"Takin' Time Out"

Definition: Actively doing something; full of activity or work.  Engaged in activity; having a great deal to do.  Keep occupied.

 

Last week’s topic on Rushing was a true confession of changes I personally wanted to improve upon, while “TAKIN TIME OUT” and pondering ways to slow down I have begun to reprioritize some things and embrace each day.  I have realized another very important contributor to my rushing was the Art of Being BUSY!  What comes to your mind when you hear the word BUSY?  Maybe you think of words like active, unavailable, working, buried, swamped, overloaded, persevering, having a full plate, on the go, tied up, on assignment, slaving, snowed, hustling, engaged and industrious.

Have you ever greeted a friend or coworker, asked how they were and they proceeded to tell you how BUSY they were and all about everything they had to do?  The thing is though; you joined right in, sharing with your friend how BUSY you were too and everything you had to do.  It almost became a friendly competition of who was BUSIER.  LOL I know each of you can relate…

Personally I feel better when I am active and BUSY!  I love to juggle several balls in the air and have a variety of things going on in my life.  It is stimulating, invigorating and basically the way I feel God has wired me. Needless to say my life is never boring a little overwhelming at times yet it is all good and I feel very blessed.    While traveling on the road this week I was listening to one of my podcasts, Joyce Meyer made a statement that was very profound “God did not intend for his people to be BUSY but to be fruitful.”  B-being, U-under, S-satan’s, Y-yoke……BUSY, don’t let the enemy get you under his yoke by making you too BUSY.  Wow that hit home hard and I began to think about this a little deeper.  Personally I want to be more fruitful meaning to produce more good in this world, be productive, helpful and less BUSY!  I want each active approach to have meaning a purpose and not to do things just to be doing it out of a ritual or habit.  I think I have mentioned before how I have this constant struggle of being more like Martha in the Bible but seeking to be more like Mary…

Luke 10:38-42”Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. (Being BUSY) And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Can you relate to what I am trying to say? Stick with me and hopefully this will make a little more sense.  I have just poured me another cup of scrumptious hot Earl Grey tea…mmm soooo delicious on this beautiful autumn evening!  Breathe in deeply, let you’re breath out slowly and let’s continue…

How many times a week do you hear yourself say, “I am so BUSY, how am I ever going to get it all done?”  We are not really wired for the rapid pace we are living.  Our brains can transfer information very quickly, but most of us need time to process the experience, just the way good bread dough needs time to rise for those of you who love to bake I know you can relate.  Have you ever stopped to consider why and what purpose you are serving.  Is it being fruitful and producing an end result or is it just an activity to take up time and maybe procrastinate from doing something that really needs to be done or dealt with in your life?   Have you ever considered your BUSY may be an addiction?  Are you too involved in so many things that you don’t have or take time to stop and really deal with the hurt, the pain, the void or facing the fears of maybe being alone or being with the one you love because the fire has gone out of the relationship?  Are you BUSY because you are afraid of discovering something from your past or are you running from responsibility or tarnished relationship whether it is with family or friends?  Are you BUSY because you have properly grieved the loss of a loved one, or loss of job, your home or financial issue? Or are you guilty of being a people pleaser…wanting to make everyone happy so you keep taking on more and more. What about our children?  Have we introduced them to too many extracurricular activities, wanting them to be included in everything while trying to figure out what they may be good at?  They have school, multiple sports activity, music lessons, and church, home team, parties, etc.  Yet do we teach them to be still and savor the moment, relax and enjoy being alone?  Personally this is an era of over-booked schedules, maximum stimulation, fast food and sound bites.  How many of you try and watch the news and we have a streaming line of words across the bottom, a corner in the right has an update while the newscaster is giving an excerpt on the latest breaking news but your twitter and social media has already reported most of it hours before.  It’s crazy and personally I feel out of control!

This is where I think each one of us has to really stop and ask why we do what we do and have we over committed ourselves to certain things.  Now granted I think there are seasons in our life that are BUSIER than others and maybe we have formed a habit and we don’t know life any other way. In my line of work 3rd and 4th quarter have always been a BUSY time but lately so has 1st and 2nd quarter.  I know with the advancement in technology and being able to reach out to people 24/7 through internet/social media etc. we stay wired and that adds to our BUSYNESS.

