Infinity F3

T is for "Turkeys in the Road"

2011-05-13T23:01:00.001-05:00

Not what you expected? lol

So what can I say about turkeys in the road. Apparently, not too much. I took this picture just down the road from where I live. The turkeys don't come around the farm much probably because of the dogs.

I once thought I wanted to raise different kinds of birds...like peacocks, guinea hens, ducks etc. However, the rooster and the the two guinea hens we now have are starting to chip away at any likelihood of us ever getting anything other than hens. Maybe ducks would be okay?

The rooster has taken to crowing loudly right outside of the doors at what seems like all hours but usually when I'm trying to write. Then the rascal has been digging up my herb/flower gardens. It is rather distracting to have to put chicken wire over my flowers. Definitely not as pretty as it could be.

Now the guinea hens, I have defended because they are supposed to be great tick eaters and watchbirds. It is true they will let us know when someone arrives but so do the dogs. It is rather noisy. It is unlikely that anyone will sneak up on us. However, the guinea hens and the rooster have been charging people and some of them (the people) are getting really fed up with it. As for being great tick eaters-I don't know, I threw a tick right in front of them one day and they totally ignored it.

Guinea hens are also not supposed to scratch up gardens like chickens and roosters are known to do. This may be true but the whole creating a place to take a dust bath has made a mess of several areas around the farm and if there were plants there, they are gone.

Yet how could I ever even consider getting rid of Clucker-Snowy Pants or our last two surviving guinea hens? They are fun to watch and they follow me all over the farm. If they would just eat the ticks in front of me, instead of the ticks that missed jumping on me when I went by then maybe I wouldn't be so disenchanted with the birds.

Kind of reminds me of that quote by Albert Camus:

“Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend.”

Except I don't want to be friends with the birds, I just want them to eat the ticks.

Aren't they cute, in an ugly sort of way?

Enough of the rambling, what about the turkeys in the road? Ummm...their brains aren't too big, so pass with care. lol

Have a great day!

JulieD

S is for "Smile"

2011-05-13T17:01:00.001-05:00

Smile, for some candid views of life on the farm!


Please Mom! Not in front of the visitors.

Pretty Irises

Rooster Stew!
ERRRRR I mean what's left of my tomatoes.

Hostile Honeysuckle Takeover!

Weigela

Just a few pics of the good, the bad and the ugly of this farm today. Hope you enjoyed the pics.

Have a great day!

JulieD

R is for "Roots, Reaching and Reality"

2011-05-13T14:25:00.001-05:00

Reaching for Reality or Inspiration?

Today I read a reflection on Facebook that talked about being rooted in reality but reaching-like a tree.

I love trees. Well not love them in a weird way or anything. I’m not even a tree hugger but if a tree is one I like, when it dies or needs to be cut down I feel a loss. I miss things like the beauty of the wind blowing through the leaves or the smell of the needles/sap (yes, this is a little sappy) or even what the trees provide by their presence (shade, fruit, nuts, oxygen etc.). Well, I can’t really say I miss the oxygen, technically because I don’t really notice the oxygen that is missing but never-the-less, trees are beautiful.

Reality check-I’ve driven a lawn mower under many trees and there are things in trees I don’t like seeing at all-spiders, ticks, snakes and blobs (fungus). Yesterday, when I was mowing, I actually didn’t mow under a tree because I saw a really large snake skin. If that snake happened to be dangling from the tree when I went under-think either fodder for a new horror story or speed mowing contender. Also, I didn’t mow over the skin because my daughter would want to see the skin. Fascinating stuff, I’ll probably check it out, too. Maybe. I’m pretty sure it belongs to a Hognose snake that lives in or near the tree. Did you know that Hognose snakes play dead?

I can also tell you that once you climb a tree and come face to face with a pine snake you will think twice before climbing any more trees or you will at least check the branches first before reaching for them.

Be rooted in reality (snakes, ticks, birds, fungi) but reach higher (look to God) for inspiration, for dreams, for hope, for love.

Bonus thought: From a distance, trees are beautiful, singly or in groups, up close the picture may tell another story. When you consider your life, does the close up view match the long-term view?

Peace!

JulieD

U is for the "Unknowns"

2011-05-11T09:38:00.000-05:00

"A diamond is just a piece of charcoal that handled stress exceptionally well." ~ Unknown

Thank you to all those who are the "unknowns".

Thank you to those who inspire us or make us laugh or contemplate our lives and yet claim no titles or credit. Thank you to those who see our need and act anonymously and/or pray for us. Thank you to the volunteers who work behind the scenes. Thank you to those who donate because they can and take great pleasure in it yet do so silently as not to incur a debt to be repaid.

Thank you. Yes, thank you to those who are the unknowns. For it is they who demonstrate so effectively that sometimes the unknown is a good thing. Therefore, fear not the unknown, for in the unknown while there may be dangers and snares there are also gifts and treasures.

The day ahead is an unknown, tomorrow is an unknown, the outcomes are unknown yet they will come and they will pass. All will be known in its own time and its own way.

Yes, there are many unknowns in this world. Thank you Lord for the unknowns.

Peace!
JulieD

V is for the Shortest Post I will Ever Write

2011-05-07T08:19:00.000-05:00

V is for Victory! God's!

Peace,

JulieD

W is for "Wits End"

2011-05-06T15:06:00.000-05:00

If I have any wits left I believe yesterday I was at the end of them. lol

Thank God for new days, answered prayers and creative solutions. While I may still be a few wits shy of a full wit load, (If you know me personally-yes, that was supposed to be funny.) this morning two words pierced my morning brain fog. Those two words were "Teaching Textbooks". Long story-but it made sense to me.

Yesterday, I found myself saying, "I've done what I can. I don't know what else to do. The only thing I can do now is..." Isn't that some of the scariest language ever put together? Of course, it could have been worse. I could have been saying, "I can't..." or "I'm done!" but somewhere in the back of my mind a couple of tiny questions appeared. "Have I really tried everything to get this on track? Was I absolutely sure the ultimatum was actually the best option?

I couldn't answer yes to either of those questions but I couldn't actually think of any other options. I'd like to say I prayed about it but other than putting my trust in God I didn't really put it out there for Him, this time.

Yet, this morning He gave me something new to consider. Also, today, there has been a noticeable shift of the problem towards the right direction and after a couple of tests, I was able to see that the situation is not as dire as I thought it was. This is good.

I can see an opening-a window perhaps, but the light is shining through that opening and the (son)shine feels great.

It's spring. It isn't raining at the moment...so throw open the windows and open the doors of your life and let the Son shine in.

May God bless your day!
JulieD

X is for X-disease

2011-05-04T11:46:00.000-05:00

X-Disease for the sake of brevity I'm going to abbreviate to X-D which is not to be confused with VD.

X-Disease is any of various usu. virus diseases of obscure etiology and relationships.

In other words, X-D is a disease in which the causes and how it spreads are kind of vague or very little is known about the origin.

I'm going to take a big literary leap here and skip a probably necessary transition but I think it will come together in the end.

Have you ever heard of Xmas? Xn? Xnty? They are abbreviations for Christmas, Christians and Christianity. When Xmas showed up on some Christmas cards and started being using in place of Christmas, there was dissension among Christians. How can they replace "Christ" with an "X"? For some, it may have been seen like society was trying to take "Christ" out of Christmas. It wasn't. But that fear or thought spread through emails, on social networks and verbally and affected relationships. To me this sounds like a Christian X-Disease.

The fear or the misconception wasn't based on truth. It started with an obscure misconception of the truth and spread through various relationships. Scary stuff.

By the time the truth was revealed so many had started to view this as a less than positive or acceptable thing that some of them no doubt still cling to the idea that "Xmas" for "Christmas" is wrong...wrong...wrong. The truth is that X is the Greek symbol for Christ coming from the Greek letter (chi) X and is the initial for Christos or Christ. The sad thing is that by denying Xmas in its true form was actually taking Christ out of Christmas-the very thing they were trying to avoid.

Have you ever clung to an idea even when the truth has been revealed? I think we all probably have.

What makes us do that? Pride? Fear? Insecurities?

If however, we love the truth which comes from God and if we desire to know and seek the truth then we can overcome pride, fear and insecurities.

How? Love!

What you seek; you shall find. Seek truth, seek peace, seek love and you will find truth, peace and love.

God Bless!

JulieD

Y is for Yes Lord Thank You for YouTube

2011-05-04T10:38:00.000-05:00

For two days I've had this song stuck in my head. Actually, it isn't even a whole song, just one phrase which plays over and over. "Yes Lord. Yes Lord. Yes, Yes Lord. Yes Lord. Yes Lord. Yes, Yes Lord. Yes Lord. Yes Lord. Yes, Yes Lord. Amen."

In order, to either permanently burn it into my brain or in an attempt to at least learn the rest of the words to the song, I went to YouTube.

After listening and watching to several video versions of the song, I've picked out a couple to share with you.

A little history about this song and why I even know it. A few years ago I went to a Diocesan Youth Conference. While the band played they sang the words. They danced and had moves to this song. When I say "they", I mean every one in the conference room danced and sang this song. Everyone, or so it seemed except for me. I had never heard this song before let alone danced or did motions to this song. I tried to sing and do the motions but I was always off, doing the wrong motions or singing the wrong words. The only part that came easy was the Yes Lord part. I love that part.

Thank God for YouTube! After watching these video clips, I noticed something really great. I am not alone in my awkwardness and lack of musical co-ordination. Also, one video had just the words. Now, I know the words. As I said, I watched several videos and another neat thing was that all of them had different moves. Some did straight sign language while others did variations of symbolic dancing motions, different-love it! Unfortunately, I haven't found a video of the moves they did at DYC but I think now that I know the words I might not have so much trouble with the motions. I can hope!

Oh, and I think the title isn't "Yes Lord" it is "Trading My Sorrows"

Trading My Sorrows The words are very clear!

Trading My Sorrows The lyrics!!

Trading My Sorrows signed

"Trading My Sorrows" They make it look fun!

"Trading My Sorrows" I am not alone!

"Trading My Sorrows" My favorite!

and "Trading My Sorrows" Another beautiful interpretation.

Warning
This is a catchy and uplifting tune if you listen/watch all of the videos above it may be stuck in your mind for days. Not necessarily a bad thing...lol.

God Bless
JulieD

Have you looked at the "Z" words in a dictionary lately?

2011-05-02T22:08:00.000-05:00

"Z" words are rather intense. Well, except maybe "zany" and "zebu". Well and then there is "Zig" and "Zag" but the rest of the them, I'm telling you they are intense. I wrote two "Z" blogs today on zealot and then decided-way too intense.

So I picked up the dictionary, hoping to find an inspirational word that didn't set off the intensometer...(if you have spell check on you will likely realize that intensometer is not a real word-bad writer...stop making up words.) Wait, making up words is fun. I like it. Yes, yes, I like that idea. I'm going to make up a blog with fake "Z" words and one real "Z" word. Will you know which word is the real "z" word? Let's find out. (Turn off your spell checker. lol)

Life has taken a serious turn in the world, there have been earthquakes, floods and of course, the killing of Osama bin Laden. In response, this post is totally zirky and ziphous. Everything from this word on until I say so, is fake, and a lie. I'm generally not good at lying-oh wait that is true. lol Hmmm this is harder than I thought.

Anyway, I had a visitor today that showed me how to make a zataphat. The many layers of zittles and zazzes were beautiful. It had a zooglea type appearance that some might however find unappetizing. The zog thought it was delicious. I didn't dare try it as I have a slight zerphili like reaction to zataphat. I really shouldn't even write about it as even the thought of it sometimes causes zippets to appear. Dang, there is one now. I must apply zintz ointment right away. BRB

I'm better now. Well, if this blog post is any indication of my zatitude, I may be in trouble. The first step is recognizing the problem. The second step is treatment with zynopop. Have you ever had zynopop? They make it with soda or pop depending on your geographical location and zysoph extract. Zysoph is a plant that has a flower with three orange petals and three purple petals. It is poisonous to eat but an extract from the stem induces a euphoric like response. Must be why I like zynopop so much.

Ok-that's it. I can't make up any more words. It just isn't natural. So which word do you think is the real "z" word? I'll let you know in the comments.

A-Z is now Z-A

2011-05-02T10:28:00.000-05:00

I didn't make the deadline for the A-Z challenge. I could get upset with myself for not meeting this goal but I'm not upset. If the new challenge (Z-A for May) hadn't been started I would have continued with the A-Z challenge until I finished it.

For me this challenge was and is about developing a skill and being dedicated to an outcome of consistency. The deadline and the daily prompt were things set in place to help me meet the real goals.

Technically, I made it to the letter "R". I made 18 posts in April 2011. That is something worth celebrating. In 2009,(highest number of posts/year) I made a total of 23 posts. I would say my rate of dedication and consistency has improved because of the challenge.

If I were to get bogged down in the details and the fact that I didn't finish all of the posts, I would have missed the fact that I met the main goals.

When you set goals do you get bogged down in the details and beat yourself up over the little things or do recognize your accomplishments and give yourself permission to try again or keep going?

The new challenge is to write a daily post M-Sat with the first post starting today with something related to "Z" and going to "A" by the end of May.

I do hope you will continue to read along. One unexpected but wonderful result of the challenge has been that I have found that I enjoy writing these blogs.

My "Z" post will be coming soon!

God Bless!
JulieD

R is for Rain-Really?

2011-04-28T17:44:00.000-05:00

I usually like rain. However, today after several days of storms and rain the sun finally came out for the whole day. Today, I really like and I am enjoying the sunshine. My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by the terrible storms and tornadoes of this last week.

Weird but True

A few minutes ago it began to rain and I looked out the window and said, "Really? It's raining even while the sun is shining?!?"

Q is for Quit

2011-04-28T15:39:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite poems is the "Don't Quit" poem-author unknown.

