Your light is a gift to the world

Illumination

"This painting is my interpretation of feeling illuminated with inspiration and reassurance, and finding hope, answers, or that your path has been made clear. The lantern represents the woman receiving light and keeping it close to her, while it also serves to illuminate the lives of others. We prepare ourselves to be enlightened along our way and as we do so in faith, we will be illuminated." ~ Annie Henrie

I received this picture for Christmas. I love it. It is by one of my favorite artists Annie Henrie. She was inspired to create this beautiful picture from a scripture in Mathew. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven." ~ Mathew 5:16. May you also find that your light within is a gift not only to yourself but to those around you, for it is the truth.

You see, God's children had a need and they were asking a question. For God so loved the world that He gave it you. He gave the world you to fill the need and answer the question. The trick is, will you put forth the effort to discover the answer that lies within you and share it with the world.

God created you as a unique and precious gift. It does no one any good, least of all you, for the gift to remain unopened and unused. The irony is that just like a child who sees a cookie, asks for it and is in eager anticipation of receiving it; so is the world in eager anticipation of receiving what only you can give.

You see the world is eagerly waiting for what you have to offer. The longer they must wait, the more the anticipation grows. All that is left is simply for you to give. Give of yourself the way that you have always dreamed of doing. Love as big as your heart yearns for. Give of yourself without holding back. Leave no words of encouragement that you can give unsaid. Step out of your comfort zone and chase your dreams, whatever the outcome.

In any area of your life or with any person you choose to do it, you are only giving what has been wanted from you all along; which is for you to live, love and give as much as you can, as big as you can, as often as you can. In doing so you are filling the needs in the lives of everyone you touch. You are answering the questions that have been keeping them in the dark for so long. You become a beautiful expression of the light and love of God that never was until you arrived in the world.

So instead of constantly worrying over what people are thinking about you, what if you simply ask yourself this question, "If I really am a gift that people want, how do I want to give the gift today?"

And as an instructor has told me, "You are the gift and the gift is perfect, even if the wrapping can use some work." The funny thing about wrappings is that no matter how many hours we spend on making them look perfect, more often than not, they usually end up torn and discarded while the gift goes on to be cherished and loved.

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful to be writing again. I didn't realize how much I missed it until I started writing again. I also recognize that it is only because of my insecurities and self doubts that has kept me from doing what I love. When I worry about what others think about what I am doing, keeps me from doing what I love. When I do what I love without concern of others thoughts, I am free and from my freedom other people usually love what I do. But you can't please everyone, so let them be responsible for their own happiness.

Quotes to live by

"You never know how strong you are...until being strong is the only choice you have." ~ Unknown Author

I'm Back

This year became so busy with school, my family, and playing Noah's ark. We had a flood in our house this summer from our toilet backing up and running for 3 hours. Since it ran for so long there were only 3 rooms in our house that were not affected, my bedroom being one of them thank goodness.

However, since this was sewage it was considered a category 3 flood and hazardous which meant the family was moved into a hotel until repairs were completed. So we spent 3 months in a two hotel rooms with 5 kids, 2 adults and 1 dog. Luckily there was a swimming pool so all of my boys learned how to swim this summer without floaties. Yeah!

I also began working on my final project with my group so I could finish my program and graduate. I was terrified of doing the project which is called a Breakthrough Saturday. A short description is that you have a small group that must create, source, and put on a workshop for a minimum of 10 people. Each person in the small group must speak and present for a minimum of 15 minutes. Yikes! Actually I am eager to share my experience with you later. It was amazing!

I also completed my Movement into Mastery program and graduated in October. Yeah! I have to say this was one of the hardest things I had to do and the most rewarding. It wasn't that the work was really hard so much as how much I was asked to grow past my comfort zone. All in all it was so worth it.

I just want to say Hello, I'm back. I am excited about writing again. Merry Christmas.

Quotes to live by

"When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." ~ Viktor Frankl

Quotes to live by

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you will not see the shadows." ~ Helen Keller

Quotes to live by

"Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing." ~ Benjamin Franklin

Quotes to live by

"It is better to be alone than in bad company." ~ President George Washington

Quotes to live by

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." ~ Mother Teresa

Quotes to live by

"What is to give light must endure burning." ~ Viktor Frankl

Quotes to live by

"I've reached a point in my life where it's the little things that matter. I'm no longer interested in doing what's expected of me." ~ Veronica Lake

Quotes to live by

"I am not a has-been. I am a will be." ~ Lauren Bacall

Quotes to live by

"For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul." ~ Judy Garland

Quotes to live by

"In some way, suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning." ~ Viktor Frankl

