Wednesday, April 30, 2014

“Just a Worn-Out Pair of Running Shoes”

As I manage an unexpected health diagnosis, I feel that I have become somewhat insignificant, irrelevant, and “virtually non-existent.” These early morning yearnings manifested as this:

I am a Pair of Running Shoes.
Brand new. Fresh smell & feel. 
I help get you through the impossible aches & pains as you begin your journey toward a commitment to work out.
We take it slow by walking…Then progress to jogging…
Then to running…
I make your feet feel comfortable & secure.
We successfully complete 5K (3 mile) walks…then 5K runs.
I help elevate your confidence level to now guide you to ½ marathons (13.1 miles).
Then…eventually a full marathon (26.2 miles).
I am with you through rain, wind, hail or snow…good times & bad.
“Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall…all you have to do is call (or put me on) and I’ll be there…yes I will…you’ve got a friend.”
Then…there is a small crack in my right sole. A dog drags my left shoe around in his mouth.
Although I try, I now have imperfections that I cannot control or correct.
You look at me affectionately, but begin to leave me in the closet.
You then acquire a new pair. Fresh, young, more agile than me.
You reminisce about the great times we have had together. You tell me how much I have meant to you and how far I have gotten you.
You compassionately express gratitude for our relationship.
And then…you leave me in the closet frequently…pushing me further and further toward the back…
Eventually…You retrieve me and gently place me on top of the trash can…to be disposed of….no longer of any use…
After all I have done for you, everything I have sacrificed for you…
I have become to you…
Just a Worn-Out Pair of Running Shoes…


If we maintain our obedience & commitment to the Lord, we all can conclude our journey, not as a pair of worn-out, disposed of running shoes, but as the apostle Paul did in 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NKJV) when he said, “6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”



Tuesday, April 29, 2014

“Rear-View Mirror or Front Wind Shield?”

Basic Auto Driving Safety is to keep focused straight ahead, while also viewing periodically through the rear-view mirror to be aware of what is behind you.

It is good every now and then to look back through the Rear-View Mirror. You are able to assess what you left behind. You can also make sure it doesn’t creep back on you; causing Tailgating & Rear-end collisions.

Look Back...But Only Briefly…
Although you don’t want to stay stuck in the past, it is good to peek there every now and then in order to see how far you’ve come. You can reflect on great memories of events & people who helped influence who you are today.

Beware of Looking Too Far Ahead…
We often are looking so far ahead, anticipating what lies beyond, that we miss what is directly in front of us.
Matthew 6:34 (NKJV): “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” 

Be present in the PRESENT…
Look out of the Front Wind Shield in order to appreciate where you are and anticipate where you are going. Take time to enjoy where you are right here right now.
“Realize deeply that the current moment is all you ever have.” – Eckhart Tolle
“Nothing is more precious than being in the present moment. Fully alive, fully aware” - Thich Nhat Hanh
“In the present, when we allow ourselves to fully live there, we are restored, made wise, made deeper and happier...” 

Powerful Quotes to Consider:
  •  “The reason people find it so hard to be happy is that they always see the Past better than it was, the Present worse than it is, and the Future less resolved than it will be.”
  • “Let go of what was. Surrender to what is. Have faith in what will be.”  -Sonia Ricotti
  •  “The Past is behind, learn from it. The Future is ahead, prepare for it. The Present is here, live it.” - Thomas S. Monson
  • “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it is call the Present.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

So…stay focused in the PRESENT, looking out the Front Wind Shield to see & appreciate where you ARE and what is approaching.
Enjoy the Journey!!!


                                         (Image from Pinterest)

Monday, April 28, 2014

“Sideline Psychologist…”

Sideline is defined as “a line that marks the outside edge of a sports field or court; a sphere of little or no participation or activity.” http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sideline

Players not actively participating in a game and coaches remain on the sidelines during play. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidelines

Isn’t it fascinating to hear people give their “advice” and directives to others? We have so much advice for athletes, celebrities, and politicians…about how games need to be played; movies should be acted; and the government should be run.

However, the majority of us do not have the qualifications to do it ourselves. We have not put in the blood-sweat-tears, nor made the sacrifices to even be remotely qualified to fulfill the role. We are “sitting on and shouting from the sidelines.”

