My Memories

We all have good and bad memories over the years. They can be about us growing up along with some in our adulthood as well.

All the memories have made who we are today. The importance is what we have made with them.

For some the memories have been more bad than good. Often they show us how we think of ourselves.  We are not chosen what family we are born into and for some it can be really bad.  I had some not so good times growing up however the good did out do the bad.

I don’t remember most of the bad times anymore. I have forgiven those who made the bad times in my childhood. That has helped to forget those bad times.

I am glad that I am able to think more about the good times growing up. It is good to have memories of my brothers and sister along with those who I call my friends.

My younger brother and I talk on the phone almost every Saturday. We mostly talk about what is happening right now however we do get into our childhood once in a while.

Growing up in a small town of Gig Harbor, Washington I find to be a good experience. The area has grown about three times as much so the children now don’t know everyone as much as we did in our day. We had several elementary schools however only one junior high school and high school. This meant that we knew each other for a long time except the few that moved in and out in those years. There were half dozen that I grew up with from kindergarten all the way through high school and many others that I started in first grade with. I figure there were at least forty students  that I knew that whole period not counting those who were older or younger as well.

I don’t see most of the classmates anymore that I grew up with though there are some that I communicate with on social media. There are some that still live in the area so once in a while I will see several when grocery shopping, eating out or going to the coffee shop.

Although I don’t see many on a regular basis I find it very special when I do see them. They are very special to me because I am who that I have become.

The good and bad made me know that I have a purpose and destiny in this life. To encourage those of all ages that went through similar experiences as I have.

Most of my memories I only remember bits and pieces most of the time. I only think of them to help me out and give positive meaning to my life.

Today the kids have more to do than when I was a child. I would not trade today for my childhood at all. I didn’t have video games, smart phones, computers or any other technology of today but I was able to enjoy the outdoors a whole lot. I would play baseball, football and basketball along with an occasion doing tennis. It was fun go to the neighborhood park that was about a mile away to play games with my classmates.

In those days we didn’t worry so much about bad people being around that could take advantage of us like now. I see parents who wait with their children for the buses to take them to school. In my day we waited for the bus on our own or we were dropped off at school. I see more children being dropped off at school now than in my day.

It is harder to know the children at school these days except those who live in your neighborhood. Even Gig Harbor has more schools than when I was growing up.  I take what I learned from those days to apply to my life today and hope to help others whether close or far.

If you are a parent be involved in your children’s lives. Give them reassurance all the time. Though they may know that you love them show them as well.

Spring Ahead

 Here in the United States at least on March 12 we are turning our clocks ahead one hour except in Arizona and Hawaii where they stay on the same time all year long.

Now in Washington State we are on the same time as Arizona for the next six months or so. I really wish we would keep the same time all year long instead of changing it. I know the initial reason was for farmers that the times change however I am not sure it is as important now as when it happened originally.

Actually in the fall where I believe the time should not change. For a period of time it is dark when you get up in the morning and dark when going home from work. Tough on the kids who have go to school early in the morning; also hard when you are trying to find someone’s home that you are not familiar with.

I do like the saying though spring ahead and fall back. That is how to remember the time change very easy that way.

Of course spring ahead means that we lose an hour of sleep that we had gained back in the fall. So you either have go to bed an hour earlier or lose an hour of sleep if you wake up at the same time every day or at least every Sunday.

I don’t have anything more profound to say about spring ahead however it is quite interesting anyway. Despite it life goes on for us all. Whether you observe this or not I hope that you have a wonder day and may your week coming up be fruitful. Your purpose in life is fulfilled in the manner you want it to each day. Also for every one that meets you each day. Remember they are the one that gets the benefit of meeting you. On the other hand you benefit in meeting them too. God Bless you!

  

 

Always Good To Relax

 Life’s circumstances often make us stressful so it important for all of us to take some time out once in a while and just relax.

I know that most people schedule a time for a vacation and often it is scheduled ahead going somewhere during the year. I have several friends who have time shares where they go to Hawaii every year. Also I know those who go on retreats to various places. Here in the northwest Cannon Beach in Oregon is a very popular spot to visit and I recommend going there if you have the opportunity to do so.

