A Blessed Day

Today has definitely been a blessed day. It started with a lunch date with the ladies in my book club. We met at my friend Kim's house and she prepared lunch for everyone. Then I went to Waverly Cafe to grab coffee and ran into Dana Music who is recovering from a stroke that she suffered about three weeks ago. She is doing really well! I went to our accountant to file our taxes today and had a nice visit with her as well. Talked to my friend Cindy and both my girls! Blessed with friends and family!

I'm back

Ok, I'm back. I have been a little under the weather for the last few days and did not feel like blogging at all. Tonight I decided to  just do it.
My blessing received today was a response to my application for the event I wrote about. I have been invited to serve on the Encounter team in April. I will attend a meeting on Sunday to discuss the responsibilities and expectations of the team. I am so excited. This ministry is responsible for a complete change in perspective in me. I went through the training last March. The tools I learned during the four days of the training are priceless. I am able to step back and really examine more possibilities in every situation and relationship in my life. I have the choice to be the victor in my story and not the victim. Every time. I have the choose to love others! The choice to be present and really enjoy people and life. I would recommend no mater what stage or season of life you are in that you attend one of these trainings. I believe you will walk away with a new understanding of how to proceed with life.

www.fullyaliveministries.org

Again...

I have been cleaning again today.

The blessing received was an invitation to be on a marketing committee for an event that I am committed to serve. I was giddy and honored to have been included on the list of names. I am also excited about what I may have to offer this group!

Cleaning Day

Yep, That's what I did all day. I had the spring cleaning bug. I have decided to de-clutter and dust. Blessing given, cleaning my sons room! He was happy to have the help!

I'll finish this post in the morning, I'm feeling pretty beat right now.

My blessing received today was calls from both Candace and Courtney expressing their excitement over the snow that was coming down at their campuses. It was the first time they had been away form home and experienced snow! It was a blessing to know they love snow! Because I do!

Excitement

The limbs of the trees and shrubs were so beautiful this morning. Hanging heavily. Glistening. I grabbed my camera and slowly made my way down the back stairs all covered with ice. Stepped onto the concrete patio and it seemed to be clear. So I headed across to take a picture of the 20 foot cedar that was bending over from the weight. Just as I took the third step or so, I felt my feet come up and I realized I was falling. I immediately raised my arm up that was holding the camera and saved the camera from crashing onto the concrete. I landed on my left side tailbone/hip and my right elbow slammed hit second. Luckily I did not break anything. I deeply bruised both and I am very thankful. Blessed!

This is Emily and she lost her first tooth tonight!

Such excitement leading up to the pulling of this tooth. She wanted to pull it but wanted me to pull it. So she finally said You pull it mom. I told her I would try once and if it didn't come out she would have to pull it. So we tried once and it almost came out. It was just hanging by a tiny bit. She went to get a rag so I could wipe it clean and as I wiped it came on out. She ran to the mirror to see her missing tooth and was a little sad that there was a hole and not another tooth ready to replace the lost one. Then after a couple of minutes the sadness was replaced by jumping around singing yay, I lost my first tooth! She is so excited! Growing. Changing. Lovely.

Rest

Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Yesterday I had every intention of writing earlier in the day, but I kept coming up with other things to do. So last night I sat down on the couch and watched a little TV with my husband and fell asleep on the couch! I woke up at 10:30pm and thought about blogging. Then I decided that probably wouldn't be a good idea. I was extremely tired and there is no telling what was in my mind. SO, I went to bed and slept all night. I needed the rest. I believe my blessing received yesterday was Rest!

 

We had winter weather advisories all day here in McEwen. The temperature was below freezing when it started raining and it just froze to everything. Much like yesterday. Except it included all. Trees. Cars. Sidewalks. The ground. It was beautiful. It was cold. It was a great reason to stay in and do nothing and Rest!

The blessing I gave was to my cat, Whiskers and to Emily. I allowed Whiskers to stay in the house over night because it was freezing outside. He is an outside cat and loves to stay in the barn except on really cold nights. He enjoys being in the house with the kids but when he's done with all the attention he is so ready to go outside. Emily teased him with a ribbon for a little while and squealed in delight as he batted his paw back and forth at it. I guess I could say that the noise of her laughter was a blessing to me as well. So we all received.

*A reason I don't like the cat to stay in the house is that about 3:00 or so in the morning he went to do his business without making a noise. Because he is an outside cat he usually lets us know by meowing that he needs out. At 4:00 am this morning I had to go to the restroom upstairs and there was his business on the bathroom rug. At least he went to the bathroom. Now, if I could teach him to use the toilet, all would be well. 

