"Takin' Time Out"

Definition:  Freedom from disturbance, quiet and tranquility.  Freedom from or the cessation of war or violence.

 

It may be my frame of mind but I feel this world is currently undergoing a major shift and it is very difficult to find PEACE these days. I try and stay away from too much news but reviewing the headlines today, the Middle East is in constant turmoil, the unfortunate circumstances in Ferguson, Missouri and the horrific murder of a journalist I have to ask myself why?  There is ISIS, Taliban, Al Qaeda and then so many natural disasters from flash flooding in Arizona to earthquakes in California, border’s unsecured and accidental deaths, wrecks, fires and cancer and illness.  Our world is in constant turbulence and with instant access through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, streaming of the news across your computer or TV; your mind and thoughts are in constant motion and being fed with anything but PEACE.  Depression, worry, heartache, struggling relationships, deadlines, exams, insecurity, and traffic whew…The demands at work seem greater, your responsibilities at home are heavier and before you know it the weight of the world is laying heavy upon your shoulders.  Ugh, who said anything about PEACE?

 

That is when I say enough and I have to retreat to “Takin Time Out” and sit quietly drawing closer to my Lord and Savior trusting him in the midst of a messy day.  I have to really focus and meditate to find that inner calm, PEACE in His Presence, the minute I start to feel stressed I have to detach myself from the disturbance around me.  Just a few verses come to mind.  John 14:27 “PEACE I leave with you; my PEACE I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have PEACE.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart I have overcome the world.”  One of my favorite Beth Moore Bible studies was on the Fruit of the Spirit, she taught us to truly live beyond ourselves by maintaining that intimate relationship with God.  Yes it was all about Galatians 5:22-26 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, PEACE, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Against such there is no law.  And those who are Christ’ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  If we all live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”   If you haven’t experienced one of her bible studies I encourage you to check it out…she has a unique style in teaching like none other.

 

When I hear the word PEACE, I think of High School and the required reading of War & PEACE a book written in 1869 about Napoleon’s invasion of Russia in 1812.  Audrey Hepburn and Henry Fonda starred in the classic movie in 1956…two main story lines are complex and intertwined so we must admit the title fits the story well.  The author Leo Tolstoy was an incredible story teller he was orphaned at age 9 and brought up by an elderly aunt his life portrayed anything but PEACE.

 

I think of the 60’s, Vietnam war, hippies with hip hugger pants, wide belts, sandals or no shoes, crazy daisy flowered shirts, headbands, fringed vests and of course the PEACE sign necklace.  Can’t you just envision photos from Woodstock, or maybe you participated in the historical event.  Can’t you hear the music?  Are you swaying back and forth a little CCR, Janis Joplin, Crosby Stills, Nash & Young, Santana to name a few, can you feel the rain, smell the outdoors and ewe all those people and unique body odor and whatever they were smokin.  Do you see people holding up two fingers?  PEACE man PEACE, it was all about PEACE, Love, Music and Freedom.

 

Then there are the PEACE Corps, a government organization, made up of volunteers who travel overseas making a real difference in the lives of real people.  Financial PEACE University a program designed by Dave Ramsey.  I also think of Rick Warren from California and pastor of Saddleback church author of, “The Purpose Driven Life” along with many other books helped launch through their church The PEACE Plan, it is their response to the five global giants that negatively affect our world; Spiritual emptiness, self-serving leadership, poverty, disease and illiteracy.  They help teach to overcome each of those giants by planting churches that promote reconciliation, equipping servant leaders, assisting the poor, caring for the sick and educating the next generation.  They feel there aren’t enough doctors, teachers, missionaries to solve the world’s problem but there are an army of ordinary people in the church waiting to be mobilized to do something only the church can do, by spreading the hope of Jesus Christ. I personally feel God is the only way in truly finding PEACE!   Their motto, “The PEACE Plan is ordinary people, empowered by God, making a difference together wherever they are.”

 

WOW, I am an ordinary person…and so are many of you.  Maybe PEACE is really about reaching out and helping others through their misfortune or time of need.  Thinking more about others than ourselves, it truly can give you PEACE.  How many of you have sent the PEACE Lily a beautiful plant to comfort someone who has lost a loved one or who was ill?  Doesn’t it make sense it is called a PEACE Lily?  What about those tidbits; “PEACE of Mind, PEACE and Quiet and PEACE Be with You.”   I love Wayne Dyer’s quote, “PEACE is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is, rather than as you think it should be.”  PEACE really begins within…it is something we have to create in our hearts, soul and mind, no matter how chaotic the outside world is we have the power.  It is an energy force we must tap into.  Another great quote “PEACE it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.  Author Unknown.

