Today I was reminded of something.

I was reminded that's its normal to feel.  That a part of being human is having emotions.  And a part of having emotions is realizing that different days can bring out different feelings.

I think that as Christians once you reach a certain level of adulthood, it can be easy to feel like we are supposed to be joyful and peaceful at all times.  So any negative deviation from this can be stressful and frustrating.

Have you ever entertained thoughts like the following?

What's wrong with me?
I'm a Christian, shouldn't I be happy all the time?
Why does this get me down?
What am I supposed to do with these feelings?

Tonight, I read a blog that encouraged me.  The blog is from John Eldredge author of books like Wild at Heart and Captivating.

http://blog.ransomedheart.com/

I really enjoy his style of writing.   Books like Epic and Waking the Dead- the Glory of a Heart Fully alive are beautiful, inspiring, creative, and hopeful.

But to read some of his blogs, I realize that this writer of incredible worship-filled books, still struggles with emotions.

It's part of life.  Perhaps especially if you are given to poetic and contemplative thoughts.

So then, what do you do?

I really like the verse that John shared on his blog.  It's from Proverbs 4:23 and it says "Above all else guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Also, interesting is the French translation, "Garde ton coeur plus que toute autre chose, Car de lui viennent les sources de la vie."

Interestingly I translate the last  part to say, from it (your heart) comes the sources of life.

So, while its natural to feel emotions like discouragement, worry, frustration, and sadness, we must guard our hearts against dwelling there and making a pattern of despair.

If you are feeling down, I recommend seeking to understand your feelings, talking with a trusted friend or family member and engaging in activities that bring peace and inspiration to your day.

But at the core of our hearts we must believe that God loves us.  God has a plan for our lives.  God is sovereign over all things and He makes everything beautiful in His time.   He is our redeemer our friend and our rescuer.  And He is preparing a home for us that will be incredible beyond our imagination of wonder.

God is good! And He can handle our grumpy moments and our exhilarating moments and everything in between.  With His help we are more than conquerers through Him who loves us.

A Tale of Two Kings

This morning I listed to a sermon about pride. King Saul and David were both mentioned as examples. (Stories in First Samuel 13 and 2 Samuel 11-12)

What I find interesting is what happened next. King Saul doesn't appear to repent but instead continue further in the path of pride and eventually takes his own life and David takes his place as king.

When David is confronted with what he has done, David immediately responds to the realization by saying "I have sinned against the Lord." You can read in the Psalms of David's cries to God and his faith in his love.

"Hide your face from my sins and blot our all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalms 51:9-10

"I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever." Psalms 52:8b

Both David and Saul sinned against God. But one king fell to ruin while the other forgiven was blessed with a part in the lineage of the Messiah.

What can we learn from this? Probably many things, but one thing that's worth considering is the state of the heart. Are we proud and always right? Do we refuse to accept God's words if the differ from what we want? Or are we open to God's leading and humble before Him? When we make mistakes do we admit it and ask forgiveness? Do we know God's character so that we can say like David, I trust in His unfailing love?

A good poem

Out in the Fields with God

The little cares that fretted me,
I lost them yesterday
Among the fields above the sea,
Among the winds that play,
Among the lowing of the herds,
The rustling of the trees,
Among the singing of the birds,
The humming of the bees.

The fears of what may come to pass,
I cast them all away
Among the clover-scented grass,
Among the new mown hay,
Among the rustling of the corn,
Where drowsy poppies nod,
Where ill thoughts die and good are born,
Out in the fields with God.

~ Louise Imogen Guiney ~

Judgement Day

I woke up this morning to the same world that was here when I fell asleep. I checked Facebook to see if anything unique had happened in another country and was greeted with a post that said something like, "It seems the end of the world is not today."

I turned to my husband and said "Oh good, looks like the world isn't ending." Instantly I regretted my words.

I admit, I too have found the humor in the so called judgement day for May 21, 2011. After all, the Biblical math I saw that supports this theory isn't very solid. I've read some funny jokes on the internet.

But even as I find amusement in the sarcasm, I also feel my heart fighting against the laughter.

After all, just because his calculations and Biblical knowledge is off to me, we both still want the same thing. Wouldn't it be wonderful if God did come back today?

One day He will. And maybe He can use the publicity of this well-intentioned but misinformed event to ask the question of people across the world, "If God did return today, would I ready?"

One day, whether its today, tomorrow, or years in the future, the world we wake up to will be a decidedly different one. And that is cause for great joy for those who eagerly await His return.

