Category Grace

Worms in your Ice Cream

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Worms in your Ice Cream

wormy-ice-cream-2

After taking my kiddos to their annual well visits, we headed to the local frozen yogurt shop. This place is so cool! Not only can you make your own frozen yogurt sundae or shake, but you can also sing karaoke or tie-dye a t-shirt.

With my help, each kiddo selected chocolate frozen yogurt, of course and then dashed to the toppings buffet. There were lots and lots of toppings. There were healthy, fresh fruits, not-so-healthy sprinkles, candies, cookies, marshmallows, and syrupy toppings. It was a sundae lover’s dream. I was surprised by many of their choices but said nothing because I didn’t want to hinder their excitement. After their bowls were filled to the brim, they had the shop owner weigh their bowls and headed to our table.

It was then that I went to make my sundae. Of course this distracted my little sweeties from eating their own frosty treats and all three had to follow me around and learn from my expert sundae building skills.

Sadly, they did not like my choice of peanut butter yogurt. They loudly protested when I added nuts, but when I made it to the fresh fruit, they realized there was no fresh fruit in their bowls. Things went sour from there. Continue reading “Worms in your Ice Cream” →

The Right to be Wrong – Wise Words Wednesday

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The Right to be Wrong – Wise Words Wednesday

the-right-to-be-wrong

“I believe that man’ noblest endowment is his capacity to change. Armed with reason, he can see two sides and choose: He can be divinely wrong. I believe in a man’s right to be wrong.” – Leonard Bernstein

This I Believe is a collection of personal philosophies. I am currently reading it and LOVE what I am reading. The history of This I Believe dates back to the 1950’s. The original This I Believe series asked individuals to write their philosophy and then share it on the radio. It was a huge sensation.

As I pour through the philosophies of tremendous individuals, both from the 1950’s and present, I am moved by the similar themes that continue to surface. Kindness, compassion, intelligence, and faith are key elements in all of the entries. Each of these traits requires us to grow and change. Our wrong choices set us up for opportunities to do just that. Grow. Learn. Change. Become better people.

As you encounter the mistakes of others and yourself, remember the right to be wrong is guaranteed to everyone. We cannot develop deeper understanding in our lives, if we don’t discover what works and what doesn’t.

Being wrong is different than being bad. Continue reading “The Right to be Wrong – Wise Words Wednesday” →

Undeniable Claim

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This week my focus is on insurance. Weird, I know, but I hope you will understand my need for this coverage. (pun intended)

Undeniable Claim

undeniable-claim

 

In October my son was involved in a playground accident that sent us rushing to the ER for stitches.

The school provided us with a completed form to submit any out-of-pocket expenses to their insurance. I dutifully photocopied  our bills and carefully checked and double checked all the information. Within two weeks I received a letter that our claim had been processed. Woohoo! (That was in December.)

The first week of January I received a bill for the October ER visit. This was stressful. I just knew I was going to have a fight on my hands with the insurance and/or hospital.

After a quick review of the claim notification from December, I found the column outlining the exact amount of the bill. It was marked “Amount Denied.” Dang it! How could I have missed that?

I called the number on the claim notification and spoke immediately to a customer service rep. She was polite and explained that the $87.02 was the discount amount agreed upon by the hospital and their company. She did not know why I received a bill but would put me through to their company’s adjuster Jennifer.

Jennifer was unable to take my call at that time so I left her a detailed message.

Adjuster Jennifer called back the next day confused about my question. She said I had nothing to worry about unless I received a bill. I explained that I did receive a bill and was really hoping she could help me. Jennifer told me to email a copy of the bill to her and she would call the hospital. I figured it would be a week or so and I would have to call back. 😦 Continue reading “Undeniable Claim” →

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” →

Foggy Minds – Wise Words Wednesday

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Foggy Minds – Wise Words Wednesday

mind-fog

Clearly I cannot take credit for this image, but I can thank the nice people at Pinterest for providing such terrific inspiration for today’s post. Thank you, Pinterest.

Life is chaotic. Holidays are crazy. My brain is foggy.

So many people I have spoken to lately seem to be suffering from foggy brains also. I don’t know if it is the cloud of too much to do, or too many things to remember, or just sinus pressure that is affecting us but there are some serious cases of foggy brain going around.

The treatment for foggy brain is different for all of us. We all have our pressure fronts that move in an out. We all have precipitation and draught issues, but there are a few simple things that can be done to relieve foggy brain symptoms.

png 1 Rest: take time to clear you schedule and mind.

png 1 Hydrate: drink lots of water and healthy stuff. Wine may dull the fog but only adds to the befuddlement later.

png 1 Be Kind: show yourself kindness and demonstrate compassion for other foggy brain sufferers. You never know what might be clouding their thoughts. 🙂

png 1 Prioritize: organize your to-do’s. A game plan will always give you a clearer perspective.

Energy with clarity is much more powerful than the fog on your brain. Give your mind some positive purpose, dispel the clouds of confusion, and you are sure to see a sunnier view.

By: Melanie A. Peters

P.S. I am not a trained meteorologists. I do not fully understand the science of predicting foggy weather; I just understand what it is like to have a foggy brain.

 

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. 🙂