Our Words for 2009 in Song

This is very much becoming my favorite part of the month here in 2009, the time when my friends from across the world come together for this year long project...to celebrate each month in some way how we have acted on our Word chosen for 2009.

You might remember Miruspeg, Annemarie, Roban, Octamom and I posted an acrostic in January. See this post if you missed it!

This month we have chosen to create lyrics about our word to a song. If you chose a song in 2009 you might just give it a try.

I have included the songs on my playlist if you want to sing along!

Miruspeg of "Middle Age Ramblings" wrote lyrics to the song "Where is the Love" by the Black Eyed Peas.

"Where is the Balance"

Listen to what your body and feelings are telling you
Like most things in life,
It takes practice and experimentation.
We need to make adjustments,
As we go along.
We need to stop and reflect,
To see which parts of our life,
Are out of Balance.
Then take the steps,
To put them back in Balance.
So remember to stop and ask yourself,
Where is the Balance.....
Where is the Balance.....
Where is the Balance......

Annamarie from "So I was Just Thinking" wrote lyrics to the song "A Few of My Favorite Things"

"A Few of My Discipline Needs"

Disciplined living – for this I am searching
“Fly by the seat of my pants” isn’t working
Making a list of the things I must do
This just might help locate my left shoe

Grading my papers as soon as I get them
Clearing my desk off so I won’t forget them.
Grocery shopping for healthier things
These are of few of my Discipline Needs

When I’m tired
I don’t want to
pack a lunch for sure
But when I remember my Discipline needs
A healthy lunch is ... in store!!!

Roban from "Moments in Time" wrote lyrics to the song "Edelweiss" the Rodgers and Hammerstein hit from The Sound of Music.

"Faith and Joy"

Faith and joy,
faith and joy
These two words will sustain me
Through the year, far and near
Faith and joy will be mine.

Faith that God will see me through
With joyful days His voice rings true.
aith and joy,
faith and joy
Are blessings for me to gather.

Octamom wrote these lyrics and here is a most creative way to present it!



Excellence Song from Octamom on Vimeo.

As for me, you know from reading my last post about my month. February has been a month of abundance in all of its many faces. I wrote lyrics to the song "A Wonderful World", one of my favorites.

“An Abundant World”

I hear songs of love….devotion too
I sing along…a few notes for you
And I think to myself….what an abundant world.

I whisper prayers…for friends in need
Some who are joyful…some really grieve.
And I think to myself….what an abundant world

The words of a loved one….so dear to my ear
Are just what I needed…..to take away my fear
I hear people sharing…and it’s more than a few.
They’re really sayin’…I love you.

I see my children….I’ve watched them grow
They work and play…independence they show
And I think to myself…what an abundant world

A Wonderful World was written b y George David Weiss and Bob Thiele
Louis Armstrong recorded the song in 1968.

My abundance theme for March is "Laughing Out Loud", a treasure for sure after the events in February. It is surely a reminder that we need to use laughter to express joy, to release stress and to "practice" abundance. Stay tuned for a bit of laughter coming from this blog.

Abundance is...the kind words from friend after an absence. Thanks!

I'm Still Here!

I have not left the country,
I have not been kidnapped and forced to cook for the mob
I have not had my computer stolen or my fingers bound in duct tape.

I am still here living my life with abundance.

Of course, when a life is well lived there are those times when transitions are experienced and I have had one of those months. Some sad, some joyful.

I have gained a new doctor.
I have lost my pain from fibromyalgia with a new medication.

I have gained a new Yoga class.
I have lost some inches.

I have gained a new work project.
I have lost some blog time.

I have gained new sleep meditations for my ipod.
I have lost the need to count sheep.

I have gained a new appreciation for a woman of faith, loved by so many.
I have lost a 44 year old cousin's spouse through sudden and unexpected death.

I have gained insight into the process of dying.
I have lost an uncle to cancer.

I have gained a career minded daughter moving back home for a while.
I have lost 2 of my precious tax deductions to adulthood.

Yes, in the ups and downs of life I am still here....expecting abundant joy every day and
finding it!!!

Cheers!!!

