tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152992292024-03-13T21:22:16.681-07:00Beautiful LifeNo(dot dot)elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10578214325474193322noreply@blogger.comBlogger978125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299229.post-90854628169654413702023-08-23T07:02:00.001-07:002023-08-23T07:26:38.781-07:00Growing People, Growing Things<center><p style="text-align: left;">Growing People is hard work. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DuYZ-OQ9cRjbx1SOm_h2-tRNJf-BZd7Abyw_eo-RTzAbiEILd8-cbejAP_wLKdPKuWUELygazGEPMunGo27wi-V2h-xyUWmA0lruMIXSex02QxQmv6NKv6OuF5jQWqfYoqWzLqmc7EJ7m-qZ-pUuj6-oMeISsDxWJlcEzYKDFvlnL-zcccOoDg/s960/67272159_10220423938450812_3637615451766259712_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DuYZ-OQ9cRjbx1SOm_h2-tRNJf-BZd7Abyw_eo-RTzAbiEILd8-cbejAP_wLKdPKuWUELygazGEPMunGo27wi-V2h-xyUWmA0lruMIXSex02QxQmv6NKv6OuF5jQWqfYoqWzLqmc7EJ7m-qZ-pUuj6-oMeISsDxWJlcEzYKDFvlnL-zcccOoDg/s320/67272159_10220423938450812_3637615451766259712_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Growing Things can be hard, but not quite as hard as growing people. </p><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeN2pNm-u3JVusnbz8NcJT_a-KyiGHQ9CaXWLm0UfTgtaYY5-xCKN7aERbduWmu9hTK9lH1-K53KdZ-56N2rIqQp0xeuqI2ef0Z2tU9iRNw3BIcCyUnXFLLT3umJeZSrKXLXWzdfOttlqekOlANT66a9_iIuFSazX6YWTU-P0JCyUu5UouagSQLA/s612/Beautiful%20Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="612" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeN2pNm-u3JVusnbz8NcJT_a-KyiGHQ9CaXWLm0UfTgtaYY5-xCKN7aERbduWmu9hTK9lH1-K53KdZ-56N2rIqQp0xeuqI2ef0Z2tU9iRNw3BIcCyUnXFLLT3umJeZSrKXLXWzdfOttlqekOlANT66a9_iIuFSazX6YWTU-P0JCyUu5UouagSQLA/s320/Beautiful%20Life.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <p></p><p style="text-align: left;">We have had 25 years of growing 4 people in our house and under our care. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Now, suddenly they are all grown up and have had enough confidence to move out into the world all at their own speed, which I would like to point out... to me feels really fast!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLpLomWqTnM0hwfXv7_I1o5NpBa0DwO_wYskBl13sjmvqqstIrcFWYHvfytdF0vmil-wIyer-mPfCYNYO1NNBKAlc8vABPqo6rAC5e67Po4ZD_ZUD0rdil1FWasPCiBs37MddcLRNu7wOktvsERsvm90Q7MsIDiAGwInxBnDM9XC9WjJ6wShwSQ/s604/21568_1359999722331_4250609_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLpLomWqTnM0hwfXv7_I1o5NpBa0DwO_wYskBl13sjmvqqstIrcFWYHvfytdF0vmil-wIyer-mPfCYNYO1NNBKAlc8vABPqo6rAC5e67Po4ZD_ZUD0rdil1FWasPCiBs37MddcLRNu7wOktvsERsvm90Q7MsIDiAGwInxBnDM9XC9WjJ6wShwSQ/s320/21568_1359999722331_4250609_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">It's surreal, awesome, exciting, scary, strange, and wonderful all at the same time. The launches start gradually, similar to how the growing starts. As fast as they came into the world, now just as fast they have all left this nest. Moses and I are only a few weeks into this empty nest, and I gotta say, it feels like only yesterday we started out on this journey with no IDEA what we were doing, or how quickly it would go. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The days are long, but the years are short. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCsOPJs6g-NmkvExP4M0UMB98-1ozFtCeFZDaQkhU0gkXV5xdte123AaK3CWuvs6IrTmULXG-4BxIUSrzCcERTkA7GMt6WhXBZS7Y-PIwnCgdiTwmniu7261mRQGmou8nxEg_HLvhjaXOyThRpI6YThQReAleZMEPugji1Jk2M132jnPtWOcTLg/s400/DSCF2306.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCsOPJs6g-NmkvExP4M0UMB98-1ozFtCeFZDaQkhU0gkXV5xdte123AaK3CWuvs6IrTmULXG-4BxIUSrzCcERTkA7GMt6WhXBZS7Y-PIwnCgdiTwmniu7261mRQGmou8nxEg_HLvhjaXOyThRpI6YThQReAleZMEPugji1Jk2M132jnPtWOcTLg/s320/DSCF2306.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Just like that the season for growing humans is over. In all those years I never really thought too much about how important the task was, because when you have 4 humans to grow, and they spring up so fast, you don't really have time to think about it, you JUST DO IT!</p><p style="text-align: left;">I remember asking my beloved Grandma once, how she managed raising 5 kids all within a year of each other in birthdays, and she said... I just did it! She was a very wise woman. This simple response, but profound at the same time, made me think about how it is true that so much of parenting is just doing, doing, doing. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFYogTKMVma7z50L1xeIkPMXaTbplM_Wo-GfSmooG7bHUP3XGpL7LsqH4dZLukKi_n2HQMtFuCvKupN6pkM_iIEv0pRRr9Kb_uKGrnRc2SebyZOwnrPq372OGFJvDD10bf0FG-b-FVBqivYXINHym1msZ5R0Afu7YpsJJCCKjqIoFjJlFerXIVg/s720/149021_1756305229721_7583774_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFYogTKMVma7z50L1xeIkPMXaTbplM_Wo-GfSmooG7bHUP3XGpL7LsqH4dZLukKi_n2HQMtFuCvKupN6pkM_iIEv0pRRr9Kb_uKGrnRc2SebyZOwnrPq372OGFJvDD10bf0FG-b-FVBqivYXINHym1msZ5R0Afu7YpsJJCCKjqIoFjJlFerXIVg/s320/149021_1756305229721_7583774_n.jpg" width="235" /></a><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">We have too much information out there now. Everyone, now a days has a book about how to, or what to, or why to do this or that, and in reality when it comes to parenting you JUST DO IT!</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Like Nikes slogan, you put your parenting boots, or shoes on and you get in there and DO IT, every DAY!</p><p style="text-align: left;"> After a while it gets a whole lot easier and becomes second nature to be doing 5 things at one time. It is common place to be listening to several tiny humans all at the same time, and without even noticing that you're doing it, you have met all of their needs and then some. </p><p style="text-align: left;">It truly is a phenomenal accomplishment.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXQ3S0c1fueJvt2jSJGnyN3xmDoc0GWAcIiwkhF0zsJ1ZqjilfDGItk5ycUojDKuJ1I9VHww_cECcQuNYghga9sYZVuqJdgFn_cpp2SF7LtP3WY7kXZWZOYOkoXFtGqH7BIAs72yWTsp8lBcmt-OCdrrvZ_cKZDlFo4bbj4VIxKXSsy5xG586Rg/s320/Copy%20(2)%20of%20miss%20lo.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="213" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXQ3S0c1fueJvt2jSJGnyN3xmDoc0GWAcIiwkhF0zsJ1ZqjilfDGItk5ycUojDKuJ1I9VHww_cECcQuNYghga9sYZVuqJdgFn_cpp2SF7LtP3WY7kXZWZOYOkoXFtGqH7BIAs72yWTsp8lBcmt-OCdrrvZ_cKZDlFo4bbj4VIxKXSsy5xG586Rg/s1600/Copy%20(2)%20of%20miss%20lo.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">If at this stage in the game of parenting I have earned the right to give any parental advice, I would say put down your phone and just do it. </p><p style="text-align: left;">By that I mean, stop listening to all those people who don't live in your house and under your roof, and start listening to the little humans right in front of you. Don't get me wrong, parenting advice is a very good thing, but remember it's just advice. Ultimately YOU are the only one who has studied this person from the moment they were so graciously given to you. You are the only one who knows what makes them tick. You are the only one who matters when it comes to them feeling loved and accepted for who they are, and what they want to become. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NOuudkCFLG8n_rabXy2xAGOncL5Z02r-vUIYTIhcNvTe6A54BdgK1lT60je3KyQ8PBDKzefphB6LmTFMs2Mpr0UR9CY7POysdci7PYQ79naG9-5E2u2KPn10xwKe4uzaOMlW4aTaTTOHedXQGjA674eYqHEPbxILu7aq26Xjnic4P23zgQhasw/s720/162699_1756303669682_513757_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NOuudkCFLG8n_rabXy2xAGOncL5Z02r-vUIYTIhcNvTe6A54BdgK1lT60je3KyQ8PBDKzefphB6LmTFMs2Mpr0UR9CY7POysdci7PYQ79naG9-5E2u2KPn10xwKe4uzaOMlW4aTaTTOHedXQGjA674eYqHEPbxILu7aq26Xjnic4P23zgQhasw/s320/162699_1756303669682_513757_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I would also say, partnering with the eternal parent who created them helps a whole lot! </p><p style="text-align: left;">Every hair on their head is known by the creator and every dream in their heart is known to the Creator as well. So, getting in sync with that would be the first place to start. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxedWeq6SVlgfDR5AewFnz3lnMQ-Vg8xXN3FW76apAjfS-v-sHz5OzWFJd4Q_s4-LBszLBM7z6OhUVQqEu-lOaoeGwhxO0CkUCROEjzIKGj-vCy4F2CdtIxF5JgZON2_Jwf5M5QCGHgivgdVkdxjuBKI2msoR_LPsZ2ffV0wUuckOb3ukm5ZQMA/s4032/IMG-9256.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxedWeq6SVlgfDR5AewFnz3lnMQ-Vg8xXN3FW76apAjfS-v-sHz5OzWFJd4Q_s4-LBszLBM7z6OhUVQqEu-lOaoeGwhxO0CkUCROEjzIKGj-vCy4F2CdtIxF5JgZON2_Jwf5M5QCGHgivgdVkdxjuBKI2msoR_LPsZ2ffV0wUuckOb3ukm5ZQMA/w231-h308/IMG-9256.JPG" width="231" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Growing People is hard work, but growing Souls that go out into the world, and are a light that shines in some very dark places, well that is ultimate reward for all the hard work. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">It's very similar to growing a garden. You plant a seed and you water the dirt that at first doesn't look like it will be anything significant at all, and then with some sun and more water, maybe some special food something starts to grow. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2CsKee-D-iCyDkdgwoygxtjjtrftMMmLSpBlqGPKAGjcgfdv7KIutHgJ9NiyLUpdXMNmjWb-xZE9V0iqF8yg4nkZFYSf_7KSD7fHWARSmvD_2XLR8pbX0CgnWau3TskXf4DUFriJ6-wlP0o_oEZU5mBg6VC7c2nh4iGCKhgZwyDsFkyhHNxOhg/s640/I%20love%20this%20quote%20that%20reminds%20us%20to%20look%20forward%20and%20not%20dwell%20on%20the%20past!%20%23madewithstudio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2CsKee-D-iCyDkdgwoygxtjjtrftMMmLSpBlqGPKAGjcgfdv7KIutHgJ9NiyLUpdXMNmjWb-xZE9V0iqF8yg4nkZFYSf_7KSD7fHWARSmvD_2XLR8pbX0CgnWau3TskXf4DUFriJ6-wlP0o_oEZU5mBg6VC7c2nh4iGCKhgZwyDsFkyhHNxOhg/s320/I%20love%20this%20quote%20that%20reminds%20us%20to%20look%20forward%20and%20not%20dwell%20on%20the%20past!%20%23madewithstudio.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">As any Gardner knows, you can't stop not even for one day, or you won't get the results that you're after. Gardners don't get vacations. Gardners don't get holidays. They know that if they want the reward of something beautiful they have to keep at it. You have to prune, harvest, and be attentive to what you happen to be growing. You have to learn about soil, and watering, sunlight and shade. </p><p style="text-align: left;">It's a whole thing. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Planting a seed isn't hard, but growing something beautiful takes diligence. </p><p style="text-align: left;">We all know, making humans isn't that hard, (that's the fun part some would say), but growing them... that's a whole other ball game. Like in baseball, my dad says, "You Win some, You Lose some, and Some are rained out. You hope for the best and kiss off the rest!" </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jkz8VtnNPZiKLzbryYKv0oRmdEfl2nHCiFg_InS_iG5sUpi6IY5ZHU8TGcnF9tO_50N_cDIv-iv4jlGTGZiGQbPRG0argRVrrEI4pP76O-tqNc7dH5Vkc6UmlCwaOmTWrEszJFFXffqjnQT67cvgdgDHzdMq1XxWOcOJrtQkmdQVAwXe6eETdA/s400/My%20all%20time%20favorite%20nature%20photo,%20taken%20with%20a%203g%20Iphone%20camera_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jkz8VtnNPZiKLzbryYKv0oRmdEfl2nHCiFg_InS_iG5sUpi6IY5ZHU8TGcnF9tO_50N_cDIv-iv4jlGTGZiGQbPRG0argRVrrEI4pP76O-tqNc7dH5Vkc6UmlCwaOmTWrEszJFFXffqjnQT67cvgdgDHzdMq1XxWOcOJrtQkmdQVAwXe6eETdA/s320/My%20all%20time%20favorite%20nature%20photo,%20taken%20with%20a%203g%20Iphone%20camera_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">That is what your days of parenting will look like. Some days you will hit it out of the park and other days you will want to take your ball and go home, BUT you can't. You can't ever stop at the role of growing and parenting the humans you've been given. </p><p style="text-align: left;">When the season is over for you and they move out from your 24/7 care and watchful eye, you will be in awe of it all. You will get the reward of knowing that you SHOWED UP every day, without fail. You will (if you have done it right ) have built-in besties now, that will make your heart explode with JOY as you watch them walk into the season you feel like YOU just started 2.5 seconds ago. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Wonderful, Beautiful, LIFE !!!</p></center><center><br /></center><center><br /></center><center><img src="http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p588/alyxblogdesign/noel/signature-1.png" /></center>No(dot dot)elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10578214325474193322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299229.post-71582169369914774692023-05-11T08:49:00.001-07:002023-05-11T08:49:43.434-07:00Time to Rebuild this Nest<center>I find myself in a time of personally rebuilding this nest. </center><center>As I sit here and type this blog out,</center><center>I'm experiencing the first May in over 20 years that I don't feel the end of the school year rush.</center><center>It's a weird feeling... kind of like if you've been at a job for over 20 years and find yourself suddenly unemployed. </center><center>That's the best way I can describe this moment in time for myself.</center><center><br /></center><center>I have been through countless busy months of May as a full time employee to 4 amazing humans who all have now graduated high school and moved onto the fun-filled world of adulting. </center><center>As they have all but one moved out, and got themselves very busy full lives, my life does feel somewhat empty now.</center><center>Hence, the term empty nesters. </center><center>It's an ugly word ... EMPTY. </center><center>No one likes to feel empty, no one wants their glass to be empty, it's either half full or half empty, but it's never EMPTY... right ?</center><center>Well, thank God this girl is a half full kind of gal, because here's where I see a glass half full right now.</center><center><br /></center><center>The creator of this Nest has got me so good, I mean so so good.</center><center>I was sitting outside and feeling sorry for myself and my almost empty nest, and right in front of my eyes the Lover of my soul comforted me with a momma bird and a daddy bird building a new nest. The momma bird was busy gathering twigs, grass, and feathers, while the daddy bird (who was so beautiful with a pretty red chest) was up in a tree on protective look out for his momma bird. </center><center>Creation SPEAKS if you're listening. </center><center>I found myself with tears rolling down my face and joy in my heart, thanking the Lover of my soul for this gift in nature speaking to my heart in that moment in time.</center><center>I was filled with overflowing gratitude for my nest, and feeling hopeful that although it might feel empty sometimes now, it never will truly be.</center><center><br /></center><center>The other thing I thought about was who I partnered with all these 20+ years of building this big nest. </center><center>My daddy bird is always on the look out for me, I call him the watcher on the wall for this family.</center><center>I have an amazing husband, truly I love being HIS wife. </center><center>If I could give any advice to young mommas and daddy's it would be this, </center><center>make sure to stay connected to your person in the midst of all the busy.</center><center>Remember when times get really, really tough that you are on the same team and that ultimately the nest that you build together will be one that you can look back on and feel grateful for because you did it together. </center><center>If you are a momma or daddy bird that lost their team player know that YOU are NOT alone. The creator of your soul the one who gave you those baby birds is right there with you, and will comfort you like no one ever could.</center><center><br /></center><center>So here I am rebuilding a nest that will look quite different for a while, but that's ok.</center><center>It's more than ok, because thankfully my daddy bird stayed strong right by my side and together we get to fly into this new world of empty nesters together. </center><center><br /></center><center><img src="http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p588/alyxblogdesign/noel/signature-1.png" /></center>No(dot dot)elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10578214325474193322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299229.post-86151037253571023292023-04-29T10:34:00.000-07:002023-04-29T10:34:30.292-07:00It's Been A Long Time<center>Well, I finally figured out how to get back on this blog site, and let me tell you ... I almost gave up trying!</center><center>Gah..technology these days! It's harder to get back into a old blog site than to hack a bank account.</center><center><br /></center><center>Not that I've ever tried to do the latter, but you get my point. </center><center><br /></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5Hcxbauyt0-lZIAIzLcpFrX5eEL7zCYKsPOYNNlTERyYPH-5eU_1UGSvtCgEj9HoOLKizJ9xB1PD4D3LKWy_ydUZpP4E4VsvRBrIo2r43t9kDrhK1YAklGutdvIGb1bOty9c1pgp_CU743g2Lhs8TrzBBN3IjrXiScCT1HzCM98HK0Ssh8o/s526/107658388_10223989223220703_8955551023047611006_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5Hcxbauyt0-lZIAIzLcpFrX5eEL7zCYKsPOYNNlTERyYPH-5eU_1UGSvtCgEj9HoOLKizJ9xB1PD4D3LKWy_ydUZpP4E4VsvRBrIo2r43t9kDrhK1YAklGutdvIGb1bOty9c1pgp_CU743g2Lhs8TrzBBN3IjrXiScCT1HzCM98HK0Ssh8o/s320/107658388_10223989223220703_8955551023047611006_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><center><br /></center><center><br /></center><center>I actually did give up trying to get on here, and started a new blog, shhh... don't tell this old friend, but I was stepping out on the side because this old friend wouldn't let me back in.</center><center>This place has been a safe place for almost 20 years now though, so I couldn't give up on it. </center><center>I found my fingers gravitating back here, time and time again until finally TODAY I cracked the code.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"> WOOT WOOT!! SHOUT THE PRAISE!</center><center><br /></center><center>Since the last post published here, I can't even begin to go through all the changes that have taken place as the train of life just kept on chugging. </center><center><br /></center><center>Here's what you need to know if you want to know, which if you're reading this you might want to know, so I'm going to tell you bullet point style;</center><center><br /></center><center>*Solomon graduated during a pandemic</center><center>*All 4 kids moved into the new tiny house on Molly(plus one extra during the pan-dem)</center><center>*We planted a garden and you can just call us Farmer Mo and No now.</center><center>*Then starting with Emma and her plus one the kids started to move out.</center><center>*Emma moved back to Seattle(during the pan -dem)</center><center>*We were deemed "essential workers" so we didn't get the year off from the world</center><center>*We got a "Covid Pup" named him Nigel and just the like the song says, "We only want what's best for him"</center><center>*Chloe and Solomon moved to Reno</center><center>*Isaiah my baby graduated, turned 18 last July, and he's really good at it !</center><center>*Chloe then moved to Seattle</center><center>*Solomon is moving to Ohio in July</center><center>*The MoNoSco house is almost an Empty Nest now, and I find myself having ALOT of time to blog</center><center><br /></center><center>Ok, now that you're caught up let me tell you what I've been thinking about lately.</center><center><br /></center><center>The world at large is a HOT MESS ! ! (yes, that statement deserves 2 exclamation points)</center><center>Has it ever not been a HOT MESS?</center><center>If there was a time when the world at large was NOT a HOT MESS, what time would you say that would have been?</center><center><br /></center><center>Here's the other thing I've been thinking; its a BEAUTIFUL MESS made up of beautiful, messy, messes. </center><center>It's called humanity. </center><center>I refuse to give up trying, or lose hope in my tiny efforts to make it better.</center><center>When I think about the messes, the ugly, broken, nasty BIG messes, I get overwhelmed so I tend to avoid them.</center><center>It's not like I don't know they are there, but since I can't clean them all up or even a tiny bit of them, I feel paralyzed to do anything at all... and that is a terrible feeling. </center><center>So, then I go back to basics in my thought process and my soul.</center><center><br /></center><center>All I can do is control my little corner of the mess and try to make it better.</center><center><br /></center><center>That being said, this beloved place will be a place of safety and hope and encouragement ... or at least that is my intention in finding my voice again here, and speaking out, and speaking up, and hopefully cleaning up some of the mess. </center><center>I especially feel like there needs to be more blogs about working hard, growing things, hopeful outlooks, creating, and enjoying this beautiful life.</center><center><br /></center><center>IF that's what you want to read with your precious time on the inter webs then come by, and say hello here.</center><center>It's a safe place with more LOVE and HOPE to come. </center><center><br /></center><center><br /></center><center><br /></center><center><br /></center><center><br /></center><center><img src="http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p588/alyxblogdesign/noel/signature-1.png" /></center>No(dot dot)elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10578214325474193322noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299229.post-86902759895705816932020-06-16T06:13:00.001-07:002020-06-16T07:33:24.354-07:00You Become... to Solomon and the class of 2020<center>
