What I've learned in 2014

  The older I get, the more I reflect on the passing of each year. I find myself enjoying the little moments more than I did when my kids were little. Life was so rushed then and I know I failed to stop and enjoy everything like I should have. Now I have a senior in the house and I am soaking up each and every single minute.
   I learned a lot about myself this past year. I've learned how to let go, although I'm still working on letting go of all things. I've checked a few things off the list, so it's progress! I've learned I cannot make people like me. They either do or don't and the reason for not liking me is none of my concern. Heck, I don't like everyone and shouldn't be offended if someone doesn't like me. There are times I don't like myself too much!
   I've learned not to spend too much time stressing over things I cannot change. This one has been very tough. Very, very, very tough. Did I mention tough? I still struggle with it from time to time, but learning this one has really helped me grow into a better person. Closer to the person I want to be. We're all a work in progress, right?
   I've learned friendships take work, no matter how old we get. We all have those friends we just automatically click with and things always seem perfect. We all have those friendships where it's just a bit more difficult, but there's a level of mutual respect that makes it worthwhile. We don't have to enjoy the same things to be friends, we only have to be there. For whatever they need us. I've also learned there are topics you should never discuss if you want the friendship to flourish. It's not about who is right or wrong, it's about respecting differences.
   I've learned hard work actually pays off. Mind you, there were times this year I began to wonder if anyone really noticed what I was doing. One example is my blog. I'd make a post that really resonated deep in my heart and I just knew it was going to make a difference to someone. People would "like" my blog link on Facebook, but I spent time wondering if the words really hit someone like I intended. Right when I felt like giving up my blog, I found a couple of emails from strangers or messages from friends. It's a great feeling knowing your words have touched someone's heart.
   I've learned after 25 years of marriage, it still takes work. I thought somehow 25 would be the magic year when everything suddenly became perfect. After renewing our vows, I just knew we'd never have a disagreement again. Ever. I quickly snapped out of that thought! Marriage takes work and pushing it to the side thinking it doesn't is a big mistake.
   I've learned I'm not as emotionally tough as I once thought. When my daughter started her senior year in the fall, I made it without shedding a single tear. However, over the past two months, I've found myself shedding a tear (or two...or two hundred) when I look at my daughter and realize this girl is about to spread her wings and fly. My tears are more selfish than anything else. I'll miss her, but know it's what is supposed to happen. (When I said I'd learn to let go of things at the beginning of my blog, I wasn't referring to my daughter...my baby girl!)
   I've learned forgiveness is vital to a good life. Bitterness and resentment are poison to the soul. There's a heaviness to your heart when you don't allow yourself to forgive others. Once you forgive, you immediately feel lifted of the burden. Forgiveness doesn't heal broken relationships, but it allows you to close that chapter in your life.
   I've learned being silly is fun, making people laugh makes me happy and being kind has blessed me more than I could ever imagine. I've learned to listen more and talk less. I've learned to stand strong in my faith and I've learned not everyone believes the way I do. While that is very difficult for me to understand, I've learned the best thing to do is love them anyway. I've learned I'm not very lovable at times and am thankful for the people who love me despite those times.
   I've learned I can check things off my bucket list, but it takes effort. I've learned (well, I'm beginning to learn) to love myself a bit more, to stop being so hard on myself and to stop comparing myself with others. I'm who I am for a reason and I'm looking forward to seeing what 2015 has in store for me.
   I wish you all a year full of blessings, happiness and joy beyond imagine.
  God Bless and thanks for reading!

Heart of a champion

   Watching sports, you can always tell the player who has a lot of heart. The player who doesn't know the meaning of the word quit. The player who most of the time isn't the best athlete, but competes like they are. All these are what I see as traits of a champion.
   I have the privilege of knowing a young man with the biggest heart of anyone I've ever known. He always has a smile on his face and he has a lot of friends. I had the pleasure of writing a story for our paper about Colby two times. The first time was in March and he talked about his dream of one day going to Vegas and riding bulls. The second time was on Monday of this week after he got home from Vegas. Yep, he made it. In just nine short months, he was making his dreams come true!
   Colby was born with a condition which has caused him physical limitations his entire life, although someone forgot to tell Colby he had limitations. Though he be little, he's one fierce young man. His passion, energy and attitude are so contagious.
   I have a few dreams that are written down in a book. They are things I "hope" to do one day. You know what I've done to make those dreams come true? Write them in a book. That's it. They have stayed in that book and will until I act on them. Writing dreams down will not make them come true.
   Colby should tour the country (when he's not riding bulls) and give inspirational speeches. I promise you, you will not meet another person who makes you believe in yourself. Who makes you believe anything is possible. Who makes you believe in God's plan for our lives.
   My life is richer just by knowing him and seeing him succeed. Colby is not surprised at all by his success, he believed all along he could do anything he wanted to do.
   I am looking forward to seeing what else God has in store for this phenomenal young man. I, for one, know limitations only exist if we allow them to. 
   You can find Colby on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/bullrider259?ref=br_tf 
  

