If you want to be happy -- choose to be.
If you dwell on negativity your life is going to be just that.
If you smile on the world, it WILL smile back.
Enjoy the little things, they may be gone someday (People included).
Do the things that you want to do, because you are in charge of your own life, and if you let other people determine your decisions you may live in regret someday.
Spend time with the people who lift you up, bring laughter to your lips, and who you cannot live without.
Don't over-complicate things. Things are already as complicated as they need to be.
When things get overwhelming and you feel like life is falling apart, remember your blessings - don't focus on the curses.
Remember no one has control over your life but YOU. Make the best of it.
Be content but always strive for more.
Don't be complacent or think you know it all, you always have something to learn.
When you are upset by someone - put yourself in their shoes, try to see their perspective - This will give you the much needed outside view.
Don't wish away any moment, you will never get it back.
Keep it simple, and always remember "Life will go on" regardless of the circumstance.
SMILE no matter what, it makes a difference.
Showing posts with label Fortune Cookie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fortune Cookie. Show all posts
Friday, February 25, 2011
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
1) taking personal responsibility and initiative,
2) getting clear about what's important to you and setting goals,
3) putting those priorities first and being disciplined,
4) seeking mutual benefit in all interactions with others -- the golden rule,
5) seeking to understand others from their perspective first before making your point,
6) valuing differences and creating third-alternative solutions to problems that are better than "my way" or "your way," and
7) taking care of and renewing yourself in all four areas of life -- body, mind, heart and spirit.
-- Stephen R. Covey
Maybe if we all tried a little harder, life would be a little easier for all of us.
2) getting clear about what's important to you and setting goals,
3) putting those priorities first and being disciplined,
4) seeking mutual benefit in all interactions with others -- the golden rule,
5) seeking to understand others from their perspective first before making your point,
6) valuing differences and creating third-alternative solutions to problems that are better than "my way" or "your way," and
7) taking care of and renewing yourself in all four areas of life -- body, mind, heart and spirit.
-- Stephen R. Covey
Maybe if we all tried a little harder, life would be a little easier for all of us.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Short of Perfect
I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see.
John Burroughs
...all the quality time I want to spend with Madi, all the spaces in my home that need to be cleaned, all the reading and studying I need to get done for school, and all the little constant issues and things that need to be addressed. I feel overwhelmed.
Okay, Okay... I will admit, I am guilty! I am busy and I still find it hard to prioritize, organize, and figure out how to live life functionally. I struggle with perfection, and there is no doubt about it that, sometimes I am just too hard on myself. Sometimes I feel as though I am being pushed to the limit. I am overwhelmed, and there is just a sense of discontentment in my heart.
'Am I a good Mom? Am I spending my time productively? Am I making good decisions for Mine and Madi's life?'
There always seems to be a constant, nagging, lingering question -of this type- that lurks in the back of my mind. I am always looking over my own shoulder to see if I am doing it right. I think that like anyone else, I too struggle with the reality that I am not perfect and I make mistakes, but so do we all. My Mom helped open my eyes to a little piece of necessary reality the other day, while we were spending some much needed time together.
Through tears she stated, "You're the perfect Mom! You have it all together. Your life is structured and organized." Then she proceeded to talk about how out of control her life is, and how overwhelmed she feels to face all of the things that life throws her way. She expressed how inadequate she felt, and more than anything the underlying message of everything was that she felt as though she was failing at life.
At that moment I had an extreme sense of humility wash over me, realizing that I too have those same negative feelings about my own life, as she does hers. My Mom gave me insight into the reality of what day-to-day life entails. Life is overwhelming, it is hard, and we all fall short of perfect. Regardless of who we are, or what we do, we all make mistakes. What I am learning in life at the moment is that we are all individuals and we have our strengths and along with it, we have weaknesses as well.
My weaknesses have become my enemy, and they often become the focus of my life. Often I overlook my strengths. I tend to dwell on my failures and disregard my accomplishments. I am constantly beating myself up for the wrong choices I make, and for the negative patterns of behavior that I continually fall into. I place many unattainable pressures on myself, and feel a sense of disappointment when I fail at attaining them.
Sometimes I wonder if it is a female thing. Often as women we are constantly trying to be better... look better, do better, act better. There is even a cultural strain on us, from media and society telling us that we need to fit a certain standard. This standard, as it is presented by the media, is near perfection. I am pretty sure that no one fits that media standard!! Yet, I notice and see, in my life and many others as well, that we are constantly putting pressure on ourselves to meet this ideological standard of life.
