Waiting for the Ball to Drop




It's New Year's Eve, and my puppy Jack and I are waiting for the ball to drop. We are more than ready for a New Year.

2012 was a year of many losses for me following the Nashville Flood of 2010 in May and then my washing machine hose breaking in October 2010. After the massive water damage, seeing my house gutted, living in a tiny room at the Microtel for 9 months with a sick dog, having to pay for mold remediation and other repairs out of pocket, then having Landmark Construction cash their check and not finish the work, I lost my precious dog and faithful companion of 17 years, my dear little Miss Katy. Then I received so many damaged possessions back from the ServiceMaster in Nashville which did such a negligent job of packing out and storing my goods, it was just one devastating loss after another throughout 2012.

But 2012 was also the year I got my little dog Jack (who looks very sleepy in this photo), started a new job at Sears, got to be an extra on "Nashville" several times, qualified for a clinical study of high blood pressure and got all my tests and medications for free, got to be part of the Koinonia Family Reunion, and began trying to put my life back together. I am praying these new beginnings have paved the way for a happier 2013.

However, I am also trying to learn to "give thanks in all circumstances." It's a hard lesson, and I am not learning it very quickly. But I am thankful for my blessings and hope to focus on them more in the New Year.

Dr. Robert Emmons is a leading psychologist who studies gratitude and is the author of The Psychology of Gratitude. He says being grateful increases your chances of being successful in work, love and life.

The Bible puts it another way:

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. -- 1 Thessalonians 5:18

So while Jack and I wait for the ball to drop to usher in a New Year, I am going to concentrate on being grateful for my blessings... but I am still hoping for a better 2013! 

Happy New Year to my friends and readers.

Excerpt from: Waiting for the Ball to Drop: 2012 Year End Thoughts

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Birthdays Of Christian Artists - Month By Month List of Gospel Music Birthdays

Image
  MercyMe and me photo property of Kathryn Darden Do you enjoy Christian or gospel music? You may have and not known it as artists like Sixpence None the Richer, Mercy Me, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Jars of Clay, Vince Gill, Pat Boone, Sir Cliff Richard  and others have had their songs featured  on Top 10 Pop lists and other music lists for several decades. Have you ever wondered when your favorite gospel artist was born? Find out when your favorite Christian artists celebrates his or her birthday here! So, when do your favorite gospel artists celebrate their birthdays? There is no need to wonder any more!   Features Matthew West, Jeremy Camp, Kirk Franklin, Elvis Presley, Todd Agnew, Michael English, Michael Tait, Chris Tomlin, Bebo Norman, Sandy Patti, Kevin Max, BeBe Winans, Michael W. Smith, CeCe Winans, Toby Mac, Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Natalie Grant and more. January  birthdays of gospel artists include: Jere...
Read more

Choking on Honey: What to Do

Image
Choking on honey: What to do Honey is a thick, viscous fluid which can become trapped in a person's airway. While there are many articles written about using honey to remove obstructions from the throat, there is not much, if anything, written about what to do if someone is choking on honey. I had an experience where I was choking on honey and called the paramedics. I couldn't even speak by the time I had someone on the phone. By the time the paramedics arrived, the honey had dissolved enough for me to begin gasping for air.  The main thing is to NOT PANIC and not inhale it deeper while it is thick. Honey will slowly dissolve and thin out. Coughing helps to break it up if you can slowly suck in enough air to get a cough out.    Also see: Dr. Morgan Wills: What to do if choking on honey - Nashville Skin, Health & Beauty Examiner
Read more

'Naked and Afraid XL' and Mean Girl Cliques

Image
I just finished watching the third season of "Naked And Afraid XL." I respect these people for leaving the comfort, safety and security of home to face unknown hardships in remote and inhospitable places. I wouldn't choose to do it, so my comments should be viewed knowing I realize I could not do what these people have done. In addition, I am aware that most of the action and dialogue takes place off camera. All my impressions are compliments of a cameraman and a film editor and the scenes they chose to share. A lot happens that that I am completely unaware of. With these two disclaimers in mind, let's talk about Mean Girl Cliques on "Naked And Afraid XL." Every girl comes up against them in elementary school. They become a force to be reckoned with in junior high and have usually become more sophisticated and somewhat nicer in high school. Even boys know their wrath, but the cruelties of Mean Girls are normally reserved for other girls. Not so on...
Read more