Things That Really Matter......

I've been teased by my family for qutie some time about not saving stuff. If it isn't nailed down, you just might find it in the trash. That doesn't mean I don't save anything...that just means I don't save everything. I'm sure alot of that has come from not having alot of room, no basement, and having to climb in attics or storage units where rats just wait for my arrival. LOL

I tend to keep things of significance. I thought it might be fun to open up my little "trunk of treasures" and share a few with you.

A Disney Bracelet: a friend brought this back to me in fifth grade. When you open the book that's a charm, a tri-fold piece of paper with Disney Characters pops out. Sjignificance: besides our friendship, the night she gave this to me my entire famiy nearly died. Unbeknownst to us, the water heater in our house had a pipe that rusted off and we had been breathing carbon monoxide for quite some time. The doctor told us if it had been even a few more hours, we all would have died. I will never forget that night. The bracelet reminds me of friendship and life.

A Pearl Heart Pendant: My Grandma Woods gave all us girls a pearl, heart broche from my great grandmother. Significance: not only a family heirloom but since Grandma only had boys, the first experience for her passing on something to "daughters"...even if it was granddaughters.

Tiara: Jr. High Homecoming Queen. Significance: The first time I realized I just might be able to break out of my "shell of shyness" and be the out going, friend loving, person I wanted to be. A huge confidence booster for me at age 14.

Promise Ring: Given to me by my first boyfriend, first love. A very special person who practically raised me. I started dating him when I was 14 and dated him off and on for about 3 1/2 years. Significance: I kept it tucked away to give to my daughter when she turned 13 (a teenager) to talk about dating, love, purity, etc... About two years ago (when I finally decided I wouldn't be able to give it away) I pulled it out of it's ring box and wear it on my pinkie. Fond memories of fun times in my life.

Nugget Necklace: Given to me by my dad. My first year in college, me & my older sister were going at the same time and dad said Christmas might be a little "light". He always gave us a gift just from him. That Christmas he had all his rings melted down and had nuggets made for all the ladies in the family and had one of his stones put in each one. Significance: Always reminding me of sacrificial love. At times when I lived far away, I would have that necklace on, and when I was feeling homesick, I would just reach up and hold onto that nugget. Amazing the comfort a gift can bring.

Smile File: When we started ministry at 22, we went to a conference and heard this lady speak. Ministry isn't easy...EVER. She was encouraging us and she told us to make a "smile file". Every time someone sent us a note of something good we did, put it in the file. On the days when people were just being a pain in the butt (my paraphrase of course) pull out the cards and read them. We've had one ever since. I still put cards in there even though we left ministry a while ago. Significance: Everyone needs to be reminded of the good things they do every once in a while.

Cross Bracelet: My moms cross bracelet. I really don't know how much she wore it but when we were going through her stuff, I found it in her jewelry box. Significance: Besides it just being hers, the crosses remind me of how she lived her life. Such a symbol of her. I wear it every day....somehow it makes me feel I take a part of her with me wherever I go.

These are just a few of my treasures. I don't know about you but daily life and all the pettiness that comes with it, sometimes makes me lose focus of the important things, things that really matter. Treasures that have helped me grow and become the person I am today. People who have occupied or just passed through my life, all contributing some sort of significance thats made me.....me ! If nothing else, I hope this blog makes you stop, take a moment, and think about all the things that matter most in your life. You won't regret it =) Love ya !!