5 Secrets to Your Success in the New Year

Today, I've taken some of the most popular New Year’s resolutions and I’m sharing ways you (and I) can realize success for each of them.

1.   Lose weight.  This one hits close to home. Every year, I put this at the top of my New Year’s resolutions list. In fact, many times, I put only this on my list. Some years, I would go on a diet (i.e. Atkins: lost 12 pounds, gained them back—and then some-- after I quit the diet) and some years, I would join a gym (i.e. Gold’s 1-year membership: went regularly a few times a week for a few months, had surgery, never went back). Secret #1: The key to success is in the quit; don’t do it! When I looked back at the ways I’d failed in losing weight, year after year, I realized that my failure was all about quitting before I realized success. This year, I’m challenging myself to be successful in losing a few pounds and getting fit. I have a plan and I’m sticking to it! (And for those of you who know me personally, you’ll know by the end of the year if this worked or not!) And if you’re celebrating the season and new year with alcohol, be aware of the calories you’re consuming. For those who drink, approximately 16% of the calories they consume are from alcohol. So, when you make your plan, consider the liquids you consume as well as the foods. Be sure to check with your doctor for a plan that’s right for you.
2.  Save money.  Often, at the end of the year, we look back wishing we’d been more financially savvy. If you find yourself wishing you’d saved more of your hard-earned money, here’s how to give yourself the best chance to make that happen. Secret #2: Change your attitude. When you change your attitude towards money, you can begin to change your financial life. Best-selling author and financial guru, Dave Ramsey says, “It’s time to change the attitudes that keep you broke.” Financial Peace University is his ‘baby’ and the program has helped millions change their financial stories. The first steps are getting past the myths of debt and money, embracing the changes you’re making even when they’re painful and doing it all with a new attitude toward your finances. Click here for more info on how financial peace of mind can be yours. 
3.  Help others. The spirit of giving during the Christmas season prompts us to open our hearts to those less fortunate and less able to care for themselves. But just because Christmas is over doesn't mean our hearts have changed. When making resolutions for a new year, we often find ourselves resolving to give a little more, to dig a little more deeply into our pockets and into our hearts to ease another’s burden, feed some hungry tummies or help out Santa on his merry rounds. Secret #3: Keep your spirit of giving alive. Look around you. There’s more opportunity for giving than ever. Whether you donate a pint of blood, a few cans of food to a food bank or volunteer at a local school, you can put a smile on someone’s face and make a difference in their lives. For a really cool idea we can do together, click here.
4.   Go green. It’s not just a popular idea, it’s a good idea. And an idea that can get your creative juices flowing in finding ways to do it. Secret #4: Simplify your life. Recycling is top of the list when it comes to going green. If you aren't recycling, the new year is a great time to start. And if you are, what about recycling all your unused items, clothes, etc. and live a bit more simply? (Oh, how I need to do this!) Contact your local charity store and find out when they accept donations. Or, start your own ‘free store.’ It can be a one-time community swap or an ongoing physical store where people can bring their unwanted items and pick up items they want or need. At the end of the day, you’ll have simplified your life and given yourself a freedom from all the ‘things’ that hold you hostage in the cleaning, maintaining and upkeep of them all. Plus, you’ll have provided others with gently-used items and clothing that make their lives a little better. And, if the planet had a capacity to love, it would love you for taking care of it.
5.  Travel more. Wow, who wouldn't like to travel to new places and experience the different foods, languages and cultures? Or maybe you’re interested in travelling around your own country, to parts unknown to you? Even here in the United States, there are so many differences depending on what part of the country you’re in. Secret #5: Chase your dreams. If your dream is to travel, just do it. Not that easy? Then chase that dream and make a plan. I recently found that if you want to, say, take a cruise, but find it hard to part with that lump sum of money, you can opt to make manageable payments. Also, check to see if you qualify for employee perks that include travel packages or if you can rack up points to use toward travel when using your debit / credit cards. Don’t just dream about it; do it. Click here for a good place to start chasing your travel dreams. 

The really cool part about these 5 secrets is that you can use them to find success in keeping your New Year’s resolutions and in other areas of your life. Check it out:

·                Secret #1: The key to success is in the quit; don’t do it!

·                Secret #2: Change your attitude.  

·                Secret #3: Keep your spirit of giving alive.

·                Secret #4: Simplify your life.

·                Secret #5: Chase your dreams.

