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http://ccgough.blogspot.com

MONDAY THOUGHTS

ONE LORD

ONE FAITH

ONE BAPTISM

ephesians 4:5

FELL IN LOVE TWO TIMES TODAY.

Today my Kindle from Amazon arrived. I have wanted one for the longest time and finally decided now was the time to make the purchase.

I have had it now for about 12 hours and just can't put it down...... I then decided to order a book today ,on the new Kindle " Sam's letters to Jennifer" by James Patterson.... AGAIN I find myself unable to put the kindle down and can't stop reading the story.

Laced with mystery, Sam's Letters To Jennifer combines two unforgettable love stories in a novel that's absolutely impossible to put down.
Jennifer returns to the resort village where she grew up to help a beloved relative--and ends up experiencing not one but two of the most amazing love stories she's ever known.

The first is completely unexpected. In a series of letters that Jennifer finds, her relative reveals that she has concealed a huge secret for decades: Her great love is not the man she was married to for all those years. As Jennifer reads about this passionate partnership, she learns more about love's imperatives and secrets than she ever dreamed possible.

And then comes the biggest surprise of all. At a time when she thought she could never love again, Jennifer lets her guard down for a moment--and is suddenly caught up in the greatest flight of exhilaration she's ever known. But, just as suddenly, she learns that this new love comes with an unbearable cost. Jennifer doesn't think she can survive the pain--but the letters she's been reading make her think that love may help her find a way.

HAPPY READING.....




**** I recommend the Kindle with the 3G and the WiFi**** costs a little more but worth the cost.

THE GRASS WITHERS AND THE FLOWERS FALL,
 BUT THE WORD OF OUR GOD STANDS FOREVER.

Morning Glory

Morning Glory


"I bring you clarity."

August 22 – September 22

Morning glory zodiac flower signs are thoughtful and reflective. You tend to think and plan first before you take any action. You are organized and very observant. You have a natural eye for detail, and can be very analytical. You love to help people, and often use your organization skills to help others who struggle in “getting their act together.” You bloom beautifully right where you are planted, and you have a neat way of making things right and tidy. People come to you for guidance and healing.
 
Virgo’s have keen minds, and are delightful to talk with, often convincing others of outlandish tales with ease and charm. Virgo’s are inquisitive and are very skilled at drawing information from people. This trait also makes them naturally intuitive. Combine this with their remarkable memories, and we see an advanced, analytical personality. However the Virgo needs balance in their lives otherwise they may become short-tempered, impatient and self-serving. Virgo’s are excellent teammates in work and social activities. They work well with others, although they freely express their opinions (even when unwarranted).

TYPES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Violent and abusive behavior is the abuser’s choice


Despite what many people believe, domestic violence and abuse is not due to the abuser’s loss of control over his or her behavior. In fact, abusive behavior and violence is a deliberate choice made by the abuser in order to control you.

Abusers use a variety of tactics to manipulate you and exert their power:

Dominance – Abusive individuals need to feel in charge of the relationship. They will make decisions for you and the family, tell you what to do, and expect you to obey without question. Your abuser may treat you like a servant, child, or even as his or her possession.

Humiliation – An abuser will do everything he or she can to make you feel bad about yourself or defective in some way. After all, if you believe you're worthless and that no one else will want you, you're less likely to leave. Insults, name-calling, shaming, and public put-downs are all weapons of abuse designed to erode your self-esteem and make you feel powerless.

Isolation – In order to increase your dependence on him or her, an abusive partner will cut you off from the outside world. He or she may keep you from seeing family or friends, or even prevent you from going to work or school. You may have to ask permission to do anything, go anywhere, or see anyone.

Threats – Abusers commonly use threats to keep their partners from leaving or to scare them into dropping charges. Your abuser may threaten to hurt or kill you, your children, other family members, or even pets. He or she may also threaten to commit suicide, file false charges against you, or report you to child services.

