Spreading Joy

It takes strength to be firm; it takes courage to be gentle.
It takes strength to stand guard; it takes courage to let down your guard.
It takes strength to conquer; it takes courage to surrender.
It takes strength to feel a friend’s pain; it takes courage to feel your own pain.
It takes strength to hide your own pains; it takes courage to show them.
It takes strength to endure abuse; it takes courage to stop it.
It takes strength to stand alone; it takes courage to lean on another.
It takes strength to love; it takes courage to be loved.
It takes strength to survive; it takes courage to live.

Author Unknown

for delighting in my delight
for noticing when I need to be noticed
for paying attention to what makes me happy
and knowing no gesture is too small
for loving me as always
and the humor that makes me giggle – sometimes 3 days later
for the hugs everyday, so little to most but so HUGE in my eyes
for calling when you can
for helping me get through the day
for always knowing…always!
for honestly communicating with me
and allowing me to see you through
for the sparkle in my eye when I see your eyes sparkle
for the words that inspire me to give more
for listening when I need to empty my heart and soul of hurt
for the guidance when I feel lost
thank you for all the treasures that you give to my heart
for the smile that lights my face each day
for the unexpected kindness you flood me with
for accepting me just as I am
and encouraging the little girl in me to run free
for your amazing smile that chases away gloom…….

Thank You!

It was my honor and pleasure to be a guest on the Setting Boundaries and Finding Sanity Blog Talk Radio with Diane Viere. 

Setting Boundaries knows when we love an adult child whose life is out of control we can often feel helpless and hopeless. How do you step back into joy when your heart is filled with sorrow? Regardless of the type of sorrow you are feeling, there are ways of finding joy.

Finding joy among chaos and the feeling that your world is falling apart is completely possible and it was my pleasure to speak with her on that topic. This is a very honest and candid talk about being joyful – even through tears.

Setting Boundaries & Finding Sanity Blog Talk Radio Interview

Easy steps to Finding JOY when your heart is sorrowful:

• Give JOY – This should go without saying, but we often forget that it IS better to give than to receive. When we give anything to anyone, our hearts are often flooded with joy. Giving back doesn’t have to always be expensive, huge gifts.  Cards, smiles, hugs – simple pleasures are just as joyful as other gifts.
• Smile – Simple, yet can often can make a huge difference to a heart that is sorrowful.  
• Do not compare – Don’t do it.  Comparing things, dwelling on the “have nots” is asking for sorrow.
• Notice and count the JOYs that are swirling all around you.  – So many little things make our life big, yet we tend to miss it because we are counting our “sorrows” instead of our joys. One easy way to do this is by journaling.  When you write down the JOYs, the happiness, the smile starters – you have something you can look at to remind yourself of the good times.
• Plan JOY – We plan meetings, Dr appts, visits here and there. Plan some joyful things. Plan a family night. Plan a walk in the park. Plan it and then expect joy. The only rule is that there is no discussion of the sorrow that surrounds you.  PLAN and COUNT the joy.
• Remember, this too shall pass.  We will have trials, tears and sorrow, but it won’t always be this way.  Look ahead into the future. Joy is coming.

Some Favorite quotes:

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy. Thich Nhat Hanh

Man is fond of counting his troubles, but he does not count his joys. Fyodor Dostoevsky

 I could talk for days on end about finding joy, spreading joy and the like.  I hope you’ll be encouraged by listening to the interview and you’ll start finding joy.   Once you start looking for ways of spreading joy, you’ll easily begin to notice opportunities for making a difference. 

To easily get started, take the 30 day challenge. One act of joy a day for 30 days, to get you in the habit of spreading joy.  If you think you can not afford to be spreading joy, think again!   Here are 50 ways of making a difference without spending a penny.

Are you ready to find joy? If so, you’ll soon realize that “There is NO joy like Spreading Joy!”

Follow Diane on Twitter http://twitter.com/partnerinSANITY as she regularly has free webinars and documents to help you while you are on the road to sanity!

So, tell me.  How do you step into joy when your heart is sorrowful?

How are you spreading joy?  Do you try to make a difference with someone at least ONCE daily?

