BookSummary: Fault Trees

April 29, 2013 Leave a comment

Book-Fault Trees
Author-Nikolaos Limnios
ISBN-978-1-905209-30-9
Pages: 224
Chapters: 10

Chapter 1 Single-Component Systems
Chapter 2 Multi-Component Systems
Chapter 3 Construction of Fault Trees
Chapter 4 Minimal Sets
Chapter 5 Probabilistic Assessment
Chapter 6 Influence Assessment
Chapter 7 Modules – Phases – Common Modes
Chapter 8 Extensions: Non-Coherent, Delay and Multistate Fault Trees
Chapter 9 Binary Decision Diagrams
Chapter 10 Stochastic Simulation of Fault Trees

NASA Fault Tree Handbook [alternate download]
Visio Template
Visio Template-myVersion
Excel Data Template-myVersion
Fault Tree Sample
image

Dependability: a generic term encompassing the concepts of reliability, availability,
maintainability, security, etc. It is also simply designated by the term
“reliability”, which underlines its quantitative aspect.

The aim of reliability is the study of systems (sets of elements – hardware,
software, human resources – that interact with a view to accomplishing a mission)
that are subjected to physical processes such as the processes of failure,
repair, and stresses.

The component is a part of a system which is non-resolvable within the
framework of the study for which sufficient qualitative information (functioning,
modes of failure, etc.) as well as quantitative information (failure rate, repair
rate, etc.) has been provided in this study. The notion of component is relative
and depends on the study. For example, an aircraft, within the framework of a
study dealing with flight safety, represents the system, whereas for the airline
company it represents a component.

Fault Trees [FT]-quantitative modeling of a system.
– a deductive way of finding faults in a system
– represents a failure mode of a subsystem or component
– if not studying system faults, it is called Event Tree
– to obtain the map of a complex system quantitatively
– to improve reliability
– to find faults of a system
– systematic modeling of a system structure
– to model human errors

Minimal cut sets-the minimal path for studying the reliability of a system [simplified]

Classification of Reliability
1. Component Reliability
2. Reliability Statistics
3. Reliability of Systems

Classes of Systems
1. System components
2. System’s structure function
3. Maintenance Systems
4. Binary systems
5. Multi performance systems
6. Non-repairable systems
7. Repairable
8. The mission

3 Stages of FT Modeling
1. Construction of the tree
2. Qualitative analysis
3. Quantitative analysis
Note: the construction should be exhaustive in nature representing all the significant causes for the failure of the system

3 Questions To Ask
1. What are the failure modes of the component and of the system?
2. How does the system break down?
3. What is the probability of the system breaking down?

image

The Qualitative Analysis
– deals with methods for obtaining the minimal sets: minimal cut sets and minimal paths
– what is the top event?
– what is undesirable?

Reliability Phase Diagram
image
(a) non-repairable system
(b) repairable system
1: state of good functioning
2: state of breakdown

Multi-Component Systems

Whereas in the case of single-component systems the failure in the component
implies the failure of the system, this is no longer the case for
multi-component systems, at least not automatically. The failure in a multi component
system arises in the wake of the failure in the sub-sets of well-defined
components. For example, the failure in one of the four cylinders of a car does
not jeopardize its overall working: it works badly, but it still works. On the
other hand, the failure of the drive shaft leads to the immobilization of the car.

Let us consider the brake system of a vehicle, made up of front
and rear brakes. If the rear brakes are down, we can still continue braking.
On the other hand, if both the brakes are down (front and rear), we can no
longer brake and the braking system is declared to be failed. If the front brakes
be indicated by x1 and the rear brakes by x2, then the braking system of the
vehicle can be described by the function:

image

 

Elementary structure systems

The distinction between elementary structure systems and complex structure
systems is very useful in matters of reliability. The elementary structure
systems are concerned with series structure and the parallel structure or, more
precisely, the structure k-over-n, which is a generalization of the preceding two
structures. Any system giving a k-over-n structure through successive reductions
is called a elementary structure system. In the contrary case, it is known
as a complex structure system. The structural function of an elementary structure
system is obtained directly using the functions of structures, as described
in the following section. On the contrary, for the complex structure systems,
we require the notions of minimal cut set or of minimal path.

Series system
A system is said to be in series if its functioning is subjected to the simultaneous
functioning of all its components. If just one of its components is failed,
then the system will have broken down.

image

Parallel system
The functioning of this system is assured, if at least one of its components
is in good state. The system will be failed if and only if all its components are
simultaneously failed.

image

 

Parallel-series system
This is formed by r blocks mounted in series, and each block i constitutes
a parallel system of ij components j =1, …, r.

image

Series-parallel system
This is formed by r blocks mounted in parallel, and each block i constitutes
a series system of ij components j =1, …, r.

image

Systems with complex structure
A system that cannot be directly classified into the preceding cases of elementary
structures is called a system with complex structure. For the study
of systems with complex structure, the concepts of minimal paths and cuts (in
the case of monotone structures) must be introduced. The system in Figure 2.6
is a system with complex structure. This system cannot be directly classified
into modules with traditional structures. If the input/output of this system are
located at the extremities of component 3, it will then involve a system with
elementary structure.

image

Path: a sub-set of components whose simultaneous good functioning will
assure the good working of the system, which is independent of the states of
the other components.

Minimal path: a path which does not contain another path.

Cut set: a sub-set of components whose simultaneous failure leads to the
system failure, which is independent of the states of the other components.

Minimal cut set: a cut set that does not contain another cut set.

Reliability bounds
The exact calculation for the reliability of the systems is very costly (NPhard
problem); that is why the calculation of the bounds, instead of for exact
value, is suitable. We have four types of bounds: the bounds of inclusion–
exclusion, the minimal sets bounds, the “min–max” bounds and the trivial
bounds. Other bounds can be obtained by improving the above-cited bounds
or through the construction of mixed bounds or by a modularization of the
system. It has to be noted that there is a relationship of order among those
four types of bounds. The best bound depends on the problem.

Construction of Fault Trees
Operators
image

Special Operators
image

Events
image

Transfer Triangles
image

Graphic Symbols
FT is represented by means of 3 types of graphic symbols
1. Logic Gates or Operators
2. The Events
3. The Transfer Triangles
image

Primary operators-when all inputs are basic events
Top Event: A
Intermediate Events, B,C, D, E, F
Basic Events: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
Non-Elementary Events: 5,6 [transfer triangles]
Event 2 and 3 are repeated events
Operator OR: G1, G3, G4, G5, G6
Operator AND: G2
G5 and G6 are primary operators because all their input are basic events

OR Operator-Series System
image

AND Operator-Parallel System
– active redundancy
image

Priority AND operator
-passive redundancy
-component2 is in standby but starts when component1 fails
image

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BookSummary: Full Cup

April 29, 2013 Leave a comment

Book-Full Cup Thirsty Spirit
Author-Karen Horneffer-Ginter
ISBN-978-1401939939
Pages: 224
Chapters: 6

NOTES: Full Cup: Chapter 1-Honoring Our Rhythms
NOTES: Full Cup: Chapter 2-Turning Within
NOTES: Full Cup: Chapter 3-Filling Up
NOTES: Full Cup: Chapter 4-Fully Inhabiting Our Days
NOTES: Full Cup: Chapter 5-Remembering Lightness
NOTES: Full Cup: Chapter 6-Embracing Difficulty

 

