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What a difference a day makes

One day cold. One day warm. One day rain, ice, snow, and thunder. One day bright sunshine. One day well. One day sick. What a difference a day makes. It has been said many time around here that if you don’t like the weather, stick around for it will change. That statement isn’t unique to one location. The same remark could be heard almost anywhere one roams.

What a difference a day makes… Numerous times in every life this statement rings true. A person can be so down the light of day seems to be hidden away forever behind the dark clouds raining down problem after problem. Seemingly sudden changes happen after a night of favorable rest pushing the clouds back revealing the glowing sun’s rays that fill a life, a heart, and a spirit with hope and joy. Both days must be accepted for what they are. As difficult as it is to do, the heart must find thankfulness for the dark days as well as the brilliant ones. Basking in the sunlight gains an extra appreciation after facing times filled with pressing woes. This is often the time of growth. As much as maturity is needed, a break to rest in those glorious days of sunlight is equally important.

Are you under a cloud? Don’t give up hope. Look for the parting of the clouds. Use an umbrella of family and friends when you must. Are you enjoying the comforting warmth of the sun? Don’t take it for granted. Do enjoy it while preparing for the storm. After all, day can make all the difference!

Endings

One of life’s turning points arrives amid emotions that springs forth as Christmas events leave the warm glow of new memories mingled with the trepidation of the unknown . A New Year noted by the pristine pages of the fresh calendar staring down from its place on the wall inspiring hope for a prosperous, happy year while a small nagging voice reminds us it may not be all we hope and dream. Time to make a choice on whether we will approach the future with exuberant expectation or excruciating dread.

Time to evaluate life.

Time to forget strife.

Time to dream dreams.

Time to develop schemes.

Time to be filled with joy.

Time to live the story.

Saying goodbye to 2007 and embracing 2008 with open arms. Until next year!

Thanksgiving

Thankfulness, joy, and cheer

are wished to you at this special time of year

when hearts and minds are reminded at last

of all the wonderful things in present and past

facing the future preparing to cope

with the dreams, wonder, and hope

remaining dormant much of the year

now thought of fondly with a smile and a tear.

May your day be filled with wonderful memories to add to your storybook.

Children

A child is a gift. Not just a gift, but a gift that lifts your heart when you are down and coaxes a smile to your face when you are sad. A child eases your burdens with a hug.

We had these same qualities when we were children. We did not know the power we had or that we made a difference in a life. As we grow older, it becomes unacceptable to let another cheer us or to comfort another with a smile and a hug.

Occasionally, we break down the barriers letting the childlike caring for someone else to come shining through. When a friend needs us most, we provide comforting without hesitation.

Sometimes we are the ones that are hurting. It is more difficult to let another person give us that child-like gift of caring. When we refuse their aid, we deny ourselves the joy of knowing someone deeply cares. And we deny them the joy of giving.

This season brings out the child in each of us. Today decide to look at the world through your inner child’s eyes. Watch for ways to lift another with a simple gesture of kindness. Soak up the joys in life viewing the changing leaves and fall harvest bounty while preparing for the biggest child event of the year – Christmas. After all, there are only about 50 days until Christmas.

Character

He just couldn’t believe his ears. Not trying to eavesdrop Chase overheard Bill telling George that Chase had taken money from the petty cash box. Chase was shocked to hear the searing words. How could anyone that had worked with him for ten years think that he would do such a thing? It would not have hurt more if Bill had punched him in the stomach. Bewildered Chase walked away still trying to make sense of the foreign words. He dropped into a chair and sipped on the coffee he had been pouring when the words drifted on the airwaves toward him.

George walked into the room slowly with a puzzled look on his face. He stalled when seeing Chase. Their eyes met and George knew Chase had heard the rumors from somewhere. As George stood there deciding what he should say, Chase just shook his head.

George said, “Who told you?”

“I heard Bill telling you.” answered Chase. “You know me George. Do you believe him?”

“No.” George said, “Listen Chase, anyone who knows you would never believe it. Don’t let the others get to you.”

“But George, it hurts to think anyone would think it much less say it.”

“Yes, I know, Chase. You are one of the most honest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. People just have to speculate.”

“Still…”

“There is an old adage that says ‘Live your life so that when people say evil things about you, the people who know you would never believe it’. When I think of the people I know that would fit, you are at the top of the list. Mary said the same thing. She really let Bill have it, too. She came in as he was still trying to convince me. She told him that most people here would come nearer to believing that he was the one that took it, but would never believe you did it.”

This made Chase smile. He and Mary had not always seen eye to eye on how to do things, but they had developed a mutual respect for each other’s honest.

