Laughing All the Way?

"...Laughing all the way..." ~Jingle Bells, James Lord Pierpont (1857)

     The holiday season is upon us, and with all the merry songs bursting forth from our radios, throughout stores, and really from just about everywhere, I have to stop and wonder: "Really? Is anyone actually 'laughing all the way'?"

     Now, I don't personally celebrate the Christmas season, but I used to. It's not because I don't believe in Jesus and His birth. It isn't because I hate holiday cheer. It isn't because my nickname is Scrooge. Although I have heard rumors... Just kidding. No, it's mainly because I feel the holiday is a traditionalized, humanisitc, pagan holiday that doesn't really promote any "Christian" love and goodwill towards men in general. 

     What many in our culture today have come to celebrate is a fat man in a red suit. Which is a little creepy. Okay. A lot creepy. We force our kids to believe in this jolly character, whose past isn't very clean, and make them sit on this stranger's lap in order to get a quick pic. Because apparently this type of creepy picture is "adorable". 

     Yeah. There went the whole "stranger danger" concept as well as the hope for children across America to have faith in the respectability and honesty of their parents. Someone, somewhere is crying "Liar!" right about now. I think the image I described above fairly sums up the truth in that statement as well as the accuracy of the stupidity of people worldwide. 

     I'm sorry. Maybe that's just me? 

     Plus, I really love the validity of how people justify these actions: "It's the holiday." "It's just for fun." "It's a tradition that we have handed down through our family's generations."

     Sure. That will make everything better. White lies = Bliss. Traditions = Nonconformity. Saying you are really all about the true meaning of Christmas and Christ's birth and how that has made such a difference in your life even as you put up the Christmas tree and leave cookies for the imaginary Santa who has nothing to do with Christ as well as the presents that have put you in debt and drove you crazy trying to find and pay for = Priceless. 

     I totally get it. How's that debt treating you by the way? Do you have an ulcer yet? 

     Family get-togethers, sharing, and focusing on Christ's birth are all VERY important. They are essential to our lives here on Earth. However, are you really celebrating those things? 

     When I see people in a frenzy shopping at their local Wal-Mart and being mean to others, I don't see love and goodwill. When I hear people getting angry over not getting what they want for Christmas, I cringe. When I see people fighting over a stupid toy for their child, I shake my head in disbelief. 

     So for this holiday season, I want you to pause. I know many hearts are in the right place, but ask yourself: "Is this really what Christmas should be?" Ask yourself about what you are really celebrating and what example you are setting for your children. 

     If Christmas is really about all of those good things: family, friends, sharing, love and more importantly, CHRIST-- then shouldn't we be doing those things all year long? Do we really need a commercialized holiday to invite family and friends over to eat and share and laugh? Do we really need to buy presents, and so many of them, when it's a fact that we feed people, clothe people, and share all year long? Does it really matter in the long run what toy your child gets? 

     What about peoples' souls? What about those who are homeless and starving? What about Christ everyday, all day? Not just once a year. 

     I invite you to think about the important matters in life and really be grateful for what and whom you have. A Barbie doll or Elmo won't get you or your kids into Heaven. Debt won't make the New Year fun and exciting. Labeling your actions as "Christian" doesn't make them such either. 

     I wish you Happy Holidays, but from the perspective of peace and joy and freedom from all of your daily trials and worries. May your blessings not come in boxes but in everyday triumphs. 

~Love and Hugs!! :) 

      

Write-Oh!

Random Quote: "Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go."  ~E. L. Doctorow

     Soooo, I've been editing a fairtale story I remade for a contest. I submitted a less-than-20,000 word novella to a great panel of judges at Rooglewood Press. I finished writing it in about two days, and may I say, it showed. Now that I'm rereading it, I am seeing mistakes I didn't notice the first time. As a perfectionist, the acknowledgment of these errors makes me blush. 

     Really. You would think I'd be able to tell when my own writing doesn't make sense. However, in the midst of excitement and the thrill of writing a new story in, like, two days, I was unaware of my blunders. Now, though, I can see why it didn't win the contest. Still, I am determined not to allow that to stop me. 

     It's been very interesting. I have learned that making a known story into something new is both difficult and rewarding. Difficult because it's hard to include the key details of the theme without feeling a little plagiaristic, but also, rewarding because it's fun to create a fresh take on an old story. 

     I feel I am up to the challenge of remaking and editing this story into something better. I'm excited at the prospect of what it will turn into! I do have to say that I am enjoying the herione's character. She's a little sassy. Quietly, of course. 

     Is there anyone interested in volunteering to be a beta reader for my mystery fairytale story when I'm finished with the rewrite? 

