You Will Eat Your Words

Every so often I do a little exercise a couple months out of the year with life's good ol' instruction book, The Bible. Proverbs is perfectly sectioned into 31 chapters and if you dedicate time to reading a Proverb a day, you will receive in return a month rewarded by peace and contentment. I'm not kidding, try it. Nothing soothes the soul like a month of Proverbs.

So, earlier this week on the 18th of September, I turned my well-used, broken-in Bible to Proverbs 18 and halted my inner voice on Verse 21. I read it over and over again until I was inspired to share with you its message meant for us all:

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it (for death or life)." - Proverbs 18:21

To all of you who, like me, have eaten our words a time or two in our lives, I invite you to dwell on this Verse. Recite it over and over again until it begins to sink in deep within the caverns of our soul and roots itself into the core of our being. Until we realize the power of our words, we will not want to tame our tongue. When we speak, we are either giving life to future blessings or we are squashing them. When you speak badly of someone or something or if you fill your mouth with negativity, you are damning yourself. The worst part is, if you're paying attention, you know it. That strange weird feeling you get in the pit of your stomach is conviction, knowing that what you are speaking is not good for anyone, and especially not you.


The sour words we speak will, no doubt, deliver to us a bitter result. But, if we speak words of encouragement, the blessings will be sweet. We have free will, we get to choose. Gain control of your mouth and you can gain control of your life through the promises of God. Think about it.

To keep my mouth at bay, I use this little checklist for "THINK". I committed it to memory and when I have an opinion to share, I immediately go to this list first and it helps me to not be in a position where I might have to eat my words later. I have a sweet tooth so let's leave any bitterness at the gate of the throat, not allowing it to spill out over the tongue.

THINK not only applies to how you speak to others, but how you speak to yourself. If you're spouting words like "I'll never be happy" or "I'll never see my dreams come true" or "I just can't do it", then, you know what? You are right. You have spoken those words and the power contained in those words make it so. When you start speaking to yourself in an inspiring and kind way, you will begin to believe that you can do the things you are speaking so positively about. The power of those words will begin to work on your mind to believe in what you desire, which will translate into seeing good results in your life. Watch those powerful words and choose them wisely. And always remember the choice we sometimes forget we have: silence.


Have your words ever gotten you into trouble? Are you ready to take control?

When Fiction Means Trouble

Caution: Reading fiction may cause you to lose yourself.

Disappointed by my proclamation of not being a lover of fiction, my bloggy buddy, Michele, encouraged me to give The Dog Stars by Peter Heller a try. I respect Michele and I love reading her blog. She's always in search of good books at the library and I hunted down her recommendation at my own borrowing institution.

I started reading. Then, I read some more. Then I sat down to read some more and was surprised to find Super Hubby home from work and I hadn't even thawed anything for dinner. I read some more and found Kiddo was going to be late to his baseball game (only happened once so give me a break). I then realized why I'm not a lover of fiction. It's that I can't be. Good books seem to take over my life. I want to turn the page and find out more. I want to see where the story is going, how it will play out, how it will end. This brief escape encapsulates my attention sometimes and I don't get a lot done, unfortunately.

The close calls were worth it, though. The book was gripping. There was even one section of the book that may have been along the lines of 50 Shades of Grey (not that I've ever read that one, but I don't live in a hole, either). Yes, that chapter was attention grabbing to say the least.

My most favorite part of the book was a couple of lines at the beginning and I absolutely love the words so I wanted them captured here on my blog. I don't want to forget how important and meaningful these words can be.

"I thought Maybe there is a different translation for meek. Maybe it's not the meek who inherit, maybe it is the simple. Not will inherit, the earth, they already own it." - Peter Heller, The Dog Stars

Oh, how true that is. OK, Michele, I'm ready for another recommendation! I'll keep visiting and see what you got!

