Comfort and Joy!

Today's Meditation: God does his "best handiwork"* when I'm still.
I've been rejected 3 times in the last 2 years for career advancement goals and I quit my job in the name of 'trusting'. I'm not sure how much more still I can be, am I missing something?
Jesus Calling -Sarah Young


Today's Thankfulness:

Bunny: She is brown and white. She makes the perfect neck support. My husband gave her to me a few years ago.

Blanket: A lightweight fleece that rarely leaves my side when I'm in for the night. Goes very well with Bunny.

Online Quizzes: 
Are they a waste of time? depends on your definition of the word waste
Are they ridiculous? often
Do I screenshot the results so I may reread them? yes

The Three C's

Today's Meditation:

I am reminded that I am not alone. The question isn't what can I handle but "whether you and I together can handle anything that occurs."*
*Jesus Calling -Sarah Young


Today's Thankfulness:

Commercials: Some of the best tunes and quotable one-liners come from TV and radio commercials. They also give us a chance to run and get a snack. I particularly like the funny spokespersons in adds such as Captain Obvious and Flo. My husband gravitates towards the cartoon characters many ads have representing things like mucus and bladders

Conversations: I went to a picnic last night. It can be a challenge to connect with people as you eat together. The topic of weather and can be a sign that things aren't going well. I am thankful that last night I was able to talk about various topics from dealing with elderly parents, job search challenges, and raising chickens.

Calendars: My Dad carried one of those pocket calendars and often. wrote things like lists and recipes in the extra pages. Up until about a year ago I had a list in my kitchen, on a dry erase board with important dates. It was a flawed system to say the least. These days I'm using the calendar on my smartphone and I love it. First off I always have it with me and secondly I can set it to remind me when something is coming up.

Tasteful Thanks

Today's Meditation:

Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. The old Life cereal add said 'Try it, you'll like it' and with God we can be sure we will. God's flavor IS good, there is no opinion or wonder about it. Does that mean our circumstances are a constant delight? Not at all. When our life or the the life of a loved one is at risk we draw close to God through desperate pleas. I am doing the same thing as I search for direction during this jobless time in my life.  I hope to take refuge in Him rather than in what I experience. He is where a life of peace is found.

Today's Thankfulness:

Crock-pot: I highly value food and food delivery systems. I love slow cooked meals with deep flavors. I love being away and knowing that meanwhile a tasty home cooked meal awaits. 

Microwave: We bought our first one 2 years ago. I love quick cooked meals with predictable flavors. I love being away and knowing that meanwhile a tasty convenience meal awaits. 

Riding Mower: I declared to my husband a few springs ago that I would no longer be mowing the lawn. While I was planning to hire someone he bought a powerful rider. I have no idea and I plan to never know how the thing works. Often as he is mowing he will pause until he catches my eye, hit the accelerator and instantly lean back as if he's on a carnival ride and has no control, it's hilarious. 

"Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads." -Doc (Back to the Future, 1985)

Today's Meditation:
"Look neither behind you nor before you...focus on Me your constant Companion...I designed time to be a protection for you. You couldn't bear to see all your life at once."* Time was created to protect me? I recently witnessed my college age son and his fellow physics studying friends considering the possibility of time travel, I interrupted them with a burst of laughter. Apparently the joke is on me.
*Jesus Calling -Sarah Young


Today's Thankfulness:

Remote controls: My first TV remote had two large buttons: volume and channel. It was incredible. My husband and I are getting new garage doors installed next week and each one comes with multiple remotes. Life is good.

Kindle: Buying a new book and having it instantly available is delightful. The convenience of having multiple books in one package is dreamy. Highlighting words and instantly having the definition is genius. By the way my Kindle is pink.

Oven: Last fall my old oven decided to turn a loaf of pumpkin bread into a black brick. I am thankful that it broke in time for us to get a new one before Thanksgiving. I like baking.

