Janet's Big Adventure

Invest in Happiness by Doing Good Deeds

2011-03-23T16:06:00.000-07:00

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. ~ Dalai Lama

No good deed goes unpunished. This common cliché has been recently dis-proven. Steven G. Post has conducted 50 scientific studies on Altruism, funded by the Institute for Research on Unlimited Love. In the last few years, researchers have looked at the so-called helper's high and its effects on the human body.

Scientists are searching to understand how the wish to perform good deeds improves our health and longevity. For instance, after following a group of women for 30 years, researchers found that 52% of those who did not volunteer had experienced a major illness -- compared with 36% who did volunteer. Two large studies found that older adults who volunteered were living longer than non-volunteers. Another large study found a 44% reduction in early death among those who put frequently volunteered -- a greater benefit gain than exercising four times a week. Some smaller study groups pointed to lowered stress response and improved immunity (higher levels of protective antibodies) as a result of feeling empathy and love. The subjects had significant increases in protective antibodies associated with improved immunity -- and antibody levels remained high for an hour afterward. "Thus, 'dwelling on love' strengthened the immune system," writes Post.

Brain chemicals are also stimulated by acts of altruism. A recent study has identified high levels of the "bonding" hormone oxytocin in people who are very generous toward others. Oxytocin is the hormone best known as the “cuddle hormone.” Studies have also shown that this hormone helps both men and women establish trusting relationships. Doing good deeds may also trigger the brain's reward circuitry -- the 'feel-good' chemicals like dopamine and endorphins, and perhaps even a morphine-like chemical.

The phrase “random acts of kindness” has been popularized in recent years. At least one study, described in Reactions to Random Acts of Kindness, published in The Social Science Journal, April 01, 2000, indicates that targeted acts of kindness are more easily accepted without suspicion or alarm.

So go ahead. Make someone’s day. Do a good deed.

Gateway Church

2010-10-11T21:02:00.000-07:00

I attended Gateway Church in Southlake this weekend with Amanda and her friend, Teri. This church appears to be related to the Trinity Fellowship church in Amarillo. The website describes Gateway as a multi-campus, evangelistic, Spirit-empowered church. The worship on October 10 started with contemporary worship songs, and was lead by a band and what appeared to be praise team sitting among the audience with microphones. Songs were alternately lead by a female and a male song leader. I liked the band because it was contemporary without being so loud that the worshipers' voices could not be heard.

The audience participated while singing with raising of hands, clapping and standing throughout the period of singing. Communion was not offered this week. There was an alter call for prayers at the end of the service, with many people walking forward to accept the prayers of altar ministry volunteers.

Pastor Robert Morris, who was the founding pastor, was present by video and appeared on several monitors with a lesson taken from Judges 6 about Gideon who was visited by The Angel of the Lord. This passage tells about the time that Gideon prepared Him a meal that The Angel devoured by fire from His staff. I learned that when the Old Testament refers to The Angel of the Lord, many believe that this refers to the pre-incarnate Jesus making His Presence known to the people. The tone of the message was hopeful and encouraging. Pastor Morris advised the congregation to listen to what the Lord was saying to each individual while offering guideline to assess messages that seem to be from God. He said that urgings from God should line up with what the Bible has to say. Secondly, mentors with Godly counsel concur with the message and, finally, the the message should give peace to the seeker. In this way, the believer may test the message to discern that the voice is from God, just as Old Testament seekers asked to "test the fleece."

I personally found this worship service to be encouraging, and to ring true with my own studies of the Bible. I would have liked to experience communion with this body of believers. I did like that this body of Christ accepted direction from a group of elders, though it was unclear to me what was meant by an Apostolic Elder vs. Elder. They announce themselves to be practitioners of Water Baptism, but the distinction or definition of this was not explained during this particular service. I saw a nice use of multimedia making the church seem in touch with a younger and more contemporary audience. The church leadership appears to be mostly male, but did allow for participation by a woman worship leader. While not completely multicultural in appearance, those in attendance were racially mixed, and the message appeared to be very inclusive of divorced and single-parent members. Teri, our host, told us that many of the worshipers were Messianic Jews.

