Who We Are

Tall or Short

Big or Small

Rich or Poor

Beautiful or Average

We are who we are

We can live a rich life whether we have a long or short life.

Many who had short lives made a lot of difference over those who had long lives

We can all make a difference in the world no matter what has come our way.

Encourage you to do the best that you can. Enjoy all those around you.

For those that are children don’t grow up too fast.

For us adults let’s be children again.

Supporting Others

Friday night I went to fundraising dinner for a couple that I have known for a long time.  They have been involved with a couple from Nepal who run an orphanage there. They have lost the funding of a woman who had helped them for many years because of her health. I figure not a bigger avenue than helping someone who is helping the least fortunate in our world today.

This couple plan to travel to Nepal on a regular basis to help support the orphanage. Also, they have requested anyone interested in supporting a child in the orphanage they can do so. You can do a onetime donation or monthly. If you are interested send me a message and I will let you know how to contact them. You can always reach me herbnightingale@gmail.com or at this blog.

We can all make a difference in this world even if it is made in small ways. Have yourself a wonderful and exciting weekend.

Family First?

I know a lot of people believe family should come first above anything else. The truth is God should be at the top then family followed by others and then you at the bottom.

It doesn’t mean that you care the least about yourself; however, caring for everyone else will keep us on a good solid foundation. There are times where we have to go off and take care of ourselves that way we can get back on track putting God and everyone else ahead of us.

It isn’t an easy thing to do because our natural way is to take care of ourselves first. Most of us have been raised that family comes first so we make every effort to do that.

So put God and everyone ahead of yourself but do remember you have to take care of yourself too.  

Two Important Contributions

I believe two of the most important contributions in our lives is faith in God and faith in ourselves. We have both ingredients than we can do anything we want.

God says that we have faith as small as a mustard seed we can move mountains. Faith can make us do the impossible as much as the possible. Do you have that faith in God and you? If so you can and will do a lot.

Others can encourage you but you have to take the first steps toward faith. I know you can do it.

Hump Day

Hello Wednesday it is nice to see you. Actually, we are blessed that we are able to see another day at all. Now we are at the halfway of the work week.

These next three days I will be busy in the evenings. I have my by-monthly home group Wednesday night. We are taking it on the road as the home we meet at on a regular basis is being prepped for a high school graduation party.  Thursday late afternoon mother and I will be seeing my nephew Ian who is in Seattle. He is visiting from New York City. 

It ends on Friday where I am going to a fundraising dinner for Nepal. A woman friend of mine will be going in August to Nepal. She has a business where she sells clothing from Nepal. She has had a heart for the people of Nepal for several years now. She and her husband take turns going though they have gone together as well along with their children. She will be taking goods to Nepal to help the needy. I would say a good purpose she and her husband have.

As of now don’t have plans for the weekend but you never know what is right around the corner. Enjoy the rest of your week. Amen

Supposed To Be Summer

The calendar says it is summer but the temperatures right now hovering around the 70s. No complaints here except at night when it dips down into the 50s. I have to turn up the thermostat when I wake up in the middle of the night. I guess I could turn it up when I go to bed. I will have to remember tonight.

Yesterday on television they said if you liked today’s weather you will like tomorrow because it will be identical. Now today is tomorrow so I will see. Is that confusing or what?

Wednesday they are expecting rain; however, they said the same thing for Sunday and it didn’t happen. OK, either way though.

Tuesday I ordered tickets to a Mariners baseball game in late July. It will be a day game so the weather should be pretty nice. Usually, I sit down the first base line however this time I decided to go for right field. I am hoping that I will be able to catch a ball when a player hits a home run to right field. I have never caught a ball at a game before but the chances seem good this time.

Whatever you are doing today I hope your purpose will come through to every that you meet. Amen!

Lies

The world is being lied to on a daily basis; however, most people don’t even know it or realize it anyway.

The word that brings the most lies is tolerant. We have to be tolerant of everyone. In a way that is true; however, the truth hasn’t changed in the same way lies haven’t but most people don’t realize it.

We need to love those who believe the lies well as the truth. You tell your children the truth because you love them. We have to do the same with others as well. The trouble though many say you are judging me. No, you are telling them the truth because you love them.

Where does a lie come from? Well, it comes from the one who has lied from the beginning and that is the devil which means “deceiver”.  He twists the truth in the same way he did when he spoke to Jesus Christ; however, Jesus spoke with the truth.

