I've been adding parts of a book I'm reading to two reports (as I have shared before) that I need to send out each morning when I get to work. In fact, it is the first thing I do. After making coffee, of course. And getting the water.
Yesterday I started on the section about Bob. That's the name that was given. It describes a person who has problems with everyone.... actually it goes like this....: if Bob has problems with Bill, and Bob has problems with Fred, and Bob has problems with Sue, and Bob has problems with Jane, and Bob has problems with Sam, then Bob is usually the problem. It goes on to discuss things like Bob is a problem finder. If there is a problem, Bob likes to find them and expose them to others. Rule to deflate that is to request 3 solutions to every problem presented.
It also talks about Bob being a problem carrier. Bob likes to create problems and always tries to involve others in what he's doing. This is the part I like: You have two choices every time you encounter Bob or anyone else creating a problem. Every problem starter is like a fire lighter. And each of us is like a person carrying two buckets. One is filled with water and the other with gasoline. When we see the spark of a problem fire being lit, we can choose to douse it with water and put it out. Or we can throw gasoline on it and make it worse. If we want to control the amount of damage Bob can do, we need to use the water.
Then there is Bob the problem receiver. He encourages everyone to come to him with their problems. That doesn't sound too bad, having someone you can "share" your problems with, but listen to this. "People see you as a garbage dump. Garbage trucks take their loads of trash to a place that accepts garbage. And people with problems take their gripes, gossip, and grumbling to someone who'll accept it. When you allow people to dump on you and make no effort to stop them, they will keep dumping. And they won't stop until you let them know they are not welcome to do that."
This morning during my prayers this scripture came to me.... 1 Peter 2:23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. When someone comes at you with words, or actions, that for whatever reason stir up emotions, remember that when you respond back in defense, in emotion, you are feeding them. Stop responding and trust God to heal and bring about restoration in His way, in His time.
I wrote the above yesterday, but didn't have time to finish the blog. So I am just going to add what sent out with the reports this morning. I've already gotten a comment back from one of the case managers and I sent it less than five minutes ago! Yes, it was a POSITIVE comment on how it was an awesome read. So I'm sharing ....
So what do you do when you have a BOB in your life? I'm really loving this book and it has great information. We ALL have a Bob or Bobbie in our lives. It could be a spouse, a sibling, a parent, even a child - or gasp! someone whom you called 'friend'. I'm not pointing fingers at anyone - I want that understood. If anything, I am pointing at areas in my own life. If the following can help me, surely it can also help you.
What About Bob?
So what do you do if you have a a Bob or Bobbie in your life, someone who finds, creates, and spread problems? Consider these suggestions:
Respond with a positive comment.
When a negative person tries to drop a problem in your lap, respond with something positive. If the comment is about a situation, try to find the bright side. If it’s about a person, point out a positive trait you’ve observed.
Show your concern for someone being criticized.
Anytime a person’s motives are being critiqued, the best thing is to give him the benefit of the doubt. No one should presume to know the heart of another person. That’s something only God can judge. Believe the best in others (and express that belief) unless the individuals prove otherwise to you personally.
Encourage steps toward resolution.
Anytime someone brings you a problem he has with another person – and he hasn’t personally addressed the problem with the other person – he’s (or she’s) really engaging in gossip. And if you listen, you are too.
The best way to deal with gossip is to direct the complainer to talk to a person with whom he has an issue. Encourage him to meet one-on-one and work things out. And if he brings up the issue again, ask him point-blank: “Have you addressed this with him yet?” If the answer is no, refuse to discuss it.
Ask Bob to THINK before speaking.
Not everyone will respond positively to your suggestions. But if you have a strong connection with bob or you are in a position of authority with him, then ask him to THINK before he speaks using this acronym:
T Is it true?
H Is it helpful?
I Is it inspiring?
N Is it necessary?
K Is it kind?
If he can answer yes to all of these questions, then it’s appropriate for him (or her) to proceed.
Keep Bob away from others.
Former major league baseball manager Casey Stengel had some great advice concerning how to deal with problem people. He said that on most teams, a manager will have fifteen players who will run through a wall for him, five who hate him, and five who are undecided. He believed the trick was to keep the five who hate him away from the five who are undecided.
If you supervise one or more Bobs – and you can’t or won’t remove them from your team – then do damage control by isolating them. Don’t let their negativism spread.
What if YOU are Bob?
There has been a lot about what to do if you have a Bob in your life, but what about if YOU are Bob? If you are not sure, ask yourself these questions:
• Do I experience some kind of conflict almost every day?
• Do people often rub me the wrong way?
• Do bad things just naturally happen to me?
• Do I have few friends and wish I had more?
• Do I always seem to say the wrong thing?
If you answered yes to several of those questions, then you might be Bob (or Bobbie). If that’s true, remember the first rule of holes. When you are in one, stop digging.
The first thing you have to do is to admit you’re Bob. The second is that you must want to change your lifestyle. You can’t be like Mrs. Mohler, who was being tried for the murder of her third husband. A lawyer asked, “What happened to your first husband?”
“He died of mushroom poisoning,” aid Mrs. Mohler.
“How about your second husband?” asked the lawyer.
“He died of mushroom poisoning too,” said Mrs. Mohler.
“Well, then,” asked the lawyer, “what about your third husband?”
Mrs. Mohler replied, “He died of a brain concussion.”
The lawyer asked, “How did that happen?”
Mrs. Mohler replied, “He wouldn’t eat the mushrooms.”
Changing won’t necessarily be easy. And there are no quick fixes. Neil Anderson, author of Victory Over the Darkness, says,
Studies have shown that, in the average home, for every positive statement, a child receives 10 negative statements. The school environment is only slightly better; students hear seven negative statements from their teachers for every one positive statement. No wonder so many children are growing up feeling that they are losers. Parents and teachers are conveying that perception every day in how they talk to their children. These studies go on to point out that it takes four positive statements to negate the effect of one negative statement.
You can begin to change by following the guidelines given. Use the THINK questions before you speak. Try to see the positive in every situation. And ask people to hold you accountable for your attitude and actions. No one has to be a Bob forever.
Have a great weekend!
Blessings!
Friday, May 30, 2014
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
A New Day - A New Attitude.... (hopefully)
Yesterday I read something that Tony Evans wrote. This is what he said" The Lord is with you even when things look like they are against you because God is looking at where He is taking you, not where you are. Trust Him.
For me, that hit 'home'. I often have struggled as to what I should be doing, where I should be. I look back over the past and, although I can change nothing that has (or has not) happened, I can see many mistakes I have made, wrong choices, all of that. Yet, I also see where God's hand has guided me through very difficult and trying times.
I honestly thought when I was in licensing to become a minister that I would be on staff somewhere when it was 'finished'. It never happened. Yes, I got to teach, and was involved in many different areas of the church, but I wasn't 'on staff'. Not that it made any difference, other than I had to go to work during the day at a secular job, but I struggled with that. There have been many other instances where I could have chosen to go one direction, but because of one thing or another, could not, did not, and here I am today.
I still hold a secular job. However, God has brought us to a couple RV parks where we get to speak on occasion during the November - March season when the 'snow birds' are in town. I told hubby when we got the second RV Park (by recommendation), that perhaps that was the gig we were to do. This new one has signed us up for 8 times during this 'season' coming up. The other was a little late and only has us down 3 times. Still, we have a lot of preparation to do so that we can speak. We are to be prepared in season and out of season. We don't know the people at the new place, nor have we even met them. But, because we were recommended, they contacted us. Nice feeling. Of course I won't be speaking all those times - hubby has some as well. They assign the dates and who speaks and we just put it on the calendar. November will be here before we know it.
Looking back, I have struggled with not doing what I felt God had called me to. Yet, I am confident that if MY dream was HIS dream for me, it would have happened. Still, it is hard to give up your heart's dreams. But I know that His purposes for me are far better than what ever I could dream of, or choose.
What about you? What's your dream? Have you been dreaming of getting out of debt? Traveling? Retiring? Remodeling? Just doing nothing? It could be anything. So it hasn't happened yet. Are you working on that dream? What are you doing to achieve what your dream is?
Sometimes I feel I have given up on my dream - and that is in my low points. Yet, part of my dream HAS been fulfilled, if I truthfully think of it. I HAVE been on staff at two churches. But, my dream is to quit my secular job and work full time at a church. That is the part of my dream that I feel will never happen. That is, get a paycheck by being full time at a church. I've come to the conclusion that perhaps that is not God's dream for me. Not that I should give up on my dream, but He isn't through working in me yet.
God has taken me through a lot the past year or so. Many times I quit. Gave up. Wanted to walk away. I would argue with God, I would yell at Him. He just patiently waited until I was through and gave me a blessing of some kind. It could have been nothing more than a hug from a grandchild. (which is a very good blessing).
I'm glad that God doesn't keep me where I have been, or even where I am now. Life isn't always fun and good times. A lot from my own choices, I'm sure. But, I am grateful that He is looking to where He wants me to be and is preparing for me my path to get there.
I don't know where I'm going. I don't know what I am to do. For today, I will work my secular job, and continue to trust in His plan for me.
Take a few minutes to reflect on where you have been this past year - where you are now - and where you want to go. I am sure that you will see "interventions" of God's hand, and many answers to prayers of those who love you. Grab hold of that. Look to the future. There is a special plan - just for you.
Blessings!
For me, that hit 'home'. I often have struggled as to what I should be doing, where I should be. I look back over the past and, although I can change nothing that has (or has not) happened, I can see many mistakes I have made, wrong choices, all of that. Yet, I also see where God's hand has guided me through very difficult and trying times.
I honestly thought when I was in licensing to become a minister that I would be on staff somewhere when it was 'finished'. It never happened. Yes, I got to teach, and was involved in many different areas of the church, but I wasn't 'on staff'. Not that it made any difference, other than I had to go to work during the day at a secular job, but I struggled with that. There have been many other instances where I could have chosen to go one direction, but because of one thing or another, could not, did not, and here I am today.
I still hold a secular job. However, God has brought us to a couple RV parks where we get to speak on occasion during the November - March season when the 'snow birds' are in town. I told hubby when we got the second RV Park (by recommendation), that perhaps that was the gig we were to do. This new one has signed us up for 8 times during this 'season' coming up. The other was a little late and only has us down 3 times. Still, we have a lot of preparation to do so that we can speak. We are to be prepared in season and out of season. We don't know the people at the new place, nor have we even met them. But, because we were recommended, they contacted us. Nice feeling. Of course I won't be speaking all those times - hubby has some as well. They assign the dates and who speaks and we just put it on the calendar. November will be here before we know it.
Looking back, I have struggled with not doing what I felt God had called me to. Yet, I am confident that if MY dream was HIS dream for me, it would have happened. Still, it is hard to give up your heart's dreams. But I know that His purposes for me are far better than what ever I could dream of, or choose.
What about you? What's your dream? Have you been dreaming of getting out of debt? Traveling? Retiring? Remodeling? Just doing nothing? It could be anything. So it hasn't happened yet. Are you working on that dream? What are you doing to achieve what your dream is?
