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Friday, October 15, 2010
My new house
It is day one in my new house. First night in a while in a place of my own. So exhausted and so excited.
Monday, June 22, 2009
The leap
So, I have been thinking a lot recently about this leap that I will be taking in July. A lot of feelings run through me. Anxiety, excitement, happiness, sadness, fear, love, freedom, etc. I have been learning to soak in all these feelings. It is hard at times but it is very enjoyable. One of the foremost feelings is this sense of adventure. Like I am heading out into the darkness of a foreign wilderness in the mountains with no shoes, no protection and only a sword to hunt for prey to feast upon. I feel anxious and fearful knowing that there are animals larger than me out there; that the only way I will know my direction is by the stars in the night sky; that I will be consumed by darkness, my path being lit only by the dim moon; that I will have no protection from sharp foreign objects beneath my feet; that my sharpened sword is my only form of defense. I feel excited knowing I will soon get to enjoy a great feast. I am happy knowing I will be providing for someone I love. I feel love knowing that my loved one will respect me when I return. I feel freedom as I step away from my everyday life and risk all that I have not knowing the outcome. Still, my loved ones stand behind me.
I was just talking to my colleagues today about skydiving. I have been skydiving before. It was the biggest adrenaline rush I have ever felt. It was also an adventure. But it was nothing compared to the leap I am about to take.
It has been about a month since I have made my life changing decision public knowledge. I have had that much time to feel all the emotions that come with the decision. It is now ramping up to some amazing feelings. The feeling is like I am on the edge of a cliff looking down, only to see a cloud. I can't see what is underneath that cloud. I will not know till I jump. A friend of mine gave me a great word of advise. "Leap...and the net will appear." Thank you Amanda. I needed those words.
I am ready.
It is just about time to jump.
I was just talking to my colleagues today about skydiving. I have been skydiving before. It was the biggest adrenaline rush I have ever felt. It was also an adventure. But it was nothing compared to the leap I am about to take.
It has been about a month since I have made my life changing decision public knowledge. I have had that much time to feel all the emotions that come with the decision. It is now ramping up to some amazing feelings. The feeling is like I am on the edge of a cliff looking down, only to see a cloud. I can't see what is underneath that cloud. I will not know till I jump. A friend of mine gave me a great word of advise. "Leap...and the net will appear." Thank you Amanda. I needed those words.
I am ready.
It is just about time to jump.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Don't Give Up
This was an email sent to me by my lovely Aunt and Uncle who mean the world to me. They have done so much for me and I love them both with all my heart.
Dear Jamie,
I've been trying to think of something profound to say to respond to your email regarding your life changing decision. Sometimes words are so inadequate, they fail to fully express our thoughts. Then I received this email and I thought of you....the bamboo!! God has not given up on you, neither has your family. We always wish good things for you and hope you succeed in life no matter what your destination is and no matter how you arrive there. Especially now that you're a father yourself, I think you understand a little better.
I hope you keep this and refer to it often, especially when things seem difficult.
Much love,
Uncle Joe and Aunt Diane
Don't give up......
One day I decided to quit...
I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality... I wanted to quit my life.
I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.
"God", I asked, "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"
His answer surprised me...
"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"
"Yes", I replied.
"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them.
I gave them light.
I gave them water.
The fern quickly grew from the earth.
Its brilliant green covered the floor.
Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.
In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.
And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. He said.
"In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed.
But I would not quit.
In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would
not quit." He said.
"Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared
to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant...But just 6
months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.
It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive.
I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."
He asked me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots".
"I would not quit on the bamboo.
I will never quit on you."
"Don't compare yourself to others."
He said.
"The bamboo had adifferent Purpose than the fern.
Yet they both make the forest beautiful.."
"Your time will come", God said to me.
"You will rise high"
"How high should I rise?"
I asked.
"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.
"As high as it can?" I questioned.
"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."
I left the forest and brought back this story.
I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.
Never, Never, Never Give up.
For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!
Dear Jamie,
I've been trying to think of something profound to say to respond to your email regarding your life changing decision. Sometimes words are so inadequate, they fail to fully express our thoughts. Then I received this email and I thought of you....the bamboo!! God has not given up on you, neither has your family. We always wish good things for you and hope you succeed in life no matter what your destination is and no matter how you arrive there. Especially now that you're a father yourself, I think you understand a little better.
I hope you keep this and refer to it often, especially when things seem difficult.
Much love,
Uncle Joe and Aunt Diane
Don't give up......
One day I decided to quit...
I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality... I wanted to quit my life.
I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.
"God", I asked, "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"
His answer surprised me...
"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"
"Yes", I replied.
"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them.
I gave them light.
