Let’s Play

Play: To occupy oneself in amusement, sport, or other recreation.

Play time is a universal need. Learning occurs through experience, and play is a natural instinct which combines learning with pleasure. Throughout most of childhood, play is the way children learn about themselves and their environment.

Playhouse:

When I was a little girl we didn’t go buy a lot of toys. My mom was always able to take what we had and turn it into fun. I remember the most awesome play house was actually my dad’s storage shed. Mom push all his things to the back and the put plywood in front of it and viola, the open floor space was soon filled with our toy kitchen set, table and chairs, and anything else to doll it up. It was in this little play house my passion for home, decorating, cooking, and taking care of babies was born! I remember sweeping the floors, washing the dishes, and cooking the most awesome meals. Today, I continue to play. In fact, when someone calls and asks what I am doing, often Richard’s response is “Playing in her playhouse”…Translation: Cooking, cleaning, decorating or working on a project for the house.

A European city bike, an example of a bicycle ...

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Bike Riding:

I will never forget the freedom I gained when I got my bicycle. Off to explore the world. I put many miles on that bike…visiting friends and exploring the back roads. I loved packing a picnic lunch and heading out to explore for hours. Sometimes I would ride with friends and other times I was off on my own. Today, I still enjoy riding my bike. Whether it is a riding around the neighborhood on bicycle or across country on a Harley….

Playing in the Woods:

Living in Liverpool Texas as a kid we had a lot of wooded areas to play. Seedling Pine trees made the most awesome forts. Wooded areas made for a really good game of hide and seek too! I remember romping all over the place without even giving a thought to spiders or snakes. Today, I still love hanging out in the woods. Richard and I go camping frequently sitting under a canopy of trees drinking coffee and tinkering with a campfire is one of our favorite things to do.

Sonny & Cher:



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Living next door to us were 3 boys close to the same age as my sisters and me. For entertainment Rusty was Sunny and Yep, you guessed it, I was Cher. We practiced for hours and then would put on a concert for our parents. Our stage was the picnic table and Rusty’s, I mean Sunny’s guitar was a grilling basket for fish. We were incredible!!! Today, I love to sing and it was my passion for music that lead me to the love of my life; Richard. While we are not Sunny and Cher, we do make some pretty awesome music!

It is amazing how the things which we do as children carries over into our adulthood as a favorite pastime. Now when I see a pretty for the house, or feel the breeze across my face while riding, smell the scent of pine while camping, or hear a song that moves me I thank God for my childhood memories.

When you work too much without interspersing some play into your day, you lose your vitality. Play keeps your heart light and your spirit lively.

It is okay to play! Go back to your childhood, think about the things you loved to do, and incorporate them into your life today. Go for it…Be a kid again!

Love Lee ♥

Related Articles

Chicken Soup for the Soul: A Ride Down Memory Lane (beliefnet.com)

10 Family Traditions to Start Today (lifescript.com)

Prescription for healthy kids: Go outside and play (dispatch.com)

Persistance Pays Off

Sep23

All to often we stop seeking just before the answer comes…

Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.– Thomas Edison

Do you keep hoping and praying for a breakthrough…that perfect job, new home, special someone to live the rest of your life with, or perhaps losing the pounds? All too often we want an answer but stop just short of reaching our breakthrough or receiving the answer. But it is when we stop short of our breakthrough or answer we feel defeated. But, to quote Marilyn vos Savant; “Being defeated is only a temporary condition; giving up is what makes it permanent”.

Richard finally got his breakthrough…

Several years ago Richard left the Chemical Industry to set out on a new venture. He went to work as a technical writer, writing training manuals for chemical companies and refineries. While he has really enjoyed the work and loved writing, things began to take a downward trend… The office he worked at was located in Angleton which made it an easy commute however after a short time he began to recognize signs of instability within the company; lack of work and frequent layoffs so he began to pursue work with another technical writing company.

After a short period of time he was offered a position as a technical writer with a company which held lots of promise and plenty of work…Yeah! With the new company there was promise of additional opportunities in training and education. The downside however the new company was located in Houston which was 63 miles from home and the majority of the manuals he wrote were for refineries in Saudi thus the training and education was in Saudi. So, it didn’t take long to figure out this new position while it provided a good living was not a good fit due to the amount of travel involved. Thus, the search began…

Every evening, I have watched my precious husband search the internet, monitor the want adds, and network in hopes of finding a job closer to home. He would sit with his laptop in his lap and fill out application after application and when I would ask “whatcha doing?” he would respond, “the evening ritual”. So day in and day out he would drive 126 miles round trip, put in a ten-hour day and get paid for eight, and then search all evening. This went on for over two years…then finally everything began to change!!!

