So… how tough would It be to give away $30 Mill???

We watched Brewster’s Millions a few weeks ago, and the movie made me think about what it would take to give away that much money with the restrictions he had. 

First of all, I was ticked that he didn’t have a plan, and didn’t confide in people to the extent he was able to confide. So, I reasoned the first thing I would do would be to surround myself with advisors that knew my mission and were dedicated to helping me to achieve my mission in the most effective and efficient way possible. Then, together we would create a comprehensive plan to give away the money. 

You’ve heard me speak of my spider plant, the offspring are multiplying at such a rate that I am at a loss as how to give them all away. In some ways this spider plant reminds me of the rash bets that Brewster made, expecting them to fail, they succeeded, multiplied and paid amazing dividends.  And like Brewster, I’m having a difficult time dispersing my wealth. Strange though it is, my spider plant is teaching me the same lesson Brewster learned – it’s difficult to give away wealth.

So, I’m opening the question up to you – how do I share the wealth of my spider plants? All suggestions will receive; you guessed it, a spider plant start! That is, assuming you live in the Continental US and that your State allows plants from another state, I know Cali doesn’t – but I’ll still accept your ideas!

Are you full or empty???

A few days ago a friend shared a dream he has for our community; To help people, to encourage them and to bring about personal growth. Later in the day we were having a discussion and I realized that the greatest hindrance to his achieving this dream is... him. He is so fixed on being right, that he doesn't make room for anyone else's opinion or input.

A few days later I was listening in on a conversation where the three parties involved were discussing the same concept, but each one of them was so adamant that they were right they weren't able to hear the others. The conversation dissolved into a "I know more than you know" pissing match.

Monday, Chris and I saw Avatar. The Na'vi Chief makes the statement that other Dreamwalkers had come but they were so full that the Na'vi were prevented from pouring into them. He was saying that the scientist that came thought they had it all figured out. That they had all the answers and that the "savages" couldn't teach them anything.

The common thread I saw in all of these was that we tend to think we know best/all. I am guilty of it myself. I constantly have to remind myself that it's not all about me, that I have freely given up the right to be right. Because if I push to be right all the time, then I push away the very people I want to be around. The very people I want to help form and shape me. That's too high of a price tag for me.

I choose to not have to be right, to not have to know everything so that I can be in relationship with others. So that they can help form and shape me, and hopefully honor me by allowing me to add to who they are.

I see you....

Earlier I was talking to a friend. He'd been slimed by a good friend, who, at that moment didn't see him for who he is and had to tell him how rotten of a human being he was. While they resolved the issue, my friend was still feeling the effects and chose to fight back by calling several people that he trusts, and asking them to "speak into the atmosphere" how they saw him. Wow. Love that idea and that way of fighting. Totally made my day.

Yesterday, Chris and I saw Avatar. Great movie. On many levels. Like The Matrix and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, it impacted me deeply. A concept that is spoken about several times is the concept of "I see you." It's not just words, it's not just a description of what's going on, but rather a short hand way of saying "I know who You are. I see who you are with my heart. I accept you as you are, with all your strengths and shortcomings, and I choose to be in relationship with you." It's a powerful concept.

So back to my friend. What he was calling for was to have someone he trusts to "see" him, and to remind him, and the world around us, who he really is.

What about you? Are you feeling the need to be reminded who you are? Allow me to remind you of a few of the basics:

• You are you. You are special. There is no one else on this earth, past, present or future who can fill your shoes.
• You are important. Important to your family, your friends, co-workers and the person you happened to smile at today.
• Your unique mix of gifts, talents and abilities are essential. Not just to your family, friends and co-workers, but to our world. It wouldn't be the same without you.
• The world needs to hear your laughter, marvel at the wisdom you contain and feel the embrace only you can offer.

So, pass it on. Make your day, by making someone else's day.

What are you focusing on?

We watched My life in Ruins New Years eve. Cute movie and a great way to leave 2009. A line in the movie caught my ear: You are looking for obstacles rather than looking for magic.

