“When you get to the place that God is all you have,
you will realize that God is all you need.” - Ann Marin
you will realize that God is all you need.” - Ann Marin
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
February 27 - Gift of Time II
The Gift of Time (segment II)
Written By: Casey Michel
You see, this is the way I am choosing to use my gift of time. I have 3 goals in life, and I know that if I can fulfill them, I will have successfully used the time given to me on earth. These are 3 goals that I think everyone in the world could live by. They are 3 goals that everyone could strive to achieve with their gift of time.
1. Make a difference in the lives of others. Whether I make a difference in the lives of just my family, or just my friends; whether I make a difference in the life of one, or the lives of 10,000 people – I want to make a difference for the better.
2. Be the change you wish to see in the world. I see and hear so many people these days wishing for things to be better, but yet doing nothing to make them better. I want the world to be a better place, and I want the world to change – and I will do everything I can while on this earth to be that change I wish to see in the world.
3. Leave the world a better place than you found it. This is the tie in to everything. This is the way to bring it all together. No matter how much time I have on this earth, I can always make a difference. One way or another, I can leave this place a little better than when I found it. And really – that’s all that can be asked of anyone.
So here we are today, slowly coming around to coping with a tragedy that shook a town and a community to its very core. We wish we could go back in time and change something to make it different. We wish time would just stand still until we are able to deal with this and move on. But the fact of the matter is that time goes on. Our time on this earth is still ticking.
Nothing we do can change the past, but everything we do can change the future.
Written By: Casey Michel
You see, this is the way I am choosing to use my gift of time. I have 3 goals in life, and I know that if I can fulfill them, I will have successfully used the time given to me on earth. These are 3 goals that I think everyone in the world could live by. They are 3 goals that everyone could strive to achieve with their gift of time.
1. Make a difference in the lives of others. Whether I make a difference in the lives of just my family, or just my friends; whether I make a difference in the life of one, or the lives of 10,000 people – I want to make a difference for the better.
2. Be the change you wish to see in the world. I see and hear so many people these days wishing for things to be better, but yet doing nothing to make them better. I want the world to be a better place, and I want the world to change – and I will do everything I can while on this earth to be that change I wish to see in the world.
3. Leave the world a better place than you found it. This is the tie in to everything. This is the way to bring it all together. No matter how much time I have on this earth, I can always make a difference. One way or another, I can leave this place a little better than when I found it. And really – that’s all that can be asked of anyone.
So here we are today, slowly coming around to coping with a tragedy that shook a town and a community to its very core. We wish we could go back in time and change something to make it different. We wish time would just stand still until we are able to deal with this and move on. But the fact of the matter is that time goes on. Our time on this earth is still ticking.
Nothing we do can change the past, but everything we do can change the future.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
February 26 - The Gift of Time
Today, I have a guest author. Casey Michel is a recent graduated from St. Mary’s high school in Dell Rapids. He is currently a student at DSU and a friend of my daughter’s. Last night he was unable to sleep and utilized the gift of time to write a message. This message has been floating around Dell Rapids in e-mails all day. I have an exept of “The Gift of Time” for you to read. I personally called Casey this afternoon and let him know how much I appreciated his message. He was flattered that I asked permission to include it in “Blessings”. I will be including other segments of “The Gift of Time” in later e-mails.
The Gift of Time
Written By: Casey Michel
Some people like to talk about the “best gift they’ve ever been given.” People talk about something like a car or jewelry, and they usually cover everything in between. However, the best gift ever given to mankind is not given to us on this earth. When God creates a human He gives them the best gift anyone could ask for: the gift of time. Along with the gift of time, God gives us a side gift: the gift of free will – the ability to decide what we wish to do with our time, either good or bad. It took me nearly 20 years and one tragic event to realize what a precious gift the gift of time really is.
You see, I always used to be like everybody in this world; I would always wonder how I was going to get everything done that needed to be done, wondering why there were never enough hours in the day. You look around and see the world moving at such a fast pace that you wonder how anybody could get by, and I felt like I was in the same boat with everyone else.
I didn’t always have enough time to help out a friend. After all I had my own stuff to take care of, just like everyone else. And if I couldn’t make time for a friend or a loved one, how could I make time for anybody else? When I saw a stranger on crutches struggling with their books, I just kept walking. I couldn’t help them; I was in too big of a rush. A rush to where? I don’t know, but I had places to be and things to do, and I didn’t have nearly enough hours in the day to do it.
