Daily Faith Lessons

Breathtaking Beauty for Breathing in Life

2011-04-21T09:57:00.009-04:00

Life seem too busy? Sometimes feel a little lost or disconnected from your purpose?

Take a moment to reconnect through this breathtaking video.

Real Life waits for you to see it & embrace it. God's love is all around us. He's painting your world with beauty and love everyday. Are you receiving it?

Texting for Seniors

2011-03-03T15:53:00.006-05:00

In this age of technology, more & more "seniors" (who knows anymore where that age begins!) are getting with it and conquering text messaging. It seems they're going that way mostly because they have grandchildren (or children) who are texting them. With some discussions I've had recently with other "seniors," they say their kids or grandkids prefer texting to emails or talking on the phone. I guess maybe Facebooking comes in second, but when they're mobile, texting is it!

Today at a luncheon I attended someone handed out their business card flier with a tongue-in-cheek guide for texting seniors.

Here are a few texting shortcut gems to keep handy in case you need them:

ATD: At the Doctor's

BFF: Best Friend Farted

BTW: Bring the Wheelchair

BYOT: Bring Your Own Teeth

CBM: Covered by Medicare

CUATSC: See You at the Senior Center

DWI: Driving While Incontinent

FWB: Friend with Beta Blockers

FWIW: Forgot Where I Was

FYI: Found Your Insulin

GGPBL: Gotta Go, Pacemaker Battery Low

GHA: Got Heartburn Again

IMHO: Is My Hearing Aid On?

LMDO: Laughing My Dentures Out

LWO: Lawrence Welk's On

OMMR: On My Massage Recliner

OMSG: Oh, My! Sorry, Gas

ROFL...CGU: Rolling on the Floor Laughing...Can't Get Up!

TTYL: Talk To You Louder

WAITT: Who Am I Talking To?

WTP: Where's The Prunes?

WWNO: Walker Wheels Needed

I hope you are having a good laugh today, getting your heart rate & breathing workout, and those endorphin levels up with this one! You might want to share this with a friend so that if you end up ROFL...CGU - then at least you'll have someone to help you get back up or BTW to you!

Anyway, HAGD!

(I don't know if there's one for Have A Great Day, but thought that could be it!)

LOL, Lo

(Oh, that's Lots of Laughs, or Lots of Love - and Lo is just short for Lois!)

:-) Smiles & love 4u!

Merry Medicine for Body & Soul

2011-03-02T09:45:00.006-05:00

I'm sure you've heard how healthful laughter is.

"A merry heart does good like medicine..." Proverbs 17:22

A good belly laugh involves your whole body - moving, breathing deeper, even shaking all over! That allows oxygen to flow in, as well as mood-lifting chemical reactions (endorphins, etc.) to take place in your body that just plain makes you feel happier and more energized.

So here's to your good health today!

http://shine.yahoo.com/event/momentsofmotherhood/laughing-baby-loves-ripping-paper-2459529

You may want to bookmark this page & return often for your daily belly laugh - a great health habit to get into! And, of course, share this with your best friends! ;-)

The Groundhog Speaks Again!

2011-02-02T17:29:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year when we who face colder weather in the winter months are ready to throw in the towel and move to or take an extended trip to the southern more tropical climes! I know I've been wanting to, especially this year with record snow when we usually get none or very little.
In case you haven't seen the predictions for our spring weather from the predictor himself (or is it herself? Hmmm... a name like Punxsutawney Phil probably means it's a he, but you never know!)....
Well, anyway, here's the latest news clip for you. Enjoy!
http://on.msnbc.com/f8WxfW

No matter the weather, you'll always be warm if you hold love in your heart! Be warm!
Lois

Tired of Snow? Maybe It's YOUR Fault...

2011-01-27T18:15:00.005-05:00

If a picture speaks a thousand words, here's one for you!

So STOP it already!

All kidding aside, isn't it amazing that God knows what we need when we need it, even if we don't THINK we need it?!!

Enjoy your blessings (even though they may be disguised) today!

Dancing Out the Last Dog Day of Summer

2010-09-06T11:39:00.000-04:00

With the dog days of summer coming to an end, why not put your feet up and celebrate one last dog day this Labor Day?

To help you get a little more in the mood, here's a fun and amazing video you may enjoy!

Here's a thought for you to take away...
For all those things you thought were a stretch for you - or even impossible -
What could YOU do with a little practice?!!

With God nothing is impossible!

Big Lessons in Small Packages

2010-09-03T14:21:00.000-04:00

Ever have one of those days when things don't always go right?

When I read this vignette about an amazing incident, I realized what a big lesson came in a very small package! Check it out here: http://www.myfrienddebbie.com/article_master.php?id=489&vw=eml&tr=1

There are some other wonderful stories on My Friend Debbie's site as well.

God Knows What We Need Before We Know to Ask!

2010-08-30T05:00:00.001-04:00

Someone emailed this to me recently and I just had to share it...

God's Pharmacy! Amazing!

It's been said that God first separated the salt water from the fresh, made dry land, planted a garden, and made animals and fish... all before making a human. He made and provided what we'd need before we were born.

God left us a great clue as to what foods help what part of our body!
These foods are best & most powerful when eaten raw. We're such slow learners...

A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... Science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.

A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.

Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).

Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.

Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries.

Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.

Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

Isn’t God amazing?!!! ;-)

Who's Swimming with the Dolphin Now?!

2010-08-29T17:17:00.003-04:00

Here's a link to a cool video you'll enjoy! ;-)

Aren't God's creatures amazing?

Well, okay! But just remember you and I are one of his "creatures" also! Why not celebrate how amazing He has made you just the way you are?! You can honor him by just jumping in and swimming with the opportunities he brings you every day...

Comments?!

Snowbound but Free!

2010-01-31T05:00:00.002-05:00

If you're homebound with snow today, I hope you take the time to look for the beauty of it - and reflect with amazement on the fact that no two snowflakes are exactly alike!

That should remind us how God made us - with no two of us exactly alike. And yet He knows each one of us by name and loves us just the way we are. The difference is that He loves us enough to not want us to stay the way we are. Only God can open the door and show the way to all the blessings He wants to pour out on us, as we learn to walk in his higher, better ways for our life.

May your blessings today be like snowflakes falling all over you - and even tickling your nose & tongue! Enjoy life, love and laughter today as you walk - or roll - in God's blessings!

Only the Robins Know!

2010-01-30T14:25:00.006-05:00

Yesterday afternoon I sensed a lot of movement out the kitchen window from my peripheral vision. When I looked up to investigate, I was shocked to see a flock of robins descending upon the yard! I had never seen a FLOCK of robins before. The yard was covered with them! I knew something unusual must be going on to cause this phenomenon, so I watched for clues. I noticed they were going crazy digging for bugs and worms. I also noticed they seemed to be quite fat looking, as if they were wearing double-breasted suits with their red chests puffed up.

As I marveled and pondered all this, I pontificated that perhaps they knew that a ton of snow was getting ready to cover the ground for a few days, so they'd better stock up while they could! I had listened to the weather report calling for an unusual amount of snow to be dumped on us from last night through this evening. So it seemed to be confirmation that the weatherman may be right! I also wondered if it also indicated that we would be having an early spring, as generally we don't see so many robins this early in the year.

I guess I'll have to wait to see if my theory about an early spring is right or not. But I know for sure the robins got the memo about the snowfall! So far we have maybe six inches or so, with it supposed to continue non-stop the rest of the day & night. So it's quite possible we could see up to the 11-12 inches they've been predicting before it's finished.

Isn't it amazing how God cares for the birds by urging them to stock up on food? Don't you think He cares even more about every need you have today as well?!

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
- Matthew 6:25-27, 33-34, NIV

Achieving Your Best Year

2010-01-05T13:52:00.003-05:00

Have you resolved to make 2010 your best year ever?

Are you tired of setting New Year's Resolutions and never achieving them?

I came across a great short video that gives five basic principles on achieving your goals. Take 59 seconds right now to view it, write down the Five Principles and then go make it happen!

I believe in you! I believe in the God who believes in you! Decide to receive the blessings He has for you by planning and taking ACTION!!! Then this year will truly be your best!

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

Heartfelt Greetings from Pedro and Rosita!

2009-12-13T19:25:00.004-05:00

I know it's a little corny, but I'm a sucker for anything cute, and chihuahua puppies especially. So when I received this in an email, I just had to pass it on to you! I hope it brings a smile to your face and happy thoughts to your heart, as it did to mine. Enjoy!

It's a romantic full moon, when Pedro said, "Hey, mamacita, let's do Weeweechu."

Oh no, not now, let's look at the moon!" said Rosita.

Oh, c'mon baby, let's you and I do Weeweechu. I love you and it's the perfect time," Pedro begged.

"But I wanna just hold your hand and watch the moon." replied Rosita.

Please, corazoncito, just once, do Weeweechu with me."

Rosita looked at Pedro and said, "OK, one time, we'll do Weeweechu."

Pedro grabbed his guitar and they both sang.....

"Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year."

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

In spite of the busyness, the "issues" and anything else that may come up, choose to make this a very Merry Christmas, as we remember Christ is in the center of Merry Christmas!

From my heart to yours!

The Power of One

2009-10-20T23:45:00.002-04:00

It only takes ONE to make a difference!
One word - One act - one look - one smile - one person! It all starts with you - and me.

We all make a difference in one way or another - some positive, some negative. Think about the ripples in a pond when a pebble or rock is thrown in. The ripples keep spreading out and moving on. We have a choice to make about what kind of difference we will make each day, with each action or non-action.

I recently saw the movie "Pay It Forward" again and want to share this clip with you. It inspired me to be more conscious in making a difference in the world around me.

I challenge you to do the same - and see where your ripples go...

Singing our Hearts Out!

2009-08-22T05:00:00.002-04:00

I just came across this cute yet amazing video.

Just as the parents of this child, I rather think God as our Father must be smiling on our feeble attempts to do what we do in life, including our ways of praising him or just expressing ourselves in ways beyond words.

With the same love and pride you know this child's parent felt for her as she sang this challenging piece the best way she knew how, feel God's love and pride for you right where you are in life today. Enjoy that embrace of love for a moment.

Then go and live your life empowered by the heart of God for you!

Squirrel Talk - Gotta Minute to Listen?!

2009-08-21T05:00:00.003-04:00

Have you seen the picture taken by a vacationing couple where a squirrel jumped in the picture with them? If not, you'll want to view it and read the brief story at: http://blogs.nationalgeographic.com/blogs/intelligenttravel/2009/08/ground-squirrel-photo-crasher.html

Actually, I've got my own cute squirrel picture!

I was looking out the window over my deck and saw this squirrel having breakfast and a conversation with an angel! I wish I'd been able to shoot a video of it or get a clearer picture, instead of this one through the screen door, but as soon as I moved to open the door, the squirrel dashed away in a flash.

I hope you enjoy it! Perhaps it's good to be reminded there are interesting things going on all around us, if we only have eyes to see!

What is God trying to show you today through the eyes of your squirrel - er, soul?! Perhaps there's an angel right where you are now with a few observations for you... ;-)

Don't Send a Man to the Grocery Store!

2009-08-20T05:00:00.000-04:00

Have you had your belly laugh today? Medical authorities reiterate how important it is to laugh much. Even the Bible tells us "A cheerful heart is good medicine..." - Proverbs 17:22a

When I came across this video, I just had to laugh out loud at her story and way of looking at things, as well as her delivery. Jeanne Robertson is a humorist I've recently come to appreciate with a gracious southern woman's perspective. Not only is she one of the top speakers with the National Speakers Association (of which I'm a member), but she's a former Miss North Carolina and is involved in giving back through her speaking and other projects.

Once I viewed this video, I had to review a few more and check out her website. It was a 30 minute break in my day that actually inspired and empowered me, and even helped my health through the "laugh oxygen" it generated!

Share it and spread the good "medicine" with your friends!

For more quick laughs, visit http://www.real-life-institute.com/articles.html
and click on "Rough Day" on the right.

Lotsa Heart and Power!

2009-07-24T16:12:00.005-04:00

A great group of Christian women all wanting to move ahead more powerfully with their dreams gathered last night in my home.

The meeting was the second of the Heart & Power Women's Connection Group. I started this group with a vision to encourage and empower more women to step up to the plate and start living out their purpose with passion and power.

What I've found is that most Christian women want to move ahead with their life and serve God in some way, but they are not really sure which way to go or how they should be doing it.

Through my struggles with this issue myself, I have gained much strength and power, focus and direction, support, resources and knowledge along the way. All of this is burning a hole in my soul to be shared with others so they can live their best life too!

If you knew beyond a shadow of a doubt you could achieve whatever you set out to do, and that all the resources of time, money, support people, knowledge and ability - everything you needed - was there for you - WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING NOW?!!

The good news is that all the resources ARE ALREADY AVAILABLE TO YOU! You CAN accomplish whatever you set out to do. Help IS available! After all, God owns the cattle on a thousand hills - it's ALL His. He will give you everything you need to fulfill his purpose. But you need to step out in faith and expect it to be there when you need it. That is true faith: believe it and then you'll see it (not believe it when you see it).

I've experienced this so powerfully since I realized that I CAN do everything God puts in my heart to do - one step at a time. But I must take that first step - and then the next - and the next. And watch with awe as God meets me step by step on the journey with even more than I could think to ask to propel me towards my destination of purpose!

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love and of power and of a sound mind." - 2 Tim. 1:7

May you take the challenge to stir up the dreams in your heart. Accept they're given to you from God. Move forward with faith (not fear). Gather support and momentum as you keep going. Think of all the people whose lives you'll enrich by what you can do for them! Live and enjoy your best life now!

For more info, visit http://heartandpower.org

For help in living your best life also visit: http://real-life-institute.com/

New Vision

2009-06-25T10:18:00.005-04:00

You may have noticed I haven't published a blog post for the last two months. In case you wondered if I fell off the planet, I actually didn't! But I have been in the "plan it" stages of a new vision God has given me.

This vision has brought a huge step up of faith and action, with an amazing unfolding, including quite a few trips, a whole new circle of friends, and the beginnings of a great support team of thinkers and doers. So I have been focused on going from "good to great," as author Jim Collins likes to say!

For news and insights into what I've been up to, visit: http://heartandpower.org/.

If you have enjoyed my writings and posts to date, you can continue to be inspired in the future. I will be continuing my writing through several books and ebooks I am producing. I will also post lessons I'm learning at this site as time permits.

So stay tuned for the next chapters of life to unfold...!

In the meantime, as I always like to relate your life to mine, why not carve out some time to hear what God might be saying to you about expanding your vision?

What I discovered is that God is not looking to send us somewhere unpleasant or to do something we hate: quite the opposite. It would be senseless for God to have given us talents, abilities, skills, ideas and passions and then ask us to do something totally the opposite of what He has been preparing us for (unless that area is a needed part of future preparation).

I have been amazed at how God has brought all the crazy things I've done and enjoyed into the vision He has for me now. He has taken my interests in writing, speaking, coaching, studying human nature & spiritual issues, and even my artistic side plus the financial services career - and all the other experiences of being an entrepreneur and leader.

Now he has rolled that all into one ball of wax and sent me spinning down the alley of life thoroughly enjoying the ride along the way to where He is aiming me! Only He really knows where the destination is, as we see only the small view ahead of us as He reveals it. But I sure am enjoying the scenery along the way!

My main verse for this season is:

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." - 2 Timothy 1:7, NIV

May you be empowered by God's love and his power to move forward with the discipline and wisdom of a sound mind, as you step out and up today!

Pirate Saga Hero

2009-04-13T05:00:00.002-04:00

I’ve been following the drama on the high seas, as most Americans have this past week, with the pirates of Somalia versus Captain Richard Phillips.

When I first heard that the captain had willingly sacrificed his life for his crew and ship, my ears perked up. It had special meaning during this week leading up to Easter. The parallel between that and what Christ did for us was too coincidental to ignore!

As I followed the progress with latest updates on my computer screen, I continued to pray for the captain and his family. But Saturday night I was convinced that he would be freed Easter Sunday. I just felt that God was so in control, and that the dramatic symbolism of the message that was being sent to us would not be lost on the world.

Just as one normal human being like Captain Phillips was willing to lay down his life for his friends and fellow shipmates, so was Jesus willing to do the same for us.

That was his plan from the beginning. But the difference was that we were not his friends. He was truly ours, but we were so lost in our sins and evil ways that we (as a human race descended from Adam) could not even fathom the kind of sacrifice Christ was willing to make for us. We would be considered the pirates in this case! ;-)

So if Captain Phillips is a hero today, who is Jesus? He has to be at least a hero, but obviously is more than that.

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. – John 15:12-14

Let us rejoice in the salvation of both the captain and the crew! In the meantime, you may want to take a moment to read and meditate on the powerful words of the whole chapter of John 15. They may take on greater meaning in light of this pirate and hero story.

Ignorance is Bliss?

2009-04-12T00:05:00.000-04:00

I just read a great joke online. Let me share it with you here.

