Sunday, October 31, 2010

Happy Halloween!

Because Halloween fell on Sunday this year, our granddaughters went Trick or Treating yesterday. So tonight, we all just had a Family dinner and we let the girls give out the candy to the Trick or Treaters so, they got the best of both worlds. It is cute to see all the little kids in their fun costumes, luckily the Trick or Treaters got the  perfect weather for it tonight.

We are sure missing Brad and Krystal for these family events. Having them so far away is tough, especially during the Holidays!!!! But they are almost done with school, and we are sure proud of them for that.  So Happy Halloween dear friends! I hope you know that it is my TREAT to know you!

jenny lady bug  _MG_2898

"Tonight is the night When dead leaves fly Like witches on switches Across the sky, When elf and sprite Flit through the night On a moony sheen. Tonight is the night When leaves make a sound Like a gnome in his home Under the ground, When spooks and trolls Creep out of holes Mossy and green. Tonight is the night When pumpkins stare Through sheaves and leaves Everywhere, When ghouls and ghost And goblin host Dance round their queen. It's Halloween. " 

"A grandmother pretends she does not know who you are on Halloween." ~ Erma Bombeck

"Clothes make a statement. Costumes tell a story." ~ Mason Cooley

Friday, October 29, 2010

Why are choices so hard sometimes?

Tonight Jeff and I went to a Marriage/Relationships class at church. I was dragging my heels going, because it was Friday night... and I could have think of a million other things that I would have liked to be doing! Jeff kept encouraging me to go, and now I am so grateful that he did. First, I was able to see many dear friends that I hadn't seen in awhile, and that was great to catch up with them. Second, many of the things that were mentioned tonight hit home to me. Why are choices so hard at times?
I will mention some of the points that the speaker made tonight. During his presentation, there were a lot of people laughing and shaking their heads, so I do know, we weren't the only couple that struggled at times. Here are a few of my notes...

...each of you, need to bring your best to your marriage

...it is important that you do not bring or carry old stuff ( habits, thought patterns, abuse and etc ) into  your marriage. Some of your personal stuff from your past  you are going to need to get rid of, or you could ruin your relationship/marriage.

...you need to forgive and let go. Each time you hold onto a hurt or an injustice done to you and you refuse to forget it or forgive the person for it. You essentially are tying an anchor around your leg and throwing yourself overboard. Holding on to past grudges or problems, will sink your marriage.

...we need to remember as Men and Women, we are suppose to be different. We don't think alike, we process things differently, we are not suppose to be the same. We need to understand this and be very patient, and accepting of each other.

...we are headed for tougher times in the future! Is our marriage strong enough for what lies ahead? It is vital that we make it strong now...before we need it. Just like our muscles, we need to strengthen them before we are physically challenged. The time to prepare is before we need it!

...can we try a little harder, give a little more, forgive quicker, be more patient, demand a little less, and listen a little more?

...we need to be more like the Savior in our responses. When we are accused, we need to stop, think about it, and then ask ourselves BEFORE reacting ..."Did I do anything to make them think this of me?  Try to see it from the other person's perspective first. Think before we talk.

...if each of us would give a 150%, our marriages would be a lot happier. It is a lot of work, but soooo worth it!

It was a great reminder for us of the choices and things we need to do... to be a better, stronger and happier couple. I am glad I went tonight!

"When you almost obey a commandment, you almost receive a blessing!"

"Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate, but through being the right mate." ~Barnett R. Brickner

"Life is to be enjoyed, not endured"   ~ Gordon B. Hinckley

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Things aren't always as they appear!

When Jeff and I were dating, this very same thing happened to us...

HOW TO STOP CHURCH GOSSIP

Mildred, the church gossip, and self-appointed monitor of the church's morals, kept sticking her nose into other people's business.  Several members did not approve of her extracurricular activities, but feared her enough to maintain their silence.

She made a mistake, however, when she accused Frank, a new member, of being an alcoholic after she saw his old pickup parked in front of the town's only bar one afternoon..

She emphatically told Frank (and several others) that every one seeing it there WOULD KNOW WHAT HE WAS DOING !

Frank, a man of few words, stared at her for a moment and just turned and walked away.  He didn't explain, defend, or deny.  He said nothing....

Later that evening, Frank quietly parked his pickup in front of Mildred's house ... walked home ...and left it there all night.

(You gotta love Frank!)

Jeff came over one evening and we went out on a date.  When we got back to the apartment with all my roommates, Jeff said he was feeling sick, a boy was he ever. The short version of the story is ...that Jeff's Mom had to come pick him up and leave his truck in front of our apartment till he got better ( in a day or so ). Some one accused me of letting Jeff stay the night, I was upset because I had been judged wrongly. Now...it is just something we laugh about. And it is a good reminder for us not to be so judgmental and realize things aren't always as they appear! So this story reminded me of that situation we were in over 32 years ago!!!! ( and no, I don't hold grudges !)

"What you don't see with your eyes, don't witness with your mouth."  ~Jewish Proverb

"There is so much good in the worst of us,
And so much bad in the best of us,
That it hardly becomes any of us
To talk about the rest of us."
~ Edward Wallis Hoch

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

LOVE will find a way!