So, the answer that I gave my Mom, after I gave her a good chuckle, was this "Mom, I am far from perfect! I fail everyday. I make bad decisions, and I am in constant awareness of how imperfect I am!" She isn't alone in her feelings of shame and failure, many people -even the ones who appear perfect- have the same feelings.
The cliche statement is true, 'The grass is greener on the other side.' So, just remember when you see the woman that looks like she has everything put together, chances are she doesn't. I am learning to be kinder to myself. I am trying harder to give myself the much needed break that I deserve. I am starting to remind myself that I have accomplished so much in both the small day-to-day things, and the things that affect my life as a whole. We can all use a little more encouragement, especially from ourselves, because often we are the hardest on ourselves. Dwelling on the negative is counterproductive - and actually a time waster in my mind. Naturally when we think positively things tend to work out better. Why waste time thinking negatively and dwelling on the bad, it is a waste of time. Spending your time focusing on negative thought interferes with your ability to be productive, and is wasteful, instead that energy can be used elsewhere.
Alyshia, a girlfriend of mine, pointed out to me how much I insult, and complain about myself - mostly in the physical sense. She was right, and I was feeling the effects of it emotionally. So I decided to strive to stop being so negative and to start telling myself and others how great I really am. I am of seeing and believing the reality of all of the positive aspects of who I am. The great thing is is that I am happier. I am more comfortable in my own skin, and more content with myself, even if I make a mistake. Confidence exudes inner beauty. This is the type of beauty that I want to characterize. I need to be confident for myself, and for Madi.
John Burroughs
...all the quality time I want to spend with Madi, all the spaces in my home that need to be cleaned, all the reading and studying I need to get done for school, and all the little constant issues and things that need to be addressed. I feel overwhelmed.
Okay, Okay... I will admit, I am guilty! I am busy and I still find it hard to prioritize, organize, and figure out how to live life functionally. I struggle with perfection, and there is no doubt about it that, sometimes I am just too hard on myself. Sometimes I feel as though I am being pushed to the limit. I am overwhelmed, and there is just a sense of discontentment in my heart.
'Am I a good Mom? Am I spending my time productively? Am I making good decisions for Mine and Madi's life?'
There always seems to be a constant, nagging, lingering question -of this type- that lurks in the back of my mind. I am always looking over my own shoulder to see if I am doing it right. I think that like anyone else, I too struggle with the reality that I am not perfect and I make mistakes, but so do we all. My Mom helped open my eyes to a little piece of necessary reality the other day, while we were spending some much needed time together.
Through tears she stated, "You're the perfect Mom! You have it all together. Your life is structured and organized." Then she proceeded to talk about how out of control her life is, and how overwhelmed she feels to face all of the things that life throws her way. She expressed how inadequate she felt, and more than anything the underlying message of everything was that she felt as though she was failing at life.
At that moment I had an extreme sense of humility wash over me, realizing that I too have those same negative feelings about my own life, as she does hers. My Mom gave me insight into the reality of what day-to-day life entails. Life is overwhelming, it is hard, and we all fall short of perfect. Regardless of who we are, or what we do, we all make mistakes. What I am learning in life at the moment is that we are all individuals and we have our strengths and along with it, we have weaknesses as well.
My weaknesses have become my enemy, and they often become the focus of my life. Often I overlook my strengths. I tend to dwell on my failures and disregard my accomplishments. I am constantly beating myself up for the wrong choices I make, and for the negative patterns of behavior that I continually fall into. I place many unattainable pressures on myself, and feel a sense of disappointment when I fail at attaining them.
Sometimes I wonder if it is a female thing. Often as women we are constantly trying to be better... look better, do better, act better. There is even a cultural strain on us, from media and society telling us that we need to fit a certain standard. This standard, as it is presented by the media, is near perfection. I am pretty sure that no one fits that media standard!! Yet, I notice and see, in my life and many others as well, that we are constantly putting pressure on ourselves to meet this ideological standard of life.
So, the answer that I gave my Mom, after I gave her a good chuckle, was this "Mom, I am far from perfect! I fail everyday. I make bad decisions, and I am in constant awareness of how imperfect I am!" She isn't alone in her feelings of shame and failure, many people -even the ones who appear perfect- have the same feelings.
The cliche statement is true, 'The grass is greener on the other side.' So, just remember when you see the woman that looks like she has everything put together, chances are she doesn't. I am learning to be kinder to myself. I am trying harder to give myself the much needed break that I deserve. I am starting to remind myself that I have accomplished so much in both the small day-to-day things, and the things that affect my life as a whole. We can all use a little more encouragement, especially from ourselves, because often we are the hardest on ourselves. Dwelling on the negative is counterproductive - and actually a time waster in my mind. Naturally when we think positively things tend to work out better. Why waste time thinking negatively and dwelling on the bad, it is a waste of time. Spending your time focusing on negative thought interferes with your ability to be productive, and is wasteful, instead that energy can be used elsewhere.