Moments Before a Change

There are times in life when you wish you could slow down the clock- suspend things where they are for a little longer.

The week before your wedding perhaps- more time to enjoy being engaged, to perfect the last minute details, to feel more prepared for the new phase of life approaching.

The last few days in a beloved city- more meals at your favorite restaurants, more chances to spend quality time with friends and family.

The last year before a child goes off to college- time to savor each little everyday thing that when they have left for school will bring joy and perhaps a touch of sadness as you remember them.

The last week of a decade. 29 sounds so different then 30. 59 so much younger than 60.

Where does time go? Some days it feels like time is ever before you stretching out with its immense possibilities.

Other days life and breath seem so fleeting. Each moment something to savor and capture. Some days you want to hold on for dear life to the present.

But life goes on. If we didn't graduate high school we might not meet that special someone in college. If we didn't move past pregnancy we'd miss the child's first smile, first bicycle ride, first prom date.

Life is full of firsts. It's also full of memories, traditions, and favorite activities and people.

And so we continue to live each day as it comes and trust our tomorrows and the story that is our lives with the One created us and makes all things beautiful in His time.

Joy

As a Christian I have a lot of knowledge in my head about joy. And I understand many true reasons why we should have joy.

We've been saved, redeemed!

If God is for us, who can be against us!

Jesus has prepared a place for us and is coming back one day to take us home- to a place filled with such joy- our minds can only dimly comprehend how beautiful our new home will be.

Jesus loves me, this I know.

The problem then isn't necessarily with the knowing or believing but rather the feeling.

How do you connect your mind with your heart? How do you make this joy part of your spirit, your emotions, the face you portray to the world on days when you don't naturally feel it?

If this question were posed to me I imagine I could come up with some type of response. But for day I think I'll just leave the question as it is.

For though I am imperfect, though I don't have all knowledge for which I might desire, this truth I still know. Jesus loves me. For the Bible tells me so.

Thoughts for the new year

I can hardly believe we've reached the end of 2010. I probably say this every year, and every year it seems true. Time continues to flow on- days turn to weeks, weeks to months, and months to years.

This year I will turn 30. This doesn't seem possible. Yet when I think back on my travels, and time with family and friends, it does seem possible. I'm very grateful for the wonderful memories I've made and hope for many more!

Our pastor recently shared this verse from 1 Corinthians 8. "But knowledge puffs up while love builds up."

Truth is a wonderful thing. Proverbs is full of great verses on wisdom. Truth, knowledge and wisdom are important and worth seeking.

But without love, what do they mean? One can know all about God, but unless you know Him and love Him, what have you gained?

Knowledge can also divide. People can interpret words differently; ideas can be divisive.

But love includes, pursues, brings beauty and life. God's love shines into our lives and tells us who we are; it makes life beautiful.

So this year I wish for truth and wisdom, but most importantly I wish to increase my grasp of the height and depth and width of the incredible love of God. May this be your wish also.

Happy New Year!

Routines

When I say the word, "routine" what kinds of feelings come to mind? Mostly positive, or mostly negative?

Most of us have some type of routine. Mine weekday morning routine involves hitting the snooze as long as possible, grabbing a yogurt on the way out the door, checking email at my desk, and making myself a nice hazelnut cappuccino at our coffee machine.

In the evenings, I often I come home from work, make supper, enjoy eating with my husband, and after the dishes are put away- consider what else we want to do with our evening.

When I think about these activities, so often repeated- I'm torn between the charm of the ordinary and the desire for the extraordinary.

There is joy in routines, in knowing what your day holds, in appreciating a hand to hold for prayer before meals and a favorite juice kept stocked in the fridge. There is pleasure to be found in every day life.

But there is also joy in the uniqueness of a day, in new discoveries, in new experiences. Sometimes it seems the mind longs for fresh air to blow in through it's windows.

So, as with many things in life, perhaps the answer lies somewhere in between. The balance of the routine and the new. And the things that are neither habit nor novice, but those that re-inspire our hearts and should thus be given more generous portion of our time.

Rhythms

Yesterday we celebrated Thanksgiving. We enjoyed mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet bread rolls, and pumpkin pie. The question is...why?

Why every last Thursday in November to we travel to each others houses and eat pumpkin pie and then often follow this large meal with football?

Who made the correlation of mashed potatoes and being thankful? Or football and pilgrims for that matter.

There are many history lessons I imagine one could teach in answering this question. But from the building blocks of history came traditions and cultures of today, sometimes changing form and meaning as time goes on.

