Living Intentionally

February First Growth Spurt

2012-01-31T22:33:00.002-07:00

February First Growth Spurt:

"Disrupting my comfort zone, bombarding myself

with challenging people and situations; this is the

best way I know to keep growing."

Brian Grazer, film producer(1951-)

Getting out on a Limb

2012-01-18T12:05:00.002-07:00

I am trying something new today...like decluttering some of my many keepsakes! (now.......please don't laugh too much)

"Never be afraid to try something new.

Remember;

Amateurs built the ark.

Professionals built the Titanic."

...quote from unknown author

Hope....................

2012-01-16T08:11:00.003-07:00

HOPE.....................................may sometimes come in the form of humor.
....................................................................................................................................................................
Hope.....................................may just be remembering another's courage and deciding to 'follow suit'.
....................................................................................................................................
Recently, our son who has been battling cancer and is stable and trusting that the next MRI will show a great miracle. He called to wish us well! As he told of his little one having one ailment and the other an ear infection, and his wife a winter cold .....or some such thing, he concluded with:
"I'm the only healthy one around here!"
What a beacon of hope, our son portrays!!!
...................................................................
However................. this Hope is found in God.

Merry Christmas & A Wonderful New Year to you!

2011-12-20T06:50:00.003-07:00

Dashin' thro' this year,

In a normal frenzied way!

Knowing friends, so dear,

Have eased our every pain!

Our family's standing tall,

Our "ties" are closer too!

What fun it is to wish you all...

Great Blessings...yet anew!

Falling into a slump.....?

2011-11-14T20:43:00.003-07:00

Falling into a verbal and negative slump?

"It is a modern tragedy that despair

has so many spokesmen,

and

hope so few!"

............Oscar Hammerstein II 1895 - 1960

Stepping up the positive or what?.............................

2011-11-09T16:51:00.007-07:00

---------------------------

-------------------------

I tho't I was a very positive person,

until I got

overzealous,

overcommitted

overwhelmed...

Now, I must go back to 'square one',

and rethink my zeal and committments!

....d.g.porritt

"Our limitations and joys begin in our hearts,

We can always replace negative with positive."

......................................Betty Eadie

Family......................................

2011-09-29T01:18:00.003-06:00

F....familiar
A.....amiable
M....memory-filled
I....intriguing
L....loving
Y....YES!!!!

THE BEST!!!!!!

Staying on the Sunny Side of Life!!!

2011-08-09T17:44:00.002-06:00

We used to hear an old familiar hymn that my mother cheerfully sang.

It had a catchy tune, and part of the refrain admonished us:

"Keep on the sunny side of life!"

Author Marilyn vos Savant (1946) adequately encourages us to do the same!

She states:

"At first I only laughed at myself.

Then I noticed that life itself is amusing.

I've been in a generally good mood ever since."

I know that life is not a "bed of roses"

if it is,

mine has more prickly thorns than roses!

HOWEVER

I totally believe that

"...with God nothing is

impossible!"

........................................dgporritt

Summer Holidays at Grandma and pa's Place...

2011-07-12T01:12:00.002-06:00

Didn't you just love it?

Most all of my growing up years,

I got to go to my grandparent's

for a vacation!

It was so much fun!

Besides living in town for the week,

we also got to watch lots of movies.

Going to the lake,

and eating candy and ice cream

were huge highlights!

Grandpa would go to bed earlier than Grandma;

sort of....................

Actually Grandma usually fell asleep on the couch

while my sister and I finished off the late night movie!

I only hope that I can also make it memorable for

all of our grandkids!

My Recent Health Discovery...................

2011-06-23T07:02:00.002-06:00

...................so is it the hot oatmeal porridge?
This is NOT a yes or no question anymore!

I have recently discovered that it may be in the stirring over the hot pot,
first thing in the morning...........
that is the
truly healthy benefit of the sticky stuff!
Yeah!
It sort of acts as a steam bath and my sinus passage ways are clearing!

Awesome quote.......................................

2011-06-17T18:58:00.002-06:00

from: The Book of Awesome .... author: Neil Pasricha

"... make faces, do baby-talk voices and fly your hand around like an airplane.

Playing with babies is great fun.

It's great. Until, of course, it's that time....

'Looks like somebody needs a changing!'

That's your cue to slink off silently to the kitchen.

PLAYING WITH A BABY AND NOT HAVING TO CHANGE ITS DIAPER...

A W E S O M E !"

Surrender.................packin" it in!

2011-04-19T03:35:00.004-06:00

Surrender, to a criminal on the run means that he is giving up...turning himself in.

Surrender, to an avid skier after being on the snowy windy slopes all day means that he is
packin' it in!

Although both are calling it quits, and both have been relentless in their perseverence...
only one is content with the day.

As humans. we also find ourselves on the run and having to give up isn't easy.
My determination to figure out life can leave me bruised and worn out with exhaustion.