The reason Pastor Morris gave his message by video was that this church has several satellite locations, with several different worship times, so Dr. Morris is unable to be everywhere at once. His presentation was very effective despite not being physically present at this service. The sanctuary was crowded, and it would be advised to arrive early to get a seat. The seats were comfortable and environment was friendly and welcoming, with greeters helping us to find a seat. There was a clear method for registering children for security and there seemed to be organized and plentiful children's classes and nursery facilities. Parking was easy to access. All in all, in my personal experience, Gateway Church had much to recommend it.
NOTE: This essay is the first of my attempts to describe the different churches that I may have the opportunity to visit. This is merely one person's impression of a given worship experience and I make no claim to be an expert on religion or to judge the religious or spiritual convictions of others.

Happier

2010-10-02T12:13:00.000-07:00

I am reading a new book on one of my favorite topics. Happier by Tal Ben-Shahar makes happiness seem accessible to anyone. Ben-Shahar teaches the positive psychology class at Harvard University. He borrows heavily from Martin Seligman and others in the relatively new positive psychology movement. I found that Ben-Shahar added to other excellent books on the subject with his emphasis on meditation, and he devotes a whole section of his book to this topic.

I also resonate with the thoughtfully chosen title, as it highlights the theme that a happy life is not an event, but a journey. Each chapter is full of exercises, thought provoking questions and ideas for meditation that urge the reader along the path toward happiness..

One chapter highlights the simple, yet empirically proven practice of daily gratitude. This is a principle that I use with most of my clients in my own counseling practice. I designed a simple handout to record Three Good Things. About Good Thing, the client is asked to list a way that they contributed to the Good Thing that happened. Of course, God is credited for our blessings, but we must make ourselves available to participate in the blessings. Optimism is that realization that each individual can do things that make a difference. It's a walking away from helplessness and passivity.

Happiness is a journey that each of us can set out on. Happier acts as a map for the trip; each set of expectations and exercises is a guidepost encouraging the reader along the way.

THREE GOOD THINGS

GRATITUDE

Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: it must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all. William Faulkner

List three good things that happened to you today. Make them specific.

1.

2.

3.

OPTIMISM

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. Helen Keller

Write a possible explanation of why these good things happened

1.

2.

3.

Phillip's Left Knee Part 2

2010-09-27T19:44:00.000-07:00

Phillip's knee replacement surgery was a mere 13 days ago. He had his follow-up visit with Dr. Jeremy Britton today. He got the staples removed from his 8 inch long surgical scar. Apparantly, Phillip is the knee surgery poster boy. Dr. Britton said he has only had one patient have a faster recovery.

Phillip was able to go to church last week, just a day after being discharged from the hospital. He no longer needed a walker or cane as of last Thursday, and today, he worked all day. Of course, his right hand man and son, Josh, was there to do the heavy lifting. But it is a miracle that he can stay up all day and work at all.

He has had very little bruising, and his pain level is much less already, than it was the day before surgery.

We credit the prayers of all of our friends and the grace of God for such a wonderful blessing! I also have to admire and credit my husband for losing 92 pounds in the past ten months in preparation for this surgery.

Way to go Phillip! You're the man!

Phillip's Left Knee

2010-09-12T19:12:00.000-07:00

After having to miss out on this summer's vacation at the beach at Ft. Morgan, AL, due to a blood clot behind his knee, and too much pain and stiffness to travel, Phillip has decided that it is time to take a risk: knee replacement surgery!

Phillip and I just spent his last weekend with his original knees. Wednesday morning we go to Hendrick Medical Center and trust Dr. Jeremy Britton with his knee. Last Friday, we went to Bone School, and got a huge notebook full of resources and instructions for how to care for him during surgery. Phillip will soon be my Bionic Man, and will have a $10,000 prosthetic. He wants the new lump of miracle metal and artificial cartilage to end up in his left knee, as indicated by his pointing finger tips.

The right knee will be next, but he nixed the idea of replacing both at the same time. I think that was a great decision. I am hoping and praying that this procedure will be a huge success and his pain level will soon be much improved.

So here goes a big deal for my sweet husband. He has lived with a lot of pain for the past decade. Here's hoping that this next decade will feel a lot better.

A Great Bluebonnet Year

2010-04-29T10:37:00.001-07:00

Only Texas A & M could dare to improve on native bluebonnets, having created a red and a white strain, and planted them in the shape of the Texas Flag. Of course, they went further, just because only they can, and created a maroon strain, in honor of the preferred Aggie Color. They don't only bleed maroon, they want everything to be adorned with that lovely hue.

