Thanksgiving 2014

Thanksgiving to God – I wrote this devotion last year in 2013 and it still holds true….Please read these reflections on why we all have so many reasons to be thankful and sing your own song of Praise to the God of Creation for all He has given us!!!

Praise God from Whom ALL Blessings Flow! Praise Him all creatures here below!! Praise
Him above ye Heavenly Hosts! Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!!! AMEN!!!
Find your favorite song of Praise and Thanksgiving and SING it!!! Sing it in the shower, sing it as you are cooking, sing it as you are cleaning for all the guests, sing it as you prepare your heart for ALL God has to offer you this holiday!!!

Remember these Songs?
Give Thanks
Come Ye Thankful People Come
We Gather Together
The Lyrics to the first of these songs are as follows:
"Give thanks with a grateful heart, Give thanks unto the Holy One, Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son. (Repeat the refrain)
And now, let the weak say I am strong, let the poor say I am rich because of what The Lord has done for us. Give thanks....give thanks....give thanks!!!"

Thanksgiving....an act of giving thanks or expressing gratitude especially to God - wow!
The United States of America celebrates and gives thanks to God for this special day this week on Thursday – it is a U.S. national holiday set apart to give God thanks!!! YES, let's do that!!!

As I opened my Bible this morning that my beloved grandfather, "Gramps" gave me in 1962, I was blessed to find this verse and thoughts:
Psalm 138:1
"I will give thanks to you, O Lord with all my heart..." The latin word for gratitude is gratis or grace.

What are you grateful for this Thanksgiving holiday??? What grace has been extended to you this day, this month, this year? Have you stopped to take note of the many blessings that are in your life? If not, why not do that today or this weekend!!!

We have so much to be grateful for in the United States.....it is truly incredible!!! I know my gratitude list swells each day as I stop, breath and think about all that God has blessed me with - a family in Ohio, Virginia, Minneapolis, Tennessee and Texas, a son that brings me more joy than I thought imaginable almost 19 years ago, a job that allows me to serve our military with honor and praise, a church that feeds my heart and soul each week, prayer warriors that support and encourage me by praying for those people and situations that God places in my life, friends that fill my life with laughter and fun, and finally, God has brought into my life this past year a very special man, named Tim, that I could not be more grateful for this year...........ahhhh..........our God is SO good!!!

I read years ago: "When we express gratitude something wondrous fills us!!! Gratitude nourishes our souls immediately and the wonder of the moment swells in our hearts." Simple gratitude brings simple happiness...simple gratitude shows us what is utterly amazing in our lives. We have been so blessed, so fortunate, so favored, so richly given abundance....and it is all by the Grace of God alone.
So, let's celebrate! Let's appreciate and acknowledge what we have been given even on the tiniest level......offer a sacrifice of praise to our Heavenly Father this Thanksgiving and KNOW how much you are loved!!!

Finally here is a fun way to say: "Many thanks" in many languages:
English: Many thanks!
French: Merci!
German: Danke Schoen!
Italian: Gramercy!
Spanish: Muchas Gracias!
Archaic: Much obliged!

And, one of the many things I am grateful for are all of you who read this blog….Thank YOU for reading these ramblings and encouraging me to continue to write this blog!!!

Blessings Abound!!!!!!!!

Look up….look around……and look for JOY!!!

ASK....

Have you ever wondered why it is so hard to ask for help for the humans?  It is so interesting as I go farther along this journey called life that I come across person after person who just is not willing to ask for help.  In any area!  Big or small, long-term or short-term, good or bad, right or wrong - any type of asking for help seems to be an implied message that we as humans are less than, weak, not good enough, not smart enough, not whatever enough!!!  That really puzzles me...........

To "ask" is to put a question out there, to inquire, to request (of or for), to require or call for, to expect or demand, or to invite.  What in the world are we as humans thinking that this is so wrong to do?  Why is it so humbling to actually do?  What is it that makes us feel like we are imposing if we ask for help?  Hmmmm.....something to contemplate!!!

Someone recently gave me a new acronym.  (I know..........one more acronym from me, and you might croak, right?  Well, it is a good one, so bear with me!)

A = Ask and you shall find
S = Seek and you shall find
K = Knock and the door shall be opened

Unbelieveable!!!  So simple, so easy and yet so very hard..........