So today we need to meditate and think about what is the truth. Though what someone says sounds good doesn’t mean it really is. We should be willing to tell them what they are saying is not the truth. Do it in a kind way where it doesn’t sound like judgment.

Not an easy thing to do is to tell truth in a way that others will accept that have embraced the lies. If they are upset by what you say just tell them “to think about it.”  Who knows you may have saved someone going down the wrong path. Amen!

Summer Rain

Here in Western Washington, we are expecting rain for the next week. Not unusual in the last week of June.

Though summer just became official temperatures is down ten degrees as well. For the week it will be in the mid-60s.

We do need the rain before the temperatures go up twenty degrees in the next couple weeks and we likely won’t have rain over the next two and a half months.

Summer is the time to visit Western Washington. Plenty of places to see; though I have lived here all my life there are towns I have never been to. It sounds like a good thing to do this year to visit a few of those towns.

It’s Summer

 Friday became summer. Again this year here in the pacific northwest it is expected to be another hot summer.

Global warming certainly happening around here for sure; I believe it is the fourth or fifth year in a row where it will be temperatures hotter than normal.

Until three years ago we never had temperatures reach into the 90s. Last year it happened three or four times here. I prefer the temperatures to be in the mid-80s.

So for those who want to travel the Pacific Northwest is a good destination spot. Come by and meet the locals.  

Life Changing

How would your life change if you suddenly became wealthy? Money longer was an issue for you. I am sure you would set up a foundation and give to areas that are important to you. I know I would travel a lot. Go all over the world. Not at once but over a period of time. I know there would be people asking for money from you. New relatives, you never thought you had.

Let us live a life of change. Do the things you would want to do even though you may not have the money to do so at this time. Help the unfortunate in ways that don’t take money; something for all of us to think about and go out and do it.

I am sure doing things that you have always to do and change happens will change you too. Let’s start thinking about it and see where it leads. We might be surprised by the results. Amen!

Are You Doing Good?

I hope that your answer to my question is yes. Let you know that I do appreciate you being here no matter how often.

Let you know that I consider you family and friends though we may have never met. We all need each other.

I have heard on several occasions that one word can change your life. Keep your eyes and ears open. Who knows today could be it.

I have a wonderful day. This might be the best day ever. Even when times rough remember the storms will stop. Amen!

Frustration

We all go through frustration at times. I am at that stage now because of my cold or it could be allergies. I wonder if it will ever end.

It is hard to be thankful when frustration comes in. Often frustration can lead to anger. What happens when we get angry?  I know for some anger can be an ongoing problem. In my case, it doesn’t happen very often which I am glad.  In my case, the voice gets louder and louder. Only lasts a short period of time then I can just relax.

Those who get frustrated that turns into anger on a regular basis then the anger goes even further I recommend going for counseling.

I wonder do you feel better now. I certainly do for sure. So if frustration turns into anger just let your voice speak loudly then let go.

Wake Up

I find now waking up in the morning to be exciting because of my life purpose. Looking forward to what the day will bring. Wouldn’t it be good if everyone did the same thing the world be a better place to live.

On Saturday when I and mom went to Seattle to see my cousin Jennifer for her book signing she told her friends she introduced to me who had come to see her as well what an inspiration I am. It made me feel good. She was excited to see my mom as well. She introduced her as the family matriarch; the last remaining member of the family still alive of her generation.

On Sunday I received exciting news when my niece Leslie called. She was hoping grandmother and I would be around in early August because she was going to her best friend’s wedding in Eugene, Oregon. I said,  of course, we will be here. So she will visit with us for a couple days before flying on to Eugene.

Leslie is an eighth grade English teacher so of course, she is out of school for the summer. Coming here in August isn’t the only trip she is going to Provence, France next week for vacation. Her youngest brother Daniel along with his girlfriend will spend a week with her in Provence while she will be there for two weeks. Leslie loves taking pictures so I am sure to be seeing plenty of them over the two weeks.

Leslie middle brother Ian will be here next week so we will have a chance to see him as well.  Have an exciting summer planned so far.

 Many blessings to you all on this glorious Tuesday. Amen!

Jeremiah Speaks

In chapter one, God spoke to Jeremiah that he knew him before he was born. He was commissioning him to speak on God’s behalf. Jeremiah said he was too young.

In my words, God told him it was nonsense. God touched his mouth where he became a prophet to all nations. Not an easy task at all. You will see by reading all the chapters of Jeremiah.

When we are called by God to do his service many if not most will not accept what we have to say. I know writing not everyone is going to accept what I have to say no matter what the subject is. Something I have accepted. I am honored by those who do read what I write whether they agree or not.

