“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” 

~ Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

I know I've talked about it a few other times on Chara, but have you ever thought about how much of your life you've wasted sitting in front of a television or computer screen? I wonder how different our world would be if we would put down our laptops, tablets and smartphones and truly immerse ourselves into the world around us.

Not only could our relationships improve, but our health and well being too. What if we all decided to invest just a little of the time we usually spend on the couch into our families, friends and communities? How would our lives and communities change if we donated just one Saturday a month, or one evening a month to serve others?

Finding a place to serve can be daunting. Finding a cause can be a bit overwhelming too.

Do something you enjoy. Do something you are good at. Do something you are passionate about. Be creative. Volunteering can be fun, and it can also be so rewarding. You end up realizing the blessings you receive through the people you are serving.

I'm not saying to volunteer to make yourself feel better. That's not the right motive behind serving others. Do it because you can. Because you are blessed and you want to bless others. Because you want to spread joy. Because you have a talent or gift that can positively help others.

Stop making excuses.

You do have the time, and if you don't it's time to evaluate your priorities.

Know that you matter and that you can make a difference--even in the life of one person. And I promise you that if you decide to give your time, your heart, and your talents to those who are in need you will find it a rewarding experience.

Here are a few ideas from some caring people in my life:

My mom loves kids. She could rock a baby all day long. She volunteers one evening a week at a local Children's Hospital. I know she brings joy to the families she comes into contact with each visit, but the joy they bring her is abundant as well.

I have a dear friend that loves people and animals, so she and her beautiful Golden Retriever visit Hospice patients. I can only imagine the faces of the patients as my friend and her companion stroll in through the doors. But you know what? I'm positive that her life has been forever changed by the souls she's come to love.

One of my friends realized the impact he could have in a young boy's life by becoming a Big Brother. I know that his Little Brother's life was positively changed because of the care and compassion of my friend. And although my friend thought he was passing along valuable lessons to his Little Brother, he ended up learning just as much!

Are you a person who'd rather be behind the scenes? There are numerous "jobs" that non profits have just for you. Organizing Inventory, Accounting, Record keeping, Event Planning, Cleaning, and Serving on Committees are just a few of the vital roles charities need filled.

Service can be something for all ages! Take your kids, grandkids or nieces and nephews. Create memories together. Show them the importance of giving, loving and being a blessing to others.

Serving others does not have to be a grand gesture. It could be buying a lunch for a homeless man on the street, knitting blankets for a pet shelter, data entry for a local non profit, or an encouraging comment to a struggling young mother at the grocery store. The possibilities are endless if you just look around!

Imagine the impact we could have on this world if we all just gave a little bit of our time to love others!

For ideas where to serve in your community please visit VolunteerMatch or Meet Up.


Go be a blessing to someone today!
JAE

“To serve is beautiful, but only if it is done with joy and a whole heart

and a free mind.” ~ Pearl S. Buck

A few weeks ago I wrote this blog for My Angel Foundation's, Revive Hope.  It contains a letter written by the grown daughter of a heart recipient, of 19+ years, to the family who chose to donate their son's heart.

I promise you, it's worth the few minutes to visit the site. You will not be disappointed.

Blessings and Peace,
~JAE

Life lives, life dies. Life laughs, life cries. Life gives up and life tries. But life looks different through everyone's eyes.  ~Groucho Marx

As many of you know, I'm an advocate for Organ Donation. April is Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Month. It seems fitting that I return to my roots of Des Moines, Iowa & My Angel Foundation.

I will be blogging on My Angel Foundation's blog, Revive Hope, and would love for you to come visit me and the other bloggers there.

Check out today's video post, Life & Death. Here's just a snip-it of what you'll read....

Music is a second language to me. It speaks to my soul. It whispers the grandest stories. It makes me want to dance and moves me to tears. It is my love language. Without music, I would be lost. 

The song below is arranged by a man named Paul Cardall. You may recognize the song from the the TV series Lost. Paul arraigned this piece after receiving a life saving heart transplant...


Love to you all.
~JAE

"This moment contains all moments."  ~C.S. Lewis

According to the 2011 American Time Use Study by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans (15 and older) spend an average of 2.8 hours per day watching television.


