Posted in Musings, tagged 2013, Blank slate, blessings, empty vase, first day, God, grateful, gratitude, new beginning, New Year on January 1, 2013 | 7 Comments »
A vase. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Thank you God for this first day of 2013, for the rain we need, for all the wonderful people in my life, for being with me as I walk the path of transition and begin working on my goals for this year.
I am grateful for a clean slate to write on, an empty vase to fill. http://amarquette333.wordpress.com/2012/07/22/a-blank-slate-3/
Posted in Musings, Whatever, tagged Autumn, Birthday, blessings, Fall, gratitude, joy, Seasons, Thanksgiving, Waterfall on November 1, 2012 | 3 Comments »
I have always liked this month, partly because it is in the autumn season and also the month when we celebrate Thanksgiving Day. The end of the month is special to me because it’s my birthday 
I am grateful to be alive, healthy, and richly blessed with wonderful people in my life…especially my brother. I love you John.
Posted in Poetry, tagged God, gratitude, heart, Inspiration, Julie Catherine Vigna, Light, Love, peace, Poetry, soul, spirit on June 10, 2012 | 6 Comments »
This is a beautiful poem filled with heart and love; and written by Julie Catherine Vigna who truly has a gift from God.
Posted in Musings, tagged 2012, AHA moment, blogging, Employment, forgiveness, God, gratitude, Inspiration, Job Hunt, thanks, writing on May 6, 2012 | 14 Comments »
White Tulips by ann marquette
This morning started strange as I woke early from a stressful dream. Thankfully I went back to finish my night in a restful sleep.
As I was enjoying my morning coffee, the A Ha moment arrived. I realized a major shift, or turn on my path of transition, and the path God has been guiding me toward. More like a message that God was telling me I had made a couple good turns in the right direction. It is with much gratitude for His guidance that I am making the transitions.
I have known for a long time that God wants me to write, and there is a special place he wants me to be. I realized a few months ago that there is a part of me needing change before some of that journey can come to pass.
Some of the healing has happened recently. Forgiveness is a huge need in our lives, and doing so will open doors for us we would not have imagined. Forgiving also heals us. In addition to forgiving others, we need to forgive ourselves for any wrongs we have done to others. I’ve asked God to tell me if there is anyone I forgot to forgive. Not hearing anything in that direction, I asked to be shown any wrongs I have done to others, even if they were unintentional. He showed me three. I did apologize, and in the process I grew and changed some more. I have been working most of my life to be a better person, to be the person God wants me to be.
I have been out of a paying job for almost two years. Whenever I would get His message to keep writing, I would smile and say “sounds great, but it doesn’t pay me!” Figuring I needed to find another source of income to supplement another source, I attended many networking meetings, did job searches and applied for jobs. I had interviews and almost joyfully accepted not being offered the jobs. Truthfully, I did not want to get back into the typical corporate world as I’d been in for many years.
Some friends, those not in my position, would “suggest” that I should go out and get any job, no matter what. Other unemployed would hear the same thing. And the constant question “Well, how is the job hunt going?”
Like the majority of unemployed since our economy crashed, we realized this time was a gift. While sharing good news and blessings in our networking sessions, we would tell of opportunities to help family and/or friends in need. Had we been working we would not have been available. We also shared our journey to find that which would not just provide an income, but work that would bring us joy by doing something we love, something we feel good about which would be of value to others, to our world. It was time to also evaluate the kind of culture, working environment we would enjoy, where we would thrive and blossom.
One time I mentioned my dream work environment to someone who is in a rather high-powered job and very “professional” environment and she told me that there is no such place like I described. Actually there are places like that which I know of and heard about.
The staffing agency which has gotten me work before called a couple of weeks ago telling me of a part-time job they thought I might like. I said yes when they asked if they could submit my resume. Shortly after I was invited to interview with the company. A couple of hours after my interview the agency called to say the company wanted me. I started last Monday and it is the kind of environment I have been wanting. It is a small office, but with some staff who work from other locations. They are a great group of people who really care about each other. The culture is more casual and easy going; and it is only one mile from where I live.
Although the job is for some administrative help, they were excited and chose me because I am a writer and have proofreading skills. So, the best part is a chance I may be able to turn the job into doing that which would engage me more in my writing life.
Thank you God for your blessings.
Posted in Whatever, tagged 2012, April, attitude, blessings, gratitude, joy, new beginnings on May 1, 2012 | 2 Comments »
Well I wondered what April would bring, and as in an earlier post there have been many blessings this month. Not just for me, but for others I know. But, April 30th was the first day of my new part time job. And, there is the possibility of making it into something special, for me and for the company. Time will tell, but for now I am grateful for another new beginning and the joy of another step on my journey.
Posted in Musings, tagged 2012, blessings, blogs, God, gratitude, Health, joy, work on April 27, 2012 | 11 Comments »
Tulips in Keukenhof, (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Hearing good news, special blessings in other people’s lives brings me joy. Friend B recently received news from her cardiologist that her heart is beating much better, since the defibrillator was installed. He told her if it is doing as good or better in six months she will be able to stop taking one of her meds.
My friend G received good news that her bank has agreed to reduce her mortgage payment so she is able to keep her house.
Long time friend L had some good news from her doctor.
Past co-worker and friend D quit her job in March. Already she has been a contract job with a company she worked with a couple of years ago.
