Happy New Year to All!
May we all have a safe, happy, healthy 2010.
This is a two thousand year old method of guaranteeing financial prosperity in the new year, adapted to modern methodology. Here's how it works:
Take a blank check.
Date it with the current date.
Make the check out to yourself.
Use your full legal name.
Leave the dollar box and line blank.
In the memo area write, "paid in full."
Sign the check, "Law of Abundance."
That's it! You will need to keep the check with you at all times in the new year (except when bathing and sleeping). You must complete before the first new moon of the year, which this year is January 13. Good Luck.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
12 Questions That Will Change Your Life
12 Questions That Will Change Your Life
1. How do I spend my alone time?
Do you rely on your old standbys like walking the dog, gardening, shopping to comfort, satisfy and give you a strong sense of self . If you always stick with the same-old same-old, you'll probably find yourself feeling bored and uninspired; it's like wearing the same pair of pants for 30 years. Walk out your door and into the world, and let yourself feel newly curious and challenged by all the cool stuff out there. Who knows what you'll love — what class, what group, what hiking trail, what art show? Prepare to be surprised.
2. Do I pay attention to what my body needs?
Do you listen when it tells you that you're working too hard, drinking too much wine, or letting your arm muscles go as weak as a little old lady's? Just think how much you could benefit from treating your body and doing something beneficial to feel healthy
3. To whom am I grateful?
Think of the teacher who coaxed you to express your opinions, the aunt who advised you to fearlessly try new things, the boss who gave you days off to deal with a personal problem. Recall their attention, their encouragement, their caring and generous spirit. Realizing how many people you're grateful to, and for what, can totally alter your outlook!
4. Do I compare my life to other people's?
If you expend too many brain cells stacking your life up against others' lives — your kids vs. their kids, your kitchen vs. their kitchen — it's time to free yourself from that keeping-up-with-the-Joneses mind-set. Otherwise, all you're learning is what the Joneses want. When you see them driving around town, are they always laughing and happy? Nope. Sometimes, if you look closely, you'll see Mrs. Jones staring out the window glumly — because she's wondering if her family measures up to the Smiths.
5. Do I spend money on things that speak to my soul?
Can you devote a small amount — say, $10 a month — to something you care about, whether it's a charity that means a lot to you or saving to buy yourself a piece of art?
6. What do I see when I look in the mirror each morning?
If you've been known to occasionally wrinkle up your nose at the little imperfections you see, or at your choice of today's outfit, what if you just gave yourself a great big smile each day instead? Well, for starters, you might find more joy in getting dressed and have more fun wearing your favorite color.
7. Have I figured out a way to handle the less-than-perfect relationships in my life?
Do you yearn for some people to just get it together? Or do you keep trying — and failing — to "fix" them? Maybe it's time to accept that your sister-in-law/boss/best friend are who they are, warts and all — and decide how they fit into your life (or don't) "as is."
8. Do I have faith in something bigger than I am, whether it's God or some other spiritual form?That feeling of awe you get when contemplating a higher spirit — be it God, Buddha, or Mother Nature — brings you out of yourself. We are all connected by something greater than us. Whether you meditate or pray or walk by the river, these moments can help you explore what you find wondrous in life.
9. What positive things do I bring to relationships with my husband, my kids, my friends?
Your sense of humor? Your sage advice? Your habit of baking the world's best brownies for a loved one who's in the dumps? Being aware of what you bring to the party helps you go easier on yourself when you hit inevitable rough moments in your relationships.
10. Is there a space in my home to do the things I love like paint, practice yoga, play cards with friends, quilt?
If not, why not make the room for it now?
11. How many hours a week do I spend on my computer, my TV, my BlackBerry?
If the number sounds high to you, resolve to reduce your screen time next week, and see how it feels not to be in your usual chair at the usual time. See how you use — how you live — those hours instead.
12. Do I feel older or younger than my years? How often do I feel good about being exactly the age I am?
No matter how many birthdays you've racked up, remember this: You can tap in to your potential at any age. You can get and keep your body fit. You can seek out new thrills so you feel as excited as a kid, if you like. You'll also see that age is, indeed, just a number. And you'll free yourself up to ask the most important question of all: How will I live this life that's been given to me?
1. How do I spend my alone time?
Do you rely on your old standbys like walking the dog, gardening, shopping to comfort, satisfy and give you a strong sense of self . If you always stick with the same-old same-old, you'll probably find yourself feeling bored and uninspired; it's like wearing the same pair of pants for 30 years. Walk out your door and into the world, and let yourself feel newly curious and challenged by all the cool stuff out there. Who knows what you'll love — what class, what group, what hiking trail, what art show? Prepare to be surprised.
