June 30, 2011

OBSERVE A CHILD AS HE OR SHE ENJOYS THE SIMPLICITY OF LIFE

Whenever I was a child, my brothers and sisters and I always looked forward to one of our appliances breaking. That probably sounds ridiculous for someone to get excited about having to purchase a new appliance, such as a refrigerator or stove. Mom and Dad probably weren't too thrilled about having to make a major purchase, but to us kids, it was amazing when the delivery people would bring that new refrigerator or stove, because back in those days, the appliances came in boxes. I remember when we had to get a new refrigerator, and I kept telling my mom not to let the delivery men take the box, because I wanted to keep it. It was like Christmas morning even though it was in the middle of the summer! I could not wait for them to get that refrigerator out of the box, because that box was soon going to become my mansion! I took a knife (with adult supervision, of course), and I carved out a door and windows, and I had myself the best playhouse a little girl could ever ask for! Watch a child as he or she enjoys the simple things in life!

Over the years, I have witnessed the same thing with my  nieces and nephews. I remember one birthday party when my nephew received a really cool remote control car. His Dad took his car out of the box, tossed the box on the floor, and proceeded to try to get my nephew to play with his new car. However, my nephew had other plans. He crawled over to the empty box and started to parade around the room with the empty box over his head while he was laughing hysterically. 

Now, I am not trying to say that we as adults should get excited about empty boxes! What I am trying to prove here is for adults to get excited about the simple things in life! Learn to enjoy the free things that life has to offer us, such as a smile, a warm embrace, the sun shining on your face, the air refreshing you on a hot summer day, a cool refreshing rainfall, puddles to jump in, a walk in the park, hearing your children laugh as they run around the house with a box over their heads, etc. I think you get the picture! Learn from a child as he or she enjoys the simplicity of life!  

June 29, 2011

VALUABLE LESSONS CAN BE LEARNED FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESSES!

Recently, I have been touched by several young people who have been fighting for their lives to beat the life-threatening illness of cancer. Last week, I learned about the young man in the video above, Connor Bourke, who has been fighting a rare form of brain cancer for the last several years. I learned about this young man on another young boy's Facebook profile who was also named Conner; however, the first Conner I had been following (Conner James) lost his battle on Saturday evening. As I watched Connor Bourke's video, it occurred to me that people who suffer through life-threatening illnesses have important lessons that can learned by each and every one of us if we allow their words to seep through our conscience. 

My family are not strangers to the cancer illness. If you have been following my blog, you already know that my husband was diagnosed with esophageal and stomach cancer a year and a half ago. We know the struggles these families face and the challenges they must overcome every day. However, there is one thing about cancer patients that seems to be the same with most of them. They all seem to have the same positive outlook on life. When my husband was going through all his treatments and preparing for his surgery, he never complained about what he was facing. He did what he had to do in order to get better, and this is what this little boy is doing also. He is remaining positive, and he is teaching us to be the best that we can be, especially to be ourselves.

Each day we have the opportunity to learn a different life's lesson. However, if you want to learn some of the most valuable lessons you will ever receive, visit your local oncology center and sit down and speak to the people who are receiving chemotherapy treatments. Most of their outlooks are extremely amazing. I was blessed to speak to so many people during my husband's treatments, and most of them had the same thing to say. Life is an extremely, precious gift. As they looked back on their lives, the only things that mattered were the people who were close to them in their lives. The jobs, the materialistic objects, the money, none of it no longer mattered. Some of our most valuable lessons can be learned through people who are suffering from life-threatening illnesses! 

June 28, 2011

DON'T GET TOO ATTACHED TO MATERIALISTIC OBJECTS!

There comes a time in some people's lives when they must make a decision to part with some materialistic objects in order to better their lives. A few years ago, my family had the opportunity to move across the country to Denver, Colorado. In order to make the move easier, we decided to sell off most of our personal belongings instead of shipping a tractor trailer full of stuff half way across the country. After several months of debate and after we had sold three quarters of our belongings, we decided to stay where we are instead of making that 1500 mile journey. At the time we made our final decision, I looked back at some of the items I sold at yard sales, and I regretted leaving some of the items go. One thing on that list was clock that my father had given me as a Christmas gift, because it was one of the last things my father had given me before his passing. 

However, through time, I have learned to let go of these losses, but now my family is facing a similar scenario; however, this time we are faced with selling our belongings in order to pay for my husband's medical bills and other debt that has accumulated over the last year. I have put off the inevitable long enough, and I am facing the fact that I need to let some materialistic objects out of my grasp in order to better my family's life. 

The picture I used for today's blog is of a Boyd's Charming Angel. I used this picture, because I own an extensive collection of these angels, and the one above is the next one I would like to secure for my collection. However, I have come to the realization that I will more than likely have to let some of these angels go. As I look around my house at all the different things I have collected over the years, most of the things come with a memory. However, letting them go will enable my family to live a better life; a life not weighted down with as much debt had I held onto these materialistic objects. I have humbled myself, and I am willing to help my family in any way that I can. Don't get too attached to materialistic objects, because you never know when you might have to let them go.

