Run with patience ...

Patience: 

noun

1.

the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation,annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper,irritation, or the like.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible comes from Hebrews -

"Let us run with patience the race that is set before us ..."

I love thinking of life as a cross country race. It has a beginning, it has a challenging course and ultimately, it has an end.

Our races are not the same. Some courses are filled with more challenging 'hills' than others.

The goal however, should be the same ... and that is to run the best race possible!

The course it set ... run it with patience and with love and with the will to endure and lift and love ...

One day, one step, one year, one mile at a time!

Go - Keep going - You've got this! 

PS: Let Heavenly Father help you through your challenges ... run your race with confidence, with love and with HIM!

"Run with Patience" a great article via the Ensign

{Sweet Dreams}

I had a very interesting dream last night about my brother and Grandpa (both who have been dead for a long time). It was sweet and I like to think that the dream was their way of saying "Hi" and "I love you ... "

So Grandpa & Travis - I love you too!

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...
It's about learning to dance in the rain!!!

:)

Happy Halloween!!

In today's paper, (Thanks to an article by the Washington Post) ... I learned that the candy we eat says something about who we are. Hmmmmmmm!! My favorite candy is Reese's peanut butter cups. Do you like those too? If so, here's an 'inside scoop' about what this candy says about you and me:

A generous soul. You understand the salty in life, as well as the sweet.

:)

I so hope my kids get a whole lot of those yummy chocolate, peanut butter yummies tonight ... Because I plan on being really generous and giving them to myself to devour ....

Cheers to a the sweet and salty.

1973

I was driving along this weekend and a great, new song by James Blunt came on the radio. The tune to this song is ultra catchy and I’ve been humming/singing it all weekend.

... Singing here we go again

Do you want this song stuck in your head too? OK click on the link below and sing along …. (1973 begins playing soon after you enter this site).

http://www.jamesblunt.com/

PS: I think I like this so much b/c it’s the year I was born … That and the song is fantastic!

Cheers to 1973 ladies and gentlemen!

Below are a few fun facts from that year:
#1 Song: “You’re So Vain” … Carly Simon
Popular Movies: Paper Moon, The Last Tango in Paris,
The Sound of Music (reissue) and American Graffiti
Most popular fiction book: "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" ... Richard Bach. (Macmillan)
Most popular nonfiction book: "The Living Bible" ... Kenneth Taylor.
(Doubleday and Tyndale House)
Most popular Television Show: All in the Family (CBS)

PS:
"Johnathan Livingston Seagull" -If you have not read this book (please read it)!!

You can read the entire book via this site:

http://www.lib.ru/RBACH/seagullengl.txt

An exceprt from the book that made Richard Bach ultra famous -

And though he tried to look properly severe for his students, Fletcher Seagull suddenly saw them all as they really were, just for a moment, and he more than liked, he loved what he saw. No limits, Jonathan? he thought, and he smiled.

His race to learn had begun.
1973

**************

"Riding with Joann"
A sitcom - inspired by LIFE!

I do a lot of mailing at this mail stop around the corner. Special thanks to Warren for always being there to help me with the packages! Over the past six months, I’ve been in that mail place at least 25 times to ship CDs, books and other ‘dreams in the makings.’ One day, I was in there to mail off my film treatment to California – so it could get an official Writer’s Guild of the West number assigned to it. As usual, he asked, “What are you up to now?” And as usual I said, “Just chasing down my dreams!”

I was in the mail center today and he asked if my sitcom was being produced. I told him no and asked why he was wondering. He told me heard about a new sitcom on ABC called: “Carpoolers” and hoped it was mine! (For the record: It's not my sitcom).

The working title of the sitcom I wrote is: “Riding with Joann” – the idea was based on true events from my life. When my husband and I were first married, we only had one car. This very nice, kind lady offered to take me to work everyday. Her name is Joann and we carpooled for about a year. I learned a great deal from her and our daily commute!

