Good Morning... And it must be a good morning as my Internet signal is up and running, even though the skies are clear! I know most of you techie's out there in cyber space are thinking I'm off here... But I kid you not. Bear in mind we live in rural, country landscape with nothing between our satellite and the clear blue skies! However, our signal often is non-existent when the skies are clear. Go figure! Of course, it doesn't care much for the high wind days either.... Noteworthy, the best days are gray, cloudy days. Some day I may pay the $120.00 service charge to have them come fix what shouldn't need to be fixed... But until then, I'll have to hit and miss as I can.

Then again, maybe that is God's way of telling me I shouldn’t be sitting here on beautiful sunshine days??? Just a thought!

Okay - I was thinking, which in itself can be rather dangerous... But all kidding aside, I was thinking about The Secret. For those of you who are aware of The Secret you should understand what I'm saying here. After I viewed it over a year ago I was moved to the consideration of how much it aligned with The Bible. Of course, as I noted before, the teachers or speakers as you will, offered it from a wide variety of greater than self entities, and in my case the greater than self is God.

Pondering this, I heard a verse quote for today that drives the point home in very few words. Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. (Translation: What we think we become.)

However, on the flip side of this, we tend to be a rather thick headed people, who insist on doing things our way. This much considered I had to think about what God's thoughts on The Secret might be.

Personally, I think it was all his idea in the first place. After all, when you are locked out of your own house; if you can't get in through the front door, why not try the back door? And if that doesn't work, check the windows, and so on. We are in ourselves, supposed to be the living temple of Christ. If he can't enter in, then he finds other ways of reaching us. Then once inside, don't we attempt to make our home the way we wish it to be - in decor and organization etc. I think you get the drift here.

It appears to me The Secret is one of those means of access. If I'm right, then God put these great thoughts into the minds of able bodied marketers, who then transformed it into an International Success.

No doubt, he wanted to reach more than just a Christian community so he made it multi-faceted. I’m thinking this was no doubt with a bigger plan, that open minded Christians would grab hold of it and move forward. In their forward motion, they would be able to paint a fresh picture to a strong willed society to grasp it all.

After all, the concepts taught in The Secret have been around since the beginning of time. We simply have become so wrapped up in our society and day to day lives which move on the fast track with little other choice, that we fail to see the obvious; that which is right before our very eyes.

Okay - enough on that for today. I have begun this journey, purely coincidentally at the same time I am entering another new voyage in my life's journey. I have decided that I have to find new ways to change my thought process and one of those, I have been reminded is by hiding God's words in my heart, at more than just a superficial level. In so doing, I am hopeful to find an effortless transformation in my thought process. Okay, maybe not effortless, but you know what I mean.

My New Year's Resolution this year was not one I have ever intentionally made before. Go ahead and laugh, but it is to give up cursing. I never used to cuss much, but years of working with some of societies toughest teenage boys over the past fourteen years had rendered me into a new dimension of language or lack of language barriers. I have to admit, I could hold my own with the best of them.

I began acknowledging that I wasn't very fond of the person I had become. I missed the innocence. Perhaps there is little I can do to regain that.... There still remained the potential of becoming a person I could stand to be with the rest of my life. No, I'm not a split personality or any other wonderful diagnosis of such. But I want to amend my being to the softer, gentler person I once was.

Some of my past kids (who are now grown) tell me I'm have mellowed. But in reality what may appear to be mellow and laid back, is no more than a pressure cooker about to blow up. The steam is being released through the higher price of my health. Things like high blood pressure, head aches and such.

After a few months of noticing my health check options, and having my Mom in the hospital for a short stay in January, all combined to spur a change in my eating habits. As you know, from my Chocolate Sprinkle Donuts of Thursday’s blog; I have not given up all the yummies all together. However, I have made significant changes. But the diet wasn't going to be enough to progress the bigger picture. Nope! It didn't take long to realize there had to be more than food involved in this life make over.

I bet you're thinking I'm in a mid life crisis now... Not really! I hit that in my thirties. lol Take it for what it’s worth, but this really is about more than an age melt down.

What else had to change, you ask? My thought process, the condition of my heart (in more ways then one - so to speak) and a renewal of my spirit being, all needed a work over. I am discovering the thought process is mysteriously the greatest of these areas. The thoughts ultimately control the person, the heart, the choices, the diet, the soul and so on.

