Breathtaking Beauty for Breathing in Life

Life seem too busy? Sometimes feel a little lost or disconnected from your purpose?

Take a moment to reconnect through this breathtaking video.


The Mountain from TSO Photography on Vimeo.

Real Life waits for you to see it and embrace it. God's love is all around us. He's painting your world with beauty and love everyday. Are you receiving it?

If the video above fails to load, click directly on this link to view it: http://vimeo.com/22439234

Texting for Seniors

In this age of technology, more & more "seniors" (who knows anymore where that age begins!) are getting with it and conquering text messaging. It seems they're going that way mostly because they have grandchildren (or children) who are texting them. With some discussions I've had recently with other "seniors," they say their kids or grandkids prefer texting to emails or talking on the phone. I guess maybe Facebooking comes in second, but when they're mobile, texting is it!

Today at a luncheon I attended someone handed out their business card flier with a tongue-in-cheek guide for texting seniors.

Here are a few texting shortcut gems to keep handy in case you need them:

ATD: At the Doctor's

BFF: Best Friend Farted

BTW: Bring the Wheelchair

BYOT: Bring Your Own Teeth

CBM: Covered by Medicare

CUATSC: See You at the Senior Center

DWI: Driving While Incontinent

FWB: Friend with Beta Blockers

FWIW: Forgot Where I Was

FYI: Found Your Insulin

GGPBL: Gotta Go, Pacemaker Battery Low

GHA: Got Heartburn Again

IMHO: Is My Hearing Aid On?

LMDO: Laughing My Dentures Out

LWO: Lawrence Welk's On

OMMR: On My Massage Recliner

OMSG: Oh, My! Sorry, Gas

ROFL...CGU: Rolling on the Floor Laughing...Can't Get Up!

TTYL: Talk To You Louder

WAITT: Who Am I Talking To?

WTP: Where's The Prunes?

WWNO: Walker Wheels Needed

I hope you are having a good laugh today, getting your heart rate & breathing workout, and those endorphin levels up with this one! You might want to share this with a friend so that if you end up ROFL...CGU - then at least you'll have someone to help you get back up or BTW to you!

Anyway, HAGD!

(I don't know if there's one for Have A Great Day, but thought that could be it!)

LOL, Lo

(Oh, that's Lots of Laughs, or Lots of Love - and Lo is just short for Lois!)

:-) Smiles & love 4u!

Merry Medicine for Body & Soul

I'm sure you've heard how healthful laughter is.

"A merry heart does good like medicine..." Proverbs 17:22

A good belly laugh involves your whole body - moving, breathing deeper, even shaking all over! That allows oxygen to flow in, as well as mood-lifting chemical reactions (endorphins, etc.) to take place in your body that just plain makes you feel happier and more energized.

So here's to your good health today!

http://shine.yahoo.com/event/momentsofmotherhood/laughing-baby-loves-ripping-paper-2459529

You may want to bookmark this page & return often for your daily belly laugh - a great health habit to get into! And, of course, share this with your best friends! ;-)

The Groundhog Speaks Again!

It's that time of year when we who face colder weather in the winter months are ready to throw in the towel and move to  or take an extended trip to the southern more tropical climes! I know I've been wanting to, especially this year with record snow when we usually get none or very little.
In case you haven't seen the predictions for our spring weather from the predictor himself (or is it herself? Hmmm... a name like Punxsutawney Phil probably means it's a he, but you never know!)....
Well, anyway, here's the latest news clip for you. Enjoy!
http://on.msnbc.com/f8WxfW


No matter the weather, you'll always be warm if you hold love in your heart! Be warm!
Lois

Tired of Snow? Maybe It's YOUR Fault...

If a picture speaks a thousand words, here's one for you!















So STOP it already!

All kidding aside, isn't it amazing that God knows what we need when we need it, even if we don't THINK we need it?!!

Enjoy your blessings (even though they may be disguised) today!

Dancing Out the Last Dog Day of Summer

With the dog days of summer coming to an end, why not put your feet up and celebrate one last dog day this Labor Day?

To help you get a little more in the mood, here's a fun and amazing video you may enjoy!