Don't Quit

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

- Author unknown

In God's world-he doesn't quit on us. The saints who have experienced dry and dark periods in their spiritual lives have written to encourage us and remind us that the dawn is moments away from the darkest time of night.

So, is there every a time when it is okay to quit? I think there is but I think it is hard to discern when quitting is the right thing to do and it isn't just giving up too soon.

Of course, giving up too soon implies that there is a goal in mind and an end. If that is the case, then it is possible that one needs to keep trying if the goal is worthy.

What about the decisions where there isn't a goal? A couple of years ago I quit several things I was involved in. After praying about it, discussing it with others and analyzing whether I should quit or not I believed it was the right thing to do. As I look back over what happened in my life and with the programs I know it was the right thing to do.

However,the year after I stepped down was very difficult. Very early, I started questioning whether or not I should do things. Fortunately, early in the year I made another decision to not get involved in anything unless I felt beyond a doubt that God wanted me to get involved. I wanted whatever I resumed doing to be a ministry and to serve God and to not just be something I did to satisfy my needs or pride or whatever.

The year was difficult not because opportunities didn't present themselves for me to get involved it was difficult because I kept hearing God say "no" or "not yet."

I learned some hard lessons that year about myself, God and others and about why people get involved or don't get involved. Many of these lessons I could not have learned had I stayed actively involved.

One important lesson that took the whole year started after about six months of hearing "no". I began to believe that maybe I didn't have a place or talents or anything to do for God. God had other ideas and by the year's end I had learned that God is in charge, has His own timetable and a place and purpose for all-including me.

If you are considering quitting something-don't quit yet. If you are considering becoming involved in something-don't start yet. Pray about it and be open to whatever answer God gives you. He won't lead you in the wrong direction.

360° Need

2011-04-28T11:39:00.000-05:00

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchhill

“The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.” Lao Tzu

What goes around comes around. Treat others as you would have them treat you.

These sentiments have been expressed and said in many ways and the principle idea has often been and is the core of many motivational programs and books. So on the retreat, I wasn't surprised to hear the reference from the speaker about this idea but the twist was something worth considering. She suggested that we give what we perceive as our need and what we need will then be returned to us-full circle-360°need. What an insightful and awesome concept!

What Can I Give?

Not so long ago, I wrote about the idea, "Can I give what I don't have?" If I need a chair, how can I give a chair away so that my need will be filled?" My thinking/belief was that you can't give away what you don't have except for things like love and joy which come from God. However, a more complete/accurate answer really comes out of the truth that everything is Gods and belongs to God and He provides for our needs/wants out of His abundance. It is about the five loaves and two fishes.

Five Loaves and Two Fish

There is a basket being passed around in our lives. This basket is always available to us, meaning it is always near to us or in our hands. In it are five loaves and two fish.

The five loaves represent our basic needs as humans such as to be loved, respected, needed, food, water and shelter. The fish represent our need-wants.

When the basket is in your hands you have the opportunity to take out what you need/want and to put something back into the basket.

Whether you put something back or not, several things happen. Some of the things are internal-changes in your attitudes and beliefs. Likewise, there will be changes in those around us as they see what we are doing. This is peer pressure at its finest.

When we put something back into the basket this sets in motion a chain of events. Whether those events are positive or negative will in some degree be reflected by the ability of each person to accept and give back the gifts of bread and fish.

However, those who understand that the bread will never run out also accept that the fish will be there when needed. For these people, giving and receiving is a great joy and a blessing.

Great! Where is the basket?

The basket with bread in it is always one person away. Give what you recognize as bread from God, love, hope, peace etc., and it will be reciprocated to you. The basket with the fish might take a little longer to get to you but give what you can and wait and trust. Recognize that your true needs have been met with the bread and the fish are that something extra because He loves you. Give thanks to God and give from what He has already blessed you with.

One more thing to consider, for some giving is the easy part. This cycle however, is dependent on both giving and receiving. Every gift is in some way an extension of the giver. Every gift, regardless of the giver you see, is actually a gift from God and how and if you receive it is as important and maybe more important than how you share your gifts.

If you feel like your needs are not being met, try examining what you have been putting into and taking out of the basket. The basket is always there or one person away and always has bread available. The basket with the fish is on its way towards you.

God Bless!
JulieD

P is for the Ping Pong Parable

2011-04-20T14:21:00.001-05:00

It was to be the ping pong match of the century. Both players had risen up the ranks of the competition by beating their opponents, time and time again. The day came when they were to face each other in the championship match. They both had practiced for hours and hours every day. They both wanted to win. They were both undefeated. In talent, dedication, skill and commitment they were equally matched. The only difference was where and how they practiced.

The elder contestant, Eli, was very poor. He only had an uneven wooden table to practice on. It wasn't even a ping pong table. It was just a table he had made. He placed it up against a wall and practiced by hitting the ball over a pretend net into the equally rough and uneven wall.

The other man, Justin, was rich. He could afford the finest tables. In fact, he made sure that he had several of the best ping pong tables, paddles and ping pong balls available. The nets on the tables were manned by computers that automatically adjusted the nets to the right height and tension. The young man then hired people to practice with him. He hired the best players that he had beat in previous matches. He kept beating them and Justin believed he could beat anyone.

On game day the crowds filled the room to watch the much anticipated match. Others watched via television monitors in the hallway or from home. Many had traveled from great distances to come to this one match.

About 1/2 hour before the match was set to start, a clown appeared before the audience. He did his antics and made them all laugh. After he finished his performance, he shouted to the audience, "Who do you think will win?"

Half of the crowd shouted Eli, the elder while the other half shouted Justin. The clown slinked off into the shadows. Meanwhile, the crowd became louder and angrier and several fights ensued. The police were called in to quiet the crowd but once the two players picked up their paddles, the crowd was silent.

The match began and ended quickly, who do you think won?

Originally, I was going to say that Eli won. The premise being that his using an uneven table, inferior products etc. prepared him to face his biggest challenges, to anticipate the unexpected problems that always occur in a match and I was going to suggest that in our lives too, it is the adversities and trials that prepare us to win our biggest battles.

But then as I was writing the parable, the clown showed up. "Who is the clown?" I asked myself. "I don't know. Maybe, he is Eli or Justin trying to sway the crowd. Maybe he is just a hired hand to entertain."

Then I considered the clown's actions. He came in pretending to be a good guy. He made fun of others and himself. He made the crowd laugh but his ulterior motive was to provoke the crowd and to cause division. Then I recognized the clown for who he was.

So let me ask the last question again. "Who do you think won the ping pong championship?"

The answer is, it doesn't matter.

You see, the game is like the battle between God and Satan for each of us. God has already won the big game. But the game is still being played in our lives. Sometimes we are in the crowd and sometimes we are the players. Temptations, fears, taunts, hope and love, for example, are volleyed back and forth across the table and even into the crowd every day.

What do you yell when the clown asks who do you think will win? God has already won so the real question is "Do you listen to the clowns in your life or do you listen to God?"

Peace!
JulieD

P.S. If you are wondering about the missing "N" and "O" posts for the A-Z challenge-I have them written but they don't feel finished yet-One is too long and one is just not right. lol

Married, Marriage and Meow

2011-04-15T14:10:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling a little Forrest Gumpish...My momma never actually said this but marriage is like having newborn kittens-it's a good thing but there are responsibilities with it and it can get messy but you don't throw it(them) away because of the messes or the responsibilities.

Eh...maybe not the best of quotes or analogies...let me write some more and see if I can come up with something better before I get to the end of the post. If you can think of a Gumpish quote on marriage and kittens leave it in the comments. (I suppose it could just be a good quote on marriage but as you may know my kitty just had kittens)

Tomorrow, my husband and I will have been married 23 years. Yay us! I knew we would make it that long as long as we both were still alive just like I know we will make it to 40 or 50 or more years of marriage.

When my husband proposed, he picked out a spot to ask me to marry him that he thought I would like, he picked a day that was significant to our relationship and he picked out a ring he knew I would like. He is a great man and I knew he loved me but when he asked me to marry him I didn't just say "yes!" I looked at him and said, "You know I don't believe in getting divorced...do you still want to get married?" He said, "Yes!" and so did I. I made him promise to never say the "D" word, not even in a teasing way because I know how words become thoughts and thoughts if repeated enough can become actions and I refuse to let that thought/action into my relationship with my husband. If he could not have made that commitment to me then we would not have gotten married.

However, please understand that just because I am committed to my relationship and marriage doesn't mean that I am going to judge anyone who gets a divorce. Sometimes marriages must end and sometimes it is for the best.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you are thinking about getting married consider eliminating the "D" word from your vocabulary...can you honestly say, "I know I will be with this person-as long as we both shall live," and mean it? Do you know them well enough to know if they are the type of person who will hurt you? Can you see his/her flaws and love him/her anyway?

Sure, over time people change, interests change but in marriage those changes don't have to make you grow apart they can bring you closer together. Can you make that commitment without adding 'what ifs or as long as he/she doesn't' kind of statements? If not, perhaps you might want to wait a little longer before saying "Yes!" or "I do."

Well, I still don't have a better Forrest Gumpish quote so I'll leave you with some other quotes...

"Those marriages generally abound most with love and constancy that are preceded by a long courtship." JOSEPH ADDISON, The Spectator, Dec. 29, 1711

"Two such as you with such a master speed
Cannot be parted nor be swept away
From one another once you are agreed
That life is only life forevermore
Together wing to wing and oar to oar."

ROBERT FROST, The Master Speed

In every marriage more than a week old, there are grounds for divorce. The trick is to find, and continue to find, grounds for marriage.
Robert Anderson

Ok...ok...let's not be so serious that we forget to laugh even at the fine institution of marriage...

Instead of getting married again, I'm going to find a woman I don't like and give her a house.
Lewis Grizzard

All marriages are happy. It's the living together afterward that causes all the trouble.
Raymond Hull

"I love being married. It's so great to find one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life." - Rita Rudner

Oh...oh...how about this...lol

My momma never said...marriage is like a newborn kitten...cute and adorable at first...but then...meow! It gets interesting. lol

Peace and Blessings!
JulieD

"L" is for Life

2011-04-15T10:29:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was actually supposed to be "L" day but I didn't get to write the post and today a perfect and amazing thing happened. "LIFE"

Last summer a little kitten, wormed her way into our hearts and into our living room. She has been an indoor/outdoor kitty. We intended to have her fixed when she was old enough but we didn't get it done quick enough. Yes, she became pregnant.

With her pregnancy, she became more loving and cuddly. Every morning and throughout the day she would let me hold her, flip her over and give her a belly rub. It was so incredible to feel the babies moving inside her.

This morning, when I picked her up, her belly was smaller, yet I could still feel one kitten moving inside her. She let me rub her belly and then she went and hid in our storage room and I thought perhaps she would have her last kitten there.

After a few minutes, just as I finished my breakfast, she returned and wanted me to hold her and rub her belly. So I held her and rubbed her belly and talked to her as she had contractions and just before she delivered her baby she let me know to put her down and she delivered a beautiful and adorable kitten.

I haven't found the other kittens yet. Take that back.. lol She is in a box right behind me and when I glanced back to check on her-there were two kittens. So kitten #1 tan spots was born at about 9:30. Kitten calico #2 about 9:50 a.m. Still not sure if there are more. Awwww they are so cute.

What a amazing experience-to see a life come into this world. And to think I for a brief time was a kitty midwife. I don't think I'll make this a career but it was a exciting way to start my day!

I hear my momma kitty purring behind me as she tends to her little ones. Such a beautiful sound.

Tomorrow I will be celebrating a life that I've lived for 23 years with my husband. I have a great life. Thanks be to God!

I hope and pray that all who read this will find a way to celebrate today...it is an awesome day!

Peace and Blessings!
JulieD

P.S. At 10:30 kitten #3 arrived....another tan one!

K is for King's House Retreat Center

2011-04-14T18:22:00.000-05:00

If you've been reading along for the A-Z challenge you know that I recently went on a retreat and I have been sharing insights from those blessed days.

The place I went to for the retreat is called "King's House Retreat Center". It is just outside of St. Louis in Belleville. Even though it is in Belleville, once you arrive it feels like you are in a nice country setting. The retreat center is situated on 47 acres of well maintained lands.

A couple of features about the center that I absolutely love are the labyrinth and the chapel. I have always loved labyrinths and I hope to build one on my property someday. In fact, this is something I've wanted to do since we moved here eleven years ago. My problem with this is that I keep trying to make it more complicated than it needs to be. Do you ever do that? I do. I've considered making the lines out of hedges, flower boxes, bamboo, raised gardens and so on. Thus it hasn't happened yet. At the retreat center their amazing labyrinth is made out of white rocks and mulch-Simple design, simple materials.

So I guess this was another thing I brought home from the retreat-the concept and beauty of living simply. Another example of this were the rooms. They were small, but comfortable yet every bedroom had a connecting bathroom area. There were two windows which provided breezes and light. I loved my room. It was uncluttered and comforting.

As for the chapel, it too, connected with something I have always loved, it wasn't a traditional building. It was more of a partial octagon shape. Inside it was open and peaceful and once again reflected simplicity.

Can you tell I loved this place?

I highly recommend stopping or attending one of their programs or retreats if you get a chance.

If you check out the King's House Retreat Center website you will find pictures and recipes (remember what I said about it being the best food ever!).

Blessings and Peace!

JulieD

J is for "Julie, Julie Do You Love Me?"

2011-04-13T12:51:00.000-05:00

Do you know or remember that song from Bobby Sherman?

Julie, Julie, Julie, do ya love me?
Julie, Julie, Julie, do ya care?
Julie, Julie, are ya thinkin' of me?
Julie, Julie, will ya still be there?

You can see more lyrics at Lyrics Mode

Sometimes, I believe God is asking me "Julie, do you love me?" just like when Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love me?"

And instinctively I answer, "Yes, of course, I love you."

