Good morning everyone….
I’m walking on sunshine today. What a beautiful day. School is out for many, some get out today and today is my Sister Charlene’s wedding anniversary. Happy Anniversary Sis & Uncle Bob. May our Lord bless you with many, many more happy years!
A thought came to me this weekend when we were racing around trying to get it all done. I thought, “Just in the nick of time.” How many of us operate that way? “Just in the nick of time.”
We run from one place to another or one activity to another by the “skin of our teeth.” (Tammy, is that even possible?)
I see a picture of someone making it onto a subway train “just in the nick of time.” That means that they just made it before the door closed. Whew….with no seconds to spare.
We are left out of breath, sweaty, hair strewn out of place and that look of I need a seat, some water, and more time. You can recognize the ones who made it “just in the nick of time.”
How about when you are late for a meeting? Others are in their seats, papers are out, pens are drawn, the white board is up with markers uncapped and ready and the speaker has just cleared his throat. Then you run in….”Just in the nick of time.” You say to yourself….thank you Jesus!
Another one….you have been invited to a dinner. You just need to make one more stop, tell the babysitter one more thing, fix your hair for the last time or maybe take that 5 minute nap, I believe that is called the “power nap.”
You race in, not ready to eat because you are panting, you sit down give apologizes to the host and see a glaring stare. You think to yourself…”Just in the nick of time.” No one has started to eat yet.
If we run around this way, what else have we missed? We do not always make it in the “nick of time.” What else are we going to miss? I ask again.
“Just in the nick of time” is not always going to get us through. More than just sometimes, we have to prepare for what is planned, even if we know about it or not.
Living our lives on a race track will hurt us physically, emotionally, and mentally. Who can catch their breaths? Who wants to be scattered all of the time? Not me.
“Just in the nick of time” is OK once in a while but not always. It is about being prepared and having your time planned out. I realize that emergencies pop up and that is when adjustments have to be made. The big picture takes planning….something like an outline.
We do not know exactly what is to come or when it will come; we just know that He will. “Just in the nick of time” doesn’t count here. Slow and steady, pace yourself and you will feel and look so different…people will ask, “What is wrong with you?” You can answer, “Nothing” I’m just ready. Nancy
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The Good Idea/Opportunities
Good morning to all…..
In the early hours of last minute sleeping this morning we had a thunderstorm. I can sleep so well in a thunderstorm. I’m not real sure where that has come from but it gives me such peace that I am not even going to tax my brain with wondering why!
I know that we have talked before about opportunities. The subject came up again this weekend and George and I began discussing opportunities. Opportunities are all around us. Some of us pick them up, some of us look at them, some of us are scared off by them. What do you do?
I know that George and I look at every opportunity that comes before us. We say there is no sense in saying no right away because a person does not really know what they are saying “no” too.
At the same time we do not say yes right away because that would be a decision made in haste and we have LEARNED the hard way that making a decision in haste gets one into BIG trouble.
Now you may assume here that we have had experience in this area….well yes we have and that discussion would be for another time. Let’s just say we have learned our lesson. Now we stop, drop and pray.
Since some of our experiences have not been profitable…that has not stopped us from looking at what has been placed in front of us. But guess what, now we are smarter (I pray) and we look at each opportunity with a discerning eye.
So many times we have spoken with people who tell us that “opportunities just don’t come my way.” I say not true.
This is what I think…a person misses opportunities because they choose not to take them…it is not because the opportunities are not there.
Maybe it is out of fear. Maybe it is their old conditioning. Maybe they just don’t feel they have the time.
Opportunities may be placed in front of us as a test, a resource or a breakthrough. The decision is yours to take it or not. The decision is yours to explore the possibilities or not. The decision is yours to seek guidance on all that is available.
Opportunities are there. How much do you want them? Be discerning, be on purpose, be motivated and be open….therein lies the difference. Nancy
In the early hours of last minute sleeping this morning we had a thunderstorm. I can sleep so well in a thunderstorm. I’m not real sure where that has come from but it gives me such peace that I am not even going to tax my brain with wondering why!
I know that we have talked before about opportunities. The subject came up again this weekend and George and I began discussing opportunities. Opportunities are all around us. Some of us pick them up, some of us look at them, some of us are scared off by them. What do you do?
I know that George and I look at every opportunity that comes before us. We say there is no sense in saying no right away because a person does not really know what they are saying “no” too.
At the same time we do not say yes right away because that would be a decision made in haste and we have LEARNED the hard way that making a decision in haste gets one into BIG trouble.