We do these things because they are part of our annual rhythms. We know that after the last piece of pie is enjoyed, it's time to pick out the perfect Christmas tree. And there is comfort in these familiar rhythms. After Christmas comes spring with its new life and green trees and warm breezes. And then summer where we can enjoy Fourth of July picnics and trips to the lake. And then soon the cooler breezes will bring anticipation of fall leaves and the long anticipated pumpkin pie.

So here's to the these comforting rhythms and all the warm memories and new laughter they bring. As well as the blessing of each day and the many unexpected joys we receive along the way.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dream

I had a somewhat thought provoking dream last night. It was like a dream within a dream.

Where Jesus came back and all the 'saved' suddenly got wings. They were all excited and flying away, but then there were a few cut scenes that were sad. A wife was getting ready to fly away and then she saw her husband didn't have any wings. It was a sobering realization for her. And a co-worker became very upset with the Christian who hadn't thought to share the path to salvation with her. 'You knew and you didn't tell me?!"

The saved flew up to this huge building/mountain thing overlooking the world and saw all the people still left.

I don't know if this dream was given to me or was just a combination of whatever my brain was processing last night. But it did remind me of a couple things.
1. We should live our lives in such a way that others want to know our God. And we shouldn't be afraid or embarrassed to voice our faith when we feel the Holy Spirit move us.
2. One day God's people are going to leave this world. It seems so abstract and almost surreal now, but one day it will happen. We may not sprout wings. But we will go home. That dream is our hope and will at last be our reality.

"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

Turnip Greens

Okay...so I love country music but I keep hearing this song and it's just ridiculous. It's called something like Good Directions and Turnip Greens.

plot- Country boy is eating a pork rind selling turnip greens when a girl with Hollywood plates pulls up and asks for directions. She ends up coming back to him after meeting his Momma and drinking some of her sweet tea.

In order to make this song believable, here are my questions.

1. How hot is this guy?
2. What was in that sweet tea?

The Call

The lamb came to him one morning. Called his name, invited him into His presence.
The man felt the warm call and thought about responding. And then he thought, this is just the sort of moment people wish for...and he wrote a beautiful worship song about it and many were blessed.
But the Author, he knew not.

The lamb came to him one afternoon. In the midst of a ski vacation, surrounded by powerful snow capped peaks, rugged and awesome in their strength. He noticed the untouched snowfall of the tallest ridge and felt a tugging of wonder at it's beauty. But then he thought about seeing his tracks on the snow and how he might best reach the peek so that he could ski down it.
But the Creator, he knew not.

The lamb came to him one evening, As the sun was setting on a beautiful day at the beach. His kids playing, his wife picking up the last of the flippers. The light shone, bright and warm across the sky, painting an incredible sunset. He was touched by the beauty and instantly pulled out his camera, hoping to capture it, perhapes even paint it.
But the Light, he knew not.

In our moments of inspiration..let us not forget the One that inspires us.

10 ways to take control of your health

OrlandoSentinel.com
10 ways to take control of your health
By Julie Deardorff
Tribune Newspapers
November 10, 2009
CHICAGO

If you're ready to take control of your health, start by washing your hands for 15 to 20 seconds, about as long as it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice.Doing this simple act, while avoiding certain behaviors -- smoking, excessive drinking and eating too much -- can dramatically improve your health, said internist William Meller, who specializes in evolutionary medicine in Santa Barbara, Calif.Prevention goes well beyond the mammograms, prostate screenings or blood tests that we can get at the doctor's office. It's the little steps you take that can keep you healthy."Ideally, prevention should also emphasize healthy lifestyles, a practice that isn't only health-conscious, but [is] inexpensive," said James Pivarnik, president of the American College of Sports Medicine.

Here are 10 easy ways to get started.

Take a walk.
Humans are designed to be on the move, Meller said. "Walking triggers all of our bodily systems: digestion, stress relief, thinking and preparation for sleep."It's easy, simple, free and confers the benefits of exercise without the risk of damage from more energetic pursuits, Meller said. Walk every day -- barefoot is fine -- and get a pedometer to track your steps, shooting for a minimum of 10,000. Stay committed by setting walking dates with a friend.

Keep a food journal.
Writing down everything you eat can double your weight loss, according to a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine."The more food records people kept, the more weight they lost," said lead author Jack Hollis, a researcher at Kaiser Permanente's Center for Health Research.Scribble down your dietary transgressions on a note pad, use an online food journal or send yourself text messages."It's the process of reflecting on what you eat that helps us become aware of our habits, and hopefully change our behavior," said Dr. Keith Bachman, a member of the Kaiser Permanente Care Management Institute's Weight Management Initiative.

