An Open Letter to the Family of Tammy Kay Ellis

I never met Tammy, not once. The first time I would ever see her would turn out to be just a few short hours before she would leave this earth and dwell in eternity with her Lord and Savior. 

That evening and over the next few days I would spend more time with her family than I ever had, most of them I had never even met. As I sat at her funeral there was a window of time where people could speak of Tammy and share memories of her with family and friends. As I sat in my pew listening to all the things everyone there, mostly strangers to me had to say, I couldn't help be overwhelmed with what I would say had I been brave enough to stand up and speak in front of everyone without it being wrote down. 

I personally had never truly experienced loss until well into my mid 20's. However once I did experience loss, it was a life lesson I was not prepared for. Not only was I not prepared, this life lesson seemed to be one that life would continue to remind me of. There is nothing that puts life into perspective more and quicker than losing a loved one. During this time, I learned to build up my walls, keep people at a safe distance...that way if something happened, it hurts less. Well, as life continued to teach me, I learned this was obviously nothing more than a faulty theory. So I have spent many years finding balance and trying to make the most of the time and people I spend my life with. 

Every year I spend the new year reflecting on the previous year and setting goals for the year to come. I usually find a song or a quote to serve as a reminder to keep with me throughout the whole year. I love For King and Country and one day their song Fix Your Eyes came on the radio. I have heard the song hundreds of times, as I was singing along the words of the chorus nearly took my breath away. "Love like you're not scared" love like you're not scared....these words seemed impossible, nobody really does that...nobody! 

Then it hit me, this is it, this is my 2020 goal...if only I knew what 2020 would bring!! This by far has been the hardest challenge and one I will work on for the rest of my life. I have spent time reflecting on people in my life that inspire me to do just this, they set an example, they challenge me to grow in areas that I didn't know I needed. There are many people, so many that I am certain have no idea, how I wish they knew how bright their light shines. 

As I sat there listening to all the things Tammy's family and friends had to say about Tammy, and reflected on the past few days I had spent with her family I realized...Tammy loved like she was not scared...the love she had spilled into every single person there to celebrate her life, it was so evident, so powerful, and so inspiring. I sat in my pew in awe of the fact someone I had never met could have such an impact on me. I sat there wondering how I could ever tell this family about their loved one they had just lost, that they sat and cried for, how she made a difference in the my life, and most of them didn't even know who I was until a few days before this unbearable grief was upon them. 

I watched her slide show yet again, but this time it was different, I soaked up the pictures, the love, the connection, the memories frozen in time her family found so much comfort in, I saw love that was unconditional, never ending, and fearless. I looked at pictures of her with her grandkids, and envied how open and loving she was. There was no guards, no walls, just pure joy and happiness. I watched as the pictures went on trying to soak it all in, to always remember what this fearless love looked like, to one day hope that could be me. 

Since that day, I have often thought of her, I have reflected on the lessons she taught and continues to teach me, and I have continued to spend time with her family...I didn't see it before, I do now however see Tammy, hear of Tammy even within her family today. I never have found the right words or the right time to say all of this, I did however believe it would come in time. 

Last night Tracy came to bring the most delicious brownies Mama had made from scratch for Kayla. In true Heather fashion we spent longer than planned standing in the driveway talking. In that time, Tracy and I talked about Tammy and that today was her birthday. It was then that I was flooded with memories of losing my loved ones. The hard, the ugly, the good, and the bittersweet. I was instantly reminded of one of the absolute most amazing things I ever discovered losing a loved one;

Revelation 14:13 "And I heard a voice from Heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and thier works do follow them." 

I wish I could tell you I realized this right after my sister in law Angela passed away, however, it was not until four years later this realization hit me like a ton of bricks. Even more important, it was and has continued to be one of the most encouraging things in my life. I can sit here and tell you without a doubt I know this to be true, and yet when something happens to remind me 11 year later her works are still following her...it blows me away...every single time! 

