Restoration in Progress

My Innocence Restored

I start with the best plus being the most recent event. This is what I call "innocence restored" because my innocence was restored as the result of making a course correction to my life. I knew that I had been operating with hesitancy in giving love. I would give of myself, maybe up to 80%, but with expectations that the other person would have to reciprocate and earn the other 20%.

I previously thought through reading about relationships that in developing bonds couples do this dance of give and take to strengthen their relationships. That they should not give more into the relationship than is being reciprocated.

WRONG!! On a March 2011 Sunday morning, my Pastor, Kris Pace, had this message on what he called "buffered love". Defined as holding back part of one's love until the other party earns it. This sets up living life by placing expectations onto others.

I left church that morning transformed with the realization that I had been living by buffered love, to protect myself from possible hurts and rejections.

I soon discovered how profound my enlightenment would affect everyone with whom I came into contact. I started meeting people differently, greeting them with joy and without any expectations. The reaction I received surprised me. Everyone was reflecting back to me my enthusiasm and joy without hesitancy. Suddenly the world around me had been transformed.

Many friends have expressed that they noticed the transformation, more outgoing, with a new spring in my walk and with increased energy.

My Progress: I am finding it more and more natural everyday to operate without placing expectations on others while showing my full love to all. Smiling never come naturally for me but now I seem to have this perpetually smile on my face.

Memory Restorations

Remembering Names -
My memory has not been what I would call my best asset yet the past year I began remembering peoples names off the cuff when in the past that has been difficult for me. This last year I can recall the names of most people that I have met. I believe nothing is more honoring to someone than to call them by their name.

Memorizing Bible Passages -
I am on schedule to memorize new bible passages each week. It is great to be able to recall God's Word when I need it. My memorization of my Spanish vocabulary has also increased. And I mostly rejoice for my music by divorcing myself from printed pages and playing pieces from memory and the heart.

My Progress has surprised me yet becomes easier the more I work with my memory. I am determined to prove that age does not deter memory, only if you do not use it.

My Music Restored

When I was young I played piano and trumpet. And I have played piano and pipe organ for church services. But this past year the second most gratifying thing in my life has been my return to my music.

Music has always been there as a part of me, but I had relegated it to part time. This past year I have elevated it by daily working on both keyboard and trumpet. Memorization and composing have become a part of daily practice. Very little else gratifies me like playing music.

I am presently developing a program to present the message, with sing alongs and music for the story of restoration.

My Progress: Daily I am able to measure my improvements.

Physical Restorations

The physical restorations has been the most noticeable to others. Although I have always had excellent health I can thank God for a number of improvements that make me look and feel younger than my 66 years.

Cataract in Left Eye -
I had a severe cataract that has now reversed returning my vision almost to normal. The progress has come over a years time and is credited to using OcuDyne II vitamins developed by two medical doctors and was recommended to me by a doctor friend of mine. Though progress is gradual my vision has about returned to normal.

Hair Restoration -
The top half of my head a year ago was bald but now half of that growth has returned. I use Nioxin shampoo and conditioner that works over time. Gray hair has been returning to original due I believe to minerals I take.

Weight -
Over time I had slowly crept up to 210 lbs with a body fat percentage of 28%. Yet starting at the end of 2010 I began monitoring my calorie intake and my weight has gone back down to 185 lbs and body fat percentage to 17%. By beginning to count calories I informed myself to the actual number of calories in individual servings.

Strength -
I exercise a little everyday and intensely twice a week. Because of this discipline, my arm and leg strength is as strong as any other time in my life.

Dancing

Dancing has been a long time in process, starting 25 years ago allowing me to conquer my shyness and clumsiness as a youth. Argentine tango is my dance of preference and where I claim proficiency, having now taught for 20 years. This year I began choreographing the dance to specific tango pieces for both myself and my students.

Handwriting

One of the most surprising things and pleasant surprises I recently noticed is my handwriting. My handwriting has gained the lost flourishes and openness from my youth. I attribute this as a sign reflecting confidence, peace and contentment. My handwriting has for the last 40 years always been rushed and even frantic looking and difficult for others to read. Now it is a least again becoming readable.

Financial Health

While never having a driving desire to accumulate dollars, opportunities and results are accumulating by the grace of God, probably as a result in part because of the other restorations in my life.

Eating Healthy

I have always attempted to eat with my health in mind. I attribute my health in part to my mother serving, as we grew up, healthy meals with plenty of vegetables. Just this year I discovered the joy of steaming vegetables. Cooking has never been my talent or priority but eating steamed vegetables almost daily is enjoyable. They are easy to prepare and I feel the benefits as I did in my youth.

Karate

In my youth and as a young adult I always was interested in learning karate but put it aside because of lacking time. At the age of 59 because of God opening a door I was able to start back in classes. And in July 2011 I was tested for my black belt in Isshinryu Karate.

My Celebrations...

In 2010-2011, My world has been dramatically changed and I celebrate often with friends and praise God for His guidance and miracles. My life has been transformed and restored making it the greatest year to date of my life. As I progress in 2012 I expect to continue in growth in all areas of my life. Thank you God!!!