Thank You January

It has been a very nice January all the way around. Not only have we had more sun than normal my brother Jack was visiting for four days. I hope to see him again this year.

We have had four inches of rain in January here in Gig Harbor however it is an inch and a half less than normal. I am not saying success on the weather scale because of the amount of rain but how much sun we had this month. I am not sure how many days we had sun but I saw plenty of it. Even the days we had rain the sun came out as well.

I believe it is important to look at the positive even when negative things are going on. This should be true whatever is happening in our lives. We must think when negative things happen what positive things come out. Not an easy task for sure. Often we can’t see the positive out of the negative until down the road a ways.

It is important to see the long-range goals besides taking baby steps along the way too. I have to think this way when it comes to our health well as other things.

Anyway, thank you again January. Now let’s see how February will go for us too. 

Dealing With Opposition

In some form or another, we are dealing with opposition. It can be from people who may not accept our purpose in life or in the spiritual realm.

One of my purposes in life is to encourage others like I try to do here. So in the spiritual realm, the enemy which you can call Satan or the Devil will harass me with discouragement.

Although I believe most people deal with discouragement in some form or another for me it is with me on a regular basis. Along with discouragement comes depression as well.

I believe discouragement along with self-doubt Satan is trying to get us off track concerning our purpose. He knows if we are able to live our life of purpose at full measure than we are dangerous to him. He wants us to live our life in a negative way or at the very least not accomplishing anything.

So when you get discouraged remember you are being attacked by Satan not to accomplish your purpose. Ask God to give you the strength to make it through to live the life of purpose for yourself. Amen!

Back To Normal

With my brother being around for a few day then returning to Virginia I find it takes an adjustment to get back to normal for a few days. I do the normal things but it feels different for sure.

I am sure everyone is this way in some manner after being with family or on vacation. I am sure to the adjustment going back to work takes time as well.

I guess you could say we have to refocus our duties. I hope today will feel normal but it could take another day or two as well.

I don’t feel it as a problem though. Always good to do something different once in a while anyway; allows us to put things in perspective as well. Get our purpose back in line too. Anyway enjoy today in whatever is normal or for that matter not normal.

Monday

Here it is another Monday. My brother just left to fly back home to Virginia. It was a wonderful weekend. The weather cooperated on Saturday with the sun out while Sunday it was overcast with wind. A bit chilly I say.

I can’t say everywhere but often here people are not fond of Mondays unless it is a holiday then they don’t like Tuesday.  They have to go back to work is the reason.

So whatever you are doing on Monday enjoy to your fullest. Every day should be special and important.

Enjoying A Beautiful Day

Saturday was a beautiful day around Gig Harbor. The wind blew a little so a bit cold as well.

Having my brother Jack in town for the weekend is wonderful. He will return home on Monday to Virginia though he still considers Gig Harbor home.

Things have changed a bit since we were kids. We talked about the past and the present. He liked the landscaping around the new homes.

Gig Harbor is still considered a small town though it is about three times bigger than when we were kids. Nice to talk over things with my brother. 

Dreams

There are two different types of dreams. The ones we have while we are sleeping and the other is aspiring or ambition to do something.

Our purpose in life can come out of both of them. I don’t remember most of the dreams that I have while sleeping.

Last couple mornings I have had thoughts when I woke up which I figure goes with whatever I dreamed. I think they could go with my desires or ambition.

It is probably a good idea to meditate and go over the dreams we have. See whether they have anything to do with our purpose in life. I think I will try it anyway. 

Going Forward

Have you asked yourself whether you are going forward or going backward or staying the same?  Just think about where you are at today compared to last January 2018. The chances are good that you are different and the circumstances in your life are different.

Set your goals to see where you will be in January 2020.

Thinking about it amazing another decade will begin next year. So go back ten years in your mind to think what has happened during this period as well.

Going ahead can begin with one step or one decision. Maybe it is to do something you haven’t done before or loving someone you haven’t loved before. Whatever the case let us all go forward. 

I Don’t Understand

I amazed often where couples I know break up where one of them has gone into another relationship while still married. Being single it makes me shake my head and in my mind, I don’t understand.