Quotes to live by

"Forget what hurt you but never forget what it taught you." ~ Unknown Author

Quotes to live by

"In the practice of tolerance, one's enemy is the best teacher." ~ Dahlia Lama

Quotes to live by

"Faith is not knowing what the future holds but knowing who holds the future." ~ Unknown Author

Quotes to live by

"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others. For beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness. And for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone." ~ Audrey Hepburn

Quotes to live by

"Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it." ~ Helen Keller

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful for the opportunity to better myself. There are many places in the world that do not offer or allow people this simple yet very important freedom. As I receive it and express gratitude for it for myself, I do it for those that do not have it.

When you express gratitude you not only do it for yourself but you do it for those who cannot.

Quotes to live by

"Failure is not falling down but refusing to get up." ~ Unknown Author

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful for being able to recognize that "Yes" I do make mistakes and I don't have to take them so seriously. Most of the time, they are really very silly things after all.

Quotes to live by

"If you truly love life, don't waste time; because time is what life is made of." ~ Bruce Lee

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful for finally seeing that I am important enough to teach people how to treat me, how to speak to me, and how to love me.

Quotes to live by

"Find out what's really out there. I never said to be like me, I say be like you and make a difference." ~ Marilyn Manson

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful for late nights when you are too tired to get up and go to bed. It was a full day.

Quotes to live by

"The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision." ~ Helen Keller

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful for grandparents. I love that my children get the chance to grow up and love theirs.

Quotes to live by

"If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way." ~ Napoleon Hill

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful for sunsets and no matter how hectic or busy life is, you can loose yourself in the moment of watching one.

Quotes to live by

"Enjoy your own life without comparing it with that of another." ~ Unknown Author

Letting go of perfectionism and embracing authenticity

I was listening to the radio when I heard the song "Human" by Christina Perry. It seems to describe the pain that is experienced when we are trying to be perfect for ourselves or someone else. The problem with perfectionism is that it often leads to being unauthentic.

I believe that in the pursuit of perfection we can become misguided believing that we have to change or hide some perceived "flaws" about ourselves. Pursuing perfection in and of itself is not a bad thing. The scriptures call us to "strive for perfection". Which I feel is a direction to "strive" for Christ, to be like Him and to do His will. But ultimately I believe that Christ desires us to be true to ourselves in our striving.

I believe that Christ wants us to be real and authentic even in being vulnerable and showing the flaws and imperfections of ourselves and our lives. He does not want us to hide who we are or the condition of our lives. If we are busy hiding we cannot begin the healing process, we cannot make improvements.

As the performer Drake says, "We are not here to fake perfection." We are going to make mistakes and we all have flaws. Christ simply asks us to strive for something better when we are able. And if we ask Him, He will always make us able.

Maybe it's time to free ourselves and others from the bondage of perfectionism and begin embracing authenticity. Even when being authentic may mean being vulnerable enough to show your imperfections for all the world to see. Just remember we are all full of imperfections. Please be patient with my imperfections while you seek patience for your own.

Below are the lyrics to "Human" by Christina Perry.


I can hold my breath
I can bite my tongue
I can stay awake for days
If that's what you want
Be your number one

I can fake a smile
I can force a laugh
I can dance and play the part
If that's what you ask
Give you all I am

I can do it

But I'm only human
And I bleed when I fall down
I'm only human
And I crash and I break down
Your words in my head, knives in my heart
You build me up and then I fall apart
'Cause I'm only human

I can turn it on
Be a good machine
If that's what you need
Be your everything

I can do it
I'll get through it

But I'm only human
And I bleed when I fall down
I'm only human
And I crash and I break down
Your words in my head, knives in my heart
You build me up and then I fall apart
'Cause I'm only human

I'm only human
Just a little human

I can take so much
'Till I've had enough

'Cause I'm only human
And I bleed when I fall down
I'm only human
And I crash and I break down
Your words in my head, knives in my heart
You build me up and then I fall apart
'Cause I'm only human

Attitude of Gratitude

I am so grateful for vacations and a chance to unwind. It's great to sit sometimes and just not think.

Quotes to live by

"Knowledge will give you power, but character respect." ~ Bruce Lee

Do not wait for leaders

I found a quote by Mother Teresa I want to share. "Do not wait for leaders; do it alone person to person."

