Continuing Intentional Living

"Every day you either live by priorities or you live by pressures. You either decide what is important in your life or else you let other people tell you what is most important in your life." - Rick Warren

Be Intentional In Everything

I intentionally did not let my children watch TV this morning before school to avoid morning delays.


I inetentionally did not read my favorite BLOGs this morning to avoid being side tracked from tasks that MUST take priority.


I intentionally changed the garbage before it got to full and overflowed or required to people and a crow bar to get it out of the can.

These are not my normal habits or tendencies physically or mentally.

It makes sense to me that my mind gets as full as the garbage.

When was the last time you dumped it out, sorted it for recycling or rummaged for lost treasures?

This is why I am intentionally writing this down. This is why I give myself permission to dump my mind.

I am going to live intentionally...Are you?

HELP ME! I've Lost my Rose Colorded God Glasses!

Do you have your Rose Colored God Glasses? I Sure hope so!I lost mine today and my friend is lending me hers. (Thank you Donna!)
In case you are not familiar what Rose Colored God glasses are, they are the filter that God puts over our eyes that allows us to focus on him and not what the world floods us with.

It is reminds me of the shields on horses eyes. I learned to day they are called "blinkers" and are use for:

• Many racehorse trainers believe this keeps the horse focused on what is in front of him, encouraging him to pay attention to the race rather than other distractions, such as crowds.
• They are used on driving horses, to keep them from being distracted or spooked, especially on crowded city streets. A “set of winkers” can refer to the whole bridle, particularly the heavy bridle used on draft horses.

I really need to focus, be encouraged and not get spooked! Today I begin a new challenge that I have never faced. I have been overwhelmed and blindsided.

I am holding on tight to my friend's Rose Colored God Glasses until I can get mine back!

Our System Just Isn't Setup for Death

This was shared with me and I couldn't help but post it....
I new our world view on how to live was askew, but look at this "service" view on handling death!
(I don't encourage the sarcasm, but given the circumstances would find it difficult to refrain myself.)

A lady died this past January, and Citibank billed her for February and March for their annual service charges on her credit card, and added late fees and interest on the monthly charge. The balance had been $0.00 when she died, but now somewhere around $60.00. A family member placed a call to Citibank.

Here is the exchange :

Family Member: 'I am calling to tell you she died back in January.'

Citibank : 'The account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply.'

Family Member : 'Maybe, you should turn it over to collections.'

Citibank : 'Since it is two months past due, it already has been.'

Family Member : So, what will they do when they find out she is dead?'

Citibank : 'Either report her account to frauds division or report her to the credit bureau, maybe both!'

Family Member : 'Do you think God will be mad at her?'

Citibank: 'Excuse me?'

Family Member : 'Did you just get what I was telling you -

the part about her being dead?'

Citibank : 'Sir, you'll have to speak to my supervisor.'


Supervisor gets on the phone:

Family Member : 'I'm calling to tell you, she died back in January with a $0 balance.'

Citibank : 'The account was never closed and late fees and charges still apply.'

Family Member : 'You mean you want to collect from her estate?'

Citibank : (Stammer) 'Are you her lawyer?'

Family Member : 'No, I'm her great nephew.' (Lawyer info was given)

Citibank: 'Could you fax us a certificate of death?'

Family Member : 'Sure.' (Fax number was given )


After they get the fax :

Citibank : 'Our system just isn't setup for death.
I don't know what more I can do to help..'

Family Member : 'Well, if you figure it out, great!
If not, you could just keep billing her. She won't care.'

Citibank: 'Well, the late fees and charges do still apply.'
(What is wrong with these people?!?)

Family Member : 'Would you like her new billing address?'

Citibank : 'That might help...'

Family Member : ' Odessa Memorial Cemetery , Highway 129, Plot Number 69. '

Citibank : 'Sir, that's a cemetery !'

Family Member : 'And what do you do with dead people on your planet???
(Priceless!!)

