Sunday, November 29, 2009
The Giver of Dreams!
If you have dreams and passions, it's likely that they were given to you for a reason. The Giver of dreams made you for a purpose and attached your gifts as a part of the package. Since your gifts are from God and for Him as well, it makes sense for you to use them. For years, I've loved singing. After one disastrous singing class at the University several years ago, I assumed that singing publicly wasn't necessarily for me. And yet, I felt that tugging in my heart for several years after that initial attempt.
Although I've always enjoyed singing at church as a part of the congregation, I've never felt brave enough to sing up front. And then, I started attending the worship practices. And then, I was called upon to sing up front. There was a need, so even though my heart felt fearful and timid, I went for it. I wanted to offer up to God what was already HIS, ME, all of me, including my passions. Since I've always loved to sing, I knew this was an open door. And, it was awesome! Singing for the Lord was truly a blessing to my soul. I couldn't believe that my fears melted away and somehow, through His Spirit, I was brave.
Similarly, I have always loved writing. So, about three years ago, I started this blog. And then, I began pursuing various writing venues. Though extremely frustrating at times, I have had a variety of successes over the past nine months. In my pursuit of God's will and His timing, I have encountered some open doors. The greatest thing about writing is knowing that I'm connecting with other human beings: moms, sisters, friends, and even some strangers. To know that I've blessed someone else with my words of encouragement gives me satisfaction. It's so cool to know that God is using my gift because I'm allowing Him to.
So, what happens when we ignore our passions, gifts, or god-given talents? We turn the pages of the book, but the turning is labored, even exhausting. Instead, when we tune our instruments to God's tuning fork, we create beautiful music for Him. The result of giving your gifts to His kingdom is JOY! You feel the fruit of His spirit because you are doing what you were designed to do. Imagine a Lamborghini that always drove under the speed limit because it felt ill-equipped to drive fast. Everyone around it would stare in disbelief, waiting for it to zoom past. But, if it didn't get over its incorrect belief, the amazing car would never accelerate to its full potential.
As Christians, we limit ourselves if we hide inside of our own plethora of fears and entanglements. We think we aren't good enough, so we don't sign up. We don't feel competent, so we decide not to volunteer. We're not sure our story is significant, so we hold it in our own heads. But, the truth is that it's not about us. It's about HIM. When your eyes look away from yourself, you begin to look upward toward the KING's face. Then, your face begins to shine HIS glory. You look radiant. You sound beautiful. Your story touches others...because you reflect His power.
Go for your dreams! Take hold of your passions! Be who God made you to be! Take a leap of faith and see how God turns your uncertainties into solidified successes...for HIS GLORY! Remember that you "CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS" you! Share some of your amazing accomplishments for the Lord. I'd love to hear what God is doing in your life!
Although I've always enjoyed singing at church as a part of the congregation, I've never felt brave enough to sing up front. And then, I started attending the worship practices. And then, I was called upon to sing up front. There was a need, so even though my heart felt fearful and timid, I went for it. I wanted to offer up to God what was already HIS, ME, all of me, including my passions. Since I've always loved to sing, I knew this was an open door. And, it was awesome! Singing for the Lord was truly a blessing to my soul. I couldn't believe that my fears melted away and somehow, through His Spirit, I was brave.
Similarly, I have always loved writing. So, about three years ago, I started this blog. And then, I began pursuing various writing venues. Though extremely frustrating at times, I have had a variety of successes over the past nine months. In my pursuit of God's will and His timing, I have encountered some open doors. The greatest thing about writing is knowing that I'm connecting with other human beings: moms, sisters, friends, and even some strangers. To know that I've blessed someone else with my words of encouragement gives me satisfaction. It's so cool to know that God is using my gift because I'm allowing Him to.