For so much of my life I have waited for someone else to do it before I would act or move. Even if I felt inspired or motivated. I was paralyzed by my own fears and feelings of inadequacy. I have come to realize that the only time my fears have a foundation in truth is when I allow them to make me feel inadequate and I do nothing while I complain that no one is doing anything.

I have come to realize that even a little bit of good is better than none. And even if my efforts are wrought with mistakes, I now see that action is a lot more satisfying than day dreaming. I have always been full of creative imagination and beautiful dreams but neither serves me or anyone else as long as they stay inside of me as a good idea. They can only do the good they were inspired within me to make when I take the steps to make them a reality.

There are times to follow and seasons when we are called to lead. We will play both of these roles throughout or lives. But we will never know when we are called to lead if we are always waiting for someone else to do it for us.

Being a leader isn't about being perfect and never making a mistake. Being a leader is knowing that you are not perfect, you will make mistakes and acting anyway. Being a leader is not about doing great acts but acting greatly. Being a leader isn't about needing people to be inspired by you. It is about being inspired by the needs of the people.

At times you will follow. At times you will lead. The only way to know if you are to follow or lead is by acting on what your heart tells you is the next right step for you.

Attitude of Gratitude

I am so grateful for my classes. I love having the opportunity to expand my concept of myself and the way I perceive the world around me.

Quotes to live by

"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing; the last of the human freedoms--to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances." ~ Viktor Frankl

The Change In Me

I was thinking about my blog and the goal I had set for myself last year. I wanted to find ways to be successful and see how I could change my life by changing the way I looked at my life. One thing I have come to realize is that I didn't change my life. There are a lot of things that are happening in my life that were happening last year. And yet, my life has changed because I do not feel the same way about my life now like the way I did last year.

My life didn't change because different things are happening in my life. My life has changed because I changed me and the way I am looking at my life. That includes the many things that are happening in my life daily that are just the same as they were before. I didn't miraculously create a new life by getting rid of all of my so called 'problems'. I live with the same people; a handful of munchkins and a husband. I am still working at learning how to manage my responses to their behaviors. I am still working at organizing my home, my time, and my money. And I am still working at learning many of the same life lessons as before. The thing that has changed and is making all the difference is my perspective, my attitude.

When my husband is upset and my children are fighting I am not automatically deciding that it means anything bad about them or me, most of the time. I realize that I am the one that puts the meaning to my experiences. Just as ten different people can all have the same experience but all of them have different thoughts and feelings about it, I am the one who decides what I think and feel about my life.

Regardless of what happens to me, I am the one who creates my world through the perspective I choose to have about me, my life, and my experiences. And so it is for you. You do not have to be held prisoner by what others think of you. You do not have to be trapped by your circumstances, experiences, or roles in life. You are the creator of your world through your thoughts and feelings. Your perspective creates your happiness and outlook on life. Your perspective decides if you will be free or live life in a cage.

In "Man's search for meaning", Viktor Frankl was in a concentration camp during WWII when he learned that you can rise above any situation and be at peace and have happiness. You control these things because you are the only one who creates your perspective. You are the sole driver. You create it. And as the creator you can change it at any time to serve you.

So how will you choose to see your life? It's completely up to you.

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful for my computer. It is my favorite and it is still working. Yeah! I love this computer. I love everything about it. I have the most fun when I get to use.

Quotes to live by

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace." ~ Jimi Hendrix

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful for colored pencils. I love to color and draw. It's something I loved doing as I grew up and then just stopped doing when I became a mom. I am grateful that I have started doing it again. It is such a joy.

Quotes to live by

"True words are not always pretty, pretty words are not always true." ~ Unknown Author

Best Day of My Life

I have been having the best week. I have been sick while I am going to school and it has still been the most amazing time. This song tells it all. Enjoy.


Best Day of My Life by American Authors

I had a dream so big and loud
I jumped so high I touched the clouds

I stretched my hands out to the sky
We danced with monsters through the night

I'm never gonna look back
No, please don't wake me now

This is gonna be the best day of my life

I howled at the moon with friends
And then the sun came crashing in

But all the possibilities
No limits just epiphanies

I'm never gonna look back
No, please don't wake me now

This is gonna be the best day of my life

I hear it calling outside my window
I feel it in my soul
The stars were burning so bright
The sun was out 'til midnight
I say we lose control

This is gonna be the best day of my life
Everything is looking up, everybody up now
This is gonna be the best day of my life

Attitude of Gratitude

I love writing. I am so grateful that I get to write. I am so grateful that God sends me the inspiration that becomes the things I get to write!

