Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Loss of Power


I have shared Scott Noelle's writing here previously, and this particular bit touches on something that I have been thinking a lot about over the past year or so. I will share my thoughts after the article:



THE DAILY GROOVE ~ by Scott Noelle
www.enjoyparenting.com/dailygroove

Reminder: Early registration for the Rethinking Education conference and family fun fest, featuring Scott Noelle and others, will end in 7 days! See:
http://www.enjoyparenting.com/rethinking-education


:: Pushing Buttons ::

When toddlers get a hold of computer keyboards, telephones, or any other gadgetry, they go wild pushing buttons! They're driven to discover the magical powers at their fingertips.

At any age, children are driven to push their parents' "buttons" too! Not because they're "naughty" but for two reasons:

1. They need to know what's there -- to map the emotional terrain and keep the map up to date.

2. It's an efficient way to get their parents' heightened attention *and* feel more powerful.

When your child pushes your buttons, s/he's doing you a favor: revealing that you've given your power away to the triggering behavior or conditions.

When you de-activate your buttons -- consciously choosing to stay Connected and Present, regardless of conditions and behavior -- you reclaim your Authentic Power! You cease to be someone who can be controlled like a mindless machine.

And your child will lose interest in the buttons you've de-activated, especially if you're also helping him or her find better ways to feel powerful.

http://dailygroove.net/pushing-buttons

--> Get "The Daily Groove" BOOK!
http://www.enjoyparenting.com/book

Feel free to forward this message to your friends!
(Please include this paragraph and everything above.)
Copyright (c) 2009 by Scott Noelle


The first phrase that got my attention was, "When your child pushes your buttons, s/he's doing you a favor: revealing that you've given your power away to the triggering behavior or conditions." I have acknowledged the need in my own life to have better control over myself in situations that are less than desirable for me. I have family members that are intense, and I can be as well. It is my honest and true desire to remain grounded in any confrontational situation.

That being said, I struggle with keeping my cool in all situations. Some times are easier than others. Certain things may be a factor like being over tired, in pain, or distracted. In such circumstances it is easier to speak without thinking first. However, in no circumstance is it ever effective to let someone know that it is not okay for them to speak to you in a certain way while you, yourself are not using a level tone. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

I continue to struggle with thinking before I speak and maintaining a calm and controlled voice in ALL circumstances. I do pray about this, and I have made it a priority to learn how to NOT be ruled by my emotions.

Taking this a step further it is also my goal to not let the mood of someone else determine how I feel. If someone is frustrated, sad, angry, impatient, you name it, I desire for it to be second nature for me not to react emotionally. Just because someone else is having a rough moment does not mean that I need to succumb to their emotional state and join in their misery. There is no reason that I should not be able to maintain a level head and heart. However, I still struggle with this, and I find it even more frustrating than than the first mentioned dilemma.

Personally, I had never thought of it the way that Scott put it in reference to giving your power away. I can plainly see that that is precisely what we are doing when we react in such unsavory ways. I am even more determined than ever to become centered to a point that this is no longer a struggle for me. There is no reward in being out of control or hot headed.

Have any of you taken this journey? Are you still struggling? Have you mastered the art of staying level and calm in all situations? What have you learned? What are you willing to share? Wisdom, experience, and insight is desired. So, share with us oh wise and faithful readers!

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Compassion Sunday

I have been a Compassion Sponsor for over 10 years. It has given me the opportunity to watch a young girl grow into a beautiful young lady. She has made wonderful progress and is currently going to school to become a nurse. Her letters brighten my day, and I look forward to hearing of her progress.

Today is a special day. It is a day to learn about Compassion International, poverty around the world, and how you can make a difference. It only costs about a dollar a day to change the life of a child thereby positively effecting an entire family and community. Check this out:

Friday, April 24, 2009

Early Spring Salad



This salad is simple and perfect to share at potluck. Now that the sun is shining it's time to switch from those crockpots full of soup to something cool and refreshing. This recipe takes advantage of the affordable strawberries that are out at the market right now. Enjoy!



2 cups frozen Blueberries, fresh if you have them
2 pounds Strawberries, stemmed and quartered
1 small Cantaloupe, peeled and cubed
2 Tablespoons Agave Nectar, you can substitute honey
Juice of 1 Orange
1/4 cup fresh Mint, chopped

Combine prepared fruit in large serving bowl.

In small mixing bowl wisk together remaining ingredients.