2. Do I pay attention to what my body needs?
Do you listen when it tells you that you're working too hard, drinking too much wine, or letting your arm muscles go as weak as a little old lady's? Just think how much you could benefit from treating your body and doing something beneficial to feel healthy
3. To whom am I grateful?
Think of the teacher who coaxed you to express your opinions, the aunt who advised you to fearlessly try new things, the boss who gave you days off to deal with a personal problem. Recall their attention, their encouragement, their caring and generous spirit. Realizing how many people you're grateful to, and for what, can totally alter your outlook!
4. Do I compare my life to other people's?
If you expend too many brain cells stacking your life up against others' lives — your kids vs. their kids, your kitchen vs. their kitchen — it's time to free yourself from that keeping-up-with-the-Joneses mind-set. Otherwise, all you're learning is what the Joneses want. When you see them driving around town, are they always laughing and happy? Nope. Sometimes, if you look closely, you'll see Mrs. Jones staring out the window glumly — because she's wondering if her family measures up to the Smiths.
5. Do I spend money on things that speak to my soul?
Can you devote a small amount — say, $10 a month — to something you care about, whether it's a charity that means a lot to you or saving to buy yourself a piece of art?
6. What do I see when I look in the mirror each morning?
If you've been known to occasionally wrinkle up your nose at the little imperfections you see, or at your choice of today's outfit, what if you just gave yourself a great big smile each day instead? Well, for starters, you might find more joy in getting dressed and have more fun wearing your favorite color.
7. Have I figured out a way to handle the less-than-perfect relationships in my life?
Do you yearn for some people to just get it together? Or do you keep trying — and failing — to "fix" them? Maybe it's time to accept that your sister-in-law/boss/best friend are who they are, warts and all — and decide how they fit into your life (or don't) "as is."
8. Do I have faith in something bigger than I am, whether it's God or some other spiritual form?That feeling of awe you get when contemplating a higher spirit — be it God, Buddha, or Mother Nature — brings you out of yourself. We are all connected by something greater than us. Whether you meditate or pray or walk by the river, these moments can help you explore what you find wondrous in life.
9. What positive things do I bring to relationships with my husband, my kids, my friends?
Your sense of humor? Your sage advice? Your habit of baking the world's best brownies for a loved one who's in the dumps? Being aware of what you bring to the party helps you go easier on yourself when you hit inevitable rough moments in your relationships.
10. Is there a space in my home to do the things I love like paint, practice yoga, play cards with friends, quilt?
If not, why not make the room for it now?
11. How many hours a week do I spend on my computer, my TV, my BlackBerry?
If the number sounds high to you, resolve to reduce your screen time next week, and see how it feels not to be in your usual chair at the usual time. See how you use — how you live — those hours instead.
12. Do I feel older or younger than my years? How often do I feel good about being exactly the age I am?
No matter how many birthdays you've racked up, remember this: You can tap in to your potential at any age. You can get and keep your body fit. You can seek out new thrills so you feel as excited as a kid, if you like. You'll also see that age is, indeed, just a number. And you'll free yourself up to ask the most important question of all: How will I live this life that's been given to me?
Monday, December 21, 2009
Is There A Santa Claus?
Merry Christmas everyone,
I thought I would share an interesting story about a mom and her explanation to her son Frankie when asked, "Do you believe in Santa Claus?"
It was one of THE questions parents face. In the category of questions like, "Why do people die?" and "Where do babies come from?" "Mommy, do you believe in Santa Claus?"
The mom prayed for the right words. "What do you think?"
Frankie shrugged. "Some kids at school said Santa wasn't real. They said parents put the gifts under the tree." "Are you asking me if there is a Santa, or if parents put the gifts under the tree?" Frankie hesitated. "I guess I'm asking both."
The mom wrapped her arms around Frankie and gave him a big hug. "I am so proud of you!" "For what?" Frankie looked puzzled.
"You're old enough now! You see Frankie, while there isn't a man in a red suit, there is something called the Christmas Spirit. But when children are very little, it's hard for them to understand the Christmas Spirit so we say that someone named Santa is responsible for Christmas. Parent's know when a child asks whether Santa is real that they're old enough to understand the Christmas Spirit."
Frankie looked surprised. "What's the Christmas Spirit?"
