Safe & Happy New Year to ALL !!!!!

Well first of all I would like to apologize for being so quiet. Life has proven to be interesting as I continue to recover from my lyme's encounter. I don't know it I will ever be 100%, but my mind and my crafting are doing grande.

I continue to find that the best medicine is in doing for others and not dwelling on me. Determination and not giving up.

So the best advice I could offer to others for this coming year, is continue to make the effort to make a difference in someone elses life. When we focus on others, our problems don't seem as big.

I keep a note on my computer, I read it somewhere and liked what it had to say.

'Thank God for life's little problems, they take your mind off the big ones.'

One thing I do know, is that no matter how bad off I felt this past year; I didn't have to look far to find someone who had it worse. So I choose to look at the good things and the blessings I do have; and not focus on what is lacking. After all it can get worse, and problems have a way of pointing themselves out. I don't need to help them along.

May your New Year be a blessed one, that brings you many opportunities to make a difference in someone elses life. Good health, happiness, and quality time spent with special people.

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

Taking care of you

Well this past 2+ months points out the importance of something a lot of us neglect, and that is taking care of ourselves. Whether through just wearing ourselves out taking care of others, or a sickness that comes unexpectedly; we are no help to anyone if we are not well and in good shape ourselves.



I have spent two months battling Lyme's Disease and Bells Palsy. Both have taken away many opportunities to be of service; but if I did not deal with them there would be many more missed.



So with that, I say this....In order to serve others, be it family, friends, a ministry that is on your heart, or just plain 'making a difference' in someone's life...you must take care of YOU too.



Till later ;O)

Say Thank You

It seems the art of saying thank you has disappeared. When my children were growing up they always made out thank you cards, for gifts they received, and sent or delivered them. It was their responsibility, and they did it well. In fact they still do.

It is such a blessing when someone takes the time to not only say 'thank you', but to give a little of themselves in a hand written card.

When was the last time you showed gratitude for a gift, or anything, that someone else did or gave you? When was the last time you received one?

This doesn't mean that every time you do something for someone that they should acknowledge it; though those that really appreciate often do. Sometimes you do things just because, and don't expect anything in return; but start the ball rolling and acknowledge that which others do for you. Say thank you in a way that can be touched, it can make all the difference in the world.

Have a grande day, and 'thank you' for reading my thoughts :O)

A thought about depression

First of all if you are thinking suicidally, please seek medical help. Though my way of dealing with mild depressive episodes may also help you, please contact a person who can help you to deal deeper.

I suffer from mild episodes of depression, though they don't seem mild when they happen. I don't know what triggers them, could just be that I am older and my hormones like to dance on my day occasionally.

I have found if I do something for someone else, it really helps. I have several projects that I work on at all times. When I have one of these days, I work on ones that are gifts or special items I am designing for someone else. By taking my mind off of me and my, down in the dump, thoughts I find that I improve and actually accomplish a lot.

Today, my nieces took my mind off of whatever it was. Didn't know the cause, but it was getting really dark. As a result two young ladies will receive some customized dresser scarves designed specifically for them, for their birthdays; and I received a special gift from them. Because of our love for each other, I am smiling instead of crying.

I dedicate this days posting to two sweet and special girls, K & M. Love you guys ;O)

But I can't make a difference

So many times we think we cannot make a difference. It could be because we just don't have the funds, can't get where the tragedies are, etc. So many reasons; but you can make a difference. You can have an effect on someone's life. It could be visiting in a nursing home or hospital, it could be taking a neighbor to the store or just stopping over and seeing if there is a need that you could help with.

Some of the biggest differences in lives, are the ones that simply show someone that you care. Whether an elderly neighbor, or someone who is home or nursing home bound, a single mother who needs something fixed, a ride that is needed, or with your own child. You could make a grande difference in the life of a child, go for a walk, toss a ball or frisbee, or tell a story.

How could you 'make a difference' today? ;o)

Be Thankful for the Good

When we wake up in the morning, it is so easy for our first thoughts to be on those things which we do not like about ourselves or our lives.

Tomorrow when you wake up, make it a point to see 10 things you do like about yourself and your life. Think on those instead. Be thankful for them and when something doesn't go as you would like it, during your day, bring back to mind the good in you and your life.

If needed write them down so you have a reference; but think only on the good.
In a few days you will begin to realize what a gift each new day is, and the good will be that which pops first into your thoughts.

Enjoy your day ;O)

Listen

To just sit silent and listen,
whether to sounds around you (an awesome experience whtn outside with your eyes closed) see how many you can identify.

or to a friend who needs someone to talk to.

or just to the silence.

It is an awesome experience that can make a difference in so many many ways.

Unsurmountable Task

Making a difference doesn't always have to be for someone else. It can be something you are trying to accomplish for you too!!! Let's take a few minutes and take time for ourselves and begin taking steps to 'Mount the unsurmountable task' in our lives ;O)

Do you have an area that you are trying to organize or just plain clean???
A room, a garden, a garage.basement.whatever??