June 27, 2011

NEVER TAKE YOUR LOVED ONES FOR GRANTED!

How often do we speed through our days without spending any quality time with the people we cherish the most in this world? How many times do we rush out the door on our way to work in the mornings without giving our significant other a kiss good bye, because we are running late, and we know that we will be able to spend extra time with them in the evening when our work day is over? For those of you who are blessed with children, do you look at their young lives and say to yourself that it is ok that you work all that overtime, because you will spend more time with them whenever they get a little older and whenever your work schedule slows down a bit. What if I asked you, "What if tomorrow never comes?" What if the person or people you love the most are taken away from you, and you never have the opportunity to say good bye? What if your spouse is diagnosed with a rapid, growing cancer, and you never have the chance to make up for all those hours you lost because of business meetings and appointments? Life happens very quickly, so I say to you, NEVER take any of your loved ones for granted!

Have you ever heard the saying, "Here today, gone tomorrow"? This saying can refer to anything in life from money, friends, or time to spend with those we hold dear to our hearts. We may feel that we have all the time in the world, but the world knows otherwise. 

As I was posting yesterday's blog early this morning, I decided to check the messages on a "Group" that I am part of on facebook concerning a little boy who has been fighting cancer. I was not prepared for the words that I was about to read. The little boy had lost his battle with this deadly disease on Saturday evening. Even though I had never met this young man, the flood gates of my emotions sprung forth with a tidal wave of tears. I could not even begin to imagine what this family could be feeling at this time. To lose a distant family member such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or cousin is one thing, but to lose a child would be devastating. 

Today is my son's 15th birthday, and as my family began to plan to celebrate my son's beautiful, wonderful life, another family was planning funeral arrangements for their child. From day to day, we never know what may happen or what curves life decides to take along this journey. We need to look at each of our days as God intended for us to look at our days; as beautiful, precious, irreplaceable moments of sheer joy and wonder. Love and cherish those dear to you, because we never know if we will have the opportunity to do so again. NEVER take your loved ones for granted!

June 26, 2011

TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE AND ENJOY THE VIEW!

I would like to apologize for getting my blog for June 26 out late, but my family got back late from a weekend getaway in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia which brings me to today's topic. 

In celebration of my son's birthday, my husband, son, and I along with my son's friend headed down the highway to the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. Yesterday, we spent a few hours at Luray Caverns which is the largest caverns on the East Coast. We had visited the caverns years ago when my son was very young, so this was like his first visit, because he could not remember ever touring these massive caves. This was his friend's first visit to the caverns, so it was amazing to me to watch each of the boys' faces lighting up as we turned the corners and peered at stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and numerous rock formations.

This morning as we headed to our next destination in Virginia, I decided I did not want to travel all the way back to the highway, so I asked our waitress, who served us breakfast at a quaint little spot in the town of Luray called Uncle Buck's, if she knew of a back way or scenic route to get us to our next destination. She was quick with her reply, and we were soon driving down the most beautiful roads between two very beautiful ridges of the Shenandoah Mountains. The views along our drive were breathtaking, and I am quite certain that taking that route saved us probably 20 minutes driving time if we had traveled back to the highway. 

My point of today's blog is this: do not be afraid to get off the highway, take the scenic route, and enjoy the spectacular views that you might not otherwise see. Had we driven the entire way back to the highway, we would have missed out on the beauty that nature wanted so dearly to offer us. The rolling hills, the green pastures, the mesmerizing ridges, I could just go on and on! Don't get so hung up on time schedules, go off the beaten path, and see what the world has to offer! Take the scenic route and enjoy the view!!!

June 25, 2011

LOVE YOUR LIFE!

How many of us truly love our lives? How many times do you wake up in the mornings, and before your feet hit the floor, you are already dreading the day? We get so caught up in our problems that we forget to enjoy the very life that we have been blessed with. Our lives are meant to be loved! Each day is a new, precious gift, and it is our decision what we do with each of these days. We can either wish our days away, or we can savor the life that we are granted for another beautiful day. Learn to love your life!

In the past, I have heard so many people including myself say things such as, "I will be happy when I finally get that debt paid off" or "I can't wait till next month when we get to go on that vacation." Meanwhile, you are dreading each of the wonderful days up until the time of the vacation or the time when the debt will finally be gone. One must learn that his or her life is not the debt, and it is not the vacation. Our lives are the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, the birds flying through the sky on a gentle breeze, a smile of a loved one as you walk into the room, the purr a kitten as he curls up on your lap, or the gentle touch of a friend who knows when you are grieving. 

We were given life in order that we may love life! Life is a beautiful thing! It is not the complicated mess that society has made it to be. Life is not the drama that people keep bringing to you over and over. Life is a precious, wonderful, beautiful, magnificent, amazing gift that is here to mesmerize you if you allow it to do so! Love your life, and it will love you back!!!

June 24, 2011

ACCEPT WHAT YOU HAVE DONE WRONG!

There are times in our lives when we really mess up. It doesn't matter who you are, we all have made mistakes. When this happens (because it will happen), we need to accept the fact that we have done wrong. It doesn't make us a bad person. It just proves that we are human. Accept what you have done wrong and then move on!

