​So, our words are like our intentions ...our inner thoughts ...what we plan to do and how we feed ourselves. 

If we're speaking negative words to ourselves, or to the world around us, it's like feeding our body rotten food.  If I won’t drink spoiled yogurt, or slimy lettuce, why will I feed my mind rancid or mean thoughts?

Saying, "I'm going to a pro-peace rally," sounds like a much better use of our time than going to an anti-anything rally.
So, my suggestion is to use words that will encourage the end game. 
If you’re writing your own vows, your end game is to have a happy, healthy, ups and downs and middle out marriage.  You’re spending the rest of your lives together! Of course you’re feeling positive! Now, let’s make it sound the way you feel!
I’m always happy to write your vows for you, for your final approval, or I can surprise you, if you like!  However, if you want to write them yourself, I’m happy to help you out of offer some suggestions! Either way, spoken out loud or thought in our head, it makes sense to use words that are inspiring, are loving, are supportive and, most importantly, are always good to ourselves. 

I'm sure many of you have heard of, if not living by, the law of attraction. 

As a person that writes ceremonies, speeches and blogs, I should be intensely aware of the power of a single word. 

But sometimes we all need to be reminded of, not just the exact meaning of the word itself, but the meaning of what we're saying to ourselves. Or to the people around us.  Or even the environment around us.  

While working on my website one of the words that crossed my computer screen was "non-discriminatory".  I immediately hated it.  Not because of the meaning of the word, "non-discriminatory"; merriam-webster.com defines it as "fair" and "equitable", because those are all good things! But because calling myself "fair" or "equitable" sounds a lot better than "non-discriminatory. 

And I am LOVING this Texas weather! 

Native Texans- or at least those living here for more than a year, have all said- "yeah, but wait until you're here in August!"  

Deal! I'll take it! As the saying goes, "you don't have to shovel it".  Nor do you have to scrape ice off the car, slip and hurt your back or worry that the sump pump in the basement as stopped working. 

I'm still walking around amazed that it's the end of January and I'm wearing a T Shirt! 

It seems to be a beautiful time of year - it's not cold, it's not hot, there are no bugs and I wake up and fall asleep to the sound of birds singing.

This week, let's look at what we're grateful for! Each other, being together, for scraping up the money to move in together, or for having been together for 20 year. 

And for things that we love! Whether it's a person, our home, our family, pets...even the beautiful Texas weather! 

There's always something to be grateful for, and LOVE sounds like a good enough reason for me!

At Your Service,

Rev. Poppy