Good Bye 2018

I find New Year’s Eve sort of interesting. I am not one to go out to a party preferring to stay in.

I know 2018 will end up a year of tragedy for some or at least tearful while for others joyous. The important thing did we learn that we can take advantage of in 2019.

Wisdom is a very good gift to be given to us. It isn’t the overall answer however it does help. Wisdom won’t allow circumstances to change however helps us through the circumstances. So I hope in 2019 we will have the wisdom not only to help us but others as well. One word of wisdom could change a life and put the person on the right path.

So Happy New Year’s to you all in whatever form you celebrate it in. May your purpose be truer in the year ahead. May your plans succeed. A toast to us all.

Being Burned As An Infant

My story told again I wrote back in May 2016. God didn't want to stop me from having a purpose in this life. I believe I was a miracle. Most likely I would have died if God hadn't intervened. Though it took many years for me to figure it all out. Having been burned along with a hearing problem took me a long time to feel like a normal person though I still struggle at times. I believe this story shows anyone can rise above to be the person intended from the beginning. 

I am sure we have all had experiences that we want to forget. Actually, I have when I was almost four years old I was burned on my chest. Fortunately, I was not burned on my face. I don’t remember the experience at all and I only know what my parents and sister told me.

I wasn’t burned in a house fire instead I was actually cooking an egg on the stove when my pajamas caught on fire. My sister was a little far away and screamed for my mother to come and she smothered me with a blanket. My father then drove me into Tacoma to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. In those days pajamas were not fire retardant. I spent six and a half weeks in the hospital with a temperature of 104 degrees. It was a blessing that I lived beside not being burned on my face. Mother has told me that if she had not gotten to me when she did likely I would have been burned on my face. I can’t imagine how hard it must be for those who have burned on the face and having to live with the scar. Like I say I don’t remember the experience which is a really good thing because I have been told that living with having been burned and knowing that what you have gone through is not good.

Most people I know or have encountered over the years do not know that I have a scar on my right chest. Obviously, you would know if I took off my shirt so many of the boys I grew up with and were in physical education would know. I have shared the experience before some people and back last August when I wrote about miracles. Yes, this was a miracle that I lived through this experience.

At that time that I had my burn Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital was very good but I don’t think that they had a burn center at that time which they now have for many years. If you have the chance to donate to a cause like this I would really appreciate that you do. I can’t imagine the children that get burned at an older age than I was what they go through each day with having a burn. I am sure they have to go through counseling as well. At the very least pray for the children with burns and I thank you very much.  

Serving Others

Late Friday afternoon I ran into a friend while stopping at my neighborhood coffee shop on the way making an errand for my mother. His name is Carl and he is a regular reader of this blog as well.

After catching up for a few minutes he mentioned to me his purpose in life is to serve others. It was so great to hear this from him.

Carl has his own business where he works for others whether it is carpentry or working in their yards or figuring out things on their properties. He is using his knowledge along with his gifts and talents to help them.

These clients of Carl’s know he cares as much about their properties as they do. This is how he is serving them. When it comes to our purpose those we deal with and spend time with are getting the benefit of being served. The world needs more Carl’s to care.

Whatever our purpose is whether serving or encouraging others just to name a couple of them can benefit so many people. Go into 2019 to discover and use your purpose to help everyone around you. Happy New Year’s to you. 

Making Plans For 2019?

We should all make plans for 2019. Since we don’t know how much time we have left on earth I figure the first plans should be what we want to do the most.

A good plan would be to take a calendar and place on dates for the coming year what you want to do. Of course, begin with January 1 what you have going on that day. At least one day a week or two add another plan date ahead.

Usually, I use a calendar to put on doctor appointments and such however adding plans would be good. At least once a month plan something you haven’t ever done before and would like to do so. This will be a great adventure and then throughout the year add more dates. Let’s do it and see what happens in 2019.

Oh yes, I can’t forget we may actually add new purposes to our lives by doing so. Set up a date to see an old friend or family member you haven’t seen in some time. Look to someone you follow or friends within social media and set a time to get together. Amen! 

Making a Difference Around You

                                                       Sigi Schmid  MLS Soccer Legend

I find it amazing when I hear about someone has passed away who made a difference in his world or job. On Christmas Day former Seattle Sounders head coach, Sigi Schmid died to wait for a heart transplant. He had kept it silent from most people in the world of soccer or the rest of the world calls football.

