This is probably the most beautiful and moving Nativity story I've ever seen. It's worth sharing.
Watch it by clicking here.
Much Love and Hugs~
December 15, 2009
The Nativity
This is probably the most beautiful and moving Nativity story I've ever seen. It's worth sharing.
Watch it by clicking here.
Much Love and Hugs~
November 03, 2009
Thanksgiving or Christmas?
The Thanksgiving season is one of my favorite times of the year. In fact, if the truth be told and I'm really brave, I like it even more than Christmas. I love the leaves, the cooler temperatures, and even the unique smells of the outdoors that accompany this time of year. Unfortunately, I have found it brings with it serious distractions. All my creative tenancies start screaming to be freed, which they always succeed at, which leaves a lot of other things undone. Oh well, this too shall pass, and in the meantime, I'm going to enjoy it.
Love & Hugs,
Love & Hugs,
October 15, 2009
Bru-Ha-Ha-Ha!
Try as I might, I just can not get into the "Scary" of Halloween. If it's not "cutesy" then it's not for me. Every day life offers plenty of reasons to scream from the horror of it all without any help thank you very much!
But, I did decide on a costume for Halloween... that is if I were to wear one. I would be a Turtle. I have realized more and more clearly as each month passes just how slow I am. I can take forever to do the most seemingly simple of tasks! Take my blog for example. What should take less than 15 minutes ends up taking me well over 4 hours. Why?! Because I'm a turtle!!!
Okay, it likely has a lot more to do with my perfectionist tendencies and being creatively side-tracked. I sit down to write a quick little something, (not that I have any clue what that will be), and notice I don't like my background. I need something more fitting for the season. So, on a search I go.
Since I can't find "the one" I am looking for, I find a picture I do like and start changing it to fit my template. Test after Test and a little this after that and it's still not working out. It's now that I remember why I don't post more often.
Finally, some insight as to how I can make this idea work, a few minutes and adjustments, and Voila! It's perfect... and half my day is gone.
No wonder I like Facebook more. A couple of comments here or there and I'm back to life as I know it... unless of course I get distracted by Farmville or Bejeweled...
As much as I like technology and as much as it's supposed to save time, I honestly think more and more that I'd be better off without it. But then I'd miss my precious internet so very much.
Love & Hugs
But, I did decide on a costume for Halloween... that is if I were to wear one. I would be a Turtle. I have realized more and more clearly as each month passes just how slow I am. I can take forever to do the most seemingly simple of tasks! Take my blog for example. What should take less than 15 minutes ends up taking me well over 4 hours. Why?! Because I'm a turtle!!!
Okay, it likely has a lot more to do with my perfectionist tendencies and being creatively side-tracked. I sit down to write a quick little something, (not that I have any clue what that will be), and notice I don't like my background. I need something more fitting for the season. So, on a search I go.
Since I can't find "the one" I am looking for, I find a picture I do like and start changing it to fit my template. Test after Test and a little this after that and it's still not working out. It's now that I remember why I don't post more often.
Finally, some insight as to how I can make this idea work, a few minutes and adjustments, and Voila! It's perfect... and half my day is gone.
No wonder I like Facebook more. A couple of comments here or there and I'm back to life as I know it... unless of course I get distracted by Farmville or Bejeweled...
As much as I like technology and as much as it's supposed to save time, I honestly think more and more that I'd be better off without it. But then I'd miss my precious internet so very much.
Love & Hugs
September 04, 2009
Reading - Writing - and, well, you know...
It used to be that the "hint" of fall caused me to have an insatiable desire to sew. That became a gruesome Halloween casualty when I made Tyson's Charmander (Pokemon) Costume a couple of years ago and he decided not to wear it.
I had put in hours and hours wishing I were as talented as a friend of mine, (Michelle Humphreys-Jensen) as I attempted to create the pattern for it since one didn't exist. Then I proceeded to work on it all day and stayed up all night to have it ready for a party he was going to. (I should have been studying for me test in Algebra! But, this is what mothers do, right?)
Anyway, I've just found that I have NO desire to sew since then. Not even to make traditional Christmas PJ's! Not even to sew a button back on or the patches for Scouting! But, oh well, there are worse things right?