Let's break that down a bit. We, as Americans, watch TV:

• 19.6 hours per week
• 1,019.2 hours per year

This is the equivalent of 42 days per year friends! And what's most disturbing of all, is that this does not consider the time we waste playing video games, on our smart phones, on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, mindless internet browsing, etc.

Let me admit, I'm just as guilty as the next person out there. I wonder how many hours, or days I've wasted soaking up pure nonsense. How many moments have I missed? How many conversations have passed me by? How many memories have failed to be made?

I'm currently walking through a workbook by Michael Hyatt. Hyatt tells a story, both in his book and on his blog, of CEO Eugene O'Kelly.

O'Kelly was a typical CEO. He worked many hours, was driven, goal oriented and it sounded like he struggled finding a work-life balance. At the age of 53, O'Kelly was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He chose to make his relationships a top priority in the final months of his life. He wanted peace and closure. He wanted "perfect moments."

"According to O’Kelly, a perfect moment is an experience with others when time stands still. It is a time full of the present, when the past is left behind and the future is set aside. It is a special time of focused attention and heightened awareness. Interruptions and distractions are consciously excluded. Cell phones are off. Hearts are wide open. All that matters is this moment—the people I am with and the conversation we are having now." {link to full article below}

What are the "perfect moments" we've missed in our lives because we are too busy or distracted?

Even so, we've all had "perfect moments." We just might have to work harder to recall them, or to even realize them as "perfect moments." Maybe it's a wedding, a birth of a child, a game winning goal, or a recollection of a simple Sunday afternoon at home.

What are some "perfect moments" you've witnessed in your life? (I'd love to hear from you below!)
__
My Perfect Moment(s)

#1. I am beyond blessed to say that I am still best friends with my childhood best friend. Granted our definition of "best" has changed throughout the years. We don't talk every day, or every week. But when we do find a moment amidst the craziness, we pick up exactly where we left off. There's a confident sense of peace now. Knowing that we'll be there for each other, no matter what. There is no fear of being "replaced" and that even though we are 900 miles apart we are only a plane ride away.

As I was visiting her this past Fall we were having a "girls night in" after a busy day of shopping. We were curled up on each end of her couch, cozy under our blankets. I'm not sure what we were talking about over our glasses of wine. It doesn't matter actually. I'll admit I was startled a bit when she draped her legs atop of mine—it's something I don't do as an adult...just drape my legs over a friend. But after a moment, I smiled, realizing the beauty and the richness of the moment. 

I was taken back to our childhood, and reminded of the depth and breadth of our relationship. The memories of late night conversations. The sleepovers. The movie nights. The special moments only childhood playmates share. And I realized, although we are in our 30's now, deep down we are still those 7-year-old girls giggling in our sleeping bags so many years ago.


#2. A few weeks ago after an afternoon of sledding, I had to coax our 6-year-old nephew off of the hill. It was time to go ice skating. As we were trudging up the hill, dragging his sled behind him he breathlessly said, "Aunt Jenn, I'm so exhausted I just can't go ice skating today." I looked down and responded with agreement. 

He asked if I would carry his sled. Who could say "no" to those sweet brown eyes looking up at me? Moments passed in silence as we made our trek back up the hill. Then with excitement in his voice he said, "I have the perfect idea of what we could do instead!"

"What?" I replied.

"Let's go to Hawaii and go to a day spa for a massage." 

"That's perfect! When is our flight?"

He responded, "Whenever we want...I have my own private jet!"

We both giggled as we approached the top of the hill, knowing how silly our little dream was and that we had a plane to catch.

__

You see, these "perfect moments" are not grand. They are moments when time stands still. Where nothing else matters. Just that moment.

They are moments that we will miss if we are behind computer screens, iPhones, iPads, or zoned out in front of Television sets. So let's break free of technology. Let's not wait until the end of our lives to realize what we've missed. Let's make more "perfect moments" today!


Much love dear ones,
~JAE






___
Source of inspiration for this post was an article written by Michael Hyatt, a New York Times best selling author, former CEO of Thomas Nelson and an expert on leadership, publishing, productivity and social media. 