With this much said, which is no doubt more than enough for one day I want to close with some PST (Remember- Positive Self Talk).

Today is beautiful! Blue skies and no clouds... The incredible mountain ranges can be easily viewed against the sun's contrasting rays. It all renders my soul and being to pure awe! I look about my farm setting and see several mares, who after coming through the hardest of the Colorado winter, appear to be carrying the blessings of new life that will grace our pastures in the coming months. This brings a smile to my face with even the slightest consideration of the wobbly legged newborn horses. I wish everyone could experience this incredible occurrence at least once in a lifetime!

Today I woke up, cleaned up and dressed up; no, not in formal wear, But I wanted to be fresh and ready. Today is the day. You are wondering, the day for what? I'm not sure just yet, but I bet by this time tomorrow I will be able to clue you in!

Be ready folks! Be ready for blessings, and remember that even when the Satan Poop comes along, this too is no more than possibilities! Be ready for life changing situations and your hearts fulfillment! If you are not ready, how can you answer the door when opportunity knocks? How can happy thoughts fill you to brimming over if you won't even let them take root? How can you reach a complete level of realization of all you can and were created to be if you don’t believe it yourself today? Surround yourself in a positive aura of your own choosing and creation!

Today that is your secret - the secret - change your thoughts and change your life!

Remember – Today is the first day of the rest of the journey and you can trust the process!

Wishing you all a blessed weekend! I will most likely continue to blog on weekend days as time allows - so check back often!

One last thought with NASCAR back in full swing for 2008…
In the words of DW – “Let’s go racing boys! Boogity, Boogity, Boogity!!!!” (And girls too, as the case may be!)

Once more,
Love to all!

We made it through hump day and here we are the day before the day that counts…. I have to tell you, I can hardly wait for spring let alone summer! Though this winter has lacked the intensity of last year’s snow multitudes, it has been a trying and faith testing season for those in our household and family.

Between career dilemmas, thoughts of leaving the area of which we have lived for the past ten years, starting a new business, extremely challenging foster care situations, health concerns and hospitalizations… Not to forget the new car crisis from last night…. LOL The point remains; it has been an apparent season for growth.

Growth you ask? Some may say it sounds more like stagnation and turmoil by worldly standards, it’s true. However, as I reflect on life over all, I have to agree with many great theological scholars who have acknowledged “It is in the valleys of life that we grow.”

Sure is shooting, it’s true. In the peaks we attempt to remember to be thankful and praiseworthy, but often are so wrapped up in the moment of our realized hopes, dreams and aspirations that beyond fleeting after thoughts, we simply exist in the moment.

However, in the valleys we have but two choices. One is to give up, leaving us defeated, washed up and even bitter in many cases. The other is to turn to God and “push” through whatever opposes us along life’s way.

DEFINITION OF “PUSH”
Pray until something happens.

I wish I could claim that one – but I can’t. It is simply another one of those incredible quotes to live by, found along my journey and applied to my day to day existence.

To be honest with you, I believe that God will not fully reward my aspirations until I have learned what it is that he feels necessary for such fulfillment. In my case I must be a poor or slow study, as it seems I have repeated many of the life courses to date. I must admit some of them several times now! So when do I get a passing grade?

In my very first day in this blog I said I had made it… This all plays into today’s thoughts. I have made it in some fashion… Maybe I’m only at the threshold today, but I feel it. I know with every thing inside of my being that I am on the verge of a major break through. What will that turn out to look like? I can’t say, but I think it may be bigger than any thoughts that may have played out in my mind to date.

Perhaps it’s the secret? Perhaps it’s the visualization? Perhaps I have finally reached the pinnacle of a deeper understanding that the Secret implies in a much deeper level of consciousness in my relationship with Jesus Christ.

Don’t we have to offer a good thought process, a positive feed to the world beyond us to be able to serve the risen Savior in the manner in which he first served us?

Okay – this has gone deep on you and I hope I haven’t scared anyone off… I know the secret does not speak of Christ in any direct reference… But you can fill in the blanks as you choose. I choose Christ. Joel Osteen from Lakewood Church seems to understand such principles and I try not to miss a week of his uplifting messages!

So the suggestions of positive affirmations condition our minds to accept and apply.
“You can if you believe you can…” “God will if you believe he will.” And so on….

