Friday, February 28, 2014

Gratitude... it puts things in perspective!

(First of all, sorry about the poster adds or whatever that is on my blog, Jeff worked on my computer tonight so that we could get Skype up and working and after he did, all of a sudden I had these posters or something under my picture. We will get that fixed. )

Today I went and had a procedure called Vitamin Infusion, it is where they put an IV in your arm and then push through a ton of vitamins, in hopes to strengthen my exhausted immune system; that doesn't seem to want to fight any more. My blood pressure was low ( which is usually the case for me ) when I came in and so he said I might be a little light headed afterwards. I did feel light headed and just sat for awhile, and then had to get some water in me, pay the bill and prayed that I would get home safely. I know you are probably thinking I shouldn't have been driving today, why didn't you call me? You would be right... but I didn't think of planning a ride in advance and told Jeff I would be fine the night before. So I just came home and went to bed, hoping when I woke up I would feel incredible ( ok, at least a little bit better) and would fill the next few hours (till Jeff came home)...with something___________? Can't even think of that. Maybe the results will come tomorrow or the next day, he said that the effects are different on everyone. So I am praying tomorrow will be a better day.
Loved this letter from Jason Wright to a soldier. It made me stop and think about something else other than my problems...that is a much healthier place to be.
Good night dear friends

Letter to a soldier on an Alaskan Airlines flight from Washington, D.C. to Seattle


 
Soldier

I’m sorry.
Early on Feb. 9, in the cold, black and blue hours of a winter Sunday, I said nothing.
I first saw you in your camouflage fatigues patiently waiting in the airport security line.
I spotted you later shuffling around the gate with a wide smile on your face waiting to board the six-hour, non-stop flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to Seattle-Tacoma International.
I watched a hurried woman stop and thank you for your service. You were so kind, so gracious, so humble.
Still, I said nothing.
I don’t know your name, where you were coming from, or if Seattle was even your final destination. I could have asked all of those things.
More importantly, I could have thanked you for serving our country.
But, I didn’t.
I’m sorry.
I’ve certainly launched those conversations before. When it’s been convenient, I’ve stopped other service members in airports, restaurants and gas stations around the country. Like so many others, I’ve paid for meals when they were behind me in line or tucked into the neighboring booth.
Not today.
This morning I was too tired, too grouchy and too annoyed at my nasty head cold. Don’t you understand I’d been up since 4 a.m. and already driven 90 miles to the airport?
I saw you again when you boarded, but I was far too busy bemoaning my minuscule middle seat and complaining about our high-row number. I told my seat mates that we were so far back on the plane, our arrival time was 15 minutes later than those in first class.
Eventually, I settled in and allowed my mind to wander up to your row. Where were were you stationed? How long had you been in the military? Were you going home for good, or only for a few short days that pass too fast?
Who would be waiting for you on the other end? A beautiful bride who can barely catch her breath at the thought of seeing you descend the escalator? Young children with crayon and construction paper signs? A mother and father who will whisper prayers in your ear as they wrap their grateful arms around you?
I could have asked those things, too, but I was preoccupied with missing my own family already and we weren’t even airborne. Soldier, sometimes I’m gone for a day or two, maybe six or seven. Did you know I’ve even had a few trips run two full weeks? After grueling school assemblies and exhausting book signings, I absolutely ache to return home to my loved ones.
Fourteen days away from my family! In a row! I bet you can’t even imagine that, can you, Soldier?
I wonder where your service has taken you. What have you witnessed as you’ve sacrificed so much to protect and defend America and her allies? Have you been sitting at a small, metal desk in some green zone? Or are you a member of a special operations unit where losing your life is a real possibility every day you punch in?
Honestly, it doesn’t matter.
I believe the uniform doesn’t care where you’re serving and what your specific assignment is, it only cares that you’re wearing it. Honor doesn’t come from any particular type of service — it comes from the service itself.
I wish I’d told you that, too.
Instead, I blew my nose and felt sorry for myself and the work piling up back home. I’ve got too many projects, too many columns, too many Facebook posts to manage and an eternity of emails to sort. Working for myself presents so much unpredictability, anxiety and stress.
What a drag, right?
As for you and your colleagues in uniform? All you do is strap on a vest and hope that routine desert patrol isn’t your last.
Soldier, if I could have those moments back, I would shake your hand and thank you on behalf of everyone who feels more safe and secure because you’re doing work that many of us would not be courageous enough to do.
I would promise you that never again would I find myself so caught up in my own selfish discomfort to let you pass by. And I would suggest that if servicemen and women can do what they do, I can certainly do what I do.
I would say thank you for bravely going to work when you have a head cold and when life puts you in the middle seat.
I would say, “Thank you.”
 

Thursday, February 27, 2014

smallest things

This a very true quote, it is the small and simple things that I am missing the most right now ...fresh air, my grandkids, my family, my friends, my work, my calling at church and a healthy body.
Another tough day, need to remember my blessings!
Good night dear friends!
Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in our hearts. #quotes
 ,



Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Bigger Thank Me Days!

I have to admit the last few days have been Bigger Than Me Days! When you look at my flowers (that a dear friend), you can guess which flower is like my day today?


Another dear friend came by the other day, and brought me this bag of Sunshine! I thought that was a really nice and sweet idea. Everything in the bag was yellow, and fun... I have to remember this someday when I need to cheer  up when someone else has a Bigger Than Me Days! How grateful I am for the kindness of others.
 


Yesterday I went back to the Doctor to find out that I am fighting... yet another virus. Man, this is getting way too long. I will go to a infectious disease next week and hopefully he can shed more light on what is going on? Just until then, I need to remember all the things that I tell others when they are having their own Bigger Than Me Days!
Good night dear friends!
 
"Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quite voice at the end of the day...saying I will try again tomorrow"  ~ Mary Anne Radmacher
 
 
 
 
 

Monday, February 24, 2014

Stop and think about it!

Read this commentary and actually that is exactly what I was thinking while watching the movie. I loved that the story didn't end like they almost always do and that true love was self sacrifice of a dear sister. Maybe you will say that is over thinking it but I really thought this guy made a good point. Another tough day. Good night dear friends!