Intimidation – Your abuser may use a variety of intimidation tactics designed to scare you into submission. Such tactics include making threatening looks or gestures, smashing things in front of you, destroying property, hurting your pets, or putting weapons on display. The clear message is that if you don't obey, there will be violent consequences.

Denial and blame – Abusers are very good at making excuses for the inexcusable. They will blame their abusive and violent behavior on a bad childhood, a bad day, and even on the victims of their abuse. Your abusive partner may minimize the abuse or deny that it occurred. He or she will commonly shift the responsibility on to you: Somehow, his or her violent and abusive behavior is your fault.

ANGEL TASKS

Write a note of appreciation to your mailman


Compliment a stranger sincerely


Write a thank you note to someone


Look for something around you that can be fixed up, picked up, or attended ie, put shopping carts up, pick up some trash laying around, pick up something that has fallen over


Give a lottery ticket to a stranger


Send handmade cards or a letter to someone you care for


Write a note to management or someone themself who has treated you nice while doing their job (waiter, clerk, sales person...ect)


when you go somewhere to get or do something, ask someone around you if you can pick up, drop off or do something for them while you do


Cut coupons out and leave them at the grocer register for others


Cut an article out of the newspaper that would interest a friend and mail it to them.


Leave have a nice day stickers at a front desk


Put together a writing kit with stationery, envelopes and stamps, pen and give to hospital/nursing home


Put a comment on someone's webpage that you really like...... let them know you enjoy it


Send a card to someone in the military overseas


Start a conversation up with a co-worker that you don't know


Leave something cheery or nice for all your co-workers (in spring bag of seeds, fun post its, fun office supplies


Put change in a row of vending machines


Visit a nursing home. Spend time visiting with someone who doesn't get visitors


Put something you no longer need on Craig's list free spot for your area


Leave something for someone at an area where it most might be used, (lighter near smoking area, book in reading area, umbrella near door on rainy day)


Leave a book you have already finished somewhere for someone else to read.


Drop off a toy or game at a hospital


Drop off a toy or game at a homeless shelter.


At post office leave some extra stamps at the stamp machine.


Send a picture you have taken which includes a friend and send it to them with a note remembering when it was taken


Buy a phone card and give to a homeless shelter for them to give to someone.


Open the phone book, pick a name, and send them something (movie tickets, thank you card, you are appreciated card, book, etc.) anonymously.


Take flowers to a hospital ward and give them to someone who hasn't had any visitors.


Take some cake, chocolates, flowers etc. to the neighbors, or a senior citizen nearby


Send someone a small gift anonymously


Make a cd of your favorite songs and give to a friend


Donate one hour of your time if you offer a service for a living, or one product, or one seminar, or one class, or just one of whatever it is that you do as a gift to someone else.


Invite someone who is alone over for dinner.


Share a comic strip or something funny with someone else.


Leave a chocolate for a co-worker.


write a note, send a e-greeting "just to say hello" to someone who might need a pick me up


Visit hospitals with smiles, treats and friendly conversation for patients.


Send a thank you to the employees at a hospital, or anywhere else that a cheerful thank might add a smile


Put a quarter in a parking meter that has expired


Write a thank-you note to a person from your past who has made a difference in your life.


Drop off a plant, flowers or apple pie at a public service orginization or your neighbors house.


Send someone an animated greeting card on the internet.


Write a note to the boss of someone who has helped you, praising the employee.


Drop off teddy bear to police department to give to traumitized children


Drop a few coins in an area where children play, where they can easily find them.


Copy a favorite recipie and give it to someone


Buy a copy of your favorite book and donate it to your local library or hospital


Write letters of appreciation to groups who are helping the community, the environment, etc.


Send a card to a friend or relative you haven't seen for some time. Include a photo of yourself and/or your family.


Make a point of introducing yourself to someone you see all of the time but never say hello to.


Send an anonymous scratch card, lottery or theatre ticket to someone you know - or a gift voucher, a funny card, a chocolate bar, or whatever you feel they would enjoy


If you know someone who is having a hard time financially, pop a $5, $10 or $20 note in an envelope, disguise your writing or type the envelope, and post it to them.


