"There is no scarcity"

"When money is plentiful this is a man's world. When money is scarce it is a woman's world.  When all else seems to have failed, the woman's instinct comes in. She gets the job. That is the reason why, in spite of all that happens,  we continue to have a world."

Ladies Home Journal,  October 1932

Feminine energies - caring, laughter, resourcefulness, empathy, love, are ever present - even in a man's world. These traits are only appreciated when the quest for money and status are set aside. It is not that these traits are worthless.  It is they are smothered in the illusion of money and wealth waiting for the time to grow and mature when the thought of self are put aside for the greater whole. When the need for those energies turns bleakness into hope, dispair into acceptance,  encouraging the whole to join together in Love.

Acknowlege the Good

"...choose today to quench our thirst for the 'good life' we think others lead by acknowledging the good that already exists in our own lives. We can then offer the Universe the gift of our grateful hearts."

~ Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach

Gratitude. What is the meaning? Not superficially happy. Not just "lip service".  True gratitude.  The beauty of the day. No complaints superfluously lodged about the weather, the cold, the heat, the rain, the snow.  True gladness for another glorious day to experience joy, love, happiness, no matter what chaos is spinning in my physical life. A conscious choice to get off the chaos merry-go-round and choose to be an expression of love, joy, and happiness in every moment. Like attracts like. I choose to attract good through my thoughts, actions, and attitude of gratitude.  

"The Woman You Were Meant To Be"

"Mant women today feel a sadness we can not name.  Though we accomplish much of what we set out to do,we sense that something is missing in our lives and - fruitlessly - search 'out there' for the answers.  What's often missig is that we are disconnected from an authentic sense of self."  ~ Emily
 Hancock
~ From Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach

“Grace is available for each of us every day - our spiritual daily bread - but we've got to remember to ask for it with a grateful heart and not worry about whether there will be enough for tomorrow.”    Sarah Ban Breathnach

What I want out of life

What do I want out of life?
PEACE
PURPOSE
SANITY AT WORK
MORE ME TIME
LESS HOUSEWORK IE: MORE ME TIME
MORE INTIMACY
TO BE ABLE TO GIVE MORE TO OTHERS which CONFLICTS WITH MORE ME TIME hence the need for BALANCE
TO SEE MY GRANDKIDS MORE OFTEN
TO SEE MY KIDS MORE OFTEN
TO BE ABLE TO LET GO OF MY KIDS WHEN NECESSARY
TO BE ABLE TO RETIRE
TO SLEEP AT NIGHT
TO LOOSE WEIGHT
TO WALK THE DOG MORE
MORE READING TIME

Self-Motivation

Can you imagine working with someone who criticizes everything you do, never gives you a bit of encouragement, or nags you incessantly about the one thing they don't like about you? It's difficult to work effectively with someone who doesn't treat you with respect.

Now think about the messages you give yourself when you're working toward a goal. Whether you're trying to lose weight, perform better at work, or be a more attentive parent, try and focus on the positive. It's self-defeating to beat yourself up. Positive change depends on positive reinforcement.

-The InnerWorkout Team

FILLING MY NEEDS
One of my favorite ways to start my day is to do a meditation loosely based on Barbara Brennan's teachings. Brennan talks about each pore of our bodies being a vortex through which we can draw energy into ourselves.
Depending on what I need or want most on a given day, I invite and welcome divine energy, divine love, lightness, healing, divine inspiration -- the possibilities are endless and tailor made to suit my needs each day.
I sit down or stand and I focus, say, on divine energy. As I inhale, I draw and welcome divine energy in my body through every single pore of my body. I can actually feel the energy coming in. It takes only a few minutes to literally fill myself up with divine energy.
This is a very simple, short and powerful morning ritual. It never ceases to amaze me how different my days are when I do myself the favour of doing this ritual. How could it be any other way when I go on with my day filled with divine energy and support?
~ MD


“Stressed souls need the reassuring rhythm of self-nurturing rituals.”
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

http://www.women-at-heart.com

STRENGTH AND EMPOWERMENT

I liked this. It applies to so many situations in my life. When I finally found the backbone to standup to my mom's abuse, as an adult, I started to find I had so many more capabilites than disabilites!! There are consequences to becoming that adult but as in all things you can either accept or reject those actions and get on with life!


