Giving Thanks!

     As the holidays start approaching, my thoughts start turning toward Thanksgiving and all that it means to me.  Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of each day, it is easy to forget just how much we are given.  I know that I am especially guilty of this, although I hate to admit it.
     I am not a morning person, by any means!  When that alarm goes off in the morning, I honestly can say my first thoughts aren't usually about my blessings.  And as I am trying to think of something that I can throw at the alarm clock, my thoughts are only of staying under the blankets as long as possible. 
     But when I can finally rouse myself enough to think whole thoughts, I find myself thanking God for waking up one more day. And for the warm, snuggly blankets and bed.  For having a job to go to when many people don't. 
     When the winds were howling outside this weekend, I was extremely grateful for our good solid house that kept us warm and dry. 
     For family and friends, new and old, close and far...there aren't enough words to describe just how thankful I truly am for each of you.
     So, please take the time this Thanksgiving holiday and throughout the year, to be thankful for all of the blessings in your life. 

Be True to Yourself...

Found this quote today and it summed up exactly the type of thing that I wanted to tell you today. 

"Be true to yourself, help others, make each day your masterpiece, make friendship a fine art, drink deeply from good books - especially the Bible, build a shelter against a rainy day, give thanks for your blessings and pray for guidance every day."
~John Wooden

 http://www.brainyquote.com

     John Wooden was a fellow Hoosier that became a basketball legend.  He won 10 NCAA championships in 12 years, He has been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and as a coach.  His former players, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton, considered Coach Walton to be an inspiration.
      But one of the biggest reasons that he was so revered is because he was also a very moral man in a competitive sports world.  No matter how successful he became, he held on to his lifelong beliefs regarding respect, success and being a good person overall.   
     The man lived a long life (passed away at 99 years), had a successful career in basketball, was a very devout Christian who was devoted to his wife and family.  He was revered by his players and made a point of letting them know that there were more important things than basketball.   

     If I could only live up to a portion of what he deemed a success in life, I would feel that I have truly lived a good life.  Please drop me a few lines and tell me what you think. 

Taking Care of Myself

     I have been sitting here in front of the computer, wondering what I should right about tonight.  As I started to get tired and began thinking of going to bed, that is when it hit me.  Even when our bodies and minds start telling us to rest and relax, we usually give in to the "well, I should really do this first" or "let me just get this done first" thoughts running through our brains.
     I am going to listen to my body and tell my thoughts to go take a flying leap for the night!!  My body is trying to tell me something, and I better listen to it.  This is the time of year that the germs start flying and I'm not going to meet them with a worn out body.  Don't wanna meet the holidays with any kind of illness, if I can help it!
     Good night, sweet dreams, and please remember to take care of yourself.  You only get one body and you need it to last as long as possible!