Years ago when I inherited some money, I decided that one of the first things I was going to do, is buy something for Jeff. Jeff has worked hard for over 20 some years, he has been a wonderful husband and Father and never really taken any time to do something fun for himself. I know many men who have always enjoyed their toys ( boats, cars, vacations, hobbies ) but Jeff really hasn't. We decided when when we were engaged, that as soon as the children came along, I would be a stay home Mom. Since Amy was born one month before our year anniversary, that immediately meant sacrifice for both of us with just one income. Jeff has never complained, but I knew that there had to be something that he would really like to have. Before I even got the question out about what he might like, he said a motorcycle. I was shocked, he had never even mentioned that he like motorcycles...so that is what I got him. 
Now many people have told me how crazy I was, and that they would never let their husband have one but...I guess I am coming from a different perspective because of my cancer. Life is short and when we do things that we love, then we are just healthier, happier people. I have never seen anyone so grateful for something in all my life!  Jeff can hardly wait to get up in the morning to check the weather, to see if he can ride his motorcycle to work. Yes, he truly loves the feeling that he gets when he rides that motorcycle. He said it gives him a sense of peace, freedom, gratitude for the beautiful place we live, he said it even moves his soul, not too many of us can say that about things that we love to do. :) Of course I always say a quiet prayer when he leaves but I try to leave the worry out of the picture, and I am just grateful that he has found something that he really loves to do. 
Since Lauren was home (and the one who rides the most with him), she wanted to do a photo shoot with him and his bike. I am very glad she did, I love it! I love him!

Jeff on his bike 

P.S. I would have Lauren take a photo of me and my sewing room, with my sewing machine but...I just don't think that would make the best photo...you know what I mean!

 

"The best alarm clock is sunshine on chrome."

"Young riders pick a destination and go... Old riders pick a direction and go."

"Cars move people, but motorcycles move...SOULS!"

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Blankies

I read this quote the other day that went like this... "It's a magical moment...when a quilt becomes a blankie". It immediately made me thing of my granddaughters and their quilts I have made for them. Those quilts sure have a lot of love in them, and that is what you hope... they remember and feel, when they are wrapped up inside of them. I think of this sweet photo of my second granddaughter Jenny, with her quilt I made her when she was born. Yes, quilts are a way to tell someone that you really love them. I am so excited that my neighbors got me exciting about learning to quilt 8 years ago, it has become a very healing art for me.

Now, not only do I make baby quilts... but I also make quilts for my granddaughters baby dolls, animals, monsters or anything else! But when I saw that my oldest granddaughter had used one of the doll blankies I made for her, on her pet rock, I had to laugh.:) Oh well, like the tag says... My Nana made it for me! I guess as long as it brings some peace and quiet for her Mom, fun for her and a warm place for her favorite rock to sleep...how can I complain? :)

"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see."  ~ Henry David Thoreau

"Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless."  ~Jamie Paolinetti

"A grandchild fill a space in your heart that you never knew was empty."

 

Monday, October 25, 2010

True heroes

I am always amazed at the people I meet, who struggle with many different problems in their life, and yet they still keep going and are full of hope and faith. And they aren't any different than you and I, they are normal people who have every day challenges. Yet somehow it doesn't knock them down, but gives them more courage and wisdom in their lives.
I am reading a book about one such person. I am drawn to those type of true heroes, they are a great example to me and to be honest with you ...that is what I want to be when I grow up!  So this post is for all you true heroes out there, that make the world a better place by continuing to survive, thrive and share your strength, your stories and examples to us. You are our true heroes! Thank you!

“Heroes take journeys, confront dragons, and discover the treasure of their true selves.”  ~ Carol Lynn Pearson

"Everyone is necessarily the hero of his own life story."  ~John Barth

"I believe it is the nature of people to be heroes, given the chance."  ~ James A. Autry

 

Sunday, October 24, 2010

What is your prognosis?

Today at church I ran into my friend, who just lost her husband recently to cancer. She is holding up well, or at least so in public. She really is a strong woman and I admire the way she continues to get up each day and keep going, when I am sure there are days, she doesn't feel like even doing that. We spoke about how she was doing and holding up. We spoke about how hard this has been on her grandchildren, to lose their Grandpa all of a sudden, and then we talked about Angie (my granddaughter) and I making some of our RECNAC MONSTERS for each grandchild. (If you haven't heard or seen our Monsters that we created, just put the word RECNAC MONSTERS or MONSTERS in the search engine at the top left hand side of my blog and it will pull them up. We have loved making them and giving them away.
As we were getting ready to leave she asked me a question that startled me a bit. She said "Lynn, what is your prognosis?" Now that isn't an odd question, of course I have been asked it many times... but for some reason today, it hit me differently. It has been almost 2 years exactly, since I was diagnosed again with Breast Cancer, yes this was my second time. I had it 7 years prior to that. And at that time, the prognosis was a fearful one. I didn't do the ( normal procedure in getting rid of cancer ) so they gave me scarier numbers.
I however felt strong and good about the road I have chosen to take both times. I still feel good about it, but for some reason when she asked me that question, for just a moment....I wondered how do I answer that?  The truth is... no one ever really knows IF or WHEN your cancer will come back, I chose to believe that it is completely gone, and that gives me the hope and strength to get up every day and no be scared. However if I listened to or put any credibility on statistics, I guess I would have answered different, like with a percentage or something like that?  But I didn't, I said my prognosis is good and I left it at that. The truth is, I have left that up to God. He knows how long exactly I will be here on earth, I on the other hand ...don't know, and so each day I cherish and try to do my best...and for that I am grateful, so grateful! 

My daughter took my picture this weekend, so that I could update the one on my blog, which is a pre-cancer photo. At first, I was disappointed at how much I have aged, but then I realized that in the short two years since that photo was taken, a lot has happened...I had a mastectomy, I had Radiation for 3 months, I have had pneumonia and mono... multiple times, my Dad passed away, we lost our job, had a new granddaughter and have started my blog, working on a book, done a few Motivational Speeches and also we got a new daughter-in-law. Yes, lots has happened in the last two years...both bad and GOOD!

As I look at my photo, I realize that I need to quit worrying about my age, or areas on my body that I would like to change. I need to remember to keep smiling, and keep doing all that I can to keep my body and spirit healthy. It has been a hard and yet enlightening two years, one that I would have never chosen, but will never forget and will be always grateful for! Yes, I am a survivor and I am going to try hard to keep it that way!