In two weeks Richard tested for three different Chemical companies and has been offered a position with two of them. Had he given up prior to filling out the applications for these companies he would not have found his new job!

Watching Richard’s persistence reminds me of a quote by a unknown Author~”Don’t be discouraged. It’s often the last key in the bunch that opens the lock.”

Oh and…Never, never, never, never give up~ Winston Churchill

Hang in there…Love Lee ♥

What’s Your Opinion

Sep22

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“The only sin that we never forgive in each other is a difference in opinion” Ralph Waldo Emerson

An opinion is a belief or conclusion held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof:

Everyone has an opinion but does not necessarily mean a person is right. So when voicing your opinion and someone disagrees what is your response? It depends on your ability to handle criticism and confrontation. If you don’t do well you may find yourself in fight-or flight mode. However, with an open mind we can use criticism to our benefit by following these 4 Steps to Handling Criticism.

Here are some things to ask yourself when giving your opinion; Is my opinion offensive to others?, Will my opinion hurt someone’s feelings?, or is my opinion rational? Most of all, is my opinion accurate?

When giving our opinion we should be certain we demonstrate kindness, compassion and respect. We are commanded to love everyone, not condemn those who don’t agree with us. We are even told to love our enemies.

Our opinions are just that, – opinions, regardless of where you got them from. They are tiny, a speck compared to the immensity of God. You cannot possibly have even the faintest idea of what God commands to other people, to other lifeforms. Your only possible intelligent choice is to continuously open in love and acceptance. Today more than yesterday.

Psalms 139:23 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.” should be our daily prayer.

So, what’s your opinion?

Love Lee ♥

Love your enemies. Yup, He really said that. (redletterbelievers.blogspot.com)

Fight or Flight

Sep22

Jessica (Niki) easily lifts Bob Bishop in &quo...

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When faced with a threatening situation do you run the opposite direction or is it full steam ahead no matter what the cost? This response is known as fight or flight.

The fight-of-flight response, also known as the acute stress response, refers to a psychological reaction that occurs in the presence of something that is terrifying, either mentally or physically. The fight-or-flight response was first described in the 1920’s by American physiologist Walter Cannon. Cannon realized that a chain of rapidly occurring reactions inside the body help mobilize the body’s resources to deal with threatening circumstances.

Threatening Circumstances:

A threatening circumstance is subjective and dependent on an individual’s threshold for stimulus. For some the threat can be real or perceived. This too depends on the individual’s ability to process information rationally and in a timely fashion. A threat can be as simple as a missed communication or as complex as perceived or actual physical danger. It is the perceived or actual degree of the stimulus that determines how we react.

Fight:

The first stress response to a real or perceived threat would be “fight”. To fight is to encounter the threat head on; not backing down either verbally or physically. Willing to sacrifice both life and limb without giving thought to the danger which could be involved.

Flight:

The second stress response to a real or perceived threat is “flight”. To flee the real or perceived threat. To avoid the encounter by removing one self from the proximity of the threat.

Instincts Versus God’s Word:

Do you find yourself being bombarded by those things which push the proverbial buttons in your life. Those buttons which evoke anger, fear, jealousy, or pride. Those buttons which initiate the fight-or-flight response. When faced with a difficult decision or perceived threat, I am sure you have heard the old saying “Go with your instincts”. However, do your instincts (fight-or-flight) line up with the word of God? Are you fighting when you should be fleeing or perhaps are you fleeing when you should be fighting. Is this a threat or is this a necessary trial with a purpose and you find your self asking Why Does Everything Have to Be So Hard?

When to Fight:

There is a time when we should fight; a time when we should stand for what is right. 1 Corinthians 16:13 says “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. However, the battle should be fought while wearing the proper garments as defined in What Are You Wearing Today?. In addition to the proper attire we should prepare for battle; exercise our minds, practice problem solving, learn to ask the right questions, and most importantly constant prayer. Then while under attach we are physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually prepared to fight as God instructs rather than flee which we would do instinctively.