How’s that for a game plan for life?

So, break open the bubbly (non-alcoholic, please) and make a toast to your success in the coming New Year!

Jean

Wanna share your thoughts?

1)      Made any New Year’s resolutions?

2)      Have a resolution-keeping success story?

3)      Do you like travelling and where have you been? 

End of the World or the Beginning of a Better One?

Maybe the Mayan scholars had it right. All year we’ve been captivated by the predictions. How the end of the world was coming on 12/21/12. Why? Because of a Mayan prediction and the end of their calendar. True? Actually, according to Mayan scholars, 12/21/12 was never a date we should be afraid of. But no one seemed to be listening. Even NASA felt the need to create a website addressing questions surrounding the predicted event.

Leading up to this “doomsday” people began preparing for the end in many ways. Some wrote books about it; some debated the validity of the prediction; some planned end-of-the-world parties. Then, there were those like me that watched all this from the sidelines and lived our lives as usual.

Today 12/21/12 arrived. And, for most, nothing happened. For me, something did. You know those random acts of kindness? All week I’ve been hearing about them. Even people I know personally have either acted randomly or been the recipient of kindnesses. Each time I hear of an instance, it warms my heart. There have been numerous times when people have been blessed by a complete stranger paying for their meals in a restaurant or paying for the person behind them in the drive-thru line at McDonalds.

And a friend told how she was in the checkout line in the grocery store. As she dug into her purse, she realized her wallet was missing; knowing it probably had fallen out in her car (at least, hoping that it had), she told the store clerk she would be right back to pay. By the time she came back into the store, her groceries were bagged up and ready to go, paid for by a kind soul who had been in the checkout line behind her. Over $60.

Then, just last night, a friend shared how a group of folks in her company are giving of themselves to the families of last week’s Sandy Hook school massacre. Even though they are hundreds of miles apart. Love in action.

Somehow, I think God smiles when He sees people taking care of the needs of each other in such selfless acts. Isn’t that what it’s all about? Isn’t our best example of this evidenced by the advent of the One whose birth we’ll celebrate December 25^th? His life. His death. His promise to come again. After all, He’s the one who taught use to “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

And then today, it happened to me. Oh, I didn’t know it was going to happen. And maybe most would think it wasn’t such a big deal, but for me, it was.  You see, it showed me that no matter your age or circumstances, you can find ways to participate in these random acts of kindness. I just happened to be inside the house when I heard a crash outside. It’s pretty windy today and my recycling bin had blown over. And it was full! Or had been. Now, all I saw were milk cartons and plastic soda containers being blown down the sidewalk and across the neighborhood. I ran outside in the biting wind, righted the bin and began to refill it, chasing the recyclables as the wind continued to blow. In less than a minute, a little boy, about 8 years old, ran over and, without a word, began to help. He’d run out of the house next door, not even bothering to put on a coat. He just saw a need and filled it. Just like those other folks have done and are doing in “paying it forward.”

So, maybe, just maybe, today isn’t the end of the world. But it can be the beginning of a better world when we take the opportunity to look for the needs of others and fill them. Need ideas? Clickhere.

So, I say, way to go Mayans, for bringing an end to their calendar. It gave us reason to think about how an idea can be blown out of proportion and escalate into a bogus prediction. It gave us reason to think twice before we buy into the next big thing. (What about the coming December 23-25 blackout?) And it probably gave the dude writing out that calendar a little writing cramp relief. Of course, according to NASA, the calendar doesn’t end. Just like ours begins again in January, the Mayan calendar simply ends one long-count period and begins another.

Most of all, 12/21/12 has given me a little blessing and prompted me to think of how I can “pay it forward.” And, who knows, that little 8-year-old just might find something more under his tree on Christmas Day than even Santa Claus knows about. 

Jean

911: A Day to Remember, Recognize & Reflect

Country singer Alan Jackson asked in his song, "Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?" Sometimes when I think about it, that day in 2001 seems very near. How about you? When you remember 9/11/2001, what comes to your mind? I suppose most of us, if not all of us, will ever forget where we were that day, and in that very moment, when we learned of the tragedy that made its mark on Americans here at home and around the world.  It's now one of those memorable days. Like the day you got your first job or your child was born or you told her you loved her for the first time. That memorable but without the happiness, hope and joy. That memorable, but with a bitter twist of fate.

