Tag: love

GOD has Good Ways

The Story Behind “GOD Has Good Ways”

Music has a way of conveying our most intense emotions, hardships, and faith in something higher. God Has Good Ways is a song about perseverance, heartache, and, finally, heavenly redemption. It portrays the journey of a woman looking for herself, stumbling through life’s difficulties, and discovering that God’s love endures—even when everything else fails.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

The song begins with a woman who relocates to California in pursuit of something—perhaps independence, healing, or perhaps romance. Many of us may identify with the idea of needing distance to rediscover ourselves. Sometimes life gets overwhelming and stepping away seems to be the only way to gain clarity.

False Promises and Heartbreak

In the second stanza, she encounters a man who looks to have all the answers, someone who is kind and loving—almost too good to be true. But behind the surface, his love is empty and is founded on dishonesty. This verse emphasizes the harsh truth that not everyone who appears sincere has our best interests at heart. It symbolizes those times in life when we put our trust in the wrong people, only to be disappointed.

Grace in the Darkest Moments

The third verse evolves from sorrow to strength. After experiencing heartache and loneliness, she acknowledges that true love and healing come from inside, from God. She regains her identity through prayer, faith, and patience, realizing that she was never truly alone.

The Heart of the Chorus

“God has good ways of mending the broken, lifting the weary, the lost, and the stolen.”

These lines serve as a reminder that no matter how lost we feel, God is always at work behind the scenes. Even in our darkest moments, His grace is with us, guiding us back to the light.

The Bridge & Outro: Restoration and Hope

The bridge represents transformation—how God transforms despair into something new, like “ashes into morning dew.” The outro provides a last reassurance: even when life seems unpredictable, God is in control. His love endures, His plans unfold in perfect time, and He always finds a way.

Final Thoughts

God Has Good Ways is a song of Hope. It reminds us that our challenges do not define us, and that even when we feel abandoned, God is still present, gently guiding us onward. Whether you’re going through a time of loss, transition, or renewal, this song reminds you that you’re never completely alone—because God has good ways of caring for His people.

A Personal Reflection on “GOD Has Good Ways”

When I wrote God Has Good Ways, I didn’t just want to tell a story; I wanted to convey an emotion. That sense of being lost, of looking for something (or someone) to fill the voids in your life, and then discovering that genuine healing comes from inside and through God.

Looking back on my own life, I’ve had moments of serious thought, when I wondered where I was going and if things would ever come together. I, like the women in the song, have experienced heartbreak and disappointment. I’ve also experienced what it’s like to regain strength and discover that God was always present, working in ways I couldn’t see.

In a sense, this song is about all of us. We’ve all pursued things that seemed right in the moment but left us feeling empty. We’ve all experienced pain that left us wondering whether we’d ever recover. And we’ve all had those moments when we reflect and realize that God was directing us the entire time.

I reflect on my journey, including my years of marriage, the ups and downs of living in a small town, the ambitions I continue to pursue, and the stories I tell through music, writing, and my Married in Arkansas YouTube channel. Every step, whether it seemed like a mistake or a blessing at the time, developed me into the person I am today.

If you’re in a time of insecurity, I hope this music reminds you that no time is wasted. Even when things don’t make sense, God has a way of transforming grief into meaning.

When You’re Not Around

Some songs are inspired by imagination, while others are inspired by real-life experiences—the kinds of feelings that linger long after a chapter is completed. “When You Are Not Around” is one of those songs for me.

It illustrates an experience that I am all too familiar with: the emptiness that remains when someone who was once a significant part of your life was suddenly gone. Not only physically, but in every way that counts. The echoes of their presence linger in unexpected places. A familiar melody, an old habit, the way quiet feels heavier than it did before.

I wrote this song with my own experiences in mind. I do have an ex-husband, and while life goes on, there’s something about that kind of loss that never truly goes away. The routine, the inside jokes, the arguments—they all come to an end one day. So, what’s left? Empty rooms, fading memories, and a version of oneself that no longer feels complete.

I’ve moved on from that period of my life, but that doesn’t imply the feelings were never real. And I believe that is why this song is so important to me. It’s not about wanting things back; it’s about realizing how loss affects us. Even as we heal, the ghosts of the past resurface at peaceful moments.