Here's a thought for you to take away...
For all those things you thought were a stretch for you - or even impossible -
What could YOU do with a little practice?!!

With God nothing is impossible!

Big Lessons in Small Packages

Ever have one of those days when things don't always go right?

When I read this vignette about an amazing incident, I realized what a big lesson came in a very small package! Check it out here: http://www.myfrienddebbie.com/article_master.php?id=489&vw=eml&tr=1

There are some other wonderful stories on My Friend Debbie's site as well.

God Knows What We Need Before We Know to Ask!

Someone emailed this to me recently and I just had to share it...

God's Pharmacy! Amazing!

It's been said that God first separated the salt water from the fresh, made dry land, planted a garden, and made animals and fish... all before making a human. He made and provided what we'd need before we were born.

God left us a great clue as to what foods help what part of our body!
These foods are best & most powerful when eaten raw. We're such slow learners...

A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... Science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.

A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.

Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).

Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.

Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries.

Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.

Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

Isn’t God amazing?!!! ;-)

Who's Swimming with the Dolphin Now?!

Here's a link to a cool video you'll enjoy! ;-)



Aren't God's creatures amazing?

Well, okay! But just remember you and I are one of his "creatures" also! Why not celebrate how amazing He has made you just the way you are?! You can honor him by just jumping in and swimming with the opportunities he brings you every day...

Comments?!

Snowbound but Free!

If you're homebound with snow today, I hope you take the time to look for the beauty of it - and reflect with amazement on the fact that no two snowflakes are exactly alike!

That should remind us how God made us - with no two of us exactly alike. And yet He knows each one of us by name and loves us just the way we are. The difference is that He loves us enough to not want us to stay the way we are. Only God can open the door and show the way to all the blessings He wants to pour out on us, as we learn to walk in his higher, better ways for our life.

May your blessings today be like snowflakes falling all over you - and even tickling your nose & tongue! Enjoy life, love and laughter today as you walk - or roll - in God's blessings!

Only the Robins Know!

Yesterday afternoon I sensed a lot of movement out the kitchen window from my peripheral vision. When I looked up to investigate, I was shocked to see a flock of robins descending upon the yard! I had never seen a FLOCK of robins before. The yard was covered with them! I knew something unusual must be going on to cause this phenomenon, so I watched for clues. I noticed they were going crazy digging for bugs and worms. I also noticed they seemed to be quite fat looking, as if they were wearing double-breasted suits with their red chests puffed up.

As I marveled and pondered all this, I pontificated that perhaps they knew that a ton of snow was getting ready to cover the ground for a few days, so they'd better stock up while they could! I had listened to the weather report calling for an unusual amount of snow to be dumped on us from last night through this evening. So it seemed to be confirmation that the weatherman may be right! I also wondered if it also indicated that we would be having an early spring, as generally we don't see so many robins this early in the year.

I guess I'll have to wait to see if my theory about an early spring is right or not. But I know for sure the robins got the memo about the snowfall! So far we have maybe six inches or so, with it supposed to continue non-stop the rest of the day & night. So it's quite possible we could see up to the 11-12 inches they've been predicting before it's finished.

Isn't it amazing how God cares for the birds by urging them to stock up on food? Don't you think He cares even more about every need you have today as well?!

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

- Matthew 6:25-27, 33-34, NIV

Achieving Your Best Year

Have you resolved to make 2010 your best year ever?

Are you tired of setting New Year's Resolutions and never achieving them?

I came across a great short video that gives five basic principles on achieving your goals. Take 59 seconds right now to view it, write down the Five Principles and then go make it happen!



I believe in you! I believe in the God who believes in you! Decide to receive the blessings He has for you by planning and taking ACTION!!! Then this year will truly be your best!

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

Heartfelt Greetings from Pedro and Rosita!

I know it's a little corny, but I'm a sucker for anything cute, and chihuahua puppies especially. So when I received this in an email, I just had to pass it on to you! I hope it brings a smile to your face and happy thoughts to your heart, as it did to mine. Enjoy!

It's a romantic full moon, when Pedro said, "Hey, mamacita, let's do Weeweechu."

Oh no, not now, let's look at the moon!" said Rosita.

