Smell the Roses

It's a brand new year and it feels like it's off to the races already. It wasn't even January 1st and folks were posting their New Year's resolutions on Facebook.  My publisher was ringing my phone trying to get me to focus on marketing for Lent when I was focused on Christmas. Social media, smart phones, and the relentless advance of time and technology presses us to keep up, move faster, and get more done.

I, for one, protest.

As a single parent, for years, I moved at the speed of light, you might say. Every minute was packed with things to do and places to go. I ran myself ragged trying to do it all.  I prided myself on being able to multi-task. Until, one day, I ran myself into the ground. 

My kids saw it coming.
"Smell the roses, Ma," my youngest would warn.

When we reviewed my to do list, a wise young one asked "I don't see play time on here anywhere."

Out of the mouth of babes, right?

I knew it was time for a major shift in perspective and behavior. You know how they say "Father knows best"? Well, our heavenly Father does know best and he knows how to slow us down. Physical ailments, migraines, and over-strained muscles are our body's way of telling us something needs to change. But do we listen?

When was the last time you really savored a meal, took a relaxing, hot bubble bath or sat down in your favorite chair to read a good book? If you're raising kids, when did you last make them a home-cooked meal? Read them a good book? Or take time to play a game? If you're single, how many nights a week are you out of the house? Do you wake up every morning tired? Do you have time to exercise and keep in shape?

I may be in the minority and that's okay. But I have learned: God's pace is S L O W and His voice is quiet. When I slow down enough to hear that still small voice, I gain clarity on my priorities. When I am more motivated to do the will of God than the fear of getting so much done, I accomplish what really matters to the heart of my Lord.

It is a trade off.  I may not be up with the latest news, Hollywood gossip, electronics or sports teams. To be honest, I am more interested in hearing what God wants to whisper to me than what the world is trying to shout. My mother likes to kid me by saying "Oh yeah, I remember. You don't watch television." It's kind of a joke around our family now.

So, what do you think about the pace of life? Are you moving at the speed of light these days? If so, are you really enjoying life?  I know I still struggle with going against the rushing tide. What do you do to slow down and smell the roses? Until next time, keep the faith and keep looking up!

5 Tips on Maintaining Joy

Christmas  is a few days away and the extra activities, demands, and social interactions are beginning to wear on people. Fuses are short and patience is at a premium. The needle on the joy meter is quivering. All the more reason to make time to consciously focus on the fourth gift of Advent: the gift of Love.

Love and joy go hand in hand. I find I am most joyful when I am loving and vice versa. If my joy tank is low, chances are my love tank is as well. Stress tends to deplete our joy if we allow it. An unexpected bad news phone call, someone running late, a harsh word spoken can all steal the joy from a wonderful day.

So how can we be more loving during times of peak stress? Here are a few tips on loving myself and others I've learned over the years that help me keep my joy level up and my stress level down.

1. Learn to say that two-letter word "NO". I only accept offers and invitations my heart is into. Say NO to everything else.

2.  Ditch the guilt.  When I say NO, I am being loving by being true to my values. I don't need to feel guilty for declining an invitation, not sending Christmas cards or not baking a gazillion cookies. If I feel stressed doing something, it's just not worth it.

3.  Look at the big picture. I ask myself this question "What's really important here?" When the stress level rises, it is easy to get bent out of shape over trivial things. Our logical brains go haywire and we can't think straight. By keeping my focus on the big picture, I can find joy in any situation and act in a loving manner.

4. Overlook people's mistakes. We are all human. We won't always be on time, say the right thing, or give the right gift. Let things go quickly and don't dwell on what someone said or did that really won't matter tomorrow anyway. Focus on the positives of your friends and relatives.

5.  Learn to lighten up. Make people laugh. Tell a funny story and a joke that doesn't offend anyone. Laughter raises the joy level. When tensions rise, saying those three little words "I love you"  can go a long way towards restoring peace and harmony in a relationship.

We need to be alert and on guard  so we don't allow stress to get the better of us especially during stressful times. I've shared some tips I use to maintain joy and feel more loving. What techniques do you have to maintain your joy during stressful times?

Until next time, keep the focus this week on the true gifts of Christmas and share the joy and the love!

God is in the Small Things

Ever get a craving for something? Like cookies or guacamole? Cherry pie? Chocolate?

Yesterday for example, I was at my favorite grocery store, Wegman's, doing some shopping. They were sampling guacamole. Now, I love fresh guacamole, but it's hard to eat just a little so I decided to pass on the temptation.

