How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single
moment before starting to improve the world.
- Anne Frank -
A man decided that he would change the world.
But, he wasn’t successful.
So he decided to change the country.
But, he wasn’t successful.
So he decided to change his community.
But, he wasn’t successful.
So he decided to change his street.
But, be wasn’t successful.
So he decided to change his family.
But, he wasn’t successful.
So he decided to change himself.
AND HE WAS SUCCESSFUL.
AND HIS FAMILY CHANGED AND THEY AFFECTED THEIR STREET.
AND THE PEOPLE ON THE STREET AFFECTED THEIR COMMUNITY.
AND THE PEOPLE OF THE COMMUNITY AFFECTED THEIR COUNTRY.
AND THE PEOPLE OF THE COUNTRY AFFECTED THE WORLD.
- Glenn Beck -
Does this resonate with you? It sure does with me! At midnight tonight we will begin
a New Year. I love new. I love clean slates. I love the new page in my journal that signals a new beginning.
Thus says the Lord, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: . . .
Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not;
See, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? . . .
(Isaiah 43:18-19)
Do something NEW! You are a world changer!
Blessings,
Beth
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
WONDER in a Bowling Alley
"Isn't it here? The wonder? Why do I spend so many of my living hours struggling to see it? Do we truly stumble so blind that we must be affronted with magnificence for our blurry soul-sight to recognize grandeur? The very same surging magnificence that cascades over our every day here. who has time or eyes to notice?
All my eyes can seem to fixate on are the splatters of disappointment across here and me.
I close the bathroom linen closet. Pick up a brush to swish toilets. I don't need more time to breathe so that I may experience more locales, possess more, accomplish more. Because wonder really could be here - for the seeing eyes." (1,000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp)
Yesterday I found WONDER in a bowling alley.I was with my entire family - from my one year old grandson to my 91 year old father. As all fifteen of us, spanning four generations, threw gutters and strikes, laughed and high-fived, ate pizza and watched Gram (me) land firmly on her behind and slide down the alley, I was lost in the wonder of it all. Really, who ever gets to have those moments? How many can we expect in a lifetime?
Watch for the WONDER of your own life this week. It is all around you - just waiting for your seeing eyes.
Wondrous blessings,
Beth
All my eyes can seem to fixate on are the splatters of disappointment across here and me.
I close the bathroom linen closet. Pick up a brush to swish toilets. I don't need more time to breathe so that I may experience more locales, possess more, accomplish more. Because wonder really could be here - for the seeing eyes." (1,000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp)
Yesterday I found WONDER in a bowling alley.I was with my entire family - from my one year old grandson to my 91 year old father. As all fifteen of us, spanning four generations, threw gutters and strikes, laughed and high-fived, ate pizza and watched Gram (me) land firmly on her behind and slide down the alley, I was lost in the wonder of it all. Really, who ever gets to have those moments? How many can we expect in a lifetime?
Watch for the WONDER of your own life this week. It is all around you - just waiting for your seeing eyes.
Wondrous blessings,
Beth
Saturday, December 24, 2011
WONDER
"The world will never starve for wonders,
but only for the want of wonder."
- G.K. Chesterton -
Engage your sense of wonder - it is all around us!
Laus Deo,
Beth
but only for the want of wonder."
- G.K. Chesterton -
Engage your sense of wonder - it is all around us!
Laus Deo,
Beth
Thursday, December 22, 2011
My Prayer for You
I have been in the mid-west for five weeks. There have been some lovely highs and a couple devastating lows. This morning as I sit in a silent house (remarkable in itself!)I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all the seasons and blessings of my life. God tells us that in this life we will have trials...yet, "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:9
Here is my prayer for each of us as we celebrate Christmas and ring in a New Year.
Dear Father,
Thank you for Your love and thoughts toward me.I know, no matter how things appear or what my circumstances may be now, that You see. You know. You care. You are in control. I am never abandoned or left alone. Thank you for the family and friends that love and support me. May I be a person who offers compassion and understanding, freely and without judgment.
