New Things With The Norris'

I can testify

Oh, the frustration of wanting to walk in your full purpose and potential and you just haven’t tapped into it yet..most of my life I have been searching for that thing that I know God has placed in me to do upon this earth..and, I’ve tried many jobs..many hobbies..and yet I still feel as if I’m searching..

And, while I try to explain it to the ones I love some times I know they just don’t understand..and,it’s not their fault..maybe I’m not explaining how I feel clear enough..or maybe this is just something I have to figure out on my own..even with starting this blog..I’m not sure if this is part of the plan..and, yet here I am typing away my feelings..

It’s so easy to feel like your failing when something doesn’t come easy to you..because someone else looking at your life believes you have it all together..your confident, a risk taker, and what seems like in control of your life..but, unbeknownst to them..you too are having internal struggles…

No one is on their A-game..100% of the time..that’s real talk..we all have insecurities, doubts, and even fears..that’s the part of being human..realizing how infinite the world is and you’re just trying to find your place in it and make your mark upon it..

And, truthfully we can be our own worst critics..because I bet there is at least one person in this world that you have made an impression on their life..whether it be for the lady you held the door open for..the gentlemen you let cut in front of you in line..or the baby you made a silly face at that made them smile..

Each day..each moment in life is yet another line to our story..and, even though we may not know the full details of each chapter..believe that it’s an intriguing, heroic, romantic, motivational number one best seller..because it’s about you and you are not without purpose..and one day you will look back on today as a distant memory..as part of your story..but not..

THE END!

Destination 🤔Unknown🗺

One of the things we’ve talked about doing was packing our bags..get in the car..choose a direction and go..and this weekend we did just that..my husband turned 45 at the end of last month..so, I took two of my personal days and we made it happen..the only plan was to have no plan..

Whenever we came to an intersection we picked a direction and curiously went..our phone signal dropped out a couple of times (thank a T-Mobile 😁) but, there were several call boxes..turns out we were near Fort Stewart at the time..we have never taken that route before..and, it gave us plenty of time to talk, eat snacks and catch up on us..we can get so busy that we overlook the importance to stay connected to our spouse..

We traveled along different byways and highways into the unknown..we drove around 4 1/2 hours..to end up in Dublin, Ga. around 7:30 at night..the smaller town hotels just wasn’t quite what we felt comfortable with in the middle of the night..😂 we checked into the Hampton Inn and Suites with no problem..the hotel was beautiful and a relaxed atmosphere..we made reservations over the phone on the road..our signal dropped out right when we recieved our confirmation number..😑 but, everything was ready and waiting when we arrived..

We ended up getting a king size suite which was very spacious and clean..decorated nicely with pictures of Dublin hanging upon the walls..a stand up shower, large desk, seating area and kitchenette..

Dinner was conveniently located right across the street at Longhorns..which was packed to the brim with people so we took it to go..and in the comforts of our lovely room..we enjoyed a Dublin night..

Checking out the next morning at 11:00 am..we decided to take a look around downtown in the brisk 50 degree weather..which kept us in the car for the most part 😂..but, when we did get out..we took a look around at the Martin Luther King Jr. monument where he gave his first speech when he was 10 years old..

We really enjoyed ourselves in an unconventional way..it gave us an opportunity to trust each other and our gut..to depend on each other’s input and direction..as is life as a married couple..it’s a team effort because the results affect you both..learning to allow God to guide you both with what you both may need..destination unknown..but, still able to learn and enjoy the journey together..

Sweet Day In Savannah

Have you ever wanted to visit a place that is a mixture of cultures, tastes, and people from all walks of life..then Savannah Ga. is the place for you..

Known for it’s southern charm, beautiful architecture and rich history…your surely to find a gem of happiness around each corner..you can literally find a parking spot and spend hours sightseeing in one of the majestic squares or browse the eccletic shops.. don’t forget the ever growing restaurant population..

We personally visit Savannah two or three times a month..we just love it there..hope to call it our permanent home one day..until then we will keep hitting the highway as much as we can..our home away from home..

This trip we decided to check out a few of the art museums…visits some places we’ve never been..with the temperature in the 50’s it was cool and windy..yet, we opted to still walk among the beautiful oaks and cobble stone streets..and people watch..lol

There was some amazing art and plenty of photoshoots..our first stop was to (SCAD) Savannah College of Art and Design..which is currently under reconstruction..they were changing out their exhibts and because of this they only had two displays available..so, we were able to get in for free 😁

But, the campus was beautiful and what we did see was interesting..the staff was very helpful and informative..we were able to roam around freely and interpret things on our own..which was cool..we would like to return once they have everything back in place..