I loved the quote that the President of the United States Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas) gave to his Chief of Staff, A.J. (Martin Sheen) in the 1995 movie, American President, “Is the view pretty good from the cheap seats, A.J.?”

Having held leadership roles & participated in sports, this concept definitely resonates. You are given “advice” and told how you should or should not operate…often from people who have never been leaders or participated in any sport themselves.

I recall, while matriculating my Bachelors and MBA, receiving so much “unsolicited advice” from others regarding college, such as “I wouldn’t take those courses. I heard they were hard.” This advice is given by individuals who had earned no college degree at all, most with only a high school diploma or a GED.

I am often perplexed when I hear others, especially other politicians comment on how good or bad the President of the United States is doing; and “what he should do is.”  It is easy to comment on things when you don’t have all of the “intelligence information,” or when you are not intimately impacted by the consequences of the decision. Also, this quote rings true: “People don’t see things as they are; they see them as they are.”

The Bible even has implications regarding this. Many people have plenty of spiritual advice & judgment of others that they do not even adhere to themselves. James 1:22 (NKJV) says: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

One of my favorite quotes is: “People who THINK they know everything are really annoying to those of us who REALLY DO.” J


Sunday, April 27, 2014

“Going Through Your Stuff...”
I recall when my grandmother passed away. My mother, her sisters, and the granddaughters had the ominous task of sorting through her things.
I was humbled by what I saw. Her Sunday suites and wide selection of hats were stored neatly in her closet. Her recipes were found hidden at the bottom of her cooking utensil drawer. She had new robes and gowns that were never worn. There were the “good towels” and “good dishes” that had never been used. These were to be saved for guests or “someone important.”
Guess what? You are Important.
I recall us sorting through her many albums of photos. The photos that no one knew who was in them or didn’t want were simply thrown away. I am a photo “addict,” having several boxes and many albums of photos from the past. I quietly asked my sister, “Uhm…if I passed away, what would happen to my photo collection?” She firmly stated, “We’d probably keep some that you are in and trash the rest.”  I gasped! She said, “Why would we keep them? We don’t know those people! These moments that you captured don’t really mean anything to anyone but you.”
I learned several lessons from this experience:
  • Don’t get all obsessed with material things. You cannot take it with you.
  • Instead of focusing on leaving “stuff” that will eventually be of no use, focus on leaving behind kindness, smiles, and good deeds. These will remain forever.
  • Be thankful and enjoy what you have…not about what you don’t have.

Look around your home right now. If you died this very moment…what would happen to your “stuff?” Does it really matter???
Matthew 6:19-21(NKJV) says: “19 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
My personal goal: One day, when I die, I hope to have left a “warehouse full” of encouragement, LOL moments, kindness, blessings, and good-will that live on for generations to come. When people have to sort through my material possessions, I want everything to have been enjoyed and used…at least once. 
Are you prepared to have someone “go through your stuff?”  
Because, one day, they will...

