Don't Worry Be Happy

If you really want to be happy, nobody can stop you. - Sister Mary Tricky

So often, we are afraid to risk being happy. Strange, itsn't it, thatbeing happy can be seen as a risk? There are all sorts of dangers involved.

We have discovered that there are people around us who are suspicious of happy people...they just can't be trusted. Then, there are others who seen openly to resent happiness and seem determined to squash it at every turn. After all, if one person is happy, doesn't this reflect upon those who aren't and, invisibly, put some kind of pressure on everyone else to be happy, too? At the very least, a happy person demonstrates that happiness is possible and, if it's possible, then isn't it available to everyone?

Then, there are our own qualms...it will do away...it won't last...it will make us vulnerable. By the time we get through all these issues, happiness has gone.

We do, however, as human beings have the potential and the right to be happy. Indeed, there's a rumor doing around that happiness is what the Creator had in mind for us.

My happiness is up to me. I don't have to make it happen. The potential is always there within me.

Judgement and Acceptance

I admit it! I can be selfish, inpatient, and whiney. I forget that “it’s not about me.”. I worry way too much about what could, should and might happen. I plan myself into a tight box too often. I can adopt an annoying “poor me” attitude over the littlest of things in hindsight. I can talk myself out of social situations because of my own awkwardness and shyness. I over analyze myself, and not in a helpful way. I can succumb to loneliness when in fact I know that I have people who care about me. I second guess myself. I feel guilty for asking for help.


I also know these to be true. I can be selfless and pathologically patient. I wear a shield of empathy and perspective with others who are struggling. I have faith and optimism in dire situations. My favorite memories are when I have been spontaneous. I pride myself in my perseverance and give myself credit for fighting big battles. I feel most confident when I reach outside of my comfort zone. I can laugh at myself and not take myself too seriously. I relish my alone time and time with dear friends. I know that I have intuitions that won’t guide me wrong. I’ve learned to reach out to others when I need help and have much gratitude for their assistance.

Often times, we forget that we possess the very strengths that are the antithesis of our weaknesses. It’s called being human - imperfect. I’m reminded that very little things in life are all black and white, or all-or-nothing. That includes me when I’m being one way or another. There’s this saying, “We judge others by their behavior. We judge ourselves by our intentions.” Humbly, this is a reminder to me that others are not all or nothing either. It is far better to judge others as having good intentions. I know that my behaviors don’t always reflect my good intentions. At risk of sounding corny, I am (we are) a human being not a human doing.

I pray that I can begin to be more mindful of being gentler with myself and others. We all are caring heavy burdens and are doing our best at this very moment.

The Resolution

THE RESOLUTION is a bold declaration of commitments that men are making to be faithful to God as the spiritual leader of their home.

 

Message

THE RESOLUTION

 

I DO solemnly resolve before God to take full responsibility for myself, my wife, and my children.

 

I WILL love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home.

 

I WILL be faithful to my wife, to love and honor her, and be willing to lay down my life for her as Jesus Christ did for me.

 

I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God with all of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength.

 

I WILL train them to honor authority and live responsibly.

 

I WILL confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy.

 

I WILL pray for others and treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion.

 

I WILL work diligently to provide for the needs of my family.

 

I WILL forgive those who have wronged me and reconcile with those I have wronged.

 

I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins, and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God.

 

I WILL seek to honor God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His will.

 

I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory.

 

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. ---Joshua 24:15

Molano Easter 2012 - BABY ANNOUNCEMENT

 

Family was here to visit and we invited a bunch of friends out to the Upfront Theater for Improv Comedy night because we got a connection to get Seth and I pulled on stage.

They asked the crowd if there were any married people in the crowd. Of course they picked us to be part of the next improv. A re-enactment of how we met and our first date. They had a lot to work with since we met at Rumors (a "Gay" friendly bar) on Halloween LOL. It was hilarious.

Seth would dig a bell if the girl who acted me did something I would do or say and honk a horn if it wasn't something I would do or say. I would do the same for the guy playing Seth.

It was hilarious. The girls started dancing provocatively and Seth started dinging LOL I was like, whatever?! The guy playing Seth asked if I wanted to see his "cool tats" and I dinged that. Seth was like, whatever?!  Everything down to chatting at Starbucks until they kicked us out well past closing. Just a few examples.