Alyshia, a girlfriend of mine, pointed out to me how much I insult, and complain about myself - mostly in the physical sense. She was right, and I was feeling the effects of it emotionally. So I decided to strive to stop being so negative and to start telling myself and others how great I really am. I am of seeing and believing the reality of all of the positive aspects of who I am. The great thing is is that I am happier. I am more comfortable in my own skin, and more content with myself, even if I make a mistake. Confidence exudes inner beauty. This is the type of beauty that I want to characterize. I need to be confident for myself, and for Madi.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Life is full of Surprises
Living in the moment means
letting go of the past and not waiting for the future.
It means living your life consciously,
aware that each moment you breathe is a gift.
- Oprah Winfrey
Sometimes my mind is blown by the complexity of life... the things we take for granted... and the spontaneity of situations and outcomes... Lately my heart has been touched by so many stories, and my eyes have been opened by my own circumstances. It is so awesome growing older and having new epiphanies and realizations - growing wisdom.
I happened to come across a Caring bridge site written by the parents of Kaitlyn Johanson. At 16 years of age, in August of 2007, she was in a severe car accident in Rochester MN. She was rushed to Mayo clinic. She sustained numerous injuries, the biggest triumph they have had to face was the traumatic brain injuries that were incurred. Kasey and Brian, Kaitlyn's parents, lives were shaken and drastically changed by this tragedy, as was Kaitlyn's. There lives have been forever changed. As a parent I can only imagine all that they have been through... Their courage and strength throughout it all have amazed and shocked me! I am such an empathetic person so when I come across stories such as these it is like it becomes my own story - I become affected by it, and something changes inside of me. It has been weighing on my heart and I have been praying for them. Sometimes I wonder if God brings these stories into my life to teach me a lesson. I take so many things for granted... The ability to walk, to talk, communicate in a socially acceptable fashion, the fact the my brain and my mind function at a normal rate, my eyesight, my ability to live life easily without having to worry about my disabilities hindering my way of life. Poor Kaitlyn had to start all over, she had to relearn how to walk, talk, eat... Two years later she is still in the process of recovery and has to face simple issues day in and day out. Her recovery process will be in effect for years to come, and she will probably never be the person that she was prior to her accident.
Nothing is ever predictable! Sometimes I am fearful of what the future holds, but then I realize that it is out of my hands and I shouldn't worry! No matter what things will always work out in the end, it is sort of a motto that I have created for the hard times that I have faced over the years, and will continue to face down the road. We need to live for today, we never know what tomorrow will bring. We need to appreciate every moment, and not let the small things steal our joy and happiness. Life is so short to be angry all the time, or to hold a grudge.
To end on a lighter note, I love the quote from Kung Fu Panda (I know this is not where it originated, but every time I hear it I think of Master Oogway, and he makes me smile :)
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery.
But today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present
~Master Oogway
letting go of the past and not waiting for the future.
It means living your life consciously,
aware that each moment you breathe is a gift.
- Oprah Winfrey
Sometimes my mind is blown by the complexity of life... the things we take for granted... and the spontaneity of situations and outcomes... Lately my heart has been touched by so many stories, and my eyes have been opened by my own circumstances. It is so awesome growing older and having new epiphanies and realizations - growing wisdom.
I happened to come across a Caring bridge site written by the parents of Kaitlyn Johanson. At 16 years of age, in August of 2007, she was in a severe car accident in Rochester MN. She was rushed to Mayo clinic. She sustained numerous injuries, the biggest triumph they have had to face was the traumatic brain injuries that were incurred. Kasey and Brian, Kaitlyn's parents, lives were shaken and drastically changed by this tragedy, as was Kaitlyn's. There lives have been forever changed. As a parent I can only imagine all that they have been through... Their courage and strength throughout it all have amazed and shocked me! I am such an empathetic person so when I come across stories such as these it is like it becomes my own story - I become affected by it, and something changes inside of me. It has been weighing on my heart and I have been praying for them. Sometimes I wonder if God brings these stories into my life to teach me a lesson. I take so many things for granted... The ability to walk, to talk, communicate in a socially acceptable fashion, the fact the my brain and my mind function at a normal rate, my eyesight, my ability to live life easily without having to worry about my disabilities hindering my way of life. Poor Kaitlyn had to start all over, she had to relearn how to walk, talk, eat... Two years later she is still in the process of recovery and has to face simple issues day in and day out. Her recovery process will be in effect for years to come, and she will probably never be the person that she was prior to her accident.
