About This Time Tomorrow...

Hello, have you had a busy month like I have? I fear that I may have left my blog readers to wonder if I dropped off the face of the earth the last few weeks. According to all of the experts, this is very bad for blog popularity!

Unfortunately, I had a hard time balancing the building of the other website www.thezonecoach.com with posting here. That site is still under construction.

However, I have discovered that many of you actually like to hear me teach live. Yes, I know many of you have been in my audiences.

Therefore, I am going to start posting audio files if you like those. They will be under twenty minutes, unless I get feedback that you would like them to be longer.

I will also put up a new web form so you can subscribe to this site. A few of you signed up when I had a feedburner form up there, but I am going to use my buddies at aweber to help me instead.

Here is a 14 minute audio called "About This Time Tomorrow" I love this story!

If you would rather download it to your ipod or something, you can click here:


Let me know if you like the audios!

Until next time -

Keep the switch of faith turned on.

-Gina

Believe It, Say It, See It...

As far as accomplishing your dream, when do you call it finished? When you decide on it, or when you see it realized?

Most people feel they are lying to themselves (and everyone else) if they talk as if their dream is true before it is manifested for all to see.

I heard an interview with internet mogul, Alex Mondossian. He described a day when he was broke and sitting on a park bench in L.A. On that bench, Alex decided to become wealthy. At the end of the interview, the interviewer, T. Harv Eker, asked him, "When did you actually become a millionaire?"

Alex answered the question in reference to time, but he added, "In reality, I became a millionaire that day on the park bench, when I made the decision."

Faith calls those things that are not, as though they were.

This reminds me of an experience I had with some friends of mine:

When I was a teenager, I was often invited to speak at elementary schools and other convocations on the subject of success, and goal achievement. I usually spoke to fairly small audiences (less than 2thousand people.) However, I had some good friends who were also motivators who had much bigger vision. I usually traveled with them to give them my support, although their audiences were often small as well.

One day as we set up for an audience of about 100, the leader of that group said, "Next time we come to this city, we'll pack out the coliseum."

I tried not to laugh.

He went on to coach his announcer in how to describe him for his entrance, and let's just say, the introduction was not modest. In fact, it also, seemed laughable.

About three years later, I was attending college in a different city, when this man's wife called me to say they were in my town, and I should come see them at their high school assembly. I did, and we had a blast, so she encouraged me to come to their evening meeting. She named the auditoreum and the time.

"Wow!" My eyebrows shot up with surprise when she mentioned the venue. "That's huge!" I said.

"Yes," she replied, "Things are going well."

Since the auditorium was the same place used in that town for major concerts, I figured there would be tons of seats. I did not head over particularly early, as I knew I could go straight back stage when I got there. However...

I never got there. As I approached the meeting place, there was so much traffic, that traffic cops had to turn me, and hundreds of others away. Packed out. I was stunned.

I drove back to my apartment, and as I did, I heard my friends' ad on the radio. It included the same inflated, laughable description of the group leader, but this time, I wasn't laughing. It had all come true.

When I got home, I threw myself on my bed, and prayed that whatever lesson I had just witnessed, would be indelibly imprinted on my heart. What was the lesson?

1. Faith sees ahead and "calls those things that are not as though they were."
2. It doesn't matter how many other people doubt your vision. It's what you say and believe about yourself that matters.
3. When you combine commitment and action to your dream, nothing is impossible.

Over the next 18 years or so, I would occasionally learn a few more lessons from this man. Some were inspiring, others downright devastating. Right now I want to focus on the inspiration.

All of us were created with seeds of greatness inside. Your greatness does not need to be in front of thousands of people to be mighty. You just need to know that whatever dream keeps burning inside of you, is definitely possible, and available. It is yours for the taking.

Can you imagine it? Can you feel it? What about the doubts - your doubts?

Here is one solution for handling doubts. I call it, "grabbing the pain."

When you think of your dream, and you sense a big objection, doubt or fear, don't try to run away from it. Instead, do just the opposite.

Remember, every single thing we are dealing with is energy. Your emotion is an energy. So if you feel it at all, close your eyes and try to get really "in touch" with that negative energy. Feel where it is in your body. Does it feel like it is in your belly, or outside of you? Can you picture it? Can you make it stronger? Try to let it get as big as possible, as strong as it can...and then, go find the center of it, and try to "grab it."