Those who knew him played for him or had hired him as coach talked about what an influence he had in the sport along with the time he spent in Seattle. I am not a big follower of soccer however I did know his name though. He coached the Sounders to an MLS championship.

I believe there is not a bigger honor than those you have known to give you praise. Men and women like Sig Schmid gave their lives to their craft and their leadership.

I know we can all name those we honor for what they have done in our lives. We especially honor those people who have helped make our lives better whether our parents, a close friend or mentor.

You may not speak many words but your actions still says a lot. Living a life of purpose shows others how their lives should be like. Keep it up today and the times ahead.

Boxing Day

I am sure those who live in Canada and England are familiar with Boxing Day. I only know a small part of the history of Boxing Day. My mother was born and raised in Alberta, Canada so she always had a dinner where she invited friends in.

Last night talking with my brother Jack over the phone about his Christmas he asked about whether Mom and I were doing something for Boxing Day; 

I told him that she had her last Boxing Day dinner in her 90^th year. She physically could no longer put on the dinner. She usually invited four couples over for dinner which included spiced beef.

I believe most of the couples she invited for Boxing Day dinner are no longer alive. I am sure though if she could the tradition would go on. I suggested when she decided not to do another dinner for her to continue doing so by having those she invited to bring dishes but she didn’t want to do so. For so many years she did all the cooking. By the way, she was a wonderful cook.

I sure hope others who celebrate Boxing Day do it in the same spirit and dedication my mother did for all those years. In the end, this is what our purpose in life should look like. We put 100 percent into it. Amen!

Merry Christmas To All

Right off the bat, I want to wish everyone a merry and joyful Christmas.

I know for some it will be a sad day because maybe you are celebrating by yourself or you have a loved one who you have spent many Christmas’s with is no longer around. I pray for peace beyond our understanding will be with you. The one person we are truly celebrating today.

Everything about Christmas should be great and true however still comes down to who we are celebrating today in the birth of Jesus Christ. He knew his purpose and mission before he was born. He knew one day he would die on a cross for the purpose to save the whole world.

Today while you are celebrating whether with a large group or small or by yourself remember the reason for today. Peace, love, and joy begin today. Merry Christmas!

A Guest Appearance

I received permission from a friend and schoolmate she wrote on social media. She said it all when comes to our purpose.

You are not an accident or a mistake. God has a plan and a purpose for your life. You are special and He knows who you are because it was His idea to make you to begin with.

Don’t spend your life wishing that you were someone else. Get in tune with God’s plan for your life and become the one that you were meant to be.

You can be a mediocre someone else, or you can be a great you just as God intended you to be.

I wish you all a great Christmas Eve today and enjoy Christmas with family and those close to you. 

HO Ho Ho

Wouldn’t it be nice to be happy all the time like Old’ Saint Nick. At least this is a story we have heard anyway. Yes, of course, he is a fictional character though I believe he was based on a real person.

We should be able to say ho ho ho all the time. Be full of jolly. I am sure we would be happier this way. I am sure children would enjoy being around us. The question though do we have to wear a red and white suit.

Old’ Saint Nick certainly has a good purpose for sure. His job is to make everyone happy. Let everyone feel loved this time of the year. So let’s be like Nick and give a lot of joy all year long. 

It’s Winter

Besides being the holiday season it is hard to believe winter has just arrived. I thought summer was just here. Time continues to go by so quickly.

Here in western Washington fall left us as a storm. The Tacoma Narrows Bridge next door had winds up to 55 miles per hour. Of course, I didn’t have any reason to go over the bridge. The Hood Canal Bridge about an hour away going north was closed for some of the day because of wind. Many of the ferry rides were canceled as well.

Many people lost electricity throughout the day as trees went down too. My electricity was out for a couple hours or so. I am not sure exactly how long since I was out and about for a couple of hours. Some areas people had power out for at least a day. It is common for us to have high winds just before Christmas.  Not easy for those who do last minute shopping. I guess we should do our shopping as soon as we can.

For many, this time of the year is not easy for different reasons. This is where love and encouragement come in. Everyone should feel special this time of the year. Actually, we should feel special all year long. So tell someone they are special today as we are close to Christmas. Give a hug as well. So from me to you happy holidays. 

A Christmas Party

Whether it is at work or friends I always enjoy Christmas parties. There are those you know really well while others not quite as much.

I enjoy meeting new people and a Christmas party is a good place to do so. Of course, it is always the food makes things good as well. It is nice to catch up with those you only see once in a while as well.