Nothing is ever predictable! Sometimes I am fearful of what the future holds, but then I realize that it is out of my hands and I shouldn't worry! No matter what things will always work out in the end, it is sort of a motto that I have created for the hard times that I have faced over the years, and will continue to face down the road. We need to live for today, we never know what tomorrow will bring. We need to appreciate every moment, and not let the small things steal our joy and happiness. Life is so short to be angry all the time, or to hold a grudge.
To end on a lighter note, I love the quote from Kung Fu Panda (I know this is not where it originated, but every time I hear it I think of Master Oogway, and he makes me smile :)
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery.
But today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present
~Master Oogway
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Think Positively
“How you think about a problem is more important than the problem itself. So always think positively.” ~ Norman Vincent Peale
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Words
"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."
Mother Theresa
For all of those moments that you need an inspiring word, or a lift me up.
For the times when you need to hear the truth, and a good word would do the trick.
For the times when all we need to hear is an encouraging word.
For those times, I asked my Facebook friends to give me some of their favorite quotes - here is what I got:
Rebekah Sfair
“What is a friend? A single soul in two bodies.” - Aristotle
Aleksandra Ann
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen, nor touched...but are felt in the heart.
Trudy Groppoli Baltazar
because where you LIVE should not decide...whether you live or whether you die....Bono
Scott Oakman
"Stand up for justice, stand up for truth; and God will be at your side forever." --Martin Luther King, Jr.
Scott Oakman
...either that, or "It's just a flesh wound".
Patrick Eckstrom
"All that arises eventually goes away," - A Buddhist Monk talking about the only certainty he's learned over the course of the previous 30 years while practicing as a monk.
Sarah Smith
" the oxygen we need is all around us, sometimes we just need to be reminded to breathe."
Sherie Cottrell
This to Shall pass!!!!!
I love this it's so true and has gotten me through so many of life's wonderful challenges :)
said by the guy in the hotel to Julia Roberts in 'My best friends Wedding'
Lauren Elizabeth Schnarr
We cannot become what we need to be, remaining what we are
Trudy Groppoli Baltazar
This place is not my permanent home, nor will this be the place where I get all my rewards
Aaron Moser
We will not survive unless we change, yet we cannot change unless we survive.
Rachel Boatman
"Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly. Leave the rest up to God." ~Ronald Reagan
Trudy Groppoli Baltazar
"Laughter is the best medicine" it even blesses the person who makes someone laugh.
Adam Moser
"whats your name?"
Christina Thompson
"Live each day as if it were your last"
Ashley Ashbacher
"Faith is the conviction that God knows more than we do about this life and He will get us through it." --Max Lucado
Karolyn Byers
"If the dog wouldn't of stop to take a crap, he would have caught the rabbit" John Boomgaarden
Gayle Nitti
The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It is the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for its existence against the winds and rains and the scorching sun. -- Napoleon Hill
Katherine Otto
'teachers never stop learning.' katie otto
i also love this one....
'an eye for an eye only makes the whole world blind.' Gandhi
Eileen Quittem
My dad: He who eats the fastest gets the mostest! Ha-Ha!
Rachel Boatman
"Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music!" ~Ronald Reagan
Lauren Kriz
''No man is worth your tears and the man that is won't make you cry.''
Katherine Otto
sometimes the hardest things to let go of are the things you don't need
Sarah Eisen
Never cry at night over not being pretty enough. Never tell yourself you'll never be good enough. Because to someone you're everything. To someone you're beautiful. To someone you are the world.
Sarah Eisen
or my favorite: Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34
Amanda Haider
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" ~Dr. Seuss
Josh Glassing
Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more
Lucas Stombaugh
"Here's the deal,..."
Myrna Foster
Everything has a purpose in life. :D
Steve Kubes
9 on the break!!!
Emarie Williams Klos
I know I'm late... but I was cleaning! :)"Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts." - Charles Dickens
Alicia Fry
"It is finished" -Jesus
Rebecca Rosario
'...Whenever troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.' James 1:2-4
I am going to end this post with one of my all time favorite quotes, because I really do believe that Love is the one thing that truly makes this world go round.
