The Power of Change

The Power of Change

Author and motivational speaker, John C. Maxwell, reminds and challenges us that 

“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.”

Wow! Who could have ever expected the changes we have seen in the last few months? In reading my morning devotional yesterday morning, which just so happened to be about change, Joyce Meyer pointed out that, 

“We don’t mind change if we invite it, but when it comes uninvited, our emotions can easily flare up.” 

Chuck and I found change to be relatively easy when we made the decision to move three years ago. Of course, there was a transition period, but because it was our choice we handled the bumps along the way more as an adventure than a burden. 

When change comes uninvited, though, we can find ourselves kicking and screaming as we cling to what is known and comfortable to us. 

As we all contemplate the changes that are happening around us I hope John C. Maxwell’s advice about growth makes us realize that we do have a choice as to how we respond to change. 

We might treasure our past life more, and work toward regaining and appreciating that life. Or maybe we have reconsidered how we were living before, and want to initiate change on our own.

Either way hopefully we come out of this uncharted territory with a greater perspective on the power of change. 

The Rolling Pin

The Rolling Pin

 After my mother passed away over forty years ago, I took possession of her cooking utensils. I hadn’t really planned on taking them, but when my father remarried my step-mother didn’t need or want them. I couldn’t stand to see them thrown away in the trash. 

After all my Mom was the heartbeat of our home, and she had prepared many a meal for her family using those very utensils. I had watched her cook over the years, and it broke my heart the day I saw them stashed in a box ready to be thrown away. 

After retrieving them I brought them back to my apartment, and for the last forty years or so I’ve made a point to use them rather than store them away as keepsakes. 

This past week my oldest grandson came to spend some “alone time” with his Mimi and Papa. After two months of quarantine I think everyone was going a little stir crazy. 

He’s at that age where he’s pretty self-sufficient, and really does look forward to visiting so it’s a win-win for everyone involved. Most of the time I try to plan a few extra activities that I think he will enjoy.

Since Cooper’s birthday was just around the corner I thought it might be fun to make some dog treats for the celebration. It’s hard to believe that the little guy will be turning seven this month, and I knew my grandson enjoyed helping his Mom bake cookies. 

As we mixed up the dough, and got ready to roll it out I reached for the rolling pin. The rolling pin that just so happened to belong to my mom. At that moment it occurred to me that the great grandson that she had never met was using the very same rolling pin that she had used over forty years before. 

I sure felt blessed that I had taken it home that afternoon, and that today I had the privilege of using it with my grandson.

I’ve included the recipe for the dog treats below if you are interested in making some. 

Cooper’s Dog Treats

(Original Source Unknown)

Preheat oven to 350

Ingredients

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/3 cup cornmeal

1 Tablespoon canola oil

1 egg

1/8 cup milk

(Optional: 1 egg beaten for egg wash)

Extra flour for rolling

Mix together wheat flour and cornmeal in a medium sized bowl. 

Add oil, broth, egg and milk. 

Roll out dough on floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness.

Cut out shape with cookie cutter- I use a dog bone shaped one. 

Brush egg wash on each one. 

Cool on a wire rack. 

( These will last 4 weeks in the fridge and 6 months in the freezer.)

Fresh Eyes

Fresh Eyes

Chuck and I were out taking our evening walk last night.  It’s something we’ve pretty much done every evening since we’ve been sheltering in place. It’s been a way to get out of the house, get some exercise, and breathe in some fresh air. 

Most of the time we walk the perimeter of our neighborhood which has a wide walking path. It’s a very familiar trek. Sometimes we venture into nearby neighborhoods checking out a new and different view. Sometimes we’ll even get in the car and drive down to the walking trails in our town. 

We were discussing how faithful we had been to walking over the last couple of months, and how it did require some self-discipline on our part. We were glad that we had walked most evenings, and hoped we would continue to do so while we had plenty of daylight. 

Yesterday as we were walking I happened to look up at the stone wall that encircles our neighborhood. Something caught my eye and made me stop. Right before me was a heart shaped stone that I had never noticed before. I immediately stopped to admire it, and snapped a quick photo with my phone. 

As I thought about it later I wondered if the stone mason who built the wall had noticed the unique shape of the rock, and had placed it just so? I also thought about how many times I had passed by that very spot, and had never noticed it before.

Isn’t that the way things are sometimes. You go through life not really noticing what’s right in front of you. You look for all the really big, special things while all the while something small and simple is right there begging you to notice.

I’m thinking on the next walk I might pay a little closer attention, and walk with a little more intention. 

Back to Nature

Back to Nature

What is it about being in nature that seems to restore the soul?

Given the chance between eating indoors or out I’ll always choose patio dining when the weather permits. My daughter was telling me the other day about how they had been eating most dinners out on their back porch. It really does elevate the whole dining experience, and dare I say might even make the food taste better. 

Sitting on my back porch has been my saving grace these last couple of months as we’ve been asked to stay home. Although, my view is only of my neighbor’s house it doesn’t really matter. 

I’m still able to breath in the fresh air, feel the cool morning breeze, and listen to the sounds of birds chirping in my neighborhood. Having a covered porch is the biggest blessing of all, and I’ve certainly taken advantage of it. 

I’ve especially enjoyed watching my pair of bluebirds raise their little family, watching Cooper excitedly chase his ball in the backyard, and just sitting peacefully while I read or reflect on life. 

Each evening Chuck and I have been getting out to enjoy a daily walk. We have explored nearby neighborhoods, have walked along the hiking trails in our town, and have even returned to the lake at our old apartment complex.

This pandemic has forced us all to slow down a bit whether we wanted to or not, and as we look back on this time I hope we don’t loose sight of the benefit of stillness, and getting to reconnect with the natural world. 

I hope you are having an opportunity to enjoy getting outside.