Break—

Do you know someone who this saying fits? I have had the great honor of knowing a few. Are you such a person? I strive to be daily. Good luck to you in your attempts to emulate this character trait. If you know someone you believe to model this behavior, let them know what it means to you to know someone with this quality. It will be an encouragement to them knowing someone noticed. Until next time…

Games

It was a damp overcast Saturday afternoon. The stadium was sparsely occupied by parents, grandparents, and various other family members as well as friends of the players. Tension and anticipation filled the air as the players took the field. The sportsmen being nine or ten years old heightened the excitement surrounding the scene. Prayers rose from the crowd at each snap of the ball; prayers for safety, prayers for small successes, prayers for lessons learned. Some rejoiced after the game while others struggled with learning to lose gracefully. These important lessons learned foreshadowed the path of how they would handle winning and losing as adults. Since every situation of competition is one where one wins and another loses, it is a necessity to learn to handle both with dignity, grace, and joy. Joy? Yes, joy. Because each opportunity we take to attempt something different creates an occasion for growth. It is a joyful thing to grow. What was the last attempt you made at trying something new?

Looks Like a Duck

There is a familiar saying that goes, “If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck.” But is it true. Most of these often used sayings can be both true and false. This one is used in talking about a variety of issues. Today I want to share a story where this saying proved false.

Last week I lost focus and became very stressed over some things I have little or no control over. I was struck suddenly with a sharp pain in my chest. It went away leaving a dull ache. Going on to work and getting the day started kept me occupied for a while until another sharp pain hit. Shortly there was a third. I called my husband who was on his way when another hit. We were talking on the phone and I decided to call 911. Quickly I was surrounded by paramedics running tests, etc. My husband arrived and my boss. After an ambulance ride to the hospital, chest x-rays, and a heart cath, we received the good news that my heart muscle is strong with no blockages.

The point is that sometimes it is not a duck, but treat it like a duck until there is evidence to the contrary. I would do the same thing all over again because I believed it to be a heart attack. There was plenty of time to think about life during this day. It is a precious fleeting time to be enjoyed. Don’t to chances. Get proof as to whether it is a duck or not.

Maybe this one actually falls under the category of, “Shoot first, ask questions later.”

Reunions

Family members are bound together with cords that exist in no other relationship. No matter what comes or goes those with whom we share the same bloodline teach us a great deal about ourselves. There is great joy in feeling that connection as there is great pain when hurt by these same people.

Today I am going to a family reunion. It is a reunion with a long history. The third generation is now hosting it. Many memories of years past. Many people missed since their deaths. Many little ones joined the clan.

Families. We celebrate. We disagree. We forgive. We love. Sometimes we allow things to build to such a point that these bonds are forever broken – unmendable. Communication is a key element in avoiding this breaking of the hearts of both people.

Enjoy your family today. Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. After all, you do share the same gene pool.

Who made you do it?

It is time for another saying. This one is not one I live by, but one many people do.

“The devil made me do it.” Or the company, my spouse, my boss, the lady down the street, the man driving beside me.

Now before you think, ‘I would never have that attitude’, let’s visit a little. Most people consider themselves to be honest. Don’t you? What you see is what you get and all that. Consider this: as a society things that would have just been the wrong thing to do not so many years ago are not even noticed. Taking the wrong change thinking they should have been more careful. It’s not my fault they can’t count. Speeding until a cop is seen hiding around the corner. Telling a lie about anything – usually to benefit self in some small way.
Someone has to be responsible for everything that happens to me besides me. Walk into a room and ask, “Who was suppose to…?” Fill in the blank with clean the bathroom, put paper in the copier, or any of the other hundreds of actions that could go there. Then watch the finger pointing start. Very few will ever step up to say that was my job this week or that wasn’t my job, but I will take care of it. Aren’t we thankful for those people?

It is extremely difficult to be a trustworthy, honest, truthful person in today’s world. We are surrounded by people on every hand that would lead us to believe it is ok to fudge a little on things. They provide all sorts of justifications for doing something that we might question. Sometimes we let our eyes be clouded for a while by the persuasive argument only later to regret that decision.

The question is ‘who controls you?’ It is time to stand up to responsibility. Be courageous and don’t be pulled along by every wind that blows your way. Stand for what you know is right. You will sleep better at night and our world will be a better place.

Until next time…

Autumn Time

Hi. guys! I guess everyone is settling down for a while. It has been awfully quiet lately. I see where some of you are still dropping by for a visit, though. Kids are getting back to school and vacations are over. Time to get back to schedules. It is a hectic time of year. Just don’t forget to come by and say hello from time to time. We miss you when you don’t. If there are any newbie that have stopped for a visit, leave us a little note too.

I would love to see a nice long Fall. We enjoyed one last year. It is my most favorite season. I am thrilled when the crisp air has that hint of coolness. It is refreshing after the last hot days of summer that have lingered much too long. The oppressive heat replaced with breathable air. The rustling of the brightly colored leaves shaking the memory to produce memories of Falls experienced throughout the years. Orange pumpkins transformed into Halloween creatures by a few cuts of a sharp knife while the aroma of pies made from the meat fills the air. The brilliantly colored mums grouped together in a magnificent display resembling an artist’s pallet. Just thinking about it produces a joy in me that shows as it draws a smile on my face.

What is your favorite time of year? Why do you like it?

Until next time…