Good Bye February

Here in Western Washington a lot of people are saying goodbye to February we are glad you are leaving. The reason is in mid-February we had a large amount of snow dump on us.  Here in Gig Harbor, we had at least a foot of snow depending on where you lived.

I enjoyed the snow coming because we hadn’t had snow like this for several years. We have a lot of hills so many people were not able to leave their homes or at least they didn’t try to anyway. I, fortunately, don’t live on a hill though I would have tried to go anyway.

I remember about fifteen years ago or so when we had snow I had problems getting out going to work. I was living at a place that wasn’t flat though not real steep though. My tires would spin so I was going nowhere without shoveling the snow or assistance in pushing the car. One of my neighbors came out giving me assistance so I was able to get to work. 

I, fortunately, lived near the grocery store so I walked to get food on a couple occasions which I was fine with. I figured it was something I had to deal with to have snow.

I actually had more trouble driving in the snow when it was melting and having to walk in water in the process. So I thought February was a good month in all. Although I could have gone without the cold wind.

Another thing though it is something to talk with people about as well. Finding out the experience they went through. Those of you who have snow every winter I wish I could live in your shoes more often. 

Love Should Make The World Go Around

It is really sad the state of our world these days. Wouldn’t it be nice if love would make the world go around.

We were created for love however we do the opposite most of the time. Love and compassion comes in when tragedy happens then most forget a little time later. Other words what have you done for me lately.

Most people have strong opinions about issues and when you disagree they say often say that you’re judging them. I am not going to get into issues however some of them don’t have love involved however we should love anyway. Other words love should overshadow the issues we disagree on. Not always able to happen though.

So today show others your love for them even when you don’t agree. Even though love won’t make the world go around right now at least in the places we go. Amen!

Seeing Colors

Our original design was to love and care for the colors however we have spent a lot of time thinking about the colors and what they do for us.

You are asking what the colors represent. They are people and the animals around us.

Yes we are here for one another to care and love. We spend so much time what we will get out of each other instead.

We need to get back to the original design in loving one another without thinking about the cost. The colors are not to be thought of in any other way but to enjoy and love. 

We Are Influence

Whether we realize it or not we are all influence for others. I am sure everyone you know or have met even once has been an influence on your life.

We can try not to be an influence however even that will influence as well. We should try to be a positive influence on everyone. We need to realize though our positive influence will not rub off on everyone. There will be those who won’t like us for whatever reason. The important thing is not to change our ways because someone hasn’t accepted us. There is always a possibility the person who doesn’t like us will change their minds over time.

So it all comes down to us being us. I am sure as a child your parents warned you about the other kids who they didn’t think were good influences to stay away from them.

My brother Jack didn’t think my best friend wasn’t a good influence or at least he asked me why Gary was my friend. I told Jack that I didn’t have very many friends so I couldn’t be choosy. My parents never told me to stay away from Gary. He lived less than five minutes from us in walking distance.

I saw Gary wasn’t friendly to everyone however he treated me like a best friend should. When he was the captain of a baseball he chooses me first every time. No exceptions. I haven’t seen Gary in a long time now but I still remember that. I remember when we played sandlot football at the neighborhood park he asked me to be center and hiked the ball. I object because I knew centers never had the ball passed to them. Of course, this was sandlot so he told he would throw me the ball anyway since it wasn’t against our rules. He said Herb take a couple steps forward after hiking the ball and I will throw it to you and then you run. I was the fastest runner on either team. Actually another kid Rob was fast so we could never play on the same team.

See wherever Gary is at right now he was an influence that I will remember always. So be the best friend to the most people you can be. I am sure it is part of your purpose too. 

Being There

Whether we are traveling or we are meeting with a friend or doing our life purpose being there is the important thing.

When we travel especially somewhere we haven’t been before we want to see the important sites. We will want to tell our friends and family what we have seen. Of course, a camera is needed for pictures to be taken.

