I was touched by the small and simple acts that we show to Others that truly make all the difference in the world. Children seem to be born with that type of service and compassion, but it seems to leave us a bit as we get older and what better time than Christmas time to learn it again. 
When my daughter sent me these photos I had to laugh, isn’t that just how we feel some days? Half Empty like the ‘Go On Without Me ‘ picture. Not only do we feel half empty, but we make sure that others around us know it. I am glad this one doesn’t happen very often, but some time I feel just like that…’don’t worry about me, go on and have fun without me, I will just stay here all by myself’. I try to notice when I am feeling or acting like that and immediately try to change…but it happens to the best of us I believe!
Then there are those Half Full days, where everything makes you happy. You are grateful for the smallest things…even a stick!
I do think that it is an easier way to live, being happy and noticing all the little blessing in our lives. I love when I have my head on straight and my heart in the right place, j because I truly do get excited about even the smallest things (ok, it’s usually not a stick ),just noticing the little things and the joy that they add in your life is important… and definitely falls under the Half Full category!
So I hope we will try to look for the brighter side of life, keep our glass half full and just be… Oh My Gosh HAPPY!
“Sometimes, the things we can’t change, end up changing us”
“Fear less, hope more; Eat less, chew more; Whine less, breathe more; Talk less, say more; Love more, and all good things will be yours” ~ Swedish Proverb
“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” ~ Winston Churchill
First of all, let me apologize for the problems with my blog the last couple of days. I really don't like when something goes wrong with my computer, or my car (I know I sound like a girl) but, I just want them to WORK! :)
Hopefully everything is up and running now. It is very late and I need to head to bed. But before I go, I found this wonderful short story and I loved the moral of it. Do you love what you do each day, or are you always dreaming your life to be different ?
Read it and think about it. Good night!
An Inspirational Short Story
Happy To Return
By Byron Pulsifer, © 2010
Recently, we went on a vacation for a week that involved visiting four different ports in the sunny and warm climate of the Caribbean. There were moments of laughter, fun, and great food. It's a funny thing when you go away that each day of the vacation also counts down to the end and a return to work.
It was twelve years since we went on a vacation, so this vacation was viewed with anticipation of a great break away from my daily routine. And, we weren't disappointed.
But, there was something very different about this vacation compared to those when we worked in a corporate environment. The main difference was that when we returned, when the vacation was rapidly drawing to a close, we didn't have the same feelings of approaching stress and dread.
In this most recent vacation, it wasn't that we didn't thoroughly enjoy the various fun and new activities, the break away from routine, the pleasure of touring different countries and cultures, the opportunity to do what we wanted when we wanted, or the leisurely pace of each day. What was significant was that we didn't even dread the last day of vacation knowing that we would soon have to return to my previous filed. You see, we knew that we were returning to what we love to do not what we had to do.
The feelings experienced in the last couple of days of vacation were viewed with the same joy as the very first days. In previous times, the last days of vacation were dreaded, we experienced a mounting sense of stress because we knew that a return to our field of employment was "work" and not something that we loved and thoroughly enjoyed.
The point is this: if you do what you love, it doesn't matter in the least that a vacation has to end. If you love what you do you will not find yourself wishing for even a few more days of vacation, or wishing that you could keep enjoying this vacation for much, much longer. A love of what you do draws you back like a magnet; draws you back to pleasure not to toil; draws you back where you feel comfort and completeness.
A more important question is how do you feel when you return from vacation and go back to work. Read the words of wisdom in this inspirational short story and reflect on your own situation. Are you happy to return?
"Being happy is something you have to learn. I often surprise myself by saying "Wow, this is it. I guess I'm happy. I got a home I love. A career that I love. I'm even feeling more and more at peace with myself." If there's something else to happiness, let me know. I'm ambitious for that, too." ~Harrison Ford
Today is Jeff's birthday, he really didn't remember that, but all of us did. I am not sure if Jeff's family made a big deal out of birthdays or most holidays but to celebrate each birthday and holiday is our family tradition. I don't know, life is just hard enough...I think it is important to remember those special days in our lives. We went out to lunch today (after my Dr. gave me the ok, that my pneumonia was gone ) and then we went to a book store for a minute. One book title that caught my attention was called Learning to lean into the curves or something like that. I didn't even have to pick it up to understand what the title meant, I have heard Jeff say that more than one occasion.