Emergency Numbers

When life gets a little tough to handle, why is it we grab the phone and dump our frustrations on girlfriends, mothers, sisters, anyone who will listen to our rants? Maybe it's time we turn to another? When life is throwing you a curve ball, try calling one of these numbers instead and see if it helps. The person usually at the receiving end may very well thank you for it!

Pin it, print it, use it.

 

What Technology Takes Away

Cover art: Modern Family on Vacation

I'm not a huge techie of a person. In fact, despite the urgings of Super Hubby and friends, I do not own a SmartPhone of any kind. I still use them-there flip-top phones, y'all! Yet, around me the world is moving forward while I'm dragging my heals into the dirt of status quo. I can only speak for myself, of course, as Super Hubby has the latest and greatest. He has to, as a computer consultant. So, our house is filled with gadgets to which I do not know their purpose. There are remotes lying around the house that I'm not exactly sure how to use. Just to turn on our television you need two remotes and you must go through at least a series of 3 action sequences just to catch the local news channel (I feel so bad for the babysitter). And, there are electronic boxes in our home that go blinky-blinky to which I probably rely on daily and not even realize it (i.e. internet router so I can publish this daily blog).

We have some how become so dependent on our electronic devices that we deem it a personal victory, a declaration of freedom, if you will, to turn off the device for an evening. Or, dare I say it? An entire weekend! Why is this an accomplishment? Yet, we itch for the quick e-mail check, the brrinng of the text coming in, just like a crack addict on the first day of re-hab.

I'm beginning to despise the SmartPhone, the iPad, the iPod, because it's taken away something I'm beginning to miss these days: looking into people's eyes. Yes, that's right. Admiring the beautiful coloring and unique shapes of people's eyes. All I see now is people's foreheads, and I'm wondering as I'm speaking to their hair follicles if I'm even being heard by the person right in front of me. As much as we'd like to boast or believe, multi-tasking is not a human trait that is adopted easily. If you think you've got it down pat, you've probably been misled between the simultaneous texting, scheduling, driving, coffee drinking, and child-rearing. But, anyway, who's going to notice?

LOVD's Summer Reading List

Sadly, I am not a lover of fiction - sorry. So, my summer reading lineup won't include any fictional pieces. Instead, I opt for self-help and inspirational genres (what's that say about me?). Here's what sitting on my nightstand. Hopefully, between jaunts to the pool, ice cream cones, and summer fun, I'll pick up one of these books after climbing into bed for a snooze.

If you'd like to see my summer reading list for kids, click here!

What will you be reading this summer?

It Is Time

I'm not coming to any rash decisions here, but it is time to take stock, wrap my head around a new plan, if necessary. I need to re-think how I've been doing things, throw out what's not working, and make what is working a stronger beacon in my life. Do I have the strength to let go of what is familiar? Do I have the guts to embark on the new and the unknown? I sure hope so.

As we fire up the BBQ's, smell subtle glimpses of freshly cut grass, and unbury our swimsuits from packed away trunks, we ready ourselves for the summer season. Yet, my mind is heading into dormancy; more of a winter season mindset, where comfort is sought and quietness surrounds. It's the shush of the icy wind through the trees that transcends my mind to ready my body for renewal. I want to take the summer to lull my mind into a winter hibernation to get ready for a spring renewal come autumn. That's a lot of seasons going on all at once in the middle of summer. But, it's necessary from time to time. Don't you think so?

How do I want the next 3 months to look like? How do I want a year from now to look like? Sometimes you just have to stop, walk away, be alone with yourself and your thoughts and just wait and listen for where your next steps should be directed. Where will the silence lead me? I don't know, yet, but it's an exciting journey and one that I welcome.

Change is a-comin'.

Sacredness in the Struggle

There's just no way around it. No matter how I approach today's post, whether delicately like antique lace or abruptly like cigar smoke, it will come off spotlighting me as an old-fogey!

