Resolutions

It's almost a New Year, friends!
I am not really a fan of New Year resolutions.  I don't keep them very well.  The losing of five pounds will always be one for me, but it is not my resolution.  This blog keeps me honest.  When others read your words, it keeps me accountable.
1. I want to be kind to myself
2. I want to be more of an optimist
3. Learn the waiting is not a bad thing

These are my resolutions.  Friends, what are yours?
May the New Year be one of new beginnings!
R

Smiling

Happy Sunday, friends!
I will be watching some NFL football in about thirty minutes, but I thought I would share this.
After church today, I fell trying to step down from the curb.  I stepped down, and thought it would be smooth sailing thereafter.  I didn't take into account that the pavement was not in good condition, and was not totally flat like asphalt.  I didn't fall gracefully.  My hand was bloodied, and so was my knee, as I would soon find out.  I just got up, and dusted myself off.  I am fine.
I have no depth perception.  After every fall, I do not so secretly wish I had some.
I used to be so upset with myself for letting myself fall or not fall.
Today, I am accepting the I may fall, but I shall get up again.  I am learning to accept the lady who looks back at me in the mirror.  I have asked God the question of why too many times.  I lost count.  I am not Cerebral Palsy.  It is just a condition of which I do have.
All days are not this great.  I have bad days too.  Life is not perfect, and not fair.  I am imperfectly perfect.  Learning to laugh even when that is the last thing I want to do.
R

Truth and Thanks!

Good afternoon, friends!
Today, I want to thank you all for all the love following yesterday's post.  I am overwhelmed!  Everyone has their own "Accomplishment" story.  This John Keats quote sums up some feelings I cannot adequately express at the moment.
'Beauty is truth, truth, beauty'-that is ye know on earth, and all ye need to know."
Have a great day!
R

Accomplishment

In the midst of cleaning this morning, I happened to see a folder on the shelf.  I decided to open it up and take a look.  What I found left me in pleasant amazement.  I found old poems from so many years ago.  I was reminded me of what worries and fears I had at the time.  I got a chance to reflect on how much I have accomplished.  I realized God has been very good to me.  He still is.  So much has changed in seven plus years.  I am a college graduate.  I am a world traveler.  I am loved.  I am a follower of CHRIST!
I once wrote a poem about my Cerebral Palsy.  I wondered if my CP was a blessing or a curse.  I still pose that question to myself sometimes, but it has for the most part, it has been a blessing.
For the most part, the only one who notices my Cerebral Palsy, is me!  I still have days where I have fear, but they get fewer and fewer.
Someone told me recently that I need to recognize the accomplishments, and how far I have come.  Today, I will do just that!
I have so much more I want to accomplish, and I will!  If it has to be done with one small step at a time, so be it.  I have a hard time being nice to myself.  Today I will say to myself:  Well done, my friend!
Any accomplishments, friends, you need to acknowledge today?  Would love to hear!
R

Friendship

Good morning, friends!

" Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light."
Helen Keller

I have some friends I would walk in the dark with without any reservations!
Have a great day!
R

Exercise playlist

Friends, I need your help!
Getting back in the exercise groove.  I want to be the healthiest version of me possible.  I love music! It gets my mind focused, and ready to move.  Do you exercise to music?  If so, what are your favorites?  Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.
Ready to get my heart racing!
R

Christmas day!

Christmas Day 2012 was a smashing success!  I got to see many of my family members I don't see often.  I also got to enjoy my nephew's precious smile.  Seeing him open his gifts was one of the highlights of my day.  As one gets older, the gifts don't matter much, but the memories being made sure do.  The little ones we love make us feel a childlike giddiness as well!
"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year"
Charles Dickens
Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!
R

Christmas Eve

One day until Jesus's birthday!  Merry Christmas everyone!  Hope your day is as blessed and special as can be.  Enjoy!
R

