To Live For Something Greater

The use of humor in my everyday life has proven invaluable.  Humor helps me keep things in perspective, it helps me move through tough situations, and it relieves unnecessary stress. One has to know me very well or pay close attention to recognize my sense of humor.  My brother, on the other hand, is blessed with a sense of humor that people gravitate toward and enjoy being around.  I always was grateful that he was able to take the attention off me and captivate the crowd with his quick wit.  That does not mean that he always uses his sense…

When I encounter the withholding of information or praise it always makes me feel uncomfortable. Particularly if I am the one contemplating not providing the information or encouragement.   Withholding things, in general, may seem powerful at the moment, but it is my belief that it is a sign of weakness.  A sign that one is unable to communicate effectively,  forgive, and/or find a solution to the problem.  Sometimes withholding information is a sign of avoidance and or negative use of power.    It seems as though I encounter different types of withholding on a daily basis.  Some days it might…

Nutrition has always been a priority for my family.  It is something that is important to my mother, to me, and to my children.  My mother made sure there was a balanced meal on the table, including fruits, vegetables, and protein.  As I raise my children I have the same priority, on a daily basis, I work at finding a nutritional balance for my children and myself.  It is not easy finding things my kids will eat and hopefully enjoy that build their bodies into sound machines. Foods that will prepare our bodies for the stress, sports, and activities that…

One of my daughters and I had a conversation this week that brought back memories.  She asked me what gift I received that was most memorable.  I asked if she meant the most memorable in a positive way.  She laughed and said, just most memorable.  Important to the story is my mother was very good at giving gifts.  Most of the time she nailed the assignment and brought joy to the receiver.  Excluding the year one of my brothers wanted land and she gave him a jar of dirt and a pencil box.  And of course, my 16th birthday. On…

Finding quality time for the things that are important to us takes effort and planning.  Quality time doesn’t just happen, it takes thought.  As I develop my weekly and daily schedule I carefully plan time for our family’s priorities.  At first, it takes time to figure out how to develop a schedule incorporating the things that are most important.  Over time, finding ways to add quality time to my routine has become easier because I have made it a priority.  When the schedule changes and quality time disappears, I look for alternative ways to capture time for what…

As a child, I tested my faith a few times, but I never doubted the outcome of those tests.  When I was too young to articulate my faith, I had this sixth sense that I was being guided down my intended path.  My tests were mostly regarding things that people thought I should do or not do, but all along I knew the direction I was being led.  There have been many years of uncertainty regarding where my path was leading, knowing only what I did not intend to do with my life.  What I do know is that when…

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus and a time of giving and serving others.  It is also a time when many of us are feeling stressed about all that we want to accomplish.  Looking back on Christmas memories, my favorite moments were times when our family relaxed and enjoyed the true meaning of Christmas.  Times that we as family and friends shared a meal and good conversation together.  A day where we relaxed and enjoyed each other’s company.  A Time Of Giving I am filled with joy when I am able to give a gift…

As the holiday season approaches, we as consumers are reminded of the importance of being thankful.  The season awakens us to feelings of gratitude and the blessings that are around us all year become more vivid.  This is the month and the season that we all look deep within ourselves to search, find, and gather up all that we are thankful for each day.  For some, it is very difficult to find a reason to celebrate, but prayer and faith help define and clarify reasons to be grateful.  As I walk through retail stores I read the words, “Thanksgiving”, “Give…

What will I see when I glance in the mirror? Do I see my true potential looking back at me? Sometimes it’s someone who feels strong. Sometimes it’s someone who is wrong. I find myself searching for that place that is right. The place that takes me back to the light.  I wish it was not so difficult for people to believe they matter and are an important contribution to society.  I am around people daily who are not able to see their self-worth.  People tell them how valuable they are and their contributions to the world…