"Takin' Time Out"

 

Definition:  a piece of thick textile fabric with pictures or designs formed by weaving colored threads or by embroidering on canvas, used as a wall hanging or furniture covering.  It is also used in reference to an intricate or complex combination of things or sequence of events.

 

Sitting here “Takin Time Out” and glaring at my computer screen while sipping on a fresh cup of nicely brewed cup English hot tea.  I am also, enjoying listening to the soothing drops of rain falling on our rooftop and ever so often the roll of thunder and a flash of lightening bursts from the heavens above.  What a nice way to spend this beautiful June evening.  I love rain and I thought about blogging rain this week but decided on TAPESTRY.  Yes I said TAPESTRY and I know for some it might sound a bit odd but please agree to continue reading as I will try to explain why.

 

How many of you have had the chance to view some very old beautiful, ornate pieces of TAPESTRY?  Perhaps they hung in a museum, a historical home or old castle.  I think of the long hours someone spent and the vision they had in their head as they threaded the needle and began with each stitch creating their masterpiece on that piece of canvas.  Many pieces I have seen are quite large and it is truly fascinating to me.  As I have grown older, I truly appreciate art, talent and the patience that person had to finish the piece for others to enjoy for generations to come.  The intricate detail is so amazing.

 

However, have you ever flipped it over and seen the back side of a beautiful piece of TAPESTRY?  The underside is not so pretty.  It usually has loose threads hanging, some are dark, some are interwoven and clumped together. It is simply a hodgepodge and there is truly no rime or reason to any form of art and clearly does not look at all like the front.  Why is that?

 

As I envision this beautiful piece of TAPESTRY it reminds me so clearly of life in general.  How we have friends, family, loved ones or perhaps it is oneself.  They appear to have it all together?  From the outside peering in they live the perfect life, drive the latest car, have the ideal family, work at their favorite job, very successful and the general public thinks they are truly happy, free spirited and oh so beautiful.   Yes they may have circumstances that interfere from time to time yet they keep it together.  However, if you would flip to the backside and look deep inside their inner soul, they are faced with a raging battle.  For some it may be an addiction, guilt, over indulgence, low self-esteem, acceptance, needing unconditional love, they encounter a major failure and are fighting depression.  For most people who know them they keep this under wrap and portray the beauty of the TAPESTRY from the outside. Yet on the inside they are dealing with desperate turmoil. 

 

Many times this person could be a very good friend or loved one and yes you don’t even know the pain this person is feeling.  Then one day it happens, the mask is removed and tragedy happens.  They take their own life.  Shock sets in and no one truly understands.  How could this be?  Why?  Oh how selfish one must think…it is so painful yet so real.  The tears and turmoil is then left to those who loved that person so dearly.  And you keep asking yourselves why. The dark strands from the underside, the knots and clumps of thread and hodgepodge have finally won their battle.  One friend recite’s a clip from her favorite movie, “They just had a bad day!”

 

Friends and family are left to pick up the pieces slowly…Precious memories are imbedded in each one’s heart and mind.  Carole King’s album,”TAPESTRY” has so many great hits from ‘70s that relate to life and circumstances.  Music can be so soothing to the soul.

 

For me personally, my faith and reading of scripture help fill the void.  Colossians 2:2-3 seems so fitting, “I want you woven into a TAPESTRY of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God.  Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God’s great mystery.  All the richest treasures of wisdom and knowledge are embedded in that mystery and nowhere else.  And we’ve been shown the mystery.”

 

I also love the poem written by an amazing women Corrie Ten Boom, I feel it must too be shared:

Life is but a Weaving” (the TAPESTRY Poem)

 

“My life is but a weaving

Between my God and me.

I cannot choose the colors

He weaveth steadily.

 

Oft’ times He weaveth sorrow;

And I in foolish pride

Forget He sees the upper

And I the underside.

 

Not ’til the loom is silent

And the shuttles cease to fly

Will God unroll the canvas

And reveal the reason why.

 

The dark threads are as needful

In the weaver’s skillful hand

As the threads of gold and silver

In the pattern He has planned

 

He knows, He loves, He cares;

Nothing this truth can dim.

He gives the very best to those

Who leave the choice to Him.”

