Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful for this year. It has had many ups and downs but I am thankful for them all for it has brought me here!

And just maybe I like where I am.

Quotes to live by

"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus." ~ Frances P. Church

Merry Christmas!

"Unto you is born this day...a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

"And they shall call His name Immanuel which means, God with us." Mathew 1:23

Where ever you are in the world, may God bless you this Christmas day!

Merry Christmas Eve!

In my family we celebrate with extended family on Christmas Eve. May you enjoy this time with your family as well.

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful to see family and friends for the holidays. I love the time I am able to share with the people I love the most.

Quotes to live by

"Santa Claus is anyone who loves another and seeks to make them happy; who gives of himself by thought or word or deed in every gift that he bestows." ~ Edwin Osgood Grover

I am dreaming

I love the song and the movie "White Christmas". It is one of my favorites. My favorite version is by Bing Crosby.

I was thinking of this song and singing it when I had a beautiful thought, "What do I dream of having?" Just as the song says, "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas." What am I dreaming of having for Christmas? I then began to wonder what other people are dreaming of for Christmas.

Then the brilliant idea came of seeing if there was a dream I could help come true for someone. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a positive focus of giving for the holidays rather than the pressure we tend to put ourselves under in order to "make someone happy". The person wouldn't have to know it was me. After all the idea isn't about getting credit, it's simply about doing something out of the spirit of Christmas. The idea of giving unconditionally for the joy it gives to the receiver and not for what one may receive in return.

My church has a giving tree where you can pick cards with requests for items. I choose an item and then wrapped it and returned it to the person in charge. I know that I didn't necessarily help someone's lifelong dream come true but I do feel I gave some peace to the person in need who requested it. I had a great time doing it as well.

What I want for Christmas is for as many of you are willing and able to see if there is something you can give that will in some way uplift, support, strengthen, or heal a heart in need this Christmas season. I know there are only ten days until Christmas but there is no time constraint on when the gift can be given. And remember it's not about money. A great gift or creating a dream doesn't have to cost anything but your love and effort. And if money is what they stand in need of then by all means give. But whether it's money or time, by all means give what you can as much as you can and if your intent is merely to give you will not be disappointed.

A great short read that talks about this very principle is "Penny's Christmas Jar Miracle" by Jason F. Wright.

Enjoy the holidays as they soon approach. May you partake of them in joy rather than wishing them away.

Attitude of Gratitude

Today I am grateful for not being alone in the world. There are many times that even though I am surrounded by people, I feel so alone and lost. I am grateful that those are just momentary experiences in life and that the truth is I am not alone and that there is always someone to turn to. And that someone is usually just the right one I need at the time. I know that their arrival in my life is not by accident but by divine intervention.

Have you noticed the hand of God in your life through the acts of the people around you?

Quotes to live by

"I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do something I can do." ~ Helen Keller

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful for the weather. I love the fall. I love the cool air, the wind in the trees, the rain against the window, and the sound of leaves crunching beneath my feet. This year fall lasted much longer and I had an opportunity to really enjoy one of my favorite times of year.

Now we are heading into the changes that come with winter. The air has grown very cold, the sun is not as bright, and snow is on the horizon. Even though I miss the beach, I do love snow. Snow makes everything look clean and new. It blankets the world in the sound of silence and brings a feeling of peace.

What do you love about this time of year?

Quotes to live by

"Meet your fears with faith." ~ Max Lucado

Born This Way

I am not a big fan of Lady Gaga. However, I am a big believer in truth and being able to find truth any where. I have heard the song "Born that way" several times but it wasn't until recently that I really listened to the words. Even though I don't care for some of her songs, this one hits the mark on teaching a truth that we all need to hear. I am including an edited version of the message I think is inspiring from this song below.


Born This Way by Lady Gaga

My mama told me when I was young
We are all born superstars

"There's nothing wrong with loving who you are"
She said, "'Cause he made you perfect, babe"
"So hold your head up girl and you'll go far,
Listen to me when I say"

I'm beautiful in my way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way
Don't hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way

Give yourself prudence
And love your friends
Subway kid, rejoice your truth
In the religion of the insecure
I must be myself, respect my youth

Whether life's disabilities
Left you outcast, bullied, or teased
Rejoice and love yourself today
'Cause baby you were born this way

Same DNA, but I was born this way

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful for another December.  The month that we celebrate the birth of Christ. The month that we remeness about the year and all it has brought us.

What has the year brought to you that you can be grateful for?

Quotes to live by

"Fear is the worst thing we can do to ourselves. " - Overcome

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thank you God for a country that is founded on the principles of freedom.  Thank you for the ability to freely express my gratitude and joy for my life and my family.  Thank you for the great blessing to express my love of God and the ability to share it with others,  all while allowing others that same freedom and expression.

Happy Thanksgiving!  Enjoy your turkey.

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful for a son who is able to be patient even when his parents are not. And instead of calling them on their crap, he is able to make a better choice. In doing so he teaches us.

Thank you God for humbling me and giving me a son who loves me even when I am being less than lovable.

Quotes to live by

"This one thing I do,  I press toward the mark." - The Apostle Paul

The Butterfly Effect

I just a read another great book by Andy Andrews, author of "The Noticer". It's called "The Butterfly Effect". I think it's one of the shortest books I have read as an adult and yet it is one of the most profound.  It is beautiful in it's simplicity in showing you the powerful effect that your life has on not only your sphere of influence but the world and the generations to follow.

We are all of us beautiful and magnificent.  None of us are like another and we cannot be replaced.  Our lives,  who we are,  and what we are here to do is unique to each of us. We are here to do great things and make manifest the glory of God as Marianne Williamson says in her poem.

This is a quote from "The Butterfly Effect", "Every single thing you do matters.  You have been created as one of a kind.  You have been created in order to make a difference.  You have within you the power to change the world. "

If you have ever wondered what kind of impact your life has in the world,  I highly recommend this book.  It will give you a perspective that will change your life.  There are no small roles or minor parts in life. Every one of us is important and necessary to the success of all.

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful for celebrations! It is fun to celebrate life in any way that I can. Celebrating life can help increase our appreciation of it.

Quotes to live by

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." ~ E. E. Cummings

Cost Versus Reward

I recently watched '10 things I asked the Dahlia Lama'. In it the Dahlia Lama discussed the cost and reward of our actions. That we should use our intelligence to exercise self-discipline.

I have heard this concept before and felt I understood it. However, this past week it came to mind just before I listened to the Dahlia Lama speak on it in this documentary. I realize that there is a difference between knowing something and doing it.

The more I learn and grow, the more I come to understand that it doesn't really matter how much I know if I never use it. The only good comes from actually doing the thing that you know is right to do at any given moment. This is the substance of our lives and the rest is just filler; like the many empty calories we consume when we eat treats. Treats are fun and serve a purpose but you cannot sustain a quality life on treats alone.

There is great value to be had in this principle if we will choose to see it. That before acting on the impulses we have, if we give consideration to the cost and reward of the thing we are about to choose we may choose differently than our initial impulse would lead us to. Often there is no satisfaction but only gratification from the choices made by our impulses. It is our impulses that often leave us reacting to every situation we find ourselves in.

When we are constantly reacting we are often left feeling as though we have no choices in the experiences of our lives. We can feel as a leaf in the wind, at the will of an outside force that we cannot control. Is it any wonder that under these circumstances we often feel worried, stressed, miserable, unhappy, and depressed?

But suppose we were to pause even for just a breath to consider the cost or reward of our actions. We then put ourselves in the driver seat of our lives and are no longer left reacting. It is here that we find our ability to choose and it is in the power of choice that we find our confidence, happiness, courage, and strength. Even when we must choose between two things we do not want, how much more satisfied are we with ourselves when we are the ones who choose rather than having the choice made for us by someone else?

Life is a choice and living is all about making choices. When you choose in life you exercise self-control and give yourself the ability to have satisfaction, where true joy and contentment come from. When you react to life you are at the whim of outside forces that you cannot control, waiting for moments of gratification so that you can feel spurts of happiness in between the monotony of suffering that tends to be normal in your day to day life.

With the power of choice you are the creator in your life, when you react you become the victim. The victim that is always left reacting to someone else's choices. The power is in understanding the difference between choosing and reacting. Reacting or an impulse is an unconscious choice. Choosing is making a choice consciously. Consciously making your choice is when you have power. Unconsciously making your choice either by reacting or by impulse will tend to leave you feeling dissatisfied.

