How an Autistic Child thinks......
Nobody can see my disability. I look just like every other kid-attractive, walking, making sound's. They can't see how my neurons are scrambled in my brain. They can't see the misconnections between the left and right brain. Nobody can see I have autism.
Nobody can see that my body is sick. No one can see that my stomach is in knots from my digestive system not working. No one can that my body and mind are starving because my cells don't make the right enzymes to digest food. No one see that I suffer from low blood sugar because I can't properly metabolize nourishment.No one can see that my body is attacking its own nerve cells from auto-immune dysfunction.
No one can see that mercury lead and arsenic cannot be excreted from my body, so it keeps building up in my brain.
No one understands that my body cannot tolerate normal enjoyments for children, like bright, vivid colors and loud noises. I desperately want to be a kid and enjoy these things, but my body just won't let me.But everyone can see how inappropriate my behavior can be when I am out in public. Everyone can see how immature I can be compared to other kids my age. Everyone sees the 2-year old tantrums when things have been too overwhelming for me.
Everyone sees my frustration from trying to cope.Everyone sees my screaming and fighting. Everyone just assumes I'm being bad, not that my body hurts, my eyes are in pain from colors, my ears ring with loud noises not heard by others.Everyone sees my tantrums when I don't get my way.
No one sees that I can't explain my fear when I think I'm not being understood. Everyone may see my screams when my mom takes something away from me. No one can see that having something of comfort can keep my fears under control for me, and taking it away makes my nerves explodes in anxiety.No one understands how hard I have to work to keep my behaviors from reacting to the chemical imbalances in my body that makes me feel horrible.
No one can see that, no matter how hard I try, sometimes I cannot control it. No one can see the shame I feel after I've had a meltdown from my body's problems.What they don't see I am a person. I have feelings and want to be loved and accepted like everyone else. What they don't see is that, when they look at me like I need a good spanking; I understand that I'm not capable of controlling my body.
What they don't see is that I scream because I don't know how to say "HELP ME"What they don't see is that I hear every ugly word they say, but for the life of me, I can't make my mouth say what I'm feeling. But they don't see that as a disability.
They say I am unmanageable. They say I am a problem.But I am not a problem. I HAVE AUTISM. My mom has taken me to more doctors and specialist than you can ever imagine. She's read more books and done more research on my disease than parents would ever want. She has tried special diet, supplements, drugs and various metabolic therapies. She has PRAYED for GUIDANCE and asked for discernment on how to help my body. And behaviors, OH YES, has she tried everything to help my behavior.
Stop telling her all I need is a spanking. If spanking would stop all this, my mom would gladly exchange my disability for a spanking. She knows better than all of you what I need to help me, and what we both need is your understanding, not ignorance.I just want to be accepted and understood. No blamed and ashamed, I want to be appreciated for my gifts. I do have some if you look more closely.
I want to be cared for as a person. I want you to care, even when I act like I don't.I want to be respected, just like you do. I want you to respect my mom and dad for all the hard work they have done to help me try to lead a normal a life as possible. I want you to respect my family and all the struggles we have to endure because of our love for each other.I want to be LOVED like any other child. And need you to role model respectful behavior for me so I can be respectful too.
I want you to love me just like God would.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Worship that Pleases God!
This is a very nice reminder :) For me, Praise & worship time is one of my favorite parts of going to church. It prepares my spirit to receive the Word. Worship is different for everyone, but for me...I used to wonder why that I would get so emotional and shed tears during Praise & worship time at church.
I now know that it is my spirit being in touch with the Holy Spirit and it will sometimes make me cry. I call it my "Holy Spirit" washing-- that the Lord is washing away all the gunk that is going in my life. I also will get that warm and an all over tingly feeling. It is then when I feel the Lords presence and feel totally connected. I just close my eyes and worship. It does my spirit and soul good and I just forget about all the garbage that might be going on in my life. :)
Worship That Pleases God
by Rick Warren
Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’” Mark 12:29-30 (NLT)
*** *** *** ***
God doesn’t want a part of your life. He asks for all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. He’s not interested in half-hearted commitment, partial obedience, and the leftovers of your time and money. He desires your full devotion.
A Samaritan woman once tried to debate Jesus on the best time, place, and style for worship. Jesus replied that these external issues are irrelevant. Where you worship is not as important as why you worship and how much of yourself you offer to God when you worship.
The Bible teaches worship that pleases God has four characteristics:
God is pleased when our worship is accurate.
God is pleased when our worship is authentic.
God is pleased when our worship is thoughtful.
God is pleased when our worship is practical.
When Jesus said, “Love God with all your strength,” he was saying that worship takes effort and energy. It’s not always convenient or comfortable, and sometimes worship is a sheer act of the will—a willing sacrifice.
When you praise God even when you don’t feel like it, when you get out of bed to worship when you’re tired, or when you help others when you’re worn out, you’re offering a sacrifice of worship to God.
And that pleases God.
I now know that it is my spirit being in touch with the Holy Spirit and it will sometimes make me cry. I call it my "Holy Spirit" washing-- that the Lord is washing away all the gunk that is going in my life. I also will get that warm and an all over tingly feeling. It is then when I feel the Lords presence and feel totally connected. I just close my eyes and worship. It does my spirit and soul good and I just forget about all the garbage that might be going on in my life. :)
Worship That Pleases God
by Rick Warren
Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’” Mark 12:29-30 (NLT)
*** *** *** ***
God doesn’t want a part of your life. He asks for all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. He’s not interested in half-hearted commitment, partial obedience, and the leftovers of your time and money. He desires your full devotion.
A Samaritan woman once tried to debate Jesus on the best time, place, and style for worship. Jesus replied that these external issues are irrelevant. Where you worship is not as important as why you worship and how much of yourself you offer to God when you worship.
The Bible teaches worship that pleases God has four characteristics:
God is pleased when our worship is accurate.
God is pleased when our worship is authentic.
God is pleased when our worship is thoughtful.
God is pleased when our worship is practical.
When Jesus said, “Love God with all your strength,” he was saying that worship takes effort and energy. It’s not always convenient or comfortable, and sometimes worship is a sheer act of the will—a willing sacrifice.
When you praise God even when you don’t feel like it, when you get out of bed to worship when you’re tired, or when you help others when you’re worn out, you’re offering a sacrifice of worship to God.
And that pleases God.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Spiritual Being--Physical Experience
I liked this :) As the saying goes that "we are spiritual beings having a human experience"
Spiritual Being--Physical Experience
Physical Bodies on Earth
We are on this earth, in our physical bodies, because our souls have things to learn that we could not learn in any other way. It is through our physical body and the physical world that we can experience life.
Purely spiritual beings are just that - they are in a state of being rather than doing – in a place that is beyond the limitations of time and space. But when we incarnate on the physical plane, we are automatically subject to the laws of physics and the world of dualities. In this place, we know what happiness is because we have experienced sadness, and we understand the value and power of light because we have known darkness.
Knowing this, we have the opportunity to let ourselves be spiritual beings having a physical experience. There is no pain in the spiritual realm, because we know we are one with the limitless source of the universe. But here, in the material realm, our sense of limitation and separation allows us to feel our emotions and to learn about love, forgiveness, and compassion.
We go from a spiritual state of oneness to learning how to be in relationship with people who are different and distinct individuals. We learn to understand ourselves through our relationships with the world around us—its seasons and landscapes, challenges and opportunities. And through our journey to find our place among so many others, we begin to recognize our own glimmer of light in a constellation of stars.
