Sunday Reflections
Happy Sunday, friends! There are just 10 days until Christmas. It is a busy time, but still time for me to do Sunday Reflections!
Sunday Reflections is a lifestyle post usually centered around what is happening in my world.
And there has been so much happening in my world, so it is time for a few Sunday Reflections!
But first…..
Welcome with me if you will, grandchild #8.
She is fresh into this world sporting a beautiful pink headband and the latest in swaddles…The Ollie.
Here she is held by her big sister …who may rarely put her down!
Two sisters, a big brother, and four excited cousins welcome her to the family and all eight are 11 and under…it is the best crew!
Our family is so incredibly blessed and overflowing with love…
SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: SURVEY QUESTIONS
Thank you so much to those who took time to write me…not Santa…and comment or send emails in response to SURVEY TIME.
I cannot tell you how helpful it is to hear from you. This blog community is amazing. THANK YOU so much for taking the time to send your thoughts.
I am not going to address everything that was said to me…some things require more Sunday Reflections…but I did want to address a few.
- I was surprised at how many prefer the emails and are not on social media of any kind themselves. But, I assure you I will continue with email. I just desire to find a new service and if that messes things up a bit in the beginning, please have patience. Emails will continue.
- I also will continue to place new posts on MY FACEBOOK PAGE.
- I was very surprised at how many prefer reading to videos. Thank you for that. While I want to do more videos, it takes some pressure off to know that is not your preferred way to hear what I have to say.
- To those who do not like the blog style of writing that repeats words and phrases, I completely get it. I don’t really like it either. But, it is not going to change. That is how I increase what is called Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and get the content before more people and increase audience. It is very important to a content creator who also is funding what I do through a website. I have been writing since I was 11 years old…I majored in journalism…I taught writing for 16 years to high school students…I know this is not the best for readability and I hate having to write headlines that increase SEO…I love a creative headline. But, I cannot change it because of industry standards and I hope you understand. I think I push the boundaries more than most do.
- The same with short sentences and not longer paragraphs…that has to do with design for my advertising.
- To those petite ladies who miss Leigh Ann…so do I! We are literally in different places now, but when I can feature her here, I will. I think she misses you too. Also, my radar is up for a new friend in this town who might like to take her place.
- I have heard you clearly that fashion is our main topic…but I think you know I love it…so no problem with keeping the same. Thank you that you still want to hear about my new home and adjustments to a new life.
- The Wednesday news will continue for now and has a pretty good following, but if I get a new idea…I will let everyone know right away.
One big comment remaining from the survey……
SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: WHAT WILL NOT CHANGE
Thank you to those who read because they find me to be authentic.
I could not do this any other way.
In 2025, this blog will be 16 years old.
What I love about blogging is that it is MINE. I am not working for a publishing company who is dictating that I be all things to all people.
Here I can be authentically me and share what I believe will help you the most in this journey later in life.
Someone said, they recommended I not discuss my faith or use the closing, “STAY STRONG & KEEP SMILING.”
First, my closing words.
I added STAY STRONG for this year only because I selected STRENGTH as my word for the year after a setback with foot surgery. I also needed encouragement and hope.
At that time, I did not even know a major move lied ahead. But, God knew. He knows all.
Currently, I am praying about my word for 2025.
The reader who wrote this said the closing is insensitive to those going through a hard time.
I completely disagree…the closing words to me represent HOPE to those going through a difficult time.
No matter what we face, hope never goes away.
Life is difficult. PERIOD. Often daily.
This week I had a major plumbing issue that affected four rooms in this house and the entire house smelled for days like “poop.” It was sickening and awful.
Well poop happens. I prayed…I persevered…stayed strong…did not whine…and kept smiling the whole way exhibiting kindness toward the workers.
I was house bound to a place that smelled like a sewer.
Many have gone through far worse circumstances this year. I think of Kathie and her community first.
But I know from experience to get through you must be strong, you must keep smiling, you must pray and you must believe God is real.
This is how I can be attacked inside of my home and still Keep Smiling….that one episode has amazed many people…including the District Attorney’s office.
He holds all of us in His hands…whether we choose to believe or not. He is right there waiting for us to come to Him.
If I ignored that or did not encourage you toward what I know is the key to living life with joy, I would be inauthentic.
We live in a stressful, difficult time especially surrounded by wars and rumors of wars.
If you awake each morning and live one day at a time covered in prayer and God’s Word and Hope…you can withstand and experience that deep inside joy and peace.
