It has again been a number of weeks since I wrote in this blog. This time has been a time of transition and emotional healing for me. Moving past the difficulties of my recently ended marriage and my struggling business has been much more difficult than I had anticipated.
The holiday season has been tough. I have had a lot of time alone and too much time to think and be sad. Most of the activities I would have usually been involved I have pulled away from. It was just too hard to put on a happy face and do all of the charitable things which always meant so much in the past. My hope is this will be the last Christmas when I feel this way and I can get beyond myself and look to helping those who have greater needs.
God has called me to this place and in that nothing has changed. I firmly believe I am following his plan for my life. He continues to show me glimpses of a bright and promising future.
The brightest part is a future with Susie. She continues to be my grounding point as I work through my anxiety and depression. Frankly, I don’t know how I would have gotten through this past year without her in my life. She is my shining star.
In fact, I have decided to move to Idaho in mid-January. It is a chance for a new start. A time for some emotional healing and most important Susie and I will be together. We are excited about starting a life together.
My hope is that I can also bring new energy and focus to my business. It like many small businesses has felt the full effect of a poor economy. I am hopeful we will begin to see better days for us all in the coming year. In turn I can become a better father to my kids and a better friend and better business person. Most of all I want to be a more obedient servant to God’s will for my life.
So as 2009 comes to an end I feel a sense of relief and look forward to the coming year with a renewed sense of hope and promise. I have trusted God to lead me this far and I will continue to trust in him to lead me in the future.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
A faith of love
In this time of financial turmoil, uncertainty about the future and with many filled with a feeling of hopelessness it is more important than ever for each of us to reflect on our faith. The world is indeed a frightening place. Every day brings more news of a war, of needless death, of financial ruin. These are indeed hard times.
Adding to all of this angst are many faithful people espousing their faith as the way to true relationship with God. They force their beliefs that there is only way to be in relationship with God, their way. My feeling is, “Wow, how arrogant is that?!”
Many of the problems we face as a society today can be traced to these arrogance of beliefs. There are those who are so wrapped up on their own way of thinking they are unable to even hear, let alone process, new or different ideas. When these type of people are in roles of authority or decision making their impact can be devastating to a free thinking society.
At the very core of this problem are individuals or groups espousing their beliefs as being the only way we can receive God and his love for us. What I believe we need to understand is we have a direct connection to God. He is with us and knows each of us individually.
While corporate worship and relationships with other people of faith are essential to our spiritual growth it does not replace our one-on-one relationship with God. There are many who would have us believe that we can only be in relationship with God if we follow their man-made rules of piety and believe only as they say we should believe.
Don’t get me wrong, theology certainly has its place in helping us interpret the Bible and other books of faith and to raise our understanding of God. However, all of this is subject to interpretation and it is up to each of us to seek God and his plan for our individual lives.
I grew up in a very traditional protestant understanding of Christianity. Recently I have found that many denominations and creeds have so narrowed their focus that they have excluded the possibility that others can worship and believe in God in any way but their own. I find this very troubling.
If we are to survive as a society and grow as faithful people we must become more accepting of others and their beliefs. We cannot be so pious to believe our way is the only way. God is not Protestant, Catholic, Reformed, Jewish, Muslim or any other creed. He is God and the bottom line is he has accepted all of us as his children.
He has given each of us the freedom to worship him in the way we see fit. We are only to accept his love. That is it, nothing more nothing less.
So as you sit in your church, temple, or synagogue or wherever you worship your God this week ask him to open your heart to be accepting of the differences in beliefs of others. He is the God of love the unconditional love which encompasses all of us. God is love.
Adding to all of this angst are many faithful people espousing their faith as the way to true relationship with God. They force their beliefs that there is only way to be in relationship with God, their way. My feeling is, “Wow, how arrogant is that?!”
Many of the problems we face as a society today can be traced to these arrogance of beliefs. There are those who are so wrapped up on their own way of thinking they are unable to even hear, let alone process, new or different ideas. When these type of people are in roles of authority or decision making their impact can be devastating to a free thinking society.
At the very core of this problem are individuals or groups espousing their beliefs as being the only way we can receive God and his love for us. What I believe we need to understand is we have a direct connection to God. He is with us and knows each of us individually.
While corporate worship and relationships with other people of faith are essential to our spiritual growth it does not replace our one-on-one relationship with God. There are many who would have us believe that we can only be in relationship with God if we follow their man-made rules of piety and believe only as they say we should believe.
Don’t get me wrong, theology certainly has its place in helping us interpret the Bible and other books of faith and to raise our understanding of God. However, all of this is subject to interpretation and it is up to each of us to seek God and his plan for our individual lives.
I grew up in a very traditional protestant understanding of Christianity. Recently I have found that many denominations and creeds have so narrowed their focus that they have excluded the possibility that others can worship and believe in God in any way but their own. I find this very troubling.
If we are to survive as a society and grow as faithful people we must become more accepting of others and their beliefs. We cannot be so pious to believe our way is the only way. God is not Protestant, Catholic, Reformed, Jewish, Muslim or any other creed. He is God and the bottom line is he has accepted all of us as his children.
He has given each of us the freedom to worship him in the way we see fit. We are only to accept his love. That is it, nothing more nothing less.
So as you sit in your church, temple, or synagogue or wherever you worship your God this week ask him to open your heart to be accepting of the differences in beliefs of others. He is the God of love the unconditional love which encompasses all of us. God is love.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Thoughts and insights
The best part of the flu is not having it.
Don't let anyone punch holes in your happiness.
Charlotte Jones Stringer I like that thought! Thanks!
Margie Schulz AMEN.. :-)
Nancy Hoover That is a great thought. Thank you!
Creative freedom comes when we are unencumbered by the concerns of our everyday lives.
Kimberly Coombs I know what you mean
Being in the majority does not mean one's opinion is necessarily correct or in the best interest of the whole.
Chris Mann On the other hand, it does mean you just voted in a democracy.... :-)
Stacey Friedlein This is true if one takes the conviction of their opinion to the polling place.
Michael D. Davis Good food for contemplation. Thanks for posting Stacey!
Chet Coonrod That's why it's good that we live in a Republic... not a democracy. When gov't is by LAWS, the majority cannot silence the minority just because they don't like what they hear
If your shoes are uncomfortable first check to make sure they are yours.
Enduring another's journey helps bring perspective to our own path.
Share kindness with a stranger.
Amy Mears I did @ 7:30am today in the McD's drive thru---she was a little short on $ for her order........:O)
A man with a plan is a man who can.
How we judge ourselves is often how others will also judge us.
Christine Cousart I hope not!
Without hard work we wouldn't know the joy of leisure.
Todd Nichols It does take hard work!
When we allow our worries to overcome us, they can manifest into the reality we fear.
Tara Cuccia This reminds me of one of my favorite quotes "What you fear, you create" Its so true! Thank you for that reminder.
Kristy Krokos Williamson Thanks I needed that!
Stephanie Deveau have you been reading the fortune cookies again?
Stacey Friedlein No, but I may start writing them
Real strength lies in one's ability to leverage the strength of those around them to achieve the desired goals. The use of such strength can build bridges or drive wedges. Standing by passively usurps an individual’s ability to do either.
When you choose to blaze your own trail there is no wrong direction.
Larry Perez I love this!
Wl McCoy Good qoute...go out in a blaze of glory....haha
Fred Hinegardner I'm all in favor of blazing your own trail. I've made a career of it. Yet, I must say I've wasted a lot of blaze making a lot of wrong turns.
John Mireles Of course if you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there.
Fred Hinegardner Yes, John, but won't doubling your speed and multitasking compensate for being lost?
Fred Hinegardner ...there's an easy layup for you, Stacy.
One's faith has nothing to do with their theology and everything to do with being in relationship with God.
Jessica Bell I couldn't agree more! Great thought. ♥
Miracles happen every day. Acknowledgement allows us to live with great expectations.
Debra Goddard Nice thoughts. Have a good day, Stacey!
Rebecca Houlihan Love this.
What is on the outside may never show the turmoil within.
We fondly remember the past, not because of some romanticized nostalgia but because we survived.
Change is inevitable. Predicting how we deal with it can be impossible. Controlling it should be left to a higher power.
Finding success often comes from growing out of our failures.
Some people write good books and come up with great quotes. I have decided to write good quotes and see if I can come up with a great book.
It is time to stop rewarding ourselves for our self-conceived good deeds and search the next opportunity to do good.
Rules should be made for inclusion not exclusion.
Erin Tyler likes this.
Fred Hinegardner An example, please?
Stacey Friedlein The rules say I cannot provide you with an example.
Fred Hinegardner Hehe - Nice, Stacey. You made me smile. I like constructs that fold back on themselves, like a flower that becomes double-petaled.
Don't mistake being busy with being productive.
Kerri Lydell learning this!
Melissa Atchison Rentfro Oooh that is good
When conservatives and liberals are so extreme they have to look the opposite way to see each other it is time we all reassess our views.
In forgiveness we gain freedom.
Cindy Powell that is sooo true!
Don't live in fear of evil but embrace the love of God.
Riz Crescini Amen, brother!
Fred Hinegardner ok
A discontented heart can be settled by discovering the ache and moving head-on in achieving what the heart desires.
Don't let anyone punch holes in your happiness.
Charlotte Jones Stringer I like that thought! Thanks!
Margie Schulz AMEN.. :-)
Nancy Hoover That is a great thought. Thank you!
Creative freedom comes when we are unencumbered by the concerns of our everyday lives.
Kimberly Coombs I know what you mean
Being in the majority does not mean one's opinion is necessarily correct or in the best interest of the whole.
Chris Mann On the other hand, it does mean you just voted in a democracy.... :-)
Stacey Friedlein This is true if one takes the conviction of their opinion to the polling place.
Michael D. Davis Good food for contemplation. Thanks for posting Stacey!
Chet Coonrod That's why it's good that we live in a Republic... not a democracy. When gov't is by LAWS, the majority cannot silence the minority just because they don't like what they hear
If your shoes are uncomfortable first check to make sure they are yours.
Enduring another's journey helps bring perspective to our own path.
Share kindness with a stranger.