A friend whose husband was stationed at Fort Bliss, in Texas, actually got a letter addressed to "Fort Ignorance."
"How did you know where to deliver it?" she asked the mailman.
"We were stumped at first," he admitted. "But then I remembered, Ignorance is bliss." ;-)

Are there times in your life when you are so overwhelmed you don't want to know what you don't know?!

I would call that a time when you might think that "Ignorance is bliss."

However, if you get pulled over by a policeman for a traffic violation, or get audited by the IRS, or have to appear in court for violating a law you weren't aware of, you will quickly find out that ignorance is not bliss!

Ignorance truly is something to be avoided in regard to the important areas of your life. In this age of information overload it can be a daunting task to keep up with everything relevant. But the most important thing to make sure you're not ignorant about is the purpose and meaning of your life.

We only have a brief time on this earth. It's like a drop in the bucket compared to the timeline of human history. And when you get to the end of your life and look back, it will seem like a flash as well.

Make no mistake - you will be accountable for how you lived your life: the choices you made and the things you did. What will you say to Almighty God when you stand before him one day and he asks why he should let you into heaven?

Many people think that if they are good enough they will enter. But think about that for a minute.

After all, God makes the rules, does he not? What does HE say about his entry requirements? He tells us that all have sinned; none of us are righteous - no not one.

Wherefore, as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned - Romans 5:12

So if none of us are righteous and no amount of good works could pay the price, how could we then be worthy to enter heaven?

This is where we must receive and accept the answer that God in his love and his wisdom provided for us.

In the Old Testament the only way the Israelites could be forgiven was to offer blood sacrifices. This was a symbol of God's solution to us in replacing the continuous daily sacrifices by one final sacrifice in the blood of the Lamb, God's Son Jesus Christ. Jesus was God in the flesh - totally God and totally man - the only possible answer to the problem. He was the only one who could be holy and perfect enough to qualify as a spotless, sin-free sacrifice for us.

But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. - Romans 3:21-25

The grace of God is all that can save us from our self-righteousness and pride, and our hearts that naturally turn away from God. Once we realize and grasp the truth that we are incapable of saving ourselves, according to God's requirements, we then can be ready to accept the finished work of grace and love that was provided for us through Jesus' death on the cross - the ultimate - and final - sacrifice.

But the glory of Easter and the symbol of the power we have in Christ is in the Risen Christ. It is He who overcame death, and along with it sin and the devil and the power of our fleshly nature (with death as its ultimate outcome).

Our spirits are then reborn and we have the power to live by the new nature of our enlivened spirit man instead of the fleshly nature with its striving for its own desires. That is where the wonderful fruit of the Spirit can burst forth in new life, bringing forth love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Hopefully, you are well aware of the above concept and have chosen to accept God's grace and love into your life. You truly have something to celebrate every day, not just at Easter.

But if you have never heard God's love and plan for you expressed quite this way, reread the above and ask God to reveal his truth to you. Allow the direction, purpose and consequences to line up to be the best possible for you - not only while you're living here on earth, but forever after you've gone on from this earthly realm. You will live a life beyond your dreams!

Ignorance is definitely not bliss! I trust you will be celebrating this Easter with new eyes and a blissfully overflowing heart for God's wonderful gift of new life to you today!

Just One Degree

2009-04-09T05:00:00.003-04:00

While I was waiting for some soup I was making to come to a boil, I noticed first the steam started rising and slowly the bubbles started popping one by one in various places. Then it finally came to a full boil before I turned it down to simmer awhile.

As I watched, I thought about what a difference just one degree makes. The temperature can’t be one degree less than the boiling point, or you can wait day and night, and it will never come to a full boil.

In thinking about my life, I thought that was an appropriate analogy as well. For many years I’ve had a particular dream and big goal I’ve aspired to. I’ve kept the dream alive and simmering over the years. There have been occasions when I’ve turned the fire up a bit and things have been steaming hotter towards my goal. But somehow, I never was able to sustain the intensity of the fire long enough to bring it up to boiling and get to that next level where things are really cooking!

That’s why I’m excited that recently I’ve seen a way to move forward with that big dream I’ve had. I’ve lit the flame and have been tossing on the fuel to help it turn into a big glowing bonfire this time! I trust that you will see the result of that as things come to pass within the next 12-18 months, which I’ll share with you along the way.

What level of intensity are you experiencing with your biggest dreams and goals? Are you getting close to where you want to go? Do you need to turn it up a degree and get your activities to the boiling point to make your goal happen the way you really want it to?

Usually it just takes time added to activity sustained in order to accomplish a goal. So just keep on doing what you know and turning up the flame till you get where you want to be – and your life is bubbling over with happiness and pride of accomplishment!

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. - Philippians 3:13-15, NIV

In the meantime, I’ve discovered a great video that illustrates this principle of 212 degrees. Enjoy and be inspired! http://tinyurl.com/212insp

Great food for thought!

P.S. The picture above is of a painting I did, titled "Changes of State."

Pearly Whites

2009-04-08T05:00:00.001-04:00

You may have heard someone declare, “It’s either black or white! There’s no gray area!”

Have you ever had your chimney cleaned? The flue can get pretty sooty and that can be dangerous. It won’t work well or be safe in a dirty condition with creosote build-up. When it gets to that point, it’s time to call in an expert to take care of it properly and make it clean and functional again.

Sometimes we feel drab and need whitening and cleaning in our lives to make us functional and not in danger of "catching fire" and doing some harm to ourselves or others.

I just came from getting my teeth whitened. It was my first time and a quick process with a great system I discovered nearby (and reasonable too). Here are my before and after pictures – a difference of about 6-7 shades in just 15 minutes.

As I was thinking about having a whiter smile, I thought about some of the verses below relating to our sins becoming white as God grants us forgiveness. He covers them up with the righteousness of Christ, who paid the price for our sin and dirt and mess. They are gone forever. The stains are removed once and for all through his grace.

With all the stuff we do and think and that comes our way in life, we can get really stained and dirty. We need to go before the Father, confess our sins before him, and ask him to make us clean – inside and out – to take the stains of the world, the flesh and the devil away from us.

"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. – Isaiah 1:18, NIV

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! – John 1:29, NKJV

And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, "they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. – Revelation 7:15, NIV
For details on the teeth whitening company I used, visit: http://www.whitesmileusa.com for a location near you.

Just One Day

2009-04-07T05:00:00.005-04:00

What a difference just one day can make!

Yesterday I was out enjoying the beautiful flowers and flowering trees in the yard and neighborhood. The day was sunny and beautiful, with short sleeves in order. It appeared that spring had definitely sprung!

What a difference today! Rain showers and overcast skies greeted the day and popped up intermittently throughout. And just to show you the difference in flowers from one day to the next, take a look at these two pictures. One I took just yesterday and the other today (in between showers!). It always amazes me how fast things seem to grow once the first green shoot sticks its head up through freshly mulched beds.

Think about the different days you’ve had for a minute. Many of them are just routine, all fading into a blur with the commonalities of everyday life. But some jump right out in your memory, as defining moments, when nothing stayed the same after them.

Perhaps the moment may have been a serious event that changed the direction of your life. It could have been a business decision, a job loss, a health diagnosis, a relationship crisis or divorce, or a serious accident.

Or perhaps it could have been an insight or paradigm shift that caused you to make a decision to change your life direction and go God’s way – or the opposite. Or a variety of other things in between.

Take a moment to think about the difference of a day long ago when Jesus rode into Jerusalem amid shouts of “Hosanna!” (meaning “save us.). He was being hailed as the Messiah, the coming King who would save his people. Garments were thrown before his path, palm branches were waved. He was treated with honor and respect due a kingly office.

But the next major scene shows the fickle crowd turned against him only days later. His plan to save them did not line up with their expectations. Amid shouts of “Crucify him!” Jesus laid down his life like a sheep led to slaughter. He died with a crown of thorns to symbolize his kingly office and the suffering servant.

Indeed, only a couple days later, he truly did complete the plan of the coming king to save his people, through his resurrection and power over sin and death.

What a difference a day makes! Ponder the differences of the days and the mindsets of the people and of Christ: from the Palm Sunday parade to the crucifixion of Good Friday and on to Easter morning and the arisen Lord and King!

May this Holy Week make you more aware of the importance and fragility of life. We know not what the next day will hold. Let the Risen Christ rise within your heart and change your world today!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” – John 3:16-17, NIV

All We Need

2009-04-06T19:29:00.009-04:00

Sometimes a powerful story can shed light on a struggle we may be having. This story was forwarded in an email. The original source is unknown. May it be a blessing to you!

A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told his father that the car was all he wanted.

As graduation day approached, the young man anxiously looked for signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and he told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box. Curious, but somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man's name embossed in gold.

Angrily, he raised his voice to his father and said, "With all your money you give me a Bible?" and stormed out of the house, leaving the Bible.

Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day.

Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things. When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search through his father's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago.

With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. His father had carefully underlined a verse, Matthew 7:11, ‘And if ye, being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Heavenly father which is in heaven, give to those who ask Him?’

As the young man read those words, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words... PAID IN FULL.

How many times do we miss God's blessings because we ignore Him and are blinded by our own arrogant expectations of how things should happen?

If you have been asking God to do something in your life, perhaps you have already received the answer – and you may not recognize it yet. Or it may be right around the corner. Will you know it is God’s answer when it comes?

"Opportunity is missed by most people beacuse it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." (quote attributed to Thomas A. Edison)

Reflect again on the verse above in Matthew 7. Trust that God your Father knows what you really need before you even ask him!

The passage below comes just before Jesus teaches his disciples the Lord’s Prayer.

“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” – Matthew 6:7-8, NIV

Counting Down to Debt Freedom Day!

2009-03-30T22:26:00.000-04:00

"Owe no man anything, except to love him." - Romans 13:8, KJV

I'm sure you're familiar with that verse. There are many verses in Proverbs that also talk about the snares of being in debt and how it can suck the life out of a person.

How about you? Do you have debt, or does it have you?

Being a slave to debt holds many people back from doing what they really want in life. What would YOU be doing if you had no debt?

Think about it for a minute!

If you're looking to get out of debt in record time so you can get on with your real life, I may have the perfect solution for you. The program I'm about to share with you is sweeping the country and has already changed many lives.

How would you like a plan that helps you get there without changing your lifestyle (no scrimping, getting 2 more jobs, or living a deprived life!), and uses the same money you already have? This capitalizes on using the power of interest to work FOR you instead of against you. You have total control and just use your money in a different way, like the banks do.

Many well-respected people have endorsed and are using this program. And Ernst & Young gave it an Entrepreneur of the Year Award last year. I am using it myself, along with several of my family members and friends.

Check out the videos at: http://www.halfmymortgage.net/wordpress-join/ to see how you can pay off your mortgage and all your debts in half to a third of the time. Once you've viewed the overview videos, contact me through: www.u1stfinancial.net/debtsgone to find out more and obtain a free analysis to see how this will work for you.

You will be surprised how quickly you can reach your own Debt Freedom Day!

"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law." - Romans 13:8, NIV

Need Some Relief?

2009-03-25T23:42:00.000-04:00

Everyone has levels of stress that build up during the day. There's only so much our bodies or minds can take before needing a break to keep working at a peak state. Part of living a balanced life involves being aware of how you're feeling and taking proper care of yourself. A little prevention goes a long way to keeping yourself healthy. And it will help keep your attitudes and outlook on life more positive.

Today I received a newsletter from my massage therapist with some great tips she's allowed me to share here with you.

Bust Work Stress: Tips to feel better and work better
Letting stress build up at work can lead to tension and irritability and can even cause you to dislike an otherwise interesting job. Here are some suggestions to better manage the effects of stress.

- Pace yourself. Keep your expectations of yourself and co-workers realistic and don’t make a habit of putting in extra hours. If you find yourself trying to meet unrealistic expectations, learn to distance yourself emotionally or take up a physically demanding sport.
- Set boundaries. Accept that you can only do so much and give yourself wholeheartedly to that. Be willing to say “no.”
- Take breaks to get away. Don’t ignore your coffee break. If you don’t drink coffee, take a brisk walk or take 5 long, relaxed breaths. Get a chair massage or schedule a table massage after work one or twice a month.
- Take time for yourself to review and evaluate the big picture. Listen to your inner voice about what’s important and what’s not.
- Laugh! Find the humor in your life. Watch funny movies and be willing to laugh at yourself.
- Get a massage. Massage can help reduce mental stress and anxiety and relieve muscle tension that can lead to pain and injury.

Thanks to Cecelia Edic, CMT of URelax Therapies, for allowing me to excerpt the above tips from her newsletter. For more information, visit her website at: http://www.urelaxtherapies.com/ and stay stress-free and healthy!

For more good advice to live a healthy life, read through the book of Proverbs and meditate on some of the verses that impact you the most. Taking some quiet time each day to reflect on your life with biblical principles to keep you healthy, wealthy and wise!

Four Things to Remember

2009-03-16T12:15:00.000-04:00

Ever have times in your life where it seems everything has been piling up and there's too much to deal with?

One of my relatives has been dealing with a lot over the past 10 years, with the discovery of cancer in herself, then when that was dealt with, a rare type of cancer in her 18 year old daughter, along with her husband's continuing major health challenges. Add in a couple of moves, job changes, financial and other upheavals most people would be totally stressed by. It's just seemed like there was one thing after another through the years I've kept up with her.

As a life-threatening crisis with her husband's health arose recently, her brother had a conversation with her about how she was dealing with it all. I'd like to share part of an email she sent in response, copied to all of us and shared here with her permission.

After our conversation last night, I was thinking about why I think the way I do. People are always telling me they don’t know how I do it, and they couldn’t, etc.

Basically, it comes down to four things. First, it’s like we discussed: SURVIVAL. I literally have to fight for my health (stress kills) also I have to fight for sanity. All of these challenges can make a person crazy! In addition, like any mother (human or animal), I have to fight to protect my family (from their health to teaching them how to stand up for themselves in a world that tends to take advantage of young people). It’s all survival skills.

Second is FAITH. Let me try to explain the way I see it. About three years ago, a tall mountain with sheer cliffs was placed in front of me. I needed to figure out how to get over that mountain to the other side. I had two choices as I looked up. I could take control, use lots of equipment and try to scale it alone, clawing and fighting to reach the other side. Probably making very slow painful progress and never getting anywhere. OR… I could take the hand that was held out to me in faith, and be assisted up the side of the mountain and over the top.

I chose to take the hand, in complete faith, KNOWING that I will be OK no matter what. Once I did that, I have faced every day head on, knowing that God has my back and that everything is happening just as it is meant to, and at just the right time. I never get angry, or question why me? Why not me? Why someone else instead of me?

Third is SERVICE. I live every day in service to others. I wake up each morning ready to help, encourage, smile and share. I have a peace inside in spite of the adversity, knowing that I’m doing the best that I can, and that God is okay with that.

Fourth is GRATITUDE. I live in that state every day.

That’s me in a nutshell.
Love, xo

None of us are exempt from the problems that come upon us, deserved or not, in an imperfect world. How we handle them - and Who or what we turn to in those times of challenges - determines the quality of our life, and how much peace we will have. It can also determine the outcomes of our lives, as it sets us on the path that leads to our future.

I believe that God is there in the middle of our most challenging times (as always) and that He wants us to get to know and trust him more. The more we know about someone, the more we will trust them if their character is strong and true, as is our God's.

Remember whose hands you're in, no matter what you're going through. You can trust God in the good and bad times in life, knowing that he will keep you strong and give you strength when you're not. He is always there for you to lean on.

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. - 2 Corinthians 12:8-10, NIV
To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. - Jude 1:24-15, NIV

Captain Potato Progresses

2009-03-13T15:37:00.000-04:00

You may recall from prior posts a story I wrote about “Captain Potato.”
(See posts for http://dailyfaithlessons.blogspot.com/2008/12/captain-potato.html and http://dailyfaithlessons.blogspot.com/2008/12/spudly-joins-captain.html.)

Here’s an update and some thoughts for you.

Take a look at the most recent photo of the Captain & compare it with the prior picture. Looks like he’s put a little age on, as well as a few little growths here and there! (Perhaps he’s gotten a cigar and some legs?!)

Normally, you’ll see potatoes growing eyes and sprouting long white roots, as they’re usually kept in the dark. But I’ve given Captain Potato a place of honor by my sink, so he has been living in the light for the past few months. Watching his transformation has been fun and educational.

Yes, time has a way of adding a few wrinkles to our lives. What’s actually happening to the Captain is that he’s using the nutrients inside him to sustain his life. He’s being transformed from the inside out! Therefore, he is turning greener on the outside and growing appendages that are actually reaching out trying to find additional nutrients (found in soil) so he can sprout new growth.

It’s interesting that this is the inherent nature of potatoes: after their useful life (food for us), if they’re not consumed, then they start turning that nutrition and energy from the inside into growing roots to start new plants. They are full to capacity with life and energy and must “overflow!” The energy can’t just sit there, but must do something. They will give up their own needs (i.e., staying the same and maintaining the normal potato form) so they can be fruitful and multiply into many more potato plants. They are being transformed into a multiplication of new life.

In essence, they are dying to give birth to greater abundance in their life! Their “death to self” is therefore not in vain, but is part of the process and stages of life.

