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Beth's Blog

Writings on the ongoing work of being authentic and striving to live my priorities while sharing that road with others on the same path. If these writings speak to your heart, there are more on another page called Archived Blogs.

Thursday, April 14th
For those of us who know the pain of loneliness and rejection, for those of us who couldn't count on our friends in the heat of the battle, for those of us who faced certain painful circumstances, that moment of darkness and despair is chiseled in our memories. I hope you weren't alone. I hope you cried out to God and felt His nearness. I hope you trusted that His plan could change the world. 

If you missed that opportunity, it's not too late. Bumping through life without the assurance of unconditional love and acceptance is a brutal sentence. What you might not realize is that the gavel of that decree is in your own hand. 

"Father, forgive them. They know not what they do."

Thursday, February 10th
The other day I was talking with some friends about an important subject - wisdom. When I recognize my own foolishness, I exhibit a forerunner of wisdom. For example, it is foolish for me to try to conform to any standards but those placed within me,  known as my conscience. Why is that foolish? When I step away from that inner-knowing to gain the approval from others, I may appear "in the know" when in reality I am ditching my internal compass and headed for chaos. True wisdom comes when I seek first God's will in my daily walk.

Perhaps that explains the third line in the Serenity prayer.

Thursday, February 3rd
We've been through the ringer with the pandemic, and fear has kept us apart. We wonder what is best. We wonder what is true. We wonder if it will ever be the same again. 

Take some time to decide what you want to learn from this global event. Consider your priorities, and choose to serve them. Look around you with LOVE as your guide, and make plans based on the highest good for all. Don't let your neighbor fall through the cracks. 

It's true, some of your options will be restricted. Discover new ones. Write letters and send them to those who can't have visitors. Read books that incite kindness and decency instead of watching the news 24/7. Spend time improving your spiritual connection with your Maker. Pick up an old hobby that allows your creative nature to shine. Take a walk regularly. Smile and wave at others along the way. 

The world has enough difficult situations. Become an agent for hope. There is so many things over which we have no power. Our attitudes and outlooks are not in that arena. Our treatment of our neighbors is ours to control. Our trust in God can grow if we nurture that relationship. 

Who knows? Maybe the best is yet to come. 

Thursday, January 27th
Indulge. It seems an innocuous word. When I looked it up, it gave an interesting definition from the 1650's - "to treat with unearned favor". Oddly enough, that was close to the definition I learned about grace years back - "the unearned favor of God." 

Now, I may be simple in my thinking, but it appears to me that someone took something holy and valuable and made a counterfeit copy. If given the choice to indulge myself or receive grace, grace trumps indulgence hands-down.

At first, the indulgence seems wonderful. It's like taking something pleasurable that has negative repercussions and giving it the stamp of approval. It may be too much at an all-you-can-eat buffet or a secret tryst with someone you can't be seen with in public . . . either way, an indulgence tends to go against our highest good. It will get us in the end, physically, morally, or emotionally. The temporary pleasure is counterfeit. There is always a cost for indulgence. 

Grace, on the other hand, is real. It is connection at its best. Grace is the atmosphere of the Most High God, close by desire and design. Grace is knowing love at its most intimate. There are only benefits when we stand in grace, because we were created to experience it as a way of life.   

Thursday, January 20th
When I stopped and got out of the car, I noticed that there wasn't one of those little concrete stops in front of my parking spot. "That's good," I thought. "If I want to pull straight ahead when I leave, there will be nothing stopping me."

Speed bumps annoy me, too. They slow me down when I might be on a roll. If I take them at full tilt, they say it's bad for the struts. I'm not sure what a strut is . . . I thought it was a proud way to walk. I guess if someone saw me taking a speed bump at full speed I would be embarrassed, and that could affect my strut.

Everyone needs to slow down from time to time. It's not my job to decide how fast others roll, however. When I try to convince someone else to slow down, I'm dabbling with my latent control issues. There are also times when I should get out of the way so someone I love can pull straight out if they want. Why is that so easy to see with parking lots and speed bumps, but so difficult when we want the best for someone else?

Just for today, I'm going to pay attention to my speed, and let others zoom or coast, as they wish. I will be faithful by being available if they ask for my hand or my ear, but I will not force them to listen to my opinion in the process. Today, I will let God be in charge, and I will take a seat in the back and roll down the window to catch the breeze. Today is going to be GREAT!

Thursday, January 13th
Sympathy means "I feel sorry for you." Empathy means "I know how you feel." Both emotions come from relationship, but the perspectives are quite different. When you feel sympathy for another, you're standing outside looking into their pain. When you feel empathy for another, you climb in the box of pain with them to commiserate for a time but eventually show them the way out because you've been there before. 

Currently, relationships are being redesigned so we can connect from six-feet away. For the suffering among us, this caution can eliminate the unspoken tools of comforting embraces, 'whispered words of wisdom', and strength in numbers. Reach out to someone today. Write a card. Text a funny gif. Make a phone call that shortens the miles and the quarantines. Tell them you'll pray, and then bow your head and start talking to God before they know what's happening. 

The wise among us tell us that this, too, shall pass. If you believe that, remind someone else. We're just starting 2022. We need way more than three wise men this year. 

Thursday, January 6th
We are rejoicing or worrying over the state of the union. We love to be the one that gets to say, "I told you so." Some are chanting it now. Others have a wait and see expectation. They look to a day when they get to point at further distress and claim the prize of finger pointing. Either way, when it comes to the state of the union, it appears to be broken in two. 

Can we become one again? Since the two sides do not see the same path to success, perhaps it will be better to lower our heads and our eyes in humble admission that we need supernatural help. Then, when we lift our heads, perhaps we can all focus on the shared destination - a band of states united to share our resources,  talents, and prosperity. In this vision, we are "one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." 

To get there, we may have to start with "forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." We may have to stop pointing fingers at each other and begin holding hands. To attain unity, we must have a shared mission. 

America, we want you back. God, help us save our country.

Thursday, December 30th
Most Americans hate to wait. I think it's all Burger King's fault. "Have it your way," they said, and we drove through and picked up our food going from hungry to full in 10 minutes or less. Immediate gratification became a way of life, and we now rate a company's value by how fast they respond to our needs. It's interesting what we are will to sacrifice in quality in exchange for speed of attainment. 

Lately, we always seem to be waiting. It is difficult for many. Waiting now has a bad reputation, and is often tied to anxiety levels and stress. When did our society allow hope to turn to anxiety?

I think it was a spiritual shift. Perhaps, we lost the foundational principle that God is in charge. No matter what the outcome, He can use all for the good of those who love Him. Without that as a foundation, circumstances become all-important. We strive to confront them, change them, and control them. We let them decide our moods, our plans, and our perspectives. 

So, today, let us be reminded that there is One Who has all power. Let us rest in the knowing that He is good. We will be alright, no matter what outcomes we face. We can be assured that nothing, absolutely nothing, is happening by chance. The plan may be just what we wanted or exactly what we feared. No matter. God is on the throne, and everything will be alright if we turn our hearts and minds to Him.

Thursday, December 23rd
My friend Lee says that he loses my attention when there's a baby present. Instead of listening, I focus on the little one with a big smile on my face. Babies represent all that could be in life. A baby human is the essence of enormous potential.

This week, many of us celebrate the birth of a baby that took place over 2,000 years ago. Though it often gets lost in the decorations, shopping, and list-making, this party brought heaven to earth in a quest for connection. God wanted to be with us, and He still does. Can you see the enormous potential in this desire? It cannot be coincidental that it starts with a baby. 

This year, my wish for you is that you lose interest in presents and gain interest in His presence.

Merry Christmas Friends.

Thursday, December 16th
Relationships are assignments from God. I remember when I first heard that bit of news, and I had to consider if I was doing a good job on my assignment. When I can reduce all the complicated parts of relationship equations to a common denominator, the answer becomes simple. The assessment always takes me to one integral question:  Do I operate in love or in fear? 

First, I need to check my ego and selfish judgments at the door of each interaction with another person. Only then will I be able to serve in love. Sometimes, fear masquerades as compassion using phrases like "in their best interest" or "for their own good". When I hear those words coming out of my mouth or running through my mind, it is a call to get quiet and seek connection. God is capable of initiating relationship with His beloved, and therefore, others usually don't need my input as a self-appointed mediator. The old saying, "Unsolicited advice is a form of criticism" rings loud and clear. When I don't see the situation from the perspective of the other person and therefore don't agree with his plan of action, it is time to pray and turn it over to the only real Power available to us. Like a beach ball, I can toss their need heavenward and leave it in more Capable Hands. 

This is difficult to do. Since my experience of this world revolves around me, I can get lost in my personal view. Practice helps. When I practice mentally stepping out of my limited thinking and allowing Universal Truth to take over, I can confidently come to believe that the situation will be better served without me. Why choose my limited perspective when the Unlimited is willing and able to receive the hand-off?

Next, I must move into joy. Without that, my release will be grey and angry, as if forced but not endorsed. Joy will sever the invisible connection that tethers the situation to my ego, or better said, to my unsurrendered will. When joy follows surrender, the dance of Life takes over, and my load is lightened and bearable. Power flows from Source, as joy moves me out of the way.

Still, as long as I wear this skinsuit, I struggle to get to this place. Even knowing the incredible relief that awaits me doesn't entice me at first. There is something dysfunctionally comfortable about being a know-it-all, so I drag my feet for a time, sure that I know better. When surrender finally happens, I am usually weary and spent. So, I am forced to rest. That is usually when joy shows up. 

"Father God, let me be swift to rest. Let me take these burdens off my shoulders and lay them at Your feet where they belong. Show me the way of Love. IJNIP"

Thursday, December 9th
Hugs. Another person wrapping their physical arms around you in a comforting embrace is the ultimate language of the heart. 

Hugs. They convey what words cannot. "You are not in this alone." "I am here for you." "You matter to me." 

Hugs. They've been in short supply since social distancing became a weapon against infection, and most of us have really missed the encouragement and connection they bring. 

Hugs. Give one to someone today or ask for one if you're feeling lonely and disconnected. We were created with an inner-knowing that tells us when the load is more than we can bear alone. 

Hug someone today. The return on your investment will pay off all day long.

Thursday, December 2nd
Where am I? This is not an unusual question if you've been sleeping deeply and wake up suddenly. We've all been there. We need to get our bearings so that physical and emotional security return. Once we've established the answer to this question, we begin to make other decisions on what to do next. 

What about our spiritual security? Many of us are sleepwalking through important parts of our lives because we fall for the misconception that we are solidly in this world. What if this reality is only part of a bigger picture? What if we could know constant security and trust that no matter what happens on this physical plane, we would be well, here and hereafter? 