Then they improv-ed 5 years later. The guy said "Wow, I can't believe all the adventures we've done....married....and travel." I dinged that. Then the girl who played me said "Yes, and to think, we're gonna have a baby now!" And we both started dinging!!!!!!

They turned and asked if it was true. We said yes. We had a bunch of friends there totally surprised. A few were crying the happiest of tears. A TOTAL SURPRISE!!! It was AWESOME!!!! Our friend Reatha who hooked us up with the improv opportunity also recorded it on her phone but is having trouble uploading it to YouTube. Finger's crossed. I hope we can get that posted ASAP.

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Mom and Dad found out the night before. Seth got home from work. As we sat down to dinner. Seth wanted to practice some Spanish he was learning. "Vivimos en Birch Bay. / We live in Birch Bay." "I was born in June. / Yo nací en el mes de junio." And then He said "We're having a baby in October. / Estamos teniendo un bebé en Octubre."

They are THRILLED!!!! Lots of phone calls afterwards.

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At work, I made little Easter Gift Bags. Each filled with 3 candy filled Eggs with the words "Hatching" "October" "22nd" on them :)

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This truly is a Holiday Baby! Finding out on Valentine's Day. 1st "emergency" ultra sound on Leap Day. Announcements on Easter. And Born near Halloween! 

 

10 simple, but beautiful things I know about love

After 33 years of life and growth in my newlywed marriage, l do know certain things, certain truths, about love and I know these things are simply beautiful:

1. There is no better feeling than love.
2. Love requires practice every day.
3. Enjoy the moment with your love; it’s the only one that is guaranteed.
4. Love will change you for the better.
5. Love brings both happiness and pain – and it’s from both the bond is created.
6. Scoreboards don’t work.
7. Love’s intent is to complement you; not complete you.
8. Loving yourself isn’t selfish; it’s required to make the relationship balanced and strong.
9. Let go to let love grow.
10. The way to lasting love comes through forgiveness.

There’s still more to learn about love :)

10 Things You Wish You Had Never Learned

True knowledge lies in knowing how to live. – Baltasar Gracin

At first glance this idea, to identity 10 things you wish you had never learned, may seem like negative or backwards thinking. Personal growth and self-awareness should only focus on the positive – right? However, you must first acknowledge what you want to change or heal before real growth can occur. We have all learned from the negative thoughts and experiences which have contributed to defining who we are today.

At times, we have learned to what amounts to be garbage about ourselves, our loved ones and about our role, identity and place in this world. There is no filter that has been built around us to sift through the trash we sometimes absorb.

Therefore, it is important to be your own filter. It is important to see what is working for YOU in YOUR life right now and to keep doing more of that. It is also important to recognize what is not working for you and do your best to rid yourself of this garbage.

What we think to be true; what we think we know; what we have learned can be counterproductive to our personal growth, success and happiness. Especially if what we have learned is keeping us from having the intimate relationships and personal satisfaction we deserve.

It has taken me my whole life to figure out what I wish I had never learned. I’m sure I will be adding to this list for many more years to come.

1. I wish I had never learned that I’m not worthy to have what I want.
2. I wish I had never learned that it’s waste of time to be spiritual and to worship.
3. I wish I had never learned how to be smoke and mirrors.
4. I wish I had never learned that I could change my situation by being perfect.
5. I wish I had never learned that expressing my opinion meant being a bitch.
6. I wish I had never learned that my value was determined by others or physical traits.
7. I wish I had never learned that being confident and secure was only a myth.
8. I wish I had never learned that sex equals intimacy/love/commitment/promise or a door to marriage.
9. I wish I had never learned that speaking up for my needs was a waste of time.
10. I wish I had never learned that I wasn’t enough.

THANK GOD for unlearning this garbage! 

What do you wish you have never learned?

I Learned 5 Things While Sick

1. No matter how hard you try, you cannot rock the same outfit three days in a row. Yes, I had zero energy to change. Yes, that equates to me sleeping, being and staying in the same yoga pants, tank, and hoodie. While it was cute, said person in cute outfit gets less cute as the days roll on. Don't judge me.

2. There’s never a good time to be sick. But, sometimes, the timing sucks more than your vaccuum cleaner. Seriously, after day 4 of cabin fever and wet-cat version of anxiety about driving in the winter storm of 2012 - the snow and ice melts and I get sick going into a 3 days weekend?! Could be worse, much worse, but damn!

