What are you thankful for?

Well, it's the holiday season yet again. Thanksgiving is my favorite fall/winter holiday. It seems like the years are just a blur nowadays. Time flies. What am I thankful for? Many things, but mostly my health, love, prosperity, family, happiness. See alot of people think of their blessings in terms of money/financial gain. They equate prosperity with money, but that is not always the case. For me, being prosperous means still being employed, having my family, and surviving this war we call life. I am thankful that the Lord blessed me to see another day. I am thankful that the Lord blesses me to seek him in my time of need. These are all the things that I am most thankful for.

Best wishes for a wonderful, safe, and blessed Thanksgiving Holiday!

Happy New Year!

I should be working, but oh well...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us-TVg40ExM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPG5wqscMjo&NR=1

Have a good day!

Random topic - Politics, Hurricane Ike, and other issues

Isn't it amazing how politics can bring out the worst in some people? I know we have to deal with this topic all the time; however, we must be mindful of what we say and what we do. I am by all means, a liberal and support Senator Obama, but in the same sense, I respect conservatives and their beliefs as well. It is all about respect, people. Let's not allow the election to prevent us, as a country, from prospering. About a month ago, Hurricane Ike pretty much destroyed the tx gulf coast area-from galveston island to locations north of houston. I would say it reach about 80 miles inland of the coastal area as well as destroyed states east and north of texas. It was/is not a pretty thing. I, myself, was without water and power for almost 8 days and I have roof damage. It seems like the insurance companies are trying not to pay people. On my way home, daily, I see a collage of homes with blue tarp on them, evidence of Ike's destruction. I feel blessed to still have a home because many people in this area are still in shelters and/or permanently displaced due to their home being destroyed. I am saying all this to say this: When Ike came through, I met most of my neighbors. Before that, I only knew the people to the left and right of me, in which, I didn't really talk to them either. However, Ike made me get to know them because there was no air, power, or water. We do not realize how much we depend on modern technology - indoor plumbing, air conditioning, computers/internet - until we don't have access to it. Politics. Now as soon as everyone's power was restored, we ceased talking to one another. Literally. I have heard some nasty things being said about each presidential candidate - Obama and McCain. Some true, some not. It's just that, in my 32 years here on this Earth, I have seen and been witness to so much racism, it will last me a lifetime. Racism has a lot to do with politics. I don't care who says it doesn't; they are not telling the truth. Why is it that we are in one of the most developed countries in the world, but still practice invisible segregation/discrimination? It's everywhere - in the workplace, church, restaurants, grocery stores. We, as a people, will never be able to get away from racism until we stop practicing it. I have already come to the conclusion that I will never, in the rest of my days of life, see it disappear. What also seems to amaze me is the hatred that is displayed in the media. Everyone has to stick up for themselves and tell others about how they feel; however, there is a diplomatic way of doing this. After all, we are not all the same and we never will be. There is something that we all want, though, and that is a nation to belong to. The disagreeing is inevitable because everyone does not have the same morals or values, but getting to a common ground and agreeing to disagree can be achieved. As I stated, though, I don't see this happening in my lifetime. Another thing that I find interesting is the black/white issue. It seems like the only racism that really goes on in America (I am sure other nations as well) is between blacks and whites. There are a lot of other races here, but the most friction occurs between blacks and whites. This has a lot to do with the times of slavery. It has left an open wound in a many of people, namely American blacks. Will America ever overcome this? So, back to politics. Many people form their values around their political beliefs and it will be this way until a generation says, "Enough is enough, let's view people for the content of their character and not the color of their skin."

Life

Life is what happens when you stand still. The only thing constant in the world is change. One of my best friends recently received some very bad news. His mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is not expected to live much longer. While all of this was going on, his father was also diagnosed with prostate cancer. He hadn't called me to tell me the news. When he finally called, I felt hurt because I thought that our friendship was stronger than that, meaning that he would have called me immediatedly with all of this going on in his life. After thinking about it for some time though, I came to the conclusion that he was only dealing with his personal feelings and acceptance of the situation and he would get with me later, which he did. Once he told me about what was going on, I totally could relate. You see, my grandfather (my mother's dad) died from prostate cancer in 1993, my grandmother (my mother's mother) was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2000, and my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in the latter part of 2004. So, I definitely know what he is going through and I explained that to him. I had to understand also that I was not meant to be his savior during this time of trial and tribulation, but just a friend with an ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on, which is exactly what I am doing. It's hard for me to see him like this and going through this hard time in his life; however, we all must deal with traumatic things in life. My friend was always the happy go lucky person that kept everyone else upbeat when we were feeling down. I have realized that I am the angel that God sent his way. I told him that I keep him and his family in my prayers (which I do) and that the Lord makes no mistakes. I love you T!

This inspiration was sent with an email from my cousin. I wanted to share with my fellow bloggers. It is so true. This saying can be applied to work, play, home...life in general. We as humans can be so selfish sometimes that we miss the blessings that Lord has in store for us. You might not be a Christian or religious, for that matter, but I believe that this can apply to anyone's life.

Never take someone for granted
Hold every person close to your heart
Because you might wake up one day
And realize that you've lost a diamond

While you were too busy collecting stones.

Spiritual

Hello fellow bloggers! I haven't visited my page lately, but decided to post today. This came by way of a client of mine. It goes:

I asked God to take away my habit. God said no; it is not for me to take away, but for you to give up. I asked God to grant me patience. God said no; patience is a by-product of tribulations, it isn't granted. It is learned. I asked God to give me happiness. God said no; I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you.

Be blessed!

TG

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