50 year Bliss?

As I woke up this morning, in a quiet house preparing cookies for my in-laws 50th wedding anniversary party this afternoon, I was reminded of how precious life is. While I reflected on all of the things that they have provided for me in the last 19 years that I have know their son... it has been an amazing journey. They have accepted me as a daughter even though they already have one, they have support us as a couple and have given us a helping hand when we needed not only their help but their wisdom and knowledge. They are awesome grandparents to Paxton and have really been there to show us in many ways how to love. As a 38 year old woman who has lost both parents, they have done a great job of making me feel not only welcome and included but truly loved by them. I am grateful for their son, although sometimes he drives me crazy... both in good and irritating ways... but it reminds me of why I fell in love with him in the first place, how happy he makes me, supports me, loves me and makes me laugh. Not everyone gets the chance to celebrate 50 years, whether death comes before or they just drift apart. It truly is a blessing to say you still love someone after 50 years of marriage. What is the ingredient that maintains that love, that bond, that security of having that person by your side? I truly believe that it is never a one person effort. You have to both want to be there and one person sometimes has to want it more than the other to hold it together. You have to from time to time stop and reflect on what that person really brings to the table and the why you said YES in the first place. Being married really is not about being perfectly happy or always getting along being married is about 2 very different individuals who can't live without each another. But can survive life changes, job changes, births and raising children, stress, down times, moodiness, happy times, health issues, moves, busy schedules and supporting one another to be themselves and choosing to collectively agree to like and share similar interests but also to have the ability to pursue their own thing separately and for that to be ok with their partner. We are not always going to think like our partner, we will not always agree with their decisions or ideas- we may not always feel the support our expectations want them to give. Which I am positively certain we as their partner also don't always meet every expectation they have of us and that is ok... if everyone always agreed with one another, life sure would be pretty boring! We have joined their attributes as well as their faults when we committed in the first place. It is concentrating on their attributes and what joy they give us that initially ignited and continues to spark why we chose them and why we continue to chose them. When you are mad as hell, let down or disappointed remember that spark... cherish it, reignite it! Savor life's joys, count life's blessings and continue to nurture your relationship, don't take the other person for granted and continue to ignite that spark as often as you need. Don't dwell on the wrongs, the mistakes or the disappointments, we all have them and we all do them. Play with passion, don't do anything with less than your whole heart when it comes to your partner, put them first before your children, as they were (in most cases) in the picture first. Continue to engineer harmony, you don't have to always be right or get in the last word. Let it be easy and with choice and appreciation, respect and most of all LOVE. -Be completely humble and gentle, be patient bearing with one another in LOVE. - Ephesians 4:2

Good Friday Relfection Change your Happiness Level

For years I have said to my son, adjust your attitude. I am a rather positive person and when he talks to me in a whiny or negative attitude voice it makes my skin crawl. Nothing can get Momma more upset that this. His crappy demeanor can change my attitude on a dime! Should it? Absolutely not, do I have control over anyone else's attitude but me? Nope... however, as a mom, and I human you better believe I can make suggestions! How people act and react to their situation that are around me, does often play into my attitude as well...I strive not to let my circumstances get me down, but sometimes they just do. Do I forgive, forget and move on quickly? You bet I do it is my nature, but sometimes I allow my reactions to take control of me! I AM the creator of my experience. I can choose inner peace at anytime. I should harness my energy to my advantage and to make a positive impact on others. In the midst of any horrible circumstances, challenging days and upsetting occurrences... I am always looking to find a positive spin on things. In the last few days when I have went to tell my son to "adjust his attitude" I have caught myself and stated, "Change your Happiness Level" for me this has a more positive connotation then what I was previously saying to him, and I believe his reaction to it is less negative. The same may be said for today, "Good Friday"- how would it be viewed if it was called "death friday" or "tragic friday" or something of that nature... what would our attitudes reflect about the day? It is called Good Friday for a reason... As I reflect on today being Good Friday, a sacred Holy Day people probably ask themselves... Why in the heck, if Jesus died do they call it "Good" Friday? What could possibly be good about the death of someone? The term "Good" as applied to Good Friday is an Old English expression meaning holy. It's also often called Holy Friday. From another aspect, Good Friday is always tied to Easter Sunday, which is a joyful celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. He could not have been resurrected if he had not died first. Sometimes we just need to change our perspective and change our happiness level to balance out our negative interpretation of something. Luke 23:44-47 NIV The Death of Jesus 44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. 47 The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.”