I said all of this to say; family of Tammy...you may not know it yet, you may not have seen it yet, but her works do follow. If you have already seen it, this is only the beginning, and every single time it will be such an amazing reminder of the life she lived and the love she left behind. What I want you to know even more than that it, her works were following her that evening in her home. As all of you surrounded her in your love as she opened her eyes to see the face of Jesus. She was already making an impact on a stranger, someone she had never met, me. 

Like I said, life has continued to remind me of just how fragile and short it is, and it is not a reminder I like to face. I will however, always be grateful for God's plan to make Tammy a part of my life, my future, and my growth in a way I do not think any of us could have ever seen possible. 

As you remember her and think of her on her birthday this year and every year after, know that every time you share the love she shared with you, you are sharing a piece of her with the world she left behind. Her works are following and you are a part of it. 

New Year...New Me!

Last year as the new year approached these thoughts circled in my head, I wrote them down unfinished...I have spent another year letting these thoughts stretch me, grow me, and make me who I am today...new me...new year #2019...

2018...How many times have you heard someone say, "New year...new me!!" Or even further how many times have you said this yourself!? If I was being honest I would tell you I have made it my personal mission to say this every time I try to commit to something new or different this new year!! While this has been fun and created many laughs and smiles, I spent a lot of time in thought about this concept, what does it truly mean...New year...new me!

One New Year's Eve last year I was with my mom and we were getting our hair done. I remember talking with the lady cutting my hair, reviewing our years together as we planned to bring in the new year. I told her how many people on Facebook could not stop talking about how they could not wait for 2016 to end...it had been the worst year ever and they were looking forward to saying good bye to it. I have had many hard times in life but had never really understood the concept. We talked about how not only has there never been a year that I was like WOW that year was down right awful...but the turning of the new year surly does not change much. It simply is a representation of a new beginning, a chance to start over.

Then 2017 came...my dear neighbors had to bring in the new year without their teenage niece who had been suddenly killed in a car accident. Another family that I do not know had to say goodbye to their teenage daughter after she was unable to recover from head injuries from a car accident on Christmas day. A family friend who we love dearly was in a wrestling accident and found himself with a life threatening spinal cord injury in his senior year of High school. As January continued on we decided to take a family trip to Gatlinburg to get away, celebrate my husband's birthday, and just have some family fun. A few days before we were about to leave the transmission went out in our vehicle we had just purchased a few months prior. Our back up vehicle was leaking large amounts of oil, so we cancelled the trip we were very much looking forward too. My husband's birthday came and I spent the day disappointed about the change of plans, but determined to make the best of it. Just as my husband arrived home, my mom called...Uncle Scott has come home from work, and found my Aunt Karen in her bed...passed away....needless to say we traveled to PA. Upon returning home I came down with what the doctor felt was the flu, a two weeks later it was discovered I had pneumonia...I have never been so sick in all of my life, when my six week recovery was completed I again had to be treated for wheezing and shortness of breath...which then led to thrush and a mess of diagnostic testing...by this time I was eating my words I had shared with the lady while I got my hair cut...2017 was the worst year ever...I could not wait for it to end...and it was only February!

2017 did not let up either! Our same dear neighbors house burnt down, my Uncle Scott's father fell very ill while he was visiting us and he raced home to be at his dad's bedside, my most favorite old man neighbor fell septic to a gallbladder infection, his internal defibrillator continued to go off and very high risk surgery was inevitable, our vehicle now known as Felicia left us stranded two more times, we had to put our family dog of 5 plus years down, two families we know had their two year old precious children diagnosed with cancer...Surly is we could just get to the new year...2018...everything would be better...right!!??

