Recently one of the girls I work  with came in with such a big smile on her face that I just had to ask, “What is that smile all about?” 

To which she replied, ” That is one of the things that I can’t discuss with you, Shelia, because then you would be disappointed in me.”

I had to smile at the humility in that statement. Yes, we all tend to disappoint those we care about from time to time. It has been so since the beginning of time itself. To err is human….

But it is when we feel that deep sorrow that comes from hurting someone we care about and the humiliation that comes with it, that we can empathize with those who cause us hurt. And it is much easier to forgive them when we know that we may need their forgiveness sometime in the future.

Forgiveness is neither easy to get or give, but as humans, we must try to make the effort. Let us all try to be more earnest and sincere in our forgiveness and to give it more generously.

How I love that old saying for how true it is; whether you are talking about the weather or life in general, this principal applies. No matter the situation–this too will pass….

The cold and snow has finally made it’s way out for the time being, and the sun is shining once more. It is still very cold, but the sun gives you a warm feeling nonetheless.

Many of us are longing for spring, and it will be here shortly. And it will most certainly be welcomed here in Tennessee and  Virginia where we have had unusually cold temperatures and not much relief from snowfall. Of course the kids are loving it, and there is much beauty to be found.

Wishing you warm hearts and warm homes wherever you are!!!

As we head into another new year, we start looking back on the previous year and evaluate what kind of year we have had. Unfortunately for most of us, the outlook wasn’t as well as we would have liked. Most of us are still struggling to “keep our heads above water” so to speak. And most of us have “cut back about as much as we can”. A lot of people have come up with alternative ways to save money and been open to things they may have never tried in the past. And still “the rich get richer, and the poor get poorer”.

With stricter regulations like we have found in the TSA this past year, and many other organizations, it brings to mind a famous saying by Benjamin Franklin, “Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both.” We must always be mindful of what it has cost us to have the liberties we have enjoyed.

I surely hope that 2011 will bring us more peace and prosperity, but unfortunately it looks as if we are just getting started and we may see some perilous times ahead of us.

I do wish for all of you dear readers a very prosperous and happy year ahead!!