Grace | Tracks In The Dust

Archive for the tag “Grace”

17 Jan 2013

The Last Words You Say

These days I am so much more aware of what I say to everyone every day. Time and time again I think about how those things I say and how I say them could be the last words I ever say to them. ….Oh, I know that this sounds like this is so filled with dread, like the world is so fatal. But it’s really not that.

If you have a choice with your loved ones on what you would say on the last day you are alive, before you leave this earth for a better place ahead. What would you say? ….. then ask yourself why you are waiting? Say it now.

There aren’t very many reasons to consider waiting, and your life is a gift that allows you look inward and provide love and care to others while you are here on this planet. We all are looking for a greater meaning of the whole thing called life, but the simple things can and should be at the center of it. It is the reward here.

So think about the next time your son or daughter or spouse is leaving out the door for the day. Consider the next time you see your family and friends. Are you telling them what you would tell them if it were the last words you would say? Are those bitter feelings, or small worries worth spending that valuable time? Or would you rather make sure that your precious time together always be cherished?

Don’t take your time for granted. Make it count. Be sure to reach out and say what you mean. Whether it is in-person or on the phone, whether it is an email response or just a random meeting in a store. Never let it go without being sure that you appreciate their love, or the part they play in your life, focus on the reason they mean what they do to you… It doesn’t take a million words. It doesn’t have to be a deep speech or long drawn out oratory… just tell them you care…

Thank you for visiting tracksinthedust. It’s always nice to know how much humankind really needs the same things in life. Blessings to you!

Posted in Doing Things That Will Change Your Life and tagged cherish, choices, Compassion, Faith, Grace, Kindness, life is precious, People, Postive Thinking, Sprituality, Truth

08 Jan 2013

1 Comment

Tending to Your Convictions

There are things that you want because you believe in them, and then there are those things you need driven because of your conviction.

Your convictions include your personal commitments, the core values you live by, or the things that truly motivate you. It’s more than what you simply believe ..I recently read this…“A belief is something you will argue about. A conviction is something you will die for!” – Howard Hendrick

I find that sometimes it is hard to center those convictions in your life. You know that they are there, you even have a past list of core things that you have fought for. But still there will be times when there are doldrums, sort of floating time like treading water it seems.

In those times it is good to turn back to the things you know about yourself. Those reasons that you have persevered to this moment. Pull up your spiritual bootstraps and point in a positive direction. It is just as simple to turn your back on that spiritual compass and let others tell you what you will believe. It is simple to become dependent on someone, or something. To get comfortable in the routine of familiar surroundings or patterns, making it easy to wait for another day…

But those things that motivate you that involve the genuine love, the core values of your being and spirit will allow you to chart a course ahead in a positive way – based on your convictions.

So now in the new year, reflect on your convictions (not just your beliefs) and know that you can make a difference in your own life, and in-turn make a difference in others. Don’t stand still and feel “done”, because you will never be done until your last days. Don’t let fear and uncertainty manage your convictions, you got to “let love in”.

Posted in Learning Lessons Along the Journey Of Life and tagged Acceptance, Change, Conviction, Faith, Grace, Joy, life is precious, Self-Awareness, Sprituality

25 Nov 2012

4 Comments

“One Lovely Blog” Award

It’s nice to know that others are interested in your blog, lately I have been slower to post- mainly because of the holidays and my work schedule. But looks like I have been nominated for an “award” and for that I am always grateful.

Here goes:

The rules:
1) Link back to the blogger who nominated you

Thank you, to Miss Audrey at In Wonderland for the nomination. It is always wonderful to visit your site and see what’s new.

2) Paste the award image on your blog, anywhere.(done)

3) Tell them 7 facts about yourself.

7 facts about myself:

1) I grew up in Wisconsin (USA). One very nice place in the summer, nasty cold during the winter.

2) I love music of all kinds. Well most of them. After 12 years in Texas I even love certain country artists. A concept this old rock-n-roller would have never guessed in my younger days. I love a lot of the contemporary music today as much as the old stuff.

3) Over the past few years I have come to appreciate time like never before. Cancer diagnosis can do that.

4) I am a Christian. That often means an immediate label. I don’t mind the label. I know that others have their beliefs, including their preconceived notions about Christians. Believe in the Grace of God. It is real.

5) I have always wanted to do more traveling with my wife, but it always seems to be hard to do. Every-day living gets in the way.