So, what happens when we ignore our passions, gifts, or god-given talents? We turn the pages of the book, but the turning is labored, even exhausting. Instead, when we tune our instruments to God's tuning fork, we create beautiful music for Him. The result of giving your gifts to His kingdom is JOY! You feel the fruit of His spirit because you are doing what you were designed to do. Imagine a Lamborghini that always drove under the speed limit because it felt ill-equipped to drive fast. Everyone around it would stare in disbelief, waiting for it to zoom past. But, if it didn't get over its incorrect belief, the amazing car would never accelerate to its full potential.
As Christians, we limit ourselves if we hide inside of our own plethora of fears and entanglements. We think we aren't good enough, so we don't sign up. We don't feel competent, so we decide not to volunteer. We're not sure our story is significant, so we hold it in our own heads. But, the truth is that it's not about us. It's about HIM. When your eyes look away from yourself, you begin to look upward toward the KING's face. Then, your face begins to shine HIS glory. You look radiant. You sound beautiful. Your story touches others...because you reflect His power.
Go for your dreams! Take hold of your passions! Be who God made you to be! Take a leap of faith and see how God turns your uncertainties into solidified successes...for HIS GLORY! Remember that you "CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS" you! Share some of your amazing accomplishments for the Lord. I'd love to hear what God is doing in your life!
Labels: dreams, God, passions, the King
Friday, November 27, 2009
Being Thankful
Each person should write a list of the things they're thankful for. Some of you might already do this and may have even written out some of your blessings while munching on turkey, stuffing, and lima beans yesterday. But, others skipped this exercise simply because there were hundreds of other tasks to be accomplished instead. Well, here's my list, so take note and then write your own list. It's a great post-Thanksgiving task and you can even do it from your smart-phone as you wait in psychotic shopping lines on Black-Friday.
I'm thankful for:
1. My loving and forgiving God.
2. My husband and my kids.
3. My extended family.
4. My extremely warm and cozy bed.
5. Lots of tasty food every day.
6. Beautiful sunsets and (less frequently viewed) sunrises.
7. Bold coffee and smooth Merlot.
8. Colorful and fragrant Double Delight roses.
9. New and growing friendships (esp. the ones I can be real with).
10.THE OCEAN!
I'm thankful for:
1. My loving and forgiving God.
2. My husband and my kids.
3. My extended family.
4. My extremely warm and cozy bed.
5. Lots of tasty food every day.
6. Beautiful sunsets and (less frequently viewed) sunrises.
7. Bold coffee and smooth Merlot.
8. Colorful and fragrant Double Delight roses.
9. New and growing friendships (esp. the ones I can be real with).
10.THE OCEAN!
Labels: family, thankful, Thanksgiving
Monday, November 23, 2009
From the Devotional Book: Streams in the Desert
"You have shown your people desperate times" (Psalm 60:3).
I have always been glad that the psalmist said to God that certain times of life are desperate or difficult. Make no mistake about it, there are difficult things in life.
This summer someone gave me some beautiful pink flowers, and as I took them, I asked, "What kind are they?" My friend answered, "They are rock flowers. They grow and bloom only on rocks where you can see no soil." Then I thought of God's flowers growing in desperate times and hard places, and I somehow feel that He may have a certain tenderness for His "rock flowers" that He may not have for His lilies and roses.--Margaret Bottome
The trials of life are sent to make us, not to break us. Financial troubles may destroy a person's business but build up his character. And a direct blow to the outer person may be the greatest blessing possible to the inner person. So if God places or allows anything difficult in our lives, we can be sure that the real danger or trouble will be what we will lose if we run or rebel against it. --Maltbie D. Babcock
Heroes are forged on anvils hot with pain,
And splendid courage comes but with the test.
Some natures ripen and some natures bloom
Only on blood-wet soil, some souls prove great
Only in moments dark with death or doom.
God finds His best soldiers on the mountain of affliction.
I have always been glad that the psalmist said to God that certain times of life are desperate or difficult. Make no mistake about it, there are difficult things in life.
