March 2018 - Sipping Cups of Inspiration

A SUNRISE LIKE NO OTHER

Tomorrow is another opportunity to see A SUNRISE LIKE NO OTHER. I found this post from 2014 and I wanted to share that excitement I experienced this particular Easter morning.

TODAY THE WORDS are A SUNRISE LIKE NO OTHER. Throughout our lives, we have witnessed many sunrises, some more outstanding than others. Some of us may have, as on this special occasion attended sunrise ceremonies, to see how miraculous each sunrise is and how unique the sun can alter its magnificent appearance. We take photographs of the first peek of the sun rising above the land, lake, mountain or ocean and expressions of excitement or a quite, reverent sigh comes out of our mouths. I have been known to hug when it bursts from the bottom and starts its powerful climb into the sky. Sunrises are awesome but this morning as so many Easter mornings, my heart goes to the sunrise like no other which I want to believe had to occur when Jesus rose from the tomb. As humbly as Jesus lived, even His resurrection and appearance to Mary Madeline was quiet and demure. However, I believe God was beyond happy, beyond excited, and beyond control of being quiet and was bursting with pride as a Father would be and had to “show out” with the most brilliant, most illustrious sunrise. The clouds from the gloomy Good Friday were pushed back and the skies had to be that blue which only God can produce and allow God’s creative sunrise to shine through. It makes me think this special sunrise almost would hurt the viewer’s eyes but it had to be so incredible, the viewer could also not turn away.

I would think people who were awake might even give the other person with them a hug. Something special about this day would be on their minds, but for my deeper thought….Were they aware of how special and how their lives would be forever changed by this sunrise and the events which had taken place? Do we, as people realize that no matter how people who try to change the truth of the real meaning of Easter, fail in the final attempt?

As each sunrise occurs, the same glory God felt on that first Easter is present today and what changed with that sunrise that was like no other is present today. When you have seen a beautiful sunrise, and your heart feels it is like no other; I think it may be God reminding us of His Son’s Resurrection and pathway for our salvation. Enjoy Easter; enjoy each sunrise and sunset; and recognize God’s beauty in all of these things.

Side note from the blogger on the morning before Easter morning: I woke this morning with a heavier heart than usual. More than not, during the Easter season, it is placed on my heart how we as humans fail to live up to the life of Christ and we allow distrust, anger, frustration, and confusion about all of the worldly events going on. I felt this morning a sense of a need for a special display of love. I had written a poem about a week ago and thought I would share it for this Easter season.

The Tiny Crosses on the Pines

From my humble vantage from below

I look up and see the lofty crosses flow

In the wind, they bend and show

What we realize is a sign for us to know.

Jesus you left us with a reminder to agree

The crosses on the pines at Easter will be.

You died on a wooden cross to set us free.

Each year, they will grow and we will see.

My Dear Lord, You could have left us alone.

To live with Your Father on His throne.

But you chose a human form with bone.

For redemption from our sins we’ve sown.

I will reverently cherish those tiny statues

Heavenly Father carved them for our views.

May we bow and pray with reverence in pews.

Jesus, we thank You for those wooden hues.

Easter will be a day for us to reflect on You

Your life, sacrifice, death and resurrection too.

As those tiny crosses point the way to You.

We will worship and fill our spirits anew.

Happy Easter with love and reverence to Our

Lord in 2018 written by Arline Miller

(C) Copyright 2012-2018 Arline Miller, blogger and author, with all rights and privileges reserved. Third party material is sourced if known to original location for credit reference. Photos are not necessarily the exclusive property of Sipping Cups of Inspiration.

THE TIME IN BETWEEN

This is a repost from 2014 but I found it to be appropriate as we move into Good Friday.

TODAY THE WORDS are THE TIME IN BETWEEN. We have obligations, appointments, meetings, scheduled events, etc. which have specific times set aside throughout our days, weeks, and months. We write them down and plan to be on time and sometimes we schedule several places to be on the same day to make the most of our time. While doing this, we have some unavoidable down time or some time in between. We find ourselves with a half hour, an hour or sometimes two with nothing to do. What do we do with our time in between two events? Some of us bring our iPads, books, puzzles, etc. and fill our time either wisely or just idling with very little productivity.

This made me have a deeper thought about this Easter holiday. When the events occurred on Good Friday and with the promise from Jesus to His followers He would rise on the third day; how did they fill the time in between? Did they sit around and mourn Jesus’s death as we do today when one of our loved ones die? The tomb was sealed so they could only visit the outside. Did they stay watchful or did they have the confidence to wait the days out? How did the conversation go between all of the disciples? Did they fear their safety knowing others had seen the Lord’s strength during his torturous death? Did they reminisce about His miracles Jesus had performed? How did they fill the time in between?

All of us may know what happened on Easter Sunday with all of the celebration and miraculous resurrection; but my mind has been directed to the time in between and here is what I feel. Our lives are actually time in between. We are born into this world and then we die. All of our life is this time between birth and death and what we do is important to prepare for our resurrection into Eternity. How do we fill our time in between or in other words, what do we do with our lives? Do we fill our time with productivity and good works or do we idly fill our time with nonsense and useless activities? Do we learn, earn, live, and love? Do we reach out to help others find their way? We are taught about Good Friday and Easter, but I think we need to spend some of our time understanding how important the time in between was.