My sitcom is clean, funny and suitable for audiences looking for good, inspiring, uplifting entertainment (packaged in sitcom form). If you know of a producer who might be interested, please send him/her my way!

The pilot episode is ready to roll … Let me know if you need a film treatment. It’s registered with the WGA (Writers Guild of America, West).

Cheers to our little moments that inspire bigger ones!!!
And to the daily ‘commute’ with its ever changing scenery, challenges and humor ...
:)

{9/11}
We Remember …

I love seeing all the flags out today. Six years ago our world changed ...
and it’s nice to see that we have not forgotten that tragic day and the lives that were lost.

To me, today serves as a reminder of how precious life is, how fragil freedom is
And that there are evil people in the world.

Take a moment today and say a prayer for America (and the world),
for freedom, for peace, for life, for our soldiers and for healing…

"Whether we look, or whether we listen, We hear life murmur, or see it glisten."

~James Russell Lowell

A Celebration featuring legumes…
The National Lentil Festival
Pullman, WA
(August 17 – 18, 2007)

Did you know that there was a national lentil festival? When I first heard of it, I laughed (right out loud). A celebration for beans … how creative! So when my friend, Kami invited me to join her for the legume festival adventure … I couldn’t help but WANT TO GO! I decided a little overnight trip to celebrate the lentils would be a nice change of pace!

So I rented a car (I have an SUV so the small car saved me a bunch on gas money). This little rental was very fun - it only had 4 miles on it … I’ve never driven a car that new – have you?

The drive to the ‘lentil party’ was absolutely beautiful! The scene to the left and right was full on hay fields, red barns and blue skies. I found myself humming “America the Beautiful”… Oh, beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain… It’s amazing how different a road trip can be when you’re the only one in the car. I find road trips to be very therapeutic … Lots of time to think! When I was tired of thinking, I had plenty of music to fill my mind. The passenger seat was piled with my favorite CDs. Who did I sing along with? John Cougar Mellencamp, Top Gun Soundtrack, Slaid Cleaves, U2, Moulin Rouge, and Sleepless in Seattle. I knew I had reached Lentil Land when I pulled into Pullman and saw a huge pot and men stirring its contents in the middle of the street!
(Again, I laughed out loud).

Kami and I took her two sons to the Festival (I just had to get a closer look at that big pot) – WOW There was tons of people at this event! I had no idea how excited people could get about lentils! We made our way down the crowded street fair and found the GIANT pot of lentil chili. To my surprise, they were dishing it out for everyone! Did I grab a bowl? Yes. Am I a huge lentil fan now? Yes. Oh there is just something really yummy about that lentil chili … It’s almost like it casts a spell on whomever eats it.
I’m convinced that the lentils have power.

PS - If you ever find yourself in or around Pullman Washington (among the amber waves of grain) and you have the nerve to party with the lentils, please do so! You won’t be sorry…

Cheers to lentils!

Below is a link to the Lentil Festival website:
http://www.lentilfest.com/

John Cougar Mellencamp website:

http://www.mellencamp.com/

(Thank you Kami and family for a very fun lentil weekend!)

These are the words I know -

This blog entry requires a little participation on your part. Please click on the link below and listen to the song “Words that I know” by Brady Rymer…
http://cdbaby.com/cd/bradyrymer2

{Then read the rest of this note. }

Did you cry when you listened to that song? I did! As a parent, I remember the first time each one of my children said – “Mom”, “Dad” or “I love you”

That song made me do some thinking about the way our lives change as we grow and develop. When we our little our whole word is simple and our vocabulary consists of - Mom, Dad, love, dog, ball, bird, flower and hello.

And then as time goes by – our world changes and in order to keep up with it …. Our words change too. Before you know it we’re saying: mortgage, leave a message, bottom line, super size it, I'm sorry, and send me an email.

This week, pay attention to the words you know and use – amazing how they make up the world around us!!!

What words do you know?!

