You, (Yes You!) Are Awesome...and for that, I am Thankful

I've been fortunate in my life, to know a lot of people.

Certainly, as with anything in life, there are obvious pros and cons that come with that.

I know many people that I share the same interests, beliefs, lifestyle, etc., with and then, there are many people who are the polar opposite from me.

Frankly, I love that I have a wide-ranging spectrum of friends and acquaintances because quite honestly, who wants to surround themselves with people just like themselves? What an incredibly (boring) sheltered bubble of a life that would be to live.

But it's those very differences that I want to take a moment to celebrate and cherish.

I strongly believe that when you meet someone - whether a coworker, a friend, a friend of a friend, a server at a restaurant, a salesperson, a social networking connection, etc., - God divinely intended for that meeting/introduction to happen.

For what reason? I may never know right this second how the people I meet are supposed to figure out in the equation of my life, but I know, without a shadow of a doubt, our "collision" in life was divinely ordained and serves a greater purpose other than just the superficialities of this world/life that we can see.

I know I must rub many of you I know the wrong way, whether it be through my strong personality/beliefs/opinions/etc and for that, I am truly sorry, but thanks for putting up with me. Please find it in your heart to forgive me. I know I have done the same for you.

As I look through my Twitter and Facebook feeds, I look at each and every one of you and think to myself, "Wow. These people are awesome." Why? Because God loves each and everyone of you and gave me the privilege of getting to know you all.

And with Thanksgiving just two days away, I reflect on all the things I am grateful for, and I am grateful that you are part of my life.

Whether through an @ reply on Twitter, a Facebook wall post/comment, a social opportunity to hang out together, a hug, an email, a phone call, a text, a blog comment...you all have meant the world to me, in some shape or form.

You, being in my life, has enriched me in so many ways that are far numerous to list at this moment. I learn something every day from you.

You are so special and awesome, that God made only one of you in all your beauty and glory. You are magnificent. You are wonderful.

I want to tell you that I care about and love each and every one of you.

Why?

Because you, you are awesome.

God certainly thinks so.

And for that, I'm eternally grateful.

With Love and Thanksgiving,
Maureen

A Reason for Everything

I strongly believe that God places us in certain positions, situations, circumstances, seasons in life...all for the sole purpose of meeting that certain someone.

I may not fully understand what exactly God is trying to tell me, but that's okay.

What's important is my willingness to listen...and my willingness to act accordingly to what He tells me.

Because in the end, I know God is in control of my life and I'd rather trust in Him, than in myself (or anyone else)...any ole day.


Your will be done Jesus.


Amen.

Sesame Street Turns 40: Reflections of a 30-year-old Woman

Today, Sesame Street turns 40.

Growing up as a little girl with an incredibly active imagination, it was SO much more than just a kid's educational, entertainment show for me.

Looking back, I realize that it was more of a religious experience for me and it was the type of show that - as a single child at the time (before the sis came into my life) - I absolutely thrived and flourished on, and that fed my creative, inquisitive soul...every. single. day.

I would excitedly come back home from school, hastily do my homework, take a warm shower, all in time for the first note of the show's opening theme song. I remember throwing tantrum fits, much to my parents' chagrin and frustration, if I realized that I was running "late" and could possibly miss the opening note.

I would put on my favorite PJs, grab my favorite blankie and my favorite cats (at the time) and settle in my "picnic/sleep fort" in front of the TV (till this day, I have no idea why our TV was on cinder blocks for a while!)

Gathering the troops

As I watched the show, my mom would either bring me my dinner, or if I wasn't terribly hungry that night, a warm bottle of Ovaltine milk (yes, I used to drink milk from a baby's bottle even though I was 5 years old...SO SUE ME!!)

The troops remain loyal even when abandoned for moving images on the TV screen

I had no idea - nor did I care - what the political climate of the time was, what the latest headlines were, or how the economy was doing, but the one thing I did know for sure - and truly cared about - was that when that opening song came on, my friends: Maria, Gordon, Big Bird, Snufalufagus, Bert & Ernie, Cookie Monster, Oscar, Count, Elmo, Kermit, Grover and company, were all going to make (my lil world) a much better place.

Looking back and reflecting on the last 40 years of The Street, floods me with a swell of emotions: happiness, nostalgia, fondness, longing and innocence.

Sometimes, as a 30-year-old woman trying to be an adult and find herself in this big, bad, ugly, cruel world, all I want to do is take a warm shower, grab my kitties around me, snuggle up on my couch "picnic/sleep fort" and wait for that opening note and the chance to belt my lil heart out...about a time where innocence - truly - once existed for me...

Sunny Day
Sweepin' the clouds away
On my way to where the air is sweet

Can you tell me how to get,
How to get to Sesame Street

Come and play
Everything's A-OK
Friendly neighbors there
That's where we meet

Can you tell me how to get
How to get to Sesame Street

It's a magic carpet ride
Every door will open wide
To Happy people like you--
Happy people like
What a beautiful

Sunny Day
Sweepin' the clouds away
On my way to where the air is sweet

Can you tell me how to get,
How to get to Sesame street...
How to get to Sesame Street
How to get to...