I am realizing that when I "wake up" to the fact that I am one with the Creator of this beautiful Universe, the stressors and difficulties of this world become easier to manage. It is a practice that I must discipline myself to utilize, because my default setting is dialed into spiritual unconsciousness. It is easy to allow my five physical senses to determine my surroundings, but full clarity only comes when I add my spirit sense to this mix. 

Perhaps this blog is too heavy for some. Still, I will post it because it may reach others and allow the heaviness of current events to be lifted from their shoulders, and to find relief from the pervasive weariness caused by this rocky year. 

We are not alone. There is a Higher Power Who has offered to do the heavy lifting for us, so that we can face this new day awake to the fact that everything's gonna be alright. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOlrH6d7F58

Thursday, November 25th
Happy Thanksgiving!
For what am I grateful? Once a year, this holiday stops me in my tracks and makes me consider the answer to that question. Without it, I might sleep through my life and forget to appreciate the mundane areas of each day that enhance my reality.

Living in Central Florida, I'm grateful I was born after the man who invented air conditioning. Getting used to this climate, I am also glad the person who figured out how to heat a house during a cold snap lived before me, as well. I'm grateful for indoor plumbing and toilet paper. I'm grateful for bridges over large waterways, air travel, and the combustion engine that I'm told runs my car. I am so grateful that when I click a light switch I'm no longer in the dark, and if the light goes out, I have a breaker box to check. I am grateful that in the worst case scenario, I can use my cell phone to call the power company and other people jump in trucks to get the electricity flowing again. 

I'm grateful for people with special gifts, too. I love talented lyricists that create poetry that dances, and true to my youth, I love a well-played guitar rift. I'm so grateful for music. I appreciate art, theatre, and good doctors. I am grateful for customer service workers who smile and interact with genuine concern. I am grateful for clumping cat litter and well-designed postage stamps that announce the genre of letter that awaits me in my mailbox. I am grateful for my husband's gentle hand on my back as we enter a room, and the smell of bread baking, especially near the holidays. 

Which brings me back to today. Happy Thanksgiving. Just for today, let's choose to focus on what is right instead of what is wrong. Let's remember the trivial delights that surround us. My wish is that your turkey is moist and your conversations laden with humor and love. Most of all, I hope your celebration ends with a thankful heart. After all, there is so much in this world to celebrate.

Thursday, November 18th
Gathering. The word screams connection. For many, this is a good thing. Coming together with family or friends to celebrate the joy of community is anticipated with joy and preparation. For others, however, the thought of reuniting with people from a broken past can bring anxiety and agitation.

In this season of gratitude, may you find your peace no matter what past remembrances you have. May you allow the powerful present to envelope you with hope that you are able to create a new normal with solid, healthy boundaries, true forgiveness for those who have harmed you, and unconditional love for self and those with whom you will gather.

Let us not let history repeat just because we are afraid to step up and claim our worthy identity as a child of the Most High God. Let us walk into this day knowing that He is absolutely crazy about us, and that His view is the only one that matters. We are so loved.  

Thursday, November 11th
This has been a tough year for many. Those of us that worked through the pandemic are weary from all the new strategies and regulations engaged to keep ourselves and others safe. Those of us that were layed off are either itching to "do something" or falling into complacency which carries an "I don't really care if I ever work again" attitude. Either way, we are a bit out of focus when we look at our lives. 

Perhaps it is time to change our approach to the day-in, day-out drudgery that has replaced our lives. Instead of trying to make it "feel" right, maybe it's time we admit that we're out of balance and need some help. When it's life that doesn't feel natural, we've moved out of position in our Spirit nature. Life is another name for the Higher Power, after all. 

So, let's take a step back and regroup. For centuries, Spiritual masters have demonstrated the need to go off alone and in the quiet, reconnect with their Source. Let's take their lead. Let's find solitude - not isolation. Let's listen for the loving whisper that revitalizes - not the self-recrimination that criticizes. Let's take a completely different path than the one we've been treading - and let's surrender to Life and It's goodness. 

If we practice this regularly, we may return to our senses. We will "feel" more centered. We will "smell" the sweet scent of flowers and the pungent aromas of good cooking. We will "taste" new flavors, "see" new vistas, and "hear" positive thoughts instead of the negative ones dominating the air waves. Let's approach life from a new vantage point, and let's watch others want to be around us. They'll want what we have. 

Thursday, November 4th
A friend shared a musical masterpiece with me this morning. A bunch of old rockers reunited to record an old favorite "Feelin' Alright'. Dave Mason and the Quarantines came together to let me see that age has nothing to do with celebrating life with music. 

Recently, many folks around me are suffering from "grey days." A few weeks ago, they were overwhelmed, but now it's shifted. It's as if the exasperation settled to the bottom of the barrel like sediment, and their spirits went down with it. They're no longer overwhelmed, they're in a slump.

If you've been feeling this no-name despair, maybe it's time to turn up the music and dance while no one's watching. Let the notes lift you higher, and let joy and connection return. Music is a universal healer, and somehow it can reach us when words alone cannot.

For those of you who want to see Mick Fleetwood, Sammy Hagar, the Doobie Brothers, and Michael McDonald jam, check out this link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xd56ap_aa4k

Thursday, October 28th
How are you treating your skinsuit? Have you been eating well? Drinking enough water for these hot temperatures? Have you allowed enough time for sleep? How about movement? Are you getting a good mix of work and rest? 

When tensions are high, we feel it in our bodies. It could be something as simple as a stiff neck or as complicated as night cramps in our legs that wake us to excruciating pain. With the tensions in the world around us, it is only natural that we "feel" the stress.

As we enter the weekend, let's focus on these wonderful skinsuits. Let's give them what they need to thrive. Eat well. Hydrate fully. Grab some Vitamin D from the sun as you move to the exercise beat you love. Rest in the shade when you're tired. Sleep well when the day is done.

You've earned it. 

Thursday, October 21st
"It isn't fair!" I put on my pouty face and had a decidedly bad moment. After all, I had done my part. They should have respected my needs. Why did they just move ahead without thinking about me and my needs at all? It wasn't long before the perceived injury made me angry. "They should pay!" I cried, to no one at all. Everyone else had moved on. I was stuck behind grinding my heels into the dirt, standing my ground.

Clearly, I was right. Sadly, there was no one around to witness it. I was stuck in the past. 

But, I was right. (I thought it would feel better than this.) 

Thursday, October 14th
I had done it again. It wasn't the worst thing in the world, but it wasn't going to make me feel better in the long run. The payoff was immediate, and then it was gone. I thought it would change how I felt, and it had. I felt worse. 

Do you have any self-sabotaging behaviors that masquerade as "comforters" or "rewards for dealing with difficult circumstances"? It could be eating a whole row of Oreos, skipping a 12 Step meeting, or even isolating instead of meeting a friend for coffee. Though it's not the worst thing in your bag of tricks, it has two common denominators that should be noted. First, it promises immediate indulgence; and second, it always makes you feel worse than you did before you took that action. 

Clearly, this is not a new character flaw. Many believe that Moses wrote about this pattern in the book of Job around in 600 BC (or BCE, if you prefer). Job 36:21 states, "Be careful not to turn to evil; your suffering was sent to keep you from it." In other words, when we're already feeling low, and we turn to something that promises immediate results but works against our highest good, it will drag us even lower into the pit of misery. The guaranteed payoff is momentary, and is quickly snuffed out like a candle in the rain leaving us even more lost in the dark place. 

So, is there a solution? Is it possible to learn from our track records and to really think the action through before we impulsively proceed? If we wait just a few moments when tempted, could we return to mindfulness and choose a better course? Could we muddle through the upsetting instant and respond wisely for a long-term return? 

The answer to all questions posed is, "Yes!" But, positive reaction is easier to choose when we  have help available. The surest and quickest help comes from direct conversation with God - prayer. In the moment of trouble, God's constancy and competence is at hand. Go to Him and ask for deliverance from temptation. Another plan is to reach out to someone trustworthy, and ask them to stand with us through the urge to act out. Sometimes, just saying it out loud to another person will defeat the compulsion. Finally, do something physical. Get up and walk around the block. Take a long, relaxing shower. Allow this old adage to work. "Move a muscle; change a thought." 

Recognizing our patterns is the beginning of altering them. Awareness comes before action is indicated. If you slip and fall back into these old harmful habits, begin again. Oddly enough, the three solution-based activities mentioned above will act as a restart button, as well. Be gentle with yourself when you fail, and encourage better decisions in the future. While we're wearing these skinsuits, it's progress, not perfection.  

Thursday, October 7th
Feelings are running high these days. It's almost as if the shut off of social interactions has clogged an outlet, and we are backing up emotionally. Suddenly, there is an outburst, a forced freeing of sentiment. For some, we say whatever is hovering on our mind, cost what it may. Our words may cut and scar, but it is as if we can't stop them. Others among us take it out personally on ourselves. We pick up a cigarette after months on the wagon. We eat the ice cream or jelly donut even though we worked so hard to drop the extra poundage. We hide in our houses wearing days old clothing and overlooking personal care. For these among us, the clog release is caustic as we build a mountain of difficulty we will have to overcome in the future. 

Powerlessness. It affects each of us when it appears on the scene. This time, it has appeared on everyone's scene at the same time. So, just for today, cut yourself some slack. Make time to pray and meditate daily, for it will keep your words from being harsh. Tell someone if an old addiction has been resurrected and become accountable. Treat yourself with love and care as if you are going through trauma. Gentleness and compassion must start within before you can share it with your neighbor. 

You are so worth it. This will pass. God is BIG enough and He is absolutely crazy about you.

Thursday, September 30th
When someone starts talking about another person, I have a choice to make. I can engage in the conversation or change the subject. The decision is mine. Do I want to be a gossip, or do I want to lead by example? 

Does that sound haughty? "I lead by example." Does it mean that I think I'm the one to follow? Not necessarily. In this life, I am called to love my brothers as I love myself. I don't want people talking about me behind my back, so my call is to not talk about others behind their backs. When I boil it down, it's simple. Instead of being an egoic stance, it is a stance of humility. I want to be the kind of person that treats others as I would like to be treated. 

Why is that so hard? Repeated behaviors have solidified self-centered ways throughout my life. First, I have to see the behavior. I may have talked about others for decades, but one day when gossiping, the light went on. Awareness struck, and the behavior became undesireable. Why? For the simple reason that I don't want others to gossip about me. Now, when I see an issue where I can behave better, I am called to address it. And as I change, others will be attracted.

Ego again? I wish. The Power that attracts is from God. My willingness to bend to His ways is my only role. After that, I am only a witness to His plan. Just like the day the light went on for me, my actions may allow lights to flicker among my acquaintances. The incendiary process was directed by Love alone. My willingness to be an agent of Love allows me to have greater impact. My world changes, one awareness at a time. 