Back to School Blues

Yesterday was my son's first day back to school after a long 16 day spring break! Even though we had a hectic 2 weeks and I was filled with the blessing of an abundance of business at the very same time, a boy who started out spring break with pink eye and urgent care, a terrible bout of allergies, multiple baseball camps, practices and a few games and LOTS of fishing... I enjoyed every minute of the juggle. Yesterday made me realize that when he is not in school I tend to be a much more calm, less stressed individual who really enjoys what I have. I can't say I even slept in at all on his break as I get up around 5:00 when my husband goes to work... but I did immensely enjoy the peacefulness of not being rushed in the morning to make the bell at his school. He of course on break didn't always sleep in, in fact most days he was up way before the time I had to drag him out of bed just to get awake and ready for his normal school routine. I am sure I am not the only parent who this happens to! A few early morning fishing trips, a lot of play time and family time was had... I can honestly say I love the form of year round school we have. 7 weeks in the summer, 2 at fall, 3 at Christmas and 2 at spring break, and all the normal holidays. It really breaks up the routine, we can enjoy some down or play time not worrying about school and homework but going back after the breaks is really a hard adjustment. Yesterday morning I was determined not to let it get the best of me. However, I felt myself slip back into cranky mommy mode as I tried to get him up for school, struggling with him not wanting to go, having to remind him repeatedly to get dressed, making breakfast, making his lunch for school, where are your shoes? feed the dogs! Turn the T.V. off and get your shoes and socks, brush your teeth (8 times), come let me fix your hair, going out to feed the animals, getting myself ready as I had an early appointment... then walking out the door to be reminded he had no water bottle, returning inside to make the water bottle to go back out and find him riding his scooter instead of in the truck buckled up ready to go.. my head spins and I spew out angrily because I am such an on time person that I hate for him or I to be late for ANYTHING. He has never been tardy and by goodness now is not the time to start. As we pull out of the driveway we pray on our way to school like every morning for his day, his teacher, his classmates, for him to be kind and nice to everyone and for him to focus and retain what he needs to learn. As we pull into the busy school and park, getting out of the truck is another chore, in my mind he must be the slowest, pokiest kid out there I swear. I wonder to myself if other mothers have this same struggle. I take something into the school bought at a garage sale over break for the PTA (I am the president) and run into 2 other PTA moms. We stand and chat in the middle of the hall as my son stands there irritated that he is ready to get to before school recess, he finally interrupts me and I remind him I am talking and he doesn't have to wait for me to walk him 25 more feet to the recess door. His look makes me irritated but I walk him anyway and he says as he is walking out the door "you made me miss recess" as I see a teacher on the playground out of the corner of my eye, I do the little pointer finger you better get your little butt back here NOW signal... he semi rolls his eyes and walks back into the hall. Then I proceed to tell him that he will not be disrespectful and talk to me like that. He had every opportunity to walk himself to recess and he did not! I was not holding him back and I will not take responsibility of his lack of recess that morning. He apologized although a little grumpily and I kissed him on the head as he made his way back out the door to line up with the other kids. Sure I was mad, but it made me realize that neither one of us were ready to get back into the school routine, both of us got 16 days worth of getting used to each other being around most of the time all day and both of us probably woke up a little cranky knowing it was time to go back to the school routine. Does that make it okay for us to have bad attitudes, absolutely not... but it does reflect how close we are and that spending time as a family is of great importance to build that bond where it is hard to be apart. I am truly blessed to be a Mom to such a loving caring individual that I am so grateful I was chosen to raise him. Yesterday after school we got home and I was out in my chicken coop feeding and filling up the water when he yelled at me to call or text our neighbor to see if everything was ok! I guess he heard her little girl (4 years old) screaming... when I called she was so touched that he was concerned.. I guess she got into some ants that were crawling all over her and biting her and scared her. When I let him know she was ok he was truly relieved.. I love this little boy with all my heart and pray that he stays as sweet as can be. Next time I am irritated or mad, I need to just breath, remain calm and remember these moments. I am going to try to breath in the mornings... to take a deep breath before I react to his lack of concern for our time schedule and utilize my kind, caring and positive attitude skills to create a non-hostel environment before school, to avoid setting a sour mood for his day! Positive or Negative mornings can truly stage the day and make or break the experience you have... A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. - Proverbs 15:1 NIV Be gentle when you are speaking to your kids... you are their example. - Dani The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. - Dorothy Nevill

Stop the Talk!

In my heart of hearts I know that I am a good person. I am a do-gooder who wants to make a difference to other people.. who wants to help... to fix things... to step in when someone else can't, to lighten someone's load or brighten someone's day. Even when people are mean to me, walk all over me, take advantage or me or make me cry or feel like I have failed, I bounce back and do good. I treat people the way that I feel God wants me to treat them, even when it isn't appreciated or well received. They say when someone slaps you turn the other cheek right? That is my philosophy, no matter how much someone hurts me I continue to forgive and love because that is the right thing to do. This is why it is especially hard for me when someone questions my integrity or intentions. When they feel my gestures are ill-willed or self absorbed. When they say that I do things to make myself look good... this is NOT my intention. I want to consider myself a selfless person... I try to give to others first, serve as I was taught by my parents and love unconditionally. I offer to help, I encourage and support with the best intentions in mind... but I have to understand in a majority selfish world, some people don't receive my intentions as selfless, I somehow for some reason have an ulterior motive, when in fact that is far from the case. I am a committed person who tries hard to stick to everything I say I am going to do, to fulfill every promise and to follow through with every good intention... do I get disappointed when someone else commits or says they will do something that they do not follow through... yes, I do because honestly it is disappointing... am I saying that I am always perfect, absolutely not at all. It is hard to be accused of doing good deeds and works for selfish intentions... that is not me. I don't need the recognition, I don't need to be patted on back for everything I do, does it feel good when someone recognizes me, you bet it does, but that is NOT what I am seeking. I just do what I do because that is who I am. It is in my DNA so to speak. My parent's instilled in me to do good for others, to serve God's people no matter what. Love unconditionally no matter how much I get taken advantage of, spit on, or my feelings hurt. I have to come to terms with the fact that not everyone will see my intentions as selfless or beneficial to them, not everyone is going to like me, not everyone will receive my "good deeds" as appreciated. I need to be okay with that. I need to stop struggling to prove that my intentions are selfless... I need to just be me and Let it Go! No one person should be able to change our motivation, our optimism or our attitude. I need to nurture the amazing relationships that I do have, to focus on more of what I want, the people I love and move forward and count my blessings not my heartaches. Learning to get over hurts and resentments, rude people, and disappointments can free up more room for the positive energy needed to focus on reaching those who need you the most. Jesus Christ said: “Do not resist him that is wicked; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other also to him.”—Matthew 5:39. Jesus’ teaching in his Sermon on the Mount regarding ‘turning the other cheek’ reflects the true spirit of God’s Law to Israel. Jesus did not mean that if his followers are struck on one side of the face, they should stagger to their feet and offer the other side as a target. In Bible times, as is often true today, a slap was not intended to injure physically but was an insult intended to provoke a reaction, a confrontation. Evidently, then, Jesus meant that if one person tried to goad another into a confrontation with a literal slap—or with stinging sarcasm—the person slapped should avoid retaliating. Instead, he should attempt to avoid what could become a vicious circle of rendering evil for evil.—Romans 12:17. It is my intention to not take revenge on someone to not make them feel like they made me feel. To vent if needed to someone I trust and then let it go, not continue to talk ill about them or try to reason with their intentions...or try to "be right" to just give it to God and move on with my day.

