When I was a kids, I remember saying to God, "Well, if you really want me to be nice to that person then just send me 18 shooting stars and a rainbow tomorrow...then I'll do it."
To be honest, I still ask God for some big sign to tell me what I should be doing, where I should be going, etc.....
[insert better transition here]
So if there is one thing that I have been having trouble with in the past two months, it is my responsiveness. Today at work there was an article from our district manager on the desk in the break area. This article was titled "What's Your Secret to Success?" by Micheal Hyatt.
Well my friends, if you have a few minutes to read it...it is a bit true and quite honest. Now, I do not have any desire to gain corporate acceptance, or climb my way up the corporate ladder. BUT, I do have the desire to treat my peers, co-workers, friends, and families with the highest respect I possibly can while showing them who Christ is in my life.
So please accept my apologies for being unresponsive these past couple of months. I'm going to work on that :)
I just thought it was quite funny how God manages to speak to me in the most obvious ways sometimes...this time it was laid out in front of my during my ten minute break AND in paper format.
Maybe next time I'll get a burning bush or a rainbow and 18 shooting stars :)
The Wooden Bowl
My Aunt Mary sent me this forward via e-mail...I opened it this morning and thought it was worthy of posting. I know that I will have this tale in mind when I am serving my parents, my family, friends, and the strangers I interact with everyday.
The Wooden Bowl
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year - old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.
The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess.
'We must do something about father,' said the son. 'I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.'
So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.
When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.
The four-year-old watched it all in silence.
One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, 'What are you making?' Just as sweetly, the boy responded, 'Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up.
' The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.
The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.
That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.
On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life..'
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you
But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others,
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year - old grandson.
The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess.
'We must do something about father,' said the son.
So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner.
When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone.
The four-year-old watched it all in silence.
One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor.
' The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.
The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless.
That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table.
On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens,
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things:
I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents,
I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life..'
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands.
your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.
People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
The thing that I think about most after reading this is how I can be bringing middle schoolers to Jesus's table... I've learned that it is as simple as always opening the door for them, letting them have the best seat at club and meals, NEVER letting anyone sit on the ends, and by letting them know that they are loved, important, and bring joy to my life.
Which brings me to a final note. I was reading "The Secret Lives of Bees" and one of the characters in the book said that the only way to have joy in your life is by loving these three things (in this order).
Jesus
Others
Yourself
I thought that was cool too. Happy Thursdaying friends.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.
People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
The thing that I think about most after reading this is how I can be bringing middle schoolers to Jesus's table... I've learned that it is as simple as always opening the door for them, letting them have the best seat at club and meals, NEVER letting anyone sit on the ends, and by letting them know that they are loved, important, and bring joy to my life.
Which brings me to a final note. I was reading "The Secret Lives of Bees" and one of the characters in the book said that the only way to have joy in your life is by loving these three things (in this order).
Jesus
Others
Yourself
I thought that was cool too. Happy Thursdaying friends.
getting lost in the meijer's parking lot
I walked out of Meijer's this morning with a cart full of groceries and I was lost. The problem wasn't forgetting where I parked but remembering what car I was driving!
After about 10 aimless minutes of wandering up and down row one, I was struck with the realization that I was looking for my old Aztec (which my family loving calls "Lightening").
I laughed and immediately saw the car that would drive me home, my "new" Black Escape.
I immediately thought this would be a slightly funny blog post. As a special treat, I'll throw in some historical pictures of the cars my parents have generously given to me to drive!
Car #1
Name: Bruce (named by my twin brother)
Model: 1995 White Dodge Caravan
Random facts: The sliding door fell off at Cross Country practice one day. This car was shared mutually between my brother and I...but mainly I drove it everywhere because I was the selfish twin!
* That is my awesome twin on top of Bruce...This van was pretty much sweet!
Car #2
Name: Eggplant (or lovingly called Eggie by myself)
Model: 1995 Eggplant Ford Explorer
Random Facts: Loved to guzzle gas and show off her engine light.
Car #3
Name: Lightening (named by my father after we saw the movie Cars)
Model: 2001 Red Pontiac Aztec
Random Facts: I loved this car but it developed many problems in the short year and a half I had it...especially a liking for making unecessary noises and refusing to brake at appropriate times.
