Tag Archive | Celebration

New Beginnings

As we look to start a new year, many people build lofty resolutions only to fail. Remember that you can acheive anything you truly want but don’t wait until conditions are “perfect” as perfection rarely comes. “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” ~Theodore Roosevelt~

Perfection

“Better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing flawlessly.”~Robert Schuller~

Aim at perfection in everything, though in most things it is unattainable. However, they who aim at it, and persevere, will come much nearer to it than those whose laziness and despondency make them give it up as unattainable. ~Lord Chesterfield~

We are often ineffective and immoblized due to fear and there are two fears which exist in the world.

Fear of Success: That which will happen if you succeed; the changes success will create; not only for you personally but for those you love and are close too. Will your success change your life style, draw attention to you, or create a change you are not able or willing to deal with.
Fear of Failure: That which will happen if you fail; the changes failure will cause such as embarrasement, depression, and possibly loss of self esteem or motivation.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

“If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” ~Jesus~

Hmmm…puts a whole new spin on perfection doesn’t it

Do What You Can, With What You Have, Where You Are

What a profoud statment! I can not tell you how many times I’ve heard, “I don’t have —” or “My—is too small or not good enough. To that I say HOG WASH!!! God has placed you right where you are…given you what He has seen fit to give you…so get off your pitty pot and embrace what you have with a heart felt since of grattitude and appreciation. You will never have more until you learn to appreciate and care for what He has already given you.

So, while you sit and contemplate what your New Years Resolution will be this year perhaps you should resolve to be grateful for

Who you are in Christ
The talents He Has blessed you with
The possessions He has entrusted to you
Those whose lives He has surrounded you with

Resolve today to give Him the Glory and Honor He is due rather than complain about what should, could, or would have been…

With Jesus Every day is a NEW BEGINNING so resolve to begin anew and…

Choose to Live, Love, Laugh TODAY!!!

Love Lee ♥

The Gift That Keeps Giving

Dec27

Wow, it is hard to believe it came and went so quickly…All the anticipation, planning, and work then it is over just like that!

Typically for a day or two after a big family event there is a little sense of sadness the event is over. This Christmas was not the exception…However, it was less than in years past because Christmas is not officially over for me.

One of the gifts I gave continues to require quite a bit of work!

Our youngest daughter Brandi has been asking about childhood pictures. I had to admit to her I had been a very poor manager of the family photos. Well, no more! I decided to get busy and work on getting our old photos scanned and stored electronically. Then once scanned, I will move the photos over to the portable drive I gave her for Christmas. Once all the old photos are loaded, she will only need to bring her portable drive over every so often to receive our most recent photos.

What a trip down memory lane this has been…It is amazing all that has happened in our lives over 33 years of marriage. With each photo comes the flood of emotions evoked by the memories surrounding the image of the person, place or event.

I am so blessed to have such awesome family and friends. Each time we come together we make such incredible memories…Photos help me keep the memories vibrant and alive. While I am not a photographer and half the time can not figure out how to use my camera, I do enjoy taking lots of pictures with the goal of passing forward our memories of family to the next generation.

So, the next time you see camera flashes, don’t say “Oh No, Not More Pictures” Instead say…

“Click me…Click me…Document My Existance…I want to be a part of the memory”.

A Few Memories of the Kids and Grandkids

One final thought…Photos are not enjoyed by all unless they are shared…

Love Lee ♥

Christmas with Brandi, Robi, and Grandkids 2010

Dec23

Celebrating Christmas with our youngest daughter and her family is the highlight of the holiday season for us. This year due to congested schedules we decided to celebrate early. So, I had to kick into turbo…no waiting till the last-minute to wrap the gifts and prepare a meal.

The menu was easy to decide on because everyone loves Papa’s smoked ribs. Sides were a salad, baked potatoes and homemade hot and buttery beer bread. Ummm Ummm delicious! Dessert was Christmas candies, cookies, cupcakes and brownies.

Immediately following dinner Cheyenne, our granddaughter asked if she could help clear the table. I knew her goal was to get to those gifts tucked away under the tree. So, you can imagine her delight when I told her the dishes could wait.

We migrated to the living room where everyone was a buzz about the “Big Gift” in the corner. Because other gifts were associated with the “Big Gift” it had to be opened first…As you can imagine everyone was excited to hear that because they all had been trying to guess what it was for over a week…Needless to say it only took a few seconds to rip the wrapper off…They were elated but not to the degree of my delight!

I DID IT!!! For the first time ever I stumped Brandi…Every year right before she would open her “Big Gift” from me she would guess what it was but not this year!!! She had no clue and was sooo surprised!

Once the “Big Gift” was opened everyone migrated to “their spot”. All the gifts were handed out and in keeping with tradition the kids wanted to go one at a time opening their gifts so everyone could see what the other was getting. I love this as I remember growing up it was a free for all and Christmas gifts were unwrapped in 10 minutes or less…

Not with these kids… it took about an hour to open gifts making Christmas last a long time! The comments, laughter and hugs in between gifts was priceless!!!

