Hay or Hey with Day?

As a writer I often get excited about writing this column and sharing something I've discovered, learned or find motivating. With the writing of this very column I got all excited and then I hit a roadblock. I was thinking about the term "hay day", an expression often used by we mountain folks, and then the roadblock problem was discovered. I am counting on the thought that many of you will be as I found myself to be with respect to a "hay day" expression. "Hay Day" is a great word to use in expressing success, excitement, joy, happiness or delight. People will often say 'they are having a hay day' in describing the fun grandchildren, children or others are enjoying. My roadblock occurred while conducting a little research on the subject when I discovered that there were two different meanings of my thinking also including two different spellings too. I've always spelled the expression "hay day" with hay and day as my combination of thought. Way back in the day kids and children rolled in the hay, played in the hay, jumped from bales of hay, built forts of hay and my list goes on. Thinking this way, hay is the only word I would think of using to express such a great moment of fun. However my thinking was roadblocked upon the discovery that using "hay" in the term "hay day" is totally incorrect and I was left sitting and thinking how could I have even been so misguided and I thought about even blaming my English and Spelling teachers from grade school and high school for failing to enlighten my mind to such understanding and knowledge. (Oh wouldn't they just love to correct my long drawn out sentence and over bearing use of the word and too, lol). The correct spelling for the expression is "hey day". The error of my way halted me and I'm not sure if I've properly written a work around but success is a notable moment that should be highlighted and marked with relaxation, smiles and if appropriate a laugh. Success is measured many different ways and while we may get the spelling wrong our expression will no doubt be correct. Sometimes words can get us tied up into a messy situation by we can thank God that He knows and clearly understands our hearts. There the real language of life is spoken and expressed. Until then

A song for frustration.

Frustration is a challenging obstacle and I don't know of a single moment in my life where frustration was my friend. When I consider moments that I've had to face frustration I have discovered that even admitting the situation can be a real challenge. No one likes to raise their hand and say please identify me as someone who is struggling with an issue or situation and then compound the matter by adding I am ready to surrender to frustration. Most everyone I know, including me, likes to see themselves as a strong individual. We like to put off this image that demonstrates confidence and even no fear. Frustration from being at the mercy or grace of others is not a slice of humble pie but rather cases that can be difficult to process. This situation becomes complicated if the "others" are individuals that enjoy seeing you bend beneath the load and enjoy observing the discomforts of your pain, stress and challenges. Seeds of frustration are easily planted into our lives when we acknowledge we have no control of outcomes nor are we able to direct or steer situations. Medical issues have been my frustration currently, while others may identify from an array of topics, situations and even people who have planted seeds of frustration into our lives that require us to handle properly in order to move forward. In offering a solution I am tempted to write the words of "What a friend we have in Jesus". The words of the song would be a strong display of confidence but it lacks in this situation the honesty that best properly reflects the situation when we admit that frustration has the upper hand. The perfect song is this one: Precious Lord, take my hand Lead me on, let me stand I am tired, I am weak, I am worn Through the storm, through the night Lead me on through the light Take my hand, precious Lord And lead me home When my way grows dreary Precious Lord, lead me near When my life is almost gone At the river I will stand Guide my feet, hold my hand Take my hand, precious Lord And lead me home. Until then

A letter to New Year 2017

If you've never written a letter to a New Year then all me to share my personal letter to I have written to this New Year, 2017: Hello there New Year, I feel like I can call you a friend since we've been sharing these moments for over 50 years together. Thinking back to when I was a little child I am not to sure I thought of you as I do today. Back then as a child I fought hard to stay awake to see you officially arrive. When we were first introduced you had been falling as a big ball in New York City for 57 years. Now that you are 110 years old in 2017 you still seem as young as ever. Watching you each year is for me confusing because with each new year that approaches you remain flashy with lights aglow, everyone approaches you with noise makers, music, crazy hats and love abounds in the air as a magical gift free to all. If you could tell me your secret to staying young I'd love for you to share your secret with my readers so we too can magically remain young if not ever changing to keep the affection of all who will gaze upon us each year. I mention the fact as a child fighting to stay awake for your arrival, if I write the total truth I find myself as an adult sometimes waging the same war at times. There are many dreams and visions you allow folks to consider, ponder and wander in the minds as they wonder in thought. With your arrival each year there is an opportunity to reflect on the past along with an opportunity to make corrections and adjustments to our resources of thought and planning. Allow me now to stay I appreciate being a part of 2016 even though I felt the breaking weight of the year several times, I'm just glad I somehow survived. In king regards, I remain. THM Until then