Oh, c'mon baby, let's you and I do Weeweechu. I love you and it's the perfect time," Pedro begged.

"But I wanna just hold your hand and watch the moon." replied Rosita.

Please, corazoncito, just once, do Weeweechu with me."

Rosita looked at Pedro and said, "OK, one time, we'll do Weeweechu."

Pedro grabbed his guitar and they both sang.....

"Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year."

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

In spite of the busyness, the "issues" and anything else that may come up, choose to make this a very Merry Christmas, as we remember Christ is in the center of Merry Christmas!

From my heart to yours!

The Power of One

It only takes ONE to make a difference!
One word - One act - one look - one smile - one person! It all starts with you - and me.

We all make a difference in one way or another - some positive, some negative. Think about the ripples in a pond when a pebble or rock is thrown in. The ripples keep spreading out and moving on. We have a choice to make about what kind of difference we will make each day, with each action or non-action.

I recently saw the movie "Pay It Forward" again and want to share this clip with you. It inspired me to be more conscious in making a difference in the world around me.

I challenge you to do the same - and see where your ripples go...

Singing our Hearts Out!

I just came across this cute yet amazing video.



Just as the parents of this child, I rather think God as our Father must be smiling on our feeble attempts to do what we do in life, including our ways of praising him or just expressing ourselves in ways beyond words.

With the same love and pride you know this child's parent felt for her as she sang this challenging piece the best way she knew how, feel God's love and pride for you right where you are in life today. Enjoy that embrace of love for a moment.

Then go and live your life empowered by the heart of God for you!

Squirrel Talk - Gotta Minute to Listen?!

Have you seen the picture taken by a vacationing couple where a squirrel jumped in the picture with them? If not, you'll want to view it and read the brief story at: http://blogs.nationalgeographic.com/blogs/intelligenttravel/2009/08/ground-squirrel-photo-crasher.html

Actually, I've got my own cute squirrel picture!

I was looking out the window over my deck and saw this squirrel having breakfast and a conversation with an angel! I wish I'd been able to shoot a video of it or get a clearer picture, instead of this one through the screen door, but as soon as I moved to open the door, the squirrel dashed away in a flash.

I hope you enjoy it! Perhaps it's good to be reminded there are interesting things going on all around us, if we only have eyes to see!

What is God trying to show you today through the eyes of your squirrel - er, soul?! Perhaps there's an angel right where you are now with a few observations for you... ;-)

Don't Send a Man to the Grocery Store!

Have you had your belly laugh today? Medical authorities reiterate how important it is to laugh much. Even the Bible tells us "A cheerful heart is good medicine..." - Proverbs 17:22a

When I came across this video, I just had to laugh out loud at her story and way of looking at things, as well as her delivery. Jeanne Robertson is a humorist I've recently come to appreciate with a gracious southern woman's perspective. Not only is she one of the top speakers with the National Speakers Association (of which I'm a member), but she's a former Miss North Carolina and is involved in giving back through her speaking and other projects.

Once I viewed this video, I had to review a few more and check out her website. It was a 30 minute break in my day that actually inspired and empowered me, and even helped my health through the "laugh oxygen" it generated!

Share it and spread the good "medicine" with your friends!

For more quick laughs, visit http://www.real-life-institute.com/articles.html
and click on "Rough Day" on the right.

Lotsa Heart and Power!

A great group of Christian women all wanting to move ahead more powerfully with their dreams gathered last night in my home.

The meeting was the second of the Heart & Power Women's Connection Group. I started this group with a vision to encourage and empower more women to step up to the plate and start living out their purpose with passion and power.

What I've found is that most Christian women want to move ahead with their life and serve God in some way, but they are not really sure which way to go or how they should be doing it.

Through my struggles with this issue myself, I have gained much strength and power, focus and direction, support, resources and knowledge along the way. All of this is burning a hole in my soul to be shared with others so they can live their best life too!

If you knew beyond a shadow of a doubt you could achieve whatever you set out to do, and that all the resources of time, money, support people, knowledge and ability - everything you needed - was there for you - WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING NOW?!!