Have you ever thought about how that applies to you? The more you are filled up to overflowing with the love and grace of God operating in your life, the more your needs are filled from the inside – and just can’t help overflowing on the outside. In that overflowing you will produce more fruit around you. You will inspire and encourage others. There will be new life and growth and energy all around you.

What stage of growth are you in now? Are you letting God’s spirit fill you up to overflowing? If not, you may need to soak a while in the presence of God, breathing in the nutrients of life from His atmosphere for your inspired growth. Once you’re full, you will happily want to share your new life with others. It’s really that simple!

Let me leave you with a prayer to meditate on, as penned by Paul in his letter to the Ephesians:

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. – Ephesians 3:16-21, NIV

Ivy League

2009-03-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

Every once in a while I'll take this little ivy plant out of its vase to check what's happening with its root system. The last time I took it out, it hadn't been tended to for a long while. The roots had all bunched up and wrapped around each other in a mess. I could hardly get it out of the container. So I trimmed the roots aggressively back, hoping it would allow more energy to go into growing the plant stronger and perhaps larger.

The photo above was the result I discovered recently. Apparently all the growth went into one long root! I couldn't believe it! It must have been over three feet long, but all that showed above the vase was about 6" with three or four small leaves! I guess all is not as it appears!

It reminded me of Psalm 1 (NIV translation). I have printed it here for your meditation:

1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

We need to have the proper nourishment for our souls and spirits. That is achieved by planting our thirsty souls near God's refreshing spirit and staying close. We will never run dry of what we need when we go to God to satisfy all our thirsty longings.

Come close to him today. Drink from his well that will never run dry! He will grow your roots strong in his love through spending time with him. He knows when it's time for more nourishment, or time to trim your roots so you can grow stronger and expand your reach. He will make you strong enough to stand firm and not wither or be washed away or blown away. Let God give you everything you need to be strong and healthy and stand firm like the wise man today!

Are you living in line with God's principles? Are you listening to his wisdom? If so, you are in the same league as the little ivy plant - and the willow tree from Psalm 1. God promises that you will thrive and prosper no matter what life brings your way.

Taste of India

2009-03-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

Recently we hosted a dinner party where I prepared 20 different dishes showcasing a variety of types of Indian food. It was an amazing evening, with so many varied flavors, textures, smells, colors, and temperatures! All the guests seemed to be thoroughly impressed and amazed with the variety and interesting flavors presented. Several of them had trepidations beforehand about the dinner, thinking it might be too spicy or too strange tasting to really enjoy. But their worry turned to delight as the dishes appeared. The freshness of the ingredients and spices with everything made from scratch that day made all the difference. And not enjoying too spicy foods that overpower one’s palette, I was careful not to let any seeds from the fresh Serrano chilies get into the dishes.

My son helped me with the food prep work all day and the night before. I truly couldn’t have done it without him! In fact, the next day he showed me the blister he got from so much chopping!

Prior to this dinner experience, I had never really cooked much Indian food at all, although I’d been to several Indian restaurants and usually enjoyed what I had tasted (if it wasn’t too hot). I really wanted to learn more about Indian cuisine, with all their interesting spices and styles of cooking. That’s why last summer at another dinner party I suggested an Indian-themed dinner party at our home. Since I didn’t know much or have many recipes, I bought a few cookbooks in my travels to assist me in my research.

My thoughts for preparing so many dishes were to not only have a variety of flavors from different areas but to really get immersed in the way of thinking about food prep from the Indian chef’s perspective.

For instance, I learned that many recipes start out with heating the spices – either dry (in the pan with spices alone or perhaps a bit of vegetable oil) or wet (with more oil or with water or vegetable liquid). They do this along with crushing the seeds or leaves to open up and bring out the true essence of the wonderful flavors. The preparation of the spices is the main part of their cooking. Then, of course, simmering all the flavors together with the meat or vegetable carriers or marinating them together for a few hours in the refrigerator all work to enhance the richness of the total food experience.

What also amazed me was the salad. I used cut up baby spinach leaves and then sprinkled a special warm dry spice mixture over them with a few splashes of lemon juice. It was so simple, yet an amazing way to start the meal! Very fresh, yet simple and interesting. It prepared the guests for what was to come.

Something else that left everyone amazed as well was the saffron ice cream. I had made it the night before with some creams and a few threads of fresh saffron. I couldn’t imagine it would turn out as it did. But the magic of being frozen overnight turned it from a bland liquid into a rich yellow frozen treat - a great refreshing way to end the taste trip.

Since it was my first time attempting all these recipes, I was as surprised and amazed as my guests all evening long! I thanked them for being willing guinea pigs that didn’t mind me testing these new recipes on them!

I couldn’t help but think through this whole experience about all the wonderful flavors of life God wants us to enjoy on our journey. Think about it for a minute. The taste experiences we have can be salty, sweet, bitter, bland, spicy, hot, with cold or hot temperatures, and textures of crunchy, soft, chewy, hard, mushy, tender, and various others. For the eye there are many colors to the foods we eat and various ways to prepare things to give us an unending variety of both the food combinations and the artistic presentations.

Doesn’t that compare with life – and all the feasts of the experiences God has for us to enjoy? Most of all, he wants us to feast on him – to take delight in being with him and enjoying the warm of his love and the fragrance of his spirit wafting in and around and through our lives.

A picture in my dining room says it all: “Taste and see that the Lord is good!” (Psalm 34:8)

Remember today that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17, NIV)

So look for the delights God is bringing your day each and every day. Even in the contrasts of flavors such as bitter and sweet there is delight and joy. Just make sure you are living in a place where you can seek refreshing from the Lord if your diet in Life experiences seems a little too spicy, bitter, or bland at the moment!

Cure for Money Problems?

2009-03-04T22:09:00.000-05:00

As I drove by this sign, I did a double take!

Think about it for a minute. Doesn’t this message epitomize what got us into the economic trouble in the first place?!

Taking out a loan to pay off one’s debt still leaves one in debt, doesn’t it? It just shifts it around and adds on another interest payment to boot. Isn’t that just what our country’s leaders are doing with the bailouts and other economic plans in motion?

It is during such times in our lives that we truly need to be reminded to examine ourselves and take responsibility for areas that need cleaning up. I know fear and panic can set in during times like these. But if you’re operating from a place of fiscal responsibility, you have been keeping an eye on others who may be managing your financial affairs, making them accountable to you. You are armed with basic knowledge about the type of investments you’re in.

You realize how fear and greed cause market cycles where investors buy high and sell low – totally the opposite of wise investments. But you’re seasoned enough to use a strategic entry and exit plan to circumvent the psychological games that get many into deep waters. You know that what goes up must come down and vice versa. You have diversified assets and income streams so that an unforeseen disaster in one area does not bring your whole house of cards falling down.

Should you find yourself under duress or feel things falling apart in this economy, it may be time to put your focus on God’s plans through these difficult times. Yes, you need to address your issues and attitudes and education about money. You may need to take responsibility for some unwise decisions. Don’t bury your head in the sand, but take this opportunity to gain wisdom and learn how to turn this into opportunity for the future.

Through it all you can trust God to bring you through it. The ride may be bumpy. Things could get worse. But what is really important in life? What if you did lose it all? What would you have left of value? Sometimes doing a worst case scenario makes you truly grateful for what you really have.

Sometimes God needs to shake us up so we draw closer to him. He longs to show us himself in all his power and glory. His love for us, his children, never fails. After all, when we leave the temporary life of this world, we will be with Him and will bring none of the material goods of this world with us. All we will have will be the eternal treasures we’ve sent on before us that we’re storing up in heaven.

Where is your treasure today?

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. – 2 Corinthians 4:7

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. – Matthew 6:21

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. – Proverbs 15:22

The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. – Proverbs 21:5

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11

He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure. - Isaiah 33:6

Think on these things from the Word of the Lord. Then take whatever action God is telling you today. Be sure to praise him for his love and mercy and grace through it all! He knows the end of the story…

Chai Tea or Tai Chi?!

2009-03-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

When I recently enjoyed a cup of chai tea at home, my mind was playing with the words and I ended up with “chai tea or tai chi” running through my head. (Pronounced “chī tē or tī chē.”)

That led me on a journey to connect the two by their commonality and see what I could take from this mind game to enhance my life! As it happens, they both can contribute to better health. Taking time for a tea break and letting out the breath you’ve been holding in with your tensions all day is a great stress reliever. With tai chi as a form of stretching, balance, and even somewhat of a strengthening routine as well, it helps increase your concentration and confidence as a bi-product, along with relieving stress.

What are you doing in your day to give your body a break, which can nourish your soul and spirit as well? Do you have a special place you can go to breathe, relax, let it all hang out, and wind down? Even if you’re in the middle of a busy environment, you can have that place in your mind to retreat to. Think of a wonderful vacation retreat: Feel the warmth of the sun and breathe in the air there for a moment or two before you get back to work.

You could take a quick break from your desk or other circumstances if possible for even a few minutes to get up and stretch and move, walk and breathe, and ultimately get your mind focused on something different for a mind break as well. You might even want to set a timer or use a computer program to help you “put your hands up and step away from your desk!” every 60 minutes or so. Try it for one day and see what a difference it makes in your attitude, your alertness, and your productivity. You might just make it part of your normal routine!

Perhaps you work alone. Your break might need to be from yourself! Maybe it’s time to visit with someone socially for a few minutes over a cup of chai tea (or something else you prefer), even if it’s just over the phone. But nothing beats the human touch and a face-to-face if you have a neighbor or nearby friend you can chat with regularly.

In the meantime, you have the greatest Friend and Restorer of your soul who’s always with you. He has promised to give you rest from the weariness of your soul.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” - Matthew 11:27-29, NIV

He brings refreshing when you need it. Take a moment to read or recall the calming words of Psalm 23. Make sure you review all the verses where the Good Shepherd takes you down the path to quiet places and “restores my soul.” (Go to the passage online at: http://tinyurl.com/9g8jv if you like.)

I’ve also been told: “A belly laugh a day keeps the doctor (and psychologist!) away!” Have you had your belly laugh today? If you want a few laughs, go to my website at: www.Real-Life-Institute.com/articles and click on “Rough Day” in the top right box. You can also Google some joke sites or funny pictures on the internet. Share them with a friend. It’ll do you both good! And remember not to take yourself too seriously!

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22

All of these techniques are ways to keep your mind and body healthy and prevent getting burned out. It’s important to take care of yourself, as a good steward caring for the Temple of the Lord, which your body is. With the mind-body connection, taking that mind break and keeping your perspective and attitude right is all part of a well-balanced life.

And know that God is always there to help you with your burdens, to trade yours for his as part of walking along the journey yoked with him (the stronger carries the most weight, the other only what they are able to carry). So stay close to him and rest in his great love for you today!

"The joy of the Lord is my strength!" - Nehemiah 8:10b

Aren’t Girlfriends a Treasure?!

2009-02-27T03:25:00.000-05:00

At a meeting last May a friend I just met agreed with my comment that it would be great to have a group of girlfriends to get together with, to encourage each other and develop a tighter support group. We decided to start a GirlFriends Club and each invite a couple more girls who felt the same way to join us.

Since then we have managed to meet at least monthly as a group, usually for dinner somewhere. It may be a restaurant one month and someone’s home the next. In between times, the “GF’s” may get together individually to do fun things, do business together, share insights and resources or ideas, or simply call or email to keep in touch. We have our own online photo album of shared times together. And there’s an instant prayer chain, as we rally around each other when there are times someone needs extra prayer for a situation.

In this hectic-paced society with fragmented family units there just seems to be a greater lack of community than ever before. The family, relatives, and community support of those being more aware and in touch with their neighbors have waned over the past few decades. In light of divided families, the transient nature of our society, privacy and isolation desires as people are jammed closer together in larger cities not knowing their neighbors – all is exacerbated by the further isolation through internet-based communications versus the previous high-touch methods.

Many live in fear and loneliness and even guilt. Or they live at a high pace that would preclude any time to develop new or deeper relationships. The age of accountability is long gone. People come and go as they please, not wanting their activities or attitudes to be judged by others. They have settled for being content in their discontent.

So the insights from all this societal philosophy I’ve presented is that there are deep needs for meaningful relationships. These needs are undulating just below the surface in many people, waiting for a tender loving touch to draw them out.
Will you be the one God uses today to reach out and touch someone at a deeper level? Will you be the first one to reach out a hand of friendship to someone in need? Are you willing to just listen to those whose hearts are aching to share what they feel inside – whether joys or sorrows?

If you’re wishing you could have a few more close friends, why not start your own GirlFriends Club with a few women God brings your way?

When I prayed for God to send me a couple of good friends, he told me to find some ladies who were looking for a friend and then for me to be one to them. I have more GF’s than I ever imagined with this approach!

God is so good! If you’ll ask him for what you want – and then wait expectantly, you will see how he’ll amaze you with his answers!

"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." - Luke
11:9

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." - Jeremiah 29:13

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." - Jeremiah 33:3

For pictures of our GF Club to inspire you to start your own, visit our photo album at: http://tinyurl.com/GFAlbum

Retreat to Leadership

2009-02-26T16:59:00.000-05:00

Recently I joined a group of ladies from the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) at an area retreat. We had a delightful time on a cold winter weekend meeting new friends, working on missions projects and enjoying good food and fellowship.

This was my first time to a LWML retreat. In fact, since I’ve only been attending the Lutheran church for under two years, I didn’t know much about the missions group and what they did.

My first visit to a LWML meeting was an end of year luncheon that was not a typical meeting. It was in a local restaurant where there was mostly fellowship with a brief business meeting at the end. I thoroughly enjoyed the ladies I met and planned to join them in the fall for their regular meetings. During the business meeting, they said there was a need for a person to present a devotional at each meeting. Since I love to speak and share how I see God moving in my life and the world around me, I volunteered. Another lady spoke up and joined me as co-chair.

Since September when we presented our first devotional, I’ve learned a lot about who the LWML is and how they work. Things were not as I had perceived from an outsider’s view, as usually is true in everything! As I developed more friendships through the group, I looked forward to the retreat at a conference center I’d always wanted to visit. And I looked forward to getting to know more of the women in my group better at the event.

Little did I know what amazing things were in store for me!

I shared a ride and a room with a lady from my group I didn’t know at all. She was a treasure, with such a kind and sweet spirit and great faith that showed, even though she had been going through a lot of things with her family’s troubles.

We were the only ones from our church who stayed overnight on the Friday night. My roommate knew most all the ladies present from the other churches, so we were invited to sit at various tables for different events throughout the evening. It was great to meet lots of women from the area and find out about their churches and their LWML group’s projects and activities.

Not only did we have a whole lot of fun together, but the retreat center was located in a virtual paradise of nature! I’ve posted a few pictures here and others on my photo site (link below). You may notice it was very cold, as there was even ice on the water in some areas. We rarely see that in this part of Virginia even in the winter! To my artist’s eye, the stark beauty of nature was unmistakable even in the midst of this barren season. Perhaps you’ll get the idea when you view more of the pictures at:
http://tinyurl.com/LWMLRetreat

Now here I was at my first LWML Zone Retreat - enjoying the beautiful natural setting, the great fellowship and fun and meeting new ladies from the area. I kept getting volunteered to read Bible passages, be a team leader, and be in a skit. I was having too much fun, I think!

Then during the business meeting midday on Saturday, they were looking for new officers to lead the area for the next two years. Some of the ladies told me I should volunteer. I told them I was so new I really probably wasn’t the right candidate for any of the jobs. Well, they introduced me to the nominating committee who immediately jumped all over me and begged me to be the new president. I guess they were looking for some “fresh meat!” and it looked like I was it!

After some going back and forth and finding out more about what the job entailed, I finally acquiesced. The women in my group that had nominated me said it didn’t matter about knowing all about the organization; they just felt I was presidential material & that was all that mattered to them! I was amazed! But I figured it would be a great way to widen my circle of friends and influence, as well as learn a lot more than I ever might normally about the bigger picture of the LWML.

A strange way to step up to leadership by going on a retreat! But my prayer and purpose in going was to be a blessing to others and to see how God wanted to use me further. I think my “mistake” was in asking God to “enlarge my territory” as in Jabez’s prayer.

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request. - 1 Chronicles 4:10, NIV

Be assured he is just waiting for you to ask and he will do it! ;-)

The Excellence Edge

2009-01-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

January has always been a time for me of looking forward and moving ahead with my life. I want to make it better each year.

In looking ahead to the life I want to create going forward in 2009, the word “Excellence” comes to mind. God has really challenged me to step up to the next level in being all that he wants me to be.

When I’ve read about excellence, I’ve been amazed to see the small difference between just being average or mediocre and being excellent and outstanding. Just taking that extra step, going that extra mile, spending that extra minute on doing something right makes all the difference!

Think about the Olympics for a minute. The difference between being a gold medal winner and a silver, bronze or no medal winner are in many cases only fractions of a second! The difference means fame and millions of dollars in endorsements - or obscurity, even for an awesome performance!

In the world of professional golf the difference between first and second place, which could be only one stroke apart, may be half a million dollars in earnings!

