A goose enjoying the water in our lake on Sunday.

Be A Better Person. No matter what's going on in your world, good or bad you can always choose to be a better person. You've heard of the saying always room for improvement. So true in deed.Be a person with many thoughts,desires and dreams on the inside. Be a better person on the outside by your actions,relationships and gifts in life. You have the choice to be who ever you want to be.You have the choice to do what ever you want to do. So make good use of these choices. Use these choices to your advantage.Make the right choices to insure living your life the way you want to live it. Give your dreams the dedication they deserve and they will come true the way they are meant to be.Be a better person and life will be wonderful.Be thankful for what you have and never quit working towards what you desire.The best way to start is being A Better Person. Don't forget to love always,forgive quickly and smile along the way.Thanks for visiting my blog today.
God Bless
Jason

Embrace Your Effort

A yellow headed black bird watching us down by the lake.

Embrace Your Effort. Your effort is more valuable than you could ever imagine. Even when your having to do something you really don't want to do. Choose to loose the pity and frustration and embrace the effort. By doing so you will succeed no matter what the task at hand. You will get much more out of any situation good or bad by embracing the effort you put into it. There will be more satisfaction gained taking control of your thoughts and applying them towards your efforts. By choosing to see every effort as a positive you will reap the rewards.  If you constantly see your efforts as a waste of time or something not needed then you will be beaten down every time. Have the mind set that no matter why you have to put an effort forward, that it's a blessing. If it must be done then why not approach it with a positive outlook and get it done easier and faster by embracing the effort. If you put 100% into it , you will come out with a sense of accomplishment. Instead of avoiding,complaining or cursing what needs to be done, embrace your efforts and get it done. Don't forget to love always,forgive quickly and smile along the way. We used some effort to get through Monday, now bring on Tuesday.

God Bless
Jason

Celebrate Life

Shadows in the front yard.

Celebrate Life Today. Today is the day to celebrate with passion.Celebrate each moment by giving 100% to it.Give your very best in a positive and purposeful way and you will reap the rewards that each moment has to give.Instead of wishing you had started earlier go ahead and start now.Use the time that you have in this moment and make good use of it.Even if the moment seems bleak there might be a small opportunity deep within. By taking advantage of even the smallest opportunity you will gain wisdom and strength.Often a small opportunity can quickly turn to a large opportunity so never under estimate the moment and what it might bring you.Make each day a day to celebrate and shine your light bright.You can't stop time from passing so make good use of each moment and have a reason to celebrate life.Don't forget to love always,forgive quickly and smile along the way. I hope everyone had a great weekend.

God Bless
Jason

Anythings Possible

Another beautiful sunset last night on the back patio.

It's always easy to say somethings impossible and we often take this easy way out. A better way is a little bit harder but well worth it. With some effort,work and persistence anythings possible. In fact most anything is possible if you are determined to make it a reality. Start by thinking of something that seems impossible. Next imagine that it is possible, and your on your way to making it reality. Without worrying about failing think of the next step it will take to move a little bit closer to becoming a reality. See your on your way, all you have to do is stay positive and keep moving forward. Most often the next problem lies on  how we perceive the situation. Try to keep your perceptions in check and keep working on the task at hand. Don't think of what limitations might stop you. Instead think of what possibilities might work. Many of the things we take for granted today were considered impossible years ago. However they were very possible,it just took some effort,innovation and persistence. Remember anythings possible. Don't forget to love always,forgive quickly and smile along the way. Have a wonderful positive Thursday everyone.

God Bless
Jason

We Follow Our Thoughts

Herman the duck hanging out lakeside.

We follow our thoughts no matter what they are. We follow the good ones as quickly as we follow the bad ones. Throughout the day your thoughts will change from positive to negative as issues arise. However you can choose how long they affect you and the direction you go. If your feeling overwhelmed and frustration is lurking in your thoughts,stop and turn your mind in a positive direction. Think for a moment what's right in your life and focus your energy towards this. By doing so your will add energy to them and make them even better while allowing little time for what's not right. Often we forget how blessed we are each and every day. We take for granted what we already have, getting caught up in always wanting more.The more we focus on the positives the more value they will bring. No matter what's going on in your life you have plenty to be thankful for. Have you thought about it lately? Think about how fortunate you are to be alive and follow your thoughts to a more positive place. Don't forget to love always,forgive quickly and smile along the way. Happy Tuesday friends and thanks for visiting my thought today.