Mom Patience

If you are anything like me mom patience is something I lack.... probably at least half if not most of the time... why can I be patient with my clients, adults, friends, crazy drivers, people who put me on hold forever on the phone, all those people who I don't even have a personal relationship with... but when it comes to my child... all that patience goes out the window? Why? I have asked myself this question over and over and over again. Do I save it for every situation and person that would think I was a "nut job" if I went off on them for no apparent reason.. sometimes yes... Is it because he is my kid and I expect more from him? Do I think he should know my every move and be in sync with it? Should I expect a 7 year old to never whine, complain or want things he cannot have? Am I truly focusing on what he needs/wants from me or am I constantly thinking about the next thing I need to do.. Probably. Should I focus on the task at hand! Absolutely... as mom's are we constantly multitasking... the fear in the back of our mind that we will NOT get it all done, someone will be disappointed in us, we may have to say no to something, we may in the midst of doing so many things, actually mess something up! My kid is super mature for his age, however, I need to be at peace with the fact that he is a kid. Everyday is a constant struggle for me to be patient, kind and loving when he does something that I don't want him to, that I don't expect him to or that is seriously just a kid thing! He isn't 30 Dani, he is 7 I tell myself. Some might say controlling... some might say just a MOM thing! Do I stick him in that I have patience for everyone else so I need to unload on him box? My mom and I had that relationship... we were able to vent, scream, yell, get mad at each other sometimes call each other names and had the capability to bounce back be happy and loving in 0.6 seconds if we had to. It was just our nature! We had that understanding, ever since my dad passed away when I was 14 it was just my mom and I for years and years. We coped, we understood, we loved unconditionally NO MATTER WHAT. For me to put that same expectation on my husband or son...probably not the best decision... but truly I miss that ability to do so... I miss my mom everyday! To lose my patience and have an understanding that I just needed to vent, blow-up, scream or cry to get my anger and frustrations out from all of the people and situations where I HAD to be patient and really didn't want to, bottle up my feelings and sometimes they just unload, unexpectedly, the days where everyone is pulling me in 27 different directions, clients calling, texting, and needing answers immediately all at the same time, on top of my already busy day combined with the needs of my family and the expectations of the programs/organizations that I volunteer for. Some may say I do too much, I give to much, but I really thrive when I am busy and the small amount of times it gets to me... outweigh the impact and the satisfaction I get from making a difference... It is my nature to nurture. I pray every morning that God gives me the patience, kindness and understanding that a good mom/wife should have... does it always make my day smoother and my patience stronger... not always... but everyday is a new day and a chance to learn from my mistakes, pray for patience for the people who deserve it the most- my family and go about my day. Be humble and gentle in every way, be patient with each other and lovingly accept each other. -Ephesians 4:2

Is He Calling You?

I went to church with one of my friends on Sunday... great message as a whole, however, the one thing I took a note of and it has been lingering with me this whole week so far is the Pastor saying, "God does not call the qualified, he qualifies the called." There are so many things that popped into my mind then and have continued to this week, about myself and my family and what we are suppose to be doing to spread the message of His Love... especially this Easter Season we are in. How often have I thought that I wasn't qualified to do something? Whether in my home, career, community or church. That isn't possibly something that I could do, I don't have the skills necessary to do that, why would I think I could accomplish this, or learn how to do that, do I have time, is it convenient? Questions swirling around in my inner thoughts as I struggle some task, some burning in my soul, some urge to try something that I think is beyond my measures or skill level... Is this yearning God? Is this gut feeling that I have regarding this or that something I should purse or just my silly mind churning... I am sure lots of you have had this gut feeling, this urge to do something deep in your soul that you didn't expect or have absolutely no idea how to pursue, so you shut it off in that mind of yours and move on to the known... Our fear of the unknown or our limiting beliefs that we are not qualified to do something take over and we shut down. Sometimes I have pursued these feelings but often times I just let it go and move on with my busy everyday life tasks at hand. Sometimes I fight urges and resist callings because of fear or lack of knowledge about what is ahead... I strongly urge you today that if you have something that has been lurking inside of you to move forward, give it to God let Him guide you and let him qualify your calling, you may just not already need to be qualified. Have a Blessed Day! Somehow life will work out. Go and reach your maximum potential...

Hubby to the rescue!

