Today we celebrated my nephew's 11th birthday with our whole family bowling. It's been a long time since we all bowled together and probably the first time I can think of that my siblings and I have all bowled at the same time. Needless-to-say, since we all played sports growing up we're all "just a little" competitive...some more than others, I'm just sayin'! Just a little smack talking, a lot of high fives, a ton of excited cheers and just a really good time had by all! In the end, it was really just my siblings and my dad playing (competing) "for all the marbles."
That's what it's all about, right? Friendly competition with your siblings? Whether it's bowling, air hockey, Monopoly or simply whose blood pressure is lower it's wanting to know who's winning at that the moment. At least I think that's how most big families operate in some sense...kids wanting to stand out, get attention, make their parents proud, be included, etc. For my siblings and I, I know none of us wanted to "really" stand out...we're all initially (or deep down) more introverted although we're all talkative than we were when we were younger; and I know none of us participated in sports to make our parents proud because we always knew they'd be proud of us no matter what we did or didn't do.
But, when you play sports I think you inherently have some level of competitiveness to you. Some are way over the top, others have a pretty healthy dose of it, and some just want to be part of a team or group. Team sports do teach you a lot growing up and I would definitely encourage some sporting activity for your kiddos at some point in time in their development. It could be as simple as just trying something new out, trying something that your kids are interested in or something they are really drawn to and could potentially make a collegiate or even professional career out of it. Just let them explore and try new and different things out. You never know where it will lead.
So, whether you're highly competitive or don't have a competitive bone in your body I hope you simply enjoy the time you spend with those you are competing with because that's where the true joy and beauty of the moment lies. Game on!
May blessings fill your first full week of March!!
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Sunday, February 24, 2019
Give a Little Time...
This past week I volunteered at my church's Prom Closet. It gives away prom dresses, shoes, and accessories to those that can't afford it around the DFW metroplex at no charge! It's an amazing mission within our church and I'm so glad I volunteered this year!
High school girls from around the surrounding DFW metroplex had the opportunity to come to our church over several days and shop for a prom dress, shoes, jewelry and a purse. There were even several girls that are home schooled that came because all the home schoolers across the area also have one big prom together, which I thought was pretty cool for them. There were over 4,000 dresses that were donated for attendees to pick from, rows of shoes and tables of accessories. I worked the check-out area where we bag the dress and put their accessories in bags donated by Chico. It was the perfect gig since you get to see the dress each girl picks out and you see the excitement and gratitude they have as you send them out the door with their treasures. They were all smiles! It was so fun to see what kind of dress each girl picked out, what color and sometimes even why they picked it. It was also fun to see their mom, sisters, friends and even dad's have so much joy on their faces after going through the whole process. You could tell that they all were so appreciative and thankful for the organization and all the volunteers.
Seeing the excitement from all the attendees was a true joy, but it was also fun meeting the other volunteers I was working with. It was fun to meet new people and share some laughs as we wished each girl a great time at their prom as they left. One of the women I was working with didn't even attend our church, but lived in the area and saw the opportunity to volunteer in a local newsletter. I'm always looking for ways to volunteer and this is definitely something I'll do again next year!
We can all serve our communities in one way or another...through our gifts, our time or our service. If you have the money to donate to charitable causes that's always desired, but if you don't have the money then donate your time. Carve out some time in your schedule and volunteer! I know a lot of companies allow up to 5 hours of volunteer hours for their employees, which I think is a great benefit! Take a break from all the things that are stressing you out and think about someone else. Think about how you can serve. Think about the smile you can put on someone else's face, just by giving a little bit of your time or talents.
Think about how you want to spend your time this coming week and if you can squeeze in a little time to serve someone else! Blessings to you this last week of February!
High school girls from around the surrounding DFW metroplex had the opportunity to come to our church over several days and shop for a prom dress, shoes, jewelry and a purse. There were even several girls that are home schooled that came because all the home schoolers across the area also have one big prom together, which I thought was pretty cool for them. There were over 4,000 dresses that were donated for attendees to pick from, rows of shoes and tables of accessories. I worked the check-out area where we bag the dress and put their accessories in bags donated by Chico. It was the perfect gig since you get to see the dress each girl picks out and you see the excitement and gratitude they have as you send them out the door with their treasures. They were all smiles! It was so fun to see what kind of dress each girl picked out, what color and sometimes even why they picked it. It was also fun to see their mom, sisters, friends and even dad's have so much joy on their faces after going through the whole process. You could tell that they all were so appreciative and thankful for the organization and all the volunteers.
Seeing the excitement from all the attendees was a true joy, but it was also fun meeting the other volunteers I was working with. It was fun to meet new people and share some laughs as we wished each girl a great time at their prom as they left. One of the women I was working with didn't even attend our church, but lived in the area and saw the opportunity to volunteer in a local newsletter. I'm always looking for ways to volunteer and this is definitely something I'll do again next year!