# NOTES: FULL CUP
1 We have a rhythm that moves through us [pulsating heart, breathing, mood, hunger, sleep, energy level etc]
2 Rhythms differs from  person to person
3 Rhythms involves showing up in the world and taking a break [1 and 0 or the yes or no, rest or go]
4 Rhythms involves our capacities for activity, engagement, need for rest, renewal and emptying out of debris
5 Our culture asks us to ignore these deeper rhythms
6 When the rhythms are ignored/disregarded, results are fatigue, undefined illness, tiredness, loss of motivation, loss of sense of peace
7 Begin to listen to and notice how your body and soul want you to live.
8 What are they craving most, and what are some small (and maybe not-so-small) ways you could honor this?
9 Are there places where you get stuck in the movement between engaging in the world and turning within?
10 How might you honor this movement between rest and activity, bringing forth new life and releasing what is stale? 
11 What would this honoring look like in your daily, weekly, and monthly life?
12 Experiment in this next month by making small changes and seeing which ones have the biggest impact on your well-being.
13 The Art of Slowing Down [have time]
14 Have time to exercise
15 Have time to read a book
16 Have time to cook a meal
17 Have time to  walk outside
18 Practice the lack of rushing, be a non-rusher
19 Delete the word "hurry" in your vocabulary
20 Remove the personal belief of busyness=being valuable and important
21 Have time to PAUSE! [in the middle of doing something]
22 Choose to walk slowly
23 Sit down and do nothing and think nothing
24 Be more present with yourself
25 Journey to change is complicated but it must be done
26 We chose to rush [not the external forces around us]
27 Practice downshifting very often
28 Are there beliefs you carry about the necessity of being busy that are getting in the way of slowing down? 
29 Reflect on any messages you might have picked up about busyness being associated with success or worthiness. 
30 What do you fear would happen if you slowed down?
31 Which beliefs and fears are you ready to let go of?
32 Reflect on your relationship to rushing. What changes do you want to make? 
33 Are there certain tasks or times of day that might be worth moving through at an intentionally slower pace? 
34 What would help you to shift gears even if only for an hour?
35 Experiment with the art of slowing down—find one activity each day that you can intentionally do at a slow pace. 
36 Try eating a meal slowly, or next time you drive somewhere take your time as you walk from the parking lot to the building. 
37 Take time to notice what it’s like to move at this pace. 
38 What do you notice that would have gone unseen, un-tasted, or unheard on another day?
39 Take time-outs.  Sit in a corner and do nothing or think nothing or take a nap
40 Balancing is viewed as fundamental to healing. 
41 When the body is stagnant, it needs stimulation to begin moving again
42 When it’s depleted, it needs nourishment
43 When it’s damp and cold, it needs heat 
44 When it’s hot and dry, it needs cooling moisture
45 When we’ve been extremely active, we need rest
46 When we’ve been sitting at a computer inside, we need movement outside
47 When we’ve been in our head with too much thinking, we need to reconnect with our heart and our feelings
48 When we’ve been engaged in repetitive tasks, we need inspiration
49 When we’ve been serious, we need some lightness and laughter
50 50 Ways to take a Break
51 1. Take a bath
52 2. Listen to music
53 3. Light a candle
54 4. Rest with your legs up on a wall
55 5. Take a nap
56 6. Listen to a guided relaxation
57 7. Take deep belly breaths
58 8. Let out a sigh
59 9. Turn off all electronics
60 10. Enjoy a warm beverage
61 11. Eat a meal in silence
62 12. Sit in silence
63 13. Write a journal
64 14. Go on a walk
65 15. Sit in nature
66 16. Explore a park
67 17. Go to a farmers’ market
68 18. Meander around town
69 19. Go to a body of water
70 20. Fly a kite
71 21. Watch the clouds
72 22. Watch the stars
73 23. Go for a run
74 24. Take a bike ride
75 25. Drive somewhere new
76 26. Climb a tree
77 27. Do some gentle stretches
78 28. Put on music and dance
79 29. Move twice as slowly
80 30. Notice your body
81 31. Make some music
82 32. Paint on a surface other than paper
83 33. Color with crayons:
84 34. Read or watch something funny
85 35. Read poetry
86 36. Write a quick poem
87 37. Learn something new
88 38. Take a photograph
89 39. Find a relaxing scent
90 40. Examine an everyday object with fresh eyes
91 41. Pet a furry creature
92 42. Buy flowers
93 43. Read a book
94 44. View art
95 45. Let something go
96 46. Forgive someone
97 47. Call a friend
98 48. Write a letter
99 49. Engage in a small act of kindness
100 50. Give thanks
101 When slowing down and taking breaks are not enough, the next step is to step away from life in a more significant way.
102 Unplug from daily life and deeply reconnect with self
103 Time being alone is directly proportional to busyness.  If you are too busy, the more time you need to be alone to unwind
104 Quite time is a must.
105 Set aside a day or two for a retreat
106 Unplug for a day or two from anything
107 Go inward for a day-self retreat.
108 Step away from life for a day or two
109 Create space in your life intentionally
110 Radically simplify your life
111 Don’t peek at your next task or next move, stay with the PRESENT, the "NOW"
112 Feel the event at the moment. Be fully present
113 Set aside one day each week to nourish yourself, talk to self, write a journal about self, meditate, sleep, pray.
114 Connect to what matters most
115 Nourish our spiritual being through rest and reflection produces greater balance.
116 Emotional and physical health is as important as the spiritual.
117 Basics of emotional/physical health often times neglected.
118 Self care is essential to being healthy – body, mind, spirit
119 Don’t ignore the very basics of human needs
120 If we are hungry, we take in food
121 If we are tired, we go to sleep
122 If we need to dispose waste, we go to the bathroom
123 There is a simple relationship between what the body needs and how the body responds, ignoring those needs are not being wise
124 As we become older, we tend to ignore or able to tolerate such needs [peer pressure or just merely the drive to succeed]
125 Are you a black belt in ignoring your needs?
126 When your body request downtime, do you drink coffee instead?
127 We have the mindset of work hard-play hard, do whatever it takes [with disregard to the self needs]
128 Hard work and constant busyness are somehow the main theme in our endeavor.
129 We carry certain beliefs that we don’t need to take care of our self needs/care.
130 Sometimes avoiding self-care was a response to having a mother/father who had been extremely self-absorbed and inattentive and we want to do the opposite
131 Don’t wait for your "tank" to be in EMPTY, fill it up
132 What is the MOST essential now?
133 Dimensions of Life
134 1.Body
135 2. Mind/Heart
136 3. Spirit
137 4. Social Relationship
138 5. Work/Service/Finances
139 6. Home and Family 
140 Stages of Change
141 1. Pre-contemplation (not intending to make a change)
142 2. Contemplation (intending to take action in the next six months)
143 3. Preparation (intending to take action in the next month)
144 4. Action (engaging in the new behavior)
145 5. Maintenance (sustaining the behavioral change over time)
146 Changes takes time.
147 Inhabit-Be present in; exist or be situated within
148 Act intentionally of paying attention to beauty of life/world
149 Discover objects of beauty over and over again
150 Loving-kindness can be defined as “paying attention.
151 “The way we do anything can reflect the way we do everything.”
152 Think the NOW – the present, what you are currently doing and do not wander
153 Do every task as if you are in a sacred ceremony.
154 Show up in life and pay attention
155 Sense the things around you
156 Hear the seen and the unseen
157 Do one thing at a time [strictly]
158 You cannot make soybeans into corn; you cannot make someone he’s/she’s fundamentally not.
159 Practice "Hmm … isn’t that interesting?" [get interested in small wonders around you]
160 Ex.1 I’ve got a $50 parking ticket and I have to write an appeal. Say "Hmm … isn’t that interesting?" and find a way to write an essay to avoid the fine.
161 Ex.2 My wife is mad at me. Say "Hmm … isn’t that interesting?" and find a way to win her creatively.
162 Practice
163 Ex.3 I have a heart attack. Say "Hmm … isn’t that interesting?" and find a way to survive 50 more years after.
164 Ex.4 I lost my job. Say "Hmm … isn’t that interesting?" and find a way to land a job/livelihood that pays more and more enjoyable.
165 Ex.5 Me my husband lost our love for each other. Say "Hmm … isn’t that interesting?" and look for ways to get back on track like the first month of the relationship.
166 Ex.6 I failed in my exams today. Say "Hmm … isn’t that interesting?" and find a creative way to get better.
167 Ex.7 I’ve got cancer and I have 6 months to live. Say "Hmm … isn’t that interesting?" and find out what else you have not done to make a mark to the people around you.
168 Ex.8 I’m really tired of my job and I want to change. Say "Hmm … isn’t that interesting? and think 20 years ahead and see what it will be like if you stay put.
169 Ex.10 My life has no direction and I’m stucked. Say "Hmm … isn’t that interesting? and write down a list of things in a piece of paper that you have not done or explored – then pick one and do it. 
170 Write a journal and tell something about your life.
171 Take a special photograph each day with an intention of finding beauty in it like no one else.
172 4 Questions
173 1. When did you stop singing
174 2. When did you stop dancing
175 3. When did you lose your sense of enchantment with stories, and in particular, your own life story?
176 4. When did you become uncomfortable with silence?
177 Lightness-a feeling of joy and pride
178 Seriousness-opposite of lightness [sort of]
179 Humor and lightness disappear as we mature
180 Life becomes more serious when serious things happen like illnesses or the loss of relationships, loved ones, or jobs.
181 As to-do lists increase and the balance between work and home gets more complicated, humor and fun depart
182 Find enchantment in life by making a difference in the world around us and offer a sense of meaning and fulfillment in our lives
183 Identify things that make you come alive
184 Identify things that deplete you, then avoid
185 How do you relate to difficulty?
186 Sometimes what’s behind our choice to be busy, consciously or unconsciously, is a desire to avoid feeling our pain
187 If you can’t get out of it, get into it
188 Life is filled with crossroad moments, how do you face it?
189 How do you face unpleasant emotions? 
190 Common responses: denial, becoming anxious, drinking alcohol, getting busier, blame others, self blame
191 Most human suffering is not getting what we want or getting what we don’t want.
192 The best response to unpleasant experience or emotion – get into it. [face it]
193 Don’t be running around talking about the monster in the closet.  Open the closet and see what this perceived monster really is.
194 Sometimes in life we find ourselves, cursing at situations that are empty of blame. If no one is to blame, get to the next phase – acceptance.
195 Embrace our emotions, it helps to see that often the experiences that bring us to our knees are also what allow us to grow into the fullness of who we really are.
196 Fire of painful feelings, sometimes their presence is a gift in disguise.
197 Know, Accept and Befriend Ourselves
198 All humans, at their core, want to be loved and to feel like they have something to offer
199 I want to be loved. I want to do well.
200 Human Vulnerabilities:
201 1. wanting to fit in socially
202 2. wanting to have love reciprocated
203 3. wanting to be appreciated by family
204 4. wanting to be acknowledged at work
205 5. wanting intimacy
206 6. wanting to be accepted, 
207 7. wanting to feel pretty enough
208 8. wanting to feel capable of tackling the demands of daily life, of overcoming fears, or of feeling strong enough to continue functioning in the face of depression or illness.
209 It’s okay to be humbled. It’s okay not to be all that we are expected
210 Allow yourself to amused at not winning or being proven wrong or being made fool of
211 Remember to use kindness in times of difficulties
212 How can I deal with the enormous fear and anger that I feel about what happened? ANSWER: Do one kind thing for someone every day.
213 Allow bad experiences to act as an inner fertilizer that can strengthen our capacity to open our hearts to ourselves and to those around us.
214 Think of self-compassion during a time of distress but use kindness to others as a method of delivery
215 The secret of happiness: Find something more important than you are and dedicate your life to it