Are We Missing the Point of Frozen’s ‘Let It Go’?
Are We Missing the Point of Frozen’s ‘Let It Go’? avatar

8-27 (1)The bright spot in this insufferably cold winter has been the success of the movie, Frozen, considered one of the best Disney films in decades.
We took the family to see the film on Thanksgiving weekend, fully expecting the common, tired storyline of a princess being true to herself and finding salvation through romantic love. It is the Disney dogma, after all.
Suprisingly, the movie’s storyline takes us in the opposite direction. The princess who is “true to herself” wreaks havoc on the world and leaves shattered relationships in her wake. Her devoted sister pursues her, even at great personal cost. And when all seems to be lost and you hope a prince will save the day with romantic love, there is instead a stunning portrait of self-sacrifice, described as the only kind of love that can melt a frozen heart.
It’s not hard to see the redemptive sketches in this movie. If you believe that love is more than just a feeling, that true love is expressed in self-sacrifice (which flows ultimately from Christ’s willingness to give His life for the world), and that true change can only take place through redemption not self-discovery, then you will find this movie delightful. More importantly, you will find ways to connect this movie’s theme to the gospel. We loved it.
The Success of “Let It Go”
Four months later, we’re still talking about Frozen. It has earned close to a billion dollars at the box office, surpassing the studio’s all-time best moneymaker, The Lion King (in inflated dollars). For months, it has been in the top five, and the soundtrack has spent considerable time at the top of the Billboard charts.
“Let it Go” is the stand-out song on the soundtrack due to its beautiful melody and memorable lyric. The music video has been viewed more than 88 million times. But the success of this particular song leaves me scratching my head, especially when you consider its place in Frozen’s storyline.
If there ever was a song that summed up the Disney doctrine of “being true to yourself” and “following your feelings” no matter the consequences, it’s “Let it Go.” Take a look at some of the lyrics:
The wind is howling like this swirling storm inside.
Couldn’t keep it in, Heaven knows I tried.
Don’t let them in, don’t let them see.
Be the good girl you always have to be.
Conceal, don’t feel, don’t let them know.
Well, now they know!
Let it go, let it go!
Can’t hold it back any more.
Let it go, let it go!
Turn away and slam the door.
I don’t care what they’re going to say.
Let the storm rage on.
The cold never bothered me anyway.
It’s funny how some distance,
makes everything seem small.
And the fears that once controlled me, can’t get to me at all
It’s time to see what I can do,
to test the limits and break through.
No right, no wrong, no rules for me.
I’m free!
Thousands of little girls across the country are singing this song – a manifesto of sorts, a call to cast off restraint, rebel against unrealistic expectations and instead be true to whatever you feel most deeply inside. What’s ironic is that the movie’s storyline goes against the message of this song. When the princess decides to “let it go,” she brings terrible evil into the world. The fallout from her actions is devastating. “No right, no wrong, no rules for me” is the sin that isolates the princess and freezes her kingdom.
It’s only after sacrificial love saves her from the effects of the curse that the princess is free to redirect her passion and power – not in “turning away” and “slamming the door” and expressing herself – but in channeling her powers for the good of her people.
If there is a moral to Frozen, it’s that “letting it go” is self-centered and damaging. What’s needed is for our distinctive gifts to be stewarded and shaped by redemptive love.
Perhaps that’s why I’m flummoxed by the popularity of “Let It Go” (the song). Not from an artistic standpoint; it’s a gem. But I’m afraid its popularity drowns out the bigger and more beautiful point of the film.
Rebellion vs. Rule-keeping
A popular idea in our culture is that there are only two ways to live:
  1. Through authenticity, expressed in rebellion against cultural constraints
  2. Through an ordered life, expressed in rule-keeping
Many people see these as the only options. And sometimes, Christians are assumed to be lumped in with the second group – the rule-keepers of religion. To the stodgy, religious types, “Let It Go” is an anthem to the beauty of spontaneity and freedom.
But Christianity doesn’t see morality in either of these ways.
We don’t believe we are most true to ourselves when we embrace our deepest desires. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. We need deliverance from our deepest instincts, not celebration of them.
Neither does Christianity say we are most true to ourselves when we conceal our sin – as if by willpower, we can control our terrible tendencies. Some religious people may put forward the image of a rule-keeping, behavioral checklist. But that’s not true Christianity. The gospel frees us from the curse of the law.
The Glory of Self-Sacrifice
Christianity teaches explicitly what Frozen only hints at: salvation comes not through self-discovery or self-restraint, but through self-sacrifice.
All across the country, little girls are singing about self-discovery. Let’s make sure that after they see this wonderful film, they are given songs about self-sacrifice.
Found the article here:

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Olympian says "It's Family First"


Watch the video here:

'It's always been us': Noelle Pikus-Pace on how family healed her from heartache, injury to compete in Sochi