Offer to baby sit


Donate clothes to goodwill


Put change in a charity change bottle


Bring cookies or some snack to work for office


Drop off cookies at a random establishment


Tape some change to a payphone with a card saying it is for whoever needs it


Write anonymous, loving post-its for strangers to find.
“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”
- Mother Theresa -

“To love for the sake of being loved is human, but to love for the sake of loving is Angelic."”
- Alphonse De Lamartine -
“You gain strength, experience and confidence by every experience where you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you cannot do. ”
- Eleanor Roosevelt -

“The best portion of a good man's life - his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love. ”
- William Wordsworth -


“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single minute before starting to improve the world. ”
- Anne Frank -

“You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover is yourself. ”
- Alan Alda -

“The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet.”
- James Oppenheim -

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single minute before starting to improve the world.”
- Anne Frank -

“One who knows how to show and to accept kindness will be a friend better than any possession. ”
- Sophocles -

“Real generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find out. ”- Frank A. Clark -

SATURDAY MEDITATION: 5 Things we all need in a relationship

1. To be heard. We all want to be heard. It’s what makes us feel validated and important. Think about the last time you spoke with someone and they were clearly uninterested. Maybe they were looking around the room, checking the clock, or constantly glancing at their computer screen. Whatever it was they were doing, it appeared to you as if they hadn’t heard a word you said and didn’t really care about what you were saying. It’s not a nice feeling. When you’re at home having a conversation be it with your spouse, partner or kids give them you’re undivided attention when possible. Get involved in the conversation show them you are really listening and that they are being heard.

2. To be valued. It’s difficult to get excited about being in a relationship with someone when you don’t feel you are being valued. If there is a lack of respect or little regard for your contribution to the relationship it can’t flourish. Are you valuing the person you are in a relationship with? Do you include them in decision making or planning for the future? Do you recognize their contributions to the family or home? Are you open minded and willing to accept a different point of view or idea even if it’s not your own? If not, your partner is likely feeling devalued and like their opinions don’t matter. Try being more inclusive, show appreciation for the other person. A simple “thank you” when delivered in a sincere heart felt manner can go a long way.

3. To be an equal. This really ties into the need to be valued. As you enter into a relationship it’s clear that you are both individuals and bring a unique set of abilities, skills and talents to the table. A relationship without equality usually has one person trying to control the other. Equality in a relationship goes beyond splitting chores and other household responsibilities. It also includes: making decisions together as a team
no one person being “the boss”
having and showing respect for the other person
giving space to the other person when they need it
asking – not telling or barking orders

4. To be understood. To truly understand someone we must be able to empathize, be willing to take a step back, separate ourselves from our own viewpoint and try walking in the other person’s shoes. Truly listen when they are speaking and avoid getting defensive or becoming distracted by thinking of what you’re going to say in return. Spend time figuring out what makes them tick and understand why this relationship is important to them and to you. By trying to understand who you are building this relationship with you will be better equipped to make it work.

5. To feel safe. Safety in a relationship includes feeling physically safe as well as emotionally safe. Relationships don’t have to be about living in varying degrees of stress, apprehension or anxiety. Let people know that you will protect them, watch out for them and keep their best interests at heart – tell them. Let them know that you welcome them, imperfections and all and create a warm, secure place where you can just BE without judgement.

There are all sorts of relationships – marriage, parent-child, neighbors, employer-employee etc. and in each one the participants have these same basic needs. If you have a strong relationship keep doing what you’re doing, don’t stop working at it since it’s all that hard work that made it so strong in the first place. Take a minute to think of the relationships in your life. Are there any that need to be mended? Are there some basic needs that aren’t being met, either by you or someone else?

Are You Being Abused?

The abuse is not your fault. No matter how guilty you feel, you did not cause your abuse.

Marriage is not a license for sex gratification when or as desired. The word "no" is all you should ever have to say. No one, including a married woman, should be forced to have sex against her will.

