Every morning, I feel blessed to have another day of life. I am at a point in my life where I try not to take anything for granted. Some days I do a pretty good job being thankful and other days I take life for granted. I hope you can relate. As I sit here this morning, I started thinking about some things I often take for granted. Here is my list. Hopefully you can relate to some of them.

I Woke Up. That is a miracle. Really it is. We so often take waking up for granted, but not everyone woke up this morning. So please take the time to be thankful for the breath you took this morning.

A Bed. Even if you did not get much sleep, you probably had the opportunity to rest in a comfortable bed. (I am thankful for my recliner, that has been my bed for the last 12 years).

A Warm Shower. I am sure everyone reading this blog post has access to a warm shower. That is not the case for everyone. Take time to enjoy that warm shower this morning.

A Roof Over Your Head. Once again, I am guessing everyone reading this has a roof over their head. Maybe it’s not a huge home. Maybe your renting a room. But the fact that you woke up with a roof over your head is a beautiful blessing.

A Job. I pray everyone reading this has a job they love. Maybe you cannot say that at this time, but I hope you are grateful that you have a job. If you do not enjoy your current job, you have the choice to find a job that will make you happy. Do not get stuck in your current job.

Music. We all have access to music. Even if that means singing to yourself. Music is good for our health. It can encourage us. It can stir our emotions. It can bring back beautiful memories.

You Have a Computer or Cellphone. You are reading this blog on some type of device. Maybe it’s not the latest and greatest device, but it works. Be thankful.

Transportation. You might have to take public transportation, but you have access to it. If you have a vehicle be thankful. Someone would love the vehicle you’re complaining about.

Family/Friends. They might drive you crazy at times, but be thankful you have them. At some point they will not be here. So take time to call them or visit them today.

Someone Loves You. No matter what happens today, someone out there loves you. Maybe it’s just one person or maybe you have been blessed with hundreds of people who love you. Be thankful for those who have chosen to love you. Make sure you show them some love today.

This is just a small list. There are so many more I could have added. I encourage you to come up with your own list. I pray I will not take any of my blessings for granted today. ~OC

Today’s a new day! Being obedient during this crazy beautiful journey has not removed the difficult moments, but God’s love, grace and peace has helped me overcome those difficult moments. I continue to hold on tight to God’s word and seek his presence.~OC

When you’re happy, call someone.

When you’re celebrating, call someone.

When you’re hurting, call someone.

When you’re sad, call someone.

When you’re barely hanging on, call someone.

Please do not go through life alone. Call someone. Call me. ~OC

This crazy beautiful journey has taught me many things. They are not earth shattering lessons. No, they are pretty simple. Here are just a few.

Do not wait to tell family and friends you love them.

Share a kind word.

Take time to laugh.

Take time to cry.

Humor is a good thing.

Sometimes it’s okay to have that second dessert.

Share a smile.

Take that trip.

Hug your family and friends.

Hug your pet.

Read more books.

Turn up the music to 10.

Never be afraid to share your story.

Be thankful.

Never be afraid to say no.

Take care of yourself.

Be a mentor.

Stuff really doesn’t matter. People do.

Volunteer.

Stop taking yourself so seriously.

Have fun.

Pray.

~OC

When someone looks different than you. Love them.

When someone has a different faith than you. Love them.

When someone speaks a different language. Love them.

When someone comes from a different country.Love them.

When someone has different political believes. Love them.

When someone has a different opinion. Love them.

When people make mistakes. Love them.~OC

This crazy beautiful health journey has had so many positive moments. The chance to share how my faith has helped me through the tough days. Reconnecting with old friends and building new friendships. Humbled that my journey has inspired others. So many lessons learned. I don’t know how to explain it, but I feel incredibly privileged to be on this journey. Seeing how God can use something like my health journey for so many positive things is just… overwhelming. ~OC

Today’s a new day! I pray you find comfort in the loving arms of God today. ~OC

Good morning! Several people have wondered out loud, if I should be making all these trips with my failing health. I appreciate their concerns. I truly do. On paper making these trips are not the wisest choices. I get all of that. But, when I see the excitement in Laura’s eyes and the smile on her face, it makes all the sense in the world. When I got sick 17 years ago, Laura and I made a vow to never allow my health to keep us from living. I can honestly say we have kept that vow. Plus, this trip is also about celebrating 20 years of marriage in September. So, I will continue to make beautiful memories with my bride while I can. I encourage everyone to truly live life. Do not wait for the perfect time, because the perfect time is now. Embrace every minute of it. ~OC