"Every day you should reach out and touch someone.  People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."  ~Maya Angelou

As I sit here reflecting on my over indulgences of the Christmas weekend; the great memories made, the yummy food, the laughs, the beautiful sites of San Antonio and the anticipation of celebrating this great holiday again with our other family—I see how blessed we are!

At the same time I wonder how many others spend the Holidays alone. Or even if they have their small immediate family, they are still so far from their own parents and siblings.

Without a house, or apartment, stuffed to the brim with family. Without smiling faces across the table. Without a kitchen filled with too many territorial women. Without laughter. Or the small bickering. Without friendly competition over Dominoes or Settlers of Catan. Without couches draped with men "watching" football–or napping. Without little cousins thundering through the house tracking mud and giggles as they pass through each room. Without the Christmas carols. Or candlelit songs. Without someone to "just be" with.

How many of us take all of this for granted? 

How many of us see the loneliness around us?

Who have you reached out to this Holiday Season?

Who have you invited into your home?

It is so easy to get distracted by our to-do lists. Our own families. Our own plans. To ignore the loneliness and misery around us. To focus on our own little worlds. 

Please take a moment over the next few days to observe those whom you come in contact with. A coworker. A friend. An acquaintance. Maybe you'll be at an airport, or the grocery store, or the mall, or maybe walking a busy street, or sitting at a street light. And you'll notice someone without that sparkle in their eye. Maybe all you'll need to do is smile and wave. Say "Merry Christmas" or give them a hug.

Making a difference in someones life does not take grandiose gestures. It is truly the small things. It's the conversation over a cup of coffee. A dinner invitation. A night of fun over board games. Laughter over funny stories shared over cocktails. A hug. It's a smile.

Family is not a definition formed by blood. It is what we choose to make it. 

Choose to spread the JOY dear friends!

Much love and blessings to you and yours,
~JAE

"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."   Hebrews 13:2 (ESV)

“The greatest wealth is to live content with little.”  ~Plato

I’ve just started a great adventure into my fourth decade of life. I’m in a season of transition. I’m waiting, patiently—or trying to. Waiting to see what’s around the corner. Waiting, with much anticipation. 

I’ve always struggled with “the greener grass syndrome,” where the next thing always looks better, bigger or brighter. I couldn’t wait to grow up. I couldn’t wait to graduate from high school. I couldn’t wait for Christmas or Summer break. I couldn’t wait for my first, second, or third job. Always looking at what was ahead.

How many days did I miss because I was too distracted thinking about tomorrow?

How often have we thought:

“If only I lose 5 more pounds”

“If only I could afford those Manolo Blahnik’s or Coach purse”

“If only I could buy an extravagant house or car”

“If only I could travel more”

“If only I had a thriving career or a higher paid job”

“If only I were prettier”

“If only I were smarter”

“If only I had more friends”

“If only I were in a relationship”

“If only I had children”

"...I would be happier."

Truth is—we are never happier. Our “if only” statements change. We find something “better” to crave.

As we approach the holiday season, a time where we we tend to focus on material wishes and desires. I urge you to take a walk with me this season. To BE content. 

I know it will be a daily challenge, and I don’t know about you, but I just can’t waste any more todays looking forward to, or worrying about, tomorrow.

Blessings and love my dear ones!

~JennMarie

"No matter how busy you are, you must take time to make the other 

person feel important."  ~Mary Kay Ash

I came across this video on CBS Morning News a few months ago. 

After viewing the clip and reading Matthew Specktor's article, I thought about the last time I'd taken a moment to write a friend a handwritten letter. It was probably years ago, if I don't include my pathetic excuse at writing Christmas cards.

How great is it to run out to the mailbox and find, in the midst of all the junk mail, an envelope with your name handwritten in the recipient field? I will admit, most of the time I don't even make it back into the house before I tear open the envelope to see what it contains. The anticipation of what's inside almost kills me.

Since then I've sent a couple notes. Granted they were "thank-you" cards, but that's a start, right?

