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Hi everyone,

This blog has moved to www.talkingamongfriends.com.  

Please visit me there!

Hugs,
Becky

Being Whole with Missing Parts

I saw a story on CBS Sunday Morning this past weekend about wounded warriors playing music, lead by Roger Waters of Pink Floyd.

One of these hero warriors lost a hand and both legs in Afghanistan.  He told the story of how when his world was crashing down around him, he heard God's voice ask "do you still trust me?"  In that moment, that brave soldier trusted. The result, despite the loss of limbs, he said he's never felt more whole in his life.

His words and his attitude touched me and inspired me in a profound way. 

That statement brought me to tears as I watched the video of this young man singing "Hallelujah", backed up by a band of other hero soldiers, including a drummer who had lost both legs and an arm, and could still play a mean set of drums.

In a very tiny, tiny way, I can relate. Having a double mastectomy due to breast cancer hasn't made me less of a person...or less of a woman. (Of course I have the most amazing husband, who encourages and supports me with his unconditional love.)

I can relate to that soldier because in some ways I've never felt more whole.  God uses the tragedies and tough times in our lives to lead us to something good. God saved my life, and saved the lives of these soldiers for a purpose.

I have such gratitude for my life, and pray to fulfill the purpose of God's will.

So, despite what we all think is missing in our lives, whether physical or emotional, maybe we need to take a moment to be grateful for all we do have....and not focus on what's missing.  

I guess we need to ask ourselves "do we trust God?"

Thoughts to ponder as we head into the season of thanks.

If you're interested, here's the link to the uplifting and inspiring story on CBS Sunday Morning:  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-3445_162-57611639/band-of-brothers/

It's worth your time to watch.

Staying Present

I saw a quote this week from a friend on Facebook:  Whatever happened to being in the moment when you do something?

It got me to thinking.  Are we all so busy multi-tasking that we forget to be in the moment?  To enjoy what's going on right this minute?

I know some of us are always thinking about tomorrow, about the step or even the next item on our list? We're planning, organizing and thinking about the future.  

Believe me, there's nothing wrong with planning and organizing.  Sometimes that helps us enjoy what's yet to come.

But is your ear so glued to your cell phone, that even when you're checking out at the grocery store, you can't put the darn thing down to say hello to the cashier and thank the teenager who's bagging your groceries?  Or even just to focus on the task of unloading your grocery cart with more than one hand? (Can you tell this is one of my pet peeves?)

How many of us are truly appreciative of today, of this moment?  In this moment, I'm doing something I love (writing on my blog).  I am in my beautiful home actually enjoying the rainy weather.  God is good, because I'm able to do this.

Even if you're not at the perfect job, or your kids are driving you crazy, or you're facing illness or problems... isn't it time to take a look around? To be thankful that you have a job, that you are blessed with children, and that good doctors are all around us?

I've had cancer twice and God still wants me here.  So while I'm here on this earth, I want to be present in every moment.  Even in the routine, like going to the grocery store, I want to stay involved with what I'm doing. If nothing else, just to be courteous to those around me, standing in line behind me, or working hard as they ring up my grocery total and put my items in bags.

The reality is, no matter what we're doing, it's best if we only do one thing at a time before moving on to the next project.  I know I'm a better worker when I do that.

So, take a moment today to look around. Quit multi-tasking so much and enjoy right where you are, right now.  

Stay in the present.  Remember the quote from Ferris Bueller's Day Off: "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

I, personally, don't want to miss a thing!