911 is a day to remember the fallen, recognize that we need to stay alert to keep this from happening again, and to reflect on what's come out of the ashes. On that day, a guy named Adam was working at the World Financial Center. He says that his office was on the 24th floor just across the street from the Towers. When the first plane hit, he felt it, and ran to the window to see what had happened. Looking down onto the parking lot, he saw a few things on fire and his first thought was a car bomb (just like it was in 1993). When he looked up that's when he realized it was one of the Towers. "It looked like 10 stories were burning. The fire seemed to crawl around the tower. The winds were so high it caused the smoke to spin in a large swirl." Adam could not believe what he was seeing. And, at that point, didn't know what had happened. Within another minute, the phone was ringing. Family members were calling to see if he and his coworkers were all right.

Do you remember that moment? When just after the first plane crashed, how it felt? I remember I was at my desk listening to the radio and I thought, oh no, how tragic. Thinking it was a horrendous accident. One of my coworkers was telling some of the others in the office that a plane had crashed into one of the Towers. And in what seemed like no time at all, another plane crashed into the second tower. Now, I was thinking, that was no accident. But they were 'our' planes, passenger planes, and I just couldn't wrap my mind around the situation. And I had no idea what it meant or how much worse it would get.

When the second plane hit, Adam says, "It felt like a big earthquake. I stumbled with the hit. People started yelling. One man in my office saw the plane go in and screamed it was another plane. We ran to the window." Later he would find out that people on the street could feel the heat of the fireball. Adam's manager yelled for everyone to get out. Now! Adam did what I can imagine I would do. He grabbed his bag, palm pilot and juice and headed for the stairs. For me, it would have been my phone and my purse.

When he reached the street he saw people carrying an odd assortment of things. There was a crowd starring up at the burning Towers. Adam looked up to see the fire climbing up, down and around the Towers. As people in the crowd cried out, Adam looked up to see people falling to their deaths. Some were jumping. "I wish I could say there was only one," says Adam. "It got worse as the fire spread." By this time Adam had called his family and left messages. It was amazing. As we, all the way in North Carolina, watched the events unfold, we did the same thing. It was like nothing else mattered except our family and friends.

Adam said, "I then came upon a guy with a telescope aimed at one of the towers. The picture I will never forget. At about the 60-70th floors, people were hanging out windows trying to get air. They were literally holding onto the side of the building waving t-shirts to get someone's attention. I couldn't watch any longer. I kept walking, and about 10 minutes later I was about a half mile away and talking with someone and we heard this sound that can only be described as a thundering crack. I then saw what I thought was just a chunk of the World Trade Center. It was actually the whole tower. I couldn't believe it."

As a nation, we watched as the tower collapsed. And as a nation, we felt our hearts break. I know mine did. I remember watching on television as the people began running, just running to get away. It seemed that a wall of dust, smoke and ash rolled out and overtook them. People were covered in ash; you couldn't see the differences in skin color, hair color, clothes. It was like they were all separate part of one whole, and indeed they were, just like we are, separate parts of the human race. And my heart went out to these people, my people, my America.  

Now, for me, when it all started happening, back when I was sitting at my desk, listening to my radio, it was unnerving. It was scary. And I can't imagine how much more those folks in New York (and those who had friends and family there) must have been feeling. And then something happened, right here in North Carolina, that I'll never forget. Our manager came through our department. He asked us to gather around and his words brought a measure of comfort to us.

Now, these 11 years later, I don't remember his exact words but I do remember the impact. He talked with us in such a way that we knew that he was feeling the same way we were. We also knew he was concerned about us. And that's when I realized that even if you work for a large corporation, you can be surrounded by people that really care. I think we all felt that, even as our world was turning upside down.  Like me, you may have heard Alan Jackson's song and maybe the lyrics spoke to you as they did, and still do, to me:
Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day? 
Did you call up your mother and tell her you loved her? 
Did you dust off that Bible at home? 
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers?
Did you stand in line and give your own blood?
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family,
Thank God you had somebody to love? 

When I hear that song now, it still brings tears to my eyes. And I remember those who sacrificed so much to save others, the emergency personnel, the victims who left their families to go to work that day and never came home, the families who still live with their loss even to this day. Lives that were forever changed. And I think of this man whom I've never met but only read about, Adam.  

After walking home, he roller-bladed from his apartment five miles to his parents' home. "It was so quiet," he says, "Thousands of people were just walking home from everywhere, the silence was deafening. I even tried to give blood at four different locations, but they were overloaded with volunteers." The next day, after a 5 1/2 hour wait, Adam gave blood.