Life

While there is life, there's hope.
Marcus Tullius Cicero
Have a great night!
R

Holiday memories

Happy Friday, friends!
Yesterday I was ordering magazines on my Ipad.  It was just a simple transaction, I thought.  Nothing more, nothing less.  It was much more, however.  After I finished ordering the InStyle and Conde Nast Traveler apps, I was reminded of one of my favorite holiday memories. 
Every year for as long as I can remember, Reader's Digest, has been associated with being a treasured memory.  I would receive a card in the mail says that I have a received a gift subscription to this timeless institution of reading.  Before I would get to the bottom of the card, I already knew who it was from.  It was from my Pop Pop.
Pop Pop knew and still knows today my love of reading and acquiring knowledge.  I still love to do crossword puzzles with him as well.
Readers, any treasured holiday memories?  Would love to hear!
R

Voracious reader

Good morning, friends!
Yesterday was a doubly wonderful day.  I got to spend time with a great friend, and spend time roaming around in Barnes&Noble.
I love checking out all the different books in all the different sections.  There is nothing quite like reading the book jackets to see which book I would like to purchase.
I ended up buying one book and a magazine.
Do you love bookstores as much as I do?
R

Good Day

How to know you are having a good day:

     1.  You woke up this morning

     2.  You are not hurting anywhere

     3.  You have family and friends who love you

     4.  You are in your right mind and you can wipe your own butt

     5.  No matter what happens today you remember the previous four.

R

love yourself

I have been thinking lately of trying to be a more positive person towards myself.  I have resolved to do this as a gradual process.
My first positive thought about myself is that I love it when I smile.  A smile says to the world that I am a cheerful person.
I want to be a cheerful person no matter the circumstance.  What is one thing about yourself you absolutely love?  Any favorite positive thoughts or quotes?
Be cheerful, friends!
R

Random musings

Good morning, friends!
One week to Christmas!
Gifts are not the reason for the season.  Jesus is!  However, I will share a few things on my wish list.

I would to receive a brand new book.  I love to read!
A gift card to a store of my choice
Or surprise me with something I would never think of.

Wish lists are nice, but all I want for Christmas is true joy and happiness this Christmas season!

What do you want for Christmas?
R

A thought to ponder

In light of Friday's horrific events in Newtown, Connecticut, one of Erma Bombeck's quotes summarizes what I hope to be able to do one day.
" When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.'"

We don't know when it will be our time.  I just hope that when it is, I could echo Ms. Bombeck's exact sentiments.

God Bless,
R

Hope

Good morning, friends!
I came across a poem that made me cry a tear of joy.
A former pastor introduced it to me.

"I Don't Regret a Mile"
by Howard Goodman

I've dreamed many a dream that's never come true,
I've seen them vanish at dawn,
But enough of my dreams have come true
To make me keep dreaming on

I've prayed many a prayer that seemed no answer would come,
Though I'd waited so patient and long;
But enough answers have come to my prayers
To make me keep praying on 

I've sown many a seed that's fallen by the wayside,
For the birds to feed upon
But I've held enough golden sheaves in my hands
To make me keep sowing on

I've trusted many a friend that's failed me
And left me to weep alone
But enough of my friends have been true-blue
To make me keep trusting on

I've drained the cup of disappointment and pain,
And gone many a day without song
But I've sipped enough nectar from the roses of life
To make me want to live on


Blessings,
R

Friday's thought

I came across a quote this morning that made me think.

"Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. "

                            Confucius

I complicate life too much.  Here's to simplification.
Happy Friday!
R

God's Word

Good morning!
I found this Scripture in one of my daily devotionals, and I would like to share it with you.
"He will give: beauty for ashes; joy for mourning; praise instead of heaviness."
Psalm 61:3, TLB
Joel Osteen Ministries
I need to give him my ashes, my mourning and my heaviness.  I would rather have the beauty, joy and praise only His love can provide!
Have a blessed day!
R

Television shows

Happy Wednesday!I am a television junkie!  Almost every day I find a show that I enjoy watching.  I have a few favorites, though.