This summer someone gave me some beautiful pink flowers, and as I took them, I asked, "What kind are they?" My friend answered, "They are rock flowers. They grow and bloom only on rocks where you can see no soil." Then I thought of God's flowers growing in desperate times and hard places, and I somehow feel that He may have a certain tenderness for His "rock flowers" that He may not have for His lilies and roses.--Margaret Bottome
The trials of life are sent to make us, not to break us. Financial troubles may destroy a person's business but build up his character. And a direct blow to the outer person may be the greatest blessing possible to the inner person. So if God places or allows anything difficult in our lives, we can be sure that the real danger or trouble will be what we will lose if we run or rebel against it. --Maltbie D. Babcock
Heroes are forged on anvils hot with pain,
And splendid courage comes but with the test.
Some natures ripen and some natures bloom
Only on blood-wet soil, some souls prove great
Only in moments dark with death or doom.
God finds His best soldiers on the mountain of affliction.
Labels: devotion, Streams in the Desert
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Saved by Grace
What if you died today? Do you know where you would go? Most people become extremely stressed out when they have to discuss the topic of death. Whether it involves the planning of a will, someone's life insurance policy, or just religious beliefs in general, people frequently prefer to avoid the topic.
When you see those corny commercials where the wife and husband happen to wander into the kitchen for a late-night snack at the exact same minute, you sense the fabrication of the scene. You'd bet a million dollars you were about to watch a life insurance advertisement. And, usually you'd be right.
Why is it that we avoid the topic of death? Or, at the very least, why does it make us shift uncomfortably in our seat, no matter where we're sitting? I think it's because we prefer to be alive, so it makes the topic of death or of dying a pretty uncomfortable one. But, here's the real deal: death is cool. Unlike the phony life insurance commercial that's supposed to give you the warm fuzzies, the Bible offers hope and eternal life in Jesus Christ.
When you do come face to face with conversations pertaining to death, grab your Bible. Not that you shouldn't get all of your practical financial issues in order pertaining to passing away, but your peace with the Creator should come as the biggest priority. As I was driving up a long road after dropping my three kids at school, the concept of God's grace was really soaking in to my thick skull covered by medium-length brown hair.
While I've had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ since I was ten years old, I was really blown away during my time alone in the car by the fact that there's nothing I have to worry about spiritually before I die. I don't have to stress about the "what ifs" before dying because Jesus is my bridge, my peace, and my full payment. Sometimes death seems stressful because you might think, "Well, I have to do this, this, and that before I die...how stressful not to know when it will be?"
The thing is, if you walk with Jesus, HE is your all in all. He is sufficient. Doesn't that blow your mind? Of course, your life should demonstrate your love for Him on a daily basis, but you don't have to worry about the incidentals. He's taken care of them. You already have your "Get out of Jail Free" pass.
The popular verse that shows up in the background of NFL games is the basic truth of our faith. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." But, some people want to complicate the Gospel's simplicity by saying, "But you also have to do this, that, and the other thing. It's not just because of Jesus."
The next verse states, "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." You see, it's not really about you, it's just about Jesus. He won't bully His way into your heart, but once He comes in, He's there to stay. Revelation 3:20 says, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." It does not say, "If you do all of these other things too." What a relief, huh? While I definitely love LIVING, I'm pretty stoked about dying too. Heaven is gonna be the party of the century, so we better start sending out our Evites now.
When you see those corny commercials where the wife and husband happen to wander into the kitchen for a late-night snack at the exact same minute, you sense the fabrication of the scene. You'd bet a million dollars you were about to watch a life insurance advertisement. And, usually you'd be right.
Why is it that we avoid the topic of death? Or, at the very least, why does it make us shift uncomfortably in our seat, no matter where we're sitting? I think it's because we prefer to be alive, so it makes the topic of death or of dying a pretty uncomfortable one. But, here's the real deal: death is cool. Unlike the phony life insurance commercial that's supposed to give you the warm fuzzies, the Bible offers hope and eternal life in Jesus Christ.
When you do come face to face with conversations pertaining to death, grab your Bible. Not that you shouldn't get all of your practical financial issues in order pertaining to passing away, but your peace with the Creator should come as the biggest priority. As I was driving up a long road after dropping my three kids at school, the concept of God's grace was really soaking in to my thick skull covered by medium-length brown hair.