With that loss there is a bit of a void for Fall. It's kind of weird, but my whole life Fall has been my favorite and I have noticed something in me during the fall that just has to get out... maybe it's my creative side, but none the less, without sewing, what would it be? Well, last year I found out, and sure enough, the drive is revving up again as of late. Writing, be it poetry, novels, or cookbook seems to satisfy that appetite or "whatever" it is (that, and reading).
This year I also have garden produce contending for my time... I made my first batch of salsa in 5 years, and have more tomatoes screaming at me. Truth be told, half of them have probably already turned bad, which breaks my heart. Seems like so many other things push it to the back of the line. Scouts, Teaching (Tyson is Virtual Schooling again this year) getting sucked in to the computer... Okay, that on it my bad.
But, I was reminded how much I LOVE homemade salsa, that I really enjoy canning and I'm excited to make the berry jam from the wild blackberries I froze from a couple of months ago. I may even get some cucumbers for pickles or relish if we can stop eating them as fast as I bring them in...
That reminds me... I think it's time to go stare at whatever is in the refrigerator and debate whether or not I really want to eat it or if I should just go to bed.... = P
Much Love & Hugs~
I had put in hours and hours wishing I were as talented as a friend of mine, (Michelle Humphreys-Jensen) as I attempted to create the pattern for it since one didn't exist. Then I proceeded to work on it all day and stayed up all night to have it ready for a party he was going to. (I should have been studying for me test in Algebra! But, this is what mothers do, right?)
Anyway, I've just found that I have NO desire to sew since then. Not even to make traditional Christmas PJ's! Not even to sew a button back on or the patches for Scouting! But, oh well, there are worse things right?
With that loss there is a bit of a void for Fall. It's kind of weird, but my whole life Fall has been my favorite and I have noticed something in me during the fall that just has to get out... maybe it's my creative side, but none the less, without sewing, what would it be? Well, last year I found out, and sure enough, the drive is revving up again as of late. Writing, be it poetry, novels, or cookbook seems to satisfy that appetite or "whatever" it is (that, and reading).
This year I also have garden produce contending for my time... I made my first batch of salsa in 5 years, and have more tomatoes screaming at me. Truth be told, half of them have probably already turned bad, which breaks my heart. Seems like so many other things push it to the back of the line. Scouts, Teaching (Tyson is Virtual Schooling again this year) getting sucked in to the computer... Okay, that on it my bad.
But, I was reminded how much I LOVE homemade salsa, that I really enjoy canning and I'm excited to make the berry jam from the wild blackberries I froze from a couple of months ago. I may even get some cucumbers for pickles or relish if we can stop eating them as fast as I bring them in...
That reminds me... I think it's time to go stare at whatever is in the refrigerator and debate whether or not I really want to eat it or if I should just go to bed.... = P
Much Love & Hugs~
July 08, 2009
3 Points to a Full Circle
You know, there are just some days that I surprise myself with what I can do. I have a "final" paper due for my Leadership Development class and going over it I'm thinking to myself... Where did this come from? Where ever it came from, I hope I can continue to access it in the coming days, months and years.
The conceptualization of leadership is a multifaceted topic requiring a versatility of self. Regardless of all of all other factors, no leader is truly effective to his or her utmost potential until he or she has developed a deep sense of self-awareness.
The understanding of personal strengths and limitations, awareness of emotions and how personal behavior is perceived by others is the foundation to the development of a type of leadership that transcends expectations reaching to new heights of excellence.
Once the foundation is in place, the building of a great leader begins with one of three points which will become a full circle.
1. The Paradox of Leading:
The initial examination of servant-leader brings to light a definite paradox, but upon closer examination, the method and effectiveness of servant leader becomes clear.
The very nature of human beings calls into question the leader that does not live what is expected. The leader that sets a standard and example of behavior and requires less of self is often perplexed when others do not live up to what is expected. Poor examples need look no further than national and local governments that expect its citizens to be held to one standard while excusing the actions of their colleagues.
Better examples can be found in turning to the ancient examples of Jesus Christ found throughout many books of the New Testament of the Bible, King Benjamin found in the Book of Mosiah in the Book of Mormon, or reflecting on the effectiveness in parenting from day to day.
Jesus Christ was found serving those around him daily and He set the example as he led. He was often found healing numerous people with all manner of disease or affliction. The result of his service leadership was the endearment, trust and respect of those who followed. The people knew He had their best interest at heart and were willing to follow in his footsteps.