For a friend or someone, we are with to encourage the most important thing is being there too. We don’t necessarily have to say a word at all or respond when they are finishing saying something.

Depending on the circumstance a response isn’t necessary or at least we shouldn’t say anything until after they say something. We should be open not to give advice until we know everything is going on. Of course, experience goes a long way. It depends on how often you have been with the person.

If you are the person that ask a friend over because you are going through something I believe it is important to tell them to be quiet until you finished speaking. There are those who want to fix something before knowing all the facts.

So whether you’re traveling or helping someone enjoy the experience too. I hope you are having a good weekend. Amen!

Good Time To Travel

Here in Western Washington people find this is a good time to travel. The children just had a week off from school for President Week. This is right after losing three days of school because of snow.

Snow is a good reason many wanted to get away though rain is the usual cause. Some I know go to Hawaii while others head for California or Arizona. Other places like Europe are planned for the summer.

I have stayed home this year in February like those who didn’t go anywhere as well. I enjoyed the snow as always. A lot of years it only sticks around for a day then melts this time we had more snow about a foot so took longer to melt. It was nice to see then sad to see it melt. I am sure the kids will remember this for some time.

The whole thing about travel or vacation is you can actually still do your purpose just with different people. Everyone can use a little bit of us. So next time you travel to do what you have been doing along the lines of purpose I am sure these people will appreciate it. 

What Is Important To Us

It is only human nature we have important things in our lives however it should never neglect other things.

Everything we do on a daily basis is included in our purpose regardless of how big or small we consider it.

Our job and our family should be at the top of the list when it comes to importance. If I say it once or a thousand times everything else should be less than those two things. The family should be at the top then the job is to provide for the family.

There are those who have messed up their lives and family because they made other things more important than them. How many divorces happen because one or the other put something ahead of marriage and family.

I am not saying you shouldn’t do other things that you consider important however they should have the backing of your family. Before you do any of those things ask your family if it is OK to do so. Don’t make them feel guilty because you want to go after your purpose or calling or whatever names you stamp on it. Down the road you will regret your decision.

I know what I am saying sounds harsh however it is the reality as well.  Also if you want to add something to what you are doing now think about what to exclude as well. Remember we only have 24 hours in a day or less taking away sleep.

Until next time peace be with you.  

Making A Difference

When it comes to our life purpose the number one thing is for us to make difference.

The world today needs people who can make a difference in a strong way. Things have been bad for a while however it seems to be getting worse.

I heard someone on a sports talk show last week say he is glad this decade is coming to an end because the next one has to be better.

There are so many negative remarks coming out of people’s mouths or what they are writing on social media.

I see sad faces in a lot of places I visit too. Showing a smile to someone I know has to make them feel better. I know life isn’t always grand. In fact most of the time it isn’t under the best of circumstances however it is important to put on a good face.

People are passionate about what they believe but don’t show love to others. We should not always open our mouths because what may come out isn’t good and make what we believe doesn’t sound good to follow.

The best thing is to stay silent. Our actions instead of our words will show others what we are made of. This will be making a difference come in. Amen!

Getting Enough Sleep?

Growing up I was told it was important to have eight hours of sleep. I am not sure whether it is true or not.

My belief enough sleep depends on the individual person. Some people may be able to live on six hours of sleep. I am sure it varies on each one of us.

I would rather spend the extra hour or two awake doing things like doing my life of purpose. I figure I can make up any sleep that I possibly lost on the weekend.

Anyway that is some free advice to you. Have a great day and many blessings. 

Let Me Know

I want to ask you if there is something more you want to know. Whether it is to expand on something I have already written over time or something new.

Answer a question you may have about purpose or anything else.

Write in the comments and I look forward to seeing what you like and want to know more.  Thanks 

Having Hugs

Their several subjects I thought about writing today, however, I decided on hugs.

I do know hugs happening will depend on your culture or yourself personally. I know some cultures don’t hug at all while others do a lot or some have it in between.

