A-Z Challenge--Zealous

All About Me

Zealous

zeal·ous

  [zel-uhs] 

adjective

ardently active, devoted, or diligent; full of, characterized by, or due to zeal. Synonyms: enthusiastic,

eager, fervid, fervent, intense, passionate, warm. 

This pretty well sums up my personality traits.  I love being active, I am enthusiastic, intense, passionate, and warm.

I hope that you have enjoyed this month long trip through my persona.  I was challenged to examine myself and I am working on making a better me through this exercise.

A-Z Challenge--Youthful

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Youthful

I seldom act my age.  My kids tell me that sometimes I make them feel old.  My doctor says that I am biologically much younger than my years.  And personally I do feel much younger that people my own age.  As I consider this, I think a lot of it has to do with my outlook on life.  I don't take myself too seriously.  I try and enjoy the beauty around me every day--and living on the edge of the barrio sometimes I have to look hard. 

I wrote this poem about my neighborhood--how I look on it.

Saturday Afternoon

On a lazy afternoon
Sitting on the swing
Mariachi rhythms
Dance upon the breeze

Somewhere in the neighborhood
Voices call to kids
Young men polish beat up trucks
While the girls flirt with ease

Scents of roasting barbeque
Mingle with the call of doves
It’s evening in my barrio
Time for enjoying all of these.
©Marti Murphy

I realize that I am truly blessed to have this outlook on life.  And somebody please gag me if I ever start talking about all my surgeries or aches and pains.

Monday Quiz about Me

1. Do spelling and grammar mistakes annoy you?

One of my minors in college was language--so I do notice errors.  What especially annoys me are spelling and grammatical error in printed books.

2. If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be?

I am a history buff, so it is hard for me to choose.  Maybe, the signing of the Declaration of Independance. 

3. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A nurse, and that was a dream fulfilled.

4. If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?

Remember for every action there is a consequence.

And don't forget to add a 5th Question on your own blog so we can answer as we hop around!

5.  Almost time for May flowers-  What is your favorite garden flower?

Me--I love the look of cosmos--their vibrant colors and long stems swaying in the breeze.

Sunday Meditation--Growing

What's true of biology is also true of faith: If it isn't growing, it's probably dead.

Colossians 2:7   Have your roots planted deep in Christ. Grow in Him. Get your strength from Him. Let Him make you strong in the faith as you have been taught.   (NLT)

A-Z Challenge--X? Wait for it!

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Wait for it, wait for it--what personality trait could I possible have that begins with and X?  All those games of scrabble finally pay off!!

Xenial

Adjective pronounced zeen ial

xenial 

1. Hospitable, especially to visiting strangers or foreigners.
2. Of the relation between a host and guest; friendly.

For a number of years, I served on the hospitality committee for a singles program held at our church.  I found that the best way to break the ice after the energetic singing, and inspirational devotional was to serve homemade cookies.  So every Monday after work, I would come home and make a couple of hundred cookies--probably 6 dozen of four different kinds.  I loved serving the cookies and getting to chat with many of the single people in our community.

It is always fun when it is my turn to host either art club or Bible study at my house.  I enjoy serving people and I'm sure that I receive much more enjoyment that my guests.

A-Z Challenge--Willingness

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Willingness

I enjoy helping.  It gives me joy to meet a need.  I am prepared to share what I can.  

Willingness is a beautiful thing. " It's an attitude and spirit of cooperation that should permeate our conversations. It's like a palm tree by the ocean that endures the greatest winds because it knows how to gracefully bend.” 

― Stephen Kendrick, The Love Dare

Willingness is a way to love.

Friday Favorite Things

These are a few of my favorite things this week

My Jacaranda tree in bloom

Moon this morning 

Desert Flowers

Desert blooms

Cactus near Papago Peak

Phillip Haas Four Seasons sculptures at Desert Botanical Gardens   Spring

Summer

Fall 

Winter

Lizard and tiny bird 

Julia butterfly

Each week, Hilary lists four statements with a blank to fill in on your own blogs. If you want to join the fun and come up with four fill in’s of your own, please email them to her at feelingbeachie@gmail.com. If she uses them, she will add you as co-host to the hop!

This week’s statements:

The color _orange_ reminds me of _the sun setting__

Lately _sun__ is _up__ so _much earlier that I am able to go to the gym in daylight__

Does the sound of breaking glass make you __worry about your safety_?

When I wander __about in the desert_ I _see so many beautiful things.

A-Z Challenge--Versatile

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Versatile

Over the years I have learned how to do many things.  I ran a medical office, but could also clean the exam rooms.  I managed the company's finances but also taught my granddaughter how to count change.  I functioned in the business world but also spent time creating.  I hike mountain trails and Wal-Mart grocery isles. I cared for my children and took in troubled teens.  I learn to live alone after many years of marriage and be able to enjoy it.  I learned to roll with the punches.

I think that it is easy to get bogged down with situations, but when that tends to happen, I try exercise my versatility.

When life gives you lemons--make lemonade.

