uniquelyyourscraftjournal

Walking on Water

23 Jul 2014 Comments Off on Walking on Water

by uniquelyyourscraftjournal in Perspectives, Product Review Tags: boat, fear, Ortberg, walking on water

Dear Fellow Journalers,

Have you ever read a book that you knew had changed your life? For me, “If you want to walk on water, you’ve got to get out of the boat” by John Ortberg is such a book. It profoundly changed the way I look at my relationship with God and the relationships in my life.

The reference to “walking on water” comes from the Biblical account of Peter’s encounter with Jesus on the Sea of Galilee. First Jesus had to get the apostles’ attention Then, because He wanted them to do something extraordinary, He told Peter to “Come” and “Do not be afraid”. Wow, now that’s what is called a tremendous opportunity!

Ortberg goes on to explain about water-walkers and we discover what our boat represents. He talks about the fear of leaving our comfort zone, of the challenge of risk, of “seeing the wind”, of learning to wait, and finally, our response.

For those of you, who are wondering why I would recommend a “religious” book, well, I’ll tell you. The author, without being “Preachy’, takes you on a great adventure. He invites you to pack your bags and take a risk. I had always been shy around people I did not know. If attending a meeting, I always scanned the room for someone I knew first. I hardly ever volunteered to do something out of my comfort zone. My “boat” was fear. After reading this book, I became more assertive, friendly and I took on assignments at work and church that had once terrified me. I now recommend this book to everyone I meet.

‘Til next time,

~Sallie

Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given

To Sallie and uniquelyyourscraftjournal with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

You may reach Sallie at uniquelyyourscraftjournal@outlook.com

Random Thought on courage

18 Jul 2014 Comments Off on Random Thought on courage

Remember to seek out anything that stirs your heart and soul, and every morning put a teaspoon of courage in your coffee, tea or orange juice and be ready to take on the challenges and opportunities of the day.

Paul Colella

Quote by uniquelyyourscraftjournal

Summer Camp Blues

16 Jul 2014 Comments Off on Summer Camp Blues

by uniquelyyourscraftjournal in Perspectives Tags: growing up, Library, Summer Camp

Dear Fellow Journalers,

Below is another great post from MaryBeth. Enjoy!

~Sallie

Dear Mommy and Daddy”. I knew in an instant what the letter I was reading would be about. Our son, “T” was at his first ever summer camp and a long (on my part) 2 weeks had passed when the letter arrived in the mail. “T” is our oldest and the idea of time away from home seemed like a great adventure when he first broached the subject with us.

I remember the brochure promised safety, well-trained counselors, art and sport activities and a chance for our boys to be on their own. “T” was very excited when we told him he could go. Thank goodness, my husband helped him pack, as everything would have disappeared into his duffel bag if it had fit! “He’ll be fine”, my husband told me as we watched the travelers drive away.

I knew in my heart that it was the right thing to do, that he needed to spread his wings and fly away (at least for a month!) and that he’d have a wonderful time. But oh, I missed him! The summer days were long without him and my “helper” was, temporarily his younger sister. Car trips to the library weren’t the same and neither were the sun-dappled days of playing catch or lemonade coloring days on our deck.

“I’m having a great time! T.J. (his best friend from home) and I won the fishing contest!” Well, I thought as I continued to read. It was good that T.J. was with him as he knew someone at least. “Yesterday, we had macaroni and cheese for lunch, but it didn’t taste as good as yours, Mommy.” Here it comes, I thought…… but the next sentence really surprised me. “This is really a great place and I hope you’ll let me come again next year.” Ok, I’ll admit it – I lost it!

My husband was perplexed and then said some words that I heard in the shelter of his arms. “Mary Beth, he’s having a wonderful time. He’s learning and laughing and being a boy. He has to grow up sometime. You’re a great Mom and he loves you as we all do. I think you have a case of the Summer Camp Blues. How about we gather up the kids and head over to the diner for dinner?”

Summer Camp Survivor,

Mary Beth

Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given

To Sallie and uniquelyyourscraftjournal with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

You may reach Sallie at uniquelyyourscraftjournal@outlook.com

30 Life Lessons

11 Jul 2014 Comments Off on 30 Life Lessons

by uniquelyyourscraftjournal in Seeds of thought Tags: honesty, scam, Wait

Dear Fellow Journalers,

The last of the 10:

Part 3 of Life Lessons

21. Pretending to be perfect doesn’t make it so. It’s like wearing a Super-Man costume. At the end of Halloween night and you take off the cape, you still can’t leap tall buildings with a single bound.

22. The past does not equal the future. You can’t re-ring a bell. Focus on the present.

23. There is nothing useful about suffering. Pain lets us know something is wrong and needs fixing. Suffering has no value and we can choose to stop.

24. Doubt kills. You have the ability to change and become. Don’t doubt yourself.

25. It’s ok to wait. Why rush when you can wait? Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass… it’s about learning to dance in the rain.

26. Honesty is important – for you and everyone you know. Be honest with yourself first.

27. openness is as important as honesty. Be real like the “Velveteen Rabbit”.

28. Add value to other people.

29. Be aware of scams to buy something just because of a fad.

30. Try everyday to be the best you can be.

Wishing you many happy moments

of discovering new things in life.

‘Til next time,

~Sallie

Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given

To Sallie and uniquelyyourscraftjournal with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

You may reach Sallie at uniquelyyourscraftjournal@outlook.com

30 Life Lessons

10 Jul 2014 3 Comments

by uniquelyyourscraftjournal in Seeds of thought Tags: change, Relationships, status

Dear Fellow Journalers,

As promised, the next 10 Life Lessons:

Part 2 of Life Lessons

11. Relationships Matter – not every relationship matters, but a few do and the ones that do are the ones you hang onto.

12. Dad used to say that he was not a “Wishy washy” person. People either liked him or hated him. Not everybody has to like you. The world won’t end if your new “BFF” is not.

13. Status is a misnomer. You are not your car. You are not your house.

14. Jealousy and envy are wasted emotions. Be true to who you are to others and you won’t be jealous.

15. Everybody worships something. Some people worship their stuff. Choose wisely.

16. You are not the center of the universe. Pay attention to what is going on around you. Read newspapers, listen to the radio. I think about it this way: when I pray I pray first for my family, my relatives, my friends, my neighbors, my community, my state, my world, and me – in that order.

17. Awareness is the most precious kind of freedom. Peter Walsh wrote a book about stuff and organization. Be aware of your surroundings and the way you want to live your life.

18. Live in the present moment. It’s the most authentic time of your life.

19. We are often scared for no reason. Don’t worry over nothing.

20. It’s ok to change. Change is growth. Some people are afraid of change. They like the status quo. Just think if Henry Ford had not invented the car, we’d still be riding horses.

The final 10 tomorrow,

Sallie

Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given

To Sallie and uniquelyyourscraftjournal with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

You may reach Sallie at uniquelyyourscraftjournal@outlook.com