__

I turned 30 this summer. I know I am blessed beyond measure that I've been here 30 years, but still that number was not the easiest to deal with. However something happened that made my transition into the next decade a little easier. 30 days before my birthday I received a little note in the mail. It wasn't a flashy card or on beautiful stationary, yet the words on it soaked into my soul. The words were just this, 



"Dear Jennifer,
As you prepare to enter in to a new decade of life- I want to share 30 reasons I love you in the next 30 days..."


Each day I'd hurry home from work to find a letter or two from my dear friend. Some made me giggle, remembering our silliness. Some made me cry, yearning to be with a dear friend so far away. Yet, each day my mailbox brought me a sense of excitement, joy, encouragement and love. 

My friend did something so simple, in the sense how our culture views gifts today. But to me, it is one of the best gifts I ever received. I will forever cherish those 30 letters, handwritten with love, tears and prayers. 

__

"There is more to life than increasing its speed."  ~Mahatma Gandhi

Why don't we take the time to write anymore--even an email? Sometimes the extent of our relationships are the facades we see on Facebook. My life's great. My kid's awesome. I have the BEST marriage. Look at my great vacation pictures. 

Is this truly how we are intended to have relationships?

Why are we satisfied with surface level relationships? 

So with a little inspiration from Matthew Specktor and my kindred spirit Katie, I plan to write 3 letters this coming week. I'm not sure to who or what I will write about, but it's time I take a moment to focus on someone else and to send them some encouragement the old fashion way....snail mail!

Who can you encourage this week?

Blessings dear friends,

~JAE

A few months ago I ran into a couple from my church whom I admire. The gentleman asked when I was going to blog again. He told me that he enjoyed my blog and looked forward to reading each post. 

I was thrown off a bit because sometimes I have doubts about my writing. Who would want to read my words? Do I really have anything important to say? Does my voice even matter in the world of Twitter, FaceBook and millions of other bloggers? What do I have to say that is different than what's been said before?

On that afternoon, I realized that I need encouragement too. It's taken me awhile to compile this little post, but I've been reflecting on the amazing encouragers I have, and had, in my life. 

Upon reflection, I realized that encouragement comes in many different components of my life. I am so blessed for the friends and family who encourage me to reach my goals; the little ones, and the big ones.

Here are just a few of the categories I reflected on: {Please let me know what other categories of your lives you feel encouraged in}

“A healthy body is a guest-chamber for the soul; a sick body is a prison.”   

~Francis Bacon

Healthy Living: Let's face it friends, we live in a world of fast-food, processed junk and instant quick meals. We try to eat healthy, but life gets so busy that we use quick solutions. I'm sure we all know that the food we ingest has a direct effect on our attitude, outlook and physical well being. Having someone to hold us accountable for what we put into our bodies can make us feel better, look better, and often times can lift our spirits! 

"A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence."   

~Jim Watkins

Exercise: Unfortunately many of us lack the motivation to hit the gym or hop on our treadmills by ourselves. We need accountability. We need someone to commiserate with us early in the morning hours or after a long exhausting day. We need someone that shows us tough love and will motivate us to get off that couch and to do something good for ourselves!

"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."     ~Proverbs 27:17 (ESV)

Spirituality: Are we growing spiritually? Are we finding time for personal study? Do we seek guidance, whether through our Father, or through inner reflection? Everyone needs some inspiration here, regardless of your faith or beliefs.

"But what we can do, as flawed as we are, is still see God in other people, and do our best to help them find their own grace."     ~ Barack Obama

Relationships: We all think our perspective is "the right one." Our side of the battle field is the "good side." Whether in an argument with a spouse or a disagreement with a friend, there are times when a friend can show us both sides of a conflict or point out a flaw in our character. A good friend can tell you your flaws in grace and encourage you to be a better person.

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”     ~Mark Twain

Professionally: There are days we love our jobs and there are days we'd rather crawl back into bed. Often times it's our comrades that pull us through the day-to-day monotony, who are our cheerleaders on our toughest days, and celebrate our big and small triumphs.

“Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.” 

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Dreams: Who knows our biggest dreams? What we want to be when we "grow up?" Our crazy ideas and dreams are often times counteracted with doubt and insecurities. We all need someone who encourages us to reach for our dreams; both big and small—and sometimes they help us discover what our dreams truly are! In fact, some friends may see that our dreams are too small and see something much greater for us.

