Three Powerful Dynamics - Part 2

Writers were introduced throughout the conference and had the opportunity to describe awards they had won and there were times set aside for writers to read from their works -perhaps a novel, a children’s book, prose or poetry. You should have heard the celebration for each contributor –enthusiastic applause filled the auditorium. And afterward, they were surrounded by many with sincere words and wishes for success.

Sitting together at our last dinner, we were bursting with energetic motivation that was generated throughout the weekend by the generous portions of enthusiasm along with wholehearted celebration.

Encouragement, Celebration, Motivation. Thinking of these three powerful dynamics, I find myself looking at my own life. Have I been given such wonderful gifts by others? More important though, have I contributed these gifts generously to others? What about you? Perhaps we should each make a list of answers to these two questions. Would you like to share your answers with me?

Eileen

Three Powerful Dynamics

A few weeks ago I attended a writer’s conference. I met a lot of new people, both women and men of every age-group. They came from across Canada as well as from the US. I loved getting to know them, asking who they were, where they from and how they became interested in writing. I discovered they represented a variety of professions and careers, and not too many of them actually write for a living. It was interesting to hear stories of how they were inspired to begin.

Although we were strangers when we arrived, as the weekend progressed we became like family. We were there with one common interest - we had a bent for writing. We were all at different stages - some beginners, there to study the craft; others further advanced, seeking direction from the instructors regarding how to write for specific areas, such as devotional columns or novels. Some came with book proposals, ready to meet with publishers. Some, like me, were there to enhance their writing skills and to promote my new book which will be published by Castle Quay Books* by early September.

I noticed three powerful dynamics that marked the entire conference. Encouragement overflowed from one delegate to another. There was never a negative word – each one expressed appreciation for the efforts and work of others. No one asked, “Don’t you think that’s a bit too difficult for you?” or “Do you have the background to accomplish your goal?” or “Aren’t you too young (or too old)?”

It was support and encouragement all the way. How have you benefited from the encouragement of others? How do you show encouragement?

We'll look at two other dynamics next time,

Eileen

A Cheerful Heart is Good Medicine!

“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart and good news gives health to the bones." Proverbs 15:30

King Solomon who was considered the wisest man who ever lived, gave this simple, yet powerful lesson - the importance of a smile and an optimistic word. As you move throughout your day, working, walking, traveling, attending a conference or whatever, do you take time to look at the countenances of the people you meet. You’ll notice a variety of expressions. Sometimes a scowl or a frown, maybe a look of anxiety and worry. You may meet expressions of deep concentration, anger or total absentmindedness.

These expressions don’t do too much for us, but what about that special face, with eyes shining and mouth smiling at us? What’s your first reaction - to smile back of course. Suddenly your whole heart is cheered up. I often feel I want to talk to that happy person. I think we should ask God to remind us to put a smile on our faces so we can bring joy to the heart of others. There is a young woman on the staff at Women Alive who glows with the light of Jesus. She always greets visitors with a cheerful look, and Solomon was right – we always leave with a heart full of joy.

What about good news and an optimistic report? A few weeks ago some friends visited me for a few days at my cottage. We had some work to do to prepare it for the summer, like putting up screens, washing windows, cleaning cupboards, along with other things. But the hours of work flew by and we enjoyed wonderful hours of sharing about what God is doing in our lives, reading special scripture passages and praying together. We all felt invigorated and energized by our time together – good news and an optimistic outlook gave ‘health to our bones.’

Who are the people in your life that are contributing joy to your heart and health to your bones? They are the ones you should stick to.

I’d love to hear how this is happening to you or how you are blessing others in this way. Please send me your thoughts.

Until next time,
Eileen

A Cheerful Heart is Good Medicine

“A happy heart makes the face cheerful ...and a cheerful heart is good medicine” (Prov. 15:13; 17:22).

What is so important about fun and relaxation that I would write about it three times? In the first two blogs, I shared experiences that were both fun for me and and relaxing at the same time. Both stories involved people, talking, laughing, sharing dinner and telling stories. Did you ever notice how much more fun you can have when there are others around? Being alone is not fun - you need someone to share it with.

Scientific studies have proven that “hanging out with friends for fun and relaxation actually counters stress that women experience on a daily basis.” Dr. Laura C. Klein, of Penn State University, says that engaging in friendships and relaxation reduces stress and produces a calming effect in one’s life. This fact has significant implications for our health. Dr. Klein and associate, Dr. Shelly Taylor found in their research that social ties, friendships and relationships “reduce the risk of disease by lowering blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol.”

If having fun and relaxing with others is so good for us, why don’t we do it more? What is the stumbling block? Most of us are so busy, we think we don’t have time and we put our friends on the back burner, promising them and ourselves, “We’ll try for next week.” If only we could remember the source of strength our friendships provide, we would not be so quick to put them on hold. Is there a friend you need to call today and set up an uninterrupted time just to be together, to talk and share as friends do? It will be a healing experience.

I’d love to hear your thoughts about fun and relaxation. Why not take a moment to share some of your experiences with us.

Eileen

Seize the Moment!

Life is busy for everyone. It seems like there is never enough time to do everything we need to do. Who has time to even think about fun and relaxation? One of my friends said to me recently, “I never take time to relax and have fun. I’m too busy.”

