Time Flies

'The bad news is time flies.  The good news is you're the pilot.'  Michael Althsuler

My supervisor posted this quote in the chat room last week.  What an awesome quote!  One of my coworkers made comments regarding turbulence and wind shears.   As I chuckled at his comments, I began to think about this quote and his comments and how they apply to everyday life.

'The bad news is time flies....'  Boy, does it ever!  Sayings like, 'where did time go;' 'there's never enough time;' 'time is of the essence,' come to mind.  We look around and time has 'slipped by.'  We put off until tomorrow those things we don't have time for today.  Then tomorrow comes and goes, not slowing or stopping to allow us to accomplish those things that we should have done yesterday.

'The good news is you're the pilot.'  Yes, that could be good news, depending on how we handle our time.  I guess this part of the quote says we are in control of what we accomplish during the time given to us each day.  It's all about making a choice, a decision, regarding what we do with our time.  Do we put off those 'hard' things; those aggravating things; those 'boring' things until tomorrow.  Okay, Scarlett O'Hara,  "Tomorrow I'll think of some way...after all, tomorrow is another day," and then tomorrow comes and goes leaving behind the unfinished business of yesterday.  Do we choose to procrastinate instead of dealing with today's challenges... today?  I understand that some things take time.  But are we working on those time consuming things....even a little bit at a time.  Or are we choosing to put them off until we reach a point of being out of time?  ???  Just a thought.

Visualizing the picture that this quote paints, I can see some of the obstacles we may run into as we attempt to swiftly pilot through the time given to us in our lifetime.  My coworker mentioned turbulence.  On our trip back from California in November of last year, we ran into turbulence.  The captain forewarned us of the impeding turbulence; however, he did not stop the plane, but continued to pilot through.  He used his time by preparing for the rough ride ahead.  When turbulence hit, he was prepared and we were prepared.  I am sure it was challenging, but he didn't waste time by panicking.  He did what he was trained to do and safely navigated us to our destination.  During our lifetime, we will hit some turbulence.  Do we panic and not deal with it?  Or do we continue to pilot through, knowing that ultimately, even though the plane is given to us to fly, God is in control.  Jesus prepares us by both forewarning us and assuring us in John 16:33.  So we can choose to trust that knowledge, our faith, to trust that we will make it to our destination, no matter how rocky the ride may be. Time stops for no one.  We must keep going, knowing that this too (this turbulence) will pass.

Sometimes, as we pilot through life, we hit a wind shear.  Something so forceful that it may knock us off course.  Do we stop, too petrified to continue, while time continues to pass us by?  Or do we take whatever steps are necessary to get back on track in a timely manner. In Romans 8:28-37 we are given the confidence that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, no matter how forceful those wind shears may seem.  We are more than conquerors, so choose to get back on course and keep going.  

So time does fly, but it is up to us to make the best of it.  With God's help we can successfully pilot through the time given to us each day and throughout our lifetime.  The choice is ours minute by minute; hour by hour; day by day; week by week; month by month; year by year.  What do you choose to do with your time right now?

Love ya,
Lolly

A Tribute to Mommie

Today, March 2nd, is my grandmother's birthday.  She was known to me and my brother as 'Mommie.' because she didn't want to be called any of those 'grandmotherly' names.  And yes, she spelled it with 'ie' instead of  'y.'  But she was every bit a grandmother and more to me and my bother.  I loved her dearly.

Mommie was born on March 2, 1897 and died on January 11, 1985.  She died of breast cancer that was not diagnosed until it was too late, because she didn't believe in doctors.  She had been treating the cancer, topically, with 'home' remedies.  It wasn't until my Aunt saw her getting dressed and saw that her breast was almost eaten away by cancer, that Mommie finally stubbornly agreed to go have it checked out. I'm stopping here to give a gentle reminder to all my female blog followers, as well as myself, to please have a mammogram done.  The National Cancer Institute recommends having a screening mammogram done every 1 to 2 years.  I know it is painful to have your 'boobs' smashed (as I call it), but it is necessary.  There, I said it, now I will get off my soap box.