3. There is no justice when it comes to ailments and health. You know those stories about the healthy person getting a heart attack? Or the person who never tried drugs or such getting into an accident? My situation’s not as bad, admittedly. But, dang. I've been a vegetarian since I was 15. I've never smoked - anything, to clarify. Well, there was that time when David Ball in high school helped me become a smoker. After coughing and complaining that it burned my throat, he said "Ah, that goes away after a while." "I said, "Forget this! And I'd rather spend my lunch money on Subway." So, yes. I have my glass of wine every other week or so. I avoid fast food. I guzzle water. We make homemade meals and pack our healthy lunches. I take vitamins and strive for my 7 hrs of sleep a night. I went as far as getting a flu vaccine this year. I'm active 6 days a week. I'm even part of TEAM AWESOME! Nope, zero justice when it comes to nasty snotty viruses.

4. The best way to get through pain and illness is to find as many distractions as possible. Especially useful when you have no appetite at all. My utmost favorite distraction this past week? Sleep, sleep, and more sleep. I don’t remember sleeping so much! When I’m awake, I indulged in: Men of a Certain Age. Elevation Church (thanks Kristin!). Movies. Google-ing, Online shopping. Tweeting, something apparently I started and abandoned in 2010. Researching and Blogging on my three, yes three, blogs. And Facebook. There was some reading once I was  able to stay awake for longer than an hour at a time. Oh, and I was constantly thankful that I didn't have trees around to fall on my house. SUPER thankful that we had heat and electricity!!! I was sending out prayers to my friends and family who were without and not sure when PSE would get them lit up again? Counting my blessings and praying for others was a good distraction too. 

5. Friends and family rock. Big time. I’ve received so many messages well wishes. Texts and facebook well wishes. No calls, thankfully because I was out of it and sounded like a man. I was really truly motivated by this (not the sounding like a man piece). You see, in my moments of cabin-fever-crazy-thinking-mode, I sometimes wondered if anyone would notice if I disappeared from this planet for whatever reason (alien abductions, serial killer finds me better suited in his freezer). I mean, I know my immediate family and Seth would care a lot. But, how about other people who don’t see me everyday? Those who interact with me primarily via social media? Or just at work? Or during 5Ks? Would they care? It was amazing to see that there are people who WOULD – and DO – care enough when I’m not well. And, if they care enough when I’m not well, then I’d like to think that they’re also the folks who would care if I do disappear. Yes, that’s a bit overly dramatic, I know. But, hey… When you're stuck at home for this long, not knowing what’s going on, your life views do get magnified a bit more than usual. Let's just say that I'm an odd duck too. So, I said that this #5 motivated me. It motivated me to express my love and concern more often. Not that I don't. But to be more aware of showing my love and concern to friends and family when they're, not only ill, but when they are well. As a friend of mine once said, the best of friends are the ones who are happy for your happiness. I have a lot of happy friends. So I best roll up my sleeves and up the HAPPY! :)

Are you in Love?

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1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Have you ever noticed that when people are in love, they tend to forget everything else? Everything becomes secondary — cars, houses, money — nothing matters — it is all secondary to love. Then, when they fall out of love, as in a divorce, all of a sudden those things mean everything! They argue about all the little meaningless things they ever owned together. Hmmm.

The same is true with Christ. Before we know Him, all we really have are possessions. But when we come to know God — truly know Him — those things mean very little — we're in love! We're willing to give up everything. Those people who are most in love with God and filled with His love are the least possessive and the least materialistic.

If we have been wrapped up in our possessions, we've lost sight of our greatest treasure! All that stuff means nothing. Let go of it. Return to your first love. Lighten your heart and fall in love again with the love of God!

Love Lives in Reality

“You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” John 16:33

Unrealistic expectations lead to a life of disappointment and frustration. Few of us want to accept the fact that life can be hard. Though we see others struggling and hear them tell about their hardships, we think our life and marriage will be different. We hang on to idealistic assumptions about the way our partners will treat us, the kind of house we’ll live in, the good health we’ll always have. We don’t see much point in preparing for disappointment.