I know there is a lot to think about. And as I have been sick this week I am amazed I was able to be this coherent. I thank God for His inspiration for I know it is Him I have to thank for my ability to write this well. I hope you will give this some consideration. And maybe find the self-discipline to consider the cost and reward before you act. Remember your life is not the only one to benefit, but every person you interact with will receive the blessings of your choice.

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful for children who are so excited to see me that they burst through the door, even in my private moments. I know how a cat feels when it's trying to use the litter box while you look at it.

Awkward! But these are the moments that America's Funniest Home Videos pays thousands of dollars for, right.

Quotes to live by

"Play like a champion today." ~ Notre Dame Football

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful for my baby girl. I love her. She is a wonderful gift from God.

Quotes to live by

"Don't dwell on the things that are wrong; be thankful for the things that are right." ~ Yen Ho Moody

Blindly Following the Leader

This is a poem that I love. It is about what happens when we play follow the leader blindly without thinking things through for ourselves. There are so many voices out in the world asking for us to follow them. For me it can feel overwhelming trying to decide who to listen to and I sometimes find myself not paying attention to who I am allowing to lead me. This can be very dangerous and risky. I am the one responsible for me. Even though it may appear to be easier to let someone else lead me, in the end it may cost me more than the effort it would take to make sure I am doing what I feel is right.


The Calf Path
by Sam Walter Foss

One day through the primeval wood
A calf walked home as good calves should;
But made a trail all bent askew,
A crooked trail as all calves do.
Since then three hundred years have fled,
And I infer the calf is dead.

But still he left behind his trail,
And thereby hangs my moral tale.
The trail was taken up next day,
By a lone dog that passed that way;
And then a wise bell-wether sheep
Pursued the trail o'er vale and steep,
And drew the flock behind him, too,
As all good bell-wethers do.
And from that day, o'er hill and glade,
Through those old woods a path was made.

And many men wound in and out,
And dodged, and turned, and bent about,
And uttered words of righteous wrath,
Because 'twas such a crooked path;
But still they followed--do not laugh--
The first migrations of that calf,
And through this winding wood-way stalked
Because he wobbled when he walked.

This forest path became a lane,
That bent and turned and turned again;
This crooked lane became a road,
Where many a poor horse with his load
Toiled on beneath the burning sun,
And traveled some three miles in one.
And thus a century and a half
They trod the footsteps of that calf.

The years passed on in swiftness fleet,
The road became a village street;
And this, before men were aware,
A city's crowded thoroughfare.
And soon the central street was this
Of a renowned metropolis;
And men two centuries and a half,
Trod the footsteps of that calf.

Each day a hundred thousand rout
Followed the zigzag calf about
And o'er his crooked journey went
The traffic of a continent.
A hundred thousand men were led,
By one calf near three centuries dead.
They followed still his crooked way,
And lost one hundred years a day;
For thus such reverence is lent,
To well established precedent.

A moral lesson this might teach
Were I ordained and called to preach;
For men are prone to go it blind
Along the calf-paths of the mind,
And work away from sun to sun,
To do what other men have done.
They follow the beaten track,
And out and in, and forth and back,
And still their devious course pursue,
To keep the path that others do.
They keep the path a sacred groove,
Along which all their lives they move.
But how the wise old wood gods laugh,
Who saw that first primeval calf.
Ah, many things this tale might teach--
But I am not ordained to preach.

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful for children who love me so much they want to share. They want to share their hugs and kisses. They even want to share their angry words and their tears. Sometimes I don't want to receive everything they want to give me but at least they want to share with me, right!

Quotes to live by

"No one is perfect or can make themselves so. It's fine to be the best we can. But perfectionism is like trying to steal from God." ~ Edward Grinnan

God works in mysterious ways

I wrote a letter to a magazine that I wanted to share with you. It's about God's hand in our lives and the interesting ways He will do things to help us and make us aware of how He is helping us.

 

 

God works in mysterious ways and sometimes the mystery is how did we get this magazine?

A Guideposts magazine came in the mail last December in my husband Kevin’s name. It had beautiful artwork with angels on the cover. I was perplexed by this as I know that this magazine is not his cup of tea. He’s more of the hunting and fishing or gadgets and gizmos type of magazine reader. I figured that this must be some sort of promotional magazine in order to get you interested in the magazine and buy a subscription. I was tempted to toss it in the trash but I loved the pictures of angels on the front and decided I’d read it before throwing it away.

I began to read the articles and loved the concept of a magazine that was based on uplifting and inspiring stories. At this time in my life I was dealing with a bought of depression. I had just had our 5^th baby in November. This was a very painful pregnancy and the pain continued after the delivery. I hadn’t realized that I was not living but merely functioning day in and day out.

There have been many times in my life when I have had depression. Sometimes I didn’t know I had it until after I had recovered from it. During my pregnancy I had another bought of depression. This time it was very intense to the point that I was contemplating suicide. Thankfully Heavenly Father sent me angels to bear me up and help me through it.

I’d like to say that it was a complete and immediate recovery, however, it wasn’t. It was enough to help me over the hump but I still had the valley to cross. It was at this point that Guideposts showed up. As I read the articles it felt as though God was speaking to me and answering my prayers. I began to have insights and “aha’s” about myself and what was happening in my life. All of this was helping me when I was at a low and giving me hope to keep moving forward.

Eventually I realized what God was asking of me and what I needed to do. In February I understood what was causing some of my depression. It was the fact that I was living my life half way. As in, part of me wanted to be here and part of me wanted to go back home to my Heavenly Father. Life was painful and it felt too hard. What I realized was that I had to choose to be here. I had to want to be here no matter what happens.

Sometimes life is scary and it can be hard. But we have to choose to live our lives with all of the love, passion, and commitment that is inside of us. We have to choose to be here and live the life that God knows we are capable of. Anything less than this will cause us unnecessary pain and suffering.

I want to thank you Guideposts for your courage in providing something that sustains rather than drains an individual. And the mystery of how we came to have your magazine was solved several weeks after its arrival. We received a postcard in the mail saying, “Enjoy your free guideposts subscription. It is being sent to American service men like you.” The funny thing is my husband has never served in the military. His father has along with other relatives but he hasn’t.

So, a magazine that my husband would never read was sent to him because of military service that he never performed so that his wife who loves angels would read the uplifting stories and receive inspiration to help her through her difficult moments until she was strong enough to live life again. This is what you call God at work.

 

How is God helping you? If you doubt He helps you, maybe it's time to look a little closer.

Attitude of Gratitude

Today I am grateful for friends who will drop whatever they are doing and come help. I am grateful that my friends love me enough to forgive me for making mistakes and be there for me when I need their help the most.

Are you the kind of friend you want to have?

Quotes to live by

"Life is either a great adventure or nothing." ~ Helen Keller

Attitude of Gratitude

I love my family. I just realized that soon I will not have dirty diapers, dirty laundry, and dirty dishes like I do now. And when that happens it will mean that my children have all grown up and moved out. I think I am going to express gratitude that they are here to make a mess because that means I still have time to enjoy them while they grow up.

Quotes to live by

"Love never fails." ~ 1 Corinthians 13:8

Christmas In October

I went to the dōTERRA convention last week and had an inspiring idea for Christmas. It is a simple and easy Christmas project that you can do with your whole family, friends, neighbors, church, for fundraising projects, etc. The possibilities are limitless.

The idea is to make Christmas ornaments to give as gifts or for your own personal decorations. You can have a party and invite people over to make them as a group activity for the holidays or it can be a do it yourself project. It's up to you.

Items needed:
Felt: any color desired
Ribbon: any color desired
Scissors: 1 pair for every 2 people
Hole punch: 1 for every 4 people
Elmers glue: 1 bottle for every 2 people
Decorations: felt shapes, glitter, wiggly eyes, any items desired, etc.
Permanent marker: any color desired, any amount desired
Stencils or cookie cutters: you just need these to trace the desired shapes for your ornaments. Ex: candy canes, gingerbread men, wreaths, stars, etc.
dōTERRA essential oils: any oil desired. Ex: orange, lemon, peppermint, cinnamon, white fir, etc.
5 ml or 10 ml roller bottle: use the dōTERRA oils in the roller bottle to apply to the ornament. This will make it safer and less chance for spills.