It doesn’t hurt getting time off from work I figure too. Whatever the case any party is good however I find Christmas parties fun and if elephant gifts are included than excitement goes up. I have had some interesting elephant gifts over the years.  In fact, there have been a few times where I brought them as mine the next year; a good way to enjoy the season too.

So whatever plans you have for Christmas and the holiday season enjoy every second and minute of it. Find someone you can spend more time with next year. You could be part of each other’s purpose. I figure I had to add this in here. Until next time enjoy this weekend and Christmas coming up. If you are traveling be safe as well. Amen!

My Christmas Letter

Dear Friends, I figured since I have had family send Christmas cards and letters I would do the same here.

Like most people life has had its good points and bad or sad points as well. I find it amazing how fast 2018 has gone by and we are heading into 2019. You think about it another decade will be coming to end and we will start another one.

My mother will be one hundred years old in September 2020. We hope she will be able to stay healthy like she is for us to celebrate her one hundred birthday. Mom has her issues health-wise like anyone would her age but in general, doing well. In August I took her to emergency after urgent care because she sounded confused and a bit dizzy. She spent the weekend in the hospital because of affection and being dehydrated.  In October she fell early one morning and had to go to emergency once again. She spent only a couple hours that time. She had another affection. She is doing better now and uses her walker fulltime.

Last January my brother Jack visited from Virginia for a few days. His plan is to do the same again this coming January. His family is doing well though some personal issues with one of his children; nothing to do with health just personal.

My sister Barb visited twice this year. The first time was in March and then again in June. She is going to retire at the end of the year after working for about 30 years at a law firm. The last 25 years as a paralegal. Mom and I will probably see her in March or April since we are planning to have a family reunion with some cousins on my dad’s side of the family.

Barb’s son Ken came for a visit in April. He has had quite the year when it comes to travel. He hadn’t done much of it over the years but decided to do so this time.  He took a trip to Paris in early 2018 then in June or July he and his brother Connor went to Berlin, Germany. Ken had been there the year before so wanted to have Connor go along with him. Ken still had some vacation time to use for the end of the year so a couple weeks ago he spent a week in London.

Far as travel goes my mother and I spent five days visiting my cousins Rob, Susan, and Christy in British Columbia. Rob came over for a few days to Christy’s place to help celebrate my birthday which was really nice. Mom spent the nights all at Christy’s while I spent a couple at Susan’s. She and her husband David own and run a large ranch. I got to go around the ranch with David and I rode a horse for the first time since I was a young boy. I found it to be an exciting adventure. The weather was hotter than usual for May hitting into the 90s. The travel was a bit hard on Mom so said she really didn’t want to travel anymore.

Other than the visits from my brother and sister along with a reunion have no other plans yet set up for 2019. With mother getting older it is hard to know how her health will be in the coming year.

So I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas, a good holiday season and a happy New Year. Sincerely Herb Nightingale

Something Always Happens

We live every day when something happens whether it is in the news or our friends or family.

On Tuesday a tornado hit in Port Orchard a town just north of us. It takes me about twenty minutes get to Port Orchard from my place.

What makes it really interesting is we don’t have tornados often in this area. We have one or two a year and they are usually so small they are not mentioned in the news.

I have several friends live in the Port Orchard area and they mentioned in social media before the tornado hit how strange the sky’s looked.  

The picture below is one taken by KOMO-TV station in Seattle Washington. These homes roofs were ripped off; this looks like a very new housing development.

We just hope everyone is OK. The local media didn’t report any injuries however I am sure plenty of people were shocked. The tornado happened about 2 pm.

This does show anything can happen on any day and we need to be prepared to help anyone even if it is just a hug or asking them if they are OK. 

Working With Being Up and Down

Five years ago my cousin Rob his son Mike was in a bad accident skiing. He actually helped coach the Canadian Olympic team. While getting ready for the 2014 Olympics he was showing a maneuver which went wrong and he had to be sent to the hospital in Denver, Colorado with a spinal cord injury. He was in the hospital for a couple weeks or so before being moved to a hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia.

A miracle happened where he recovered from his injury. He isn’t able to ski competitively any longer so he now encourages youth about their lives especially those who have accidents and get discouraged at this same.

In a lot of ways, Mike does the same thing I do with this site except he does so in person. I would call him a motivational speaker. He now is a co-founder of a website for those in competitive sports to help them prevent injuries. The site is headstartpro so if you have a child or you are involved in sports you check it out.

