Thursday, June 25, 2009

Beatitudes

Today is June 25, 2009. Earlier today we learned of Farrah Fawcett's death. Most recently the news is that Michael Jackson also has passed away. With these two sad announcements I would like to take a look at life by asking you a question. How do you want to be remembered?
Life is usually described with the word "precious." It is a simple description, child-like and yet it is what we say. We also say someone is full of life. We overuse the statement: "Life is too short."
During the course of the next days we will be reminded of Farrah Fawcett's life and the brave battle she fought before her death. We'll remember Charlie's Angels. Also, we'll hear songs such as "I'll Be There" and "Beat It" as we remember Michael Jackson.
Matthew records in chapter five the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. We refer to the Beatitudes as the lifestyle prescribed by Jesus who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. The other day I was in a Bible study where a portion of the words contributed to James reflect the Beatitudes.
James ends chapter 3 with these words:
"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical. And the fruit that consists of righteousness is planted in peace among those who make peace."
(James 3:17 and 18, The NET Bible).
I encourage my Bible study leader to write a book that reflects our study. If he would write a book we could all understand that tells of the meaning in James it would be so helpful. I have always said that if I could point anyone to one book from the Bible I would recommend the Gospel of John. It is hard for me to leave out James. I know that a basic understanding would come from John, but James gives us a real challenge as well as a true guide for life.
Look for more insights from the question: How do you want to be remembered? (See my next post).

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Foods for Life

I created a foods for life list that includes these top seven:
1. steamed broccoli
2. spinach
3. chicken
4. salmon
5. tuna
6. eggs
7. yogurt
I then continued the list with these categories: beverages, fruits, other and juices. Now I have the challenge of only eating foods from the list with notes at the bottom of the page. Every good list always includes a few notes. To learn the details of this Food for Life Plan, be sure to make a comment!
I find that the foods I eat and the type of lifestyle I follow are quite important. My lifestyle usually includes my "rush" and therefore makes good eating habits very difficult to maintain.
I rush to work and almost everywhere. Allow me to put this on a wider perspective.
As Americans we all are in a big rush. We do not want to wait in lines or traffic. We do not feel the need to plan for anything so we are always operating in the "last minute rush."
Rush is the definition of American lifestyle. It affects our health, our well being and the way we treat others. Today we are engaged in an economic crisis that is lasting too long (since it there was no quick fix) and our overall appearance gives the impression of angry Americans.
So, how do we maintain a healthy, caring lifestyle? We are asked to work longer hours, compete with co-workers and are not being paid any more money. Bosses have become bullies. It does not matter how unfair the supervisor is, as workers we can't say anything. We can only work harder, longer, better or lose our jobs.
One solution is in taking the time in our personal lives to maintain a healthy and fit lifestyle. Eat better foods, plan ahead so we don't have to rush and walk more. Add more steps to our daily routines, add more greens to our meals and drink more water. These three things alone will lower our stress and help us feel good at work when we are putting in a few extra hours.
Our attitudes need to be adjusted so that we care for others as much as we do ourselves. We know how to smile when we feel like crying--that's part of who we are as people. Allow something good to surprise you at work. It is always better to be surprised by something good than to be disappointed when something goes wrong.
Let me know how much more you would like to know about "Foods for Life." Take care and stay strong!

Monday, May 11, 2009

Technology Challenged Persons
I find that women who are jealous, over 60 years of age and challenged by e-mail, enjoy making fun of people on social networks. They are often high school graduates in deadend jobs who can't afford to retire. They hate their jobs. They are overweight and are in poor health. They are in second marriages and are having difficulty keeping up with the rest of us. They make fun of people who keep up with friends on FACEBOOK by laughing at simple status updates. One of these women said that her 30 something son enjoys FACEBOOK but she doesn't keep up with him by using the popular social network. She laughed at status updates such as, "I am walking my dog." She should walk--anywhere!! Of course her loser son has never married, always needs money and often has to borrow a car to get to work two days in a row. What is wrong with this woman and others like her? Most of them have the mistaken view that FACEBOOK is for people who have no boundaries and are mostly conservatives. Nothing could be further from the truth. There is a mixture of political views on social networks. You know this or you would not be on the internet blogging or reading this post. For this individual and for other unfortunate persons who cannot enjoy e-mail or any other type of social networking--I have a few suggestions.
Don't spoil it for us--we are smart; we know technology and we have the right to enjoy it.
Stop making yourselves look like jealous old people.
If you need help--ask us. We are open and we are very helpful.
Don't take out your lack of education and information technology out on us.
Don't get on the FACEBOOK is Bad Band Wagon--it's unbecoming.
Many people have said many things about the negative influences from social networking. It is not all that! We know that prospective employers of new college graduates look at FACEBOOK. We are not all in that category. We are employed and are very careful about our networking.
Don't be the "bad apple." Try taking the high road for a change! That is, if it is not out of your reach!

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Welcome


Welcome to The Second Half! Here you'll find the way I see it. I share and express complete ranmblings in an abbreviated world.
April 18, 2009