Introductions …
{Remember to hold your light high}

Introductions play an important role! Not only in life (person to person stranger to stranger) but on the pages of a book as well. It’s as if the page comes alive and talks to the reader.

Introduction: “Hi it’s nice to meet you’
Reader: “Nice to meet you too!”
Introduction: “Would you like to know more about me?
”Reader: “Yes, that’s why I’m reading you here and now.”
Introduction: “Great! Dive right in and make yourself at home.”

The introduction is often times the part of the book that makes me feel the most emotion. I have cried several times after reading an author’s heartfelt words and sentiments and immediately knew that I HAD to have his or her work of art. This happened when I picked up “Life’s Little Instruction Book” by H. Jackson Brown. The introduction to that book is one of my all time favorites! Five out of five stars in my book…

I can honestly say that writing an introduction to a book is my favorite part of the book. If I can write an introduction, I can write the book.

Below is the introduction I wrote for It’s the Little Moments that Matter – (Now we’re not strangers anymore!!)

Introduction

Are there dust mites in heaven?

Moment – A time or period of success, excellence, satisfaction

Did you know that your house is filled with dust mites? I didn’t realize that until recently. My oldest son came home from school with a Bug Encyclopedia and together (my two sons and I) read through it.

I was horrified when we reached the page about the house dust mites. We discovered that there was no escaping them – It was a ‘dust mite invasion’ discovery!

According to the book, we breathe them in constantly. My sons were so excited by this information, they opened their mouths and inhaled as many of the dust mites as they could! Their excitement was contagious and before I knew it, the three of us were slurping down the dust mites! It was a beautiful moment full of love and laughter! Sometime later, out of the blue (we were driving) my younger son asked me if there were house dust mites in heaven. I told him I didn’t know. I also told him it wouldn’t really matter because in heaven everyone is happy – even if we do share our time and space with millions of dust mites! And he said, “Yeah, just like at our house!”

Later that night as I thought about our dust mite slurping episode, our little hugs, our discussion about heaven and the opportunity I have to be the Mother of three beautiful children, I thanked Heavenly Father for the chance I have to be alive!

And just before I drifted off to sleep, I closed my eyes and thought – Life is full of beautiful moments that really do matter! And WOW … I get to choose what to do with them ALL.
From my heart to yours

This little moment matters -
I hope this book will help you recognize and appreciate the little moments that decorate your life. And then I hope you’ll use your little moments to LIVE, LOVE and CELEBRATE each day!

PS -
In my attempt to hold my light high (You’ll read about that in letter H.) I wrote this book to say – Your life matters, you are worth it, YOU really DO make a difference and mostly – It’s the little moments that matter! So cherish them and enjoy every step of your awesome journey called LIFE!

All my hope and love,
Wendy L. Christensen

© 2004 Wendy L. Christensen
All rights reserved.

Testing ... Is the mic on?

I've been invited to be a guest on a TV show called "Spotlight" with Dana Robinson. I'm excited about it and I'll keep you posted with the details. The show is filmed in Spanish Fork, Utah and the interview will be 15 minutes!

I'm hoping to fill the time discussing a few of my favorite topics: dreams, life, people and moments that really matter. :)

The Place you LIVE ...

Have you ever thought about the spot you live and the way it plays into your life?

I have! Amazing how buildings and places add to the flavor and style of who we are!
Cheers to the places we live, the food we eat, and people we meet ...

Stone Soup

703 The Parkway
Richland, WA 99352

(509) 943-4542

Need a place to stop for lunch?
Stop in at Stone Soup and order anything from their menu!!

The atmosphere is fun and inviting and the food is oh so yummy ... :)

Special Memory: Meeting my best friend from high school, April,

for lunch to celebrate my 34th birthday!

She and I have been friends for over 20 years! ...

I love you April!

(The above photo is a glimpse of their back door) - cute huh?

