Christmas Wishes

As I write the words that I see on my screen, my mind flashes back to the very young child that would skip down the hallway of school and sing jingle bells. Yes, that child was me. The wonderment of Christmas was always in my heart.

As the years past, I would be the one that would be  wanting to put the Christmas tree up as soon as the Thanksgiving meal was done. Enjoying the Christmas movies, listening to the radio of all the Christmas songs and most of all enjoying the family, friends  and good genuine attitude from  everyone this time of year. Not much  has changed,  I still love it all.

This year however, a sadness has entered my heart. This year, is the first and hardest year I have had to face with the holidays. My Mom passed  about half a year ago and my Dad has been gone for some time. Mom was the cornerstone of the family season and though I know that she and dad both are watching from heaven, It doesn’t make it any easier. This year, I continue watching the movies listening to the “happy” christmas songs and trying to overcome the aching in my heart. Somehow, I understand more than ever the song ” Where are you Christmas? “

One hard lesson that I have learned this year is overcoming. A simple word, and yet so very complex. I know that my heart is healing.  And,  with  the rest of my family and friends this will not only make us stronger, it will also make us closer than ever before.  The good times, the memories are far from over we will continue to enjoy everything that comes with the holidays but maybe in a different way seeing everything in a different light.

The one thing I know beyond a shadow of a doubt is that life is but a vapor, so my wish for everyone, no matter where you are in your life, or what you have been through, love everyone. Be the light, be the inspiration, be the difference in someone’s day. Make the phone call, give the hug, make the time. And by all means, tell everyone in your family, and your friends how dear they are to you. Wether it is saying I love you or just letting them know that the door is always open, do it, it will make all the difference, and make this the Merry Christmas to remember.

 

 

Red Robin and the Patroits

Tonight for supper Sean, Sarah and I went to Red Robin. As we began to sit down and eat,  we saw  flags lined up. Sarah was the first one to vocalize “Hey, that’s the American flag and it’s in the middle” I reply, “Yes, front and center just like it should be”.  As we continue to eat our meal, Sarah asks “What is the black and white ” flag . Sean takes this one. He says ” That is a POW flag in honor of all the wonderful people who have so bravely protected our country. Then, we notice every flag is showing something so many people are taking for granted now, our troops. The Army, Navy, AirForce, Marines and Coast Guard flags were  all included. I think this is something to take note of. Big praise for showing patriotism in America, especially now. But, wait there’s more. Towards the end of our meal, I see this couple maybe mid 60′s or so, very refined come in. The lady, has a  present gift wrapped in a beautiful royal purple gift bag and the gentlemen asks the hostess if he can hang a handmade sign behind their table. The hostess, being gracious of course says yes. What happens next, begins to make my eyes tear. If you think it is a Happy Birthday sign, Happy  Anniversary  sign or even Happy Retirement sign  you are sadly wrong. This was beautiful and completely unexpected. The sign, and I quote says ” Cathy congratulations on becoming an American Citizen. Welcome to our family we love you”. (With a beautiful drawing of the American flag on it). As all of you know, I am extremely patriotic. Yes, I am the one in my family that when I see a person in uniform I will go up and shake their hand and thank them for giving us freedom. In a society today that overlooks what people do to protect us and for the most part a society that has become all about ourselves and not about others, what a wonderful change to see a  gift of appreciation. So, these thoughts continue to float through my mind as we eat. At the end of our meal, I can contain myself no longer. I go up to the table and introduce myself and tell them how wonderful the sign is. They say how excited they are and that their daughter- in- law  is Philippine and  just became an American citizen and now she can vote. I explain, as my voice cracks  that when I read the sign at our table my eyes teared up. We shook hands and continued on our way. I still don’t know their names but I know that they are my brother and sister not only as Americans but also through Jesus Christ. Without them even realizing it they were a ministry of their own with doing  nothing more than appreciating the ones we so often take for granted.

Fall into Autumn

  The Indian summer is winding down, and autumn is offically here. I love the cooler breeze that floats in this time of year and the holidays that are just around the corner. Now what, you ask? Here are some fun ideas I’ve come up with to make your fall more worthwhile in September.

•  Make some carmel apples,
• Enjoy apple cider. I like to warm it up on the stove and add some redhots, stir it and add it  to your favorite coffee cup, add a cinnamon stick and a dash of cinnamon on the top, and you have  a wonderful autumn (and winter) dessert for you to refresh your mind and soul. It is  also a great quick  fix for company too.
•   If you have children, this is the time to decide what Halloween costume they should wear. Will you buy it? Or make it?
• Take a nice evening walk  under the harvest moon. 
• Go to the farmers’ market for dried flowes to create your own bouquet. Prepared bouquets are wonderful, but they are expensive. Have fun, and bring your creativity out by making your own floral arrangements (and it also helps your local economy and farmers) Creating your own bouquet on a Sunday afternoon in September is a relaxing  way that will remind you that beauty is everywhere.

Beautiful is not just on the outside

I have known people in my life that our beautful beyond compare but because of their  attitude there  personality makes them ugly. I have also known people that are average Joe’s and Jane’s that because of their sparkling personality and caring that they show for everyone they are some of the most beautiful people that exisit.

Today, I give a standing ovation to Jessica Simpson. Yes, she has had her ups and downs and is not perfect (But then who is). At least she is bettering herself and trying to make a positive difference. She has started a new show called “The Price of Beauty” And it centers around two fundementals. First, what different cultures see as beauty and the overall effects it has on us good and bad. Second, that beauty truly does come within and that there is not a perfect size, person, etc. 

We should all be happy in our own skin. Kuddos to Jessica. There are to many young children girls and boys alike  still trying to mold into what they will become some day. They have to realize that they can be happy with who they are without being airbrused, photo edited, or any other of the thousands of tricks the magazines put in front  of us each and every day, that young children believe are the real deal. This is what ultimantly leads to self  esteem problems, weight illnesses of both extremes, and just not feeling happy as to who you are.

Let me just say, as a christian I believe  that we are all made to be who we are, no one else. We all have special gifts and abilities, weaknesses and strengths that make us who we are as indivduals. Do not be afraid to go to the beat of your own drum.

I have also learned that in the upcoming magazine of “Marie Claire” Jessica Simpson will have photos that have not been altered in anyway. Good for you Jessica. The only other actress I can think  of that has done this is Jamie Lee Curtis. Both strong woman, not afraid of their convictions or ideals. What good role models to be brave enough to just be yourself. I hope that this impacts the young girls and boys that are struggling with who they are and who they will become.