Month: June 2012

Calling a spade a spade….

I had one of those days where it just seemed right to call a spade a spade….

When I am living in this space, I have learned it is very important for me to check my heart and to explore my motives….

When I am in the mood to call a spade a spade, I must ensure I am not feeling angry or revengeful, for if I am, someone will surely experience more emotion than fits the situation….

When I am in the mood to call a spade a spade, I must commit to speaking clearly and kindly. It is not right for me to call a spade a spade and then walk away. It is important that I keep my face in the conversation long enough to ensure I have spoken clearly and listened to the response….

When I am in the mood to call a spade a spade, it is my desire to move the conversation towards a positive outcome. Sometimes conversations feel stuck because we dance around what we really must talk about. It is imperative that I consider what my intent is for calling a spade a spade…

I wonder what it is like for you to call a spade a spade….

Do you consider what your intent is and do you take time to explore what your impact has been….

I have experienced that if I pay attention to my intent and my impact, and if I speak clearly and with an open mind and tender heart, then when I am willing to risk calling a spade a spade, often rapport is increased, relationship is deepened and love is cultivated….

For I know the plans I have for you…

Yesterday I enjoyed the baptism of Andrew Scott…

Laura and Dave received a frame with the amazing promise in Jeremiah 29: 11 for their son. In the event you can read it clearly, it says this:

11 “For I know the plans I have for you Andrew Scott, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Laura posted the following on Facebook last night..I’m not sure there could be any greater promise given to my son 🙂 

It got me thinking about the benefit of adding a name into a scriptural promise…

There is something that happens when we insert our own name and personalize what God promises…

I agreed fully with Laura in her post last night….

And today I realize that I to am given the same promise. I have always known that, but today to fully embrace that anew.

When I read this verse with my name, it seems to penetrate my mind and heart with more impact: 11 “For I know the plans I have for you Patricia Lynn, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

I wonder what promise you need to hear in a very personal way today…I invite you to go to your Bible and personalize what is written…Read, personalize, embrace, believe, and rest!

 

 

Celebration of life…

I would guess we almost all know someone…

Someone who is battling cancer….

Cancer is prevalent and changes life in so many ways….

Tonight we celebrated my Aunt Anita’s  77th birthday. She has had been battling some form of cancer since 2004….

This is the summary on her care page…Anita has journeyed the road of cancer before. Diagnosed in 2004 with breast cancer, Bob and Anita understand the importance of family and friends and fully rely on God’s provision and plan to be worked out in their lives. Today (September 13, 2011), Anita learned of a new primary cancer diagnosis….

Since that day in September she has had chemo and radiation in her system every week until just a few weeks ago….

Since that day in September we have seen prayers answered and hope renewed…

Since that day in September we have learned yet again what it means to trust God fully with our every breath….

And so tonight, as we gathered to celebrate Aunt Anita’s 77th birthday, we have a deep appreciation for each and every day….

I believe these pictures will show you that there is so much love and life in this 77-year-old ladies heart and soul!

Happy Birthday Aunt Anita…we are thankful and celebrate every day with you!

Soft and strong…

Water is fluid, soft, and yielding. But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield. As a rule, whatever is fluid, soft, and yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard. This is another paradox: what is soft is strong
~ Lao-Tzu

And with that I could say enough said…

But I will share that I love the truth of all this quote holds!

May I be fluid, soft and yielding…

May I overcome what is rigid and hard in my own heart and the hearts of others…

May I live with a spirit that is soft and strong….

Enough said!

 

 

Pure Joy….

I love seeing the art work of my nieces and nephews around their homes….

There is something so sweet to art work created in early years that still hang on the wall many years later….

I have learned there is a story with each masterpiece and the art work often brings many smiles and conversation!

And so, this year, I was a very happy recipient of one of those pieces…

It hangs across from my bed and I wake up to it every morning…

And I will say that when I see this smiling sun, and I consider the beautiful young woman this artist now is….

I feel pure deep joy…..and there is no better feeling to wake up to….

And so I encourage you to frame, display and always cherish the artwork that is created.

Thank you Anne for this gift….I will cherish it always!