Wild Goose Design

610 The Parkway
Richland, WA 99352
(509) 943-3006

Embellishments for the Home, Body & Soul ...

(This shop inspires me!!)
Special Memory: I had my very first booksigning at this shop.
Thank you Bonnie for believing in me and for helping me achieve a DREAM!

The Octopus Garden

Uptown Shopping Center
George Washington Way side

Richland, WA

This store has been here for as long as I can remember.
I like the huge variety of crazy cards and funny gifts.
I smile everytime I think of this place :) ...

Not pictured:
The Columbia, Yakima & Snake Rivers ...
I've spent countless hours along the banks of all 3 of these rivers and
and so thankful for the influence of each.

If you happen to make a trip to Richland ..

Feel free to check out a few of my favorite places
and create a few special memories of your own!

Invite Happiness IN!

{Invite}
To request the presence or participation of
in a kindly or courteous way

Dear Happiness,
I invite you to join me today
in all my little moments!
(Try saying that out loud!)

How did that feel? Have you ever simply invited happiness in? Happiness is a sensitive creature it comes and goes (in most people’s lives.) I believe many of us have forgotten how to treat ‘happiness’! I like to think of happiness as a dear friend. And without her, my life would be quite empty and dull.

Close your eyes and picture in your mind someone who is very dear and special to you. How do you feel when you think of this person? Now close your eyes and picture yourself without this person in your life. It’s probably a hard thing to imagine!

That’s how I think of happiness! I can’t imagine life without it! So, in order to keep it and have it – I must treat it special. And my little, unique and creative way to do that is to simply invite her to join me all the time!
(I think ‘happiness’ likes that and is more apt to stay.)

This little moment matters –
Here’s the invitation I use (feel free to borrow it – or make your own!) You may want to post this around your home or in the car.

Dear ‘Happiness’,
You are invited to join me in my journey called LIFE!
When – Always!
Where – Everywhere!
Time – 24/7
Place – My home, my heart, my LIFE!
Thank you!
I’m so glad you’re part of my little moments.
Love,
(Your name here.)

Excerpt from "It's the Little Moments that Matter"
26 simple steps to enrich every moment of your life!
By Wendy L. Christensen

The 40 day journey …

The Lord can do amazing things in 40 days! In fact, we’ve seen evidence of Him transforming people in 40 days … Examples are: Noah, Moses, David and so on. I was reminded of these amazing miracles when I started reading The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. I like the format of this book because he takes the 40 day transformation process and uses it for an outline for his book. Each chapter contains a bit of ‘transforming material’ and in the beginning the author, Rick, urges the reader to join him on a 40 day journey. And we (the readers) are instructed to read ONE chapter a day. So I’m on day NINE…
The chapter is called – What Makes God Smile?
(I'm sure I can think of a few things ... :))

If you want to join in on the journey – pick up a copy today and find out why YOU are on the earth and what your purpose is.

PS – This book turns your heart and actions to God and no matter your religion – you’ll gain deeper insights as to your relationship and purpose for being here.

For the record: this book has sold over 30 million worldwide.
Pretty good indication that people really do want to know what their purpose on earth is for!!

Below is one of my favorite quotes thus far –
“God made ants to be ants, and he made you to be you."
St. Irenaeus said, “The glory of God is a human being fully alive!”
The Purpose Driven Life: what on Earth Am I Here For?
Rick Warren/ page 55.

Click on the link below for 7 free chapters of this book:
http://www.purposedrivenlife.com/samplechapters/index.aspx

Purpose Driven Life – website:
http://www.purposedrivenlife.com/

The seasons change and with them we do too
By Wendy L. Christensen

As each season comes to an end, I find myself anticipating the beginning of the next approaching one. The heat of the summer causes me to long for the cooler days of fall. The never ending piles of leaves prompt me to welcome the snow and winter. And here we are – right at the beginning of summer (or end of spring) and I find myself excited once again for the season at hand.

As I was clicking around online I bumped into a quote by Henry David Thoreau –

Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink,

taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each.

