See Things For What They Can Be

Archive for the ‘challenges’ Category

Circumstances

Sometimes we have to make adjustments that require us to deviate from our normal scheme of things due to unforeseen circumstances. How we handle those situations define, to a point the character that make up our being. 

Defining moments have a tendency to strengthen our character…or they can make us weak. Who we are at this moment in time, could derive from the lessons taught by others and the lessons learned from life. 

Attempts to get through it all by way of deception is of no benefit to the deceiver as much as they may think it is. They learn no true values of life and reap the hand they play. For the recipient of the deceptions, much is learned and they in turn grow wiser.

Good sound wisdom passed on, generates a fire that burns deep into the minds that seek knowledge for the betterment in life.

Circumstances are a necessity that is required for growth, and growth is necessary in life. 


  

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Category:

challenges, change, determination, events, grow, knowledge, learn, lessons, life, strength, Teachers, time, world class

A LOT Of Thinking

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately about many different things. Some of it making me very angry, some making me think even more, some giving me feelings of despair, and some giving me answers. 

Early in my life, I had been taught to take responsibility for what I do and I have done that for the most part. I am far from being anywhere near perfect and I acknowledge that. I have made many mistakes that I take the blame for. I hurt when I hurt others.

When others make mistakes that affect me, I try to remember that they too are human and mistakes happen. But when the same types of mistakes happen on a consistent basis I have a problem with that. I know we are suppose to forgive, but the Lord knows I have trouble with consistent mistakes. When and where is the line drawn? I know too we are to forgive at all times.

In this skin that is humanity, it is very difficult…all too easy to hate those that do these things to us. But in the end, it is I who will suffer because of not forgiving. I will be the one whose bones will ache and drawn into a state of depression and despair. It is my mind that will be filled with bitterness that is best used for the betterment of my life and for those around me while they that choose to live a life of doing what they do continue to do what they do, whether knowingly or not. 

The importance of forgiving is just that…very important. The effects of harboring unforgiving thoughts is far more damaging than one can imagine. It has no benefits that will be good for me. 

I am really struggling at the moment and I know I need to turn this around. I need to stop looking at what has happened over the past few years and move on. I have a lot of positive things going on and I am thankful for that.

Humility is hard to swallow. Perfection was given only to the one true God and He said that we are to forgive because He knows that if we don’t…it is we who will suffer…and we are to leave the rest to Him. 


Category:

achievements, challenges, change, concentrate, decisions, determination, direction, education, emotions, focus, God, grow, human nature, lessons, life, moving on, thankful, thoughts, world class

Time’s Relevance

Time’s relevance is irrelevant at times
Other times, so vastly important
Seeking to achieve one’s destiny
Time waits for no man at all times


Man’s purpose, sought by man throughout
In degrees that vary for purpose in life
Some to persevere in want and need
By others in disillusionment and despair


Flashing moments portray accomplishments
Times even to them who feel failure
Remember one and all, remember
Time’s relevance, in the hands of one

                                                         

Category:

achievements, challenges, class, feelings, goals, God, human nature, inspiration, journey, knowledge, learn, lessons, moving on, new beginnings, Poems, prayer, strength, time, writing

A Needed Break

I had taken an unannounced break from writing and it actually felt pretty good…it wasn’t even planned, but I guess I needed it.

Although I haven’t been writing, I have been busy doing other things. I’m trying to keep my website and blog distinct from each other, making this one personal and the other strictly business…that shouldn’t be too hard huh? Of course after a little thought, this was my launching pad for where I am today. I’m sure I can come up with a good balance. 

Here are three frames I put together and I’m pretty sure I know what is going in each one….they may not even be clocks…. 

Not counting the frames above, I’m about to start a custom clock for someone.

On another note, my veggies are coming along rather well…the bell peppers are getting huge and I’ve had a few tomatoes and they are pretty tasty. I’ll have to get updated pics soon.

That’s all I have for now….WhatrUWorkinOn?

Blog Signature

Category:

#whatruworkinon, #workinon, about me, achievements, art, camera, challenges, crafts, Designs by Reglandus, goals, God, good times, graphic art designs, MyQuesMark, shadow box, shadow box wall art, unique clocks

The Ending

June 1st marks the ending of the first six months of 2012. Thinking ahead….I wonder what all of those superstitious people are gonna do about next year…..anyway, my mind goes to all of the resolutions that have been broken or never made it out of the gate. It’s been awhile since I’ve done the resolution things….very long time.


