It's That Time of Year!

I’m devoted to fall---it my favorite time of the year!

Did you feel the change this past week?  That last monsoon rain changed everything, no more 100 degree days, at least not till May. 

I adore the Arizona winter!  The evenings, for me, are reminiscent of a slower pace of life.  Quiet evenings beside the fire pit, beautiful sunsets, light jackets and a hot toddy.  Oh, and let’s not forget fresh citrus right off the tree.   

We experience a magical transformation!  Right now it’s the perfect time to plant a fall garden and the roses are bursting with color.

It’s hard to believe that we’re in the last quarter of 2015. 

October brings Halloween (The Valley of the Sun is the only spot I know, where in the 1960’s grown ups actually dressed up and went “trick-or-treating”). 

In case you forgot, October holds one of my fondest childhood memories.  Mother simply created costumes from hotel bed sheets and we went on the hunt for candy in a Tucson neighborhood - I’m sure the hotel never forgave her for ruining their sheets.

November hails Thanksgiving, and Thanksgiving means lunch on November 19^th - our 9^th annual event.  Thanks to our administration, this GAT tradition has become one of my favorite adult memories. We all crowd into the office standing shoulder to shoulder or sit on the floor with plates full of food. You, our friends, help us be so successful.  This year lunch is between 11am and 1pm.  As my old tee shirt says, “it’s not about me!”

Christmas day this year is going to be a very special one for Ken and I - not only will it be perfect picnic/hot tub weather, it’s just a week before our son Cory and his wife, Lori fly in from Alaska for New Year’s. Guess what! I’m looking for the perfect New Year’s Eve Celebration - let me know if you have a spot in mind.

Yes, I have a weakness for fall. However, fall is also my best bi-annual planning time. 

I enjoy stopping and taking the time to reflect on what worked and what needs to change. This year I am strategically planning for 2016. 

Over the years I’ve learned some of us see more than others do. We need to look at what worked and plan for what needs to change. 

Sometimes I find myself so busy in today’s tasks I fail to plan for where we need to be down the road. 

So, enjoy this last quarter - but take the time to really think about 2016.  

What memories will you hold onto?

Who will you impact?

How will you change?

Yes, It's ALL About Love

Tomorrow, November 27^th is Thanksgiving.  A day when we here in the United States stop and “give thanks” for ___________ (you name it).  I’ve received emails, text posts, and voice messages all saying, “Thanks”.

We spend a lot of money, travel great distances, and take time off from work, just to let other people know we care.

Annual celebrations are lots of fun!

In fact, on November 20^th  our offices, Park Plaza and Stapley Center took a moment to say “Thank you”. Yes, we are grateful to  each and every one of you for the business opportunities you give  Great American Title on a daily basis, especially this past year.  Annually, we look forward to this day.

That being said just a few days after our Office Thanksgiving Celebration, during my morning quiet/reflective time I read a verse from the Bible, 2 John 1:6, that hit home. 

2 John is a small book in the New Testament written by John the Apostle.  Apostle means the person was a disciple, walked, talked and learned from Jesus when Christ was alive here on earth.  John calls himself an Elder, meaning he is old, really old.  It is also interesting to note that when John wrote this book he was banished to an isolated island, living alone.

Listen to his words:  “Love means doing what God has commanded us, and He commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning.” (2 John 1:6)

Simply put, here are my journal notes from that day: 

Wow, this is a “call to action” verse.  I am aware of others and the overwhelming needs to “love one another” at this time of the year, because I am reminded. There are donation centers, charity boxes, food drives, all kinds of good causes, I have lots of opportunity to “feel good” about loving others right now. But, what about the other 10 months of the year?  People still need to be loved.

This verse is a reminder to me of just how busy life gets and how often I fail to stop and “love” others.

This is sad!  I do believe that all I have is a gift from God.

God created this world, it all belongs to him, He loves me and He blesses me every day.  Life is not all about me!  I am loved so I can love others for Him.  I’ll take nothing with me when I leave this world.

Today’s big take away: Do I love stuff more than people?  Do I allow my stuff to get in the way of loving others?

My prayer: Lord, I know you love me.  My heart’s desire is to love others for you!