Questioning

Today's Meditation:
"Stay calmly conscious of Me today, no matter what."* "Collaborating with Me brings blessings that far outweigh all your troubles."* Collaborating with God is a beautiful concept. Last night I met with two dear friends and we discussed various spiritual things. We were collaborating with each other and I like to think God was collaborating with/through us. It is becoming clear to me that in order to commune with God/Heaven I need to open myself to questions I have. Matthew 7:7 "Seek and ye shall find..."
*Jesus Calling -Sarah Young


Today's Thankfulness:

Questions: "Enquiring minds want to know" a slogan for the National Enquirer a few decades ago is funny while thought provoking in an obvious sort of way. As I stated above, as we ask or seek we find and grow. I am referred to as 'the best finder' in the family'. There are three important aspects to remember if you'd like to develop yourself as a finder: think about what's logical, ask good questions, and don't give up.
I have two questions for you readers:
1) Why is that within a minute of posting 4 views and one +1 appears every time?
2) How do you know or find Blogs to follow?

Dogs: I have had 2 dogs, one grew up with me and one grew up with my kids. Both of these pets bonded our families in deeply treasured ways. I miss you Ginger and Terra!

Flowers:

Fragrant
Lovely
Open Up
Wedding Decor
Endless Varieties
Ripen into Fruit
Sighted in Spring

Gum Coffee and Popcorn

Today's Meditation: Each day is a gift that's preparation started long before we wake.

Today's Thanksgiving:

Gum: I like to chew it while driving, after coffee, instead of brushing (tmi?) and to curve my appetite. I like it when you offer someone gum and they respond with delight.

Coffee: I like it best with half-n-half and sweetener. I'm relatively new to this club at about 2 years in. The morning coffee break is a wonderfully surreal moment of the day.

Popcorn: Growing-up we had popcorn every Sunday night. My Dad would add shredded cheddar, bake it in the oven and we would consume large quantities while watching 60 Minutes. Because of this, whenever I hear the ticking of a stopwatch my mouth waters.

Well!

Today's Meditation (yesterday and today's):
The last two days I read the same meditation. I didn't realize this until this morning. I knew they were similar but it spoke to me so differently I didn't catch it. This is often how I take in information, my state of mind dictates what I see/hear. Yesterday's meditation (the real one) talks about trusting God and that when I don't it "grieves"* Him. Today's meditation reminds me that when I focus on God "all is well"* not matter what is going on around me. The history behind the following updated version of a classic Hymn is Google worthy, enjoy!
*Jesus Calling -Sarah Young








Today's Thankfulness:

YouTube: Like Google and along with Google it is incredible that we can search any topic and not only get the answer we're looking for but a video to show us the why, how and where. I didn't worry if the above hymn would be on YouTube, my only worry was regarding what version to choose. Amazing!

Online Applications: I've been applying for jobs this week and I haven't even left my comfy chair. I've contacted references, organized and uploaded important documents all without taking a shower. What's not to like about that?

Earl: I will miss my Sunday School friend who passed away a couple of days ago. Earl prayed each week, "I hope to have a way to see my sister on her birthday." He drank coffee with a little cold water added and always enjoyed any kind of cookie. Earl's smile could brighten the darkest day. I am thankful for Earl.

With a Capital T that Rhymes with P

Today's Meditation:
Be thankful for things "that are troubling you."*

*Jesus Calling -Sarah Young




   



 Today's Thankfulness:

Not having a job: I've mentioned it before, I am 'between jobs'. I quit my job of 7 years without a solid plan. To say this bothers me would be an understatement. I am thankful for this trouble in my life because it has given me a chance to step back and evaluate what I want and enjoy most in my career. What have these last 10 years, that I've spent teaching, taught me?

Not having a plan: I not only don't have a job I don't have a clear plan to find a job. I don't have a clear plan in what type of job I seek. It's frustratingly unsettling and troubling. I am thankful for not having a plan because it challenges me to define myself in ways that I would never have considered.