Saturday, April 26, 2014

“You Don’t Win Alone…”
When Earvin “Magic” Johnson was with the Los Angeles Lakers NBA Basketball team (1979 – 1991), he was electrifying.
In my opinion, he will go down in NBA history as the “Best Overall Basketball Player in NBA History.”
Johnson was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996, and enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002 for his individual career, and again in 2010 as a member of the "Dream Team".
Throughout the 1980’s era, the Lakers won (5) NBA Championships. People would debate me by saying that Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls was the Best Player in the NBA.
I would counter with “Yes…he may have scored 50 points in a game…but he has no NBA Championship Ring!”
Magic Johnson INSISTED on excellence from the other players on the court and on the bench. He studied them all, knew their strengths, and forced them to rise to them. Although Magic Johnson is noted as the NBA All Time Leader in Average Assists per game, he often accomplished many “triple-doubles” (10+ points – 10+ steals – 10+ assists). However, every other player on the court would have double-digit points as well. He learned that basketball is a TEAM Sport. It cannot be won “individually.” I always said,“When Michael Jordan figures this out, this is when the Chicago Bulls will win.” And they finally did…
I also remember a business example of this concept. I had a colleague that was behind in making her Sales Quota. In the middle of the month, her husband had a heart attack, they were struggling financially, and she felt at the brink of a total meltdown. She asked me to oversee her accounts while she was out of the office.
I felt so passionate about helping her succeed, that by the time she came back, I had helped her reach 101% of quota. This qualified her for the President’s Club and a $3,000 bonus. However, in the midst of taking care of her goals, I neglected my own. I came in at 99.2%. This small shortfall resulted in me losing out on reaching the goal. I consoled myself by saying, “Well, at least this will help her family.”
During the Awards Presentation, she marched up proudly on stage to accept her award. Afterward, I humbly went up to her and said, “Congratulations. I am glad that this can provide some assistance to you.” She boldly proclaimed, “What can I say? I am GOOD!”  Everyone in earshot paused in disbelief. They all knew how tirelessly I had worked to help her, even at my own loss. I just calmly smiled at her and eased away. I was amazed at how quickly we forget when others help us. Amazing, when we believe we won all by ourselves. I gained assurance from Luke 6:35 (NKJV): “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.”
Unfortunately, this proved to be a huge lesson for her. About two months later, she was let go…due to lack of productivity. And I made the President's Club 5 years consecutively.

Bottom-line: No one wins by themselves. People may compete in the Olympics to graduating High School or College to having a successful career. Without the help of dedicated supporters, loving encouragers, & consistent “Prayer Warriors” along the way, success would not have been possible. If you win, it’s a blessing. If you lose, it’s a lesson.

YOU DON’T WIN ALONG…once we all realize this and practice more gratitude, the world will begin springing forth more peace, love, and kindness. We will be renewed & revived… 

Friday, April 25, 2014

“Can’t See The Forrest for the Trees…”
I recall having heard this phrase for most of my life. I initially did not understand it. Now, I interpret it to mean that oftentimes, we are so involved in a situation, that we miss having a broader, rational perspective about it.
Imagine: We are busy running around trees. And they are all we see. However, if you are able to observe the area from a helicopter, you can now see how the trees are connected & enhance each other. You now see the forrest…
I have noticed that I have been “blasted” lately for sharing my observation or opinion. I have received feedback such as:
  • “Well, you don’t have a mother-in-law.”
  • “Well, you don’t have any children.”
  • “Easy for you to say…you’ve never been married.”
I had to pause and process the statements, and then emotionally not let them hurt me. I could easily receive them as personal jabs at me for milestones that I have never accomplished.
Common sense says, “You don’t have to be run over by a train yourself to know that it probably hurts.”
Oftentimes, I feel like someone in a movie theater. The person sitting in the back row can have a completely different perspective than someone on the front row.
Why do we constantly believe that if you have not had an experience, that you have no valuable insight or perspective?
  • We have had several Presidents of the US who have not served in the military, but were/are excellent Commander-in-Chiefs of our Armed Forces. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Presidents_of_the_United_States_by_military_service
  • I know of phenomenal teachers who were never mothers.
  • There are air traffic controllers who have never flown an airplane. http://www.faa.gov/jobs/career_fields/aviation_careers/
  • There have been superior Athletic coaches who were never players themselves.
  • There have been respected people who have never been married or had children. Several include:  Mother Teresa, Florence Nightingale, Oprah Winfrey, George Clooney, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Sadie & Bessie Delaney (“Having Our Say”), etc.
I like the TV show Undercover Boss. This show focuses on company CEOs who go undercover to experience the jobs of their front-line employees. Although they do get an amazing perspective of their employees and their companies, they return to their role as CEO.

I worked for a for-profit university that had over 200 campuses across the US, as well as a few internationally. I managed the Middle Tennessee area. I remember initially being frustrated about some company policies or decisions. Then it dawned on me that I only had “my perspective.” Management sat “at the top of the mountain,” They made decisions that affected the entire US, not just Middle Tennessee.


