That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

 

Last night, ABC had a wonderful special for the 50th Anniversary of A Charlie Brown Christmas being on TV. While some of the music I could have done without, for the most part, it was a heartwarming look into the making of the Christmas special and everyone's beloved 'gang' sharing the true meaning of Christmas.

 

 

In the opening scene, we see Charlie Brown and Linus heading to the skating pond to meet up with the gang for some winter fun. They stop at a brick wall, and the following dialogue takes place:

 

• Charlie Brown: I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus. Christmas is coming, but I'm not happy. I don't feel the way I'm supposed to feel. I just don't understand Christmas, I guess. I like getting presents and sending Christmas cards and decorating trees and all that, but I'm still not happy. I always end up feeling depressed.

• Linus: Charlie Brown, you're the only person I know who can take a wonderful season like Christmas and turn it into a problem. Maybe Lucy's right. Of all the Charlie Browns in the world, you're the Charlie Browniest.
  

I think we can all relate to Charlie Brown in the beginning of the special at some point. This year, more than any other year, I've found myself feeling quite "Charlie Browniest" when it came to preparing my home from the holiday. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE Christmas. I love everything about it. I love my home, all decorated for the season. I love my church at Christmas. I love the idea of giving to people. I love the Christmas Story as told in the gospel according to St. Luke.  I just love Christmas.


And more than all of that, I love the A Charlie Brown Christmas special. I love that 50 years ago, Charles Schulz took a HUGE risk and decided to tell it like it is at Christmas, using the scriptures to tell the greatest story ever told.


As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, I cannot think of a better or more beloved “true meaning of Christmas” speech than the one that was so eloquently delivered by Linus van Pelt. Take the time to sit back and enjoy this video clip from A Charlie Brown Christmas as you prepare for the Christmas season.

        Charlie Brown: Isn’t there anyone, who knows what Christmas is all about?

Linus: Sure Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about. Lights please?

        And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch   over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them! And they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, “Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings o great joy, which shall be to all my people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, and good will toward men.

          That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.








From Think Thankfully to all of you.....many wishes for a blessed Christmas and a joyous 2016.

Until next time.............

 

Why I am thankful for Hurricane Katrina (yes, you read that right)...

10 years. $81 billion dollars in damage. 1836 deaths. 1 storm. Hurricane Katrina. 

10 years ago, August 29, 2005 my favorite city in the world was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina, leaving in her wake massive destruction, death, and for a little while, the livelihood of the city known as The Big Easy.

But, I am thankful for Hurricane Katrina. Yes, you read that correctly. I am thankful for Hurricane Katrina. Sounds silly, doesn't it. And I am sure that MANY people will be a bit upset with that comment, especially those who lost so much during that storm 10 years ago. Believe me, being thankful for the storm in no way lessens the heartache I felt that morning watching it unfold on news outlets 1400 miles away. Being thankful for the storm in no way makes me overjoyed or pleased at what happened to New Orleans that morning. But yes, I am thankful for that bitch of a storm.

Rewind time back 10 years. Summer of 2005. It was much like my summer 2015. Filled with excitement and visiting a new city that would rank among my favorites. One month before Hurricane Katrina decided to visit, I had been in NOLA for a week long vacation with some people I knew. It was a glorious week. The city of New Orleans opened my eyes to a lot of things in my life. It was the first time I had ever gone away without my immediate family. My (now ex-) husband opted out of the trip, saying he had no desire to visit New Orleans. My children were far too young to accompany me. So, I visited New Orleans with two of my friends at the time, meeting up with others later in the week. It was while I was exploring this great city that I realized the direction my life would be taking when I returned home. It was while wandering the city alone on the Wednesday of my trip that I met someone who would become the truest friend I've ever known. I met NOFD Captain Ronnie Beaulieu as I stumbled into Engine 29 to buy a NOFD TShirt for my (now -ex) husband, who was also a firefighter. We talked a little shop (I think I impressed him with my firefighting knowledge) and we instantly connected with a bond of friendship that would, 10 years later, prove very hard to break.