BONES, STRENGTH AND EMPOWERMENT
"Beliefs have the power to create and the power to destroy. Human beings have the awesome ability to take any experience of their lives and create a meaning that disempowers them or one that can literally save their lives."
-- Anthony Robbins
Hi everyone,
Recently, my doctor advised me that a bone density scan shows that I now have osteoporosis in my spine. Bad news, right? Well, maybe so, maybe not.
It was certainly good news that I left her office knowing that I had to do something about my bone health. I finally reached a point where I was inspired to act.
It's also good news that because of all I've learned over my life, I have a number of perspectives from which to view this information.
I can listen to the medical community's position, advising me to take pharmaceuticals that they believe will increase my bone density.
I can also consider the alternative health viewpoint that diet and exercise will support my body in repairing its weakened bone structure.
I can look to my spiritual beliefs: that as a spiritual being in a human body, the ultimate cause of all physical symptoms lies in a spiritual issue.
And finally, I can look at the whole subject of belief itself. I have come to believe deeply in the power of belief. I believe biologist Bruce Lipton when he says, "It is not our genes but our beliefs that control our lives."
So what might be a spiritual cause of a weakened spine? It was perfectly clear in my case: I need to show more backbone! I need to stand up for myself, to stand tall, strong and grounded in my relationships with others.
It's also time to get fit. I've hired a personal trainer to coach me in resistance exercises. Already my body is gaining strength to support my mental resolution to stand up for myself.
Personally, I am convinced that changing my mindset and my fitness will strengthen my bones. I believe deeply in my body’s ability to heal itself if I bring my physical, emotional and mental conditions into alignment with my inner power. I am doing that now. So really, the diagnosis was incredibly empowering and I’m grateful for that. Good news, indeed!
~ Patrice
"Life is a rush into the unknown. You can duck down and hope that nothing hits you, or stand as tall as you can, show it your teeth and say, 'Dish it up baby, and don't be stingy with the jalapenos!'"
-- Grey Owl
(C) Reproductions Permitted: http://www.women-at-heart.com/
QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: patrice@women-at-heart.com
To SUBSCRIBE: click here
To UNSUBSCRIBE: click here
To CHANGE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS: click here

Comfort Wishes

Comfort Wishes

by Jennifer Louden

Look outside.
Yes, right now.

Look and see
a blue sky so clear (yes, it may be behind some clouds) you can't miss
your heart's truth written there:
You are already who you need to be.

You are already who you need to be.

There is nothing to change,
nowhere to get to,
nothing to fix.

Look up, dear one, and know the truth.

http://www.jenniferlouden.com/
http://www.comfortqueen.com/
http://www.thelifeorganizer.com/

Taking the 'I' Out of Marriage

This article first appeared in the December, 2006 issue of Focus on the Family magazine. Copyright © 2006, Clem Boyd. All rights reserved. International copyright secured.

A good lesson for those early in their relationships, to keep them sustained for life together. A good lesson for even veterans in marriage, to provide "tune up touches"that may be needed. Enjoy!

Gentlemen, If anyone were to ask me for advice on what makes a good marriage, this would be my reply. I am sending it alone even tho you did not ask just in case someone asks you.
God bless,
John

Taking the 'I' Out of Marriage

Selflessness is not a marriage strategy but a heart transformation in Christ.
by Clem Boyd

It was late Sunday night. Julia had slipped into something more comfortable. I could hear water running and smell scented soap. I knew what she was up to, and I loved her for it — she was cleaning the kitchen.

This is usually one of my household duties. After a weekend of nonstop activity, it would be understandable if Julia just plopped down and rested. Instead, she chose to clean the dirtiest room in the house —for the sake of the family.