     For those of you who are unaware of what a beta-reader is, allow me to enlighten you:

     Taken directly from my friends at Wikipedia, they have defined "beta reader" as the following:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_reader

"An alpha reader or beta reader (also spelled alphareader / betareader, or shortened to alpha / beta), also pre-reader or critiquer, is a non-professional reader who reads a written work, generally fiction, with the intent of looking over the material to find and improve elements such as grammar and spelling, as well as suggestions to improve the story, its characters, or its setting. Beta reading is typically done before the story is released for public consumption.^[1]"

     If anyone would be interested, I would be excited for you to read and answer a few questions to give me your feedback. Let me know!

For now, I wish you a HAPPY week!! 

I hope to hear from some prospective beta readers soon!!

~Love and Hugs!! :)

     

     

If Only I Had a Genie!

Random Quote: "When you really love someone, you don’t need proof. You can feel it.” ~Cyrus, the genie, Once Upon a Time in Wonderland

     Okay. I'll admit it. The above random quote really hasn't anything to do with this post. However, the fact that it was espoused by the adorable actor, Peter Gadiot, from the short-lived television show-Once Upon a Time in Wonderland- just needed to be shared. And he did play a genie on the show, so it does fit in actually... Seriously. It's a good quote. And he is handsome. I will claim the fifth to any questions beyond that. Thank you. 

     Moving on. 

     I was thinking just the other day: what would I do if I were given three wishes? 

     We all know this is a very important question. Mainly because it would never happen. I don't lend genies any credence. I know they have no bearing on life and can't take the place of Jesus in any way. That said, I did think of what would happen if one day I were given the blessing of three wishes. 

     Let's be real. Everyone wants three wishes. So, I thought about my own wishes. For about three seconds. It didn't take long to come up with truly selfish wishes. Granted, I didn't say these wishes would be anything but selfish. I mean, they are wishes afterall and this is just pretend. 

     So, go with me on this journey. 

     Wish #1: A never-ending library filled with books. Tons of books. Never-ending rooms of books. Books. Books. Books. 

     Yes, I know you saw that one coming. 

     Wish #2: The ability to live in this library without encountering anything unpleasant; i.e. bills, people, etc. 

     Okay. I may give myself a loophole for seeing people and all of that. And I'll need a way to eat. I'll figure that into wish #2 at some point. Stop getting nit-picky people! Remember, this is pretend! 

     Wish #3: Enough money to cover the cost of living so that I may never be obliged to leave said library. 

     Well. I have to be practical afterall. 

     You may be wondering why I wouldn't wish for world peace or something. Instead, I've been completely selfish with my three wishes. You have a point. Yet, I don't want to wish for something which I hope will happen without the trickery of a genie wish. I don't want to wish for something that needs to happen because of the unity of hearts and minds. Zion will be whether I get my three wishes or not. I don't think I have to worry about that at all. 

     So, yeah. I wished for three selfish wishes. I know they won't be coming true any time soon, but at least I've thrown them out into the abyss of hope. Remember last week in my Thanks for Giving 5, I mentioned my thanksgiving for faith and hope? That's what I'm sharing with you now. 

It's nice to have hopes and dreams and wishes. 

What are your hopes and dreams? 

What would you wish for if you had three wishes? 

    Feel free to share! I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thanks for reading! 

~Love and Hugs!! :)

   

   

Thanks for Giving 5

Random Quote: "Thanksgiving..." ~www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com

     I'm not sure who made this photo but I found it at the above link and thought it was really appropriate for the time of year and the message of the blog. If anyone knows who made it, please let me know so that I can give them full credit. As far as I know, the link above is the only knowledge of the creator that I have. Thank you! 

     Last week, I left off with a hug and a smile. Those were my challenges to you. Go out and give more hugs and smiles. Did you do it? I wanna hear if you did!!! Now, just remember, you probably can't hug everyone. Random strangers may not be happy with the friendly assault. Try it out with your family and friends more often. That's a great way to share the love and they can share it with their family and friends and the hug cycle continues! Smiles are easy. If you need toothpicks or vaseline to help with that, just visit your local Dollar General. You're welcome. I'm here to help. ;) 

     #24: Baking! I do actually love to bake. I used to bake homeade cinnamon rolls, my family's "Texas Sheet Cake", double-decker bars, cookies of all kinds, pies, cakes, and more. I haven't baked in a long time though. It makes me sad. I need to do that. Baking is a great way to calm yourself, take yourself out of a problem, immerse yourself in the process, and share the baking love. Everyone loves a cookie. I mean, who doesn't love a cookie? If you're raising your hand out there, put it down. I don't want to hear from cookie haters. I know my friend, Dorian Tsukioka, isn't a cookie hater. In fact, she makes the best cookies ever. EVER. Now pumpkin pie haters, give me a shout-out! Lol.  

     #25: CHOCOLATE!!! :) This should be number one. I know. But I didn't really list my thankful thoughts in really any particular order. I just kept thinking about what makes me happy and started sharing. However, I love chocolate. It makes me happy. Just one tiny piece can help me get through a day. I know some people who aren't chocolate lovers. I simply can't be friends with those people (lol, just kidding!). So, feel free to share the chocolate as well. Hershey's will never be turned down. 

