It is a new year approaching

Good Morning,

I like many have had time to reflect upon the past years and one would say that it is good for reflection.  In it we can take time to examine our past failures, accomplishments and things that make us proud or unsure or uncertain.

In these days and times I know that it seems like we can not count on anyone or anybody.  A ring of that is true.  We look at the tragic events that we have sustained as a country and it appears perhaps to the world that we are a country without hope.

I would like to say that that is not a fair.  We have a lot of problems in our country and yes I would be one to say that we have a lot of things that could be done better.  We as Americans must move into our concept of better and changed and reform.  At lot of things can be changed at the level of the Senate the government our communties.  The change can be completed.  It has and we have the power to change this nation to be a better place. It also takes prayer.

I join the ranks of those who are unemployed.  As an adult over the age of 50 things have been very difficult for me and my family.  My prospective however and my insight is still and remains optimistic for we in ourselves lies the ability to change and create change and hope for ourselves and for others.

Sometimes this can happen by just doing a small deed of kindness one thing at a time.  You hear how often things are really bad.  I saw a news story the other day of a young man who was a Hero at the time "Sandy" was here.  Shortly and not soon after the young man lost his life.  I wonder did he know did he feel something inside of him that was saying it is almost over?  Each day we have the unique opportunity to show love to show kindness to give back.  To those who own a business to give a job to someone that wants it. (This could very well be me).

To those who have taken the business to other soil...we appeal to you to come back and re-invent the things that made us proud as Americans.  A country where the American dream was realized so greatly that many still make an exodus to this country for hope of a new life and our American dream. 

The dream is not a nightmare we are a people who love and who give and who help one another it many times of crisis and there are some good people.  There are great causes and people who help and who love and who give of themselves their resources and their time.  Find a way to now create ways that can make this country a better place for those who now know suffering.  Help create things and circumstances that will give back to our community our neighborhoods and help someone.  You do not have to re-invent the wheel.  There are thousands upon thousands of charitable causes that you can give your time and maybe even your money.  Please investigate first.  I could name a lot but you use your imagination.

One thing I can say honestly I don't even consider myself a patriot or some high level person in any spect of the imagination.  I am just an ordinary person.  That is what makes each on of us so special.  Realizing that people can do such amazing things.  For in this lies the human spirit to win to excel to overcome to knock down obstacles and out of it comes the most amazing stories. I think within each of us is a purpose that we have from the very day we are born.  Let us not take the things we were supposed to do to another life not accomplished.  I am a very late bloomer.  I always wanted to write.  Now much older I am doing that so it is never too late.  To try to embark to begin.  We won't always be the best at everything.  I know I could use some help in a lot of areas still.  Knowing that we can evolve and change and learn.  This is why I call this Blog Lifes Lessons.  We are always in the process of learning no matter what the lesson or who the teacher really is.

I have my own prospective....I think this country does need to find it's place but it is a country that was "One Nation under God" when we get back to understanding that it is within the moral society there is hope freedom and a place for true liberty.  When we turn our hearts and our minds back to God.  I love our modern world in this someone like me can write to the world....just taking my little place tiny place in the world to share my thoughts go out and do something for someone else and your next years reflection might be just a little bit different.  Your reflection can be that you helped someone else in word and perhaps in deed as well....Goodbye 2012 Hello 2013 lets make it a better year... I know that nothing is impossible with God....Tonya Nooks

The Gift...

Today I wanted to share about the beautiful story of a gift.  It was a gift straight from heaven itself.  I
was standing beside a lady at a local church that I have been attending pretty regular.  I saw and I noticed the most beautiful pin she was wearing on her lapel.  A lot of women no longer do this as our society has somehow gotten away from ladies wearing pins on their lapels.  I am a lover of beautiful items and things that reflect a life of elegance and beauty.  I looked and began to admire the  pin she was wearing.  I was full of jewels just sparkling with elegance.  It was a peacock.  The top of it's head was full of lovely jewels and the bottom had the most beautiful red rubylike jewel.  I will tell you why now it captured my attention.

My mother's last name was Peacock.  She proudly found many items that she displayed in her home that bear that.  I have some things that I have of hers that I cherish.  My mother has gone on to be with the Lord and her reward.  This item seemed to warm my heart and the memories of my mother begin to flood my heart as I felt she was speaking to me at that moment.  I mentioned to the lady that my mother's last name was that and then she did something so amazing.  She begin to take the pin off of her lapel.  She handed that pin to me a complete stranger and said "This is a gift from God to you" Even though my mother is gone from this world I felt her love for me so strong at that moment.  You can not imagine the joy that I felt at that moment.  I never thought in a million years to have it for my very own.  She further stated that she knew when she put that pin on that  day that she would give it as a gift.  Talk about being in the right place at the right time.

I am one who believes that God loves us enough to give us sometimes the gifts to our heart.  I am not or will I ever believe that gifts no matter how small or large can not warm the heart.  It is not always about the gift but the giver.  As this season rapidly approaches we must learn the true meaning of Christmas as Jesus was God's gift to the world.  He loved us so much that he gave his son to give others hope in a world that knew no hope.  I am not a really big fan of the holiday's in fact quite honestly I struggle with the true meaning for myself and for others.  I hope that it is not about how much debt you got yourself into.  Or how much shopping that really gets done.  We are a society with way too many things.  It is about showing an act of love or kindness one for the other.  For family and friends and even perhaps a stranger like I was to this lady who gave me her pin.   This is your opportunity to volunteer to give to those less fortunate to do without perhaps for a meal for someone a warm blanket a pair of gloves.  It may not be in your power to do something material.  Perhaps write a letter or send a card to a young man or woman as they fight for our country and freedom.  Others may be in prison a nursing home. Volunteer to help those who are less fortunate serving food at your local church or parish or temple.  It matters more that you will give the gift of your time to others.  These gifts are just the gifts of ourselves and that is what the season to me is all about.  For love of mankind your fellow man or woman or child that is in need of sometimes a helping hand or to be shown kindness and love. Thanks for reading and may your day be filled with love and kindness for others...Tonya Nooks @c2012