Amy Mears I did @ 7:30am today in the McD's drive thru---she was a little short on $ for her order........:O)
A man with a plan is a man who can.
How we judge ourselves is often how others will also judge us.
Christine Cousart I hope not!
Without hard work we wouldn't know the joy of leisure.
Todd Nichols It does take hard work!
When we allow our worries to overcome us, they can manifest into the reality we fear.
Tara Cuccia This reminds me of one of my favorite quotes "What you fear, you create" Its so true! Thank you for that reminder.
Kristy Krokos Williamson Thanks I needed that!
Stephanie Deveau have you been reading the fortune cookies again?
Stacey Friedlein No, but I may start writing them
Real strength lies in one's ability to leverage the strength of those around them to achieve the desired goals. The use of such strength can build bridges or drive wedges. Standing by passively usurps an individual’s ability to do either.
When you choose to blaze your own trail there is no wrong direction.
Larry Perez I love this!
Wl McCoy Good qoute...go out in a blaze of glory....haha
Fred Hinegardner I'm all in favor of blazing your own trail. I've made a career of it. Yet, I must say I've wasted a lot of blaze making a lot of wrong turns.
John Mireles Of course if you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there.
Fred Hinegardner Yes, John, but won't doubling your speed and multitasking compensate for being lost?
Fred Hinegardner ...there's an easy layup for you, Stacy.
One's faith has nothing to do with their theology and everything to do with being in relationship with God.
Jessica Bell I couldn't agree more! Great thought. ♥
Miracles happen every day. Acknowledgement allows us to live with great expectations.
Debra Goddard Nice thoughts. Have a good day, Stacey!
Rebecca Houlihan Love this.
What is on the outside may never show the turmoil within.
We fondly remember the past, not because of some romanticized nostalgia but because we survived.
Change is inevitable. Predicting how we deal with it can be impossible. Controlling it should be left to a higher power.
Finding success often comes from growing out of our failures.
Some people write good books and come up with great quotes. I have decided to write good quotes and see if I can come up with a great book.
It is time to stop rewarding ourselves for our self-conceived good deeds and search the next opportunity to do good.
Rules should be made for inclusion not exclusion.
Erin Tyler likes this.
Fred Hinegardner An example, please?
Stacey Friedlein The rules say I cannot provide you with an example.
Fred Hinegardner Hehe - Nice, Stacey. You made me smile. I like constructs that fold back on themselves, like a flower that becomes double-petaled.
Don't mistake being busy with being productive.
Kerri Lydell learning this!
Melissa Atchison Rentfro Oooh that is good
When conservatives and liberals are so extreme they have to look the opposite way to see each other it is time we all reassess our views.
In forgiveness we gain freedom.
Cindy Powell that is sooo true!
Don't live in fear of evil but embrace the love of God.
Riz Crescini Amen, brother!
Fred Hinegardner ok
A discontented heart can be settled by discovering the ache and moving head-on in achieving what the heart desires.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Marriage epithet
On Wednesday of this week my divorce was final. After more than thirty-two years in a relationship I always felt would last a lifetime it is now over. There are a million emotions running through me.
I am mourning the death of what I once held closest to my heart. A marriage to the person I always considered my best friend. She was my first and only serious girlfriend and we seemed destined to spend our lives together. We had what many would have considered the perfect life. We dated for four years before we married then waited seven years before we had our first child.
On the outside and even in my mind's eye it was a good marriage. However, reality shows we had really grown apart in the last several years and had lost touch with each other and no longer shared the same hopes and dreams for our future.
As with the failure of anything there are feelings of heartache, sadness and disappointment. It is amazing how two who were once so close could grow so far apart. Allowing external things destroy what was once such a vital relationship. During the year since we separated I have tried hard not to assign blame or become angry. Believe me this has been the most challenging year of my life.
In this past year I have gone from having a well paying job, a start up business which was doing well, and we were living in the house of our dreams. Today my business is struggling, our dream home has been sold, I am now living alone in an apartment and I am very lonely.
I feel some guilt for not working harder to make the marriage work. By the time I tried it was too late. I feel guilty that my children have to endure the pain and heartache of their parents’ divorce. I feel guilty that I was not cut from cloth that could simply get a job to earn a wage but that I needed to follow my dream and where I believe God intended me to be.
I feel pain from a broken heart and a severed family. Her family was always very dear to me and my love for them will never change. Her dad was like a second father to me and saw me through a lot of personal trials over the years. Her mom was always loving and supportive and very concerned for our happiness. I feel in many ways that I also failed them.
I have failed. I have failed to keep those sacred vows I took to keep, to love, honor and cherish. It is in this failure I feel the most despair. Often I have asked myself where it all began to go so bad and I can't answer. I know I must share and take blame for where I failed. I ask my children, my family, my friends, my God and most of all I ask Kelly to forgive me for my failure. Most importantly I know I have to find a way to forgive myself.
I am supposed to feel happiness. For the fact the ordeal of the divorce process is over I am happy. For a chance to move forward with my life I am happy. But to think I can simply close the book on thirty-two years of my life is not possible. Much of whom I am and who I will be in the future I owe to Kelly and the time we were together.
The products of this marriage were two wonderful children. Now young adults, they have endured this past year in a very mature and loving manner. I will always love them with all of my being and I pray they will grow to know the love I have felt and they will learn from the mistakes we made.
In the days and weeks ahead I expect my life will be very different from my past. I will need to start to have new dreams and goals. God has gifted me with so much and I will continue to seek His will for how I am to use these gifts in service to him and my fellow man.
The healing process for me has begun. The writing of this note is the beginning. It is the first time I have been able to write anything in several days. To me it is a sign that God is at work in helping me to heal. Over the next weeks and months I would ask you who read this to say a little extra prayer for me, for Kelly and for the kids that we may all heal.
There will always be a special place in my heart for this relationship and the life we were allowed to share. I wish only happiness for Kelly and hope she finds what she is seeking in her life. She is and always will be special to me. To Kelly, be happy and remember ILU.
I know all of this is a process. For me I probably have made it more difficult than I needed but it is who I am. So, my dear friends seek happiness and when you find it hang on to it for all you are worth.
As I seek a new life this is the lesson which I am taking with me. To hold on to those who are closest and not let anything keep me from finding new happiness.
I am mourning the death of what I once held closest to my heart. A marriage to the person I always considered my best friend. She was my first and only serious girlfriend and we seemed destined to spend our lives together. We had what many would have considered the perfect life. We dated for four years before we married then waited seven years before we had our first child.
On the outside and even in my mind's eye it was a good marriage. However, reality shows we had really grown apart in the last several years and had lost touch with each other and no longer shared the same hopes and dreams for our future.
As with the failure of anything there are feelings of heartache, sadness and disappointment. It is amazing how two who were once so close could grow so far apart. Allowing external things destroy what was once such a vital relationship. During the year since we separated I have tried hard not to assign blame or become angry. Believe me this has been the most challenging year of my life.
In this past year I have gone from having a well paying job, a start up business which was doing well, and we were living in the house of our dreams. Today my business is struggling, our dream home has been sold, I am now living alone in an apartment and I am very lonely.
I feel some guilt for not working harder to make the marriage work. By the time I tried it was too late. I feel guilty that my children have to endure the pain and heartache of their parents’ divorce. I feel guilty that I was not cut from cloth that could simply get a job to earn a wage but that I needed to follow my dream and where I believe God intended me to be.
I feel pain from a broken heart and a severed family. Her family was always very dear to me and my love for them will never change. Her dad was like a second father to me and saw me through a lot of personal trials over the years. Her mom was always loving and supportive and very concerned for our happiness. I feel in many ways that I also failed them.
I have failed. I have failed to keep those sacred vows I took to keep, to love, honor and cherish. It is in this failure I feel the most despair. Often I have asked myself where it all began to go so bad and I can't answer. I know I must share and take blame for where I failed. I ask my children, my family, my friends, my God and most of all I ask Kelly to forgive me for my failure. Most importantly I know I have to find a way to forgive myself.
I am supposed to feel happiness. For the fact the ordeal of the divorce process is over I am happy. For a chance to move forward with my life I am happy. But to think I can simply close the book on thirty-two years of my life is not possible. Much of whom I am and who I will be in the future I owe to Kelly and the time we were together.
The products of this marriage were two wonderful children. Now young adults, they have endured this past year in a very mature and loving manner. I will always love them with all of my being and I pray they will grow to know the love I have felt and they will learn from the mistakes we made.
In the days and weeks ahead I expect my life will be very different from my past. I will need to start to have new dreams and goals. God has gifted me with so much and I will continue to seek His will for how I am to use these gifts in service to him and my fellow man.
The healing process for me has begun. The writing of this note is the beginning. It is the first time I have been able to write anything in several days. To me it is a sign that God is at work in helping me to heal. Over the next weeks and months I would ask you who read this to say a little extra prayer for me, for Kelly and for the kids that we may all heal.
There will always be a special place in my heart for this relationship and the life we were allowed to share. I wish only happiness for Kelly and hope she finds what she is seeking in her life. She is and always will be special to me. To Kelly, be happy and remember ILU.
I know all of this is a process. For me I probably have made it more difficult than I needed but it is who I am. So, my dear friends seek happiness and when you find it hang on to it for all you are worth.
As I seek a new life this is the lesson which I am taking with me. To hold on to those who are closest and not let anything keep me from finding new happiness.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Even more random thoughts
The perspective of one's world is measured by the expanse of their mind and their willingness to comprehend what it contains.
When you find the thing you do best. Pursue it with all of your heart, all of your mind and all of your soul. And trust God to lead you on the most wonderful journey of your life.
Fred Hinegardner The thing I do best is sitting on the couch in front of the TV. I'm not very good at what I SHOULD be pursuing, but expect I'll get better at it as I go. Not many started out good at what they do. What I'm pursuing at the moment is what I'm worst at. I pump air into my flat tire instead of overinflating a good one.
Tonya Burnett Davis Thank you for this!
Heather Jahn Amen!
Those who scream the loudest generally know the least.
In the busyness of your week don't forget to set aside some time for yourself.
Holly Walker like this.
Judy Roberts Thank you. Even setting time aside to think of your maker.