We Can Choose to Prevail

I have had many discussions in the last few weeks about the dire condition of the economy. I cannot watch the news or turn on my radio without a critic with some level of expertise sharing their opinion of the economy, the stimulus package, the state of unemployment or housing. It seems that the louder and more negative you are the longer the interview and the more face time you get on the air.

Now I acknowledge the enormity of the situation, and I pray for those who are hurting. I am glad that we have leaders from both sides to work out a plan to correct the vast number of systems that appear broken but I have another view to consider. One of course from a perspective of abundance. It seems we jump to quickly to "it won't work", " we can't", "it's worse". We do it in our own homes when things begin to fall apart and it seems our country is going down that same rabbit trail.

I heard an interview this week on NPR that was not about the economy but was an interview with author Amy Dickinson who has a new memoir published this month titled "The Mighty Queens of Freeville". In this interview she made one small comment about the state of our union and that is we are lacking a spirit of prevailing.

I immediately began to think about how this concept of prevailing contributes to abundance. That when times are tough we might want to consider not just enduring... to me that means we "stand still", do nothing and maybe complain or live in fear, but add in the element of "prevail" and you have so much more. Prevail means to "overcome". Prevail and overcome may at first glance appear to be the end result to one's problem but I see "Prevail" as the process with which we get through. The word "Prevail" is proactive and leans more toward a thought that we have a chance, that we will move toward a solution, and that working together we can like a plant growing through the crack of a sidewalk prevail. We simply need to do more to encourage each other, and speak encouragingly of the efforts of others to help us prevail.

A thought for our family issues, a lesson for our children involved in competition, and maybe... just maybe a thought for our country in need.

Abundance is...an attitude that we can prevail.

The photos came from Flickr.com. Sited under the heading "Prevail". The crack in the sidewalk is from Mikepordenaluk and the bus sign is from Worldofoddy.

A special blessing today for the "Macs" family in the loss of their two year old Cora Paige. She in a matter of only 2 weeks became ill and lost the fight.

Express Devotion

I set a goal for 2009, to focus on abundance. Not for my blog, not to inspire others but for me. For each month of this year I have aspired to focus on aspects of life that I feel define abundance in my life. It is the beginning of February and very appropriately I have chosen to focus on the act of expressing devotion.

I so enjoy reading what others have written about ways they express devotion every day.

I admire the devotion of soldiers to their country, of spouses of soldiers who wait and create a loving home while their soldier's are deployed.

I admire those who speak of devotion to their children, who show them every day by guiding them, playing with them, reading to them and teaching them the lessons of this world. Those who envision a bright future for their children.

I admire those who are devoted to caring for their ailing parents and siblings, those who provide emotional support to friends and family who struggle financially or experience treatment for cancer.

I admire those who speak of devotion to their faith, who are unafraid to express this devotion by living their faith and doing for others. Those who pray daily for those many who ask.

I admire those who on a daily basis express outwardly, devotion to the ones they love. Those that they have chosen to share life with. That special kind of love for others whether a spouse or a best friend creates such an abundance of joy.

I will spend February expressing devotion in all of these special ways. It is through this expression that I feel my own life will be more abundant. I have created a special play list of some of my favorite songs of devotion. Some will make you smile because they are from the memories of a loving past. Many may be a favorite of yours.

I wish for you, that you have loved ones who express devotion to you.

Abundance is....choosing my devotions wisely.

Reflecting On Our WORDS

It is already here, Day 31 of this new year. Thirty One days ago I chose a WORD. A simple WORD that would be the focus of my days in 2009. The question for me was, how will a WORD impact the way I am living. How will this one WORD teach me, challenge me, make me want to be a better person.

My WORD is Abundance. No surprise there, and I have posted about my Abundance Quest.

Well, here at Day 31 I am pleased to say that I have four other amazing women friends who have all chosen a WORD for 2009. We have planned a little project to support each other throughout the year. This is the last day of the month and we are posting together about our WORD.

We are each choosing our own format but have collectively written an acrostic for our WORD. We hope this inspires you to reflect on the WORD you have chosen, or choose a WORD and join us...it's not to late.

Miruspeg from Middle Age Ramblings chose BALANCE.

Believe in yourself.
Allow the positive energy to flow your way.
Look, learn, laugh and Love.
Always allow for a few stumbles along the way.
Never give up or stop trying.
Climb that mountain, till you reach the top.
Enjoy the journey.