Definition

old fogey - noun - "someone who has old-fashioned ideas, especially someone who is old." - Macmillan Dictionary

At 41-years old I do not claim the latter part of the above definition, but the rest of it seems to describe me to a "T". I see so many examples of the "Millennial Generation" through my work as owner of a college admissions private consulting business, College Driven. If there's a sure fire way to see this generation's impact on society, you need look no further than today's college campus.

For those in the Millennial Generation, the typical student is tech-savvy, has confidence spewing from every acne-free pore, and life's amenities have been kind and expected. The latest gadgets are at their disposal, the dermatologist has been visited more frequently than the math tutor, and the lifestyles of many Millennial kids have been at a level many of us adults still hope to achieve one day (like not sharing a bathroom with the rest of the family).

So, to lure the Millennials to college campuses across the country, it comes as no surprise that millions of dollars are invested in tranforming dorms into residential halls with private bathrooms (why should college be any different than home, after all). To attract the Millennials, colleges are building facilities more aligned to resorts found in the Caribbean than the college campuses we remember. Can you believe there are at least 3 campuses (very well-known) that boast a lazy river! Don't even get me started talking about the concierge services at some colleges. And we question the rise of tuition costs!?!?!?

Perhaps all of these luxuries are required to ease the mind and relieve the stresses today's college students experience. The demands must be far greater than when we went to college, right? But, they're not. In fact, the quality of a college education has actually decreased because the power has been taken away from the professors, and placed into the customer's hands, a.k.a. the student's. Many of these kids have grown up expecting that even the slightest effort on a baseball team, on a soccer field, or just showing up merits a trophy or medal. So, why should this be questioned in college? Everyone deserves an "A" if they showed up to class and did all the assignments. But, if you didn't actually "learn" anything, is an "A" warranted? As a professor, you're doomed if you do and doomed if you don't. If, as a professor, you're not making the class fun and giving out a good number of A's, your future is dimmed by websites like RateMyProfessors.com, where students fill-out surveys on their professors as if they're filling out a customer service survey at a local department store. Get too many negative remarks, tenured or not, the professor is asked to hit the road. Bad for business, you know. Back in 2001, the Boston Globe reported a whopping 91 percent of Harvard graduates that year received honors. Yes, everyone received a trophy for showing up.

I want to know what happened with respecting the struggle? What happened with going away to college to learn the ropes, the survivals of life? I'm not kidding when I say there are now options of maid service and laundry service available on campus for a pretty reasonable fee. Is the college experience even genuine if you never rummage through couches for quarters for the washer or turn your underwear pink?

The Millennial Generation is becoming soft because they've figured out how to work smarter, not harder. But will they be able to face adversity? Will they even be aware of their own failures? Or even worse, does their naivety make them better off? Ignorance is bliss, afterall.

Sourced Article

And, where does that leave my child? He'll be hired by this Millennial Generation. My child will bring to the interview a set of values not valued by the Millennial Generation. Super Hubby and I continue to instill old values into our young Kiddo that, in the future, may be obsolete. We hope the old adage of "hard work pays off" still exists in the future generation. But, to be honest, I'm not so sure. Our old-fashioned theories may be hindering, not helping Kiddo. But, it's the only thing we know how to teach. If we're wrong, sorry Kiddo, we goofed. And, if we're right and hard work still means something in the future, then, Kiddo, you'll be way ahead of the others you've grown up with! Don't be afraid of struggle. It may be the only way you are able to become a contributor to the world. Celebrate the struggles to appreciate the true glories.

Anyone else concerned about the future or is this just a normal fear, passed on from generation to generation?

Marketing 101: Check your dates

What is wrong with this e-mail, sent from a very fancy, shmancy restaurant near our town?

 Don't forget the Chick-fil-A giveaway! Entries end tonight, midnight, EST.

Short Posts. Long Days.

I know, you don't have to say it. This week's posts suck rocks and, yeah, I'm being kind. The month of May is Kiddo's last month of school. This week we're finishing up the final touches to Kiddo's birthday party for this weekend. Did I mention I still have to bake the cake, marinate chicken, make coconut frosting? And, coming home from baseball practice this evening at 9:00 (in the dark), Kiddo tells me about the Spanish and Band parties this Friday! So, I need to make this drink for Spanish (the drink Kiddo made for his Panama project) and cupcakes for Band! Did I mention this is all in between all the party prep I still have to do?

