Reflections . . .

Let's "Resolve" in 2014!

Once upon a time, I was one of those folks who made "resolutions" every year in an effort to make significant changes in my life. After several years of being obedient to one of this "tradition" I realized that I very seldom ever changed those awful little habits I once had. As I matured and began to determine how life actually worked, I ceased making un-kept promises.
Okay folks, get ready, get ready, get ready for the onslaught of ads for gym memberships, weight loss companies enticing people to "do it their way", nutritionists and homeopathic professionals who have finally decided to get into the change your "lifestyle" game by writing and publishing new cookbooks that "promise" to help you change years of neglect and to adopt new cooking and eating habits.

Google Images

Once deciding to make an adjustment to the way I live life (which occurs often), I select a date to begin making a change, say on my birthday! Which is, by the way, eleven days after January 1st . . . Just in case one is curious. Most of the time, the changes involve not eating certain snacks. Hence, I've convinced myself that crunching on Frito's would make a major difference in my life . . .  I would say, "eating those hard corn chips is relieving stress." Not to mention, chipping away at my teeth! Besides, if corn is good to use as energy, it should be good for my engine too!

To be truthful, I felt a sense of  resolve due to all of the other foods I ingest were indeed very healthy -- locally grown or organic. I also consume supplements daily, exercise, and rested well almost every night and consumed my required daily antioxidants and omegas to balance the ill effects of the corn!

More important, my daily walk worshiping God -- prayer, and laughing a lot (most of the time about silly antics I do) and shedding tears when necessary, playing with babies and puppies, and hugging everyone in my path, I believe I am living a balanced and centered life.

Meanwhile, if you have had the opportunity to get to know me up close and personal, or have spent the time reading my monthly blog, I suppose you have discerned that I consider myself as a leader and not a mere follower of trends or fads . . . And by no means do I consider myself as a "Resolutionist!"  Perhaps reviving, renewing, restoring, reflecting are the adjectives I prefer to consider; I am always working to enhance my life and discovering paths where creativity and opportunity abound!

“That which has been is that which will be, and that 

which has been done is that which will be done. 

So there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9, NASB) 

Exploring life . . . Have you ever wondered what the world and people would be like if folks did not fall prey to every trend and fad presented by the fashion, food and technology industries?  Folks would have more money in their savings accounts and money to invest in our own or in the lives of our children's futures. If only society would pause from time to time and consider what is really happening rather than "following" what someone deems to be "in" and what is "out" each year. Or who may be, in their eyes, the man or woman who has made the most significant impact in the lives of people.

Photo by yours truly . . .

The beauty of God's creations. I listened to a sermon recently offered by a local pastor who highlighted some of the ills experienced in society . . . Needless to say, he did not paint a pretty picture, but his words were a reminder of what "people" have done and continue to do to keep us sinking into an abyss. If we clearly examine the social, ecological, political, financial, and relational realities of our great nation, our world, it is no wonder why folks are returning to "traditional" ways of life.


Traditions  . . . Burlap, paper bags and newspaper are being used as gift wrappers instead of spending additional money to purchase printed wrapping paper folks now refer to it as, "recycling, fair trade, sustainable, vintage." And did you know Burlap is being used all around the home . . . Window coverings! What a novel idea! Artificial Christmas trees became ever so popular in the 1970s and folks are now trampling through the woods to find the tallest evergreens to haul into the home for the "holidays."

 To help us feel better, naturally, we have rediscovered that ingesting natural herbs to maintain a healthy physical system folks are abandoning the use of synthetic drugs -- again. I suppose folks are realizing that the earth and everything that comes from the soil was designed to provide the proper nourishment for our bodies. The same holds true to what traditions and information (or lack thereof) passed down to our youths. Call me "old fashion" if you'd like, but I value the lessons my grandparents and parents passed down to my sister and I . . . I learned how to cook, bake, maintain a warm and inviting home, entertain, design, plan, manage money, work like a mad woman, and most important, open my heart and hands and front door open to allow people to enter as I exude love and respect for all people.

Albeit, as much as I would love that everyone had a similar upbringing as I, I have concluded and accepted that living a healthy and an abundant lifestyle have not been passed down throughout all families, Hence, companies and people in industries are targeting and tapping into vulnerable and unsuspecting minds and spirits encouraging folks to switch from one new gadget and idea to the next.

Progress . . . I am all for it, but most amused when I read articles or listen to folks who believe that they have discovered an "innovative" way to accomplish something new and exciting! In a recent article I read in a meeting planning publication a director of activities shared a "new" way to enliven participants during morning meetings . . . Begin the meeting by "shaking the arm" of the person standing next to them for 15 minutes! Wow! What a great idea!

Okay, is it me? I realize people have been stating this same sentiment for years, whoever took exercise out of the schools needs to apologize. Perhaps if this routine was available to all children folks would not think running, walking, calisthenics is a new concept, instead, they are reminders of healthy habits most of experienced as children. Of course, this "shaking" concept is not new and neither are home economics or learning new crafts at camp or at VBS. 

Tradition vs. Modernism . . .  It is my hope that folks will wake each morning and realize that technology is great for advancement, but that natural wholesome aspects in life are greater.

It may seem as though folks are super busy, but we have time . . . As long as we use it wisely. Let's slow down a bit  . . . Become more sincere, kinder, thoughtful and generous to one another. Lend a hand, sit and listen, laugh and enjoy our loved ones, friends, associates and strangers.

“Family isn't always blood. It's the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for what you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile; and who love you no matter what.”  ― Unknown

In closing . . . Old Lang Syne . . . "Once Upon a Time" . . . "for (the sake of) old times", whether or not we are reaching back in an attempt to undo the harm to the earth or looking forward to create something new to leave for our young people; let us take the time to give thanks to God for all we have and to share our blessings with those who possess less.

God willing . . . I shall reconnect in 2014!  Enjoy life and extend a hand to help others succeed!

Phyllicia
Rev. Phyllicia M. Hatton, M.Div.
Founder, Hannah's Grace, Inc.
www.hannahsgrace.org
connect@hannahsgrace.org

President, Phenomenal Productions LLC
www.phenomenalproductions.com
phyproductions@aol.com  or phyproductions123@gmail.com

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