WHERE IS YOUR FOCUS?

Here's some fun for the day........

TRIVIA:  (Answer below)
What is the world's smallest continent?

BRAIN TEASER: (answer below)
You have 2 normal U.S. coins that add up to 35 cents.   One of the coins is not a 
quarter.   How is this possible?

JOKE:
Q:  What happens when two potatoes get married?
A:   They have tater tots.

QUESTION OF THE DAY:
Why does the Easter bunny carry eggs?   Rabbits don't lay eggs.

COMIC FUN:

TRICIA'S TWEET OF THE DAY:
During difficulties confidently continue to praise God.  Then, wait to see how He makes all things work together for good.

WHERE IS YOUR FOCUS?

I was taking a picture of my dog the other day and it got me thinking about how cameras have changed over the years. 

  (here's the pic.  I call it 'Maddie watching the world go by')

I may have to do an 'evolution of cameras through time' post in the future.   Could be interesting.    It's definitely much easier for a non-camera buff like me to take pictures these days.  I just hold up my phone and 'presto', I can take a pic.   I don't have to worry about film or a flash bulb.   

As I focused in on Maddie (my dog) I was reminded of something I read in a Mark Batterson book called "Primal".    He talked about what he called a 'focusing illusion'.    

In our daily lives, do we focus more on what we have or what we don't have?    It's a good question to ask ourselves. Depending on our answer to that question, we either have more gratitude in our lives or more greed.   It depends on our focus.    

If I was plopped down in the middle of the Mall right now, I could look around and see lots of things I want.  I could easily fall into a greedy perspective.  Similarly  if I was plopped down in the middle of a third world country right now, my perspective would be completely different.   I would be much more aware of how many blessings I have.   I would begin to focus more on my gratitude.  The tricky part for us is keeping that gratitude perspective each day.  It's easy to lose it when we lose our focus.   

Here's a few questions from the book that may help in regards to finding out where your own focus lies.   They're good questions for each of us to ask ourselves on a regular basis. 

FOCUS QUESTIONS:

Are you focused on what you have or what you don't have? (that is the difference between gratitude and greed)

Are you focused on this life or the next?  ( that is the difference between stinginess and generosity)

Are you focused on your wants or other's needs  (that is the difference between selfishness and compassion.   It's also the difference between unhappiness and joy)

I would add another question to the mix.   One I try to be mindful of and keep in check.  

Are you focusing on the positive in your life or the negative?

I know many people are going through some pretty rough stuff and it's difficult to find the positive.   But it is there.  You have to be intentional in making sure you don't lose your focus in that regard.   

There is something you are blessed with in life that you may be taking for granted.   

What are we taking for granted?  It could be health, could be family, or it could be something as simple as being able to get in car and drive across town.   There's plenty of people in the world that can't do that for a variety of reasons.  Maybe they are too sick.  Maybe they are financially unable to do that.    You have blessings.   Be purposeful about identifying them.     


Mark Batterson makes this point in his book:

As your focus changes, your perspective changes.    As your perspective changes, your life will change.    You might find yourself in the same circumstances, but your heart will change.    A change in heart will change your motivations and your expectations.



Your focus determines your reality.


Take a moment today to ask yourself:   Where are you pointing your 'camera'?  In other words.......

Where is your focus?



When you focus on your wants, enough is never enough.   When you focus on eternity, you have everything you need.


Romans 10: 9
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

TRIVIA ANSWER:
Australia

BRAIN TEASER:
You have a dime and a quarter.  ( one of the coins is not a quarter.  The dime is not a quarter)


Until next time..........

5 EVERYDAY SAYINGS THAT COME FROM THE BIBLE (PART 2)

Here's some fun for the day..........

TRIVIA: (Answer at bottom)
What South American city does an 82 foot statue of Jesus overlook?

BRAIN TEASER:
I can run but not walk.  What am I?

JOKE:
Q:  Why does a moon-rock taste better than an Earth-rock?
A:  Because it's a little meteor.  

QUESTION OF THE DAY:
Is there another word for synonym?

COMIC FUN:

TRICIA'S TWEET OF THE DAY:
When others view your life, do they see something different in your speech, actions and choices that would lead them to God?