Let’s face it we are each given the same amount of time 24 hours in a day, 365 days in a year.  Are your days filled to the brim…are you too BUSY?  For those who make a To Do List…take it out review each item on that list. What end result will truly be fruitful?  What can be deleted never missed if it weren’t done did you just put it on there to make you feel good because it helped fill the page?  Now what can be delegated?  What can be hired out and maybe give someone needing extra income something to do?  What can be traded with a friend because they like to do it and you take something you are passionate about from their list?  Let’s all agree to become less BUSY and more fruitful.

When you say the word BUSY it reminds me of a Bumble Bee that Buzzzzz’s around.  There is the saying “You are BUSY as a bee!”  Did you know the Bee is the symbol of accomplishing the impossible? Aerodynamically, its body is too large for its wings and should not be able to fly.  Although now we understand how it does fly (high rate of wing movement), the Bee remains a symbol of accomplishing anything you put your mind to.  The Celtics associated the Bee with hidden wisdom, in Egypt the Bee symbolized royalty.  The Bee is always working; gathering, going from flower to flower getting as much as it can, then back to the hive to tell everyone where to find the good patch and to store what he has gathered.  Did you know without the bee, 90% of our food crops would cease to produce?  Did you also know the average life span of a queen bee is 2 to 5 years, the drone or male bee lives 40 to 50 days and the worker or female bee lives from 1 to 4 months.  Now that gives a little more to think about being BUSY as a Bee!  Keep it up and life can be short…

I once read if the Bee has shown up in your life, examine your own productivity.  Are you doing all you can to make your life more abundant?  Are you BUSY enough or too BUSY?  Are you making time to savor the honey of life or becoming a workaholic?  The bee reminds us to make our lives productive while the sun shines and to enjoy the nectar of efforts.  No matter how great the dream is, there is the promise of fulfillment if we pursue our dreams.  But we must take time to dream and not get all caught up in the Art of being BUSY!  Where are you on this subject?  Do you need to reprioritize some things in your life too?  While “TAKIN TIME OUT” this week think about the word BUSY and then think about the Bee what changes do you need to make in order for your life to become more fruitful?  Dream your dreams and put into action. As Mother Teresa’s once said, “God never called us to be successful he called us to be faithful.”   Until next time my friend make sure your buzzing has purpose, let’s be faithful and fruitful…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Definition:  To move quickly with urgent haste. Dash toward someone or something in an attempt to attack or capture.  The act to advance a football by running plays to gain yardage or to RUSH a passer or kicker.  A term used in adherence to fraternities when it comes to recruiting new members.

 

 

Sitting in my favorite chair sipping on my cup of hot Zen tea I realized this week we celebrated the first day of fall.  Autumn always reminds of my favorite sport…Football!  I love football, nothing better than a great Friday night High School game, band marching, cheerleaders cheering and the fans going wild.  Saturday’s are filled with College rivalry’s playing against one another and yes I love my Sunday afternoon listening to my hubby yell at the TV like the cowboys can really hear him from the living room, at least I know our neighbors can.  There is nothing like watching the quarterback make and incredible play and the running back RUSHES for those extra yards and cross the goal line…Score…that is the name of the game.  Emmitt Smith is my all-time favorite running back.  Not only does he have an impeccable smile, quick RUSHING moves he is a pretty good dancer too, I have to admit the only season I really ever watched “Dancing with the Stars” and he and his partner won!  For those of you who are not big football fans Emmitt played for University of Florida Gators and then was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys and wore number 22 on his jersey. His career ended with Arizona Cardinals but he still holds the record for the most yards RUSHING.  He has 4,409 carries and 18,355 yards gained.  His career ended in 2004 and no one has beaten his record in the last ten years.  AMAZING!  Walter Payton who played for the Chicago Bears is second with 16,727 yards gained and 3,838 carries.  His career ended in 1987.  That is a lot of RUSHING and running down the football field wouldn’t you say?