Our next stop was the Telfair Museum..and we happen to go on family day..which meant if you lived in the area you were able to get in for free..which we don’t..not yet 😉they had a great turn out.. a lot of young people which was good..it was uplifting to see them excited to learn about art and perspective..

There was a lot to see..paintings, pictures, sculptures and more..we were able to spend over an hour and a half looking through each area..somethings were interactive..others more literal..

There were two other museums that we could have seen as a part of our twenty dollar entrance fee..but, we didn’t realize that until after we left 😶..we will have to make sure to do that when we return..

Our last destination was Toasted Barrel..which seemed to be known for their grilled cheese sandwiches and soup..we sampled the classic, the grilled chicken with pesto and the tomato soup..all which went together well..

We would have liked to have gone to Below Zero..where they have the best ice cream we have ever had..but, they are currently under construction as well..so here is a little inspiration that will hold us while we wait 😋

If you ever want to go some where that you can relax and enjoy yourself amongst people from all walks of life..Savannah should definetly be on your list of places to go..there is always something to do..there is always some place open..beautiful things to see and beautiful memories to make

Live Fully

There are so many things going on in the world..that if focused on..it will leave you overwhelmed and shut down in fear..but, you don’t have to live that way..you can choose life and freedom..

Seeing The Need 👀For Change👀

How many times have we become accustomed to things and people that we know do is more harm than good..but, rather than doing something about it..we adjust, accept, and complain without releasing it..nothing and no one is worth our peace..surely we give time for change but, then it’s time to do something about it..

We have to value where we ultimately want to end up and what direction we want to take to get there..will that job, hobby, roommate, or any attachment slow down our progress in a negative way..or does it add worth and purpose to our goal..for example..do you know that we can become accustomed to sickness rather than resisting it..

We make the adjustments in our lives to allow it to make itself at home so much that we make it a part of our very being..when we talk with people that’s the first thing we lead with..even without them even asking..” well, you know I’ve been sick”..or we look so disheveled even though we’re already feeling much better in order to get that attention..which really is negative attention..

There is always need for change..because life goes beyond those weights that hold is down..that everyday mental stress..that overwhelming anxiety that repeats like clockwork..that feeling of disappointment, discomfort, or dissatisfaction..it’s not yours to own..we don’t have to live a life of regrets..and regurgitated mistakes..

If there is a need for change in our lives that we see..let’s do something about it..not, give it a key to the homes of our hearts that comes and goes as it pleases..no, take back that key..better yet change those locks, set your alarms, buy a watch dog, put up a security fence, and have that heater ready..lol😂😉

📦Box Free🚫

Sunday is usually a day of reflection and restoration..you’ve worked all week ..played on Saturday and finally Sunday is a time to refocus and refresh for the week ahead..honestly to me time seems to slow down just a tad..and it maybe because mentally I feel the break from the demands..

We personally spend some of our time in church because we know that’s the foundation of who we are..and, yes I have nodded in church on occasion..lol..but, I account it to the fact the church is where you are able to go to put down those weights of the busy week..to leave the things at the door..and allow God to shower you with His love in a community that has come together to worship Him..

We’ve spent the last six days pushing, striving, pursuing, and maintaining and now we set aside this day to communicate even the more with the One who restores our soul..that in itself is peaceful..there is no greater experience than to know God for yourself..it’s nothing you can really put into words..you have to embody it personally..

Thinking of the week ahead..it does us no good to go ahead and plan for failure when we have the possibility for greatness..every second of every day can be greater than the last..it is NEVER to late until the clock that is our lives..stops..that forgiveness we should have given is still ours to give..that love that we should share is still ours to share..that phone call, text message or even letter is still in our authority to direct it towards it’s destination..

How wonderful and powerful is it to know our lives are made up of our choices ..what we don’t like it or agree with it..we can change it..we don’t have to stay or except what we don’t want..this isn’t just about being positive..but. all about knowing our position…as a Christian the importance of our walk with Christ is to know who we are in Him and what He has equipped us to be able to do..we have a NO LIMITS God!