Video: Noelle Pikus-Pace, who traveled to Sochi with her husband and children, joins Matt Lauer in Sochi to chat about competing in the Games in the women’s skeleton. She credits much of her success to having her family around. Her main goal? “This time, it’s about getting on that podium,” she says.
More than anything, a win would be a true celebration of their partnership, which has endured both tragedy and triumph as Pikus-Pace pursued Olympic greatness over the past decade. Pace has been there at every turn, offering council and support. When Pikus-Pace kept struggling to get comfortable on her sled about five years ago, her husband even decided to use his engineering experience to brainstorm the “perfect piece of equipment.”
Hurtling downhill headfirst at over 80 miles per hour, she competed victoriously on that sled in recent races, and plans to use it again in Sochi.
US Noelle Pikus-Pace takes part in a women Skeleton official training at the Sanki Sliding Center in Rosa Khutor during the Sochi Winter Olympics on F...
LIONEL BONAVENTURE / AFP - Getty Images
Pikus-Pace trains for Skeleton on February 10.
Their path to the 2014 Olympics has been anything but conventional. Last year, Pace, 33, left his job at a steel fabrication company so the couple and their two young children could attend Olympic-qualifying competitions together. Lacee, 6, and Traycen, 2, posed many times with their mother on the award podium, where she has been decorated with World Cup gold and silver medals in skeleton.
Globetrotting with two small children in tow might look daunting to most families, but the Paces have embraced the challenge. “Teamwork is really what it’s all about,” Janson Pace told TODAY.com.
Now that Pikus-Pace’s goal of an Olympic medal is within reach, the Paces are hopeful their hard work and sacrifices will lead to victory — so their regular Valentine’s Day dinner will have to wait until the Paces return home to Eagle Mountain, Utah.
“After being with the kids non-stop for the past 3 months straight,” Pikus-Pace said via email, “I am pretty sure we'll be looking for the grandparents when we get home so we can make that date happen!”
Pikus-Pace kisses her son Traycen after winning the women's Skeleton World Cup in Koenigssee near Berchtesgaden, Germany, on January 24.
TOBIAS HASE / EPA
Pikus-Pace kisses her son Traycen after winning the women's Skeleton World Cup in Koenigssee near Berchtesgaden, Germany, on January 24.
Delayed date nights notwithstanding, this is exactly what the couple wanted: an once-in-a-lifetime experience as a family.
Just a few years ago, Pikus-Pace didn’t expect to compete in the 2014 Olympics. A decade ago, she was considered the best in her sport, having won the overall World Cup title in 2004-2005. But when a runaway bobsled struck her at a 2005 competition in Canada, her leg was badly broken, and the accident ended her chances of competing at the 2006 Olympics in Turin, Italy. A comeback was marked by disappointment when, at the Vancouver Olympics in 2010, Pikus-Pace placed fourth and didn’t medal.
She retired soon after, but returned to the sport after experiencing yet another tragedy — a miscarriage— in the spring of 2012.
“I really needed the distraction, turning my mind from loss and heartache to compete again,” she told TODAY.com. “I was looking forward to another goal, and it was chasing this Olympic dream together with my husband, something we felt strongly that was meant to be.”
Noelle Pikus-Pace and her family in the Olympic Park in Sochi, Russia on Feb. 3, 2014.
Scott Halleran / Getty Images
Noelle Pikus-Pace and her family in the Olympic Park in Sochi, Russia on Feb. 3, 2014.
Pace knew it would be easier for his wife to endure the grueling qualifying season with the children in tow; there would be no anxiety about being away from home. Yet, this was an expensive proposition. The U.S. covers some of Pikus-Pace’s competition costs, but the family had to spend a small fortune last year to fund both her race-related expenses and the family’s travel.
Luckily, they received support from unexpected places. Inspired by Pikus-Pace’s story, one woman handed her a check for $30,000. Friends and fans donated money, coordinated a bake sale, held a 5K race, and put on a golf tournament. Corporate sponsors, including Kellogg’s, have since eased the financial burden.
The family is grateful: “Our team is a lot bigger than just the four of us,” said Pace, who will also be watching his wife from the point of view of his role as "sled-builder."
“If she can compete on that sled and win a gold medal, I’m going to be ecstatic and it will be a story that we’ll remember for the rest of our lives,” he said.
For Pikus-Pace, the custom sled is a reminder of the couple’s enduring partnership. “It’s never been only me crossing finish line,” she said. “It’s always been us.”

Friday, February 21, 2014

Kindness matters!

I am always amazed at the kindness of others. When I read this quote below, I thought how true!

"Life is short. Never miss an opportunity to perfect your own humanity. Love is simple. In fact it is all that we truly have. It binds us. It makes us who we are. It is not the coat that keeps us warm, it is love. Give what you can. Do what you must. Be more human. "

We have felt overwhelmed with the love, concern and kindness all of you have shown to us, since I have been sick. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Someone asked if I am going stir crazy in the house all day? Actually...no, I haven't felt good enough to do anything or any hobby around the house. I have felt terribly lonely, when Jeff is home and we eat dinner at 6:00pm, I just look at the clock and realize that he will go to be in 4 1/2 hours and I won't see him for another whole day. It was that type of thinking that has been hard not to get down about. There have been so many friends that have offered to come over, or said I could call. But honestly, I haven't even had the energy to visit or talk. Doing my blog each night made me try to focus on something positive, so that was a blessing.
Here is my update from the appointment today!
It's Date Night and I think we are going to have another one at home! Who cares, at least I have another human being with me! And a very handsome one at that! :)
Good night dear friends!

Just an update to let you know we just got back from the pulmonary specialist. Good news is that everything looks like it is on the mend. No problems with my lungs, other than the bronchitis... that I am still fighting. He thinks when that gets better, that the inflammation in my lungs will go down and I will start breathing easier. I don't have strep which they tested me for yesterday. And hopefully on Monday we will get another negative result back, from the virus culture they did.
 As for my energy, he just thinks because of being sick for 8 weeks... that all my calories, energy everything has been going to fight these infections, but that too should improve. Now the trick is to stay in, so I don't catch anything else while my immune system is weak and then to slowly build my stamina and strength back. Of course right now that isn't a problem because I am so tired and weak. Might be a different subject when I feel really good!
He didn't seemed to surprised, he said he has seen this sorta thing happen often after someone has had pneumonia for weeks. He said it has been a very bad year.
Funny, I went in there with the worry of cancer or something like that, but as soon as he said that all looked great, then I started wondering... but are you going to give me something to help me breath better? The answer was no and if I need to, then next week I could go in and do more breathing tests and see what to do from there. I should have been more grateful, I felt like was some.. but struggling to breath is sort of a panicky feeling.
But all in all, our prayers were answered that it wasn't anything horrible. Just need to rebuild my poor body back up,  from being sick so long.
Thanks so much for all love and concern!
Kindness is a powerful thing! I love this quote.....and kind people....like people.on the www.generosityphilosophy.com podcast! Have a listen and be inspired!

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Good friends!

I thought this card was too funny and so true! I haven't had many visitors in the past 8 weeks, and I am not actually suppose to... until we figure out what is wrong with me. But the ones that have come, I realized are good friends, because I really didn't clean up for them. I didn't even put on my face and I haven't even taken down my Christmas/ Winter decorations either! Now that must mean I am really sick! :)

so true!
Headed to the DR today, she was discouraged that this 3rd antibiotic isn't doing it's job and neither is the nebulizer. She checked my throat and said she was worried about strep so she took a culture. Then she did a culture on my nose and sinuses to check for the flu virus. She showed me the chest x rays and I still have bronchitis and she said they can see that the bronchial tubes are narrowed because of something... bacteria related? She wasn't sure, but that is why I feel so bad, straining to get air and winded easily. So she is sending me to a pulmonary specialist tomorrow and we will go from there!
 
Thanks for your prayers and thoughts, that means a lot. I need to just stay hopeful and trust that my Heavenly Father will help us find more answers soon.
 