Finally, I am beginning to surrender with greater contentment....knowing that God sees the
past, present, and future. New peace comes when I am content with:

Getting off the lift,
..................................... and bringing in my skis
...............................................................................finishing each day well.

Motivational Quotes......

2011-04-11T01:41:00.002-06:00

Quotes:

"Life is too short, and the time we waste in yawning never can be regained."

....Stendahl, writer (1783 - 1842)

"It is difficult to steer a parked car, so get moving."

....H. Mears, educator (1890 - 1963)

The above quotes should persuade us to get organized thus helping us in moving forward, however, how does one begin the motivational procedure? One way might be to jot down things that are knawing away at us. For example, a list of what we wish was

already completed!

A wish list like this can become a launching board to greater productivity.

It also may help us to relax...especially if we designate certain "hate" jobs for certain days. I have found it helpful to do one or two jobs on my hate list just before retiring at night or as soon as I get up in the morning.

Perhaps some of our poor choices has given us an unrealistic amount of extra work.

Where it is possible, down size and simplify.

And

remember to give the mind a break!

"Letting your mind play is the best way to solve problems."

....B. Watterson, cartoonist (1958 - )

Believe in a simple solution.............................

2011-02-16T10:17:00.003-07:00

Believing in a simple solution to any problem

should make time for your hobbies.

When kitchen clean up, bathroom clean up,

and

laundry

take up the entire "day off"

Use paper plates one day!

Close the shower curtains; only give the toilet and sink a quick scrub.

Hang up those Sunday clothes

and pronounce them "clean"!

(could wear one more time)

Taking time to do your hobby is

more important than you realize.

Mental and emotional health are refurbished!

Take time off without all the self imposed guilt!

..........d.g.porritt

Best Advice Given in the Last Few Weeks............

2011-01-29T17:09:00.002-07:00

"One day at a time....................."

I was sitting in our daughter's living room one day...well, I was more like slouching in her living room chair...when she wisely said

'one day at a time...................'

as she directed her attention toward her cute little 3 yr. old.

................................ I knew she meant it, in love, for me.

.......................................................Thanx.

The Art of Listening................in 2011

2011-01-18T10:36:00.002-07:00

"I believe in the power of listening...

immeasurable healing takes place within me

when someone stops,

sits down,

and

listens

to my story."

........Alicia Conill, (20th C.)

Taking "HEALTHY" to a brand new level.......

2010-12-23T19:40:00.004-07:00

I used to think that I was reasonably healthy until......

Last month, I was babysitting our grandkids at their family home, when I got the great idea to make them some homemade play dough!

Checking the baking cupboard of their modern health filled kitchen, I found the ingredients! Because there was no white flour, I had to go with whole wheat!

Because there was no regular salt, I had to go with "health food store" sea salt! Because I could not find any "poisonous" food coloring, the only thing to do was to use jello!

Wow! This is some pretty expensive and healthy play dough; don't you think?

Restfulness ..... the answer to sleeplessness.....

2010-11-30T23:44:00.004-07:00

Years ago, my doctor advised me to get up for a while, rather than toss and turn in my sleepless state.

It is often better to get up after an hour or so of trying to sleep...than to keep trying. Think over and analyze what is on your mind. If possible.... DO what is on your mind. Doing whatever is bugging you the most can be very therapeutic. Productiveness seems to help me very much. If I can't rattle around the house cleaning my kitchen, for fear of disturbing the other sleeping members at a late hour; can I at least get caught up on my e-mails?
If you are a list maker; sitting up and reworking your lists and perhaps even rescheduling most everything...will actually bring your mind into an state of "caught--up--ness"!
I actually got brave and rescheduled a dental appointment just to ease up a very hectic week. It is worth a lot to move "stuff" around and take a "rain check" on an appointment or two. Giving yourself an extension is kind of fun and making yourself a "I've done it" list is even more accelerating.
Some of these tactics should release the brain of your usual "can't get caught up" torment. Be prepared for the flip side of this behaviour. Your brain may not like it at first. It almost only knows feelings of "not done", "so much to do", or "should have more done". I went through a number of years where I began to recognize depression when I DID catch up! After all; how would I spend my time if everything was completed? It was better to leave things in disarray. Upon realizing this; I needed to make a hobby list!!!

When you finally get back into bed; it helps to remember that your body is positionally in a restful position. Now you can give your body permission to just look up at the black ceiling, and even if you never sleep a wink all night, it is going to be okay. Try breathing deeply and you will relax more quickly. Sometimes I synchronize my breathing with my husband's, as he sleeps so easily beside me.

Getting to a place of restfulness with yourself takes time. Be patient. It is worth the long journey.....

AND

Remember that pulling an all night-er can be an exception; but not the rule!

Sleeplessness......possibly due to listlessness!

2010-11-24T01:15:00.003-07:00

Has it ever occurred to you that we are sleepless for a reason?

