Hug Those You Love

Each morning I look forward to catching up on all of the Facebook posts from the night before. This morning was no different, after spending some time with the Lord (something D and I have made a morning habit) I scrolled through posts from the night before. This morning however turned out to be much different. Sadly I found a business friend and his wife had been hit by a drunk driver a month ago. Both were critically injured and yesterday his wife passed away from the injuries. I can't even remember what life was like before we had social media where we share every day life and life changing events.

Although I didn't know her, his office was above ours and he always had the most amazing smile on his face as he walked by and greeted us every morning. They had only been married 3 years and you could tell he adored her. My heart just aches for him but I have faith that she is now enjoying heaven. Based on a post from one of her good friends she knew where she was going and was excited about seeing Jesus in heaven. Question is, do you know where you are going?

What this really brings home for me is what a difference a day makes! Hug your loved ones and don't forget to let your friends and family know how much you love them.

What you see is not always as it is.

As I was walking across the Stone Arch Bridge downtown Minneapolis today I had the opportunity to watch with amazement the powerful waterfalls of the Mississippi. There is a majestic beauty in viewing so much raw power and energy. To think that up until that point the water on the river looks as still as glass and then bursts into such beauty as it goes over the drop in the falls.

One can only imagine what lies beneath the stillness above, not dissimilar to some people I know. Very calm and cool on the exterior with such energy , power and strength beneath. It reminded me that you can't always judge something (one) by what you see on the outside. There is very likely something of beauty and strength just under the surface.

In sickness and in health...

With all this warm weather you would think that flu season would be over, but in our house it's just begun! Both D and I have been trading the flu back and forth for the past 3 weeks. First he got it and was down for a few days but seemed to bounce right back. Then he was kind enough to share, so I got it. I was down for a week! I don't seem to fight things off quite as easily as he does. Now tag, it's back to him as of this morning. I truly felt his pain the poor thing!

Needless to say I've got the antiseptic wipes and hand washing down to a science, and I will be going through the condo wiping everything down - I'm seriously considering just living in a hermetically sealed bubble until the flu season has wound down. But, I have a little faith that we will both be feeling much better with the warmer weather and the sun shining down on us. Until then should you be thinking about a visit I would suggest waiting for at least another week or so.

The Nap Revolution!

Kitties have it right, there is nothing like a nap  - to curl up on the couch or in bed with the warm sun on your face and take a good power nap. Many other countries do this and I never understood why American culture doesn't embrace "The Nap". Just think of the benefits! Among the many documented according to the Ririan project, "Rest and relaxation isn’t only vital to your health — it might also make you a more creative person. People tend to be more imaginative after a good night’s sleep. Other experts agree that taking a nap or stepping away from a problem or project refreshes the mind and could lead to better ideas later. Power napping allows your brain to create the loose associations necessary for creative insight and opens the way for a fresh burst of new ideas. So if you feel stuck, then you might want to take a nap. Return to the problem after diverting your attention for a while. The best part is that there’s no need to feel guilty, because taking some “me time,” in this case, could help your business in the long run." 

I've singularly decided to start "The Nap" revolution today! So, after my power nap I expect that I'll come up with some creative ideas on how to further my cause. Until then, I have faith that I will at least wake up more refreshed.

Be still and know…

I love the fast pace of life, keeping my mind active with new and interesting challenges.  I love being downtown Minneapolis and being caught up in the activity and movement that only happens in a metropolitan area. “People watching” is so very interesting during lunch in the skyways!  There is a certain kind of energy that is hard to find anywhere else.  I love entertaining and spending time with family and friends.  I take great joy in the ability to move around – not staying in one place too long – traveling is a passion!

Although I love keeping busy, there is a time – a season- where by every one of us needs to slow down and listen.  Really stop and look at the beauty around us, listen to birds and music and just enjoy what God has created. To take a deep breath and renew mind and spirit – to be still and know …  Psalm 46:10 I recently had the opportunity to do this with a beautiful sun rise it’s amazing what beauty I missed when I was young by sleeping in -  today I have faith that you will take a few minutes  from your day  - to be still and know…

The Sweet Things In Life

I don’t often have sweets – you know the sugary delights like brownies, cookies and cakes?  Today being Valentine’s Day, I decided to “treat” myself to a delectable brownie.  Brownies to me are the most sinful of the sweet treat category all gooey and chocolaty the best part is biting into the hard crusty outside into the soft gooey inside and letting it melt in your mouth – can’t you just savor the flavors? Add a tall glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee and it’s double the pleasure Ahhhhh.

Isn’t it just amazing that we get to live in a place where every once in awhile we get to indulge in the sweet things in life? I often wonder about the many simple blessings we have that go unnoticed each day, I also have faith that even if I don’t get to enjoy another brownie – ever-  I will have spent the last 15 min. just enjoying life and the blessings that were given today.

Roadkill on the Sidewalk of Life

I was walking through the skyway yesterday and came upon the visual representation of how I've been feeling lately. There, on the window in the dust was the perfect outline of a bird - feathers and all. Visions of his little beak bent in the shape of an "L" ran through my head.

Poor thing thought he could fly right thru that window and is now road kill lying on the sidewalk.

Have you ever felt like roadkill on the sidewalk of life? I have, in fact I currently feel as if my beak is in the upright "L" position and like Daffy Duck in the many cartoons we used to watch on Saturday mornings. I'm currently working to straighten it out and peel myself up off the sidewalk, and I do have faith that tomorrow is another day....