Happy 2012!

I  keep forgetting to journal here.
I have no more reminders of journaling assignments.
Hope all are enjoying the Christmas Season.
The 12 Days of Christmas ends on Jan 5, 2012.
Hope all have a wonderful New Year.

Happy 2012!
God bless.

Stay On The Journey,
Thanks for reading.
Susan

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Here's a poem I wrote:

Happy Birthday Jesus!

We're drawing much closer
To that One Special day
To celebrate Jesus!
It's in Him we can pray

Heavenly Father, thanks,
For Jesus Christ Your, Son
Who freely gave His life
Even though He was shone

His life spoke of His love
On the cross, He display
Paying all our sin debt
Preparing our life's way

O such great love He brings
Through His life we can be
Created in His likeness
We imagine, yet to see

Such wonder in His birth
We can now, come to say,
Happy Birthday, Jesus!
Have A WONDERFUL Day!

Poem # 1159
Idea 25 February 2011
6:47 AM Foot of bed
Re read 26 February 2011
Made some changes

Thanks for reading.

Happy Birthday, LORD!
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

Some Thoughts

I'm in the Christmas mode of doing. Hope all is well with you. I continue to journal. Since the ending of the assignments, I forget to come and journal here.

I'm doing OK. I'm catching up on my Xanga journaling. I'm getting Christmas cards and gifts ready. It's all in due time things will be done.

Thanks for reading.
Susan

Some Thoughts

I'm in the Christmas mode of doing. Hope all is well with you. I continue to journal. Since the ending of the assignments, I forget to come and journal here.



I'm doing OK. I'm catching up on my Xanga journaling. I'm getting Christmas cards and gifts ready. It's all in due time things will be done.


Thanks for reading.
Susan

Some Thoughts

I don't have much to journal this week. I don't have a topic. I've been journaling on my family history site and catching up posting some of my poems on my poem site.

I have been in the Christmas spirit. It's getting colder here. I'm dressing warm. We had some flurries. But now snow that has stayed on the ground.

I'm looking forward to the Holidays that we are in. I can't believe the days are going so fast. I'm counting down the day til 2012. New things are coming.

Thank for reading.Staying On The Journey,
Susan

Happy Holidays!

I hope you enjoyed Thanksgiving.
We're gearing up to the Holy Days at hand.
Hope your expectation and curiosity is on high.

May we enter into the Holy Days.
May we look forward to Christmas Day.
May the LORD shine through us on our journey.
May we be created anew as we journey to Christmas.

God bless you.
We're Entering Sacred Time!

Thanks for reading.On The Journey To Christmas 2011
Susan 

Some Thoughts

I've been future posting some of my poems. I'm up to May 9, 2013. I continue to write a poem a day.

I'm journaling some blogs for my family history site. I found some photo. I'm still searching for family history. I have come across more information. I'm excited.

The Winter season is upon us. It's getting colder here. I had to break out my Winter coat. There are some warm blooded. They have not coats or jackets on. But they have their hands in their pockets.

I'm getting in tune with the Holiday Season. The spirit of giving is upon us. Thanksgiving starts us off with the Holidays to the New Year.

There are 40 days left in this year. I'm enjoying the days as they come. Hope all is coming along with you. Peace be with you. God Bless.  Take care

Thanks for reading.
Stay On The Journey,
Susan

Remembering My Journey Of A Lifetime

It was back on November 16, 1998, I began a journey of a lifetime. I was on a 10 day journey exploring the Holy Land with a group of 25 people. It was an adventure.

I had my first airplane ride. It was an experience. I had a window seat. I try to reflect back on my journey each year. I look at what I wrote. I wish I would have recorded more of what I was doing.

Life is a school. We learn every single day of our lives. I hope to record some of my finding in each day more. I believe that there are some value in what we experience each day.

I learned the value of reflecting back for time to time in my life. I see by doing this I can be able to appreciate things more. It's when we look back we see things that we haven't seen before.

May we go through life learning to reflect back on the good of things. May we journey onward thanking God for being with us. May we have memories that will last for a lifetime. Amen.

Thanks for reading.
Remembering My Journey Of A Lifetime
Stay On The Journey,
Susan

Some Thoughts

Finding more on my family history. I see by going back over things, I see some things that I've missed. There were some things that didn't make sense that when I saw the information.

But as I'm looking back over my findings, I'm finding some things. I'm hope that the information is correct. I just have a hunch that it's so.

family history searching takes time. It's an interesting journey. Some how as the years come about, there are some things that make sense. While there will be a lot of mystery on the journey.

Journey Continues,
Susan

Monitor Your Mood

I have completed the 52 journaling assignments. I guess that's it?  Do we start all over with assignment #1  with Year 2 or Choose a topic when I journal?  

Assignment # 1 Monitor Your Mood via YOU Journaling.
"This is the beginning of your All About Life Journaling experience - unless you've been with us more then a year. For those of you who have been, each year your assignments will re-cycle and you can us them as a way to look at your growth over the past year.

This is the week where you begin to take notice of the existing state of your mind, your body, your emotional state. This is where you really begin looking at you.

Each day this week it is your mission to pay attention to your mood, your emotional state, your level of happiness and your general disposition. Your goal is to identify the mood or emotion that is present as you are journaling and capture it with as much description as possible.

Identify the things, events and conversations that trigger your mood. You may choose to journal several times a day, and you may notice that your mood may change many times throughout the day.

Take the time to write how your mood is expressed or displayed in your actions, your body language, and by the response by others.

Here is an example: I am frustrated today. I am agitated and restless. I can't seem to sit still. I feel nervous and people bug me. I am hungry and can't seem to find the ice cream I like - I have to settle for butterscotch when what I really want is double chocolate fudge.

I feel like a mouse running aimlessly on a mouse sized Ferris wheel. People are so impatient - they cut me off while I am driving and show no respect. My friend Maria thinks I need a vacation - maybe I do.

This is the baseline activity of all your journaling and is by far the most significant. Your feelings are an indicator of your thoughts.

If you are not happy with your mood, you can learn to choose different thoughts to create a better mood. You can also learn that learning how to process your emotions properly will lead to a more consistent sense of joy and happiness.

Really take the time to notice how your mood and feelings - the state of you - affects the way you spend your day, the things you do, your reactions to others, or to situations.

What if you were able to actually have tools to make changes and make them permanent? What would that be like?"

Some Of My Thoughts:

So far I'm feeling pretty good.
I'm not as tried as I was yesterday.
I have more energy.
I felt like journaling.

It's cold an rainy outside.
I feel warm on the inside.
I'm having a good day.
Hoping all are too.

May we not live off of our feelings.
If your down and out, may the comfort of God be with you.
Be encourage the God loves you.

Stay On The Journey,
Susan

Reflections

It's good to reflect back at times on our lives. Even in those times when we don't understand. Times when things came into our lives that we can't change. We don't need to have explanations for things.

We believe what we believe. The wisdom that we learned through out life comes when it comes. Wisdom does have a voice. It's there in times when we change what we do.
There are things we stop doing or things we start doing.

I have seen over the year of doing these journaling assignments, I made fewer typing errors. My spelling has improved. When I check my spelling, I have less misspelled words.

Also, I think my thinking has changed. I see things with new insight. It's like a twist so to speak. The flow of words come at times. I see that when I'm composing poems.
Journaling is a good thing to do.


I didn't journal here daily. But I do journal or write a poem daily. It's good to exercise our thinking for daily.

Thanks for reading.
Reflections
Stay On The Journey,
Susan

Wisdom Has A Voice

It's good to reflect back. Those times when we don't understand. Things come into our lives that we can't change.

That is when what we believe kicks in. The wisdom that we learned through out life. There are times we change what we do. There things we stop doing or things we start doing.