Rushing to get out the door, a day filled with tasks, a doctor's appointment, finding a place for my son after school...a conversation on the way to school with my son regarding my job and if I actually work... "well you don't work as hard as daddy..." the words stung like a bee... really, this kid has no concept of what I do to enjoy more time with him, anytime.. I am my own boss.. I control how busy or slow I am... he sees me home a lot... to a 7 year old that isn't working hard I guess... why did I let a 7 year old make me tear up about something he at 7 can't possibly appreciate....- "mom, I am not trying to be rude," he insisted. We set out with his bike so he could ride home with some friends after school so I could go to a long awaited doctor's appointment. Upon arriving at school and taking the bike out of the back of the truck we discovered the tire was flat... "great" I thought... just one more thing to add to my already hectic busy day.. I had to blow up birthday balloons for one of the teacher's at school for the PTA, meet a mom for coffee to discuss a project, put a listing/pictures in the computer, had to draw up listing paperwork for another couple, look up houses, make phone calls, check on a short sale, get over to a client's house to do some touch-up cabinet work because he was out of town... and the list went on and on. "Ok honey, I will go home and get your scooter and come back and collect your bike... no worries." 2 hours after we had this conversation I already forgot about the bike, the exchange and my promise to my son... why.. because I had at least 5 conversations after that one of which lasted 30 minutes with a client, that led my mind and focus in other directions. I had a last minute booking to see 5-6 houses and I still had to make the appointments to view them and then get ready and look presentable to show... Good gosh it was only 11:00 and I had been up since 4:30 and still felt behind. In my business for the last 16 years, you realize sometimes you have to go with the flow of the client... if you do not have a specific appointment that keeps you from meeting with them, you may as well go... otherwise you have to plan another time that may be less convenient or risk the loss of viewing the home that they really want because they waited to see it... in a market with low inventory, the good stuff that is priced right goes fast for the most part. On the way to viewing the houses I remembered the bike... already 20+ minutes away from my home! "UGH!" Really!? And the mom of the year award goes to...I quickly called my friend whose house he was going to after school and she came up with a solution of taking him a scooter from her house so he could "ride" to their house after school... but than his bike would have to stay locked at school over night as it would NOT fit in her car. Dilemma.. Newer Bike... Sports Authority Going Out of Business Sale... Great Deal... not going to find that again if it get's stolen... all this flashed through my mind! Would I have time to show the homes, drive back to the school 25 minutes, grab the bike and go back 25 minutes to make it to my doctors appointment at 3? It was 2:04... hmmmm... I made a quick phone call to a really good friend who has an SUV and also picks up her son from school.... After a 25 minute pow wow conversation about both our somewhat unexpected day...as she had things pop up as well. I was reassured she would step in and rescue the bike at parent pick-up... prayers do get answered, sometimes you just need to ask for a little help. In the meantime having a conversation with a client who had chosen not to renew their listing at this time when it expires in 1 week, after almost 6 months of money and time spent marketing this home, I was devastated, did she not understand all the effort I put in? That sometimes it is just the right timing... sometimes it is not the agent's efforts or lack there of... sometimes it is expectations, sometimes it is finding that right buyer who maybe hasn't come along yet, or the house she is suppose to buy after she sells her current one is not yet available... I spent a lot and did a lot and thought outside the box a lot and things are just starting to finally pick up for her price range and location and after she takes it off the market and does some updating... she may or may not relist with ME? Really... I did everything I could... how can I save this is all that was going in my mind... A small conversation with hubby, who bless his heart doesn't always find the right words to comfort me when my mind blames itself for what could I have done different, better... His words this time came exactly as needed, he said what I needed to hear to let go of what was beyond my control and realize that if I do everything with a whole heart, with passion and positive energy, even the times it does not work out.... I can't always change the choices and reactions of others... but I can chose how I respond, how I react, how I feel and how I move forward... I don't have to chose to "take it personally." You cut your losses and go on. After hanging up with him my mind was more clear for the wheels to start turning and come up with a plan... if the listing wasn't going to renew and I still had a week left to try... think outside the box Dani, think outside the box... some money is better than none, and I quickly emailed the client with a plan.. Next onto the doctor for a long awaited appointment to discuss none other than getting my tubes tied... After years and years of birth control.. I was done having this little pill dictate my moods... the older I get the more it becomes a risk and my family's history isn't all the best with women and health effects... My insurance (God bless my hubby's amazing county job) covers the whole surgery 100%! But just like any surgery.. there are risks and I wanted to discuss exactly what those are. In the meantime I get a text from a client who wants to see a house sometime after 4 in NE Mesa... I was sitting in San Tan Valley at doctor's office at 3:08... hmmm... okay how do we make this work... Appointment to show scheduled for 5:00- clients and I arrive at 4:40 up to the front of the home... in the meantime trying to discuss with another client and figure out how she can get the home of her dreams that we wrote an offer on 2 days prior and got rejected... what loan program, how much down, what changes, additions could we do to get her to where the seller needed to NET in order to say yes to the house. Sometimes, just as my son cannot "see" this back and forth, this negotiation, the internal stress...It can be just as hard work, just as exhausting as my husband's physical job. What we perceive is not always reality. What looks like an easy, cake-like job where I have flexibility and can be my own boss, can make my own hours and make " a lot" of money per deal... in actuality if you divided out the hours I spend, the driving I do and the amount of time my brain works in between negotiating and getting that client into or out of their home... It can really be negative dollars per hour in some cases! I actually calculated it once on a really hard deal I did... never will I do that again.. so disappointing! You always have to strive for the bigger picture... I am helping someone and what is truly right for me must also serve others. After almost 1 hour in this home, you could see my client's excitement and spinning wheels in their head of the potential of this house... as they left to discuss putting in an offer, I climbed back into the truck to have received an email from my almost expired listing client agreeing to my outside the box thinking... she even noted a message thanking me for thinking outside the box... Awesome! My client trying to get the home of her dreams came across yet another hiccup... so we were back to square one but had another option they had to ponder regarding coming in with more money to make it work...did they really want to do this, did they want to try and keep looking for a less expensive house? We will see what God has in store for them and if this house is meant to be theirs we will find another way. I ran to the store for salad stuff, as this was apparently my cheat day as I had a donut for breakfast ( I rarely even eat donuts), french fries and an iced-coffee for lunch... and a couple bites of an apple! I assumed a salad for dinner was most appropriate, but we had ran out of lettuce... I picked Paxton up from his friends, ran to my other friend's house for his bike and set out for home... I think we arrived a little after 7:00.. My husband had made his own dinner, fed all our animals and cleaned up. I made Paxton mac and cheese, myself a salad and we all talked about our day. Earlier in the day I had mentioned to hubby my son and I's conversation regarding my work or what he thought was a lack there of. Paxton welled up with tears and said he wasn't trying to be mean... he was embarrassed. We reassured him that we were not upset or mad at him... Dad told him of the importance of my job, how it contributes to our household, allows him to be in all the activities he is in and have a mom that is mostly around all the time but still works... that was the 2nd time in one day my husband made me proud that almost 19 years ago I chose him to spend the rest of my life with... it is moments like these that no matter the hustle and bustle the day throws at you. When you are united as a family, supportive of one another and on the same page with your goals and desires... life supports me to be myself. Life shows me that I am enough and I have enough. I am the creator of my experience. Let life be easy... I am too blessed to be stressed. There could be far worse encounters and conditions than what my day brought... and for that I am thankful for what I have. A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. Proverbs 31: 10-12

Exercise Humility

In church yesterday our Priest talked about what it means to have humility. The Beatitudes of the Bible teaching and why humility brings us closer to God. I really took the time to reflect on what that means to me. Sometimes being humble means getting stepped on, beat up, taken advantage of because you are doing things without any expectation of favors or good deeds in return. You are doing what you do out of the kindness of your heart, out of love and admiration and you are serving others based on the will God has intended for your life. Sometimes people can get burned out by doing all the time and not getting anything in return. This is when it is most important to keep doing right by others. God says if you take good care of his people, he will take care of you. Mother Teresa in my opinion was a great example of someone who lived a life of humility! She is an amazing figure who practiced what she believed and did so without any expectations from anyone. She lived a simple life... but her life was full... not from the riches of this earth but of the confidence in knowing she was pleasing God and living her life based on serving him. I truly believe she is in Heaven receiving all her riches now. Those who live their life with passion for what they believe in and a passion to serve others cannot accomplish this with less than a whole heart! My goal this week is to be kind and gentle, to give more than I have, to stop and practice acts of kindness, to cultivate optimism, to avoid social comparison, to forgive others, to nurture my relationships and exercise humility... I am way to blessed to be stressed and there are often times when engineering Harmony is better than being right... so I will let go of anger and disappointment, respect others and use kind words. I hope that everyone's week is filled with many blessings and that you savor life's joys! The hate and anger in the world around us is just another reason to let go of hurts and disappointments and let life be easy. No one needs to further complicate things... there is always a next level of relaxation you can go to in any situation. Start today.