Yes, this can seem like a very abstract exercise! However, if you can grab it, here's what you'll probably notice:

The center has opened up, and the negative energy is gone. It's power to mess you up is over.

In fact, the entire energy may have just faded away. Try to make your dream as vivid and stressful as possible. Try to dream again, and feel that same big doubt. If you can't find the doubt, you have done well. It probably will not return on that exact same vision.

So, remember to believe in your dream, and give voice to it. Take a few minutes a day to experience how it feels for that dream to be a reality. Believe it and say it. Certainly, before long, you will see it with your eyes.

Biblical reference - Abraham, who was enabled to have that baby, Isaac when he was 100 years old. God changed his name to mean, "Father of many nations" years before it looked true.

Romans 4:17
As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations." He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed - the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.

How to Kill a Giant

Do you have any issues in your life that seem to be bigger than you?

Looking back on my life there have been some things that really used to overwhelm me. For example, some of you know that for a few years when I was between the ages of 16 and 22, I suffered from an eating disorder. Interestingly, the years that I spent at my last Bible College, contained almost no eating struggles at all. This was probably because I was constantly in the Word, and hanging around people who were filled with a spirit of faith. (I'm not sure what that says about my subsequent year as a full time minister...)

Ultimately, I learned to "repack my backpack" and think totally differently about food and my self. I haven't thought much about calories or my weight for the last 17 years or so, and I have had those four darling kids. Somehow, I still have ripped, "six-pack" abs.

But that is not really what this post is about.

I want to talk about killing giants. Bulimia was perhaps the most dominant giant in my life, but I always knew that overcoming it, would equip me to face anything else that came my way.

One thing I know for sure is that the company you keep plays a huge part in the success you will reap.

Let's look at the most famous giant killer in history- David. Before David publicly slew Goliath, he privately killed both a lion and a bear, who happened to be threatening the sheep in his care. David was just a giant killer, whether any one was watching or not.

Key #1: Remember that the battles you win in private grant you the right to win in public.

Poor Saul, never had that opportunity, so...

Soon after David's amazing public victory, the would-be king found himself running for over a dacade from King Saul who had gone perfectly mad with jealousy.

Key #2: Never cave in to jealousy.

It was during this season that all of the Losers of the Land joined themselves to David. He gathered about 400 men who were "in debt, distress, and discontented" and they became the mightiest fighters in history. Their exploits became legendary, and from among them arose more giant killers.

Key #3 -If you want to become a giant killer, then hang around true giant killers!

I have the most incredible relationships with some amazing "giant-slaying" types of people. They are so good for me. With them I can share my doubts and limiting beliefs and they can look me in the eye and laugh, not at me - but at the silly belief. And sometimes, in a moment, that giant is downed.

I hope you are surrounded by people like that.

If not, refuse to be intimidated by people who have conquered those giants that still prevail against you. Instead, befriend the giant killers. You may find out that in reality, those heroes are not bigger than you, they have just climbed a bit higher. Most likely, they will be happy to extend a hand to pull you up as well. (Besides, you can bet they still have a few issues of their own.)

If you can't spend time with them in person, than saturate yourself with their materials. Read their books; listen to their voice. You will soon share their spirit of faith.

Disclaimer - It goes without saying that the "enemies" and "giants" that we destroy in our lives are never people!

Now, go play!

See 1st Samuel 22, 1 Chron 20,

2 Samuel 22:38-40
38 "I pursued my enemies and crushed them; I did not turn back till they were destroyed.
39 I crushed them completely, and they could not rise; they fell beneath my feet.
40 You armed me with strength for battle; you made my adversaries bow at my feet.

Recognizing Value

Back in the 90's when Paul and I were living in Germany, we enjoyed an occasional care package from Paul's grandma, Paula. Usually they were filled with small surprises and several newspaper clippings regarding the Padres, the Chargers, or any other San Diego news of interest.

