There's a sadness in the world this summer. There are so many celebrity deaths that everywhere I go I hear people talking about them. It seems we always hear of famous people dying in sets of 3. That seems to be the way we categorize it and the way we are aware of it. There seems to be something extra sad about this summer though - multiple sets of 3 in very close timing. Big names - really big names like Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, Walter Kronkite. These are the names of my childhood. These are the iconic people I remember watching and admiring for their talent at the top of their game. I related to them in some way, or looked at them as the ultimate "possibility". Their names are lingering in the air. Their talent still shining in our collective consciousness.
What is it about losing icons that makes such an intense universal impact? Why are we still talking and hearing and reading about them? It's not like we knew these people intimately. We may think we knew all about them but all we knew was what someone else wrote or assumed or the little glimpse of them showing their talent. We don't really know them at all! They weren't family. They weren't friends. They weren't even acquaintances. What are they really? Role models - maybe some. Idols - likely yes to many. But it has to be more than those superficial connections that keep us hanging on to them. I wonder why it's so difficult for us to say rest in peace and let them go.
For me, it's hard to think of someone close to my age being gone. Someone who's face I recognize at a mere glimpse and who's voice I know by heart. It's like a part of my childhood is "poof" ... gone. It's a certain reminder of my own mortality. And it makes me wonder at the level of impact I've had. Have I done enough? Am I just coasting through life with my small circle of influence? Do I even have a legacy that people will remember? Maybe that's part of the impact. Losing people from the face of the earth that have clearly impacted so many makes us wonder about our own impact. I have work to do. I have people to love, encourage, teach, learn from, and inspire.
So, for now I say to Ed, Farrah, Michael, Billy, Walter and all the others. Go swiftly into the embrace of God. Rest in Him! We will remember you as we carry on!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
BEING A FOREIGN EXCHANGE "MOM"
I recently sent my foreign exchange student back home after being with me and my daughter for a full school year. The experience was something I've wanted to do since I was in high school day dreaming about jetting off around the world on adventures. So this past year I decided to take advantage of my daughter's final year of high school and make this happen.
Our student was a lovely girl from Norway. From the very beginning she seemed to fit our family well - she liked similar shows and activities as my daughter. She wanted to dabble in American sports and she signed up for several sports throughout the year. She worked hard in the beginning to get a handle on the US school system, and a Catholic private school at that (nope, she wasn't Catholic, and she wasn't religious in any form). Things got off to a great start.
We hit some snags but that's to be expected along the way. I'm not sure if it was cultural or just the personality of our student but she didn't bond with us in the tight way I had heard other students do with their families. At times I felt like she was simply on a 10 month vacation and sometimes I felt we were in her way because of our conservative beliefs and behaviors. We're not monks of course but we certainly couldn't compete with the California lifestyle I later found out she wished to have on her exchange.
At the end of the day I have no regrets. I'm glad to have done it. I'm glad to have provided this experience for my daughter and for our exchange student. But I'm also left wondering. I ponder whether the lack of bonding meant little to no influence in the life of this girl. She was polite and genial (well, for the most part). But I can't put a finger on whether or not my dream to have her here had much impact on her at all. I wonder if our faith and what she learned about our culture has changed her heart or her behaviors in any way. I wonder whether she went home wiping her brow, glad to have gotten through it. I wonder if I will ever see her again. 10 months is a long time to give emotionally, financially, and spiritually. I feel a connection to her as a mom in a way that I'm pretty sure she doesn't reciprocate. So I wonder and ponder and muse at the level of influence we had on her. I wish for her all the dreams of her young life. I hope that she remembers us and her time here fondly. I hope that a glimpse into our life plants a seed of faith for another day. I wish her love and happiness. And I miss her.
Our student was a lovely girl from Norway. From the very beginning she seemed to fit our family well - she liked similar shows and activities as my daughter. She wanted to dabble in American sports and she signed up for several sports throughout the year. She worked hard in the beginning to get a handle on the US school system, and a Catholic private school at that (nope, she wasn't Catholic, and she wasn't religious in any form). Things got off to a great start.
We hit some snags but that's to be expected along the way. I'm not sure if it was cultural or just the personality of our student but she didn't bond with us in the tight way I had heard other students do with their families. At times I felt like she was simply on a 10 month vacation and sometimes I felt we were in her way because of our conservative beliefs and behaviors. We're not monks of course but we certainly couldn't compete with the California lifestyle I later found out she wished to have on her exchange.
