Walking the Walk

             I have worked and studied and somehow been led to this very blessed life. I don't have a lot but I lack for nothing. When ever I need something, it seems to mysteriously come to me. I've gone from constant struggle to, most of the time what I do is play. There are several reasons for this; through my endeavors, faith, praying and searching, I have been led to a great place to live. I was led to Jerry and Cheri at the Bar Lazy J and thanks to them, I have been able to grow leaps and bounds creatively in my cooking. Since being led to "Young Living" my life feels more abundant and I'm healthier than ever. Its not perfect, there are blips, its not a perfect world. On a personal level, this past summer wasn't the easiest. I'm still struggling with that last 20 pounds, I lose a few, gain a few, but in the end I'm going in the right direction. even if its a pound every so often. I also struggle with who that old guy is in the mirror. It couldn't be me, I feel twenty years younger than that guy looks. But, everything has been rolling along the past few years and its a damn site better than where I was fifteen years ago.
           I have had a feeling that I have not been giving back enough. Sure, I give old coats to the needy and I support certain causes, but it doesn't seem  enough. I'm not engaged. Actively being engaged and giving back to the community is a big part of my spiritual and political beliefs. I feel I've been preaching more than I've been doing. If we are going to get big government off our backs than we all need to be engaged in our communities at all levels. I truly believe that the more good you do and the more you give, that the more you will receive, in so many ways. In the past year I've looked around and thought its time to come off the mountain, its time to come out of my cave of solitude and actively engage the community.
     I have been doing just that. Volunteering in the community dinner at Thanksgiving, participating in the chili cook off  to support the charter school, donating to the library, really taking a hard look at some of the clothes I have and never wear.
     I think we all need to do this. It really does give you a sense of well being and doing good, it does come back to you.
        Not to often during the winter but, during the summer on pay day, I'll buy $20 worth of scratch-off tickets and 2 Powerball tickets, a total of $26. I stopped for gas on the way home last night after helping out at the community dinner and just by chance scratched my gambling jones. The scratch-off payed $30, Powerball is tomorrow night.