Now you may assume here that we have had experience in this area….well yes we have and that discussion would be for another time. Let’s just say we have learned our lesson. Now we stop, drop and pray.
Since some of our experiences have not been profitable…that has not stopped us from looking at what has been placed in front of us. But guess what, now we are smarter (I pray) and we look at each opportunity with a discerning eye.
So many times we have spoken with people who tell us that “opportunities just don’t come my way.” I say not true.
This is what I think…a person misses opportunities because they choose not to take them…it is not because the opportunities are not there.
Maybe it is out of fear. Maybe it is their old conditioning. Maybe they just don’t feel they have the time.
Opportunities may be placed in front of us as a test, a resource or a breakthrough. The decision is yours to take it or not. The decision is yours to explore the possibilities or not. The decision is yours to seek guidance on all that is available.
Opportunities are there. How much do you want them? Be discerning, be on purpose, be motivated and be open….therein lies the difference. Nancy
Friday, June 5, 2009
The Good Idea/Shining Light
Good morning everyone….
With all of this rain my flowers look beautiful. I purchased some flowers that did not cost a lot but to look at them now…..one would never know that I found them in the bargain basement! We have even had great results with trees that we discovered in the “lost and found!” This must be about the “ugly duck” that turns into the “swan.”
While cleaning the chandelier over the kitchen table the other day I said…WOW too bright I can see too much now. Too much dirt is what I saw. What to do? I can either keep the light off or clean house. I think that I shall clean house.
This too holds true for us. When that bright white light shines on us, what does it find? What is being exposed to the outside world that maybe we do not want exposed?
Do we need to clean up, dust off, straighten up and fly right?
When God’s light hits us we normally discover a realization in ourselves that needs to be changed. Are we teachable? Are we reachable? Are we willing and able to have His light shine on us to expose our frailties? Scary don’t you think? That is unless you are more than OK with yourself.
I believe that everyone needs a little polish around the edges. Everyone needs to be guided back onto the pathway again. Everyone needs to be reminded of where the rough spots are.
Just by looking up into the Light we can see where changes need to be made. Maybe a little dusting here, there or everywhere. Some of us even need to get out the Windex.
I prefer to be in His light…how about you? Not necessarily to always be exposed but to find out where the problem areas are and then focus on fixing them.
I know of some people who live just to shine the light on others. These people live to expose the weakness and dust of others. You know who they are – they come into your home and walk in looking up toward the ceiling lights!
My gracious Mother-In-Law says, “I won’t look at yours if you won’t look at mine.” She is wonderful. Have you ever heard of a Mother-In-Law that doesn’t look for the dust in her Daughter-In-Law’s home? She is more than great! She is a wonderful friend of mine.
I still plan on getting out the Windex but I probably won’t wear my glasses while doing it. Now that is too much information at once. Oh and I better go a little deeper with the cleaning clothes because you never know what kind of difference it might make. Nancy
With all of this rain my flowers look beautiful. I purchased some flowers that did not cost a lot but to look at them now…..one would never know that I found them in the bargain basement! We have even had great results with trees that we discovered in the “lost and found!” This must be about the “ugly duck” that turns into the “swan.”
While cleaning the chandelier over the kitchen table the other day I said…WOW too bright I can see too much now. Too much dirt is what I saw. What to do? I can either keep the light off or clean house. I think that I shall clean house.
This too holds true for us. When that bright white light shines on us, what does it find? What is being exposed to the outside world that maybe we do not want exposed?
Do we need to clean up, dust off, straighten up and fly right?
When God’s light hits us we normally discover a realization in ourselves that needs to be changed. Are we teachable? Are we reachable? Are we willing and able to have His light shine on us to expose our frailties? Scary don’t you think? That is unless you are more than OK with yourself.
I believe that everyone needs a little polish around the edges. Everyone needs to be guided back onto the pathway again. Everyone needs to be reminded of where the rough spots are.
Just by looking up into the Light we can see where changes need to be made. Maybe a little dusting here, there or everywhere. Some of us even need to get out the Windex.
I prefer to be in His light…how about you? Not necessarily to always be exposed but to find out where the problem areas are and then focus on fixing them.
I know of some people who live just to shine the light on others. These people live to expose the weakness and dust of others. You know who they are – they come into your home and walk in looking up toward the ceiling lights!
My gracious Mother-In-Law says, “I won’t look at yours if you won’t look at mine.” She is wonderful. Have you ever heard of a Mother-In-Law that doesn’t look for the dust in her Daughter-In-Law’s home? She is more than great! She is a wonderful friend of mine.