Once we remember that we are spiritual beings, we can revel in the experience of being human while knowing we are all connected. We can live from the place of oneness while truly appreciating the beauty of diversity, the bittersweet feel of love and loss, and the elation of triumph over challenges and adversity.
It is through these opposites that we experience life itself, and we can ride through the dark times with the understanding that it will help us to appreciate the light of life and love and spirit more fully. We are here now because we made the choice to experience an earth life, so now we can choose to enjoy the journey as completely as possible.
Spiritual Being--Physical Experience
Physical Bodies on Earth
We are on this earth, in our physical bodies, because our souls have things to learn that we could not learn in any other way. It is through our physical body and the physical world that we can experience life.
Purely spiritual beings are just that - they are in a state of being rather than doing – in a place that is beyond the limitations of time and space. But when we incarnate on the physical plane, we are automatically subject to the laws of physics and the world of dualities. In this place, we know what happiness is because we have experienced sadness, and we understand the value and power of light because we have known darkness.
Knowing this, we have the opportunity to let ourselves be spiritual beings having a physical experience. There is no pain in the spiritual realm, because we know we are one with the limitless source of the universe. But here, in the material realm, our sense of limitation and separation allows us to feel our emotions and to learn about love, forgiveness, and compassion.
We go from a spiritual state of oneness to learning how to be in relationship with people who are different and distinct individuals. We learn to understand ourselves through our relationships with the world around us—its seasons and landscapes, challenges and opportunities. And through our journey to find our place among so many others, we begin to recognize our own glimmer of light in a constellation of stars.
Once we remember that we are spiritual beings, we can revel in the experience of being human while knowing we are all connected. We can live from the place of oneness while truly appreciating the beauty of diversity, the bittersweet feel of love and loss, and the elation of triumph over challenges and adversity.
It is through these opposites that we experience life itself, and we can ride through the dark times with the understanding that it will help us to appreciate the light of life and love and spirit more fully. We are here now because we made the choice to experience an earth life, so now we can choose to enjoy the journey as completely as possible.
Monday, May 26, 2008
The Politics Of Memorial Day, and a special project
The politics of Memorial Day, and a special project
Technically, Memorial Day is not a political holiday. It actually began at the grass-roots level by post-Civil War moms who began marking the shallow graves of the fallen on both sides.
But the weekend set-to over veterans benefits between Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama, and the ongoing Iraq war and stark differences between parties over that issue indicate the military will be front and center in the national debate this political season.
President Bush added his comments at an Arlington National Cemetery service today too.
With a hat tip to Politico's Mike Allen, we also note the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, is warning the military's entire officer corps to stay out of politics this year, as always.
But the main point of this item is to call to everyone's attention the compelling Memorial Day special project elsewhere on this site. A special team has been working long hours for weeks to assemble this interactive collection of all 492 of Southern California's recent war dead from Iraq and Afghanistan, searchable by hometown, high school, age, etc...
There's a specially produced video. And the familiar comment board for readers to share their thoughts and messages.
Even if you're not from Southern California -- and despite the appearance of traffic there, most Americans aren't -- you'll find the individual stories and lives revealing and compelling. The Ticket recommends it highly.
--Andrew Malcolm
Technically, Memorial Day is not a political holiday. It actually began at the grass-roots level by post-Civil War moms who began marking the shallow graves of the fallen on both sides.
But the weekend set-to over veterans benefits between Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama, and the ongoing Iraq war and stark differences between parties over that issue indicate the military will be front and center in the national debate this political season.
President Bush added his comments at an Arlington National Cemetery service today too.
With a hat tip to Politico's Mike Allen, we also note the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, is warning the military's entire officer corps to stay out of politics this year, as always.
But the main point of this item is to call to everyone's attention the compelling Memorial Day special project elsewhere on this site. A special team has been working long hours for weeks to assemble this interactive collection of all 492 of Southern California's recent war dead from Iraq and Afghanistan, searchable by hometown, high school, age, etc...
There's a specially produced video. And the familiar comment board for readers to share their thoughts and messages.
Even if you're not from Southern California -- and despite the appearance of traffic there, most Americans aren't -- you'll find the individual stories and lives revealing and compelling. The Ticket recommends it highly.
--Andrew Malcolm
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Dodging and Deflecting
Dodging And Deflecting
Let It Roll Off Our Back
One of the most difficult challenges in life is learning not to take things to heart and hold on to it. Especially when we’re younger, or if we’re very sensitive, we take so much of what comes our way to heart.
This can be overwhelming and unproductive if it throws us off balance on a regular basis. When we are feeling criticized or attacked from all directions, it becomes very difficult for us to recover ourselves so that we can continue to speak and act our truth.
This is when we would do well to remember the old saying about letting certain things roll off us, like water off a duck’s back. Most of the time, the attacks and criticisms of others have much more to do with them and how they are feeling than with us. If we get caught up in trying to adjust ourselves to other people’s negative energy, we lose touch with our core.
In fact, in a positive light, these slings and arrows offer us the opportunity to strengthen our core sense of self, and to learn to dodge and deflect other people’s misdirected negativity.
The more we do this, the more we are able to discern what belongs to us and what belongs to other people. With practice, we become masters of our energetic integrity, refusing to serve as targets for the disowned anger and frustration of the people around us.
Eventually, we will be able to hear the feedback that others have to offer, taking in anything that might actually be constructive, and releasing that which has nothing to do with us. First, though, we tend ourselves compassionately by recognizing when we can’t take something in from the outside without hurting ourselves.
This is when we make like a duck, shaking it off and letting it roll off our back as we continue our way in the world.
Let It Roll Off Our Back
One of the most difficult challenges in life is learning not to take things to heart and hold on to it. Especially when we’re younger, or if we’re very sensitive, we take so much of what comes our way to heart.
This can be overwhelming and unproductive if it throws us off balance on a regular basis. When we are feeling criticized or attacked from all directions, it becomes very difficult for us to recover ourselves so that we can continue to speak and act our truth.
This is when we would do well to remember the old saying about letting certain things roll off us, like water off a duck’s back. Most of the time, the attacks and criticisms of others have much more to do with them and how they are feeling than with us. If we get caught up in trying to adjust ourselves to other people’s negative energy, we lose touch with our core.
In fact, in a positive light, these slings and arrows offer us the opportunity to strengthen our core sense of self, and to learn to dodge and deflect other people’s misdirected negativity.
The more we do this, the more we are able to discern what belongs to us and what belongs to other people. With practice, we become masters of our energetic integrity, refusing to serve as targets for the disowned anger and frustration of the people around us.
Eventually, we will be able to hear the feedback that others have to offer, taking in anything that might actually be constructive, and releasing that which has nothing to do with us. First, though, we tend ourselves compassionately by recognizing when we can’t take something in from the outside without hurting ourselves.
This is when we make like a duck, shaking it off and letting it roll off our back as we continue our way in the world.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road (Some Political humor!) LOL
WHY DID THE CHICKEN CROSS THE ROAD?
BARACK OBAMA:The chicken crossed the road because it was time for a CHANGE! The chicken wanted CHANGE!
JOHN McCAIN:My friends, that chicken crossed the road because he was a TERRORIST and we need to BLOW HIM UP!It's Fried Chicken for the next 100 YEARS!! YIPEE!!!
HILLARY CLINTON:When I was First Lady, I personally helped that little chicken to cross the road. This experience makes me uniquely qualified to ensure -- right from Day One! -- that every chicken in this country gets the chance it deserves to cross the road. But then, this really isn't about me......
DR. PHIL:The problem we have here is that this chicken won't realize that he must first deal with the problem on 'THIS' side of the road before it goes after the problem on the 'OTHER SIDE' of the road. What we need to do I s help him realize how stupid he's acting by not taking on his 'CURRENT' problems before adding 'NEW' problems.