Roban from Moments In Time chose FAITH AND JOY.

Freedom to enjoy life's precious moments.
Acceptance of God's plans.
Imagining the possibilities.
Trusting that my life is in God's capable and loving hands.
Humbling myself as I relinquish control.

Joy is…celebrating
Joyful
mOments
everY day!

Octamom chose EXCELLENCE.

Energetically
eXacting
unCommon
rEsults
Leaning
whoLly
dEpendant
oN a
peaCeful
rEdeemer

McMGrad89 from So I Was Just Thinking chose DISCIPLINE.

Develop better habits of daily living.
Inform friends of my plans. They will keep you accountable.
Sleep at least 7 hours a week night.
Cook 5 days a week.
Impossible will no longer be a part of my vocabulary.
Plan weekly meals.
Leave the house on time to relieve stress.
Inactivity will not be tolerated.
New sneakers will be purchased immediately!
Exercise at least three days a week.

January was "Sing a New Song" and I learned that music will heal your soul, finishing an old project is gratifying, and learning a new skill WILL create abundance.

Atone for your hurtfulness.
Bid farewell to judgment.
Utilize your mind.
Notice your surroundings.
Draw on support from friends.
Acknowledge the gifts of others.
Nullify negativity.
Create moments of meaning.
Embrace the little things.

Mr. Linky was unable to make it today but I would love to know if you choose to post an acrostic of your WORD. I would love it if you would lead me to your post so that I can share in your word focus as well. The last day of every month we will post a new "Reflecting On Our Words"...stay tuned, seek inspiration, and above all live each day Abundantly.

If you want to know more about choosing a word go to where we all became inspired..Caroline at The Zen In You will show you the way!

Abundance is....using WORDS to guide us.

Kimberly's Magical Yellow Shoes

I read a post that made my day! As you know I have had a little break this week from posting. I spent some time online tonight and I cannot wait to share with you a little jewel of a post that will make you smile. I have heard a lot of bad news this week....the economy...the stock market ...banker's bonuses...the housing market. Turn on your TV and your radio and you will hear it...bad news. Well, it's not all bad, you just have to know where to look and blogging with your friends will help!


Whatever your WORD that you have chosen for yourself this year...should it be about Abundance, Balance, Excellence, Devotion, Joy, Deserving, Faith, Gratitude or any other wonderful word that will impact your life in this year... I read about another word today that made me smile...YELLOW SHOES...YES...YELLOW SHOES!!


Curious yet? Well, my friend Kimberly at Take a Nothing Day, Make It All Worthwhile is a classroom teacher who posts about all of the funny and frustrating experiences teaching little ones. If you have children in school or read about our education system and wonder if there are
teachers as amazing as the ones you use to look up to, I can assure you there are, and Kimberly is one of them. She had a Yellow Shoe Day, and you must go to her blog to read about it and get inspired.

And, if you don't have a pair of yellow shoes...you will want to buy some as soon as possible! :)


Tell her I sent you and give her your praises of encouragement as she works everyday to impact those little lives, and then come back and share with me how she has changed how you look at today!


This Yellow Shoe picture found on Flickr at You Can Count On Me

Abundance is...A Yellow Shoe Day!

New Meaning to "Let's Take a Spin!!"

Wow! It has been a week since I have posted...I really had no idea. Here is why...Oklahoma has had its first ice storm of the winter. Not your pretty fluffy stuff that snow days are made of but the icy, sleet that coats the roadways. Since my last post we heard about the pending storm and had been waiting for it. On Monday, the morning went as usual and then the sleet began. I left work early at the advice of family and friends. The short commute ended up taking several hours and not without a few "exciting" spins on the highway. My car was not touched but I think I might have had an extreme grip on the steering wheel because I have been really sore for a few days. While having my snow day I finished my daughter's quilt and started my little knitting project. I have enjoyed some tennis from the Australian Open and our Oklahoma University Sooners Basketball. I was a little gun shy this morning when I headed out for work on the refrozen highway. All went well. Looks like we have blown the ice and snow toward the east so to all of my more Eastern blog friend be careful out there!!!