 

As I am sitting here sipping on the luscious, scrumptious, savoring flavor of my China Tip Green tea my mind racing of all the things I have to do, I breathe in deeply…exhale slowly and think of PEACE.  It is but a single word…one that we all strive to live for…harmony within.  As Albert Einstein stated “PEACE cannot be kept by force, it can only be achieved by understanding.”  I hope you set time aside “Takin Time Out”, if not maybe this week you can sit awhile and think about what PEACE means to you…how can you impact this world to bring about more PEACE…what things do you need to let go of that is causing turmoil in your life and yes we may be ordinary people but one who is created to make a difference in this world!  May PEACE be with you until next time my dear friends…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

******************************************************************************

Definition:  A single distinct meaningful element of speech or writing, used with others to form a sentence and typically shown with a space on either side when written or printed.   A phrase, express, formulate and name.

 

Well I have celebrated one year this week since launching my blog and website “Takin Time Out!”  I was hoping to pick a WORD each week and write about how that WORD impacts my life, bringing back memories and sharing a few inspirational thoughts and feelings along the way.  Unfortunately due to some unforeseen circumstances I had to skip a few weeks here and there but over all this is so much fun and therapeutic.  I can’t wait to see what the future holds.  I have some new ideas and hoping to launch phase II in the upcoming months. 

 

WORDS have such an important impact on our lives, not only the WORDS we hear, the WORDS we speak but WORDS can impact how we feel.  They have such a positive or negative effect on our lives.  It is important to realize we all have a choice in how we choose to react to those WORDS.  For example if someone gives you a compliment do you straighten up, sit a bit taller and respond in a positive light by thanking them or do you have a tendency to slough off and downplay the compliment or point out something negative about yourself.  What about WORDS people use for constructive criticism do you take those WORDS to heart and strive to improve, or do you get defensive and look to blame the situation or someone else?  I know I have been guilty and strive to improve in both areas.

 

How many of you like to play games?  So many come to mind that require WORDS, for example Scrabble can be so fun and great for your brain…it is challenging to use all those letters and create actual WORDS.    How many times do we try to make up new WORDS…Lol!  In this modern world we live in we now have “WORDS with Friends” where you can play anywhere anytime with friends all over the world.  There is a fairly new game that is based on the old fashion game, Charades called “Heads Up”, Ellen DeGeneres plays frequently on her TV show and it can be downloaded on your smart phone.  It is a blast and yes even a bit frustrating at times.  My mother has always loved working Crossword puzzles they are way too challenging for me but my favorite is WORD search games, kind of like I spy…it’s is great for your brain no matter what game it might be, from stimulation, to keeping it active, focused and expanding your knowledge.  Games can bring out the child in us; it creates a different energy one of fun, challenge and a form of relaxation.  Kind a like “Takin Time Out!”

 

As I am sipping on my fresh cup of Peach tea, I have shared how I choose a WORD for the year to focus on, to heighten my awareness, to bring a stronger connection or develop how I want to live.  That one simple WORD can be my compass, digging deeper and truly making an impact each year.  If you haven’t tried it, I encourage you to consider.  You don’t have to wait until the New Year begins today and see how it affects your daily life.

 

WORDS can speak to your soul, WORDS we speak in our sub-conscience mind has a direct impact on our daily life.  That is why I feel it is so important to be in God’s WORD daily, to feed our heart, soul and mind with what he has to tell us.   John 1:1 “In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with God, and the WORD was God.”  Colossians  3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in WORD or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him “  I had a dear friend suggest I pick up and read the book by Max Lucado, “It’s Not About Me”.  Wow she was she right, this book is filled with insightful and meaningful WORDS.  WORDS we can apply to our everyday life, it can change your perspective and live according to God’s plan not my plan.

 

Speaking comes to most people as naturally as breathing. On many occasions our WORDS are uttered without conscious thought; in fact we rarely stop and think about what we are saying. Thousands of WORDS pour out of our mouths each day as our thoughts, opinions, and beliefs are freely expressed. As a women statistics indicated women usually use more WORDS than men.  Often, however, we are oblivious to the positive or negative effect these WORDS have on ourselves and the people around us.

