spatimenow

For some reason, or from some unknown budge, I felt compelled to look thru my “cedar chest”.  Not sure where that term “cedar chest” originated for me, but it’s a chest where I keep  my prized possessions. All of my children’s clothes from either their birth,  their baptism, or their first Holy Communion. A handmade quilt of my Mom’s. A heart- heavy letter from my daughter. Letters  my oldest son wrote from boot camp at Parris Island. The music box I took my youngest while he was in the neo-natal unit after his birth. Family bibles, old pictures. Momentums from the past.

In the “cedar chest” is a compilation of sayings, thoughts, ideas for living.  I did this as a gesture for my nieces, Shinika, Quicha, and Macy.  In 1994 they requested I write something like this.  It may have been Shinika that spear- headed this idea.  You see, they needed a strong female influence, and my Mom was trying to do and give all she could.  As I thought about this idea, I decided I would write daily “thoughts” down, and someday put it in book form for them.  I never did. The “script” got buried deep in my “cedar chest”.  Now I have the platform to put it out there.  I will write on my blog or Facebook (btw, FB was not even a thought in 1994! LOL) for those that need a daily thought, and I will dedicate it to all the wonderful women/girls in my life.

My “thought” for this day, May 29, 1994 was……

What could any one gain from making a child feel less than valued, they are our greatest asset.

On my recent flight, our stewardess announced that we had a “very special” person on board. We all looked around.  The stewardess then announced the seat  he was sitting. 14C. Right in front of me. He looked like a “normal” 20 something young man.  The stewardess then announced she was going to give him a big hug and welcome him on our AirTran flight from Phoenix to Atlanta.  She also announced that he was a member of the U.S. Army.  Most everyone clapped, welcoming him. The stewardess hugged him. I thought to myself, proudly, this was a great response to a member of our armed forces.  I come from a patriotic family.  Several members of my family have served proudly in  the armed forces. My husband, my oldest son. I think it’s important for us to show our support to them.  They did not choose  war, they’re just doing their job for our country.  To keep us free. With that being said, let me tell you how this story continued.  The young man, whom we applauded, rose to leave the plane when we landed in Atlanta.  It was then that I noticed his t-shirt, it said “Freedom is not free”  ”I paid the price”, my eyes then lowered to his legs. My heart was heavy. Here was a strong, good looking, young man.  Someone’s son. With a prosthetic right leg and a left calf that was scarred from what I assumed took his other leg.  Yes, the price of freedom was costly to this young man. But how many of us think about the freedom we enjoy, and the price some pay to keep us that way.  Once we departed the plane in Atlanta, I found myself standing right next to this young man, waiting for the train to take us to our next concourse. I tapped on his shoulder, slipped some money towards him, and asked him if I could buy his dinner. He warmly accepted,  warmly smiled, and said thank you, Mam. I returned his warm smile, and with tears in my eyes, I replied, “no, Thank-YOU”.  If you enjoy your daily freedom, and you encounter people who are serving our armed forces, please step out of your box and show them your gratitude. Remember, they are someone’s son/daughter, wife/husband, brother/sister.  Just doing their job, to keep us all free….whatever the price.

Someone gave me this quote to share, not sure who is the originator of this, but I think it’s worth sharing. I think we are all trying to achieve happiness in our lives, world, families.
“For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin-real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way. Something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life. This perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one.

I read this today.  I think it deserves being repeated.  Three things in life that, once gone, never comes back: Time, Words, Opportunity.  Three things in life that can destroy a person: Anger, Pride, Unforgiveness.  Three things in life that you should never loose: Hope, Peace, Honesty.  Three things in life that are most valuable: Love, Family and Friends, Kindness.  Three things in life that are never certain: Fortune, Success, Dreams.  Three things that make a person: Commitment, Sincerity, Hard Work.  Three things that are truly constant: Father-Son-Holy Spirit.