5 EVERYDAY SAYINGS THAT COME FROM THE BIBLE

1. A WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING

This is a saying that is used to convey when someone is playing a role contrary to their true character.   One with whom contact is dangerous

This can be found in Matthew 7:15

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves."

I've run across people like this before.   Love the verse and the warning.  Pretty cool.

This saying is not to be confused with a 'wolf in grandma's clothing'.   That's Little Red Riding Hood saying.    The sad part of that story is that Red Riding Hood didn't catch on right away.   Sort of lets you in on what a beauty grandma was.


2.   BY THE SKIN OF YOUR TEETH

This saying is used to describe a situation someone barely manages to escape from.   A narrow escape from disaster.

This can be found in Job 19:20

"I am nothing but skin and bones;  I have escaped only by the skin of my teeth"

Interesting to me that Job says this.   There must be an origin even before him.   

Note:   If you have skin on your teeth it's past time to brush.  Grab some Crest for crying out loud.


3.   AT THEIR WITS' END

(picture I took of myself a few mornings ago)

This phrase is used when someone is at the limit of their mental resources.   At a loss of what to do and typically ties in with frustration.

This can be found in Psalms 107:27

"They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits' end."

I don't have a lot of wits about me anymore, but what little I have, I can be at the end of them from time to time.     Ah......to you be young again and at my wits beginning.


4.  A FLY IN THE OINTMENT

(flies are too ugly, so this is ointment sans flies)

This phrase is used when someone or something spoils a situation that could have been successful or pleasant.   



This can be found in Ecclesiastes 10:1

"Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a stench; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and humor."

A fly in your ointment is not to be confused with a fly in your soup.   The latter leads to some jokes:

Customer:  Waiter, there's a fly in my soup
Waiter: Calm down, don't you see there's a spider on your spoon?

Customer:  Waiter, there's a dead fly in my soup.
Waiter:  Yes, I know, it never learned to swim.

Customer:  Waiter, there's a dead fly in my soup.
Waiter:  What about it?  I'm a waiter not a vet.

Customer:  Waiter, there's a frog in my soup.
Waiter:  What can I say, we were all out of flies. 



5.  MY CUP RUNNETH OVER

This phrase means that you have more than enough for your needs.  

This can be found in Psalms 23: 5

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:  thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." 

The 'cup runneth over' verbiage comes from the King James Version of the Bible.  Many of the other versions word it as 'my cup overflows with blessings'.    Something I try to remind myself of everyday, even in the midst of turmoil and problems.   When I start to get a little down or overwhelmed, if I just stop right there and thank God for 5 specific blessings in my life, it's amazing how much better I start to feel.   



TRIVIA ANSWER:
Rio de Janeiro

BRAIN TEASER ANSWER
a nose

I'll end this post with Psalms 23 (The New Living Translation)  I like this translation because it makes me 'see' it better.  I memorized the King James Version, and it's very pretty, but sometimes when I memorize something I begin to lose the meaning.  It is a very comforting passage and good to read in many translations.


The Lord is my Shepherd;
I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
He leads me beside peaceful streams. 
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths, 
bringing honor to His name.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.
Your honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

All I can say to that is Amen.


Until next time............

LETTING GO OF CONTROL

Here's some fun for the day.......

TRIVIA:  (answer below)
What is Hershey’s most popular product?

BRAIN TEASER:
You throw away the outside and cook the inside.  Then you eat the outside and throw away with inside.  What are you eating?

JOKE:
Q:  What do you call a fake noodle?
A:  An Impasta

QUESTION FOR THE DAY:
Whose cruel idea  was it to put an ‘s’ in the word lisp?

COMIC FUN:

TRICIA’S TWEET OF THE DAY
If you are going through a difficult time, expect that God will work things out for your good.

LETTING GO OF CONTROL

I read something recently that was a good example of focusing on what’s important, keeping your eyes on the goal and letting go of control.   It was in a devotional from Bryant Wright.   Here is the story/example he shared.

Walking through freshly fallen snow, a father wanted to teach his son a key lesson in life.  He said “Son, I’m going to walk to that tree fifty feet ahead in a perfectly straight line.   Then I want you to do the same.”