Mom 4[1]

"The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it."  ~C.C. Scott

"Don't count the days, make the days count."  ~ Muhammad Ali

"Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death."  ~Author Unknown

Saturday, October 23, 2010

How to survive the grief?

I looked up this web site, which gave suggestions for people who are suffering loss of a loved one. It was a neat idea. When my Mom passed away, we gave many of her clothes to a nursing home near by. But some things I just wanted to keep, and have near me. I only wished that I would have kept more and used them for Memorial Quilts, like these ladies make. It was a very healing idea!  Read it and see what you think?

Memorial Quilts

So what did you do with their clothes?

cluttered closet

Well, you probably gave the nicest garments to friends and family, and that's a good thing. But what about the rest of their clothing? It will help de-clutter your life and lighten your grief a little bit if you eventually clean out your loved one's closet, and dispose of their clothes, shoes, ties or purses and other personal items.

And we know exactly what you should do with some of the fabrics... make one of these memorial quilts! (Or have one made for you).

Remembering Bobby

One family who lost their 16-year-old son Bobby to a sudden cardiac death, used quilt making as a ritual for working through their grief. Five quilts were made, one for each member of the family, each of Bobby's younger siblings, and each parent. One of Bobby's shirt pockets was sewn onto each quilt, and the oldest child remarked that the pocket looked as if it was actually on Bobby's chest.

As part of their griefwork, each night the children write a private note to Bobby and tuck it into his pocket. In this way, the kids share their day with their lost brother. The grieving parents also use the quilts in their own way. Bobby's mother wraps herself in her quilt to be close to her son, and his father hung his quilt at work in his office.

Just the gathering of women (and men!) for quilt making can provide much-needed emotional and social support in your time of bereavement. We realize that some people are just not cut out for a project like this. So we present below several different ways you can go with your memorial quilt project.

http://www.recover-from-grief.com/memorial-quilts.html

"Man, when he does not grieve, hardly exists."  ~Antonio Porchia

"Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose."

"Courage is being afraid but going on anyhow."  ~Dan Rather

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Canvas of our Souls

Since I was a very little girl, I have always loved to draw and paint. My Mom said she could get me to do anything, as long as she promised me I could paint or draw later. I hope she didn't take advantage of that! :) It wasn't until Jr. High that I realized it made a great difference on the type of brushes that I used, and the kinds of canvas that I applied it to. I never had any painting lessons, other than school... but as I got older I realized that all brushes are not made equal. Each one could help you do a specific stroke, having the right brush could safe you a lot of time and effort, and the quality was very important too.
I came across this quote the other day and it made me think of this very subject...

"Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results."   ~Daily Gems 2010

How often do we think that some of the small and daily things that we do as parents ...aren't important? Well, now that we are raising our last child,( out of four ) I realize it is very important. There is a different spirit in our home when we study the scriptures as a family, when we pray and go to church together. When we take the time to have Family time together, when we have personal interviews with our son to see how he is doing and feeling. I have never doubted lately, how vital and important these things are. I have seen how it has effected our adult children and their families.  Parenthood is a lot of work, we are constantly being watched to see if we are walking the walk, yes it is very important.

"Other things may change us, but we start and end with family"  ~ Anthony Brandt

"The love of a family is life's greatest blessing"

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Every little bit helps... and matters!

This was a powerful story, and it was about the difference little children can make. Made me stop and think what difference am I making on a daily basis? It is a bit long, but good! Enjoy!

 

The Rock Club

One night when I was in second grade, I saw something on the news that really bothered me. It was about a group of homeless people sleeping outside in the cold, with nowhere to go for warmth and comfort. I felt sorry for them, and I wanted to help.

So I decided to start a club. The goal was to raise money to help the homeless. I called it the Rock Club. When I first started, we only had about five members, but that quickly grew to about twenty. It wasn't hard to get people to join the club. I hardly had to ask anybody if they wanted to be a member. In fact, they came up to me and just asked me if they could join!

We spent all of our free time at recess painting rocks. We painted animals, flowers and shapes – even names of sports teams. We all just worked on whatever we felt like painting.

We'd go around the school in search of teachers who would buy our rocks and use them as paperweights. We sold the rocks for five cents, ten cents and even up to twenty cents each. We painted one huge rock with polka dots that sold for five bucks! By Christmas, we had raised thirty-three dollars. We decided to give the money to a local homeless shelter.

My mom offered to take my friend and me to the shelter to deliver the money. When we pulled up, we noticed that there were whole families sitting on the snowy sidewalk. As we went into the building, I could not get the picture of what I had just seen out of my mind. I kept thinking about the little children, and all of the men and women with nowhere to sleep.

When we got inside, we met the lady at the front desk and gave her the money that the club had earned. She seemed really grateful for our donation. She invited us to take a tour of the shelter. I had never seen a real homeless shelter before, so I wanted to see the inside. As we toured the building, what really got to me were the rows and rows of tables set up to feed the hungry. There must have been over one hundred tables in there. In the kitchen, the helpers were making what seemed like endless rows of gingerbread men. It was amazing to me that for every gingerbread man, the shelter was expecting a person in need for dinner and shelter that night.

As we were leaving the homeless shelter, I saw a man sitting on the snow-covered pavement. He was wearing a dirty, dark green coat and black pants that were covered in mud. He was clutching to his side a Christmas tree covered with red ornaments. I felt so sorry for him because he had nowhere else to put a tree except the streets where he lived. It made me realize that even someone with no home, or money for presents, still wanted to have a Christmas.

The next day there was picture of that same man in the newspaper. I knew his image would stay with me forever. I hoped that his picture also reminded others about how much help the homeless people need, and that we should remember them all year – not only at Christmas.

A few days later, a newspaper reporter and a photographer came to our school and took a picture of our Rock Club members. The photo and article came out in the paper the next day. We all felt proud that we had done something that gave more attention to the needs of the homeless in our town.