Bring it on.  

     #26: Sunshine is the best thing next to indoor plumbing. And chocolate. I mean, we all feel better when the sun is out and shining and befriending the world, right? You know it! I can handle cold weather, but don't take away my sun!! I'm thankful for every minute of the day because I can really accomplish my goals and get work finished. Sometimes there's not enough sun in a day, but I am very thankful it's there. It helps us all get through the day. Does the sun help you?  

     #27: I love my pets. Snuggling with an animal can reduce your stress level tremendously. I love hugging my little Koty Bear tightly. Really tightly. He doesn't like it, but who asked him? Yeah. No one. Sometimes a tight hug or snuggle next to a warm, fluffy, straggly puppy dog can be very encouraging. Until he barks randomly. I hate him then. But, really, for the most part, I do love him. Love, love, love! :)

     #28: I really love to hear a good sermon. Pastor Carter Conlon from Times Square Church in New York City and Joyce Meyer and so many others encourage me. When you hear a really good "sermon", you are uplifted. You find meaning in life. You remember the good things. You find new reasons to be happy. You are renewed by the meaning of their words. You are taken back into Scriptures and those Scriptures are brought back to life for you; they are given new meaning sometimes. In fact, new light is shed upon verses you may never have thought about before, in a new way you may never have considered. That gives new meaning to life as well. And it's nice to be encouraged and find hope. 

     #29: Forgiveness. I am SO thankful for forgiveness. Seriously. It is a blessing to me, but it also helps set my soul at peace over the fact that I can give and receive forgiveness. Sometimes I'm naughty. Really naughty. I appreciate forgiveness and the chance to do better. Because, let's be honest, being naughty can sometimes look and sound like too much fun and you are dragged in before you know it. Been there. Done that. Time to move on. 

     #30: Faith. I am simply, humbly, passionately thankful for faith. Faith begets hope, and EVERY DAY I need that faith. I need that hope. I don't know what I would do without the mixture of these two blessings inside of me. Some day I may share how much my faith and hope have helped me and moved me beyond the darkness. For now, I hope you are thankful for faith and hope too. In what ways has faith and/or hope gotten you through life? 

Feel free to share or contact me about how you are thankful this November. Did one of my reasons for thanks resonate with you as well? Please share! 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! Not as a holiday, but as a true reason to celebrate being thankful!!!

~Love and Hugs!! :)

Thanks for Giving 4

Random Quote: "Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our Thanksgiving." ~W.T. Purkiser (Shinzoo.com)

     Yes, I'm still thinking about the thankful. Sometimes I think I will exhaust my appreciation of everything. However, it hasn't happened yet, and I have seven more happy thoughts to share with you today. I'm determined to make it to 30, and hopefully inspire you to look around and enjoy what you have and what you do with it. :)

     #17: I am really thankful for my bed and night time. The luxury of sleep cannot be overstated or underappreciated. I truly have come to enjoy naps as I've gotten older. Who knew the soft, squishy feel of pillows and comforters can make you feel as though you are in Heaven? Sigh. I'm happy just thinking about it. 

     #18: Showers. Who knew that indoor plumbing would and could make you so happy? I love my shower. I appreciate an indoor toilet, especially since it is SO freezing cold lately. Who would want to live in the pioneer days and find a hole in the ground? Seriously. Those people were super humans. They really were. I'm just saying. However, I wouldn't trade my bathroom and all its warmth and privacy for the strength and endurance of a thousand pioneers. No offense. I just like warm water. You know what I mean, right? 

     #19: Phones are a modern convenience that we take for granted or sometimes don't really think about anymore. I mean, does anyone remember what a rotary phone, pay phone, or landline is? Anyone? I appreciate all forms of the telephone. They help me reach out and contact the people I most want to talk to. Texting is a gift. And a grammar curse. That's a whole other story though. Needless to say, I am very thankful to have a phone at my disposal when there is an emergency or I really need prayers and help from a friend. It's a blessing. Remember that! 

     #20: Technology is a blessing as well. However, I try not to become too dependent on it. Although it's fun to check Facebook, write out emails, and keep in touch with long-distance family and friends, I'm still old school as well. I love to see people face to face. You can't beat human contact. When it's positive, lol. 

     #21: I love stickers. I know this sounds really silly to appreciate, but I just had to add it to my list of thankfulness. It's always meant so much to me when a student or one of my nieces or nephews pops a little sticker onto my shirt. It's a sign they care, and I also love sticking those adorable stickers on cards and notes to friends and family. It's an extra touch to let people know that I care. Besides, they have Hello Kitty stickers people!!! Hello Kitty!!! That should just say it all right there! :)

     #22: I really appreciate and love and am thankful for HUGS!!!!! You know it! Hugs give you endorphins, and endorphins help make people happy; and as Reece Witherspoon put it in Legally Blonde: "Happy people don't kill their husbands". Lol. So get out there and give, receive, and share hugs! We need all the happy people we can get!!! :)

     #23: I LOVE smiles. When someone just smiles at me, it lights up my day. It is the tiniest form of showing you care, or even if you don't really "care", that you are a considerate person willing to pass on a moment of happiness to someone else. I always try to smile at people when I'm out and about at stores and even at work. I think it's important and the most simple form of manners. You can make someone's day just by smiling at them. If you couldn't do anything else, but at least smile, wouldn't you want to do that? Help spread a little cheer and love today. Smile with your whole heart and see how quickly others will share their smile with you!! 

