tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6493467831340521202024-02-21T02:14:53.560-05:00A place to learn and develop yourselfHere is a place where you can read, ponder and possibly take away some nuggets to help you improve yourself. I would challenge you to question your purpose and ensure you are on the right track frequently.Janinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06396042360330163258noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-649346783134052120.post-9101713197342073912010-02-07T07:40:00.000-05:002010-02-07T07:40:48.561-05:00Did you realize you made it?It's February 2010 - the 2nd month into a new year! It's still winter - gray trees and dull grass and cold air. But there is a comfort in knowing that it won't be this way forever. Even though we have to bundle up today, we know it will change some day. It always does - at least here in southern New England.<br />
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Having a previous experience that changes and knowing it will happen again. Like faith in God. You may have been in a situation before and thinking positive and praying to get through it and then it happened - you were on the other side of it. It just hit you one day. You weren't in the trenches of the situation anymore. It was over. Your heart rate is slower. You are sleeping better. You are smiling more. You feel more grounded.<br />
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Did you reflect on the experience? Did you recognize that your prayers helped you? Was there a common thread of positive thoughts and a believe that you would survive the situation? <br />
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Somewhere in the process, you learned something...something about yourself, something about another person, something about a process, something about the strength of prayer. Whatever the learning, recognize it and be grateful for it. Embrace this feeling of calmness and gratitude. It can provide a source of strength for your next life experience!Janinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06396042360330163258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-649346783134052120.post-17966027579915111172009-12-28T16:30:00.000-05:002009-12-28T16:30:15.745-05:00Break weekThis is a week that is free from corporate work! I appreciate the time between Christmas and New Years. There are enough days to do nothing, to be productive, and everything in between. I am doing some reading today and some reflecting and creating dreams for myself. I updated my blog format and am thinking about how to get back to blogging.<br />
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Tomorrow is another day. Nothing is on the calendar yet. Something will speak to me - I know it will.Janinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06396042360330163258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-649346783134052120.post-30608030911695597832009-11-13T07:34:00.002-05:002009-11-13T07:43:39.815-05:00Nov 13 - 30daysofthanks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_yFWKMImo1CGcrkZUMwiHdaqCKWDC51lWFSr0IkmbdZfN0GUHm1-wV_fQ8AyMKpLYwMmbTLh8XcdwFQcRycvqwDtwzvdU6A62uZAGiCDra2_aykeG3TiiQVEScEZr42LulAQgYd5O6X6/s1600-h/30+days+of+thanks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 102px; height: 102px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_yFWKMImo1CGcrkZUMwiHdaqCKWDC51lWFSr0IkmbdZfN0GUHm1-wV_fQ8AyMKpLYwMmbTLh8XcdwFQcRycvqwDtwzvdU6A62uZAGiCDra2_aykeG3TiiQVEScEZr42LulAQgYd5O6X6/s200/30+days+of+thanks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403567980676802866" border="0" /></a><br />Today is Friday...end of a full work week. There was lots that got done, new ideas and personal learnings.<br /><br />I am thankful for the flexibility to work from home...2nd day this week. It gives me a quiet environment to work in.<br /><br />I enjoy watching my son and what he does in his life. He is part of the drama crew and has late practice sessions but it is something he enjoys and will be over next week.<br /><br />I give thanks for the food I have in my house and can make something nutritious at any time. I am thankful for my friend at work who joined me for a get-a-way lunch yesterday. We had good conversation.<br /><br />I am starting to get more excited about Thanksgiving dinner at my house this year and what is going to be on the menu. I am also thinking about other things I can make. This time of year, I have an urge to prepare comforting meals for my family and friends.<br /><br />Visit www.30daysofthanks.com to learn more about being intentional about giving thanks each day in November.Janinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06396042360330163258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-649346783134052120.post-28456335115222282692009-11-10T07:37:00.002-05:002009-11-10T07:51:22.215-05:00Nov 9 & 10: 30daysofthanks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLepJzkBP2QidL17eHl86jEVecfKfs3JJmgvwR3TfBEs4jddKG9OrVMSqiiEz5m9AYXinpwQ3iMICc0AVlgX7JQMCAo_j2n_BS9UbDDsGu5t_u7kAdup_8tjmDQ4I-bAEpdatGWd_VyJCD/s1600-h/30+days+of+thanks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 102px; height: 102px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLepJzkBP2QidL17eHl86jEVecfKfs3JJmgvwR3TfBEs4jddKG9OrVMSqiiEz5m9AYXinpwQ3iMICc0AVlgX7JQMCAo_j2n_BS9UbDDsGu5t_u7kAdup_8tjmDQ4I-bAEpdatGWd_VyJCD/s200/30+days+of+thanks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402453472752421058" border="0" /></a>I was thinking yesterday even though I didn't post of what I am thankful for...<br /><br />Yesterday we heard re-organizational news at my corporate job. I am thankful that the leaders of our organization think and discuss the business decisions and announce them to us timely. I am thankful that although there are many changes in the works, that I have a job. I do like the work that I do and the people that I work with. The business decision that the company makes are out of my control. I do pray that people who are impacted by the upcoming changes walk into something much better!<br /><br />Last night I enjoyed dinner with some wonderful ladies from church!! We all felt comfortable getting things off our chest and at the same time support each other. The food was good and the strengthening of our relationships was even better! Sheri (& Jane), Cami and Cindy...I love you ladies for everything that you bring at this time in our lives!!! It's perfect!<br /><br />This morning, I told my son how proud I am of him. He got ready for school on time, came downstairs, made his breakfast AND his lunch without being told. He picks the 2 days a week that he can buy lunch from school and has to bring a lunch on the other days. He used the calendar on the refrigerator and did what had to be done. He has the night off (no meetings or practices on the schedule) and I don't have anything going on either. Today can be time we can hang out together :-)<br /><br />I am happy I am going to get my hair done. I love my hairdresser...she is so passionate about her work and I always feel so special sitting in her chair, in the care of her heart and hands, and feel like a new woman when I leave her place and continue on my day's work!<br /><br />I am thankful for my mother-in-law. She emailed me first thing when she saw the corporate news in the paper this morning and prayed for me and others effected at work. I reassured her that I am okay at this point. The fact she prayed for me and emailed me to let me know and make sure I was okay was so nice. I married into a very loving family.<br /><br />Are you thinking (and writing) what you are thankful for every day this November? Why not start today? Make it official. It's fun and eye-opening. Go to www.30daysofthanks.com for more info.