 

Another form of RUSHING came to mind while visiting with a good friend of mine who just had her 25th college reunion.  She RUSHED her freshman year of college in order to be able to join her favorite sorority.  It is fun listening to her stories.  Many of my friend’s daughters are going through the same experience, however I know for many it is a very nerve wracking and stressful time.  To me it sounds more difficult than taking physics, instead of dealing with the law of motion or gravity; they have to put themselves out there to impress other girls.  And we all know girls can be just plain mean and so judgmental.  Once accepted though a bond is built and they have a sense of connection.  They are truly your friends and sisters for life.

 

During my quiet time this week I read a verse in Proverbs 19:2 “It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty (RUSHING) and miss the way “… Hmmm, I just realized something about my life lately I am not very happy about.  I owe my dear friends and family a huge apology.  Yes, you might say it is confession time…I AM GUILTY OF RUSHING… not the good kind and not just hurrying but really RUSHING to the point of almost being rude.  There I said it out loud, I have typed in BIG BOLD Letters.   RUSHING RUSHING RUSHING…This year especially I find myself racing against time, why is this?  I am in the second halftime of life maybe late in the 3^rd quarter and this treadmill of life is going faster and faster.   How did it happen? My kids are grown there is no excuse.  It’s complicated but I have made the first step to recovery I admit it, I am aware of it and I consciously will strive to improve, slow down, breathe in deeply and embrace while enjoying the moment. It’s crazy though when we operate our daily lives with the alarm clock, time clock and then looking at our biological clock it can get a bit overwhelming.  No wonder we RUSH!  Especially for people like me who are wired to gitrdone and enjoy being busy not idle, I worry I will let someone down or miss an important deadline or commitment.  I know the key is to plan your work, work your plan and delegate more.  The word delegate is something I don’t do well.   Life truly has a pace of its own but I need to sip it more slowly like fine wine not gulping it like cheap beer.  What about you how is your daily life, do you feel a bit overwhelmed and RUSHING throughout the day too?  I know I have to be very cautious and especially this time of year, being addicted to working, giving or taking care of others, RUSHING around and being busy the only way to give ourselves permission to rest is sometimes by collapsing and that is never a good thing.  RUSHING and then collapsing is not only exhausting to me, it wears everyone around me out too.

 

RUSHING around and not truly focusing on the now causes more stress and distractions.  Especially as wife and mother trying to be June Cleaver and Superwoman, there are many times in the morning while getting ready for work, I start the shower and see the tile needs cleaned so I grab the cleaner and start cleaning, finish that and almost forget to shampoo or rinse my hair.  I go to the kitchen to get another cup of scrumptious tea and the dog is standing at the door needing to be let out, walk by the laundry room and notice there were clothes needing folded or put up and then you walk by the couch and the blanket and pillows need straightening.  I go back to finish getting ready and realize I never filled my tea cup up! My day goes on and on like this. I then RUSH to the office because I am behind…Can any of you relate?  Is it any wonder we feel ourselves being incompetent at times.  We get a lot of little things done but never a sense of real accomplishment because the big things are still left to do.  I am a list maker and love to cross off the tasks completed it gives me a sense of reward but instead of focusing on all the things I have done, I stare at the ones not done and begin to RUSH to see if I can do it before the end of the day.  WHY…Why can’t these wait until tomorrow?

 

I have started making a master list for the week and then listing 3 or 4 sometimes 8 or 10 (I know stick with 3 or 4) items to do each day and then by the end of the week the master list should be whittled down or complete.  On that list I have put in BIG BOLD letters right in the middle “Don’t RUSH-Breathe Deeply” as a reminder.  I am a visual person so this reminds me of being a better me.  Slowing down a bit, enjoying the moment, living in the Now!  I think of a RUSHING river where there are times we have to ride the rapids but further down the stream it is slow and steady, we will get to the final destination but why not enjoy the ride while traveling rather than RUSHING all the way.  I had one boss tell me when I first went into sales; it is a marathon not a sprint.  We need to learn to pace ourselves, baby steps, then walking, eventually running but never RUSHING!

 

My daughter reminded me of a song she said could be my theme song this year… the famous country band “ALABAMA” sings

I’m in a hurry to get things done

Oh I RUSH and RUSH until life’s no fun

All I really gotta do is live and die

But I’m in a hurry and don’t know why.