I believe this is where it is important to have a mentor or close friend where you can speak your mind without it getting out in public. I have known those who have had mentors and close friends where it still happens but I expect the odds reduce when you have someone to count on.

It is important to have some friends when this happens to you. We need friends to comfort us especially when the unexpected happens. Not only to talk but being there when we have nothing to say. Often all we need is a hug.

If you are crying for help because you may fall into a bad relationship don’t be afraid to go to a close friend or mentor. We all need someone. 

Recognized For Our Accomplishments

We all know about award shows among places where people are recognized for their accomplishments. It is a good thing for those who would not be recognized otherwise.

My sister Barb retired at the end of 2018. She not only did a job faithfully for like 30 years but so with little fanfare. The last couple of years or so she was given the title of mentor to help others doing the same job at the law firm she worked at.

Barb never cared much about being recognized for the job she did faithfully for so many years, however, her co-workers did so.  At the law firm’s Christmas Party they named her employee of the year for her faithfulness and contributions. They also surprised her by calling a board meeting which she was invited to for a surprise retirement party.  I would likely never have known except one of her co-workers posted on Facebook.

When it comes down to it there are millions every day who do things that will never be recognized; this is OK as well. I want to thank them for the things they do and the purpose for which they were created to do.

Before writing this I realized everything around us has a story. There was someone who invented the materials that make up the building I live in and those who put this building together. I have the computer I am writing on right now then there is the bed I sleep and the lights that are on. This doesn’t count the television I watch or the food that I eat.

There are again millions of people behind all these stories that are being told each day. Most of them we don’t know their name at all. Thank you!

Believe in Me

I am not here to promote myself however it is important to believe in me.  This is my encouragement today is for you to believe in yourself.

Believing in you is the first step in accomplishing your purpose. Others will believe in you because of you do believe in yourself.

Believing in yourself or another way to say having confidence in your purpose will direct others your way.  They will see what you have and want to get some of it.

So if you are accomplishing a lot in your purpose already this does mean that you believe in yourself and your purpose. It doesn’t mean though you won’t have opposition because you will. There can be those who won’t believe in you or your purpose and you have to be OK with it as well. So keep marching on in your purpose Amen!

Brothers and Sisters

                                                      My brother Jack and sister Barb

This week my brother Jack will be visiting from the east coast. We only see each other once or twice a year although we talk on the phone on a regular basis. Being blood brothers we will always have a connection.

If you are a Christian we are brothers and sisters in our connection with Christ. Those who are friends often have a connection as well. I know those I grew up with though I may only see them once in a while there is a connection too.

So we should consider each other here as brothers and sisters because we believe that we have a purpose in life which even began before we were born. We may come from different countries and cultures, we don’t look anything alike however we are still brothers and sisters. 

How Life Plays Out

In many ways, life is like playing a sport. We know getting off to a slow start in a game isn’t the end of it often though it can be depending on how far ahead the other team gets.

The sad thing we don’t all get the same tools; just like in sports the other team has more talent. Getting off to a slow start doesn’t mean we can’t come back and win. Unfortunately, some have a short life span because they had really bad tools that couldn’t be developed while others had to overcome them.

I am a person who had a bad start however in the second quarter I was able to overcome that bad start. Now I am in the fourth quarter and what I do with it can determine how the life ends.

There are those who started out well but poor decisions and management along with turnovers didn’t up well. Also, there are those who started out well and made a lot of their lives. They are recorded in the history books how they affected the world but tragedy ended their lives short however they accomplished more in their short life than many of us who live a long time.

The question too is do we have anyone who can assist us where we can finish the game of life in a good way. We can assist others to so they can finish well. So wherever you are in the sport of life make sure to make it a good finish.   

Like A Child

I wonder what happens to us when we get older. We do mature in some ways but we lack faith often along with not compromising. This is especially true when it comes to politics.