Did this interview encourage you to find true joy, even through the tears? I can’t wait to hear YOUR story of finding and spreading joy!

{{{HUGS}}} yall

Talking with Grayson about Angels Watching over him.

I believe there are angels among us.  Plain, simple – true.  I’ve had too many instances that should have not ended well, but was protected.  Just last year, when I was walking in my neighborhood, two huge dogs came charging across the road at me.  It was happening so fast!  I could hear the growling, the anger and then their size did not help my fears.  The only thing I knew to do was stop walking and I uttered out loud, “Dear Lord, I need an angel!”  I stood there as the dogs growled and circled me.  I was fearful and felt the tears streaming down my cheek.  I stood still, paralyzed with fear.  The dogs quieted and simply walked away.   There was no doubt in my mind what had just happened.  An Angel stood between me and the dogs.  I had been protected.

In December, my best friend’s daughter is in the hospital having her first baby.  This is special to me as well, not just because she is my best friend but because I had a part in this young lady’s life.  I spent weeks and weeks playing with her and her sister because I wanted to as well as being their babysitter.  It has been my pleasure to remain a part of this wonderful family.

We are all chatting away, watching and waiting for baby Grayson to make his appearance.  He is taking his precious sweet time.  I see the monitor.  His heart rate races extremely high.  I walk over, not saying anything and put my hand on her tummy.  I love rubbing pregnant tummies.  Then I see the heart rate drop, alarming so.  Still, I don’t say a word.  I pray.

Lord, please set an angel in flight to cradle baby Grayson and protect him.

I know the nurses are monitoring her and do not want to alarm the family.  So I continue to rub and pray.  The nurses do come in.  I kiss my sweet girl, tell her I’m praying and that I love her with all my heart.  The soon to be grandparents see the concern on the nurses faces as they say they are going to call the doctor.  The nurses leave and I tell them what I had just witnessed.

I give my best friend and her husband hugs as I leave and promise to pray.  These girls in this family are like my very own children, so my hearts desire for baby Grayson is nothing but the best.

Several hours later, I receive a text – along with a picture of a precious little boy, safe and sound.  Prayers answered.  BUT …..that is not the only reason I believe.

I visit the next day – as I have to see this wonderful bundle of joy.  He is not even 24 hours old yet.  I get to hold him. We are discussing how he opens one eye, but not yet both and just how adorable and brand NEW he is.  I’m holding him to where I can just gaze into his precious face and start talking to him.  I whisper quietly:

Grayson, you gave us a scare little boy. Did you feel the angels holding you last night?

At that point, he coos at me and opens both eyes.  Instantly.  I smile, he closes his eyes.  I start talking about the angels again, and immediately he opens both eyes.  At this point, the tears of joy are streaming down my face.   I have NO idea what is going on around me because my heart is consumed with the fact that I KNOW this child was cradled in the arms of an angel just hours before birth.

It is later that I find out that my best friend took a picture of me during all of this.  You can see Grayson’s expression as well as the tears on my cheek.  She sends me the picture stating that he looks like he is going to tell me something and I’m all ears.   At that point, I excitedly tell her about how me and this precious soul were discussing how wonderful it was that an angel took care of him just before birth.  The photo speaks volumes.

I’m not sure how you feel about angels, but I’m glad they are here.  I’m glad they will protect us, shield us and hold us when we need it.

What do you think about angels?  Do you believe there are angels among us?  Do you feel that you’ve been protected by an angel?

{{HUGS}} y’all

A friend of mine reminded me of something today that I know and unfortunately – I know it all to well.  Love hurts!  It truly does. 

No matter who it is that you love, you run the risk of hurting because of that love.  Sometimes it’s done intentionally, other times it’s by accident and sometimes there is absolutely nothing that can be done at all.  We’ve all spent countless hours with tears falling because someone we love has hurt us, or someone that we love is hurting.   

When you give your heart away you run the risk of having to pick it back up, one piece at a time because someone has torn it into a million pieces.  You don’t know if your heart will be treasured as much as you desire.  But still, you take the risk and give it away.