Trying to Get Refocused of Daily Dying

I have not been dying well of the last couple of days. So many of today's problems have overwhelmed me and clouded my focus. In order to refocus I am following the suggestions below: Thank you to Rick Warren for my Daily reminders

God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and
love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NCV)
*** *** *** ***

Six keys of self-discipline:

1. Master your mood.
2. Watch your words.
3. Stick to your schedule.
4. Manage your money.
5. Maintain your health.

1.Master your mood. They live by their commitments, not their emotions. People who do the right thing even when they don’t feel like it accomplish most of what gets done in the world! “A man without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken-down walls” (Proverbs 25:28 LB).
2.Watch your words. They put their minds in gear before opening their mouths. “He who guards his lips guards his life” (Proverbs 13:3 NIV).
People with self-discipline restrain their reactions. How much can you take before you lose your cool? “If you are sensible, you will control your temper. When someone wrongs you, it is a great virtue to ignore it” (Proverbs 19:11 GNT).
3. Stick to your schedule. If you don’t determine how you will spend your time you can be sure that others will decide for you! “Live life, then, with a due sense of responsibility … Make the best use of your time” (Ephesians 5:15–16 PH).
4. Manage your money. They learn to live on less than what they make and they invest the difference. The value of a budget is that it tells your money where you want it to go rather than wondering where it went! “The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets” (Proverbs 21:20 LB).
5. Maintain your health. That way they can accomplish more and enjoy their achievements. “Every one of you should learn to control his body, keeping it pure and treating it with respect” (1 Thessalonians 4:4 PH).
The disciplines you establish today will determine your success tomorrow. But it takes more than just willpower for lasting self-discipline. It takes a power greater than yourself: “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT/NCV).
The more I accept God’s control over my life, the more self-control he gives me!

FRIDAY????? What happened to this week???

I blinked and I almost missed it!
I peeked back at my BLOGs and I realize that I have a few things out of order and it was brought to my attention during my morning walk with my son and my dog. I loaded my son into the jogging stroller and took off.
I recognized that it was somewhat harder to push, put attributed it to missing the last few days of exercise. I stopped at the first stop sign to realize all three wheels were flat!
In all honesty, who knows how long it has been flat??? As I started up the first hill, I thought about going back to pump up the tires, but was in too much of a rush to turn around. I made it to the top of the hill (breathing much harder than neccesary). The rest of the way was down hill! YEAH!
My dog lead the way running from one side of the street to the other and I said to myself, "I wish she could pick a lane and stay in it!"
Then it hit me - I wish I could pick a lane and stay in it!
How is it I can be disciplined half the week and not the other half??
I was somewhat relieved when I finally read my Executive Pastors Blog - http://www.churchrequel.com/
"The first 40 years or so I usually got up barely in time to make it to work." from the topic Why-i-love-morn
Then he sprung that word on me: DISCIPLINE
My BLOGGING should have begun:
How I will live my last 30 days with DISCIPLINE
Discipline is not a bad thing or a dirty word.
If I had been disciplined enough to pump up the stroller tires the last time. I would not have struggled so much this morning!
If I had gotten up for my time with God. I would not have been rushed for time during the walk and would have turned around an filled the tire this morning.
If I were consistent with my disciplines, most of the grief in my life, would not exist.
Now go do your disciplines!

I Have Not Been Intentional!

OK...The timer is set 5 mins!
Christ-follower, Wife, Mother, Daugther, Sister, Friend, Project Manager and Volunteer - just to name a few! Sometimes I where these hats with pride. Sometimes I burden them like an Ox's yoke.
Today I remind myself they are all a BLESSING!
I may not be perfect in every responsibility, but I Love having the opportunity to try.
Love Your Life
Live Your Disciplines
Share Your Hope!
PS For those of you that were at the service last weekend, are your rings and watches still on the wrong hands? Mine is! Time to do someting about it!

Mt Jeez is OPEN!

Those of you that have been following my BLOG, know that last week we did not have the best luck reaching on of our favorite places, Mount Jeez Overlook.
ROAD CLOSED?