Instructions:
Trace the shape you want for the ornament.
Cut out the ornament shape.
Put a hole in the ornament for the ribbon to hang it.
Roll the dōTERRA essential oil onto the back or the ornament.
Turn the ornament over and decorate as desired using the glue and decorations.
Cut the ribbon to the desired length.
Tie the ribbon through the hole in the ornament to hang it from.
Optional: write your name or the receivers name on the ornament.

TADA! A simple and easy gift giving project for anyone at any age. Have fun and enjoy!

And if you haven't learned about the many benefits of using dōTERRA certified therapeutic grade essential oils yet, check out this link to learn more.

https://www.thinkessentialoils.com/23605

Attitude of Gratitude

I love being alive! Today I can see clearly just how much I am loved. I am so loved that I was given a dirty diaper, an argument, dirty dishes, and a late night getting to bed.

You see God loves me so much He gave me a beautiful baby girl, three sons who love to tease each other, the opportunity to help my teenager when she had a headache, and a husband who works hard to support our family by working late when it is necessary.

So what on the surface in your life looks like a complaint but can really be an opportunity to express gratitude?

Quotes to live by

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." ~ Anais Nin

mistyroses Address

I was inspired by The Gettysburg Address given by Abraham Lincoln during the American civil war. I want to share this message I was inspired to write that came form the message he shared all those years ago.

Many years ago our brother Christ brought forth in this world an opportunity to experience a greater life, conceived on the principle of agency, and dedicated to the proposition that God is no respecter of persons; that we are all His beloved children.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether a world or any world so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. And whether a soul or any soul so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. For what is a world but the proving ground for a soul. We have come to dedicate this world and our souls, as a gift for Christ and those who have given their lives in His name that we might live to manifest the glory of God. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this world. For Christ, He who has risen from the grave and has broken the chains of death has consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world may take little notice, nor remember much of what we say or do here, but it can never forget what Christ has done. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the work that will continue to bring others into the warm embrace and healing that can only come from His unconditional love and forgiveness. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from His great sacrifice followed by His great gift by which He has shown us the depth and commitment of His love—that we who have been given the great gift of everlasting life, choose to be resolved that He did not give His life in vain—that this world and we souls, children of God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that we choose to be here, living and being present in every moment that life presents, promising to live with all of the love, passion, and commitment that is inside of us and never leave this world until our Father calls us home.

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful for my teenager. It's hard to allow her the space to grow up. I miss her being a baby. But I am also enjoying this new phase of our relationship together.

Quotes to live by

"Love is what we are born with. Fear is what we learn. The spiritual journey is the unlearning of fear and prejudices and the acceptance of love back in our hearts. Love is the essential reality and our purpose on earth." Marianne Williamson

The Power of Knowing Who We Are

I love the story of Jesus and the apostle Peter in Matthew 14:28-31. This is when Peter sees Jesus walking on water and beckons Jesus to call him to Him. Peter then walks on water when I think he realizes the impossibility of it all and he begins to sink. He cries out to the Lord, "Save me." Jesus comes and rescues him saying, "Oh ye of little faith. Why did you doubt? Why did you not believe?"

I have always seen this story as a lesson in never doubting the Lord; always believe He will do what He says He will. Recently I have come into another beneficial understanding of this scriptural story. Peter has little faith but this is what a little faith can do. None of the other apostles asked if they could come unto Christ. They did not attempt to walk on water. Peter did. Even though it may have been briefly, he did walk on water. And when Peter began to sink; he believed in Christ enough to call out to Him for Jesus to save him.

So with a little faith, you can walk on water and you can call on God so that He can help save you when you find yourself in deep waters. And by exercising a little faith; you can witness miracles and grow closer to God or witness the things of God so your little faith can grow into greatness.

I am grateful that God has taken my "little faith" and healed my heart. That He has shown me that I am not the "story" of my life but that I am something far greater than that. I am His child, His beloved daughter. The story of my life is merely the experiences I have on a day to day basis. Being His daughter, a child of divinity is who I am.

It is in knowing this eternal truth that I can put things into perspective. It is in understanding this truth that I am able to put on the "armor" of God and become invincible. For no matter what possessions can be taken away from me, this knowledge cannot be. It is in knowing that any experience I have cannot diminish, tarnish, or take away the fact that I am a child of divinity. The lack or abundance I have cannot make me more or less His daughter.

The style of my hair, the design on my clothes, the house I live in, the car I drive, the size of my bank account, or the behavior of my family cannot change this eternal truth either. This knowledge is a treasure that no thief can rob me of. And however someone may try to victimize me, I cannot be a victim unless I choose to be; because being a victim is a state of being. As long as I am His daughter that is who I am. For I am not my painful experiences. Nor am I my happy ones. For they are only experiences and are not a "who" but are merely the what, where, and when I experience in being who I am.

In the scope of the perspective of this eternal truth, the experiences lose their power to overwhelm and control you. It is with this knowing that you can begin to see your life experiences for what they are; opportunities to learn and grow to become more like Christ. Each experience is a chance to develop a deeper relationship with God and turn a little faith into great faith.

It is in understanding the truth of who we are, His children, that we put on our protective armor and see the true nature of our power. This is what makes the impossible possible and allows us to witness miracles. This is what makes us infinite, invincible, and powerful beyond measure. This is what heals us; the truth that who we are is greater than any experience. It is simply that the experiences we have are uniquely designed to show us who we are, if we let them.

Unfortunately we often fall prey to the trap that we are our experiences. In this way of thinking, what does it mean about us when we have negative experiences? And since we often have painful or scary experiences and experiences where we choose to act in less than ideal ways; we feel less than deserving and unworthy of the gift of being God's children and all that entails. But if we can see our experiences for the learning and growing opportunities that they are we can allow them to help us transcend our feeling and accepting anything less than the truth; that we are children of God.

If you can allow your experiences to show you how you are His child, how much He loves you, and what you are capable of as His child; your heart will heal and you will be free of the pain that feeling separated from God causes. I ask you to put aside the story of your life and embrace the truth that you are a child of God; a child of your Father who loves you. When you do this, you will become the gift to the world that you were always meant to be. For every child is a gift to the parents who love them.

And you were never meant to be anything less.

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful that you are still reading what I write. Writing is a passion of mine that I enjoy immensely. I am grateful to have an outlet for my passion that I can share with others.

What passion is inside of you that letting out would not only bring you great joy but bless others in the process?

Quotes to live by

"Poise, composure under pressure." ~ The Moment with Kurt Warner

What are you not sharing?

There are times when I share things of a religious nature that I become nervous. Unfortunately it is a sad fact that there are many times when I allow the concern of what people think of me to out way the value of doing what I know will greatly bless. It isn't that we should not think to do kind to others and be aware not force ourselves or our views on to them, but so many times we do not take the stand that we know will be of great worth because we are too afraid of the reaction and how it will reflect on us.

How many times do we hold our tongues rather than say the important things that can affect positive change? I don't mean you just say whatever no holds barred. I only mean to say how often are we not saying and doing the things our hearts inspire us to in love and kindness?

There is a reason that you are there in that very moment and are impressed upon to share, give, and do what your heart is guiding you to. There is purpose in you being where you are, knowing what you know. You are an influence in this world for good or bad depending on what you decide to do at any given moment. As Marianne Williamson says, "You were born to make manifest the glory of God. It is not just in some of us; it is in all of us."

Your heart guides and directs you. Taking pause before acting to check and see that this is correct is good, but not to the degree that you stall, become paralyzed and do not act at all. You have been given this inspiration for a reason. You may be rusty but it is never too late to start listening and acting on what your heart knows to be true. The more you practice by acting on what your heart inspires you to do the more it will guide you and the clearer the messages it communicates will become.

You do no one favors by playing small. If you really care the way you say you do, you will realize that to truly love someone is to love them by sharing what you heart inspires you to say. It will be awkward and it can be uncomfortable but in the end you will be a greater blessing to those around you when you lovingly support them by helping them see their blind spots.

It will definitely take practice. There will be scrapes, bruises, and spills along the way. You will make messes that you will have to apologize for. But in the end it is worth it. Be patient with yourself as you learn to help without stepping on toes. Be understanding that just because you share doesn't mean they have to accept. Remember not to take it personal when they don't want your share. You are not the message just the messenger. Their not wanting it doesn't mean they don't want you; they were just not ready to accept it.

