Phenomenal Woman By Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms,
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them,
They say they still can’t see.
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing,
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need for my care.
’Cause I’m a woman Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Maya Angelou, “Phenomenal Woman” from And Still I Rise. Copyright © 1978 by Maya Angelou. Used by permission of Random House, an imprint and division of Penguin Random House LLC. All rights reserved.
Source: The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou (Random House Inc., 1994)

One thing we do know is that it is ok not to be fine.  We resolved that issue together years ago because we know that ultimately it is not in our hands anyway.  God has been so very faithful to us that even in our pain we can laugh because our God is bigger than all of it.  We also recognized our own privilege and that our issues are not nearly as large as the loom.

So I am praying for you dear reader.  That you would know the faithfulness of God even in your pain.  That you would seek Him first.

Why are you cast down, O my soul,     and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,     my salvation and my God. - Psalm 42:11 God's Man

1. Lower Your Voice and Speak Slowly

2. Typically, the raised voice and rapid speech are telltale signs that we are out of control — that super-heated emotion is taking over. In those frames of mind, we usually come across as angry, hostile, controlling, but not in charge even of ourselves and our own emotions. A cool, calm low voice sends the message that we are not only in control, but that we have something of significance to offer the stressful situation.2. Say You Care

3. Conflict arises when needs are not being met or when wants and desires are at cross-purposes. The underlying message is that the offending party “really doesn’t care.”  One is not concerned about how the other feels. It’s “My way or the highway.” “He/she never considers what I would like to do.” “He and I never seem to be on the same page. He always gets his way!” The conclusion drawn from such statements is that the other doesn’t care. Conflict is moderated when there is affirmation that one is truly loved and cared for.3. Communicate Commitment

_29He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. _ _30Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; _ 31but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.- Isaiah 40:29-31I was explaining to a young man on Sunday that no matter how hard WE try we cannot get it right all the time.  If we could, why would we need Jesus at all?  I mean, He would not have needed to go to the cross if we were just perfect.  Eventually, no matter how young, strong, smart, disciplined we might be, our strength will falter (vv30). 

There is only one place where we have access to an unlimited supply, God.  His power renews and restores us when our patience is tested.  His power lifts us up to greater heights so that we can see above the situation with clarity.  His power allows us to navigate through trying situations without blowing up on people.  Finally his power allows us to walk peacefully through difficult times (vv31).

Seek out the one who is able to give you strength.

God's Man

take initiative
Today I was a little more proactive than I usually am. I told my team members how to address issues rather than allowing them to come up with their own solutions. While I prefer letting my team learn through their issues there is something exciting about being in charge.

experience nature
The only nature that I experienced was the natural beauty of my bride. She has taken to wearing dresses and skirts again and for that I am thankful. Walking around the city and experiencing the people was also fun. I long for being a kid again, living in Matthews Town and walking barefoot in through my grandmother's garden.

smile more
Today was a day filled with laughter, even amongst the tears. My bride and I had some real talk this morning and felt that we came to a real understanding. Starting the day off like that isn't something that I would recommend but it works for us. After sharing what we did I felt free to enjoy my day. So I did. Laughing at the ridiculousness of my job and the expectations that they have put on us.

I did a whopping 1000 yards in the pool today. Now that is nothing compared to the 3000 that my coach did. His example is making push myself harder.

No cash so no purchases today. Woo Hoo.

The family is off to Hershey Park tomorrow so I will be doing a Picture post tomorrow.

What did you do today?

Go Go Go

"Inch by inch is a cinch"I have heard that quote used a ton of times by a ton of people in a bunch of different contexts. The point, however, is always the same. Small changes done over a period of time creates results. I know that we like to think change requires massive effort. Let's make Big Changes, we'll say. I want to create an explosion. The problem is that it is difficult to sustain those big changes long term, without some serious soul searching and sacrifice. That is why the 30 day trial is so important.

One of the things I have seen take place in the folks that I work with is by setting a small goal and working at it effects long term change. By making it happen day after day you build up your confidence muscle. Then you can tackle the issues systematically turning them into positive habits.

So back to what I learned today. So as part of my trial I joined a gym yesterday. I got up after writing the Owning Up message and got it done. I went into the gym and swam 20 laps for 200 yards. Not as impressive as my friend Glenn's workouts but I felt great about it. I had to push through the last 6 laps because I was not feeling it. After the workout I hopped on the scale and lo and behold this guy who used to tip the scales at 309lbs is down to 285. I was so shocked by that I actually cursed, "Damn!" I hope no one heard me.

Well I am about to get dropped into a meeting so I will return with more later. Get your updates in.