Working it out

I have my yearly physical coming up next week. I am anxious to see how I am doing physically. I know I am at the point in my life where I have to pay more attention to my body. I have been working out for the past month and feel like I am making some progress in the gym. I am not trying to get big or anything like that. It's more of a "get in shape" thing.

I also owe it to my kids and family to get fit and stay on this planet as long as I can. I will let you know how it goes.

To encourage

Encouragement is a gift.

Encouragement creates energy.

Encouragement lasts a lifetime and can be life- changing.

Encouragement motivates positive behavior.

Encouragement is often the most effective form of motivation.

Encouragement most often comes from listening than talking.

Encouragement is more effective than crticism.

Encouragent can be as simple as a smile.

Encourage everyone you know and everyone you meet.

- Adopted from " God is in the small stuff"

Praying

I have been praying a lot these days. I pray for my family to be protected at all times. I pray to help me provide for my family. I pray every morning to help me have a good day. I also pray for people who need help and people who are important in my life. I find that God listens to my prayers.

It is good to pray, it does not make you more or less of a man. It is good to have an open dialogue with your creator. I must have a special hotline up there or be favored because I feel that God protects me and listens to my prayers at all times. I found the following excerpt from the book "Lists to live by" the Christian Collection for everything that really matters, by Alice Gray, Steven Stephens and John Van Diest.

Four ways God answers prayers:

If the request is wrong,
God says, No.

If the timing is wrong,
God says, slow.

If you are wrong,
God says, Grow.

But if the request is right,
the timing is right,
and you are right,
God says, Go.

I try and pray for the right requests. There have been times where God has told me to grow. I also believe that my requests and timing has been right and he has wanted me to go forward.

Joining the ranks

There is no argument that the U.S will soon be busting at the seams with an aging population. The need for more doctors and advanced technology will always be an issue.

I am in my forties right now and I worry about what medical and technological advances will be available to me during my senior years. I am not quite there yet but it's not too far away either.

I am in good health right now. I have started exercising at work and hopefully I can keep it up (I'm crossing my fingers!) The only medical problem I had to deal with is gall bladder procedure that I had done a couple of years ago.
Not a bad medical record for my first forty years.

I am not afraid of growing old. I will embrace it. I look foward to being a grandfather one day. I look foward to holding my grandson or grandaughter. Here is to another forty years.

Teen angst

I met a client for lunch earlier this week. We were both talking about our kids and how they are growing up fast. Pretty soon both of my daughters will be teenagers

The teen years I believe are for discovery . My teen years were ok. I know I was a mischievous kid growing up. I liked to get into trouble quite a bit. I was also a selfish teen. I had moments as a teen that I am not proud of. I caused some heartache to my parents which I wish I could take back.

I do think my teen years made me stronger as a person. I know my daughters will be ok. I know me and my wife will be up to the challenge . Even if my daughters don't like what they hear at times from their parents, I know they will always love and continue to be there for me and my wife even into my senior years.

My sisters are living proof of that with my parents I will let you know how it goes with us.

On the move

Traveling is a requirement of my job. I did a blog post earlier on how much I miss my family when I am away. It's true. I carry a lot of pictures of my family on my Itouch when I travel. When I look at pictures of my girlies I get a level of anxiety that I don't like. I want to hold each one of them but I can't.

I will be home soon and hopefully I can take some time off to be with you guys. Until then.

Looking...

Look up

God will never leave of forsake you.

His word is a light unto your path.

Look out

Confide in a friend

Seek comfort and counsel in local resources.

Look in

Take an inventory of your feelings.

Journal your thoughts, ideas and progress.

Look for truth

Gather information and research your options.

Often natural inclinations are in opposition to God's ways.

Look realistically

Resist the temptation to change others.

Change what you can, accept what you cannot.

Look for balance

Take care of yourself.

Get enough rest, eat healthy,attempt to simplify life.

Look for laughter

A cheerful heart is like good medicine.

Choose joyful music, uplifting books, optimistic friends.

Look for hope

This too shall pass.

Dwell on what is good and worthy of praise.

Look for comfort

Read the Psalms.

Let others encourage you and find ways to encourage others.

Look for God's purpose.

Every experience has spiritual significance.

Press closer to God and allow him to deepen your faith.

-Glenda Hotton

Professor of Home Economics, Masters College