Thank you for the comforts of my life. Move me to help those in need.
Thank you for the freedoms I enjoy. Remind me never to take them for granted. Give me Your heart for those who are held captive - physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. Compel me to take a stand for what is right, to speak out for those who have no voice, to step up and take action when my heart hears Your voice.
You are the God of Peace and Joy, Renewal and Restoration. I will follow Your example. I commit to spread Light and Laughter and to forgive even when I don't want to.
Thank you for health and long life. Show me what You have for me in 2012. Lead me and direct my path. Use me in a way that brings goodness to those around me; in a way that makes a difference in the world. I say yes, You can use me.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
I appreciate you in my life and work and look forward with great anticipation to travel through 2012 with you!
Blessings,
Beth
Here is my prayer for each of us as we celebrate Christmas and ring in a New Year.
Dear Father,
Thank you for Your love and thoughts toward me.I know, no matter how things appear or what my circumstances may be now, that You see. You know. You care. You are in control. I am never abandoned or left alone. Thank you for the family and friends that love and support me. May I be a person who offers compassion and understanding, freely and without judgment.
Thank you for the comforts of my life. Move me to help those in need.
Thank you for the freedoms I enjoy. Remind me never to take them for granted. Give me Your heart for those who are held captive - physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. Compel me to take a stand for what is right, to speak out for those who have no voice, to step up and take action when my heart hears Your voice.
You are the God of Peace and Joy, Renewal and Restoration. I will follow Your example. I commit to spread Light and Laughter and to forgive even when I don't want to.
Thank you for health and long life. Show me what You have for me in 2012. Lead me and direct my path. Use me in a way that brings goodness to those around me; in a way that makes a difference in the world. I say yes, You can use me.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
I appreciate you in my life and work and look forward with great anticipation to travel through 2012 with you!
Blessings,
Beth
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Finally FREE
Now and again I see or hear something I feel compelled to share with you all. This is one of these times. This video is the story of Dewey Bozella, a man wrongly convicted, who spent 26 years in prison. www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=2568
When we talk about the fact that you may not have any control over events in your life, but you have ALL the control over how you respond to them...this is exactly what we are talking about. Dewey Bozella is a free man - he is now out of prison. Dewey Bozella was never imprisoned in any of the ways that truly matter. His heart, mind, and spirit have always been free to soar. He never allowed walls and bars to close him in or keep him from a life of fulfillment and real joy. He never succumbed to anger or bitterness. Remarkable!
God wants to work a miracle in your life. Never give up. Trust and believe. There is power in the waiting and expecting.
“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. “ – Micah 6:8
Blessings,
Beth
When we talk about the fact that you may not have any control over events in your life, but you have ALL the control over how you respond to them...this is exactly what we are talking about. Dewey Bozella is a free man - he is now out of prison. Dewey Bozella was never imprisoned in any of the ways that truly matter. His heart, mind, and spirit have always been free to soar. He never allowed walls and bars to close him in or keep him from a life of fulfillment and real joy. He never succumbed to anger or bitterness. Remarkable!
God wants to work a miracle in your life. Never give up. Trust and believe. There is power in the waiting and expecting.
“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. “ – Micah 6:8
Blessings,
Beth
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Spiders, Shingles, and Geranium
In August, when I was in the throes of physical misery, I took my two oldest grandsons to family camp for a week. I didn’t have the spunk I would have liked, or am used to, but we had a wonderful time. The morning after we returned I woke up with sharp pain in my shoulder blade that radiated under my arm around to the front. I found 5 white welts in a small circular area. I assumed I had brought a nasty spider home in my jammies. Two days later I returned to Phoenix and the spot became red and hot. I headed to the Dr. thinking I had some venomous infection. No such luck – shingles. I knew nothing about shingles except that it really hurt.
