My old friend who's now my new friend

I was recently invited to link into a page on Facebook of all the 1969 graduates of Topeka West High School. I know many of you will not be able to believe that that was MY graduating class, but yes, I AM that old!!

The friend who invited me also "friended" me on Facebook and when I realized who it was, I gasped aloud. We hadn't seen each other in nearly 42 years and yet here we were re-connecting through the blessing of technology. I could see her kids and grandkids and husband. Wow, what an amazing blessing!

We chatted back and forth a bit, even set up a date to meet up with each other. Wow, it was exciting to anticipate. Then suddenly yesterday I needed to be in Topeka where she still lives, so on a whim I texted her to see if we could have dinner together. So, by the time the day was over I had seen a friend I hadn't seen in almost 42 years. Just saying it here makes the chill bumps come up on my arm. We spent 2 hours together and we could have kept going for much longer, but that will keep for next time. It's just nice to have an old friend be a new friend. Thank you Debbie Swenson Davis for the invite!!

Here's to an amazing 2011

I can only IMAGINE how amazing 2011 is going to be! I am amazingly blessed and have so many wonderful things to be grateful for that give me a strong foundation to start every day with.

I think my greatest need is for wisdom. No, I know it is. Ever since I learned in my teens that God has promised to give wisdom to anyone just for the asking, I've asked for it with regularity. (James 1:5) At times, I've cried out for it as if the giving of it would give me my next breath to breathe. Other times, I just simply acknowledge my need because of my inherent understanding that I need more every day. Regardless, it's always top of my list for requests from God who is my Source.

I've been given the privilege of owning my own business and it involves working with a lot of different people and I absolutely LOVE what I do. Last year was a year of identifying leadership in some people and helping them develop it. This year will take all of that to a new level and in order for all that to happen, I have to stretch and learn and read and listen to those who've had more success that I've had. I must always remain the student!

I don't have a problem with knowing and admitting that I don't know it all - that others have traveled any given path ahead of me with success and that they've either written a book or they're someone I have access to and they're willing to be my coach! I always seek that out first and foremost at whatever I pursue and it has served me well. Why try to figure it all out myself when someone successful just might be willing to take me under their wing? It may come from laziness, but I really think it comes from raising children. To a degree they have to learn from doing. Some lessons are best learned that way, but some lessons I endeavored to have them learn from me because I had lived longer, knew better, and was willing to teach them the ropes. That's what the learning/teaching/coaching process is all about - learning first, then being willing to turn around and teach it to others.

2011 will be amazing - have a new grandbaby on the way -due next month. That's enough to make it amazing! Elisha Joel Willson will be here around the 11th of February and so I'm heading to Baton Rouge in or around that date. Another little life to love and be an influence in. Grandparenting has to be the best thing ever!

Trusting that 2011 gives all my friends and family everything they want. Don't forget to be specific about it. God has a way of being very specific with His answers.