What Mike went through and what he has done on the other side is amazing. He not only been an inspiration to all of us we call family but for many others as well especially throughout Canada.

I figure whatever I can to encourage others can be an inspiration as well. Though he felt his purpose in life was to ski and he wasn’t able to continue because of his accident he became involved in a greater purpose.

Finally, Mike has said, “the downs in our lives help us appreciate the ups more.” Thank you, Mike, for all that you have done. 

We Should Believe In

There are three things we should believe in for our purpose to succeed.

We must believe in God our creator who has given us our purpose, talents, gifts, and destiny. We must believe in ourselves and our purpose.

Another on our list of beliefs should be faith to move mountains. We may never move a mountain however there are many things we can move having faith.

Having the fullness of belief in God, us, purpose and faith we should be able to move those things in people’s lives that are keeping them away from being all they can be.

Use the rest of this month to think about what you can do further to use your purpose. Whatever level we are at in our purpose we should be able to go even further. Remember this isn’t just for us but for those we help. Amen!

Good Stories Returns

I decided today to repeat a story I wrote early on in my blogging. I wrote this back in November 2015. Probably tell you have far I have come in my writing as well.  Enjoy!

Good Stories

In this time it is hard to find really good stories. If you look online or through the newspaper you will find some of those good stories. It really seems like the readership or viewing is better when the stories are about tragedy or something bad has happened. We all know those kind of stories are out there because so much tragedy happens whether close to us or in our lives itself.

 Even the weather when it goes bad makes the headlines. I find sometimes the weather is told in the fashion where it is a lot worse than it really is. Another area close to weather is traffic accidents where people either die or at the least takes people a lot longer get to work or at least their destination. Most of those accidents happen because of poor weather.

At least here in the northwest, we don’t have tornadoes or large snow storms like in the Midwest or on the East Coast. My brother told me last week that are high winds made the national news. I find it normal for November and of course, a lot of rain makes the news as well.

 What really would make the news as far as the weather goes here would be a snow storm or an earthquake. We have neither of those very often anyway. Well, I have to say we do have some earthquakes; however, most of the time they are very small so they only make the local news. It is amazing though we could get two or three inches of snow on one occasion and the local news will make it bigger than it should. I have to guess it helps with the ratings.

Most people here though have trouble driving in snow even if it an inch or two on the ground. The truth is most people are bad drivers around here. The good news I am a good driver. I figure to put in the good with the bad at least.

November we have had a lot of rain along with the wind storms. The good news though the weather has been nice over the Thanksgiving weather though it has been cold into the 20s at night and mid-40s during the day.

 Yesterday though I volunteered to help the youth at my church in selling Christmas trees; I had a good time doing so except the cold weather. I was out doing my good deed for three hours and got my hands and feet cold despite wearing gloves. I am going out to do my good deed again this Sunday and then next Saturday. I went out after my first day doing my good deed by getting warmer socks and gloves. We did have an outdoor fire made to help us keep warm along with a propane heater for the ladies who take care of taking the money from the customers. The money for selling trees goes to the youth group and feeding the poor as well. It is a very good cause indeed.

Though good stories are hard to find I figure we can make our own good stories especially this time of the year since so many people are in need. The most important thing is to recognize the talents that we have and use those to help others. Even if you don’t have a lot of talent you can go alongside those who do.

 Every group that is out there this time of the year can use the help. If you can sing at least a simple tune at the very least find some of your friends and go out caroling. Older people in nursing homes would love to hear you sing. For one thing, they do not get many visitors around the year so if you can go see them and give good cheer than you have made a good story in their lives.

 This is the time of the year old St. Nick will remember for you are being good and not naughty. So be a good story in you. Happy Holidays!

Love Always

Our greatest gift given to us is love. This holiday season we feel the love greater than any other time of the year.  We should love always, however, we find hard to love sometimes.

Every day we are going along doing the purpose we were created to do love should be motivation behind our gifts and talents. We love what we do and we love those we do it for.

When we give or receive our material gifts we should remember the love behind them along with the natural and spiritual gifs we use.

Now we are starting the second half of December we should be thinking on next year and how we can improve in our purposes. Also, we should keep our eyes open for those we can help. It doesn’t matter whether they are rich or power or weak or strong or happy or sad everyone can use our help. What makes this worthwhile we are helped as well. Happy holidays to all. 