Our school decided that what we did was really great, so they started a program just for kids. Now kids at our school are helping the homeless shelter and other organizations that help people in need.

Something as simple as some rocks, some paint and a few caring kids made me realize that you're never too young – and you don't need much – to make a difference.

by Vanessa Clayton, age 14

"Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up."  ~Jesse Jackson

"Today, give a stranger one of your smiles.  It might be the only sunshine he sees all day."  ~Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Practice makes perfect

I loved this true story about how vital it is to practice. I used to think as a little girl that all my Mom did, was tell us the same thing over and over again. Then as a young Mom of four, I did the very same thing. I think that is true about many things in life, practice makes perfect, or at least better than it was.
Today I got to teach another Demo class at the Quilt Shop, it was great! I used to go in that same Quilt Shop years ago, and feel very intimidated by all the talented ladies in there. I still feel that way to some degree, but I have practiced and practiced for a few years, and I am now doing things that I never thought I could! So practice really does work. It also has inspired me to do better. Now when I meet these talented ladies, I am actually anxious to see their talents and learn from them. Yes, they inspire me, and so I felt blessed today to have the health and opportunity to teach, as well to learn! For that... I am very grateful!
Good night dear friends!

Practice Makes Perfect

A dramatic ballad singer studied under a strict teacher who insisted that he rehearse day after day, month after month the same passage from the same song, without being permitted to go any further. Finally, overwhelmed by frustration and despair, the young man ran off to find another profession. One night, stopping at an inn, he stumbled upon a recitation contest. Having nothing to lose, he entered the competition and, of course, sang the one passage that he knew so well. When he had finished, the sponsor of the contest highly praised his performance. Despite the student's embarrassed objections, the sponsor refused to believe that he had just heard a beginner perform. "Tell me," the sponsor said, "who is your instructor? He must be a great master." The student later became known as the great performer Koshiji.

"Practice is the best of all instructors"   ~ Publilius Syrus

"Practice means to perform, over and over again in the face of all obstacles, some act of vision, of faith, of desire. Practice is a means of inviting the perfection desired"  ~ Martha Graham

Monday, October 18, 2010

Hold on to your ideals!

I am a bit tired tonight, need to head to bed. I have been getting ready for the demo that I am going to teach tomorrow at the quilt class. I am so excited, I truly love meeting all the new ladies. The world is filled with good people. I know that when you watch the news, you may doubt that, but there are a lot of great people in this world. So I will leave you tonight with this sweet and thought provoking poem. Good night dear friends!

Ideals
Remember that ideals
are like stars up in the sky,
You can never really reach them,
hanging in the heavens high....
But like the mighty mariner
who sailed the storm-tossed sea,
And used the stars to chart his course
with skill and certainty,
You too can chart your course in life
with high ideals and love,
For high ideals are like the stars
that light the sky above....
You cannot ever reach them,
but lift your heart up high
And your life will be as shining
as the stars up in the sky.
By Helen Stiener Rice

" The ideals which have lighted my way, and time after time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully have been kindness, beauty, and truth"   ~ Albert Einstein

" I keep my ideals, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart."                     ~ Anne Frank

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Our weakest spots

I was talking to a dear friend the other day who was struggling in her life. She was down and couldn't seem to see anything  positive or good in herself or her situation. I believe we all have been there in our life at one point or another. Still I was amazed, this is a woman of great faith, many talents, beauty, humor and love. I sat there as we spoke and realized for this moment, she has lost the ability to see all the good things that are in her life and that she has going for her. How does that happen? She hadn't committed any big sins, she had good things all around her, and yet she honestly felt lost, scared, sad, frustrated and I believe... a bit lonely. It is a tough place to be where you doubt and question everything, especially the things you know to be true.
But that is exactly how Satan works on us. He doesn't always have to wait till we commit some big sins, or become addicted to some terrible things, he can even attack us in our strongest areas. It is vital that we are careful about getting to comfortable in life. We can never stop trying, praying, working and believing. It takes a lot of effort, but is so important to do EVERY DAY! Those little things can make all the difference! We can never let down our guard, we need to remember who we are and our infinite worth, that is a powerful tool against the Satan.

I have mentioned this before but I repeat this quote every day, to remind myself of my worth and my purpose here on earth! It really does help!

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”  ~Marianne Williamson

"If I could give you one thing I would give  you the ability to see yourself as others see you. Then you would realize what a truly special person you are."

"We generally think of Satan attacking us at our weakest spot...But weakness is not our only vulnerability. Satan can also attack us where we think we are strong--in the very areas where we are proud of our strengths. He will approach us through the greatest talents and spiritual gifts we possess. If we are not wary, Satan can cause our spiritual downfall by corrupting us through our strengths as well as by exploiting our weaknesses."  ~ Dallin H. Oaks

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Life is too short!

I found this story on line, and couldn't believe how great it was. Life truly is... too short, it is vital that we make sure that we are in control of our lives, and not letting others or other circumstances take over!

Need to run, I have a big Date Night tonight! ( Our first Date was 32 years ago, that is hard to believe! )
Have a wonderful weekend and remember to enjoy each moment!

The Law of the Garbage Truck

A couple of years ago, I learned this lesson. I learned it in the back of a New York City taxi cab. Here’s what happened. I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for Grand Central Station. We were driving in the right lane when, all of a sudden, a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car’s back end by just inches!

The driver of the other car, the guy who almost caused a big accident, whipped his head around and he started yelling bad words at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was friendly. So, I said, “Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!” And this is when my taxi driver told me what I now call, “The Law of the Garbage Truck.”

Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it. And if you let them, they’ll dump it on you. When someone wants to dump on you, don’t take it personally. You just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. You’ll be happy you did.

