I am now going back to basics. Refocusing on God and Christ.
"Everything I am, everything I long to be,
I lay it down at your feet" Song and lyrics by Matt Maher
When I heard this song at church yesterday, it exemplifies what I was thinking. Simple, humble love of God. Prayerful meditation on God, offering all that I am is so powerful. You will feel God's presence in your life. It will transform you. That's what I mean when I say back to basics.
"Take me to the king. I don't have much to bring. My heart is torn to pieces, that's my offering. Lay me at the throne, leave me there alone. To gaze upon your glory." By Tamela Mann
Simple humble prayer. All he wants is all of me. All he wants is all of you. The broken bits, the whole bits. The part of you that you keep hidden, the part of you shared with the world.
When I hear this song the throne I see is the cross. Christ chose his throne for me, for you.
His name alone, Jesus, is a powerful simple meditative prayer. If you meditate on the name of Jesus, you will feel his presence. It will transform you. Simple but powerful. Back to basics.
God in three parts. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. All three powerful, individually and as the trinity. Four great ways to meditate and pray. God wants us all to be with him in his kingdom. He is the perfect parent, loving us, guiding us, letting us fall and get back up on our own and forgiving us. Offering a way home, through Christ with self sacrifice and love. Ultimate love, the love that is not about us but about others. Christ says "You shall love The Lord your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." Matthew 22:37
He also says "as I have loved you, so you should also love one another." John 13:34
Simple, humble, self giving. Laying it all down. Letting it all go. Opening yourself to God and letting Him transform you. This will transform the world.
As you can probably tell, music is how I feel God. For me it is a form of prayer. There are so many powerful songs out there. But maybe for you it something different. Art, poetry, nature, God's presence is everywhere. He will touch your heart, he will be there if you open to it.
We are a week and half into lent. So how is it going? For me it's going well.
I waffle a bit. Somedays I feel like "I got this, my prayer life is going good. I am being more disciplined with it" to "ugh! I'm still not were I want to be, why not?" I do this with my spiritual life, my fitness life and others. I think we all do. We need to just keep working at it.
May God presence be felt in your life!
Monday, February 25, 2013
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Ash Wed
First day of the Lenten season.
A season of Prayer, Fasting and Charity.
As we refocus, turn our attention back to Christ.
We get distracted by the world and our selfishness. Our Lenten practices help us to refocus.
Prayer, opens our hearts and minds to Christ.
The ACTS from of prayer is a favorite of mine.
Adoration - praising God
Contrition - asking for forgiveness for our sins and mistakes
Thanksgiving - giving thanks for God's grace and all our blessings
Supplication - asking God to watch over us, our friends, family, country etc....
Fasting, abstinence, sacrifice....
Denying our selfish desires, most often food, but could be other sacrifices.
As we sacrifice we remember the sacrifice of Christ. We are also reminded that our bodies are temples, we have a responsibility to care for that temple. Finally, we need to remember those who go without basic needs.
There are many who go without food, water, basic shelter and safety. There are also many who are spiritually hungry. Who have lost their faith and hope.
Charity, almsgiving
As we are praying and sacrificing we are also called to acts of charity. Real acts of love. Some take the money saved from their sacrifices and donate it to a charitable org. Others give of their time to help those in need. Others practice random acts of kindness. Lent can also be a good time to work on forgiveness. Letting go of anger and hatred. Opening our hearts to love those around us. This is what Christ calls us to do, "To love as I have loved you".
As we turn our attention to Christ, as we walk with him on this spiritual journey, through the 40 days in the dessert, into His Passion and onto the Cross, finally ending with a risen Lord who We will recognize in the breaking of the bread, we will hopefully end up closer to Christ. We will know and feel His Love, His Peace and His Forgiveness.
May God Bless us all on our spiritual journeys, wherever we are and wherever He leads us.
A season of Prayer, Fasting and Charity.
As we refocus, turn our attention back to Christ.
We get distracted by the world and our selfishness. Our Lenten practices help us to refocus.
Prayer, opens our hearts and minds to Christ.
The ACTS from of prayer is a favorite of mine.
Adoration - praising God
Contrition - asking for forgiveness for our sins and mistakes
Thanksgiving - giving thanks for God's grace and all our blessings
Supplication - asking God to watch over us, our friends, family, country etc....
Fasting, abstinence, sacrifice....
Denying our selfish desires, most often food, but could be other sacrifices.
As we sacrifice we remember the sacrifice of Christ. We are also reminded that our bodies are temples, we have a responsibility to care for that temple. Finally, we need to remember those who go without basic needs.