So, to say my mind has NOT been on deep thinking and searching for the perfect words to convey those thoughts is far from an understatement. And, today is shot as I won't be home ALL.DAY.LONG. It's Field Day at my son's school so why drive home just to turn around and drive back for the start of Field Day just a few hours from the start of school? And, then we rush home after Field Day, Kiddo gets in a shower, gets all gussied up, and we head back for Night of Public Speaking where Kiddo will be giving his Leadership Speech.

I'm hoping next week allows me the gift of time to contemplate, discover, and share. You know, the posts you're used to me writing. Hang in there with me, the storm is about to pass soon. 

Everyone's a Comedian

 Me: I'm heading out to check the new grocery store in town, Earth Fare. I even have a coupon for a Free Whole Chicken!


Super Hubby: Where in the world are we going to keep it?

Ba-dum Ching. He's here every night folks. Try the veal.

Feedburner Folly

This post is dedicated to LOVD's e-mail subscribers.

Welcome back, e-mail subscribers. I know many of you thought I was taking an extended bloggy break, but no, that was not the case. In fact, I've been here all along, blogging everyday, Monday through Friday, and many of you have been missing it because FeedBurner, Google's e-mail subscription engine, decided to stop sending you your daily dose of LOVD! I tried fixing it on my own, but couldn't. I tried dealing with customer service at FeedBurner, but to no avail and lots of frustration. But, what can you expect when you get something for free?

I thought all was lost for my e-mail subscribers and was just about to consider switching from FeedBurner to MailChimp, when all of a sudden, I get this in my e-mail's Inbox just yesterday.

I contacted many of my e-mail subscribers to find they had received the same e-mail! One e-mail listed ALL the posts that never made it to my subscribers! My apologies if you were a bit flabbergasted and overwhelmed! Um, FeedBurner, what the...?

I know your waking thought in the morning isn't, "I wonder what LOVD has to say today?", so, unless it comes to you via e-mail, you're not really thinking of going directly to the website to check the latest post (no, I'm not offended. A little hurt, but not offended). There are other ways you can be sure not to miss a day. You can join GoogleFriend Connect, you can "Like" LOVD on Facebook (each post is listed daily), and you can find each post at LinkyTools. All of these options are to the right. See it?

I have no clue if you'll even get this post in your Inbox today? And, if you do, I don't know if it'll work tomorrow, or even next week? FeedBurner is too unpredictable so I will be investigating MailChimp when I get some time over the summer. For now, cross your fingers and hope this hiccup has been fixed.

In any event, welcome back LOVD e-mail subscribers! Let's hope this lasts!

  

   

Just in Case You Forgot...

Task Master

GET UP!
GET IN THE SHOWER!
IS EVERYTHING ALRIGHT IN THERE?
HURRY UP, YOU'LL BE LATE FOR SCHOOL.
EAT IN THE CAR.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK.
SET THE TABLE.
CLEAR THE TABLE.
FINISH YOUR HOMEWORK!
GET READY FOR BED.
GET READY FOR BED!
GETTT READYYYY FOOOOR BEDDDD!
I love you, good night, sweet dreams. *Kiss*

I give Kiddo credit for putting up with me this week (and it's only Tuesday). It's time to tone it down and actually behave like someone I'd like to be around. If I can't stand me, who can? Turning it down a few volumes, taking a deep breath, and IS YOUR HOMEWORK DONE? (sorry, bad habit) 
   

Before. In an Instant. After.

I woke up yesterday morning with lots to do. The day was not intended to be typical, but at the very least, should have been uneventful. There are great blessings in slow-news days. Apparently, yesterday was not going to be one of them.