THE EIGHT BEATITUDES OF JESUS "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Gospel of St. Matthew 5:3-10

Blessings of Clutter

For any of you who know me well know that I really can't stand clutter (well except for on my desk filled with papers in stacks where I swear to you I know where everything is! HA!) In my kitchen in my living room, in my sink... I really have learned in the last few years sometimes I am just too busy and I need to let it go... but I still get that achy feeling when stuff is lying around. On days that I am in too much of a hurry that I didn't have time to make my bed, it actually bothers me throughout the day that I didn't wake up an extra 5 minutes early to do so. But yesterday a friend of mine wrote about turning 30 and how letting go of certain things as we age helps us to appreciate the other things we have an opportunity to partake in... pick your battles RIGHT? as they say... If my house is a little messy once in awhile or there is stuff that just doesn't get put away immediately after each use... am I still me? Is my family still functioning? Are we so busy living our life that we are creating memories instead of constant friction with our children or spouse so that we are nagging to remind them to pick up after themselves! Is it worth the negative vibe or words or yelling or whatever you may do to stress their lack of concern for their mess? Ask yourself what is more important? The stress of constantly having to be tidy and presentable or enjoying time with your friends and family and doing what it is that makes you happy. Don't get me wrong... I am completely happy when I have a clean house. Living in the desert with family members, horses and 3 dogs..dirt is tracked in on a daily basis. But I will not take memories of dirt or a clean house to Heaven with me... Don't get so behind and overwhelmed that you live in constant dirt... but don't stress over the few items that may be out of place or cluttering up your living room floor. It means your child is engaging in toys that he has, or you ate dinner together and your dishwasher is full but just didn't have time to get to all the dishes that night. Make your family your priority not your counters or kitchen table. Will I still strive to keep a clean house, you bet I will that is just me, but can I relax and let it go sometimes? You bet I am working on that... EVERY DAY! Life is full of unexpected twists and turns you may not be prepared for ... Enjoy the people you love as if it is the last time you will see them... it just may be! Matthew 6:19 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal

Shut Yesterday's Door

I had a recent occurrence that really made me question if I did everything I possibly could to help or if I could have done more. I was lied to and that really stung. I talked it through with a few close friends and played it over and over and over in my head. I even cried over it! I was struggling to "let it go." Last night a client of mine posted something on my social media wall that made me reassure myself that I can please some... but not everyone! Thanks Kristal. As long as I do my best, I cannot blame myself for someone else's expectations. I value myself as a good person who tries really hard to help everyone and do my best everyday at what I do. So often we can play over and over in our heads a situation that occurred. Normally it is something that goes wrong. We re-play it over and over again to see what we could have done differently, said differently, reacted differently to change or prevent a certain occurrence. However, doing this often adds to the stress we are creating for ourselves and we mentally conjure up things in our mind that may or may not even be true regarding how the other person views the situation. Being human this is going to happen, we as humans are often "fixers" and we want to be able to mend a situation or at least learn from our mistake. I have found that sometimes it isn't even something that we did wrong or didn't do that causes another person to react a certain way. It honestly just might be that person... so the next time you go blaming yourself for something that failed or didn't work out just know that if you did the best you could with what you have and were the best person you could be and that wasn't enough for someone else... it just may be them and not you. So mull over it a little, because you know you will. Then shut the door rise above the situation and move on to continue being the best you can be for all the other amazing people in your life who truly value your help. "shut the door on yesterday leave what happened in the grave you were made to rise you were made to shine Creation’s longing for the day for kings and queens to take their place you were made to rise you were made to shine" - Danny Gokey

Nurture Relationships

How easy it is for us to often take those closest to us for granted. To think that they will always be there tomorrow or the next day or the next week? I have had the unfortunate opportunity to attend a few funerals in the last week. Not something that one regularly strives to do. All the beautiful things said about that person once they are gone, you hope are said while that person was alive, that the person truly knew how others felt and it just wasn't assumed. When these deaths are so close in our thoughts it helps us hone back to how important our family, friends and relationships truly are! Everyone says to call those you love, hug a little tighter, take time to spend with those around you that are most important. Don't leave things unsaid, don't forget to thank others and tell them how you truly care about them. After the sting of death wears off a little, it is so easy to fall back into our everyday hustle and bustle of pushing things off with our compliments to others so that other things can get done. Working, making money, projects, deadlines and all that comes with life and responsibilities. And although we might tend to not nurture our relationships all the time like we should... we must strive to do this. Whether is is just being kind and nice to those around us, doing some little thing to practice an act of kindness. A short email to someone who doesn't live close, a text to just say " I am thinking about you." A note in a lunch box, 15-30 minutes where we turn off our phone and pay attention no distractions. Taking time at night to eat dinner together, pray together, practice the habit of going around the table and picking 1 thing you are each grateful for that day! Life is a blessing, our family, friends and animals are a blessing. There are so many things to be thankful for that 1 thing should be easy to share with those you love... Sometimes we do 3-5 each! Practicing thankfulness for the things you have causes a ripple affect of more things you can be thankful for. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing."

Define Success

When I think about how success is defined I always wonder if what I consider success is what others consider success. What does success mean to me? What does it mean to you? Sometimes I get in a slump and wonder what am I scrambling around to do to be successful? What are my goals, are my actions lining up or am I off track? Do I need an adjustment to my mind set to be successful? Is having enough success? Do you have to win an award or fame to be considered successful? Does it matter if others view you as successful as long as you view yourself as such? Merriam-Webster's definition of success is "the fact of getting or achieving wealth, respect, or fame.: the correct or desired result of an attempt. : someone or something that is successful: a person or thing that succeeds." When I view others and contemplate what I think makes them successful it is definitely from my view point. I tend to view what they have, where they have come from and now are or how they are changing lives every day. As many books as I have read, webinars I have listened to, seminars I have been to and motivational experts I have admired I gauge what I feel is their success by what I see and hear. Mostly people might define success as how much money someone makes or wealth and possessions they acquire. Maybe they started out with nothing and built a huge empire. Then I wonder does success in the monetary aspect always equate to happiness? I see these actors/actresses/sports icons/politicians and such and sometimes they don't always seem happy, always chasing happiness. Are these people that I am viewing as successful defining success as I am viewing them as successful or does success take on a different meaning in their eyes? To me I define success not as the amount of money I collect, the things that I have, the awards that I have won, the amount of houses that I sold the books I have had published but as the amount of lives that I am able to touch on a continual basis and making a difference even to the smallest degree. Am I successful in my home life? Does my husband and son respect and admire me for my actions? Yes, money and wealth are great bonuses... that is how I pay my bills, have nice things and enjoy life... however I like the dictionary definition that states "success is the correct or desired result of an attempt"... my desired attempt is to help and serve others...if I can do this on a daily basis I am successful. Surround yourself with positive people today, strive to be a better you. Serve the Lord by serving others. And realize that success defined for you, may be completely different than how someone else views your success or even views their own.