Missing my dear friend T, she has loved the work she has been doing for the last couple of years, but it was only half days pay. She recently was offered a similar job full-time and more money. So, her current employer counter offered with full-time, significantly more money, 2 weeks paid vacation a year and a big bonus.
Me and my brother closed on the sale of mother’s house in February.
These are just a few examples of God’s blessings since the beginning of this year…most of them just this month.
Posted in Musings, tagged 2012, Blogger, Books, God, gratitude, lessons learned, prayer, quiet time, Starbucks on April 16, 2012 | 9 Comments »
Yellow tulip (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
A few days ago I posted that I would be away, at least for a while. I needed time alone, frequently in the dark, time to reflect on a recent issue that came up and my life in general.
At one point, a light came on in my mind and spirit. I realized that the issue, bad as it was, that I was learning a lesson mostly unrelated to the issue. It strengthened my reserve to be more disciplined and focused, to organize my time better in order to accomplish not just the daily things, but especially to do what God has been telling me to do…WRITE
I found a book in Barnes & Noble the other day titled “anything” by jennie allen (yes she spells it all with lower case). It is about her journey and “the prayer that unlocked my God and my Soul.” Although her website says it will be in stores Spring 2012, well it is Spring and it is in the stores. http://jennieallen.com/projects/anything I also recommend you watch the 3 minute video clip on her site.
So, one afternoon I went to Starbucks, got a Grande coffee, and set out in the sunshine while I read and made notes as I remembered parts of my own life.
I will always be learning lessons, and aiming to be better…as a person, a friend, sister, volunteer, writer, blogger, in whatever capacity I am in this life, and mostly as one of God’s children.
I thank all of you who replied to my last post on April 10th with all your kind thoughts and encouragement. YOU DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
I am so grateful for these times which make me look at my life, to know my faults and learn from them, to know that no matter how imperfect I am God loves me and sends others in my life who lift me up with their love and encouragement.
Posted in Musings, tagged 2012, ann marquette, blogs, gratitude, Ireland, joy, songs of Ireland, st patricks day, St. Patrick on March 17, 2012 | 2 Comments »
The Gates_Ireland by Ann Marquette
With joy and gratitude I remember the Ireland I knew for over 12 years, and the friends I made there. It has been way too long since I have been there for a visit.
I just read the post “If You’re Irish…” by MargeKatherine on her Inside Out Café blog
http://margekatherine.com/2012/03/17/thats-how-i-spell-ireland/#comment-3153
with views of Ireland and Irish songs, which brought tears to my eyes.
Check out her post and enjoy as we come to the closing of this St. Patrick’s Day 2012.
Posted in Whatever, tagged 2012, beautiful, blogs, encouraging, friends, funny, gratitude, inspiring, joy, supportive, wise on March 10, 2012 | 10 Comments »
Image via Wikipedia
Yes I am grateful and joyful for this beautiful day, and the connections with my blogger friends. And I do love tulips
Thursday night I had a great phone conversation with one of them; and we have so much in common. We spent a wonderful hour on the phone. Thanks Barb
And I thank all my blogger friends who are so inspirational, encouraging, supportive, wise, and some times funny (or always funny like Mark)
I wish you all a fabulous weekend filled with joy and heart smiles.
Posted in Musings, Whatever, tagged 2012, ann marquette, attitude, Barbara Bernard Miller, Bible, blogs, God, gratitude, joy, what can I do on March 4, 2012 | 4 Comments »
This special post by Barbara fits right in with my 2012 theme of Gratitude, Joy, and Attitude. Love the positive mind and spirit…exactly my thoughts.
I’ve seen a lot of things on the internet recently, either articles or postings, that seem to be drenched in fear and the need to spread it. I don’t know if people are just focusing on the negative to a point that they fear everything and anything, or if I’m just noticing it in contrast to how I live my life. Trust me, I am realistic and not living a Pollyanna life. I know there is economic crisis, corruption, wars, and evil in the hearts and acts of mankind.
But I also know there is goodness, justice, kindness, and love. I subscribe to focusing on and changing that which is in my power. For example, I have no way to stop the Illuminati from taking over the world (if it exists or if they haven’t already). I cannot tell or affect if aliens are on their way to attack, abduct, or destroy. Nor can I suddenly make religions and countries change their beliefs and interactions with each other. I cannot make politicians be honest or corrupt men change their hearts. And I surely can do nothing if the world is going to end in Dec. 2012 as so many predict and believe.
But I assure you, there is plenty that I can do that actually makes a difference. I can be kind to my neighbors. I can teach my children right from wrong. I can be generous with my time, talent, and treasure. I can encourage the sad and love the lonely. I can forgive those who hurt me and end grudges that I may carry. I can (and do) pray to God and trust in his love. I can make a difference in my life, in my friends’ and family’s lives, and I can influence those that I come in contact with every day.
I read once that there are 365 versions of “fear not” in the Bible – one for each day of the year. Since that book influences me and my life, I find comfort in the fact that there is enough hope and protection to cover my every day. And if I should fall victim to aliens, the Illuminati, or the other evils in the world that people spend their time and energy to purvey, well, I know who wins in the end.
In the meantime, let us pick up our hope and our faith. Let us act in ways that make the world we touch a better place. Let our light shine brighter than the darkness that surrounds. And let us be blessed!
GO TO BARBARA’S BLOG AND LEAVE HER A COMMENT http://mightyinspiration.wordpress.com/2012/03/04/what-can-i-do/#comment-154
