Finding The Way...

I interrupt this Blogging session to run and babysit because...

 WE HAVE A NEW GRAND-BABY!  

This was quite unexpected...she wasn't due for another 4 weeks. But she made it here safe and sound and although she is still in the hospital, they only expect it to be a couple of days. I am feeling so blessed...To see my children welcome children into the world is such an amazing thing. It sends fireworks of Love throughout the entire family!

 Finding The Way...

Before my unexpected announcement, I wondered how I was ever going to fit everything I have to do into my schedule. I would like to share that the Lord is so very aware of our needs. Somehow this was the week that my studies was a little lighter load...Is that just a coincidence? I pressed forward even with my busy schedule and find myself ahead of the schedule, giving me time to help my family. I have my older granddaughter here to help me. She is just old enough to begin learning how to babysit. While she is helping me she is learning valuable skills and learning to serve others as well. I am so proud of her.

Back to "Finding The Way"...Sometimes finding the way to do something is just hard. We know where we want to end up, but the way there is so hard to see.  Recently I was sitting on my back patio in the early morning hours studying and waiting for the sun to rise. Luckily I had my phone/camera there to catch the first glimmer of the sun rising in the horizon. As I looked at the picture I thought, "Wow, how lucky I am that the sun is shining a direct path to me. My next thought was, "This is not a path to me, it is lighting my path to something far greater than where I am...something beyond the furthest golden rimed vista." 

It seems in every aspect of life we are finding our way to something. Usually seeking to find success, be it work, family, skills or the kids newest soccer game location. How do we balance family and all the many things that are bidding for our time and energy. Perhaps we can remember to look to where our life source comes. That light that gives direction, inspiration, hope and yes, grace... That light that frees us from the dark of night and shines directly upon each of us as if we are the only one on earth.

What I Have Learned

I've learned that the path to Mastery is a practice of discipline and you could say even sacrifice. 

• N. Eldon tanner said, "It is so evident that those who keep on the straight and narrow path leading to their goal, realizing that the straight line is the shortest distance between two points and that detours are very dangerous, are those who succeed in life and enjoy self-realization and achievement." (Success is Gauged by Self-Mastery). 

George Leonard author of Mastery- The Keys To Success And Long-Term Fulfillment, says that Mastery, "...resists definition yet can be instantly recognized, It comes in many varieties yet follows certain unchanging laws, It brings rich rewards yet is not really a goal or a destination but rather a process, a journey."

I've learned that loyalty to the Lord and family should always come first. We place our loyalty to who and what we value most. It would be foolish to fill our lives with activities and responsibilities that do not show the greatest consideration to God and our family.

I have learned that by setting boundaries and making rules you can balance your work and your family. Making the most of your time as a family can include working together. Parents can find ways to teach their children skills by allowing them to work at their side when possible. 

This makes me think of my childhood when mom would take me to "quilting day' at the church. All the sweet ladies at our church would gather one day a week to quilt  beautiful quilts for people in the community that might be getting married or having a baby. My mom had me when she was in her mid 40's, so none of her friends had little ones to tag along, and because I was her little "shadow" she would let me try my hand at quilting. I'm sure some of the ladies rolled their eyes and I know for certain that they took out my messy stitches ...but by the time I started first grade I knew how to thread a needle and tie a knot on the end of the string. My stitches were getting more even and soon they stopped picking out all of my stitches. I share this story because it illustrates how my mom fit me in to her life!

I've learned that everyone can't be a superstar when it comes to successful business. It takes knowledge and skills and the more we learn and develop skills the greater chance we have to succeed.

What I Have Yet to Learn

• I have yet to learn how to listen more than talk...(have I said this before?)
• I must continually be improving my levels of courage to keep learning new things, which often takes me way out of my comfort zone.
• There is lots of business vocabulary I want to better understand.
• I am still practicing balance..
• I have yet to learn how to put personal videos on my blog! UGH!

Spiritual Insights

I have thought a lot about why the practice of daily scripture study and taking time to ponder on what I am learning is so important...then I ran across this passage in the Old Testament as I was reading.

Joshua 1:8-9

"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therin day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therin: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of  a good courage; be not afraid neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

Goals

• Get my book report done early so that I can spend time snuggling my new grand-baby!
• Really utilize good time management to be able to keep up with school and take care of baby's 2 and 3 year old sisters to help their mom and dad out.
• Have a pickle ball date with Bret
• Try one new recipe
• Do yoga! (You are invited to join me here.)