I am reminded that Jesus was certainly up-front with His disciples when it came to letting them know what to expect in life. And if we want to avoid the anger/hurt that flows from being disillusioned and exasperated with things – and with people, including our spouse – we will not insist on perfection in them. We will not base on moods on how things are going.  I pray that I better put my confidence on God, who never changes, and choose to be content with a life that can change from one moment to the next.

5 Regrets of the Dying <=== A MUST READ

by Bonnie Ware

For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives. People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. I learned never to underestimate someone’s capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them. When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:
1. I wish I had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me. This was the most common regret of all. When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honored even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made. It is very important to try and honor at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realize, until they no longer have it.
2. I wish I didn't work so hard. This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence. By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.
3. I wish I had the courage to express my feelings. Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result. We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends. Often they would not truly realize the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying. It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier. This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called "comfort" of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again. When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.

Life is a choice. It is your life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly.
The direct link to the nurse who wrote this: http://www.dhammaweb.net/dhamma_news/view.php?id=455

Hello-Goodbye 2011; Hello 2012 and 33 years around the sun

Hello-Goodbye 2011; Hello 2012 and 33 years around the sun

2011 wasn’t the best of years or the worst of years, stamping it as a good year.  Can’t complain about that blessing.  The year started with a juvenile exuberance marked by plunging ourselves into the bay that we have called home since ’09.  I think fondly of the memories Seth and I have created together this year. (1) Our Honeymoon 3.0 in Los Cabos was a dream.  Glassing blowing, snorkeling, and parasailing – oh my!  We often pause and reminisce on our memories from there.  I loved organizing his surprise birthday doing Monkido in the trees and getting dressed up for Halloween.  Look forward to our dance party house cleaning and bumping into each other while making dinner.  Funny/frustrating/mostly funny conversations in relation to Seth’s affinity for old cars. (2) Attending my sister-cousin Adriana’s wedding in Vegas was to the moon wonderful.  I still chuckle when I hear “A letter to the Philippians” at church. (3) Together Seth and I have been regulars as Assumption.  I feel that we have reaped the benefits of humbling ourselves, and opening our hearts.  Nothing compares to witnessing that moment when the scripture has touched our heart right at the moment we needed in a way only the Holy Spirit can do. (4) Starting therapy has also challenged me in reflecting on living intentionally and being gentle with myself.  It’s not easy work.  I believe this has helped me become a better therapist as well. Currently, I’m working on the philosophy of self-compassion (which is different than self-esteem), meditation, and being a human BEing (not a human DOing).  This is another blog altogether. (5) It was with the encouragement of my therapist that I took the plunge and got me the fancy camera I’ve always wanted.  Taking on photography has been tugging at my heart strings for years and now I got to indulge even photographing a friends wedding with the fantastic Daniel and an engagement photo session as well. “Why photography?” because of deeply personal reasons. In short, it has helped me embrace the beauty in others, things, place and … the intention…being more compassionate with myself. (6) Hands down I’m not a “baby” person.  Maybe it has something to do with germs and bodily fluids.  I’m half kidding here.  For deeply personal reasons, insights, and (yes) intention, this year Seth and I have being following the strings tugging at our hearts to start a family.  Along came some medical/health blips, solidifying the direction of “alternative” treatments for endometriosis.  Ten months of 2011 have been filled with lots of physical pain but also with massage therapy, physical therapy, and now leading us into 2012 with starting naturopathy. This is great timing (note the positive spin here) because I’m at my prime in health.  We have such faith in God’s plan for us and our future family.  So far, Seth and me and Po make three. (7) One focal trigger for this (no, not my age), is watching my dear Shannon bring Mikayla into the world.  Words in a blog cannot encompass the grounding effect our friendship has had and has on me. That moment when opening up to Shannon about my “baby issues,” and her later gently, intentionally, sisterly, pushed Mikayla on me while she was fussing (nay, crying).  Her words are now etched on my heart, permanently changing me.  Shannon, “Your okay.” Me, “Yes, you are little one.”  Shannon, “I was talking to you.”  My dear friend lost her mother this year and that pain changes a person like, unfortunately, each of us will experience someday if we haven’t all ready.  Vicarious pain is real.  Family isn’t defined by time, DNA, distance.  (8) 2011 was also marked with a reflection on friendships.  Our lives have been deepened by the people in our lives (old and new).  I’m glad to say that we really haven’t changed much: young, fun, curious, and steady.  Indeed, friendships are reflection of you.  I have enjoyed many more coffee dates than ever, which are so much more than coffee.  As Bethany says, it feeds the soul.  Game nights aren’t about games. Camping isn’t about camping.  Dexter nights are about Dexter (okay, well Dexter is pretty awesome).  5ks aren’t about 5ks. Monthly girls dinner isn’t about dinner.  Bookclubs aren’t just about bookclues.  With busy lives, my friendships have grown deeper around these activities that aren’t just about the activities.  It’s been a magnet for more like minded people. Example: my Team Awesome, Seth’s newly forged FNST.  Awesomeness breeds awesome.  It has been great to connect with persons who have similar drives toward healthful, honest, family-focused, self-improving, genuine, adventurous, encouraging living. Thank you, Reatha, for teaching me "the four agreements” (and so much more).  Thank you, Misty, for teaching me to live in the gray (not black and white) (and so much more).  Can’t believe we gave blood!