"The Christmas Spirit is love -- pure and simple. Every year, right around December, there's a special feeling in the air. People are kinder, they give to those who have little and spend time with friends and family. Have you noticed a change recently?"
Frankie thought for a moment. "Everything seems prettier. People seem happier."
"That's the Christmas Spirit at work. The Christmas Spirit is a gift we all receive every year. And those who are most blessed, carry it with them all year."
"Parents want their children to remember the gift of Christmas every year, so they put presents under the tree and say a man named Santa is responsible until each child asks the question you asked me tonight. Then they get to share the wonderful secret of the Christmas Spirit."
"A secret?" Frankie's voice was hushed with awe.
"Yes, now that you asked about Santa, I know that you're old enough to understand the Christmas Spirit. But until other children ask their parents, you shouldn't tell them there's no Santa because they may not be old enough to understand yet."
Frankie nodded and winked. "I won't tell, I promise."
"When people ask if I believe in Santa, I say yes. I absolutely believe that there is a Christmas Spirit that visits each house at Christmas. Does it matter whether that Spirit is wearing a red suit? Or what we call it?"
Frankie shook his head. "Nope!"
"So congratulations! You are officially old enough to start learning about the Christmas Spirit." Frankie crinkled his nose. "Start learning?" "Yes. It takes the rest of your life to figure out how to keep the Christmas Spirit in your heart all year long."
I thought I would share an interesting story about a mom and her explanation to her son Frankie when asked, "Do you believe in Santa Claus?"
It was one of THE questions parents face. In the category of questions like, "Why do people die?" and "Where do babies come from?" "Mommy, do you believe in Santa Claus?"
The mom prayed for the right words. "What do you think?"
Frankie shrugged. "Some kids at school said Santa wasn't real. They said parents put the gifts under the tree." "Are you asking me if there is a Santa, or if parents put the gifts under the tree?" Frankie hesitated. "I guess I'm asking both."
The mom wrapped her arms around Frankie and gave him a big hug. "I am so proud of you!" "For what?" Frankie looked puzzled.
"You're old enough now! You see Frankie, while there isn't a man in a red suit, there is something called the Christmas Spirit. But when children are very little, it's hard for them to understand the Christmas Spirit so we say that someone named Santa is responsible for Christmas. Parent's know when a child asks whether Santa is real that they're old enough to understand the Christmas Spirit."
Frankie looked surprised. "What's the Christmas Spirit?"
"The Christmas Spirit is love -- pure and simple. Every year, right around December, there's a special feeling in the air. People are kinder, they give to those who have little and spend time with friends and family. Have you noticed a change recently?"
Frankie thought for a moment. "Everything seems prettier. People seem happier."
"That's the Christmas Spirit at work. The Christmas Spirit is a gift we all receive every year. And those who are most blessed, carry it with them all year."
"Parents want their children to remember the gift of Christmas every year, so they put presents under the tree and say a man named Santa is responsible until each child asks the question you asked me tonight. Then they get to share the wonderful secret of the Christmas Spirit."
"A secret?" Frankie's voice was hushed with awe.
"Yes, now that you asked about Santa, I know that you're old enough to understand the Christmas Spirit. But until other children ask their parents, you shouldn't tell them there's no Santa because they may not be old enough to understand yet."
Frankie nodded and winked. "I won't tell, I promise."
"When people ask if I believe in Santa, I say yes. I absolutely believe that there is a Christmas Spirit that visits each house at Christmas. Does it matter whether that Spirit is wearing a red suit? Or what we call it?"
Frankie shook his head. "Nope!"
"So congratulations! You are officially old enough to start learning about the Christmas Spirit." Frankie crinkled his nose. "Start learning?" "Yes. It takes the rest of your life to figure out how to keep the Christmas Spirit in your heart all year long."
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Twelve Days of Christmas
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas........or so the song goes....Hope you aren't one of the many people who become unglued trying to wrap things up this time of the year.
There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me. Have you ever wondered about THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS? What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?
Today, I found out. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality, which the children could remember.
The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
Two turtledoves were the Old and New Testaments
Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy,
Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.
The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in The Apostles' Creed.
An interesting explanation, whether you believe it or not, to the Twelve Days of Christmas.
There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me. Have you ever wondered about THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS? What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?
Today, I found out. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality, which the children could remember.
The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
Two turtledoves were the Old and New Testaments
Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy,
Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.
The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in The Apostles' Creed.
An interesting explanation, whether you believe it or not, to the Twelve Days of Christmas.
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