So this was it: The “Law of the Garbage Truck.” I started thinking, how often do I let Garbage Trucks run right over me? And how often do I take their garbage and spread it to other people a work, at home, on the streets? It was that day I said, “I’m not going to do anymore.”

Well, now “I see Garbage Trucks.” I see the load they’re carrying. I see them coming to drop it off. And like my Taxi Driver, I don’t make it a personal thing; I just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on.

The mark of a successful person is how quickly she can get back her focus on what’s important.

Good leaders know they have to be ready for their next meeting. Good parents know that they have to welcome their children home from school with hugs and kisses. Leaders and parents know that they have to be fully present, and at their best for the people they care about.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let Garbage Trucks take over their day.

What about you? What would happen in your life, starting today, if you let more garbage trucks pass you by? Here’s my bet. You’ll be happier. Life’s too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so.. Love the people who treat you right. Forget about the ones who don’t.

GarbageTruck.jpg

"Life's problems wouldn't be called "hurdles" if there wasn't a way to get over them." ~Author Unknown

"We must look for ways to be an active force in our own lives. We must take charge of our own destinies, design a life of substance and truly begin to live our dreams."  ~ Les Brown

"We can let circumstances rule us, or we can take charge and rule our lives from within."  ~ Earl Nightingale

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Wishing!

A years ago this month, two friends lost someone that they loved. I just wanted them to know I was thinking of them, and that they are loved! I WISH I could tell that to them face to face! Time has flown by for many of us, but to them and many others who's heart is aching, time has gone much slower! Let's try to remember them and send them this wish!

I Wish

I wish you the courage to be warm when the world would prefer that you be cool.
I wish you success sufficient to your needs;
I wish you failure to temper that success.
I wish you joy in all your days;
I wish you sadness so that you may better measure joy.
I wish you gladness to overbalance your grief.
I wish you humor and a twinkle in your eye.
I wish you glory and the strength to bear its burdens.
I wish you sunshine on your path and health to carry you on your journey.
I wish you peace -- in the world in which you live and in the smallest corner of you heart where truth is kept.
I wish you faith -- to help define your living and your life.
More I cannot wish you -- except perhaps love -- to make all the rest worthwhile.

-Robert A. Ward

"Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams."  ~Ashley Smith

"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."    ~ Howard Thurman

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Looking for happiness?

We have always tried to teach our children that when you are looking for someone to marry, that you should keep your standards high. Make a list of what you absolutely want in a companion, and measure your dates up to that list! They say "love is blind" for a reason, once the emotions kick in, then many times your judgement can get clouded. We have also tried to remind them that someone out there is making their own list, and looking for the guy or girl with high standards and who is happy! So it is important to look for the right one and yet at the same time, work on being the right one!  This poem was a cute reminder of that.

The Perfect Girl

A friend asked a gentleman how it is that he never married ?

Replied the gentleman, "Well, I guess I just never met the right woman ... I guess I've been looking for the perfect girl."

"Oh, come on now," said the friend, "Surely you have met at least one girl that you wanted to marry."

"Yes, there was one girl .. once. I guess she was the one perfect girl .. the only perfect girl I really ever met. She was just the right everything .. I really mean that she was the perfect girl for me."

"Well, why didn't you marry her," asked the friend.

"She was looking for the perfect man," he said.

http://www.inspirationalarchive.com/texts/topics/happiness/pergirl.shtml

 

"Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence"   ~ Aristotle


"It's so easy to fall in love but hard to find someone who will catch you."  ~ Anonymous

"Be happy. It's one way of being wise"  ~ Sidonie Gabrielle

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

A Mother's mission!

I heard this quote the other day..."Every Mother has the same mission...to protect her family!" I thought to myself, how TRUE! It seems like to me, that there are many things around us in the world now that are threatening the family. It is a full time job to be able to do all that it takes to watch over, teach and protect your family. I feel as a Mom, that some of the hardest trials I have had to go through, are the ones in which my children are involved. It is hard to see a child hurt or suffer, as their Mother, I would do anything to help ease their pain. As they get bigger and become teenagers, young adults and then adults...that is much harder to do.    When they were young, you could pick them up and heal their bruises, kiss away their hurts or protect them from others to some degree, but not so as they grow older.
They have to go out into the world some time, and the world can be a cold, hard place at times. You hope that they have what it takes to go out into the world to socialize, work and live. Each time they trip up, or life knocks them down, I believe it is natural to wonder what you did wrong as a parent. Did we forget to teach them this or that? Oh I am sure that is partly true and false. No parent is perfect, it is hard to raise a family and at the same time, be figuring out your own life and working on your marriage too. You just have to do the best you can, give them all the love, faith and security you can, and from there on...you watch and pray. Yes, you will always be there for an encouraging word, a hug and anything else they need but, they are growing up and sometimes growing up is hard. Motherhood...it's definitely tougher than it looks!


"The bravest battle that ever was fought; Shall I tell you where and when? On the maps of the world you will find it not; it was fought by the Mothers of men" 

You [mothers] are the real builders of the nation wherever you live, for you have created homes of strength and peace and security. These become the very sinew of any nation.” Gordon B. Hinckley,

“During my professional career as a doctor of medicine, I was occasionally asked why I chose to do that difficult work. I responded with my opinion that the highest and noblest work in this life is that of a mother. Since that option was not available to me, I thought that caring for the sick might come close. I tried to care for my patients as compassionately and competently as Mother cared for me.

Because mothers are essential to God’s great plan of happiness, their sacred work is opposed by Satan, who would destroy the family and demean the worth of women.”  ~ Russell M. Nelson, May 1999

Monday, October 11, 2010

Quotes and why I love them...

I found this quote, about quotes today and it fit perfectly!