And so I went about my life day by day by day. I was always in a hurry, always in a rush; I didn’t have time to do anything.
That was up until that February Sunday changed everything.
Suddenly, I wasn’t in such a rush; suddenly, I had time. I had time to help a friend with homework, or to talk to them about something. I had time to help carry books for the stranger on crutches. Not only did I now have time, but I somehow made time, too. I made time to ask a friend “Hey, how you holding up?” “Hey, how’s everything going for you?” I made time to tell my family and friends that I love them. I made time to let everyone know that I’m here for them whenever they need me; that I will always answer if they call. And I know I would answer if they called. You can bet on it. After all – now I had the time to.
It’s almost as if God granted me more hours in the day. It’s almost as if He not only gave me more time to do what had to get done, but also more time to do what needed to be done. But this isn’t at all the case. The amount of time God gave me on this earth did not change one second from Saturday night to Sunday afternoon. I will not live one second longer or shorter because of what happened on a football field in Dell Rapids in the morning hours of February 22, 2009. Neither will anybody who reads this or who was affected by that tragic event. No, rather, God granted me the ability to realize what a precious gift time really is; and to use that time to seize every second, every moment that I am on this earth.
It was through this tragic event that I learned probably the most important lesson of my life:
You don’t realize how much time you have, until you realize that time is all you’ve got.
Blessings
Robin
The Gift of Time
Written By: Casey Michel
Some people like to talk about the “best gift they’ve ever been given.” People talk about something like a car or jewelry, and they usually cover everything in between. However, the best gift ever given to mankind is not given to us on this earth. When God creates a human He gives them the best gift anyone could ask for: the gift of time. Along with the gift of time, God gives us a side gift: the gift of free will – the ability to decide what we wish to do with our time, either good or bad. It took me nearly 20 years and one tragic event to realize what a precious gift the gift of time really is.
You see, I always used to be like everybody in this world; I would always wonder how I was going to get everything done that needed to be done, wondering why there were never enough hours in the day. You look around and see the world moving at such a fast pace that you wonder how anybody could get by, and I felt like I was in the same boat with everyone else.
I didn’t always have enough time to help out a friend. After all I had my own stuff to take care of, just like everyone else. And if I couldn’t make time for a friend or a loved one, how could I make time for anybody else? When I saw a stranger on crutches struggling with their books, I just kept walking. I couldn’t help them; I was in too big of a rush. A rush to where? I don’t know, but I had places to be and things to do, and I didn’t have nearly enough hours in the day to do it.
And so I went about my life day by day by day. I was always in a hurry, always in a rush; I didn’t have time to do anything.
That was up until that February Sunday changed everything.
Suddenly, I wasn’t in such a rush; suddenly, I had time. I had time to help a friend with homework, or to talk to them about something. I had time to help carry books for the stranger on crutches. Not only did I now have time, but I somehow made time, too. I made time to ask a friend “Hey, how you holding up?” “Hey, how’s everything going for you?” I made time to tell my family and friends that I love them. I made time to let everyone know that I’m here for them whenever they need me; that I will always answer if they call. And I know I would answer if they called. You can bet on it. After all – now I had the time to.
It’s almost as if God granted me more hours in the day. It’s almost as if He not only gave me more time to do what had to get done, but also more time to do what needed to be done. But this isn’t at all the case. The amount of time God gave me on this earth did not change one second from Saturday night to Sunday afternoon. I will not live one second longer or shorter because of what happened on a football field in Dell Rapids in the morning hours of February 22, 2009. Neither will anybody who reads this or who was affected by that tragic event. No, rather, God granted me the ability to realize what a precious gift time really is; and to use that time to seize every second, every moment that I am on this earth.
It was through this tragic event that I learned probably the most important lesson of my life:
You don’t realize how much time you have, until you realize that time is all you’ve got.
Blessings
Robin
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
February 25 - Numb
Numb
I have waited for a little time to pass before writing about this. The pain was just to much. On February 22, tragedy struck our small town, of Dell Rapids, SD. A seventeen year old, young man, from our high school lost his life. The community is in shock.