Tina Feten Thanks for the reminder Stacey!
A simple smile can change your life forever.
When we can learn from those with whom we do not agree, we grow in our own understanding and opinion. To ignore opposing opinion is to remain ignorant in why we believe the way we do.
John Scott Yes,,,,
Acknowledge your failures and overcome them with persistence and a never die attitude.
Bruce D. Roberts And, keep two dollars in your pocket for coffee.
Lisa Francescon YES!!
God speaks to my spirit and I know his voice.
Gary Silber Thank you for a great thought to start my day. Blessings Gary Silber
Happy 16th to my son Kyle.
Holly Walker SIXTEEN????? ALREADY???? Seem like he should only be 7! Time sure passes quick - huh?
Fashion question two. Brown or black shoes with navy blue pants?
Inku TheInku Yo The important thing is that your belt match the shoes. Black shoes? Black belt. Brown shoes? Brown belt.
Angela Cartwright Gottsch black. However, if you like the retro salesman look - white.
Valerie Morrison I would say brown and yes the belt needs to match.
DeAnna Dimmitt belt and shoes do need to match but navy blue is a cool color so it goes better with black than with brown.
Georgina Ghionis Black shoes - with a black belt :)
Giving your child more freedom to make choices should come only after you have taught them responsibility.
Fred Hinegardner Whenever my kids asked for the freedom to make their own choices, I generally let them. That was how they learned responsibility. Both are now successful and have never screwed up yet.
Cyndi Hall-Wilcox As much as it may hurt at the time they grow wiser even by sometimes making the wrong choice. You just have to be there to support them and know you did right because they learned a lesson from the choice.
Fred Hinegardner Thank you, Cyndi. You sound experienced.
Nothing allows more free thinking and perspective than when you are pushing a lawnmower.
Fred Hinegardner Riding one's even better. I keep paper and pencil in it.
Ignoring those who can help you most is akin to deciding you want to fail.
Fred Hinegardner Yep. Problem is, people don't usually ignore those they THINK can help. Their "decisions" are always against those who they think CAN'T help. People fiercely defend the way they've always been doing things, and when that way starts to fail, they defend it even harder.
We keep doing what we've always been doing and praying for a different result.
Are the color of my socks supposed to match my pants or my shirt? This always confuses me.
John Lo Ur tie
Ella Carlson Pants. I was educated on this by a snooty salesman when I took my son for his first suit.
Jim Roshan Your underwear - just in case you're in an accident and you have to go to the hospital!
Sam Gardner The main thing is... the socks have to match each other! And stay hidden beneath your trouser legs anyway. But relax, there will always be a fashion Nazi handy to inform you of your error.
Stacey Friedlein Sam, I have trouble matching my blue and black socks. What do you suggest.
Louisa Larson Don't worry about it! If you can't tell, most likely other people won't be able to either. At least that's what MY husband tells me when I'm agonizing over pairing his socks.
Cindy Powell Match your pants or go crazy and buy some striped or polka dotted socks with bunnies...all bright colors and wear them!
Stacey Friedlein I do have a pair of Bugs Bunny golf socks and a pair of Road Runner Socks, Guess they would go wtih about anything.
Scott Tidmore Stacey... some things are better kept secret..
David S Pickel The color of my sock is often an issue at my house. "Quit looking at my feet and look me in the eye"
Tracy Michelle Silva Depends on the rest of the outfit.
Suki Brown are your socks the same color? I'd go with one matching the shirt and one matching the pants, then you are covered!
Stacey Friedlein Suli, That sounds like a plan. To everyone else, thanks for your input.
Fred Hinegardner We're supposed to wear socks? Dang. No one tells me anything.
Make the most of every opportunity. Tomorrow it may be gone.
Face the morning sun and feel the glory of a new day.
Kimberly Coombs There is no sun here, just rain...But there is the SON! Happy Sunday ;0)
When a door closes a window opens. Be prepared the window could be on the ninety-third floor.
Bruce Mayhill That is why I always wear my cape!
Bruce D. Roberts That sounds like it was spoken from experiance....and you are so right.
Stacey Friedlein Yeah, I am getting really good at building the parachute on the way down.
Wl McCoy Jump! Jump!...haha
Fred Hinegardner Go ahead and jump. God will catch you
The best gifts often come with no fancy wrap, ribbons, or bows.
Lori Bailey Simkavitz I like that!
If I can make a positive difference in the life of just one person today, I have served my purpose.
Tina Marie Vance-Crnic I like this one.....need to steal it today! (For my ststus too!)
Patience and perseverance can be difficult attributes but the results can be amazing. Pray to God with conviction and he will answer your prayers.
Lisa Francescon So true. Thanks for the wonderful words to start my day.
Becky Homich Thank you for posting this thought. It is just what I need to read today.
When you have a fire on your tail you can either douse it out with water or throw on a little gasoline and allow it to be a motivator.
Give the gift of kindness. Do a random act today for someone you do not know.
Sharma Kaefer Ferrugia Amen!
Some things are just not worth the investment. Don't let desire outweigh common sense.
Cyndi Hall-Wilcox Common sense seems to be lacking these days.
Scott Tidmore I think I traded my common sense in on something... don't even remember what it was now...
When you find the thing you do best. Pursue it with all of your heart, all of your mind and all of your soul. And trust God to lead you on the most wonderful journey of your life.
Fred Hinegardner The thing I do best is sitting on the couch in front of the TV. I'm not very good at what I SHOULD be pursuing, but expect I'll get better at it as I go. Not many started out good at what they do. What I'm pursuing at the moment is what I'm worst at. I pump air into my flat tire instead of overinflating a good one.
Tonya Burnett Davis Thank you for this!
Heather Jahn Amen!
Those who scream the loudest generally know the least.
In the busyness of your week don't forget to set aside some time for yourself.
Holly Walker like this.
Judy Roberts Thank you. Even setting time aside to think of your maker.
Tina Feten Thanks for the reminder Stacey!
A simple smile can change your life forever.
When we can learn from those with whom we do not agree, we grow in our own understanding and opinion. To ignore opposing opinion is to remain ignorant in why we believe the way we do.
John Scott Yes,,,,
Acknowledge your failures and overcome them with persistence and a never die attitude.
Bruce D. Roberts And, keep two dollars in your pocket for coffee.
Lisa Francescon YES!!
God speaks to my spirit and I know his voice.
Gary Silber Thank you for a great thought to start my day. Blessings Gary Silber
Happy 16th to my son Kyle.
Holly Walker SIXTEEN????? ALREADY???? Seem like he should only be 7! Time sure passes quick - huh?
Fashion question two. Brown or black shoes with navy blue pants?
Inku TheInku Yo The important thing is that your belt match the shoes. Black shoes? Black belt. Brown shoes? Brown belt.
Angela Cartwright Gottsch black. However, if you like the retro salesman look - white.
Valerie Morrison I would say brown and yes the belt needs to match.
DeAnna Dimmitt belt and shoes do need to match but navy blue is a cool color so it goes better with black than with brown.
Georgina Ghionis Black shoes - with a black belt :)
Giving your child more freedom to make choices should come only after you have taught them responsibility.
Fred Hinegardner Whenever my kids asked for the freedom to make their own choices, I generally let them. That was how they learned responsibility. Both are now successful and have never screwed up yet.
Cyndi Hall-Wilcox As much as it may hurt at the time they grow wiser even by sometimes making the wrong choice. You just have to be there to support them and know you did right because they learned a lesson from the choice.
Fred Hinegardner Thank you, Cyndi. You sound experienced.
Nothing allows more free thinking and perspective than when you are pushing a lawnmower.
Fred Hinegardner Riding one's even better. I keep paper and pencil in it.
Ignoring those who can help you most is akin to deciding you want to fail.
Fred Hinegardner Yep. Problem is, people don't usually ignore those they THINK can help. Their "decisions" are always against those who they think CAN'T help. People fiercely defend the way they've always been doing things, and when that way starts to fail, they defend it even harder.
We keep doing what we've always been doing and praying for a different result.
Are the color of my socks supposed to match my pants or my shirt? This always confuses me.
John Lo Ur tie
Ella Carlson Pants. I was educated on this by a snooty salesman when I took my son for his first suit.
Jim Roshan Your underwear - just in case you're in an accident and you have to go to the hospital!
Sam Gardner The main thing is... the socks have to match each other! And stay hidden beneath your trouser legs anyway. But relax, there will always be a fashion Nazi handy to inform you of your error.
Stacey Friedlein Sam, I have trouble matching my blue and black socks. What do you suggest.
Louisa Larson Don't worry about it! If you can't tell, most likely other people won't be able to either. At least that's what MY husband tells me when I'm agonizing over pairing his socks.
Cindy Powell Match your pants or go crazy and buy some striped or polka dotted socks with bunnies...all bright colors and wear them!
Stacey Friedlein I do have a pair of Bugs Bunny golf socks and a pair of Road Runner Socks, Guess they would go wtih about anything.
Scott Tidmore Stacey... some things are better kept secret..
David S Pickel The color of my sock is often an issue at my house. "Quit looking at my feet and look me in the eye"
Tracy Michelle Silva Depends on the rest of the outfit.
Suki Brown are your socks the same color? I'd go with one matching the shirt and one matching the pants, then you are covered!
Stacey Friedlein Suli, That sounds like a plan. To everyone else, thanks for your input.
Fred Hinegardner We're supposed to wear socks? Dang. No one tells me anything.
Make the most of every opportunity. Tomorrow it may be gone.
Face the morning sun and feel the glory of a new day.
Kimberly Coombs There is no sun here, just rain...But there is the SON! Happy Sunday ;0)
When a door closes a window opens. Be prepared the window could be on the ninety-third floor.
Bruce Mayhill That is why I always wear my cape!
Bruce D. Roberts That sounds like it was spoken from experiance....and you are so right.
Stacey Friedlein Yeah, I am getting really good at building the parachute on the way down.
Wl McCoy Jump! Jump!...haha
Fred Hinegardner Go ahead and jump. God will catch you
The best gifts often come with no fancy wrap, ribbons, or bows.
Lori Bailey Simkavitz I like that!
If I can make a positive difference in the life of just one person today, I have served my purpose.