After leaving New Orleans on my first trip, Captain Ron and I remained in touch. And then.....August 29 happened. I can't begin to tell you the fear I felt watching what was happening in New Orleans, knowing what his job was, and having absolutely NO way of getting in touch with him to make sure he was ok. That morning, my mom and aunt were at my house for our annual "Kids are back in school" games and drinks day, like we did every year on the first day of school. The weather here was pretty nasty, too, so we sat in my living room, at a card table, playing various games, drinking wine, and watching. I remember constantly hitting redial on my phone, which was met with nothing but dial tones and recorded messages that 'all circuits were down'. My heart sank. When I was able, I left message after message on Captain Ron's phone begging him to let me know he was ok. It took a few days, but finally, the call came in and the voice on the other end was my friend. I remember crying. And I remember the rest.

My friend had seen the gates of hell pretty much open up in front of him. I had no response at first. What do you say to someone who sees what should have been seen in horror movies, unfold right in front of his eyes? Not knowing what to say, I listened. Every night for over a month, same time (10pm-ish my time, 9pm-ish his time), I listened. Being so far removed from what was happening in his city, I could listen. His fear for his family (who are amazing and have become people I consider my good friends, too), his fear for his city, his exhaustion, his sadness, and through it all, his love for his city.

That all brings me to why I am thankful for Hurricane Katrina. I am thankful for the storm that blasted New Orleans because through that storm, I realized how deep my love was for a city I had only visited once before. I realized the incredible, deep rooted, connection to a city that had never been on my radar prior to the summer of 2005. And that city has drawn me back half a dozen times since then.

I am thankful for Hurricane Katrina simply because that storm helped me forge a bond of friendship with someone I cannot imagine my life without. Because of that wicked nasty storm, I was connected to my new friend in ways that I would have never imagined. And I'd do it all over again if it meant the outcome was the friendship I have now. Visits to my beloved city include visits with Captain Ron and his beautiful wife, Stacey. Visits always begin with a first stop at 317 Decatur Street to say hello to my friend, right where it all began. I am thankful for that.

I am thankful for Hurricane Katrina because the mess she left behind was not quickly erased from my mind. As a teacher, I used the storm as a teaching tool when my school year finally began that year. Current events at its finest. I taught about the city, hurricanes, this particular hurricane, and was able to bring my friend into the classroom, at first using teleconferencing. Captain Ron called my classroom, was put on speaker phone, and talked to my students about his city. He answered almost all of their questions, no matter how heartbreaking they may have been for him. We watched him on TV as a morning TV show followed him going back into his home to see what was left behind. He sent patches, MRE's for the kids to try, remnants of his city, and, one weekend on a respite trip he was forced to take to 'clear his mind for a little bit' of what happened in his city, he came to my class and they were able to meet him. He brought TShirts (which he is FAMOUS for always having on hand at the fire station - in a wide variety of styles, too, dependent on what's happening in the city at the time.) for each of the kids and talked to my class in person for quite some time. Because of that, a new friendship was forged. One of my students from that year has kept in touch with Captain Ron off and on for the past 10 years, most recently reconnecting on Facebook. I am thankful for that.

I am thankful for Hurricane Katrina because through all the mess, devastation, destruction, and rebuilding, I've always been reminded of the city that I love. I've helped my own two daughters see what a great city it is and even took my oldest to celebrate her 21st birthday on Bourbon Street a few years ago. She, too, has developed an inexplicable love for this city. My youngest is looking forward to the time when I take her, too, to introduce her to the city that has a piece of my heart. I am thankful for a storm that consumed so much of my time, heart, and energy 10 years ago, because New Orleans has always been a talking point in our home. She's never gone away.

So, yes, you read that right. I am thankful for Hurricane Katrina, because as she battered down on the city I had just visited a month before, she also strengthened the feeling I have for this city. A feeling that continues to grow stronger each passing year. One day I'll live in this city because I truly believe the quote: "Someone suggested that there's an incomplete part of our chromosomes that gets repaired or found when we hit New Orleans. Some of us just belong here." John Goodman

I know what it means to miss New Orleans. I belong there. And I am thankful for Hurricane Katrina helping me to realize that.

Until next time, my friends......please continue to Think Thankfully

 





 

Father's Day Thoughts

Happy Father's Day!