Quotes to live by

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." ~ Thomas Edison

A reckless driver

I was out with my husband on Saturday when we drove by a four car accident on the freeway. I don't think it was severe but there was definitely damage done to all of the cars. When you are driving by an accident you don't know who or what caused it. But there is an affect and impact on those involved.

I find it interesting how we can find meaning all around us if we are willing to pay attention. Let me explain what I mean. Take a car accident for instance. Let's say there is a reckless driver who is driving drunk or texting. It doesn't matter why they are a reckless driver. I am only trying to describe that by their own choices they are choosing to drive recklessly.

When a reckless driver causes a car accident that involves another driver, does it mean the other driver is a bad driver? Does it mean that the other driver is a bad person? Does it mean anything negative about the other driver at all? Or is it simply this; that the accident has nothing to do with the other driver and is only a reflection of the reckless driver, their state of mind, and their own choices.

This doesn't change the fact that the other driver is affected and impacted by the reckless driver's choices but it doesn't mean anything about the other driver. The impact on the other driver can also be devastating and life altering. But the accident had nothing to do with who they are. And when the other driver is involved in an accident caused by a reckless driver they do not decide that this accident means they are a bad driver or a bad person. The other driver does not think it means anything negative about themselves at all.

However, when someone is being a reckless person we tend to make a lot of decisions about what that means about "the other" person. And when we are the other person we often look to ourselves to see what is wrong with us that this has happened.

I know that there are many levels to our interactions with each other but I would like to propose this concept; that when a person is being reckless, the experience is a reflection of that person, their state of mind, and their own choices. It doesn't mean anything about the other person. And when you are the other person, it doesn't mean anything negative about you.

When a person makes a choice it is based off of their perceptions and what they are thinking and feeling internally. No one can make you think and feel anything you do not want to. What you think and feel is a choice; a choice that only you can make. People can influence and persuade but they cannot choose your thoughts and feelings for you. What happens inside of you is completely under your control. What happens outside of you is affected by those you are surrounded by.

When we have an experience where someone is being reckless we tend to look at ourselves and question our worth and value, our character, who we are, etc. And from these questions we make decisions about ourselves. Things like, "Well they must not love me because if they loved me, they never would have treated me this way." or "I must not be important because if I was important they never would have done this." The possibilities to this way of thinking are endless. We often take these experiences and make some false assumptions about ourselves.

While the truth is simply this; when a person is being reckless it affects you and has an impact on your life but it doesn't mean anything about you, it is only a reflection of them, their state of mind, and their own choices. And the reverse is also true. When you are being reckless it is a reflection of you and not the other person you are interacting with.

I believe it is time we stop allowing reckless behavior to define who we are and start accepting responsibility for the world we are creating inside of us. Who we are and how we feel about ourselves is not at the whim of our experiences but are created by the way we are choosing to interpret the meaning of our experiences.

We do not have any control over what a person chooses to say or do to us but we have full control over how we choose to think and feel about it. It is our thoughts and feelings that create what we choose to say and do. We are not victims but powerful creators in our world. We can have victimizing experiences but being a victim is a "who".

We are far too magnificent to define ourselves by this title. We carry within us the light of Christ. Whatever belief system or whatever word you choose to use doesn't matter. God lives in us as us. However you choose to describe that; we are a part of Him. And because of this we too are magnificent, beautiful, and amazing. It serves no one, least of all you to define yourself any other way. Because nothing else can come close to expressing the full magnificence that is you.

As Marianne Williamson says, "You were born to make manifest the glory of God. It is not just in some of us; it is in all of us." You are here to do great things. There are no small people or unimportant roles. There are only small minds and unimportant assumptions.

So give yourself and everyone else the gift of being the unique expression of God's magnificence that you are here to be. Free yourself from false assumptions and forgive the reckless person. Because in the end their behavior was all about their inner turmoil and not a reflection of you. Your reaction to their recklessness is your choice and is what reflects who you are.

So, who are you going to be? The choice is yours. It always has been. What will you do with it? The possibilities are endless.

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful for a body that knows how to take care of me better than I do sometimes. My body often gives me signals to let me know what is good for me and what isn't. Too often I ignore those signals to do whatever I want and then complain about the consequences of those choices as though I had no part in their creation.

I was given a great gift when I was born; my body. Thank you God for my body and all I am able to experience because of it.

Quotes to live by

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." ~ Helen Keller

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful that I don't know everything and my family is way smarter than I thought. It's amazing what other people can offer you when you admit that you can't do everything yourself without help.

Groundhog Day

Happy Groundhog Day! May we have a beautiful end to winter and a enjoy the blossoming of spring.