Toss juice mixture with fruit.

Refrigerate at least one hour before serving.

If you like you can serve with whipped cream and mint leaves to garnish.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Preparing for VBS

Well, I'm off to Camp Au Sale again for another fun filled weekend of education and connection. This will be my second year as VBS Coordinator for our church. This year's theme is Bible Mystery Investigation. That's about all I know about it right now.

This will be my first time attending the VBS weekend, and I am looking forward to the experience. It is my understanding that many ideas are exchanged there, and I will head home with the curriculum and some tools to get me started.

I really need to get on the ball. Our VBS program is slotted for the last week in July. I am sure many of you know that three months fly by in the normal course of life, let alone when you have a pressing deadline. Before you know it we will be in the thick of things with the kids.

What I am most interested in is learning how to effectively promote our VBS program. We are a very urban church, but our congregation is aging. We do not have many youth in our church, so we really need to reach out to the community. The youth seem to really be becoming a focus of mine. Where are we without them? They are essential, and we could use more.

Do any of you have experience in this department? Is there anything you can share about bringing more families into the church? What about marketing your VBS program to the community in a fun and inviting way? I'd love to learn from your experience.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

A Transition in Life


In I Corinthians John espouses the benefits of remaining single. Did you know that being single and childless was my original plan for my life? I actually did have a plan one day, way back when. It involved staying single, remaining childless, joining the Peace Corps, becoming a photographer for National Geographic, and traveling the world exploring and doing good for others. What a life, eh?

Being single really does have it's benefits, and reading I Corinthians is a good idea for any young person still searching or any adult that either by choice, or chance finds themselves leading the life of a single person. Should a person find it a viable option, remaining single can open oneself up for tremendous potential. Can you imagine the freedom?

I think singleness is really what we are dreaming of when we imagine as a child growing up and becoming an independent young person. Aren't we really just looking to do what we want when we want to? A committed relationship of any sort really does change the entire dynamics of what we might imagine freedom to be. When it boils right down to it anything is more difficult the more we have to consider the feelings of others. Our desires and ambitions may even be halted all together. How does this change our relationship with God and our ability to serve Him?

As an imperfect being we are masters of complicating just about everything. For any of you that have followed this blog even for the past few months you will know that I have my hands full, to put it mildly, with children, grandchildren, a husband, homeschooling, pets, friends, church responsibilities, family obligations, and on and on. On top of this I had a health scare which, praise God, turned out well, and I seem to be in perimenopause. Doesn't that just sound fun? The perimenopause really does add a level of complication to keeping all of my hats on my head that even a master circus performer would struggle with.

What does one do when we do not take experienced advise like that given in the Bible and choose to complicate our lives further? I watch my girls, all FIVE of them, do this on a regular basis. Unfortunately for my children, I connected with God later in life. Therefore our first batch was raised by two very different parents than our second batch. (Any of you that have large families know exactly what I am talking about.) It took me quite a while to grow up, learn who I am, and determine a positive way to approach everything life related. Our home and our children are so different now than what we knew say eight years ago. It's a different world in so many ways.

Now that I have found the Bible and all the treasures it holds it is difficult to impart on my twenty-something daughters. We struggle to connect with them and establish healthy boundaries at the same time. If I did not have my Bible, my church family and those that went before me to share their wisdom I do not know how I would even function. I think it is so sad that this passage of knowledge between generations is lost in our culture. The level of disrespect of our fellow man seems to grow with each generation. It truly does sadden me.

On more than one occasion it has been said that I am naive. I can see it myself in certain circumstances. I do most always see the good in people which often blinds me to things that would be helpful to notice. Thankfully my husband is great at seeing things for what they are and catching details that are invisible to me. We balance each other out wonderfully in that department.

I seem to be in yet another of life's transitions. On the good side that indicates growth and maturity. On the flip side it inflicts emotional discomfort and exhaustion. I am thankful for my relationship with God. Life would have been a lot easier if I had actually studied my Bible when I was younger and had I listened more closely to those that went before me. Now I hunger for knowledge and find valuable guidance in the Word of God and my friends and family that have a few years experience on me. They are both valuable resources that I am forever grateful for having.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Entrecard Droplist

Richard at Trader’s Hub has created a reciprocal, link-building, authority-increasing drop list populated by some of best blogs and top droppers on EntreCard.

It is a simple to add your name to the list and publish the list plan. However, you be an active Entrecard member.

