Love

Very good friends of ours are getting married this weekend, so I dedicate this entry to Brian & Kerri!

The object of love is not getting something you want but doing something for the well being of the one you love.
- Gary Chapman

Timing is everything

Things will happen when you are ready for them.

And you might not think you're ready - but don't miss an opportunity because of doubt.

God is a people person

Our pastor did a sermon yesterday called "God is a people person".

He talked about God's favorite pasttime & hobby being people and how when He answers prayers, He's thinking about how it will affect many people. He wants us to be people persons, too, loving others and thinking of their needs. God doesn't want to hear how much we love Him when we don't love others!

I try hard to be a people person. Sometimes I need time to myself, but I consider it a chance to recharge rather than hide! Giving of yourself can be very exhausting, but very rewarding. Giving to others is the whole reason I write!

The more we give, the more enriched our lives can become!

Are you a people person?

Life's complications

Sometimes life will throw little complications and distractions in your path.

Learn when to take care of these things and when to ignore them. Add the important ones to the list, integrating them into your journey, and let the others go.

And never let any of them keep you from your true purpose.

Never let a problem become an excuse. - Robert H. Schuller

Loss of a friend

The loss of a friend is always tough.

We had to make a tough decision regarding a special family member and it is hard knowing she is no longer with us. But for all the pain we feel now, we wouldn't trade all of the wonderful memories with our little furry friend. She enhanced our lives in so many ways and we will never forget her.

And there is a special place in Heaven for little kitties.

Goodbye, Calvin.

Life is made up of many meetings and partings.

Relearning a truth

I had a partner on my trip up and back to Williamsburg yesterday. And not only did I have a delightful time, I relearned a basic truth-

People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care!

Finding your role

Everyone has a calling on their life, a role only they can fulfill.

Sometimes en route, you discover that your exact purpose is different than expected. And you've got to go with that.

Sometimes the way God wants you to give is not what you originally had in mind, but that's okay! He doesn't call you to do something you are unable to do. Follow that path and give of yourself completely.

You just might find that trail far more rewarding!

Giving is the highest level of living. - John C. Maxwell

Type A

Used to be Type A people got bad raps. They were accused of being stressed out and hyper and suceptible to heart problems. But they're not - they just can't hold still.

Tonight a Type A referred to himself as a gypsy, because he can't hold still. Said a desk job doing accounting nearly did him in!

I can relate!

I like to be constantly doing something. I thrive on productivity and welcome change. Which is why being on the road so much doesn't make me nuts. I love it! And I love being around people and learning new things and trying new things.

Now, I do like my privacy. Not about my 'personal life' or 'feelings', becuase I'm incredibly open, but with my time. I like a couple hours to myself, no one around to interupt. That's about the only time I can really focus, I guess. (Must be remains of being an only kid.) As long as I get time to recharge, I can go back out and continue to attack!

So let's hear it for Type A people!

... are the most willing to change, because they love new ideas and projects; enthusiastic & expressive. -- Florence Littauer

Believe

Every day is a step forward, every day brings a new opportunity.

Every chance I get to speak to someone new opens yet another door.

Which is why I keep going, keep believing, and refuse to give up.

Believe in yourself and there will come a day when others will have no choice but to believe with you. - from "Unstoppable" by Cynthia Kersey

Influence

I've definitely learned something about influence this week!

In how much someone can influence another's life in a positive way.

My goal from the beginning of writing my series has been to make a positive difference in someone's life. A thank you card today from a fan confirmed that the message in my stories and the attitude of my actions & words are being heard. And being around a young lady currently staying with us, being a good example and watching her read my first book, really has made me aware of influence. For both of these ladies, I hope they realize their full potential and never back down from their dreams!

And there's so many I'd like to reach! Like the alien in Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy who flies around insulting everyone, I'd like to go around and tell every person that they are a wonderful person, capable of accomplishing every goal. That kind of influence might take time, but it would be so worth it to see the light return to someone's eyes as they begin to believe in themselves again! I still have several people I continue to work on every day!

Who has influenced you recently? Who has made a difference, has believed in you no matter what?

And whose life are you touching?

The most important law for becoming influential is having a positve attitude. - Tony Zeiss

You are the master of every situation

That was in my fortune cookie. Not really a fortune, but pretty good advice. Considering what I've got coming up the next few weeks, I am going to put that to the test!

Author Napolean Hill said it best - the master key to riches is in the ability to control one's own attitude and mind!

Lazy Day

Today is, and continues to be, a lazy day!

While I am capable of relaxing even while still being productive, I rarely shift all the way down. (Probably because it's tough to shift back into gear again!) But I am enjoying the moment!

Watched a movie last night after enjoying a wonderful homemade Chinese dinner, plus played some Burnout 3 on the PS2.

This morning, sleeping in was until almost eight - but didn't really leave the bed until almost 9:30. (No details of what went on in between!) Made hashbrowns, checked my email, shared a piece of red, white & blue cake with Craig, and watched another movie - all before 11am and a shower! Now for me, that is the ultimate lazy!

Got the bikini on and will hit some sun later. If we watch fireworks, it will be from the house. Not leaving for anything!

When I was a teenager, we'd always go up to my grandparent's cabin on the Little North Fork river in Oregon. Swim & hike all day and get back into town just in time to watch fireworks. That was always great! Kinda miss it, but I've adjusted to all of the new locations of the past 20 years.

No swimming today - but there might be a little DDR!

All work and no play ... well, you know the rest!

Happy Fourth of July!!!!!!!

Sleeping In

I had thought my next opportunity to sleep in would be July 16th - but I'll get to do it on July 4th!

Not that I will sleep late. Sleeping in to me is simply no alarm clock! I doubt I could sleep past nine anymore.

And this weekend will be a chance to relax - after a romp to Virginia Beach, of course! I was told recently that I needed to take time to chill. (From someone who had originally told me to go go go, too!) But I do take time out, in little bits & chunks. I'm just a Type A person - gotta always be doing something.

And Monday morning, I'll be sleeping!