I believe outside of scheduled vacations and retreats it is a good idea to go away once in a while without a scheduled time. Other words go somewhere on the spur of the moment. If you have had one of those weeks that you have really stressed out leave and go anywhere for the weekend. This includes where you have already have plans for the weekend. Scrap the plans and go away. This will allow you to feel good and free because you didn’t plan ahead. We all need to do that once in a while.

You don’t necessarily have to go away for the whole weekend.  What you can do is to do an activity that you enjoy and you haven’t done for a while. An idea is to get into your car and just drive for a while. Stop off at a restaurant you have never visited before or take food with you and have a nice lunch at a park. Doing anything at the spur of the moment can make life so much easier. 

Another idea would be to take a hike and walk for a while. Get your mind clear over what has stressed you all week.

I know that some people find it hard to relax however it is important to do so once in a while. What makes it so important we won’t go crazy and we can live a lot longer this way. Just think about it and enjoy all things in life. Peace and blessings to you.

Be Strong

When it comes to pressing on part of the package is that we need to stand up and be counted by telling the truth.

There is so much going on in the world that is not truth any longer and is lies. Those who know the truth need to stand up and speak it. Not an easy thing to do because there is a thin line speaking the truth and sounding judgmental. It is important to have wisdom and do it all in love.

It is like when you discipline your children. You tell them that they are doing something wrong and they will come back saying that you don’t love them anymore.  They know what they have done is wrong but want to manipulate you and say what they are doing is right. Well adults can be the same way. They know what they are doing is wrong and don’t care however you put them on the spot they will come right out and say that you are judgmental. Like a little kid they will say that you don’t love them.

There are groups that have strong agendas and are willing to get as many people on their side including children. So we can’t let them get the best of us. I have no problem letting them know that what they are doing is wrong and if they speak that I am being judgmental so what is what I will say in return.

I know that it sounds harsh however there are times where we have to be because the love we have for them. On the other hand we have to know when and what battles to fight. Again that takes wisdom on us. We need to pray and ask for wisdom so when we are confronted we have answers to come back at them.

When it comes to social media I am so tired of what many people are saying and I have decided not to say anything except in a few occasions. This is especially true when it comes to politics because most have their minds already made up and to be honest I am tired of it all. In fact if I did speak more often I am saying words to a bunch of dead horses. That may sound wrong way to say it but it is the truth.

I am amazed that so many people will say what they think on social media or link stories that they are repeating the same thing over and over again. What is truly the point? I guess they really believe that they can convince and change people’s minds.

I know what I just said is contrary to about standing up and be counted however there is times where we have to. Again the wisdom is when and what to say. The thing is we can’t get into a shouting match with someone who doesn’t have the same beliefs we have. I believe it all has to do with the timing. Today may not be the day to stand up and speak however tomorrow could be.

I believe the important thing is to live our lives in a consistent and loving manner.  This way we will have those who are looking for hope will come to us for the answers.  Enjoy pressing on and God bless you. Amen!

The Battle

 In our world today the battle is increasing that is the reason we must press on. There is so much negativity being pushed our way whether through the standard media or social media. There are so many agendas going on and we have to recognize the good from the bad.

It is not only what we read it is what we hear and watch too. I hear the word fear being spoken especially among older people and those who are raising children.

The question is what you are allowing your children to watch. In our society today sexuality is the big one.  I remember as a kid being confused about my sexuality and now groups are giving children options on who they can be. They should really be ashamed of themselves in my opinion. It is one thing to choose your lifestyle as an adult although I may disagree with it another to push children in that way. Let children be who they are and not they have to choose a lifestyle at their age.

I can really see where fear is so big right now and that is where the battle is. The important thing is to think on all things positive and faith. Yes faith is a strong where we can overcome the battle and fear. Faith believes in what we don’t see and not what we see. We believe so much what is seen.

Another thing we must do is pray for our children and grandchildren that those who have an agenda wherever they go and when they are not with their parents that they won’t be swayed. We have to battle for ourselves along with our children. The most important thing to do is to instill positive things along with love into their lives. Let them know that there will be those who will try to instill negative thoughts and have agendas of their own.

