During my quiet time this morning, I reflected on the passing of our dear friend Owen, who lost his valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. He will be long remembered for his gentle spirit, his kindness, and his unwavering faith which sustained him through his illness. We will carry a piece of Owen in our hearts, always.
When a friend’s death occurs, we remember their character; status, possessions, and travelogues fade into obscurity.
It is the legacy of love we leave behind that is most important.
It’s funny how clearing out mindspace can open the window for more meaningful thoughts.
After deleting my Facebook account, I was pleasantly surprised at the arrival of the words for this post. At the outset of beWARM, my intention was to write only when thoughts from the Holy Spirit filtered in. The number of followers was never a high priority; I believe that God knew all along who should read my words.
From time to time, I wondered if I had any more to write. When I considered stopping, there would be a random message of affirmation that told me to continue.
In light of facing a friend’s end of life, I realize that this blog is my SoulBook.
Through beWARM, my desire is to continue to embrace realness, vulnerability and encouragement, while also sharing my faith. And one day, I hope my grandchildren will read my words, and know my heart.
We all need our foundations to be shored up along our life journeys, especially now with all the anxiety and unpredictability in the world.
Thankfully, our omnipotent God is always there for us to lean on, even in the worst of times.
My prayer is that you, dear readers, will find your own Soulful Media outlet – one that is an instant and direct line of communication with God, where you can express your heart to Him.
He will hit the “like” button on every one of your posts.
Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us. ~ Psalm 62:8 (ESV)
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beWARM celebrated it’s 10th birthday in October! My deepest thanks to my daughter Kristy for the gift of this blog on my 60th birthday. It is hard to believe that this is my 150th post! And I am ever grateful for you, dear readers. I appreciate how you have shared your SoulBook thoughts with me. Sending much love to all of you…
beWARM 
You are a blessing, Toni! God Bless you!
Thank you, Jeanene , for how you have blessed so many over the years, especially Dad!
Love you. ❤️❤️❤️
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Love this! He was a special man , proved out by putting up with me for 35 years. So true our character and kind works is what is remembered. God welcomed a wonderful member into the heavenly choir. Love you!
I’m sure Owen is singing up there right now – and looking forward to his next cigar!!! And…. he was blessed by YOU for 35 years, Stacy!!! You are both loved by many….
Ohhh, thank you Tomi girl..once again, your gift of words, penetrate our souls!….
(Been off FB foe 3 yrs…)
Yay for you, Frannie! And thank you for your fervent prayers and inspiring messages you send….❤️
Thank you, Toni, for sharing your words. I am always WARMED by your heart.
You have been a loyal reader, Lois! Thank you!!!
Toni! Bless you, such a treat to get this. And somehow, I didn’t know about your last post!
The last one I had seen was a year ago February… And after all you and Joey went through, I simply assumed you had decided to take a break… Perhaps permanently.
And indeed, it sounds a bit like that’s what happened? Waiting for God’s words to flow through you?
So I’m glad you are feeling that this is the way the good Lord wants you to express yourself and reach out to others again… What a time it’s been.
And you have certainly had much more to go through than many. I’m hoping you all are doing very well? Settled back in the same house here in Santa Fe, however more than a half hour from the plaza?!
We all know the expression that the distance to a friend’s house is never that great? But I think for you, the distance to church… It’s never so great that it will stop you being there a great deal!?
I do very much miss singing with you and the chorale:) and I have also very much loved being back in the Episcopalian music I grew up with. Or I should say I did love it! But never mind, we may or may not all be singing together in person again in future.
Meantime, thank goodness for Spirit! Spiritually, I feel we are all still so very connected. Physically! Not so much. I can’t imagine living in the middle ages and having to go through anything like this without zoom, etc.
Please do stay in touch, catch me up on all things Fammartino? Anytime the mood strikes. Sending you lots of love, as always.
Thanks so much, Lisa Sent from my iPhone
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Well…if I read this correctly, happy 70th? Hope you were able to celebrate you and all the wonderful gifts that rise up in you through the Spirit’s gentle whispers. What a beautiful legacy to leave for your grands and a lovely witness to all your friends who read it now.
Believing that you and Joey are doing well…happy holidays!
Linda Simmons Harder
Thank you, Linda! We are holding up pretty well so far; what a year 2020 has been! We are thankful for the many MMI experiences we have shared with you and Mark, and David, too! Hoping you are all staying well, and wishing you a blessed Christmas! Xo
How did I miss this wonderful Toni-blog? Not because I was on FB either! Thank you for these last ten years of sharing your inspiration and your special, loving, faithful heart….looking forward to the next decade!
Your encouragement has been such a blessing, Betty! Thank you so much…