Todd and I have been talking with our kids each day about the situation. Tonight, Andrew (age 12) told me, “I have never understood how a person could feel emotionally numb, until this week. I am numb and I can not feel anything.”
Today, take a minute or more to hug the people you love. Tell them how much they mean to you.
Blessings
Robin
I have waited for a little time to pass before writing about this. The pain was just to much. On February 22, tragedy struck our small town, of Dell Rapids, SD. A seventeen year old, young man, from our high school lost his life. The community is in shock.
Todd and I have been talking with our kids each day about the situation. Tonight, Andrew (age 12) told me, “I have never understood how a person could feel emotionally numb, until this week. I am numb and I can not feel anything.”
Today, take a minute or more to hug the people you love. Tell them how much they mean to you.
Blessings
Robin
February 24 - Gossip IV
Gossip – Part IV
At this point in my life, I truly try to control (at least the spreading) the gossip. I still hear it and I know taking in gossip is just as dangerous as spreading it. The most important thing I can do when I hear gossip is to go to the person directly ask if you can help.
This is risky!
· What if they do not want to talk about it?
· What if it is untrue?
· It will feel uncomfortable.
· It could be embarrassing.
· They could get upset.
· They may want me to help.
· I may hear the whole story and it is more than I want to know.
Maybe…
· It is not true – so no need for me to worry about them.
· They feel all alone and need someone to talk to.
· They know people are talking about them, but not with them. They may feel alienated.
· They do need some one to pray with and for them.
· They need a friend.
· They need help.
I want to encourage you to reach out and take a risk. It could make a difference in someone’s life. I know it has made a difference in my life, when people have taken a risk to reach out to talk with me, instead of about me.
Blessings
Robin
At this point in my life, I truly try to control (at least the spreading) the gossip. I still hear it and I know taking in gossip is just as dangerous as spreading it. The most important thing I can do when I hear gossip is to go to the person directly ask if you can help.
This is risky!
· What if they do not want to talk about it?
· What if it is untrue?
· It will feel uncomfortable.
· It could be embarrassing.
· They could get upset.
· They may want me to help.
· I may hear the whole story and it is more than I want to know.
Maybe…
· It is not true – so no need for me to worry about them.
· They feel all alone and need someone to talk to.
· They know people are talking about them, but not with them. They may feel alienated.
· They do need some one to pray with and for them.
· They need a friend.
· They need help.
I want to encourage you to reach out and take a risk. It could make a difference in someone’s life. I know it has made a difference in my life, when people have taken a risk to reach out to talk with me, instead of about me.
Blessings
Robin
Monday, February 23, 2009
February 23 - Gossip III
Gossip – Part III
I have and my family has been the subject of gossip from time to time. Some of it true, much of it embellished. I have learned so much by being the subject of gossip.
· Gossip is painful
· Gossip is often not completely true
· Gossip leaves the people being talked about feeling alone and alienated
· Gossip takes sides (good and evil)
· Gossip has no purpose
· Gossip can hurt innocent people
What have you learned from gossip?
Blessings
Robin
I have and my family has been the subject of gossip from time to time. Some of it true, much of it embellished. I have learned so much by being the subject of gossip.
· Gossip is painful
· Gossip is often not completely true
· Gossip leaves the people being talked about feeling alone and alienated
· Gossip takes sides (good and evil)
· Gossip has no purpose
· Gossip can hurt innocent people
What have you learned from gossip?
Blessings
Robin
Sunday, February 22, 2009
February 22 - gossip II
Gossip -- Part II
Recently, a close friend was asked how our family was doing. She reply “Fine, why do you ask?” The other person said she had heard some things about our family. My friend, decided to call me to find out if there was any merit to the rumor. I advised her that nothing like the rumor she heard was taking place in our family. She was so relieved. I took the time to call the person that she heard it from to let them know that there was no need to worry about our family we were all fine. I am so grateful that my friend did the right thing. True friends and good people, stop the gossip and take action to help people in need.
We have all had situation like this that we hear something about a friend. I know that in my past I have felt uncomfortable asking about the rumor, so I have asked a friend of a friend about the person or situation. I did this because I was concerned and uncomfortable going to the source.
I am sure that you have felt this way at least once in your life. Why are we so uncomfortable going to the source?