God Bless
Jason

Go A Little Bit Further

A beautiful day on the lake

Go A Little Bit Further. What if all it took was one more step? What if you were that close but didn't know it? If you stop then you surely won't find out. You could miss out on that one goal or dream because you quit. If you had the courage to start then you must have the will to finish.That last effort just might be enough to get your there. Achievement will only happen for those that choose to go the full distance. You have come this far so you might as well finish the deal. It's great that you have invested the time but it will all be wasted if you quit now. There's no point in working through the obstacles if you don't work through the last one. It might seem to big but the last obstacle is no bigger than the first obstacle. With a little more effort,commitment,patience and persistence you will succeed. Your in the moment so take full advantage of it and go a little bit further. Don't forget to love always,forgive quickly and smile along the way.

God Bless
Jason

Excepting Failure

Panorama sunset on our lake 4-17-13

Excepting failure in not always easy or pleasant. However failure is a fact of life and it's a must. Failure should remind you to keep going and never stop. Failure is a product of trying harder and reaching higher. And higher is always a better direction to go. We must learn to except failure and use it to our advantage. Never try to create failure or avoid it either. Often the path to success will have a little failure along the way. A little failure will bring a little more substance to any accomplishment. You can't truly enjoy the value of the good things if you have no experience with the bad things. Life is so great because it can be so difficult. If you never fail then your goals are not set high enough. If you don't experience new challenges on a regular basis, your ability to succeed will become weak. So don't be afraid of failure and except that it will happen from time to time. Continue to dream big and go after your dreams. Reach for the moon,if you fail you will still be amongst the stars. Don't forget to love always,forgive quickly and smile along the way. I hope everyone is having a great weekend so far.

God Bless

Jason

Quick And Easy

Water coming down the Uncompahgre river.

Quick and easy is not something that happens all the time. This is a good thing because most things that are quick and easy don't last long. We hold less value on quick and easy even though we often opt for this route. Life has more meaning with a little hard work. Instead of the quick and easy way take the longer,harder route. Once achieved you will see more value. Choose to put in the effort that it takes to achieve true value. With more effort brings more satisfaction and with more satisfaction brings more achievement. Sure you can do nothing, but remember if you choose this route you will obtain nothing. It's not always easy staying focused and positive but the value obtained will be great. When you think of what you have already achieved the first thought will be what it took to get there. No matter what obstacles are in front of you, keep going,keep trying and keep dreaming. The fact that it's not easy and takes effort means that it's worth going after. Don't forget to love always,forgive quickly and smile along the way.

God Bless
Jason

Your Destiny

Sunset at my fathers house last spring.

Your Destiny is more important than you might think. You control it more than one could ever imagine. With every thought,action and choice you are creating your destiny. We often confuse our destiny with what happens to us. Instead of realizing that it's built by the things we cause to happen in each moment. Our destiny's are not about what comes to us. it's about who we choose to become. Life might often seem cruel and we often thing fate has done us wrong. We seem to think there is nothing we can do to change it. The good news is that we have all the power to change whats most important no matter what the situation. We have the option to change the way we view and respond to any situation. No matter what has happened this power can change the outcome of your destiny. In fact everything you do will affect the outcome of your destiny,so never think that it's to late to try again or try a different approach. You might be closer to controlling your own destiny than you think. Your destiny is yours to decide. Don't forget to love always,forgive quickly and smile along the way. Happy Wed. everyone.

God Bless
Jason

Try Something New

A couple more geese relaxing on the lake.

Try something new every chance you get. Today is a new day so why not step out of your box? Why not take advantage of the moment and try something new? The rerun of the past can get boring and repetitious. You have the ability to be creative,flexible and open minded. You have already accomplished many great things by using these skills. You have done it in the past and you can do it again if you choose to. Use a little imagination with your thoughts and actions today, do a little more than just going through the motions. Just think of the joy you can bring to your life and others around you by trying something new. We are faced with new possibilities with every decision in every moment, so why not spice it up a little bit?  Find something new and unique today. Try something new. Don't forget to love always,forgive quickly and smile along the way. Happy Tuesday everyone.

God Bless
Jason

Encouragement

A goose on the lake yesterday.