As the new year approached I spent a lot of time thinking about 2017 and the events that has taken place. The more I thought about it the more I realized...I still had so much to be thankful for, every need God had provided for. Then when I really thought about it what about all the great things 2017 had brought...The faith of the two families that lost their child has been beyond understanding...they are a light that shines in this lost and dying world, their child's works do follow through them and I believe they will for many years to come. MichaelDion was unable to continue to wrestle or join the Coast Guard like he had dreamed and planned to do. He did however defy the odds stacked against him. He not only survived his injury he made a full recovery with no restrictions, he did not let it slow him down! He graduated, finished his EMT, started college, and continues to work and provide for himself and his family. Jeff and Bonnie are plugging away on that house of theirs, both in their 70's but they are the youngest people I know. Its incredible to look across the yard and see a house stand where less them a year ago the one they built years ago was ashes. Uncle Scott's father at 93 years of age took his chances and had heart surgery, not only did he survive but he has thrived! His family reports he have never looked better, and he says he has never felt better. He may be 93, but it doesn't slow him down!! Roland...recovered both surgeries, even though he prepared for the possibility of not making it through he not only made it through but was home the next morning!! One of the families that had a child with a cancer diagnosis without explanation was healed completely!

The year held so much more as well, Cameron discovered his love and God given ability to run, him and Kayla got to do a school sport together something they had never done before and will never be able to do again. They were however able to lean on each other, cheer for each other and truly grow as siblings together. I conquered a 5K and with my children by my side! Kayla showed her love for soccer on the field, and ability even with the BOYS......."

Picking back up with 2018 in review...life certainly did not slow down...and if I were to look back I think...phew 2018 gave me a run for my money...it was a rollercoaster for sure...once again the year started off again with unexpected goodbyes to loved ones and continued with trials and hurt rearing their ugly heads all through the year. They were however, trapped in between some of the greatest memories, biggest milestones, and most fun we have every had! 

As I previously mentioned Bonnie and Jeff's family suffered the devastating loss of Josie a few weeks before Christmas, she was 19 years old. Her family has turned her Facebook page into a celebration of her life. Recently while riding in the car I came across a video of her dancing. As I watched this young girl dance as if nothing in life mattered but what she was doing and who she was with in that very moment, I could see that she truly understood the value of life. Little did she or her family know that from that few seconds of video, two years of thoughts came full circle...I have been encouraged, I have spent days evaluating the importance of what truly is important, and challenging myself to be present and in the moment...the here and now. 

None of us are any different this morning then we were last night waiting to bring in the new year despite the cliche sayings. We are however, not the same person we were Jan 1, 2018 as I we are today Jan 1, 2019. Whatever 2018 sent your way, there is no question it has stretched you, challenged you, hurt you, made you stronger, molded you...only you know...but what I know is it is a new year and we all have entered it a "new you"...so like Josie...dance, live in the moment, embrace life as it is thrown at you...but how...I certainly do not have all the answers but I believe through the little things, we achieve the big things. 

Whether you need to take life day by day or minute by minute it doesn't matter, sometimes is is going to be hard, unimaginable and other times life will seem like it couldn't possibly get any better...no matter what 2019 sends my way, my hope is to "Do small things with great love!" Just as the song Dream Small says, there is nothing wrong with bigger dreams, just don't miss the minutes on your way to bigger things...these are the moments that change the world!" 

Time changes everything, don't get stuck in the past, try not to wish away the time...Love, be present, live in the moment, soak it in...so much easier said then done...I have a lot of work to do this year, this is my start line <3 

Grand...Mother...in-law

I recently was talking with a friend and discussing how overwhelming mothers, grandmothers, and mother-in-laws can be. We were discussing how sometimes grandparents or in this case mother-in-laws often go above the call of duty. Always checking to make sure we remember appointments, we remembered ice water for soccer, and that we remember to pick the kids up from school. The other grandma feels she has to compete for time with the kids, like she is always out done. "Sometimes she just goes to far!" my friend told me.

In her case her son was having grandparents day at preschool. This would require his grandparents to visit for about 15 minutes that morning in his classroom. Her mother-in-law however took a half day off of work to spend the whole morning with her precious grandson.

I think it is fair to say that most of us have experienced this or have our own situation very similar to it. The question is, how do we deal with it? When is it enough? Or to much? This is where we have to jump outside of our fishbowl and take a look in from the outside. This is often very challenging and sometimes hard to do. However, the view from the outside can be completely different from the inside. By being on the outside looking in, it allows for us to not only have a different perspective, but a new appreciation as well.