Love hurts when parents don’t care or value their children as much as they should. Love hurts when we’ve taught our children to do their best, make wise choices and they still decide to do what will completely destroy their life.  Love hurts when you are sitting in the hospital room and the doctor tells you to do what you want to do because you’ve only got six months to live.  Love hurts when that person looks at you after hearing they only have a short time to live and says….”what do you think?” At that moment LOVE is killing you and ripping your heart to pieces and all you can mutter is, “I love you and I’m going to miss you deeply.” 

Love hurts when you watch your loved one slowly forget what they’ve known all along as well as how to do simple day to day things.  Love hurts every single time you leave them at the nursing home because they can no longer take care of themselves nor do they remember who you are.  

Love hurts when you do your very best but you hear that your best isn’t good enough. Love hurts when you no longer fit in because aren’t as nice looking as the rest of the group. 

Love hurts when you are holding a limp body that is convulsing with pain because it has been through so much and your only desire is for the pain to be placed on you, but you know differently. You can’t help them; all you can do is hold them and weep because love hurts so much. 

Love hurts when you get a phone call that says “there was an accident” or “they had a heart attack” and you think back to the last words that you said.  Love hurts as you are numb with grief and try to remember if you told them just how much you loved them. 

Love hurts when you’ve tried and tried but fail.  You look upon your friends and wonder when will it be your turn.  You love them, but love hurts.  Love hurts when your best friend is on the phone, crying and the words won’t come.  You have no comfort to offer her, so you listen in silence and cry with her, wishing your heart would speak to you so you could help her. 

Love hurts when you realize that “I’ll always love you” doesn’t mean forever anymore and love hurts when “I’ll never forget” ends way too soon.    

Yes, my beautiful friend. Love DOES hurt.  But Love also does many other things.   

Love comforts the heart that has been torn into a million pieces because the heart is an amazing thing and love is so very powerful.   It is the comfort of sending an emergency text requesting prayer and having that text replied to at 2:30 in the morning saying that others are praying as well.  

Love brings peace on the other end of the phone that simply says, “I’m sorry and I love you. I can not let you hang up until we laugh!”  and then simply talking until the natural effect of love takes place and the laughter simply oozes out.  

Love gives delight and puts a gleam in the parent’s eyes for a visit from a “complete stranger” at the nursing home.  They don’t have the memories anymore, but the time spent right now fills their heart with delight! Love is coming home to a parent that says welcome home, your room is waiting and even though you don’t deserve one single solitary nice thing from your parent, the forgiveness is greater than all that awaits you, because you know you don’t deserve that love or forgiveness anymore. 

Love assures the child and reminds him or her that he doesn’t have to pretend or be fake because their parents love them, just the way they are.  Regardless of weight, looks, IQ, status in school or the kind of career they end up in. Love is real and unconditional. Love is stomping through mud puddles while holding someone’s hand and laughing because this opportunity doesn’t happen often.  

Love is an opportunity to say I will miss you when these few short months are gone, but you have made my world far better than I could have made it without you.  Love is an opportunity to share and laugh at the little things that make life big. We can’t always count on being wildly successful or the greatest, but we can make the most of each opportunity brought our way, no matter how small. 

Love restores hope when all hope has been lost.  It lifts the head of the discouraged, it lights a fire in the eyes of the depressed.  Love motivates, encourages and inspires others to love and usually in a greater fashion.  Love shows the beauty of disfigurement, the tenderness of the aged, the passion of the brave and the power of the fearful.  Love thunders its power through the pain and sickness of cancer and the many diseases that grip our hearts with uncertainty.  Love whispers reassurance that no matter what, I’m right here with you.  

Love divides the pain and doubles the JOY.  Love is patient, kind, enormous, caring, abundant, boundless, dependent as well as helpful, responsible, peaceful, thoughtful, calming and serious. 

 Love will allow a mom to step between her child and danger without consideration of the outcome.  Love will wake a friend in the middle of the night without worry of what might be said later. Love brings music to the heart during the worst trial and allows you to sing even though tears may be falling.

Love is the mile wide smiles that are painted on faces because of the sparkle in the eyes of another.  Love is the hug that doesn’t let go right off the bat because the moment, the instant the hug is given the heart is flooded with spectacular joy from such a simple, yet wonderful gift.  Love is the joy that fills the soul when good nights or even good byes are exchanged.  Love is the tears that are shed because you wonder how in the world you ever made it through the day without their love to begin with.  