 

WORDS have tremendous power. WORDS give out energy and a message which creates a reaction in others. Everything you say produces an effect in the world. Whatever you say to someone else will produce some kind of an effect in that person. We are constantly creating something, either positive or negative with our WORDS.  I therefore think we should learn to choose our WORDS wisely.  Remember as a child, someone would say something hurtful to you and my mother would always tell me, “Sticks and Stones may break my bones but WORDS will never hurt me.”  We have to learn to be Teflon and let it roll right off and move on.

 

I love how you type in the google search engine a WORD on my computer and up pops the meaning, depending on what you are digging for you rephrase it and you have a wealth of information right there at your fingertips.  No more going to the library and searching through the card file or numerous books and encyclopedia’s.  We use WORD on the computer to type letters, essays, notes and even my blog.  WORDS can be short or very long; there is a saying about a little four letter WORD which usually was WORDS I wasn’t supposed to say.  I will never forget when my son was only 4 he was helping his Dad hang a ceiling fan at his mother’s house.  Stephen came running in Grandma Grandma you need to put Daddy in Time Out, she said oh my why?  He said “cause he is sayin bad words”, Grandma smiled and said “what kinda words”, he said ” can’t say them cause they are bad but you just said one a few minutes ago.”  We all had a good laugh but learned a great lesson.  It’s best to keep those inside voice inside!

I can remember when my children were just learning to talk our anticipation to see if Momma or Dada would be there first WORD.  It seems it would be those two and then quickly to “Mine”…everything is “mine” as they get into their two’s and three’s it shifted to “Why?”  At a young age they have so many questions and inquisitive minds.  Love the innocence and learning of a child…our WORDS can have such an impact on their life…once again let’s choose our WORDS wisely raise them up instead of tear them down!  Be firm and consistent in our disciplining but praise them when they do well!   How many of you have read “The Help” or saw the movie, I loved how Aibileen would rock and tell that sweet little girl, “You is Kind, You is Smart, You is Important!”  This is the end of August and school is starting back…teachers, coaches and administrators have a huge impact on the WORDS they speak and how a child learns and embrace their teaching.  However, students also have choices and WORDS to say.  We must stand firm on what we believe but we must also have respect and honor other people.  WORDS…choose wisely!  Sometimes the tongue can be wicked.

 

As I wrap it up for this week…remember as you may be “Takin Time Out!” how important WORDS are not only the WORDS we speak out loud but the WORDS we speak to ourselves day in and day out.  Focus on the positive not the negative…be in “The WORD” daily and let God guide and direct your path…until next time my dear friends…ONE KIND WORD can change someone’s entire day…make it happen!  

 

 

 

 

**********************************************************************************

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Definition:  the place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or household.

 

So as I was typing I clicked over to google to see what it says about the word HOME.  Amazing I found HOME improvement, HOME & Garden, HOME Cooking, HOME Cleaning, HOME Decorating, HOME Health, HOME Business, HOME Design, HOME Fashion, Nursing HOME & HOMECOMING.  The list went on and on but what do you think of when you hear the word HOME?  Maybe HOME Sweet HOME or HOME is Where the Heart Is?

 

So many times people have a tendency to think of a house as a HOME but I think of a HOME in being so much more.  It isn’t the size, the space, the location, whether your own or rent.  It is what you make inside those 4 walls of space that is uniquely yours and where you feel comfortable, safe, secure and loved. It keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer…Welcome HOME!

 

Unfortunately so many well-known authors, comedians, public speakers and a few friends of mine have shared their childhood experience where HOME LIFE was an environment of abuse whether it was physical, verbal or mentally from a parent or close relative.  It breaks my heart that anyone at any age could afflict such trauma on the innocence of a child, young adult or spouse.  Yet this happens every day in HOMES across America and the world.  Even people you wouldn’t expect are guilty.  Fortunately people have become more aware and open about these types of situations and there is hope and help for those who have the courage to speak out and ask for assistance.  While others remain quiet and are convinced this is a normal way of life.  My prayer is God will help set them free and their horrible mess will be a message to others in need and their trials are turned into triumph.  As Joel Osteen so often states they no longer are a victim but victor.