All I can do right now as I look at the world you have graduated into is </center>
<center>
Pray:</center>
<center>
for PEACE</center>
<center>
Be thankful</center>
<center>
for HEALING</center>
<center>
and</center>
<center>
know that </center>
<center>
for LOVE to win, it starts within !</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Also I offer this letter to you, and a quote from the Velveteen Rabbit;</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Dear Solomon, </center>
<center>
Don't ever forget who you are, and where you come from.</center>
<center>
If ever you feel you are forgetting, turn your phone off, go outside and look up.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Be still and know.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
As you move forward into the world of adulthood, remember there is a great cloud of witnesses that have gone before you on this path of life and faith. </center>
<center>
Your voice is unlike any of theirs, but it was fashioned and formed by the things they said, and did before you.</center>
<center>
Don't worry about the world, it will be o.k. , but take great care of your world.</center>
<center>
Know that as you are still, and know who you are and who you serve you will change the world as you yourself are changed from the inside out. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
The people that come into your life, your sphere of influence, those are the people that you walk out life with, and sometimes it's only for a season.</center>
<center>
These people that come and go are your life lessons.</center>
<center>
Some of them will come and stay forever as you have already witnessed, and a great many others will go passing you by, but remember in all relationships there are life lessons.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Listen more than you speak. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Don't forget those that have gone before you, as you start this journey remember they are always there for you to cheer you on.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Don't hesitate to ask for help, because we all need help from time to time.</center>
<center>
Everyday you wake up, before your feet hit the floor thank the giver of life and breath for the day ahead, and every night before you go to sleep thank that same giver of life for another day here. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
And know this... no one has it all figured out... even those who are in their 90's ... that's what is so beautiful about life.</center>
<center>
Like Forrest's momma always said;</center>
<center>
"Life is like a box of chocolates</center>
<center>
You never know what you're gonna get!" </center>
<center>
;)</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
"YOU become.</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FiKZXkVkj5k/XuBzfxgIhKI/AAAAAAAAMZs/N3E8EwA3LWAxJnVDdcNdIGU5NSUFF76gQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/57548961860--A45302E3-3649-47B2-8648-89FD08EE678F.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FiKZXkVkj5k/XuBzfxgIhKI/AAAAAAAAMZs/N3E8EwA3LWAxJnVDdcNdIGU5NSUFF76gQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/57548961860--A45302E3-3649-47B2-8648-89FD08EE678F.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
It takes a long time. </center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8QQ-QBOZOQo/XuBzk_Q2m3I/AAAAAAAAMZw/Z1Z_GKKMbe4X-i2zdqC8eN5BstvSyvFdACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCF2306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8QQ-QBOZOQo/XuBzk_Q2m3I/AAAAAAAAMZw/Z1Z_GKKMbe4X-i2zdqC8eN5BstvSyvFdACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCF2306.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, </center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T46--vSAOlg/XuBzqQw2BOI/AAAAAAAAMZ0/hP0RvmKYjCYfp8TgAdbiWjqdGMzfla4YQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_3051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T46--vSAOlg/XuBzqQw2BOI/AAAAAAAAMZ0/hP0RvmKYjCYfp8TgAdbiWjqdGMzfla4YQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_3051.JPG" /></a></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
or have sharp edges,</center>
<center>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tD3Mo-ZrghY/XuBzxUctvYI/AAAAAAAAMZ8/v4SKEKAZuPEovY19hX3h5YUDYF-w3JpqACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1012616.ORF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tD3Mo-ZrghY/XuBzxUctvYI/AAAAAAAAMZ8/v4SKEKAZuPEovY19hX3h5YUDYF-w3JpqACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1012616.ORF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
or who have to be carefully kept. </center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IliNbp0iQVc/XuBz2zR_pkI/AAAAAAAAMaE/uGOZRfhGLWY7VOn4AZIqbWUKfHu3zNdpACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCF2540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IliNbp0iQVc/XuBz2zR_pkI/AAAAAAAAMaE/uGOZRfhGLWY7VOn4AZIqbWUKfHu3zNdpACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCF2540.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair is has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. </center>
<center>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nN2_522ywD0/XuB0HG5SJoI/AAAAAAAAMaU/ohRLhTQ-MYkxsjkFwNWwhXnh5HxG7SenACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/5234941A-ECD4-4E20-93C6-A9DC89C4B813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1507" data-original-width="1206" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nN2_522ywD0/XuB0HG5SJoI/AAAAAAAAMaU/ohRLhTQ-MYkxsjkFwNWwhXnh5HxG7SenACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/5234941A-ECD4-4E20-93C6-A9DC89C4B813.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand. "</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
*A quote from the Velveteen Rabbit*</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Solomon we are SO proud of who you have become, and who you will continue to become. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img src="http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p588/alyxblogdesign/noel/signature-1.png" /></center>
No(dot dot)elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10578214325474193322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299229.post-12065532312758333772020-04-30T09:34:00.000-07:002020-04-30T09:34:08.814-07:00Hear Ye Hear Ye ... this is for the Momma's and Poppa's<center>
Good morning my "fellow shut-ins" and "stay at home" momma's and poppa's. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
It's crazy to think that we are all stay at homers now, remember when there was that dumb thing we did as parents re: who was a working mom vs. stay at home mom?</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Can we ALL agree if you are a mom or a dad you ARE working. FULL STOP.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Also, I want you to hear me when I say, this is NOT what it was like when I stayed home with 4 kids 6 and under.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
We were not under quarantine.</center>
<center>
We met with friends on a daily basis. </center>
<center>
We went to the dollar store without masks on as treat for doing chores, and I got to feel like Oprah for a minute when I told my kids they could buy anything in the whole store just for fun!!</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
We went to parks, playdates, etc. and had a shift in our day when Moses came home from his day outside the house. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
I do have somewhat of a comparison to this time, in that 9/11/2001 happened while I was pregnant with Solomon, and home with a 3 yr old and 1 yr old, Emma and Chloe. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
That was a stressful, emotional time to be a parent similar to this, but NOT the same. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
I didn't have to explain to my kids why they couldn't hug grandma and grandpa.</center>
<center>
I didn't have to tell them that school was closed, and they might not ever go back, at least to school the way it was before Covid 19.</center>
<center>
I was not trying to juggle working from home, while working with and parenting my children too. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Sidenote- When I was a stay at home mom of 4 kids 6 and under, I had a part time job in the evenings when Moses would get home from work at a Psych and Detox facility answering the suicide hotline and I would tell Moses... "Ok, bye babe I'm going on my break now !" </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Because, going to work even at a Psych and detox facility was easier and felt like a break from staying at home with 4 littles. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
(I hope that makes you all feel a little better and also that you truly just LOL'd)</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I say all of this to say, that I feel your pain right now. . .</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
AND</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
I want you to know that there is a reason why those of us who didn't choose to home school our children did so... (insert wide eyed emoticon).</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
SO I just want to encourage all the parents right now that have littles, and bigs...</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
GIVE YOURSELVES ALOT OF GRACE and SELF LOVE RIGHT NOW!</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
You are doing a great job. FULL STOP. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
No matter what your stay at home situation looks like ... you are awesome and need to give yourself a pat on the back.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Remember to take deep breaths and to put some music on and dance it out!</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
If you and your children are having more melt downs it's ok.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
If you are having more blow ups it's ok.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
If you are feeling alone, you're NOT alone. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
If you've become friends with the mail carrier that's ok too.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
If you keep seeing all the posts of parents who are seemingly hitting the ball out of the park, so to speak, just know ... that ball is hitting them in the face on some days they just aren't posting those moments on social media. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Alright, now pull up those boot straps and know that </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
YOU</center>
<center>
ARE</center>
<center>
ALL </center>
<center>
KINDS</center>
<center>
OF </center>
<center>
AWESOME!!</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img src="http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p588/alyxblogdesign/noel/signature-1.png" /></center>
No(dot dot)elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10578214325474193322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299229.post-1355534798426255972020-03-26T12:42:00.000-07:002020-03-26T17:52:59.758-07:00A Groovy Song and Some Thoughts on Covid-19<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
So, there is this song from the Bahamas, that has been rolling around in my noggin this past week. </center>
<center>
(please scroll to the bottom and press play)</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
First off, it's just a groovy song.. yes I did just say groovy, did you press play? It's groovy right?</center>
<center>
Second, it talks about something we all have been given a lot more of lately.... TIME.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
All the time in the world... don't you want some of that?</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<div style="text-align: start;">
This pause that we all have been given, although it is scary and we don't know what is around the corner, and we all want to believe that life will go back to normal in a few weeks, the truth is none of us know. </div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
Not even the people, the government officials who are making the decisions for us right now, no one knows where we will be in a week or two weeks. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But, in attempt to stay focused on whatever is true, whatever is pure, whatever is worthy of praise (see previous post) this song is making me think this time is a gift. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</center>
<center>
What we do know is that it is a time when we have been forced to slow down, and we don't like being told what to do, but maybe for just a moment it's a time we all get to remember what is truly important. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: start;">All the time in the world... don't you want some of that?</span></center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
We are given this incredible gift of time, and yet it is still so hard for us to slow down and reflect.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I hear in myself and others the new shift of attention rather than looking inward, the conversation is the stats of how many cases are in our area, or the challenges of home schooling, or what food was at the grocery store... don't get me wrong I'm right there with everyone with these topics, but I wonder how much of it all is a distraction from once again looking inside ourselves to hear the river of life </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
calling out... </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
It makes me think of this quote from the book Broken Open by Elizabeth Lesser;</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
"All the while, deep within us, flows an endless river of pure energy. It sings a low and rich song that hints of<b> joy </b>and liberation and peace. Up on top, as we make our way through life, we may sense the presence of the river. We may feel a subtle longing to connect with it. <b>But we are usually moving too fast, or we are distracted, or we fear disturbing the status quo of our surface thoughts and feelings.</b> It can be unsettling to dip below the familiar and descend into the more mysterious realms of the soul."</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I want to hear the "low rich song that hints of joy, and liberation, and peace" and this is the perfect time to do that. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Please do you and your soul a favor and take some of this time to self-reflect, Elizabeth and her book <i>Broken Open -How Difficult Times Can Help us Grow</i>- would be a good place to start. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Despite the fact that we find ourselves inside, and possibly bored to tears with the Corona-virus outbreak, find the ways , the things, the foods, the FaceTime visits, that make your soul sing and enjoy this groovy song while we wait this one out together. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><br /></span>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qvd6gzW1Md4?clip=&clipt=EAAYAA%3D%3D" width="480"></iframe><br />
<center>
</center>
No(dot dot)elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10578214325474193322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299229.post-77254839088276938762020-03-17T11:11:00.000-07:002020-03-17T11:11:39.436-07:00A Remedy To Worry and Anxiety<center>
For as many, many years ...as far back as I can remember </center>
<center>
my most favorite verse from the Bible has been Philippians chapter 4 verses 6-7.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
The text reads like this;</center>
<center>
(this is the Amplified version cause I like words... a lot)</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
"Do not fret or have any anxiety about ANYTHING, but in every circumstance and in EVERYTHING, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with THANKSGIVING, continue to make your wants known to God. </center>
<center>
And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of it's salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends ALL understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
(if you don't like so many words try finding this verse in the New Living version or NLT)</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I have only memorized a few verses in the Bible over the many, many years that I have been reading</center>
<center>
it's amazing-nes, and this verse was one that I could even tell you where to find it in that big ole book. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
The reason for this being my favorite, or as some would call it a "life-verse" is because believe it or don't, I am a very anxious person. I used to worry about everything, and therefore didn't sleep real well at night. So when I first came upon this verse I thought about how much it made sense to me that if I just brought my prayers with thanks to God the worry and anxiety would go away. </center>
<center>
I'm here to tell you that honestly it worked a little, no actually it worked a lot, when I practiced praying about EVERYTHING. </center>
<center>
Often times, I will admit though to you beloved reader that I didn't pray. </center>
<center>
Instead I would fixate on the worry and then it soon would turn to anxiety, and then I soon would pour myself a glass of wine instead. </center>
<center>
I'm just being honest. </center>
<center>
This remedy has become like a muscle now though that if I work it, it grows HUGE and works every time. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Still, there has been something missing for me all these years ... like a hole in a donut... mmm donuts... wait ok come back to me my thoughts.</center>
<center>
For a very long time, </center>
<center>
I'm talking like over 30 years now... (insert wide eyed emoticon and granny emoticon too while you are at it) I haven't read these verses in succession of the following verse 8. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Until the beginning of this year, I just memorized Phil 4:6-7 and verse 8 stood alone on an island that seemed unreachable. </center>
<center>
I mean I read verse 8, but not with the company of verse 6 and 7. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
It's hard to explain that you can read something a million times and then suddenly read it, like it's the very FIRST time you have ever read it. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Does that ever happen to you, am I alone here?</center>
<center>
Well, I'm here to say verse 6, 7, and 8 are BEST FRIENDS and should be kept together at ALL TIMES!</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Here is verse 8 text;</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<center>
"For the rest, (or AND THEN) brethren and sister-then, whatever is TRUE, whatever is WORTHY of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is JUST, whatever is PURE, whatever is LOVELY and LOVABLE, whatever is KIND, and WINSOME and GRACIOUS, if there is any VIRTUE, and EXCELLENCE, if there is anything worthy of praise, THINK ON THESE THINGS."</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
When I read it this time it read like this to me; </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
STOP thinking about what isn't true, false imaginations, rehearsed arguments in your head only, scary and unsure things, lies about yourself and others. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
It basically said to me, <b>think on GOOD things. </b></center>
<div>
<br /></div>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Somehow, at the beginning of this year, verse *8 stuck OUT to me like it was in NEON lights. </center>
<center>
AND this is what suddenly came to me like Oprah talks about having an AWE HA moment, or is it Ha ... AW HA ? Whatever, you get what I'm saying, it made me think about these verses like a math equation for the problem, for the very real issue of worry and anxiety in my life.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<b>
Problem to solve ; </b></center>
<center>
<b><br /></b></center>
<center>
<b>
Worry and Anxiety</b></center>
<center>
<b><br /></b></center>
<center>
<b>
Solution; </b></center>
<center>
<b><br /></b></center>
<center>
<b>