My 2011 new years resolution started with making fitness a focal part of my day-in day-out life.  As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, fitness also boils down to self-worth.  Something that was as elusive as a pot of gold growing up.  I’m still growing up.  There is a place in the book of Genesis, and the story of creation that says that God created the material world, including our physical bodies, and pronounced them "very good."  Your body is a "good" and wonderful gift from God.  It is capable of miraculous feats, if properly taken care of.  And with God the Holy Spirit living inside your "temple" how can you not take care of it?  Paul said, "But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection ..." (1Corinthians 9:27).  The key word here is "discipline."  Starting and maintaining a proper diet and exercise program involves more than anything else, discipline and caring enough for yourself.  I’m proud to say that this year I missed only 12 scheduled workout dates.  My most fit, confident, content, healthiest, stress free years of my life.  This flies in the face of my first 30 years of (at times paralyzing) self-doubt, poor self esteem, shyness and lack of confidence.  One thing that rings true about me is my deep rooted thread of oppositional defiance.  Tell me I can’t handle math and I’ll complete pre-calc by my junior year of HS; Tell me that I should have a plan B when applying to University and I’ll graduate with my masters by the age of 24.  I suppose I aimed for this resolution in opposition to the ugly self-doubt I’ve carried with me for so long that I nearly convinced myself that “that just me.”  Through this journey I’ve discovered clarity and concentration, reflection, enjoyment, cleansing, better sleep, decreased anxiety, decreased depression, greater strength/endurance, built confidence in nearly all areas of my life.  Better self image and esteem was simply a bi-product.  It has taught me to be intentional in my choices.  Asking myself “Why am I scheduling this workout?”  “Why am I meeting this friend for coffee?”  “Why do I go to bookclub?”  “Why do I enter all my receipts tracking our spending?”  “Why am I cleaning the house?”  “Why am I canceling this appointment?”  “Why do I post my workout schedule?” That is another blog altogether.  The short answer is self-accountability, if I’m going to say I'm going to do something in life I better follow through, if the girl who failed HS PE and challenged the University on their required PE credit and wouldn’t run unless I was late to class (maybe) can do this – anyone can.

Yes, Virginia, there is purpose and meaning behind new years resolutions and bucketlistings.

I’m not sure what 2012 or 33 years young is gonna bring. But if this year is any indication, I can’t complain.

This year I wish others abundance, challenge, stability, adventure, acceptance, and courage to shine their light by not compromising who they are. 

Our Deepest Fear By Marianne Williamson

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking

So that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We were all meant to shine, as children do.

It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,

We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same

As we are liberated from our own fear,

Our presence automatically liberates others.

The Blessing of the Animals

Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi 

   

I wish I could have taken time off today to take Po to church to get blessed. 

As autumn arrives, people in various places may notice something odd.

A procession of animals, everything from dogs and cats to hamsters and even horses, is led to churches for a special ceremony called the Blessing of Pets.

This custom is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures.

Francis, whose feast day is October 4th, loved the larks flying about his hilltop town. He and his early brothers, staying in a small hovel, allowed themselves to be displaced by a donkey.

Francis wrote a Canticle of the Creatures, an ode to God’s living things. “All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.” And there was testimony in the cause for St. Clare of Assisi’s canonization that referred to her little cat! 