I encourage you to stop being timid and start acting. I do caution you to think before acting that you share in a loving and kind way. Just don't pause so long that you doubt and do not act. Say it as big as it is with all of the love and patience you can muster and I know that God will guide you to do all that is for the highest good of all involved. So go and make manifest the glory of God by being the gift to those around you one share at a time.

Attitude of Gratitude

Today I was able to accept accountability for something that I had done. It was a humbling experience. Accepting responsibility for what I had done has helped me to keep a great friendship intact. I am very grateful that I didn't let this fester and ruin our relationship. It means everything to me.

Quotes to live by

"That's why I'd like to say a special word to the women in the audience. We are a powerful force and our nations greatest untapped resource. Together with men we can repair our injured society. With our faith and our determination we can build new homes, establish new communities, construct new cities, create a new nation..... Form a new world, a just world. A world dedicated to families and equality for all. A world of peace." ~ Coretta Scott King

Let's ROAR!

I heard this song on the radio and thought it was just right for my current experiences with the negative self-dialogue and doubt I sometimes have.

Let's ROAR!


Roar by Katy Perry

I used to bite my tongue and hold my breath
Scared to rock the boat and make a mess
So I sat quietly, agreed politely
I guess that I forgot I had a choice
I let you push me past the breaking point
I stood for nothing, so I fell for everything

You held me down, but I got up
Already brushing off the dust
You hear my voice, you hear that sound
Like thunder gonna shake the ground
You held me down, but I got up
Get ready cause I've had enough
I see it all, I see it now

I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire
'Cause I am a champion and you're gonna hear me ROAR
Louder, louder than a lion
'Cause I am a champion and you're gonna hear me ROAR
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You're gonna hear me roar

Now I'm floating like a butterfly
Stinging like a bee I earned my stripes
I went from zero, to my own hero

You held me down, but I got up
Already brushing off the dust
You hear my voice, you hear that sound
Like thunder gonna shake the ground
You held me down, but I got up
Get ready 'cause I've had enough
I see it all, I see it now

I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire
'Cause I am a champion and you're gonna hear me ROAR
Louder, louder than a lion
'Cause I am a champion and you're gonna hear me ROAR
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You're gonna hear me ROAR
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You'll hear me ROAR
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You're gonna hear me ROAR...

ROAR-or, ROAR-or, ROAR-or, ROAR-or, ROAR-or

I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire
'Cause I am a champion and you're gonna hear me ROAR
Louder, louder than a lion
'Cause I am a champion and you're gonna hear me ROAR
Oh oh oh oh oh ohYou're gonna hear me ROAR
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You'll hear me ROAR
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You're gonna hear me ROAR...

Attitude of Gratitude

Today I am grateful that I learned not everything is about me. I discovered I actually have a bigger ego than I realized. I am a sensitive person. I now understand that it is a gift rather than a curse. But in the past it lead to a lot of hurt feelings and misunderstandings. I took everything that was said and done as a criticism, everything.

I am grateful that I don't have to live life from this perspective any more.

Quotes to live by

"You are the future....Doing good seems like an abstraction when bills have to be paid and kids gotten off to school. But the impulse to help better the lives of your fellow man should never be ignored or set aside. The fact is in helping others we do help ourselves. That's why our fight to give women a voice, the poor opportunity, and children a peaceful world; their success, their empowerment vastly improves my world. We're all connected." ~ Coretta Scott King

What good is asking?

What good is asking when I am so fixated on what I want that I can't hear that the answer is something better?

How often do I kneel in prayer asking for help when in reality I am not asking; I am telling or dictating?

How do you talk to an all knowing being as though they know nothing and you know everything?

If I have all the answers, why am I even bothering to ask for help?

If I am asking; maybe I should be still, be quiet and actually listen to see what the answer really is.

Who knows, maybe being willing to listen and do what I am asked might work out better than giving orders and then storming around because it wasn't really what I wanted after all.

Attitude of Gratitude

Today I am grateful that my children are in school. Yeah! Summer vacations are wonderful and I enjoy being with my children but sometimes I need a mommy break.

Quotes to live by

"It's not about what we have and what we don't, it's about who's in our life and who isn't." ~ The Story Trek

You revealed

When God calls you to do a job you think you cannot do, He is giving you one of two things. First, He is revealing to you who you really are. He is showing you the beauty of what your spirit was like before this life.

If for example you are exerting patience beyond what you once thought yourself capable of; then you are being witness to the truth that your spirit before this life had an ability to be patient to a great degree. God knew this and choose to give you an experience uniquely designed to show you exactly what you are truly capable of.

As with the story of Abraham and Isaac in the scriptures; God already knows what you are capable of. He doesn't ask anything of you to show Himself what will happen, He asks it of you to show you. It is in His asking you to do it that the knowledge of what you can do and will do is revealed to you. The truth is simply this; that you are magnificent, beautiful, strong, powerful, and far more capable than you remember being at this time.

Second, when the truth is revealed to you as you act on faith doing what God asks of you, you further grow and deepen the ability within yourself. You have now stretched further your faith in the truth of your capacity to be patient. This then changes the image you had of yourself and what you thought you were capable of.

Just as when you exercise, what you are capable of doing after a few weeks of consistent effort is greater than what you could do when you began. It is this way with physical abilities and also with emotional, mental, and spiritual abilities. Every step you take acting on the things that God asks of you helps you go farther and grow further beyond what you first imagined possible.

This new perspective of yourself gives you a greater self-image which broadens your ability to hope and believe. This then gives God the opportunity to bless your life in greater and more magnificent ways. It also gives Him the opportunity to show you what is most amazing about you and reveal deeper truths about who you really are!

It is in the act of putting off the natural man that we reveal our true divine nature to ourselves. The natural man is the fight or flight instinct and the desire to do less than we know we can. Over-coming these more base desires and pushing through the fear helps us to reach the success we are searching for.

Repeat, Recycle, Reuse

I have been writing a lot lately. Many things that I feel I have already said before. And yet I feel the need to keep writing about it. It may be the same thing but there are more perspectives.

So basically if you feel a sense of deja vu while reading anything, it's not your imagination. I hope these additional insights are as useful to you as they have been for me.

Attitude of Gratitude

Today I am grateful for a husband that wants me to be happy. He wants my happiness so much that he is willing to work with me to help me create it. And I thank God for helping me to realize it and appreciate him.

Quotes to live by

"So here's what I know. Each of us possesses a deepest place that is wholly sufficient. It is our essence, the very heart of us. This heart knows what is good for us and is ready to provide it's wisdom. It speaks through coincidence, through the inner voice of intuition, through dreams and visions, and through the world around us. So keep your eyes open; coincidence, a miracle, a blessing, absolutely." ~ Gloria Loring

Attitude of Gratitude

Celebrating anniversaries are fun and wonderful. Today I am grateful to be celebrating mine!

Fear in perspective

"Fear is the conscious mind searching for an answer it doesn't have." ~ After Earth

Faith is acting without an answer.

Exercising faith gives God the opportunity to reveal to us the truth of who we are.

To the degree we exercise our faith is to the degree in which He can more fully show us our own magnificence and divine nature. He does this because we are His beloved children and He wants our eternal happiness which can only be gained through a broader vision of who we are. Exercising faith helps us to understand the full scope of who we are in ways that we were to afraid to do before. Catching the vision that God has of us emboldens us to act in a way that we did not have the confidence to do on our own.

It is His plan not only that we return home to Him but also that we may be more fully like Him; divine Gods and Goddesses. He does this so that we may then do as He has done; create beauty and magnificence in perfect knowledge. This is the greatest gift that He can bestow upon us and He desires that we may all have it.

In the end if we can understand that He always wants our eternal happiness and that is what He always works to do in our lives, we will be able to more fully trust Him in all things and then be able to exercise the faith it takes to move mountains in our lives. Understanding this principle and putting it into practice will make our dreams into our reality.

Attitude of Gratitude

Today I am grateful that I am taking the time to invest in me. Aside from God, I am my greatest asset. If I don't take care of me, how will I ever do the many things I wish to accomplish in life? It's like expecting your car to keep running even though you refuse to repair it or put fuel in it. The thought process of I'll take care of me when _____ is accomplished is faulty thinking. With this thinking you'll never make it. So take care of yourself so you can reach the final destination.