The influence of my grandmother, as well as my mother, helped to shape the person I am today.  My grandmother was just as much a mom to me as my mother.  Her home was my second home.  My brother even returned to live with her after he got out of the Navy.  I went home to Mommie's everyday after school.  There, I had extended school of sorts.  Mommie was a retired school teacher and she took advantage of every opportunity to 'school' me.  I was writing in cursive long before my classmates, because Mommie taught me.  She taught me English, Biology and yes, the dreaded History, which was her favorite.  But more than academics, Mommie taught me about life.  She was the one who had the 'talk' with me.  My mom was uncomfortable discussing the 'birds and the bees' with me, but Mommie pulled no punches and shot straight.

Mommie took me to church with her until my parents decided to start to go to church regularly.  At that time, she was Pentecostal, so church was kind of a different adventure to me.  Not only did she take me to church, but she also talked to me about the Lord and the Bible.  Those seeds that she planted took root in me and bore fruit when I accepted Christ.  And not only did she 'talk the talk' but she lived it and her faith was strong and evident in her life.  I remember a couple years ago, when my brother was struggling with believing in God, he said if there is a heaven, I know that Mommie (our grandmother), Ma (that's what he calls our mother) and you (yours truly) will be there.  

Some grandparents take a 'hands off' approach to grandparenting, but not Mommie...literally.  She was gentle, kind, and loving but there were consequences if you misbehaved.  I only got three spankings in my life (yes, I deserved more) and two of the three were given by my grandmother.  No sparing the rod and spoiling the child with her.

Mommie never complained about having me or my brother around.  She seemed to enjoy it and so did we.  It all seemed very natural and her love for us was genuine.  Now as I consider my relationship with my grandchildren and how natural it feels to do the things that I do for them and how genuine my love is for them, I realize that Mommie lives on in me.  I may not be exactly like her in many ways, but her influence is obvious in the way that I grandparent.  I only recently realized that grand-parenting seems so natural to me because my grandmother had such a strong influence on my life.

I miss Mommie terribly, but I am thankful that she was my grandmother.  She left a legacy of grand-parenting that hopefully I can emulate.

Happy Birthday, Mommie!

NATIONAL AMERICAN MISS...365 !!!: Meet The 2010-2011 National All-American Miss Jr. ...

NATIONAL AMERICAN MISS...365 !!!: Meet The 2010-2011 National All-American Miss Jr. ...: " Hello my name is A’lycia Hill I am a junior at Walter Hines Page High School. My activities include cheerleading, student council, p..."

Happy Birthday Nana!

Today my mom, more affectionately known to many as Nana, is 91 years young.  This blog is dedicated to her.

What a blessing it is to be her daughter!

My memories of my mother are pleasant ones.  I used to call her my 'head cheerleader.'  She was a constant source of support and encouragement.  Much of who I am today can be attributed to the positive influences of my mother and my grandmother (more about my grandmother on her birthday next week).  I speak of my mom in past tense, not because she is deceased, but because Alzheimer's has adversely affected her cognitive abilities to the point that sometimes she doesn't know who she is speaking with when I call her on the phone.  The memories of her live on in me, though. 

My mom said that growing up, I was a 'daddy's' girl.  I'm not too sure about that.  My father was an awesome provider.  I never really lacked anything. Not while growing up, anyway.  I grew up in a middle class family and I knew if I wanted anything, all I had to do was ask my father.  But mom gave much more than material possessions.  Mom gave of herself.  Mom loved me unconditionally, totally, completely.  She believed I could do anything, become anything, accomplish anything I set my mind to do.  Even when I fell short of her expectations (which I did frequently), she would still believe in me and encourage me to keep trying.  'I can't' was not part of her vocabulary nor would she allow it to be a part of mine.

