Remembering 2016

Where Did 2016 Go?  So, It Is Already July 1, 2017?

Here We Go Again! 

This picture was taken in 2016.  The butterfly flew in giving us a moment to catch our breath and just enjoy the wonder of nature.  We were able to slow down for a minute and just enjoy this special moment. We were able to breathe for a few minutes and relax.

Why oh why do we have to be so busy that we hardly can catch our breath!  We had one of those years where every week seemed to overload us with things to do. It was as if we felt the need to push ourselves in a pace that kept us away from thinking about anything but hurry, hurry, hurry.....time is passing.  Is it possible to be so busy, that you speed up time and make it go faster?  When I look back on 2016 I feel like it all was a blur!  Mind you, it was a good blur, but maybe, just maybe we need to always fill our time with just enjoying what comes, instead of planning every minute!

We have our memories of 2016 all in picture albums, which we occasionally look through, just to see what we did.  That should reveal something. Just a year ago, we did so much, saw so much, and drove so much that our minds have been overwhelmed.  What makes us think that we need to build a bulging portfolio for our lives? What makes us think that adding down time will somehow make our lives less special?

Here is the funny thing, our life is just as busy in 2017, and it does not look like it is going to slow down in 2018.  When will we learn?  I just pray when downtime comes, I stop and smell the roses, because those times may be the sweetest of all!

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July

Every 4th of July, I think about our nation and the history it represents.  I have never believed that our country or any other country can look back at its history and say there were not hardships, sacrifices or even moments of disappointment.  What I do believe is that every citizen in the U.S.A. needs to realize that we can learn from our mistakes and try to embrace all that makes our country wonderful.  We should not try to change history, but move forward, learning from our past as we go.  Our history, whether positive or negative is why we are who we are.  

On the news recently, we have seen celebrities who have been ashamed of their ancestor's past and try to conceal it out of embarrassment.  It is what it is.  It is part of who we are.  Someone asked me once if there was anything I would change about my past if I could.  I said, "No,  because all of who I am is made up of every positive or negative thing I have ever done".  If I have not learned from the things I regret, then I am the one to shame, not because of the wrong thing I did, but because I continued to live in the past, not learning from my mistakes.  You cannot hide yourself from your past, but allow yourself to learn, improve, and never let your past dictate who you are now.  

History is just a second behind us.  Instead of trying to change history, why not try to improve the

future. Ask yourself if you are part of the problem, or part of the solution. How can you make life better? How can each of us make our country better? I love this country, but it is time to move on toward a better future!

The Mountains Hold My Heart

June 2015

My heart is meant to be in the mountains. There is just something that awakens the soul when you gaze out and see the majestic beauty of the mountains. Maybe it is being surrounded by something so much bigger than ourselves that helps us understand that we are blessed no matter how insignificant we feel at times throughout our lives. Sometimes I think we spend so much time looking into ourselves and concentrating on what we do not have, that we forget to see the unbelievable beauty and blessings that are right there in front of us. 

The Perfect Marriage

The Perfect Marriage
June 21, 2014

Forty years ago tonight, my husband and I were married.  We have been challenged by life, just as everyone is challenged. And, no, we have not had the "perfect" marriage.  We have overcome obstacles that we felt at the time were too hard to accept, but somehow we moved forward.  Somehow, we continued to try.  Somehow, we continued to hope.

Something we have learned over the years is life will never be perfect, but in its non-perfection we have been able to accept the things we could not change, and learn from our mistakes.  We also have learned that some things that happen in your life can be effected by the actions of others.  We can only take responsibility for our actions and do what we feel is right.  The actions of others is solely based on what they choose to do.  We can not be responsible for the actions of others.

We are happy to have made 40 years together and although there are still obstacles and challenges, we (together) are moving forward.  We are giving our challenges made by others to God, rather than trying to fix situations that are not ours to fix.  In a world where so many people give up when life gives you more than you think you can handle, we still have faith.  We still have hope.  We continue to move forward.  No, not a perfect marriage, but we are trying!  Yes...we made it to 40 years.  I would say that is pretty impressive! Here's to us!

Embracing Spring - GodVine

 

The following story comes from GodVine.  It was the perfect story to wake up and find, as it is full of hope and beauty.  The writer helps you feel the awakening of Spring, not only with a view of the changing season, but with the hope of a changed future and a better life and renewal of mind, body and soul.

Embracing Spring

After a long, cold, and rough Winter I am patiently counting the days now until Spring arrives here in the mountains of my home. It will be so glorious to see the rebirth of the world once again. Soon the first dandelion will cautiously poke its head through the ground to delight in the newly warm air. Soon the Apple, Dogwood, and Cherry trees will awaken and fill their limbs with brilliant and fragrant blossoms. Soon the mountains will turn a thousand shades of green as the leaves appear and every glance at them will bring a smile to my face. Soon the meadows will be full of fresh, new grass that will an inviting carpet for any barefoot child to walk on. Soon the skies will be full of returning birds and their Heavenly songs will make my heart sing as well. Soon the gentle breezes will carry the dance of the butterflies as they float happily from flower to flower. Soon the beautiful sounds of talking neighbors, laughing teenagers, and playing children will fill the air as everyone ventures out to enjoy the mild temperatures and golden sunshine.

When those days get here I will embrace them with all of my heart, soul, and mind. I will look to the Heavens as well and thank God for once again bringing new life to this world. Most of all, though, I will seek out the Springtime within myself and continue to share it with everyone I meet.

You see, God blesses the world with Spring once a year but blesses us with Spring everyday of our lives. Each time we pray, share our love, spread our joy, stop to help another, or do a single act of kindness it is once again Springtime in our souls. Embrace the Springtime in within you then no matter what the season. Live from the eternal Spring of life, goodness, and love that God gives you and help Him renew this world each and everyday. Spring is the season of new life. May your Springtime last forever.

 GodVine