Tina Marie Vance-Crnic I like this one.....need to steal it today! (For my ststus too!)
Patience and perseverance can be difficult attributes but the results can be amazing. Pray to God with conviction and he will answer your prayers.
Lisa Francescon So true. Thanks for the wonderful words to start my day.
Becky Homich Thank you for posting this thought. It is just what I need to read today.
When you have a fire on your tail you can either douse it out with water or throw on a little gasoline and allow it to be a motivator.
Give the gift of kindness. Do a random act today for someone you do not know.
Sharma Kaefer Ferrugia Amen!
Some things are just not worth the investment. Don't let desire outweigh common sense.
Cyndi Hall-Wilcox Common sense seems to be lacking these days.
Scott Tidmore I think I traded my common sense in on something... don't even remember what it was now...
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Riding the pigs
The boy’s were outside playing like most days they spent on their grandparent’s farm. Grandpa had gone to town to deliver some milk to the creamery and make a stop at the local tavern.
He had found it was easier to go by himself to town. This way there was no chance Stacey or any of his brothers would be able to tell grandma about the stop at the tavern. When he did take Stacey, who was now eight years old, he would set him up on the bar and buy him peanuts in exchange for keeping quiet about the side trip.
On this day Stacey and his twin were bored. They had tired of playing in the hayloft and did not feel like going up to the mound to play. It was then the twin had an idea. He said to Stacey, “Let’s go chase the pigs in the hog lot.
Grandma had already gotten after them for chasing the chickens and disturbing the hen’s roosts. She scolded them because if the chickens got riled they would not lay properly and there would be no eggs to sell.
With little encouragement Stacey decided the twin had a good idea and it would be fun to chase the pigs. Along with the pigs were a few old sows that were farrowing the newborn piglets. The boys not realizing the danger of chasing pigs in the hog lot, with the sows and their newborn piglets, were having a great time. That is until grandma caught them.
Apparently sows become very mean and very aggressive when they have newborn piglets. The old woman came running out the back door of the house. She was attired in her usual paisley printed cotton dress and a pair of work boots. To say she was yelling would be an understatement.
She grabbed each boy by the scruff of their necks and dragged them out of the hog lot and into the house. The boys had never seen her so angry or upset. She grabbed the switch off the back porch and started wailing on the twin, something she had never done before. He immediately started to cry and after a few swats she let him up.
Now it was Stacey’s turn for the switch. The old woman laid him across her knee and began whipping him with the switch. But Stacey refused to cry. The more grandma spanked him the more he resolved not to cry. This made the old woman even angrier and she continued to wail on his backside but still no tears or screams. Soon the old woman gave up and decided there was no point in any more spanking.
It was the one and only time grandma ever spanked the boys, though they probably deserved it often. She was driven by her fear of what would have happened to those boys if one of the sows had gotten a hold of them. A lesson both boys learned that day through the business end of the switch and the love, care and concern of grandma.
Change is God's way of helping us to grow
The days have passed and turned into weeks. There is much activity in my life. I have been apartment hunting and will be moving in a couple of weeks. Adjusting to a new lifestyle and less space will take some time but like all things I will make it work.
My business has begun to gain some traction and I am fully optimistic in its future success. Today I begin interviewing candidates for the newly created Business Development Manager. I am encouraged by the quality and number of applicants and feel comfortable the right person is among them.
God continues to lead me on this path. Every time I get to the end of a path a new direction appears. The trail is often not marked but I step forward in the knowledge God is with me.
It was a year ago last Sunday when I first sent Susie an e-mail with a smile. It is a smile which has had a profound impact on who I am and she has given me so much encouragement as I move forward with where God is leading me. I truly love her and am grateful for every day we are given together.
The distance remains an obstacle for us. Sixteen hundred miles makes for some loneliness but has also given us time to really get to know each other and build a relationship through words and understanding. We both believe God has a plan for us and will let us know when the time is right for us to be together. His grace is what sustains us and allows us to be patient.
Where there is God there is hope, love and a sense of purpose. The good news is God is everywhere and all we have to do is reach out and He will sustain us. Blessings to each of you in your own journeys.
My business has begun to gain some traction and I am fully optimistic in its future success. Today I begin interviewing candidates for the newly created Business Development Manager. I am encouraged by the quality and number of applicants and feel comfortable the right person is among them.
God continues to lead me on this path. Every time I get to the end of a path a new direction appears. The trail is often not marked but I step forward in the knowledge God is with me.
It was a year ago last Sunday when I first sent Susie an e-mail with a smile. It is a smile which has had a profound impact on who I am and she has given me so much encouragement as I move forward with where God is leading me. I truly love her and am grateful for every day we are given together.
The distance remains an obstacle for us. Sixteen hundred miles makes for some loneliness but has also given us time to really get to know each other and build a relationship through words and understanding. We both believe God has a plan for us and will let us know when the time is right for us to be together. His grace is what sustains us and allows us to be patient.
Where there is God there is hope, love and a sense of purpose. The good news is God is everywhere and all we have to do is reach out and He will sustain us. Blessings to each of you in your own journeys.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Breakfast at grandma's
From under the covers Stacey peeked out to see if the sun was up. In the downstairs of the old farmhouse grandma was already up. She could be heard quietly moving around the old kitchen starting breakfast.
The farmhouse stood in the afternoon shadow of the Mound…Grandpa’s mound as it was known to Stacey and his brothers. The Mound was a place of great adventure and hours of entertainment for him and his brothers.
It was late in January and the cold of winter permeated the unheated bedroom. Stacey knew once his feet hit the linoleum floor it would be a mad dash to get dressed and downstairs into the warm kitchen.
Grandpa was coming in the back door from feeding the livestock and doing the morning milking. He was whistling his merry tune. Grandpa was a tall lanky man. Having lost a hand in an auger accident when he was young he could still outwork most any man.
Grandma was a short, plump farm woman. She rarely got off the farm except to go to town once a month or so to buy a few essentials and pay a few bills. Everything they needed they raised on the farm. Pigs, dairy cows, chickens, sorghum, fruit trees and a large vegetable garden provided food and the money from selling eggs; sorghum molasses, and milk gave them the small income they needed to sustain themselves.
On this morning there was a new snow which meant Stacey and his brothers would spend their day sledding. The sledding on the Mound was the best. A good ride would take you a quarter mile or longer. The boys would always compete for the longest ride.
Back in the kitchen the family began to gather as grandma made pancakes. There was nothing quite like grandma’s pancakes. Very thin and as big as a dinner plate. Made on an old cast iron skillet the room was quickly filled with a haze of smoke from the lard used on the skillet. Each grandson would wait their turn as the cakes came off the griddle.
The cakes were piping hot and made perfect with a lather of butter and the sorghum molasses which was squeezed and cooked from the sorghum cane grown on the farm the previous fall. One pancake would fill most adults but for these grandson’s it took two or three to give them the fuel they would need for a day of activity on the farm.
The farmhouse stood in the afternoon shadow of the Mound…Grandpa’s mound as it was known to Stacey and his brothers. The Mound was a place of great adventure and hours of entertainment for him and his brothers.
It was late in January and the cold of winter permeated the unheated bedroom. Stacey knew once his feet hit the linoleum floor it would be a mad dash to get dressed and downstairs into the warm kitchen.
Grandpa was coming in the back door from feeding the livestock and doing the morning milking. He was whistling his merry tune. Grandpa was a tall lanky man. Having lost a hand in an auger accident when he was young he could still outwork most any man.
Grandma was a short, plump farm woman. She rarely got off the farm except to go to town once a month or so to buy a few essentials and pay a few bills. Everything they needed they raised on the farm. Pigs, dairy cows, chickens, sorghum, fruit trees and a large vegetable garden provided food and the money from selling eggs; sorghum molasses, and milk gave them the small income they needed to sustain themselves.
On this morning there was a new snow which meant Stacey and his brothers would spend their day sledding. The sledding on the Mound was the best. A good ride would take you a quarter mile or longer. The boys would always compete for the longest ride.
Back in the kitchen the family began to gather as grandma made pancakes. There was nothing quite like grandma’s pancakes. Very thin and as big as a dinner plate. Made on an old cast iron skillet the room was quickly filled with a haze of smoke from the lard used on the skillet. Each grandson would wait their turn as the cakes came off the griddle.
The cakes were piping hot and made perfect with a lather of butter and the sorghum molasses which was squeezed and cooked from the sorghum cane grown on the farm the previous fall. One pancake would fill most adults but for these grandson’s it took two or three to give them the fuel they would need for a day of activity on the farm.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Finding my way home
I have been home from my trip to the the northwest for about ten days. The six weeks I was gone allowed my to gain some great perspective on my life.
Convinced more than ever of God's call for me I have been allowed to more clearly define the role he is asking me to play. In addition to teaching and consulting I feel a sense of speaking more vocally of God's work in my life and how His love works in the lives of others.
Over the next few weeks I will be working on my speaking tour for 2010. It is an ambitious schedule of forty-five cities. I have come to recognize I am to not only teach my business classes but am to take time to witness my faith to those I encounter.
As I travel on this tour my goal will be to seek out and fulfill these opportunities. Whether it is one-on-one or speaking to a large group. In each city I travel I hope to find an opportunity to present a program on personal values, goals and spiritual gifts and how together they can form the foundation for anyone to find their own level of success.
Please, if you would be interested in having me speak to you or your church, study group or business association. Contact me. There will be no charge for these courses and I will make them available in the cities I travel through the remainder of this year and in 2010.
God has blessed me with this gift of teaching and has challenged me to use it to deliver this incredible message. Please let me share it with you and those you love.
Convinced more than ever of God's call for me I have been allowed to more clearly define the role he is asking me to play. In addition to teaching and consulting I feel a sense of speaking more vocally of God's work in my life and how His love works in the lives of others.
Over the next few weeks I will be working on my speaking tour for 2010. It is an ambitious schedule of forty-five cities. I have come to recognize I am to not only teach my business classes but am to take time to witness my faith to those I encounter.
As I travel on this tour my goal will be to seek out and fulfill these opportunities. Whether it is one-on-one or speaking to a large group. In each city I travel I hope to find an opportunity to present a program on personal values, goals and spiritual gifts and how together they can form the foundation for anyone to find their own level of success.
