Happy Father's Day

Father’s day always brings a smile to my face as I think of my father and all he has provided all of his children with unconditionally.  The love, support and pride in which he portrays every single day, especially on special occasions such as a holiday or our birthday’s has always been a constant, and for that we shall always be grateful for being so lucky.

Our father has taught us how to stand on our own two feet, depend on ourselves, and most of all; to always hold our heads up high.  He has always believed in our abilities and potential to shine and has always motivated us to do and be our very best.  Father’s such as these are truly hard to come by and it takes a very special man and father to be a wonderful dad. 

As far as dad’s go I have been very blessed and this extends to my best friend and husband who has also demonstrated what fatherhood and friendship is truly about.  He has been an absolutely outstanding father and support system for our son and I am so very happy I chose wisely.  It isn’t easy to be a provider and a father these days.  Trying to make ends meet and staying on top of things can be difficult but these two men make it seem flawless. 

I want them both to know how much of a blessing they are and how grateful I truly am to have such fantastic role models in my life and that of my son’s.  Happy Father’s Day to my exceptional men!  May you always know how deeply loved and admired you truly are and may God continue to bless you and all other wonderful dad’s alike.  

Copyright (c) 2014 ~ Susan B. Anna

Love is...

“I don't pretend to know what love is for everyone, but I can tell you what it is for me; love is knowing all about someone, and still wanting to be with them more than any other person, love is trusting them enough to tell them everything about yourself, including the things you might be ashamed of, love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone, but still getting weak knees when they walk into a room and smile at you"



Author Unknown

Love is Always Required

Relationships these days can be very tricky, many go into it because they are tired of being alone and want to believe their love will last, and then there are the few who are very lucky and finally find what they always desired or wanted from their mate.

All relationships need commitment, dedication, devotion; trust and respect if you want it to succeed.  In addition to the above you also need to have loyalty, trust and communication open at all times.  If anyone of these things is missing there is no way you can expect to find a lasting and meaningful relationship. Every relationship needs these key elements to survive, and ignoring any can be fatal. 

It is easy to fall in love with someone if you have a bit of chemistry and enjoy being with one another, but your main focus if you want it to be real. To continue to grow stronger as a couple you must be in it wholeheartedly.  You must not only think of your feelings but that of your mate.  Don't let bad judgments or insecurities put a damper or strain on your relationship. 

There will be some downs and with that disagreements but they are just that and can always be worked on together, so keep loving, keep appreciating and keep improving as all good things get better with time and most importantly never forget to always love every step of the way. 



Copyright (c) 2013~Susan B. Anna

Phases of Love and Bliss

This past Friday I was in my very close friend’s wedding.  As a brides maid it was wonderful to be a part of her day from start to almost finish.  It was an incredible day full of love, worries and most of all hope for the future.  Their journey was a long one but they finally made it to this very special stage in their lives and it couldn’t be a truer blessing.  

A few years ago they were tested in so many different ways.  One had let lust and temptation steer them wrong and the other forgave.  They broke up briefly and found their way back and then they taught those around them that true love really conquers all.  It gives you a truly warm feeling to know that you were there to see it all and watch them overcome the obstacles that tried to separate them in the first place.

 

True love does exist, and many are truly lucky to ever see and feel it.  It takes a lot but it is not impossible if the love one shares is deemed special enough to fight for it.  Growing up I only read about such a love in the romance books and movies I was fortunate enough to read and see.  Later in life my own experiences with love and commitment has strengthened my belief in it.  I have loved and lost but never ever gave up on the trueness of it all. 

I am now at a new phase in my life where I can only learn from those around me who have achieved it.  Presently I am very happy but it also took me a while to get here.  I can safely say that it is totally different, joyful and very, very exciting.  The love and commitment I share with this special person has taught me that it is a never ending fight to sustain and keep it but with it comes many rewards.  Maybe someday we can find ourselves happily married but I am in no way rushing it.  

