Motivational Monday – 7 Things to quit in the New Year

Count your blessings more than your problems and you will change the outlook of your situation. It was obvious to me this Holiday season how much my sons have matured. As they decorated our Christmas tree I smiled as they hung decorations all around the tree and not just near the bottom.

My artificial Christmas tree has been around so long that’s it’s like one of the family. My sons are nearly the same height as the prelit tree with lights that no longer work. I like the tree because it’s easy to assemble. This year I added lights, but only half of them worked. I could have complained, but I didn’t.

Instead of complaining (this time), I reflected on the memories that surrounded my out-of- date Christmas tree. There was more than one Christmas where my boys would tip-toe from their bedroom, creep up to the tree and shake every gift trying to determine the contents. Other evidence of Christmases past include photos of the boys in pajamas in front of the Christmas tree or wearing matching sweaters.

As I count my blessings, I’ve thought about things I can quit doing in the New Year. One idea is to Quit Complaining (or at least complain less). Take a moment to reflect over your year and count your blessings. Then come up with a list of things that you can quit doing in the New Year. Below is a list of ideas to get you started – 7 Things to quit in the New Year

1.      Thinking you’re not good enough

2.      Thinking you’re too old

3.      Giving away all of your time

4.      Toxic friendships/relationships

5.      Giving excuses for not focusing on self-care

6.      Stressing over past mistakes

7.      Negative self-talk

Never give up on yourself.

Wishing you a prosperous New Year.

Wordless Wednesday - Merry Christmas

Jesus is the reason for the season. May your days be filled with an overflow of blessings and you sing praises of joy.

YouTube Video Credit: Lindsey Stirling

I don't own rights to this music

Muffins with Mom – The Negotiator meets The Little Red Hen at Christmas

Family at Christmas gathering

Have you ever seen the movie The Negotiator with Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey? In one of the opening scenes Kevin Spacey is negotiating with someone behind a closed door…it was his young daughter. When my sons were younger I found myself in the role of negotiator. Now that my sons are young adults, not much has changed.

It’s Holiday season and time to make preparations for family to visit. All I needed was a little help getting the house ready. In my Little Red Hen voice I said, “Who will dust the coffee table?”

After a pregnant pause my son said, “I can do it after I finish this game.” He continued to play his video game.

And that is when I transitioned from being the Little Red Hen and became a negotiator. I needed my sons help sooner rather than later.

“Dust the table and take out the trash and I just might add a little something extra in the grocery cart when I go to the store. By the way, you’re in charge of family games this year.”

My son still didn’t move right away, but he got the job done. “Ma, this one is going to cost you. I want two frozen pizzas, a taco kit, and a pack of Fruit Roll-Ups.”

He received two out of the three items and he came up with a couple of fun games for the family to play after dinner. There was an avalanche of laughter as we played a game called Head-up. It was like a game of charades using a cell phone. We were divided into two teams. The person doing the guessing selected a category and held the cell phone in front of their forehead.

The cell phone displayed a single word or phrase. Team members had to describe the word(s) they saw on the phone. We had one minute to guess as many words as we could. The game ended on a high note as family members prepared to travel back to their homes. Kids ran for their coats, cousins packed plates of food to-go, and I settled in to a cozy spot on the couch.

No more negotiating…just one final request from The Little Red Hen. “Who will put away the leftovers and load the dishwasher?” I napped on the couch snuggled under fleece blanket while two of my flock took care of the dishes. And we lived happily ever after…until the next episode.

Have you entered into negotiations during the Holiday season?

Fun Friday – Uncovering humor for the Holidays

Photo Credit: Health Journal

Tis’ the season to be jolly…you know the rest. It is also the time of year many people experience a lot of stress. Take a step away from what is causing you stress and find something funny in your day. You may have to uncover the humor in a situation.

On many occasions, a young child brings a smile to my face; it happened most recently on a Sunday morning during a youth Sunday school class. Here’s the scenario…

Sunday School Teacher:          Today our lesson is about David

Six Year Old:                           I know David

Sunday School Teacher:          I don’t think you know this David

Six Year Old:                           Are you serious?