It’s Almost Christmas

I know there are those who are ready for Christmas right after Halloween or Thanksgiving or hearing Christmas songs wherever you go, however, reality set in for me yesterday when I got a couple gift packages in the mail.

Actually, I have known Christmas is coming for a little while though it is unbelievable because time goes by so fast doesn’t it. I feel we just got over summer and then fall arrived. The weather has been kind until this last week and the temperatures had been warmer than normal as well.

The amazing thing is family was prepared this year. The gifts usually don’t arrive until next week however the thought is the most important thing. It would be nice to open the presents now but I am being good and wait.

Remember the greatest presents though are each other. Giving our time and energy to each other; of course, love is in the middle of it all.

Although we still have eleven days until Christmas I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and add in a Happy New Year. May this be the best holiday season you have on record. Amen!

Let It Snow

Right now we are getting a lot of rain in the towns and cities here in Western Washington while the mountains are getting a good bit of snow. Until a few days ago the weather has been sunny and dry. Everyone likes to see the sun most of the time however rain and snow both need to come.

I wish we had some snow like the mountains. I have to say most people except children, of course, would rather have rain so they don’t have to drive in the snow. I don’t have any problem driving in the snow. We do have a lot of hills around here so living on or next to a hill can be difficult to getting starting.

The mountains have been lacking the snow so those who want to ski have been aching to do so. I heard a couple people last week wanting to snow in the mountains so they could go skiing.

This made me think often we don’t agree on things. In some situations, we have to have a mediator to solve the disagreement. It takes a wise person with experience to decide on how to resolve the issue. This brings to mind as well we have mentors too. We want to have changes in our lives and the mentor has a life we would like to have or at least come close to anyway. This can be so rewarding for the one wanting to be mentored and the one mentoring.

 So back to letting it snow. Although I like to have snow here the likelihood of it happening is not great. We usually get snow once or twice a winter and it doesn’t really stay around long. I do remember as a child and young adult we had a lot more snow back in the day. No, I didn’t walk to school for miles in the snow. There was a time I walked home in the snow though however, the distance was a little over a mile. 

So if you live where there is snow you are a blessed person. Throw a snowball just thinking of me in your mind and I say thank you. 

A Special Gift

This time of the year many are buying gifts for their loved ones and friends for Christmas. Some gifts have more meaning than others though they can all be special because of the people giving them to us.

The reason I am writing this to remind us the gifts are not really the most important thing it is the people behind the gifts. Actually, every one of us is a special gift. We are here because God considers us special. We may not know it or feel this way most of the time however this is true.

So today treat everyone you meet plus yourself as the special gift. You will feel better and have a richer life. 

Interesting Times

This year coming to a close we continue to know we are living in interesting times. In politics, we have the left, far left, right and the far right. I am sure we have people in the middle too.

Most Christians believe we are living in the end times. I am sure we are however most have believed since Jesus Christ came on scene two thousand years ago. Even the disciples believed he would return in their time.

I read the Book of Revelation in the New Testament at least three times a year. I don’t try to figure all things out however I do wonder whether somethings have been written have already happened or not. Are all the prophecies still in the future?  At this point, God hasn’t revealed it to me as of yet. I am not saying this to say I am the one person he will do so. I am sure there are those God has revealed to some point or another.

Now back to interesting times. This is why so great a time for us to be alive to see what more happens in these days.  We were all born for a purpose and this time to shine.

So many people seem to have lost hope these days and whatever hope we can share the best we can do. Use the purpose given to you to bless others. Going into 2019 and beyond bless others to the best of our abilities. A year ago I said for this year to be let’s do it. Now for 2019 let’s bless others.

Remember you are special for a purpose you were only created to do. Amen!

Our Heart In

During the holiday season, it does become easy for us to give our hearts out to others unlike the rest of the year. The state of the world these days it is understandable why we don’t let others in.

I remember growing up though I had issues it was easy to trust people in those days while now hard to know who to trust and who not to trust.

Personally, I don’t worry much about who to trust and who not to trust. I don’t have any children so for me it is easier. These days it is harder to trust others with your children.

As a child, I was able to get out and around without my parents worrying much about me. Now parents have to be protective of their children. This is where I believe our hearts come in the equation. We can’t automatically let others in but we must find a way to do so with those close to us.