Please, if you would be interested in having me speak to you or your church, study group or business association. Contact me. There will be no charge for these courses and I will make them available in the cities I travel through the remainder of this year and in 2010.
God has blessed me with this gift of teaching and has challenged me to use it to deliver this incredible message. Please let me share it with you and those you love.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Sharing more thoughts
Total honesty when met with suspicious minds can sometimes be cause for misinterpretation of the message being delivered. Speak truth always and allow it to find its own path to reality.
Places in the brain give us the knowledge to do good work. Places in the heart allow us to embrace good work with compassion and in the end find true happiness.
When the clutter gets in the way of the goal it is time to get out the broom and clear the path.
Llew Wenzel at 6:40am July 14
too deep this time of the day.....LOL
Melissa Franklin Kahn at 6:41am July 14
i need cawfee before i can fully process this (or find a broom, really)
Steve Baker at 6:45am July 14
Need coffee to.
Audrey Wancket at 6:49am July 14
just a moment-can't find my mouse...
DeAnna Dimmitt at 7:02am July 14
Here here
Stacey Friedlein at 7:04am July 14
Hey Steve, after you have had your coffee will you let me know how I can reach you in regard to your interest in my last post. Either e-mail or call (contact info available on my contact page.) Thanks
Jennifer M Chance at 7:07am July 14
that is totally where i am at! and i thought i was the only one. thanks!
Tina Feten at 7:39am July 14
Welcome to my life. Lol.
Stacey Friedlein at 7:47am July 14
Maybe I should start selling brooms.
Carrie Driver at 9:27am July 14
Maye I should get a broom......
Fred Hinegardner at 6:17pm July 14
So... to make a path, you make a path? That's okay for pre-morning coffee, I think.Yes, I meant that in a nice way. I'm just always trying to clarify things.
Sue Berry Rakes at 8:06pm July 14
That is exactly what my writing 3 pages of dribble EVERY morning does for me...clears out the useless babble that locks me up during the day!
Real strength comes in recognizing our weaknesses and being wise enough to ask for help when we are no longer strong enough to carry the load.
You don't have to be the first horse out of the gate just the first to cross the finish line.
Wl McCoy at 9:42pm July 11
And sometimes it's pretty good if you just finish the race.
God exists in all places. This came to me while stanidng on Pike's Peak with my kids. He was not only on top of the mountain but in every valley and village, every ravine and rock, there was no place I could see where God was not already there.
Cher Campbell Salo at 7:59am July 10
Awesome!!!
Cyndi Hall-Wilcox at 8:21am July 10
How true!!
Roger Shackelford at 9:25am July 10
Love this!
Joan Strunk at 9:48am July 10
Amen Stacey. When one looks at all the awesome, beautiful things that our Holy God created, how is it that some people just can't accept that He Is!
Patty Ham-Peeck at 12:58pm July 10
I'm soooo glad that God is everywhere that means I never have to be without HIM!!!
There is sadness when children are no longer children but great pride in watching them become wonderful young adults.
Cyndi Hall-Wilcox at 10:36pm July 9
Been there and doing that.
Sharon Ellermann Chandler at 11:28pm July 9
Living that sentiment every day at my house.
Penny Wishes at 2:30am July 11
When they are little we ask them to keep their dirty hands off the walls. When they get older we miss their tiny little prints on our walls!
Take time with those you love. It will become some of the most cherished memories you will ever have.
Freedom is never free. Get down on your knees and thank God for all you have been given. Happy Independence Day. God bless America and God bless you.
Vernon Chambers at 10:20am July 3
I do this everyday. I really appreciate your comments and your friendship.
Freedom is a privilege and like any privilege it must be earned. Reflect on those who earned the freedoms you enjoy and ask yourself what you can do to protect those freedoms for future generations.
Dreaming with no action is dying. Dreaming and action are living with purpose and fulfillment.
Kimberly Coombs at 10:23am July 1
Sometimes hard to get motivated into action for your dream!
Stacey Friedlein at 10:47am July 1
While I don't intend these thoughts to be promotions for our services. Providing motivation and plan creation is what we are all about.
The luxery of a nap should not be assigned only to the very young or very old.
Bill Kreke at 9:26am June 30
AMEN!
Ruby Duncan at 9:34am June 30
like like like like!!
Karla Taminger Jenkins at 10:15am June 30
you know, those who do nap are more pleasant to be around:)
Becky Homich at 11:53am June 30
I need a nap now.
Randy Malta at 12:00pm June 30
man that makes me want one now!
Steve Baker at 1:47pm June 30
Some of our greatest presidents always took a nap...Harry Truman and Ronald Regan...maybe I will go take one and dream about being president.
Lisa Francescon at 2:36pm June 30
I agree!
Our vision improves when we look for the good in others.
Sometimes you need to step back and gain prespective before you can move forward.
Fred Hinegardner at 2:13pm June 26
Perspective gained is always good. Not always necessary to step backwards to do so, but this provides great cover if retreat is on the way.
No matter how little we may have, we always have something to give. We are rewarded for our kindness and generosity not our bank account.
Melanie Burnell Rapp at 9:20am June 25
I love all of your postings! Especially this one - so true!
Stacy Lincoln Dade at 9:28am June 25
Lord this is soooo true!
Fred Hinegardner at 12:59pm June 25
My sister gave everything she had to the Lord. She was mighty pleased about that for a few days and fairly happy for several days after that. I took milk and stuff over to her kids for a while. Her preacher had a new car, a beautiful home, and a very blond wife.
Patience is always easier to suggest than it is to be.
Stefanie Blue at 8:26am June 24
that's for sure!
Jae' Madison at 8:32am June 24
I may have to use this as my status
Lisa Francescon at 8:53am June 24
So true!!
Places in the brain give us the knowledge to do good work. Places in the heart allow us to embrace good work with compassion and in the end find true happiness.
When the clutter gets in the way of the goal it is time to get out the broom and clear the path.
Llew Wenzel at 6:40am July 14
too deep this time of the day.....LOL
Melissa Franklin Kahn at 6:41am July 14
i need cawfee before i can fully process this (or find a broom, really)
Steve Baker at 6:45am July 14
Need coffee to.
Audrey Wancket at 6:49am July 14
just a moment-can't find my mouse...
DeAnna Dimmitt at 7:02am July 14
Here here
Stacey Friedlein at 7:04am July 14
Hey Steve, after you have had your coffee will you let me know how I can reach you in regard to your interest in my last post. Either e-mail or call (contact info available on my contact page.) Thanks
Jennifer M Chance at 7:07am July 14
that is totally where i am at! and i thought i was the only one. thanks!
Tina Feten at 7:39am July 14
Welcome to my life. Lol.
Stacey Friedlein at 7:47am July 14
Maybe I should start selling brooms.
Carrie Driver at 9:27am July 14
Maye I should get a broom......
Fred Hinegardner at 6:17pm July 14
So... to make a path, you make a path? That's okay for pre-morning coffee, I think.Yes, I meant that in a nice way. I'm just always trying to clarify things.
Sue Berry Rakes at 8:06pm July 14
That is exactly what my writing 3 pages of dribble EVERY morning does for me...clears out the useless babble that locks me up during the day!
Real strength comes in recognizing our weaknesses and being wise enough to ask for help when we are no longer strong enough to carry the load.
You don't have to be the first horse out of the gate just the first to cross the finish line.
Wl McCoy at 9:42pm July 11
And sometimes it's pretty good if you just finish the race.
God exists in all places. This came to me while stanidng on Pike's Peak with my kids. He was not only on top of the mountain but in every valley and village, every ravine and rock, there was no place I could see where God was not already there.
Cher Campbell Salo at 7:59am July 10
Awesome!!!
Cyndi Hall-Wilcox at 8:21am July 10
How true!!
Roger Shackelford at 9:25am July 10
Love this!
Joan Strunk at 9:48am July 10
Amen Stacey. When one looks at all the awesome, beautiful things that our Holy God created, how is it that some people just can't accept that He Is!
Patty Ham-Peeck at 12:58pm July 10
I'm soooo glad that God is everywhere that means I never have to be without HIM!!!
There is sadness when children are no longer children but great pride in watching them become wonderful young adults.
Cyndi Hall-Wilcox at 10:36pm July 9
Been there and doing that.
Sharon Ellermann Chandler at 11:28pm July 9
Living that sentiment every day at my house.
Penny Wishes at 2:30am July 11
When they are little we ask them to keep their dirty hands off the walls. When they get older we miss their tiny little prints on our walls!
Take time with those you love. It will become some of the most cherished memories you will ever have.
Freedom is never free. Get down on your knees and thank God for all you have been given. Happy Independence Day. God bless America and God bless you.
Vernon Chambers at 10:20am July 3
I do this everyday. I really appreciate your comments and your friendship.
Freedom is a privilege and like any privilege it must be earned. Reflect on those who earned the freedoms you enjoy and ask yourself what you can do to protect those freedoms for future generations.
Dreaming with no action is dying. Dreaming and action are living with purpose and fulfillment.
Kimberly Coombs at 10:23am July 1
Sometimes hard to get motivated into action for your dream!
Stacey Friedlein at 10:47am July 1
While I don't intend these thoughts to be promotions for our services. Providing motivation and plan creation is what we are all about.
The luxery of a nap should not be assigned only to the very young or very old.
Bill Kreke at 9:26am June 30
AMEN!
Ruby Duncan at 9:34am June 30
like like like like!!
Karla Taminger Jenkins at 10:15am June 30
you know, those who do nap are more pleasant to be around:)
Becky Homich at 11:53am June 30
I need a nap now.
Randy Malta at 12:00pm June 30
man that makes me want one now!
Steve Baker at 1:47pm June 30
Some of our greatest presidents always took a nap...Harry Truman and Ronald Regan...maybe I will go take one and dream about being president.
Lisa Francescon at 2:36pm June 30
I agree!
Our vision improves when we look for the good in others.
Sometimes you need to step back and gain prespective before you can move forward.
Fred Hinegardner at 2:13pm June 26
Perspective gained is always good. Not always necessary to step backwards to do so, but this provides great cover if retreat is on the way.