We were getting the house blessed by the priest, but before that, my Grandmother was doing the same. She asked that I be there and, with me, all you have to do is ask and you can count on me (it's a character flaw, I know). So, right after drop-off at school I booked it to my 90-year old Grandmother's house and prepped the water, the candle, and my Grandmother. The priest arrived, we chatted, then headed on over to my humble abode. The blessing was performed, the house was Holy-fied, and the priest left.

After doing a couple loads of laundry and paying bills, it was time to get some paper products at the ol' warehouse store. Typical day thrown in with a house blessing and all was pretty much normal. You move through the rhythm of the day, not skipping a beat, walking to the cadence in your head and without warning, a tempo change is about to happen.

After shopping, I get back into the car to drive to Kiddo's school, listening to News Radio, and I'm trying to piece words together: Boston Marathon, explosion, dead. Then in an instant the familiar beat of the day becomes a beat I don't recognize; a crazy time signature change or something? As I'm taking it all in, intensely concentrating on the faceless voice coming out of my car speaker, I slowly realize I am leaving the "before" and entering into "in an instant".

In an instant, the world I woke up in this morning is not the same world I wake up in tomorrow.

In an instant, a post-9/11 recovering nation is reminded of its vulnerabilities.

In an instant, the same street walked just weeks ago in front of the White House during our D.C. trip is blocked off for security and we enter into a too familiar era once again.

In an instant, I can already hear the dinner conversation later that day, Kiddo sitting across from me while Super Hubby and I try to help him make sense of something we do not understand ourselves.

In an instant, the fatalities bring forth families that will deal with even more confusion and bitter loss.

In an instant, the lives of the wounded are changed forever as they fight to recover from their twist of fate.

Whenever there is an "in an instant" moment, there's always a "before" and "after" the instant. I think about my day "before" and how "normal" it was running errands and doing chores; and I think about what effect this incident will have in the "after".

I pull in to the school car pool line, slightly late. I open the door, Kiddo gets in the car, innocently still living in the "before". The Director of the school stops me to talk about a display case, I think? Still numb from the news, I only comprehend half of what he is saying. I realize that neither the Director nor any of the teachers in carpool are aware as to what has happened only 15 minutes ago. The entire time the news broke, they were in car pool, escorting children to their parents. Their moment of awareness had yet to occur. They were living in the "before". I decided to shelve the town crier hat and have them live in the "before" just a little while longer. When they return to their classrooms to check e-mail, they will have had their "in an instant" moment and have to live in the "after" just like the rest of us.

Lord, give us the grace to still dance in the "after", even if it's to a new tune. Peace and comfort be with Boston and those affected by this tragic event.          

Just Too Funny

Our weekend found us in an area that has a strong Amish community. I can't call it Amish Country, since it wasn't exactly tourist-y. If you are interested in the tourist-y Amish Country, click here for a great post on the must-see's.

There we were amongst the natives. Shopping the cheese shops and bulk foods stores. There was a smell of natural gas in the air as the burners fueled the overhead lights. I don't think I was ever more grateful for Ohio's law banning smoking in public places - whew!

I spotted this stop sign and just busted a gut. I think it's hilarious. How about you?

 
  

The Best Investment You'll Ever Make

We spend so much time trying to figure things out. We take Myers Briggs tests to tell us our personality. We take career aptitude tests when we're in the 6th grade to get results that reveal we would be good models or morticians. Really? Do I need to fill-out a bubble sheet to reveal my strengths and weaknesses? Does who I am and what I love come from a test rubric? Do I even want it to?

What we need is to pay attention to where we make investments in ourselves. Where do we spend our time? Take out the complexity: do lots of things, then pay attention to what you loved doing the most. Can you remember doing something where time just stood still and where you just couldn't wait to do it again? That's where you make the investment. That's where your life resides. Are you living there, yet? When do you plan on making the investment? Your dividends await! 

Oh, the Irony!

