Living on the Edge

One of my favorite quotes is: "If you are not living on the edge, you are taking too much space". In fact, it is the quote posted on my Facebook profile.
I live for excitement; when life becomes too predictable, I often cannot tell if I am depressed or just bored, so I resort to thrill seeking.
When I think about risk-takers, I think of Peter stepping out of the boat and walking on water. When I think of resistance to risk-taking I think of stagnation; a rut where many people are stuck. That rut represents your comfort zone.
I've wondered if taking risks is a personality trait, or if it is learned behavior. I believe it is a combination of both.
I've learned that people who are willing to take risks, have certain traits in common. We risk takers live in the fast lane. We are addicted to speed and excitement. We look for new adventures. We welcome feeling scared, just to see if we are able to overcome a fear. We have a wide circle of friends, and little tolerance for sluggards. And what ever we do, we usually do it passionately.
I read that the most common everyday outlet for sensation-seeking is reckless driving. I'm sure guilty of that one, though after paying enough tickets to be able to buy a Porsche, I have learned to drive decently (though not without coming close to road-rage when exasperated by inconsiderate drivers). Yes, now I hop on my Harley, ride to Kentucky Speedway, and crank up the bike as fast as it will go. Talk about a scary thrill!! Zipping on concrete on two-wheels, just four inches off the ground, going 120 mph, is one of the most exhilarating feeling anyone could feel!
My experience has shown me that people have a basic need for excitement—and one way or another, they will fulfill it.
So, if you are a risk-taker and live on the edge, you know what I am talking about. And if you are complacent with life, try to step out of your comfort zone, and take a chance on taking calculated risks. You will discover new and exciting adventures!
Here are some quotes I found about risk-taking:

"The time to take counsel of your fears is before you make an important battle decision. That's the time to listen to every fear you can imagine! When you have collected all the facts and fears and made your decision, turn off all your fears and go ahead!"- General George S. Patton, Jr.

"Keep away from people who belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." - Mark Twain

"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." - Helen Keller

"Life is being on the wire, everything else is just waiting." -Karl Wallenda

And my very favorite....

"Living at risk is jumping off the cliff and building your wings on the way down." - Ray Bradbury

Godspeed to all!
~Edie

"F" Doesn't Always Stand for Failure!

Ten years ago, I had just moved into a new home, and had no idea how to begin to put the house in order, much less take on the task of decorating. Let me just say that I'm not much of an interior decorator, so the house stayed in a state of chaos for months.
I would often babysit my nephew Logan, who then, was 10 years old. Logan was, and is, a most creative and entertaining kid. He brought many blessings and joy with him each time he came into my home. One day, Logan came up with the bright idea that since my last name begins with "F", we should decorate the house with things that begin with the letter F: "Fish, Feathers, Flowers, and Fun". To this day, my house is full of fishy, feathery, flowery, and fun decorations, which actually, look pretty good.
This method of labeling in order to keep a theme, started me thinking that there are certain things, and certain people I need to remember daily, or at the very least, a few times a week. Keeping the "F" model, I decided the following seven "F's" would be my priorities in life:
1) FAITH. Absolutely my first priority. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see"(Heb. 11:1, NIV). Clearly, there is no hope without our faith in our Heavenly Father. We must always place our lives in His hands, and believe that He has control of our lives. What am I doing to strengthen my faith in my Creator, and to grow closer to Him?
2) FAMILY. Right up there with our Lord is our family. Too many verses on family to quote here, but I acknowledge that our Father has given each of us unique talents and gifts. What am I doing to nurture those gifts and talents? Am I striving to keep in touch, not with my immediate family, but also with my extended family, who have played, and still play, very important roles in my life?
3) FRIENDS. Now that my family is grown and gone, I realize how important my friends are. They are my second family. "A friend loves at all times..." (Prov. 17:7 NIV). Baby Boomers (those born between 1943 and 1964) have an average of three to four friends. Friendships take time and energy. What am I doing to cultivate deep friendships? Am I taking time from busy day to check on friends? Am I lifting my friends up in prayer?
4) FINANCES. I really have to work hard on this one! "On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come." (Cor. 16:2). Six weeks ago I started attending Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University classes for the 3rd time in 15 years, and I still can't get it right! Am I being a good steward over my money? Before I make a purchase, do I think; "is this a want or a need?". Am I going to be able to leave an inheritance? Can I stop splurging???? I don't need another pair of shoes!
5) FITNESS. I struggle with keeping fit, as I am sure most people living in the USA do too. We're all tempted to Supersize food orders, fall to advertising gimmicks, and worse of all, become stagnant over time. Am I eating healthy? Avoiding fast foods and alcohol? Too much sugar? Am I exercising on a regular basis?... "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, ("1 Cor. 6:19).
6) FUN. Last but not least is fun, fun, fun! Although there are not many verses in the Bible that refer to fun (and about 125 of them have a negative connotation), I believe God wants us to have fun as long as we keep Him in the equation. "Discipline is not fun, though later it yields positive benefits - (Heb. 12:11. (MSG). Do I have too much fun? Am I taking time to take a few breathers? When I'm having fun, do I remember to give thanks for the opportunities to have fun?
7) FUTURE. Planning for the future... how am I doing in this area? Am I living day to day, paycheck to paycheck? Am I keeping God as my priority? Acknowledging my family and helping them grow in Christ? Am I cultivating important friendships? Am I being conscious about how I spend my money? How about my health and fitness? And when does the fun begin and end?
Each and every day I try to incorporate those seven F's with my values and morals. Although it is impossible to act them out all at once, reviewing those goals through prayer and meditation, helps me live the life God intended for me, and be the type of Christian I want to be.
Shine on through Him,
~Edie