Lunch and Ice with Friends

This morning Ashley had a orthodontist appointment at 10 am to get fitted for a new retainer. After her appointment we went to House Blend for coffee and smoothies. I met my friend Tonya and her daughters about noon to go to Clarkesville to help her shop for a big lunch that she is hosting for the TN Agritourism commity. First we went to lunch at Olive Garden Emily's favorite place to eat salad with olives. This is where I gave my blessing for the day and left a sizable tip for the waitress with a note that read Be Blessed. She was a sweet girl and deserved even more than I offered. 
We then headed over to Hobby Lobby and picked out silk flowers and lanterns and raffia for decorating Tonya's barn. My blessing today was feeling like there is still some creativity in me. Feeling excited about finding good deals not for myself but for my friend. And most importantly having the day without a time limit to spend catching up and helping out a friend.

Another Blessing I received was some creative artwork left on my windshield when Tonya dropped me off at my car this afternoon when we were done. Yep, it's ICE. Thick. Hard. Cold. It gave Ashley, Emily and I a chance to watch the slow melting process of ice being melted by a defroster while also waiting for the car to warm and having to shiver for a few minutes. Something to remember these wonderful blessings.

The Flood

The rain kept falling all day here in this sleepy little town. I did not mind though, it gave me the excuse to have another lazy day. At about 2:30 this morning there was a weather alert because of Flash Floods in our area. It has continued to rain hard all day and my yard looks as though it has a river running through it now. I went outside and took a few pictures earlier. Our drive way has it's own creek now. Winding all the way down to the lane in the woods. We have lost a whole tractor scoop of gravel.
I went out this afternoon for a drive to just have some alone time and there were several areas on our road that were washed out. As I was driving several thoughts came to my mind. One was something I had read this morning while laying in bed. "Water seeks it's own level." What does this mean, other than it flows downhill.

I stopped and photographed several areas that were overflowing with water. I watched as the water washed sticks and rocks and leaves away. Debris was all in the paths of places where the water was receding. There were heavy objects like logs in the middle of the road. One road that had just been graded was washed completely out with gravel all over the paved road. It had been a rough day for me and this short driving trip included a flood of tears. Tears that cleansed my feelings and helped me to analyze my perspective. As I released this water I realized it was flowing out of my eyes and freeing up the burdens in my heart. As my eyes flooded my burdens were being washed away and I was able to see the beauty of the water and my perspective was not one of a sorrow but one of joy and thankfulness. This was my blessing received.

The blessing given was I allowed the kids to play all day as I served them breakfast, lunch and snacks! Sounds simple but I usually ask them to fin for themselves.

Be Encouraging

Today was a wonderful day. I woke up and lay in bed reading for about two hours. I decided I better get out of bed and do my morning workout.
 My friend Terri called and asked if I would be interested in taking some food photo's for her. She is having someone develop a website for her organic, gluten free chocolate chip cookies and other healthy foods. I told her I would love to do it. After arriving at her house we spent a couple of hours talking about her website and what she wanted the photo's to look like. Just this morning I was reading about encouraging others. I had several thoughts about how I could do this, and then God opened up my schedule and the door to practice. I love Terri and I believe she can make this work. She offered for me to make cheesecakes and sell them on her site. But I told her that it was her site. She needs to create the recipes and make a name for herself. I am happy for her. I don't have to be involved to cheer her on! We all loved to be encouraged and it was her time. Being encouraging is a process of becoming a more positive person. I have to be careful not to be jealous that things are working in others lives. I have to truly be happy and want others to succeed. When I encourage others, I receive encouragement myself. My blessing given today was helping a friend achieve a goal.

                                                                                        
The blessing I received today may seem selfish, is time alone to write and think and just be me. Ashley is at a friends house and Brian and Emily each have a friend over occupying them. My husband Brian is next door at our neighbors watching football. So it is really quite downstairs and everyone is happy, especially me!

the Brilliance of Ashley

 
Ashley is my Sunshine child! If you met her you would see the life she shines forth. She really loves acting and modeling. And she is really good at it. She makes me wonder where she came from sometimes. She has such a natural ability to take you into her thoughts and feelings as she goes into character. She seems to be a comedian on most days, but when she has a serious day she can touch the very center of your heart.  


Today she has an interview with Editorial Director, Jana Pettey and Managing Editor, Elizabeth Wheeler of Justine Magazine, a teen magazine based out of Memphis. We have been waiting for work for a couple of months now. And we are expecting this to be a great year for her.

Today, Ashley is my blessing ALL day!