Quotes to live by

"Just do the next thing you're reasonably certain Jesus wants you to do. And commit to it immediately---in the next 10 seconds---before you change your mind." ~Clare De Graaf

Attitude of Gratitude

Today I am grateful for spending the morning with my baby. I was able to just enjoy being with her, snuggling and playing without having to rush off any where.

Quotes to live by

"Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground." ~ Theodore Roosevelt

What is possible

I have started using a companion reader with my scriptures, "Verse by Verse The Book of Mormon". As I was reading the companion book I came upon a quote that got me thinking. President Ogden said, "...can't is a denial of the Holy Ghost. With God all things are possible." We are taught this in the scriptures. Like in Philippians 4:13 it says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." But even though we are taught this how many of us believe it? How many of us exercise faith in this principle? How many of us try it or test it to see if it is true?

I have spent so much of my life telling myself what I can't do that I feel trapped and boxed in. I know I have talked about this before but it has been a big issue in my forward progression and I feel the need to speak it on it again. I can't has been a major road block in my work in obtaining my dreams and living the life that I really want. I can't has left me with the choices of completely giving up or settling for less than what I truly desire. I can't has caused me to miss out on so many opportunities. I have wasted too much of my life on I can't.

I am left to wonder how much of the possibilities of my life have been wasted away on these two little words. Two words that seem so small and insignificant and yet they have such a devastating effect on life. The saddest part is that I can't has no power over me unless I choose. It is only when I choose to say "I can't" that I then give up or settle. The reality is that within the realm of what I know to be right and true, there is always something that I can do.

I say this because there are certain unalienable truths, which cannot be taken away or denied. The truth is I can't is really I don't want to or I don't think I can. There are so many things that I don't want to do but I am fully capable of doing. There is so much that I want to do but I am scared that I am not capable of doing them. And for every time that I say I can't, how often am I left feeling unsatisfied?

I believe the truth to be this. I have dreams and goals. On the way to achieving them I come across many things that I don't want to do. Every time I skirt around them I find myself going in a direction that is further away from my dream. I also come across things that I am scared I am not qualified or accomplished enough to do. I feel that I am lacking in some way and do not feel capable of doing it. I have told myself that I can't and so I give a halfhearted effort or don't try at all. Because of this I find myself further away from what I really want. It is at this point of feeling disappointed and empty that I look around and see what I will settle for to try and fill the void of what not going for the dream has left.

I want to clarify something. When I refer to "don't want to" I am not referring to things that are wrong. As in the ends justify the means. In the sphere of what is right there are things that I don't feel like doing even though I know it will get me what I want. I want to have it without the work. For instance; I want great health but I don't want to exercise or give any thought to eating habits or I want a clean house but I don't want to do my chores. You know what I mean.

I think that there is a part of me that thinks, "I am not worthy of what God says I can have or capable of being what God says I am." Because if I could see myself as God sees me, why would I ever settle for anything less than what He says is true or what He offers. If I really believed that all things are possible with God, settling or giving up would never be a consideration. I would always know that everything would work out, that I would always make the goal. I would also understand that the times I didn't succeed wouldn't be because it wasn't true. I would know it's because God has a greater vision for me than I have for myself and the times something didn't work out would only mean that God was preparing me for something greater. In these instances I wouldn't succumb to the depression of defeat but rather I would be able to keep pressing forward knowing that God was giving me something better.

These are the pondering I have had since reading this quote. I wanted to share them with you because I know that they are divinely inspired. I know it is heavenly inspiration to teach me what is possible if I exercise a little faith in the choices I am making. If I can believe enough long enough I will see the fruits of my labor through the ability to reach my dreams rather than settle or give up on them. And rather than succumbing to defeat when things don't go as plan, I can pick myself up and smile as I move forward knowing that it is only because God is giving me something better. Something that if I had known about it I would have picked it in the first place.

I know it can be a daunting task to believe when all the evidence seems contrary to what you are hoping, but it is at these times especially that you must believe with all of your heart, mind, and strength. Believe as much as you are capable of and then go past that. It is in this moment of stretching beyond what you think you can do when God sends angels and miracles happen.

I will share more about this subject in another article. I don't want to overwhelm you with too much and this has already gotten to be very long as it is. Take some time to ponder on what I have shared and see if any of it rings true for you. See if there is something that can benefit you as you move towards your own dreams. God bless you on your journey and may you be successful.

Attitude of Gratitude

I have a child that is adventurous and just keeps disappearing. It is making for an interesting summer. And so I am grateful for all of the help that is being given to me to help keep all of my children safe but especially my little Houdini.

Quotes to live by

"I feel the incredible sense of connection that comes when people share their lives with one another. To me, it's God using us to spread his love." ~ Delilah

Quotes to live by

"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." ~ E. E. Cummings

Being Afraid and Wanting to Give Up

I have been experiencing many changes inside of myself that are causing me to question everything at times and I feel like I don't have any more answers than I had before.

I have felt great and terrible. I have been filled with hope and ready to give up. Everything has been crystal clear and made absolutely no sense. I have found success and feel as though I have gained nothing. This roller coaster ride has felt so mixed up that I have not been sure of myself. And just when I was ready to throw in the towel the puzzle pieces finally began to come together in a way that I could see a vision emerge.

Several truths began to surface. Sometimes the truth can be hard to hear and we can be tempted to turn the other way. My teacher says our blessings depend on our level of defensiveness. Did I want to defend myself and be where I have always been or did I want something that only humbly listening to the truth would give me?

We have to give everything when we strive for something or we will get nothing, or at least less than what we really want. I don't want to settle anymore. I now realize that I don't give life everything I've got. I hold back just in case it won't work out. Just in case it fails or doesn't turn out. I only give what I think is safe. I only give to the point that I think I can still turn back, I can still walk away. I realized I do this out of fear because I don't want to fail, I don't want to get hurt, and I don't want to be in pain.

It seems like it makes sense, protecting myself this way. But the reality is that I am causing all of my own pain. Sure it may hurt when things don't turn out. Sure there may be pain if I fail. But the truth is there is more pain in never trying. There is more pain in always wondering "what if". There is more pain in never achieving my dreams, reaching the goal, or getting what I really want in life.

The pain it causes is feelings of hopelessness, despair, depression, fear, emptiness, despondency, doubt, being unsatisfied and incomplete. This list can go on and on. I am sure that if you have ever not given your all you know exactly what I am talking about. Something else I have learned from my teacher is this, if you give 100% in whatever you are doing even if it doesn't turn out the way you are planning you will still feel complete and satisfied. And he is right. I have done what he has suggested and it is true.

It's like a pregnant woman doing everything until it comes time for the baby to be born and then saying she's done everything and expecting the rest to work itself out exactly right with no further effort on her part. We may not realize it but this is what we are doing when we don't give 100% in life. Is it any wonder that we are unsatisfied in life?

In what ways do we hold back in life not giving our all? In what ways are we not giving it everything because we are trying to protect ourselves? What is it that we are so afraid of? Is the thought of embarrassment, humiliation, or disappointment that terrifying that we will not do whatever it takes to get what we want or be what we want in life? How long are you willing to be miserable before you are ready to do whatever it takes to get your dream?

These are the questions that have been brewing in my mind. I recently watched the movie After Earth with Will Smith. The movie trailer quote is, "Danger is real, Fear is a choice". In any pursuit there is some element of danger whether it is physical, fiscal, emotional, etc. But even though danger is real and possible, fear is a choice. Being afraid isn't something that just happens to you. Fear is a thought process. It is a part of the body's fight or flight survival mechanism. It is the body's attempt to keep you safe and alive.

Another quote from the movie that I like is, "Fear is the conscious mind searching for an answer it doesn't have." When the conscious mind feels like it can't find the answer, it feels like it is facing death. Another truth is that fear and faith cannot be in the same place at the same time. You cannot have fear and have faith, it is impossible. The thing about faith is this; faith is acting without an answer.

There is a quote from an unknown source about light, "All of the darkness cannot extinguish the smallest of lights." And so it is with faith. Just as the scriptures tells of the mustard seed. All you need is faith the size of a mustard seed to move mountains. I share this with you because it takes faith and exercising that faith to give 100% in life. It takes faith to give it your all even when you don't know the answers or can see no good reason for it.

