First things first

As 2018 draws near,
before we ask for what we want,
let us first be thankful
for what we have.

Resolutions

With a new year fast approaching,
many of us will make resolutions.

How about disposing of . . .

selfishness
greed
cold-heartedness
ignorance
antagonism
despondency
hate
gloom

How about offering . . .

Kindness
Generosity
Compassion
Understanding
Assistance
Hope
Love
Joy

Peeps

Oh what joy!
What a marvel and a blessing!

Those fabulous people
who come into your life
and touch it in a way that
only they could.
The childhood friends.
The faux family -
that is often MORE than family could ever hope to be.
The coaches who not only coached your sport,
but mentored you in life.
The acquaintances that became 'uncles'.
The supportive friends you can't imagine life without.
The neighbors that were far more than neighborly.
The pals you know - no matter the lapse in time -
were always right there for you.
We are given these gifts
in such a seemingly random way.
And yet . . . when you step back and look . . .
these Precious Peeps we've been presented with
are given when we need them most,
offered when we are searching earnestly,
cross our paths when the path seems impassible.

Lovin' My Peeps!

An Idea

There is not a person alive
that doesn't appreciate a
"Good job!" or "Well done!"
It's not that you need approval.
It's not that you need affirmation.
It's not that you need recognition.
Every now and again,
it's just absolutely fabulous
to have someone be nice to you.

The phrase could be 'nice sweater',
or 'great smile',
or 'what an infectious laugh'.

A little unexpected bliss bomb
is a beautiful thing.

Today . . . here's an idea . . .
throw one out there.
Mean what you say.
And watch the magic unfold.

My Gifts

Over the years, I have received many great gifts,
but . . . the absolute best ones would be the people in my life.

The ones who said I couldn't.
They made me more determined.
The ones who said I wouldn't.
They made me more persistent.
The ones who betrayed me.
They taught me about trust.
The ones who are whiners.
They taught me about diligence.
The ones who are two-faced liars.
They taught me about honesty.
The ones who are braggarts.
They taught me about humility.

The ones who stood by me.
They taught me about unity.
The ones who listened to me.
They taught me about understanding.
The ones who supported me.
They taught me about strength.
The ones who pushed me.
They taught me about vision.
The ones who guided me.
They taught me about tenacity.
The ones who loved me.
They taught me more than I could ever know.

You see, they've all been gifts.
Some were returned.
Some were exchanged.
Some have been cherished for eons.

Enjoy what's not under the tree.

Merry Merry

The game of life
is much different than say, Monopoly.

It is definitely NOT about
grabbing up all the tangibles.
It is definitely NOT about
having the newest, latest and greatest gadgets and gizmos.
It is definitely NOT about
the size and/or shape of one's bank account.
It is definitely NOT about
what make and model of vehicle you own.

It is about living.
It is about sharing.
It is about listening.
It is about exploring.
It is about learning.
It is about giving.
It is about people.
It is about honesty.
It is about caring.
It is about faith.
It is about honor.
It is about thriving.
It is about hope.
It is about love.
It is about one another.

Be merry in your actions.
Be merry in your speaking.
Be merry in your existence.
Have a blessed and Merry Christmas!

Miss You

Christmas time makes it harder,
but I miss you EVERY day.
Your kindness, laughter, wit and charm
will never fade away.
You took a piece of me with you
when you left this earthly plane,
But I carry more of you with me,
it's what truly keeps me sane.
I laugh at what seems to be nonsense,
cry at the drop of a hat,
smile when I know you're present
it could only be you doing that.
Continue to push me forward
on the days I'd like to quit.
I know we'll be reunited.
I may just have to wait a bit.
My love to you as always.
Miss you more than words can say.
Have a Heavenly Merry Christmas
and a blessed every other day.

Peace

Peace is kind of a transitional word.