  "A quote can change the way you think about challenges you face."
-- Catherine Pulsifer

That is exactly why I love quotes, in just a few words, they can make a difference. Even when I have had a bad day I try to talk about it honestly, I know that I can't be the only one who is having a Bigger Than Me Day (that's what I call them). But you can always be assured at the end of my post for each day, there will always be a few inspirational quotes. I love them! They do change how I think and feel.

smily face eggs

Today was a great day because I was able to spend it with my Sister-in-law, who is visiting from out of town. She only has one more day here, so I am trying to rest so that we can get the most out of tomorrow. There have been  so many days I couldn't  get to go out and about, because of my health (or lack there of) and so today I felt so incredibly blessed to be able to go out and do some shopping and visiting. I am so grateful for this time we got to spend together. Yes, counting your blessings...  is a good thing!

P.S. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I was asked to be sponsored on this blog site of another survivor, here is the blog site if you would like to check it out!

http://www.reallyincrediblewomen.blogspot.com/

"Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."  ~World Health Organization, 1948

"If you have health, you probably will be happy, and if you have health and happiness, you have all the wealth you need, even if it is not all you want."  ~Elbert Hubbard

"Watch your thoughts, for they become words.

Watch your words, for they become actions

Watch your actions, for they become habits.

Watch your habits, for they become character.

Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny."

Sunday, October 10, 2010

What baggage are you carrying?

There have been many hard things that have happened to me in my life, but one moment that stands out in my mind, happened almost 27 years ago. It was my very first visit with a counselor, about my abuse. He had just asked where our little girl was, and I mentioned that my parents were watching her. He then asked if they knew I was getting counseling?  My comment was " No, this is about me and my family, which only includes just Jeff, Amy and I" He then said something that I will never forget, he said "Lynn, when you are really ready to get rid of this baggage you are carrying, that does not belong to you, then let me know and we will meet again". At the time, I was so upset, I thought he didn't understand my situation, but I soon realized that he actually understood it better than I.
The truth was that I had been carrying baggage around for years that wasn't mine, I had become so used to carrying it,that I didn't even realize the damage it was doing to me, from bearing that type of weight (emotionally) for so many years. This quote reminded me of my situation. "We can easily manage if we will only take, each day, the burden appointed to it.  But the load will be too heavy for us if we carry yesterday's burden over again today, and then add the burden of the morrow before we are required to bear it."  ~John Newton

Now even 27 years later, I still have to work at checking what baggage I am carrying each day. I hope we will all check ourselves to see what baggage we are carrying each day. We need to remember the what the Savior said to each of us in Matthew 11:28-29, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."  We need to remember that the Savior helps us with our burdens, shares our load, but does not take them away from us. Please don't try to carry it all on your own! It's not necessary and it's too hard! Life is hard enough, without carrying extra baggage!

"Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When  you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength."   ~ Arnold Schwarzenegger

"If there is no struggle, there is no progress"  ~ Frederick Douglass

Don't forget there are Angels among us!

I found this story on inspireme.com. It really made me realize, that we might not know the whole story about people when we first meet them. I do believe our paths cross with people for a reason. I just hope, we don't miss the reason why! Good night dear friends


Don't We All
One evening I was parked in front of the mall wiping off my car. I had just come from the car wash and was waiting for my wife to finish work. Coming my way from across the parking lot was what society would consider a bum. From the looks of him he had no car, no home, no clean clothes and no money.

There are times when you feel generous, but there are times that you just don't want to be bothered. This was one of the "Don't want to be bothered" times! "Hope he doesn't ask me for money," I thought. He didn't. He came and sat on the curb in front of the bus stop and he didn't look like he could have enough money to even ride the bus.

After a few minutes he spoke. "That's a very nice car," he said. He was ragged, but had an air of dignity around him. I said "Thanks," and continued wiping off my car. He sat there quietly as I worked. The expected plea for money never came. As the silence between us widened, something inside said, "Ask him if he needs any help." I was sure that he would say yes, but I held true to the inner voice.

"Do you need any help?" I asked. He answered in three simple but profound words that I shall never forget. We often look for wisdom in great accomplishments. I expect it from those of higher learning and accomplishments. I expected nothing but an outstretched grimy hand. He spoke three words that shook me, "Don't we all?" he said. I needed help. Maybe not for bus fare or a place to sleep, but I needed help. I reached in my wallet and gave him not only enough for bus fare but enough to get a warm meal and shelter for the day.

Those three little words still ring true. No matter how much you have, no matter how much you have accomplished, you need help too. No matter how little you have, no matter how loaded you are with problems, even without money or a place to sleep, you can give help. Even if it's just a compliment, you can give that!

You never know when you may see someone that appears to have it all. They are waiting on you to give them what they don't have. A different perspective on life, a glimpse of something beautiful, a respite from daily chaos, that only you, through a torn world can see.

Maybe the man was just a homeless stranger wandering the streets. Maybe he was more than that. Maybe he was sent by a power that is great and wise to minister to a soul too comfortable in himself. Maybe God looked down, called an Angel, dressed him like a bum and then said, "Go minister to that man cleaning the car, that man needs help."

Don't we all?

"I haven't lost faith in human nature and I haven't decided to be less compassionate to strangers"                        ~ Armistead Maupin

"It's also selfish because it makes you feel good when you help others. I've been helped by acts of kindness from strangers. That's why we're here, after all, to help others."  ~ Carol Burnett

Friday, October 8, 2010

Friends

When I was going to college, I moved out to an apartment with a few girls. I was so excited to finally be out on my own and take on responsibility of rent, food and so on. It was a scary, but yet a liberating feeling to be out on my own. I quickly made friends with the girls that were now my room-mates. One girl particularly was a favorite of mine, we actually acted like sisters from the very beginning. As time went on, I decided (since I never had any sisters) to come up with a plan. If I hooked my roommate and my brother up, then if that really worked...they'd be married, and I could have my best friend as my sister-in-law forever! And believe it or not, it worked!
So today this same sister-in-law flew in town to visit and that is what we did today, visited, went shopping and had lunch. I have really missed her, I love being around her, all we do is laugh and tease each other all the time.
That's the good news, the bad news is... I had to come right home and go to bed, and haven't been worth anything the rest of the evening. That is my life though, at least I got to go out some and for that I am grateful. There have many days that I couldn't have even done that, yes grateful is the right word.
Now I needed to take this poor worn out body and head to bed. Good night dear friends and thanks for your friendship too!