Mom genuinely loved people and people loved her (and still do).  You couldn't be around her without feeling loved and accepted, no matter where you were in life.  In her older years, youth and young adults gravitated toward her.  She was always so open and loving.  Her job as an administrative assistant to the Dean of the Library School at the University of Chicago was perfect for her.  The students loved her and were constantly 'hanging out' in her office.

Mom always lived a 'good' moral life.  She had been exposed to church and religion all of her life.  Her father had even been a Methodist minister.  Her heart's desire was always to help and encourage others in what ever ways she could.  It wasn't until her retirement years, however, that she fully accepted Christ as Savior.  And if you were ever around her, you knew that Jesus was her Lord.  She made sure of that.  Somehow, the conversation would always turn to accepting Christ and going to church, whether she was talking to a friend or family member or even if she was talking to a complete stranger.  The last time I visited her, Alzheimer's had fully set in, yet before I left, she broke into a very LOUD rendition of 'Jesus Loves Me.'

In many ways, I think my life now has begun to mirror my mom's  I genuinely love people and people love me (I think).  I am unashamedly Christian.  I love youth, many of whom affectionately call me 'Grandma.'  My heart's desire is to minister, encourage and love others.  That is my ministry and the purpose of this blog.

Thanks Mom for your unfaltering love.  Thank you for your encouragement and influence in my life and in the lives of others.  Thank you for your legacy.  Your love is priceless.  I am indeed a blessed woman!

Happy Birthday, Nana!

Love,

Your daughter

Dani Johnson on Secret Millionaire - Sneak Peek With Helen & Ellen Love ...

Simplicity-KISS

As I write this blog, I wonder if my words are 'flowery' enough.  Do I need a Thesaurus within reach?  I guess if I really wanted to impress, I could greatly 'expound' on just about any subject.  Maybe more synonyms, antonyms, adjectives and adverbs would drive more traffic to my blog or make for more interesting reading.

I'm not out to impress, though.  I'm too old for that.  I'm not being paid for what I do, so I am not compelled to dot every 'I' or cross every 'T.'  My purpose is to share a thought, a smile, an encouraging word.  Help others to view everyday life in perhaps a different way.  I want to be transparent enough to let others know that I have or I have had some of the same struggles they may be experiencing.  I want to share a window through which they may see some of the life lessons I am learning along the way. More importantly, I want to give others a chance to share their lives here by posting comments on this blog.  You never know who you will minister to.  Even sharing our fears, shortcomings and failures can serve as a catalyst to get up and try again.

So I encourage you to keep reading and if you like, starting sharing.  I believe you will be blessed.  I promise to:

Keep
It
Simple
Salley (no, I will not call myself stupid...Salley is my last name)

Kisses,

Lolly

Share the Love

Hi Everyone!

I'd like to challenge everyone to do something special this week.  Whether it is a random act of kindness, i.e., paying for the person behind you in the fast food drive thru or buying a meal for a homeless person, etc.  Or maybe visiting a shutin, or making a phone call to that 'not so nice' relative and letting them know you are thinking about them.  Maybe paying a bill for a friend or volunteering to help an elderly person around the house.  The list goes on and can be as creative as you can imagine.  Let's just do something and share the love with someone.  Then post your experience(s) here, if you'd like.

I'm looking forward to your comments.  Please participate and accept the challenge!

Happy Valentine's Day!  Let's 'Share the Love!'

Just Be

Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God...
I posted something similar to this on  Facebook a few weeks ago, but God has once again ministered to me through meditation on His Word and I wanted to share it here.  Praying that someone will be blessed and encouraged by this post.

Went to bed last night feeling a bit overwhelmed.  How would I accomplish everything I need to do in the coming weeks?  Trying to get started on a new home-based business   Trying to get exposure for my blog and keeping it up to date.  Helping my beautiful granddaughter prepare for an upcoming pageant.  Being there for my daughter as she prepares for the birth of her third daughter, my fifth grandchild.  Helping my 'adopted' daughter while she is recovering from surgery for the next six weeks.  House and pet sitting for a friend while she is out of town.  And in the midst of it all, finding time for everyday life like work, volunteering, homeschooling, family, church...God?