There are many who go without food, water, basic shelter and safety. There are also many who are spiritually hungry. Who have lost their faith and hope.
Charity, almsgiving
As we are praying and sacrificing we are also called to acts of charity. Real acts of love. Some take the money saved from their sacrifices and donate it to a charitable org. Others give of their time to help those in need. Others practice random acts of kindness. Lent can also be a good time to work on forgiveness. Letting go of anger and hatred. Opening our hearts to love those around us. This is what Christ calls us to do, "To love as I have loved you".
As we turn our attention to Christ, as we walk with him on this spiritual journey, through the 40 days in the dessert, into His Passion and onto the Cross, finally ending with a risen Lord who We will recognize in the breaking of the bread, we will hopefully end up closer to Christ. We will know and feel His Love, His Peace and His Forgiveness.
May God Bless us all on our spiritual journeys, wherever we are and wherever He leads us.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Victim's response
Victims response
I think that is what it is called. When he is convicted what would you say, to him,to the court?
Each member of Rosie's immediate family is writing one. All of us won't get to speak, there are just too many us. But we want each of us to have a voice, maybe put some together into one statement like from siblings. So I have been thinking about this for a week now. How to put words down, how to say what you need to say!! It never will be right, it will never put the scope of our loss into words. But I am trying. I think it's important.
Below is the what I am come up with..
Rose Marie Woolwine was a beautiful vibrant young woman. She loved fiercely and lived passionately. She had a light that drew people in. You saw this light and you tried to put it out. You took advantage of her love. You embraced evil instead. But evil will never overpower light. Rosie's light lives today in her family. Especially in her children, 3 beautiful people who also love fiercely and live passionately. You being here is evidence of that passion. Her light will live on, her love will grow with her family.
You are nothing compared to this. A cowardly little man, who put a gun to Rosie's head pulled the trigger and left her like a dog. You will pay for this crime, here and forever. You stand before us in judgement and you will stand before God in judgement. Your only option is to admit what you did, beg for mercy and ask for the forgiveness you don't deserve.
I think that is what it is called. When he is convicted what would you say, to him,to the court?
Each member of Rosie's immediate family is writing one. All of us won't get to speak, there are just too many us. But we want each of us to have a voice, maybe put some together into one statement like from siblings. So I have been thinking about this for a week now. How to put words down, how to say what you need to say!! It never will be right, it will never put the scope of our loss into words. But I am trying. I think it's important.
Below is the what I am come up with..
Rose Marie Woolwine was a beautiful vibrant young woman. She loved fiercely and lived passionately. She had a light that drew people in. You saw this light and you tried to put it out. You took advantage of her love. You embraced evil instead. But evil will never overpower light. Rosie's light lives today in her family. Especially in her children, 3 beautiful people who also love fiercely and live passionately. You being here is evidence of that passion. Her light will live on, her love will grow with her family.
You are nothing compared to this. A cowardly little man, who put a gun to Rosie's head pulled the trigger and left her like a dog. You will pay for this crime, here and forever. You stand before us in judgement and you will stand before God in judgement. Your only option is to admit what you did, beg for mercy and ask for the forgiveness you don't deserve.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
What is the most effective way to exercise?
I wish there was a definitive answer!!
I was talking to this guy I know. He is a former personal trainer and professional runner. His training philosophy is 20 min of interval cardio, 1-2 min high intensity then 2 min low intensity. He states this is the best way to burn fat.
When I first started working out 10+ yrs ago, I was talking to a different personal trainer. His philosophy was 1hr of mid intensity workout. He said that it isn't until after the first 20 min that your body start burning fat.
These two thoughts are counter intuitive. So now what!!!! And I bet if you have read other trainers and fitness experts you will also find conflicting advice. What to do?!
The same basic principle still holds true. The only way to lose weight is to burn more calories than you consume. How your body stores fat and burns fat is genetics. We are all slightly different. That is why some people can eat a lot and not gain. I personally have to maintain 1200 calorie diet to lose weight.
I try and listen, read and discuss all the different fitness ideas. I try some here and there. It is a good idea to mix up your fitness routine anyway to keep your body guessing and burning. I personally don't believe any one is exactly right. I also think you need to do what you enjoy. If you enjoy pushing yourself very hard for 20 min then being done. Awesome, do it. If you enjoy dancing for an hour, then do it. If you enjoy long walks and hikes, go for it. etc. Etc....