Today, as our town remembered, as the emergency personnel turned on their sirens this morning in honor, in remembrance, of 911, I stood on the sidewalk, listening, a lone tear running down my cheek. And I wasn't alone. Alongside were my coworkers. And we remembered.

Where were you when the world stopped turning? Where are you now? I hope you're in a place where you're not alone. Where you are a real and vital part of this human race, separate yet standing together. Just as the motto on our Nation's Great Seal says: E Pluribus Unum: Out of many, one.

USA. Standing together.

Jean

Read Adam's account in his own words here. 

Making a BIG Difference, One Step at a Time

It never goes away. But what if 'it' could?

'It' is Juvenile Diabetes. And it affects millions of people every day. People like Rachel. As a baby, she was sick a lot. Her parents didn't know what to do. Tests were run. Nothing showed up. No one knew why she wasn't eating or walking anymore. Finally, her dad reached out to an uncle in the medical field who asked the right questions. A urine test was done and, at only 14 months old, Rachel was diagnosed with T1D or Type 1 diabetes. T1D is an autoimmune disease that comes on suddenly and can strike children or adults at any age. If you or someone you know has diabetes, you know it requires watching your diet carefully and testing your blood sugar 6 times or more a day.

While the disease is unfortunate, the diagnosis came just in time for Rachel. Without it, and immediate treatment, little Rachel would have died. Today, she is a beautiful 12 year old who loves life but she does admit, "Living with diabetes is hard at times. I've had to miss out on some stuff with my friends--like sleepovers, and sometimes it's hard to always be careful of what I eat. It is hard to participate in sports sometimes because you have to keep checking your blood-sugar and get snacks so you don't go low. I have to go to the nurse 3 times a day at school which makes is hard to keep on top of what is going on. I have good friends and brothers that watch out for me and make sure I am doing okay. I love having my pump--it is so much better than when I had to take shots. I am grateful for all that I CAN do, but I look forward to the day we have a cure."

Here's the deal: JDRF, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, is searching for a cure. Rachel hopes to see that happen in her lifetime. I'd like to be a part of making that happen. And I'd like for you to join me.
This year, I'm not asking for a lot. I know many of us have felt the crunch of the current economy. I'm only asking if you would donate $1. If everyone will do just that, we, as a collective group, can make a BIG difference. Click here to donate now.

On October 6, 2012 I will be walking for the cure in Elon, North Carolina. I am part of the LabCorp Walkers team, a group of individuals, just like you, that care enough to make a BIG difference, one step at a time.
As the leader of the type 1 diabetes community, JDRF unifies global efforts to cure, treat and prevent T1D. I feel pretty good about that and that's why I have supported them for the past 10 years.

If you would like to read more of Rachel's story and others like her, click here. And if you cannot offer monetary support at this time (or even if you can), I'd like to ask a personal favor: how about saying a prayer, right now, for those suffering from diabetes? You CAN make a difference!

Thank you for your support!
God bless,
Jean Bailey Robor

Something Is At Work Here

Fate?
Coincidence?
Or maybe something more.
In my home, we use natural gas for our heating unit and water heater. So, one summer day a few weeks ago, when there was no hot water, my first thought was Oh no! Cold showers! My second thought was I hope I don't have to replace the water heater. Besides, it didn't seem like that long ago, maybe a few years, since this water heater was purchased. Surely, they last longer than that.

I called the gas company to come and check it. Now, you might have guessed that I would first check it out a bit myself. But, no. After all, that thing is down in the creepy basement and, frankly, that basement with its dark corners and crawl spaces, creeps me out. (Hence, it's 'creepy.') So, let someone who's getting paid to creep around down there check it out. (Some days I'm such a girl.)

The guy from the gas company came over and simply re-lit the pilot light. Voila! Hot water! He took a look around and couldn't figure out why the pilot light had gone out. Everything seemed to be working just fine. And this is where fate, coincidence or something more comes in.

I had followed him down to the basement. (It's never as creepy when someone else is with you and in broad daylight.) We talked about the water heater and then he voiced another concern. "I think you need to have a heating & air technician check out your furnace there." The furnace is the heating unit that I refer to as the big, green monster. It's a big green metal box-like thing that's been in the house longer than I have. So when he pointed out the soot on the side and voiced his concern, I took heed. I called Steve who regularly services it each year. And, every year, he's a little surprised that the old thing is still alive and kicking.

