Changing the past

I will not get political, but with all the wrangling going on among ALL of them & so many who criticize and/or support, I will say this much.....

One thing is for sure, they (and we) have a LOT of opportunities to change the way things have always been done. Though they (nor anyone for that matter, including ourselves) cannot change what has already been done by others (or ourselves); comparing to a wrong action, then doing likewise, DOES NOT make our action right. Learning from a wrong action & then doing it differently to make it right does. ..... This is what we teach our children. Don't excuse their actions by telling us 'how or what' Johnny down the street did before; but instead, do the right thing now, show us you have learned from previous mistakes or wrong doings.

It makes no difference what anyone has done in the past, we cannot change that. BUT a difference will be made if you (or we) show what you think should have been done, & then DO IT ! ! ! ! ! !

Those closest to you!

Often we overlook those who are closest to us. Your spouse, children, siblings, parents.

In 2007 my husband had a massive heart attack, before this we basically had a good marriage of 25 years. It was very routine, nothing special, very complacent. Since that time we have taken to doing date nights. Building memories, instead of 'I wish we had.....s'. In observing the disasters all around us, we are praying not only for relief, safety, and that they are able to find their loved ones; but also that they have no regrets that add to their burden.

Sure relationships don't always come easy, in fact a good marriage is often very hard, but rewarding work. Yup, just like a job...it takes effort, initiative, teamwork, & often times, stepping back to let the other shine. Encouragement & compassion are also key parts. There have been many occasions when I did not LIKE my hubby, still loved him; but definitely did not like him. I know that he has also felt this way about me; but these are those times when we grew stronger in our determination to succeed & not just give up. Saying I had enough! I won't say that there are not times in a marriage where this is the step that needs to be taken, just not in ours. We worked through some really tough, & touchy times. That is something that each has to work out for themselves; but we have way to much invested to cash it in now.

One of our changes has been dating. We try to take in a movie or some other outing at least once a month. There are free 'concerts in the park', zoos, museums, any number of items. When going on a long drive, we pack a picnic lunch instead of a restaurant. At least twice a year there are fancier mystery dates. One I arrange, the other he does. These involve doing something the other is especially fond of, even though it may not be my/or his fave.

He arranged for a dinner/play for me. He even put a suit on, wow that was different. He reserved the table right at the stage, it was fabulous. I surprised him with a trip to the race track. I take my knitting, it goes everywhere & enjoy the expression on his face (no I did not take it to the play, though it does go to the movies). He thinks it odd if my knitting is not out, though some places it is just not the right thing.

My point here, is we need to also make a difference at home. Call your sister/brother...go to lunch. Take your child out, show them how a date should act, show them they are so special. Take your mom/dad for dinner & to a favorite place. Make a difference at home, & that difference will spread out & show others how they to can build memories, not 'I wish we had....s'

Praying for all whose lives have been changed by so much devastating weather...
;o)

Seasons

It is interesting to see how seasons change. Living in Wisconsin, ours are very evident and each has its own personality. Have you ever noticed how people also have seasons? Yup, it is quite evident if we take time to look.

I believe we also have days of sunshine, clouds, fog, rain, and down right blizzards. Take time to look around, do you see someone struggling? Could you share a wee bit of sunshine with them? Perhaps a kind word, a smile, or help carrying a package. Open a door, give up your seat on a bus or train? I bet if you gave it some thought, you could make a difference in someone's life.

I challenge all of us, to take the extra seconds today and each day, to spread a little sunshine. Then see how that sunshine can also brighten your own day.

Have a beautiful sun filled day, and if this day is a wee low for you.....here is a smile from me to you!! 8o)

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)