The idea being, MOVE!! Whatever form that takes, move, sweat and make yourself tired out. I also enjoy stretching and some weight training. Both are good to keep the body limber and strong. It also helps with my arthritis. I know there is some crazy idea out there that women shouldn't do weights. NOT TRUE, we won't bulk up unless we incorporate steroids. We don't have the testosterone for that. Weights make your cardio more effective and fight osteoporosis( the brittle bone thing that can happen as we age).
So my point is read, listen and discuss. Then find what moves you and move. Remember being hungry isn't a bad thing when trying to lose weight, as long as you aren't starving yourself. Remember sweat isn't a bad thing either. It is your body cooling itself off.
And finally, I am not a medical professional or personal trainer. Everything I say is from my own personal opinions. Please feel free to speak to professionals for advice, there are lots online and at your doctor's office.
Move2Motivate so you can motivate 2 move.
I was talking to this guy I know. He is a former personal trainer and professional runner. His training philosophy is 20 min of interval cardio, 1-2 min high intensity then 2 min low intensity. He states this is the best way to burn fat.
When I first started working out 10+ yrs ago, I was talking to a different personal trainer. His philosophy was 1hr of mid intensity workout. He said that it isn't until after the first 20 min that your body start burning fat.
These two thoughts are counter intuitive. So now what!!!! And I bet if you have read other trainers and fitness experts you will also find conflicting advice. What to do?!
The same basic principle still holds true. The only way to lose weight is to burn more calories than you consume. How your body stores fat and burns fat is genetics. We are all slightly different. That is why some people can eat a lot and not gain. I personally have to maintain 1200 calorie diet to lose weight.
I try and listen, read and discuss all the different fitness ideas. I try some here and there. It is a good idea to mix up your fitness routine anyway to keep your body guessing and burning. I personally don't believe any one is exactly right. I also think you need to do what you enjoy. If you enjoy pushing yourself very hard for 20 min then being done. Awesome, do it. If you enjoy dancing for an hour, then do it. If you enjoy long walks and hikes, go for it. etc. Etc....
The idea being, MOVE!! Whatever form that takes, move, sweat and make yourself tired out. I also enjoy stretching and some weight training. Both are good to keep the body limber and strong. It also helps with my arthritis. I know there is some crazy idea out there that women shouldn't do weights. NOT TRUE, we won't bulk up unless we incorporate steroids. We don't have the testosterone for that. Weights make your cardio more effective and fight osteoporosis( the brittle bone thing that can happen as we age).
So my point is read, listen and discuss. Then find what moves you and move. Remember being hungry isn't a bad thing when trying to lose weight, as long as you aren't starving yourself. Remember sweat isn't a bad thing either. It is your body cooling itself off.
And finally, I am not a medical professional or personal trainer. Everything I say is from my own personal opinions. Please feel free to speak to professionals for advice, there are lots online and at your doctor's office.
Move2Motivate so you can motivate 2 move.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Move 2 Motivate
Move 2 Motivate
As I move to motivate my self, I keep pushing along. My weight is up and my energy level is down. There are a myriad of reasons and excuses as to why. None of that matters. I need to keep moving.
As I was exercising at the fitness trail this morning, I realized that my fitness level hasn't gone down. Thank God! I wish I was better than a year ago, but again I will keep moving 2 motivate. I can still do level 3 at each station. I can still do 30 jumping jacks. That is good. I am still fighting diabetes, osteoporosis, and many others. I am still keeping my arthritis from getting worse.
As I was walking the trail, runners kept breezing by me. I wondered what they thought as they saw this little chubby women, walking along, sweating. I assume, if they noticed me at all, they were sending motivational vibes. I try to for those I notice while exercising. Especially those who seem like newbies to fitness. I try to send good thoughts to keep them moving. It is interesting how things like that are relative. You see someone who seems to be in a earlier stage than you, fitness wise, and you hope they stay with it. And you are that someone to others. We are all on a journey and we should be pulling each other along.
Move 2 Motivate, is the name of my business. I haven't done anything with it, except register the name with the state. Life has a way of getting in the way. Maybe soon I will get back to it. I have all these ideas and plans. It takes time and money to get something like this going. Maybe I will sell the idea to someone who has time and money. Who knows what God has in store for me.
I hope as I Move 2 Motivate myself, I can Move 2 Motivate some of you.
Keep pushing, Keep moving, Keep motivating.
As I move to motivate my self, I keep pushing along. My weight is up and my energy level is down. There are a myriad of reasons and excuses as to why. None of that matters. I need to keep moving.