Then, the Lord woke me up around 5:30am this morning and gently reminded me to 'Just Be.'  He is to have priority in my life.  Make time for Him first and He will come alongside to help me with the rest.  It isn't about what I can accomplish on my own, but what He will do through me.  Loving and helping others is what I do...what I am called to do in my life.  I must first submit (daily) to Him, and let Him plan my day.  By submitting, the burden of 'doing' is lifted and I can relax and 'Just Be.'  Spending time with Him first brings a refreshing and a supernatural energy to do only what He calls me to do for the day.  After all, the steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord (Psalm 37).

About two years ago, the Lord ministered to me as I meditated on the first part of Psalm 46:10...'Be still and know that I am God.'  I examined that all-familiar phrase and broke it down:

Be still and know that I am God

Be still and know that I am

Be still and know that I

Be still and know that

Be still and know

Be still and

Be still

Be

Then the Lord said, 'Just Be'

Today, as I reexamined that same scripture, studying the words 'Be Still' found in Psalm 46:10, I found that the Hebrew words can also be translated,  'Enough,' 'Stop,' 'Let go,' etc. (see reference below).  Enough with the worrying.  Stop trying to figure it all out.  Let go and let God handle everything.  Just Be!

Love ya!

Reference taken from a footnote in the Fire Bible, Student Edition (my youngest granddaughter's bible):

'Psalm 46:10 BE STILL.  The Hebrew words here can also be translated, "Enough," (i.e., "Stop"), "let go," or :"quit holding on" to things that may be distracting or weighing you down spiritually---things that keep you from honoring God and giving Him his proper place in your life.  Through God's Word and through individual lives, we have seen enough evidence of God's presence and power at work for his people (vv. 7-9) that we can be at peace in the fact that he has everything under control.  God is all-powerful, and eventually everyone who ever lives will recognize and acknowledge that fact.  He will always take care of his people and accomplish hi purposes on earth.'

Free Makeover

 Controversy has surrounded this young man's life, but I believe this song is anointed.  Listen to the words and allow the words of this song to minister to you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFPHBzpyvkE

The new year brings desires and opportunities for 'new beginnings.'  The shortcomings, mistakes and yes, let's call it as it is, even the sins of last year motivate us to try to make changes in our lives.  So we make resolutions and try to make changes on our own.  Many of us mistakenly look for immediate change.  We try so hard to make it happen.  Then discouraged, we give up and go back to what is easy and comfortable.  Or there are those of us who are aware that we need to make positive changes, but why even bother?  We have tried before and failed.  Status quo is less complicated.

Change, though, takes time.  And, I believe, it is something that we cannot accomplish on our own.  First we must recognize and admit the need for change.  Some of us have worn masks for so long, hiding who we really are, that we have accepted the facade.  We continue to live our lives keeping up the appearance that everything is okay.  Why risk exposing ourselves to the reality of change?  But God knows who we really are, even behind the mask.  Change, then, has to begin by admitting to the One who knows all, that we have fallen short and then earnestly asking for His help.

Then, like an onion, God begins to peel back the layers of our lives and by His Spirit, exposes the core of who we really are.  The part of us that we hide from others, or even from ourselves.

Then the Master Potter begins to recreate us through our brokenness, shaping and molding us into the person He intended us to be.  Sometimes the process may be lengthy.  Many times it is painful.  But in His loving hands, a new reality is created.  An opportunity for a new beginning is given to us again.

Just as we feel the need to start afresh each year, God gives us an opportunity to start afresh each day.  His mercies are new 'every morning.'  Great is His faithfulness.  We can change.  We can be made over.  His makeovers are free.  It begins with our submission to His creative and loving hands.  God can and will make us over...and over...and over again.

Love ya!