The Holiday season seems to be a time when sweet treats are plentiful and many people vow to begin a health regimen in the New Year. I am one of those “many people.” A few situations caused me to think about changing my fitness routine. Here are my thoughts:

You might need to change your fitness routine if…

·         Your fitness app is draining your phone battery, and you don’t even use the app.

·         Your arm exercises consist of lifting your fork to your mouth.

·         You step on the scale and your prayer is, “please don’t let that peach cobbler have put me over my weight loss goals.”

Jesus is the reason for the season, and it is the season to be jolly, joyful and living your best life.

What humorous situations have you uncovered during this Holiday season?

Happy Holidays.

Wordless Wednesday - Ring in the Holidays

I love creativity. Check out what the Michigan State University College of Music has created.

YouTube Video Credit: Michigan State University College of Music

May your Holiday be joyous and bright.

Susanna Leonard Hill's 9th Annual Holiday Contest

Photo Credit: Pinterest  -  Vegan Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies- click here for the recipe

It's that time again, another picture book contest presented by Susanna Leonard Hill. Visit her blog to check out all of the stories. My story is below.

Cora’s Christmas Cookies
(250 words)

Neigh, quack, Moo, cluck a-doodle-doo. The animals were in an uproar. The Farmyard Christmas Carnival was in two days and Cora was sick. She was a chicken with a wheezing cough.

Who would make her famous Crunchy Cranberry Cookies?

Animals from all around sought after a bite of Cora’s tasty treats. They were a secret recipe handed down from her great grandmother, Little Red.

The recipe was a secret because no one could read Cora’s handwriting. Chicken scratch that’s what it was.

Cora unhurridly clucked from her coop into the kitchen, “What is going on in here?” She squawked.

Goat dumped flour into a bowl, clouds of white dust drifted onto the floor.

“Hush Cora, get back to bed. We have this under control,” said Goat.

Duck waddled to the table, leaving footprints in the flour. “Sugar is what we need.”

Cow witnessed the mess, “Mooove over, let me add the milk.”

Goat clip clopped over, “Use my milk, it has a better flavor.”

“Too much milk,” said duck.

“How do you know? No one can read Cora’s chicken scratch.”

Stir, mix, squish. Cookies ready for baking.

Before you could say cluck-a-doodle-do Merry Christmas to you, the cookies were ready.

“They don’t look like Cora’s cookies,” said Duck.

Crunch, crunch, crunch. “Tasty,” said Cow. “But something is missing.”

“I added the raisins,” Duck squabbled.

“Craisins, NOT raisins,” Cora squeaked. “Craisins for the cranberry taste.”

Neigh, Quack, Moo, cluck a-doodle-doo, crunchy, not so cranberry cookie treats ready for the Christmas Carnival.

Feel Good Friday – Reflections – A picture is worth a thousand words

Ypsilanti Junior Braves Football Banquet (years ago)

The text message from my son came with a photo from ten years ago. Pictured were my two sons and a friend they met in school that year. A flood of memories instantly came to mind for me.

The Three Amigos, as I dubbed them, played together at the afterschool program. One day as I picked up my sons from school, one of them said, “K plays for the Braves too.” His reference was to the little league football team that they played for.

The next day as I picked the boys up, we were walking through the parking lot when one of them said, “There’s K’s mother.” I flagged her down as she was driving off. I smiled, waved my arms and introduced myself. I found out her name was Angela, something we immediately had in common.

I told Angie we needed to carpool, “There’s no need for both of us to go to the football field every day for practice.” I didn’t give her much room to say no. For the next three years, we carpooled to football practices and to school. The picture below was taken at the end of season football banquet. That was one of the good days.

Some carpool days came with challenges. When we had extra passengers, there was bickering over who had to sit in the middle in the backseat. The boys would run to the car, jump in from either said and not move over. I would grit my teeth and tell my son to move over. It seemed as though an eternity passed before anyone moved.

On other days the boys would laugh together, pass gas (with me trapped in the car) and yell who did that. I can only wonder if things like this happened when it was K’s mom’s turn to drive the carpool.