Currently here in the USA, there is a government shutdown because of a Wall that President Trump wants to build to keep people out of Mexico and those who find their ways through Mexico. I am not sure we need a wall or not however this whole thing is hurting those working for the government not being paid. It is time for a compromise far as I am concerned. The politicians are hurting those who help run the government and those having important jobs within the government. They are acting in what we would call childish ways. So time to get together to accept a wall or not; if there isn’t a solution right now at least pass bills where government employees get paid.

This comes back to where Jesus Christ said the only way to heaven you must come like a child. He knew children have the faith. They don’t always act kindly because most of us have had experiences as children getting hurt by other children; however, they are willing at times to ask forgiveness when told they are wrong. So grow up those in charge of the government.  

It Takes Faith

When we hear bad news it takes faith for us to get through it. We won’t know what our measure of faith is until we do hear bad news.

I believe children have the strongest faith when they hear about bad news especially if it has to do with their lives. This is especially true when it comes to health. I have known people who have died from an illness with great faith. It is amazing along with being beautiful.

Let faith be strong in us on a daily basis regardless of what is going on in our lives. Be ready to comfort others when bad news comes. Amen!

Having Respect

Whether we agree or not I feel it is important to respect one another. I know it wouldn’t always happen because we aren’t in a perfect world however doing so makes things a lot easier.

I was around a friend who publicly disagreed with me so for a little while it felt uncomfortable being around them however they ended apologizing to me publicly as well. I didn’t have ill will against the person just being uncomfortable. Everything with the person is really good now.

I believe we all need one another; losing a friend because there is something we don’t agree on is sad news. We may never change each other’s opinion but we can still respect each other.

So if you had a friend that you don’t consider one right now go to them and make things right. It doesn’t mean you agree with one another but you respect one another. Amen!

Volunteering

A very good way to use your purpose is to volunteer. There are plenty of organizations that can use the help. Also, a good way to find out what gifts and talents you may have that you haven’t tried using before.

At my church, there is always a need to have ushers. Of course, it doesn’t take a lot of talent just a willing heart.  Another area is greater which I just started to do. This area does take a little extra talent and gifting where you enjoy being around people. Actually having a gift of service helps too.

I ask to join the greeters because I thought there was a need for someone to say goodbye when people leave well as entering especially newcomers. The purpose is to show them that people care you came well as showing you where to go when you arrived.

So a good way to volunteer is not only to find an organization but to find a need that may have no one filling. Our purpose in life could be plugging a hole where no one has tried before. 

Speaking Positive

The best thing for us to do is to speak positively to anyone we see. There is so much negative talk we hear or read on social networking.

You are a very special person no matter what anyone else says about you. The point is you were created for many exploits in the world. No matter how you feel about yourself let you know that you're a mighty warrior. Take your arms into battle to complete what you were meant to do. Amen!

Words to Live By

The scripture above says it all when it comes to us encouraging one another. There is nothing better to do in a day.

Life is short so important to do the best that we can. Often we remember words that bring discouragement than encouragement. The more we can hear words of encouragement the more we can have life of joy. I feel it is better to remember a lot of good words instead of the bad. 

A Faithful Friend

One of the best things about having a life of purpose is we can end up having faithful friends. There is nothing better in my mind than having a friend or a few for that matter we are close to for much of our lives.

These faithful friends feel as much family as our siblings if not more so because we spend much time with them. There can be others we don’t spend as much time with but have known for a long time as well who are special to us.

I know those I have known since I started school though not seeing very often when I do see them it is very special. We need to feel grateful for those who we spend time with on a regular basis and those we see now and then.

We know when troubles come into our lives these friends will have our backs and be there for us. Amen!

Kindness To Others

Whether we have good relationships with people it is important to give kindness to others. I know realistically we won’t be treated well by everyone however we should show kindness to them as well.

Showing kindness to others even when they don’t deserve it we can hope will rub off on them. I at least try to put a smile on my face to those I know are not friendly to me. Just because someone isn’t friendly to us doesn’t mean we can’t be friendly to them. The odds I feel can become better over time when we can treat with kindness. Of course, it will not work for everyone but we will feel at least a lot better.

Regardless of our purpose in life showing kindness to others should be part of it. I find it interesting when watching people to see how they act. I know too that not everyone is going to show kindness back to me however I have learned over the year it is OK as well.

