Never Let Go!

Never let go of hope.
Never let go of faith.
Never let go of love.

Despite pain, or loneliness
& despite the hatefulness.

Hold on to all that is good and true
Hold on to the beauty that is in you!
Don't let judgments or hatred in
from others or from you. Be bold
and never let go! Never let go!

There is always hope to be found
Find your faith, walk on solid ground
Love yourself & let God's love set you free.

Conquer pain, walk through fear.
Reach out to a friend you hold dear.

Hold on to all that is good and true
Hold on to the beauty that is in you!
Don't let judgments or hatred in
from others or from you. Be bold
and never let go! Never let go!

Be true, be you, don't stay blue.
Be caring, & be daring through & through.

There is always hope to be found.
Find your faith, walk on solid ground.
Love yourself & let God's love set you free

Hold on to all that is good and true
Hold on to the beauty that is in you!
Don't let judgments or hatred in
from others or from you.  Just Be bold
and never let go! Never let go!

~Janine Rillo
Inspired by Ellen's interview with Madonna regarding bullying.  12/31/10
...and my friend, Nigel Barker's Beauty Equation!

My Christmas Eve's Eve

Home again, home again…no jiggety jig.
So grateful to Sacred Heart & my new Doctors,
dedicated to my healing through the end...pun intended :)
I will start at the beginning of this tale… here I go again! :)

Starting on Dec. 14th,

Thank you Dr. Roger Orth for getting me in
For listening & determining a big cause of my pain!

You also helped my friends, the Pardens, you are an answered prayer! 
I am so grateful to you for helping us with such great care! 

I am ending this year with a lot of ends…
Starting with the end of food in me…as I prepared for my colonoscopy.
The end of ever drinking that juice again…YUCK!!!!
The end of a polyp in my esophagus along with a good stretch so I could comfortably eat again…and after those procedures man was I starving!!
The real beginning of ends…was my hysterectomy in June!
...bye bye Mother Nature! :) ...overshare, but true!
 

But, back to my current endings. The big end of this 9 day whirlwind
was for my little gallbladder, who’s little engine couldn’t
do what it needed to do. At least a huge cause of my pain wasn’t in my a**.
A healthy colon I do have…Mr. GB you’re toast…sorry, that sounds gross!

Rest in peace my little gallbladder, 
join my cervix and uterus on a heavenly platter. 
Maybe we will be together again one day, 
but we’ll be whole & eternally happy either way!

So, on to my gratitude…

Thank you everyone from Sacred Heart
Your “Very Good Care!” sets you apart!!!
You did what you said and very good care
Doesn’t compare to the treatment I had there!

Donna, Karen, my singing nurse too- you all were divine.
Then Stacey and Tammy my surgical elves hooked me up just fine.
No more gallbladder and feeling a bit green…
Bonnie you helped me recover peacefully. 
Jennifer, I didn’t like, at first, what you had to say, 
but you were so right and going home was the best way!  
I am warm and toasty in my own bed.
I am sore as can be, but at least I’m not dead!..It rhymed :)
Resting and healing well…thanks to you also Robin, I didn’t forget you,
all the wonderful people from intake to labs & discharge too, 
the whole experience was such a pleasure!
Your care, love, dedication, compassion & joy are deeply treasured!

My surgical hero, Dr. Torres, I must give kudos to you! 
Dr. Orth did me right when referring me to you!  
You had me just after hello, 
when you said you were blessed & to surgery we would go…
regardless of insurance or ability to pay the bill, 
your goal was my health, what a welcomed thrill! 
I was glad to say my insurance covered 100%. You were on the spot, 
& covered my surgery from beginning to end you really taught me a lot!  
You are a true gift from above! 
I am so grateful & wish you & yours endless blessings & lots of love!

I can’t forget my anesthesiologists Tues. & Thurs. too-thanks a ton!
Tuesday one, I hope you got your voice back for Christmas,
Your drugs were lots of fun! :)

Lastly, but best of all! My sweet buddy, Mollie, I love you so!
Thank you with my whole heart for dragging me from here to there, 
waiting & caring for me too! You’re a priceless gift I treasure, I hope you know!

Wishing you all Christmas blessings to last the whole year through!
God bless you and keep you & yours filled with great health, happiness, 
joy, lasting peace, & love…thanks from my heart to you!

Abundant blessings now and forever,
Janine Rillo

Thanksgiving Blessings

Being that this is my favorite time of year, and holiday... it inspired me to step further out of my comfort zone...if I have one of those anymore, :) and share my gratitude with you!