Car #4
NO PICTURE YET! :]
Name: To Be Decided. Any Ideas? (Shadow, Bullet, Ebony, and Maynard have all been proposed)
Model: 2001 Ford Escape
Random Facts: The Escape is actually my favorite car and has been for a long time. I just really like the way it looks and rides...it also has a 6 CD changer and has already driven quite a large number of miles!
After about 10 aimless minutes of wandering up and down row one, I was struck with the realization that I was looking for my old Aztec (which my family loving calls "Lightening").
I laughed and immediately saw the car that would drive me home, my "new" Black Escape.
I immediately thought this would be a slightly funny blog post. As a special treat, I'll throw in some historical pictures of the cars my parents have generously given to me to drive!
Car #1
Name: Bruce (named by my twin brother)
Model: 1995 White Dodge Caravan
Random facts: The sliding door fell off at Cross Country practice one day. This car was shared mutually between my brother and I...but mainly I drove it everywhere because I was the selfish twin!
* That is my awesome twin on top of Bruce...This van was pretty much sweet!
Car #2
Model: 1995 Eggplant Ford Explorer
Random Facts: Loved to guzzle gas and show off her engine light.
Car #3
Name: Lightening (named by my father after we saw the movie Cars)
Model: 2001 Red Pontiac Aztec
Random Facts: I loved this car but it developed many problems in the short year and a half I had it...especially a liking for making unecessary noises and refusing to brake at appropriate times.
Car #4
NO PICTURE YET! :]
Name: To Be Decided. Any Ideas? (Shadow, Bullet, Ebony, and Maynard have all been proposed)
Model: 2001 Ford Escape
Random Facts: The Escape is actually my favorite car and has been for a long time. I just really like the way it looks and rides...it also has a 6 CD changer and has already driven quite a large number of miles!
a nail biting U.S. Open
Did you watch the U.S. Open this weekend? If you did, ,then you saw the spectacular battle between Rocco and Tiger! 91 holes of golf later and Tiger is the 2008 U.S. Open Champion. It was phenomenal.
I just can't believe he did it all on a bad knee, yet he never managed to show a wince of pain until he came up and over that bunker...
He seems invincible, he shows no fear, he makes golfing look like the easiest sport in the world...but this weekend I got to see a softer side of a man who frequently appears on the big screen in my house.
I admire Tiger Woods, I think he is a fantastic golfer and has really redefined what dedication looks like in an athlete. But even more then that, I admire how much of his heart is displayed for the world to see and how humble he is as a person and a golfer.
His relationship with his father was priceless and heartwarming...his daughter not wanting anything but to be held by her father after his sweet U.S. Open victory....and his display that he is only human, that he feels pain, he hears lies saying "you'll never do it, you're knee won't make it, just quit, leave now..." Tiger Woods. God created him to be a great golfer, a fantastic competitor, and a display of where a strong mentality can take you and what it can help you overcome.
Neur-obics!
I was over at the Micallef's House last night, and Mrs. Micallef was talking about this Brain Boosting Gym she heard about on Good Morning America. I copied and pasted the article version on here...but I really thought it was interesting to read about. I feel challenged to try some of these exercises! Five
We used to say it takes 21 tries to learn a new habit. But brain exercise is something you should be doing constantly throughout the day. Try to integrate it into all of your daily activities. We have to constantly reroute activities throughout the day. But a lifelong habit of challenging the brain gives you a greater reserve of mind muscle to use. Think of it as your retirement account. Add to your 401k of the brain so you have more to draw from when you need it.
Five
Simple Brain Exercises
The premise of these brain aerobics or neurobics is to do familiar things, but do them slightly differently.
Switch Hands
So, a really easy thing to do is to try one of your daily activities -- brushing your teeth or dialing a phone number -- with your non-dominant hand. I used my left hand to brush my teeth this morning and it's a lot harder than you realize. I really had to concentrate. And basically, what that does, apparently, is strengthen those pathways and connections in the opposite side of your brain.
Close Your Eyes
Try a safe activity, like eating or showering, with your eyes closed. That forces you to use and strengthen your other senses. Most of what your brain does is process what your senses are bringing in. So, closing your eyes forces the brain to process that information in new ways. But one thing you obviously shouldn't do with your eyes closed is drive.