2 Corinthans 5:16-18
Galatians 6:14-16
James 1:17-19
Romans 6:4
Psalm 139
Psalm 44:20-22
¹⁷Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

In Celebration of Life

It has taken me several days to post this, but I am praying that someone will be helped by it. 

Life, to me, should be celebrated.  No matter how it came to be.  God is the giver of life; no matter how it was  conceived.  Do I condone pregnancy out of wedlock?  Of course not!  I believe sex outside of marriage is NOT what God intended.  Abstinence is possible; even in today's world.  Sex is not a tool to be used to keep a man or women interested.  It is not an avenue to provide something fun to do.  Within the confines of marriage though, sex can be a beautiful expression of love and intimacy.  It is a choice that one has to make.

Getting off my soapbox and back to the subject matter.   I believe that all life is 'God breathed.'  God has a plan and purpose for every created being.  No life is a mistake.  Look at Psalm 139:13-16.  See the creative hand of God evident in life?  See how God knows life even at the time of conception?  Life is beautiful and wonderful.  Life is truly a gift from God.  Children are truly a gift from God.

Life, in my opinion, begins at the moment of conception.  Psalm 139:16 says, ...your eyes saw my unformed body...Think about it.  How awesome is that?  Life then, is not just a group of cells to be disposed of at will.  Again, I say, life is God-breathed.  It is to be celebrated.

Approximately two years ago, my grandson was born prematurely.  He lived about 8 hours.  As I witnessed the physical and emotional pain of induced labor that my daughter was going through, I knew that people were praying for us.  Calls came from the church, bringing prayers and words of encouragement.  I remember in one of those calls, someone prayed and counseled me saying that God had a plan and purpose for my grandson's life.  How could that be?  Yes, I questioned God.  Then Christian, my grandson, was born.  I touched his skin.  I looked at his perfectly formed hands and feet. Then, even though no attempt was made by hospital staff to save his life, I saw him take a breath while in his mother's arms.  It was at that point in time I realized Christian's purpose.  For me, seeing his perfectly formed hands and feet;  touching his skin and witnessing him taking a breath served to solidify my belief in the Creative Hand of God.  Yes, I was hurt and disappointed, but yet, not angry at God.  My belief in God and who He is was strengthened that day and I promised Him that I would share my experience with others.

Choose life and celebrate it.  Don't throw away (abort) the gift of God that is within you.  Don't judge the person who chooses life instead of abortion.  Celebrate the life within and trust God for the rest.  I will neither condone or condemn those who have chosen to conceive out of wedlock, but rather I will celebrate the life that God has created and learn from it.

Youth, please remember to choose to honor God with your body.  Treat it as the temple of God.  You are the creative workmanship of God.  Peer pressure and the mentality of the 'world' would try to encourage you to dishonor God with your body, but with God's help, you can wait.  Abstinence is a viable option.  Focus on becoming the person that God created you to be.  Celebrate YOUR life.

My son and my daughter have given me five wonderful grandchildren (including Christian) and one more 'on the way.'  I am so blessed.  They have enriched my life!  I also have another grandson (by marriage), and though I don't get to see him, I am proud to be his grandmother.  In addition, I have 2 other grandchildren that the Lord has placed in my life.  I love them as if they are my own.  Beyond that, I have an abundance of children who call me 'grandma.'  I believe that my relationship with all of them is God-ordained.  I am truly blessed and in spite of any circumstances, I celebrate their lives as a gift from God.  I choose to CELEBRATE LIFE!

Love ya!

Jeremiah 29:11
Psalm 139
Genesis 2:5
Romans 12:1-2
I Corinthians 6:12-20

Breakfast

Ending the 2nd week of my fast.  Woke up this morning wondering what I should eat for breakfast.  I can have oatmeal, but I have been having my oatmeal with bananas and a sprinkle of nuts.  I've run out of bananas and nuts.  Time and money are limited this morning.  I just don't like plain old oatmeal.  Ugh!