I started thinking about that. I have a full schedule as well and don`t plan for fun as often as I should, but somehow it seems to happen for me. Just a week or so ago, my 19 year-old grandson had a birthday and I was able to host the party. You can imagine ten young people around the table and everyone laughing and talking. It was wonderful - each one telling stories on the others. For about two hours I enjoyed the most wonderful entertainment. It was both fun and relaxing. I seized the moment.

Early last Sunday morning a friend I don`t see very often, called and asked if I could have lunch with her after church. It was a spontaneous invitation and I responded in the same way. She had made a scrumptious dinner and as we sat at her little table, beautifully set, we had lots of fun and laughter, as well as some serious conversation. After dinner, we relaxed in the living room and talked some more. Driving home, I realized how blessed I was. Those two hours, spontaneously ordered, were both fun and relaxing. We had seized the moment.

Eugene Peterson tells us we need to “pay attention to the ordinary,” and to realize that “God is in the everyday.” I agree. Sometimes we let the days slip by without watching for the special moments God may have planned for us - and we miss them. We keep waiting for that large block of time when we can take a big holiday when we think we will have lots of fun and relaxation. We need to keep our eyes open and watch for God’s everyday surprises - and seize those moments.

Have fun!

Till next time,
Eileen

Fun and Relaxation: Let Me Surprise You!

A few weeks ago I hosted a dinner in my home. There were five of us. When I invited the guests (one was unable to come), they all asked who was coming. “Let me surprise you,” I told them. Each one of these women was a leader and none of them knew each other. One by one as they arrived, I could see their pleasure as they discovered new friends. We visited in the living room for a while before dinner and I could not believe what happened. As they began to talk and get acquainted with each other, it was like a spark had been lit. Joy and laughter exploded into the room. No one was a stranger anymore. We were having so much fun I hated to interrupt to gather them to the dinner table.

My intention in having this dinner party was to bring together young women in leadership for mutual edification, encouragement and connecting. Well, it certainly happened. The joy continued throughout the whole meal, but now it was on a different level. They began to ask each other about their lives and ministries, and they listened intently as each one shared her story. The respect and genuine interest on each face was an encouragement to the story-teller and I could see that she was being empowered just from being listened to, and the listeners were being edified by the words she was speaking. My heart was bursting with joy as I watched.

The evening flew by as these women shared experiences that face women in leadership, each one encouraging and building up the others by the reminders of God’s faithfulness through every situation. It truly was an evening of fun and relaxation. I lived on the crest of the joyful atmosphere for several days after.

Tell me about a special time of fun and relaxation you have experienced recently. I’d love to hear about it.

Eileen

Career Changes: What am I doing here?

I’m writing this blog as I sit in the Hong Kong airport waiting for a connecting flight to take me home from a conference in Bangkok, Thailand. Looking out of the windows at the mountains surrounding this amazing city, I ask myself, “What am I doing here? How did I arrive at this particular time and place in my life?”

You could say it was because of a series of career changes – well – not exactly ‘career changes’ but changes of direction in my career. These changes seemed to unfold progressively and often quickly. I would just begin to feel comfortable and confident in the work I was doing, when a new challenge presented itself – complete with a big risk and always requiring a huge leap of faith.
“Should I take it? Could I do it? Was I equipped to meet the new demands? What about all the new relationships?” There were so many questions. Doubts on the one hand and feelings of excitement and anticipation on the other.

After much prayer and listening to the counsel of trusted friends, I found guidance and courage to say “Yes” to new opportunities. These transitions were times of growth and development in my life, and provided enlargement and expansion of the vision for the work God had called me to do. I found absolute joy as I learned to depend on God for each new challenge.

How about you? Will you share with us how you have handled the career changes in your life? How did they affect you? I’ll be watching for your answer.

Until then, blessings,
Eileen

Friends of our Lives

“Friends love through all kinds of weather”. Proverbs 17:17(MSG)

Our friendships vary as we move from one season of our lives to another. We remember childhood friends, high school friends and friends we made in college. Then there are work associates, which, for a time, we also called friends, although the season may have been short. New friends are added as we mature, maybe ‘couple friends’ who attend our church, or families with children may become group friends.

How would you describe a ‘true’ friend? Do you have some from each of the seasons I mentioned? What sets a true friend apart from the others, from just an acquaintance of a few years?

Solomon certainly spoke wisdom about friendships:

“Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.” Proverbs 18:24 (MSG.)

Add your comments - we went to hear stories of your friendships!

Friends for all Seasons

A few weeks ago, I attended a national pastor’s conference in Mississauga. There were about 1000 in attendance. One thing I especially enjoy about these conferences is getting to see so many friends I’ve known through the years – people from many seasons of my life. Arriving early one morning, I greeted a woman in the foyer. Suddenly I realized she was a teenager in our first church. She reminded me of the many afternoons she and her friends had come to our home after school for trio practices. “Our friendship at that time,” she said, “shaped and established my Christian life.” I was her friend.

I met a couple later that morning that I only see occasionally, but right away the bond of friendship united our hearts as we visited briefly – a sincere friendship.

Pressing through the crowd at lunchtime, I bumped into a young woman, a former associate. (I actually had the privilege of mentoring her for several years). We enjoyed a brief exchange of warmhearted friendship.

Supper was shared with a couple I have known for many years who now live in the west. Our paths do not cross often but the friendship and respect of earlier years continues to grow and mature. It is as intimate friendship - with a ‘confidante’ quality.

Let me ask you about your friends. Have you ever tried to count them? Tell us about them.

Respond on our blog (just click "Comments" below to join the conversation!). We want to hear from you, our friends.

Eileen