Cultivate Optimism

I try hard not to make New Year's Resolutions that I will not keep. I see this happen over and over again to so many people. It is cliche the amount of people who make and break goals within such a short period of time. Is it because the goals are too far out of their reach? Do they get board with the goals they set? Are the goals sabotaged by something else that is going on in their life? Are they just really not committed? Do they really not want it bad enough? These are probably all reasons, whether single or combined that face a lot of people who make these resolutions. I do not want to be that person. I do not want to be disappointed in myself for not sticking to something that I say to others that I am going to do. Sometimes life gets in the way, goals change and circumstances hinder! Therefore this year I do not strive to make that specific goal but an in general resolution. I want to be a better person, not only to my family, my friends and my clients, I want to be a better person to myself. Because in all honestly that is where it starts... I am in control of my thoughts, my attitude and my actions. I can control these things even though I would like to sometimes blame circumstances that I cannot! This is simply not true, I CAN turn a bad day into a good one, I CAN smile at others when I am feeling blue, I CAN love others unconditionally, I can be happy despite my circumstances no matter hard it is, Happiness is a choice! Choose it. Make an effort to see the upside of a situation and surround yourself with positive people! Start today... don't delay... Happiness is letting go of what you think your life is supposed to look like and celebrating it for everything that it is. - Mandy Hale

Just Breath You are Blessed

I set my alarm for 4:00 AM with every intent to get a bunch of odds and ends tasks done before my household appeared from their rooms. Waking up around 2:30 and not being able to go back to sleep right away ( I should have just gotten up right then!) of course when I did drift back off and the alarm went off at 4:00 I didn't jump out of bed with enthusiasm for my day... no, I snoozed until I drug myself from bed at 5:00 AM. Losing a whole hour of intended work... As the coffee was making I entered a new listing in the MLS and while the pictures were uploading I clicked on FB to see what was up. Immediately staring at me was a picture of my mom and Paxton from 2014 that I posted with a quote talking about being focused on today. I had no idea at that time that our battle with her cancer would be so short lived, my thoughts of 3-5 years turned into 6 months and she was gone. Being a little teary-eyed I chose to share my memory, I think we do this to cope in a way, if we put it out there, we are not necessarily trying to get sympathy we are just trying to grieve, or deal or cope with what we have had to go through... In a way I wanted to hate facebook for the memory, but in a way I am glad that it was intended to show up for today. When the house awoke and Paxton seemed a little on the whiny side my patience wasn't so great. I can almost say that is the first thing that can turn my mood around negatively is whining and complaining. When I got dressed to take Paxton to school I purposely chose my "breath" tee-shirt to remind myself to stay calm and slow down, to be intentional and to take it all in. Live for today, cause truly that is all we are promised. When I dropped him off at school, another mother met me in the hall wearing exactly the same shirt, which totally made us smile! Thanks Bethany! When I got home to pick up from the morning, work out and get ready to go out and about for the day before having to pick Paxton up from early release at 1:00 and shoving it all in... I flipped from Sponge Bob to the Message music station which is what I listen to when I work from home. One of my favorite songs, Just Breath by Johnny Diaz was playing at that exact moment. Really? How ironic? Or how purposeful? The message is what I make of it. This is a true reminder of my faith that I am blessed, that today is a day to embrace life and the moment. For all of you that need to be reminded, rest and relax in the Lord, go to HIM all you who are weak and weary and live in the moment, enjoy your blessings and just breath. "Breathe" Johnny Diaz Alarm clock screaming bare feet hit the floor It’s off to the races everybody out the door I’m feeling like I’m falling behind, it’s a crazy life Ninety miles an hour going fast as I can Trying to push a little harder trying to get the upper hand So much to do in so little time, it’s a crazy life It’s ready, set, go it’s another wild day When the stress is on the rise in my heart I feel you say just Breathe, just breathe Come and rest at my feet And be, just be Chaos calls but all you really need Is to just breathe Third cup of joe just to get me through the day Want to make the most of time but I feel it slip away I wonder if there’s something more to this crazy life I’m busy, busy, busy, and it’s no surprise to see That I only have time for me, me, me There’s gotta be something more to this crazy life I’m hanging on tight to another wild day When it starts to fall apart in my heart I hear you say just Breathe, just breathe Come and rest at my feet And be, just be Chaos calls but all you really need Is to take it in fill your lungs The peace of God that overcomes Just breathe So let your weary spirit rest Lay down what’s good and find what’s best Just breathe Just breathe, just breathe Come and rest at my feet And be, just be Chaos calls but all you really need Is to just breathe Just breathe

Keep Calm and Mom On!

Over the past week or so, being busy in real estate 2 weeks straight of out-of-state buyers, long days, closings that don't quite close when expected, fires to be put out or upset clients to calm down, my son starting school, back full blast with the PTA presidential duties... I have come to have some moments where everything doesn't run so smoothly or fall into place as I would expect or hope that it would. It is so easy to get upset or fall apart. I can be dramatic at times, I can lose my cool, I can yell... heck I am not perfect I am a MOM... a Multitask-er of Moments! When I remind myself that a lot of things are beyond my control, and are going to happen no matter how hard we wish them not to or try to prevent them, getting upset, isn't going to change a thing besides waste my own energy! A lot of times in those multitask of moments we as moms are often hit with many things that need our attention at the same time, no one can wait, patience is thin, kids seem extra whiny, the dogs are barking, the phone is ringing, that unexpected bill, something needs to be repaired, an email comes through with not so good news.... we are overwhelmed and our anxiety pushes forth and causes that explosion... I know you know what I am talking about, that build up of stress and overwhelming tasks that we just CAN'T take it anymore. You blow up you also tend to do it to those you care about the most and that is when it sometimes can be the most hurtful. We want to remain in control... and sometimes we just can't! A mom is usually the glue to the family.. the one who holds it together... how does the saying go? When mom isn't happy, no one is happy... When mom is grouchy, everyone is grouchy, when mom is uneasy, everyone is uneasy... It may be an everyday process, but I will need to remind myself every day that my attitude and my demeanor is reflecting and portrayed to my family and can make or break our day. Is that 5 minutes of losing control worth ruining our whole day? You bring back what you put out... your happy thoughts and positive attitude goes out and comes back to you... and when your family is in sync with their pleasant attitudes it makes for a lot more pleasurable experience for all. I have to say that when one of my family members gets upset and I remain calm the whole situation runs more smoothly and dissipates a lot faster than when I also get upset, yell or get frustrated too... which can and has on many occasions ruined a whole day. When everyone else is happy, Mom is happiest. Remind yourself of this the next time you need to remain calm in a situation you would most normally lose your cool. 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Live intentionally

