Resolution Number Three

Be brave.

You know that saying, "Life is short, eat dessert first"? Well, the fact is... life IS short. I have enjoyed a great life, but I have not accomplished all that I want to accomplish. I have also expended a great amount of energy getting bogged down in plans that I've never carried out.

I'm going to bare my soul a little bit here. My usual operating procedure has been to become interested in a subject, ie. event planning, weddings, writing, speaking, marketing, photography, etc., etc., etc..., then accumulate a library on that subject to learn all I can about it. However, I don't ever seem to reach a point where I feel qualified to put that knowledge into action. Yup, chicken behavior.

My next step is to consider my dreams, pick one to build a foundation under and move forward. I am resolving here and now NOT to be a chickenhead! : )

So, here it is... my shelf stacked with Nutrisystem foods. My present method of gaining control over the weight issue. I've been on the system for a week now and have to say it's been really easy. The meals are so quick, that I'm not tempted to snack while cooking and adding fresh salads and fruits make it seem like I'm eating LOTS of food. So far, so good. : )

Resolution Number Two

Be healthy.

I know that "losing weight" is on the majority of resolution lists. At least I know it's usually on mine. But even though it's common that doesn't make it any less important. More than losing weight, though, is the need to have a balance physically, spiritually and emotionally.

I've experienced emotions I never thought I'd have, but the great thing about emotions is that they have an expiration. I'm pretty thankful for that setup. Any success I've acquired in the area of handling the emotions I've experienced in the last few months, I HAVE to attribute to the amazing and awesome support of you, my family and friends and the prayers that you have offered for us.

As far as my spiritual journey goes, I'm thankful for God's patience with me and His ever present comfort.

Resolution Number One

Show Love.

I have this great plant in my bathroom. It sits on the edge of the tub so I can admire it while I take a bath. Do you see why I love it? Heart shaped leaves! How great is that? I'm reminded every day by this little potted plant that the Creator of the universe loves me, and I'm encouraged by that little plant to share that love with others. I am learning that the more I show love to others the less I'm thinking about myself and that's a great benefit. The less time I spend thinking of my own sorrows, the less sorrowful I feel, so it's a win-sin situation. Let me encourage you to add this resolution to your list. : )

Inspiration

I watched a dvd by Andy Andrews this evening called "Seven Decisions". It was recorded in 2005, but the principles he shares are timeless. You know, we're all making decisions constantly in our everyday lives, even if it's the decision not to decide yet. : )

Here we are, a third of the way through January and I'm still deciding on my New Year's Resolutions. It seems to me that the majority of folks don't bother with resolutions anymore, or maybe it just happened to be the people I asked. The usual response was that their resolutions are soon forgotten or broken, so what's the point. I understand that reasoning, but I don't agree with it. I know I'm not perfect - FAR from it, and I think taking a good, hard look at how I can improve is worthwhile. I think the greatest benefit of a New Year's Resolution is not the resolution itself as much as the process itself. So, by my next post, I intend to have at least a couple of well thought out, purposeful, character building resolutions. Maybe I should address procrastination, after all, it is the 11th day of the new year! Sigh... : )

Saturday's thoughts

Okay, it's taken me a week to get back here and add a few thoughts. When I opened this blog, I started looking through pictures to add and it seemed that every picture I opened had Morgan in it, so I pretty much dissolved into a puddle of tears. It's hard to realize that she died nearly 2 months ago. Some days we seem to handle things pretty well as we go about our daily routines, and then some random thought or picture popping up on the monitor will stir up the pain of missing her.

I'm generally a "glass is half full" kind of person and I think my blogs should be positive and uplifting, and I will strive to make it so, but for now, I have to find my way through the sadness and grief of losing my beautiful 19 year old. For now, we will cling to God's promises and rejoice in knowing that we will see her again in heaven.

Whoa, what am I doing here?

Well, here I am on the world wide web. When I told my daughter I wanted to start a blog, she asked me what it would be about. Excellent question!

I love photography. One important part of the camera is the viewfinder. It helps me to frame my subject and focus on what I want a picture of. I want to use this platform to share my views from my camera, my front porch and beyond and also as I focus inward on those things that are truly important, my relationship with God, family, friends and myself.

Happy New Year!
Love,
Venessa