Yes, it is true.  Love does hurt and the risk is great.  But with all the wonderful things love does, I say go for it!  Love and love deeply!  Love is worth the risk as the returns are so much greater than the pain. 

Will you risk love?

Is it worth the risk?

{{HUGS}} yall

We just finished up Proverbs!  Wise words to live by.  I hope you enjoyed it and applied it where applicable.  Some of them deal with our faith – “Trust in the LORD”, some of them deal with our actions. They all speak to the heart and make us wiser for it.  As you read, keep in mind there are 4 types of proverbs:

1. Synonymous – the second line repeats the first line in a little different way
2. Antithetical – the second line is contrary to the first line
3. Synthertic – the second line adds to the idea of the first line
4. Comparative – a truth is explained relative to some experience or something in nature

This Week’s Reading Schedule:

• Day 50 – Isaiah 14:1 – Isaiah 28:29
• Day 51 – Isaiah 29:1 – Isaiah 41:18
• Day 52 – Isaiah 41:19 – Isaiah 52:12
• Day 53 – Isaiah 52:13 – Isaiah 66:18
• Day 54 – Isaiah 66:19 – Jeremiah 10:13
• Day 55 – Jeremiah 10:14 – Jeremiah 23:8
• Day 56 – Jeremiah 23:9 – Jeremiah 33:22

Did you memorize a Psalm? Share that if you did.  I love Ps. 46. Many know Ps 23.  They are all awesome to hide in our heart.

Are you caught up on reading?  If not, don’t sweat it.  I’m on target with listening, (I listen while I work) but this weekend….I have got to get some major catching up done on the reading. 

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

I am loving the reading as well as listening to the Bible during this journey.  At this point I’m thinking that it may be the Bible in 97 days, but really – is that a bad thing?  It is a tough thing to do, but I’m finding it very rewarding to put in the time and effort.

I love the fact that new things are jumping out at me, that reminders are tugging at my heart and make me smile when I think to myself “oh….yeah, I knew that.” 

If you ARE keeping up, then you’ll realize that I’m behind with the sessions as well. Not even going to make excuses here, just going to give you the information you need and SMILE real big and move on.

Reading Schedule:

• Day 36 Nehemiah 13:15 – Job 7:21
• Day 37 Job 8:1 – Job 24:25
• Day 38 Job 25:1 – Job 41:34
• Day 39 Job 42:1 – Psalm 24:10
• Day 40 Psalm 25:1 – Psalm 45:14
• Day 41 Psalm 45:15 – Psalm 69:21
• Day 42 Psalm 69:22 – Psalm 89:13

Questions:

1.  Based on your reading so far, what are three or 4 ways God intends for us to benefit from the Scriptures?

God Reveals Himself to us  ~ God instructs us regarding how to live ~ God demonstrates His love for us ~ God gave the Bible so we could have ready references to answer many of our questions.

2.  What questions did your reading generate this week?

3.  Imagine what the temple might have looked like. What would have been the most striking to you.

4.  In his life and writings, Ezra adamantly encouraged people to follow the Law. Who could you encourage this week to read the Bible?

5.  List and describe some of Nehemiah’s leadership qualities. Would they be relevant for today’s leaders?  Did you learn anything that would help you as you lead others?

6. What is your favorite Psalm? Why? Do you have more than 1 that you turn to time and time again?

Books you’ll encounter this week:

Esther – Describing events several decades prior to those described in Nehemiah, the events in Esther may have enabled those in Nehemiah.  (This is my favorite book. Classic rags to riches – Cinderella story, as well as amazing woman risking her own life to save her country.)

Job- Scholars believe that Job was a contemporary of the patriarchs. In this philosophical idscourse, God allows Satan to test Job, then clears up some misconceptions of Job and his friends.

Psalms – One of the best-loved books of the Bible, Psalms is a collection of 150 hymns and poems, authored over a period of hundreds of years.