____

Try to take time this week to think about all the people who encourage you.  Maybe you have one person that fits each category, or like me, have many people who encourage you to be all that you can be! Take time to thank them. Take time to feed them with encouragement.

Who can you be of an encouragement to? 

Blessings dear friends,

~JennMarie

PS. Thank you Jerry for inspiring me to write again!

Thank you to my many encouragers: My husband, Mom & Dad, my Mother-in-law, our siblings, cousins, mentors, and friends near and far. I would not be the woman I am today if it weren't for each of you! {I wish I could call you each by name, but the list would be rather large}

"A career is wonderful, but you can't curl up with it on a cold night."

~ Marilyn Monroe

This week has been a week where I've done a lot of reflecting upon who I am. I will admit, that I struggle sometimes with not having a "full-time" job. It has been 2.5 years since I left Corporate America, and there's been many joys, but just as many doubts. My biggest struggle is seeing my Corporate America "accomplishments" side-by-side to my current "accomplishments."

As I was reflecting upon the above this week I thought about why we, Americans, define who we are by what we do. Why is it when we meet someone new we ask, "so, what do you do?" Does someone's job really define them as a person? Does a position give one individual more significance as a person than another? I sure hope not!

So let's stop defining ourselves by what we do, and start defining ourselves by who we are!

________________________________

What have you done this week to make someone smile?

What have you done this week that you thoroughly enjoy?

Are you just a list of "to-do's"? If so, cut it out! (I love a quote one of our Pastor's has posted in his office "Activity DOES NOT equal Accomplishment!")

When was the last time you sat down with your family for a meal?

Did you take time to REALLY play with your kids this week? (No iPhones, Blackberries or computers distracting you?)

When was the last time you called your Mom or Dad? Grandma? Sister? Friend?

Have you been there for someone, to just listen? Remember, there's always someone in your life who could use a friend's hug!

Does it really matter that there are Cheerios stuck to the floor, or your car needs vacuumed, or there's a load of laundry in the washer? Does tonight really need to be the night you work late? What are you missing because of these distractions?

Have you admired the world around you today?

Have you found God in the little moments? A smile. The sun, or for today, the rain. A roof over your head. Food. Clothes on your back. Friends, we are SO blessed!

________________________________

And the next time you meet someone, try asking, "So what makes you you?" rather than that dreaded, "So, what do you do!"

Remember friends, that you are loved and who you are is more important that what you do!

Blessings,
~JAE

Picture I took at the Pella, Iowa Tulip Festival

~ May 2008
A miserably cold and rainy day, but beauty was still everywhere!

Last week, we got together with our new small group!  I will admit I am very excited to get to know these 3 families better and dig into the Bible together. 


Joseph and I have a small home (more than enough space for the two of us) and it always seems overflowing when we have lots of friends over...overflowing in a great way though! We decided to put the girls in the other room with Dora as the babysitter and the adults were in the living room trying to get to know one another better.


Only minutes later, my large red yoga ball came rolling into the room with a tiny face just barely peering over it. With large eyes, a sweet smile and her little hands hugging it for dear life, Lainie pushed out this ginormous ball and giggled over and over, "BALL...BALL...BIG BALL!" 


I've thought about that moment a bit since then, not only because our 20-month-old little friend is so adorable and the memory of her wide eyes and giggles bring a smile to my face. I've thought about it because it was such a simple moment really, yet the look on her face was like she thought it was the best thing in the world.


It's just a red rubber ball, one that I walk by every day--and keep telling myself one day I'll use it. It's just like the memory with J-man, it was truly a small moment, yet again I find myself being taught a valuable life lesson from a 2 year old.


When do we lose the excitement about the little things? When do we grow up and walk past or not even notice the small things that we use to find such joy from (and I'm not just talking about a yoga ball friends)? When do we start taking the small things for granted?


Maybe life is just too busy. Maybe we don't take the time to notice the world around us. Or maybe we are just too distracted by all the stuff we have around us to notice how blessed we are.


Try to notice something around you that you miss everyday!


