The Good Life

2012-03-18T14:30:00.004-07:00

Our Story

God is a one man show and He set out to make things perfect. Good and Perfect. I gave birth to Taylor when I was twenty years old. I was a sophmore in college when my parents retired to Florida. In an attempt to create a good life for us, I left Chicago at the age of 23 to teach in NYC. Over the past seven years, I obtained three academic degrees and traveled to three different cities. I established The Good Life in order to assist other in their efforts to have a good life. The main purpose of The Good Life is to equip people with the resources to live their best life. The idea for our consulting business originally began with a blog where I discussed the good things that exist in life: good family, good friends, good places. The main objective of the business is to empower people to take the necessary steps to have a good life.

www.thegoodliferaina.com

Good Holidays

2011-12-20T17:20:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas! Growing up, it was always a major event. My mom was maticulous about the decortaions and there were tons of presents underneath. When my stepdad was alive he would tell us to take turns opening gifts based on our age, and usually it would go from youngest to oldest. Which meant I was always able to go first. For us, it was always a two day event: Christmas eve and Christmas day. My mom would stay in the kitchen frantically cooking and the kitchen was full of festive smells. The movie It's a Wonderful Life would be playing on the big screen and I would get nervous every year because I knew that most of the gifts would not be wrapped until I went to sleep. Yet going to sleep was such a challenge. As an adult, I am the designated gift wrapper, and I wrap all the gifts. It is important that they are wrapped perfectly, the corners must be folded properly, and just the right amount of take should be used. My aunt taught me how to wrap gifts because she was an advid gift giver. No matter who they were, she ALWAYS had a gift for everyone that would visit her at Christmas. As a young adult she would call me to get their gift from under the tree and their eye beamed with delight as they opened their gift.
One year, my brother and I decided to check around the house and find our gifts ahead of time. We looked in all the closets trying to figure out which gifts were ours. To our dismay, the gifts that we thought were our were not and we had guessed wrong. Over the years the traditions have changed but for our family it is still a two day event. Fun, fun, fun. We would open up our gifts and then get dressed to make the rounds to our extended families to pick up gifts. Then we would come home and play with our toys, praying that we could do it all over again in the morning. As a parent I pray that I can create the same magic for my daughter while still preserving the meaning of Christmas; the birth of Christ. I hope to have a perfect balance of love and tradition that she can hold onto for the rest of her life. The best gift to give at Christmas is love.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Good Politics

2011-11-10T11:07:00.000-08:00

We’ve come this far by Faith. How does the impact of the Herman Cain campaign impact the fiber of the black church in regards to religion and politics? It seems almost like a bipolar type episode on the part of both political parties to paint the nation as a place where the extremes on both the left and the right are able to leave the nation divided and somewhat scared. However, faith is a major part of the black church and with its foundation in faith is a resounding dedication to the moral obligations that are sometimes appear to be nonexistent in the black church today. One part of that dedication to faith began with the religious piety of the Civil Rights movement. Without the piety and expression of such dedication through music and the black church, there would not have be an existing legacy of religious expression.

One question to ask ourselves as we navigate the political terrain, attempting each moment to escape what appears to be a field of political and religious landmines is the question: where is our faith? How does faith align with the various political movements that exist? Though we are only offered several choices, the main event, which will take place in less than a year will hopefully offer an opportunity to maintain our stance in regards to faith and also allow for us to leave an impact on the historical tapestry of our nation.

The Good Life

2011-11-05T19:11:00.000-07:00

I have a good life. In less than four weeks, I will host a launch party for my consulting business, which is aimed at equipping people with the necessary resources to live their best life. I am elated about this opportunity and would like for you to join me.

Since starting the original blog in February 2010 I learned a number of things about life, the goodness of God and the transformative power of good thinking, good friends, and good relationships. I encourage you to start to think about those good things in your life, and mediate on them, allowing that to be the platform for your good life. Whether through spiritual renewal, or your desire to change your life, you have the power to do something new and different. I am not a life coach, but a consultant willing to equip you with those first steps in achieving your goals. There is something that happens when you make that first step. You are then able to build the faith necessarily to make those next steps that will cause you to live The Good Life!