P.S.  Oh I forgot to tell you that tonight when Jeff got dinner we got a fortune cookie with it, guess what mine said? " Now is a good time to finish up old tasks" then I asked to see the other one maybe it would be better and more positive. Here is what it said " Now is a good time to start a new hobby or collections"
Gee, I guess that means I will never get out of here! :) Actually I wouldn't mind to have the energy to either one of those! :)
Choose to find hope in God during your darkest trials. Choose to praise God in the middle of your storm. Choose to find a reason to smile and be grateful even when you are in the midst of heartbreak or loss. And never forget that even when your life is out control, it is always in full control in the hands of God.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

The Gift!!!!!

Just watched this sweet story of one small gift from someone, that has made a huge impact on the person who received it and also to thousands around the world. Taking care of each other...isn't that what life is all about?
Hope you take a minute or two to watch this.
Good night dear friend

You have to see this inspiring story HERE:

50 Inspiritational & Motivational Thoughts quotes and memes (41)Be The Change Inspirational Print by kikicomin on Etsy, $9.95

Yet another day!

Well, it's another late night. Hard to want to go to bed when I can't sleep. These steroids just don't let me do that very well. I actually stopped the nebulizer for today, it's not working ...it has been a week now,  so I think we need to go to plan B. Will find out what that is on Thursday, when I head back to the Doctor. Was on the phone most of the day trying to get in to see a pulmonary specialist...seems like that is not as easy as one would think. You need to have different tests done and then they go over the results before deciding to take you on as a patient or not.
I am going on my 8th week of quarantine and it is getting harder ...not easier.
I miss my life, my friends, my drive, my energy, my creating skills and most of all my family. When Jeff got home today and after we finished dinner I said " in 5 hours you will have to go to bed and then I won't see you till tomorrow night at this time." The look on his face told me, that I am becoming a  pretty sad case. I need to feel better soon, these days are just all starting to all blend together. If I just felt better, then think of all the things I could get done...just here in my house. Like take down Christmas/ Winter Décor? Nice to at least watch the Olympics and see all the snow there.
Once again I share Jason Wright's article with you. Love the twist he put on about winning and losing at the Olympics!
Good night dear friends!

Wright Words: Olympics remind us of the beauty in losing!


 
Cue the inspiring music.
Load the red, white and blue graphics.
It’s time for the sports world to write the last of the 98 goose-bump gold medal stories from the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia.
That’s right, there are less than 100 gold medals to spread across 2,800 athletes. So if you’re one of the Olympians from 88 countries battling over the remaining 196 silver and bronze medals, odds are the only thing you’re taking home is a selfie with the Jamaican bobsledders and a set of Russian nesting dolls.
Isn’t it beautiful?
Sure, we love the inspiring stories of men and women dreaming since the womb of overcoming the odds in their final race, skate or run to win the gold. Those will be the stories that dominate the news, and they are the stars soon to make the television rounds on everything from "Ellen" to "Good Morning America" and the late-night Jimmy shows in-between.
But it’s not the champions who make the Olympics so inspiring; it’s all those also-rans. In a world that increasingly rewards mediocrity and resists naming winners and losers, the Olympics doesn’t just reveal the victors and vanquished, it showcases them on prime time.
Did you wince when snowboard cross star Lindsey Jacobellis of the U.S. crashed and burned during her semifinal run? Of course you did. Jacobellis wasn’t just the favorite, she’s the pre-eminent star of the last decade. She’s won everything imaginable — except a gold medal.
She fell seconds from a win in Turin in 2006, got tangled and scooted off course in Vancouver in 2010, and suffered a colossal unforced error last week in Sochi when she crashed completely on her own with no one in sight. Jacobellis had so much space on the slope, the closest competitor was relaxing the in the lodge.
But she’d worked so hard, sacrificed so much and endured so much pressure that surely she deserved the gold, right?
Wrong.
They don’t give medals for showing up and trying hard. And they don’t always award the gold to the most talented or more career-consistent, they drape them around the necks of the athletes who performed the best at the best possible moment of their sporting lives.
Imagine if at the end of every Olympic event, organizers lined up the competitors on podiums at exactly the same height to receive a medal made of tin foil and yarn. That’s not competition. In many American communities, that’s called Little League.
Too often we demand everyone win a certificate or trophy and we only keep score if we absolutely have to. This attitude doesn’t just dim the luster of winning, it dulls the beauty of losing.
Didn’t get the part in the school play? Find out why and try harder. You’ll be better for the rehearsal.
Didn’t make the basketball team? Get up earlier, take more shots, run more laps and try again. The worst possible outcome is you don’t make the team next time, either, but you’re a much more talented and dedicated person for the practice.
Didn’t win the big spelling bee? Buckle down for next year. You’re out of years? Oh well, think of how many words you know that your playground pals don’t.
No one relishes failure and none should feel joy in the pain of others. But when we see the best athletes give every ounce of themselves and come up short, we applaud anyway. Their losing efforts are just as inspiring and instructive as the tales of the winners.
What matters most isn’t standing on the podium and hearing your national anthem, it’s the work you do for days, months and years to get there. Or, in the case of most of the 2,800 athletes in Russia, to not get there.
So, you're not coming home from Sochi with a medal? Cue the inspiring music anyway and take a lifetime of selfies.
And don’t forget the nesting dolls.
Read more of Jason's articles HERE:

Monday, February 17, 2014

More than just riding!

I watched this story and loved how people take their talents and compassion for others...and end up making such a difference in the world. That is what life is all about I believe!

Stepney Bank Stables is an equestrian center that provide opportunities for children and adults from disadvantaged backgrounds to develop life skills.


You can see the you tube here:

Mission statement:Stepney Bank Stables is committed to making horses and riding accessible to the whole community. We offer opportunities to volunteers of all ages to develop in confidence and skills whilst helping others.

Our Values:
We provide outstanding equestrian training. Commercial riding lessons provide the focus for all other activities and enable us to support those most in need.

We engage with vulnerable young people and adults, raising their aspirations and helping them to feel positively about themselves and their futures.

By choosing to ride with us you can not only have a fantastic time, learn valuable skills whilst keeping fit but you will also be helping local disadvantaged young people.
 

Stepney Bank Stables - More than just riding!

Sunday, February 16, 2014

What our daughters and sons need to know!