My mother lived as a sad, depressed, angry, victim…and there is no joy or hope living that way.
I will continue to discuss who I am and that my faith is key to who I am. Most often I do this in Sunday Reflections. However, my faith is who I am every day.
This is what is so great about a blog…I can be me and write and say what I believe will help you the most whether you believe it or not.
Also, I will be praying for the woman who sent these suggestions. She sounds like a sweet one, so no attacks on her, please.
I am always here to pray for you…just send me your requests through over50feeling40@gmail.com…and when I say I pray…you can rest assured that I PRAY.
One of my callings later is life is to be a strong prayer warrior.
Thanks so much for joining me today for Sunday Reflections…you may leave your thoughts or email me…I am listening…this week I take you around for fun in Abilene….make sure you…
STAY STRONG & KEEP SMILING!
By Pamela Lutrell
For all your shopping, please use the links on my SHOPPING PAGE…thank you, thank you to all who shop this way.
Dear Pam, Sorry time slipped away and I did not get a chance to answer your survey questions. I love your fashion posts. I would like some videos and please keep the blog going because it is like reading a personal letter from you! Absolutely love Sunday Reflections! Keep being your authentic self! I love how you write about your life. The poop story is real life! 🤣I can relate! Most of all, keep sharing your faith in the Lord. You are planting seeds of hope and joy. Merry Christmas!🎄
Bless you, Brenda! Thank you for being here.
Good morning and an early Merry Christmas, Pam.
Congratulations on your beautiful new granddaughter! You have such a lovely family. I know your heart overflows with pride and gratitude.
I’d like to say that I personally love that you express your faith on your blog. Even though I’m a strong Christian, there are always going to be hard days when it helps to hear uplifting or encouraging words from others. You are always that voice. I’ve been following you for several years and I admire the way you live your life in front of us. Things like plumbing issues are real life. Some people would let that ruin their week and complain, but your example is such a better way.
I’ve tried to shop through your links and love that you introduced us to the By Brian skincare. My skin has never felt better.
Thanks for coming to us in your sweet, adventurous, joyful Pamela style. Have a great week ahead!
Thank you so much, Cindy. You have blessed me abundantly today. Have an amazing Sunday!
You’re a gem ❤️!
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Stacy…everyone here is a gem!
Congratulations on the birth of your new precious little granddaughter! You are truly blessed beyond measure. Please don’t ever change, Pam. I do follow you on Instagram and Facebook, but your blog is the first thing I read every morning. I love your messages about faith as you are always so encouraging, inspirational and JOYFUL!
I’m sorry that I didn’t respond to your survey, as I am far from home until December 21st. Congrats on that sweet baby girl. You mentioned that your granddaughter wanted a little sister, that picture is precious. I do like your blog and all that is included. I think last year I responded that I didn’t like the news links posted on Wednesdays. But now I really enjoy them, and find something useful each week. So, goes to show, don’t change a thing. I love the blog just as it is with a variety of fashion, health and beauty, family, faith, recipes, and your daily life. Can’t wait to see more home updates, sorry to hear about your plumbing woes.
Thank you, Niki!
Thank you, Deanna. It is so nice to hear from all of you!
I am not a gem. I am below average in looks, intellect and personality. When you look at a bell curve, or continuum, or spectrum, you can see that not everyone can be above average, except maybe in Lake Wobegone where the women are strong, the men are good-looking and all the children are above average. I accept myself the way I am, so please don’t scold me. I still like clothes, fashion and style. Go figure.
Linlee, you are a gem…created by a loving God in his image. He does not make mistakes and you are not one. I hope someday you can look in the mirror and understand that you have a Father who loves you and created you to be….a gem.
Hi Pan! Oh your newest grand daughter is wonderful–beautiful! Congratulations! Such happy times for all the children with Santas arrival just days away!
I’m sorry you had to deal with smells and workplace clutter ( I imagine) right now so close to Christmas, but better it’s taken care of quickly!
Your great attitude with set-backs in life is a wonderfully inspiring! We all need to embrace such an attitude.
Thanks Paulette…there are days more difficult that others, but I know who holds me up! Thank you for being here…
Thank you for your daily and weekly messages. You brighten my mornings when I read you as I have my coffee. I love the fact that you address so many parts of all our lives…family, food, friends and adventures…with faith. Your smile is contagious and real! Thank you.
Bless you, Dorothy…I love having coffee with you each day!