A father is someone who believes that by donating his sperm for your creation, he automatically deserves the respect and title of Dad. On the contrary, a true dad is someone who gets up every day and does whatever he CAN and whatever he HAS to in order to put a roof over your head, clothes on your back and food on your table. He may not have donated anything more than his time, energy, and love towards your creation and existence, but he CHOOSES to despite the fact that he doesn't HAVE to.

I know six men who are the most AMAZING examples of Father's Day I could have ever hoped to be blessed with in my life. My Pappy Lester and Pappy Wip. Both of these men were great examples of being a father and (great)grandfather and the unconditional love that went along with it. I miss them every single day (Father's Day just a little more). My Pappy Wip was the 'Dad who didn't have to be' to my mom during her growing up years. While he may not have 'fathered' her and my aunts, he sure did raise them up the best he could, after stepping in and taking over the role! My Pappy Lester worked long, hard hours in order for my Grandma to be a stay at home mom and wife, but he never complained. He just went out and worked in order for my dad and uncles to have the best they possibly could in life. My Dad, Les (Butch) Everett.....WOW! What can I say about him? He's always been my guiding star. I've strived every day in the classroom to be even half the teacher he ever was. The lives he impacted in his career is nothing short of awesome. I've strived every day in life to be even half the parent he is. He's always been my rock and my leaning post. He's helped me in ways I can't even begin to thank him for. AND he is the most amazing grandfather to not just my girls, but all SIX of his granddaughters as well. My brothers, Chad and Travis Everett. They've been the best uncles and both of them have always been two very different sources of inspiration and guidance to Alyssa as her GodFathers. AND they are super dads to my nieces. Lastly, Bill DeHart. Where to begin? Bill came into my life and helped me show my girls what a meaningful, loving, respectful relationship looks like. He showed them that disagreements are not the end of the world and that when you love someone, you take the good with the bad and you compromise. He has given my girls as much love, patience, support, guidance, respect, time, and energy as his own children. He has been a SUPERIOR example of what being a Dad is all about, when too many times to count, they were lacking in that area. He's supported all their sporting events, school activities, adventuristic explorations, and through it all has shown them LOVE.



My world is INCREDIBLY better and has been BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE because of these men. Happy Father's Day to the REAL FATHERS out there. The ones who know what it means to TRULY love a child with all their hearts.

Until tomorrow, THINK THANKFULLY!

I'm an April Fool's Scrooge

Dear Readers,

Happy April 1! Welcome to the 4th month of the calendar year. For many people, today is just another day. To many others, it is a day where they feel they have carte blanche to spew completely ridiculous and inappropriate 'jokes' with their friends. Unfortunately, I've seen my share of Facebook posts that were not at all funny, both from friends as well as some pretty credible sites I normally enjoy reading things from. I've seen a 'joke' of a post regarding the renaming of Cinderella's Castle to the BBC creating a new series based on Harry Potter's Godric's Hollow. I've seen people post horrible things about themselves, things that made their close friends seriously concerned. And for what? For April Fool's? Well, call me a prude, but I do not find this day funny in the least.

We live in a society where we are fed information on the internet and believe it to be 100% accurate and true no matter what. How many times we've seen things reposted on Facebook by countless people only to find out, via Snopes, that it is completely false. We find it difficult to believe things we see, but yet when our close friends and family post the most bizarre of statuses on this day, we believe it with every ounce of our being. 

Out of all the days in the year, I dislike April 1 more than any other (although February 2 comes in a VERY close second). I've never enjoyed being the butt of other people's jokes, I don't like being pranked, and I don't find the humor in making others feel poorly. There is a huge difference between being told a joke (which is meant to be funny and elicit a laugh or two) and being pranked (where 9 times out of 10 the only one laughing is the one who pulled the prank). I'm not even sure how or why this day became April Fool's Day (unless I decide I care enough to Google it or something).