We can all serve our communities in one way or another...through our gifts, our time or our service. If you have the money to donate to charitable causes that's always desired, but if you don't have the money then donate your time. Carve out some time in your schedule and volunteer! I know a lot of companies allow up to 5 hours of volunteer hours for their employees, which I think is a great benefit! Take a break from all the things that are stressing you out and think about someone else. Think about how you can serve. Think about the smile you can put on someone else's face, just by giving a little bit of your time or talents.
Think about how you want to spend your time this coming week and if you can squeeze in a little time to serve someone else! Blessings to you this last week of February!
Sunday, February 17, 2019
Save the Date!
If you've been following my blog over the past few years you know that I co-sponsor the Holt International DFW Picnic. I've done it for the past 5 years now and love getting to meet all the families who have adopted and hearing their stories. It's a fun event!
We'd love to see you and your family there! It's for local (TX) adoptees (young to adults), as well as, prospective parents. If you have questions about adoption or are waiting for your child to finally come home, we'd love to share our stories with you to help you along the way. It's a lot of fun and there is a splash pad there so the little ones can stay cool. Bring a picnic lunch for your family and enjoy meeting other families, as well.
The kids always have a good time meeting other adoptees, but I find the parents enjoy it, too, getting to compare stories and share experiences with one another. It's a fun family outing, but it's a great way to connect with others in your communities. So, take advantage of one of the picnics near you!
I hope to see you at our annual picnic for some food, fun and fellowship! May blessings surround you this upcoming week!
So, save the date....Saturday, June 1st from 12-3 pm! It will be at Parr Park in Grapevine, TX. If you live in the area, please make sure you register for the event here: http://holtinternational.org/picnics/
We'd love to see you and your family there! It's for local (TX) adoptees (young to adults), as well as, prospective parents. If you have questions about adoption or are waiting for your child to finally come home, we'd love to share our stories with you to help you along the way. It's a lot of fun and there is a splash pad there so the little ones can stay cool. Bring a picnic lunch for your family and enjoy meeting other families, as well.
The kids always have a good time meeting other adoptees, but I find the parents enjoy it, too, getting to compare stories and share experiences with one another. It's a fun family outing, but it's a great way to connect with others in your communities. So, take advantage of one of the picnics near you!
I hope to see you at our annual picnic for some food, fun and fellowship! May blessings surround you this upcoming week!
Sunday, February 10, 2019
Be Inspired!
What inspires you? Yes, there are things that you see or read, mainly on social media platforms these days, that may inspire you for a moment or two, but what REALLY inspires you? What inspires you to your core? What inspires you to actually take action? What inspires you to think of others before yourself? What INSPIRES you?!
I think it's one of those questions that we don't really think about on a daily basis. It's one of those things we take for granted throughout our lives. Or it's just something we put on the back-burner...for another day...another time...another season. But, as they say...what better time than right now?! Right now is all we have. Right? We know it, but those things on our bucket list or cherished to-lists just get pushed further and further down the list day after day. So again, what inspires you...to take action now?!
This has definitely been true for me. Things I've wanted to do, had on my to-list forever and still haven't done...thinking I have time or I can do it next year, ok maybe next year...and on and on. So, I've come to the conclusion that I haven't been sufficiently or properly motivated or inspired to truly act on some of the things that I've always said I've wanted to do. That being said, I did go skydiving! Tandem of course, but it's something I wanted to do and the opportunity presented itself several years ago. So, I took it! It was awesome and I'm so glad I did it! I would totally do it again, too!
So, there are some things I've done, but not nearly as many things as I've wanted. What stops us? Life? Fear? Self-doubt? The list could go on and on. So, I'm challenging myself this year to tackle some of those things on my list. Do it! Do it now! Stop waiting! Live life! I want to help more...serve others more...so, I just volunteered at my church's prom dress mission where they give away prom dresses to those that need one. I donated a dress several years ago, but this year I'll get to see the mission in action. And, I'll get to see the difference it makes in these young girls' lives...the pure delight and happiness in their faces! I can't wait!
So, whatever "it" is that you want to do, whatever personal "to-do" lists you want to tackle this year...DO IT!! Just lift your heart up to the Lord and ask for courage, strength, or being able to look at "it" from a new perspective. Find your inspiration...and take action! Get inspired! It will be contagious and who knows, you might just inspire someone else to take action!
Wishing you inspirational blessings to make a difference...to change the world one step at a time!!
I think it's one of those questions that we don't really think about on a daily basis. It's one of those things we take for granted throughout our lives. Or it's just something we put on the back-burner...for another day...another time...another season. But, as they say...what better time than right now?! Right now is all we have. Right? We know it, but those things on our bucket list or cherished to-lists just get pushed further and further down the list day after day. So again, what inspires you...to take action now?!