OPRAH:Well, I understand that the chicken is having problems, which is why he wants to cross this road so bad. So instead of having the chicken learn from his mistakes and take falls, which is a part of life, I'm going to give this chicken a car so that he can just drive across the road and not have to live his life like the rest of the chickens.
GEORGE W. BUSH:We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road, or not. The chicken is either against us, or for us. There is no middle ground here. We will attack the other side of the road whether the chickens of this country approve or not! Anyway, I thought I owned that chicken where's that black car!(clearly the chickens will not allow this madness)
COLIN POWELL:Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the satellite image of the chicken crossing the road.
ANDERSON COOPER - CNN:We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but we have not yet been allowed to have access to the other side of the roador report about any of the happenings on this side of the road.
JOHN KERRY:Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am now against it! It was the wrong road to cross, and I was misled about the chicken's intentions. I am not for it now, and will remain against it.
NANCY GRACE:That chicken crossed the road because he's GUILTY! Guilty! You can see it in his eyes and the way he walksand the way he dresses. Guilty, guilty, guilty!!
PAT BUCHANAN:That Chicken crossed the road to steal the job of a decent, hardworking American.
MARTHA STEWART:No one called me to warn me which way that chicken was going. I had a standing order at the Farmer's Market to sell my eggs when the price dropped to a certain level. No little bird gave me any insider information.
DR SEUSS:Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad? Yes, the chicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I've not been told.
ERNEST HEMINGWAY:To die in the rain. Alone.
GRANDPA:In my day we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road. Somebody told us the chicken crossed the road, and that was good enough.
BARBARA WALTERS:Isn' t that interesting? In a few moments, we will be listening to the chicken tell, for the first time, the heart warming story of how itexperienced a serious case of molting, and went on to accomplish its life long dream of crossing the road.
ARISTOTLE:It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.
JOHN LENNON:Imagine all the chickens in the world crossing roads together, in peace.
BILL GATES:I have just released eChicken2007, which will not only cross roads, but will lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance your checkbook. Internet Explorer is an integral part of the Chicken. This new platform is much more stable and will never cra...
ALBERT EINSTEIN:Did the chicken really cross the road, or did the road move beneath the chicken?
BILL CLINTON:I did not cross the road with THAT chicken. Well, what exactly is your definition of “cross”?
AL GORE:I invented the road AND the highway!
COLONEL SANDERS:Did I miss one? !
DICK CHENEY:Where' s my gun! Just keep them from everyone else. I'm in charge of that Chicken!
AL SHARPTON:Why are all the chickens white? We need some black chickens! and the finale!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!! drum roll!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!
RON PAUL: Let the Chicken be free to cross the road and don't take away his God given right of Liberty to cross it. Let the chicken cross it without the Taxation and NO we are not going to replace the crossing tax with another! He Marched right in, just let him March right out!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Dead Woman Buried with Cellphone Allegedly Sends Texts to Husband
Very strange! I guess some people are so in love with their techno toys that they are buried with them... LOL
Dead Woman Buried With Cellphone Allegedly Sends Texts to Husband
A grieving widower claims to have been receiving calls and text messages from beyond the grave. Frank Jones, whose wife Sadie died five years ago, says he has been plagued by SMS messages and missed calls since she was buried—her beloved cellphone in the coffin beside her.
The weirdest part of all of this is that 20 years ago, when Frank and his family moved into their house in the British resort town of Blackpool, they were plagued by paranormal behavior. Doors were slammed, bedclothes pulled off the kids while they slept, taps were turned on—and all this was put down to a malevolent presence called "The Thing."
So, the Joneses called in Blackpool's answer to Ghostbusters, the Fleetwood Spiritualist Church, who cleansed the property of The Thing, according to them a spirit "trapped between two worlds." For five years everything was A-OK until the family was hit by a double tragedy: first the death of son Steven, then Sadie just three months later. After she was buried, the weirdness returned.
Shortly after his wife's death, Frank claims to have had a missed call on his mobile, which didn't ring. "The call was from my own home number, but there was nobody in the house," he explains. "When I went inside there was a smell like cigarettes which Sadie used to smoke and the smell of her perfume." The 59-year-old also claims that his late wife has been sending them all SMSes from beyond the grave. "There have been messages with words Sadie would say but there's no number." [The Register]
Facing The Truth
Sometimes when we see too much truth about ourselves suddenly mirrored in front of us by the teacher or the teachings, it is simply too difficult to face, too terrifying to recognize, too painful to accept as the reality about ourselves. We deny and reject it, in an absurd and desperate attempt to defend ourselves from ourselves, from the truth of who we really are. And when there are things too powerful or too difficult to accept about ourselves, we project them onto the world around us, usually onto those who help us and love us the most - our teacher, the teachings, our parent, or our closest friend...
How can we possibly penetrate the tough shield of this defensive system? The very best solution is when we can recognize ourselves that we are living duped by our own delusions. I have seen how for many people a glimpse of the truth, the true View, can bring the whole fantastic construction of wrong views, fabricated by ignorance, tumbling instantly to the ground...
~ Sogyal Rinpoche ~
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Josh Groban--Guitar Hero
Josh Groban Guitar Hero and Wide Awake
The Great Guitar Hero Challenge with Josh Groban and Ellen has finally taken place! Wow, what a fun challenge, great interview and performance on Ellen's show today. If you missed it in your area (or you are somewhere else on the planet), you can check them here:
Josh Groban Guitar Hero
* * *
Josh Groban Awake Live on Ellen
You are going to love these!
The Great Guitar Hero Challenge with Josh Groban and Ellen has finally taken place! Wow, what a fun challenge, great interview and performance on Ellen's show today. If you missed it in your area (or you are somewhere else on the planet), you can check them here:
Josh Groban Guitar Hero
* * *
Josh Groban Awake Live on Ellen
You are going to love these!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
A Delay Doesn't Always Mean Denial
I thought this was a good perspective! For example-- if my 6 year old son asked for a toy that wasnt age appropriate; I would probably make him wait-- but that doesnt mean that I would deny him of his request. It just means that I don't think he is ready for that particular thing at the time that it was requested. That is the way the Lord works as well. We still request, as it states in Philipians 4: 6; "by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God".
A Delay Doesnt Always Mean Denial
http://nbetweenmag.com/2007/08/10/delay-does-not-mean-denial/
Have you prayed for something only to have to wait and wait and wait and well wait? Have you ever felt like God was not giving you the blessing in which you asked? Do you ever in your life believe that God did not hear you?
I know I have, but then I had to search the scriptures I mean really search and stand on the word of God.
Sometimes God will delay our blessing in order to get our attention, and turn our focus inward and upward in order to gain access into our lives.
In the midst of every trial, storm, dark place, or light Jesus is sitting on the throne of grace waiting on you to surrender, submit and sell out for the word, and work of God.
I know many of us want God just to reign down the manna from heaven like he did for the Israelites in the wilderness. We want God to shower us with wealth and finances beyond belief, and not that he wont.
But what will you really do with it?
Answer these questions honestly and in your spirit as you read along with me.
If God blessed you with
One million dollars today right now, what would you do?
A new Cadillac Escalade paid for with no note
A 50 room mansion
A 6 figure income
A husband
A wife
A child
A church
A ministry
What would you do with it right now today?
Many of us don’t have the answer to those questions right now and thats okay. See I have tried him for myself and found that God’s delay doesn’t mean God’s denial. It just means that I am not ready.