That there are today over 62 million cats in the U.S. attests to the continuing affection we have for our furry, feathered or finned friends. We've even had a cat called Socks in the White House. Other popular presidential pets range from Abraham Lincoln’s Fido to Lyndon Johnson’s beagles, named Him and Her. 

For single householders, a pet can be a true companion. Many people arrive home from work to find a furry friend overjoyed at their return. Many a senior has a lap filled with a purring fellow creature. 

The bond between person and pet is like no other relationship, because the communication between fellow creatures is at its most basic. Eye-to-eye, a man and his dog, or a woman and her cat, are two creatures of love. 

No wonder people enjoy the opportunity to take their animal companions to church for a special blessing. Church is the place where the bond of creation is celebrated.

At Franciscan churches, a friar with brown robe and white cord often welcomes each animal with a special prayer. The Blessing of Pets usually goes like this:

“Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.”

Tonight, Po will get tuna for dinner and a special prayer with us  : )

Love seeks to Heal

This Labor Day weekend I was reminded of just how unboring life is with Seth. We do this thing where we ask random questions to each other. Some are meaningful. "Would your younger self look up to you today?" or "Is there anything you actively avoid thinking about?" Some are not. "If I showed up dressed to the nines, would you go to prom with me today?" "Do you think Po thinks she's OUR parent?" Oh, and my favorite, "Is there anyone else like me?" 

The Creator is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit- Psalm 34:18

Question: Do you know your spouse's greatest pains and fears? Are you aware of the places where their hearts are the most tender and sensitive to touch? Have you truly stopped to listen lately or to ask what they still experience from a certain loss or betrayal they've undergone? Are there sins from the past they cannot seem to move beyond, cannot seem to receive the Creator's forgiveness in ways that truly release them from feeling guilty and ashamed?

I could see how a spouse could grow impatient with how long it's taking the other to deal with some painful matter of the heart. But I find that it's not our job to be timekeeper. In fact, there may be ways Creator can use you to speed up their healing process, to encourage them to keep this from stripping away their ability to enjoy life fully and embrace new opportunities. But the main goal as a loving spouse is to be there, tenderly listening to what they say and how they say it. Loving unconditionally means loving even the parts that are messy and complicated. Christ came to reach out and bring healing to what seems worthless and lost. As his children, we can join Him on this purpose in life. To listen. Heal through listening and being heard.

Love Prays with Abandon

Each meal Seth and I prepare, Seth leads us in prayer. Some prayers are giving thanks, some are prayer requests for each other, for us, and always for others in are lives (and all the homeless kitties - that's Po's prayer). I have caught myself getting impatient sometimes because I want to nom nom nom our meal. I'm reminded of why we pray, how we pray. I paused today to reflect on our prayerful life together.

"Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think..." Ephesians 3:20

Christ came to give us life "in abundance" (John 10:10) because He is a God who is not limited by earthly boundaries. He can multiply loaves and fish until there is full baskets left over. There is no limit to what He can do to fulfill His purpose in your life.

This Truth pushes us to pray with boldness for the success of our marriage (and others' marriages). Go ahead - ASK BIG! Be confident that He bears "anything according to His will" (1 John 5:14) and that nothing prevents Him from doing whatever he desires, no mater how impossible it seems to us.

It is God's will that you and your spouse be totally united in mind and purpose, that you grow together in Him, and that you are enabled to serve Him with freedom and generosity. If you know of something God could do to turn these into realities, don't be afraid to ask. Leave it to Him to decide what is best, but never be left to wonder if "you do not have because you do not ask" (James 4:2).

He has taken care of tomorrow.

INSANITY + p90x: New workout schedule for the next 63 days

Pretty excited to start this workout schedule. Of course, any day can be replaced with other fun physical activity (e.g., running, gym class, rollerblading, basketball, swinging from tress). Here's a great next 2 months!