Maybe I had too much sleep the night before!
Perhaps I took a short day nap thinking it would not affect me at night.
The provoking question: 'Did I eat too much & too late?'
Sometimes I actually think that I have not been busy enough during the day!
Also I have noticed that without "down time" the hour before; I can't unwind.
If I don't stop thinking, then I can't sleep.

However there may be another culprit: Listlessness! I mean that I do not have "A" "B" "C" columns of things to do and in what priority, so perhaps I can't sleep because I do not know if my day's work has actually been completed!

Next time it happens, get up and prepare a to do list that appears in columns.

"A" This list is the MUST do column. "B" This list is the would like to get done column. "C" list are the fun or quick to do task/hobbies that are relaxing. Maybe plan to end the day with a couple of these. Get used to relisting things for another week, next month on the same date, or next year! Giving myself permission to do this; helps me to stop having such high expectations.

Try getting in some from each column on a daily basis and your week will be productive and your nights will find you yawning with satisfaction.

Gwen.................................my friend

2010-09-27T00:59:00.004-06:00

You did it again!

You are the one who can do it!

Thoughts of you have kept me on the right track even today!

You encouraged...

You inspired...

You made me lighten up...

You also made me rethink and consider..

You were often a friend of few words.. short phone calls...but you always called!

You cared..always...

You never stopped...

Often I didn't get this...especially when you had so much on your own mind.

You were honest...

You forced me ...by your own honesty...to become real.

I set your picture on my desk this evening...

I set your last family picture on my kitchen corner shelf.

I keep your lovely gift...within my sight..

and remenisce often.

Tears flow freely now ....'cause I loved lots and now I miss you lots.

.......my friend......

Gwen.

It's September.......Check your list twice!

2010-09-09T17:19:00.004-06:00

September...Check your list twice!

So you thought that only the Christmas list should be checked twice?

Wrong!

September is a good time to be vigilant about many things.

1. Do I like the way my kitchen is arranged for the winter days ahead?

2. Did I get a enough "new" toys from the summer yard sales, or should I pick up a few more at the thrift shop so the kids can be surprized on a 'blah' day?

3. What about the windows/doors? Do I need 'whatever' to keep my house cozy? (weather stripping) etc?

4. Did I pick up enough one size fits all gloves for the first onslaught of cold weather?

5. Do I know where my 'winter box' of boots are?

6. Have I let my flour & other baking supplies run low over summer? (nothing like starting that oven on the first chilly day and having homemade biscuits or muffins plus warmth in the kitchen)

To enjoy the next few monthes...have fun preparing for it in September!!!

Kindness.............................

2010-08-17T21:11:00.002-06:00

KINDNESS.......................................
may seem kinda old fashioned
..................................................................................................................however:

Kindness is most powerful.

It can be given, or shown.

It can be caught and/or taught.

Kindness includes kind words.

These words can be shared

via

Facebook

Cell phone

Anywhere publicly.

But..............

Kind words in our homes

and

in our vehicles

to those that we have to live with..........................................

WOW...........................................that is where to begin!!

Identifying the Stress Plague....

2010-08-10T21:20:00.003-06:00

When I found myself wanting to scream "HELP ME" the other day; I knew that it was evidence of too much stress!

"HELP"
No! I take it back....
I am unwilling to cry for help anymore. Shouldn't a person nearing 60 years old have it together already?
If life is supposed to get easier, when will I be experiencing it?
On the stress scale;
I am trying to figure out where to give myself the most points!

worrying over my three aging loved ones
working up courage to clean a damp cellar with potential rodent problems
excercising aching joints
speaking up or not at work regarding a situation
dealing with general restlessness....regarding a possible future move
encouraging our eldest son who is facing surgery in a few weeks
thinking about the safe arrival of our tenth grandchild; never mind the other 9 little delightful, but busy concerns!

Right now, I am vividly imagining some of my readers' helpful advise. Here are some replies to your most sincere counsel:

Yes! I have already taken my summer vacation.

No...I can not take another one.

Yes! I know stuff like this happens to the best.

No...Things cannot get worse and please do not tell me to cheer up!

Yes! All is well that ends well; but is there an ending?

No...I am not planning to go for help!

Yes!!! I can either laugh or cry!

So; why not read this and

just go ahead and

LAUGH ON MY BEHALF!

Speechlessness

2010-07-24T10:11:00.002-06:00

Speechlessness ....... Am I ever without words?

*******

My family probably would say that I never am!

(...but I would defend; by saying that they do not

come close to knowing how often

"I bite my tongue.")

*******

However....

I will admit to a new kind of power

that comes

through

silence.

I am beginning to detect in myself, that the people I respect most...say less.

When these more silent people do speak ... their words are powerful.

******

May I become quick to listen and less quick to speak!

The Month of Hope....JUNE

2010-06-01T14:44:00.003-06:00

Did you know that June is a brand new month of HOPE?

Well, I really didn't either; until I got talking with my wonderful

son-in-law today;

And

I found myself saying to him;

"It's June first...a brand new month.

It's the month of HOPE!"

Why not exercise hope every month?

I certainly should.