This is my favorite holiday because it is all about being thankful and lacks the commercialism other holidays can have. Gathering together to enjoy those we love is the best gift to  me. To those loved ones across too many miles I simply carry you within my heart and miss you tremendously! Thank you for being a special part of adding meaning to this holiday for me!!

I have been blessed with two wonderful, loving children, terrific friends, and a great family that add their part daily to the fulfillment of my life...thank you all!!!  Your smiles, laughter, encouragement, honesty, and love are priceless gifts I deeply treasure!  I send much love and endless blessings back your way!

I consider myself very blessed, but even throughout the trials and challenges in my life..and have had some pretty big ones this year, I am still only left with gratitude and joyful anticipation of better things to come!  The journey can be hard and even lonely at times, but a Power firmly planted within me keeps me going, inspired, strengthened, even courageous like never before..and for that I am overwhelmed with love and appreciation eager to pass along to others.

May your Thanksgiving be filled with all that is good... family, friends, laughter and good food!! May joy and love come in many ways, so this holiday spirit fills all your days!!  Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones too!!

Abundant blessings to you,

 Janine

   

Posted via email from ja9online

A Gorgeous Day

Fall is in the air! The cool, crisp breeze is invigorating! I love it!!! Even when your get up and go has gotten up and went... I can only thank God for this day and the beauty that it holds. As I sit here now, a bird just perched on a limb out of my window, and every thing seems greener, more alive..though it is fall and an end for some foliage.  The cold air stiffens me, but inspires me to get up and go and push through the pain. To reach my potential for the day and pray it can be productive. You see, I have struggled sitting and actually doing many things the past two years, yet God has a remarkable way of getting you through the tough times...time and time again. I am only left with gratitude and joyful anticipation for the great things to come...not pity or depression for the limitations I have had to face...but the blessings, the good, true, beautiful, the lessons learned, the surrender,  and cherishing life!  The acceptance of that which I can not change, striving to change the things I can, and praying for the Divine wisdom to know what I can do, the courage to press on, and strength of God to carry me through. He does!!! He is faithful though we are not...He is there even when we choose not to acknowledge Him.  He loves us and He formed us in His image and likeness. He came so we might have life and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)  I know how hard that can seem in the midst of trials...bankruptcy, health issues, family dynamics, life.  But, can testify to His greatness, mercy, love, and His Power He imparts to us all. Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world!... Emerson says perfectly, "what lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."  Christ dwells within us all and His love is a driving force gently guiding us until we can turn over the wheel and let Him take over .the journey to lasting peace and joy!!! Freedom! Enjoy your day!

Abundant blessings to you,

 Janine 

Posted via email from ja9online

Simple Things In Life

I flipped open my journal a few weeks ago and it opened to a page I had poetically scribbled out over a year ago...when delirious I get to rhyming.  :) I have since connected with some amazing people through this machine...a web that can spin out many blessings... :) just rhyming for the fun of it now... seriously  speaking ...one of my new found friends, an inspiration and true gift, is Barbara Boyer. http://www.beboyer.com It is so awesome how people come into your life from across the globe.. country...you get my drift!  I do not have her book yet, but it is on my list, entitled "Courage Of Fear."  We have corresponded for sometime now, and her writings are something I deeply related to and formed an instant friendship between us.  As I glanced over my writing, below, my line on courage of fear stuck out because of Barbara's book.  It made me smile, and brought to my mind many of her thoughtful notes she sent me...or posted on her site.  A joyful moment...the ones that count!

I have contemplated my writing, sharing, blogging, and the next steps in my path. I have had life changing events that taught me to let go and live, but there are always new defining moments and this year, as I broach upon my 40th year..EXCITEDLY!! :).. has added to those greatly.  I have been ending my 30th decade with new passions stirring, added strength, determination and drive...all which have somewhat confused which way to turn the wheel and go. The only truth I know is that God will get me there, trusting in Him to gently navigate my course!  I have verses written out as reminders of His promises, Proverbs 3, 5-6,  Daniel 11:32, Matthew 9:2 are a few..."banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body," Ecc 11:10 has been a perfect prayer for me the last few months with some health issues. So many lessons learned...eye opening experiences and gained empathy. Through it all, there is a peace that surpasses all understanding and joyfully I press on toward my goal.



