Faith is the priority that brings meaning to my life. Faith provides a framework that when nurtured blossoms into a way of life and fosters hope. After reading the book, Miracles Every Day, by Maura Poston Zagrans, I decided to make a few changes in my daily routine. The first change was making a point of thanking Jesus throughout the day. I had always been grateful and thankful for the life I led, but I had not specifically given credit to Jesus. At first, I focused on thanking Jesus. Silently, I gave thanks for everything. Some examples would be a…
Why am I content with the unknown? I am content because I know that Jesus has my back. Love is the necessary ingredient that opens the door for us to be with Jesus. The world has faced some difficult years. We don’t know what 2022 will bring, but I know that I will walk into the year having love in my heart. I am grateful and thankful that despite the unusual times we are experiencing I am content that in time things will improve. Some will worry about the future, but I prefer to take one day at a…
As I take a moment to reflect on Christmas I remind myself why we are celebrating. Once I center my thoughts on the meaning of Christmas I am better able to move through the season and appreciate all that each year brings. Things are always changing, traditions get altered, and life brings new challenges every year. When I center my thoughts on celebrating Jesus, those changes quickly become little curves in the road rather than obstacles that bring sadness, disappointment, or even anger. I consider myself very fortunate because I grew up in a home where my parents had little…
Storms were brewing for our family during 2020 and 2021. Sometimes we experienced a light shower other times a downpour. There were times when we were hit with hail and even a few tornados that spun us around and spit us out in every direction. I believe that many of those reading this blog have also had their share of storms, particularly during the past few years. The struggles and storms can attempt to throw us off track if we are not equipped with the right tools. For me, those tools are hope and love. No matter the strength of…
With the excitement of the holiday season, I like to plan for success. That doesn’t mean that the plan has to be perfect or that everything will run smoothly. What it does mean is that I have a plan that can be adapted, moment to moment, depending on how the day is going. I like my plan to be a simple one-word outline. When things get a bit out of control, I can look at the plan and make changes as needed. If things are going smoothly, I may not ever look at the plan and simply let…
Clean-up was a chore as a child, but as an adult, it sets us up for success. In December I find myself reflecting on the events of the past year with the hope of preparing for a successful start to the new year. As I start my “clean-up” or review, I like to think about what went well, what could have gone better, and what never made it to the starting line. I think about my values and ask myself if my actions support my values. Are my actions representing who I am or am I sending mixed…
My late husband taught me to slow down and enjoy life. It is something I am truly grateful for because it allows me to appreciate all the small things that bring joy to one’s life. Before I met my husband I didn’t take the time to enjoy the journey. I simply was driven to successfully complete the task at hand. Completing the task gave me a sense of accomplishment, but I missed all that life offered around me. I never knew or worried about what I was missing. I had a goal and normally figured out the most…
This week I was reminded of the beauty that comes from a loving union. One of my favorite couples shared an anniversary this week. The social media posts made me smile and gave me an opportunity to be reminded of all the joy they share. This couple radiates love and kindness in everything they do, but particularly in their marriage. It is almost as if there’s a selflessness about their acts of kindness. The acts of kindness are to each other, but somehow that magic radiates to all those around them. They are an example of how good union…
It seems like the appropriate time, blog #200, to write about the things I like to remind myself of daily. Things that when temporarily missing change the whole trajectory of my day and me as a person. Love I chose love as my #1 daily reminder. Redefining the word love totally changed the way I respond to everything in my life. When I started approaching life with love I found myself understanding compassion at a deeper level. It became clear to me that I know very little about why things are happening. When I am frustrated with what is going…
Do you foster love and encouragement or live in a world of despair? Do you have hope or do you allow yourself to stay discouraged? Do you utilize prayer or rely on your strength and knowledge? When times are tough I remind myself that I have a choice as to how I perceive myself in the world in which we live. I have been one that has had an abundance of strength, hope, and faith. I choose to find hope as I move through my day. When we struggle to function, it is important to understand that we still have…