So,why NOT ask???????????  When we ask we are looking for something:  an answer, a solution, a direction, a new method, a new way of thinking, or, possibly, another avenue to pursue.  What is so wrong with that?  All of those things bring creativity!  All of those things bring something new to the table!!  All of those things bring an idea to the surface that might, just might, bring the answer or solution we are looking for!!! 

And, what is really interesting for me is that this acronym is from God's Word:  
Matthew 7:7 says that exact same thing:  "Ask, and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened.  For everyone who asks receives, he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks the door will be opened."

God wants us to ask for help, ask for assistance, ask for direction, ask for guidance.  Why not try it?  You may find a wonderful answer waiting just for you!!!

ASK!!! 

Captivating....

I met with a young lady this morning who is just starting college and feels like she is a "loser."  In my mind, she is kind, sweet, lovely and very adorable!  However, because of the community college where she is attending, the type of student is mostly working adults who go to school for one or more classes and then go off to work!  So, the social aspect of "college life" is lost at this campus.   Also, most of her friends went off to a 4 year college, out of state or out of the city.  So, Miss Meghan is feeling a little lost.  Her best friend is 2 hours away and they do talk each week, but the closeness that she and her friend used to have on a daily basis is gone.  This young lady does so many things:  she goes to college full-time, works at a wonderful daycare for infants that she loves, and teaches kindergartners at her church every Wednesday and Sunday. Some would say she has a full life!

So, what is missing for her???
A sense of belonging, a feeling of closeness, feeling like she fits in, being plugged in and feeling worthy of her new stage in life.  What if she realized that she was "captivating?"  What is that you may ask.  Well, the dictionary definition is:  To fascinate by special charm or beauty.  To be enchanting.  Hmmmm....has any of you read the book Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge?  It is a wonderful book for young women!  The authors explore the idea of unveiling the mystery of a woman's soul....sounds pretty fascinating, doesn't it?



Here is the recap that Amazon has on their website:

Every woman was once a little girl. And every little girl holds in her heart her most precious dreams. She longs to be swept up into a romance, to play an irreplaceable role in a great adventure, to be the beauty of the story. Those desires are far more than child's play. They are the secret to the feminine heart.

And yet―how many women do you know who ever find that life? As the years pass by, the heart of a woman gets pushed aside, wounded, buried. She finds no romance except in novels, no adventure except on television, and she doubts very much that she will ever be the Beauty in any tale.

Most women think they have to settle for a life of efficiency and duty, chores, and errands, striving to be the women they "ought" to be but often feeling they have failed. Sadly, too many messages for Christian women add to the pressure. "Do these ten things, and you will be a godly woman." The effect has not been good on the feminine soul.

But her heart is still there. Sometimes when she watches a movie, sometimes in the wee hours of the night, her heart begins to speak again. A thirst rises within her to find the life she was meant to live―the life she dreamed of as a little girl.

The message of Captivating is this: Your heart matters more than anything else in all creation. The desires you had as a little girl and the longings you still feel as a woman are telling you of the life God created you to live. He offers to come now as the Hero of your story, to rescue your heart and release you to live as a fully alive and feminine woman. A woman who is truly captivating.

I would recommend it for anyone who has a young lady or daughter in their lives!!!  And, giving it to Meghan to read at her leisure made me think about some questions to ask her next time we visit together:
What if  felt that she was fascinating?  If she knew that she had beauty and charm that was sent from Heaven above? That she was enchanting just the way she is?  I know this doesn't really cover the feeling Meghan described as being a "loser," but it made me think of how many young women who don't realize God has a great plan for their lives.  I hope you will share this book with someone this week!  Or, perhaps, read it yourself!

ReDiscovery..........

I am happy to report our first ReDiscovery Retreat for women over the age of 50 was a huge success!!! We had some of the most lovely ladies I have had the pleasure of connecting with in a long time, as well as, had so much fun!!!  It is fabulous to get to know one another - especially when you have never met, or when you think you know someone a little bit, and then, find out you don't know them at all!!!  