The father walked to the tree.  He turned to look at his son and they both observed the perfectly straight tracks in the snow.  

Not wanting to fail the test, the son looked at his father and began to walk.  He looked down at his steps and veered to the left.   He looked up and corrected his course.  He looked down again.   When he looked down,  he veered to the right and had to correct his course once more by looking up at his father.  Arriving at the tree, his tracks told the story of his mistakes.  

His father explained, “Son, as long as you focused on me, your tracks were straight.   The moment you took your eyes off me, you got off track.   The key is keeping your eyes on the goal.”

And so it is with us and our lives.   The father in the story represents our Heavenly Father.   If we keep our focus on God and stop trying to be in control of our steps, we will walk that straight line and stay on course.  It’s when we think we can handle our situations better than God that we get into trouble.   That ever present problem with needing to be in control of our situations.  Trips us up every time.

A lot of people find comfort in control, or at least they think they do.   In reality, holding onto control just leads to those ‘wobbly footprints in the snow’ so to speak.   Letting go of the control and handing it over to God is actually an incredibly freeing feeling.   

When we are kids, we trust our parents to take care of things for us.   We are not in such a need for control.  We don’t have a problem with relying on someone for our well being.  Something seems to happen with that along the way as we grow up.  We need to keep that childlike reliance with God.   He’s our Father, Creator of all things and He can control all situations better than we can.  

Sometimes it helps for me to mentally picture handing my problems over to God when I feel like I’m trying to rely on myself too much.   I picture the situation in a box in my hands.  Then I raise it up to God and ask Him to take it from me and work it out to His will.  He knows better than me how it should go.   There is a great feeling of release when I push that imaginary box up towards Heaven and He takes it from me.

God created us and He knows what’s best for us way more than we do.    We would not be here without Him, so trust Him.   Think of the footprints in the snow next time you feel overwhelmed.   Keep your head up and walk straight towards the goal.....straight towards God.   Focus on HIm and He will keep your path straight.



Proverbs 3: 5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.   Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.

TRIVIA ANSWER:
Reeses Peanut Butter Cups

BRAIN TEASER:
An ear of corn

Until next time.........

TOP 5 CLASSIC MINI-SERIES

Here's some fun for the day..........

TRIVIA: (answer below)
After the Battle of Iwo Jima, the U.S. occupied Iwo Jima until what year? 


BRAIN TEASER: (what phrase is represented by the following?  Answer at bottom)


9S7A4F8E6T2Y3


QUESTION OF THE DAY:
If man evolved from apes then why do we still have apes?

COMIC FUN:

TRICIA'S TWEET OF THE DAY:
When you seek God first with your whole heart, you will find Him.  He's always there waiting for you.

5 CLASSIC MINI-SERIES

One of the things I miss these days are the classic Mini-Series that used to be a staple on television back in the 70's & 80's.    I loved them.   I know there are still some Mini-Series on now from time to time, but with a bajillion channels now, it's not the same 'event' as it used to be.   

Back in the day when there were just 3 channels, a Mini-Series was quite the event.   There would be commercials for weeks building the anticipation.   I actually watched commercials back then because I watched live TV and couldn't fast forward past them.   It seemed when there was a mini-series on one of the 3 channels, the other 2 channels sort of 'gave up' during that time and put on generic programming.    You know, something like "The Life & Times of the Hermit Crab & Other Terrestrial Species".    When I'd go to school, we'd all be talking about the Mini-Series and it seemed to be a community/National event.    

I thought I'd list at a few of the Mini-Series that I think are classics.     I'll list my 2 favorites first.


1.   LONESOME DOVE  (1989)

I absolutely love this one.   Robert Duvall's acting in Lonesome Dove is just about the best I've ever seen.    He embodied the character of Augustus 'Gus' McCrae.   I don't know if I've ever seen a better character portrayal than Duvall's Gus.   Tommy Lee Jones is also noteworthy as Woodrow F. Call.    The musical soundtrack of this movie is also incredible and definitely enhances the story.    I bought the cassette tape of the soundtrack back in the day, and now it's hi-techy on my iPhone playlist.   I get misty whenever it plays.