 

I usually try to write about uplifting words, events and circumstances.  However, reality has set in this week and I felt it is important to share we never know what tomorrow holds and perhaps we must stop a minute, evaluate our priorities while “Takin Time Out”. Ask yourself have you passed by an opportunity in our busy schedules to tell those we love the most how much we care, how much we love them and how much we enjoy spending time?  I know I am guilty of not truly embracing the NOW, my mind is always racing towards the next project or letting guilt set in and not truly enjoying the moment I am in.  Today I begin again to breathe ever so deeply, count my blessings and pray for those who are struggling.  May we look at life from the front side of the TAPESTRY and remember the radiant beauty, the gift of life, friends, family and loved ones…we are all interwoven in this world to be there for one another…Until next time my dear friends please let those who are near and dear know how you feel as you may not have a next time! Blessings abound even in the most unfortunate circumstances…

Definition:  To advance or travel on foot at a moderate speed or pace; proceed by steps; move by advancing the feet alternately so that there is always one foot on the ground.  To move about or travel on foot for exercise or pleasure.

 

Whew, I just got back from my daily WALK and my feet are sweaty and ache but I feel so good.  It’s kinda crazy thing to say that something hurts yet feels so good.  Maybe it is the heart-rate pumping and my blood is flowing that clears my head as I take deeper breaths in to fill my lung with oxygen while WALKING.  I am “Takin Time Out” to reflect on the gift of my feet and ability to WALK.  Thank you Lord I know some people do not have the capability, are handicapped or may have lost their limb in an accident or at birth.  Little things we take for granted.  My word of the year is “Awareness” so each day I try to tune into something small and be thankful and share through my prayer time.  This week it is the precious gift of my feet and WALKING.

 

Last year through work we implemented and encourage our employees to take part in a wellness program and the foundation was counting our Steps and how far we WALKED daily.  We were given a pedometer and reported our daily Steps on a weekly basis.  We had a map of the United States and each team was encouraged to WALK to each capitol throughout the United States by the end of the year.  The goal was for each team member to take at least 10,000 steps daily.  This was fun, motivating and great way to track how much we really move.  Just a few weeks ago I changed from the clip on pedometer to the new Jawbone UP 24 bracelet, it tracks my steps, my sleeping patterns, I can track my meals, water intake and it offers a support system through an app on my phone.  There are other products like the Nike Band or Fit Bit but the Jawbone is thinner and fit my personal needs the best.  It is amazing and being a goal oriented person it has been a perfect fit for me.  I have increased my goal of 10,000 steps from last year to 20,000 just a few weeks ago.  I try and get at least half my steps done first thing in the morning with the dawning of a new day.  I love to stick my Bluetooth in and listen to my favorite podcasts and head out, birds are chirping, fresh dew or dodging the sprinklers running on the lawns, squirrels and rabbits scampering.  I even saw a hawk and owl sitting in the trees the other morning.  Nature is so beautiful if we just take time to notice.  While listening to the podcasts it fills my mind with motivational thoughts, some are spiritual and the feeding of God’s word which adds to my daily quiet time.  I know it definitely feeds my soul while making the time fly by and sets my pace for the 3 to 5 mile morning WALK and depending on my results by the end of the day, I may take the same route in the evening unless the weather is too hot or cold, I will then hop on the treadmill.  To me it is a bit more boring WALKING on a treadmill, I definitely have to be listening to something otherwise time seems to stand still and it becomes a challenge to finish my WALK.

I also ask myself, why is it while we are on vacation or visiting some place new we don’t mind WALKING we really don’t think a thing about it but if we WALK for exercise it sometimes becomes cumbersome and challenging to keep our motivation going. 

 

For those of you who have been thinking about it but haven’t quite started a new workout regime, I strongly encourage you to set your mind, write it down, and then “Just Do It”.  If you are a goal oriented person like me then invest in some type of tracking device as it will make you more accountable.  I don’t care what age you are, we all need to get up and move a bit more.  Start small and work your way up, find a buddy to WALK with. I have a dear friend I love to WALK with in the evening when our schedules coincide, it is a great time to catch up on our lives and encourage one another. It is usually nonstop talking while WALKING which makes it more fun, deepens our friendship and improves our health. The other nice thing about WALKING is it doesn’t cost anything, it doesn’t require expensive or fancy workout equipment or gym membership.  It only requires a good set of supportive WALKING shoes, your time, dedication and a commitment.  Even if you aren’t in great health or have a form of disability most people can still WALK and improve their current state.  It might take a little longer and you may not go as far as others but YOU CAN DO IT, even if you have to use a WALKER or cane.  Let’s get moving…

 

Here are my top six advantages you personally can gain from WALKING:

1)    It reduces body fat can firm your buttocks (yes)

2)   It can help cure certain health issues & might help you live longer

3)   It is great for your brain

4)   It reduces Stress

5)   It gives you a chance to THINK (Takin Time Out)

6)   It can be a form of meditation and prayer time

 

While sipping on my freshly brewed cup of Tropical Passion hot tea, this brings me to another thought about WALKING.  We can WALK for our physical health but what about our spiritual health.  WALKING with God is defiantly a Divine Journey. The Bible encourages throughout scripture to “WALK in the Spirit”.  Just a few of my favorite verses on this topic are as follows:

 

2 Corinthians 5:7 “For we WALK by faith, not by sight”

 

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

 

Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

 

Psalm 119:133 “Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.”

 

God’s true desire is for each of his children to WALK closer in a daily WALK with him and through this ritual we become more like him.  My motto in life is to be the Hands and Feet of Jesus.  To let God use me, make me, break me and fashion me to be all he has created me to be.  From the very beginning of time, God had a relationship with Adam & Eve that found them “WALKING in the garden in the cool of the day” Genesis 3:8.  God created us for the enjoyment of a WALKING relationship that involves companionship, dialogue, intimacy, joint decision-making, mutual delight, and shared sovereignty.  God truly longs to WALK with us, that is why his arms of grace are always wide open if we would just come to him.  Where is your relationship with him now…do you need to take the first step and rebuild a closer daily WALK with him?  Start today you will be so blessed.

 

I guess it’s time to wrap it up for this week.  As you are “Takin Time Out” maybe reflect where you are and if you need to make some changes or improvements in your life.  I encourage YOU to take that first step towards a WALKING program, find a friend, buy a tool to help you get motivated…whatever works for you…Take a deep breath, count your blessings and enjoy your new perception on WALKING until next time my dear friends…  

Definition:  Intense and eager enjoyment, interest or approval.  A strong excitement about something and an active interest you enjoy.

 

I absolutely love starting a new month.  It brings a fresh new perspective, a new set of goals or dreams to accomplish and I have so much ENTHUSIASM and excitement with an attitude of “Let’s GitRDone”.  It has been about a year ago, I was sitting on the porch at my favorite Bed and Breakfast “Inn on The Creek” in Saledo, TX where I just googled the words “Make Things Happen” and it brought me to a fantastic website, entrepreneur, writer, blogger Lara Casey. www.laracasey.com  she has designed six months of worksheets that really resonated with me.  I encourage those who like to make lists or dreams to check it out.  She is really big on “Takin Time Out” to reflect on what truly is important in life.  Setting goals for 6 month and breaking it down monthly to accomplish them.  Other time management tools encourage this but she just has a style that speaks to me and makes it fun.  I like to be ENTHUSIASTIC and have fun in all I do!

 

June is the beginning of summer to me, school is out and even though I haven’t been in school for over 35 years, the fact that I was once in school programmed me with the idea that June is a happy time, dedicated to having fun and having lots of adventures.  Yes, even my kids are grown and no longer in school but now that I have grandchildren I enjoy watching how they discover and enjoy life so much more.  Is it their innocents, lack of worry and stress, being carefree, I just love it.   It is like our lives get a little simpler, days are longer, we are relaxed and we are more alive.  Does anyone else feel that way?  My ENTHUSIASM is on an all-time high…I have so much I want to accomplish and enjoy by being in the warm weather, fresh air and festive activities that summer offers.  Even though we live in Texas and use our BBQ Grill year round, the flavor through the summer months is so much more distinct than others to me.  Maybe it is all the fresh locally grown veggies, herbs and family time.  The food we eat to me is even lighter, brighter and has that robust ENTHUSIASTIC flavor.  Does this resonate with you too?

 

I encourage you to take note, let your mind expand be a little more ENTHUSIASTIC and enjoy the simple pleasures life has to offer as you to begin this new month and season of summer.  Find ways to improve your health take a few more walks or increase the length of time you may be already walking.  My goal is at least 10,000 steps daily.  As you walk especially if you are outside, look around and notice the simple things, the beauty in all that God has created, the different colors even green has different shades throughout the landscapes and textures.  What about the birds and squirrels or perhaps you live in the country and there are rabbits, roadrunners or field mice.  Also, listen what noises truly come to life rather than just being a background noise, truly listen and capture the singing of a bird.  As I am sipping on my cup of Hot Green Zen Tea this morning I hear a mockingbird, a whippoorwill and another one I am not quite sure what it is.  Later this evening around twilight I will enjoy watering my potted plants and flowers.  I have even seen a few lightening bugs flittering around and of course it wouldn’t be June without the June bugs.  My dog gets a big kick and a little more ENTHUSIASTIC as she tries to play with them.