Maybe your issue isn't gossiping. Maybe it's selling yourself short, controlling others, or playing the victim. Let's face it, there are so many unconscious patterns that we practice with the belief that we aren't hurting anyone, when we are actually hurting ourselves. The beautiful part of choosing to lead by example is that my life improves immediately, and I become beloved to others walking next to me in this life. Oddly enough, they want what I have.

Ego? Nope. It's the Light of the World shining in me.  

Thursday, September 23rd
When fear is in the driver's seat, there will be more crashes. Running into others and causing damage will become the norm. When fear is in control, we go where it says. We may wind up miles from where we were headed, alone with our dented dignity and self-righteous high beams shining toward our next step. 

But where will that next step take us? That will depend upon who is at the wheel. Should we give fear that place?

When trust is in the driver's seat, we move more slowly. We avoid head-on collisions by surrendering to right of way with compassion and humility. When trust is in the driver's seat, we may not know the destination, but we know we will be cared for along the way. We will end up where we will have an impact on this broken world, and we will look to Love to direct our next step.

If we choose to give God the wheel, no matter how crazy the roadway may become, our steerage will be sure. 

Thursday, September 16th
As we move forward in life, we come to know what has value in life. Recently, someone new in my life questioned my integrity. At first, I was miffed. Then, self-righteous anger began to arise. Finally, because I paused and asked for help from my Higher Power, a decided to allow their flawed perspective to remain without a fight. Those who know me would never question me on the issue that was brought up. But, the world is full of warring fragments at this writing, and it is easy to jump on the bandwagon to "stand up and be counted."

I have been counted many times over. I embrace my age with candor, and I smile with knowing when challenged today. It's not that I don't care, it's that I choose not to attend fights when invited. I know what I believe. I have worked hard to be a woman of character. I look to Love for my lead. 

There's a funny old Irish blessing with which I'll end. "May those who love you, love you. And for those who don't, may God turn their hearts. And if He can't turn their hearts, may He turn their ankles, so by their limping you'll know them." 

Be blessed today. Like me, you turned out okay. ~wink~

Thursday, September 9th
Today would be my mother's birthday. She left this planet unexpectedly 28 years ago, but when the calendar flips to this page, she is ever-present on my mind anyway. So, what does that have to do with you?

My mom's birthday is an opportunity for you to reach out to someone you love who isn't in your periphery. Maybe they live far away. Maybe your schedules conflict. Maybe you just didn't realize that it's been this long since you've talked. Reach out and tell them how much you love them. Remind them of a time you laughed so hard you almost wet your pants. Ask how they're doing, and encourage them if the daily grind has been rougher than usual. Today, just because it's my mom's birthday, I want you to celebrate a loved one you cherish. I'm sure that they can't wait to hear from you.

Go ahead. Make that call.

Thursday, September 2nd
Celebrating a birthday accentuates the value of the one you love. We give them a day to remind them how much they influence our lives and the lives of others. We sing a song to make merry, because we want them to be filled with joy instead of fear and shame. We light a candle to reminisce about the light they are in this world. We make a wish and hope for a sign that all will be okay this year, and that their deepest dreams will come true. We give the gifts that will improve their tomorrow - selected with care and wrapped up in bright colors to increase hopeful expectation. We sign our names on a card, a gesture that shows we're invested in their future, and committed to their now. We strive to make this birthday a promise that their value won't diminish, and that we recognize how important they are in our lives. Birthdays have meaning because they make us plan ahead to delight our beloved because we remember how important they are in our lives. 

Happy Birthday, America!  

Thursday, June 25th
Are you tired? Has the collective world crises caused you to feel worn and overwhelmed? If you answer yes to this question, you are not alone. Many of us begin our days amped to a higher modulation than usual. It becomes easy to get riled, because we're already buzzing above our normal emotional speed. 

Maybe it's time to come to a complete stop and step away from everything outside of our control. We can sit and read, take a walk in the woods, or float in a pool or ocean. We can cut an apple and eat it with peanut butter for lunch. We can take a long shower and put lotion on our tired skin. We can nap. We can write a letter to someone we love. We can talk to God and count our blessings. We can find rest. Eventually, this will pass. Until then, take good care.

"Come unto me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28, 29

Thursday, August 26th

What if I just got quiet and allowed the crazy world buzz to encircle me, but not to touch me? Would I get swept into the spiral as it swirls downward, or could I hold my boundaries unflinching? 

The only way to find out, is to try it. What do you think? Let's give it a go.

Thursday, August 19th
I've spent the week in quarantine because I had a chest cold with cough. Am I sure? Don't freak out. Yes, I'm sure. I had "the test" and it came back negative. But, that's not what this blog is about. 

I realize that for most of my life, I find it hard to take off time when I'm under the weather. I find things I can do. I drag myself through my tasks as if my family, my company, or my world can't cope without me. I questioned this viewpoint throughout the week. Why do I take my roles so seriously? Is it ego? Is it because I've been a manager for so long that I'm always the one faced with filling holes in the schedule when someone calls in and I don't want to do that to someone else? Is it confusion about my own value that equates accomplishment with worthiness? 

Frankly, this heavy thinking wore me out. So, I took a nap. I may be onto something here. 

Thursday, August 12th
Take care of yourself. The world has known a communal stress, and isolation sometimes breeds anger and depression. This thought is simple. Be gentle with yourself. When you need a break, take one. We need you. 

Thursday, August 5th
You've seen television shows where the hospital equipment goes to flatline. Sorry, buddy. It's over. There's no bounce in your line to indicate anything different.

What about you? Do you still have 'bounce' in your line? I'm not talking EKG here, but just the energetic record of your emotional state. Has this time of quarantine created an attitude of "easier to not engage at all"? Complacency is the enemy of passion and enthusiasm. Don't let it sneak in and rob you of your joy. If your days are hum-drum and lackluster, it's time to put a shine on them. That requires a bit of elbow grease, but if you work at it, you'll remember how wonderful it is to live fully and stand in the golden glow. Light beats darkness every time. Give it a try. Next time you're in the dark, hit the nearest light switch and see if your vision becomes clearer. So, where's the ethereal 'light switch' to reset your daily grind? That's easy. Hit your knees and watch the vista change.

C'mon. What have you got to lose?

Thursday, July 29th

Sometimes, I act angry when I'm powerless. It gives the false impression that I have control over something. Unfortunately, when I'm powerless, the actual driving emotion is fear. I'm afraid I'll lose something I have, or that I won't get something I think I need. If, at that point, I could tell someone about the fear, it might dissapate. Instead, I get angry and make everyone move away from me. My anger is a repellent.  

Wouldn't it be amazing if I could respond to my fear by asking for help instead of reacting to it with anger? Have you ever wondered that about yourself?

Thursday, July 22nd
I want control! Won't you let me be in charge? I'm sure I can make everything better. I know what we need. I know how to get it done. Don't do it that way! Are you kidding me? They did what? I told you they were going to mess it up. Didn't I? I knew if we didn't do it the way I said, step by step, this would happen. Now look where we are! We pretty much have to start over. Which brings me to ... I want control! Won't you let me be in charge?

Brought to you by EGO. 

Thursday, July 15th
What does the word sacrifice mean? Is it giving something of value as an offering or is it somehow tied to slaughtering animals? It's kind of an old-fashioned word. When I look at the genus of sacrifice, it comes from the Latin root for holy. When you make a sacrifice, you make a holy offering.

Currently, our medical personnel are coming to work to care for those stricken with this corona plague. Their "sacrifice" is an offering, and that love gift definitely catches God's attention. I think the best sacrifices include time, talent and treasure. Clearly, this one hits all three marks.

Hats off to all the medical teams serving humanity. We are praying for you safety and stamina. We think that where you walk is now holy ground. Suddenly, undying thanks really means something.

Thursday, July 8th
Benevolence. When I see it practiced, I want to be part of it. And yet, if I told you I was part of it, it would no longer be benevolence, but manipulation. 

We are in the midst of turmoil that causes each of us to wrestle with personal powerlessness at the microscopic level. "Corona" used to be a beer brewed in Mexico, but now it is a crowned microbe vying for a place in our history books. While this virus is stealing lives, it is also creating opportunities for great benevolence as the playing field gets leveled, and we all realize we're in this together. 

Benevolence is practicing kindness with no expectation of remuneration. It's bringing extra masks to the hospital staff, helping a young mother out of work sign up for food stamps, checking on the housebound elderly, and attending a 12 step meeting online. Benevolence is wearing gloves to contain your own germs, standing six-feet away in a checkout line, and not getting irritated at the service people trying to navigate new protocol for customer contacts. Benevolence is shown through discipline and prayer, facial expression and tone of voice, and desire to do what's best for all instead of seeking selfish satisfaction. 

To all of you benevolent souls out there, thank you. Stay well. Be strong. Hope long. This, too, shall pass.

Thursday, July 1st
Hope. Such a small word to pack such a big punch. When I consulted Merriam-Webster, it had two definitions. The first: a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. The second was listed as Archaic (old school): a feeling of trust. When I combine these two thoughts, I come up with this definition: trusting that the highest good will come to pass. 

Our species is currently fighting a microscopic predator that has changed the way we live. We've been drafted into a war that we don't want to fight. Some are taking this threat more seriously than others. Most feel afraid.

Fear, itself, has become a daily foe. It demands our attention. We respond to it with respect and accountability or with self-absorption and manipulation. The choice is ours alone. Some will look out for themselves and their fellows; others will care only for number one. The road we choose will result in the quality of our life as we navigate this crisis. 

Sometimes, we forget we have a choice. We react without thinking. We get active before we get conscious. We steal peace of mind as we flagrantly ignore the recommendations. We cheat others because we fear we won't have enough for ourselves. We lie about our needs as we grab more than our share. We practice laziness and disguise it as self-care. We work against the whole. Eventually, isolation results. Alone and on guard, we think "social distancing" caused our anxiety when it came as a direct consequence of self-centered behaviors. 

If you've chosen poorly, don't fret. Choose again. Be a part of the solution, not a new problem for others to resolve. Encourage hope. It's funny how actively blessing others can change perspectives and realities. Be the message of safety. Be the prayer of the faithful. Be love for God, self, and others. 

Together, we can trust that the highest good will come to pass. Together, we can keep hope alive.

Thursday, June 24th
When a virus runs rampant, chaos follows. Fear directs decision, and caution supersedes connection. Many of us follow along, scrambling for Charmin and monitoring the news. We watch colored dots on maps, waiting for our area to light up, hoping that it doesn't. The economy threatens other security issues, and suddenly it's not just our health that has us worried. Business declines; industries respond; and some of our laid off low-income fellows are now worrying that even if they found a twelve-pack of toilet paper, would they have the eight bucks to buy it?