Of course it isn’t quite that simple, but in general many theologians would like to complicate it far more than Christ himself ever did. Personally, I love parables; I live by them as a foster parent in sharing stories and analogies to make points more clear or applicable to the situation. Sometimes successful and other times a complete and utter failure. Then again, what appears to be failure could be buried seed that take time to grow???

So, in closing, today I am letting yesterday go. By the way, the new car is back home and only awaiting the new license plates. There were a few other problems that presented themselves in yesterdays “Satan Poop” that are in part resolved, and the others I am sure will be. Yesterday what appeared to be life altering stumbling blocks in my journey, now today appear to be possibilities. I have grown through one more day in the valley and arrived triumphant on the other side of the new dawn.

And tonight… I’m sure that I will no doubt have people lining up to take my hubby off my hands – he brought home donuts and gave me the one with Chocolate frosting and sprinkles too boot! Okay – it may be undermining the eating habit changes, but hey, you gotta live a little after all!

So, don’t skip the sprinkles and remember – NASCAR is running once more and this week is California! Thank God for Speed Vision and good sports coverage!

Sorry I'm so late with today's post - but the Internet Satellite Signal is whacked out again for most of the day!

Wow…. Life never fails to amaze me. I have at times looked back through old journals and writings and seen either that I was at an all time high, or all time low; or so my words may reflect. However, as I enter this journey into blogging as such, I realize the dramatic contrast from day one to day three, is much the same.

Such drama around our home has become known as “Satan Poop”. Yes, you heard me right. It all came about from my sister-in-law and I discussing “one of those mornings”…. You know those kinds of days…. We’ve all experienced them, unfortunately.

The day at hand as I can best recall, was filled with the overwhelming extra ordinary circumstances that seem to overwhelm us all at once. This day for her had been topped off with a sick puppy dog….

“Satan Poop” defined:

The plagues of daily life that serve to undermine our optimism, faith, and forward progress that many believers tend to conclude is Satan at his own personal best; undermining our personal best to be less than what it should be.
This explains the first part of “Satan Poop”. The later part – “Poop” was derived from the sick puppy. The rest I suppose goes without explanation. Hence, we arrive at Satan Poop, which has since become as I stated, a common term for “those kind of days”.

It may sound like a relatively silly or even stupid antic to most – but in reality it has served well in my own personal faith building. After all, many times when I am faced with those sorts of days, I tend to forget where the source of the problem lies. If I forget this, then I am apt to forget where the source of the solution lies as well.

So, in the bigger picture, the simple and silly little reference not only serves to make many laugh out loud, which in itself helps to lighten the path; it also makes me think out side of the box a bit more. It helps to remind me to take command of the situation through faith, to remember who’s knocking and give every possible effort to avoid answering the knock. Or as I have heard it put… . “When Satan comes knocking – Let God answer the door.”

Okay, that all sounds great in theory… That must be the PST (Positive Self Talk) for the day! But ask me, is it always that easy? NOT EVEN CLOSE!

I had the experience that so many wish they could say had happened to them, yet one more time last night… Many would think I’m a big, whiny baby who can never be satisfied or happy if they could only hear some of my personal conversations. Last night was no exception. However, I assure you things are not always as they appear. It’s as I said earlier on – so many people think they would like to be in my shoes… And maybe they would. Then again, I can assure you most of those same people would not be willing to sacrifice or pay the cost for these shoes.

My beloved husband had my two boys (Chad and Drewster) pick up the new (barely used) vehicle he had purchased for me the day before, unbeknownst to me. I know what you’re thinking…. How sweet is that? I wish I had a husband who did things like that for me… Etc. Etc. I have heard them all over the years. However, the thought occurs to me that just once I would like to be asked what I would like in a new vehicle… Or if there is something else the money should be denoted to prior to such a financial commitment, etc. And so the story goes.

But that is a whole different story. Honestly, I didn’t want to be totally ungrateful. This being said, even with the considerations of how I would pay for the gas in a bigger vehicle when I can barely cover the gas cost it in the one I have been driving… I know his heart is in the right spot, most of the time. Therefore, a totally radical response may not be warranted. But I can assure you, it surely isn’t like the commercials with the woman being surprised by the Lexus in her drive way make it out to be.

Truly, he had some valid sales pitches for the whole ordeal of which is not a big surprise. I swear the man could sell ice cubes to Eskimos or sweaters on the beach. Yes, he missed his calling for sure. Nonetheless, his preconceived and polished presentation (yes, after 27 years he knows when a plan is in order) paved the way to at least creating a slightly more open mind on my part… However, in all honesty, I was still not convinced I should be happy.