These bluebonnets, were taken near Buffalo Gap, on a Sunday drive. There is a riot of bluebonnets this year.

I HATE years that bluebonnets are thin. Thank you, by Lady Bird Johnson, who, after her return from Washington, D.C. as First Lady to persuaded the government of the State of Texas to seed bluebonnets and other wildflowers along the highways throughout the state.

I always thought that picking bluebonnets was illegal in Texas. According to Wikipedia, this is an Urban Legend, and it is merely illegal to tresspass on certain properties.

Brunch with friends at Perini Ranch

2010-04-28T17:26:00.000-07:00

Our sweet friend, Leon, passed away last week. We met him through Pam and Larry, and really learned to love him in the past few years. We were invited to share a meal with Pam's family and Doug and Theta at the famous Perinni Ranch Sunday afternoon.

I just had to take a little video of the cows. How often do you walk through a herd of cows on the way to eat Sunday Brunch.

Of course, we had to wait for our meal, as the Ranch is popular and busy. We enjoyed visiting in the back of the restaurant. It was a beautiful spring day. Here are Pam and Trish, who are like daughters to me.

This is a picture of Trish, Pam, Larry, and Doug and Owen.

Pam, me, Trish, Amy and Phillip, in this shot. I love the cow skulls. I loved spending time with sweet friends.

Lilacs In April

2010-04-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

This is my view from the kitchen window. I planted these lilacs at least 10 years ago.

They bloomed the first week of April this year. Unfortuanately, the flowers fade in about two weeks. Two weeks of glory, and then they're history.

The scent is heavenly, so they are earning their keep in the Jergins garden.

They fulfill their promise to return each spring just in time for Easter.

Dancing in Jamaica

2010-04-15T08:43:00.000-07:00

I got to dance with these drummers when we were in Jamaica last month. Sadly, Phillip did not video my impromptu performance. Or, maybe not sadly, as I was trying out some of my belly dancing moves in public for the first time. It may not have been pretty. No one will ever know!

The woman in this video was a fellow passenger, from Scotland. She had a beautiful accent, and a beautiful name that I never did learn to pronounce correctly.

Retreat with friends

2010-04-12T18:07:00.000-07:00

Standing: Carmen, Julia, Denecia, Cathy, Patsy, Ann, Barbara, Linda, Wanda, Florinda, Janet
Seated: Svetlana, Nancy

Denecia opened her home for food, fellowship and Bible study. We were out in the country near Comanche. Denecia reviewed the life of King David, using a children's coloring book illustrating his life as the outline. We had a wonderful time. Thank you, God, for wonderful friends!

Pet Therapy

2010-04-08T16:42:00.001-07:00

The puppy is named Seasonal. She is three weeks old. She, sadly, is not mine.

Her owner brough her to my office for me to hold during a therapy session. The therapy was supposed to be for the owner.

I got all the benefits. The little puppy snuggled up to my neck. She smelled like puppy breath and love. What a great start to a wonderful day.

Here's My Song!

2010-04-01T17:35:00.000-07:00

I have seen several posts about the song that was famous the day they were born. So I clicked on the site and found my birhday song was Rags to Riches by Tony Bennett.

Or if you prefer, here is the great, Elvis Presley with his version!

I love black leather coat Elvis. Be still my heart! Sorry, Tony, you just didn't do it for me this time.

Tulum

2010-03-29T16:38:00.000-07:00

Phillip and I visited the Tulum Mayan Ruins when we stopped in Cozumel. The first thing we found out was that the Mayans still exist and many still live a primitive life-style in the Yucatan peninsula. Our tour guide was of Mayan descent and was very informative and passionate about the history of his people.

Tulum stands on a bluff facing the rising sun looking out on views of the Caribbean that are beautiful.

In Maya, Tulum means "Wall", and the city was christened thus because it is a walled city; one of the very few the ancients ever built. We entered the site, in fact, through a gate in the ancient wall.

The buildings once featured colorful paintings. The Mayan artists utilized natural pigments with brilliant colors, and a few remnants of the color are still intact.

This sculpture is supposed to be of a woman giving birth. I really can't see that in the design, but it fits in with the Mayan worship of their numerous gods and goddesses.