Play Games
Games help you strategize, but the brain is particularly stimulated by multi-tasking. So, play games with other people that require you to strategize and interact socially at the same time. Examples include board, word and card games.
Don't Get Repetitive, Do Something Different
Introducing novelty is crucial. Your brain doesn't need anything complicated; it just needs something new. So, take a new way to work, or sit in a different seat. It forces you to look at the world from a new perspective.
Watch What You Consume
You want to make sure to consume brain-boosting foods or supplements. Try antioxidants in food, such as berries, tea, and leafy greens. And you also want to consume fish oils, which also come in supplements.
We used to say it takes 21 tries to learn a new habit. But brain exercise is something you should be doing constantly throughout the day. Try to integrate it into all of your daily activities. We have to constantly reroute activities throughout the day. But a lifelong habit of challenging the brain gives you a greater reserve of mind muscle to use. Think of it as your retirement account. Add to your 401k of the brain so you have more to draw from when you need it.
dreams and speeches
I had a dream last night that I was back at my high school graduation. Get this though: I was the #5 most smartest student in my class.
Shocker, I know!
Any who, in my dream I had no idea that I was honorary Valedictorian, and so I was just sitting in the crowd enjoying graduation and minding my own business...and then they introduced me to come up and give a speech!
I was so confused, but I walked right up there and whipped out this speech off the top of my head. I remember quite a bit of it, but the real kicker is that all I talked about was enjoying the struggle and Rachel Townsend (my former CC coach and gym teacher who also came up with the motto enjoy the struggle!).
It was a really encouraging speech and I felt like my fellow graduates left ready to conquer the world! (Anything can happen in a dream)
My conclusion to this post and my interpretation of this dream is one of two things:
a. I'm blogging way to much
b. I'm going to be Valedictorian of my College here at MSU.
Sleep tight friends! I'm on a quest to get 8 hours of sleep tonight.
Shocker, I know!
Any who, in my dream I had no idea that I was honorary Valedictorian, and so I was just sitting in the crowd enjoying graduation and minding my own business...and then they introduced me to come up and give a speech!
I was so confused, but I walked right up there and whipped out this speech off the top of my head. I remember quite a bit of it, but the real kicker is that all I talked about was enjoying the struggle and Rachel Townsend (my former CC coach and gym teacher who also came up with the motto enjoy the struggle!).
It was a really encouraging speech and I felt like my fellow graduates left ready to conquer the world! (Anything can happen in a dream)
My conclusion to this post and my interpretation of this dream is one of two things:
a. I'm blogging way to much
b. I'm going to be Valedictorian of my College here at MSU.
Sleep tight friends! I'm on a quest to get 8 hours of sleep tonight.
woke up this morning....
i woke up this morning. ( I know...right!?)
after about 4 alarms. (not typical)
sore quads and one sore right calf. (ouch)
i had to do a little bit of stretching. (duh)
all from a run in the rain. (with puddles!)
Mere and I hit the cement yesterday when it was rainin' cats and dogs outside.
I loved it.
Running reminds me that I am alive, that my heart beats, and that God has given me two legs for a reason. I need to use them, move them, and groove them :]
There have been three instances in my life where I feel like God has told me that running is goo
d, it's something I should be doing, and something that will be of benefit to a healthy heart, soul, and mind. [plus keep me cancer free!...more on that next post]
I need to keep running as long as I possibly can....So in my quest to keep my running life interesting....I'm going to sign up for something.
a couple of 5k's?
maybe a 10k?
half-marathon?
to the left: a 2003 old school picture!
I like running with slow/talkative runners. I prefer it to be competition free. And I don't like feeling like I'm slowing people down.
Fit the criteria (haha)?
You in? Let me know! :]
A good friend is always better then my outdated Cristina Aguilera and Nelly-filled MP3 player.
after about 4 alarms. (not typical)
sore quads and one sore right calf. (ouch)
i had to do a little bit of stretching. (duh)
all from a run in the rain. (with puddles!)
Mere and I hit the cement yesterday when it was rainin' cats and dogs outside.
I loved it.
Running reminds me that I am alive, that my heart beats, and that God has given me two legs for a reason. I need to use them, move them, and groove them :]
There have been three instances in my life where I feel like God has told me that running is goo
d, it's something I should be doing, and something that will be of benefit to a healthy heart, soul, and mind. [plus keep me cancer free!...more on that next post]I need to keep running as long as I possibly can....So in my quest to keep my running life interesting....I'm going to sign up for something.
a couple of 5k's?
maybe a 10k?
half-marathon?
to the left: a 2003 old school picture!
