To Live For Something Greater

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…

Letting go of control to walk in faith is not as easy as it sounds.  It means that I might have to choose a different path than the one I thought was right for me.  Sometimes I don’t like the direction my path is leading, but I stay the course because I choose to walk in faith.  I find that people, events, and opportunities point me in the direction of my path.  As I walk the path, various confirmations or clues that unfold help me decide if the path is the correct course.  I pray for direction and guidance…

Compassion is something that comes naturally to some people, but most of us have to cultivate this quality.  Showing concern for others, listening to others, and being there for someone in need, are all ways one can show compassion to others. Showing Concern For Others As I walk into a room filled with hundreds of people, my eyes go to people who are not surrounded by crowds and laughter.  I see people that are alone.  I see the opportunity to make people feel more comfortable in their surroundings.  It is nice to be part of the in-crowd, but often…

Although I have had moments of feeling anxious or at risk, for most of my life I have felt safe.  I have not been exposed to weeks, months, or years of feeling unsafe.  I have been witness to those who have been in long-term environments where safety was an issue and for most, it has been their faith that gets them through each day. I have inadvertently put myself in situations where I should have felt unsafe, but prayers and my faith provided a feeling or sense that someone had my back.  I did not go into these situations…