Paul was not married, yet gave numerous directives for husbands and wives in 1 Corinthians 7:1-16 (NKJV).
Because you are not “emotionally” entangled in issues, it often allows one to see things that you may not see if you are “in the mix.”
I have held the opinion that just because Senator John McCain was a POW (prisoner of war) for 7 years does not qualify him as an expert in Foreign Policy.
I have observed a very heated debate lately regarding Education and the new theory of “Common Core.” The teachers who oppose it make comments like,“They don't know what they are talking about! Why, I’ve been a 3rd grade teacher for 30 years!”  I don't know all of the details about this method. However, I do know that when a 2-year-old can operate an iPhone, that the way I was taught 30 years ago is not going to be sufficient for this emerging "Millennial" generation. And the fact that the US is ranking 14th in the world when it comes to education means that we have to be more innovative. We have to understand that Federal policies have to meet the needs of the entire nation. We ALL have to broaden our perspectives. 
I have to admit, that as a woman, it is very frustrating to have men (lawmakers) dictating to me how I manage my body, with no input at all from women.
Although it may be helpful to have “walked in my shoes,” as long as one has great insight, listening & observation skills, expertise, critical thinking skills, wisdom, vision & empathy, (and faith in GOD) their input is valuable and worth considering....at least to me...
What about you?

Thursday, April 24, 2014

“When You Have To Step Up To The Podium…”

I often have an image of when Jesus returns. The Bible states that after we die, we will each face Judgment Day. This is referred to several times:

Hebrews 9:27 (NKJV): “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,”
2 Corinthians 5:10 (NKJV): “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”
Romans 14:10 (NKJV): “But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.”
Matthew 12:36 (NKJV): “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.”
Psalm 9:7 (NKJV): “But the Lord shall endure forever; He has prepared His throne for judgment.”

I imagine each of our individual names being called and we each having to walk up to the proverbial “podium.” The Lord will open up the Book of Life. We will have to give an account for our time here on Earth.

God is not going to ask you about:
  • Your AWARDS (Oscar-Grammy-Tony-Olympic Medals; NBA Championships);
  • Your Following of Beyonce, Justin Bieber, or Taylor Swift;
  • Your college graduation with a Bachelors, Masters, or Doctorate degree;
  • Your career successes, promotions, or raises;
  • How many hit albums that you made;
  • How much material wealth you have acquired.

I often hear people saying things like:
“As I lie here on the beach, I see a homeless person. This makes me reflect why our church doesn’t do more for the homeless.”
GOD is going to ask: “How many homeless people did YOU feed?”

Some of us will render excuses such as:
“Lord, I know you told me to refrain from sexual immorality, BUT, I practiced Safe Sex, and I did go to worship you every Sunday.”
Unfortunately, BUT is unacceptable. Either we will be obedient or we won’t. Both have consequences…one favorable, one not so.

Many of us will cry and say things like:
“But Lord, didn’t you see what Sally Jane did to me?”
I anticipate the Lord’s response being: “Yes…I did. I will deal with Sally Jane when she steps up to the podium. I am dealing with you right now. I want to know how you handled how Sally Jane treated you.”

Just as he gave The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 (NKJV), He has given us all special gifts and talents to be used to glorify Him. If we use them, we will be rewarded. If not, He will not be pleased...

Erma Bombeck said, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.’”

The time has come for us to stop worry about what everyone else is saying, doing, or not doing and focus on what we should be saying & doing. We need to ensure that our own “call and election is sure.” We are still given the charge to help bring others to Christ. However, how we live our lives “preaches a sermon” to people every day.

Are you ready to “step up to the podium?”

