Thursday Sep 09

Weekly Inspiration #35

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Weekly Inspiration #35

Date: Monday, March 08, 2010

Created by: Sarah

Fun Fact: The average person laughs 10 times a day! Lets make it 11 if we can! :)

A duck walks into a bar and asks, "Got any grapes?"
The bartender, confused, tells the duck no. The duck thanks him and leaves.
The next day, the duck returns and asks, "Got any grapes?"
Again, the bartender tells him, "No -- the bar does not serve grapes, has never served grapes and, furthermore, will never serve grapes." The duck thanks him and leaves.
The next day, the duck returns, but before he can say anything, the bartender yells, "Listen, duck! This is a bar! We do not serve grapes! If you ask for grapes again, I will nail your duck beak to the bar!"
The duck is silent for a moment, and then asks, "Got any nails?"
Confused, the bartender says no.
"Good!" says the duck. "Got any grapes?"

Hehehehehe- 11+ for me!!!!

Inspiration:

This morning I found myself a bit unenthusiastic as I rolled out of bed and into the shower.  I am one of those people that refuses light as much as possible in the early mornings so you can guess the trouble I get into. I have many  battle wounds from my adventures in the dark while trying to find my way about. I know this sounds foolish but there is just something about me that DOES NOT want to wake up BEFORE the sunrise….

Anyways back to my thought: throughout the day I was feeling small and insignificant. Things kept creeping up that made me feel less and I was feeling pretty helpless. Some days are just like that. I decided that I would read today’s daily word to help lighten my spirits and imagine my smile as to what I found:

Monday, March 08, 2010

Power

I assert my power in a positive, spiritually centered way.

From time to time I may need to remind myself that the power of God is within me, especially if I'm feeling weak or small. The power of God is no small power. It is the kind of power that claims the truth: I am strong. I am whole. I am worthy. This power fuels me to live a positive, spiritually centered life--the life I was born to live.

True power springs from the understanding that I am co-creating at all times with Spirit; that at any moment, I can step into the all-ness of being. When I am in touch with my true spirit, I am bursting with energy and enthusiasm. I know that the One Power is within me and I can draw on that power at any time. In truth, I AM that power.

So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.--Psalm 63:2

 

Communicate

In life, there is always a situation in which we fail to communicate effectively. As I move about my life I find that I have a choice to put aside ego and use love instead.

In every interaction with others, I can choose to communicate wisely, responsibly and authentically. Using positive, affirming words to express my ideas and desires enables me to be a force for good in the world, a powerful co-creator with God in every activity.

In every word spoken or typed into a computer or phone I am transmitting powerful ideas that can either discourage or uplift the person with whom I am communicating. So I choose to interact thoughtfully through every medium.

Authentic communication builds trust and understanding. My words have a positive impact on my relationships as I communicate with wisdom and love in every way.

A Promise

There are a many things to love about life. Friends and family are the basics. Then there are the little things that get me excited- you know, how the saying goes: “it’s the little things that count.” Well, with that phrase in mind, I would like to share a personal adventure I had this week.

Starting this story off, I would like you to know one of the oddest things I love to do: I love to go to our fabulous Trader Joe's and grocery shop for my family. I think it has all to do with the fabulous environment (and obviously the great food) that keeps me entertained. What amuses me most is the little stuffed animal the employees hide in the store for the kids to find. Not only does it entertain the kids but I love watching the thrill they get at the chance of a reward. Another reason why I love this place, coincidentally, is that there is a wonderful fresh bread store right across the street where I am a frequent customer.

The other day, as I walked to the alluring aromas of fresh breads, I was distracted by a man sitting alone outside the shop. I could tell that he hadn't showered for days. And even though this is a bit more rare in the suburbs where I live, this was a homeless man. Now, I have heard of random acts of kindness but it is always a bit intimidating for me to approach someone because I am often afraid of what their reaction might be. As I entered the store contemplating what I should do, a young man walked past me and through the doors. He had bread in his hands and he gave it to the man with a knowing smile. “God bless you” I heard the man say. “And God bless you” said the young man.

I have been told of this particular store being generous and there have even been songs written about actions such as this. This was the first time I had witnessed it and from this experience I have made a promise with myself: I realize that, because the only thing to fear is fear itself, it is my decision to bless God’s creation with what I can. I have also promised myself that I will continue to serve the bread store by being a frequent customer! Yum.

Note from Jo - A big thank you to all the Region for your Birthday Wishes - certainly did make my day.  Then on Sunday in YOU, Mary Jane brought in this huge Birthday cake and it was simply heavenly.  My son had a barbecue for me with the family and to my surprise my cousin Ken came with his wife Joann.  This was the best birthday present of all - he has been going through treatments for lung cancer and he just had an MRI which showed he is cancer free.  For the past several months as he was going through these treatments, he kept up a blog to keep everyone informed as to what was happening and his progress.  He just amazed me with his positive attitude and his sense of humor.  Anyone that would read his blog would get cheered up from what he wrote.  What an inspiration he has been.  I love him dearly - thank you God for miracles!!

Da Bears – News from Fox Valley!!

Two Sundays ago on a beautiful February morning, my beautiful chapter gathered with the uniteens to complete our annual Bear brigade. I have suggested this to other chapters before as a fantastic service project but since we had so much fun with it, I’ll do it again! We delivered about 70 cute stuffed bears (and a few other stuffed animals) to a nursing home near our church. It was such a rewarding experience and we truly enjoy making others happy. We went in with smiles and we came out beaming. A nice days work lovelies!!

News

For those of you in the eastern sub region: the fantastic event hosted by South Bend is less then two weeks away!!! Hurray!! Can’t wait to see you all there!!

For those of you in the western: it is a bit of a longer ways away but we are just as excited!!! It will be a bit warmer then so hurray for that as well!

Spring is on its way and we  wish you sunshine and joy!

Love your team,

Sarah, Junior and Jo

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