This quote is inspiring and reminds us to live each season as it passes. This year will be my year to really do that. I’m going to take some extra time during each season to breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit and enjoy the influences they provide. (Yes, I’ll even breathe the air of these gray, gloomy days and learn from them what I can). You can too – if you want.

When springtime arrives, I plan on enjoying the new leaves that will decorate the trees. I’ll pay more attention to the miracle of tulips, daffodils and the baby geese along the river. I’ll ride my bike, walk and get out more to enjoy the spring air. As for the drink of springtime, I feel that will be a big glass of ice water with a slice of lemon. As for the fruit – I’ll enjoy whatever is in season.

By taking the time to enjoy the influence of spring, I’ll be ready to live the summer season. Isn’t it wonderful to live in such a sunny, hot region? I think so too! I plan on taking some time to stop at the farmer’s market to pick up fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and cherries. The drink will be pink lemonade (with a lime green umbrella in it). I’ll swim in the pool and sit on the porch and watch the kids ride their bikes until the sun goes down. Come to think of it there’s a little place in the backyard for a garden – I’ll plant it and enjoy everything that grows there.

If I’m lucky, the fruits of the garden will linger to fall. And again, I’ll find myself picking up the brown, crunchy leaves and stuffing them into big, black garbage bags. The days will get shorter and I’ll change the cool settings (in the car and house) to heat. I’ll get ready for school and encourage our children to put on their jackets. We’ll buy pencils, rulers and lined paper. We’ll put the garden hose away.

The jackets will turn to coats and we’ll drink hot chocolate. We’ll cheer at the first snow and go sledding down Carmichael Hill. We’ll put a fire on downstairs and watch old movies. We’ll welcome the holidays and any sun breaks in the clouds. We’ll put a light bulb on the rabbit (in the backyard). We’ll sing Christmas carols and think fondly on the passing year.

Mostly likely, we’ll look back on the seasons and feel grateful for the influences of each. And we’ll recognize that our lives are like the seasons – ever changing and full of color, flavor and beauty!

Wendy is the author of It’s the Little Moments that Matter and can be reached via her website – www.littlemomentsthatmatter.com

PS: The above column is one of my personal favorites ... I hope you enjoyed it too!

Turtles ...

I find them quite fascinating. I think it has something to do with their adorable eyes, big feet and hard shells. It's late and my mind feels a bit mushy so I don't have much else to say about them. I guess I do have something else to say - turtles remind me that there are times to act like a turtle and take things slow and easy. Ever had a 'turtle day'?

Happy Monday night - cheers to the turtles in the world ... :)
PS - If today is your 'turtle day' enjoy your pace ... and take your time... slow and steady is a good thing.

The day you were born … It's important!

Let’s talk about birthdays for a moment. We all have them. Some of them may be more enjoyable than others ... but the fact remains, birthdays do not stop coming (until we die). And even then those who loved us still remember us and celebrate the time we were here. Then there are those people who were ultra famous – their birthdays become holidays or at least mentioned on radio and or TV shows as part of the ‘on this date in history’ segments. Fact is – Birthdays matter. The way I see it, the world changes each time a new person is born. Each of us leaves our tracks on the world by what we choose to do with our time on it.

OK what’s up with the chit chat about birthdays you ask? Well, today happens to be the day I was born…! It’s been a splendid day and there’s still more celebrating to do...Might as well ENJOY the birthday fun for as long as possible right?

The day started out with pancakes for breakfast (thanks to my husband for that) and then it was off to our oldest son’s soccer game. Did you know that soccer games are played regardless of rain showers? Wow – it was a wet, cold game!! Our oldest son scored a goal and that was exciting. Way to go Kade ...

Next, it was off to a baseball game for son #2. It was freezing and the 6-inning game took two hours. It was a wonderful two hours though! He’s batting 1000 as he is 6 for 6. Yup – the star hitter of the team! I love watching our kids play sports ... Especially when they love the game and enjoy being part of the team. Way to go Kaleb ...