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

“Assume Nothing…”
Assume is defined as “to think that something is true or probably true without knowing that it is true; to take up or in : receive; to take into partnership, employment, or use; to take to or upon oneself :  undertake <assume responsibility>; seize, usurp <assume control>; to pretend to have or be.”  http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assume
I continue to be perplexed when people use phrases such as:
“Well, I thought you should know…”
“You should know better…”
“Common Sense should lead you to know…”
“They know better…”
“I told you once…”
Why do we assume that people understand everything EXACTLY as you understand it the first time?
We don’t know HOW we said it; what TONE we used when we said it; if it was received & understood clearly by the intended receiver; or if additional information is required.
True communication is when you (as the receiver) can repeat back to the sender exactly what they said to you with the same meaning in which it was said.
The secular acronym for assume is to make an “ASS out of U and ME.” Unfortunately, this is typically the result…resulting in miscommunication, frustration, anger, missed deadlines, and hurt feelings.
Oh, have I ever witnessed the frustration from friends, parents, & bosses when they say, “I told you once, already!”  Rarely does anyone accomplish the goal or the desired outcome on the 1st Attempt.
I often find it amusing how we hold people to standards that we ourselves don’t even live up to.
We even make assumptions spiritually. We oftentimes “think” we know more than God. He addresses this in Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV): “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.”
Important Points to Note:
“Before you assume, there’s this thing called asking.” – unknown
“You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think about you if you realized how seldom they do.” -  Eleanor Roosevelt
“Before you assume, learn the facts.” – unknown
 “The best way to get along with people is to not expect them to be like you.” – Joyce Meyers
“Assuming the worst in a person hurts them; Assuming the best in a person disappoints you; Assuming nothing allows you both the ability to see the truth.” - unknown
 “Things are seldom what they seem.” – unknown
“Never Assume. Never Expect. Just Hope.” – unknown
 We could all use wisdom & follow this advice: 
“A good life is when you assume nothing, do more, need less, smile often, dream big, laugh a lot, and realize how blessed you really are.” – unknown

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

“Float like a Butterfly; Sting like a Bee…”
 “Float like a Butterfly; Sting like a Bee. The hands can’t hit what the eyes can’t see.”
“The Rope-a-Dope” – Ali’s boxing strategy
 “Rumble in the Jungle” – Ali vs. George Foreman, 1974
“Thrilla in Manila” – Ali vs. Joe Frazier, 1975
These phrase and events were/are synonymous to the legendary boxer Cassius Clay, aka Muhammad Ali. I grew up in awe of him as an amazing athlete and an international humanitarian.
His strong self-confidence was often mistaken as arrogance. However, he would say. “It ain’t bragging – if you can back it up.”
He was a master of “psychological warfare.” Without being a clinical psychologist, he would repeat to his opponent over & over “You are going down in the 3rd Round. You are going down in the 3rd Round.” Guess what? He would knock them out in the 3rd Round!
Some of his “rants” of confidence included:
“If you even dream about beating me, You’d better wake up and apologize.”
“I’m so mean, I make medicine sick.”
“I’m young; I’m handsome; I’m fast; I’m pretty; and can’t possibly be beaten.”
“I’m so fast that last night I turned off the light in my hotel room and was in bed before the room was dark.”
“I AM THE GREATEST. I said this even before I knew I was.”
The stands he took were amazing. He competed & won Olympic Gold for USA & came home to still be treated with discrimination under Jim Crow Laws. When he refused to be drafted into the military during the Vietnam War, He said, “Why am I going to fight people who have done nothing to me for a country that mistreats me.”
He had converted to Islam and sited religious beliefs as his reason for not going. His case made it all the way to the Supreme Court, where he was eventually vindicated.
His bantor and on-going dialogue with ABC Sports Journalist Howard Cosell were epic! He challenged him to be a better reporter.
He definitely was considered “before his time.”
However, I challenge that he was RIGHT ON TIME.
He will always be my most inspiring Athlete of all Time.
 Muhammad Ali’s quotes regarding life:
 “I hated every minute of training. But I said, ‘Don’t Quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.’ “
“It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you down. It’s the peeble in your shoe.”
“Impossible is not a declaration, it’s a DARE.”
“Don’t Count the Days, Make the Days Count.”
 “Age is whatever you think it is. You are as old as you think you are.”
 Probably, one of his most profound quotes that I admire:
“We have one life, it soon will be past;
What we do for God, is all that will last.”