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NOTES: Full Cup: Chapter 6-Embracing Difficulty

April 29, 2013 1 Comment

Book-Full Cup Thirsty Spirit
Author-Karen Horneffer-Ginter
ISBN-978-1401939939
Pages: 224
Chapters: 6

185 How do you relate to difficulty?
186 Sometimes what’s behind our choice to be busy, consciously or unconsciously, is a desire to avoid feeling our pain
187 If you can’t get out of it, get into it
188 Life is filled with crossroad moments, how do you face it?
189 How do you face unpleasant emotions? 
190 Common responses: denial, becoming anxious, drinking alcohol, getting busier, blame others, self blame
191 Most human suffering is not getting what we want or getting what we don’t want.
192 The best response to unpleasant experience or emotion – get into it. [face it]
193 Don’t be running around talking about the monster in the closet.  Open the closet and see what this perceived monster really is.
194 Sometimes in life we find ourselves, cursing at situations that are empty of blame. If no one is to blame, get to the next phase – acceptance.
195 Embrace our emotions, it helps to see that often the experiences that bring us to our knees are also what allow us to grow into the fullness of who we really are.
196 Fire of painful feelings, sometimes their presence is a gift in disguise.
197 Know, Accept and Befriend Ourselves
198 All humans, at their core, want to be loved and to feel like they have something to offer
199 I want to be loved. I want to do well.
200 Human Vulnerabilities:
201 1. wanting to fit in socially
202 2. wanting to have love reciprocated
203 3. wanting to be appreciated by family
204 4. wanting to be acknowledged at work
205 5. wanting intimacy
206 6. wanting to be accepted, 
207 7. wanting to feel pretty enough
208 8. wanting to feel capable of tackling the demands of daily life, of overcoming fears, or of feeling strong enough to continue functioning in the face of depression or illness.
209 It’s okay to be humbled. It’s okay not to be all that we are expected
210 Allow yourself to amused at not winning or being proven wrong or being made fool of
211 Remember to use kindness in times of difficulties
212 How can I deal with the enormous fear and anger that I feel about what happened? ANSWER: Do one kind thing for someone every day.
213 Allow bad experiences to act as an inner fertilizer that can strengthen our capacity to open our hearts to ourselves and to those around us.
214 Think of self-compassion during a time of distress but use kindness to others as a method of delivery
215 The secret of happiness: Find something more important than you are and dedicate your life to it

PRACTICE:
1. What difficult emotions do you tend to push away? What feeling do you wish you would never have to experience again? Why?
2. How might you begin to develop a sense of hardiness in your ability to feel the sensations associated with this emotion?
3. Is there someone who could hold space for you to explore the monster-like qualities of these feared emotions?
4. Can you connect to the truth that other humans share this same pain?
5. What have been the tricksters in your life? What has caused you to be shattered? Have you found unexpected gifts in these unwanted situations?
6. Consider writing a vow to yourself. What would you want to say, at the altar, if you were to marry yourself? What commitments do you want to make?
7. What areas of vulnerability are you aware of? How do you respond to their presence?
8. What would it look like to accept and befriend yourself in moments when you feel humbled by life?
9. What tools help you to be in conversation with yourself: journaling, artistic expression, movement, communicating with others either in person or online?
10. What is the connection between kindness and difficulty in your own life?
11. What would it look like and feel like to be kind to yourself in your day-to-day life, especially when you next encounter pain or difficulty?
12. If you notice the presence of critical inner voices, see if you can identify where they come from. Notice, also, what these critical voices want for you and what they’re concerned might happen if they don’t voice their judgment.
13. Reflect on how kindness shows up in your interactions with others.
14. Can you think of a small act of kindness that made a big difference in your life? In what ways do you feel drawn to offer kindness to others?
15. Do you notice a connection between compassion and busyness in your daily life? When you initially feel too busy to be compassionate, what can you do to shift that feeling?
16. Sometimes this awareness, alone, can help us remember that kindness is always an option.

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NOTES: Full Cup: Chapter 5-Remembering Lightness

April 28, 2013 1 Comment

Book-Full Cup Thirsty Spirit
Author-Karen Horneffer-Ginter
ISBN-978-1401939939
Pages: 224
Chapters: 6

 

177 Lightness-a feeling of joy and pride
178 Seriousness-opposite of lightness [sort of]
179 Humor and lightness disappear as we mature
180 Life becomes more serious when serious things happen like illnesses or the loss of relationships, loved ones, or jobs.
181 As to-do lists increase and the balance between work and home gets more complicated, humor and fun depart
182 Find enchantment in life by making a difference in the world around us and offer a sense of meaning and fulfillment in our lives
183 Identify things that make you come alive
184 Identify things that deplete you, then avoid

PRACTICE:
”1. Where in your life could you use some humor and lightness: in your relationships, at work, in your ways of approaching self-care?
2. What are some ways of lightening up your life that would work for you?
3. What might be the benefits of such lightness for you—possibly feeling less stressed or finding a greater sense of acceptance or creativity or gratitude in life?
4. Are there stressful situations you can reframe, possibly imaging them to be part of the plot line in a comedy? (Of course, you don’t have to make clay figures.) Play with this mind-set during the week as life challenges you or seems utterly serious. See if this helps to shift your felt sense of busyness.
5. Consider doing the comparison exercised described. Create one side that depicts things that make you come alive and the other representing things that deplete you. Be honest with yourself about what shows up in both sections. Is there anything that surprises you?
6. How can you shift the timing of when or how you do certain activities to lessen the ways in which they exhaust you?
7. Are there ways you can enliven the potentially mundane tasks of everyday life, like waiting?
8. How might you spice up your life with some new adventuresome activities? What would be your version of getting a pet monkey?
9. Are there aspects of your life that have gotten too narrowly defined?
10. What brings you joy, fun, and amusement?
11. Are there new activities you’d like to try or activities you used to do that possibly you’d like to dust off and revisit? These may be hobbies that are purely for your entertainment or endeavors that might be both fun as well as of value to those around you.”