It is the chicken pox virus revisited in a whole new way. I had the three biggest markers – compromised immune system, general anesthesia , and drug reaction. The rx was Acyclovir and an antiviral ointment. I was loathe to take anymore meds – as the last one had nearly killed me – however, the dr. convinced me that this was gonna hurt and might last awhile. I filled the med but not the $184.00 lotion – no way, on a ,”You’re probably too late but MAYBE this will help”?!?
One hour later my mama called and when I told her my bites were shingles she said,
“Oh my! I just cut this article out about shingles being cured by geranium essential oil – no idea why. Now I know. God knew you had shingles.” Twenty minutes after mom, my sister, Brenda, called and said, “Oh gosh, I was just reading about that. You need geranium oil.” Ok, when God brings it twice in 20 minutes I have learned to pay attention! Brenda also told me I needed clove oil for my immune system and skin sores from the shingles. It has properties that promote feelings of protection and courage as a bonus for me! Then she said, “Didn’t you buy some clove when you were at my house this summer?” I had forgotten and had no idea what I bought. I hadn’t unpacked from 10 weeks away.
I went upstairs and found the bag at the bottom of the suitcase. Guess what I had? I only bought two oils and they were geranium and clove. I already had what I needed, without even knowing it! Isn’t God awesome? I put the geranium directly on the shingles and the clove oil on the bottoms of my feet. A week later there was just a small pink spot. Shingles cured. NO meds. NO pain. Even the doc was impressed.
Is anyone else using essential oils? Let us know which ones and your report. My sister Becky and I are experimenting with a liver formula for high triclycerides and fatty liver. I will keep you posted on our progress.
Laus Deo,
Beth
p.s. Since this writing my triglycerides have dropped 200 points!
I will have Becky guest blog the recipe.(mind you, I have changed
my diet and exercise too)
In the meantime check out her blog at www.wordbouquet.wordpress.com
It is the chicken pox virus revisited in a whole new way. I had the three biggest markers – compromised immune system, general anesthesia , and drug reaction. The rx was Acyclovir and an antiviral ointment. I was loathe to take anymore meds – as the last one had nearly killed me – however, the dr. convinced me that this was gonna hurt and might last awhile. I filled the med but not the $184.00 lotion – no way, on a ,”You’re probably too late but MAYBE this will help”?!?
One hour later my mama called and when I told her my bites were shingles she said,
“Oh my! I just cut this article out about shingles being cured by geranium essential oil – no idea why. Now I know. God knew you had shingles.” Twenty minutes after mom, my sister, Brenda, called and said, “Oh gosh, I was just reading about that. You need geranium oil.” Ok, when God brings it twice in 20 minutes I have learned to pay attention! Brenda also told me I needed clove oil for my immune system and skin sores from the shingles. It has properties that promote feelings of protection and courage as a bonus for me! Then she said, “Didn’t you buy some clove when you were at my house this summer?” I had forgotten and had no idea what I bought. I hadn’t unpacked from 10 weeks away.
I went upstairs and found the bag at the bottom of the suitcase. Guess what I had? I only bought two oils and they were geranium and clove. I already had what I needed, without even knowing it! Isn’t God awesome? I put the geranium directly on the shingles and the clove oil on the bottoms of my feet. A week later there was just a small pink spot. Shingles cured. NO meds. NO pain. Even the doc was impressed.
Is anyone else using essential oils? Let us know which ones and your report. My sister Becky and I are experimenting with a liver formula for high triclycerides and fatty liver. I will keep you posted on our progress.
Laus Deo,
Beth
p.s. Since this writing my triglycerides have dropped 200 points!
I will have Becky guest blog the recipe.(mind you, I have changed
my diet and exercise too)
In the meantime check out her blog at www.wordbouquet.wordpress.com
Monday, December 12, 2011
MARY CHRISTMAS
It’s the Christmas Season – peace, joy, love. But, how do we get there? Whether or not you believe the biblical story of Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus, Mary has a lot to teach us about how to get there. The following is paraphrased from a message by Jim Nicodem on the traits of Mary’s heart. If you would like to read the story it is found in the first 3 chapters of the book of Luke in the bible.
