The Good Idea/Life Begins....

Greetings to all….

I want to talk about “life” today. Some people say that life begins when you take your first breath. Some people say that life begins at the time of conception.

Hugh Downs has said, “Life begins when you do.”

I stand on record as saying - I believe life begins at the time of conception. I also agree with Mr. Downs when he says, “life beings when you do.” That is when we truly start living. That is when all of the fun starts. We begin to feel life inside of us.

We truly live when we see a flower bloom, when we see the brightness of the sun, when we see a sky full of stars and when we see a hummingbird in flight. We truly live when we see the vast expanse of the ocean and feel the sand on our feet.

We truly feel life and how small we are in it when we experience the Grand Canyon . We feel life when we touch the hand of a baby. We feel life when we touch the hand of our grandparent. Life – so much of it to live and to share. What are you doing with yours?

Life becomes oh so real and purposeful when we get up and begin on the path that has been designed for us. Life becomes oh so real when we reach out and share our life with others.

When we share with others what we have been given; when we share what we know with someone else we are truly experiencing the gift of life.

I don’t believe living life is sitting in the biggest house on the hill. Having your desk on the top floor of the highest building or being untouchable.

Life is sitting under a tree and enjoying it. Life smells the salty air, the freshness of the morning dew and sees the beauty of a butterfly.

We still have the houses on the hill and we have the ones who sit in the chairs on the top floor of the highest buildings; just know that that it not real life.

Life is your heart and soul. Life is what God breathed into you. Take a deep breath of His goodness and experience life as He has given it. I promise you – a difference will be made. Live your life in His promise. Nancy

The Good Idea/Feed the Hungry

Good morning my friends,

I’ve started early today and the sounds of silence are wonderful. Remember our parents asking us, “shhh, do you hear that?” We as children said no. They said, “Exactly!” This is where I am at today.

As I was preparing for today I kept hearing “feed the hungry.” “Feed the hungry.” OK – now where do I go with that? Several places I’ve come to find out.

Let’s start with the obvious. Hunger – it is alive but not well. Hunger – many people experience it. Now I’m not talking about the diet starved individual. I’m talking about the person who has absolutely nothing to eat or very little to feed their family with.

We see that need and I pray that you open your hearts and wallets to provide nourishment for these individuals. “Every little bit helps” as my Mama would say. If you are blessed, then you should bless others.

Let’s talk about the person who is hungry for true love. There are many and they are crying out to us. Children, adults, seniors…many are in need of compassion, truth, love, kindness, smiles, warmth….etc.

There is a hunger for peace, for “nice” talk, for understanding, for sympathy, for empathy, for hugs and smiles.

Hunger is more than our bellies being full. Now our bellies are a great place to start – this will put a smile on our face and make us more willing. But I tell you it goes so much deeper than that. Giving first to someone who is hungry is such a blessing. Seeing to another’s needs before our own is exactly what we are called to do. To be a servant!

“Feed the hungry.” Look for a person in need. You may not have to go very far to find that person. We see it all the time; we hear it all the time.

While walking yesterday I passed by a house where I heard unspeakable language coming out from the garage. I stopped and took a deep breath then prayed for peace. This person is in serious need….there is a hunger for peace, patience, love and release.

You see this hunger could be as close as next door, down the street, the next neighborhood over or even in your own home. Where do you find hunger?

If you are hungry – “JustAsk”….if you are full then pour out and help someone who is seeking to be filled up.

I am asking for more than the money in your pocket. I’m asking about giving out of love and all the different forms that it takes. Feeding the hungry is a personal movement

This is a personal movement that is so rewarding because we give from our hearts. We give to those who are in need of nourishment - nourishment of all kinds.

There is a call to “feed the hungry.” If you hear that call, lend yourself, give of yourself and open yourself up to nourish others, instruct others in His truth, and love others as you have been loved.