Isn’t this an exciting time!  Old year ending, new year beginning.  The possibilities are endless!  Start by thinking everything about this New Year (the numbers add up to 4, my favorite number) is going to be wonderful.  One method one can use ,  in any given circumstance, would be to see things in a positive light .  One can spend as much energy thinking positive, as  negative, so why would  any time be wasted on anything negative.  This is an easy thing to do, it’s like black or white, yes or no, up or down. Just pick positive.  For our economy, our country, your life, your health.  Don’t give way to  negative thinking. Jump start this wonderful New Year with all possibilities being positive, good, nice, kind, compassionate,healthy. Put a smile on your face.  Have a wonderful, happy New Year!

My son Zach and I were in a store doing some school shopping several years back.  It was very hot outside, as it was August in the desert.  We got a drink and a quick bite to eat, then went outside to sit on the bench in front of the store.  Zach, as he had done many times before, saw a homeless man and walked right over to him, offered him his ice cold drink (the temperature was around 110 F!), the man eagerly accepted the cup.  I, being a protective mom, felt a bit uncomfortable when the man asked if he could sit and talk.  My son saw this opportunity as someone to talk to.  He didn’t see the man as odd, dangerous, suspicious.  He only saw him as homeless, and it touched Zach’s heart.  We sat and talked with the man, as he enjoyed his ice cold drink.  I could tell he enjoyed our company, the conversation, the interaction between humans.  We all 3 did.  But it was hot and I told my son we needed to go.  Before we left the man, he asked if I ever read the Bible.  I replied that I did. He asked if I had a pen or pencil.  I searched my purse and found one.  As I gave the man the pen he scribbled something on an old newspaper, and gave it to me.  I noticed it was a passage from the Bible, but stuck it in my purse.  A few weeks later I came upon the piece of paper, and decided to look up the scripture in the Bible.  The quote was from Hebrews 13-2, as I read it tears came to my eyes. “DO NOT NEGLECT TO SHOW HOSPITALITY, FOR BY THAT MEANS SOME HAVE ENTERTAINED ANGELS WITHOUT KNOWING IT”.  So many emotions flooded over me.  I recalled how I had felt a bit nervous at my son talking to this man.  But with Zach’s interest and spirit, and compassion, I eased and finally enjoyed my time with the gentle man.  So, that day I learned from my son that you must not judge a book by it’s cover, just give it a chance, and it may open your eyes to a whole new world.  With that being said, I have 30 backpacks filled. Each includes: gloves, hats, socks, water, cup of soup, cookies, and a Christmas card from my son Zach and his Mom and Dad.  We will be giving these out to the homeless as our expression of Christmas love.  May you all find love, compassion, and HOSPITALITY.  And in that, may you learn a warm lesson.

This month reminds us of many things to give thanks for. I know family is at the top of the list of the things that we are all thankful for.  As we are remembering our family, let’s all remember our Veterans as well.  They give, and give, and give. I would hope that every one of us would reach out to a veteran and give them a helping hand when you see one in need.  It would help them, and it would make you feel better.  Giving always makes me feel better than receiving.  It’s something to try in this month of thanks.

Something else to be thankful for is our health.  Do we all understand what life is like without our health?  So now is the time to think about, and recheck all that you do towards, and for your health.  This is a “eating month”….and it is full of great food and family gatherings.  Happy, wonderful times.  But it is also a time for us to be balanced in how we approach the gathering, festivities, and meals.  Just an idea, if you overeat, go for a nice, brisk walk.  If you get stressed with the festivities, go for a nice, brisk walk. If you’re feeling down, go for a nice, brisk walk.  As simple as a walk is, it can do so much for the balance of YOU!

OK, I know pumpkin makes you think, awww, pumpkin pie. Thanksgiving, Fall, but let me put a twist to this. How about trying a pumpkin wrap at a spa? They will exfoliate your skin, and who doesn’t need a good exfoliation by this time of the year, then they put a wonderful layer of pumpkin, full of wonderful nutrients for your skin, all over your skin and wrap you snuggly in a cocoon type ensemble. You will relax, feel warm and cozy, your skin will look awesome, and most importantly, you took some “Me” time! Don’t let this wonderful time of the year pass without trying a pumpkin facial, or body wrap. It’s something different and you will be so happy you tried it. Let me know if you try it and like it. It’s Fallicious!