Yet in this world one might ask, "What is love?"

For me, the answer is in "Good Friday".

As Christians, we speak about how much God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die on a cross for our sins.

On Good Friday, we experience a little bit of that time when God leaves us. We take away the things that symbolically or spiritually connect us with God. It is then when we can get a sense of the love we have for God. On that day we face our emptiness, our nothingness, our weaknesses and we can briefly though only by human interpretation experience what our life might be without God.

It is then when we experience that awe and understanding of how much we need and trust and love God.

When He rises on Easter morn-we experience that joy not just in a service but intimately (if we let it) within us. Then I can confidently respond to God when He asks if I love Him not just out of instinctive goodness, fear or respect. I can respond based upon a bigger view of love that "Yes, you are my Lord and I love you!"

One more thing about "Love"-kind of silly perhaps but try singing the song lyrics above but replace "Julie" with your name. Generally, one sings a song to someone, right? But as you sing this song, can you answer, "yes" to the one who is singing it to you? Do you love yourself? If you read my earlier post on "It is what it is" you might have caught the inference that you are a reflection of God and as you love yourself-you reflect that love to God and to others.

Blessings, peace and love!
JulieD

It Is What It Is

2011-04-13T11:30:00.001-05:00

Today I'm inclined to share a poem with you that I wrote. It is a rough draft but I like where it is at, for now. This poem is a part of what I experienced on the retreat. It is all good. Thanks be to God.

It Is What It Is
by
Julie Durr

“It is what it is,” she said to Him
“It is what it is,” He said to her
All is well, be still my soul.

She said, “It is anxiety, turmoil, trouble, stress.”
“It is.” He said, “All is well, be still and rest.
It is what it is.”

“What?” she said. “I want to do, I want to be
I want, no, I need, to go…to do…to act.”
“No,” He said. “You need to believe
It is what it is.”

Don’t stop at “what”-stop at “is”
It “is” growth through struggles
Rising above trouble
Dealing with stress and being your best.

“It” is what “you are” and “I am”
You are a reflection of Me as man.
“It is what it is.”
So Tag…you’re “it”!

Hope you enjoyed "it". lol
Blessings and peace!
JulieD

Hand in a Bucket

2011-04-13T10:37:00.000-05:00

Really short today since "G" was rather lengthy.

Something to consider if you are feeling overwhelmed or obligated to be a part of something because you are the only one who can or will...

Take a bucket and fill it with water,
Put your hand in it up to the wrist,
Pull it out and the hole that's remaining
Is a measure of how you will be missed.

For me, sometimes it is hard to discern about my involvement in things because of conflicts between my sense of worth, needs and God given ministries and what I am doing. I find it is best to pray first when asked to take on a new task or position. Works pretty good when I do it! If you are struggling with this same problem-why not give prayer a try?

Blessings and Peace!
JulieD

G is for Grapes

2011-04-13T10:03:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I went on a retreat. It was a wonderful and amazing weekend. In this transitory period of my life it was like God giving me a drink of water thereby quenching the thirst of a personal journey through a desert, over a mountain and into a valley.

While on this retreat, I picked up a pamphlet called "The Wine Cellar". From what I can tell it is a part of a study called "An Anthology of Precious Blood Spirituality" on social justice. This particular pamphlet is about truth (which I happen to value highly). On the inside cover is a quote from Gaspar del Bufalo, "The heart of Jesus is the wine cellar of the Blood of Christ."

Now besides the journey issues I am dealing with that God addressed on this retreat he also sent me another message. It is about food. Grapes are a really good symbol of what that message was about. You see, I have food issues. I have had them for a very long time. The main problem was that I didn't care about food. On any given day I might have seen it more as a nuisance than a necessity that is to be enjoyed. Don't get me wrong-I like to eat food and try new foods but planning meals, taking time to make them, the conflicting messages about what is healthy and what is not and other things like that just make me really not care about food like I should.

Just before I went on the retreat, I was asked to bring a dish to a gathering that somehow related to either foot health, humor or alcohol awareness...well long story short-I brought a Greek chicken salad and grapes.

See if you can follow this...lol
The grapes connected to foot health (day initiated by a Diabetic Council and grapes are good for diabetics,then consider that grapes being stomped on (feet) is connected to making wine and alcohol awareness. Then as I think about purple feet, I laugh.(Oh, the humor!) And since this was my first time to this group meeting(as in it is "All Greek to me!" and because I relate making wine via the foot stomping method with the Greeks-I brought the Greek Chicken Salad. lol (Makes me feel like singing...Foot Health is connected to...oh just laugh-laughter is good.)

So I connected grapes to wine and then God went on to connect wine to Jesus. (Remember the first quote) Then He gave me more to think about.

Paraphrased from "Simpler Living Compassionate Life A Christian Perspective" that I found at the retreat house- Food is the most direct connection between this world and our need for God. Food is our dependence and our gratitude. It is the living mystery that proclaims God by its existence as it comes from creatures we did not make and powers we can not see.

On addressing eating issues a quote from Wendell Berry, "See "eating" with the fullest pleasure-pleasure that does not depend on ignorance-is the profoundest enactment of our connection with the world."

Funniest thing about all of this was that while on this retreat, I kept thinking things like This food is awesome! This is the best food I have ever eaten! I need these recipes! While I have often seen food as a part of ministries I have never considered food in of itself to be a ministry. Food is good. Thanks be to God.

Blessings and Peace!
JulieD

Faith vs. Fear

2011-04-07T16:16:00.000-05:00

I think I'm going to keep this short. I'm not feeling particularly insightful today but this topic is something that is based on a scriptural response I received at a difficult time in my life.

Scripture References

(I John 4:18) 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love.

(II Timothy 1:7) 7 For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

My Random Thoughts on Faith vs. Fear

Faith is based on love.
Self-induced fear is a basic element in worry, fretting, anxiety.

If I am trying to make a decision and I am worrying or fretting about it or suffering the symptoms of anxiety I try to apply love to the situation. Usually that makes all the difference. With love, I see the truths and not the lies, I see hope and not despair and often I see the next step instead of closed doors.

When I see through the eyes of faith and love, I have no fear(self-induced).

As I said, not particularly insightful-I guess I will keep this as a placer blog and when I feel I can elaborate more on this, I will come back and give this a proper blogging.

Until, blessings and peace.

JulieDD

P.S. Someone sent me a live streaming feed of an eagle on a nest. It is from UStream. Two adult eagles are there now-I'm hoping to see the little ones soon.

On Eagle's Wings

2011-04-06T13:47:00.000-05:00

Some of my favorite memories from my childhood involved the times I would ride my bike to a nearby river and watch the eagles. My first oil painting, that I painted while in high school, was a painting of an eagle majestically perched on a branch over a lake.

So when I went away to college and I heard the song "On Eagles Wings" for the first time it gave me great comfort.

Since that time, my sons have earned the rank of Eagle Scouts-a high honor.

This song, the college memories and accomplishments of my sons create a mental vision/picture (eagle) of being lifted up through the years, through the challenges to a hope in each new day. At times these and other things have inspired me to reach higher than I thought I could reach and to trust in God.

Here is another video with the same song but as a memorial to children who have gone before us to heaven.

What images/visions/songs/other inspire you or give you hope? If at all possible, take a minute or two today to seek out those things that inspire you.

May your day be filled with blessings!

JulieDD

A-Z Challenge Letter D: The Dialogue From Dream to Do

2011-04-05T16:28:00.001-05:00

The Dialogue From Dream to Do

(Persona A) I have a Dream! Don't believe I can do it though :(

(Persona B) Why not?

(Persona A) No money...

(Persona B) Money is fluid.
(Persona A) Huh?!

(Persona B) Money is fluid, like thoughts-it comes, it goes and it comes again. Use it when you have it to take small steps towards your dreams.

(Persona A) Well, I see where you are coming from but it still is a no-go.
(Persona B) Why not?

(Persona A) No support. :(
(Persona B) You don't seriously believe that do you?

(Persona A) Yes, yes I do. No one will support my ideas, my dreams etc.
(Persona B) Well then...lol, find "Mrs. No One" and she will give you support.

(Persona A) Gosh-I wish you wouldn't be so cryptic.

(Persona B) Using the old "No one supports me or loves me or will be my friend" is one of the oldest excuses around. The truth is you only need one person to believe in your dream and that one person is you.

(Persona A) Well, there is still one more problem.
(Persona B) What is it, now?

(Persona A) I don't know how or where to start. I don't know where to find the answers to my questions.

(Persona B) Ok. If you say so.
(Persona A) What, you don't have a better answer than that? Where are the cryptic responses? You're not going to tell me where I can find the answers or how to start? That's all you got?

(Persona B) Nope, it isn't all I got. (Sorry for the poor grammar.) It is all you have or don't have. If it is your dream-then do it-find a way, seek your answers, face your challenges and pray. Go for it. Do it or don't. It is your choice not mine. From "dream" to "do" is up to you.

C is for ?

2011-04-05T09:38:00.000-05:00

When I was first considering what I should write about for the letter "C" I thought of several things that are important to me including 'we are a church', first communion and community. Yet, I have chosen another word, "compassion".

Recently, I wrote a reflection for lent about reflecting on the passion and finding compassion. That reflection was a very "human" reflection. This post will not be a repeat of that reflection.

This morning as I was waking up and I was in that place where I wasn't quite sleeping but I wasn't really awake either and I felt something stir within my soul.

It was a flicker of hope. I felt as if someone had whispered in my ear, wake up, today something BIG is going to happen and it is going to be very, very good.

After a few minutes, I realized I wasn't really fully awake yet because my thoughts were jumbled between dreaming about what the "big" thing was going to be and thinking "big" doesn't start with "C" and I need to blog about something starting with "C".

As I woke up further, the idea of "big" took hold. Something "big" is going to happen today and I may never know what that "big" is but suddenly I wanted to get up and start my day. I wanted to sing songs that praised God and it felt great.

That stirring of hope led to anticipation and wonder and awe. It led me to marvel at the possibilities of how God in His compassion is going to do something "big" today as He does everyday-to take care of my needs and yours, too.

Though I may not fully know what the 'big' thing is I do know one thing. When I put my trust and faith in God, the anxieties that have troubled me have been lessened and they have been replaced with awe, with joy and with peace and He usually tries to make me laugh.

His compassion as He looks after us and tends to our concerns and needs is bigger than any human can perceive or give in return. Yet when I have allowed His compassion to reach me and I accept it, I am filled with a desire to try to offer Him thanks and praise for the "big" of today and tomorrow and forever. Amen.

May today you experience and be blessed with the touch of God's compassion and love.

JulieDD

B is for Beep....Beep NO BRAKES!

2011-04-02T20:27:00.000-05:00

B is for Beep...Beep-NO BRAKES! Please, get out of my way!

It seems like sometimes I am barreling through my days and I can't seem to find a way to stop until either someone or something gets in my way. And while I may shout or holler at those in my way, today I think that maybe, just maybe those distractions, people etc. just might have been a blessing and I am trying to be thankful for them.

An example: Today, we went to the library. I love books. I admit it. I'm not ashamed that I love those inanimate collections of papers, book covers and words. Yes, I love them yet, even I admit it was a bit much when I checked out so many books that my daughter had to take three trips back and forth from the checkout desk to the van. Excessive barreling...perhaps but not without cause.

You see, I was going along in my life, happily I might add when God put a series of roadblocks in my way. Some were small but others were such huge blocks that I couldn't go around, under, over or even through them. I had to stop and stop I did.

But it has been in the stopping where I have found a direction, where I have realized that the direction I was going in -even though I was happy-was not a good direction. I was in fact in grave danger...not physical danger-spiritual danger.

In essence, God used those blocks which at the time they appeared made me upset, angry and I felt hurt, to redirect my path. I have changed my direction and I seem to be barreling along again-thus the books. I have so much to do, so much to learn, so much to discover and though I'm a little concerned about a few bumps ahead, I am confident in the direction I'm going.

In hindsight, I think about those roadblocks and I remember how I reacted horribly to those temporarily inconvenient and transient moments of life and I wonder if somehow I could have responded better. I am sure I could have been more patient and understanding but most all I know I should have trusted God more.

I guess, the one redeeming thing I can take from this is that there will likely be more blocks ahead.

All is well.
Peace and Blessings,

JulieD

The A-Z Challenge (A) = All

2011-04-01T15:53:00.000-05:00

This post and several to follow are part of a blogging challenge called the A-Z challenge. Bet you didn't see that one coming? Yes, that is a sad joke for April Fool's Day but if you knew the year I've been having so far you might even laugh at it just because I made an effort to tell a joke. lol

Anyway, for the challenge I am supposed to blog about a word that starts with the letter "A" today. I picked the word "All" as in "What's it all about?"

The thing is that question keeps popping in my head and I keep pushing it out. You see, as I said this year has been stressful and seems to be increasingly stressful with each day. I can't control what is happening and therefore I feel that the answer to the question is irrelevant. In the big scheme of things-i.e. from God's perspective this is just one of those times I have to trust Him and I do. This doesn't mean what is happening isn't painful, it is at times. However, there are two images that keep my concerns, fears and anxieties in check. Let me share them with you. Feel free to remind me of them if I start whining too much. :)

One day as I was considering and praying about our current situation, I stumbled upon an online meditation that made me grimace. The main point basically said God wants you to know, Julie, that your situation is like a woman giving birth and you are in the birth canal. After I nervously chuckled and gave a great big Okayyyy, I then gave a raised eyebrow look to heaven, sighed and thought if there are going to be a lot more contractions, I might need an epidural. lol

Actually, I thought the comparison to our situation was pretty close to accurate and I think it was meant to be encouraging-something like a light at the end of the tunnel is coming. However, for me it is not the light at the end of the tunnel that is comforting it is the knowledge that once the difficulties pass, and they will, we will be delivered into the competent hands of our Father and His plan and that all is well.