Prayer + Graditude+ Thinking on Good THINGS= PEACE.</b></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Now, beloved reader I don't know if you are a person of faith or not, but even if you are not I think we can all agree that pausing to pray or meditate, living thankfully for what you do have, and staying focused on good things is truly a remedy for this worrisome and anxious time.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Here are some of my prayers with thanks these days;</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
For those that are having trouble breathing, I pray healing, and thank God for the air in my lungs.</center>
<center>
For those that are in positions of leadership, I pray wisdom, and thank God for eternal wisdom.</center>
<center>
For those who are already feeling financial burdens unexpected, I pray for relief and thank God for provisions unseen. </center>
<center>
For those that feel alone right now, I pray comfort and good neighbors that have eyes to SEE them, and I thank God for all those who are currently looking for ways to be a good neighbor. </center>
<center>
<b>God make me a good neighbor. </b></center>
<center>
For those that are international students that can't fly home, I pray for surrogate moms and dads to shelter these and doors to open all over to strangers that soon will become family, and I thank God for family.</center>
<center>
For those that work in the health field and are on the frontlines of this virus, I pray protection and I thank God for miracle workers.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
I pray too for you dear reader that you might have peace that surpasses all understanding, </center>
<center>
peace like a river,</center>
<center>
peace that calms this storm and leads you beside quiet waters, </center>
<center>
Peace that is that tranquil state of your soul. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img src="http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p588/alyxblogdesign/noel/signature-1.png" /></center>
No(dot dot)elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10578214325474193322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299229.post-49082832431991013212020-03-01T09:17:00.002-08:002020-03-01T09:32:05.030-08:00Joy in Jen Hatmaker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pl2hZfllzKI/XlvpDA3bIGI/AAAAAAAAMX0/84kFQPARRfcF4Idr5IZ8r3SY1zfdkX2vQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG-9436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pl2hZfllzKI/XlvpDA3bIGI/AAAAAAAAMX0/84kFQPARRfcF4Idr5IZ8r3SY1zfdkX2vQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG-9436.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Ok y'all can I just pretend that I'm a southern belle for hot minute?</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
What is bringing me SO much JOY right now is listening to my gurl Jen Hatmaker <a href="http://jenhatmaker.com/">(you can find her here)</a> on her blog or her podcast on Spotify which is titled,</center>
<center>
<b><br /></b></center>
<center>
<b>
FOR THE LOVE.</b></center>
<center>
<b><br /></b></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I stumbled upon her podcast the other day when I was scrolling Spotify, and whimsically looking for some funny talkers. The title of her podcast just struck a chord of<b> joy</b> in my heart so I gave it a listen. </center>
<center>
She arranges her podcast in FOR THE LOVE series like;</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
For the Love of Faith Icons,</center>
<center>
For the Love of Power House Women, </center>
<center>
For the Love of Finishing Strong</center>
<center>
etc. </center>
<center>
The first podcast I listened to, and the one that caught my attention right away was her recent interview with the beloved Beth Moore. Beth is a bible study teacher from way back when, (another Southern gal) that I have gleaned so much from over the years. The interview, well as the southern would say, "it just dilled my pickle!" From that podcast on I have been in full blown stalking Jen Hatmaker mode... not really just on social medias and books, and I promise I won't end up outside your house Jen... unless you invite me to, then I'd gladly sit down with you on any given Sunday and share a cup of.... well, anything your drinking girl, cause I like your Kool-Aid !!</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
As I quickly discovered Jen has been "busier than a moth in a mitten!" </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
She is the momma of 5 kids, pastors wife, speaker, writer, non profit organizer, and funny all around southern belle, etc. </center>
<center>
As, I dug a little deeper into the vortex that is Hatmaker, Jen INC. I found out that I had known of her and her work many moons ago.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Little did I know, or remember but, I had actually read one her books titled <i>Seven An Experimental Mutiny Against Access,</i> many many, suns and moons ago when we lived in Redmond Washington in an 800 sq ft cabin and I was desperately looking for ways to minimize.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Do y'all remember that phase in the Scofield story book?</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Well, let me remind you it goes something like 6+6+ 800 sq ft = ADVENTURE TIME!!</center>
<center>
That's the trimmed down version if you remember or lived that time with us just skip ahead, if not here's a more detailed account;</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
When one lives 12 miles outside of Seattle, one tends to find the activist books, the revolutionary ways of life, the culture of recycle, renew, repurpose quite easily.</center>
<center>
I believe I bought her book in a book store because... Amazon prime was not even a thing yet, and the reason I found it was because the category and department I was shopping in those days was all about REDUCE, REUSE, RECYLE, or something like that.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Boy howdy did that book challenge my sox right off to downsize and re-prioritize our little(no so little) family of 6... that's right S I X people living in only 800sq ft. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Sidenote- I still can't believe that we lived in that tiny cabin for 4 years and I double can't believe that the last year we added 6 more, that's right I said S I X more. We added 6 to our already overcrowded 6 humans. We had a DOZEN, 12, TWELVE, .... people sharing 800 sq ft. and one bathroom, on a septic tank, no dishwasher, and one source of heat, an old wood stove. </center>
<center>
To be fair to the sanity level of us all Moses and Dan did build a beautiful outhouse for us all to partake in.</center>
<center>
If you don't believe me or remember this season here's proof... it really did happen. </center>
<center>
Oh how beloved that outhouse became ...</center>
<center>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-5EUHTd0Us/XlvtQ89h4aI/AAAAAAAAMYA/yWV4mRuINAQWo0lRENXI5_GAw6f95zNbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/6cec3a0cf3d911e1b4ee22000a1e8aed_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-5EUHTd0Us/XlvtQ89h4aI/AAAAAAAAMYA/yWV4mRuINAQWo0lRENXI5_GAw6f95zNbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/6cec3a0cf3d911e1b4ee22000a1e8aed_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Those were the days!! (insert wide eyed emoticon here)</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
After I devoured her book and gave her props for taking her Texas style life down a notch,</center>
<center>
I passed that book on to my sister and then had forgotten about her entirely. Shh... please don't Jen because we are quickly becoming BFF's in my mind. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
The book Jen and I are going thru together right now(did you like that, we are in this together) is brilliantly titled,</center>
<center>
Of Mess and Moxie.</center>
<center>
Every night, you can find me cozied up in bed with this book and laughing with Jen about her beautiful life.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Y'all this book has made me happier than a hound dog with TWO tails !</center>
<center>
Speaking of hound dogs tell me your thoughts, about a coon hound puppy making it's way into my life right now?</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
This is just a short and sweet update of what is bringing me buckets full of JOY right now, so if you are looking for a lil sweet, crazy funny, pure JOY too,</center>
<center>
give my gurl a lookie Lou, and tell her I sent you right over like Red Rover. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img src="http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p588/alyxblogdesign/noel/signature-1.png" /></center>
No(dot dot)elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10578214325474193322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299229.post-49152783338912891742020-02-02T15:58:00.001-08:002020-02-02T15:58:10.221-08:00A Study on Joy Part 1<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
I have been really enjoying my new word for 2020</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>
J O Y</b></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
In the years past I have looked up all the quotes associated with my new year word as a way of just trying to stay focused on the word, and stay in the mode of learning and growing in that word for the year ahead.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
This year I have to admit that I've been praying a lot to get a good handle on the word JOY. </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
I have always felt that Happiness and Joy are so similar it's hard to find the difference between them. </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
There is indeed a difference beloved reader.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
"Happiness depends on things that happen. </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
Joyfulness is never touched by external conditions."</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
-Oswald Chambers-</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
That quote pretty much sums it up ... I read it and thought well... thank you Oswald no need to look any further.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
But, I do want to ... HAMMER TIME... break it down for ya...</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
To me this means that I can have bad days when I don't feel happy at all, but JOY remains deep down in my soul as an anchor because I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this bad day will pass, and JOY will come in the mourning.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
"There may be pain in the night, but JOY comes in the morning"</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
Proverbs 30:5</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
We all have times of sorrow, loss, grief, and just plain ole everyday bad days, and that scripture doesn't diminish those moments, days, or even years. </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
To me it speaks of hope for the future and an internal condition that can't be touched by the external.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
External things are SO big sometimes that they can suck the life out of any happy hiker on this trail of life, but JOY still remains deep, deep down below the surface of things.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
This is a place of knowing and believing that; </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
"The best is yet to come!"</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
It's not just a catchy phrase on a bumper sticker... or a t-shirt you wear on a happy day... it's a lifestyle trait of one who KNOWS that this too shall pass, and there will be a new, and different day.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A day that is;</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"Fresh ... with no mistakes in it."</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
More on this train of thought is in my noggin, but for now, that's all I've got.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'd love to hear from you beloved reader on your thoughts regarding joy vs. happiness.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img src="http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p588/alyxblogdesign/noel/signature-1.png" /></center>
No(dot dot)elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10578214325474193322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299229.post-14710321956178408742020-01-04T22:00:00.003-08:002020-01-04T22:22:57.436-08:00New Year, New Word, and New Relationships<center>
Well hello there beloved reader and Happy Happy New Year!!</center>
<center>
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and are ready for 2020. </center>
<center>
It has been a bit since I've had time to write down some words that are worth sharing. </center>
<center>
I sit and type these words with a full heart and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for this beautiful life.</center>
<center>
For a whole month I had all 4 of my Fab4 home and we had some fun making memories together.</center>
<center>
The sink was overflowing. </center>
<center>
The shoes left around the house were being tripped over.</center>
<center>
BUT</center>
<center>
the memories being made were a priceless treasure to me.</center>
<center>
As I put Chloe back on a plane to NY Friday morning I didn't cry, there was no moping..(ok maybe a lil mopey later that afternoon, but I think that's only because the caffeine wore off) mostly there was only </center>
<center>
'Comfort and Joy' knowing that our time together was well spent. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I'm sure the reason for that comfort and joy is because of some thoughts I want to share with you beloved reader. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-A-AdpqPH8/Xg_wATQK2cI/AAAAAAAAMXU/bpQCZptkKSwgydRzwqfq5VupDoJO3pneQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG-9322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-A-AdpqPH8/Xg_wATQK2cI/AAAAAAAAMXU/bpQCZptkKSwgydRzwqfq5VupDoJO3pneQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG-9322.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I have been thinking that with this new year I would like to set a (dare I say the word...) GOAL to write more frequently, but that being said let me tell you about the relationship I have had with the word goal. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I'm not sure why, but somewhere along the years I stopped being friends with the word "goals."</center>
<center>
Maybe, its my non-committal attitude(even though I've been committed for 25 years now to one amazing man) or my live "foot loose and fancy free" inner spirit of spontaneity that resists the word GOALS, but this year I have decided we should be friends again.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
It's not that I ever thought it was bad to have goals, but whenever I set them in years past, pre<a href="https://noelsbeautifulife.blogspot.com/search/label/New%20Years%20Word"> New Years word </a>era, I epically failed at them. </center>
<center>
In the years when I was a goal setting person if I didn't meet the goal I set I would get utterly depressed, or as Anne with an 'E' would say I fell into,</center>
<center>
"the depths of despair" so I just decided we were not going to be friends anymore. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
But, this year there is a stirring to re-kindle that relationship of having goals or at least think about having goals. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Instead of having goals for several years now I have prayed for a word to inspire my year in a broad non committal way this has worked wonders in keeping me out of that depth of despair failure frame of mind. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Last year however, my New Years Word was <b>Rejuvenate</b> and boy howdy did I love, and become friends with that word. </center>
<center>
I wanted desperately to bring back into my life some things that I had long let go of for no in-particular reason. </center>
<center>
What I learned in the process of this word taking action in my life was that part of rejuvenation taking the drivers seat of life you have to allow for the doors of your soul to be opened back up to what may have been set aside for survival sake.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
The word Rejuvenation is not a "survival mode" word and that's what I wanted, and set out to do and prayed would happen last year.</center>
<center>
I wanted to get out of survival mode life, and into a more intentional way of living and being.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Thankfully, setting that word at the forefront of my soul as an intention WORKED!! </center>
<center>
So much so, that now I'm open to this New Year having some goals, and like a cherry on top I will add a WORD of intention.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
My main goals for this year I will keep private for now, just because this relationship is new and ya know you can't go blasting new relationships on Social media too soon... LOL!!</center>
<center>
However I'd love to share with you beloved reader</center>
<center>
My NEW word for this year, which came to me by way of a quote I saw on Social media right before Christmas;</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<center>
<i>"fling wide, then, the portals of your soul. </i></center>
<center>
<i>He will come with that LOVE which you long to feel;</i></center>
<center>
<i>he will come with that <b>JOY into which you cannot work your poor depressed spirit,</b></i></center>
<center>
<i>he will bring PEACE which now you have not; </i></center>
<center>
<i>he will come with his flagons of wine and sweet apples of love, and CHEER you till you have no other sickness but that of love o'erpowering, </i></center>
<center>
<i>LOVE DIVINE." </i></center>
<center>
<i>-Charles Spurgeon</i></center>
<center>
<i><br /></i></center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
That quote really resonated with me, not because I didn't already have Joy or Peace in my life, but both of these things I could always use more of. Then after my birthday I saw this sign, that I fell in deep like with... so I treated myself to this sign that I do believe I might leave up all year as a reminder of what brings me "Comfort and Joy."</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INCvCsXzOXE/Xg_rgjVtLoI/AAAAAAAAMXI/W8q7RMeC2PMDa3xsXbVaqvBCiTd_onQYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/464F34C0-ECC4-43AB-815B-BAB59FADBE74.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INCvCsXzOXE/Xg_rgjVtLoI/AAAAAAAAMXI/W8q7RMeC2PMDa3xsXbVaqvBCiTd_onQYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/464F34C0-ECC4-43AB-815B-BAB59FADBE74.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
And JOY is the word for me in 2020.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Unspeakable </center>
<center>
Joy </center>
<center>
is </center>
<center>
Rising in my Soul...</center>
<center>
As I was looking back at last years blog post for the New Years word I read what I wrote at the end of my blog regarding joy;</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<center style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">"There is joy once again.</span></center>
<center style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Joy that doesn't pass away with the cruel, harsh winds of life.</span></center>
<center style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Joy that is the underlying current of my heart.</span></center>
<center style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Joy that isn't affected by how much is in my bank account or my closet.</span></center>
<center style="font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Joy that doesn't leave me even though two of my four are no longer under my roof.</span></center>
<center style="font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">(currently only one who left for NY is now no longer under this roof) </span></center>
<center style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Joy from knowing my source of rejuvenation will never leave me or forsake me.</span></center>
<center style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> </span></center>
<center style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Joy in my salvation."</span></center>
<center style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">It's a funny </span></span><span style="font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">thing</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 17.600000381469727px;"> when you read your own words and are like ... ya that's what I'm talking bout!!</span></span></center>
<center style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">Circumstantial joy will come my way this year by way of; </span></span></center>
<center style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">my parents 50th </span></span><span style="font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">anniversary </span></center>