 

Don’t know why

I have to drive so fast

My car has nothing to prove

It’s not new

But it’ll do 0 to 60 in 5.2.

 

Oh I’m in a hurry to get things done

Oh I RUSH and RUSH until life’s no fun

All I really gotta do is live and die

But I’m in a hurry and don’t know why.

 

Can’t be late

I leave plenty of time

Shaking hands with the clock

I can’t stop

I’m on a roll and I’m ready to rock.

 

Oh I’m in a hurry to get things done

Oh I RUSH and RUSH until life’s no fun

All I really gotta do is live and die

But I’m in a hurry and don’t know why.

 

I hear a voice

That say’s I’m running behind

I better pick up my pace

It’s a race

And there ain’t no room

For someone in second place.

 

I’m in a hurry to get things done

Oh I RUSH and RUSH until life’s no fun

All I really gotta do is live and die

But I’m in a hurry and don’t know why.

 

 

Even more the reason when life gets way too busy we need to plan more for “Takin Time Out”!  We need time to get centered, focused, relax and meditate.  Slowing down our moves reading the entire book or magazine, watching a movie all the way through, carrying on a conversation with a friend or loved one and really embracing the time you shared.  These are what are truly important.  Who says you can’t take off on a Wednesday afternoon and have a massage or go to the park with the kids?  We are so wired up and connected with technology we don’t give ourselves permission to relax and unwind.  This is so important to have the quality of life God designed us to truly live.  What changes do you need to make?  I vow to cut my to do list in half and trust that it won’t cause the world to end…until next time my dear friends breathe a little deeper, slow down the pace and enjoy the season of Autumn maybe by a river with steady flow of water RUSHING downstream …

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Definition:  A wise through reflection and experience. To proceed from or characterized by wisdom, prudence, and good judgment.

An aromatic plant with grayish-green leaves that are used as a culinary herb, native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean.  Either of two bushy North American plants with silvery-gray leaves.

 

Hmmm, I am sitting here in my favorite chair in the corner of my room, where my husband calls it my nesting place.  I am staring at a blank screen sipping on a luscious cup of warm inviting organic SAGE tea…it soothes the throat and has a peppery mint flavor.  Just thinkin of what I should blog about this week.  I have a couple topics started but it just isn’t flowing then I look up and these precious brown eyes belonging to my favorite four legged friend is staring at me and cocking her head.  Wow, she answers my dilemma…why not write about SAGE!

 

For those who do not know me personally, we have a beautiful chocolate lab we got from our neighbors over 12 years ago and we named her SAGE.  We were told a good hunting dog should have only one syllable name, even though we never trained her for that we had the best intensions but I am so glad she stayed behind to keep me company all those many weekends my hubby and son go on their hunting excursions.   We have had many pets but she is the absolutely the best dog we have ever had.  In her younger days she loved to dive for the torpedo in the pool, play ball in the front yard with the kids and chase the squirrels up the tree in the neighborhood.  As she has gotten older she still loves to run down to the neighbors and check on her friend Buck (another Chocolate lab belonging to our dear friends), she will lay at the foot of the crib or bed when the grandchildren are napping and letting them hug all over her pulling on her ears and tail and she never lets out a peep.  She is my constant companion when I am at home…she doesn’t like the vacuum very well, she will always hide in farthest part of the house when I am cleaning, pretty smart I must say, she knows to stay out of my way when I am on a mission!  It makes me sad to see the gray coming in around her mouth and as each year passes she is moving a little slower but I guess that is part of the cycle of life.

 

I love to cook and using fresh herbs seem to make the food more flavorsome and scrumptious.  A couple weeks back I had the privilege to be on an enrollment at a place that grew their own herbs and veggies for many of their delicious dishes they prepared in their restaurant.  I loved walking through the garden, learning about the various types and differences in herbs and SAGE was one of them.  Did you know there are more than 900 species of SAGE or Salvias that grows worldwide?  Living in the South we have a beautiful Mexican SAGE that grows to be about 5 to 6 feet and has a blue to purple tint bloom, Autumn SAGE that has a red or pink bloom, Pineapple SAGE that has yellow leaves but bright red bloom, and Forsythia SAGE that has green leaves but a bright yellow bloom.  However the one Chef’s most often use is a clary SAGE it has roundish oblong leaves.  I mainly use SAGE during Thanksgiving and Christmas after brining our turkey I use just a pinch of SAGE along with the poultry seasoning and Emeril Essence to add flavor to the big bird…can’t wait just a couple months away.  I also use in a few Italian dishes and it goes well with pork loin, veal and poultry.  I also like to add to baked squash, sautéed onions or mushrooms and sweet potatoes.  Since fall is approaching what about some roasted pumpkin SAGE soup or butternut squash and crispy SAGE pizza?  Yummm…