Then try these ideas...
1.) First know it did not get that way in one afternoon or day, it won't go away that fast either
2.) Then set yourself a couple containers and be honest with yourself, KEEP..GIVE AWAY..TRASH..THINK ABOUT (don't let this one get too big)
3.) Now a time frame, take it in small steps to start, 15 minutes then break (you can do more than one time frame in a day, but space them)
4.) Keep the area reasonable. Maybe one area of a room at a time, and focus. Don't move stuff from one area to another, use your containers.
5.) Allow yourself to breathe, but be realistic. Don't keep a bunch of stuff you know in your heart you won't use. Don't give away stuff that is dirty, stained, or broken. Think of those who could use what you have just sitting around. If you haven't worn or used something in, say 6 mos. to start, you probably never will. With practice you can narrow that down to less time.
6.) It is okay to be nervous, some people are very attached to stuff. I know I have that issue; but with practice it is getting easier.

Be an Angel

Is there an obligation someone is having difficulty meeting?
Is there a way you could help out?
Doesn't have to be just for family, could be a special friend, someone as close as family or a neighbor in need. And, sometimes we are able to just step in and do something to help them out. It can be as small as go to the store for them, or send a card to someone they have not been able to contact. Maybe pay off a small bill (large if you are able), or purchase something they are in desparate need of.

I remember one time, I purchased some gift certificates and had them sent to them anonymously. The best part of being an angel, is to do it without expectation of thanks, or recognition. That is when it really comes from the heart ;o), and make the most difference because they begin to see the good in all around them.

Who can you be an angel to today?

Domino Effect

Have you ever set up dominos in fun directions and then pushed down the first one, watching as they fall into each other in a wonderful and fun pattern?

Well, making a difference can be the same thing. You can choose to make a difference in either a negative or a positive way.

When you get angry at someone or something and take it out on the first person to cross your path, the odds are that person will then get angry and take it out on someone, and so on and so forth.

By the same token....take time to say something nice, even a simple thank you or excuse me if you cross a pass. Smile at the person as you walk by, or say a happy hello; and that person will probably (maybe not always but most of the time) pass it on and your dominoes will be happy ones.

Remember that if you add one thing to someone's life it has not been a waste of time. So take time each day to add a little happiness to someone's day. You never know how it may make the day of someone further down the line. :O)

A kind word

A darlin nephew, shared what his grampa told him. Goes something like this, 'Always find something good to say to someone, even if only to tell them they have pretty shoes'.

That little bit of wisdom, can keep the peace, or simply bring joy to a down spirit.

Another thought from grampa is that 'beauty is not found in the physical appearance, but in the heart'.

If more people would take time to look at the heart and not judge a person by how they appear in their eyes, our world would be a far more beautiful place. The body is a mere shell, it is the heart of the person that is the true telling. Some of the most beautiful people in the world have hearts of stone, they are not beautiful at all. And ever so many that society call ugly, would do anything for anyone and expect nothing in return. They have the true beauty, and if you look with genuine eyes, it will shine through so that even you can see it. ;O)

I don't know if I quoted Grampa Sean accurately, but you get the meaning. So next time you see someone, look past that shell and into the heart, you may be surprised.

A fair face may fade, but a beautiful soul lasts forever.

Do something you don't have to do

There are times whether at home or work, or out with friends that you notice a little something extra that needs to be done. Well it seems the current generation has plenty of reasons not to go that extra step.

'It isn't in my job description'
'No one ever does it for me'
'I don't want to get involved'
'That is her/his chore, let him/her do it'

I am sure you can think of a dozen more common sayings; and yes they probably are correct. But that doesn't make it right!!! There are even those who will take advantage of you if you do something extra, well that is their loss.

Going above and beyond, whether it is making coffee for the clerk who has been busy or picking up some garbage you see laying on the ground. Maybe taking out the trash or drying dishes for a sibling, maybe serving your spouse a special treat right where they are. Look around you, is there something, some little thing you could do to make someone else's day more pleasant? Even if only one out of 10 says thank you or appreciates that you did it, then you have made a difference in that life and it was worth it. It is my wish that we each do at least one thing for someone else today, how about you???

Take care of YOU!!

So many of us are always looking for ways to help others. It is our very nature; but if we do not take care of the caretaker, we will not be able to do a grande job.

So the number 1 rule of being able to make an effective difference is to

First and foremost remember to take time to take care of YOU!!!!!

Then and only then, will you be able to make a positive difference for a very long time and not burn out from exhaustion or health. :O)

Common Courtesy

When we talk to those who work for companies we deal with, we should show common courtesy. Often times there really is nothing that they can do to change things; but the way we talk to them can have an effect on how much extra effort they put forth on our part.

I have seen where someone was rude to a person on the phone, when she hung up her whole demeanor was down and she just didn't try to remedy it. A 'why bother' attitude. On the other hand, when the person calling is polite, in spite of the issue, the person receiving the call did all they could to help out. Even going beyond what their job requirements were.