Let’s think of it in terms of a box..we use boxes for our belongings..to carry our life or store our life..we pack those things with care for the most part..we ship them ahead of us or we take them along with us..we then unpack those things and incorporate them into our current situations or we leave them in that box..store that box away and revisit or forget about them..now, imagine those things being our talents, gifts and purposes..we either showcase those things, revisit or stick them in the attics of our minds and allow them to become dusty and full of cobwebs..we each have purpose that’s sitting in a box in the corners of our minds..taped up..with bold handwriting..”FRAGILE..OPEN IMMEDIATELY ” and yet still year after year we don’t..

Instead we push it further and further back into the dark abyss..underneath the hopes, dreams, inspiration, and goals boxes..begging to be opened..begging to be explored once again..maybe given a face lift to bring it into the new year..and yes it’s yours..yours to share with the world..yours to take throughout life and own..yours to enjoy because God has given it to you..

Let’s not hoard what we have gracefully been given..let’s not bitterly look at those who are living their best life by doing so..let’s rip that tape off..tear open that box (because we’re not storing away these things again) and proudly display who we are and what we were created to be.. Box Free 📦🚫

Dating While Married

First, of all let’s make this clear I’m strictly talking about dating the spouse you are married to..😂..anything outside of that is surely your choice..just not mine..😕..so, how can we date while married..how do we date our spouse..I mean we live in the same house..we talk about the same things ..our lives are already connected on many levels..why is it important to date as well..

The preconceived idea..especially if you have been married for a long time is that..things get routine and boring..or even the idea how can one person satisfy you for your entire life..well, it’s possible..I mean it was only designed since the beginning of time🙄..but, growth, maturity, communication, forgiveness and understanding are just a couple of the things that allow a marriage to flourish rather fizzle..

So many times outside relationships are sought after when it could been handled at home..but, a failure to connect on a subject or subjects..lends one to think..maybe someone else can give me what I need or want..how important to stay relevant with our spouse is the question..

Do we feel we already know all there is to know about them..because we don’t..do we feel they can never change..because they can..or do we feel it’s no longer worth the effort..because it is..think back to a time when you first started dating your spouse..

Was excitment there..anticipation..to just be in their presence..we made sure to put our best foot forward..we dressed the part..spoke the part..and even smelled the part 😂 but, then life happens..kids, bills, jobs,hobbies..etc..and we can become more and more lackadaisical if we’re not careful..where we no longer put in the effort into impressing who should be the most important person in our lives..

If married it should be one of our goals to ensure that we support each other in such a way that our spouse is reassured that if no one else on the face of this earth has their back..they know we do..without a doubt..and dating continuously..aids in that bond..

Allowing ourselves to talk and laugh..share new and exciting things..maybe maintaining some of the first date traditions..I know personally me and my husband still go to the movies quite frequently..why because that’s how we started out dating..we have always been movie lovers and it has been incorporated into our marriage for the last 26 years and always will be..

It’s just something about getting dressed to go out with him..to see something we’ve agreed upon..getting our usual..nachos and cheese (jalapenos on the side..I’ve spiced it up lately..see growth 😂) peanut M&M’s, large drink and milk duds..just about every time we go..which is at least once a week..sitting hearing the surround sounds..discussing the previews making plans for upcoming dates..excited about what we are about to see..in this dark room filled with strangers..but, no one else is in the world at that moment but, us two..

We talk as if we’re still trying to get to know one another..I search my mind for questions I don’t think I’ve asked him yet..and we rehash some old conversations..and to this I’m still learning about him..and that excites me..because people change..life has a way of doing that..just think your not the same person that they married either..we all are still learning ourselves..why not allow them to be a part of that..

We encourage you..make plans and see them through..whatever that may include is based on what you and your spouse agree upon and enjoy..but, do something..life is short and you have an opportunity to savor it with a soul who said “I do” to you.. Honor that..

Giving Thanks

Daniel 6:10 Now his windows were open in his chamber towards Jerusalem and he kneeled upon his knees three times a day prayed and gave thanks before his God

A heart of gratitude isn’t always easy when things seem to be strained in life..but, that’s the opportune time to be just that…GRATEFUL…to really take in life for the blessing that it is when things are tough..takes a clear vision and appreciation..you can put two people in the same situations and one may come out on top..while the other may just end up lower than when they started …

A lot of it comes down to choice…because some times we forget that the sun is still shining even when the dark clouds are out…how will we see life..when life doesn’t seem to see us..will we take a deep breath and go at it one more time…or will we become overwhelmed to the point where it breaks us.. and, honestly this is a hard place to be..but, there can be beauty in brokenness..