Your conscious mind doesn't understand this which is why it is always trying to protect itself. But your soul understands this completely. Which is why you feel unsatisfied and incomplete when you hold back in life. Your soul wants to live life completely. Your soul wants to soar. It wants to play and give everything it has. To do anything less leaves your soul feeling disheartened.

I have come to realize that to live life and feel satisfied is to live life in faith. To act and trust when I don't know the answers. I have to believe that there is a purpose even if I don't know what it is. I must exercise my faith by doing what I fear. I can do my best to evaluate the danger and plan but I must trust and act on faith rather than allowing fear to keep me from what I want.

These are the baby steps I am taking; listening to my heart and doing what I know is right regardless of what others may think of me, expressing gratitude instead of complaining when things happen that I can't see the reason for, checking that I have done all that I am able to do, not stressing or giving up when things don't look like they're working out, being responsible for what I think, say and do, and being accountable for my actions and cleaning up my messes.

We aren't here just to take up space or watch someone else live their dreams. We are all here to "make manifest the glory of God" as Marianne Williamson puts it. Living the life of your dreams is not just for some of us; it is for all of us. You were meant to shine just as much as anyone else. How long will you dim your light before you give yourself permission to be the star that you are?

I say it is high time we lit up the world with the magnificence of who we are. I for one am going to do just that. I am tired of feeling small and insignificant. I am ready to be big, bright and beautiful. I am going to make messes, embarrass myself, and do any number of awkward things that are out of my comfort zone. I didn't come here to be comfortable; I am here to be amazing. I have spent too much time watching life; I am going to live life to its fullest. I hope you find a way to do the same. God bless you.

Quotes to live by

"I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she should just go ahead and be one." ~ Calamity Jane

Lions, Tigers, and Bears Oh My!

Between summer vacation, school, birthdays, and illnesses I have been busier than a three legged cat in a litter box as my husband likes to say. I have been caught up in a lot of personal growth and pain. Growing pains hurt and I would prefer not to have to experience them but at the same time I want the change that they bring. I know there is a way through the pain to the goal, it just hurts really bad.

I know that I can do it and it is possible. It's just hard to believe all the time when it I feel the way I feel. I have lots I want to write about and share with you. I appreciate your patience as I have been away so long. Thank you for coming back and checking to see what's new. I am excited to share my aha's and my tears so that maybe you can find some hope and help for your own experiences.

God bless you to know that you can do it too.

Quotes to live by

"Wherever thou art, that is home." ~ Emily Dickinson

Quotes to live by

"Pray, hope, don't worry." ~ Saint Padre Pio

Quotes to live by

"Not knowing when the dawn will come, I open every door." ~ Emily Dickinson

Quotes to live by

"I'm so glad you're here. It helps me realize how beautiful my world is." ~ Rainer Maria Rilke

Quotes to live by

"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

I wanna see you be brave

I came across this song and I wanted to share it with you. Take some time to give yourself more credit for what you have been doing. Acknowledge your ability to be brave for all that you have accomplished.

I wanna see you be brave by Sara Bareilles

You can be amazing
You can turn a phrase into a weapon or a drug
You can be the outcast
Or be the backlash of somebody's lack of love
Or you can start speaking up
Nothing's gonna hurt you the way that words do
And they settle 'neath your skin
Kept on the inside and no sunlight
Sometimes a shadow wins
But I wonder what would happen if you

Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave

With what you want to say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave

I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I wanna see you be brave

I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I wanna see you be brave

Everybody's been there, everybody's been stared down
By the enemy
Fallen for the fear and done some disappearing
Bow down to the mighty
Don't run, stop holding your tongue
Maybe there's a way out of the cage where you live
Maybe one of these days you can let the light in
Show me how big your brave is

Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave

With what you want to say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave

Innocence, your history of silence
Won't do you any good
Did you think it would?
Let your words be anything but empty
Why don't you tell them the truth?

Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave

With what you want to say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave

I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you be brave

I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you be brave

I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you be brave

I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you be brave   

Quotes to live by

"If you love, you get love back, and that's just a simple basic truth. If you are loved, it is because you love. It's like a mirror. We get back what we give out." ~ Debbie Macomber

Finding patience and being able to forgive

Today I learned to understand forgiveness and patience a little better. I offered my children the opportunity to go and do something fun when they finished their chores. Instead of getting their chores done so they could go have a great time they decided to bicker, fight, complain, procrastinate and everything else that kept them from having what they wanted.

I would usually become angry with them and try to encourage them to get the work done. Encouragement would start with positive things and then gradually become threats. Needless to say I would stress myself out and only end up contributing to their chaos. The phrase "forgive them for they know not what they do" Jesus said in the scriptures came to mind. Followed by a quote from Maya Angelou, "You did what you knew how to do, when you knew better you did better."

I am only going to use this in the context of the experience of interacting with and watching my children's behavior. However, I do feel what I am going to share can apply to more and even deeper interactions between people. Also what I share is not to excuse their or anyone else's behavior or say they should be exempt from consequences. I share it to help find the patience and ability to forgive within yourself when you might otherwise not be able to.

My children are feeling things that are overwhelming them. They are feeling feelings and experiencing thoughts that they don't know what to do about and so they react, doing what they think might work to deal with what is happening to them. They are reacting out of anger, frustration, fear, etc. They do what they see as well. Being an imperfect person, as much as it pains me to admit it, I have yelled, lost my temper, and done other things that did not set a good example. I also haven't taken the time to truly show them how to make choices when they are experiencing moments like this. Most of the time I get upset and give consequences rather than giving them skills to cope and make better choices.

In other words to one degree or another, they know not what they do. And what they choose to do, they are doing because they think it will work for them. Even if what they do makes no sense, is illogical, and clearly looks irrational, somewhere their mind thinks it makes total sense. Right now they are doing what they know how to do. When they are given better skills, they will do better.

Looking at my children, their choices, and their behavior through this perspective helped me not to get caught up in the drama. In fact it helped me to find some humor in it. Like when one of my sons decided he wasn't going to do his work because he didn't want his brother to be able to "get rewarded" since he felt he had been mean to him. He didn't care that it also meant he wouldn't be able to go as well. Like I said, not logical and totally irrational.

It is also helping me to be patient and forgiving with myself. I often find myself reacting to my children's behavior. I exert patience that most of the time really isn't patience but thinly veiled irritation. I fuss at them, complain about their antics, I yell at them, I slam doors, I get angry and threaten them, etc. All of this in an effort to "encourage" them to change their own behavior and make better choices.

We joke about children not coming with instruction manuals when they are born but it really is the truth. And just because we have become parents doesn't mean we instantly know how and what to do in every situation. I was never taught how to be a mom and am only able to follow the examples I was given by people who struggled to be parents as much as I am now. I am doing the best I know how to do when I don't really know what to do at all.

So maybe it's time to put down the weapons of criticism and justification and take up the tools of patience and forgiveness. Instead of criticizing ourselves for our short comings and extending that gift to others, we might find better results if we can be patient with our mistakes and forgive ourselves. A mistake is nothing more than an opportunity to learn or teach. A mistake simply shows you what doesn't work. When you see that it doesn't work simply move on to another strategy that can work. You keep doing that until you succeed. Nothing more, it's that easy or at least it can be that simple and easy.

Is there someone in your life who would benefit from the patience and forgiveness you can offer from this viewpoint? Maybe that person is you. In either case I know that this is a life changing perspective if you choose to see it that way.

Attitude of Gratitude

Today I was able to live from the attitude of understanding that no one can make me upset or take my happiness from me. It is one of the best gifts I have ever given myself.

I wish for you to give yourself this gift so you can experience the kind of happiness that is not at the whim of what happens but is rooted in your heart regardless of life's circumstances.

Quotes to live by

"She took a leap of faith and grew her wings on the way down." ~ Unknown Author

Impressions of the heart

I wrote a poem that I wanted to share with you. I was very full of emotion and wanted to convey my feelings. This was what I created to express the moment I was having. Have you ever felt this way? Maybe feeling this way opens up opportunities to create something you wouldn't have otherwise been inspired to.