My Christmas Top 5

   I could have made a Christmas Top 100 list, but I thought I would stick with ten! Here are the top five things I love most about Christmas.

1. The meaning. A baby born in a stable who would become the light of the world. A baby who would one day give his life for a world full of sinners. The most amazing gift of all.
2. I could sit in my den and look at our Christmas tree for hours. There is something so peaceful about sitting in a room with nothing but the glowing lights of the Christmas tree.
3. I get to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" and no matter how many times I've watched it, I cry every single time Harry Bailey gives the toast, "To my big brother George, the richest man in town." If you want a life lesson in humility, thankfulness and how important you are to someone...it's a must see!
4. Traditions. I am big on traditions and love the ones that come along with Christmas. Hanging lights, stockings, leaving cookies and milk for Santa and reading "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" to little kids. Although I haven't done that one in a while, the memory is embedded in my mind every single year.
5. Music. Oh, how music soothes the soul and Christmas music is one of my all time favorites. The traditional songs take me back to being a little girl. You will never forget the excitement during the Christmas season from when you were a kid. I like to think we are all kids at heart and still have that same excitement.

The World Needs More You

  

For my birthday, one of my closest friends gave me this card with a very sweet letter on the back. I'm not going to lie...her letter made me tear up a bit. I was humbled by her words and my heart felt full.
   As I sat and looked at the front of the card, I began thinking about all the people in my community who the world could use more of. People who make a difference in others lives each and every day. People who do what they do because they have a heart for service. I truly believe every person has a gift to give the world. Can you imagine what would happen if we all decided to use those gifts we've been given?

   Here is my list of people who the world needs more of:

1. Trey and Lea Morgan - Their stronger marriage workshops are changing lives. I've read comments where people wanted to give up on their marriage until they attended one of Trey and Lea's sessions. I enjoy keeping up with what they are doing on Facebook and their advice has helped in my own marriage. Thanks to the both of you for showing others marriage does take work, but the benefits far outweigh the little "bumps" along the road.

2. Shelly Preston - This woman has a huge passion for her community. She does not like being in the "limelight" at all, but she is a worker! She (along with countless others) have dedicated themselves to saving our theater. It's a daunting task. I walked in the empty building one day and was overwhelmed at the work to be done, but her vision made me see it differently. Little by little....she's working and not giving up!

3. Marsha Meacham - I believe you have to have a calling to be the principal at a junior high school! It's a tough age. Elementary kids are cute and always loveable. High school kids are more mature and have a lot going on. Junior High is a group that is just in the middle, but Marsha loves each and every one of her kids like they are her own. She is supportive, encouraging and full of pride for her kids and staff. She's a true blessing in the lives of those kids!

4. Nancy Simpson - Words cannot express what an amazing woman, friend, mother and wife Nancy is. I'm blessed to call her my neighbor and friend. She is one of the most prayerful women I've ever known. I've stood in my front yard and listened to her pray for others. Families in need, individuals going through tough situations and everyone in between. She would do anything in the world for you and I've never heard her say a negative word about anyone.

   There are so many more people who the world needs more of! Who comes to your mind?

Finding good role models and it's not the Kardashians!