<center style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">my 25th anniversary </span></center>
<center style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">Solomons graduation from High School</span></center>
<center style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">Chloes graduation from Culinary Institute of America </span></center>
<center style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">Emma auditioning for the Voice again</span></center>
<center style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">Isaiah starting his sophomore year on Monday at Carson High where both Mo and I graduated</span></center>
<center style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">and I'm sure many other joys. </span></center>
<center style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-size: 17.600000381469727px;"><br /></span></center>
<center style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">But, my intent is that joy would still exude from my soul even when it's just a Tuesday afternoon and I come home to a sink full of dishes. </span></center>
<center style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">I hope and pray and intend to study more about the word Joy and continue to be friends with the word 'goals' and even do more than think about setting some goals. </span></center>
<center style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-size: 17.600000381469727px;"><br /></span></center>
<center style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">So here's to all that and more!</span></center>
<center style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
</center>
<center style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">Happy 2020 beloved reader, </span></center>
<center style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">there is </span></center>
<center style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">Nothing But Love for you here!</span></center>
<center style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">
<span style="font-size: 17.600000381469727px;"><br /></span></center>
</center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
No(dot dot)elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10578214325474193322noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299229.post-56184534128158050212019-11-09T09:27:00.000-08:002019-11-09T09:27:51.688-08:00Let's Talk Kayne West .... and Jesus<center>
I was recently made aware of the new <b>Kayne West album Jesus Is King.</b></center>
<center>
<b><br /></b></center>
<center>
I will admit I have not really ever been a fan of his, mostly because I don't really care for rap music all that much. I can listen to it in small amounts, but my young adults really seem to gravitate to this genre of music so I try to learn the artists they are listening to so, if nothing else I can rap along with them ... I probably can rap like maybe.... two three words and then my appreciation for this genre of music expands greatly because it is NOT easy to do. Needless to say, I really like rap songs that have singing at the chorus, because then I can really participate in the song. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
All that to say I know nothing about Kayne West except that he's married to Kim Kardashian(which I'm embarrassed to admit that's all I know), AND about 5 months ago I watched an interview with him and David Letterman. In this interview my radar for him went up because at the end of the interview he starts talking about this new music project he's doing AND that he is having CHURCH services on SUNDAYS!! (Insert wide eyed emoticon here)</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I went on the inter webs and tried to find every link, every YOU- tube, every amount of info there was about what this man Kayne was up to, and my heart got all kinds of excited that he might be a brother now in the faith walk called Christianity. </center>
<center>
Then this album came out and that excitement turned into full blown chills of Holy Spirit confirmation that this is a brother from another motha! </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Now, this is what I want to talk about in one of his songs he says about the Christians being the ones to judge him for this brand new insight and public display of praise and adoration for Jesus. It makes my heart so sad that the people group that should be the MOST supportive, the MOST encouraging, the MOST welcoming is often times found on the other side of that fence. </center>
<center>
WHY is that?</center>
<center>
THIS SHOULD NOT BE.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
I want to scream ... but of course I don't .... but I really want to scream out WHO MADE YOU THE JUDGE, THE JURY, and THE END ALL BE ALL for who is a Christian who isn't ? </center>
<center>
What a pompous and un-Christ-like position to be found in. When you think you have it all figured out, and you get to say who is in or who is out... God forgive you for trying to take a seat in the THRONE of THRONES. </center>
<center>
Only ONE gets that honor, privilege, and role and that is the DIVINE creator of all.</center>
<center>
This is why I love Jesus because all that I can see in the gospels is love.</center>
<center>
He had nothing but LOVE for all people except the religious hypocrisy that he saw in people. He still loved those who were judgmental hypocrites, but boy oh boy did he speak out against them. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
In the gospel of Mark 9:38-41 Jesus disciples come to him and say basically we are noticing these people coming out and doing work in your name, but they aren't one of us .. and Jesus probably with a wide eyed emoticon look on his face tells his friends, and followers, "Whoever is not against us, is for us!" I love this about Jesus because his main mission in walking among us was to welcome and save ALL people!</center>
<center>
You don't have to be anything but human, you don't have do anything but believe, and if you happen to express your love and adoration for Jesus in a rap song you better believe he's up there jamming with you!</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Now, if you happen to read this and haven't yet listened to this new album go now and get your jam on. My favorite song is God Is. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
That's all for now ... happy listening and rapping along. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
No(dot dot)elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10578214325474193322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299229.post-15329365931615779422019-09-10T09:21:00.001-07:002019-09-10T09:21:08.897-07:00Don't Wish it Away<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s0quKImq5xc/XXfI3hvkBcI/AAAAAAAAMWE/D057nYhe4Ykvo1YMVWX6ZilqygebDtNcACLcBGAs/s1600/67272159_10220423938450812_3637615451766259712_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s0quKImq5xc/XXfI3hvkBcI/AAAAAAAAMWE/D057nYhe4Ykvo1YMVWX6ZilqygebDtNcACLcBGAs/s640/67272159_10220423938450812_3637615451766259712_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I woke up this morning with Elton Johns lyrics in my head,</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
"Don't wish it away</center>
<center>
Don't look at it like it's forever</center>
<center>
Between you and me I could honestly say</center>
<center>
That things are only gonna get better"</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I have no doubt that this song was on my brain because this past weekend I got to finally see the movie about Elton Johns life- Rocket Man. If you haven't already seen this epic movie, and IF you're an Elton fan do yourself a favor and go rent it right now.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
It is one for the library of keepers.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
But, I think this song was on my brain more for the lyrics themselves, and not just because I recently saw this beautiful mans life story. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I've been trying really hard to stay in the present moment, and not reflect too much on the past with weepy emo thoughts, or project too anxiously upon the future.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
I'm thinking about all the years when the kids were little and the day to day was so much more difficult for me physically. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
I spent a good portion of those years "wishing them away" with thoughts like;</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
'I can't wait until...</center>
<center>
they can do their own laundry</center>
<center>
make their own lunches</center>
<center>
bathe themselves</center>
<center>
buckle themselves in</center>
<center>
walk to the car</center>
<center>
feed themselves </center>
<center>
WIPE THIER OWN BUTTS (just keeping it real)</center>
<center>
etc...'</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
All the moms and dads of littles know full well what I'm talking about right now.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
It's not that I wasn't completely grateful for their precious little souls, it's just that they were all consuming at the time and there was literally no time, (not even to go to the bathroom) that was my own. It's a very self sacrificing time raising littles. Your time is no longer your own and you either get up real early, or stay up way late to get ANYTHING done. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Fast forward 21 years later into this parenting gig, and I think about how many days I wished away what I now look back upon so fondly.</center>
<center>
I can't go back and take those thoughts away, but I can work very hard right now in this present moment to be grateful for where we are all at now.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Oh beloved reader I am SO grateful that not only did I survive those early years, but <b>I can honestly say, things will only get better.</b></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
That's all I wanted to shout out into the universe today.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
If you are a parent struggling with the present moment of where your kids are at stay strong and listen to Elton... don't wish it away, and if I can add to that don't fast forward it either.</center>
<center>
Let your kids be kids and make messes, and wear funny clothes, and sing that song again for 1000x because dear one that will be the stuff they remember.</center>
<center>
Don't worry about the do-list and just be with them... that stuff will all get done... or it won't maybe for today and it's really ok. The dishes and laundry will ALWAYS be there but their sweet little souls will grow up and soon live a very independent healthy lives outside of your scope.</center>
<center>
Enjoy the moments of nothing-ness. </center>
<center>
Enjoy the moments of play.</center>
<center>
Enjoy the chaos and make it count!!</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Also, if there are any among you beloved readers, who feel like encouraging ME for this young adult stage in life I'd love to hear from YOU! </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img src="http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p588/alyxblogdesign/noel/signature-1.png" /></center>
No(dot dot)elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10578214325474193322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299229.post-15203371092288901772019-07-12T16:39:00.001-07:002019-07-12T16:43:00.003-07:00She Walks In Grace<center>
I've been reading a lot of poetry lately, and it has inspired me to write again.</center>
<center>
For so long I haven't had much to say, but reading others inspirations has given me some of my own.</center>
<center>
I hesitate to admit that I wrote this poem in almost a plagiaristic way from the poem written by George Gordon, Lord Byron - "<i>She walks in beaut</i>y"</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I suppose if you read the poem(which you should) you will see I only stole the first few words, "She walks" because they inspired me to think about the way I want to be noticed for how I walk out this life. </center>
<center>
So here is to my everlasting love of words and to poetry. </center>
<center>
I hope you enjoy ….</center>
<center>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uFFmBaw1D7s/XSka7mk4bMI/AAAAAAAAMVQ/pRQEjpEl9FYGb9wTSfhFwFAcgXjJpmzdgCLcBGAs/s1600/66444278_10220282433713282_1398528573773447168_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="960" height="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uFFmBaw1D7s/XSka7mk4bMI/AAAAAAAAMVQ/pRQEjpEl9FYGb9wTSfhFwFAcgXjJpmzdgCLcBGAs/s400/66444278_10220282433713282_1398528573773447168_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
She walks in Grace</center>
<center>
She kneels in Solitude</center>
<center>
She waits in Hope</center>
<center>
She listens actively</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
She works with Encouragement</center>
<center>
She sows in Peace</center>
<center>
She loves with Passion</center>
<center>
She fights for Justice</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
She grows in creativity </center>
<center>
She shapes with words</center>
<center>
She plays while dancing</center>
<center>
She parents humbly</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
She sings with joy</center>
<center>
She plants in the future</center>
<center>
She praises in reverence </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
She partners eternally. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img src="http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p588/alyxblogdesign/noel/signature-1.png" /></center>
No(dot dot)elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10578214325474193322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299229.post-7653955214325892222019-01-26T11:50:00.001-08:002019-01-26T11:50:15.903-08:00Music Changes Everything <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RH2anqrLac/XEyqHuvbj0I/AAAAAAAAMS4/mfITu4p7kKgktOzxW7d1Rcjeu0B38fQkwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-7931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RH2anqrLac/XEyqHuvbj0I/AAAAAAAAMS4/mfITu4p7kKgktOzxW7d1Rcjeu0B38fQkwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-7931.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">(PC-Daniel Piker)</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">There is something so amazing to me about music and how it changes the atmosphere.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I'm sitting here listening to Billie Holiday, typing these words and feeling that all is right in the world, simply because she is serenading me while I blog about music in my life. </span></center>
<center>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"><b>“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” ― Plato</b></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I woke up this morning thinking about how grateful I am for the power of music, and how it has built and shaped me.</span></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I grew up in a very musical household.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">My dad was a DJ for close to 30 years of his early career. My favorite stories are those recollections of when he met several famous people up in Lake Tahoe from interviewing them over the years. His record collection is beyond amazing because of the years in the music industry.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">There was ALWAYS music on in the Pellant house, and often times he would have us kids come to work with him and do commercial spots or just chill there with him while he spun his discs round and round.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Because of his love for music and artists, I soon became a big jazz music fan.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">My dad comes alive when jazz music is playing in the background. </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">As a young girl I remember thinking how happy it made me to see him tapping his foot or bobbing his head to the tunes from Louie, Ella, or Billie.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"><b>“A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence.” ― Leopold Stokowski</b></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">My mom comes from a musically talented family that to this day just amazes me. I remember her parents, my grandparents, singing and playing the organ and accordion all the time. There was always a show happening in the LeSage home. </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">My LeSage grandparents wrote songs together that thanks to my Uncle Gene we still have recorded and can now treasure for years to come.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">My mom used to be in a band with her 3 brothers and would tell stories of singing in front of people even though she was incredibly shy.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">My Uncle Gene can sing in a tone that you would swear Elvis is Still in the building, and my Uncle Jimmy... well he's without a doubt a musical genius.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">You can sing just about any tune to my Uncle Jimmy and even if he has never heard a lick of the song before in his life, his fingers get to working on the piano, and they get going so effortlessly that you would think in a matter of minutes he not only has played the song before, but that maybe he should have written and composed it himself because he will add licks and sounds that make it sound even better than the original !</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">In all of my life I have never met a more talented musician than my Uncle Gene and Uncle Jimmy.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><b>“If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music.” ―Albert Einstein </b></span></span></span></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">With all this talent and appreciation for music is it any wonder that young Noël found herself singing to her moms records of Karen Carpenter's songs for hours and hours just to sound like one of her mom's favorite singers?</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Early on it was evident that I loved to sing.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Fun fact for ya- I took 7 years of voice lessons from Mr. Peebles in Carson City, and soon started to have solos and parts in musicals that still to this day I look back on in awe that I was able to do that. </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I can carry a tune without a doubt, but performing was not my jam.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Like my mom, I was terribly shy and often times when I would stand in front of an audience I would look out from the stage and think ... </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">"What the HELL am I doing up here?"</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Needless to say, that extreme shy quality was indeed a hinderance in further pursuing a life of music and performing.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Thankfully, in my early teen years I came to know the lover of my soul and singing to him ... well that's a different story. </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<center>
<b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;">“Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid.” ― Frank Zappa</span></b></center>
<center>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"><b><br /></b></span></center>
<center>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></center>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Fast forward to present day, where I received one of the most amazing gifts a momma can receive ... a song from my oldest about lil ole me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_915439602"></span><span id="goog_915439603"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></div>