If God Blessed me with a million dollars today sure I would tithe and give a tenth to the church but I would go on a spending spree for my home, myself and my children. I wouldn’t give all that money away I would horde it and sit on it or spend it all because that is where I am.
I would not donate and sew into ministries that are struggling to get the message out because right now where I am, I want to many things and guess what God is sitting up in heaven and he knows my heart, he knows that like Paul that money is the thorn in my side.Oh come on somebody we don’t want to admit that we wouldn’t be good stewards over the bounty and the blessing if he gave it to us.
Passage Matthew 25 :15
And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.
19After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Well done thou good and faithful servant, Oh man My prayer is that when God does blesses me that I am ready that he will make right my path give me a new song of praise, and give me the right mind and spirit to not only divide his word of truth but to be able to rightly divide his Financial Blessing upon my life.
Psalm 34:8O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
God can and will bless you above any measure on heaven and on earth. God will give you the spirit of understanding and peace and stewardship if you believe.God is calling his people into holiness, oneness in him seeking him in all things big and small. He wants to be just that close to all his children and we should desire to do the same for him
Delay does not mean denial.It simply means that God wants all of us and He cant get all of us until we give him all of us.
Psalm 40
1I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
2He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
3And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
4Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
5Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
We serve a right now God with a right now blessing but how can he give us his best when we cant even be his best…..
I want you today to pray this prayer with me and replace the words I, Me, My, and make it personal by putting your name in the blanks.
Father God I am a sinner, I believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins, I believe that he was rose from the dead and sits on the right Hand of you Father God. I ask Jesus to come into my heart now, save me, lead me guide me, direct me protect me. I believe that right now I am born again thank you Lord for saving me and making me whole. In the matchless name of Jesus Amen
Now give God thanks for the wonders of his love and understanding.
Be Blessed and encouraged!
What God Asks of Us
What God Asks of Us
God said:
When you go to a store and see something you really like, you guess the price before you see the price tag, and you are either pleasantly surprised, or you are taken aback. The world estimates a value, and pretty much My children take the world's assigned price as its value...
And so it is with everything in the world. You estimate its value. That's what you are doing all the time. You guess the usefulness of people to you. One person you rate a million dollars, and another a nickel. This is so even when you are aware of the high value I give...
I say that each child of Mine is worth gold. I do not compare My children. Across the board, I say each one is of an inestimable price. I would not trade even one of My children. Regardless of how a child of Mine may appear to you, I have set a value. My price is firm. There is no negotiation. And my set value includes you as well...
No child of Mine has a lesser value than you. No child of Mine has a greater value than you. I know treasure when I see it. I know the gold you are made of, and I know you are worth more than jewels and all the tea in China. My heart swells with pride as I think of you and what you mean to Me. I am the only True Assessor...
You may be the wealthiest man in the world, and you would gladly give away all your wealth for the sake of one of your children. The value you set on your child is the value to assign to every single person on Earth. All children are My children, and that, whether you are aware of it or not, is what you are growing toward, where all children on Earth are your children, and you value them all. This is not a mental activity, you understand, even though you realize it. It is your heart's resurgence...
I know that the area of your mind that evaluates tosses some of My children aside, as if not worth the time of day, and yet somewhere deep within you, deep within your heart, you know this is not so. You have, however, embraced however many of My children you embrace, and you have cast others aside. This is what you are growing beyond...
Of course, you cannot sit every child on your lap nor can you meet everyone on Earth, nor can you employ everyone, nor can you feed them all, but you can greet them all. Your heart can make room for all. Your heart is big enough. Your heart can accommodate all...
Take what I say at face value, and your intellect will allow your heart to open itself gladly to welcome every Being on Earth. When I say you are the welcomer of the Universe, I mean just that. It is your heart that welcomes. The same light that shines in Christ shines in all. I favor all. And now you grow to where you also favor all. Now you treat all with the greatest consideration and regard for their inestimable value to Me...
This does not make you a softie. It makes you an aware Human Being...
As it is now, you don't value what I created enough. As it is now, you don't value yourself enough...
Now is the time for you to rise to the evaluation I say and to see it for yourself. What is this that I ask of you, beloveds, but to honor as I do honor? What is this that I ask of you but to love as I do love? What is this that I ask of you but to love all as I do love you, My beautiful Child...
~ Heavenletters ~
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Karma
Karma : Medical Leave
She wanted to take “advanced leave” to attend a retreat. But it was not approved. However, her leg got hurt and she received medical leave. Thus, she could go to the retreat - without taking any annual leave! Her friend commented that it was a case of “bad karma ripening at the right time”...
Then again, if the bad karma was a condition for something beneficial, it was actually good karma. It probably isn't bad karma in the first place. Whether something happens to us is really good or bad depends a lot on how you take it in your stride, to use the experience as a cause for something better...
~ Shian ~
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Expert Tips On Healing the "Mother Wound"
I thought this was a great article. This was posted yesterday on CNN's website - courtesy of Oprah magazine. So take it with a grain of salt, but I think there's some useful advice about healing your unmothered self by allowing yourself to be "mothered" by healthy people.Easier said than done of course. Sigh!
I grew up with a Mother who has BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) & I took her many rages, manipulations, and emotional abuse personally. It wasnt many years later that I discovered as an adult; that the conflict of the unhealthy relationship wasnt all my fault--as my Mother played it out to be.
Many years later, Im still on the road to healing & noticed that certain situations can sometimes "trigger" my painful past. However, I may not yet be where Im supposed to be, but I thank God that I'm not where I used to be!! I seek out healthy relationships and avoid "toxic" people. I rejoice that I have a Heavenly Father who is healing my heart & one day I will be fully recovered! ")
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/05/13/o.build.better.mother/index.html
Create yourself a new mother
Expert tips on healing the "mother wound
"Mothering is about acceptance, nourishment, instruction, empowerment
If you mom can't give you those things, find someone who can
You may have to build patchwork mother to get it all
By Martha Beck
(Oprah.com) -- Unfortunately, motherhood is so difficult that virtually no one does it perfectly. Maybe your mother was flawless, but it's more likely she made mistakes. Whatever her errors, you inherited a legacy of sorrow.You can and should find a way to heal what psychologists call the "mother wound."
My favorite strategy for this is to make yourself another mother.
Step 1: Think of mother as a verb
Thinking of the word mother not as a noun but as a verb ("to mother") helps change your internal definitions so that you stop looking to a human female for perfect parenting and begin to identify your mother as anyone who offers you maternal care.
You're being mothered when anyone offers you one or more of the following gifts:
Acceptance: This is not the anxious adoration of a mother who pins her hopes for happiness on her child's appearance or achievements. True mothering starts with unconditional love for another person, without demands or expectations.
Nourishment: Sustenance, comfort, and care, whether physical or emotional, are components of real motherhood. Anyone who nurtures you, in body, mind or heart, is mothering you.
Instruction: Real mothers teach constantly, showing both by example and by explanation what their children must know in order to live well.
Empowerment: Real mothers are intent on working themselves out of a job by building in those they mother the courage and confidence needed to become completely independent.
Step 2: Meet your motherless self
Once you've detached your concept of motherhood from a particular human being and learned to see mothering as a gift of love and strength, it's time to assess where you could use more mothering.
Complete these sentences with whatever comes to mind:
I feel useless, unlovable, and disgusting when ...
I feel empty and needy when ...
I feel stupid and ignorant when ...
I feel helpless and incapable when ...
If none of these feelings are familiar to you, it's a sure sign that you've been very well mothered by either your biological mom or an excellent substitute.