Life is here for us and while we show reverence and love for Jesus’s sacrifice for us; let us use our time in between wisely. Happy Easter to all and a Happy In Between Time to fill with goodness.

For positive affirmation with “the power of positive thinking” I am including a short article for you to read:

The Power of Positive Thinking

“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.”

Did you know that some of the world’s most successful people – including professional athletes, actors, business-people, artists, and spiritual leaders, attribute their success to one thing, above all else?

Its called “the power of positive thinking,” and more and more regular people are harnessing this incredible force to achieve happiness, personal success and abundance in their lives.

If you want to successfully change your attitude, it is important to know that, just like a magnet, your thoughts, expectations, and beliefs attract everyone and everything that enters into your life, both positive and negative.

Does anger, worry, fear, anxiety, and/or depression lead your emotional state and thought patterns?

If so, then experiences validating these thoughts are exactly what you will attract into your life. Good thing for you, there is a very effective solution.

What is the secret to making the power of positive thinking work for me?

Meditation. In order to manifest positive experiences into your life, you must change your thoughts, which must be done from the root: the subconscious layers of your mind.

Once meditation melts all of the layers of worry, anxiety, depression, and fear clogging up your thought processes, your new-found mind-mastery, with crystal clear thinking, and positive mental attitude allows you easy manifestation of anything you want, whether it be love, good health, wealth, more friends, or success.

Scripture Excerpt from The Bible:

John 20:16-18

Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

(c) copyright 2012-2018 Arline Lott Miller. The material here copyrighted, with all rights and privileges reserved. Third party material/photos are sourced when known to original location for credit reference.

HASTE MAKES WASTE

TODAY THE WORDS are HASTE MAKES WASTE. THIS IS A RE POST FROM 2012 AND HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR PAGE VIEWS. I find as a blogger, certain topics resonate with most of my readers. This post has far exceeded the normal viewing numbers so it is worthing of reading it again or for the first time if missed previous posting.

Here is the original post:

Somehow, this morning when it seems as if I didn’t have enough time to do all I have to do before I go to work. I felt an urge to speed up everything I was doing, rushing through the tasks ahead, feeling a little flustered, and wondering if I would have enough time to write the blog and then it hit me as to the topic I needed to write and “Haste makes waste” was at the forefront of my thoughts. In my lifetime, and probably several of you are going to agree with my thoughts, I have allowed pressure from outside sources to overwhelm me and I have wasted a lot of my positive energy while I was in the “tizzy” state of mind. How many times have you tried to get in a hurry, only to drop things, forget things and generally end up getting farther behind. Oh, I have many times. Whew, let me breathe….have you felt that way? We sometimes over promise and it causes us to sometimes under deliver. We are not physically or even mentally super heroes, and this causes us to be coming up short if we allow ourselves to try to be superheroes.

I thought about the 3 things drop theory and I know all of you have heard it…If you drop one thing, you will continue dropping things until you have dropped 3 things before this saga ends. Today, why don’t we try it out by dropping Worry, Anger, and Sadness! This should take care of the day and allow us to pick up Happiness. God wants and asks us to turn the overwhelming issues over to Him and we should listen. In my life, when I have turned it over to Him, it amazed me how quickly wrongs were made right and old things passed away and there was a brand new day and life.

Time to Relax

Note from blogger: Adding excerpt from a wonderful article on how not to hurry with full article available through link below.

How Not to Hurry

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” ~ Lao Tzu

Tips for a Slower-Paced Life
I can’t give you a step-by-step guide to moving slower, but here are some things to consider and perhaps adopt, if they work for your life. Some things might require you to change some major things, but they can be done over time.

Do less. Cut back on your projects, on your task list, on how much you try to do each day. Focus not on quantity but quality. Pick 2-3 important things — or even just one important thing — and work on those first. Save smaller, routine tasks for later in the day, but give yourself time to focus. Read more.

Have fewer meetings. Meetings are usually a big waste of time. And they eat into your day, forcing you to squeeze the things you really need to do into small windows, and making you rush. Try to have blocks of time with no interruptions, so you don’t have to rush from one meeting to another.

Practice disconnecting. Have times when you turn off your devices and your email notifications and whatnot. Time with no phone calls, when you’re just creating, or when you’re just spending time with someone, or just reading a book, or just taking a walk, or just eating mindfully. You can even disconnect for (gasp!) an entire day, and you won’t be hurt. I promise.

Give yourself time to get ready and get there. If you’re constantly rushing to appointments or other places you have to be, it’s because you don’t allot enough time in your schedule for preparing and for traveling. Pad your schedule to allow time for this stuff. If you think it only takes you 10 minutes to get ready for work or a date, perhaps give yourself 30-45 minutes so you don’t have to shave in a rush or put on makeup in the car. If you think you can get there in 10 minutes, perhaps give yourself 2-3 times that amount so you can go at a leisurely pace and maybe even get there early.

