth of support around each and every corner!  The beauty of God’s loving kindness will fill you with unexplainable levels of Peace, Love, Joy, Contentment, Wisdom,  Understanding and Hope.

      Please pray for those in need, so they may look to the heavens for truth and wisdom to begin living in Love and not fear. It is not until you are honest with yourself that your life will be open to a Divine Love and Protection that surpasses all understanding.

       

      With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love,   Carmela

      Share this:

      • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
      • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
      • Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Print (Opens in new window) Print
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged #blog4peace, Carmela Snelbaker, Christianity, clarity, courage, daily post challenge, DPchallenge, emotional health, Fog, God, gratitude, help, hope, inspiration, Jesus, joy, kindness, Life challenges, love, peace, positivity, respect, self help, wisdom
    • Standing Firm In the Midst of Chaos

      Posted at 9:18 AM by carmelasnelbaker
      Apr 10th

      Might it take being in the midst of chaos and pain that opens a heart and mind to a greater and deeper understanding of the love and connection that we share with every living being on this earth?

      If this is truly the case no wonder so many people walk around this earth filled with such anger, hate, and animosity toward each other and themselves as well. This is a level of pain no one ever wants to endure. It would be much easier to simply continue on and remain at the same level of existence and conform to a continuance of being, rather than working toward a better existence.

      Making a choice to part ways by standing firm against manipulation and intimidation is not an easy journey, but it is a journey that is necessary. No one should ever be asked to stifle their voice, beliefs and opinions.

      Denying emotional responses to another is deeply abusive. Where there is control there is no love only fear.

      In our lives we will come across many chances to compromise or stand up for what we believe to be right. As human beings we improve ourselves by increasing our level of consciousness by continuing to search for wisdom and enlightenment and living a more spiritual and Love based life.

      Focus on the good. Stand up for what is right and choose to live in Love and not fear. People are fascinating. Our individual experiences and our individual opinions are what make us unique. Every time we meet someone new is a beautiful chance to learn and grow from each others’ experiences. Every human being on the earth has a story to tell. As we open our hearts and share our experiences we not only are teaching others by sharing what life has dealt us but also helping ourselves lighten the hurts that we may be carrying with us from those experiences.

      I recently read an article on emotions the following paragraph is taken from their text. Be strong and chose Love, by opening your heart to divine guidance you will gain the strength to do what is right. It is your choice to make.

      There are only two basic emotions that we all experience, love and fear.  All other emotions are variations of these two emotions.  Thoughts and behavior come from either a place of love, or a place of fear.  Anxiety, anger, control, sadness, depression, inadequacy, confusion, hurt, lonely, guilt, shame, these are all fear-based emotions.  Emotions such as joy, happiness, caring, trust, compassion, truth, contentment, satisfaction, these are love-based emotions.

      “Pain is not a sign of weakness, but bearing it alone is a choice to grow weak” -Lorie Deschene

      With Respect, Love, Joy, and Hope,   Carmela

      Share this:

      • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
      • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
      • Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Print (Opens in new window) Print
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged courage, daily prompt, DPchallenge, family, God, gratitude, inspiration, kindness, peace, positivity
    • Divine Gifts of Understanding and Compassion

      Posted at 2:08 PM by carmelasnelbaker
      Jul 31st

      caterpillar-butterfly_0

       

      -What the Caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls a butterfly- Richard Bach

      When we are experiencing emotional pain we almost always feel we are alone, feeling great sadness, regret, shame, embarrassment. Our mind will tell us that we are the only one in the world who has ever had reason to feel this ashamed, embarrassed, or sad.. We feel as though everyone is against us. Although the real truth is that in our small corner of the world we are not the only one who ever feels these negative emotions! The opposite is usually true.
      These emotions are very common however because they are negative and make us feel inferior we keep them hidden from others, and by doing this we give them power and allow them to pull our self-esteem even lower.
      Many human beings that appear to be very confident, out spoken, social and happy, boldly being a comic, shaming, blaming or laughing at others, often times beneath the surface they are insecure people who are attempting to cover up the negative feelings of unworthiness, guilt or shame.
      Human beings have many more likenesses than differences. Every human has vulnerabilities.
      My heart goes out to those in pain, and I truly wish that no one had to experience pain and negative situations ever. If you have or are experiencing difficulties and negative situation, and have ever felt hopeless. Please take a moment to try to look at the situation in a completely different manner.
      Step back from our individual pain and examine the situation as though it were happening to someone else. Negative emotions are universal and every living being is vulnerable to them. What if the uncomfortable experiences that we endure were a divine gift of understanding and compassion that we could use to help the many others who are feeling hopeless? When we use our experiences to reach out and help others, we can open our hearts and minds to become the pathway through which Divine Guidance can lead others toward hope. Blessings to you and all those who are in pain. Be the change that you wish to see in the world. Open your heart and allow Divine Guidance to lead.

