SOMETIMES...

I've had a lot on my mind during these recent passing days. The journey forward, the constant battle, the ever changing view that surrounds us. Sometimes things come at you so fast you can't even see them coming and they are over before you can even make a move, or open your mouth to speak, or even create a thought. Life challenges us. It creates situations for us. Some that are comfortable and enjoyable, but many that are not. So often we find ourselves asking, WHY? Why this, why now, why me? WHY? The fact of the matter is, we don't know what lies ahead. Life and living is founded upon faith. Each passing moment holds a degree of uncertainty. We just have to be prepared for it, even though we don't know exactly what to be prepared for. The key is finding joy in the journey and making every moment count. O, one might reach heroic heights By one strong burst of power. One might endure the whitest lights Of heaven for an hour. But harder is the daily drag, To smile at trials which fret and fag, And not to murmur nor to lag The test of greatness is the way One meets the eternal Everyday. -EDMUND VANCE COOK- I'm grateful for my life here on earth. And though I certainly waste moments, moments I could be sharing and loving and giving and serving, I hope and pray that until I get it all figured out and get on a better and more efficient time schedule - the moments that I am out doing count for something, and are of worth to those around me, those that need me. I am always reminding myself of this great truth... IT ALL MATTERS. EVERYTHING MATTERS.

Well...

I know "they" (I don't know who "they" are, I just know that "they") say you should NEVER SAY NEVER, but...are there things that, truly, you would never ever say or do? I don't know why, but...I've been thinking about this a bit lately. I think being able to answer this question may help one realize how well they know themselves. I've thought of things that I would never do. However, as I considered each one and came to understand some relative and possible unpredicted circumstances, I realized that there may in fact be cases in which I would do them. Perhaps there are circumstances that would require us to do things we never thought we'd do. But I do believe there are some things, even if it's just one thing, that we would actually NEVER do. What do you think?

One of my goals for this year...

So, I've set many goals for this year, one of which is to read a book a week. And so far it is going well. I have already started a list of those I know I want to read. I am wondering if any of you have any suggestions for me. If so, I would love to hear.

Now, for 2009...here is an example of how it started...I wonder what to expect of the rest of it...

Have you ever done this? If so, how about this? Actually, something more like this would be more accurate with real events. But then, how would I know? I was not a witness to the event. I WAS THE EVENT! If you have done the second of the two, then you already know that such an incident would leave you with many scrapes and bruises, much soreness and stiffness, and an entertaining (I don't know if that is the best word to describe the situation - miraculous might be more like it) story to tell. Both of the aforementioned were a part of my weekend adventure. One that ended far better than many of the possible and much worse options. What an experience it was! One that I will surely never forget. I'd post pictures of the scrapes and so on...but, I'll spare you that view.

Some closing moments of 2008, sooooo late...

My brother and I took a trip to Brazil and Paraguay at the end of November, beginning of December. It was such a memorable trip. Quite honestly, I believe I left a portion of my heart in Paraguay. The people there are welcoming, accepting and incredibly loving. The people I met there feel like family, and I can't wait for the time when I get to go back and see them again. Here are a few pictures to prove that I really did go and that I LOVED IT!!!!!

What?

A snow day. No way! I am loving this weather, by the way.

The true inspiration of my blog title...

I've appreciated and loved this song for a great while. The lyrics, to me, are meaningful and applicable to life. A thousand empty windows. Though it's true that we have to figure things out for ourselves, and in a way, find our own way, I'm truly grateful to meet amazing people along the path. Those who inspire and lift me, those who care. I'm grateful that we can come together and work it all out. It's a great song. I hope you enjoy it too.