I still plan on getting out the Windex but I probably won’t wear my glasses while doing it. Now that is too much information at once. Oh and I better go a little deeper with the cleaning clothes because you never know what kind of difference it might make. Nancy
Thursday, June 4, 2009
The Good Idea/Who you are
Good morning to all…..
I was reminded yesterday that we are half way through the year. Can you believe it? It feels like I just put my Christmas decorations away last week. I’m tellin’ ya’ it’s that movin’ fast time thing!
A few years ago I confronted myself and realized that I am not the person some think that I am. Really? Really!
I have changed so much over these last few years. I am coming into a place of peace and understanding of who I am and whose I am. What a great revelation.
I believe that this happens to all of us. We go through our life being exactly the way others want us to be. We go to certain places because our parents or siblings take us there. We are just like our other family members because we all do things together.
Times do change….we begin to grow into the person that God wants us to be. We step out in our beliefs and dreams. We draw a line in the sand telling others who we are and what we believe in.
Some people accept this and others think you are crazy. It is change and some cannot accept that we have changed. Some think that change is wrong. The old way of thinking is the right way. I say that the old way may not be everyone’s way.
We have to be true to who we are. We cannot be who someone else thinks we should be. Now don’t get me wrong….I’m not talking about being stubborn and cold in our change, I’m saying that we must be ourselves and lovingly share that truth with others.
We all have experienced a time when we step outside of the way we used to be and others look at us and say, “What are you doing?” I tell them that I am growing, stretching, learning, experiencing, living and loving the life that God so graciously has given to me.
It is a wake up call to the life that we have. Live it to the fullest, step out and make new discoveries….maybe just maybe the truth lies in digging a little deeper.
If you are not the same person that you used to be and you have changed for the better I say wonderful! Don’t compromise, push forward and embrace our Lord’s grace and mercy and follow the call. The difference in you will be so clear! Nancy
I was reminded yesterday that we are half way through the year. Can you believe it? It feels like I just put my Christmas decorations away last week. I’m tellin’ ya’ it’s that movin’ fast time thing!
A few years ago I confronted myself and realized that I am not the person some think that I am. Really? Really!
I have changed so much over these last few years. I am coming into a place of peace and understanding of who I am and whose I am. What a great revelation.
I believe that this happens to all of us. We go through our life being exactly the way others want us to be. We go to certain places because our parents or siblings take us there. We are just like our other family members because we all do things together.
Times do change….we begin to grow into the person that God wants us to be. We step out in our beliefs and dreams. We draw a line in the sand telling others who we are and what we believe in.
Some people accept this and others think you are crazy. It is change and some cannot accept that we have changed. Some think that change is wrong. The old way of thinking is the right way. I say that the old way may not be everyone’s way.
We have to be true to who we are. We cannot be who someone else thinks we should be. Now don’t get me wrong….I’m not talking about being stubborn and cold in our change, I’m saying that we must be ourselves and lovingly share that truth with others.
We all have experienced a time when we step outside of the way we used to be and others look at us and say, “What are you doing?” I tell them that I am growing, stretching, learning, experiencing, living and loving the life that God so graciously has given to me.
It is a wake up call to the life that we have. Live it to the fullest, step out and make new discoveries….maybe just maybe the truth lies in digging a little deeper.
If you are not the same person that you used to be and you have changed for the better I say wonderful! Don’t compromise, push forward and embrace our Lord’s grace and mercy and follow the call. The difference in you will be so clear! Nancy
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
The Good Idea/Worth the price of Admission
Good morning everyone….
Have you ever heard or used the expression, “worth the price of admission”? I’m sure we all have. Well I used that expression this past weekend at my son’s basketball game.
Of course just watching Matthew and his team play is worth being there but last Saturday there was more. There was a little guy there that stole the show or at least my attention in a big way.
He is the coach’s son and maybe 7 or so years old. He comes in wearing the team colors from head to toe, (literally) stands like a man on the side lines, sits when everyone else sits, high fives each player and yells out the chants. Cute? You bet. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him.
He loves each of the players and considers himself one of them. They also accept him and high five him back. You can see this little guy looking up to these bigger boys and then you see the importance of being a good role model.
Good role model. Now there you go. Have you ever wondered if you are a good role model? Has the thought ever crossed your mind?
I don’t think we spend much time on it. Do we consciously say, “Today I’m going to be a good role model?” Probably not.