At the end of the day I have no regrets. I'm glad to have done it. I'm glad to have provided this experience for my daughter and for our exchange student. But I'm also left wondering. I ponder whether the lack of bonding meant little to no influence in the life of this girl. She was polite and genial (well, for the most part). But I can't put a finger on whether or not my dream to have her here had much impact on her at all. I wonder if our faith and what she learned about our culture has changed her heart or her behaviors in any way. I wonder whether she went home wiping her brow, glad to have gotten through it. I wonder if I will ever see her again. 10 months is a long time to give emotionally, financially, and spiritually. I feel a connection to her as a mom in a way that I'm pretty sure she doesn't reciprocate. So I wonder and ponder and muse at the level of influence we had on her. I wish for her all the dreams of her young life. I hope that she remembers us and her time here fondly. I hope that a glimpse into our life plants a seed of faith for another day. I wish her love and happiness. And I miss her.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
DRIFTING
There are days that come where we all seem to just wander around unable to define who we are and what we are here to do. Have you ever noticed that people tend to drift during times of "in between crisis" and "in between celebrations"? Why is it that our lives are all about circumstances dictating our moods or our thoughts or our actions? Shouldn't it be the other way around? Shouldn't it be that passion and commitment and decision drive our attitudes and actions?
I'm learning about this concept and trying to put into motion the changes based on what I choose. If life is about choices then that should include the choice of action, reaction, emotion, and mood. Yep ... still learning. Yep ... still practicing.
I do notice that the times when my life seems to be really rocking along in a good and powerful way I feel that I am in charge. I don't feel swept away by emotion in those moments. I feel like I am the cause of those emotions. I don't feel like I'm drifting but rather that I'm driving.
So, today, as the weather is gloomy and full of "liquid sunshine" I choose to continue to deliberate with myself about my level of control over what I think and what I feel. I choose to leave the drifting feeling on the sideline and get into the game of life again.
What do you think?
I'm learning about this concept and trying to put into motion the changes based on what I choose. If life is about choices then that should include the choice of action, reaction, emotion, and mood. Yep ... still learning. Yep ... still practicing.
I do notice that the times when my life seems to be really rocking along in a good and powerful way I feel that I am in charge. I don't feel swept away by emotion in those moments. I feel like I am the cause of those emotions. I don't feel like I'm drifting but rather that I'm driving.
So, today, as the weather is gloomy and full of "liquid sunshine" I choose to continue to deliberate with myself about my level of control over what I think and what I feel. I choose to leave the drifting feeling on the sideline and get into the game of life again.
What do you think?
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Who Do You Inspire?
In my work as a Human Resources Manager for a large corporation I tend to meet alot of people. A whole lot. When I add in the work I do as a Myers-Briggs certified trainer, I meet a bunch more. Every once in a while I meet someone who absolutely, hands-down inspires me. It's electric and enchanting when it happens!
I've been thinking about what it is that touches me so much about these people and I think I finally figured it out - because they are all about making the lives of others better. Simple isn't it. They don't even do it in big, grand or sweeping ways - they do it in everyday life. They are easy to talk to. They are genuine in their concern for those that don't even usually have a voice in the matter. They are humble and kind. They aren't donating wings of hospitals. (Don't get me wrong - that's pretty spectacular!) But the people that truly inspire me are the ones that make me happy to be me and happy to know them. Which is pretty much the basis for love - love grows when we are happy to be ourselves with someone else.
Simple ... simple ... simple.
I wonder, just wonder, if I am ever the person who inspires another. Do I measure myself against the right success criteria? Do I make them happy to be who they are when they are with me? Am I self-aware enough to notice?
If you want to see someone who I think is inspiring by venturing to spread smiles, peace and happiness in these difficult and worrisome times - check out Paul Wesselman and his uRock campaign. And then, check out this video on youTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EYAUazLI9k.
Enjoy!
I've been thinking about what it is that touches me so much about these people and I think I finally figured it out - because they are all about making the lives of others better. Simple isn't it. They don't even do it in big, grand or sweeping ways - they do it in everyday life. They are easy to talk to. They are genuine in their concern for those that don't even usually have a voice in the matter. They are humble and kind. They aren't donating wings of hospitals. (Don't get me wrong - that's pretty spectacular!) But the people that truly inspire me are the ones that make me happy to be me and happy to know them. Which is pretty much the basis for love - love grows when we are happy to be ourselves with someone else.