May-30	May-31	Jun-1	Jun-2	Jun-3	Jun-4	Jun-5
Plymetric Cardio Circuit	Plyometrics	Max Interval Circuit	X Stretch	Core Synergistics	Cardio Power & Resistance	Rest
Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7
Jun-6	Jun-7	Jun-8	Jun-9	Jun-10	Jun-11	Jun-12
Pure Cardio	Cardio X	Max Interval Plyo	Cardio Recovery	Max Cardio Conditioning	Kenpo X	Rest
		Day 10	Day 11	Day 12	Day 13	Day 14
Jun-13	Jun-14	Jun-15	Jun-16	Jun-17	Jun-18	Jun-19
Plymetric Cardio Circuit	Plyometrics	Max Interval Circuit	Yoga X	Core Synergistics	Cardio Power & Resistance	Rest
Day 15	Day 16	Day 17	Day 18	Day 19	Day 20	Day 21
Jun-20	Jun-21	Jun-22	Jun-23	Jun-24	Jun-25	Jun-26
Pure Cardio & Ab Ripper X	Kenpo X	Max Interval Plyo	Max Recovery	VACATION	VACATION Print Out Workout	VACATION Print Out Workout
Day 22	Day 23	Day 24	Day 25	Day 26	Day 27	Day 28
Jun-27	Jun-28	Jun-29	Jun-30	Jul-1	Jul-2	Jul-3
HONEYMOON 3.0	VACATION Print Out Workout	VACATION Print Out Workout	VACATION	Core Cardio Balance	Core Cardio Balance	Rest
Day 29	Day 30	Day 31	Day 32	Day 33	Day 34	Day 35
Jul-4	Jul-5	Jul-6	Jul-7	Jul-8	Jul-9	Jul-10
Plymetric Cardio Circuit	Plyometrics	Max Interval Circuit	X Stretch	Core Synergistics	Cardio Power & Resistance	Rest
Day 36	Day 37	Day 38	Day 39	Day 40	Day 41	Day 42
Jul-11	Jul-12	Jul-13	Jul-14	Jul-15	Jul-16	Jul-17
Pure Cardio	Cardio X	Max Interval Plyo	Cardio Recovery	Max Cardio Conditioning	Kenpo X	Rest
Day 43	Day 44	Day 45	Day 46	Day 47	Day 48	Day 49
Jul-18	Jul-19	Jul-20	Jul-21	Jul-22	Jul-23	Jul-24
Plymetric Cardio Circuit	Plyometrics	Max Interval Circuit	Yoga X	Core Synergistics	Pure Cardio & Cardio Abs	Rest
Day 50	Day 51	Day 52	Day 53	Day 54	Day 55	Day 56
Jul-25	Jul-26	Jul-27	Jul-28	Jul-29	Jul-30	Jul-31
Cardio Power & Resistance	Cardio X	Max Interval Plyo	Core Cardio & Balance	Cardio X	Kenpo X	Rest
Day 57	Day 58	Day 59	Day 60	Day 61	Day 62	Day 63

Who Needs Whom?

Who Needs Whom?

by Felicia M Molano on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 1:33pm

God does not die when we cease to believe in a personal deity, but we die on the day when our lives cease to be illuminated by the steady radiance, renewed daily, of wonder, the source of which is beyond all reason - Dag Hammarkskjold

As you make choices, care for your family, and plot plans for the future, whose guidance are you seeking - daily? When trouble rains down and your heart is laden with sorrow, whom do you trust to see you through to better times? As fear creeps into your rare moments of silence, whom do you turn to for peace? We quickly respond with "God (or however you call your higher power), of course," because we do have faith. We know that the Creator loves us. We KNOW this. But do we LIVE as though we believe it?

Our time on this earth is amazingly precious and uncertain. Let's face it, we step out onto the front porch and we don't know what will happen next in our day. We can guess. We can hope. But we don't know. Doesn't it make sense to seek the leading of our all-knowing Creator? When we are waiting for faith to run deep in our lives, it is not because Creator needs time to become more real, more omniscient, more powerful. Creator has been Creator for a loooooong time. He isn't waiting for us to truly believe in him before he can finally get some work done in the world. When we wait to believe completely, we miss our chance to life in God's purpose. And he DOES have a purpose for you. When we leave everything to whimsy, emotion (I'm guilty of this), or our own strength, we miss out on God's leading and clarity.

The current of "unknowing" in our lives is not meant to sweep us to places of fear and failure. The unknowing is the miracle that leads us to the wonder and mystery of a God who care for us. Don't just know of God and about God; live in God. Experience the excitement and possibility lying beneath life's uncertainties when you wholly trust the known God.