Stress: Heavy sigh. I am stressed. I am not only stressed I am stressed about being stressed. I don't like this about myself. I don't like that ice cream, chips and chocolate are the first things I often turn to when I'm stressed. I am thankful for stress. Stress, when channeled appropriately, energizes me. When I pay attention to stress it tells me things. Stress tells me how I cope with troubles. It tells me what I value. It tells me where I am weak and vulnerable.

Limas, Snakes & Beeps!

Today's Meditation: Give thanks in all things, even the stuff that is yucky.

Today's Thankfulness: 

Lima beans: I can't stand them. Not only do they taste terrible their texture makes me gag. As a kid I was required to help pick and shell them in our un-airconditioned Virginia home. I am thankful for lima beans because they bring joy to those who like to eat them. I give thanks for picking and shelling them as a kid because they remind me about the environment appreciating home I was raised in.

Snakes: I can't stand them. They freak me out. They are slithery and sneaky. I am thankful for snakes because they are mysterious in the way they get around: no legs or fins or wings. How do they do it?

Beeping alarm clocks: I can't stand them. What an annoying way to start the day. I am a morning person through and through. I do my best work in the morning, I have trouble sleeping past 6:00. I rarely wake up to my alarm. Sometimes in hotel rooms the beeping will go off at a random time, YIKES!  I am thankful for beeping alarm clocks because they are clear in their message, it's time to get up!

Time Flys AND Time Flies! 6/21/15

Today's Meditation: I am reminded to not be owned by time. As I focus on the one who created and is not bound by time I am free. Is it possible to waste time? I am about 40% through Stephen Hawking's Brief History of Time, my son recommended it to me.




Today's Thankfulness:

Father's Day: I haven't seen my Dad in a long time, almost 2 years. He died 9/28/13 and I last saw him on 8/11/13. Here is a list of some of what I miss: his hugs, his greetings, his ever present interest in my life, his sense of humor, his card sending, his out-going personality, his song leading, his guitar playing, his love of my mom, his love of my sisters. I am thankful that I have nothing in me that doesn't miss him.

My Yard: Two lots that are adjacent to a park: a piece of country in the city, a large garden plot, fruit trees and two drive-ways. Often I feel guilty for not spending enough time working in it. To my husband it provides a much needed space of solace, pride and joy.

Cooking: I love making big meals at holidays and figuring out how to time it just right.  I also like to watch people cook on TV, it gives me a sense of community.

Thanks for the fleas...Wait, what!?! 6/20/15

Today's Meditation: "I speak to you continually."* Yesterday I learned to manual focus my life so I may make Him clearer. Today I'm taking out the binoculars and focusing outwardly to take Him inward as He speaks from all things (even the fleas). "I fling glorious sunsets across the sky, day after day after day. I speak in the faces and voices of loved ones...I speak softly in the depths of your spirit..."*
*Jesus Calling -Sarah Young

Today's Thankfulness:
Gilmore girls: This show has taught me a lot about families and the evolution of relationships. I have seen every episode multiple times. The writing is fast paced with a lot of humor and pop culture references that I often have to Google. Our relationship started in early spring 2002 after the four of us had taken a tour of the Warner Brothers Studio in L.A. where we saw many of the sets they use in the show. My daughter was 11 at the time and the show linked us in obvious ways. These days I find myself turning to it as one turns to a close friend. I can always count on the dialogue to impart insight and a much needed laugh and/or cry. Thank you Amy Sherman-Palladino for creating timeless characters and scripts that provide companionship as they mentor me to find humor and perspective.
Google: As I'm walking around with the internet it has to be said that Google is a big reason why the internet is useful. When I can't remember the name of that actor in what's the name of that movie? Google not only finds it but some how figures out what in the world I'm asking. Are my brain cells dimmer than my ancestors because I actually don't have to remember anything? possibly. Did my ancestors need to know the name of the lady who said, "where's the beef?" or what the origin of "that's what she said" is? no they didn't. Thank you Google for helping me search for stuff and for your Google Doodles (yes I just used Google to find the name Google Doodles).
Corrie Ten Boom: I'm not being self deprecating when I say I am NOT a reader. I openly admit that I prefer TV and movies. I do value books as well and one on of my all time favorites is The Hiding Place. Corrie Ten Boom tells the true story of she and her sister Betsie's time in a Nazi prison camp where they were held captive for harboring fleeing Jews. Corrie Ten Boom taughts me 2 important traits #1 Thankfulness and #2 Humility. The part of the book that has influenced me most is when Betsie told a very reluctant Corrie that they should give thanks to God for the annoying fleas in their prison camp bunks. Later Corrie found out that due to the fleas their guards were less vigilant and thus God had provided them the opportunity to share His love and comfort with others. Ever since reading this I have been challenged to give thanks in ALL circumstances. About 15 years ago I read a quote from Corrie Ten Boom where she explained that in her fame she remained humble by remembering the donkey who carried Jesus on Palm Sunday. She explained that the Donkey never for a second thought the praise was for him. This challenge of humility is ever before me when I inevitable fall following my pride.