When he came out to check it, this is what he found, minus the technician lingo: the big, green monster had to go. Not only that, but it was emitting carbon monoxide. Steve told us that meant, if we had turned it on, sure it would have heated the house, but we might have died in our sleep. The whole family.

The thought of my family members at risk, in our home, which should be a safe haven, was sobering.

Now, I don't know why the pilot light went out on the water heater. I don't know why the man from the gas company just happened to notice the soot on the heating unit. All I know is that this series of events may have saved not just my life, but all our lives.

There's no doubt. Something is at work here.

Some people will call it fate.
Some may call it a series of coincidences.
Forever, I'll call it a God thing.

It's true: Romans 8:28 says, "All things work together for good to them that love God..." In the beginning, having cold water was a minor frustration. (At least until I stepped into the cold shower, then major frustration!) Thinking of buying a new water heater was a bit more frustrating. In the end, replacing the heating unit, despite the inconvience and financial burden, was a blessing.

In my heart, there is no doubt.
It's a God thing.

Keeping the faith,
Jean

Social Media? It Works for Me!

I knew 2012 would be a good year. I just had a feeling. Do you ever get that? Somehow it just feels like good things are coming even when you can’t see what’s coming. It all started way before 2012 when I first discovered social media. You know, Twitter, Facebook, etc. I had no idea how valuable my discovery would be.

Today, I use Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn regularly to stay connected, make new connections, promote ideas, services and products and, let’s face it, goof off a bit at the end of the day. I believe in sprinkling in some fun with your business.

Over the years I’ve come to realize that, even though social media can work for me, it can also be a time-sucker. That’s why I think it’s so important to be aware of the time spent and the reasons why you’re using it in the first place.

For pleasure:

Tip #1- Be sure you’re aware of how much time you’re spending online each day.

Tip #2- Don’t allow social media to get in the way of face-to-face relationships with friends and family.

Tip #3- Have fun but be aware that anything you post online is there to stay for the world to see (including your spouse, your kids, your pastor, your boss and your mother).

For business:

Tip #1- While connecting electronically is important, there is no substitute for face-to-face and phone conversations to make a strong connection.

Tip #2- Post regularly; stay current. (Use HootSuite to schedule posts and post to multiple social media sites simultaneously.)

Tip #3- Get the word out about yourself, your products / services BUT be sure to offer value to potential clients (i.e. helpful articles, tips to make their lives easier, etc) and, above all, be a friend.

Because of using social media sites, I’ve gained exposure that I never would have gained otherwise. I’ve sold products, acquired clients and speaking engagements. In fact, just this week I was featured in a newspaper article. And I didn’t even have to ask for it. It all started when a reporter contacted me via Twitter. You can read the article here. (By the way, I just love that my local newspaper sees the value in using social media.)

It doesn’t happen overnight. You have to build your presence, build your brand and stay current. You have to be interesting and approachable. And, whether you’re using social media for business or pleasure, never post when you’re emotional. We all have our moments and there are some moments we should just keep to ourselves. 

2012 isn’t over yet. And although I’ve experienced a lot of good things, I have an idea, like my mom says, the best is yet to come. How about you? Do you feel it? We’re only halfway there. Will the last part of 2012 bring good things for you? Believe it! And use social media sites to help make it happen!

To your success,

Jean

For more information on how to get started using social media, email me. 

A Day for Fathers & Making Memories

Fathers Day weekend. In the United States, it comes along once every year in June. As the story goes, it was first celebrated in Spokane, Washington at the YMCA. William Jackson Smart was a Civil War veteran and also a single parent. One of his six children, Sonora, after hearing a Mother's Day sermon, told her pastor fathers should be honored as well. She suggested the date of June 5, William's birthday. Because the pastors did not have time to prepare their sermons, the holiday was deferred to the 3rd Sunday in June. It didn't become a national holiday for many years after that, but according to Wikipedia, that's where it got its start. That was in 1910; one year before my own dad was born.

As Father's Day approaches, I begin to think of dad. I think of my childhood. Some of my fondest memories are playing catch, barefoot in the front yard. Well, I would be barefoot, the feel of cool green grass beneath my feet. Dad would always wear his black work shoes and white socks. Same ones he'd worn to the local textile mill where he worked until he retired.