To those of you who are not familar with Mt. Jeez,

We gave it another try yesterday, and were blessed for our persistance.

We enjoyed the amazing view, but learned about the unseen also.

We met another group that frequented Mount Jeez, as we spoke, Steve noticed my son going to sit on the hill. He mentioned that he wished he had a camera.

As I videoed my son, Steve told me about his sister that had died of Cervical cancer. He explained that she loved the view here and that they had spread here ashes right where my son was sitting. Steve brought to my attention how the sun was shining on my son's head and it looked as if his head was glowing.

I need to tell you a little more to this story...my son, who is never still, found PEACE on the Mt. this day. Normally he runs up and down the hill an immediately wants to get in the car and go home. He was the last one we rounded up. He had made his way beside the cow pasture and was admiring to baby cows. PEACEFUL, CALM and QUIET.

That night I told my son about Steve and his sister and he said, "Mom, I felt something special when I sat down, now I know why."

Happy Birthday!

My oldest son turned 8 yesterday and we are Celebrating today!
SO,
This blog is dedicated to him...to everything he teaches me and for how much love he gives.
For my children's protection and privacy, I do not post thier names or pictures so let me describe how I see him...
Quiet strength and a warm heart; definately driven by words of affirmation and gifts of time.
He is my protector - even to his siblings, he doesn't allow verbal abuse or physical taps, even when just in play.
He loves God! He is a praise and worhsip leader at our church for his classmates.
He strives to do right and is very hard on himself when he feels he has failed.
His eyes will always speak his truths! Handsome blue eyes that will dart away when a truth is not on his toungue, or sparkle, when he is encouraging me with his young wisdom.
I love my son for everything he is, everything he is striving to be and everything he has yet to discover.
Eventhough, like all parents, I look for the attributes that I recognize in my son...I am amazed in the parts of my son that I don't recognize. Attributes that are not mine or my husbands...I believe this are the strengths that God has given him, that we need to help him recognize and develop.
This are the gifts that make him unique and help him find his purpose and place.
Happy Birthday my son, my blessed gift from God!
Love,
Your Mom

The Prodigal "Dog" or the One Lost "Dog"

My family welcomed a lost dog into our home a few months ago.

Libby, short for Liberty, is a "Beagle-Something". Her ears are as soft as silk with the speed of a race horse.

She was named by her founder, Liberty, to remind us she was free from bondage. Liberty had been a beaten dog and we have spent a good deal of time helping her recovery from her experiences.

Over the last few weeks we have seen her come out of her shell and also our HOUSE, often...

Her speed makes her impossible to catch and her brains make her difficult to trick. Food is usually the hook, but NOT today ;0(

Libby had jumped into the van so we took her along to drop off something at the babysitter. My daughter really wanted the music on so I left the keys in the car as I stepped up to the door.

My babysitter shoots her arm to point...I spin around...Libby jumps out the window! NO!!!!!!!!!

We tried to lure her into the car with cookies but no luck. Libby is part hound and she was free to track so many new smells!

We chased her in the van from street to street. I would hollar for her and she would run the other way.

I would get out of the car, she would get inches from me and then dart again.

I got back in the car several times and said, "Fine! If that dogs wants to be lost in a foreign place, so be it!" But I just couldn't drive the car out of the neighborhood.

What if she couldn't find her way back to the babysitter? No Food, No Shelter

But she wasn't my dog to begin with, maybe she wants to find her way home, maybe she doesn't like us?????

OK, long story short...after 30 minutes I wised up, had my daughter hollar for her and in the van she jumped.

She stunk, but a bath and a few moments in her cage to think about her actions. Everything was back to normal. But I couldn't help but think of theseto Bible stories:

The Prodigal Son and The Lost Sheep (click on the links for the stories)

I am so much like my dog! I turn away when something smells sweeter and I run from a familar voice to the unknown. How blessed am I to have a loving father who takes me back, no matter how bad I stink or how long I have been gone. Most of all, he never stops looking for me even when I stop looking for him.

Thank you Father!

(PS He never puts me in my cage to think about my actions...)

