I'm Ready!

It's become sort of a tradition for me to visit my brother on the 4th of July and spend about a week in Florida. In my opinion, there's nothing like fireworks on the beach. This year I wanted to take advantage of the timeshare that my grandmother owns but now I realize that I waited too long to make the reservations. There is nothing available anywhere in the area until late August. So I guess we will once again be staying at my brother's place, which is plenty big enough for us all. But I just love the condos that my grandmother's timeshare offers...they're so nice (to say the least). It seems I've become a bit of a traveler but it's only because of the timeshare (I couldn't really afford it at this time otherwise). I don't know the full details of the timeshare as far as the cost, but I think it's the best investment my grandmother has ever made. There are places all over the country and nearby islands that are available to her as long as she makes the reservations in advance. Which means they're available to her family members and close friends as well. I've been on quite a few great vacations thanks to Jeraldine! I look forward to taking three this year alone (if everything goes as planned). I'm grateful that I have the opportunity to visit different places and lay eyes on God's masterpiece. An elderly woman once said to me, "Whenever you have a chance to travel...take it!" Every since then, I've been taking her advice.

We Live and We Learn

When I foolishly decided that I was going to get married, God stepped in and said...NOT! Now, I know that I would be divorced already, but back then I thought marriage was what I wanted and needed. Since going to marriage counseling made the marriage license cheaper, that is what we decided to do. It was apparent that it was not meant to be from day one of the counseling. I don’t remember much from those sessions but I remember one thing very distinctly. There was a moment when my pastor and I were alone. He looked straight into my eyes and said, “Do you really want to live the rest of your life on a roller coaster ride?” It was as if my pastor had witnessed every minute of my relationship with his very own eyes. That question lingered in my mind for the next 24 hours. I started out thinking, ‘I like roller coasters! They’re so fun and exciting.’ As my thought continued, I remembered that there are certain roller coasters that make me sick and give me excruciating headaches. As my thought got even deeper, I realized that roller coasters are very short-lived. They usually last only a couple of minutes for a reason. Any longer and they become uncomfortable and detrimental. I ultimately decided that a lifetime on a roller coaster ride was not for me. The next day the marriage was postponed indefinitely but it took some time for me to completely get out of a relationship that I so needed to get out of. I can’t help but thank the Lord for not giving me everything I think I want. It’s now obvious to me that (most of the time) I don’t even know what I need. I changed my prayer from, “God please make this relationship work” to, “God please place me in a relationship that does work.” I’m forever grateful that God always knows my needs! And when my prayers are said and done…that’s all that matters.

The Awakening

I currently have a severe case of spring fever. I'm so anxious for the seasons to change particularly because I just love the spring! In the spring it seems that everything is new...like a rebirth. It's definitely a time when I'm most grateful for my sense of sight and hearing. I love to see the vibrant colors of everything that's blossoming and also to hear all the birds chirping once again. I love opening every window in my home and letting the fresh air blow through. It's not too hot, not too cold. I love being able to break free from the layering of long sleeve shirts, sweaters, coats, socks, and feel the sun on my skin. I even love all the rain! How else would everything grow?!? There are things that I enjoy and like about every season but the spring has won me over the most. I can't seem to get rid of this urge to do some spring-cleaning but I guess I can hold off for a few more weeks.

But God...

I've always been a complainer and I don't admit that proudly. Although I believe I've improved in the last couple of years, it's something that I constantly have to work on and be aware of. I know in my mind that I have no right to complain about anything, but since I'm human it's hard not to let the negative outshine the positive at times. I try to let God hear "thank-you" from me way more than He hears gripes and complaints. But when I'm whining, He still always manages to remind me that things could be worse. Even when I'm sick and in pain my complaining holds no weight. For every 1 complaint that I have, there's 100 blessings. I may be tired and feel like not doing a thing...but God gives me the strength to get out of bed every morning. My kids may be driving me up the walll...but God has given me three children who are healthy and beautiful. I'm not exactly where I want to be in my life...but God has blessed me with the desire and ambition to succeed. I have suffered a great deal of unnecessary heartache over the years...but God has taken my ashes and turned them into beauty. I've learned that life doesn't always seem fair. I've also learned that no matter what negativity comes my way...no matter what I may have to endure...I can ALWAYS say...but God...

Love Day

I've never really been big on the V-day shenanigans. Maybe because my good ones are few and far between. Actually, I only remember having one great V-day and that was in high school. Not because of what I got but because of the gesture itself...I'll never forget it! Anyway, I'm going out of town this weekend and I'm just glad to be getting away for a minute. There will be kids involved so I don't plan on it being very romantic. I hope that everyone has a great V-day with the one's they love the most. And if you happen to be single as I have been for many V-days, enjoy and love "you"!!