Sometimes, if I was really lucky, he'd let me help him in the garden. I say 'let' because it felt like a treat. He was pretty particular about his vegetable garden. He had a green thumb like I'll never have. We would pick juicy ripe tomatoes, ears of sweet corn, crunchy cucumbers and beans. I loved it, especially when he'd let me wash off a tomato fresh from the vine and sink my teeth into it. There's nothing like that juicy goodness.

The only thing I didn't particularly like was picking beans. Every year he would plant green beans and butter beans. I just wasn't good at picking them. He would go behind me and, just when I thought I'd done a good job, he'd show me all the beans I'd left on the plant. And, this man of few words, would use those times as a teaching opportunity. Without me even knowing I was being taught. Somehow, he helped me realize a strong work ethic, to never do a job halfway, even when it's not fun.

So, yesterday, with this year's Father's Day approaching, I decided to visit my dad. I turned off Highway 70 and the first thing I noticed were the flowers. They were gorgeous and they were everywhere, dotting the landscape. As I parked against the curb, I noticed that across the way, were other women, visiting their dads too. I kicked off my shoes and felt the cool green grass beneath my feet as I walked over to see dad.

 I looked down at the marker he and mom had picked out together so many years ago. I saw his name and then 1911-1996. The memories flooded in as I dug my toes into the grass. It was quiet. I felt at peace. For a few moments, I drank in the memories of the fun times we had together. And I was thankful for this day, this day that was set aside for us to honor and remember our dads. 

After a bit, I began walking back to my car. I glanced back over my shoulder at the marker and whispered, "See you later."

The further I walked, I felt emotion welling up within me. My heart felt heavy. I missed him. By the time I got to the car I knew that, any minute, I would probably shed some tears. And then, it happened. 

It's been said that God has a sense of humor. I think this day confirmed that for me. Without any warning, as I opened the door to my car, in the midst of the peacefulness, the quietness....

My car alarm went off! 

I scrambled for the key, for anything, to make it stop. It seemed to me it blared on and on forever. I could only imagine what the other people across the way were thinking. Finally, success! It stopped. I sat there, feeling the stress melt away. I began to breathe again. And somehow, in that moment, I felt emotion welling up inside me and....

I laughed out loud. 

That's when I knew, without a doubt, that God has a sense a humor. And somehow, I could just see my dad, looking down on the scene, with a big grin on his face. 

The sadness had passed and only joy remained. 

Father's Day. A day for fathers and for making memories. In the past, I often found myself dreading the day. In fact, sometimes I would even skip church and try to pretend it was just another day. Not anymore. Thanks to my Heavenly Father, this Father's Day is memorable in a good way. And, somehow, I have a sneaky suspicion that my own dad may have had a hand in it too. The same kind of 'hand' he'd used when he taught me life lessons when I didn't even know I was being taught. 

Only time will tell. 

Happy Father's Day!

Celebrate Life!

Jean

A Day for Mothers & Making Memories

None of my children live in the same town I live in. Therefore, it’s always interesting to see who makes contact first on Mother’s Day. We are a family of “text-ers” so I couldn’t wait to see whose text would come in first. Would it be my son, my firstborn? Or perhaps my oldest daughter who is now a mother for the first time? Or maybe my youngest, the daughter who is more responsible than I’ll ever be?

As I wondered, I tiptoed downstairs, opened the front door gently and plucked the Daily Times from the front porch. Carefully, I placed it on the table where my own mother would find it. Then I placed her Mother’s Day card on top, just so she wouldn’t miss it. She hasn’t felt well lately, not good enough to join me for church, but I knew that sometime during the morning she would enjoy reading the morning news along with her breakfast.

I busied myself getting ready, picking out just the right outfit and putting on the “war paint.” The wonders of age-defying make up never fail to amaze me. Just then, I heard it. The soft chime of a text message coming in.

I picked up the phone and smiled. My first Happy Mother’s Day text. From my first born and his lovely wife. Sweet. Later, the new mother chimed in; she would come by later today with a gift, and her hubby and baby girl. I could hardly wait! I finished getting ready and headed downstairs.

Mom was up and we exchanged a few pleasantries. The card had warmed her heart. I reminded her that, as soon as she felt better, I would follow through on her promised Mother’s Day gift: a manicure.