Friendship's Road

Friendship is a chain of gold,

Shaped in God's all~perfect mold;

Each link a smile, a laugh, a tear,

A grip of the hand, a word of cheer.

As steadfast as the ages roll, binding closer soul to soul;

No matter how far or heavy the load,

Sweet is the journey on Friendship's Road.

*JB Downie

"Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends."

" Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget."

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Building Bridges

It has often been said, that family relationships can be the best or the worst in life. I wonder why that is? Maybe it is because you are so close to each other, and have shared so many things? Anyway, here is a good story and example for us all. Good night!

A Carpenter's Gift

Once upon a time two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed without a hitch.

Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.

One morning there was a knock on John's door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's toolbox. "I'm looking for a few days work" he said.

"Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there. Could I help you?"

"Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbor, in fact, it's my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll go him one better. See that pile of lumber curing by the barn? I want you to build me a fence - an 8-foot fence - so I won't need to see his place anymore. Cool him down, anyhow."

The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you."

The older brother had to go to town for supplies, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day.

The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing.

About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job. The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped.

There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge... a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work handrails and all - and the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming across, his hand outstretched.

"You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done."

The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other's hand. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox on his shoulder. "No, wait! Stay a few days. I've a lot of other projects for you," said the older brother.

"I'd love to stay on," the carpenter said, "but, I have many more bridges to build." ~Author Unknown


I should have used the bridge photo, from last nights post for this post...oh well!

"Resentment or grudges do no harm to the person against whom you hold these feelings but every day and every night of your life, they are eating at you."  ~ Norman Vincent Peale

"A chip on the shoulder is too heavy a piece of baggage to carry through life."  ~ John Hancock

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Goals...yes I am still setting them!

I have started some new goals today. I decided that I am going to have to set small little goals, because up until this point...I haven't accomplished my other ...much bigger goals. I thought when I started Physical Therapy that I would be able to do all the exercises every day. But instead I am so wiped out from the PT and all the changes that we are requiring from my body, that I am not accomplishing much.
So today, I have started by telling myself that I can change, even though the progress may be very slow and small. Thanks to my sweet family, they are encouraging me and once again... I begin again!
It is amazing to me how being in a lot of pain, can alter my thoughts ( and not for the better ). With that in mind, I will not share with you much more than this wonderful quote that my daughter sent to me today. There is a lot in it. Read it more than once and enjoy the neat message that is in there, it's about what success really means. Good night dear friends!

"To LAUGH often and much, to WIN the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to EARN the appreciation of honest critics and ENDURE the betrayal of false friends, to APPRECIATE beauty, to FIND the best in others, to LEAVE the world a bit BETTER, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch...to know even ONE LIFE has breathed EASIER because YOU have LIVED. This is to have SUCCEEDED!"
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

"To reach a port, we must sail—Sail, not tie at anchor—Sail, not drift."
Franklin Roosevelt

"There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something."
Henry Ford

Monday, October 4, 2010

Food for thought!

I loved this article that I read the other day. It is about honesty and integrity, huge virtues that we shouldn't take for granted. It made me want to take a self evaluation test afterwards, to see if there are any GRAY areas in my life? There really shouldn't be. Hope you enjoy it!

One Bite At A Time
When with your friends, you often hear yourself saying stuff like, "Of course I care about my health!  I take good care of myself!" Yet alone, in the middle of temptation, you convince yourself that just one more bacon-double-cheeseburger (with fries) won't hurt. After all, it's not like you do it EVERY day!

You are diligent in telling your eleven-year-old daughter not to ever tell lies... not ever.  The phone rings...she answers.  It's ANOTHER telemarketer.  "Tell them I'm not here!" you silently mouth from the other room.
"It's only twenty minutes!" you convincingly encourage yourself as you round your time sheet up to the next even hour.  After all,  why do they make you fill these silly things out, anyway?

Ever find yourself in a similar scenario?  You know... where your actions and your words don't exactly jive?  Where you tell yourself, your family, your friends or your boss one thing, but inside you know something different?  Ever?

Have you ever heard the term "congruence?"  It's been a big deal in management training circles for some time now.  Indeed, it is a very important idea.  Defined by Webster, it means, "an exact coinciding."  To use a (very) worn out phrase, it means, "walking your talk".  My definition?  Do what you say... say what you do.

Out of the gray...

There's no gray here.  It's actually quite a simple concept. And you know what?  Such virtue paves the difference between excellence and something much less in every one of your relationships.  With your employer, customers, co-workers, friends, children, significant other, and even... with yourself. Such uprightness creates the quantity of respect you're given, and in reality, the quantity of respect you deserve.
On a very personal level, it's called... integrity.
You've most likely heard the phrase, "Your actions are shouting so loudly, I can't hear a word you're saying!"  You can probably think of someone to whom this phrase fits... perfectly.  But, have you ever considered how it might apply to you?  Sure, most of us are pretty honest when it comes to the big stuff.  We don't steal.  We don't blatantly lie.  We don't cheat our friends. But what about those "little" things?  It's been said that the way to eat an elephant is... one bite at a time!
Have you ever stopped to ponder how those small "untruths," or "oversights," or lack of follow-through, or "do as I say, not as I do," pieces of your life might be eating away at you?  Such  "chinks" in your existence - over time - wear you down.  The 'one bite at a time' concept is fundamental.  Consider the slow rusting away of metal, mountains carried over time by rivers to the sea, or erosion of the once sandy shore with each crash of ocean wave. So too, are you diminished each time you engage in any  lack of integrity - however slight.  You lose the respect of others.  You  lose respect for yourself.
Think about it.  The erosion is easy to stop.  All you need do is be honest... really honest.  Immerse yourself in integrity - total, one-hundred-percent-no-holds-barred integrity.  Stand tall.  Do what you say... say what you do.  It's simple.  It's powerful.  Those near to you will love you for it.  The rest will respect you for it. And you?  You will have a much higher opinion of... you.

http://soulnpeace.com/one-bite-at-a-time.html

"Integrity is doing the right thing, even if nobody is watching"

"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom"  ~ Thomas Jefferson

 

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Never too young to learn, or too old!