On one occasion, the contents included a single pair of women's full- coverage panties. They were 100% polyester, obviously not brand new, and they looked huge. Although they were not at all my style, they were clearly intended for me, so I curiously read the accompanying note out loud to Paul:

"My dearest Gina,

These perfectly good underwear washed up on the shore at La Jolla, so I took them home and washed them, and you are the only person I know who is small enough to wear them. Enjoy!"

My husband howled with laughter.

Now, over the years, Grandma blessed us with thousands of dollars in gifts, so this was just an occasion to smile at, and glean from her values. It is said that wealthy people recognize things of value.

Grandma certainly lived wealthier than we did. We used to chuckle that she would pull over on her way to the opera to pick up a discarded aluminum can.

What did I learn from her? I learned to appreciate the days of humble beginnings. I learned to stop and admire all things of value. Even today in her honor, if I see a small coin on the ground, I always pick it up and gratefully acknowledge that there is no shortage of money underneath my feet. Then I often place it back on the ground for the next value- spotting soul. It's my gift, to those who walk in gratitude.

Most people won't acknowledge that little coin. Most people lose sight of the abundance that is all around them.

Did I wear the washed-up underwear? Well no. Everyone asks me that! I did, however, cherish the memory for years to come.

Today, I hope you can enjoy the simple things...and then laugh a little!

-Gina

On Being Vulnerable

I have just returned from San Diego where I gathered with about 20 other coaches to launch our businesses to new heights.
I expected it to be a fruitful time. I was unprepared for the genuine love that would bond us all together so quickly.
How did we get so close to eachother? We let ourselves be vulnerable. We knew that we were safe.
As we tackeled the emotional barriers that keep us short of our potential, we cheered each other on. We gave to each other the kind of compassion and faith that we normally give our clients and loved ones.
It made me proud to be a coach; to work in a field with so many of pure heart.
It also made me wonder how any one in this world reaches their highest potential without a skilled and loving coach in their corner. Where else does one go week in and week out, where she is totally safe, can be totally vulnerable, and find healing, and unlimited success?
I know one thing for sure, I am committed to bringing increase to as many people as come my way. I want the world to know there is a safe place.

Proverbs 20:18
Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance.

When Your Worst Day is Still Pretty Good

Okay, it is Thursday night, and I have been in bed with the flu since sometime on Monday. I don't recall ever feeling this poorly this long, but I do know one thing: This too shall pass.

Today my heart goes out to all of the dear people who take chemotherapy to try to whip some cancer, and the treatment makes them feel so sick, for months at a time.

In light of that, a silly little flu is just no big deal at all.

I'll be back soon, stronger than ever.

Honoring What You Have

We want to establish the idea that in the money game there are strugglers and there are winners. The winners simply think and act in ways that bring victory.

As we said last time, winners focus on creating wealth, not accumulating stuff. (the stuff comes later - when they can pay cash for it.)

How does a winner treat his stuff? That's what I want to examine today.

A winner treats his material possessions with respect.

Have you ever held a garage sale? If so, was it huge? Some people recommend having a garage sale to make a little "extra cash." I have a different view of garage sales.

Let's imagine a garage sale. Your garage sale. You have decided it's time to declutter your home and so you go through every room, closet, and storage space to get rid of things you no longer need.

What kind of shape are these items in? How much of it simply needs to go in the trash? Don't throw anything away yet, just set it all out.

Now, take a look. Look at everything that is leaving your possession. In addition, think of all the things you got rid of throughout the year, because they no longer fit, or they broke, or you were tired of them. Is it a big pile?

How much money did all of these things cost new? How much money is actually represented there? (Okay, you don't have to count the hideous ceramic cat you got from Aunt Millie.) I do, however, want you to think about the message you are carrying about the value of money and things.

Chances are these things cost hundreds and hundreds of dollars. And now, you are selling them for pennies on the dollar. How much of it could you have lived without in the first place? Did you honor these items when they were in your possession?

If you purchased them with your own money, then you may have used money that you got from your job. You got this money in exchange for hours of your life...and now the fruit of it is lying on your garage floor. Is that what your life is worth? Is that really "extra cash?"

I'm not opposed to getting rid of things - we do it weekly, grateful that some items have served their purpose. If you are grateful for the way these items served you, then you are on the right track. If you are sorry that you purchased them, or sorry that you did not treat them with more care, that is important too.