Words, words, words

I am full of words

My heart yearns

It burns to convey its feelings

Beyond the slow and clumsy confines of words

For words cannot begin to express this fire that burns within

And yet it is all I have available to me at the moment

So words must do

To try and express what words can only aspire to be

Impressions of the heart

Quotes to live by

"God can turn your disappointments into his appointments." ~ Beth Bankemper

What beautiful means to me

I have gotten a personal coach to help me achieve my dreams and I am taking his classes. During one of his classes he asked us a question. This question sparked in me an introspection and reflection about myself and what I want. This whole dream chasing journey has been the craziest roller coaster ride. Did I mention I don't like roller coasters. It has been fraught with emotion and upsets. It has been full of change and inspiration. I have had success and have made mistakes and messes. It has been confusing and enlightening.

Needless to say there have been moments of doubt when I was ready to quit and moments when I couldn't wait for the next step. This reflection helped me to understand some things that I wanted to share with you and leads me to ask you, "What word represents what you are hoping to experience or feel from obtaining your dream?"

 

Last week during the Manifesting Money class you asked us what word represented what we were hoping to experience or feel from going to the Awakening. The first word that came to my mind was beautiful. I felt a little perplexed by it at first but as I have thought about it I understand why it is exactly the right word for me. But it’s not the meaning of beautiful that first comes to mind and may not be in anyone else’s definition of it but my own.

When beautiful came to mind I realized the most beautiful things to me are clean and pure and have an ethereal quality about them. Ethereal being extremely delicate and light in a way that seems to perfect for this world; being of perfect spirit. The most beautiful things can touch the inner most part of a heart and move it to the light, to the best aspects of humanity, to the deepest level of love, gratitude, and healing unlike anything else. It can touch the hardest of hearts that no other thing can reach. It breaches the darkest fears and leaves a trail of hope in its place.

The most beautiful things are seen and heard and move and inspire people to step into the best part of themselves for however brief or long they are willing to be there. In that one moment of contact it touches them in a way that leaves them changed forever. The most beautiful things are counted as precious, cherished, and respected. Because of this they are protected and kept safe at all costs. They are looked up to and looked towards as a means of inspiration, hope, and guidance. They are the light in the darkness that threatens to swallow you up. They are the beacon to look to for direction and support. They are what you hold tight to when everything is wrong and what carries you through to the other side to reach safety.

The most beautiful things are what make the tears bearable and the pain tolerable. They are the balm of Gilead that soothes the weary soul and makes it possible to continue the journey. They are the best and most amazing things in humanity. They are the whisperings of heaven that have floated down to earth and have chosen to remain and inspire humanity to a higher standard of existence and a purer way of being. And for all of the strength and power they have available to communicate, they do it with all of the tenderness and gentility of a newborn baby. They are the sweetest things and because of this evoke deep love, trust, and respect from those that see and witness them.

This is what beautiful means to me and what I wish to experience with all of my heart and soul to the deepest part of me. It is what I fear may never be possible in my life time. It is what inspires me and feels just out of reach no matter how hard I work, how much I give, or whatever I might do in order to receive it. I feel as a bleak Don Quixote reaching for the unreachable star; never to obtain it and never feeling whole or complete without it.

In the desperate need to feel whole I can never quit trying and am left in a vicious cycle that I can never get out of because I can’t walk away until I have obtained it and yet it is unattainable; even if it just feels that way. I feel Einstein’s definition of insanity, “doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results”, smacking against my forehead telling me to give it up and as much as I want to I cannot. And so it leaves a gapping whole that I cannot possibly hope to fill and is consuming my life to the point that I do not feel like I have a life.

A part of me feels that making any other efforts to heal this after everything else I have done would be pointless. And yet, hope remains. For as many times as I have been shoved down, pushed over, and knocked out; I cannot walk away. Each time something in me whispers to get back up, give it another shot, and try one more time.

It feels like madness to step one foot in this direction as the fear threatens this may be my greatest disappointment of all. And yet my heart beats with the inextinguishable hope that this may finally be the moment I have been dreaming of all along. This may be it; the time when it finally works and everything comes together in my favor and I get what I want, what I have been working for all this time.

 I cannot say if I am Einstein’s definition of insanity and I have finally gone completely insane or if I have finally fought my way to sanity’s shore and am witnessing a new dawn on the horizon. In either case, there is something inside of me that just won’t let me quit and I know that I will have to see the journey to its final destination where ever that may lead. I can only pray that it is what my heart has been hoping for all along and the dream is finally able to be realized.

Attitude of Gratitude

Today I am grateful for the privilege of being a good friend. I had the opportunity to be the kind of friend I would like to have as Tim McGraw says in one of his songs. I love knowing that someone trusts me enough to share what matters most to them, to be vulnerable and let me see their pain, and feel safe that it is in confidence.

Is there someone who could benefit from you being their friend and the special gifts you have to offer?

Quotes to live by

"Remember, happiness doesn't depend on who you are or what you have; it depends solely on what you think." ~ Dale Carnegie

Motivation for Inspiration

A dream is only over when you say it is. If you believe then all things are possible. It may simply require a change in perspective but it can be done. Here is a man who did just that.

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/golf/09/30/Blind.golf.jeremy.poincenot/index.html

Course Correction

It has been busy, busy, busy around here. School is winding down for my children but it is very hectic for me. Every time I think I might write, something keeps me busy. I wanted to write this two weeks ago but now must be the better time for it because now is when I have been able to do it.

With all of the activity going on I feel like I haven't had an opportunity to catch my breath. It has been exciting to learn and grow. It's even more exciting watching my life change. The changes are amazing but not always easy. Some of them have been very hard to say the least. Every growth spurt has been preceded by growing pains. In some cases the growing pains were pretty intense. In spite of the pain and the hard things I have had to experience, I wouldn't change anything. I am so incredibly grateful for the experiences and the blessings that they have brought to me.

Even though I am grateful and proud of myself for moving forward it has brought up some questions. Do I still want the same dream or has it changed? Am I on the path that will best help me get to my dream? Am I really moving forward or am I spinning my wheels and keeping busy so that I am not acknowledging that I am not moving forward? Are the things that I am doing really serving me? Do any of these questions sound familiar?

At the beginning of the year when I started this I focused on a dream that I wanted. Life began to unfold and show me a way to my dream. It has been like Hansel and Gretel following bread crumbs. It has been full of excitement and wrought with challenges. Recently as I have been pondering on my journey and asking myself these questions I had an idea. When we are going on a road trip do we only look at the map once when we first start our journey or do we refer to it throughout the whole trip to make sure that we stay on course and arrive at the correct destination?

Starting a journey, any journey, can be exciting and full of challenges. A journey to obtain your dream is just as exciting and just as challenging. It requires just as much attention to where you are and where you are going. If you are chasing your dream right now, when is the last time you checked in to see if you are still on course? Does the dream need adjusting or tweaking? Do you need to take some time to refocus?

Remember that course correction doesn't mean failure. Like the stereo type about men who won't stop and ask for directions because they don't want to appear incapable. Think of yourself as the smart woman who doesn't want to get lost or needlessly drive around for hours on end. Just like that woman you simply want to make sure that you arrive at your destination safe, sound and hopefully on time.

Like my mother has told me; an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So take the time to check in with yourself and see how things are going. Be honest with yourself because it will only cost you if you're not. It isn't about beating yourself up. It is simply about finding the way that will help you get what you want, your dream. God bless you and good luck.

Attitude of Gratitude

Today I am grateful for having the opportunity to discover what I want. Not the things that I was told to want by others, but what I really want. The things that make my heart sing and put a smile on my face just because.

Is there something that you haven't even let yourself want because you are worried what others will think? Maybe it's time to go after it anyway.

Quotes to live by

"The greatest thing she learned is that there's no way to be a perfect mother, but a million ways to be a good one." ~ Unknown Author

Attitude of Gratitude

Today I put aside my business and played with my 4 year old. It was great to listen to him giggle and get excited about what we were doing.

Is there someon who could benefit from you taking a break and being fully present with them?

Quotes to live by

 "No one can offend you without your permission." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Attitude of Gratitude

Today I am grateful that I took the time to really pay attention and listen to my teenage daughter. Sometimes it can be hard to move past some of the issues that have caused hurt feelings but when I do, I find I enjoy being with her more.