If I were to look to my past everyday and if I were to wallow in all the mistakes I have made throughout the years, I would be depressed 365 days out of the year. My mistakes do not define me as a person! My mistakes were stepping stones that led me to where I am today! As I analyze who I am, I am no longer the person I was at 18 years of age, or even 30 years of age, or even the person I was last month. We are constantly learning, growing, and evolving into better beings. 

If you are having a hard time getting through a mistake that you made, the first step to overcoming the issue is acceptance. Acceptance leads to healing! Accept what you have done wrong, learn from that mistake, and never make the same mistake again. Just remember, you are not the mistake! Set yourself free by accepting what you have done wrong then forget about it and move on!!! The future is waiting for you!

June 23, 2011

SPREAD LOVE TO PEOPLE YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW!

Let's all Pray for Conner James is a group page that I subscribe to on Facebook. The page is dedicated to a little boy who has cancer, and the family has been spreading the word and asking for prayers. Apparently, Conner has been having a few tough days, so if you could offer up a prayer to heal this little boy, I am sure his family would greatly appreciate it. 

Today as I was reading Conner's page, there was a link to another group page with another little boy who has the same first name. While I was reading the page, whoever set up the page had posted that this little boy loves to receive postcards from different places in the country. He loves it so much that he set up his own post office box. While reading the information posted, the sudden urge to send this little boy a post card overwhelmed me. I do not know this little boy, he lives on the other side of the country from where I live, but I want to put a smile on that little boy's face! I am going to spread LOVE to someone I don't even know!

So many of us want to do something for other people, but we don't know how to accomplish that goal. All you need to do is be willing to do a little research, and I bet you will find a whole bunch of people you might be able to make smile. If you would like to help this little boy smile, search for the group entitled, "Saving Connor Bourke" on Facebook and join his group! His address is posted on the group wall, and I bet this little guy would just LOVE to receive a postcard from you!

Make someone smile today and spread LOVE to someone you don't even know! 

June 22, 2011

TAKE A NAP WHILE SURROUNDED BY NATURE!

There is something wonderful about being out in nature. It is like the Universe draws us closer to our existence. If we are having a bad day, because let's be real here and admit that we are going to have bad days, and if we step outside and breathe in the fresh air, and if we allow the sun to warm our cheeks, something good happens. It is kind of like Mother Nature gives us a big hug. Our initial problem which may be causing the bad day may not go away, but we will begin to see the beauty that life has to offer. If you are having a rough day, maybe you could step outside whether it would be in your backyard or walk to the nearest park, pull up a park bench or lounge chair, and take a power nap or an extensive nap outside while surrounded by the trees, the birds, the grass, or otherwise known as nature.

This is what I did today. I lounged by the pool for about an hour while my son swam, and I took a power nap outside while surrounded by nature. Since today started out very rocky for me, being outside has a way of calming my soul. Peace seems to embrace me while I am outdoors. I feel more at one with the world while nature envelopes me in its presence.

The next time you are having a rough day try taking a cat nap in the city park or on your back deck. Sometimes, we just need to clear our minds, and I have heard that power naps can be extremely beneficial with this task. However, next time, try taking your power nap outside while surrounded by the beautiful natural surroundings which God blessed us with!

June 21, 2011

STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF!

There are times in our lives when we are faced with a crossroads of not being quite sure of which way to turn. Do we take the job that pays more money, but we are asked to sacrifice more of our time which leads to us being away from the people we love, or do we stay at job that pays us less but brings us complete joy and happiness. Do we accept a job that we know in our hearts we will hate everyday that we have to be there, or do we suffer through a financial crisis, turn down the job which will make us unhappy, and look for something else. This lesson I am about to share is something in which took me many years to accept: when in doubt, go with your gut and stay true to yourself!

I started a new job yesterday, and half way through the day of training, something was not settling in my soul about this job. I had no peace about what I would be doing, and what I was being trained did not match up with the job description that the hiring manager had provided me with. However, I decided I would give another day of training a chance, and I was nearly convinced that I would accept the job until I was given my shadowing assignment for later this evening. Once I looked at the schedule, I knew in my heart that this job was not right for me. After I discussed the situation with my husband, he agreed that I should not get involved with such a business, so I called the company back and told them I was no longer interested in the position.

When in doubt, always stay true to who you really are. Do not try to change to be someone you are not just to please a few. Yes, my family needs the money; however, being miserable in a job and performing duties that I would be uncomfortable doing would just make matters worse. I would be bringing home anger, frustration, and misery everyday to my family, and after the year we have had, we do not need that kind of negativity in our lives. I will trust God that there is something better out there for me, and I am walking away from the situation by being true to myself!

June 20, 2011

FOCUS ON WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY!

Some days are more trying than others. Whenever you may be having a rough day, and nothing you do seems to go the right way, focus on the things in life that make you happy. This might seem like a hard chore at first, but once you start redirecting your focus from the problem which may have your feathers ruffled at the time to focusing on something that makes you smile, your day might soon brighten. 