<br /><br />Have a wonderful day full of gratitude!Janinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06396042360330163258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-649346783134052120.post-56389671704381253612009-11-05T07:02:00.003-05:002009-11-09T07:11:14.455-05:00Nov 5 - 30daysofthanksI spent dinner yesterday with my son and our friends next door! We had good conversation and good food. It was all for a great cause...The Dog Watch Cafe in Stonington has committed to donating 300 turkeys for Thanksgiving and 300 turkeys for Christmas to the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center! When you go for a meal (lunch or dinner), you "buy" a turkey for $12. Then the DWC matches the turkeys that were "bought". Win-win! I felt really good being able to participate in this cause so someone can have a turkey for the holidays :-)<br /><br />I have a new weekly meeting to attend...although it is at 8:00 in the morning, my manager feels I am qualified to represent the group at this meeting :-)<br /><br />My sister's first baby is scheduled to arrive Nov 17th...we all had a scare around 26 weeks but everything has turned around and she is scheduled to deliver around 39 weeks :-) Mom and baby are doing great! Bonus is that she is not that far away and I was requested to be at the hospital...I don't know if it will be during delivery or not but I am thankful to be that close to the miracle!<br /><br />Visit <a href="http://30daysofthanks.com/">30daysofthanks </a>to learn what this is all about.Janinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06396042360330163258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-649346783134052120.post-50677631467286270522009-11-04T07:37:00.002-05:002009-11-04T07:45:49.897-05:00Nov 4 - thankfulAs part of the 30daysofthanks that I signed up for...here I am on my day 1.<br /><br />I am thankful to Pam Thomas and what she shares. She is a wonderful gift to my life even if I have never met her in person. She joined this 30daysofthanks event on facebook, shared it and I read it.<br /><br />I am thankful to have read about this 30daysofthanks event and thought about how it would work and if I could commit to doing this - playing full out. I have a to-do list for today, like everyone else does, but for right now, I am taking a few minutes to write what I am thankful for. What could be a better way to start the day?<br /><br />I am thankful that it was nice out this morning @ 6:30 am, chilly 33 degrees, so I could walk to the bus stop with my son and talk with a neighbor friend who did the same with her son.<br /><br />I am thankful to be able to work from home today so I can work but in a peaceful environment.<br /><br />I am thankful that my wonderful husband is sitting in the same room, hearing me typing like crazy and asked what I am doing! So, of course, I had to tell him :-)<br /><br />Share the idea of intentionally thinking about what you are thankful for, do it every day in November, and see if it doesn't change how you see your life.<br /><br />If you are interested in starting go to <a href="http://30daysofthanks.com">www.30daysofthanks.com</a>.Janinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06396042360330163258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-649346783134052120.post-61485777059918309002009-11-04T07:27:00.002-05:002009-11-04T07:29:24.190-05:00Be thankful every day in November!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Y1HcgM5i4uLC17c9zn_QWhFBq6zGuGfut5GDgNT3qjsBuqPvYicjnJxhRskXC7XMsXJ679izlIqIIsmsrQdnJjvTt0yriBPLYzpUnmG3zFOOq0-rsFB8PtjM-OcolJ2HNJctGJY4Oc-l/s1600-h/30+days+of+thanks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 102px; height: 102px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Y1HcgM5i4uLC17c9zn_QWhFBq6zGuGfut5GDgNT3qjsBuqPvYicjnJxhRskXC7XMsXJ679izlIqIIsmsrQdnJjvTt0yriBPLYzpUnmG3zFOOq0-rsFB8PtjM-OcolJ2HNJctGJY4Oc-l/s200/30+days+of+thanks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400224540152603922" border="0" /></a><br />I have signed up for this activity. Write on your blog, in your journal or on a napkin something that you are thankful for and do this every day in November.<br /><br />Read more at http://www.30daysofthanks.com.Janinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06396042360330163258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-649346783134052120.post-47925392069956694002009-10-13T09:37:00.002-04:002009-10-13T10:02:29.688-04:00Helping others in order to help myselfI am going to give it a try...<br /><br />I have been in a funk lately and I don't like it. The tickertape that is running through my head is overwhelming and nothing good is coming from it. Even though I am thinking about how good I would feel if the thoughts in my head were positive and productive, I so easily come back to the list of to-dos and expectations associated with every move I make.<br /><br />Instead of trying to make myself think of something different and stop and recognize my accomplishments, I am going to stop thinking! Well, not completely. I am going think enough so I get things done that need to get done but I am going to get into action. This action is going to be focused on OTHERS and not on myself.<br /><br />I have been here before. If I get out of my own way and do things to help others, then I will feel my goodness and see my accomplishments. I know when I talk to others and make it about them, it makes a big difference in both of us. I smile more and see more reasons to smile. This, of course, creates a domino effect of smiles and good things.<br /><br />This morning it started...I stopped at the store and bought a vase of flowers for my co-workers/friend's birthday :-) It was such an unexpected surprise for her and I can hear her telling everyone about the surprise and how pretty the flowers are!<br /><br />This is going to be a nice day!Janinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06396042360330163258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-649346783134052120.post-73613017775886541112009-10-02T15:26:00.001-04:002009-10-02T15:26:10.573-04:00The Flying Trapeze - does this resonate with you?<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>This has been presented to me in two different settings. It helps adjust my perception about change. Does it resonate with you?<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>Sometimes, I feel that my life is a series of trapeze swings. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>I'm either hanging on to a trapeze bar swinging along or, for a few moments, <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>I'm hurdling across space between the trapeze bars. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>Mostly, I spend my time hanging on for dear life to the trapeze bar of the moment. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>It carries me along a certain steady rate of swing and I have the feeling that I'm in control. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>I know most of the right questions, and even some of the right answers. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>But once in a while, as I'm merrily, or not so merrily, swinging along, <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>I look ahead of me into the distance, and what do I see? <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>I see another trapeze bar looking at me. It's empty. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>And I know, in that place in me that knows, that this new bar has my name on it. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>It is my next step, my growth, my aliveness coming to get me. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>In my heart of hearts I know that for me to grow, <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>I must release my grip on the present well-known bar to move to the new one.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>Each time it happens, I hope—no, I pray—that I won't have to grab the new one. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>But in my knowing place, I know that I must totally release my grasp on my old bar, <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>and for some moments in time I must hurtle across space before I can grab the new bar. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>Each time I do this I am filled with terror. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>It doesn't matter that in all my previous hurdles I have always made it. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>Each time I am afraid I will miss, <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>that I will be crushed on unseen rocks in the bottomless basin between the bars. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>But I do it anyway. I must.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>Perhaps this is the essence of what the mystics call faith. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>No guarantees, no net, no insurance, but we do it anyway <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>because hanging on to that old bar is no longer an option. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>And so, for what seems to be an eternity but actually lasts a microsecond. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>I soar across the dark void called "the past is over, the future is not yet here." <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>It's called a transition. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>I have come to believe that it is the only place that real change occurs. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>I have a sneaking suspicion that the transition zone is the only real thing, <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>and the bars are the illusions we dream up to not notice the void. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>Yes, with all the fear that can accompany transitions, they are still the most vibrant, <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>growth-filled, passionate moments in our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>And so transformation of fear may have nothing to do with making fear go away, <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>but rather with giving ourselves permission to "hang out" in the transition zone -- between the trapeze bars -- <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>allowing ourselves to dwell in the only place where change really happens. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>It can be terrifying. It can also be enlightening. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>Hurdling through the void, we just may learn to fly.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=4 color=blue face=Calibri><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face="Century Gothic"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic";color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> </div> Janinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06396042360330163258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-649346783134052120.post-17058280605251620092009-09-08T10:40:00.000-04:002009-09-08T10:41:00.663-04:00Be Open - Drop the Defensiveness<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=5 face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:18.0pt; font-family:Tahoma'>Welcome ideas that are not your own. Be open to what others have to say without getting defensive. Make it okay for others to share their ideas — even if those ideas conflict with yours. <br> </span></font><font size=2 face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Tahoma'>~John Baldoni</span></font><font size=2 color=navy face="Century Gothic"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic"; color:navy'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> Janinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06396042360330163258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-649346783134052120.post-7989672122399666942009-09-06T14:16:00.001-04:002009-09-06T14:16:04.153-04:00Preacher??<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face="Century Gothic"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic";color:navy'>I am still hearing positive comments from the worship service that I prepared a couple of weeks ago and the sermon that I wrote and delivered. It was a lot of work and I had some doubts. But I listened to my heart and let the Lord speak through me. It was one of the most powerful and amazing experiences I have had! The responses I have heard since that day have been so empowering for me! I look forward to doing future work like this. I am so thankful for the people who supported and encouraged me and gave me the material and space to prepare the sermon! <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face="Century Gothic"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic";color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face="Century Gothic"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic";color:navy'>I encourage you to follow your heart. Put your expectation of the outcome aside. Do whatever feels good and have faith in the rest. Stand aside and let your work come through. Take time to reflect and see the messages of your life experiences.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> Janinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06396042360330163258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-649346783134052120.post-62633241427169672002009-08-04T07:49:00.002-04:002009-08-31T12:53:32.345-04:00After the first work day...<div style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: #000000; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><p>Today will be our 2nd day working on one of our official work sites arranged by the organization we are working with. It is just down the street from the volunteer shelter we are staying at. The neighborhoods look like a lot of one level homes made mostly of brick. Some homes look like ones in any neighborhood with vehicles in the drive way and flowers around the house. But some have yards that haven't been cared for, no vehicles in the drive way, broken windows or X's on the front of the house. These are houses where the people have not returned home. There may be different reasons why someone hasn't been able to return home or they have decided not to.</p><p>We are working on homes where families have gone through a case management system connected with the place we are staying. I don't know all the requirements or rules but we have been told there is a process.</p><p>The homes had to be gutted in order to rebuild because the water level was up to the roof tops. I was thinking yesterday about the timing of that day...what were they told on the weather, what did they think would happen, when did they decide to leave and did they have time to take anything? Did they assume they would be able to return or did they have a feeling in their gut that said this one was bad?</p><p>In the home that I was at yesterday, the home owner came to unlock the door but then didn't stay long. We didn't get a chance to talk - maybe she wanted it that way. We were told that most people are wanting to talk to volunteers but some just aren't ready to. Even after 4 years, the wounds are still raw.