Friday, October 29, 2010

"The Power of Words: Going Verbal Part 2"

One of the most compelling pieces of scientific research that shows the physical effects of the power of the wordis that of Japanese scientist Dr. Masaru Emoto.

Dr. Emoto created a method to freeze water samples in Petri dishes in such a way that the surface tension formsdrops of ice in the dishes about one millimeter across.  He was able to magnify and photograph the formation ofcrystals in these tiny drops of ice.  Then Dr. Emoto conducted hundreds of experiments to see what effect, if any, thoughts and words would have on the formation of these crystals.

The results of these experiments have been published in several books including “The Hidden Messages in Water.” The photographs demonstrate the ways that thoughts and feelings can affect physical reality. By producing different focused intentions through written and spoken words and literally “presenting” them to the same water samples, the water appears to "change its expression.”  Beautiful, perfectly symmetrical crystals form when the water was presented with the words “Thank you,” or “Love and Gratitude.”  In contrast, crystals did not form when presented with the words
“You Fool” or “You Make Me Sick.”  Dr. Emoto also conducted water crystal experiments with different kinds of musicwith amazing results. Learn more at http://www.masaru-emoto.net

A picture is worth a thousand words.... 
The implication of Dr. Emoto’s research is vast and profound.  Consider that our bodies are largely made up of water. If we are sending critical messages to our self or others in the form of thoughts or words, we are literally affecting the physiological structure of our cells to our detriment.  If, however, we stop sending critical, negative messages and start consciously sending loving, positive messages, think of what a difference we can make.  We can help heal our bodies, our minds, our emotions, and indeed, positively affect the world around us. 
 
“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.  Choose your words, for they become actions. Understand youractions, for they become habits. Study your habits, for they will become your character.  Develop your character, for it becomes your destiny.”—Unknown 
So send a message to your body this week by choosing positive, compassionate words - for it's not just for you, it's for your children.
 

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

"The Power of Words: Going Verbal Part 1"

As grown ups we now know how hurtful words can be.  By this time, or age, we have built our own method of handling anger, harshness or negativity from others. Personally, I laugh. When, if I would choose to dwell on negative words spoken by others, I would be depressed, and sometimes angry. Choosing not to let negative words into my heart & mind is a choice I consciously make as an adult. Because the thing is, once they are there, if not dealt with, they grow.

As adults, we can see how we have been gifted with children to care for, love, support, and enjoy. One of the funniest stories I heard was when a friend of mine received a call from the school her children attended. The oldest son was in third grade and had been given a 'fill in the blank' sheet with questions like: When I grow up I want to [blank]. One of my favorite things to do is [blank]. Well, the school called because her son had filled in every blank with "I'm going to have a nervous break down." {I'm sure the spelling might have been incorrect}. I was crying from laughing so hard when she told me. {This was years later}. The point was, she had no idea how her words were shaping her children. Because she repeated those words, and often let anxiety get the best of her, the children were reaping exactly what their mom was sowing into them.

It is our job to control our tongues, to teach responsibility for what comes from our mouth. Slander isn't something a child should be used to coming from the ones responsible for raising them. Is everyone perfect? Of course not, but that shouldn't keep you from protecting your children and filling them with positive words of encouragement, love, and joy.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

"The Power of Words: Starts with Your thinking"

The power of words your words is immense, but realizing it starts with your thinking patterns is one of the keys. Your thoughts become your words and therefore can contribute largely to a given situation and effect negatively your emotions along the way.

For example: You feel tired when you wake up. For the first half of your day you keep thinking about how tired you are. Then you might mention it to your spouse, your children, your coworkers, the list goes on. Of course most of the responses are of pity or empathetic to your state. But if you realize you are feeding the down feeling of lack of sleep, you might stop.

Now picture this: You feel tired when you wake up. You decide that yea, you might be tired, but it's a good day. You say good morning to your spouse and, smile when you see your kids walking into the kitchen, and think to yourself, this is going to be a great day. You begin to believe it. Before you know it, you are enjoying the day. The people you come in contact with throughout the day are no longer 'down' with you, they smile back, feeding the positive emotion and stance you have CHOSEN to take on life.