   Most everyone on the planet has heard of the Kardashian clan. Love 'em or hate 'em...they are a household name.
   All I've been reading the past week is about Kim Kardashian was trying to "break the Internet" when pictures of her were posted on the Internet. Wow...nude celebrity pictures, there's a first.
   To be fair, I've watched "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" a few times. Mainly due to the fact I was curious as to what the buzz was all about with this family. My first impression was they like the f-word and are oftentimes crude in their behavior. To each his own, right? I began looking into how this family became so famous. From sex-tape videos to outlandish behavior, this family is famous because America has made them famous! Their reality show garners millions of viewers each week and there is something about "keeping up" with this family that has Americans wanting more.
   Personally, I don't care how they became famous, I don't care how they earn their money, I don't care about their marriages, divorces, careers, etc. I'm not going to launch a public lynching of Kim for her recent decision to post her pictures because I don't care. I've heard people up in arms about how she is not a role model to young girls. DUH! What person in their right mind would even suggest she is a role model to young girls? She's an entertainer. Pure and simple.
   Instead of throwing a fit she isn't a role model, how about suggesting more appropriate role models for our daughters? I, for one, know of several teachers I would love for my daughter to look up to. I know of several business women in the community who have worked hard to be successful. Women in my church and women in the community would also serve as perfect role models. They might not drive a Rolls Royce, have diamonds on every finger, or be the most beautiful person on the planet, but they exhibit what I want my daughter to emulate.
   We need to stop making young girls feel like outside beauty and "sex appeal" is what makes them valuable. Remember, those things are fleeting. Unless of course you have a world renowned plastic surgeon on speed dial for the rest of your life. We need to start encouraging young girls to do their very best at what makes them happy. From being a doctor to a stay-at-home mom....just be who you are and do what makes you happy! They will never find happiness trying to be like the Kardashians. They will never find their Prince Charming dressing like them or taking their clothes off for a photo shoot. They may find plenty of boys who only want them for sex, but they will never find the one man God put on this earth for them.
   I, as a mom of a teenager, choose NOT to allow her to watch the so-called reality show that is the Kardashians. I don't want her to think cussing like a sailor is classy, cool or appropriate. I don't want her thinking she will have a happy life by being a sex object to men. That's the first step I can take in being the kind of mom I hope she respects, admires and wants to be like one day. 
    
  

Tis the season for pumpkin

   It's no secret I am in love with the Fall season, so I wanted to share one of my favorite Fall recipes with my readers.
  I've had this recipe for quite a while. I don't recall who gave it to me or where it came from, but it is the best one I've ever tried! I made four loaves over the weekend....they make the perfect little gift for friends or neighbors!
  Enjoy

Perfect Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients

1 15 oz can pumpkin puree
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup water
3 cups white sugar
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour three 7x3 inch loaf pans.
2. In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water and sugar until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended. Pour into the prepared pans.
3. Bake for about 50 minutes in the preheated oven. Loaves are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Happy Fall! <3

Note to self: You are...

   Before e-mail and text messaging came into my life, I enjoyed writing letters to people. It has become a lost art, for sure. While thinking about the last time I received a hand written letter, I began thinking about what I would have to say if I sat down and wrote a letter to myself. Sometimes you need a pep talk from the person who knows you best...yourself.

 Note to self:
1. You are way too hard on yourself. Take it easy!
2. You cannot make everyone like you. Sometimes, people just have different personalities. Don't be offended if someone chooses to not be a part of your life. That's on them, not you.
3. The older you get, the more you will learn to let the small things go.
4. The older you get, the more you will realize the importance of forgiveness.
5. Friendships change and you either accept it or make yourself miserable. The choice is yours. Enjoy them while they last, but don't obsess over them once they are done.
6. Snap pictures of sunrises and sunsets. The beauty in them is overwhelming.
7. Be kind. Be kind. Be kind. Even when you would rather not offer kindness to someone, be kind.
8. Apologize when you are wrong and never ever gloat when you are right.
9. Do something every day that makes your soul happy. Write, sing, dance, run, meditate, do yoga, read a book...don't let the day end without having done something for you.
10. Practice gratitude every single day. We have many things to be thankful for. They are not hard to find.
11. Call your mom. Call your dad. Call your kids. Call a family member.
12. Laugh. The kind that comes from way down deep. The kind that makes your stomach hurt. Laughter can change our mood in an instant.
13. Look in the mirror and like what you see. You are the only you in the world. If you don't like yourself, nobody else will.
14. Your dreams are not silly. Not going after those dreams because you feel they are unattainable is silly. The only person who can make your dreams come true is you. What are you waiting for?
15. Don't allow people to take advantage of you. Whether it's in the business world, friendships or other relationships. If people think they can take advantage of you and you continue to allow it, they will think it's okay. If someone appreciates you, they will show it. If not, their loss. Walk away from them!

   What are some words of encouragement or advice you'd give to yourself?