What are you losing by not going all the way? What could you gain by pushing yourself to the limit of your capabilities? This can apply in your personal relationships as well as in sales, your job or career activities, board positions or volunteer activities you’re involved in. Being at the next level or at number one or on top of your game or profession may be only a small nudge away from what you’re already doing.

What is that little extra you can do to be your best? Is there something else you can do to move beyond your best to be the best? Hint: study the top people who are doing what you want to do and you’ll gain some insights into the edge they have by what they’re doing that you’re not. Often the people who complain the loudest about people who are successful, thinking they don’t deserve to be, are the least willing to do what the top dogs had to do to get where they are.

What is it you’ve been unwilling to do in order to be the most successful?

Would it be worth it to you to do so?

How would you feel if you accomplished your best?

Are you willing to stretch yourself a little and move perhaps a little (or a lot!) out of your comfort zone?

In case you need a little more guidance, incentive or inspiration, here are a few verses to remind us of the kind of people we can become and that God expects us to be, if we call ourselves followers of Christ. Remember that He is with us in the process! And we will bring honor to his name because of how we live.

I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. – Ephesians 4:1

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. - 1 Corinthians 9:23-25

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. - Hebrews 12:1-3

Here are some other verses you may want to look up: 2 Timothy 2:15, 2. Timothy 1:7, 1 Chronicles 28:8-10, 1 Peter 5:8-9, and Ephesians 6:10-20.

For more in this topic and to view a recently published article I wrote on pursuing excellence, go to: www.Real-Life-Institute.com/articles.html and click on “Entering the Excellence Zone.”

It’s A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

2009-01-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

I've been fortunate enough to really have beefed up the level of friendships I have in the past year. That was an aspect that I had specifically prayed about and God answered very quickly. It's been amazing to see how my circle of girlfriends has grown - in both size and quality of relationship and accountability to meet regularly with each other in true support as friends.

One of the ladies God has brought my way through an amazing set of circumstances happens to have recently moved into my neighborhood. We have a lot in common, including her enjoyment of writing and speaking. She sent me some thoughts she was putting together for our neighborhood newsletter. I liked the sentiment she expressed, which reminds us how important friendships and a sense of community and connection are, particularly in this disjointed, disconnected and autonomous society. So I'll share it here for you:

It’s beautiful day in the neighborhood here. The beauty of the Christmas decorations recently lit up the neighborhood and hopefully lit up your spirits too. Some homes were lit with white, others with blue and some were fun for the kids. It’s always fun to drive and look at all the decorations and lights each year. This was our first Christmas in this neighborhood, and driving from the front of the neighborhood to the back and all around was a nice display of lights.

The famous quote of Mr. Rogers, “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood!” has been the thought in my mind ever since we moved in. We have been welcomed in by our new neighbors and that’s special in today’s world. Life is so busy these days! But
it’s been like the good old days here for us. Remember when a neighbor would walk over for a glass of lemonade on the porch on a hot summer’s day or come over to borrow a cup of sugar? It has been that old-fashioned feeling right from the start, with home grown tomatoes brought to us, welcome notes, and others popping over to chat and offer help if we needed anything. Right away we felt as though we had met more than neighbors: we had gained new friends.

We see this throughout the neighborhood as we drive to and from our house. There are walkers and bikers and, of course, golfers. There are people walking their dogs and people stopping to talk one to another. I know our dogs have met many neighbors on their morning walks!

We have experienced the end of last summer, all of fall and now winter has come to greet us. Each season has its beauty. Something in the summer season I didn’t think was all that beautiful, a copperhead snake, found itself behind our trash can. But studying the picture taken after its death, it did appear rather remarkable with its copper coloring shining brightly. However, I think I’d prefer looking at the shining Christmas lights!

We fell in love with the beauty of God’s creation (including the snake?!) all around us here from the first time we stepped out of our car. We love having people over to share the beauty we see each and everyday. Those who visit us for the first time ask: “How in the world did you find this place?”

It’s winter time now and people will be staying inside more, but looking out the window or stepping out the front door, a neighbor is always near. Why not ask them over for a cup of cocoa and talk about the good old days, or borrow a cup of sugar and make them a pie in return?! It can be a beautiful day in the neighborhood on any given day when we take the time to really be a neighbor!
(Written by Barbara Wheatley of Mountain Top Ministries)

Thanks for the insights and reminder, Barbara! And welcome to the neighborhood!

Sabbatical Thoughts

2009-01-22T22:12:00.001-05:00

Over the past couple of weeks I felt a need to rest and be still. I took time not only for family and vacation, but for recovery from a cold perhaps due to running too hard and too fast for too long! It seems to catch up with me about every other year when I stop running, if I don't temper my schedule and my mind with enough balance! It's hard to do sometimes when you're as passionate as I am about life!

Thank you for indulging me as I took the time for further reflection and direction for this new year. (Guess you really didn't have a choice, but thanks for keeping on checking in to see if I was posting!) ;-)

Taking time to make sure you are on track and going in the right direction, and doing things for the right reasons, is a critical part of the process of life. I find the end of one year and the beginning of the next is the best time for me to be introspective and retrospective, and to ultimately put everything in its proper perspective.

How about you? I trust you have not just jumped back into the fray and gotten back on the mad turnstile of life again, but have indeed taken time to reconnect with God - to look at Him from a different, fresh perspective, to take special time out to really listen and connect with Him in a special, more intimate way. Perhaps to really "Experience God" in a way you never have before.

If you haven't taken the time to do so, I encourage you to carve out the most important time you know you need right now. Put an appointment with God on your schedule - even if it's only for 15-30 minutes one day very soon. You may want to read some Scripture, talk a little about what's on your heart, but most of the time, try to just listen.

Although you may or may not hear his voice speaking to you right away, you will undoubtedly see or hear or know the signs of his presence and his answers throughout the following day or days. The time you invest with God will never be for nothing. It can only enrich and strengthen your life with power from the True Source of life and love himself! Every time you meet with him, you will be changed - little by little it may seem, but over time others, if not yourself, will notice a big difference.

Know where you're going and why, then spend your time pursuing the excellent way! What you focus on you will become. From glory to glory you will be changed and will be like him! Rejoice in the process, as you consciously choose to develop this new habit, and learn to hear God's voice more clearly.

Update

2009-01-07T22:39:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post to let you know I've been under the weather this past week, trying to get over a cold. Looks like I'm getting the better of it now, as I'm starting to get my nose, my voice and my energy back today!

Now I've got to catch up on a few things from being away a week on vacation and out of commission this past week. (Like a couple of art shows and a speaking engagement this week!) So check back next week for more blog posts!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-05T14:23:00.000-05:00

I hope you have resolved to make 2009 your best year ever!

Whatever your goals are, if you are as specific as possible and give yourself a deadline date for achieving them, you will see more things happening quicker!

Another tip is to break big goals down into smaller steps or projects. Then allocate a little bit of time every day possible to do something towards it. Before you know it, it will have been accomplished!

For more tips on reaching and tracking your goals for the year, visit my website at: http://www.real-life-institute.com/. There are articles, tips and tools you can use to help you with all areas of your life.

May you have a New Year ReVolution in 2009! :-)

If you live in the Hampton Roads area, I'll be speaking on this topic on Friday, January 9th at the Christian Biz Network. If you're interested in attending, let me know and I'll forward the email details to you.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

I hope you have a wonderful day, remembering the amazing Love that caused God to enter Earth in the form of a child born in a lowly manger - just for you and me!

I trust you are letting that Love permeate your day, as you enjoy time with friends and family, whether they are present or away.

Since you are taking a moment online, perhaps this would be a good time to catch up on any of the blog posts you've missed, this month in particular. May it bring a refreshing to your spirit, as you think about all the symbolism during this special season.

I am taking a few days off writing this week to relax and enjoy family. I will get back to you sometime next week.

Also, if you've missed any of the bi-weekly ezines, or want to see a past issue, I've added them to the archive at: http://tinyurl.com/DFLarchives

May your blessings pass through to bless others today!

It's A Wrap!

2008-12-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

Tis the day before Christmas…! I trust you have all your shopping done and gifts wrapped by now?

It occurs to me that even the Christmas wrapping experience has a faith lesson involved. Why do we wrap up the gifts we give? How much care do we give to that part of the gift-giving? Have you ever spent more on the wrapping than on the gift itself?! Does any of this even matter?

I believe the most important things we need to think about are heart issues. The spirit in which we give is what’s even more important than the gift itself.

What are you wrapping up to give others for Christmas, spiritually speaking? What’s inside your package? Have you accepted the gift of Love into your heart that the baby Jesus first brought to us on that bright starry night?

Just think about the greatest gift ever! It was the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes. He was gift-wrapped for us. He was and is the total package. We never have need of another gift.

What gift can we give back to the Christ Child, in light of his gift to us?

Someone connected me to a short but powerful music video that asks this question: What does Jesus want for Christmas? I share the link with you here. http://www.andiesisle.com/whatwouldJesuswant.hs.html

The greatest gift of all… is to give yourself.

Heart and Hands

2008-12-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Several years in the past I have decided to make Christmas gifts for family and friends. I have always enjoyed making artsy crafty things and sharing them with others. Some of the items I have made include: soaps, Friendship Tea, silhouettes & scherenshnitte (paper cuttings) & works of art. As an Impressionist oil painter, I may give small paintings, boxes of note cards with pictures of my paintings on them, or framed prints of my paintings.

These gifts I call those that are “Sent from my heart and hands to your hands and heart.”

Our hearts truly inspire the work of our hands - and our creative minds! This year I’ve even had fun creating virtual products online. I’ve used images of my paintings and my photographs to create fun gifts. For more inspiration, if you’re so inclined, check out my online shop at: http://www.zazzle.com/inspconx. You can upload your own images to design gifts as well.

If you wish to see more of my art, you can visit: http://www.loisgalloart.com/. Some images of the whimsical scherenshnitte I cut out are at: http://www.LoisGallo.com/page0036.htm.

“We love him, because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19. A great passage to remind about the real essence of Love is 1 John 4:7-21. Now would be the perfect time to read it, as it was Love Incarnate (in the flesh) who was born on Christmas Day.

May your physical gifts and those gifts in word and deed inspire your family and friends with your thoughtfulness, love and caring!

Advent Tree

2008-12-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Do you have a Christmas tree up this year? Have you ever paused to think about why we have a tree at Christmas?

The symbolism of the Christmas tree, or Advent tree, as it’s called before the arrival of Christmas, was brought to my attention at church last week.

Shape: the tree is a triangle, representing the Trinity, the Triune Godhead, the Three-in-One. The shape of the triangle also points toward Heaven, as reminder to keep our focus on God, and our perspective above our earthly temporary circumstances.

Color: the tree is green as a fresh and live tree. This symbolizes life. You could interpret that as new life coming down from Heaven as the baby Jesus, or the life of a living faith that we celebrate through the years.

Décor: we usually decorate the tree with various ornaments, including lights and symbols of things that are important to us. The act of decoration symbolizes the beauty God sees in us, as the Church, his Bride, gets ready for Christ the Bridegroom to come.

Lights: the tree is usually brightly lit with strands of light. This symbol reminds us that Christ is the Light of the world. The lights from the tree look the most beautiful and appear the brightest in the darkest place. We are reminded to let our lights shine forth with the light of Christ in us to a dark and sinful world.

Water: let us not forget to water the tree so the tree will have life and the needles (leaves) will stay moist and supple, not grow dry, brittle, or fall off. This is a reminder to us to grow our roots down deep into the Word of God, drinking in the Source of our power & growth & life from the wellspring of life that will never run dry.

Take a new look at your Christmas tree today. “Sit a spell” and meditate on all the symbols you can find that have meaning for your life not only in this special season, but all the days of your life.

Doggie Lessons

2008-12-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

It seems this week that I have been receiving several faith lessons from the animal kingdom.

The first message was the bumper sticker I mentioned in my post a couple days ago, reading: “Wag more, Bark less.” I guess you could say I am being reminded to hug others and smile more, embracing them as they are. This is preferred to being so involved in my own world that I enter talking, instead of listening, accepting and perceiving. I could rephrase this “Embrace more, Chatter less” or “Love more, Judge less.”

The next message was a video a friend sent to me that she titled “Peace.” This is an interesting modern day interpretation of the passage in Isaiah 11:6 about how, when peace returns, even the wild animals getting along with their natural enemies. Quite a picture! You can check the video out here: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=D85yrIgA4Nk

The last message I received was confirmed at my annual physical at the doctor’s office. The only area he said I needed to improve was in getting more exercise, so my cholesterol readings would be better. This was the clincher to me on an article I had just read which reminded me about having pets to keep you healthy! (You can read it here if you like: http://www.real-life-institute.com/articles.html - see “Links for your Good Health.”)

I had already written down my goal to walk more, and had started looking for a dog to help me accomplish a more active lifestyle. It’s easy as a writer to stay stuck in one position at the keyboard longer than is best when you’re in the flow! Although it can sometimes be a bother to have to take the dog out, I know the rewards are greater than the trouble.

It seems there are a few things we can learn from a dog’s life! Let’s wag a lot more, don’t bark unless it’s important, learn to put our differences aside to get along with even our enemies, and get the help we need for the health and perspective we want – all from a friend by our side!

If you know any sweet-tempered little Chihuahuas looking for a good home, let me know…! ;-)

P.S. You can see more cute animal pictures at: http://www.Real-Life-Institute.com/articles.html

Old Friends, Young Hearts!

2008-12-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

Meeting my childhood friend recently reminded me that we are not long gone from our childhood. On the outside we may look - shall I say, “old” - as our bodies display the sometimes unkind natural phenomenon of aging. But on the inside, we usually feel much younger. We’re closer to our memories. They feel as fresh as yesterday in some instances. Actually, it’s easier sometimes to remember scenes from my childhood than it is to recall what I had for dinner last night! (I'm the one with the ice cream!)

I don’t know about you, but inside I’m still a kid at heart. Despite the nicks and bites and bruises that life has inflicted upon me, I’m still tender and innocent in my spirit. In fact, I’ve told a few people that when I paint my self-portrait someday, this is how it will look: I’m seven years old, bare footed and freckled, maybe with a couple of teeth missing. My pigtails and a loose dress I’m wearing blow in the wind as I pump myself higher and higher on a rope swing hung from a gnarled tree branch! (This picture of a 2009 calendar I just got somewhat reminds me of that scene!)

I’ve always had that spirit of adventure, albeit somewhat of a tomboy, as I wanted to go everywhere and try everything, to explore, taste and see what the world was all about! My mother and father could have shared a few wild stories to vouch for that! (My sister's on stilts, but we each had a pair.)

To help you “think young” today and refresh your spirit with a wash of that wonder, innocence and inquisitiveness you may have left behind, here are a few pictures from way back when for you to enjoy. I’ve had to take pictures of the pictures with my digital camera in order to upload this to you. I’m telling you that because I’d love to receive some of your favorite pictures of childhood memories if you care to share them with me, along with the stories behind the pictures. You are welcome to email them to me at: loisgallo555@ yahoo.com.

I have more pix to view at: http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh15/real-lifepix/ChildhoodMemories/?albumview=slideshow (fishing with my uncle)

Just a thought to reflect on today:

Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment.

Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them.” (that is, before you grow old and can’t enjoy your days as much!) - Ecclesiastes 11:9, 12:1

The rest of the chapter goes on to talk about the aging process in very poetic language, when we lose our teeth, our sight and hearing and other bodily functions, and then return to dust.

So let’s not lose heart or squander a day or a memory in our numbered days! Let’s be sure to leave the legacy that would be most meaningful in the big picture of eternity. That may just mean living in the here and now, enjoying the present moment for all it’s worth, with its simple pleasures! And it may even include thinking young thoughts, or sharing treasured times with a loved one...

(I'm the one on the bottom!)

Power of a Smile

2008-12-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I went to meet a childhood friend at a coffee shop. We hadn’t seen each other in a while, so I was looking forward to the visit. As I got off my exit and was heading to our meeting place, I noticed the bumper sticker on a vehicle in front of me. It read: wag more, bark less.

What a great philosophy! I decided that was good advice said in a clever way. I thought it would be fun to write about in my blog as well, so I said a quick prayer that the SUV was going to pull into the same parking lot as I was where I could park and get a picture of the bumper sticker – just for my blog readers! As it turned out, they were going to the same place, so I was able to park nearby and walk over to say hello and explain why I wanted to take a picture of the sticker.

Once I finished and retrieved from the car a gift bag for my friend, I headed in for the rendezvous. On the way in, through the parking lot and the store, there must have been about 6-8 people with whom I exchanged eye contact and smiles. It was amazing to me that everyone seemed to be ready with a smile!

Did I have lipstick smeared across my face or was my hair standing up in a strange way or what?! Apparently people were ready to smile and be smiled at this day! Maybe the lingering smile I had on my face from the bumper sticker and being able to capture it very conveniently was still obvious and contagious!

The enthusiastic greeting with a big hug from my friend was welcomed. We both ordered hot chocolates for a change and enjoyed watching the coffee barrister make a masterpiece with whipped cream, fudge drizzles, white chocolate shavings, a rolled chocolate accent tucked in the side, and a dash of cinnamon on top. It was almost too beautiful to consume! But we decided we needed to get some spoons to help us appreciate the workmanship a little more!