I appreciate authenticity. Your blog is one of the first emails I search for when I’ve gotten behind with reading emails. Your Sunday Reflections posts are my favorites! Blessings to you and your family this joyous season!
And to you, Cathy! Thank you!
Pam,
Somehow I got eliminated from your emails. I pray I have done nothing to offend you or any reader. May I please be reinstated? I miss it and your positive attitude towards life and change.
Sincerely,
LindaR
Hi Linda, oh my goodness, you have done nothing wrong!! One of the reasons I wrote today that I am looking for a new email company is because of this very thing! It has happened to too many people who read this blog. I will try to reinstate you, but know that I plan to have a new email option soon.
I completely missed the chance to take your survey,but I love your blog and like reading what is on the blog better than watching videos! I love your words of encouragement and the fact you let us into your everyday life. Congratulations on your new granddaughter! She is beautiful. ❤️
What a tremendous early gift for Christmas, another baby girl to love! As someone who has had two back-to-back years with extra struggles and loss, I truly appreciate your positive messages. Though I very much consider myself in the glass half-FULL camp, it is helpful to have others in my life who by word, deed, example, are a light on my path. Then I, too, can shine for others who may be struggling.
I hope the week ahead is one of joy and reflection, love and kindness. Merry Christmas. 🌟
Thank you, Denise. Two back to back babies has been such a blessing for our family.
Thank you, Connie…always love to hear from you!
Pam, your blog has long been inspiring and a comfort to me! Please keep it “Pam style”, and with references to your strong faith in God. I also love your family tales and descriptions of your new home in Abilene. Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Dede! I don’t plan on changing a thing!
Amen! I Merry Christmas to you and your family.
And to you, Elisa!
Beautifully said Pam! This is why I enjoy your blog. Congratulations on your new granddaughter!
Thank you, Lorraine…and thank you for being here.
Congratulations on your new baby girl granddaughter! She is adorable! Your plumbing issues are horrendous but it is a soap and water problem. Any problem that can be scrubbed up is doable. That is what my mother told me when my four sons were still little rambunctious mess makers extraordinaire. Now two of them are grandparents to my great grandchildren. Time does keep rolling along and those babies grow up and soon have children of their own. I’m so grateful to you for being so open and authentic. I look forward to you in my email inbox every morning with my tea. Hope keeps us going and faith is our strength. Please keep blessing us as long as it brings you joy.
It does bring me joy, Sydney…I love to be here with you. It was more than a soap & water problem…but what is important…is that, for now, it’s over!
You are such a blessing! Thank you for all you do! Merry Christmas 🎄
Congratulations on your newest granddaughter! I’m sure she will add even more joy to your life.
I sincerely hope you never stop writing about your faith. As you said, it is a part of you & what makes you who you are. As I was getting ready for church this morning, I heard someone talking about taking time to be alone during this busy season. The first thing that popped into my mind was that I am never alone because Jesus is always with me. It is a promise that has seen me through a lot of trials.
I am praying about my word for 2025, too. My word for 2024 is Forward. I feel like it has served me well. One word for next year keeps returning to me, so I will keep on praying to see if it sticks.
Congratulations on your new beautiful granddaughter. So precious to see her in the arms of her big sister. Thank you for your prayers for our community. Last evening our celebrant at mass was a retired priest who lives in a neighboring community which was devastated by Helene, the same town where Caty lost her home. He preached on hope and thanksgiving, the second readying was 4 Philippians, and spoke about all the volunteers who have come from all over the country to help with recovery and rebuilding by fixing up damaged homes, building tiny homes, donating their campers for temporary housing. We need to praise the Lord in all circumstances and do whatever we can for our neighbors. And if all we can do is pray then we pray with all our hearts.
I have also have a word that keeps returning…we will see what happens. I hope you will share yours at the time I share mine. You are right, Becky…we are NEVER alone.
Kathie, your comment brought tears as I read it through a second time. Your community has been through so much, and God sent his army to help. Thank you for sharing his message today.