Later that evening, a friend and I were having dinner at a local Mexican eatery and  I noticed my friend hadn't touched the guacamole.

'Are you going to eat that?' I asked as I wrapped up my doggie bag, looking forward to a nice lunch the next day.

'Can't stand the stuff,' my friend replied.

Brazen as always, I asked it I could have it. Ah, the little things in life.

Another time, I was craving chocolate chip cookies. Again, I didn't want to buy an entire package. The next morning as I am greeting at church, a fellow greeter hands me a nicely wrapped package and says, "Here, I made these last night and thought you might enjoy a few." Guess what they were? You got it - chocolate chip cookies.

Now these are just two little examples of how God provides for us. I share these stories to let you know God wants to give us the desires of our hearts - even the littlest ones. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want in life. God is more than willing to provide out of His abundance. He loves us so much and cares about every detail in our lives: not just parking spaces, cookies, and guacamole. And no, he is not too busy for you. Trust me.

When I experience the touch of God's love, I am just speechless. To think that the Maker of the Universe cares for me so much fills my heart with joy. May you experience the love of Christ and enjoy this video. Until next time, keep looking up!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENSm29eIBJw

Ariel Paz 

You've Got What It Takes!

Totally equipped and fully loaded. My new car came just like this. Everything I could possibly need in a vehicle and more. The windshield wipers turn on when they detect rain. The lights go on when it gets dark. The side mirrors light up and beep when a car is in my blind side. Navigation system to get me to my destination.

I ask you, what more could one ask for? My car is equipped with absolutely everything I needed and more and guess what?  He's given US everything WE need to operate on this journey to faith as well.

We, too, are totally equipped and fully loaded. Yup. We have the full armor of God which includes the shield of faith, the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the sword of the spirit, the helmet of salvation, and the shoes of peace (Ephesians 6).

God promises to wipe away every tear that falls. He gives us light for our blind spots and a
Navigation system to direct our path, otherwise known as the Word of God.

We've got the oil of the Holy Spirit to fill our tanks up and smooth the ride when we feel like we're running on empty and the road ahead is bumpy. So when life zaps the oomph out of you, spend a few moments in quiet prayer and meditation. Be still and listen. Know that He is Lord. No matter what others say to or about you, remember that Jesus loves YOU and you've got what it takes!

http://www.zimbio.com/watch/GOMWFh55f-O/Michael+Buble+Baby+ve+Got+Takes/Michael+Buble


And the Mazda goes ZOOM ZOOM!

Visit my Mazda dealership in Lutherville and tell Eddie I said hello. And remember, always keep looking up!

Ariel Paz 

"The Secret " Law of Attraction - Is There Anything to It?

I'm sure you've heard of the huge success of the book "The Secret" and it's corresponding philosophy called the "Law of Attraction".  "The Secret" has sold over 6 million copies and in fact, both Oprah and Larry King discussed it on their shows. So what's all this hullabaloo about anyway?

The law of attraction is the name given to the belief that "like attracts like" and that by focusing on positive or negative thoughts, one can attract things into one's life. This philosophy of thought originated with the New Thought movement that spawned such religions as Religious Science, Unity Church, and the Church of Divine Science. It is based upon the belief that people and their thoughts are energy and that like energy attracts like energy. Interesting, huh?

Yeah, that's what I thought when I came upon some fast talking dude on a youtube video last night extolling the benefits of this process, and well, I just had to blog about it at 4:30 am.

Let's just assume for a moment that there is some truth to this whole phenomenon. Let's say we are made of energy and so are our thoughts and we do tend to attract what we think about. This concept is actually somewhat biblical when you read the Apostle Paul's advice to think on things that are true, noble, right, pure and lovely (Phil 4:8) and to have done with all evil thoughts. However, that is where the resemblance stops.

Coming from a Christian perspective, my question is this: "Where does God's will fit into the picture?" Sure, we can think about all kinds of things we want to attract into our lives, and they may or may not manifest themselves. In fact, Wayne Dyer, the international speaker and best selling author has a book on this topic called "Manifesting Your Destiny: The Nine Spiritual Principles for Getting Everything You Want". Now, isn't that a catchy title? It would capture most anyone's attention.