Sunday night I was thinking about how things have changed as long as I have lived. What was once Yes is now no and no is now Yes; what was good is now bad while bad is now good.

You may call it a revelation; however, on Sunday night I realized that many believe God has changed his mind because of grace and his love for us. Actually, God hasn’t changed his mind at all. Grace is so we will change our minds in time.

Something to think about; I wish you all a wonderful day and week.

Early Sunday Morning

It is early Sunday morning the birds are singing and the squirrels are running up and down the trees.

It is early Sunday morning the sun is starting to rise. Children will be up and running in a few hours. Wouldn’t it be nice to be a child again.

Thank you God for allowing us to see another day; early Sunday morning so much peace.

Visit Seattle

A big day going to Seattle; I only go maybe half a dozen times a year. From my home, it takes about an hour drive depending on the traffic. Nice it is a Saturday so traffic should be fine.

The interstate has had work on it for about ten years; waiting for it to be completed so I expect to enter the interstate it will be different than the last time I went to Seattle.

In Seattle, I will be visiting my cousin Jennifer who is doing a book signing at the Magnolia Book Store. She wrote her first book a novel called “Alberta and the Spark”. I already do have a copy but I look forward to seeing Jennifer in her element and see who her fans are. I hope to see others I may know as well.  I hope to visit with her after the signing as well.

Magnolia is the area of Seattle Jennifer grew up in so it is like home week for her. Magnolia is west of Seattle center where the famous Space Needle is located. I do plan to take my camera to show you.

I am still trying to get over my cold. It feels like it is never going to end though I do know it well at some point anyway.

So whatever you are doing this weekend enjoy yourself too.

You’re Influence

In the Old Testament, it began with Moses for the people of Israel to hear from God.  After that, it was the Judges. Kings and the prophets. In the New Testament, it was John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, and the Apostles.

                                                 

Today the Catholic Church is the Pope and the Priests. In the protestant church, it is ministers, pastors, and evangelists. The people though should and can listen to God directly; not through a mediator. However, the people of God will be where others will come to ask about God, and we must be ready to speak at all times. We are the voices which God speaks through when we listen to him. 

A Hot One

Wednesday was a hot day here in Western Washington. The temperatures reached the low 90s. It is a record for the day anyway.

                                                                      

Here there aren’t many air conditioners around so fans have to be used. We are not used to temperatures in the 90s usually at any time. They expect this summer to be hotter all the way around.

Having a cold like I do the temperature didn’t really affect me like it usually does. I just hope this weather will knock the cold out of me. I have had this now for ten days so I am tired of it. Please go away from me.

Great time for anyone to come here for a visit; there are so many sites to see. You can shop in the city; go to the water or the mountains. You can find a lot of good places to eat as well. Most types of food are available. I recommend having seafood though.

You should be able to meet people from all over the place. Find out there story. For me, meeting new people I enjoy. I guess it is part of my life purpose. Yes I had to throw it in. Wherever you are at enjoy the day.

Why Am I Wondering

When is my purpose I was created for going to come to pass? I am sure some of us have that thought once in a while. 

Just think it took Moses forty years to find out what his purpose was; Caleb and Joshua took forty years for there’s to be fulfilled when entering the Promised Land.

So you see your purpose is just around the corner. It takes time for something great to happen. If it were just ordinary it would have already happened. So hold on while the ride continues you get there. 

                                                                                            

It’s A Drag

I am now on day 8 went it comes to a cold. I have to say that I am tired of it.

Hard to get things done under the circumstances; it doesn’t help that the weather is really nice outside as well. I have to sleep more than I would like too.

The positive thing though is I am at home instead of traveling somewhere. 

This coming Saturday I will be up in Seattle to see my cousin Jennifer and hopefully others too. She will be signing her new book at a local book store. It will be in the area she grew up in. She now lives in Astoria Oregon. I hope that I am over it by then. 

What has been annoying at times is when I sneeze a lot over and over again then I have to blow my nose. It hasn’t happened much over the last couple days but feeling yukky doesn’t help.

The best thing though I will be grateful when I get back to good health. Enjoy your day while I continue to recover.  

Remembering and Thankful

On Saturday morning I was reading Isaiah 42. God was not happy with Israel because they were worshiping worthless idols.

We must remember God when he gives us blessings and gifts. Also, thanking him for them as well. It is easy to forget the one who gives us a gift sometimes.