But if the sentences above sparked clear associations ("I feel like a stupid, ignorant moron in board meetings;" "I get incredibly needy around the holidays"), you owe it to yourself to find the kind of maternal love that can nurture your unmet needs. It's time to make yourself a patchwork mom.
3: Patch together your ideal mother
After identifying the situations where you need more mothering, commit to finding people who can offer you acceptance, nourishment, instruction, and empowerment in those areas.If you think your biological mother is up to the task, great -- go to her and ask for help and advice. But if your mom can't or won't provide it, open yourself to finding someone who can.
The perfect mother is available to all of us if we're willing to let go of expectations that will never be filled and to see what is being offered to us here and now. Though all mothers are limited, the force of motherhood is not.
It surrounds us every day, in all sorts of guises, some predictable and ordinary, some startling and extraordinary.If you allow yourself to embrace it, I guarantee you'll find it waiting to embrace you.
And that, to me, is the mother of all comforts.
By Martha Beck from "O, The Oprah Magazine," May 2003
I grew up with a Mother who has BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) & I took her many rages, manipulations, and emotional abuse personally. It wasnt many years later that I discovered as an adult; that the conflict of the unhealthy relationship wasnt all my fault--as my Mother played it out to be.
Many years later, Im still on the road to healing & noticed that certain situations can sometimes "trigger" my painful past. However, I may not yet be where Im supposed to be, but I thank God that I'm not where I used to be!! I seek out healthy relationships and avoid "toxic" people. I rejoice that I have a Heavenly Father who is healing my heart & one day I will be fully recovered! ")
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/05/13/o.build.better.mother/index.html
Create yourself a new mother
Expert tips on healing the "mother wound
"Mothering is about acceptance, nourishment, instruction, empowerment
If you mom can't give you those things, find someone who can
You may have to build patchwork mother to get it all
By Martha Beck
(Oprah.com) -- Unfortunately, motherhood is so difficult that virtually no one does it perfectly. Maybe your mother was flawless, but it's more likely she made mistakes. Whatever her errors, you inherited a legacy of sorrow.You can and should find a way to heal what psychologists call the "mother wound."
My favorite strategy for this is to make yourself another mother.
Step 1: Think of mother as a verb
Thinking of the word mother not as a noun but as a verb ("to mother") helps change your internal definitions so that you stop looking to a human female for perfect parenting and begin to identify your mother as anyone who offers you maternal care.
You're being mothered when anyone offers you one or more of the following gifts:
Acceptance: This is not the anxious adoration of a mother who pins her hopes for happiness on her child's appearance or achievements. True mothering starts with unconditional love for another person, without demands or expectations.
Nourishment: Sustenance, comfort, and care, whether physical or emotional, are components of real motherhood. Anyone who nurtures you, in body, mind or heart, is mothering you.
Instruction: Real mothers teach constantly, showing both by example and by explanation what their children must know in order to live well.
Empowerment: Real mothers are intent on working themselves out of a job by building in those they mother the courage and confidence needed to become completely independent.
Step 2: Meet your motherless self
Once you've detached your concept of motherhood from a particular human being and learned to see mothering as a gift of love and strength, it's time to assess where you could use more mothering.
Complete these sentences with whatever comes to mind:
I feel useless, unlovable, and disgusting when ...
I feel empty and needy when ...
I feel stupid and ignorant when ...
I feel helpless and incapable when ...
If none of these feelings are familiar to you, it's a sure sign that you've been very well mothered by either your biological mom or an excellent substitute.
But if the sentences above sparked clear associations ("I feel like a stupid, ignorant moron in board meetings;" "I get incredibly needy around the holidays"), you owe it to yourself to find the kind of maternal love that can nurture your unmet needs. It's time to make yourself a patchwork mom.
3: Patch together your ideal mother
After identifying the situations where you need more mothering, commit to finding people who can offer you acceptance, nourishment, instruction, and empowerment in those areas.If you think your biological mother is up to the task, great -- go to her and ask for help and advice. But if your mom can't or won't provide it, open yourself to finding someone who can.
The perfect mother is available to all of us if we're willing to let go of expectations that will never be filled and to see what is being offered to us here and now. Though all mothers are limited, the force of motherhood is not.
It surrounds us every day, in all sorts of guises, some predictable and ordinary, some startling and extraordinary.If you allow yourself to embrace it, I guarantee you'll find it waiting to embrace you.
And that, to me, is the mother of all comforts.
By Martha Beck from "O, The Oprah Magazine," May 2003
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
America's Recession-Proof Cities
America's Recession-Proof Cities
By Joshua Zumbrun
Forbes.com
Nationally, home prices are falling, unemployment is on the rise and the economy is expected to grow slowly--or even contract--in the first half of the year.
But some cities are doing just fine.
Take Oklahoma City, Okla. With falling unemployment, one of the country's strongest housing markets, and solid growth in agriculture, energy and manufacturing, it looks best positioned among the nation's largest metropolitan areas to ride out the current crisis.
In Pictures: 10 Recession-Proof Cities
San Antonio is right behind. It also features solid employment figures and affordable home prices that continue to rise. Its industries are growing; it can't hurt that the new AT&T was formed when San Antonio-based SBC Communications swallowed the old AT&T Corp. and BellSouth.
The others holding steady or improving include Austin, Texas; Houston; Charlotte, N.C.; Dallas; San Jose, Calif.; Raleigh, N.C.; Salt Lake City; and Seattle.
Behind The Numbers
To find them, Forbes.com examined the country's 50 largest metros and looked at several key
measures.
We examined unemployment data supplied by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for the year ending in February 2008 to see which areas are most adding or subtracting jobs.
Next, we looked at the BLS data on job growth in non-farm payrolls, through February 2008, for construction, education and health services, financial activities, information, leisure and hospitality, manufacturing, natural resources and mining, professional and business services, trade, transportation and utilities, and the BLS's catch-all category, "other services."
We also took into account median home price data from the National Association of Realtors--from the fourth quarter of 2006 to the fourth quarter of 2007--to see which areas posted the largest annual gains. Our data don't account for the impact of declining sales in the first several months of this year.
Finally, our rankings were adjusted using data from a November 2007 report, "U.S. Metro Economies: The Mortgage Crisis," by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. It lists each city's estimated gross metropolitan product growth by projecting how rising foreclosures and falling home prices would affect overall levels of productivity in local economies.
Sunny Southern Skies
Texas cities fared best under these measures. San Antonio, Austin, Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth have benefited from historically lower home prices, which have been affordable to a large segment of the population. The availability of land--and, in some cases, little zoning--helped keep prices in these cities low. Instead of competing for homes, Texans could move to a new subdivision a little farther out.
What's more, all four boast falling unemployment rates, with Austin dropping from 3.8% to 3.6% and San Antonio from 4.3% to 4%.
Cities that are expected to see growth in non-farm payrolls include Raleigh, which is expected to see 7.4% growth in professional and business services and 6% growth in education and health. In Salt Lake City, where the median home price rose 2.5% and unemployment, at 3.1%, is below the 5.1% national average, growth in education and health services is expected to be 5.5%.
Some cities have seen increasing home prices but otherwise continue to struggle. Buffalo and Rochester, N.Y., have seen home price growth (from a low base) but still contend with high unemployment--around 6%--and slow-growing or shrinking industries.
And in the San Jose area, the median home sale price is over $830,000. That's 11% higher than it was in the fourth quarter of 2006, helping to land the area at No. 4 on our list. Problem is, that growth has since cooled, and it remains to be seen whether pricey homes coupled with a 5.3% unemployment rate will cause trouble for homeowners this year.