If you haven't already, RSVP for The Good Life Launch December 2, 2011:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=247714088611743

Good Timing

2011-10-18T07:34:00.000-07:00

There are so many opportunities for God to use us in our everyday lives and it is often about His timing. Sometimes I have rushed around, in anticipation for a specific event and when I finally arrived it was right on time. Have you ever been in traffic, or minutes away from your destination and everyone is seemingly driving in slow motion? It was probably not your time to be there. My most vivid memory of involving good timing was during a drive to take Taylor to daycare when she was a baby. I lived downtown Chicago and her babysitter was in the Western suburbs. I woke up late that morning (what I perceived to be late) and I quickly dressed her and packed her into my 1999 Malibu. I was a junior at UIC and anxious to get to class on time I rushed onto 290 West headed to the sitter. As we drove, I pulled into the center lane. I had a weird feeling that something wasn't right. In fact, it was moments later that I saw an accident occur right in front of me. However, before it happened in real time, I had the urge to slow down and pay attention to what was in front of me. A car swerved from the left lane, across my lane hitting several cars in the far right lane. As I slowed down, everyone in back of me did as well. By the time everything halted there was wreckage in front, my car untouched in the middle and a sea of cars behind me. Taylor was resting safely in her seat and I was a mess. At the time I wasn't really firm with my relationship with God and I was overwhelmed with panic. I did know enough however to give glory to God for his perfect timing. I was grateful that we were "late" and that I was given some sense of warning. Sometimes we are eager to rush and have a plan in mind for ourselves, but it is in His perfect timing and His perfect will that we will be placed in the best possible position. His faithfulness is evidence that no matter what time of day or what situation we are in He will never leave us. He will guide us, protect and instruct us if we take the time to hear His voice.

Psalm 31:14-15
New King James Version (NKJV)
¹⁴ But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD;
I say, “You are my God.”
¹⁵ My times are in Your hand;
Deliver me from the hand of my enemies,
And from those who persecute me.

Good Change

2011-08-21T18:19:00.000-07:00

There are good things that happen when things change. Though we do not always choose those circumstances in which things change, and in spite of our apprehension, the changes are often for our own good. I enjoy planning out the events of my life strategically and making sure every detail is in place. I am very particular about the timing in which events occur. In fact, I am already making goals and plans for next year; month by month. Needless to say, with all of my planning and foresight, there is a greater force at work in my life. God has plans for us that we can not even imagine. There is a greater plan in store and sometimes that means that things have to change. Even though we do not recognize it at the time, the changes that happen are instrumental and down right essential for our long term success.

To every thing there is a season and a time and purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

Good Fight

2011-08-03T16:33:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you have to fight back. I remember enlisting the help of my brother before I went to high school. I didn't know how to fight and needed to know how to defend myself. We stuffed plastic bags with foam and placed them on the beams in the basement. I punched them as if they were real punching bags in the gym. He taught me how to stand and protect myself in case I was in a fight. He told me to keep my arms up and protect myself from my opponent. My step dad was a boxer and I would look at his old equipment in awe, wondering what it must have been like to get into the ring.

Little did I know that there was absolutely no fighting allowed at my strict inner city high school, and the only fights I would have would be in the form of classroom debates. However, I never forgot what he taught me to do when defending myself and the same things are applicable in everyday life. Sometimes you have to assume a position and take a stand for what you believe in.

Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold to the eternal life to which you were called when you made your confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1Timothy 6:12

Good Faith

2011-08-01T18:37:00.000-07:00

When seasons change there are some things that stay the same. Most often it is easy to forget the season we just left. Now that the snow has melted and the hot and humid days of summer are here, no one remembers the cold hard winter. There is one day during the winter that I remember well. It was a cold Sunday morning in early January and the ice covered the sidewalk. I moved forward and walked slowly praying that I would not fall. I noticed that Taylor was especially careful but unafraid. She depended on me totally and trusted that I would not allow her to fall. As we made our way to "safe" ground where there was no ice, we were grateful that we did not fall. Little did Taylor know that I was careful and depended on someone besides myself to assure that we did not fall or stumble. I prayed and trusted God, trying hard not to meditate on the the possibility of falling, but instead treading carefully and never looking back. That reminds me of that "now" faith described in Hebrews 11; believing that things would work out and treading lightly, knowing that there is a greater force sustaining you. Though the season has changed I would like to keep that kind of faith for this new season; treading lightly and trusting God. Because I know that He will not let me fall.

