I love this country

There is something beautiful about this country. It is a varied land with much variety. The west is decidedly different than the east. I spent five weeks in Florida in contrast to the rest of the year in California. Although they have similarities, there are very different features as well. Both states have their pluses even though they are on opposite sides of the country.

The water makes its waves come clear and fast. We love the ocean and its beaches. All my kids and their families got together on the east coast for LaVonne’s birthday this year. It was so incredibly wonderful! We had a spectacular time together. LaVonne’s husband, Shane, rented a raft-type boat. We went out on the bay, viewed the sea life while we navigated around the bay, and just enjoyed the water, weather, and each other. It was a truly delightful day.

My family is blessed

We don’t get to choose our families. So count yourself rich if your family gives more than it gets. My family gave to me more than I could imagine. I’ve come to realize that more with each year I live. We often take away more that we seek to give. I wish I had told my parents more often, that I loved and cherished them. We often fail to see their gifts when they are with us. My siblings, too, are much loved and appreciated. My nieces and nephews and their children, too. Tell them.

Families are the building block that makes a difference in our lives. Some have some problems that cause a myriad of disasters. Yet even then the families we have been given have influenced us. Everyone has the choice of how they will choose to live, grow, and become in this world in which we live. We are given choices. The difficult choices are hard to make and keep but we choose to make them and possibly keep them.

We get to choose how we will live

No, we don’t get to choose what country or family we will live in, at least in the beginning of our lives. But we are given the opportunity to live discreetly wherever we live. You may not live discreetly, and you have that choice, but your life will thrive when you give your thoughts beyond yourself. What do I mean? When we live for others, and give to others, and help others, and think of others, and much, much more. There are many people that our lives touch that benefit from our graces.

Before I end my thoughts, I must say, and I’m going to bring my faith into the conversation, simply because God. He makes the difference. Even when life seems a wreck, it is not entirely true…if you have the faith, you can see it. There are times, possibly, when life is a struggle and you would rather give up. That’s understandable. Life is hard. And maybe we made some poor choices, or we are having a problem with our health or finances. Whatever. But God is enough. He will help you, will keep you, and He is able to do more than we may think or ask. And, of course, the other ones of you, God delights in you. He keeps you, helps you, and carries you along through your journey. Open your heart to Him. I promise you, you won’t regret it.

I will finish with this. Thank God for giving you life. We are fortunate to be living this life, here and now. There is much to be thankful for in this life. Look out your window. A bird flies by. Be thankful for it. Yes, and the food you had to eat. It was good. Be thankful for it. Did you see that ‘someone special’ today? They’re a positive person in your life. I am thankful for you and that is a positively good thing! May God bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you and give you peace.