</center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">What a gift!!</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I was a weepy hot mess of course after listening to the words, and the sound of her voice singing of days gone by.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I look everyday for </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">new songs created by </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">my oldest daughter who lives in Seattle now. I search high and low on all her social media outlets, just longing for the sound of her voice. I wonder how in the world did this come to be, that she isn't afraid of the audience. </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">She is so brave in her pursuit for authentic songs that tell her story.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">My son Solomon has now taken on the hobby of making music on his computer and although he is very private and shy about his musical talent much like his momma, when he does share one of his creations I jump up and down on the inside with giddy school girl excitement.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">My son Isaiah plays the saxophone and piano and has a gorgeous manly man voice that truly astounds me. </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">And even Chloe who doesn't like to be recognized for her musical talent can truly carry a tune with all the rest of us and has such a beautiful voice as well. </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I can hardly believe that my DNA produced 4 kids who have this appreciation for music,and more talent musically than I have in my pinky finger. I hope and pray the musical gene continues to go on for generations to come. </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I suppose this blog is a bit indulgent, and there really isn't a moral to this story except to say, </span></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">That music truly does change everything!</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">So don't deprive yourself any longer... </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>"Girl(or boy)put your records on" </b></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Sing and dance and let the soul have a reprieve from it all.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
<img src="http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p588/alyxblogdesign/noel/signature-1.png" /></center>
No(dot dot)elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10578214325474193322noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299229.post-61464522894446191612019-01-13T12:11:00.000-08:002019-01-13T12:11:44.828-08:00New Years Word 2019<center>
<br /></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_uC_qsDZDDM/XDuQ7H16riI/AAAAAAAAMSg/SaLv_2YL8Gw4RAJhq88WR7YkBIFoo7y6QCLcBGAs/s1600/7c83a3229d9c540fb213c9df24b11a70--goethe-quotes-von-goethe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="345" data-original-width="500" height="440" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_uC_qsDZDDM/XDuQ7H16riI/AAAAAAAAMSg/SaLv_2YL8Gw4RAJhq88WR7YkBIFoo7y6QCLcBGAs/s640/7c83a3229d9c540fb213c9df24b11a70--goethe-quotes-von-goethe.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
At the beginning of every year I pray for a word that will bring me back to a theme if you will, for all of the new, fresh days ahead. </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This will be the 8th year of <a href="http://noelsbeautifulife.blogspot.com/search/label/New%20Years%20Word">"New Year Words"</a> for me, and it's hard to believe that over these past years of words that center me all year, how truly prophetic they have become. </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
In years past, the word usually has been something brewing in my heart for some time, and some years the word comes out of no where.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
This year the words I kept thinking about started with RE-</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
Re-new</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
Re-store</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
Re-awaken</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Re-pent</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
Re-pair</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
Re-vive</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
Re-generate</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
And finally I came upon the word that encompasses them all </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>
REJUVENATE</b></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
When I looked up the definition of this word which is the first thing I do when I'm given my new years word, it had this phrase;</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>
"To BREATHE new life into"</b></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
Last year my word was BREATHE and true to form this word served me oh so well.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">There were so many moments in 2018 that like a mantra I would tell myself to just "breathe" when life tried to take my breathe away.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'm sad to see this word go because like I've said before these words become like a friend to me over the course of 365 days.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Still, it is time to move forward and take what I can from the moments that my breathe and the Holy Spirit that is breathe, centered me last year.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">As </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I walk into 2019 knowing that there are some things in my life that I need to "Breathe new life into" I think about what needs to be rejuvenated in my heart so it doesn't begin to harden.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My grandmother used to say, </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"<b>If today you hear his voice, harden not your heart.</b>"</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Of course to truly repeat these words as she would say them so often, it must be said with an east coast accent with emphasis on HEART.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">One of the main areas of my heart that I want some rejuvenation to appear is that of my walk with God.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that as I look to him to rejuvenate my dreams, my hopes, my health, and so many other areas of my life he will be faithful.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">For far too long I have walked in worry and anxiety</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">when peace and serenity are what he offers me.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I've walked in doubt and fear when</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">faith and hope are what he freely gives.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I've walked this path of faith and salvation for many years now, but there are times in this faith walk when my step has been either a tad bit behind or ahead of him. </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My hearts cry today is that I will once again hold his hand in faith and trust what he has for me. </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">That the areas of my heart and my life will be once again rejuvenated by his presence and love. </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I desperately want a steadfast spirit in the days ahead.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #23221f; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, 'Century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">"Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit."</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Psalm 51:10-12</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Today, I'm sitting here on this Sunny Sunday morning here in Reno Nevada and my heart is filled with so much joy.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Because although, I'm not always in step with him in an instant that all can change. </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">There is joy once again.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Joy that doesn't pass away with the cruel, harsh winds of life.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Joy that is the underlying current of my heart.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Joy that isn't affected by how much is in my bank account or my closet.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Joy that doesn't leave me even though two of my four are no longer under my roof. </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Joy from knowing my source of rejuvenation will never leave me or forsake me.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Joy in my salvation.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I want my heart to stay full of love and all the fruits that come by way of hanging out with the lover of my soul.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"<b>Surprise us with love at daybreak; </b></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>then we'll skip and dance all the day long... </b></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Let you servants see what you're best at-</b></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>the ways you rule and bless your children.</b></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>And let the loveliness of our Lord, our God, rest on us, </b></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>confirming the work that we do. </b></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Oh, YES.</b></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Affirm the work that we do</b>!"</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Psalm 90:14-17</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So cheers to this new year and this new word.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Let there be rejuvenation of all the areas in life that would otherwise lie dormant and become stale.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Here's to new beginnings and getting in step with my creator once again.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<img src="http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p588/alyxblogdesign/noel/signature-1.png" /></center>
No(dot dot)elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10578214325474193322noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299229.post-1538873849597498042019-01-06T12:44:00.002-08:002019-01-06T12:44:38.191-08:00To Letting Go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-keUXdlRoeLs/XDJiThVHtVI/AAAAAAAAMSE/LElh3apLLdMA6iA5VyCTFQkP9fld53swQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="705" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-keUXdlRoeLs/XDJiThVHtVI/AAAAAAAAMSE/LElh3apLLdMA6iA5VyCTFQkP9fld53swQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2073.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>
<br />
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Well, beloved reader it's official we are a two kid household. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
With one daughter still in Seattle, and one now in New York, I came home and told my boys that we could be the 4 corner family if when they graduate High School, one goes to LA and the other to Florida. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Our youngest son Isaiah's response to that was, "Oh God... I hope not!!" </center>
<center>
His sentimental baby heart still wishes we all lived together as one big happy family on a piece of property with all his Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and cousins. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
He's a young man-child after my own heart.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
As much as I wish, like Isaiah that we could always all stay together, I knew the day would come when our monoscofab4 would all go their own separate ways.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
We are half way thru that door right now, with one foot in the door of having let go, and one in the world of high school teenage boys. </center>
<center>
I find myself peeking in on my boys a tad bit more(with loud knocks on the door of course, cause ya know there are just some things you can't un-see) and hugging them a little longer.</center>
<center>
I have to say, that despite the emotional tug on my momma heart strings from time to time, and the obnoxious amount of text messages that I leave for my girls to Face Time me, overall I have me some of that biblical peace that "surpasses my own understanding" going on right now.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
It is strange to me that I am able to be at peace with these major changes in our little family unit?</center>
<center>
For many years when they were little just the thought of this time would take my breath away, and not in a good way. </center>
<center>
Now, here I sit and type these words about letting go, and it feels exciting, peaceful, and as it should be in a very good way.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f5LfnCyS3yI/XDJidmRSP9I/AAAAAAAAMSI/8bKoxhknYBc1asfgAVomSSDglv4OAfncwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-7814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f5LfnCyS3yI/XDJidmRSP9I/AAAAAAAAMSI/8bKoxhknYBc1asfgAVomSSDglv4OAfncwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-7814.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
It comes back to this... </center>
<center>
There have been moments all throughout my faith based life where I have had to <i>let go</i> of what I think is the best possible outcome, and trust my creator for what will be. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
I suppose, that is in fact what faith is. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<i>"Now faith is the assurance of what we hope and the conviction of things not seen." </i></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
I'm sitting here processing, and writing today listening to my friend Chris Heifners song, <i>To Letting Go </i>on Spotify and I'm in awe of what I'm feeling.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
My mom always said, THE hardest part of parenting is the "Letting Go" stage, and although it is no walk in the park, it is strangely like the beginning stages of their lives. It reminds me of when I would be standing over them sleeping peacefully in their bassinet watching to make sure they were breathing, and a still small voice would say, let go and trust me. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I made that choice early on that I wouldn't be the helicopter parent that never trusts their child to do ANYTHING on their own. </center>
<center>
I chose to trust that the creator of the universe, the one that gave these precious lives to us is once again the ONLY one who will sustain their life. </center>
<center>
It was a choice in my heart to trust our creator that He will always go with them wherever they go, and to the places that I couldn't. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
A choice to pray, instead of worry.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Like on the first day of school when they all got out of the car, I would pray God go with them, help them to be a light that shines, and protect them from what I cannot. </center>
<center>
I hold every so tightly to prophetic words spoken over them that they would be fearless because of this faith and trust.</center>
<center>
I trust the process, trust the hand, trust that their roots go deep, and that those little baby trees that are now growing so strong and vibrant won't get knocked over by the winds of change and this crazy life. </center>
<center>
I trust that they are each other's best friends and will come back to each other time and time again when they need to drink from the abundant well of family love and support.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HzE-aQb7Sk4/XDJZ0Ng0qNI/AAAAAAAAMR4/i8Vl6bPUa8oVT847PodPMDz7D-tE-IBMgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HzE-aQb7Sk4/XDJZ0Ng0qNI/AAAAAAAAMR4/i8Vl6bPUa8oVT847PodPMDz7D-tE-IBMgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_6189.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<center>
"<i>To trust .... is to know you.... it is like standing on the edge and tasting love and life, such a sacrifice from this world and all it's ways</i>." <i>chris heifer-letting go</i></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
I didn't think it would happen as fast as all the mommas who went before me said it was gonna go, but if I've learned anything at all these almost 21 years of parenting it's to listen to those mommas that have gone before me.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
They now all tell me, "don't worry they will be back!"</center>
<center>
I believe those wise momma's, and now I would like to add to what they've said on my own momma merit, and say</center>
<center>
to young parents reading this, <b>it goes even FASTER than they say!!</b></center>
<center>
<b><br /></b></center>
<center>
That's not to say that I don't feel your pain young parents.</center>
<center>
I remember so well, when you are in the throws of temper tantrums, dirty diapers, sleepless nights and zombie like days where only 10 cups of coffee give you somewhat of a pulse!</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Those days are so long that they sometimes run into the next 24 hrs. and feel like they go on for an eternity, BUT trust me when I say... it goes FASTER.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
The days are long, the years are short, and the decades even shorter. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
I'm confident with an assurance that I know is divine that both my girls are exactly where they need to be in life right now, and I'm beyond grateful for their lives, and for their Face Time phone calls home. They are both truly, my "built in besties" and some of the most inspiring young women on planet earth. Truly... they astound me. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
I'm confident that the next 3 years with my teenage boys will go even faster than the years did with their sisters, because that's just how this train gets going. </center>
<center>
It gains momentum with each passing station in life. These young men that still live under my roof and that I can still cherish the sounds of laughter with their buddies in the other room, are truly some stellar fellars , that I feel honored to know. I'm looking forward to these years where I'm outnumbered as the only female in the house.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
I'm also confident that when Moses and I are back to where we started with just the two of us(we can make it if we try... sing it you know you want to) we will hold each others hands, hop in that VW bus and visit those 4 corners if that's where the road leads us. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<div>
Here's to letting go and moving forward!</div>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img src="http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p588/alyxblogdesign/noel/signature-1.png" /></center>
No(dot dot)elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10578214325474193322noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299229.post-75631719110159232672018-10-22T04:54:00.003-07:002018-10-22T04:54:19.712-07:00Questions, Comments, and Prayers (that keep me up at night)<center>
These are the questions and some of my internal commentary that wakes me up at 2am after I have worked my body to the point of utter exhaustion and there is no other reason to be awake at 2am other than my brain just won't shut off. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
-Does a full moon really keep one awake?</center>
<center>
There is one out tonight, and sometimes I have to wonder is this a legitimate thing?</center>
<center>
Am I a werewolf and maybe is this how the legends of werewolves started?</center>
<center>
I'm certainly hairy enough to be a werewolf now that I've let my Fall/Winter legs go.</center>
<center>
God bless Moses for loving me and my Hairy Werewolf legs! </center>
<center>
Why is my husband never bothered by my unshaven or shaven body parts?</center>
<center>
Why am I thinking about hairy body parts?</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Is it really wrong to eat pizza at 2am... well now it's 4am is this an ok time to eat?</center>
<center>
Shouldn't one eat whenever they feel hunger?</center>
<center>
Why is my body hungry at 2am?</center>
<center>
Oh, yea that's right because I only ate 1 piece of pizza at our somewhat normal dinner time tonight that was around 8p, and before that I only ate half of a baked potato that the students of McQueen baked and my "other" dad Vinnie shared with me.</center>
<center>
Man, how I love Vinnie Oakes.</center>
<center>
Is he sleeping right now I wonder?</center>
<center>
I know my own dad isn't sleeping right now. </center>
<center>
I would call him only I don't want to wake the rest of house, and ....also he never answers his phone anyways.</center>
<center>
I love how my dad calls me all hours of the day and sometimes several times a day and leaves THE funniest voicemail messages that I save.</center>
<center>
Should I be saving all these messages?</center>
<center>
Is that why my phone is acting so Janky?</center>
<center>
Nah, it's probably the pictures that I still haven't downloaded onto my computer here at home from LAST Christmas. </center>
<center>
I love my dad. </center>
<center>
I love all good dads.</center>
<center>
I'm gonna miss the dads in my life when I no longer get their messages or their emails (Vinnie's emails)</center>
<center>