All the while, everywhere I looked, there seemed to be smiles galore from perfect strangers. Maybe they were living vicariously through our joy as two childhood friends reconnected – or maybe they were enjoying the chocolate masterpiece through new eyes as we expressed our delight! Or maybe they have been reading my blog posts! ;-) A kind gentleman even offered to take a picture of us together, as he saw me with my camera.

As we chatted and shared common memories and some of the things we had gone through in our separate grown-up lives, she was reminded of a time when she was so depressed and couldn’t seem to shake it for some reason. To help herself get out of it, she went down to a café where she ordered a bowl of chili. As she was sitting there, a lady came in, looked around, and all of sudden made eye contact with her. The lady’s face just lit up as she grinned ear to ear, the broadest most intense and loving smile my friend had ever seen. My friend could not stop watching her as the woman completed her purpose and left. She felt her spirits lift and the weight fell off. She had finally broken free of the oppressive spirit on her.

What a powerful story! It reminded me that we need to be lights in the world wherever we go, being aware of others around us who may need the lightness, hope and joy in our souls that mere living cannot take away. Although my friend wondered if this was an angel sent to answer her prayer or a mere mortal, I assured her that an angel is just a messenger from God, so it mattered not the form the messenger took. In essence we may very well be an angel to those needing a touch from God on any particular day!

After our meeting, I stopped in at the post office, praying all the way that the lines wouldn’t be so long at the moment I got there. Again my simple prayer was answered. I didn’t have to wait too unreasonably long. But as I waited, one person behind me reached out to help another with some boxes that were falling. Since the ice had been broken, the people in line all started laughing and smiling and talking to each other. The gentleman then commented that we were all involved in a national bonding exercise by waiting in line at the post office during this busy season! Therefore, it was easy to smile and talk with others while waiting. It turned the whole experience into fun, while sharing a common problem and exposing our human reactions in a positive way.

Kudos to the insightful man! Although I didn’t say anything this time, I was silently applauding him. I am usually the commentator or instigator in such situations. But it was nice to be an observer and notice the reactions of the people receiving the inspiration!

Perhaps I could ask you today: What are you giving out to others?

If you’re not sure, here’s a hint: what are you receiving from others?

If you’re receiving cold stares or curt remarks, perhaps you’re a little too preoccupied or uptight or stressed out. Maybe it’s time to “cast your cares on him who cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7 (paraphrased) Maybe you need to breathe a little more, take a walk or let some things go that are not really that important. (Or come up with your own silly faces like this one I found tonight as I prepared parsnips for dinner!)

If you’re receiving smiles and warm comments and meeting friendly people, you’re probably open to others and giving out the good vibes! Keep it up! The other uptight people need what you’ve got!

You may never realize the power of a smile until you’re the one needing it…

Baked with Love

2008-12-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

It seems this past week there have been so many parties and events I’ve had to cook or bake something for.

Our ladies group had a bake sale on Sunday. Saturday I spent time researching the recipe I would make, then shopping for the rest of the ingredients I needed. The prep time took another hour and then the baking process went on with changing temperatures and timers, then checking till the pies were done. Considering all the time and energy I put into the end result, it would probably have been more beneficial to the organization and certainly freed me up more if I had just given them a donation to cover the ingredients and value of the time I spent!

I actually did think about doing that before I really began the process, but made a distinct decision to do this as a labor of love, as well as enjoying baking again. (I don’t often bake, as we rarely eat desserts or sweets.) As I put on some upbeat music and prepared the pies for the oven, I prayed blessings over the desserts for those who purchased and enjoyed them.

It got me to thinking about the routine tasks we have to do. We can choose to do them because we have to, or we can choose to do them as acts of service, with kindness, love and blessings flowing out to the recipients of our actions. Even if they don’t seem to notice or appreciate what we do, that’s alright. God knows our hearts. Just do it for yourself and enjoy having an orderly house and good healthful food to enjoy!

Maybe it’s time for a checkup. Are you blessing people as you prepare meals for them, or do laundry or clean? Or are you grumbling and complaining or thinking ugly thoughts about them or the process?

I acknowledge there are certainly times when things don’t go right when you’re in the kitchen cooking! In fact, the other night we had dinner guests and it seemed the things I served were overdone (more like burnt!). As I apologized and offered them something else instead, the guests said they actually liked the crispier texture and charcoal-y flavor! I guess it went well with the earthy flavors of the baby bella mushrooms and the wine we were enjoying! I appreciated the fact that my guests were gracious and accommodating. I was actually surprised when they had seconds and nothing was left at the end of the evening! But I promised them that my experiment next time would be to have them perfectly done and take a survey on which way they preferred them! Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches…

Today I encourage you to think about your attitudes and acts of service. May they be filled will love, generosity, kindness and gratitude. At least you have a kitchen, a house, people (or pets) to cook or clean for, when others may not be so blessed!
“For out of the overflow (or abundance) of the heart the mouth speaks.” - Matthew 12:34, NIV, my parens
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” - Colossians 3:14, NIV

Spudly Joins the Captain

2008-12-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Last week I wrote about a potato character I dubbed Captain Potato. One of my friends read the post and enjoyed my crazy sense of humor so much that she caught what I’ll call the “potato funny bug.”

This is how it happened. Apparently, she was out Christmas shopping with a friend. She told me they usually spend a whole day together, from as early as they can get together to as late as they want to stay, just shopping and having fun.

That was the first sign that something was wrong – with the fact that they embraced the mall madness and weren’t afraid to shop till they dropped! Not only that, but they decided to spread as much joy as they could in the process, particularly to the tired and overworked staff in the shops. So they joked and talked and said “Merry Christmas!” to everyone they met. I really think they must have had too much eggnog or something funny in their lattes on a Starbucks break because…

my friend found a buddy for Captain Potato and brought him home for me! ;-)

When I unwrapped the package and found this little guy, I had to break out laughing! I knew my friend was thoughtful, but this time she had gone overboard! Captain Potato must have portrayed so much personality that she thought he was real and must be in need of a companion!

I actually had to take her into the kitchen to introduce her to Captain Potato and to introduce Captain Potato to his new buddy, who was named Spudly. Yes, that’s right. His name was right there on the bottom of his shoe, behind the brush part. So now the Captain has a backrubbing buddy!

In case you think I’ve really lost my marbles this time, and taken a good friend down too, may I suggest it might be time to add a little levity in the midst of your day today as well?! After all, Paul tells us to “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (-Phil. 4:4,NIV) It must be important if he said it twice!

Also, we are to actually “Consider it pure JOY, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” - James 1:2-3,NIV

Joy and rejoicing is also the theme for the Third Sunday in Advent (that was yesterday in the Lutheran Church and others). I can’t help but think of this verse so beautifully sung in Handel’s Messiah that gives us great cause as Christians to rejoice this day:

Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. - Zechariah 9:9, NIV

There are 156 passages with the word “rejoice” in it in the New International Version (NIV) alone. If you look up “joy,” you’ll find even more – 242. That would be a great exercise to do, especially if you have somewhat of a heavy spirit on any given day. Just go to www.BibleGateway.com/keyword/ and put in your chosen theme word or phrase. Then enjoy reading all the verses! It really is amazing how great you will feel when you look up words like strong, strength, peace, kindness, love, and other fruitful positive words or good attributes you’d like to focus on.

One thing I’m rejoicing about is the fact of this great tool on the internet! What a blessing in so many ways it has been to me! So I’ll pass it on to you to lighten your load. All thanks to my friend and Spudly for getting me started on this joyful journey today!

Girl Friend Time

2008-12-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

This year a new friend and I decided to start a “GirlFriends Club.” We met at a Christian business networking luncheon and instantly hit it off. It was top of mind for both of us to grow a wider circle of other Christian women around us to whom we could just be ourselves, meet for girlfriend time together and support each other in whatever way was needed.

This week we met at one of the GF’s house for hors d’oeuvres and a gift exchange. It was another sweet time together, sharing food, thoughtful gifts, memories, joys, concerns, encouragement, prayers, and hugs.

There are only six of us in the group right now. It has been a great way to develop a tighter circle of safety and caring, as well as the opportunity to get to know each other better. As I’ve shared with some of my other friends about the girlfriends, many have expressed a wish to belong to such a group.

The beauty of it is in having a group where regular time is spent together with no pressures, no expectations or agendas. Everyone is accepted for who they are and encouraged to become more, as they let God work in the situations that arise in life.

If you are looking for the same kind of girlfriends club, I encourage you to reach out and start one. All it takes is the desire to be a friend and to have a friend. I just found one person who agreed with me, and we both invited one or two other people we thought would be a good fit with us.

It’s amazing what can happen in any project “when two or more agree” to move ahead. I expressed a delight in meeting my new friend and the instant connection we seemed to have. I also mentioned to her that I had prayed about how to start a girlfriends group. She surprised me by saying she had started one in the city she lived in before and wanted to do the same thing here! So God amazingly answered my prayer very quickly! And her prayer as well!

If you’ve been praying for God to send you just one close friend, why not try reaching out to bless others by finding friends for them too? This is basically what happened with the two of us. I suspect we've become closer friends because we share a common goal and purpose. I also suspect we’ll be widening our circle of friends in the new year. Each of us has other friends who’d like to experience this kind of connection and relationship. Why not spread the joy around?

For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. – Matthew 18:20, NIV

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. - Ecclesiastes 4:12, NIV

Bottom Line Thinking

2008-12-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

As I was reading through several passages yesterday, I realized there are many great verses in Proverbs that give a crash course on how to prosper in business. The principles apply to life as well. It seems that the kind of person you are will affect how you do in business or your career. Perhaps a scary thought?! Or a reason to be aware of your strengths and weaknesses so you can improve in the most important areas.

To get you started, here are a few verses for you to mull over and see how they may apply in your case.

Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance. – Proverbs 20:18

It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows. – Proverbs
20:25

The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. – Proverbs
21:5

Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you. - Proverbs
22:26,27

The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest
scales do not please him. – Proverbs 20:23

The sluggard's craving will be the death of him, because his hands
refuse to work. All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give
without sparing. – Proverbs 21: 25-26

There are many more important concepts throughout Proverbs. You may want to read all 31 chapters to see what areas are most important for you at this point in your life. Perhaps the answers to the prayers you’ve been praying are right there for you.

The real question is: what's your bottom line? If it’s positive and growing, you must be doing enough of the right things. If you’re in the red, then there are deficits in other areas of your life and business life that need to be addressed. Can you identify areas needing to be changed or improved in some way?

As I mentioned yesterday, this is the verse I have by my computer to keep me thinking right:
“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.” – Proverbs 22:9

I have stepped up to the plate to do all things with excellence. I believe that is something important that is too often missing in both business and personal relationships these days. If you give your word, keep it. If you make an appointment, be on time. If you say you’ll do something, do it and even more than expected. Be proud of your work when you sign your name to it! Your reputation is showing!

It may or may not be obvious, but what you give out – what you say and do – are a reflection of what’s going on inside you. It tells a lot about your view of yourself, others, God and life in general.

This past year, in particular, I have been doing a lot of work on cleaning up the messes in my life. That includes de-cluttering my home and office spaces, getting rid of all the extra stuff that I don’t use or need, and the things that weigh me down. This also includes working on the gap between who I am currently and who I see I want to become. That difference, I’ve learned, becomes the level of self-esteem you have. It can drive you or depress you.

In my life coaching practice I enjoy holding up the mirror to help others identify areas they want to improve. It’s exciting to me to watch how quickly people’s lives change when they first recognize an area to change, decide to focus on a goal they haven’t been able to achieve, and get there quicker than they ever imagined!

Perhaps it’s time to build a support and accountability team around you if you seem to be challenged in accomplishing or changing some facet in your life. If you need someone you help get you started in that direction, I’ll be happy to give you a complimentary life coaching session to get the ball rolling. You’ll be surprised at the answers you already know but haven’t got them out of you "out loud" enough to realize the right direction in which to proceed. It is truly liberating and propelling!

Make a decision to move in the right direction today. You will be more blessed than you can imagine as you bless others along the way!

For more information about Life Coaching and to schedule your complimentary session, visit: http://www.Real-Life-Institute.com/coaching.html

Business Attraction

2008-12-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

I had the opportunity to attend a new networking group last night. The man who set it up runs a marketing company. He has marketed himself very well in the process of demonstrating a strategy to attract clients. The network is set up to help connect business owners with potential clients.

One of the draws to the monthly event is the emphasis the leader has on helping people make money - by facilitating the people connections through the event. He showcases those who step up to the plate as vendors with a table and platform time to promote their expertise; and he garners testimonials from his marketing clients about their success in working with him, which they share up front at the gathering. So he makes money as he helps others. He also gains huge visibility and credibility in the process, expanding his sphere of influence and opportunity at the same time.

This is a classic case of business attraction, where people are clamoring to do business with him because he is helping others succeed. Anyone in business has surely heard the saying, “If you help enough people get what they want, you will get what you want.” I believe it was Zig Ziglar’s quote.

Here are a few verses from the wealth of great advice in the book of Proverbs that seems to apply well in this situation.

A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. – Proverbs 22:9

Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure. - Proverbs 20:28

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. – Proverbs 22:1

What are you attracting when you are going after business? Are you giving beyond what is expected to your clients – or to your boss – or your employees? We are all accountable for what we give out. It will come back to us doubled or quadrupled. So perhaps you’d better change what you’re giving to others if you’re not liking what’s coming back to you!

I’m working on becoming more excellent in all my ways. I know that’s what I want to attract back, as well as wanting to stretch myself to see what I am capable of becoming or doing. My favorite verse that I have by my computer so I’ll continually keep it in mind to apply is:
“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.” – Proverbs 22:9

I’ll leave you with that challenge! How about doing your work well enough today that it would be welcomed in the White House or other prominent places?! Actually, the King of Kings is our audience of one every day. Let’s not forget that either!

Captain Potato

2008-12-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

I spent yesterday mostly in the kitchen getting ready for dinner guests. I enjoy puttering around and making things beautiful in the house for entertaining. I also enjoy trying new recipes. A lot of them come right out of my head depending on what I have.

A special potato dish I decided to make required peeled potatoes. As I was getting the potatoes scrubbed and ready to peel, I noticed the largest one had such an amazing face on it! In case you think I’m imagining things, take a look at this picture I snapped. Don’t you think it looks like an old sea captain, or some other character type? Perhaps Popeye with his pipe?!

The more I started preparing the potatoes, the more faces I started to see! Now it appeared Captain Potato was surrounded by his family! Take a look at a few more pictures I snapped as I turned the potatoes in various directions to reveal their personalities. Then you’ll see what I mean. (I’ve uploaded them to: http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh15/real-lifepix/Captain%20Potato/?albumview=slideshow)

Yes, I know – I’m always seeing faces in everything. But that’s the artistic side of me coming out! In a busy day, it made me laugh, stop and get my camera. So I got a nice break from my tasks and have some photos to pull out on a rainy day to enjoy a laugh again.

When my dinner guests arrived, I got to show them” Captain Potato Head,” as they named him, in his new home beside the sink. He was the only one I saved from the potato family, as I had enough potatoes without him. They shared a good laugh too, and suggested I auction him off on e-Bay! Okay. So if you want to buy a weird potato, it’s for sale. ;-)

As you can see from the final picture, my distorted sense of humor got the best of me when I was peeling the potatoes. The peels were flying everywhere and started looking like hair to me, so I decided to see what Captain Potato looked like with hair. Now you know!

What can we learn from all this levity? Well, for one, I have witnessed many times when strange and funny things happened just when I needed a break or an answer or a change of state – too many times to not realize that God has a great sense of humor too! In fact, he created the aberration in the potato. It was up to me to find it, recognize it, and take delight in it.

Isn’t that the way life is? God has put many wonderful things in our path. Most times we are too busy or self-absorbed or looking in a different direction to notice all the surprises along the way.

Why not decide to start looking for the sprinkles of joy and beauty, love and wonder God has put along your path? Whether you find it in the amazement of a clear and starry night or the silly face of a not-so-ordinary potato, it is there for the taking!

For more amazement, read about the wonder of God’s perspective in Job 38 & 39. Then read about the human side of Jesus in Luke 5: 1-11, Matthew 17:24-27, and John 21:1-14, all stories about how he related to them through common things in their world - in this case, fish.

Star of Wonder

2008-12-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Have you been so busy and in a whirlwind of activity lately that you have been seeing stars?!

Well, I certainly have noticed a lot of stars everywhere I look! I was just out shopping for a few Christmas gifts and saw the large metal stars that people hang on their walls year round, tree top stars of various sorts, and star-shaped ornaments; not to mention star-shaped candles, candle holders, coasters, and dishes. And I have also been noticing the stars in people’s outdoor decorations, on the trees showing through the windows, and in the outdoor festivals of light shows.

But the most exciting stars I see are those twinkling back at me when I take a minute to look up into the sky. Gazing into the vastness of space puts everything else in its proper place. I remember what is real and what is important.