Frampton spells thank you with a TH 6/19

Today's Meditation: "I am the firm foundation"* explains that I need to take the focus off of me and my  _________, in other words 'it's' not about me. Who I am and who I glorify (make clearer) is an on-going choice. To focus most cameras you need to choose between auto or manual. To get a clearer (more glorifying) image a true photographer will choose manual so they may manipulate the lens intentionally. May I focus my life intentionally on the great I Am so He may be glorified.
*reflections from Sarah Young-Jesus Calling 

Today's Thankfulness:
Peter Frampton & Cheap Trick: It's funny the difference a day makes. Yesterday around lunch time my husband (BTW we celebrated 25 years of marriage 10 days ago!) surprised me with the proposal of us going about 2 hours away to a concert that evening. It was a lot of fun and represents so much of what I'm thankful. When Cheap Trick sang, Wherever You Go, I'll Be With You my husband put his arm around me and yelled, "this is our song!" TRUE, I will follow him wherever he goes both for a short trip or a permanent move, he has proven himself follow worthy over and over (BTW he's a geographer) and, as I eluded in my first thankful post, my appreciation of him is both deep and wide. Peter Frampton's sound took me to some wonderful places last night. His lyrics in Show Me the Way and Ooo Baby I Love Your Way were beyond entertaining, they were spirit filling. The highlight of course Do You Feel Like I Do? was incredible I LOVED IT! Hint the most epic part is just shy of 6 minutes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7rFYbMhcG8
Beyond the concert itself I am thankful for the fact that we are in a place in our lives where we can afford, in time and finance, to do something like this. I'm also extremely thankful that my husband thought to propose the idea and that I said yes with no hesitation.
Rain: We've had a lot of it this season and it's easy to not only be concerned about crops and safety but to be just flat out sick of it. I am thankful for rain both for the obvious reasons but also because I love watching it come down. The concert we attended last night was in an open air venue and we began the evening with rain, this was not at all how I would have chosen to start the evening but in general Eddie Rabbitt says it best, "I Love a Rainy Night"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_6QFH-CEQM

Samsung S5: I got it a little over a year ago and it's my first Smartphone. I love that I carry the internet around with me, this also makes me laugh out loud sometimes. I love that my sister who lives hundreds of miles away chose it as her first as well and that she (ironically?) seeks me for advice about it. I get to post, read posts and keep up with people at almost any location/time. There is a need for balance in our lives, no doubt, but wow this thing is amazing!
Louis C.K. says it best (just after 2 and 3 minutes are my favorite parts):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEY58fiSK8E

Day 2 of 21 Days of Thanks

I stated in yesterday's Blog that my 21 day challenge included daily Exercise and Kindness along with Meditation and Thankfulness. From here on out I will write only on the Meditation and Thankfulness unless something especially 'noteworthy' occurs in the other two.