I see as I've did the journaling assignments, I made fewer typing errors. My spelling has improved. When I check my spelling, I have less misspelled words.
Also, I think my thinking has changed. I see things with new insight. It's like a twist so to speak. The flow of words come at times. I see that when I'm composing poems.
Journaling is a good thing to do. I didn't journal here daily. But I do journal or write a poem daily. It's good to exercise our thinking daily.

Thanks for reading.Wisdom Has A Voice

Stay On The Journey,
Susan

Wisdom: What Have I learned?

Here Are Some Of My Thoughts:

Thinking about this assignment. How have I changed over the year?  What have I acknowledge? What am I grateful for?

It's seems like it's been a long year. I've been journaling each week. I found that there were a lot of challenges in journaling.

There were some topics that were hard to write about. I didn't put to much into those assignments. As for the topics that were interesting, I took the time to journal about them.

I see that I had time to think on those subject. Those topic centered on life and my beliefs about things in life.

What can I share with others about words of wisdom? It's what I've have experienced in life. Life is a journey. Each day is  a new day. Live life each day.

In some point in life, we have to have a belief system. We put our faith in something or some one. We have to have source in life.

I believe that there is a God. The Creator of heaven and earth. With this belief, I can have a start on what I believe. And word from that belief.

There will come test and trails in and through tout our life. We have to face....When things come... I tend to commune with God. This bring comfort to me.

I've learned that Life Is A School. This is where we grow, learn and experience things. Each dawning of a new day starts us off into the unknown.

Hopefully we end our days and continue the cycle of the dawning of a new day.

Some wisdom I've learned:
Love and Be Love
God is LOVE
God is a good God.
Life is hard.
We need a Savior
No matter what, keep your faith in Jesus
Never get tried of repentance
Listen with your heart
Show respect
Honor your parents
Be kind to others

Thanks for reading.Wisdom:What Have I Learned?
Stay On The Journey,
Susan

What Words Of Wisdom Would You Teach?

Here's Assignment # 52 via YOU Journaling

There's a wonderful quote that says when we die, it doesn't matter how many things we have in our possession; what matters most is the differences we made in the life of a child - the difference they carry in their heart.

There is so much wisdom and power in this statement. Imagine if we lived our lives with only this intention? To make a positive difference in the life of a child. All of our fears, inadequacies, and self-doubt would disappear.

This week, write about the most important things you would teach a child. Even if you're already a parent or grandparent or great grandparent - start from a blank slate. Or maybe you are a parent and a grandparent like I am and have already started thinking about that.

What are the most important lessons you would teach him or her or have already taught your children? Why are they important? Do these lessons move us towards peace, love and joy? Speak from your heart.

You have completed 52 weeks of journaling, growing, changing. Take a little more time to write down the ways you see you have changed and grown over the past year.

Acknowledge it. Acknowledging it will help you hold onto it. And be grateful. I am grateful for you."

Some of my thoughts in words and questions:It's been a year!
What have I've learned?
What wisdom can I share?

Stay On The Journey,
Susan

What's Your Favorite?

Here's Assignment #51 via JOU Journaling

"All of us have favorite things, people, and experiences. When we engage our favorite anything, we are in a place of happiness, fun and joy. Your senses are heightened and you are full of energy - a wonderful place to be.

This week, list your favorite everything. Challenge yourself to list at least 100 favorites: book, color, car, painting, friend, toy, sport, pro athlete, food, drink, pen, clothing, silverware, animal, plant, exercise, movie, song, etc...

Each day, see, do, or experience as many of your favorites as possible. Write about at least 1 favorite per day.

Here's a Few Of My Favorites:Book read the most: The Holy Bible
Color                      : Varies Shades Of Red

Thanks for reading.
What's Your Favorite?
Stay On The Journey,
Susan

Still Laughing

There are a lot of silly things that I hear. I can't help but laugh. I see  photos of the past. The styles that were back in the days.
It would be good if the joy of laughter was contagious. There would be more joy in the world.
I notice that what makes me laughs come unexpected. I guess that's the good of laughing. I think it's good to laugh at ourselves from time to time. 
Hope all are laughing.
Thanks for reading.
Still Laughing,

Stay On The Journey,Susan

Some Of The Silly Things We Go Through

I had a Good laugh yesterday....

One of my brothers and I was talking about red hots. I don't care for them. They are TOO HOT for me. My brother was sharing some of his experiences with red hots. I had good laugh while he was describing what red hots do to him.
I've been there. I know what he experienced. Our eyes get watery. And our nose runs. I seem to cough and try to catch my breath. In the mean while I need water to cool down my mouth.
I can't recall when the last time I had a red hot. It's been a very long time. I have learned my lesson the hard way. No more red hots for me. I have to be careful when I eat candy that is red. I will never know. It could be HOT.
I did enjoy myself. What makes me laugh? Some of the silly things we go through. One of them is eating red hots.

May we learn from what we go through. May we see the humor in what we do. May we make the best of what we do. May we enjoy the journey in where we are headed.
Thanks for reading.Some Of The Silly Things We Go Through,
Stay On The Journey,
Susan

What Laughter Can Do?

The joy of the unexpected things dogs can do. I like dogs. I even talk our dogs. They have their own personality. There are times they do silly things. I can just laugh at what they do.
Laughing does somethings to me. It sets off things. There is some humor that there to laugh at. We all need to laugh through out the day. I try to find things to laugh at.
May we learn that laughing is good for us.
May we just laugh at the silly things that we do.
May the goodness come our way with laughter and joy.
Amen
Thanks for reading,
What Laughter Can Do?
Susan

What Makes You Laugh?

Here's homework assignment #50 via YOU Journaling

"Laughter is a powerful process. Physically, it raises our endorphin levels which energizes and inspires us, and also heals disease in our bodies. When we're laughing, we are in our most elevated form of alignment.

We are happy and feeling positively and we are light and fun and energetic - all attractive qualities. People have even healed themselves of illness by focusing on things that make them laugh.

This week, write about the encounters, the movies, the books, the jokes, the children, and the conversations that made you laugh. When you pay attention, you will find it easier to laugh.

Make that your mandate for the week and write about your experiences. Also, write about how your laughter affected the environment, the mood, and the events that followed."

Some Of My Thoughts:
Silly things make me laugh.
Great sudden things not nature.
Doing some things for the first time.
Laughing at myself.
I have an uplifting mood.
It changes me in some ways.
It's brings joy into my thinking when I laugh.
Thanks for reading.
Staying on the Journey,
Susan

Be In Harmony With The Universe

Assignment #49 via YOU Journaling.

"Everything is energy. When we are vibrating at a high level, we are conscious, peaceful and present, and life seems to be (and is) perfect. One of the greatest ways to transition into this evolved state is to meditate.
This week, start your day off by getting yourself into the same vibrational, energetic state as the universe. Meditate. Each morning, set an egg timer for 10 or 15 minutes (make it progressively longer each day if you can).

Sit somewhere completely quiet. Go outside in your yard or ride your bike to a nearby park; get up really early if you have to. Close your eyes. Get into a comfortable position. Focus on your breath.

Clear your mind. Your thoughts will begin to creep back in; clear them by coming back and focusing on your breath. Take deep breaths in and deep breaths out. Fill your belly first, then your chest.

Notice how you feel and journal whatever comes up for you when you are done. "

Some of My Thoughts:This is my time with God in the morning.
Being in harmony with the Holy Spirit.

Thanks for reading.
May we Be In Harmony With The "Creator of " The Universe

Amen!

Stay On The Journey,
Susan

Conversations

Most of my conversations have been or current events and family matters. It's nice to know what's going on in the world. It would be something if we don't pay attention to events of our days. Let alone what's going on in the family.