Perhaps this song will speak to those who have gone through something similar. Perhaps it will remind you of a moment when you felt like this. Perhaps it will simply be a song you listen to when you need to sit with your emotions for a bit.

Either way, I hope this song finds the people who need to hear it.

What’s Next?

This music will be available to listen to anytime you want on my Youtube channel. If you’ve ever been through a similar loss, I’d love to hear your comments on what helped you move ahead. Leave a comment and let’s have a conversation.

When You’re Not Around

Flickering streetlights, the night breathes slow,

Ghosts in the silence, nowhere to go.

Smokestacks whisper to the heavy sky,

City streets, echo your goodbye.

Empty rooms, shadows in the night,

Lonely hours pass without a fight.

Pictures fade, memories turn to dust,

In the silence, I unlearn my trust.

Footsteps echo down the haunted hall.

You’re the ghost I can’t outrun at all.

When you’re not around, I fall apart.

Collapsing bridges and a broken heart.

Lost in the murmur of a soundless crowd,

When you’re not around, there’s no way out.

Cigarette ashes on the windowsill,

Time moves slow, frozen at a standstill.

Rain taps softly on my windowpane,

Whispering echoes of forgotten pain.

Every corner holds a piece of you,

Fragments scattered like the morning dew.

In this labyrinth of aching dreams,

You’re the silence choking out my screams.

When you’re not around, I fall apart,

Collapsing bridges and a broken heart.

Lost in the murmur of a soundless crowd,

When you’re not around there’s no way out.

Footsteps vanish, the echoes fade,

But your shadow is here to stay …

Flipping For Love – A Sim4 Love Story

Bob and Eliza Pancakes live in Willow Creek in the SIMS4 World. Here is just a little love triangle from Eliza’s point of view. I hope you enjoy.

If you liked this Sims4 music video, please go to my YouTube channel. Watch the video and give me a thumbs up. Also, consider subscribing. As you may already know, I am trying to get monetized on Youtube. I am hoping that videos like this will be my niche.

Celebrate National Marriage Week in Arkansas

The House of Representatives acknowledge the institution of marriage as a healthy and stabilizing force for good in society and recognize February 7–14, 2025, as National Marriage Week.

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=HR1006&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R

As you know, this website is titled Married in Arkansas. I want to share information about being married as much as I can. Our regular session for 2025 is in session. I found a bill that was introduced, red and adopted, and is a do pass. The bill number is HR1006, and it is to recognize February 7th to the 14th as National Marriage Week. So hooray! We get a whole week to celebrate marriage.

It states that marriage is the foundational relationship for all of society. Good marriages are the bedrock of strong societies and strong families.

Based on academic research, married people tend to have healthier lifestyles and longer life expectancy. They also have more wealth and economic assets. Healthy marriages decrease crime, domestic violence, abuse, poverty, juvenile delinquency, and suicide risk. The research suggests that children raised by both parents have better educational outcomes. They are more likely to obtain college degrees. These children do better academically and emotionally.

Dust Balls

The story centers on Mrs. Martha, who begins cleaning the house while her family goes fishing. While using an old vacuum in the children’s room, she inadvertently frightens the dust balls living under the bed, led by Momma Dustball. In a frantic yet humorous chase, they all find safety.

First, let me share this. I put in a prompt into Suno ai to create a little song about dust bunnies. My mom called them dust balls but I call them dust bunnies and this is what Suno created. I really think it is quite funny. I do suggest reading the story before you listen to this. I am also going to create a YouTube video on my channel.

This is a little story written by my mother a long time ago. Lord rest her soul—she passed in 2014, and she had written this cute little story. I guess this is where I got my creative writing skills. I did clean up the punctuation and tweak it a little bit more to make it more current and interesting. I hope you enjoy this.

Mrs. Martha decided to clean the house while her husband took the kids fishing on a Saturday afternoon. After searching a first-floor closet, she found her old Hoover Vacuum Cleaner in an upstairs hall closet. Unsure if it still worked, she decided to try it in Sammy’s and Bobby’s bedroom.

Under the bed, dust balls lurked everywhere. Martha plugged it in, stepped on the foot lever, and clicked on the on/off switch. The swooshing and whirling of the machine was so loud it vibrated the carpeted floor and the hallway too. All at once, the dust balls got scared.