No matter how little we may have, we always have something to give. We are rewarded for our kindness and generosity not our bank account.
Melanie Burnell Rapp at 9:20am June 25
I love all of your postings! Especially this one - so true!
Stacy Lincoln Dade at 9:28am June 25
Lord this is soooo true!
Fred Hinegardner at 12:59pm June 25
My sister gave everything she had to the Lord. She was mighty pleased about that for a few days and fairly happy for several days after that. I took milk and stuff over to her kids for a while. Her preacher had a new car, a beautiful home, and a very blond wife.
Patience is always easier to suggest than it is to be.
Stefanie Blue at 8:26am June 24
that's for sure!
Jae' Madison at 8:32am June 24
I may have to use this as my status
Lisa Francescon at 8:53am June 24
So true!!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Continuing my daily thoughts
Find peace in chaos, love in hatred, calm in chaos, hope in loss and God in all things.
Margie Schulz at 7:23am June 23
Thanks for sharing... I like!! M
Kimberly Coombs at 7:34am June 23
You have some great thoughts for the day!! I hope you don't mind, I will have to use this one too ;0)
Julie Vriesema at 7:40am June 23
very nice
Darryl Anne Shinaberry at 7:43am June 23
Beautiful...thanks
Stacey Friedlein at 7:50am June 23
Thank you all. My motivation each morning is to share some perspective of things happening in my life. I am grateful to those of you who comment and find meaning in them for your own lives.
Stacey Friedlein at 8:25am June 23
I have posted all of these on my blog http://staceyfriedlein.blogspot.com/ along with some other writings. I would encourage you and for you to invite your friends to join.
Give the full measure of yourself in all you do. Doing anything less is cheating yourself and those who are counting on you.
Lisa Francescon at 8:25am June 22
I really enjoy your thoughts for the day! What an awesome way to get things going!!
Stacey Friedlein at 8:35am June 22
Thank you Lisa, I am considering publishing them in a small booklet or calendar.
We are placed in this moment, in this time and and in this place for a reason. Live in the moment and the reason will be revealed.
Claudine Malecki Jackson at 8:30am June 21
I truly do believe this!
Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery but innovation will give you the truest measure of fulfillment.
Fred Hinegardner at 9:36am June 19
I've always been fascinated by the oxymoronic nature of the phrase "sincere flattery."Plato despised imitators, ranking them among the lowest of the low. He would have ranked them lower still, but for some reason he held murderers in even more contempt. He lumped actors in with the other imitators, which speaks to the stark contrast with our modern culture and its idolatry of actors.
Inspiration from desperation can be the best motivation.
Put aside those things which keep you from achieving your goals.
Cindi K McDaniel at 8:13am June 17
I like the way you think!
Defining Image Photographs at 9:11pm June 17
I like you Stacey
Stacey Friedlein at 6:58am June 18
Thanks, I am flattered.
When we live strictly by the calendar and the clock we miss the opportunity to enjoy the spontaneous moments of life.
Becky Homich at 8:15am June 16
This is so true.
Tom Burtchaell at 12:07pm June 16
Thats not true. I've schedueled spontanious moments for next Saturday between 2:00 and 4:15
If you ever doubt your creativity is a gift from God, visit Yellowstone and see His creativity at work.
Hard work beats intelligence every time.
Gary Woods at 9:52am June 12
and hard work done intelligently is the best!
Stacey Friedlein at 9:57am June 12
Exactly!
Gary Woods at 11:10am June 12
:-)
You can always find the answer in The Word.
The only tools you need to succeed is what is between your ears and what is in your heart.
Over structuring our lives chokes out the ability for us to take pleasure in the moment. Find spontaneity in your day and allow yourself the freedom to enjoy what is happening here and now.
Tiffany Izatt at 1:54pm June 9
Good thought! Thanks for sharing.
John Scott at 4:14pm June 9
i need that in my life
The difference between childish and childlike. Childish is when we we look outward in desire and want and express the need to have it our way. Childlike is when we look outward with wonder and awe and are open to accepting others and to share with them freely. Challenge for the week: Be childlike when you really want to be childish.
Jen Turner at 8:26am June 8
great thought, thanks Stacey
Barbara Jones Adelman at 9:49am June 8
I love this Stacey - It's a great reminder for me right now - Thanks
Margie Schulz at 7:23am June 23
Thanks for sharing... I like!! M
Kimberly Coombs at 7:34am June 23
You have some great thoughts for the day!! I hope you don't mind, I will have to use this one too ;0)
Julie Vriesema at 7:40am June 23
very nice
Darryl Anne Shinaberry at 7:43am June 23
Beautiful...thanks
Stacey Friedlein at 7:50am June 23
Thank you all. My motivation each morning is to share some perspective of things happening in my life. I am grateful to those of you who comment and find meaning in them for your own lives.
Stacey Friedlein at 8:25am June 23
I have posted all of these on my blog http://staceyfriedlein.blogspot.com/ along with some other writings. I would encourage you and for you to invite your friends to join.
Give the full measure of yourself in all you do. Doing anything less is cheating yourself and those who are counting on you.
Lisa Francescon at 8:25am June 22
I really enjoy your thoughts for the day! What an awesome way to get things going!!
Stacey Friedlein at 8:35am June 22
Thank you Lisa, I am considering publishing them in a small booklet or calendar.
We are placed in this moment, in this time and and in this place for a reason. Live in the moment and the reason will be revealed.
Claudine Malecki Jackson at 8:30am June 21
I truly do believe this!
Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery but innovation will give you the truest measure of fulfillment.
Fred Hinegardner at 9:36am June 19
I've always been fascinated by the oxymoronic nature of the phrase "sincere flattery."Plato despised imitators, ranking them among the lowest of the low. He would have ranked them lower still, but for some reason he held murderers in even more contempt. He lumped actors in with the other imitators, which speaks to the stark contrast with our modern culture and its idolatry of actors.
Inspiration from desperation can be the best motivation.
Put aside those things which keep you from achieving your goals.
Cindi K McDaniel at 8:13am June 17
I like the way you think!
Defining Image Photographs at 9:11pm June 17
I like you Stacey
Stacey Friedlein at 6:58am June 18
Thanks, I am flattered.
When we live strictly by the calendar and the clock we miss the opportunity to enjoy the spontaneous moments of life.
Becky Homich at 8:15am June 16
This is so true.
Tom Burtchaell at 12:07pm June 16
Thats not true. I've schedueled spontanious moments for next Saturday between 2:00 and 4:15
If you ever doubt your creativity is a gift from God, visit Yellowstone and see His creativity at work.
Hard work beats intelligence every time.
Gary Woods at 9:52am June 12
and hard work done intelligently is the best!
Stacey Friedlein at 9:57am June 12
Exactly!
Gary Woods at 11:10am June 12
:-)
You can always find the answer in The Word.
The only tools you need to succeed is what is between your ears and what is in your heart.
Over structuring our lives chokes out the ability for us to take pleasure in the moment. Find spontaneity in your day and allow yourself the freedom to enjoy what is happening here and now.
Tiffany Izatt at 1:54pm June 9
Good thought! Thanks for sharing.
John Scott at 4:14pm June 9
i need that in my life
The difference between childish and childlike. Childish is when we we look outward in desire and want and express the need to have it our way. Childlike is when we look outward with wonder and awe and are open to accepting others and to share with them freely. Challenge for the week: Be childlike when you really want to be childish.
Jen Turner at 8:26am June 8
great thought, thanks Stacey
Barbara Jones Adelman at 9:49am June 8
I love this Stacey - It's a great reminder for me right now - Thanks
Sunday, June 21, 2009
A Father's strength
As a son I wanted nothing more than to emulate my dad. He was strength, wisdom and the voice of reason. As a father I want my children to find strength in my weaknesses, knowledge in my failures and hope in their own dreams as they watch me follow mine.
To Dad thank you for allowing me to walk my own path and to fall and fail. It is in falling and failing I have grown and become strong, independent and gained my own wisdom. Knowing you are always there for reassurance has helped make this journey and will continue to help as I face difficult choices which lie ahead.
To my kid’s never be afraid to try and fail. Life is in the journey and the next great chapter of your life could be around the next corner if you are simply willing to take the next step. You cannot know the joy of success without the knowledge of failure. Give of yourselves to those you care about and never be afraid to say,”I love you” most often it is all you need to say.
So Dad, Kayla and Kyle, I love you. Happy Fathers Day!
To Dad thank you for allowing me to walk my own path and to fall and fail. It is in falling and failing I have grown and become strong, independent and gained my own wisdom. Knowing you are always there for reassurance has helped make this journey and will continue to help as I face difficult choices which lie ahead.
To my kid’s never be afraid to try and fail. Life is in the journey and the next great chapter of your life could be around the next corner if you are simply willing to take the next step. You cannot know the joy of success without the knowledge of failure. Give of yourselves to those you care about and never be afraid to say,”I love you” most often it is all you need to say.
So Dad, Kayla and Kyle, I love you. Happy Fathers Day!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Be love
In the heart of every man and woman lies the need and desire to love and be loved. In the moments we allow our hearts to control us we find the gift of love.
God grants us such gifts to share and enjoy. If we simply allowed these gifts to lie dormant we too would die. Seeking love means we are willing to give love. It is in the moment we give love that we truly experience the love God has intended.
One without condition or pretext, one with total commitment and one with which we are anxious to share. And when that love is returned to us we feel God’s presence most closely.
So give love freely and without attachment, give it to those who need it most. Those who may be the most unlikely to receive love for it is in that giving which we are most gifted in return.
In situations and circumstances where there is no love is your opportunity to bring love. Your love may make the difference in someone’s life. It may offer the difference between a life of hopelessness and a life of promise.
You have been given the ability to love as a free gift, give it freely and often. You are called to be God’s hands and feet. Do not be afraid to reach out and step up as God has intended. Give love life in your daily encounters. Be love as reflection of God in your life.
Pray for this each day and allow God to use you as an example of his love.
God grants us such gifts to share and enjoy. If we simply allowed these gifts to lie dormant we too would die. Seeking love means we are willing to give love. It is in the moment we give love that we truly experience the love God has intended.