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NOTES: Full Cup: Chapter 4-Fully Inhabiting Our Days

April 27, 2013 1 Comment

Book-Full Cup Thirsty Spirit
Author-Karen Horneffer-Ginter
ISBN-978-1401939939
Pages: 224
Chapters: 6

147 Inhabit-Be present in; exist or be situated within
148 Act intentionally of paying attention to beauty of life/world
149 Discover objects of beauty over and over again
150 Loving-kindness can be defined as “paying attention.
151 “The way we do anything can reflect the way we do everything.”
152 Think the NOW – the present, what you are currently doing and do not wander
153 Do every task as if you are in a sacred ceremony.
154 Show up in life and pay attention
155 Sense the things around you
156 Hear the seen and the unseen
157 Do one thing at a time [strictly]
158 You cannot make soybeans into corn; you cannot make someone he’s/she’s fundamentally not.
159 Practice "Hmm … isn’t that interesting?" [get interested in small wonders around you]
160 Ex.1 I’ve got a $50 parking ticket and I have to write an appeal. Say "Hmm … isn’t that interesting?" and find a way to write an essay to avoid the fine.
161 Ex.2 My wife is mad at me. Say "Hmm … isn’t that interesting?" and find a way to win her creatively.
162 Practice
163 Ex.3 I have a heart attack. Say "Hmm … isn’t that interesting?" and find a way to survive 50 more years after.
164 Ex.4 I lost my job. Say "Hmm … isn’t that interesting?" and find a way to land a job/livelihood that pays more and more enjoyable.
165 Ex.5 Me my husband lost our love for each other. Say "Hmm … isn’t that interesting?" and look for ways to get back on track like the first month of the relationship.
166 Ex.6 I failed in my exams today. Say "Hmm … isn’t that interesting?" and find a creative way to get better.
167 Ex.7 I’ve got cancer and I have 6 months to live. Say "Hmm … isn’t that interesting?" and find out what else you have not done to make a mark to the people around you.
168 Ex.8 I’m really tired of my job and I want to change. Say "Hmm … isn’t that interesting? and think 20 years ahead and see what it will be like if you stay put.
169 Ex.10 My life has no direction. Say "Hmm … isn’t that interesting? and write down a list of things in a piece of paper that you have not done or explored – then pick one and do it. 
170 Write a journal and tell something about your life.
171 Take a special photograph each day with an intention of finding beauty in it like no one else.
172 4 Questions
173 1. When did you stop singing
174 2. When did you stop dancing
175 3. When did you lose your sense of enchantment with stories, and in particular, your own life story?
176 4. When did you become uncomfortable with silence?

PRACTICE:

“1. How can you support yourself in bringing what you find during your time within back out into your day-to-day life? What might this expression look like?
2. Set an intention to show up fully in this day. What helps you to be in the moment? How does this type of awareness affect your experience of being busy?
3. Play with bringing your attention to your senses. Notice what objects visually catch your eye, what smells and sounds surround you in different places during the day.
4. Notice the things that are very ordinary.
5. Experiment over the next week with what methods work best for you. Does it help to keep a journal, to carry a camera, to write poems, or maybe to cover your fingers in whatever is
sitting right in front of you?  What is your life telling you about who you are? Reflect on this day
or this past week. 
6. Consider the question from the perspective of your whole life. What have you learned about yourself?  Notice if you have any fears about really listening to what your life is telling you. If so, what are you afraid you might hear?
7. Try moving into the day with a sense of curiosity, either thinking of the phrase Hmm … isn’t that interesting? or looking for moments that contain messages worth listening to.
8. Consider that what’s around you, whether in nature or otherwise, may hold some teachings that are worth paying attention to.
9. Take some time to reflect on these four questions. Reword them as needed so that they make sense within the context of your life:
When did you stop singing?
When did you stop dancing?
When did you lose your sense of enchantment with stories, and in particular, your own life story?
When did you become uncomfortable with silence?
Are there any other aspects of who you are and what your life is about that have gotten lost along the way? What might you do to reclaim these qualities? “

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NOTES: Full Cup: Chapter 3-Filling Up

April 27, 2013 1 Comment

Book-Full Cup Thirsty Spirit
Author-Karen Horneffer-Ginter
ISBN-978-1401939939
Pages: 224
Chapters: 6

115 Nourish our spiritual being through rest and reflection produces greater balance.
116 Emotional and physical health is as important as the spiritual.
117 Basics of emotional/physical health often times neglected.
118 Self care is essential to being healthy – body, mind, spirit
119 Don’t ignore the very basics of human needs
120 If we are hungry, we take in food
121 If we are tired, we go to sleep
122 If we need to dispose waste, we go to the bathroom
123 There is a simple relationship between what the body needs and how the body responds, ignoring those needs are not being wise
124 As we become older, we tend to ignore or able to tolerate such needs [peer pressure or just merely the drive to succeed]
125 Are you a blackbelt in ignoring your needs?
126 When your body request downtime, do you drink coffee instead?
127 We have the mindset of work hard-play hard, do whatever it takes [with disregard to the self needs]
128 Hardwork and constant busyness are somehow the main theme in our endeavor.
129 We carry certain beliefs that we don’t need to take care of our self needs/care.
130 Sometimes avoiding self-care was a response to having a mother/father who had been extremely self-absorbed and inattentive and we want to do the opposite
131 Don’t wait for your "tank" to be in EMPTY, fill it up
132 What is the MOST essential now?
133 Dimensions of Life
134 1.Body
135 2. Mind/Heart
136 3. Spirit
137 4. Social Relationship
138 5. Work/Service/Finances
139 6. Home and Family 
140 Stages of Change
141 1. Precontemplation (not intending to make a change)
142 2. Contemplation (intending to take action in the next six months)
143 3. Preparation (intending to take action in the next month)
144 4. Action (engaging in the new behavior)
145 5. Maintenance (sustaining the behavioral change over time)
146 Changes takes time. …

“ It’s useful to consider the image of a fuel gauge and to reflect on the place from which we operate in life. Is our tank usually more than halfway full, or do we tend to move through life at near empty? At what point do we tend to fill up, and how do we know when we get to this place? Of course, as we are humans, there is no yellow light that comes on to warn us when we only have 20 more miles in us. Instead, we have to figure out our own indications of when it’s time to fill up. “

“Todd came into counseling after his wife had moved out of the house and his already-present headaches worsened into migraines. It wasn’t until then that he saw how ignoring his
family life and his body was no longer an option. “I guess I got lost in my work, forgetting that other things in life need my attention as well. But this is how my dad was with the hours he worked—I guess I grew up thinking that this was required in order to be successful.”

“Jan came to recognize that, for her, avoiding self-care was a response to having a mother who had been extremely self-absorbed and inattentive in her parenting. “I think I just wanted to be the opposite of her. She was so much more concerned with her own activities and dating relationships
than us. God forbid that picking up her children might get in the way of getting her nails done. I think I’ve been concerned that if I take any time for myself, I might become like her.”

“Kim had made a similar decision in reaction to her husband’s behavior. “He takes so much time for his own hobbies from hunting to golfing to playing poker with the guys, it doesn’t leave any time for me. If I started to take time for myself, who would cook dinner? Who would help the kids with their homework? I’ve just surrendered to the situation because it’s not worth arguing about.”

“Both women needed to see that their choice not to take care of themselves as a reaction to someone else’s extreme behavior was really only hurting them. In Jan’s case, she began trusting
in her ability to balance self-care and caring for others as she came to see that there really wasn’t the slippery slope she had imagined. For Kim, it helped to strategize how she could talk with her husband about ways they could both carve out time to take care of themselves. In doing this, she needed to acknowledge and let go of her role as martyr. She had to question her assumptions that her husband had no interest in her well-being and that it was somehow her destiny to carry
the full load of family responsibilities. “

“Even when we follow the perfect formula for self-care—eating well, exercising, taking vitamins, spending time with friends, praying, thinking happy thoughts when possible—this doesn’t always mean we’ll perpetually reside in the upper quadrants of health.  The reality is that sometimes our best equations for health flow perfectly, and sometimes they fail miserably—it’s a reminder that none of us has complete control over our well-being. It helps to embrace a balanced view that we can do what we can, accepting that there will always be variables, known and unknown, that we can’t control or even understand. Even in its imperfection, it’s still worth doing what we can to maximize our health and vitality. “

PRACTICE:
1. Take some time to reflect on your beliefs and attitudes toward self-care.
2. Where did these beliefs come from?
3. Do these beliefs support you or hinder you?
4. Are there any that you want to revise?
5. What would it look like and feel like to deeply take care of yourself?
6. Imagine yourself living in and from this upper quadrant of health and vitality.
7. How can you find a balance between doing what you can to care for yourself and realizing we can’t always be successful at such attempts?
7. Consider the fuel gauge metaphor: At what point do you usually fill up by taking care of yourself?
8. How low can you safely let your fuel line get?
9. Has this changed over time?
10.What are the signs that you’ve reached this point?