Powerlessness stinks. There is little to do to effect change when a problem is massive, multiplying, and invisible to the naked eye. So, let's start with a deep breath and a hand wash. Let's follow through with tried and true methods of dealing with life on life's terms when it isn't what you want. 

1.   Acknowledge your feelings and give them a place to be expressed. Journaling is an excellent resource to transcend overwhelming emotion. Something about putting a pen to paper and letting your mind dump the crazy load of anxiety can begin a healing process. Suddenly, it's not all inside anymore. You've dumped it on paper, and it feels less intense. You may still have squirrels in your head, but they are no longer carrying balloons.

2.   Don't fall prey to paralysis. There are actions you can take to reduce your risks, and therefore, minimize your feelings of helplessness. Step up your regular hygiene routines. Wash your hands whenever you think of it. Drink enough water to move molecules through your system. Eat for health - not for comfort. When going out, pick a time when less crowds are present to conduct whatever business you have.

3.   Stay connected. If you are afraid of being with other people face-to-face, stay in touch through phone calls, video chats or emails. Isolation is its own problem, so the safety it may promise could turn on you. Healthy boundaries are necessary, but loneliness is optional. Don't go this alone.

4.   Use your leverage. You are a child of God. Don't minimize the power of prayer and meditation. Many friends are joining at 9pm each night to ask for grace, health, and speedy end to this epidemic. Wherever you are tonight, why don't you join us? The beauty of the Spirit world is that it isn't limited by geography. All over the world we can join in prayer to request God's favor and help. 

5.   You have a purpose! Encouraging others is key when the world is in turmoil. Reach out to an elderly loved one. Call someone you know is suffering the fears of unpaid layoff. Post a positive note on social media. Be the message of love and healing.

All of our BethWe team wishes you and yours health, wellness, and enough. If we can be of service, let us know on our contact page at www.bethwe.com. It's all about the WE. 

Thursday, June 17th
Empathy comes in three ways. Cognitive empathy is when we "know" how someone feels. Emotional empathy is when we "feel" their frame of mind. Compassionate empathy is when we are "moved" by their emotion, and want to help. Each manner of responding to others calls us outside of the realm of self and into the realm of community.  

Anytime we move away from self-centeredness, there is an emotional response. The social instinct is key in human survival. We were created for fellowship. Humans need other humans to achieve their potentials. We build on what others before us have built. When we interact with others, we feel the sense of belonging which creates a synergetic high, and our mind excretes dopamine to tell us that it is good.

So, the next time we witness one of our loved ones going through the emotional wringer, we will respond. Will we "know" what they are feeling? Will we "feel" for them? Will we be "moved" to give them a hug or pour them a cup of hot tea? However the empathy plays out, it will make us feel closer to our fellows. In the end, allowing familiarity is a survival mechanism that makes us feel good, just like breathing deeply or sleeping well. 

We were made for sharing. What can we do for the least of our brothers today? In the end, our empathy will make us feel amazing.

Thursday, June 10th
Sadness is a feeling I don't have to entertain very often. I'm grateful for that reality. When sadness comes, it's a persistent booger, letting me up for a moment when others are around and then knocking me flat again when I find myself alone. Sadness is much different than brokenness. Brokenness overwhelms like a labrador in protection-mode, while sadness slinks around like a cat daring you to pet it. The tears of sadness are light, like a drizzle compared to the sobbing downpour of brokenness. Brokenness is a sapphire; sadness is a topaz. Both are blue.

I'm blue today. It's sadness. I know it will linger and strike when I'm by myself. I'm ready. I'm prayed up and my God is close. He won't fix this; it's not broken through. It's more like a bruise that needs time to heal. God will hold me close while I mend, and soon enough, this sadness will be a memory. 

Thursday, June 3rd
Friends call it HALT. Be careful when you are hungry, angry, lonely or tired because you'll make snap decisions that you may regret later. I found truth in that life tip, and adopted it. I've shared it with many, but I always added one more letter to the word. S. The same warning seemed important for me when I was sick. I'm a little less loving and kind when I'm sick. Chances are good that my first thought won't be about preserving my relationships when I'm running a fever. I seem to jump right to getting people out of my space.

So, the other day it happened. I got sick. Now, on this particular day I was feeling a close connection with God. He decided to use this opportunity to teach me something about myself that I'm not sure I wanted to know.  I never saw it this way before. It was illness, and when I was coughing or burning up, I was a little less likely to control my tongue. It wasn't a personal fault, per se, it was a function of being under the weather. That's what I told myself. I warned those close to me. "Watch out when I'm sick. I lose my filter and say things I shouldn't." I have a few stories where I even boast about how far I went with someone, because after all, it wasn't my fault. I was sick. (Did you catch the key excuse? "It wasn't my fault." That's where the problem was. I had convinced myself it wasn't my fault, when in fact, there was work to do.)

What I saw that morning was ugly. In my quiet time with God, I saw self-pity. I was sick, and I felt sorry for myself. I wasn't in pity because of the illness, though. I was in pity because I haven't learned enough about self-love to slow down and take care of myself. No. That would rob me of some dysfunctional status that I've come to value. Maybe it's a martyr syndrome. Isn't that delightful? Maybe it's a competitive stance whereby I win simply because I drag myself through paces others would sleep through if they felt like I did. I haven't gotten the language to describe the pride and ego that drives this self-pity yet, but I know one thing. It ain't pretty to look at. 

So, to all of you who have worked beside me on a sick day where I didn't call out, to my family who were subjected to my arrival at home after driving the worn body through the tasks at hand, and to anyone else who was on the receiving end of a monologue I may have called a conversation, I'm sorry. I'm still learning. Let's hope the next time I do better.  

Thursday, May 27th
We talked about it. Right? You said one thing, and I replied. It went back and forth for a little bit. I think I had the last word, though. So, that means it went my way, right? I won the argument. Okay, so it wasn't really an argument. It was a discussion. But, I won, right? What do you mean, 'you can't win a discussion'? I know it wasn't a competition, so quit saying that. What I meant to say is that when we finished talking, you understood what I meant. At least, you said you did. Well, you implied it because you quit shaking your head and gave me that last look in the eye before you walked away. That's why I thought I won, I mean, that you understood. Now you're telling me you just gave up? So, this fight is still going? I mean, discussion. That's what I meant. Discussion. Wait! Where are you going? Wait! Let's talk about this.

Could you follow that banter? If so, it's time we talk about listening. ~wink~

Thursday, May 20th
I may look cute, but don't get fooled. I'm demanding. I want my way. I throw mental tantrums and make a mess of my work area. You better not touch my stuff. I think the world revolves around me, and get loud when I feel overlooked. I push myself to do more, and fight sleep when my body requires it. I get frustrated when simple gadgets don't do their jobs, or I don't get what I want right away, or when someone doesn't do it the way I would have done it.  

Taking care of me is a full-time job. Wait! I think I figured it out. I'm a big baby! That's what it sounds like, right? 

If that's the deal, maybe the answer is to nurture myself instead of push myself. Maybe I need a good book that promotes the mid-day nap. Maybe it's okay to eat what like and leave the rest. Maybe I need to play with my crayons. Maybe, just for a day, I can retreat to the child spirit where wonder and curiosity are the priorities, and there's nothing more important than a Lego tower or a banana popsicle. 

Want to come with me just for a day? What have we got to lose, except all this unwanted stress?

Thursday, May 13th
I was running scared. I was poised for survival, and the immediate threat didn't have long fangs or sharp claws. Instead, it was made up of various people, each one with an opinion of me. I was afraid of what other people thought. 

The social instinct was placed inside us to ensure our success as a species. Let's face it, we need each other. If I had to depend on my own resources alone, life would be different. For example, I wouldn't be driving because I would never have come up with the design for the combustion engine. That guy was a genius. Thankfully, his creative brainpower was shared with others until a fellow named Benz put together a two-stroke version perfect for an automobile. And all I had to do was turn the key and learn to steer. 

Barbara Streisand sang, "People who need people are the luckiest people in the world." I remember singing along with my mother, and thinking how true it was. I didn't realize that it described a part of human nature designed by creation to allow us to grow stronger by building on the experiences of one another. Another line in this tune depicts the downside of the social instinct when it warns about "letting our grown-up pride, hide all the need inside." 

So, would it be strange if I told you I need you? Weirder still if I suggested that you need me? Because, in the end, that was the plan by Creation. We are here to help and encourage each other. Unfortunately, sometimes our instincts stray off the planned path, and we begin to think we are here to judge and admonish each other. Our species has gotten good at that. We can be quick-witted and sarcastic. We can wrap our criticism in humor hoping to disguise its sting. We can raise an eyebrow or do a double-take that shouts disapproval without the utterance of even one word. This social instinct can veer off-course and make us forget we are all peers to make us believe we are superior to another. 

We all know the drill. Some will run when the arrows of judgment are directed at us. We run scared. Others bow up in challenge and sharpen our own intellectual weapons. We enter the contest with desire, hoping to be declared the winner. No matter which stance we take, this is certain: when out-of-sorts, the social instinct doesn't promote cooperation and shared purpose, but inflicts separation and injury. 

Maybe that's why the holy men teach, "Judge not, lest you be judged." I think I'll practice that. I wish it came naturally like other instincts do. Or, did it before my ego got full-blown? Hmmm ... 

Thursday, May 6th
It was years ago when I called her. It had been a rough night, and I could hardly wait until a decent hour. She answered on the first ring, and when I heard her voice, I began to sob. She spoke soothing words. I cried. She asked what was happening. I couldn't answer, my voice lost to the demands of my brokenness as my chaotic breathing matched my feelings. This went on for at least ten minutes. 

Then, she said in a different tone, "Beth, what time did you get up today?" Thrown off by the change-up, I hesitated and quietly responded, "Six-thirty." She was quick in her response. "Well, call me back when you're spiritually awake, too." Click. She hung up on me!

Suddenly, the urgent matter that had ripped me to emotional shreds took a back seat to indignation. I was shocked at her behavior. And then it hit me, and a smile broke out on my previously tortured face. She had gotten through. I was wallowing in powerlessness, unable to find my way out because I hadn't connected with the Great Power. 

I was blessed to trudge this path with Jean Sirianni. She gave me two gifts that day. First, she gave me the gift of her presence. In a world that can turn cold in a heartbeat, it is so comforting to know there are people that will always take your hand and walk with you. Jean was one of those people. The second gift she gave me that day was the gift of the present. That morning, when she changed her tone and subject, it jerked me back into the now where God lives. She dragged me into the present moment, kicking and screaming. I had gotten lost in regret, which lives in the past. It is a terrible place to dwell, because there is no power there. Change is no longer available in the past. I was dancing toward fear and worry, which live in the future. Again, change becomes an illusion when I live in the future. If I need spiritual power to help me accept or survive my painful now, I can't be playing in dread and apprehension. There is no help there, only mental wanderings into unreal places. 