Another area that will help in the battle is hope. We need hope to go with faith and love. All three of these are powerful weapons we can use in the battle. May God bless you while pressing on fighting the battle. Amen!

Continue to Encourage

Here in the northwest we have had quite a cold and wet winter. At this point in March it continues to rain a lot after having a record February rainfall. I am not even sure right now when the rain will stop. I know many have gone elsewhere on vacation however when returning it still is raining. What does that mean? I am a native to the northwest so accustomed to seeing a lot of rain over the years however those who moved here from somewhere else may not be so lucky.

What I am saying it is real easy to become depressed during this time of the year. I have been depressed before but I am sure not so much because of the weather but regardless studies have shown that depression can happen when it is cloudy and raining for a period of time. Some retired people here do go down to Arizona or California for a period of time living three to six months.

I believe we all need encouragement on a regular basis however it is even truer this time of the year. If you are one knows that you deal with discouragement or depression go and get some help. I don’t think you necessarily have to from professions unless you have a medical condition otherwise those that you consider friends.

This is where this comes encouraging one another that we can make it. I believe it takes faith along with family and friends. Very easy to isolate ourselves from others but not a good thing either. Being around others that you can encourage along with them encouraging you too; I am not saying it is easy because for some it is not so easy.

I have lived in dark places in my mind many times and it is easy to think that no one cares or can help you. I have been fortunate that it is has been a few years since I last experience deep depression. I believe the reason is that I know that I have a purpose in life beyond myself. God put me on this earth to help others. The key is to know when and who to help others. I find the most important thing to do is keep a positive approach. Not always an easy thing to do though.   Being selfish and only thinking of yourself is what makes depression an easy thing to slide into. They are the reasons to get into depression. Asking for help from others and God is the answer.

The most important thing to remember is that others are going through the same thing though usually when you are in a dark place others are not really our concern. I hope this helps for those who are working through depression. God bless you and Amen!

Have a Good Time

It is important that wherever you go for travel whether it is for a short or long period you should have a good time.

I know that is what people expect to do however it doesn’t always happen because of circumstances. Sometimes the plane leaves late or you lose your luggage. Both of those take out the fun of it. It has happen to me more than once especially losing luggage. In fact losing luggage happened several times to me that I only carry one bag on a plane now so I don’t have to worry about it.

Although I lost the luggage and it was disappointing at first I didn’t let it bother me. Fortunately my late planes were on return trip most of the time. It frustrating though when you have to stay overnight when you plan to arrive back the same day. That happened when returning from Paris France where my plane left four hours late and a flight from Toronto to Seattle had already gone without me. I had to take a flight to Vancouver and stay overnight before arriving in Seattle. At least I didn’t have to miss work that next day. I planned to go back to work the following day.

Back in the late 80s my parents and I took vacation to Quebec for a visit to see my sister, brother-in-law and two nephews at Christmas time. Also my brothers were meeting us as well. My sister and her family had moved to Quebec a short time before that. The weather at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport was such that fog was so bad that were not able to get out for three days. No flights were going out of the airport at all. Talk about frustrating because we could not do anything except wait and it was cutting back our vacation time; we finally got out on a flight on the fourth date however we had to take a bus to Boeing Field to fly first to Dallas and then to Montreal. No flights were being done that day either at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. We did not care that we had to go to Dallas first because we did get out of town. The time at the airport felt long and frustrating at the same time but it did not keep us from having a good time when we arrived.

So whatever is happening on your flight remember the reason for the trip and have yourself a good time while being there. It is important even if parts of the trip at your destination don’t turn out so well either. Have a safe and good travel on your next trip.

Thankful

Saturday’s post I wrote about the cold winter we are having in Western Washington and many of the people are wishing that spring will come soon.

I had a comment from a woman who lives in South Africa where it is summer time and they are having a drought. It reminds me that often we complain about something and forgetting that others are likely having things worse off than ourselves. This is where being thankful for what we have comes in.

I am thinking where sometimes I won’t eat something because I don’t like it. It is easy to not think about others who go hungry on a daily basis. We know that people are starving to death in third world countries however there are children that go to school in my area without a meal. If it were not for government subsidy many of these children would not have a meal at school either.

