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
Encourage Others
I love encouraging everyone around me. Each morning I pray God will bring people my way that need some encouragement. Here are a few easy ways we can encourage others.
Pray for other.
Call a loved one.
Share words of encouragement.
Pay for someone’s meal.
Send someone a card or letter.
Leave your spouse or roommate a post-it note with some encouraging words.
Be patient with the clerk at the grocery store. Share a kind encouraging word with them.
Share a smile.
Encourage your coworkers.
Share a hug (Be appropriate).
Spend some quality time with family and friends.
Take your neighbors garbage can to the curb or return the empty garbage can.
Send a positive text to a loved one or friend.
Tell your boss, coworkers, employees, pastors and friends that you appreciate them.
Always say Thank You.
Be quick to listen and slow to speak.
Recognize others and their accomplishments. Celebrate them.
Turn your cell phone off when visiting with family and friends.
Be a positive and encouraging person.
Don’t always talk about yourself.
These are just a few ways to encourage others. Find ways to encourage those around you. ~OC
Call Someone
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
The Important Things
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
Healing
During my 17 year health battle, many people have prayed for my physical healing. During that time, I have often wondered why those prayers were not being answered. I never obsessed over it, but God and I had numerous conversations about the subject. During those discussions, I never heard God answer me. Then several months ago, during a late night encounter I heard God speak to my heart. He shared that my complete healing would come in heaven. You might think I was disappointed by this answer, but I actually felt nothing but peace. That late night conversation has only strengthened my resolve to continue sharing my faith and encouraging others. You see, God shared my complete healing would come in heaven. I am still believing, I will experience some healing on this side of heaven. I continue to be thankful for this crazy beautiful journey and the opportunities it brings me. I will continue to embrace every moment. I am at peace. ~OC
Love Them
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
Beautiful Journey
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
Sweet Comfort
Today’s a new day! I pray you find comfort in the loving arms of God today. ~OC
Live Life
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
Grateful For True Friendships
Today’s a new day! True friendship is not about being there when it’s convenient; it’s about being there when it’s not. I am grateful for the true friends who continue stick by me during this crazy beautiful health journey. ~OC
The Blessed Overcomer 