There is so much I could share, but am limited to sitting, if I want to stand upright.  Everything is all right, and I believe with all my heart this experience is better equipping me for my future endeavors. It blesses me now. Last week, after a memorial service, a close friend of the family's stated, "some days are like diamonds and some like stones," it had been a rocky day for all. I added there are always diamonds to be found even on the stoniest of days..you may have to look a little harder, or dig under a few rocks, but they are always there to shine....Where your focus is, lies your strength...mine is in Christ and He has been my focus...thinking of people less fortunate, healing, helping, loving, serving, and cherishing every moment, because we never know when our time here is done. I have had to share that point so often over the last couple of years....children, friends, so young to have their lives end.  Life, just the same..I have learned to rise up through the pain.


There is a great need for encouragement, friendship, and laughter...love, kindness, and blessings to extend out.  Reaching out in need is challenging, but blesses everyone involved..giver and receiver. The guidance is there for the taking...the choice is ours for the making! :) I pray this blesses you as it does for me to humbly share...my silliness, my heart and soul...this journey toward the heavenly goal! There is always something to be grateful for, even in the simple things...like me opening my journal and finding my poem, which reminded me of a friend's inspiring sentiments. It was needed and lifted my soul. A diamond on a stony day.  May you find the joy in new friends or old, comfort, peace, and lots of love, to make all your days shine!




My Life.
A mother, daughter, sister and friend,
reaching out to lend a helping hand.
Creative, writer, doodler, problem solver galore.
student, teacher, encourager, and so much more.
Learning while acquiring new skills
life can be filled with so many thrills.
Loving and kind, with a Jersey Italian kick,
my southern side is the more hospitable pick.
Choosing love above all
and truly sorry when I fall.
But, everything is a blessing, I have to choose;
to rise and grow, or sing the blues.
Laughter is an important tool,
it can be healing to act the fool.
Submission to God is my #1 desire!
His will for me is far greater than I aspire!
He makes everything right and new,
His love will guide us through and through.
Surrendering all is such a sweet release,
which adds strength, hope, joy and unending peace.
Courage through fear can seem hard to gain,
stepping out in faith, God makes it is easier to attain.
Woman, dreamer, loyal, and true,
empathetic, and sensitive too.
A wife one day, will have to wait and see,
when God sends that special man to me.
Two precious angels bless my life everyday,
ups/downs, smiles/frowns, the fact remains that way!
Philanthropist to become,
babysteps until that day comes.
My efforts go forth through Christ,
to make the most of every moment in life.
Balance has to be,
uniting all three...
body, Spirit, and mind;
or just fall behind.
Others will follow too,
so choose wisely what to do.
Peace, love, and harmony
is how life ought to, and CAN be!
Everything is left to choice...I choose Christ! No longer I, but He!
All is well, He leads me and sets me free!!!

Abundant blessings to you,

Janine   

Posted via email from ja9online

Sharing A Good Story

The following story made my day, I pray it puts a smile on your face, as it did mine! What a perfect reminder!  Enjoy your day! Life is too short and it's not a dress rehearsal! Make it GREAT!!!

Abundant blessings to you,

 Janine

A Great Story

The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn't already know. I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder. 

I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me with a smile that lit up her entire being. She said, 'Hi handsome.. My name is Rose. I'm eighty-seven years old. Can I give you a hug?' 

I laughed and enthusiastically responded, 'Of course you may!' and she gave me a giant squeeze. 'Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?' I asked. She jokingly replied, 'I'm here to meet a rich husband, get married, and have a couple of kids...' 

'No seriously,' I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age. 'I always dreamed of having a college education and now I'm getting one!' she told me. 

After class we walked to the student union building and shared a chocolate milkshake. We became instant friends. Every day for the next three months we would leave class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized listening to this 'time machine' as she shared her wisdom and experience with me. 

Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up and she reveled in the attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She was living it up. 

At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet.. I'll never forget what she taught us. She was introduced and stepped up to the podium. As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her three by five cards on the floor. 
 
Frustrated and a little embarrassed she leaned into the microphone and simply said, 'I'm sorry I'm so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me! I'll never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know..' 

As we laughed she cleared her throat and began, ' We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success. You have to laugh and find humor every day. You've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die. 

We have so many people walking around who are dead and don't even know it! There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up. 

If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old.. If I am eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything I will turn eighty-eight. 

Anybody! Can grow older. That doesn't take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding opportunity in change. Have no regrets.. 

The elderly usually don't have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets.' 

She concluded her speech by courageously singing 'The Rose..'  She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives.. 

At the year's end Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those years ago. One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep. Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it's never too late to be all you can possibly be. 

 

Just Catching Up!

