Enjoying Life.... for FREE!!

With our move across the country, we are limited on funds for entertainment, probably more than ever. I am not sad about this in the slightest. This gives our family the opportunity to explore the world using our imagination! Here are some suggestions as to how you can do the same- saving some extra pennies to put into that dream vacation fund along the way.

Did you know that each major city has an information center? At these locations, you can usually find maps and brochures free of charge. Much of the time, the maps and brochures have many activities listed around your town.... for free! As we traveled across the states, we collected many of these maps for our own home education purposes. How fun would it be to get a map from each state?

Utilize your local library! Today, I picked up a library events calendar (found online as well). Here are just a few items of business on it:

- Services for students: tutoring, reference library, subject guides, etc.

- Adult events: Scrabble club, knitter club, coloring club, creative writers alliance, writers' guild, etc.

- Children and Family events: Chess for kids, Lego club, Family pajama story time, Movie night, etc.

- Book clubs

- East TN History Center events: Genealogy, history discussions, TN reunions, etc

There are also events listed on the library bulletin board.

Local colleges will have free movie nights, author readings, as well as other community activities.

The Chamber of Commerce is also another great place to gain valuable information to the happenings around town.

When there are lack of funds, it may be time to get creative, but this can be a great blessing. One of these outings may inspire a passion in your child or yourself in finding and enjoying your light!

Living freely,
Mama Dragon

Life is Hard.... So What's New?

Last night I had this dream where I looked around at the lives of everyone around me. Every single person and family was going through difficult challenges. Some chose to struggle behind closed doors while others shared their problems freely with the world. In my dream, I looked around, taking it all in as I was given a glimpse into the lives of those around me. I found myself saying aloud, "Life is so hard!" The reply I got was a chuckle of sorts and a male voice lovingly saying, "Of course it's hard. That's why it's called a test." 

How truthful that is! We are all here to be tried and tested, to prove our willingness to God that we will fight the good fight, and bring honor to His name and His plan for eternal families. These challenges truly are for our good- and eternal progression. 

When I first felt impressed to begin this blog, I had great things in store. I had a daily schedule of items to write about, and began strong. Then, life happened. There have been more ups and downs in the past few months of my life than I would have ever liked to experience. Many time I thought I should just pack it in and forget about writing. I choose to keep going, though, even if it just a few times a month. If one person's life is changed for the better because of just one post I shared, then it is worth it. Mine usually is. 

Life is going to be hard for each one of us, this is nothing new. When unexpected challenges come up, do we pack it in and quit, or do we push through and persevere, allowing ourselves to grow and become stronger because of the experiences? I, for one, will keep going I know where God is leading me on this journey. I know that although there will be difficult weeks where I cannot write, I will keep going so I can share the ideas God has brought to my heart and mind. I am a Guardian of Light and will keep fighting the good fight to share my light with the world. I hope you do too!

Guardian of Light,
Mama Dragon

Milestones

Today marks the 2 year anniversary ("Heartiversary" as us heart patients call it) of my heart surgery. Two years ago, I had a failing heart. What a busy two years it has been recovering from a nearly 20-year ordeal of a slowly disfunctioning heart!! Instead of writing my story - again - I would just like to refer you to my heart blog where you can read about the miracle of my heart here.

September 12th is a 5K Run/1K Walk for our Heart Family. Although this year I am a bit tired and rundown, and will only be walking the 1K instead of running the 5K that I did last year, I will still go and participate as an adult CHD survivor. I am a Heart Warrior, grateful to God for giving me another chance at life!! Today I will celebrate that life in ways that bring me closer to Him. 

Celebrating Life,
Mama Dragon

Anything

Due to some recent events in my life, I have been forced to take a hard look at some of my own personal choices in how I am caring for myself, and in turn caring for those that are my responsibility. It has been eye-opening, to say the least. This morning, as I have spent a few minutes with God, the question came to mind... What are you willing to do to accomplish God's will for you here on earth, to fulfill your mission before you return Home? Without hesitation, I responded, "Anything."  I mean this. It is truth.  

Like most people I know, life has been a series of constant uphill battles that seem to be lost more than won. Choices that you felt good about turned into the hardest trials of your life, rest only coming for a single day. And just when you think things are finally settling down, as Life and her trials pop up again, forcing you to be on our toes and you grab your sword and shield and prepare for yet another fight. You are exhausted, yet somehow, like the warriors of old, you keep going.... because you are willing to do so.

Time after time on social media, I will see loved ones post "I'm Done" because they cannot find one more ounce of strength to face the monsters in front of them. How hard life must be in those moments! Certainly we have all come to that point where we just cannot seem to go on one more day. When one gets to that low point, where is it they are drawing strength from? Is it from Facebook? Twitter? NBC? How about... from God?! If we focus our energy and became consciously aware of our literal connection with God, as His children, stripping away the World's view of what we should do or who we should become, and redirecting our efforts on who He knows we already are, where would we be? The only thing we would be "done" with is the negativity, the criticism, the ideals that come from a darkness God never wants us to give into!! We would know that because of a loving Heavenly Father sacrificing His Son, who Atoned for us, that we can do hard things, and we will be able to keep going. 

The other day I read a quote that said something like: Life will always be an uphill battle for those who are doing right. Isn't that truth? My Friends, we are not here in this life to rest and have vacations everyday. We are here to work, to learn, to further our Divine knowledge and prove to our Father in Heaven that we will do all it takes to return to Him again in His time, when we have accomplished all He wants us to. I ask: What are you willing to do? Are you willing to care for your one and only body He gave you? To find a belief system that aligns with His? To serve only in ways that the Savior would do? Are you willing to fight for your family so your children may have the best education? Are you willing to be on the internet less so your little girl can read to you and know that her time with you is valued? Are you willing to say no to that second job because although it may mean a more humble home, it means more time with your family? Day by day, we will each have decisions to make. Day by day we can strip down the incorrect ideals that surround us and be the person God intended for us to be since we were born. What are you willing to do to accomplish those things? What are you willing to do to fulfill your purpose here on earth? 

Finding my purpose, 

Mama Dragon