When we are younger,
we believe peace comes when we find a mate.
As we age,
we believe peace comes with a healthy family.
As children age,
we believe peace comes with quiet.
As children grown,
we believe peace comes with their positive adulthood.
As the years go on,
we believe peace comes with an ache-free day.
As family & friends pass on,
we hope/believe peace greets them on the other side.
And you realize,
peace is not about obtaining things or tangible things.

Peace is love ~
unconditional,
unforgettable,
uncontrollable,
undeterred,
unfettered,
unencumbered,
undefinable,
unrestrained.

I wish you Peace.

23:1

I might want, occasionally,
to be warmer.
I might want to sleep better.
I might want a little bigger nest egg.
I might want to lose a little weight.
I might want my kids closer.
I might want more time with hubby.

But I lack nothing!

Mothers

A special friend
let her mom free herself
from these earthly ties yesterday.
The emotions are always mixed.
We know they are pain-free, worry-free
and in a glorious place.
We also know we are lost without them.
Mothers are magic.
Mothers are mighty.
Mothers are masterful.
Mothers are mystical.
Mothers are marvelous.
Mothers are magnificent.

This mother, however, was all those things
and more.
She mothered all of her own
and then some.
She was my mom away from mom
in my younger days.

To my friend,
I hurt for you.
I ache for you.
I cry with you.
And I also rejoice with you.

You've got an Angel to watch over you.

Love where you dwell

As exhausting as yesterday was,
I have choices regarding it . . .

I can dwell on the fact
that it was God-awful early to start working;
that after hours of work, my superior says it looks a mess;
that it takes forever for help to come;
that there seemed to be gazillions of shoppers;
that I got stuck there helping out . . .

or

I can dwell on the fact
that the early hour allowed me a close encounter with a lovely doe;
that I know how dedicated I am and how hard I work;
that I got visited by two beautiful strangers at work - Angels in disguise;
that none of those gazillion shoppers were cranky;
there were many, many Merry Christmases exchanged;
that I ran into some of those same shoppers later and they were fabulous!

Which "dwell"ing to you want to live in?
Sometimes we all fall victim to visiting in crabbyville,
but it surely is no place to reside.

Soak in the surprises.
Bask in the blessings.
Accept your Angels.
Love where you dwell.

Angels

If you haven't figured it out yet,
I am a fan.

There are many tales of different items
representing Angels or their visits.
Cardinals, feathers, goosebumps;
memorable songs, quotes, words;
the fullness/tightness in your chest
that sneaks up and leaks out of your eyes.

I believe they are here.
Visiting.
Leaving messages.
Enlightening.
Leading.
Loving.

Enjoy your Angels!

Oh Happy Day!

For me,
the happiest of days
is when both my kids
have shared great news,
hubby is home,
dog is walked,
house is warm and cozy.

For some it is quiet time.
For some it is production.
For some it is sweating.
I must say I had a bit of
all of those yesterday
in between the kids,
the dog, hubby,
and my cozy home.

Whatever defines your happy day . . .
I hope you have it
in abundance.

LOVE this

Firstly, know that I did NOT write this.
It came in a Christmas card from a dear friend.
The author is unknown.
I completely adored it, so I am sharing.
Please enjoy.

I have a list of folks I know, all written in a book
and every year at Christmas time, I go and take a look
and that is when I realize that these names are a part
not of the book they're written in, but of my very heart.
For each name stands for someone who has crossed my path sometime
and in that meeting they've become the 'rhythm of the rhyme"
and while it sounds fantastic for me to make this claim
I really feel I am composed of each remembered name.
And while you may not be aware of any special link,
just meeting you has shaped my life, more than you can think.
For once you've met somebody, the years cannot erase
the memory of a pleasant word or of a friendly face.
So never think my Christmas card is just a mere routine,
of names upon a Christmas list, forgotten in between.
For when I send a Christmas card that is addressed to you,
It's because you're on the list of folks that I'm indebted to.
For you're part of the total of the many folks I've met
and you happen to be one of those I prefer not to forget.
And whether I have known you, for many years or few,
In some way you have had a part in shaping things I do.
Every year when Christmas comes, I realize anew
the biggest gift that life can give is meeting folks like you!