 

For me personally I was so blessed and have profoundly be shaped by the HOME in which I was raised.  A great deal of my love for my HOME today has been inspired by pleasant memories of the place I was nurtured in as a child.  Not only from my parents but from both sets of grandparents that lived in our close knit community.  For me I can still feel the warmth of my childhood HOME, my Mom and Dad exemplified diligence in every way.  We lived on the ranch in the ole HOMESTEAD house from my great-grandparents.  Dad was a very good visualizer and he added on a room here and there as they could afford through the years.  My mother taught me dignity, purpose and tidiness.  Even though she had outside interests and part-time jobs our HOME was always her priority.  Both my parents understood their investment was in the HOME we lived, the time we spent and the ethic of hard work and dedication to each other.

 

Looking back my bedroom was my first HOME, yes there were other parts to the house, but for me my bedroom was where I pretended with my imaginary husband and baby doll to live.  I had a small little kitchen set up in the corner of my room, then my Grandpa Charlie owned the Ford dealership and he ordered me a bench seat you sit in the back seat of the car to raise you up as a child with no seat belt (that was way before the traditional car seats we have today).  I used that as my couch.  I had a little cradle and high chair for my baby doll named Tiffany.  My imagination would run wild; I had pretend friends over for tea.  I can even remember I loved pickled okra and it would not fit in my little bitty refrigerator so I placed it under my bed for safe keeping until my mother went looking for it in her refrigerator for dinner.  I had to explain it was in my room. Oops!

 

I have always been such a visual person and I love quotes and sayings, in fact as I grew up and moved from pretending to be married to pretending I was a teacher in my bedroom HOME transformed into a classroom with my stuffed animals lined up classroom style. I would spend hours tracing letters and cutting them out of bright colored construction paper, taking scotch tape and spelling words and phrases on my closet doors. I would change them out monthly.  I loved that I had the bi-fold closet doors so plenty of space to stick those letters on the painted wood but you had to be careful as they would pinch your fingers while shutting if you weren’t careful.  You don’t see those kinds of doors as often anymore in the newly built HOMES.  Or what about the ones that slide across the track and depending whether it was the front you closed first or the back, they always seemed to eventually slip of the track, when my children were smaller we had the sliding doors that were all mirrors which really helped to make the room look bigger but with small children their messy little fingerprints were smeared across the door about knee high.  Now that they are grown I refer to the precious little fingerprints when they were that age I was always wiping and cleaning and felt my job was never done.   Guess what it still isn’t done…so much negative, resentful energy spent worrying about something I should have stopped and been thankful or grateful for.   I read a wonderful article from another blogger this week about putting on our “perspectacles”.  Yes I think she created a new word…check it out at www.momastery.com/blog.  It was her August 11, 2014 posting. She states sometimes it seems that our entire economy is based on distracting women from their blessings. So often we look at things that need repairs, updates, enhancements perhaps things look shabby or worn out when really we need to put on our perspectacles…do you have a refrigerator and does it keep your food cold, do you have a faucet that produces clean water anytime day or night, do you have a stove and oven to cook or bake your favorite meal and dessert?  Oh let us not forget, can you brew your favorite coffee or tea in the morning, I like to refer to it as a hug in a mug…be thankful.  By the way yes, I am sipping on the most scrumptious blend of China Tip Green Tea….yummy warms my soul. “If we do not feel grateful for what we already have, what makes us think we’d be happy with more?” Unknown.

 

No matter whether it’s shabby, chic or brand new when building your HOME it is truly a reflection of the people who live there.  Do you want it comfortable, cozy, or stark and sleek?  Definitely as I have advanced to my halftime in life I look around at all the stuff I have collected through the years.  Some of it is important to me but most of it really is not.  It seems as newlyweds we start off with very little and through the years accumulate so much and by the time we get what we think we needed while the children were young, they have grown up moved on and now we are stuck with these entire things.  I will never forget when I moved 150 miles south away from my HOME and community I grew up in, my Dad clearly stated to just take the bare necessities as we were not sure if it was permanent or temporary.  Well if you know me I packed up everything off the wall and all the knick knacks and décor I had.  To me this was the necessities it was what made a HOME.  Have you ever walked into a house and there is nothing on the wall or floor to me it’s cold, bare and empty.  You add a little color, some art and my favorite things and bam it instantly speaks to you.  I was so excited when I found a company “If Walls Could Talk” and they print your favorite verse or saying in the coolest font and you can stick it on the wall.  Quotes like:

1)   “The most important work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own HOME.”

