"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!)
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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.

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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






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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. 

“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

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.

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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

"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 

This week I had the joy of watching a dear friend's little guy for a few hours. J-man is one of those little guys who makes you smile and wonder how can one little boy be so cute!

I learned a valuable lesson this week...it is almost impossible for a 2 year old to sit still for more than 5 minutes. His attention went from trucks, to tortuously playing xylophones, to hide-in-seek, to "catch me Miss Jenn," to lunch, to reading, to running again. I soon was utterly exhausted, out of breath and was running out of ideas fast.

I asked J-man if he wanted to go play the piano, and a huge grin spread across his chubby cheeks and he excitedly said "YES!" After a 2 minute serenade he crawled off the piano bench said, "you play...I dance!" 

This little blonde boy then taught me another great lesson that day. As I made up horrible songs and tried playing kid songs from 20 years ago he spun in circles, giggled, and ran from one end of the room to the other. After doing some pretty wicked twirls, he looked directly at me, threw his tiny arms in the air and said "THIS IS AWESOME!!!" and pattered off giggling.

It didn't last long, maybe 10 minutes or so, but we both were laughing so hard I bet both our sides hurt. Afterward I thought about what a simple moment in life that was. I didn't do anything grand for this little boy. I didn't give him some huge gift with flashing lights or cool sound effects. I didn't take him to Disney World. I just gave him my attention and a bit of my heart.

J-man made me think about my life and how sometimes the most simple, and really truly silly moments are honestly the best!

When was the last time you did something so fun and honestly silly that you looked at who you were with and thought to yourself or even said, "This is awesome!"....even if it was as ridiculous as making up silly songs for a toddler?


Joy to you my friends!
~JennMarie

“Kids: they dance before they learn there is anything that isn't music” 

~William Edgar Stafford

(photo source)