Timothy J. Pruitt's Blog, page 424
May 21, 2015
Project Life
There are times in our life when we are so busy that every day is a project itself. They are filled with going, working, and doing. This is wonderful, but it can leave you tired, burned out, and lacking passion. There is an escape from the lethargy you feel.
Usually at times like this our thought is “I need a vacation.” We spend two minutes dreaming of the one we can’t take, migrate back to reality, and feel overwhelmed all over again. There are other ways of combating what you’re experiencing.
One way is to carve out five to ten minutes in your day to do what you want to do. Doing for others makes life worth living, but God never intended for you to be neglected in the process. Taking a few minutes to walk, read, listen to a book, or watch your favorite rerun, can give you something back.
It will recharge you, because for a little while, you’re not doing, you’re being. Most of us have some electronic device with us at all times. Make it work for you, find a game, a drawing program, or a podcast which interests you.
A second way is to pick a project out of your wish list that you’ve wanted to do for years. Before you say it, I understand, I’m not saying to complete it. Just pluck it from fantasy into the realm of reality. Make a list of the resources it will take to achieve it.
Start planning it, a little each day. If it’s a question of money, label an envelope or a jar, and put a few pennies into it each week. As you can, buy the supplies and place all of them together, in a specific area of your home.
When that overwhelming feeling hits you, and you need an escape, go mentally to your project. Work it in your head, walk through what you need to do, buy, or make next. Every step closer does more than make the project happen.
It gives you an outlet. Empowering you to know that you can have things, in your life, the way it is, without dreaming of a non existent reality. It is possible to pursue your dreams in this wide awake world, you just need a plan to do it.
A third way of dealing with feelings of drowning, mundaneness, or boredom is to learn something new. Whether it’s taking a class, learning a hobby, or teaching yourself a new skill, it’s possible. From YouTube and eBooks, to your local community center, accessing new skills is within reach.
Introducing a new element in your life, no matter how small, breaks up the monotony. It reminds you that there is still more in this life that you can learn and achieve. One of my go to sites is the art of Tony Bennett. His pictures inspire me work on my art. It gives me something to plan, to practice, and to perfect.
Establish a list of go to resources for inspiration, implementation, and for insulation. This can include people, websites, books, magazines, and locations. Inspiration jump starts the engine of your mind. Learning how to implement your project keeps it running. Insulating is about blocking out those negative feelings that try and run you off the road.
You can get there, you can do something worthwhile, and you can achieve what you want to do. No matter how financially, physically, or time challenged you are, it is possible. It just takes a small amount of time, planning, and consistently working towards your goal.
Sound familiar? The way you achieve for everyone else is the way that you can complete your own dream. Plan, practice, and progress towards turning your project from a hope to an already happened. Then pick another dream, and repeat.
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May 20, 2015
A Unique Opportunity
You are unique, you are the only you that has ever been, or ever will be. This isn’t merely an exercise in motivation, it is much more. Because we are all a one of a kind creation, we can make a distinct difference in the lives of others.
What can you do today that someone else can’t? You can better the world around you in a way that God meant for only you to accomplish. The adventure is in discovering how you can improve the lives you interact with daily.
First, you can encourage others. Only you touch the lives of your world, and everyone in this life needs reassuring. A kind word, a text, a smile, they tell others they matter.
When people know someone cares, it can overcome feelings of loneliness, inadequacy, and fear. Validating the people in our lives is a simple task that yields great results. Being the voice that says you matter can be a lifeline for your family member, friend, or co-worker.
Second, you have a talent for something that others don’t. Whether it’s drawing, singing, or you may be great with numbers. If you are good with math, the rest of us could use a tutor. Sharing what you know, with a humble spirit, imparts knowledge others are lacking.
I regularly watch a Grandfather in England who teaches others to paint. He has over two thousand subscribers on YouTube, and started out putting the lessons up so a handful of students could watch them. This simple act brings joy, and inspiration to people across the world.
The Scripture said it well, “Who has despised the day of small things?” Too many times, we look for how to make an elaborate change, when we are merely called to make a change. A life filled with helping people is built around daily little things.
Third, and finally you can be a sounding board for other’s ideas. You know firsthand how valuable that person who took an interest in you was to your life. They probably weren’t an expert, a famous scientist, or a world leader. Yet that Parent, Grandparent, or teacher changed your world by listening to you.