 

I personally like to find a holistic approach too many common ailments and looking through a few of my books I found that the following conditions can be treated with SAGE:

 

•asthma

•bacterial & fungal infections

•calming and stimulating the nervous system

•candida

•colds

•coughs

•encouraging healing

•gastrointestinal upset

•gingivitis

•headache (nervous)

•hot flashes (menopausal sweats)

•improving memory

•indigestion

•intestinal infection

•insect bites

•joint paint

•liver complaints

•oral inflammation

•rheumatism

•skin, throat, mouth and gum infections

•soothing the digestive tract

•stimulating upper digestive secretions

•strengthening the nervous system

•throat infections

•Taken internally or as a gargle or mouthwash

*note that SAGE should not be used by pregnant or nursing women or by people who have epilepsy

 

I also love the color SAGE.  I have a couple rooms in my house we have painted with a beautiful tint of green on the walls.  One of the bathrooms have SAGE mossy stone and a glaze on the walls, to me it is soothing and peaceful.  My kids gave me two wonderful Arondyke chairs for Mother’s Day to sit in the front yard this year and guess what color I painted them?  Yes, you guessed it SAGE green and I added a rusty oblong pillow for the back perfect for “Takin Time Out” and sitting with a glass of sweet tea with lemon or orange while watching my precious grandkids ride up and down the sidewalk on their scooters and tricycle’s or coloring with chalk on the pavement.  I can’t wait for this weekend as I will drag out the pumpkins and add some fall foliage to the yard.  Autumn is my second favorite season of the year.

 

SAGE also means a profoundly wise person or someone who has sound judgment and experience.   There have been many scholars throughout history that have taught us many things…for the most part I lean on the biblical truth and Solomon was one of the wisest as we find in scripture 2 Chronicles 1:7-8 he actually asked God for wisdom and knowledge to lead his people.  I love in verse 11 God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge this will I give you.  And I will also give you wealth, possession and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.”  Wow, how simple was that.  Just as James 1:5 states, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”  In my daily prayers I ask for wisdom to help make the right decisions and be all God has created me to be.

 

It is important throughout life to seek wise counsel.  We all need mentors or people who have experience.  I personally have a couple of accountability partners that are truly honest with me, they don’t always tell me what I want to hear but what I need to hear.  I feel God has placed them in my life to help me become a better person and hopefully I can do the same for a few friends along the way.

 

Well it is time to get a few more things done on my “To Do List” and make time for “Takin Time Out” this weekend as life is moving way too fast…I hope you have enjoyed reading about the various topics of SAGE this week…just a gentle reminder we need to realize it is true, it is said that there is no lasting satisfaction in pleasure; but the SAGE may mean to point out that, though there is no permanent outcome to life it is the part of common-sense to enjoy what one has…So Let’s Enjoy our many blessings until next time my dear friends….

 

 

 

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

 

 

Definition:  the hard, solid, nonmetallic mineral matter of which rock is made, especially as a building material.  A small piece of rock found on the ground.   A weight or lack of feeling, expression, or movement.

 

There are so many things come to mind when I think of STONES.  We have gemstones, birthstones, memorial STONES, healing STONES.  If you love Rock N Roll, then there are “The Rolling STONES” or if you think in medical terms gallstones and kidney stones and oh my what pain they can cause.  Then we have Phrases like:

• STONED out of their mind
• Cast in STONE
• STONE Cold Sober
• Have a heart of STONE
• A rolling STONE gathers no moss.
• Leave no STONE unturned
• Sticks and STONES may break my bones but words will never hurt me.
• Kill two birds with one STONE
• He who lives in glass houses shouldn’t throw STONES
• A STONE‘s throw away

 

I have always been attracted by STONES.  I can remember as a child playing for hours at Two Buttes lake arranging small STONES on a flat rock outlining rooms in my pretend house.  Even in my home today, I have stacked STONE in my kitchen and bath.  I have a rock and STONES outlining my flower beds and river rock STONES flowing around the tree. The river rocks seem to add so much texture and definition.  I also like large boulders and if there is a little moss growing on it that makes it even better.

