Knotty Musings
I Am Enough
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people
won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically
liberates others." ~ Marianne Williamson
Remove the Nots
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
New Medicine
Prescribed by the Great Physician
************ ********* ********
The next time you feel like GOD can't use you, just remember...
Noah was a drunk
Abraham was too old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Samson had long hair and was a womanizer
Rahab was a harlot
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ulcer..AND
Lazarus was dead!
And Don't forget
Jesus Helped them all!!!!
Now! No more excuses!
God can use you to your full potential.
Besides you aren't the message, you are just the
messenger.
And one more thing...Share this with a friend or
two..
In the Circle of God's love, God's waiting to use your
full potential.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Beautitudes For Friends and Family
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Heart Test
As she stood in front of her 5th grade class
on the very first day of school, she told the
children an untruth. Like most teachers, she
looked at her students and said that she
loved them all the same. However, that was
impossible, because there in the front row,
slumped in his seat, was a little boy named
Teddy Stoddard.
Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year
before and noticed that he did not play well
with the other children, that his clothes were
messy and that he constantly needed a bath.
In addition, Teddy could be unpleasant.
It got to the point where Mrs. Thompson
would actually take delight in marking his
papers with a broad red pen, making bold X's
and then putting a big "F" at the top of his
papers. At the school where Mrs. Thompson
taught, she was required to review each child's
past records and she put Teddy's off until last.
However, when she reviewed his file, she
was in for a surprise.
Teddy's first grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is
a bright child with a ready laugh. He does
his work neatly and has good manners....
he is a joy to be around.."
His second grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is an
excellent student, well liked by his classmates,
but he is troubled because his mother has a
terminal illness and life at home must be a
struggle."
His third grade teacher wrote, "His mother's
death has been hard on him. He tries to do
his best, but his father doesn't show much
interest and his home life will soon affect
him if some steps aren't taken."
Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, "Teddy
is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest
in school. He doesn't have many friends and
he sometimes sleeps in class."
By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem
and she was ashamed of herself. She felt even
worse when her students brought her
Christmas presents, wrapped in beautiful
ribbons and bright paper, except for Teddy's.
His present was clumsily wrapped in the
heavy, brown paper that he got from a grocery
bag. Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it
in the middle of the other presents. Some
of the children started to laugh when she
found a rhinestone bracelet with some of
the stones missing, and a bottle that was
one-quarter full of perfume.. But she stifled
the children's laughter when she exclaimed
how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on,
and dabbing some of the perfume on her
wrist. Teddy Stoddard stayed after school
that day just long enough to say, "Mrs.
Thompson, today you smelled just like my
Mom used to." After the children left, she
cried for at least an hour.
On that very day, she quit teaching reading,
writing and arithmetic. Instead, she began
to teach children. Mrs. Thompson paid
particular attention to Teddy. As she worked
with him, his mind seemed to come alive.
The more she encouraged him, the faster he
responded. By the end of the year, Teddy
had become one of the smartest children in
the class and, despite her lie that she would
love all the children the same, Teddy became
one of her "teacher's pets."
A year later, she found a note under her door,
from Teddy, telling her that she was still the
best teacher he ever had in his whole life.
Six years went by before she got another note
from Teddy. He then wrote that he had
finished high school, third in his class, and
she was still the best teacher he ever had in life.
Four years after that, she got another letter,
saying that while things had been tough at
times, he'd stayed in school, had stuck with it,
and would soon graduate from college with
the highest of honors. He assured Mrs.
Thompson that she was still the best and
favorite teacher he had ever had in his
whole life.
Then four more years passed and yet another
letter came. This time he explained that after
he got his bachelor's degree, he decided to go
a little further. The letter explained that she
was still the best and favorite teacher he ever
had. But now his name was a little longer....
The letter was signed,
Theodore F. Stoddard, MD.
The story does not end there. You see, there
was yet another letter that Spring. Teddy said
he had met this girl and was going to be married.
He explained that his father had died a couple
of years ago and he was wondering if Mrs.
Thompson might agree to sit at the wedding
in the place that was usually reserved for the
mother of the groom.
