Coming home

I just wanted to pause a moment and thank everyone who serves and has served in the military. I as a mom appreciate all that you do for our family.

We are happy to hear our neighbor who has been in Iraq for a little over a year is on his way home and will be here tomorrow.

Often overlooked people

We have so many people in our lives to be thankful for. So many of them are often overlooked, but they are such an important part of our lives.

The lunch crew at our kids school! Awesome! No, the kids don't always like what they are served for lunch, lol. I have found they have a budget too....and as a SAHM I know what it is like to feed a family on a budget. It ain't easy! Can you imagine feeding several kids on a limited budget.

This group of people work so hard to make sure our kids eat and are taken care of. The cafeteria supervisor calls the kids her little customers. I have seen more than one of them do little extras for my kids and other kids. They really do look out for the kids.

Our school custodian is another person. He works hard to clean the school during the day, moves furniture extra on a regular basis, and clean-up throw-up! He is never too busy to say hi to a teacher, a student or a parent! So many of the kids look up to him. He is a good man with a kind heart!

There is a whole list of others, but these individuals really are in my thoughts this morning.

Right time, right place, & right reasons

Ever feel like like the world is against you and if there was no bad luck you are like the old HeeHaw song 'if it weren't for bad luck I would have no luck at all'?

But then something happens to remind you of why you are where you are. And you realize you are in the right place and for the right reasons and it is the right time.

A dear friend took me to breakfast this morning. One of my school moms as a thank you for a spread sheet I worked on for her. She feels I was a blessing to her but I think it is the other way around.

I think God keeps our paths crossing for a reason.

Things happen for a reason

I firmly believe that. It is so very hard to stay positive with when things are going wrong. It was one of the reasons I started this blog to help myself focus on the positive.

This blog "You are the World" I truly feel "You may only be a person in this world, but for someone, you’re the world!"

I feel by helping others I help myself. We each can make a difference. Sometimes we wonder if our little parts make a difference.

Little things tell me I am on the right track. I am making a difference. I am focusing on the right things.

One of those little things this morning was an email about this year's reflections contest through the school. Much to my surprise it is

2008 Reflections Program Theme: "I can make a difference by..."

It will be interesting to see what my six and 8 year old come up with for this theme. I will keep you posted.

It is the little things that count

Life does get hectic and sometimes overwhelming. But that is when I look at the little things and think how blessed I am.


Little things that count for lots!

That first loose tooth. Okay so maybe I do get tired of my six year old telling me for the one millionth time that she has a loose tooth, lol. Although this may seem like a little thing to me it is her first loose tooth and very important to her!


The PTA president saying "I knew we chose the right person for the job".

The little girl now in 2nd grade who says "I know you...and I missed you".

The 3rd grader, my son, who is not embarassed to give his mom a hug in front of all his friends!

The hubby who always knows what to do to make me smile.

An awesome school, where we are once again blessed with great teachers! Great staff, great teachers, great students, and great parents!

A dog that sometimes frustrates me as he follows my every move. But I know with him here I am safe and loved.

My kids who did their chores today without complaining.

Everyone has a story

You see a man at the grocery store yelling at the clerk. You may think he is this way because he was treated unfairly, maybe it is because of something in his past and that maybe it is not his fault. Maybe it is. Either way, there is a story. And because there is a story it is a chance to show grace and compassion.

You see a woman scream at her child for picking up a candy bar near the checkout. You may think she is this way because she is trying to teach her kids right from wrong, maybe she is short on time or maybe it is because she cannot afford the candy bar. Still, there is a story.

Think of someone you see casually each day but have never talked to. The waitress at the local coffee shop, the security guard or the person who eats lunch alone each day.

Even though we have never spoken to any of these people, it is human nature to make up a story in our mind about who they are, what kind of people they and what they are like.

We even do this for people we do not know very well.We are quick to judge on these stories we have created in our minds. What do you think would happen if we stopped listening to the stories as we think they are in our minds, but rather stopped and listened to the real story?

Everyone has a story to tell. We all learn from one another. We all learn from experience.Take some time to get the real story, of their experience.

Everyone wants to be heard and feel that what they have to say is meaningful to others. As you get older, you realize just how much more important these stories become. And how important it is just to be heard.

Take the opportunity to listen with open ears, open mind and an open heart to the stories of the people around you. It will greatly enrich your life and soul!

You will meet new friends, be humbled by the challenges that some people face, and be inspired and encouraged by the accomplishments they have achieved. Listen without making judgments and resist the urge to tell your own story. You will be giving a gift to everyone around you and will get some very special gifts in return.

Remember that everyone has a story and every story matters!

Encourage others!

It could change the world!

What encourages you? Do the same for others.

We are quick to criticize but how often do we share complements? I know I am quick to jot off a quick email when something bad happens at a store or I get bad service or something. But recently I was so impressed by the associates at our local Publix I wrote them a quick thank you email. Do you know one of the assistant managers called to say thanks? So often they hear what they are doing wrong not the positive things.

When someone is discouraged or hurting, offer to help. Don't be general like 'I would like to help' instead offer to do something specific that would help them. Example we helped some neighbors today put up foam siding on the ceiling of a workshop building for their new business. Not easy work. We were not asked to do it, we just did it. And our whole family helped!

Write someone a note to let them know you are thinking of them. It means more to them than you will ever know! Kids love this too!

Celebrate the little things! Kids need encouragement when they do things correctly. Have you ever given the same encouragement to an adult and see the results?! Amazing!

Think about it! Has someone encouraged you? What have you done today to encourage someone?