Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Terri's Tuesday Tip of the Week - July 21st



Today’s challenge.  Tomorrow’s defining moment. – Sheeba Varghese

There are moments which mark your life.  Moments when you realize nothing will ever be the same and time is divided into two parts – before this, and after this. ~ from “Fallen”

Last week, Terri’s Tuesday Tip of the Week was about persevering through the hard times because they are molding us for the future.  This past Sunday was a beautiful day in Austin, Texas and I took the opportunity to walk around downtown.  As I was thinking about by upcoming birthday, I started thinking about “defining moments” that have occurred over the years in my life. 

When I got home, I searched “defining moments” on dictionary.com and it is defined as “a point at which the essential nature or character of a person, group, etc., is revealed or identified”. 

Here are a few of my life’s “defining moments” over the years:
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  • At 4 years old, my grandmother had me stuffing envelopes for the presidential campaign of Ronald Reagan.  Little did anyone know she instilled in me a love of politics in that campaign office.  Thank you Meme!
  • My junior year of high school I was elected Senior Class President.  When I called my mother to tell her, I asked her over and over again “Why Me?”  So many years later, I now see how that defining moment is still impacting my life.  When I graduated from high school, I received the Timex award…Takes a licking and keeps on ticking.  Sounds sort of like perseverance! 
  • When I lived in Oklahoma, I returned to college to finish my degree.  I look back to see how I persevered through taking 21 ½ hours the last 2 semesters to bring my GPA up to graduate with honors.   
  • When I wrote my Senior Paper for college, I never would have thought doing research on the first televised debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon would ever help me later in life.  However, that research laid the groundwork for understanding the importance of how technology has changed and continues to change politics especially in he 21st century.
  •  While living in Michigan, I decided to follow my faith, which took me on journey back to Texas.  That defining moment changed my life and it has never been the same. 

The best quote to summarize is:  

It’s not what I have been through in my life that defines who I am, it’s how I got through it that has made me the person I am today. – Unknown

When I went through these various “defining moments”, I had no idea how they would affect my life and still are to this day.  I am excited for the next fun and exciting defining moments that I will get to experience as I approach another wonderful year in this world.

I challenge you to look back over your life and discover your “defining moments” and see how they are impacting you still today.  As I can attest, you may think in the moment the event is nothing, but I can assure you that every moment is preparing you to fulfill your purpose in this life. 

Our lives are defined by moments, especially the ones we never see coming. – from The Next Three Days

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Terri's Tuesday Tip of the Week - July 14th



God built me to last. – Jackie Robinson

If I had not been discriminated against or had not suffered persecution, I would never have received the Nobel Prize. - Rita Levi-Montalcini


Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to see the movie “42”, which is the story of how Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in major league baseball in 1947.  In the movie, Jackie Robinson said, “God built me to last.”  Jimmy Larche (see below for link to article) gave great insight on this quote from Jackie Robinson that was very impactful to me: 

God gave Jackie the physical ability to perform, but he also gave him the emotional, mental, and spiritual fortitude to withstand the persecution and opposition he would face. He was built to withstand the fiery trials of adversity, and Jackie knew that. He was driven by that sense of purpose.

Over the last month, I have asked many times “Why is this happening to me?” instead of being grateful for what I do have and for protection from things that might have happened.  We all going through various times like this in our lives.  It is important to embrace those times and learn and grow from them.  After reading about Jackie Robinson, it helped me put things in perspective.  I know that I have a big dream and I know my purpose just like Jackie Robinson did.  I have to remember that the things I am going through are preparing me for my future. 

We all go through times of trials and persecution.  During those times, remember those times are molding you into the individual you are meant to be and preparing you to accomplish your purpose in this life. 

A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives. - Jackie Robinson

Sources:

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Terri's Tuesday Tip of the Week - July 7th



It is the food which you furnish to your mind that determines the whole character of your life. - Emmet Fox

The food that enters the mind must be watched as closely as the food that enters the body. - Patrick Buchanan (1938 - ?) US politician

Over the last couple of weeks, Terri’s Tuesday Tip has discussed a variety of different ways to help improve our memory.  Today, we talk about how foods can affect our minds and memory. 

In June, a study was released by Oregon State University showing that high-sugar, high-fat diets cause the brain to process slower and delay the brain processing functions when switching between different concepts.  Furthermore, the study showed that poor diet had a direct correlation to understanding new concepts and adapting to new experiences.  Scientist are not sure exactly why this occurs, but they recommend a diet low in fat and carbohydrates and bring back “good fats” to our diets. 

I am an example of this.  If I do not eat a healthy diet, I have issues sleeping and have a hard time concentrating at work.  I definitely splurge occasionally, but I try to stick to a healthy diet.
It is important that each of us take care of our bodies and minds so that we can accomplish our purpose and mission on this earth.

Resources


Facts are to the mind what food is to the body. – Edmund Burke

The greatest wealth is Health. - Unknown