6) I have been blessed with a lot of great friends that I have met over the years. They have made life worth it.

7) I have 4 kids, they are all officially “adults” now… but they have taught me a lot. They are priceless.

4) Nominate 15 other blogs you like for this award. (I’ll nominate 6 like Miss Audrey did)

1) No blog intended– always worthwhile checking in on her site

2) OneNewThing my dear friend Caroline’s new blog… fun!

3) HopetheHappyHugger – Half way around the world, but a genuine great person

4) Practical Proverbs – Dave has captured so much about the Word and made it fit in the real world today

5) Mikes Look At Life – the photography is outstanding and always interesting

6) Pure Instinct – a lovely person – a lovely blog from aix

5) Contact the bloggers that you have chosen to let them know that they have been nominated.

I’ll do that soon!
6) Resume blogging your regular posts.

Posted in About mgert123 and tagged Acceptance, being remembered, Faith, Grace, One Lovely Blog Award, Postive Thinking, Texas, tracks in the dust, Wisconsin

31 Oct 2012

1 Comment

Imperfection is Perfect

As the song goes “that’s the way God planned it”.

It seems that perfection (like beauty) is in the eye of the beholder. Imperfection is what makes things so right. Nothing is perfect- there are blemishes in nature, and humankind is far from it. So many strive for it, but the harder they work toward it the farther it seems.

So what about this imperfect life we live? Some of the rough parts are hidden, some of them are there for all to see. Some things are ugly, others are beautiful. There is not going to be a way to be perfect in everything. Only one man on Earth was and He died on the cross.

Today in the media, it seems there is always some story about a gaffe or mistake that fromcelebrity or politician doing or saying something. People put under the microscope of public media. Scrutinized for any mistake, or unexpected action not commonly fitting the in the “perfect form” we think we want. Awk! Like pictures of celebrities in regular every day circumstances, women celeb’s without their make up on (really?) or politicians making comments that don’t fit what we think they should be saying (especially for the opposition during election).

All this just appears to reinforce our expectations for what the media or some portion of the community wants to paint as “the standard” of perfection . It feels like a bad trend. It makes others feel inferior when they shouldn’t It sets the bar so high that others feel they cannot ever reach it.

Sadly, so many continue to live up to expectations of perfection they will be hard-pressed to ever achieve. They look for approval that never comes, and in their frustration they get angry or sad. Sometimes the emotion leads to violence or suicide. Other times it leads to depression and hopelessness.

We have to accept imperfection. God embraces it. We have to understand that in itself there is the beauty of uniqueness ( is that a word?). There is something that makes everyone and every thing worthwhile. If we put that under the microscope instead and rejoiced in it… relished its imperfection. Celebrate the exceptions.

So what can we look for in our striving for perfection? What do you believe? Do you believe?

Posted in Learning Lessons Along the Journey Of Life and tagged Acceptance, Advice, Beauty, Definitions, Emotion, God, Grace, Imperfection, life is precious, Perfection, Postive Thinking, Self-Awareness, tracks in the dust

15 Oct 2012

Being Significant

Just watching the recap of the Felix Baumgartner who just successfully landed after free-falling 24 miles down to the ground. It is pretty significant achievement. It really makes me think about what could be something significant I should be planning in my life.

But then I realize that not everyone is going to have the opportunity to do something hugely significant and record-breaking in their lives. I mean for many (most?) of us, life is an everyday thing that has highs and lows, good days and bad, easy days and hard days. The measure of a lot of what we are is contained in a small span of our version of 24 hours.

Not copping out I think, there are plenty of inspirational books and successful people who make videos about going for the golden ring. It’s not impossible. And I am not saying that we all shouldn’t focus on the prize. But we also have opportunities much closer to home. We all possess ways to be significant to others. To our family, friends and the people we meet every day. Sometimes that significance may not be obvious to you, other times to them. At least not at the time. It may not be complicated, or produce a some profound moment.

It feels like its more about sharing what you can offer with others, paving the way for the “possible’ – for some one who in turn may create new horizons for the future, or just pay it forward to someone who will begin a whole new direction in their lives. However subtle or small it may seem. Each of us are unique. We are significant in our own way. We don’t necessarily have to perform a world record free fall, or climb the highest mountain.

What you do could cause a chain reaction of other things to happen and you may never know it. You may see it later. You may not. The start of it all is to understand that God made each of us to be unique, and to make a difference in our lives for others. Take the opportunity to be significant.