They weren’t listening so they could tell you how to do it better. They listened because they knew you needed to share your excitement. Be a patron to a person in your life who needs it. Not an adviser, but a benefactor. One who’s only goal is to supply the other person with the tools to follow their dreams.
Three things are unique to you. Your individual talents, the lives in your sphere of influence, and the ability to influence them daily. None of us are called to be Einsteins, there has already been one, we are called to be us. If all of us live our calling to the fullest, we will obtain the singular, exclusive result that only we can make.
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May 19, 2015
Self-Awareness, Porcupines, and Mole Rats
Self-awareness is the act of being aware of your own strengths and weaknesses. The practice of this wonderful art will enhance every one who learns it. Many times we place our strengths in a trophy case, and our weaknesses in the basement. We don’t have to place our inadequacies on the mantle, but they should at least be cataloged for the protection of others.
The purpose of personal examination isn’t only about our own happiness, but about those around us. If we are not self-aware, then one bad day can cause permanent danger to the relationships in our lives. Things like temper yes, but over sensitivity can be just as harmful.
For example, being sensitive to others is a wonderful thing, but being overly sensitive is a time bomb waiting to happen. On days like this in my own life, I must place a filter not only on my mouth, but my brain, and actions. When my feelings are off the charts, I can’t allow myself to trust my first opinions.
They can be affected by stress, tiredness, or a feeling of helplessness over something else. If my thinking is marred by heightened emotions, I can perceive others movements as a confrontation. This leaves them vulnerable to harm, and ourselves the unintentional attacker.
Some people address this by distancing themselves from others. They reason that if no one is close to them, they can neither hurt or be hurt. Much like a porcupine, they setup barriers to keep others at arm’s length.
Up until recently, one of the longest living mammals was the porcupine. Lately the porcupine’s longevity was challenged by a another rodent, the naked mole rat. Yes, it is as ugly as the name describes.
The amazing thing about them is that to look at them, they have no protection. Their wrinkled skin looks like a chicken you would find in the meat case. This scrawny, seemingly unarmored, covering has an advantage. It lacks a pain receptor, making it impervious to things such as acid against the skin.
I realize that, unlike the mole rat, we are human. Things will affect us, but they do not have to dictate our reactions. There are ways of dealing with these feelings, and I’d like to highlight three ways that have worked in my own life.
The first is one that I’ve found to be successful is to be quiet, not silent, but quiet. On those days when my internal safe guards are screaming that the tiger is out of it’s cage, I study to be quiet. It gives me time to filter my preceptors, to adjust for over sensitivity, or unexplained anger.
The second may seem old fashioned, but I pray. As a Christian, I believe God not only hears me, He helps me. I can share with him that I feel like a train on steroids, even if I don’t know the reason, and He will keep me from being derailed.
Thirdly, I reflect on how much the people in my life mean to me. Whether it’s my Wife, my family, my friends, or my co-workers, these people have placed themselves between me and what wanted to hurt me. Countless times they’ve went to bat for me, stood in the gap to protect me, and fought along side me. Once you go through these steps, how could anyone lash out at someone else?
We may not know why we feel crazy, sad, lethargic, angry, or fearful on any given day, but we don’t have to allow those things to drive us. If a bad day has caused you to react poorly, fix it. Don’t allow pride to keep you from reestablishing a broken relationship, the person you hurt has had bad days, they get it.
Self-awareness places us back in the driver’s seat. It bridges the gap between how we feel, and what we say and do. It prevents us from hurting those we care about, and arms us to face our greatest foe, ourselves. Much like a mole rat, coping with our own weaknesses isn’t pretty, but it will ensure the care of those around us.
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May 17, 2015
May 16, 2015
The Sea Horse: Allies
The Brittish Rose tried everything he knew to contact The Sea Horse, including Sea Horse’s network of contacts. He started with The Inspector, Victoria Albertson. She wasn’t part of Oceania Police Department, but she was the only law enforcement brave enough to tackle the West War section of Oceania. Victoria, a private detective originally, had spent years trying to bring order to her home neighborhood with no help.