The boys are now young men, all in college and still have the occasional get together. One day I came home from work and their intimate group of three had grown. There were seven young men around my dining room table engrossed in a game of monopoly. I wish I had captured that photo. It was priceless.

Before this year ends, take the time to reflect on some of your fondest memories. Take out a photo album (I know you still have one or two), browse through it, see what memories come to mind. Never stop creating new memories.

Take lots of pictures. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Wordless Wednesday- National Cookie Day

It's Wordless Wednesday for me, but....it's also National Cookie Day. Check out a Vegan Cookie Recipe by Susanna Leonard Hill. Stay for a while and peruse her Would You Read It blog post. She has a fun blog.

Photo Credit: Susanna Leonard Hill
Click here to view her blog.

Muffins with Mom – Home for the Holidays

The screen door squeaked, locks click clicked, and heavy footsteps trampled across the hardwood floor. From the other room, I heard the endearing words, “MAMA…I’m home.” My sons arrived home one day apart. Each one entering the house with cherubic smiles and a load of dirty laundry. College kids, home for the holidays.

I had already decided that the holiday season would be a time for family and plenty of relaxing. My adult children had other ideas. One sons’ shenanigans began as we prepared for a visit to my mom’s house. I stood in front of my bathroom mirror with my make-up bag spread open across the counter.

As I applied concealer, contour creams, eyebrow pencil, etc., my son popped into my doorway.

“What is that on your face?”

“Make-up.”

“Oh, I thought you were doing Painting with a Twist.”

And he wonders why he often appears in my blog posts. This was one of many moments we treasure as a family. Are you creating family memories? If not, it’s not too late to begin. It doesn’t cost a dime and the moments are usually priceless.

My sons both attend college out of state. Our Thanksgiving gathering revolved around family updates. Each one of them said, “Ma I’m going to need some groceries.”

 I said, “Me too. We can’t all need food at the same time.”

My younger son looked at his brother and said, “One of us is going to have to come home.” They both chuckled. Their banter continued throughout the night. The “Grown-ups” (my brother and me) claimed a comfortable spot on the couch, watched a movie, napped, and woke up in time to see the end of the movie.

Siblings, breaking bread together

It was the best night ever…having everyone home for the holidays.

It’s your turn, go out and create memories.

Wordless Wednesday - Happy Thanksgiving

YouTube Video Credit: coachingandgrowth

Motivational Monday – God’s Protection Plan

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Are you looking for a protection plan that you can trust? Check out the benefits of God’s protection plan.

·         He watches over you 24 hours/day, 7 days/week

·         Comes with an assurance plan – rest assured in the comfort of His loving arms; He will never leave you and always available to listen

·         The plan is FREE – His son (Jesus) paid the price long ago

·         No expiration date on this policy

·         Covers home, auto and life

If you have ever faced a life-challenging situation, you know there is a level of discomfort and uncertainty, maybe even anxiety over the unexpected. As a policy holder of God’s Protection Plan, you can still express joy. Your joy is not dependent on your circumstance because the joy of the Lord is your strength. You can rejoice through it all.

In a sermon, Pastor George W. Waddles, Jr. said, “Rejoice means, I can get through it even when I don’t feel like it.” We have a tendency to become anxious over things that might happen. The Bible tells us to be anxious for nothing. Figuratively speaking, when you have God’s Protection Plan, you have peace of mind.

You may be wondering how to obtain a protection plan. The answer is simple, build your faith foundation. Develop a habit of prayer and giving thanks for all that you have. Put your trust in your heavenly father and His guidance. God’s Protection Plan is free, it’s your choice whether or not to accept it.

Do you have a protection plan? Don’t get caught without assurance.

Fun Friday – Real Talk Real Challenges

Not a view from my window, but a calming picture none the less

Daylight had begun to peek through the blinds in my bedroom. Wrapped in my favorite purple fleece housecoat, I stood starring into my closet. What was I going to wear? What would fit, without a feeling of discomfort?