I'm a Great Aunt!

2010-03-26T18:08:00.001-07:00

My brother and little Jackson Guy!
I couldn't wait to get my hands on the sweet baby. I have to restrain myself from camping out at my niece's house so I can cuddle him.

My sweet neice, M'Chelle, delivered a beautiful son on March 23. I am so excited about having a new baby in the family! His was a healthy birth and he left Hotel M'Chelle at 8 lbs., 2 oz. and 20 inches in lenghth. Thanks to the Lord for such a blessing. Bibby really enjoyed holding him.

My only sadness is that Cathy is not here to enjoy this moment and to be with M'Chelle. I know that she is up in heaven telling his guardian angels keep a close watch.

Royal Caribbean

2010-03-17T17:20:00.000-07:00

Phillip and I just completed a cruise on the Voyager of The Seas out of Galveston. I will post pictures of this vacation in the next few posts. This is one of Phillip and me dressed up for formal night. We are in the Aquarium Bar.

Things ARE Getting Better

2010-01-25T11:43:00.000-08:00

So much for the good old days! According to Oprah, here are 100 better things! I just ordered some Sculpz for myself, the number two item.

PoKeNo Girls

2009-12-15T16:49:00.000-08:00

Cathy, my sister-in-law, started PoKeNo as a monthly gathering of friends and family about six or seven years ago. This was a fun way to gather and be her support group as she battled cancer. I firmly believe that the reason that Cathy lived so well and so long with cancer, is because she looked forward and created an engaged life.

PoKeNo parties continue though is is almost four years since her passing. It includes her mother, Sug, her daughter, M'Chelle, and friend Ashley, along with Aunt Nell, friends Phyllis and Sue, and me. The Christmas meeting is always at Aunt Nell's home. Missing this year at the Christmas party were cousin Teresa and Aunt Colette. Teresa will return next month with a brand new kidney, courtesy of the love and generosity of a college dorm mate.

PoKeNo is not a fancy event, but is is a symbol of love and loyalty and hope among friends.

Turning Point Counseling Christmas Picture

2009-12-02T09:58:00.000-08:00

This is the picture Charity Shaver took for Turning Point Counseling 2008 Christmas Card. It was taken in front of the statue, "Childhood's Greatest Adventure" by Rick Jackson, inspired by the book Santa Calls, by William Joyce.

The day the picture was taken was a happy day for our therapists: Roger Russell, Pam Stewart, Steve Willis, Denise Hoyt, April Sizemore, Patrick Heard, Diana Bigham, Tim Dunn, and Janet Jergins.

Please pray for Pam Stewart, as she is critically ill at this time.

Merry Christmas to All, and To All a Good Night

2009-12-01T15:53:00.001-08:00

Where The Wild Things Are

2009-11-30T07:37:00.000-08:00

I attended Where The Wild Things are this weekend with my daughter, Amanda. I was somewhat reluctant to see this movie, because I couldn't imagine how such a beloved book could successfully be made into a movie. I was afraid that the costuming and animation would be awkward and that the script would be boring.

Not so! The interplay between the single-parent mother and Max reminded me of my relationship with my own son. Max's reaction to the mother's boyfriend and to the mother giving attention to the boyfriend really was evocative of how my son, Matthew, reacted to my own dating experience.

I watched this movie with tears and laughter. Being an eight year old boy must be an intense experience. Mothering one is also an intense and mysterious experience. Mothering small children went by so fast. Only for one brief year did I have the privilege of mothering an eight-year-old Matthew. I miss that Matthew so much, and only see glimpses of him sometimes in my twenty-six year old son. The movie made me feel such nostalgia for that year. It also made me sad that I missed so much while attending to the busyness of being a single parent, doing so much during that year out of survival and necessity, and oblivious to much of the emotional life of my children.

Butter Pecan Muffins

2009-11-02T12:07:00.000-08:00

My favorite cake recipe is Pecan Pie Cake, but it is a lot of trouble to make. I wanted something easier, but just as tasty to take to the office for Monday morning breakfast. Our billing person, Poppy, seems to appreciate a little nosh when she comes into the office to pick up our billing records for the week.

I adopted the concept of the cake for the outer pecan-coated crust of the muffin. This is my favorite part of the cake.