Being a good role model is a life style which I’m sure many of us embrace. And I’m sure many of us don’t. We just go through life doing whatever we want maybe never being aware of who is watching.
If this little basketball guy would see the bigger boys behaving in a questionable manner then he might pick that up, but he sees these boys playing in a fair manner, being in integrity and supporting each other. It was great to see.
Oh, the hopeful eyes of one person watching another. How do people look at you? How do your children look at you?
Is it with admiration saying “I want to be just like you” or is it in fear or question saying “is that right?”
Being a good role model is full of responsibility but the rewards are priceless. To look upon a face that is looking up to you….WOW…such a feeling of love
and fulfillment.
Maybe you need to make a difference in someone’s life today….be a positive role model. Sometimes that is all that it takes. Nancy
Have you ever heard or used the expression, “worth the price of admission”? I’m sure we all have. Well I used that expression this past weekend at my son’s basketball game.
Of course just watching Matthew and his team play is worth being there but last Saturday there was more. There was a little guy there that stole the show or at least my attention in a big way.
He is the coach’s son and maybe 7 or so years old. He comes in wearing the team colors from head to toe, (literally) stands like a man on the side lines, sits when everyone else sits, high fives each player and yells out the chants. Cute? You bet. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him.
He loves each of the players and considers himself one of them. They also accept him and high five him back. You can see this little guy looking up to these bigger boys and then you see the importance of being a good role model.
Good role model. Now there you go. Have you ever wondered if you are a good role model? Has the thought ever crossed your mind?
I don’t think we spend much time on it. Do we consciously say, “Today I’m going to be a good role model?” Probably not.
Being a good role model is a life style which I’m sure many of us embrace. And I’m sure many of us don’t. We just go through life doing whatever we want maybe never being aware of who is watching.
If this little basketball guy would see the bigger boys behaving in a questionable manner then he might pick that up, but he sees these boys playing in a fair manner, being in integrity and supporting each other. It was great to see.
Oh, the hopeful eyes of one person watching another. How do people look at you? How do your children look at you?
Is it with admiration saying “I want to be just like you” or is it in fear or question saying “is that right?”
Being a good role model is full of responsibility but the rewards are priceless. To look upon a face that is looking up to you….WOW…such a feeling of love
and fulfillment.
Maybe you need to make a difference in someone’s life today….be a positive role model. Sometimes that is all that it takes. Nancy
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The Good Idea/Digging up Dirt
Good morning everyone –
Some days are slow to start and you have the opportunity to “get your motor runnin’” on your own. Then there are some days where you are in high gear before your feet hit the floor. Today is that day for me. What has happened I ask??? Good thing I sleep with my Nike’s on!
Just this weekend I heard a song on the radio which I haven’t heard for some time now. It was “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John. Remember this song was in memory of Princess Diana written in 1997?
I started to think about her beauty both inside and out. I started to think about her generosity, her love and her compassion for her follow human beings.
It was so apparent that she loved her children and wanted only the best for them. She had such a heart for others that were hurting. She was such a beautiful person who was not afraid to get dirty in the messes of life.
Then in my thoughts of her goodness and kindness; I then remembered how the press along with some “regular” people were all too happy to dig up dirt on her and the people who were with her.
I said, “Come on!” Have we not better things to do. Why do we have to dig up dirt? Is it to bring a person down or to try to raise us up?
Why can we not mourn for a person and their family without trashing their character? I do honestly believe that if we knew for certain than someone would dig up dirt on us after we pass….then we would not be so happy to spread rumors about another.
The same thing happened to John Kennedy, Jr., his new wife and sister in law. Whether one agrees with what they did or not; the fact is that 3 lives were lost and that is more important to recognize than whether they had a happy marriage or not. Once again I say, “So what!”
We must remember the good things; we must remember with love and compassion…remember the verse about “throwing the first stone???” (John 8:7 NIV)
I just think that there is enough trash going around that we do not need to add to it by dredging up the past whether it is true or not. This falls under “none of our business.”
Think of the publications or TV shows that would be out of business if we said….”SO WHAT!”
A difference would be made if we celebrated each other and stopped looking for dirt. I better go now, time to sweep my front porch. Nancy
Some days are slow to start and you have the opportunity to “get your motor runnin’” on your own. Then there are some days where you are in high gear before your feet hit the floor. Today is that day for me. What has happened I ask??? Good thing I sleep with my Nike’s on!
Just this weekend I heard a song on the radio which I haven’t heard for some time now. It was “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John. Remember this song was in memory of Princess Diana written in 1997?
