Turn Down For What

READY…  “Not merely an absence of noise, Real Silence begins when a reasonable being withdraws from the noise in order to find peace and order in his inner sanctuary.”  ~ Peter Minard

AIM… Turn Down For What is the title of a popular song by Lil Jon and DJ Snake that ended up being the 7^th best selling track of 2014.  With its catchy dance beat and synthesized groove, you can’t help but turn UP the song in your car when it’s on the radio.  However, this song title also makes me think about all the “noise” we allow in our lives that inevitably drowns out the things that matter most.  All that extra noise causes stress, discontent and anxiety. 

So, why should we turn down the outside influences and eliminate all the distractions that capture our attention?  Let’s face it, we can all admit there are things in our world that cause us to focus less on our priorities and more on nonsense.  Agreed?  Need a few examples?  100 extra unsolicited email advertisements, vacation promotions and coupon offers in your inbox; every day.  Video games and gaming apps.  200+ cable or satellite TV stations (and still nothing worthwhile to watch.)  Facebook.  Instagram.  Twitter.  Google +.  Tumblr.  Snapchat.  Get the idea? 

When was the last time you left your phone at home (without feeling naked) and stepped outside to listen to the wind whisper through the leaves in the trees or the birds welcoming spring with their sweet songs?  Just that thought, brings a sense of serenity and peace to my soul.  So why in the world can’t we turn down the noise?  It’s a choice.  It’s the new phenomenon called FOMO - fear of missing out. What in the world are we afraid we are going to miss; Sweet Susie’s meatloaf dinner picture or an episode of Modern Family?  We must choose to disconnect and turn down or turn off the things that cause us stress and strife, and choose to plug into the means that enable us to feel joy and peace. 

Shhhh, listen!  It’s the sound of silence.  Ahhh…..

FIRE!  This week, choose one area where you can turn down the noise in your life.  Make a commitment to delete something unnecessary.  You will feel relieved and free, guaranteed! 

Be Excellent!

Lori 

"Son"shine

READY… “The thief cometh not but to steal and to kill and to destroy. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 NKJV

AIM… I had one of the most insane weeks last week. Just as it seemed nothing else crazy could happen, it did! The week started out fantastic because my eight year old daughter decided to get baptized. Hooray! There was a party in heaven on Sunday and in all of our hearts as well. However, as the week progressed, each day I was faced with one obstacle after another. Monday, we had to pay $1800 in taxes for our new car – surprise! Tuesday, there was a bomb threat at my son’s school and they had to evacuate. Wednesday, my daughter missed the bus and I was late getting to work, where I experienced a computer glitch and various other obstacles. Thursday, I discovered I had a flat tire when pulling out of the garage and had to hurry up and change it so I could make my doctor’s appointment. Friday, I locked myself out of the house and thankfully got our spare key from the neighbor. I know, seriously?!? Each day, after each challenge, I kept saying, “It’s gotta get better from here.” Truly, I was believing life to get better each day and yet, each day something happened that attempted to sway my positive attitude. Ugh!! It wasn’t until Friday when I was talking to my mother that she brought it to my attention that after Alyssa’s obedience to God by getting baptized, the devil was most likely upset and starting attacking our family in any vulnerable way possible. Yes, those incidents were thankfully minor, but in the grand scheme of things, they added up to much frustration on my part. It’s true; the devil is alive and working against us in many ways.

Take 2 minutes to listen to the predictions in this clip from Paul Harvey’s radio broadcast back in 1965. Scary to realize the connection to everything we are experiencing in 2012, isn’t it? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJc8Mzg0C-c&feature=player_embedded

This week, as Christians prepare their hearts for Easter celebrations and the joy of Jesus’ resurrection, take time to reflect on the greater purpose of this important holiday. While the devil attempts to ruin our lives, Jesus died to wipe the slate clean and cover ALL the mistakes from our past, present and future so we could live positively, successful and amazing lives full of blessings. I’m so glad I know my life is better this week and with each new day because the SON is shining down on me.

FIRE!   When life gets crazy, stay positive. I think Helen Keller put it best, “If you keep your face to the sun, you cannot see the shadows.” So when the devil is lurking in your neck of the woods, let the SON shine through and light up the darkness you are feeling.

Be Excellent!
Lori

Clutter Chaos

READY… "The more you have, the more you are occupied. The less you have, the more free you are." ~ Mother Teresa

AIM… There it is…the looming pile of mail, papers, magazines and STUFF on your dining room table or kitchen counter. What is it that makes those areas such clutter magnets? Sure, there are other places where clutter piles up, but because the kitchen is normally the central hub for us, that’s also the location where we drop our junk. Why do you think every house has a junk drawer in the kitchen? Because that’s the place for items that don’t seem to have a place anywhere else in the house! Typically, we endure the mountain of clutter because once it starts to accumulate it becomes an overwhelming task to tackle. You simply have to pick a starting point, give yourself a time limit, and start sorting through it a little at a time. Trust me, inch by inch it becomes a cinch!

Professional organizers will tell you there are simple steps to decluttering your home. Check out this link for a few truly helpful ideas: http://www.oprah.com/home/Clutter-Control/1.

Just like our homes, we let our minds and souls get cluttered with too many thoughts, crazy gossip and unnecessary worries. We need to take time and declutter ourselves as much as our kitchen counters. What things are you storing up inside yourself that you can let go? Most days, this is easier said than done. I realize that. However, as the musical group En Vogue sang “Free your mind, and the rest will follow.” It’s true. When your brain isn’t overcrowded with junk, you feel better, you act better and you smile more often. Evaluate what you’re personally holding onto and start letting it go. Your life depends on it.

I’m excited for you and can’t wait to see and hear about your decluttering stories. Don’t wait another day; free yourself from being imprisoned by STUFF!

FIRE! Set a timer for 15 minutes today. Clear out as many things from your office, computer desk, or kitchen counter as possible. Make 3 piles: keep, throw away and donate. I just know you can do this and believe me, you’ll feel GREAT!

Be Excellent!
Lori