We need to remember he has to be our priority and not an afterthought. So have your thoughts of God during the day. Give him a high five and remember he is the ultimate Awesome one.

Couple of the Top Things When Traveling

                             Taken from one of the restaurants on the waterfront of Gig Harbor

We know two important things we need to know when traveling is where to stay and where to eat. After that, we plan what sites to see.

In my home town of Gig Harbor, we have a couple of motels and then there are a  number of bed and breakfast spots as well. This is such a lovely area you couldn’t beat where to stay.

When I was growing up there wasn’t a big choice of where to stay or eat. You had to stay in nearby Tacoma. The town has become quite the tourist place now though. We had only one restaurant and a couple of burger places. Now you have a pretty good choice for whatever kind of food you like.

There are plenty of places in the shopping centers we have in town; however, I suggest downtown on the waterfront. You can find several restaurants that serve seafood and then you have the scenery to go with it.

The weather here now is warming up to be summer. We are expected temperatures into the mid-80s this coming week. It is unusual until three years ago June rained early on and possibly good weather in late June. We always said the summer didn’t start until after the 4^th of July. Not so much anymore.

You ever make it to the Seattle area must come to visit Gig Harbor and rest of Olympic Peninsula. We have a lot of great places to see. Stay tuned.

Travel and Beyond

When I began this blog in late 2013 I introduced myself writing my life growing up in Gig Harbor. I expanded to write more about our life purpose. I believe I have helped all of us including myself to pursue this life of purpose but I believe now to go beyond it as well.

I am not going to stop writing about life purpose because I believe everything we do has a purpose and we must continue to live our life this way. I am though going to write about traveling and other things that come to my mind right here without forgetting life purpose.

As we pursue and expand our life of purpose all types of things should be included because our purpose does include our interests and hobbies. Also, it includes us to pursue God as well because of this where we go with our life purpose. We were created by God to live a life of purpose which includes him at the center.

I find it a privilege to write here each and every day. I find it an honor when you all read this whenever you can. I know your life is busy with all your purposes going on so I can’t expect you to read this every day.  

It is amazing to think this blog has gone around the world to be read by those I don’t know and in countries that I may have never heard of. Until you come here once again I want to give you a big thank you for coming and allowing me into your life. Peace and have yourself a wonderful weekend.

Gig Harbor Washington USA

                                    A group of fishing boats. For many years Gig Harbor was
                                    known for being a fishing town. Many of them still go fish
                                    up in Alaska or off the Washington Coast. They are on their
                                    way right now.

                                       
                                         See East Gig Harbor my neighborhood growing up
                                         with Mount Rainier in the background.

We are all called for a purpose in a place we call home. I fortunately, live in a small town around ten thousand in the top western part of The United States.

Gig Harbor has grown about three times from what it was when I was a child. There are areas where land is now developed with homes when there were none when I was a child.

Gig Harbor is on the east end of the Kitsap-Olympic Peninsula. Looking east, when it isn’t cloudy, we can see Mount Rainier which is the second largest mountain in the United States. So blessed to have beautiful scenery; looking west is another group of mountains called the Olympic Mountains.

Being on a Peninsula, not only is Gig Harbor situated with water; it is surrounded by it.

Just outside of Gig Harbor is Commencement Bay, where Tacoma, Washington the second largest city in the state is. The population is around 250,000 in the city limits and over half a million in the surrounding area. To get to Tacoma by car you have to cross the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. When I was growing up there was only one bridge now there is two. A major reason the population has increased. Also, there is a toll on the bridge; just the direction to Tacoma only.

Seattle, Washington the largest city in the state takes about an hour to drive to depending on traffic which can be very busy at times. There is an interstate freeway that runs through Tacoma and Seattle. Gig Harbor is south and west of Seattle. Whenever I go to Seattle which isn’t often I feel I go into a whole new world.

Right now Tacoma is where more real estate is being sold than anywhere in the United States. Along with Gig Harbor and the surrounding area; the major reason is Seattle has become very expensive to buy property; however, it is getting more expensive in Tacoma and Gig Harbor.

I grew up on water property in the east end of Gig Harbor. There are many more homes there. My old house is one of three or four that are still around. The rest have been torn down and replaced with larger homes. The water property is very expensive so most of the homes and land are valued over a million dollars. The other day I viewed online a home that is up for sale going for over two million dollars. So you see Gig Harbor is an expensive place to live.

So now you know where my world is and the people I get to know, serve, and love as my purpose. Have yourself a wonderful and blessed weekend.  