</p><p>The entire home was sheetrocked (my contractor friends are knowing this is not my area of expertise with the spelling and wording). It had already been taped and mudded. Our job was to sand. We did this, in a house that was just opened up for us, with no electricity, for almost 5 hours. </p><p>It was another bonding experience for folks on our group. We all got together last night for worship and talked about our experiences. The other groups went to other sites. The acknowledgement of other's work and drive of everyone on the team regardless of age was amazing to hear. It makes me feel very proud to be part of such an effort.</p><p>Be thankful for where you live and what you have. Help your neighbor when you can. It is a wonderful warming feeling.</p></div>Janinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06396042360330163258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-649346783134052120.post-16627055059123580722009-08-01T22:48:00.003-04:002009-08-01T22:54:09.264-04:00First post from New OrleansThis is going to be short as I don't have a lot of time.<br /><br />The drive here took 3 days. I was most concerned about this for myself. I don't think I travel well. We have 36 people across 5 mini-vans. We have 2 drivers for each van and 7 people in each van. Close quarters for sitting along with our baggage. The point is to get to know each other - yea - that happened!!<br /><br />I am happily surprised that the drive is actually fun! Yes there were some unexpected things that came up (some of the vans going a different way or some stopping for gas and nature breaks at different times) but all these things were sorted out. Taught me a lot about dealing with things and being flexible instead of having every detail laid out and expecting it to work out only that way.<br /><br />We were housed by 2 churches on the way down. Many families opened up their houses for us for a place to sleep as well as providing us lots of food for our stay and journey the next day. Unbelievable hospitality!!<br /><br />Today was sight seeing day in New Orleans - I think we were in the French Quarter. <br /><br />We start work tomorrow...first around the volunteer shelter where we are staying then Monday we'll be going to the 9th Ward.<br /><br />It's time for worship so I have to go...thanks for all your interest and prayers!!!Janinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06396042360330163258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-649346783134052120.post-33411536206780529192009-07-23T14:51:00.000-04:002009-07-23T14:52:09.221-04:00How are you being called?<div class=Section1> <p><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Again…it happened! The universe sent me this same message…again.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>One of the discussions in preparation for the UBC Mission trip to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">New Orleans</st1:City></st1:place> is around the verse from Isaiah 6:8 <i><span style='font-style:italic'>“I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am <st1:place w:st="on">I.</st1:place> Send me!”</span></i> There is also a really nice song about this same verse that I love! The following is inspired by the topic today from The Upper Room Daily Devotional Guide. I continue to give thanks to my angel friend who leaves a new book on my desk every other month!<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p><b><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt; font-weight:bold'>Will you be a player or a spectator in the game of life? <o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p> <p><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Saying yes to being a player in life isn’t always easy. It might not be easy when it takes us out of our comfort zone. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Saying no is easy. But what if God said no to us as many times as we say no to God?<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Saying yes to God and being active in God’s work helps us grow spiritually. This doesn’t necessarily mean being seen and heard. All of us can serve in quite and humble ways known only to God. We have many opportunities to do so. Discipleship means being a servant and, as Jesus showed us, putting others ahead of ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p><b><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt; font-weight:bold'>Prayer</span></font></b>: God, please help me to be a disciple who is not merely a spectator. Amen.<o:p></o:p></p> </div> Janinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06396042360330163258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-649346783134052120.post-62895281200158840902009-07-19T14:42:00.002-04:002009-07-19T14:43:56.058-04:00Getting ready for a new adventure - Mission Trip to New OrleansI am preparing for a mission trip with my church (Union Baptist Church in Mystic, CT) to New Orleans. This will be from July 29th through August 11th. Check back for more updates before and during this trip.Janinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06396042360330163258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-649346783134052120.post-37147438532045199492009-06-11T13:03:00.002-04:002009-08-31T12:41:07.218-04:00Sharing from a web site: Let life come<div class="Section1"><h3><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal;font-size:12;" >I frequently read </span></span></b><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal"><a href="http://www.greatday.com/"><b><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">www.greatday.com</span></b></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal;font-size:12;" >. Today’s message from this web site spoke to me. <?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p></span></span></h3><h3><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal;font-size:12;" >I find it empowering to know that for the thoughts that I have, they are for a real reason…maybe a sign of things to come or things that are possible.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></h3><h3><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:13;">Thursday, June 11, 2009 <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></h3><h1><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:6;"><span style="font-size:24;">Let life come <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></h1><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12;">Let life come, without striving to force it. Let life come, and it will unfold with great abundance.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12;">The feeling you seek is already yours. If it was not, then how could you even know about it? <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12;">Allow that feeling to live and breathe and grow and flow throughout your life. The life you wish to experience is yours when you let go and let it be. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12;">Listen to those little inspirations that quietly whisper. There is a reason why you hear them and feel their truth. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12;">Act in harmony with what you know is right and what you know is best. Instead of struggling against what is, ride joyously and successfully along with life's continuously unfolding possibilities. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12;">Let life come. And live the beauty as each new moment is born. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12;">-- Ralph Marston<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Century Gothic;font-size:85%;color:navy;"><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';font-size:10;color:navy;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p></div>Janinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06396042360330163258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-649346783134052120.post-78146294347598900482009-06-08T17:42:00.004-04:002009-06-08T18:17:25.887-04:00Eating, drinking, relationships & dancing<div><br /><br /><div>I can't believe tonight is my last night in Sofia! I had no preconceived plans or ideas about what this trip would be like. It's a good thing I didn't waste my time thinking or planning because I would have been way off base! This trip has been life altering for me. Everything about it has changed many parts of who I am, what I think about who I am, what I think about what I am capable of, what I think about people in another country, what I think about friends, co-workers, relationships. This trip has shown me the depth of the relationships in my life and the support and encouragement people have for me. I am so grateful and realize the power of relationships and the strength that they provide. I am sure I won't realize everything until I am home and even more over the days to come. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Being in a routine, although only for a week, has created some level of comfort. The hotel is very nice and the staff has been very helpful. Having breakfast in the same place to start the day has been nice. Going to the same office most of the days to see the same faces and build relationships and share information will lead this project to further success. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>The last night here in Sofia was so enjoyable! Because of the culture here where meals are big social events, we spent 4 hours at dinner! I didn't even look at my watch during the evening. It didn't matter what time it was - I was having so much fun. The tables sit at least 12 people. We didn't see any small groups there tonight. The appetizers were out when we arrive. Everyone shares from a huge platter in the middle of the table. You can imagine how big the tables are if a platter to feed 12 people is in the middle yet there is enough room to have a plate in front of each person. We all helped ourselves to cut up vegetables, eggplant/pepper mix, yogurt/cucumber salad. All this was on top of huge pita bread. This you would rip a piece off and dip it in a seasoning/salt mixture. Glasses of water and red wine were constantly being filled. Time went by while everyone continued to eat and talk and drink. They cleared that platter to bring another one. At the same time, some beautiful sounding singers started their performance. Then there were drummers. Then some people started dancing. Anyone could join in. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnaRHmYa2M8IaIo1FVT5ue3y9HUi7-KbbpktKI19mQqRmLNYbpN1_ikGBvwf7uMvDhCq0IWkzpFQ8eb_yBOdWOdNrIEBauecEm2mV59O5BJ_ioeBQpMeVLUcpsfBB9qK0pyMJQwplIplQ/s1600-h/dancing+all.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345081593790071794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 99px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnaRHmYa2M8IaIo1FVT5ue3y9HUi7-KbbpktKI19mQqRmLNYbpN1_ikGBvwf7uMvDhCq0IWkzpFQ8eb_yBOdWOdNrIEBauecEm2mV59O5BJ_ioeBQpMeVLUcpsfBB9qK0pyMJQwplIplQ/s200/dancing+all.bmp" border="0" /></a>The platter that contained the dinner had sausage, chicken, pork, potatoes and grilled vegetables. Again, water and wine glasses were replenished. More performances and more dancing. The dessert tray was the same...huge and full of options. One inch squares of wonderful desserts each with their own toothpick for sampling. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWTZDNUqR8OW98E-HVx8Wrp5oGI-Bi6SRv8l5gt1wgaDaQ0G92eR_vANPNd9y4gJz75EEAjLyNVGAuSUWH0wbZeaIKR4w4Qvs1svRlPru8HHgs3zszYh0NrRxwBKcp7ShloKApFy2u3BW/s1600-h/dancing.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345082033034340130" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 144px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWTZDNUqR8OW98E-HVx8Wrp5oGI-Bi6SRv8l5gt1wgaDaQ0G92eR_vANPNd9y4gJz75EEAjLyNVGAuSUWH0wbZeaIKR4w4Qvs1svRlPru8HHgs3zszYh0NrRxwBKcp7ShloKApFy2u3BW/s200/dancing.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I did have to dance! The music is very easy to dance to. I didn't realize that while I was dancing someone picked up MY camera to take a picture. I am glad they did. </div><br /><br /><div>What great memories on this trip! I will never forget the experience and the things I have learned about life (some many parts to name but lots of material for future blogs). </div><div> </div><div>My trip will be coming to an end but my writing won't. I hope you keep reading here and in any other forum that I write in. </div><div> </div><div>If you are having doubts about yourself, ask a good friend how they see your strengths and gifts. Really listen. Believe them then believe in yourself. Take action one step at a time. The quality of your life and what you experience can bring you such rewards. </div><div> </div><div>As my trip started out with someone I met on the plane saying "This isn't a dress rehearsal". Do what you want to do. Don't intentionally hurt anyone along the way. Live your life with passion!</div></div>Janinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06396042360330163258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-649346783134052120.post-79781452838314875752009-06-07T02:39:00.006-04:002009-06-07T03:39:08.150-04:00A message even without a church service<div><div>I had made plans last night to go to and attend the local church service. I found, in the hotel booklet, a Lutheran service in English! How excited was I? It said it was at 9:00 AM. Great! That forced me to have a normal evening and bedtime so I could get up at a reasonable hour with reasonable amount of sleep and leave time for a nice breakfast downstairs. </div><div> </div><div>I enjoyed my evening knowing plans were in place and fell asleep pretty quickly around 12:00 midnight. I woke before the alarm that I had set for 7:00 AM. That gave me plenty of time to check email, take a shower, eat and walk to church.</div><div> </div></div><div>You should know that I do not enjoy eating alone in a restaurant. I have done it quite a few times and I am not sure why, but it just doesn't feel comfortable. I can eat alone at home in my house, and completely enjoy it by the way, but eating out alone is a different story to me. Since I was going alone this morning to service, I assumed I would be eating alone. Okay. I got my head in a different space so I wouldn't feel so uncomfortable. There weren't any other guests at the restaurant yet. So not only am I eating at a table alone, I am the only one eating! I asked if I could sit outside. The hostess said the tables were not set up but she would be happy to set a place if I wanted to eat outside. I was grateful. That way I thought I could enjoy the weather and sounds of Sofia on a Sunday morning. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNLp3pJDp3N4oVZVM2mCbHQU4Z0O34J55lpaQYXVD25yZm2vGL-fXalw0i7eJ7EPqLnoMmCq_jSwS7zfljgj2ev_RxltH0aHTYBi8TN5lIF6aiw0YCHCLMj9y-P_elmEXQkmgEMFRar-t/s1600-h/Sunday+breakfast+roses.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344477637089593234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 226px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNLp3pJDp3N4oVZVM2mCbHQU4Z0O34J55lpaQYXVD25yZm2vGL-fXalw0i7eJ7EPqLnoMmCq_jSwS7zfljgj2ev_RxltH0aHTYBi8TN5lIF6aiw0YCHCLMj9y-P_elmEXQkmgEMFRar-t/s320/Sunday+breakfast+roses.bmp" border="0" /></a>The setting of this patio is very pretty. The area is secluded from the streets with walls only high enough to block the view and trees to buffer the noise. But on a Sunday morning, there is much less hustle and bustle from a work day. I was able to hear more of the birds which is one of the things I was looking for. Along the back edge of the patio was a nice wooden fence that was lined with roses. Most of them were in perfect bloom and they were a very pretty color.