In order for this technique to work, one must first recognize what triggers his happiness. This could be anything from the person you love, your pet, an animal in the wild, a flower, a bird, or anything that makes you  smile. Maybe it's not a thing, but maybe it's a song by your favorite band. I am sure if you think really hard you will be able to think of a list of things which make you smile. For me the following things make me smile: my husband and son, butterflies, tigers, stone cottages with cobblestone walkways, and star gazer lilies. I am sure if I sat long enough and thought real hard I bet I could come up with a whole list of things which make me happy. Today it is just a little more difficult for me to come up with more things, because I did have a difficult day.

The next time things are not going as you had planned in your mind try thinking about something which makes you happy and that puts a smile on  your face. Soon you may find that you are no longer thinking about your problem, but instead you are showing gratitude for prettier things in life. Focus on what makes you happy and watch the sun shine brighter throughout your days.

June 19, 2011

STAY YOUNG AT HEART!!!

Today while my family visited a car show at a place called The Round Barn in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, we witnessed an older man who really knew the meaning of staying young at heart. While the band was playing country hits, this man had no fear to get up and "get down" in the middle of the dance floor. He tried to get several other people to join him; however, no one was willing except for three young children, two boys and one girl. My husband was lucky enough to capture on video a few minutes of this lively, man who is truly young at heart!

I look at this man with total admiration! This is truly a man who loves life, and he is not afraid to show it. Isn't this how we should treat life. We all should have been up there on that dance floor doing the jig and "cuttin a rug" as my dad would have said. I look at the older generation, and they really did know how to have a good time. When I was a little girl, my dad would take me to the summer festival, and country bands would always play on Saturday nights. My dad surely loved watching these bands while clapping his hands and tapping his feet and yelling a "yee haw" every now and again. 

Wouldn't it be great if the younger generations would get back into loving life like the older generations did! I hope I might be young at heart like this man one day. However, I might be too shy to get up on the dance floor like this young man did. But this is what life is all about, like my husband posted on my facebook blog page "Carpe Diem...Seize the Day!" and this is exactly what this man did...he seized the day!!! Learn to be young at heart!!!

June 18, 2011

"BETTER GET TO LIVING!"

This song changed my perspective on life on Christmas morning this past year. Dolly Parton has always been one of my favorite Country performers, and while having dinner at our local Cracker Barrel a few weeks before Christmas, I learned of Dolly's new CD called Backwoods Barbie. In conversation, I happened to mention to my son and husband that I would like to get this new CD one day. Well, on Christmas morning, I found this CD in my Christmas stocking. To add a little fun to the unwrapping of our remaining gifts, I popped my new CD in my CD player, and this song started to play. I immediately was taken aback. It was like Dolly had either slapped me into reality, or she had shaken me, and I had finally woken up. Every word of this song rang true in my ears. I suddenly realized that I had a lot to be grateful for, and my family was extremely blessed!

How many of us truly "live" our lives? How many of us look at our problems as mountains instead of the molehills that they really are? How many of us harbor an unforgiving heart, or hatred, resentment, and bitterness toward people who have hurt us long ago? How many of us are too busy to have a good time? How many of us do not have time for our family members or our friends?

There is a line in this song that says, "The day we're born we start to die, so don't waste one minute of this life...get to livin." If those words are able to penetrate our souls, then we suddenly realize how precious our lives really are! Every minute of every single day is a precious gift, and it is our responsibility not to waste any of those precious minutes which I like to refer to as moments.

So, ask yourself how you would like to start living your life. Do you need to call someone and make peace? Do you want to take your family on an outing and just spend the day together? Do you want to just take the day and have a total 'ME' day? Whatever it is that you want to do; it is totally your decision. However, there is one thing that Dolly says you need to do, "You better get to livin!"

Elvis Lives - Walk a Mile In My Shoes (Best Picture & Sound Quality)

June 17, 2011

"TAKE A WALK IN ANOTHER MAN'S SHOES!"

A conversation with my mother today got me thinking about the title of today's topic. As we were sitting in the examination room of our local gastroenterology office waiting to see the doctor for my mother's six month check-up, she started to ask me questions about my husband's major surgery and his recovery time. One story led to another, and soon we were discussing the criticism that I received for hiring a nurse to come into our home to change my husband's bandages twice a day after he was released from the hospital. Many people felt that I was being selfish, and they felt since I am my husband's wife that I should be cleaning his wound and changing his bandages. Now, I will be the first person to tell you that I am NOT a nurse! I can deal with wounds on my own body, but to have to change another person's bandages just freaks me out. People even had the nerve to make fun of me and laugh in my face that I was no Florence Nightengale. These types of comments really hurt me, and they made me think that maybe those people should have volunteered to take a walk in my shoes.

Back in the 1970's, Elvis Presley sang a song entitled, "Take a Walk in My Shoes." The entire song is amazing; however, the lyrics that jump out to me the most are, "Don't abuse, criticize, or accuse until you take a walk in my shoes." 