Sometimes I feel I have given up on my dream - and that is in my low points. Yet, part of my dream HAS been fulfilled, if I truthfully think of it. I HAVE been on staff at two churches. But, my dream is to quit my secular job and work full time at a church. That is the part of my dream that I feel will never happen. That is, get a paycheck by being full time at a church. I've come to the conclusion that perhaps that is not God's dream for me. Not that I should give up on my dream, but He isn't through working in me yet.
God has taken me through a lot the past year or so. Many times I quit. Gave up. Wanted to walk away. I would argue with God, I would yell at Him. He just patiently waited until I was through and gave me a blessing of some kind. It could have been nothing more than a hug from a grandchild. (which is a very good blessing).
I'm glad that God doesn't keep me where I have been, or even where I am now. Life isn't always fun and good times. A lot from my own choices, I'm sure. But, I am grateful that He is looking to where He wants me to be and is preparing for me my path to get there.
I don't know where I'm going. I don't know what I am to do. For today, I will work my secular job, and continue to trust in His plan for me.
Take a few minutes to reflect on where you have been this past year - where you are now - and where you want to go. I am sure that you will see "interventions" of God's hand, and many answers to prayers of those who love you. Grab hold of that. Look to the future. There is a special plan - just for you.
Blessings!
Friday, May 23, 2014
17 Ways to be Happier..... really?
My former boss sent this little article out over a year ago and as I was going through some emails yesterday I came across it. Thought I would type it out for you - with a few minor changes here and there. The actual title was 17 Ways to be Happier at Work. Really? I would really like to comment that this boss is NOT friendly, she doesn't care about you, nor does she pretend to. She eludes she doesn't care about you, and she lords it over you that she is your boss. Seriously. Some of the emails our department received from the past could have been viewed as harrassment. They were so bad that I sent it to the VP. She said something to this director about the harshness of her note. So the director sent out a second email commenting "I heard some of you were offended by my first email. If you are afraid, you should be." Nothing was ever done. It wasn't directed at me so I just ignored it. I think I know who it was directed at - and that person is now long gone. Justifiably gone, meaning she wouldn't do her work and only did what she wanted to when she was here, prefering to do personal things on company time and company printers. But, gone, nevertheless. Anyway - the director sent this out. And now here it is with my minor changes.
17 Ways to be Happier (and I need to heed this more often)
1. Don't compare yourself to others.
Everybody, and I mean everybody, starts out in a different place and is headed on their own journey. You have NO idea where someone else's journey might lead them, so drawing comparisons is a complete waste of time. No one is better than anyone else. We all have our mountains, and the deep, dark, valley. Some more than others. Don't compare yourself and pretend you are better.
2. Never obsess over things you cannot control.
While it's often important to know about other things - like the economy, the markets that you sell to, the actions that others might take, your focus should remain on what you actually control, which is 1) your own thoughts and 2) your own actions. Look for the positive things to think about; choose your actions; mistakes can be costly.
3. Know and keep your personal limits and boundaries.
While your job might sometimes seem like the most important thing in your world, you're killing a part of yourself if you let work situations push you into places that violate your privacy and your integrity. Jobs are important; they pay the bills (ok, most of them). But don't let the job make you do something that you know is wrong. Keep alert and focused on what is right and good. Stand your ground. Don't take on more than you are able to.
4. Don't over commit yourself.
It's great to be enthusiastic and willing to go the 'extra mile', but making promises that you can not reasonably keep is simply a way to create failure and disappointment. This includes pushing your children to achieve more than they are truly able. Now I am all for encouraging your child to excel, but if they are struggling in something or show signs they aren't doing it because they want to but because you are pushing them into it, step back. Pushing them into commitment over their head when their heart isn't in it, is like you agreeing to complete all the projects your company comes up with and specific timeframes, knowing that you can't do it. Don't use all your strength for things that really do not matter.
5. Remember you get the same amount of time every day as everyone else.
you may feel you're short on time and that you need more of it, but the simple truth is that when the day started, you got your fair share: 24 hours. Nobody got any more than you did, so stop complaining. LOL I like this one. This is called get time management! Write down on a tablet all that you want to accomplish. Then determine how long it will take you to accomplish it - with interruptions. Determine the value of each item. For example, I always say one of the things on my agenda is cleaning closets, my desk, or organization. Well, it obviously is NOT a priority with me so I put it on the bottom of my list. Now if I choose to focus on some aspect of those tasks, I'm ahead and some day I just may be able to scratch that off my list. In fact, I did clean out SOME of my closet last week. Got rid of a lot of clothes. I just need to start letting go of other things. But for time management, determine what is most important and focus on that task first -then determine what is next in importance and work on it. Soon you will find that you accomplished a lot that day.
6. Don't take yourself so seriously; nobody else does.
The ability to laugh at your foibles (I looked that word up - it means weaknesses) not only makes you happier as a person, it makes you more powerful, more influential and more attractive to others. If you can't laugh at yourself, everyone else will be laughing behind your back. My boss is always laughing and sometimes I wonder why she is laughing, for whatever is being told her isn't really funny. But it is how she deals with things that come at her. She just kind of chuckles as they relate what is going on. Yes, she is serious in dealing with things, but when it is presented to her, there is nothing she can do at the moment. To defuse the situation, she just laughs - and everyone relaxes. So quit being so serious and uptight. It just irritates (me) people and makes you no fun to be around.
7. Daydream more rather than less.
The idea that daydreaming and working are mutually exclusive belongs back in the 20th century. It's when you let your thoughts wander that you are more likely to have the insights that will make you both unique and more competitive. I like being unique and competitive. :-)
8. Don't bother with hate; it's not worth the effort.
Hate is an emotional parasite that eats away at yoru energy and health. If something is wrong with the world and you can change it, take action. If you can't take action, you are better off to forgive and forget. Interesting. I was thinking about that word this morning. Hate. I refuse to 'hate' anyone. Again, as a wise woman once said, 'you can hate the behavior, but love the person'.
9. Make peace with your past lest it create your future.
Focusing on past mistakes or wrongs inflicted on you is exactly like driving a car while looking in the rear view mirror. You'll keep heading in the same direction until you collide with something solid. Don't live in the past. Fights happen. Hurts hurt. Offenses offend. "Let it go" and don't live there! You make not only yourself miserable, but everyone who is around you.
10. Don't try to "win" every argument.
Some battles aren't worth fighting, and many people are easier to handle when they think they've won the argument. What's important isn't "winning", but what you, and the other people involved, plan to do next. Enough said.
11. Remember that nobody is in charge of your happiness except you.
While some work environments are inherently difficult, if you're consistently miserable, it's your fault. You owe it to yourself and your coworkers to either find a job that makes you happy or make the best of the job you've got. Nobody is in charge of your happiness at home either. Your spouse, nor your children, have the responsibility to make you happy. You don't have to win every time to be happy. Sometimes you can be the happiest with there is peace in the household. Choose your battles, and choose to let the little things go and be happy.
12. Smile and laugh more frequently.
Contrary to popular belief, smiling and laughter are not the RESULT of being happy, they're part of a cycle that both creates and reinforces happiness. Find reasons to smile. Never, ever, suppress a laugh. Laugh Loud, Laugh Long. I try to laugh every day. At work it is easy to laugh. When I get home it is a lot harder. Find something that will make you not only chuckle, but laugh out loud, deep, and long. You will find you feel much better.
13. Don't waste precious energy on malice and gossip.
Before you tell a story about anyone else, or listen to such a story, ask yourself four questions: 1) Is it true? 2) Is it kind? 3) Is it necessary? and 4) Woudl I want somebody telling a similar story about me? Especially if it is about family, don't listen to gossip. This is family. You should always stand up for every member of your family. True, some things do need to get told to others, and that is ok. But gossiping about someone's choices or financial situations is NOT what you should be listening to unless the person involved is the one telling it about themselves. And don't repeat it!
14. Don't worry what others think about you; it's none of your business.
You can't mind read and you don't have everyone else wired into a lie detector. Truly, you really have NO IDEA what anyone is really thinking about you. It's a total wasate of time and energy to try. If you are living as you should - what do you care what they think.
15. Remember that however bad (or good) a situation is, it will inevitably change.
The nature of the physical universe is change. Nothing remains the same; everything is, as the gurus say, transitory. Whether you're celebrating or mourning or something in between, this, too, will pass. My Mother's favorite saying.... "Well, this too shall pass."
16. Trash everything in your work area that isn't useful or beautiful.
Think about it: you're going to spend about a third of your waking adult life at work. Why would you want to fill your work environment - and that part of your life - with objects that are useless and ugly. Hmmmm... think that can also apply to our homes. Why would you want ugly and useless things sitting around your house taking up valuable space. I keep saying I want to 'downsize' and declutter - I need to manage my time and just do it!
17. Believe that the best is yet to come, no matter what.
When my grandmother was widowed in her 70's she went back to college, traveled across Europe in youth hostels, and learned Japanese painting, among many other activities. The last thing she told me was: "You know, Geoffers, life begins at 90." Whenever I can truly retire, and do what I choose to do, I plan to do a lot of things as well. Right now I have to work to pay the bills, and my dreams can not come to reality. But some day, I know they can. I just have to be patient. Then again, God may not have MY plans on His agenda for me, and I may not do any. Then I hope to have something better - being with Him.
Ok - so here are your 17 steps to being happier. Why not take one each day and just ponder it and see how you can make your day better.
Blessings!
17 Ways to be Happier (and I need to heed this more often)
1. Don't compare yourself to others.
Everybody, and I mean everybody, starts out in a different place and is headed on their own journey. You have NO idea where someone else's journey might lead them, so drawing comparisons is a complete waste of time. No one is better than anyone else. We all have our mountains, and the deep, dark, valley. Some more than others. Don't compare yourself and pretend you are better.
2. Never obsess over things you cannot control.
While it's often important to know about other things - like the economy, the markets that you sell to, the actions that others might take, your focus should remain on what you actually control, which is 1) your own thoughts and 2) your own actions. Look for the positive things to think about; choose your actions; mistakes can be costly.
3. Know and keep your personal limits and boundaries.
While your job might sometimes seem like the most important thing in your world, you're killing a part of yourself if you let work situations push you into places that violate your privacy and your integrity. Jobs are important; they pay the bills (ok, most of them). But don't let the job make you do something that you know is wrong. Keep alert and focused on what is right and good. Stand your ground. Don't take on more than you are able to.
4. Don't over commit yourself.
It's great to be enthusiastic and willing to go the 'extra mile', but making promises that you can not reasonably keep is simply a way to create failure and disappointment. This includes pushing your children to achieve more than they are truly able. Now I am all for encouraging your child to excel, but if they are struggling in something or show signs they aren't doing it because they want to but because you are pushing them into it, step back. Pushing them into commitment over their head when their heart isn't in it, is like you agreeing to complete all the projects your company comes up with and specific timeframes, knowing that you can't do it. Don't use all your strength for things that really do not matter.