We expect people to treat each other with kindness and decency and then we promote a day where that all goes to hell because we think it is funny to play tricks and pull pranks on one another at any cost. Emotions are involved, but no one cares...."it's all in the name of the day" we hear. WRONG. There is nothing funny about posting that you were in a horrible car accident (especially to those who have lost someone or almost lost someone in a REAL one). There is nothing funny about posting that you are pregnant (especially to the woman who wants nothing more than to be a mom, yet can't OR the family who just lost a child). There is nothing funny about posting that you broke an arm or a leg (especially to the person who has broken a bone OR finds themselves unable to use a body part). Am I exaggerating a bit? No. I don't think I am. I completely LOATHE this day and what it stands for.

For the sake of my wee ones, I laughed at their attempts at fooling me today (with the whole, LOOK! It's SNOWING! or THERE'S A SPIDER HANGING FROM THE CEILING!) but deep down I just wanted to scream....I HATE THIS DAY! At least April 2 is only a few hours away.....

Until tomorrow, my friends....don't be a fool!

Think Thankfully!

Superpowers, ACTIVATE!!!!

Dear Readers,

As I wrote about the other day, I have got a lot of ‘crap’ going on inside my head lately. I am able to remain strong for awhile and then WHAM. I feel as though I’ve fallen down a ravine and I’m struggling to crawl back out. I know exactly where my feelings come from. I allow what other people think of me to control me. Isn’t this something we all tend to do from time to time? Of course. All too often in our lives we are so concerned about what other people think of us, that we allow them to get inside our head, create a feeling of inadequacy, and ultimately, we give all of our superpowers away.

Let’s work on regaining our superpowers, why don’t we? It seems as though we are always finding ourselves doing what others want us to do or expect us to do. After awhile, we find ourselves completely drained, feeling lost in a world that does not seem to care about us. Just how easy is it to give away our superpowers to others? It’s pretty darn easy, let me tell you. 

Hmmmmmmm, are you the type of person who:

• ·         Engages in gossip
• ·         Says yes to everything to please everyone else
• ·         Obsesses about other people’s behaviors (despite knowing you cannot change them)
• ·         Tries to be nice to everyone
• ·         Constantly doubts yourself
• ·         Feels the need to keep up with the Jones’s

A lot of us engage in these types of behaviors without even realizing it. We give our superpowers away and before we know it, we feel that complete and utter feeling of loss, failure. The beauty of this is, that once you really start to acknowledge what you are doing, you have no excuse not to reclaim your superpower, never to give it away again.

So, just how DO you reclaim that superpower? Well, the first step is to realize when you are giving it away. Step two is to start to form a strategy firmly in your head for saying ‘No’ to giving your power away. If someone tries to engage you in gossip, politely listen but offer nothing in return. As you get more and more of your power back you can work on stopping the person trying to engage you in gossip with a simple: ‘Listen, I am not really interested.’ And walk away. Finally, the third and final step is start to implement your strategy in all the areas where you are giving away your superpower. If someone asks you to do something for them, just say ‘No’. You don’t have to offer any excuses for saying no, you don’t have to explain yourself. If the person prompts you further, you can say ‘I just don’t want to.’

Sure this can all sound real good on the computer screen. Reading it and doing it are two different things. In the end, the choice is yours. Do you want to keep your superpowers or do you want to keep giving them away to people who aren’t really deserving of them? I know where I fit in here…..

Until tomorrow, my friends.....some people drain you and some people help to boost your superpowers. Choose those who help boost your superpowers! Reclaim YOUR life!!!

Think Thankfully! 

Guardian angels and good news!!!

Dear Readers,

Life has been very hectic for me the past few weeks. I've been dealing with a lot of personal things as well as shouldering the worry and anxiety of my 24 year old daughter, who has had some major life events happen. My daughter is a worrier, she is riddled with anxiety, and she sets extremely high standards for herself (and subsequently finds herself second guessing herself, causing even more anxiety and stress in her life).

On February 20, she took her comprehensive exams that would pretty much determine her future. In order to graduate from American University (with a pretty impressive Masters Degree), she had to pass the tests placed before her. And in order to obtain the full time job offer that was presented to her, she needed to graduate in May with her Masters. Not passing the comps = no graduation, which in turn = no job. Nightmare situation to find yourself in when you are a worrier.