While I've had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ since I was ten years old, I was really blown away during my time alone in the car by the fact that there's nothing I have to worry about spiritually before I die. I don't have to stress about the "what ifs" before dying because Jesus is my bridge, my peace, and my full payment. Sometimes death seems stressful because you might think, "Well, I have to do this, this, and that before I die...how stressful not to know when it will be?"
The thing is, if you walk with Jesus, HE is your all in all. He is sufficient. Doesn't that blow your mind? Of course, your life should demonstrate your love for Him on a daily basis, but you don't have to worry about the incidentals. He's taken care of them. You already have your "Get out of Jail Free" pass.
The popular verse that shows up in the background of NFL games is the basic truth of our faith. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." But, some people want to complicate the Gospel's simplicity by saying, "But you also have to do this, that, and the other thing. It's not just because of Jesus."
The next verse states, "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." You see, it's not really about you, it's just about Jesus. He won't bully His way into your heart, but once He comes in, He's there to stay. Revelation 3:20 says, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." It does not say, "If you do all of these other things too." What a relief, huh? While I definitely love LIVING, I'm pretty stoked about dying too. Heaven is gonna be the party of the century, so we better start sending out our Evites now.
Labels: Bible, death, grace, Jesus
Monday, November 16, 2009
Letting Go of the Small Stuff!
Letting go of the little things is essential if you want to be happy. Whether it's with your friends or with your spouse, you need to drop the small stuff. If a friend says something that seems offensive, try to give her the benefit of the doubt. Even if you're pretty sure she meant to be rude, let it go. "Let it go?" you might ask, "even if she intended to irritate me?" Yep! Even if she judged your financial status or insinuated that you have a messy house, it's worth it to move on.
What about your spouse? He can give off a skunk's share of grumpiness too. Like when he intentionally grunts under his breath to inform you that he hates your nagging. Or, when he slams a cupboard a bit harder than normal, just because he's had a bad day. Maybe your hubby just frustrates you because of his lack of follow-through. His socks might literally leap out of the laundry basket from shock if they ever ventured into the right bin. Maybe it chaps your hide when he leaves the milk out or doesn't put away the bread after making his sandwich. You know they're pretty small things though compared to how much he loves you and how he makes you laugh.
Letting stuff go applies to your kids as well. They can pack a surprising punch, even though they're little and cute. The other day, my kids told me that my sister's car was way cleaner than ours. The statement was truthful, but it still made me feel like a dork. Was it worth stewing over? Nope. Or, like the time my son said something about my tummy looking big. While his comment was slightly rude for a six-year-old, it wasn't worth hanging onto. I've actually been looking pretty good lately, so I wasn't gonna let my skinny little son's comment get me into a foul mood.
Whomever you find irritating, it's worth it to give a little bit of grace. Letting the small stuff go actually makes you happier and healthier. When you hold onto each comment or each act of frustration put upon you, you're the one that suffers. You feel the weight of the issue while the other person goes unaffected. While it might seem like you benefit somehow from stewing over a feisty remark, the truth is that it prevents you from having a joyful day.
Some things are actually worth digesting the heck out of, like a conversation that deals with your family's value system or a major upcoming decision involving a move or a job-change. Issues of faith and commitment are uber-important as well. But, most topics don't comply with the cost benefit analysis of a full-on blow-out. And even when the important topics are broached, they should still be evaluated with a grain of salt. Both parties should also incorporate a methodology that gives each person a fair turn to share his or her side of the story.
Obviously, topics involving extended family can tip the scales of user discretion and serenity. For example, someone says, "Your mom said such-and-such." Or another blurts out, "My sister was offended that you blah-blah-blah." They're relatively important scenarios, but not worthy enough to wreck an entire weekend. Even the upcoming holidays can bring on a variety of heated discussions. Will you travel for Turkey Day and Christmas or make the fam come to you? What will you work on before the holidays, the bathroom that's needed to be repainted for over a year now or the landscaping that's looking a little bit weathered? Will you serve turkey and ham or just ditch the messy kitchen scene and eat out instead?