I decided to try on a dress I hadn’t worn in a long time. It didn’t take long to discover why the dress was in the back of the closet. As I pulled the dress on, my head popped through slowly like a turtle coming out of his shell. I wiggled and twisted with my arms near my chest like a T-Rex. Until finally, both arms made it through their perspective armholes.

The struggle was real. I was slapped with the reality that somehow excess baggage had attached itself to my body, in the form of extra, unwanted weight. My solution was to buckle down and address this issue. It was great timing that the ladies at the fitness studio where I workout, decided to participate in a 30 Day No Sugar Challenge. I joined the challenge.

Our task was to go without sugar or sugary food for 30 days. Sound simple? I started over, every couple of days in week one. Week two was a little better. However, I discovered that I needed to make a visit by the grocery store for healthy items to snack on.

My son stopped by our home for a visit and left a few items from a boxed lunch that he didn’t want. The unwanted items included a package of fruit snacks and a chocolate chip cookie, wrapped in clear plastic wrap. The chocolate chunk cookie sat on the kitchen counter staring at me for several days. Until finally, I was out of the smooth, natural peanut butter that I snack on. So, I ate the cookie.

I didn’t give up on the challenge. I kept working out, kept my focus on making healthy choices. Yet, I still had not made that trip to the grocery store. One night while watching Steve Harvey on the Family Feud, I wanted a snack as I watched “Somebody’s Family” go for the fast money. No healthy snacks around so I grabbed a couple of gummie multi-vitamins (which is one serving). Not enough, so I grabbed a couple more, and a couple more, until I had devoured six of those little squishy things. I hope one can’t overdose on gummie vitamins.

Daylight was replaced by moonlight, wrapped in my purple fleece housecoat, I had no worries about what to wear. Tomorrow would be a new day filled with new opportoneunities. It all else fails, my closet also holds stretch pants and leggings. I will survive. Real Talk. Real Challenges.

What challenges can you now laugh about?

Wellness Wednesday- Your Health Matters

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Photo Credit: Pinterest

YouTube Video Credit: Beautiful Planet Music

Motivational Monday – Thanksgiving a time for giving thanks

Photo Credit: Heartland Paper Company

Shopping carts filled with a turkey, sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese and other delights, navigate the grocery store aisles. Christmas tunes blast through speakers. Folks are preparing for their Thanksgiving feast.

At home the table is set for guests – Uncle Joe, Grandma Cookie, Cousin Ann and a coral of kids. All are ready for family stories, fun, and fellowship. It’s a time for giving thanks. What are your Thanksgiving traditions and what are you thankful for?

Today I give thanks for family and the memories we create. When my sons were young, we’d visit my mom, watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade, then watch my grandfather fall asleep, sitting on the couch after dinner.

Thanksgiving Day has traditionally been the start of mom and me watching Holiday movies. We began with the movie Imitation of Life, moved on to Miracle on 34^th Street, and then watched a series of others. My favorites today include anything on the Hallmark Channel.

There are so many things to be thankful that the list can go on and on. As you prepare for Thanksgiving this year, be sure to give thanks for things large and small. Is there something that you can do to spread Thanksgiving joy to someone else?

Feel Good Friday - How do you prepare for a doctors visit?

Photo Credit:  Queensland Health

The alarm sounds, eyes shut tight, I feel for the location of the sound and hit snooze, one, two, more times. I sit up erect on the edge of the bed still refusing to let go of a peaceful slumber. Time to prepare for the day.

Are you doing things that are in the best interest of your health? Are you prepared for your next doctor's visit? Quite often there are things we "meant" to do before the next doctor's visit. I "meant" to lose a couple of pounds. Since that didn't happen for me, I prepared for my visit very creatively.

As I searched through my closet for something to wear, I tossed jeans aside for stretch pants. No heave sweater for me, I grabbed a short-sleeve breathable shirt. My goal was to dress in lightweight clothing that wouldn't add weight to the scale at the doctor's office. Mission accomplished.

Along this journey called healthy living, I have learned to take deliberate steps toward being aware of what is going on with my body. You know, your doctor will ask, "When did you first notice 'X' happening? How long have you been experiencing 'Y'?"