Practice being comfortable with sitting, doing nothing. One thing I’ve noticed is that when people have to wait, they become impatient or uncomfortable. They want their mobile device or at least a magazine, because standing and waiting is either a waste of time or something they’re not used to doing without feeling self-conscious. Instead, try just sitting there, looking around, soaking in your surroundings. Try standing in line and just watching and listening to people around you. It takes practice, but after awhile, you’ll do it with a smile.

Realize that if it doesn’t get done, that’s OK. There’s always tomorrow. And yes, I know that’s a frustrating attitude for some of you who don’t like laziness or procrastination or living without firm deadlines, but it’s also reality. The world likely won’t end if you don’t get that task done today. Your boss might get mad, but the company won’t collapse and the life will inevitably go on. And the things that need to get done will.

Start to eliminate the unnecessary. When you do the important things with focus, without rush, there will be things that get pushed back, that don’t get done. And you need to ask yourself: how necessary are these things? What would happen if I stopped doing them? How can I eliminate them, delegate them, automate them?

Practice mindfulness. Simply learn to live in the present, rather than thinking so much about the future or the past. When you eat, fully appreciate your food. When you’re with someone, be with them fully. When you’re walking, appreciate your surroundings, no matter where you are. Read this for more, and also try The Mindfulist.

Slowly eliminate commitments. We’re overcommitted, which is why we’re rushing around so much. I don’t just mean with work — projects and meetings and the like. Parents have tons of things to do with and for their kids, and we overcommit our kids as well. Many of us have busy social lives, or civic commitments, or are coaching or playing on sports teams. We have classes and groups and hobbies. But in trying to cram so much into our lives, we’re actually deteriorating the quality of those lives. Slowly eliminate commitments — pick 4-5 essential ones, and realize that the rest, while nice or important, just don’t fit right now. Politely inform people, over time, that you don’t have time to stick to those commitments.

Try these things out. Life is better when unrushed. And given the fleeting nature of this life, why waste even a moment by rushing through it?

Remember the quote above: if nature can get everything done without rushing, so can you.

There is a deeper thought to this message….We have a Super Hero and it is God. He doesn’t tire easily or at all; He doesn’t sleep; He needs no diet to keep him healthy and fit; and He is without weakness or sickness. Why not allow God to handle the things that we find so worrisome. If we take these things like worrying, fretting, or holding grudges, etc. out of our agenda, how much more time would we have to enjoy the good things in life?

(C) Copyright Arline Miller of Sipping Cups of Inspiration with all rights and privileges reserved. Third party material and photos are sourced, if known to the original location for credit references.

WHAT LIFE GLUE DO YOU USE?

WHAT LIFE GLUE DO YOU USE? I was rambling through some old posts (the one that is referenced is from 2013) and it brought me to a new thought expanding from the important spiritual thought of that message to another one. What kind of life glue do you use? Do you read motivational, uplifting material to spark your inner self? Do you meditate? Do you have a great hobby which allows you to bring your talents and gifts to the surface? Do you share your experiences with others? Do you look on the sunny side of life or do you find comfort in the dark? What holds your life together? Let us examine choices in life in this time.

People ask me often, “How do you stay positive?” or “I love to read your messages, they are so upbeat.” That is my life glue, Positivity in all phases of my life. I am not sure where that positive attitude started in my life but I found out if I choose to be positive, I find myself happier and much more accepting of others. First, I had to be positive about myself and accept me. I am “positive” that I am what I am and that’s okay with me.

Being Positive about being Positive….. I found a great article to share with you on Psychology Today and you can read the entire article by clicking on the link below. I have included the 6 steps excerpt.

Source:

6 Ways to Become More Positive Today | Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hope-relationships/201409/6-ways-become-more-positive-today

Too often the pattern of self-talk we’ve developed is negative. This internal seed of negativity causes a dark ripple that extends to all corners of our daily lives. We walk around with a dark cloud hovering close-by, and view all glasses as half-empty. Our conversations always revert to all that is wrong with the world, and we’re constantly expecting the worst.

This negative approach to life can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Concepts such as the law of attraction, “you reap what you sow,” and “birds of a feather flock together,” speak to the magnetic power of our thoughts. Many studies(link is external) confirm the correlation between positive thinking and success.

So how can we begin to brighten our view of the world, and infuse more positivity into our thought patterns? Although quite simple, these six steps can make a profound impact on your approach to life, and ultimately create a more positive outcome.

Practice Gratitude.
One of the quickest ways to shift your focus away from negativity, judgment, and disappointment is to list the things in your life for which you are grateful. Be grateful to be gainfully employed, to sleep in a bed each night, for the sun that comes up each morning, for the waiter who greets you with a smile, for the people that love and care for you, and for a body that lets you experience life each day. Practicing gratefulness can cause almost an immediate shift in your perspective. Keeping a daily gratitude journal, even digitally(link is external), can help remind you to keep life’s blessings at the forefront of your mind. Another strategy is to have a gratitude partner—someone who can support you in your journey to positive thinking. Each day, text, email or tell each other three things for which you are grateful. Think of this person as your accountability partner for your path to healthy thinking.