When to Flee:

God’s word also reminds us there is a time to flee. 1 Corinthians 6:18 says “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.” We should also remember to flee from idolatry: 1 Corinthians 10:14 ” Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry”. Finally, we are told to flee evil desires. 2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” So those urges we instinctively fight against are what we should actually flee from according to God’s word.

Mountains out of Mole Hills:

Often times not all perceived threats are actual. Often it is our perception and we are often tempted to make mountains out of mole hills. We must make sure our minds are stayed on Christ so the proper perspective is maintained at all times. With Jesus in our hearts and the Holy Spirit guiding us we have the power to discern what is real versus perceived and all fear is removed from our daily lives.

Perhaps sometimes we just need to Lighten Up …

Love Lee ♥

Reduce Stress By Changing How You Think (forbes.com)

Establishing Boundaries

Sep19

Until you learn how to say “no” you will never be able to fully say “yes”.

Unless you know how to set boundaries to form your safe space, you will always be concerned that saying “yes” might put you in danger. So you will always pull back a little from saying “yes” with your whole heart. Paradoxically, knowing how to say “no” ans to form boundaries gives much more power to your “yes”

I have spent most of my life doing what everyone expected me to do rather than those things I felt were right for me; things that brought a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment to my life. Seeking approval, trying to fit in, or promoting peace and harmony often guided my decisions or determined my actions. Rather than drawing from that sense of oughtness that dwells deep within, I would do whatever I was asked in order to obtain the “atta girl”.

Seeking Approval:

There were times in my life I would have given my right arm to have the approval of others. Thank goodness, the approval of the “good” crowd meant more to me than the approval of the “bad” crowd. Otherwise, my life might have taken a very negative turn. Being an over achiever I have often gone above and beyond to obtain the approval of people who sought me and my company only for the information I could provide or the work I could produce. That which they needed from me to make themselves look good. Therefore, even the “good” crowd had an agenda!

Trying to Fit In:

Everyone on the face of the earth has the desire to fit in…to belong! Oh the times I laughed at jokes I didn’t find humorous or the times I agreed with the crowed or group just to fit in. Wanting desperately to be one of the gang only to find I never really did…The “lunch bunch”, “girls shopping club” , “movie gang” or the weekend trips but, wait what takes place during those outings, what is discussed, or what do they represent?

Promoting Peace and Harmony:

Oh the times I caved just to keep peace! The times I stopped short of the goal…all for the sake of peace and harmony! Backing down or dropping the subject just because the conversation becomes uncomfortable or the other person kicks into a passive aggressive mode. Peace at all costs or is that peace at my cost?

God revealed to me through the book “Boundaries” that by establishing boundaries in my life the outcome has eternal value. I now seek God’s approval over the approval of others therefore, I am no longer responsible for others happiness or success. As for fitting in, I have discovered God’s protection on my reputation and integrity because I don’t fit into certain crowds. And finally, standing up for what is right and good brings all peace and harmony over my life.

While setting boundaries is not a perfected art for me…I am much better at it than I was 10 years ago!Knowing I am able to set boundaries, choose my battles, and stand for what is right at all cost gives me the assurance I have the approval of my Father, I fit in with Him, and His peace and harmony floods my being.

To learn more on how you too can learn to set boundaries I recommend the book “Boundaries” for you!

Love Lee ♥

Welcome to My Garden

Sep16

If it is to be…it is up to me! If I have learned one thing, it is my happiness and joy is comes from the Lord. He has never left me stranded, let me down, or shunned me. He has taught me to rely on Him and not people.God has given me an incredible imagination and the gift of creativity so my garden of life is absolutely beautiful…full of color, life, and lush! There is no room for wilted flowers in my garden to muttle things.

To those who are willing to enter my garden bearing healthy thoughts and comments; WELCOME!

If you are carrying wilted flowers of negativity; please drop them in the compost pile and pick up a lush, healthy, and thriving plant to bring in with you when you enter. WELCOME TO MY GARDEN

Love Lee ♥

I’ve Got His Rib

Sep15

I love to be sitting next to my man in church and he reaches over and puts his arm around me. It is a perfect fit!!! I lean over and whisper, “I love sitting in your armpit” for it is sitting in his armpit I am surrounded by his tenderness yet a strong sense of security. I have my theory as to why…

I’VE GOT HIS RIB!!!

Genesis 2:22 says, “Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.”

When I am sitting in Richard’s armpit there is such a sense of ease for both of us because it is exactly where I belong! But, what about the times when Richard and I are not together; what then?