'I have decided to stick with Love ♥ Hate is too great a burden to bear.' MLKJ
Thursday, October 8, 2009
I am caring for myself FIRST so that I am better able to care for others
Putting Yourself First
Daily Self-Care
'We have all heard the instructions of an airline attendant reminding us to put on our own oxygen mask before we help anyone else with theirs. This advice is often cited as a metaphor for self-care because it so accurately expresses why it is important. It seems to say, ironically, that if you can’t take care of yourself for yourself, do it for others. Few situations in our daily lives mimic the wake-up call of an airplane emergency, so it’s easy to keep putting self-care off—easy, that is, until we get sick, overwhelmed, or exhausted, and suddenly don’t have the energy to care for the people who count on us. That’s when we realize we haven’t been getting the oxygen we need to sustain ourselves. We begin to understand that taking care of ourselves is neither selfish nor indulgent; it’s just plain practical.
Putting yourself first means that it may be necessary to say no to someone else in order to say yes to yourself. For many of us, there is always something we feel we could be doing for someone else, and it helps to remember the oxygen metaphor. You can even encourage yourself by saying "I am caring for myself so that I am better able to care for others" or some other mantra that will encourage you. It also helps to remember that self-care doesn’t have to be composed of massively time-consuming acts. In fact, the best prescription for taking care of yourself is probably small, daily rituals; for example, taking one half-hour for yourself at the beginning and end of the day to meditate, journal, or just be. You might also transform the occasional daily shower or bath into a half-hour self-pampering session.
Whatever you decide, making some small gesture where you put yourself first every day will pay off in spades for you and the ones you love. The oxygen you need is all around you; sometimes you just need to be reminded to breathe.'
Daily Self-Care
'We have all heard the instructions of an airline attendant reminding us to put on our own oxygen mask before we help anyone else with theirs. This advice is often cited as a metaphor for self-care because it so accurately expresses why it is important. It seems to say, ironically, that if you can’t take care of yourself for yourself, do it for others. Few situations in our daily lives mimic the wake-up call of an airplane emergency, so it’s easy to keep putting self-care off—easy, that is, until we get sick, overwhelmed, or exhausted, and suddenly don’t have the energy to care for the people who count on us. That’s when we realize we haven’t been getting the oxygen we need to sustain ourselves. We begin to understand that taking care of ourselves is neither selfish nor indulgent; it’s just plain practical.
Putting yourself first means that it may be necessary to say no to someone else in order to say yes to yourself. For many of us, there is always something we feel we could be doing for someone else, and it helps to remember the oxygen metaphor. You can even encourage yourself by saying "I am caring for myself so that I am better able to care for others" or some other mantra that will encourage you. It also helps to remember that self-care doesn’t have to be composed of massively time-consuming acts. In fact, the best prescription for taking care of yourself is probably small, daily rituals; for example, taking one half-hour for yourself at the beginning and end of the day to meditate, journal, or just be. You might also transform the occasional daily shower or bath into a half-hour self-pampering session.
Whatever you decide, making some small gesture where you put yourself first every day will pay off in spades for you and the ones you love. The oxygen you need is all around you; sometimes you just need to be reminded to breathe.'
I was reminded today by my courageous sister that we can lose ourselves while trying to please others or take care of others before we take care of ourselves. People pleasing is something that many people find themselves trapped by. Our society teaches us that selfishness is a bad thing, that we need to put others first. I want to clarify... taking care of yourself first is not a selfish act - it is a vital act. one that is healthy for you and all of your relationships. How are you supposed to take care of someone if you are sick and in need of taking care of yourself first? Often we are not kind to ourselves. When we take care of others and put them first we often build up resentment toward that person... putting strain on the relationship, which in turn hurts everyone involved. Don't ever make a decision out of guilt, or a feeling of obligation. Don't listen to that little people pleasing voice inside that says 'I should do this/that...' Make decisions in your mind and your heart, do what you want and need, not what others want - if you make choices trying to please someone you are not being honest and fair with yourself. I always remind myself to never do anything that will be half-hearted, if my heart is not fully there, then I will say no, just follow what your heart tells you.
Just remember, "I am caring for myself FIRST so that I am better able to care for others." If need be, write this down and remind yourself everyday - it will help you to find balance in your choices and decisions.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Just think about it this way...
"Expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are good is like expecting the bull not to charge because you are a vegetarian." ~Author Unknown
Friday, September 18, 2009
Who am I to Judge?
"Judging requires that you think yourself superior over the one you judge."
"What right did he have to judge anyone? ... All his judgments had been superficial, based on appearance and actions, things easily interpreted by whatever state of mind or prejudice that supported the need to exalt himself, or to feel safe, or to belong." (pp. 159-160) The Shack
"What right did he have to judge anyone? ... All his judgments had been superficial, based on appearance and actions, things easily interpreted by whatever state of mind or prejudice that supported the need to exalt himself, or to feel safe, or to belong." (pp. 159-160) The Shack
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
One moment does not define me...