Right now all I can say is how very happy I am for the bride and groom who found their way and never gave up on each other.  They are the true reason why I decided to write this and the ones who deserve the spotlight.  May they forever be blessed with a unity that that can only get stronger and a happiness that will never waiver. 

Copyright © ~ Susan B. Anna

Keeping the Spark in your Relationship

Everyone who has ever been in a relationship can understand the overwhelming need to want that relationship to last.  Upon the start everything about it is exciting.  The glances, the kissing, and most importantly the touch is wonderful, and you can't help but hope that it continues that way.  Unfortunately, things do die down and one can get a bit too comfortable so it is easy to forget how great things were in the beginning. 

Photo provided by: Inspirationaldaily.wordpress.com

The dating and closeness you had in the beginning slowly diminishes and it is considered normal but shouldn't be.  There is no reason whatsoever to stop doing what you once did to get to that relationship status.  Work, friends and every day stresses should not prevent one from making sure their partner is satisfied in every way.  Be it by noticing when they are upset and having them talk about it, listening and giving them your views on the matter or simply just cuddling for no reason whatsoever.  Nothing should prevent you from making your partner priority number one.

When you chose to see each other exclusively and took that next step to solidify the relationship you decided then that your partner was special and wonderful enough to do so.  Therefore, do not by any means lose sight of that.  Take the time to tell him or her that you love them.  Treat them to something special and not only on a special occasion and most importantly always, always make time for just the two of you.  The passion should never die down and the romance must always be there, so send your special lady flowers at work, sit and watch that romantic movie together and explore one another.  Keeping the fire lit and the heat index high between you is beneficial to you both, so if in doubt ask, you will be surprised what you may find out and even more so when those sparks ignite something between you that can make most adults not only blush but look forward to more.

No great love should ever be taken for granted but simply appreciated...  

Copyright (c) 2013~ Susan B.  Anna 

Random Poetry Selection -Love Is

Love is quick Love is long Love is what we have it'll never be wrong.

Love is powerful Love is sweet Love is that connection when our lips meet.

Love is wonderful Love is grace Love is everlasting, at a never ending pace.

Love is lust Love is devotion Love is our most powerful emotion.

Love is a hold Love is an embrace Love is being touched by your simple grace.

Love is tender Love is a dream Love is how all of life should seem.

Love is for so many but finds so few My Love is lucky, because my Love is you. 

by: Zane Lewis

Easter Poem

    Without Easter Without Easter,
there would be no hope of heaven.
Without the hope of heaven,
there would be no repentance,
no personal transformation,
no attempt to follow biblical principles.
Without Easter,
the world would be in chaos
and darkness.
Jesus’ death and resurrection
means we can be reborn,
to live better, to do better,
to shine light into the shadows.
Hallelujah!
Happy, Happy Easter.   By Joanna Fuchs

Love

Just saying that "I love you" doesn't

     Mean a thing at all

For loving words fly like the birds 

     When they hear Winter's call.

Love is a thing that proves itself

     A thousand times a day

In simple little things you do

     And the little things you say.

Love is a thing called scarifice,

     A tonic when you're blue.

Love is the joy of doing things for 

     Someone dear to you.

 ~Nick Kenny 

Happy Valentine's Day

I couldn't describe what romance means any better...  Love this and so happy I stumbled upon it. 


Romance is the language of love. It is the way that you show your partner that you care about them. Every person has their own idea of what they might consider romantic. For some it will be dressing up for the other or buying flowers or jewelry. There is no way to know what is romantic without knowing the person. Romance is created by the feeling that you are genuinely cared about. All romance has one thing in common; it must show the other person that you care enough to find out what is meaningful to them.

Source: Romantic Poems For Lovers http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/love/romantic-

Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes

We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. 

There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.

~Martin Luther King Jr. 

Holiday Cheer

As Christmas day draws near I can't help but reflect on the past year and both frown and smile upon it.  This past year I have learned the importance of family, staying connected with friends and letting new friends into your life.  I can honestly say this year has been eventful and challenging, but overall fantastic.