Acts of sacrifice, sprinkled freely throughout a marriage, make love richer and deeper. We know that, so what's the problem with doing it? Self.

Self constantly asks for more: What about my needs? What about my hurts? What about my time? Sacrificial love challenges us to give to our spouse in uncomfortable or unreasonable ways —ways that cost us emotion, time and pride.

If we pray to become more selfless, God will act. But self-giving love as a regular virtue in marriage means that we deal with some tough questions:

How can I love this way when I'm feeling unloved?

For newlyweds, giving comes easier. After a few months, though, we need renewable motivation to maintain selflessness for our husband or wife, inspite of the cost to ourselves. Selflessness has to start with turning to Jesus. Through Christ, we are promised God's love forever. To be selfless requires thinking about how God's love for us cost Him His Son.

How can we apply this type of selflessness to loving our spouse?

Why put myself out when my spouse is acting like a jerk? What better time is there? Jesus didn't wait till we became more kind or thoughtful before He died for us. He did it while we were still selfish and uncaring.

This same extraordinary kind of love, shown in small acts of generous behavior, will improve your marriage.

One of the most selfless things about Julia is the way she listens when I'm a jerk. Recently, I was pretty negative about a youth ministry we're involved in.

It was hard for her to hear that I questioned why I was doing this outreach, that it felt burdensome, that I thought it was really more her thing than my thing.

Julia didn't respond in anger. She listened, expressed her feelings and prayed quietly. She offered a gentle answer that settled my wrath, allowing me to think through the real problem.(As much as I love working with kids, it drains me.)

What's the difference between selflessness and passively letting my spouse get his or her way?

My friend Martha Manikas-Foster puts it this way: "Selflessness costs something dear, and conflict avoidance protects something dear. When my husband David became more willing to work out conflicts, putting aside his natural tendencies to avoid them, then I saw he was being selfless.

"Often I'll find ways to care for Julia, but if it means discussing a problem and enduring the intense discussion that might ensue, I avoid it. The most loving thing I should do is pray about it, talk about it and stop pretending it's not there.

How can I love my spouse more when I feel as though I'm giving so much already? You may feel overwhelmed with work, kids and church. How can you do something extra for your spouse?

When I'm out of energy, I admit it to God, then my weakness becomes a conduit for divine strength. Maybe I'm extra tired, and Julia asks me to rub her back. So I pray, God, give me energy.

Other times we may want to be the giver but won't admit our own needs. Occasionally, the most selfless thing we can do is to acknowledge feeling overwhelmed and articulate our inadequacies.

• • •Selflessness is not a marriage strategy but a heart transformation in Christ. "Jesus defines selflessness from the Incarnation to Calvary, so to be selfless is to identify with Him," says Martha's husband, David."The point is to value your spouse so much that her best really is your goal."

Two Wolves

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said: "My son, the battle is between 'two wolves' inside us all.

One is Evil.

It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance,self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.


The other is Good.

It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith."


The grandson thought about it for a minute, and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"


The old Cherokee simply replied: "The one you feed."

Cool website - relaxing

http://greatdanepromilitary.com/Life/index.htm

Jennifer Louden Self-Care Minder

Not Quite Daily Dollop

http://www.comfortqueen.com

This is from Jennifer's website. It is a nice reminder that we need to be good to ourselves also!

Take time for a 5 to 10 minute all over scalp and body massage before you shower or bathe. Use jojoba, almond, coconut or sesame oil--you can warm it by placing the bottle with the oil in warm water for five minutes.

Start at your scalp, working up from the temples.

Spend extra time on your ears and then your sweet, precious neck.

Work your way down your arms and massage the spot between your pointer finger and thumb.

Clock wise circles on your belly are good for digestion.

Long strokes on your arms and legs and sides of your body help you detox.

Dig into your feet with your knuckles to relieve tension and balance your whole body.