It Is All About You

When it comes to our life purpose; though God gave us the tools which  another name for talents he has given us free will to go after our purpose or not.

I figure the answer should be yes when it comes to your life purpose because you will be the happiest when doing so but again it is still up to you.

I have mentioned before that distractions can get in the way as well but we must decide this is the road we want to walk on instead of letting the distractions get the best of us.

I can say that I am not perfect when leading my life of purpose. In fact, I have to say I am imperfect though I try to do so every day to follow my purpose.

I have given advice here to and probably will continue to but the important thing is for you to get your answers on your own whether it is listening to me, a friend or mentor.

We can be someone who does great things as well. It depends on our faith whether we can or not. Often we are told that we won’t make it even by those closest to us but we can overcome the obstacles that get in the way.

I say the best to you on your journey working things out. I know you can do it too.

Love Always

Jesus commanded that we love one another. We know that it isn’t always easy to follow.

There are those who may seem to us not to be loveable or hard to love anyway. These are the ones we have to go out and love the most.

I believe there are those who have the gift of loving others that the normal human being would have a hard time to do so. We should ask God for this gift for those times we need to do so.

May your love for others turn the corner today. When you see someone that you have had trouble loving in the past say I love that person in your heart. Amen!

Distractions

Often distractions get us off from completing what we need to get done. It can be a phone call or kids for that matter.

Today I have a distraction we may say and that is a cold. I have to either not do something or put it off for a little while since I will need to have some rest.

We can’t avoid distractions but we can solve those we can in a timely manner. I hope your day will be good and you will be able to avoid distractions.

Peace To You

We all need to have peace in our lives as time sometimes gives us trouble.

Sunday night ministry time I was surprised to see an old friend who had come for prayer. Not only was I surprised to see him he was surprised to see me too. He didn’t expect me to be there as much I did him. After it was good to catch up more with him; I told him where I hang out a lot so ever have the time to stop by. He is possibly going to come for a visit during church service too.

Life can bring sadness well as joy; however, the surprises can be the best gift of all. May you have a wonderful week and peace that is beyond all understanding be in your heart. Amen!

Shocking News

On Saturday I read news about a couple ladies that I was in school with passed away. I don’t know the details on their deaths but both too young to die.

One of the gals was in my class and I hadn’t seen here in years though still lived in the area. Her older brother passed away a couple or so years ago to. I would say probably at the same age; sadness for their families.

The other gal is a couple years younger than me. I didn’t know as well though I knew who she was. I knew her husband who is a year younger than me much better. I have seen them both around town over the years. He is running a business that his father started. I am so sorry for his loss and their family.

It shows we have to do the best we can today because tomorrow is never promised. We should never put off or on hold our purpose in our lives. Not just because of us but those around us.

I am sure both of these ladies had an impact on their families and friends. I will surely miss them to though as I said I didn’t see much of them over the years.

Saturday night I went to a retirement and wedding anniversary party for a couple I know. We are the same age though I didn’t grow up with either one. They came to Washington State 22 years ago from California. I consider them good friends.

The party was much fun hearing from their children about the impact they were on them. It will be interesting to see where their lives go and what their purposes are during this next chapter of life.

He and I have plans to go to a Seattle Mariners game in late July. In fact, we plan to go to a day game which we have never done together before. The week before the game he will be biking with his son from Seattle to Portland. This is an event they have participated together for several years. The ride takes two days and covers 200 miles. His wife or one of his daughters will drive and pick them up in Portland to return home.  In August he and his wife will take a trip to California to see family and old friends. This time he doesn’t have to worry how much vacation time it will take.

So enjoy today as it is and I hope you have many tomorrows ahead as well. God bless you!

Set People Free

Social media seems less friendly to me these days. Some people are mean or they continue to write about politics they agree on.

I have found myself hiding a lot of posts that are related to politics regardless if I favor their side or not. Also, there are posts that people try to be funny as well.

Most of my friends I already know how they feel about politics but they continue to feed the same info. I even mentioned that I was going to hide their posts. They were fine with it though they continue to say the same thing over and over again. I don’t really get it.

They say that since there is freedom of speech they can say whatever they want to which is true, but don’t they know they are getting people more upset.

So I say set people free. Let people know what your life is like and not just how you feel about something. I am fine with people’s opinion but to repeat it over and over again is tiresome. I prefer encouraging people in a positive way.

At least here you know what I am posting. I appreciate it when you read my post whenever you can. Thank you!