The other image is of God as a Master Gardener transplanting perennial bulbs. When he put in the shovel to dig us up-that hurt, a lot. Now, we are in His hands being lifted up in this situation and soon we will be where He wants us to be. In the meantime, all is God's and all is well.

So, that's ALL for now. God Bless!

JulieD

Friends Who Write: Temporary Post DOOR #2 Prompt

2011-02-28T09:47:00.000-06:00

This post is a temporary post for "Friends Who Write" promptapalooza prompt.

This is just a basic prompt for those who did not choose Door #1: Challenge.

The prompt is to include into your fiction or writing that you have put aside because you feel guilty because it isn't earning you money the following item.

"WATER"

Rules

The word "water" is not necessary but water must be a part of the next piece you write in any of the forms of water-ice, lake, ocean, rain, cup of water etc.

You must write a minimum of 400 words and it must be a minimum of 15 minutes of writing time.

That's it. Enjoy.

Friends Who Write: Temporary Post DOOR #1 Challenge

2011-02-28T09:37:00.000-06:00

This post is for my "Friends Who Write". It is a temporary post and I will likely take it down as I am using this to post a challenge for them.

The writing challenge for the promptapalooza is about finding hidden or wasted minutes and transforming them into productive minutes. This week is about making choices and with that said I will give you two choices on how to complete this challenge.

Challenge Option #1

Because of the way my brain is wired, I suppose, my thoughts or trains of thoughts either jump between several thoughts or thought processes or become intensely focused on one while the other thoughts run in the background. This can be a good thing but it can also waste a lot of my time if I don't control it.

Another way to explain this is that sometimes I have the attention span of a two year old while at other times I hyperfocus like when my kids are playing video games and sometimes I have both of these processes at the same time. No cracks please about having a mind of a child...lol. Then again...if it makes you laugh go ahead and joke away.

In a writing lifestyle, this is great for research but not so good for getting supper on the table or keeping the house clean. So one thing that works for me when I want to get a lot done is to use the 6 or 15 minute rule. Same principle but different focus.

So this part of the challenge is welcome to my world of mind control. lol

Six minutes challenge

When I need to get a lot done what works for me is to break up an hour into 10 6-minute sessions. I set a timer for six minutes and in every six minute session I do something different-depending on what I want to do that day.
Example

1st-pray
2nd-exercise
3rd-clean
4th-title
5th-write AC
6th-laundry
7th-project church
8th-project organization
9th-write fiction
10th-rest FB/email

There is a bit of prep work such as opening and keeping files open or deciding on what exercises I want to do etc.

Anyways the challenge is to try this for 1 hour sometime during the week. It will seem somewhat fractured just doing it for one hour but I would be interested to hear how much or what you did in the hour.

The only requirements are that at least one of the sessions has to do with the writing you have been putting aside because you don't have time for it and you need to post how it went.

Also, if you don't want to do 10 sessions of 6 minutes you can do 6 sessions of 10 minutes.

Option number two

Finding time wasters...I think TV wastes a lot of my time in the evenings. While often that is my down time-which is ok...I think the commercials are just a complete waste of my time and in some ways they are just another form of mind control that I don't want to be a part of...So option number two is if at sometime during the week you spend 1 hour watching TV...TiVo not allowed...when the commercials come on instead of blankly absorbing them or running to get a snack or whatever you normally do during a commercial try to use that time to write on your fiction or the writing you avoid because you don't have time or because you feel guilty about writing and not earning.

Once you complete the challenge post your results or comment on the process on the "Friends Who Write" page.

Have fun!
Julie

Simple Changes for 2011

2011-01-19T16:51:00.000-06:00

It happened again. I fell. Twice in the last month, I have fallen. The good news is I can still walk though I think my smile is a bit crooked.

For several days after the first time I fell-doing something I probably shouldn't have been doing-my elbow and shoulder ached. It took me about three days to figure out why.

Now that I've fallen again and the injuries are a little more complicated I have decided to take the challenge proposed by SocialMoms and Simply Orange Juice. The challenge is to make a pledge to make simple changes to make your life better in 2011. So the following are the simple changes I pledge to do in 2011. Wish me luck-oh wait I don't believe in luck...pray that I am blessed with the fortitude to keep my simple changes or if I fail and end up in pain again, please bring me chocolate.

Simple Changes To Make My Life Better 2011

1. While I believe it would be nice to say avoid all activities that might bring on another fall, that would include walking. Impractical. Therefore, I think it would be better if I just learned how to fall without getting hurt. I used to know how to do this but apparently after turning 45+ the rules change. Darn, just when I was getting the hang of it.

2. Did you catch the part about it taking me three days to realize why I was in pain? Something here, definitely needs to change. Instead of just rubbing my elbow and having a puzzled look on my face I pledge to notify my loved ones that pain is on the way and that I will be much happier and pleasant to be around if they bring me pain medications and chocolate. Heavy on the chocolate-you did see the Harry Potter movies, right?

3. My daughter recently suggested I start acting my own age. Perhaps, I will consider that suggestion. Couple of questions, "How old am I again and where can I find acting lessons?" Wow, that was simple-I've considered it.

4. Eat more chocolate. I trust that no explanation is needed here.

5. Seriously, falling or failing can be devastating and painful: physically, emotionally and spiritually. In 2011, I pledge to recognize that I am not my failures and I am not defined by the fall but how I get up and go on. I may limp and cringe in pain but I am still alive and going forward. The journey, the mission, the life, the path isn't over until either you stop or until you reach the end. I will simply choose to not let the falls keep me from the journey.

DISCLOSURE:
“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Simply Orange® blogging program. If I am one of the first 65 blogs received by SocialsMoms, I will receive a $25 Target gift card and a gift pack that includes a Simply Orange® cooler bag and logoed fleece."

Small Miracles

2010-10-23T07:37:00.000-05:00

I don't know if it is true or not but I read once that sometimes people spend their lives looking for or praying for miracles...big miracles, so much so that they miss the small miracles present in the every day.

On the flip side, some people seem to see miracles everywhere. They see miracles in the sky, in their day to day activities and even in every breath they take-everywhere.

I am somewhere in between, though I probably tend to be closer to seeing small miracles in the everyday. In fact, I'd like to share about my most recent small miracle.

This morning as I contemplated getting out of bed, I heard one of the most beautiful sounds. Rain. While rain is a miracle of sorts, for me the miracle was more about the timing of the rain. It has been extremely dry here lately. The county has been under a fire ban and just this week an accidentally set fire burned 40 acres of land.

We own 40 acres of land and in recent years there have been fires that have raged through fields towards our property from all sides during these mini droughts. Fortunately, they have always been contained. Also, there have been random fires this year being set in the country where crops have been destroyed.

We sharecrop our land with a local farmer and the corn fields are dry and close to being harvested. However,our crops usually are one of the last to be planted in the spring and likewise last to be harvested in the fall. Every dry day is good for the crops but also a danger. If it rains, the moisture content goes up (lower quality) or it delays the harvest. If it doesn't rain, there is always a chance of fire.

This is also the time of year for bonfires and roasting marshmallows and making smores...which my children hope to be doing tomorrow evening. Not sure this will happen if the fire ban is still in effect.

Yesterday evening around 5 p.m. our fields were harvested and the trucks were on their way to be evaluated and weighed. I breathed a sigh of relief and offered a prayer of thanks. This morning the rain woke me up from a restless night. It was a peaceful beautiful sound-hearing the rain on the roof. It was perfect timing...to end the drought but not until the last harvest had been gathered.

I did get a good chuckle when I logged onto Facebook and saw a post from a friend for the rain to stop until after her rummage sale. I looked out my window and indeed the rain had passed. The rain-perfectly timed-what a beautiful miracle to wake up to this morning.

Are you experiencing a drought in your relationships with others or with God? Are you praying for a big miracle to solve your problems? Perhaps the answer is a small miracle or perhaps the miracle is coming but not until after the last harvest. Even in the worst of times, there is good to be harvested and raised up for thanks and praise. Then in His perfect timing it will be returned as a shower of blessings.

May God rain on you today-blessings of love, peace and joy!

JulieD

Huh? What did you say?

2010-09-14T10:23:00.000-05:00

Conversations that may make you go ...huh?

Conversation #1

My daughter, who recently started attending public school, enjoys telling us about her day before she starts her homework. Yesterday, as she was regaling us with the drama of public school she told us about her classes, lunch and recess. After recess she noted that she thought, Good, the worst part of the day is over.

Seriously, recess is the worst part of her day. I'm not really sure what to think about that.

Conversation #2

Often, I have several conversations, threads of thoughts, music going on in my mind. Generally, I keep these to myself. My husband has learned not to ask me what I'm thinking about because I'll tell him.

However,some of these trains of thoughts are useful and help me to process day to day activities or problem solve. Occasionally, I will say things out loud. Normally, no one hears what I say-teenagers. But since my daughter is in school and it is much quieter here, when I said, "Oh, she puts them in jars and freezes them," my son was a bit concerned.

I had to explain that I was reading a blog about cooking and there was a thread about making quick meals. Earlier in the thread I had noticed a picture with cooked shredded chicken in jars and I wondered what she did with them. She freezes them. It was just an aha moment for me.

Conversation #3

"Where am I going with this post, Lord?"

The most important conversations I have in my day are the ones I have with God. This week is I think the first week of the year where I don't feel like I'm in the "go" mode. It is September. It has been a year filled with activities, travel, challenges and changes.

However, when I'm in the go..go...go mode I am usually focusing on what is next or where I need to be next. When I'm not in the "go" mode I focus on where I am and what's important. It is a subtle shift of thought but backwards.

What I am considering is that perhaps when I'm in the "go" mode I should try to focus more on the moment and less on the next thing and when I'm in the other mode I should try to focus on what's next or where do I want to go with this opportunity?

Or maybe, even better, I should try a combination of focusing on the important things of the day while being aware of a sense of how and where the day is moving. So that at the end of the day when I have my final conversation with God I can regal him with the treasures of the day and acknowledge and trust Him with the steady plan that is unfolding.

And when I tell God that the worst part of my day is recess then perhaps I'll have it right. Because downtime won't be a crash and burn and recoup type of event but instead a time of anticipation. "Recess," I'll say, "is the worst part of the day because I'm so excited about the next event of life."

May you be blessed with good conversations, moments to treasure and short recesses.

Blessings!

JulieD

Moving Rocks in the Desert

2010-05-14T13:09:00.000-05:00

Today, my son showed me a picture of a 100 pound rock in the desert. What made this an interesting picture is that the rock appeared to have forged a path in the desert. It rested at the end of a lengthy trail. In the distance,other rocks had etched similar trails. The book explains that scientists don't really know how this happened but they speculate that the rocks were pushed along by winds either after an icy condensation or after rain had softened the surface making it slick.

I think I'd like to have a larger copy of this picture. I find it fascinating and comforting. Let me explain.

The desolation and isolation and dryness of the desert is often a symbol of the struggles we have in our lives or the times we have felt we were all alone in our struggles or the dry times in our relationships with God or others. The heavy rock, likewise, is the weight we seem to carry, the problems that weigh us down or a symbol of the impossibility of a difficult task.

Today in our scripture studies and prayers the focus was on the presence and interaction of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The wind in our lives.

No matter how heavy my burdens, no matter how long the journey, no matter the directions, failures, dryness of feelings; God is with me, pushing me along the path to Him. I am not alone, though at times I do not see the others on their trails, others journey with me, before me and behind me. I do not see the wind nor know its strength until I am moved one step further or one step closer. From the the first step to the last step, God is with me as I journey and He is with you, too.

Will others discover my trail after I am long gone? Will they follow it or will the Holy Spirit guide them across my path and into another direction? I do not know. It is enough for me to know and accept that there are unseen helpers that bless my day.

As I look upon this picture, hope and comfort stir within me. I am blessed to be able to look back upon my life and see a trail etched with the loving guidance of God. All is well.

For you I pray that today you may experience the Holy Spirit giving you a push.

Peace and prayers!

JulieDD

Parallel Roads

2010-05-08T07:59:00.001-05:00

Sometimes we have so many things going on in our lives that it feels like we are going down an interstate at eighty miles an hour. Of course, we're not in this alone. We are all heading in the same direction. In some things we're leading and in some things we're following. Regardless, our particular little caravan is careening down the interstate at dangerous speeds.

What happens is inevitable. There will be problems. It will start to rain. If you're lucky gently at first. Most of the time though, the problems come more like a downpour with hail.

And you think, "I really need to slow down." However, if you do a few undesirable things might happen. You might lose sight of the people you are following or you might end up getting lost or being the leader. Now being the leader is ok if you know where you are going but it is really frustrating if you don't. So what happens is you keep speeding down the interstate in the pouring rain, being a part of the pack-following and leading.

Again what happens next is inevitable and something will happen. Remember it is raining, really hard. Not only is your vision blurred and affected by the rain but most likely the rain has been affecting all of your group. You know this is an accident waiting to happen but sometimes instead grace intervenes. The person you are following, pulls off at a wrong exit-perhaps on purpose or perhaps because of the rain he/she didn't know they were following the wrong car.

Now you know it is the wrong exit and you want to shout, "Hey, don't follow that car, they aren't with us!" But you can't. So now you have a choice to make-will you take the wrong exit or stay on the interstate (the right road)? Also, what will the people who are following you do?

Either way,if you take the exit or not, you will start communicating with those who have exited and also with the ones who didn't. Right? You need to let them know what happened and someone may need help getting back to the main road. Who has the GPS of life? Also, you probably want to get the group back together. So you communicate-with each other and with God.

Finally,if you were in the group that exited, you get back to the main road but the diversion off of the interstate helped you to slow down and the rain is letting up. What you really want to do now, is make it to the next rest stop...too much coffee or soda and too much stress.

You plan to meet at the next rest stop and regroup. A new strategy is put in place, to slow down or to deal with the problems and you get back on the interstate. You have to get back on the interstate if you want to get where you are going.

