Category Beauty

Advice From Cavers

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Advice From Cavers

cave-advice

This sign hangs in the Visitors’ Center at Onondaga Cave State Park near the entrance of the Onondaga Cave.

The message is simple. It asks those that visit the cave to make memories there and not destroy future opportunities for others.

I love this message!

It is a terrific reminder that when we slow down, capture moments in our hearts, and appreciate what is in front of us, we leave opportunity for the future.

When we treat opportunities, like the ones provided by the caves with respect and appreciation, we present ourselves with greater understanding of what miracles are available to us. By dedicating time to experience what is beautiful in our world, we make our lives more beautiful. queens-throne-room

The memories we made visiting that cave are so special to me. My children and husband love talking about what we saw and did.It was a fantastic experience. I am excited to visit more caves so that we can compare and reminisce on what we  have seen and done. I like to think that these explorations will leave happy and memorable footprints on the hearts of my family.

Today take time to reminisce on fond memories of your own or make new ones with someone you love. Leave a positive footprint where you tread and make sure the time you kill is well spent.

 

lilly-pad-room

My son checking out the newest formations in the Lilly Pad Room at Onondaga Cave

By: Melanie A. Peters

 

Happiness is an Inside Job – Wise Words Wednesday

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Happiness is an Inside Job – Wise Words Wednesday

inside-job

The more I teach, write, pray, and live, the more I realize that happiness really does come from within. Perspective anchors everything. When we face the daily encounters of life, our perspective magnifies our happiness or sadness.

It is easy for me to write, “Oh, let’s all be happy all the time.” Is is not so easy to physically do so. That’s ok.

We are only human. We have emotions. We have guilt. We have hurt. We have anger. We have confusion. We have imperfections. We also have perspective that comes from within ourselves.

While you may have some negative aspects to your day, take a moment to refocus your perspective. Direct your energy to a brighter, more grateful outlook. Channeling your perspective to the thankful and appreciative light will enhance the joy you feel in your life. Allowing the good to shine in your perspective will strengthen the happiness in your heart. Continue reading “Happiness is an Inside Job – Wise Words Wednesday” →

Sunshine Blogger Award

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Sunshine Blogger Award

SUNSHINE-BLOGGER-AWARD

Thank you, FlyingColours, for the nomination of Sunshine Blogger Award. It really made my week! One of my goals for Intentergy is to bring light into people’s lives so this award was a terrific affirmation of my intentions. Thank you!

The objective of the Sunshine Blogger Award is to share about yourself and nominate other bloggers who you believe deserve the same honor. Here are my responses to the awarded questions:

(1)What you love about blogging ?

I love sharing my thoughts and ideas. Hopefully I bring fresh and positive perspectives to those who read my posts.

(2)What is your favorite song?

My favorite song of all time is “Wide Open Spaces” by the Dixie Chicks.

(3)What is your dream job ?

My dream job is to be a wife, mom, farmer, and teacher. I guess. I already have my dream job and I get to share my career experiences through my blog.

(4)If you could exchange your life with anyone for one day who would that be and why ?

For one day and one day only, I would swap places with Oprah Winfrey. My only reason is because she has done so many amazing things and continues to try to make differences in people’s lives everyday. 

(5)Your secret romantic fantasy ?

Camping with my husband in the mountains. 

(6)What are your habits that you hate most or want to change them ?

Guilt. I really wish I were better about not allowing guilt to plague me. The simplest things weigh me down. I wish I were better at just letting go. I am a work in progress.

(7)Your most embarrassing thing that happened to you ?

I forgot two lines of “The Star-Spangled Banner” when singing at a rodeo.

(8)Your favorite color ?

Blue

(9)Your motivation in life ?

To be kind, loving, and do the best job possible

(10)Craziest thing you would like to do in life that you were not able to do ?

Run a marathon. (I will get there someday.)

My nominations for the Sunshine Blogger are:

Georgia at Purelysimplewords.com

Shattered Dreams and Shattered Faith

Jeremy at Fivetweetstory

Rev. B. Keith Haney

I’m OK With Being a Bench Warmer

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I’m OK With Being a Bench Warmer

Bench Warmer

This student bench is my newest antique find. (Thank you, Craigslist and Nancy!)

A small bench was just what I was looking for to add to our home. Something I could set flowers, crocks, or books on. Something to add just a little more coziness. The fact that it is a bench from an antique student desk makes it perfect (me being a teacher and all).

I have big plans for warming this bench.

Since making the decision to take a step away from full-time teaching last spring, I have struggled with my role in the lives of so many people I love. I feel strongly for my former students and their families. I want to be there to help them succeed, but since school started this fall I have had a few more minutes to myself and I am realizing that it was a very healthy decision. I’m OK with being a bench warmer. Continue reading “I’m OK With Being a Bench Warmer” →

Pop Up Showers

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Pop Up Showers

Behind the Clouds.jpg

As I drove home today, it was obvious that rain was making its way to us. When the rain came, it fell hard and fast, making it difficult to drive. I slowed down, turned up the wiper speed, turned down the radio, and kept moving forward.

As my garage door closed behind me, I gave thanks for safety and shelter. After carrying in all my bags from the car, I noticed the rain had stopped and the sun was peaking through. I love the weather!

That pop up shower was a lot like our daily encounters. Sometimes a storm of trouble will come out of nowhere, but we hunker down and work through it. Other times we see it coming and can do nothing until is rains down on us. Those downpours strengthen us and actually refresh us for what life has in store.

Today I hope you do not experience too many unexpected whirlwinds or dampened plans. If you do find yourself facing a storm of sorrow or tribulation, stay strong. Slow down. Focus on moving forward. Turn down the distractions. Turn up the decision-making tools that will allow you to see clearly. Listen for the peace that follows the thunder and rain and know that you are a survivor.