2)  “HOME is where Love resides, memories are created, friends are always welcome and family is forever.”

3)  “HOME is where your story begins”.

4)  “This HOME is clean enough to be healthy and dirty enough to be happy.”

5)  “The magic thing about Home is that it feels good to leave and it feels even better to come back.”

6)  “A house is made of brick and stone but a HOME is made of love alone.”

7)  “What I love most about my HOME is who I share it with.”

8)  “HOME  is where the pants are stretchy and your Wi-Fi connects automatically.”

9)  “Your HOME should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love brought together under one roof.”

 

As I am “Takin Time Out”, breathing deeply looking around these walls HOME  really means security, it provides a safe place to let my hair down, take my make-up off put my yoga pants on and let me be me.  Yes, I love a clean and tidy HOME but some folks I live with prefer a few things left out or the pillows and blanket ruffled not neatly placed on the couch.  Yes, shoes live under the table and not the closet, a chip bag is on the coffee table and dog hair on the floor but overall I find peace, love and comfort.  We cry a little, laugh a lot and live fully in our HOME.  Sunday night dinners are my very favorite part of the week…now the kids have become adults and having children of their own, it is so important to me provide a HOME cooked meal whenever I can and have family and friends come over to share.  Whether it is watching a movie afterwards or giving the grandbabies a bath.  HOME is truly where the heart is the heart of LOVE!

 

It’s kinda funny I still call the community I grew up in as back HOME.  I haven’t lived there for over 30 years yet it will always be HOME even though I don’t own any brick or mortar and there is no longer any close relative who lives there.   I love listening to elderly folks refer to the ole HOME place or how we look forward to a HOMECOMING!  While typing this and after my quiet time this morning I read the verse found in Hebrews 13:14 “For this world is not our HOME; we are looking forward to our city in heaven, which is yet to come.”   A gentle reminder this is only my temporary HOME while on earth.  I do look forward to the day as a believer we are all called HOME to meet our creator and be reunited with our loved ones who has gone on before us.  Carrie Underwood’s song just popped into my head here are the lyrics…

Little boy, six years old
a little too used to being alone
Another new mom and dad
Another school, another house that’ll never be a HOME

When people ask him how he likes this place
He looks up and says with a smile upon his face

“This is my temporary HOME, it’s not where I belong
Windows and rooms that I’m passing through
This is just a stop on the way to where I’m going
I’m not afraid because I know this is my temporary HOME”
Hmmmm………
Young mom on her own
She needs a little help, got nowhere to go
She’s looking for a job, looking for a way out
‘Cause a halfway house will never be a HOME

At night she whispers to her baby girl
“Someday we’ll find our place here in this world”

“This is our temporary HOME, it’s not where we belong
Windows and rooms that we’re passing through
This is just a stop on the way to where we’re going
I’m not afraid because I know this is our temporary HOME”
Hmmmm………
Old man, hospital bed
The room is filled with people he loves
And he whispers “Don’t cry for me, I’ll see you all someday”
He looks up and says “I can see God’s face”

“This is my temporary HOME, it’s not where I belong
Windows and rooms that I’m passing through
This was just a stop on the way to where I’m going
I’m not afraid because I know this was my temporary HOME”
This is our temporary HOME
This is our temporary HOME.

As you are “Takin Time Out” this week look around your HOME again it might be someplace you are renting, it might just be a room or a dorm maybe 6 months out of the year it is in an RV.  But it is your place and space.  Does it reflect your personality, your taste in color, décor and is it a bit messy or exceptionally clean and tidy… does it bring you peace, love and security?  What is your favorite part of your HOME?  Does your HOME have a special odor or smell?  My Grandma Pansy loved Vanilla, to this day I smell a candle or room freshener I immediately think of her…Is there a special room, chair, nook or my husband calls it nesting in the corner of your favorite room with my tea cup, books, journal, I-Pad, and blanket?  I have learned to be mobile I have a space in our bedroom and then one in the livingroom and lately the guest bedroom works pretty well too!  It’s where I can curl up, wind down, sip scrumptious tea and do my visualizing, blogging, planning or just plain “Takin Time Out!”  I hope you have a special place too….count your blessings for your unique space and HOME until next time my dear friends…breathe deeply, love often and let’ all be thankful for what we have…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*************************************************************************************