However, now that you have a plan and because you aren't speeding along you can deal with the semi trucks that are cutting you off or blocking your exit even if it starts to rain again. You know you can handle the situations that come up because even if you get lost, there are maps and friends to help you get back on track.

Last year, I saw a weather forecast and knew in my life the rain was coming. I didn't know about the hail but since I had watched the news I had already slowed down. The rain has been good for growth on many fronts and necessary. I don't really like the hail, though. I do know the storm will pass.

You may not be on the same road that I am on but likely you are on a parallel road and I want to share with you a few things I have learned this year.

It is ok to lead.
It is ok to get lost.
It is ok to follow.
It is ok to count costs.

But to get where you are going

Sometimes you need a map
Sometimes you need a friend
Sometimes you need to stop
Sometimes you need to start again.

May God's peace be with you.

JulieDD

Aspie Home Humor

2010-04-30T12:00:00.001-05:00

Without going into details or justifying the following-it is possible we are an Asperger family and it has its benefits.

For instance, I don't need the machines where you can stop and replay movies or sports moments. I have three children who give me instant replays over and over, randomly throughout the day. This not only applies to movies and sports but to funny jokes or mishaps or hilarious moments we just experienced. Over and over...did I say I get to enjoy things over and over. This is not to point out that they also add to each others replays. lol

Then there is the practical side of our days. My kids ask for unique items for their birthdays or special occasions. For example, my sweet daughter wants a dictionary for a Confirmation present. Now please understand she just turned 13 and has a college level dictionary she reads often but she wants a more advanced dictionary. Does anyone know what a more advanced dictionary refers to? lol

Pacing has its benefits, too. There is one whole section of our yard I never have to mow. lol

I have a great life!

In closing, my daughter wants to share a quote from Fyodor Dostoevsky, "The soul is healed by being with children." So true.

God Bless!
JulieDD

Mansions of Directions for the Soul

2010-04-30T09:15:00.000-05:00

Hi,

It seems like it has been a while since I've had anything to write about and today I was blessed with two inspirations or topics to share. I'll try to make it quick. Actually I will probably make two posts.

Recently, I have been reading a book that explores concepts presented in St.Teresa of Avila's book The Interior Castle. In order to fully appreciate this book one must have read or at least be familiar with St. Teresa's book. Anyway this book is not a book to read quickly but seeks to explore the mansions of our soul as presented by St. Teresa.

Last night's meditation referred to God surprises and how as we grow closer to God there will be many surprises. Out of context this seems simplistic, I suppose. Yet between reading this meditation last night before going to sleep and now writing this post I have been presented with at least four different interpretations of what is the mansion of our souls. I haven't even eaten breakfast yet.

As I consider these vastly different interpretations, that all seem "right" I am feeling a bit surprised and intrigued. How can they all be right?

In general, that is one of the mysteries of God we struggle with isn't it? How can so many people and religions and faiths that are so different all be right? Or are any of them fully right in God's eyes? We build up our defenses about why we are following the right path and well they aren't? Yes, don't try to deny that you have these prejudices. I think is ok. I think God puts these in our minds perhaps as a way to guide us closer to the truth in a way that will speak to us individually.

But I think we need to be careful not to condemn or judge the paths of others in order to justify our own. This is especially important for those called to evangelize.

On the other hand,we all evangelize by our words, thoughts and actions. My closing thought for today is when you evangelize try to be as a light and not as a hammer.

May the peace of God be with you today.

JulieDD

What?

2010-04-15T16:55:00.000-05:00

It's spring!

This spring has led to a couple of strange questions being asked around here such as...

"Why is there an eyeball rolling across the floor?" and "Why is there half of a mouse in the hallway?" and more importantly "Where is the other half?"

These questions seem a tad gruesome, don't they? Yet when I asked them I was being totally serious until I realized how absurd they sounded. Then I laughed. Then I made my daughter clean up the mouse and put the eyeball back into the King Lear Shakespeare kit we are using for a literature study.

Recently, I wrote an article about teaching children to ask questions. Yet even as an adult I often shy away from asking others tough questions. I don't want to offend them or hurt their feelings or appear as if I haven't got any brains or overstep societal boundaries.

I suppose whether the question should be asked or not depends on the motivation behind the question or the expected answer. Unfortunately, the motivation behind things is not always clear.

Quite a while back I made a conscious decision to try to respond and do things out of love as opposed to out of fear. It is tough for many reasons but it has changed me in ways that I hope are for the better.

So today I only have one question for you to consider, "Are you motivated to do things by love or by fear?"

Peace!

JulieDD

Something Cool to Share!

2010-02-23T13:14:00.000-06:00

My son is pursuing a career in Graphics Design and with that in mind he has opened a store front on Zazzle to display some of his designs.

I enjoyed watching him create this design and offered a few suggestions but you know he is a teen. Thankfully, he is a respectful teen and while he listened to my suggestions ultimately he made his own decisions about the design. Personally, I think it turned out great! Of course, I am his mom.

The hardest part, ironically, of this whole process was coming up with a title for his storefront. I say ironically because I edit titles for an online writing site. It should have been easy but we went back and forth with ideas and checked the thesaurus several times in hopes of finding something just right. Sharp Edges was a good compromise and he found a themed image to fit, too.

Today's inspiration via this time with my son is about "process"-often the task I think should be the easiest to tackle is the hardest and I have to ask myself, "Why?" The answer I believe is that when the task is something I think I can manage I usually don't bring it to God or ask for help. Arrogance? Pride? Stupidity! These three bad little attributes have been the downfall of many of my supposedly easy tasks.

If only I had prayed first...if only I had infused the other three-faith, hope and love first...yes, I do believe those simple tasks would have been accomplished easier.

So I guess my questions of the day are:

Is there anything too small or too large to bring to God?
Do you pray first or pray in desperation when things go wrong?

If you don't believe in the power of prayer or in God, can you at least ask for help and/or accept help when it is offered?

Final Note to those who choose not to believe in God or the power of prayer; Faith begins with a tiny step of open trust and hope in God, therefore, if at some point you find yourself needing just a little guidance perhaps you could consider giving honest prayer a try.

Peace to all!

JulieDD

From Quarks to Quirks

2010-01-29T10:53:00.000-06:00

Today's Physics lesson was about up, down and strange quarks. This sounded interesting so I asked my children, "What is a quark?" They responded, "Quarks are the building blocks of protons and neutrons and therefore really the building blocks of everything."

Did you know that? I didn't...as their primary teacher, I should have known that but seriously I don't remember everything from the Physics class I took many eons ago...ok, seriously the only thing I remember from that class is where the classroom was located and even that is iffy.

Good thing-as the teacher I feel I need to know more than my children about what they are learning and I just discovered (thanks to the internet) there are actually six types of quarks. So there. In addition to the above three types there are top, bottom and charm quarks. Of course, this will probably be in Monday's lesson and then I'll have to do more research.

While this is all fascinating what made this worthy of a blog post was my middle son's comment, "When I first heard (quarks) I thought he(the teacher) said quirks and it made sense-we are all made from our quirks."

Going from quarks to quirks before breakfast-typical homeschool morning
Knowing my children understand that being different is normal and ok...beyond priceless-comforting.

Today, I hope that you can celebrate quarks (the building blocks of everyone) by recognizing and cherishing your quirks (what makes you unique).

Peace!

JulieDD

Cardinals in the Snow

2010-01-07T11:46:00.001-06:00

Couple of pictures of cardinals in the snow!

Snow and Cold

2010-01-07T11:05:00.004-06:00

It snowed last night! While I find this to be a wonderful event many of my friends don't share my enthusiasm-something about the cold that comes with snow. Well having lived up north where winter temperatures fall below zero and where they raise the height of the stop signs to accommodate snow drifts, the temperatures here seem a bit chilly and the three inches we were blessed with seems more like a dusting of snow.

Knowing how my friends feel about the snow and cold I had no intention of writing about the weather today however, I just heard something that I really wanted to share with you.

My children for their World History and Culture are listening to a Teaching Company tape about cultures. Since I am focusing on other things I listen only enough to make sure it is appropriate and to get information to quiz my children. I do want them to listen and retain the information. Anyway, as the instructor was discussing the development of different cultures and culture theories I had to laugh when I heard him mention one of the theorists actually begged his government to send him to the North Pole. Ok...I love snow but that is something I would never do. lol

Thought/Question for the day: When you say you love something are there limits or boundaries to your love? Perhaps with things it is ok to have limits but what about when you tell someone you love them...is it I love you if or as long as or when ???

What is love?
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not see its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (New King James Version)

Peace!

JulieDD

Memory Pillow Fights

2010-01-06T05:34:00.000-06:00

I'm up early today. I woke up and my pillows once again were totally flat. I have two of those memory pillows and apparently I either have a really hard head (not denying this possibility) or I am a really heavy sleeper (also possible)but they aren't retaining their shapes and they aren't bouncing back. I tried fluffy them and folding them in half but they just seem to keep getting flatter. Sure by tonight they may have come back to a resemblance of their original shape but for now they are pretty much useless as far as pillows go.

As I struggled with my pillows this morning I slipped into a memory of hard headed thinking about a pillow. When I was in college a family friend accused me of stealing her pillow. I didn't. In fact, I don't even recall seeing her pillow and at the time didn't even know what it looked like. It was however, her favorite pillow and she was convinced I had it.

There was absolutely no way I could convince her otherwise. To this day she probably still believes I have her pillow. For months she asked about her pillow. She even went so far as to make me a decorative pillow and to say something to the effect of if you see my pillow I'd really like it back as if I was keeping it hostage. I would have gladly given her pillow back but I find it impossible to give to someone something I don't have.

Now up to the time of the pillow incident I thought of this person as a good person, honest, friendly, trustworthy and kind. However, now even some 20+ years later I cringe inwardly when I think of her. Her love of her pillow blinded her to the truth of what really happened and her hard-headedness didn't allow for any other options than what she believed to be the truth.

As the other party concerned in this event, I also didn't have the whole truth. I had no idea what happened to her pillow but knowing that I didn't have it and sharing that bit of the truth with her showed me a couple of things.

One, people don't always recognize the truth of a situation. Two, even if you share the truth with them until they are ready to accept the truth your words are just words falling on deaf ears/hearts. Three, people will believe what they want to believe often not based on the truth or the whole picture. Four, people will go to great lengths to justify what they believe-whole truth or not.

The last thing I'm going to say about that pillow is that I did not steal it nor am I holding it hostage. Seriously, the only pillow I might consider taking is my husbands. He has this great double thickness memory foam pillow-I won't steal it though I do borrow it occasionally I always give it back. Of course, depending on how well I slept I might hit him with it first. Just kidding.

Thoughts for the day:

Have you ever accused or confronted someone about something-absolutely convinced you had the truth-so much so that if they deny the accusation that you can't or won't consider any other possibility?

Do you value people and relationships over things or things over people?

Can you give something you don't have?

If you don't have love, peace, hope, forgiveness or joy within you can you still give those things?

Funny thing is that I believe unlike actual things to receive love, peace, hope, joy and forgiveness sometimes giving them is how you get them.

With that said, I have forgiven the person who wrongly accused me and sincerely hope she finds out the truth about her beloved pillow.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T13:59:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year! I know I'm a couple of days late but I'm ok with that if you are...

On the 1st day of the New Year many people make resolutions-some they keep, some they intend to keep and others well they make a good effort by at least speaking the words.
Generally, for me making and setting goals is an ongoing adventure. So even though it is no longer the 1st of January 2010 I am making goals and taking small steps towards keeping those goals.

I do want to say that making and setting goals can be different from making and setting resolutions.

This of course, is just my perspective.

Goals
-I write them down
Resolutions
-I speak them

Goals
-I create a plan of action
Resolutions
-I consider the thought for a few days and may even follow through with the idea

Goals
-I take small steps towards the bigger goal-make it attainable
Resolutions
-I think about how great it would be if I did something

Goals
-I make realistic, attainable goals
Resolutions
-The end result may not be realistic or attainable in the time frame (1 year)

I started this year celebrating with my family. I came home to regroup after the holidays. Now, I am ready to set some goals for my future and try to help my children focus on taking positive actions for their futures.

Over the years I have heard that it takes approximately a month to form a habit and I've read that if you apply yourself for 100 hours towards a project/goal you will be successful. With that in mind I am setting several 100 day goals and focusing on completing several small tasks every day. I will complete my tasks/goals.

One of those goals includes a new blog. I have already set it up. It is called The Virtual World Traveler.

I hope that this year will bring you closer to your goals.

God Bless and Peace!

JulieDD

To See

2009-10-26T20:38:00.001-05:00

Today I had a "Oh, I get it now moment" which was quickly followed by the thought, why did it take 40 + years for me to get that? I didn't even see it coming.

If you're laughing, all I have to say is, "Go ahead, laugh, I deserve it but you know someday this could happen to you, too and then I'll be so understanding. Yes, I will be very understanding and I will be laughing. With you, of course."

In honor of "seeing" I have added a video bar that connects to YouTube videos. One in particular, by Brandon Heath, Give Me Your Eyes is amazing and I hope you will listen to it or watch the video.

A few years ago, I read a series of books about seeing with the eyes of Jesus. The concept of seeing people, I mean really seeing people, beyond the facades is something that I think God has been trying to teach me for as long as I can remember.

It isn't easy but when I've taken the time to try and see people as God does, so many things fall away. This God lesson on "seeing" has I hope made me a better person but I also know I have so much more to learn. Though the lessons on "seeing" have been incredibly difficult I can honestly say I am glad to have experienced them.

There is so much good in this world to see.

If you are experiencing blindness, my prayer for you today, is that God will grant you the miracle of seeing.

Peace!

JulieD

Thought for the day: Begin your journey of seeing with the eyes of God by looking in the mirror.