Here are a few suggested ways to prepare for a doctor's visit:

1.  If you are having health concerns track them in a notebook - Perhaps you've experienced frequent headaches. Make note of when they occur - is it after eating certain foods? Do they occur at a particular time of day? etc.

2.  Create a game plan - if your doctor has recommended changes to your health, create a plan for how you will begin that process. Take baby steps, change one thing at a time.

3. Eat healthy and exercise - whatever this means to you...do it. Start somewhere.

What would you had to ways to prepare for a doctor's visit? You do not have to select the thinnest wardrobe like I did. Nor do you have to stand in a yoga pose on the doctor's scale with one foot on and the other leg extended outward.

Schedule regular doctor's visits and make your health a priority.

Wordless Wednesday - Live, Love, Laugh

If you can't laugh at yourself...

Recipe for a good day...

Mix with funny stories
Stir in laughter
Blend until belly laughs occur
Share with a friend

Motivational Monday – Spiritual Toolkit

Photo Credit: Tony Evans

“Ma my tuition is due, the school said we can start a payment plan with $750.00. You can also sign up for a Parent Plus loan. I still need to buy books too.”

When life situations cause you to feel overwhelmed, what do you do? You need to have a Spiritual Tool Kit on hand. Your Spiritual Toolkit should contain tools that will aide you in difficult situations.

Things that may be in your tool kit…

Prayer

                        Faith

                                    Forgiveness

If there is something in your life that you want to fix, don’t keep your tool kit stored away. Use the tools so they don’t get rusty. Take your situation to the Lord in prayer. A change is going to come.

Called Magazine posted this prayer, I hope that it will give you renewed inspiration where you seek it.

Dear Lord,

Help me see the good in all circumstances. Give me the ability to turn lemons into sweet lemonade and disappointments into opportunities.

In Jesus Name, Amen

You may be dealing with financial struggles, health problems, kids, or other situations that distract you from experiencing the best that God has for you. Keep that Spiritual Toolkit nearby. Keep the faith. Keep having joy, no matter what comes your way.

YouTube Video: The Fugees - A Change is Gonna Come (Sam Cooke)

I don't own the rights to this music

Wordless Wednesday - National Stress Awareness Day

National Stress Awareness Day is celebrated on November 6th. Everyone experiences stress at some point. The way you manage stress makes all the difference. Check out the fun video below on stress management techniques.

YouTube Video Credit:Karyn Buxman

Halloweensie Contest

Photo Credit: Good Housekeeping

I’m participating in Susanna Leonard Hill’s 9^th Annual Halloweensie Writing Contest. 

The rules are simple, write a story using 100 words or less. You must use some form of the words – Potion, Cobweb, and Trick. Stories must be appropriate for children 12 years and under. Sounds easy, right? Wrong. It’s a challenge, but it’s fun.

Here’s my story…

A Zombie Girl Halloween

Halloween party, come one, come all,

Zombie Girl stood straight and tall.

Wearing baggy, boogie pants,

it was tricky to dance her dance.

“Zombie Girl, you look silly,

dressed in pants, lacey and frilly.”

Zombie Girl dropped her head,

sat in a corner pouting instead.

Spotting a sign, she knew what to do,

Magic potion, to feel brand new.

Spooky bubbles in a glass,

Filled high, make it last.

Zombie juice spills on toes,

Covered with cobwebs, hold your nose.

One, two, Zombie feet move,

three, four, dance to a groove.

Zombie Girl loves to dance,

especially wearing frilly pants.

Wordless Wednesday - National Checklist Day

Photo Credit: gapfinancial

Do you use checklists to keep your life organized? Check out the article in this link to learn how the use of checklists originated.

Does a checklist help keep you organized?

Motivational Monday – Transformation – How bad do you want to change?

A-Train's SuperFit Coaching Staff (there are more, not pictured here)

“You are bigger than your greatest fears.” Those are the words displayed on a sign on the wall at the fitness studio where I work out. The coaches encourage each person to “challenge yourself.” How bad do you want to change?

Success does not happen overnight. Begin your journey with a first step, and you don’t have to do it alone. Do you want to feel better, look better and gain control of cravings? Me too. That’s why I’m joining the 30 Day No Sugar Challenge at Atrain’s Superfit.