(Image via Pinterest)



Monday, April 21, 2014

The Most Lethal Weapon
As children, most of us were taught this rhyme:
“Sticks and stones may break my bones;
But words will never hurt me.”
Unfortunately, this is not true.
The Bible even confirms this in James 3:5 (TLB): “So also the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do…”
 Although I am thankful for the “thick skin” I have acquired over the years, words still hurt. I have forgiven myself…for words I may have said, and for words said to me. Although I have forgiven, and the wounds have healed, the scars still remain.
Probably the most damaging words that have ever been spoken to me were from someone I idolized as a superior entrepreneur and a dear friend. As we were ending an unsuccessful business alliance, his words still cut me like a knife:
“I owe you an apology. I am sorry I believed you were competent.
 I am sorry I believed in you.”
These words were told to me over 16 years ago. Although I received an emailed apology years afterward, and the wounds have scabbed over, the memory of the pain, still remains…dulled, but still there…
 “The tongue has no bones, but is strong enough to break a heart. So be careful with your words.” - unknown
“Be careful what you say. You can say something hurtful in ten seconds, but ten years later, the wounds are still there.” – Joel Osteen
 How should we harness in this powerful weapon?
 One of my favorite songs is by Take 6 called Let The Words. It is very simple. It says”
“Let the words of my mouth, bring you praise;
May the words that I speak be seasoned with your love & grace.
May the things, oh Lord, that I choose to say,
Bring glory, not shame to your name each day.
Let the words of my mouth bring you praise.”
The Bible gives a few suggestions:
Proverbs 15:1(NKJV): “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV): “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”
Colossians 4:6 (NKJV): “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
Psalm 34:13 (NKJV): “Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit.
Final Wisdom to Consider:
 “Before you say something, stop and think how you would feel if someone said it to you.” – unknown
 Sometimes, harsh words remind you of the most important things in life. We are reminded that what man thinks about you is unimportant. Resting in the “blessed assurance” and faith that GOD LOVES YOU & BELIEVES in you is the most important thing of all.

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Americans of the 21st Century…”Spoiled Brats!”

We, as US Citizens, have evolved into being the proverbial “spoiled brats” of society. The United States Congress & Washington DC have now become our “enabling parents.”

They pass laws that are popular to please their constituents…or those who yell the loudest. This is why its citizens have become so vocal and so demanding. We want to do whatever we want to do, whenever we want to do it, however we want to do it…with no regards to the consequences. And if we don’t get our way…we scream HATE and INEQUALITY.

Congress needs to be more like my firm, no-nonsense, loving parents:
Fortunately, I was not allowed to do whatever I wanted to. I was given boundaries, parameters, deadlines, curfews, and unwavering expectations & consequences, when needed.

Our US Currency says “In God We Trust.” Maybe if we’d allow GOD back into our schools, in our homes, in our marriages, and in our elected officials, the outcomes may be different.

We should consider getting back to the very patriotism that has eluded us over the years. I recall saying the Pledge of Allegiance every day. It was also mandatory to learn & sing the Star-Spangled Banner, and to stand in silence whenever we heard it sang or played.

We have to get back to a time when hard work was rewarded. Companies have to be loyal to their employees again, so that employees will remain loyal to them.

We have to understand that in life, there are Winners & Losers. Efforts & Good Intentions are nice, but the results are the only thing that truly matters.

The Bible’s acronym is often stated as:  Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.  It is still the same—no matter what generation we are in.

GOD & his commandments are the same in the past, in the present, and in the future. Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 (NKJV) says, “9 That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun. 10 Is there anything of which it may be said, “See, this is new”? It has already been in ancient times before us.”

Hopefully, wisdom & time will lead us back to an era consisting of respect, integrity, perseverance, morality, common sense, and love for each other, for our country, and for God.

Remaining optimistic and “praying without ceasing…”


Saturday, April 19, 2014

“You Hurt My Feelings…”