I just want you to look with long term eyes when you part with your money in the first place. Financial winners always think longer term.

I had a friend named Stacey who was the queen of caring for her things. She and her husband did not have a high income, but her children's bedrooms looked like toy stores. They both had shelves all the way up their walls, and the shelves and the closets were beautifully organized with games in their original boxes, and toys arrayed with pride, and lovely clothes.

She explained to me, "People think my kids have a ton of stuff, but the truth is, I am just obsessive about taking care of what they have. We don't have money to buy them many gifts. This is all the toys and games that my parents and my children's friends have given them over the years for birthdays and Christmas. If every child in the neighborhood had all the things they'd ever received, they would have at least this much."

How right she was. Stacey came from a wealthy family.

I am inspired today, to ensure respectul treatment of the things in my care. I want to show that I respect money. I understand that is part of becoming a "money magnet." I will remember the lesson in a parable from Jesus,

"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come share your master's happiness!" -Matthew 25:21

To your success,

Gina

Wealth Creation or Stuff Accumulation?

For those of you who need to pack up your bag for the land of abundance, here is a secret:

Focus on creating wealth, not on accumulating stuff. That is the secret of the rich, and the undoing of the broke.

For those who long to get stuff, their pay raises will never create financial freedom. They will only buy nicer and nicer things, and still leave the buyer with "more month at the end of his money."

Instead, put your money to work for you. Buy things that will go up in value, not down. Think of ways to make money passively - while you are busy living life. When your money is making money...then spend the cash you didn't have to work for.

That way your money-making machine will still be in a place to create wealth for you all the time.

That is the beginning of freedom.

Leadership - What are You Reproducing?

Leadership - many people aspire to it, but many fewer will thrive in it. Why is that? Why is it so difficult to find gifted leaders?

Perhaps the biggest reason is that many who want to lead others have failed to master themselves. They want the recognition and compensation that comes from being in charge, but they have not learned that great leadership is never about the leader. Instead, it is about the value one can create for the others on his team. You could call those others the "followers," but only if they are actually following you.

And if they are, then how much more should you develop yourself as a person worth reproducing?

If you are in a place of leadership, please remember this idea: You can teach what you know, but you reproduce what you are.

I have seen some military officers whose hearts seem to thrill at the guidance they can offer to those beneath them. I have seen this same passion in parents, coaches, teachers, bosses, athletes, and some very special ministers. The fruits of their leadership are gratifying indeed.

Obviously, you and I both, have seen other leaders in all of those same roles who did not "get it" at all.

We can't control other leaders today. All we can do is to look at ourselves, and ask, "Am I growing in ways that are worth reproducing?" And "How can I impart strength for growth to somebody else today?" Here's a hint: Lecturing doesn't count.

Let's challenge ourselves to keep our perspective clear, and to focus on things that are lasting. Are great leaders rare? Sure. That's what makes you so valuable!

Are You Rich?

Sometimes my kids comment on certain of their friends who are "really rich." I always chuckle at the things that demontrate wealth to their young minds. It has obviously been a long time since they've gone to a 3rd world country to see how MOST of the world lives.

Instead of comparing ourselves to those who have more "stuff" than us, could we simply take a moment to be grateful? I am reminded that:

If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy. Perhaps only 2% of the worlds population or less, has the luxury of reading any kind of blog at all on their own computer.

Are some of our neighbors rich? Yes. And so are we...so are you, so let's celebrate with gratitude, and let's give with purpose!

Fearless

Do you ever let fear keep you from having fun?

I'll never forget Christmas 2002. The twins were just two years old, and we still called them "the babies." It was one of those magical Christmases in Washington state, where the perfect amount of snow falls for premium after -dinner sledding. Aaaaaaah. We packed up the family...or at least 15 or so of us, and trudged through the snow behind my sister's house to the most incredible sledding hill imaginable.

We all took turns flying down this steep, death-defying slope, screaming, laughing. The "babies" looked on in sheer delight. Then my brother-in-law planted Little Nathan on a saucer and sent him spinning down the hill. I nearly had heart failure.

As he sailed down the hill, he squeeled with joy. At the end, as he pulled himself out of the ride-stopping snow bank, he lept to his feet and shouted, "Dat wuz fun!!!"