Where I live here in Western Washington USA there is those who do hug while others don’t so much. I find hugging is a part of greeting in some cases. Instead of giving a handshake a person gives a hug instead. A hug most likely is a sign of affection. You may hug someone you haven’t seen for a long time or they are a close friend or family.

I know too there are those in cultures like mine where it may or may not happen I would not be offended if being hugged. There are some people who love to hug no matter who the other person is. I know too there are those who feel hugging invades their personal space. If you are one of those people and someone hugs you I would just let it go. I am sure you don’t get hugged very often.

When traveling it is a good idea to know the customs of hugging in the country you are going to. If you are from a country or culture where hugging is forbidden than make sure the people know that. If it is just your personal space than let it happen it isn’t going to hurt you that much.

I personally enjoy getting a hug though it doesn’t happen to me on a regular basis. In fact, it could be the reason I do enjoy hugs because it isn’t a regular occurrence.

Anyway, just some friendly advice regarding getting hugs. I know there are other things we need to cross barriers as well when stepping into other cultures. I may get to them at a later date. Have yourself a great week. 

Today Your Life Can Change

You may wonder how your life can be changed today. One word spoken by someone can change your life.

Sunday evening I will be praying for three individuals with two or three others I hope will change them forever. We will be speaking with the help of the Holy Spirit what their purpose and destiny is. Also, pray over the things blocking them from attaining their destiny.

We all have things in our lives that keep us from attaining the full purpose and destiny. It is important to recognize those issues and get help if necessary.

Speak with a friend or mentor on your purpose and destiny. Ask them what they may believe in keeping you from fulfilling your full purpose and destiny. Today your life can change. I hope mine does. 

Acceptance Of Each Other

We need to love however it begins with acceptance. While I was thinking about acceptance I realize it has to do with expectations.

I am sure there are those who don’t accept me because they don’t think I am good enough. On the other hand, they may not think they are good enough.

I am sure there are those who don’t think I measure up to their standards and others who think I am above their standards. I am sure I have thought the same way as well.

The best way to accept one another is not to have any standards at all. We all have flaws so we aren’t perfect.

I am not better than you and you are not better than me so let’s accept each other regardless of the flaws. You have good things in your life despite the flaws and so do I. Let’s leave it at that and enjoy one another. Also, we may not agree on everything so let’s accept that as well.

So I am going to leave all this right here. No more advice or anything like that right now and accept everything flaws and all. 

The Big Picture

When it comes to our lives and purpose we need to think of the big picture.

The big picture will be different for each one of us. The big picture is our purpose.

The big picture though is made up of a lot of little pictures. The little pictures are important things. They are what we do on a daily basis.

To be able to do the little pictures in the right manner the big picture has to be included.

Amazing how wonderful the big picture is over time. So today think of the big picture and how the small pictures fit in. Amen!

Be Strong Be Yourself

                         Be Strong not weak

                      Be positive not negative

                      Be humble

                        

                      Meditate on the good

                      Meditate on the word of God

                      You are a mighty warrior

                      Your strength comes from above

                       Look to the one who created you

                       Have faith that moves mountains

                       Have faith in what you don’t see

                       Most of all have faith in you

                          

Help Thy Neighbor

It always seems neighbors’ help each other in time of need however wouldn’t be nice to happen more often.

There is a purpose and destiny of those who are our neighbors. We should get to know them better and spend time together. It doesn’t mean they have to be our best friends though I don’t think there is anything wrong with that.

I think it would be nice to get together for a meal once in a while. Plan one for once a month is nice.

At least say hello every time you see them is a good policy. I do that with my neighbors. I ask them how things are going and about their families. It only takes a few minutes to do so. We can have fun with them. Amen! 

Surrounded By Others

Last night while I was walking I realized one of my toes was hurting. I had banged into something earlier without my shoes on. I didn’t think of it until then when feeling a little pain.