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NOTES: Full Cup: Chapter 2-Turning Within

April 24, 2013 1 Comment

Book-Full Cup Thirsty Spirit
Author-Karen Horneffer-Ginter
ISBN-978-1401939939
Pages: 224
Chapters: 6

101 When slowing down and taking breaks are not enough, the next step is to step away from life in a more significant way.
102 Unplug from daily life and deeply reconnect with self
103 Time being alone is directly proportional to busyness.  If you are too busy, the more time you need to be alone to unwind
104 Quite time is a must.
105 Set aside a day or two for a retreat
106 Unplug for a day or two from anything
107 Go inward for a day-self retreat.
108 Step away from life for a day or two
109 Create space in your life intentionally
110 Radically simplify your life
111 Don’t peek at your next task or next move, stay with the PRESENT, the "NOW"
112 Feel the event at the moment. Be fully present
113 Set aside one day each week to nourish yourself, talk to self, write a journal about self, meditate, sleep, pray.
114 Connect to what matters most

PRACTICE:
”What would be an ideal way of stepping out of life for you?
How much time would you like?
Would it be structured in one block of time or across multiple days or months?
Would you go away or stay at home?
What qualities would you most like to experience from this time: peace, clarity, strength, joy, gratitude, rest, others?
What activities, or lack of activities, feel like they’d be most restorative?
Put this description in a location where you can see it, in order to let these ideas sink in. In a week or so, revisit what you’ve written down and consider what elements of your plan are possible to make happen.
Think creatively.

Choose a certain time of day.
Choose a place, preferably a quiet spot or a place that can be made quiet.
Find a way to sit in which your back can be straight and your body can feel relaxed, whether this is on a chair, a cushion, or some other type of pillow on the floor. As you sit down, notice how you’re making contact with the chair 
Begin meditating by noticing your breath, not just the idea of your breath but rather the physical sensations of your breath. 
Let the practice be light—don’t try too hard, but rather allow the process to be as relaxing as possible.
Remember to be friendly with yourself. It may help to lower your expectations about what you’re hoping to experience.”

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NOTES: Full Cup: Chapter 1-Honoring Our Rhythms

April 23, 2013 1 Comment

Book-Full Cup Thirsty Spirit
Author-Karen Horneffer-Ginter
ISBN-978-1401939939
Pages: 224
Chapters: 6

1 We have a rhythm that moves through us [pulsating heart, breathing, mood, hunger, sleep, energy level etc]
2 Rhythms differs from  person to person
3 Rhythms involves showing up in the world and taking a break [1 and 0 or the yes or no, rest or go]
4 Rhythms involves our capacities for activity, engagement, need for rest, renewal and emptying out of debris
5 Our culture asks us to ignore these deeper rhythms
6 When the rhythms are ignored/disregarded, results are fatigue, undefined illness, tiredness, loss of motivation, loss of sense of peace
7 Begin to listen to and notice how your body and soul want you to live.
8 What are they craving most, and what are some small (and maybe not-so-small) ways you could honor this?
9 Are there places where you get stuck in the movement between engaging in the world and turning within?
10 How might you honor this movement between rest and activity, bringing forth new life and releasing what is stale? 
11 What would this honoring look like in your daily, weekly, and monthly life?
12 Experiment in this next month by making small changes and seeing which ones have the biggest impact on your well-being.
13 The Art of Slowing Down [have time]
14 Have time to exercise
15 Have time to read a book
16 Have time to cook a meal
17 Have time to  walk outside
18 Practice the lack of rushing, be a non-rusher
19 Delete the word "hurry" in your vocabulary
20 Remove the personal belief of busyness=being valuable and important
21 Have time to PAUSE! [in the middle of doing something]
22 Choose to walk slowly
23 Sit down and do nothing and think nothing
24 Be more present with yourself
25 Journey to change is complicated but it must be done
26 We chose to rush [not the external forces around us]
27 Practice downshifting very often
28 Are there beliefs you carry about the necessity of being busy that are getting in the way of slowing down? 
29 Reflect on any messages you might have picked up about busyness being associated with success or worthiness. 
30 What do you fear would happen if you slowed down?
31 Which beliefs and fears are you ready to let go of?
32 Reflect on your relationship to rushing. What changes do you want to make? 
33 Are there certain tasks or times of day that might be worth moving through at an intentionally slower pace? 
34 What would help you to shift gears even if only for an hour?
35 Experiment with the art of slowing down—find one activity each day that you can intentionally do at a slow pace. 
36 Try eating a meal slowly, or next time you drive somewhere take your time as you walk from the parking lot to the building. 
37 Take time to notice what it’s like to move at this pace. 
38 What do you notice that would have gone unseen, untasted, or unheard on another day?
39 Take time-outs.  Sit in a corner and do nothing or think nothing or take a nap
40 Balancing is viewed as fundamental to healing. 
41 When the body is stagnant, it needs stimulation to begin moving again
42 When it’s depleted, it needs nourishment
43 When it’s damp and cold, it needs heat 
44 When it’s hot and dry, it needs cooling moisture
45 When we’ve been extremely active, we need rest
46 When we’ve been sitting at a computer inside, we need movement outside
47 When we’ve been in our head with too much thinking, we need to reconnect with our heart and our feelings
48 When we’ve been engaged in repetitive tasks, we need inspiration
49 When we’ve been serious, we need some lightness and laughter
50 50 Ways to take a Break
51 1. Take a bath
52 2. Listen to music
53 3. Light a candle
54 4. Rest with your legs up on a wall
55 5. Take a nap
56 6. Listen to a guided relaxation
57 7. Take deep belly breaths
58 8. Let out a sigh
59 9. Turn off all electronics
60 10. Enjoy a warm beverage
61 11. Eat a meal in silence
62 12. Sit in silence
63 13. Write a journal
64 14. Go on a walk
65 15. Sit in nature
66 16. Explore a park
67 17. Go to a farmers’ market
68 18. Meander around town
69 19. Go to a body of water
70 20. Fly a kite
71 21. Watch the clouds
72 22. Watch the stars
73 23. Go for a run
74 24. Take a bike ride
75 25. Drive somewhere new
76 26. Climb a tree
77 27. Do some gentle stretches
78 28. Put on music and dance
79 29. Move twice as slowly
80 30. Notice your body
81 31. Make some music
82 32. Paint on a surface other than paper
83 33. Color with crayons:
84 34. Read or watch something funny
85 35. Read poetry
86 36. Write a quick poem
87 37. Learn something new
88 38. Take a photograph
89 39. Find a relaxing scent
90 40. Examine an everyday object with fresh eyes
91 41. Pet a furry creature
92 42. Buy flowers
93 43. Read a book
94 44. View art
95 45. Let something go
96 46. Forgive someone
97 47. Call a friend
98 48. Write a letter
99 49. Engage in a small act of kindness
100 50. Give thanks

PRACTICE:
“Begin to listen to and notice how your body and soul want you to live.
What are they craving most, and what are some small (and maybe not-so-small) ways you could honor this?
Are there places where you get stuck in the movement between engaging in the world and turning within?
How might you honor this movement between rest and activity, bringing forth new life and releasing what is stale?
What would this honoring look like in your daily, weekly, and monthly life?
Experiment in this next month by making small changes and seeing which ones have the biggest impact on your well-being.
Are there beliefs you carry about the necessity of being busy that are getting in the way of slowing down? Reflect on any messages you might have picked up about busyness being associated with success or worthiness.
What do you fear would happen if you slowed down?
Which beliefs and fears are you ready to let go of?
Reflect on your relationship to rushing. What changes do you want to make?
Are there certain tasks or times of day that might be worth moving through at an intentionally slower pace?
What would help you to shift gears even if only for an hour?
Experiment with the art of slowing down—find one activity each day that you can intentionally do at a slow pace.
Try eating a meal slowly, or next time you drive somewhere take your time as you walk from
the parking lot to the building.
Take time to notice what it’s like to move at this pace. What do you notice that would have gone unseen, untasted, or unheard on another day?”