• 2 Broke Girls
• Revenge
• The Big Bang Theory

What are some of your favorite shows?  Any suggestions of what I should watch?
R

Gratitude

Happy Tuesday!
Some days just leave you speechless and without words.  I realize for all my wants and wishes, it is important to remember how blessed we are that we are alive.  For nothing more than that today, I am filled with gratitude.  I am alive to experience life:  the good and the bad.  What I am realizing is that no matter how many bad things happen, I am choosing to hold onto that one bright spot in my day.  Some people can absolutely shock you with their goodness.
As Twain once said, "I am only as happy as I choose to be."  I am choosing today to be happy!
I hope you are too.
R

Inner contentment

I saw this quote this morning and it spoke to me.  I thought I would share it with you as well.
" Be like the turtle at peace in one's own shell."
Bill Copeland
If I followed this one piece of advice on a regular basis, I would probably be less anxious and fearful.  If I am at ease in my own shell, I do not worry about what the world may think of me.  Slow and steady.  Peaceful and serene.
My hope is to be like the turtle today.
R

Sweet tooth

Happy Friday!
The Christmas season seems to bring about the start of my desire for all things sweet and sugary,  I can't help but go into my local CVS and check out the candy aisle.  Candy canes, peppermint bark, and Reese's Christmas trees always seem to get my attention first.  It takes willpower to skip this aisle entirely.  I have to remind myself that my waistline will thank me later.  I do cave into these delicious  treats occasionally though.  I am not immune to the allure of that peppermint bark.
Any Christmas sweets that call to you, friends?
R

Joy

I have been thinking about joy lately.  These days, I am finding joy in the simple pleasures of life.

• A hot shower after a fitful night of sleep to soothe aching joints
• A cup of coffee to start my day
• A message to let you know you are in someone's thoughts

What simple things bring you joy, friends?
R

Fortune cookie

Happy Wednesday everyone!
I went out for Chinese food last night.  While the food was good, I always look forward to the end of the meal when the fortune cookie arrives.  I quickly opened mine up and savored what it said.  "You are tasting the sweets of success."  In some small way I am doing just that.  Writing this blog each day is a success because I never thought I would so openly share my thoughts with another human being.  This is a small and sweet victory for me.  I am keeping my fortune to remind me of the success.  Any successes for you, readers?  Would love to hear.
R

Tuesday's words to live by

Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I'm possible.
Audrey Hepburn

Today friends tell yourself I'm possible!
R

Greeting cards

Happy Thursday everyone!
Today I am looking forward to addressing and sending out my Christmas cards.  I love sending and receiving mail, with Christmas cards being a sentimental favorite.  Christmastime engenders a renewed hope and joy in me.  Seeing all the love I receive in these cards is a boon to my spirit!  I have been known to keep these cards for longer than anyone would expect, rereading them when I have a bad day.
Do you enjoy Christmas cards as much as I do?
Have a great day!
R

Forgiveness

"People can be more forgiving than you imagine.  But you have to forgive yourself.  Let go of what's bitter and move on."
Bill Cosby

How true this is!  I can never seem to forgive myself, but I must!  It's great to be forgiven by others, but if I can't forgive the one person that really matters, it's like the process of forgiveness has not been completed.  For me, forgiveness has to reach completion to be fulfilled!
God Bless,
R

Tuesday's thoughts

I am a very impatient person.  Most of the time it seems I need instant gratification.  God and I lock horns on occasion.  It's more than I would like to admit.  I would love to be in denial about this, but I can no longer do such a thing.  I must let the truth set me free.  I want God to heal my body completely.  I would love for God to give me the inner desires of my heart of which He already knows.  I spoke with a friend recently who shared a song with me that spoke to my heart.  It's called "I'll Wait" by the Katinas.  There is a lyric in that song that says:  "I've found a peace in being still if that's Your Will." 
This is quite a statement of faith.  I need to let and let God, if I am to regain my peace of mind.  I need to wait no matter how painful that may be.  The Book of James says: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  I need my faith to be tested so it may produce perseverance.  With every struggle and each day I wait, I am getting an allotment of perseverance which is much needed.  I shall persevere and thrive.  It is my sincere hope that you dear readers will as well.
R

Cyber Monday

Hey friends,  I'm back from a great Thanksgiving holiday!  I'm sure you all know it's Cyber Monday.  Are you a brick and mortar shopper, or an online shopper?  Do you have to go into the store to touch and feel an item, or do you just click and buy?
I am somewhat of a traditionalist.  I enjoy going into the store and seeing all the new wares for sale.  I'm more of a Black Friday gal.
Will you shopping today online today?  Or do you favor the in store experience?
Happy shopping, friends!
R

Words to ponder

Never complain and never explain
Benjamin Disraeli

These are two things I seem to do too much.  Need to work on that.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving friends!
R

Christmas music!