Math is Fun...Fun is Math...Math is Funny

2009-10-23T12:26:00.000-05:00

Math is one of the biggest challenges in our homeschool. If we don't do Math I am tempted to not even call it or count it as a school day. Yet, I am of the belief that any subject even one that is a daily struggle can be fun, no actually it must be fun.

Math is not an option and must be done so I tell my children why not choose to enjoy it? It is a choice after all on which attitude we bring to the school desk or table.

Yesterday we had a discussion about how much belief comes into play in what we attempt to do and how much success we find.

Of course, this discussion came after several other discussions about what is success, why one should persevere and goal setting and what is a win-win situation etc..

So let me ask you this, is Math fun for you? Why not? Do you believe it can be fun? Why or Why not? You have a choice, you can change what you believe. Just start by saying often, Math is fun! I love Math! I so look forward to the challenges that I find in Math!

Laugh,but not out loud, at any thoughts that pop up that say otherwise. Math is Fun!!! Believe it! I believe it! Can you?

Here is a comment from my daughter about Math that I find funny. Hope you do, too.

Math has too many words.

Earlier in the week, as a result of her making Math fun by drawing dragons on her math homework...found laughter by creating this Haiku:

Homework Haiku

Why does Math drag on?
Torturing the artist’s soul
Evil Math Dragon

Enjoy your weekend! Peace to all!

JulieD

Thought for the day: Choose to make Math (insert word of choice) fun and believe it can be fun. Go on-give it a real try. :)

Thinkers, Doers, Progress: Journey to Success

2009-10-05T09:33:00.006-05:00

Part of teaching my children at home is the opportunity to help them transform from absorbing and learning information to teaching them to use that information-not just as followers but doers.

I want my children to take information and facts and learn to apply them for progress and for their own future success. I also want them to be thinkers-before they do preferably.

So I have had a long term strategy that addresses these concepts but I have found that there are some challenges connected with this whole plan.

Challenge #1: Children are children
Challenge #2: Ask right questions not just ask questions
Challenge #3: Me, myself and I
Challenge #4: Tweens and teens know everything
Challenge #5: Mom knows everything
Challenge #6: Oh...wait I have teens-that should read Mom is wrong about everything. lol

So today, we were discussing the development of the entertainment industry from vaudeville to the present and the question they were to consider is what's next? What will be progress for the entertainment sector?

I will be writing an article soon about what we came up with for answers and will post a note in comments when it is published.

As I consider the conversation I did find a couple insights to share..

Insight #1 Children-can meet and exceed our expectations-don't limit
Insight #2 Questions-Teach them to ask questions, of course, but also teach them how to find answers
Insight #3 Me, Myself and I: There is no point to this if it is only for self
Insight #4 Teens and tweens have insights too!
Insight #5 Mom wishes she knew everything
Insight #6 Laughter at one's mistakes is really a good thing because mistakes happen.

For today I hope you have the blessing of finding insights in your challenges.
Peace!
JulieD

Insight/Question of the day: Is it a problem or a challenge? Wishful thinking or an insight? Negative or positive? Good or bad? Your journey to success.Your choice.

"Men succeed when they realize that their failures are the preparation for their victories."Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Story Changes

2009-10-01T10:35:00.002-05:00

My son drew the above picture today as part of his art class. When he showed it to me I wondered out loud why he drew a stick person? He is actually very good at sketches and some of his sketches are amazing so this picture had me baffled.

I wasn't going to push it and since he had already done his corresponding reading/book work for art I wasn't concerned. I instructed him to put his picture away and to get ready for the next subject when he filled me in with an amazing insight. He said, "What I like about this picture is that it tells a different story every time you rotate it."

Sometimes to get the bigger picture we need to look at it from a different angle. He gets an "A" for art interpretation today.

May your day be filled with blessings, laughter and joy.

JulieD

Reflection/Question of the day: Do you have a problem that seems unsolvable? Perhaps, you can change the way you are looking at it...find a different view.

Missing a Black Pig??

2009-09-24T12:55:00.002-05:00

Hi again,

My son just informed me that on his way home from school he saw a black pig walking along the side of the road. Now, I'm not sure why I think this is funny but perhaps because I thought, well that would make an interesting ad in the paper.

Found Missing Black Pig: Must be able to identify to claim. If not claimed soon will be enjoying a nice BBQ. Must also be able to prove ownership of pig and pig must come to you when you call for it...soooooeeeeeee.

Next, I thought of Miss Piggy, black sheep and relatives. Unfortunately, all of these connections that made me chuckle are a bit too strange to relate or explain as they involve odd connections that if I shared them would turn into about a 20 page documentary. Boring and probably the funny part would get lost in the telling.

Pause.....

Thought/Reflection for the day:

It isn't funny when you aren't let in on the joke, is it? It is even worse if you suspect the joke may be about you.

I hope today that you can share your laughter moments with someone.

Peace and smiles,

JulieD

Bikini Motivation, Not Likely

2009-09-18T09:05:00.003-05:00

Let's talk motivation...it is a good possibility that if you are reading this blog you have probably seen the weight loss commercial that is aired every spring where the girl hangs up an itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini as motivation to lose weight while the corresponding song plays in the background.

It didn't dawn on me until today why that particular commercial never felt particularly motivating. Well sure, I'm not the bikini wearing type but still the thought of swimsuit season should motivate me somewhat, right?

Actually, on the way home from the track (yeah me),the itsy bitsy song came to my mind and I realized what the song should be in order to motivate me....here goes...you might be thankful that you can't hear me actually sing this...:)

Itsy, bitsy, teeny, weeny, turquoise striped pants to go skiing... lol Yep, that might work.

I love to ski but haven't for a few years because of my weight and knee problems.

Yesterday I was writing about a local ski resort and I felt a tug on my motivation...you want to ski again, Julie...yes, yes I do. So find those turquoise ski pants and hang em up where you can see them. lol

So my hope for you today is that you discover what motivates you.

New song...Let it snow. Let it snow. Let it snow!

Peace, hugs, laughter and smiles, :)

Julie

Question/Thought for the day: Scripture quote we memorized today..."Instead, pursue righteousness,devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness." 1 Timothy 6:10
Are you motivated by righteousness,faith, love, patience, gentleness or other?

I challenge you: Do what you do today lovingly. :)

Laughter-An Odd Coincidence

2009-08-27T07:31:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, one of our school books talked about laughter and humor and the different types of humor. Then it gave an assignment to try to make someone laugh. Within minutes, 2 of the 3 had made me and each other laugh.

One of my children, however, wasn't laughing. I take this personally. Well, after all, it was probably my fault-something to do with math and allergies. I wanted to make him laugh today...not just chuckle...laugh.

All day long, I tried various known to work previously laughter techniques; wit, sarcasm, jokes, etc. but the best I got was a smirk or a grin. This would not do, however, he was determined to hold it in.

Then it happened. I was distracted. I hate when that happens. As often happens, more than one person was talking to me at a time. My son wanted to know what was for supper? My daughter wanted to know where was the cat?

I just wanted to watch America's Got Talent...did you see that one guy-he really was a good example for the kids of how sometimes you have to play to your audience or you will come off, not funny.

Anyway, I was grabbing a light supper for myself and sitting down when the questions were thrown at me, so I answered back in the same way I usually do-quick and loud and hope they hear it style.

"I don't know...oh..there's the cat."

He laughed! Yes! And I wasn't even trying to make him laugh, I was just being myself.

Have a great day filled with laughter.

JulieD

Question/Thought of the Day: Have you tried doing something that never seems to work, so you try harder or try a different technique? Perhaps, you need to just step back from the situation and be yourself. It's ok, to just be yourself.

Made You Look, Love Dad

2009-08-13T09:58:00.003-05:00

Today is my Dad’s birthday.(August 12) I can’t celebrate it with him in the traditional sense because he is in Heaven but he found a way to reach me.

As I thought about my dad today I remembered how hard he tried to communicate with me when I was a teenager. Day after day, he offered an open door to conversation. Sometimes we talked but it was never forced and I always knew if I needed to talk to someone he would listen. To me that was all I needed.

Daily, he would ask if I wanted to play a game. This referred to playing cards and board games with me. He started asking me to do this right after returning home from getting treatments for cancer and while he was in remission.

We would play game after game of cards. We developed a little system of figuring out who would win. It was fun and this was our time together.

Our system: It seems silly but whenever he would get the seven of hearts he would win and I would win if I had the eight of hearts in my hand. It wasn’t a matter of superstitious belief as much as gaining a confidence that I could win and believing in that fact. That sense of confidence has remained with me since then.

When we found out he had cancer again, during our games, we talked a lot about Heaven and he would tell me that when he got there he would ask God, if he could watch over me and let me know that Heaven does exist.

Today I started our trip as I always do by asking God to keep us safe and maybe send a few extra guardian angels our way to help keep us safe while on the road.

When we were about ¾ of the way to our destination our van lights appeared to go out and to not be working. My husband who was driving took the next exit to investigate what the problem could be.

At the exit there was a truck stop with a Hardees. We stopped there. After a quick check, we discovered that the lights were on and working and that the only problem might have been that my husband was wearing sunglasses at dusk and he couldn’t tell that the lights were on…I don’t know. He’s the mechanic.

So since it was late we decided to eat at the Hardees. While waiting for our food, my husband getting into the vacation mood, splurged on a lottery ticket and then he handed it to me. “For you!”

Looking at the ticket, it was a wild 8s card. Directions: Reveal an 8 to win a prize-win up to $888 win up to 7 times. Well that got my attention and brought back vivid memories of playing cards with my Dad.

As we walked out of the restaurant, I started to explain the significance of the day and the numbers 7 and 8 to my family. Eldest son claimed I always make weird connections…which I confirmed by pointing out how the license plate of the first car we saw all the numbers were 7’s or 8’s or added up to 7 or 8. Weird huh? lol

Anyway, I already felt like I had won because I felt that connection with my Dad but I grabbed a coin and scratched off the spots. The first spot revealed a 7. lol Son, sarcastically said that was a clue.

I continued to scratch off the spots and as it turned out it wasn’t a winning ticket. Surprise.

To my son, I replied, that was just Grampa’s way of saying thanks for wishing me Happy Birthday, Ha Ha I made you look. He always did try to make me laugh, too.

Thanks God for answered prayers for extra guardians and Happy Birthday Dad! What a great start to our vacation.

JulieD

Question of the Day: Nothing is a matter of luck. What appears to be lucky is either a blessing received from God or a projection of faith and confidence in action. Do you recognize the blessings in your day?

Pre-Travelitis

2009-08-11T22:19:00.006-05:00

I have been suffering from pre-travelitis today. It is a horrible condition that I would wish on no one. Fortunately, there is a cure. Start traveling.

Yes, it is that simple. Just get in your vehicle and leave. Don't worry about forgetting something (trust me, you will forget something anyway), don't worry about the weather (trust me, it is going to do what it is going to do and you aren't going to change it by checking it every 5 minutes). You get the idea...just go out the door and leave.

Unfortunately, for me that will not be happening soon enough. Now I say unfortunately for me but really the effects of pre-travelitis are highly contagious and it spreads easily from one person to another. Therefore, I am not alone in my agony. At least, perhaps, I can find some bit of comfort in that...no, no I can't. In fact, it seems to make my symptoms worse.

So what exactly is pre-travelitis and what are the symptoms? I will tell you but I will have to caution you that you might fall victim to the disease and I want to say, I am not responsible for any accidents which may or may not occur.

#1 Symptom -Appears before a major trip or vacation

#2 Symptom-Irritability (Though I'm not sure I have this-just because I got a little tiffed about the spilled grape juice on the blanket I've been knitting for 6 months.)

#3 Symptom Denial about having symptom #2

#4 Symptom Unusual amount of spills and dropping things (It has already spread to my daughter-see comment on #2)

#5 Symptom Inability to find the one thing you absolutely must have to complete something you just have to complete before leaving on your trip

Up to this point, I effectively denied that I had been struck by pre-travelitis but I knew when I couldn't find the only book I ever use to can peaches and I had to can peaches before I left...I knew I was infected. Really how could one book I use maybe twice a year just disappear? Yes, I had to can peaches today.

#6 Symptom Irrepressible urge to clean and do laundry (most likely driven by the desire to have clean clothes for the trip and to not have anyone else being stinky in the vehicle)

These are the main symptoms but as I said the cure is out there...this is based on years of research. So if you find you are suffering from pre-travelitis just put yourself and your packed luggage into your vehicle and leave. Don't look back. Just go.

I mean it-don't look back. If you do you'll see you forgot to put up the water hoses or you might all of a sudden get that sinking feeling that you forgot to lock the door or maybe you left the stove on...Just go.

If you go back in-you may never leave and if you don't leave-well then it's really serious and you might miss your vacation. lol

Hope all your vacations are pre-travelitis and post travelitis free...yep, there is post travelitis too. If vacations weren't so great I'd really have to think about just staying home.

I'll be on vacation-I think. Soon, I hope. I just have a few more loads of laundry to do and well the cabinets haven't been all cleaned out yet and oh...darn I forgot to weed the garden...

JulieD

Questions for the Day: We all are on a journey...do you know to where? Do you care?
Are you joyfully preparing for the journey/destination or are you stressed by the burdens of the moment?

Smile.

Tequila and Whiskey-Words Just Words

2009-08-10T21:47:00.003-05:00

I didn't think I was actually going to have a laugh out loud moment that I could write about today. It wasn't until after 9 p.m and then it happened. I went on Facebook.

Someone started it with a pun about whiskey and then I was laughing at birds, tequila and in general playing with words.

So for today-I searched the net and found a few fun puns in the educational arena.

I'll even make a toast for those who actually thought I was going to write about whiskey and tequila: To puns for fun...cheers!

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

No matter how much you push the envelope, it’ll still be stationery.

A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.

A backward poet writes inverse.

The roundest knight at King Arthur’s Round Table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.