May we keep up on the importance of life's events.
May we have an idea what's going on with family matters.
May God help us with our conversations.
May what we share be pleasant to hear.
May we have wisdom in what we share.
May we be a blessings to those who we speak with.
Amen!

Thanks for reading.

What's In Your Conversations?

Assignment #48 Monitor your conversations via YOU Journaling

This is an incredibly insightful, powerful week.
What are the words coming out of your mouth?
What kinds of conversation are you in and are you hearing and listening too?
Who are speaking with?
Our spoken word is a reflection of our thoughts and helps to create our reality.

This week, monitor your conversations and how you feel in those conversations.
Are they supporting and pulling you closer to your goals and dreams and vision?
Or are they taking you further away?
What are you going to do about it?

You paid attention to something like this in Week 37.
This time you will be even more aware.

Remember, you need to post at least one journal per assignment before you can proceed to the next week. So be sure to write in your journal every day!

Some Of My Thoughts:
Watching what I say...

Thanks for reading.

What Happened Last Night?

Assignment #47 , "What happened last night?", via YOU Journal

The hours we spend asleep can have a big impact on our day. Each day when you wake up in the morning, take note of how you feel. Are you rested? Are you tired? Did you dream? What was your dream about? Do you feel excite more...

The hours we spend asleep can have a big impact on our day.

Each day when you wake up in the morning, take note of how you feel. Are you rested?
Are you tired?
Did you dream?
What was your dream about?
Do you feel excited about the day ahead?
Do you feel dread?

Take a moment or two to reflect on how you want to be feeling as you face the day and jump onto your journal to write it down.

Some Of My Thoughts:
I was feeling great this morning when I woke up.
I felt rested.
I did have some dreams but I forgot what I dreamt.
I wasn't too excited about this day.
I don't dread the day.

I knew that I had to do some things today.
I wake up about the same time every day.
Every day is different.
There are challenges that come my way.

May we be aware of things when we wake up each morning.
May we prepare ourselves for the day.
May we make the most of what's to come in our days.
Amen.

Thanks for reading.What Happened Last Night?
Have A Great Day!
Stay On The Journey,
Susan

Love And Don't Love About Yourself

Assignement #46 via YOU Journal

What do you love about you and what don't you love about you?

All of us think, operate, and act in ways that make us happy and proud of ourselves; the opposite is also true. Sometimes we behave in ways that leave us feeling embarrassed and ashamed.

This week, write what it is you most love about yourself and what you don't love about yourself. Notice and write about how you feel when you list these character traits. Consciously focus on what you love and what your strengths are.

Pay attention to when you notice the things about yourself that you don't love; what are the beliefs that cause you not to love these aspects?

Are these beliefs you want to live with for the rest of your life? If not, trade up and identify beliefs that are far more serving. It also helps to keep focused on the things you love. Focus on what's right about you rather than what you perceive not to be.

Some of my thoughts;I love that I can love and be loved.
I love that I can make friends with those who want to be friends.

I don't like when I'm no on track.
I don't like when things I do that offend others.

Thanks for reading.Love And Don't Love About Yourself

Myself
Stay On The Journey,
Susan

Nourishment

Journaling Assignment #45 "Nourishment" via YOU Journaling.

What are you feeding your body? What you put into your body, whether its food, drink, or absorbed through your skin has a dramatic impact on your mood and your thoughts. We are conditioned by our environment.

What we put into and/or absorb in our bodies is apart of that environment. Are you adequately nourishing your body? Do you truly know what is healthy and what isn't?

This week, keep log of what you put into your body throughout the week (you can do this in your journal or on a separate chart you can create for yourself).

Just like the fact that most of our thoughts are unconscious, sometimes what we put into our bodies is unconscious too. This is as more so an exercise in awareness as opposed to discipline or accountability.

Decide whether the substances you put into your body serve you or whether they run you down. Notice how you feel physically and what thoughts are associated with your physical feelings after you eat and drink. Journal about these thoughts and feelings.

Some Of My Thought:
We should be watching what we put into our bodies.
I know I should.

Nourish is important in our lives.
I know that I'm not eating the way I should.

When I'm on the go, I tend to eat the quick things that are there.
I'm needing to slow down.
Junk foods isn't good.

I feel as though when I eat it's good.
But after I eat what I ate isn't healthy.

I have to have that balance in what to put in my body.
Even more what I put on my body.
Chemical and lotions each go into the skin too.

I hope that I learn to eat better.
I need to say no to foods I know that aren't good for me.

Lord help me!
May the LORD help us all.

Thanks for reading.
Nourishment
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

Contributions In Life

I've been thinking. What do I contribute to the world around me? And What do I bring to others where I'm at?

There are a lot of things that we can do and not think that they are of help to others. We can have an encouraging word for someone. Or we can make someone laugh. Those little things that we can take for granted.

I try to bring some humor into the world that I'm in. It soften up the tone. It be a listener, to show that I care and to bring some comforting words of encouragement.

It's a good feeling when there is some feedback. It shows that what I'm doing is of some help. I'm glad that the LORD is using me for His good.

So no matter how small or how big our contribution may be, believe that there is some good there. We might not think what we do matters. But it does. It matters more than we can think.

May we see that we all have something to give of ourselves. May we not be afraid if others don't appreciate what we do. May the LORD reward us for what we do for the glory of his name. Amen.
Thanks for reading.
Contributions In Life
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

What's Your Contribution?

Assignment #44 from YOU Journaling

Each of us have a special gift or talent that we can give to the world. For some this is very clear; for others it's cloudy. It can be anything: juggling, listening, caring, joking; maybe it's just our time or labor.

You don't have to have lots of money, or any money at all for that matter, to contribute to the world. Being in contribution is powerful for many reasons. Why?

We obtain a sense of fulfillment and feel good about ourselves; we also start to receive, naturally. The universe matches our contributions over and over - we must only decide what is within us to contribute.

This week, think about the contribution you can make and want to make in the world. What is it? Put yourself there. How does it feel? Now describe the action items that you have done to allow this form of contribution.

Some Of My Thoughts In Questions:
What do I contribute to the world around me?
What do I bring to others where I'm at?

Thanks for reading.
What's Your Contribution?
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

Becoming Who I Am

Some of My Thoughts:
I think I'm becoming more aware of what things that aren't working. There are things that get to me. I'm learning to be patient. I'm seeing myself more open and not as much saying things that I think to people who really know me.

I see that the people around me are who they are. I can't change them. I can only work on what I can as God is changing me.

We are all different. We have to learn to forgive others as well as ourselves. Life is a school. We have to learn from what we go through. We need to keep moving on into what is becoming.

Who Am I Now?
I believe I'm becoming and becoming more as I'm allowing myself to become with the help of the Holy Spirit who's guiding me into the light that's set before me.  

Thanks for reading.

May we continue on the journey in who we are becoming.
May the grace of God lead us the way that we should go.
Susan

Increasing And Improving Relationships Through Sharing

re so much that we can do to increase and improve our relationships. First of all, we have to want to. And second, there should be some interaction in the process. Relationships takes more than one person.

We need to know what to share. And with whom to share things with. I've learned that I can share some things with some people. I have to have wisdom. I can't share everything.

When I'm blogging on my other sites, I tend to share information and photos. On my family history website I share information on the family. It's valuable information. In most cases I don't receive online comments. But what I do is a gift for those who are searching for their ancestors.

There are tangible gifts that we can share with one another. Some ordinary things can be fun. We don't have to spend a lot of things. It's the though that counts. It can be a card or a word of encouragement.

When I greet at church I tend to spend a few minutes with some friends. It's good to hear how others are doing. It's a good sign to show that we care enough to talk.