That made me wonder "What am I looking at? Am I focused on why I can't do something or do I focus on the reality that I have the power to engage in something magical?" One of the great truths Chris and I learned in the first decade of the 21st Century is that what you focus on you attract. It could also be said that what you focus on is all that you see. And that's what was happening in the movie, Georgia was looking only at the superficial, focusing only on her life not being what she wanted it to be. She's blinded from seeing what she really wants because she's focused on what she thinks she wants. By the end of the movie, she realizes that being in Greece with the people and the history she loves, is what she really wants. She shed's the expectations she has picked up along the way, recognizes and embraces what is really important to her. In 2010 may you shed the expectations you have placed on yourself, and those others have placed on you and begin to live the "magical" life that you desire. And enjoy a little ice cream along the way....

This is my brain... a short tour of what has been passing through of late…

Much has been happening lately, some having to do with the Thanksgiving celebration, some having to do with the upcoming Christmas celebration. While I haven’t been blogging lately, a lot has been passing through my brain.

I’m reading several interesting books at the moment. I’m reading a biography of the band Coldplay. Very much enjoying it, and dipping my toe into their music. Like those of you who are more familiar with their music than I, Yellow has become a favorite. I’m a lyrics girl, but that isn’t what has captured my attention. It’s the sound. I love Chris Martin’s lead vocals and the transparency in his voice. And the riff plucked out by Jonny Buckland is memorable, haunting, soaring and grounding all at the same time.

I’ve been studying Isaiah 22:15-23 and am stunned that God would choose to use someone’s bad situation; the Israelite girl that has been captured in war, but granted much so favor in her mistresses life so that she can suggest that healing would be found in the Prophet who lives in Israel. And the guy, not just any guy, but the guy in charge of the Syrian war machine takes her advice and goes, bearing gifts from his king. And he is healed by God. Why? As “a testimony that God resides in Israel”. That blows my mind, but then I realized that this general almost misses out on his miracle because he is accustomed to being treated a certain way and expects that level of deference from Elisha. But Elisha sends a messenger with his instructions for his healing. The general is actually upset, and leaves. But is calmed down and persuaded by his servants to follow the directions of the Prophet. Once he lets go of his expectations, humbles himself and follows directions, he is healed and his life is changed. So that made me think, what have I missed out on because I had expected it to look a certain way or come at a certain time or from a specific person...

I’ve also been reacquainting myself with Ester and with David and their education in the courts of Persia and Israel. The protocol required to approach the king, or in David’s case, the respect he had for whom God had placed in authority over the land and the people, and how that respect guided him in not killing Saul when he had the chance while Saul was chasing David with the intent to kill him. I have been learning their lessons, and finding places they apply in my life.

And movies…

• I’ve been thinking about the change in Tony Stark as he realizes there is more to life than living for your own pleasure (Ironman).
• Seeing life, balance, joy and love come into a lonely, bitter, hard woman (The proposal). 
• Hearing a new sound released on the earth that conveys so much more than we understand at the present moment (Close encounters of the third kind). 
• Been reminded of our transforming abilities (Transformers and Revenge of the fallen), not just in ourselves but our affect on the situations, circumstances and people we interact with. 
• Witnessing the unconventional choices that lead to victory and bond a group of green cadets into a highly respected team throughout the Federation (Star Trek). 
• Understanding that the concept of an everlasting love is being released to a generation that didn’t have a way to understand the concept (The Twilght series).

Music…

• Smiling and feeling free and light listening to Popcorn (the version recorded by Hot Butter).
• Experiencing the unbound joy in the rendition of Joyful Joyful sung by the St Francis choir (Sister Act 2). 
• Hearing Perry Como swing and encourage with Actuate the positive (Blast from the past).
  
• The underdog champion theme that Rock and roll pt2 carries with it (The replacement players).
• The sheer happiness of youth in Venus and Cruel summer (Bananarama). 
• The breakthrough carried in Whip it (Devo) and Youth of the Nation (POD).

Of being with friends, old and new that pour into me and allow me to pour into them. Being changed by my interaction with them.

Joining my efforts to those of other like minded individuals and seeing the synergistic results come forth.

Hearing and seeing the Lord speak as He chooses to speak. Of choosing to spend my time in His presence. Being encouraged, and changed, in ways I see at that moment, and ways that are hidden from me, when I do.

What's been running through your brain???

Teamwork

Sitting watching the waves I began thinking of how we rely on each other and the talents and abilities that we each carry, and that when we do, unity and teamwork prevail.