Be delighted by your beautiful, precious body. And if you can't delight in the whole darn thing, how about individual parts--your wrists, your ankles, your cheeks, your eyes?

Today's Intention: Creating a moment of soothing self-massage and letting it spread into my day.

With comfort and love,
Jen

AWEWOME VIDEO!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDnrLv6z-mM&feature=related

WOW WHAT A POWERFUL MESSAGE!

Women's friendships

Friendship between women can take different forms. It can run like ariver, quietly and sustaingly through life; it can be an intermittent,sometime thing; or it can explode lie a meteor, altering the atmosphere sothat nothings ever feels or looks the same again.

~~ Mary Haskell

Ask for what you want. Do not assume that you must "make do" with a second choice.

~Mary Kane Radmacher

As women, we are caregivers. That is the role we are taught whether we work at home or outside of the home. We are taught to put others' needs before our own. We then treat ourselves as "second best". Put yourself first. You are no good to anyone else until you do. First there is burnout, then anger, followed by depression. Stop the cycle. Your emotional and physical needs come first. Exercise, take a class, learn a craft. The more your needs are met, the more balanced you become. When you are in balance the stressors of life can be prioritized - either by discarding that which is not worthy or handling those things deemed worth your time and effort.

it's all in the details

"I want to know the thoughts of God; the rest are details." -- Albert Einstein

Everything -- absolutely everything -- that happens in our lives has aspiritual cause. Events on all other levels -- mental, emotional and physical -- are only effects. When we are struggling with any challenge, whether it be ill health, a lack of money, a lost job, poor relationships, an accident, whatever -- we need to look for the spiritual learning. We can ask ourselves, "What quality does my soul want me to live more fully?"

"If you start to think the problem is out there, stop yourself. That thought is the problem."
-- Stephen Covey

Start where you are...

Nothing needs to be fixed.

"Tolerance does not . . . do anything, embrace anyone, champion any issue. It wipes the notes off the score of life and replaces them with one long bar of rest. It does not attack error, it does not champion truth, it does not hate evil, it does not love good." -- Walter Farrell

That is a thought-full to contemplate.



As we understand it, the spiritual journey is not about becoming perfect. It's about acceptance, releasing judgment, and embracing everything in wholeness. This is a great challenge for our personality. We've grown up comparing ourselves to others, always judging how we're better and worse than those around us. And many of us are very good at finding fault with ourselves. If we release judgment, then nothing needs to be fixed -- including you. Explore inviting your soul to help you accept all that is and experience a whole new way of living.

"Wherever you are is always the right place. There is never a need to fix anything, to hitch up the bootstraps of the soul and start at some higherplace. Start right where you are."
-- Julia Cameron

Forgiveness

Do you feel worthy of having joy?
Do you feel you deserve it?

The first step to activating our inner joy is to eliminate the blocks to it. We can start by truly forgiving ourselves and all others. Forgiveness calls for a shift in our perception. It is easier to forgive ourselves and others when we really understand that each of us has always done the very best we knew to do at that time. I really like that part.

"If we don't forgive ourselves for our mistakes, and others for the wounds they have inflicted upon us, we end up crippled with guilt. I really like that part too! I have to forgive myself. That is a hard one. I have to forgive others for the wounds? That I allowed them to wound me? Back to forgiving myself again. No one can wound me without my permission...conscious or unconscious. And the soul cannot grow under a blanket of guilt, because guilt is isolating, while growth is a gradual process of reconnection to ourselves, to other people,and to a larger whole." -- Joan Borysenko

I like the connecting to myself and others part. The move I love myself, the less I will allow others to wound me.

labels limit

Labels limit us

"Your only limitations are those you set up in your mind, or permit others to set up for you." - Og Mandino

How do you label yourself?
How do you label others?
Labels set limits. Labels creat boxes in which to contain, catagorize, or banish a person or thought.

Why would God creat something that has limits? God didn't. So let go of the labels and be more God-like.

"As long as I am this or that, I am not all things." -- Meister Eckhart

"When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be." -- Lao Tzu