Encouragement is one of our most powerful tools we have. However we seem to always feel the need to receive it than to give it. Encouragement is another one of those little things in life that we take for granted. Giving encouragement can benefit you more than receiving it, in fact it can be returned to you two fold. When life is getting you down the best thing you can do is lift someone else's spirit. By doing so you will lift your own. When you focus your energy and thoughts on others you will be more affective in handling your own problems. You will gain confidence and courage, you will be more likely to have a positive outcome in your own life. So the next time you are feeling down or needing some encouragement try giving a little encouragement to someone that is having a rough time. Someone that is stuck between a rock and a hard place or perhaps one that is less fortunate than you. You will see how a little encouragement goes along ways regardless of what end you are on, rather it be receiving or giving. Don't forget to love always,forgive quickly and smile along the way. I hope everyone had a great Monday and are ready to take on Tuesday.

God Bless
Jason

Never Lost

A duck on the lake today.

Never Lost, even if it might seem to be gone no experience is ever lost. No good effort is every lost. It might not seem this way if you didn't see the positive outcome that you had expected from it. However the fact of doing and learning is a valuable gain. You might not see it now but in the future the experience will become very useful. We often live in fear of loosing something not realizing that you are not letting yourself fully experience it. When we avoid something because of the fear of failure that is exactly what we are setting ourselves up for. People and things will change, things will happen out of your control and people will come and go. But nothing good is ever lost, even if the physical evidence is gone. The good things you do will always be with you and will carry over with every experience. It doesn't really matter if what you have done goes unrecognized by others, what matters is that you hold onto it and learn from it. Capture every moment in your heart and never let it go. Life will always have it's ups and downs , it's how you deal with the downs that really matters. Remember that the downs are really not that bad and the ups are better than you could ever imagine. Nothing is ever lost if you choose to hang onto it. Don't forget to love always,forgive quickly and smile along the way. I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend.

God Bless
Jason

LIEBSTER Award

LIEBSTER Award

I'm participating in this year's A-Z challenge, and so will be posting daily about a subject focusing on a letter of the alphabet.

I'm blowing big kisses to Ashley Lynn who writes A Woman's Journey Back to Army Strong, for choosing me as one of her recipients of the Liebster Award. Happpppppppppppppy dance!!

"Liebster" is German for "dearest" and it's a blogger to blogger award for those having 200 or fewer followers, so they can get more exposure. Well, I'm ALL about exposing myself, so -- I graciously accept. I will restrain myself from climbing up onto the nearest podium and tearfully proclaiming, "You like me!! You really LIKE me!"

Here
Of course, there are rules, always rules:
1. Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog.
2, Link back to the blogger who presented the award to you.
3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.
4. Present the Liebster Blog Award to 11 blogs of 200 followers or less, who you feel deserve to be noticed, and leave a comment on their blog letting them know they have been nominated.
5. Answer the 11 questions the blogger presented you with, create 11 questions for the blogs you are nominating, and list 11 facts about yourself.

Ashley came up with some interesting questions, so here goes.

1. Why did you start your blog?
I began my blog in February 2012 because the last of my four children was leaving home for college and I finally had time to put two coherent thoughts together. I love telling stories, and spilling incredibly embarrassing personal details, so it was natural that I would start blogging.

2. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was in second grade, I decided I wanted to be a teacher. However, after my Pulitzer-prize winning short story was written that year (How The Mouse Got Its Long Tail), my career as a writer was born. In the sixth grade, I rewrote Shakespeare's Julius Caesar in a more condensed form, dumbing it down so my peers could comprehend it -- yes, that's just how nerdy I was. After writing for my high school newspaper, I majored in journalism at UNC-Chapel Hill.

3. What are you currently looking forward to?
So many great things are happening soon! I just did the Cooper River Bridge Run April 6, my husband and I are vacationing soon, and then best of all, my oldest son and his wife are expecting their first child together in May. Can't wait to get my hands on that grandbaby! I've got several fun runs coming up as well, including an Electric Run, a Glow in the Night run, and a Zombie Run. Fun!!

4. What is one of your current goals?
One of my goals is to run a marathon by the time I am 55, so I am eyeing Disney in January 2014. I'll begin training for it in the fall.

5. What is your biggest pet peeve?
Oh dear, just one? I despise it when people are unkind to each other. It's so easy to be nice, but it seems that the culture today applauds people who insult or hurt each other. I find that deplorable. Oh, and my husband leaving the toilet seat up. That's a major pet pee-ve (groooaan).

6. Where are some places you have traveled/lived?
I was born in Richmond, VA, and have lived in North Carolina most of my life. My husband and I have been to the Cayman Islands, Ireland and Italy, and we took a river cruise from Amsterdam to Vienna. I've also been to France. We love to travel, and hope to do more of it in the future, before we become too decrepit.

7. Describe yourself in four words.
Exuberant, altruistic, funny, rebellious, and adventurous. Yeah, I know that's five -- see, I AM rebellious.