 

As I look at my busy schedule I know June will fly by just like this whole year seems to be doing. I am embracing each day as I face challenges and little interruptions I wasn’t expecting.  But I am also very ENTHUSIASTIC as I have new beginnings, new opportunities, and new adventures in this life.  It is all in my attitude and gratitude as my smile seems to deepen, my laughter increases and my heart is more open each day.  I am here to discover the riches that life has to offer and find what brings true contentment and enrich my purpose here on earth.  My passion, inspiration, creativity and drive are on its all-time high.  If you are having a little trouble with this I encourage you to maybe do the following to improve your ENTHUSIASM towards life or a special project you are dreading to do:

 

1)    “Takin Time Out” is key to stop and breathe…focus and get centered.  Truly find yourself it is really hard to go through life trying to be someone else or trying to live their life.  If that is truly not YOU or how God has truly wired you then STOP right now and quit it.  To channel that internal gusto, you gotta be YOU first and foremost no one else.

2)  Figure out why you are lacking ENTHUSIASM.  Is it truly lack of energy, have you had a physical lately? Are you drinking plenty of water? Are you sleeping well at night?  Are your health causing issues… please check it out if you physically do not feel well?  Maybe it is mental, you may need to talk to a professional in this area or hire a coach to figure out why you lack ENTHUSIASM.  It could be the weight of guilt, remorse, loss of loved ones or past failures.  Again this is where a support group or licensed professional counselor can help you have a new perspective towards life.  Look around and are you surrounded by negative people?  This can also drag you down, start building boundaries and finding new friends or a job that brings energy and ENTHUSIASM back into your life! Maybe it is as simple as volunteering at your favorite place, nursing home, pet rescue, childcare or church. It does make a difference when you focus on others rather than just yourself.  No more pity parties reach out to someone less fortunate than you.

3)  Start feeding you mind and soul each and every day with positive affirmations.  As I have stated in previous blogs, I have to start each morning in the Word of God and prayer.  The Bible is my tool in feeding my mind, my heart and soul…it truly helps me face the curve balls in life and prepares me to listen when the Holy Spirit is speaking so I can be the hands and feet of Jesus when someone is in need whether a helping hand or a kind word or gentle touch.  It is part of a strong commitment being in constant communication with the one who designed and created me to be ME!    Revelation 4:11 “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for you created all things and by your will they exit and were created.”

4)  Define and truly believe your goals in life.  Create your bucket list no matter how old you are.  I firmly believe we all have purpose and should live it day in and day out until the day we die. It’s great to be carefree and fun and enjoy each day but when you add a little ENTHUSIASM to the mix it becomes contagious to those who you come in contact with.  It brings a higher or more vibrant level of energy.  Do you not agree?

5)  Don’t let the past define your future.  Learn from past failures or disappointments but do not let them paralyze you from moving forward…take the initial steps in healing and know each day is a new beginning.  I love Joel Osteen’s vision, “The car you drive has a large windshield, but only a relatively small rearview mirror.  The implication is obvious:  What happened in your past is not nearly as important as what is in your future. Where you are going is much more important than where you’ve been.”  God will help you overcome all difficulties, all tragedies, all sorrows all heartaches, all addictions and he will give you victory if you will just ask, have faith and believe with ENTHUSIASM.

 

I could go on and on but it’s time to get ready for work and finish up my goals and tasks for the week.  Wahoo we then have the weekend.  What’ in store for you?  As you are “Takin Time Out” stop and think of how you can approach life a little bit more ENTHUSIASTIC, especially if you have a job or task you are not looking forward to maybe be a bit more creativity in making it a game, ask for help, add some fun to the mix and before you know it Poof it’s complete!  I love the quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, “ENTHUSIASM  is one of the most powerful engines of success.  When you do a thing do it with all your might.  Put your whole soul into it.  Stamp it with your own personality.  Be active, be energetic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object.  Nothing great was ever achieved without ENTHUSIASM.”  Until next time my dear friends…please remember ENTHUSIASM makes life exciting, creative and can be soooo contagious to others…Go out and make a difference TODAY with zeal and ENTHUSIASM!