Hebrews 11:1: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen...

Good

2011-07-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

I have an annoying ability to see the good in almost anything. I don't think that it is something that I can take all the responsibility for because God* is all good and perhaps if there is a lil' bit of Him on the inside of me then I will blame Him. Nevertheless it is an annoying trait or characteristic to have for a couple reasons. Mainly because if I see a lil' bit of good in some people that are undeserving there becomes a larger issue. I am hopeful that one day I can see the good in the right person and not people that are undeserving of that second glance. I love good things; good people, good food, and good friends. Perhaps, that is the reason that I see the good in people. Whatever the case may be, I am grateful for the good experiences that I have and even some of the difficult ones. I pray that I am surrounded by good people that mean no harm rather than the alternative. I have a heartfelt hope that good things come to those who wait and one day I shall have more than my fair share of good.

Good (adjective): Morally excellent; virtuous; righteous; Satisfactory in quality, quantity or degree. Of high quality.

*After looking up the definition I realize that there is only one good thing: God.

Good Love

2011-07-16T18:45:00.000-07:00

There is something so amazing about love. It holds you close and makes you feel safe. Never failing. Never wanting anything. Always steady. There is something so awesome about being cared for. Adored. Loved. Real love, good love can sustain you and keep you safe from harm. Good love is authentic. Powerful. Good love + More Good love = A Good Life

Love is the immortal flow of energy that nourishes, extends and preserves. Its eternal goal is life. Smilely Blanton

Good Advice

2011-06-27T15:09:00.000-07:00

I get lots of advice. No matter the venue or mode of communication, people tend to give me unsolicited advice because of my situation. Though most of it is well intended and some of it even useful, there are those rare occasions where I get great advice. That was the case today. I posted on FB that today was my first day alone without Taylor in three months. I appreciated the well wishes and the positive tone from friends because most see the struggle first hand. The best advice I received on the thread was from a highschool friend that I haven't spoken to in years (accept via FB). We share some of the same struggles as single parents and a love for lifelong learning. She told me to breathe slowly. It was the best advice I have gotten in a long time. I have experienced two anxiety attacks in my life, ironically during times that I was not particularly stressed. The most painstaking aspect of such an attack is the realization that you cannot control your breathing. You are breathing very fast and your heart rate is accelerating. Breathing is so important and therefore today more than any day I focused on my breathing. In doing so, I was able to take in each moment rather than running anxiety about my day. The day actually went by slower and I was able to tap into other senses as well. I smelled the water from our local fountain more vividly and I felt the wind cross my path and move with me as I walked. Most importantly I was able to walk around and notice my environment. I sat still throughout the day at different moments just so I could breathe slowly. Thanks Keli!

Good Advice + Good People= a good life

Breath is Spirit. The act of breathing is Living. ~ Author unknown

Good Memories

2011-06-13T18:12:00.000-07:00

Sis, Daddy, Stepmommy, and me

My dad is pretty awesome. He is one of those people you like almost immediately because his personality draws you in, making you feel significant even if you are merely a stranger. He has a great sense of humor and a cool confident swag. I am honored to be his daughter. We have always had a good relationship and if there was an issue it is mostly because we are so much alike. My favorite quality that I received from him was the ability to affirm people with positive words, reminding them how important they are, highlighting their strengths rather than their weaknesses. He has always been very positive, saying just right things to help me maintain a healthy level of confidence. I always love hanging out with my dad, and as a teenager we would spend the weekends together at least twice a month. Though my parents were divorced, they always maintained a friendship which made it even easier for us to maintain a good relationship.

My most vivid memories are of us spending weekends together. He would pick me up on a Friday evening in his short body Cadillac (a Chicago thing), and we would head out to his place for dinner. Since I am the youngest, I spent more time with my dad than my other siblings which made are bond even more unique. Since he was not much of a cook he would make sloppy joes or pork chops which he mastered by the time I was a teenager. We would stay up for a bit chatting about what happened at school that week. When he went to bed I would raid my stepmother's library for her latest novel and attempt to devour it before the night was over. On Saturday mornings he would make a great breakfast (his specialty) before we embarked on a shopping trip. Sunday we would always go to grandma's house which was always a great time. We would spend at least nine or ten hours there but somehow it only felt like only three hours. I would be a bit sad when he dropped me off, missing him before the Cadillac could even round the corner and eagerly expecting the same fun weekend two weeks later. He is an amazing guy and love my daddy more than words can express. Despite the complexities that exist in parent/child relationships, I know based on those memories that we have a bond that will never be broken.