</div><div> </div><div>I made sure that I took the time to enjoy eating my food and not hurry through the meal so I could just leave. The fresh squeezed orange juice is wonderful! There are machines at the local grocery stores (and assuming in the restaurant too) that make this juice. Mentioning again from my post about the food, that they eat well here. Nothing is added to the orange juice. I had a cup of coffee (there are some things I am not changing just because I am in another country!!). I do have my coffee with milk or cream because guess what, they don't have Coffee Mate fat free french vanilla here! I took some mushrooms, tomatoes (cut in half and grilled), scrambled eggs and a couple pieces of bacon. The food is in buffet containers as you would expect but it isn't piping hot...in fact it isn't really very warm. I was enjoying the simplicity of the food and beverages and the colors of the roses and sounds of the birds. I was relaxing and thankful that I was making positive changes about my attitude of eating alone. It turned out to be a nice experience.</div><div> </div><div>I was looking forward to walking to church. I came back upstairs and did a few things and then decided it was time to start my next journey. I had to walk under the boulevard (underground stairs to walk under the busy street). There weren't many people around which was okay. People were walking their dogs, others were going somewhere else. I was conscious about how I was carrying myself and pretending I had a clue where I was going and not looking like a lost tourist! No one approached me so I guess I did okay. The tunnel was quiet. There were shops there but all were closed since it is Sunday (I miss that about home. I remember when stores weren't open on Sunday.) There was a lot of graffiti on the walls too - more than what is around the streets we have driven on. There were many points to take the stairs up so I took the first set I found. Hummm...not far enough. I was still on the same side of the street but in the next "lane" so to speak to catch a trolley maybe. So I go back downstairs and take the next set of stairs up. Would you guess? Not far enough. Now it was in a different "lane". I go back downstairs. I am laughing to myself. I didn't know I was going to get some exercise in on my trip-walking up and down stairs is good exercise and I looked good too in my church outfit! I finally go up the set of stairs that brings me to the other side of the boulevard :-) Now to find the street that the church is on. The brochure in the hotel is in English. The signs on the buildings and streets are in Bulgarian. Feeling a little lost and unprepared. I continue on and pray along the way for a divine nudge to go the right way. </div><div> </div><div>I do end up finding A church. That was too easy. I walk in and hear male singing in a language that I don't recognize. I am a little confused and besides the brochure said the service was on the 2nd floor. There isn't an upstairs to this place that looks like it is what I am looking for. The church is very detailed inside. It is small and has maybe 20-30 tall wooden chairs. People are coming in and going out and performing some routine things like walking to the center and kneeling, blessing themselves and kissing whatever it was in front of them. A few people did this. Others came in with sticks. I watched a few people take their sticks and put them in an area where others were lit...kind of a candle area. I am not sure what it was for. So clearly I am not in the place I planned to be so I left.</div><div> </div><div>I walked a little further and found a street sign that looks like what I wanted. I followed along until I got to the house number 4. Hummm...doesn't look like a building that would have a service in it and besides the iron gates were locked. My feet hurt because I have my heels on. It's warm out and I am starting to sweat. I am now sad. Should I have gone with someone? I think no because it wouldn't have turned out any different up to this point. </div><div> </div><div>I asked a few people if they spoke English. They said no. I walked across the street to the 345 store (this is a local chain of market/grocery store). I asked again if someone spoke English. She said no but she motioned to me to follow her because someone else did. Good! Now I can ask where the church is. The cashier was the one I asked about the church. She pointed to the church I just came from. I explained further that I was looking for an English service but she said she didn't know of one. Now I am almost in tears! I leave the store and plan to go back to my room and sulk!</div><div> </div><div>As I am leaving, a man calls to me. He spoke a little English and asked me what I was looking for. I told him and he motioned to follow him. He pointed me in the direction of another street and told me the Lutheran church was down a few doors in the right. I wasn't convinced but I was hopeful. I walked to where he pointed me to and sure enough...there it was! There was even an English sign with the name of the church! The entrance had iron gates as do most of the houses/buildings along the street. The one that looked like the entrance was locked. Had I missed it? If you are late, do they lock you out? I tried another gate. It too was locked! What was this message? I saw a sign in Bulgarian but it had numbers on it - I figured it was clock times. 10.45 and 11.45...okay. There goes that plan as I had made plans with the group to go sight seeing at 11:00 this morning.</div><div> </div><div>So I didn't get to go to church service as planned but I did grow and I know God was with me. I felt protected. I did this planning and journey alone. I found the church. I saw some of the neighborhood where people lived. I was happy at what DID happen...even without a church service.</div><div> </div><div align="center"><em>Lessons are in the journey. </em></div><div align="center"><em>It isn't always about the destination.</em></div>Janinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06396042360330163258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-649346783134052120.post-5245394564940817042009-06-06T09:09:00.004-04:002009-06-06T09:34:48.115-04:00A little about the people and food in SofiaToday is Saturday. Yesterday was a very long work day and things went very well! The team of folks we are working with are outstanding! They are young, smart, passionate, committed, eager to learn, and young (I know I already mentioned that)! We met the co-founder of the company and other management people. It's one of those environments where the co-founder knows the details of the work and is approachable. There isn't a lot of corporate stuff between the layers of management. It is very professional yet very comfortable.<br /><br />Dinner last night was wonderful! We are trying to figure out why the people here are mostly very thin. There is a lot of walking (being a busy city where driving is only for the very brave) and food is everywhere. We are thinking its the kind of food and how it's cooked that keeps people thin. It's very tasty but must not be from additives like we have. They use lots of seasonings and the ingredients themselves are tasty. There seems to be a balance of fruits, vegetables, potatoes and meats. And the desserts - yum! The thing about eating is that I am not feeling totally bloated after - even though I am eating very well. It may also be about portion size - the plates are heaping like we expect at home.