Movie Review : The Book of ELI

X-Citing...Gripping.... A Thriller!

It's Friday...TGIF!

Can't believe how fast the week flew by. But, I can say this....doing the blog was REFRESHING!

It forced me to take the time to reflect...relax and review things on my mind and heart. I'd do it again...in a heart beat!

A few months ago, I took a giant leap and went to the movie theater...alone. I typically would not do this, but wanted to see the movie, The Book of Eli with Denzel Washington and was very glad I took the leap.

PLOT: (I promise...I won't spoil it for you)

Thirty years after an apocalyptic event, Eli (Denzel Washington) travels on foot towards the west coast in the U.S. carrying "The Book." Along the way he encounters all sorts of situations (warning, there is gun violence) but overcomes them all!! Eli, in my opinion walks out and demonstrates Psalm 23 better than my imagination could ever perceive.

"The Lord is my shepherd...I shall not want...yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil...for thou are with me....thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life...." (Verses of Psalm 23)

As a movie buff, this is a "must see." I also want to mention that the movie is entertaining...you'll also hear a little bit of Al Green playing throughout the movie...and there is an interesting twist toward the end that will have you wanting to see the movie a second time! Blessings to you and enjoy the weekend.

PASSPORT DAY...is Coming!

Mark your calendars for March 27...this Saturday. The U.S. Department of State has set aside this date as Passport Day USA. Passport offices nationwide will take walk-up applicants - passports, passport cards or both.

If you need a push to act on either getting a passport or renewing your current passport....listen to this: the State Department will boost their passport fees by 35% within the next weeks. The cost to get a new passport will rise from $100 to $135. To renew a passport will rise from $75 to $110. Save the cash, act now and pass the word to family members and friends.

Visit this link for information on which documents are necessary to apply: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html

Enjoy your day!
Charlene

Looking for a GREAT gift to send??

Can you say..."Simply Beautiful!"

Are you looking for an unusual birthday gift? How about flowers? How about a beautiful keep-sake decorative box? And, how about a delicious pound cake? Yum...yum! How about all three in one!

Ladies, I've ordered this fabulous combination; each time the receiver says, "WoW! Simply beautiful!

If you're interested, please go to Nonnie Waller Parlor.com

Enjoy..let me know what you think!

His Mercies are new...Every Morning!

His Mercies really are new EVERYDAY!

...as you start / end your day, find solace in knowing that God's mercies are new every day!

Please take a listen to one of my favorite songs, GRACE. Hope it refreshes you throughout the day.

Blessings to you,
Charlene

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rKUxglWC4A

Light....and but for a Moment!

"When you cling to the truth of God's love...you can find a blessing even in pain."

Good evening my dearest friends....my sincere apologies for blogging so late. My schedule isn't my schedule these days; seems like it belongs to everyone else besides me. Just getting home after a long day, but I hope each of you are doing well and made the most of your day!

I'd like to share a thought that keeps coming to mind...in May '09 I returned from a one-year International assignment in Germany with GM. I really...really thought this assignment was a Fred Sanford problem..."ohh, this is the BIG one." The one problem that came to wipe me out.

In Germany without family...without friends....it was very difficult at first. Driving on the Autobahm and in many cases without speed limits....can you imagine having finger nail prints in your hand from holding the steering wheel so tight? Well, that was me!

Terrified....unsure....nervous...and walking in fear. After trusting God...completely; knowing that He would never leave me....AND seeing the challenges as LIGHT and but for a MOMENT instead of Heavy and Eternal actually shifted my thinking and my trust. In II Corinthians 4:17 Paul says "for our light affliction, which is but for a moment...

Let's shift our thinking and respond like Paul; our problems are "light and but for a moment."
Sometimes...it just seems forever! Selah (pause and think about this)...

Charlene