I have fallen a little behind on my blogging...no pun intended, but have been flat on my behind!  Making the best of this time.. to reflect on life and try to be still and listen, while creatively inventing new directions to move in..while not moving so well! lol  Laughter has been a HUGE ingredient, topped by prayer and surrendering to the moment..not letting it get the best of me, though unable to physically be my best..I can spiritually and mentally stay strong!!  Proud to say, I am fairing fairly well...could play on that..but will leave it alone for now! :)

Blogging is simple, just write and click, but if you really are serious about it and want to promote a business, person, service, or yourself..etc...then it isn't so simple.  In my case, I feel led to write..but what I have "posted" here has been a little deep...I tend to add a dash of humor to flavor my serious subjects!  Laughter has been an important part of my journey..especially in times like these...I would go mad instead of just being stir crazy..I entertain myself quite well...it's like having a live comedy routine...not as fun by yourself, but it can work!  Are the guys with the straight jackets here yet!?! LOL  See what I mean...to take you on the true journey of my thoughts is a vulnerable endeavor....Of which, I have always been an open book, and if you really know me, or desire to know me..what you see is what you get, and gladly shared.  My challenge has been to TRY to LEARN to be selective with whom I share.. not so sure I would be in the 2nd grade if measured that way.  I am who I am and tell it like it is...desiring to do so with compassion and love...but the truth is the truth and that is that!  Might not be capable of learning that...to some people's dismay! :)

Wow, where is this going!?!  I could have a masters in side tracking...or diving into rabbit holes..rather digging rabbit holes.  Just me sharing my thoughts...catching up on several weeks off, being out of commission... Hard to type while lying down...a blessing it has been, as always...trying to make the most of every moment ..it truly has been a good source of creative contemplations!!!  (you will have to stay tuned to learn what ..will be...created.)  Missing living fully, hands on, doing anything I desire...but obtaining an empathy for others who permanently live this way...with deep compassion for so many in my life who have lost loved ones, and have pain that mine doesn't come close to touching!!  Trying to put smiles on others faces, or send heartfelt prayers, or words of encouragement to inspire...these are my coping skills..not that my life is Pollyanna perfect, which does not exist..but contentment can be found in the heart of one who is truly grateful...and grateful is what I choose to be..and remain! 
 
God's love is the greatest treasure I have ever known...and at one point I didn't think it was possible to love anyone or thing greater than my children..maybe as much as or close to..but not more, and He proved me wrong!! I am not perfect..never said I was or thought I could be.....though dang close...HA HA seriously just breaking up the deep thought with a good LAUGH!! You have to admit it was a great joke!! ;)  Where was I....oh.. Yet, God loves me anyway..the good, bad and ugly! Just as I am..just as you are.. He loves you too!!!! No greater gift on this planet is there than this!!  "Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!" (1 Corinthians 15:57)   Gratefulness I am filled with!  No matter if I can move freely or am FOA (flat on a**)  :) for weeks at a time, God's faithfulness remains...which comforts me when I am in need.  "The people who know their God will display strength and take action!" (Daniel 11:32) my verse of the day...and how perfectly it ministered to me!!! 

So, here I am..back in cyberspace..a new planet for me... goofy, I mean Pluto is where I like to visit.. bad humor!  :)   I won't venture to say any other planets..trying not to get too off color... No clue what direction this blog may go..title or content..just me sharing me, praying to add a smile and ray of hope to you! May all your days be richly blessed and filled with love, especially the knowledge of how deeply God loves YOU!! I'll keep you posted!! :) 

Abundant blessings to you,

 Janine Rillo 

This Morning's Prayer

A New Year, A New Day!

A New and Wonderful Year!!

2010 is here

 and Forty I will be!

Dear Lord please help me

to do what I was created to do

and let it all be pleasing to You!

Fill my heart with Your love

and peace from Heaven above.

Guide me in this place

until I see You face to face.

Let the joy Your love gives 

show in how I live.

Let your love shine through me

for all the world to see

just how beautiful You are

and that you are always near, not far.

That You dwell within us all.

You pick us up when we fall.

Your mercy and grace is new everyday!

Your infinite love shows us the way

to get through the good times and bad

and fills our hearts with joy, even when sad.

Overwhelming gratitude from our hearts

goes out to You for setting us apart.

You set us free and make us new

with Your Holy Spirit to guide us through.

Thank You Lord, for all our days,

lead us and bless us in Your Marvelous ways!

In Jesus' Mighty Name I pray

with love, Janine

Amen!  XO