"There is not one moment that defines you. Therefore, you cannot be judged or judge one another by one single interaction or encounter. Rather, every decision defines you. It is a series of interfaces that helps you to understand another individual, and even helps you to understand yourself. The more you observe yourself and dissect the reasoning behind your words and decisions, the more you will be defined."
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Beauty is in your eye, in your heart
There is beauty in everything, sometimes we see it and sometimes we don't... just open your eyes and look a little harder.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
I can't walk on water without God
"If you try to live this without me, without the ongoing dialogue of us sharing this journey together, it will be like trying to walk on the water by yourself. You can't! And when you try, however well-intentioned, you're going to sink."
(p. 180) The Shack
(p. 180) The Shack
Monday, June 29, 2009
Fortune Cookie's taste soo good
"Why we are here is important, but to know where we are going is imperative. It's not what you've got, it's what you use, that makes a difference in how your life turns out. "- Zig Ziglar
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
What-a-Wonder-FULL-Wednesday
So, it has been Days - litterally - since I last posted, and I don't want time to run away from me! I consider blogging awesome in so many ways: keeping people updated on me and my life, processing my thoughts, therapy, as a way to document my life as it happens... I know that one day I will look back and be happy that I did this, hopefully I will be able to print it and create a hardcopy book one day, for Madi to keep :)
Anyway, I have been trying to stay positive and in doing so I want the think of some wonderful things today.
1. I leave for Las Vegas on Sunday the 7th -throught the 10th -with Naomi, a near and dear friend of mine who will be celebrating her 21st birthday that same day, it will be a ton of fun! We will be lounging by the water soaking up the sun, and eating a lot of yummy food! Too bad she won't have her guitar in hand it is always fun to sing along together while she plays!
2. The weekend following Vegas, Madi and I will be heading up to Walker, MN to see Dan and Shirleys cabin. They have accomplished so much since we were last up there! I am thrilled to see how far it has come along in the building process. Dan designed it, it is amazingly elegant, and oh so functional, probably more so than any other place you have seen! He is so talented...
3. I will be moving into my new HOME! Yes, my own Home! I am thrilled, and blessed and soooo excited. I feel like I have been given so much, and I am so thankful, God has been so good to me! My new address as of June 24th 2009 will be: 7075 Blaine Avenue Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076. I cannot wait, it is beautiful and perfect!
Anyway, I have been trying to stay positive and in doing so I want the think of some wonderful things today.
1. I leave for Las Vegas on Sunday the 7th -throught the 10th -with Naomi, a near and dear friend of mine who will be celebrating her 21st birthday that same day, it will be a ton of fun! We will be lounging by the water soaking up the sun, and eating a lot of yummy food! Too bad she won't have her guitar in hand it is always fun to sing along together while she plays!
2. The weekend following Vegas, Madi and I will be heading up to Walker, MN to see Dan and Shirleys cabin. They have accomplished so much since we were last up there! I am thrilled to see how far it has come along in the building process. Dan designed it, it is amazingly elegant, and oh so functional, probably more so than any other place you have seen! He is so talented...
3. I will be moving into my new HOME! Yes, my own Home! I am thrilled, and blessed and soooo excited. I feel like I have been given so much, and I am so thankful, God has been so good to me! My new address as of June 24th 2009 will be: 7075 Blaine Avenue Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076. I cannot wait, it is beautiful and perfect!
4. I will be having a sleep study done in June sometime as well, and I am hoping that they can figure out why I am so exhausted all of the time, that is something I am looking forward to taking care of.
5. Madi is growing like a weed! Her molars are coming in, there are 4 poking though. poor little thing! She loves to chat, and hold the phone to her ear while doing so. She loves to run around, and to play peek-a-boo. Her little grins that expose her gap-filled teeth make me smile. Her fits are becoming intense, especially when in public, and I am discovering that the pacifier is going to be a LOT harder than I thought to take away from her! When she is tired she lets me - and EVERYONE else - know, by her loud screeches and crabby attitude. Overall she is a blast, always going full speed. I no longer will take for granted the age of a newborn, although they wake up a lot and eat a lot, they are Much easier at that age than Madilynns 14 months of age, I wouldn't trade it for the world though, it is sooo fun!
June is one busy Month for me, I was going to attempt to go to the Family Reunion in California for my Moms family but that fell through, but it is okay, we have another one next year. I was hoping to be able to go as well to see my Dad's family, but hopefully that will happen later on this year!