Closer Walk With Thee

A couple BLOGS ago...I mentioned this weeks challenge to grow closer to God.

Here is a song that I am using to draw closer:



Turn up the speakers and be sure to listen past the slow intro...

Here are the lyrics if you want to sing along:

Precious Lord, Take My Hand / Just A Lyrics by Selah
album: Be Still My Soul (1998), Greatest Hymns (2005)
Thomas A. Dorsey / J.R. Baxter Jr.
Arrangement By Nicol Smith, Todd Smith, Allan Hall

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, help me stand
I am tired
I am weak
I am worn
Through the storm,
Through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand, precious lord
Lead me home

When my way grows drear’
Precious Lord, linger near
When my life is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my hand, lest i fall
Take my hand, precious Lord
Lead me home
Take my hand, precious Lord
Lead me home

Just A Closer Walk With Thee

Chorus:
just a closer walk with Thee
Grant it, Jesus is my plea
Daily walking close to Thee
Let it be, dear Lord
Let it be

I am weak, but Thou art strong
Jesus, keep me from all wrong
I’ll be satisfied as long
As i walk
Let me walk close to Thee

(Repeat chorus)

When my feeble life is o’er
Time for me will be no more
Guide me gently, safely o’er
To Thy kingdom shore,
To Thy shore

Lyrics Here Also

and here is a link if you want a download of the song on their album, I like this version a little better...PS sorry it is not free but worth the 99 cents.

Daily Disciplines - Devotional

I guess now is as good as time as any to share with you some of my Daily Discipline Strategy.

Daily Devotional:

Let me explain that being a Mommy of three ,wife , dog walker...I do not usually get a block of time with God, so I really do mean a "daily" devotional. I talk to God when I can. I really utilize technology for my materials, study guides and research.

1) 6 AM Meeting with God to be in his word

• This morning I did the pulpit study guide provided by our church, Crossroads, I get this sent electronically from the church, you can sign up at the small group hub for this.
• I also have daily readings sent to my email to read the Bible in a year. This link is on the right side of my blog.
• Other times I pray to him through song.

2) Read Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotional (also sent electronically to my email)

3) I Blog to journal my thoughts and receive feedback from other believers.

4) Study: I use on-line references to understand meanings of words and cross references, and quite honestly, I do not have a set in I use. I GOOGLE search on the verse I am working on.

5) Pray: I do have a strategy to keep me on track in my prayers, I tend to ramble (if any of you are snickering, you know me tooo well!) : Thank you Pastor Jason Allison for the acrostic.

A - Acknowledge
Give reverence to the "AWE"of God
"Hallowed be thy name"

C - Confess
I am a sinner. I am powerless. Followed by any grievance I need to repent for.

T - Thanksgiving
Thank yous for the Mercies and Graces God gives me daily.

S - Supplication
Prayers for my brothers and sisters in Christ

AND PRAY BOLDLY!

Sometimes...I get to all of these, sometimes I get to (one) of these. Others times I may only get to pray the old fashioned way (Example: When we lost power for several days.)

I wanted to leave you with today's message from A Purpose Driven Life.
I can't tell you how many times God has given me clarification in these messages. With my pending decision, this mornings devotion was just another example:

The Bible offers three timeless principles for facing an uncertain future:

1. Let God set your goals. It’s foolish to make any plans without first consulting God. He’s the only one who does know the future, and he’s eager to guide you through it. The Bible says “We may make our plans, but God has the last word” (Proverbs 16:1 GNT). In other words, planning without praying is presumption. Start by praying, “God, what do you want me to do?”

2. Live one day at a time. While you can plan for tomorrow, you can’t live tomorrow until it arrives. Most people spend so much time regretting the past and worrying about the future, they have no time for today! Commit to making the most of each moment of each day. Jesus said, “Don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time” (Matthew 6:34 LB).

3. Don’t procrastinate. Procrastinating is a subtle trap. It wastes today by postponing things until tomorrow. You promise yourself that you’ll do it “one of these days,” but then “one of these days” turns into “none of these days.” The Bible says, “Do not boast about [what you’re going to do] tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1 NIV). What have you planned to do that you haven’t done yet? When do you intend to start working on it?