The gifts I received were precious!!! The first I opened was a beautiful coffee mug from Cheyenne. The quote on the cup reads “Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come. Song of Songs 2:12a. Chey knows I love coffee and I love drinking it from special cups. I have a new “Special Cup” now! Next, a gift from Michael. It was a beautiful necklace. The front is the shape of a key hole and it is surrounded by bling. The back reads “Share the Love”. It is absolutely beautiful. Then I was handed an envelope which read “To Mom and Dad”….A gift card to Outback! Yeah!!! One of our most favorite places to eat!!! Next, foot care products with an inflatable foot bath…Love it!!! Then I was handed a large bag. In it was the purse I wanted. Brandi pulled it off she managed to buy the purse I wanted when shopping a couple of weeks ago. And she bought it while I was with her!!!

I loved the gifts and all the thought that went into finding the perfect one for me and speaking of perfect gifts, it was a little scroll of paper tied in a pretty ribbon and addressed to both Richard and me. When I unrolled it, it read “Merry Christmas! Mission Offering Donation made in the name of Richard and Lee Ann Smith” and the amount. Now this gift brought tears to my eyes. Anyone who knows me, knows sharing the love of Jesus is my passion and Missions is the most perfect venue to do just that.

I love every moment I get to spend with my kids and grandkids! I love their hugs, smiles, thoughts, and comments! I love watching them interact with each other as it is obvious they love each other very much! I love seeing the glow on my daughter’s face as she adores her husband and children! And I love seeing my son-in-law so happy!

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A Happy and Healthy Family Was My Most Favorite Gift!!!

Savor your moments with your family as they are your most treasured gift!!!

Love Lee ♥

The Smith’s Christmas Newsletter 2010

Dec22

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

From Richard and Lee Ann…2010

Each Year we start the Annual Newsletter with “Wow, we can’t believe another year has gone by” and 2010 is not without exception. It has gone by so quickly which enforces the old saying “Time flies when you’re having fun.”

It has been a tradition of ours to mail out a newsletter annually with our Christmas cards. I am so excited to be able to share electronically this year.

While we have had lots of fun we have also worked very hard over this past year. At the beginning of the year Richard worked as a technical writer and educator providing training at a refinery in Saudi Arabia. In October, he made the decision to go back into production so he is now working for BASF and is happier than I have seen him in years! I continue to work for Angleton Danbury Medical Center as the Director of the Revenue Management Department and find my job very fulfilling and am continually challenged by the ever-changing Medicare rules and regulations as well as the changes in commercial contracts.

Our jobs afford us the ability to play. We love to take frequent trips on our Harley motorcycle. This year we have taken several rides which were well over 500 miles each. It is amazing the unobstructed view I have from the back of the bike. When I hear “ride” I pack my fanny pack with the essentials like iPod, Cell Phone, Camera, Lipstick, and chewing gum and we are off…in pursuit of making a memory.

We also like to retreat in our motor home to local parks for uninterrupted R&R. We spent Valentines Day at Brackenridge RV Park in Edna, TX. Then, the entire month of August at Quintana Beach County Park in Freeport, TX my favorite…

Our family has celebrated several events together this year. The most important being the baptism of our granddaughter, Cheyenne. Her baptism was even more special because Richard had the privilege of baptizing her.

Then on Memorial Day Weekend, “The Annual Smith Family Reunion”…as always it was a huge success and we made lots of wonderful memories!

On 10/10/10 I celebrated my 50^th birthday and my family did a phenomenal job of surprising me with the fanciest Tea Party ever!

Every gathering with our family is a special occasion and we have occasion to gather often.

May Our Father Pour Out His Richest Blessings on You & Yours This Holiday Season!

Love,

Richard and Lee

Life Is A Gift

Dec10

Just yesterday my dear friend Jennifer Cannan posted on Facebook, “‎11 years ago, my dear husband, John, was being life-flighted with a traumatic brain injury from a fall and not expected to live. It has been a very long road of recovery that still to this day has significant effects. I lift God high today for granting us with John’s life and healing far beyond expectations!!!”.

What an awesome tribute to the miracles God has performed to preserve the life of John Cannan!

God is an awesome God and is in the business of saving lives. He posts angels about us, places a hedge of protection around us, keeps us in the palm of His hand (The Best Seat in the House), holds the heart of the broken-hearted, and shelters us with His Wings.

We dwell on what we know but it is the unknown we should be thankful for. I am so glad I do not know of all the near misses, the car wrecks, the assaults, and financial collapse. You see without God’s protection on our lives we would not be here; we would not survive.

I am captivated by the love God pours out on us and, As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Ephesians 4:1

Celebrate Life in Him Today!

Love Lee ♥

Thanksgiving 2010

Nov27

I so love getting together with family and friends and this Thanksgiving was no exception! I am so blessed to have such a warm and loving family. We live, love, and laugh a lot!

