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Fear of Thinking

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Fear of Thinking

the-fear-of-thinking

Maybe it’s the age of instant information that has set us back in our ability to devise free thought. Perhaps it is the scariness of standing out from our crowd that has stopped our willingness to speak about original thought. Political correctness is always putting us in our place and prevents us from perusing what our hearts know to be true.

Whatever it is, many people today are afraid to think for themselves.

Freedom of speech has become the accepted mode for trash talk and insults, but has lost its power to protect speech about what is morally acceptable.

The Constitution’s First Amendment was composed so that individuals have the right to speak of what they believe. Our current climate considers the sharing of beliefs to be an infringement on the rights of others, so please don’t speak of God or prayer. Don’t stand for the National Anthem. Whatever you do, don’t suggest that life isn’t always fair.

I do believe that all men and women are created in God’s image and that we all have innate goodness and value. It is so hurtful to our race (the human race) to see the derogatory speech and actions of those who don’t think they are being treated fairly. Vandalism, theft, and assault are, and never will be, means for acceptable expression. You can’t heal pain with hurtful actions. Continue reading “Fear of Thinking” →

Truly Golden Fish

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Truly Golden Fish via Daily Prompt: Fish

Gold Fish.JPG

Jesus carried out one of his greatest miracles when he divided the 2 fish and 5 loaves feeding over 5000 hungry followers. Can you imagine the wonderment of the those he fed that day?

In modern times, these Gold Fish crackers provide their own kind of miracle. Contentment.

Nothing keeps my kids quieter in church or the car than Gold Fish. We use Gold Fish crackers for math homework and art projects. They make terrific Valentine, Easter, and Halloween treats because kids love them and Moms know the magical powers those cheesy crackers possess.

For a while our local grocery store did not carry Gold Fish. I am pretty sure Moms across the county were crying in anguish over this shortage. Fortunately the crackers have miraculously reappeared on the shelves in a multitude of flavors. Thank goodness!

While they may not provide the best nutrition, Gold Fish crackers provide contentment and stimulate imagination. Rarely do my kids eat them without making at least one swim into their mouths or having two of the fishy faces kiss one another. It is deliciously sweet.

There are many things in our lives that bring simple contentment. You don’t have to fish too hard to find them.

I encourage you to bait your focus for finding satisfaction in the simple pleasures of the day. Reel in the warmth of the sun as you make your way to work or class. Fill your net with compliments and kind words that have been tossed your way by those you meet. Hook onto people who are positive and swim in the positive encounters.

Contentment floods us with calm and allows us to wash away our worries. Set sail with your Intentergy poised to latch onto the good in life and may your energy be cast far and wide. Let your positive attitude flow and influence those who need some simple pleasure in their lives. Cast away!

By: Melanie A. Peters

P.S. I am not a spokesperson for Gold Fish crackers.

 

 

How to Treat a Bad Day – Wise Words Wednesday

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How to Treat a Bad Day – Wise Words Wednesday

how-to-treat-a-bad-day

Bad days seem to be contagious. When you have one bad day, you seem to become a bad day magnet

Bad days stink.

It is easy to say, “Tomorrow is another day,” or “Cheer up. It could always be worse,” but we know those thoughts don’t defeat the dreariness in some cases. The best medicine for a case of the blues is to treat yourself though kindness or charity.

Doing something kind or generous can be the first step in kicking cloudy thoughts to the curb. Not only will your actions help someone else have a better day, but you will quickly find that your friendliness has the same infectious inclinations that the bad days bring. One kind act makes is a lot easier to motivate ourselves to feel accomplished and lovable.

If you aren’t going for the sweet, touchy, feely remedy, remember Mercutio’s crude advice for Romeo after Rosaline’s rejection in The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. Mercutio roughly advised his friend, “If love is rough with you, be rough with love.” Mercutio’s advice wasn’t exactly dealing with how to treat a bad day, but we can adapt it to fit our treatment purposes. Continue reading “How to Treat a Bad Day – Wise Words Wednesday” →

When the Tree is Gone

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When the Tree is Gone via Daily Prompt: Gone

When the tree is gone.jpg

 

Every year my children and I enjoy decorating our home for the Christmas holiday. Even my husband perks up at the sight of the lights. I try to not put the tree up too early so as to protect the magic its lighting brings. After the feast of the Epiphany (the wise men’s arrival), I dutifully take down all the decorations.

