While some in the current generation are rushing in droves to see the latest movie in the Twilight series, “Breaking Dawn” and others are contemplating their next move after college given the grim economy, another trend is emerging. Over 20% of students currently enrolled in seminary schools across the nation are over the age of 50. And, this trend is growing!

According to the United States Census Bureau, a baby boomer is someone born during the “birth boom” between 1946 and 1964 after post World War II. This generation was not alive during the war, but grew up in the period that was marked by rebuilding, both socially and financially. Baby boomers were growing up in a time of significant and historic social change. Part of this change included their views on religion and spirituality.

In a recent story featured on CNN, a few baby boomers, who have enjoyed successful careers in law and politics for example, shared their reasoning for embarking on such a different and much more spiritual profession. They noted that this is a time when they can truly devote time and attention to a path that they always wanted to pursue. Since these baby boomers are oftentimes more stable and more financially comfortable than their younger seminary school counterparts, they are under much less stress to make ends meet while fulfilling a spiritual calling. Most noted that there is also a GREAT need to help others now more than ever in the world. There is too much work to be done to retire! And many more spiritual leaders (pastors, reverends, etc.) are required to do it.

This trend will also enable struggling churches, who are in need of qualified leadership, but may not be able to provide a large salary. They can now obtain much needed help from these financially comfortable and newly educated pastors, priests, and reverends. Churches can then grow more readily and for these spiritual leaders, they can enjoy a new meaning and deeper fulfillment in their new profession that may have been missing in the previous careers.

Until next time…

Blessings!

Traci
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In an enlightening article by Janis Whitlock, MPH, PHD called “Why teens addict: The elusive search for happiness” , she details the effects of this quest for happiness and the roads that lead to teen addiction. However, the “good news” is that practices such as meditation has been shown, through scientific research, to help in turn this cycle of teen addiction around, battle their unhappiness, AND put them on the road to being much happier.

I encourage you to read this article (see link above) as this may be just the thing to help an unhappy teenager in your life.

Until next time…

Blessings!

Traci
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Midweek Motivational Wednesday February 9, 2011

“ Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” ~Confucius

I believe that we all complete a full circle in life. When we are young, we laugh easily, play easily, and life is simple and sublime. Then, we enter our teen years, and for most of the many years that follow, we fret, toil, and complicate many areas of our lives. We laugh less, play less, and struggle to “get ahead”. But, if you ever are privileged enough to spend time with those over the age of 70, many are emotionally and mentally back to the way of life they experienced in their youth. They laugh. They cherish and share their memories with those who are open to listen. They find pleasure in the simple things and are abundantly grateful for each day that their eyes spring open. Nothing else, after these things, is really of major importance to them. When we are young and when we are old….we live life simply and happily. We find fulfillment in the things that we often ignore between adolescence and the latter part of middle age. So, how can we recapture that simplistic mindset for life in order to avoid the stress, mental anguish, and struggle we so often find ourselves in? It goes back to a very simple concept: K.I.S.S.

True, the word “kiss” often invokes sweet thoughts and maybe a few blushes! But I am referring to a mindset that can help you (and me) deal with life’s curveballs much more effectively. “Keep It Smart and Simple” (I know, most of you thought I was going to say “Keep It Simple Stupid”!) And what do I mean by living a “smart and simple” life? The following ingredients and habits will help us achieve just that:

Prayer (knowing what we want and being bold enough to ask for it)
I am not suggesting that you spend years on end asking for a Porsche or $20,000,000. But, you could ask for the wisdom and ideas that just may help you to get that dream car or the dream windfall of money! Taking time to talk to our Higher Source will not only relieve stress, but will also open up the mental doors of creativity and increased energy. Then, ways to accomplish our goals that we may not have thought of on our own can spring forth. I suggest making simple prayer a major component in your smart and simple life plan.

Visualizing (seeing what your end goal is clearly and easily)
Any successful person will tell you, that you must first SEE the goal and see it as already being yours BEFORE you can actually obtain it. It has to be very real in your head BEFORE it can be real around you. Just imagine if we ALL employed seeing things we want or desire (as long as they are for good…not harm) everyday without fail?! Our lives around us would be more blessed, more happy, and, again, much more simple.

Focused work (working consistently and happily towards our vision)
Noticed I did not say “hard work”. Sure, any goal we want requires dedication, time, and effort. But it does not have to be hard. If we are really working towards our true desires and goals, the work may be long and steady, but we will find enjoyment in it at the same time. And, no matter how much prayer and visualization you do, you still have to put in the time and energy to bring it into reality. No short cuts!