     Whew! I am still thankful for so many more things that it's hard to stop here! But I want to leave you with this list for now so you can absorb it and think it over. What are you thankful for? Do you agree or disagree with anything I'm thankful for? 

     What about #22 and #23? Are you ready to share the love through a hug or a smile today??? Come on! I dare you! I double-dog dare you! Lol! :)

Take some time and share with me your thankfulness or if you have taken on my challenges to share some hugs and smiles with others today. I can't wait to hear your experiences!

~Love and Hugs!! :)

Thanks for Giving 3

Random Quote: "I give thanks to my Creator for this wonderful life where each of us has the opportunity to learn lessons we could not fully comprehend by any other means."  ~Joseph B. Wirthlin

     Wow. It's a really good feeling to sit back and look over all the things for which I have to be thankful. You don't know how many things there are until you write them out. My Thanksgiving journal is helping me to see how many reasons I really have to be happy about who I am and what I have. I know what being miserable is like. I know what pain, defeat, guilt, regret, and pure anger feel like. They aren't exciting emotions and they feel terrible. 

So, I challenge everyone to find the small reasons that make you thankful everyday. 

And keep finding them. 

Here are a few more of my Thanksgiving celebrations for the month of November:

     #10: I have a job. I am thankful everyday that I have a job. A job means being able to pay the bills and keep the food and home I talked about on my thanksgiving list for the blogpost Thanks for Giving 2 -- #8 and #9. 

     #11: I am really thankful for my love of reading. I don't know if I ever saw it before in this light, but reading is essential not only to the advancement of knowledge, but to the pure pleasure of seeing words on a page. I LOVE the way a book smells. I LOVE turning the pages to reveal what new world an author has in store for me. I have favorite authors who totally crash-land me into their world. I have books still to read and a "want list" so large I may never finish it in this life-time. However, I sincerely love the opportunity to read as much as possible and whenever I want. It is the greatest delight in the universe, and to be able to have the opportunity to read in my "free time" is a great blessing. 

     #12: I am thankful for the time and ability to write. I am appreciative that I have access to pens, pencils, paper and technology to create new stories and write to my heart's content. I am thankful for new ideas, friends who are willing to read my work and constructively criticize it so that I can get better, and friends who are willing to form a writer's group with me. Writing with a friend helps to motivate me and keep me challenged. It's so much fun to create my own world and characters when the current one has a bit too many bumps in the road. 

     #13: I have a deep appreciation for music. It helps to convey my thoughts and feelings better than any other outlet at times, and it's nice to listen to something which reflects my mood and inspires me to write, think, or create. Music is a universal prize, and I believe it keeps a lot of people motivated and on the move. I am thankful it is a part of our culture and my world. I just wish I could help create such beauty. 

     #14: Stemming off of music, I love the piano and guitar. I am grateful for what I know about both and the songs I can play via the piano. I have to say I am not the most fluent of players and am not good at note-reading, but I appreciate the solace I feel when I dig into a new piece and try to learn a new song. I love listening to music and enjoy creating what I can with my limited abilities. More importantly, I love finding new artists who spark interest in my heart and soul. I suppose if this was a "New Year's Resolution List", I would eagerly sign myself up to learn how to play the piano and guitar more fluently. I am absolutely grateful I have the opportunity to learn and definitely need to take advantage of that opportunity more often. 

     #15: I am very thankful for my car. I can't believe I didn't think of this one sooner. My car is a means of escape, freedom, and excitement. I love having the opportunity to travel to other places and meet new people. I'm also thankful I can use my car to help others. It's such a useful and diverse blessing. How grateful I am to have it to get me to and from work and the bookstore. The bookstore, of course, being my favorite place and the most important place to escape to. 

     #16: In connection to my previous thankfulness, I have to say how much I love the library as well as any and all bookstores. My mom took me to the library ever since I was little. I would drag bags of books from the front doors, and then sit and read everyone of them. Having the freedom to go into a library and borrow any book I wanted was thrilling. My love for mysteries and Nancy Drew, Mandie, and Baby-Sitter's Club was solidified at a very tender age. Finding the classics in a bookstore or a WalMart bookbin was Heaven. When I first read Jack London's The Call of the Wild, I was hooked. The imagery in that story and the brutality was enough for me to wish to write such an epic plot. Great Expectations tugged at my heart and made me wonder at the versatility of characters. Libraries and bookstores opened up a whole new happy world to me. I fell in love with books and can't think of any reason not to be thankful for that. 