That is when crawl under the Sheltering Wing of my precious Heavenly Father.

It is beneath His wings I find the comfort and security only my Heavenly Father can give. The world and all its problems fade away. Time stops and He whispers…”I love you my precious child” and it is in that moment I settle in and relax in my Daddy God’s grip!

For my friends that have not found the man who your rib belongs to…Just relax beneath your Daddy God’s Sheltering Wing.

Love Lee ♥

Called to Lead

Sep15

No matter how good we are there is always someone who is better. So everywhere I’ve worked, I have always kept my eyes open for that person in hopes of finding a mentor. As I have gotten older and wiser I realize while it is important to have a mentor, it is better to have many mentors.

For some time now I have observed the different management and leadership styles in efforts to decide how to lead…tough decision until recently.

In addition to observing people, I also read a lot of motivational books. So as I was passing through the administration department, one of the books on the shelf caught my eye. The title was “Monday Morning Leadership” so I asked to borrow it. During my lunch break that day I started reading the book. I was captivated in the first paragraph! Below are some of the concepts I gleaned from “Monday Morning Leadership”.

“When it comes to leading people, there is no problem unique to you.”
“Even though your responsibilities increase when you become a manager, you lose some of the rights or freedoms you may have enjoyed in the past.”
“A real leader spends his or her time fixing the problem instead of finding who to blame.”
“When you write things down, you commit to doing them. If you simply tell me what you want to do, there is really no commitment to getting it done.”
“When you depend on another’s perceptions to match your expectations, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.”
“People quit people before they quit companies.”
“Take the time to manage your boss the same way you manage your subordinates.”
“One of the ‘main things’ for a leader is to eliminate confusion.”
“You have to escape from management land and get in touch with your people.”
“Your job is not to lower the bottom by adjusting for and accommodating the lowest performing employees. You should be raising the top by recognizing and rewarding superstar behaviors!”
“Doing the right thing isn’t always easy for you in fact sometimes it’s real hard, but just remember that doing the right thing is always right.”
“Everything you do matters because your team is watching and depending on you to do the right thing.”
“Guard your integrity as if it’s your most precious leadership possession, because that is what it is.”
“The most important thing you do as a leader is hire the right people.”
“Never lower your standards just to fill a position. You will pay for it later.”
“One of the major sources of stress, anxiety and unhappiness comes from feeling like your life is out of control.”
“If you want to make better use of your time, you need to be looking for the small increments of time; a minute here, five minutes there, etc.”
“You are the Chief Bucket-Filler and the best way to fill buckets is with excellent communication.”
“For you to be the very best, you cannot allow yourself to become complacent in your comfort zone. You need to be reaching for improvement.”
“So much of life is about attitude and how we handle what life throws our way. Life is good even when a situation appears to be the worst.

A leader is a person who influences a group of people towards the achievement of a goal. A manager is one who handles, controls, or directs.

While I still have a lot to learn, I thank God He has called me to Lead…Are you called?

Love Lee ♥

Why Does Everything Have to Be So Hard

Sep12

Have you ever asked yourself, “Why does everything have to be so hard”?

I have several friends who are going through some very difficult times. I too have had some very tough times in my life. I would like to believe all the pain or struggle I have endured had to be for something of worth and indeed it usually is. However, it is not easy for me to see the good when I am right smack dab in the middle of the crisis…Bottom line God is in control and He can either allow the trial or send the trial…I know, I know you say, “How can a God of love allow struggles or trials to happen?”.

Hang with me…

James 1:2 says “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,“ Wow, I don’t know about you but “Joy” is not the first word that comes to my mind when I am struggling in life.

Purpose of Trials:

Perhaps God is trying to get our attention: When life is good do we recognize God, seek Him, talk to Him, or read about Him? I say, not usually. Therefore God allows trials to come our way as a means to get our attention and draw us back to Him.
Maybe He wants to get to some sin in our life: Do we even recognize our sinful nature when everything is going good, we feel good, or we are on top of the world? Nope, why would we want to change anything about ourselves if what we are doing is working just fine?
Then again, maybe He wants us to surrender something: Is there something in our lives that means more to us than the Lord? Could it be a car, home, appearance, friends, family, habit…I think you get my drift. It could be anything you put value to…anything you want more than God. He wants to be number one in our lives and not a second choice!
Have you ever thought perhaps He has something better: God does not want us to live with status quo He adores us and wants the best for us. Do we want the best He has to offer?
Also, could it be He wants to conform us to His image: He wants us to stop being conformed to the likeness of the world and be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is the good and perfect will of God
Finally, have you ever thought that possibly He could be trying to equip us for service: It is difficult t minister to others if we have had a picture perfect world with everything and everyone in it equally perfect. No, sometimes we must walk through the valley so we can truly empathize with someone rather than pity them.