Before you say you can’t do it, think again. Give it your best effort. Have you heard the saying, “Nothing beats a failure, but a try?” Try it. What do you have to lose (except, maybe a few inches or pounds)? Take it a step further and combine fitness with healthy eating. BAM. Transformation happens.

Take a look at the lady's photos below. This may sound like a commercial, but these are real people with real results. These are women I call friends, my SuperFit Sisters. They will tell you, this journey isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.

Tonya

I asked Tonya what motivated her to make a change, she said, “I had gained 30 pounds without even realizing it.”

Tonya told me, “I’m in this for the long haul.”

I can appreciate Tonya’s statement.  Deciding to focus on your health and well-being is a lifestyle change, not a quick fix. Join us on our 30 day transformation and begin your new lifestyle. No matter what, don’t quit trying.

Ketra tried many times to reach her goals. There were no immediate results, but she did not give up. There are many other stories such as Ketra’s and Tonya’s, waiting to be shared. You could be the next success story. You are bigger than your greatest fears. How bad do you want to change?

Ketra

Make your transformation happen.

Fun Friday – A Cinderella Moment – Diva for a Day

Photo Credit: Valerie Marie Photography

The day I scheduled my makeover I knew my glow would be only temporary. It was a FREE makeover that required you to spend $60 on products. It was a small price to pay to feel like Cinderella for a day.

I don’t know who styled Cinderella’s hair, but I got my fabulous cut at Salon Kimistry in Ypsilanti, MI. I was way overdue for a little self-care. My hair was experiencing some kind of transition, it was long on the sides and short in the middle. One could even say I was twinning with Bozo the Clown. The haircut was unplanned, but it was a welcome change.

My dress, not a ball gown, was from…the back of my closet, wedged between other exquisitely designed (regular) dresses on plastic hangers. I slipped into a soft, silk-like, sleeveless red dress on the day of my special event. Well, if you call tugging a dress over your shoulders and smoothing it over your muffin top, slipping it on, then that’s what I did.

I traded my glass slippers for red suede shoe boots. I was a diva for a day. I tried really hard to hold onto the look for the entire weekend since I had other events to attend. On day two, my look began to fall apart. It was like the little pig who lost his house at the hands of the big bad wolf.

My fake eyelashes looked like they had been through a windstorm. When I blinked my eyes, it felt like the eyelash was touching my forehead or the top of my eyebrows. The temporary eyelashes should have been removed long before I was forced to lay them to rest. However, I wanted them to last through all of my weekend events.

It was at that last event of the weekend, at the stroke of 5pm (ending time of the event), I lept from my chair, grabbed my belongings and ran from the building. I made it to my car, got in, slammed the door and peeled the fake lashes slowly from my eyes. I was back to normal. No more diva.

Girl let go of the lashes, you got your wear out of them

You are beautifully and wonderfully made, don’t short change yourself. Indulge in pampering from time to time. Bring out the diva in you and have fun with it.

Photo Credit: Valerie Marie Photography

Wordless Wednesday - World Pasta Day

Photo Credit: Taste of Home.
Click for recipe

For all the pasta lovers out there...it's your time. World Pasta Day is coming. This special day was established in Rome Italy on October 25, 1995, and is promoted by pasta manufacturers around the world.

I don't know about you, but this is a great excuse to indulge in pasta.

DISCLAIMER: Eat Responsibly

Motivational Monday – Your Season

Photo Credit: Fearfully Wonderfully Me

Warm sunshine caresses your face, tree branches sway slightly, as you blissfully soak up the gentle energy of your surroundings. Soon this season will drift into the next. Each season brings a different experience…the same is true for life situations. Your season is now.

Have you planted seeds and have been waiting for them to germinate? This is your season to reap what you have sown. There is a gospel song by William Murphy titled, It’s Working. The lyrics say, “This is your season, for grace, for mercy. This is your season, to reap what you have sown.”