The blessing I gave today was words of encouragement to a friend who was experiencing a difficult night and needed someone to just listen.

the Life of a Sloth

Today I do feel as though I am living the life of a sloth. Movement makes me aware of the soreness. and when I sit I just get more and more tired. Can't seem to get myself motivated to work through it! I know that this is what I need to do. I know that I just can't lie down and not move. But oh, do I feel like it.

The blessing I gave today is hot cocoa to my friend Miko. We shared a cup of cocoa and talked about future business opportunities.



The blessing I received today was Gloomy skies. They allowed me to rest my body, which apparently was really needed. I found it difficult to stay awake or even move much today.

On the Floor

This morning I left my house going to the gym to workout with my trainer, Erica. I started training in October to gain strength and energy. I have not been able to be as consistent as I want but I am seeing some changes in my body. This morning I knew would be a tough work out because we were working legs. The last time I did an intense leg workout I did not eat well before and got really sick.
Well, I did eat well this morning. But, about 45 minutes into the workout I felt as though I was going to pass out and/or throw up. I was really dizzy and hot. I had to stop my training and go lay On the Floor. Erica went and got me a cold rag for my head. It was quite embarrassing as people walked by to use other equipment. Soon I was able to stand again and make my way to the car.
I say all this because I was reminded that the blessing or results are not always immediate and sometimes you have to really feel some discomfort. But if you keep trying to move forward you will eventually get to where you are going.
My blessing this morning was the discomfort. It helped me realize I am not there yet both physically and spiritually I have work to do. Discomfort just proves my body is feeling overloaded. But without the trials and tests and overloading I will not achieve the best that God has for me. I would be settling for something less.


 

The blessing I gave today was snuggle time with Emily! Although I think I was blessed more than she was!

the Cheerleading Assignment

This has been a most unusual day for me. Unusual because of all the people who were put into my path and the awareness to pay attention. To know that there are times when friends just need to know you care and that you will listen.

I had a book club meeting this morning. Angelina, Kim, Jackie and Joy are wonderful ladies. Their different perspectives are such a blessing to me. I enjoy our Tuesday mornings together.



After book club, I invited my friend Carol and her four year old son for coffee and a smoothy and just listened to what's going on in her life. Then went to my friend Tonya's to pick something up and ended up sitting at her kitchen table listening to her talk about all the things going on in her life. My friend Lisa called twice today to ask advice. And for someone to just listen to her deep thoughts. Also, my sister Heather called and talked for a little while.

Why can't we just be each others cheerleaders? Why do we feel we need to compete? Can our hearts not be selfish and want what others are being blessed with? Can we really long for others to succeed more so than ourselves? Why do we feel the need to reason whether or not another person deserves our praises?

My challenge is to encourage with everything that is in me! And to mean it!

Encourage others to grow, develop, thrive,and Be successful. Be the Encourager for others that you wish you had.

Monday's Blog

Monday consisted of being in the car from 8:00 am until 11:00 pm. I had to take Candace and Courtney back to school. So I missed blogging yesterday.

My blessing received was the time spent with my girls! Priceless

 


My blessing given was that Candace and I went to eat at Dead End BBQ in Knoxville.
When we were leaving we left a $23.00 tip and our bill was $23. We walked out quietly without our waiter noticing.

Tomorrow is Upon Us.

Tomorrow morning I will take Candace and Courtney back to their dorms. I believe the anxiousness of yesterday and a little anxiousness today is because I really dread them leaving home again. Not sure it will be any easier. I have really enjoyed them being home. I will miss them both tremendously. My prayers are that they know that I love them everyday and that they know I am so very proud of both of them and their accomplishments.
The blessing I gave today was time with my children. Time shopping. Time watching Downtown Abbey. Time loving them. I am thankful for this time to be the blessing.


This is Emily Rai and her very first loose tooth. She has been wanting to loose a tooth for a couple of years now. The time has come and it is hanging by a small root. I wish I could describe the excitement in her over this tooth being loose. There are no words to paint the picture. This excitement is a blessing to me. It reminds me to really enjoy the experiences I am blessed to have each and every day. And to have excitement over this life and all that it has to offer me!

I Believe

I believe in the sun,
Even when it's not shining.
I believe in love,
Even when I don't feel it.
I believe in God,
Even when God is silent.
          ~Anonymous Jewish text

Before my eyes even opened this morning, my heart and mind were anxious. I am not even sure why. Many thoughts were swirling around in my head. Thoughts I should not even be worrying about and the pressure of things I need to and have to do over the next few days were weighing heavy on my mind. I lay in bed with my eyes still closed for a while praying for the thoughts to go away or an understanding as to why I was feeling so anxious about them. I believe God wants me to experience everything he has for me, and sometimes that is not always clear. Today has definitely been one of those days. I have walked with a cloud over me most of the day. As my day comes to an end, I am still not completely sure of my feelings, but I do know. I am blessed. I am valued. I am beloved. By my Father, even when I can't seem to feel Him. Even when I feel lost.