As I sit here writing this blog now, though, I'm not starving anymore.  No, I don't feel full.  I just feel satisfied. Jesus said, 'I am the Bread of Life.'  Spending time with Him and His Word has satisfied my need this morning.

What are you hungering or thirsting for this morning?  What needs do you have?  God can and will meet those needs.  Feed on Him.

Love ya!

Deuteronomy  8:2-3
Matthew 5:6
Luke 11:2-4
John 6:31-33
Philippians 4:19

And if you are REALLY hungry:
John 6 (Entire chapter)
Philippians4 (Entire chapter)

Light Up the Sky

Light Up the Sky by the Afters
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LQH6UDi15s

Yesterday, I got up feeling a 'slight' sense of dread because after 2 days off from work, I was going to start my work week, my Monday, again (I don't work on Tuesday and Wednesday).  To be honest, I felt a little sad.

Then, while my fifteen year old granddaughter and I were in the car later yesterday morning, this song came on the radio.  My granddaughter started singing along with the radio and, for the first time, I really listened to the words.  As we turned into my apartment complex parking lot, I looked at the sky.  After the Wednesday's 'gray day', God had painted such a beautiful picture of blue, sprinkled with splashes of white fluffy clouds.  He had literally lit up the sky.  In that moment, I sensed the presence of God.  He literally lit up my life and my mood changed.  I realized that no matter what I faced on my job that night, whether it be technical difficulties or difficult customers, He would be with me.

God can and will bring light to the dark places in our lives.  After all, He is light!  How awesome is that?  Let Him light up your life today!

I John 1:5


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dodmTXarNFs

Seasons

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADWBpYD4e9Y 

Today's forecast (according to WXII.com):  Rain mixed with and possibly changing to wet snow (2"-4" accumulation in the mountains).  Wintry mix possible tonight, then clearing and colder.  Patches of black ice possible. 

Ugh!  I don't like winter! Lifeless looking trees.  Cold quietness.  No bees buzzing and very few birds chirping.  Ugh!   I don't like gray days!  Gray days are not fun.  Gray days are depressing sometimes, especially when the weather prohibits me from getting out and doing what I want to do (like possibly tomorrow morning).  Gray days make me feel isolated.  I'm easily agitated and aggravated.  I feel bored and if I can't get out of the house for long periods of time, I begin to get a little stir-crazy.  SUN,  where are you?  Please come out and rescue me!  Hurry up, springtime!

Ah, spring!  The season of new life!  One of my two favorite seasons!  Trees begin to bud and flowers begin to bloom.  The earth begins to live again.  A beautiful type of serenity hangs in the air.  Can you feel it?  Peaceful.  Oh, I know we will have rainy days, but the rain has a purpose.  It helps to give life to what was dead.  Knowing why it is raining makes it more easy to tolerate.  No more isolation.  I'm out and I'm moving.  I am alive again!

Then comes summer.  Long days.  I wish the day would be over quickly.  The heat and humidity are exhausting sometimes.  It's so hot sometimes, I think I can't breathe.  Then night comes and brings a respite.  The coolness of night allows me to rest and get up the next morning refreshed...ready for whatever the day may bring.  Still those long, hot days of summer make me feel uncomfortable sometimes.

After summer comes my second favorite season...fall.  The beauty of fall is amazing.  God paints a beautiful kaleidoscope of deep colors against a pastel blue sky.  So refreshing.  It's as if nature is having its last performance before succumbing to winter.

Each season brings change.  Each season is necessary.  So it is with our lives.

• The winters in our lives are usually the most painful and difficult.  Emotions may be cold.  We may feel isolated or choose to be isolated because of the pain.  Something in our lives is dying or has died.  It is hard to believe that we will live again.  But it is only through this processing of dying that we can move on the newness of spring.
• The springtimes in our lives brings new hope and new beginnings.  It is a time to begin to live again.  Start fresh.  Renew.  And when it rains, we know it is only to help us grow.
• Our summers can be challenging.  Life brings struggles that tend to weigh us down.  We become exhausted by our trials and challenges, but God in the midst of it all brings peace...if we let him.
• Then there is fall.  When we finally see the beauty of Who God is in the midst of the changes of our lives.  We look through His kaleidoscope and see life as He intends it to be.  We allow Him to prepare us for the next season with the assurance that no matter what changes life brings, He will be there with us.