To be sure, even in the most resilient cities, the mortgage crisis has caused suffering. People everywhere got into bad mortgages. Similarly, even in the most battered cities, the majority of people are employed and making their mortgage payments. The extent of recession or resilience is very much in the eye of the beholder, and this list represents only one of many ways to take a snapshot of economies that are standing tall.
In his statements to Congress' Joint Economic Committee earlier this month, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke predicted the economy would possibly move into recession in the first half of 2008 but begin to rebound in the second half.
If you're tired of waiting, these might be the best places to go.
By Joshua Zumbrun
Forbes.com
Nationally, home prices are falling, unemployment is on the rise and the economy is expected to grow slowly--or even contract--in the first half of the year.
But some cities are doing just fine.
Take Oklahoma City, Okla. With falling unemployment, one of the country's strongest housing markets, and solid growth in agriculture, energy and manufacturing, it looks best positioned among the nation's largest metropolitan areas to ride out the current crisis.
In Pictures: 10 Recession-Proof Cities
San Antonio is right behind. It also features solid employment figures and affordable home prices that continue to rise. Its industries are growing; it can't hurt that the new AT&T was formed when San Antonio-based SBC Communications swallowed the old AT&T Corp. and BellSouth.
The others holding steady or improving include Austin, Texas; Houston; Charlotte, N.C.; Dallas; San Jose, Calif.; Raleigh, N.C.; Salt Lake City; and Seattle.
Behind The Numbers
To find them, Forbes.com examined the country's 50 largest metros and looked at several key
measures.
We examined unemployment data supplied by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for the year ending in February 2008 to see which areas are most adding or subtracting jobs.
Next, we looked at the BLS data on job growth in non-farm payrolls, through February 2008, for construction, education and health services, financial activities, information, leisure and hospitality, manufacturing, natural resources and mining, professional and business services, trade, transportation and utilities, and the BLS's catch-all category, "other services."
We also took into account median home price data from the National Association of Realtors--from the fourth quarter of 2006 to the fourth quarter of 2007--to see which areas posted the largest annual gains. Our data don't account for the impact of declining sales in the first several months of this year.
Finally, our rankings were adjusted using data from a November 2007 report, "U.S. Metro Economies: The Mortgage Crisis," by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. It lists each city's estimated gross metropolitan product growth by projecting how rising foreclosures and falling home prices would affect overall levels of productivity in local economies.
Sunny Southern Skies
Texas cities fared best under these measures. San Antonio, Austin, Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth have benefited from historically lower home prices, which have been affordable to a large segment of the population. The availability of land--and, in some cases, little zoning--helped keep prices in these cities low. Instead of competing for homes, Texans could move to a new subdivision a little farther out.
What's more, all four boast falling unemployment rates, with Austin dropping from 3.8% to 3.6% and San Antonio from 4.3% to 4%.
Cities that are expected to see growth in non-farm payrolls include Raleigh, which is expected to see 7.4% growth in professional and business services and 6% growth in education and health. In Salt Lake City, where the median home price rose 2.5% and unemployment, at 3.1%, is below the 5.1% national average, growth in education and health services is expected to be 5.5%.
Some cities have seen increasing home prices but otherwise continue to struggle. Buffalo and Rochester, N.Y., have seen home price growth (from a low base) but still contend with high unemployment--around 6%--and slow-growing or shrinking industries.
And in the San Jose area, the median home sale price is over $830,000. That's 11% higher than it was in the fourth quarter of 2006, helping to land the area at No. 4 on our list. Problem is, that growth has since cooled, and it remains to be seen whether pricey homes coupled with a 5.3% unemployment rate will cause trouble for homeowners this year.
To be sure, even in the most resilient cities, the mortgage crisis has caused suffering. People everywhere got into bad mortgages. Similarly, even in the most battered cities, the majority of people are employed and making their mortgage payments. The extent of recession or resilience is very much in the eye of the beholder, and this list represents only one of many ways to take a snapshot of economies that are standing tall.
In his statements to Congress' Joint Economic Committee earlier this month, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke predicted the economy would possibly move into recession in the first half of 2008 but begin to rebound in the second half.
If you're tired of waiting, these might be the best places to go.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Happy Mother's Day!
Happiness keeps You Sweet,
Trials keep You Strong,
Sorrows keep You Human,
Failures keep You Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But only God keeps You Going!
You are so special!
Happy Mothers Day to all the Mothers and Spiritual Mothers out there!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Make your plans BIG!
I thought this was awesome!
http://blog.thekaylors.org/
D.L. Moody once said, “If God be your partner, make your plans BIG!”
Is God your partner in every way of your life?
How big are your plans?
Do you live (make decisions, plan and act upon) based on God being your partner?
Do you live every day based on your BIG plans with God as your partner or are you just getting by?
Try this exercize:
1. Imagine the BIGGEST plan that you can think of if God really is your partner and there was no way to fail.
2. Now read Ephesians 3:20
New Living Translation: Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
The Message: God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
Make your plans as big as possible for God and His Kingdom (His Church) and He will make sure to fulfill your plans beyond your “wildest dreams” for His glory (v21).
How BIG are your plans?
http://blog.thekaylors.org/
D.L. Moody once said, “If God be your partner, make your plans BIG!”
Is God your partner in every way of your life?
How big are your plans?
Do you live (make decisions, plan and act upon) based on God being your partner?
Do you live every day based on your BIG plans with God as your partner or are you just getting by?
Try this exercize:
1. Imagine the BIGGEST plan that you can think of if God really is your partner and there was no way to fail.
2. Now read Ephesians 3:20
New Living Translation: Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
The Message: God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
Make your plans as big as possible for God and His Kingdom (His Church) and He will make sure to fulfill your plans beyond your “wildest dreams” for His glory (v21).
How BIG are your plans?
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Treasure and Heart
I have been doing a lot soul searching these days about desires of the heart and treasures ever since the Lord gave me a desire in my own heart to eventually become 100 percent debt free & live simply as possible.
It just feels like we are on the right track. For starters, we own both of our cars. One of our long term goals is to own our house outright w/ no mortgage. We figured that this cant be done here short term in the Seattle area, so we thought eventually relocating to the Lone Star state (God willing, of course) would be a nice option!
Joel & I would love to be more of a blessing by sowing more into the Kingdom of God. It just feels like our calling. It gives me more pleasure to be a blessing to someone else than the latest tricket of technology could ever buy (not to say that having material things are nice, if kept in the proper perspective, of course)
The way I see it after reading John Beveres Book: "Driven By Eternity", (see video link: John Bevere - Driven by Eternity) is that once we get to our Eternal destination, everything we own here on Earth is not going to matter anyway. However, what we do sow into the Lords kingdom will make a difference!
I came across this sermon & I thought I would share. I hope it is encouraging to you as it has been to me.
Treasure and heart
Good Shepherd 8/8/2004 (Morning Prayer)
http://www.johndavies.org/sermons/gs_04_08_08.html
Isaiah 1.1, 10-20, Luke 12.32-40
Last week we heard the story of two brothers who asked Jesus sort out their financial differences and got told to sort it out themselves. Jesus guided them only by telling them this: they should aim, in life, to be rich towards God.
If you were here you may remember the list I read out about the difference between just being rich, and being rich towards God, that with money we can buy: a bed, but no dreams; books, but not intelligence; food, but not appetite; adornments, but not beauty; medicines, but not health; entertainment, but not fun; a crucifix, but not a Saviour...
So being rich towards God is about putting away our cares about money, or our obsessions with things and valuing instead those things which make life special, wholesome, good - and pursuing them.