     I'm excited to continue my reasons for thanksgiving with you. I hope that a few of my reasons have resonated with you. Do you agree with any of my happy thoughts? What are you most grateful for today? Feel free to share! 

~Love and Hugs!! :)

Thanks for Giving 2

Random Quote: "Over and over I marvel at the blessings of my life: Each year has grown better than the last." ~Lawrence Welk

     I'm still on the road to Thanksgiving. In my last post, I told you my top two reasons for being thankful. The first, my relationship with Jesus Christ (Yeshua) and the second was my family, but more specifically my mom. I have broken down the next few days of November and seven more reasons for me to "feel the joy". 

     #3: I am thankful for my dad. Remember in the last post, Thanks for Giving, I told you I would break down my thankfulness for my family by acknowledging a few people instead of clumping them all into one category. My dad has always been a great friend. He has taught me many valuable lessons including: how to make the best cinnamon-sugar toast, how to drive a manual (practice and test in three weeks and still passed!), the intricate knowledge of chess (a wonderfully fun game which I am still losing), a love of reading and writing, and the ability to never give up (even when I really want to). I love hanging out with dad and learning new things. 

     #4: I am very thankful for my brother Jason. He is always super humorous and fun to be around. He tells the funniest tales and never allows himself to get down. Well, I'm certain he has the ability, but he doesn't let it overtake him. He is a great role model on bouncing back from something that doesn't go well. He makes the best of every situation and tries to find the humor in it. Jason has excelled past anything I may have taught him as a tiny tot, and now he teaches me. Jason is a great perpetuator of positivity and finding the silver lining. He always makes me smile. It's interesting how the younger brother kind of takes over as an older brother. He shares his knowledge and kindness and gives me new lessons to think upon.

     #5: I am thankful for my sister, Alana, as well. She is very positive and finds the humorous in the most outrageous situations. She is really hardworking and kind to others. Alana is also one of those people that can make anyone her new best friend. She has an extremely fun and persuasive personality, and is often a cheerful part of any family gathering. I've always been envious of her way of making friends, being cheerful, and her eye for design. She has taught me how to be organized and how to see a room with a designer's point of view. 

     #6: I am extremely thankful for all of my family. I miss my Uncle Gary everyday. He taught me about generosity and humility of spirit. I love remembering his laugh and sparkling blue eyes and the whisper of wrappers as he pulled mints from his pocket to share with me and others. My Aunt Mae is one of my dearest friends and has been a mother, grandmother, and aunt to me all in one. Her home was my home away from home, and I never felt more at ease and happy as when I visited her. She always had goodies to share, and I recall whenever she picked me up, we would stop at McDonalds on the way to her house for some of their tasty fries. I enjoy and learn from my nieces and nephews and have certainly been delighted to watch them grow up over the years. My Uncle Bruce and Aunt Jane taught me how to wash dishes correctly, make deviled eggs, and never give up on my dreams. They were always very kind and generous of their time and love. My Aunt Janet has always been a prominent part of my life as well, even though she lives in Ohio and I've only seen her once in my whole life. She has always been a positive voice in my life as well as a sweet, cheery person with sound advice. She brings common sense into play often. Al is someone I've known since I was six or seven. He's kind of like a second father to me. He helped take care of me during a time when I really needed help. I grew up having him as a part of my life. I like to think that through his prayers and support I've become a little bit better of a person. Likewise, having my old teacher friend Archie to chat with and share prayers is a blessing and a lifeline. I really love my family and appreciate all they've taught me and done for me all my life.

     #7: I am deeply grateful for my friends. I have several whom I have known my whole life and each has taught me a very valuable lesson. I have known Cyndi since I was eight. She has taught me a lot about patience. I've known Jess since I was eight as well, and she has always been a whirlwind of sarcastic humor that keeps me laughing and taking notes. Dorian is my dearest friend. We have a lot in common and enjoy reading and writing. I hope I'm taking notes on how to become an even better writer from her, and she has taught me a lot about persistence and courage. Suzy has taught me to always consider opposite and opposing points of view with an open mind. Michelle has given me a great friendship and has taught me about strength and endurance. Mary shows me what tact, poise, and elegance looks like in many forms. Plus, I love her accent. Mikie has given me the gift of laughter and understanding. She also shares with me a great love and friendship with our dear friend Tilia. We have a history and bond that makes our friendship strong and enduring even over distance and time. These are only a few of the people who make me smile and give me great lessons about life and living it to the fullest. Those people I can call and ask for prayers and support. I appreciate their friendship and how much they feel like family. 

     #8: I really appreciate my home. It's a wonderful place to escape to and rest, relax. I am deeply grateful to have a home. It's a blessing I don't take lightly or for granted. 