Love and blessings to you my friends!

~JennMarie

I will admit, I was not one of those girls who dressed up a lot, although there were a couple times I'd put my mom's high heels on or find an old bridesmaid dress in the back of her closet and day-dream I was Cinderella. Evenso, I still loved watching movies and loved some of the pretty costumes the leading ladies got to wear.



I came across this article from Marie Claire  The 20 Greatest Movie Dresses of All Time. Go ahead and read it, I'll wait for you, and I promise you'll love almost each of the dresses.

Welcome back! :) I don't know if you think anything like me, but I definitely thought this list was lacking! Not that I didn't agree with their list (although, there were one or two I didn't particularly agree with), but I thought there definitely were some amazing dresses they forgot.

So here's my additions to their Top 20!   


I use to imagine this scene from The King and I where Debra Kerr and Yule Brenner dance across the ball room and I was the lucky girl in that gold dress! "one-two-three and one-two-three!" {photo source}


I find it very surprising the next dress wasn't on their list. Although I give them props for mentioning her dresses in My Fair Lady & Sabrina. This one is definitely a classic!

Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's

{source}

Here are some of my other favorites..in no particular order of course! 

Vivien Leigh in Gone with the Wind

{source}

Drew Barrymore in Ever After

{source}

Julie Andrews in Sound of Music

{source}

Rosamund Pike & Keira Knightley in Pride & Prejudice 

{source}

Sleeping Beauty

{source}

Glinda the Good Witch in the Wizard of Oz

{source}

Marilyn Monore in Seven Year Itch

{source}

These are of course just the ones that came to the top of my head, and I know I'm missing a ton! So feel free to let me know which ones you'd love to see on the Top Movie Dresses list!

I hope you each get to enjoy a bit of "make believe time" today--or at least remember that precious time of your own childhood!

~JennMarie

"A dog can express more with his tail in minutes than his owner 

can express with his tongue in hours."  ~Anonymous

A couple weekends ago we were able to watch our "puppy niece," or that's what we call her. Bailey is such a joy to all she meets. She's a sweet yellow lab, with floppy ears, a gentle soul, and such a lovable smile!

We are always excited when her parents ask us to watch her and jump at the chance of getting our "puppy fix" (much like the "baby fix" we get from watching kids like "J-man")

Well, that weekend I was alone with Bailey one night, as my husband was out on business. We were playing fetch-which I tend to forget that Labradors can play this game for hours- and I had something heavy on my heart and was a bit down. I think Bailey sensed it, as she dropped her toy at my feet and sat down next to me, placing her chin on my knees. She looked up at me with those big brown puppy eyes that whispered, "I'm here!"

So, we had a girl-talk. She listened as I poured my heart out. She sat still (which is a huge feat for a 1-year-old lab) as I told her what I obviously needed to talk out. She sat there with her head on my knees, and as tears started to roll down my cheeks she placed one paw on one of my hands and the second atop my other. She then looked up at me and a sense of peace came over me and I knew then that everything was going to be alright.

Since my girl-night with Bailey I've been thinking about animals and empathy, specifically dogs. Can they feel what we feel? Can they sense when their owners, or in my case aunt, is sad or not feeling well? Do dogs, or animals in general, have feelings?

I'd love to hear from you!

Our niece Bailey

Blessings!

~JAE

"A day without laughter is a day wasted." ~Charlie Chaplin

I was in much need of some encouragement and laughs today and a coworker invited me out to a Power Lunch, hosted by Prestonwood Baptist. Each Tuesday, over the next couple months, they have guest speakers who inspire and encourage attendees. Today they had Dennis Swanberg, a Christian Comedian and former Pastor, who had us all laughing and I seriously had tears running down my cheeks! 


As my coworker and I walked out, headed back to work for the afternoon, we were both smiling and had a new twinkle in our eyes. I think we've both been giggling all afternoon since--at least I'm pretty sure I heard her chuckling in the next office!  So since I was so blessed by the gift of laughter from this man, I wanted to share some of his good clean comedy with y'all!! 

"Nip it in the Bud!"

"Bengy & the Zipper"

I wish you nothing but laughter today my friends!