A rubber band pistol was confiscated in an algebra class, because it was a weapon of math disruption.

Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie..

Laugh if you can...the alternative is rather grim.

:)
JulieD

Thought for the day: While puns and playing with words can be fun and funny...puns remind us that our words can also be easily misinterpreted. Please use your words with caution, with peace, with truth and only when necessary.

I know...easier said than done. lol

Are? Are? Are? Are we there yet?

2009-08-10T06:58:00.004-05:00

Sunday's funnies: I didn't forget but Sunday is my day of rest.

After church we went out to eat and then took on one of my most dreaded tasks as a mother...clothes shopping for me and my daughter.

Just after leaving the restaurant, the children began with "Are we there yet?" Since they are tweens and teens this was done only in an attempt to annoy me. However, I was not in the mood to be annoyed-after all we had just left church and had an enjoyable meal...so I suggested that if they were all going to ask, Are we there yet? they could at least try to do it in the round or in chorus or sing it in harmony. For a few seconds there was silence. Then my son started with the sounds of rap music, pop,pop, bang "Are? Are? Are? Are we there yet?"

Not sure if that is as funny in type as it was in person...so I'll keep writing.

The mall was fun as always. Not. I don't enjoy clothes shopping. When I mentioned this, my son, thought this was totally abnormal for a mom/woman. I don't care. Husband pointed out that if this was an electronics store and I had money this wouldn't even be an issue. He was right.

After a couple of hours, the boys had finished wandering the mall and I had found a dress for the wedding but for my daughter I had only found one pair of pants that she liked. No acceptable shirts by her standards. Ugg. I'd had enough. Besides she has other shirts-we don't let her run around topless. My day of rest was in dire need of some computer time. It was time to leave. We paid for our purchases (not just a good example for the children, it is the right thing to do) and started weaving our way out of the store. I took the long way through the store in hopes of finding maybe just one new shirt for my daughter. Intermittently, I pointed out tops.

All I can say is I think my daughter inherited my shopping genes(not jeans). She also had had enough and said, "Mom, don't look at anything else. Just close your eyes and follow my voice." Had I done so, I would also have in a rapper's voice sung, "Are? Are? Are? Are we there yet?"

Hope you had a great day of rest and found some laughter, too?

JulieD

Question for the Day:

Are you in such a hurry to get where you are going that instead of taking a needed day of rest you are more concerned with, "Are we there yet?"

Good Lord-I Think I'm a Hormonal Pack Rat

2009-08-08T10:29:00.013-05:00

Today, we decided to finish unpacking.

Two things about that-first we won't finish today and second we moved into this home in 2000-obviously these boxes hold things not critical to our day to day living as we've lived 9 years without this stuff. It has to go.

As I unpack and discover things, I'll try to blog about this experience.

One son just discovered a Congressional Record that has a picture of his great grandparents in it. He is wondering if they were spies?

I have these orange dishes but I don't know why? Some days I think they are pretty and some days I really don't. Guess colors do affect us.

Found a cup that had a picture of my three children as babies on it...that we gave to grandma D. and I almost went awwww out loud. This should be a big hint that I just may be hormonal.

Dishes, dishes, dishes and tupperware...good grief I either need to start cooking, entertain more or get rid of these things. Anyone have a copy of Julia Child's cookbook? Just remembered-we haven't gotten to the boxes of cookbooks yet?

Oh no, here comes son with our ladder golf game...where does he think he is going to put that...we are keeping that game. We should set it up and play. Focus Julie, focus.

Daughter has just brought me an important delivery...awwww it's a candle we received as a wedding gift.

Now my daughter has found my musical bank from when I was her age. It still plays the music. Can we say, "I will not be a packrat!" three times and mean it. However, I will check out and keep the money in the bank. I had some cool coins.

What's this? Oh,now she found a bell I received from my grandmother in 1988. That is going into the china cabinet. Goodbye dishes.

Not sure I can handle much more of this.

Upside-found glass glasses! Kids are old enough that we can safely use glasses that aren't plastic. Also, I've grown up and broken enough glasses and dishes on our concrete floor that even if they break, I won't spazz out.

Daughter found a sippy cup-yep pretty sure I have no attachment to that one. It can go into the recycle trash bin.

Plastic lids and more plastic lids-where in the world are the containers that go with the plastic lids? lol

Piles of picture albums with pictures of people I don't know. Thank you God for digital cameras and little storage thumb drives! It is interesting to look at...oh my, there is a picture of my husband as a teenager. Even if I don't know these people-it is family history-must think of way to preserve.

Son just commented, "It is always good to have another measuring cup," Like the four we already have in the house aren't enough.

Dog gone it...daughter found some of my old stuffed animals. No...they must go. I wonder if the dogs need some new chew toys.

Well, you see how this is going and so I'm going to sign off before I end up keeping all this stuff. Hope you found something to smile or laugh about today-I did!

Peace!

JulieD

Questions of the day:
Are you a hormonal pack rat?

Do you hold onto things because they have connections to people you care about?

Do you hold onto your emotions or feel free to share them?

In your daily interactions and reactions, do you remember to keep what is important-important?

I don't really believe there are right or wrong answers to these questions but it might be important just to know your answers.

Julie and Julia and Julie and the Inner Trollop

2009-08-07T23:02:00.003-05:00

Ok. I saw the movie Julie and Julia. An hour later I'm still smiling. There were many laugh out loud moments and I really enjoyed this movie.

In the last two posts I talked about possibly blogging about a spiritual book and seeing where that went but after watching this movie I realized something. I just want to laugh and I want others to laugh. I don't even care (usually) if they laugh at me.

So I'm going to think about this a little more.

I could go serious and philosophical...but I just want to laugh. I want you to laugh.
I wonder if there are laugh meter apps. somewhere???
Instead I think I'll consider posting about what makes me laugh and maybe you'll laugh too. What are friends for anyway?

Testing:
Today's laugh
On the way home from the movie, my husband opened the sunroof on the car. I've become so serious and trollop free that I didn't even remember there was a sun roof on the car. Scary, I know. I looked out at the stars and thought of movies I've seen where people are standing up through sun roofs and letting the wind flow through their hair and this was followed by two other thoughts. Wow that is not a smart thing to do and dang our sunroof is too small or perhaps I'm just too big. lol
I did manage to poke my hand up through the sunroof....once. :)

Perhaps I'll live dangerously by just recklessly adding the next suggested friend on Facebook.

Random thought of the day: drinking and blogging don't mix or do they :)

Have a great day!

Part 2 ad majorem Dei gloriam—“for the greater glory of God.”

2009-07-31T16:30:00.005-05:00

Since returning from the last mission trip, I have found it difficult to read any books other than ones that are spiritually based or the Bible. I love to read and this inability to read books I would normally read I find unusual but not disconcerting.

On a recent trip to the library I picked up 3 books I was excited about reading yet I have not been able to read beyond 1 page of any of these books. Even though I've renewed them once already in hopes that I will get to read them I know that I will be returning them soon unread.

One of my favorite books that I have been able to read, that I picked up on the mission trip is Dear Jesus: Seeking His Light in Your Life . It has helped me immensely over the last couple of months. I have felt inspired or touched by God every time I have read it.

On my last blog I mentioned some connections and beyond listing them I can't explain their influence upon my decision for this blog.

While I will continue to add on occasion blogs similar to what I have already posted I have decided that I will use this blog primarily in a fashion similar to the movie premise of reading and blogging. I will most likely have to see this movie and blog about it, too.

However, I will not be using a cookbook for this blog instead I will be reading and blogging about books that will challenge me/us spiritually and I will blog about the book and how it influences my day or changes it.

At this point, I am not sure which book I will begin with but I have a couple, in particular, that I am seriously considering. However, I feel this decision can only be properly made with input from God. So I will be consulting Him and will be open to His suggestions and guidance.

Below I have listed the events that led me to making this decision. Don't feel you have to read through them but I put them there for those who are curious. Some of the connections I sense beyond the physical senses and to you or others they may not seem to be there or may appear inconsequential in nature. I can only say, it is a matter of faith of which I proceed in this endeavor. I hope to do it ad majorem Dei gloriam...for the greater glory of God.

May your life be filled with peace, love and joy.
JulieD

Primary Chronological events of August 31, 2009

1 a.m. considering visiting the Holy Land

Wake up:
Remember ads for Julia and Julie-my name, identity (considering releasing identities and strengthening connections-how long -a year)- connects to random thought- premise of movie a blog about working/blogging through a cookbook

Brandon Heath song Give Me Your Eyes lyrics-how can I do this Lord a constant prayer

Today's homeschool lesson-talk about careers and future and doing things all for the glory of God -use those exact words

Read Father Pat's meditation for the day-St.Ignatius during his convalescence read about the Life of Christ and about the lives of the saints.

Read Prayer of Day "Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam"-All for the Glory of God

Follow link to St Ignatius of Loyola (saint of the day)
learn about his conversion experience and about his taking a year long pilgrimage and turning to Christ-in this year he wrote-after which he finally achieved his purpose of going to the Holy Lands,

Decision made about blog.

Peace.

Part 1 ad majorem Dei gloriam—“for the greater glory of God.”

2009-07-31T14:16:00.008-05:00

A couple of days ago, I received on Facebook a Getting to Know You note/quiz. This was a note sent by a friend that contained several questions and my friends answers.

The idea was that anyone tagged with this note was supposed to take the note-change the answers to your own and then tag others. Normally, I don't do those quizzes but then I thought...Why not? So I set about answering the questions and tagging people. Unfortunately, as often happens in computer land, as I was attempting to finish tagging people, somehow I connected to a new page and when trying to get back to the note, found I had lost all my answers. By this time it was 1 a.m. and I wasn't willing to do the quiz again.

However, one question was "If I could visit anywhere in the world, where would I go?"

I thought about this question for quite some time. Only one place came to my mind at that late hour. The Holy Lands. The thought of experiencing where Jesus lived and laughed and played and died, touches me spiritually. I know to visit this place could only enrich my understanding of Jesus. On earth it is the only place that holds a physical connection with God besides the physical connection of the Eucharist. For me, the Eucharist is what makes my faith real. It is a physical and real connection of hope, love and healing.

However, that is not what I wanted to talk about today. If you know me or even have just been following this blog you know or could guess that I have been trying to make changes in my life that are more in line with my beliefs and what I hope to accomplish. A strange thing happened today.

Oddly enough it has to do with a movie now being advertised named Julia and Julie, St Ignatius of Loyola (today's saint of the day), the Holy Lands, Brandon Heath song Give Me Your Eyes lyrics, Father Pat's meditation for the day,today's homeschool lesson and ad majorem Dei gloriam and a random thought that pierced my morning. This thought is a recurring thought that up til now I have effectively ignored but considered amusing and unlikely as something I would pursue.

Tomorrow I will outline what I see as the future for this blog and in some respects for me. I will try to explain the connections I mentioned above... though I know that I can not fully explain them and may not be able to share them all in an understandable way with you.

However,one thing I know I must share with you now is that this blog will be written ad majorem Dei gloriam-for the greater glory of God.

May you experience peace and love now and forever.

JulieD

Identities

2009-07-21T09:07:00.008-05:00

I keep trying to write about identities...meaning what do you identify yourself with?
Over the last year or so I have felt or experienced the taking away of things I identify myself with, some of them I didn't actually realize how strongly my identity was wrapped up in them.

This was a very real problem for me even though these identities were all really just perceptions.

As I consider what I want to do in the future or even for just today-I realize my decisions are to some degree determined by how I identify myself.

Who are you really? If you strip away your identities or if they are taken away from you; where does that leave you?

Just for a moment I want you to think about this...what if the labels you have placed upon yourself or by others didn't matter or exist? How then would you identify yourself? No longer would you be a mom, dad, middle-aged fat lady, handsome dude, christian, republican, democrat,liberal,housewife, engineer or anything else.

Then you would have to look at the very core of who you are...are you in touch with that person? Do you know, like or understand who that person is?

Without my labels/identities I am coming to a greater appreciation of how weak and lowly I really am. This is a very good thing. In that weakness I have found a new level of understanding and compassion for others (I hope) and I have also found a place where forgiveness and love are not just a high road but a necessary and absolute path.

It is there that I have also found a sense of peace and truth that when I am in my identities I can not know or experience. In this place is where God can speak to me because I am no more and all that matters is what He directs. It is there that I can become His clay or tool or whatever He needs me to be.

In the stripping away of our identities we find our uniqueness-talents and gifts that make us who we really are and give us direction in what God wants us to do and our role in this world.

Oddly, in a paradox type way, in Him my identities have become fuller and more complete when I return to them.

I find now that I am trying to look beyond identities in others-trying to see exactly who God made them to be. I see the most amazing things-just past the identities.

For me though, it is hard sometimes to see what people identify themselves with -some people have identities wrapped in pain, fear, sadness and loneliness. Beyond those identities I have found some truly awesome and great people and I struggle to help them see that person in themselves. We need to be careful and aware of which identities we cling too and those which are fleeting.

Also, we all have people that in some way we have labeled negatively in our lives. I challenge you to look beyond the negative actions and identities and truly see this person and find a piece of goodness in them and point it out to them.

It is important to realize that the moment we are born we begin with a label and then we get a name and then it builds from there. We can not fully escape these labels in this world but there will be a time when our true selves will be revealed and the labels will no longer matter.

That day will be a day of justice for some, for others it will be a day of reckoning and for others it will be a day to fully be who they really are and from that day forward-eternity will be sweet.

For in eternity, there will be a beauty created from the combining of our differences, unique talents and gifts that will surpass our expectations or comprehension. I'm looking forward to experiencing that beauty but for now, I'll take the glimpses of that beauty I see in others.

May your day be filled with peace and love.