I am starting today....just one hopeful tho't at a time!

...................Donna G. Porritt

Purposefully Intentional......about the Here After.

2010-05-22T17:15:00.008-06:00

Part of my childhood upbringing is still dominating my belief system; and I am becoming more appreciative of what my Gramma taught me.

When it came to the topic of death...I recall the many times I heard about how beautiful Heaven must be! We children, even sang a short little song about Heaven with our adult family members and friends. It even had some drama added to it!

It was in the olden days, you know, where singing around the piano almost took the place of today's movie night!

I remember scurrying over to where my Gramma stood so I could partner up with her when we sang and did the drama parts together. One line of this little song went something like this:
"If you get there... before I do, please tell my friends I'm coming too!" Gramma and I would be smiling hugely as we shook hands and sang this to each other!

I came to realize how important this indirect training had been later on in life when my husband and I had to attend our first funeral together. I had not known the hopeless sorrow and drunkedness that followed such an event like he had, as a child.

Because life is fragile and does end; it is not a matter of IF, but a matter of WHEN children have to face such trauma .

Let me strongly encourage you to creatively face the HERE AFTER topic in a way that will build into children the coping skills that they will need sooner or later. For me, it has been the Biblical training that has held me steady. Remember that even your youngest family members, will appreciate that you did! ................................................................Donna G. Porritt

Make the Most of every day....

2010-04-27T20:44:00.003-06:00

"Every day I still get down on my knees to thank God
I'm back on my feet!"

----Naomi Judd

In Judd's book entitled;

Naomi's Breakthrough Guide,

twenty choices for life transformation are

addressed to help the readers

to live quality lives.

Not only has Naomi written from her own life experiences,

but also

she has written this book in gratitude for the sparing of her own life

after having had hepatitis C.

Naomi relates the following:

"When I was struggling with hepatitis C,
I'd put my coat on
over my pajamas and enter our empty church in the middle of a
weekday.
I'd kneel at the pulpit and beg God for strength to deal with
my trials.
After my recovery, Wy and Ash put together a gratefulness
family reunion...
...I'm always touched when I see people on the evening news
who've lost everything to
some disaster, yet are still thankful just to be alive."

As I read this tonight, how could I not relate?

It is exactly 6 months today

that I underwent a major 8 hour surgery.

May I forever be grateful!

May I make the very most of every day;

now that I enjoy good health.

May I

especially

give hope to others.

It is overwhelming for me

to try to describe

how wonderful it is to be well again!

---------Donna G. Porritt

Doing an Attitude Check?

2010-03-24T08:43:00.004-06:00

Is there anyone else out there that would want to do an attitude

check?

Currently I am reading Naomi Judd's book entitled; Naomi's Guide to Aging Gratefully .

Here are two thoughts from others that she, herself quotes in regard to attitude.

"It is essential to learn to enjoy life. It really does not make sense to go through the motions of existence if one does not appreciate as much of it as possible."

...Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.

It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion to clarity.... Gratitude makes sense of

our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."

...Melody Beattie

Since our attitude makes up for so much of our well being; let us do everything we can to

recall all of the Thanksgiving list which we had in October!

Living with a smile on our faces should begin with a 'smile' in our hearts!

d.g.porritt

The month of Love: How do we respond to all people?

2010-02-15T13:52:00.008-07:00

It's Valentine's Month....

I boldly want to say that while I love all of mankind;

there are select ones that I really truly like!

I think it is possible to love all of "mankind"

but surely we do not like some of them!

In my opinion,

loving "mankind" means that I still feel sorrow for them in their state:

I do not like the con artist who took my family member's money
I do not like the person who stole from me, but when confronted, lied.

The select ones that are dear to me have captured my heart

in many different ways.

For example,

I DO LIKE THE FOLLOWING......however

there is a huge span between how much I like the following:

a person whom I meet on the street who picks up my fallen glove...
my family who have had to live with me, but still seem to sincerely enjoy spending time with me....

Loving and Liking

Let's move forward......relationally.

....................................It is peaceful and exciting to know that I finally understand the difference!

Comments always welcome....d.g.porritt

On Teaching.......

2010-02-04T07:18:00.002-07:00

Will you be a teacher today.....?
The answer is ....!

The truth is that we are all teaching someone.

Even if we are not a mentor to another person in a formal way,

our attitudes,

our actions,

our articulation,

on a daily basis, are a very real influence.

I like a teacher who gives you something to take home;

...to think about

(something besides homework!)

____Lily Tomlin

If at first you don't succeed...................................

2010-01-10T15:07:00.002-07:00

We all are probably familiar with the quaint saying:

"If, at first you don't succeed, try; try again!"

Taking this literally, I did not succeed in starting out the New Year on the first!

For me, putting this quote into practical and intentional living,

will be as simple as this:

Tomorrow, for most of you, it will be January 11,2010.

However,

for myself,

it will be my January 1st,2010!

You see, we have been away for part of the holiday season.