© 2008 Purpose Driven Life. All rights reserved.

How We Fall Back Into Old Habits

Why do we always fall back in to the same old patterns, when obviously they didn't serve us the first time? (Or the second, third...)

Last night after I kicked into - FIND A JOB MODE (One I my habits)

I failed to mention I did one more thing: I PRAYED

I didn't do it first, I fell into my pattern of just do it, BUT it is never to late to I change. As I stopped my FIND A JOB MODE to attend church I was reminded what I forgot!

Last night was Communion at our church. A very special night to remember, reflect and practice an act of joyful obedience - "And do this in remembrance of me"

Our church also offers elder prayer on these nights. This is an opportunity to follow another of God's guides to pray for and with each other. (James 5:13-16)


My prayer is simple:

Lord open the doors you want me to walk through and close the doors that will
tempt me to do my will and not yours.

I leave you with an opportunity to pray with God. Those that know me personally, understand my love of music, I have include some beautiful praise music from last nights service...
The music is only 1:10, you can spare that. God misses you ;0)

(Thank you Milo and Jessica for the Music)

Life Got in the Way of Dying

Those of you that are following my blog this month know that I am taking the One Month To Live Challenge. I have been enjoying the change of focus from time pressed, rushed, overbooked, over-committed to my three focus points of:

• Loving Life
• Living Disciplines
• Sharing Hope

But yesterday...the FINANCES of living more than 30 Days hit.

I have been blessed to be a stay-at-home mom for 5 years now. I have been working part-time as a small business owner, Integrity Project Management and have partnered with a dear friend, Donna from TheWebCoach.net over the last year and 1/2. I have been so honored to work with people local, national and international and watch them take their dreams from an idea to reality.

This flexible schedule has allowed me to:

• Be Mom
• Be Wife
• Be Employee
• Be Employer
• Be Friend
• Be Encourager
• Be Volunteer

It has not however, been a huge financial support to my family. I NEVER went into business for huge monetary gains. Just enough to assist with the mortgage, food, gas and our kids activities. The goals was to allow me to be Mom and Wife. My husband and I agreed that "bread-winner" was not my primary role, but we understood that when the time came that the "Outs" were more than "Ins" , we would have to reevaluate our situation. Yesterday I got the nod...it's time.

Re-Evaluation Day

I pulled out the resume and made the appropriate updates. Immediately hit the on-line hiring sites:

I am never sure what to put in the search field. The only criteria I am sure of is that it has to be local because my community is my family and I choose to serve those I live with.

(NOTE: I have yet to find a job description looking for an passionate Life Lover looking to work her disciplines and share her hope to benefit a not for profit people focused company.)

I enter my experience, upload the resume and wait for responses.

I then check the freelance sites. DO the same process. And Wait...

OK now I can get back to Dying!

Ambulance Lights

Who's House Is It?

My heart was racing. As I drove up my road, I saw ambulance lights just past my house. Which house is it? Please don't let it be Mrs. "S" . Mrs. S was recently diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and last I had heard she hadn't been doing well.

As I got closer, I realized it was the next house. I thanked God that it wasn't Mrs. S, but immediately realized how selfish I was.

1. Because Mrs. S is a Christ follower. She has a personal relationship with her Savior.
2. Because eventhough it was not my friend, the ambulance had stopped at another child of God's house.

I'll talk you more later...have to let this sink in. Who's heart will race when the ambulance is for me? for you?

One Month to Live - Today is a New Day

The day Chicken Little (Zach Braff) tried to warn everybody the sky was falling, his world began falling apart. The worst blow of all, was that his own father didn’t believe him. In fact, his father was just plain embarrassed by him. But, today is a new day, and Chicken Little has a plan to erase that defining moment from the minds of the townspeople, or townsanimals, and to make his dad proud of him.