Stop drinking soda.
Soda and other caloric, sugar-sweetened beverages have contributed to skyrocketing rates of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. But there's also evidence that drinking diet soda leads to weight gain. Researchers suspect that tricking the brain -- getting sweetness without the calories -- makes you crave more sugar than ever. Your best bet is to stop drinking calories altogether, said obesity specialist Dr. Yoni Freedhoff, founder of Ottawa's Bariatric Medical Institute, a multidisciplinary weight-management center.His most confused patients seem to be doing everything right but may have two glasses of milk, one glass of juice and one glass of wine a day."That's roughly 40 pounds of liquid calories per year," he wrote on his blog, Weighty Matters. Freedhoff's advice: Don't rely on beverages for nourishment."A well-balanced diet replete with fruits, vegetables and proteins should satisfy all of one's nutritional needs," he said. "Liquid calories are not satiating and in studies tend only to add calories to a meal."

Strengthen your muscles.
If you want to keep your muscles from weakening as you age, start strength training. It's "the only style of exercise that maintains and increases lean muscle tissue and burns between 22 and 36 calories per day," said personal trainer Jim Karas.He suggests starting with push-ups for the upper body and lunges and squats for the lower body. "Move slowly, and think about the muscles you are engaging. One slow set of 10 is all you need, but make sure to fail," which means you can't perform another repetition.

Chill out.
Stressed-out people are more vulnerable to colds and other viruses, they take longer to recover from illness, and they gain more weight than their relaxed counterparts, research has shown.We also know that "the inability to feel in control of stress, rather than the stressful event itself, is the most damaging to immunity," wrote Joan Borysenko in Mending the Body, Mending the Mind.Another stress expert, Debbie Mandel, likes to lift weights when her stress levels creep up. "Then I'm ready to reframe negatives into positives to turn stress into strength," said Mandel, the author of Addicted to Stress. In addition to exercise, deep-breathing techniques, meditation, tai chi and yoga are proven stress relievers.

Eat out less.
We often use restaurants in the same way our parents used supermarkets, one of the main reasons for the dramatic global rise in chronic diseases such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, Freedhoff said."Nutrition and calories aren't intuitive," he said. "When restaurant salads can have more calories and fat than a Big Mac, you know you're putting your health at risk. You'll save more than your money by eating meals in. You might even save your life."

Be a social butterfly.
Human beings are social creatures, if only because we need to reproduce. But research has shown that joining a club or sports team, belonging to a church group or keeping in contact with friends creates a sense of social identity that can help significantly reduce your risk of having a stroke, dementia and even the common cold."We do not outgrow our need for others," according to the MacArthur Foundation Study of Aging in America. "Loneliness breeds both illness and early death."

Get some sleep.
Sleeping well is the single most overlooked factor critical to good health, especially during the flu season, said sleep specialist Dr. Rubin Naiman, an assistant professor at the University of Arizona's Center for Integrative Medicine. But because focusing on doing all the right things before bed can make it harder to sleep, Naiman suggests lightening things up, perhaps by watching comedy on television before bed."Too often sleep is approached with an anxious mind and heavy heart," he said. "Laughter is good medicine -- and good sleep medicine. I recommend it over sleeping pills."

Eat whole foods.
Whole foods -- fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, eggs and whole grains -- are unprocessed and unrefined and typically don't have added sugar, salt or fat. They often have a low glycemic index, which means they don't raise blood sugar and insulin levels as quickly as processed foods.Choose a baked potato instead of French fries, eat whole wheat bread instead of white bread, or start the day with oatmeal, rather than a sugary breakfast cereal."I eat as many fresh veggies and fruits as possible and stay away from anything in a bag, a box or a can," said Yvonne Conte of Syracuse, N.Y., the author of a guidebook to living a happier and healthier life. "When I started this, I lost 22 pounds. And it has stayed off. Best thing I ever did."

Find your passion.
Do things that bring meaning to your days, said Patricia Boyle, a neuropsychologist in the Alzheimer's Disease Center at the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, whose research has shown that having a higher purpose can reduce the risk of death among older adults."Purpose is cognitively stimulating, and this is very much along the lines of the adage 'Use it or lose it,' which certainly has merit," said Dr. Thomas Perls, director of the New England Centenarian study.