I like running with slow/talkative runners. I prefer it to be competition free. And I don't like feeling like I'm slowing people down.
Fit the criteria (haha)?
You in? Let me know! :]
A good friend is always better then my outdated Cristina Aguilera and Nelly-filled MP3 player.
The Way to Love
Maryclaire Micallef gave me the book, "The Way To Love" by Anthony De Mello, and it has become part of my devotional time each day. Claire warned me that this tiny 5 inches by 3 inch book was loaded with honesty and ideas about "grappling the question of love."Man was she right. This book is so convicting that there have been days where I can't keep reading because I am still trying to grasp what was spoken to me the day prior.
Two days ago I read about going the extra mile, based off the bible verse:
"And if anyone would sue you and take your coat, let them have your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles."
Matthew 5:40-41
He talks about how our family, culture, religion, society, and past experiences program this computer inside of our heads telling us how we should be, what we should want, and how the world should be. This computer operates at every second of every day, demanding that certain standards follow the criteria of it's program. And when the criteria is not met, we experience anxiety, bitterness, anger, tension, etc. In the meantime, we try and change the world around us to meet the demands of our computer, and we are granted a temporary precarious peace. That is, until the next trifle thing happens in our life. (insert correct citation for paraphrasing here, pp.13-18)
So we live at the mercy of our computer, that we didn't even program ourselves...how unfair! And this whacked-up created program prevents us from going the extra mile. This program tells us, "It's all about me me me me" before it says, "Love others, love others."
BUT the cool part is that we can change it. It will take loads of time, lots of "stopping to think" and "thinking before we speak."
It will require me to look at each situation with the eyes of me heart (as God intends) instead of the eyes of my computer.
It's a work in progress :]
Happy gloomy Wednesday!
sticks and stones
May break my bones, but words will never hurt me.
Well that's a little bit of a lie! I've been thinking about why people's words can cut us deep sometimes, why they cause us to be left speechless and dealing with a knot in the pit of our stomach and a ball in our throat.
Do you know what I'm talking about? Someone making a comment, usually nonchalantly, that just cuts you in the wrong way?
I think a lot of the time some people speak with such honesty that they lack the grace - or vice versa. This leads to conflict, hurt feelings, and misunderstandings. For me, most of the comments that hurt the most are the comments that I know are true, but refuse to believe on my own.
So when it is addressed publicly and by another person, my immediate reaction is to blame them for throwing the sticks and stones, when in reality my bone was broken the entire time.
But then there are other times, when the comments are just plain insults from those that you love the most, those are painful. Those comments create a wound that is deep, jagged, and usually struggles to heal.
I don't understand God's plan with those wounds, I don't understand why conversation has the potential to be hurtful, and I really don't like that I'm sure I've caused quite a few wounds in my lifetime as well.
I do understand that God is great, his words are true and honest, and that His intention is never to hurt us but to love us, guide us, help us, and teach us.
He heals the broken.
Well that's a little bit of a lie! I've been thinking about why people's words can cut us deep sometimes, why they cause us to be left speechless and dealing with a knot in the pit of our stomach and a ball in our throat.
Do you know what I'm talking about? Someone making a comment, usually nonchalantly, that just cuts you in the wrong way?
I think a lot of the time some people speak with such honesty that they lack the grace - or vice versa. This leads to conflict, hurt feelings, and misunderstandings. For me, most of the comments that hurt the most are the comments that I know are true, but refuse to believe on my own.
So when it is addressed publicly and by another person, my immediate reaction is to blame them for throwing the sticks and stones, when in reality my bone was broken the entire time.
But then there are other times, when the comments are just plain insults from those that you love the most, those are painful. Those comments create a wound that is deep, jagged, and usually struggles to heal.
I don't understand God's plan with those wounds, I don't understand why conversation has the potential to be hurtful, and I really don't like that I'm sure I've caused quite a few wounds in my lifetime as well.
I do understand that God is great, his words are true and honest, and that His intention is never to hurt us but to love us, guide us, help us, and teach us.
He heals the broken.
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