The Sea Horse found out about her efforts and offered to fund them, no strings attached. For years, she had the nickname of the Inspector, Victoria had now adapted the persona. She had chosen a black and blue trench coat and uniform to reinforce the message that she was pro law and order. Her face mask, a simple silver variation of a fencing helmet, covered her features. Although it did have the edition of a jagged piece of metal shaped like flowing hair.
She was a tall, brown eyed African American woman with background in Korean Martial Arts. Although she preferred not to fight until there was no other alternative. Victoria’s Uncle was an ex member of the Wonzu’s organization who had survived prison. He never told her why the Wonzu let him live, and she never asked.
“I haven’t seen him in two weeks. He said that he had business out of town and asked me to expand my coverage for the next month. I agreed, Loggerhead and I meet near Siegel Heights by the docks.” Loggerhead was a fifty year old computer genius who had been forced into retirement by the criminals who took over his business. Now he fought through back networks, a van, and a set of mini drones armed with stun lasers.
The gray haired, slump shouldered Samoan immigrant wore no mask, but his face was covered by a green translucent visor. He took the name Loggerhead, inspired by his build and tortoise shell glasses. “He said he was needed out of the country, I’m afraid I haven’t seen him.”
The Rose tried a few more contacts, but without success. He knew that he couldn’t attack with a government task force, it had to be a small group. It was then that he got a phone call from his subject. “You’ve been looking for me I hear?” “Your network got word to you without knowing where you were?” “They didn’t know where I am, but they knew who to contact to reach me. I just asked them not to share that information. Are you concerened about the rooftop event?”
“Very.” “I’m putting together a team. You can be part of it, but we’re a team, not your team, understood?” “Unfortunately I couldn’t authorize it anyway. My superior has cooled to the idea of making you a part of our operation.” “That’s very good news. How is Chess Piece these days?” “Angry, and impatient, so normal. Where do we start?”
“We start in four days when I get back. Meet us at our temporary base in West War on the fourteenth, we’re taking the battle to them. The first group is an old enemy of mine, the Caterer.” “He won’t be very happy to see me, this should be fun!”
The Sea Horse disconnected the call. Then he considered the chasm he found himself in. Water was never a problem, but the explosives that lined both the exit and the entrance were. As well as the mad man who would set them off before he could get free.
He had one course of action, so he committed to it. “If I get back, I’m not leaving Oceania for a long, long time. It’ll be good to deal with my typical foes for a change, I’ll even be glad to see Chess Piece, if I get back.”
Find out next week who the mad man is, and whether The Sea Horse escapes the death trap he’s prepared.
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May 15, 2015
Truman And Ben-Gurion
“Hitler had been murdering Jews right and left. I saw it, and I dream about it even to this day. The Jews needed some place where they could go. It is my attitude that the American government couldn’t stand idly by while the victims [of] Hitler’s madness are not allowed to build new lives.” – President Harry Truman
On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion, the first Prime Minister of Israel, formally proclaimed the establishment of the State of Israel. He was the first to sign the Israeli Declaration Of Independence, that he had also helped to write. Eleven minutes later, President Harry Truman recognized the state of Israel. They were attacked the next day. Sixty seven years ago this week a great people overcame impossible odds to form a nation.
Now, just as they did then, Israel faces challenges. Also this week, factions have continued to take steps contrary to the nation’s future. Friends of Israel cross geographical, political, and religious barriers to support the nation and the dignified treatment of it. Regardless of rhetoric and opposition, Israel will not only stand, but it will stand in perpetuity.
While they, as a nation, may not yet be aware of The Son Of David, The Lord Jesus, He is still their protector. In spite of misguided opinions, those who side with Israel, can rest assured of it’s survival. We know that it will face a time of tribulation, but we also see Christ’s nail scarred hands charging from Heaven as their Champion.
In 1948, Israel returned to the place God had called Abraham to receive. A land given to Moses, and protected by another David years before. Three is significant in Scripture, the first David defeated Goliath, the second declared Israel’s independence, and The Last will deliver it from all who attack it.
While we celebrate the anniversary of it’s re-establishment, let us pray for it’s renaissance and renewal. Those in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Bethlehem aren’t some faceless, nameless group we hear about on the news. As Christians and Americans, we have more than a treaty with Israel, we have a blood connection.