50 Ways To Take A Breakimage

—
NOTE: There’s no mention of “take a long vacation” 

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BookSummary: Wisdom

April 20, 2013 Leave a comment

Book-Wisdom
Author-Myles Munroe
ISBN-978-0768432282
Pages: 268
Chapters: 40

Wisdom: Introduction
Wisdom: Chapter 1-Wisdom for Everyday Victory
Wisdom: Chapter 2-Wisdom During Crisis
Wisdom: Chapter 3-Wisdom Versus Greed
Wisdom: Chapter 4-Wisdom and Opportunity
Wisdom: Chapter 5-Wisdom of Management
Wisdom: Chapter 6-Wisdom and Faith
Wisdom: Chapter 7-Wisdom of Change
Wisdom-Chapter 8-Wisdom Seeds
Wisdom: Chapter 9-Wisdom Working
Wisdom: Chapter 10-Wisdom in Serving
Wisdom: Chapter 11-Wisdom’s Secret
Wisdom: Chapter 12-Wisdom Focus
Wisdom: Chapter 13-Wisdom to Prioritize
Wisdom: Chapter 14-Wisdom and Obedience
Wisdom: Chapter 15-Wisdom, Righteousness, Generosity
Wisdom: Chapter 16-Wisdom and God’s Big Idea
Wisdom: Chapter 17-Wisdom of Ideas
Wisdom: Chapter 18-Wisdom and Master Gardener
Wisdom: Chapter 19-Wisdom Through Temptation
Wisdom: Chapter 20-Wisdom in the Kingdom of Heaven
Wisdom: Chapter 21-Wisdom’s Influence
Wisdom: Chapter 22-Wisdom Against Rebellion
Wisdom: Chapter 23-Wisdom and Jesus
Wisdom: Chapter 24-Wisdom, Religion, Government
Wisdom: Chapter 25-Wisdom of Democracy
Wisdom: Chapter 26-Wisdom and Purpose
Wisdom: Chapter 27-Wisdom and Potential
Wisdom: Chapter 28-Wisdoms Death
Wisdom: Chapter 29-Wisdom Abhors Abortion
Wisdom: Chapter 30-Wisdom From The Beginning
Wisdom: Chapter 31-Wisdom and Your Body
Wisdom: Chapter 32-Wisdom Over Fear and Anxiety
Wisdom: Chapter 33-Wisdom of Marriage
Wisdom: Chapter 34-Wisdom and Baggage 
Wisdom: Chapter 35-Wisdom in Intimacy
Wisdom: Chapter 36-Wisdom of Not Settling
Wisdom: Chapter 37-Wisdom of Not Being Normal
Wisdom: Chapter 38-Wisdom of Living Beyond; The Source
Wisdom: Chapter 39-Wisdom’s Treasures
Wisdom: Chapter 40-Wisdom to Become; Not The END

 