Of course, Mrs. Thompson did. And guess
what? She wore that bracelet, the one with
several rhinestones missing. Moreover, she
made sure she was wearing the perfume that
Teddy remembered his mother wearing on
their last Christmas together.
They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard
whispered in Mrs. Thompson's ear, "Thank
you Mrs. Thompson for believing in me.
Thank you so much for making me feel
important and showing me that I could
make a difference."
Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes,
whispered back. She said, "Teddy, you have
it all wrong. You were the one who taught
me that I could make a difference. I didn't
know how to teach until I met you! ."
(For those of you who don't know, Teddy
Stoddard is the Dr. at Iowa Methodist in Des
Moines that has the Stoddard Cancer Wing.)
Warm someone's heart today. . . pass this along.
I love this story so very much, I cry every time
I read it. Just try to make a difference in
someone's life today? tomorrow? just "do it".
Random acts of kindness, I think they call it?
Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving
I am very thankful to have all of you as my friends.
I count my blessings when the day ends.
I have food and remember some do not.
I have shelter and realize that's a lot.
I have more that I will share...
Even though I'm not a millionaire.
As Thanksgiving rolls around...
I feel grateful to be safe and sound.
I feel fortunate to have so much more...
Then they sell in any department store.
For good friends, old and new,
For trees of green and skies of blue.
For all the food that makes me drool,
I'm thankful that the price went down on fuel.
I'm also guided by the power above.
My riches are found in those that I love.
I applaud each of you and everything you do, everyday.
I honor your victories and I understand your struggles.
I am inspired daily by your thoughts and comments.
I give thanks daily, that you are part of my life.
I am fortunate to have such cherished friends.
Happy Thanksgiving to you, and those you hold dear.
A Love Story
It was a busy morning,
approximately 8:30 am,
when an elderly gentleman
in his 80's, arrived to have
stitches removed from his
thumb. He stated that he
was in a hurry as he had
an appointment at 9:00am.
I took his vital signs and
had him take a seat,
knowing it would be over
an hour before someone
would to able to see him. I
saw him looking at his
watch and decided, since I
was not busy with another
patient, I would evaluate
his wound.
On exam, it was well
healed, so I talked to one
of the doctors, got the
needed supplies to remove
his sutures and redress
his wound.
While taking care of his
wound, we began to engage
in conversation. I asked
him if he had another
doctor’s appointment this
morning, as he was in such
a hurry.
The gentleman told me no,
that he needed to go to
the nursing home to eat
breakfast with his wife.
I then inquired as to her
health. He told me that
she had been there for a
while and that she was had
Alzheimer's disease.
As we talked, I asked if
she would be upset if he
was a bit late.
He replied that she no
longer knew who he was,
that she had not
recognized him in five
years now.
I was surprised, and asked
him, "And you still go every
morning, even though she
doesn't know who you are?"
He smiled as he patted my
hand and said,
"She doesn't know me, but
I still know who she is."
True love is neither
physical, nor romantic.
True love is acceptance of
All that is, has been, will
be and will not be.
I think that’s how we are
all meant to love each
other!
No One is better than You!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You are just as good, just as worthy, just as valuable as anyone. No one can intimidate you, no matter what kind of car they drive, or what their business card says, or how big their house is, or how big their factory is. No one is better than you.
You are the best there is. Inside you is the potential to do, or be, or have anything you desire. No one has more than that. Some may have progressed farther down the path at this moment, but that doesn't make them any better than you.
There is no need for you ever to be envious or to feel unworthy. Your life is filled with possibility. Where you are right now is insignificant, when compared to where you're going. Point yourself in the direction of your dreams, and every step along the way is golden.
No matter what anyone says, or does, no matter what your situation -- personal, financial, social or otherwise -- you can choose to live your life your own way. And there is no greater success than that.
:)
Maestro
As Is
Forgiveness
The ability of humans to forgive each other never ceases to
amaze me. It's almost as amazing as the ability of humans
NOT to forgive each other. Even when they've been
irreparably harmed, irreversibly bereaved, some people
manage to dig deep and find forgiveness, while others who've
been barely scratched struggle to even say the word
"forgive."
