God, what is the plan?

"God's plan for  your life far exceeds the circumstances of your day."

I'm sure all of us, at one time or another, have wondered what God's plan for our life is.  I know I have many times.  I've been through a lot, yet I've always come through each situation stronger and wiser.  Still, I constantly wonder what God's ultimate Plan for my life is.

I know we're not suppose to question God's plan, which is hard for me at times.  I get impatient while waiting for his timing.  I loss faith when people I care about are in sad, stressful or tragic situations.  

We're to have faith and believe that God knows what's best, accept his timing and pray for strength.  It sure would be easier if we knew where he will eventually lead us or what our lives will be like later on.

What I do know, or believe without fail, is that God doesn't want us to be in hard situations forever.  He wants us to learn the lessons we need to grow, for our greater good, which will lead us to the ultimate goal of God and that is to be caring, compassionate and above all Happy.  

"Be willing to leave everything behind in order to pursue God's plan for you."

I've been in situations more than once, where I had to leave everything behind to pursue God's plan for my self, as while as my youngest son.  None of those times were easy, however I can honestly look back without regrets, fully seeing now the better plans God had for us.

Those memories give me hope during difficult situations and restore my faith that God once again has a plan. A plan bigger and better than what I can think of myself.  So I'm praying for guidance and strength to help me through once again.  Believing with all my heart, that things will work out better than I can even imagine in my dreams.

 Praying that all my friends, current and past.  Believing there is a plan and a better tomorrow for us all.

God, what is the plan?

"God's plan for  your life far exceeds the circumstances of your day."

I'm sure all of us, at one time or another, have wondered what God's plan for our life is.  I know I have many times.  I've been through a lot, yet I've always come through each situation stronger and wiser.  Still, I constantly wonder what God's ultimate Plan for my life is.

I know we're not suppose to question God's plan, which is hard for me at times.  I get impatient while waiting for his timing.  I loss faith when people I care about are in sad, stressful or tragic situations.  

We're to have faith and believe that God knows what's best, accept his timing and pray for strength.  It sure would be easier if we knew where he will eventually lead us or what our lives will be like later on.

What I do know, or believe without fail, is that God doesn't want us to be in hard situations forever.  He wants us to learn the lessons we need to grow, for our greater good, which will lead us to the ultimate goal of God and that is to be caring, compassionate and above all Happy.  

"Be willing to leave everything behind in order to pursue God's plan for you."

I've been in situations more than once, where I had to leave everything behind to pursue God's plan for my self, as while as my youngest son.  None of those times were easy, however I can honestly look back without regrets, fully seeing now the better plans God had for us.

Those memories give me hope during difficult situations and restore my faith that God once again has a plan. A plan bigger and better than what I can think of myself.  So I'm praying for guidance and strength to help me through once again.  Believing with all my heart, that things will work out better than I can even imagine in my dreams.

 Praying that all my friends, current and past.  Believing there is a plan and a better tomorrow for us all.

Random Thoughts... for 2012

"Our life always expresses the results of our prominent thoughts." ~Soren Kierkegaa

This past year has flown by faster than any I can remember.  As a new year it about to begin, I have hundreds of thoughts and memories running through my mind each time I sit to write in my journal or work on my book.  Since I've been too busy to blog much in the past year, I thought I'd add a few of them now.  

• 2012 started Happy, had highs & lows & ended Great.
• The trials in between had much needed lessons.
• Everyone has experienced trauma in their life.
• We should all have more empathy and compassion.
• Traumas can transform if allowed to push us forward.
• I have shared experiences with my best of friends.
• We must leave our comfort zones in order to grow.
• That was needed for my new career and direction.
• We often stay in jobs and situations out of Fear.
• Have Faith! You don't know, what you don't know.
• Sleep deprivation is everyone's worst enemy. 
• Negative environments are not worth the damage.  
• Unhappy people find fault with each other.
• Hurting people, hurt others.  Don't let them hurt you.
• Showing kindness, can stop the negative verbiage
• Standing up for yourself shows self-respect.
• Immature people push blame and want revenge.
• Mature people try to understand why things happen.
• Respect, the words used and tone of voice do matter.
• It takes 10 positives to make up for 1 negative.
• Nikki Haley is my example of strength and leadership.
• She has character and someone I'd like to emulate.
• Being strong annoys the people who want control.
• We're suppose to put our children First!
• No amount of critisisum over the years helped us.
• Volunteering and getting involved is so rewarding.
• I meet the most amazing people when I volunteer.
• We all need our own friends, interest... Lives.
• No one should depend on you for their happiness.
• Anymore than you should depend on someone else.
• When you're direct and honest; don't ever feel guilty.
• It's more important what someone does than says.
• I'm not emotional any longer because I'm not afraid.
• I'm not afraid of dying or the future; I have Faith.
• When I see death, I pray for the souls and families.
• Kindness and Compassion are a Hugh part of my job.  
• The last job prepared me for my current career/job.
• Having the passion for it, makes me really good at it.
• So much accomplished... so much more I want to do!

"I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see." ~John Burroughs

 What we overcome... helps us Grow

Footprints on our Heart...

"Be mindful that today is a gift and tomorrow isn't certain.  So lets try to leave loving footprints on the hearts of every soul we meet." ~ME

Footprints In Your Heart

Many people will walk in and out of your life,

But only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.

Handle yourself, use your head;

To handle others, use your heart.

Anger is only one letter short of danger.

If someone betrays you once, it is his fault;

If he betrays you twice, it is your fault.

Great minds discuss ideas,
Average minds discuss events,
Small minds discuss people.

He who loses money, loses much;
He who loses a friend, loses much more;
He who loses faith, loses all.

Beautiful young people are accidents of nature,
But beautiful old people are works of art.

