Find the Flow

I recently started an online parenting class about raising happy kids. The professor said something that I found particularly interesting. She encouraged the class participants to look for “flow” in your life. She explained “flow” as moments of engagement where time seems to stand still.

I decided to dive in a little deeper. The idea of “flow” comes from research in the 90’s by a Hungarian Psychologist, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. The main idea is that we can develop happiness in our lives by stretching our body & mind to its limits in an effort to accomplish something worthwhile. The idea of flow can be compared to an athlete being “in the zone.”

Complete engagement in an experience could occur while you are singing in a choir, dancing, playing cards, or reading. If you love your job, it could happen during a complicated procedure or when you close business deal. It may occur in a social interaction, when talking with a good friend, or while playing with a baby. Moments such as these provide flashes of intense living against the dull background of everyday life.

So this week I am going to attempt to achieve flow! Want to join me? I'll let you know how it goes.

I am GrateFULL!!

This week in the "Stressed to Blessed 15 Week Challenge" we were challenged to find ways to be grateful. Carmalyn challenged us to write 25 things we were thankful for! It is our "Blue Print of Blessings." So, I had a few minutes at the end of my work day and I sat at my desk and started free thinking. Everything I thought I typed. I didn't edit or re-think. I stopped when I naturally stopped and here you go:

Mike (my husband)
Siezure Meds
Doctors
Brain surgeons
Travis
Simplicity
Complexity
Nature
Blogs
Halloween costumes
Transportation
Safety
Curiosity
Bravery
Honesty
Quiet
Music
Gardens
Hydrangeas
Worship
Communion
Confession
Forgiveness
Time
Sleep
Family – Blood
Family- Church
Family- Genuine friends

There are 30 in my list and I will continue to focus on my blessings this week (and beyond). Thank God for his abundant blessings! In everything, give thanks!

Stressed?

I am so excited about the "15 week Challenge - From Stressed to Blessed" group on Facebook. Last year I enjoyed participating each week and now I'm excited because I will be guest posting! This week the challenge focuses on CHERISHING Life.

Since last February, I've been an absentee blogger. I'm new to the blogging world so I'm getting started again. Check back soon as I chronicle my life and the craziness that insues. Hopefully I will be joining the other 250 people as we move from "stressed to blessed".

If you are interested in reading more search for us on Facebook "15 Week Challenge - From Stressed to Blessed." You can also check out my friend Carmalyn McCracken's blog, You Got Joy!

Cherish!

I had my quiet time (QT) tonight and cherished the time I spent in God's Word and in prayer. I am participating in a “Good Morning Girl” group and I am studying James! This might sound silly but I look forward to my QT like I look forward to a date with Mike (my husband)! I just love it! I love Mike, I love dates, I love Jesus, I love quiet times!

One of my Good Morning Girls goes to a church in North Carolina and she told me about "My One Word," a new kind of resolution. I have been thinking a lot about it and wanted to share "My One Word" with you!

I decided I would pick the word CHERISH! I originally thought I would pick the word “hope” but I just couldn't commit to it. Something about it just didn't fit. I wanted a verb, an action word...something I could do! I believe that after 2010, an arduous year with Mike's diagnosis & treatment and my Dad's passing this is the perfect word for 2011.

I want to CHERISH the gifts God has given me! I want to CHERISH my quiet times...my relationship with Jesus. I want to CHERISH my husband, child and family. I want to CHERISH each moment... moments I have with others....moments to share my faith...moments to love.

According to Miriam-Webster's the Definition of CHERISH is...

transitive verb
1
a : to hold dear : feel or show affection for b : to keep or cultivate with care and affection : nurture
2
: to entertain or harbor in the mind deeply and resolutely

I believe that "My One Word" will help me follow God's greatest commandment, "Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ " (Matthew 22: 37-39).
(What is a QT? Here is a YL article I liked.)

Can you smell God?

Today I continued my study of Jesus’ Parables. I'm working my way through Matthew Chapter 13. This particular segment of my bible study made me think about how I can experience Jesus more fully through my senses. For instance "I tasted God goodness when...", "I heard God voice when...", "I saw Christ when...", "I touched my savior when...", " I smelled the fragrance of God when....". I thought this was an interesting way to think about my faith.

Last night I prepared a Crockpot meal for tonight’s dinner. When I walked in the door this afternoon, I thought about my study. The fragrance of my meal cooking made me appreciate the goodness of God. He has provided each of us with exactly the sustenance we need. Not only am I blessed to have food to eat but I have church community, friends and the Word of God to nourish me spiritually.

I know there are many people not as fortunate. I know there are families who struggle each day to provide for their children. There are adults and children who will go to bed hungry. Tonight I pray for those people. Not only that they will have nutrition but that they will be satisfied by God’s Word.

As I completed my study today, one verse stood out to me, "eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man things which God has prepared for those who love Him." (1 Corinthians 2:9)

High Heels and Hot Rollers

So, yesterday was not my finest day! I experienced a wide range of emotions. There were moments when I was boiling mad, tearful, anxious, laughing, quiet and even screaming! I was up to my eye balls in pent up energy and emotion and it ALL came out. Yesterday was a pretty rough day for me...

So, I was challenged to focus on the positive...hmmm positive...as I grumbled I looked down and saw my high heels. I laughed and thought (genuinely thought)...I love high heels! A few moments later I saw my reflection in a window and laughed again. I thought...I love hot rollers. These few blessings, as silly as they seem, completely changed my outlook on life!

So, I hope when you have a rough day...you can find your "High Heels and Hot Rollers!"

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

God, Can You Hear Me??

I have been studying Exodus for the last several months. I have never worked my way through this book before but I have learned tidbits of the Israelites story throughout my life. I have thoroughly enjoyed this study. My personal bible study times (quiet times) continue to deepened my faith!

In the last several months I have really been questioning and thinking about prayer! So it’s interesting that I read Exodus 32-34 yesterday. I found it very interesting and insightful. It was mainly about Moses' relationship with God. One particular part of chapter 32 refers to how God hears the prayers of Moses. It goes as far as saying God changes his mind and listens to Moses' request. Moses intercedes for his people, the Israelites.

I love that God is really listening to our prayers and to the prayer of those who intercede for us! I am also thankful that God continues to teach me through his word, the Bible!

So, I will keep on praying! God hears us! Can I pray for you?

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. (Colossians 4:2, NLT)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6, NIV)