I wonder what the shepherds thought when they first saw the bright star in Bethlehem. At least they had a dramatic translation of the star’s presence and significance by the appearance of the angel chorus. Now that would have been enough to knock your socks off (or sandals, as the case may be)! But it didn’t stop there. They had to rush off to see for themselves what the real fuss was all about.

Can you imagine how it must have been to know that you were in the presence of majesty in the form of a child newly born? But not just a mortal king; they were in the presence of God come to earth as both king and child, the perfect marriage of human and divine.

The power and magnificence of who the baby Jesus was in the power of his divinity was wrapped in cloths, not even proper clothes, and laid in the humblest of places with hay tickling his back. That too was a symbol of how the exterior and appearances are so unimportant and insignificant in the grand scheme of things. The light that shone in Jesus could not be hidden by his humble beginnings, nor extinguished in the end by mere human will. And it could not even be overcome by evil.

Neither can the light that the Christ child lights in our hearts be extinguished, even by the heavy rains in the storms of life. As long as our light is drawn from the power source of God’s great love for us, others will see and recognize the light in us as the light of Christ in our hearts. It will be a beacon of hope for many. They will be drawn to us like the shepherds were drawn to the manger over two thousand years ago.

Let the symbols of stars all around you keep you closer to the Light of the world, so your own light will shine out more brightly in this dark world!

Seasonal Symbols

2008-12-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

Sprinkled throughout the blog posts for the month of December will be my thoughts on various signs of the season. I believe these seasonal symbols can be a reminder of God’s connection to us, if we just take the time to look, listen and soak in God’s love for us!

Even life at the Beach brings forward symbols that we see year-round, but may not often think about.

Today I would like to share with you “The Legend of the Sand Dollar.” Although I have seen this in various forms through the years, I have gotten this from: http://www.legendofthesanddollar.com/. Apparently, the poem originally appeared in the Seattle Post-intelligencer on April 6, 1966, author unknown.

The Legend of the Sand Dollar

There’s a lovely little legend

That I would like to tell,
Of the birth and death of Jesus
Found in this lowly shell.

If you examine closely

You’ll see that you find here,

Four nail holes and a fifth one

Made by a Roman’s spear.

On one side the Easter Lily,

Its center is the star,

That appeared unto the shepherds

And led them from afar.

The Christmas Poinsettia

Etched on the other side,

Reminds us of His birthday

Our happy Christmastide.

Now break the center open

And here you will release,

The five white doves awaiting

To spread Good Will and Peace.

This simple little symbol

Christ left for you and me,

To help us spread His Gospel

Through all Eternity.

You may see this poem more often around Easter, as it speaks of new life, resurrection and the hope of Easter. However, it all began at Christmas with the birth of God on earth as a little child. I think it is very appropriate this season to think about not only the beginnings of Christ’s life on earth, but the ending - which was really a new beginning for all mankind!

The fact that we’re at the end of another year, with the hope of wiping the slate clean to have a fresh start on New Year’s Day, hasn’t escaped me. I always love fresh starts! In fact, I look at every day as a new beginning, a chance to live a perfect day. And I haven’t given up on that yet! You might have guessed that I love challenges! ;-)

Some people use sand dollars as Christmas tree ornaments. If you have a sand dollar, take another look at it. Think about all the parts and the beauty of each symbol and how it applies to your life right this moment. What part means the most to you? The star, the nail holes, the doves?

All of these parts are housed in a seemingly insignificant little shell creature moving with the currents at the bottom of the ocean. It has little brown spiky hairs all over its body when alive to help it move about. But one day it was washed ashore and discovered by someone. It gave its life up. It was dumped in a bucket of bleach to disinfect it and kill all the living parts of it so it could look beautiful and sit on your shelf or hang on your tree.

If this once living creature has been brought into your hands, take the time to stop and thank God for all he has done – and for all that this work from his heart to yours symbolizes today.

It’s never too late or too soon for a fresh start.

Holly Berry Inspiration!

2008-12-04T23:26:00.001-05:00

Check out my Holly Berry tie design at my Inspiration Connections online shop! Vote for it if you like it! http://www.zazzle.com/inspconx

Nativity Activity

2008-12-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

It’s always a delight for me to see neighbors and business owners displaying the Nativity scene in some fashion. As I’ve driven by some places, I’ve snapped a few shots as inspiration and documentation that people still know the reason for the season!

When I was down at the oceanfront recently, I snapped this picture of the Nativity scene as part of the Holiday Lights at the Beach celebration. You can drive your car down the Boardwalk and enjoy the light show for about a mile or so. Although the scene wasn't lit up when I took it, hopefully you can imagine how it might appear at night with all its lights! Here is a link for more pictures and information: http://www.beachstreetusa.com/festivals-and-events/mcdonalds-holiday-lights-beach-presented-verizon-wireless

I spotted this in my neighborhood on the way to a friend’s house. A lot of activity was happening in this yard! To the left of this focal picture was another whole scenario, including a strung up helicopter with blades whirling and flashing as it overlooked the Nativity scene! But I was happy to see that even in the midst of all the busyness and technology, Christ was still the center!

And now a more traditional Nativity scene: I discovered this at my friend’s house. A lovely peaceful and meaningful scene taking me back to that first night at the innkeeper’s barn…

When we think of the Nativity scene this year, perhaps we can be reminded that no matter how fast-paced some things become, we can instantly be transported to the beauty and significance of the night when it all began in an unpretentious place, snuggled in the hay of a feeding trough bed. Jesus became the food for our souls, the Bread of Life, to give us our daily nourishment, and all that we’d ever need.

I don’t know about you, but it makes me want to bow on humbled knees before the Christ Child and the Maker of Heaven and Earth in gratefulness for all he’s done for me and you.

Ordered Steps

2008-12-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

In reflecting on the passage in Psalm 37 quoted in yesterday’s post, I just had to continue with those thoughts. Here are the verses I highlighted:

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. – Psalm 37:23, KJV

If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand. - Psalm 37:23-24, NIV

I love the way the King James Version puts it, in speaking of “ordered steps.” As you may know if you’ve been reading my blog posts very long, I love order, patterns, and things working systematically. I like to know that if I do something it will have the desired result.

It’s good to know there are formulas for living that really do work. That is one of the reasons I think the Bible is the world’s greatest psychology book, as it explains and defines who we truly are as spiritual beings with a physical body. It shows how our life works when we think and act right, as well as when we don’t. It is inspired and written under the direction of the Creator of us all.

The Bible could also be called “The Handbook for Humans Operating at their Peak Potential!” or “How to Really Live Life” – written by the one who created and designed us! Doesn’t that really make the most sense – that we find out who we really are and who we were designed to be by our own Creator?!!No wonder we have an empty place, restlessness, a sense of unfulfillment, wondering what our true purpose is and why we are here! We are trying to figure things out ourselves, trying to blindly find our own way, or following others who are blindly trying to find their way! Isn’t it time to look up and ask the Creator what his unique plan is for our lives – one day at a time?

I know that I am the kind of person who likes to know the big picture and see the future so I can plan effectively and get there. But God knows that although he gives me glimpses of the future as I need to see them, that I will be strongest and most effective in life if I have to keep going back to him day after day to keep in touch with the moments and what he would have me be doing right now!

Although our God is a God who provides for the future, we don’t have to worry about the future or even try to figure it out! Most of us have a challenging enough time with right now and getting through today being all that we should be!

I urge you today to take some time to breathe, to go to a quiet place and reconnect with your Creator, who knows you intimately, who wrote the Handbook for your life. He knows your tomorrows; he knows your yesterdays; and he knows your today.

So enjoy his presence in the moment today. Be aware of the warmth of his love, his breath on your shoulder as he guides you, and the little surprises of love and care he wants to sprinkle along your path, as he leads you to bless others this day!

Post-Thanksgiving Reflections

2008-12-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

We recently returned from my sister’s near Raleigh, NC, where we shared the Thanksgiving holiday together. It was a pleasant time, seeing family members again and meeting new ones from extended families.

It was a different Thanksgiving this year, as both my sister and I had few duties in the kitchen. Two of my nieces prepared the turkey, stuffing, and vegetable dishes. Listening to their mp3 player, they danced around with surgical gloves as they put the turkey through its preparation paces. Two of the three cats were never far behind, waiting for any opportunity to accept a charitable contribution!

The dinner turned out beautifully. Everything was harmonious throughout the time together (two nights and a couple days). Everyone seemed to enjoy the camaraderie together. And the weather was quite delightful.

I enjoyed the relaxed pace and the chance to catch up on my visiting. It was great to see the progress reports of those making changes for the better in their lives. I heard reports ranging from the decision to" quit drinking resulting in day 30 of abstinence so far" to "eating better and seeing pounds come off" from several folks to "being more fiscally responsible."

As a family member and a life coach, I was most encouraged and excited to see people taking action and moving ahead in the right direction in life. It is great to see people taking responsibility for their actions and living up to their potential. I applauded them, as I do anyone I meet who is taking steps to turn their life around. All it takes is deciding and then doing what you know you need to do - consistently.

Having accountability helps a great deal. We all have days when we may be tempted to skip it just this once, or throw in the towel altogether. That one time is the most important time to get us over that one more hump to reaching our goal! If you know someone is counting on you to follow through on your word, it gives you that extra stick-to-it-iveness to make it till you reach your goal.

That is what being a life coach is all about: caring enough about people to want to help them reach the goals they set out to accomplish for themselves. I feel honored and privileged when I am chosen to help someone follow their dreams and achieve them. If you would like to find out more about what a life coach does, visit my coaching page at: www.Real-Life-Institute.com/coaching.html

I encourage you to choose something important to you and just take the steps to go and do it. You’ve probably wasted more energy thinking about it than it would take step by step to actually make it happen!

For more articles and tools to help you move ahead, visit http://www.Real-Life-Insitute.com/. I’ve just posted “Weight Your To-Do Decisions Daily” that may help you to prioritize and walk out your steps more effectively.

For more guidance and inspiration, you may wish to read Psalm 37. Here are a couple of excerpts…

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. – Psalm 37:23, KJV
If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps
firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand. - Psalm 37:23-24, NIV

New Seasons of Beauty

2008-12-01T10:28:00.000-05:00

Although I love the change of seasons with all the beauty of the fall colors, I experience a little sadness that the balmy summer with its long periods of daylight and warmth are coming to a close. I am also not thrilled about the coming cold with its shorter days and stark landscape. Having lived in Canada for many years, I appreciate the warmer clime of the Mid-Atlantic! So my consolation prize in the winter is in knowing that it won’t last six months! The coldest part of winter with mostly 20-30 degree weather usually lasts about six weeks, with an occasional warm period every couple of weeks to remind us that spring won’t be long in coming.

One of the beauties of living in Virginia Beach is that we still can have flowers blooming year round. So all is not so stark! The type of flowers we can grow varies based on the seasons.

Recently we just replaced the flowers in our flower boxes with pansies. I love their happy little faces and bright colors. It does something to my spirit to see them hanging in through the coldest days of winter, even peeking out through the occasional little snow blanket we may get.

It reminds me to be faithful through even the darker, drearier days of winter that may sometimes come in my life. There is always something bright and happy and that we can choose to be thankful for as we look around during those times.

These little bright spots give us hope for better days! I am always so happy when the daffodils come out and the signs of spring begin to stir with new life.

It’s also amazing to me the provision God makes in the winter for the birds and animals that depend on finding food to survive. I’ve been careful watching the pansies every day since we planted them to see when the squirrels will start nibbling on them for dinner. Since I recently had a salad with edible flowers, I realize how tasty those flowers can be! Last year it didn’t take long for them to finish the blooms right off! But this year, there was an abundance of acorns on our deck and in our yard. So I suspect they are still munching on those for the moment. (Yup! I just confirmed it with this photo I took a few minutes ago!)

Then there are the bright red camellias that will be coming out in the next month. It seems they begin to bloom in the dead of winter! How awesome is that! This will be the first year we’ll be expecting camellias to bloom in our garden, since we just planted a bush this year.

This month we also will be enjoying the beauty of reds and greens as we decorate for Christmas. The evergreen tree used for Christmas is a great symbol of our God’s everlasting love and faithfulness to us.

So no matter what season you’re experiencing in your life, remember that God has a purpose for it, it won’t last forever, and a different season is on its way! In the meantime, look for the beauty of God’s provision and blessings even through the darkest days!

"Black Friday" Shopping Tips!

2008-11-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

If you're looking to save yourself some aggravation at the shopping malls today, since it's supposed to be the busiest shopping day of the year, why not shop online?!

I just found out that Amazon.com carries a lot more than just books! They have a complete online-store of just about anything you could want - with items for your home, garden, auto, kids, and yourself (clothes & accessories for one thing, ladies!).

And besides the sales, there's a great contest on as well - just for today! Check it out at:
http://www.amazon.com/b/?node=384082011&tag=dailyfaith-20

For inspirational items I've designed myself, you can check out my Inspiration Connections store at: http://www.zazzle.com/inspconx.

Remember to have a blessed day today, as you are thinking of others (mostly!) in your shopping today.

Gifting Inspiration

2008-11-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

While you're thinking of others this weekend, if you're still looking for Christmas gifts, why not give the gift of INSPIRATION?!

My latest book, "Faith Lessons: Experiencing the Miracles," with Dr. Robert Schuller and actress Jennifer O'Neill, is available to be shipped directly to you - or to whomever you specify. And I'll even gift wrap it if you add a request in Comments!

This month your purchase includes a free audio CD of my interview with the publisher, as well as free shipping!

They also make great hostess gifts to give when you attend parties and other events this season!

So stock up now for all your gift-giving needs at:

http://www.real-life-institute.com/products.html

At this link you can also view other books and products I have created.

Enjoy your day - and your chance to inspire and bless others!

Fellowship and Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

I just have a couple of passages to share with you today for your meditation and inspiration. When I think about Thanksgiving, two things especially come to mind.

I think about the relationships we get to share usually with those we know and hopefully love! The fellowship times can be great, as we are with those family members we don’t often see.

I also think about Who it is we are thanking for all our bounteous blessings we often take for granted from day to day.

This is a time for making your relationships count. Preparing yourself for a time when you can be a blessing requires spending more time connecting with God, drinking deeply from his reservoir of Love, so you’ll have more to pour out on those you’ll be spending time with.

The first passage below reminds us of the beauty of unity. The last passage reminds us Who brings unity if we stay in close connection and choose to walk in his love and grace for us – that we can then extend to others.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving as you focus on these thoughts.

Being together with each other:

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!
(The Message Bible puts it this way: “How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along!”)
It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes.
It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there
the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
- Psalm 133, NIV

Being together with God:
Psalm 100
A psalm. For giving thanks.
1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

The Great Pumpkin

2008-11-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

Remember the Charlie Brown & Peanuts special that used to come on TV every Halloween season? When I saw a picture of a giant pumpkin from another blog, it reminded me of the Great Pumpkin.

There were some good lessons in that animated program, as in all of the Snoopy, Peanuts, and Charlie Brown series. In case you’re not sure what I’m talking about or would like to be reminded, here is a link to many of the Peanuts shows and products.

http://astore.amazon.com/features07-20

"It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!"

http://astore.amazon.com/features07-20/detail/B00004W5UK

"A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving"

http://astore.amazon.com/features07-20/detail/B00004W5UL

When I think of giant pumpkins, I have to think of bountiful harvests. This passage comes to mind:
“Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.” - Psalm 128:1-2, NIV

Although I can’t quite imagine eating an almost 1700 pound pumpkin, nor even much of the world’s largest pumpkin pie, I am ready to continue accepting bountiful harvests from the Lord’s hand! Check out the record-breaking pictures here, if you like:

http://www.pumpkinnook.com/giants/record.htm#pie

The fact is: God has already sent us so many bountiful blessings in our lives, no matter what our current situation seems to be. I encourage you to spend this week especially in counting up the treasure of bounty in your own storehouse. What has God already given you in blessings through friends and family, material possessions, work, health, mission and purpose, faith and spiritual truth?

It might surprise you once you take a moment to really take stock. The amazing thing is that God wants to pour out even more blessings on your life. Only you can stop the flow of his blessings on you by not acknowledging him or by not obeying what he tells you to do to walk forward in his continued favor.

Make sure you don’t miss any good gifts by your lack of obedience or praise! (Review yesterday’s blog if you need to!)

Have a thankful and more blessed day – and week!

Pray and Obey

2008-11-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

I was reading Joyce Meyer's book "How to Hear from God" and came across a repeated phrase that struck a chord: "Pray and obey! Pray and obey!"

In looking for God's guidance, we don't always wait and listen to hear what God wants to say. Often we try to figure things out on our own and move ahead without asking God for his answers and direction. We only then come to a point of praying when we get ourselves in trouble, when we really need and want to hear from God!

If we get in the habit of praying first, and then planning and promising to just go do what God tells us to, our lives would be so much simpler and more powerful and effective. I'm preaching to myself here!

I came across the great promises that follow obedience in these wonderful words penned by David in Psalm 112 (NIV version). Let them sink into your heart and spirit and ask God what the next step of obedience is for you as you read them.

Praise the Lord.

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands.

His children shall be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.

Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.

Even in the darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.

Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.

Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever.

He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.

His heart is secure; he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.

He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor.