I am always amazed how much I learn on Sundays. It's not that I am really hearing something new, but yet each time I hear someone give a talk, it's like I am hearing something for the first time again! Repetition has always been how we teach our children, so I shouldn't be surprised that, that is also how our Heavenly Father teaches us...repeating the same things over and over again!

One important thing that I was reminded of today, was to be more grateful. I have to admit that sometimes I forget to count the many blessing I have, and instead focus on the what I don't have.
Another thing I learned today was to get to know the scriptures better and more consistently, because in them we get to know our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ better. "We cannot love what we do not know"...so true!

The last thing that struck me hard today was... how important our examples are for our children and grandchildren. They are ever watching us and the choices we make. They watch what types of music we listen to, the types of movies that we go to, or bring into our homes, how we treat our bodies and how we serve or don't serve others. Yes, we can say all we want to our children but...it is our example that will speak the loudest. Are we living the type of life, that we wouldn't be afraid for our children to follow? That is a big question, and one that I need to ask myself often. I know that I fall short in many of these areas, but I was grateful to be TAUGHT AGAIN!  Yes, even at the ripe old age of 51, I am still not too old to learn!  :) And remember the little ones are always watching us too!  (This photo of Jenny, was taken by her proud Uncle Lee )

Jenny Paige 3_edited-1

"It's not only children who grow.  Parents do too.  As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours.  I can't tell my children to reach for the sun.  All I can do is reach for it, myself."  ~Joyce Maynard

"Don't worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you."  ~Robert Fulghum

"If there is anything that we wish to change in the child, we should first examine it and see whether it is not something that could better be changed in ourselves."  ~C.G. Jung

Friday, October 1, 2010

Your own personal trainer

I have thought many times, that I wished I had the money to hire a personal trainer. Someone that could look at my body, and tell me what I need to do to get it working properly (and to it's greatest potential, I might add). Of course that has never happened, but I do believe that I have found something close with my Physical Therapist ( who specializes in the spine and back ). Today was a particularly hard day, because once again my muscles that are suppose to be doing one thing, are doing something totally different. She mentioned today at how complex my physical limitations are, but then also told me that she was glad that I was very in tuned with my body, and truly understood the whole MIND/BODY connection. She said many people don't believe or understand that the Body and Mind, do go hand in hand. And so I continue to learn more and more about my body, muscles, ligaments, scar tissues, nerves and on and on. She is by far, the first person who has really picked me a part to see what is going on, and why. I am so grateful to the other health professionals who have helped me too, and directed me to her.

As I was thinking about this subject today,  I remembered reading in the book ARMOR by Kim B. Clark, and he  compared this whole concept with a scripture in Hebrews 12:1-2 It talks about how we are exercised (shaped and developed) by the things that happen to us. Whether they are sins that we have committed, weaknesses we have, or trials in life, they still make us who we are. I liked the part in verse 2, when it talks about Christ and how He truly is the finisher. It goes on to say that the word finisher here ...means one who completes or perfects, Christ truly is our greatest teacher and example. He is like having a personal trainer for our lives and all the trials and problems we face. He faced them all, He suffered them all and did it ALL for us! Careful study of the scriptures, shows us how He has developed a plan of discipline, and by applying this divine program, we can receive all the help and peace we need. The Lord never has promised that life would be easy but...He did show us the way. And that is exactly what my Physical Therapist is showing me. Little by little she is taking me apart, finding out why I have pain here, when the muscle that should be effected is there. The problem that makes things a bit worse is that so many parts of my body have compensated for other areas and for so long, that now my muscles don't know how to do their proper job and so..... I continue to retrain and exercise each one, over and over again until is it relearned.

I believe that problems and struggles in our life are just like that. If there is a sin, or habit or weakness that we have, we try to compensate by doing something else, keeping busy or pretending everything is all right. When the whole problem is that we really aren't getting to the root of our problems, we are just going by the feelings and reactions we are having at the time. Many times in our life, we get too busy to have a PERSONAL TRAINER (spiritually speaking ) look at our life, and be honest enough with them to tell us what the REAL PROBLEM is! Maybe we have ignored it so long that we really don't know any more?  But thank goodness there is a way we can know. We can pray to find out what is going on and why? And better yet...how to fix it!  It is our life, our problem, our body, our mind, our everything, so we would be the one to get the inspiration on how to fix it. But that might take a lot of ( visits )  prayers and a lot of hard work, patience and the help of others along the way. That does sound an awful lot like a problem at the gym doesn't it... hard work and patience?

Yes, life is hard and hard on the heart, unless we are willing to turn everything over to our Heavenly Father and truly trust that He knows perfectly how we can be in the best shape of our spiritual and physical lives. I will continue to add ice to my aching body today, and try to remember this great analogy by this impressive author. Hope it makes us all slow down, take a look at our lives and see when we can make time for our PERSONAL TRAINER, to start helping us progress right away!

"Every passion, every emotion, has its effect upon the mind. Every change of mind, however slight, has its effect upon the body."     ~Hazrat Inayat Khan