Happy Tuesday!  Two days until Thanksgiving!  I am beyond excited!  This year has been one of change and progress.  After giving many thanks, we come into my favorite season.  I love the Christmas season.  Apart from celebrating Jesus who is the Reason for the season, I look forward to listening to my Christmas music standbys. 
My favorites include:

• O Holy Night
• Mary, Did You Know
• White Christmas

What is your favorite part of the season?  Any favorite Christmas songs?
Blessings,
R

Monday encouragement

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13

Blessings to all, my friends!  May your day today be the best yet!
R

Thanksgiving food

It's Friday
Yesterday marked one week until Thanksgiving.  I've given you all a list of what gives me thanks.  Now let's get down to talking about all that delicious food that will be consumed.
My favorites are sweet potato casserole and green bean casserole.  The more marshmallows and brown sugar the better.  Sweetness equals success when it comes to my sweet potatoes. 
I love green bean casserole because of the great texture the French's Onions give the green beans along with the cream of mushroom soup.  I love the crunch of the onion that complements the warm gooey texture of the green beans.  I find it quite amazing how I love the most fattening parts of the recipes that involve healthy beginnings.  This is why we only eat them once a year!
What are your favorite foods to enjoy at Thanksgiving?  On the countdown to food, family and fun!
R

Happiness

Happy Thursday!
Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory
Albert Schweitzer

I find this quote to be very true.  When I am not feeling well, I am reminded of how much I should cherish my good health.  Without good health, nothing really else matters.  The second part of this statement I need to memorize.  With a bad memory, I could forget all the bad injustices I have faced or not have held a grudge for as long, knowing I wouldn't have remembered it anyway.
Readers, what is your favorite quote or saying regarding happiness?
Sending a smile your way!
R

Thoughts courtesy of Dove's chocolate

Hello, friends!  How are you?
I happened to purchase a bag of Dove's chocolate squares last night.  I love these little slices of heavenly delight.  As much as I love the chocolate, I happen to enjoy their little nuggets of positivity on the wrapper.  I found one last night that particularly spoke to me.
The wrapper said:  It's OK to be fabulous AND flawed!
I must say that this statement made me smile!
Be fabulous in spite of our flaws, what a concept.
Have a great day, readers!
YOU ARE FABULOUS!
Cheers,
R

Reflection

Happy Thursday, friends! 
The first frost arrived last night.  The air is crisp and brisk.  The seasons are in full effect.  I see the leaves and their different color schemes.  I am left in awe.  The beauty around me leaves me speechless.  When I get down on myself, I look at my surroundings at try to look at the bigger picture.  I see God's creation, and how He cares for them.  If He can take of the sparrow, He can take care of me as well.
I try to be an optimist, because in reality I'm an internal pessimist.  I am my biggest critic.  I am my biggest roadblock.  It has become my mission to look at myself in a positive way.  I have to look at the glass half-full rather than half-empty.  Sometimes I wonder if I look at myself with having a glass at all.
Here's to internal optimism, my friends!
Cheers,
R

Pondering this thought

The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.
Socrates

I am finding that the less I claim to know, the happier I am.  I'm no oracle, no sage.  I am just a simple girl who is realizing the less I know the better off I am.  Who knew this simple statement above could prove so profound.  The less I know, the less confrontation I am to find.  Whatever I am to know, I will know.  The rest is not important.  I just want to be happy.  I rather let you believe you know more than I do.  Wisdom for me is learning that knowing nothing means that peace will come because I choose to humbly admit I know not the answer.  That is something I am learning everyday.
What are you learning?  Please share!
R