I am grateful for those memories that sustain me since I moved away from home almost eight years ago. Memory is that part of the brain that can sustain you and give you strength reminding you of those good times, when things were easy and simply.

good memories + good family= a good life

Happy Father's Day Daddy!

I love my father as the stars-he is a bright shining example and a twinkling in my heart ~

Terri Guillemets

The Day Trip

2011-04-29T15:44:00.000-07:00

There is so much that can happen in one day. The experiences that you have within a day can change your life forever. I try to take at least one day trip per month. In fact, I can credit day trips to saving my sanity when I need a change of location or a quick getaway. Over the past seven years, those day trips have amounted to life changing experiences. Whether by train, plane, or automobile, taking a day away to reflect, meet new people, and cover new ground has been so rewarding. For example, while living in Brooklyn back in 2003 I took a day drip to New Haven, CT. Me, Taylor and her famous Maclaren Stroller boarded the Metronorth train at Grand Central, bound for a day adventure. Having never traveled to New Haven, I was interested in touring that famous university set in the heart of downtown. Little did I know that a simple day trip would expand my territory regarding politics and ambition more than I ever expected. I met an older gentlemen on the train and we struck up an interesting conversation about politics and religion. He was a former academic and scholar turned business man. The conversation was thought provoking and I was somewhat converted (but we will talk about that later) to a different way of thinking. He treated me and Taylor to savory burgers at a restaurant at the top of the Omni where we were able to overlook the university. It was beautiful and years later, that restaurant is still my favorite spot in NH. Needless to say, seven years later I live two blocks from that restaurant and I still remember that meeting. It is funny how time away from your comfort zone can expand your horizons and taste buds for new things, new people and new opportunities.

I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it difficult to plan the day. Elwyn Brook White

Good Movement

2011-03-11T06:27:00.001-08:00

<--------- A train station in a random town in Connecticut last year. Good Times :)
I love to travel. Movement has always served as an adrenalin rush for me. I prefer the train because it is always moving in one direction. Though it pauses for a bit along the way there is a set destination and psychologically movement allows me to have a sense of direction. Perhaps it is the freedom and the anticipation of the next thing. Staying in one place allows for a sense of monotony. Traveling also allows for new experiences and new people. It helps me to breathe.

I love the train because I can move at a fast pace without doing any of the work. Looking at the beautiful scenery outside the window is refreshing. I have traveled often via train between the three different cities over the past seven years: New York, Boston and New Haven. Each city bringing a new set of challenges and experiences. I would not change a thing about the places I have been or the people I have met along that way. I once took the train when Taylor was a baby from New York to Chicago and back again. On the way back to New York, the train was stopped at around ten o'clock that night. When we woke up the next morning we were in that same spot. I was not upset because our train was delayed, or because I was worried about traveling with my young child, but because we were stopped in the same spot without movement for such a long time. The stagnation was almost paralyzing. I am constantly seeking ways to move. However, sometimes a period of standing still is important for growth. I was grateful that we eventually made it to our destination at the appointed time with everything in tact. I must learn to appreciate those times. Standing still waiting for movement is an inevitable part of life.

I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move. ~Robert Louis Stevenson

Good People

2011-03-06T14:46:00.000-08:00

Several weeks ago during our normal Saturday routine: a yummy breakfast, books and a stroll, we met a wonderful stranger. She joined us for lunch (pizza) and we chatted about numerous topics including family, relationships, and the quest for a life. We discussed how we both were in a place in our lives in which we were making a deliberate effort to appreciate the small things. It seemed to be just what we needed on that particlar day. Living in a new city away from family is not new for me. In fact, I have lived in three cities over the past eight years and I have become accustomed to having only a few "real" friends. However, it is a blessing to encounter good people, kind people, in my daily life that make being a transplant (a person from a different city) a little better.

