Braving the Wilderness

 Im currently reading this book called "Braving the Wilderness" by Brene Brown, Im doing this one book per month thing...may be hard for some but I love reading so not too terrible... I havent gotten very far in but already Im so drawn to the heart of this novel... "dare to stand alone" in your authentic self, belonging no place but every place...belonging wherever you show up fully. It resonated with me so much because I often feel like I dont belong, cant find my crew, fleeting community. Its been my struggle in Dubai...and whilst we all need that in alot of ways it eludes us. So yea Im looking forward to reading this book to see what little or big nuggets I can apply to my own sense of belonging or lack there of.

The day of death....

 The day of death is better than the day of birth... Ecclesiastes 7:1. A wise saying by King Solomon that suggests that life should be lived with a focus on eternity. We make our travel plans based on where we want to go and what we will do...yet we seem to miss the point of life.. life, a transitionary period that prepares us for somewhere else... a forever place, an eternal final destination. So it would make sense to prepare for it and not ignore it or procrastinate. So when we lose a loved one, the day of death, it makes us reflect on where we are going and if we are ready. In short have you accepted Jesus. Jesus is the only way to eternal life, the only destination thats worth going. Birth makes us celebrate, death makes us ponder. So we may think life is short lets enjoy it, but eternity is long lets prepare for it.

Blessings 

Teenagers meehhhhh!!!!

So I get it and I dont. On the one hand I get that its the age of unveiling, that we come into our own, figuring out who we are, pushing boundaries dealing with all these emotional and physical changes everyday, which creates a battle in ourselves. The flip side to this is that we now embody these different emotions believing them to be definitive of who we are, so we think we know whats right, we challenge argue, fuss and disobey! Sometimes to the point of going down a dangerous path where recovery is costly. If only we listened and took precaution as warned. Nope, we only realize this when we have kids ourselves and begin to appreciate the love guidance and direction mistaken for unfair treatment and lack of care. THIS my dear friends is the definition of a TEENAGER!!!

Toodles 

Am I Impulsive?

Impulsive...quick to act without much thought! Without careful thought.... Thats my interpretation and the formal definition is somewhat similar...acts based on sudden desires, whims or inclinations rather than careful thought...

Is this me? Yup sometimes. and whilst it can be exhilarating it can be damaging, according to some. I find as a parent of teenagers I jump straight into curse mode when no one listens or does what Ive asked. My feelings may be warranted, actually they ARE warranted but unfortunately my response may not be. So instead of repeating myself numerous times, ill just grab your device or tell you to get out of my car and walk or cancel the trip! Whatever comes to my mind for these kids to learn the ratio of actions and consequences that I will do. Now is it damaging or a lesson well learnt.. who knows.. Modern parents may agree with the former...Im more old school traditional and certainly align with latter. What say you!

Toodles   

Stepping out on a limb!

 Stepping out on a limb suggests a very risky endeavour...one thats almost doomed for failure considering the fragility of a limb. But its more about facing your fears and grabbing hold of a purpose, a venture, a belief despite what others may think or believe.  What great faith it requires. Sometimes its easier to do nothing...stay safe, dont even climb the tree.. but where's fun in that??? How would you grow or learn your capabilities. So yea whatever it is, write the book, start the business, apply for the job, speak up and the the firmness of that limb may just surprise you, or you may just surprise yourself!

Toodles

Its Thursday...

 Anybody else thinking where does the week go? As I start to slow down (Yes I start with a bang on Mondays and by Thursday...whole different pace) and have coffee with a friend I observe my surroundings and realise in a sense we're all the same.... We want and desire the same things, we plan, we yearn, we feel....now the actual process by which we live out these feelings is what makes us different. If only we let go of self more and leaned into others, be honest and true...pray without ceasing, I think we would achieve alot more of what we set out to do! Yea maybe just delusion but I think the aged and the 1% would agree!

Toodles 

Not only eggs but hugs

So Ive come to realise Moms need  HUGS!!!! Lots of them! A random unexpected hug....It amazes me how a long warm hug can make such a difference to my day. Its fuel for my mind body soul and spirit. The best reset one could get. So having my daughter make a plate of scrambled eggs is great but a heartfelt hug is even better, Ill go make the eggs myself... 

Toodles 

It aint easy but it aint that hard!

 So I once read that we are not tired and overwhelmed because we do too much, but because we do too little of what actually feeds our soul, of what truly matters. So we should be unplugged just as much as we are plugged in. Feeding our souls with all that nourishes, good clean and wholesome. For me thats spending time with family and good friends who are like family, enjoying delicious meals, seeing the world, reading Gods word, diving into a good novel, watching a great film, being alone, shopping and just totally being present, Its different things for different people, so as long we each find our soul food and don't skim on it, but embrace it and bask in it and never feel guilty for doing it!!!