How many times do we sit back and criticize someone else for how they are taking care of business especially if their way is different than how we may approach the same situation. It is easy to cast blame or accuse someone of not doing something to our specifications, but how many times do we sit back to see if their way works out. For instance, the people who criticized me for not changing my husband's bandages could have volunteered to come over to our home twice a day for three months to change his bandages if they felt their way was the best way. In my mind, I felt I was providing my husband with the best professional service possible, because if an infection set in, we had a nurse here twice a day who could spot it right away and send us to the hospital. I would not have known what to look for until it would have been too late. Plus, the nurse took my husband's vital signs twice a day, and on one occasion, his vitals were very low, and she sent us straight to the emergency room.

This is just one example in my own life where people were unwilling to look at things the way I viewed them. Just because I could not change my husband's bandages did not mean that I did not love him. I loved him dearly and still do, and I wanted the best for him. If I had it to do over again, I would not change a thing.

Before you start criticizing someone, because they may not be doing something the way you may do it does not make that person a bad person. It just means that person has a different thinking process, and if we step back and watch and listen, we might learn a thing or two. Like Elvis said, "Before you abuse, criticize, or accuse take a walk in my shoes!"

June 16, 2011

"START SOMETHING NEW!"

Today I started a new project! I decided to make a new facebook page with all the sayings that I have come up with for this blog. I am not sure if the facebook profile will take off, or if I will get any followers, but I have decided to try to get my blog out in front of more people. The year is half way over, and I still only have three followers, so I am taking my sayings somewhere else. I am not sure if I am setting up the page correctly, but I am hoping that others will be able to find it and see it.

Sometimes we need to try something new. If it does not work out, then I can at least say that I tried. However, if I can get my words out to more people via facebook, then maybe my blog will start to grow. If it doesn't work out, then I will have to believe that this is not the road God wants me to be on. I know I am not the best writer on the block. So many other people are way more blessed with writing talent than what I am, but maybe someone out there will benefit from the struggles my family have faced in the past year. Start something new and see what happens!

June 15, 2011

"HUM A HAPPY TUNE!"

The last few days have been a little melancholy for me, and I have been trying to figure out a way to lift my spirits. I tried by reaching out to friends and telling them my worries; however, that just made me think about my problems more. As I walked into the kitchen to get a cup of coffee, I found myself humming a happy tune. As I was humming, I realized that I my spirits were lifting, and I was becoming happier.

If you know someone who seems down, tell them to hum a happy tune. They don't have to do it in front of anyone. They can hum whenever they are alone. I remember when I worked at the juvenile detention center, and I would always walk down the hallways humming a happy tune. Soon this act would rub off on coworkers, and I would hear others walking down the hallways humming to themselves.

Hum a happy tune, and soon you will be smiling and feeling better!

June 14, 2011

"CHANGE YOUR NEGATIVE STRESSES WITH POSITIVE THOUGHTS!"

So many things in our lives can create stress whether it's your job, your friends, your family, or anything you can think of; how we deal with our stress will determine our level of happiness. We can whine and complain and worry about the negative influences that may be coming against us, or we can change our negative stresses with positive thoughts.

Yesterday my family had someone lie on us, and she tried to hurt our good character and reputation. A member of the family told her new landlord that we were going to be paying for her first month's rent whenever she never asked us, and we never agreed to such a thing. First of all, if you have read any of my other blogs, you will know that my family is facing financial issues, and there is no way we would be able to afford to pay for someone else's rent even if it were only for one month. The landlord ended up calling my home looking for his rent money. Needless to say, I had no idea what he was talking about until he explained to me what was going on. After listening to the man's story, I proceeded to tell him that the family member had concocted a story which was not true.

Now, this entire situation upset me greatly, and I called the family member to try to talk things out; however, she hung up on me. I could approach the negative, stressful situation two ways: I could let it make me so angry that it would take me several days to recuperate from, or I could change my thoughts to positive ones in order to enjoy my day. I chose the later. I accepted the fact that this family member lied on my family, and I didn't even think about the situation any longer. The only thing that crept into my mind today was how this entire situation upset my husband, and he truly does not need this type of negativity in his life at this point in time. Change your thoughts and watch your stresses cease to exist!

June 13, 2011

"DON'T SWEAT THE CRAZIES!"

I am sure that you have heard the saying, "Don't sweat the small stuff." Well, I am telling you, "Don't sweat the crazies." We all know people who we feel just aren't quite all there. Sometimes, these are the people who create all the drama in a family. Sometimes, these are the attention seekers who will tell any kind of story just to make themselves look good. Whoever the crazies may be in your life, don't sweat them. Accept the fact that they may possibly need some help and move on.

Sometimes, we are forced to cut these people completely out our lives. If we keep trying to help them and if they are unwilling to help themselves, then we are just enabling them with their bad behavior. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is to set them free and allow them to make the mistakes on their own, and we need to stop bailing them out every time they do make a mistake. These people need to learn on their own how to become responsible adults.

I know you care about the people in your life, but sometimes, these people can create too much chaos, and we come to a point in our lives where we have to let go. Today was one of those days in my life. Someone told lies about my husband, and this person is notorious for causing drama and lying, so I set her free. Another thing I am going to have to do is I am not going to sweat the crazies. I know that might sound mean hearted for me to call someone a crazy, but I always heard this saying, "If you keep doing the same thing over and over again and you expect different results, then you are crazy." This person has been creating the same drama for the entire time I have known her. It is time to set her free, so she can learn to fly on her own.