I have used the lesson of that morning throughout my life. I miss my friend, Jean. But she will never be truly gone while I am alive. Her lessons and experience have made me stronger and less fearful. She lives on in my heart.  

Thursday, April 29th
If you were given the opportunity to share one idea with everyone in the world, what would it be? Those of you who know me well won't be surprised by to know that I have actually pondered that question and come up with my answer. It was years ago, but I must really believe it fully because each year when I ask myself that question, I still come up with the same words. I believe it to be my base Truth. On days when you may be feeling unsure, feel free to borrow my confidence. I don't know if that will bring you any solace or surety, but it may give you a starting point so that you will seek a steady base Truth for yourself. The promise is that you will find if only you seek. Enough chatter. Are you ready for the key thought that supercedes all others in this busy head? Here goes:

God is absolutely crazy about you.

Yep, of this I am certain. And I celebrate every day because of it.

Thursday, April 22nd
Blame it on the Bossa Nova. Those are the words to a song my older sister Joanne listened to when I was a kid. It had a quick tempo, and the lyrics claimed that everything that happened to the lady singing was the fault of a dance that put her under its magic spell. Hmmm . . .

Aren't there times you wish you could blame it on the Bossa Nova? But, alas, I have to be accountable for my actions, even when they aren't shining examples of the loving soul I long to be. With the busyness of the holiday season, I've found myself a bit short with others when pushed. I'd like to believe I'm not usually like that, but I realize that I sometimes bite. Well, maybe not bite, but I'll get a good growl in here and there. 

If I were to place blame somewhere, it would be in the mirror. She's the one who isn't taking good care of herself. She's the one burning the candle at both ends. She's the one who isn't drinking enough water, sleeping through the night soundly, or stretching to make her healing hip feel ready to Bossa Nova. 

Good thing I love her, and I'll choose to forgive and start again. Maybe tomorrow I'll do better. In the meantime, let me Google that song and see if I remember the rest of the words. I may even do the cha cha in my kitchen. ~wink~

Thursday, April 15th
What did you get? Remember when we were kids, and that was the first question friends would ask the day after Christmas? Gratefully, that has changed for me. Today, I am celebrating what I gave, because that's when I "get" the most. 

I gave love. That's the biggest one. I gave laughter. I gave my focused presence. I gave gentle touch. I gave cookies made with the recipient in mind while the oven did its best. I gave my tone-deaf voice to sing and share favorite carols. I gave prayer when needed, even if not requested. I gave my authentic self - blemishes, talents, and desire to bring joy to others. 

Christmas was great. I gave a whole bunch. How about you? 

Thursday, April 8th
Would you kick a field goal on a first down? Or, would you try for the six points a couple more times before settling for the three? 

If you don't watch football, you may not follow what I'm saying. Basically, I'm using a football metaphor to lead you into thinking about your own life. The bottom line is this: how dedicated are you to living your very fullest life? Do you take the easy way out even if there's the possibility of something better if you give it another try or two? 

Mindful willingness as you peruse opportunities presented is key to good living. We've got to be alert to what's at stake. Sometimes, we sleepwalk through life, settling for less because it looks like an easier route.

Choose wisely, my friend. The life you are creating is your own.   

_______________________________________________________________

Thursday, December 12th
Christmas is coming. I'm not sure about the geese getting fat, but there are sure a lot of cookies, candies and cakes to tempt me to that end. It's part and parcel of the season. Worse, I'm one of the worst offenders because I love to bake cookies to fill red and green tins in an effort to share my holiday cheer. 

Moderation. That's the word of the week. Whether it's what I eat or how much I do to prepare for the celebration of Christ's birth, I must remember that I choose to be a human being ... not a human doing. 

Moderation. Balance. Both are symptoms of self-respect. When I put it that way, I realize where the real workload is. It's then that I remember that the only driven part of Christmas should be the driven snow. Not the driven gift-wrapper, cookie-baker, party-planner, errand-runner also known as myself. 

Maybe that's why the carolers sing, "God REST ye merry gentlemen ..."

Thursday, December 5th
Every once in a while, I make it my business. You get what I mean, because after all we have a phrase for it that we all recognize. "I make it my business to ..."

Usually, it's none of my business. I am often called to be a witness, not a participant. I'm still learning the art of not engaging. When I'm successful, there's less stress in my shoulders. Maybe that's because I'm not carrying the weight of the whole world like I used to.

This is big news for me. I have an incredible purpose. I am called to be a witness to the unfolding reality that surrounds me. I'm pretty sure my Higher Power will make it clear when I'm supposed to engage. (Do you think He'll sound trumpets, or is that passe?)

Thursday, November 21st
What are your talents? Do you use them regularly? Strangely enough, life seems easier when we do. When something comes to us naturally, it relieves us of the stress which often accompanies a task. Moreover, our gifts are usually just that - a special offering to the world that only we can give. They bless others. 

One of the greatest football players of all time, Joe Namath, said it this way. "When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun. And when you have fun, you can do amazing things."

It's the season of gratitude, and it's time for us to use our talents and have fun. The world needs amazing things. Let's get out there and do them!

Thursday, November 14th
One simple change. It's amazing how changing up one thing can give a whole new perspective to the day. It doesn't have to be a major change, either. Just trying one suggestion can rock my equilibrium. Just taste one strange food. Just listen to one person I usually zone out. Just ask God to be closer. Just make a decision to open my mind to the possibilities. 

I love kaleidescopes. One simple twist and the whole picture changes. It can be so easy to make things different when I'm feeling out of sorts. Popping out of bed fifteen minutes earlier to stretch, or journal, or have a coffee out back and really listen to the birds. One decision to set the alarm for a different time than the usual, and suddenly, I am connected again. One simple change.

Let's go for it today. Just one change. C'mon. What have we got to lose? Pinky swear? 

Thursday, November 7th
Each choice makes a difference. It creates my reality. What prompts the choice? Is it the situation? The person with whom I'm dealing? Or, am I true to myself, allowing the choice to support my character and further my relationship with God? Seems like it should be easy to answer, but when given that list of possibilities, I sometimes have to blush.

Did you ever have an old behavior sneak back into your life? Maybe it's smoking, overeating, or binging on video games or TV. It promises relief from stress, but it lies to you. After engaging, you always feel worse. But you fall into the habitual cycle of temptation, recurrence of action, remorse, and solemn vow to make better choices. You start to live on a hamster wheel of repeated offenses. What could be the cause? Though some habits can morph into addiction, others are simply the result of not being present enough to make a better choice. Stress, fatigue, emotional upset and isolation may be so overwhelming that you start to sleepwalk through life. Choice is eliminated as sloth and numbness settle for whatever looks easiest. 

The solution lies in becoming mindful. I've found that a few simple words remind me to make a choice that will support my character and allow me to live into all that God had in mind for me to be. What are the words? I'm not sure it matters. They only have to make sense to the one who utters them, and act as a reminder to return to the present moment. They may be a call out to God, a phrase that has meaning, or the name of a person who counts on you. In reality, your true nature wants you to do well, and it will support that end no matter what the words you utter. God wants you to succeed, too. Why not ask for some supernatural assistance? 

We only get one shot at life. Let's create a great legacy, one mindful choice at a time!

Thursday, October 24th
Most of us have been there. I pulled into the parking lot and my emotions felt like they were being strangled. I put the car in park and closed my eyes. Breathing in slowly, I started the self-talk that would get me through the pain. Why did this feeling always overtake me when I came to this place?

Human beings were created for community, just like wolves were created for packs and birds for flocks. When we feel we don't belong somewhere, it can be overwhelming. Worse, old painful feelings can gang up on us and join the new ones. Historic personalities can come back to life in our minds, and a survival default mode can kick in. We become invisible. Or we throw a tantrum. Or we run away. Or . . . what pattern do you rely on for relief?

The reality is that without communication, the discomfort won't subside. We need to use our words to let others know that we're disconnected. "When you criticize me in public, I feel embarrassed, so I shut down." "When you fail to recognize me when I say hello to you, I feel unimportant." "When you jump to believe the worst of me, I feel that my hard work is in vain." 

It will be hard to speak your Truth, at first. Your voice may shake. Sometimes, speaking your Truth will remove more than the discomfort, and the dysfunctional relationship will fall by the wayside. That may seem scary, but with time it will feel like a suitable resolution. Better yet, by speaking up for yourself, you will begin to respect others and know when it's appropriate to hold your tongue or weigh in on a situation. You will become a better communicator.

Relationship is hard for many of us. But without honest communication, relationship is impossible. Feelings are hurt, spirits are broken, and discord becomes a way of life. Eventually, you'll find yourself sitting in a parking lot wishing you didn't have to go inside. Wait. Isn't that where we started? 

Speak your Truth, even if your voice shakes.

Thursday, October 17th
What are the three most life-changing words that can be spoken? For years, I would have argued that they were "I love you." When a person says that to another, it shouts value and comfort. Certainly, that is life-changing, right?

I was wrong. I remember saying them, and when I did, my whole life changed. "I need help." Three little words spoken into a dark  night, and once they were spoken, support came. Initially, it came from God, and though I recall the experience, it is still hard to put into words. Then, the people started to show up. I'm not sure how they knew, but they appeared sharing their experience, strength and hope with me. The dark night ended with the weeping and fear. It wasn't long before I found joy in the morning. To this day, the joy persists. 

If you're struggling, remember the three words that can make it change. Mean them when you say them. And then, watch out. The Calvary is on it's way.

Thursday, September 26th
People need us. They look forward to our coming together with them. Someti

mes, there are tasks to be done. Sometimes, however, they just need someone to hear them. Listening is becoming a lost art in this world of technology and busy schedules. No advice. No solutions. No interference, just a head nod and eye contact while the person unloads.  

Grateful to have learned that lesson. Grateful to have others around me who have, too.

Thursday, September 12th, 2019
We lived through it again. Every year on September 11th, our country mourns the loss and destruction of the attack. We come together as a country, and we know unity in a new light.

It's important to know that there are others who understand your pain. Pain brings us together because we all hate the feeling of powerlessness that comes with it. When pain erupts, it carries a modicum of chaos that causes unrest. When others experience the same pain, it somehow softens the blow as we see understanding in another person's eyes. It helps to share the burden. The unity it brings transcends station or belief. We are one in our brokenness. 

September 12th is just as important as it's predecessor. It was the day we all came together and cried, "We are one!" It's the day complacent Americans remembered their national inheritance and realized how grateful they are to live in the Home of the Free. The attack spurred us to alertness and thankfulness. May we never lose that stance again. 