Some of the “hungriest” people may be the ones we least expect. If you really look; you will find. Make the difference in someone’s life today…"feed the hungry." Nancy (www.justaskbooks.com)

The Good Idea/Talking to yourself

Good morning everyone…..

If I may start off with a question this morning….how many of you talk to yourselves? Several I’m sure. I must admit I talk to myself.

My Dad… (Not my Mom now)…my Day use to say, “If I want to talk to a smart man, I’ll talk to myself.” Then hysterical laughter and a grin would follow this comment.

There is nothing wrong with talking out loud to yourself….as long as no one else hears you. The reason – they will think that you are a little strange. (This is not an altogether bad thing.)

I’ll tell a funny on myself – the other night we were gathered as a family watching funny videos on television. Now let me tell you this rarely happens. Number one we very rarely watch television let alone together. Someone always has something else to do.

I had gotten up and served some snacks to my family then settled myself back down. I must have been deep in thought because all of a sudden I answered a question out loud which I asked myself.

This is one of those moments where you look around to see if anyone noticed what you just did. So I looked and my son Matthew stared at me and asked, “What did you say?” Then I hear hysterical laughter.

I believed that I confessed and began to laugh. OK….he now thinks that I should just go to bed. “Maybe Mom just needs rest.”

These things happen. We get deep in thought – we get focused and maybe do something a little out of the ordinary. It makes life interesting don’t you think?

There are times when we speak out loud and answer our own questions. Sometimes we just need to audibly hear the question. Maybe this makes it real so the answer comes faster. It becomes clear to us.

I have talked with some people who say…”oh nothing is wrong,” “I have nothing to say,” clearly there is something to say….speak it out then we can fix it.

Speaking things out loud or writing them down is a way for us to understand issues that we might be dealing with.

So to all of those who “occasionally” speak out (I mean good things here.) – It is more than OK….I know that you are just sorting some things out. It could be that God just wanted you to share.

Don’t be hard on yourself – no need to look around – people do it all the time…you just might be more creative than others.

Rejoice in your creativity, sort through the best way you know how and forget about what others think. It really does not matter.

I’m closing with my thoughts now – maybe I’ll just speak answers and forget about the questions. HA HA - Sure it’s about a difference. Enjoy your day. Nancy

The Good Idea/Gracious is he

Good day to all….

How fortunate we are to be able to take another breath today. As I opened my eyes this morning I was so grateful to be able to enjoy another day. Thank you Lord.

Today I want to talk about gracious people. Yes, you are out there. Yes, you do exist. Yes, you do deserve being mentioned.

I say enough with the bad stuff. Enough with the depression stuff. Enough with the he did/she did stuff. It is time to say thank you to the gracious ones who make our lives so bearable and livable.

Do I have someone in mind? You bet I do. I have several in mind but today I am just going to focus in on one.

This person gives all that he has. He gives when he feels like there is nothing left. He smiles when the rest of us are frowning. He laughs when he is seeing the truth…when the light bulb goes on.

He stays up late and gets up early just to make a difference. He will take time just to explain something in the simplest of terms. He will not rush or make you feel rushed.

He is slow to ask of others but so fast to give to others. He would rather walk a mile with a smile than ask another to give up their time for him.

His heart is so big that others see it from afar. He is good humored and trusted. He is compassionate and loyal. He is loving and tender. He is big and strong.

Who is this person you may ask….is it Superman? Sure sounds like Superman. No, he is better than Superman….he is my husband George.

OK – he is probably going to get me for this but I just gotta’ say it. George you are one in a million. I’ve never seen anyone who cares like you care. I’ve never seen anyone who makes others feel so welcomed and comfortable. You have been so richly blessed and you show it by blessing others with your gifts and talents.

I watch what you do. I listen to what you say. I admire the way you handle yourself and I’m so thankful that God gave you to me. I don’t know how that happened….but I will not question it – I will only thank Him for His beautiful and gracious gift called you.

