Throughout the month of November, I posted some of my favorite quotes and Bible verses on my Facebook page-one per day. My posts were all over the map, you might say. Some were funny. Some were serious. Some were uplifting. Some were a reflection on where I am in my life right now. I can see why some people might question my chain of thought-wondering how my mind works...and why. First of all, let me say that it would be pointless to try to figure it out. I know this to be true, because half the time I can't even do that. Secondly, I don't believe I'm all that different from anyone else. Doesn't everyone's mind travel in all different directions from time to time? Yes! The answer to that question is yes.
Depending on our surroundings, the condition of our families, work, finances, friends, etc., and physical things such as our health, the weather, and our moods, our thoughts and feelings have the capacity (and tendency) to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. It is even possible for us to think and feel more than one 'way' at a time! So, going back to the comment I made about not being all that different from you, I want to round out this year's "Salty Grace" by sharing with you some of what I shared with my Facebook friends. I want to share these things because I believe you...yes, YOU, just might need to tell yourself it's okay to feel/think this way, too. Because something I share here might be the very thing you need to share with someone in your life. Because I want you to know (or be reminded) that it's okay...it's more than okay to protect yourself from those you can't trust, entrust your thoughts and feelings to those you can (trust), to not be afraid or embarrassed to be yourself, and to always...ALWAYS remember that God is never not there. He's always present. Always active. Always listening. Always doing what's best for us, when it's best...even when we can't or don't see it.
So, if you're ready to laugh, think, ponder, and realize you aren't alone....
*"Someone asked me if I knew you. In that moment a million memories rushed through my mind. But I just smiled and said, "I used to."
*"God didn't remove the Red Sea. He parted it. God doesn't always remove your problems, but he always makes a way for you to get through them."
*"A mother's job is to teach her children not to need her anymore. The hardest part of the job? Accepting the success of doing it."
*Remember: God gives his toughest battles to his best soldiers."
*"Yes, I'm talking to myself. I need expert advice."
*"Trying to be more like Jesus always works out better for us than trying to be a better version of ourselves."
*I am proud of my heart. It has been played, stabbed, cheated, deceived, and stomped on. Yet it still works."
*"Remember when I asked for your opinion? Yah, me neither."
*"Stay away from people who make you feel that you are hard to love."
*"Whatever you do today, do it with the confidence of a four-year-old wearing a Batman cape."
*"Sometimes you just need to be done. Not angry or upset. Just done."
*"A discussion about your feelings should never, ever end in an argument."
*"Some people should use a glue stick instead of chap stick."
*"You will never even consider not standing for and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag if you are ever handed a folded one."
*"If God is for us, who can be against us?"
*"Strong is forgiving someone who isn't sorry and accepting an apology you never receive."
*"Never will I leave you or forsake you."
Be salt and light,
Darla, aka, Momma D
Who am I?
I’m Darla Noble—Author, Speaker, and Ghostwriter with over thirty years of experience. I am known for being a great storyteller, but not merely for the sake of telling a story. The stories I tell are a) true and b) they always have a takeaway, i.e., a life lesson meant to help you be a better version of yourself. I’m Darla Noble—wife, mom, nanna, and a little ‘oldish’ lady who loves Jesus, her family, playing in the dirt, walking…walking…and more walking, riding bikes, eating popcorn, roast beef, Mexican food, reading, and watching old sitcoms.
What do I write?
Inspirational nonfiction—Christian devotionals, books that spark the creativity in every mom and nanna’s heart, and one that breathes new life into the art of being a good neighbor and reminds you of why it matters.
Historical nonfiction—WWII and family memoirs.
Character Education & Family Fun—Books that use science and scripture to teach positive character, scavenger hunts of all kinds that are both educational and FUN, and write-in journals for tweens and teens.
What do I say and who do I say it to?
*WWII hands-on display and presentation based on “All My Love, George…Letters from a WWII Hero”. The presentation consists of brief reading from the book, an interactive time of Q&A, and time for participants to view and examine a variety of WWII memorabilia including George’s original letters and medals.
*Keepsake In The Making Classes, using the book, “Please Pass the Memories” as inspiration, the class consists of exploring and brainstorming fun, creative, and interesting ways we can use your family’s keepsakes, recipes, photos, stories, and even traditions (YIKES) to bring past, present, and future generations of your family together. Everyone needs and wants to have a sense of who and where they come from, and the Keepsake In The Making Class is the perfect way to do just that!
*Women’s ministry events/conferences/retreats. I offer several programs that are easily adaptable to fit your needs and timeframe. Workshops for each one are optional. Programs offered include: “Jesus and Zinnias Make Me Smile”, “Deuteronomy 6 Parenting”, “Please Pass the Memories:, “Love, Momma D; Getting to the Heart of Parenting From the Heart”, and “Sippin’ Tea With Jesus”. NOTE: I am also happy to speak on a topic/subject matter of your choosing.
*The Nanna Subscription—an easy, but oh, so fun mini-class which equips Nanna, Gma, Granny, Mama, Mimi, or whatever name your grandkids have for you, with EVERYTHING you need to engage and connect with your grandkids on a regular basis. No matter how young or old they are, no matter how many miles separate you, no matter how many grandkids you have, no matter…anything!
*Brighten the Corner Where You Are” is my newest book as well as the focus of an event I offer to individuals, community chambers of commerce, neighborhood organizations, HOAs (Home Owner Association), church groups, and anyone else interested in reviving the art of being a genuine friend and neighbor. Participants will discover (or rediscover) the value of kindness among neighbors, and of having a small circle of people you can count on and who can count on you…no matter what.
*Fun with science and a few illusions, “The Sneaky Banana Lesson (plus 26 more)” is a character education program for ages 5 to 15. This event is engaging, interactive, and overflows with life lessons young people relate to and that will make them want to be a little better and stand a little taller.
*If you don’t think it’s possible to have fun teaching math, science, verbal skills, ordering, rational thinking, and grammar, social skills, and team building, think again! “The Medium-Sized Book of Scavenger Hunts” event gets kids up and about, inside and out, talking and listening, and learning on the sly. This event is fun for classrooms, parties, family events, social gathers, team building, and lots more.
Fees for events vary. For more information, questions, or to book an event, CONTACT ME at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com, on Linkedin (Darla Noble), or on Facebook (Darla Noble).
Where can you find me?
My books are available worldwide via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or directly from me when you email me at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com. You can also request any title from your favorite brick and mortar bookstore or order on my Square Store