Thursday, September 5th, 2019
Waiting changes things. I saw it happen this week. Last Friday, my town was packing up for the possible landfall of a Category 5 hurricane. It's western track had it heading straight for us. Home Depot was buzzing, especially in the plywood department where truckloads of product were purchased and applied to local residential windows. The grocery store was devoid of water bottles, and there were plastic bags over gas pumps telling would-be customers that the station was sold out. 

We had time to prepare, and we did. Then, came the waiting game. Our brothers in the Bahamas took the brunt of the 185 mph winds when it happened. The storm stopped moving. It stalled. We watched the Weather Channel reporters try to explain what would happen next, predicting a northern turn that might get us out of the path of devastation, but instead it just sat there. And, we got bored. We went from high adrenaline and sweaty palms to irritating neck tension and digestive ailments from all the junk food we were eating. Still, the storm stayed stationary, and we morphed into complacent annoyance, and when the steering winds finally turned it away from us, we felt a bit duped instead of radically jubilant. All that preparation would be for naught, and our relief was intermixed with a strange feeling of being cheated. 

Waiting is hard, especially when the initial set-up includes strong emotions like fear of the unknown and emotional or financial insecurity. Then comes the hangover, because our brain chemistry had an overload of peptides that wore us out. With the down-time, we come back to ourselves, and are filled with incredible gratitude followed by sympathy and empathy for those not as fortunate. 

Waiting. Why is it so hard to stay mindful when things are delayed? 

Thursday, August 29th
(from a writing in August of 2013)
Why is it so difficult to receive the gift of discernment?

I believe there is another step in the process. Just as faith can lead to trust, I believe that awareness can lead to discernment. Without awareness, my brain becomes hyper-focused and I can’t seem to get out of my own way. When I have the moment of clarity I call awareness, however, I am pulled to a higher spiritual level where I can see around my self-centered fears. Awareness seems to be the precursor to discernment, which involves fusing my limited views to the boundless concepts of God. With awareness in place, I can ask the Higher Power to direct my thinking. Freed from the bondage of ego, I move into discernment where I can clearly see the next right thing. Until then, I am living life in a haze of self-importance, and my thoughts, feelings, and behaviors remain distorted. I forget that I am part and parcel of the whole. I forget I am connected to all of Life, including that which is known as Higher Power.

Just for today, I pray for the awareness that leads to my ability to break through faulty perceptions. Please God, let me see my part so that I might discover the incredible truths and opportunities right in front of me. Merge my thoughts with Yours that I might better impact the world. Amen.

Thursday, August 22nd
I didn't know it that I was doing it. I had done it so many times before, it just seemed natural. But, it's not natural. Isolation has never been natural. Man was born to live in a tribe. We are instinctively wired for community. When we reject that stance, something is amiss.

Years ago, my friend Michael gave me a piece of information about the lone wolf. For years, I thought the lone wolf was the symbol of strength and power. I pictured that wolf howling at the moon expressing his dominance. But, Michael's report explained that although Native Americans revere the wolf, they will kill a lone wolf. Why? When a wolf breaks with his pack, he's gone rogue.  His behavior won't be predictable or sound. 

I'm the same way. When I get overburdened or exhausted, I pull away from others. Instead of leaning on them for support, I put on my defiant posture, cross my arms and make the "don't mess with me" face. On a good day, I'll realize I'm doing it. I'll drop my arms, say a quick prayer, and force myself to engage with another person. Usually, once I take these actions, I begin to feel better immediately. I need other people, especially when I'm broken.

I'm so grateful I know that now. Better yet, I'm overjoyed that I know that loneliness is a choice. And when I make the wrong choice, I can choose again.

Thursday, August 15th
When I overdo it, I get irritable. Irritation may mean that my body, soul and spirit are trying to tell me to take it easy. Instead of resting, I tend to gun my inner-engine, determined to accomplish one more thing. When I get on a roll, I become numb to my discomfort, focused on the goal. I become a human doing instead of a human being, and my muscles and emotions begin to complain like a two-year old child. 

I'm not easily irritated when my self-care is intact. I'm gentle with others, and with myself. I recognize stress when it looks me in the eye, and I manage it and then allow time to recover. When I'm looking out for my best interest, I'm fun to be around. I joke and giggle, trying to engage with those around me for some light-hearted interaction. 

I wonder why I stray into the driven pattern? Maybe, somewhere long ago, I came to believe that my value is measured by my achievements. Today, when I challenge that false belief, I can see where it has stolen moments of my life that I can never replace. I want it to stop. I want to be healthier. I want a new way of thinking.

And, as I speak that out loud in prayer, God smiles and begins the work of transformation. He's got this. My desire for wholeness is the prayer. I will live to be transformed by the renewal of my mind. God said so, and I believe it.

Thursday, August 8th
Years ago, I had a friend who was convinced he could teach me to be a better golfer. I come from a family of golf-loving brothers, but I never took to the links with dedication. My buddy broke down my golf swing into six parts, and showed me repeatedly how mastery of these six elements could bring me to my A game, or at least to a place of less embarrassment next time I held a club.

I focused. I listened to his words. I understood the premise of why each of the six parts were important to the final blast of the ball. I tried it. I concentrated. I worked my wrists, arm extensions and shoulders in unison. I followed through. My foot turned out at the end of the swing. Wait, did I get my hips right, because that really lends power to the shot or allows it to be gently directed? Ohmigosh! I forgot about my head! So, I started again. I spent an afternoon with my well-meaning buddy, but sadly, our interaction made me give up golf.

You see, I was suffering from paralysis through analysis. I had broken down this exciting game to a point where I no longer enjoyed it. I just wanted it to stop. 

Have you ever done that with a relationship issue? You think you can break it down and see where it went off-track. In your desire to correct, you overanalyze and separate even more as you study nuances, trying to disect the bond to see where it slid off-track. I've been there, my friend. What I've discovered is that overthinking a thing can bring me to a place where I can no longer act authentically. There's no fluidity in my interactions. They become unnatural. Sometimes, I freeze. Paralysis through analysis. And the one I'm trying to connect with drifts farther away.

It's hard to stop an active mind that desires resolution. So, I ask for help. I pray. I seek out a confidante that will listen and nod, allowing me to blow the junk out of my busy brain. Then, I look at my part. After all, that's the only part I can affect. If I see blemishes in my behavior, I ask God to remove them and help me become open and willing to love unconditionally. The process is slow, but most times, the relationship improves. 

Paralysis through analysis. It's not for everyone. It may never make you better at the game of life.

Thursday, August 1st
What does it mean to make a decision? Does it mean you take action? Or, is a decision made in the head, and it only comes to pass if the heart gets onboard?  

Thursday, July 25th
Does God have your back? I was talking to a friend of mine today, and she said that to me. I challenged her. If God's got your back, that's great support. He's holding you up while you try to get the thing done that seems so demanding. 

What would happen if you actually gave God the whole thing in surrender? What if you had God's back? What if you let God do for you what you can't do for yourself? Would that alleviate stress and allow you to get some sleep at night? 

Surrender seems difficult until we realize that we are powerless over so many of the things that worry us. Since we can't affect change on our own, why don't we turn it over to the One Who has all power? I mean, doesn't that make sense? Then, we can go about our business doing the best we can with what we have to offer. We let go of the part that is out of our control, and we can begin the process of learning to trust. The more we let go and let God, the better our chance at developing a track record that proves He is faithful. 

With a track record like that, we experience more joy and less anxiety. We can give up our role of Atlas, and put the world down at long last. 

Thursday, July 18th
What if holiness was like any other law of the universe? We never consider stepping off a building, because we believe in the law of gravity. We can't outwit it. We live with it, knowing the limitations it creates.

Recently, in my quiet time with the Higher Power, I've come to realize that holiness is like this. Perhaps, a lot of the "smiting" I heard God did was in reality the consequence of those who got too close to His holiness without a Mediator. Maybe it's like standing next to fire without bunker gear. You just can't survive it. Like fire, we must carefully consider how to interact with the energetic power of holiness because it is beyond human subsistence. Its properties are such that it invokes reverance and care. Those who have endured its proximity have always had supernatural assistance. 

Why does any of this matter? Well, the misunderstanding of the law of holiness may have led many to misunderstand the Creator. Thinking Him to be punitive and harsh, they've responded with fear and denial instead of with respect and awe. We respect gravity. We don't even question its authority. Maybe some of us need to give God that consideration. 

Maybe He really is good. 

Thursday, July 11th
"Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday."

I remembered that little quip from my teenage years, and I thought I'd ask you, "So, was it as bad as you thought it would be?"

Weird, isn't it? It usually is way worse in my mind than what actually happens in my life. Worry. Maybe it's really a waste of time.  

Thursday, July 4th
Should we talk about freedom just because it's the Fourth of July? Instead of focusing on our country, let's look at heart and spirit. Are you free? 

Sometimes, the thing that keeps me from freedom is lack of forgiveness. It hides out, so I don't always see what it is. I justify. I strategically recall the event so that mine is the only perspective that matters. Eventually, I convince myself that how I remember it is how it went down. Then, I become even MORE right and you become even MORE wrong. The separation between us grows with the distortion. I tie my heart and spirit up with chains of self-righteousness and I can't move out of my own way. My world becomes smaller and I convince myself that's what I want. I want to be right. Bottom line.

When I was a kid, we sang a patriotic song in school that said, "Freedom isn't free. Freedom isn't free. You gotta pay a price, you gotta sacrifice for your liberty." Maybe that's true here, too. I have to sacrifice. What a bummer. I have to lay my ego on the chopping block and be ready to feel pain. Even so, this pain will be short-lived versus the other kind that comes from wearing chains and living in restriction. Restrictive pain lingers and eventually turns into paralysis. That affects other movements, and other relationships.

For today, I will live by a different set of principles. I choose forgiveness, acceptance and love as my banner. I will suffer for this choice from time to time, but I will always know freedom in heart in spirit. Momentary sacrifices will pay off in the long-run and I will know peace of mind and Truth as companions. 

Thursday, June 27th
Recipes must be followed if you want a consistent product. This is true in life, as well as in any kitchen. What you put in decides how it turns out. If you are looking for a tasty, delicious life, make sure the ingredients are fresh. Measure so that you don't skimp on the part that makes the flavor pop. Heat it up so it comes together, and cool it off so it can rest. Best of all, share it with all those around. When you do it right, their mouths will water in anticipation. (That's called attraction. They want what you have.) 

Get out there and cook up some quality living! Before you know it, people will be making reservations to share in your success. 

Thursday, June 20th
When ego calls the shots, I'm in it alone. Too proud to admit weakness, I muddle through, struggling, stressed and strained. The end of the day comes to a broken body, busy mind, and quiet spirit. I fall into bed like a overworked beast, hoping my mind will shut up so my body gets some rest. Unlikely. 