It is NEVER right for anyone to use bad language or anger against the person giving a service. There are proper channels that can be taken, and should be; but to curse or yell at someone is always wrong.

It is so true, you attract more flies with honey than with vinegar. Just because something is not going well for you, doesn't give you the right to ruin someone elses day!

Time

Take time for someone else.
If you take time to think on or do something for another it can take your mind off of your own problems.
Focus on the needs of another, it can be as simple as a phone call to say 'hi' or 'how ya doin?' A card dropped in the mail to let them know you are thinking of them. Even a small heartmade gift, sent or hand delivered.
It could be something larger, a gift card for a massage or a favorite place to shop. You could go to lunch together, or even just go visit and sit for a spell.
When you put others first, ultimately you are the one who benefits just as much.

Who haven't you talked to for a long time, if you wait for the perfect time to call it will never come. Why not take 5 minutes now and make that call. :O)

Important Lesson #5

5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts...

Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at ahospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz whowas suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness.

The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, 'Yes I'll do it if it will save her.'

As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, 'Will I start to die right away'.

Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her; but he had chosen to save her anyway.

A note of observation from me:
Would I be willing to give so much of myself for my family/friend? I don't know, and I can't say with honesty until I am faced with the situation; but I pray I would give it serious consideration and not be so selfish as to say an outright no before thinking and praying it over. That is a really hard thing to do, and this 5 year old had so much love and compassion for another. I would have loved to know the rest of the story, and to know what kind of a man be grew to be. His parents also deserve credit for raising such a boy as he. That is a credit to the whole family.

Important Lesson #4

4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path
In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand!
Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.

A note of observation from me:
In the movie series based on the books from Janet Oke, Love Comes Softly; the lead actor shares this observation.
"Nothing that adds to the person you are is a waste of time."
So everything we do, any thing or person that crosses our path, that adds even the smallest experience or bit of knowledge to who we are, is worth our time. Take time to read, talk, listen, or help out. It will add to the person you are.

In our lifetime we never stop learning or growing, so learn as much as you can, and grow in ways you never imagined you could. Enjoy your day, and may God richly bless you!

Important Lesson #3

3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve.
In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him.
'How much is an ice cream sundae?' he asked.
'Fifty cents,' replied the waitress.
The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it.
'Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?' he inquired.
By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. 'Thirty-five cents,' she brusquely replied.
The little boy again counted his coins.
'I'll have the plain ice cream,' he said.
The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table.
There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies.. You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.

A little note of observation from me:
We should never assume that we know what someone is thinking. This more often gets us in trouble, and is most likely incorrect; because we will not be able to think the same thoughts as the next guy unless we have spent our live walking in his/her shoes. Even then the outcome would have been different because we are all like snowflakes, no two alike.

On the other point, do take time to thank those who do you a service. Even if they are getting paid to do it, make their day and show them appreciation. Whether the postman/woman, the clerk in the store, or wherever you are. If someone is waiting on you ... smile and say 'thank you'! I can tell you, from experience, it cand make a difference in their day

Important Lesson #2

2. - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain
One night, at 11:3 0 p..m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car.

A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 60s. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read: 'Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along.

Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away. God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others. '
Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.

A little note of observation from me:
It didn't matter who the lady was, and in our times judgement must be used; but that doesn't stop us from helping out in unusual circumstances. You never know who that person may or may not be; but it was obvious it was even risky then. We have the electronic means to help others, and we have the ability to make a difference when someone is in need. Use common sense, especially if you are alone; but also use good sense.

Important Lessons #1

These are from an e-mail that is going around; but it is one that has 5 very good ways of making a difference, so I am going to share them over the next 5 days.

1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady. During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one: 'What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?' Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. 'Absolutely,' said the professor. 'In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say 'hello. 'I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.

A little note of observation from me:
What a grande example of the importance of eveyone who crosses our paths. Whether it be the cleaning lady, the post office worker, or the clerk in the convenience store. ALL are SIGNIFICANT

Space 05/26/2010

There will be times when you really miss someone, and you want to be able to chat or spend time; but that special someone has things that must be done.

Know in your heart, if they are truly special, that they want to visit with you also; but out of that same specialness give them the space they may need. It is very damaging to lay guilt on them for not taking time for you.

Step back, let your special person (family or friend) have the time they need. When you do get together, the quality of the time will be so much better.....for both (all) of you.

Either way can make a difference in your relationship, but this way is for the good.

Family & Friends, May 25, 2010

It is so easy to see the negative in those closest to us.
Each day look for something special in them, then share it with them. Do it in a way that is different... put a sticky note on the dashboard or bathroom mirror; leave a text message on their phone; an e-mail; or just simply drop a word of encouragement or little bit of happy wisdom in the mailbox, wouldn't it be grande to receive something in the mail that didn't say 'bill'?

(of course if your name is Bill, then it will still say 'bill'; but it won't ask for money LOL)

How to start May 24, 2010

Making a difference can be done by something as innocent as a smile or as simple as a kind word.