Congratulations on your precious new granddaughter! I know the new babies will bring an extra measure of joy to your entire family this Christmas. I always enjoy your Sunday Reflections, but seeing the photo of you beaming in the “JOYFUL” sweater and Santa hat gave me something extra to reflect on today. The past two Christmas seasons have been really hard for me. Two years ago I was sick the entire month of December and spent Christmas day alone in bed with pneumonia. Last year I had just buried my mama and was trying to deal with all the business end of losing a parent. I looked at your photo and realized I don’t want my grandkids to remember me as the person I’ve been the past two holiday seasons. This year is another hard one, as the responsibilities of buying a new home and getting the old one ready to sell have converged with preparations for a three week visit by friends from out of the country and Christmas. I realized that it is up to me to find my own joy in this season, and to exemplify it to others, as that’s how I want them to remember me. I’m so sorry one of your readers took offense at your closing comment, and just wanted to say that in spite of everything I’ve been through in the past few years, those words are nothing but an encouragement to me. You are such a good role model for me and I aspire to bring the same joy and encouragement to others that you bring to us through your posts. Christmas blessings to you and your readers, and a virtual hug to Linlee, who I hope can give herself some grace!
There are so many wonderful and affirming comments, I don’t think I have much of offer. I also didn’t have time to answer the survey. My 2 cents? I prefer reading over videos. I don’t use any social media. I enjoy reading your posts.i particularly like try ons. I am not a Christian. I’m not religious all. I respect all who believe and respect their right to express their beliefs. I gather I’m probably in the minority of your readers. But, to me, that’s what makes your community special. There is room for everyone as long as they remain open minded and supportive.
Hi Lorri, I am going to pray for you and Linlee. I pray on the other side of the move that you will be able to recognize that Gods was there helping all along. Pray specifically about your needs and concerns every day.
Dear Pam: I appreciate your messages of faith and hope. Congrats on the newest grandbaby. I will hope she might have been born on 12/11. A very good day! Ahem.
If you do decide to do videos, one thing that might be fun is an interview with someone you have met around Abilene or elsewhere–an artist, a proprietor, a fellow blogger. Someone we might enjoy hearing from. I would think it would be a lot of work to do a video weekly, but occasionally might be fun.
So sorry or the plumbing issues. A new home, whether a brand new build or new to you, can often do this sort of rebelling as everyone’s habits are different. We really need to express our appreciation for all those who help us in plumbing, heat, air, electrical. Good people!
And we are so glad you are here, Nancy!
Yes! Those are essential services I am so thankful for, Mary. And last week was another reminder of the benefits of getting a second opinion!
Oh my gosh! One of the very reasons I follow you is because of your hope and joyous faith. You are very authentic and I see you as a girlfriend with similar situations that could very well come in my life. I’m sorry life got in the way of answering your survey. I appreciate your writing and your style, your fashion and your sharing. Sometimes it absolutely applies to me, some times not – but isn’t that the way with all things? Take what you like and leave the rest, but please don’t change – you’re great the way your are. Again, that’s why I’ve stayed with you for years.
Pamela your honesty and sincerity are my attraction to your blog and your observations. You help me to consider many things in fashion, family life, daily challenges with optimism…what a beautiful God given spirit you have. Thank you.
Merry Christmas to you and your family as well as to the rest of us who follow you on ober50feeling40.com 🥰
Thank you so much, Kathleen!
Merry Christmas, Sandra…thank you so much!
Don’t you love how we’re all different and bring so many treasures to the table? Thank you for your “twinkle” that is uniquely you! God is amazing, loving, gracious, forgiving and long-suffering. He doesn’t leave us where we were and His hand of grace continually chips off the junk to reveal the gem that was always there, for His glory alone!!
Amen!! Thank you for sharing, Michele!
While I don’t like all your clothing choices I still learn I only follow Christian bloggers. There is enough despair in the world. I need up lifting content and yours is that!. And I love your mug!!!!!!
I love it too! Thanks Linda! My clothing choices are for me. I am here to encourage you to be your best and to dress uniquely you. The fact we are all different is the reason I promote the Foundational Five Style Adjectives!
Thanks for sharing!
I did respond to your survey albeit a few days late.
I neglected to add that I was a child who really wanted to be a boy. Somehow I morphed into a woman with over 100 pairs of shoes! But as much as I love clothes,
I don’t love to shop. This is why I love online shopping & I’ve learned to spot sales, bargains and good fits.
I too miss LeighAnn.
Welcome.to your new granddaughter
Please continue with your expressions of your faith. I am encouraged by your words. Blessings always
Thank you…I know you responded! So happy to have you here.
Blessing Audrey!
I missed your survey because we were in the middle of moving! I just want to say that I very much enjoy your blog, and authenticity is a good word for what you provide. You’re a real person with real highs and lows, and it’s lovely to be allowed to see into your life. As I sit here surrounded by boxes, I’m encouraged by your move and embracing of your new life. Congratulations on your new little granddaughter, and all the best to you and your family.
Thank you for the reply, Kathy. Enjoy your new home!