When authenticity orders the day, I know my place is with others willing to contribute. Humble enough to ask for help, I share the burden, focused, team-minded, and laughing. The end of day comes with hugs to soothe tired muscles, words to encourage, and a spirit of gratitude. I climb into bed and thank God for the gift of community. I rest, knowing that if I need more help tomorrow, it will be available.

If it were up to you, which would you leave in charge of your life? Ego or authenticity?

Thursday, June 13th
Who do you talk to when you are coming into new understanding? I am blessed to have friends who are seeking new inroads to their relationship with God, and it is such a delight to pour a cup of coffee and spill my beans. They listen with intent, and comment with careful consideration. Yes, our chatter spreads and we discuss our lives, our hurts, our hopes and what has made us laugh recently. Even though it may be weeks or even months between our chats, it's always the same. It takes about thirty seconds to pick up where we left off, and the time flies before we hug and say goodbye. These friends aren't necessarily part of my daily ins and outs, but they are a HUGE part of my life. I am so grateful that we found each other, and that I was open enough to let them in. They encourage me. They edify me. They lift me up in prayer. Best of all, they love me.

Thanks, God, for these putting these people on my path. Bless them real good. Amen. 

Thursday, June 6th
Overload. We get there. Too much. Too frequently. Too demanding. We'll get through it this time, but it will show its ugly head again. It's a regular visitor and it gets really old. Overload. Sometimes, it brings its twin - overwhelm. When they come together, we feel physical and emotional exhaustion. 

There is One who told us to how to rest. At the very least, work hard for six days and take the seventh off for rest. Do you work diligently, meeting the needs presented, but when you get tired, separate yourself for a time and rest. Go to the well when you're thirsty. Take a nap during a tempest if you're tired. Follow these footsteps and you'll be able to meet the needs of your busy life. 

Better yet, you'll practice the part that is hardest for many of us. Why is it so easy to love our neighbor, but so difficult to love ourselves? Resting is a self-care measure that many of us deny ourselves. 

Give it a go. Take a breather and just be. It is then that we can hear the still, small voice that reminds us we've got back up. 

Thursday, May 23rd
“There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God's favor was on him.” – Luke 2:40, NLT

Have you ever wondered how Prince Charming got his name? Did he live a “charmed” life, and therefore, he called himself by a moniker that best described his youth?

You may have done the same thing, only your childhood was painful. You wondered if you had any value because you felt overlooked and unimportant. So, you’ve dubbed yourself “Worthless”. To this day, you long for connection, but you have no idea how to allow it in your life. The possibility of being hurt again keeps you heavily insulated and when listing the people you trust on one hand, you find you have extra fingers. You want to trust, but you get afraid.

There’s Good News that can break through this hard shell you’ve developed to protect yourself, if only you’ll give it a chance. Ready? You have favor with God. Don’t scoff. It’s true. God is absolutely crazy about you. Run to Him and let His healing love begin its work. It doesn’t matter if you believe in Him fully. He believes in you fully. And, in the end, that’s all that matters.

Give it a shot. What have you got to lose, except a pile of loneliness?

Thursday, May 16th
How can it be? Is it possible that I got so busy in life that I forgot to notice the things that are around me every day? I have purple and yellow flowers growing up the fence in my backyard. They've obviously been there for a long time, because their vines are dense and strong. The pops of color scream "notice my beauty!" Yet, busy at the sink or in my head, I overlooked them. 

What about the people in my life? Have I ever been so busy that I "overlooked" someone dear to me because I was busy at a task or in my head? Sadly, I have to admit that I have. Here, I was given someone to love me by God Himself, and I overlooked the gift because I was on the merry-go-round of busyness. Sometimes, they gave up or moved on. Hopefully, they didn't waste a minute worrying about their importance to me, because that was never the issue. It's my cluttered mind that leads me away from them, never their worthiness.

Learn from me. Look around you. Beauty awaits your focus. Relationship calls out with love. It's only the unconscious mind that loses the magical moment of right now. Unfortunately, along with that moment, we can lose so much more. 

Let's make a pact to start paying attention to Life. After all, we can never get back a moment we surrender to stress, worry or pretentious planning. Go pet the dog. Go hug your family. Go look at your yard. What gifts are right in front of you now? Go enjoy them. That's what I'm going to do.

Here, Rooney! Want to play tug-of-war? 

Thursday, May 9th
Do you know what is enough? Is it a hard call with certain things? Ice cream? Wine? Tasks? Shoes? 

Many of us have our "go-to" activities that we believe are self-indulgent, but they are actually self-sabotaging. We think we'll be soothed by the sweets, the drink, the accomplishments, or the purchases, but in the end we lose out. We lose our health, our relationships, and our financial stability. Still, when challenged by strong emotion, our default settings steer us to the same behavior that promises relief. Eating, drinking, doing, spending. There are other patterns, too. But, under each of them is often an underlying false belief.

What am I really reaching for? Is it another mouthful, sip, achievement, or purchase? Or am I trying to fill a break in my thinking that screams at me, "You are NOT enough!" With that as the backdrop, I try to use anything that will fill the hole or at least get me to a point of numbness where I don't have to feel the pain. Unfortunately, the aftermath of acting out is an even lower feeling of unworthiness. I am fat, drunk, overworked or broke. None of it fixed the break.

If you struggle with the pains of uncertainty about your worth, let me tell you what I learned. I am enough. I was designed by the Master of the Universe with specific gifts and talents to create an abundant life. I am loved. This Truth comes from seeking. I sought solution, and I found my place in this big world. I have identity, purpose and power. I am God's kid, and I can effect change, manifest goodness, and bring His intention to pass when I am in right spiritual condition. 

And I have good news. So can you. Why don't you give it a shot? Instead of reaching for the Ben & Jerry's, why don't you ask for help? Ask for your Divine hook-up. I guarantee it's sweeter than your favorite flavor. It brings real peace, not the foggy buzz from Cabernet. It produces a stronger sense of accomplishment than any task on your list. It doesn't drain your bank account and fill your house with unnecessary attempts to feel substantial. It's real. It's fulfilling. It's great to share. And it's yours for the asking. Go for it. 

Thursday, May 2nd
Are you irresistible? Do you attract others?

If not, check out your purpose in life. If you've chosen a drive for accomplishment, a victim story of woe, or any other tenet on which to base your life, chances are good that you often find yourself standing alone. 

What if you decided to love others as you love yourself? Give it a go. The life you rock will be EVERYONE'S! 

Thursday, April 25th
What does it take for you to declare a victory? Does it have to be a winner-take-all situation or are you able to celebrate small developments fated to get you to your destination eventually? Is victory about accomplishment or advancement? 

Ten days ago, I fell down and broke my left hip. I was immediately powerless over my life. I was forced into a position where I had to ask for help, when I prefer to be self-sufficient. I was forced to follow directions, when I prefer to shout orders. I was unable to accomplish simple tasks, when I usually knock out four or five before I leave the house at 7:30am. So, how has this experience changed my perspective on victory?

Today, it is a great victory that I got outside to enjoy the weather. It was a win that I could go to the restroom unsupervised. It was a conquest that the third set of weighted leg lifts didn't make me cry. Victory, my friends, has never tasted sweeter. Small increases, daily disciplines, and persevering through circumstances I would have never chosen is teaching me gratitude, acceptance and self-love. 

I am rocking this Universe!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8VoUYtx0kw

Thursday, April 11th

It was a difficult week for a lot of folks. Hanging out with a group of them, there seemed to be a shadow over everyone. Some faced illness, others family issues. Some just didn't want to get out of bed, and they weren't really sure why.

It's hard when the collective energy of a generally upbeat group swings to the low side. There's usually one among us that can get things going with a good story or a snide comment aimed at making light. Not this week. Even the trailblazers were sullen, as if their maps were headed nowhere.

Then, it happened. One person cracked a joke and it was as if the dark energy monster quit holding his breath to giggle. Suddenly, smiles began to appear, and it was as if clarity had returned to the crowd. Hope floated through the window on the winds of laughter. 

Is there a cosmic reset button on this planet? I'm not sure, but if there is, I believe it gets pushed when comedy replaces tragedy and we are connected in chuckles and snickers. Maybe the cackle is like a rooster reminding us to wake up and be present in the moment.  

Thursday, April 4th
It can be hard to say you’re sorry, but not saying it can make it harder longer. Remember, we are meant to treat others as we want to be treated. When someone steps up and apologizes to me, it makes me feel connected to them. The hurt doesn’t always leave right away, but their desire for closeness begins the healing process. When they tell me they’re sorry, I become aware of my value. They put my feelings first, even if they were afraid. 

Thinking about how it feels to receive an apology makes it easier for me to make one. The lyrics of a song speak to this frame of mind.

”I never meant to hurt you, I must have lost my way. Please forgive the words of a heart, a heart that hides it’s face. I never meant to hurt you, I only meant to love you it’s true. And when I saw you crying, I cried, too.”

That’s enough. I’m readY. Gotta’ go make it right with someone. How about you? 

Thursday, March 28th
What does it mean to be rescued? When I was a child, there was a terrible tragedy one summer on Lake Michigan where we were vacationing. Two of my siblings and two of their friends went out for a swim when they were captured by an undertow. My dad and second cousin (who was visiting from Ireland) went after them and made a human chain whereby each of the teens was passed in until they made it to shore. Sadly, my dad and my cousin disappeared after their valiant rescue. My father made it. Blue from exposure and lack of oxygen, he was revived. My cousin Sean perished in this drama. 

Maybe your rescue wasn't like that of my siblings. Perhaps, you weren't at the hands of death due to drowning, fire or natural catastrophe. Nonetheless, many of us know what it means to be rescued. Hitting an emotional bottom where we were closer to death than we'd like to report, we aren't sure how we would have made it had rescue not been provided. Some reading this have known the fear of loss, whether it was a loved one or our will to live that was taken.

It could have been a friend who took an interest and offered support. It could have been a new understanding that was shared, and the light of reason shined suddenly on the previously dark vista. Maybe the family rallied and demanded change, and though rescue started as a force-feeding of hope, it eventually blossomed into a healthy habit that allowed us to return to know our purpose. Maybe your deliverance came in the quiet night when you called out to a Higher Power, challenging proof of His existence if you were to continue. Rescue takes many different forms. What is incredible is that it happens. And, it has happened to many of us. That could be why we're here to read this blog.

Look around you. Is someone floundering? Has someone been pulled under by a tide of overwhelming life events? Those who have been rescued will often become rescuers themselves. It's a beautiful Truth, almost like paying back the one who saved us. Reach out. The one in need is only an arm's length away. Give back generously what you may have received falteringly. That, my friend, is God's desire. Let's love one another. 