Blessings
Robin
Recently, a close friend was asked how our family was doing. She reply “Fine, why do you ask?” The other person said she had heard some things about our family. My friend, decided to call me to find out if there was any merit to the rumor. I advised her that nothing like the rumor she heard was taking place in our family. She was so relieved. I took the time to call the person that she heard it from to let them know that there was no need to worry about our family we were all fine. I am so grateful that my friend did the right thing. True friends and good people, stop the gossip and take action to help people in need.
We have all had situation like this that we hear something about a friend. I know that in my past I have felt uncomfortable asking about the rumor, so I have asked a friend of a friend about the person or situation. I did this because I was concerned and uncomfortable going to the source.
I am sure that you have felt this way at least once in your life. Why are we so uncomfortable going to the source?
Blessings
Robin
Saturday, February 21, 2009
February 21 - Gossip
“ Do not go about spreading slander among your people.
Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life.
I am the LORD.”
- Leviticus 19:16
Women, let’s face it we all have done it! It can be evil. We know it, but we just can not stop ourselves. We gossip! I heard a comic say, “ Christians do not gossip. They have prayer concerns!” As women we love to talk and sometimes it is about other people. We do not mean to gossip, but some times the story is just not as good as it could be, so it gets embellish a little bit. Before long it is not even close to the prayer concern that started.
The next couple days I will focus on the topic of gossip. To prepare yourself, think about a time you have been involved in gossip and a time that you were the victim of gossip.
Blessings
Robin
Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life.
I am the LORD.”
- Leviticus 19:16
Women, let’s face it we all have done it! It can be evil. We know it, but we just can not stop ourselves. We gossip! I heard a comic say, “ Christians do not gossip. They have prayer concerns!” As women we love to talk and sometimes it is about other people. We do not mean to gossip, but some times the story is just not as good as it could be, so it gets embellish a little bit. Before long it is not even close to the prayer concern that started.
The next couple days I will focus on the topic of gossip. To prepare yourself, think about a time you have been involved in gossip and a time that you were the victim of gossip.
Blessings
Robin
Friday, February 20, 2009
February 20 - Home
There is no place like home!
We had a great vacation – The temps were 40 – 50 degrees warmer than South Dakota, the maid picked up for us, the pool was heated, no school or work – all play, the food was fantastic and the list goes on and on. Now we are home and it is cold, there is not maid, the pools does not have water in it, we need to go back to school and work, but there is no place like home.
Home is where we build our lives, vacations are a time to celebrate the life we have built.
Blessings
Robin
We had a great vacation – The temps were 40 – 50 degrees warmer than South Dakota, the maid picked up for us, the pool was heated, no school or work – all play, the food was fantastic and the list goes on and on. Now we are home and it is cold, there is not maid, the pools does not have water in it, we need to go back to school and work, but there is no place like home.
Home is where we build our lives, vacations are a time to celebrate the life we have built.
Blessings
Robin
February 19 - Ocean
Ocean
This week, I had the pleasure watching my children experience the Pacific Ocean for the first time. It was the highlight of my trip to watch my children play together in the wonder of the ocean. The water was only 55 degrees, but it did not matter to kids from South Dakota.
This week, I had the pleasure watching my children experience the Pacific Ocean for the first time. It was the highlight of my trip to watch my children play together in the wonder of the ocean. The water was only 55 degrees, but it did not matter to kids from South Dakota.
February 18 - GPS
GPS
In our recent trip to San Diego, we learned of the importance of a good map. The beginning of the week we had no idea where we were going or how long it would take to get there. We were dependant on our maps. By the end of the week we were familiar with the main roads and landmarks. We also became familiar with alternative routes, not because we were savvy in our driving, but because we missed the turn off. Several times during the week, Todd told me how nice it would have been to have a GPS. For the record, I did offer to go and purchase one in San Diego, but he turned down my offer.
What if we would have a GPS for life? The GPS could tell us when we achieve our goal of getting to a destination and if we get off course could guide us back on course. So often in life we get off course and just like driving we do not know that me missed the turn or that we took the wrong exit, until it is too late. Then we spend out time backtracking and trying to get back on course. Sometimes, we end up on the bad part of town and it can be a bit scary.
If I had a GPS for my life it would be full of encouragement. It would say things like:
“Keep going you are on the right road.”
“Nice job changing lanes.”