One without condition or pretext, one with total commitment and one with which we are anxious to share. And when that love is returned to us we feel God’s presence most closely.
So give love freely and without attachment, give it to those who need it most. Those who may be the most unlikely to receive love for it is in that giving which we are most gifted in return.
In situations and circumstances where there is no love is your opportunity to bring love. Your love may make the difference in someone’s life. It may offer the difference between a life of hopelessness and a life of promise.
You have been given the ability to love as a free gift, give it freely and often. You are called to be God’s hands and feet. Do not be afraid to reach out and step up as God has intended. Give love life in your daily encounters. Be love as reflection of God in your life.
Pray for this each day and allow God to use you as an example of his love.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Still more thoughts
God comes through when we need it the most. Never doubt his love and caring.
Dennis Pilapil at 6:58am June 5
totally agree with that Stacey...proved that a gazillion times! :-)
Mari Darr-Welch at 7:01am June 5
Amen to that!
Becky Homich at 9:24am June 5
This is so true.
Sharon Ellermann Chandler at 4:30pm June 5
Thank you.
Excuses are a lazy man's way of not committing to excellence.
Fred Hinegardner at 9:38am June 4
Sorry, my wife had me busy
Listening and hearing are two very different things. We can hear any sound but to listen means we have engaged our mind into what we hear. When we listen we learn and grow in knowledge.
April Fletcher at 10:55am June 3
Thank you Stacey, this is very much what I have been trying to vocalize. It is my thoughts exactly, I'm just horrible with words!
Be patient and allow God to direct your life today. It could become a habit that will change your life.
Aggie Villanueva at 9:22am June 2
Amen.
Christy Headrick Bonifacio at 9:26am June 2
i don't know you, but i really needed that today.
Stacey Friedlein at 9:27am June 2
Christy, sometimes God puts people in our lives, even strangers, to deliver his messages.
Sandy Ward at 9:46am June 2
So true!!!
Teresa Paynter Howell at 10:36am June 2
Love it!
If every great journey begins with a first step. Then when the first step takes you over a cliff into a pitch dark ravine you know you are in for a journey which is some kind of special. Let go, hang loose, and live the experience for all it is worth.
Fred Hinegardner at 7:08am May 30
Somehow, hehe, I agree with every word of that. Having strawberries on my Cheerios this morning and continuing to implement the goal I set as a teen - to make sure the last breath I draw is thru smiling lips.
Do not compound a mistake by not being forthright about the error.
Stacey Friedlein at 7:21am May 29
This thought comes to you in regard to the junior senator from Illinois for his unwillingness to tell the truth about his trying to pay the former governor for his senate seat.
Jack Corzine at 3:52pm May 29
Honestly Stacey, he really had no intention of paying that to Bloggo (yeah right baby!). Don't you just love the excuses coming out of his mouth these days. Just shows how stupid our representatives think that we are. The unfortunate fact is that unless we decide to do something about it all we will reinforce that attitude and prove them right!
When you find love hang on with all of your might.
Fred Hinegardner at 8:49am May 27
Wait. I had a poster from the 60's that said just the opposite. Dang it, now I'm confused again. Should I hang on or let it go? Then there was the corollary poster that ended with "...hunt it down and kill it."
Susie Botkin Laskey at 8:51am May 27
I'm hangin'!!!! :)
Stacey Friedlein at 8:52am May 27
Fred, Hang on, hang on
As long as you stay one step ahead life can't run you over.
In Flanders Fields and in graveyards across our country lay those who gave you the freedoms you enjoy today. Take time from your picnic and recreation to remember those who have given you this privilege.
The tiny mustard seed holds life. Imagine how much more the seed of your spirit holds for you.
Silvana Frammartino at 7:08am May 23
Love your little tidbits....keep them coming :)
Stacey Friedlein at 7:14am May 23
Thank you
Fred Hinegardner at 11:25am May 23
I just ate a fresh-grilled brat with hot spicy mustard. Feeling very spirited while dripping sweat onto the keyboard.Wait, you're speaking metaphorically again, aren't you!Never mind.
When you find value in yourself others will then find value in you.
Dennis Pilapil at 6:58am June 5
totally agree with that Stacey...proved that a gazillion times! :-)
Mari Darr-Welch at 7:01am June 5
Amen to that!
Becky Homich at 9:24am June 5
This is so true.
Sharon Ellermann Chandler at 4:30pm June 5
Thank you.
Excuses are a lazy man's way of not committing to excellence.
Fred Hinegardner at 9:38am June 4
Sorry, my wife had me busy
Listening and hearing are two very different things. We can hear any sound but to listen means we have engaged our mind into what we hear. When we listen we learn and grow in knowledge.
April Fletcher at 10:55am June 3
Thank you Stacey, this is very much what I have been trying to vocalize. It is my thoughts exactly, I'm just horrible with words!
Be patient and allow God to direct your life today. It could become a habit that will change your life.
Aggie Villanueva at 9:22am June 2
Amen.
Christy Headrick Bonifacio at 9:26am June 2
i don't know you, but i really needed that today.
Stacey Friedlein at 9:27am June 2
Christy, sometimes God puts people in our lives, even strangers, to deliver his messages.
Sandy Ward at 9:46am June 2
So true!!!
Teresa Paynter Howell at 10:36am June 2
Love it!
If every great journey begins with a first step. Then when the first step takes you over a cliff into a pitch dark ravine you know you are in for a journey which is some kind of special. Let go, hang loose, and live the experience for all it is worth.
Fred Hinegardner at 7:08am May 30
Somehow, hehe, I agree with every word of that. Having strawberries on my Cheerios this morning and continuing to implement the goal I set as a teen - to make sure the last breath I draw is thru smiling lips.
Do not compound a mistake by not being forthright about the error.
Stacey Friedlein at 7:21am May 29
This thought comes to you in regard to the junior senator from Illinois for his unwillingness to tell the truth about his trying to pay the former governor for his senate seat.
Jack Corzine at 3:52pm May 29
Honestly Stacey, he really had no intention of paying that to Bloggo (yeah right baby!). Don't you just love the excuses coming out of his mouth these days. Just shows how stupid our representatives think that we are. The unfortunate fact is that unless we decide to do something about it all we will reinforce that attitude and prove them right!
When you find love hang on with all of your might.
Fred Hinegardner at 8:49am May 27
Wait. I had a poster from the 60's that said just the opposite. Dang it, now I'm confused again. Should I hang on or let it go? Then there was the corollary poster that ended with "...hunt it down and kill it."
Susie Botkin Laskey at 8:51am May 27
I'm hangin'!!!! :)
Stacey Friedlein at 8:52am May 27
Fred, Hang on, hang on
As long as you stay one step ahead life can't run you over.
In Flanders Fields and in graveyards across our country lay those who gave you the freedoms you enjoy today. Take time from your picnic and recreation to remember those who have given you this privilege.
The tiny mustard seed holds life. Imagine how much more the seed of your spirit holds for you.
Silvana Frammartino at 7:08am May 23
Love your little tidbits....keep them coming :)
Stacey Friedlein at 7:14am May 23
Thank you
Fred Hinegardner at 11:25am May 23
I just ate a fresh-grilled brat with hot spicy mustard. Feeling very spirited while dripping sweat onto the keyboard.Wait, you're speaking metaphorically again, aren't you!Never mind.
When you find value in yourself others will then find value in you.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
More random thoughts
The highlights of life often come as a result of our darkest moments.
Tammy Sheehy Muecke at 9:14am May 20
I hope thats true
Tina Marie Vance-Crnic at 9:25am May 20
Awesome.....I used it again! Needed that this week....month....hmmmm.....year!!!! Thanks Stacey!
Sheila Estelle at 9:52am May 20
Woa.... that is a deep thought. It may take me some time to think about it! :)
Sheila Estelle at 9:54am May 20
I have actually seen this played out in my life recently.Thanks for sharing this truth.~ Sheila Estelle
Stacey Friedlein at 10:34am May 20
Tina, You are welcome. Glad I could help.
Jen Hester at 11:04am May 20
Living that theory right now :)
Tina Marie Vance-Crnic at 11:10am May 20
So am I ....Jen....except the highlights have yet to come!
Sheila Estelle at 1:06pm May 20
Hang in there, Tina. The highlights will come with time. :)
The thorn in your butt may have your own hand attached to it.
Traci Robbins Autry at 7:07am May 19
Good one!!
Fear can either act as a pulverizor or a great motivator. Either we become dust or knock off the dust and move forward.
Leslie Shay Portrait at 8:09am May 18
Preach it to me Stacey! I need it today.
Mark Rose at 9:30am May 18
"the only thing we have to fear is fear itself"~FDR
Fred Hinegardner at 11:01am May 18
Keep climbing or get stepped on
World peace is a great concept but will never happen until we each reconcile peace within our souls.
Linda Susan Castle at 7:52am May 17
this makes sense
Fred Hinegardner at 11:02am May 17
...and then we'd have to find new ways to thin the herd and new rules for achieving survival of the fittest. Hope we don't find a new Stalin and a new Hitler for those tasks. Could be fun, though, given the right committee. As for me, I don't work well on committees.
Linda Susan Castle at 5:03pm May 17
me either
There is no greater joy than celebrating the success of a child.
Peggy Morsch at 9:01am May 16
Behind every successful child is someone who has been an example. Way to go Dad!
If you are living for the weekend you are missing a lot of living.
Shelly Ivy at 11:42am May 15
nice!
Shannon Wright at 5:47am May 16
so right, i used to have a job where i could not wait for the weekend to come. Now that i am doing something i love, i hardly even know what day it is most of the time. weekend or weekday it doesn't matter:)
Linda Susan Castle at 7:54am May 17
this is sooo true
In faith we find hope, in hope we find love, in love we find life.
Fred Hinegardner at 11:53am May 14
oh...okay
Show 4 more comments...
Stacey Friedlein at 2:21pm May 14
Ah, but when words are used to motivate action then they are no longer empty rhetoric but become fuel for the hungry and they feast.
Fred Hinegardner at 3:11pm May 14
...and they learn to feast on Twinkies and Diet Coke, which are equally popular, and will reward the giver with accolades, that they will give more that they still crave.