On the way back home last Monday, I told myself that

the best way for me NOT to panic 0r fall behind in the new year;

was to give myself a few days' grace!

Out with the New Year's calendars
Down with the Christmas decorations
Away with the Christmas clutter
In with the 2010 planner

For serious, this time!

Any other late or 'failure-stricken' comrades?

If so.......TRY AGAIN!

Happy New Beginning!

FRIENDS UNLIMITED

2009-12-04T10:58:00.002-07:00

How many friends do you have?

Christmas is a time when we remember friends and family.

Hopefully, if you are as fortunate as I am, your family IS your first set of friends!

Then, we begin with those top three close knit friends that you can count on.

After that there are the wonderful groups of friends through your work, club, church, or other social circles.

Usually there are numerous old friends that you perhaps, because of a job change, and a change of location, still love dearly...but do not see or talk to regularly.

There are the casual friends....maybe your hair dresser or even the clerk at your favorite corner store that you have gotten to laugh and joke with!

As we approach the Christmas season...how will we manage to greet everyone we have ever known that we ever have liked or loved?

Is it possible? Is is manageable?

Is it good to have friends unlimited?

Maybe through Facebook...it really is humanly possible...or do you think?

Each of us must decide.

This year I want to show love and send greetings to hosts of friends.

As I begin pondering this...

I am reminded of a tip or two that I have learned through others who are wiser than myself.

There ARE twelve monthes to every year...perhaps only 1/12 of my long list could be actually remembered sincerely in December...and I could surprise others in different monthes!
Maybe I should Facebook an (on the wall) greeting to vast numbers!

As long as I remember those who are shut ins and limited to a phone (no internet) ...those who do not have 700 friends on Facebook to fall back on in their loneliness...it will be okay.

All I know, at this point, is that my love for everyone is causing my heart to beat faster and my enthusiasm to escalate.

THAT IS WHAT FRIENDS ARE ALL ABOUT

........d.g.porritt

THIS IS THE DAY!

2009-11-15T08:15:00.006-07:00

llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

"THIS

the day

THAT

THE LORD

has made,

LET US

be GLAD

and

REJOICE

in it."

lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

............from the Bible

"FEARFULLY MADE....."

2009-11-10T02:43:00.002-07:00

The Bible is NOT kidding when it says that we are fearfully and wonderfully made!

I have JUST returned home from a major 8 hour surgery.

It is EXACTLY 2 weeks to the day that I was admitted.

I am truly

IN AWE

Great Big Wonderful GOD!.

....sincerely by d.g.porritt

Don't JUST Dream.....

2009-10-13T21:36:00.002-06:00

Don't JUST Dream....

"If it's something you enjoy, put the determination and will

behind it

and

see what happens."

.....stephenie meyer

Individuality?????

2009-08-08T08:58:00.002-06:00

Just like there are no two snowflakes alike;

there are really not any individuals alike, either.

Let us remember to celebrate each other's individuality.

Congratulations!

YOU are one of a kind!!

"One cannot purchase individuality from a factory

that makes 10,000 editions of the same thing..."

....Neil Boorman....

NEW POST___________NEW HOPE

2009-07-13T16:11:00.003-06:00

.......or should I say RENEWED HOPE

Somtimes it is not so much that we have failed, as it is

that we have not entirely 'pushed through';

striving for a win!

Today I have new hope, because I have presevered over

two huge obstacles and even if, in both incidences,

I get no closer to two huge victories...

I have New Hope...

because...

I have done ALL that I could!

REGARDING MY FEELINGS OF HOPELESSNESS

2009-06-29T16:55:00.002-06:00

What is better?

...to try; but fail

...

...to fail; upon trying?

...

QUESTION: How are ideas and rabbits similar?

2009-04-19T08:25:00.003-06:00

Whether you are pursuing a writing career ...or simply planning out your garden plot, a couple of ideas are all you need to get started!

"Ideas are like rabbits.

You get a couple and learn how to

handle them;

pretty soon,

you have a dozen"!

...John Steinbeck

Time Management......quotable quotes

2009-03-31T21:45:00.003-06:00

"You can't cross the sea

merely by standing and

staring at the water."

___R. Tagore

"Start to do something.

That way, time will be an

ally, not an enemy."

___P. Coelbo

OLD Thoughts can seem like BRAND NEW!

2009-02-04T17:47:00.002-07:00

OLD Thoughts can seem .....like BRAND NEW!

The reason that an old thought can seem like a brand new one is because the new generation

has never heard it before. As well, our generation may need to be reminded of an old

thought; therefore it can be almost like new!

I can recall a speaker at a conference, who wished to bring old thoughts to the audience, and he delivered some powerful speeches by referring to his thoughts on various practical topics, as

reminders!

It was brand new for those who had never heard them;

and

It was a refresher course for the rest of us.

How clever!

How wise!

May we never assume that there is nothing to be reminded of...

May we never think that the knowledge of our forefathers is obsolete!