In adoption, understanding that your words have power can make your journey memorable, and enjoyable. With post adoption, and with all families, it's important to be aware of how creating a home life of positivity and loving words, can create strong healthy relationships. When adults can understand that a lot of times we do need to control our thoughts [and toungue] and focus on the positive, we are blessed to be able to instill this in our children's generation.

Challenge: Go one day with out speaking any negative connotaions, or sarcastic remarks. It's a lot harder than you think, but well worth the effort.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

"The Power of Words: Introduction"

"Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" ..... that's a quote we've all heard, and probably also have realized isn't necessarily true.

Words carry weight. They can create impressions, images, and expectations. Words build psychological connections. They influence how we think. Since thoughts determine actions, there must be a connection between the words we use and the results we get.

With adoption, whether you are a family in the process or a post adoption process family, speaking positively can  set the tone. Over the next couple of weeks we are going to talk about some of the things to do, to avoid, and to perhaps make a part of your everyday life. Creating a culture and home of positivity for your spouse, and your children is a prime step in molding the adult they will grow into.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Russian Adoption: Update

A US-Russian adoption treaty is in sight, according to UPI.com.http://www.upi.com. This of course comes after months of looking into the current state of Russian adoptions by United States parents. The United States is one of the largest source for adoptions of the Russian children who are available for adoption. [To learn more about the state of children in Russia and the rapidly growing numbers check this out]

"MOSCOW, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- Moscow and Washington are likely to sign a child-adoption agreement within three months, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman said Thursday.

"The text of the Russian-U.S. agreement on cooperation in international adoptions, intended to provide solid guarantees of adopted children's rights, was agreed upon during the bilateral consultations in July," Andrei Nesterenko told journalists in Moscow. A final round of consultations could lead to the signing by Dec. 31, the Russian Information Agency Novosti quoted Nesterenko as saying.
The U.S. State Department had no immediate comment on the possible signing.

Russia was the third leading source of adopted children in the United States in 2009, after China and Ethiopia, State Department figured indicate."

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Andrew's Story

 At Beacon House Adoption, we truly become family with our families that choose to adopt using our services. We honestly end up falling in love with them, getting to watch them, and be a part of their dream, ... a part of their story. Sometimes, when I am just sitting and thinking about what we are able to do, tears swell in my eyes at the joy the family and the children get to experience and grow in on their journey through life. I am in awe that we get to be part of the blessing of the spirit of adoption, and that never ceases to amaze me.

Below is a short story from Michael about he and Hope's journey as they adopted Andrew .....

"Hope and I spent years longing to fill the emptiness and heartache that comes from not being able to have a child. After suffering many things from doctors who offered no real hope, we finally decided to try to adopt. We started our paperwork to adopt in January 2003. A few months later, on Hope's birthday, Margie from Beacon House called to say that she had a possible match. A few months later Margie handed us our little girl, Hannah. Hope cried and trembled as she held her and realized our lifelong dream had finally come true. Througout the entire process, Margie and Dawn were both helpful, patient and comforting. Margie and Dawn worked really hard, and yet still had time to endure my constant phone messages asking, "Is she here yet?". Fifteen months later, we called Margie again to ask her to help us expand our family. A week later, she called us with another match, our first born son, Josiah. Ann was extremely involved with us and helped us bring Josiah home. She too was patient and helpful throughout the process. Both of these children filled our once quiet home with wonder and laughter. We get to watch them grow, help each other and learn from each other. When we called Margie for a third child she was surprised. Her humor and cheerfulness made the third adption seem better. This one took a little longer to find, but she was patient with us the entire time. She helped us understand what to expect and how long the wait might take. At long last she called us with a match. We were overjoyed with the news. We even got to meet the birth mother and grandmoither this time and were glad to get the chance. Each time, we could tell that Margie has a good rapport with the birth mothers. Often times when we would call to check on how the baby and birth mothers were doing, she could tell us first hand as she was either with them at that time or had just left them. Her hands on help is a large part of the reason that Beacon House is such a good agency to use. By helping us adopt little Andrew, our other children were able to see firsthand what all is involved in adoption and have come to appreciate it even more. They can relay their memories to Andrew when he is older and wants to hear his story of how he came to be.

..... to complete this awesome testimony of their journey go [here].