IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME ALREADY?????

     I know I say this every year, but I REALLY mean it this year.  I can't believe it's Christmas time already!!!  It seems like it was just the Fourth of July.
     I love this time of year.  I love the Christmas programs at the schools and churches.  I love the Christmas movies on TV.  I love the way most people are on their cheerful best behavior.
     So...can you tell how much I love this time of year?
     This year, though, the season crept up so stealthily and quickly.  The only thing that's truly finished is the decorating of our two trees.  At least that is done.  They have been very enjoyable on the cloudy days, early evenings and dark nights.  There is just something cozy about a Christmas tree.  I love them.  And, of course, there is no end to finding more new special ornaments each year to add to the collection!
     The shopping isn't finished, the rest of the house isn't ready and the groceries haven't been bought for our big family Christmas dinner.  It will all get done, but it will get accomplished in a rush.
     I've learned so much this past year and I'm so grateful for all of it.  One of the things I've learned is to not stress so much about things.  Putting this into practice in the coming days will require some effort.
     I'm on a daily transcendent journey.  Daily means every day.  Each day I choose to come up higher, learn more and share more.  So that Christmas doesn't sneak up on me next year, I choose to keep Christmas in my heart every day of the year.  I hope you will too!

The Joy and Pain of Writing

     Oh my, it's been awhile, hasn't it?  This wasn't how I planned it.  Things don't always go as I plan.  Some of it is my fault.  Some of it is this thing we call 'LIFE'.  But I have made a promise to myself to do better. 
     Have you figured out what I'm talking about yet? 
     Well, I am talking about making regular blog posts.  If the blog posts in my mind could go directly to this site without me ever having to touch the keyboard, I would have several, and I mean NUMEROUS, blog posts for you to read.  But, it doesn't work that way.
     Most of us have this problem with something in our lives.  But I've heard that writers especially have it.  I am reminded of what the Apostle Paul said in Romans 7:15 from the New Living Translation:  "I don't understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it.  Instead, I do what I hate."
     Paul definitely wasn't talking about writing.  He was talking about doing the will of God.  But, for some of us writing is the will of God.  Writing is how He wants us to reach others, be a blessing to them, and/or have an impact on their lives. 
     Now, what is the solution?  How do I make sure I am consistent with making blog posts?
     A very wise psychologist and friend once told me, "Leesa, it's butt to chair, pen to paper."  Let me repeat that.  "IT'S BUTT TO CHAIR, PEN TO PAPER."
     That makes perfect sense, doesn't it?  But, it is so easy to see all the things around us that 'need' to get done.  We then lose our focus and do the things that really are not going to make a difference in the total scheme of things.
     I'm going to do better.  I want to do better.  I HAVE to do better.  There are so many things I want to share.  There are many lessons I've learned over the years that I want to tell you all about.  I don't want others to make the same mistakes I've made if there is any way to prevent it.
     There will be more to come soon.  I promise.




Smiles,
Leesa

Staying in the State of Gratitude

I've always felt that I never took things and people for granted.  Since I was old enough to think about such things, I've always appreciated my parents, family, my country and my Savior Jesus Christ.  But, the little things...what about them?

On this daily transcendent journey I'm taking, it is important to me to stay in a continual state of gratitude.  That state was sorely tested this weekend when our air conditioning went out at our house.  That wouldn't have been so bad if I had scheduled outdoor work to do, but I had tons of indoor work that needed to be done.  So, I perspired.  I perspired alot.  I don't like to perspire.

When my husband came home he told me I looked really wiped out.  Do you know what he was really saying?  In other words, I looked really bad and smelled about the same.  Oh well...cool baths help tremendously.

But, I can tell I'm making progress on my journey.  When I think back on this weekend the lack of air conditioning is not my first thought.  Thoughts of how cute the four week old baby beagles are, how beautiful are the cardinals and blue jays in our trees, and how fluffy the baby geese look come to mind.  How good the grilled hamburgers tasted, how refreshing the cool baths were, and how much company our pets are are more things for which I'm grateful.  And last but not least, I'm thankful that God hears my prayers and answers them, that I have a husband I can laugh with and that I still have my father to visit with. 

Yes, life is good on this daily transcendent journey.

Life is a Journey

I'm so excited about my new blog!  Learning about all kinds of things is a passion of mine.  Sharing what I learn is a must.  What good is all the wisdom I glean if I don't share it?

I look forward to sharing with everyone my spiritual journey, food recipes and recipes for life, good books, photos I've taken, gardening information and diverse crafts.  Last but definitely not least, I'll be sharing what I learn about owning a small business.

So many life lessons to share and so much to learn from all my readers!

Hang on for the ride of your life...A Daily Transcendent Journey!!!