Friday, April 30, 2010

Learning From Our Mistakes

Have you ever made a mistake and thought that you were down for the count? I have.

Tonight as I was watching "Criminal Minds" one of the characters was struggling with something that happened to him and he expressed to a colleague that he felt like this struggle would make him a liability rather than an asset. But his colleague looked him in the eye and told him that if he tried, that struggle could in fact be a learning experience that could make him a better profiler because he would have a new outlook on things.

As I heard that I realized that I don't have to let mistakes drag me down. I can use them for good and grow from them. Instead of looking at mistakes and struggles as bad things, I need to look at them as learning experiences and go on from there with strength.

So look at the mistakes or struggles you are having today as a way to grow and mature, not as a thing that holds you back.

It may feel like two steps forward and one step back but that's okay. At least you are moving forward and that is what counts in the end.

Keep moving forward. The next minute, hour, day is coming, learn from them.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

The Morning Show Murders

Al Roker (of "The Today Show" fame) has found a new calling in life. In his first attempt at fiction writing he has scored. I found "The Morning Show Murders" a fast moving and easy read to be very enjoyable. At times I was hard pressed to put the book down. I hope Mr. Roker will not stop here, but will go on to write more mysteries. There is so much more Chef Billy Blessing has to offer.

I stumbled upon this book by accident and I'm very grateful that I did. Al Roker is no spring chicken and yet he has taken a chance to try something new. I find this very encouraging because there have often been times when I thought of taking a chance at trying something new but didn't because I thought I was too old. I don't know how old Al Roker is but he has reminded me that I'm not too old to try something new. I may not always succeed but the growing process comes from making the attempt.

So I encourage you as I encourage myself, try something new today. You may find a welcome surprise.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Getting Older

This morning as I was getting ready to go to church I noticed something on my head that I think I have been ignoring. What was this novelty? Apparently there are a lot more grey hairs on my head then I had been willing to admit to. As I combed my hair it was looking more salt and peppery than just plain peppery.

Why did I notice the grey hairs more today? I think part of it may be that I turned 53 on Friday. Don't get me wrong. I have known for some time that the grey hairs were coming in, it just didn't register that more grey hairs were replacing the dark hairs that fell out then dark hairs growing back in.

Here's why I am putting this in my "I Am a Work in Progress" blog. I'm okay with all those grey hairs that are coming in. I'm okay with maturing and "getting older". Some of those grey hairs I've worked hard to get by going through times of trials and testing, health and mental issues and spiritual growth and spiritual break downs.

The most important thing in all of this is that I am still moving forward. Some times I slip back a couple of steps but as long as I keep taking more steps forward and catch myself before I slip too far back, I know I am making progress and that's what counts in the long run.

I hope you have a blessed day.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Thank You Brenda

It's a Beautiful Life

Yesteday when I posted my first blogs I forgot to thank Brenda Leyland for all of her help setting up my blog site. Brenda is an old hand at blogging as she has had her own site for a number of years. You can check out Brenda's blog site at the above link. I hope you enjoy visiting her site as I have and continue to do.

Brenda has been a very faithful and wonderful friend to me over the past 25 years. She has been someone that God has used to help me and encourage me on my life's journey.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

My First Quad Ride


At the ripe old age of 52 I stepped out of my comfort zone and discovered that I enjoy riding quads with my niece and nephews. I wasn't quite a brave as they were when it came to high speeds but I was able to keep up with them for the most part. I even went over some bumps and got air under my wheels. I look forward to future rides.

Phonetic Punctuation

Victor Borge

If you enjoy musical humor check out Victor Borge on YouTube. He was a master musician and a master at musical comedy. Whenever I see something with Victor Borge I can be assured of a lot of good belly laughs. I hope you will check him out and discover a new way to tickle your funny bone.

A Special Design by the Creator

Welcome to my world. A world of ups and downs, ins and outs.

This my first chapter in my blogging life. I hope you will come back and visit with me as I share my life's journey as a work in progress.