Two Steps Forward.
Initially, it might be hard to stop the negative flow of thoughts. This shift takes time. Be patient with yourself, and first just try to observe your thought patterns. See if you can catch yourself judging others, focusing on failures, complaining about work, or criticizing yourself or your body. When you observe these thoughts, take a moment to counter each negative thought with two positive observations or gratitudes. Think of it as taking two steps forward after your one step back.

Positive Posture.
The mind and the body have an intrinsic connection—each has a profound impact on the other(link is external). If you are struggling to move your mind into a more positive perspective, try moving your body there first. Try standing up straight, shoulders back, chin held high, stretching your arms out as wide as they can go. Feel powerful. Feel positive. Carrying yourself with “positive posture” will encourage your mind to feel more positive as well.

Smile.
Another way for your body to “trick” your mind into being more positive is through smiling. The simple act of smiling, even if you don’t necessarily have anything to smile about, can instantly change the way you feel internally. Whether you are sitting at your desk, driving in your car, or walking down the street, smile. You will be amazed how your mind reacts. Even better, try smiling at a co-worker or stranger you pass in the hallway or on the sidewalk. Did they smile back?

Ditch the Crabs.
If you put a crab in a bucket, it will easily climb out. But if you put a second crab in the bucket, neither of them will escape. Once one starts to escape, the other will pull it back down into the bucket. In other words, surround yourself with positive people. It’s hard to maintain a positive perspective if you are constantly pulled down by the negativity of friends, family, or co-workers. If you get trapped in a negative conversation, gracefully try to change the subject to something more positive. However, if you are surrounded by a bucketful of negative crabs, it may be time to reevaluate your circle of friends in an effort to be surrounded by uplifting individuals.

Do Something Kind.
It’s easy to get absorbed by our own world of misfortune and to forget about the people around us. Stepping outside of your daily routine to help someone else can provide amazing perspective and fill you with positivity. Strive to do one nice thing for someone else each day. Call a family member or friend in need of a kind word, compliment a stranger, go out of your way to help a co-worker complete a task, or join the thousands of caffeinated people “paying it forward(link is external)” in the Starbucks line.

Life is not always easy, and sometimes we get handed a bushel of lemons. However, it is our own perspective that ultimately determines if we will drudge through life puckered and sour, or skip along with a glass of sweet lemonade.

Gregory L. Jantz(link is external), PhD is the founder of The Center • A Place of HOPE(link is external) and an internationally recognized best selling author(link is external) of 28 books related to mental wellness and holistic recovery treatment.

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Below the original message from 2013 has a subject to “stick” to your mind and soul. I felt it stuck with me and it might be an additional glue to hold your life together.

TODAY THE WORD is SUPERGLUE. This is such a “sticky” subject but this is what came up this morning. When I was young, there was not superglue available and we used Elmer’s glue and airplane glue, etc. Dr.Harry Wesley Coover first happened upon the super-sticky adhesive — more formally known as cyanoacrylates — by accident when he was experimenting with acrylates for use in clear plastic gun-sights during World War II. He gave up because they stuck to everything they touched. In 1951, a researcher named Fred Joyner, who was working with Dr. Coover at Eastman Kodak’s laboratory in Tennessee glued two expensive lab lenses together and they could not be separated…..SuperGlue was born by destroying an expensive piece of equipment. How many times has superglue come to the rescue in your life? How many things would have gone to the trash if it hadn’t been for the superglue. I can tell you I have even glued two of my fingers together and thought I was maimed for life, forever stuck. Fortunately, I was able to get them apart.

Now for the deeper, stickier thought……..In your life, there have been several times that you felt you were coming apart and would be in broken pieces forever. Your heart may have been shattered in a thousand pieces; your financial world fell into only mounds of pennies; your family may have been torn apart and you may have felt it impossible to put it together again. Trust me, I have felt this way and I even felt that no superglue could mend my life together. Then I got acquainted with the best SuperGlue in the universe….Our God. He started a piece at a time, carefully matching all of the fragile edges, holding it into place until the glue secured and dried (I think of the drying of all of my tears) and I had a few signs of where I had been put back together but I was useable again. It doesn’t matter how badly broken a soul is, God has the strength far superior than “Gorilla” glue and mends us in a way that we actually are chip proof with His Love and Care. Today, if you are broken, try God’s bottle of SuperLove Glue and allow God to mend all of your chips and breakage. You will be better than new; you will be on your way to rebuilding your life in a protected way.

“TIPS HIS HAT” IS STILL MAGICAL

“TIPS HIS HAT” IS STILL MAGICAL may seem a little strange but this blog message is the seemingly disappearing courtesy in our world. I have been inspired to say, “Courtesy and thank you gestures are still in existence and haven’t gone in the direction of dinosaurs.” I thank all of you for allowing me the pleasure of writing this blog and for you reading it and liking it. These are ways of thanking me as a blog author for sharing thoughts such as this one with you. Let’s look at ways to show gratitude and offer the thank you moments which grow with time in other’s memories.