There are times when I don't expect things in return. There is a joy in doing this. I know in time that there should be something come my way. I try not to get uptight.

We can share and share and share. While not expecting something in return. I know in time if there is no appreciation on what I'm doing I tend not to want to share.

In order to increase and improve relationship we have to learn to share something about ourselves. It can be the simples thing. We can share a smile, a hug or a word of encouragement when we meet.

I feel great when others ask me something. I can get all excited when talking about my family history. There are times when I speak with friends I get blessed. There's something about getting together in sharing.

Good company is wonderful. We can do things without having to go anywhere special. It's the joy of being and joying life together.

May we grow in our relationship. May we learn to share our lives with others. May we feel comfortable to share with people who we can relate to. May we not be rude in not sharing with our friends. AMEN!

Thanks for reading.Increasing And Improving Relationships Through Sharing
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

Sharing Our Blessings In Life

There are a lot of things that we can do to share our lives with others. Each person is a gift from God. We have our special blessings about us. We can give of ourselves in positive ways.
There should be times in our lives when we do things to bless others around us. We can let others go before us in a check out line. We can hold the door open for someone. Those simple things in life that matters.
Life is to be lived. We how have our ways to enjoy life. We can make others life enjoyable too. We have opportunities.
May we be a blessing to those around us. May we see that we can be used of God to share His love to others. May we see opportunities to be a blessing to those around us. Amen!
Thanks for reading.
May We Continue To Share Our Blessings In Life?
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

Sharing: Giving Of Ourselves

Here's assignment #42 via You Journal Journaling Program
One of the most significant elements of our lives and our careers is the relationships we have and the depth of the connections we make. Giving, without expecting any return, and sharing of ourselves, are two of the most monumental contributions that we can make to the quality of our relationships.

This is the week when you get to focus on the relationships that you already have in your life and the ones that you would like to improve. This is the week where you will make at least one conscious decision to take an action that will move towards increasing the depth of any significant relationship in your life. The focus, however, will be on you, not on them, and what you choose to share with them.

This is an extraordinary week when you get to give without expecting a return and feel the impact of that gesture. Every day, write what you have shared as though it has already been received (and it may have been received) and describe both the reaction of the gesture and the feeling it elicited for you.

Each day do one of the following for someone you care about:

Give someone you care about a tangible gift - something unexpected and out of the blue. It doesn't have to be a big thing - it can be as little as buying someone a cup of coffee and a muffin - or it can be bigger if you choose.

Give someone you care about something tangible from your past that means something to you and explain its meaning and why it was so important to you.

Do something for someone you care about - remember not to expect a return - just do it freely because you want them to receive that gift from you.

Share a work-related story with someone you care about - as you share the story include how the events made you feel.

Share a personal story with someone you care about - this story is something that you would not ordinarily share with a whole lot of people or talk about. It could be about an event that happened in the past or something that you are living now or something that you are just feeling.

Share one of your deepest desires with someone you care about - talk about your dreams and goals. Talk about the things that make you happy.

Talk with a stranger today and give them a few minutes of your time and attention. You can talk or you can listen - but you must be fully focused on this interaction.

If you are wondering where to find a stranger... a great place is in line at a check-out counter! But you are creative and resourceful - please make the effort to find someone you care about to share with today!


Some of my thoughts:
It's good to share our lives with others.
We need one another.
We can't live without relationships.

May we learn to appreciate those around us.
May the LORD bless us with grace.
May we love one another.
Amen!

Thanks for reading.Sharing: Giving Of Ourselves
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

New Invention: Temperature Control

"Temperature Control" I would joke about this idea to a friend. Only if this could be. A device that we can control the weather that we're around us. This would be something. Or would it could a problem?

When it's too cold in the Winter months or too hot during the Summer months, we can have the temperature that we want. The pleasure in having what we want. The life!

This device would be like a little "thingy" we could carry as we were out and about where we would go. We can switch it on or off. But yet it could be on automatic.

Or maybe it can be a force field around us as we go about our days. It wouldn't effect what's around us. That sounds like something out of science fiction.

The atmosphere would be the same. But we would be comfortable to us. Oh how this could be! There would be no hassle about the weather.

I know this is just an idea. We all have our ideal temperature. Some say it's to cold or too hot. We can't please every body. This would be a great invention.

Only if we can figure a way out in doing this. Or perhaps it's just a idea dreamt up. Who never as the future comes to be, there comes a device or item that can make this idea come to be.

That would be neat. People of the past have ideas will before their time. The innovation of things not yet born. But through the years the dreams become reality.

May we keep dreaming of things. May the LORD put ideas into our things. May we use our imagination more and more. May we see the good in using our minds for the good of God. Amen.

Thanking for reading.

New Invention: Temperature Control
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

Creativity

Assignment #41 via You Journal

"Have you ever thought of creating a new contraption or innovation?
Like a new product, a new recipe, a new tool, or a new process?
If you were to invent a different kind of life for yourself, what would it look like?
 
Where would you be living?
Who would you be living with?
What would you be spending most of your time doing?
What would your health be like?

Your relationships?
Your financial situation?
Your spirituality?

Which parts of this invented life is appealing to you?
Can you picture yourself living that way?
Which parts would you like to incorporate in your life today?

Are there any things you can do in your life today to have it feel more like those parts of your invented life that you would like to live?

Each of us have something new, creative and special within us.
When we get quiet and peaceful, we have the power to tap into that creativity."

Some of my thoughts;
This assignment has a lot of imagination to it.
Wonder what I can think of?

Thanks for reading.Creativity
May the LORD bless us with creativity.
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

World Around Me

Feeling sad about some things that I've heard.
Keeping the faith that Jesus is there.
Life is hard.
Making the most of life.
Praying believing that God hears our prayers.
Keeping a positive attitude expressing feeling to God.

Thanks for reading.
Staying On the Journey,
Susan

Session 40: Emotional Resilience.

Edit Journal ^. Delete

Emotional Resilience

"Here is this session's homework assignment #40, "Emotional Resilience." via You Journal

Top performers, both personally and professionally, have a high degree of emotional resilience. What that means is that they bounce back quickly from perceived adversity, and even find a way to leverage their fall.

No matter what comes their way, they don't allow negative events get them down for too long. They understand that the way they choose to think about and process any event truly differentiates between success and failure, joy and disappointment.

This week, pay close attention to the reactions you have to the events taking place in your life.

Journal about your initial reaction - what did you feel and what thoughts ran through your mind? As the week progresses and you are focused on this exercise, train yourself to actively choose more serving ways to perceive the events that you are experiencing.

What was good about the event?
How was it perfect?
How was it even a gift?

Once we start looking for the silver lining in things, they begin to appear more readily and we learn to assign appreciation to all of the events that come our way, even if they may appear to be negative at first glance. Remember the Find the Gift tool you learned in Week 33."

Some Of My Thoughts.Emotions are for a purpose.
Crying is good up to a point.
Laughter is good as medicine.

May we learn what emotions can do to us.
Thanks for reading. Emotional Resilience
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

How Did I Get To Where I Am In My Career?

One part of my life is being a caregiver. I had help some of my family members in daily living for some time. I first started out with my father in about 1982 or 83. Then in 1987/89 I helped out with my mother's care....currently a caregiver to a relative.

During the time of my parents' life they didn't want to go to nursing home. I (with along with some of my siblings) were able to attend to our parents needs. It had become a part of life.

Some one had to care for our parents. At that time in my life I was at crossroad. I had time to care for my parents. Care giving is from the heart.

I saw that my parents needed help. I choose to do what I could. It's good to honor our parents.

