Family traditions connect us to our loved ones near and far, and can last for years and even generations.  They build bonds and can cross miles and time zones. Traditions may come and go, but the memories remain in our hearts.

It’s both a mystery and a surprise on what our summer flower arrangements will look like.  They are all uniquely different year after year, yet include most of the same flowers and folage.  The selection of choices are varied, there are sturdy ones, fragile ones, tall ones, short ones, some that need lots of sun and others that require little, and some that depend on a mix of both sun and shade.  A few flowers seem friendly like daisies, or sassy like snap dragons,  others are delicate, and some that appear wispy.

Do you ever feel like you are in the middle of the ocean with no land in sight? Your goal is to get to the other side, but no matter how long you’ve been on your journey, you see nothing but overwhelm in the distance, and getting across seems almost impossible. If this sounds familiar, then you’re in good company.

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in celebrating the Memorial Day holiday with friends and family, that we lose sight of the real significance of what the day really represents.  These military men and women weren’t seeking fame or fortune, but sacrificed their own lives and safety, out of love and duty, for the land we call home.

Over the years, perhaps out of maturity or age, I am learning to make right, what I have made wrong.  It is very humbling to ask for someone’s forgiveness, saying I’m sorry; hoping minimal damage has been done. Things we say in haste may have a profound affect on someone’s  life, without even realizing it.

My Mom wasn’t the picture you might imagine for a farmer’s wife, she always seemed so glamorous and beautiful to me.  She was a lady through and through, and it was important that her children were well-mannered and polite.  Going to church every Sunday was a must, no questions, no complaining…..it was a given.  We knew, even though Dad handled most of the discipline, it was under Mom’s direct order.

In life, everyone faces unwanted challenges and we choose to either conquer them or we don’t.  We may feel isolated and weary, and no matter how hard we try we can’t overcome them; but if we look hard enough there are always life lessons learned.  If we begin to see these challenges or hurdles as blessings or wishes, we come out stronger on the other side.  Sometimes climbing that mountain is the answer to the prayer.

As a young farm girl I have wonderful memories of being around the animals.  One of my favorite memories was the daily ritual of climbing on the long, silver, metal gate that separated the green pasture from the barnyard.  As my Dad herded the livestock back to the barn at the end of each evening, he would swing that gate closed, signifying the end of another work day; but to me it was the greatest ride in the world.d

She has always been the kind of girl that knows exactly what she wants, and won’t stop until she gets it (perhaps a little like a bull).  She is tenacious and driven, with a good head on her shoulders.  Throughout high-school her friends would be in a situation and would think WWHD (what would Hannah do), I always got a big kick out of that one.

Meditation is something I have tried a handful of times in my life, but never felt I was very successful.  I would close my eyes and think I was meditating, until my long to do list would go across my mind like a ticker-tape at the stock exchange.  

Being aware of the possibility of having perfectionist tendencies that I  may or may not possess, I have been attempting to let go and surrender.

Have you ever struggled with knowing what your natural gifts and talents are, or are you one of those people that has always known?  If so, consider yourself blessed.  I happened to be one of those people that didn’t know what mine were; or at least in my mind that is what I kept hearing.

Did you ever notice the older you get the faster time seems to fly, almost like you were standing still? Some days I feel like life is passing me by, and it’s as if I am watching from the sidelines and can’t make it stop.   That’s when I have to pause, take stock, and remember to live in the present; not the past or the future.  I have to remind myself to stop rushing into tomorrow.

Let their sun-shiny gladness marinate within your soul, and then spread that warmth where ever you go.  Things seem brighter and hope appears.  Notice what a difference it makes in your day, and the ripple effect it has on others.

I admire those that serve(d) in all the armed forces and sacrifice(d) themselves every day to keep our soil safe.  I  feel gratitude and appreciation for the families and loved ones of those men and women that serve(d).  Thank you for your faith, courage and strength.

Even though I consider myself a spiritual person, I often get in my own way, and stuck in my head, which is filled with worry and fear, instead of leading with my heart. Listening to my head holds me back from my true gifts and potential. When I make a conscious effort to really listen with my heart, I can feel a shift and the rhythm of my life seems to fall in place.

As I made my way onto the bus, clunky clubs in tow, one of the young men said “Hey, you’re new, I’ve never seen you before.” I replied, “You’re right, hi, my name is Sheryl, what’s yours?”  Without hesitation, we shook hands, and just that easy, I was accepted as part of the group.  There were four young gentlemen, all placing their clubs in the back of the bus, each one was wonderfully unique and special.

As it turns out they were celebrating ME! Yep……ME! My friends and family were so excited that I was sharing my gift and starting this blog, they wanted to show their grace, love and support by coming together to present me with money for a new computer (which had recently died).  You can’t imagine my surprise and shock in the events that took place in orchestrating such an act of love and kindness for me, including those special souls that weren’t able to join the celebration in person.