The world has become closer together with the internet and social media. Often people are being slammed by others even those close primarily because of politics. Here in the United States anyway families have been divided over the last election in 2016. With the next election coming up in two years for the presidency again this will be trouble and might get a lot worse.

I try not to let the difference of people opinions about politics to bother me. The hardest part these days I have old friends who speak negatively about President Trump on a daily basis. I am not a fan of his but it is tiring to see so instead I hide the posts when they come through. I amazed people can be so obsessed about him. I can understand doing some warning but day after day come on people.

So this is where our hearts draw away from each other so much. Let’s get back to drawing our hearts together regardless difference of politics or whatever else going on. Amen!

Interesting People

I am sure I have mentioned a number of times I enjoy meeting people. Everyone is interesting in one way or another.

On Saturday I met a man who I think he is interesting. I am sure he is like most being different than expected by looking at his cover.

His name is Stephen and he is new in the area. He is staying with a friend or he would be homeless. I don’t know much of his story in recent times other than he lost his savings.

Stephen told me he is a retired doctor and pastor. He has a daughter going to college at Portland State University and she is majoring in music. He will be going down to Portland in a few days to spend Christmas with her.

He told me he has written a book and is looking for a publisher. I hope he does well with the book so he can land back on his feet financially. Right now he is living on social security and it is not enough money to live on especially finding a place to rent.

Anyway to say all this is he told me the only reason he is still alive is he has a purpose in life. I told him he is correct and the reason we are all here still because we do have a purpose.

It is so nice to when I talk to someone and they recognize that they have a purpose in life. Not everyone recognizes they have a purpose.

So whenever you have the time to pray do so for Stephen. I am sure he can use all the prayers he can get just like us. Amen!

Friendship

Whatever our purpose is being friendly should be part of it. However, there are those we should mentor while others we should have a friendship with.

We can actually be a mentor well as a friend at the same time. Often mentoring comes out of friendship. I would call it the next step.

The whole thing though about our purpose in life we should do more of caring than out of doing for the gifts and talents we have. Other words we should not do something because we want to have points added on by doing works. We do all things for the greater good of all involved.

We all need friendship besides being friendly. It doesn’t mean we will gain friendship with everyone we are friendly too. The reason is we don’t have the time to be friends to everyone we meet. We can be friendly when we see them but there are those we will be friends with too. We have to see who they are and act accordingly.

Saying Goodbye

In a way, it is a follow up to the last post about George H.W. Bush we all know someone who has passed on recently whether our parents’ generation or ours for that matter.

Thursday I went to a funeral of a lady I have known most of my life. I grew up with her daughter and son-in-law. Her daughter we were in Sunday school together.

It was nice to say goodbye to her and see some familiar faces. I found out before the service her brother passed away a couple days ago so the family will be mourning further as well.

I have known friends who have lost both parents in a manner of weeks so losing siblings close in time isn’t surprising either though difficult.

Saying goodbye is for a period of time. We will see each other someday again whether days, weeks, months or years in the next life. This is where hope comes because I do believe this isn’t the end only the time in-between. We will see those we love and known throughout life again.

I find enjoyable at a funeral or memorial service about someone I knew since childhood and they were an adult what they did before having a family.

Her grandfather came to Gig Harbor, Washington right when it was coming alive. He came to Gig Harbor just over one hundred and thirty years ago back in the 1880s. She was born and raised in Gig Harbor. She went to a small schoolhouse which anyone can visit now because it is right next to the Harbor History Museum.

Many of the children of today living get to see and learn about the city of Gig Harbor where she spent most of her life. In the last few years, she moved to eastern Washington into her daughter’s home near the Columbia River because of her health however her heart never left her home of Gig Harbor where she now rests.

It was so good to talk to some of those who gathered at the church before the service. I had to take my mother to a doctor’s appointment we couldn’t change so we had to leave near the end of the service.

I was able to say hello to her family well as next door neighbors and longtime friends. It is amazing something people remember as well. One of her neighbor’s children who I was in school with remembers seeing my family when visiting her grandparents. They lived right next door to us. At one point my grandfather tried to buy their place from them.

Memories keep coming back to time knowing her and the family growing up. I would see her and her sister who passed away within the last couple of years whenever I go to church with my mother. It was no longer my church on a regular basis, however, I went with my mother at Christmas Eve service or soup dinners Wednesday nights during Lent. Those lovely ladies were always there and I would catch up about their lives and the children I knew.

So it isn’t goodbye really it is see you later whenever time it will be. 