Care giving can be stressful at times. There's not much time to self when attending others' needs. But I see a purpose in doing what a caregiver does.

In 1998 I started to care for a disabled relative. It's my current job. I don't know what's next for my career when this job is completed.

I see that I'm making the most of what I do as a caregiver. In all is that I'm making some one else's life comfortable. I don't know what's down the road...

May we see the good in how we got to the place where are go. May we take time the reflect on where I've been. May the LORD direct our foot steps. May we learn from our experiences. Amen.

Thanks for reading.
How Did I Get Where I Am In My Career?Professional Experiences
May we continue to grow in our experiences in life.
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

Assignment # 39 Professional Experiences

From the assignment...

"Most of what we do today is largely influenced by past experiences. This often applies to our careers in particular.  This week, look back on the experiences that have had a major influence on your career path.

Who set you on your course?

What did you see, try, or hear about that made you choose the direction that you are pointing to currently?

Was it your choice or someone else's?

Are you happy with where you are professionally?

Does your career reflect your passions and life purpose?

Is there something else that you might enjoy doing in your career?

Is it realistic?

Why or why not?"

Some Of My Thoughts:
Thinking

Thanks for reading.Professional Experiences
May we grow in our experiences in life.
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

What Am I Confident In?

That's a hard question. I had to think. Where does my confident come from? It comes by what I believe. Where my faith is at.

I don't put confident in myself. Because I'm not sure at times. I don't know if I can do some things. There are some things I'm good at. Well, at least I think go.  I wouldn't be doing them.

There are some nature things I do without thinking. It comes nature to me. I can do it at ease. But in times I have to think about what I'm doing.

I guess it's a knowing that comes from with inside of me. The intuition that's there in the doing of what I feel confident in.  My hope and confidence is in the LORD. I put my trust in God.

I notice when I'm around people I know I'm more comfortable. I see some support from others who are there with me. It's good to have that support.
experience?

I think that training does help with the experience in doing things. It can be the nature of what there that helps too. 

I feel less confident in things that bring a BIG Challenge to me. It's something new that comes. Can I do it? 

That times I'm not  okay with that those feelings. It's something that I would like to change/ There are times I question why I'm not confident in doing things.

I can't explain why I'm not  confident in some things. May be it's fear. Or the lack of the ability in doing what I think is hard. I don't know.

But I do know as I grow and change my attitude, I have the confident to do things. It's a process in the doing. I believe that through the years that come, I will have more confident in doing those things I lack confident in doing.

May we learn to put our confidence in what we believe is to be the truth. May we have that knowing that it's inside to do what we need to do. May the LORD increase our confidence in Him as we go along the journey in life. AMEN!

Thanks for reading.
What Am I Confident In?
My confident comes from the LORD.
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

Confidence

Here is this session's homework assignment #38, "Confidence."
This is what it says on the assignment:

"Confidence is the belief that you can produce a specific result.

In what areas do you feel extremely confident?

In your image of you doing whatever that is you see yourself confident as, what are you doing?

Who is around you?

What enables that feeling of confidence?

Is it your experience?

Is it your training?

Is it the ease with which it comes to you?

What are your beliefs about the area(s) that you are confident in?

In other areas, where do you feel less confident?

Are you okay with that feeling or is it something that you would like to change?

Are there specific areas where you would like to feel more confident?

What are those areas and explore in writing why you do not feel confident currently."

Some Of My Thoughts:
A lot of thought question for this assignment.
I got to think on them.

May we have the confidence to do what we need to do.
May the Lord grant us the confidence that we need.
May we learn and know that the Lord is our confidence.
Amen.

Thanks for reading.Confidence
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

Words Spoken

Some of my thoughts:
Much talk of the heat wave.
Stayed cool the best way I knew how.
Trying to see the good of what was spoken.
Learned a lot along the journey.
Tried to be positive while listening to others.
Bringing some joy into the conversation.
Thanks for reading.Staying On The Journey,
Susan

Your Words Are Very Powerful

      Here is journaling assignment #37. It's about our words that we speak. Your Words Are Very Powerful.

You've heard this phrase over and over again: "Be careful what you wish for because it just might come true." Your words are powerful. They contain great energy. The words that come out of your mouth directly impact what comes into your life. They more...

You've heard this phrase over and over again: "Be careful what you wish for because it just might come true." Your words are powerful. They contain great energy. The words that come out of your mouth directly impact what comes into your life. They are a reflection of how you are thinking and so you can see exactly why your life looks like it does.

This week, monitor your conversations.
What are you saying?
What are you talking about?
Are your words critical?
Do you complain?
Do you sound energetic or tired?

What is the predominant message that you are sending out when you speak to people?
Are you optimistic?
Are you confident?
Are you capable?
Are you fun?

Do you like the conversations you are having and do you like how you sound?

Would you like to make a change in this area?
What might a change be like?
Are you saying "should" a lot?

That's an indication that you have a little critic in your head trying to direct traffic in your life.

Some Of My Thoughts:
Been watching what I say.
Been in conversation about the heatwave.

May we understand that what we say can be a blessings or a curse. May we put a watch over our mouths. May we have good words to speak in due season. Amen.

Thanks for reading.Your Words Are Very Powerful
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

What Are Some Significant Relationships In My Life?

I've been thinking about some of my relationships.
What are some significant in my relationships? 

I see by sharing, having openness, understanding, thoughtfulness, appreciation, friendliness and some connection bring more into relationships.

When Sharing, there is feedback. It's good to have some ideas where my friends come from. I seem to grow when I share.

It's the Openness that will break the ice in relationships. If we are willing to help out to encouraged one other, we have to be open to do so. It lighten things up.

Also Understanding is a great help. Even if we say we understand and don't, it can bring come relief in relationships. It's the caring that helps.

The Thoughtfulness of what someone does can bring a good feeling inside. It's being considerate for others' needs that show respect for them.

The Appreciation and showing that a person has for others. There is a heart to love. Our action speak when we show our appreciation.

The Friendliness by having a friendly attitude is good. It's not being bossy or demanding things in return of favors.

There are Connections that flow when things in relationship come about. The caring of a person will bring some thing out in relationships.

Asking about how people are doing. Having concern when we don't see people in church. Showing people how special they are by remembering those special days in their lives.

All the things we do. either big or small will add to relationships. What makes my relationships special is the willingness to be friends with friends. It's not doing things to get things. It's just being friends.

May we grow in our relationships. May we see the significant in our relationships. May God grant us wisdom to be good friends with the people in our lives. Amen.

Thanks for reading.
What Are Some Significant Relationships In My Life?
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

Relationships

Here is this session's homework assignment #36 "Relationships"

Each day of the week, identify one of the more prevalent/significant relationships in your life.

Is it working the way you would like it to?

What are your beliefs about why it functions the way it does.

Is there anything you'd like to change about the relationship?

Begin with your thoughts about this relationship - do they serve you?

Do you need to trade up?

How does thinking about this relationship make you feel?

Remember that your feelings are an indicator of your thoughts and when you feel anything negative, it is a sign that your thoughts are not aligned with what you truly want for yourself in this area.

What is your vision (ideal) for that relationship?

Some of my thoughts:
This is an continuation from last weeks assignment.
Thinking questions...
What's working in my relationships?
What are my beliefs in relationships?
What do I need to change?
Do others serve me?
What's needed to trade up?
How do I feel about my relationships?
What is my vision for reolationships?

Thanks for reading.Relationships
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

My Friends List~ Circle Of Influene: Do Friends Bring Postive Or Negative Energy?

I made a list of my friends. I've been looking over that list.  There are some special  people on my list. They have encouraged me along my journey.

I will admit that I've come across negative and positive energy waves in my life. I think we all do. Life is a challenge. We will run into obstacles on the way. But thank God for friends.