Mary had a reflective heart. When the angel told her what was about to happen to her, she pondered and treasured these things in her heart. How often do we let the important things get crowded out by the trivial – or just too much busyness?
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
Mary had a believing heart. Imagine a young girl being told she would bear the child of God. She believed the unbelievable; “For nothing is impossible with God.”
Mary had a submissive heart. She wanted to please God. She chose to honor her family. When it came time to travel to Bethlehem for the census she was nearly ready to deliver. She didn’t have to go, but she wanted to be with her husband and share the childbirth with him. She calls herself a “servant of the Lord.” I have often wished I had more of a servant heart – that I was more thoughtful or generous, and better at putting others’ needs ahead of my own. A good place to grow my Mary heart, I think.
Mary had a sharing heart. When she became pregnant she immediately went to visit her cousin Elizabeth. We are designed to do life together.
“Joy shared is joy doubled.
Sorrow shared is sorrow halved.” (anonymous)
Who do you share your heart with? Both the joy and the sorrow?
Mary had a worshipful heart. In the first chapter of Luke is recorded a song she wrote to honor and worship God. “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my savior…for the Mighty One has done great things for me…”
This week set aside some time to reflect, pray, and worship. It will bring peace, joy, and love.
Mary Christmas,
Beth
Mary had a reflective heart. When the angel told her what was about to happen to her, she pondered and treasured these things in her heart. How often do we let the important things get crowded out by the trivial – or just too much busyness?
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
Mary had a believing heart. Imagine a young girl being told she would bear the child of God. She believed the unbelievable; “For nothing is impossible with God.”
Mary had a submissive heart. She wanted to please God. She chose to honor her family. When it came time to travel to Bethlehem for the census she was nearly ready to deliver. She didn’t have to go, but she wanted to be with her husband and share the childbirth with him. She calls herself a “servant of the Lord.” I have often wished I had more of a servant heart – that I was more thoughtful or generous, and better at putting others’ needs ahead of my own. A good place to grow my Mary heart, I think.
Mary had a sharing heart. When she became pregnant she immediately went to visit her cousin Elizabeth. We are designed to do life together.
“Joy shared is joy doubled.
Sorrow shared is sorrow halved.” (anonymous)
Who do you share your heart with? Both the joy and the sorrow?
Mary had a worshipful heart. In the first chapter of Luke is recorded a song she wrote to honor and worship God. “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my savior…for the Mighty One has done great things for me…”
This week set aside some time to reflect, pray, and worship. It will bring peace, joy, and love.
Mary Christmas,
Beth
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Be Good for Nothing
Mark Scheeren has some wonderful thoughts about the path to happiness. He says there are some daily habits that are indispensible. I agree. See what you think…
“Selfishness is one of the main causes of unhappiness., so try this: Be good for nothing! That is, be good for absolutely no reason whatever. Nothing will help you understand the rewards of a positive lifestyle better than selfless action. Be kind and considerate to everyone in your life, beginning with your spouse and children and family - start right now. Do nice things for others without expecting anything in return. Get out of your comfort zone and spend time doing what someone else needs or wants, rather than following your own desires. It will probably be uncomfortable, and no one will give you a medal for it, but eventually you will feel good about who you are and begin to feel a sense of real happiness.”
Scheeren also gives us a list of universal axioms – life truths that guide people to a level of maturity that produces happiness and success. Think about these – do you agree?
Universal Axiom 1: The only constant is change
Universal Axiom 2: You are what you think
Universal Axiom 3: Happiness is the most effective motivating factor in the human
condition
Universal Axiom 4: There is no shortcut to lasting happiness
Universal Axiom 5: To give is to receive
It has been my experience (and scientific studies confirm this) that genuinely happy people are givers. Those folks that are attuned to others as much as to themselves, who will go out of their way to meet a need or share encouragement, are happier and more positive overall. My sister, Becky, calls it having a one-another mentality. We are meant to do life together. When one of us gets lifted up we all get lifted up.