I can remember several times when Ray Canada, a music promoter, would see posts of mine and respond with Tips Hat and I have smiled every time when I saw his tag line. He has shared and mentioned not only my creative works but a good friend of mine, Michael Rey, a great songwriter and many others. He takes time, valuable time, to recognize others’ efforts and it is greatly appreciated. He keeps the cowboy’s gentleman manners and makes others feel special. I have included his link below with my thanks.

https://keepinitcountrysite.wordpress.com http://keepinitcountrywit.wixsite.com/http 🤠🎻🎸Tips Hat🎸🎻🤠 🚫 #H8T #RememberToLoveOneAnother Helping and Promoting New and Up & Comin…

I wanted to see what others do to say thank you and I found a great article on Beyond Thank You. I am including the link to the entire article and have included an excerpt here for you to get the focus of Kim’s article:

Beyond Thank You Article

Saying Thank You in Specific Situations

Keep in mind that English has certain phrases that are more commonly used in certain situations.

If you start using these expressions appropriately, you will sound more natural in English. Here are some examples. (Are there any I missed? Let me know in the comments.)

Thank you for coming. (used to appreciate someone’s attendance of your party, performance, or other meeting)

Thank you for writing / calling. (used to thank someone for reaching out to you via email or on the phone)

Thanks for checking in. (used to thank someone for following up because they they knew the other person was feeling bad, such as sick, stressed, or sad)

Thank you for letting me know. (used to give someone good or bad news)

Thank you for the gift. (used after receiving a present or donation)

Thank you for the invitation / invite. (used to show appreciation for being included even if you can’t attend)

Thank you for the kind words. (usually used after receiving a compliment)

Thank you for the support. (used to show appreciation when someone shows you compassion when you are feeling emotional, discouraged, or upset)

Thanks for taking the time to… (used to show appreciation for a busy person’s time)

Follow Up With Another Appreciative Phrase

Lastly, an excellent expression of gratitude will include repetition, but that doesn’t mean saying “thank you” several times in a row!

Instead, use one of these expressions to show that the other person’s action, time, or gift truly matters to you.

You didn’t have to do this.

You didn’t need to do that.

You are so thoughtful / generous / sweet.

I’m so touched.

That means so much (to me).

That means a lot.

You’ve gone above and beyond.

What would I do without you?

That’s so nice of you.

You’re too kind.

You’re amazing!

Showing Deeper Appreciation

If words just don’t seem like enough to show the extent of your gratitude, these English expressions demonstrate a sincere, deep appreciation for the other person and their actions.

I don’t even have the words to thank you.

I appreciate this more than you will ever know.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I’m eternally grateful.

I can’t thank you enough.

I’ll never forget your kindness.

I don’t think I can ever repay you.

You have my deepest thanks / appreciation / gratitude.

God bless you.

Responding to Thanks

If someone says thank you, be sure to say you’re welcome. It’s the right thing to do. 🙂

Blogger’s Note: In all things, say thank you and you’re welcome but going beyond the expected is the best way. I know someone who sends surprise gifts, not because it is expected but a way to bring an unexpected smile to someone’s face. Is that you I am talking about? Do you want to be that person? Today is a good day to LIVE LIFE, LOVE LIFE, AND LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST by thanking God and everyone else who have given of themselves to make your live better.

I THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART AND THE TOP OF IT TOO!

(C) Copyright 2012-2018 Arline Miller of Sipping Cups of Inspiration with all rights and privileges reserved. Third party material is sourced to original location with credit references. Photos are not exclusively the property of Sipping Cups and if known are sourced to original source.

LOVE & MARRIAGE, real or fantasy?

LOVE & MARRIAGE, real or fantasy? This post means a lot to me personally as I was touched by a post from a young lady, married happily but realistically on Facebook and I wanted to address this thought about marriage. You will see her fantastic post below but first, let’s see an encouraging point found in a great article showing the facts and results from marriage failures and now more successful marriages. Maybe others have figured out what Regina who is our guest blogger writes about in her post.

We’ve been told for decades now that half of all marriages end in divorce — and that it’s only getting worse. But, as is the case with most “facts” that get repeated (and repeated and repeated), that’s not quite true. And it turns out that divorce rates are actually falling, not rising.

Here’s What The Divorce Rate Actually Means
https://www.refinery29.com/2017/01/137440/divorce-rate-in-america-statistics?

Here is the post Regina has allowed me the honor to post and it, in itself, is a “bride’s eye view” of the truth behind the veil, wedding gown, and the hoopla of the ceremony and the life afterwards. Please join me in reading

Regina messaged me when I asked for permission to post this on my blog stating she reads a lot and all of the words are not her words but wise advice she acquired by selecting good reads. I think they resonated in her mind and ran straight to her heart. I encouraged her to write more and she is welcome on my blog anytime. Thanks Regina and you and Jimmie are blessed to share your life together.