<br /><br />Sofia hasn't gotten strict about their public smoking. There is smoking in most places. Restaurants have a smoking and non-smoking section. I remember when we had the split and the non-smoking section was better but not that great. It's that way here. I can smell the smoke but I am not as effected (headache wise) as I thought I would be. It must be all the walking and being outside in the air.<br /><br />I think the people here are very attractive and thin for the most part. They look like they take a lot of pride in how they dress and attend to their hair and makeup. Like I mentioned before, they are very social. There's lots of couples walking and holding hands. I haven't seen a lot of people walking around alone.<br /><br />The driving here is only for the brave. I seems like a game to most to see how close they can get without hitting the next car...ahead of them or next to them. They do use their turn signals, which is good, and then they go (change lanes). The cars are not clean like home but they aren't dented up either. It's interesting to me. I look at the driving, speed, stop and go, lane changing and expect to see damaged cars but I don't. The parking is new to me...along the street, along the sidewalk, on the sidewalk - 2 wheels of the same side of the car and some backed onto the sidewalk. I'll have to take some photos of the cars and parking. It makes me chuckle.<br /><br />It's a different place here and I am seeing these differences. I am also noticing the similarities. This is their world and their life. It is good for them. They have families and friends and socialize and work and play and eat - just like us. They are other people living in the same world. We are connected in ways. I can feel that. I feel the same presence of my Lord here as I do at home. I feel stronger knowing that. I am grateful for seeing other areas of His work.Janinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06396042360330163258noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-649346783134052120.post-78732180524194020512009-06-05T00:32:00.009-04:002009-06-05T01:00:42.934-04:00Slow startIt's Friday morning here around 7:30 AM. I feel different this morning - compared to yesterday morning. I slept longer for sure but am not sure I am ready to wake up. I believe a shower and warm cup of coffee will work fine.<br /><br />Last night was wonderful! I had a very nice time at dinner, trying new food and sharing great conversations with some new friends. I was excited when I got back to my hotel. It took me a while to "wind down" despite it being around midnight local time. I kept on the local schedule anyway. Once I laid my head down, I fell right asleep!<br /><br />I know I have a lot of work to do today. It may go easier than I expect once I get to the office and see what the team actually knows on a particular topic today. That would be a nice surprise if the day is easier than what I think. I am open to see how it goes.<br /><br />I am grateful to have exchanged IMs with a good friend back home already this morning...she ending her day and me starting mine. We have become a global society and are always "on". Today I give thanks for that global connection...for the technology, the overlap in schedules (although late for her) and our friendship.<br /><br />The photo is from yesterday morning. This is from my hotel window. It was a sunny day even though it doesn't look like it. I am facing north west I think so that's why the sun isn't shining on the mountain yet. I saw it from a closer view yesterday and it is amazing!<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343701660437195266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 195px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDR2zlqaNRajn4_PrHQ17KPZFXI6n72wEF4xsRVYdYaljKZnJ7U4kbJseHI9uOCtB6-zl90fZTKBB8GrWFWHxNSJFx4VnioHuUSpFDuUJo0PvR9Lm-vixdY7rCVuxjoLE2td9GJ7uPTrLF/s400/hotel+view.bmp" border="0" /></p><p>Have a wonderful day and take a moment to slow down, as I was feeling slow to the start of my morning, to notice and be grateful for the (global) connections you have.</p>Janinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06396042360330163258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-649346783134052120.post-65822046732221515772009-06-04T16:34:00.006-04:002009-06-04T17:43:44.139-04:00Homesick? I made it NOT about me!Today is day 3 into my trip. I still can't believe I am really in Bulgaria! I flew 7 hours to London in business class (wonderful experience and quite fun), two hour layover which went by fast because Heathrow airport is not easy to get around, then another 3 hours to Sofia in business class which seemed like regular size seats - they just fed us a lot of food. I met a really nice gentleman on the flight to London. We were meant to sit next to each other so I would be more relaxed and enjoy the experience...he travels all over the world, lives life to the fullest (life isn't a rehearsal he said), tries new things, does what he wants, owns his own company, is married with a 3 year old son, survived a bad car accident and survived a rare tongue cancer. I don't know how old he was but in his 50s anyway. Yea - things happen for reasons. I guess I wasn't ready to think about anything except what I was going through myself so I needed a distraction. It worked.<br /><br />We had a long day today. I woke up at 3:30 am! It was actually nice-after I decided to go with it. I wasn't tired nor irritated that I didn't sleep long. I did some reading and some writing. It was actually relaxing.<br /><br />Work was very productive and I met a lot of new people! All of these folks are learning something new - I am part of a team who taught them and have been working with them for the past couple of months. It is neat to see them working and executing using their new information. The day went by very quickly since we were so busy with more detailed training based on issues that came up. I love doing this type of work!<br /><br />There was a point this afternoon when I thought I was going to crack...a little bit of being tired, a little bit of jet lag, a little bit being hungry and a little bit of missing home. I felt this overwhelming feeling like I wanted to tap my heels together 3 times and be home. I had enough and wanted to be back to normal. But I thought "I can't do that. I am here. My job isn't finished. I can help these people more so they can do a better job of understanding the work and deliver higher quality." It took me a few minutes but I was able to calm myself down and refocus. That isn't to say that I wasn't tired and hungry and missed home and wanted to be with my boys because I was feeling all of these things. And I acknowledged that. Then I thought about the team of people who I can help, and that we would be going out to a nice restaurant for dinner, and others were feeling the same way about wanting to be home.<br /><br />I don't know much about jet lag except that it's hard to explain what it feels like and now I think I understand that. I was "off" today for a bit. Tired but not sleepy. Thinking but not focusing. Edgy but not irritated.<br /><br />I have a mission and I know I am blossoming every hour I am here. Having people talk to me about a particular topic or share an experience at the right time, reading certain text at certain times, experiencing situations that force me to work through new feelings and find the tools to succeed are all part of my experience. Staying connected and having people be in touch is very encouraging for me! I am not doing this alone. I am never alone.