Tumeric

I was listening to the John Tesh radio show and I heard about this spice that is supposed to help with a lot of disease prevention.

At the end of this post is a link to an article about it but I've included some of the points below.

"The medicinal properties of this spice have been slowly revealing themselves over the centuries. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent research has revealed that turmeric is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer's disease."

• It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.
• May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.
• Is a natural liver detoxifier.
• May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.
• It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.

http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/20-health-benefits-of-turmeric.html

How to Live in An Enchanted World

I came across this blog and wanted to share. I think it's inspiring.

How to Live in An Enchanted World

I live in an enchanted world. The secret can be summarized in one word: Marci. That is the name of the woman I loved and married, in 2004. I cannot wait to get up, every morning, at the prospect that I get to spend another day with her. For she creates an enchanted world all around her.

Marci grew up in another country, and another culture. She is exquisitely different from any one I have ever met in my life. I ponder every day what makes her so delightful to live with. So let me describe her character to you, but I won't say it's about her. I'll say it's about us, or what we could be, since I beieve these are things she had to learn, and therefore these are things that we can learn, if we want to live a more enchanted life:

1. Prize Innocence. We seem too often to prize worldliness, the person who has seen it all, done it all, and drained life of its wonder. In an enchanted world, you prize innocence: the people who have no cynicism, but believe the best of every person they meet. Remember, when Jesus was asked who was the greatest in his kingdom, he set a little child before them. Keeping the little child in you alive is the kindest thing you can do for yourself. Believe, as children do, in an invisible world around us. Filled not with dreadful dark and terrible things as the popular books and movies of our time would have it, but with invisible creatures of Virtue and Beauty, as the best of faith would have it.

2. Treat every day as the first day. Even with the partner you have lived with for ten thousand days and nights, treat each new day with them as though it were the first time you've ever seen them. That means, tell them each day what you delight in, about them. Never grow tired of saying "please" and "thank you" each time they do an act of kindness that makes your life better, on down to simple tasks like cooking and making the bed. Hold them, touch them, hug them, and laugh with them each day, as a child would. You know the respect with which you treated them when the relationship was new; treat them with the same respect, on the ten thousandth day. And expect the same in return.

3. Always be curious about the people you love or treasure. A scientist is walking by the seashore. Suddenly she sees a creature she has never seen before, in her life. She decides she will not capture it, but simply spend some weeks studying it, to see just what it does: how it survives, how it spends the day, what it eats, what its relationship is with other creatures, where it goes at night, how long it sleeps, etc. In an enchanted world, you must approach each person, and most particularly your partner, with this same curiosity. Day by day, you observe them, not judge them. You try to find out the laws that govern their being, and their life. Example: ¥ou are married to a writer. The writer seems to take two weeks each time they need to write a piece, before they actually start writing. You note this, not try to change it. You do not say to yourself, "Oh, she's got writer's block, and I've got to get her over that." You simply observe: "Oh, she takes two weeks before she gets going." This observation never ends. You are living with a creature you do not know. Do not lull yourself into thinking you do. This creature is constantly evolving, changing. You want to know more about the laws that govern your partner's being this year. Always, in an enchanted world, it's "Oh, this is who they are," not "Oh, I've got to change them." But there is a paradox here: often, by just studying who they are, you will help them change and grow without a word from you.

4. Go through Life determining to be fun to live with. You know, we have so many goals when we are in a long-term relationship, marriage or whatever: to be forgiving, to be gracious, to be ioving, and kind. We often forget the most essential goal, the one that creates an enchanted world: that you be fun to live with. Just that. Nothing more. It's not that hard. If you're puzzled, and you think it is hard, recall someone you know who is loads of fun to be with. Don't just try to fake being like them, but make a list of what makes them fun. That will give you something to work on. Here are my hunches: lots of laughter, showing an interest in you, immense playfulness that is also kind, having an optimism about people and things, not brooding about things, looking forward rather than backward, able to keep people entertained, and the creme de la creme, able to make occasional funny comments about things. That you can cultivate in yourself. But most of all the key is simply that you want to be fun, to live with.

5. Prize Beauty. An enchanted world is a beautiful world, above all. To live in one, put as much beauty into your daily life, as you can. It's up to you to say what that means. For some it is flowers. For some it is music. For some it is nature. For some it is art. For some it is decoration of the place they live. For some it is the way they dress, and the jewelry they wear. For some, it is all of these things. In an enchanted world, however, it is inner beauty radiating from the face and soul, that is the greatest beauty of all.