Marriage counselor: "Star Jones, I know this is hard, but
can you please tell your husband, Al, that you forgive him
for finishing the pumpkin pie."
Star: "I forg ... I forg ... I forget you!"
Al: "Come on, Star. It was only a pie!"
Star: "It may have been only a pie to you, but to me, it was
breakfast. You didn't expect me to eat only the T-bone,
did you?"
Some folks hold grudges for an eternity. They'll go decades
without talking to a friend or family member, even someone
as close as a brother or sister. If they're lucky, they'll
eventually reconcile, just in time to share a condo at the
retirement village.
Eighty-year-old woman: "I forgive you, Harold. I really do.
I can't be mad at my brother forever."
Seventy-year-old man: "Oh, thank you Mildred. That's very
gracious of you. I really didn't mean to use your fruitcake
as a doorstop. It was an accident."
Woman: "Oh, that didn't really bother me, Harold. What
bothered me is when you started killing rats with it."
Man: "I'm so sorry, Mildred. I was just trying to give them
a snack. Do you think I was being cruel?"
Forgiveness often means looking at the big picture and
realizing that everyone makes mistakes. That's probably how
Hillary Clinton managed to forgive Bill. She took all his
good deeds into consideration and decided that the marriage
was worth saving, that he was truly sorry, that it wouldn't
be much trouble to staple his boxers to his undershirt.
It always helps when the offender apologizes or seems
remorseful. But even then, some offenses just seem
unforgivable. It still amazes me that Don King managed to
forgive his electrician. If he can do it, so can the rest of
us. That's why I've decided to do a little forgiving myself:
---I forgive Ben Affleck for the movie "Gigli."
---I forgive Madonna for all her movies.
---I forgive Elmo for stealing my wife's heart.
---I forgive Keanu Reeves for stealing my wife's
hairstyle.
---I forgive Janet Jackson for showing us her breast during
the Super Bowl. And I'm more than willing to forgive her
again.
Giving It Your Best
When those around you are agonizing over how to do it cheaper, or with minimum commitment, or more expediently, put your focus on how to do it right. When those around you are searching for gimmicks, direct your attention toward real, lasting substance.
Quality will make you a winner. Commitment and excellence will bring you to the front. Pursue the higher ground. It won't be easy, and because of that few will even bother. But it will be best.
Relish the difficult challenges. They are the ones which will bring the most spectacular results. Take on the tough projects. They carry the biggest opportunity for excellence. Aim high, persist, and you'll most certainly get there.
Even on the most difficult days there is hope. The worst that could possibly happen cannot even come close to the good that already is. The whole world could crumble around you and still there would be the very real presence of joy and fulfillment in your life.
The best things you have, you cannot ever lose. The most important things can never be taken from you no matter what tragedy may befall you.
And therein lies the strength to attempt anything. You truly cannot fail, so you might as well succeed in the most spectacular fashion. Yes, you will stumble and there will be pain, but it can never equal the joy of which you're capable. Even though no one may catch you when you fall, the minute you hit bottom there will be endless ways to start climbing again.
Act strong because you are strong. Go confidently forward knowing that even the very worst days are still full of wonder and exciting possibility. You have a great life to be lived. Turn on your courage and make it happen.
:)
Maestro
Take A Nature Walk With Me
I hope the morning light finds you in good spirits.
David and I went to the Lauritzen Gardens last night for a wine tasting event and it was a beautiful time, though quite steamy with the 96 degree temps. It was bearable if one kept moving and I took full advantage of the sprinkler system when we got to that side!!!
Take a look:
http://picasaweb.google.com/boogeebutt/LauritzenGardens?feat=directlink
Enjoy!!!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
New Feature
I haven't been able to hang out here much as of late (finals are looming and I'm struggling with the math) but I wanted to roll out a new feature. Each day I will try to post a new inspirational video for you to check out. Not necessarily hymns but uplifting nonetheless.