Thank You Mr. President

I really enjoyed what I was able to see of President George Herbert Walker Bush funeral service. All the current past presidents were on hand well as current President Donald Trump.

President Bush was one of the best presidents the USA has ever had. He had a great sense of humor along with doing what he truly believed. So I truly want to thank you for not only the job as President but being the man you were. You lived out the purpose God created you for.

The sad part I found on social media where some people including some classmates I grew up with spoke up against President Trump instead of honoring President Bush. I am sure they had a strong feeling on Bush but this wasn’t the place to criticize Donald Trump. This is one day I feel they could have done without doing so.

We should be able to encourage others with good words instead of disrespecting someone. Again hale to the chief George H.W. Bush. 

Thinking Out Loud

I am sure we all have done it at one time or another thinking out loud.  The important thing is where and when you do it. I am sure we don’t want to be embarrassed by talking out what we are thinking.

Once in a while someone will ask me why my lips are moving without anything coming out of my mouth. This is similar to thinking out loud. I am thinking about something so my lips are moving. Let you know I don’t do this often. When does happen I just let them know I was thinking about saying something so my lips moving without a word.

I am not sure why I am saying all this but it is for a purpose I guess. Just be sure when thinking out loud not be in a position having to explain. Oh yes it is Wednesday after all. LOL.

Climate Change

I know some believe in climate change while others don’t. I happen to be one that does believe in it because here in Western Washington our weather has changed.

November our average rainfall is seven inches and this year we had four and a half inches of rain. Most of the rain happened near the end of the month.

December the rainfall average is five and a half inches. The temperatures are supposed to be around the average in the high of 47 degrees and the low of 36 degrees. Right now we are having cold temperatures because the sun will be out all week. Next week be around the average high with rain expected every day.

I am not sure I am selling you on climate change for this time of the year however we used to have more snow when I was younger but in recent years we are lucky to get a couple inches when it does fall. I remember when we might have about ten inches of snow at least once a year.

I believe it was last year when we had snow on Christmas Day. Up until then I had only been dreaming of a White Christmas like the song.

The summers are longer so the spring, fall and winter are shorter. At least we have four seasons here which is real nice.

Whatever the weather is at your place have a fantastic and jolly holiday season.

Thank You

I want to thank all of you reading my posts once again this year. I hope you are doing well especially with encouraging words I give you each day.

I wish you a wonderful holiday season. You and your family will have a great time.

Yesterday my pastor said at church in his sermon that we are who we believe in ourselves. So think highly of yourself than it is who you will be.

Meditate all day long on good things than you will have a positive life. Even the times when circumstances are not good your faith will help you through.

Until next time peace be with you. Amen!

Hope This Season

If you know the story of baby Jesus Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem where to register the family. Since there were so many people by the time they arrived no rooms were available in town. Joseph decided to take whatever they could get so he and pregnant Mary likely stayed in a barn where Jesus was born. They were able to get a blanket and a manger was available to put Jesus in. No one in Bethlehem knew the meaning of this child until the three wise men arrived from the East bringing gifts to the child they believed was the messiah.

In those days the people of Israel were hoping for the Messiah to come though they didn’t recognize him. He was the hope for the nation. They were looking for a king that not only rule them but give them a better life than being ruled by the Roman government. They had no idea the reason he had truly come for them and the whole world. His purpose was to forgive their sins and give a spiritual life. Also they had no idea he came to die on a cross for their lives either. Even when the event happened they still were unclear his reason.

So you see Jesus Christ came to give us hope for a future not only in this life but the one after we die. All we have to do is accept him as our savior and acknowledge our sins. Also to ask him to forgive our sins of the past, present and future; it is very simple thing to do. If you feel you don’t deserve to be forgiven than you’re the candidate to be forgiven all you have to do is ask him into your heart. At that moment your life will change forever. I know because my life changed when I did so.

Not only take the true hope of this world during this season pass it on to others as well. Let them know their lives can change forever. All you have to do is believe and have faith in Jesus Christ. Amen!

Hello December

You are very lucky December because we celebrate you all month long.

There are a couple well-meaning holidays during December.

People get together for parties during your month. At work they are able to spend some time together where they can enjoy each other outside of the work.

We also wonder how come you seem like your arrival comes so fast every year. If you were not the last month and celebrations happening all over the place we might remember you.

Anyway welcome once again. We will have a great time celebrating. Yes we will remember you are part of it and not just the month. We will thank you at the end.