Momma Dustball had been living happily under Sammy’s bed. She yelled to her children. They were the smaller dust balls Harry, Mary, Jerry and baby Charlie.

“Hear that?” Frantic now, Momma Dustball began to rush her children. “Run up under the bed quickly now!”

The children were yelling and crying in need of a place to hide.

“Up here children.” Momma helped baby Charlie first. “Hold on, Jerry. Harry help your brother and sister. Get them up under the bed frame, quickly!“

As the vacuum passed nearby, Mary held onto her Mommy. The vacuum moved back and forth closer to the bed. The others gripped the bed frame while scared dustballs floated around.

“Oh no! Help me!” Harry yelled as he lost his grip and flew towards the strange machinery that only Momma Dustball had seen before. Just before he was pulled into nothingness, the noise and wind stopped, and everyone sighed with relief. He was safe.

“You are all safe for now. Come here, my babies.” Momma Dustball hugged her little ones tightly.

The End.

Building a Strong Marriage: Why Your Partner Matters Most

Marriage thrives behind closed doors, built on teamwork, communication, and prioritizing your partner above all else. When life gets messy, a strong foundation carries you through. True strength isn’t in appearances but in the love, trust, and quiet commitment you share—because a thriving relationship starts where no one else can see.

The Strength of a True Partnership

In this post, I want to talk about what my website is all about. I want to share ideas, advice, and facts with my readers. So, first of all, thanks for coming to my page. Marriage is one of the most beautiful and challenging journeys you can embark on with someone. It’s not about perfection. It is not about public appearances. But about the unwavering commitment and love that form the foundation of your relationship. A foundation should be built and nurtured behind closed doors. In this post, I want to share some reflections on what makes a strong marriage and why your partner should always come first, even above the demands of work and other external pressures.

1. Your Partner Comes First

In the hustle and bustle of life, it can be easy to let work, hobbies, or even social obligations take precedence over your relationship. But at the end of the day, your job won’t hold your hand when you’re sick, comfort you during hard times, or celebrate your victories with genuine joy. Prioritizing your partner means ensuring that your love and commitment remain at the center of your life, no matter what else is going on.

When one of you is sick or struggling, the other naturally steps in to pick up the slack—whether it’s managing the household, taking care of the kids, or simply being there as emotional support. This kind of partnership is what makes a marriage strong. It’s about being a team, always ready to carry each other through life’s ups and downs.

2. The Importance of Communication

Good communication is the backbone of any healthy relationship. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in marriage is to ensure that my partner and I are always on the same page. Nothing is more embarrassing or frustrating than finding out that someone else has discussed something with your spouse that you haven’t even talked about yet. These moments can create confusion and misunderstandings that are easily avoided with open and honest communication.

Take the time to discuss plans, decisions, and even small daily updates with your partner. Make it a priority to come to agreements together, so there’s no room for miscommunication or outside interference. This not only strengthens your bond but also shows others that your marriage is built on mutual respect and understanding.

3. A Strong Marriage is Built in Private

It’s easy to project a happy image to the world, but true strength in marriage isn’t about public appearances. It’s about what happens behind closed doors. This is where you build your foundation, where love and trust grow, and where challenges are faced together without outside influence.

In a strong, healthy marriage, decisions are made as a couple, and disagreements are worked through privately. No one outside your relationship truly knows what goes on in your home, and they don’t need to. The important thing is that your foundation is solid and built on love, respect, and a shared commitment to each other.

4. Recognizing Toxic Relationships

While this post focuses on healthy relationships, it’s important to acknowledge that not all marriages are built on a solid foundation. If one partner is mean, abusive, or unwilling to work toward a strong and healthy bond, it may be time to reevaluate the relationship. No one should feel trapped in a toxic or harmful environment. If the foundation of your marriage cannot be rebuilt, seeking help or leaving may be the best path to a healthier future.

Final Thoughts

My marriage is a partnership like no other. We are there for each other, communicate openly, and we have built a life together that no one else can touch. We do not let anyone see anything that happens behind our closed doors. It’s in those private moments together that our true strength of our relationship has formed over the past 31 years.

Your partner is your best friend and the most important priority. To build a strong marriage, remember, isn’t about appearances; it’s about the love, trust, and commitment you share, no matter what life throws your way.