Check it out, and see what you think. If you are a dedicated Entrecard dropper this list will likely be for you.

For a master list, visit Trader's Hub and leave Richard a message.


My Entrecard Drop List
(Start, copy the code and embed this droplist in your blog! It will build up your links, improve your page rank and bounce rate, and increase your blog authority!)
1.
Traders' Hub
2. CoolAdzine for Marketeers
3. AsTheCrackerHeadCrumbles
4. Confessions Of A Fitness Diva
5. Beyond Feron
6. Reality TV Soup
7. Conversations With Moms
8. Chinaren's Blog
9. Wine At Five
10. Leomar's Den
11. Poetic Expression
12. Gems By Jerri
13. Gas Saver
14. WAHM Resource Site
15. Travel On The Tide
16. Femme Power
17. Gina's Music Memories
18. Gina's Italian Kitchen'
19. Baby Boomer Flashback
20. Subtropical Gardening
21. Peace, Love, Happiness
22. It's Just Simply Unique'
23. Because Someone Cares
24. Adventures Of A Fitness Diva
25. Sexy Old Broad
26. JavaSwim
27. TV News And Reviews
28. Chapters Of My Life
29. Mydzo Blog
30. Lights Camera Action
31. Virtual Gamer
32. Random Ramblings
33. The Daily Planet
34. Red Sox Mommy
35. The Savvy Tourist
36. Republic of A
37. Ken's Trees
38. Juliana's Lair
39. Happily Ever After
40. The Work From Home Mother
41. The Superficial Gallery
42. Work At Home Wealth
43. John Lottery's Bimonthly Articles
44. All About Stock Markets
45. Money Matters Hub
46. Money Saver
47. Zorlone
48. Devoutly Davao
49. Politics 2000
50. Limitless Adventures
51. Mystic Moments
52. Mature Not Senile
53. The Raging Rev
54. The Frugal Housewife
55. The Path To Pegasus Letter
56. Independent American
57.My second Trial
58. Buy Tees
59. My Online Adventures
60. Our World
61. Shiny Adornments
62. Stock Market Bliss
63. Savage Nomads
64. Amazingly Me
65. Up All Night
66. Sonnie Side Up
67. Renaes Crafty Corner
68. Teen Suicide Talk
69. Seek No More
70. One
71. Cheaper by Half A Dozen
72. Birding In Falklands
73. Everyday Living
74. Digital Artisan
75. Glitchline
76. All To Read
77. Flitting On Fiction
78. Martial Arts Junkie
79. Exposed SEO And Internet Marketing
80. Diet Secrets Online
81. Akila's Blog
82. Tracey's Blog
83. Parenting Life
84. Short Apps
85. Hunter Academy
86. Sony Ericsson User Blog
87. Hot Shit Form Here
88. Network Of Combined Ideas
89. Denford Magora's Zimbabwe Blog
90. 1Cent News Dot Com
91. Woodworker Blog
92. Isker's Blog
93. Back 2 School 4 Grown Ups
94. Travelling And Sightseeing
95. Where The Road Takes Us
96. iTech Dude
97. Truths Of A Shy Writer
98. Lil Insights
99. Business Success
100. Beyond Taiwan
101. Laptops,Mobiles, And Forex Trading
102. The Fashion Lovers
103. Right Wing Nut Job
104. Show Me The Money
105. Paperkraft.Net
106. John Wright Sketch Blog
107. How To Earn Money Blogging
108. Born To Succeed
109. Fit, Fabulous ad Forty
110. My Life In Italy
111. Mix It Up With Marc
112. Insane Freelance Writing
113. World Through Colored Glasses
114. Lucent Dusk
115. Learn To Earn Money Online
116. BlogTactic
117. Lunatic Banknotes & Coins
118. Stalking Minds
119. Chicken Heart
120. Atniz Work From Home
121. Theme Today
122. Kaya Mo, Pinoy
123. Traditional Jewelry
124. Vonshred
125. Quantum Indonesia Translogistic
126. Personal Budgeting And Finances
127. Sand And Sea Designs
128. Linkmandx.com
129. Slightly Sarcastic
130. The Health And Wellness Post
131. TopClanz
