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.