Definition:  experiencing a sudden feeling of awed delight or wonder

 

 

Have you ever had one of those awe-ha moments when something happens so unexpectedly or it is so incredibly awesome you can’t even put it into words?  Maybe you came upon the most magnificent sunset or sunrise and it was captured in just the right moment?  You may be watching the building of a thunderstorm across the wide open western plains and after the storm a gorgeous rainbow appears.  Maybe you are driving down a country road and you make a turn and see the most beautiful field of wild flowers and a herd of antelope grazing? Or perhaps you get out of your car and you look up and the Northern Lights appear, it has only happened to me once but it is a vivid memory I will never forget.  It was pitch black as the scene unfolded and the sky transformed from total blackness into an infinite hue of red, with sapphire and emerald color splashing across the night sky, it was simply breathtaking.  Perhaps you come home from a long day at work and this wonderful aroma of a home cooked meal captures your senses as you open the door and are greeted by a loved one?  How many have experienced the birth of a newborn child or even a newborn animal and as mother-nature unfolds you get goose bumps and in that moment it simply takes your breath away looking at the tiny but precious creation, instant love?  Have you watched a caterpillar transform into this beautiful intricate butterfly.  Next time look into the center of a sunflower and see the details or how a pearl is formed inside an oyster.  It leaves me WONDERSTRUCK…

 

There are so many beautiful magnificent landscapes with various textures, colors and dynamics features.  Nature in general offers such a variety it can leave us with this indescribable but oh so WONDERSTRUCK moment.  Let us not forget the Seven Wonders of the World?  Can you name them?  Oh wait let me clarify Seven Natural Wonders as there are the original seven, the seven of the modern world and the “new” Seven Wonders of the World.  Did you realize that?  I didn’t until I looked it up.  What would we do without Google?

Seven Natural Wonders of the World:

1)    Grand Canyon

2)   The Great Barrier Reef

3)   The Harbor of Rio de Janeiro

4)   Mt. Everest

5)   Northern Lights

6)   Paricutin Volcano

7)   Victoria Falls

 

My next question is who decided this and why only seven.  What about the Grand Teton’s, Old Faithful, Great Smoky Mountains, Niagara Falls, Two Buttes for my Baca County friends and family?  These are only in the U.S. to name a few.  I guess what I am trying to say is there are so many beautiful creations throughout this world and we need to stop, breathe in, look around and enjoy.

 

As you are “Takin Time Out” this week why not reflect on those moments in your life that left you WONDERSTRUCK.  I feel it is a great exercise to remember those special times, to count our blessings and to perhaps awaken the sense of wonder as we seem to bury that childlike innocence when we become an adult and get so caught up in our busy, hectic and chaotic lives.  Learn to expect the unexpected…create spontaneity…let down your guard every now and then.  Structure, planning, setting goals can be a good thing but relaxing and letting things just happen going with the flow you know can be exciting as well.  Setting out on an adventure or doing something spur of the moment can be so much fun as you haven’t really set any expectations and therefore you won’t be dissapointment either.  For those who are type A, organized and a planner this can be very difficult but if you would allow yourself every now and then to just let circumstances happen, be free you might simply be amazed or left WONDERSTRUCK!  If not you might need to talk with your shrink as you have some very serious issues.

 