Forgetful as Can Be

Forgetful as Can Be written by Lisa Sanders

[Intro]
I’m forgetful, forgetful as can be.
Lost my keys, but found my soul, mmm

[Verse 1]
Left my coffee on the counter, my phone’s still in the car
But it doesn’t matter, ‘cause I remember who you are

I left my shoes out in the rain, my jacket by the door,

But darling, it’s all fine, ’cause you’re the one I’m living for.

[Chorus]
Oh, I’m forgetful, forgetful as can be,
Oh, I’m forgetful, but don’t forget about me.

I might miss a step, but I’m still who I should be,

But don’t you worry, don’t worry about little ol’ me.

[Verse 2]
Tried to make a list, but I lost my pen,

My thoughts keep drifting, then fade in again.

I left my sweater on my office chair
And I can’t remember why I even went there.

[Chorus]

Oh, I’m forgetful, forgetful as can be,
Oh, I’m forgetful, but don’t forget about me.

I might miss a step, but I’m still who I should be,

But don’t you worry, don’t worry about little ol’ me

[Verse 3]

If I leave the stove on, don’t blame me, but instead

Let me write you a story, about how to bake cornbread.

As the world gets blurrier, eyeglasses atop my head,

I hope this condition doesn’t cause me to see fiery red.

[Chorus]
Oh, I’m forgetful, forgetful as can be,
Oh, I’m forgetful, but don’t forget about me.

I might miss a step, but I’m still who I should be,

But don’t you worry, don’t worry about little ol’ me

[Outro]
Oh yeah, I’m forgetful, forgetful as can be,

I got sometimers, most of the time – you see.

Absentminded, scatterbrained, fuzzy, hazy, distracted

Spacey, mindless, ditsy, oblivious, preoccupied

Dream Interpretation about my dog

On ChatGPT, you can ask it to interpret a dream. Last night I had a dream about one of our four dogs. I have been thinking a lot about our little weenie dog we lost years ago. He had been hit by a vehicle, and we had to put him down. But I am confused about what this dream added, so I decided to ask ChatGPT to find out what the symbols meant.

Here is the dream: Our dog Buddy went missing. We were looking everywhere. We went to my husband’s parents house. They didn’t know where he was either, but I was snooping around and after opening a closet door, and there he was. His father had put him in the closet. This made me think about another dog we had that died and was killed by a vehicle on the road. This made me think that his father had also put that dog in the closet, and we just didn’t know it. What do you think this means?

What an emotionally rich and vivid dream, Lisa! Here’s a possible interpretation:

Buddy Going Missing

  • Buddy’s disappearance could symbolize feelings of loss, concern, or fear of losing something (or someone) precious in your life. Dogs often represent loyalty, companionship, and unconditional love. This might connect to your deep bond with Buddy or your general fear of losing loved ones.

Finding Buddy in the Closet

  • The closet represents something hidden or suppressed—possibly unresolved feelings or secrets. Discovering Buddy there, placed by your father-in-law, could point to underlying concerns or mistrust, either related to him or symbolic of authority figures in your life.
  • It might also reflect a subconscious need to explore hidden parts of your life or relationships to resolve past fears or doubts.

Connection to the Past Dog

  • The memory of the dog that died suggests lingering grief or unresolved feelings about that loss. This might resurface in moments of worry about your current dogs. Your dream could be a way of processing fears of history repeating itself or unresolved questions about the past.

Your Father-in-Law’s Role

  • Your father-in-law placing Buddy in the closet could symbolize attributing responsibility or blame for situations that feel out of your control. It might also reflect deeper concerns about trust or dynamics in family relationships.

Overall Meaning:
The dream seems to blend your love for Buddy, your grief for a past loss, and perhaps unresolved feelings about family or control over situations. It could be inviting you to reflect on hidden emotions, past experiences, and how they affect your present.

What do you think? Did any of this resonate?

So that would be a good AI response that really got me thinking differently about what the dream meant. I have lots of dreams and this is just one of many.

A Dance with a Stranger

 A Dance with a Stranger

 

The flashing lights danced on the checkered floor, pulsating with every beat of the music. The rhythm coursed through my body as though I was part of the song. People flickered like colored ghosts—red, blue, purple, white, yellow—disappearing into darkness when the beat stopped. A new pulse ignited an uproar, shaking the crowd into a frenzy. Bright dots shimmered and darted across the incandescent floor squares, chasing the pounding rhythm.