.....d.g.porritt

ANYTHING NEW????

2009-01-26T15:36:00.002-07:00

Is there ANYTHING NEW to say or write that someone else does not already know?

Lately, I have been

revisiting

my great desire to

communicate to others

about living much more

intentionally.

The question that we all

face, as we desire to

encourage others

in every day living

would be:

Do we actually have anything new to communicate to another

human

sojourner?

In Scripture I am encouraged

by the fact and command

to be a

witness

of what the Lord Jesus

has personally done for me.

It is refreshing to know that each of us has a

UNIQUE STORY.

(actually every day in a person's life IS a unique story of the Lord's faithfulness)

May we take note of the specific path that our daily walk

entails.

May we live out before others,

and

be ready to declare to those we meet,

many ot those wonderful little stories

depicting

our personal relationship

with Jesus.

.......d.g.porritt

ON ENCOURAGEMENT--------------------------------------

2009-01-20T20:52:00.002-07:00

If we were all honest; there is something almost magical about another's encouraging imput into
our lives.

Recently, someone was commenting on how he needed inspiration. Hope often comes with
encouraging words or an acknowledgement of some type affirming that we are alright!

"It comes in waves -- hope -- like light.

It can come with a single word

when you least

expect it."

.....Nia Wyn

IF WE WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN ANOTHER'S LIFE;

ENCOURAGING THEM WOULD BE A GREAT PLACE TO

BEGIN.

---------------------D.G.PORRITT

PEACE

2008-12-27T18:05:00.003-07:00

PEACE.....

like every other word

has its' own specific

and

personal

conotation.

Really think;

what it should mean

for you and I

we approach

the

brand new

2009!

from John 14:27

the Living Bible

(paraphased) "...the peace I give isn't fragile like the peace the world gives. So don't be...afraid."

2008-12-10T16:36:00.001-07:00

GRANDPARENT MOMENTS:
Oh! Those Delightful 'Grandkid' Moments

For instance;
When our 21 month old grandson, started screaming unmercifully;I did not think that
he was being naughty. He simply needed to get warmed! After all, he
had been sitting angelically, watching his 3 yr. old brother and 5 yr. old sister slide on the ice and frolic thro' the freshly falling snow. He, however, had not been physically active while gazing with delight on the all festivities of Christmas while he waited patiently for his free hot dog and hot chocolate enjoyed by many families during
Christmas "light up" in our little town. His poor little hands and feet had not seemed
to bother him...but I imagine, that all of a sudden their painful, tingly message got through to him, and
he simply couldn't tell us, so he began, what may have appeared to a non-grandparent,
a temper tantrum!
Well, what nonsense!
Once he was back in the warm house...and put in the warm tub...he began protesting all over again.
Now, this was not because he hates bath time; but it was again, because he could not really tell
us his problem. Have any of us ever tried to remedy frost bite with warm water?
It really can sting and burn. Cool water can feel better, actually.
So...out of the tub he came...and cuddled in a huge terry cloth..
Finally his sobs began to subside, and as I rubbed his still cool feet and hands;
I wondered to myself how adults can be so abrupt and thoughtless of little toddlers' woes.
A few minutes later ...in snuggly pajamas (and he, himself pointed to some night socks!)
the little angel reappeared in his best behaviour as he smiled and laughed and enjoyed
his evening bed time sippie cupful of milk!

One Week Later....

2008-11-18T22:17:00.002-07:00

YES....................................................

...Remembrance Day is over.

It is already ONE WEEK LATER.

Do we STILL remember?

And

if we do...

To Whom do we devote

our gratitude?

...the 'unknown' soldiers

...a relative

...the patriarchs

How far back will we remember anyways?

After everyone is remembered...

What can we do to make a difference?

What would "they" want from us?

Will we live

with more

Intentional Purpose?

...Donna G. Porritt

Purposing to Persevere takes FAITH in GOD.

2008-11-09T23:39:00.003-07:00

I am realizing more and more that perseverence is not just an art!

I was actually looking forward to a good week...but guess what?

As I began to cleanse my face tonight.............................

I realized, to my horror, that I touched metal! Yes; the temporary titanium plate that is in my chin as I await major surgery is actually

shifting and showing!

How long will I have to wait? Is there no end to this ongoing medical problem?

Faith in Someone who has my best interest at heart IS my hope.

In less than ideal circumstances; I choose to believe that I will still have a good week.

THANKSGIVING.......................

2008-10-10T06:57:00.002-06:00

THANKSGIVING:

For me, this Thanksgiving...

NOT

bubbly giggly anticipated holiday

BUT

a calm assurance that

my many rich blessings

supercede

ALL Else.

About Courage...............

2008-09-24T17:49:00.005-06:00

"Courage doesn't always

roar. Sometimes courage

is the quiet voice at the end

of the day saying...'I will try

again tomorrow.'"

__ Mary Anne Radmacher

Life can become mun"day"ne.......

2008-09-24T17:33:00.004-06:00

Is your life becoming too routine?