There are boundaries of course that are important when building any new relationship or friendship, but I enjoy meeting new people, good people, that enable me to believe in the goodness of the human spirit. As I try to block out all the difficult things that are happening in society today I mediate on those good things that happen to us in our everyday lives that we should never take for granted. Good co-workers, good church folk, good concierges, good classmates and good neighbors. For me those are all good people whose company I look forward to on a daily basis.

Good people + Good times = One Good life

"Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters, do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."

Hebrews 13:1-2

Good Interception

2011-03-02T20:24:00.000-08:00

What would you do if you knew that even though you suffer at times and feel pain or discomfort, that someone was right there to intercept that pain? Though you may feel it in the natural realm, your spirit is not crushed, because you know that someone was there to intercept it for you. That is how I felt today after a visit to the dentist with my daughter. Taylor had a MAJOR meltdown; biting, kicking, and screaming. All the while I was being berated by the dentist for not having her teeth in the "perfect" tip top shape. Taylor has a beautiful smile, and I brush her teeth daily. However, she was angry because the cleaning was difficult. She was so angry that a major autistic meltdown ensued. It was a tough experience, but similar to several that I have experienced in the past. This meltdown left me feeling extremely embarrassed and sad. By the time we arrived home Taylor was over the ordeal. She moved on and began anticipating her next snack. However, the negative feelings still lingered with me. But after a couple hours I was fine. I no longer felt defeated or melancholy. Without me any notice, the burden had been lifted, and I was able to move on. That is how God does it. Suddenly our burdens are lifted, leaving new and fresh ground. Holy ground.

Isaiah 53:4-6 (New International Version, 2011)

⁴ Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.
⁵ But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
⁶ We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to our own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.

Good God

2011-02-24T16:56:00.000-08:00

Safe. Loved. Beautiful.

When I close my eyes and imagine you I am blown away. Your presence alone renders me weak and speechless. I close my eyes and imagine you and me. Perfect. Beautiful. Holding hands. Embraced. The slightest touch makes me smile. I beam with joy. Perfect. This daydream in perfect, because you are perfect. I am afraid to open my eyes, because then it would no longer be real. This perfect thing. Us. Together. I have not felt this happy since that bike ride on the vineyard. Satisfied. Safe. Loved. Beautiful.

My eyes open. You are still there. Your presence is always there. You said you would never leave me nor forsake me. Thank you Lord.

² When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
³ For I am the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

Isaiah 43:2-3

Good Lessons

2011-02-19T16:33:00.000-08:00

The most difficult situations can teach us a lesson. It is what educators refer to as a “teachable moment.” I learned a lot from watching Disney movies with my daughter Taylor. After watching them nearly five times a day, I have found valuable lessons in each of her favorite films. From the Little Mermaid I learned that a woman should never lose her voice in a relationship. Eventually she will need to speak.
From the Princess and the Frog I learned that sometimes prince charming can turn into a frog and sometimes a frog can turn into a prince. Basically, what is on the inside is what matters the most because looks can be deceiving. I learned a very valuable lesson from the movie Finding Nemo. Our parents are important and even though we think we may know what is best, disobedience can get us in a lot of trouble, even as adults. Nemo was disobedient and ended up captured and swimming in an unknown place. His disobedience and rebellion almost cost him his life. It was only by grace that he was able to find his way home. Learning from our experiences is an important part of life. If we allow ourselves to, perhaps we can learn the lesson before we make the mistake. Good Lessons + Good Experiences = A Good Life

Wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. (Proverbs 24:14)

Good Stuff

2011-02-09T16:57:00.000-08:00

My friends and family can testify to my passion for gift giving. It is a trait that I inherited from my maternal grandmother. She enjoyed both giving and receiving gifts. She would ponder over holiday gifts months in advance for the holiday season. I miss her dearly.

Another trait that I inherited from her was the love of shopping. There are certain items that I buy more often than others, and just as we all do, I dream of the day when I can shop without glancing at the price tag. There are two particular items that I purchase regularly because of their price tag and also for their ability to grant me instant gratification. I am immediately satisfied with these purchases and usually purchase one at least every week. There is no doubt that purchasing good stuff makes us feel good.