Overall things in life are going great, life is a bit stressful, but it isn't anything that I can't handle although it does feel overwhelming at times...I think I learned to appreciate and treasure each day,
because you don't know how many you're going to be given.
~Sandra Day O'Connor
Thursday, May 21, 2009
a little bit of Kung-Fu Panda
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is mystery, and today is a gift. that is why it is called the present” ~Master Oogway ♥
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”
I saw this on a bumper sticker on the way to work this morning, and as I passes the car that the bumper sticker was attached to I glanced over and gave the guy a smile... He smiled back.
How simple is it to love? And yet so many people choose to hate, or be bitter, or angry for things that can easily be forgiven. Hate is a burden that so many people choose to bear!
On my way to and from work for the past week I have been listening to the book, "The Shack" on audio. Toward the middle of the book the words that are spoken become very 'meaty' and what I mean by that is that the words come with such power, and revelation, I find myself rewinding the audio and re-listening to it over again, sometimes multiple times, I have to chew on the words over and over like I would a piece of steak to be able to swallow it. If I could remember some quotes from the book I would post them here, but I can't, so I am going to buy the paper version of the book to hold onto as a keepsake and as a reference.
I am learning so much, and I have found myself growing closer to God while listening to this book. I am falling more in love with Gods character and who he is. I am grasping the love that he has for this world, the love that he has for me and I cannot help but smile inside, knowing that I have such a great Love coming from God... the Creator, of the world, and the creator of little ol' Me! His love is astounding, and I am discovering the true power of Love itself!
I am growing in Love, and I have been told that I am a loving person but as I am growing I am becoming more loving, and less judgemental and skeptical.
I am going to end this post with a wonderful quote, from a wonderful man whose love changed the world - and just remember if you love enough, your love will change the world too... 'I have decided to stick with Love ♥ Hate is too great a burden to bear.' Martin Luther King Jr.
How simple is it to love? And yet so many people choose to hate, or be bitter, or angry for things that can easily be forgiven. Hate is a burden that so many people choose to bear!
On my way to and from work for the past week I have been listening to the book, "The Shack" on audio. Toward the middle of the book the words that are spoken become very 'meaty' and what I mean by that is that the words come with such power, and revelation, I find myself rewinding the audio and re-listening to it over again, sometimes multiple times, I have to chew on the words over and over like I would a piece of steak to be able to swallow it. If I could remember some quotes from the book I would post them here, but I can't, so I am going to buy the paper version of the book to hold onto as a keepsake and as a reference.
I am learning so much, and I have found myself growing closer to God while listening to this book. I am falling more in love with Gods character and who he is. I am grasping the love that he has for this world, the love that he has for me and I cannot help but smile inside, knowing that I have such a great Love coming from God... the Creator, of the world, and the creator of little ol' Me! His love is astounding, and I am discovering the true power of Love itself!
I am growing in Love, and I have been told that I am a loving person but as I am growing I am becoming more loving, and less judgemental and skeptical.
I am going to end this post with a wonderful quote, from a wonderful man whose love changed the world - and just remember if you love enough, your love will change the world too... 'I have decided to stick with Love ♥ Hate is too great a burden to bear.' Martin Luther King Jr.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
James is my favortie book in the Bible
James 1:19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. 21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.
I aspire to live righteously and I pray this over my life continually. I want to be that person, the one who is sharing and kind, caring and compassionate, slow to anger, and rich in Love. I want to be the one who has open arms to those that need a shoulder to cry on or a home to stay in. God is working in me, but it is a slow process, and it is work on my part because I am only human, as we all are.
I aspire to live righteously and I pray this over my life continually. I want to be that person, the one who is sharing and kind, caring and compassionate, slow to anger, and rich in Love. I want to be the one who has open arms to those that need a shoulder to cry on or a home to stay in. God is working in me, but it is a slow process, and it is work on my part because I am only human, as we all are.
Monday, May 4, 2009
It was rough last week
but I am choosing to move forward with a smile on my face! and with contentment in my heart knowing that God is in this... I have been praying often over these past few days, and God has given me peace.
It seems as though our family has been facing a lot of trials recently but I can see how we are all growing through it all.
Now that my time will be more limited with Madi I am consciously taking in all of our precious time together. Watching her grow has been amazing, and the age that she is at right now is so much fun!
We had a great weekend! Seeing her grin, giggle and tottle around was so much fun. We had a lot of laughs and good times. Going to Chuckee Cheese for Coles 9th birthday, it was madis first time there. Shopping at Mall Of America with Mom and Albert was great to, getting Albert ready for prom :)
I am really appreciated all of these great little moments!