Consider, this was not the beginning of my day’s Satan Poop, nor was it to be the end of it. Nope… I had a few significant other dilemmas over the course of the afternoon that all culminated in my tears of frustration and fear over the newly acquired debt involving a new vehicle. The very vehicle that lo and behold broke down at the grocery store on it’s maiden voyage.

I kid you not! The evening was progressing and I am finally lightening up a bit as he offers to take me grocery shopping. He was apparently insistent on the fact we take the new car (even though it was scheduled to have a new cam sensor replacement the following morning). I am sure he thought it would be fine and an ample opportunity to sell me with all the bells and whistles on the way to and from the store… In part, the drive to the grocery store was, shall we say comfortable.

We come out of the store – load our goods into the back and are headed to the local Taco Bell to get dinner for our four foster sons as it is now getting later than anticipated for home cooking.

He turns the key to no avail… Again and again… Grrrowrrrrr – pause Grrrowrrrr - pause and so on. It won’t start. He sheepishly asks, "So what do you think of your reliable new vehicle that I won't have to worry about you being stranded somewhere in?"

Okay – I admit…. I actually felt sort of sorry for him at that moment and it didn't get much better! We called in the Calvary as our boys were laying under the car in the grocery store parking lot replacing the sensor themselves, with sensors they were not sure worked or not. Apparently the word on that is “NOT”. But if this wasn’t enough – the anti-theft light began blinking – along with the battery light… They checked all the fuses, read the manual, you name it… We even went and got more gas, fearing the gas guage was off. All to no avail.

The tow truck arrived after 9, two or three hours later, to take it to the dealership. I don’t know as of yet if the CD’s that are in the CD player/radio are stuck or someone just forgot them. To be honest with you, when my son Chad noticed that it was shuffling back and forth upon the ignition turning, I really don’t think he wanted to find out at that moment in time. I didn’t try either… No doubt we had enough for one night already.

So… The moral of the story for today’s journey is simple. Things are not always as perfect and easy in the neighbor up the streets house as you may think. There is always so much more than meets the eye.

This brings to mind yet more infamous quotes to live by:

“Don’t judge the book by the cover!”

And for Heaven’s sake -

“BEWARE OF WHAT YOU WANT!!!! YOU MAY GET IT!”

So when the hard times come - don't take them to serious folks! Just remember, it's just a little more "Satan Poop"!

Okay... Reality: Yesterday I felt as though I conquered the world. Today feels like Monday. Positive self talk: but that's okay. It's still a great day! Reality: I have to deal with red tape - I hate red tape... The whole process and all of which this includes. PST - (Positive self talk): I have so much experience in what I'm doing today, it'll be a breeze! Reality: It's time to get going PST (Positvie Self Talk) It's a beautiful, blue sky, Colorado morning and I can't wait to get out in it!

So, there it is... The start to a beautiful week. Reality: (doubtful) Right? PST (Postive Self Talk) -Yeppers - that's right!!!! After all, it's the day after President's Day, which means it is a short week... That has to be good.

Addressing my inspired words of the day past. Yesterday I said I had made it... Okay, in some ways I have gone the distance... I know there are others who at least believe they wish they were in my shoes... But on the other hand, I'm still in process. There is a very special quote of which I should make special mention of on a regular basis....

"God is in the Process....
Therefore, Trust the Process!"

Isn't that profound? So, you think I'm a little out there on this one? A great woman gave me this quote. I felt(doubtful)the same as you probably do reading it for the first time... However, I did as she requested and posted it in a large printed version in clear view of my daily path. Soon I found it appropriate to put on my computer screen saver. I have since changed computers and never taken the time to re-invent the application as such... However, it's as fresh and meaningful today as ever.

As I stated, I'm in process! I am well on my way, but as the days go by I am beginning to realize what I thought life was (Achieving success beyond the process) was all wrong... Oh sure, I still want the achievement and realization of such worldly matters within it's proper context.

However, Life is not about the awards, the success or the money. It's not about the size of the house, the number of horses, the year of car I drive. Nope! It's not about those things at all! LIFE as we know it, is all about the journey!

Bringing to mind one more quote before I close and get my booty out the door to take care of the red tape "as it is"....

"Life is a journey,
not a home...."

Our home is yet to come folks - so embrace the journey and trust the process!