One of my favorite lines in that song says, “God is leaning…in your direction.” What harvest are you expecting in your life? Are you anticipating a blessing in the area of your finances, a new job, your health, your family? If you have not done so, plant your seeds now. Water them with faith, and till the soil with prayer.

This is your season. Whether you are in the cold, dark season of winter, or the spring season of things growing and blooming, you are blessed. A friend recommended a book to me that talks about the season of your faith. The title is Don’t Die in the Winter – Your Season is Coming, by Dr. Millicent Thompson.

Whether you are experiencing storms or sunshine, each season is a blessing and a time of growth. Learn from it. Ask yourself, what is this teaching me? What am I supposed to learn from this?

YouTube Video Credit: Global Gospel Group

It’s your season. Be blessed.

If you give a mom a minute, she’ll want more time – why planning ahead is important

Photo Credit: Great Big Yes Life Coach

Happy Friday! Wishing you a weekend filled with all things fun. I have a full schedule of events and will be away from the blog. So I'm sharing a blog post from the past. Enjoy.

Have you ever had one of those days where you wish you had just a little more time to get things done? In some cases it may be poor planning that caused a lack of time to get things accomplished. It can strike any one of us…the dreaded lack of time. It happened to me.

I thought I awoke early enough one morning to begin my routine, but the time monster had a different plan. Murphy’s Law took over - whatever could go wrong, did go wrong.

The clothes I planned to wear needed to be ironed. The iron never got hot, so I had to search for a different outfit. Once dressed, I headed to the kitchen to make my lunch. This easy task was compounded when I couldn’t find the lid to the plastic storage container I wanted to take (for my salad).

I only had 15 minutes left before I needed to leave for work. If I only had more time.

I began putting together the rest of my lunch, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. My first hurdle was to open the squeezable bottle of jelly. Easy enough? Nope, the cap would not flip open. I finally got it open with the assistance of a butter knife.

In my hurriedness I squeezed the jelly quickly. Splat. Too much jelly that I could not squeeze back into the small neck of the bottle. Perhaps a call was needed to the Welch’s company.

If I only had more time.

Of course I had to stop and jot notes for this blog post. I was going to be late for sure and I still had not had breakfast. The cereal I poured was waiting for me, but I had to stop to pee. No time for breakfast, I just poured the cereal back into the box. The peanut butter and jelly sandwich would suffice as breakfast once I got to work.

Just one more stop and I could make it to work only 10 minutes late. There is a grace period, right? I had to stop by the post office and mail a bill payment. After all, I got up early and addressed the envelope.

Once I got in the car, I realized I walked out without my cell phone. I took it off my belt because I stopped to pee. My phone is like American Express, I can’t leave home without it.

More time would have helped.

After retrieving the phone, I was on my way. The post office was only five minutes away, then another five minutes to work. I dropped the envelope in the drive-up mailbox and headed to work. Mission accomplished.

My bill was on its’ way. Wait did I put a stamp on the envelope?

If only I had planned ahead.

What has been your experience in not planning ahead?

Words of Wisdom - Motivational Quotes for Success in Life

YouTube Video Credit: Brainy Dose

Motivational Monday – You Can’t Stop My Praise

photo credit: Grace Lutheran Tampa

The organ music echoed throughout the sanctuary. People began rocking and moving their bodies with the strike of each chord played. The sound of baritone voices shifted everyone’s attention to the back of the church. The male chorus swayed side to side as they marched into the sanctuary.

The first annual concert of the Community Male Chorus was underway. Their theme was, You Can’t Stop My Praise. In the midst of the service, you could feel the joy in the atmosphere. Nothing could stop the positive energy of praise. I left feeling rejuvenated and thought to myself...How often do we take the time to praise the Lord, just because we can?

Start your day with an attitude of gratitude, a jump for joy, give a shout in the shower. Don’t let anything stop your praise. You may be anticipating a day of meetings, appointments, or facing health challenges, but don’t back down before your breakthrough. Praise anyway. You may be the light that someone else needs, to see their way through a situation.

Every day is a blessing and another opportunity to shout praises. You may not be listening to organ music or bobbing your head as a choir marches in, but you can praise in your own fashion. Let your light shine.