that I save. </center>
<center>
Is my Uncle Bob going to be ok?</center>
<center>
God please let him be ok. </center>
<center>
God please let him be more that ok. </center>
<center>
God please give us all more time with Uncle Bob. </center>
<center>
I love my Uncle Bob. </center>
<center>
I love all my Uncles. </center>
<center>
I'm so grateful for the good men in my life. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Will I be able to ride this next wave of life?</center>
<center>
I love waves.</center>
<center>
I love to look at waves and have never ONCE tried to actually physically ride a wave.</center>
<center>
Is this because I'm not brave, or because I know my body and it's limits all too well?</center>
<center>
I'm seriously one of THE most uncoordinated humans on planet earth. </center>
<center>
I can't believe I've never rode a wave.</center>
<center>
Maybe it's because I'm a native Nevadan desert girl and the only waves around here that I could catch are in Lake Tahoe?</center>
<center>
Nah, cause I've also never skied. </center>
<center>
Is that how you spell Ski'd ?</center>
<center>
No... skied spells the sky but... wait how come my friend spell check isn't helping me out here?</center>
<center>
Maybe my friend Spell Checky is sleeping right now?</center>
<center>
Good for you S. Checky! </center>
<center>
Oh I see a red dotted line up there under Checky .... hmmm so YOU ARE AWAKE too Checky? </center>
<center>
Well, now I'm talking to the computer ... evidence that one should be sleeping right now.</center>
<center>
I might delete this blog in the morning, but who really reads blogs anymore anyways?</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
I miss my friend Allie.</center>
<center>
I will try to call her tomorrow cause I still can.</center>
<center>
I miss my friend Christeeny... something fierce. </center>
<center>
I can't call her tomorrow and tell her how fun it was to spend the weekend with so many elderly crafter people that truly amaze me.</center>
<center>
I wonder what you're up to right now Christene. </center>
<center>
I feel you with me.</center>
<center>
I know you're still with me. </center>
<center>
I hope you are hanging with the best of the best in Heaven and that unlike the Netflix show The Good Place you get to cuss up there.</center>
<center>
"Holy Mother Forking Shirt Balls!" is pretty damn fun to say though. </center>
<center>
I embroidered that quote from that show and I know it's one that would make you laugh.</center>
<center>
It made ALOT of people laugh this weekend, and that made me smile. </center>
<center>
That is a successful embroidered creation in my book. </center>
<center>
There are so many quotes I want to still embroider in this life, but that is one that has already truly become a favorite.</center>
<center>
Holy Mother Forking Shirt Balls it's Late... or actually now it's early!</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k9ZBKz4BX2Q/W823SdLOIuI/AAAAAAAAMRk/3lA7HwVDJ9QPJCfcRy8MqXxgwvwG-KyKQCLcBGAs/s1600/0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="542" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k9ZBKz4BX2Q/W823SdLOIuI/AAAAAAAAMRk/3lA7HwVDJ9QPJCfcRy8MqXxgwvwG-KyKQCLcBGAs/s640/0.jpeg" width="476" /></a></div>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
This is a terrible pic, but it's the only one I have on my phone ... this is what happens when you take a late night photo and text it to your friends... you cut off the "G" in Forking!</center>
<center>
Ah well ... who cares I'm gonna add it to this rant cause it makes me happy to see it again. </center>
<center>
I should probably try to get a few more hours of shut eye before I get up and take the boys to school, but before I do I just want to say that although my head is fuzzy from sleep deprivation, my heart is full. </center>
<center>
And, once again my favorite fall movie You've Got Mail needs to be quoted here, </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>94</o:Words>
<o:Characters>540</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Ink Health</o:Company>
<o:Lines>4</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>663</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">"I just want to send this cosmic question out into the void. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">So goodnight, dear void"</span></div>
<ol class="mb-15 reg searchCenterMiddle" id="yui_3_10_0_1_1540209142123_603" style="color: #525252; font-family: 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; list-style: none outside; margin: 0px 0px 15px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; text-align: start;">
<li id="yui_3_10_0_1_1540209142123_602" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="dd algo algo-sr Sr" data-c20="5bcdb9f62abed" id="yui_3_10_0_1_1540209142123_601" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 28px !important; padding: 0px;">
<div class="compText aAbs" id="yui_3_10_0_1_1540209142123_600" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="lh-16" id="yui_3_10_0_1_1540209142123_599" style="line-height: 16px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="dd algo algo-sr Sr" data-c20="5bcdb9f62aea8" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 28px !important; padding: 0px;">
</div>
</li>
</ol>
</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<img src="http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p588/alyxblogdesign/noel/signature-1.png" /></center>
No(dot dot)elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10578214325474193322noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299229.post-37324106618333165852018-08-12T12:07:00.000-07:002018-08-12T12:07:26.233-07:00Time Keeps on Slippin Slippin ... (sing it with me)<center>
I'm learning slowly, but surely to embrace the roller coaster of life. </center>
<center>
<center>
Every time I think I'm ok with the roller coaster of it all something comes along to jolt me back up the massive hill of life that inevitably turns into the massive drop on a roller coaster that makes me lose my stomach mid air.</center>
<center>
I tell myself to just hang on and "breathe" deep and this helps sometimes when I'm headed up the hill and I know what's on the other side. </center>
<center>
Often times though there is nothing, and I do mean nothing, that can prepare you for that drop.</center>
<center>
So, somewhere along the way I changed my perspective about it all and decided to embrace the up hill climb as well as the inevitable, stomach loosing drop off. </center>
<div>
<br /></div>
</center>
<center>
I used to fight change like it was a nasty wasp that was after my tasty meat on a beautiful picnic day.</center>
<center>
Arms flailing and a high pitched voice screaming at the damn thing to go away... such a sight to behold those who are afraid of a little bumble bee.</center>
<center>
And, WHY pray-tell do they want my meat ?</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
However, somewhere along the way my fear of change, my fight song toward this pesky little thing that just keeps coming at ya, changed.</center>
<center>
I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that the older you get, you realize it's just not worth the energy anymore to fight the inevitable. </center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D37Hl2qiBqU/W3B5qre0x3I/AAAAAAAAMPs/4LAMchxCztUNQNRLK50MTlxhqdyDUKfvQCLcBGAs/s1600/e3281efc7069c45bc13e0ae78db06c4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="414" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D37Hl2qiBqU/W3B5qre0x3I/AAAAAAAAMPs/4LAMchxCztUNQNRLK50MTlxhqdyDUKfvQCLcBGAs/s400/e3281efc7069c45bc13e0ae78db06c4a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
This here bloggy poo used to be the place where I could come and process all the changes and get the relentless worry out of my head and onto the screen.</center>
<center>
When I logged on today it shocked me to realize that</center>
<center>
I haven't been here, in this place to write and share for 5 months.</center>
<center>
5 months people... that's almost a fully baked little human time!!</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<center>
<b>It seems so strange to me how fast time can fly by, and the days turn into weeks, the weeks turn into months, and suddenly a whole year has gone by.</b></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
The Steve Miller band was right... TIME truly does keep on slippin slippin into the future. </center>
<center>
And where we spend our time and energy is that much more valuable when we get older, because let's face it... we know the clock is ticking.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
I guess in retrospect 5 months between a blog post isn't SO long, but I remember the day that I was on here writing all the time. </center>
<center>
The silence this time though, I think is because my process to unpack things in this life may have changed some.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<center>
It used to be that my time with the outside world was limited, being that I was a stay at home mom with 4 babes, 6 years and under when I started this blog. </center>
</center>
<center>
Now, I spend more hours away from home, and when I do finally get home to my nest it is a FREAKING MESS!!</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
So there's the full time job outside this place, and then the very full time job here in this place when I do get home. </center>
<center>
Outside of that, the screen time I give to my eyes is more than I care to admit with my tiny little computer called an I Phone. </center>
<center>
Changes in processing life and just sheer exhaustion combined with how fast time is flying by, is truly what has kept me away from you beloved reader. </center>
<center>
<center>
The older I get the faster the time is flying by. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Am I alone in this warped speed of roller coaster life?</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
I'm also trying very hard to "keep it simple" and stay in the present moment. </center>
<center>
This came about after a very wise older grandma told me that how you slow time down is by staying in the present moment. </center>
<center>
She looked me square in the eye and said with such piercing conviction, that if I wanted time to slow down I had the power to do so, by staying in the moment. She may as well have said to me, </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<b>"KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID!"</b></center>
<center>
She was serious.</center>
<center>
She was convincing.</center>
<center>
And I listened. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
In an attempt to stay in the moment I limited my screen time and therefore this here blog collected some dust. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<div>
<br /></div>
</center>
<center>
Never fear though, I haven't fully given up on the bloggy poo processing, but I have rethought about what I really want it to be for me now.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<b>What has never changed though is my love to write and place words together. </b></center>
<center>
<b><br /></b></center>
<center>
It brings me great joy to write. </center>
<center>
I have been writing in my old school paper journal in an attempt to simplify, but I do so love to hear the sound of 'clickety clak clickety clak 'while I type away and the thoughts in my head appear here on this screen. </center>
<center>
I will never stop processing out loud either because I find value in community, and I know that the blog world, be it ever so strange is in fact a community.</center>
<center>
The impact of how other's online journals in the form of a blog have tremendously helped me in my journey is what keeps drawing me back here. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
There is so very much that I can and you can be spending your time on yet, you come over here to check on lil-ole' me and it blesses me beyond measure to know that you are here. </center>
<center>
I know you are processing right along side me, and I know that like me you should be doing a long list of other things, but the value for online community runs deep within your soul as well. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
In an attempt to update those of you who still check in over here I will give you the bullet points of changes that have occurred over these past 5 months that I haven't been processing out loud.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Moses went back to construction and I am back at teaching the little people of the world.</center>
<center>
We both returned to jobs and trades that for most of our lives we have come to know and love and hopefully make a difference there. </center>
<center>
Moses still dreams of building his own kingdom someday instead of everyone else's, and I still dream of writing children's books. </center>
<center>
These dreams will become a reality I have no doubt of that... but in the meantime it's been really fun to watch our Fab 4's dreams come true. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Our oldest daughter Emma is still living up in Seattle in that tiny little cabin in the woods that we called home for 4 years. From the moment we moved back to Reno she couldn't wait to get back up to the PNW where she feels her heart is home. She's adult-ing hardcore and I couldn't be more proud of her. </center>
<center>
Our second oldest daughter graduated high school in June and applied to her dream school that just happens to be in New York. </center>
<center>
She got in ... and if all goes as planned she will soar out of here and to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
So come January, we will have one daughter in Seattle and one in New York.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<b>Whose idea was it to raise independent children who grow up and turn into happy and healthy humans ready to take on the world with out dear ole' mom and dad by their side?</b></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Our oldest son Solomon just started his first upper classman year of High School and is really enjoying learning to speak German for the second year. </center>
<center>
Our youngest child Isaiah graduated Jr. High and is now a Freshman in High School.</center>
<center>
My sister Jenny and her hubs James have adopted my new lil Nevaeh Bear niece and our big clan is all the more joyful.</center>
<center>
My brother Greg and wife Tanya will add another wee one in December to this over the top with JOY big clan. </center>
<center>
One of my besties turned 40 and got preggers with her fourth baby on the way in September.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
And it's been over a year since one of my beloved sisters Christine has not walked this planet. </center>
<center>
I miss her hugs most of all. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
There it is beloved reader... my 5 months in a nutshell (help I'm in a nutshell and I can't get out!)</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Life is a wild ride. </center>
<center>
I'm working hard to <b>keep it simple, breathe deep, and process out loud</b> in the hopes that it will help myself and others. </center>
<center>
Peace out... I'm off now to "Fly like an Eagle and let my Spirit carry me" or something like that.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<img src="http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p588/alyxblogdesign/noel/signature-1.png" /></center>
No(dot dot)elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10578214325474193322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299229.post-1579522215586980622018-03-26T13:24:00.003-07:002018-03-26T13:24:46.308-07:00Anchor Deep <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r3_gruKDMJE/WrlRn0z3OUI/AAAAAAAAMOU/bWfjE30IEmMmm5Eo7dmxTNF8hQC9oJauQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r3_gruKDMJE/WrlRn0z3OUI/AAAAAAAAMOU/bWfjE30IEmMmm5Eo7dmxTNF8hQC9oJauQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2688.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
I've been quiet on here, as I let the steam room of my soul build up again to share with you beloved reader.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
I started reading Max Lucado's Six Hours One Friday on Palm Sunday.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
This book is one of my all time favorites that I often pick up again the week before Easter Sunday.</center>
<center>
It's the perfect book for my soul as I remember that some 2000 years ago, "three spikes and a wooden beam gave hope to humanity."</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
This time, while reading I was struck by the simplicity of the beginning of this book where a young Max describes a storm in Florida that he and some friends tried desperately to save his boat from a hurricane headed their way. Their attempts would have been futile had it not been for the advice from an older sailor who told them not to tie the boat to land, or trees, or themselves(LOL)! He warned that these things would surely blow away, but instead to "ANCHOR DEEP" for this would be their only hope to save the tiny boat.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
It made me remember with profound gratitude the Anchor I have had for some 30 years now. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
With gratitude and pen and paper....</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
I wrote this in my journal;</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<i>Remembering 30 years ago when for the first time YOU became real to me. </i></center>
<center>
<i>You took on flesh and bone as the shape of A SAVIOR became MY SAVIOR. </i></center>
<center>
<i>I was SO young I didn't even know then what exactly I was being saved from, but I know now. </i></center>
<center>
<i>The heartache and despair that would've otherwise been my life is now my song of praise.</i></center>
<center>
<i><br /></i></center>
<center>
<i>As I myself in seasons of doubt have turned to vices and idols that brought temporary comfort,</i></center>
<center>
<i>I now know beyond a shadow of a doubt YOU and YOU alone, are where I anchor deep.</i></center>
<center>
<i>And even as I have seen others be taken out by the weeds of this world, still I look to YOU for the hope of a new day.</i></center>
<center>
<i><br /></i></center>
<center>
This story also reminded me of one of my grandmothers favorite children's songs;</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<i>Row row row your boat</i></center>
<center>
<i>gently down the stream</i></center>
<center>
<i>Merrily merrily merrily </i></center>
<center>
<i>Life is BUT a dream</i></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
There isn't a storm of catastrophe headed my way, but rather of change.</center>
<center>
Good and healthy changes are headed my way.</center>
<center>
Still, big changes for this sentimental heart, whether good or bad are hard for me.</center>
<center>
As I prepare to head into a very busy season of getting our second daughter Chloe graduated, I'm grateful for the reminder to Anchor Deep in the source of my hope and peace. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Chloe will turn 18, on May 16th, and her older sister Emma will turn 20 on May 28th. </center>
<center>
Chloe flies out this week to visit her sister Emma who now lives back in Seattle, and so our family of 6 will only be 4 on Easter Sunday. </center>
<center>
For the first time in all these years we won't be together on this day that is very much about faith and family. </center>
<center>
I'm reminded once again, that as our family grows; healthy, strong, and independent of us, that despite the fact that our landscape will change our Anchor will hold us tightly together for all eternity. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Oh beloved reader, how grateful I am for reminders of hope and encouragement as the seasons of life change. </center>
<center>
My sentimental heart needed these reminders this week, and maybe if your reading this yours might need the reminder too.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<img src="http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p588/alyxblogdesign/noel/signature-1.png" /></center>
No(dot dot)elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10578214325474193322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299229.post-45222835078439120742018-01-29T10:35:00.000-08:002018-01-29T10:35:39.978-08:00Prayer AKA Help!!<center>
<i><br /></i></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rNHhYcbgQmg/Wm9ltIghIcI/AAAAAAAAMN8/OkvPVEEnU4oLOfLeuJOON6pnJK62JUIWACLcBGAs/s1600/18119057_10211524807329706_5198181885723483051_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rNHhYcbgQmg/Wm9ltIghIcI/AAAAAAAAMN8/OkvPVEEnU4oLOfLeuJOON6pnJK62JUIWACLcBGAs/s400/18119057_10211524807329706_5198181885723483051_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<center>
<i><br /></i></center>
<center>
<i><br /></i></center>
<center>
<i>
"No wonder we are happy in the Lord!"</i></center>