Who do you have in your life that makes you feel like you are so loved and cared for? Someone that makes you feel like you light up their lives? Please tell them how they make you feel. Write to them, talk with them, hug them, kiss them…LOVE them back.

God has given that person to you so that you can know what true love is. He has given that person to you because He loves you so much!

I thank you Heavenly Father for your unending love for me. You show me love continuously just by allowing George into my life.

OK George you are probably saying to yourself right now…what do you want Nancy ? Seriously nothing – this time – HA HA….I just want you to know that I think you are wonderful…gracious are those – who are humble in heart! You have made such a huge difference in my life.

Who is making a difference in your life? Are you making a difference in someone’s life? Just love on them…and be loved. I hear that it is one of our greatest gifts. Nancy (www.justaskbooks.com)

The Good Idea/You are where you need to be

Good morning everyone –

It is time to start the day. It is time to begin where you left off yesterday. Maybe it is time to start anew. Wherever you are this day – let it lead to positive changes.

A thought occurred to me that we are placed exactly where we need to be. By this I mean; some time ago my family and I were transplanted to a new location from where we all grew up.

At the time of our move I wondered why here? Why in this house? Why in this neighborhood and why did I have to move so far away from my family?

I struggled with this for some time. I’m from a different part of the country and I really felt that difference. Where I came from the people are laid back, not so rushed and a little more neighborly.

So the move was definitely one for me to adjust to. As I was adjusting I began to grow and little by little stopped asking why we were here.

Our home turned into a home for many. Many people came over to hang out, talk, cry, laugh and relax. Some came over to find comfort from life’s hard blows. I was beginning to feel like I belonged.

My surroundings have become warm to me. I find comfort in rolling hills and wild animals which I was not use to seeing in my back yard. Still to this day I ask, “What is that?”

My work life, my social life, my life with God has all changed dramatically. I did ask why here, why now, what for and what is planned for my family?

I’m sure that you have gone through these types of changes yourself. I’m sure that you have asked yourself…"why am I here at this job, this home, this neighborhood, this store, this church."

As I have worked through these questions – I have discovered that I am exactly where God wants me. I was to leave my home, I was to move into this house, in this neighborhood, write this column, connect with you and move forward in His name.

Life changes are for a reason and that reason is to move onward toward the big plan. This is the master plan for our lives which has already been laid out.

It is so important to make the best out of where we are. We are to shine in the light wherever God puts us.

So look around – where are you? There is a reason for your being and your being there. Who do you need to reach? What do you need to do?

When we make the best out of where we are then we are on the road to making a difference. Maybe it is not time to jump off of the train yet. Maybe when you “JustAsk” you will find that you are exactly where you need to be.

Grow in it – make adjustments to it – live and love in it. There is a plan for you – are you living yours yet? I embraced my difference and I love it. You can too. Nancy (www.justaskbooks.com)

The Good Idea/Beauty

Morning greetings to all…..

What a day of possibilities! Sometimes we just feel it in “the air.” You know the feeling; something is on the horizon and it is coming for you. When you live a life of expectancy you will always be ready.

Today while preparing for The Good Idea; I ran across a headline that said…"Better habits for beauty."

Hey, let me open that right up. I’ve got that new exercise thing going on - now I need some “beauty” tips.

Then I pulled back and read the headline again….."Better habits for beauty." What kind of beauty are they talking about?

Let’s look at beauty from the outside in….there are changes in our diet which may help our appearance and the internal workings of our bodies. Then there is more rest/sleep which most of us need. This will squelch the comments…"you look tired!" We must not neglect our grooming habits either.

A little lipstick and rouge (as my Mom would say) will do wonders for a girl. You guys, I say I’ll check with George. (He’s got it figured out.)

Beauty – I say it starts on the inside and that is where we need to develop habits of grooming. Yes that is it…let’s work on the inside so that on the outside we will shine with the light of His grace.