My daughter has always excelled in school. She places a lot of pressure on herself to get good grades (and let it be known, I never put that pressure on her.....I was always happy as long as my children gave it their best effort). Throughout elementary school, junior high, high school, and undergrad work, she always took on the toughest classes, aimed high, and worried until she knew she was going to succeed. She finished high school in the top 10% of her class, earning many scholarships along the way. She graduated with her Bachelors Degree (with multiple honors) from a pretty highly regarded university and then set her sights on her graduate work.

American University is NOT an easy place to acquire a degree of any kind. It is a very tough, rigorous institution that demands near excellence. To make it through nearly two years of graduate level work in her area of study has not been an easy task for her. So, when she signed up for the comprehensive exams, it began nearly 6 weeks of intense studying and worrying. As her mom, I knew she was going to be just fine, but because she worried, so did I. During this time, she decided to start apartment hunting, moving out of the apartment under the stairs ('Harry Pottering it', as one of her co-workers lovingly referred to her previous living conditions) and onto a little more spacious living arrangement (with natural lighting for a change!!!!!). On top of the mounds of stress with the taking of exams, she adds to it, the stress of finding relatively inexpensive living in the DC-Metro area. Oooooookkkkkkk!!!!

March 21 she got the keys to her apartment. And then the worrying began again. What if I didn't pass my test? What if I don't graduate and don't have my job? What if I have to wait til August? How will I afford this place? All the questions swirled around her head for the past week, and, truth be told, they swirled around mine too. I worried so much.

Enter my angels. I've got three incredible guardian angels who never go too far away from me or my girls: Pappy Lester, Pappy Wip, and Grandma Marilyn. I've written about my grandma many times before. She was my world. It's taken me five years to be almost ok with losing her. But today, she reminded me that she is ALWAYS right here....helping me (and my girls) as much as she can. She proves over and over again that she is my guardian angel.

Today would have been my grandmother's 85th birthday. Marilyn Mae (Rehrig) Everett was born on March 25, 1930. She passed away on February 2, 2010. Today, she reminded me that she is always right here. At about 3pm this afternoon, I received a call from my daughter. She excitedly told me she just got the results to her comps. SHE PASSED THEM!!! I can't think of a more perfect day to find this out. While birthdays are typically a day to receive a birthday gift, today my gram made sure WE were the recipients of the best gift ever: passing scores on the most important test of my daughter's life!!! And to quote one of her friends, when she posted the news on the great book of Faces, "Congrats!! I can't wait to see what all you continue to accomplish!"

I believe in angels. Always have and always will.

Until next time, my friends.....never stop believing in your angels. They are always right there beside you, helping to show you the way.

Think Thankfully bullshit

Dear Readers,

Another late night inspiration for the blog is happening tonight! Let me be quite frank with this one, as tonight I have had an amazing revelation in the way I choose to live my life and what I am doing with the whole Think Thankfully idea! I had another pretty decent day! I am realizing that not just Facebooking Think Thankfully and blogging Think Thankfully, but really LIVING Think Thankfully is the key to truly living happily ever after!

Many people know, from reading previous blog postings OR from knowing me in real life, that my previous marriage was far less than amazing. While I was blessed with two amazing daughters, my marriage itself was far less than perfect. It wasn't the Disney storybook that everyone thinks they need in life. Nope. Not even close. There was A LOT of infidelity and mistrust. There was a lot of disrespect and emotional abuse. There was a lot of me feeling like I had to be a certain way in order to be loved.

Tonight, I spent some time at a local establishment, watching the Nascar race. I am not a Nascar fan, if I must be honest, but we (my husband and I) bought into a Nascar pool and went to see if we could win any money AND to hang out with our friends. I had such a good time. We laughed, we sang to the jukebox, we made silly videos on the new Crazy Helium Booth app that I have on my phone, we enjoyed each others' company.

By the end of the night, something happened, again, that truly made me want to write right on the spot. I even joked with my friend Fran that I was turning this event into a blog. See, I encountered someone from my past that I did not necessarily have the warm fuzzies over. Again, I will not rehash the past, but this person was not someone I would save from a burning building if I had the chance. I know. Doesn't sound like me, right?! Well, tonight, I engaged in conversation with this person. It was nice. It was as if I had no inner feelings towards them. We talked as if there was nothing ever between us. It felt good.

