My New Interest :)

Some people love MY Space, others prefer Facebook. I have to say I [heart]

Facebook. I was first introduced to Facebook by Kevin’s sisters while we were vacationing in Canada. Facebook is about real connections to real friends, so the stories coming in are of interest to the people receiving them (me), since they are important to the person creating them. It has been great catching up with old friends and staying in touch with all of my old ones.

There are some applications on there that I would never use and that are geared more for adolescents…. BUT for those of you who are wanting to stay in touch with friends, get reacquainted with old ones, I think this is the way to go.

So if you haven’t given Facebook a try, check it out. I think you will love it too!

Here’s the link to get started: http://www.facebook.com

JUST ONE OF THE REASONS.....

Why I love this man...... he loves me for who I am. I can be myself, be goofy, serious, tell him what I really think and he never ever judges me.... he just stands beside me and supports me.

I am so thankful that I wake up with him each morning and that I can share my thoughts with him. And when life throws me that unwelcomed curve ball, he reminds me that there is tomorrow and I should strive to take that next step forward and to not look back.

There is always a solution to everything life places in our path, and if you keep on striving you will eventually receive rewards for your perseverance. That is what I am experiencing... I am learning something new every day, growing and focusing on what is important and it definitely keeps life interesting and I get to share that with this man.

So......thank you for the care that you show me, your smile, your support, respect, acceptance, trust and love, all of which makes me want to be a better person and wife to you. Thank you for being the best husband out there. :)

ON THIS VETERANS DAY

Take time this Veterans Day to honor those service men and women who fight to defend the principles that founded this Nation. Honor not only those who are currently serving, but those who have fallen while serving our Nation. Each one of them joined the military and served faithfully and honorably. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten. Also remember the families of these service members. They too have given a lot as well. Thanks to all of you that have proudly served our Nation in uniform.

ARE YOU "REALLY" LISTENING?

Take a few moments and reflect back to a time you were having a conversation with someone. As you talked with them, was anybody home? Meaning you knew their "lights" were on, but they weren't actually there. Sometimes this happens to me (and no it isn't with my hubby, lol)! I am talking away and all of a sudden I realize that the person I am talking to is far, far away in dreamland somewhere.

Now think back and reflect on how many times we actually do this to other people. If you think hard enough, I bet you realize you have indeed done it to others. The problem with this IS sometimes the person talking to us may really need our prayers or may really need us to hear what they are saying. What if we were the only friend that they confided in? (Now I know a lot of people say "you are the only person I am telling this to" and then you find out they told half the world. That is NOT who/what I am talking about).

And sometimes while we are listening to their experience, we start wondering about ours and want to jump in with our own experiences and thoughts in an attempt to help them. This is not listening. True listening involves allowing the person to get off their chest whatever issues they are having WITHOUT interruption or us telling them about our own personal experience. I am guilty of this sometimes. I USUALLY strive to be a better listener and wait until they tell me what is on their mind and then I give them my advice BUT only after they have gotten everything off their chest.

My advice: Be genuinely concern when a friend needs to talk to you; save all of your own experiences for another time or after they are completely finished with whatever is bothering them; PRAY for your friend without ceasing and really listen when they need an ear.

Listening sometimes can be one of the best presents we can give to our family, friends and co-workers. :)

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIFT

THIS IS THE MOST PRECIOUS GIFT THAT SOMEONE HAS EVER GIVEN ME..... MY VERY OWN PERSONALIZED BIBLE....... ISN'T IT BEAUTIFUL????? In 42 years, I have NEVER had my own bible, let alone my own PERSONALIZED one. This is just the coolest... :)

Thank you Tracy! :)

IT'S CALLED A JOURNEY FOR A REASON...

Was talking to a friend of mine today about the purpose of God in our lives. Really if we start thinking about it, because it is such a HUGE concept, it can really boggle your mind.

We must keep in mind that one of God's purpose for us is the JOURNEY, not just the DESTINATION (although I believe the destination is going to be pretty glorious). As we focus on the next obvious steps we need to take for growth, that destination will eventually take care of itself. We just have to obey and do what is in front of us. Don’t worry about what tomorrow brings, think about today. Because each step we take helps us grow into the person God intended for us to be.

Even when we go through adversity, it doesn’t mean God doesn’t love us. It took me a long time to figure that one out. Now I count them as a spiritual lesson. :) To be frank, I am still not always overjoyed to be enduring the grief and disappointment that negative circumstances usually cause and trust me sometimes I would love to play hooky and skip the lesson all together.

But as I look back at my life, it is easy to see that the times when my wisdom and understanding grew to new and higher levels (and were the times when I approached becoming the person I longed to be) were also after some pretty tough times.

So perhaps instead of fighting adversity, we need to jump in and gain the insight and wisdom to handle it. Then before we even know it, the problem is gone, and we are ready for the next lesson -- only this time around we will be stronger, both in spirit and in wisdom!

ON THIS ELECTION DAY....

I only have one thing to say........

GET OUT AND VOTE.......... :)