KEEP

CALM...

CARRY

ON...

___British propaganda poster; 1939

TAKING INTENTIONAL RISKS.....

2008-09-04T20:54:00.004-06:00

........it's much easier to dream about stepping out in faith than it is to really intentionally
.........................step
...................................OUT!

author Neil Anderson along with Joanne express this in a devotional entitled:

Life on the Cutting Edge: (and I NOW Quote.......)

RISK

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.

To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.

To reach out for another is to risk involvement.

To place our ideas, our dreams, before a crowd is to risk their loss.

To love is to risk not being loved in return.

To live is to risk dying.

To hope is to risk despair.

To try is to risk failure.

As we begin the last THIRD of year 2008; we will have less regrets December 31 at midnight.....if we intentionally take God-driven risks today.....tomorrow...

ultimately

giving HIM

all

the

CREDIT!

....DAILY IN CHRIST

September 4th reading

a devotionall book by...

By Neil Anderson with Joanne Anderson

TIPS.....part two

2008-07-08T07:24:00.002-06:00

Add Humor

to whatever exercise program

and

you will stay healthy.

Set the timer for 22 minutes, and walk out your front door for a vigorous walk ...with the intent to 'beat' the timer. Try to be walking in your back door for the last few seconds to hear it ring!
Take your age and divide it by 2 (or by 4!) Use this number to be your goal to reach in a set of some type of exercise.
Make yourself...do random exercises during each commercial break.
Try setting your timer and walking your steps in your house for a minute or 2.

HAVE A WONDERFUL SUMMER!

Never give up....no matter how many times you lapse.

Tips for Your General Well Being..................

2008-07-07T22:09:00.002-06:00

Guess What?

I am following through on a new tip today!

In order to be more intentional in excercising;

I just take my age...and put the timer on for that many seconds.

Then I do sit ups or trunk twists or whatever I work out at...

and

Presto!

The timer goes off and I am finished until maybe a time or 2 later in the day.

I just approached my husband with this new method of excercise

and

got encouraged!

He said,

"Where did you hear about this?"

THAT IS THE ENCOURAGEMENT....

"cause the implication was that it sounded like an idea out of a magazine article.

(Well...perhaps I read into his tone alittle bit.)

A SANDWICH????

2008-06-14T13:07:00.006-06:00

Recently I encountered an older woman who reminded me;

"Oh Donna, you are in the sandwich generation!"

Please take this short quizz to find out why you are

in a bit of a 'squeeze' for time,

and

in need of much more

energy!

A SANDWICH????

I had never really thought of all the signs at are true of those o#f us in the 'sandwich';

But all of a sudden she helped me to identify them!

...one or more parents or parents-in-law needing your time, love. and care!
...married children; who, by having a spouse have doubled the B-Day cards!...(never mind remembering their anniversaries and such)
...grandchildren. who also have birthdays and want special attention like taking them out, and overnights, and...by nature just believe that the only person that you need to spend time with is...them!
...spouse, who by now thinks he or she is being neglected and how could this be...with an empty nest!

The above signs are ONLY a few; and as I woke up leisurely on Saturday morning to have a magical and imaginary 'bed and breakfast' in our own home.... before the noon hour was over; my mind had done gymnastics on all the above...and more.

SO.......

TO STAY FRESH ....thro' the

" SANDWICH CHAPTERS" OF YOUR LIFE JOURNAL...

keep up your sense of humor;

'cause there's NO WAY, you'll keep up the PACE!

I'm getting OLDER.....

2008-06-04T14:48:00.003-06:00

Wow.....Finally I have arrived!
I have gotten older....
Something I always wanted to be when I was little...
YES!
Here it is.....
Almost magical....don't you think?

I'm OLDER

WISER

STRONGER

(atleast I'm supposed to be emotionally...)

AND

a whole lot

BETTER

(if I don't succomb to 'bitter')

NOW THAT I'VE ARRIVED....may I truly be;

MORE PATIENT

MORE KIND

MORE LOVING

MORE PRAYERFUL...

(not forgetting the saying...)

"Never dispise old age; it is a privilege denied many."

Older IS Better when....

2008-05-17T15:28:00.004-06:00

Older Is Better....ONLY when

I accept the changes

myself.

Recently I was laughing over a recollection

of a younger lady who had decided to go back to college.

She indicated that after trying all the beauty products,

and after many attempts at bodily exercises,

she was going to try brain enhancement!

You Will Know That You Are Older When.....

2008-05-05T14:34:00.004-06:00

You will know that you are moving on up in years,

when your doctor, all of a sudden seems to be your age!

A further indicator would be, when your dentist,

all of a sudden seems to be much younger than you are!

AND

to make it worse;

the dental hygienist

seems to be

the dentist's daughter!

However....what took me by shock last week was when

the "child" dental hygienist

actually advised me

to suck on a candy

if I woke up with a very dry mouth during the night hours.