I got Jeff a motorcycle a couple of years ago, many of my friends told me that is the craziest thing I could have ever done. They didn't want their husbands to have one, they are just too dangerous. Well, if you would have told me that years ago, I would have agreed with you 100%, but ever since I was diagnosed with Cancer, my perspective in life has changed some. I don't want to be living life scared of a lot of things, like I have done most of my life. Now remember, it isn't me that bought a motorcycle for myself, but for Jeff. I had no idea that he always dreamed of having one. My logic was, the money was given to me and even though we put most of it to good sensible uses...paying of bills and putting some away for college for the kids, paying for my cancer bills...I felt a real need to get Jeff something that he would really love. I had no idea when I asked him, that it would be a motorcycle. Yes, I thought they were just too dangerous but for some reason I knew that he was a grown man, who had spent most of his adult life being the most incredible husband and father. He never asks for anything for himself, he never even took too much time when the kids were growing up to do things for himself. I don't think I have ever given a gift that was so appreciated in my life. He can hardly wait each morning to check the weather and see if he can ride his bike to work. Wouldn't it be great if we all had something that brought such joy and pleasure to us each day that we could hardly wait to get up?
Now having said that, I have to admit that riding with him on the bike scares me to death. It isn't actually my thing. Lucky for Jeff some of his kids don't feel that way, and can't wait to ride with him... as you can see in the photo with Lauren. I actually rode on it with him on my 50th birthday, never prayed so hard in all my life! :) I had a real problem with the curves. Jeff and the bike would lean one way and I would lean the other. I just knew if I leaned with him that we were going to fall over and think of all the injuries! ( See, obviously I am not there yet ).
I do think that learning to lean into the curves has a bigger and more profound meaning that just on motorcycles. I think it applies to life, so often we fight the hard parts, the scary parts and so we often pull too much the other way, making it dangerous that way too. So tonight as I think of Jeff and the many things I have learned from him throughout the (almost) 32 years that we have been together, and I feel blessed. He is my best friend and even though life hasn't been easy for us, we have certainly learned how together to lean into the curves that life has thrown us. Now if only I could learn to do that on his bike.... someday! Happy Birthday Jeff!
"May you live all the days of your life." ~ Jonathan Swift
"Grow old along with me!
The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made." ~ Robert Browning
"No wise man ever wished to be younger." ~ Jonathan Swift
Father's Day is coming soon and I was reading an article the other day about not losing our faith. It was inspiring to say the least, and so I will share part of it with you tonight...
"Two weeks ago I received a touching letter from a father of seven who wrote about his family and, in particular, his son Jason, who had become ill when 11 years of age. Over the next few years, Jason's illness recurred several times. This father told of Jason's positive attitude and sunny disposition, despite his health challenges. He received his Eagle Scout Award when he was 14 years old.
"Last summer, not long after Jason's 15th birthday, he was once again admitted to the hospital. On one of his visits to see Jason, his father found him with his eyes closed. Not knowing whether Jason was asleep or awake, he began talking softly to him. 'Jason,' he said, 'I know you have been through a lot in your short life and that your current condition is difficult. Even though you have a giant battle ahead, I don't ever want you to lose your faith in Jesus Christ.' He said he was startled as Jason immediately opened his eyes and said 'Never!' in a clear, resolute voice. Jason then closed his eyes and said no more.
"His father wrote, 'In this simple declaration, Jason expressed one of the most powerful, pure testimonies of Jesus Christ that I have ever heard...As his declaration of "Never!" became imprinted on my soul that day, my heart filled with joy that my Heavenly Father had blessed me to be the father of such a tremendous and noble boy." ~ Thomas S. Monson
As a mother, that is my greatest joy, just like the scriptures say in 3 John 1:4 "I HAVE NO GREATER JOY THAN TO HEAR THAT MY CHILDREN WALK IN TRUTH".
I hope every day that my kids and grand-kids will have that type of faith. That no matter what happens to them that they will have faith in Jesus Christ to sustain them and help them through. That I believe, would be the greatest thing I could help them with as a mom and a grandmother (Nana). Good night dear friends!
"GREAT FAITH HAS A SHORT SHELVE LIFE"
"TRUE STRENGTH COMES FROM HUMBLE RELIANCE ON GOD"
I hope when you read this (that like me), we will remember to take the time out to not only repent, when it is necessary... but also to remember to forgive ourselves. There are many wonderful things that can be given to us after true repentance...peace, happiness,compassion, wisdom and joy are some of them!