5. Remember you get the same amount of time every day as everyone else.
you may feel you're short on time and that you need more of it, but the simple truth is that when the day started, you got your fair share: 24 hours. Nobody got any more than you did, so stop complaining. LOL I like this one. This is called get time management! Write down on a tablet all that you want to accomplish. Then determine how long it will take you to accomplish it - with interruptions. Determine the value of each item. For example, I always say one of the things on my agenda is cleaning closets, my desk, or organization. Well, it obviously is NOT a priority with me so I put it on the bottom of my list. Now if I choose to focus on some aspect of those tasks, I'm ahead and some day I just may be able to scratch that off my list. In fact, I did clean out SOME of my closet last week. Got rid of a lot of clothes. I just need to start letting go of other things. But for time management, determine what is most important and focus on that task first -then determine what is next in importance and work on it. Soon you will find that you accomplished a lot that day.
6. Don't take yourself so seriously; nobody else does.
The ability to laugh at your foibles (I looked that word up - it means weaknesses) not only makes you happier as a person, it makes you more powerful, more influential and more attractive to others. If you can't laugh at yourself, everyone else will be laughing behind your back. My boss is always laughing and sometimes I wonder why she is laughing, for whatever is being told her isn't really funny. But it is how she deals with things that come at her. She just kind of chuckles as they relate what is going on. Yes, she is serious in dealing with things, but when it is presented to her, there is nothing she can do at the moment. To defuse the situation, she just laughs - and everyone relaxes. So quit being so serious and uptight. It just irritates (me) people and makes you no fun to be around.
7. Daydream more rather than less.
The idea that daydreaming and working are mutually exclusive belongs back in the 20th century. It's when you let your thoughts wander that you are more likely to have the insights that will make you both unique and more competitive. I like being unique and competitive. :-)
8. Don't bother with hate; it's not worth the effort.
Hate is an emotional parasite that eats away at yoru energy and health. If something is wrong with the world and you can change it, take action. If you can't take action, you are better off to forgive and forget. Interesting. I was thinking about that word this morning. Hate. I refuse to 'hate' anyone. Again, as a wise woman once said, 'you can hate the behavior, but love the person'.
9. Make peace with your past lest it create your future.
Focusing on past mistakes or wrongs inflicted on you is exactly like driving a car while looking in the rear view mirror. You'll keep heading in the same direction until you collide with something solid. Don't live in the past. Fights happen. Hurts hurt. Offenses offend. "Let it go" and don't live there! You make not only yourself miserable, but everyone who is around you.
10. Don't try to "win" every argument.
Some battles aren't worth fighting, and many people are easier to handle when they think they've won the argument. What's important isn't "winning", but what you, and the other people involved, plan to do next. Enough said.
11. Remember that nobody is in charge of your happiness except you.
While some work environments are inherently difficult, if you're consistently miserable, it's your fault. You owe it to yourself and your coworkers to either find a job that makes you happy or make the best of the job you've got. Nobody is in charge of your happiness at home either. Your spouse, nor your children, have the responsibility to make you happy. You don't have to win every time to be happy. Sometimes you can be the happiest with there is peace in the household. Choose your battles, and choose to let the little things go and be happy.
12. Smile and laugh more frequently.
Contrary to popular belief, smiling and laughter are not the RESULT of being happy, they're part of a cycle that both creates and reinforces happiness. Find reasons to smile. Never, ever, suppress a laugh. Laugh Loud, Laugh Long. I try to laugh every day. At work it is easy to laugh. When I get home it is a lot harder. Find something that will make you not only chuckle, but laugh out loud, deep, and long. You will find you feel much better.
13. Don't waste precious energy on malice and gossip.
Before you tell a story about anyone else, or listen to such a story, ask yourself four questions: 1) Is it true? 2) Is it kind? 3) Is it necessary? and 4) Woudl I want somebody telling a similar story about me? Especially if it is about family, don't listen to gossip. This is family. You should always stand up for every member of your family. True, some things do need to get told to others, and that is ok. But gossiping about someone's choices or financial situations is NOT what you should be listening to unless the person involved is the one telling it about themselves. And don't repeat it!
14. Don't worry what others think about you; it's none of your business.
You can't mind read and you don't have everyone else wired into a lie detector. Truly, you really have NO IDEA what anyone is really thinking about you. It's a total wasate of time and energy to try. If you are living as you should - what do you care what they think.
15. Remember that however bad (or good) a situation is, it will inevitably change.
The nature of the physical universe is change. Nothing remains the same; everything is, as the gurus say, transitory. Whether you're celebrating or mourning or something in between, this, too, will pass. My Mother's favorite saying.... "Well, this too shall pass."
16. Trash everything in your work area that isn't useful or beautiful.
Think about it: you're going to spend about a third of your waking adult life at work. Why would you want to fill your work environment - and that part of your life - with objects that are useless and ugly. Hmmmm... think that can also apply to our homes. Why would you want ugly and useless things sitting around your house taking up valuable space. I keep saying I want to 'downsize' and declutter - I need to manage my time and just do it!
17. Believe that the best is yet to come, no matter what.
When my grandmother was widowed in her 70's she went back to college, traveled across Europe in youth hostels, and learned Japanese painting, among many other activities. The last thing she told me was: "You know, Geoffers, life begins at 90." Whenever I can truly retire, and do what I choose to do, I plan to do a lot of things as well. Right now I have to work to pay the bills, and my dreams can not come to reality. But some day, I know they can. I just have to be patient. Then again, God may not have MY plans on His agenda for me, and I may not do any. Then I hope to have something better - being with Him.
Ok - so here are your 17 steps to being happier. Why not take one each day and just ponder it and see how you can make your day better.
Blessings!
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Creative or Enterprising - which are you?
Found this online this morning and sent it out with my reports. I thought it was thought-provoking. I definitely do not consider myself creative nor enterprising - but maybe I just need to quit thinking that way and see what I can do.
Enterprising and Creative…… am I one?
An enterprising person is one who comes across a pile of scrap metal and sees the making of a wonderful sculpture. (Remember laying on the ground on a cool summer day, looking at the clouds and imagining what they look like?)
An enterprising person is one who drives through an old decrepit part of town and sees a new housing development. (or look at your own home and yard and see how you can be creative in changing it)
An enterprising person is one who sees opportunity in all areas of life. (Is your day, like mine, get up - go to work - come home - go to bed? Maybe it's time to shake it up and put some fun in it)
To be enterprising is to keep your eyes open and your mind active. (Look for ways to do good for others. Pay it forward.)
It's to be skilled enough, confident enough, creative enough and disciplined enough to seize opportunities that present themselves... regardless of the economy. (So what if you only have $1 and there is a homeless person (who really is homeless) in front of you. Are you willing to give him or her your last dollar?)
A person with an enterprising attitude says, "Find out what you can before action is taken." (Check out things before purchasing or moving or doing things - look at the big picture. You can save yourself a lot of grief sometimes)
Do your homework. Do the research. Be prepared. Be resourceful. Do all you can in preparation of what's to come. (Before starting your day, before starting a project - check out all that you need to have and need to do before you get started. Kinda of like making cookies. Make sure you have all the ingredients before you get started.)
Enterprising people always see the future in the present. (Don't live in just today - what you do today can affect tomorrow.)
Enterprising people always find a way to take advantage of a situation, not be burdened by it. (Look for the good in every situation. It may be painful in the middle of it, but what good can come from it?)
And enterprising people aren't lazy. (Don't sit back and let others do for you. Learn how to fix that leak, fix that window, create that garden. You CAN do it!)
They don't wait for opportunities to come to them, they go after the opportunities. (Don't sit back and wait for things to come to you - look opportunities in the eye and go after them! You just might enjoy doing them.)
Enterprise means always finding a way to keep yourself actively working toward your ambition. (What is your goal in life? Is it to be loved by family and friends? Are you being family - or a friend? What is most important to you?)
Enterprise is two things.
1. The first is creativity. You need creativity to see what's out there and to shape it to your advantage. You need creativity to look at the world a little differently. You need creativity to take a different approach, to be different. What goes hand-in-hand with the creativity of enterprise is the second requirement: the courage to be creative. You need courage to see things differently, courage to go against the crowd, courage to take a different approach, courage to stand alone if you have to, courage to choose activity over inactivity.
2. Being enterprising doesn't just relate to the ability to make money. Being enterprising also means feeling good enough about yourself, having enough self-worth to want to seek advantages and opportunities that will make a difference in your future. And by doing so you will increase your confidence, your courage, your creativity and your self-worth, your enterprising nature.
Take a few minutes to think about what you do each day. Write it down, step by step. Look at your steps. How you can do your job more efficiently, more creatively, accomplish more in less time? If you don’t think you can change anything – you are awesome and on top of your game! But, perhaps, you can tweak it just a little and find you can achieve more – more time to complete a task, more time to visit with a friend, more time to ..... you can fill in the blank.
Blessings!
Enterprising and Creative…… am I one?
An enterprising person is one who comes across a pile of scrap metal and sees the making of a wonderful sculpture. (Remember laying on the ground on a cool summer day, looking at the clouds and imagining what they look like?)
An enterprising person is one who drives through an old decrepit part of town and sees a new housing development. (or look at your own home and yard and see how you can be creative in changing it)
An enterprising person is one who sees opportunity in all areas of life. (Is your day, like mine, get up - go to work - come home - go to bed? Maybe it's time to shake it up and put some fun in it)
To be enterprising is to keep your eyes open and your mind active. (Look for ways to do good for others. Pay it forward.)
It's to be skilled enough, confident enough, creative enough and disciplined enough to seize opportunities that present themselves... regardless of the economy. (So what if you only have $1 and there is a homeless person (who really is homeless) in front of you. Are you willing to give him or her your last dollar?)
A person with an enterprising attitude says, "Find out what you can before action is taken." (Check out things before purchasing or moving or doing things - look at the big picture. You can save yourself a lot of grief sometimes)
Do your homework. Do the research. Be prepared. Be resourceful. Do all you can in preparation of what's to come. (Before starting your day, before starting a project - check out all that you need to have and need to do before you get started. Kinda of like making cookies. Make sure you have all the ingredients before you get started.)
Enterprising people always see the future in the present. (Don't live in just today - what you do today can affect tomorrow.)
Enterprising people always find a way to take advantage of a situation, not be burdened by it. (Look for the good in every situation. It may be painful in the middle of it, but what good can come from it?)
And enterprising people aren't lazy. (Don't sit back and let others do for you. Learn how to fix that leak, fix that window, create that garden. You CAN do it!)
They don't wait for opportunities to come to them, they go after the opportunities. (Don't sit back and wait for things to come to you - look opportunities in the eye and go after them! You just might enjoy doing them.)
Enterprise means always finding a way to keep yourself actively working toward your ambition. (What is your goal in life? Is it to be loved by family and friends? Are you being family - or a friend? What is most important to you?)
Enterprise is two things.