I specifically enjoy this time of year because the joys, lights and happiness of the season takes over at every turn.  Houses are decorated, shopping centers are booming with Christmas songs and people just smile a lot easily.  As a parent I tend to make the house cheery, cook a lot of delicious treats and watch Christmas movies throughout the season.  Some of the favorites being the holiday cartoons and "A Christmas Story." 

The tree is nicely decorated, stockings hung up on the fireplace and as the day draws near the anticipation of opening our presents and taking pictures together gets a bit overwhelming but also exciting.  Being with family this time of the year is rewarding in every way. 

I know there are some families who will be having a difficult time this holiday as they have lost a loved one, and to them I give my heartfelt sympathy.  Our prayers will continue to be with you and we will also share in your grief.  May you be blessed with healing and may you always remember they will never be too far from your hearts.

Merry Christmas to you all, may you always remember the true reason for it and may blessings follow you through every step of the way. 

Poetry: At a Glance

Attached is a link to one of my recently published poems.  Has been a while since I focused on my very first writing passion and hope to continue to write and add a few more soon.
 
As always all thoughts and feedback appreciated.

At a Glance 


~Susan B. Anna

Lifes Sweet Blessings

Now that the first holiday weekend has passed, and Thanksgiving is over once more, it is time to reflect, take in and enjoy all you have shared and most of all time to relax.  Thanksgiving weekend is also a reminder that a certain person I adore and cherish with all my heart is getting a little older and my heart aches in anticipation that soon he will no longer let me consider him my baby.

Eleven years now and I still recall as if it were yesterday when he arrived into my life.  Being a mom is truly rewarding and I enjoy every minute I share with him in laughter, love and most of all joy.  A joy that grows stronger and stronger each day and one I will always cherish throughout my lifetime.

As the dreaded teen years creep in I can’t say I will ever be prepared as no one knows how tough things can get in that particular phase in life, but I will try my best to cope and deal with it as best I can.  Thankfully I have a great support system within my family to assist me when things do get too rough.  In a way I believe my son will continue to remain as sweet and considerate upon becoming a teen as he is right now, but as a parent one must always prepare for changes.

Since I have two full years to enjoy still, I will remain calm for now and only focus on the innocence he still portrays and the smile he so easily displays upon seeing me and vise versa. Truly love being a mom, but soon will be missing the innocent phase.


Susan B. Anna

Happy Thanksgiving Blessings

As the holiday draws near and the anticipation of being with those we care about are finalized, lets take time to thank and appreciate the time provided.  Some of you may only see each other sporadically and some may have issues with others, but it is a time for love, forgiveness and most of all faith as another year comes close to the end and another possibility was planted to make amends.

Have a wonderful time this Thanksgiving and enjoy every minute of it for what it truly is, a time for sharing, a time of remembrance and a day for togetherness; simply put.

~Susan 

Love is...

Love & Marriage

Check out these simple steps and improve your marriage and or relationship...

 Practicing these small steps will make a world of difference in your relationship with your spouse or partner.


Open Your Heart

Any relationship works only when you open your heart and convey your feelings to the other person. And this is especially necessary in marriage, where the husband and wife are said to be of one flesh and blood. An increased bank balance or a healthy sex life with your spouse loses does not mean much unless you two have a candid relationship. So make it a point to indulge in a heart-to-heart conversation with your partner, at least for half an hour each day. 

Know your spouse/partner

Most of us live married for years without actually knowing our partner. This is because most of us are too full of ourselves to pay attention to others. That’s why, often we fail to recognize our mates properly and miss out little things about them till we come to know about them through some other source or when a third person points out those things. That fills us with guilt and often makes us jealous. But the truth is, you should spend more time with your partner and try to understand him/her more.