I started to think about her beauty both inside and out. I started to think about her generosity, her love and her compassion for her follow human beings.
It was so apparent that she loved her children and wanted only the best for them. She had such a heart for others that were hurting. She was such a beautiful person who was not afraid to get dirty in the messes of life.
Then in my thoughts of her goodness and kindness; I then remembered how the press along with some “regular” people were all too happy to dig up dirt on her and the people who were with her.
I said, “Come on!” Have we not better things to do. Why do we have to dig up dirt? Is it to bring a person down or to try to raise us up?
Why can we not mourn for a person and their family without trashing their character? I do honestly believe that if we knew for certain than someone would dig up dirt on us after we pass….then we would not be so happy to spread rumors about another.
The same thing happened to John Kennedy, Jr., his new wife and sister in law. Whether one agrees with what they did or not; the fact is that 3 lives were lost and that is more important to recognize than whether they had a happy marriage or not. Once again I say, “So what!”
We must remember the good things; we must remember with love and compassion…remember the verse about “throwing the first stone???” (John 8:7 NIV)
I just think that there is enough trash going around that we do not need to add to it by dredging up the past whether it is true or not. This falls under “none of our business.”
Think of the publications or TV shows that would be out of business if we said….”SO WHAT!”
A difference would be made if we celebrated each other and stopped looking for dirt. I better go now, time to sweep my front porch. Nancy
Monday, June 1, 2009
The Good Idea/Bricks
Oh happy day! Good morning,
Today, what a beauty! I hear the sound of children’s laughter, the call of birds communicating, and I smell freshness! I am so thankful for the beauty which surrounds me. Thank you Lord for your goodness!
This past weekend I had thoughts of my Mom and what she use to say. And if you know anything about my Mom; you know that she had a lot to say. My thoughts went on for a long time.
I remember her saying to me, “Nancy you are growing like a weed. I have to put a brick on your head.”
Now did she really do this….No….but that was her way of telling me that I was growing up too fast and her baby was disappearing.
Then the thought took me to how we might stifle other people’s growth by what we say or do to them. This can either be growth in the emotional state or in the physical state.
We do this by telling others that we do not believe in them; we do not think that they can make it; survive it; we create doubts and fears of failure and this judging goes on and on.
We stifle their growth by expressing some of our negative opinions.
Do we do this on purpose? Probably not…we just do what was done to us. Some say, “Well that was what I was told.” If this is so, maybe it is time to break that pattern and become an encourager and a supporter.
If that “brick” was literally put on your head…ouch…I’m sorry for that…but that is not a reason to carry the “tradition” on.
Now if we are saying it lovingly…saying “I hate to see you grow up so fast.” That is different. I knew what my Mom meant…sometimes change is hard to handle. Especially when it is a Mom with little ones that aren’t little any more.
So don’t go putting bricks anywhere…encourage, build up and mentor. If bricks were put on you, be different and put those bricks where they are most needed…like around your house.
Have a wonderful and beautiful day in the Lord and enjoy all that you do. Nancy
Today, what a beauty! I hear the sound of children’s laughter, the call of birds communicating, and I smell freshness! I am so thankful for the beauty which surrounds me. Thank you Lord for your goodness!
This past weekend I had thoughts of my Mom and what she use to say. And if you know anything about my Mom; you know that she had a lot to say. My thoughts went on for a long time.
I remember her saying to me, “Nancy you are growing like a weed. I have to put a brick on your head.”
Now did she really do this….No….but that was her way of telling me that I was growing up too fast and her baby was disappearing.
Then the thought took me to how we might stifle other people’s growth by what we say or do to them. This can either be growth in the emotional state or in the physical state.
We do this by telling others that we do not believe in them; we do not think that they can make it; survive it; we create doubts and fears of failure and this judging goes on and on.
We stifle their growth by expressing some of our negative opinions.
Do we do this on purpose? Probably not…we just do what was done to us. Some say, “Well that was what I was told.” If this is so, maybe it is time to break that pattern and become an encourager and a supporter.
If that “brick” was literally put on your head…ouch…I’m sorry for that…but that is not a reason to carry the “tradition” on.
Now if we are saying it lovingly…saying “I hate to see you grow up so fast.” That is different. I knew what my Mom meant…sometimes change is hard to handle. Especially when it is a Mom with little ones that aren’t little any more.
So don’t go putting bricks anywhere…encourage, build up and mentor. If bricks were put on you, be different and put those bricks where they are most needed…like around your house.
Have a wonderful and beautiful day in the Lord and enjoy all that you do. Nancy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