I have often heard this stated. Even used it myself at times. However, I always wondered exactly what did it mean.
Case in Point:
I was doing a favor for someone and made, what I thought, was a harmless joke. Boy, did I get thrashed!  I was stunned…into silence.
I was devastated…as though someone had just thrown cold water into my face.  I didn’t mean to provoke such wrath.
Since I am an “emotional being,” and, at the time - super-sensitive, I was at a loss for words as to how to define my emotions. (Was I being hurtful to someone else? If so, it was totally unintentional! How could I be so wrong?)
I guess it is easy to describe them as “hurt feelings.” However, I am trying to dig deeper than this. What am I really feeling?
All I do know is that when the favor was completed, I mechanically went forth completing tasks, i.e., filling up my car with gas, going into my local Walgreens. However, I know I was dealing with things emotionally, because I found myself going through a McDonald’s Drive-Through (something I rarely do…which let me know that I was “emotionally-eating.”)  I came home and ate what I didn’t enjoy. I guess my body decided it needed to recalibrate, because I fell out unconscious for a few hours.
I woke up…less emotional – more logical. My rational mind began explaining to me that every attack on you is not about you.  You just accidentally stepped on a land mine.
We must practice more “emotion-strengthening” exercises. We are too blessed to allow hurtful words & actions; intentional ignoring and disrespect; or flagrant attacks of your character to distract you from being who GOD made you to be. We must learn the art of patience, calm, restraint, and silence. James 1:19 (NKJV) says: “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;”
Moral of the story: When “perceived” or actual attacks are made at you, “hurting your feelings,” you must Pause, Process it for what it is, lick your wounds, pray, and keep moving…
“Don’t worry about Hurting My Feelings because I guarantee you not one bit of my self-esteem is tied up in your acceptance.” – Dr. Phil

Friday, April 18, 2014

“Life With No Regrets”
I had a dream once of being 80 years old, sitting on my front porch. Approaching me are my children, grand-children, and great-grand-children.
They young ones are huddling around me. One asks, “Granny Janette? Tell us about your life…”
How do I answer it?
Scenario 1: 
“Well, I stayed in my small home town. My faith is weak, so I didn’t really go to church or pray to God. I was somewhat nervous about going too far, so I never really traveled. I didn’t even get my Driver’s License, nor bought a car. I was afraid of relationships, so I have no friends. I was offered opportunities to try new things, but I was afraid of messing up, so I never tried. I retired from my job after 30 years...one in which I did not enjoy. I married your Grandfather 50 years ago...I love him, but don't really like him. I didn’t trust new food recipes, so I primarily eat the same things. I didn’t play any sports or games. I don’t get on Social Media, so I am not in touch with anyone. I don’t listen to the radio nor watch much TV. I rarely speak to anyone on the phone nor visit anyone. I basically sit here and watch my neighbors’ lives. That’s about it.”
One responded: “Wow, Granny…that seems like a sad, boring life!”
Or it could be…
Scenario 2:
My great-grand-children go up on the porch to see my husband alone. They ask, “Grandpa, where is Granny?”  He smiles and responds, “Your Granny will be here in a few minutes from running in that 5K race she always runs in.” I approach, with a winning medal around my neck!
“Granny!” they yell. I hug them, and then, kiss my husband passionately on the lips, hold his hand, and sit beside him on the porch swing. The great-grandkids all yell, “Eww…Yuck…Gross!” (I laugh & wink at my adult children & grandchildren.) J
They ask me, “Granny Janette, tell us about your life…”
“Well…I married your Grandpa here, right after I completed college, medical school, and my residency at age 30. We have been married for 50 years. GOD has always been the foundation of our marriage. Our favorite scripture is Psalm 37:4 (NKJV): “Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” And, boy, has He done this!
I fulfilled my dream of being a Doctor. He fulfilled his dream of being a Commercial Airline Pilot. We have traveled the world. We had your parents, tried & failed at many things, but enjoyed ourselves anyway. We have gone bungee-jumping, sky-diving, skiing, white-water-rafting, and deep-sea fishing. We have gone on 5 cruises, been to Hawaii, seen the Grand Canyon, & been to New York City. I have walked in the sand around the Atlantic & Pacific Oceans and have gone on a mission trip to Nigeria West Africa. I tried modeling, public speaking, & acting. We love sushi & spicy Mexican food. We have friends around the world. I am an addict on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, & Instagram. I am on Level 300 of Candy Crush Saga, a “Scandalholic,” and we were extras in Pharrell Williams video for his mega-hit song ‘Happy.’ And we are just getting started!! “
The kids all scream with laughter & glee. “Wow…Granny…we want to be like you!”
What do you want to tell others about your life?
Do you want to tell them that you had no faith in the Lord and was too afraid to live it?
Or that with God’s Grace, you had a blast…and are still enjoying it! J
You decide…