~JennMarie 

"A bad neighbor is a misfortune, as much as a good one is a great blessing" ~ Hesiod 

I know it is probably not a rarity in rural America, but in a larger city I know how rare it is to know your neighbor. Especially in Dallas, where everyone parks in the back alley, 8 foot fences seclude you from view, and no one is ever in their front yards.

I, however, can thankfully admit that one of my many blessings since moving to Dallas is being able to say that I not only know my neighbor, but she is one of my Texas kindred spirits! LR and her small family live two houses down from us. We live in a very quiet neighborhood, and 2 years ago this week I met her right when I needed her the most...

My husband and I had been married for 3 months and were 500 miles away from our parents, siblings and friends. I was unemployed and learning to master the art of homemaking (still a work in progress sadly).  I was beyond lonely, spending my days with soap opera characters as friends, and after 3 months I took it up with the Lord that I needed some friends, and fast.

On a sunny Sunday afternoon in March we decided to head outside to do some lawn work, when something caught my eye. A tiny lady, came walking down her front steps and was holding what appeared to be a new born. She saw us outside and came over to say hi. My heart was overjoyed and spilled over with happiness as she asked if she could stop by some time when her and her little man were out for a stroll!

And you know what? The next day my door bell rang and I opened the door to see her smiling face and her son bundled up in his stroller. We went for a walk and ended up at a nearby Starbucks for a couple hours. I have no idea what we talked about, but I can still picture us curled up in our corner chairs, sipping our coffee and green-tea, talking about our lives and cooing over her precious little one. 

Since that afternoon we've had many walks, coffee dates, lunches, tea parties, book discussions, movie nights, and laughs. We've had BBQ's, birthday parties, pool parties and celebrated so many of life's blessings together. 

Not only did we make these memories together, but LR introduced me to two of her truly amazing friends, whom I now adore and call my kindred spirits too! (Oh, and our all of our husbands are friends now too!)

And all this happened just because one woman had the courage to come over and say "hi" to another!

A trip to the Dallas Arboretum. ~Oct. 2011 
(L) Me & LR (R)

So yes, meeting your neighbors can be terrifying, at first. Yet, the blessings can be so plentiful!!

Do you know your neighbors?

~JennMarie 

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echos are truly endless."

~ Mother Teresa 

I came up the ranks, at my last company, via the dreaded Customer Service department...gasp! Looking back, it really wasn't all that bad. I learned many valuable lessons and made some life long friends along the way.


At the time though, I was miserable. I dreaded the 35 minute commute, being plugged into a phone the entire day, losing call-time for bathroom breaks (what can I say, I'm competitive and wanted to take the most calls in a day), being micro-managed, being graded on my calls, and getting yelled at by customers for things that I could not control. 


I am truly thankful for the 2 years I spent in Customer Service. (This will probably come as a complete shock to my parents) I am thankful because it gave me perspective of both sides of the phone, computer, counter or isle. It taught me patience, grace, sincerity, respect and made me think quick on my feet. It also gave me a glimpse into the life of customers and how people treat other humans.


Since those days, I've tried my hardest to give Customer Service Reps or store clerks my respect and a bit more patience, because I know the beating they can go through every day. 


Yet, I still wonder whatever happened to true Customer Service? I'm sure I'm not the only person out there who hates talking to an automated voice (who never quite understands me) or pressing buttons to get me to a department that is inevitably the wrong area. Or how about applying for a job directly through a company, and NEVER knowing what happened to your resume. No acknowledgement, not even a "Dear John." Or how about the clerk at a well known pharmacy/convenience store who responds to a question on where a product might be found, "I have no idea" and then walks away. (True story that happened to me 2 weeks ago!)


Enough of the negative though, Chara is about JOY and I want to share an article with you that I came upon today! Please take the time to read it, and scroll through a couple of the user comments below. It will hopefully brighten your day, as it did mine.  11 Best Customer Service Stories Ever


I'd like to leave you with a positive story I had last week with Blue Cross Blue Shield. I thankfully made it through the automated system to what, of course, was the wrong department, but the lady on the phone told me that she would do a warm transfer! YAY! I didn't have to go through the security questions again! She was so sweet and got me to the right area in no time. 