I seen to question the negative eves that come my way. I tend to speak to God on the matters. I don't know things. I do find myself thinking a new way we I'm attacked with negativity. Maybe there is some go in that.

But in the long run, I have learn to withdraw from people who are negative. We all can be offended by what we say to one another. The environment and eves can cause an affect on us. We need to withdraw and regroup. Things can drain us.

I love it when I receive the positive energy coming my way. It energizes me. It's like ti takes me to a new level. It builds me up.

There's some much good in feeling the energy level moving forward. It takes on something new. When I'm around energy makers it brings out some things in me.

I need to decide who are my circle of friends. I see that good friends will speak to me. I see that a lot when I'm at church. Friends come to me as I'm greeting. I also see that on my social network of friends. There are some who communicate. I like that.

I see some support when others communicate with. It's when I can tell where they come from. It's not a game where I have to guess at things.

I see that close friends choose to share some of their lives with me. That brings some experience into light. That helps out in life.

May we take note of who our friends are. May we grew from what others put into us. May we learn to withdraw from friends who are draining us. May the LORD helps us become better friends. May we always see a friend in Jesus. Amen!

Thanks for reading.
My Friends List~ Circle Of Influence: Do Friends Bring Positive Or Negative Energy?
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

How Do Friends Contribute To My Vision And Take Away From My Vision?

I'm thankful when friends contribute to my vision. They encourage me along the way of life. Life is a journey. It's nice to see that others can relate to what's to be done.

This brings an uplift. The knowing that there are others in approval of what I'm trying to do in life. The good of being a friend speaks out when things come in life.

As for the friends who take away from my vision, it holds me back. I don't want to be around negativity. The idol talk of what I believe to be so. I don't want to be speaking negative that will bring on doubt.

There are things that can be questioned. Why did you do that? There comes a time that make me what to doubt. Am I doing the right thing?

May we know when our friends are speaking from their out of love. May we not be bent out of shape over what we hear others say. May we know the different from negative speaking and correction. May God grant us the difference to know what is correct and what's out of order in Jesus' name Amen.

Thanks for reading.
How do Friends Contribute To My Vision And Take Away From My Vision?
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

Who Are My Friends? Who Do I Spend Time With Why?

My #1 friend is God.  I commune with Him through Jesus and the Holy Spirit on a regular basis. There is no greater friend than God.

I have many distant friends and acquaintances from church and the interent. There are a very few close friends. I'm not much of a person to share personal matter with others.

As for my Internet friends and social network friends, they are on facebook and twitter. There are some special ones who I look at what they post. It's nice to see how others are doing. It's a good why to pray for others.

Who Do I Spend Time With?I spend majority of my time with God. I think that I would be lost without Jesus in my life. Besides family, I spend time with some friends.

I have a prayer partner. We come to pray as much as we can on the weekdays. I tend to look on Twitter and facebook to see what some of my friends are doing

May we make the time to be with the people who have influences in our lives. May we learn from one another. May we God help us to be better friends. Amen!

Thanks for reading.Who Are My Friends? Who Do I Spend Time With Why?
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

What Is A Friend? What Makes A Person A Friend?

I see that there are levels of friendships.
We grow in our friendship as we learn about each other.
Each level has some things special about them.
Through the process of friendship we grow.
We see that we are not perfect.
We learn things through friendship.

1.) The intimate: Knows all about you.. That person is God.
2.) Close: Knows some personal things about you.
3.) Distant: Knows you through social contacts.
4.) Acquaintances: Knows very little about you.
5.)  Want To Be Friends: They like something about you.

What Makes A Person A Friend?
There are some common ground in the friendship.
One common thing we all have; we share the same earth.
There are some influences or likeness we see in people.
There are some facts that are in common.

There are common interest.
There is a common religious.
There is a common language
There are Internet friends, social friends, church friends
There are friends who are strangers who are friendly

May we be friendly. May we see that being a friends come by being a friend. May we learn from our friends. May God bless us with good friends.

Thanks for reading.
What Is A Friend? What Makes A Person A Friend?
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

Bulid Your Inner Circle: Friend In-Deed Assignment #35

Here's Assignment #35 via assignment info

Magic Secret #2,
Friend In-Deed, is the use of a buddy in the form of a friend, a life coach, a therapist, 12-Step sponsor or any combination of those people while you go through this process of uncovering your authentic self.

It is fundamental that you gain support from and be completely honest with at least one other person, and, in so doing, your passage on the road to your Real Self will be greatly aided. Your buddy will help you stay in integrity with yourself.

Who are your friends?
Who do you spend time with?
How do they contribute to or take away from your vision?
Do they bring positive energy or negative energy?

This is a very important week. This week, make a list of who your friends are and who is in your circle of influence (including authors you read, motivational speakers you follow, and people in your world that you admire both closely and from afar).

Create a strong awareness of who you are giving your energy to, and how they are you, both positively and negatively. Remember, we are conditioned by our environment and we will "carry forward" the energy of our environment and the people we spend time with.

Decide who you will allow into your circle of influence based on who supports your vision and who is uplifting to you. Insulate yourself from those that do not have the energy and/or impact you need to move closer to your vision.

Some Of My Thoughts:Another interesting assignment.
Listing my friends...those who bring energy etc.

Thanks for reading.Build Your Inner Circle: Friend In-Deed
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

Silent Giving: Intercessory Prayer

The best silent giving to give is to use the gift of intercessory prayer. That's praying for others..... The joy of seeing answered prayer.

Thanks for reading.
Silent Giving: Intercessory Prayer
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

Silent Giving

Here is this session's homework assignment #34, "Silent Giving.",

Each day this week, do something special for someone or give and don't tell anyone - ever (tell your journal). This is such a powerful exercise. It forces you to create the feeling of gratitude and fulfillment internally without getting your gratitude externally from the receiver of your gift. Write how these acts of kindness make you feel.

Notice yourself becoming empowered and uplifted as you commit such acts of generosity. Your silent giving conditions your mind to open up and receive

Some Of My Thoughts:
I think this is a good idea. The thought of silent giving, that will bring someone some joy in there life.  Wondering who can I do this good act of deeds. I'll keep it a secret.

May we be givers. May we see the good in what we do for others. May the LORD bless us to be a blessing to others. Amen.

Thanks for reading.
Silent Giving
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

Life As A School: Being A Gardener

There are situations in life that we experiences. Those things can add to our knowledge base. We learn as we go through trials and test in our every day living. It's how we react that makes a difference.
How we respond to life will differ with each person. Our attitude can be shaped by what we go through. It could be for the good or for the bad. In the process we grow.

In some cases we can turn bad situations around. It's our attitude that can change the atmosphere. When some things don't go our way, we can get bent out of shape.

But we need to remember that we have a choose to make.  Our choices may make can be the changes we need or the things that we need to see. We should look for good in things.

I can see that being negative doesn't add to the issue at had. It can cause more problems than good. We can learn the gift of life that's there by what we experience. We hope
that it's good in life that there.

Here's one example I thought about keeping up a garden... The Negative side of keeping up a garden. First the ground had to be plowed, the plants or seeds planted. Than comes the hard part....maintenance of the garden as things are needed....

The weeds that are growing, the bugs that surrounds, wonder why the plants not growing as the should, getting dirty, out in the heat, don't feel like getting the weeds out of the garden, needing to get the hose out to water the garden than put the hose back up.

How can I see This NEW PICTURE? Keeping up a garden...
The good feeling that I can see. is the out come of what work was needed to keep the garden up. The harvest that will come from the garden. The savings from not having to
buy the veggies at the store. The feeling of growing and appreciating of being apart of some thing that took time to do.