I looked down to my toe and it had been bleeding though had stopped for a while. So I cleaned it off and put on a bandage. I realize too that it will take a little time to heal and I need to be more careful when walking without shoes.

I realized as well how important it is for us to be surrounded by others to help us out. In the same way the President has the secret service and important people have bodyguards.

We all need people who care and watch out for us. I am sure most of us do. It is so important especially when we are doing something in regarding our purpose.

These people are not only important to watch out for us but for someone to listen to for advice. Not only do we need this we can be for someone else as well. Be the person who will be available to others when the need arises. Amen!

Yes Or

When it comes to our purpose it is yes all the time or it should be anyway. Whether we are a mentor, counselor, friend or acquaintance we should say yes unless we feel there is someone more qualified than us.

I am sure the person wouldn’t come to us if they didn’t think we could help them. Remember the most important part of helping someone is being a good listener.  In fact most people just need to have someone to listen to them.

Anyway, I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Here in my town it snowed so a different kind of weekend for sure. I was able to get out to go get coffee and shopping however activities like church were canceled. We are expecting to get more snow today (Monday). So most are taking an extended weekend as well, and the schools are closed.

Whatever your week coming up is like make it the best. 

Showing Love

Whether it has to do with our purpose in life or giving our opinion the number one thing we must do is showing love to others.

It is not an easy task to show love to everyone. This is especially true when the person is so much different from us whether it is our personality or our culture; also, can be true if the person considers us an enemy.

This is why Jesus Christ commanded us to love thy neighbor as ourselves. He knew this would be hard to do. Being a Jew he knew his people considered those of other races and cultures less. They thought themselves as superior because they were after all God’s chosen people.

Regardless of how we feel about others, it is important we humble ourselves. Life will feel much better this way.

Winter Wonderland

As promised on Friday we had some more snow. It actually came about an hour sooner than we were told. The snow came just past noon.

I was at my regular coffee shop hang out. I decided to go to the grocery store to get some more food to have over the weekend.

The traffic was heavy so I waited for a break before going. I heard to the grocery store was overcrowded. It was indeed a lot of people in the store. Lines were long, however, I used the express lane so I only had to wait about 15 minutes to get up to the cash register.

You would have thought the world was going to end with all the people in the store. A lot of people bought bread since they were almost out. I expect the reason was just in case the electricity went out.

If you want to go on a diet this is the time to do it as long as you stay warm. One of the churches in the area was welcoming anyone who needed shelter for warm. What a wonderful service to give.

Right now it looks like I have three to six inches outside my windows. I am going to see if I can get out this morning for a little while. I live right by the freeway so long as I can make it that far I will be OK. The side streets are the real question. Many of them are on hills so be hard to drive up them. So many people will be stuck likely for the weekend at least. We may get more snow on Sunday.

I am sure those living in other areas of the country that get a lot more snow probably think those here are crazy when dealing with snow. Well most of them are more accustomed to snow plus the hills do make it hard to drive. I have the faith things will work out just fine.  

Being Open To Others

I figure the most important thing for all of us is to be open to others. This is important whether we are on the receiving or the giving.

Often for whatever reason we sometimes shut ourselves off from other people; this is especially true when someone or something close to us happens.

When we need to be close to others is when tough times do come. I know that I feel like not talking in these circumstances but it is when I should.

When we are on the giving to others the most important thing to do is listen. We sometimes want to give advice especially when we have had similar experiences. Instead of going right into giving advice I feel it is important we ask the other person whether they want advice or not. We should remember how we felt when going through a similar experience ourselves. 

Expecting More

Here in Western Washington they are expecting us to get more snow over the weekend. How much depends where we live.

Where I live we had about an inch of snow on Monday where Seattle and north had much more.

 This time they expect us to get up to six inches of snow. The inch of snow now is gone while Seattle and north still have snow on the ground so they will have snow added on.

I am not sure how long the snow will be around but we are told to be prepared. This is what life is all about to be prepared for all things.