 

I have a small pile of STONES on my desk and another on a table at home.  When both my girls got married we had them as part of the centerpieces, they had inspirational words on them.  We asked the guest to take the ones home with them that had a special meaning.  They were words like: Family, Happy, Serenity, Love, Hope, Faith, Believe, Charity, Trust, Harmony, & Inspire to name a few.  It warms my heart to walk into their home and see them displayed on their coffee table or night stand.   I served as President of an industry Association and during that year my theme had to do with the major changes we were facing as we moved into “Healthcare Reform” so on the small STONES I had four words printed on them so serve as gentle reminders we could endure. There were 4 topics were Embrace Change, Engage Change, Accept Change and Adapt to Change”.  Some of the members gave me a hard time but others have commented throughout the years what a special touch and they still have theirs and appreciated the gentle reminder we will prevail.

 

Did you know fundamentally, the meaning of STONES and rocks deal with solidity, stability and being grounded.  Maybe that is why I am so attracted to them.  I seek to be grounded and more stable.  Rocks are everywhere, and such unassuming things – they’re easy to take for granted. But in truth, STONES are a very big deal. I read in an article, STONES were used for currency in many civilizations. Take the Yapanese, inhabitants of the small island Yap in the Pacific. They used Rai, which are STONES used as currency. These money STONES were carved in doughnut shapes and could weigh several tons.

 

Although primarily on a trade system, the ancient Mayans were also said to use STONE for money. More costly items would require STONE beads made of jade or gold.

 

The meaning of STONES as a currency deals with value, power and even history. Why history? Because currency (whether STONE, or current-day paper money) passes through many hands, and usually sticks around for a long time. Energy is residual, so STONE money will store a bit of history from every person who had it in their possession. The Yapanese illustrate this, by placing a higher value on the Rai according to its history and lineage of ownership.  I find that to be very deep and very interesting.

 

Recently I have been study about energy and I found an article that stated “connecting with STONE-energy, it’s helpful to get the low-down on some of the highlights of their deeper meanings…

 

Highlights of The Meaning of STONES

Time

Cold

Heavy

Subtle

Silent

Memory

Stable

Rooted

Matter

Comfort

Patience

Strength

Constant

Grounding

Immovable

Permanence

Foundational

 

The idea of rocks being historical vessels makes sense to me, and the meaning of STONES is compatible with the passage of time. Consider STONES have been hanging around for eons. There was also the STONE Age.  If we apply the rule of energy (meaning: Energy never expires, but is always present).  Trees and plants can die but STONES usually stay intact for thousands of years to come.

 

The Chinese views STONES as longevity and the Japanese are well known for their Rock gardens.  It is said they are a portal through which we can transport ourselves into a state of Zen.  Zen means “absorption”, which I find fascinating as rocks and STONES are also absorbers. They take in the heat of the sun, they absorb the coolness of the earth.

 

Last year I had the privilege to be in Atlanta, Georgia and I had a friend suggest we go to visit the National Park and STONE Mountain.  I was in awe viewing that huge STONE which continues to grow out of the earth.  It has the largest sculpture in the world, the Confederate Memorial Carving depict three Confederate leaders of the Civil Was, President Jefferson Davis, and Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson and their favorite horse “Blackjack”, “Traveller” and “Little Sorrel”.  The entire carved surface measures 3 acres about the size of two and quarter football fields.  Simply Amazing to me that someone had the vision and then the endurance to make it happen!  If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit it is a must see if you are in the Atlanta area.

When I think of STONES also think about a couple of passages in the Bible.  The first has to do with the Twelve Memorial STONES from the River Jordan.