     #9: This may seem like a very usual and commonplace appreciation, but it is something very important to me. I think it's another one of those things that I take for granted and so do others at times. I am very appreciative of food. I love to eat. I have favorites just like anyone, and I think it's a great blessing that I am able to eat almost anything whenever I want. I love chocolate, a well-done steak, and potato chips. Really, potato anything. I mean, the spud is a versatile and delicious example of food made the right way. It truly is a blessing to be able to have these yummy treats to eat and the ability to get them at a local grocery store. How spoiled we are. It's one of those things I am excessively grateful for, and I don't want to forget that any time soon.

     This week I wanted to show how excited I am for all of these blessings. Being thankful should never be a one day or one month affair. It should be every second of every minute of every hour of every day. You know what I mean. I have shared my next top seven reasons for thanksgiving. I'm sure you have similar thanks as me. Perhaps you have even more. 

     What are your top reasons for thanks? Please feel free to share with me! 

~Love and Hugs!! :)

     

Thanks for Giving

Random Quote: "No one can express a thank you that reaches the heart and is beyond words." ~becky reddell

     Last week, in my post "Revelations and Realizations", I wrote about how I needed to be more thankful. After listening to a very practical teaching on "Attitudes of the Heart" by Joyce Meyer, I felt as if I needed to really put my thanksgiving into action. I really need to believe what I wrote and act upon it. 

     So, I started keeping a "Thanksgiving Journal" and began to list all of the endless items that popped into my head over that for which I feel thankful. It didn't take long within the first day to list almost two pages! I continue to add to the happy thoughts listed in the journal and hope to add many more by the end of this month. 

     In fact, November is famous for being a month of Thanksgiving. How nice it is to see and read the various things that people are thankful for on their Facebook posts and elsewhere. I wanted to share my own thanksgiving thoughts here upon my blog. I thought it would be a great way to continue to be positive and beat back those negative thoughts. 

     Today, being the second day of November, I thought I would share the first two of my favorite and highly regarded points of thanks.

     I am really thankful for Jesus Christ-- Yeshua. He is my best friend, and I do not take lightly His sacrifice for me and the world. One of the most important points to me, however, is my friendship with Him. I take spending time with Him very seriously and feel beyond grateful that He forgives me of my sins and keeps me going even when I am at a loss. 

     The second feeling of gratitude is for those in my family. I don't want to be thankful for them in one sweep though. Starting in this post, I want to break them down one at a time. If I'm going to be thankful for them, I think I really need to give them specific recognition for not only putting up with me, but also for being some of my best and favorite of friends. My mother is the first to come to mind of people whom I am most thankful to have in my life. 

    In particular, I am thankful for the lessons of life she has taught me growing up. Her own love for Yeshua, and instilling in me this same love, made us friends almost immediately as we were made mother and daughter. Her willingness to be an example to me, to stand up for what she believes in, to dig for the truth, and to hold onto her faith despite naysayers are more than sufficient reasons for me to be most thankful she is my mother. Moreover, I am very thankful for her care of me when I was sick growing up. She was the first one up when I was in a coughing fit. She took me to the doctor whenever my allergies and asthma were overwhelming. No matter what I faced, she was there. Plus, she is one of the best cooks and hardest workers I have ever known. Sometimes the ability to even think of something to say, which would cover all of my heart's appreciation, is simply beyond words. If there is anyone I would want in my corner at the end of the day, it would be my mom.

     Do you have a list of things for which you are thankful? What are they? Share some in the comments and let me know if you are keeping track of your own November Thanksgivings! 

~Love and Hugs!! :)

Revelations and Realizations

Random Quote: "You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind." ~Joyce Meyer

     There are days when I wonder if I'm actually listening. 

Do you ever feel that way? 

     A few days ago I started listening to Joyce Meyer's Attitudes of the Heart series. I listened to the first cd three times, yet it continually slapped me in the face with something new. All I kept hearing within the comical stories and the scripture references and the unique-one-of-a-kind Meyer voice was this: I NEED TO BE THANKFUL!!!!!

     BAM!

     Life-changing moments occur every day. This isn't a new message. It isn't the only one I've ever heard, but somehow it reached into me and squeezed my heart. And I had to listen to it over and over and over again. Three times to be exact. Do you do that? Listen to something more than once because it's so good or your just can't get it through your brain that it's real? 

     Yeah. I thought so. Me too.

     It was as if I woke up. There was this realization of how I ungrateful I really can be. How thoughtless and unhappy and selfish and rude... Well, I really don't need to keep listing do I? You get the point, right? Even if you don't, I'm moving on so get over it. 

     However, the real point is this: I can't have a negative mind with negative thoughts and negative responses and live a positive life. 

     You know that too, don't you? 

     Even with this lightning strike of knowledge (which I've heard before, remember I told you that above?), I know I have to make an effort to change those things about me I don't like and don't want to hold onto. Looking back, as a child I was ridicuoulsly happy. I ran around discovering new ways to drive my parents nuts. I feel that's only fair since they've returned the favor now that I'm older, lol. I'd climb everything. The door posts, the cabinets, the drawers that get you to the counter and the microwave on top of that, trees, everything. 