“You missed your turn, but you can get back on course at the next right. It is ok this happens a lot on this road.”
“You are almost there!”
“You have great hair today!”
“You are a great driver.”
“Let’s go on an adventure today and try a new road.”
What would you want your GPS to say to you?
Blessings
Robin
In our recent trip to San Diego, we learned of the importance of a good map. The beginning of the week we had no idea where we were going or how long it would take to get there. We were dependant on our maps. By the end of the week we were familiar with the main roads and landmarks. We also became familiar with alternative routes, not because we were savvy in our driving, but because we missed the turn off. Several times during the week, Todd told me how nice it would have been to have a GPS. For the record, I did offer to go and purchase one in San Diego, but he turned down my offer.
What if we would have a GPS for life? The GPS could tell us when we achieve our goal of getting to a destination and if we get off course could guide us back on course. So often in life we get off course and just like driving we do not know that me missed the turn or that we took the wrong exit, until it is too late. Then we spend out time backtracking and trying to get back on course. Sometimes, we end up on the bad part of town and it can be a bit scary.
If I had a GPS for my life it would be full of encouragement. It would say things like:
“Keep going you are on the right road.”
“Nice job changing lanes.”
“You missed your turn, but you can get back on course at the next right. It is ok this happens a lot on this road.”
“You are almost there!”
“You have great hair today!”
“You are a great driver.”
“Let’s go on an adventure today and try a new road.”
What would you want your GPS to say to you?
Blessings
Robin
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
February 17 - President's
President’s Day
“Associate with men of good quality
if you esteem your own reputation;
for it is better to be alone than in bad company.”
“Associate with men of good quality
if you esteem your own reputation;
for it is better to be alone than in bad company.”
Blessings
Robin
February 15 - Love
Love
The most important thing a father can do for his children
is to love their mother.
– Theodore M Hesburgh
Ladies – of course this is true for mother’s loving their husbands too.
The most important thing a father can do for his children
is to love their mother.
– Theodore M Hesburgh
Ladies – of course this is true for mother’s loving their husbands too.
February 14 - LOVE
Romans 12:9-13
Love
9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
On this special day of “LOVE”, I want to share with you my favorite scripture.
Happy Valentine’s Day
Blessings
Robin
Love
9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
On this special day of “LOVE”, I want to share with you my favorite scripture.
Happy Valentine’s Day
Blessings
Robin
February 13 - Giving
Giving
The two most important words are “Thank You”. – Zig Ziglar
Part of giving is receiving gracefully. Sometimes we are giving a gift or compliment and we just do not know how to react to it. As people, we are embarrassed by the compliment and humbled.
I used to struggle with compliments. I had not idea what to say to the giver. Most often, I would disqualify the compliment and tell them why I did not deserve it. I confided in one of my mentors about being uncomfortable with receiving compliments. She told me to just say, “Thank You”.
In building relationships it is important to allow others to give us the gift of a compliment, by accepting it and saying “Thank You”.
Blessings
Robin
The two most important words are “Thank You”. – Zig Ziglar
Part of giving is receiving gracefully. Sometimes we are giving a gift or compliment and we just do not know how to react to it. As people, we are embarrassed by the compliment and humbled.
I used to struggle with compliments. I had not idea what to say to the giver. Most often, I would disqualify the compliment and tell them why I did not deserve it. I confided in one of my mentors about being uncomfortable with receiving compliments. She told me to just say, “Thank You”.
In building relationships it is important to allow others to give us the gift of a compliment, by accepting it and saying “Thank You”.
Blessings
Robin
February 12 - gifts
Gifts -- Romans 12:3- 8
3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his[b]faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Roman twelve is my favorite chapter of the bible. I read Roman 12 as a guide in my life. This passage talks about sharing our God given gifts with each other. We all have different gifts. This passage tells me it is my responsibility in relationships to share my gifts and talents. I can not hold them to myself. I need to give to build relationships. It is also my responsibility to allow other the opportunity to share their gifts and talents.
What is your God given gift/talent? Share it with someone special to you.
Blessings
Robin
3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his[b]faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Roman twelve is my favorite chapter of the bible. I read Roman 12 as a guide in my life. This passage talks about sharing our God given gifts with each other. We all have different gifts. This passage tells me it is my responsibility in relationships to share my gifts and talents. I can not hold them to myself. I need to give to build relationships. It is also my responsibility to allow other the opportunity to share their gifts and talents.