Today's reading carries this theme on. "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" That's astonishing, when you stop to think about it. If your treasure - your money, your possessions - is mainly in stocks and shares then your heart - your mind, your obsession - will be taken up with the ups and downs of the stock market.
If your treasure is mainly in your home then your heart will be wrapped up with keeping your home going. If, when you get money, you immediately spend it, then you are a person who is wrapped up in the moment. If you're saving for your family's future then it's your family's future which means the most to you.
Where's your treasure, I wonder? Sometimes it's hard to know what our treasure is or where it is, until it's gone. We've been having a lot of funerals recently, and in some of them it's very clear, very quickly, that for the partner left behind, they've just lost their treasure.
Their love for that person was where their heart was.
For others it might be that when the house is burgled that they realise where their treasure is: in the hi-fi which they saved up for for so long, or perhaps in a ring that belonged to their grandmother.
Or when the car is stolen. Or when their health and mobility goes and all seems lost. Sometimes though we realise where our treasure is at happier times. When we hold that new-born baby for the first time and we realise that nothing on earth matters more than precious human life.
When a long-lost friend calls. Or when someone gives us a gift which is just exactly what we've always wanted. These are our treasures. They fill our hearts. Think for a moment about what your treasures are, where your heart is.
I'm not going to ask you to talk about it out loud because it may be deeply personal; Two questions to help you:
First, what are the things you have, that you are glad you've got, that you'd find it hard to be without?
They may be things money can buy, they may not. These are your treasures.
Second, what are the things you'd like more of? Same rules apply - could be a new mobile phone, could be more world peace. These are where your heart lies. Where your treasure is, there your heart is also.
Where's your heart today? (pause for thought)
I imagine a lot of us would have thought of people or relationships - these are the things which we most value and we put our heart into. And that agrees with God, whose scriptures are full of concern for people, especially about how we treat others.
Today's reading from Isaiah makes that clear. "I don't want your religious ceremonies any more," says God, "I'm not listening to your fancy prayers. Because you are mistreating people. Your treasure is in your own gain and your heart has closed to the needs of those around you."
God says, Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. Jesus put it a different way to his disciples, but it amounts to the same thing: Be dressed for action ... like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet ... be alert ... Jesus knew that what was in people's hearts affected what they did with their time. And so being alert, being dressed for action, should involve our living lives of goodness, justice and generosity towards others.
If our treasure is in God. Sometimes it's the people who don't have a very explicit Christian faith who you look at and see God in. Last week Margaret Simey died. You may know her. One of Liverpool's finest champions, and specifically a champion of the people of Liverpool 8, that area much-maligned by outsiders who only see it through a framework labelled '1981 riots', but much-celebrated by generations of local people who know it as a lively, vibrant place; a poor area, always vulnerable to crime and manipulation by city leaders.
Simey did her best, in her 98 good years, to challenge that. She became famous throughout the country for insisting that the police accounted for their actions in the wake of the riots, but she was better known locally known for her tireless work campaigning alongside the people of the area on issues that mattered to them.
The Echo got the title of her obituary right: A life lived for the good of all. It's full of tributes from ordinary folk who saw her (unpretentious to the last) as one of their own, and it put her in perspective among the other great women of modern-day Liverpool: her philanthropy influenced by working alongside Eleanor Rathbone in Margaret's early years in the city, her political radicalism shaped during her apprenticeship with the formidable Bessie Braddock.
Margaret Simey did all she could to try to give the people the power to change their own lives. She was tough on Thatcher's messenger-boy Heseltine when he came to straighten Liverpool out: "I kept telling him that if he just listened to Toxteth, they could teach him. But he told me there was no room in his plans for anyone like me." But she was equally tough on local people who for too long, she saw, had become 'welfare-dependent' and thus disempowered. She called us all to take collective responsibility for our community's life - something which had been a strong feature of Liverpool's civil society in the past.
I met Margaret once or twice - no great boast for she was always on the streets of Liverpool 8, if I'd been around more I'd have seen more of her. Sat in community meetings which she would liven-up even in her great age; meetings between hard-nosed politicians, tired and disenfranchised local campaigners and the business classes there to get their hands on new European money, and she would command respect from all of them.
I would say that Margaret Simey's treasure was the people of Liverpool 8. Her heart was devoted to their well-being. I doubt she'd like being called a saint but I think she is a fine example of what Jesus was getting at when he called on us all to be dressed for action ... to be alert ... It is about our money; but not just about our money. It's also about our time and who we devote it to.
It just feels like we are on the right track. For starters, we own both of our cars. One of our long term goals is to own our house outright w/ no mortgage. We figured that this cant be done here short term in the Seattle area, so we thought eventually relocating to the Lone Star state (God willing, of course) would be a nice option!
Joel & I would love to be more of a blessing by sowing more into the Kingdom of God. It just feels like our calling. It gives me more pleasure to be a blessing to someone else than the latest tricket of technology could ever buy (not to say that having material things are nice, if kept in the proper perspective, of course)
The way I see it after reading John Beveres Book: "Driven By Eternity", (see video link: John Bevere - Driven by Eternity) is that once we get to our Eternal destination, everything we own here on Earth is not going to matter anyway. However, what we do sow into the Lords kingdom will make a difference!
I came across this sermon & I thought I would share. I hope it is encouraging to you as it has been to me.
Treasure and heart
Good Shepherd 8/8/2004 (Morning Prayer)
http://www.johndavies.org/sermons/gs_04_08_08.html
Isaiah 1.1, 10-20, Luke 12.32-40
Last week we heard the story of two brothers who asked Jesus sort out their financial differences and got told to sort it out themselves. Jesus guided them only by telling them this: they should aim, in life, to be rich towards God.
If you were here you may remember the list I read out about the difference between just being rich, and being rich towards God, that with money we can buy: a bed, but no dreams; books, but not intelligence; food, but not appetite; adornments, but not beauty; medicines, but not health; entertainment, but not fun; a crucifix, but not a Saviour...
So being rich towards God is about putting away our cares about money, or our obsessions with things and valuing instead those things which make life special, wholesome, good - and pursuing them.
Today's reading carries this theme on. "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" That's astonishing, when you stop to think about it. If your treasure - your money, your possessions - is mainly in stocks and shares then your heart - your mind, your obsession - will be taken up with the ups and downs of the stock market.
If your treasure is mainly in your home then your heart will be wrapped up with keeping your home going. If, when you get money, you immediately spend it, then you are a person who is wrapped up in the moment. If you're saving for your family's future then it's your family's future which means the most to you.
Where's your treasure, I wonder? Sometimes it's hard to know what our treasure is or where it is, until it's gone. We've been having a lot of funerals recently, and in some of them it's very clear, very quickly, that for the partner left behind, they've just lost their treasure.
Their love for that person was where their heart was.
For others it might be that when the house is burgled that they realise where their treasure is: in the hi-fi which they saved up for for so long, or perhaps in a ring that belonged to their grandmother.
Or when the car is stolen. Or when their health and mobility goes and all seems lost. Sometimes though we realise where our treasure is at happier times. When we hold that new-born baby for the first time and we realise that nothing on earth matters more than precious human life.
When a long-lost friend calls. Or when someone gives us a gift which is just exactly what we've always wanted. These are our treasures. They fill our hearts. Think for a moment about what your treasures are, where your heart is.
I'm not going to ask you to talk about it out loud because it may be deeply personal; Two questions to help you:
First, what are the things you have, that you are glad you've got, that you'd find it hard to be without?
They may be things money can buy, they may not. These are your treasures.
Second, what are the things you'd like more of? Same rules apply - could be a new mobile phone, could be more world peace. These are where your heart lies. Where your treasure is, there your heart is also.