I found an article showing 10 principles of success in marriage and thought I should add tips on making the most of your relationship. You can check out the entire article by clicking on the link:

Ten Secrets to a Successful Marriage https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/daily-living/keeping-romance-alive/ten-secrets-to-a-successful-marriage

Here are 10 principles of success I have learned from working with and observing hundreds of couples:

Happiness is not the most important thing. Everyone wants to be happy, but happiness will come and go. Successful couples learn to intentionally do things that will bring happiness back when life pulls it away.
Couples discover the value in just showing up. When things get tough and couples don’t know what to do, they need to hang in there and be there for their spouse. Time has a way of helping couples work things out by providing opportunities to reduce stress and overcome challenges.
If you do what you always do, you will get same result. Wise couples have learned that you have to approach problems differently to get different results. Often, minor changes in approach, attitude and actions make the biggest difference in marriage.
Your attitude does matter. Changing behavior is important, but so is changing attitudes. Bad attitudes often drive bad feelings and actions.
Change your mind, change your marriage. How couples think and what they believe about their spouse affects how they perceive the other. What they expect and how they treat their spouse matters greatly.
The grass is greenest where you water it. Successful couples have learned to resist the grass is greener myth — i.e., someone else will make me happy. They have learned to put their energy into making themselves and their marriage better.
You can change your marriage by changing yourself. Veteran couples have learned that trying to change their spouse is like trying to push a rope — almost impossible. Often, the only person we can change in our marriage is ourselves.
Love is a verb, not just a feeling. Everyday life wears away the “feel good side of marriage.” Feelings, like happiness, will fluctuate. But, real love is based on a couple’s vows of commitment: “For better or for worse” — when it feels good and when it doesn’t.
Marriage is often about fighting the battle between your ears. Successful couples have learned to resist holding grudges and bringing up the past. They remember that they married an imperfect person — and so did their spouse.
A crisis doesn’t mean the marriage is over. Crises are like storms: loud, scary and dangerous. But to get through a storm you have to keep driving. A crisis can be a new beginning. It’s out of pain that great people and marriages are produced.

I read over all of the info in this blog and thought about my marriage and my husband. I say upfront, I am no expert at marriage and have only succeeded in marriage 1 out of 3 and thank goodness, it’s this one. I am blessed to have taken the lessons from the failures, if you want to call them failures. I like to call them stepping stones and I can assure you Regina’s words have resounded in my mind. I never look back but forward and this is my advice. Determination to make a marriage work is one of my best decisions. I made the statement when my wonderful husband Greg asked me to marry him and before I answered yes, I said I have been divorced twice and do you realize this one will be “Til Death Do Us Part”? We will be celebrating 17 years next month. We laugh each year because we have a RE-UP option and it is one way we can enjoy our union for life. LIVE LIFE, LOVE LIFE, AND LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST with someone you truly love for who they really are and not just your fantasy lover (even though they really are).

(C) Copyright 2012-2018 Arline Miller of Sipping Cups of Inspiration with all rights and privileges reserved. All third party material is sourced to original location if known for access and credit. All photos are not exclusively property of Sipping Cups and are sourced if known to original location.

Spring Fling Book Sale..Now $.99 ebooks

It’s Spring and Time to see how your blogger writes Romance Novels with a different twist of Suspense. If you like to figure out Who, What, Why, and How while laughing, crying, wondering, and loving, this is the time to read one of my ebooks while at bargain prices.

Tell Me Lies; Love Me Still (Reflections of Love Book 2)
by Arline Miller
Spring Fling Sale 1 week only $.99 (EXP 3/31/18)
Link: https://t.co/EUos0TG0iV pic.twitter.com/2HRP7b4wV8

— Arline Miller (@arline_miller) March 22, 2018

It all started with A Mistress, A Wife so this is my first book in the series, Reflections of Love. Don’t wait but click on the links to buy both of the books before the third and final book of this series is finished.

When I write, the world becomes my infinite playground.

If I feel weak, I can create a strong character and I feel invincible.

If I feel lonely, I create a person surrounded by those who love.

If I feel restless, I can give my characters many great adventures.

If I feel strong, I create a character which my strength is needed.

If I feel stressed, I can add laughter and a lighthearted scene.

If I feel love, I can create compassion for others feeling unloved.

Written by Arline Miller in 2016

A book or a poem allows an escape or alteration to a mundane life. I am blessed with a wonderful life and enjoy the ability to create a different world where readers can step into a character’s fictional life. Maybe it helps to appreciate the life they have in reality.

There is an author page on this blog if you want to learn more about me. I love encouraging other budding authors who want to dabble in blogging, writing, and living. Until We Read Again, Arline Miller

(C) Copyright 2012-2018 Arline Miller of Sipping Cups of Inspiration with all rights and privileges reserved. Third party material is sourced if known to original location. Photos are not necessarily the property of Sipping Cups and sourced to original location if known.

LET’S SPRING THE HUMAN TRAP

LET’S SPRING THE HUMAN TRAP is a version of a post I wrote in 2013 and I wanted to share some additional thoughts on how we can spring the trap we humans find ourselves caught in and seemingly no way to escape. You may find it is easier to escape from those traps and thoughts which can keep us from living a free and wonderful life. Here is the original posts.