Election Day

It's Election Day in the USA!  I love participating in the political process!  It's a privilege and duty I treasure.  I love seeing my neighbors patiently wait in line to cast their vote.  As soon as I have voted, I have an enormous smile on my face.  All day I will read political commentary and track the exit polls.  CNN is my best friend today.  I will have my own viewing party later on as I watch the results come in starting at the eight o'clock hour tonight.  I am nervously excited today.  Are you?
Are there any political junkies out there like me?  Go Vote! 
Have a great day, friends!
R

Words to ponder

My life is my message
Mahatma Gandhi

This quote by Gandhi symbolizes what I what want my life to be.  Is there a quote or saying that resonates with you, or symbolizes what you hope your life signifies?
I would love to hear your thoughts, friends!
Have a great day:)
R

College football

The weekend is almost upon us, my friends!  If you are like me, every Saturday in the fall is devoted to college football viewing.  I can't get enough college football.  I watch bits and pieces of most every game that is televised.  I must say, however, that I a fervent Clemson Tiger fan.  There is nothing quite like seeing a game in Death Valley on a crisp fall day.  From rubbing Howard's Rock to running down the Hill, the tradition at Clemson is like no other around.
Who is your favorite team?  Are you as big a college football fan as I am?
Happy watching!  Have a great weekend!
R

Smile

Happy Friday everyone!  I hope everyone has had a great week!  Today I thought I would start the day off with a positive thought!
Peace begins with a smile
Mother Teresa
I am starting my day off with a smile, and here's hoping you'll do the same!
Have a great day!:)
R

Positive thought of the day

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream
C.S. Lewis

What a great reminder to all of us.  Dream and set another goal.  Dreams and goals can give us purpose, a drive to conquer our fears.  Don't be afraid to fail.  One's endeavors may fail, but people themselves never fail.  All we can ask of ourselves is that we take the opportunity to try.  If you do not try, there is no opportunity to fail, and there is no opportunity to succeed, either.
Dream
The sky's the limit!
R

Happy November, readers!  Since this is the month of Thanksgiving, I thought I would include my list for what I give thanks.

• My faith in Jesus Christ.  The Savior and Lord of my life gives me a daily reprieve of my many sins.  The ones I knowingly commit, and the ones that aren't so apparent.
• My family and friends that give me the love and support to continue on this journey we call life.  Without these two components- Life is rendered meaningless for me.
• The Stars and Stripes- No where but these beloved states could a story like mine be written.

The basic necessities- Food and Shelter-if these two are checked off your wealth is exponentially greater than most of the world's population.
Here are some of the small things for which I am thankful

• Fresh picked fruit- I love picking fresh raspberries from the bush in my backyard
• The way my beloved poodle gives me the sweetest kisses in the morning
• Snail mail- I love opening up my mailbox and seeing a letter addressed to me.  Over the next few weeks I will reread that sweet note a friend took the time to send my way.

Friends, what are you thankful for today?  What are some simple pleasures that bring you joy?  Happy Thursday!
R

Happy Halloween!  I hope all of you have a wonderful time tonight, if you are taking some excited kiddos trick-or-treating, or hosting your own spooky soiree.  I thought back earlier today how much I miss being a kid dressed up as a Barbie cheerleader excited because for one night I got to wear my Mom's beloved coral lipstick.  I blame it on the eighties!  I miss going from house to house getting those sweet treats!  I loved getting those fun size Almond Joy bars!  Sweets for us were an anomaly living with a health nut for a mother.  Friends, do you have a favorite Halloween memory?  A favorite Halloween sweet?
Have fun and be safe!
R

A big welcome to R's rue!
It's not the way I would have liked to start of my blogging experience with you all, but for me it's important.  I am thinking of all our brethren in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic part of the United States.  The pictures of the devastation and destruction is beyond comprehension.  Each new image of rushing water or sand entering the streets, as if the street has become a beach leaves me awed at how powerful storms can be.  It reminds me that as humans no matter how prepared we think we are or may be; we are no match for Mother Nature.  My thoughts and prayers are with those affected.  God Bless you all!