As I was exercising at the fitness trail this morning, I realized that my fitness level hasn't gone down. Thank God! I wish I was better than a year ago, but again I will keep moving 2 motivate. I can still do level 3 at each station. I can still do 30 jumping jacks. That is good. I am still fighting diabetes, osteoporosis, and many others. I am still keeping my arthritis from getting worse.
As I was walking the trail, runners kept breezing by me. I wondered what they thought as they saw this little chubby women, walking along, sweating. I assume, if they noticed me at all, they were sending motivational vibes. I try to for those I notice while exercising. Especially those who seem like newbies to fitness. I try to send good thoughts to keep them moving. It is interesting how things like that are relative. You see someone who seems to be in a earlier stage than you, fitness wise, and you hope they stay with it. And you are that someone to others. We are all on a journey and we should be pulling each other along.
Move 2 Motivate, is the name of my business. I haven't done anything with it, except register the name with the state. Life has a way of getting in the way. Maybe soon I will get back to it. I have all these ideas and plans. It takes time and money to get something like this going. Maybe I will sell the idea to someone who has time and money. Who knows what God has in store for me.
I hope as I Move 2 Motivate myself, I can Move 2 Motivate some of you.
Keep pushing, Keep moving, Keep motivating.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
The capacity of the Human Spirit
"The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love and to be greater than our suffering."
Ben Okri
What a powerful quote! Our capacity to overcome is amazing to me. It is amazing to me to think about where I came from to where I am now. But I look at those around me, I know some of the struggles alot of you have faced, I can only imagine the struggles you hide. I see, read and meet people who have suffered tremendous tragedies. The ability of the human spirit to heal and grow in spite is awe inspiring.
Elizabeth Smart has taken her tragedy and used it to motivate her to do good. Jacey Dugard has shared her story in hopes of inspiring. There are stories of forgiveness from Rawanda and across the globe.
To be greater than our suffering. To take that suffering and turn it around for good, That is something. I have moved on, I have created a good life for me and my family. I wouldn't say I turned it around for the greater good. I walked away and created a new life. That is a good thing. But for those special people who have used it for the greater good is above and beyond.
Our life on earth isn't an easy one. We humans have ways of hurting one another, we turn on each other. We murder, molest, rape, pillage, bully and hate. We can be very creative in our ways of hurting one another. The fact that we haven't blown ourselves out of the universe is a testament to the human spirit to continue on.
As we struggle to live together on this planet, let's take our struggles and turn them around to create a better world. Let's use the challenges in life as motivation to move forward and be better. Love yourself and Love those around you, even the most challenging people in your life, even those who have hurt you. Love truly does conquer all things.
Ben Okri
What a powerful quote! Our capacity to overcome is amazing to me. It is amazing to me to think about where I came from to where I am now. But I look at those around me, I know some of the struggles alot of you have faced, I can only imagine the struggles you hide. I see, read and meet people who have suffered tremendous tragedies. The ability of the human spirit to heal and grow in spite is awe inspiring.
Elizabeth Smart has taken her tragedy and used it to motivate her to do good. Jacey Dugard has shared her story in hopes of inspiring. There are stories of forgiveness from Rawanda and across the globe.
To be greater than our suffering. To take that suffering and turn it around for good, That is something. I have moved on, I have created a good life for me and my family. I wouldn't say I turned it around for the greater good. I walked away and created a new life. That is a good thing. But for those special people who have used it for the greater good is above and beyond.
Our life on earth isn't an easy one. We humans have ways of hurting one another, we turn on each other. We murder, molest, rape, pillage, bully and hate. We can be very creative in our ways of hurting one another. The fact that we haven't blown ourselves out of the universe is a testament to the human spirit to continue on.
As we struggle to live together on this planet, let's take our struggles and turn them around to create a better world. Let's use the challenges in life as motivation to move forward and be better. Love yourself and Love those around you, even the most challenging people in your life, even those who have hurt you. Love truly does conquer all things.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
"Sins of the father"
"Sins of the Father"
What does this mean? Are kids punished for the bad things done by their parents? Not literally, sure, but kids are impacted by the choices their parents make.
How we act, how we live, what we do everyday, how we handle our relationships... All of these are modeled by our children. None of us are perfect. None of us will ever be perfect. We have to live our lives happily making good choices for our selves and our family.
But I am thinking about the bigger issues. The detrimental impact things like alcoholism, drug addiction, physical, emotional and sexual abuse can have on families and children for decades to come.
My parenting skills, or lack there of, are a direct result of my childhood. (The same holds true for Steve, for you) For example, my mother wasn't a good housekeeper. I am not a good housekeeper. My children may not be the best housekeepers.