Always, always always I struggle with multi-tasking...not how to do it but how often I do it, not that I haven't somehow semi-mastered doing multiple things at one time... (cause I don't really believe anyone is a master at anything... there is always room to improve) but sometimes no matter how much you have to shove in a day, how many people are counting on you, or how many things you would not get accomplished if you did one thing at a time... it would be nice to just concentrate on one thing at a time, but that is impossible at times. The summer months are here, real estate had been a little slow and then my son got out of school and my business has blown up! I am definitely not complaining as it isn't always so... and taking advantage of the times it is to set up my balancing and budgeting... takes multi tasking to a whole new level. I have had 2 sets of clients in from out of town looking on the opposite side of town, clients with only certain days off work to shop, a new agent to train who already is working with her first client, new listings, listings that have fallen out, needed extensions or issues with repair items that need attention... the list goes on and on of the needs of others that I take care of on a daily basis that most people don't really know what goes on behind the scenes of a real estate transaction. All this coupled with my life, my family, being a mom, a wife and a caretaker of animals and a household...can be quite time-consuming and overwhelming... yet I try at best to do it with a smile on my face... what is the saying? Too blessed to be stressed, yet somehow stress comes with the territory. I stress over the disappointment of others, when I have to tell a client they didn't get an offer accepted, the counter offer on their home wasn't acceptable to the buyer, someone thought a client's house didn't show well, it isn't going to close on time, and in some cases at all. But every single time I pray I find the right words to encourage those people that I have to disappoint with some sort of news or another. I have to remind them and myself that something better, something more intended for them will come along. Sometimes it is exhausting... but it is what I feel called to do. I am somehow matched up with these people for a reason... even if I don't know what that is. I try to remain patient and have a positive attitude when I deliver news, as attitude can really effect the reaction of others based on your delivery. Sometimes in all my multitasking I overlook things, I forgot to do something, I make silly mistakes, accidents happen and that list too can go on and on of negative outcomes. But I feel my personality since I was a little child has always been a hustle bustle sort of way! I thrive on being busy. My goal for this summer since I don't have to rush out of the house in most cases, especially to get Paxton to school for some weeks... is to be intentional and my intent is to eat breakfast almost every morning with my kid. Whether it be only for 10 minutes... that is what I will do. To sit down, phone free, computer free, task free and just eat, nourish my body whether I really am a breakfast eater or not. It is directing me to do something on purpose, concentrate on one simple task, without an overload of information and obstacles and opportunities flowing from my brain taking me in 20 directions at the same time. I need to focus, relax and reset my brain for the day. When I wake up and go to sleep I reflect and pray about things in my busy day and busy life, I do feel like I enjoy what I do, I love helping people and staying busy... it is in my nature... but sometimes I have to step out of my natural busy comfort zone and just BE! To all those busy moms out there... whether it be 10 mins three times a day to rest and reflect, or something as simple as grabbing a bowl of cereal and sitting down with your kid at the kitchen table... even for 10 minutes.. do whatever you do with intention. Be filled with unconditional love, unfettered joy, and uncommon grace, do what you do with passion and authenticity.... be who God intended you to be but slow down and enjoy it don't miss it. There will always be future opportunities for success, but if you are only living for the money, the success or the accomplishments... you will miss living.

What does Memorial Day mean to you? All these posts I have been seeing recently about remembering fallen soldiers and focusing on the true meaning of the holiday to reflect on the sacrifices they have made for the rest of our freedom, focus less on the BBQ's and parties and really show gratitude. Many people have lost their lives for our countries freedom. Yesterday my friend posted about how her and her hubby were eating breakfast and a young couple bought breakfast for a gentlemen wearing a military veteran baseball cap. They wanted him to know that they were grateful for his service. She said it was so sweet it almost brought her to tears. We take for granted the freedom we experience and the multitude of things to be grateful for because it is something we are accustomed to. A countless number of people have fought like my grandfather and father-in-law and lived to tell about it, others sacrificed their lives for us, people who we don't even know, have no vested interest in us or personal relationship with us, yet decided that their country and the future of their loved ones, was important enough to make a difference and lose their lives over. On a day-to-day basis as we are far removed from what is going on outside or around our country it is easy to push aside reflecting about these heroic people. Memorial Day is a time for our country to unite and honor these fallen heroes for without their sacrifice we would not have the freedom to have the things we do. The United States has to be one of the most free countries, most opportunities with the most assets you can imagine. We take for granted all of the things we have, even when we don't think we have very much. We have freedom to have the job we want, make the relationships we do, work hard or not work at all, buy and sell the things we want, no one is dictating to us what we can and cannot do, if they do we have the freedom to choose a different path. Not all people in all countries have this opportunity. We do because people have and continue to fight to reserve this freedom. Not just on this day but always, when you see a military person, or a Veteran, thank them for their service to our country, don't take these people for granted, don't assume they know you are thankful, truly appreciate what they have done and show it. You may not be able to buy them a meal or some sort of monetary contribution to honor them, but a simple 'thank you for your service" may go further than you know. Have your kids write cards to send oversees to military people that are missing their families to keep our freedom. When you see someone out and about and know they are or have been in the military, just go up and say "thank you". Write a list of all the things that you have that would not be possible without their sacrifice for our freedom. Don't forget their is a price that was paid for it... Our right to vote, homes, land, jobs, cars, right to choose our mates, the amount of children we can have, our pets, hobbies, and the list goes on and on... stop today reflect and evaluate your life, what you have, pause and be grateful in between BBQ's and swim parties, sporting events and t.v. shows, and take the time throughout the year to teach your kids to be grateful for what they have and to be thankful not only to these fallen heroes, but their families and those military whether active, retired or veterans and thank them for what they are doing or have done that has given you the opportunity to live your life the way you do.