Today I blessed my friend Lisa with a listening ear and a cup of ice cream. Couldn't pull any other blessings out today.

I made homemade chocolate chip cookies tonight and counted them as a blessing. I ate five or so because sometimes eating a dessert with chocolate in it, I think I feel better. Especially when I see the smile on my children's faces when they come into the kitchen after allowing their noses to follow the smell. Chocolate chip cookies just seem to make everything better.

I believe tomorrow will be a new day.

Faith Like A Child

 Today's blessing for others was a free CD of the family photo shoot for the Wheeler family on Christmas Eve.


Emily came downstairs this evening dressed in her hat and scarf and asked me if she could go outside and ride her bike because she wanted to feel the wind with her goggles on. I'll write more in the am.

Give Away Your Life

Live Generously!
Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back --- given back with bonus and blessing!
To out-give means to exceed in giving; to hand out; give out or to surpass in giving. 
This doesn't only mean by monetary means. You can give of your time, talents and knowledge as well. My intent for the coming year, to give away my life!

Today the only blessings I had to offer was coffee and lunch for my friend Miko and her daughter Sarah. And my kids. I also gave her two loaves of bread and toe socks. :)

A moment captured~
I was standing in the kitchen this afternoon washing dishes and I looked out the window in front of me to catch a glimpse of a bright light that seemed to be flickering. For a brief second, I thought there was a fire in the woods. It was the sun setting behind the trees. I grabbed my camera and ran outside to capture it before it set for the evening. A beautiful bright orange light playing peek-a-boo behind all those trees. It looks so warm and inviting even though it was really only 39 degrees outside. I stood and watched as it disappeared quickly into the night. Then, I ran back inside to finish the remainder of the dishes. As I stood there at the kitchen window I thanked God for nudging me to notice His light this evening. To run after it. To take delight in it. To capture it as a memory for later. It served as a reminder that His light is always there waiting for me to take notice. Sometimes it shines brilliantly. Sometimes it seems to be playing peek-a-boo. Sometimes I'm too focused on other things to see it. It's always there. God is light! I am thankful to be able to live in His light.

Time

 If you have only one smile in you, 

give it to the people you love.

Today I struggled with being creative for the challenge. I think it was because it was such a cold day. I got up early and went to the gym to train. I came home only to climb back in the bed to try and get warm. My girls and I got ready to go to Franklin to see The Perks of Being A Wallflower. We met Linda and Megan Hauser, and Sara Paschall there. Afterwards we all went to Blue Coast Burrito to eat dinner together.

My challenge to bless someone else was met by meeting my friend Shelli at Starbucks and buying her tea and spending time with her. Although, I think I was blessed as much as she was by the visit.

The three blessings I was supposed to photograph would be my three oldest daughters. They are such a joy in my life. I love them more than they will ever know. I enjoy spending time with all three of them together. They are so funny. Especially on long car rides. We usually end up discussing all kinds of strange things and childhood memories. It's always fun when we have a friend along as well. Also want to add my dad and my youngest daughter and son to the list. 

All these people made me smile today!

Do Small Things With Great Love!

Be Blessed!

Sometime last month I decided to challenge myself to Do something for someone else everyday expecting nothing in return, Photograph beautiful moments or blessings from God to me, and to Keep record of these moments by blogging. 

So here we go... Although, today has been a wonderful day spent being lazy with my family, I was able to complete today's challenge.

I met the challenge of Doing something for someone else by taking time to wish everyone in my phone's contact list Happy New Year. Even though this was not just one person I am claiming it as my challenge completed.


The three photographs of beautiful moments or blessings today are:



A Christmas gift of very soft fuzzy blue socks my sister Heather gave me! I love them and am thankful to have had them to warm up my cold feet this morning.


 
My oldest Courtney and my youngest Emily practicing scales at the piano this afternoon. It was such a beautiful moment of sisterly love and beautiful music and sweet voices. I rushed to grab the camera before they noticed I was watching.

Have I mentioned I like Brownies. I have had these wonderful chocolate bites of goodness all day long. Yes, I indulged myself!

And yes, these seem small in the grand scheme of things... but I love them all none the less!

 Day One has been brought to a successful conclusion! Thank you for your time. 

The First Day

2013.
A new year. A new perspective. A new blog.
I am really excited about sharing my story with you.
Get ready... I'm anticipating an exciting adventure!