Joshua 4 – When all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, ² “Take twelve men from the people, from each tribe a man, ³ and command them, saying, ‘Take twelve STONES from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the very place where the priests’ feet stood firmly, and bring them over with you and lay them down in the place where you lodge tonight.’” ⁴ Then Joshua called the twelve men from the people of Israel, whom he had appointed, a man from each tribe. ⁵ And Joshua said to them, “Pass on before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a STONE upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, ⁶ that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those STONES mean to you?’ ⁷ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these STONES shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.”

Then there is the passage found in 1 Samuel 17 where David was facing the giant Goliath and in verse 49-50:  “Reaching into his bag and taking out a STONE, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The STONE sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. 50 So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a STONE; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.”   It simply took one STONE to kill that giant, this just goes to show if God is on your side no one can be against you.  I also love the scripture in Psalm 61:2 “When my heart is overwhelmed lead me to the rock that is higher than I”.  God is truly my rock and my foundation.  I know life gets rocky and unsteady at times but I stay focused and centered on him everything works out, he gives me strength, he is solid.

 

Many times while “Takin Time Out”, I also like to meditate and hold a STONE, I have one that is shaped in a heart that was handmade by the Haitian artists after the earthquake a few years back and another with a cross engraved in it.  STONES are like batteries.  Just like a Duracell, STONES are packed with energy and are storage units. They contain the power of Mother Earth within their smooth bodies. Each STONE radiates with a specific memory and energy. Holding a STONE elicits a feeling of being grounded.  Have you ever had a massage and they place warm STONES down your back or you hold in the palm of your hand.  You can do this at home by placing the small river rocks in a crock pot with water and let it warm up…place them in an oblong pan and warm water to soak your feet with Epson salt after a long hard day especially if you walk or are on your feet it simple soaks the stress away and renews your body.  I love how they have STONE tile, my daughter put it as their floor in their shower river rock pebbles…nothing more soothing than water and STONE. It is  tranquil…speaking of that it appears to be time to fix me another cup of hot “Earl Gray” tea and get ready for work.  I hope you enjoyed a little more insight on STONES and maybe you will take time to pick up a few pebbles and STONES on your path today…Until next time my dear friends remember the advice from a STONE :  “Try your hardest, stay grounded, start each day with a clean slate, Keep still, Be well-rounded, live in balance and never take life for granite”…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Definition:  WATER is a transparent fluid which forms the world’s streams, lakes, oceans and rain, and is the major constituent of the fluids of living things.  A transparent, odorless, tasteless liquid, a compound of hydrogen and oxygen, H 2 O, freezing at 32°F or 0°C and boiling at 212°F or 100°C, that in a more or less impure state constitutes rain, oceans, lakes, rivers, etc.: it contains 11.188 percent hydrogen and 88.812 percent oxygen, by weight.

 

WATER, I love WATER…I am not sure if there is any truth but it might be because I was born under the astrology sign of an Aquarius meaning WATER-bearer or the fact my soul is nourished when I am around WATER.  Whether I am sitting in the backyard by the pool or floating on a raft on a hot summer’s day reading a book, to enjoying family time in the boat on the lake or finding a brook with a steady flow of WATER trickling down over the rocks and watching nature come alive with dragon flies, butterflies and fish swimming or turtles sunning.  Just thinking about all these things brings a smile to my face and a happy heart.  As I am writing this week’s blog I actually have had the privilege through work to be on the road and am viewing the most magnificent sunrise over Lake Austin, the cranes are grabbing their morning delight as the locust and insects of nature are alive and well!  I am breathing in deeply and slowly letting it out…PEACE true tranquil serenity surrounds me as we start a new day.  A wonderful day the Lord hath made, let us all rejoice in it.  I love the ripples of WATER, oh here comes a morning fisherman trolling down the lake and enjoying his morning too!  What about you…do you love nature, WATER and all the beauty it brings?