The wicked man will see and be vexed, he will gnash his teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.

Standing the Test of Time

2008-11-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

This past month several of my paintings were in an art show at the Old Coast Guard Station by the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. When I went back to pick up the paintings after the show, I snapped a few pictures of the area nearby.

Two things stood out in my mind.

The Old Coast Guard Station itself has been around for many years. Although it has been refurbished and is now a museum, it is a testimony to the test of time and the value it has provided. It functioned as a rescue station, with shipwrecks and those floundering off the Atlantic Coast in stormy weather. Throughout the years those associated with it through the Coast Guard saved many lives.
(You can learn more about the history and life-saving work it provided at: www.OldCoastGuardStation.com)

The grasses planted around the Boardwalk area and throughout Virginia Beach are lovely to look at. In the morning and evening light, the wheat-looking part at the top seems to light up and glow as the light hits it. Even with the slightest wind, they wave gently back and forth, with an occasional shake and shimmy if a strong gust catches them. Before winter sets in, though, they need to be cut back, almost down to nothing. They can look like freshly cut straw at that point. But the rewards of the cutting back can be enjoyed in the springtime, as fresh new growth pops up quickly and begins its wave and roll again.

These are two examples of timeless truths of life. Although there is no guarantee that either the building or the grasses will be here forever, the principles will remain.

The caring for others and wanting to help those needing rescue will always be an inherent desire in the soul of the human race, no matter how corrupt things appear on the outside at times in our history. Sometimes those desires and urges to help or care for others may be put on hold or buried for awhile, even cut down and punished. However, like the grasses cut back for the winter, spring with its new hope and life will come again. The sun (or Son?) will warm up the earth – and the hearts of mankind. Warmed hearts will once again reach out with love to those in need.

Whatever your season, whatever the condition of your heart today, or the measure of your “caring quotient,” remember that God’s love will always remain. His character and the principles upon which our world was built will alone prevail and stand the test of time. Shouldn’t we make sure to always stay close to his rescue station?

Take the time to thank God today that he will always be there with us and for us!

Life Journey

2008-11-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

I belong to a Toastmasters Club. This week I was the evaluator for a new member who gave his first talk (we call it the Icebreaker) entitled “Life is a Journey.”

As he recounted the main events from his life, along with his family information, his interests and occupations, I enjoyed learning more about who he was and his perspective on things.

Although he didn’t go into detail about any major life traumas, some of his outlook on life came to the forefront. His love of nature and pausing to describe the beauty of watching a sunrise change the interaction of colors on clouds in the sky bespoke a quiet appreciation of life, if not faith in Someone greater.

As I was browsing through my photo album, I came upon this church sign picture I snapped a few months ago. In case you can’t read it very well, it says, “The person who walks with God always gets to his destination.”

I had to relate it to the talk today in thinking about the journey of life. Our faith is like that – a journey which begins with the first step and continues by putting one step in front of the other until we reach our destination. Only in this life, often as not, we don’t really know where we’re going. It makes sense, then, to follow the path or walk with someone who does know where to go.

There is a lot of trust involved in finding and following God’s leading and direction for where we should go. But if you really think about it, it takes a lot more faith to believe we should follow OUR own way, rather than God’s, since we’ve never gone down that path before and are not certain it is the right one by ourselves!

Ultimately, the journey and the destination are designed by God for us uniquely to walk in through our days on this earth. Let’s be more diligent in making sure we realize God is the one leading us. We don’t have to struggle so to figure things out, as much as we need to listen more and be a willing follower. God will open up amazing vistas on his highway with us toward heaven!

The Fireworks of Fall

2008-11-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

I have been capturing whatever gorgeous colors of the season I could with my camera this month as I’ve been out and about. I’ve posted a few here to share with you the glory of the colors and the amazement I have each year when autumn leaves start to turn their majestic rainbow hues.

Although the colors are gorgeous, like all seasons, they last only a short while before they are gone. Apparently the length of daylight controls the changing of the leaves, signaling a harsher season advancing. So along with the leaves swirling to the ground with temperatures following, the days get shorter and darkness broods longer.

I find the internal workings of the trees in winter fascinating. Apparently, since the growth slows down and the tree prepares to “hibernate” for the cold and winter, the sap or life-blood of the tree also slows to a stop from running inside. It is almost like everything shuts down, literally like a bear’s system preparing to hibernate. This is all done for protection of the tree, to enable it to survive till the spring. It is all truly remarkable. (For a great summary of the process of fall changes, visit: www.na.fs.fed.us/Spfo/pubs/misc/leaves/leaves.htm

Ever felt like you were in hibernation, in a dry or desolate place, just resting, put on hold, waiting until the right time to walk forward with the life of your dreams?

It reminds me of the life cycles and seasons we experience (some more than others, depending on where you live!). All the beautiful fall colors only come as fireworks sending up their last hoorah before dying out and dropping to earth to become dust.

We too have seasons like that. You can be working hard towards a particular goal or project or time in your life when you can do what you really want. Things heat up and there could be a big burst of color or fireworks display. But then things die off and settle down for a while. You seem to go into a dry spell or hibernation. Your creative juices run slow and may even stop. No fruit or color seems to be in your life.

Don’t worry! Spring WILL come again! It’s just a matter of time. Eventually there will be a quickening inside you, a burst of energy and new creativity. Much genius can come from times of solitude, even cocooning away for awhile. Think of the hidden places of a mother’s womb, where great and glorious growth takes place till the moment of birth. Who could imagine what wondrous things she was preparing to give birth to, and how much that birth would change her life and those around her?

Do not lose faith or hope when skies seem dark and there are quiet or seemingly dry or dull times in your life. They are all part of the cycles and seasons of life. They are a necessary part of regeneration and new growth. Enjoy the quiet times. Celebrate the moments and worry not about the future. It will come bursting on the scene bigger and brighter than you ever remembered when your spring starts to blossom again!

“To everything there is a season, a time for everything under the sun.”

The Art of Country Life

2008-11-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

I spent a sunny but windy Sunday at Willowgait Farm in Knotts Island, NC. One of my art students, Carol, hosted an artisan fair at her farm, where she invited me to participate.

What a delightful day! I got to meet a lot of great people, most who live in that area and look at life from a smaller community standpoint, with many farms and equestrian-lovers amongst them.

As I enjoyed the banter and girly talk from the four young equestrians selling their handcrafted items at the table next to mine, it was refreshing to see how they were given much responsibility and respect from the various people who came by during the afternoon. I think they probably outsold most of the rest of us!

Along with handmade scarves and jewelry, the fair boasted goat milk soaps, wreaths, folk art painted signs, photographs and cards, aprons and other sewn items, pottery, embedded stepping stones, lucky horseshoes and other fun and interesting items. I added my own art and craft works - some oil paintings, cards and prints of my paintings, soaps, jars of Friendship Tea mix, and scherenshnitte silhouettes. (You can view more of my art at http://www.loisgalloart.com/.)

Between minding our booths and taking an occasional break, we enjoyed chit-chatting, inspecting everyone’s handiwork, and visiting with attendees. No one seemed to mind Carol’s two dogs meandering in and out of the barn where the show was, and through the groups of people gathered here and there outside. They didn’t bother going through the adjoining fenced pasture area to check on the three horses grazing there. I assume it was because there was more action where the people were, and too much standing water by the fence from two days of heavy rains. An accordion player showed up mid-afternoon to spice things up with everything from pop to polkas.

There’s nothing like spending an afternoon in the country to remind you of your roots and what’s real in life. These people were just who they were – friendly and respectful, no matter what your age or talent – and supportive of each other. There was an unspoken code among them. I recall sensing that as a child, living in a village whose economy and lifestyle were primarily agricultural-based. If you’re not sure what I’m talking about, you might want to watch “The Waltons” or “Little House on the Prairie.” The Amish folk have that same kind of mentality: "We’re all in this together – it ain’t easy – and we’d better help others, ‘cause there may be a time we’ll need that help ourselves!” That’s probably also part of “how the West was won!”

How are you winning over the challenges in YOUR life? Do you have the same open, giving, helpful and supportive type attitude towards others? Or do you just look out for #1, trying to keep you life as simple as you can? Are you happily involved with others in your community? Or are you happily uninvolved – and perhaps not really so happy?

One thing I’ve learned is that only what you give away you get to keep – and you always get more of it back than you give away. Put the word “Love” in that phrase and think about that – or anything else that you may be missing. It could be” Friends” you’re missing if you’re lonely. So you should go and be a friend to someone who needs a friend. Then you’ll have a friend too!

Give what you want to receive…just a little spin on the Golden Rule of “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!” And a little dose of country hospitality never hurts!

Thank you, Carol, for sharing your lovely farm, family, friends, and community with me!

For more insights into Knotts Island community, you can visit www.willowgaitfarm.com.

Country Driving

2008-11-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

I had a delightful drive out through the countryside of Virginia Beach and into North Carolina yesterday. It was a perfect day for driving, with sunny skies and a bit of brisk wind pushing colored puffs of clouds on distant horizons along on my return trip late afternoon.

The trip to Knotts Island was so beautiful, particularly on the two-lane wavy ribbon of road between the wildlife refuge and the island. I wanted to stop and just walk the whole distance (miles!) with camera in hand to capture some of the magnificence of the raw beauty all around me.

But instead, I just drove a little slower on the way home, savoring every turn in the road's fresh perspective, trying hard to drink it in and memorize as much as I could of it.

Sad to say, I don't have one photo to share with you of that area. But I will send you to a link to show you where I was.

Visit http://www.willowgaitfarm.com/ as a teaser for tomorrow's post. I'll tell you why I was there and my faith lesson for the day. At least on my friend Carol's site there is one lovely picture of water and a tree... (I hope she doesn't mind that I've copied it here for you.)

This nature girl has to have her fix of beauty in creation as often as possible! It keeps me focused on what's really important and who's in charge of this sometimes crazy world.

Take today and look around you, especially at the beauty of creation this time of year. It's a time to be thankful, even as you prepare for the Thanksgiving season. I'll be talking more about beauty and showing some gorgeous fall pictures this week coming up also. Have a grateful day!

Pruned to Produce More

2008-11-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

A friend gave us some lovely Swiss chard plants this summer. They looked good enough to eat right away, but we planted them to grow even more, as she said they would spread out eventually. I love eating Swiss chard, so kept salivating every time I went out to the garden.

Finally, I decided I would cut the largest plant and enjoy it for dinner. I wasn’t sure if it would grow back or not, this late in the season. However, not even a week later, this big picture below is what I saw coming up from the plant I had cut.

The growth seemed to happen very fast. The large plant I cut had seemed to take a long time to get there. But I have a feeling it might have been ready to eat a long time ago and perhaps stopped growing very much. Now that it had been cut back, it had a lot more energy to grow quickly. I’ll probably be cutting them back a lot more often now that I see what happens. It will be interesting to see how long it takes to get to a nice “eating height” again!

I couldn’t help but relate this to my own life. There are times when I am somewhat fearful of letting go of what I see and know in order to move ahead in a different way. It also reminds me that when I come to a grinding halt or get stuck or slowed down in some area of my life, I need to cut some things back. Those good and productive things sometimes need to be tweaked or put on hold or discontinued to make way for new growth or better things to come. I also have found that de-cluttering my life – both my time and my space (as well as my head!) – helps me move ahead with new energy.

What are some good things that are past their prime in your life and need to be cut back or taken away? What fears do you have for discontinuing things in one area in order to hopefully grow or branch out in another area?

If you really think about, you know you need to just move ahead with what you know you need to do. You already know that the energy you’re using in stewing about things will be better used to propel you ahead to where you really want to go – if you’ll just take courage and go for it!

The Tall and Short of It

2008-11-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

I’m a “Dogramma” again this week! In case you haven’t read the last post I did on this, a dogramma (my term) is a lady who takes care of someone else’s dog while the owners are traveling and then gives it back when they return.

Since the dog needs to be taken out, I have visited my backyard more often this week. As I looked around, I made an interesting observation about the okra plants. It appears that each time a flower comes up and turns into okra, the plant shoots up a little higher and starts the next okra production cycle a notch higher. By the end of the season the plants can be quite tall.

I was noticing how one plant seemed to have a thick main trunk all the way up, with the notches from the picked okra and a flower and bud of new okra. But as I looked down the row of our plants, I saw quite a variance in size – both with the height and the thickness of the trunk or main stem, as it were.

What made the difference between the largest, sturdiest and most okra producing plant and the short, scrawny, spindly little plant that hardly produced at all? Why was the little one struggling so to even exist, never mind produce? Weren’t they all in the same soil, with the same light and water conditions?

Apparently there was something missing in the mix of the little one. Maybe it got more shade and not enough water in the position slightly back toward the bushes than the other ones. They were all planted at the same time, so maybe this one had roots or stones or something else in the way underground we couldn’t see that was causing a problem.

I had to think immediately about the human side of things. How often have you seen someone who apparently had it all – money, brains, talent, and opportunities - but they never did anything with their life? On the other hand, how often have you seen people who rose to success despite tremendous obstacles?

Success, using your talents and abilities, and making a difference are all things we will be held accountable for. Why live your life in frustration like the little okra, perhaps under a shadow, or dealing with deeper unseen issues at the heart of things?

If you’re not thriving like the large sturdy producing okra plant, maybe it’s time to take a look at the underlying causes. You have as much potential to be amazing and live up to your God-given potential as anyone else. We are all different so we show our productivity in various ways. But the bottom line is, find out what is really going on that’s keep you from living your best life!

God is at work in you, to will and to work for his good pleasure. You are his workmanship. He will continue his work in you. These are promises in the Bible. However, as the Master Gardener, he can only give us, as his plants, everything we need to grow and produce well. But it’s up to us to let it all work well in our lives. If we are not producing, he will have to cut off a few branches, trim us back, or transplant us into a different area with more fertilizer and sun. Thank about the implications of that for a minute…

The process might be painful, but in the hands of a loving God (the Gardener who knows what he’s doing), we will eventually produce an abundance of good things. If not, we will wither up and die and then be thrown in the fire! Read John 15:1-17 about how to bear fruit that lasts.

When God Moves You

2008-11-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

I have heard many stories about people who were awakened in the night with a thought of someone they know, along with a strong feeling they should pray for them. Often times they find out later what the reason was. It could be they were involved in a calamity of some kind, or an attack physically or spiritually. The prayers made things better than they could have been otherwise. Often miracles occur. Other times the results are a lifting of the heaviness of spirit the person was experiencing, when light and life enters in.

I have experienced the same thing myself. Whether I was awakened with a sense that something was not right, or whether their name popped into my head during the day, I know enough now to stop and pray until I feel I have prayed enough. Many times I’ll hear from them out of the blue minutes or hours or a day later. But even if I never hear anything, I will still follow the guidance and urgings of the Spirit to pray for someone who may be in need of something far beyond what I could give them.

The same kind of thing can occur when you’re speaking to someone and find all of a sudden you’re saying things that were not your own thoughts. I’ve had times when I even felt detached and just watching and listening as things poured out of me right to the other person’s spirit and touched them in a special way. I knew it was God at work through my mouth! These are amazing times when God moves through us!

Who has God been bringing to your mind lately? Remember to stop and lift them up in prayer to a God who cares about each of us! Be a special blessing to someone today through your interceding attitude.

Life Elemental and Beyond

2008-11-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Recently we had a tree and some large bushes cut down, leaving several stumps to deal with. After having seen our neighbor use a natural method to encourage the stump to deteriorate on its own, we decided to do the same thing. It is now covered up with mulch over several other layers including a tarpaulin to hold the moisture in and let nature take its course over the winter.

Decomposition is part of the earthly cycle, so long as earth elements are involved. Compost piles make rich soil with lots of nutrients – often there will be growth coming forth on and around the compost pile. Gardeners pay good money to have rich fertilizer. Think about where we get some of the richest natural fertilizers – usually when animals have extracted all the good they can out of the food they eat and this is what’s left!

How much more amazing that God can take all the leftovers, the broken and discarded pieces of our life, things that may be ugly and stinky and we think could serve no purpose – and he takes us and them and creates something glorious and praiseworthy out of the remains of our lives, as we give it all to him!

He doesn’t ask us to get all cleaned up and pretty and sweet smelling before he can work in us and bless others through us. In fact, he says there’s nothing we can do about it. We can’t take away our own natural sin nature. Only God through Jesus can give us a new pure nature – a new spirit he puts in us.

“For it is by grace we are saved, and not works.” Therefore, it is not of our own doing. There is nothing we can do to save us. Only God’s grace is good enough to fill the requirement he set to save us from ourselves and the cost of sin on our lives. So he had to provide the solution, the answer to our great need. His answer was in Jesus, not only living out the life on earth to show us how to do the same, but paying the ultimate cost of death for us.

He showed us how to even have power over the grave! It is that power – in both life and death – that we have access to as Christ followers (Christians). It quickens and revives our dead spirits – our lasting and eternal nature. That is what comes to life and makes us realize that the natural physical part of us is just temporary, with thoughts and feelings and desires tied to this physical earth. When we let the air out of our natural human nature, the ties holding us down like a hot air balloon to the physical sensory realm are loosed, and we are free to rise above and gain a new perspective from the spiritual vantage point.

