Power of a THANKFUL Heart.

As I ponder thanksgiving weekend and this past year, I am again in awe of all of it’s blessings!  I am grateful for health, family, friends- both old and new and of coarse the Coiff!   Then there are certainly the things that we all seem to take for granted- clean water, warmth, shelter, the freedom to worship, and to vote with our dollar.  That last part was something I learned from a dear friend and mentor, Carol Macy.  She was the BEST so wise and caring, Carol is no longer with us.  Today I am grateful for those who have touched my life….like Carol.  Life is short and there are no guarantees for a tomorrow.  

I am grateful for protection-the kind that comes from “no’s” and closed doors, because I know in those moments that God had my back. We don’t often look at those situations in a positive light-we are programmed to see them as a negative. Instead, we should embrace the protection that is  provided in those situations.  If we are grateful, that means in all circumstances, not just in the ones we like!

Tonight, I am dancing with strobe lights while enjoying Sunday dinner with my peeps… blessed with a house FULL of LAUGHTER, LOVE, FRIENDS and MUSIC!  Take time to party with those you love!  Take time to relish!  Make the most of the rare moments of joy, they go by in the blink of an eye!  These are memories that I will tuck away for when the rain falls in life and there are more clouds than sun.  

I encourage you to incorporate this into your daily routine, not just during the holidays, but every day.

1. Begin a GRATITUDE JOURNAL!  Take time to DOCUMENT!!! There is far more that we are grateful for than we recognize. When we take time to sit and ponder-it becomes so abundantly clear and  provides us with the opportunity to look back and offer praise for the GOOD times!  It does not have to be elaborate, just list 3 things each day you are thankful for.
2. Take time for those you LOVE!  Man, if I were honest, I would tell you that TODAY I had no ambition.  I wanted to just check out with NETFLIX and not do a single thing.  But you know what?  I made a  CHOICE!  I love to cook for my family and friends and those are the most sacred, precious times that I have.  So I picked up the phone, called my besties and started cooking.  Needless to say, the strobe lights, music, my family, and friends led to the perfect ending to a weekend.  Sometimes you gotta JUST DO IT!!!!!
3. Take time to GIVE BACK!  Whether it is a smile, quick note or on a larger scale, acts of kindness are the way quickest way to find joy.  Be a Daymaker!

So , I leave you with this-

Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not.  Remember that what you now have was once among the things you hoped for.  

-Epicurus 

Thanksgiving pushes out complaint, anxiety & envy.

There is NO reason we can’t give THANKS everyday like we do on THANKSGIVING!  

XXOO 

Mar

Count to 10...the hiccups will pass

Count to 10……the hiccups will pass!

No renovation is without a few hiccups right?  I spent the last few weeks, along with my kickass builders holding my breath.  I couldn’t be happier to report that the little green house is still standing!  

Imagine being close to 100 years old and enduring a facelift!  It all makes sense now why no one jumped at the chance to tackle this project.  Fortunately, the Fearless Phil and  Conscientious Connie  were up to the challenge.  Not sure any of us understood what we were getting into, but hey, its too late to back out now. 

I find myself ironically pondering the importance of a strong foundation and a solid infrastructure. Although, the little green house needed some reinforcement in this area, luckly, I did not.  My faith is strong and my foundation is secure in the knowledge that God is in control.  Didn’t hurt that my church, Ada Bible began a series on just that-choosing Joy under Pressure (insert Queen for all of you 80’s peeps).  It’s pretty amazing how life aligns sometimes. Most peeps may ponder a verse or two to get them through, I however have been singing to Carrie Underwood, Jesus take the wheel. Amazing how I have had peace that passes understanding.  

MY FOUNDATION IS STRONG!

What about my INFRASTRUCTURE?  That is the support system that surrounds me.  I have been blessed to have family and friends that I can lean on-DAY OR NIGHT!   A team that adapts to adversity and change with a smile! They have my back in all of my endeavors and cheer me on even when things get tough. I couldn’t be more grateful! 

 I leave you with this-no matter what the storm- “How’s YOUR Foundation and how’s YOUR infastucture? Be sure to have faith and joy in all circumstances and surround yourself with a

 kick ass team cheering you on!