I won't even try to expalin how I got here by watching waves But I will share where I went with that thought.

I love Sifi. Love action movies, but not blood and guts movies, and more often than not I have to stay away from stories based on real life events because I “tilt” But I love movies like the latest Star Trek, Ironman, both Fantastic Fours and both Transformers, just to name a few. What got me thinking about teamwork as I watched the waves was a scene from GI Joe. The Joe's have gotten over their attitude about Duke and Ripcord joining the team and they are beginning to work together. Each member has a specialty, a field they excel in. And as they work together they begin to trust and rely on each other.

That made me think about the people I've joined forces with, so to speak, to accomplish a common purpose. As we spend more time together, not only do we begin to rely on the others gifts, talents and abilities, but the glue that bonds us together seeps out and creates in us, trust.

Without that trust, we can't accomplish all that is on our hearts to do, we aren't nearly as strong, and we don't allow each person to function fully in their field of expertise.

In those relationships where you are working together for a common purpose, is there trust? If not, how can you change the atmosphere from distrust to one of trust?

Speed Racer

I loved Speed Racer as a kid. I think it was Speed's character, desire to do the right thing and sense of justice that attracted me. A couple of nights ago, Chris brought home Speed Racer the movie from the library. Not one of his favorites but he knows that I really like it, so he brought it home. Yes, I am a lucky girl! We watched it together and I was reminded again how much I like the movie. This afternoon I watched the final race scene again, and consciously realized why I like it so much, besides all those things previously mentioned.

In the final race scene, when Speed is in the cockpit and is getting ready, the flag has not yet fallen nor has the starting gun gone off, there is a montage of all of his enemies which subtly shifts to a montage of all of his supporters, all those who are for him. It struck me that this is what the Great Cloud of Witnesses must look like. There are those who are watching us that desire our downfall, some that even hate us, some that are looking to profit regardless of the impact on us. And then there are those who are for us. They love us, support us, challenge us, partner with us and stand by us. They are the ones cheering us on. They are the ones who's voices are loudest. And they are the ones who count.

My favorite segment is when he is stalled in the bowl, the Gray Ghost has just been flushed, literally and figuratively, and Speed is seemingly out of the race. Hearing/remembering his brothers words from many years ago, he listens with his heart to the car. Communing with it. Listening, feeling, sensing for what she needs so that they can get back in the race - because they aren't done yet. And then... he connects, the Mock 6 roars to life and he uses the place of his despair to catapult him, not only back into the race, but he gains momentum a renewed focus and determination. He is unstoppable. From this place of communion, not just with his car, but with every fiber of his being, moving in a way that everyone recognizes is special, and from that place, energized in a way that wouldn't have been possible without those trials, he goes on to win the race.

This is a picture to me of how we look when we have connected with the Holy Spirit. When we are moving not by instinct but far more than those words can convey. We know what to do and how to move before we need to. Time slows down, we are poetry in motion. We are unstoppable. This is the place I desire to live in moment to moment, not occasionally but in every action, word, thought and deed. Can you imagine how the races of our lives would look? I can. We'd be unstoppable.

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Twlight

One of the few activities I had the energy for this weekend was going to church. We've been attending Overlake Christian Church during the Reel Theology series that has just ended. They took 4 of last years hottest movies and used them as a springboard. Chris and I have long espoused that movies are today's parables, and Mike and Gary used that theme as they taught. The movie I was most interested in hearing how it would be handled was Twilight. Mike tackled that one Sunday night, did a great job with it and pointed out a parallel that Chris and I hadn't seen before, the theme of community. That living in and being a part of a community helps you to keep on track. For the record, we agree with this principal. We have a core circle of friends we like to hang with and be "accountable" to. After the service, Chris pointed out to Mike that another theme in the movie is the parallel between how the vampires are responded to, and how we as Christians should also affect our culture. To paraphrase Edward just after taking Bella to his meadow, "everything about us is designed to attract". As Chris pointed out to Mike, when we enter a bar or other "dark" place, we are the "brightest" people in the room, and people are attracted to us, because of the light that shines from within us. This is the reason Chris and I have a standing date every Friday - at the local bar. We go so that we can be a light in a dark place and so that we can love on people. I love to see peoples response to us, they think they enjoy our company... but we know better.