Pondering with a Purpose--Switch

Today's prompt is: Switch

There was an old willow tree growing next to the middle pond just a few feet from the front of our ranch house.  It was a gracious tree but we kids hated it for whenever we were really naughty Mom would make us go out to that tree and cut a switch for a spanking.  Now at first we would find a slender, supple branch secretly smiling at our ingenuity, but soon found that those thin branches stung much more than a thicker branch.  After some thought and experience, my brothers had a plan.  The next time they did something deserving a spanking, they found an old limb that was so heavy that both of them could barely move it to the back door.  My mom just threw up her hands and sent them out to work in the garden.  (Note--these swats were applied to our bottoms and were not whippings).

Now to switch to another era.  My children did get a few swats with a wooden spoon if other forms of punishment didn't work.  And they all are well adjusted adults.

Well, switch on the light--correction given in love for the  purpose of molding better people works.

A-Z Challenge--Understanding

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Understanding

One of the benefits of having lived a life in which I have had both joys and sorrows, experienced life and death is that I understand how others feel and why they may act the way that they do.

I like this quote from Harry Truman--It is understanding that gives us an ability to have peace. When we understand the other fellow's viewpoint, and he understands ours, then we can sit down and work out our differences.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. April showers bring May flowers...what have you been showered with this month?

2. What is the nature of compassion?  Is it learned or innate?  Can compassion belearned?  If you're a parent is this something you've purposely sought to instill in your children, and if so how?

3. Do you prefer to watch romantic comedy or romantic drama...or are you rolling your eyes saying bring on the action flicks?

4.  It's April which means baseball season is officially upon us here in the US of A. Humphrey Bogart is quoted as saying "A hot dog at the ballgame beats roast beef at the Ritz." Agree or Disagree?

5. What's something in your community or city that needs fixing or improving?

6. Share a song you enjoy that mentions flowers or a specific flower in its title.

Lynn Anderson--Rose Garden

7. April 22nd is Earth Day...do you believe there's life on other planets?  That wasn't the question you were expecting was it? 
Could be.  I think that man only lives on earth, but there may be planets that have other forms of life.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
I took a road trip yesterday so view some of the wildflowers around Phoenix.

Pretty cool, huh!

A-Z Challenge--Talented

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Talented

I am so blessed with the talents that God has given me.  Everyone of us has unique gifts, and as you may have guessed many of my talents are of a creative nature.

Dresses I made for my littlest great grand

Kachina quilt wall hanging

Felt penny rug--modern twist to classic design

Miniature quilt

But I also have some musical talent--during college, I toured the west with a gospel vocal group, I love to sing!

And I can bake cookies--probably not such an unusual talent, but I have been able to use it to make friends and bless people.

A-Z Challenge--Sensitive

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Sensitive

Without a doubt I am sensitive!  I cry watching sad movies, tears come when reading tender scenes in a book, or hearing touching stories about others.  Music with a lonely sound will make me weep.  I hate seeing children hurt and can't bear to see an animal in pain.

I also tend to wear my feelings on my sleeve, and often remind myself that a lot of what people say is not how I perceive it--so I tell myself to get a grip!

So I am seeking a balance for healthy sensitivity.

Monday Quiz About Me

1. Who do you like to quote?
I find myself repeating things that my mom and dad told me.  They had truisms for most everything.

2. Have you ever made something you wore out in public?
All the time--I sew most of my dress clothes.  Yesterday I wore a navy and cream paisley print dress with an antique lace collar that I had made.

3. When was the last time you used a telephone (not a cell phone)?
I use my land line--to answer and find out that is a telemarketer--about twice a day.

4. What was the first recording you bought with your own money?
That had to be Chubby Checker's "It's Twistin Time".

And don't forget to add a 5th Question on your own blog so we can answer as we hop around!

5.  What fun thing did you do this weekend?

Me--I worked on my book for several hours.  I am almost to the submission stage.

Sunday Meditation--Makeovers

My business is not to make myself over, but to make the absolute best of what God made.

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.”(RSV)

A-Z Challenge--Resilient

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Resilient

When I think of all the problems and situations that I have faced throughout my life and know that I am content now, I know that I am resilient.  

I have been knocked down by life and come back stronger than ever. Rather than letting failure overcome me and drain my resolve, I try and find a way to rise from the ashes. I think that some of the things that have helped me are a positive attitude, optimism, the ability to regulate emotions, and the ability to see failure as a form of helpful feedback--a way to grow. Even after a misfortune, I am blessed with a good outlook.  

I think that resilient people are able to change course and push on.

A-Z Challenge--Quiet

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Quiet

I am a quiet person.  I am content to be by myself, without the radio or TV on.  I like to drive and sight see with no one else around.  I am comfortable with me.

For me quietness brings calmness.  I can enjoy the thoughts that float through my mind.  

As I hiked this trail in the Olympic National Forest, I came upon this spot.  In the background the distance sounds of a waterfall was all that was heard above the quiet forest sounds.  This quiet, peaceful spot that sang to my soul.

A-Z Challenge--Patience

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Patience

Patience--is the state of endurance under difficult circumstances, which can mean persevering in the face of delay or provocation without acting on annoyance/anger in a negative way; or exhibiting forbearance when under strain, especially when faced with longer-term difficulties. Patience is the level of endurance one can take before negativity. It is also used to refer to the character trait of being steadfast.


I was encouraged when I studied the definition of patience.  Sometimes I feel annoyance or anger while waiting but since I do not act upon those feelings by definition I am patient.  I try and distract myself by reading or thinking of plans I am making, or recall past pleasant events.  Not only does this keep me in a better frame of mind, but it also makes the time pass quickly.