Good Morning Peeps!
This morning here in the Music City the temp is cold with a slight breeze that makes it feel even colder. Still it is 70 degrees in my Haven and I have my hot cup of Hazelnut coffee to help warm my body as my outlook on Life warms my soul and begins to set the tone that will kick start my day!
Many of you may have noticed that I haven't posted my Peeps for a few days because I have been under the weather and fighting a nasty virus. After almost two weeks of this constant battle...I am hopefully at the tail end of it....this has not been fun. Still....this is all a part of living and I look at it this way....I am given down time to sit back and reflect on many things and also gain an appreciation for my health and for the days given to me to live my life the best way I can.
In light of Carrie Fisher and her mom Debbie Reynolds passing within a day of each other has resonated in my heart and mind. Triggering a reflection of many Iconic people who have passed prior to them through this 2016 year. I have to stop and breath because I am reminded of my own personal losses of people in my Life and of the passing of my two beautiful babies Mia and Stretch. Again.... I know this is all a part of Life! Which is why we all need to take advantage of the time that is given and embrace the ones who are dear and to respect and appreciate the lives of others as we all travel down separate roads, with different experiences, incredible - memorable Adventures that tell the unique Story of each of our own Life's Journey. Shining a bright Light of who we are and eventually passing the torch onto the next person to continue the Journey and creating even more stories as the begin traveling down a path or road leaving their own personal imprint while living this thing we called Life.
The Sunday before Christmas I performed one last song for this 2016 year. I have to say that it was bitter sweet, but was absolutely the perfect way to end.....
Inglewood Methodist Church is my home church....where my Journey Musically and Spiritually began. The foundation of my Faith was reborn as I started to travel down a new path of discovering God and finding myself.
This Journey began almost 8 years ago. I was asked to perform one of my songs because there was a situation and we needed an offertory song performed. I was beginning to feel sick and was unsure if I could carry out the song, but inside I knew that I wanted to do it anyway because this would opportunity to offer my song back to God and say thank you for leading me back to this place and reminding me where it all began and how far I have come.
I performed "Here I Am" because that was my absolute moment where I threw my hands up in the air and gave it to God because I was at the end of my rope and had nothing else to hold onto.
I have to say that at the end of performing....I felt so humbled because it was not about me....it was about God. It was about being surrounded by people who walked with me through one of my tough times and major Life changes. So....where it began...for me was the first day I walked through the doors of Inglewood and will always be with me even after the last day when the doors to Inglewood United Methodist church will be closed forever.
I decided that tomorrow on the last day of 2016 I will ponder on not only the losses but also on all the wonderful things that have happened over this 2016 year. Of course....because where there is one bad or negative thing...there is ten to counter....which means in hind sight....2016 is still another wonderful year of Living life!
Peeps have an awesome Friday and remember your Silver Linings as we wrap up this 2016 year and head into 2017 and stories, Adventures, and memories that are waiting to be made.
Until next time I will catch you on the flipside!
Tonya Noga