Helping Others (blessings flow back to those who actively bless)
It is amazing how when we take our minds off of our own mess, that we often find a way out or a solution to the mess. This is not a coincidence. When we put our minds to addressing the needs of others, we are “rewarded” with our own desires and issues being addressed as well. This is a universal law of giving and receiving. We just have to tap into it.

Prayer…Again (being and acting thankful)
Now, we just have to start the habit of being thankful everyday. We can find, if we try, many things to be thankful about. AND, we must be thankful for our goals and desires even before they are actually in our lives. This will ensure that they that will indeed show up!

Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

Let’s all be “childlike” and embrace a simpler and smarter lifestyle. We will influence the generations after us to be less materialistic, less stressed, and gain more wisdom along the way.

Blessings!

Traci
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Midweek Motivational Wednesday February 2, 2011

”Man’s mind stretched to a new idea never goes back to its original dimensions.” ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.

While some may argue with me on this, I do believe that the recession and the current social climate has forced most Americans to do something that many had long ago abandoned – focus on their personal dreams more seriously. Why do I believe this? Well, the so-called safety blanket of a 20 or 30 year job in one company is almost an ancient concept. Teens and young adults are exercising their creativity much more aggressively since the guarantee of a nice, cushy, corporate job awaiting them after they walk across the graduation stage is something they can no longer bank on. And, the dwindling social security fund has inspired folks near or at retirement age to go into a “not really retired” mode as they embark on side jobs and/or businesses to have some financial security. In other words, there is a significant shift in thinking that young and old are embracing. They are beginning to truly think outside of the proverbial “box” to CREATE their future rather than just go along with whatever comes their way. But what about those who have not embraced this way of thinking?

Personally, I think there are 4 main reasons why someone, especially in these tough financial and emotional times, would NOT embrace abandoning old (inside the box) ideas, routines, and paths to success and try some new things instead:

Pressure of Expectation, Lack of Self-Confidence, Lack of Knowledge, and Fear.

Pressure of Expectation:
So what if your dad worked for ABC Corporation for 30 years and retired with a great pension package? Who cares that your mom, dad, uncle, Cousin Joe, etc. were all successful lawyers and now you feel less successful because you truly want to be zoologist! The notion of landing a job and staying there longer than 10 years, nowadays, is a feat in and of itself. I am not saying to abandon that dream if that is, indeed, YOUR dream. Just make sure you truly want to do it and that it is not fueled by family pressure or expectation. Take inventory of your talents – not the talents of friends and family – when deciding on your path. And keep in mind that there always, always, always, has to be a FIRST! You could become the trailblazer in your family or circle of friends and inspire others not to feel the weight of expectation, but to find the thing that will benefit themselves and others. You could be the FIRST to start a new “path” for others to follow.

Lack of Self Confidence:
If you believe you will fail, you will. But if you believe you will succeed…guess what…you will! This is why it is so important to instill confidence and a sense of possibility in children and teens. If not, they grow into adults who constantly have to wage war against the demon called lack of self-confidence. This demon hinders creative thought and causes many to put up with their status quo instead of believing in their worth and abilities. Do not give in to the false notion that you are limited or you can not have the life you really want. Sure, there will be obstacles along the way, but those who are confident will find ways (there is that “thinking and outside of the box” notion again) to get on the other side.

Lack of Knowledge:
The scripture, Hosea 4:6, states: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you, that you shall be no priest to me: seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.” In whatever you set out to do, you must be armed with proper knowledge, research, and understanding. Thinking and living in a way that is innovative and true to your personality and passions does not mean that you forgo planning and sound decision making. It just means that you are applying your knowledge to things that line up with your true purpose in life.

Fear:
Why does it seem that no matter how much we may want to do something or step out on faith that fear always seeps in to derail us? Because, most of the time (and I speak from personal experience on this one), we fail to do the above – we reluctantly give in to pressure or tradition, we doubt ourselves, and we do not get the needed information and understanding. So, to conquer fear, we first have to master the above. Then, coupled with prayer and hard work, we can defeat fear and move into our true path and destiny.

Until next time…

Blessings!

Traci
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The Power of Transparency Part II

Midweek Motivational Wednesday January 26, 2011

“ By giving people the power to share, we’re making the world more transparent.” ~ Mark Zuckerberg, founder and creator of Facebook

Some of us may remember these three words from our childhood: “Sharing is Caring”. Such a basic and simple concept! But, something happens to most of us from those innocent and hopeful childhood years when we easily and freely embraced these words to the time we are fully entrenched in adulthood. Fear, anger, distrust, disappointment, selfishness, unforgiveness, and jealously are just a few of the things we either develop personally or experience from others…or both. We move further and further away from those simple, yet profound words we heard as kids. And, as a result, we hurt ourselves and others in the process as we close off ourselves mentally and sometimes, emotionally.