Quotes to live by

"All that is visible must grow beyond itself, and extend into the realm of the invisible." ~ TRON, Dumont

Focus

Focus can mean the difference between standing and being knocked on your arse. I have been going to classes since February. I have been learning about intention, direction, fear, love, and much more. I have had success and more upsets than I care to count. I have felt repeatedly frustrated and then I get a breather only to be dragged down into the chaos once more. I began to seriously wonder what the he double hockey sticks was going on here.

Every time I thought I was getting to higher ground and able to start taking in the new and better surroundings, it felt like the carpet was being pulled from under me and I was right back where I started from. Ugh! Have you been feeling this too as you have worked to move forward in the direction of your dream?

Thank God I didn't just give up, give in, turn around, and put up the "I surrender" sign yet. I know that the things I have been learning are true and that they work. I know that there is purpose even in this moment of ultimate frustration, doubt, and complete turbulence. I know that there is a way if I but keep believing. And then I opened an email that I had received a few weeks ago but hadn't gotten around to reading yet. It is in moments like this that it is confirmed to me that I have a loving Father in heaven who is completely aware of me and what I need and just what the perfect time for everything in my life is.

This email came from Leslie Householder author of "The Jackrabbit Factor" and "Portal to Genius". I love the wisdom and insight she has. I am grateful that she had the experience she had and then the insight to share the learned wisdom with others, me. My life has been blessed and uplifted because of her acting and doing what she feels she is guided to do. I am grateful and have gained a renewed faith that I can keep moving forward knowing that all will work out for me in the end if I but keep my focus.

Here is the article. I hope you find it as enlightening and beneficial as I have. God bless and keep pressing forward, you can do it!

http://www.positivethinkingtips.org/strange-surfer-wisdom/?inf_contact_key=f1f5ebb97f78417dae2658f7f722a79bdcb04516a64e1c353ab50e58014a633f

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful to celebrate another birthday with my son. He is on his way to becoming a young man. I am so proud of him and excited for him.

Quotes to live by

"In the end the difference between success and failure can be defined in one word, perserverance." ~ Misty

Inspiration for Motivation

Have you ever felt like you were different, not the same as everyone else? Have you ever felt that you couldn't do something because you were different? Well being different is only bad if you choose to see it that way. Maybe you are different for a reason. A reason that will only be shown to you when you choose to do what you love and your heart dreams of any way. Here is someone who does what they love and doesn't worry about what others think.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QptjwDuXhHU

Withdrawing from the pain

I have been seeing a chiropractor lately to help me recover my health from the pain that I had developed from my pregnancy last year. I had been going to physical therapy but felt that even though it was giving me some relief it was more like a band aid than actual healing.

Since I have been seeing the chiropractor I have seen a vast improvement in the return or my health. Healing is an internal process that sometimes may need some outside assistance depending on the balance or lack of balance within the body. As I shared my excitement and gratitude with my chiropractor's assistants, they asked me to write a testimonial. Writing the testimonial has brought some realizations that I want to share with you. I am including an excerpt of the insights and aha's I have come upon.

But the greatest healing I received was something I didn’t even know that I needed. As I have been healing and experiencing improvement in the returned health and strength of my body I have also seen an improved mental and emotional balance and wellbeing as well.

It wasn’t until I started feeling physically better that I realized how much of a mental and emotional toll the pain was costing me. I am by nature a light hearted, caring, and outgoing person. I hadn’t realized that with this experience of prolonged intense pain that I had turned inward so much. I was increasingly moody, irritable, impatient, annoyed, angry, short tempered, exhausted, unsympathetic, and withdrawn. This is just a little of the negativity I was experiencing. It wasn’t that I wanted to feel or be negative but I believe it’s more of a self-protection mechanism like that of a turtle. When you are experiencing intense pain for prolonged periods of time you may unconsciously feel the only way to survive is to withdraw from feeling and become numb.

However, you are not only withdrawing from feeling pain but everything else as well. Withdrawing from feeling and being numb is in essence a form of depression. This translated to me smiling and laughing less, being less engaged with others, becoming complacent and distracted, being defensive and aggressive with others, not being fully present in my life, and building up resentments. As excited as I am to feel better physically, I am ecstatic to feel like myself again.

Now I want to smile and laugh. I want to play and have fun. I want to be around other people and enjoy it. Life is exciting and full of possibilities once more. I feel I have regained my balance and the symphony of who I am is back in full swing. I have reconnected with the things I love and feel passionate about sharing them. I am able to enjoy life again and am eager to live my life rather than be a by stander in it and watch as it passes by. For all of this I am extremely grateful.

As grateful for help with my healing as I am, I know that I wouldn't have gotten as much out of it if I hadn't made some key choices. I first had to decide that I wanted to be here and feel even if it meant being in pain and hurting. I had to commit to myself and my healing. That meant not settling and finding the solutions I needed and wanted. It meant taking the opportunities when they presented themselves and acting on the things I felt impressed to do in spite of what others said. It meant asking for and accepting the help I wanted. And it meant not giving excuses and accepting accountability for myself and my choices.

I know that I have talked about pain before but I didn't quite understand just how much physical pain can completely change a person's outlook on life if we let it. In my case I withdrew from feeling, while I have seen others embrace the experience and allow it to change their outlook into a more compassionate and loving perspective of life and their relationship in it. Even though my initial reaction was not in this direction, I have found that my perspective has now turned in this way as well.

I now work to look at everyone through this new perspective that maybe I don't know the whole story and so I give more freely and take less offense. I have decided to take accountability for the way I feel and what I am seeing in my daily interactions. I have chosen to see that maybe compassion and love may be a better action than that of reacting out of fear, anger, and misunderstanding. This is just one of the aha's I have learned from my experience and is just the tip of the iceberg.

Pain is hard and it can be difficult to bear, especially at its worst. However, even though it hurts and is hard it can be a teacher and a means of bringing great change if we choose. Ultimately that is the determining factor in anything in our lives, choice. We can choose to see it as too hard to bear, be fearful and afraid, withdraw and become disconnected, become critical and complaining, or all of the above. I am not saying that choosing to react in these ways is a bad thing. This is exactly what I did.

What I am saying is if you have the chance to become aware that there is another choice, a better one, one that can help you achieve what you want, make it. Don't let the pain, the fear, the obstacle, the stumbling block, etc. be the determining factor. Don't let them get in the way or become an excuse not to have what you really want in life. Be fearless and allow those things to be the teachers they really are so you can see with a fresher perspective than before.

Attitude of Gratitude

Today I am grateful for my husband. My husband is someone who supports me and helps me in life. He is my best friend. He is everything I have ever wanted in a companion and more. Having him in my life has helped me grow and become a better person. He has helped me have bigger and better dreams and actually feel like I can have them. I am even more grateful now because I was once so ungrateful that I was allowing our relationship to deteriorate.

Maybe you have a spouse that makes you feel the same way. Maybe you have one that you wish were different. Maybe you just wish that you had one. Where ever you are in life in any relationship try and find a measure of gratitude. The amount of gratitude you feel will be a reflection of the success of the relationship or your ability to receive one. It will also help you determine if it's the right one for you.

Quotes to live by

"As you begin to fight for yourself, you have begun to fight for all of civilization and all of mankind." ~ Unknown Author

Attitude of Gratitude

Today I am grateful that I have learned some new skills to help me be a better communicator. I have learned how to listen to myself and talk to myself so I am seeing the positive results I want in my life and less of the hiccups.

Yes, I talk to myself. I do it all the time, only occasionally is it out loud. Our internal dialogue is a very real thing and it is very important. It determines our happiness and success in life. Take some time today and see how you are talking to yourself. Are you being kind or are you being mean to yourself?

If you are being kind, great. See how much more you can love yourself and further grow the happiness and success you have in life. If you are being mean, I suggest you take the time to start developing a nurturing relationship with yourself so you can start having the life of your dreams.

Quotes to live by

"When you think you're really beat, that's the time to lift your feet." ~ Follow Me Boys

Motivation for Inspiration

If you are having a moment where you feel like you might not be worth the effort any more; I am here to tell you you are. When you feel like giving up or giving in, go ahead and rest but get back up and try again. You are worth the effort and your deserve it. It is only too late if you decide it is.

This is the story of someone that some may have considered to be beyond saving or taking too much effort to save. But there were some who believed she was worth it.

http://www.seewinter.com/explore-cma/animals/dolphins/winter