The day started off very peaceful. I enjoyed my quiet time with the Lord; reading my Bible and praying. Then, it was time to get the turkey in the oven. Martha and I teamed up and got the dressing started. The meal was planned to start at 1pm and things were going as planned.

The first to arrive was my precious granddaughter Cheyenne. She was carrying a plate of homemade treats she had made all by herself. She chose a recipe from her cookbook, and purchased all the ingredients with her own money. She did such a wonderful job…I am so proud of her!

Second to walk through the door was Cheryl, Ken, and Shawn with awesome treats in hand and was wearing some of the most beautiful smiles. Shawn has gotten so big I have to look up at him now.

As I continued to putter around in the kitchen, family and friends continued to stream through the door and I quickly lost track of who came when. I could tell when another person would arrive when I heard the volume rise and squeals of excitement could be heard throughout the house.

Soon after my dear friends the Cannans arrived, Alisha made her way to the kitchen, washed her hands, and began helping me de-bone the turkey. A concern Alisha had voiced to her mother about Thanksgiving was the turkey. She was worried it might be dry. Thank goodness I soaked the turkey in a brine for over 24 hours…Her concerns were quickly put to rest when she took her first bite.

As everyone began to arrive, the buffet table began to fill up. My family has always been good to pitch in and bring sides and desserts. One thing for sure is God had blessed each member of our family with the ability to cook. The food was phenomenal and as always there was more than enough for everyone to eat.

As is our custom once everyone arrived we circled around the table and each person voiced what they were thankful for. There is seldom a dry eye in the room when we are through and this Thanksgiving was not different. One of the most tender moments was watching my sister and her husband embrace after the blessing. I was blessed to be a witness to it. God is so good and has richly blessed my sister and her husband.

Soon after the meal was over Susan ran to the store and picked up a couple of newspapers end the hunt was on. Everyone was in pursuit of an item they were going to purchase on “Black Friday”. Who would have believed the newspaper would provide the whole family with hours of entertainment.

Oh, and speaking of entertainment…We had piano playing, ballet, and hand slapping games, and of course FOOTBALL…Activities of different sorts in every room. Priceless times!!!

There were some who were not with us this Thanksgiving and they were missed terribly. Both Richard and Smokey had to work, Lindsey spent the holiday with her dad, Rayfard and Evelyn were celebrating a family member’s birthday, Debbie and Greg were in Arkansas with their grandkids…Our oldest daughter Tori lives out-of-town and was not able to come home but called to wish everyone “A Happy Thanksgiving”. To each of you…”You Were Missed”

What fun memories we made, what great food we ate, and what incredible thanks we gave to our Father in heaven for blessing us!

We are family…

Love Lee ♥

Plan For A Successful Day

Oct9

I truly believe no one wakes up and says to themselves, “I wonder how I can screw up this day”. I am of the belief everyone wants to have a great day and contribute value to the society in which they live.

Perhaps when things go a wry it is not because we planned to fail but rather we failed to plan…Plan for Success that is.

There is a natural progression when planning for success. While you may have heard the term ‘an overnight success” it seldom happens in life. Over night successes always happens to someone else. So, for those of us who were not born with a silver spoon in our mouths or have ever been handed one in life, we must develop a plan and stick to it!

The Goal

So I ask, what defines success for you; is it money, fame, career, or simply a productive day? Before you can achieve success it must be defined. You need to know where you want to end up. Think about it…how can one run a race without knowing where the finish line’s at? The finish line is where the prize (goal) is at. It is also important to recognize that in a race there is more than one runner and while not all will finish first; they all have the desire to be first. So, think about it the starter gun goes of and the runners are off…What needs to happen next is for you to run that race as if your life depends on it and don’t look back!!!

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1Corinthians 9:24.

The Plan

Well, you have a goal but what’s the plan? How are you gonna get to the goal? I am sure you’ve heard about the best way to eat an elephant…one bite at a time of course. And, that is how you will reach your goal. Think about it you are going to run the race…a 10 mile marathon. Do you wake up one morning and say, “Hey, I think I will run a 10 mile marathon today”? No, you start a training routine; you start small and add a little each day. So I ask, after reading this article do you think you are going to set all your goals now and when you wake up tomorrow you will achieve them all??? No, you have to plan for success. Break the big goal down into small short-term achievable goals making sure they are measurable. I am going to do (the goal) by (date/time).

The Celebration

Yeah…you bit off part of that elephant, its gone, and you are looking at the next bite. Wait…before you take another bite you need to celebrate your success. By celebrating your successes you are rejuvenated to move forward. How you celebrate is entirely up to you. Only you know what pushes your buttons. It does not need to cost anything, take a lot of time, or involve others. Perhaps it is as simple as a bubble bath, a walk on the beach, or a bowl of popcorn and a movie. Don’t count on others to give you recognition for you successes…You need to celebrate YOU!!!

Start Simple…Add Sub-goals Daily…Celebrate Sucesses…and you can have A Successful Day!

Love Lee ♥