     Then one day I stopped. 

     I don't remember when exactly, but I recall looking up at that tree and thinking, "I can't climb you anymore." 

     Now, I still sat upon the lowest limb (my tree is the best for climbing!), but I wouldn't go very much further. There was something inside of me that turned cautious. Fearful. I couldn't be thankful anymore. That freedom almost felt stolen from me. And that was the beginning, I think, of my negative thoughts. Negative thoughts usually start out the same way: Fear. 

     You fear you won't be able to do something. So you don't.

     You fear you will not succeed. So you don't.

     You fear you won't ever reach a goal or pursue a dream. So you don't.

     You fear you won't be a good friend, a good parent, a good sister, a good brother, a good person. So you don't even try.

     That's what it boils down to, right? 

     You don't.

     So, maybe we should try something new. Maybe think a bit more positively. Okay. A LOT more positively. 

     Repeat after me: 

     I am not afraid; I will do something. I'm thankful for what I can do.

     I am not afraid; I will succeed. I'm thankful when I succeed.

     I am not afraid; I am going to work toward my goals, my dreams. I'm thankful when I reach a new goal and work toward a new dream.

     I am not afraid; I am going to be a good friend, parent, sister, brother, person. I'm thankful when I do something nice, say something kind, or when I'm there for someone. 

     Now, let's be honest. Sometimes things still won't work out the way we want them to. However, isn't it nice to know that we've tried? Because when it does work out, when we do succeed, when we win, it's like a littly patch of Heavenly light shining down on us and saying, "Good job! Now, keep going." 

And that's the bottom line. KEEP GOING. KEEP BEING POSITIVE. AND BE THANKFUL WHEN YOU DO SUCCEED!

     Before you know it, being positive will have grown on you and when something comes along to discourage you, pull it out. Hold that positivity up like a shield. It may bend, but it won't break. Then, throw your thankfulness for beating it into fear and doubt's face. 

     "Pray in faith, and you will not live in doubt." Isn't that a similar concept? Perhaps, just perhaps, we should give it a try. Then give thanks. It's a repetitive cycle. Being positive and thankful go hand in hand. You can't really have one without the other. 

     So, I think I may try to climb that tree again. Higher. Ignore the negative voice of fear, and then give thanks... when I don't fall out of it and break something... Oh wait! Is that last line being positive?

     What are you going to work on being positive and thankful about this week? What are you going to do to make a new revelation in your life? I would love to hear your thoughts!! 

~Love and Hugs!! :)

       

     

      

A Change in the Making...

Random Quote: "If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies." ~Author Unknown

     I recently had the privilege of watching over a large number of Painted Lady caterpillars. They were cute, small, and growing bigger by the second. Seeing the progress from tiny to long and pudgy was amazing, but the stragest part was when they began to hang upside down and create their chrysalis. 

     

     The amazing change was captivating. 

     

     They stayed in their tiny wraps for about ten days, and then, there they were. Each coming out when he or she was ready to emerge. You hear about it all the time, but you really take it for granted until you witness it happen first hand. This rare beauty of how life changes. 

     Butterflies completely liquify within their chrysalis. It sounds disgusting, and believe me, all the liquid left behind when they hatch from their chrysalis is puke-worthy; however, I love how they are willing to take on this change.

     Maybe it's just nature. 

     Maybe it's just a part of a life cycle. 

     Maybe it's just intuition, and they do it because they are supposed to do so. 

     Or...

     Maybe it's more than a preconceived idea. 

     Maybe it's about the lesson we can learn and the beauty of their triumph over such a challenging change.

     No matter how you look at it, maybe, you can also see the hope in the mess and the sacrifice. 

     Just maybe, it will give you the chance to step forward in faith and make the scary changes you need to face. I hope it will. Whenever you feel sad and down about your circumstances look for a butterfly. Remember, you are only the beginning of who you can truly be. Just be ready to take on the "chrysalis" and have the courage to emerge when your ready for the world to see those changes. 

I took these pictures within my home's rock garden after a weekend of more beautiful butterflies emerging. Enjoy!!

         

Keep looking for the bright spots!! 

Love and Hugs!! :)

The Magical World of...

Random Quote:  "Your library is your paradise."   ~Desiderius Erasmus

... the library...

It is the best place to get work accomplished, fight the good fight of procrastination, and have books surrounding you in all of their glorious bound beauty. 

*Sigh*

Yes, books are my passion. I love them. The way they smell (see my blogpost "Stop, and Smell the Books"), the way the pages crinkle as you turn them, the smoothness of each page, the startling revelation that is the cover in all its designed glory... I could go on. Perhaps I should stop while I'm ahead. 

However, books are like little passports into other worlds. You are there with the characters as they conduct their adventures in a way that is often soul changing. 

So, the library is my happy place. Not only is it a quiet place to gather information and stalk books and authors without reprecussions, but it is also the greatest place to go and work. On any novel, short story, or blogpost, this is the get-a-way resort. I can stay for hours and type to my heart's content. It is the most beautiful time in the world. 