This unusual coaching definitely was the catalyst to the realization that I was not only older...but I had moved on into a whole different realm of logic!

There was more than

ONE

generation

GAP

between us!

"It SURE won't hurt them!".......she'd say.....

2008-04-26T07:23:00.002-06:00

The above phrase makes me chuckle as I reminisce.
Yes! That kind of mind set is how the baby boomers
got to where they are today, right?
Valuing hard work and perseverence; my mom would not
easily let us get away with some chore partially done.
As for Dad...just when we thought that he would relent and
we would not have to do some work project around the farm;
he would actually change 'gears' and side with Mom!
Yes! I chuckle again as I remember Mom calling out from the
old farm house door to my Dad, ready to start up his tractor;

"Well, it sure won't hurt them!"

55+ .......the Baby Boomers....

2008-04-24T18:08:00.002-06:00

I used to just HATE that I was called the Baby Boomer generation.....

But since that time period in my life....

I have since learned to EMBRACE the inescapable fact!

There has just GOT to be a REASON for you and I being born during this time

and so let's start with the simple stuff.....like; what makes us alittle unusual,

also makes us of great VALUE to both the older and the younger, right?

Are you glad to be a 'Baby Boomer'?

WHY? (care to comment?)

Someone said....

2008-04-24T17:33:00.001-06:00

Someone said....

"Our glory is not in never falling,

but

in rising each time we fall."

Stripped Away......

2008-03-19T00:57:00.001-06:00

STRIPPED AWAY

Just like a piece of furniture,
once shiny and unflawed...
I'd come before my Saviour
I'd come before my God.
Once a growing Christian,
so passionately unique...
But now I come a-limping...
---a dowdy worn antique???
(Is there a place for me;
So weathered by life's storms?)
What made me passionate, at first
Now fails to spark or burst.
Am I backslidden?
(I'm tempted to wonder.)
Why?????????
I cry..................
The Master Potter, once He was,
Now comes as Master Rebuilder; if I let Him.
The sand paper's rough;
the coarse grade...
Now the fine grade
wears me down.
To smooth and refine me
Repair: remake me.
So painfully, stripped down..
Does ALL get stripped away?
family
friends
health
good will
All the things that thrill?
Too tired to fight...
I REST from wrestling.
I wait for something --
THE DUST; it settles at my feet.
(the saw and hammer and nails)
The spotlight turns on me ---
I'm shiny and shimmering
in HIS light.
Better than before!
The process -- I can't abhor.
Thro' my glamorous new finish
A reflection can be seen.
It's NOT even me!
but...
HIM!!!
02/04/08/dgporritt

Quote: "We will not be satisfied until...

2008-03-17T20:57:00.002-06:00

" We will not be satisfied until ...

justice rolls down like water,

and righteousness,

like a mighty stream.

Injustice

anywhere

a threat to justice

everywhere."

...Martin Luther King, JR.

Not Enough Time........?

2008-03-12T09:06:00.002-06:00

I stop to remind myself.....

Even if I were on a regular Monday through Friday

work week,

I would have 120 hours in this 5 day period.

The 40 hour work week allows for 2 more 40 hour segments.

If I need 40 hours of sleep; it's there for the taking.

That will leave me with

STILL

YET

ANOTHER

40 hours for feeding and recreation!

This is NOT counting the 2 day weekend (another 48 hours)!

Please check out the math for yourself;

then

let's motivate each other

to be

EXTREMELY INTENTIONAL

this week.

"Making the most of the time.........." Ephesians 5:16

I Love My Church.......

2008-03-08T17:37:00.005-07:00

"I love my church, I love my church,

I love to go to church.

I love to hear the people sing,

I love to go to church."

This is a little children's song...

I have sung it countless times...

especially in the car en route to church.

"WHY?" you ask.

Because as a young mother,

I wanted to instill into our children,

a desire for the family of God.

Although we all know that none of us are perfect;

what better place to be on Sunday morning

than with those who know they aren't,

but have come

to honor the ONE who is!

Simple Quote .....from a favorite author

2008-03-06T15:46:00.002-07:00

"I am eighty-five years old and I am so thankful

that I am able to continue the work I love.

God has a plan for every life."

...Corrie ten Boom...

TIME FOR ME? .......especially for workaholics

2008-03-06T10:12:00.003-07:00

It's time to:

>stop and read a silly book,

> play the piano as long as these arthritic fingers can,

>sing and laugh with or without a friend,

and just

conclude a day,

being able to say triumphantly;

"I wasted a day!"

Quick Thought....

2008-03-05T15:31:00.000-07:00

TIME TO BURN...

"time on my hands"?

"life's so short...make it count"!

What is fifty-five plus "STUFF"?

2008-03-05T14:47:00.000-07:00

55+ Stuff is about sharing our past to better the present.

"...BASED ON THE OLDER TEACHING THE YOUNGER

...BASED ON ENCOURAGING EACH OTHER IN OUR SENIOR YEARS."

Welcome to 55 Plus Stuff !