When my friend came back to our spot, she asked if I was ok. I told her I truly was ok and her response...."SEE!!! Your THINK THANKFULLY bullshit is really working!" Although I was immediately taken aback, I laughed! While I don't think of my Think Thankfully way of living as bullshit, tonight I realized without any doubt in my mind, that if you truly believe in it, the idea of Think Thankfully can really change your life. It is a life changing principle. I joked with my friend that I wanted to blog about that immediately. 

This is a no bullshit zone. If you truly believe in the ideas and principles of Think Thankfully, they truly are life changing. I've finally realized that. I live what I post and although sometimes, my own lessons come around in their own sweet time, I still live the idea of Think Thankfully. In the past two weeks, I've had people get back in touch with me who I've lost touch with, potential career changing opportunities show themselves to me, and finally realizing that the past is just that....THE PAST.

I've got an amazing husband, two awesome daughters, a solid family unit, and a group of fabulous friends who are the most important and supportive crew a girl could hope to ever have. I may not be a well renowned author, I may not have a lot of money, I don't even have a lot of people reading this blog right now, but one thing I do have is my sense of self....my sense of who I truly am.

I live in a no bullshit zone. It's how life has to be for me. What you see is what you get. I say what I mean, I mean what I say, and I follow through. In listening and following simple advice, the Think Thankfully bullshit can make a difference to you too. You just have to want it!!

Until next time, my friends....choose the bullshit you want to follow and you want to believe! It can make all the difference!!! To the past being the past, and the present being a gift!!!!

Think Thankfully!

Leave the past where it belongs

Dear Readers,

Today has been the best day ever. I'm so serious. It's been a long time since I can honestly say that I had THIS kind of day. Wasn't so sure it was going to be awesome when I woke up, but right now, at this moment, I can honestly say that THIS day, March 7, 2015, will be one for the record books.

To start my amazing day, I stuck to one of my New Year's promises to myself. I never make resolutions because they are just too silly sometimes. I made promises to myself, because a promise is harder for me to break. This year, I vowed that I would be better at making plans with friends whose advice, opinions, and friendships I truly valued. I didn't just want to be Facebook friends, I wanted people I considered friends to know how I felt. So, today......I had a three hour lunch with my dear friend Josann. What a wonderful time we had. And the funny thing is, I didn't even have my phone with me in the restaurant (or so I thought). When I came out from our lunch, I panicked in my car, thinking someone stole my phone. It was in my purse all the time, but it made no difference. I had no desire to be on my phone while being with her. Suffice it to say, that we had such an enjoyable time that we decided to plan a once a month lunch date! Promise to myself - KEPT!

Then, I attended the 16th birthday party of the daughter of one of my dear friends. We had such a good time at the party. Good food, good friends, and good times. I was so happy that I was able to celebrate with them, even if I don't really know her daughter all that well. To be able to be there for my friend was just great!!

And then....my night ended on such a positive note that I am still smiling. Last Spring, I had a bit of a falling out with a friend of mine. Without rehashing the situation, I will say it saddened me to lose this friendship. Tonight, I came home from the party to a Facebook message, my friend offering an olive branch and a rekindling of a friendship. Tears immediately came to my eyes and my soul felt refreshed. This friend was someone I had known forever, and to lose the friendship was a sad event in my life, but one that taught me a lot throughout the past few months and I believe the final lesson was the most important. Leave the past where it belongs....behind you. I am so thankful to have this friendship back, for not letting pride get in the way of either one of us (her for the extension and me for the accepting). 

When the decision is made to forgive and forget, that is what has to happen. Leave the past in the past. Take the lessons that were taught and move forward, making sure that you always work to be better than you were the day before. People say you can forgive but you can never forget. You make that choice. It is not easy. It is probably the toughest thing you will ever do. But in NOT forgetting, in remembering the negative of the situation, you will never escape from the bitterness negative memories bring with them. To quote my friend in her message to me, "To letting the past be the past and the present being a gift." Tonight, it's been the best gift I could have been offered.

Until next time, my friends.....in good times and bad times, I'll be on your side. Forevermore. That's what friends are for.

Think Thankfully!