Monday, July 20, 2009
An Easier Way to Peel A Banana
http://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play?p=banana&ei=UTF-8&fr=yfp-t-501&tnr=21&vid=0001550853198
Check it out
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Home Invasion Prevention Tips
SOURCE: http://www.co.douglas.ne.us/omaha/police/images/stories/pdfs/Crime%20Prevention/HomeSecurity.pdf
HOME INVASION BURGLARY PREVENTION:
When hiring contractors:
- Limit areas workers can access
- Don't provide information about security systems you might have. If the control panel is near a door, conceal it with a photo or something. Reputable company has no reason to ask about this.
- Do a background check on the contact name you are provided. Run the name through Google, facebook, myspace, etc.
- If you have a safe, consider removing it from the home while work is being done on your home.
- Let neighbors know work is being done, duration of the job, etc and ask them to keep an eye on suspicious behavior.
IS A BURGLAR WORKING YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD? Burglars and other criminals often strike neighborhoods where residents do not watch out for each other and do not call the police when they observe suspicious activity. It is very important that you be alert to the following activities, they may be happening in your area:
•
Strangers going door-to-door, (front or back, night or day)), or loitering around the houses where residents may not be home.
•
Strangers entering a neighbor’s house when no one is home.
•
Strangers at your door who claim to be lost or looking for someone else.
•
Strangers running, possibly carrying something of value, not wrapped or packaged.
•
Strange vehicles waiting or driving in the area, parked in neighbor’s driveway, or loading property.
•
Vehicles driving without lights, or parked and occupied at unusual hours.
•
Unusual noises such as screaming, gunshots, dogs barking continuously, glass breaking, etc.
YOU MUST TAKE ACTION Burglaries and other crime can be stopped if you and your neighbors get involved.
•
Form a Neighborhood Watch Group (brochure available) and keep a list of Neighborhood Watch members on your refrigerator or near the main telephone in your house.
•
When you notice suspicious activity, call the police at 911. Then, call other Neighborhood Watch members to notify them of the activity so they can secure their homes, turn on lights and be alert for further activity.
•
Be prepared to do your civic duty in reporting crime, being a witness for the police and testifying in court if called upon to do so.
•
Develop good habits in personal and home safety so that you re not an easy target for a criminal.
DON’T MAKE IT EASY
•
Never allow strangers to enter your home for any reason such as using your telephone or bathroom. Call 911 for them if they need help.
•
Be wary of sales people, solicitors, or others who claim to be legitimate. Make them prove it with identification. Then call back to their office to verify it.
•
Remember, a burglar has to knock on your door to see if someone is home, just like anyone else does. If someone is at your door and you are not expecting a visitor or do not already know them, you should become suspicious.
•
Never leave house keys under the door mat, in the mail box, etc., burglars check these places.
•
Make sure your home is secured with good doors, windows and locks. Then keep them closed and locked when you are away, even if you will only be in the yard or next door.
•
Place valuables such as extra cash and jewelry in a bank or safety deposit box.
•
Keep your shrubs and trees trimmed so they do not become places for intruders to hide. Keep your property neat so burglars know that someone cares for it.
•
When you are away from your home, make sure things appear as if someone were home. Leaving a radio or television on, the usual lights on, a car in the driveway and using timers are just a few good precautions.
•
If you will be gone for an extended period, make sure a trusted neighbor will watch your home for you, pick up your mail and call the police if suspicious activity occurs. Also notify the police of your plans. This information will be provided to the officers who patrol your area.
•
If you have an automatic garage door opener, never exit the garage until the door has closed and you are sure no one entered when the door was open.
SECURITY TIPS
LIGHTS: Install lights over all doors, mount spot lights on each corner of the house to illuminate all exterior walls.
RECORD ALL VALUABLE PROPERTY: Keep a record of serial numbers along with a detailed description of your property.
SLIDING DOORS AND WINDOWS: Cut a heavy dowel or broom handle to the length of the bottom track and lay it in the track so that the door or window will not slide open when forced. Your door and window dealer also sell devices that serve this purpose.
BASEMENT OR KITCHEN DOORS AND WINDOWS: Consider securing with strong ornamental grills or screens.
SASH WINDOWS: Should be secured with quality locking devices. Small wooden blocks or similar devices should be installed in the side tracks to limit the height that the windows can be opened to four (4) inches.