Daughters and sons first learn proper female/male behavior at home. Often, that is all they ever learn. And that is usually where they learn abuse.

Always remember: respect is another word for love. You deserve respect in a relationship and should leave any relationship where respect is not shown.

The abuse is not, repeat, not your fault. No one deserves this treatment. Nothing you have ever done justifies physical, verbal, sexual, or emotional abuse.

Developing interests and close relationships outside the realm of your spouse/lover will help you escape from an abusive person.
Repeat this over and over to yourself: "Abuse does not get better with time--it only gets worse, much worse."


Verbal abuse always escalates. Physical abuse always escalates.

As bizarre as it is to think that a single person could stay in a relationship with and even marry an abusive person, it happens often. It happens to men as well as women.

However, most abusers will try to stop you from doing this. In fact, many abusers start down the road victimization by cutting you off from outside relationships and support.

In fact, when your lover or spouse does things against your wishes "for your own good," take this as a signal to watch out! The next step is excessive control, a form of emotional abuse; then the next step can, and probably will be, physical abuse.

Time out

THOUGHTS FOR SUNDAY

The Perfection of Love - Kindness

1 Cor 13:4

Theme:

Actively doing good toward others. 1 Cor. 13:4

Introduction

If patience (as used in this text) is the ability to passively endure the wrong someone has done against you, then kindness is the ability to actively seek goodness toward others.

While we know what kindness is and how to be kind toward others, we’re far from perfect in displaying this through the context of love.

Think about it, sometimes we do kind acts begrudgingly; guilt; favor; obligation.

Further, we may limit who receives our “kindness”

Kindness – Doing Good to Another

It is easy showing kindness to those whom you love (or those who are kind to you).

How easy is it to show kindness to those who hate you?

Would you show kindness to someone wanting to sue you; hurt you; abuse your liberty; or take advantage of your personal property? Matt. 5:38-42

It would certainly be easier to retaliate and feel justified. 1 Cor. 6:1ff

Wasn’t that Paul’s response to all the divisions within the church at Corinth? 1 Cor. 13

What Kindness looks Like: Loving Your Neighbor

A neighbor doesn’t necessarily look like someone who is “religious”.

A neighbor doesn’t necessarily look like a person with a perceived upstanding reputation.

No, a neighbor looks just like an ordinary man extending kindness under extra-ordinary circumstances. Lk. 10:25-37

SUMMARY:

A neighbor is someone who practices “true and undefiled religion.” Jas. 1:27

Conclusion

Love is perfected not only be enduring the wrongs against you, but also extending kindness in typically unlikely situations.

May God bless us to open our hearts and arms to all, including strangers and enemies by showing them the perfection of love through our kindness.

SATURDAY MEDITATION

Today's Quotation:


The three hardest tasks in the world are neither physical feats nor
intellectual achievements, but moral acts: to return love for hate, to include the excluded, and to say, "I was wrong."
Sydney J. Harris

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Questions to ponder:


1. In what ways might we return love for hate on a daily basis?

2. When was the last time you tried
to include someone who was excluded?

3. Why can it be so hard for us to say "I was wrong"?

For further thought:


The longer you live the more you realize that forgiveness,
consideration, and kindness are three of the great secrets of life.
Anonymous

HAPPY 39th Birthday to my Son, Ray Marcus Allen..... I love you..

TIPS ON SOME REST AND RELAXATION

Tips for getting a good night's sleep


Avoid caffeine or alcohol in the evening
Avoid before bed snacking and during the night snacking
Avoid watching television before bed
Read something calming
Bedroom should be as dark as possible
Try taking a hot shower or bath before bed
Go to bed early
Try journaling before bed to release tension
Don't use a loud alarm clock
Keep the temperature comfortable

Tips to family relaxation

Set priorities
Set aside at least a half an hour each day to relax as a family (no work, homework, or fixing dinner)
Try to do a fun relaxing activity rather than just watching T.V. (i.e. play a board game, listen to a radio show, or read a book together)
Don't talk about serious issues during this time

THANKFULNESS

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Interviewing Tips - The "Where do you see yourself in 5 years" question

The five-year or ten-year question is always a tricky one, because most of the time, the answer to that question will not be one that we think the prospective employer wants to hear, and after all, we're there to get a job, right? On the other hand, you're also dead-on about telling the truth; interviews can quickly turn into a dead zone if you try to embellish your background, credentials, or what you're looking for in a job.