Life is too short not to take a moment every once in a while to sit, be grounded and let nature take its course.  Yes, “Takin Time Out”.  Personally I think it is best in the outdoors.  Even if you can’t go outdoors let’s create one in your mind, for just a moment close your eyes, take a deep deep breathe.  Now envision you are in your favorite place in the outdoors or a place you would like to visit.  Let’s imagine for a moment you have come across a brook, you find a large rock to sit on…now let’s watch the stream of water, see it?  See how the water gracefully runs down the banks, watch how the water flows over the rocks, maybe there is a leaf or stick and the motion and power carries it down stream.  Perhaps there are little fish in that stream, oh wait there is a dragon fly that now appears as it hovers over for just a moment to get a drink of refreshing water.  You look over and there are wild flowers growing along the bank, quickly you see the fluttering of a hummingbird all of a sudden it flies backward then off it goes as quick as it came.  Can you feel the cool brisk air touching your face or the beaming sunshine as your body absorbs that natural vitamin D we all so desperately need?  Stop for a minute and listen really listen can you hear the chirping of birds or there are locust in the tree?  Can you identify what type of birds they are…this is very relaxing, very therapeutic, and very rewarding.  We are loving the cool crisp air…breathe in yes it is soooo refreshing and clean?  Clean, crisp, inviting country air and it is feeding your soul.  Are you WONDERSTRUCK with this simple exercise?  If not you didn’t let yourself really be in the moment.  Try it again but create the time, space and adventure you want to go on.  Maybe it isn’t in nature but at your favorite sporting event…you are embraced in the moment, crowds are rallying and your team is winning, oh this is my imagination working yes the Cowboy’s or Rangers are going to have a winning season this year…don’t you just love it?    I am truly WONDERSTRUCK!

 

There is a Young Readers book I came across entitled “WONDERSTRUCK” by Brian Selznick.  He has a unique style, this book is not just words on the page, the story is told from two perspectives.  One from a girl named Rose who lives in the 1920’s and her story is depicted through pictures he has sketched and a boy named Ben who lives in the 1970’s and his story is through words.  The two are intertwined throughout the book in the most fascinating way.  It’s a book you not only read but you truly feel as you turn each page.  Amazing!

 

Last summer I had the privilege of enrolling in a Bible Study written by an amazing teacher, Margaret Feinberg.  The chorography was absolutely stunning.  She had taped it in the mountains in Canada, she lived in Alaska and so much of what she shared again could be felt by the background of God’s beautiful natural creation.  Throughout the course once again she challenged us to awaken the nearness of God. She takes you into the wonder of divine expectation, God’s presence, of rest, prayer, friendship, forgiveness and celebration gathering.  I kept a WONDERSTRUCK journal throughout the course.  It was fun to go back and read through each entry.  I have to smile as many are simple precious moments I have forgotten until I re-read them on the page.  I think that is why I love to journal each day.  Just two entries I want to share…simple but heartwarming to me 1) my son starting a movie he knew I would enjoy and 2) the moment of expecting the worst and it was truly a blessing so much negative energy spent unnecessarily.  So often this happens in life.  I like positive energy and have to work daily on not allowing the negative to enter in.  This is a wonderful study and I encourage you to check it out.

 

Sipping and savoring my luscious warm inviting tropical blended tea…yummm.  These are just a few examples of what I am trying to capture in this week’s blog.  I will leave you with two of my favorite verses Psalm 46:10 “Be Still and Know that I am God” and Isaiah 29:14 “Therefore once more I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder.”  See God wants us to enjoy the adventures in life and explore and be absolutely WONDERSTRUCK!  I am hoping you are becoming more aware of your ability to envision, to be in the moment, and capture the creation of your imagination once again.  No matter what age or stage in life you are your imagination is one of your greatest gifts…it’s uniquely yours and only yours…no one can take that from you!  Dare to dream, dare to become the person God created you to be, daring to imagine and manifest the life you have deep inside your soul.  Breathe….deep inhale and slowly exhale…yes you have more to offer, unleash that gift and yes you too are WONDERSTRUCK…until next time my friends enjoy life to the fullest we have no guarantee’s what tomorrow will bring!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Definition:  The ability to be active, the physical or mental strength that allows you to do things.  Natural enthusiasm and effort.  Usable power that come from heat, electricity, etc.

 

What comes to your mind when you hear the word “ENERGY”? There are a variety of ENERGY drinks in the market today.  Maybe your thought leans towards electricity and a company that provides it?  Perhaps you are thinking more in line of an activity and how your particular ENERGY level affects you day in and day out? Other words might be endurance, exertion, fortitude, strength, stamina or lack of?  Then there is Kinetic ENERGY, science wasn’t always my strong point but let’s  think of a roller coaster as it reaches the bottom and then it starts to rise, the kinetic ENERGY begins to be converted to a gravitational potential ENERGY causing it to accelerate and rise to the top.  Lately, for some reason this word keeps popping up in the things I read and how I feel.  Yes, life gets so crazy at times…sitting here on an extremely cool July evening for Texas, feeling very energized as tomorrow we start a brand new month.