I slipped into church, a third row seat. I breathed a prayer of thankfulness, thankful for my mom, for my children, for my new granddaughter. So many blessings. Then a little green blinking light on the phone in the seat next to me caught my attention. Another text? But no, it was a missed call. And now I had a voice-mail. From my youngest. Again, I smiled.

Since I was in church, (I mean, the time of fellowship was over and the sermon was about to be delivered) I wouldn’t just pick it up and listen to the voicemail. But I did (and this is just between me and you) text my daughter to make sure she didn’t need anything. (You never stop being the mom.) All she sent back was: Listen to the voice-mail.

As soon as I got into my car after the service, I did just that. A sweet Mother’s Day message from my baby girl and her boyfriend.

They remembered. I love that.

So, even though none of my children live here, in this town, they do live here. 

Everyday. 

In my heart.

Wishing you a Happy Mother’s Day filled with opportunities to make memories or sweet remembrances of times past,

Jean

March Madness & Mad About You

The oddest thing happened when I tried watching the game today. The TV channel, that local CBS station that the NC State v. Georgetown game was to be shown on, was blacked out. Some days my TV is fickle. Go figure. And on today of all days. On this day when we North Carolinians are hoping to see if State would make it to the Sweet 16, those final 16 teams on the way to the final NCAA tournament game in New Orleans. And, just for the record, March Madness is a single elimination NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) basketball tournament and this 3rd round’s winners advance to be a part of the final 16 teams, then the Elite 8, the Final Four and on to the championship.

As I channel-surfed, trying to find another channel that it might possibly be on, I found Joel Osteen. Now, Joel is THE man for positivity. And I seldom turn down an opportunity to feed my soul with uplifting positive thoughts. While he wasn’t speaking about sports teams, he did encourage us to speak to people what we believe they can become. Maybe you see the potential for greatness in someone but they just don’t see it yet. You can make a difference by speaking greatness into their life. Joel used the example of Oprah and how, when she was young, someone had told her she was pretty. Until then, she had not believed it; she didn’t have confidence. But, because one woman simply complimented a little girl, it started her on the path of believing in herself.

So, as I kept up with the scores and play-by-plays online, I was reminded again of how simple, how easy it is to make a difference in the lives of those I come in contact with each day.

And while “March Madness” almost always refers to a really exciting basketball tournament, this month I challenge you to create your own “March Madness.” Remember that the God of the universe is mad about you. He loves you and he loves the people you come in contact with each and every day.

Today, you have the power to speak greatness and belief into the lives of others. Likewise, you have the power to speak negativity into their lives. Choose wisely. And make a positive, lasting difference. Change a life today.

Oh, and by the way, one of the first teams to make it to the Sweet 16 is NC State! Go Pack!

Mad about you,
Jean

Two Special Moments, One Beautiful Baby

They had told me. ‘They’ being all the grandmothers I know. They had told me that being a grandma was the best, that there was nothing like it, that it was incomparable. They were right.

As a new grandma (a.k.a Mimi), I can attest that there really is nothing like it. Of course, I’ve only been Mimi, officially, for 70 hours and counting, but I can tell you that it’s an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything.

The day of Maddie’s birth began much like any other day, except that I started the day earlier than usual, could hardly sleep the night before and felt so much excitement I could hardly stand it. Okay, so it wasn’t quite like any other day. In fact, I was so anxious to get to the hospital, I had to set my cruise control to keep from speeding on the highway…and on the side streets. Let’s face it. I lived on cruise control the whole way; it just wouldn’t do to get a ticket on the day of my granddaughter’s anticipated birth.

After much waiting and anticipating, the hour had finally arrived. In the waiting room, the father of the new dad got a text message (thank God for technology!) that read: Call me and put it on speaker phone.

As relatives and friends huddled around the cell phone (and, yes, it was rather like a football huddle), we found out Maddie had been born! And, just in case we might have doubted or thought this was some kind of joke, Maddie made herself known with an announcement of her own. Almost, as if on cue, the group’s audible “Awww…” carried through the waiting room in unison. Then, again as if on cue, we were silent, listening to Maddie’s sweet cries.

Expectantly, we waited by the nursery window to catch a first glimpse of ‘our’ Maddie. After a bit, there she was, with dad close at hand. I’d never seen him smile so big, except maybe the day he married my daughter. This was truly a special moment for all of us.

Cameras and cell phones clicked as pictures were taken. The excitement mounted. Every little movement, cry and yawn captured. We crowded by the window, stepping back only to give another member of our little troupe a closer look. After taking a few pictures, I realized, here we were, all together, rejoicing. All except MY baby girl.