1. The first is creativity. You need creativity to see what's out there and to shape it to your advantage. You need creativity to look at the world a little differently. You need creativity to take a different approach, to be different. What goes hand-in-hand with the creativity of enterprise is the second requirement: the courage to be creative. You need courage to see things differently, courage to go against the crowd, courage to take a different approach, courage to stand alone if you have to, courage to choose activity over inactivity.
2. Being enterprising doesn't just relate to the ability to make money. Being enterprising also means feeling good enough about yourself, having enough self-worth to want to seek advantages and opportunities that will make a difference in your future. And by doing so you will increase your confidence, your courage, your creativity and your self-worth, your enterprising nature.
Take a few minutes to think about what you do each day. Write it down, step by step. Look at your steps. How you can do your job more efficiently, more creatively, accomplish more in less time? If you don’t think you can change anything – you are awesome and on top of your game! But, perhaps, you can tweak it just a little and find you can achieve more – more time to complete a task, more time to visit with a friend, more time to ..... you can fill in the blank.
Blessings!
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
So looking forward to the weekend......
I don't know what we are going to be doing this weekend as of yet, but I know that I am going to enjoy it. How do I know that? Because I have determined that it is going to be a great weekend. I have some things that I want to get done, yes, but I plan to have fun as well.
It has been a somewhat busy week at work; had a big meeting on Monday, and a smaller meeting today, but both are important. I also have about 7-8 sets of minutes I need to get busy on. Once I get started I'm ok, but it is that getting started. The past two days have been preparing for today's meeting. In fact, I am supposed to get with the director who is the facilitator at this meeting sometimes this morning to go over the packets I put together. She was out sick yesterday, so am not even sure she will be here today. My boss went home sick yesterday, but is back this morning. Just finished having a nice chat with her.
I think back to my childhood and - way back - how we would gather and go visit someone's grave at the cemetery - or if we were in Tennessee, visit my great grandparents, aunts and uncles, as well as my dad's gravesite. I remember the church my mother grew up in. I think it was a Methodist church there in Pikeville, I think it was. For some reason that name came to mind. Anyway, it's an old church, and behind the church is a cemetery. When we would visit in Tennessee, Mother would always make sure that we would visit the gravesites. It meant nothing to me then, but I wish now that I had paid more attention. Not that it would make any difference. I still have memories of it. Someone from the church would mow the grass and keep the cemetery looking nice. My dad wasn't buried there, though. He's in a "real cemetery" along with my grandparents.
Memorial Day weekend. I wonder how many people even pause to think about those who have died. I don't remember if Memorial Day was created to honor our fallen heros, or those we love who died. Didn't word that right, but you get the jest. Maybe it would be worth googling to check it out. Why was Memorial Day created? I know in Indiana it always signaled '500 Race Day' - as it does again this year. I remember standing there in the front room ironing (yes, I did that!) while watching the race on TV. Small screen, of course. My step-father worked at the racetrack for years as a safety patrol person. We went to many qualification Sunday in the month of May.
Back then, at qualifications, you could walk all over the grassy area at the racetrack and never worried about someone hurting you. My little brother and I walked everywhere, picking up bottles and/or cans to turn in for money. We would walk from one end of the track area to the other. Loved it. Mother would cook up fried chicken before we left the house that morning and pack lunch for all of us and the family would head to the track. My step-father always parked next to the fence (before they started building dividers - long before - to protect from the cars). As I got older, as my older sister and I were discussing the other day, we went to get a good sunburn. We laid out a lot in the sun back in Indiana. It is just something we did when we were growing up.
I laid out a lot when we first moved out to Phoenix. It was what I was raised to do. You lay out and get a tan. I learned that if I laid out about 7:30AM before it got too hot, by 8:30AM I had a good start on a tan. Hubby would not let the kids in the pool if I was laying on a raft in the pool. Maybe that is why I quit doing it. It wasn't right. I remember one year I was so dark I was nearly as dark as a Mexican. My skin was so dark. I think that was the last year I laid out. Now I have a very slight tan, but basically, I'm just a 'white girl'.
I guess if God wanted me to be dark He would have given me darker skin. Or make it easier to tan. Now with all the cancer scares, not many lay out anymore in the sun - and I detest tanning booths. I remember one year I went to visit my sissy who has/had one. She encouraged me to get a tan while I was visiting in Indiana. So I did. Now mind you, I don't usually use tanning booths and, well, let me finish telling the story. I did maybe 1/2 hour on one side, and maybe 15 minutes on the other - I get bored way too easy.
Later that day as I was visiting my brother and mother, I noticed my bottom felt a little tender. Didn't think a lot about it. When I went to the restroom, (my brother had a big mirror in his bathroom), I glanced at the mirror to see why my bottom hurt - it was RED. And it had lines. Which means, my butt wasn't used to 'sun rays' - even artifical ones - hitting it - and my butt had gotten burnt! It made for fun conversation with my mother and brother when I told them. Yep, I told them what an idiot I was.
Last year for my birthday my oldest son gave me a mother's book. I've tried to write things in it periodically, but have not been consistently writing in it. I need to start making it a point to write some things that I remember. I wonder if there is a place where I could put this story. :-)
It's time to get to work - again. Wish I had the day off - but don't know that I would do anything worthwhile, so why waste the day. And I have lots of work to do.
Hope you have a good day!
Blessings!
It has been a somewhat busy week at work; had a big meeting on Monday, and a smaller meeting today, but both are important. I also have about 7-8 sets of minutes I need to get busy on. Once I get started I'm ok, but it is that getting started. The past two days have been preparing for today's meeting. In fact, I am supposed to get with the director who is the facilitator at this meeting sometimes this morning to go over the packets I put together. She was out sick yesterday, so am not even sure she will be here today. My boss went home sick yesterday, but is back this morning. Just finished having a nice chat with her.
I think back to my childhood and - way back - how we would gather and go visit someone's grave at the cemetery - or if we were in Tennessee, visit my great grandparents, aunts and uncles, as well as my dad's gravesite. I remember the church my mother grew up in. I think it was a Methodist church there in Pikeville, I think it was. For some reason that name came to mind. Anyway, it's an old church, and behind the church is a cemetery. When we would visit in Tennessee, Mother would always make sure that we would visit the gravesites. It meant nothing to me then, but I wish now that I had paid more attention. Not that it would make any difference. I still have memories of it. Someone from the church would mow the grass and keep the cemetery looking nice. My dad wasn't buried there, though. He's in a "real cemetery" along with my grandparents.
Memorial Day weekend. I wonder how many people even pause to think about those who have died. I don't remember if Memorial Day was created to honor our fallen heros, or those we love who died. Didn't word that right, but you get the jest. Maybe it would be worth googling to check it out. Why was Memorial Day created? I know in Indiana it always signaled '500 Race Day' - as it does again this year. I remember standing there in the front room ironing (yes, I did that!) while watching the race on TV. Small screen, of course. My step-father worked at the racetrack for years as a safety patrol person. We went to many qualification Sunday in the month of May.
Back then, at qualifications, you could walk all over the grassy area at the racetrack and never worried about someone hurting you. My little brother and I walked everywhere, picking up bottles and/or cans to turn in for money. We would walk from one end of the track area to the other. Loved it. Mother would cook up fried chicken before we left the house that morning and pack lunch for all of us and the family would head to the track. My step-father always parked next to the fence (before they started building dividers - long before - to protect from the cars). As I got older, as my older sister and I were discussing the other day, we went to get a good sunburn. We laid out a lot in the sun back in Indiana. It is just something we did when we were growing up.
I laid out a lot when we first moved out to Phoenix. It was what I was raised to do. You lay out and get a tan. I learned that if I laid out about 7:30AM before it got too hot, by 8:30AM I had a good start on a tan. Hubby would not let the kids in the pool if I was laying on a raft in the pool. Maybe that is why I quit doing it. It wasn't right. I remember one year I was so dark I was nearly as dark as a Mexican. My skin was so dark. I think that was the last year I laid out. Now I have a very slight tan, but basically, I'm just a 'white girl'.
I guess if God wanted me to be dark He would have given me darker skin. Or make it easier to tan. Now with all the cancer scares, not many lay out anymore in the sun - and I detest tanning booths. I remember one year I went to visit my sissy who has/had one. She encouraged me to get a tan while I was visiting in Indiana. So I did. Now mind you, I don't usually use tanning booths and, well, let me finish telling the story. I did maybe 1/2 hour on one side, and maybe 15 minutes on the other - I get bored way too easy.
Later that day as I was visiting my brother and mother, I noticed my bottom felt a little tender. Didn't think a lot about it. When I went to the restroom, (my brother had a big mirror in his bathroom), I glanced at the mirror to see why my bottom hurt - it was RED. And it had lines. Which means, my butt wasn't used to 'sun rays' - even artifical ones - hitting it - and my butt had gotten burnt! It made for fun conversation with my mother and brother when I told them. Yep, I told them what an idiot I was.
Last year for my birthday my oldest son gave me a mother's book. I've tried to write things in it periodically, but have not been consistently writing in it. I need to start making it a point to write some things that I remember. I wonder if there is a place where I could put this story. :-)
It's time to get to work - again. Wish I had the day off - but don't know that I would do anything worthwhile, so why waste the day. And I have lots of work to do.
Hope you have a good day!
Blessings!
Monday, May 19, 2014
It's Monday again.....
Where does the weekend go! This past weekend it was a full one, sorta. Saturday morning I got to meet up with a couple friends for breakfast. That's always fun being able to check in with close friends and see how they are doing. I don't do this often enough, and I should do it more than I do. Not just with these friends, but with others as well. I have no reason for not doing it, well, there are a couple, but other than that - there is no reason. I need to check my calendar and see what I can do.
Hubby, on the other hand, can schedule breakfasts whenever he wants as he is home during the week. I don't think anyone would want to meet me at 4AM for breakfast, although I would if that was the only time they are available. It's much nicer to meet around 7 or 8AM on Saturday mornings. Kind of starts the weekend off nicely.
Speaking of weekends, we did the Foam Glow Saturday evening. I learned one thing. I won't do it again. It was ok, and it was fun being there with hubby and my son and his family, BUT..... yeah, there is always a BUT. It was really dark once we started going and I understand the entire purpose of the 'foam glow' is to 'glow'. And there were plenty who had on neon glowing bracelets, head pieces, sabers, etc - BUT, it didn't light the way. The road was dark, and you had to keep your eyes on the people in front of you so that you didn't miss where you were going. I am serious, it was that dark. Neon bracelets do not help in those instances. Even a lot of them.
Hubby and I took off running, for I do want to learn to run some races. I got a little ahead, but quickly stopped to walk for awhile. I lost hubby and assumed he had met up with the son and family. I walked alone (which was fine, for I was lost in thought and didn't have to talk to anyone) and it was difficult so much of the time to see where I was. As I rounded turns, and we walked with those behind us coming at us, I tried to find my family members, but could not see anything but the neon bracelets, etc. I guess my granddaughter tripped over a cone in the road that divided us - yep - it was that dark where you couldn't see them. I ran/walked the rest of the 5K. It was disappointing that there were only three foam blowers .... and they were spaced a long ways apart. The sad part is, the foam glow does not glow in the dark. Yeah, I discovered that it is just like a neon blast on your shirt, shoes, socks, etc. I got to the finish line and waited for the others. Hubby came first about five minutes later, and about five after that came the others.
