Words

There is a seemingly large portion of the population that is moving away from "resolutions" to themes or a one word focus for the year.  It is a growing trend.  As I have pondered this, there is a word this year that is jumping out at me.  So I thought I would share it and some thoughts that are running through my head connected to that word.

Yep.  My word is LIFE.
I have chosen this is my word, focus, theme, etc. for the year and maybe longer.  You see, it really is true that "life is what you make it", and it's also true that "life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get".  And what it really boils down to is our choices.  These choices push, pull, drive, or stop us in our tracks moment by moment.  I have begun recently to try a new mantra upon waking.  I use to go for "it's Good morning Lord not Good Lord it's morning" but still feel like I'm giving myself another choice there.  So my new waking phrase is from the musical Oklahoma
" O what a beautiful morning!  O what a beautiful day!  I've got a beautiful feeling everything's going my way. O what a beautiful day!"  Waking with this going through my mind sets the tone for my day...at least until my feet hit the floor but hopefully well beyond that.  A woman I greatly admire and respect has a blog titled "Choosing Joy".  That is where I want my LIFE to be...in the midst of choosing Joy.  Does this mean I don't have hard days, that I never grumble or complain, that my life is all rainbows and roses?  Good golly NO!!!  However it does mean that I choose to work to overcome those moments, days, weeks....and LIVE with JOY.  LIFE is an adventure, a chance to learn as much as we can, and it "gives you many reasons to smile" (the stamp that is on the inside of the card pictured above).  Our choices bring consequences, some good and some that make us wish we had made other choices.  How we react to those consequences is another choice.  And sometimes that choice means that we smile through the tears until our steps lead us to a place where we can once again leave the tears behind.  Though my children will tell you that it doesn't mean mom is sad if she's crying because mom cries at EVERYTHING.  They might be a little bit right.  Any strong emotion will bring tears to my eyes.  Tears are good.  They are a cleansing rain for the soul.  And a soul refreshed will choose LIFE, will choose JOY.   This Life we are given to live is a gift.  Take your gift and use it ABUNDANTLY!

2012 again

I began this year with a post titled 2012 and as we are now at the end of the year I revisit the title again.
For our family the year began adjusting to life with a baby in the house once more, Mykhal's 16th bday, and Russ being home.  Changes are never easy, but growth is good.  Spring found us celebrating Lex's 19th bday, the 50th anniversary for Russ' folks, playing in the sand with great friends at Monahans, and buying our travel trailer.  Summer brought Scarborough Faire,  RETIREMENT! (still get excited about that one),  Kerrie's 13th bday, and Lex moving to Missouri.  In the fall we made the Birthday Bundle trip celebrating my mom's, Russ' grandma's, and his dad's birthdays.  Then another fun trip to the Texas Renaissance Faire which included more fun with great friends!  Thanksgiving was of course a blessed event with amazing fellowship.  And we have just returned from our annual Christmas trip!  Our trailer has seen many miles and many places and LOADS of fun!  It has been a richly blessed year without a doubt!
We look forward to 2013 with new plans and dreams, and new adventures.  Life is never dull, but it is always blessed.  May you also find the Blessings and the Joy that come from simply Living life.
Love and Peace to you all!

Things Aren't Always What They Seem

Lex called us the other night with this information.  She was referring to her relationship with Jonathan.   When they had moved all seemed bright, full of hope and promise.  But things aren't always what they seem.  Their relationship was not/is not good.  They have spent many hours in discussion and have concluded that they just aren't compatible in a marriage relationship.  They will soon be filing for divorce.  Lex is going to be moving back to Texas though not back to San Angelo.  She wants to stand on her own two feet and not on our toes or those of Jonathan's family.  To support herself and Matrim she is training for Medical Transcription work.  Being home with her baby is of utmost importance to her.  Spring looks to be an eventful time for all of us as we go to help her move and take a little time to see family along the way.  Once again the future is bright, full of hope and promise.