The Tote
Perhaps it is simply a New England thing, but I have grown to love totes. Obviously, I love the traditional L.L.Bean tote, but the simpler more stylish tote from J.Crew will suffice. It is simple, affordable and practical. The whole green era has also enabled the tote to be used as a grocery bag. While in graduate school I carried my tote as a book bag, and when my daughter was quite young I used it as a diaper bag. Below is a picture of my latest tote; the J.Crew tote, which is only $10. I already own four of them!:)The Book
Books are always a great buy. Whether as gifts, or as added additions to my collection, I am never disappointed when I make a book purchase. My favorite place to buy books is the clearance shelf at major bookstores. The next best place to find an awesome book is the resale shop. I have also uncovered a number of hidden gems at local used bookstores. Including an original copy of the Color Purple as well as Class of '57 Yale Yearbook. Both equally valuable for their historical content. I have such a good time canvasing bookstores in search of a good book.

If there's a book you really want to read but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it. ~Toni Morrison

Sometimes purchasing your favorite item or good thing, can elevate your mood, or serve as a small reward for a minor accomplishment. Good Stuff + Good Times = Good Life

Good Stuff man, Good Stuff.

The Good Life

2011-01-27T18:12:00.001-08:00

What happens when life is not so good? Whether it is related to the tough economic times or personal stress, at times if is tough to point out those good things in our lives. It is important to make an attempt to find those things which are good or praiseworthy. Showing gratitude for the little things that we take for granted can serve as a simple remedy for the blues. Gratitude replaces negative thoughts with positive thoughts, therefore allowing us to mediate on those good things in our lives. There is something about the show Good Times that is inspires me to be grateful. It is not because I see their lives as more challenging than mine, therefore I feel better about whatever challenges are present in my life. It is because though the Evans family is a fictional account of an urban black family, there are similar circumstances that they encounter which we can all relate to such as the loss of a job or an unfulfilled career, tight finances and daily prejudices that make it difficult to go to the next level. Perhaps we can relate to their desire to raise their children with standards and morals among people that lack gravely in those areas. Each of us encounters a number of challenges that sometimes make life not so good. However, it is up to us to find the humor and the blessings in the little things. Thinking good thoughts and relying on our families to keep us grounded is important. It is also important to remain grateful for the good that they bring to our lives. Good family + Good love = Good Times.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)

Good Times

2011-01-20T10:14:00.001-08:00

It was a perfect day. The picture says it all. I could not stop smiling. I was actually riding a bike. I attempted to balance my feet perfectly despite the fact that I was wearing flip flops. In spite of the cool temperatures I wore a short sleeve shirt hoping that the warmth of the spring sunshine would warm my arms. Taylor was secure in the child carrier behind an adjacent bike that my friend rode. I was happy that she was secure which enabled me to relax and ride my bike happily. It was one of those days that you wish you could relive. It felt like we were the only people on the island. It felt as if time stood still. It was surreal. There was no pressure or stress to leave or anxiety about where we were going. We were simply bike riding and enjoying our freedom. Enjoying the peace and tranquility that we felt. We were happy. I was happy. It was also my favorite day of the year, April 21, my birthday. I was in heaven. I was having the best birthday of my life. We made the decision to go to Martha’s Vineyard that morning. I decided that it should only be a day trip. It was the first time since living in New England that I was visiting the Cape and I wanted it to be simple. Every time I mention that day to my friend and become nostalgic over that place in my life he reminds me of how simple it was. “All we did was take the ferry over the island and rent bikes.” he smirks. “I know," I reply, " but it was such a good day." I felt so much peace in that place.

Formula: Good people + Good Places = Good Times

First Class Life

2011-01-13T16:04:00.000-08:00

There is something superfluous about the term first-class. There are so many things that constitute some form of goodness in our lives and most of the time when we encounter something good like a good place, a good person or a good thing we think, "Wow, that was awesome." (At least that is what I say) We are well pleased and eager to acknowledge the value of our experience. There are other words associated with the term good that may dislodge our built in schema or understanding of what the term really means. What if we replaced the word good with the phrase high quality? Most of the time when something is high quality it is better than average and exudes excellence. The term high quality also makes me think of a description of good meat. (Or maybe that is because I haven't eaten meat in ten days) Another idiom for high quality is first class. Most people can relate to the term first class in relation to air travel. Even when we think of the idea of first class in regards to our U.S. Postal Service it has a nice ring to it. The term first class mail sounds so official.