What season are you in?  Maybe you are in more than one.  Maybe you are transitioning to the next.  Remember seasons come and season go.  Challenges come and challenges go.  Change is necessary so that we may grow and become all the God wants us to be.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Jeremiah 29:11-14

Love ya,


Lolly

Introducing Panning for Gold

 Who me?  Blog?  Who'd ever thunk it?  Just to let you know...I may not always be grammatically correct.  Not planning to dot every 'i' and cross every 't'.  I'm just planning to be me.  Wow!  I made a rhyme already!  This is good!


I'm excited about blogging.  Why?  I don't know.  I have always enjoyed writing.  Never any complaints from me when the teacher would assign an essay in school (btw, that was a long time ago).  It has been hard for me to focus long enough to write nowadays, though.  I guess this season of fasting and prayer is teaching me to become more focused and disciplined, hence I think I can handle this blog thing.  We shall see!


What will  I be blogging about?  Glad you asked.  Let's see.  The purpose of this blog.  The why's, the what's, the who's?  Let's start with what I DON'T plan to do.  I don't plan to use this blog as a virtual pulpit. I don't plan to preach (I used to preach behind a pulpit, but most people don't know that...so shh...).  I just want to share and I want you to share, too.   As God gives me nuggets, I DO plan to share them.  In fact, I believe that God has already given me several little nuggets to share.  More about that later. Back to what I don't plan to do.   I DON'T plan to use this blog to verbally lash out at any person, place or thing.  Opinions are fine.  Everyone has at least one or more.  Opinions, though, are just that.  They are thoughts, feelings, even conclusions that may or may not be valid or based on facts.  Opinions can be harmful, though, if they are expressed to berate, belittle, tear down or discourage.  I am an encourager by nature, or so I have been told.  I want to build up, not tear down.  I DON'T plan to use profanity on this blog, so consequently, any comments or posts by others on this blog that contain profanity will be DELETED!  Okay, enough with what the blog isn't.  Let's move on to what I envision this blog will be, do, become...whatever.  You know what I mean (I hope).


One of the definitions I found for the word 'blog' is an online diary/journal.  Wikipedia says:  


"The personal blog, an ongoing diary or commentary by an individual, is the traditional, most common blog. Personal bloggers usually take pride in their blog posts, even if their blog is never read. Blogs often become more than a way to just communicate; they become a way to reflect on life..."

With that being said, and for those of you who like lists or short, concise statements, here goes.  My blog:

• Will be a place where everyone can participate.  I'm interested in what you have to say.  Hence the name of the blog, 'Panning for Gold.'  I want you to share your nuggets.
• Will be about life.  Life happens everyday.  Transparency is not a problem for me.  I want to share life with you.
• Will give me, as well as you, an opportunity to share a smile, a warm-fuzzy, even a tear.
• Will be informative.  I will share the who, what, when (I might not always know the 'why') of my life.  I will post upcoming events happening not only in my life, but in yours, the community and the church.  Please feel free to share any informative posts.
• Will share golden nuggets that I believe God has given me to share.
• Will be a place to share Life Lessons.  If I had a penny for all the lessons that life has taught me so far, I would be rich.  I want to share the wealth.
• Will be a place of fellowship/community.  A more intimate kind of 'facebook.'
• Will be a place to share the funny stuff of life.

My blog will be a place of encouragement and love.  A place of acceptance and understanding.  A place where it is okay to take the mask off and be real.  It will be a place 'just to BE.'  What else will this blog be?  Only time will tell and only HE knows.

Bedtime.  First blog coming soon.  Keep checking back.

Love ya!

Lolly

Oh, I haven't completed my profile yet.  Will work on that soon!