Grow Love

Grow Love

Elf Grows Love

Posted on December 24, 2013 by thegrowloveproject

“Elf” must be considered a new Christmas classic, securing its place with “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” and “A Year Without a Santa Claus.” (who can resist the Heat Miser and Cold Miser performances?)

Elf’s Will Ferrell takes us on a comedic journey as we witness delightful dishes (spaghetti and syrup), learn the value of unfiltered friendship and how to properly decorate for Christmas.  But then, Santa’s sleigh won’t work because it runs on Christmas magic.  With belief in Santa at an all-time low, the sleigh’s power is nil. Christmas is in jeopardy.

Thankfully, on a street in NY City, a woman has the courage to sing the Santa anthem- “you better watch out, you better not cry…” Gradually, people join in. Her voice strengthens with each addition and the chorus of singers intensifies. Santa’s sleigh gets a seismic power boost. People believe again as they witness the momentous event.

We don’t always have to start the song but we can surely join in!

Categories: Witnessing Love Growing a Bit | Leave a comment

Be

Posted on December 1, 2013 by thegrowloveproject

Sometimes things happen that are really hard for the fixers in the bunch. It’s what we do, the momma bears, we take action. But there are times when it just is. And all we can do is share the moment – share the pain.

Our loved one doesn’t have to “grin and bear it.” Instead, we embrace and share it. Embrace- a fierce hug that says I’m here, I’m not letting go anytime soon, so you let it out and I’ll share the pain.

In the words of John Lennon,

“When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness,
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.”

Be still. Be in the moment. Be the comfort. Just be.

Categories: Grow Love, Just Be | Leave a comment

What’s Your Sign (on)?

Posted on November 23, 2013 by thegrowloveproject

If your “sign” says something about you, what does your “sign-on” say? What are you spelling (and sounding out after mistyping a time or two) to kick off your day? Suppose it’s “today is a good day.” that you type each day and begin to believe it. Who needs a horoscope?

Now imagine you control access to your company’s computer network – employees must go to you first in order to do their jobs. Arethea, an IT expert with this responsibility, doles out far more than your standard login. Each newly delivered computer comes with a yellow sticky note bearing a hand written password. Not just to start your day, but to approach life.

Asked for her top 10 logins, she provided the following. And please note the punctuation. It leaves no question. It says “Do it.” “Period.”

1. Today is a good day.
2. Love and laugh unselfishly.
3. Love generously, it is a must.
4. Focus on the facts!
5. Speak kindly and love fiercely.
6. Never pretend to be something you are not.
7. Give without wanting back.
8. Find the goodness in people, we all have some.
9. Live simply and care deeply.

Turns out she gave us nine, not ten. Can we help her finish the list?

Categories: Grow Love, like ripples on a pond | 2 Comments

Team Lift

Posted on November 10, 2013 by thegrowloveproject

Signs in stores proclaim the importance of a “team lift.” If the load is too heavy for one, others will help. Team Lift is all around us. Meals and other daily tasks coordinated for a family whose energy is directed elsewhere. Money collected to purchase together what cannot be obtained alone. Prayer requests amplified through prayer circles and shared intentions. Team lifts abound- just look for the signs.

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Force field

Posted on November 8, 2013 by thegrowloveproject

There was no announcement on the loudspeaker like you’d hear for “please stand for the playing of our national anthem.” It just was. A silent force that spread through the spectators, ushering attention away from pre-game conversations to the stillness in the center of the playing field. Gathered there in a tight circle were the competing high school football teams – each player on a knee, each physically connected with another.

Moments later, we did get an announcement. The voice on the loudspeaker noted the moment of silence for the fellow football player in a neighboring town who died that week. Asking for it wasn’t necessary. The love from that circle on the field had already enveloped us. Our job was to help it along towards its intended recipients.

Remembering Jacob

Categories: like ripples on a pond | Leave a comment

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