We explored things like:
What do I want to be?  What do I want to do?  And, what do I want to experience?  In sharing our ideas, we learned about these each others' passions, dreams and/or goals in life.  We explored ideas such as owning our own business, starting a Home Party business that is unique, creative and fun ways to decorate our homes, ideas about textile artists and other concepts we would like to explore at this stage in life.  And, we explored our ideas with NO boundaries!!!  We asked the question:  if there were NO obstacles in your way - no issues of confidence, no issues of motivation, no issues of money holding us back, no issues with our health, no issues of feeling scared or insecure - what would we do and be???  The answers were amazing!!!  We shared our hopes and dreams and explored new ideas of where to go from here at this point in our lives.  Wow!  What a way to explore new and/or future adventures in our lives!!!

Also, we did a lot of reflection and introspection on our own thoughts, where/what our lives have been so far, and how we got to where we are today.  We reflected on experiences and turning points in our lives.  We discussed important words and phrases that carry us through rough and good times, and how these experiences have supported and nurtured us.  We looked at patterns and threads that interlace and construct who we have become....it was quite an enlightening day!

There are stories to be told and wonders to unfold........it will be such a pleasure to keep this "ReDiscovery" theme going!!!  

My partner in crime, Julie is designing and starting a Power of 50 Website for Women over the age of 50.  Also, we are planning FREE networking events for anyone who is interested in connecting with this genre of women.   The first one is Monday, October 20, 2014 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Scooter's Coffee on College Boulevard and Antioch Road.  Anyone is welcome and we urge you to invite whomever you think may benefit from connecting with this wonderful group of women!!!  Please spread the word!!!  We will be sending out more information soon!

Stay tuned.......dear women of value!!!  Who said being 50 meant we have no life???

ReDiscovery: Anchored, Connected and Supported

You are invited to a Retreat called:  ReDiscovery:  Anchored, Connected and Supported on Friday, October 10, 2014 at the KC Campus of the University of Phoenix.

Come explore what it means to ReDiscover yourself and find new ways to move forward in your life!
Please send in your application by email or RSVP and bring it with you on Friday!

Here is the information for you:

REDISCOVERY      ANCHORED.  CONNECTED.  SUPPORTED.

A RETREAT FOR WOMEN OVER 50

CONNECT WITH WOMENAND CELEBRATE THIS STAGE OF OUR LIVES. 

*  Become anchored and centered
          *  Feel inspired and excited about your life
                    *  Build relationships with other women

Friday, October 10, 2014   10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.                              Join us at the 

University of Phoenix     

1310 E. 104^th St., Suite 101, Kansas City, MO 64131

COST:  $50.00  ($10 extra for boxed lunch)

Retreat fee of $50 is waived for UOP students and alumnae.

Download the 

ReDiscovery Women's Retreat Application to attend the retreat with Pam Spencer and Julie Connor on 

Friday, October 10th.

Reserve your place to attend this event with other fabulous women.  Limit: 10

  DISCOVERY Women’s Retreat

                                     Facilitators

Julie is a popular motivational speaker, a goals & planning strategist, and author of the goal-setting book, Dreams to Action Trailblazer’s Guide. She is the founder of The Power of 50, a network to connect and inspire women over 50. Learn more about Julie at www.DrJulieConnor.com. 

Join the Google+ The Power of 50 community.
Check out The Power of 50 on Pinterest.

Pam is a stress management expert and shows others how toDeStress with Joy. She has a master’s degree in health & wellness. As a national defense liaison for the University of Phoenix, Pam promotes adult accelerated programs. More about DeStress  With Joy, www.DeStressWithJoy.blogspot.com

COST OF RETREAT:     _____      $50.00                Please mail retreat registration form,

                                                                                               retreat fee,  and $10.00 for lunch (if 

BOXED LUNCH               _____        10.00                 you would like a boxed lunch) to:

_____________________________________________              Julie Connor

                                                                                         12143 Farley St.

TOTAL:                             $_________________              Overland Park, KS    66213

Make checks payable to Julie Connor.  Cash or credit card payments accepted at the door.

Wear comfortable clothing.  Feel free to bring snacks or drinks. You can also bring your own lunch. Bottled water and coffee will be provided. Bring along a journal, a good book, or other resources you think would be valuable resources to share with other women.

Questions?  Contact Julie Connor, 913-617-9979 or julie@drjulieconnor.com for more information.