It seems to me that the law of attraction is all about ME ME ME - what I want, what I desire and leaves God completely out of the equation, right? Now, I admit, it is tempting (notice the use of that word) to believe we can THINK things into our lives, and we may well be able to do so. However, I believe we are playing with FIRE when we try to take things into our own hands, outside the will of God. Remember the story of Sarah and Abraham and look where that one poor decision got us - years of Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

I don't know about you, but I want the BEST that God has for me AND I am willing to put ALL my trust in HIM and no one else, including my selfish wants & desires. What about you? What are you desiring in your life? What are you willing to do to get it? Will you compromise and settle or will you trust in God?  Psalm 37:4 says "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."

Love to hear what you have to say about this post. I'm sure it will stimulate some discussion. Until next time, keep the faith and keep looking up!

6 Ways to Keep Life in Balance

Anyone watch the first game of the NBA finals last night? His team losing after a close game, Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs had possession of the ball. And then he lost his balance and stumbled. LeBron James, of the Miami Heat, thought he had him covered, but no, Parker continued to dribble and, with seconds left in the game, lifted the ball into the air and made the shot. Referees had to review the play to make sure it beat the clock. Isn't that the way life goes sometimes?

We play along in the game of life, trying to make the shot, call the shots, beat our opponents. We think we have it all covered and then - we lose our balance. Out of the blue, something happens. It could be a job loss. A loved one dies. A bad health report or any of the host of trials and tragedies that befall the human race.

We all lose our balance at times, don't we? We all stumble along the road of life once in a while. Sometimes the stumble keeps us down and takes us out of the game. But other times, by the grace of God, we are able to keep going, keep moving, and stay in the game. Sometimes, the most painful stumbles lead to our sweetest victories.

When you're going through a tough time, don't be afraid to reach out. If you're worried what others think, don't. We are all human and we all go through stuff. God allows trials to grow us up and draw us closer to one another and to Him. In this age of rapid-fire technology and fast-paced living, we forget to make time to connect - with one another, with ourselves, and with God.

In the end, that's what it really is all about. In the end, that's what the trials and tragedies are meant to teach us in the school of life. Some tricks I have found to keeping my balance in life are:

1) Slow down. And I mean slow WAY down. Try to adjust my life to the flow of God.
2) Focus on the 5 Fs in life: fitness, finances, family, future and fun. Notice that fun is last.
3) Live in the present. No worrying about yesterday or tomorrow. Enjoy the moment.
4) Be generous. Give to others of your time, money, and love. Remember Luke 6:38,"Give and it shall be given unto you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
5) Be thankful. "In everything, give thanks for this is the will of  God for you in Christ Jesus." (1  Thess 5:18)
and finally,
6) Be joyful.  Don't let life's stumbles steal my joy. "The joy of the Lord is my strength." (Neh. 8:10)

Enjoy your day, stay in the game and above all, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz 

What's Your Story?

Everybody has a story. Like any good novel, each person's story has a central theme. If your life were a book, what would the theme be?

Recently I visited my aging parents and became acutely aware of my own mortality. How do I want to be remembered? What do I want written on my tombstone? Scripture says our lives are like a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes (James 4:14) and reminds us that our days are numbered (Ps. 39:4). Heaven only knows how long each story will be.

The central theme of my life is the theme of faith. Mine has been a journey to learn to trust myself, others, and above all, God. This theme, like a brilliant golden thread, has been woven through the tapestry of my life. Every day presents opportunities to respond in either faith or fear. Will I trust? Will I step out in faith? Shall I believe in myself? Others? God? Will I continue to hope?

Each time I answer "yes", the needle weaves the thread once more and joins the fabric of my life to a much greater tapestry. This month, millions have been watching as "The Bible" mini-series airs on the History channel. As this true story unfolds, we have seen the thread of faith being woven into the life of many, beginning with the life of Abraham, then Moses, David, and ultimately, Jesus the Christ.




These people were all people of faith and each affected the course of history. Did you know that as the result of Abraham's failure to trust God by having a child, Ishmael,by his wife's servant, the world endures the Palestinian/Israeli conflict? Look it up. But the central figure in this story is Jesus, the Messiah. This one man's life, and even more so, his death and resurrection, continue to affect millions even to this day. His story gives us hope and strength to endure our circumstances. As I said to my mom, "Didn't Jesus suffer? Are we any better than he?" No, we are not Jesus, but we can, through his power and grace, overcome the trials and tribulations of life and write the next chapter in our lives.

Whatever the theme of your life, the next chapter is not yet written. What would you like it to say? How do you want to be remembered? What will your contribution be to this world? My prayer is that this post has encouraged you in some way. No matter what your age, you can write a new chapter.

Until next time, feel free to share your thoughts and as always,

Keep looking up!

Ariel Paz