"So many live with accusing guilt when relief is ever at hand. So many are like the immigrant woman who skimped and saved and deprived herself until, by selling all of her possessions, she bought a steerage-class ticket to America.
She rationed out the meager provisions she was able to bring with her. Even so, they were gone early in the voyage. When others went for their meals, she stayed below deck—determined to suffer through it. Finally, on the last day, she must, she thought, afford one meal to give her strength for the journey yet ahead. When she asked what the meal would cost, she was told that all of the meals had been included in the price of her ticket.
That great morning of forgiveness may not come at once. Do not give up if at first you fail. Often the most difficult part of repentance is to forgive yourself. Discouragement is part of that test. Do not give up. That brilliant morning will come." ~ Boyd K. Packer
"The black moment is the moment when the real message of transformation is going to come. At the darkest moment comes the light." ~Joseph Campbell
"I will love the light for it shows me the way. Yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars." ~Og Mandino
"Some who have spent a long winter of guilt and spiritual starvation emerge into the morning of forgiveness." ~ Boyd K. Packer
I went to go to church yesterday with my family. We went to my new great niece's baby blessing. It was special because this niece 28 years was born and was named her me. Then yesterday at the blessing of my great niece, they named her after my mom. We then had lunch with all of our family. After that I went and spent a little time with my youngest brother and his family. Those kids are just too cute, I only wish that I lived a bit closer so that I could be a bigger part of their lives. Then late yesterday evening some dear friends of mine, (who feel like an adopted mom and dad to me) picked me up and drove me to their new cabin up in the mountains of Heber City. We had a tough time getting there because it began snowing pretty hard and after awhile you could no longer even see the lines on the roads. It was a bit nerve racking getting there, but oh my goodness it was one of the most beautiful cabins I had ever seen. It didn't look like a cabin at all, it looked like a beautiful ski resort. They have a very large family and extended family and so that has been there gift for all their family to share. We came in, got some hot chocolate, sat in front of the fire and talked. They are such wonderful friends and it is neat because they have such wisdom to share. I realize when I am with them that I feel like I am home. It is hard not to have parents any more at my age.
(This isn't a photo of their cabin but it looked a lot like where I was last night!)
As I crawled up into that king size sleigh bed, I felt like the luckiest woman in the world. I have a wonderful family, I have wonderful friends that feel like family and it's the Christmas Season. When I got up in the morning we had a ton more snow and it was just breath taking to look out the window. I didn't get to stay long because another snow storm is suppose to come in tonight and so my family picked me up after noon, but I felt blessed to have a short time to visit with such dear friends. I only wish I had a lot more time to visit with all my family and friends that are here.
So yesterday really did seem like the perfect day, the only thing that would have made it even better is... to have had Jeff and the kids with me. Yes, even though my life has been tough, I can not deny, the many blessings that I have been given. Thanks for being part of my blessings. Good night dear friends!
"Somehow, not only for Christmas, But all the long year through, The joy that you give to others, Is the joy that comes back to you. And the more you spend in blessing, The poor and lonely and sad, The more of your heart's possessing, Returns to you glad." ~ John Greenleaf Whittier
"What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace." ~ Agnes M. Pharo
School officially started for us today like I mentioned, and I also realized that it is the beginning of the Fall sports...especially Football. I read this article from a man who played football and went on to say that many of the lessons that he learned from those days and from his mother. I thought it was a good reminder for me because I am struggling with my pain tonight. I actually had Joy at first, because it was beautiful weather and my granddaughter was over for a visit and I worked on the yard. I don't do that very often and it shows, but I really wanted to do it tonight. We had a wonderful time, she played in the dirt and the Pumpkin patch and I raked leaves and rearranged the flowers on my porch. The sadness didn't take long to replace the joy, because my body started hurting so bad. Now it is an hour or so later and I can hardly stand the pain in my back and neck and the arthritis in my hands are killing me so.......... I really needed to read an uplifting article like this. This isn't the whole article, it was too long. But I just need to keep telling myself ....Come what may and love it! I am trying hard to not concentrate on all the things I can not do and remember to be grateful for the ones that I can. Good night dear friends, thanks for your continued love and support.