This has definitely been true for me. Things I've wanted to do, had on my to-list forever and still haven't done...thinking I have time or I can do it next year, ok maybe next year...and on and on. So, I've come to the conclusion that I haven't been sufficiently or properly motivated or inspired to truly act on some of the things that I've always said I've wanted to do. That being said, I did go skydiving! Tandem of course, but it's something I wanted to do and the opportunity presented itself several years ago. So, I took it! It was awesome and I'm so glad I did it! I would totally do it again, too!
So, there are some things I've done, but not nearly as many things as I've wanted. What stops us? Life? Fear? Self-doubt? The list could go on and on. So, I'm challenging myself this year to tackle some of those things on my list. Do it! Do it now! Stop waiting! Live life! I want to help more...serve others more...so, I just volunteered at my church's prom dress mission where they give away prom dresses to those that need one. I donated a dress several years ago, but this year I'll get to see the mission in action. And, I'll get to see the difference it makes in these young girls' lives...the pure delight and happiness in their faces! I can't wait!
So, whatever "it" is that you want to do, whatever personal "to-do" lists you want to tackle this year...DO IT!! Just lift your heart up to the Lord and ask for courage, strength, or being able to look at "it" from a new perspective. Find your inspiration...and take action! Get inspired! It will be contagious and who knows, you might just inspire someone else to take action!
Wishing you inspirational blessings to make a difference...to change the world one step at a time!!
Sunday, February 3, 2019
Super Bowl Sunday
It's Super Bowl Sunday...an almost national holiday. It definitely resembles a holiday with all the game-day snacks and food, parties, camaraderie, and time spent with friends and family. And, even if you don't like football people watch because they love the commercials. It's the Super Bowl of new, fresh, innovative commercials every year. And yes, some people watch just for the half-time show (or at least they used to) before it became so controversial and political. So, it's a day to gather together and sit around your TVs and collectively cheer...or boo.
We're just a few days into February and it seems like it's going to be a jam-packed month. Next weekend is the Grammy's, the following week(end) is Valentine's Day, and the following weekend is the Oscars! A lot of primetime viewing this month. Are you in to award shows? Do you watch just for the fashion? Do you watch because you really care? Or do you watch because nothing else is on and you want to participate in the upcoming week's cooler talk at the office?
We're already one month down into the new year and "should" be hitting our stride in the new year. Or so it should seem as if we should be, but if January blew up (new year's goals) already, don't be discouraged. Each day is a new day...a new day to start over. A new day to start again...and again...and yes, sometimes even again. Just keep going!
So, if you're watching the Super Bowl tonight...enjoy! Enjoy the food, the game, the commercials, the half-time show, and spending time with family and friends! May the first full week of February bring sweet surprises and special blessings your way!!
We're just a few days into February and it seems like it's going to be a jam-packed month. Next weekend is the Grammy's, the following week(end) is Valentine's Day, and the following weekend is the Oscars! A lot of primetime viewing this month. Are you in to award shows? Do you watch just for the fashion? Do you watch because you really care? Or do you watch because nothing else is on and you want to participate in the upcoming week's cooler talk at the office?
We're already one month down into the new year and "should" be hitting our stride in the new year. Or so it should seem as if we should be, but if January blew up (new year's goals) already, don't be discouraged. Each day is a new day...a new day to start over. A new day to start again...and again...and yes, sometimes even again. Just keep going!
So, if you're watching the Super Bowl tonight...enjoy! Enjoy the food, the game, the commercials, the half-time show, and spending time with family and friends! May the first full week of February bring sweet surprises and special blessings your way!!
Sunday, January 27, 2019
Longest Month Ever...
Does January feel like the longest month ever? For some reason, it feels like this month is just dragging on and on. And, we still have 4 more days to go! Maybe it's because we were so hopeful and excited to start off a new year with all of our goals and resolutions, and now after being focused and trying to stick to those goals it feels like it's been forever! Last weekend was deemed the "quitter's" threshold where many people fall off the wagon and ditch their new year's resolutions. So, maybe we just need to look up, take a breath and give ourselves a little slack.
This past week I saw someone post on Facebook that it felt like it was January 74th. I'm starting to feel it, but I think I need to take my own advice and give myself a little slack. We're human. We're not going to be perfect. Ever. I think I try SO hard to stick to my healthy eating that I get tunnel vision...from the rest of life. And then when I "fall off the wagon" and instantly beat myself up it doesn't do me any good. It's just life. No, I'm not perfect and I never will be so why am I so hard on myself?! I think we all go through that in some way shape or form. It doesn't have to be about eating healthy, it could be about work or school or sports or your kids. We're all flawed, we're all human and we all are just trying to do the best we can. So, one of my goals (I think every year because I need the reminder) is to be kinder to myself. It's definitely not easy, but it's definitely necessary.