So what are some specific reasons why people are just so doggone afraid to share themselves and be transparent? This is a short list to ponder:

“I may be rejected”: Well, this could prove true. You MAY be rejected. But, that is not what is important. It is not about YOU. Exposing ourselves and sharing is what gives us power whether the other person accepts this gift or not. Instead of focusing on the possible rejection, focus on the fact that your life experiences and viewpoints are needed by someone. If one person brushes it off, then know that he or she was not ready to receive your gift and move on.

“I may be viewed as imperfect and I will feel ashamed”: Well, I have some news for you here….you ARE imperfect and we have ALL done things we feel shame about. So rest assured that you are not alone in this regard! People respond best to someone they feel can relate to them and they can relate to. Being so-called “perfect” is not only impossible (we are human, thus we are sinful by nature. And that is not perfect!), but it puts up an unspoken barrier between you and someone who may benefit from your life experiences. God himself was very transparent; He did not hide nor was He ashamed. And, He does not hold our past against us: Isaiah 43:25 – “I, I am HE who blots out your transgressions (sins, past mistakes) for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” Instead of dwelling on the imperfection…promote the journey you traveled and the lessons you learned. Then, the sting of shame may be less important to you.

“I really don’t have much to say or share”: This is probably one of the main stumbling blocks to transparency. Somehow, most people have it in their heads that they must discover the next planet in the solar system or create a cure for the common cold in order to have something worthwhile to share. What’s even sadder is when this attitude is seen in young people. Guess what? Most of us have never walked on the moon or sailed around the world! But, we have lived, struggled, and learned some things along the way. That is all that is needed. Nothing supernatural or extraordinary…just the everyday things we all experience may lead you to someone who is also struggling with those same everyday problems and needs a helping hand. In short, we ALL have something of value to share with someone else.

In the end, the key is to be “real”. Whoever you are and whatever you have to share – your thoughts, actions, experiences – can only make a real difference in the world if you are willing to open up and allow others to see.

And if our purpose is to be more like HIM in our lives, then transparency is really not a choice…it is a necessity.

Until next time…

Blessings!

Traci
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The Power of Transparency Part I

Midweek Motivational Wednesday January 19, 2011

“The crafty person is always in danger; and when they think they walk in the dark, all their pretenses are transparent.” ~ John Tillotson

The summer of 2001 was a summer of personal enlightenment for me. I was living in Austin, TX at the time and I was adjusting to a few new things in my life — living away from my native east coast, working with a new and demanding client, and meeting all sorts of new people. I had recently joined a local church and it was unlike any church I had ever attended. I was used to more structure; this church was pretty unstructured; I was used to wearing my “Sunday Best” when I went to church; folks here ranged Sunday Best attire to shorts and flip flops. I was torn between liking the free spirited nature of this church and feeling out of place because of its lack of formality. But, it was here that a met a woman who changed my perspective on formality and appearances forever. Her name was Althea. One day, she came up to me, introduced herself, and before I knew it, she was sharing all sorts of things about her life and experiences with me. I, being from the east coast, was much more guarded and cautious. But if Althea sensed my closed off nature, she surely did not show it. Every Sunday, she and I would “talk” (well, she did most of the talking and I just listened) after service. Eventually, I learned that she had a lot of the same issues in her family that I had. I learned that she, too, was taking care of an elderly parent like I was. We even had similar dating experiences. And, eventually, I began to open up with her. Through her sharing and at the same time, offering helpful advice of how she was able to counteract the negatives in her life, I was able to freely talk about things. I did not even share some of this stuff with friends I had known for years! I felt free and uninhibited to just be “real”. And, thanks to Althea, I made a very important decision that summer: I was baptized at that church – with Althea literally cheering in the background – and started my own spiritual path that I rely upon heavily to this day.

Why did I share that story? Because, from that time forward, I have been blessed to be a blessing to others. I became less “closed off” to others. Just like Althea was an open book with me – and it had a profound effect on my spirituality and life in general – I have become more and more comfortable sharing my own path. I was less and less afraid to talk about my mistakes and missteps; instead, I was proud to openly share HOW I grew from those same mistakes. Of course, I still reverted back at times to my former guarded nature at times, but it was easier to see when I needed to let those guards down to be a help and an ear to someone in need.

Now, does that mean that you need to put all of your “business out in the street” to each and every person you meet? Of course not! But by being “transparent” – not living in fear of looking foolish or being ashamed of your past and who you are – you free yourself from mental bondage AND you have the chance to help someone who may just need to talk to someone like you to help them get “unstuck” and move forward. Doing “YOU” is true power; power for yourself and possibly power for someone else.