I gave them water.
The fern quickly grew from the earth.
Its brilliant green covered the floor.
Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.
In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.
And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. He said.
"In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed.
But I would not quit.
In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would
not quit." He said.
"Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared
to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant...But just 6
months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.
It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive.
I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."
He asked me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots".
"I would not quit on the bamboo.
I will never quit on you."
"Don't compare yourself to others."
He said.
"The bamboo had adifferent Purpose than the fern.
Yet they both make the forest beautiful.."
"Your time will come", God said to me.
"You will rise high"
"How high should I rise?"
I asked.
"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.
"As high as it can?" I questioned.
"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."
I left the forest and brought back this story.
I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.
Never, Never, Never Give up.
For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Every effect has a cause
This is just an email I receive from a good chiropractor friend here in Michigan. He always has great insite. I just thought this was very appropriate in the face of my journey.
Enjoy!
Thankfully, we live in a world in which every effect has a cause.
Thus, if you consider everything and trace it back there really are no
accidents. “Accidents” are merely effects to which we have not
acknowledged the actual cause.
Naturally, we may attempt to uncover the cause when things don't go as
we expect. But remember, that LIFE itself is an effect. Family
relationships, occupations, school grades, physical health, and even
personal happiness are all effects. If someone is enjoying the effects
of their LIFE then they have made certain choices causing it to be
that way.
If there are other people enjoying effects you may want (and there
probably are), then you can have those effects too. Just be careful
that you look in the right place. Their results are not only because
of what they do, but also because of who they are.
We have a choice each and every day to be who we want.
We create the cause. The effect is that the results of our choices
becomes our LIFE.
And remember, It is our DOING that produces these results. It is easy
to talk about what we want or what we wish we had, but in the end,
what you ARE speaks so loudly that people can’t hear what you say.
You are always in control of your choices and therefore your destiny.
What kind of person are you being these days? Is it producing the
effects you want? If so then great, keep it up! If not, make a
change and see what different effects arise. Growth and change aren’t
always easy, but they can be fun and are what LIFE is all about.
Just something to think about until next time. We’ll see you soon.
-Todd and Kelly
--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
Todd Galley: Family Chiropractor
"Box-on-the-Wall" fee system
Lincoln Park, MI
(313) 382-TODD
www.ToddGalley.com
Enjoy!
Thankfully, we live in a world in which every effect has a cause.
Thus, if you consider everything and trace it back there really are no
accidents. “Accidents” are merely effects to which we have not
acknowledged the actual cause.
Naturally, we may attempt to uncover the cause when things don't go as
we expect. But remember, that LIFE itself is an effect. Family
relationships, occupations, school grades, physical health, and even
personal happiness are all effects. If someone is enjoying the effects
of their LIFE then they have made certain choices causing it to be
that way.
If there are other people enjoying effects you may want (and there
probably are), then you can have those effects too. Just be careful
that you look in the right place. Their results are not only because
of what they do, but also because of who they are.
We have a choice each and every day to be who we want.
We create the cause. The effect is that the results of our choices
becomes our LIFE.
And remember, It is our DOING that produces these results. It is easy
to talk about what we want or what we wish we had, but in the end,
what you ARE speaks so loudly that people can’t hear what you say.
You are always in control of your choices and therefore your destiny.
What kind of person are you being these days? Is it producing the
effects you want? If so then great, keep it up! If not, make a
change and see what different effects arise. Growth and change aren’t
always easy, but they can be fun and are what LIFE is all about.
Just something to think about until next time. We’ll see you soon.
-Todd and Kelly
--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
Todd Galley: Family Chiropractor
"Box-on-the-Wall" fee system
Lincoln Park, MI
(313) 382-TODD
www.ToddGalley.com
The Miseries of a Dethroned Monarch
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Miseries of a Dethroned Monarch
06/09/2009
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
During a long layover at O’Hare, I studied the man who sells popcorn from a little stand in one of the terminal hallways. He sat silently on a stool as thousands of people rushed by. Occasionally, every fifteen minutes or so, someone would stop and buy a bag. He would scoop the popcorn from the bin, take the money, and make change—all without a word being spoken between them. When the brief encounter was over, he would resume his place on the stool, staring blankly, his shoulders hunched over. I wondered at his age; he seemed well past fifty. How long had that been his profession? Could he possibly make a living at it? His face wore a weary expression of resignation tinged with shame. Adam, I thought, what happened? Did he know how far his situation was from his true design? Somehow he knew, even if he didn’t know the Story. His sadness was testimony to it.
