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Who knew that Walt Disney was such a philosopher?!

Over the the past few years I have learned that I can’t keep looking back to what was, otherwise I will miss new opportunities. Our past is part of our story, we learn from it and move forward. Henry Cloud, clinical psychologist, has said “Whatever’s happening today, remember it is only one scene in a long movie. Don’t treat it like it’s the whole story. Keep writing the story.”

Philippians 3:13,14 says,”…but i am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.” We can look forward to a fuller and more meaningful life because of our hope in Christ. God determines our steps.

Walt Disney heped us believe through his story that an elephant could fly or that there were tinker fairies that spread fairy dust so we could fly.

Tinker Bell in the electric parade at The Magin Kingdom — Tinker Bell in the electric parade at The Magin

Believe all the way, implicity, unquestionably…

Unquestionable faith in God means that no matter what happens in our lives whether it’s a new job, sickness, loss of a loved one, you take the Lord’s hand and walk through the unknown door in unquestionable faith not knowing what’s on the other side. Know that God will be on the other side of the door. Know that God will walk with you through the door, no matter trhe outcome. Noah built an ark having unquestionable faith in God, never have seen rain. Abraham, with unquestionable faith, left the land he knew for an unknown country knowing that God would walk with him. (Hebrews 11)

We all have times of adversity. We are not promised a life of ease or happiness. Walt Disney recognized the hard times as something that can be good. James said “…whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.” (james 1:2-4).

Neal was a good one to find the humor in everything. I remember a time when the twins were about 3 and were suppose to be taking a nap. We heard noise in their bedroom and opened the door to find all their clothes our of the drawers. Britton was sitting in the top drawer of the empty dresser with a diaper wiping down the top. I saw the mess but Neal ran to get the camera to document the event!

Another mischievious moment Neal captured of Britton and Grant's! — Another mischievious moment Neal captured of Britton and Grant’s!

Another time Neal ran to get the camera was when Karsten got into the refrigerator and dumped the eggs all over the floor. I saw the mess, Neal saw an opportunity to see the humor.

Karsten exploring the refrigerator, documented by Neal! — At least Karsten has his toothbrush!

Laughter is the best medicine! “A glad heart makes a happy heart..” Prov. 15:3. “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart…” Prov. 15:30. God even laughs, “The One enthroned in heaven laughs.” Psalm 2:4

Thank you Mr Disney for your profound words of wisdom. What sayings do we have that will be remembered in years to come?

Take time to see the joy in today

Last week part of my family and I were in Florida to enjoy warm weather, visit my parents and visit a couple of the Disney Parks.

The parents smiling at the beginning of the day for Magic Kingdom, ended the day still with smiles!

Getting ready to enjoy the day at The Magic Kingdom! — Getting ready to enjoy the day at The Magic Kingdom

If any of you have been to the Disney Parks you know they go the extra mile to make your experience pleasant. Britton and Grant had their birthdays while we were there. My brother got them “Happy Birthday” buttons and the little boys “My First Visit” buttons from customer relations. Lots of Disney staff wished them happy birthday and talked the the little boys about their visit. The workers were very friendly and acted like they truly enjoyed their job.

Disney workers were constantly picking up trash and cleaning. All the bathrooms I went In to were clean and we went into lots of bathrooms with toddlers!

Did you know that any food kiosk will give you a free glass of ice water if you ask? They do it with a smile on their face even if you don’t buy any food!

Can you imagine what little kids would think if they saw Donald, Pluto or any of the other characters pass their replacement for breaks? You mean their is more than one Mickey? Someone has orchestrated that fine detail so as not to crush some child’s perception.

Britton's family with Pocahontas characters. We had to ask the people in front of us who we were waiting to see: ) Governor Ratcliffe and Meeko — Britton’s family with Pocahontas characters. We had to ask the people in front of us who we were waiting to see: Governor Ratcliffe and Meeko

We caught a glimpse of Donald Duck while we were eating lunch.

Walt Disney had a saying:

I was reminded of what Paul wrote in Colossians 3:17, “Let every detail of your lives–words, actions, whatever-be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way. ” MSG King Solomon also wrote, “Whatever you do, do well…”Ecc. 9:10

Walt Disney wanted his parks to be done well so people would want to come back. Everone who works at Disney respresents Disney. Those of us that are followers of Jesus should want to do everything in our lives with excellance because we represent God to the world.

Whatever you do, do it well!

On the journey,

Trish

PS: This was how Hadley spent most of her time at Disney!

4 More Lessons from Walt Disney

Walt Disney: What ever you do, do it well….