Simple ... simple ... simple.
I wonder, just wonder, if I am ever the person who inspires another. Do I measure myself against the right success criteria? Do I make them happy to be who they are when they are with me? Am I self-aware enough to notice?
If you want to see someone who I think is inspiring by venturing to spread smiles, peace and happiness in these difficult and worrisome times - check out Paul Wesselman and his uRock campaign. And then, check out this video on youTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EYAUazLI9k.
Enjoy!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Friendship
I am amazed at the blessings of friendship I have received over the years. As a child growing up in an orphanage (age 3-8) I thought making friends was the scariest thing because none of them ever lasted. Grade school and high school brought a smattering of friends but alas none of them seemed to stick either. I often thought I was destined to be one of those people who was always looking in from the outside. Sad but don't feel sorry for me - I just needed time to grow up and "see" what I really have.
What I've learned is that I don't have to define friendship the old way. I have true, lasting, wonderful friends that I have kept through moves around the world and across town. I approach life differently now. And when I talk to those friends either by email, phone, letter, Christmas card, or Facebook I find that my bond with them hasn't changed. That's because now I define friendship not by the day-to-day intertwining of our lives (although that's a blessing when I have it as well), but rather as a heart-twining that time and space doesn't have the ability to affect.
I love my friends and I truly thank God each day that they have been an integral part of my life. So for today, here's a shout out to my long-distance and short-distance friends. I love you all - and yes, you know who you are!
May today be blessed and tomorrow be better!
Hugs all around,
Barb
What I've learned is that I don't have to define friendship the old way. I have true, lasting, wonderful friends that I have kept through moves around the world and across town. I approach life differently now. And when I talk to those friends either by email, phone, letter, Christmas card, or Facebook I find that my bond with them hasn't changed. That's because now I define friendship not by the day-to-day intertwining of our lives (although that's a blessing when I have it as well), but rather as a heart-twining that time and space doesn't have the ability to affect.
I love my friends and I truly thank God each day that they have been an integral part of my life. So for today, here's a shout out to my long-distance and short-distance friends. I love you all - and yes, you know who you are!
May today be blessed and tomorrow be better!
Hugs all around,
Barb
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Remember Who You Are
Do you ever sometimes forget who you are? Not your name. Not your family. But your faith - do you forget that you are chosen because God created you and He loves you? Sometimes I think it is so easy to forget just who we are.
I think about this as I approach problems and questions. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in seeing the problem that I forget the next step - looking for the solutions. If we always stay stuck in that space of identifying, naming, categorizing, analyzing, giving name to our problems it becomes bigger and stronger in our mind. Take for instance finances. I used to think so much about what the next bill is, when it's due, how much or little I have in the bank to cover it, etc. I never actually moved passed the stage of being in awe of the size of the problem. I never actually remembered that who I am is a child of God. I have the protection of the Creator of the Universe behind me. I have the creative power that He rendered to me at birth, in His likeness. I just need to look for opportunities to use it!
Sometimes the solution is in renaming and reclaiming my power. Be it over destructive habits (in this example, spending or not saving). I sometimes forget that this life is about creating and about possibilities. The possibility to see things from a different angle. The possibility to count my blessings instead of my sorrows. Yes, it's a lofty ideal if it's just that - an ideal. But when I put it into practice - when I really and truly look for and count my blessings, big and small, it overwhelms me how truly loved I am. All problems seem to regain their proper perspective and new ideas and new solutions come into my consciousness. Not because the problem went away but because I remembered who I am and who my source is. There is nothing that can overcome me if I have my eyes, my heart, and my gratitude on the Lord.
So, friends - remember who you are and look for the grand possibilities that exist in this world to overcome.
Be blessed!
Barb
I think about this as I approach problems and questions. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in seeing the problem that I forget the next step - looking for the solutions. If we always stay stuck in that space of identifying, naming, categorizing, analyzing, giving name to our problems it becomes bigger and stronger in our mind. Take for instance finances. I used to think so much about what the next bill is, when it's due, how much or little I have in the bank to cover it, etc. I never actually moved passed the stage of being in awe of the size of the problem. I never actually remembered that who I am is a child of God. I have the protection of the Creator of the Universe behind me. I have the creative power that He rendered to me at birth, in His likeness. I just need to look for opportunities to use it!