TODAY THE WORD is TRAPS. This morning, I had the thought of how trappers set traps to catch the animals. These traps are usually cruel entrapment and a lot of suffering occurs before death. I am not speaking this morning for animal rights (protective advocates are actively seeking protection for this practice).

I want to talk about a different kind of trap…..the human trap we set for ourselves. Bear with me, as you know I am a positive person and my thoughts will lead us there in a few minutes. So many young girls set a trap for themselves by allowing peers to put the bait on the trap and encourage the others to follow. Indeed too much pressure to look a certain way, weigh a certain amount, dress a certain way and act a certain way. Once the trap is sprung, the girls have to be molded and therefore a life style is set. Let me say this for the young girls being tempted to go this route and this has been an observation over many years; the girls in high school that usually are the most prettiest, most popular, and the most petite find out that once in the real adult world, they will need more than just looks. Sometimes, the girls who don’t blossom as early, seem to take on a radiance later in life. Once in a while, you will see some that spring the trap and release themselves from a life of being a diva and that is inspiring. The trick is not to get “trapped” in life and to realize how special each one of us is to Our Maker, our families and our friends.

Anyone who critiques another may be a little jealous as it is not always just looks people measure others by. A great sense of humor; great talents; great athletic ability; ability to communicate easily; and other abilities that shine may be a threat to those who depend solely on looks. The life trap with its bait of popularity is intriguing to most young people; it is deadly if other traits and abilities are not added to a person’s life. External beauty usually fades and the methods some use to try to stay young sometimes come back to haunt the person. Internal beauty radiates stronger as the source of the glow ages.

The Thinking Trap | Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/do-something-different/201505/the-thinking-trap

An excerpt from this article has great information on how to avoid The Thinking Trap. The entire article can be read from the link above.

The implications of the Thinking Trap are considerable and include:

– We should be very careful when taking any notice of what people say in any context. The chance of this being true is relatively small.

– We are likely to think that much education, training and development are useful when they are not.

– Governments and official agencies should not shape public policy according to what people say.

– People will have illusions of competence (or incompetence). Sometimes these will be damaging and sometimes dangerous.

– Any evidence is unlikely to be free from bias.

– When faced with clearly contradictory evidence people are likely to reshape their biases, not reject them.

– It is unlikely that health information and education will be effective to get people to change their lifestyle for the better (as discussed in my previous blogs and in a paper I published last year1)

– What we do has much greater importance than what we think. And to change thoughts, changing a related behavior will have much more power than putting effort into thinking differently.

Every one of us is caught in the Thinking Trap. And the harder we try to get out, the firmer its grip. We can minimize the problems associated with the Thinking Trap if we are always aware that it is operating on us. Instead of staying with the thoughts, why not give what you do a chance to define your self-concept?

Now for the deeper thought……It is deep……Life is to embrace our uniqueness as that is from what we grow and illuminate the world. Here is my example of what I am embracing: All of us have seen pictures of Mother Theresa, a plain looking women, who came from abundant and affluent heritage and who gave up all to serve. Is she not beautiful to view? Look at her picture and see how her internal beauty radiates and allows you to see past the wrinkles and the plain attire. She sprung her trap and with that freedom, has found her place among a semblance of saint. Today, release yourself from the trap and feel the freedom to be yourself. (Reprint of original post in 2013 Sipping Cups of Inspiration)

WHAT’S IN MY BAG OR BLOG?

WHAT’S IN MY BAG OR BLOG? I recently watched an episode of Let’s Make a Deal when they ask audience members for certain items in their purse (or as we call it their bag) or wallets/pockets and it is hilarious how they search for it. While watching this part of the show, I thought about my bag and if I would have those items if asked. It amazed me how many insignificant items I do have in my bag. My thoughts went to my blog, as if led to think if my blog contains a lot of insignificant info. I thought I would present to you, my readers, and my audience, if I have filled my blog with useful or trivial info and do I need to change the format.

Here is how my blog works:

Blog Post or Home Page consists of blog messages written by me and containing some outside material occasionally to enhance the message. They are based primarily for inspiration but sometimes are humorous. They can be lessons learned from life and/or memorial events. I was encouraged to share these stories and information by several other bloggers/writer friends. I share them to Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Linked In. You can subscribe to receive the blog posts to your email.

Healthy Bites was developed when I had to change my eating lifestyle due to being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. I chose to share healthy recipes from my kitchen as well as other recipes I found from other cooks. They are spaced throughout the page with pictures and links to other sites.

Author Page is a page for my author fans and contains book reviews, photos, events and info about my writing efforts. Learn more about A Mistress, A Wife my first published novel and Tell Me Lies; Love Me Still. Look to hear more about the third and final book in the series Reflections of Love and to be titled Riddle Me This, Love or Bliss?

Kitchen Sips and Tips is becoming one of the most popular pages on the blog. It is interesting a lot of my foreign readers are jumping on this page regularly. I will be updating with new tips frequently as I find good ways to organize, hacks to make life easier and interesting ways to take care of cooking.

Arline’s Little Quotes is the page to go when you are looking for some of my original quotes. I write them for inspirational, lively, romantically, funny and even quirky times. From my outta the box mind, I love looking at life from those views.