I think this "reminder" to myself will be a life-long lesson that I'll have to work at every year...every day. But, they always say the first step is acknowledging the problem, right?! Ha. Well, as I try to be kinder to myself I also have to try and appreciate my flaws. I have to see them as human flaws and see how I can improve them, learn from them or simply just let them go. Slowly, but surely....progress. Right?!
So, as we finally end the longest month ever (haha) I hope you give yourself a little slack this week. Remember, we're all just human and if we're doing the best we can, getting back up and trying again and again that's all we can do. That's just life. Wishing you blessings of determination and kindness this week!!
This past week I saw someone post on Facebook that it felt like it was January 74th. I'm starting to feel it, but I think I need to take my own advice and give myself a little slack. We're human. We're not going to be perfect. Ever. I think I try SO hard to stick to my healthy eating that I get tunnel vision...from the rest of life. And then when I "fall off the wagon" and instantly beat myself up it doesn't do me any good. It's just life. No, I'm not perfect and I never will be so why am I so hard on myself?! I think we all go through that in some way shape or form. It doesn't have to be about eating healthy, it could be about work or school or sports or your kids. We're all flawed, we're all human and we all are just trying to do the best we can. So, one of my goals (I think every year because I need the reminder) is to be kinder to myself. It's definitely not easy, but it's definitely necessary.
I think this "reminder" to myself will be a life-long lesson that I'll have to work at every year...every day. But, they always say the first step is acknowledging the problem, right?! Ha. Well, as I try to be kinder to myself I also have to try and appreciate my flaws. I have to see them as human flaws and see how I can improve them, learn from them or simply just let them go. Slowly, but surely....progress. Right?!
So, as we finally end the longest month ever (haha) I hope you give yourself a little slack this week. Remember, we're all just human and if we're doing the best we can, getting back up and trying again and again that's all we can do. That's just life. Wishing you blessings of determination and kindness this week!!
Sunday, January 20, 2019
Cold Blast
As a very strong arctic blast moves across the U.S., strong winds, icy roads and mounds of snow are piling up. We had the coldest morning here in Texas so far this winter with wind chills in the teens. I always think, if it's this cold here think how much colder it is up north. Yikes! I'm not sure I could deal with those bitterly, bone-chilling temps and for now I'm glad I don't have to. I got a dusting of snow yesterday morning and that's enough for most people around here, although the kiddos would enjoy about and inch of snow I'm sure!
We're still in the midst of starting a new year, even though there's only 1 more full week left in January. Are you still committed to your new year's goals? It's been a rocky road for me so far. But, each new day is a new beginning...right?! There's 12 days left in January to get it right...get back on track...or start anew. So, here goes!
Although, I've had a bit of a queasy stomach on and off this week, so that's been slowing me down and keeping me distracted from my goals. I'm not sick, per se, no fever or anything just low energy and a disturbed stomach. So, I took a break from my workouts this weekend to just let my body heal, recover and recharge a bit before I go back at it tomorrow. Besides, I really didn't want to get out in this windy cold weather either!
However, sometimes a cold blast can wake us up from whatever plateau or fog we're in at the moment, and many times that's just what we need! A shock to the system. A re-purposed reboot. A sharp bitter wind smacking us in the face to "wake up!" Get on with life! Get on with our goals! Get on with living!
So, if you're enjoying the cold blast outside your front door, let it push you further toward achieving your new year's goals! If your hunkered down avoiding the winter wonderland outside your front door, take the time to reflect on what you really want and how to get there this year. Either way, stay safe and warm this week! May blessings of dedication and commitment recharge you this week!
We're still in the midst of starting a new year, even though there's only 1 more full week left in January. Are you still committed to your new year's goals? It's been a rocky road for me so far. But, each new day is a new beginning...right?! There's 12 days left in January to get it right...get back on track...or start anew. So, here goes!
Although, I've had a bit of a queasy stomach on and off this week, so that's been slowing me down and keeping me distracted from my goals. I'm not sick, per se, no fever or anything just low energy and a disturbed stomach. So, I took a break from my workouts this weekend to just let my body heal, recover and recharge a bit before I go back at it tomorrow. Besides, I really didn't want to get out in this windy cold weather either!
However, sometimes a cold blast can wake us up from whatever plateau or fog we're in at the moment, and many times that's just what we need! A shock to the system. A re-purposed reboot. A sharp bitter wind smacking us in the face to "wake up!" Get on with life! Get on with our goals! Get on with living!
So, if you're enjoying the cold blast outside your front door, let it push you further toward achieving your new year's goals! If your hunkered down avoiding the winter wonderland outside your front door, take the time to reflect on what you really want and how to get there this year. Either way, stay safe and warm this week! May blessings of dedication and commitment recharge you this week!
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