I had planned to talk about all of the disciplines that I failed to acheive yesterday:

• Missed the 6am meeting with God - didn't get to him till 10am (unless you count all of the praying in between to get the kids to school on time, that the dog doesn't pee on the floor again or that my youndest son could avoid any injuries until at least noon!)


• Missed the 7am Appointment with my Walking Shoes


• Avoided the 8am Meeting with the Laundry

You can see where my day was headed...

But this morning, as I drove my son to the babysitter, he said,"Today is a New Day Mom!"



My son is a big fan of Chicken Little and even though it was a line he had learned from a movie, it was used in perfect context! Today is a new day!



So here are the things we did accomplish yesterday:

Returned a homemade canning jar to my neighbor, and said," Thank you!"

Took back the chainsaw our friend let us use during the recent storm and took the time to chat.

Went grocery shopping with our kids and enjoyed a game of football in the toy isle with friends we met there.

Bought extra items to make a potpie for a neighbor suffering.

Helped my daugther go to sleep on her own for the first time.

Watched my husband fall asleep in the chair with my son.

Kissed my oldest son goodnight and having him tell me, "It was a good day Mom!"

I ended my evening to the peace of the pitter patter of the rain.

The Sound of the Rain

AMEN!

Challenge #1 Connect With God

This was our attempt last night to connect with God:

ROAD CLOSED?

To those of you who are not familar with Mt. Jeez, it is one of the most amazing places to view the valley. (See Picture Below) We have spent many evenings on this "mount" to absorb the beauty of God. I found it funny that my first attempt to connect with God was "CLOSED". Interesting way to start this journey.

Mt. Jeez

PS We didn't give up. We spent the rest of the night at a great playground watching and playing with our three children. We also met another of God's miracles. A 5 year old boy that had died twice before the end of his first hour! Not month, not day but hour...

One Month to Live Challenge

Dear Friends,

I have accepted the One Month to Live Challenge

30 days to COMPLETE MY DASH (-)

July 8, 1973 - October 28, 2008

Priciples of the One Month to Live Challenge

#1 Live Passionately

How to:

#1 Develop My List of Values

#2 Reduce this list to the Values that are most important.

#3 Select the top 3 to focus on

This principle reminds reminds me of a process I shared with you earlier. The Jewish people have created Ethical wills for centuries. These are not the list of stuff to be given, put the list of values to be developed. These are the puzzle pieces that we should be leaving for each generation.

Here are my 3 top items:

1. Love Life - the Gift God has given me.

2. Live My Disciplines - the Law the Holy Spirit has placed in my heart and mind.

3. Share my Hope - The Great Commandment to take the Love of God to All Nations!

As you all know I recently started writing my book and this challenge is a "God-fit" to help me finish it!

Time to get my joy off the bus! I'll talk to you all soon!

If you would like to join me in this Challenge here are the details:

www.crossroadswired.com

The Book - Update

The books shell has made it from the paper to the computer. YEAH!
This is my win for the day!

I'll keep you all updated...

Off to prepare for Celebrate Recovery...Amazing People, Amazing Ministry...Amazing Grace!

Exciting News: There is a Book in the Works!

O.K. I have thought about it, prayed about it, talked about it and finally STARTED DOING IT!

I created the book structure in about an hour last night and started filling in the blanks today.

I am here by announcing, to all of you, the request that you hold me ACCOUNTABLE to completing this!

Thebook is about my belief and experience Loving Life, Living My Disciplines and Sharing Hope.

After I became very sick 2 1/2 years ago, I had to start life over. Many of the "actions" I did in life that were automatic, I had to relearn. I went from being well oiled and supercharged to a crash victim.

I have found help and hope along the recovery path, BUT I also discovered road blocks and ignorance.

As I have reviewed lessons learned and shared experiences with others, I realize that these discoveries are meant to be shared. So, I guess you would say I have become an advocate for Living Life.

I believe by telling not just WHAT happened but HOW I operate through life, people will have a guide to follow during the rough times or a bridge to fill the gaps when things sneak up.

If you read my last post...these are my contributions my family's puzzle.