# WISDOM NOTES
1 Are you expecting the unexpected and preparing for the unforeseen?
2 Do you possess the necessary mental, emotional, psychological, and spiritual tools to successfully and effectively weather seasons of turmoil?
3 Always remember: the Kingdom of God is never in crisis.
4 God knows what to do—He cares for you.
5 God has never failed His people.
6 Are you sure that you are one of His people?
7 What crisis are you facing today?
8 Are you facing your crisis alone or with God?
9 You cannot control the crisis that has come upon you suddenly, but you can take control of some of the details.
10 Get a grip on how to overcome your circumstances.
11 Regain your emotional footing to overcome a crisis.
12 Put your feet on the Rock-solid foundation of God.
13 Evils travel together because all of them originate in the sinful hearts of human beings.
14 Do not let your financial uncertainty make you do something rash and foolish.
15 Do not do something dishonest.
16 Do not go the way of the world.
17 Do not worry about yourself.
18 Put your trust in God and ask Him what to do.
19 The seeming defeat inherent in every crisis holds the keys to an unanticipated victory.
20 Believe that your crisis becomes your best opportunity.
21 Remember, you are not under the world’s system.
22 Instead of worrying, rejoice.
23 Do not throw away your confidence.
24 God, who began a good work in you, will finish it.
25 God created people in His own image to manage the earth.
26 When you follow the Master Plan, you will flourish.
27 When you mismanage, you lose.
28 The principle is honesty.
29 Proper management is the correct use of something.
30 Proper management is timely use of another person’s property.
31 Figure out what your resources are, and then use them wisely.
32 The resources we need come to us in the natural course of living our lives according to God’s design and intention.
33 Kingdom of God benefits come to us as we seek the Kingdom.
34 The provisions and resources that we need are by-products of our faith.
35 Kingdom-dwellers have faith.
36 True Kingdom people treat their faith as a relationship with an invisible King.
37 Your King has made blessings accessible to all who have eyes to see and ears to hear.
38 God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (see Heb. 13:8).
39 God is in charge of all changes.
40 It does not matter what is happening because it will not last.
41 There will be an end to every crisis.
42 Everything is seasonal, times of plenty and times of poverty.
43 Are you open to change?
44 God does not make mistakes.
45 Do not be surprised when God’s answer is in the form of harvest-producing seed.
46 Out of the midst of the fire, God purifies you.
47 Find God’s seed for you. Plant it. Nurture it to maturity.
48 Your seed will multiply greatly.
49 Your job is what you were trained to do. Your work is different.
50 Your work is what you were born to do.
51 No kind of educational system can teach you your true work because it is your life purpose
52 Your work [life purpose/God-given assingment] is revealed by your God-given gifts.
53 You are much more than your job.
54 If you can find yourself, you will gain a new perspective on what you were created to do on this earth.
55 The King created you, and the King called you.
56 You were created to contribute to the great bringing-in of the Kingdom of God.
57 He gave you special gifts that match with His purpose for your life.
58 He wants you to discover that purpose so that you can fulfill it.
59 No employer on earth can take away your work. 
60 Fulfilling your God-given purpose can happen wherever you go.
61 God likes to move people around. He makes sure that He has representatives in many places
62 Your work is ongoing throughout your life on this planet.
63 Your job is only your career. It is temporary. You can lose it.
64 Your whole career can collapse. You can also have more than one career in your lifetime. 
65 Your work is your life assignment. You cannot lose that.
66 You were created to serve the world around you with Kingdom compassion and Kingdom energy.
67 If people are always asking you for help, you must be reflecting the character of your King.
68 If you shoulder your share of the work without murmuring or complaining, then you have probably already been deployed in the service of the King.
69 God’s Kingdom designates every single citizen as a king in his or her own right.
70 You work your way up the Kingdom management ladder by working your way down in lowly service.
71 You are a king who serves the world with your God-given gifts
72 “What is the key to life?”
73 Is love the key?
74 Is life just an accident?
75 Is your existence a kind of “living death”?
76 Finding your true purpose and living it is the key to life.
77 The greatest tragedy in life is not death, but life without purpose.
78 Do you long for a focused, purposeful, organized life and simplified lifestyle?
79 Do you have a problem putting first things first?
80 Are you drifting through life with no focus or sense of purpose or direction?
81 Do you shoot off in too many directions trying to do too many things?
82 Are you focused on the wrong thing?
83 What can you do today to better prioritize your life?
84 If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there.
85 Life is daily and constantly demanding of our time, energy, talent, attention, and focus.
86 You must know what your priorities are.
87 The absence of priority is dangerous and detrimental.
88 If you’re not doing the right thing at the right time, you are doing the wrong thing at the wrong time.
89 Prioritizing sharpens your vision so you can focus on the most important things.
90 The key to maintaining right standing is obedience.
91 Your pursuit of righteousness places you in the right positioning to receive all the rights, resources, blessings, and privileges of the Kingdom.
92 It’s very simple: you obey, God opens; you disobey, He closes.
93 Sin interrupts your communication with God and shuts down the flow of His resources to you.
94 If your mind is pure, you will see God in everything and in everyone.
95 Righteousness bears abundant fruit in your life.
96 Generosity is a character trait of the righteous.
97 God never forsakes the righteous or their children—He always provides for them.
98 Righteous living will bear the fruit in your life of an inheritance you can leave to your descendents.
99 The only true material wealth of any lasting value, particularly as an inheritance to pass on, is real estate.
100 Not only will the righteous inherit land to dwell in forever, but that land will be covered with peace and security.
101 The world is ruled by dead men.
102 Our planet spins under the power of ideas.
103 The big idea is the ideology that served as the foundation of the first and original government instituted on Earth.
104 The big idea is the divine aspiration, celestial vision, and eternal purpose of the Creator for His creation and humanity on planet Earth.
105 The big idea is the concept of the ultimate governing program for mankind on Earth that provides for all the fundamental needs of humanity and produces a culture that integrates all the noble aspirations of all mankind, such as equality, justice, peace, love, unity, and respect for human dignity, human value, and personal and corporate empowerment.
106 Death can never kill an idea.
107 Ideas are more powerful than death.
108 Ideas outlive men and can never be destroyed.
109 Everything began as an idea and is the result of the conception of an idea.
110 The most difficult thing to fight against is an idea!
111 Ideas can be transferred and live on for generations.
112 God is the Master Gardener who ensures that the gardens of our lives produce good fruit.
113 Whoever tends your garden determines your culture, values, beliefs, and behavior.
114 Has the devil taken up residence in you?
115 You were created to be filled with the Spirit of God and live in perfect harmony and fellowship with Him.
116 You have a choice as to who you allow to tend your garden.
117 Are you a holy sissy?
118 Are you afraid of the devil?
119 Temptation is a fact of life.
120 Satan tempts with the intent to destroy.
121 If you occupy and stand firm during temptations, a rich reward lies in store for you.
122 Your King will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear.
123 Whatever temptations you do face, you can bear, as long as you do so in His strength rather than your own.
124 The Kingdom of Heaven is not a religion and has nothing at all to do with religion.
125 The Kingdom of Heaven is the sovereign rulership of the King (God) over a territory (Earth).
126 The Kingdom of Heaven is a real, literal country, although invisible to physical eyes because it is spiritual in nature.
127 The most powerful expression of any nation is its culture. A strong and rich culture can wield an influence far beyond its geographical boundaries.
128 Are you spreading the culture of the Kingdom of Heaven?
129 There are two kinds of influence: the influence of the moment and lasting influence.
130 Kingdom influence operates gradually, based on eternal, unchanging principles of God and according to a timetable that encompasses millennia.
131 The influence of God’s Kingdom is irresistible.
132 Christ is the King of an eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing, present-everywhere Kingdom.
133 Yeast is one of the most powerful influencing agents in the world.
134 Are you influencing others for the Kingdom of God?
135 Rebellion against God is called sin.
136 Sin is the singular act of rebellion, while sins are the manifestations of that one act.
137 Adam and Eve could have freely chosen to obey God rather than disobey Him.
138 Jesus Christ came to Earth to put an end to our sin of rebellion through His blood.
139 Christ came as a “second Adam” to reverse the consequences of the first Adam’s failure.
140 Christ came to announce the return of the Kingdom of Heaven and to give us access through the sin-cleansing power of His blood.
141 Everything Jesus said and did—His prayers, teachings, healings, and miracles—was focused on a kingdom, not a religion.
142 Have you had to come to grips with your own personal defects to understand Jesus and His message?
143 The original intent of God’s mandate to Moses was not to establish a religion, but a nation of people who would love, serve, and honor God.
144 Do you understand Jesus?
145 Have you reduced His message to nothing more than an escapist plan for getting to Heaven and His promises as a mere fire insurance policy for escaping the pains of a tormenting hell?
146 Religion is one of the greatest obstacles to the Kingdom.
147 Few pastors have any formal instruction at all in any Kingdom concept.
148 Humankind’s greatest challenge has been to learn how to live in peace.
149 The need for government and order is inherent in the human spirit and is a manifestation of a divine mandate.
150 Man was created to be a governor and ruler.
151 It is in man’s nature to seek some authority mechanism that brings order to his private and social world.
152 Democracy is the best form of civil government as we know it.
153 Democracy is built on the premise and principle of “majority rule” and the protection of individual rights.
154 From the Creator’s perspective, life is politics, and He is the essence of life.
155 In Him there is no distinction between government and spirituality.
156 We all are political and religious.
157 Democracy can succeed only where there is a clear accountability to a moral code.
158 The big picture means to see the end from the beginning throughout the creative process.
159 A good artist already sees the end result in his mind.
160 Purpose defines the big picture.
161 What was God’s purpose as the Artist who created humanity?
162 Without purpose, human life has no meaning or significance.
163 Can you see the big picture?
164 Your life has the potential to fulfill your purpose.
165 If you imprison that potential, you rob your life of its purposeand fulfillment.
166 You possess an awesome treasure.
167 Your valuable deposit of potential was given to enrich the lives of others.
168 You have the ability to change your attitude and your internal environment until they are conducive to the germination of your potential seed.
169 You owe it to the next generation to live courageously so the treasure of your potential is unleashed.
170 Continuous effort—not strength or intelligence—is the key to unlocking our potential.
171 Don’t allow the grave to rob this world of your latent, awesome potential.
172 Deep within you lies a seed of greatness waiting to be germinated.
173 You have been endued with natural talents, gifts, desires, and dreams.
174 Hidden within everything is the potential to fulfill itself and produce much more than you see.
175 You have the ability to accomplish everything your God-given purpose demands.
176 The releasing of your potential is not up to God but you.
177 Abortion is the ignorance of responsibility and the denial of obligation.
178 Abortion is self-comfort at the expense of fruitfulness.
179 The abortion of potential is the death of the future.
180 Abortion is the ignorance and the lack of understanding of the principle of potential that pervades our world.
181 All creation was affected by man’s sin.
182 What are your thoughts about abortion?
183 Most of the potential God gave you at birth still remains within you, unseen and unused.
184 On any given day, you are not all you can be.
185 God can always do more than He has already done.
186 Everything came forth when God spoke it into a material substance, in accordance with His master plan.
187 What steps can you take to begin realizing your potential?
188 Can you see yourself in God’s master plan?
189 Jesus promised that He would return to redeem your body.
190 God intended your body to live forever.
191 God’s making you a new home.
192 God’s in the business of giving you a new body.
193 Don’t worry if your body isn’t all you’d like it to be.
194 You are much more than your imperfect, deteriorating body.
195 Fear and anxiety shadow our lives.
196 God is well acquainted with the insanity of your world.
197 God offers Himself as the solution to your problems.
198 God will not force you to accept the new environment He offers.
199 God waits for you to come to your senses and admit your sin and your need of His forgiveness.
200 Are you immersing yourself in God’s commandments?
201 Marriage is a companionship covenant.
202 Procreation is a function of marriage, but it is not the main focus.
203 The social and moral requirement of being married before having children is still very strong in many, many places.
204 Most people are still sensitive to the respectability of marriage.
205 Married couples who take their responsibilities seriously are careful not to conceive and give birth to more children than they can adequately love and care for.
206 True family planning is mature, responsible stewardship.
207 Marriage is the beautiful accommodation of another lifetime.
208 Building a strong marriage takes time, patience, and hard work.
209 Difference of viewpoint is one of the biggest sources of stress and conflict in young marriages.
210 Adjusting to these differences is critical to marital survival.
211 No one enters marriage “clean.”
212 Fusion creates oneness.
213 A husband and wife should know each other better than they know anyone else in the world.
214 A husband and wife should know everything about each other, even those undesirable traits that they hide from everyone else.
215 Relationship does not guarantee knowledge.
216 Labels that imply closeness and intimate knowledge may in reality hinder true relationship building.
217 Marriage is a lifelong journey into intimacy, but also into friendship.
218 As your relationship develops, you should grow into true friends and love and accept each other.
219 Have you fully utilized your abilities, talents, and gifts?
220 Have you settled for the norm?
221 Have you done your best?
222 Have you allowed others to place limitations on your potential?
223 Have you created self-imposed limitations?
224 You determine the degree to which your destiny is accomplished.
225 Have you resigned yourself to a normal life?
226 Your Creator never intended you to be normal.
227 God created you as an original.
228 Are you so preoccupied with trying to fit in that you neverstand out?
229 You were designed to be distinctive, special, irreplaceable, and unique.
230 Be satisfied with nothing less than your best.
231 Great minds and souls never settle for great work.
232 All individuals throughout history who have left their footprints in the sands of destiny were driven by a passion greater than the desire for personal comfort.
233 Retirement is a great myth that traps untapped potential.
234 Retirement is never a concept in the minds of world changers.
235 The enemy of better is best, and the tomb of the extra-ordinary is the ordinary.
236 Your responsibility is to maximize life to its fullest potential
237 All the great things God has put inside you—your visions, dreams, plans, and talents—are satan’s targets.
238 He is afraid of people like you who have faith in God’s wisdom and power.
239 The deceiver fears the treasure you possess.
240 Only as you are “strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Eph. 6:10) can you withstand satan’s onslaught against you.
241 The Holy Spirit, sent by Jesus when you received Him as Savior, is your Helper.
242 Understand the provisions of God’s plan and put them into practice to defend your potential.
243 Commit yourself to the goal of dying empty.
244 Discover what you were born to be, then do it.
245 Fulfill your own personal purpose for the glory of God.
246 Don’t rob the next generation of your contribution to the destiny of mankind.
247 Time is God’s gift for accomplishing your purpose and fulfilling your potential.
248 Will you waste or use wisely the days God has assigned to your life?