We were all so tired (we got there three hours before the time to head out) that we left immediately and headed to Wendy's up by our house to grab something to eat as we were all hungry too. It didn't take long for us to crash once we got home. Then up the next morning for church. In the afternoon we had a memorial service for a dear friend. My tears fell and I was afraid I wouldn't be able to stop them. Comes from the fear of once I start crying I won't be able to stop syndrome, I guess.
One of my amazing grandsons had a 16th birthday yesterday so I ran over to see him in the afternoon. You know, it is a 'Grandma thing'. If I can, I want to celebrate them on THEIR day, not the day after. He is so funny at times. SOOOO much taller than I am. I hope he had a nice birthday.
And I see I'm rambling again. So what do I see from the weekend that we can look at differently?
Let me think about the foam glow. I've already said I wouldn't do it again for I was disappointed in not being able to see better. Others, on the other hand, would have enjoyed it, I'm sure. But, I think of the little ones and the parents trying to keep their families together - which the darkness made quite difficult. But all in all, if we think about it.....
we do live in a dark, fallen world. The things we hear and the things we see show more and more how our nation has turned away from God. So many times in my prayers I cry out to God for mercy - not only for myself and my family, but for those who do not know Him, who support people and things who do things that are wrong - not because they believe in it, but in rebellion. Or because their friends support them. Or for whatever reason.
If people would turn back to the Bible and follow even the Ten Commandments that God gave us to live by - this world would be such a much better place. Life is so hard without God. Why do people choose to turn from Him, when living for Him is so much more beneficial?
It doesn't mean we won't have trials and tribulations. Trust me, I love God with all my heart and I try to be obedient to His Word, but I do confess to you that I am not always obedient. I have self-will and want to do things my way at times. Sometimes our trials and tribulations are more than I can bear and I wonder not only why, but what purpose is He allowing me to go through the fire. Some days I would just bluntly say, "I hate my life". When it really isn't my life I hate, I dislike the painful circumstances I have to go through. But I know that God walks through each one with me. He knows my heart. He sees - and feels - the pain I feel. He knows my anguish, my sorrow. He knows me better than I know myself.
And He knows you. Where are you at with Him today? Do you keep Him at arm's length so that you feel you can do whatever you want?
I challenge you - what if you followed the Ten Commandments for 30 days. Do you think you would feel, or be, any different? Try it, and let me know what happens.
Blessings!
Hubby, on the other hand, can schedule breakfasts whenever he wants as he is home during the week. I don't think anyone would want to meet me at 4AM for breakfast, although I would if that was the only time they are available. It's much nicer to meet around 7 or 8AM on Saturday mornings. Kind of starts the weekend off nicely.
Speaking of weekends, we did the Foam Glow Saturday evening. I learned one thing. I won't do it again. It was ok, and it was fun being there with hubby and my son and his family, BUT..... yeah, there is always a BUT. It was really dark once we started going and I understand the entire purpose of the 'foam glow' is to 'glow'. And there were plenty who had on neon glowing bracelets, head pieces, sabers, etc - BUT, it didn't light the way. The road was dark, and you had to keep your eyes on the people in front of you so that you didn't miss where you were going. I am serious, it was that dark. Neon bracelets do not help in those instances. Even a lot of them.
Hubby and I took off running, for I do want to learn to run some races. I got a little ahead, but quickly stopped to walk for awhile. I lost hubby and assumed he had met up with the son and family. I walked alone (which was fine, for I was lost in thought and didn't have to talk to anyone) and it was difficult so much of the time to see where I was. As I rounded turns, and we walked with those behind us coming at us, I tried to find my family members, but could not see anything but the neon bracelets, etc. I guess my granddaughter tripped over a cone in the road that divided us - yep - it was that dark where you couldn't see them. I ran/walked the rest of the 5K. It was disappointing that there were only three foam blowers .... and they were spaced a long ways apart. The sad part is, the foam glow does not glow in the dark. Yeah, I discovered that it is just like a neon blast on your shirt, shoes, socks, etc. I got to the finish line and waited for the others. Hubby came first about five minutes later, and about five after that came the others.
We were all so tired (we got there three hours before the time to head out) that we left immediately and headed to Wendy's up by our house to grab something to eat as we were all hungry too. It didn't take long for us to crash once we got home. Then up the next morning for church. In the afternoon we had a memorial service for a dear friend. My tears fell and I was afraid I wouldn't be able to stop them. Comes from the fear of once I start crying I won't be able to stop syndrome, I guess.
One of my amazing grandsons had a 16th birthday yesterday so I ran over to see him in the afternoon. You know, it is a 'Grandma thing'. If I can, I want to celebrate them on THEIR day, not the day after. He is so funny at times. SOOOO much taller than I am. I hope he had a nice birthday.
And I see I'm rambling again. So what do I see from the weekend that we can look at differently?
Let me think about the foam glow. I've already said I wouldn't do it again for I was disappointed in not being able to see better. Others, on the other hand, would have enjoyed it, I'm sure. But, I think of the little ones and the parents trying to keep their families together - which the darkness made quite difficult. But all in all, if we think about it.....
we do live in a dark, fallen world. The things we hear and the things we see show more and more how our nation has turned away from God. So many times in my prayers I cry out to God for mercy - not only for myself and my family, but for those who do not know Him, who support people and things who do things that are wrong - not because they believe in it, but in rebellion. Or because their friends support them. Or for whatever reason.
If people would turn back to the Bible and follow even the Ten Commandments that God gave us to live by - this world would be such a much better place. Life is so hard without God. Why do people choose to turn from Him, when living for Him is so much more beneficial?
It doesn't mean we won't have trials and tribulations. Trust me, I love God with all my heart and I try to be obedient to His Word, but I do confess to you that I am not always obedient. I have self-will and want to do things my way at times. Sometimes our trials and tribulations are more than I can bear and I wonder not only why, but what purpose is He allowing me to go through the fire. Some days I would just bluntly say, "I hate my life". When it really isn't my life I hate, I dislike the painful circumstances I have to go through. But I know that God walks through each one with me. He knows my heart. He sees - and feels - the pain I feel. He knows my anguish, my sorrow. He knows me better than I know myself.
And He knows you. Where are you at with Him today? Do you keep Him at arm's length so that you feel you can do whatever you want?
I challenge you - what if you followed the Ten Commandments for 30 days. Do you think you would feel, or be, any different? Try it, and let me know what happens.
Blessings!
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Thursday ramblings....
Don't really have a topic to discuss today.... I'm in one of those desperate moods that wants to run away - alone - and just be. Ever have one of those? Time to think without interruptions, time to just be quiet and process, time to enjoy silence, time to withdraw, time to rebuild, time to refresh..... unless you are already alone most of the time, you can not understand what I am saying. I enjoy being with others, don't get me wrong, and most times it is what refreshes me. But, at this moment, I'm tired.
I sit here and look at what I just wrote and thoughts go through my mind on what others will think when they read this.
And then I get called into my boss' office. She wanted to give me a pedicure for my birthday last year..... here it is the middle of May of the following year, 9 months later. We are trying to figure out if we can take a couple hours tomorrow afternoon and go get it done. Only one problem, I have a meeting with one of her direct reports. But she tells me to email her and ask her to move the meeting to free me up - or they can tape the meeting! What a boss! So I emailed the director this morning and asked if she could move it up an hour, or tape it so that I could do an errand.
Hey, I'm important too! I love it that my boss respects me and has no problem with suggesting I ask people I report to (albeit indirectly) to do something for ME. And, since we get an hour for lunch, and I work a lot of time over that I don't get paid for (as does she), she has no problem with me being gone two hours in the middle of the day (after all, she will be with me). It gives me something to look forward to. That's one of the things that makes my boss so special. She really does care about others.
And here it is about 8:30 now because I met with my boss about setting the appointment for tomorrow, and we went over appointments I need to make, change, and cancel as well. I have minutes to type and emails to send so guess this will be short and sweet.
I was praying on my way in to work today, crying out to God for just a Word from Him. I don't know what I want to hear. I think, as my thoughts wander back many years ago, that I just want to hear from Him that everything is going to be ok.
I am reminded of a story I have shared with you before. It was in the mid-80's, I believe, for my middle child was in band. Financially we were going through a very difficult time, and I spent a lot of time crying out to God, just asking him to let me know everything will be ok. I think hubby was out of work then. Anyway, I remember those times of prayer were so comforting to me, even now as I look back on them, for I remember God's faithfulness to me.
After an evening of crying out to God in prayer, I got up early the next morning to take my son to band at 5AM and then go on into work. As we came out, my son commented about the sky - it was so dark, yet, there was one circle where there was a stream of light. It was different, so different that he noticed it and commented. As I looked up, I remembered my prayer, my request, for a sign that everything would be ok. That was my sign from God. And everything was ok.
And everything will be ok now. Why do I know this? I haven't asked for a sign, although I look for one. I just know that my God is faithful and I know that He loves me, that He knows the cries of my heart, He sees every tear that falls. And knowing that He is faithful in all things, big and small, of those that trouble me, I am confident that He is still in control, and He will bring good from all that happens.
I believe. That's all that matters.
Blessings!
I sit here and look at what I just wrote and thoughts go through my mind on what others will think when they read this.
And then I get called into my boss' office. She wanted to give me a pedicure for my birthday last year..... here it is the middle of May of the following year, 9 months later. We are trying to figure out if we can take a couple hours tomorrow afternoon and go get it done. Only one problem, I have a meeting with one of her direct reports. But she tells me to email her and ask her to move the meeting to free me up - or they can tape the meeting! What a boss! So I emailed the director this morning and asked if she could move it up an hour, or tape it so that I could do an errand.
Hey, I'm important too! I love it that my boss respects me and has no problem with suggesting I ask people I report to (albeit indirectly) to do something for ME. And, since we get an hour for lunch, and I work a lot of time over that I don't get paid for (as does she), she has no problem with me being gone two hours in the middle of the day (after all, she will be with me). It gives me something to look forward to. That's one of the things that makes my boss so special. She really does care about others.
And here it is about 8:30 now because I met with my boss about setting the appointment for tomorrow, and we went over appointments I need to make, change, and cancel as well. I have minutes to type and emails to send so guess this will be short and sweet.
I was praying on my way in to work today, crying out to God for just a Word from Him. I don't know what I want to hear. I think, as my thoughts wander back many years ago, that I just want to hear from Him that everything is going to be ok.
I am reminded of a story I have shared with you before. It was in the mid-80's, I believe, for my middle child was in band. Financially we were going through a very difficult time, and I spent a lot of time crying out to God, just asking him to let me know everything will be ok. I think hubby was out of work then. Anyway, I remember those times of prayer were so comforting to me, even now as I look back on them, for I remember God's faithfulness to me.