The emptiness created by the absence of tree, garland, and lights gives our home an incomplete feel. The rooms seem stark and the light seems cold. What is it about the time after the tree is gone that darkens our day?

When the tree is gone, the spirit of Christmas is not plainly visible. When the tree is gone, the remembrance of all those Christmas wishes fades. When the tree is gone, the twinkle of Santa’s magic dims and we forget about that whole peace on Earth and goodwill towards men thing. Plus, when the tree is gone, I find it a lot harder to just sit in my arm chair and read a book or watch my kids play. It’s as if the tree is a holiday anchor that holds us in place and reminds us to remain steadfast in the enjoyment of our home and family.

I challenge you to keep the Christmas spirit alive in your actions and words. Take time to sit in your favorite chair and read a book or snuggle with a loved one. Continue in your efforts to bring peace to the lives of those you encounter and yourself. Give the gifts of understanding and kindness in all you do.

Just because there isn’t a tree standing in your living room doesn’t mean you have to become a scrooge. Find joy in the simple elements of each day and you won’t have time to miss that silly old tree.

When the tree is gone, continue to shine as a light for others each day. Put some holiday in your heart and let your Intentergy keep the spirits of others alive and well.

By: Melanie A. Peters

P.S. If you still have your tree up, that’s cool.

Toxic Clutter – Wise Words Wednesday

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Toxic Clutter – Wise Words Wednesday

toxic-clutter

Many of us begin our spring cleaning as soon as the New Year’s ball drops. We start cleaning out our closets, coat pockets, garages, and storage tubs.

We make resolutions to clean out our bodies and clean up our acts.

With those resolutions we need to work on toxic clutter removal as well.

To most of us clutter is made up of piles of old clothes, magazines, or books. Maybe your clutter has amassed itself on your dresser or in the catch-all drawer in the kitchen or the depths of the back seat of your car. wherever it is; the clutter is growing.

Clutter needs to be viewed as more than stuff that piles up in our homes. It is also the resentment, guilt, anger, hurt, and failure that hangs around in our hearts, minds, and spirits. As we turn towards a fresh new trip around the sun, let’s refresh our lives by removing some of that toxic emotional clutter. Continue reading “Toxic Clutter – Wise Words Wednesday” →

Your Sound Track for 2017

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Your Sound Track  for 2017 via Daily Prompt: Hopeful

official-soundtrack-of-me

Every major motion picture has its official soundtrack. Professional baseball players have their warm-up song that blasts through the stadiums as they step up to the plate. When best friends head out for a night on the town, they always have their “jam” blaring through the speakers hyping them up as they paint the town red. Newly weds share a first dance to that one song that sings the story of their love.

There is something special about music and its role in our lives. There are certain songs that transport us back to the moments when our lives were defined by the music that accompanied the experience.

png 1  In 2017 I encourage you to make a sound track of your life or find your playlist for success.

When I work out, I start with Ike and Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary.” Something about the build up of the song really gets me going. Ike and Tina are followed by the Dixie Chicks’ “Ready to Run”. I guess, at that point, I am ready to run. Once I get running, my fighting side comes out and I am fueled forward by Christina Aguilera’s “Fighter” and Britney Spears’ “Stronger.”  After that I love to throw in some Beyoncé (anything Beyoncé), more Dixie Chicks, Lynyrd Skynyrd,  and/or Meredith Brooks, Pink, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, TLC, Nelly, ZZ Top, and Buck Cherry, and usually finish out with Martina McBride’s “Happy Girl.” Eclectic, I know, but it really helps me through my work out.

png 1  I want you to find the music that moves you too. Arrange the soundtrack for getting you through toughest challenges. Continue reading “Your Sound Track for 2017” →

Are There Toys in Heaven?

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Are There Toys in Heaven?

toys-in-heaven

Saturday we said good-bye to my husband’s aunt. She was a smart, funny, family oriented lady and will be missed.

As the kiddos and I whipped up some pancakes for breakfast Saturday, my oldest son asked, “Are there toys in heaven?”

It was one of those parenting moments we all pray about. We don’t pray for the moments to come. We pray for the right words when the moment arrives.

I said a quick prayer and did a mental dash through my heart before answering him.