An encouraging side note, however, is that long-gone are the days when employees stay at one place for more than five or seven years. This is one reason why savvy interviewers will skip this question altogether; frankly, it's outdated and doesn't reflect reality. However, you're right to want to be prepared anyway, because my experience leads me to believe that there are a *lot* of outdated, silly, and irrelevant interview questions out there, this being one of them.

My advice is this: remember that telling the truth does not mean revealing unnecessary details. If you are planning on leaving the country in six months, this is a necessary detail, and it would be dishonest to deny it if you were asked about your future plans. However, answering where you want to be in five years need not delve into specifics; how about answering that you would like to be in management and plan on staying in the sports management arena (assuming this is the industry in which you interview)? All of these facts are true, do not put you in jeopardy, and will satisfy the prospective employer, too.

Another take on the five-year question is to reveal career goals that are specific but don't betray the fact that your sights are set elsewhere? For example, cite personal development goals, such as getting excellent yearly reviews, developing good working relationships in the office and with clients, and moving up two levels in your position? You could also mention career areas that you'd like to expand into; for example, if you were interviewing for a sales position, you could mention that you'd like to have the opportunity to work with the marketing department and learn more about the interaction between the two areas. Mentioning technical skills you'd like to gain (software, etc.) is another idea.
Also be aware that some interviewers will ask beyond the five-year, including ten or fifteen years. Again, not exactly a realistic question, but something to be prepared for.

Thoughts on Discipline

Discipline is defined as:


1. Punish

2. A field of study

3. Training that corrects molds or perfects

4. A system of rules governing conduct.

In today’s society, discipline has gone by the wayside. Lawbreakers get by with a slap on the hand. If they do get jail time, it amounts to very little. Thus, they are released on society again to commit the same crimes again. There was no lesson learned.

Discipline starts at home then continues in the schools. I do not advocate child abuse and am very thankful we have laws to protect children today. However, some laws are misinterpreted. Parents are afraid to discipline their child in any way for fear of the punishment falling on them.

Children do not behave at home and this conduct continues at school. Home and school become lax on any discipline as they have become afraid of the children. There is no longer the worry of punishment for the child thus they do as they want because there is no discipline to fear.

Once while substituting I was told by a sixth grader they were going to kill me because I corrected him for disrupting my class. I had him removed from class only to return with School Official saying he was sorry. Once back, he continued to disrupt the class. WHY NOT? No discipline is feared.

Not only do we do our children an injustice with NO DISCIPLINE but we have reached a point that in order to not upset them, they are passed on from grade to grade without the knowledge of what they were supposed to have learned in the grade they are leaving. The reading ability of most high school students is a real crime on our children. Not being able to read will hold them back in society.

Most Parents will not work with the school and our teachers find themselves in a real catch 22 situation.

Discipline can be achieved without abuse but discipline must come back to our Society.



Colleen Couvillon Gough

August 15, 2010

ATTITUDE

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror,

and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.

'Well,' she said, 'I think I'll braid my hair today.'

So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror

and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.

'H-M-M,' she said, 'I think I'll part my hair down the middle today.'

So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed

that she had only one hair on her head.



'Well,' she said, 'today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail.'

So she did, and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and

noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head.

'YAY!' she exclaimed. 'I don't have to fix my hair today!'

Attitude is everything
Be kinder than necessary,
for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Live simply,
Love generously,
Care deeply,
Speak kindly,
and pray continually.
 Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...
It's about learning to dance in the rain and sleeping when the wind blows.