8. How did you come up with your blog name?
Actually, my oldest daughter suggested it. We were bouncing ideas around and it seemed to encompass my philosophy of embracing all that life offers.

9. What are five things on your bucket list?
Besides running a marathon, I'd like to see the Northern Lights, go fly fishing in Montana, zip line through a forest, visit Hawaii, and see Yellowstone. If it were possible, I would also like to eat as much sea salt caramel gelato as I can and never gain a pound.

10. What is your dream job?
I would love to be an artist and have a studio in a barn on my dream farm. I'd write poetry and novels, create mixed-media art, and continue blogging and doing my Facebook pages and groups. I'd have a lot of alpacas, rescue animals and we'd grow our own food. We might starve though, because I did NOT inherit my grandmother Vonnie Mae's green thumb. My husband says that when I go to a nursery, all the plants begin silently screaming, "No! Not me! Don't pick me!!" So maybe there should be a farmer's market close by my farm.

11. If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
You know those little jagged boxes with words inside like "Bam!" that are in superhero comics? I'd have those. (Are we surprised that my superpower has to do with words???) Then, when I was out living my "normal" life, being a superhero in disguise, I'd come up against, say, hatred, with my invisible, invincible shield and "Whammo!" -- I'd obliterate it. Bigotry: "Kappppowwwww!" Rudeness: "Blammm!" And you could read it all right over my head.


11 Fascinating Facts About Me
1. I've been married to my high school sweetheart for 32 years and we have 4 children, grown now. At some point, I home schooled them all.
2. My nickname is "Bubbles," for reasons I will not disclose. Lol!
3. I'm 54 years old, and began running 2 years ago after being a couch potato my entire life.
4. In the past 5 months, I ran my first and second half marathon.
5. I am crazy about weddings! I love to help plan them, and create things for them (guest books, table cards, cake decor, favors, etc.)
6. I taught adult religious education for over 16 years as a volunteer.
7. Also about 16 years ago, I began a book club so I would have someone to talk to about what I was reading.
8. I am an idea person. I'm always thinking about new careers, inventing things, and thinking deep thoughts. It takes up a lot of time. ;)
9. I'm also a dog person. We have a Lab/golden retriever mix (Sunny) who is about 13, a pug (Vespucci) who is 11, and an English bulldog (Boudreaux) who's 9. We also have a rat, Perignon, but that's a story for another post.
10. When I commit to something, I go all in. When my youngest daughter was in Girl Scouts and had to sell cookies at Walmart, I was the one dressed as a giant Samoa cookie, dancing my heart out in the parking lot. Yeah, I sold a lot of cookies that way.
11. My grandmother lived to be 100, and I fully intend on beating her record.


Questions For My Nominees
1. Why did you start your blog?
2. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
3. Would you support me in my endeavor to be Queen of our country?
4. What is your dream that you're afraid to talk about but secretly think about all the time?
5. Of course, because I love to read, what's your favorite book?
6. If you had total control of the world, what are 3 things that you would do immediately, aside from crowning me Queen?
7. What is one goal that you achieved that you are most proud of (not counting family)?
8. What are you working hardest at right now?
9. What is the most hilarious thing that has ever happened to you?
10. Finish this sentence: In 2013, I will _____________________.
11. They're making a movie about your life. Who would you choose to play your part?

And -- ta da!! -- the moment we've all been waiting for!! My nominees for the Liebster Award are:

Movin' It With Michelle...Running, Recipes, and Real Life Adventures!
In the Box, Out of the Box
Jen's Ink Pen!
Curiosity and Cute Shoes
The Ongoing Adventures of Healthy Habit Girl
Family Travels on a Budget
I'll Recognize Me When I Become Me
http://myarmsopenwide.blogspot.com/2013/04/liebster-award.html. Arms Wide Open
Lead Our Lives
Rise.Run.Mom.Repeat.


Check out their blogs, and tell them Jason's Thought Of The Day sent you. And enjoy.

Life Is Change

One from Blue Mesa last year before the lake froze.