Effects of struggles:

A struggle or a trial can either destroy you or develop you. Developement takes practice, dedication, and a very strong devotion. When God developes us through a trial He makes us stronger, knowledgeable, understanding, reputable, dependable, and stable. On the other side of the trial we experience peace, joy, and serenity.

The Choice

So the outcome is up to us…Do we allow the trial to destroy us or develop us? So when we have trials do we fight against God, argue with Him, or turn to a friend to bail you out? God does not want to destroy us. He wants to bless us. The only time we can be destroyed is when we allow satan to get a grip on us when we are going through difficulties. A trial can render you useless or it can equip you to be a fantastic servant for God.

Our Response:

Our response to the choices we have are very dependent on several things. One is our view of God. Do you see God as legalistic… God that constantly punishes? Or, do you see God as kind, loving, compassionate, and forgiving? Do you see Him behind your trial with anger or a kind and loving God?

The Summary of Some of My Trials:

I have made some great memories and have had some great sorrows but none would have occurred if any one of the trials I endured in my life had been skipped.

Had my parents not split up when I was 5 then reconciled and moved to Liverpool; I might not have asked Jesus to be my Savior.
If our house had not flooded when I was in the 5th grade and we had not moved to Clute; my parent’s dysfunctional relationship might have continued.
If my parent’s had not divorced; I am certain I would not have moved to Angleton, met and married Richard, and had 2 beautiful girls.
If we had not had difficulties with our oldest daughter; I would have never moved to Brazoria.
If we had not moved to Brazoria; my youngest daughter would have never met the father of my precious Granddaughter.
If Richard had not surrendered to the ministry; I might not have walked thru some of my darkest days.
And if I had not walked thru some of my darkest days; I could not share the Joy only Jesus gives with such conviction.

Nothing in my life happened by accident…God had a plan for me and he has one for you too!

Love Lee ♥

Celebrating Martha’s Salvation

Sep12

What a wonderful day this was for Martha Mays, all those that love her, and for the Lord! Today was the day Martha chose to make her decision to accept Christ as her Lord and Savior known to all…

Back in May, Martha attended the First Baptist Church of Brazoria Ladies Retreat which God allowed me to speak at. It was after the first session on Friday night, I first met Martha. She was very quiet and reserved when she spoke. She thanked me for the session and asked me a few questions. We had a couple more opportunities to talk that evening. Then Martha announced she was going to bed.

The next morning she rushed over to me as I entered the meeting room and announced she had accepted Christ as her Savior. The quiet reserve was gone! She was beaming!!! Later that morning she made the announcement publicly to the entire group of ladies.

We returned to our homes and normal lives but have remained in touch via Facebook and email. A couple of weeks ago Martha emailed me and announced she was going to be baptised. I was so excited for her! I know this decision was not easy for her as she is very shy and would be nervous about getting up in front of the entire church.

This morning, I could hardly wait to get to church! It was Martha’s big day. The choir sang a couple of songs then the choir sat down for the baptism. I couldn’t stand it…you know me, I wanted to take pictures! Richard leaned over and whispered, “you should go down to the first row so you can get a better shot”. So, I did and wow I am so glad I did!!!

Brother Greg entered the baptistery and provided an introduction and explanation of baptism. Then he introduced Martha to the congregation. I could tell she was a little nervous as she made her way into the baptistery. Then Brother Greg asked those that had supported Martha or played some part in her giving her life to Jesus to stand. It was amazing…People were standing all over the congregation.

Finally, Martha looked out and our eyes met. She immediately started to cry like many others! Then, with the words “Dead to sin” under she went. As she came up Brother Greg said ” alive in Christ”. You could hear the shouts throughout the building and the smile on Martha’s face was indescribable…

The song that immediately rolled through my head was “Favorite Song of All” by Phillips, Craig, and Dean. Chills immediately ran up and down my spine. The link above to the video is absolutely beautiful as is Martha!