Like carving a path among overgrown bushes and traversing hidden dangers, Jesus Christ led with compassion and understanding of those who followed him who were at different levels and capabilities in their learning. As such, He most often taught in parables to those who heard him so they could understand to the extent of their ability knowing there would come a time when they would gain new understanding from the parables.
While King Benjamin served as king over his people, in addition to the responsibilities of governing a people, he labored for his own support so his people would not be burdened with taxes. He taught them by example that they ought to be good to one another. He cared about the people very much and served them until his death.
Parenting provides caretakers with intimate information about the children they care for. Parents are able to look for the needs of their children and assess how those needs can best be met. The daily act of parenting also gives opportunity to lead by example. Children imitate that which they see and hear others do and say. Parenting serves as the ultimate example of becoming the servant-leader.
2. Winners Never Cheat:
There is a danger among our rising generation in the desensitizing of what it means to cheat. Finding game codes to hidden levels of a game are a good example.
These game modifiers are referred to as “cheats”. Because it’s good and fun to find these modifiers, it becomes good to cheat, at least for the game. It is the pervial foot in the door of values and ethics.
Jon M. Huntsman wrote a book entitled, “Winners Never Cheat; Everyday values we learned as children (but may have forgotten)”. I can think of no better way consider ethics and values than in this light, Leaders Never Cheat.
It is unrealistic to think all people will have the same values, but it is not unrealistic to expect people, especially leaders, to hold fast to the values they do hold. Individuals who work together need not have the same value system. A leader with integrity will provide room for negotiations on all other matters. A study of the founding fathers compromising on varying aspects of what this country would become worked only because through the sometimes intense debate, these men saw how changes would not compromise their values or integrity.
It is when leaders breach their own belief system that they become less effective leaders. Those individuals who would be followers, whether consciously or not, begin to lose confidence in the leader who does not hold to the ethical and moral values they profess. Private life matters as much as, if not more than, public behavior.
Whether publicly or privately, effective leaders live and make decisions that are in accordance with the ethical values and beliefs they hold. Is it any wonder that citizens become so unhappy with government officials who transgress the values and ethics that they claim?
3. Empowering Others:
Empowering others is of itself a form of service, and it is through this service, this empowering others, that leaders find a great source of satisfaction. It comes full circle in the developing philosophy of great leaders.
As great leaders empower others by recognizing and responding to the needs, desires, and emotions of their followers, a transformation among followers can be realized as they respond more enthusiastically and with greater talent. As leaders nurture the enthusiasm and talent, allowing followers to set the bar for themselves, the ability to dream big improves ; the potential of both leader and followers increases exponentially.
When approached well, empowering others also brings greater receptivity for acceptance of feedback and redirection. Much like the stubborn donkey who is instinctively resistant to being pulled or forced anywhere, the gentle guidance and coaxing that effectively moves the willing donkey will be similar to the guidance and coaxing that comes through the empowering and development of others. The natural instinct to resist will greatly be diminished and provide for further growth, development, and empowerment.
Leadership: 3 Points to a Full Circle
If the question were posed, “How many points does a full circle have?” the logical answer would be, none.The conceptualization of leadership is a multifaceted topic requiring a versatility of self. Regardless of all of all other factors, no leader is truly effective to his or her utmost potential until he or she has developed a deep sense of self-awareness.
The understanding of personal strengths and limitations, awareness of emotions and how personal behavior is perceived by others is the foundation to the development of a type of leadership that transcends expectations reaching to new heights of excellence.
Once the foundation is in place, the building of a great leader begins with one of three points which will become a full circle.
1. The Paradox of Leading:
The initial examination of servant-leader brings to light a definite paradox, but upon closer examination, the method and effectiveness of servant leader becomes clear.
The very nature of human beings calls into question the leader that does not live what is expected. The leader that sets a standard and example of behavior and requires less of self is often perplexed when others do not live up to what is expected. Poor examples need look no further than national and local governments that expect its citizens to be held to one standard while excusing the actions of their colleagues.
Better examples can be found in turning to the ancient examples of Jesus Christ found throughout many books of the New Testament of the Bible, King Benjamin found in the Book of Mosiah in the Book of Mormon, or reflecting on the effectiveness in parenting from day to day.