When looking at this from a mother-in-laws perspective they just want to make the most of the time they have with their grandchildren. They have already experienced how fast kids grow, and how fast time passes. A lesson we are as parents learn the hard way, and even when we think we have learned it, we search for the pause button as time seems to only speed up, the more we want it to slow down.

I think the greatest lesson I learned in stepping out of my fishbowl was realizing how truly blessed my children are to have the "over protective" grandmother they have. So many kids have no one, no grandparents, no aunts, no uncles. Many have this extended family I speak of but they choose not to be a part of their grandchildren's lives. Others live a good distance or far away from their families and are unable to see or spend the time with their grandchildren like they would like. Truthfully there are children that have parents that do not want to spend time with them.

I once had a parent we spent a lot of time with tell me I was so lucky to have the mother-in-law like I did. She told me she only wished her own parents or in-laws would care to spend half as much time with her kids as mine did.

The second greatest and very hard lesson I learned from stepping outside of my fishbowl was that time is limited. Grandparents, aunts, uncles...they will not be here forever.

I will never forget the day my sister-in-law Ang came from Edinboro to watch my daughter play soccer. Right before it was time for Kayla to play, her game was cancelled due to the threat of severe weather coming in. Kayla was SO upset, she cried and cried, she was so excited for Ang to see her play and now she couldn't. To me this seemed crazy, Ang was very involved with Kayla and all of her activities, they were like peas and carrots. I could not understand why Kayla was so upset, I tried to ask Kayla way she was so upset, but she just kept saying she wanted Ang to be able to see her play. I was becoming frustrated with her, this seemed irrational certainly there would be plenty of more soccer games for Ang to come to. There was not question that Ang would make the drive for everyone of them if Kayla wanted asked her to. 

However, six days after the soccer season had ended, Ang suddenly became very ill and passed away, leaving my daughter's fear not only a reality, but very clear to me.

I told you this story to say, the next time your mother-in-law wants to take a half day off of work to spend the whole grandparents day with her grandson instead of the average fifteen minutes don't let it frustrate you. Instead jump outside of your fishbowl and be flattered that he has a grandmother that loves him so much she would take a whole half day off work to let him know how much she loves him, to make him feel extra special on grandparents day. Some kids in his very classroom had no grandparents to share that special day with, and remember, they will not be here forever, but the memories they build with your children will stay with them forever.

Ang and Kayla in their birthday

I wrote this years ago for my MOPS group when I used to write the newsletter. While this was a perspective I was able to see in my own life with my own child and Aunt, I recently was able to see this full circle, the power of the testimony and the impact memories and grandmas make on the lives of our children.

My Aunt Karen passed away suddenly and unexpectedly two weeks ago today, leaving our family with grief, sadness, and a loss that seems unimaginable. As my family packed and made the journey to Pennsylvania I prepared myself for what was sure to be a difficult time for many. However, if you have ever loss someone you know I was only fooling myself. As the days passed and the journey of goodbye began there was one thing I was most unprepared for, one thing that sticks out more then the rest, probably the hardest part of saying good bye to my Aunt Karen. The day of the viewing the family is asked to come to the funeral home 45 minutes early to help prepare us before visitors started to show up. Obviously this was a very hard time, my Uncle Scott...there are no words, their children, the grandchildren, so many people that loved her and now had to find it within themselves to say good bye for the last time. 

But there in the middle of the room stood Hayden, one of my Aunt Karen's grandsons, there were people all around him and yet he was a alone. He stood there looking at his grandma for the first time laid to rest in her casket, frozen, unaware of anything or anyone around him, only moving to wipe the tears that fell from his eyes. As I stood behind him and watched, I knew there was nothing that could help take away the pain of that sweet little boys heart breaking for the loss of his grandma. I wondered if he knew how excited she was when he made her a grandma, if he knew just how proud he made her, if he knew how she beamed with joy every time she would talk about him and the fun stuff they had done together. It was at that very moment I realized the only thing he had to offer him comfort now was his memories with her. They would now become more then memories, they would now become treasures that keep his grandma alive in his heart. 