By: Melanie A. Peters

Light through the trees

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Light through the trees

Sun through the trees.jpg

There has always been something that I love about sunlight shining through leaves. It’s like a ray of sunshine found its way through just for me.

As the heat of summer starts to make its way into the crispness of fall, I am excited to see flourishes of green leaves still weighing down the branches of trees. The last few summers have been pretty dry and by August some of our leafy friends have started to give up on their greenery.

Today is Monday and Mondays can be tough. Please use this message as a bright spot in your day. If you can, take time to find your own sunlight in the leaves or be a ray that brightens someone else’s day.

Energy is encouraged when a positive perspective is shared. Make sure your intent is to create energy from gratitude and positivity and the light you share will flourish.

By: Melanie A. Peters

 

 

 

 

Taking a Break from a Break

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Taking a Break from a Break

Taking a break from a break

 

On our recent fishing trip, my kids could not wait to get out of the boat and climb the big rocks lining the shore. After a ton of whining and pleading, my husband gave in and pulled close enough for the kids to clamor out and explore.

They were wearing flip-flops and life jackets so climbing was not easy but they LOVED it.

With warnings like “Watch where you step,” “Look out for snakes,” and “Don’t throw rocks,” you would think their spirits would be dampened, but no way. My husband was so excited to fish with the kids and I think it was a little hard for him when they were less interested in catching the big one than they were in the monolithic rocks. I was more concerned with snakes hiding in the rocks, but we have to choose our battles (July Positivity Challenge).

After a bit I calmed down and reminded myself we were on vacation and it was supposed to be relaxing and fun. If the kids wanted to get out and roam over the rocks for a while, it might mean I get to relax while they rest up from their fun. 🙂

Soon they climbed as far as was safe and were ready to jump back in the boat. They had taken their break from our fishing break and were ready to get back at it.

In daily life, I often find myself so absorbed in my to-do list that I forget that it is ok to take a break or that a few extra minutes snuggling or drawing with my kids won’t hurt the unfolded laundry or unwashed dishes. We all need to give ourselves permission to climb and explore a little bit. We might find that it makes us more productive in the long run.

Give your intentions a new direction today. Let that direction lead you where your heart takes you, even if it’s only for a few moments. It will restore your positivity and increase your energy and that is what having Intentergy is all about.

By: Melanie A. Peters

 

Eye for an Eye – Wise Words Wednesday

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Eye for an Eye – Wise Words Wednesday

Eye for an Eye

 

During Monday’s opening segment on The Talk, Aisha Tyler took a moment to speak to America. She said, “We are just a talk show here. We don’t have all the answers,” and then shared this quote from Mahatma Ghandi. After hearing those words, IAisha Tyler.png thought, “Aisha, you might not have all the answers, but you are off to a darn good start.”

I can’t begin to understand what it is like to live in fear everyday, as  African Americans and police officers do. I can’t begin to understand how people think that killing others is the solution to any problem. I can’t begin to understand how people feel so little love for one another that they do not value the life, liberty, or happiness of others.

What I do understand is that we are all created in God’s image and we are all called to love and honor one another. Stop poking out the proverbial eyes of those that we should love, and live in a world that sees the beauty and value of each individual.

By: Melanie A. Peters

 

 

Mama Catches Happiness

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Mama Catches Happiness

Mamas Catch.jpg

After I caught this crappie at Truman Lake, my husband told my kids, “Now Mama is happy.”

I made them take my picture. I was proud of my catch and I wanted my kids to see my pride.

Heavy storms with lots of thunder and lightening blew through two of the three nights we were at the lake. The storm fronts seemed to have scared off the fish because we only caught about 15 fish the entire trip. My contributions to the fishing came in the form of this and one other fish caught, keeping the boys from falling in the water, and having minnows ready to bait my daughter’s hook. I just happened to catch this guy during one of the quieter moments of our excursion. I fished with my youngest son on my lap so he could “catch” one too, but he couldn’t stand the wait so we never snagged one for him.

Fishing with my kids is stressful and scary for me. I am afraid of water.

Water has frightened me since I was a teenager. As a camp counselor, I had to rescue two girls after they tipped over their canoe in a deep and restricted part of the camp lake. A year later I had to provide first aid to a man who sustained a head injury at a local water slide when he flipped off the mat (on which he was supposed to remain seated). People who are not afraid of water get hurt. I am afraid of water.

On our fishing trip, safety precautions were my number one concern. Appropriately fitting life jackets, secured seats, swimming lesson reminders, and safety whistles were all in place.  The waters were calm and my always zen husband sat confidently as he drove the boat. I clutched my youngest son for dear life. Continue reading “Mama Catches Happiness” →

Tune into Peace – Wise Words Wednesday

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Tune into Peace – Wise Words Wednesday

A Channel of Peace.png

Most people only think of television or the radio when it comes to channels. Way before tv took over our mindscape, channels meant a way to guide or divert things like water or attention.

“Prayer of St. Francis” has long been one of my favorite church hymns but lately it has had a much more powerful meaning. There seems to be so much hurt and hatred in our world caused by the sensitivity we have created amongst ourselves. We need to redirect our emotions and energy toward creating peace.

No two people were made the same. (Thank goodness!) We need to embrace the things that make us different and let go of the things that we believe divide us. This isn’t about race, gender, or religion. It’s about love.

Too many believe that they cannot love or be loved by certain groups. Those kinds of ideas must be derailed and their love and thoughts must be channeled by means of peace.

Please continue to direct your energy and intents to ending unrest and hurt. Bring unity and coexistence to daily routines. Tune out the ideas that only violence and revenge can end the disparities. Let peace be the channel by which we find love for everyone and let injuries find healing through our actions and words.

By: Melanie A. Peters