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

Lao Tzu said “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”  I have found that sometimes we take that first step naturally, other times it is quite by accident. Then there are the times that we are forced into taking that step with no control over what is happening, no look into what will be happening or no clue as to why it is happening.

That first step can often be scary, confusing and downright difficult.  When we are facing a new direction, a new journey of yet another thousand miles, sometimes it is so easy to over look the positive because we are afraid or focused on the unknown.  Instead of checking out the scenery along the way of our journey, we are focused on the “what ifs”.  We need to eliminate the “what if” game from our life and enjoy our journey, enjoy the beauty that is surrounding us and know that even with challenges that lay ahead, joy is swirling all around us, waiting to be noticed and appreciated. 

As my life takes a new direction, I’m not fearful, I’m not worried – I’m excited!  The last 4 years of my journey has been such a hodge podge of emotions, challenges and events.  When I embarked on that journey in April of 2006, I was fearful. It was the most difficult challenge I had ever faced and I literally stood, looking at my virtual mountain and thought “ok, swallow me up, get it over with….I’ll never be able to do this, NOT in a million years.”  The only thing that was consistent was change and I had never been presented with so much to learn all at once.  I was afraid of an epic fail. 

Not only was there NOT an Epic Fail – but it was the best four years ever. Challenges presented themselves. People came into my life, securing a permanent place in my heart, new things were learned, old ideas were tossed out the door.  New friendships were made, faith was increased. 

My new direction is in employment.  At my last assignment, there was lots of smiling, singing, problems and mercy – the food and gatherings were always such fun!  There were projects that seem to never end and then the easy ones that made you feel as though you accomplished something right away.  There was the infamous 3 day work week *ahem* and the immediate “NO” (with a big smile) as certain people came through the door looking for stuff.  There were those that brightened the day with their laughter, smiles and hugs, as well as the 2 that made my path smell wonderful as I journeyed down the halls.  There was the direct leadership, that was always appreciative, realistic and supportive and made the day enjoyable, regardless of the challenges and ocean of paperwork that continued to grow.

Has your direction changed recently? Are you standing at the bottom of the biggest mountain you’ve ever faced and are thinking, go ahead…swallow me up? Are you moving towards the unknown? 

What are you doing to appreciate the journey? Are you noticing the little things that make life Big while you fight your way down this road? I hope so, because the JOY is there, swirling all about you – begging for you to notice and appreciate it.

Go ahead! Take that first step….your next thousand miles awaits you!

{{{HUGS}}} Yall

Are YOU willing to let us see inside of WHO you are?

I am an open book.  I tweet/talk publicly about myself, family, likes and dislikes.  (ok, so I grumble about my dislikes, but still!) I’m happy, silly, joyful, serious, concerned and whine in the cuuutest suuuthern axcent ever.  

I have a list of a “few” things about me on my blog.  (ok..so it’s NOT a few…it’s actually over 40…and I could add more..just sayin. I should update the picture over there though, as it is from 2006.  I have added a few more wrinkles and some gray hair.) I love letting people get to know me because I LOVE getting to know people. All kinds of people, from far and near and all back grounds.

Having said all that – to say – I love social media and the reach it gives me.  I love that I have friends (YES friends!) that live in Africa, Australia, Scotland, Canada etc and have never met them personally – but I feel as though I’ve known them for such a long time.  I love the friendships that I’ve developed.  I love learning about these wonderful people.  I want to share some of them with you. 

I hope you’ll click on the links and learn more about them.  These lists can be found on their personal blogs.  I have loved reading them, learning more about them and becoming their friend. I hope that you will too.

Gene Bowker  follow him on twitter  @geneslens - Gene takes awesome pictures and writes from the heart! Fun follow, giver, friend - Read more about Gene

Elaine Kelly follow her on twitter @elaineremains - My chihuahua and I are trying to take over the world, it’s a work in progress. (Elaine has an amazing photo blog. Her pictures are awesome and she is quite talented.) And, doesn’t mind me umm.. mooning her – with @greetums cards – of course!! Read  more About Elaine

Richard Mayhan follow him on twitter @mcProdigal - Counselor & advocate, My  Tworship ministry partner, married, apologetics, technology, math, music-loving guy with a witty sense of humor.   Was prodigal for 27 years. Now gives hope to all parents of prodigals.  They can and do return. Read more about Richard.