      With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love,     Carmela

       

      Please take a moment to listen. Many times songs will contain very important messages……. Please listen and share with others!

      overcomer-Mandisa   Gold-Britt Nicole   I gave up-Mark Schultz

       

      https://carmelasnelbaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/01-gold.mp3

      https://carmelasnelbaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/01-overcomer.mp3 [audio

       

       

      Share this:

      • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
      • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
      • Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Print (Opens in new window) Print
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged children, Christianity, courage, dignity, divine guidance, Gold, gratitude, heaven, hope, inspiration, joy, love, overcomer, positivity, respect, suicide
    • A greater education than any textbook or classroom

      Posted at 11:00 PM by carmelasnelbaker
      Aug 4th

      In my travels as a caregiver, I have met many amazingly courageous and beautiful people.  Each person, who I was fortunate enough to meet and take care of, I carry in my heart. They truly have changed my life and taught me many beautiful things. These experiences I believe to be a greater education than any textbook or classroom education that I have had in the past.

      I have a plaque that hangs by my door.  I can’t remember where, or even when, I came across it however, I treasure it. I see it daily, and try to live up to the words.  It goes as follows:

                                           A teacher’s prayer……

                                          One day I would like to teach,

                                           just a few people,

                                           many and beautiful things,

                                           that would help them

                                           when they will one day teach-a few people 

      I have 5 beautiful grandchildren.  One of my grandsons faced many difficult chronic medical issues each day. My heart breaks each day because of the many challenging situations he and other children in similar situations endure. He was an amazingly strong person. The dignity with which he embraced life and all the challenges each day brings, leaves an unforgettable and remarkable imprint on my life.

      Often times the chronic sorrow that one lives with, makes us truly grateful with heightened awareness every moment of every day.  It is because of this awareness of how precious each moment is, that makes me strive to want to teach children from a very young age awareness and gratitude for life.  If we have our eyes opened to gratitude and are taught from a young age to recognize the positive characteristics, and contributions that surround us the outcome will be one of respect for all humankind and animal-kind as well.

      I truly believe that Peace and Respect for all living creation is a very attainable goal. Every person can be a teacher. When you practice respect, you are teaching respect.

      Perhaps the answer to attaining this is as the Teacher’s Prayer states. If each one of us starts with teaching just a few people, many and beautiful things, so they can one day teach a few people. As this continues on and on we can make Gratitude, Hope, Joyfulness, and love abound.

      With respect, hope, joy and love,

      Carmela  

                                                Click to visit the original post

                                                  Click Here to Join

      Share this:

      • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
      • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
      • Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Print (Opens in new window) Print
      Like Loading...
      Posted in About the Author, Meditative Writings | Tagged B4Peace, beauty, caregiver, Carmela Snelbaker, challenges, courage, dignity, Education, grandchildren, gratitude, Prayer, Sheep!, Teacher, Thank You For Your Service
    • My Dad’s Sense Of Humor

      Posted at 4:08 PM by carmelasnelbaker
      Aug 4th

      As I was reading another bloggers recent post, I was reminded of a memory of my dad. Since this blog is an old scrapbook that I am sharing of his, I thought I would share a bit of his sense of humor here as well.

      My dad was a very avid reader. From current news, political writings, science magazines, to novels. If he had idle time he was reading. As a father he loved to share his wisdom whenever he could. He also had a very funny sense of humor.

      I moved back in to live with my dad when my dad was in his eighties. Living with my dad in his later years created many more memories to add to those from childhood. I am not sure why but, my dad often felt the need to comment on my outfits. He sometimes would tell me that my outfit looked nice. Other times he wouldn’t necessarily say that he didn’t like it, but rather leave me with a statement that would spark a thought. Sometimes I would be in the mood to chuckle about it, and other times I did not appreciate the humor 🙂  Later, I must admit, I would remember it and have to chuckle to myself.

      One particular morning I was dressed to leave for work. As I came out the hall my dad was sitting on his recliner and stated, ” My God, is that what they are wearing these days? You look like you’re dressed for a Civil War re-enactment!” I was rushed that morning and not exactly welcoming his “what not to wear” opinions:)  I continued on to work. As I went about my work day the memory of his comment did cause me to chuckle. Because I work with many elderly people I thought they would also get a chuckle from his comment.  As I showed up to greet them, I started my own senior citizen poll on the subject…, “Do I look like I’m dressed for a Civil War re-enactment? ” No-one actually was brave enough to agree with him, although it certainly brought about some smiles and a lighthearted conversation.

      I enjoyed, and still do enjoy memories of my dad’s silliness, and his ability to calmly make a one line remark that would bring about a smile and a chuckle.

      With respect, hope, joy and love,

      Carmela

      This post was written for the daily prompt: back to the future. Write a story about a person or a thing that is out of place. Although I didn’t think I was out of place, my dad did 🙂

      Share this:

      • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
      • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
      • Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Print (Opens in new window) Print
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Family Stories | Tagged children, civil war, dad, daily post challenge, emotions, families, family, gratitude, happy familiy, love, sense of humor
    • Don’t Forget To Play

      Posted at 9:16 PM by carmelasnelbaker
      Jul 15th
      Play with your children
      everyday

      inside, outside

      doesn’t matter

      Image

      Yell, hide and seek

      and watch them scatter!

      With respect, hope, joy and love,

                       Carmela

      Share this:

      • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
      • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
      • Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Print (Opens in new window) Print
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged Child, child developement, children, enjoy, fun, gratitude, love, play
    Newer posts →
    • 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