R-E-L-A-X, Slow Down

R-E-L-A-X, Slow Down

      Most of our life is rushed, but we need to relax and slow down to appreciate the moments of calm.  Feeling joy and rejuvenation can build many great characteristics into the being we live and share with others.

         To slow down is to experience so much serenity as in the prayer – acceptance, wisdom and courage that accomplishes tremendous things.  We can be blessings to others and ourselves in ways beyond what we had thought possible.

         Someone’s words or actions can be sparks giving us ideas towards plans that affect us with amazing projection.  Answers may be in directions we need, but questions could also point us to magnificent resources.

         Relaxation can be the start of so many joy-filled experiences that we reach places feeling comfortable.  Placing ourselves in zones of quiet can allow us to listen better to messages we’re receiving.

         The “Classroom of Silence” might impact us tremendously, hearing the inner voice we’ve grown to ignore.  A realm of peace may offer benefits beyond imagining, taking us to sites we hadn’t envisioned.  Be open to the possible.

Glimmers Point Positive

Glimmers Point Positive

      “Today I learned about a term called “Glimmer”, which is the opposite of trigger.  Glimmers are those moments in your day that make you feel joy, happiness, peace, or gratitude.  Once you train your brain to be on the lookout for glimmers these glimmers will appear more and more.”  -- Author Unknown

         Pointers to positive characteristics are ways toward hope and shines the brightness immensely.   We need such positivity accentuated, bringing heightened soul expansion.

         Broadening our horizons gives us perspectives into future sights to be enlivening the thoughts, words and actions that feed into behaviors and habits.  Such things form our character and lead to our destiny.

         Such a forward direction makes achieving progress a blessing for us and those we encounter.  The traits we amass add to our existence while also lifting the people brought to our path.

         Terry Hershey shared a Martin Luther King Jr quote – ““whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be.”

         The ‘UP” words enhance our being in ways that express tremendous feelings and build bridges with family and friends.  I helped publish a youth newsletter that was titled “Up Words”, bringing positive messages.  Having positive points shape our lives with rich depth.  Shine on!

Discouraged Is Filled With “Courage” -- Awaiting Discovery

Discouraged Is Filled With “Courage”

Awaiting Discovery

         When we feel down there are up moments amidst our situations just waiting for us to uncover the realities.  The strength we find to move onto newer horizons brings some things that enliven the spirit within.

         Connecting with others rejuvenates life to a height we can claim such a joyful presence and be inspired to accomplish tremendous actions.  That motivation felt may take us to points of unbelievable esteem, building up in us amazing character.

         We may feel dejected at times, but taking steps forward can affect us and others brought to our path.  Discovering courage could inspire things so great that we may not have realized what might occur.

         Peeling away the negativity shows phenomenal results and reveals amazing experiences.  The fortitude to press on can distinguish so much in our lives.

         Bravery opens many doors to opportunities we may have thought were beyond our reach.  Being courageous in endeavors might expand horizons to magnificent adventures.  Discover treasures, dig it out.

Observing Laughter

Observing Laughter

 

         There is a sign where I volunteer – “Laughter is a smile that bursts.  When we observe signs of humor, it brings happiness into our lives in ways that are so incredible.

         A good laugh can be healing to the point that it’s uplifting, bringing to mind a feeling of joy.  The sensation of chuckling may be needed to get us beyond the “blahs” that weighs us down.

         Seeing the outcome of things so funny produce amazing results that take us to levels unbeknownst to anything we could fathom.  Laughs and puns are an integral part of my life, that I share with so many.

         Such joking around I’m tremendously known for, that people see it as my characteristic.  Some even see it as inherently associated with who I’m described as being.

         Something so FUN-damental is also seen as PUN-ishing in ways to appear drawing out LOLs.  The observations of comedy can bring our souls such richness.  Be joyful, uplift others.

Give Value Appropriately

Give Value Appropriately

 

         How does something negative like curse words get that value, and become so popularized?  Who has given the meaning to make it credible in language and usage?

         Someone has defined these with the gusto and attachment, so others have latched onto them they’ve gained speed to reach levels beyond the initial envisioning.

         We could also positively influence the assignment of the worth words receive and inspire how it’s used.  Appropriation of ways something is seen may be upward or downward in its effect and how it affects others.

         To be imaginative and inspiring may brighten another’s outlook, while expanding their viewpoint, making it a blessing for themselves and others.  Becoming the best version of ourselves can lift us up, and also others in our environments.

         Take care in our thoughts, words and actions because they impact so much around us.  And things we project may be examples for some that we don’t realize.  Be accountable, be responsible.

The gospel according to Ian

The gospel according to Ian

This story was published for the St. Michael’s Youth Voice in September 1997.

Seven years ago, through the urging of a friend, I met Tammy Mansir (then the St. Michael’s Youth Minister) and began helping with the Youth Group, I didn't even know what I was getting into when Bob Thompson said, "We could use some help with the Youth Program," (in March 1990, even before Tammy came).

In September, he called me on a Monday and asked, "Where were you?" I had no idea what he was talking about. He said there was a Youth Group gathering the previous night. I didn't know they had expected me, but agreed to call Tammy; that's when it began, and it's been a wonderful seven years.

At that first Sunday meeting, Tammy split the youth
into three groups and the discussion was to be about family problems. The group
whose discussion I was to facilitate had six teenage girls; and I have no
sisters. I began to share about my family's experiences, and then they took over
and I barely had to say another word.

I came to this Youth Group with no experience working
with teens. Tammy's guidance certainly helped me with the challenging,
uplifting, growing. and learning opportunities that have come my way. Those
have included being a catechist, working on retreats, learning how to snow ski,
coaching youth volleyball teams, helping put together the newsletter, service
projects, lock-ins and much more.

This has been a story from the gospel according to Ian.

The Gospel writers (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John)
didn't start out to write the Gospels. They were keeping journals of the things
they saw and heard about Jesus doing. The way that God works in our lives is
part of the gospel according to us. My story above is how God worked in my life
through Tammy and others.

I can relate to how the Disciples must have felt being
called into their ministry. I had no experience to work in Youth Ministry, but
I did have a willingness to try. And I didn't become a catechist, retreat
worker, or newsletter editor right away. I grew into those roles, and Tammy had
to get comfortable enough with me to offer those chances.  

Each of you has a mission that God has planned for you.  The pathway to that

goal may not be easy, and may not appear to be successful.  But God doesn't ask
us to successful, only to be faithful.  God will use your efforts to reach out to many
people.  It is all part of a beautiful and powerful story:  The gospel according to
you!

Each of you has a mission that God has planned for you. The pathway to that goal may not be easy, and may not even appear to be successful. But God doesn't ask you to be successful, only to be faithful. God will use your efforts to reach out to many people. It is all part of a beautiful and powerful 

story: The gospel according to you!