The question you have to ask amidst all of these things with your friends, spouse, kids, and extended family is, "Will this matter in a week or two?" If the answer is "NO!" then you need to let it go. If it will seriously still be an issue after seven to fourteen days, you can at least sleep on it for a few days before raising the drama-level to a red alert. After a solid night's rest, if it's still putting a kink in your neck, then find a sensible time to discuss it with reasonable expectations of how it might be resolved. Remember to make respectful "I feel" statements instead of using "You always..." ones.
The result of dismissing inconsequential matters not only makes you happier and healthier, it gives you more time to work on other stuff. For example, you could bless someone else with an uplifting email or a relaxed phone call rather than a heated whining session. Think of the possibilities with your spouse. Instead of a one to two hour argument over whatever it was, you could do something else more interactive (use your imagination :)). The guys reading this post have just awoken from their slumbered state and are now attentive and enthusiastic. Just remember to keep things light this holiday season by extending grace to those you love.
Share how you've decided to chill out more about life's smaller details. We'd love to hear from you.
What about your spouse? He can give off a skunk's share of grumpiness too. Like when he intentionally grunts under his breath to inform you that he hates your nagging. Or, when he slams a cupboard a bit harder than normal, just because he's had a bad day. Maybe your hubby just frustrates you because of his lack of follow-through. His socks might literally leap out of the laundry basket from shock if they ever ventured into the right bin. Maybe it chaps your hide when he leaves the milk out or doesn't put away the bread after making his sandwich. You know they're pretty small things though compared to how much he loves you and how he makes you laugh.
Letting stuff go applies to your kids as well. They can pack a surprising punch, even though they're little and cute. The other day, my kids told me that my sister's car was way cleaner than ours. The statement was truthful, but it still made me feel like a dork. Was it worth stewing over? Nope. Or, like the time my son said something about my tummy looking big. While his comment was slightly rude for a six-year-old, it wasn't worth hanging onto. I've actually been looking pretty good lately, so I wasn't gonna let my skinny little son's comment get me into a foul mood.
Whomever you find irritating, it's worth it to give a little bit of grace. Letting the small stuff go actually makes you happier and healthier. When you hold onto each comment or each act of frustration put upon you, you're the one that suffers. You feel the weight of the issue while the other person goes unaffected. While it might seem like you benefit somehow from stewing over a feisty remark, the truth is that it prevents you from having a joyful day.
Some things are actually worth digesting the heck out of, like a conversation that deals with your family's value system or a major upcoming decision involving a move or a job-change. Issues of faith and commitment are uber-important as well. But, most topics don't comply with the cost benefit analysis of a full-on blow-out. And even when the important topics are broached, they should still be evaluated with a grain of salt. Both parties should also incorporate a methodology that gives each person a fair turn to share his or her side of the story.
Obviously, topics involving extended family can tip the scales of user discretion and serenity. For example, someone says, "Your mom said such-and-such." Or another blurts out, "My sister was offended that you blah-blah-blah." They're relatively important scenarios, but not worthy enough to wreck an entire weekend. Even the upcoming holidays can bring on a variety of heated discussions. Will you travel for Turkey Day and Christmas or make the fam come to you? What will you work on before the holidays, the bathroom that's needed to be repainted for over a year now or the landscaping that's looking a little bit weathered? Will you serve turkey and ham or just ditch the messy kitchen scene and eat out instead?
The question you have to ask amidst all of these things with your friends, spouse, kids, and extended family is, "Will this matter in a week or two?" If the answer is "NO!" then you need to let it go. If it will seriously still be an issue after seven to fourteen days, you can at least sleep on it for a few days before raising the drama-level to a red alert. After a solid night's rest, if it's still putting a kink in your neck, then find a sensible time to discuss it with reasonable expectations of how it might be resolved. Remember to make respectful "I feel" statements instead of using "You always..." ones.