LEARNING GIFTS
I've learned to be consistence with what I had to do.
I've found it to be a task in which I choose to do.
I've connected with the great outdoors.
I've learn to care for the needs of the veggies.
I've learned in the long run, I can see the end of what I've started.
I've learned the good in keeping with the garden was a purpose.

Life is a school. We learn about life as we experience the issues of life that come. We learn what is right. We learn what is wrong. We grow in the process of going through things in our lives.

In the long run, it's good to have a garden. Throughout it all... the veggies are homegrown. They taste good. What a great salad that we can have during the Summer months.

I have grown to appreciate having a garden every year. This is our third one. Our last year garden wasn't the best. The first one was good harvest.
I was determine to keep the weeds out this year. I kept at it. I reminded myself to look at the garden every time I went outside. I would say our garden looks good. We have a good garden.

This brought a good feeling inside of me. I saw that our garden was growing. I was so excited when I saw some of the veggies. I see that what I was doing was working.
I see that it takes time to maintain a garden. In the long run. it's all worth the time in the making. All the time spend in the garden lead to producing a harvest. A harvest much more than I though would come.

Life is a journey. And on this journey, Life is a school. In this school, we learn about life. It's good to have some one to help and guide us along our journey.
I'm so grateful that the Holy Spirit is with me on my journey. Life is a challenge. I'm thankful  in times of struggle, I have some one to call upon. I thank God for hearing me.

May we learn in life that life is a school. May we see that every thing in our life, things can get better. May we have hope to believe that we can get through the storms in our lives. May we not grow weary in doing good. May we see the end of what we started. Amen!

Thanks for reading. Life As A School: Being A Gardener
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

P.S.

Our lives are like gardens. We have to keep ourselves up. We grow as we are watered and seasoned. We have to get the weeds out of our hearts and thinking. Life is a school. That school is for a lifetime.

Life Is A School

From Assignment #33

"Magic Secret #1,

Life Is a School, is both a tool and perspective that will change your life forever. By adopting it as a daily practice, you can't help but succeed on this path toward uncovering your Real Self.

What happened in your life today that you would have previously considered a coincidence? Can you reflect on things that occurred in the past that you might have misinterpreted, but are miracles?

Why are we here? What is our purpose on earth? The day someone said to me "life is a school" is the day life really started to have meaning for me. I have found that adopting this point of view has brought about the most revolutionary changes and learning on my journey to discovering my Real Self.

This exercise is designed expand your opportunities for self-discovery and provide the keys to meeting challenges that might otherwise elude you. They will give you ease with this point-of-view and a way to start practicing it immediately.

With a "learn from everything" attitude, life becomes a revealing adventure. You see that everything that happens, seemingly negative or positive, is a gift or a blessing. Instead of experiencing your existence as random chaos, life becomes cohesive and purposeful. Seeing that Life Is a School allows you to feel like you're sitting on top of your life instead of your life sitting on top of you.

If you're willing to use this exercise, with practice, here are some of the benefits you can look forward to:

1. Stepping out of victimhood.
2. Gaining an effective tool for problem-solving and guidance.
3. Being more creative.
4. Increasing insights and understanding about yourself and others.
5. Having a lot more fun and less stress dealing with the difficulties of life.

The following exercise are designed to help you find the gift no matter how minor or even life-threatening the situation. Once you do the Find-the-Gift exercise several times, you will no longer have to go through all the steps formally. You will see what you need to learn quite automatically.

Find-the-Gift

Use this when:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->You're in a situation you don't want to be in.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->You feel stuck in negativity.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->You feel like a victim.

Find-the-Gift Exercise

1. Write what I call your current picture in 3 sentences or less. The current picture can be a situation in the present or something from the past that still has a negative charge, i.e. something that still elicits a negative emotional reaction when you think of it, or when you are in the presence of that person or situation.

2. In your journal or on a piece of paper, draw a line down the middle. Title the left column "Negatives" and the right column "Learnings and Gifts". Write four or five negatives about the situation on the left and, on the right, four or five things you learned and/or gifts you received from the situation.

A gift may be an actual object, but, most likely, it will be an unexpected benefit or something you've learned about yourself or life. The number of negatives and learning/gifts may or may not be equal. If you are having trouble finding any gifts or positives in the situation, ask yourself, "If I did learn anything from this, what would it be?" Sometimes phrasing things in this way "tricks" our denial system into allowing us to see what was hidden previously.

1. 3. After you finish your chart, a recap of the learning and gifts can be helpful. At this point in the process you will be trying to take the negative view you once held and transform it into a more positive one. That's called that the New Picture. Take a moment to recap your learning now or let it emerge in the ensuing hours, days or weeks and then go back to write it down then.

Find-the-Gift Exercise Sample

Maia's Current Picture: We moved to Las Vegas because my husband got a great job opportunity. It's one of the last places on earth we would have chosen to live. Moving away from most of my closest support system was very difficult because I'm a gregarious person.

Negatives

1. Hate heat and miss the climate in California.

2. Don't see enough green vegetation.

3. Know very few people.

4. Stressed from having moved twice in 15 months.

5. No escape from smokers in public places. I'm highly allergic.

6. Don't even like saying I'm from Las Vegas because people might think I'm into "sin" and gambling or that I'm (God forbid) superficial.

Learning and Gifts

1. Found the austere and uncluttered topography in Las Vegas a healing environment.

2. Found a raw foods restaurant and support group. Raw foods has been a great way to do some bodily healing.

3. Get to experience and enjoy working in a nurturing, at-home environment for the first time in my life.

4. More of an opportunity to be with my Real Self without the distractions that I used to create for myself like filling up my time with other people.

5. Get to practice the philosophy, "nobody gets to be wrong"--even Las Vegas.

Please note: The number of negatives and learning/gifts are not required to be equal.

Maia's New Picture: Living in Las Vegas is serving me perfectly to find more of my Real Self. It has made even the 120 degree heat seem ideal for this business of changing my life.

If I begin to slip into or get stuck in any groans and moans, I easily get my positive attitude back by using this tool again. Much of the time, it has become second nature to me. If I find myself resistant to using this tool, I ask my buddy or coach for help.

Now it's your turn. Using the instructions and sample above, go ahead and do the same thing with a small or large situation in your life with which you are not happy."

SOME OF MY THOUGHTS
Another challenging assignment.
Where do I start?

Thanks for reading.
Life Is A School
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

Book Review: Time Away A Guide For Personal Retreat

 Time Away: A Guide for Personal Retreat
 By Ben Campbell Johnson, Paul H. Lang.

If you're not a person who loves to pray long, then this book isn't for you.
It's a challenging book for "Hard Core" Christians.
I don't spend long hours in prayer but, I use some of the suggestions from this book.
Time Away refreshes my soul.

Thanks Upper Room Review for blessing me with a complimentary copy.
Taking Time Away,
Susan

What Do I Want People To Say About Me?

Good things! That's what I want people to say about me. It's nice to hear people speak good of you. It can bring some more good into others lives as well.

It's a wonderful feeling when I hear good things about me. It brings a confidence inside of me. It expresses what is in me. It's what others can identify to be and in who I am. This reflects some of my values and character traits that I have.

I did take note of what others spoke about me. It was pleasing to my hears. I didn't journal in conversation. But most of what I hear was what we spoken on facebook and while I was greeting at church.

I had some thoughts that I shared on my status. I'm a greeter at the place where I gather together with the people of God. One day, some one came up to me and was pointing at my purse. He had question why was I carrying me purse? I just smiled at the guy. I went about greeting the people.

I posted this happening on facebook. My reply was.... If Queen Elizabeth II can carry her purse and wear her hat while she is greeting the people, Why? O why can't I?