Michele Langlo follow her on twitter @shadowedwriter - Hiding in the shadows, she loves to write and is amazing at it. She also has an amazing love of the ocean.  shhh..our secret..don’t tell anyone! Read more about Michele

Dino Jag follow him on twitter @dinojag - Makin music… & lovin life and it shows. Huge heart for others and always brings a smile! Read more about Dino

Lark Neville follow her on twitter @larkn0298 - Poet, technical writer, movie lover, voracious reader. Horror flick chicks & dudes love her! (I love her heart and passion for writing and others) Read more about Lark

Stash Serafin follow him on twitter @stashskate - Inspiring blind ice skater. Motivational speaker, co-author teaches ice skating as a metaphor of life. (Completely inspiring!) Read more about Stash

Melinda Lancaster follow her on twitter @heartcures - A follower of Christ who ministers, teaches, counsels, writes, in hopes of offering encouragement to those who grow weary on the road called life. Read more about Melinda **Special Note**I have to give Melinda Credit for this idea.  Way back 37 1/2 years ago (grins), after reading my list of about me - we discussed getting more “About Me” lists from various tweeple.  Thank you for this idea and I’m honored to include you in my list!

Bonnie Squires follow her on twitter @bonnie67 - Wife and Mom of 8. I have many interest Crafts, Recipes & Social Network sites. (Love her blog article called Just Some Hugs - I love hugs!!) Read more about Bonnie.

Michael Sarles follow him on twitter @MasisMore - Kind acts of randomness. Sports fan, tall guy, sarcastic much, lived in L.A., Israel, NYC, Boston & now Dallas. Former mental health pro. & marketing consultant  – #7 is totally my FAV on his list! I can totally see him looking DOWN saying this! Read more about Michael.

Rio Denali - follow her on twitter @NotTypicalBlond - Her bio grabbed me from the get go! Not your typical blonde. Former military, formally trained in FBI interrogation techniques, and with a degree in law… Rio might just surprise you. You KNOW you want to know! Read more about Rio.

Gina Stark - follow her on twitter @SuuperG - Some people think I’m egotistical-but enough about THEM! Here 4 laughs & inspiration.Freelance writer/blogger.Love travel, dance,fuud,horses,hiking 2much2 list! (ok, had to twist her arm a tad bit…*grinning* but – turned out nicely!) Read more about Gina.

Corey – follow her on twitter @la_loquita - I dance like no one is watching. I smile at everyone. I walk-barefoot in the sand. I dream under the stars. I love till it hurts. I giggle like a girl. (I love YOUR giggle)  Read more about Corey.

Tegan Cole - follow her on twitter @sandalgal - Yankee Fan, Thinker, A little bit of everything…I’m real, that’s what I am… (She is REALly cool. Love bantering back n forth with her, @marrangee and @Christianrep - although, I think she plays favs with THEM – *grinning* Read more about Tegan.

Brett Corbett - follow him on twitter @ChristianRep - Christ Follower . Servant . Prayer Warrior . Patriot . Dad . Friend . Mentor Romans 8:28 Proverbs 3:5-6 Psalm 139 – (Loves the occassional HUG fest but don’t tell him I told you that! It’s OUR secret!! shhhhh!) Read more about Brett.

Fragmentz – follow her on twitter @fragmentz – She caught my eye with her dashing avatar and the fact that she can say alot about nothing at all.  I love that.  Excellent writer. Her Cardboard Testimony – Worthless, abused, ashamed, depressed, broken and wanting to die – BUT LEARNING TO LIVE AGAIN! Read more here.

Bridget Haymond - follow her on twitter @BridgetHaymond - Wife & Mother; Biblical Values Life Coach Leading with Gifts, Strengths & Purposeful Living; Motivator & Collaborator; Blogger; Music Lover & Humor Enthusiast! She gives AWESOME hugs! Read more about Bridget.

I want to get to know YOU more.  Do you have a blog that you can do an “About Me” post and share with me? I’d love to list you here! 