We are certainly proud of our kids who have married and started their families. Fun to see them as parents and the love that they have for their kids. I found this advice for Fathers, and it made me think of our son in law John, who is the father of 3 sweet little girls.

This is definitely something that I hope he teaches these girls throughout their lives. It will make all the difference in the world to them. All Dads should teach this to their girls...especially by personal example. 

Best Of, “Motivational Quotes” – 40 PicsAnd of course like it said at the end. We also need to teach our sons and our Grandsons to be that kind of man! As  you look at this handsome little guy... I think he is already on his way!
Good night dear friends!

Another future scrapbooker!

My granddaughters finally were able to come over and visit us tonight. It has been weeks since we were able to see each other, because I have been so sick. I didn't do much but sit and read stories to them and just hold them, but that was enough. I have missed being with them and wish that my little Kai lived close enough for Nana to read stories to him too!
Had my chest x rays done today, we won't find out the results until next week.
For now, I am just going to be grateful to feel a little bit better.
Life Quotes Collection is a community that strive to create the best online collection of quotes about life.   http://www.lifequotescollection.com/
Here is our little Audrey, looks like we have another little future scrapbooker in our midst.

" Take time to do what makes your SOUL happy!"

Friday, February 14, 2014

Happy Valentine dear friends!

I'm making this! x o x o

Love my Mother!

It's almost Valentine's Day, and I found this video about how vital a Husband's love for his wife...is to his daughter.
Get some tissues and go watch it
Here:
Shared by HWC Happy Wives Club. One of the great sites of the web on marriage.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

A dream come true!

I have always wanted to write a book. I guess the closest I have come is writing this blog each day. Still I wish I had it in book form to share with Others...when they may have to go down the same roads. But the next best thing for me ...is to have one of my kids publish a book.
When our son Brad served his Mission for our church, he was called to the Philippines and he loved the people that he taught. I was thrilled to hear when he and his wife Krystal decided to write this book to help the people in the Philippines after the typhoon Haiyan hit. I knew it would not stay a dream too long, with Brad as an illustrator and Krystal as a writer...it was destined to happen. So here it is. I am not asking you to send in a pledge or anything, but as a Mom I am just very proud of them... and I am just excited to remember ...that dreams really do come true.
Plus, you can see my sweet grandson on the video HERE:


Tatay's Gift is a story about a little boy who learns from his dad that true happiness comes from a life of giving.
Have you ever watched the news after a disaster in the world and felt helpless in being able to make a difference? Have you ever wondered how in the world you can teach your children to be giving and to serve? We had the same questions after hearing about typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. We wanted so badly to do something to help, and wanted to be able to teach our son that he doesn’t have to be helpless in these situations. We decided that by using our skills as an illustrator and a writer, both of those things could be accomplished, which was how Tatay’s Gift came about. Tatay’s Gift is not only a fun story about a boy and his dad, but it is a way to teach children about giving.
In Tatay’s Gift we get to join a young Filipino boy as he goes out to work each day with his Tatay (Tatay is the Tagalog word for dad). The boy and is Tatay do a different job each day of the week, from selling popsicles by the beach to driving a Jeepney through the city. As they work, he learns the lesson of serving and giving to others by watching his Tatay everyday. This vibrant, and colorfully illustrated book is based on stories from Brad’s time spent in the Philippines and the wonderful people he met there. Tatay’s Gift not only celebrates the hardworking, loving, kind, and giving attitudes of the Filipino people, but it also teaches the valuable lesson of giving back to to your community and helping those in need.
Our mission is to teach the important message of giving and serving each other. It is so easy once the news moves on and the cameras turn off to also move on and forget those who are still in need. It is even easier to detach ourselves from the suffering in the world because it is so far away, or not directly affecting us. Our hope is to at least teach our kids to feel like they have an obligation to help others and care about other’s situations and not just be passive about the things they hear about on the news. We want to teach about unity and loves and the importance of helping out, coming together, and supporting each other. The next generation is going to change this world, and we believe that a wonderful way to reach them is through reading and illustration. Just like Tatay teaches “a life of giving is the best life indeed.”
We need your help to make this book a reality and get the first print run completed. We also would like to raise enough money to allow us to be able to move forward with our mission and help those who still need help after typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. There is still a demand for basic needs such as water, shelter, and medical attention. We also plan on continuing to spread the message of positive morals, and community lessons through children’s books.
Budget Breakdown:
 - printing costs of a first run
 - printing of other assets in reward tiers
- shipping/packaging costs
- fees from Kickstarter and Amazon
 - obtaining the ISBN number, registration fees, and copyrighting fees

Limited Edition Screen Print by Ty Wilkins

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Believes verses unbelieves!

Since I was a little girl, I always remember believing in a Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ. I loved when our family would read in the Bible about Christ's life, and it made me always wish that I could have lived in that time period; to meet Him and feel the love and kindness. He always loved and took care of the children, that gave me a sense of peace and hope even though I didn't have a lot of that in my life as a child. I love this photo that Lauren took, would have loved to have this photo in my home when I was little ).
 As a young woman I went and served a mission for our church for 19 months, and every day I got to share my testimony of my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. It was during that time that I really realized that I could do anything, conquer any problem with Their help.
Today has been a rough day for me ...I have been discouraged and having a hard time seeing that I am ever going to get better. It was during that pity party that I got a call from a friend and said that she was bringing over dinner. After that I had another dear friend call from out of town to check on me, a niece called and reminded me how much she loved me, then a knock came at the door and sweet girls and friends from church, gave me an edible bouquet of fruit and gave us a Heart Attack ( cute hearts of all shapes and sizes taped to our door). Then more emails, cards in the mail, phone messages and then a couple of calls from family and grandkids. How could I ever stay sad and discouraged for long?  I know that I am loved by all of these wonderful people, but it also reminded me how aware my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are of my situation, and have placed these amazing people in my life to help me out when I seem to lose my hope.
I went back in my blogs and reread this one, I needed to remember it ...especially today! Sorry that it is a repeat.
Wanted to get my blog done before we start my breathing treatments, it says it can make you quite shaky. So even though I am struggling, I do know that this too will pass and some how, some day...I will be healthy enough to go back into the world again! I can't wait to see you all again!
Thank you and good night dear friends.


