Just A Thought

                                  

                          

Throwback Thursday | James's First Bike Ride

  I have to admit I have really enjoyed Throwback Thursdays. It' been really nice to go
back down memory lane and take a peak of my past. As a wife, Mom of two little boys, therapist, and church teacher I barely have time to think. So it's nice to sit down
and look at old photos and videos. I realized looking back at where I have been helps me
appreciate where I am now. I truly feel blessed!!







                      
  As I watched this video last night, my heart melted. I remember this day like it really was
yesterday. John and I were living with my Dad. Times were difficult to say the least. Even
though we were both working, we didn't really have a lot of money to splurge. Especially
since I was working part time so I could be with James. But no matter how difficult times
were, God always used people to bless us. In this case, John's Aunt Bgirl (short for baby
girl and I'm quite sure I'm not spelling it right...lol) gave  us money and told us she wanted
to buy him a bike. James was so excited when we took him to the store. I remember his face
lighting up when he saw the bikes. His face especially beamed with joy when he saw the
"Lightning McQueen" bike!
   Fast forward three years, he still lights up when he sees his bike. He has definitely out
grown it. Which is particularly evident when he rides like a bat out of hell through the
neighborhood. He's six years old now and it's definitely time for a big boy bike. But no
matter how big he gets, videos like this remind me that he will always be my baby James.
Enjoy and be blessed.

What Would You Say To Your Younger Self?

                               

I came across this picture earlier this evening and I had to admit, it really made me think. What would I say to my younger self?? What wisdom or truth could I share with the younger me?  I've learned so much the past few years, how could I possibly sum that up in two words??

As I reflect on my youth, the pain, struggles and all the uncertainty, two words naturally come to the front of my mind. The same two words that have echoed in my womanhood. My note would simply say, "Be Brave!" Simple, yet so profound.

Even though I am proud of my accomplishments and all the many blessings the good Lord has given me, I can't help but wonder what could have been. Where would I be if I would have moved forward with bravery instead of fear? How would things be different?

My younger self was so fearful and consequently I led a life filled with "safe choices." But safe choices aren't always the "right choices." Bravery is what allows you to make a leap of faith when it doesn't make sense. Bravery allows you to walk the road less travelled, to be a leader instead of a follower.

I worried too much about what others would think. I didn't want to rock the boat. I was so scared of taking risks. But time has had her way and things have changed. Life truly has been the best teacher and experience is the invaluable lesson. Fear really does kill more dreams than failure.

So once again, I would tell my younger self to be brave. Live a life you can be proud of. That doesn't mean you won't make mistakes because you will! That doesn't mean you won't mess up because you certainly will do that as well. Just be brave enough to try!!

Happy Passover!!

May your hearts and minds always remember the goodness of our Lord. Be blessed everyone!!