I Wish You Knew

I wish I knew what kept you up late staring at the dark while chasing shadows in your mind. You're dealing with stresses others aren't even aware of, and yet you keep a brave face until you are out of public viewing and in the solitude of nightfall. You're being "brave" so that the people you are caring for don't realize that their needs are overwhelming you. You're being brave because you haven't seen an alternative to being stoic and solid and always available to others. Yet, you keep others at a distance.

I wish I knew which past hurt echoes through your soul today. You don't put it out there in conversation, even with close friends, because you think it would surprise and baffle people that the most poignant pain you ruminate over isn't the accident, illness, lose or other "defining moment" that haunts you most. I'm not surprised. I understand that seemingly small hurts are the easiest ones to carry around in your heart's pocket and revisit every free moment. 

I wish I knew what worry makes your heart skip a beat each time you step outside of your comfort zone. How the offhand comments of another leave your mouth dry and your palms shaky. I imagine you have days that ticktock along like years because your energy is spent pretending you're fine and your hope is too spent on survival of healing. 

I wish you knew how much I pray to the One who does know every bit about you and now holds you in a great, protective embrace. Maybe this would bring you comfort. Maybe this would encourage you to allow that embrace to save you along this journey.

A letter to my younger self, A letter to you, A letter for us.....

How do you take care of yourself?

In a moment of tunnel vision and, yes, self-loathing bratiness, a friend came at me with this simple question. Something I have answered with exercise for stress, anxiety, depression, sleep, healthy living, schedule, physical and spiritual balance. Take that away and I am lost. Lost to my own thoughts that aren't always accurate. So, I am reflecting on this during this empty space of time I have found myself in.

We often hear the phrase "You can't love anyone else until you love yourself" but what does "Loving yourself" really mean? Seriously! I've researched this and have tentatively come up with the following.

1. Loving yourself means taking care of your SELF. It means that you take responsibility for your well-being and happiness and figure out what you need to feel good. I am beginning to gain an appreciated for this seemingly obvious question of "What does "loving yourself" mean in real life?" Loving your "Self" means that you know how to take care of your Self. Taking care of your Self applies to both your physical and emotional self - You become your own caring, loving parent so to speak. 
2. Something I have learned years ago, and it feel necessary to add to this list, is that no one can fill that emptiness inside you - except for you. [Of course God is at the center of this, he knows you better then you know you.] Do not look to someone else to fill that "hole". It seems to me that if you are born a human, you will have a human struggle, and that struggle is about filling that emptiness inside. The emptiness that I have been feeling for the past month honestly. Every one of us deals with that emptiness and we are all faced with making peace with the process. EVERY ONE. When you expect someone else to make you happy, you are projecting your feelings of incompleteness on another and this will never work. Only you and you alone, can heal your Self. [With God's graces of course, or whom/whatever you call your higher power or Creator.]
   
3. You attract to you who you really are - this is always accurate. We always get a good match for where we are at the moment. Look at whom you are attracting and take responsibility for that "pull". Take responsibility for whatever relationship you are in. Perhaps there's a lesson that needs to be learned. For me, I tend to push people away and that is exactly what I am feeling inside, nothing. I am learning about this and trying to change that.
   
4. Ask yourself "What makes me feel good? What do I like?" You need to like yourself before you can love yourself. Figuring out what makes us feel good is a lifetime process. In order to do this, we cannot care what anyone else thinks and need to quiet all those other voices in our head other than our own. I've had that little voice as a young child living in Wapato and going to a private school in Yakima (don't fit in),  going from private school to public school (awkward and unsure), going to college (identity is grades, nothing else), not having someone to teach me girly things like getting nails done, hair, make-up (your not good enough). Those little voices creep in even now. The mind needs to be quiet. If your mind is always going, always frantic, you will never be able to figure out who YOU are. I wouldn't say that I know know who I am but I am certainly learning who I am at various stages in life. Eliminate the words "should" and "ought" from your vocabulary. (When we say we "should" do something, it is usually the opposite of what we really feel like doing.) In learning about the delicate difference between feeling like I should do something to take care of myself and what I want and can do to take care of myself. I tend to focus on the shoulds that I get tunnel vision and miss the message that there are other ways to take care of myself.
   

Anyways, not sure how to end this but it isn't really written to have a start and end. It is more of a snapshot into what is on my mind right now. We'll see where it goes.