132. Fusion Investing
133. Shauni Speaks
134. Muyin Jewelry
135. The Damn Nation
136. Opinions From A Filipino's Perspective
137. Mindful Drivel
138. Lisgold
139. Hello Kitty Gifts
140. First Door On The Left
141. DashRent
142. Business, Wealth, And Financial Success
143. Rosilie: My Blog
144. Photo Journalist
145. AdSpheres
146. Life's Journey
147. Screaming Me Me
148. Zero
149. Mama Flo's Place
150. Entrepreneur Empire
151. Teacher Techie Says
152. Jigsaw's Lair
153. Your Digital Life Style
154. EZGreatLife
155. Serian Man
156. The Puss Reboots
157. Dollar Tamer
158. Places To Visit In Argentina
159. Pyro Electro News
160. Here and Now 4 Angel
161. Q Shifter Hobbies
162. Pinoy Web Surfer
163. I Love Hate America
164. Pregnant With Cancer
165. Call Center Gal
166. Freebie Reporter
167. 60 Were Enough
168. Saxon
169. Entrecard Tips
170. CafeTeen dot Biz
171. Morning Coffee News
172. Search Engine Must Be Crazy
173. hendigo dot com Product Review Paradise
174. Newsvids
175. Bloggerhitz The Power of Blogging
176. Swirling Thoughts
177. Domestic Goddess
178. Crotchety Old Man Yells At Cars
179. UR Entertainment Port
180. Widgets For Bloggers
181. GewGaw Writings
182. Puzzles
183. Tizzalicious Crafts and Cuteness
184. In My Own Words
185. Pinay Mom In Czech Republic
186. International Musing
187. Busy Little Elf
188. Blazing Minds
189. Step By Step To Extra Cash
190. Spectrum
191. On Web Check
192. Hot In Singapore
193. Gadgets Spot
194. Sjeltur
195. Nesting Buddy
196. Looks Around
197. A Malaysian Abroad
198. A Jedi's Musings
199. Fix My Life
200. Vanilla Seven
201. Search Engine Panel
202. Know Ur Exchange
203. Techno Techiques
204. SackosaurusRex
205. Loose It Back
206. My Library
207. Mom's Lifestyle'
208. The Zoo Crew
209. Steven Humour
210. Mobile eBooks, etc.
211. Margie and Edna
212. A Fil-Am's Journey
213. The Shark Tank
214. Color Addiction
215. JunkFoodAholic
216. Ravenwerks
217. Blackholes and Astrostuff
218. Picatrix
219. A Rose By Name
220. Eclectic Electronics
221. Chic Sassy Designs
222. A Second Cup
223. Reap Money Online
224. Biz Boink
225. Philippines and Beyond
226. A Grateful Heart
227. Duniasoer
228. Arradya's Crazy World
229. Internet Blogging Resources
230. West Of Mars
231. Lalaine's World
232. East Coast Life
233. Live Life 365 Self Help Videos
234. Live Life 365
235. Indonesia Travel
236. Ask Ms Recipe
237. Caledonian Comment
238. I'm Walking On Sunhine
239. High Pay Key Word
240. Is A Man's World
241. Wife of A Warrior
242. The Virtual Dime Museum
243. Slightly Drunk
244. The Money Maker Times
245 . Add Yours
246. Dedeandro
247. Montana Moods
248. My Tangible Wealth
249. Pipe B
250. Dead Rooster
251. Steam Punk Rings
252. Eddie's Blog
253. Time Recursion
254. Glamorous Sylph
255. Politekon
256. Make A Pound
257. The Chef's Daughter
258. Turn U Off
259. Zataki
260. Home Insurance Group
261. ThaCash
262. Cacai's Step And Journey
263. Selective Index'
264. Designer's Depot'
265. Adamok.net
266. Make Money From The Internet
267. The Certified Fashionable Chic
268. Angelika'
269. Walking Newspaper
270. Anything Goes With Pahn
271. A Tasteful Voyage
272. Heathen Homeschoolers
273. Steven Humour Videos
274. Your Fun Family
275. Panama Photo Journal
276. Matthias Chronicles
277. Unsexy.Net
278. My Random Wisdom
279. The Dairy-Free Diva
280. The Movie Connoisseur
281. Loving You