When Steve and I decided to make a life together, we brought our own issues and baggage to the relationship. We had to work through these. We are still working through these. I still can fall back into some of my childhood issues. I am still not a good housekeeper, better than I used to be, but not the best.
But getting back to the heavier issues. How far back do you need to go to figure out where the road turns and a cycle of dysfunction is created. Families get caught in this cycle and can be there for decades. So the issues I face, that effect my children, are a result of issues created by my parents. The issues my parents faced were a result of the issues their parents faced. So on and so on. You could keep going back in the family tree forever. I am not making excuses for peoples choices. At some point your life becomes your own and the choices you make are yours. Not excuses just some rational for how things go bad.
My Grandparents struggled. I don't know that whole story and probably never will. But I know there were some serious issues. These issues impacted my mothers life, very negatively. Subsequently our childhood was very bad. I am not laying blame or making excuses. Just trying to understand how thinks got so...
To change things takes effort, conscience effort. Takes recognition that something is wrong and needs to be different. Takes work to break old habits and create new ones. This is very challenging. Maybe one of the hardest things to do.
When Steve and I began our lives together, we knew we wanted to move out of the city. To create a different life for our children. I have written about how moving to Ann Arbor was a culture shock for me. I have tried to create a different life for my children. I have done that. They way they grew up or are growing up is so completely different from my childhood it is incredible. There is no way to put it into words. You would have to live it to see it. But the issues I face because of my childhood are still a part of me and subsequently are a part of my childrens lives.
My extended family(my sisters, brothers, mother) are dealing with some of the trauma from our childhood. We are struggling right now. We are in a better place to deal with them. We are stronger. We can get through this. Sometimes I wonder if we are strong enough. I lose faith. But then I look my Mom and her resolve. I know that changes she has made in her life forthe better. I know the family will heal and come out stronger. I know God is watching over us and hears our prayers.
God Bless you all. Please pray for me as I do for you.
What does this mean? Are kids punished for the bad things done by their parents? Not literally, sure, but kids are impacted by the choices their parents make.
How we act, how we live, what we do everyday, how we handle our relationships... All of these are modeled by our children. None of us are perfect. None of us will ever be perfect. We have to live our lives happily making good choices for our selves and our family.
But I am thinking about the bigger issues. The detrimental impact things like alcoholism, drug addiction, physical, emotional and sexual abuse can have on families and children for decades to come.
My parenting skills, or lack there of, are a direct result of my childhood. (The same holds true for Steve, for you) For example, my mother wasn't a good housekeeper. I am not a good housekeeper. My children may not be the best housekeepers.
When Steve and I decided to make a life together, we brought our own issues and baggage to the relationship. We had to work through these. We are still working through these. I still can fall back into some of my childhood issues. I am still not a good housekeeper, better than I used to be, but not the best.
But getting back to the heavier issues. How far back do you need to go to figure out where the road turns and a cycle of dysfunction is created. Families get caught in this cycle and can be there for decades. So the issues I face, that effect my children, are a result of issues created by my parents. The issues my parents faced were a result of the issues their parents faced. So on and so on. You could keep going back in the family tree forever. I am not making excuses for peoples choices. At some point your life becomes your own and the choices you make are yours. Not excuses just some rational for how things go bad.
My Grandparents struggled. I don't know that whole story and probably never will. But I know there were some serious issues. These issues impacted my mothers life, very negatively. Subsequently our childhood was very bad. I am not laying blame or making excuses. Just trying to understand how thinks got so...
To change things takes effort, conscience effort. Takes recognition that something is wrong and needs to be different. Takes work to break old habits and create new ones. This is very challenging. Maybe one of the hardest things to do.
When Steve and I began our lives together, we knew we wanted to move out of the city. To create a different life for our children. I have written about how moving to Ann Arbor was a culture shock for me. I have tried to create a different life for my children. I have done that. They way they grew up or are growing up is so completely different from my childhood it is incredible. There is no way to put it into words. You would have to live it to see it. But the issues I face because of my childhood are still a part of me and subsequently are a part of my childrens lives.
My extended family(my sisters, brothers, mother) are dealing with some of the trauma from our childhood. We are struggling right now. We are in a better place to deal with them. We are stronger. We can get through this. Sometimes I wonder if we are strong enough. I lose faith. But then I look my Mom and her resolve. I know that changes she has made in her life forthe better. I know the family will heal and come out stronger. I know God is watching over us and hears our prayers.
God Bless you all. Please pray for me as I do for you.
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