Hypocrisy...

Well, here is a tough subject to address:  Hypocrisy.  What is it?  The feigning of beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold or possess.  What in the world is feign???  Feign is to give false appearance of, or to pretend.  Also, feigning is a sham - something false or empty pretending to be genuine.  UGH!

Have you ever been accused of being a hypocrite?  Someone who double-dips, has duplicity or practices deception in their actions?  Someone who says one thing and does another?  I have.  Just this morning.
To be called a hypocrite by someone is quite humbling....and one I don't like to admit or hear coming from someone very close to me - especially my son.

Years ago, I heard someone say that the reason that they didn't go to church anymore was because it was filled with hypocrites!  I agreed.  There are many, many hypocrites in our world and in our society!  But, I also said this:  "The reason I do go to church is because I am a hypocrite!"  I know that may sound crazy, but it is the truth.  I had done and said things in my life that I wish with all my heart that I could say I have NOT done.  The truth does hurt.  But, truly, the real reason I do go to church IS because I know that I do and say things that I would like to stop doing and change going forward.  Church offers me a place to lay down my "feigning" and get real.  God offers me a new beginning every morning (and every minute) if I will admit that I have done wrong and want to change it.  I can only change what I am aware of and what I am willing to accept that I need to change.  So, how do I move forward from being a hypocrite?
Become willing - willing to admit that you sometimes do or say things that aren't really what you value. Live your values.  Show the example of what you want others to learn.  Do those things that are what you know to be true, honest, and right.

Philippians 4:8 says:  "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."
That's quite a list!  Can we do each of those things every minute of the day and every day of our lives? Probably not, but it is worth asking God to change us to be people of integrity.  People who admit when they are wrong. People who ask for forgiveness and make amends where and when they can.  And, when I ask God to change me, there is a difference that happens in my life.  Forgiveness is offered to us by God, at church and at the cross.  Forgiveness can be offered by admitting my error or wrong doing. Ask the person you have wronged to forgive you.  Humble yourself enough to show that you want to change.  Then, do it!
Forgiveness is offered to us by God when we tell Him that we have done wrong.  When we admit we have really goofed!  Forgiveness is something I need every hour of my life.
I John 1:8-9 says:
"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

Do I want my son to think of me as a hypocrite?  Certainly not!  But, it is a beginning of teaching him what it means to forgive another human being.  It's the beginning of showing by example how I would like him to live.  Not by my former actions, but by how God is changing me NOW.  Admitting our mistakes goes a long way in teaching the value of integrity.  Trying to hide my mistake or say it didn't happen the way it did would not teach the truth.  Be genuine.  Tell the truth.  Admit your mistake. Ask for forgiveness.  Move on and move forward.

How do you want your kids or those you love to think about you?

Exquisite sunrise.........

Have you ever seen an exquisite sunrise???  I did this week.  One of the pleasures of being an early riser, is that we have the opportunity to view God's best each morning we arise early!!!  The colors of a sunset are beautiful, however, the colors of this past Wednesday morning's sunrise was almost indescribable.  Here is my stab at that description:

Exquisite is showing a high degree of craft or excellence....also, exquisite is delicately or poignantly beautiful.  I love that word poignant!!!  Reflect on that a bit..........poignantly beautiful....ahhhh................YES!!!  Some say exquisite is even acutely discriminating (as in taste), but keenly intense.  What would you say if you saw one of the most brilliant and exquisite sunrises of your life???  I wish I was a photographer and could paste a picture of what I saw the other day.......it absolutely took my breath away!!!  There were thunderstorms brewing, the wind was blowing, the clouds were changing minute by minute as I drove toward the horizon and the colors we unbelievable - ethereal may be a better description!!!  They WERE absolutely heavenly!!!

It was truly a spiritual moment for me as I witnessed God's presence and contemplated His magnificence once again.  That Divine Creation that is set in place each morning and says goodnight each evening is one we should take note of often.  So many days, we get caught up in running errands after work or after school, taking care of this and that and we forget to look up and all around at the Divine Majesty that surrounds us every day.

Look for exquisite, poignant, ethereal things this week....it only takes a few seconds, but the after affect lasts a lifetime!!!