<br /><br /><em>Be very careful...how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity...do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.</em><br /><em>-Ephesians 5:15-17</em><br /><em></em><br /><div align="center">Thought for the Day</div><div align="center">Today I will pay attention to God's nudges.</div>Janinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06396042360330163258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-649346783134052120.post-63043919771547347142009-06-02T16:22:00.002-04:002009-06-02T16:35:04.982-04:00Hello from British Airways LoungeHi there - I am at JFK in the Lounge for Business class folks! Such a nice place where everything is peaceful and free! The ride here was uneventful. We had a great driver who made it a relaxing ride. The dining area will be opening soon as well as the spa. Since the food and the spa are included in the price of the airfare, guess I'll have to experience both!<br /><br />There have been so many people who have helped me in more ways than they know up to this moment! I want to thank all of them. My realization yesterday morning was that I am ready. I can make decisions with new adventures and trust myself that my choices are good ones. I can take the action that what I feel is best and I am okay with the results. I am to recognize situations and opportunities that are in front of me and know they are there because I am ready to experience them. I will continue to follow my gut, listen to my inner voice and feel those divine nudges to help me decide what my actions will be. The important point is for me to recognize the choice, listen for the divine push, act and be okay with the results.<br /><br />So here I go acting on just that, the inner feeling to say yes to this trip and all the responsiblities and experience that comes with it. Knowing that others see me as qualified to perform the tasks, believe that and act on it.<br /><br />Thanks again to those who have contributed to my personal and professional growth! I hope it is meant that I can return the favor some day (or have already).Janinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06396042360330163258noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-649346783134052120.post-80526694697711230372009-05-31T20:47:00.004-04:002009-06-05T18:18:23.003-04:00Counting downA good friend described it perfectly...the waiting is sometimes the worst part. I think I am as ready as I am going to be for my trip to Bulgaria. I have money, I have clothes, I have all those little travel items. I am waiting for Monday to actually pack it in my suitcase. Then Tuesday will be those last minute things that get thrown in.<br /><br />The great part is the work that I am going to do while I am there is already in my head (I have been doing it for quite a few years) and anything that I need to explain will just come up. I love explaining things to people! I really like programming so the QC steps that I'll be enhancing/putting in place will be fun. There aren't any scary presentations or new things I have to learn about the tasks. There isn't anything I have to sell or pitch to anyone. It's all in what I already know and then participating in any discussions that come up. I can do that!<br /><br />I have made a list of appointments for the next week - really more for me than for my husband! They know what is on the calendar. They are able and willing to cook for themselves (they do most of that when I AM home!!). There have been quite a few people who have offered to help them out while I am gone. It is very nice to know that friends are making themselves available if the need arises.Janinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06396042360330163258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-649346783134052120.post-27181773183614607112009-05-29T07:42:00.005-04:002009-05-29T07:55:31.308-04:00Banking and other logistics for my tripWho knew there were so many things to do before traveling? I am learning all about them! There's work money and do you get it now or later and if you get it now do you get it in US dollars or in the foreign currency. How much to get? Are there banks or ATMs near where you are staying? Are they "good"? What are the charges for performing these transactions?<br /><br />Well, today I think this will be pretty much wrapped up. I'll have money that I need both personal and business. I'll get some foreign money sent to me on Monday (which is already in the works) so no further action required by me.<br /><br />The airline has a web site where you can register your passport and flight. It is supposed to make the boarding process smoother and quicker. Okay. I did that. I still have to print out a boarding pass within 24 hours of my flight - hey now there is something I now how to do!!! I made myself a reminder - not like I have been thinking about ANYTHING except this trip so I shouldn't forget!<br /><br />Also, register with the state...United States? Some web site that can have on record that you are traveling to another country. Its a good thing to tell someone other than family. Okay. I did that.<br /><br />My cell phone isn't built for international calls so I'll be bugging those I am traveling with to call home from time to time. That's nice of them. I don't remember anyone at Sprint asking me about where I travel to and that the phone I bought won't work outside the country! No bother - this may not happen too many more times.<br /><br />I am charging my iPod and camera over the weekend. I think my iPod can't be charged since I don't have iTunes on my work laptop and I don't know how to do it any other way. I'll survive and maybe the battery will as well. I have an adaptor so I can recharge the camera batteries and my laptop.<br /><br />I went to the store yesterday to get those convenient travel size items...small mouthwash, facial wipes, hand sanitizer, shampoo, etc. I figure size matters and these things are perfect size to carry on the plane with me so I am not stuck if my luggage doesn't make it to my destination at the same time I do.<br /><br />I'll post more another time on the emotional items for this trip! I am getting a lot of experience on working to LIVE IN THE MOMENT! Things are being taken care of in one way or another and I have to trust that. So for other life events that happen between now and the hour that I leave, I am working to BE PRESENT for so the trip doesn't take me longer than one week away from home.Janinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06396042360330163258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-649346783134052120.post-37294241978612827072009-05-24T18:23:00.001-04:002009-05-31T20:46:50.597-04:00Forteen Years of JoyWe usually have 2 birthday parties for my son...one for family and one for his friends. He turned 14 this year. The parties were on different weekends. The partying is over now but the warmth is still in my heart.<br /><br />I have reflected on May 23-24, 1995 annually. I have to chuckle on what I thought at the time (from what I remember). I was so tired and big! I was so ready for it to be over. But at the same time, I didn't want my pregnancy to end. It was known. I was tired and big - and I knew how to deal with that.<br /><br />I am glad that life keeps going and moving us through experiences. I was so glad to see my son and start living my life WITH him and interacting with him instead of just nurturing him on the inside.<br /><br />He has grown to be such a wonderful young man. So many experiences. He has taught me more than I was expecting. That's the cool thing and I hope I am wise enough to continue to view this journey as a give and take experience.Janinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06396042360330163258noreply@blogger.com1