This really means we have to show others we can be the better person no matter the situation we are in at the time. Not an easy task because some days can be awful and in those days we have to find a way to rise up in the occasion. We most likely will be frustrated or angry at those times. All we can do though is to do our very best. Amen!

Driving Out The Enemy

In the Old Testament Israel was commanded to drive out the enemy and take possession of the land that God was giving them.

Though our country might be at war with another we may not be involved it in personally unless we are in the military we do have areas in our lives we are in war.

We are spiritual beings whether you believe that or not. We have areas in our lives that keep us from totally do the purposes we are called to do.

So we are at war to get rid of those areas we haven’t concord yet. In some degree since we are not perfect, we will have to deal in those areas the rest of our lives. We could have some things we have victory over already. We won’t have total peace and joy until those things are taken care of.

My encouragement is for us to keep battling no matter how hard it may seem to get a victory. Our purpose to help others get through victories in the areas we have the gifts and talents in. Amen! 

Choose To Be Available

Whether we are used today for our purpose the number one thing is to be available at all times. We need to see those who can use our assistance in whatever manner it is.

I am sure everyone is familiar with the story of the good Samaritan when the one person helped out the person in need. The others had the qualifications to help out but chose to walk to the other side of the street. These were people you would have thought helped that person but didn’t.

We need to help others regardless of the situation. If we can’t do the actual action because we don’t have the physical attributes to do so we still need to look for someone who does.

Yes, sometimes we don’t have the time to help others however we should still do so. The person may not even be calling out for help but doesn’t mean they don’t need it. I am sure there are ways that I need help but I don’t ask for it. The importance is for someone to say something that shows they care.

For those who are doing something on a daily basis to help out even in small ways. Thank you!

Not An Easy Task

Living a life of purpose isn’t always an easy thing to do. Our purpose should be who we are. There can be those who tell us what we can be.

Just like self-help books I am sure there are a lot of websites and books about living a life of purpose. I am not pretending to be an expert on the subject like some maybe. I am not writing this to put any of them down either. I am sure some have a lot more education on the subject then I do.

My encouragement is you were created for a purpose with unique gifts and talents all your own. All you need to do is to know and where to go with your purpose. If you have a child in high school and they don’t know what plans for a career when high school is over discuss with them the gifts and talents they have. The happiest they will be doing what they were created to do.

I think the greatest purpose in life is being a parent or teacher where you can help young people discover and use the gifts and talents given to them.

Living a life of purpose isn’t always easy but can be enjoyable and fun because it is part of you. Remember that more than anything. 

Reminders

As I get older like all of us do forgetting things seems to happen more often. The technology we have it is easier to set reminders on the computer or cell phones these days.

I know some people make grocery lists on their cell phones while others do it the old fashion way on paper. Usually, I don’t make a grocery list at all which sometimes does get me in trouble where I have to return to the grocery store to pick up what I forgot. I suppose it is time that I do like everyone else.

I do have reminders for appointments though. Some of the appointments I put on my calendar on the phone but I do sort of the old fashion way as well. Actually what I have is a calendar on the front door where I enter the appointments. Most of the time I don’t even look at the calendar because I do remember most of the time however it is certainly a good place to have a reminder if necessary.

My dad had a good memory where he never wrote anything down. As I recall even in his older years he had no problem. Of course, he could have had mom remind him as well but I don’t think so. He probably was the one to remind her.

So it is likely a good idea to enter reminders in whatever way you can. Setting an alert for appointments and grocery list is a good idea. This is especially true since we seem to get busier as time goes by. While you are making a list remember to write down your gifts and talents to help others out as well. Amen!

Appreciation

I have mentioned before how much I appreciate you all for reading my blog whether daily, weekly or monthly.  I have one favor and that is to share my blog with at least one other person. Also, ask them to share with someone too. It will be amazing how much more can be passed around this way.

Anyway, we all know at times we are not appreciated for what we do. Of course, we don’t do our purpose to be appreciated; however, a thank you would be nice once in a while right. So today say thank you to someone. I am sure they will like that very much.