I penned the poster below November 12, 2011. I’d have to do a little more digging to see when it was first published on my blog or my CafePress website. It may sound cliche but I do get inspired when I read it. I wrote it in a way that whoever reads this, can apply it to themselves….the question at the end?….I ask myself, what have I done since the last time I read it. Sometimes I am so angry with me because I’ve missed easy ops, but I know there are more doors ahead. There are times when I muster a smile or two just knowing I am able to even try to pursue dreams. I frustrate myself by trying to do too much at one time….multi-multitasking. I love it when I get that giddy feeling.


I’m more determined than ever to reach for goals, achieve them and reach for more. I’m not going to wait until the beginning of the year to start my new year. Right now I feel as if I’m making that turn….you know the feeling….you’ve been on THAT road for such a long time you can tell that the scenery is starting to change. It’s such a good feeling.


I did edit the wording on this new poster…I took out the words “have to” on the third line and replaced them with the word “can” and did a little realignment with the rest.



I’m going to be posting pictures in a couple of weeks and I would very much  your advice, opinion, input. I’m going to have a few small giveaways during the month of June so it would be a good idea to tell your friends to like my Facebook page. That’s a few of what’s up and coming….gonna ride this wave as far as it will take me.


If you’d like to see this in a different flavor you can go here.
  

Category:

#whatruworkinon, #workinon, about me, achievements, challenges, change, design, feelings, give away, Giveaway, goals, good times, happy, inspiration, journey, knowledge, lessons, MyQuesMark, new beginnings

Rain Storms

A popup rain storm is one that is not predicted by the weather personnel. When the conditions are right, they just appear. The lightning strikes, the thunder, the high winds and of course the rain.


Yes storms can do damage that can be costly, but they can also be beneficial. Breaking lose dead tree branches, clearing the air of pollen and pollution. 


When the storm is over and the damages are assessed, it can’t be denied that everything looks cleaner, refreshing and you can smell it in the air. 


I guess it can be said that storms in our lives serve the same purpose even if we don’t see it that way. It is not pleasant to be caught in a rain storm without shelter of any kind and the same can be said for the storms that develop in our lives. But how can anyone deny that once our life storm passes, we feel refreshed and stronger….triumphant. 


Do I welcome or seek these storms into my life?….no way! But I cannot deny that it is a good feeling when all is said and done. 

Category:

challenges, change, inspiration, journey, lessons, life, new beginnings, past, peace, perspectives, prayer, storms, strength, stress, surprises

As I Tweeted Earlier Today

Some of you already know that I replaced the oxygen sensor on my van earlier today. At first I didn’t think I would get the old one out. A piece of cake is what I thought, especially since the van was driven which would heat the part enough….so I thought. Even with vise grips it would not budge. I almost gave up because I didn’t want to damage the old sensor in case I couldn’t get it out. So I go old school and apply heat directly to the connection with a propane tank….put the grips back on it, gave it a twist, and bingo! I just started thanking God right away because He gave me all that I needed to get it loose….patience and time to think it through without getting flustered. Image
After the new one was in place, I didn’t wait to start it up…I wanted to see if it was going to be any different during starting and idling. So I fire it up and it didn’t start right away, but it didn’t drag either. I could tell right away….seconds after it was running, that it had made a difference. It idled quietly, but when I placed it into drive it was rough, as if nothing had changed.
So I take it out for a spin. Once I hit the road and accelerate, it had more power. It didn’t drag during acceleration and I was really happy about that. I decide to take it on the interstate and on the entrance ramp it had more get up and go. I was able to change lanes faster. Now I’ll have to be careful not to drive it like a race car or I won’t be saving any fuel still. We’ll see what happens this week.
Oh yeah…I also bought a grease gun and lubed the front end today…that made a big difference too.
Yeah…some of you know about that too. 
For those who don’t, you can catch up here: This Takes Me Back 
                                                                 This Is My Yesterday
Reggie

Category:

achievements, auto repair, celebrate, challenges, concentrate, driving, God, lessons, life, think, time, traffic, travel, weekend

This Takes Me Back

I’m tellin ya ahead of time….it’s a picture heavy post.


It was time for me to take a closer look at the engine of my van. This won’t be the first time I had the “dog house” cover off, but it will be the first time I’m taking a good look into what I’ll have to do in the near future.

