<center>
<i>
For we are trusting him. We trust his holy name. </i></center>
<center>
<i>
Yes, the Lord, let your constant love surround us, for our hopes are in you alone."</i></center>
<center>
<i>
Psalm 33:21-22</i></center>
<center>
<i><br /></i></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Recently, I have had a few major, as well as a lot of minor prayers answered that have reminded me once again how good God is and how worthy HE is of my trust. </center>
<center>
I want to share these stories, for no other reason than to hopefully encourage someone to never stop praying, or maybe to start.</center>
<center>
If you have forgotten how to pray or have never prayed in your life it's as simple as asking for help, only you are asking the one who created you, and has been waiting..waiting..waiting for the invitation to jump in and help. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
You know that old saying, "Where there is a will, there is a way!" ? </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Well, recently I was thinking about how God's will for us is always for good. </center>
<center>
Sometimes we mistake our will for what is ultimately good for us, and so when those prayers don't get answered we don't understand God, and therefore stop trusting to ask him for help.</center>
<center>
I have done this more times than I care to mention, and it's just recently that I've realized like Brittiany Spears... Oops I've done it Again!</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I share all of this as a precursor to my stories of answered prayers because, I don't want you to think that I'm some spiritual Guru who always sees her prayers answered. </center>
<center>
There is NOT one human on this planet currently, who has got the direct line to the Father and always gets what they pray for. </center>
<center>
There was ONE though some 2000 years ago that did... but that's a topic for another day.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
------------</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I woke up this morning anxious.</center>
<center>
Why, you ask?</center>
<center>
I had a dentist appointment.</center>
<center>
I have always hated going to the dentist, therefore my mouth is ... well not the ideal candidate for a Colgate commercial. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Recently, I have had a dental issue that I knew I needed to be taken care of, but I didn't have the money to properly take care of it. The work that was going to be done would be upwards of 2500 dollars... and well this momma of 4 right after Christmas and car troubles just didnt have it in budget. But, the pain worsened right after Christmas to the point where I could no longer procrastinate or pro long getting it fixed. The anxiety that built up over this time was more about money issues though, and not even the treatment. </center>
<center>
In faith and obedience to my mom and sisters persisted prompt, I set up a dental appointment, and thought I'd just see what the dentist suggested to do about this tooth and my money issues.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Before I left for the dentist appointment I was starting to worry about all the details again, so I asked my daughter Chloe to pray for me.</center>
<center>
Sometimes I forget to ask for prayer from those that love me, and would want to pray for me, again a blog topic for another day, but I'm so glad I was prompted to ask her on this day.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
She did pray, and little did she know but her prayers were about to be answered. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
After my dentist Dr. Pastrell (blatant shout out) took a look about in my mouth he jokingly said, "Well ya got any kids to sell?" </center>
<center>
To which of course I said; "There might be One.... no no no of course not, but I am able bodied and could work for this dental work you need to do here, I'd do anything to be out of this pain, I'd even scrub your toilets!"</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Turns out he was looking for someone to clean his office, and I was someone willing to work for my dental work that needs to be done.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Isn't that the most beautiful trade and answer to prayer you have heard in a while?</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
I tell you what, I was blown away by not only my boldness to offer working for his services, but also his response. </center>
<center>
Btw, Dr. Pastrell is a praying man so I KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt this was divine. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
---------------</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Before this morning for several months now my car has been making funny noises that I didn't know where they were coming from. My Giant thought it might be our transmission going out which made my heart drop into my stomach because I realize how costly that would be on this car.</center>
<center>
The sound got worse, and was at the point where I was staying home and not doing things because I didn't want to drive my newer 2011 Toyota 4 Runner.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
This is our only family vehicle though, and also was/is an answer to prayers a few years back, so there was faith in my heart that whatever was wrong with it would and could be fixed.</center>
<center>
However, I was anxious about it for many months and didn't trust completely that my prayers were being heard. </center>
<center>
So, with the sound getting worse I was worried to take it far, but my nieces bday party was set for the first weekend in January and I wasn't about to miss it, because my new niece Nevaeh was to be there as well. </center>
<center>
The whole family headed to Carson for my niece Sophia's bday party, and I prayed with an anxious heart all the way down. Not realizing that my prayers weren't in faith... but all the same they were heard.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
My brother Greg generously asked to take the car for a drive to see what was up.</center>
<center>
He found the problem and it wasn't at all what we suspected and my genius GIANT amazing man was able to fix it for all under 150 bucks.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<i>"I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion;</i></center>
<center>
<i>therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to </i></center>
<center>
<i>those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;</i></center>
<center>
<i>it is good to wait for the salvation of the Lord."</i></center>
<center>
<i>Lamentations 3:24-26</i></center>
<center>
<i>-------------------</i></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I share these stories of answered prayers, like I said to encourage you to ask for Help from your creator. </center>
<center>
Sometimes we can feel as small and insignificant as the above picture of that tiny lizard in my son Solomon's hands.</center>
<center>
Oh beloved reader, if you only knew how the creator of our souls WAITS for the moment for you to ask for help, we all wouldn't hesitate to just shout it out. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
I'm learning to trust again.</center>
<center>
I don't know why I ever stop.</center>
<center>
For some strange reason I forget that the lover of my Soul is just waiting... waiting... waiting to help me.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
So here I sit once again in wonder and awe of his faithfulness to me even though I don't deserve it.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Not every prayer of mine is answered, but when these two were it reminded me once again of how Good my God is and how thankful I am for his constant love and faithfulness. </center>
<center>
Prayer is powerful.</center>
<center>
It might not feel like it is, but truly I have seen with my own eyes, time and time again how prayer spoken out or unspoken even gets answered. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img src="http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p588/alyxblogdesign/noel/signature-1.png" /></center>
No(dot dot)elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10578214325474193322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299229.post-50724301970031526662018-01-04T12:26:00.000-08:002018-01-04T12:31:31.321-08:00New Years Word 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nxn7dQOUy14/Wk6JrtBl0yI/AAAAAAAAMMw/Smmg7GV7swwoCJpp-owsrWzUx5QVt0TwgCLcBGAs/s1600/unnamed-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="584" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nxn7dQOUy14/Wk6JrtBl0yI/AAAAAAAAMMw/Smmg7GV7swwoCJpp-owsrWzUx5QVt0TwgCLcBGAs/s640/unnamed-6.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Well, beloved reader we are already 4 days into this New Year 2018, and I gotta say I have never looked forward to a New Year as much as I have looked and longed for 2018.</center>
<center>
I've always thought it was strange in some ways to think of a New Year as a kind of a light at the end of the tunnel, but that is what it truly feels like to me in this new year. </center>
<center>
I'm still kind of reeling from 2017 and my head feels foggy when I try to recount all of the reasons I hold 2017 with such disdain, but it's over... Thank God it's over!</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I don't want it to sound like there weren't really good things that happened in 2017 as well, but</center>
<center>
overall it was a rough one for me personally is all I can say about that.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
There were so many disappointments, and changes.</center>
<center>
Change, I have come to know as the one constant in life, and I'm no longer terrified of change.</center>
<center>
Still, there were some changes last year, that I could have done without. </center>
<center>
There were deaths of beloved friends and even family members who had to say goodbye too soon. </center>
<center>
Death and Loss are the changes that no one sees coming around the bend, but all the same the train keeps moving on, and you either get on board or you check out and try to get off.</center>
<center>
I chose to stay on board with moments of check out, and if that doesn't make sense to you then I'm not sure we are speaking the same language.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I chose the word Purposeful for my New Years word last year, and boy howdy did I ever put that word to use. </center>
<center>
Last years word is wrung out and hung up to dry !!</center>
<center>
Not only did I realize more than ever before, that my purpose here doesn't change with the job or title that I'm given, but</center>
<center>
I had to be careful, and aware of every move I made, because I felt as though if I wasn't it all would fall apart. </center>
<center>
I know that the weight of the whole world doesn't fall on my shoulders(thank you Jesus) but the weight of my little small world here sometimes does feel this way. </center>
<center>
Every choice, every word spoken, every action or reaction, every social engagement, every trip, every blog, every post on social media, felt like it had a purpose.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I realized more than ever I have a voice here, and whether I use it for good or for not so good, people are listening. </center>
<center>
That word "Purposeful" came so quick to me last year, and was beyond a doubt a divine word for my life as a whole in 2017, so it isn't any wonder that this year... 4 days in I was hanging onto 2017's word and still left wondering what my word for this year should be.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I suppose to some of you it might seem silly to become attached to a single word for a whole year, but for those of you that this makes sense to, it's like the word becomes an old friend.</center>
<center>
I prayerfully ask for a word that will become a life reminder for what lies ahead.</center>
<center>
This word becomes the rhythm for my life ahead, kind of like those piano timers... what are those called anyways?</center>
<center>
I asked the Googles ... it's called a Metronome.</center>
<center>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEvLSan_K6g/Wk6ITIXFoxI/AAAAAAAAMMs/7_SfFePYUAAbeYkbooEiZmAzN04m_XYQgCLcBGAs/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="584" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEvLSan_K6g/Wk6ITIXFoxI/AAAAAAAAMMs/7_SfFePYUAAbeYkbooEiZmAzN04m_XYQgCLcBGAs/s640/unnamed-5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I woke up this morning and looked over at my wall that holds all my favorite notes, paintings, and pictures and there it was,</center>
<center>
My Metronome...</center>
<center>
My word for 2018 ...</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<b>BREATHE</b></center>
<center>
<b><br /></b></center>
<center>
<center>
<i>"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive, to <b>breathe</b> to think, to enjoy, to love. "</i></center>
<center>
<i>~Marcus Aurelius</i></center>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
It was literally there on the wall on a plaque that my daughter Chloe gave to me many years ago.</center>
<center>
It's a simple word, and one that we don't need to be reminded to do every couple of seconds, but to Breathe deep ... well that's a different story.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<i>"When you own your breath, nobody can steal your peace. Try to learn to <b>BREATHE </b>deeply, really to taste food when you eat, and when you sleep, really to sleep. </i></center>
<center>
<i>Try as much as possible to be wholly alive with all your might, and when you laugh, laugh like hell. And when you get angry, get good and angry. Try to be alive. You will be dead soon enough." </i>~Ernest Hemingway</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Before this morning I was thinking about how grateful I am to be alive and breathing and how I need to be kinder to myself, and take better care of my body... which is not an uncommon thought for this time of year. I thought about how long it has been since I've had a daily practice of yoga and quiet times of centering my soul.... and then I looked over and saw that word.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
In the practice of Yoga your breathe is a huge component of the practice.</center>
<center>
To be so aware of your body, and how it should be stretched, and where it needs help, you have to start with your breathing. It's as though you are thanking the life force that is breathe with every inhale and exhale. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<center>
I think about how Spirit is Breathe. </center>
<center>
The Holy Spirit that lives and breathes and has his/her being in me... helping me thru every day.</center>
<center>
I'm currently reading an old book that was a HUGE spiritual tool in my tool box of walking out life with spiritual eyes. It's been just about 30 years ago that I first read this book so it's kind of a trip to read it now after all these years and I don't really want to say much about it here on this blog, but I bring it up here because The Holy Spirit is breathe. </center>
<center>
The title of the book; <i>Good Morning Holy Spirit by Benny Hinn. </i></center>
<div>
<br /></div>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<i>"I could feel reverence humming in me"</i></center>
<center>
<i>~Jane Fonda (on becoming a Christian)</i></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Often times I will wake in the morning and see that word <b>Breathe</b> hanging on my wall, and before my feet even hit the ground I will give thanks for this breathe inside my lungs. </center>
<center>
Another brand new day to start all over again. </center>
<center>
So here it is a new fresh year, with promise and I'm giving thanks for 2018, and I will remind myself with this word to breathe deep, and give thanks for all that has gone before me and all the lies ahead, and center my soul for the moment that I am in. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
It's all just rivers and roads til I reach you. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img src="http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p588/alyxblogdesign/noel/signature-1.png" /></center>
No(dot dot)elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10578214325474193322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299229.post-38003629459374501792017-12-17T10:35:00.000-08:002017-12-17T10:35:29.028-08:0043 Life Lessons in 43 years<center>
<br /></center>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-inELinn1dak/Wja4Wv5vg3I/AAAAAAAAMMc/ZfY435dWyJM3Nqv397kKIAJU96Aean84wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-6626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-inELinn1dak/Wja4Wv5vg3I/AAAAAAAAMMc/ZfY435dWyJM3Nqv397kKIAJU96Aean84wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG-6626.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
1. Find your anchor.</center>
<center>
2. Live your life, no one else can be YOU, and we need YOU.</center>
<center>
3. Love truly does conquer all.</center>
<center>
4. Don't wait to say what you know to be true.</center>
<center>
5. Make your own fashion statement.</center>
<center>
6. Smile and meet strangers who soon become friends.</center>
<center>
7. Tell your parents you love and appreciate them.</center>
<center>
8. Eat dessert for breakfast.</center>
<center>
9. Dishes and laundry be damed. </center>
<center>
10. Be a life long learner. </center>
<center>
11. You get more with honey than you do with vinegar. </center>
<center>
12. Find balance in all things. </center>
<center>
13. <b>Love doesn't exist until you love something into existence.</b></center>
<center>
14. Children truly make life worth living. </center>
<center>
15. Be an animal lover, it's worth the investment. </center>
<center>
16. Find beauty in the quiet, simple moments. </center>
<center>
17. There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for. </center>
<center>
18. Don't tell people what you believe in, show them. </center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghaG4HXWlOQ/Wja4Vhb168I/AAAAAAAAMMY/cD9BBKPd_pA_jBwz2_YqeqX41d668K7AgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-6627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghaG4HXWlOQ/Wja4Vhb168I/AAAAAAAAMMY/cD9BBKPd_pA_jBwz2_YqeqX41d668K7AgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG-6627.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<center>
19. Get off your PHONE !!</center>
<center>
20. You are not your feelings. </center>
<center>
21. You are not your paycheck.</center>
<center>
22. Stop to smell, listen, and see. </center>
<center>
23. Ask Questions.</center>
<center>
24.<b> Own your shit and stay in your own shit lane.</b></center>
<center>
25. Turn up the music.</center>
<center>
26. Support those that support the little people, the underdogs in life.</center>
<center>
27. Be someones biggest fan, and don't ever stop cheering them on.</center>
<center>
28. You were made for community.</center>
<center>
29. Don't be afraid of some Vitamin D.</center>
<center>
30. What you worry about today won't matter when you're on your death bed.</center>
<center>
31. Every breathe is a gift, so breathe deep.</center>
<center>
32. Don't look to anyone else to find your happy.</center>
<center>
33. Sing out loud and proud even off key because your voice is unlike any other.</center>
<center>
34. Go outside and just look up and then listen.</center>
<center>
35. In your weakest moments you will find your inner strength.</center>
<center>
36. Don't wait for someone else's approval.</center>
<center>
37. Bless those that hurt you and then move on, fuller, richer, stronger and with boundaries.</center>
<center>
38. When waiting in line or traffic look around and know someone else is waiting behind you.</center>
<center>
39. Invest in people not things. </center>
<center>
40. Grow older with the knowledge that every grey hair, wrinkle, ache and pain is a gift because you are alive. </center>
<center>
41. Don't be afraid to ask for what you need. We all have needs. </center>
<center>
42. Forward motion is key. </center>
<center>
43. It's just a number-AGE and wisdom are not the same thing. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img src="http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p588/alyxblogdesign/noel/signature-1.png" /></center>
No(dot dot)elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10578214325474193322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299229.post-26788130274554417762017-12-11T13:48:00.001-08:002017-12-11T13:48:59.564-08:00Repeat the Sounding Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJX9_ty7WjQ/Wi7TOFUVq6I/AAAAAAAAMMI/LP1V3MWDvUsCFnHpZR2PGH3dPjY6FfNugCLcBGAs/s1600/trailer_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="813" height="340" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJX9_ty7WjQ/Wi7TOFUVq6I/AAAAAAAAMMI/LP1V3MWDvUsCFnHpZR2PGH3dPjY6FfNugCLcBGAs/s640/trailer_06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