Today's Meditation: Two statements from today's entry stand out: "Concentrate on keeping in step with Me instead of trying to anticipate My plans for you...relax and enjoy the present moment." and "Sometimes I grant you glimpses of your glorious future, to encourage you and spur you on." The first quote is especially timely as I am waiting to find out about a possible job and until I do I feel I am unable to move forward. Over the last few months/years I have had several seasons in my life that have found me waiting on something that ultimately didn't work out. It's challenging to be in waiting mode, 'relax and enjoy the moment'  is a much appreciated and meaningful challenge. Thanks Ms.Young! More on the glimpse quote in Today's Thankfulness.

Today's Thankfulness:
Music: This is a big topic. Music can mean a lot of different things such as what we listen to, what we compose, what we play or all/some of the above.  For me, to quote Garth from Wayne's World 'I like to play'. To be specific I like to play when I'm in the background of something else. For example I like to be in the pit of a musical, part of a small ensemble or part of a worship experience with a congregation participating. My current church is so encouraging and let's me play along with the pianist each Sunday as we spend time as a congregation in Hymns and Contemporary Praise songs. My husband and son also are part of this team adding electric guitar and bass. I play the flute. I love it more each year. I used to think I wasn't a 'real' musician because I'm not the kind that plays for hours each day (outside of when I was studying music). I have come to terms with this recently (being in my 40's rocks!!). It's similar to how I have recently come to realize that I need to embrace my laugh. When I play the flute, especially in the settings listed above, I get an incredible feeling and a generous amount of positive feedback. This relates to the 'glimpse' I mentioned above. In my struggles with what heaven is or isn't I believe I often get a 'glimpse' of whatever it is when I play the flute. In certain moments I believe I am already there.
The Flute: I received the flute I currently call mine during my sophomore year of college in the late 1980's. My orchestra director at Mary Washington College, Dr. James E. Baker, called and asked me to meet him at the auditorium where we would be performing later that day. Long story short a donor had given me a flute as a scholarship. It was such an amazing day. I had to bring my GPA up (oops that was tough!) and I had to promise to never sell it but to gift it to someone else. This all took place at a time when I was close to quitting college (did I mention my low GPA?). The flute is very precious to me and I am eternally thankful to Dr. Baker and the donor for cheering me on at a time when I most needed encouragement. This lesson of generosity has shaped me deeply. I hope to gift the flute to someone before I pass, my daughter assures me she will pass it on to a player in my place if necessary.
Our House: Forgive me but sometimes I actually hate my house. We bought it in 1997 which the calculator tells me is 18 years ago this July. The documents are vague but we believe it is nearing 100 years old. My husband is handy and for better and worse this means every room has updated electricity, updated duct work and paint not wallpaper. A common quote my husband makes is 'while we're doing ________ we may as well do ________' . Each room we've done so far represents about a year as we tend to run in spurts and dry spells of motivation. If you are into renovation projects feel free to check out my albums on Facebook (Amy Billhimer Haddock). Anyone who's done any long term renovation will probably understand why I often hate my house. Living around tools, dust and no shower/bath for a month doesn't exactly give one a warm and fuzzy feeling. On the other hand once a room is done it is one of the most amazing feelings of accomplishment and pride. Mom and dad helped us with the down payment and we moved into this home when our kids were practically 4 and almost 6 so this location will always be special. Having a roof is enough for giving thanks and our house is WAY more.

Blog #2 June 17 Topic Decided: Thrice Thankful as per Mr. Achor

Today is Wednesday June 17th ---21 days from now will be Tuesday July 7, 2015

After watching a TED talk by Shawn Achor I am going to follow his advice and start a 21 day thankful journal in the form of this Blog. The 'rules' are that I need to reflect on 3 things I'm thankful for each day without repeating one. The goal is that my positive outlook will lead to success. I am concerned lately about my success as (to say it positively) I am 'between' jobs right now and I'm not at all sure what direction my career is going next. I am 46 years of age and this is an unsettling, scary and exciting time.
Shawn Achor (he is Google worthy) advises to train your brain to be positive by:
1) Journal-ing 3 new things you're thankful daily/21 days
2) Daily Exercise (I will walk/jog or go to Curves)
3) Meditate (I'm using a book called 'Jesus Calling' by Sarah Young)
4) Daily Acts of Kindness - Send a positive email, invite someone out/over, write a note etc,

Hmmmm where to start.....I like to write in the morning but may not have all my tasks/goals done when I do so I may need to fill you in on the full account of all 4 above the next day (ex. today I will report my 3 thanks/meditation and possibly fill you in on the exercise/kindness tomorrow.)