Before I could blink, "Baby 'B, '" Matthew was also flying down the hill, on a dangerous little saucer, enjoying the ride of his young life. When he crashed at the end, he also lept up and shouted the exact same phrase. "...fun, fun, fun!!"

I think that was the day they became fearless.

Since then, they have often inspired me with their reckless abandon. They are only seven now, but they are as eager as their older siblings to live life to the fullest.

Very often in life, I get inspired by an idea that I think would bring joy and excitement...and then I think of all of the reasons it won't work. I'm sure that somewhere that is a great quality...but in this house - that is Paul's job. He can come up with problems and solutions without letting them slow him down.

As for me...I am going for it. What is my latest venture? Well, I used to only coach people who somehow heard me speak or heard about me, and came to me. But now, I offer my coaching services to people all the time. Why? Because it brings me great joy to see people thrive!

Yes, I might get rejected. Someone might think I'm pushy, or full of myself, or they might say, "NO THANKS." But even so, I believe they're better off because I helped them think of something new.

I love coaching! What do you love? I just want to encourage you...go after it and enjoy it. Be fearless!

"The one who fears has not been made perfect in love."

Adversity

"Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records."-- William A. Ward

Expect Miracles

Several weeks ago I was on a routine shopping trip at the Base Commissary. I don't go there often, but most of the baggers there know me any way. However, this day, a lady carried my groceries whom I've never seen.

As we walked to my car, I asked her about her children, and she told me some devestating news. Her teenage daughter had been very sick, and they thought she might be pregnant. She shook her head as she piled groceries into my car. "We were very disappointed in her," she said.

She continued telling me that it turned out not to be pregnancy. Instead her daughter was sent to Vanderbuilt for tests and the results had just come back that day.

"It turns out she has ovarian cancer, and there's nothing we can do." She looked at me and wept. "I wish it was pregnancy at this point," she mourned. "I haven't even told her yet." The tears fell down her face.

My heart broke open for her, and then it was filled with a special Love from the Father. Oh, that is my favorite substance in the whole world!

I asked if I could pray for her before I left. She hugged me tight, right in that parking lot, and cried, and received strength as I prayed quietly in her ear. When I looked her in the eye again, she was different, encouraged. I talked with her some more, and promised that I would be back to check on her.

I met my husband moments later. I told him that I just experienced a miracle! I knew that I knew it. I was in Heaven.

When I went back later, I couldn't find her. So I asked a cashier how my new friend was doing.

"Oh, yes." my cashier replied. "I know who you mean. " She shook her head. "They got really lucky. I don't know how, but it turns out that there is no cancer now."

I laughed out loud. "That's great!" I didn't comment about the "luck." I know when our Redeemer has been on the scene.

Do you need a miracle? It's even more fun to give one away. When you find your heart filled with an overwhelming love for someone else, you can trust that a miracle is not far away.

...Love never fails. 1 Cor 13:8

Find a Hiking Buddy

My Dad used to tell me that if I wanted to fly with the eagles, I would not do it by hanging around the turkeys. This was never a criticism of my friends. On the contrary, he always brought up the quote in response to his delight over meeting any of my buddies.

As I re-read my post about hiking up the waterfalls with Paul, it struck me that I would never have done that by myself. On my own, I stick to the comfortable. How about you? Left to your own devices, do you push yourself to your own max?

Today, I encourage you to find a "hiking buddy," who will challenge you on this year's goals. If you don't trust anyone in your life to push you hard enough, than hire a coach. There is no better way to fascilitate change and growth in your own life. Of course I believe in coaching. That's why I am one!

I have coaches and hiking buddies in my own life. One of them has asked me for three days in a row, what I did towards finishing my book this week. She knew I wanted to quit, and without her, I probably would have. Instead, I'm making good progress. We all need hiking buddies like that.

Keep it up. You can always e-mail me if you are interested in a free "jumpstart your success" coaching session.

Yours,

Gina
ginaparris@gmail.com

Proverbs 13:20
He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

Be More Creative Than Your Obstacles

Anytime you set out to accomplish anything, you better be prepared for obstacles.