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I Knew What I Was Getting Into

April 17, 2013 Leave a comment

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJ8pu_OHz2Y]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I Knew What I Was Getting Into [Listen in Spotify] 
Misty Edwards

I knew what I was getting into when called you.
I knew what I was getting into when I said your name, but I said it just the same.
I knew what I was getting into and I still want you.
I knew what I was getting into.

I knew what I was getting into and I still chose you.
I knew what I was getting into and I still want you.
I knew what I was getting into when I said your name, but I said it just the same.
I knew what I was getting into.

And I am not shocked by your weakness.
And I am not shocked even by your sin.
And I am not shocked by your brokenness.

I knew what I was getting into and I still want you.
I knew what I was getting into and I still like you.
I knew what I was getting into and I still chose you.

Cuz only I can see the end from the beginning.
And only I can see where this is going.
And only I can see the end from the beginning.
And I see in you the seeds of love.
And I see in you strength when all you see is your failure and all you feel is ashamed.
I can see deeper than that.
I know you better than that.

I knew what I was getting into when called you.
I knew what I was getting into when I said your name.
I said it just the same.
I knew what getting into and I still want you.
I knew what I was getting into and I still like you.

Your only at the beginning.
You’ve only just begun and I know where you are going
And all you can see in the moment is that your hurting.
And all you can see in the moment is that your aching.

I knew what I was getting into when I called you.
I knew what I was getting into and I still want you.
I knew what I was getting into and I still like you.
I knew what I was getting into when I called you.

Just don’t give up.
And don’t give in.
If you don’t quit. You win, you win.

Just don’t give up.
And don’t give in.
If you don’t quit. You win, you win.

Everything is in my hands.
It’s going to be alright.
Everything is in my hands.
It’s going to be alright.
It’s going to be okay.
Everything is in my hands.
It’s going to be alright.
It’s going to be Okay.
And you don’t have to pretend to be something or someone your not.
Cuz I know you better than that, even better, even better than that.
Listen my Beloved.

I knew what I was getting into when I called you.
I knew what I was getting into when I said your name.
I said it just the same.
I knew what I was getting into and I still like you.
I knew what I was getting into and I still chose you

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Day1016

April 14, 2013 Leave a comment

I took a different bike route today for no reason.  I had a nice steady pace on the first 10 miles because of the tailwind and somewhat downhill terrain in the A.W. Grimes Road.  Also, I’ve switched to my road bike from now on due to boredom of the TTBike.  I did moved the Mavic wheels to this bike to get the benefit of a lighter setup.

STATS:
Distance=40 Miles
Duration=2h, 39m
Pace=15.0
Lifetime Total Distance=28,447 Miles
Average Heart Rate=120
Post Ride BP= 88/60 [this is really weird, my bp is always low after a long workout]
Cardiac Status=No chest pain
# of Days since Stent#2=1016

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/192515234image

Chandler Road near Georgetownimage

Overlooking Texas Toll Road 130image

5 minute break on top of the Toll Road Bridgeimage

… 40miles done, then I cooked for the family
Clients rating:
Hot Texas sausage=10 stars
Chicken=9 stars
Pork barbecue=10 stars
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Milestone: #22, #23 Extraction; Day 1011

April 9, 2013 1 Comment

I lost 2 teeth today [20130408]. #22 and #23 due to bone loss.  Milestone: #22, #23 Tooth Extraction

46 years old . . . 
     or 559 months old
     or 2430 weeks old
     or 17012 days old
     or 408288 hours old
     or 24497312 minutes old
     or 1469838777 seconds old

Health Stats
Weight-180lbs
BP-110/76
Heart Rate-57bpm
FAT%-20.2
BMI-29.6

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Why I Don’t Take Vacation? [very often]

April 7, 2013 Leave a comment

1. I travel 40 miles every week.
2. I feel the energy of the sun for almost 3 hours.
3. I smell the road and hear the danger of the cars beside me when they pass so closely.
4. I meditate and pray during the lonely miles in the middle of nowhere
5. When I arrive back home, it feels like I was in a real vacation.
6. i feel alive thinking that no accident had happened in my 40 miles of travel.

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To Know Your Name

April 3, 2013 Leave a comment

http://open.spotify.com/track/5pFKIgyEFJOGWwquTYc9Eo 

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnvlpNVQocw]

The precious blood of Jesus Christ redeems
Forgiven I’m alive, restored set free
Your Majesty resides inside of me
Forever I believe, forever I believe

Arrested by Your truth and righteousness
Your grace has overwhelmed my brokenness
Convicted by Your spirit, led by Your word
Your love will never fail, Your love will never fail
To know You gave the world
Your only son for us

To know Your name
To live within the Saviors love
And He took my place
Knowing He’d be crucified

And You loved, You loved
For people undeserving
To know You gave the world
Your only Son for us

To know Your name
To live within the Saviors love
And He took my place
Knowing He’d be crucified

And You loved, You loved
For people undeserving
And I know you gave the world
Your only Son for us

To know Your name
To live within the Saviors love
And He took my place
Knowing He’d be crucified

And You loved, and You loved
For people undeserving
For people undeserving
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Arrested by your truth and righteousness
Your grace has overwhelmed my brokenness
Convicted by Your spirit, led by Your word
Your love will never fail, Your love will never fail

To know You gave the world
Your only Son for us
To know Your name
To live within the Saviors love

And He took my place
Knowing He’d be crucified
And You loved, and You loved
For people undeserving

And I know You gave the world
Your only Son for us
To know Your name
To live within the Saviors love

And He took my place
Knowing He’d be crucified
And You loved, You loved
For people undeserving

And I know You gave the world
Your only Son for us
To know Your name
To live within the Saviors love

And He took my place
Knowing He’d be crucified
And You loved, You loved
For people undeserving

To know You gave the world
Your only Son for us
To know Your name
To live within the Saviors love

And He took my place
Knowing He’d be crucified
And You loved, You loved
For people undeserving

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Believing Without Seeing

April 1, 2013 Leave a comment

Jesus said to him, “You believe because you see me. Great blessings belong to the people who believe without seeing me!” John 20:29

The Bible tv series from the History Channel concluded last night with a strong message in my heart and if you ask me about the best part of the story – it is when Thomas doubted about Jesus’ resurrection. We want proof, we want physical evidence, we want tangible indication of His presence. 

We argue about the story in our heart.  Did it really happen?  Did Jesus really existed?  Were there really miracles?  We all posses the character of Thomas.

I doubted and I wanted proof but then when I started my journey through faith, evidence started piling up and later I said in my prayer, Lord, you don’t have to show me proof, I believe in You.

My prayer is this – may you believe without seeing.

http://www.history.com/shows/the-bible/videos
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Overcome

April 1, 2013 Leave a comment

Overcome

I’m coming to be touched by the coal
I’m coming that you’d reach out your hand and make me whole
I’ve walked by this fire so many times but now I’m coming in
Purify me Lord
Burn away the things that don’t please you
Create in me a light
A light that shines
Overcome I wanna be overcome
Overcome I wanna be overcome
Let the fire burn in me for the pure in heart will see you Lord
Baptize us in the Holy Spirit
Baptize us in fire
Fresh fire
I want to burn for you Lord

Extended Version at Spotify

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1y2yoEkqzUI]

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