Today our lesson in church was about our believes. I will share some of my notes, and if you scroll down to the bottom you can see the link if you want to read the article yourself.
On one occasion Jesus came upon a group arguing vehemently with His disciples. When the Savior inquired as to the cause of this contention, the father of an afflicted child stepped forward, saying he had approached Jesus’s disciples for a blessing for his son, but they were not able to provide it. With the boy still gnashing his teeth, foaming from the mouth, and thrashing on the ground in front of them, the father appealed to Jesus with what must have been last-resort desperation in his voice:
“If thou canst do any thing,” he said, “have compassion on us, and help us.
“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
“And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”
This man’s initial conviction, by his own admission, is limited. But he has an urgent, emphatic desire in behalf of his only child.  With no other hope remaining, this father asserts what faith he has and pleads with the Savior of the world, “If thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.  I can hardly read those words without weeping. The plural pronoun us is obviously used intentionally. This man is saying, in effect, “Our whole family is pleading. Our struggle never ceases. We are exhausted. Our son falls into the water. He falls into the fire. He is continually in danger, and we are continually afraid. We don’t know where else to turn. Can you help us? We will be grateful for anything—a partial blessing, a glimmer of hope, some small lifting of the burden carried by this boy’s mother every day of her life.”
“If thou canst do any thing,” spoken by the father, comes back to him “If thou canst believe,” spoken by the Master.
“Straightway,” the scripture says—not slowly nor skeptically nor cynically but “straightway”—the father cries out in his unvarnished parental pain, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” In response to new and still partial faith, Jesus heals the boy, almost literally raising him from the dead, as Mark describes the incident.
 
Observation number one regarding this account is that when facing the challenge of faith, the father asserts his strength first and only then acknowledges his limitation. His initial declaration is affirmative and without hesitation: “Lord, I believe.” I would say to all who wish for more faith, remember this man! In moments of fear or doubt or troubling times, hold the ground you have already won, even if that ground is limited. It was of this very incident, this specific miracle, that Jesus said, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”  The size of your faith or the degree of your knowledge is not the issue—it is the integrity you demonstrate toward the faith you do have and the truth you already know.
The second observation is a variation of the first. When problems come and questions arise, do not start your quest for faith by saying how much you do not have, leading as it were with your “unbelief.” That is like trying to stuff a turkey through the beak! Let me be clear on this point: I am not asking you to pretend to faith you do not have. I am asking you to be true to the faith you do have. Sometimes we act as if an honest declaration of doubt is a higher manifestation of moral courage than is an honest declaration of faith. It is not! So let us all remember the clear message of this scriptural account: Be as candid about your questions as you need to be; life is full of them on one subject or another. But if you and your family want to be healed, don’t let those questions stand in the way of faith working its miracle.
Hope on. Journey on. Honestly acknowledge your questions and your concerns, but first and forever fan the flame of your faith, because all things are possible to them that believe.
 
You can read Jeffrey R. Holland's talk
 here:
This talk really reminded me to hold fast to the believes that I do have!
Good night dear friends!

Better days ahead I hope!

This has been a long test of my ability to stay positive. I usually don't have a problem with that, but this has been a real struggle. I started the steroids over the weekend and I started feeling a bit better. But when I called the doctor and told them today that it has been a few nights since I have really slept, I found out that sometimes, that is a side effect of the drug. Here it is 1:22 am and I am still wired, heart racing a bit and yet I am tired. This is why I have troubles with meds. I know I probably need them, but at what cost?
When I saw this quote... I thought I really try to do all of those things except the 3rd and the last one I am struggling with. For whatever reason I am still struggling to get a good deep breath and because of that, I really am having a hard time being interested in doing anything, just don't have the energy for it.
I did get Valentine's out to my family today, I love the holidays and love to make and send packages to my family and friends, yet...it was a lot of work just getting the Valentine's out. Luckily Jeff already got me the stamps, all I had to do was make the long walk to the mailbox ( right across the street ).
It snowed yesterday and I was glad, because I still have all my Winter Décor up. That is a sure sign that I am sick...because I always decorated my house for the seasons. But this year, I am not so sure that we will get the Valentine's Decorations up in time. I guess that is ok, and happens some times..right?
Well dear friends, thanks for always being there. I think about you often. Good night!
17 Quotes About Health & Wellness That Will Make You Want to Eat Better, Live Longer & Smile Moreno storm can last forever.

Monday, February 10, 2014

6 Blessings Challenge

Since I have been house bound for weeks, I have tried to start counting my Blessings more. Why? Well for starters, it doesn't take long to forget all your blessings and focus on all your problems when you feel really bad. I am amazed at how hard being sick is...on me spiritually. I have a hard time focusing on anything and discouragement is much easier to think of when you are really sick. So when I found this article ( from one of my favorite authors ) I decided it needed to be my blog tonight.
My sleeping ours have gotten so mixed up since I have been sick. When I stay up half the night coughing or trying to catch some air, then I find myself sleeping in late. Really what did I have to get up for? Empty house, 10 or so more hours to myself...loneliness 101 was killing me!
Yesterday I started a steroid to help my lungs. They told me not to take it too late or it would keep you up all night. Jeff picked it up for me and I took it at 2:00pm, guess what? That was too late and true to it's word...I was up all night. Finally got to sleep at 4:00 am. Woke up at 7:00 am and decided to take todays dose right away, then I went back to bed.
So I am making sure I am really tired tonight before I head to bed. I need to sleep to heal. I need to heal to have a LIFE!
But good news...I did feel much better today and even felt like drawing and making some Valentines!
Bad news...Jeff is starting to come down with it, my first thought...I hope he doesn't give it back to me? I know, that was a selfish thought. I have been ALONE way too long!
I am excited to hopefully have another day to feel like doing something  ( yes, Little ) but something!
Good night dear friends, I count you all as my blessings...every day!