Life is change,life is full of change with every moment. If life can constantly be changing then why is it so hard for us to change? Well good news, it's just as easy to make changes in yourself as it is with each moment. You have to start with excepting change without judgement,fear or anxiety. All of these will do nothing but slow the process down. No matter what life may throw at you,whatever challenges you may face, always keep in mind that success is always an option with change. You might feel stuck or lost in the moment but that's not the case at all. With every moment in time there are countless possibilities waiting for you. With an open mind,a little time,commitment and effort you can make it happen. At times you might feel alone,sad,angry and frustrated. That's OK if you keep in mind that you can change all of these feelings and situations. You might be in a difficult financial situation or perhaps a tough spot in a relationship. Again you can change all this any time you want to. You have the power and ability to change with life as it comes and goes. You do this all the time but perhaps you don't realize it or take it for granted. Life is change and you must remember that you can change to. Don't forget to love always,forgive quickly and smile along the way. Happy Thursday everyone we have made changes all the way through this week and it's almost Friday. Enjoy life with every change.

God Bless
Jason

The Right Choices

A neat old tree near Battlement Mesa Colorado.

The Right Choices are not always easy to make,and we don't always make them. However if you put a little thought into your choices you will be more successful. The choices you make will make you who you are and who you choose to be. Think about who and how you want your life to be and let those visions guide you in making the right choices. Allot of our wrong choices in life are due to bad habits that bring us down. It's not easy to break a bad habit but it is possible if you put your mind to it. If you keep getting bit by the same old habit perhaps you need to try something different. Perhaps you should stop and focus on a different direction. Try a different approach even though it might not work,understanding you have nothing to loose because the other way isn't working either. Remember you always have other options and there is more than one way to achieve a goal. Making the right choices will make it easier to get there. Once you break out of your shell and find a different way you will realize that there's nothing you can't accomplish if you put your mind to it. Put one foot in front of the other and make the right choices. Don't forget to love always,forgive quickly and smile along the way. We have made it half way through another week,so keep on moving.

God Bless
Jason

Sky's The Limit

A beautiful spring day near Lake City Colorado.

Sky's The Limit if you put your mind to it. You can do anything you want to do,you just have to want it bad enough. You have to be dedicated and have courage. Dedication and courage can be obtained by staying positive and taking the "No I Cants and turning them into "Yes I Cans". In the past when you really wanted something you put a plan together and you acted on it. No matter what obstacle was in the way you found a way around it.The truth is, you can do anything you really want.Sky's the limit for anything you truly desire.Don't get held up on the lack of progress. Just know that no matter how little or big the progress is that you are one step closer to getting there.Making excuses is the first out we tend to take. However turn that excuse into a "What If"? What if I try a different approach? What if I look at things differently? This will add courage and determination and you will soon be on your way.Deep down you know that you can do anything you set your mind to. So do it today,choose to stay on track and work towards your goal. Yes in deed,Sky's The Limit. Don't forget to love always,forgive quickly and smile along the way. Tuesday is almost over and Wednesday is almost here. A great opportunity to reach for the moon,if you come up short at least you'll be amongst the starts.

God Bless
Jason

It's Your Time

A beautiful day in Parachute Colorado.

It's your time and you can do with it as you please. You can choose to waste it on worry and meaningless matters.Or you can choose to treasure every moment for what it is and get the most out of it.You can take this day and use it to move forward.You can relax and enjoy it in any way you see fit.No matter what you choose this day is yours and it's your time.Every day and every moment has meaning and value.The greatest accomplishment is to see the value and capture it in your own way.The value you put on your time will determine the amount of value that it brings to you.The more you value and appreciate your time,the more positive and worthwhile things you'll receive from those moments.Start by ridding yourself from anger,hate and envy and you'll be on your way to enjoying your valuable time. It's your time in deed,so enjoy. Don't forget to love always,forgive quickly and smile along the way.Happy Thursday everyone, we've almost made it through another week. Spring time is in the air here in Colorado,get out and enjoy the sunshine.

God Bless
Jason

It's For The Best

Sunset on our lake last week.

It's for the best in most cases. No matter what happens good or bad it normally turns out to be for the best.If you have a mind set that no matter what happens it's for the best you will find a way to make it so.It doesn't matter if you have gone forward or backwards the past few days.The truth is new doors have been opened and with every new door there is a positive right in front of you.No matter what door opened choose to find a positive approach to your next step.Sometimes you will over shoot the next door and sometimes you come up short but it's for the best.Often this will allow you a little time to make the right decision and approach the next do with confidence.Try to not set your goal to high or what you expect it to be,because there are far more possibilities than you can ever imagine.Just do your best and keep in mind no matter what happens it was meant to be and it's for the best.When something doesn't go as planned it opens up yet another door for positive opportunities.Act on those possibilities and you will soon find out it's for the best. Don't forget to love always,forgive quickly and smile along the way. I hope everyone had a great Easter with family and friends.

God Bless
Jason