Source

Life is funny, hilarious, really. I borrowed this book from the library about 10-months ago. I know, it seems like a long time to loan something to someone, but the online renewal is just so easy! Sorry, I digress...so I got this book because I wanted to make a concerted effort to tighten the ol' budgetary belt; lean things up a bit and make the mighty dollar go a little farther at the good homestead. Had I known it was going to cost me money, I never would have requested it in the first place.

Yes, months went by and I just kept renewing. The book ended up at the bottom of my "box-o-junk" in the car. I'm pretty sure it had been there since the summer. And, no, I never did get to reading the final page of that book. You wouldn't believe all the numbers you had to gather to determine your net-worth (too much trouble). Besides, saving money is like weight-loss, if you spend less, you'll save more; it's that simple. Why do we complicate the basics? I digress, again...I thought it was time to get the book back to its original home and, perhaps, into the hands of another good-intentioned money-miser Samaritan who would be willing to put in the time to gather the data necessary to pave their way to millionairehood. Away went the book down the little Book Return chute. I'm pretty sure I saw dollars with wings just flying away. I was right!

I checked my library account today and found a $20 fine! If Super Hubby is reading this, blood pressure is rising right now. 

Where my can is parked during the summer months.

I immediately called my friendly librarian to get the details of this shocking revelation. Turns out I'm being charged for the book due to water damage. WATER DAMAGE? Yes. Apparently, the book I returned was a bit thicker around the middle I know how that feels than when I picked it up. I'm a person who takes care of my stuff. I also take special care of stuff I borrow. In my defense, I never dunked the book in water. I do recall reading the book all summer-long at the community pool, though. Is it possible for water particles to travel through the air to embed themselves into the fibers of the book's pages, positioning themselves for some covert plump-up operation? This, I do not know. Another thing I do not know: I think I actually received the book in this condition. I can't be 100% sure, but it may be possible? You see, this book was found in the catacombs of the library's closet. My book request revived the poor thing's purpose. My conversation with the librarian went something like this:

Librarian: Well, if you received the book in this condition, all you have to do is say so and we'll drop the fine.

Me: Well, it was so long ago, I can't really say for sure.

Librarian: But, all you need to do is tell me you received the book in this condition and we'll drop the fine. (leading the witness)

Me: Well, I can't do that because I can't remember. Besides, I'm an honest and truthful person. This I know: I did not expose that book to water. This I also know: the library searched their deepest, dark crevices to pull-out this book from who knows where to get it for me. It's distinctly possible it was in this condition when I received it, but I don't know for sure?

Librarian: Well, do you want to say you received it like this or don't you?

During this time I'm looking up the book title on Amazon (I'm a multi-tasker) and I find out the book is only $10!

Me: Can't I just buy you guys the book for $10? That's half the fine and fair considering I'm not exactly sure I'm responsible.

Librarian: So, if that's the case, I'll only fine you $15.

Me: $15 is not $10.

Librarian: $5 processing fee.

Me: FINE! I guess I have to pay better attention when I receive the book in the first place!

Librarian: Have a nice day. Oh, and you can't take out any more books until you pay the fine. Your account is blocked for fines exceeding $10.

Me: Mmph. Panic ensues.

I'm still in love with the library!

So, sometimes you get screwed for being honest. 6 little words and I would have been off the hook; "I received it in that condition," is all it would have taken, you see, to wipe the slate clean. But, is my value system, my path to the Pearly Gates worth a lousy $15? NO! So, I paid the fine and righted it in my mind as a donation to the library (we've got the best one around, with the best people there, too).

Source

In the end, a book that was supposed to teach me how to save more money ended up costing me $15, but I've insured my salvation and kept my conscience clear. And a bonus: I got to keep the water-logged book, so now I may actually get to reading that last page...one day...in the bathtub, nice bubblebath, no worries the book will drop.

The irony of it all has me in stitches. However, I may be the only one under this roof in a giggle. It's OK Super Hubby, I'm not doin' time for the "alleged" crime!           

Have any library injustices you'd like to share?