The result of dismissing inconsequential matters not only makes you happier and healthier, it gives you more time to work on other stuff. For example, you could bless someone else with an uplifting email or a relaxed phone call rather than a heated whining session. Think of the possibilities with your spouse. Instead of a one to two hour argument over whatever it was, you could do something else more interactive (use your imagination :)). The guys reading this post have just awoken from their slumbered state and are now attentive and enthusiastic. Just remember to keep things light this holiday season by extending grace to those you love.
Share how you've decided to chill out more about life's smaller details. We'd love to hear from you.
Labels: family, friendship, grace, happiness, holiday, spouse
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
JESUS LOVES YOU!
JESUS LOVES YOU!
JESUS LOVES LOVES YOU!
JESUS LOVES LOVES LOVES YOU!
JESUS LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES YOU!
JESUS LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES YOU!
JESUS LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES YOU!
JESUS LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES YOU!
JESUS LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES YOU!
JESUS LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES YOU!
JESUS LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES YOU!
NO MATTER WHAT!
ALL THE TIME!
JESUS LOVES LOVES YOU!
JESUS LOVES LOVES LOVES YOU!
JESUS LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES YOU!
JESUS LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES YOU!
JESUS LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES YOU!
JESUS LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES YOU!
JESUS LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES YOU!
JESUS LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES YOU!
JESUS LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES YOU!
NO MATTER WHAT!
ALL THE TIME!
Labels: Jesus loves you
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Franklin, the Spa-Kitty
My sister's fuzzy furball is a spa-kitty named Franklin. You can barely see his handsome blue eyes amidst all that fur. Naturally, he's a Himalayan, but he wouldn't survive for one second near those mountains. He sleeps about twenty-six hours per day drowned in the relaxing wine-filled air of Temecula, California. While Franklin is neither tough nor lean, his real prowess is evidenced by his too-cool attitude and his calm state-of-mind.
His bravery may be falsely labeled as stupidity, but he does not back down from an oncoming attacker ten times his size. Nor does he freak out when sprayed with water. He actually loved taking baths with my sister when he was just a kitten. Now, as an adult cat, he lies on the side of her Roman tub while she soaks amidst a plethora of candles. He's so knightly that he's even caught his tail on fire a few times. He probably does it intentionally so he can jump in with her.
Perhaps Franklin's most noble attribute is his ability to roll with the punches. When my sister adopted a female Tonkinese kitty named Tonka, Franklin willingly gave up some of the space in his pad. Even though Tonka took months to appreciate his sacrifice, they eventually became buddies. When confronted with Tonka's perpetual hissing, Franklin just decided to turn up the volume on his iPod. Tonka's ally-cat attitude melted away over the subsequent months from Franklin's spa-kitty demeanor, whose real concern is always about the timing of his next cucumber facial.
Last year, when my sister brought home a Weimaraner named Cali, Franklin was certainly less than thrilled about it. But, he adjusted to the new situation by letting the Weimy know that he was still the boss. No fear also means no brains, but don't tell Franklin that. Cali would leap around like a wild gazelle with her gangly legs flying everywhere. It was of no consequence to Franklin, even though his space was shrinking yet again. He didn't let it get the best of him because at least he was getting some doggie-licks in between his spa-treatments.
Jump ahead five more months and make room for a seventy pound female chocolate Labrador named Bella. She's definitely less active than Cali, but a bit more floppy on the bed at night. Franklin would announce, "Move over wide-load. We're cool as long as I'm right next to Mommy." He was especially understanding because this was Grammy's dog and at least they'd already met before. More licks. More unwelcome brown hair amidst his pearly white blanket of fur. Once again, Franklin pulled through.
The lesson I've learned from Franklin over the years is that you have to be flexible. Just as we can not control the weather, we can not manipulate life's changes or its disappointments. The fact is that pay-cuts, lay-offs, and illnesses affect good people like you and me. Even our kids struggle. Whether it's with health problems or difficulties at school, we see them working through their own issues. Although it's not easy to adjust to the ebb and flow of life and its inconvenient glitches, it is necessary.