The church I attend have donated meals for teenagers in our area that are not getting food at home for different reasons. The  church asked for members to donate to this program.  Originally they planned for ninety meals. Those are amount of kids in the program but then decided to go for one hundred and eighty meals so each child would have two meals. What was really amazing people in the church donated for five hundred meals. What a great thing for the members of the church to do. There are other programs to the church hopes to help out in the community as well.

This really does show how thankful some people are for what they have. It doesn’t matter how much or little you have always there are people who are worse off than we are.

I heard on Sunday about a death of someone I knew several years ago. I had been thinking about him recently however his death was a surprise to all who knew him. His name is Jim so keep his family in your prayers. We never know when our time is up. Another reason we should be thankful for what we have.

Life is so special and does not last long so another reason to be thankful for what we have. There is a time bomb in each one of us but we don’t know when it will go off. We should appreciate and thankful for everything even when the circumstances are not great. So let’s bite our tongue when we are not thankful for anything. It is so easy to complain about something even when we don’t realize it. It is part of human nature unfortunately. Peace and joy to all. Amen!

  

Being Thoughtful

In the world today it doesn’t seem a lot of people are thoughtful like they used to be. Actually the world is a lot different than twenty or thirty years ago.

It was not a perfect world by any imagination back in the eighties or nineties but how people acted seems to have changed in my mind or at the very least they didn’t share that way then anyway. Of course now we have social media and so many feel they can say whatever they want.

I believe it is still important to be kind and thoughtful. I try not to say what I think sometimes though occasionally it does happen. You may be surprised but even I am not perfect. Ha-ha.

I don’t like it when others swear though I have heard every swear word. I believe people should have a better vocabulary than what they use a lot.  I can say the same thing about some commercials that are shown on television too.  I know that they are trying to sell a product however showing them when children are present isn’t a good idea in my mind however I am sure that isn’t ever going to change.  At least I knew what the words meant and they were not appropriate at times but I think now some people don’t feel that way anymore.

I have mentioned before that here in the USA we have freedom of speech however it doesn’t give us a license to say whatever we want to. A lot of what we can say we can do but we must realize that we can pay the consequences. We may not be put in jail however we may lose a job or at the very least not get a job. Often employers will look at those they are considering hiring and won’t do so if they don’t like what they saying. There is a possibility that the one who is trying to be hired will ever know but that is what’s happening at times. In some ways think before you swim.

A Cold Winter

                                                    Snow near the Seattle's Space Needle

I have heard quite a few people complaining it being a cold winter in Western Washington and wish spring would come.

Although it has been colder than normal and a lot of rain I have been disappointed that we haven’t had much snow in Gig Harbor while other places in the area have had more snow.

We have had snow in March before so snow could come however if it doesn’t plan on coming spring would be a nice site for everyone though I like some of the snow.  The forecast right now ask for more rain with the temperatures from 32 degrees up to around 50. Let the change begin and spring arrive. I will have to think that we will have more snow next winter. I am not sure that I am wishful thinking or not. It has been nice though that the mountains have had a good year of snow fall and that it will happen again as well.

Something else today my cousin Rob Shaw his son Mike is speaking at an event in Vancouver, British Columbia called TEDXStanleyPark. He is going to be a keynote speaks. A little over three years ago he was in a terrible skiing accident that he hurt and paralyzed his spine for a period of time that took him to recovery. He has an amazing story to tell. He will be speaking about grief and how to deal with it. Also he has a website that you would enjoy very much so here is the link https://mikeshawski.com if you are willing to comment on his site let him know that I gave you the link. Until next time enjoy your weekend.

 

Good Things Can Happen Continued

I am sure that I will be repeating myself at times because we can all be encouraged by words that are spoken to us over and over again. Children often are told negative things by their peers about themselves and at some point we all have believed what we have been told whether true or not.

What makes everything we hear to believe is in some respects it is true or at least close enough to believe it. The children that are blessed are those that have positive reinforcement at home by their parents while the rest the parents speak similar words to the children that they see at school every day.