Where did the 87 Years Go?

As I was sipping my tea this morning with my son, I looked over and saw the mug he was using "Lee" was on the cup. Lee or Leone, is my grandmother.

( A wonderfully amazing woman: Tuff as nails with a heart as warm as melting tire rubber.)

I suggested to my son, we call "Great-Gamma"!

As we spoke, Gramma of course mentioned how time seems to fly. As she spoke to my 3 year old on the phone, she could hear him say "wuv you". Something that did not happen just a short time ago. I could see him kiss the phone and could hear the lips smackin' on the other end.

That's your youngest? "Where have the years gone?" Gramma asked.

Gramma, who is now 87, no longer remembers all dates, but does reference the family Bible often for details. She is the oldest and most experienced living member of my family. She has seen the first radio (when she was in first grade), first TV, first computer and the first cellphone. She survived wars, depression and seeing men land on the moon. Gramma has survived generations of births, marriages, divorces and deaths.

And she wonders... Where have the 87 years gone?

I can tell, you they have gone to everyone my Grandmother has ever met.

NEVER a selfish woman, Gramma has spent most of her life serving others. It is hard to remember all the details of your life when you are constantly focused on others.

I love listening to my Gramma share her experiences, but more importantly her life lessons.

The Jewish faith does this in a method called a Moral or Ethical Wills for centuries. These were not the "stuff" that is left behind, but the "How To Live" instructions. The morals and ethics to live by and pass on. These were the non-negotiables in life.

Why let your years go anywhere? Could you imaging having a generational history lesson to clue you in to the "The How To's of Life". (Talk about listening to your elders?)

Would the "Life lessons: Victories and Defeats and how to survive both" have benefited you? Circumstances change but coping strategies don't!

What are you leaving for your family to pass on. Does it make sense to throw all the pieces back into the puzzle box before the puzzle is complete?

Pass on your portion and let your loved one's continue until God puts in the final piece!

I Love You Gramma!

What do we most want people to know about mental illness?”

“What do we most want people
to know about mental illness?”

This question was posed by my dear friend MaryKay Pierce. MaryKay is the Director for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Richland County Ohio. (419-522-6264 mpierce5@neo.rr.com)

Here is my response:

Mental Illness is a verifiable physical condition!

People who suffer from these conditions need that same help accepting and recovering from their diagnosis as any other diagnosis. (Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes)
They also need HOPE!

HOPE that change is on the horizon:
Change in a society that FEARS them because of a word written on a document, Bi-Polar, Schizophrenic, Depression.
Change in a society from ignorance to education.
Change in a society from myths to seeking truth.
Change in a society away from condemnation to compassion.

A change from a society to a COMMUNITY!




These ideas sprouted from my morning devotional (Purposedrivelife.com) but these thoughts are not strickly Christian or dismissable because you may not share the same faith.
***Please do not let the quoting of scripture dissuaid you from reading. Wouldn't you have me identify my verifiyable source rather than tell you these are my ideas???In any other writing you quote your source, this is just one of mine.


2007/08/23

Helping Each Other
Through Change
by Rick Warren

“I hope you will be patient with me ….” (2 Corinthians 11:1a, NLT)

In order to manage change, you must remember four things –

Love each other

The first mistake most people make during change is to focus on what they’ve lost, instead of what has been gained – and that creates fear. The antidote to fear is love: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear ….” (1 John 4:18 NKJ)

It’s impossible for love and fear to exist in the same environment – If we’ll focus on loving each other, then we’ll break out of the self-centeredness that often emerges during change. The love that conquers fear involves thinking about others instead of focusing on your own needs – and the more you love, the less you fear.

Listen to each other

During transition, we must be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry ….” (James 1:19 NIV) If we get the first two right (quick listening, slow speaking), then the third (slow anger) will become automatic. It reflects the concept of “seeking to understand” before trying “to be understood.”

“Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear.” (James 1:19 MSG)

Level with each other

We must speak the truth in love to each other if we’re going to walk together through change. It is human nature to avoid confronting someone directly, but then we fall into problems – even gossip – by talking to other people about the person we need to confront.