This is a great story and a good look at the Old West.   I like it too because the men were manly men.   Tough guys.   That's what I like.  That's why I married me a 'pioneer' type guy myself.     I think it would serve our nation well if we could go back to the Old West type days where men were tough and had gusto.   That seems to be fading.  Too many men are afraid of their women these days and don't know how to hunt and fish and do guy things, but I'll save that for a future post.   Let's mosie along......


2.  NORTH AND SOUTH (1985)

I was a huge fan of "North and South"  (also North and South: Book 2)  I love sagas that follow families through time.   Especially historical events because I like history too.   North and South had all of that combined plus a beautiful theme song composed by Bill Conti.   If that name sounds familiar it's because he also composed the music from the movie "Rocky" as well as the theme music for the television shows "Dynasty" and "Falcon Crest" plus lots more.   The North and South theme music is so majestic and captures the era and is another that gets me misty every time I hear it.   Reminds me of the wonderful story of a great friendship between Orry Main from the South and George Hazard from the North.    

Also, since I'm one to always love a good villain, Philip Casnoff's portrayal of Elkanah Bent was awesome.   The villain you love to hate.   He was so dastardly and that southern accent.....loved it, loved it, loved it.     

Terri Garber was also a great villainess as Ashton.   She gave Vivian Leigh a run for her money.    So when Ashton and Elkanah Bent got together......it was quite the pairing.

My most recent viewing of this mini-series was with friends on the way to New Orleans for the SEC Tourny.   





3.  ROOTS (1977)

"Roots" was an definitely a mini-series that was also an 'event'.    This is the first mini-series I remember that it seemed like everyone was watching and everyone was talking about.    It followed the saga of Kunta Kinta from Africa to America, his family and the subject of slavery.    Even though the Civil Rights movement had been present for some time, "Roots" was such an important television show, that I think it changed the way America thought in regards to race.    It was a raw look into the realities of slavery.   

There were also some amazing character portrayal such as Lou Gossett Jr as Fiddler....

....and Ben Vereen as Chicken George.

The story of "Roots" was based on author Alex Haley's ancestors.   Below is a picture of the 'real' Chicken George next to Ben Vereen playing the character.

4.  THE THORNBIRDS  (1983)

I was in college when this mini-series aired and it was quite the event amongst all the college girls.   It was another family saga.   Now that I think about it, I guess most mini-series follow a family through history.     The romance and passion of the movie was between the characters Meggie Cleary and Ralph de Bricassart (played by Rachel Ward and Richard Chamberlain), however, a real life relationship developed between Rachel Ward and her costar Bryan Brown.   They married soon afterwards and are still married today.    If you know anything about Richard Chamberlain you know that Rachel wasn't his type so to speak.

The Thornbirds story was based in Australia.   It became the 2nd rated mini-series of all time behind Roots.     



5.  THE WINDS OF WAR (1983)

I didn't see this one when it first came out.   Not sure what's up with that since I didn't miss many of them and this was a big one.   Maybe I was on vacation or something.   I did recently watch it with some friends on the way to the Final Four Tournament in Houston.    It was great entertainment and made the long drive fly by.   I felt like I knew Victor 'Pug' Henry so well by the time the trip was over.   Robert Mitchum did a great job and basically was playing Robert Mitchum.   Kind of like how John Wayne always played John Wayne in his movies.   Just being themselves.   Ali MacGraw on the other hand......uggghhh.   That was just about the worst acting I'd seen in a long time.   It was painful when she was on screen.   I think my pillow would be a better actor.    She was replaced by Jane Seymour in the sequel.   I haven't watched it yet, but have it.   I guess I need another road trip to a basketball tourny.  (make it happen UK)

The Winds of War was a family saga (ok, I'm seeing they are all now) that took place in WWII.   I love that era, so I was extra intrigued.    I'd love to have those 40's fashions now and to put on my dress and gloves to go to the grocery.    

Those are the 5 that I see as being the top 5 classic.    Here's a few more classics along with some newbies.

SHOGUN (1980)

JESUS OF NAZARETH (1977)

THE HATFIELDS AND MCCOYS (2012)

THE BIBLE (2013)

TRIVIA ANSWER:

1968

BRAIN TEASER:
'There's safety in numbers'

Until next time..........