Mom- Mother of Might

So with Mother's Day just a day away, and no mother to spoil, I must reflect on what is means to be a mother and why we honor them. I try to tap into what makes a mom great, and we probably all have our own ideas of what a mother does, should do, shouldn't do, who has been a mother figure to us and what we have been accustomed to. My mother was my best friend. Our relationship was like nothing else I experienced in my life. Losing my dad in high school and being her only child, we naturally gravitated toward one another, fed off one another (sometimes good, sometimes bad), built a bond that could never be erased. She was my rock, my sounding board, my protector, my biggest cheerleader and sometimes my worst enemy... lol, depending on the day. But she always accepted me, loved me unconditionally and chose me above everything else in her life. She was a fantastic Bushie (grandma) and loved my child with her whole heart... this my friends is my true definition of a mother. I hope that I can be half a mother to my child as she was to me... I am so honored to have learned her unconditional love. Everyday as I pray that I make the right decisions concerning my child, I reflect on what my mom would do in a given situation, how would she handle me and how would she react. Not every parent/child relationship is the same, but mine was just right for me. I want to extend that just right relationship in my parenting skills and be able to one day say that my son is who he is because I helped shape him into a great adult. Mom, you may not be here to answer me when I need you, especially when I am frustrated, stuck or unable to make decisions about the "right" kind of parenting, what would you have done in a certain situation, no, I cannot ask you anymore, but I know you gave me the tools and intuition deep down inside my soul, if I pause, reflect and search for my own answers. This parenting thing isn't easy... heck it is tough some days but with God and your voice inside me guiding me in the right direction... I know I will do okay. Mother- She is the inspiration who comforts me in times of need, a permanent figure of loyalty, a listener of troubles, an encourager of doubts. The time we spend together, is fun within itself, we do things for each other not thinking of ourselves. It's nice to know the times we share, aren't wasted by empty thoughts. She knows my faults and sorrows, but she loves me just the same. I 'm glad to know I have a friend that's there until the end. - Dani Rae (1998) The Pocket- Little pieces of paper, tiny grains of sand; a melted red crayon sticking to my hand. Two-Three-Four-Five, watch her grow, she'll be married next thing you know. Love her tender, guide her on her way, then she can teach her children someday. the bond shared will never go away, what has been built is here to stay. Gather up the memories tie them with a bow, so we will have our love to show. - Dani Rae (2000) Who Am I? I am who I am. I was born to be me. One of God's children, who He died to set free. awaiting her future, her purpose foretold before walking those streets of gold. Many trials and errors, heartache and pain. Pathways before me seem like nothings to gain. Promised I am that this temporary strife, will lead me to a better life. I walk the line waiting for His glorious sign. How do I know what He wants me to be if I don't believe what I already see? I have a purpose, for this I know, I must take it to others to show. I am who I am, I was born to be me, one of God's children he died to set free. - Dani Rae (2002) Thank you mom for believing me me, for shaping me into who I am and for continuing to touch my life, even from HEAVEN! Happy Mother's Day to my MOM!

Jewelry gals

So I will have to say both my mom and I were huge fans of jewelry any kind of costume jewelry. All jewelry really but you could own way more if you bought the cheaper stuff. ADDICT may be a very strong word! But we shared the love very much! I would say in most cases we had different taste! But accumulated a lot of stuff over the years. And quite often able to share each other's. Especially when we lived together and then we lived just down the street from  one another! We even bought matching bracelets that said HOPE when she was ill. She always looked good in jewelry and always had some sort of piece that stood out. I kept a lot of her jewelry when she died some with special meanings, some we shared often, some I couldn't remember if it was mine or hers to start with... Nonetheless- I still look at and buy jewelry when I see something I really like. 

I couldn't decide if I wanted to get a tattoo of my mom's handwriting since I have one of my dad's.. I thought maybe I would turn her handwriting into a picture and put it on a pillow on my bed.. I couldn't figure out how to format the jpeg to fit in the pillow.. I sent my friend the picture to see if she could format it for me..  And kind of forgot about it... Today as an early birthday present... As she knows I am heading back "home" with my mom's ashes this weekend- she gave me this beautiful bracelet - my mom's handwriting turned into jewelry.. Not only was my mom a huge fan of jewelry I can now wear her writing on my wrist whenever I want to remind me of how much she was and still is my biggest fan... Even from Heaven.. I try not to get too mushy but I am so grateful for the people I have in my life to remind me just how much I am loved every day by many. That my mom will continue to impact my everyday life in many ways... And that she above all taught me how to love...

WAIT! A Hidden Blessing.

So it seems I've noticed the last few weeks that my son's new favorite word is wait! No matter what I say no matter what I ask him to do the response I get 99% of the time get is "wait". Whether he's watching TV eating breakfast, playing with the dog, or  outside with his dad... The response is "wait"! 

This seems to be a bit of an annoyance to me when I'm in a hurry or we have limited time for what needs to get done, or I need him to help me with what I think is immediately important. Sometimes it becomes a struggle and sometimes it brings out the mean mom in me! I'll admit I can get agitated and yell to hope for a better response. Often times I just make the situation worse! But hey I react to situations sometimes not in the way I want. 

In similar circumstances I often have clients who aren't quite ready to buy house due to finances or some sort of approval that still needs to happen! They grow impatient or restless and either want to give up or try to somehow fix the situation on their own. I try to remind them that timing is everything and what we think now we might be losing out on is really a blessing in those situations -I remind them to wait. Focus on what needs to be done to get to where you need to be- timing could be everything and when they miss out on something it may be a blessing in disguise. 

sometimes I give examples of my own personal situations and circumstances in the past that I found there was a reason why it didn't work out the way I wanted it to at that time. 

Just as my son is asking me to wait when I think I know what is best for him, I am asking my clients to wait when I think I know what is best for them- 

The Lord is often asking me to wait, for the right moment, the right situation the right timing for me. We often lose sight that God is in control no matter how much we think we want to control our circumstances or situations we want to hurry or rush something when we want immediate results. We may look back years from now and realize it could've been a disaster if it worked out the way WE wanted it to! 

They who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength they will soar with wings like eagles they shall run and not grow weary they shall walk and not faint. 

Isaiah 40:31.