Some people love what they do. They are the fortunate souls, who have found a way to link what they are truly gifted at (and therefore what brings them joy) with a means of paying the bills. But most of the world merely toils to survive, and no one gets to use his gifts all the time. On top of that, there is the curse of thorns and thistles, the futility that tinges all human efforts at the moment. As a result, we’ve come to think of work as a result of the Fall. You can see our cynicism in the fact that we’ve chosen the cartoon character Dilbert as the icon of our working days. His is a hopeless life of futility and anonymity in the bowels of some large corporation. We don’t even know what he does—only that it’s meaningless. We identify with him, feeling at some deep level the apparent futility of our lives. Even if we are loved, it is not enough. We yearn to be fruitful, to do something of meaning and value that flows naturally out of the gifts and capacities of our own soul. But of course—we were meant to be the kings and queens of the earth.
(Desire , 154–55)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To subscribe to this email, create a profile at www.ransomedheart.com/myprofile
See also the Ransomed Heart Podcast at www.ransomedheart.com/podcast
The Miseries of a Dethroned Monarch
06/09/2009
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
During a long layover at O’Hare, I studied the man who sells popcorn from a little stand in one of the terminal hallways. He sat silently on a stool as thousands of people rushed by. Occasionally, every fifteen minutes or so, someone would stop and buy a bag. He would scoop the popcorn from the bin, take the money, and make change—all without a word being spoken between them. When the brief encounter was over, he would resume his place on the stool, staring blankly, his shoulders hunched over. I wondered at his age; he seemed well past fifty. How long had that been his profession? Could he possibly make a living at it? His face wore a weary expression of resignation tinged with shame. Adam, I thought, what happened? Did he know how far his situation was from his true design? Somehow he knew, even if he didn’t know the Story. His sadness was testimony to it.
Some people love what they do. They are the fortunate souls, who have found a way to link what they are truly gifted at (and therefore what brings them joy) with a means of paying the bills. But most of the world merely toils to survive, and no one gets to use his gifts all the time. On top of that, there is the curse of thorns and thistles, the futility that tinges all human efforts at the moment. As a result, we’ve come to think of work as a result of the Fall. You can see our cynicism in the fact that we’ve chosen the cartoon character Dilbert as the icon of our working days. His is a hopeless life of futility and anonymity in the bowels of some large corporation. We don’t even know what he does—only that it’s meaningless. We identify with him, feeling at some deep level the apparent futility of our lives. Even if we are loved, it is not enough. We yearn to be fruitful, to do something of meaning and value that flows naturally out of the gifts and capacities of our own soul. But of course—we were meant to be the kings and queens of the earth.
(Desire , 154–55)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To subscribe to this email, create a profile at www.ransomedheart.com/myprofile
See also the Ransomed Heart Podcast at www.ransomedheart.com/podcast
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
The secret to life
This was emailed to me by a friend. My reason for posting this is to get opinions about what my friend said in his email. Please post your opinions.
Here is the secret to life. God created you so that he can set his love (agape) upon you. Your whole purpose is to allow the hand of God to work in you. Remember that he is the vine dresser and you are the vine. So for the question of are you filling your purpose, depends on how you allow God to work in you. Your other purpose is to set your love (agape) upon your son. Fathers are more important than mothers in the development of a child. See, there is always a mother in this world. When Adam brought sin, our father had to look away. There is a lack of Fathering in the world. A father is a relationship that is equal and fair. A father is not independent from a family. He is the glue that keeps a family together. So your purpose as a man in this world is to allow God to love you so that you can love those around you and so your son can see God work in you so that he may be able to allow God to love him. This brings me to the two thoughts I had for you while I was reading this. Man’s punishment for his sin is “to toil”. Now In the Bible, it literally means to work the fields. The metaphoric meaning is to work a job. See, it doesn’t matter what you do for work, it is all toil. If you can find something you like, it is all the better, but remember this is the punishment for sin, so it will all become toil at some point. However, letting God work in you, relieves the pain of toil. Lastly, this is more personal advice that I have acquired over the long years of my childhood; “No matter where you go on living, you always find the remains of your dying.” Furthermore, no mater where you go, or what you do, you always find the worst of you that remains. You can’t escape it. And it is not your job to remove it. It is your job to recognize it and allow God to remove it. So dig deep and ask yourself five times why are you doing this so that you can find the root cause. Remember that you are just a vine. It is not your job to fix yourself or to fix others. God is the vine dresser. Let him fix you and let him radically change lives- through you. I wish you well in all your endeavors.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Wisdom through failure
I have been very interested in quotes lately. As I was walking through the cafeteria at my work I noticed a quote that caught my eye in our Associate Press. It is as follows.
"We learn wisdom from failure much more than success. We often discover what we will do, by finding out what we will not do."
Samuel Smiles.
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