When life gets you down, try to respond like Franklin by keeping your cool. When new animals entered his world, he didn't get incensed and he didn't give up. Instead, he just took it in stride. He realized he couldn't control the situation, so he minimized his pity-party feelings and trusted that things would turn around.
With each oncoming challenge, Franklin reminded himself of his blessings: his unending supply of hugs from Mommy, his surplus of tasty treats in the drawer, his daily allowance of naps, and his toasty warm bed. Even though Franklin has had to learn to share the spotlight, he's adjusted to the changes.
Share your funny cat stories here. Also, let us know how you've benefited from going with the flow.
His bravery may be falsely labeled as stupidity, but he does not back down from an oncoming attacker ten times his size. Nor does he freak out when sprayed with water. He actually loved taking baths with my sister when he was just a kitten. Now, as an adult cat, he lies on the side of her Roman tub while she soaks amidst a plethora of candles. He's so knightly that he's even caught his tail on fire a few times. He probably does it intentionally so he can jump in with her.
Perhaps Franklin's most noble attribute is his ability to roll with the punches. When my sister adopted a female Tonkinese kitty named Tonka, Franklin willingly gave up some of the space in his pad. Even though Tonka took months to appreciate his sacrifice, they eventually became buddies. When confronted with Tonka's perpetual hissing, Franklin just decided to turn up the volume on his iPod. Tonka's ally-cat attitude melted away over the subsequent months from Franklin's spa-kitty demeanor, whose real concern is always about the timing of his next cucumber facial.
Last year, when my sister brought home a Weimaraner named Cali, Franklin was certainly less than thrilled about it. But, he adjusted to the new situation by letting the Weimy know that he was still the boss. No fear also means no brains, but don't tell Franklin that. Cali would leap around like a wild gazelle with her gangly legs flying everywhere. It was of no consequence to Franklin, even though his space was shrinking yet again. He didn't let it get the best of him because at least he was getting some doggie-licks in between his spa-treatments.
Jump ahead five more months and make room for a seventy pound female chocolate Labrador named Bella. She's definitely less active than Cali, but a bit more floppy on the bed at night. Franklin would announce, "Move over wide-load. We're cool as long as I'm right next to Mommy." He was especially understanding because this was Grammy's dog and at least they'd already met before. More licks. More unwelcome brown hair amidst his pearly white blanket of fur. Once again, Franklin pulled through.
The lesson I've learned from Franklin over the years is that you have to be flexible. Just as we can not control the weather, we can not manipulate life's changes or its disappointments. The fact is that pay-cuts, lay-offs, and illnesses affect good people like you and me. Even our kids struggle. Whether it's with health problems or difficulties at school, we see them working through their own issues. Although it's not easy to adjust to the ebb and flow of life and its inconvenient glitches, it is necessary.
When life gets you down, try to respond like Franklin by keeping your cool. When new animals entered his world, he didn't get incensed and he didn't give up. Instead, he just took it in stride. He realized he couldn't control the situation, so he minimized his pity-party feelings and trusted that things would turn around.
With each oncoming challenge, Franklin reminded himself of his blessings: his unending supply of hugs from Mommy, his surplus of tasty treats in the drawer, his daily allowance of naps, and his toasty warm bed. Even though Franklin has had to learn to share the spotlight, he's adjusted to the changes.
Share your funny cat stories here. Also, let us know how you've benefited from going with the flow.
Labels: cats, Franklin, go-with-the-flow
Monday, November 02, 2009
Fickle Feelings
Feelings can be so fickle just like our crazy Southern California weather system. At least, lately, that is. Last Thursday, I dressed my daughter in a sweater and tights; then, on Saturday she wore sandals and a fairy outfit for Halloween. I think our thermostat has been a bit confused by this changing pattern as well. I put the heater on Wednesday and Thursday, but then used the air conditioner on Friday and Saturday. What is this?