After an evening of crying out to God in prayer, I got up early the next morning to take my son to band at 5AM and then go on into work. As we came out, my son commented about the sky - it was so dark, yet, there was one circle where there was a stream of light. It was different, so different that he noticed it and commented. As I looked up, I remembered my prayer, my request, for a sign that everything would be ok. That was my sign from God. And everything was ok.
And everything will be ok now. Why do I know this? I haven't asked for a sign, although I look for one. I just know that my God is faithful and I know that He loves me, that He knows the cries of my heart, He sees every tear that falls. And knowing that He is faithful in all things, big and small, of those that trouble me, I am confident that He is still in control, and He will bring good from all that happens.
I believe. That's all that matters.
Blessings!
Sunday, May 11, 2014
It's Mother's Day.....
Yesterday produced a busy morning in which there was a wedding we were involved with. Not a lot of preparation, but I did have some things I needed to do and take care of. It was good to see all my children and some of the grandchildren. You know me, I am blessed when I have those I love close by. Everything seemed to go well and it was a beautiful day. I was a bit busy, but that was ok.
I'm sitting here trying to think what I did after that - and I am drawing a blank. Oh yeah, I did the traditional take roses to two delightful women whom I love to call "Aunt" and have for over 30 years. It started out 30+ years ago I would give these four sisters each one rose for Mother's Day. None of the four sisters had children, so they adopted me as a niece. Every year I have given them a rose for Mother's Day - then as two of them have died, I started giving two dozen roses each to the remaining two sisters. I try to always get them to them before Mother's Day; ran it close this year.
I got my daughter to take the trip with me and we had a delightful visit with Aunt Mae and Aunt Sue. They loved the roses and Aunt Sue - who used to work in a Florist shop - was itching to do her arranging with them, which she did as soon as we left. I told my daughter that if I should die before Aunt Mae, who is 101 now, or Aunt Sue, who is about 92, I think - I want her to carry on this tradition. It has been a delightful, and important tradition for me to do for these delightful women who have blessed my life so abundantly. I always said I wanted to be like Aunt Mae. She traveled the world, the volunteered for 50 years teaching children, she cooked numerous meals on Wednesday nights at church. She loves everyone and is such a blessing. Her younger sister is onery and sometimes a bit jealous of Aunt Mae. I've always had to be careful of things I say to Aunt Mae in Aunt Sue's hearing. Also on any cards I've sent. Aunt Mae told me that Aunt Sue was jealous, so I tried to make sure Aunt Sue got attention as well. Not that I didn't want to give her any, it's just Aunt Mae is a bit softer.... but Aunt Sue is a delight as well.
When we first moved to Arizona I missed my family so much. I hadn't been so far away from family that I couldn't get there in a couple hours before. The first few years was really hard. Aunt Mae, Aunt Sue, Aunt Vera, Aunt Lena, and Uncle Joe all adopted us - and they became our family away from family. They have been such a blessing.
My Mother's Day started with me cooking breakfast for hubby and I. We went to church and I was delighted to see my youngest child and his bride come to sit with us at church. They go to another church but for Mother's Day, came to ours. I also had a surprise by getting to see one of my beautiful granddaughters who is up for the weekend. Of course a beautiful daughter-in-law too! AND the grandsons. After loving on them we headed home - only hubby took me to Arbys for lunch. Then home, I peeled and cut up fresh peaches (my hands are sore!) and made about 9 cups of peach jam. I froze some peaches so that after I pick up more Certo pectin I can make some more. It's freezer jam so by tomorrow morning I can put in the freezer with the Peach Relish Jam I have already made and I think I have two jars of strawberry jam left in the freezer.
I wonder if any of my children or grandchildren like jam. Hmmmmm. I know we can't eat all this. I guess if they read this and want any, they can speak up. Otherwise, as I have done with the majority of the orange marmalade I made and canned, I give it away. I love to bake and I love to cook and try new recipes. I still want to make some more cherry strawberry jam that I have made before. Just haven't gotten the things I need for it yet. Maybe I will block out a day this summer and see which of the grandchildren want to come spend the day with grandma and make jam and other things. Or maybe I should just wait until Christmas time .... but one never knows if one has another holiday, or even another day.
I think I will see what I can do for the summer. Life is far too short when you start getting older. I want to make memories that the grandchildren - and children - will remember doing with me. It is so important to me. Not that they remember me, persay, but more that they remember doing fun things together.
Like the summer one grandson and I canned I can't remember how many quarts of bread and butter pickles. I really think he enjoyed doing it. Don't know if I will get that many cucumbers again, but I may buy enough that he will come help me again.
I need a fun day with the grandchildren! Make salsa, bread and butter pickles, tootsie rolls, lollipops, cookies, bread, pies, cakes, jams and jellies, the list is endless of what we could do!
Memories.
I think of my mother... some fond memories, some not so good. I imagine we all have some of each. I miss my mother, but for many years we were not close. I guess it had to be the last six or seven years of her life that I felt that she really loved me. Long story no need to go into. Sometimes life is hard and in her words "you do what you have to do". I don't agree, yet, I understand. I still love her, and I still miss her. Some days more than others.
Mother's Day.
Men,teach your children to love their mother no matter what. Teach them to respect her. Teach them to regard her highly. You are their example. How you treat their mother, is how the young men will treat their wives and mothers, and your daughters will expect to be treated. It is what is modeled before them.
Men, love your wives as Christ loved the church. Be the example your children need to see on how to treat a woman, especially one you declare your love for.
Women, respect yourself. Esteem yourself highly, for your were created by God to be a helpmate for your man. Your man chose you. You chose your man. Regardless of things life throws at you, be an example that no matter what, you work through troubles, issues, trials, and hardships. You don't run away when the battle gets tough. You don't run and find someone who "understands" you better. You work through it all.
A wise woman once told me, "you hate the behavior, but you love the person". Words to live by.
Hope your mothers - and those of you who are mothers that read this, had a very special day. I received cards and numerous texts from those that love me. I am truly blessed among women. I am loved.
Time to fix dinner - it's the end of the day. Might be time for a movie.
Blessings!
I'm sitting here trying to think what I did after that - and I am drawing a blank. Oh yeah, I did the traditional take roses to two delightful women whom I love to call "Aunt" and have for over 30 years. It started out 30+ years ago I would give these four sisters each one rose for Mother's Day. None of the four sisters had children, so they adopted me as a niece. Every year I have given them a rose for Mother's Day - then as two of them have died, I started giving two dozen roses each to the remaining two sisters. I try to always get them to them before Mother's Day; ran it close this year.
I got my daughter to take the trip with me and we had a delightful visit with Aunt Mae and Aunt Sue. They loved the roses and Aunt Sue - who used to work in a Florist shop - was itching to do her arranging with them, which she did as soon as we left. I told my daughter that if I should die before Aunt Mae, who is 101 now, or Aunt Sue, who is about 92, I think - I want her to carry on this tradition. It has been a delightful, and important tradition for me to do for these delightful women who have blessed my life so abundantly. I always said I wanted to be like Aunt Mae. She traveled the world, the volunteered for 50 years teaching children, she cooked numerous meals on Wednesday nights at church. She loves everyone and is such a blessing. Her younger sister is onery and sometimes a bit jealous of Aunt Mae. I've always had to be careful of things I say to Aunt Mae in Aunt Sue's hearing. Also on any cards I've sent. Aunt Mae told me that Aunt Sue was jealous, so I tried to make sure Aunt Sue got attention as well. Not that I didn't want to give her any, it's just Aunt Mae is a bit softer.... but Aunt Sue is a delight as well.
When we first moved to Arizona I missed my family so much. I hadn't been so far away from family that I couldn't get there in a couple hours before. The first few years was really hard. Aunt Mae, Aunt Sue, Aunt Vera, Aunt Lena, and Uncle Joe all adopted us - and they became our family away from family. They have been such a blessing.
My Mother's Day started with me cooking breakfast for hubby and I. We went to church and I was delighted to see my youngest child and his bride come to sit with us at church. They go to another church but for Mother's Day, came to ours. I also had a surprise by getting to see one of my beautiful granddaughters who is up for the weekend. Of course a beautiful daughter-in-law too! AND the grandsons. After loving on them we headed home - only hubby took me to Arbys for lunch. Then home, I peeled and cut up fresh peaches (my hands are sore!) and made about 9 cups of peach jam. I froze some peaches so that after I pick up more Certo pectin I can make some more. It's freezer jam so by tomorrow morning I can put in the freezer with the Peach Relish Jam I have already made and I think I have two jars of strawberry jam left in the freezer.
I wonder if any of my children or grandchildren like jam. Hmmmmm. I know we can't eat all this. I guess if they read this and want any, they can speak up. Otherwise, as I have done with the majority of the orange marmalade I made and canned, I give it away. I love to bake and I love to cook and try new recipes. I still want to make some more cherry strawberry jam that I have made before. Just haven't gotten the things I need for it yet. Maybe I will block out a day this summer and see which of the grandchildren want to come spend the day with grandma and make jam and other things. Or maybe I should just wait until Christmas time .... but one never knows if one has another holiday, or even another day.
I think I will see what I can do for the summer. Life is far too short when you start getting older. I want to make memories that the grandchildren - and children - will remember doing with me. It is so important to me. Not that they remember me, persay, but more that they remember doing fun things together.
Like the summer one grandson and I canned I can't remember how many quarts of bread and butter pickles. I really think he enjoyed doing it. Don't know if I will get that many cucumbers again, but I may buy enough that he will come help me again.
I need a fun day with the grandchildren! Make salsa, bread and butter pickles, tootsie rolls, lollipops, cookies, bread, pies, cakes, jams and jellies, the list is endless of what we could do!
Memories.
I think of my mother... some fond memories, some not so good. I imagine we all have some of each. I miss my mother, but for many years we were not close. I guess it had to be the last six or seven years of her life that I felt that she really loved me. Long story no need to go into. Sometimes life is hard and in her words "you do what you have to do". I don't agree, yet, I understand. I still love her, and I still miss her. Some days more than others.
Mother's Day.
Men,teach your children to love their mother no matter what. Teach them to respect her. Teach them to regard her highly. You are their example. How you treat their mother, is how the young men will treat their wives and mothers, and your daughters will expect to be treated. It is what is modeled before them.
Men, love your wives as Christ loved the church. Be the example your children need to see on how to treat a woman, especially one you declare your love for.
Women, respect yourself. Esteem yourself highly, for your were created by God to be a helpmate for your man. Your man chose you. You chose your man. Regardless of things life throws at you, be an example that no matter what, you work through troubles, issues, trials, and hardships. You don't run away when the battle gets tough. You don't run and find someone who "understands" you better. You work through it all.
A wise woman once told me, "you hate the behavior, but you love the person". Words to live by.
Hope your mothers - and those of you who are mothers that read this, had a very special day. I received cards and numerous texts from those that love me. I am truly blessed among women. I am loved.
Time to fix dinner - it's the end of the day. Might be time for a movie.
Blessings!
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Enjoying the darkness and the quiet.....