Something to think about

Dear Readers,

I tend to write when the mood strikes me. Sometimes it is once a day, sometimes it is more than once a day, sometimes there may be days or weeks in between postings. Today was a day that I sat and wrote out a few blogs that I wanted to get down. I wrote earlier in the morning about being happy (see previous blog entry). Now, I am writing about something that LEAPED out at me, right off the pages of the book, and SCREAMED at me to WRITE WRITE WRITE!!! I should prepare you, it isn't a normal blog entry and some might even think it is a bit on the morbid side, but......

Two years ago, my oldest daughter gave me the most wonderful Christmas gift. A book (surprise surprise! I told you I love books!) entitled, Mother Teresa: Her Essential Wisdom. It's not a book I sit and read from cover to cover, but rather it is a collection of her words, her thoughts on topics, that I tend to pick up when I need 'reminders'. The inscription on the blank page of the book had a note written by my daughter, because she knows all too well, that even those who appear the strongest and bravest need reminders from time to time. Today, I needed one of Mother Teresa's thought provoking reminders.

On page 92 of the book, in a chapter entitled Suffering and Death, I found this particular blurb: "If you were to die today, what would others say about you? What was in you that was beautiful, that was Christlike, that helped others to pray better? Face yourself, with Jesus at your side, and do not be satisfied with just any answer." WOW. Now there's something to think about. If I were today today, what would others say about me. It was time to really face myself, and so I thought this one through.

Sure, many times people ask, "If you knew you had 24 hours to live, what would you do? Who would you spend it with?" or "Would you want to know how long you have on this earth?". But let's think about this one, and I will repeat it again, "If you were to die today, what would others say about you?"

This question forces us to take a long hard look at ourselves. We've all sat at funerals, whether they be of a beloved family member or a friend, and we've heard what people had to say about that person. But thinking about that, I wonder, what would people say about me? Have I lived the life I think I have? Have I been a good friend? Have I loved enough? Have I loved truly? Have I spoken kind words more often than not?

Until tomorrow, my friends.....do yourself a favor and check out the book, Mother Teresa: Her Essential Wisdom edited by Carol Kelly-Gangi.

Think Thankfully! 

#PrayingForMark

Dear Readers,

Today, I am asking you to join me in prayer. Whether or not you are a religious person, I am asking that you lift positive thoughts to whatever you believe in for an amazing man I've never actually met. Mark Hall.

Mark is the lead singer of the Contemporary Christian band, Casting Crowns. Recently, he posted on the Casting Crowns social media sites:

"Hey Casting Crowns Family,

I would appreciate your prayers.

Doctors found a solid mass in my right kidney about a week ago. They are 90% sure it’s cancer and they are going to remove the entire kidney next Wednesday, March 11th. They believe the cancer is contained in the kidney, which is also a great hope. They will know more once it is out and Pathology can see it.

I’ll be in recovery for a month or a little longer because of the surgery. Please pray for healing and for God’s peace for my family.

Praising Him in This Storm

Mark Hall"

When I read the posting on the great book of Faces, my heart sank. I immediately was transported back in time, to March 20, 2014. I attended a Casting Crowns concert in Hershey, Pennsylvania. I had never been to a concert of contemporary Christian music before, so I had no real idea what I was in for. I had enjoyed the music of Third Day and MercyMe, and I had heard of Casting Crowns (and heard they were amazing to see live), so when the opportunity presented itself for me to attend the concert, it was a no-brainer. Mark Hall was larger than life for me. He stood in front of thousands of people, professing his faith, admitting his shortcomings, and asking everyone in attendance to allow our faith to guide us. It was life altering. I couldn't even talk about the concert for days, without getting teary eyed

At that point in my life, I had struggled with my faith. I believe I was driven to attend the concert by a higher force. I chose to listen and to believe the voice of truth that night and I was forever changed.

As someone who battled kidney issues very young in life, my prayers were immediately lifted for this man who helped awaken my soul, revive my faith, and made me instantly feel like a friend of his, even though we had never met.

