Favorite Quotes

I love quotes because they inspire me in various ways. Here are a few of my favorites and the reason why:

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss This one reminds me not to lament when vacation ends, when summer is over, when Christmas is over, etc. I tend to be very sad when things come to a close.

·      “You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching, Love like you'll never be hurt, Sing like there's nobody listening, And live like it's heaven on earth.” – William W. Purkey  I love this one because life is all about learning to be who you are and living it to the fullest without really caring what other people think.

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi Change starts with the individual, even salvation begins with a willingness for us to allow the Lord to save us and change us from within.

·      “Don’t walk in front of me… I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me… I may not lead. Walk beside me… just be my friend”

― Albert Camus Friendships are so important. We all need someone that we feel that we connect with and we can share life with.

·      “If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.” ― Mark Twain Honesty is always the best policy, even when we have done the wrong thing and there is a consequence to pay. When we tell the truth, we can lay down and sleep with a clear conscious!

·      May you always have a clear view of the cross. – Julia Burnside  This was quoted by a lady in our Sunday School class, who passed away recently from a terminal illness. When my gaze remains on Jesus and His death and resurrection, life is more peaceful and meaningful.

There are so many others I could add because I truly love them! However…sometimes less is more. I would love to hear some of your favorites. Leave a comment and share with me! Happy quoting!

Expectations For 2016

New Year’s Resolutions

As 2016 begins, I think of all the New Year’s resolutions that will be made…and broken almost as fast we make them. As I grow another year older and I will immediately after the New Year…my birthday is Jan. 2, I am beginning to realize that resolutions alone might not be the best approach to a new beginning. Instead of focusing just on resolutions, which is defined as a firm decision to do or not do something, I am going to try a different approach. Goal setting has proven to be a great way to start something new. If you read books or articles about setting goals, the experts tell us to set short-term and long-term goals. The word goal is defined as the object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result. Well…I am thinking if I make a plan to resolve to set both short-term and long-term goals and then re-evaluate my progress as I work towards accomplishing them, I should have better results.

Putting Resolution and Goals Into Action

Once resolutions are decided and goals are set, then the tough part of the planning process begins. In my opinion, the hardest part of making resolutions and setting goals is putting the plan into action and remaining consistent. I will be honest. I can resolve to do something. I know how to set goals. I am even fine with putting the plan into action, but remaining consistent is where I often fail. Life gets busy. Unexpected problems happen and the time carved out for new goals are often placed on the back burner. Then, within a few days, the newly set goals are forgotten and life resumes as it was without making changes that in the long run would be good for me.

Expectations For 2016

This year I want make a conscious effort to decide on resolutions, set goals, and discipline myself to follow through, even when it seems difficult to do so. Let me encourage you to do the same!

How do your resolutions work out for you? I would love to hear if you have a proven plan that helps keep you consistent.  

Closing Thoughts At The Year's End

Does Time Really Fly?

We all say it…where did the year go? It seems in a fleeing moment we ring in one year and swiftly usher it out the next moment with parties, shouts of happiness, dancing, and balls dropping. Time flies…or does it really?

Our Loss, Heavens Gain…

Reflecting on this past year brings many happy thoughts and a few sad ones as well. We lost two loved ones in 2015. Our sweet Nelson Tate, my husband’s stepfather went to be with the Lord in January. And, in October, our sweet brother, Ken Syfert, also went to be with the Lord. Both of these men are greatly missed here among family and friends. Now, a few months later, we are met with the challenge of my elderly mother-in-law’s health issues and trying to love her and care for her from a distance. This year has had its difficult moments. Jesus told us we would have trouble in this life. None of us are exempt!

Happy Moments Are Grateful Moments 

There have been happy times to reflect on as well. We have had sweet times with our kids and grand kids and other family members. What a blessing it is to spend time with family! I am grateful for every occasion that draws us together and gives us another opportunity to share life together. My youngest son, Tim and his wife, Brittany, both turned thirty this year. Wow! I remember when they were sixteen and falling in love. Now they are thirty and parents to four wonderful children. Your birthday celebrations were a blast! My oldest son, Jason and granddaughter, Abby, were both baptized this year. How that touched this mama’s heart! And while our daughter, Amanda, had to come home for the sad time during Nelson’s death, it was so amazing to see her and be able to spend a few quality moments with her.

Friendships

We are fortunate to have friends that love us and share life with us. We spend time with our dear Syfert family – Carol, Emese, Blaine, Spencer, and Reece - often and we are considered “family”! What a wonderful thing God has done in giving us close friends! I also enjoy my time with girlfriends such as Sunny Bell, Marsha Randal, Laurie Whittenburg, Shari Gray, Janice McNeil, Anita Almond, Cheryl Henderson, etc. Thank you ladies for making my life richer!

Two Moves Within One Year

Jim and I have been through quite a bit of transition since 2014. We sold our home in Waxhaw in May 2014, packed our things, eliminated lots of things, and moved from 2200 square feet to 832 square feet. This was not the original plan. If you think God doesn’t have a sense of humor try living with one bathroom again after you are accustomed to having 2 ½ baths! Needless-to-say, it was an adjustment. Then, just when we were kind of settled in and had gotten used to the tiny space, we made a decision to move to a bigger space to eliminate paid storage. Yep…fast forward to May 2015…we once again packed all of our belongings and moved a few miles down the road to an apartment with a garage. Listen, this might sound fun to some of you, but this girl is an old shoe (my husband’s nickname for me). I don’t like change and yet I have had to make many changes in the past few years. I am learning that God’s growth process has lots of surprises along the way!

Enjoy Life Regardless Of Frustrations

Life has had its frustrating moments this year. We ate McDonald’s for Thanksgiving Day because it was the only restaurant opened in Danville, where my mother-in-law lives. We have had to change plans a few times in order to take care of family issues. Yet, still, we have had time for fun, for laughter, for sharing family and friends. God is good and He blesses us when we stay close to Him and trust Him no matter the circumstance we may be going through. I have learned when I feel stressed or overwhelmed by situations out of my control,  if I take a step back and evaluate what is really going on, I can focus better on the moment at hand without being overcome with anxiety. The lord is truly my comfort and my peace. Without Him, I would be in real trouble!

Whatever Life Brings

As one year closes and a new one begins, I love to reflect and think about the past. Moments of time seem bittersweet when you look backwards and savor time gone by. Then, I also enjoy looking forward to what the future may bring. We cannot see into 2016. We must walk forward blindly, but we are never alone. The Lord is with us every step of the way. He guides our steps to ensure that we go where He leads and when we do stray off the straight pathway that He provides for us; He gently calls us back to walk with Him. What an amazing God we serve!

Wishing You A Happy New Year

Well friends, in just a few days we will be welcoming in 2016. My prayer for you as the New Year approaches is that you will embrace whatever the year brings and that you will allow the lord to walk your pathway with you and guide you as He desires. May God bless you in the upcoming year!