What is your God given gift/talent? Share it with someone special to you.
Blessings
Robin
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Listen to God
Have you ever had little ideas that come to you and you do not know why? I do. Some people call it intuition, I call it a God moment. I have learned to trust those ideas/thoughts and to know that it is God talking to me. He will guide me, all I have to do is listen. He is guiding me in the writing of this book. I have had a day all written and then I get that little thought that I need to write about a totally different topic. I write it and the next day I hear from one of you that it was exactly the message you needed that day.
Take time today to be quiet and listen to God. He is there and he will talk to you if you are willing to truly listen.
Blessings
Robin
Have you ever had little ideas that come to you and you do not know why? I do. Some people call it intuition, I call it a God moment. I have learned to trust those ideas/thoughts and to know that it is God talking to me. He will guide me, all I have to do is listen. He is guiding me in the writing of this book. I have had a day all written and then I get that little thought that I need to write about a totally different topic. I write it and the next day I hear from one of you that it was exactly the message you needed that day.
Take time today to be quiet and listen to God. He is there and he will talk to you if you are willing to truly listen.
Blessings
Robin
Monday, February 9, 2009
February 10 - Listening III
Thanks for Listening
The last two days I have wrote about listening. I have taught listening skills for years to Customer Service Representatives. I have received feedback from customers, representative, co-workers and in performance reviews that I am an excellent listener. I enjoy listening to people share their feelings and tell their stories. Listening is a skill and I do a good job listening at work.
Unfortunately, I feel like I often leave that skill in the office. For some reason, I do not always take my listening skills home with me. Why do I, like so many people, stop truly listening to the people that mean the most to me? Do I have too many barriers to listen? Do I think I know what they are going to say, so why listen? Am I focusing on what I am going to tell them, instead of what I am going to ask them? Am I too busy to engage in a focused conversation?
I think my problem in listening is a common problem for many women.
· We are busy all day.
· We work all day.
· We listen to people all day.
· We are nice all day.
When we get home we just want someone to listen to us, at least I do. I have learned the hard way, that taking time to listen to my family, the most important people in my life, gives me joy.
Thanks for listening.
Blessings
Robin
The last two days I have wrote about listening. I have taught listening skills for years to Customer Service Representatives. I have received feedback from customers, representative, co-workers and in performance reviews that I am an excellent listener. I enjoy listening to people share their feelings and tell their stories. Listening is a skill and I do a good job listening at work.
Unfortunately, I feel like I often leave that skill in the office. For some reason, I do not always take my listening skills home with me. Why do I, like so many people, stop truly listening to the people that mean the most to me? Do I have too many barriers to listen? Do I think I know what they are going to say, so why listen? Am I focusing on what I am going to tell them, instead of what I am going to ask them? Am I too busy to engage in a focused conversation?
I think my problem in listening is a common problem for many women.
· We are busy all day.
· We work all day.
· We listen to people all day.
· We are nice all day.
When we get home we just want someone to listen to us, at least I do. I have learned the hard way, that taking time to listen to my family, the most important people in my life, gives me joy.
Thanks for listening.
Blessings
Robin
Sunday, February 8, 2009
February 9 - Listening II
“Listening with your Heart”
Now that we have removed the barriers to listening, let’s focus on active listening or listening with your heart.
Active listening has several benefits.
· It allows people to listen attentively to the other person.
· It avoids misunderstandings, as people have to confirm that they do really understand what another person has said.
· It tends to open people up, to get them to say more.
To become an active listener it takes time and practice. It is our natural tendency to allow barriers to get in the way of truly listening.
· To actively listen focus your attention on the other person. Allow the other person to know that your heart is in it.
· Repeat, in your own words what you think the other person has said. This does not mean that you agree with them, you are merely stating that you understand what they said. The provides the other person the opportunity to know that they were heard and listened to. You can use phrases such as:
o What I heard you say was……
o You feel…..
o You observed….
o I understand that you …..
· Use non-verbals to indicate that you are truly listening.
o Make eye contact
o Lean into the other person to show that you want to listen to what they have to say.
o Use encouraging sounds – Mmm.. Ohhhh….Hmm… This encourages the other person to continue talking to you.