June 12, 2011

"SPEND THE DAY OUTDOORS!"

This weekend resulted with my family spending the majority of our time outdoors. My family is such nature buffs that we love to spend as much time as possible outside during days with good weather. I love being outside and filling my lungs with fresh, crisp air. After working in the yard for the most of the day, we enjoyed the evening on our deck having dinner while the birds serenaded us. It was amazing sitting on my deck while the beautiful blue sky and big puffy white clouds looked down on us from above. There is something about being in nature that makes your Spirit come to life. The day just seems to get brighter, more cheerful, and downright better by spending it outdoors!

All my life, I have struggled with depression. It's one thing that I found myself struggling with last week; however, after spending two days outside in the sun and warm air, my Spirit became lighter and more joyful. In the Spring and Summer seasons, I look forward to spending as much time as possible outside. After long Winters of being cooped up inside with all the doors and windows shut, I look forward to throwing open the windows to let the air flow through my house, and I also look forward to sit on my back deck while reading a good book.

If you ever find yourself feeling down, you might want to think about taking a walk around your neighborhood. It might be the rejuvenation that you just need. Spend a day outdoors and see what happens on the inside of you!

June 11, 2011

"GET TO WORK!"

Today my husband decided it was time to get the cover off the pool and to get it cleaned, so we can enjoy it a little bit this summer. So, I thought that removing a cover isn't that hard of a job, and I felt my husband and son could handle it, so I went for a walk while they got to work on the pool cover. Half way through my walk, I began to feel guilty, because I left without giving my family a probably much needed hand. So, I cut my walk in half, and I got home in plenty of time to help with the pool cover. My moral of today's story is get to work and lend a helping hand!

I am so glad that I decided to come home and help my family instead of taking an extra long walk like I usually do. Once we got the pool cover off, we realized that much more work was going to be needed for our pool. We were going to have to drain the entire thing and start from scratch. This is the task my family all pitched in and helped with today; draining and cleaning the pool. Not only did we do that, but my son and I mowed the lawn as my husband was working on and around the pool. It was a family effort, and we enjoyed ourselves being outside with each other.

Sometimes, we put off things that desperately need to be taken care of. However, I say one day at a time, and one step at a time, and eventually things get taken care of. We need to be willing to get to work in order to get these chores accomplished. I know today was hard work cleaning and scrubbing that pool, but in a week or so we will be enjoying the refreshing escape from the summer sun. Get up, get moving, and get to work!

June 10, 2011

"CELEBRATE YOUR CHILDREN'S ACHIEVEMENTS!"

Today, my little boy graduates from the ninth grade or some call it the freshman year of high school. In our school district, we have had a junior high school, so my son has attended junior high for the past two years. Next school year will be a huge step for him, because he will be attending the high school. Graduating from the ninth grade is a huge accomplishment for him, because I know he will have exceptional grades on his report card. My husband and I have agreed that we will celebrate our son's achievements by allowing him to pick the restaurant that he would like to eat at tonight. When your child reaches a milestone in his or her life, celebrate those achievements!

It seems like  yesterday that my little boy was just born. Now, he is going to be headed off to high school in two short months. If you sit back and look at life, you will see how quickly life passes us by. I remember my son's first day of Kindergarten, and I remember crying like a baby when he marched up the steps of that bus and waved good bye to my husband and I. In the blink of an eye, my little boy will be graduating from high school and going off to college. However, I don't even want to think about that day yet! Let's just get through him graduating from Junior High School!

Our children achieve many goals in their lives, and it is up to us to celebrate with them when they meet these goals. When parents celebrate with their children, it encourages the children to do more or to take the next or bigger step. It's like we are our children's cheerleaders, and this is how it should be! Encourage your children to do their best, and when they do, celebrate with them!

June 9, 2011

"GET UP AND GET MOVING!"

A few months ago, I started to exercise every single day, but then I fell off the fitness wagon, and I gained all the weight I had originally lost (which was about five pounds) back again. So, today I decided would be the day that I would get up off my butt and get this flabby body back into some much needed shape. At first, I just sat at my computer just dreading the thought of going out into the heat to walk around the neighborhood, but instead of just sitting there all morning, I decided to get my sneakers on and go for a walk. No matter what it may be that you want to start in life, you cannot get started until you get up and get moving!

I could have ignored my inner thoughts about starting to walk today; however, tomorrow I would be no further along than I was yesterday. In order to make a change in your life, you need to take that first initial step. You need to get up off the chair or the couch or out from being in front of the computer, and you need to start doing what you want to accomplish. Nothing will ever get done if we are not willing to take that first step.

Most of the time, people never take that first step, because they are afraid that they are going to fail. However, yesterday I heard a comment that made a lot of sense to me. What if people do not take that first step, because they are afraid of what they may become, or they are afraid of the success that they may achieve. Fear, I believe is the main reason why people stay in a rut. Don't be afraid to get out of your rut. Get up and get moving! You might be surprised at what goals you end up accomplishing.

June 8, 2011

"YOUR 'WHAT' DOES NOT DEFINE YOUR 'WHO'!