Thought for the day. In faith we find hope, in hope we find love, in love we find life.
Sandy Weeks Key at 9:05am May 14
Thanks Stacey. Great reminder.
Fred Hinegardner at 10:12am May 14
Thanks, Stacy - because of you, I just found my best pair of pliers in Rita's hope chest. Been looking for them for two years. Love ya, man.
Stacey Friedlein at 11:19am May 14
Fred, I am glad to hear it. I guess sometimes in hope we find our pliers.
As pointed out by my friend Fred. When expressing an idea, sometimes the power of the club is mightier than the power of the pen. So using this approach...Thought from yesterday. Nobody owes you a damn thing. Use what you have and make it work.
Trish Barthorpe at 7:29am May 13
couldnt' agree more.
Fred Hinegardner at 9:31am May 13
wow
Nellie Guerrero at 3:10pm May 13 via Facebook Mobile
wow I tell our students at middle school that ALL THE TIME! :-)
Jay Be at 6:34pm May 13
Thought for the day. The only entitlements we have are the gifts from God. Everything else we must earn.
Mark Rose at 7:06am May 12
What do we have that isn't a gift from God?
Kendra Johnson Stoltz at 7:17am May 12
♥
Stacey Friedlein at 7:45am May 12
Mark, It is my point. God gives us all we need. It is when we believe we are owed more that we fall short of his gifts.
Fred Hinegardner at 9:55am May 12
I know people who literally sit and wait for God to provide."God will provide," they say. "The preacher told me so this morning."I know you mean well. At least you added in your original update that some things need to be earned. Many don't even add that.
Stacey Friedlein at 10:14am May 12
Fred, What I was subtlety getting at is pointing out we are owed nothing by anyone. The whole sense of entitlement by people in the workplace, in the marketplace, in government and in the welfare lines makes me crazy.
Fred Hinegardner at 2:08pm May 12
I totally agree. And you said it SO WELL this time! The flowery speech stuff is wrapped up in pillows, so the message that SHOULD slap someone up side the head gets too muffled. They get to feel good from the nice-sounding words. They get to pass the responsibility buck off onto God. All this and it's free. They don't even have to buy drugs to feel good. Plus it has the added benefit of self-righteous sanctimony. Can't go wrong with lovely sounding sentiments - especially on FB
Mom.
Curtis Null at 6:26am May 10
Well said!
Fred Hinegardner at 12:25pm May 10
Your best one yet.
Thank your mom for her unconditional love and for not killing you when you were driving her crazy as a teenager.
Jessica Padgett Bell at 10:03am May 9
I need to show this to my currently 13-year-old... :p
Jay Be at 4:51pm May 9
hehehe...if only my 4 kids know how they drive me up the wall!^^came very very close a few times to committing mass murder...
The love of a mother is the closest we can experience the love of God. Accepting us with all our faults and failures, rejoicing in our triumphs and happiness, without need for reason or approval. God lives in the love a mother.
Mark Rose at 8:10pm May 8
God loves us like the Sun loves the Earth, Giving everything including life itself, and never asking for anything in return.
Laura McNeely at 8:43pm May 8
Oh, Thank God! If heaven is like getting along with my mother.....I'm in good shape!BTW, let me publically say 'thank you, mom. you're So-oooo awesome....thank you!'(I'm sure that doesn't cover it...but that's the point, right? A love deeper than our words have found meaning to express.... an awesome thought in itself...)
Kelly Munce at 7:01am May 8
is that pre teenage hood?.. or after they have left home? hehe
Stacey Friedlein at 7:08am May 8
I guess mom's always have the ability to inflict the wrath of God on their kids. In a loving, accepting way of course. :)
Jessica Padgett Bell at 7:58am May 8
I needed this today Stacey... thanks. :)
Tammy Sheehy Muecke at 9:14am May 20
I hope thats true
Tina Marie Vance-Crnic at 9:25am May 20
Awesome.....I used it again! Needed that this week....month....hmmmm.....year!!!! Thanks Stacey!
Sheila Estelle at 9:52am May 20
Woa.... that is a deep thought. It may take me some time to think about it! :)
Sheila Estelle at 9:54am May 20
I have actually seen this played out in my life recently.Thanks for sharing this truth.~ Sheila Estelle
Stacey Friedlein at 10:34am May 20
Tina, You are welcome. Glad I could help.
Jen Hester at 11:04am May 20
Living that theory right now :)
Tina Marie Vance-Crnic at 11:10am May 20
So am I ....Jen....except the highlights have yet to come!
Sheila Estelle at 1:06pm May 20
Hang in there, Tina. The highlights will come with time. :)
The thorn in your butt may have your own hand attached to it.
Traci Robbins Autry at 7:07am May 19
Good one!!
Fear can either act as a pulverizor or a great motivator. Either we become dust or knock off the dust and move forward.
Leslie Shay Portrait at 8:09am May 18
Preach it to me Stacey! I need it today.
Mark Rose at 9:30am May 18
"the only thing we have to fear is fear itself"~FDR
Fred Hinegardner at 11:01am May 18
Keep climbing or get stepped on
World peace is a great concept but will never happen until we each reconcile peace within our souls.
Linda Susan Castle at 7:52am May 17
this makes sense
Fred Hinegardner at 11:02am May 17
...and then we'd have to find new ways to thin the herd and new rules for achieving survival of the fittest. Hope we don't find a new Stalin and a new Hitler for those tasks. Could be fun, though, given the right committee. As for me, I don't work well on committees.
Linda Susan Castle at 5:03pm May 17
me either
There is no greater joy than celebrating the success of a child.
Peggy Morsch at 9:01am May 16
Behind every successful child is someone who has been an example. Way to go Dad!
If you are living for the weekend you are missing a lot of living.
Shelly Ivy at 11:42am May 15
nice!
Shannon Wright at 5:47am May 16
so right, i used to have a job where i could not wait for the weekend to come. Now that i am doing something i love, i hardly even know what day it is most of the time. weekend or weekday it doesn't matter:)
Linda Susan Castle at 7:54am May 17
this is sooo true
In faith we find hope, in hope we find love, in love we find life.
Fred Hinegardner at 11:53am May 14
oh...okay
Show 4 more comments...
Stacey Friedlein at 2:21pm May 14
Ah, but when words are used to motivate action then they are no longer empty rhetoric but become fuel for the hungry and they feast.
Fred Hinegardner at 3:11pm May 14
...and they learn to feast on Twinkies and Diet Coke, which are equally popular, and will reward the giver with accolades, that they will give more that they still crave.
Thought for the day. In faith we find hope, in hope we find love, in love we find life.
Sandy Weeks Key at 9:05am May 14
Thanks Stacey. Great reminder.
Fred Hinegardner at 10:12am May 14
Thanks, Stacy - because of you, I just found my best pair of pliers in Rita's hope chest. Been looking for them for two years. Love ya, man.
Stacey Friedlein at 11:19am May 14
Fred, I am glad to hear it. I guess sometimes in hope we find our pliers.
As pointed out by my friend Fred. When expressing an idea, sometimes the power of the club is mightier than the power of the pen. So using this approach...Thought from yesterday. Nobody owes you a damn thing. Use what you have and make it work.
Trish Barthorpe at 7:29am May 13
couldnt' agree more.
Fred Hinegardner at 9:31am May 13
wow
Nellie Guerrero at 3:10pm May 13 via Facebook Mobile
wow I tell our students at middle school that ALL THE TIME! :-)
Jay Be at 6:34pm May 13
Thought for the day. The only entitlements we have are the gifts from God. Everything else we must earn.
Mark Rose at 7:06am May 12
What do we have that isn't a gift from God?
Kendra Johnson Stoltz at 7:17am May 12
♥
Stacey Friedlein at 7:45am May 12
Mark, It is my point. God gives us all we need. It is when we believe we are owed more that we fall short of his gifts.
Fred Hinegardner at 9:55am May 12
I know people who literally sit and wait for God to provide."God will provide," they say. "The preacher told me so this morning."I know you mean well. At least you added in your original update that some things need to be earned. Many don't even add that.
Stacey Friedlein at 10:14am May 12
Fred, What I was subtlety getting at is pointing out we are owed nothing by anyone. The whole sense of entitlement by people in the workplace, in the marketplace, in government and in the welfare lines makes me crazy.
Fred Hinegardner at 2:08pm May 12
I totally agree. And you said it SO WELL this time! The flowery speech stuff is wrapped up in pillows, so the message that SHOULD slap someone up side the head gets too muffled. They get to feel good from the nice-sounding words. They get to pass the responsibility buck off onto God. All this and it's free. They don't even have to buy drugs to feel good. Plus it has the added benefit of self-righteous sanctimony. Can't go wrong with lovely sounding sentiments - especially on FB
Mom.
Curtis Null at 6:26am May 10
Well said!
Fred Hinegardner at 12:25pm May 10
Your best one yet.
Thank your mom for her unconditional love and for not killing you when you were driving her crazy as a teenager.
Jessica Padgett Bell at 10:03am May 9
I need to show this to my currently 13-year-old... :p
Jay Be at 4:51pm May 9
hehehe...if only my 4 kids know how they drive me up the wall!^^came very very close a few times to committing mass murder...
The love of a mother is the closest we can experience the love of God. Accepting us with all our faults and failures, rejoicing in our triumphs and happiness, without need for reason or approval. God lives in the love a mother.
Mark Rose at 8:10pm May 8
God loves us like the Sun loves the Earth, Giving everything including life itself, and never asking for anything in return.
Laura McNeely at 8:43pm May 8
Oh, Thank God! If heaven is like getting along with my mother.....I'm in good shape!BTW, let me publically say 'thank you, mom. you're So-oooo awesome....thank you!'(I'm sure that doesn't cover it...but that's the point, right? A love deeper than our words have found meaning to express.... an awesome thought in itself...)
Kelly Munce at 7:01am May 8
is that pre teenage hood?.. or after they have left home? hehe
Stacey Friedlein at 7:08am May 8
I guess mom's always have the ability to inflict the wrath of God on their kids. In a loving, accepting way of course. :)
Jessica Padgett Bell at 7:58am May 8
I needed this today Stacey... thanks. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)