Today's Meditaion: Sarah Young's book has daily thoughts/reflections that relate to versus from the Bible she lists below each. The first 3 words today are 'Learn to Laugh' wow this is so timely as I recently made a conscience decision to embrace my laugh. As I left my job of 7 years recently many people wrote to me and told me that they would 'miss my laugh' This was tough to take because I am actually self-conscious about my laugh. Someone who observes me would never think that because I am often a full out laugh-er. One particularly special friend gave me a wall hanging that says, "Friends are the people in life that make you laugh a little louder, smile a little brighter and live a little better" What a compliment to be given this charge and affirmation. May it be so daily. I even changed my Twitter account Bio to "Find the humor it's always there" (this led me to discovering the FB page; "Secret Society of Happy People")

Today's Thankfulness:
1) Family- I am limiting myself in this area because I could easily have 21 days of naming 3 different family members I'm thankful for and why etc. I don't want to negate this at all, in fact I am giving them all this first journal entry because my family means everything to me. I am challenging myself to be thankful beyond my family. I spent over a year of my daughter and son's child-rearing years writing a thankful journal for each them to help me focus on the positive parts of parenting. I am also very blessed by my husband and I could spend 21 days focusing on 3 things about him alone for which I am thankful. My parents and my sisters are such a source of who I am and still provide (Dad is no longer here physically but his presence in my life for 45 years lives on in me.) unwavering support. My in-laws both through my sisters marriages and my husband's side have provided me with unconventional support and created in me an appreciation of family in deep and profound ways. My niece and nephews are an ever-present joy and pride in my life. My countless cousins and many aunts/uncles are an extension of support in my life that I often take for granted but are valuable beyond measure.
2) Friends- much the same as family I could spend 21 days for the people in my life both past and present that are like family to me in that they shape and support who I am in ways that are countless. Some of these people I often think of as sisters or family but I have recently found that I don't want to blur these important lines. The reason I think this distinction is important is because there are some things for which I can only go to family for support and some things I can only go to friends. I also believe I supply this support and love in different ways. This is a big part of why the in-law relationship is so profound because these are the family members who went from friend to family and provide such a unique part of our lives because of this. I have always loved that my name 'Amy' has its roots in the word friend. I value being a friend and having friends highly and am thankful for each and everyone one. Facebook Friend-ing can often make us question what a friend is but I say the more the merrier because I need them in every place on the spectrum of the friend continuum.
3) God- why is that so hard to write? There was a time in my life when God would have been no doubt the very first thing I would have listed and now I hesitate to write God at all. I have been shaken spiritually the last couple of years. It started probably sometime in 2012 and then my dog died and a year later my father died. Both of these loses continue to be obstacles in my spirituality but not the root of it. The root of my God 'struggle' is that I realized that I don't actually believe in hell. If I don't believe in hell does that mean I don't believe in heaven? I have come to terms with this in some ways but I still continue to wrestle with how this impacts my faith in general. How is this something I'm thankful for? I am thankful for God because He has taught me through the Bible, songs and teachings of Jesus how to live life in a positive, giving and loving way. Maybe this life and our way of impacting others is 'heaven'. Mozart lives on. Shakespeare lives on. Einstein lives on. My Dad lives on. etc. The goal of this Blog is to be positive through thankfulness and hoping it brings me to  'success' leads me to the question, 'what is success?' Living a life that has an impact beyond my physical breath is one definition I value.