 

Just listening to running WATER flowing from a fountain, a WATERFALL or the crashing of the waves on a beach…maybe its raindrops falling on a tin roof to me it is so soothing almost like a lullaby.  I love soaking in a hot bubble bath at the end of a long hard day.  Let’s do a little exercise by closing your eyes for a moment and picture your favorite sound of WATER…what vision comes to the forefront of your mind?  For me growing up in rural Southeast Colorado the wind blew quite a bit and as I closed my eyes I envisioned the sound of a windmill pumping WATER from the well. Maybe it’s the sound of creaking boats and lapping WATER hitting the boat dock at the lake or the laughter of children running through the sprinkler in the front yard on a hot summer day.  As I am sitting here sipping my scrumptious cup of hot Oolong tea with fresh mint and guava nectar, I am truly blessed and love thinking about how WATER feeds my soul.

 

WATER also nourishes your body.  Have you ever really thought about it, we totally cannot exist on this earth without WATER?  From the plants and animals we eat to actual survival we all require WATER.   The last few years we have experienced a drought and lower levels of moisture in most parts of our country.  Lakes are down, cities are fighting over WATER rights and I have some good friends that are experiencing a severe WATER shortage Stage 5 in the community they live in. Many folks in town were drilling wells on their property.  It is kinda scary to think you don’t have WATER, so many things we take for granted but what if…we didn’t have the luxury of clean drinking WATER?  I know third world countries are faced with these challenges day in and day out.  Sudan is one country that comes to mind and our church has helped raise money and sponsored the drilling of many wells.  Our bodies require WATER…we should drink at least eight glasses of 8 fluid ounces each day.

 

Growing up in the country I never really thought about where the WATER we drank came from but now people seem to be more informed and concerned over the quality of WATER we take in.  Some people would be appalled to think I used to drink WATER out of a garden hose on a hot summer day and who drinks tap WATER from the kitchen sink when we have filtered WATER coming from the refrigerator’s door.  I also had an insta hot installed so I can have a wonderful cup of hot tea anytime I like…one of my favorite devices I use daily!  What year do you think bottle WATER started?  Did you know it was invented thousands of years ago but it wasn’t in plastic bottles and they weren’t for commercial use?  The first time someone bottled WATER for commercial purposes, was in 1583, somewhere in Belgium.  It was sold to King Henri II of France himself.  Since the mid ‘80s there has been a rapid growth in the sale of bottled WATER.  Did you know the average American used 167 disposable WATER bottles and over 30 million were sold in the U.S. annually last year?  That’s amazing to me.

 

WATER not only sustains our bodies but also is an integral part of our spiritual life.  The Bible is rich with images of WATER that symbolize new life, cleansing, and the fulfillment of God’s promises.  When I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior I was baptized in WATER at the church on that Easter Sunday when I was 12 years old and my life forever changed.  As I read through scripture, I find many verses that WATER trickles and gushes through God’s word…check out just a couple here:

 

Amos 5:25  “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”

 

John 4:13-14  “Jesus said to her, “everyone who drinks of this WATER will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the WATER that I will give them will never be thirsty.  The WATER that I will give will become in them a spring of WATER gushing up to eternal life.”

 

I also think of the Samaritan woman at the well, drawing water by herself because she was outcast by the other women because of the lifestyle she had chosen and she encountered a life changing event in her life when meeting Jesus himself.  He simply asked her “Will you give me a drink?”  She replied “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?”  I encourage you to grab your bible and read the whole story found in John 4:1-4:42.  This is one example of the truth that no one can sink so low, Jesus changed her and he can change you too if you are willing and just ask!

 

We had the privilege over Labor Day weekend to spend some time at one of my favorite places, Lake Hamilton in Arkansas.  There is something that refreshes my soul to wake up early and sit on the boat dock with Bible, journal and a hot cup of tea watching the sun come up and breathing in the fresh air of a brand new day.  Spending time to regroup, relax and just be.  Life is so full of a fast paced schedules and everyday obligations.  We all need to take an extra couple of days for just “Takin Time Out”.   I hope each of you did something fun, relaxing and had time to renew your soul. If not I encourage you to plan something soon…

 

Sitting here glancing over the crystal clear WATER wishing I could just sit here the rest of the day, I realize I must leave to get ready for work…I count my blessing I have a job, even with all the challenges and confusion we endure throughout the day, I know this is where I am supposed to be for now…I hope each of you find time for “Takin Time Out” with a refreshing glass of WATER and reflect on the streams and rivers that flow through your life and count your many blessings until next time my friends…ENJOY!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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