A long time ago, Paul, in Romans 7:14-15, 22-25, embraced his failures and let them shine through to be a help to others:
“For we know that the Law is spiritual; but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. For that which I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.”

Paul experienced mental and emotional liberation, by just putting aside all of the pretense and admitting his failures. He was real, and as a result, he was one of the most loved persons in the bible.

Next time, we will talk about why folks are soooooooooo afraid to share themselves. And, how will these attitudes and fears affect the ones who need our (adults) transparency the most….the teens and tweens of the next generation? Until next time…

Blessings!

Traci
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Midweek Motivational Wednesday January 12, 2011

“Things today may not be great, but they are not bad, and that’s good.”! ~ Unknown

Many of you will read the quote above and laugh…or smirk. “Things sure are bad! What are they talking about?” will be, basically, the response from most. And that response is totally understandable when you think about the current economy, the unemployment rate, the ongoing war in Afghanistan, and the constant political backstabbing between republicans and democrats. Yep, things can sure appear to be bleak!

Add to that the latest bullying epidemic in schools, and the undeniable increase in random violence (for example, the recent horrific, senseless shooting in Tucson, It Arizona that resulted in 6 dead, 14 wounded, and gravely injured Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords fighting for her life). It would appear that folks have truly lost their minds! And, the future of our kids and grandkids is pretty dismal.

But, if you look back in history – the Great Depression, World War I and II, and the Civil Rights era just to cite a few important time periods – everyone thought that things would never get better then too! If you watch old movies or see old news clips from those eras, folks were pretty much saying the same things that they are saying now: “The world is going to hell in a hand basket” or “Things were better back in the day”, etc. etc. But there is one common denominator that always prevails: someone decides to take their focus off of what is and instead turns their focus to what is good and productive. It is only when one or more chooses to break away from the negative focus and makes up his/her mind that it is time to dwell on what is good, that true progress forward can be achieved.

The “good” that came out of the Great Depression was the creation of new jobs that had never been created before and a new economy for the U.S. as well as the establishment of the welfare system to provide temporary help to families. The “good” that came out of the Civil Right movement was the end of rampant segregation, more equality between blacks and whites, and a stronger sense of pride amongst African-Americans. What “good” will come out of this current landscape of economics, politics, and social issues? Well, at a minimum, more advances in cancer research have prevailed; technology is allowing more and more folks to become entrepreneurs and small business owners; minimum wage is at an all time high; folks who have HIV are living longer thanks to medical advances; and people, in general, are living longer. So you see the outlook of the future, despite what is currently going on in the world, is a choice we all have. It all depends on what a given person chooses to focus on. We (individuals) dictate the course of our path by what we cast our eyes, minds, and hearts upon. This is truly where change originates.

Are you unhappy with your current “focus”? Are you seeing more negative and less positive? Take comfort and confidence in the verse Ecclesiastes (3:1): “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Change is the only constant and it may be time to change the lenses that you see your world through and embrace the good. Your mind, body, and health will thank you for it.

Blessings!

Traci

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Midweek Motivational Wednesday January 5, 2011

“Reflect upon your present blessings – of which every man has many – not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” ~ Charles Dickens

As a new year begins to unfold for all of us, we quickly focus our minds to what we will do different this year. We close the chapter on the previous year and, once again, welcome the chance to get things “right” this time. This is all fine and great, but, could we be missing the boat on what it takes to really do things “differently” in the New Year?

In my career in information technology, a common practice at the end of a major project is to get the team together (developers, analysts, project managers, etc.) and review the issues, good and bad, that we experienced. This meeting is called a post mortem (which literally means, “after death”). While the term sounds very morbid and negative, it is actually quite the contrary. By looking back on the project after it is all done, and not “beat ourselves up over the mistakes we made, we take the lessons we learned to generate ideas to do a better job on the next project. In other words, we ensure our growth by embracing the lessons (good and bad) we learned on the previous project.

The passing of a year and the beginning of a new one is a “death and rebirth” cycle. Similar to a seed planted in the ground that “dies” but is replaced by a plant or vegetable, the mistakes and bad decisions of the previous year are over and buried. But, like the post mortem, taking some time to contemplate (but not dwelling) on those actions is the ‘fertilizer” for new growth in the next (new) year. So, it is to our benefit to look back and reflect to get direction and guidance going forward. It is the process of taking some time to reflect on the blessings we received in the previous year that will bring us closer to GOD and to our spirituality for a firm foundation in the New Year. By doing this, we take some insurance that we will indeed do things “differently” in the coming year. This is where true growth comes from….not in the making of lists or posted notes at the beginning of the year.