Then, it was home for cake and singing… What now? Kaleb (the slugger) took 3rd place in a community children’s poetry event and he’s reading it tonight at the Community Center.

His poem is called: Snakes and is simply wonderful!

I can hardly wait to hear him read it on stage - out loud!

All in all, it’s been the perfect day! I feel so grateful to be alive and to have another birthday. Birthdays cause me to reflect and appreciate the days, months and years that I’ve had to live, love and learn – and I look forward to many many more.

PS:
I am truly grateful to our Father in Heaven who showers each of us with so many blessings.
I feel that each day is a gift and want to live them to their fullest. I’m so thankful for my parents who chose to have me and taught me so many wonderful things. I love you Mom & Dad…. thanks for giving me a birthday :) ...

Cheers to time and all the beautiful things we can do with it!

Take me out to the ballgame ...

My son plays little league baseball (this is his first season and is in the minor B league). My brother-in-law and husband coach the team and I think we’re off to a GREAT season! Tonight was the first real game and I was asked to help in the concession stand. I enjoyed my experience tremendously! You serve a lot of people working in a place like that. And you get the ‘inside scoop’ on what’s popular to eat at baseball games. The must have item for the boys (playing in the league) … is the grape Big League Chewing gum! The older folks like the coffee and hot chocolate. The little kids love the licorice ropes and 10 cent stuff. What about the hotdogs? Those are the hit of the night!

I have to thank my sister-in-law, Kathy, for inviting me to help out. We laughed and enjoyed the time ‘in the food box’. PS: While I was busy dishing out nachos and salty pretzels, my son hit 3 times and (from what I was told) had a splendid game!

Cheers to America’s favorite game – Baseball. I have the feeling we’ll be spending many hours on the fields cheering for our little slugger … I look forward to it!

LET’S PLAY BALL!

(That's me ... thinking about the Thinking man)

Life (like art) is subjective …

Have you ever heard the phrase: art is subjective?
Have you ever really thought about that? I have.

I think it’s safe to say that life (like art) is subjective as well.
We all see things differently and experience the daily happenings from our own view point and perception.

During my freshman year in college, I took an art class and really enjoyed it. It was an Introduction to art 101 class and we spent most of the class time studying the artistic masters such as: DaVinci, Van Gogh and Monet. Some of their pieces were touching to me and others were random and not as interesting I learned about these art pieces via a book and photos on its pages. So my exposure to the art was quite limited.

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C. and on my last day there I was able to have a ‘speed pass tour’ of some of the D.C. attractions.

One of my very favorite places – was an art museum. I only had a couple of hours before I had to catch my departing flight but the few moments I had in that building changed my entire perception of art. I almost cried a few times – there is something really beautiful about seeing someone’s work – for real (and not on the pages of a book). I could have spent an entire day in that museum! This beautiful, old building held treasure after treasure of the ‘master’s work’. It was an inspiring time for me.

Wouldn’t it be neat if we each had a museum for people to visit – containing the ‘art’ of our lives? I wonder what it would hold – maybe our fingerprints, our dreams in a big crystal ball, maybe our tears in a bottle, or our laughter on tape and possibly it would contain a few security guards to keep the items safe? (There were a lot of guards in that museum!) No, this was not a hands-on museum. It was NO touching (period).

It’s fun to think about the things we would want to have remembered about our lives…And comforting to know that there are some things we can leave behind. Like our love, our kindness, our memories in a book or pieces of art we sculpted from clay.

No matter what we leave behind, it’s pretty evident that our lives are a work of ART …
And how we paint, sculpt or create it - is up to us!

Enjoy creating your artistic museum …!

PS -
Below are some web sites to explore …
http://www.mos.org/leonardo/
http://www.vangoghgallery.com/
http://webpages.marshall.edu/~smith82/monet.html