Personally I received positive and negative words throughout childhood so I could say that confusion came my way. Even today both positive and negative thoughts into my mind a lot; what I do is thinking about positive things words to encourage myself. I find it odd or uncomfortable when others give me positive reinforcement because I heard so many negative words spoken to me over the years. So I try to repeat to myself that I am a special person and good things can happen for me as much as anyone else. I believe the more faith in words spoken in my mind I know that good things can happen.  It doesn’t mean that bad things won’t happen sometimes however good things will happen more often.

Although I do feel discouraged sometimes I feel to that I can help others that struggle in the same way I have over the years. So if you feel discouraged a lot I want you to know that you are special and that you do offer the world a lot of yourself. The more you encourage yourself and others the better you will be. It is like exercise the more often you do it the healthier you get. Remember to press on in being the best person you can be and have a wonderful weekend.  I know we can all meet the goal!!

Loving People

I believe the greatest thing we can do in life is loving people. It is not always easy to do so because some people make it hard to love them however I feel that is our purpose most of all is to love and encourage others.

In fact there are times we have a hard time loving ourselves. We know our own faults and we feel how others can love us. This becomes quite the dilemma in our lives. This is when people start turning to drugs and alcohol which makes it harder to be loved. People who are in this state need to be loved as much if not more than the average person however it is not an easy thing to do.

I have felt fortunate that I come from a pretty good family however I have gone through depression at different times in my life wondering why I would be loved by anyone.  Depression and rejection are both very strong negative emotions that people deal with every day. I have never gone to anyone for either one. First thing I don’t feel that I should be put on drugs for depression. Actually I think there are different types of depression and I was not one that would be diagnosed for depression. I know that not everyone is strong to deal with depression as others. It is important though speak to someone or a group where you can let others know how you feel.

Loving people can be shown in different ways. We can love people by caring and telling them how we feel about them. We can love by a smile or talking to them. I know at times it is good to talk about our own lives however it is as important to have them open up about themselves as well.

Like I say it is not always easy to love other people especially those that are so much different than we are. Loving sometimes is not saying a word just being you and listening to the other person. Knowing that you’re listening can be so caring for others too. Only talk when they want a response from you. Whatever the case loving is such a wonderful act.   

Good Things Can Happen

 Regardless what is happening in our lives we can believe that good things can happen. We all go through struggles at times even under the best of circumstances.

I find that the best thing to do is find a group of men or women or couples you feel right if you’re married or engaged. Find those that you may feel comfortable with and have same purpose. I recommend that you speak with friends to see whether they belong to a group and that you can join in with. No room in that group they may know another group that you can join into.

Let you know that you don’t necessarily have to start speaking early when you join the group just listen for a while. They may ask you to tell them a little about yourself which I would give out whatever you feel comfortable about sharing. Tell them about your job and where you have lived; just a little history about yourself.

Recently I joined a new men’s group. Three other men I knew already and the other seven are new to me. I have shared a little about myself however I spend time listening learning more about the guys that I just met. What they share is serious to some degree however we get a lot of laughs as well. I am in the group to edify and encourage the other men along with being the same for me too.

The first meeting I attended was over breakfast on a Saturday morning a couple months ago. We plan to have another breakfast in two weeks again. Most of our meetings we have coffee and doughnuts before we start. I enjoy the guys that I am spending time with and getting to know them more each week.

I am in another men’s group that is about half that size and we meet every other Thursday night. Only one of the guys meets in the other group. This group we talk more about what is happening in our lives on a daily basis. Though the format is the same we talk about different things.

The coffee shop that I go to on a regular basis there is a group of older gentlemen who meet five days a week. They just chat around coffee. They have been meeting for about ten years. They started meeting when they originally saw each other at car shows. Usually I just say hello however if the group is small that day I will sit in and listen to them. There will be times that I ask them questions to.

My mother plays bridge on Monday and Friday’s in the afternoons along with Tuesday mornings into early afternoon twice a month. She belongs to a book group that meets once a month and another that share a meal together once a month. There are a few ladies that are in a couple of those groups she attends; another way to spend time with people who have same interest.

Whatever you decide to do the importance is to meet and fellowship with others. Being in more than one group is good too.