What would happen if instead of saying the term good life I used the term first class life? Does the term first class life sound too pretentious? If you had your choice of a first class life what would it look like? What kind of job would you have? Where would you live?
Remember, it is first class so dream big!

"There are no days in life so memorable as those which vibrated to some stroke of the imagination." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Good Seasons

2010-12-27T09:45:00.000-08:00

Another good season has ended. Relationships are like seasons, some last for longer than others but eventually they all come to to an end. Ideally the transition is smooth and you are able to start the new season refreshed. This most recent season was good and I left armed with a new outlook on relationships. Though some relationships are short, just like seasons they are enjoyable enough that you leave wishing you had savored them more, enjoying each day as if it were the last. You pray that when you look back on memories that you have clear visuals vivid enough to warrant nostalgic emotions. Good seasons like good relationships help you to make a smooth transition into what will hopefully be another good season of your life. My favorite season is fall, and though winter enters abruptly, if I try hard enough, I can still remember the beauty of the foliage though the trees are now capped with snow. Though the most recent season is over, I am at peace knowing that I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-15, A Time for Everything

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven ~
² A time to give birth, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted.
³ A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to tear down, and a time to build up.
⁴ A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance.
⁵ A time to throw stones, and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, and a time to shun embracing.

CODE RED

2010-12-02T19:18:00.000-08:00

I learn from my students. Since children are so honest, they teach us a great deal about ourselves. Today something happened that sent me for a loop and tested my faith. It was a lesson in patience and trust. I had to stay calm and be careful not to panic. Over the loud speaker in a still voice came two words that changed everything. CODE RED. What was code red? What did that mean? What were we expected to do? Fear and panic came first but knew that I must remain calm. Other teachers were locking their doors but I was unable to lock mine because I did not have a key. When I looked around in the classroom the students were all underneath the desks and in the closets, hidden from plain sight. They had practiced this drill before and they knew exactly what to do. “Come over here Ms. Davis," they prompted, "come near us away from the door.” “If someone is out there they might see you.” Because I was unaware if it was a drill or not I immediately thought to place a chair underneath the door to secure it, but I stayed near the door anyway. I assured the children that everything would be fine. They remained calm and everyone except one child held it together. She broke down and cried saying that she did not want to die. I tried to comfort her by telling her that everything would be fine. Then over the speaker we heard the voice again. CODE WHITE. The students took a deep sigh of relief and returned to their seats. It was finally over. Those were the most intense ten minutes I have experienced in a long time. I learned so much from the second graders. One thing I learned was that when there is a code red in our lives we must stay calm and find cover in a secret place, a place where we feel safe until the danger passes. Pay attention to directions and when it passes, you must move forward.

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.5You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,

6nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7A thousand may fall at your side,ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. Psalms 91:4-7

A Good Swimmer

2010-11-26T18:26:00.000-08:00

Taylor is a good swimmer. This skill is commendable not only because of her special needs but because she was never formally taught how to swim. She has had the pleasure of taking swimming lessons which has vastly improved her skills, but initially she was self taught. Among families of children with autism it is well known that the children have a deep pleasure for the water and remarkable swimming skills. Another reason why this is commendable is because I never learned to swim. Before you judge my parents harshly, understand that because I did not attend a public school and we were not connected to our local recreational center, it made it difficult to even have such an opportunity.

When I try to put into words what this last decade has been like I compare it to my mediocre swimming skills. It is like my five foot three body trying to maintain in 5.5 feet of water. Though the water is not deep enough for me to drown, I am still concentrating every minute to keep my head above water; using my hands and feet to maintain balance and composure, all while maintaining only a moderate level of fear. My faith outweighs my fear, and when I feel like I am about to drown, that means that I am lacking faith. I must meditate and focus on the goal, while remembering that just as Simon Peter did in the bible, I must keep my eyes on Jesus and trust Him. If I become too fearful I will drown. I must trust that Jesus will take care of me, stay a float and not panic (Matthew 14:28, 29 NIV). Perhaps Taylor swimming is also impressive because she has no fear. She lacks the ability to understand how dangerous it can be and therefore she goes forth full speed, without fear of drowning. Therefore, I assume that some measurable amount of success is attributed to the the faith that you have when you think that you are drowning. Stay calm, breathe and stay a float.

28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said.Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:28-31)