MEANINGS BEHIND SAYINGS (Part 3)

Here's some fun for the day...........

TRIVIA:  (Answer below)
Which U.S. President appears on the far left of Mount Rushmore?

BRAIN TEASER:
Imagine you're swimming in the ocean and a bunch of hungry sharks surround you.   How do you get out alive?

JOKE:
Q:  Why did the lady go outdoors with her purse open?
A:  Because she expected some change in the weather.

QUESTION FOR THE DAY:
Why do we put suits in a garment bag and put garments in a suitcase?


COMIC FUN:

TRICIA'S TWEET OF THE DAY:
Trust God to help you turn setbacks into comebacks.

MEANINGS BEHINDS SAYINGS

The phrase: 
GREEN-EYED MONSTER

Jealousy has often been referred to as the 'green-eyed monster'.    The origin of this saying goes back to William Shakespeare.   Theatergoers probably didn't realize what a good thing they had when the plays of Shakespeare first hit the stage.   But I'm sure it didn't take long for them to realize that he talked and wrote like no one before or since.

While trying to come up with a vivid description for jealousy, the Bard of Avon ( as Shakespeare was often referred to as) remembered that many cats have green eyes.  He appeared to consider cats to be cruel and vindictive.

Therefore, in Othello (Act III), he called jealousy the green-eyed monster - comparing it with a cat that to a human appears to play with the bird or mole it has captured and is about to eat.

So what happens if you're feeling green or looking green?   If this is after a burrito covered in bacon and cheese that you eat while riding a roller coaster it's usually not a sign of jealousy.  But....you may want to find the nearest bathroom or trash can.


The phrase:

LET ONE'S HAIR DOWN

For decades, Paris has been the fashion center of the western world.  Customs and sayings that originate there often become more firmly-rooted in England and America than France.

Noted entertainers and wives of wealthy nobleman have long vied with each other in creating new and elaborate hair styles.  It was once considered a serious breach of etiquette to appear in public without a coiffeur that required hours of work.   Only in intimacy of private quarters would a noble woman of the Napoleonic era relax by letting her hair down.

Moves towards pulling out pins and unbinding tresses came to be associated with relaxation.  So any time inhibitions are discarded these days, we say someone 'let their hair down'

This phrase is not to be confused with 'let one's hare down'.   That's what you do if your pet rabbit gets caught on top of your book shelf and he's eating your first edition of Charles Dicken's Barnaby Rudge.   Hop to it friend and get that hare outta there.


The phrase:

READ THE RIOT ACT

Many a frustrated parent or employer has been know to 'read the riot act'.    This in spite of the fact that a solitary culprit rather than a mob of rioters may be the target of the wrath.

King George I of England had to deal with a house full of some cantankerous kids.   His real troubles though, were his subjects.   They created so much commotion that in 1716 he issued a proclamation.  Any time twelve or more persons engaged in a demonstration, officers of the law were required to read a specified portion of the act and sent the rioters home.   In the early decades of the Georgian era, voices were lowered and fists were unclenched fast whenever the riot act was read.  

This is not to be confused with 'reading the Hyatt act"   That's a manual for a select group of hotel employees which gives them information on how to deal with guests that want extra washcloths.


The phrase:


GET ONE'S GOAT

A family member or fellow worker who has learned what button to push may get your goat at the drop of a hat.  (we'll look at the 'drop of hat' sometime in the future).  

Stable attendants were long convinced that the best way to soothe a high-strung racehorse was to give the animal a little companion.   Not just any companion, but a goat.

Once the horse became accustomed to the presence of the goat, it created an equine crisis to remove the stable mate.    That's why the tradition has continued that a person who makes you angry or frustrated has laid hands on your personal goat. 

This is not the same as getting one's boat.   Especially if we're talking about  the bbbboooat that can't stay aaaafffllllooat on the Island of Misfit Toys from "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer".    If someone gets that boat, make sure they also pick up the cowboy that rides and ostrich and the spotted elephant.   They're all misfits and just want a place to call home.


TRIVIA ANSWER:
George Washington

BRAIN TEASER:
Stop imagining 

Until next time.........