Living a life of purpose means that we are a servant to others we give our gifts and talents too. Being a servant doesn’t always mean that we are appreciated and we should be fine with it.

In fact, a servant usually means those they serve expect it and we are OK with it. The reason I am writing this is for us to be an example to others by thanking them. Even those we serve we should say thank you for the opportunity to do so.

I have mentioned that I am a caregiver for my mother. Though I don’t expect it she thanks me almost every time I do something for her. It feels good that she counts on me. So make today the day of appreciation and again thank you for reading this. I hope that I once again made your day. 

Gusty Winds

Early Sunday morning at 1:30 am I was woken by gusty winds. The winds were blowing so hard I could hear it howling.

I am sure this is the first time I have ever heard the wind howling. This makes me think we need to be prepared at all times for the unexpected. Life’s journey can bring things we have never seen before or we have no experience in.

We should realize the reason we are given gifts and talents is to be prepared for anything at any time to help others out well as ourselves. This is what can make life so exciting when we know some new experience can come our way for us to handle.

Remember you are prepared for anything. This is where faith comes in to be sure we are prepared. I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and you are enjoying this weekend. 

The Next Chapter

I find it interesting when someone graduates from college or takes a new job. What will the next chapter of their life look like?

Our purpose can stay the same regardless of where we are at. We just might be involved with different people.

The important thing to realize is our purpose can evolve with new gifts and talents. Actually, they are gifts and talents we have had all along just we didn’t know it.

We often have to take a risk to know what these gifts and talents are. It is like our life taking one step at a time. Enjoy the ride along the way. Amen!

You’re Purpose For 2019

We have the purpose we were created for plus the purpose we may decide on the days, weeks, months and year. They could be the same or different.

I have mentioned before about writing down our purposes. So this could be a good time to do so. Writing those we can do right now on this day plus those in the days ahead for this year.

 You might be a mentor for someone or a group or several people or groups. A good idea to put down those people and groups you plan to help throughout the year. How you plan to help them or teach them. Areas you might decide to add on to those you have already done.

I hope whomever you helped in 2018 will be helped even further this year. There could be those you are friends with that you may help in another manner. Right down your purposes to help them as well.

Another reason to write these things down at the end of the year you can see the progress has happened over the year. This will give you continued confidence in your purposes. Sometimes we may think our purposes don’t work out and this will show they do. Amen!

Comparing One Another

Ever since I can remember I compare myself with others. It seems the natural thing we do though it isn’t right at all. We want to be like everyone else around us.

It didn’t help at all when other kids would throw insults our way or we get bullied as well. Someone wanted to be the king of the hill.

We should daily think it is fine to be us. Most of us have grown out of that childhood stage but we still should love ourselves the way we are.

One of the reason’s I have this blog is to encourage each other into those areas we were created for. Ok, there are those who might do things better than we do, however, we do have gifts and talents others don’t. We are the person we should be, and it should be enough. Let’s walk the path we should go no matter what others say. I know it isn’t easy to do so but this is the choice we should go. 

Do The Best We Can

We all know that we are not perfect so we must do the best we can. Other people depend on us whether it is on the job or in our personal life.

The key to living a life of purpose is to take responsibility. Sometimes we can feel like leaving things to others because they are not going the way we like. Actually, this is the time to be diligent in what we have been called to do.

Important for us to face all the challenges head-on; this is what we call to do the best we can. Though we enjoy our purposes doesn’t mean things will go right all the time. Amen! 

Hello 2019

Well, we made it through 2018 though with some battle scars. Hard to believe it is a new year.

I want to thank you all for reading through my posts for the past year. I hope things get even better here in 2019.

I know it will take a little while to get used to 2019. The important thing is to be able to write it on the checks without putting 2018 instead. I don’t write too many checks these days though. Like most, I have a lot of payments made automatically.

It is amazing to think how much things change every year with technology. I am sure new things will be added on this year.

Remember to start the year out with your purposes at hand. I wrote plural because I know you have more than one. Keep things up and always have a smile even through the difficult times.