Those who work as first responders have such a great calling and purpose in their lives. We benefit when a disaster happens because of these people. Just think of yourself as a first responder in whatever your purpose is. Other’s benefit in what you do. 

Change of Weather

I am not a psychologist but I do notice people’s change of how they act when the weather changes. For some like me, it stays about the same while others feel better when we get snow and then others feel worse for the snow.

We have other issues of course like a loss of a loved one can change how we feel too. I was talking with someone I have known for a while. His moods change often however he was sad yesterday because of what is going on in his family. His mother died last year and now he isn’t happy because his siblings are arguing over her will. He told me that he likely is going to separate himself from his family. He is still grieving for his mother so this isn’t helping at all. They still have to sell the home she was living in. This is the major problem of her estate they have to settle with.

It is amazing how people change because of death in the family. My sister, brother and I are really close so I don’t see the problem when mom finally goes. She is really good health at 98 so we may not have to deal with it for a few years though she could go anytime as well. She does have a bad heart which could go anytime though medicine has helped for sure.

Whatever the case when you feel different whether has to do with the weather or other life circumstances get help and talk with someone. Amen! 

Yeah Snow!

It took a while however we finally got snow on Monday morning. The weather has been very mild this winter until now here in Western Washington.

We didn’t get a lot of snow; about an inch where I live. The temperatures got down into the twenties.

Often when we get snow it only sticks around for a day or less then melts. This time should stay at least until Wednesday before the temperatures go above freezing.

When it comes to life’s purpose it is important to know what is going on in each other’s lives including the weather.

On another issue, my friend Tom lost his mother. I believe she died on Sunday. Keep him in your prayers. His wife told me he was having a hard time because he couldn’t be there. She lived in northern California while he was here. 

So let’s pray for each other on this blog for our families and friends. For those we spend our time and energy within our purposes. Amen!

Making Of A Champion

The first thing you must have the talent and gifts to be a champion however hard work and sacrifice is included.

Those who are champions in their field have made sacrifices to be where they are at.

The one mistake some champions make is sacrificing their families. Whatever you do they should never be the sacrifice. In fact, they need to be included in you being a champion and your purpose.

In fact, I go further to say the family is your number one purpose in your life. If you forget that then you really are not a champion after all.

Perseverance

This word perseverance means to be steading or believe over a long period despite difficulties or setbacks. Living the life of purpose we need to have perseverance because know difficulties and setbacks will occur. This could be with us or those we counsel or mentor.

I can say in another way we never give up because our purpose is in our being. Also, it is in our DNA. Our purpose is part of who we are.

So when times get difficult stick to your guns and persevere. Remember we are running a marathon and not a sprint. Amen!

What People Looking For

When you know your purpose it is important to see what people are looking for. Everyone wants something more than they have and you may have what it is.

Important to keep our eyes open for everyone. All they may look for is a friend to talk to. Having good listening skills can help as well. Today could be the day their life changes for the better because you were willing to spend some time with them.

We were created to do great things however it can begin with doing the small things. We all seem to be busy however we can take time to be available for others. I know when someone gives me the time of day I feel so much better.  Keep up the good work and have a glorious weekend.

P.S.  Today would be my dad’s birthday. I miss him a lot. He has been gone for a long time now, however, dad happy birthday to you.

Our Motivation

When it comes to our purpose in life motivation is a good key. In sports when a team loses their motivation means the coach is usually fired. Well, we can’t fire ourselves but we must renew our motivation when it isn’t going right.

We must remember the reason we are living a life of purpose. Like we all know it isn’t always easy. Having friends and a mentor can help us stay motivated.

Often people change jobs when things are not working right where they are at. A change happens to where you get into a new position because of what you have been doing and your qualifications.

When it comes to the job taking a vacation is required along with helping us get our heads back on when necessary. A vacation is used to relax and get motivated for a period of time. When we are losing our motivation in regards to our purpose we should step back as well. A little bit of time off is a good thing.