To sum it up nicely: Hebrews 12: 10-11, “Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it”

Until next time…

Traci

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Midweek Motivational Wednesday December 29, 2010

“The object of a new year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul” ~ G.K. Chesterton

It is hard to believe, but we have stumbled yet again upon the end of another year. Thanksgiving feasts have come and gone. Christmas, Hanukah, and other spiritual and religious celebrations are now a recent memory. And, like most years, the minds and hearts of many are contemplating their new goals for the upcoming New Year. This is the time of year where introspection reaches new heights and out comes the “list” (mental and/or physical) of resolutions that we intend to really keep this time! And… that is just where the problem starts.

Throughout the year, we labor and toil to do what is required of us: Taking care of kids, getting through school, paying bills, finding a new job, fighting for a job promotion, dealing with relationship issues, resisting peer pressure, trying to stay in shape, etc. We get so caught up in these issues (or similar ones) that we lose sight of our real goals and ambitions. We oftentimes neglect ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually and say that we will “get to it” later. Later rarely comes. However, at the end of each year, we somehow think that the next year will be automatically different. We “resolve” (resolutions) that we will do things differently this time around. However, soon after January 1st, we go back to work and school and the whole “self neglect” and “I will get to it later” cycle starts again. Sound familiar?

So what is the point of year end resolutions? Why make them when they are so easily “broken” before springtime settles in? That is my point exactly, my friend! Trying to accomplish a list of goals without FIRST accomplishing a shift in mindset and lifestyle rarely works OR it works for a very short time; it does not last. I propose we all (myself included) just “dissolve” (dissolution) the task of making resolutions. Instead we should focus on starting each year taking inventory of our thoughts, actions, and “stewardship” over our bodies (our physical health). Where we are lacking (our thoughts and actions are not lining up with what we are truly wanting to accomplish), let’s work on changing those thoughts and actions. Where we are failing to take care of ourselves physically, let’s pray for strength and wisdom to adopt a new lifestyle (not resolution or short term goal) to take better care of our bodies. I said pray for strength and wisdom and not make a list of to do items. Only through the “team” of a spiritual connection coupled with our thoughts and actions can we change our lives. Then, guess what? There would be no need for resolutions….right?

I will end with these two proverbs that tie it all together nicely: Proverbs 19:21 — “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails” and Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

Have a safe, blessed, and fun New Year’s celebration.

Blessings!

Traci
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Midweek Motivational Wednesday December 22, 2010

“Christ was born in the first century, yet he belongs to all centuries. He was born a Jew, yet He belongs to all races. He was born in Bethlehem, yet He belongs to all countries.” ~ George Truett

For most of us, birthdays are a time of celebration and reflection. We celebrate the blessing of living to see another year. We reflect on the accomplishments (as well as our perceived failures) we have made. We receive gifts and commemorate the occasion usually with a personalized cake. We spend time with those closest and most important to us to mark the milestone so that it is has a special place in our memories and hearts for years to come. This is quite a lot of “pomp and circumstance”, praise, and celebration for just us mere mortals! So, how much more should we celebrate and praise the being who is, undoubtedly, the GREATEST person to ever walk the earth?

Modern times have caused many to lose sight of HOW to really reflect and celebrate the birthday of Christ. Starting as early as summertime, the main focus of Christmas is the giving and receiving of gifts. Commercialism takes a stronghold on our minds and we anxiously look forward to those Black Friday (day after Thanksgiving) sales and the many other sales that follow. Malls are crammed, tensions are high at the airports with hoards of holiday travelers, and kids are eagerly waiting what will be under the Christmas tree. But, what about Christ? Has HE become “lost” in the shuffle?

The old English translation of the word Christmas literally means “The Mass of Christ”. Yet, comparatively speaking, few actually attend church or worship Christ on this very special day. There is little emphasis placed on the gathering together (masses) to give praise, reflect, and celebrate this “one of a kind” birthday. And the real misfortune here is that, for many of the next generations to come, this lack of reverence to Christ himself on HIS birthday will continue.

Of course, we should enjoy the gift giving, family time, food, and music of the season! We should be full of joy and happiness. But, let’s just keep in mind just how important it is to give CLEAR and SPECIFIC reverence to Christ – whether you attend church, pray and worship together as a family at home, or take some time to quietly give thanks and honor – for HIS birth and HIS contribution to our lives today. This applies to both Christians, and, yes, non-Christians, alike. The words of this familiar scripture puts it best: Luke 2:9-14- “And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

A VERY Merry Christmas to you all.

Blessings!

Traci

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