The second lady on the line was extremely nice and patient with me, as I had some questions about our prescription insurance. We were on the phone for probably 10 minutes talking about the plan and a certain prescription I wanted more information on. At the end of the call she told me "You seem like such a nice lady! I'm so glad you called in today!" I think my jaw dropped, and I stuttered out "Thank you! You've been so kind and so helpful!"


As I write this post today though, I wonder if she told me that I was a nice lady because I may have been the only voice on the line that day that laughed with her. That told her thank you. That appreciated her. That acknowledged that she was a human being. That made her smile.


So as you go about your day today, really look at the person behind the cash register. She may be someone who needs a smile. Truly thank the person you get on the phone after a 30 minute hold--really it's not in their control-- and he may have just gotten screamed at mere minutes ago by a disgruntled caller.


Yes, there are times we get less than adequate Customer Service, but remember we, as the customers, can only control how WE treat the people we come into contact with each day!


I wish to you all a sunny and joyful day my friend!
~JennMarie 

“If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music.

 I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music... 

I get most joy in life out of music.”      ~Albert Einstein

Well, last week I had an amazing weekend with my in-laws. My two sisters-in-law and I took our mother-in-law to NYC for 5 days. It was a trip of a life-time, and it couldn't have gone better...minus the air travel.


Unfortunately, DFW did not offer a reasonable direct flight to NYC, so I had the pleasure of visiting Milwaukee, WI for my first time. Needless to say I was a tad bummed as we flew in, as there was no snow to be seen! However, I was a bit excited for a 2.5 hour layover though. 


I was planning on having a cup of coffee, finding a comfy chair, and settling in with my Kindle for a couple hours. My plans soon changed as my flight kept getting pushed back...soon into a 5 hour layover. Seems doable since I have an iPhone, right?! I could easily waste a few hours on FaceBook. Wrong...I decided to give up FaceBook for Lent this year. This was going to be a test of my endurance, but  I decided I was going to stick to my "fast," and find more creative things to do.


So what does one do for 5 hours in a Milwaukee airport, without FaceBook?

1. Found a comfy chair to curl up in for a bit.
2. Had a nice lunch at a small cafe.
3. Caught up with a dear cousin who is helping me discover and search for my "true calling." 
4. Walked 2 laps of Terminal C.
5. People watched.
6. Witnessed a toddler learning to walk...pretty amazing if I might say so! All three of their faces (mom, dad, and toddler) lit up as the little tyke toddled with his arms straight out and the hugest smile on his chubby face.
7. Got caught up on a Bible Study I was lagging behind in.
8. Read the news, and realized I need to bring more joy to the world!
9. Heard an amazing thing on one of my loops around Terminal C...

As I was getting frustrated, towards the end of my 5 hour adventure, I made one last loop of the terminal and I heard, what I thought were string instruments coming from the waiting area below me. I grabbed my suitcase and lugged it and myself down one flight of stairs to find two cellists dueling in the lower portion of the terminal. I settled down in the corner, with a sigh of relief, and began to relax for the last hour of my layover. I did get a rather poor recording of the two of them (I didn't want to seem like a creeper so pardon my snack in this video) As a side note you may want to turn your volume up!

Needless to say this put me in a fantastic mood! I spoke with them afterward and thanked them for such a wonderful treat. I asked them if they were travelling together and they said they had met on the plane from NYC and were traveling to Flint, MI to compete against each other for a solo with the Flint orchestra. (one of them happened to be a 1st year Masters student at Julliard, so I knew I was in the presence of pure talent) I've always thought it so truly amazing how music brings us all together!


I thanked them once again, and with a pep in my step, and a new song in my heart I lugged my luggage and myself back up that flight of stairs and got onto a plane to see my family!


Not only was I blessed with the surprise of song in the midst of frustration and chaos, but as we flew in, and because my flight was delayed by 3 hours, I had quite a breathtaking view of NYC at 9:00pm that I would've never experienced if my flight would have been on time!


So you see....although things might not go as we have planned, there's always a bit of music...if we just listen for it!


Peace to you my friends!
~JennMarie