The 6 Blessings Challenge



6-blessings-challenge-02I’m something of a worrier.
I worry about our country, my kids, my half-written books, my friends, my mother, money and time.
I even worry that I won’t have time to do all the worrying I’ve already scheduled for 2014.
A few nights ago, with the house fast asleep and the only sound my snoring goldendoodle, I stared at the ceiling and considered the year that now slips into the night, soon to be replaced by the bright dawn of 2014.
It’s been a challenging year, more than most in my life might realize. Two long-awaited film projects — “Christmas Jars” and “The Wednesday Letters” — that finally seemed poised for takeoff, fizzled. Again.
One publisher declined to work with me because they feared my faith (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) would scare away Christian bookstores who have a history of not selling material produced by members of my faith.
Other exciting projects were put on hold over legal concerns or technology challenges.
Dear friends have died too soon. Others have divorced or separated.
Those thoughts and many more marched slowly through my mind, like anxious soldiers heading to a war they know they can’t win.
Then, without warning, I seemed to find a long-lost thought hidden in the clutter of my head. It was like that one missing present, wrapped and hidden for Christmas, but misplaced until after the day has come and gone.
I didn’t hear these three words; I felt them. “Count your blessings.”
And, so I did.
Before I drifted into the gray space between restlessness and REM, I challenged myself to count six blessings that filled 2013. When I was done, when I had measured them against the trials, bad luck and heartache, it was no contest.
First, my mother had a health scare that could have ended very differently. Instead, she’s happier and healthier than she’s been in ages. The year nearly began another era of a parent fighting cancer. Instead, 2013 became the year my mother finally learned to use Facebook.
Second, after a challenging late winter and early spring, my daughter began to overcome anxiety. She learned that leaning on Mom and Dad’s faith in God isn’t enough anymore; she needs to trust and rely on the Lord. After six months of, “Can I do this?” she’s now saying, “Is there anything I can’t do?”
Third, my sister, her husband and their six children had their Maryland home invaded and burglarized while they slept. During the cleanup the next morning, they discovered a large, missing butcher knife the criminals dropped on the floor before leaving. Had one of them awakened during the crime, they might have lost much more than a laptop, television and some jewelry.
Fourth, in 2013, I saw more friends and family called to serve missions than at any point since my own mission in 1990. All have served honorably and with distinction. Dearest among them is my niece, called to serve a Spanish-speaking mission for the church in Tucson, Ariz. Her righteous service has lit a fire in her immediate and extended family and weekly emails and letters home are a gift that keeps on giving — each and every Monday.
Fifth, though financing for “Christmas Jars-The Movie” fell through yet again, the tradition itself continues to grow. We received more accounts of jars being given and received than ever before, in many cases as direct answers to urgent prayers. The movement is alive and well and 2013 reminded me just how much the story has touched my family.
Sixth, perhaps the greatest blessing of all is my increased faith that God knows me, loves me and wants me to return home. Through prayer, study and action, I’ve learned so much about my relationship with my Savior. I have miles to go in understanding His divine role in my life, but I count chief among my blessings the indisputable fact that my Father in heaven hears my prayers, even on the nights I worry He can’t.
Wow! It’s been a better year than I thought.
I wonder, with my six blessings having moved from mind to paper, how many more I could count. Even in the worst of times, even when the day seems to have been lost to bad decisions, misfortune or the ill will of others, are there not blessings to be found?
Do those blessings not predict a brighter day, month and year ahead?
As you ponder your year over your own shoulder, as you worry about the things gone wrong and the opportunities missed, why not take a moment to marvel at all that went right?
Please, at any point along the way, feel free to borrow number six from my own list. I promise He loves you, too.
So, are you up to the 6 Blessings Challenge?
I read the article here:

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Prayers and Icy roads



Icy mountain road teaches the best answer to prayer is often ‘no’ 



photo[7]Like many Americans of all faiths and backgrounds, I like to pray often. You probably do, too. We pray at church, over meals, at bedtime, before road trips and when life presents a need that only heaven can meet.
There is power in prayer, and I believe that if we only ask, our Creator is often just waiting to say “yes.”
Except when he isn’t.
This Sunday I had the pleasure of attending church in Front Royal, Virginia. I’d been told by several friends of a woman in the area who enjoys my columns and had long wanted to meet me. But the weekend’s sloppy weather and a husband with chronic health problems made a trip to church that day unreasonable.
I’ve been fortunate to meet many of my readers at firesides, school assemblies, book signings or other events around the country. But the print and online reach of the newspapers that run my columns is far greater than my arm, and, despite my best efforts, I’ll never shake hands with everyone I’d like to.
When I’m that close to someone who makes my job possible, how could I pass up the chance to meet them?
So, after church, I asked for the address and directions and set out to find my new pal, Sally Atkins.
I’ll admit, I was a bit concerned that the area had been under a freezing rain warning all morning and when I got to my car, icicles hung from my mirrors.
I’ll also admit that concern turned to worry a few miles later when I saw the steep road I’d need to climb. But it seemed the ice on the road sign double-dog dared me to continue, even though I was driving one of the least winter-worthy cars ever manufactured.
road-signAlways up for an adventure, I simply couldn’t turn around. Instead, I took the turn onto the narrow road I’d been told would eventually end at Sally and Gilbert Atkins’ property. I began sliding almost immediately and backed down the hill for another run with a little more speed. I made it 10 yards higher up the hill, but again the tires spun and the car slid back.
I tried again, this time from a slightly different angle and in new tracks. I aimed for the leftover crunchy snow from a recent storm, but the results were no different.
I couldn’t help but laugh. I would’ve had more traction in a toboggan.
Smiling from my sandwich of misfortune and overconfidence, and sitting smack in the middle of the road, I did what most of us would have done — I prayed. If the Lord wanted me to visit Sally Atkins, surely he could safely get me up the hill.
Naturally, I expected a “yes.” Why not?
Feeling at ease, I took another attempt that ended precisely as the others. So I took another, this time stabbing the gas in short bursts and wriggling the wheel back and forth. I climbed a few inches farther, perhaps, before the tires begged me to stop.
I thought, “Huh, so that’s a ‘no’ then?”
I backed my way down the road, spun around — insert proper use of literally — and held my breath as the car skated like Apolo Anton Ohno down to the main road below. I was fortunate to catch enough traction to avoid diving down an embankment into the woods. It probably wouldn’t have killed me, but it surely would have left a mark.
Safely off the road in the only flat spot available, I wondered why climbing the mountain hadn’t been easier.
What was I missing? Was there something I couldn’t see?
Curious, I stepped out of the car and looked up the hill. “I’ve come so far,” I thought. “And whether Sally wants to meet me or not, I’d sure like to meet her.”
So, obviously, I began the hike in my suit and loafers.
When I got around the corner and passed the point the car had called it quits, I learned two important things. First, I’m more out of shape than spilled gelatin. And I still can’t decide what hurt more — my lungs or my thighs.
Second, and more importantly, I realized that even if I’d cleared the spot that had bedeviled me, I never would have cleared what waited ahead. It didn’t get better, it got worse.
I walked on, sliding not so gracefully, but never hitting the ground. A few clumsy minutes later, I knocked on Sally and Gilbert Atkins door and heard the “yes” I’d been waiting for.
Was it worth the hike? Oh, was it ever.
Sally, Gilbert and I visited for nearly an hour. We talked about everything from God to kids, from writing to weather, and from why she’s not on Facebook to why there’s a stuffed bobcat on a shelf holding a squirrel in its mouth.
I was inspired at all Gilbert has overcome with health issues and at his positive attitude. I marveled at Sally’s insightful commentary on faith, children and teaching. I reminded her how loved she is on heaven and Earth and how her church family can’t wait to see her again.
Sally was overly generous in her praise of these columns and kind beyond measure. She even regretted not having shoes to lend me for the downhill ski trip.
When it was time to say goodbye, I hugged Sally and listened as she thanked me profusely for visiting. The honor was all mine, I insisted.
Not surprisingly, the trip down the slope went by in a blur. After another adventure getting the car turned around and back onto dry roads, I was homeward bound.
Driving away I could think of nothing but how merciful the Lord had been with the simple answer “no.”
What if I’d made it by the first problem only to discover the next?
What if I’d ended up in a ditch or the trees waiting for a tow truck instead of meeting super Sally Atkins?
How many other “no’s” have I heard that I mistook as unanswered prayers?
I prayed again that night and had a longer list of thanks than usual. I thanked heaven for freezing rain, mountain roads, Sally Atkins and one of the most beautiful words any of us might ever hear — no.
I read the article here:

Friday, February 7, 2014

Date Night!


Today I feel a bit better, breathing is still a struggle so when the doctor called this morning we decided that  we are going to try a stronger antibiotic over the weekend. We are also going to start breathing treatments tomorrow.
  I did feel good enough to read a book today. This is something that I haven't even felt like doing for the last 5 weeks. Of course it was a Christmas book ( I know you are all surprised :) It was nice to feel good enough to do that though. And it is definitely a book that I will tell you about next Christmas.
Jeff surprised me by coming home early today so I wouldn't have to be lonely all day...what a gift he gave me!
At least I will have company for the next few days.
It's Date Night at home I guess!
Good night dear friends!

Words of Wisdom Marriage Quotes | Chains | Thread

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Kindness of a stranger

Well, I kept thinking what I accomplished today to tell you about...nothing much. My coughing kept me up most of the night, and so I really didn't feel like doing much. After talking to the doctor's office this morning,  I did take a shower... just in case they needed me to come in.  I guess that was an accomplishment, still not very exciting or motivational. But, I do have an article that I found that was. So I hope you enjoy it, and remember even though the news doesn't publish it very often...that there are many wonderful people out there in the world, doing wonderful things! Now that's motivational! Good night dear friends!


ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) - Three waitresses at an Illinois restaurant say they could only stare in disbelief when a woman over the weekend handed them each a $5,000 check.
The owner of the Boone County Family Restaurant in Caledonia, Matt Nebiu, said business was slow Saturday when the customer handed checks to 25-year-old Amy Sabani, 23-year-old Sarah Seckinger and 28-year-old Amber Kariolich.
Sabansi told the Rockford Register Star that she first thought her check was for $500. But on closer inspection she saw its actual value and refused to take it.
Sabani said the woman told the waitresses to use the money for school and "everything else in life."
Seckinger says a last semester to earn her associate degree in criminal justice was too expensive, but she will now return to school.
(Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Read more at http://www.ksl.com/?nid=711&sid=28596017#vwvrX4uD0CtVbAIc.99
Found the story here:


Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Still Learning!

For the past 3 years...I have been very blessed to be healthy. So much of my life I have been sick and down for one reason or another. In the past when I was down with my back or battling cancer or whatever, I knew that at least sitting down I could draw, crochet, paint, make thank you notes or do something with my hands. But when I did have pneumonia in the past, I well remember not having the desire or the strength to do anything but just sit or sleep.
When I went to the Doctor on Monday evening and explained to her my concern of not getting better and actually getting worse (after only being out in the public 3 days); she told me something that made me feel a bit better. She said this has been a terrible year for the flu and viruses that have been going around. She has seen many patients who have had it for anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks.
Why is it comforting to know that you aren't the only one? There is a lot of truth in that, knowing that there are others who have had it or experienced it...for some reason makes you feel less ISOLATED and ALONE!
The tough thing about being so sick that you don't want to do ANYTHING at all, is that it makes for LONG DAYS and LONG NIGHTS. I keep coughing so hard that I feel like my ribs will break, I get winded to even go up or down the stairs to eat. I am lonely, but even talking on the phone hurts my throat and causes me to cough. I love to read, but I even feel too bad to want to do that even. I hope the antibiotics kick in soon so I at least feel like doing something, anything!
I realized now that I took my good health for granted, I just kept doing more and more, and was loving the fact that I was up and healthy and able to accomplish soooooo much each day.
 Now I am nervous about just going out at all and being around anyone who is sick. I remember after my radiation treatments and that next year having pneumonia, one month after another... I thought I would never go out in public again because of all the germs. Finally after 2 years of being sick, I was able to get healthy and stay healthy. I didn't worry about being around someone sick, because I knew my immune system was up and running ...doing it's job.
Now here I am again, worried if someone comes near me with a cough or sneezing!
I know this too will pass, just trying to remember the LESSONS that I need to learn from this.
1. Pace myself, be ok with saying No sometimes, and not taking on too much at one time.
2. Continue to eat better, cleaner, healthier...hard to expect my body to help me out if I don't fuel it properly.
3. Don't overdo, as much as I want to do so many things and help so many people, I still have to be smart about my choices that effect my time and energy.
4. Replace what I have lost...time, energy and sleep.
5. Be positive, this too will pass but don't forget what it felt like to be this sick...make better choices all around.
Life is sure full of lessons isn't it? Seems like if we don't learn from them the first time, they keep happening to us ...until we finally learn from them. Some times I wonder why I am such a slow learner?
I've made a lot of mistakes in the past, that I greatly regret. I had to learn my lesson, the hard way. You have always had my heart!!!  I  want nothing more, than the chance to redeem myself to you. <3 <3 <3so true! use your mistakes as a way to help others dealing with the same things