Generously butter the cups of two large-cup muffin tins with melted butter. Then coat with pecan bits until the sides and bottoms of the cups have a layer of pecan goodness.

In the mixer bowl, combine self-rising flour, chopped pecans, and brown sugar. Stir to mix.

In a separate bowl, combine wet ingredients: eggs, milk, melted butter and plenty of good vanilla.

Mix until the dry and wet ingredients just combine. If you mix too much, the muffins will get tough.

Fill the muffin tin cups about 2/3 full and place in a preheated 4oo degree oven for twenty minutes. Try not to disturb the pecan coating on the sides of the tins.

When the muffins are baked and a toothpick comes out clean, invert the pans over a cooling rack. They smell great!

Just look at the pecan coating! It is just perfectly browned and a little crispy.

They are ready to eat plain, or with a little honey or maple butter.

Phillip and I had one straight from the oven. They are delicious, warm. The next morning at work, no one turned them down!

Ingredients
3 C. self-rising flour
1 C. chopped pecans
1 C. brown sugar
2 egg
1 1/2 C. milk
1/2 C. butter, melted
2 tsp. vanilla

Directions

Combine flour, pecans and brown sugar in a mixing bowl; set aside. Mix together egg, milk, butter and vanilla; add all at once to flour mixture. Stir only until dry ingredients are moistened. Spoon into greased muffin pan, filling 2/3 full. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Yield: 12 muffins extra large muffins

Hummus with Chimichurri Garnish

2009-10-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

Hummus

2 16 oz. cans of garbanzo beans
2 T. bean juice
1/3 cup tahini
1-2 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. salt
2 lemons, juiced
1 T. Chimichurri Sauce (recipe below)
1-2 T. olive oil

Processs first seven ingredients in a food processor or blender, adding a stream of olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Top with paprika and Chimichurri Sauce to taste.

Chimichurri Sauce

3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp. dried red peppers
2 lg bunches frehs cilantro, coarsely chopped (about 3 cups)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. salt

Process vinegar, next 5 ingredients and 2 Tbsp. water in food processor 5 to 10 seconds, or until cilantro is finely chopped.

Can store in air-tight container for up to three days.

Halloween Party

2009-10-27T11:55:00.000-07:00

My dear friend, Larry, was diagnosed with cancer last spring. After very intensive treatment, his doctors are reporting good progress and giving hope for the future. Pam and Larry's dear friends, in celebration, invited us to a Halloween party to celebrate Larry's birthday, and to rejoice in the hope for his life as a cancer survivor.

Pam dressed up as Marilyn Monroe. When the cake was cut, she sang "Happy Birthday, Mr. President," to Larry, who dressed, not as JFK, but as Jesse James.

I decided to dress as a Biker Babe, and Phillip played along as my Old Man. We kept our costumes simple, but enlisted the help of Jessalyn at Jessalyn Claire Studios to provide a painted on tattoo to complete the look.

Phillip found us some do rags and we wore t-shirts from concerts we have attended to complete the look. I think we looked pretty rough. Phillip got a heart tattoo with a banner with my name!

Skulls are in fashion, so I had Jessalyn paint a skull and orange flowers for me.

The party was held on a ranch near Hico, Tx. The weather was beautiful.

The party featured a hay ride for the children. Phillip and I rode along in a pick up truck with Pam and Larry to observe the exotic animals that live at the ranch.

We saw a family of exotic sheep with their babies.

The donkies were companions to the zebra!

Yes, I said a ZEBRA!

We both had to pose with the zebra and the donkies. The owners are hoping for the donkies and the zebra to reproduce. Their offspring would be called a zeedonk.

I got a picture of an elk with a huge rack. Yes, I know it is fuzzy. It was my first time shooting with the 64X zoom in the field. I was so excited that my hands were shaking.

This final picture is of Trish, who is just now recovering from hip surgery. We all had a beautiful day together, celebrating life, and recovery and friendship.

2009-10-24T10:15:00.000-07:00

Breakfast in Texas

2009-10-21T15:39:00.000-07:00

My dear friend, Denecia, sent me this video. I have never, myself, had breakfast with wild deer. I have had many breakfasts with wild dears, but they have all grown up now. My wild dears loved Mickey Mouse shaped waffles and bacon. The ones in this video appear to love field corn.