Furthermore I thought of all the times Aunt Karen probably drove Hayden's mom and dad crazy, calling to check on him, making sure he ate enough ounces in his bottle, or had a bath everyday, asking to have him over for the day or night, feeding him ice cream for dinner, and letting him break the rules of home because he was at Grandma's house. Then this life lesson, the one I thought already learned came full circle, no matter how "over protective, over baring, or how much codling" a mother or mother-in-law does, no matter how much she drives you crazy, thankful is what we should be, not annoyed, it's a small price to put up with for the love that they are giving your child, a love they will know forever, even after their grandma has been laid to rest. 

Aunt Karen and Hayden

...And Their Works Do Follow Them

Easter Sunday....I sat in church....not just any church, but the church I had attended for 11 yrs. The church that I first received Christ as my savior, I attended school, I graduated from, I was baptized in, I was married in, my children were dedicated in, where I was a youth leader, a choir member, where I said my final good byes to passed on loved ones, the church I watched burn to the ground. As I sat there looking around, remembering all the memories, picturing the old building, all the happy times, the people that were no longer with us, looking at the church members all grown up, starting their own families. I was sad at the thought of all the memories, the times I did not value like I should have until they were gone, they were just a memory.

As I listened to Pastor Thomas I found him naming all the people of the church that we have said good bye to over the years. There was one name...one name that gets a hold of me...grabs my attention ....cuts like a knife....Angela Hobbs. My mind immediately went to my children, the young adults they are becoming, and Ang is not here to see it, see them. Cameron and all his character, Morgan was just a baby, I know she would be so proud of Kayla. There is not a soccer game that goes by that I do not think, Ang would be so proud of you Kayla! I know she would be so proud of Joshua, the amazing husband, father, friend, and man he has become. Birthdays, holidays, milestones, all flying by, and she is not here to be a part of it. Then.....I looked over to see Hannah looking at me, I could see that she too was thinking of Ang, and although I did not know what she as thinking, it was clear to see she longed for the memories of Ang just like I did. 

It was then that I realized, this thought went so much further then my children...Ang's nieces and nephew. She had spent over 20 yrs of her life at this church, she was a part of the children of this church just like she was my children. She had known most of these children since birth, and although she may have only been a sunday school teacher or youth leader, she cared about these children as if they were her own. She prayed for these kids, worked with them, loved them. 

As I looked around the church, I saw all the children, Devon Married and about to have her own son. Jen, playing the piano, teaching children in VA. Jim leading the music and helping usher.  Hannah, all grown up, becoming a beautiful young lady. As I continued to see each and every child of the church I was over whelmed with the thought of how proud Ang would be of each and every one of them. Each child becoming their own individual adult, I knew she would be smiling her big beautiful smile if she was there to see them now.

In seeing the precious look on Hannah's face I realized the impact just one person can make. I mean I know the impact she made on my life and the people around me, but I had never stopped to see it in such a bigger picture. 

Revelation 14:13

"And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them."

I knew the truth of her works in my own life, but little did I see the bigger impact, all the works that were following. I have spent so much of my time wanting to do more, offer more, give more, be more, for my kids, my husband, my family, my friends, even a stranger on the street. 

Galations 5:22-23

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

I have read this verse many times, heard bible lessons on it, sermons on it, even taught on it. But did I ever realize that this is the something more? No I did not! Sure it sounds easy and just be happy and your good...but is not easy, and sometimes it is even hard. Ang, was all of these things, and even though I am certain there were times she let her emotions or anger get the better of her, she tried her best to be all of these things, led by the spirit.  

This is what made her the testimony that she was, this is what caused her to have such an impact on others, to leave people desiring to have what she had. Sometimes it is crazy to me to think that even almost 4 years later her works do follow. What is even harder to understand, mine and yours can do the same. 