If I could ever repay Mark Hall for what he - and the Casting Crowns - have done for me, it would be through this blog, encouraging others to keep #PrayingForMark, keeping he and his family in your thoughts now, on March 11, 2015, and in the coming months. The voice of truth says "Do not be afraid." I don't believe Mark Hall is fearful. I believe he is accepting this and I believe he will fight with every ounce of his power. I believe in the power of prayer (and I believe cancer SUCKS).

Until next time, my friends......please keep #PrayingForMark


Think Thankfully!

Because I'm HAPPY!

Dear Readers,

Well, I woke up in a happy mood. Immediately began working on some paperwork for school. Turned on the Golden Girls. Remained happy! Checked out the great book of Faces and saw the video of the Sesame Street characters singing along to the song Happy by Pharrell Williams. Many people are so sick of that song, but seeing the beloved Sesame Street characters singing and dancing along just kept me in that happy mood (almost as happy as I feel when I hear it in the Despicable Me movie!). A dear friend of mine posted it for a friend of hers, completely unaware that in doing so, she might possibly be helping others set their mood right for the day! (Thanks Sheri!!!) After viewing the video, I instantly knew what I wanted to blog about today. So the next visit on the great internet was blogger.com. 

And then....my happy mood disappeared (albeit only briefly disappeared). 9 people read my blog yesterday (and I know one of them was my mom. Remember what I said about her earlier). Sheesh. 9 people. Talk about feeling discouraged. Of all the blogs I've written, THAT one was a fun one to write. Refusing to let the little let down of the morning get the best of me, I immediately returned to the YouTube video on the great book of Faces to watch the video again and instantly I felt happy once again!

Let's explore the idea of being happy! Why are happy people happy? What makes them feel good despite miserable circumstances? What does it look like to be happy? What is happiness, really? More importantly, how do you achieve happiness?

Webster (the master of defining words) defines happy as “delighted, pleased, glad, as over a particular thing: to be happy to see a person. 2. Characterized by.....pleasure, contentment, or joy.” Hmmmmmm. Pretty cut and dry, not? Well, I hate to be the bearer of not-so-happy news, but happiness (being happy) is both a simple AND a complicated thing. Simple fact: being happy is solely dependent on YOU. Complicated fact: being happy is solely dependent on YOU. Say, whaaaaaaat? 

Being happy.....achieving a level of serious happiness.....feeling good despite miserable circumstances.....THEY ARE ALL DEPENDENT ON YOU. It's all about YOUR attitude. You, and you alone, control the attitude in which you go about your day. Sure, people can get you down, but YOUR ATTITUDE about them belongs to YOU. Being happy…..achieving happiness…..depends on our ability to think positively about what we have, what we experience, and what we do. Thinking positively about the here and now. Being satisfied with what we have, what we are doing, who we are! 

The bottom line here is that YOUR happiness is a personal matter…..we can only start with ourselves. After you decide that you will be happy, all that positivity and incredible happiness you feel will spread and bring joy and happiness to others. Happiness is contagious.  Spread it everywhere today!

Until next time, my friends....don't let anything bring you down today! Be happy!

                                                        Sesame Street Characters performing Happy
       

"Happy"

It might seem crazy what I'm about to say

Sunshine she's here, you can take a break

I'm a hot air balloon that could go to space

With the air, like I don't care baby by the way

{Uh}

Because I'm happy

Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof

Because I'm happy

Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth

Because I'm happy

Clap along if you know what happiness is to you

Because I'm happy

Clap along if you feel like that's what you wanna do

Here come bad news talking this and that, yeah,

Well, give me all you got, and don't hold it back, yeah,

Well, I should probably warn you I'll be just fine, yeah,

No offense to you, don't waste your time

Here's why

{Hey

Go

Uh}

(Happy)

Bring me down

Can't nothing

Bring me down

My level's too high

Bring me down

Can't nothing

Bring me down

I said (let me tell you now)

Bring me down

Can't nothing

Bring me down

My level's too high

Bring me down

Can't nothing

Bring me down

I said

[Chorus x2]

{Hey

Go

Uh}

(Happy) [repeats]

Bring me down... can't nothing...

Bring me down... my level's too high...

Bring me down... can't nothing...

Bring me down, I said (let me tell you now)

[Chorus x2]

{Hey

C'mon}

Think Thankfully!