Be on Time 

Being punctual is the greatest tip for people of both sexes. Be on time for your date. It’s real bad manners on your part to turn up late and let your date wait anxiously. It makes you seem rude and an insincere person to have a relationship with.

Listening

Try to talk less and listen more. That way, you will discover your spouse’s thoughts and feelings more and more. A recently conducted research shows that the average person listens for only seventeen seconds before interrupting with his/her own ideas. Probably you do it too. But you can improve it. Work to increase your listening span more and more. Practice looking at and paying attention to your spouse when he/she talks to you. Remember, listening begins with seeing and having eye contact with your partner while having a conversation, shows that you are attentive to the words being spoken to you.

Don’t Bicker

A lot of marriages/relationships head to the brink of separation only because of constant bickering among the partners. Do you do so too? Just pause and think, how many times did you tell something to your spouse that you repented upon later and rued that you had better left it unsaid? Ignore the little things, and save the confrontations for the bigger problems. Whenever an argument arises, try to solve it peacefully. Even if you have to raise your voice, never lose temper and never let the thought of separation cross your mind. No marriage is perfect and differences are part of any relationship, be it among friends or family members or spouses. Tolerance, a little patience, understanding your partner’s wishes and respecting his/her opinions are what are required for a smooth marriage life. Be gentle with one another and never go to bed angry with each another. This is harder on the both of you. Keep in mind that no problem is so big that you can’t solve it together. No trouble is worth breaking your marriage over. 


Appreciate

A common habit of most humans is to see only the negative qualities in their spouse and ignore the positive ones. But no relationship can benefit from constant criticizing and nitpicking. Try to appreciate whatever good you find in your partner and do so openly, vocally. Remember, all of us want a little appreciation in our lives.


Talk

Communication is the key to a healthy marriage. Having a great relationship doesn’t mean that things are always perfect. If you have problems, you need to talk about them, and work out a solution that is acceptable to both of you. Make sure that you have an open relationship with your spouse. That way, you will get to know what your partner’s expectations are from you. Once you get to know, do not ignore those. Work on them. The little botherations of today can build up into something so big tomorrow, that you may not be able to solve them ever.


Thank your Partner

Try to thank your partner now and then for everyday things like making a meal, taking out the garbage, cleaning the garage or buying the groceries. Common courtesies help a great deal in any relationship. Whatever duties your partner performs in a relationship, a thank you or a compliment can mean a lot. We all crave for some acknowledgement in life. Tell your spouse at some opportune moment, how much he/ she means to you. Acknowledgement is a great necessity in marriage; it fills the recipient with a sense of belonging and acts as an encouragement. If you’re not used to doing this, you may need some time to really think about what life would be like without your partner. 

Laugh

The couple that laughs together often stays together always. Modern life has resulted in all of us being tensed and worried for some reason or another all the time. Laughter goes on to ease that. Try to make one another laugh everyday! Too much serious talking can leave you both stressed out, making you both grumpy. Joking and having a good laugh every now and then is necessary for a happy married life. 


Share the responsibilities

The birth of a child often intensifies the stress in the household and creates a distance between husband and wife. Men normally tend to distance themselves from the entire situation, leaving the mother to feel alone and burdened with the responsibility of rearing the child. This is a wrong approach, for bringing up a baby requires the sharing of feelings and responsibilities of both parents.

Spend time with each other
 
Take a break and try to spend some time with each other from time to time. This tends to keep the romance alive and provides both partners a welcome relief from the hassles of family life. Even if you have a baby, arrange for a babysitter, and enjoy time as a couple. Go out to dine together, watch a movie or enjoy some game that you both like. Leave aside all worries for some time and enjoy life in the company of each other. You will be surprised at how refreshed you feel and these time offs will give you both a renewed energy and enthusiasm to face life.


Say “I love you!”

I Love You. Just saying these magic words now and then can help you keep the flame of romance burning in your life. Try it often. You will feel a visible difference, not only in your marriage, but in your entire family as well. Remember, happy couples are the foundation for happy families!