Random Wanderings

Our Iceberg Is Melting by John Kotter

I really love the concept of this book. It is a quick read with a lot of powerful information packed in a childs story book form. It is not a childs story book. I am not even sure children would really enjoy it, though they might. It does have lots of pictures of penguins.

It is a fable about a penguin colony that teaches leadership skills about changing and succeeding under any conditions.

It is one that gets you thinking and would be great for a book discussion.

Two books I highly recommend:

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by Meg Meeker, M.D.

I esspecially recommend this to fathers with young daughters. If you have any doubt how important a father is in a childs life you really need to read this book.  It is very well written.  The stories she uses as examples are riveting. It is full of very practical suggestions.

For me this book has been a powerful reminder of my own relationship with my father. Even though My Dad was always out working on the farm/ranch while I was growing up and I still would rather have a good long conversation with my Mom, My Dad was ALWAYS there for me when I really needed Him. His moral strength and spirituality gave me security. I always knew that he loved me and because of that I did not want to disapoint him. His influence has had a strong impact on the choices I have made in my life.  My particular challenges and weeknesses could have been a whole lot more devastating to me had it not been for my fathers influence. Although my father isn’t perfect, I am very greatful for the man he is.

The other book-

The Language of God - A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief by Francis S. Collins

For me, I have never had a problem with the supposed conflicts between science and religious belief.  I believe that God works by natural laws and miracles are by higher laws that superseed the common law.  In my mind if there is conflict then it is because science has not yet caught up to the truths I know by faith.  I love to study science and come up with my own theories about how the latest scientific theories fit with the truths I know by faith.

Francis Collins did not grow up in a religious home. He defined himself originally as an agnostic and then as an athiest. It was through science that he found God.  His perspective of science and God matches my perspective closer than most of the books I have read that discuss that subject, both on the religious side and the scientific side.

It would be an excellent debate against a book I read not too long ago on the subject of evolution. It takes almost the same scientific evidence used in that book discounting God and uses it to solidify His belief in God.  Very well written.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

I just read the book Dreamhealer. I haven’t quite decided what I believe about all the ideas expressed yet. I am open to learn more and some experimenting. It is very interesting.

One quote at the end that I really like:

“One force joins us. One idea keeps us apart. Love is the unifying force. Fear is the underlying seperation of beings.”

I also want to remember:

Seven Steps for Life

1. Feel your energy and be aware of it. Make it a habit to feel your life force energy daily.
2. Breathe abdominally and be aware of it. Practice this every chance you get until it becomes second nature.
3. Ground your energy and be aware of its flow. This can be done any time of day and anywhere, such as when you are standing in line at a store.
4. Drink water. Make a mental note of everytime you have treated yourself to a glass of water.
5. Develop emotional bonds with others. Be consciously aware of doing something positive to make another person’s day a little better.
6. Think positively in the present tense and feel its effects. Make a point of relaxing peacefully at some point throughout your day, whether in a state of meditation or self-reflection.
7. Understand and appreciate the connectedness of everything and everyone. Express appreciation for one thing you are grateful for each and every day. Feel gratitude, smile and be happy.