Paul and I went hiking a few weeks ago, and we met some obstacles. Several huge trees had been knocked down in a recent storm, and they totally blocked the path. Getting past them was not always easy. Eventually, the trail was completely unseen. As we hiked along the river, the path ceased to exist. I kept thinking we should turn back, rather than say...fall into a river in November.

Paul, just shrugged and kept going, "Anyone can turn around and find the easy trail," he said, "I think we can hike up the waterfalls."

Now, I began wondering why I even brought Paul in the first place. I was just going out for a little hike. He did however, have the foresight to actually grab a backpack with bottles of water in it. What a good process engineer! That's right, I usually bring him along for the practical reasons. He pays attention to details.

But this - hiking up the sides of waterfalls, this was evidence of Continuous Improvement run amuck! I was thinking this is what happens to guys who have spent way too much time leading Six Sigma Events. And yet, there I was, following along like a good little wife, wondering when I would fall in. I was thankful that at least the boy has packed on enough muscle in the last decade to carry me in an emergency.

Did I turn back? No way! The beauty of the waterfalls was too alluring. Besides, as I climbed and hiked and slipped around, I kept thinking of my natural tendency to quit things when they get difficult. I kept looking up the river, and I realized that eventually, we would get where we needed to go, if we just kept going, kept climbing. I enjoyed taking the road less traveled.

When we got back to the trail, I realized that only one shoe even got a bit wet. Why had I been afraid?

I also realized that we all carry "OBSTACLES" in our own backpacks. We may look at our lives and wonder what happened to the trail. We may feel like we've lost our footing, our direction, or just our faith in the future. These are just our temporary realities based on the way we are seeing things. "OBSTACLES" is a rock I choose to remove from my backpack.

"TENACITY" will be its replacement, like an apple of gold. I can eat well from the fruit of tenacity.

Of course I will confront uncomfortable situations in my pursuit of excellence. I don't need to carry around a fear of them. They only become obstacles if I choose to let them deter me. With a bit of creativity instead, they become lovely "climbing toys." Overcoming them is child's play!

Climb on my friend. The view is great from up there!

Proverbs 4:18
18But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.

A Brand New Year

Okay, It's a New Year. Just the second day, in fact. I am still working on several projects. But I will make a commitment to blog more often. You may have to read my articles on ezinearticles.com, in order to see the larger postings, but I will try to keep us encouraged here several times a week.

One project for the year is called, "Repack your Backpack." This is one of my life themes, because I believe that everything we experience in our lives is a result of what is in our invisible backpack.

Most of us walk through life self-conscious. We are aware of our weaknesses. We feel the weight of doubt and insecurity. These are like heavy, life-sucking rocks that we carry around with us. They definitely hold us back from fulfilling our God-given destiny.

My goal for this year is for us to lose the baggage, and instead fill our backpacks with "apples of gold." When we are filled with good fruit, we can focus on others instead of ourselves.

We change our mantra to something like this, "I've got something. I'm going somewhere, and THINGS CHANGE WHEN I GET THERE!"


To your success,

Gina

Forgiveness

A few days ago we looked at the promise of living by faith. Anything and everything good and wonderful is possible by faith.

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

You can receive whatever you can believe. But nothing will short-circuit your believing like unforgiveness.

Holding unforgiveness in your heart is like drinking poison and hoping that the other person will suffer.

You may protest, thinking that forgiveness is the same as condoning the wrong actions of another. To forgive another is not to say that he is innocent. It is to release your right to judge him.

Let God be the judge of another, not you. Why? Because you yourself will one day need mercy, not judgement.

We so often judge other people by their actions, while judging ourselves by our intentions. What hypocracy!

For your own sake, follow the Word. Forgive, from your heart. After all, the person who hurt you, was probably doing the best he knew, with what he had.

That's why Jesus was able to say it from the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing."

It's not a feeling. It is a choice.

Bless you!

A Thanksgiving Meal

Thanksgiving was this week. My little family sat around the table thinking of all our favorite Thanksgiving days. Paul and I remembered Thanksgiving of '90, when we left Spokane for Germany. I remember my sister Susan, getting up early to join my parents in seeing us off at the airport.