I received some warming comments. Some one said that I look nice as I'm greeting. Another one said that I am a queen. It's good to hear comments like this.

What are they (people) saying (about me) ?
Most are saying that I'm an encourager to them.
They speak of my good qualities.

Who's saying it?
Friends on my websites.
Mainly facebook
Some while I greet at church

What is their relationship with you, if any?
All of the people are my friends and family members.
There are some people I don't know.

How does it make me feel to know that these people are saying such wonderful things about me, even when I'm not there?

Good words bring a warm feeling inside of me. It's like words spoken in due season. People do build me up. Some do speak words of comfort and encouragement to me.

May we learn to be kind to others. May we speak good of those who we speak to and correspond with. May the LORD build our relationship in a loving fashion. May we love one another. Amen!

Thanks for reading.

What Do I Want People To Say About Me?
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

What Do You Want People To Say About You?

Here's what's on the Assignment #32

"What do you want people to say about you?"

This is an exercise in creation of wonderful feelings for yourself. By envisioning the positive things others are saying about us in an ideal way, we can identify the values and character traits that are important to us.

This journaling exercise also allows us to step outside of ourselves and create the possibility for us to become the person we would like others to see. This week, write out a variety of complete conversations that people are having about you.

Pretend that you are a fly on the wall, overhearing these conversations and they do not know that you are there. These conversations represent you in the perfect way.

What are they saying?
Who's saying it?
What is their relationship with you, if any?
How does it make you feel to know that these people are saying such wonderful things about you, even when you are not there?

Some of My Thoughts:I hope that people see the good in me.
I know that we make mistakes.
I hope people can understand me in ways that can show God's love

Thanks for reading.
What Do You Want People To Say About You?
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

Heaven: What Is It Like?

If I could only imagine what heaven is like. I don't think it's like anything we can imagine. What we see on T.V. or at the Movies can't describe how heaven is.

I've been thinking. What can I say about heaven from what I've heard through messages. What I've read in the Bible Revelation chapter 4.

Hear are some of my thoughts with some questions:

Touching heaven:
The idea of walking on gold streets and eyes a lake like glass. What beauty to behold!

Seeing Heaven: This would be beyond my comprehension. Seeing the magnitude of worshippers.

Sounds in Heaven:I think it's loud in heaven. The music, singing and praising God Almighty.

Hearing in Heaven:The sounds of heaven...how wonderful to hear the sounds that can't be heard. It would brings a great feeling inside.

Tasting Heaven: The goodness of God in heaven. What more can there be??  No more sickness or death or sorrow.

Feelings Heaven:Words can't be described.

There are question that came to me as I was thinking about heaven.

Is there a heaven?I believe that there is. The Bible speaks of the heavenly and heavens.

Who or what is in heaven?This is what I believe that's in heaven.
God, the Father, God, His Son, Jesus, God's Angels, Throne room...

What's going on in heaven?Worship, honoring God, Jesus ruling, Jesus judging the nations, Jesus praying and interceding for people, etc

Heaven is a real place. Those who have gone on will go to heaven. I don't think there are bodies in heaven. When people died their spirit goes to paradise.  They are waiting for the resurrection of the body.

There's so much mystery about heaven. I have heard of people stating that they been to heaven. They describe what they saw. We can only believe what we believe.

I believe that I and others who have call upon Jesus as LORD and Savior will be welcomed into "Heaven's Gates". I long for that day.

But for now, I'm staying on the journey that's set before me. I'm looking forward... That day will come to pass. Praise God!

May we use our imagination from time to time. May we set our eyes upon Jesus. May there be joy in our hearts as we go through life. Amen!

Thanks for reading.

 Heaven: What Is It Like?
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

What Is Heaven Like?

Homework Assignment #31 "What is heaven like?"

This is from the homework...

This is a week to open your mind and play with this idea unabashedly. Describe with more detail than you've ever thought possible about what "your" heaven is like (your heaven because we refer to heaven spiritually, without denomination in mind).

Be explicit in your descriptions; include all 5 senses - touch, sight, sound, hear, and taste. What does it look like? What are you surrounded by? Who is with you? What are you doing? And more importantly, what are you feeling?

The purpose of this week's exercise is to stretch you and take your thoughts to the most wonderful place you could possibly create - your heaven.

When you do this, you exercise your creativity and expand your vision of possibility by identifying the most pleasurable, wonderful, loving places in your imagination. Identifying your 'heaven' provides you with an incredible place to "trade up" to when you experience any kind of negative thinking.

Some of my thoughts.This is a creative assignment.
What can we imagine heaven to be?

Thanks for reading.
What Is Heaven Like?
Use your imagination....

Staying On The Journey,
Susan

Some Things On Thoughts I Haven't Shared Yet

What some things that have been on my thoughts that I haven't shared? There were some things that are left undone, as it was, so to speak. Things that are brought up in my conversation of thoughts.

I've been years in the healing process. The smoothing away the pain and sorrow of what I and others had to go through. Life stay moves on.

I've been years of  restoration. That came about a new way of thinking. It's been 10 years since the happening. I've came along ways. Still memories are living.

It's been 10 years since the regular Word Of Life church as Word of Life Church. That day on Dec 2, 2001. It was a sad day.

It's will be 10 years this December since the regular choir ended. Many choir members were crushed over the decision. I had a hard time as the year passed by.

Still to this day, I don't know the real reason why things happened the way that they did. The choir just ended. From my recollection, I never heard the acknowledgement of the choir back then. Life just went on.

It was like the choir wasn't a part of the church. I don't condemn the decision of the ending of the choirs. Decisions where made. We went on with life.

It took me about 5 or 6 years to get over what happened. I thank God. I've been in the healed from the matter. It was like a part of me died back then.

As for today, I still worship God. Jesus brought me through. I only returned two times to special choir celebrations. The finally on was about 5 years ago. Or maybe in 2006...I walked away as I have accomplished some things.

I pray that others who were with the regular choir received healing as I have. It was a hurt time. There aren't many regular choir members attending church. Many have move on.

 I don't know how to say what I haven't say about the regular choir. I'm not mad or taking revenge on what happened. It's not that.

It's about how we treat people. We don't see how what we do will affect others. Our judgement can harm others in ways that we don't know.

I pray that things wouldn't happen like this again. When things end there should be a way to end things with respect. We should honor people for what things they bring into our lives.

Through the years, I've have my share of sorrow over the matter of the regular choir. As I look back over things. I've come along way. Thank God!

I'm still worship at the same choir where I was a choir member. It took me a while. But through time I'm still standing.

I believe that I've can recover from things. I think a part of me died when the choir ended. It was a great loss for me. I took the honor of being apart of a worship time seriously. That was taken away.

I can't change what happened. But I can grow from what I've experience. Life is too short to take revenge out on others. I try to see the good in what I've been through.

I see that through it all, I've been drawn closer an closer to God. I've have a deep relationship with Him. I got more good out of what could have hurt me by seeking more of God in the process of being rejected so to speak.

Life is to be lived. I see that in life we have times of disappointments. But through those disappointments we should learn some things. Indeed I have learned to learn some things in my life that bring disappointments.

At times I feel a loss...But in the long run, I have gain some ground.  I feel as thought there is come hidden things in my that have some unforgiveness. I hope that I'm completely gotten over things.

I feel at times there are some things left undone. I have ask God to help me get through things. Things can hold us back from moving forward.  I choose to move forward by the grace and mercy of God.

May we see that when we share what's on our hearts when can be released for things. May we not take revenge on others. May we have concerns of what others may think. May the LORD guide us through the healing process when we are offended or let go from things.

Thanks for reading.
Some Things On My Thoughts I Haven't Shared Yet
Staying On The Journey,
Susan