Where's your heart today? (pause for thought)
I imagine a lot of us would have thought of people or relationships - these are the things which we most value and we put our heart into. And that agrees with God, whose scriptures are full of concern for people, especially about how we treat others.
Today's reading from Isaiah makes that clear. "I don't want your religious ceremonies any more," says God, "I'm not listening to your fancy prayers. Because you are mistreating people. Your treasure is in your own gain and your heart has closed to the needs of those around you."
God says, Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. Jesus put it a different way to his disciples, but it amounts to the same thing: Be dressed for action ... like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet ... be alert ... Jesus knew that what was in people's hearts affected what they did with their time. And so being alert, being dressed for action, should involve our living lives of goodness, justice and generosity towards others.
If our treasure is in God. Sometimes it's the people who don't have a very explicit Christian faith who you look at and see God in. Last week Margaret Simey died. You may know her. One of Liverpool's finest champions, and specifically a champion of the people of Liverpool 8, that area much-maligned by outsiders who only see it through a framework labelled '1981 riots', but much-celebrated by generations of local people who know it as a lively, vibrant place; a poor area, always vulnerable to crime and manipulation by city leaders.
Simey did her best, in her 98 good years, to challenge that. She became famous throughout the country for insisting that the police accounted for their actions in the wake of the riots, but she was better known locally known for her tireless work campaigning alongside the people of the area on issues that mattered to them.
The Echo got the title of her obituary right: A life lived for the good of all. It's full of tributes from ordinary folk who saw her (unpretentious to the last) as one of their own, and it put her in perspective among the other great women of modern-day Liverpool: her philanthropy influenced by working alongside Eleanor Rathbone in Margaret's early years in the city, her political radicalism shaped during her apprenticeship with the formidable Bessie Braddock.
Margaret Simey did all she could to try to give the people the power to change their own lives. She was tough on Thatcher's messenger-boy Heseltine when he came to straighten Liverpool out: "I kept telling him that if he just listened to Toxteth, they could teach him. But he told me there was no room in his plans for anyone like me." But she was equally tough on local people who for too long, she saw, had become 'welfare-dependent' and thus disempowered. She called us all to take collective responsibility for our community's life - something which had been a strong feature of Liverpool's civil society in the past.
I met Margaret once or twice - no great boast for she was always on the streets of Liverpool 8, if I'd been around more I'd have seen more of her. Sat in community meetings which she would liven-up even in her great age; meetings between hard-nosed politicians, tired and disenfranchised local campaigners and the business classes there to get their hands on new European money, and she would command respect from all of them.
I would say that Margaret Simey's treasure was the people of Liverpool 8. Her heart was devoted to their well-being. I doubt she'd like being called a saint but I think she is a fine example of what Jesus was getting at when he called on us all to be dressed for action ... to be alert ... It is about our money; but not just about our money. It's also about our time and who we devote it to.
Define Your Relationship With Money
I found this article interesting. The author speaks of your emotions and how they relate to money. Interesting that in Luke 12:34 states the same concept, "For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also".
Define Your Relationship with Money
By Susan McCarthy
The current economy has many Americans worried about their financial security. How can they make the best decisions and protect themselves and their money? Most financial advisors tell their clients to remove all emotion from financial decisions.
Susan disagrees,”I believe you must acknowledge your emotions and study how they relate to your money.”
Situations like marriage, divorce, retirement, caring for a child or elderly relative often cause the biggest financial changes in your life. Susan says these are the times when our emotions and our money become the most tangled.
“Our financial attitudes -- what we think about money, what we think of others who have more or less than we do, how we choose to spend it or not spend it, what priorities we set as we plan our financial futures – are thoroughly entwined with our emotions,” shares Susan.
To complicate matters further, Susan says how a major trend in the United States that we are beginning to witness is the greatest transfer of wealth our nation has ever seen. This shift of wealth will put even more demand on people to be financial decision makers.
Experts suggest that $41 trillion to as much as $136 trillion will change hands in the coming decades. The movement began in 1998 and will extend to approximately 2052. There are a number of reasons for this shift of wealth including an aging population and the retirement of the baby boomer generation.
“The financial circumstances of our day are inviting us to become aware and to evaluate our belief systems around money, to go beyond simply contemplating how we spend it or how much we need or want,” shares Susan.
By understanding your relationship with money, Susan says you will be more qualified in making wise financial decisions that will help you fashion a legacy that speaks of your deepest values.
THE FEAR OF MONEY
According to Susan, money is only complicated because we make it complicated. It can be a weapon, an object of desire, a tool for generous compassion, or a symbol of success.
“What I have learned is that the world of money is one of emotion, a stage on which we play out all of our dramas and, as such, that it can be an unexpected source of spiritual lessons,” shares Susan.
Through the years, Susan has seen her clients display many emotions in her office. The emotion that really caught her attention and that she saw the most among her clients was fear. Some of her clients were fearful of making a mistake and losing money, as well as fearful of not having enough or running out of money. Then one day, Susan made a startling discovery. She shared the same deep rooted fear of running out of money.
Although as a financial advisor her personal financial plan was very sound, it didn’t seem to quiet her fears. She grew up in a family that wasn’t wealthy, but certainly did well enough. So where in the world had this fear of money come from? After digging a little deeper into her own life, she realized that she had absorbed her father’s fear of not having enough money.
“Observing our relationship to money is an excellent path to greater self-awareness. It opens the door to amazing personal growth,” says Susan.
MONEY TYPES
Susan says “nothing is more intriguing than that complex dynamic that arises when people interact with their money.” Through the years, Susan has come to recognize seven basic types of relationships with money. Most of us display traits of all of these styles at various times in our lives. Knowing what type of relationship you have with your money can help you make better decisions.
The seven different “money types” include:
The “Money is King” Type views money as a measure by which all things are judged, including their lives. For those individuals, money trumps everything else.
The Little Lamb Type maintains a childlike attitude towards money, and refuses to accept responsibility for their own financial well being – this is the classic “I’ll think about it tomorrow” approach.
The “I’ll Pick Up the Bill If You Just…” Type uses money as a tool to manipulate others, often in order to control, punish or express disapproval.
The Wolf Never Leaves My Door Type lives in constant fear of running out of money, no matter how much they might have in the bank.
The Money Martyr Type uses money for self-sabotage, undermining themselves with rash decisions or unrealistic expectations.
The All is Well Type has a positive relationship with money – these people approach financial decisions with decisiveness, and feel confident and calm about money issues.
The Spread the Joy Type uses money in ways that express their deepest values and their best selves. Not only are they at peace with their money, they also use it with awareness for their own good and for the good of others.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Driven By Eternity
This is powerful & life changing! It will definately make you stop and evaluate your life! The question is "Are we living for ourselves or Are we living for Eternity"??
John Bevere - Driven by Eternity
John Bevere - Driven by Eternity
Friday, May 2, 2008
Its Not Just Any Home......
..... When its a Bowen Family Home!I thought this was very cool, since I am a Bowen by marriage.
I happen to come across this on the google search engine while looking up something else.
I was happy to see that they have homes in Austin, Texas. Not to bad... starting at a cool 150K! My husband and I joked if they offered family discounts... LOL. We'll have to keep these in mind, cause we will be in the market for a house when we relocate to Texas.. eventually!
Check out the website and see for yourself:
http://www.bowenfamilyhomes.com/
Check out the selection studio pictures: (So very nice)http://www.bowenfamilyhomes.com/selection_studio_photo.asp
More pics:
http://www.bowenfamilyhomes.com/georgetownvillage-com.asp?cmode=7
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