Recently, I read the following statement, "I would rather be hated for who I am than be liked for who I am not." I am not sure who the author is, but isn't this statement powerful! Today while browsing over the status updates on facebook, I noticed this statement; however, it was worded differently which gave it a total different meaning. It said, "I would rather be hated for what I am than for what I am not." Isn't it funny how one little word can change the entire context of information. I had to reply to the girl who posted this statement that our "what" does not define our "who."

Isn't it easy to get what and who confused. When people ask, "Who are you?" What do you usually say? Most people will reply with their job title, such as I am a vice president of a company, I am a teacher, I am a banker, I am this or I am that. Some other people might answer that they are this person's mom or dad or this person's husband or wife or so-and-so's girlfriend or boyfriend. However, these answers do not tell "who" you really are. The answers are merely titles that we have given ourselves to try to describe who we are.

Our "what" sometimes becomes the material objects in our lives, such as our cars, our house or homes, or any of our many other possessions. Have you ever made the comment, "I am the man or woman who drives the such-and-such car" or "I am the man or woman who lives in the house across the street." None of these statements describe our "who."

Who we are should be the person we are on the inside. The person who we are may be the person who helped the neighbor mow his or her lawn last week. The person who we are may be the person who loaned a coworker some money because he or she has been down on their luck lately. The person who we are may have held the door for the little old lady who was struggling to get into the post office today. Who we are may be the person who is determined to help find a cure for cancer. Who we are may be the person who is helping out the homeless shelter during our spare time.

Do not confuse your "who" with your "what." It is so easy to do. I believe that society has gotten so caught up or wrapped up with titles that people have made the mistake of allowing these titles to become their "who." However, these titles are only what a person does for a living. They are not "who" the person truly is!

June 7, 2011

"BELIEVE AND YOU WILL RECEIVE!"

How many times do we hear this statement? How many of us really believe this statement? When I look back at my own life, I can vouch that this statement is true; however, I have to admit that I rarely live by it. I spend way too much time worrying about what the universe can take care of on its own. This statement is so powerful that it is even in the Bible, so I say to you, my friend, believe and you will receive!

Thinking back to my childhood, the tv show, The Dukes of Hazzard, was my most favorite tv show of all times! I had a huge crush on John Schneider, aka. Bo Duke. When I was probably 10 years old, I remember telling my mom that one day I was going to meet Bo and Luke Duke, and not only was I going to meet them, I was going to ride in their famous car, The General Lee. Now, most people would think, "Yeah, everybody has a dream like that." However, there was something different about my dream. I believed it with all my heart and with all my soul that this would happen. Years went by, and I grew up, got married, and had a son of my own. When my son was probably four years old, my family stumbled upon a little store in Sperryville Virginia called Cooter's Place, and guess who owned that store! None other than Ben Jones aka. Cooter Davenport from the tv show, The Dukes of Hazzard! As the years past, my family has met every cast member of the Duke of Hazzard with the exception of those who have passed on to the other side, and my entire family has ridden in the General Lee with Cooter  himself!

What we believe may take many years or possibly decades in order for our dreams to come true, but if you believe deep down within your heart that whatever it is you want will come true, then I guarantee you that eventually you will fulfill every one of your heart's desires. There have been so many circumstances in my life where what I believed actually came true. I encourage you to believe, and I bet you will start to receive.

June 6, 2011

"PRAY FOR OTHERS!"

How many times do you pray to God to help you with problems in your own life, but you fail to pray for anyone else who might need some help or guidance in his or her own life? There are times when we need to pray for those around us. We need to start praying as soon as we know that someone may have a need.

For instance, one day I was driving to the post office, and a car in front on my had a tag or sticker in the window about someone in their family having cancer and asking whoever reads this message to pray for the healing of their loved one. When I read this, I immediately had an overwhelming sensation of love come up from the inside of me, and I just started to pray out loud, "Dear God, please help their loved one, and please heal that person from their disease." Our prayers do not have to long, drawn out messages to God that require us to drop down on our knees. Yes, it is good to get down on our knees in order to talk to God from time to time, but we can pray anywhere and anytime. God will hear us!

Do you know of someone right here and right now who needs God's guidance or healing? Pray for that person right now. Don't wait till later to pray for them. I hear people say all the time, "I will pray for your family," then they go off on their merry, little way, and I always wonder if they ever do find time to pray. Send out a prayer to the universe immediately when you find out about someone's need. It will only take a moment of your time, and you will soon create a new habit of praying all the time. Pray for others and think of their needs!

June 5, 2011

"WISH PEOPLE WELL!"

Do you ever wonder what you should say to people especially people who you may not see eye to eye with? Even sometimes with our own friends or family members we might become tongue tied and not have a clue what to say in order to offer up any kind of advice or suggestion. Whenever this happens, sometimes the best thing we can do is wish people well. Send them blessings when you don't know what more to say.

Saying things like, "I wish you well," or "God bless you and yours," may go further than a long, drawn out explanation of any kind. Even when people make you angry, and you are finding it hard to think of anything to say in a difficult situation, saying something like, "Take care," can cover all the bases that you might think you are not covering.