So....do you show love? Are you filled with Joy? Do you have peace? Are you long-suffering? Are you gentle? Where is your faith? How do others see Jesus in you? How kind are you to others, even when you are having a bad day? Do you have self control? Even when something makes you angry or someone hurts your feelings? 

Two great truths came from this one sweet child's face on Easter Sunday that longed for the memories we shared. 

1. Losing loved ones is one of the hardest things we have to endure in our time on earth. However, seeing and knowing the impact one person can make, the works that follow years and years later....is encouraging, inspiring, and makes me want to try harder to be the person God has planed for me to be. 

2. Even if we are only here on earth for 31 years like Ang, the value is in the quality...not quantity. I should live my life striving to be led by the fruits of the spirit whether I have 20 yrs, 50 yrs, or 98 yrs on this earth, I do not have to be president, CEO, own a business, have a TV show, or be famous to make an impact for Christ on others. 

Our reactions, our spirit, our character, our everyday interactions with those around us....The impact we leave, the works that do follow...is up to us. 

What an extra....ordinary truth...

"The difference between

     ordinary and extraordinary

                                      is just a little extra"

I wish I could say this truth came to me all on my own, without any trials, troubles, or struggles. However that is not the case at all. I mean...honestly, who doesn't think, I would love to do something extraordinary? Then there are many of us that go through life wanting to be extraordinary and just live an everyday ordinary life.

 This is was me, wanting to do something so much more, wanting to do something amazing....

                                                        
                                   but I was trapped in my ordinary life.....
                                                          everyday....

                                                                 doing nothing "extra" at all!!

I failed to recognize one critical thing, I was so focused on the the Finish Line that I was letting the journey pass right before my eyes, without even noticing its importance..... its value.... or the little extra in everyday.

Psalm 119:105

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Recently a lady I look up to in my christian walk used this verse and helped me understand the value of the journey. This Psalm tells us that God will lead us and guide us, He will light my path and show me the way. I have heard this verse compared to being in the dark while camping, we use a flashlight to see in front of us. Each step we take is guided by the light from the flashlight, just as God guides our steps. However, We can only see so far forward with the light from a flashlight, taking each step carefully not knowing what three steps ahead might lead too. This is also true in our Christian walk, we take each step with the guidance of God, with Him leading us, not knowing what we are walking into or what three steps ahead holds. We put our trust in Him and keep moving forward by the light he guides us with. 

      the point I had been missing all along....

Why does God not show me more then just a step by step light or guidance? I mean He knows my future, He knows my purpose and what extraordinary things my life holds, why wouldn't He just show me? What I am asking for is a giant flood light, to light the whole way, to show me my plan, the purpose He has for me in my life!

If we knew what God had planned for us, the purpose he has for us, the extraordinary things our life would hold....we would probably turn around and run as fast as our feet could carry us the other direction. 

Mathew 6:34

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

We are not to take thought of tomorrow, or what tomorrow shall hold. I however, was taking thought not only of tomorrow, but everyday after. In the process I was watching my life flash before my eyes, time was flying by so fast, all I wanted to do was slow it down....but I could not.  It was not until I looked back on all the years wishing I could have them back, wishing I could live them over again, I could enjoy the moments, the memories, the smiles, the laughter, even just for a moment.  I realized I had rushed through so many of them, I was so eager to see what the future held, that I did not  take the time to appreciate what was right in front of me. 

Its like opening presents on Christmas morning, you are so excited to see what you is in the next present, that you don't take the time to enjoy the the current present you are opening or receiving. 

God has blessed me with me with a wonderful husband, amazing children, family, and some of the best friends a girl could ask for. I serve in a great ministry helping people, I have always been blessed with the opportunity to serve others. I however did not always see it that way, to easily I became discouraged  with what life had given me. I looked around to see other people doing what seemed like extraordinary things. Having businesses, big houses, becoming doctors, or lawyers, perfect families that had it all together, kids that were never sick, misbehaved, always dressed nice, never struggled, lived pay check to pay check, or had to tell their kids, you can't do that.....we don't have the money for it. 