6. Lastly, an enchanted world is a place of endless gratitude. Nothing is taken for granted. Everything is offered and accepted only with gratitude. Endlessly. To and from your partner. To and from your family. To and from your friends. Strangers. Everyone, including above all the one who created us. In a world where it is considered the height of intelligence to criticize everything, it is enchanting to be thanked often. It is enchanting to give thanks often. Why settle for a dreary complaining existence when you could have an enchanted one?

Well, there it is: a description of Marci. A description of you. A description of an enchanted life, where you just can't wait to get up each morning.

I wish each of you a more enchanted life. Even if it's not named "Marci."

Source- http://jobhuntersbible.typepad.com/

Out of Energy?

Here is an article I found about increasing vitality. Any thoughts or comments on this subject?

Out of Energy?
See nine things that zap your vitality and how to get it back
By Denise Schipani Posted October 09, 2009 from Woman's Day; November 3, 2009

It’s 3 p.m.—do you know where your energy’s gone? You probably expect to feel that late-afternoon drag, but you don’t always have to. Turns out, some of your regular habits may be sneakily zapping your zip. Fix some or all of these energy stealers, and you just may be feeling brighter this afternoon.
Energy Zapper #1: Being Addicted to E-mail Isn’t being wired to the hilt—e-mail, voice mail, IM, BlackBerry— supposed to boost productivity, freeing up your energy? More often, the opposite is true. If you continually halt what you’re doing to answer e-mail, check voice mail, and attend to a thousand other beeps and blips, your attention becomes diluted, which leaves you feeling depleted.
There are two things going on here, says John Salerno, MD, a New York City family physician and director of the Salerno Center for Complementary Medicine. “The brain needs a lot of physical and mental energy to multitask, which gets drained,” he says. And continually redirecting your attention from the BlackBerry to other stimuli siphons more energy and distracts your brain further.
Energy Fix Switch off electronic gadgets during your most productive work hours, which for most people tend to be in the morning, says Laura Stack, author of The Exhaustion Cure. As for e-mail, try to limit yourself to checking it once every hour, instead of hopping to whenever it beeps. (Hint: Turn off the beep sound.) If something pops into your mind that you need to remember—call back your mom, e-mail the soccer coach about the snack schedule—write it down and take care of it later.
Energy Zapper #2: Visual Clutter We may be used to living in enclosed spaces with lots of stuff—a refrigerator door packed with artwork, a countertop laden with mail, a desk that’s little more than a shifting pile of folders and paper—but it’s not how we’re meant to live, says Dr. Salerno. “Clutter signals disorder, which makes us anxious. Our brains sense that anxiety.”
Energy Fix Do your best to clear visual clutter, so when you look around, your eyes can “rest” rather than dart from mess to mess, says Janice Ash, organization expert and owner of I Declutter!. Instead of layering papers on a bulletin board, leave a small border of space around them. Clear the front of the fridge of all but the most current kids’ artwork, and make a habit of leaving the kitchen counter stuff-free before bed each night.
Energy Zapper #3: Being BoredEver sat around for an hour or more not tackling a chore or work because it’s just so darned monotonous? Mental foot-dragging, boredom and lack of motivation are draining, says Dr. Salerno. “Put simply, we like to see results, and getting things done gives us a mental energy boost.” So avoiding tasks deprives you of that high.
Energy Fix Find a partner for encouragement—a friend, a coworker—and call or e-mail to enlist her in a time challenge. “Say, ‘I’ll check back in with you in an hour, and we’ll see if we’ve gotten these reports/ organizing chores done.’” Or promise yourself motivational rewards for completing the task at hand, suggests Dr. Salerno.
Energy Zapper #4: Poor PostureYou already know that not sitting or standing straight is bad for your body. But all that hunching over a computer screen or cradling a phone on your shoulder wreaks havoc on your energy level, too, says Pia Martin, a San Diego health and wellness chiropractor. “When you sit for long periods, you tend to slump forward, leading to rounded shoulders and a tilted lower spine. Your muscles contract, and blood flow is impaired,” which limits the amount of oxygen to your brain.
Energy Fix Sit up straight! Your legs should be at right angles to the floor, your arms at right angles to your keyboard. Be conscious of keeping your shoulders down, not up near your ears. Adjust your computer screen so your eyes gaze at the middle of it. And don’t just sit there—if you have to, set a timer to go off hourly to remind you to get up, stretch and get a drink of water. When you get back to your desk, do a quick posture check: Shoulders down!