Something like patience, or how about kindness…oh, how about joy - now that is a big one. I’m talking about real joy down deep in your heart. (Can you hear the song??? “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart…etc)

When we are beautiful on the inside; we can’t help but be beautiful on the outside. We do not need makeup tricks or concealer.

When I was pregnant with my three most beautiful children; (ahhhh) I remember George use to say to me that I had a “glow” about me. I think that most pregnant women do. We have life inside of us and it is radiating outward.

Life inside of us….we can have that all of the time. We can shine in His love which will transform us into a work of beauty.

“You don’t need no stinkin’ make-up”….to quote someone not versed in the English language….I say – “wanna bet?” “A little color never hurt anyone.”

I embrace the life inside of me and I really do feel the beauty which comes forth that can only be from Him.

Beauty – find yours…..if you are lost – “JustAsk”. That beauty is waiting for you. You will look in the mirror and see such a difference. No longer will you say…"mirror, mirror on the wall…" for you will know who is the fairest of all.

Enjoy this beautiful day and expect good changes to happen for you. Nancy (www.justaskbooks.com)

The Good Idea/Bag worms

Hello and good morning….

I need to share with you this morning while I can still muster up the strength.

I’m confessing here that I have been lax in exercising. I haven’t given it my all because I’ve been too busy in the mornings running here and there. (Reason or excuse???)

So here is what happened…..

My mind was made up last night that I was going to get back out there and walk off all of those unwanted bulges. It is a pretty enough day, not to humid, a little wind blowing and I’m feeling good.

These morning walks are the best time for inner reflection and talking with God…or I should say God talking with me.

I’m feeling comfortable for the first part of my walk; then I begin to feel the burn. Suddenly my legs are heavier then when I started out, my breathing is just a little more labored, my head is starting to itch and I feel better holding my waist then walking with my hands down. Why??? Because my hands are so swollen I can hardly see my rings. I keep reminding myself that it is all good.

Just a few more steps, just a few more hills to climb then times of refreshment will be my reward.

As I approach a few more bends in the road I see the long span of curb and I am so called to sit down and rest. I now see the hard cement curb as a down filled comforter. I just know that sitting down on the down filled comforter curb will do me good. What keeps me from it? Perseverance and the knowing that bag worms keep going on no matter what. I will not be upstaged by a bag worm. How about you?

Have you seen the determination in a bag worm? Do you know what a bag worm is? As if worms are not bad enough…they now come in bags. Like I want to take a sack of them home!

These little critters hang off of trees in a cocoon like covering. You can see them wiggle and grow. How wonderful.

We have quite a few on our trees. George picks them off in a manly fashion while I watch and say in a girly fashion…Yuck…nasty!

Since these precious little ones wiggle and squirm so much, you cannot just put them anywhere. They have climbed out of every container that we have placed them in. So where did George put them now….in the drainage sewer. There that’ll take care of them. HA HA – they attached their little selves to the cement wall and crawled out. They get knocked back down again and crawl back up.

That is the determination that I recalled today while I was out dragging myself around. This is the determination that we all need. When the going gets tough…the bag worm just keeps climbing. What seems impossible is just a challenge.

So as I rounded my last curb….as I drug my feet from behind me…..as I tried to make a fist….a neighbor came out and said… “How did you do….that is great…now don’t you feel better?” How was I going to answer that one?

I said, “Yes, I feel so much better.” Then I thought, “Better than what?” It was at this time that I asked for further grace and stamina. Don’t let me stop now…don’t look at the curb…head home…you can do it.

I passed the drainage sewer….the bag worms are still climbing and I let them be….I know how hard the climb can be and I applaud their efforts….I stood and asked…”How do you do it, that is great, and now don’t you feel better?” I believe that I have made some new friends.

I’m starting over once again…how about you? Have you given up on something just to start again? That is OK….there is no shame is starting again. I’m out to make a bigger difference. Enjoy your day. Nancy (www.justaskbooks.com)