living life

Bumper stickers......... Where do they get some of these quaint sayings. I was sitting in traffic today and the car in front of me had a bumper sticker that I just had to laugh. " Those who laugh last think slow" hmmmmmmm.................. I am not the sharpest tool in the shed, but I have been blessed with a small amount of wit and some humor. The more I thought about this, it is most likely true, they laugh last because they are really contemplating and figuring it out. Sometimes things are just funny without thinking about it, however once I think about it more I just start laughing harder and usually at the most inopportune time. Just curious how many of you read bumper stickers and think about what some of them say? Would this be considered traffic graffiti?

It is really starting to feel like fall here. I wake up to a morning of the cool dew like smell in the air. It is really just not as crisp or colorful here as I am familiar. Doesn't it just want to make you have a big bond fire, roast hot dogs on a stick, and make smoores. There is truly something about fall, high school football games, school supplies and homemade soup. I grew in the midwest and cool, windy, rainy and colorful. We would even buy big orange pumpkin garbage bags, fill with leaves and decorate the front lawn. I will say that I am enjoying these wonderful thoughts down memory lane without all the cold weather and being blessed by the beautiful sun that shines faithfully here in Arizona. How fortunate I am to be able to live in such a wonderful place. Of course, I still miss going to the apple orchard for cider and apples to make pies. Sniff Sniff........... it that a fresh baked apple pie? yes these are some wonderful things about fall.

Today is such an exciting day for me, the project is moving forward. I am sooooo excited. The next piece of the project puzzle is about complete........ the dry wall. It is so fun to see what you have envisioned start to take shape and actually you can see the how it will all come together. I am so blessed that I have the opportunity to know so many wonderful people with such loving hearts and exceptional talent. Hopefully by next week end I will be painting Sag Harbor green to my walls Yahooo

What is it about sexual immorality and family destruction that causes the media publish info more devastating then a burning wild fire. The story of Sara Evans is sadly another example. I too have found myself reading what the media published today and viewed the comments. There was a comment that was so disheartening to me, that this is like every other normal marriage. Why is it that when this stuff happens that one sums it up to be the norm. However, it is very sad that many marriages have these common issues but many do NOT. I know plenty of marriages that I can count that are successful blazing ones. These are not marriages that are less than 2 years but have a life span of at least 10 years or greater, some more than 40 years. We just don't see these people on Oprah, Jerry Springer or printed by the media, except in a little blurb in the society page. The couples married for many years have overcome obstacles without sexual immorality. I believe the norm for marriage is one of commitment, appreciating each others differences, honesty and self control. No, this is not a Cinderella thought, or looking into rose colored glasses. Society just seems like they don't want to see the many many success stories and when they come across one, they take pleasure in finding things that are wrong with it and never take the time to appreciate the love, commitment, self control and patience that has kept this relationship thriving.

Have you ever started a project that just didn't go as you had envisioned it in your head? I will not say that it is going bad, but that moves you to a place out of the "comfort zone". What is it about comfort zones? Yes they are controlled and cozy, but they also keep us from experiencing the new. It reminds of the story of the little girl with pearl necklace. Each night the little girl goes to bed with the fake pearl necklace and each night her Dad asks her to give him the necklace. This precious one cannot part with the pearls ( comfort zone) for fear she will not have any, but each night he still asks. One night, she becomes brave, courageous and gives up the fake pearl necklace to her Dad. She had the necklace rolled up tightly in her hand as to hold on to the imitation, but to her suprise, when she gives it over to her Dad, he reaches in his pocket and pulls out an authentic beautiful pearl necklace. I wonder as I find my self holding on to things or habits that make me think it is authentic when actually they are only imitation. Why not let go? Are you holding on to imitation "comfort zones "? I need to brave it up, be courageous and go for the authentic knowing that my heavenly Father will replace this imitation stuff. We all like our comfort zone but maybe we need to make sure it is not a fake comfort zone.

You know one will never know how a person can touch another's life. I had the opportunity to expand my nursing skills with a very special family earlier this week. I was so excited for my patient and family as we sat and went over the plan and how we would start and what the guidelines were. My patient was very receptive as well as the family. Tonight as I was leaving work, I stopped to see how their day was today, I found out they did a fabulous job, they spoke to our medical director about how they appreciated the care I had given, and his family bought me a beautiful wooden angel. I was teary eyed and very embarassed to receive such thoughtfulness. What my patient didn't understand is how blessed I was to be able to meet his need and how much he touched my heart. I feel so honored for the opportunity. You just don't realize what you do can touch someone so deeply. Many times we don't take the time to say " I appreciate your thoughtfulness". This is surely a lesson I have been reminded of today, to value these times even when it is not convenient for us or disrupt our planned day. I will always remember my patient everytime I look at my angel and their thoughtfulness. Although this quick stop caused me to miss my very favorite show "Grey's Anatomy" but dear sweet Betsy has taped it. Yowza!!!! How great is that.

Just because ....... can mean so many things. For me, it means I am expanding my horizons by blogging. Many will be suprised at my moving into the tech world here. Anyone who knows me will definately be aware of this big step. Have you ever done something from the heart and seen the face of the person receiving the gift? The expression is one of why yet excited, that soothing smile rushes to their face as if to say someone thought of me, or I am important to that person. Gifts given are not always money, brightly wrapped packages, but gifts come to us each day in very many ways, a hug, an e-mail, a song that produces a fond memory, a smile, a kind word. Just because you may be too distracted to see the gift does not mean the gift isn't there, just because ........... sigh just because living life is valuing everyday as a true gift.