Somewhere in all of this I got lost in the negative, the what I don't have, instead of focusing on what I do have. I had to realize...What measures extraordinary? 

A little "Extra"

What I had, what God has given me.... was extraordinary! 

I may not be a buisness owner, have life all together, or have all the answers...but if I live every day, surrendered to God, doing His will, there is nothing more extraordinary I can do. Whatever job I am given, whether it be a preschool teacher, assistant, mail opener, mom, wife, or a garbage man, I need to do it with all my heart. With an attitude of gratitude, thankful that God picked me to have that job. He could have picked anybody to be the mother to my children, or the wife to my husband. He could have picked anyone to teach those little children everyday, or be an assistant to others. But he didn't, he picked me!! I should not only be honored, I should do my very best everyday, to not only let Him know I am thankful, but to let my husband, children, work mates, friends, family, even strangers we see on the streets. I am honored to be given such precious cargo to care for, God gave me all of these things to care for, love, and do until He is ready to call me or them home. When I get to Heaven, I want Him to be proud of the job I did, handling the tasks He has placed before me. I also want my husband, children, friends, relatives, and strangers on the street to look back and not only be proud as well, but to see the importance and value of all the little things God has placed in their lives. 

I wish I could say I always valued life and the small and large tasks God has given me, unfortunately I have not. The good news is....it is never to late to start! We serve a God whose mercies are new everyday! 

Lamentations 3:22-23
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. 

Whatever it is you do, no matter the plan or purpose God has given you, be thankful for it, even in the hardest of times...be thankful! God would not bring you too it if He could not see see you through it. Trust Him, keep looking to His light at your feet, and step by step, walking by faith, He will show you the way. 

Give the little extra, making the most of everyday, the memories you make know will be the ones that stay with your loved ones forever, the attitude and service you have now will be what you are remembered by. This will be your legacy. While my life may not seem extraordinary right now, I know when I get to Heaven I want hear....

Matthew 25:21
...Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 

Making the little "extra"....

          the extraordinary....

                                           where it really matters

"The Journey of a Million Miles Begins With One Step"

 What is it that I want to do for the rest of my life? How often have you stopped to ask yourself this question? How often do you take time from your day to think about this? For me it is often. 

As children we all have big dreams, big desires, big ideas....When I grow up....the innocence of childhood! But how many of us actually follow our dreams? How many of us have faith in ourselves to do what we really desire in life.

Trust me I understand that life goes by so fast and before you know it you have a husband, kids, a house payment, bills, laundry, dishes, work, and all the joys of the average everyday life. But somewhere we lost what we originally set out to do, the big dream we had as a child.

For me I recently thought what is it that I want to do? I have given it a lot of thought, I have prayed about it, and I have talked with many people about what it is I may want to do. The only thing that I am certain of is,   I want to do something extraordinary.

Well it is not as simple as it sounds... something extraordinary! When I look at all the people around me and the people back through history there are many extraordinary people. The question is how do I measure extraordinary? I certainly do not think I could invent something or cure a disease, no matter how much I would want to. So I had to ask myself what is it that I could do that would extraordinary. What is it I love to do?

I love to serve others, I love to witness the everyday blessings that are found in life's simplest things, I love to inspire and to encourage. However, I have a hard time expressing myself, a hard time talking to people I do not know well, or in large groups, I can also tend to be a bit blunt. On the plus side I write, I find it therapeutic, a way to express myself, a way to get things off my mind, and a way to inspire others.

So there you have it...is this my way to be extraordinary? My way to do all the things I think I want to do in life without completely flipping my family upside down? That I do not know, but what I do know is I am walking by faith; I am taking the first step in my journey of a million miles. Maybe this is just the start of something so much more or maybe it is not; either way without that first step I will never know.

What are your hopes and dreams? Working on a dream is never an easy task, and many times we fall or we encounter storms along the way. These are the true test of our hopes and dreams. If you walk by faith and believe in yourself there is nothing you cannot do.

So here is to my
something extraordinary

my first step