The good news is that all the resources ARE ALREADY AVAILABLE TO YOU! You CAN accomplish whatever you set out to do. Help IS available! After all, God owns the cattle on a thousand hills - it's ALL His. He will give you everything you need to fulfill his purpose. But you need to step out in faith and expect it to be there when you need it. That is true faith: believe it and then you'll see it (not believe it when you see it).

I've experienced this so powerfully since I realized that I CAN do everything God puts in my heart to do - one step at a time. But I must take that first step - and then the next - and the next. And watch with awe as God meets me step by step on the journey with even more than I could think to ask to propel me towards my destination of purpose!

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love and of power and of a sound mind." - 2 Tim. 1:7

May you take the challenge to stir up the dreams in your heart. Accept they're given to you from God. Move forward with faith (not fear). Gather support and momentum as you keep going. Think of all the people whose lives you'll enrich by what you can do for them! Live and enjoy your best life now!

For more info, visit http://heartandpower.org

For help in living your best life also visit: http://real-life-institute.com/

New Vision

You may have noticed I haven't published a blog post for the last two months. In case you wondered if I fell off the planet, I actually didn't! But I have been in the "plan it" stages of a new vision God has given me.

This vision has brought a huge step up of faith and action, with an amazing unfolding, including quite a few trips, a whole new circle of friends, and the beginnings of a great support team of thinkers and doers. So I have been focused on going from "good to great," as author Jim Collins likes to say!

For news and insights into what I've been up to, visit: http://heartandpower.org/.

If you have enjoyed my writings and posts to date, you can continue to be inspired in the future. I will be continuing my writing through several books and ebooks I am producing. I will also post lessons I'm learning at this site as time permits.

So stay tuned for the next chapters of life to unfold...!

In the meantime, as I always like to relate your life to mine, why not carve out some time to hear what God might be saying to you about expanding your vision?

What I discovered is that God is not looking to send us somewhere unpleasant or to do something we hate: quite the opposite. It would be senseless for God to have given us talents, abilities, skills, ideas and passions and then ask us to do something totally the opposite of what He has been preparing us for (unless that area is a needed part of future preparation).

I have been amazed at how God has brought all the crazy things I've done and enjoyed into the vision He has for me now. He has taken my interests in writing, speaking, coaching, studying human nature & spiritual issues, and even my artistic side plus the financial services career - and all the other experiences of being an entrepreneur and leader.

Now he has rolled that all into one ball of wax and sent me spinning down the alley of life thoroughly enjoying the ride along the way to where He is aiming me! Only He really knows where the destination is, as we see only the small view ahead of us as He reveals it. But I sure am enjoying the scenery along the way!

My main verse for this season is:

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." - 2 Timothy 1:7, NIV

May you be empowered by God's love and his power to move forward with the discipline and wisdom of a sound mind, as you step out and up today!

Pirate Saga Hero

I’ve been following the drama on the high seas, as most Americans have this past week, with the pirates of Somalia versus Captain Richard Phillips.

When I first heard that the captain had willingly sacrificed his life for his crew and ship, my ears perked up. It had special meaning during this week leading up to Easter. The parallel between that and what Christ did for us was too coincidental to ignore!

As I followed the progress with latest updates on my computer screen, I continued to pray for the captain and his family. But Saturday night I was convinced that he would be freed Easter Sunday. I just felt that God was so in control, and that the dramatic symbolism of the message that was being sent to us would not be lost on the world.

Just as one normal human being like Captain Phillips was willing to lay down his life for his friends and fellow shipmates, so was Jesus willing to do the same for us.

That was his plan from the beginning. But the difference was that we were not his friends. He was truly ours, but we were so lost in our sins and evil ways that we (as a human race descended from Adam) could not even fathom the kind of sacrifice Christ was willing to make for us. We would be considered the pirates in this case! ;-)

So if Captain Phillips is a hero today, who is Jesus? He has to be at least a hero, but obviously is more than that.

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. – John 15:12-14

Let us rejoice in the salvation of both the captain and the crew! In the meantime, you may want to take a moment to read and meditate on the powerful words of the whole chapter of John 15. They may take on greater meaning in light of this pirate and hero story.