Sometimes the solution is in renaming and reclaiming my power. Be it over destructive habits (in this example, spending or not saving). I sometimes forget that this life is about creating and about possibilities. The possibility to see things from a different angle. The possibility to count my blessings instead of my sorrows. Yes, it's a lofty ideal if it's just that - an ideal. But when I put it into practice - when I really and truly look for and count my blessings, big and small, it overwhelms me how truly loved I am. All problems seem to regain their proper perspective and new ideas and new solutions come into my consciousness. Not because the problem went away but because I remembered who I am and who my source is. There is nothing that can overcome me if I have my eyes, my heart, and my gratitude on the Lord.
So, friends - remember who you are and look for the grand possibilities that exist in this world to overcome.
Be blessed!
Barb
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Feed your spirit for Easter!
I was just listening to my favorite Christian radio station online and realized that this is probably one of my favorite ways to "feed my spirit". There is something about music that changes my connection to my emotions. It can mellow me out or it can fire me up in a 3 minute time frame. I never really thought about Christian music until I lived in a little town called Connersville, IN about 16 years ago. I'm not much of a country girl so the atmosphere was just ok. But I found in that little town a group of believers. We had weekly Bible study at a friend's home and the house was always filled with the sounds of music - good, uplifting, Christian music. It started my love for this type of music. I listened to it all the time. Then when I came back to Cincinnati and life got busy and my kids turned to teens I listened to what they were listening to. I enjoyed some of it, was shocked by much of it. I certainly provided my "2 cents" worth of opinion on it and banned quite a few things. What a waste of music!
Last year when I had an incredibly spiritual experience and captured it in my book, MIGHTY INSPIRATION: Love Letters from God, I felt my heart shift back toward what feeds my spirit. Now, it's virtually all I listen to. I'm thankful to have this station in my town. They sing me to and from work and fill my life with reminders of what is great and how we can all make a difference in this world. What a blessing.
So, for this Easter, as you go about your day enjoying the eggs, the candy, the kids, the beauty of spring I wish for you a blessing of music to feed your spirit!
May God bless you!
Barb
http://www.eloquentbooks.com/MightyInspirationLoveLettersFromGod.html
Last year when I had an incredibly spiritual experience and captured it in my book, MIGHTY INSPIRATION: Love Letters from God, I felt my heart shift back toward what feeds my spirit. Now, it's virtually all I listen to. I'm thankful to have this station in my town. They sing me to and from work and fill my life with reminders of what is great and how we can all make a difference in this world. What a blessing.
So, for this Easter, as you go about your day enjoying the eggs, the candy, the kids, the beauty of spring I wish for you a blessing of music to feed your spirit!
May God bless you!
Barb
http://www.eloquentbooks.com/MightyInspirationLoveLettersFromGod.html
Friday, April 10, 2009
MIGHTY INSPIRATION, Love Letters from God
Today is a great day! My book, MIGHTY INSPIRATION, Love Letters from God is now published and released!
A year ago when I started to hear God's words stir in my heart I never imagined that I could actually write a book or that the book would be published. I had heard and felt God in my life before and it always provided peace or challenge for me in the moment. But this was different! Way different! God's words were so strong inside of me that I had to capture them in writing. He led me on a journey of self discovering and broadening my vision for my purpose on this earth. And he challenged me to help others find their purpose and their gifts for this world. We are all here to make choices - big and small choices that will move the world to a better place. God has a message for all of us. See what he said to me.
http://www.eloquentbooks.com/MightyInspirationLoveLettersFromGod.html
Peace and love to all!
Barb
A year ago when I started to hear God's words stir in my heart I never imagined that I could actually write a book or that the book would be published. I had heard and felt God in my life before and it always provided peace or challenge for me in the moment. But this was different! Way different! God's words were so strong inside of me that I had to capture them in writing. He led me on a journey of self discovering and broadening my vision for my purpose on this earth. And he challenged me to help others find their purpose and their gifts for this world. We are all here to make choices - big and small choices that will move the world to a better place. God has a message for all of us. See what he said to me.
http://www.eloquentbooks.com/MightyInspirationLoveLettersFromGod.html
Peace and love to all!
Barb
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