No blog? Well, you can still tell us about you!  Sure you can! Look Below!  See that box down there? Yeah…the comment box! How about putting a list there and make sure you include your twitter name – so we can KNOW who you are there are well. 

I can’t WAIT to get to know you more!

{{{{HUGS}}}} Yall!

As I sit here, watching my son sleep, my heart is incredibly HUGE! 

For weeks I desired to see Todd for his 19th birthday.  Spoke of it with a few people, (ok…whinned about it too) but pretty much hid the desire in my heart as we are recovering from a difficult financial year last year…and the added cost of tuition each month, well – that is something else entirely.

I had, in my heart, resolved to quietly sit at home on April 3rd, speak to Todd on his birthday (while hiding the tears from him of course. Not that I do that well at all…I don’t.) and just lay low, let the day pass and make it through some how.  I know that there will be birthdays that I do not see him, I was just dreading the fact that it was going to be this one!  I was going to keep myself extremely busy – avoiding the pain and void of not seeing my son for his birthday.

I’m grinning as he snores, such a pleasant sound to my heart.

I have my very own Mommie to thank for this gift!  I’ll never be able to repay her as it is priceless to me.  We plan on leaving and NOT telling Todd so he would be surprised for his birthday – and boy, was he was so surprised!  I worked it out with his boss, Linda, that we would meet him at the store.  (Thank you Linda for your awesome gift of TIME with him!) 

He was turning around to do something as we were walking into the store! He had no idea we were coming. The shock, surprise and happiness were all evident as the emotions swept over his heart!  The best gift of all – the HUG!! I love hugs and am unashamedly a “hugger”.  I love real, two armed hugs!! The hug he gave me – priceless! 

So, I’m floating through this amazing weekend.  Trying to pry my babies out of bed now, so that we can just enjoy the day together. But, I could not resist taking a moment and saying – Happy Birthday Todd.  Isn’t it just the greatest thing to have such an amazing gift of time?! Yes. I believe it is. Oh, one more thing.  You, the readers of this blog, will allow me to indulge and express my complete adoration for my son..right? [nodding, sure you will - and I thank you]

Dearest Todd,

As you lay sleeping and snoring, you are also doing something else.  Warming my heart!  I have been watching you for hours now, so very thankful for this gift of time with you.  You remember when you use to jump up in the mornings and get ready for school as quick as you could, then lay back down with me until the actual time to get up? You’d always hold my hand.  I love that.  I love how you are fun, how you love to laugh and how wonderful you make us feel when we are around you.  I love remembering the little boy that you were, running around in your cowboy boots and diaper only, helping yourself to the last drink of mountain dew and saying “Thanks mommie for sharing with me”…and I love seeing the fine young man that you are growing into today.  I love that you still hug and kiss me in public.  That is a huge honor!! I’m so proud of you! So proud of the Christian path you are choosing. Choosing because you want to, not because it’s what I taught you to do.  So proud of how you are seeking God’s will for your life.  No matter where God’s will leads you, you’ll be the happiest and have the most JOY, right in the center, as HE will provide a way for you to walk the course He has set for you. I pray you keep seeking God’s perfect will for yourself, keep putting one foot in front of the other…step by step, day by day – one problem at a time, one pleasure at a time. Always remember the little things, they truly are the biggest, bestest things ever!  I sure do love you son. I simply can not find the words that will express my love and gratitude to the depth that I feel them in my heart. 

Love forever and always,

Mommie

To my very own wonderful Mommie….thank you!! I can only hope to grow up to be half as wonderful as you are!! I love you!

What are the desires you are longing for?  Is your heart heavy because you are missing a child in college?  Missing a child in the military – or something I can not imagine….are you missing a child, who is in heaven? 

We have so many desires of our hearts don’t we?  Let’s take them one at a time.  Working towards our goals and desires if we can.  If we can’t, working with what we have to meet the desires the best we can…just as I had thought I would have to, using skype, cellphone, email and texting.  To tell you the truth, had I not been able to visit with Todd, I would have probably contacted him using each one of those means. 

Keep plugging away at your dreams and desires.  You never know – you simply never know.

You are awake now! Time to get ready for a wonderful day! Love you Todd. I sure do love you lots n bunches!

{{HUGS}}