SWB: Summer Energy

Energy
I'm really beginning to feel the transition into summer this weekend. It was my last week teaching art in one of my after school programs, next week I have one more lesson and all my extra classes will be wrapped up for the season. I've realized how much live and energy these groups have provided for me, and I hope I've done the same for them. There has been a sense of accomplishment with teaching these classes that was new to me. I'd plan the projects, get the supplies, teach the children how to work and create their projects, and be amazed at their ability and creativity. I'll miss them.

This weekend, I was able to spend some well-needed time with my middle-schoolers at a one day camp event. We played games, sang songs, made tie dye shirts, and learned about how God is the living water that gives us true life. They were good words to hear in this transition week. School is wrapping up, church worship is moving to summer hours (love this!), and before I know it I'll be in the hazy days of summer. I know I will need the refreshment of God's spirit and presence this summer - I have a feeling this summer is going to be a fruitful season for both my students and myself spiritually.

Energy Zapper
Some areas of non- or little communication were my largest source of energy zapping this last week. When details are left unsure or uncommunicative states, I scurry to find the information I need and usually end up with much more on my plate than I'd originally thought. There was too much picking up the pieces, others pieces, that is. But I'm glad that the overall efforts worked out in success. Next time around, I need to be more direct - face to face - and that should resolve so much piece picking up next time.

Energy
I've been succeeding in making good health choices for the last several weeks and I'm beginning to see and feel a difference. Sometimes when I see myself, I can can only think of how far I need to grow and improve, but then I remember that Rome was not built in a day. So there a healthy body is not either. I'm on the right track and need to keep thinking and acting positivity to take the next step in the journey.

I have some music and art project ideas stewing in the back of by mind and need to chisel out some "free" time to work on them. I'm excited about the new painting I have sketched out and can't wait to get moving on it.

Summer is a time of activity and sabbath from the school year's regime. May I drawn in the energy of summer and use it to move and work in it like the grace and beauty of an unscheduled yet vibrant warm summer's day.

Sunny and rainy day friends

There are two kinds of friends in the world: Sunny day friends and rainy day friends. This is a statement that my Mom used to remind me of when I was in the midst of drama or conflict with one school friend of another. There are lots of people that we define as friends, but they are really acquaintances. Two men were out hunting in the northern U.S. Suddenly one yelled and the other looked up to see a grizzly charging them. The first started to frantically put on his tennis shoes and his friend anxiously asked, "What are you doing? Don't you know you can't outrun a grizzly bear?" "I don't have to outrun a grizzly. I just have to outrun you!" This story is funny, but it does help define the distinct difference between a rainy day friend and a sunny day friend. The sunny-day-friend is more concerned with watching out for their own health and wellness, than their friends' wellbeing. On the other hand, a rainy day friend is willing to take risks, work fo

FCE - Dog stroke in spine

Kahlúa is our 15 year old dog that we adopted from the Humane Society when she was four. She joined our family and has been with us for eleven years so far. This morning we found her laying on the carpet in the dining room and was unable to get up and go outside. After letting her rest for a few hours, I gave her some bread to eat and she got up. She was wobbly so I scooped her up and took her outside to go to the bathroom. She managed to remain standing for a few minutes, but was back down quickly. Her back legs did not want to support her even though she was trying to walk. By this point, she had begin to cry so I called the vet and they said to bring her in for an evaluation. My kids and I tearfully wrapped her up in a blanket and drove to the vet. It seemed as if we were sitting in the waiting room forever. The vet told me that her heart, eye function, and lungs were great - also taking into consideration her age of 15! The problem seemed to be FCE - firocartilanginous embolism: w

Gifts we have to give

So often people will think of the areas of life that they fall short or what may need some improvement. I think there is some wisdom in knowing where we need some work as humans, but I also feel it is equally important to learn, foster and use the gifts each one of us are instilled with. So here is the challenge or question that I'd like to present: "What gift(s) has God given to you that can be used in the care and ministry of loving others?" How have you seen that gift used in the past? How would you like to use it? If you dream big and I dream big together - how could God work in that big pool of gifts in the lives of others??? Let's share our gifts today and dream of what they can accomplish for God's purpose! 1 Peter 4:8-10 (New International Version) 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,

Uphill idealist

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