Is it twenty ten or two thousand and ten...?

...I am not so sure of the difference... What I am sure about, is how exited I am to start this new year. I can already see new challenges to face, new people to meet, new projects to take on! Of course, I look back at where I was at this time last year, and I can't help but think about the changes that have occurred since this January 2009.

I feel less scared, less worried, less intimidated by my circumstances. I feel a new confidence, and assurance that I am the right path. On the other hand, I can't help but wonder how callous my heart is getting. Am I building too many walls around me? I think I am... but I can't remember how to put them down. I can't remember why I put them up in the first place... Well, that's a lie... I do remember. I don't like getting hurt. I don't like opening up. I don't like bothering people. Sigh. Will I ever learn? I will... I am. In the meantime, I will keep walking, because I can, because I know I am the right direction.

Would you tell me if I weren't?

Happy new year!

EED

A kind word can...

A kind word can change my mood,
A kind word can make me less grumpy,
A kind word can remind me to be more forgiving,
A kind word can help me focus on something besides myself,
A kind word can unlock the door of my heart and spread its content,
A kind word can put a smile on my face, make me forget my worries,
A kind word can make a difference in the way I treat my family, friends and coworkers,
A kind work can inspire me to be more inspiring to others.

A kind word might be what someone needs right now.

So, here is one for you: "You are loved, my friend".

Good night,

EED

Optimism...pass it on

During my quiet time, I like to leave the TV on, but I always mute the sound.

This commercial was on: a little boy in a baseball uniform was trying very hard to hit the ball. He kept trying and trying, but he was not able to hit it. After several attempts, he just stops, starts smiling, and said something. This is how I could tell how effective this commercial was, I didn't even need to hear what the kid was saying, it was all in his facial expression! OPTIMISM!

So what if you don't succeed the first 10 times? Keep trying! Trust me, if God wants you to know that a door is closed on a dream, HE will let you know. I know HE sent me very strong messages when I would not listen and I kept pursuing dreams that HE did not plan for me. They were very hard messages at times, but you know what? HE always let someone, or a group of people enter my life when I needed it. If only for a few weeks, or months, or a season of my life. When I take a look at the friends I have had over the past few years, they are all so different! Each of them were there for a season of my life, and they served a purpose and I will always love them for that! Always!

Optimism, pass it on...

EED

Don't stop

Tornado warning until late tonight.. severe thunderstorm warning all over the Miami Valley...
And there I was, in my car on my way home from a prayer ministry class at church... A voice is telling me,
- "Don't stop. Just keep going forward".
I replied:
-"But, I cannot see anything... I think I should stop by the side of the road and drive later... everybody is doing it..".
But the voice repeats:
-"Keep going, it's okay..."

And so, I did. I kept driving... the further I drove, the calmer the storm got.
I really needed to experience this tonight... I really did. My dream is not dead yet... I will keep driving, because I have to.

EED