Making my way through the dance floor to our table, I caught sight of him sitting at a crowded table, talking but watching me. I smiled slightly and veered left to join my party. My newlywed husband of three months was dancing in the middle of a group of women, throwing 70s-style moves that no one uses anymore. I smirked at his foolishness, lifted my drink from the table, and took a long sip.

“What are you drinking?” a voice yelled over my shoulder. Turning, I saw the man from the table—pink lips under a finely trimmed mustache.

“Sex on the beach,” I said, cheeks burning as he turned and walked toward the bar. His gait had an effortless charm. When he returned, he handed me a drink and sat beside me.

“What’s this?” I asked.

“Sex on the beach,” he said with a grin. His dark brown eyes met mine, framed by slightly curly black hair. Before I could ask his name, he leaned closer. “Wanna dance?” he asked as the music shifted.

We hit the dance floor, the groove fast and exhilarating. There was no need for touching; our steps spoke louder. I had to look up to see his face. His mustache curved downward at the edges, and his chin, slightly pointy, was softened by a hint of stubble. His uniform—a pressed navy blue shirt and straight-legged pants adorned with shiny brass—hinted at his military rank. His eyes never left mine. As the music slowed, he took my hands, pulling me closer. The couples around us clung together, swaying to the soft melody.

“What’s your name?” he finally asked.

“Carol,” I replied. “And yours?”

He tapped the name tag above his breast pocket. We danced until the music changed again, transitioning back to the high-energy beat. Time blurred as we moved together. 

When the night ended, he walked me back to my seat. My husband approached, kissed my cheek, and the man disappeared into the crowd without a word.

As we left, I couldn’t shake the feeling I’d met the man of my dreams—tall, dark, handsome, and in uniform. A stranger from out of town who, for one night, felt like destiny. 

The next day, my girlfriend told me he’d returned to the nightclub and asked about me. His name, etched on his uniform, stayed with me, unforgettable. But I never acted on my impulses. That moment faded, like the music, leaving only a bittersweet memory of what could have been.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Memories

So if a picture is worth a thousand words memories,
 what does this picture say to you?

If I tell you this is my mom, would that make a difference?

If I tell you that the lady to left is my other mother, 
does that make a difference?

You may be wondering where this was taken?

Why did I take this picture? 
And,

What are they looking at? 
Well, to answer that question –

you will have to look at the next picture.

I am not sure why my mom is wearing that shirt 
with the scary smiley face but it really
 didn’t reflect her mood that day. 

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon and 
the one thing she really loves is to listen to live music.

I remember every time a music event went on downtown, 
we were there.

We never spend lots of money paying for concerts. 
Maybe when Riverfest started 
in downtown Little Rock, 
we would pay the small fee but not no more. 

I believe Music should be Free.

On the left, is my husbands legs.
The local Fire Chief is on the drums.

My brother is sitting in a chair 
hiding behind the big speaker.

My brothers elementary school friend 
is standing up playing the guitar, and
our oldest biggest sister, 
that’s not related to us, 
is singing backup.

My brother has been singing for years now. 
I always knew he could sing. 

I remember that growing up, when you wanted to hear music, you got out those big 33 1/3 records to play on the turn table. 

The best thing about those turn tables is that if you wanted to replay a song or skip a song
 – it was as simple as lifting the arm that had a needle. 

And I also had to clean the needle with my fingers 
because it picked up dust from the room 
which made the song sound funny.
 I don’t know if there was a proper way 
to clean those pesky needles 
but I knew if blowing on it did not work then 
using my fingers to clean it always worked. 

I believe the song was a song by Neil Sedaka

Love Will Keep Us Together

I would replay this song over and over and we sang and sang.
 I do believe we wore the record out. 
At least that is what I think since I can’t find it.


One of the places we used to live was in 
a little chocolate house that sat right 
where this Donut Shop now sits. 
It is also my understanding that this 
Donut shop is now moving to downtown Sheridan 
where the Road Runner used to be
and before that – It was the Posey Motel, 
so it will be abandoned. 

I wonder if it will be for sale?
So now on to a much happier subject. 
We recently went to Home Depot and 
as I was looking at the plants. I found this. 
I’m not a mona but I am a lisa – 
so therefore I love it.
This is a beautiful flower but I still love Marigold’s.