Take time today to practice actively listening to someone you love. Put your heart into it, you will be amazed by the results.
Blessings
Robin
Now that we have removed the barriers to listening, let’s focus on active listening or listening with your heart.
Active listening has several benefits.
· It allows people to listen attentively to the other person.
· It avoids misunderstandings, as people have to confirm that they do really understand what another person has said.
· It tends to open people up, to get them to say more.
To become an active listener it takes time and practice. It is our natural tendency to allow barriers to get in the way of truly listening.
· To actively listen focus your attention on the other person. Allow the other person to know that your heart is in it.
· Repeat, in your own words what you think the other person has said. This does not mean that you agree with them, you are merely stating that you understand what they said. The provides the other person the opportunity to know that they were heard and listened to. You can use phrases such as:
o What I heard you say was……
o You feel…..
o You observed….
o I understand that you …..
· Use non-verbals to indicate that you are truly listening.
o Make eye contact
o Lean into the other person to show that you want to listen to what they have to say.
o Use encouraging sounds – Mmm.. Ohhhh….Hmm… This encourages the other person to continue talking to you.
Take time today to practice actively listening to someone you love. Put your heart into it, you will be amazed by the results.
Blessings
Robin
Saturday, February 7, 2009
February 8 Listening
Listening
I will be talking about relationships in the next several “Blessings”. My definition of a relationship is broad, it can be husband/wife, parent/child, brother/sister, co-workers, friends, and the list goes on.
An important elements in a good relationship is the ability to truly listen to each other. One of webster’s definations of listening is to hear something with thoughtful attention : give consideration. Often in relationships, we as human beings are so focused on what we are going to say that we forget to listen to what is being said. Listed below are some barriers to listening.
Beware of the following things that may get in the way of listening.
· bias or prejudice (I know what you are going to say)
· language differences or accents
· noise (kids, TV, radio, etc)
· worry (thinking about how you will respond)
· fear (I do not want to hear what he/she is telling me.)
· anger (Too upset to listen)
· lack of attention span (thoughts of other things you think you need to do.)
Focus on removing these barriers when you are listening.
Blessings
Robin
I will be talking about relationships in the next several “Blessings”. My definition of a relationship is broad, it can be husband/wife, parent/child, brother/sister, co-workers, friends, and the list goes on.
An important elements in a good relationship is the ability to truly listen to each other. One of webster’s definations of listening is to hear something with thoughtful attention : give consideration. Often in relationships, we as human beings are so focused on what we are going to say that we forget to listen to what is being said. Listed below are some barriers to listening.
Beware of the following things that may get in the way of listening.
· bias or prejudice (I know what you are going to say)
· language differences or accents
· noise (kids, TV, radio, etc)
· worry (thinking about how you will respond)
· fear (I do not want to hear what he/she is telling me.)
· anger (Too upset to listen)
· lack of attention span (thoughts of other things you think you need to do.)
Focus on removing these barriers when you are listening.
Blessings
Robin
Friday, February 6, 2009
February 7 - Test day
Test Day
Today, Morgan, our oldest child, will take her first ACT test. I say first ACT test, because she is going into the test with the attitude that she will be retaking it to get a better score. As most of you know ACT’s are a key tool in college placement and scholarships awards. So you could say a lot is dependant on the ACT score.
What if we had to take and entrance test to be in relationships? Instead of Math, English, Reading and Science, the test was on Listening, Giving, Loving, and Caring. I wonder how many times I would have to retake the test to get a good score and be placed into a relationship with a scholarship award? How do you think you would do on a relationship entrance test? How would you prepare for the test? I have found that the key to a good score on any test is to study, practice and have a good study partner.
The next several days I will focus on Listening, Giving, Loving and Caring, so we are all prepared for our relationship tests.
Blessings
Robin
Today, Morgan, our oldest child, will take her first ACT test. I say first ACT test, because she is going into the test with the attitude that she will be retaking it to get a better score. As most of you know ACT’s are a key tool in college placement and scholarships awards. So you could say a lot is dependant on the ACT score.