Energy Zapper #5: Toxic Indoor Air Humming copy machines. Cleaning products. Dry-cleaning chemicals. Synthetic carpeting. Even the desks in your office may be contributing to the load of toxins you breathe each day, because all of them release chemicals into the air. “No one knows for sure how much harm these cause to our bodies, but they do build up over time, and can drain your energy by potentially interfering with thyroid function and overloading the body’s detox system,” says Frank Lipman, MD, a New York City physician and author of Spent: End Exhaustion and Feel Great Again.
Energy Fix Get outside. If you’re feeling tired, go out for 10 minutes to breathe fresh air. Indoors, cultivate houseplants, which are remarkably good at absorbing toxins. And don’t wear shoes inside the house—you’re dragging not just dirt indoors on your soles, but pesticides and other harmful chemicals too.
Energy Zapper #6: Eating Too Much at Once Consuming a big meal is always something that will cause a dip in energy later, but that effect is most noticeable in the afternoon because the slump happens at that reach-for-coffee-or-sugar hour: 3 p.m. Here’s what happens: You fill up on a carb- and calorie-rich lunch and, as nutrients are absorbed by your body, excess glucose is dumped into your bloodstream, and your body releases insulin to process all that sugar. “A better idea is to spread out what and how you eat throughout the day to keep energy levels steady,” says Gloria Tsang, RD, founder of the nutrition website HealthCastle.com.
Energy Fix Eat every four hours, instead of the usual six. To reform lunch, “try to brownbag more often than eating out,” says Tsang. It’s a fact that if you buy takeout or dine in a restaurant, you’re likely to eat more. Four hours after lunch, have a snack. If you’re going to eat dinner a couple of hours later, keep the snack small, such as half a turkey sandwich, or a yogurt and some crackers. Other ideas: Drink liquids (water, tea) all day. “Dehydration makes you tired, too,” says Tsang. If you usually have coffee right after lunch, try it a little later in the afternoon and make it a latte. The caffeine’s an obvious pick-me-up, but the little bit of fat and protein in the milk gives you a snack-like boost.
Energy Zapper #7: Living in Artificial Light Our natural body rhythms are keyed to the rising and setting of the sun, says Carol Ash, DO, medical director of Sleep for Life, a sleep-disorder clinic in Somerset, New Jersey. When you open your eyes in the morning and get your first glimpse of sunlight, your brain receives a signal that helps it set its sleep-wake clock for the day. Similarly, seeing sunlight during the day gives your brain a boost. So if you are awake before the sun, and/or don’t see much sun all day, your body is experiencing something a lot like jet lag.
Energy Fix Instead of hitting the coffee cart when you’re flagging, hit the sidewalk— the combination of physical exercise and a shot of sunlight will energize you. You don’t need much: “A 10- to 20-minute walk in the sunshine will give you a boost,” says Dr. Ash.
Energy Zapper #8: Listening to Negative Nellies You may be upbeat, but it can be exhausting to listen to complainers all day long, whether it’s the fellow mom who calls to trash-talk the neighbors or the coworker who never has a positive word to say. It’s not your imagination: A 2006 study at Chicago’s Northwestern University found that people forced to listen to “high-maintenance” colleagues became frustrated and unfocused, and suffered a decline in the quality of their work.
Energy Fix Insulate yourself as best you can. If a coworker loves to enumerate her complaints, cut her off with a firm but polite “I really have to get this finished,” then smile and get to work. She’ll get the message. If it’s your own negative thoughts that drag you down, train yourself to banish them by listing, daily, the things you’re grateful for, so you can pull out that list when the negative stuff intrudes.
Energy Zapper #9: Holding a Grudge It takes a surprising amount of energy to remember whom you have a grudge against, and to continually update the faults, missteps and things you’re mad about. “Resentment is a huge drain physically as well as mentally,” says Dr. Lipman. “Anger, resentment, grudges— all of these emotions are toxic, and we hang on to them in our bodies especially in tense, tired muscles.”
Energy Fix It takes practice, but try to forgive old mistakes. An easy way to start is to simply be aware of the times negative thoughts about others creep into your mind, says Dr. Lipman. “Think of others as flawed humans, which we all are,” which makes it easier to forgive—and free up energy.

Job Search article from Careerbuilder

Imagine you're a hiring manager, and you receive a cover letter from a job seeker that begins: "I am tired of writing cover letters." Rather than pick up the phone and call the person in for an interview, you're likely to discard the application.