We had a 24 hour layover in St. Louis, and since it was Thanksgiving day, we felt especially lonely there. We both cried in our strange hotel. Then we got up and went downstairs to the hotel restaurant. There was the most beautiful Thankgiving meal buffet, with linen tablecloths and real china and silverwear on the tables. Amazingly, we felt all better after eating! That was the first time I understood the term "comfort food!"

I also remember Thanksgiving days in different cities, enjoying the holiday with friends that were also away from family members.

I remember one special Thanksgiving meal in Spokane, with my dearest neighbors. Their family was from Pakistan, so my sister and I made them a full Thanksgiving meal at our house. Of course next to that tasty Middle Eastern food, our meal is bland and boring, but our guests were so gracious. They were also dressed in the most beautiful outfits, and I realized after I sat at the table, that I had not even remembered to change my clothes. There I was, eating in my home-maker uniform - sweats! Oh dear...why didn't Paul say something? In fact, I think I'm wearing the exact same sweatshirt, right now as I type this!

What dear friends, and how I miss them. Shaista, if you're out there, I sure wish you lived next door to me now! My prayers are with your precious Mama and your brothers too.

This Thanksgiving was quieter than I would have liked, but I will never get tired of a whole day devoted to an attitude of gratitude. I have so much to appreciate, that sometimes, the blessings leave me overwhelmed with God's goodness.

When I asked my kids what they're all grateful for, Kristan looked at me and cut right to the chase. "You mom. We're all thankful for you!"

That smarty-pants. She just wanted me to laugh...and pass her more turkey. It worked.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gina

The Problem - or the Promiser?

It has been said that struggling people often focus on their problems, while successful people focus on the solutions. I totally believe this. You could also say it this way, "You can either choose to focus on the problem, or on the promise."

A shortcoming of most people, is they are unaware of many promises. They spend little time in the Promise book, where their faith could be built up.

The easiest way I have found to receive a promise is to focus on The Promise-er! I love to read the Word, and sing songs about the Character of my Heavenly Father.

Abraham knew this secret. "By faith Abraham, even though he was past age, and Sarah herself was barren- was enabled to become a father, because he considered Him faithful who had made the promise." *

My very favorite attribute of God is his faithfulness. I was raised by some Pastors who must have said it to me hundreds of times, "God is faithful!"

One time my husband, Paul, was laid off work for 8 months. It turned out to be the most peaceful, precious, supernaturally provided-for time of our lives together. Why? Probably because night and day, my mind was racked with talk and thoughts of how Faith-ful God is. The thought that he might leave us to "go under" was unthinkable. It honestly did not cross my mind. Instead, I was excited to see what He had in mind.

Faithful, faithful, full of faith, unwavering, true...I can just think on that word and get happy! Hanging around a Father like that will naturally fill you with faith of your own. It's not something you strive for. It's just his DNA, manifesting in you, his child.

Then you understand the meaning of this: "Have the faith of God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."*

Whew! We'll talk about forgiveness next time. But for now, understand, having the "God-kind" of faith, is an effortless biproduct of fellowship with the Faithful one.

Today, as always, there may be a few problems, nagging for my attention. But I only have time for the Promise-er. How about you?

Enjoy the journey!

Gina
* See Romans 11:11, *Mark 11:22-25

Your Future is Not Dictated by Your Past

I have friends who are have had a hard life. Does it ever get any better? Yes. It can.

I love Timone and Pumba from the Lion King. They had wise words for poor Simba, whose past included some tradgedy, for sure. Simba's future didn't look very bright.

With a flourishing song and dance, Timone and Pumba encouraged the young lion. "That's why it's important to put your behind in your past!"

What good advice from some animated creatures.

Why do we dwell on the past? The good life is yours right now. If you open your heart to a spirit of gratitude instead of a spirit of dispair, you will find find your future is so bright, that you need sunglasses! How do you create a bright, wonderful future? The same way you create a bright, wonderful present - by giving voice to it.

Your words create your reality. Why? Because they affect the way you believe. Try saying some things right now.

"Right now I am blessed and not cursed."

"Right now I have more than enough!"

"My needs are met and I'm out of debt, and there's plenty today to give some away!"

"Today is the best day of my life."

"My future is brighter than my past!"

Keep it up. Your destiny is in your hands...and in your heart...and in your mouth!

Romans 10:10
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.