I think today is a work day. It's a Thursday and I don't remember anyone saying it was a holiday. But here it is nearly 7:30 already and the lights are still out, the door has not opened, and there is silence. I love it. It's partly quiet because one director, who drags her noisy oxygen tank in with her every day, is apparently off today. She was yesterday too. I'm sorry to say I don't miss her when she doesn't come in - she sits close by me and all day long listening to her cough and listening to the machine drone on and one sometimes gets very depressing and wearing. It is what it is. I didn't even turn on the overhead lights when I came in this morning about 45 minutes ago - I'm enjoying the dark, quiet of the morning. It will soon stop for others will start coming in about any time now.
About 30 days ago I issued a challenge of giving 3 compliments a day out. How is that working for you? I must admit that I have failed. But I don't give up. When a compliment is due, I give it easily enough. Trying to search for a compliment is sometimes harder. And sometimes you feel foolish if you give the same compliment every day - "gee, you look nice today" (don't they always?) or "I like the way you do your hair" (Isn't is always looking nice; the style hasn't changed?) I try to give compliments, but must admit that sometimes I fail.
It has been a busy few days thus far. I'm on the end side of this sinus infection, I'm hoping. I still have the cough, and the drainage, but hopefully it will go away soon. It has been very wearing on me. I stayed home from class again last night. Actually I just dropped out. It is a six weeks claass and I have now missed two weeks, and will miss next week as a granddaughter has a choir concert. I am reading the book and am doing the homework assignments, and I can learn that way as well, at my own pace too.
One of my former coworkers is back in the office today (thank goodness!) after a few days off. I've helped do some of her work - and I think I was given more than needed to be done, but just did what I was told. It wasn't hard, just distracting and I had to fit it in with my regular things. Tomorrow is her birthday and I still don't have anything for her - I looked last weekend for a little something, but didn't see anything. Won't be able to stop tonight - will have to see what I have around the house, I guess. Yeah, I sometimes recycle. Candles are out; her cousin sells Gold Canyon and that's all she uses. She doesn't wear much jewelry. She really doesn't need anything, but is extremely grateful when you remember her. We have some good talks at times.
I still have perhaps 4 sets of minutes to complete; was able to get one done yesterday. No meetings today or tomorrow, but have four next week. Will need to get started on printing information out and getting packets put together. Problem is, they won't start sending me the information until the day before. Oh well. That's what happened to a meeting I had yesterday, I finished pulling it together about an hour before the meeting. Sad part is, most of the information I copy and put in packets gets thrown away right after the meeting.
The darkness is over and the quiet is gone - all in a matter of minutes. I hear noises and talking. People are in early today - what's up with that? I like to get in early so that I have time to pull my thoughts together, work on things that need to get done for the first meeting, - oh yeah, I still need to send out two reports which I do first thing.
I wonder what it would be like to truly retire and not have to ever think about not working again, but be able to volunteer as I want to? I think I got my "taste" the other year when I took the year off - and don't see it ever happening again. In another 10 years I expect I will be still coming to work and doing my job. And I'm grateful I can. Got to get these charge cards paid off somehow - or I will work until I die. oh wait, I probably will be doing that anyway!
What do you think of when you are in the quiet and darkness before the world arises? Do you feel alone? Do you "feel" the darkness, the quiet? Do you embrace it - or are you afraid of it? I know some people who hate being alone, dislike very much not having activity about them. Me, I embrace it. A good book and a soft chair - it doesn't get much better than that. :-)
Need to get to work - hope you have an awesome day!
Blessings!
About 30 days ago I issued a challenge of giving 3 compliments a day out. How is that working for you? I must admit that I have failed. But I don't give up. When a compliment is due, I give it easily enough. Trying to search for a compliment is sometimes harder. And sometimes you feel foolish if you give the same compliment every day - "gee, you look nice today" (don't they always?) or "I like the way you do your hair" (Isn't is always looking nice; the style hasn't changed?) I try to give compliments, but must admit that sometimes I fail.
It has been a busy few days thus far. I'm on the end side of this sinus infection, I'm hoping. I still have the cough, and the drainage, but hopefully it will go away soon. It has been very wearing on me. I stayed home from class again last night. Actually I just dropped out. It is a six weeks claass and I have now missed two weeks, and will miss next week as a granddaughter has a choir concert. I am reading the book and am doing the homework assignments, and I can learn that way as well, at my own pace too.
One of my former coworkers is back in the office today (thank goodness!) after a few days off. I've helped do some of her work - and I think I was given more than needed to be done, but just did what I was told. It wasn't hard, just distracting and I had to fit it in with my regular things. Tomorrow is her birthday and I still don't have anything for her - I looked last weekend for a little something, but didn't see anything. Won't be able to stop tonight - will have to see what I have around the house, I guess. Yeah, I sometimes recycle. Candles are out; her cousin sells Gold Canyon and that's all she uses. She doesn't wear much jewelry. She really doesn't need anything, but is extremely grateful when you remember her. We have some good talks at times.
I still have perhaps 4 sets of minutes to complete; was able to get one done yesterday. No meetings today or tomorrow, but have four next week. Will need to get started on printing information out and getting packets put together. Problem is, they won't start sending me the information until the day before. Oh well. That's what happened to a meeting I had yesterday, I finished pulling it together about an hour before the meeting. Sad part is, most of the information I copy and put in packets gets thrown away right after the meeting.
The darkness is over and the quiet is gone - all in a matter of minutes. I hear noises and talking. People are in early today - what's up with that? I like to get in early so that I have time to pull my thoughts together, work on things that need to get done for the first meeting, - oh yeah, I still need to send out two reports which I do first thing.
I wonder what it would be like to truly retire and not have to ever think about not working again, but be able to volunteer as I want to? I think I got my "taste" the other year when I took the year off - and don't see it ever happening again. In another 10 years I expect I will be still coming to work and doing my job. And I'm grateful I can. Got to get these charge cards paid off somehow - or I will work until I die. oh wait, I probably will be doing that anyway!
What do you think of when you are in the quiet and darkness before the world arises? Do you feel alone? Do you "feel" the darkness, the quiet? Do you embrace it - or are you afraid of it? I know some people who hate being alone, dislike very much not having activity about them. Me, I embrace it. A good book and a soft chair - it doesn't get much better than that. :-)
Need to get to work - hope you have an awesome day!
Blessings!
Monday, May 5, 2014
It's Monday! and it's Cinco de Mayo!
At least I didn't have to bring lunch today. One thing about this company is they do feed us well. It will be catered, but I'm not sure where it is coming from. I just didn't inquire. It's free, and it's always good. We are having a salsa contest. I was going to make my salsa, but it was a rough weekend. Still fighting this icky sickness that I've had a couple weeks now. I think it is pretty much a sinus infection, so I've been dealing with all that drainage. Anyway - had my stuff ready to make it - but we went up to Prescott Valley again yesterday because they were celebrating 15 years in existence as a church and wanted us to come up. We had Mexican food, of course. Our pastor there had made his salsa - which is really very good - and he made a spicy and a mild. There was a lot of the spicy left so he gave it to me to bring today for the contest. I'm grateful, for I really didn't feel like fixing it last night. If it should win, I will mail him the gift card. He will get a kick out of that.
The weekend was fairly good. Granddaughter had prom and I got to meet up with her and my daughter to get nails done. It took a bit longer than planned, so after I headed to the grocery and they headed to the next appointments of makeup and hair fixings.
We were invited over for dinner so met up there at the time we were told..... so that we could take prom photos..... only my granddaughter and daughter were no where to be seen! Hair and makeup took longer. The boyfriend arrived shortly after we did and he very patiently waited. With her dad and grandpa. LOL
Finally, they arrived and shot upstairs to get dressed. Very shortly I hear a "Mom! I need your help!!" I ran up the stairs to find the zipper had broken. Praying the entire time as to how to fix it, God directed me and we got the zipper put back together and the dress on, completely zipped up. Through it all my granddaughter was very calm, and very relaxed. But my daughter was over the top..... seems as if she hadn't been home to fix lunch.... and someone was hungry. Sigh. Men can be so inconsiderate and self-centered. While my daughter rushed to get snacks out and things started for dinner, I helped our granddaughter get ready. It was fun, and something I hadn't been able to do in the past. She was beautiful.
We got the photos taken and the couple out the door. I found out later that they were back by 11PM - my granddaughter was tired from all the running around all day. That could be a good thing! LOL
Sunday we went up to Mountain Valley church where we celebrated the 15th anniversary of their existence with them. Cinco de Mayo there too. it was good homemade food and plenty of it. Had a great time visiting with friends - and although I'm still doing battle with this infection and coughing, etc, it was a good time. I was glad to get back home - but had to finish up the grocery shopping. Then fix dinner. Then by 8PM I was ready for bed.
I guess I must be getting old. I find I tire much easier. I don't think it is because of my age though, but that I get depressed with life. Most days I feel life is sucked out of me, and I'm not allowed to live. Most people will not understand that statement, and I will not elaborate on it. It is a feeling. This year has been a rough year.
But one thing I know - God does hear my prayers and He does answer - in His time. I don't know why He allows me to endure the things I have to - perhaps it is to make me more sensitive to other's predicaments? To be a listening ear to those who have the same issues? Why does He allow it? I have no idea. I can only hope His purpose comes to pass.
I need to get to work. - Hope that you had a great weekend and are looking forward to an awesome week.
Blessings!
The weekend was fairly good. Granddaughter had prom and I got to meet up with her and my daughter to get nails done. It took a bit longer than planned, so after I headed to the grocery and they headed to the next appointments of makeup and hair fixings.
We were invited over for dinner so met up there at the time we were told..... so that we could take prom photos..... only my granddaughter and daughter were no where to be seen! Hair and makeup took longer. The boyfriend arrived shortly after we did and he very patiently waited. With her dad and grandpa. LOL
Finally, they arrived and shot upstairs to get dressed. Very shortly I hear a "Mom! I need your help!!" I ran up the stairs to find the zipper had broken. Praying the entire time as to how to fix it, God directed me and we got the zipper put back together and the dress on, completely zipped up. Through it all my granddaughter was very calm, and very relaxed. But my daughter was over the top..... seems as if she hadn't been home to fix lunch.... and someone was hungry. Sigh. Men can be so inconsiderate and self-centered. While my daughter rushed to get snacks out and things started for dinner, I helped our granddaughter get ready. It was fun, and something I hadn't been able to do in the past. She was beautiful.
We got the photos taken and the couple out the door. I found out later that they were back by 11PM - my granddaughter was tired from all the running around all day. That could be a good thing! LOL
Sunday we went up to Mountain Valley church where we celebrated the 15th anniversary of their existence with them. Cinco de Mayo there too. it was good homemade food and plenty of it. Had a great time visiting with friends - and although I'm still doing battle with this infection and coughing, etc, it was a good time. I was glad to get back home - but had to finish up the grocery shopping. Then fix dinner. Then by 8PM I was ready for bed.
