Hope

I have shared this thought recently with someone very dear to me and also a darling blog reader.  I honestly cannot get this out of my head, which means to me that someone else needs to hear it.  So I share.  

The ever-spiritual and sweetheart Sharon, a friend from church, asked me to think of something I really, really want this year.  She then said to think about that thing in application to this quote:

"Hope is an abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promises to you.  It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance.  It is believing and expecting that something will occur.  When you have hope, you work through trials and difficulties with the confidence and assurance that all things will work together for your good.  Hope helps you conquer discouragement."  - Preach My Gospel p. 117.

I absolutely love this quote.  I've always felt this way about life, but could never quite pinpoint the words.  I could let discouragement get me down for not being or having everything I've ever dreamed of, but I know the Lord has made promises to me that He will keep...promises for His dreams for my life and the greater purpose therein.  I know He is directing my paths, even when I haven't a clue what's going on.  At times I have longed that He could hold me in His arms and comfort me, and those times are when I have felt on overwhelming spiritual assurance and warmth that He is there with me.  I trust in the Lord.  My hope for my life rests in knowing that He will fulfill these promises.  I can move forward each day with optimism, enthusiasm and patience because I know it will all work out.

Gift from Gym

I thought, after all these years together, Gym knew me better than to give me this gift for my birthday.

My birthday is always the day each year I run five miles (43:25 this year) to reassure myself that I'm not getting out-of-shape again.  I'm so not a runner, so if I can do that, I can do anything.  Gymy dearest, you should know this!

Look How Far You've Come

Sometimes, I look at old pictures, and all I can think is, "Wow, you've come a long way, Baby!"  Fortunately, in more ways than the one...

She's six or seven months pregnant and I was...not.

Perfect For You

"He's not perfect.  You aren't either.  And the two of you will never be perfect.  But if he can make you laugh at least once, causes you to think twice, and if he admits to being human and making mistakes, hold on to him and give him the most you can.  He isn't going to quote poetry, he's not thinking about you every moment, but he will give you a part of him that he knows you could break.  Don't hurt him.  Don't change him.  And don't expect more than he can give.  Don't analyze.  Smile when he makes you happy.  Yell when he makes you mad.  And miss him when he's not there.  Love hard when there is love to be had, because perfect guys don't exist.  But there's always one guy that is perfect for you." - Bob Marley

Who knew Bob Marley was so wise?  I guess he'd have to be with songs like, "No woman, no cry."

Thanks, Bob.

Important

I found this over on Kristie's blog.

And I couldn't agree more.

Being healthy, religious, educated, in love - the list goes on - if it is important to you, you will find a way.  If not, you will find an excuse.