Love to one and all!
Oh and by the way, have a great week!

I considered many facets of beginning a blog of my own and not for just the moment we are in, but long before. A writer by birth, it only makes sense that I would eventually evolve into the newest modem of communication. With of course, the exception of endless texting in which our society, specifically our younger generations are utilizing.

Ah yes, my only son Chad, nearly 21 years of age is catching the fever of the movement. Drewster, our yet older, emotionally adopted son (previous foster child) who is more like a brother to Chad than not, persists in such practices to a fault, leaving Chad to follow suit or be left behind. So, it is, Drew is known for not being the keenest driver on the roads, after a few new vehicles to his credit... Alas, admits proudly he has mastered the art of driving and texting all at the same time.

The only promising outcome of such erroneous decisions is that Chad reserves the right to be the designated driver for the most part. Funny, to think we put that term with alcohol and other mind altering substances... Not texting!

My beloved husband of twenty seven years, tends to get rutted in the past in some ways. Fairly stated, most of these are never detected to anyone less knowing than myself... However, he has and continues to maintain a few double standards around such considerations.

Admittedly, he is the first to complain about the driver, be it male or female, in front of him talking on the cell phone. But has he ever talked on the cell while behind the wheel? By the sheer notion of how this is stated, need I say more? But texting is beyond him.

I can handle the texting in itself... But all those wonderful little acronyms often leave me scratching my head and bewildered, at least for a time.

Can't we simply apply "The Secret" to this too? Sure! Just think positive - believe you know what they mean and sure enough... It just comes to you! Who cares if your definition was incorrect? After all, we do live in a generation of marching to our own beat, so why not?

Now don't go taking me out of perspective here... "The Secret" is not a bad thing, in fact, quite the contrary, at least in my reality. For the most part I have to agree with the whole visualization principles and so on that are taught within.... Hence, my very purpose in identifying it in the title of my blog...

There are a few obstacles in life and of course, those unsightly pot holes that we simply can't see until our tire is flattened or the vehicle in which we travel is out of alignment...sometimes worse. So it is in my life as well. Don't kid yourself; even those who practice this teaching by the minute face difficult decisions, sad moments of which they are forced to embrace in one way or another. And believe it or not, on occasion they even get a cold or flu bug. They have to learn the latest technology in's and out's, the same as you and me. Truth be known, I'd be willing to bet they even put their pants on one leg at a time.

It occurred to me that I could, just as many hundreds of thousands before me, be one of the known and well off. It was actually beyond my imagination for the most part... But it hit me a year ago. I'm a writer for crying out loud! A darn good one at that! I have essay awards and memorable praises that date back more years than I wish to admit.

One such pot hole in my life came to me at a time I was unable to understand the magnitude of it all. Yes, let me be the first to admit that I have been banished from a small but well known publication. It came with regard to the power of the pen and how I moved people, a listening audience, to not only emotional tears, but to pro-active petitioning. If those very readers only knew I had been banished by the editor. In all fairness he was stuck. He was forced to submit to the power of the dollar by an advertising patron who despised my selected article. An article of which had previously been published by the very editor who then apologetically shared his regrets in having to let my talent go by the wayside.

I was still young in thought and heart... But now, today, with renewed vigor and understanding, I embrace the reality of what had once demoralized me. It had left me wanting to stay clear of the very place I had frequented so many times before and then wrote of. It was the worst sort of pot hole! Now, the pot hole is filled in. I understand, the words were not only strong, but true and in the strength of this gift, I had received a great honor! I had in fact, made it... But in my innocence, I misread the out come as failure.

I am back... My first book is in publishing. Not controversial in nature, but accepted and hopefully soon to be released and seen in bookstores across the country... My first movie script is in the hands of a marketing editor/agency to be promoted to producers. And, best of all, I have only just begun.

It is never too late to discover the true secret that lies within each of us, the gift that gnaws at your very soul and won't let go. It is the source of our total and complete contentment, the purpose of our life and all that implies. We are not the sole of our dreams, goals and/or God given gifts/talents... But we need to realize they are a key element in who we are and where we were always intent on ending up.

I hope to stay alive and well with this new undertaking, hopefully offering a new twist on life from the past, present and future with each submission. But most of all, I delight in the knowledge that someone or maybe several someone's will enjoy the journey, and even find a means of personal growth and self fulfilling prophecy for themselves in sharing with me as I go.