Learn to wish people well then move on with your day or evening!

June 4, 2011

"ASK FOR HELP!"

There will come times in your life when you have no other choice, but to ask other people for help. Sometimes, we can be very stubborn, and we believe that we can accomplish everything in our lives ourselves. However, there will come a time when you will need to rely on other people for much needed help. These last two weeks, my family has been reaching out to everyone we know for help in finding my niece. Don't be afraid to ask others for help!

In my family's situation, we need to spread the word about my niece being missing to as many people as we possibly can. My nephew and his ex-wife have started a search right on the facebook social network. My niece's picture is being spread all over people's profiles asking everyone if they have any idea of her whereabouts. We have been asking numerous people for any kind of help in regards to bringing my niece home safely. The more people we get her picture out to the better.

When you are facing a difficult situation in  your life, ask people for help. You never know who might have valuable information that you may benefit from. Ask for help when you need to!

June 3, 2011

"KEEP YOUR CHIN UP AND YOUR HEAD HELD HIGH!"

There are days which are very difficult for me to get through. It has nothing to do with anything happening on this particular day in the past. It has everything to do with what has happened in the past to get my family to where we currently are in the present. My family has been dealt some low blows in the last three years, and it seems just as we start to recover from one thing "WHAM" something else takes its place. Well, the stress of these last three years sometimes get to be too much to bear, and some days I find myself hanging my head to the lower depths of the earth. I have to constantly remind myself that things (usually financially) will get better. I do know that God will bring us through all our difficult situations including the tremendous debt that my family is now in, and I know and I believe that He will bring a good job to me when it is time for me to get back to work full-time. If that is truly His will. However, today was one of those days that I had to tell myself to keep my chin up and to keep my head held high.

Life happens, and sometimes, what happens is not what we may have had in our future plans. When this happens, life sends us in a totally different direction. Today, I found myself questioning "Why" to everything that has happened to us in the last few years. Why did my back get broken at the job I loved dearly? Why as soon as I found a new job, and my family started to get back on our feet, was my husband diagnosed with stage three stomach and esophageal cancer? Why am I having such a difficult time finding a new job now that my husband is well? The questions just kept pouring out of my mind. Now, I know we are not supposed to question why things happen as they do in our lives. I understand that we are just supposed to accept that life just happens for no apparent reason. It was just one more instance why I had to keep telling myself to keep my head up today.

When life keeps throwing you curve balls, just keep your chin up and keep your head held high! There are times in our lives when we have seasons of difficulty. When life keeps handing you lemons, just pick up that chin from the floor, hold your head up high, and tell yourself that you will never surrender! Things will soon get better. As Brandon Lee said in the movie The Crow, "It can't rain every day!"

June 2, 2011

"BE PERSISTENT!"

What exactly does it mean to be persistent? According to Webster's New World Dictionary, persistent means to  continue in the face of opposition; continuing to exist or endure; and constantly repeated. Isn't this how life is? Sometimes (many times), life requires us to be persistent. We have to continue on while facing whatever battle we may be facing.

I have been looking for a full-time job or at least another part-time job for nearly a year now. Last summer I put my job hunt on hold until my husband was well again. However, now that he is well, and he is back to work full-time, I would like to be able to contribute to our finances by providing more than a substitutes salary. Let's face it, substituting is a very inconsistent job, and some weeks I only get one day of work. With the school year coming to a close, I find myself in a bit of a financial crisis. However, I am not going to panic. I am going to trust God, and I am going to be persistent in my job hunt. There has to be something out there right for me, so I will continue to face the battle.

No matter what you may be facing in life, get into the habit of being persistent. Sometimes, we cannot take no for an answer. Sometimes, we need to keep pounding that pavement that something better is just about to happen. That new job is right around the corner. However, the key is to not give up. We must be persistent every day!

June 1, 2011

"RECOGNIZE THE TALENTS GOD HAS BLESSED YOU WITH!"

God has granted each and every one of us with some kind of talent. Some people are crafty while others are musical. Some people are blessed with the ability to write so beautifully that they whisk us off to some far away land within minutes of reading their words. God has granted my husband with an amazing artistic ability of drawing and painting. Today while we were waiting to see the doctor at the Hershey Medical Center, my husband sketched a picture of himself sketching a picture. I know it sounds complicated, but it was truly amazing.

After three hours of waiting, the doctor saw us as the office was closing for the day. The first thing he noticed when he walked into the examination room was the sketchpad that my husband had been drawing on all afternoon. He glanced at it and told my husband that his artwork is truly amazing. He then proceeded to tell my husband of an upcoming event the Medical Center was hosting for artists who are also cancer survivors. Over the summer, they will be displaying the artists work at a local art festival, and the doctor asked my husband if he would be interested in displaying his artwork. Of course, my husband is so humble that he does not feel his artwork is original enough to display for others to view.

If you have been blessed with a talent, then learn to recognize that God is the one who has blessed you. He gave you that talent for a reason, so don't hide it! Show your talent! It is a total blessing!

I will let you be the judge of my husband's artwork. I think he should display it so others can see what he has done in the past year and a half while winning the battle of cancer.