282. Add your site here. Benefit everyone on this list including yourself. Join Today!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

The Miniature Earth Project


On May 29, 1990, Donella Meadows wrote the original text for the "State of the Village Report" that originated this web movie. Sadly she passed away in February of 2000. Her ideas and projects are carried on through Donella's Foundation at Sustainability Institute.

In this film the population of the world is reduced to 100 people making it easier to understand the differences in the world. The text has been modified and the statistics have been updated using specialized reports and publications to reflect as accurately as possible the current population of the world.

This is a very short film with a very big message. Please take the time to view this film. You will not be disappointed. To read the original text please click here.

Monday, April 13, 2009

It's Official

The Zoo Crew is officially participating in Entrecard by giving 100% of the widget air time to EC credit paid ads only.

For those of you that were waiting for your paid ads to display on my widget, please accept my sincere apology for canceling your ad. It is nothing personal. I had to go with what felt right to me, and that is to accept EC credit paid ads only.

I will pay attention to the changes that are happening within Entrecard and keep myself informed. Should things change in a manner that I feel comfortable participating in, I will gladly start accepting paid ads at that time.

In the meantime, The Zoo Crew will dedicate 100% of the widget air time to EC credit paid ads.

Thank you for supporting The Zoo Crew in this decision. I look forward to approving your EC credit paid ad as well as placing my EC credit paid ad on your site as I can afford to do so.

Conflicted


I am having mixed feelings about this whole Entrecard paid ads thing. As I type I have a mere eight EC credit purchased ads waiting to run and a whopping 56 paid ads. Bear in mind I have not accepted every ad that has come across my dashboard. I do not permit ads that may be offensive or link to a site that may be offensive, and I do not approve ads of a business type nature that could present an element of risk to my readers.

Over the past week or so I have watched the controversy unfold and read the frustrations and opinions of the writers of the blogs I frequent. Up until this point I have truly enjoyed being and Entrecard member. I do not blog for money. I do it for the fun of sharing information. I have not earned any money from my blogging minus the few posts I wrote for SocialSpark and PayPerPost. That got all crazy, and I quit doing it just about as quick as I started. Entrecard seemed like a wonderful way to connect and share with other bloggers. Now I am not so sure about things.

I like the connection part of Entrecard. One used to get out of it what one put into it. Now I almost feel like I am working for free. All of these ads coming across my dashboard are time consuming. Where were these people before? Why am I taking the time to evaluate these blogs for the owners of Entrecard? Since when did I start blogging to make someone else a buck? I don't mean to come off too negative here, but I have a bad feeling in my stomach. It just doesn't seem right to me.

Other Entrecard members have made the decision to not accept paid ads at all on their blog. Some have elected to require that the advertiser purchase an EC credit ad before allowing them to purchase a cash paid ad on their site. Some are selective as to what ads display on their blog, and still others let everything run. I have seen drop strikes, experiments, and bloggers leave Entrecard all together.

Personally, I am not sure what I am going to do with my Entrecard membership. I do not feel good about showing the paid ads on my site. Now that I have accepted them it seems dishonest to cancel my 50 plus ads waiting. However, it does not seem right to me that blogs that are showing their widgets on my site have to share 50% of their air time and still pay the full EC credit price. Half the air time for the same price just has a big bubble of wrong around it in my book.

I was uncertain as to whether I was going to chime in on this and write about it, but I am interested in the opinions of my readers. I would love to know what you have decided to do. How are you handling your relationship with Entrecard? For me, it feels very one sided right now. My FOUR inquiries on as many subjects remain unanswered to this day. One used to hear back in a very timely fashion; not anymore. While I wait and ponder I would love your input. What do you think? What are you doing? What are you not doing? Please, do tell!

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

A Little Too Far


We've all gotten those emails telling us that we've inherited this great sum of money, or someone needs our help and is willing to pay. I recently got the following in my Inbox:

Dear Beloved in Christ,

It is by the grace of God that I received Christ, having known the truth; I had no choice than to do what is lawful and just in the sight of God for eternal life and in the sight of man for witness of God & His Mercies and glory upon my life.

I am Mrs.Rachael Davidson,the wife of Mr.Robert Davidson,both of us are citizens of the united state of America. my husband worked with the Chevron/Texaco in Hong Kong for twenty years before he died in the year 2003. We were married for ten years without a child. My Husband died after a brief illness that lasted for only four days. Before his death we both got born-again as dedicated Christians. Since his death I decided not to re-marry or get a child outside my matrimonial home which the Bible is strongly against.

When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of 7.5 Million Pounds (Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand Pounds) with a Bank in Europe. Presently, this money is still with the Bank and the management just wrote me as the beneficiary that our account has been DORMANT and if I, as the beneficiary of the funds, do not re-activate the account; the funds will be CONFISCATED or I rather issue a letter of authorization to somebody to receive it on my behalf (note that you need to activate this account) as I can not come over.

