As we continue to compile resources for our mini co-op, the kids have blessed me by cleaning, painting and redecorating my living room!  What fun!  They bought 2 gallons of paint for the walls.  They also purchased the wooden letters for the word "Worship" which they painted to blend with the color scheme of the room. The word "Worship" is a focal point in the room -- as it should be in our lives!   I'd call it my denim and leather living room now. Very laid back and comfy.  Makes you want to pull out the guitars and have a jam session.

I recently joined a dear friend at a grief counseling session.  The counselor had many excellent insights, but there is a particular one I want to share with you.  He suggested my friend get a piece of paper and make a chart.  There will be 3 columns.  The first column is labeled "Plus" +, the second is "Minus" -, and the third column is "Zero" 0.  The names of the people with whom you have regular contact will go in those columns.  However, you need to assess each person to determine which column they currently go under.  To figure that out, think about how you feel after a general conversation with each person.  Do you come away feeling worn-out, depressed, used?  Put them in the minus column.  Do you feel the same way after you spoke to the person as you did before you spoke to them?  They go in the zero column.  Do you feel encouraged, blessed, more at peace after having spoken with that person?  They go in the plus column.  The point of this is to help you become more aware of how you spend your time with the people in your life.  If you are going through a particularly rough time, it would be wise to seek out your "Plus" people.  If you've been spending a lot of time in the presence of "Minus" people, try to set aside a time of refreshing with the "Plus" people.   The "Zero" people are a bit of a buffer.  They don't make a huge impact on you either way, but they can be enjoyable when you just need to do something a little different.   One of the nice aspects of this chart is that people can and DO move from column to column depending on their own spiritual walk and life changes.  This also can help you understand how to be a "Plus" person for others. 

Regarding comments on my last entry, what I wrote was original. :)  I'm glad you enjoyed it.  Whenever I do "borrow" a line from someone else, I'll try to give them credit for it!  I often use fun or thoughtful quotes in my scrapbooking.

Blessed day to all!