Quotes to live by

"I was born to make mistakes, not to fake perfection." ~ Drake

Who I was born to be

This is one of my favorite songs from Susan Boyle. Our lives are full of so much potential not only at the beginning but throughout. There is never a moment where it is too late to move forward in the direction that our hearts lead us.


Who I was born to be

When I was a child
I could see the wind in the trees
And I heard a song in the breeze
It was there, singing out my name

But I am not a girl
I have known the taste of defeat
And I've finally grown to believe
It will all come around again

And though I may not know the answers
I can finally say I am free
And if the questions led me here
Then I am who I was born to be

And so here am I
Open arms and ready to stand
I've got the world in my hands
And it feels like my turn to fly

Though I may not know the answers
I can finally say I am free
And if the questions led me here
Then I am who I was born to be

When I was a child
There were flowers that bloomed in the night
Unafraid to take in the light
Unashamed to have braved the dark

Though I may not know the answers
I can finally say I am free
And if the questions led me here
Then I am who I was born to be
I am who I was born to be

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful for the color pink. I am having so much fun having a little girl to dress up. I love frilly girly things. I have no fears of making her to girly, she has too many brothers for that.

Quotes to live by

"Kind words are easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." ~ Mother Teresa

Dream a Dream

I remember when I first saw Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent. I was at the gym on the treadmill. The news was on the TV and they were airing a clip from the show of Susan singing "I dreamed a dream" form Les Miserables. Everyone was discounting her almost from the beginning. She laughed and made fun of herself. No one was expecting her to sing very well.

They finished interviewing her and then she began to sing. It was the most beautiful moment. She wasn't fidgety and she wasn't flashy, she just sang. She sang with all of the passion that was within her and you could hear it in her voice. I was spellbound and I didn't want her to stop. I couldn't help but cry for the beauty of her voice and the innocence in which she shared it brought me to tears.

There are so many times in our lives when all we want is to be the amazing gift that we are and share it with the world. However, most of the time we tend become intimidated and either hide ourselves away or forcing and overdoing everything in our attempts to be "seen". When we hide we tell ourselves we don't care, it doesn't matter. When we are forcing things to happen and overdoing we feel used and unappreciated, resentful.

I wish we could put aside our fears of what other people are thinking about us so that we can just allow ourselves to be without holding back or trying to force it. Because hiding and forcing never gives us the satisfaction we are looking for, only pain and frustration. The only way to be truly satisfied is to do what we can, while we can to the best of our abilities without the fear of what someone will say about it.

If you have time, follow the link and watch this clip of Susan on YouTube. Pay attention as she sings. There are times when you can see her nervousness and yet when she sings that melts away. When she sings she steps into her authenticity and she becomes mesmerizing. She is beautiful. You can't help but root for her. The air of the judges changed as they received the energy of her performance.

When you are in your authenticity people can't help but love you and want to rejoice with you. We can all have this in our lives if we will step out there and give ourselves permission to shine without concern of the fear of what others are thinking. Everyone is dying to live in the authenticity of who they are. When we live this way it is as Marianne Williamson says, as we give ourselves permission we unconsciously give others permission to do it.

So many of us are prisoners of the thoughts in our mind and we are not able to live authentically. Most of these fears are unfounded. So give yourself permission and free not only yourself but everyone who is able to see you and what you are willing to do. Freedom to live the life we dream has to start somewhere, why not let it start with you.

Susan dreamed a dream and it led her to the life of her dreams that she gets to live every day. What dream is your heart yearning to see become a reality? Maybe it's time to take that first step and see where it leads.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRiJNS8Oz6E

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful for bills. I never thought there would be a time when I would say that. But with every bill there has been a service rendered that I wanted. I wanted the water, the electricity, the gas, the internet, the phone, etc.

These were all things that I wanted and have served me. Maybe the problem was never the bill but my attitude about the bill. Thank you for my bills for I truly wanted the service that was provided.

Quotes to live by

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful for children who love to sing and dance. It makes for some fun times together as a family as well as some funny moments to laugh about.

Quotes to live by

"Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we should dance." ~ Unknown Author

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful for my car. We have put a lot of miles, dirt, and food on it and it still dutifully carries our family where we want to go. It isn't new and it is rarely shiny but it gives and gives with little complaint. Thank you lord for a car that serves our family so well.

Quotes to live by

"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." ~ Helen Keller

Happy New Year!

"Whatever you do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Enjoy the new year you find yourself in and embrace it for the opportunities it presents for the present!