We can’t get close to each other until we deal honestly with our fundamental differences. “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15 NIV)

Liberate each other

Finally, we need to show each other grace – “cut each other some slack” – during transition. Liberating each other means letting go and treating someone else the same way Jesus treats you. In other words, we shouldn’t lean into legalism or lording mistakes over others. People will make mistakes, and our response should be to recognize that these things will happen. The goal is not to make those who make mistakes feel bad, but rather to let them get over it and move on.

A Letter To God - The Stay At Home Father

Dear Dad,

I left church this morning exciting to find time to write to you.

• NOT because this week had been perfect.
• NOT because I was feeling amazing and was sticking as closely to my food intake as I should.
• NOT because I excercised everyday this week with remarkable results to share.

Simply because I wanted to thank you.

Thank you for not being bound by my wordly thoughts and limited understanding of you.

You are not bound by TIME! You are the "stay at home" father of an only child. I can talk to you anytime of the day or night , for as long as I want, about whatever I want! And like an amazing, perfect father; you listen, are attentive, and responsive.

Responsive??? Like external voices? No. (I do not hear your audible voice! My simple mind could not absorb that! I would be so entranced by your voice I'd miss your message.)

The response is a deep internal understanding, not a verbal yes or no, or "heart-knowledge" or "brain-knowledge", but a soulfull "gut-level" response.

• Sometimes it is reassuring and affirming, that gentle nod from Dad that I've done good, I'm are using my head, and are on the right path.
  
• Sometimes, it is reprimanding and counseling. I know better and need to change course.
  
• Othertimes, when I really want to hear you, when I can't trust myself or you enough to be patient and wait - the response is missing. OK never missing, but man can you take time! I feel sometimes, because you are not bound by time, you forget that I am really bad about binsing myself by this wordly time. A minute...a day...a month - I get impatient! Not because you are not answering, but because I am not taking the time to listen! REALLY listen.

So Dad,

Here I am. I'm listening. I'm taking a breath to let you talk...and I am making the time for you!

I Love You!
Me

Co-Pilot NOT Auto-Pilot

I have added a new additional to my daily devotional - it is http://www.churchrequel.com/
This BLOG is by the Executive Pastor at my church CROSSROADS in Lexington Ohio.
I enjoy his weekly mind dumps!

Here is my comment to him this morning:

Mark,

Thank you again for sharing the mind dump. I have a less kind word for my purging of thoughts - "mind vomit" - I find it very therapeutic.

Here is your comment I would like to speak to:

"I can't relax on medication, diet, or exercise. I want to live for a long time. I want to enjoy family. I want to work for another 20 years. Please, God." - Mark

I was told last week that I have permanent structural damage to my upper and lower spine - this means weight loss is no longer an option, eating well is no longer an option, giving up the couch for a straight back chair is mandatory and sleeping on my back is permanent (with one very tiny pillow). But I am giving it to God - like you I have a lot of life to live for! My God, my family, my friends and myself. I know that I am not disciplined to do this on my own - but I do know that through God all things are possible! - Kym

It is important that I expand on - "through God all things are possible"

This does not me that I do not have a part or responsibility to what happens to me!
I recently spoke with someone who said,"You do the thinking for me, so I don't make the mistakes." This person is waiting for God to move a rock! We are not rocks.
God gave us minds and free will with the hope and expectations we will use them.

When things get difficult or we have made mistakes, we can't just go on "auto-pilot". God wants us on "Co-Pilot"! He wants us on Co-pilot all the time, that when when times get turbulent, co-pilot mode will be natural.

In many cases, we know what needs to be done or we know who to ask for help! The problem is that we let different things "freeze up the controls":

FEAR, PROCRASTINATION, DOUBT, IGNORANCE

None of these dark clouds are of God!

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

Know that you can always speak to the Pilot directly! He has given you a manual to fly! Read it, understand it, digest it, so when calamity strikes you can land safely.

Buckle Up and Enjoy the Flight!