"Life is not the amount of breaths you take, it's the moments that take your breath away."
It seems as though our family has been facing a lot of trials recently but I can see how we are all growing through it all.
Now that my time will be more limited with Madi I am consciously taking in all of our precious time together. Watching her grow has been amazing, and the age that she is at right now is so much fun!
We had a great weekend! Seeing her grin, giggle and tottle around was so much fun. We had a lot of laughs and good times. Going to Chuckee Cheese for Coles 9th birthday, it was madis first time there. Shopping at Mall Of America with Mom and Albert was great to, getting Albert ready for prom :)
I am really appreciated all of these great little moments!
"Life is not the amount of breaths you take, it's the moments that take your breath away."
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Your outlook determines your LIFE
'It is so often true that whether a person carries with him an atmosphere of gloom and depression or one of confidence and courage depends on his individual outlook.' James Keller
Okay so maybe I go a little overboard when it comes to boundaries. I am "Zealous" is what they would say, but I am okay with it, because I would rather be zealous than naive!
But seriously, you know when you meet those people who are constantly dwelling on the negative and have a poor outlook on life in general... Well isn't it frustrating? It is for me! I just want to say to them, "why are you choosing to feel this way!?" all too often they don't realize that they themselves are choosing the life of gloom and doom for themselves, and it is so crippling. I am all to familiar with this because I myself am guilty of doing this...
I am being reminded right now as I watch my sisters family face a tragedy. The tragedy of the loss of a Fathers/Husbands ability to walk. They are also facing the loss of a home, loss of careers, and welcoming 2 more little ones to be additions in their lives; the lives that are filled with the unknown and that of instability. BUT they have such positive attitudes, and outlooks for their lives. They are looking forward with Faith, with Patience, and most of all: with Humble hearts, all the while not knowing what lies ahead of them. I am so proud of them for choosing to live in freedom, freedom from worry, Stress, and so many more negative emotions that could be suffocating their lives. Not to say that they are not overwhelmed at times, which I am sure they are. But they are choosing to focus on what is good. They are choosing to trust that God is in control. They are growing through this tragedy; growing closer to one another, to the Church, but most of all to our God, who is our strength, because without him we are truly weak. Their lives are going to change others lives, and will truly portray what an awesome God we serve, I am excited!! So extremely excited to see what God has in store for them, because I just know that it is going to be something great!
Please continue to pray for them!!
And Just remember when you feel like you have hit rock bottom, someone Else's' rock is lower than yours, so be thankful for what you have and remember that Your Life Is What You Make Of It!! Choose to keep a positive outlook and keep looking upward for the strength that God provides!
"I try to avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward." ~Charlotte Bronte
Okay so maybe I go a little overboard when it comes to boundaries. I am "Zealous" is what they would say, but I am okay with it, because I would rather be zealous than naive!
But seriously, you know when you meet those people who are constantly dwelling on the negative and have a poor outlook on life in general... Well isn't it frustrating? It is for me! I just want to say to them, "why are you choosing to feel this way!?" all too often they don't realize that they themselves are choosing the life of gloom and doom for themselves, and it is so crippling. I am all to familiar with this because I myself am guilty of doing this...
I am being reminded right now as I watch my sisters family face a tragedy. The tragedy of the loss of a Fathers/Husbands ability to walk. They are also facing the loss of a home, loss of careers, and welcoming 2 more little ones to be additions in their lives; the lives that are filled with the unknown and that of instability. BUT they have such positive attitudes, and outlooks for their lives. They are looking forward with Faith, with Patience, and most of all: with Humble hearts, all the while not knowing what lies ahead of them. I am so proud of them for choosing to live in freedom, freedom from worry, Stress, and so many more negative emotions that could be suffocating their lives. Not to say that they are not overwhelmed at times, which I am sure they are. But they are choosing to focus on what is good. They are choosing to trust that God is in control. They are growing through this tragedy; growing closer to one another, to the Church, but most of all to our God, who is our strength, because without him we are truly weak. Their lives are going to change others lives, and will truly portray what an awesome God we serve, I am excited!! So extremely excited to see what God has in store for them, because I just know that it is going to be something great!
Please continue to pray for them!!
And Just remember when you feel like you have hit rock bottom, someone Else's' rock is lower than yours, so be thankful for what you have and remember that Your Life Is What You Make Of It!! Choose to keep a positive outlook and keep looking upward for the strength that God provides!
"I try to avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward." ~Charlotte Bronte
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