Prayer Bench is my spiritual place to park my prayers. They are my prayers and not meant to steer anyone’s faith in any direction. I have found prayer to be essential in my life and hope it is a part of your faith too.

This is a guide to my blog which is more than a message and I hope it serves my reader base. I am always open to comments meant to give me good feedback. I will not post negative comments unless they are meant in a positive light.

Enjoy the blog and search through the pages. Please let me know which pages you find the most interesting and informative or just the ones you enjoy. Feel free to share the blog as that is the purpose. Sharing thoughts, sharing info, and most importantly, sharing the Love.

TODAY IS GREEN DAY IN MANY WAYS

For the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, I decided to pull up a favorite blog post since I love greens. This is a repeat of a message from a few years ago but I think you will enjoy it.

TODAY THE WORDS are COOKING GREENS. You are reading the words of a person who loves to eat greens. I cooked greens yesterday and any time I eat them, I am brought back to a special memory.Mustard greens, turnip greens, collards, cabbage, kale are all good to me and this brings me back to my Step Mom, Martha. My Dad had a massive stroke which paralyzed him on his right side. He was able to sit in his lift chair by a lift which he was lifted from his bed and pushed to the chair and lowered into a sitting position or more like a reclining position for the day. I lived a distance away and would travel to spend some time on the weekend with Daddy and Martha during the day and at night at my Mother’s house in the same town. I tell you this to get to the cooking greens theme of the message. How many of you have prepared greens to cook?

It is quite a job to “look over” the greens and then go through several washes to remove any sand, dirt, or any debris in them. There are several methods, but I can assure you, each method is still time consuming. There is usually meat to season them; although more and more people are using other seasonings for health reasons. Martha, barring all others, could cook greens better than any other person I have ever known. Her greens were so delicious I could eat them cold; that’s right, cold. She always fried pork chops and other great side dishes with the greens. This had to be a full day of preparation and do remember she was taking care of my Dad at the same time.

Now for the deeper thought…...She waited for me to smile at the first bite and it seemed to give her as much joy as it did me eating it or even more if that was possible. It was tiring for her but she made me feel so special when she cooked me greens. When my visit was through and they were telling me to be careful on my trip home and gave me my container of greens to go with me; I love them, cherished my time with them and I was so thankful for Martha’s sacrifice and love. She loved Daddy and she loved her family and that always included us. Great restaurants are so enjoyable; Martha’s greens were true love! God wants us to “cook greens” for others. I am using a metaphor as God wants us to do whatever we can to help others; make others feel special; be charitable; be loving and kind. Today and every day, may we borrow a little spirit from Martha who is in heaven with Daddy, and “cook up some greens” for someone we love or a stranger we don’t know but needs our help. (DEDICATED TO MARTHA THOMAS LOTT, our STEPMOTHER)

I have attempted to add health benefits when applicable and here is an excerpt from an article I found on the health benefits of greens (turnip greens, mustard greens and collards) If you go to the link, there are instructions on how to prepare. Enjoy some good eating:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/85263-stay-eating-collard-mustard-/

How to Stay Healthy Eating Collard, Mustard & Turnip Greens

Last Updated: Jul 10, 2015 | By Daryn Eller

How to Stay Healthy Eating Collard, Mustard & Turnip Greens

Turnip greens growing in a field. Photo Credit Tom Brakefield/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Collard, mustard and turnip greens are vegetable royalty in the South—and for good reason. All three are in the cruciferous family of vegetables that the American Institute for Cancer Research reports might help defend against cancer. The three greens are also rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, folate and iron. Collards, which taste like a cross between cabbage and kale, are especially high in calcium. Mustard and turnip greens have a sharper bite than collards and provide a nice dose of vitamin K, a nutrient important for bone health and blood clotting.

Paula Deen, the guru of Southern Cooking to many of us, knows how to put the hurt on a good pot of greens so I thought I would include a recipe from her on Food Network:

Collard Greens Recipe by Paula Deen

You can go to the link and get the House Seasoning ingredients and enjoy some GREEN today.

Month: March 2018

A SUNRISE LIKE NO OTHER

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THE TIME IN BETWEEN

John 20:16-18

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HASTE MAKES WASTE

Note from blogger: Adding excerpt from a wonderful article on how not to hurry with full article available through link below.

How Not to Hurry

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WHAT LIFE GLUE DO YOU USE?

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“TIPS HIS HAT” IS STILL MAGICAL

Saying Thank You in Specific Situations

Follow Up With Another Appreciative Phrase

Showing Deeper Appreciation

Responding to Thanks

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LOVE & MARRIAGE, real or fantasy?

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Spring Fling Book Sale..Now $.99 ebooks

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LET’S SPRING THE HUMAN TRAP

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WHAT’S IN MY BAG OR BLOG?

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TODAY IS GREEN DAY IN MANY WAYS

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Note from blogger: Adding excerpt from a wonderful article on how not to hurry with full article available through link below.

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Saying Thank You in Specific Situations

Follow Up With Another Appreciative Phrase

Showing Deeper Appreciation

Responding to Thanks

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