My Name is "Changeable"

2009-07-03T10:50:00.003-05:00

My Name is “Changeable”

Inwardly, I laughed as I considered this writer’s probable creative attempt to avoid plagiarism as I read the card with my name translation. Julie means changeable? Similar items usually say youthful spirit or lighthearted-though childlike and naïve might be more appropriate at times.

Images of myself as a transformer, a changeling, shape shifter or an animagus came to mind first but then came other darker images of changers-werewolves, vampires and bogarts.

I found this unsettling. I was glad all of these images were of fictional beings.

Why didn’t I think of God first?

I guess because I consider God to be my rock, my stability in changing times and I look to Him to find solid ground when I am slipping.

But God is about change…from God to man to God to Spirit-all the same but changed for us. We celebrate and witness this in every Mass and it is amazing when we are there in the moment.

As I read the translation, my face probably began contorting with raised eyebrows and a thoughtful gaze as I considered what this meant if anything to me or if it was a good thing. It almost felt insulting to go from youthful spirit to changeable.

I don’t like being identified with change. I long for stability. I find that in God. However, God gives us changes in our daily lives to help us to grow more into His image. Examining myself, I find I am changing even as I write this blog.
Physically, I don’t change much; in fact, speaking of rocks, I think I have the metabolism of one.

However, I do change from role to role-writer to mom to teacher to friend to …
As I said, I think of God as my rock of stability. I even envision this large rock similar to the rock that is often pictured in the Agony in the Garden mystery pictures.

Let’s think about this for a moment. Do rocks change, move, cycle or cause changes? What is sand? Sand is little stones worn by time from big rocks to broken down bits…humbled rocks…sand –billions plus of tiny stones working together to form something bigger and more beautiful than one large, cumbersome rock. When they work together bits of sand can shift and move mighty obstacles with the wind/water (Holy Spirit). Together sand pieces can change a landscape, move rocks and large solid things.

God is about change. Jesus as God-broken and beaten to change and for change. In His lowest state He made the greatest transformation that still lives and grows and influences the events of today.

I have been experiencing my own sense of brokenness lately and I know that I am seeing that I must become more humble and work with others. This is how changes that are necessary can happen. Worn down, broken but finding strength in unity with God and others to be an instrument of change-I am changeable. I now find myself wondering-a rock, a stone or a piece of sand?

One small card gift from a friend has helped me to realize that “changeable” can be a good name for me-even though it makes me feel a little queasy. I am inspired to try to be a tiny grain of humbled rock.

What does your name mean? Curious minds want to know.

Meet and Greet Jesus

2009-07-02T14:02:00.001-05:00

I am a very visual person so when I am praying I rarely have difficulty visualizing Jesus sitting next to me or gazing into His eyes or seeing Him upon the cross. These become very intimate conversations and I rely on these communications to help me every day. However, there is another time I see God/Jesus/Holy Spirit that I feel is vitally important in my faith and my understanding of God.

It is tied directly into the Ten Commandments and it affects how I try to live by those commandments. The commandments deal with loving God, others and ourselves and how to do that. Also, Jesus gives us the greatest commandments which are about loving God, ourselves and others.

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:36-40 NIV).

Because we are created in the image of God we can see God in others. We can see God in what other people do, say and in how they respond to the people and events in their lives. I can hear you responding to this with something to the effect of “I know this person who is so….that there is no way I could ever see God in him/her.” To that I respond, “Look again. Look beyond the bravado, the fears, the tears, the anger, the walls (things like glasses, coats, being funny or doing things to get attention). Look beyond the circumstances of your relationship and see them as they are, beautifully made.

Consider how that person sees you and that they may be treating you in a negative manner because of how they perceive your views. When you can see someone and their fears and ease them, when you can cure or comfort the sick of mind, body and spirit, when you can let yourself be yourself and love the unloved and not only see the good in others but bring it out of them, then you will have begun to see what is the true essence and being of God in this world.

But that is not all we are called to love-Loving Self…for me this is the most difficult and challenging concept. To see God in myself is something I rarely look for and consequently rarely see. I think this is true for most people. We hide or stand or are sheltered behind things, positions, ideals, dreams, actions or acts. We let our identities that we show to others become intricately intertwined with our self perceptions and that can block the real and important view of God and His beauty in us. Sometimes recognizing God in your self is even more difficult than seeing it in others but it too is vitally important because it is how we love ourselves that forms the basis of how we love others.

Therefore, I challenge you to look in the mirror and see the good God has invested in you and I challenge you to share that with one other person. Share it here if you like. Then I challenge you to see the good in the next person you meet and to affirm and acknowledge to them that very thing you see.

Open the eyes of those you meet to the goodness that God has created in them and open your eyes and see God working in you. In other words, in the next person you meet-greet Jesus in them.

Watering the Laundry and the Weeds?

2009-06-29T14:50:00.001-05:00

Previously, I mentioned that I had a great many weeds in my gardens and I meant that literally as well. Today, I decided to tackle the weeds in my herb garden. As I looked at my poor garden, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of weeds choking out my plants. Also, I noticed that my plants were withering in the heat. So naturally, I decided I should water them first and I proceeded to do so.

Happily, I watered the herbs. After all, I thought, what difference does a few more minutes make? I knew that this was a lame attempt to avoid and rationalize about the necessary weeding. While whetting my plants thirst,I also was aware of how nice the weather had become and how blessed I felt to be where I am in my life.

Then distracted by my own thoughts,I made a turn. I gasped. When I turned, the water shot out of the hose straight towards my clean, almost dry laundry. Thankfully, as one who has never had particularly good aim, I missed. I laughed realizing how crazy it would have been to water my laundry. Then I thought, isn't it just as crazy to water the weeds?

Note to self: Don't let the number of weeds bother you. Stop procrastinating-pull out the weeds-one at a time if necessary. Keep your clean laundry dry and let it be refreshed by the sun and don't water the weeds. Your spiritual and real gardens can not thrive with the weeds or without the sun/water.

The Sisters

2009-06-27T10:25:00.003-05:00

It has been about a week now since I returned from a mission trip. I have been trying to put into words just one of the many amazing things I experienced on this trip for you but have been distracted and unfocused. So today, I'm trying again.

I want to tell you about the sisters. Specifically, two sisters-twin sister sisters. These two women captured everyone's attention-even those who didn't get to interact with them. Their stamina, energy and sheer dedication and pride in what they do was an inspiration to all.

Unfortunately, I was one of those that didn't get to interact with these amazing women except for a few quick moments. However, about midweek one member of our group made a comment about their work that caused me to step back and really examine how I approach things.

The comment paraphrased: Did you notice that there is no mulch and there is no weeds either?

You see, these elderly sisters, have as their responsibility the care of the monastery grounds. This is their ministry. How easy would it have been for them to put down mulch, to let the leaves fall on the grounds or to let little things go...but they didn't. Their attention to the details is an expression and reflection of their love for God.

Sometimes when I have taken on responsibilities-I took them on for the wrong reasons. Sometimes I took them on for the right reasons, too, but when I have done things I hoped were serving God and not myself-now I wonder what more I could have done? Did I give my best or take shortcuts? I'm sorry to say, I don't like the answer I would give.

To be a true reflection of God through the use of our gifts and talents we must be willing to go the step beyond our own understanding and abilities because that is where God shines through us-and is no longer just a reflection. It is only possible to do this with God's help. That is what can make a simple task a true ministry of love.

I am home now...and as I look at my real and spiritual gardens, I see many weeds that still need to be pulled. It is a difficult choice to avoid the way of the mulch and there are many challenges to getting at the weeds but with God's help-I will try.
Will you?

Character Stretching

2009-06-10T08:31:00.008-05:00

Some days you know are meant to stretch your character. Apparently, today is one of those days for me.

This morning began with a trip into town to bring my son to his driver's education class. On the way there, we discussed making choices about how you can respond to different situations. In particular, what to do if someone is tailgating you and it is making you nervous. A very good example was then provided.

I thought the discussion went very well. We discussed what responses he could give on an exam if this question came up-things like let the person in a hurry pass or pull over but we also discussed what I like to do...pray for the person and for whatever reason they have that is making them drive in a dangerous way.

Usually I add something to the effect of please let them back off or realize the situation and keep them safe. If I'm feeling particularly threatened due to weather or road conditions, I might add please protect us all by surrounding us with extra guardian angels. Every time when I've prayed in this manner the person has either backed off or passed or turned and within minutes the situation is resolved. Of course, I then happily pray a heartfelt thanks be to God.

Oh, discussing this was all fine and dandy, but applying it in other areas is apparently what I needed to work on today.

When we arrived at the school, I realized I had left the house without my purse. This meant I had no cell phone, money or identification. It also meant I had to go back home instead of what I had planned to do. My morning plans had been totally flipped on end.

By my own words, my first response should have been to pray about the situation and act accordingly. Did I do that? I'm embarrassed to say-no, I didn't. In fact, I did the exact thing I just told my son not to do-I got angry. Thankfully, if was just a short burst and I came quickly to my senses and put things right.

Even if we know how to respond and want to do the right thing- just because we are Christians doesn't mean we won't make mistakes and do things we shouldn't do. In our human condition, we mess up-sometimes in big ways-but there are some things to keep in mind.

1. We will make mistakes -everyday and many times during the day
2. Forgiveness is important-forgive yourself, others and ask for forgiveness, if necessary
3. If you recognize that you've made a mistake or if one has been pointed out to you-challenge yourself to correct yourself or to stop doing that action or do something proactive instead when it happens the next time.
4. Put it in God's hands. There have been times when I have felt I have done all I could do about a situation but I continued dwelling on the problem when what I really needed to do was let it go.

Easy to say-hard to do. Perhaps not. In retrospect, it was actually quite easy to do...but getting to that realization was difficult. It is as easy as saying...God, I give this situation to you, do what you will with it. Thank you. Love ya! Amen.

See-easy.

The next little incident that popped up this morning that could have been very frustrating, I caught myself and I didn't get angry. I'm hoping I don't have too many more surprises today but if I do I will hopefully make the right choice about the situation. I'm challenging myself to try.

Lol- my son just came in with a picture of a snake in a tree...how symbolic is that? The temptation is there to react rashly instead of trusting God and considering the options.

May you meet the challenges of your day with prayer and pray always and in all things.

JulieD

When the Rooster Crows-All is Well or Is All Well?

2009-06-07T06:10:00.002-05:00

Just after 5 a.m. this morning I woke up to the sounds of a morning in the country- the rooster was crowing, the dogs barking, the guineas squawking, the songbirds singing and I was comforted knowing all had made it through the night. Cool air added a nip to the morning and I was thankful for the start of a new day. If I had wanted to go back to sleep, I could have because all felt well.

However, I once commented to a city friend, that the sounds of sirens in the morning, when I had lived in town, I had found frightening, eerie and distracting. She replied, “Really? I always found them comforting.” I was amazed and asked,” How can hearing sirens be comforting? Sirens mean that danger, fire and crime are near.” She answered, “It also means there is someone on their way to help or protect. I am thankful for that.”

This brings to mind a story someone else told me about a woman who moved to the country to find peace and quiet. After one night, she moved back to the city because it was too noisy in the country. Indeed, it is noisy but in that I find peace and rest.

In your faith, where do you find your comfort in the ordinary days? It is unlikely that you find that sense of peace and quiet and rest in the same place as anyone else. God is with you, where you are.

Sometimes we forget that in our own ordinary days. At these times, we wonder, where is God or why don’t I feel as close to God today as I did last week? Faith tells me God is with me and He is but in the ordinary days we need to recognize and be thankful for the quiet gifts of the ordinary peaceful day.

Likewise, we may forget, that God is with others where they are in their day. When we try to guide them to where we find peace and rest in our faith-it may be distracting or frightening. We need to remember that only God can show them peace at the place where they are in their faith journey. Instead we can offer thanks for the new day, be it quiet or noisy, and trust God to guide those we care about to their ordinary place.

Facebook-I love it!

2009-06-05T10:58:00.002-05:00

I love Facebook for keeping in touch with family and friends. I didn't think I would like it but I do. I do like it. In fact, I like it a lot and now recommend it to my friends and family.

Facebook has enabled me to keep in touch with family across the country and refreshed some friendships that were endangered by the busyness of life.

The highlights of Facebook include an inbox, popup chat, games and quick notes to one or all of your friends.

If you don't have an account give it a try!

www.facebook.com

Morning Prayer

2007-09-18T15:05:00.000-05:00

As Christians, we should be able

to expect,

and embrace

the gifts of grace and love from God.

Let us pray;

Lord,

Today, I expect to be filled with Your graces and love, an expectation rooted not in arrogance or pride but in trust and faith. I expect to be filled with humble gratitude and peace and hope. I expect love to flow from You through me. I expect these things because I know You give them to me freely, every day. Thank you.

I ask for one more grace....that being the grace to fully accept Your gifts and to cherish and share them.

As Your beautiful gifts are showered upon me, may I embrace them and set them free into the world- so that the world may see Your glory and give You praise.

I ask these things by and in Your name; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Poem

2007-09-13T23:27:00.002-05:00

Even though he knows me so -he loves me still
Even though I've made mistakes-he forgives me
Even though I've debts I can not pay-he paves my way
With hope and peace
With love and dreams
With Him.
I am free for all eternity
To live.
He drives away the fears of failure
He drives away the doubts and despair
He drives away the anxieties of this world
To live
With hope and peace
With love and dreams
With Him.
I am free.
To live.
Eternally.

May God bless you today!

What kind of name is InfinityF3?

2007-08-30T22:41:00.001-05:00

Hello and welcome!

What kind of name is InfinityF3? What does it mean?

When I was a lot younger I set my mind to the task of figuring out what was important to me. My answer; F3.

Faith, Family and Friends.
I would have used that for my title but it is already taken.

So the blog, InfinityF3 will generally be about my Faith, Family and Friends.

This blog, is my place to share about what is important to me. Read along if you like, make comments or ask questions. I'd love to hear from you-whoever you are.