Holidays can be a tough time, for a lot of reasons. This year, I can't help but to give pause and remember lives that, in my opinion, were just too short. One in particular that came without warning, Stacey Blevins. I've said before that many of us have no idea the impact we have on others. Often we never realize the significance of small gestures that change the course of some one's day. Stacey died unexpectedly after giving birth to her only child, a little girl, three weeks after becoming a Mother. Stacey always called me "Carson-Newman". She was familiar with where I had gone to college and just that nickname made me feel special. Those little things that we do, or don't do, can have a lasting impact in the lives of others. I do not aspire to be anyone else but the me that God created. I do though hope to be a better me every day. I learned from you Stacey and I am sorry that I never got the chance to tell you.
The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.
Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
Stacey you were beautiful.
In October, I celebrated 2 years since diagnosis. I have achieved so many of my goals, living the truth that we are all so capable of so much more than we think we can do...including curing yourself from a "terminal illness". Buddha said, " The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly." Medical statistics are known to speak in 5 year survival rates. When patients are just numbers there's no empathy for what even just another day can mean. God help me to remember that every moment makes a difference in the life of someone. That the veil between right now and even a year from now is thinner than we think. That though time seems to pass so quickly, spending it wisely is beyond just a catchy phrase. More than 75 years ago, Henry Luce wanted to choose a word that would describe the passing events of a day... he chose the word "Time". Time magazine has chronicled the events of our world in ways that have captured us. Often spurring emotions to be different than we are. As equally important as spending my time wisely help me also use my words wisely, recreating myself to not only be original, but also decent, moral and kind.
"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this...I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do."
Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt
Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2:2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 2:3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with Child. 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger;
because there was no room for them in the inn.
2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the LORD. 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into Heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the LORD hath made known unto us. 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the Child, His Name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before He was conceived in the womb.I can do All things through Christ who strengthens me.