Jesus Christ was found serving those around him daily and He set the example as he led. He was often found healing numerous people with all manner of disease or affliction. The result of his service leadership was the endearment, trust and respect of those who followed. The people knew He had their best interest at heart and were willing to follow in his footsteps.
Like carving a path among overgrown bushes and traversing hidden dangers, Jesus Christ led with compassion and understanding of those who followed him who were at different levels and capabilities in their learning. As such, He most often taught in parables to those who heard him so they could understand to the extent of their ability knowing there would come a time when they would gain new understanding from the parables.
While King Benjamin served as king over his people, in addition to the responsibilities of governing a people, he labored for his own support so his people would not be burdened with taxes. He taught them by example that they ought to be good to one another. He cared about the people very much and served them until his death.
Parenting provides caretakers with intimate information about the children they care for. Parents are able to look for the needs of their children and assess how those needs can best be met. The daily act of parenting also gives opportunity to lead by example. Children imitate that which they see and hear others do and say. Parenting serves as the ultimate example of becoming the servant-leader.
2. Winners Never Cheat:
There is a danger among our rising generation in the desensitizing of what it means to cheat. Finding game codes to hidden levels of a game are a good example.
These game modifiers are referred to as “cheats”. Because it’s good and fun to find these modifiers, it becomes good to cheat, at least for the game. It is the pervial foot in the door of values and ethics.
Jon M. Huntsman wrote a book entitled, “Winners Never Cheat; Everyday values we learned as children (but may have forgotten)”. I can think of no better way consider ethics and values than in this light, Leaders Never Cheat.
It is unrealistic to think all people will have the same values, but it is not unrealistic to expect people, especially leaders, to hold fast to the values they do hold. Individuals who work together need not have the same value system. A leader with integrity will provide room for negotiations on all other matters. A study of the founding fathers compromising on varying aspects of what this country would become worked only because through the sometimes intense debate, these men saw how changes would not compromise their values or integrity.
It is when leaders breach their own belief system that they become less effective leaders. Those individuals who would be followers, whether consciously or not, begin to lose confidence in the leader who does not hold to the ethical and moral values they profess. Private life matters as much as, if not more than, public behavior.
Whether publicly or privately, effective leaders live and make decisions that are in accordance with the ethical values and beliefs they hold. Is it any wonder that citizens become so unhappy with government officials who transgress the values and ethics that they claim?
3. Empowering Others:
Empowering others is of itself a form of service, and it is through this service, this empowering others, that leaders find a great source of satisfaction. It comes full circle in the developing philosophy of great leaders.
As great leaders empower others by recognizing and responding to the needs, desires, and emotions of their followers, a transformation among followers can be realized as they respond more enthusiastically and with greater talent. As leaders nurture the enthusiasm and talent, allowing followers to set the bar for themselves, the ability to dream big improves ; the potential of both leader and followers increases exponentially.
When approached well, empowering others also brings greater receptivity for acceptance of feedback and redirection. Much like the stubborn donkey who is instinctively resistant to being pulled or forced anywhere, the gentle guidance and coaxing that effectively moves the willing donkey will be similar to the guidance and coaxing that comes through the empowering and development of others. The natural instinct to resist will greatly be diminished and provide for further growth, development, and empowerment.
June 24, 2009
He's Back!!
Yikes! It can not really have been nearly a year since I was on here last, can it?!? I knew I was a good 6-8 months behind on my hand written journal, but this is easier! Oh well, the story of my life. = )
Ten long days in the hot and humid outdoors down and Camp Bartles for Boy Scout Camp seems to have aged Tyson. I sent him down a "tween" and got back a real nice young man. He doesn't even smell stinky, and he did a little laundry before coming home, even amongst many protests from the other boys that "men don't do laundry". I believe they have a wake up call in their future. I'm just especially proud of Tyson that it did not phase him. He makes me very proud.
I was very pleased to see the garden grow nearly as fast as Tyson over the past ten days. Wow... I thought I had killed my green thumb... apparently, my green thumb was just in hiding and after a little TLC, my garden is thriving like I used to have back in Utah... maybe even better! Pictures are forthcoming. In the meantime, you can use your imaginations.
Much Love & Hugs~
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