Life can be like our unpredictable weather. So maybe it's a good thing, as it preps us to be more flexible. Just as we can not control the weather, we can not manipulate life's changes or its disappointments. The fact is that change and suffering are a part of life. Pay-cuts, lay-offs, and illnesses affect good people, like you and myself. Even our kids struggle. Whether it's with health problems or difficulties at school, we see them working through their own issues.
Even though we can't change the weather, we can dress appropriately and be prepared (thank the Lord for weather.com). We can bring an umbrella in case it rains. We can throw in some extra sunscreen in case it heats up to the mid-nineties by noon. Similarly, we can adjust to life's modifications as well. When my husband recently took a required pay-cut, we realized we simply had to spend less money. Less Starbucks trips. Less eating dinner out (I'm probably going to lose weight because I love fast-food). Less date-nights (that aren't free).
But, we can go with the flow. We can adjust. At least my husband still has his job. And for those who may be expecting a lay-off, you might be able to say, "At least I have my health." Or, you might thank God that you have your family who loves you. The hardships aren't small for many people during this tough economy, so I'm not minimizing what I'm observing around me. It's not easy to adjust to the ebb and flow of life and its inconvenient glitches, but it is necessary.
In response to oncoming hardships, some people do nothing, get pissed, or give up. But, those things don't really help the situation. Instead, minimize your pity-party feelings and trust that things will turn around. You have to keep your head up because someone has to, and that someone is you. You simply have to do your best and surrender the rest...even when you're not sure what you're doing.
My house has recently been attacked by well-organized black ants. You'd think they were texting each other the offensive plans. Instead of getting down, we've armed ourselves with lots and lots of ant spray. If you allow your feelings to sneak in and weigh you down with pessimism and morbidity, you're gonna lose it. Instead, get a hearty but brief cry-session out of your system and then move on. Remind yourself of your blessings and take a deep breath. Then, take steps toward your next endeavor. A good comedy helps too, along with cookies-and-cream ice cream. Keep it up moms and dads. You rock!
Life can be like our unpredictable weather. So maybe it's a good thing, as it preps us to be more flexible. Just as we can not control the weather, we can not manipulate life's changes or its disappointments. The fact is that change and suffering are a part of life. Pay-cuts, lay-offs, and illnesses affect good people, like you and myself. Even our kids struggle. Whether it's with health problems or difficulties at school, we see them working through their own issues.
Even though we can't change the weather, we can dress appropriately and be prepared (thank the Lord for weather.com). We can bring an umbrella in case it rains. We can throw in some extra sunscreen in case it heats up to the mid-nineties by noon. Similarly, we can adjust to life's modifications as well. When my husband recently took a required pay-cut, we realized we simply had to spend less money. Less Starbucks trips. Less eating dinner out (I'm probably going to lose weight because I love fast-food). Less date-nights (that aren't free).
But, we can go with the flow. We can adjust. At least my husband still has his job. And for those who may be expecting a lay-off, you might be able to say, "At least I have my health." Or, you might thank God that you have your family who loves you. The hardships aren't small for many people during this tough economy, so I'm not minimizing what I'm observing around me. It's not easy to adjust to the ebb and flow of life and its inconvenient glitches, but it is necessary.
In response to oncoming hardships, some people do nothing, get pissed, or give up. But, those things don't really help the situation. Instead, minimize your pity-party feelings and trust that things will turn around. You have to keep your head up because someone has to, and that someone is you. You simply have to do your best and surrender the rest...even when you're not sure what you're doing.
My house has recently been attacked by well-organized black ants. You'd think they were texting each other the offensive plans. Instead of getting down, we've armed ourselves with lots and lots of ant spray. If you allow your feelings to sneak in and weigh you down with pessimism and morbidity, you're gonna lose it. Instead, get a hearty but brief cry-session out of your system and then move on. Remind yourself of your blessings and take a deep breath. Then, take steps toward your next endeavor. A good comedy helps too, along with cookies-and-cream ice cream. Keep it up moms and dads. You rock!
Labels: change, ebb and flow, Feelings
