At the end of each season, I like to take some time to reflect. Was there something new I learned and would like to share with others? Did something not work for me? There's always good and not so good. I made the choice years ago to be a life long learner. "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."  George Santayana, writer, and philosopher 1. It is much too hot in Phoenix during the summer.  Yes, I realize we have a dry heat, but triple-digit temps are hot regardless. Since working as a teacher, I love that I get to ta…

It's F ive Minute Friday , and I decided to join in and link up. We are given the word and get to write for five minutes flat. This week our word is MIDDLE . GO: Being in the middle is comfortable for me. After all, I'm the middle child in my family. However, I never really hid behind the scenes growing up. My congenital heart defect and subsequent surgery brought me front and center. But, I didn't necessarily like the attention it brought. Even to this day, I sometimes prefer to blend in the middle of the crowd. But, then I remember that God c…

I've discovered that the best way for me to move forward in life is to look back. I don't keep my eyes on the past, but I try to reflect on what I learned. It's too easy to focus on what's ahead, but then I don't enjoy the everyday moments and gifts. So, here are six things I learned this spring. 1. Change is good.  I teach preschool children. Introducing the season of spring is one of my favorite times of the year. I ask my class a question.  Who can tell me something about spring? I hear answers from the mouths of excited children.…

When I saw the one-word writing prompt for Five Minute Friday , I knew I wanted to participate. I have five minutes to write a blog post and link up with other writers. So here goes... START It seems like I'm always searching for something. I call them the " Debbie goes down the rabbit hole " moments. I start out looking for an idea for my preschool class on Pinterest . Of course, there are so many fun things to check out while I'm there. I rationalize that I can categorize all the recipes I want to make one day, the clothes I'd love t…

Influence is defined as "the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself" according to dictionary.com. Influence happens to be the one-word writing prompt for Five Minute Friday. Since it's now Sunday, I'm late to the party. But that word is one that I take very seriously. START As I think back over my life, I've been influenced by many people and circumstances. Some are good and others not so good. During my childhood, my mom was always there for me. She was m…

As 2018 is coming to a close, I want to pause and reflect on some of the things I learned. I think it's important to learn lessons. After all, I want to move forward and not repeat the mistakes I've made along the way. "Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it."  Winston Churchill 1. You can lose weight, but you need a plan to keep it off for the long term.  I started off 2017 with the goal of losing weight. For most of my adult life, I weighed 120 pounds. But over time, with the stress and seasons of life, I'd…

It's Five Minute Friday when I link up with other writers. We get a one-word prompt and get to write for five minutes flat. Our word for this week is VALUE . START The word value brings to mind something that is important. I've heard it said that you can easily see what's important to you by looking at your receipts or your checkbook log. We usually spend money on what we value most. Yesterday was Thanksgiving; a time to celebrate with friends and family and to feast on turkey and the fixings. I love this holiday because it focuses on thankfu…

It's Five Minute Friday when I link up with other writers. We get a one-word prompt and write for five minutes flat. Our word for this week is WHO . START I am a woman who is older than I feel inside.  As I look back on my life, I realize I've had so many experiences. Most of the younger people I work with have no idea. Growing up in the 60's I experienced the turmoil of teenage years during that time. The war in Vietnam, protests in the streets, free love, drugs. Not that I was involved in all of that, but it did surround and impact me. A fr…

Priscilla Shirer is a Christian speaker, author, and actress. About one year ago, my friend Shelia asked if I wanted to volunteer as a prayer encourager for the event. I didn't hesitate since I knew this would be something I would love to participate in. As Saturday approached, I discovered I would have to be at the Grand Canyon University Arena by 6:45 AM for training. Yes, I am an early riser, but I love my quiet Saturday mornings at home! So, I left my condo at 6:20 so I wouldn't be late. I watched as the women waited to enter. It was sold o…

It's Five Minute Friday when I link up with other writers. We get a one-word prompt and get to write for five minutes flat. Our word for this week is Praise . START It's easy to praise God when life is going well. I sing praise songs. I love to worship the God who sustains me and gives me all I have. I thank Him for blessing me. But what happens when life gets turned upside down? I had that experience happen to me. Circumstances occurred, and I didn't feel I had any control. What was I to do? I made the conscious choice to praise Him in the s…

Have you ever felt prompting deep in your soul? I seem to be perpetually busy. It's not that I sign up for too many things. But I like to do things well, so I put much effort into what I do. I've also discovered something else about myself. For me to focus, I need solitude. Otherwise, I'm so easily distracted. But there are times when the distraction is where God wants me to be. The other day, I was in my classroom trying to get organized for the next day's lesson. A teacher friend stopped by to chat. Inside I have to admit I was a litt…

It's Five Minute Friday when I get to link up with other writers. We receive a one-word prompt and write for five minutes flat. Our word for this week is: Share . GO It can be hard to open up. After all, are people really interested in hearing my sob story? At least, that's what I thought. Keep a stiff upper lip and do something about your situation. Quit complaining. But I discovered that when I am authentic and share from my heart, people tend to feel more comfortable sharing their story. "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus C…