GARAGE DOORS: Should be closed and properly locked. All ladders and tools that may help a burglar break into your house should be locked in the garage or house.
PORCH AND YARD: Should be clear of all newspapers and circulars. Keep the grass mowed and the snow shoveled.
DOGS: Any dog that barks loudly when a stranger comes to the door is a good deterrent. The noise will scare away most burglars.
BURGLAR ALARMS: Shop for the system that best fits your needs. Alarms do discourage burglars.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Thoughts on Politics
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Written By A Soldier in Iraq
THIS WAS WRITTEN BY A SOLDIER IN IRAQ.
I was just watching the news, and I caught part of a report on Michael
Jackson . As we all know, Jackson died the other day. He was an
entertainer who performed for decades. He made millions, he spent
millions, and he did a lot of things that make him a villain to many
people. I understand that his death would affect a lot of people, and
I respect those people who mourn his death, but that isn't the point
of my rant.
Why is it that when ONE man dies, the whole of America loses their
minds with grief. When a man dies whose only contribution to the
country was to ENTERTAIN people, the American people find the need to
flock to a memorial in Hollywood , and even Congress sees the need to
hold a "moment of silence" for his passing?
Am I missing something here? ONE man dies, and all of a sudden he's a
freaking martyr because he entertained us for a few decades? What
about all those SOLDIERS who have died to give us freedom? All those
Soldiers who, knowing that they would be asked to fi ght in a war,
still raised their hands and swore to defend the Constitution and the
United States of America . Where is there moment of silence? Where
are the people flocking to their graves or memorials and mourning over
them because they made the ultimate sacrifice? Why is it when a
Soldier dies, there are more people saying "good riddance," and "thank
God for IEDs?" When did this country become so calloused to the
sacrifice of GOOD MEN and WOMEN, that they can arbitrarily blow off
their deaths, and instead, throw themselves into mourning for a "Pop
Icon?"
I think that if they are going to hold a moment of silence IN CONGRESS
for Michael Jackson, they need to hold a moment of silence for every
service member killed in Iraq and Afghanistan . They need to PUBLICLY
recognize every life that has been lost so that the American people
can live their callous little lives in the luxury and freedom that WE,
those that are living and those that have gone on, have provided for
them. But, wait, that would take too much time, because there have
been so many willing to make that sacrifice. After all, we wi ll never
make millions of dollars. We will never star in movies, or write hit
songs that the world will listen too. We only shed our blood, sweat
and tears so that people can enjoy what they have.
Sorry if I have offended, but I needed to say it. Feel free to pass
this along if you want.
Remember these five words the next time you think of someone who is
serving in the military;
"So that others may live..."
Only two people have ever effectively given their lives for you.
Jesus Christ and The American G.I.
One died for your sins, the other died to give you freedom.~Author Unknown
Embracing Imperfection
*Embracing Imperfection *
*When I was a little boy, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner
every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had
made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long
ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage, and extremely burned toast
in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all
my dad did was reach for his toast, smile at my mom, and ask me how my
day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do
remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that toast and eat every
bite! When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my
mom apologize to my dad for burning the toast. And I'll never forget
what he said. 'Baby, I love burned toast.' *
*Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night, and I asked him if
he really liked his toast burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said,
'Little Buddy, your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real
tired. And besides-a little burnt toast never hurt anyone! You know,
life is full of imperfect things...and imperfect people. I'm not the
best housekeeper or cook.' *
*What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each
other's faults - and choosing to celebrate each other's differences - is
the one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and
lasting relationship. And that's my prayer for you today - that you will
learn to take the good, the bad and the ugly parts of your life and lay
them at the feet of GOD. Because in the end, He's the only One who will
be able to give you a relationship where burnt toast isn't a
deal-breaker! We could extend this to any relationship in fact - as
understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or
parent-child or friendship!!" *
*Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket - but into
your own. *
*See through God's eyes and feel through God's heart, and you will appreciate the value of every soul *including yourself *
People will always forget what you do, and they will always forget what
you say, but they will never, ever forget the way you make them feel.*~Author Unknown