We’re involved as part of the cycle of life as well. Not only am I referring to “from ashes to ashes, dust to dust” regarding our elemental chemical physical nature. That part of us comes to live on earth for a short time in light of eternity. But our spirits will last forever. What we allow to happen while here determines what will continue beyond time.

Trains on the Move

2008-11-09T19:37:00.000-05:00

This month is apparently Model Railway Month. Our pastor had an Open House this afternoon to share his passion for model trains with any who would like to attend. I think the child in all of us wanted to go play. And the curious nature in the rest of us wanted to be fascinated by the miniature details of life on the railway line in a make-believe town.

I enjoy finding out about the varied and interesting hobbies people have. Some people collect items from a bygone era, usually tied in some way to their childhood memories. Some build railway villages while others live in a virtual world, building a parallel universe on the internet at Second Life.

Why do we want to reconnect with the past, or build a new future? Isn’t this all about a sense of wanting to be in control of our own little world? Is this our way of dealing with reality by escaping momentarily from it?

I think it is quite healthy to have any kind of hobby that gives your body, soul, mind and spirit a break from the ordinary, as long as it doesn’t take over your life. “All things should be done in moderation,” as they say.

Play therapy, which I like to call it, is a wonderful component of good mental health. I am quite involved in the art part of the play therapy – you could call it art therapy on a small scale.

This week why not celebrate your uniqueness with further exploring your interests, your passions, your hobbies? See how you could reach out to possibly involve others and share that bit of life with them. You might be surprised how you can bless others by sharing your heart with them in this way. And you can get to know things about others you never might have known otherwise.

There was a constant flow of visitors to Pastor Mark’s this afternoon, all fascinated - but not only by the great railroad town. They were drawn there by several forces. One was the curiosity factor to see what this enthusiastic man they saw in a church leader role found so intriguing about his train collection. I learned to appreciate his hobby through his eyes, as well as marvel at his patience, persistence, and investment of so much time and effort over the years.

Another strong force that pulled many there was the human factor. Folks were drawn by the fact that he and his wife were opening their hearts as well as their home to share a bit more of what made them as human as each of us.

It is in the everyday heartbeat of life where train tracks cross, the whistle blows, or opportunities come around to meet us that we can make a difference by just opening up and sharing ourselves.

You never know when you can have a real impact on someone passing your way. They could be looking for meaning or trying to get an answer to something troubling them. They may even be at an intersection waiting till the current train passes so they can figure out where they really want to go in life.

I encourage you to share your hobbies and your everyday life with others. "Live your life real!" Have fun and bless someone in the process!

You can see a 2-minute amateur video movie I made of the train speeding through the railroad town at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ScdwBv-1Y8

For more pictures of Pastor Mark’s train collection and memorabilia, view a slideshow here: http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh15/real-lifepix/Trains/?albumview=slideshow

For more about Pastor Mark's church, visit: http://www.hopevabeach.net/

For more information about model railways, visit the National Model Railroad Association's site at: http://www.nmra.org/

Old is New Again at Cecil's General Store

2008-11-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

Across the street from the old mill I wrote about yesterday was this wonderful general store. I could have spent a day wandering around looking at all the awesome things it housed! From Christmas villages and candles to artwork, jewelry and whimsy, the artist in me enjoyed the workmanship and beauty of many of the items for sale.

I was fascinated at the way the proprietors has kept the integrity of the store as it was in its original heyday. The former butcher’s and baker’s glass and open showcases became display areas for village houses of all themes and seasons. The tin ceiling and the wooden farm board flooring was still intact. Looking through a partially open door, I saw a small room stocked with goods that looked like it was still in the early 1900’s. A step back in time re-occurred only a few steps later as I came across this Post Office area replete with wicket. I suddenly started noticing all the other antiques and treasures "hidden in plain sight" throughout the store.

I am sure some of you will remember having or using a telephone like the one pictured below. That was in the days of party lines and telephone operators, which I remember well!

As I pondered the old days and the changes time has brought, I wondered what a generation or more in the future would be saying about all the ordinary things we use daily and take for granted. What state-of-the-art new-fangled items we love will be collected in the future as relics of the past? What new medical discoveries and technologies will totally change our way of life, even as they have in the past?

What if we thought more of the things we have now, looking at them as someone in the future might – as treasures out of common everyday items from a bygone era? Maybe we would appreciate what we have more, and not be so quick to throw it away or replace it with something prettier or newer.

If we thought further about it, perhaps our perspective on the material things of this world would be more in line with the reality of the temporary nature of the physical things of this world. Maybe we could use a little reminder of true values, especially in this upcoming holiday season that can get so commercial and material-minded.

This passage comes to mind:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:19, NIV

What treasures can you lay hold of today that will be stored up in heaven for you?

For more pictures, history and info about Cecil's General Store and Old Mill, visit: http://www.stmarysart.com/

Old Mill Gets New Life

2008-11-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

When I was in Great Mills, Maryland recently, I was heading back from shopping when I saw a road that beckoned me to explore it. A sign indicated an old mill repurposed into a venue to showcase local artisans’ works.

That sounded like the perfect destination for an art-loving tourist like I was that day! Cecil Mill, I found out, had ground corn and wheat into flour for many years. When the owner passed away, there were few millers left with skill or interest in continuing the milling.

Today it has been refurbished and is a tourist attraction. I enjoyed the way they left the main big equipment pieces in the mill, indicating the purpose it had previously. As most mills, it was located on a creek so it could use water captured in the water wheel as energy to drive the machinery.

Hopefully you can see a bit of the water wheel, the corn feeder and flour grinder in these pictures. They even showed the wheat in the jar for those who had never seen it up close, so they’d know the plant that flour comes from.

What I realized was special about this place was how the old mill formerly ground the wheat to feed the body. But now it was housing arts & crafts – using works of the heart to feed the soul. It was a place of inspiration.

We all have seasons in our lives. Whether we’re producing nourishment or inspiration, we are still doing something important. Even if you are feeling "old and worn out" some days, or that you may have lost your original purpose, don’t think for a moment that your work is done. God can “repurpose” you just as you are for a different kind of specialty and inspiration that he wants to do through you. Whether it’s creative expression, acts of service, or loving and listening, every one of us can inspire and serve others in some way to make this world a better place.

Do what you can and trust God to take care of the results!

For more pictures, history and info about Cecil's Old Mill, visit: http://www.stmarysart.com/

Life Recycled

2008-11-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

Here are more pictures from my recent trip to Maryland.

As I looked out the window while having breakfast with my brother-in-law, I noticed a ground hog waddling by the bird feeder into the woods. Bob told me it lived in this uprooted tree trunk not far away.

When I’ve noticed a fallen tree before, I’ve often thought “what a shame! The end of a lovely grand old tree!” But since seeing this overturned tree stump, I realize it is not the end of its useful life, but just the beginning of a whole new cycle.

When a tree falls, there begins a lot of new life and activity, most of which we can’t see. Bugs move in, feeding off the decaying wood and helping the process of decomposition. The hollowed out areas become new homes for ground hog, rabbits, and other creatures.

Even when a tree dies and is still standing the same process goes into effect. I found this tree with the bark stripped off in the middle and a bunch of holes in it where probably woodpeckers where making it home.

Even in death there is life. The endless cycle of nature continues as death brings new life.

Perhaps this can apply to our lives as well. What areas of your life are coming to a close, giving rise to new desires and opportunities? What things should you just let go of, bury them and move on to new things? It could be in destructive attitudes you’ve harbored toward someone, in activities that don’t enhance your life, or relationships that bring you down or are going nowhere and you know it’s time to say “Bye-bye!” to them.

Maybe it’s time to review and ponder an appropriate passage in reference to your life situation at the moment. What season is it for you?

For everything there is a season,

And a time for every matter under heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die;

A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal;

A time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh;

A time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to seek, and a time to lose;

A time to keep, and a time to throw away;

A time to tear, and a time to sew;

A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate,

A time for war, and a time for peace.
-Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Behold, I will do a new thing...

Stuff Happens - Whether You Lichen or Not!

2008-11-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

On a trip through the woods recently, I came across these beautiful lichens and fungi growing throughout the area.

As I continued to find and photograph the various kinds and patterns, I noticed how they attached to different parts of trees, both living and dead, and even to rocks. It reminded me of how stuff gets attached and growing into or onto our lives that we don’t necessarily want – like extra baggage or a parasite.

Sometimes it may be a bother and something we have tried to get rid of, but here it still is! There are times when those things are not important to worry about any longer. It's time to just accept them for what they are and move on.

We can still retain our focus and our purpose and let it become a thing of beauty to behold, even as it draws more attention to our often dull-colored lives! Maybe I’m stretching it a little bit here in my analogy, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Sometimes there is nothing we can do about the stuff that attaches itself to our life. We just have to deal with it, to make the best of it.

So why not enjoy the unusual patterns and beautiful enhancement to the fabric of our lives? I like to think of God as an artist, using everything in our life to fashion the beautiful masterpiece of each one of us when he is done and our lives are held up for inspection and delight of the Master Craftsman!

As there is great beauty and variety in each of these lichen pictures on the trees, so there is great potential for wonderment in the outcome of our lives. As we allow some colorful growth to take place in and around us, we can trust God to know what’s best for us in the long run!

Take A Walk on the Wild Side!

2008-11-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

I don’t know about you, but I’m addicted to nature and fascinated with all the interesting creatures and growing things I come across from day to day! I continue to be amazed with different bugs and birds and animals that enter my normal backyard habitat. So being surrounded with so many different views and creatures in these woods from my recent Maryland trip was heaven to me!

I sometimes wonder what we’re missing in our day-to-day lives that we just don’t see. Whether we don’t have or take the time to see them, or whether we are not in the right perspective, frame of mind, or on the correct level, what lessons about life are we missing? Is it time to schedule some quiet time each day just to breathe deeply, to have no mechanical noise so we can hear the beautiful melodies of our natural world? These are acts of restoration that are a necessary part of everyone’s life, but are often a lost art in today’s hectic pace.

Why not take a break from your computer now, push back your chair and go outside or take a walk to a nearby park or other place in nature for a short time? Look for trees, water, flowers – even a little fountain somewhere if you’re a ways from an open natural setting.

I guarantee it will refresh your soul, help your body and sense of well-being, and perhaps even give you a better perspective on things you’re trying to get a handle on. You might even be inclined to turn it into a gratitude walk or a worship walk, as you get your mind off yourself and onto the Creator of all this amazement! I hope you enjoy it so much that you make it part of every day – so that your routine is no longer so routine!

Here are a few snippets of verses to get you thinking in the right direction, in case you can't leave now, but can only take a minute vacation in your mind!

“Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me, bless his holy name!”
“Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.”
“Even the mountains clap their hands and the rocks cry out – to praise you…”
Even if you can only walk your fingers through the book of Psalms, it will surely revive your spirit!

Halloween Fun!

2008-11-01T17:50:00.000-04:00

As promised, here are some pix from last night's Halloween party at the club.

As my grandmother would have said, "It was a scream!"

For you young'uns, that means it was rockin', dude!

We decided not to dress up, but just to appear as colorful characters. This is the result!

For more fun pictures, you can view the slideshow at:

http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh15/real-lifepix/Halloween/?albumview=slideshow

Trick or Treat - Scary Pix!

2008-10-31T11:39:00.001-04:00

I just got a creepy reminder of a Halloween party my husband and I attended a few years ago with some friends from the office. Looks like everyone was happy to play another role (or gender!) than we saw each other in on a day-to-day basis!

Click here to open the video slideshow at SmileBox by Hallmark.

http://tinyurl.com/spookystuff

You'll see me dressed in black and my husband in green. Enjoy!

We're going to the country club tonight with friends, but don't plan to dress up quite as scary as these pictures! I'll have to post them up over the weekend for you! ;-)

Keep safe and don't eat all the candy!

Put Your Fall Face On!

2008-10-31T08:00:00.000-04:00

During my recent weekend stay in the country, I gathered many photos of fall activities, places, sights and scenes.

Whether you decorate your face, your house, yard, or place of business for the season, it certainly is a colorful time of celebrating a new season.

Since today is Halloween and tomorrow All Saints Day, along with Daylight Savings Time ending this weekend (yeah! we fall back and gain an hour of sleep!), I’d like to share some of the celebration pictures I took on my trip to the countryside of Maryland.

What are you grateful and thankful for this time of year? Take time to tell those you love how much they mean to you, even with their silly faces, should they be dressing up this weekend. Give God his due praise and thanks for all he has given you, and continues to each day.

May his praise be continually in my mouth! I suggest you read with me Psalm 96 for a mighty praise psalm to our great God. One part I think is especially appropriate for today’s theme. “Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy.” - Psalm 96:12, NIV

Nature's Perspectives

2008-10-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

During our recent stay with my brother-in-law in Maryland, I enjoyed experiencing fall from a new perspective. Bob lives on a wooded 5-acre lot, so there are lots of “nature happenings” all around. As I enjoyed walking through the woods and around the property, admiring his recent landscaping projects, I took the time to observe natural life occurrences that one does not usually see every day, especially in the city or near the ocean. Armed with my trusty digital camera, I returned with lots of interesting photo treasures!

Often in life there are things going on in another world right around us that we aren’t even aware of. I want to share a few photos showing things that most people would miss on a walk through the woods.

If you look closely at this first photo, you should see a tiny frog in the middle. The only reason I even saw it was because he was jumping to get away from us – and I was looking, not talking!

Shortly, I came across this cobwebby blanket, holding drops of moisture over the leafy floor.

Sometimes you have to look closely to see real beauty, or a different kind of beauty. I have always loved moss. When I came across this mossy patch, I had to bend down to stroke it. In doing so, I saw the little moss hairs protruding upwards. I thought it would be interesting to take a picture of their profile, but my camera focused on the light and not the hairs, so this (below) is the picture I got. I was thinking this could be the perspective of most woodland creatures, especially the little frog.

Perhaps it’s time to change your perspective on things. Have you been stuck in the same old routine or focused on problems that don’t seem to go away? Sometimes just getting out of the routine, or changing the way you approach or look at something can make a huge difference in getting to “better” in your life. Have you tried asking God for his perspective on what’s going on? He sees the big picture – the whole woods – when we’re stuck in the moss or under the leaves.

“Cast all your anxiety on him for he cares for you.” - 1 Peter 5:7, NIV
“Call to me and I will answer and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” - Jeremiah 33:3, NIV

Litter, Litter Everywhere!

2008-10-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

Recently my husband and I visited my brother-in-law Bob in Maryland for a few days. Periodically during our stay a neighbor’s cat would appear outside the sliding glass door on the deck, meowing to come in for a visit. Apparently, Bob would give the cat some milk and some dried cat food, as he said “Kitty” was nursing a new litter of kittens, and he wasn’t sure she was getting fed enough with a tumultuous situation at the neighbor’s house going on.

Momma cat and I bonded quickly. She was a very affectionate cat, coming in first to be petted and appreciated. Only later after she felt everyone had had their fill of petting her would she gravitate to the food station to lap up all the milk and have a few nibbles of dried food. After more wandering around and getting rubbed, she would meow to go out again and back to her kittens.

We had a nice surprise the morning we were getting ready to leave. When I opened the front door to go out, Kitty was on the front porch with all five of her kittens nursing right there with her! Bob marveled, as he said this was the first time she’d brought them over. And I loved cuddling them and playing with them briefly!

Bob told me the story of the cat, how this was the third litter she’d had. Conversations with the owner after every litter were about “you know - you could get the cat spayed if you don’t want any more kittens.” “Oh, yes, I’ll have to do that.” And then boom, another litter before you know it, with the repeated conversation each time!

I had to smile when I heard that, as I recalled a time I had a cat that kept getting pregnant before I could get her spayed. Ours and the neighbors’ cars always had paw prints on their hoods, along with resting cats warming themselves from the engine heat on cold days. I’m sure it was somewhat annoying to the neighbors, while we were waiting to give the cats away!

In fact, I know it was particularly distressing to one neighbor to always be worrying about the cats. One day he started his car and a fast streak of fur came running out from under the car, minus about an inch of his tail! The neighbor felt so bad, but we certainly couldn’t blame him. That became a catalyst to deal with the expanding cat population before the mother became pregnant once again! Our relations with our neighbors and the stress and annoyance the cats were giving them (and us) weren’t worth it. We needed to be more proactive about solving the problem. So we did.

Thinking about all these litters and the issues that arose made me wonder:

What areas in my life do I need to be more proactive about?

What litters resulted and caused problems that I didn’t need and could have prevented if I have been more decisive and followed through immediately?

How has my procrastination in some areas caused my own litter and mess that I need to take responsibility for and clean up?

What areas are there where I've asked God for help, and he's still waiting for me to act on the answer he's already given me?!

I could bless myself by my obedience in doing what I know to do first!

Perhaps there are some areas you need to think about and follow through with as well. I suspect we all have them. Maybe it’s time to own your litter! Then deal with it as appropriate. It could be keeping you from moving ahead in some other area where you desire to make progress.

I encourage you to take action and Meow-ve ahead with your life now!! ;-)