We can take strength away from what was meant to destroy us and allow it to fuel us..and propel us beyond what once limited us…and, as long as we are here on the face of this earth…there is opportunity and space..opportunity to change and space to move…reevaluate and reposition ourselves..we don’t have to stay where we’ve been accustomed to…we have the choice to move..and be thankful

Gaining Momentum

Yessss….I’m able to see some momentum happening on our blog as well as our Facebook and Instagram page ( if your reading this go and follow..lol) I made it a point not to really over broadcast starting our page on our personal pages so much..I didn’t even send out the mass invite to all our friends..the reason being is we feel like who is meant to find us will.. I didn’t want anyone of our friends to feel as if they were obligated to like our page because they knew us..I’ve started many groups and pages over time and I definitely didn’t want them to be like..here she go with one more..lol.. I mean I will share but, as of yet have said…Hey, come like our page or else..at least not yet 🙂

I know a lot of our stuff will repeat in multiple places and I’m trying not to get on our loved ones nerves..lol..they love us but, they may also need some space..so, legitimately everyone we have followed, liked, or befriended has been a perfect stranger..how cool is that?..and 99% of our traffic has been the same..people from across the globe that we may never meet..except through the world wide web..clicking keys together..collecting thoughts and hopefully changing lives..to get that notification that someone you never knew existed has responded to your words..is satisfying..because, you know they didn’t have to nor are they obligated to…so, we appreciate it in a different way..

Realizing your thoughts our experiences has intrigued another human being is very humbling..it’s makes you feel even more responsible for your words..knowing that words carry power and can either build or tear down another’s soul..what we choose to put out there says a lot about who we are and what we are presenting to the world..and, now even the internet can be used against you..your very words or actions can be used to destroy your life and those you love..so we have to be careful of what we say unless we are prepared to deal with the aftermath..

If you are new to our blog..we appreciate you..and we are grateful to know you in some small way..may the things we find out about each other draw us closer and may the things that we see differently from one another cause us to have understanding…this world is way to complicated to add bickering online with someone I’ve never even met..be encouraged..love life..and keep on blogging 🙂

Free Experience

Out of the Blue..

A mysterious and unexpected email popped up on one of our other email addresses..asking if we wanted to sign up for Google Local Guide..and my first thought was to chunk it and scan pass it.. like we do so many other emails we don’t want to take the time to read..but, second thought told me to look into it and see what it was really all about.. I mean here we are taking on the mindset of new adventures and to hopefully one day have sponsors looking for us to review their products and/or destinations..hey, this would be good practice right..so, sign-up we did and let’s see where this takes us..from what I can tell there is no monetary value..but, you do receive perks and exposure and that in itself seems to be beneficial..right..plus, it will give some experience of how to engage and reach an audience through statements and visual aids..

Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán on Pexels.com

Already Reviewing..

Let’s face it we’re already possibly doing more than we think in this department daily anyway…think of the numerous restaurants, movies, theme parks or whatever you have recommended to friends via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter..and, just based on your suggestion they to have gone or either made plans to go..see you’re already reviewing..just by living life and sharing it with the world..the pictures you take..the opinion you give..all are selling points for that business..now, my job is to get that to translate into our bank account..lol..I will admit I’m a frequent and regular Facebook poster (is that the way you say that?)..some people talk about me for it..but, my answer is “how, would you know I’m on there..if you weren’t ?” I don’t mind sharing my life..I’m very grateful for who and what I have..

Many Hats..

I’ve done many things throughout my life..I’ve tried my hand at whatever moved me and my husband agreed to..lol..(he’s always supportive)..I’ve done photography, wedding planning, decorating, refurbishing, online businesses,banking, customer service, counseling, teaching and I know plenty of other things..in the midst of being a mom and a wife..but, my hopes is one day all those endeavors add up to some thing that makes sense..one of the reasons we are now blogging..I need an outlet for all the mental tabs I have opened in my mind..a way to express everything I’ve experienced in life and continue to experience..life is the biggest teacher..and, the things we take in make up who we are or who we would like to be…

Purpose..

I know I have a purpose and I know all of the quirky, indecisive, and random behavior is meant for something and someone..it’s not in vain..I may never know who I’ve reached..they may never respond in a email or text..and that is okay..I just hope that I’ve helped them heal..I’ve helped them to carry their head a little higher..that they see value looking back at them in the mirror.. and doubt no longer lives in their heart..seeing the world needs them and how uniquely they have been designed..how irreplaceable and incomparable they are.. what may have started out as free experience.. can find it’s home in priceless purpose!

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