Thursday, March 21st
 A friend gave me a book to read. That's usually telling. When someone has a good read that speaks their language, it generally hits me right in the heart. This time I was blessed. It was a short one that I could read in one sitting. I like those ones. The author wants to deliver one important message, and pads it just enough to make you feel like you had to dig a little bit.

This one is called Cosmic Christmas by Max Lucado, and my friend Lorraine asked me to read it. When I received the book, I remembered it. I had read it years before. The message is one I always need to hear. God is absolutely crazy about me. 

Anyway, that's it for today. I just want to go sit in the glow of this incredible reality. I am loved. I am cherished. I am chosen. This is most likely the best news in the world. When I consider it mindfully, I believe it wholly. Funny, when the distractions of life butt in, as they so often do, this is one of the first things I forget. Gratefully, I have friends like Lorraine who ask me to take the time to remember. 

I'm the beloved of Creation. I belong here. Ain't that the bomb?

Thursday, March 14th
 We've all heard of "seeing the light", but what does it really mean? 

It's simple, if you think about it. We were standing in a dark place unsure of where to go, and suddenly, a way appears with the appearance of light. The darkness is pierced, and we can see a path where there once was none. 

There is great joy in seeing the light. It brings immediate hope and possibility. We can take action when we thought we were stuck for good. But, will we?

When God shines a light on your circumstances, make a move. It is an invitation to better things. The light may show up as a person saying just the right thing, a circumstance that answers a troubling question, or an instance where situations aligned for your benefit. These are no small miracles. Somewhere, in the unseen, the angels are dancing. (If they're Irish angels, they're doing a jig for St. Paddy's Day!) 

Join their celebration and move forward. Clearly, God is on your side and making a way. Seize your moment. 

Thursday, March 7th
There are people who long to hear you tell them how much you love them. They might not know it, but your love is one of the foundational truths of their lives. When they're with you, they feel secure and confident. They know their value, because it is mirrored back to them in your eyes. They trust you with their hearts.  

You know who they are. Get going. Tell them. Reach out and make their day. They may be 1500 miles away or across town, but your love call will be the highlight of their day. Maybe you won't get through. Maybe you'll have to leave a message. Have it ready, just in case. Make it memorable. Let them hear the joy you feel connecting with them.

There are people who long to hear you tell them how much you love them. Make their day. 


Thursday, February 28th

What did you learn when you were little? Some of the lessons were keepers. Others, you should have tossed. Unfortunately, some of them became the foundation on which you built your life, and that's why you sometimes feel like you're standing on shaky ground.

There was a little girl in kindergarten that loved school because it meant finding new friends. During a drawing class, she learned that her artwork was superior when the teacher made mention of it. What should have been a moment to celebrate became a moment of shame. The other kids didn't like the inference that their art projects were inferior. The youngster learned the lesson. To have friends, you can't outshine the masses. So, she tucked her talent away and only let it shine when she was alone. She vowed to be average so that she'd be part of the crowd. Forty years later, she still hides her light under a bushel, but at this point it's an unconscious habit. She wonders why she never excels in her own projects but can help anyone else find their sweet spot when she assists. 

This woman is operating under an unchallenged and unexamined false belief. She has wasted years of her life struggling to be average when she was born to be exceptional. We are the losers. The imaginings in her beautiful mind were never allowed to be expressed through her wonderful creativity. Instead, she punched a clock and delivered what was expected. 

What faulty decisions have become habitual for you? Do you ever feel that you lack purpose? Do you wonder if your life has meaning? If these questions cross your mind from time to time, think back on what you suppressed and give it another shot. Let your light shine for all to see. Be the incredible, talented individual God had in mind when He created you. And, get ready! Passion will rise and life will explode with meaning and possibilities. 

We are so ready. Bring it on!

Thursday, February 21st
It's been tough lately. I want to be happy all the time, but when I'm alone, I'm sad. Feelings. They crop up in response to life's circumstances that spark old memories or future fears. Don't get me wrong. There are those that occur just because of the present moment. They can be heavy, too, depending upon what triggered the emotion. But, usually when I am overrun with feelings it's because I took what I felt today and added history or expectation. Then, I get overwhelmed.

That's a big word - overwhelm. Clearly, the preposition "over" means above, or higher so that one thing covers the other. I get it. But I wasn't so sure what the root of the word, "whelm", meant, so I looked it up. "To cover or engulf completely, usually with a disastrous effect." Wow! No wonder being overwhelmed is extreme. It means to get covered twice. In my imagination, I saw myself digging out of these heavy emotions because I got a double portion of covering holding me down.

I grew up in the Windy City. I remember a time when I was a kid when we got a huge portion of snow. I think it was a foot and a half of the white stuff. We were sent out to shovel, and it was a challenge I still recall. The next day, we got another two feet of snow! Can you imagine if we hadn't removed the first day's accumulation? It would have been almost as tall as we were. We had neighbors struggling with the two-day buildup, and after we finished our walkway and drive we went over to help them clear their pathways. 

Emotions are like snowfalls. I need to deal with them daily and not let them accumulate. When I allow a busy day's demands to preclude me from feeling the tragedies that occur, feelings amass. I get overwhelmed. I need to take the time to "shovel through" the pain and hurt each day. For me, this usually means a bit of solitude so that I can feel the Comforter come and help me clear a pathway. I'm so grateful I know the One who assists me when the hurts collect in drifts and render me helpless. By the way, that relationship is available to anyone who asks. 

I'm so grateful I don't have to shovel alone. Feelings can be so heavy.

Thursday, February 14th
If I tell you that I love you, what will that mean? Will it mean that I won't get irritated? Because love is patient. Will it mean that I won't make sarcastic comments to you? Because love is kind. If you get to travel the world or buy a new car, does it mean I won't begrudge you? Love does not envy. When I tell you that I love you, does it mean I'll never have to "talk myself up" to make you like me? Love doesn't boast, and it isn't proud. If I really love you, I won't try to get my own way, it will take a lot to get me mad, and I won't always point out your weaknesses. I won't be secretly happy when your winning streak fails, but I'll sing of your worthiness and value. I'll stand up for you, I'll believe in you, I'll wish the best for you, and I'll do these things for as long as I'm breathing. 

You see, love never fails. 

How I wish I could say it more easily and mean it every time. I would tell you. I would tell everyone I meet. But, it wouldn't be totally truthful at this writing.

Would it be appropriate to say, "It's Valentine's Day, and I want to love you." It might not give you the warm fuzzies, but I bet it would make God smile.

Thursday, February 7th

In my dream, there was a huge cord that threatened. It was holding something good back, but I couldn't break it. Then, there was a huge pair of scissors  opened wide. Slowly, words appeared on each of the blades of the scissors. The top one read MY WILL. The bottom read GOD'S WILL. As these two blades came together with force, the cord was cut and freedom was 

palpable. 

In the groggy moment I understood. Only when my will bends to meet God's will can I cut through the strings that bind me. Now, remembering the scissors is my prayer.

Thursday, January 31st
What do you believe? I want to list a whole series of wonderful Truths, but unfortunately I am finding that though I have faith, I sometimes lack belief. I'm coming into the understanding that these two words are very different. 

I remember hearing that all things are possible for one who believes. So, why do I struggle with the same issues over and over? Why am I unable to exert my will to overcome habits that are injurious to me? 

There's a story about a boy who needed to be healed, but the spiritual men there couldn't affect the change. The Master came, and the child was made whole. The disciples asked why they couldn't do it. The answer given was that difficult cases required serious prayer.

Could it be that simple? Does prayer promote belief? Does hanging out with God make you holy? Wholly? Hmmm . . . I'm going to have to think about this one. Or, maybe I should just up my prayer life and watch what happens. 

What would you do? 

Thursday, January 24th
A blue heron took flight, and I witnessed it pull it's long neck in and spread it's wide wings. Meanwhile, on land, three huge wood storks huddled together because the wind was fierce. I heard a noise, and looked at a tall palm where a red-headed woodpecker was banging bugs, getting a meal in before retiring to a warmer spot to wait out the chilly evening. I got into my car to head home, and the sun slipped a bit lower in the sky, pouring orange and pink hues as far as I could see. 

My God is an artist, and I am His audience. Each day I find delight in the mundane. There was a time when I wasn't mindful of this glory, and I missed it. I forgot to delight in the gift of this beautiful planet. 

Thursday, January 17th
Someone suggested that it would be crazy if my company offered me health insurance, yet I paid for all my medical bills out of pocket. I thought about the statement. I agreed.

Then, they asked me why I don't utilize all the benefits offered to me by my Higher Power. There are promises galore, but I don't cash in on many of them. Is it possible to consider that there is a God who offers me Love, and with it healing, compassion, hope, faith, miracles and provision? Why haven't I claimed my benefits? 

Interesting. I'd write more, but I have some paperwork to which I need to attend. Journaling helps me organize the chaos in my head. I'm going to create my ledger, and claim my allowances. It's crazy not to use everything I have coming to me. 

How about you? Have you used all the supernatural benefits God promised you?

Thursday, January 10th

Keep it simple. They say that, but I realize I haven't been doing that for a long time. Maybe I think complication is something that means maturity. Maybe, the call to keep it simple is a call to return to the child spirit, with its ability to be swallowed up in awe and wonder easily. 

When I was a child, I was delighted with vanilla ice cream. As I grew, I added caramel. And hot fudge. And whipped cream. And nuts. And a cherry, for good measure. I complicated the whole treat. 

Simple may be better. In the case of ice cream, it's better for my health and my pocketbook. With my view of the world, it creates less drama and allows me to carry a lighter load. 

Doesn't that sound good?

Thursday, January 3rd

What does starting a new year mean to you? Is it a reset button for your financial affairs? Is it the opportunity to reorganize your life, swearing off things that didn't work in the last twelve months and promising not to repeat mindless behaviors? Is it a list of resolutions guaranteed to be put on a back shelf by next Monday? Or, is it just another season for you?

New is a good word. It brings hope as well as challenge. It promises perspectives not yet employed, and thought processes not yet considered. A new year honors the human need to mark time. Hopefully, you are embracing your new year with enthusiasm.

Maybe you're too tired to embrace anything. This season is about more work: taking down a tree without breaking the ornaments, cleaning the kitchen after unbridled food fiascos by everyone in the household, and tying up the books so the tax man will make an appointment with you. If this rings true, just remember the power of choice. The above sentences are mindsets that can be changed if you choose. YOU get to pick your view on life. You can start your day, or your year, over anytime you choose.

Start first thing in the morning. Bless your day and your activities. Ask for what you need to make it easier. There is a Source Power into which you can tap. Don't be afraid. Ask. The year ahead will be built one day at a time. Ask daily, and then act. Just watch the energy and effort translate to great fruit on the tree of your life.

 

 

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