I said, “I don’t know what heaven is like, but I believe that everything in heaven is so perfect that we don’t need toys or tv’s or distractions there. We are whole again, and, when we are angels, our days are filled with light and happiness and probably flying contests to see who can fly the fastest with our angel wings.”

This response seemed ok, at first. Then my son got teary eyed and said, “I want there to be toys in heaven because sometimes little kids die.”

Oh, man, those parenting moments just kept on coming!

I put down the pancake spatula, hugged him tight, and said, “God knows what we need. If there is a child in heaven who needs a toy, God will give him that toy. Remember, in heaven, there is no hurt or sadness.”

He hugged me back and asked for the big pancake on the griddle. 🙂

I finished making pancakes, fed the kids, and said a prayer. The first part was in thanksgiving for the innocent and pure hearts of my children. The second part of my prayer was for the young souls in heaven. I asked for comfort for those grieving the loss of those little ones and that those baby angels fly happily and wholly through eternity.

Today the intent of my prayer is again two-part.

png 1 One: May my children always possess the childlike wonder and curiosity they do now.

png 1Two: May everyone find solace in the knowledge that God knows what we need. He will provide for us when the time is right.

Intentergy is about putting positive intent into the things we do. Please take time as you continue to celebrate the Christmas season and prepare for a new year and use that time to take inventory of all that has been provided for you in your life and embrace the awe of what is yet to come.

By: Melanie A. Peters

P.S. The pancakes were only slightly dark on one side. We just added butter. 🙂

 

 

Graceful Mistakes – Wise Words Wednesday

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Graceful Mistakes – Wise Words Wednesday

graceful-mistakes

There is no better time than the holidays to forgive and forget mistakes. Let bygones be bygones. Let peace within yourself ring and forgiveness shine for all to see.

Not one of us is perfect. That is the fun of being human. Embrace your imperfections.

Not one of us says the right thing all the time. That makes conversation exciting. Pray for the right words. Slow down and give yourself time to find the most helpful thing to say.

Not one of us freely prances through life without a flub up. That gives us room for grace. It’s not the fall that is graceful; it is how you get back up.

I encourage you to find the grace within yourself to forgive past shortcomings and move on from your mistakes. Grow from the things you have learned.

Graceful intentergy is the best kind of positivity. Graceful intentergy is the most rewarding energy. The grace and light that radiates from forgiving yourself will not only brighten your day but will shine as an example for all those you encounter of how to love themselves gracefully.

By: Melanie A. Peters

P.S. Remember that whole love yourself thing.

Three Gifts from Santa

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Three Gifts from Santa

three-gifts-from-santa

Every year Santa delivers three gifts for each of us. That is it. Three.

My children receive three things from the jolly old elf and are ecstatic. The gifts are usually three things from my children’s wish lists or fun things they will use.

When people hear that my children only receive three gifts Christmas morning, they are shocked.

Here are Santa’s reasons for the tradition of three gifts on Christmas morning at our home:

5. Santa is magical but he is also practical.

4. Santa wants the family to spend time together. He doesn’t want all of Christmas to be spent in separate parts of the house with our new things. He wants us together.

3. Santa wants our children to know they are loved and the number of gifts under the tree can NEVER amount to the measure of our love.

2. Children receive so much through out the year. He wants those three gifts to be special and memorable.

1. Santa remembers the first Christmas. At that first Christmas, a very special child received three very special gifts. He wants that same special message to be shared with my family.

By: Melanie A. Peters

P.S. Remember the Reason for the Season.

An Elephant on Your Fence and other Elephantine Problems

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An Elephant on Your Fence and other Elephantine Problems

Q: What time is it when an elephant sits on your fence?

elephant-on-a-fence

Photo credit: data.amirite.net

A: Time to get a new fence

This is a popular joke at my house that actually teaches a terrific lesson.

The biggest problems can sometimes have the simplest solutions.

Yes, those solutions may take a lot of time and effort, but they are simple none-the-less.

If you are facing a big problem, try to look at the big picture and find what it will take to alleviate the issue. What do you have to do to get rid of the problem?

There is not a problem we can’t solve one way or another. Okay, I know you are thinking, “What about world hunger, or war, or racism?”

Well, this brings me to my second elephantine problem. Continue reading “An Elephant on Your Fence and other Elephantine Problems” →