They are a part of our family and families should celebrate with one another. Just as we join together in rejoicing, let us stand with them in support. So in the spirit of Harry Truman these many years ago, I say God bless the nation of Israel, and may God continue to bless the United States Of America.
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May 13, 2015
Instagram Isn’t Instant
Instagram isn’t instant, if you do it right. The people I follow on Instagram take some beautiful pictures, mostly of their families. These snapshots are moments in time, but they are far from instant. They are relationships that they’ve built over time, through love and experience. What are you doing today that will take you years into your future?
Is it going well, or are you struggling right now? If so, don’t allow momentary frustration to derail long term happiness. It could be a project, relationship, or personal crisis. Don’t base your progress on a present problem, look at the complete collection of images in your set.
There are three things to remember about any project. First, you’re not alone. People that care are ready to listen and encourage you. Friends are a text, call, or email a way, utilize your support system.
The second thing is that, much like a photo, you may need to look at it from a different perspective. Pause, take a walk, allow yourself a mental break, and come back to it. The few minutes away from whatever is troubling you can reenergize you to see want you couldn’t see before.
Thirdly, you may need a filter. It could be that the problem isn’t what you’re trying to do, but how you’re trying to do it. Perspective lets you see things differently, but you have to be brave enough to try something different once you see it.
If a relationship is rocky, admit that you don’t know what to do. Share with your loved one that you’ve made some mistakes, and ask the other person what they think. What you’re doing isn’t working, at least trying their way shows you’re willing to make things work. There are always exceptions, but if the other individual is a rational person, then it’s only rational to consider their point of view.
If it’s s project, there is more than one way to make a cake. Try adding something new to the way you work. Something as simple as listening to music may relax the stress you are feeling while accomplishing your goal.
If it is a crisis, the filter can be in the form of a Pastor, Counselor, or Doctor. They have special abilities to walk you through the tragedy you’ve experienced. There is life after heartbreak, no matter how severe.
Whatever it is, you can turn your today into a tomorrow. There are 24 hours in a day, so it’s not instantaneous, but you can get there. Once your are, you can look back on how far you’ve come and realize that you’ve built a life worth living.
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May 11, 2015
Being Batman
76 years ago this month Batman started his adventures. Today we look at how we can impact the lives of those around us as well.
Anyone that knows me for more than five minutes knows that I love Batman. As a child, I’ve spent more time on the streets of Gotham City than you could imagine. From the Penguin’s flying umbrella to Commissioner Gordon’s office, I know it all very well.
What I like most about it, at it’s core is this, anyone can be Batman. Being Batman isn’t about super powers, or the cool gadgets, and yes they’re cool. It’s about being there for someone who is in need, a person who’s scared of things beyond their control.
In this world today, fear lies at every corner. Only it doesn’t wear top hats, or have purple hair, but it does speak in riddles. How can I make the mortgage? What do I do about my illness? Does anyone care about me?
Today, we don’t have to don cape and cowl to be a hero. We just need to look for the signal that help is needed. A kind word at the right time is a rescue for the person who receives it. The trouble is, we can get so involved fighting our own Jokers, that we miss the battle in the next cubicle.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Just like Gotham’s Guardian, we can have a contingency plan in place to realize when someone else is hurting. It’s as simple as these three steps.
First, ask everyday, about the other’s welfare, in a non surface way. Don’t just ask if they’re okay, ask how their evening was. If there comfortable sharing, this opens the door for them to do so.
Second, listen with interest. Take mental notes, care about what they’re saying. Care about the people around you, we listen to those we love. You also learn how to respond to loved one’s needs.
Third, have a plan on how to improve their day. If one friend I know is down, asking about his hobbies will lift his spirits. Another only needs a small piece of chocolate to refresh her smile. If we are to make a difference, we must make an investment in others.
Being Batman is about rescuing others from explosions, but it’s the daily ones that real people we care about go through. If we can, in some way, lighten their load, then we have made a impact. We aren’t heroes, but guardians who greet every morning with a promise to improve the lives of those around them. In other words, suit up, have a plan, and be someone’s Batman today!
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May 10, 2015
iPainting: The Orange King
We hope you enjoy thisSunday Afternoon Art Post, our iPainting, “The Orange King”. It was an attempt to mimic the style of Sir Anthony Van Dyke. It didn’t quite turn out that way, but we were happy with the result. We hope you will be as well.
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