Joy and Sadness for All by Joseph B. Wirthlin
When I was young I loved playing sports, and I have many fond memories of those days. But not all of them are pleasant. I remember one day after my football team lost a tough game, I came home feeling discouraged. My mother was there. She listened to my sad story. She taught her children to trust in themselves and each other, not blame others for their misfortunes, and give their best effort in everything they attempted.
When we fell down, she expected us to pick ourselves up and get going again. So the advice my mother gave to me then wasn’t altogether unexpected. It has stayed with me all my life.
“Joseph,” she said, “come what may, and love it.”
I have often reflected on that counsel
"Every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the birds don't sing and bells don't ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result."
For me, the Lord has opened the windows of heaven and showered blessings upon my family beyond my ability to express. Yet like everyone else, I have had times in my life when it seemed that the heaviness of my heart might be greater than I could bear. During those times I think back to those tender days of my youth when great sorrows came at the losing end of a football game.
How little I knew then of what awaited me in later years. But whenever my steps led through seasons of sadness and sorrow, my mother’s words often came back to me: “Come what may, and love it.”
How can we love days that are filled with sorrow? We can’t—at least not in the moment. I don’t think my mother was suggesting that we suppress discouragement or deny the reality of pain. I don’t think she was suggesting that we smother unpleasant truths beneath a cloak of pretended happiness. But I do believe that the way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life.
If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness.
Remember..."Come what may, and love it!"
I was talking to a friend the other day and they were telling me how stressed out they were, about a few different things that was going on in their life. I have to admit, lowing the stress level isn't easy to do but sooooo necessary. We receive a mailer from Boeing and many times it is about health issues, this one was particularly good and so I thought I would share it with you!
Stress is a natural part of life. Whether it's a loss of a job or an argument with a spouse, everyone faces challenges. And while you can't predict the future, you can still prepare for the adversity it may bring.
The ability to cope with stress and bounce back from problems in positive ways is called resilience! Here's how to build your resiliency reserve.
"In order to succeed, people need a sense of self-efficacy, struggle together with resilience to meet the inevitable obstacles and inequities of life." ~ Albert Bandura
"Who has not first tried to get out of a tough situation before truly dealing with it?" ~ Mary O'Neill
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
Confucius
I do believe that all these things really work and I also realize just when you think that you have figure them out then life will send something new and maybe even harder at you . So we need to keep these points somewhere we can look at them often.
Good night dear friends!
I would like to share them with you because, I know all of us will have some time in our lives... where life will seem just too hard, almost impossible to handle but we can and we will. The trick is to find the JOY that needs to be in our lives. It is vital to know how to get it.
One Christmas many years ago I was asked to teach a class about the Joy of Christmas, I was of course excited because I love to teach, speak and anything to do with Christmas! I began studying about the subject and realized that to have JOY, we should incorporate in our lives, these 3 elements.
J...is for Jesus Christ, if we truly understood what He did for us and we truly patterned our lives after His, we would have true Joy and know that we could handle anything with His help!
O...is for Others. It is vital to serve others to find the lasting JOY that we are talking about. Not just a few happy moments but true JOY! Service is vital in finding that JOY!
Y...is for yourself. If you don't love and respect yourself, it is very hard to truly love another. It is vital to get our lives in BALANCE, by taking the time we need to love and nurture ourselves.
I hope these quotes remind you to find true JOY in your life every day. It won't be easy, but it will be worth it! Thanks for all the Joy you all have brought into my life and the lives of my family!
"Don't postpone joy until you have learned all of your lessons. Joy is your lesson." ~ Alan Cohen
"Joy is the feeling of grinning inside." ~ Melba Colgrove
"Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls." ~ Mother Teresa
"Participate joyfully in the sorrows of the world. We cannot cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy." ~ Joseph Campbell
"One joy shatters a hundred grief's.” ~ Chinese Proverb
"The excursion is the same when you go looking for your sorrow as when you go looking for your joy."
~ Eudora Welty
"Joy can be real only if people look upon their life as a service, and have a definite object in life outside themselves and their personal happiness." ~ Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy
"Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day." ~ Henri Nouwen
To get joy, we must give it, and to keep joy, we must scatter it. ~ John Templeton
"Joy is not in things, it is in us." ~ Richard Wagner
"Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give." Eleanor Roosevelt
"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." ~ Psalms