What if we had to take and entrance test to be in relationships? Instead of Math, English, Reading and Science, the test was on Listening, Giving, Loving, and Caring. I wonder how many times I would have to retake the test to get a good score and be placed into a relationship with a scholarship award? How do you think you would do on a relationship entrance test? How would you prepare for the test? I have found that the key to a good score on any test is to study, practice and have a good study partner.
The next several days I will focus on Listening, Giving, Loving and Caring, so we are all prepared for our relationship tests.
Blessings
Robin
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
February 5 - Friends
"A friend is one who walks in
when others walk out"
-Walter Winchell
Take time to count the blessings, of the friends, you have in your life.
when others walk out"
-Walter Winchell
Take time to count the blessings, of the friends, you have in your life.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
February 4 - Dreams do come true
Dreams do come true!
My Uncle Denny and Aunt Kathy are coming home from their 3 week trip to Holland today. I am so excited to hear about their experience of a lifetime.
My Aunt Kathy has been battling ovarian cancer for five years. She has fought her battle with the help of numerous chemo therapies and medications, but the cancer is currently winning the battle.
Around Thanksgiving a couple asked my Aunt, “What do you dream of doing in your life time?” She told them that she was born in Holland and has always wanted to go back to Holland and meet/visit her relatives there. A short time later, the couple came to my Aunt and Uncle’s home and told them that they would like to fulfill Kathy’s dream by purchasing round trip airline tickets for them to Holland.
Uncle Denny and Aunt Kathy accepted the gift and are experiencing a dream come true. This was all possible because of the generosity of a couple that wanted to bless the lives of others.
What do you dream of doing “sometime” in your life time? What is holding you back from doing it?
Blessings
Robin
My Uncle Denny and Aunt Kathy are coming home from their 3 week trip to Holland today. I am so excited to hear about their experience of a lifetime.
My Aunt Kathy has been battling ovarian cancer for five years. She has fought her battle with the help of numerous chemo therapies and medications, but the cancer is currently winning the battle.
Around Thanksgiving a couple asked my Aunt, “What do you dream of doing in your life time?” She told them that she was born in Holland and has always wanted to go back to Holland and meet/visit her relatives there. A short time later, the couple came to my Aunt and Uncle’s home and told them that they would like to fulfill Kathy’s dream by purchasing round trip airline tickets for them to Holland.
Uncle Denny and Aunt Kathy accepted the gift and are experiencing a dream come true. This was all possible because of the generosity of a couple that wanted to bless the lives of others.
What do you dream of doing “sometime” in your life time? What is holding you back from doing it?
Blessings
Robin
Monday, February 2, 2009
February 3 - Nice Matters
Because Nice Matters
A co-worker in my office has a sign over her desk that says “Because Nice Matters”. I walk by this sign several times a day and it always makes me smile. Remember that nice does really matter in business, in families, in communities, in organizations, in EVERYTHING!
Have a NICE day!
Blessings
Robin
A co-worker in my office has a sign over her desk that says “Because Nice Matters”. I walk by this sign several times a day and it always makes me smile. Remember that nice does really matter in business, in families, in communities, in organizations, in EVERYTHING!
Have a NICE day!
Blessings
Robin
Sunday, February 1, 2009
February 2 - Groundhog's Day
Happy Ground Hogs Day
On February 2, Punxsutawney Phil comes out of his burrow on Gobbler's Knob to predict the weather for the rest of winter. According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.
The reality is February 2nd is the middle way point of the winter season. Groundhogs day was created to give hope that spring is coming.
· Shadow -- it is a beautiful day, the sun is shining, enjoy the day and spring will be here in six weeks.
· No Shadow – no sunshine today, but spring will come early this year.
What do you want in your life?
· A day full of sunshine with the knowledge of cold days ahead that lead to Spring?
· Clouds today, but the hope of a season of sunshine?
Blessings
Robin
On February 2, Punxsutawney Phil comes out of his burrow on Gobbler's Knob to predict the weather for the rest of winter. According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.
The reality is February 2nd is the middle way point of the winter season. Groundhogs day was created to give hope that spring is coming.
· Shadow -- it is a beautiful day, the sun is shining, enjoy the day and spring will be here in six weeks.
· No Shadow – no sunshine today, but spring will come early this year.
What do you want in your life?
· A day full of sunshine with the knowledge of cold days ahead that lead to Spring?
· Clouds today, but the hope of a season of sunshine?
Blessings
Robin
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