What comes up for you as you read this?
What universal axiom would you add to the list?
Blessings,
Beth
p.s. If you would like to see what my girls are up to…
http://justmethankstohim.blogspot.com/2011/12/25-days-of-givinground-3.html
“Selfishness is one of the main causes of unhappiness., so try this: Be good for nothing! That is, be good for absolutely no reason whatever. Nothing will help you understand the rewards of a positive lifestyle better than selfless action. Be kind and considerate to everyone in your life, beginning with your spouse and children and family - start right now. Do nice things for others without expecting anything in return. Get out of your comfort zone and spend time doing what someone else needs or wants, rather than following your own desires. It will probably be uncomfortable, and no one will give you a medal for it, but eventually you will feel good about who you are and begin to feel a sense of real happiness.”
Scheeren also gives us a list of universal axioms – life truths that guide people to a level of maturity that produces happiness and success. Think about these – do you agree?
Universal Axiom 1: The only constant is change
Universal Axiom 2: You are what you think
Universal Axiom 3: Happiness is the most effective motivating factor in the human
condition
Universal Axiom 4: There is no shortcut to lasting happiness
Universal Axiom 5: To give is to receive
It has been my experience (and scientific studies confirm this) that genuinely happy people are givers. Those folks that are attuned to others as much as to themselves, who will go out of their way to meet a need or share encouragement, are happier and more positive overall. My sister, Becky, calls it having a one-another mentality. We are meant to do life together. When one of us gets lifted up we all get lifted up.
What comes up for you as you read this?
What universal axiom would you add to the list?
Blessings,
Beth
p.s. If you would like to see what my girls are up to…
http://justmethankstohim.blogspot.com/2011/12/25-days-of-givinground-3.html
Monday, December 5, 2011
25 Days of Giving
In the final analysis, there is no other solution to a man's problems but the day's honest work, the day's honest decisions, the day's generous utterance, and the day's good deed.
- Claire Booth Luce -
A couple of years ago my daughter committed to 25 days of giving, commencing December 1. Many of you read about it in past newsletters and shared your thoughts and your own experiences and inspiration. This year I will be in Chicago with all my kids and grandkids for this grand event!
My daughter-in-law sent me the link below to inspire us and give us some ideas.
This woman gathered her parents, husband, and children to commit 38 Random Acts of Kindness (RAOK) for her 38th birthday. Follow her day here. What I love about this is how many people joined in – however small their ROAK may have been. That’s a POWERFUL message – you don’t have to do something monumental – just look around you and jump in! See a need and fill it. Simple as that. When opportunity knocks – open the door and walk through.
We are engaged in an exploration of happiness. Getting outside ourselves; giving to someone else; spreading joy and good cheer; demonstrating kindness and caring – these are the BEST paths to happiness. God guarantees it!
Ecclesiastes 3:12
I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.
Laus Deo,
Beth
- Claire Booth Luce -
A couple of years ago my daughter committed to 25 days of giving, commencing December 1. Many of you read about it in past newsletters and shared your thoughts and your own experiences and inspiration. This year I will be in Chicago with all my kids and grandkids for this grand event!
My daughter-in-law sent me the link below to inspire us and give us some ideas.
This woman gathered her parents, husband, and children to commit 38 Random Acts of Kindness (RAOK) for her 38th birthday. Follow her day here. What I love about this is how many people joined in – however small their ROAK may have been. That’s a POWERFUL message – you don’t have to do something monumental – just look around you and jump in! See a need and fill it. Simple as that. When opportunity knocks – open the door and walk through.
We are engaged in an exploration of happiness. Getting outside ourselves; giving to someone else; spreading joy and good cheer; demonstrating kindness and caring – these are the BEST paths to happiness. God guarantees it!
Ecclesiastes 3:12
I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.
Laus Deo,
Beth
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