It comes apart in two sections.







It’s really pretty easy to 
take apart….two 1/2″ bolts
on the floor….



 ….and two clamps on both sides 
at the top.


Once you get both sections off, you have access to a great portion of the engine.


When I removed the breather cover, there was a strong gas odor. I’ll probably replace the oxygen sensors.

Spark plugs don’t look so hot either.   

I climbed underneath to see why my 
tires were worn and part of the reason, 
the ball joints have no grease. 

I rotated the tires to finish up. The van is in sound condition and once I get the tune up and some tires I should be good for a bit.
I tinted the windows a couple weeks ago…it looks much better from a distance, but not bad for doing it alone. The instructions suggest two people; that is some hard stuff to work with I’ll tell ya! I removed the windows from the van and tinted them that way.

On another note….I’m thinking of designing new signatures for my blogs.

Reggie


                                            


Category:

about me, achievements, auto glass, auto repair, business, challenges, lessons, memories, new beginnings, perspectives, photos, relish, strength, thankful

On Moving Day

There is not much to say about the time between my last day at work up until now but I will bring you up to speed. I’ll start with moving day. Samuel just love trucks so when he had a chance to sit behind the wheel of the moving truck, he wasn’t about to past that up.

ok….i got this!

hmmm this might be a tight turn…

The move itself took much longer than I thought it would and longer than it really should have. Yes we were two families moving to two different locations but we had more stuff coming here that I remember having.


We took our time and moved in what was supposed to be two days, but dragged into four….don’t ask. Boxes were moved, unpacked, shoved to one side, moved to another, stacked and re-stacked. 

Things slowly began to come together. Reg took care of his room pretty quick and I didn’t mind taking care of the rest; so while TheWife worked I concentrated on getting key areas (kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bath) set up so each room had a spot that could be used as everything else was put together. We finally got a chance to really attack the living room and get the love seat off of the couch….I had to stack them because it was so tight in here.

That time spanned the last week in March and a little less than two weeks into April. That’s basically the move in a nutshell. I’m not sure what I’ll have next. Until then…..WhatrUWorkinOn?   


Category:

about me, challenges, change, concentrate, goals, home, life, photos, pictures, thankful, TheWife, UncleR

It’s About Time

I think it’s about time to let you in on what has been going on in my life these past few months. It took a lot of prayer and searching within to make the major decision that took place in January. I talked to TheWife and Reg and we all agreed that it could be done. 


So in January I gave my two weeks notice with a company I had been with for 5 1/2 years, but an occupation I have been doing for the past 35 years. I believe I had mentioned in a previous post or two how over the years my income was depreciating. Like many big businesses, it was becoming customary that employees get paid by production. It’s not like I remember back in the day when raises were awarded yearly. I do understand that times change and companies have to restructure in order to stay afloat, but it was becoming more difficult for me to adhere to the fact I had to work harder and harder as I grew older and the wear and tear began to take its toll on my body. Sure I could have stuck it out for many more years, but my speed was becoming an issue which played a part in my income. 


If you’re not aware of the work I am talking about….it’s auto glass replacement. I remember when I first got into this type of work. I was originally a warehouse driver for a auto glass distributor…..that was in 1977. At the location where I was employed, they also had a retail shop for installations. Customers would bring there cars in to have broken windshields, door glasses and back glasses replaced. On a daily basis I walked past these cars and the guys working on them. I was fascinated at how complicated it looked but also amazed at how they got it done. They would prod me often about getting into that line of work but I would always refuse.


I was in my early twenties at the time and started thinking about the future and what I would do to support the family TheWife and I talked about. I began to see how becoming an installer (what we were called back then) would be beneficial to me and my future. 


A guy by the name of Tom K. trained me. He was a top notch installer and everybody had a lot of respect for him and his quality of work. That rubbed off on me big time. I was gradually becoming a mirrored imaged in the quality of training given to me by Tom. Speed wasn’t important to me but quickly became a factor in the changing times. So I stepped it up quite a bit and the years of that and the decrease in pay was too much for me to deal with anymore.


I have to admit this wasn’t the only driving force to have a part in my decision to quit, but it was major.


So what’s in store for the future?…..stay tuned…..

Category:

#whatruworkinon, #workinon, about me, achievements, challenges, change, comfort, memories, prayer, TheWife, UncleR, work

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