And the librarians are such nice people (see my blogpost "Nice People")! They are friendly and willing to help you search for resources. They obviously love books too. So you know they are the best people to be around! It is the perfect place to settle down and read or work for as long as you need. 

Do libraries get awards? Because I think they should. They should be nominated for "Best Resting Place" or "Most Awesome Place to Work" or "Best Author's Haven" or "Best Home Away from Home" or some such award. Where can I sign them up for any of these awards or more? 

We need to get on this people! The library is one of God's gifts to humanity. Feel free to scamper there whenever you can.

Now, I must continue working on my next short story. I'm at the perfect place for it. 

Does anyone else have a favorite happy place? 

~love and hugs!! :)

Dorian Days

Random Quote: "One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood."  ~Lucius Annaeus Seneca

You want to know what my favorite day of the week is? Thursday! My favorite day of the week is Thursday. Yep, you heard me correctly. I LOVE Thursdays! 

I love knowing that at seven o'clock in the morning my alarm is going to go off and insist I get up. I love hearing the little tweet of torture break through my soundless sleep and get me out of bed... after a snooze push or two. I love getting up to wash my face and brush my teeth and get dressed all with one purpose in mind. I love quietly exiting my still sleeping house. I love getting into my car and hearing the purr of the engine and the ding of my car seatbelt notification. I love turning on the radio and deciding what I am going to listen to and jam out to on my drive. I love taking the time to make the-- maybe, perhaps, it's just possible, it's going to happen-- STOP at the BEST donut shop in the world: Poppy's!! I love turning my vehicle North on 291 and realizing I am ready for a new, ain't no stopping the fun, Thank God It's Thursday roll out down the open highway. Or, of course, it isn't that open or anything. You get what I mean! And I love, most of all, when I reach my destination!!

Why do I love these things? I will tell you why. Because every Thursday is Dorian Day! It is the day where I actually like getting up early to drive on highways and merge-- which I normally HATE doing-- all in order to see my best gal-pal and writing-reading buddy. Every Thursday we are set to have a field day of writing fun. Our minds are geared toward one purposeful goal: Write! Write! Write! 

There are stories to be told! There are dragons to slay or ride or whatever! There are girl heriones to create! There are seriously good book boyfriends to invent! 

And we do that. 

Us. 

Dorian and I. 

Every Thursday. 

Because one day, we will rule the bookshelves at every local and international bookstore. 

Every. 

Bookstore. 

And when that day comes, you will be seriously glad you read our blogs. You will be thrilled that you were here with us before our glory days. You will be amazed at how fabulous our writing minds really are. 

The world is ours to conquer. The writing world that is. And by golly, we are going to conquer it! 

Fair warning. 

So, THIS ALL is why I love Thursdays! 

That is all. Go about your normal business now. But remember our names...

~love and hugs!! :)

Nice People

Random Quote: "Be nice to people on your way up because you'll meet them on your way down." 

~Wilson Mizner

Today I ran into the Blue Springs Hy-Vee to pick up a couple of things. I was in the neighborhood and it was close, and I thought, why not? So I went in and decided to grab a prepackaged sandwich while I was there and super hungry. As a result, I just had to share what my experience was like and how it made me smile. 

On my way to the deli area, I noticed how nice people were. The folks that worked there would smile or say hello, and it made me feel like a local celebrity (maybe they've read my ebook! lol). 

I grabbed a turkey and cheddar and was making my way to the front when an older gentleman in the produce startled me with a boisterous, "Well, hello! How are you today?" 
With some surprise, I looked at him, noticed his bright smile, and smiled back. 
"I'm great! How are you?" 
"I'm doing well, thank you." 
"Have a nice day!"
"You too!" 
Yes, it is one of those conversations you look back at and continue to smile about, and then when I passed a cashier, she smiled and said hi. When I got to the express lane, the woman at her register was friendly and seemed happy to be there and help. 
My thoughts were, "Wow! These people are really nice!" 

And you know what? That's what makes your day brighter. It's also what makes you want to enter a business establishment again. Because of the NICE PEOPLE! 

Granted, I know what bad days are. I know what it's like to be somewhat, shall we say, nasty when you are not feeling your best. However, I also know what it's like to be happy and share that happiness with others. To be kind, even when someone else is not kind. 
Some days, the ability to be is a little harder than other days, but it really is worth it. 

These few nice people today made me think of how I want to be. I want to be happy. I want to be nice. I want to brighten and cheer other peoples' days. 

It may be a lot of work, but I can do it if I try. Let go of the grumpy and say hello to the joyful. I can do that. 

What about you? Are you ready to be nice? 

So, thank you to all of those nice people, who have bad days, but still remain in control of their humor and consideration for others. Thank you Blue Springs Hy-Vee for making my shopping experience a positive one. You are awesome. 

~love and hugs!! :)