Tim vs Tor

You always have a choice.
You decide whether you are a
vicTIM or a vicTOR.

You can allow other people
to navigate your path for you,
or you can cut and hack and blaze
your own trail.
You can let people's perceptions
cloud your skies,
or you can bring your own
sunshine and rainbows.
You can surrender
to what other people believe,
or you can determine
your own destiny.

Who will you be?

Tim or Tor

What a Joy!

In my humble and honest opinion,
I believe we are at our best
when we are giving.
Not necessarily money.
Not everyone has extra cash to give.
More importantly,
giving of our time,
giving of our energy,
giving of our talents,
giving of our resources,
giving of our hearts,
giving of our hugs,
giving of our own self.

What a Joy
to do so.

C's the Day

Be
Confident
Caring
Creative
Charitable
Courageous
Civil
Capable
Colorful
Charismatic
Compassionate
Cheerful
Comforting
Carefree
Credible
Considerate
Charming
Cute
Consequential
Curious
Chivalrous
Calm
and just a smidge
Crazy.

Give

ALWAYS GIVE

selflessly
unconditionally
namelessly
generously
freely
happily
joyously
graciously
without expectation
lovingly

NEVER GIVE

up!

A gift

You can donate money
if you have it.
You can donate time
if you have it.
You can donate resources
if you have them.
But . . .
the easiest and most precious thing
that you can gift
to another human being is
your smile,
your ear,
your hug,
your heart.
your hand.

Now THAT
is a gift!

Every Day

Oh, the joyful blessings
that fill our lives.
The random sights
that we are blessed to see.
The beautiful folks
who are planted in our paths.
The joyous gifts
that are given to us as family/framily.
There is so much we overlook
while seeking the tangibles.
Realize the wealth of grandeur
that surrounds you
every
day!

Nothing

What does it cost to smile at someone?
Nothing.
What does it cost to offer a hug?
Nothing.
What does it cost to simply listen?
Nothing.
What does it cost to be a leaning post?
Nothing.
What does it cost to comfort another?
Nothing.
What does it cost to love and care?
Nothing.

The best gift you can ever offer
is just a little bit of your own little self.
You have much to contribute.
You have value to add.
You are a gift.
Give.

It costs you Nothing.
But to the recipient . . .
you've given Everything!

Let It Flow, Let It Flow, Let It Flow

There is comfort;
safety;
peace;
calm;
serenity;
joy
in the warmth
of God's love.

Let it cleanse you.
Let it strengthen you.
Let it invigorate you.
Let it wash over you.

Let It Flow
Let It Flow
Let It Flow

Get It Together

Happened upon a post
from an extraordinary friend
that went something like this . . .

We pray for cake.
We are given
flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla,
and even icing
and complain or leave the kitchen.
We wanted cake!

We must learn to realize
that we are given a majority
of the ingredients we need
to get what we want.
We simply need to apply ourselves,
roll up our sleeves,
and be willing to get it together
to have what we're searching for.

Hoping your baking for the day
brings you everything you want.

Presentces

Nope!
Not a typo.
Tis the season of gift-giving.
We try to make kids happy,
lighten hearts,
and brighten days.
Sometimes, though,
it is not in the commercial effort
that happiness is found.
It is in
the coffee-clad conversation;
the sincere smile;
the hold-it-together hug;
the simplicity of silently sitting together;
the joyous jubilation of jerking around;
the fabulous frivolity of friendship.
Your existence
is a beautiful gift to so many.
Enjoy who you are.
Share what you can.
It is a glory and a grace to give
of ourselves!

Merry and Bright

It's a new day.
It's a new month.
It's a new opportunity.
Rise and shine, buttercup.
Dust off your merry.
Buff up your bright.
Face your Friday
with a joyful noise.

Make it amazing!