Learn from the mistakes of others.
You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.

Friends, you and me.
You brought another friend,
And then there were three.

We started our group,
Our circle of friends,
And like that circle -
There is no beginning or end.

Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is mystery.
Today is a gift.

That's why it's called the present.*

Eleanor Roosevelt

Unafraid...

"To be one's self, and unafraid whether right or wrong, is more admirable than the easy cowardice of surrender to conformity." ~Irving Wallace

"To express-unafraid and unashamed what one really thinks and feels is one of the great consolations of  life." ~Theodor Reik

"There is much in the world to make us afraid.  There is much more in our faith to make us unafraid." ~Frederick W. Cropp

Empty Nest again...

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Well.. almost a completely empty nest again.  I had a wonderful week with my 2 oldest sons visiting from Houston and Chicago.  They came home for 2 friends' wedding that was held yesterday... on 11/11/11, as well as for all the 'events' and festivities that were held earlier in the week. 

The week went way too fast of course, but it was very nice just the same.  This was the first time either had been back since I moved to my new place.  They loved it almost as much as I do.  And we all know how much that is.. right?!  ;-)

My oldest son brought his dog with him; which was an extra special treat for me.  Most of you remember that I had 'custody' of sweet Miss Pickles, the chocolate lab from Louisiana, for 3 years while my son was in grad school.  

She remembered me after about 5 seconds and was very excited as usual about people in general and absolutely any attention.  I was a little worried about her and the deer, however she was very well behaved and neither the deer nor Miss Pickles seemed very concerned with each other.  That was a relief.

My youngest son always likes when his brothers are around and he was able to show them his new job and tell them all about his responsibilities as a kitchen manager.  We are all very proud and happy for him!!

Now it is Saturday evening and both of my older sons are on the roads back to their homes and jobs.  It was a little bitter sweet as I won't get to see at least one of them over the holidays.  I'm hoping to be able to visit one over Christmas or New Years.  Just depends on the driving weather and my new job.  

Holidays can be hard on me; some years more than others.  And it's not really about the boys as much as my having the 'hope' and 'faith' of finding the right person for me to share those times with 'each' year that goes by.  Now don't get me wrong, I am very happy with my life in regards to who I am and how I live my life.  It would just be more 'complete' with someone special. ;-)

Have a wonderful rest of the weekend, Everyone!!

Hugs and Blessings,

Coreen XO

Believing in Me!

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 "You are in charge of your feelings, beliefs, and actions. And you teach others how to behave toward you. While you cannot change other people, you can influence them through your own behaviors and actions. By being a living role model of what you want to receive from others, you create more of what you want in your life." ~Eric Allenbaugh

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6 years ago I was still living back home in Nebraska. I say back home like it’s far away and that's funny because it’s just the next state over. In fact it’s only an hour from where I live now. However at times, it has felt like half way around the world from a 'small town' in Iowa.

The first few years here were incredibly hard for me. I had given up my home, my friends and a job I loved, with co-workers who were like family. What was even worse, I had given up my security for another person. That was a Hugh mistake that I will never make again. I now know that someone who truly loves you, wouldn't want you to give up everything; or anything that makes you happy for that matter.

I wanted to ‘believe’ all the ‘words’ and promises; that someone really wanted to 'share' lifes ups and downs and have a 'balanced' relationship.  I even convinced myself that it was God’s plan because this person came into not only my life, but also my son’s. At a time when I felt he really needed a man in his life. So I only saw what I wanted to see and I ignored my own gut. I wanted to ‘believe’ I was doing the right thing.

Moving to Iowa has worked out extremely well for my son and that I do believe was God’s plan. However I should have thought of myself back then and planned my move more carefully. But we live and learn and I have learned so much!

I learned that no one can take care of me better than I can take care of myself. That no one has the right to be manipulative and controlling; no matter what they’ve been through or how much they think you owe them. I have learned that I am stronger, smarter and braver than I ever imagined. I didn’t need anyone to help me with my son; I could do it on my own all along. I just needed to ‘believe’ in ME. 

"Self-confidence and a belief in yourself is a must. To instill confidence in others, you first must have confidence in yourself." ~Byron & Catherine Pulsifer, from Good-bye Manager, Hello Coach!

I want to say a special thank you to Shanae, @ Triumph and Tears for entering one of my previous post in her Contest.  Visit her Great blog when you can. :-)

They Tore the Cross Down!

The cross was put up out of respect to the fallen soldiers.  In a  country that was founded on Freedom of Religion and the right to fight for that Freedom.  We had 'faith' in the 'system' and we all need 'faith'. 

The system finally worked and the Cross could remain where it has been for 70 years.  So the people who didn't win, took it down and stool it in the middle of the night, hiding behind 'darkness'.  Darkness in more ways than one. Such heros aren't they?  What has happened to our country?
Don't Tear the Cross Down!
Archive 2010 - Big D & Bubba

Everyone has a story

Everyone has a story inside of them. Some more than others, depending on a person's life experiences. Those stories, events in our lives, are what eventually make up what I call our 'emotional' DNA.

The title of my blog is from a very dear friend who knows a lot of my life 'stories'. She knows what I have been through and the adversities that I have overcome. She tells me that I am 'Velvet over Steel' and reminds of that whenever my spirits need a boost.

My hope is that this blog and the stories I plan to tell will help people. To 'boost' someones spirits and help encourage others to tell their stories. Everyone has at least a few stories that have greatly influenced their lives. Sharing our stories can help those in 'emotional' need to realize that they are not alone in what they are going through. Everyone wants to be understood.

Remember that when you meet someone in a familiar 'emotional' need, God probably put you in that situation so you can share 'your' story! We need to help each other emotionally as well as physically in times of trial.