 

Recently I ran across an ENERGY profiling course online by Carol Tuttle. I began to read the article and ended up watching a few amazing videos. The instructor’s definition for ENERGY profiling, “a human assessment tool used to get in touch with your true human nature”.  Well, I got so enthralled watching and listening, I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning discovering something brand new.  Quickly I figured out my personality type, as well as my secondary and how I am wired.  It also explained the clothes, jewelry, colors and hair styles that would work best for me.  The system really solidified many things I was aware of but didn’t always understand. The course explained how we are born with this particular type and it never changes…deep down maybe we are a different type than what we are portraying.  Our circumstances, parents or spouse have formed us to be one way when many times a different ENERGY type inside is screaming to come out to be released so your can really be YOU.  I know the plan gave me permission to be ME and why my human nature feels so good!  I am happier and full of abundant ENERGY which is a really good thing!  I am having more fun and getting great compliments along the way too, what more could a girl ask for?

 

A few weeks back I blogged on walking and how strongly I feel.  We must move and exercise whether it is walking, jogging, cycling, weights, yoga or whatever works for you.  This will help build up your stamina and give you more ENERGY throughout the day.  Yes, the biggest hurdle is just getting started, that first week can be a doozy, I mean your legs feel like jello, you are short of breath and maybe you become light headed thinking what in the world am I doing?  Just stick with it, build up slowly and you will be so glad you did.  What we put in our bodies…the food, water, nutrients are soooo important as well as getting enough rest and experiencing a deep sound sleep.  If you are out of whack make sure you are getting your yearly check-ups and bloodwork and talk to your healthcare provider as there may be some underlying medical issues. As I have gotten older and become more aware it is very important to find the root cause of a disease or ailment.  So often we end up treating just the symptoms by putting a band-aide on it.  Many physicians believe the solution is to either drug or cut it out.  Perhaps we are covering it up with some form of addiction like food, alcohol or bad habit.  It may not truly be a physical but more emotional or mental issue.  Damages from circumstances, stress and our environment can cause so much sickness and we not even realize it.  I know I have experienced that personally and once I figured out the root cause, made appropriate changes to make me a healthier, happier human being full of ENERGY and purpose life is so much better.  I won’t get too deep but our body has chakra’s and sometimes they get blocked you can help unblocking through deep breathing, mediation, massage therapy and reiki.  Listening to our bodies being aware and managing stress is key.

 

How we think has a definite effect on how we actually feel physically.  If your mind tells you that you are tired, the body, the nerves and the muscles accept that fact.  But if your mind is alert and intensely interested you can keep on an activity indefinitely.  It’s important to feed you mind with positive fuel whether through words on a page or voices through our listening.  The bible tells us that everything we are—our ability to think, reason and act come to us as a gift from God.

I love and try to live by the verses found in Philippians 2:13-14  (the msg version) “That ENERGY is God’s ENERGY, an ENERGY deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.  Do everything readily and cheerfully – no bickering, no second-guessing allowed!” He has something BIG for each of us and will provide us the ENERGY to accomplish it if we just stay in tune with him daily…

 

We all know there is a positive and a negative ENERGY force, as well as high and low ENERGY.  I know we can see the results of ENERGY, we can hear forms of ENERGY but mostly we feel ENERGY.  Have you ever entered a room or attended an event and depending on the people or location it feels differently.  This is truly a sad example but let’s say you go to the DMV (Driver Motor Vehicle) to renew your license (thank goodness I have been able to renew online), the post office or any government building and you can feel the low ENERGY yet you attend a High School or College ballgame, the band is playing and you feel the high level of ENERGY being portrayed throughout the crowd.  I also can feel the ENERGY when I go into someone’s home or place of business.

 

Think of ENERGY as a magnet…remember in school when the teacher asked us to try and put one end of a positive to a positive and there was no ENERGY at all or a negative with a negative there was this friction between the two but when you put one positive with one negative they cling together?  That is life…I absolutely love this saying especially rearing three children, being in the workforce there is always someone not happy but we must learn to live in together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am sipping on a scrumptious cup of White Berry Blossom tea…yum!  I could rattle on and on but it’s time to go to bed so I can get some deep sleep and start a new day and month tomorrow.  Until next time my dear friend reflect during your “Takin Time Out” how your ENERGY level is and is it positive or negative, high or low…reflect on making the appropriate changes to move forward life is too short to not live with passionate energy.