Presently, I'm in a hospital in Hong Kong where I have been undergoing treatment for esophageal cancer. I have since lost my ability to talk and my doctors have told me that I have only a few weeks to live. It is my last wish to see this money distributed to charity organizations and NGO anywhere in the World in helping human race.

Because relatives and friends have plundered so much of my wealth since my illness, I cannot live with the agony of entrusting this huge responsibility to any of them. Please, I beg you in the name of God to help me Stand-in as the beneficiary and collect the Funds from the Bank. I want a person that is God-fearing who will use this money to fund churches,orphanages and widows propagating the word of God and to ensure that the house of God is maintained.

The Bible made us to understand that blessed is the hand that giveth. I took this decision because I don't have any child that will inherit this money and my husband's relatives are not Christians and I don't want my husband's hard earned money to be misused by unbelievers.

I don't want a situation where this money will be used in an ungodly manner. Hence the reason for taking this bold decision. I am not afraid of death since I know where I am going to. I know that I am going to be in the bossom of the Lord. Exodus 14 VS 14: says that the Lord will fight my case and I shall hold my peace. I don't need any telephone communication in this regard because of my soundless voice and presence of my husband's relatives around me always. I don't want them to know about this development. I await your quick response to this mail as this is my last wish to see this funds transferred before my Death. Please my beloved for further communication on how we are going to conclude this, Remain Blessed.

Your Sister in Christ,
Mrs. Rachael Davidson

I removed "her" email so that no one tries to actually look into this. What do you all think of this email? I was SO shocked to receive something like this, and I find it unsettling that someone would go to these lengths to ensnare someone into yet another financial trap. How on earth would they even know I am a Christian? I wonder just how many of these have gone out. Does anyone know how to research something like this? It would be interesting.

Friday, April 03, 2009

Away for the Weekend!


This weekend marks the first of three Women's Ministries weekends that will be held at Camp Au Sable. This is an amazing annual event that has grown over the years from one weekend to three! It is the most wonderful weekend for women that consists of seminars pertinent to life as a woman, life in Christ, family, food, and friendship. They really do pull out all the stops, and I look forward to it every year.

It is tradition, a tradition that started before I joined in the fun, with the ladies I will be traveling with to leave first thing in the morning and stop at Birch Run for breakfast, shopping, and lunch then head the rest of the way to Grayling. God has blessed me immensely by the women he has been putting into my life. The majority of the friends I seem to make are usually 20 years my senior, and what a gift! There is so much to be learned from a mature, Godly woman that has traveled 20 years before you. Oh, the wisdom!

I will most cerainly have things to share upon my return. In the meantime, keep stopping by. If you never have checked out my archives, have a look. I'm headed toward my 200th post, so there's bound to be one that will speak to you. Have a wonderful weekend, a Happy Sabbath, and be sure to hug someone you love.

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Wordless Wednesday

A Challenge for You


As mentioned previously I am doing several things in an effort to change my current state of exhaustion and being overwhelmed with life in general. I have changed my supplement regimen to include Olive Leaf and Ginseng Complex. I have taken control of my time by politely stopping someone from taking advantage of me thereby freeing up a lot of my time and eliminating a very taxing situation. I have also started attending a Depression Seminar at our church.

I have attended three meetings, and there are six left of the first phase. I have learned some valuable information so far. There is homework, and that is what I am going to share with you right now. The assignments so far are as follows:

1. Print the ENTIRE Serenity Prayer and hang it somewhere in your home where you will notice it daily. Every day read the prayer and think about what it means to you. Is there a certain part that seems really pertinent to your life at this moment? Think about it's implication.

2. Get a notebook that you can write in and record FIVE things that you are grateful for EVERY DAY, even if it's something like, "I am grateful for running water." Start paying attention to the good things in your life.

3. This is the challenge: You CANNOT say ANYTHING CRITICAL about ANYONE or ANYTHING for 14 DAYS. When you say something critical, you have to START OVER!

Research has indicated that it is more important to avoid negative thinking than it is to focus on positive thinking. The idea is to divert your negative thoughts before they manifest themselves as words flowing from your mouth. Over time you will retrain your brain by using parts of it that are not used to being used. It takes planning and practice.

What do you think? Can you take the challenge?

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