This weekend after a very long, busy, and emotional week, I decided that the Christmas movie of choice would be;</center>
<center>
<b> The Family Stone.</b></center>
<center>
I am of the cloth that has a collection of classic Christmas movies that have to all be watched in a matter of 31 days. </center>
<center>
The Family Stone is one of those movies. </center>
<center>
For many of you, this is a very sad movie that has quite a bit of controversy tied into it , but for me it's a movie about family, and life and all that, that entails. </center>
<center>
Well, maybe there is a bit more in this family that goes on that doesn't happen in every family... but all the same it's one of my favorite Christmas movies. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
This Christmas movie is a tear jerker for sure so I pick this movie on a night when I know I have a lot of emotions that just need to find their way out, and I make sure I'm surrounded by those who love me even when they see my ugly cry face. </center>
<center>
<center>
This time when I watched it, I knew going in that I would need more kleenex than I normally do.</center>
<div>
I knew this because this past year has been filled with a lot of loss of loved ones that have passed on, and this movie definitely has that life and death element as a key note. </div>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
But, a funny thing happened when I watched it this year.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Not only did I bawl my eyes out like I knew I would but...</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<b>A line in the movie stuck out to me and in the most random of places.</b></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
There is a part in the movie that an unlikely couple end up snuggling after a VERY eventful holiday, and the actor Sarah Jessica starts to sing the Christmas song, "Joy to the World" and her new found friend actor Luke Wilson keeps saying the phrase, "Repeat the Sounding Joy."</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
"<b>REPEAT THE SOUNDING JOY!"</b> </center>
<center>
<b><br /></b></center>
<center>
At this point in the movie, it is a strange song choice because this family has just had possibly one of the worst Christmas holidays in their families history, but also one of the most profound holidays because for one of the family members it was their first introduction into this big family and it didn't go very well at all and for another family member it will be their last Christmas. </center>
<center>
But, when actor Luke starts to chime in with the phrase ;</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
"<b>REPEAT THE SOUNDING JOY!"</b></center>
<center>
its as if he knows thats what life is all about. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Maybe it was just me, or the glass of wine I was drinking, but I really was feeling Luke Wilson's soul in that part of the movie, like he knew that LIFE is for the LIVING.... and you have to continue to repeat the sounding joy!</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I have sung this Christmas carol so many times in my life, but the next morning was Sunday morning and it was on the list of songs to sing at my faith community Hillside Foursquare Church,... oh and I just happened to be on the worship team this past weekend. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
That particular phrase kept lingering in my head as almost like a life anthem for me to sing out; </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
"<b>REPEAT THE SOUNDING JOY!"</b></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
In the midst of heartache and pain, </center>
<center>
love and loss, </center>
<center>
I truly can repeat the sounding Joy of my life because of Jesus and the hope He gives me on the daily.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
My eyes and heart were opened up at a very young age to truly know beyond a shadow of any doubt that I do indeed have a Savior from all the pain, loss and sorrow. </center>
<center>
That is not to say that I don't still have questions, and I don't type these words with a triumphant kind of attitude that I have arrived and have all life's answers figured out.</center>
<center>
I have sucky days just like anyone else, and </center>
<center>
I am working out my faith on a daily basis. </center>
<center>
Thankfully I'm not alone on this faith walk.</center>
<center>
It's just that,</center>
<center>
His love for me and all those around me is what gives me Joy even in the midst of sorrow and grief. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
If I do nothing else in this life I will continue to repeat the sounding Joy of his love. </center>
<center>
I'm beyond grateful that I have this hope as an anchor in my life.</center>
<center>
I'm not perfect, (no one is) but it is my life's goal to follow the ways that Jesus set before me some 2000+ years ago. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
"<b>REPEAT THE SOUNDING JOY!"</b></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
His ways are perfect, and when I hang out with him HE perfects this messy road before me. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
It is my hearts prayer that everyone could know this unending love, hope, and faith in Jesus. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<b>
I also hope that no matter where this holiday season finds you, you know that you are not alone.</b></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
There is a King in this Game of Thrones who doesn't see your life as a game at all. </center>
<center>
He left his throne, to come as an infant child and express love and mercy and give you hope. He is not so far removed that he doesn't know the pain and sorrow of loss. He walked this earth and was contained by the gravity that keeps our feet on the ground. He is not far from you, in fact just say the words, "I believe" and he's right there with you. </center>
<center>
Maybe you are reading this blog and thinking, Noël you don't understand ... you don't know what I've been through and you would be absolutely correct. </center>
<center>
I don't know, but there is one who does. </center>
<center>
To know that we are not alone in this life full of trials and tribulations is what I believe we all are looking for. </center>
<center>
If you are feeling depleted in the Joy department, just a take a deep breathe... now take another deep breathe.... fill your lungs with that life, and give Jesus a second glance. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
And then keep looking into this deeper thought that you are not alone. </center>
<center>
There was an infant named Jesus who more than likely was not born in December when we choose to celebrate his birth, BUT he walked this planet for 33 years.</center>
<center>
He changed our calendar and how we measure time; BC and AD ... yea that's a thing!</center>
<center>
He changed my life some 30 years ago.</center>
<center>
He's changing lives to THIS day and it could very easily be yours.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Take one more deep breathe....</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Then, keep asking questions, and wondering and pondering and seeking.... and knocking... the door will open to a world of Joy!</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Oh and don't forget to listen to Miss Whitney who at this very moment is in the presence of JOY!</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bukaA1szoMQ" width="560"></iframe></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img src="http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p588/alyxblogdesign/noel/signature-1.png" /></center>
No(dot dot)elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10578214325474193322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299229.post-74675301822651736102017-11-27T08:41:00.001-08:002017-11-27T19:35:41.671-08:00WEEK 4 and 5 #graditudetrain I Love Right Now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VgsjIkuFVk8/WHwg71BWKcI/AAAAAAAAMAc/XpRzNbs32qAqVuq6I7IpuPsd7mkF9wCHQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VgsjIkuFVk8/WHwg71BWKcI/AAAAAAAAMAc/XpRzNbs32qAqVuq6I7IpuPsd7mkF9wCHQCLcB/s400/IMG_4641.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<center>
<i><br /></i></center>
<center>
It's the final week of the hashtag #graditudetrain (see blogs below) that I started on November 1st. </center>
<center>
I'm already feeling sad that it's almost over because even though I will continue to give thanks after the month of November is over, I know it won't be with the same attention and energy that these past few weeks have provided. </center>
<center>
I have been challenged in ways that I didn't think I would be when I started this little refresher course in giving thanks. </center>
<center>
It's been so fun to see others hop on board this train with me, and it truly has hit a refresh button in my heart and mind. I feel like I have grown in my "attitude of gratitude" and that makes me real happy. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Now the challenge of taking what I've learned and using that growth about having a thankful heart is what I'm thinking about. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
If I were to teach a class on gratitude and how to stay </center>
<center>
in this place of contentment, gratitude, and thankfulness I think this scripture from the Message version of the bible is what I would start with; </center>
<center>
<i><br /></i></center>
<center>
<i>"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are- no more, no less."</i></center>
<center>
<i><br /></i></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I'm thinking that this quote has become a motto of sorts in my mind. </center>
<center>
The older I get the more I'm realizing that in order to be content I have to accept the present moment. </center>
<center>
That's not to say there isn't always room for improvement, but finding a sense of contentment in the present moment is crucial to contentment in life as a whole.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<i>"That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought."</i></center>
<center>
<i><br /></i></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
There are A LOT, and I do mean a whole lotta things that can be bought these days.</center>
<center>
But I want to be the proud owner of the eternal things that can't be purchased with a swipe or insert of a stupid plastic card.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<b>I want to remain grateful for what I already have, as well as know that my love for those around me, and their love for me, isn't defined by, and doesn't hinge on what I give them from a retail store.</b></center>
<center>
Finding worth in what can't be bought has got to be where true life is found. </center>
<center>
I know it's wrapped up in there somewhere.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I also think that you have to work at contentment and dwelling there.</center>
<center>
It's a habit that is formed over many years of saying "Thank You" even in the midst of heart ache and pain. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<b>
In the face of challenges and hardship is where we find our true selves. </b></center>
<center>
<b><br /></b></center>
<center>
Our character is built in these times.</center>
<center>
It's easy to say thank you when everything is going well and the sun is shining and unicorns are a plenty. But to remain in a grateful state of mind when everything and everyone around you has gone to the dark side this is the true challenge in life.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<i>"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God."</i></center>
<center>
<i>Matthew 5:5-6</i></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I have a thankful for heart because of the Lover of my Soul. </center>
<center>
(Insert old Petra song here)</center>
<center>
I'm hungry, no starving, for knowing more of the heart of my Creator.</center>
<center>
There are SO many things in this life that our energy, and our appetites can be appeased with, but only one gives any return, and that is when I spend time with my Creator, the true lover of my soul.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
That is why I can say, no matter what ...I LOVE RIGHT NOW!!</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
or </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
"Yet though you slay me I will still hope and trust in HIM!" </center>
<center>
Job 13:15</center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img src="http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p588/alyxblogdesign/noel/signature-1.png" /></center>
No(dot dot)elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10578214325474193322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299229.post-61034918795706571742017-11-15T10:21:00.000-08:002017-11-15T10:21:42.975-08:00WEEK 3- #graditudetrain -Keeping It In Perspective and Shout OUT to Barbara Owens<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0RXjuUQq-g/WgyDneZ5vII/AAAAAAAAMLs/sVWaJXPD-h43Pu4AD3bFQbTHyutamaMPQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0RXjuUQq-g/WgyDneZ5vII/AAAAAAAAMLs/sVWaJXPD-h43Pu4AD3bFQbTHyutamaMPQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1607.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
I'm full steam ahead on my #graditudetrain. </center>
<center>
(see post week 1 and 2 below if you're wondering what this is all about)</center>
<center>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<center>
It's been so much fun to see some friends hop on board this with me. When others get on board this train of giving thanks in ALL things it gives me more momentum. Starting this train has truly been like hitting the reset button.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
On Thursday of this past week I walked outside to the fresh smell of rain and I was tired, so very tired, but right away I took a deep breath and thought, today is going to be a good day. </center>
<center>
I know it is strange that rainy days invigorate me, but they truly do.</center>
<center>
The above pic is our drive way up to the cabin in Washington. </center>
<center>
When it rains here, I can't help but think of this special place that now houses my oldest daughter Emma. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-APv6hvpq-Rk/WgTIxe4poLI/AAAAAAAAMLQ/bdarPAIOiAQIIcYHy15m8imn1TkSWw0kwCLcBGAs/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="778" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-APv6hvpq-Rk/WgTIxe4poLI/AAAAAAAAMLQ/bdarPAIOiAQIIcYHy15m8imn1TkSWw0kwCLcBGAs/s400/unnamed-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<center>
I needed that rainy morning last week to stop, and pause because the few days prior had been all kinds of rough.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I feel compelled to share the things that have happened this past week that I wasn't so thankful for because, basically they SUCKED!!</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
First, My dishwasher broke.</center>
<center>
(insert full blown crying emoticon here)</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Which ok, it's not the END of the world because we have hot water and dish soap and sponges, and hands that work. I was reminded of the 4 years in the cabin where we lived without a dishwasher, or central heat, or more than one bathroom, and I gotta say I stopped in my tracks and thought...it's those little things like dishes piling up that can really derail a train of gratitude in a New York Minute!</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
But beloved reader, I was determined not to let it.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I'm keeping the bigger perspective in mind, and the minute I almost started to be ungrateful I was reminded not only of the cabin life, but of another momma friend of 4 who is battling for her life right now.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
It was a moment that I paused and thought, God thank you that I'm healthy enough to stand here, and do dishes by hand for hours and hours if need be. </center>
<center>
It was a true reset button when I thought about how my friend probably wishes more than anything in all the world that she was healthy again and able to care for her clan of 4 kids. </center>
<center>
I give thanks for Barbara because she is a warrior momma who I admire for her strength and courage and humor. </center>
<center>
I paused and lifted up prayers for her and her family and thanked God for her. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
IF you're interested in helping my fellow momma friend click the link below. </center>
<center>
<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/help-barbara-beat-cancer-2nd-time">Help Barbara fight Cancer for the 2nd Time</a></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
I started thanking God for all the things that are STILL working even though my BLASTED bleepity BLEEP dishwasher is broken!!</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Then the place where I work got broken into right before our big Veterans day event last weekend. </center>
<center>
Which for me personally wasn't so bad, but I felt terrible for my boss/friend Mark who had to deal with this in the wee hours of the morning on Wednesday. </center>
<center>
I started to think about how in life when you are going about your business something like that can happen and really shake things up. </center>
<center>
They are moments that cause us to pause in all our busy, and hopefully we remember what to give thanks for in those moments.</center>
<center>
I felt a certain sense of violation and frustration toward this selfish, stupid person who thankfully didn't get away with a single thing, but still it caused all kinds of other work for us last week that we really didn't need to be dealing with.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Even in this though, I was thankful that nothing was taken, and no one was hurt. </center>
<center>
And I KNOW we did do some really good work for our community this past weekend when we gave away free tattoos to all the veterans as our way of saying thank you for your service to our country.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
There are countless other little things that happened this past week that tried to derail this train, but I saw those things coming down the tracks and thought to myself ... NOPE...NOT TODAY! </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
We all have those things that come to rob, kill and destroy the attitude of gratitude, but they are nothing more than the Punk Ass Devil messing with what really matters. </center>
<center>
When talking about giving thanks it's important to mention that not all things, obviously are worthy of thanks or gratitude. A lot of things in this life truly are horrible and there are no answers for the injustice. </center>
<center>
But, "in all things" we give thanks. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<b>Still, I believe there is always, always, always something to be thankful for.</b></center>
<center>
<b><br /></b></center>
<center>
I'm not really sure how this works when faced with true tragedy. I don't pretend to have all the answers or even some of the answers, but I know that personally in my life if I look for gratitude in every circumstance I can always find it. </center>
<center>
It might not come right away, but it does come to me.</center>
<center>
<b><br /></b></center>
<center>
<b>Again I will say, in this life we find what we are looking for. </b></center>
<center>
<b><br /></b></center>
<center>
If you look for something in every life circumstance to be thankful for you will find it. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
This "graditudetrain" isn't about ignoring the horrible bad things that happen in life, it's about being determined to not stay there. </center>
<center>
We have to allow for times of grief and sorrow to fully heal. It can't be all sunshine and roses everyday because with out the dark times we don't know how to appreciate the light.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<b>I do believe though, there is something to wrestling our way out of those dark times and the muscle we use to dig out of that pit of gloom is gratitude. </b></center>
<center>
<b><br /></b></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
So there you have it... week 3 here I go !</center>
<center>
Keeping my attitude of gratitude and the determination to be a graduate in giving thanks in ALL things... "grad"itude train for LIFE!!</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img src="http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p588/alyxblogdesign/noel/signature-1.png" /></center>
No(dot dot)elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10578214325474193322noreply@blogger.com0