I quickly texted her: How’s Maddie’s mama?
My daughter responded: I feel like I’m in a dream. But at least there are good French fries here. LOL

I wondered. Were there French fries or was this some crazy drug-induced figment of her imagination? I texted again: Can I sneak back there?
She responded: Yeah, but no boys allowed. I’m not decent.

I smiled. I love that girl’s sense of humor and the way she can turn a phrase.

The second special moment of the day was about to begin. I slipped away from the group of “oohs and ahhs” and found my way back to her room. There she was. My little girl. Now, not just a woman, but a mother. We spent a few sweet moments together before the nurse came to help make her ‘decent.’

And the French fries? They were real. It felt good that someone was taking good care of my little girl….and her appetite…after so many hard hours. And I realized how God is like that. When we’re alone and the people in our world are focused on other things, He’s there for us, taking care of our needs.

Two special moments and a beautiful baby. It just doesn’t get any better than this.

Those grandma friends of mine? 'They' were right.

Jean
a.k.a Mimi

Sometimes Things Go Wrong

Have you ever had a day when something went wrong? And no matter how you wished you could fix it, you couldn’t and it ended up costing you…a lot. Well, here’s what happened to me yesterday. I had been noticing this odd noise coming from the front of my vehicle. It seemed that as I drove faster, it got louder. It sounded much like a jet engine. And while I enjoy flying (when I have a window seat), I didn’t enjoy my car sounding like that.

I took it into the shop and when the guy behind the counter asked what the problem was, I really didn’t know what to tell him. “Well, it kinda, sorta sounds like a jet engine taking off.” As I began talking he began writing and, as I stammered through the rest of what I thought it might be, I tried to read, upside-down, what he was writing. I was curious to see if he was describing the problem in my words or if he had already diagnosed it. But, alas, his handwriting was akin to some doctors who write out a prescription and all the while you’re handing it to the pharmacist you’re hoping against hope they had some type of handwriting deciphering course in college. Not having had that course myself, there was no way I could know what this guy had scribbled on that little notepad. But he seemed pretty confident so I kept talking and he kept writing. Finally, he looked up, and asked me how long it had been sounding like that. Again, I was searching for the words. “Well, I just noticed it a few days ago. But I play the radio pretty loud so it could have been going on for quite some time.” It’s true. Music both soothes my soul and motivates me and it’s a big part of my life. I had only noticed the car’s odd noise when it began to be loud enough to interfere with my listening pleasure. He jotted down another note, took my car key with the promise they would call with an estimate once the mechanic had had a chance to check it out. I felt a little lost, leaving my car and walking away. After all we’d been through….I almost found myself saying, “Please, just take care of her; she’s all I’ve got...”

Now it always makes me a little nervous, waiting for that call. And yesterday was no exception. Within an hour the mechanic called. I missed it but got the voicemail. Of course, he didn’t leave the estimate on the voicemail, only a message to give him a call. I wondered, “Surely he would have left a message if it had been something simple….and inexpensive. What does this mean? A major repair? Thousands of dollars? Is the car beyond help?”

My mind raced as I hesitantly pressed the digits and heard the phone begin to ring. It was like calling my own doctor to find out test results, and hoping for the best, but preparing myself for the not-so-good news.

In the end, it had been a problem that I couldn’t fix. But the mechanic could. Only it would cost me. $500. But for that I would get my car back and she would be better than before. She would have a new wheel bearing assembly and new brakes to boot. And, wow, she sounded so much better, so much quieter.

When I picked up the car that evening, I didn’t turn the music up quite as loud. Instead, I turned it off and just listened a few minutes to her purr. It was like music to my ears. Then the thought of the $500 came to mind. And all the ‘stuff’ I could have bought with that $500. $500?! Why, that’s like….paying a ransom! (Sort of.)

I cranked up the radio. After all, I needed to soothe my soul, and the music did just that. I remembered to not dwell on the problem or what it cost to fix it. I remembered to be thankful it was fixed and me and my car were back in business. I reached down and turned up the music a little louder as Kool & the Gang and I began to sing, “Celebrate good times, c’mon…!” And in that moment, only that moment mattered. Me and my little car, we’re gonna celebrate and have a good time.

Joy. It’s a choice.

Celebrate life,
Jean