You may be surprised to learn that the example above is real, and this applicant isn't the only one to inappropriately complain to a prospective employer. Here are some additional examples:
· "Argh! I hate job hunting!"
· "Life isn't fair. I should get paid for looking for a job."
· "I have received zero replies from my résumé. It's not me, though. I know that for sure."

While nearly everyone can understand the frustration of a prolonged job search, it's a big mistake to let your negative feelings show. Indeed, remaining positive can help you get hired. Employers want to hire people who are passionate about their work, relate well to others and aren't easily deflated by setbacks.

Here are some guidelines for conveying the right attitude to hiring managers:

When in doubt, leave it out

One individual who applied for a job wrote: "I'm not lazy, but given a choice between working for someone else, following orders and waking up to that awful sound of an alarm clock or doing what I want to do -- wouldn't any intelligent human being choose the latter?" Although few would be as blatant as this person, any amount of venting is likely to turn off a hiring manager. Make sure the focus of your résumé or cover letter remains on your qualifications. Specifically, what needs does the firm have, and how can you help fill them?

Be a team player
Another candidate had this to say: "I have a problem with dress codes. It will be difficult for me if I need to wear a formal button-down shirt for work because I don't have many of those types of clothes since I dress cool." Such candor didn't do him any favors because he was perceived as someone who has trouble following rules and interacting with colleagues who may have different opinions than his own.
The simple truth is that people want to hire -- and work with -- people who are easy to get along with and low-maintenance. Don't appear difficult by outlining your pet peeves. This extends to the interview as well, especially if it's over lunch: Don't give an overly complicated order; instead, make your requests simple.

Show your enthusiasm for the position
One company received a résumé from a job seeker who said simply, "I've never been all that excited about working." With an attitude like that, you can bet the business wasn't too excited about the candidate, either. Employers want to hire professionals with a true desire to work for their firms. Demonstrate your passion for the position by researching the employer before submitting your application and noting how your skills can meet the company's unique needs. For example, you may learn that the company is opening a new office in your area. Your experience helping to launch start-up operations could be valuable to the organization.

Impress in person

If you're called in for an interview, remember your enthusiasm -- or lack thereof -- will show during the meeting. Simple steps, like offering a firm handshake, sitting up straight, smiling and maintaining eye contact with the interviewer, will showcase your positive attitude. Small shifts in body language, like tapping your foot impatiently, or tone, such as sighing under your breath, can undermine your efforts to make a good impression.

Check in with others

If you've hit a roadblock in your job search, it might be worthwhile to get an outside perspective about how you're presenting yourself. Ask someone whose opinion you trust to review your résumé, cover letter and any other materials you will be submitting to hiring managers. A subtle negative tone can sometimes seep into your application materials without you noticing.

A job search can be challenging even in a good employment market. If you're feeling discouraged and having trouble getting motivated, share your frustration with close friends and family. Not only can they provide a good shoulder to lean on, those you know may have faced similar challenges themselves and be able to provide valuable advice for keeping your head high.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2040-Job-Search-Your-Bad-Attitude-Could-Be-Hurting-Your-Job-Search/?sc_extcmp=JS_2040_home1&SiteId=cbmsnhp42040&ArticleID=2040&gt1=23000&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=6e27762f916a4c38bcbe2e132a5f6361-309614253-VS-4

A good quote

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."
~Leo Buscaglia

Restoration

Deut 30:2-10

And when you and your children return to the LORD your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, 3 then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you. 4 Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the LORD your God will gather you and bring you back. 5 He will bring you to the land that belonged to your fathers, and you will take possession of it. He will make you more prosperous and numerous than your fathers. 6 The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live. 7 The LORD your God will put all these curses on your enemies who hate and persecute you. 8 You will again obey the LORD and follow all his commands I am giving you today. 9 Then the LORD your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands and in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your land. The LORD will again delight in you and make you prosperous, just as he delighted in your fathers, 10 if you obey the LORD your God and keep his commands and decrees that are written in this Book of the Law and turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

The mirror

I read part of the book "Walking the Dead" by John Eldredge yesterday and thought this poem by Yates was insightful. In my interpretation it's not really about make-up or vanity but rather about realizing that we were created in the image of God. As John writes, "You remember faintly that you were once more than what you have become. Your story didn't start with sin, and thank God, it doesn't end with sin. It ends with glory restored"

If I make the lashes dark
And the eyes more bright
And the lips more scarlet
Or ask if all be right
From mirror after mirror
No vanity's displayed
I'm looking for the face I had
Before the world was made.