Category: Personal Development

Labor Day

So, how has your holiday weekend been? As we mark the end of the potential summer vacations, I hope you’ve had the chance to relax a bit.

I’ve used my time to catch up on some yard work and a bit of housecleaning. As the rains have come and gone, I’ve had to alternate between being in the yard and being inside, but so far, quite a bit is being accomplished on both fronts.

Last night, I started reading a new book entitled Linchpin, written by Seth Godin. It’s been sitting around unread for quite some time, and it was unearthed in the housecleaning. It’s ironic that I should crack this book open on a long weekend which, according to the US Department of Labor, is “dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers”. Why the irony?

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Developing Routines

Over the last six months, I haven’t been maintaining my eating and exercising routines that have helped me rectify some health issues. My weight has been creeping up, along with my blood sugar numbers.

This hasn’t happened all at once, but slowly, over time. I don’t know about you, but it’s easier not to think about it if changes happen over weeks and months versus hours and days.

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Changes

I hope your weekend was a good as mine. I got a lot done, visited with friends, went to a crab feast, and enjoyed the much cooler weather that has come our way.

Yesterday, I had the chance to sit out on my patio for quite a while and catch up on my reading. It was great to be able to sit in my backyard for more than thirty minutes before being forced back into the air-conditioned coolness of the house. Can you feel the beginnings of fall? I can sense the changes coming, and I’m of the opinion that they’re good changes.

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Its Never Too Late

There’s a popular Christian song that’s getting a lot of airtime right now. By Toby Mac, the title is “Get Back Up” and, although it’s not what I would call easy listening, it’s very catchy and I think most people would like it. The YouTube video is below for anyone who wants a look. But the beat of the song is not important. It’s the lyrics of the refrain that resonated with me, and I’m hoping it will be the same for you.

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Moving Forward

Well, I am finally recovered from my three weeks of intensive doctoral studies at Catholic University.

I’ve had three or four days to reflect upon the many experiences, and to say it was a powerful time for me would be an understatement.

There is much fodder for this blog, so trust that you’ll be reading about my adventures over the next several weeks. Suffice it to say that my studies have given me a fresh outlook on a lot of things.

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Memorial Day

I don’t know about you, but I’ve spent all weekend trying to catch up. Catch up on yard work. Catch up on rest. Catch up with friends and family. Catch up on reading. Catch up on work.

So often, we use these long weekends to re-group, get back on track, and relax a bit before we have to start all over again. Today being Memorial Day, I think we need to pause and remember why this day came about, and not take it for just another day off.

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Don’t Just Be A Hearer

I’m in my second week of doctoral classes at Catholic University of America. Actually, if you throw in the on-line component (six weeks), I’m more than half way through the semester. Thanks be to God 🙂

One of the real joys of being on campus is that I can visit the National Shrine, which sits on campus. One of the largest Catholic churches in our hemisphere, the Shrine is a remarkable place.

Earlier this week, I walked by one of the side entrances, and looking up, I read this passage from James (1:22), which is above the doorway. I hope you can make out the words in the photo, but if not, they read: “Be doers of the Word and not hearers only.”

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Garden Rest

On Friday, I dragged myself home from my first week at Catholic University. Let me just say they don’t mess around there. Doctoral studies are hard, much more than I anticipated.

That being said, it’s also a joy to be back in a great learning environment. There’s a lot to do, and a lot to learn. Somehow, I have to put it all together, but I think I’ll pull it off.

When I got home last night, I was too tired to work in my garden. But this morning, I was out there bright an early.

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Pausing

“Within you there is a stillness and sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.”

Herman Hess, Siddhartha

A few days ago, I woke up in the middle of the night thinking about someone. Generally when this happens, I feel like I’m supposed to take a couple of minutes and pray for them, and that’s just what I did before dozing off again.

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The Importance of Listening

Post author By seedthrower1
Post date 04/16/2012
No Comments on The Importance of Listening

As you may recall, I’m in the midst of my first semester of doctoral studies.

To say that I’m a bit overwhelmed would be an understatement, but at the same time I’m having fun and learning a lot.

One course is a practical one, and my fellow students and I are discovering the fine art of listening.