I guess I must be getting old. I find I tire much easier. I don't think it is because of my age though, but that I get depressed with life. Most days I feel life is sucked out of me, and I'm not allowed to live. Most people will not understand that statement, and I will not elaborate on it. It is a feeling. This year has been a rough year.
But one thing I know - God does hear my prayers and He does answer - in His time. I don't know why He allows me to endure the things I have to - perhaps it is to make me more sensitive to other's predicaments? To be a listening ear to those who have the same issues? Why does He allow it? I have no idea. I can only hope His purpose comes to pass.
I need to get to work. - Hope that you had a great weekend and are looking forward to an awesome week.
Blessings!
Friday, May 2, 2014
Laughter is good for the soul.....
is that a true statement? I think it is. And it is also good for the body. It releases endophrines that cause other parts of your body to wake up and become active. Think about it. You get amused by something and you smile. Your heart felt a little lighter.
But then you see something that makes you laugh out loud. (at some of these times I actually 'snort' because it is something a grandson has said or done!) As you laugh loud and long, you feel a relaxation coming across your body and some joy and happiness actually seep into your heart and mind. (Yeah, don't deny it).
Ok - so you may think that is all bull..... and it may be, but think about it.
When you read something that amuses you, stop and analyze any 'mood' changes.
When you read (or see) something that makes you laugh out loud, after you regain control, think about how much better you are feeling.
With that theory, I have decided that today I am going to laugh as much as I can. I quit taking the crappy medication the pharmacist recommended. I was finding that it not only did not control my coughing, I was light-headed and really had to focus on everything I did - including driving to and from work!
Something funny did happen yesterday..... I think I have mentioned before how this one meeting I take minutes for just drives me crazy trying to transcibe and type in minute format. I worked on these minutes for at least one day last week but didn't get them completed. Yesterday I decided I would focus (somehow) and get these completed.
Now mind you, I'm still hacking and coughing (a lot), and I also had another meeting yesterday afternoon that I had to prepare for so between trying to complete the reports for another meeting, work on these minutes with normal interruptions, it was busy.
But, finally, I had time to totally focus on them and hopefully get them completed. I'm listening, and typing. Listening, and typing. (You would have to listen to these meetings to understand all my frustrations! There will be changes and I'm going to have my say at the next meeting! Side conversation overlap the meeting conversations so I get to listen to personal comments rather than what I am to report.)
I get to the point where, unconsciously, I must have thrown my hands up in the air and grabbed my hair and pulled. I don't remember that part, but what I do remember is starting to grab my wrist pad to bang it against my head, when I felt a tap on my shoulder from my boss. I stopped and turned around and she was leaning against my cubicle laughing. She had walked out of her office and had seen me do my little shennanigans and knew instantly whose minutes I was working on. She said the picture was priceless.
So - I've tried to imagine what it looked like. And I must admit I find myself wanting to embellish it and make it more dramatic, although I am sure it was dramatic enough. But it does cause me to shake my head and smile, that I would let something like that get the best of me.
So I am determining to laugh today. I am going to feel better. I have breakfast plans with girlfriends in the morning, and afternoon plans with my daughter and granddaughter. Prom night for our granddaughter tomorrow night so we will be taking pictures - and we got invited to my daughter's for dinner tomorrow night so I have a full day planned it seems. And I don't have to cook. :-)
So laugh loud, laugh long, laugh hard. Make it a great day!
Blessings!
But then you see something that makes you laugh out loud. (at some of these times I actually 'snort' because it is something a grandson has said or done!) As you laugh loud and long, you feel a relaxation coming across your body and some joy and happiness actually seep into your heart and mind. (Yeah, don't deny it).
Ok - so you may think that is all bull..... and it may be, but think about it.
When you read something that amuses you, stop and analyze any 'mood' changes.
When you read (or see) something that makes you laugh out loud, after you regain control, think about how much better you are feeling.
With that theory, I have decided that today I am going to laugh as much as I can. I quit taking the crappy medication the pharmacist recommended. I was finding that it not only did not control my coughing, I was light-headed and really had to focus on everything I did - including driving to and from work!
Something funny did happen yesterday..... I think I have mentioned before how this one meeting I take minutes for just drives me crazy trying to transcibe and type in minute format. I worked on these minutes for at least one day last week but didn't get them completed. Yesterday I decided I would focus (somehow) and get these completed.
Now mind you, I'm still hacking and coughing (a lot), and I also had another meeting yesterday afternoon that I had to prepare for so between trying to complete the reports for another meeting, work on these minutes with normal interruptions, it was busy.
But, finally, I had time to totally focus on them and hopefully get them completed. I'm listening, and typing. Listening, and typing. (You would have to listen to these meetings to understand all my frustrations! There will be changes and I'm going to have my say at the next meeting! Side conversation overlap the meeting conversations so I get to listen to personal comments rather than what I am to report.)
I get to the point where, unconsciously, I must have thrown my hands up in the air and grabbed my hair and pulled. I don't remember that part, but what I do remember is starting to grab my wrist pad to bang it against my head, when I felt a tap on my shoulder from my boss. I stopped and turned around and she was leaning against my cubicle laughing. She had walked out of her office and had seen me do my little shennanigans and knew instantly whose minutes I was working on. She said the picture was priceless.
So - I've tried to imagine what it looked like. And I must admit I find myself wanting to embellish it and make it more dramatic, although I am sure it was dramatic enough. But it does cause me to shake my head and smile, that I would let something like that get the best of me.
So I am determining to laugh today. I am going to feel better. I have breakfast plans with girlfriends in the morning, and afternoon plans with my daughter and granddaughter. Prom night for our granddaughter tomorrow night so we will be taking pictures - and we got invited to my daughter's for dinner tomorrow night so I have a full day planned it seems. And I don't have to cook. :-)
So laugh loud, laugh long, laugh hard. Make it a great day!
Blessings!
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Do you miss me yet?
I love the billboards of former president George W. Bush in which the statement 'Do you miss me yet?' appears. And that is what I thought this morning as I realized it has been naerly a week since I have written anything. Not that I haven't wanted to, but I must admit, it was not on my mind.
Hubby and I ran away last weekend up to Prescott Valley, with the intent to have a nice, relaxing weekend. Unfortunately, it did not turn out as we had planned. Not at all. I woke Saturday morning with a "raspy" chest.... starting to cough and getting that 'iron taste' cough. We put Marley in the pet hotel and off we went. On the way up, as we drove into Prescott Valley, we ran into sleet, hail, snow and rain. Yes, we saw them all within a half hour period. The wind was blowing and it was cold. I hadn't brought that warm of clothes so after checking in at the hotel, we headed to the mall. Found a thick sweater at Penneys marked down to $6.97 so grabbed it. Also grabbed a couple other things at Christopher and Banks. Then back to the room where I slept. Sunday we did go to church, and grabbed a quick lunch with friends, but back to the room I slept again. Awoke later for us to go grab a sandwich and ended up meeting with friends for dinner and then over to their house to visit for a bit. Then back to the hotel to sleep all night. Slept off and on until we decided to leave and head back home. By now my cold is full force, and I'm hacking and sneezing like crazy.
It was a good weekend for I had said I was tired and I just wanted to get away and rest. And I did. Nearly all weekend. I just hadn't planned on being sick and forced to rest.
Tuesday I was to come back to work but I just couldn't. So I ended up working from home and was able to get some things done. Yesterday I did come back in to the office and although I am still hacking and sneezing, I managed to stay all day until a little after 4PM when I said I was going home. I got home, changed to my jammies, and slept for a solid hour. Hubby brought me a Frosty from Wendys when he got home; I ate it and went to bed and slept all night.
Getting up this morning was hard - I kept looking at my bed and wishing I could climb back into it and get some more sleep. I am so sleepy right now I can barely keep my eyes open. It's definitely not from lack of sleep - but more from my body just wants to shut down until it gets to feeling better.
I'm taking some non-drowsy daytime stuff - but it sure hasn't helped keep me awake! And I'm still sneezing, coughing, and sniffling. It's been five days - it should be gone by now! I need to go to Vitamin Shoppe and pick up more Olive Leaf Extract and my Black Elderberry syrup - that's why I'm not better already. We are out of both and they would boost my immune system. Think I will stop tonight and get some. Can't stand this being icky sicky.
Ok - time to get to work now and I'm running in slow gear so need to sign off. May be soon I can come up with something really good to share.
I would have been on vacation as of today if I was going to Indiana for the Mini Marathon. I have mixed emotions. My heart just wasn't in it this year, but with that being said, I don't think i could have walked it as bad as I feel today even.
Have a good day.
Blessings!
Hubby and I ran away last weekend up to Prescott Valley, with the intent to have a nice, relaxing weekend. Unfortunately, it did not turn out as we had planned. Not at all. I woke Saturday morning with a "raspy" chest.... starting to cough and getting that 'iron taste' cough. We put Marley in the pet hotel and off we went. On the way up, as we drove into Prescott Valley, we ran into sleet, hail, snow and rain. Yes, we saw them all within a half hour period. The wind was blowing and it was cold. I hadn't brought that warm of clothes so after checking in at the hotel, we headed to the mall. Found a thick sweater at Penneys marked down to $6.97 so grabbed it. Also grabbed a couple other things at Christopher and Banks. Then back to the room where I slept. Sunday we did go to church, and grabbed a quick lunch with friends, but back to the room I slept again. Awoke later for us to go grab a sandwich and ended up meeting with friends for dinner and then over to their house to visit for a bit. Then back to the hotel to sleep all night. Slept off and on until we decided to leave and head back home. By now my cold is full force, and I'm hacking and sneezing like crazy.
It was a good weekend for I had said I was tired and I just wanted to get away and rest. And I did. Nearly all weekend. I just hadn't planned on being sick and forced to rest.
Tuesday I was to come back to work but I just couldn't. So I ended up working from home and was able to get some things done. Yesterday I did come back in to the office and although I am still hacking and sneezing, I managed to stay all day until a little after 4PM when I said I was going home. I got home, changed to my jammies, and slept for a solid hour. Hubby brought me a Frosty from Wendys when he got home; I ate it and went to bed and slept all night.
Getting up this morning was hard - I kept looking at my bed and wishing I could climb back into it and get some more sleep. I am so sleepy right now I can barely keep my eyes open. It's definitely not from lack of sleep - but more from my body just wants to shut down until it gets to feeling better.
I'm taking some non-drowsy daytime stuff - but it sure hasn't helped keep me awake! And I'm still sneezing, coughing, and sniffling. It's been five days - it should be gone by now! I need to go to Vitamin Shoppe and pick up more Olive Leaf Extract and my Black Elderberry syrup - that's why I'm not better already. We are out of both and they would boost my immune system. Think I will stop tonight and get some. Can't stand this being icky sicky.
Ok - time to get to work now and I'm running in slow gear so need to sign off. May be soon I can come up with something really good to share.
I would have been on vacation as of today if I was going to Indiana for the Mini Marathon. I have mixed emotions. My heart just wasn't in it this year, but with that being said, I don't think i could have walked it as bad as I feel today even.
Have a good day.
Blessings!
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