The Woodlands TX Kathi Frank

When a change as drastic as the last week happens - it shifts our thinking! It helps us to become aware of what is important and how many lessons slip by us every day.

Earlier this week, when I was thinking more clearly, I wrote some blog posts on my semi-retired laptop computer. I did not have internet access...power was provided by an extremely noisy generator that had to be fed gasoline a couple of times per day...and I did more lifting, stooping, reaching and dragging of things in the past week than I can ever remember.

Yet, every morning my first thought was one of intense and sincere gratitude. Three holes in my roof, yes. But I have a roof over my head. Noisy generator (plus dehumidifiers and air handlers), yes. But I have insurance to cover the bulk of the cost to repair my home. Tiresome clean up tasks, yes. But I delegated some of the work to a man who totaled his car and had no cash to get home.

I am grateful...Really appreciative of my blessings.

During the coming days, I will share photos from Montgomery County-The Woodlands and musings of the lessons I learned from Ike. I hope that something I say will be useful to others. But tonight I will get a good nights sleep because the power came on at 4:30 this morning. Hip-Hip- Hoo-Ray!

We have the power to influence the power of Ike! For those of you that are familiar with the Houston-Galveston area, you know that the storm threat is an ominous occurence. It would be easy for us to all sink into fear as we watch the highways fill with evacuees and hear the timeline of what we can expect from this storm. Eventhough The Woodlands is an hour drive from Galveston, we must prepare for a full 24 hours of hurricane force winds.

You can help! Please read the email from Vitale which I have copied and pasted in its entirety. Hold the energy of positive outcome for my little corner of the world and be a force of energy that can dissipate the potential of disaster.

-----Original Message-----

From: aoakua@aweber.com [mailto:aoakua@aweber.com] On Behalf Of Joe Vitale

Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2008 12:50 PM

To: Kathi Frank

Subject: Help Me Stop Ike

On September 22, 2005 I sent out the below email to help stop hurricane Rita. It worked.

That hurricane dropped in level, switched direction, and didn't do the damage all feared.

Today I'm resending it to help stop hurricane Ike.

Please read this, do this, and forward to others.

Together we *can* make a difference.

Thank you,

joe

Help Me Stop Rita (Ike)

by Dr. Joe Vitale

As I type these words, people in Houston are scrambling to leave the city.

The Mayor has urged many to evacuate.

The next hurricane, Rita (Ike), is bigger and badder than Katrina, and it's headed this way.

Yes, our area is in the path of the hurricane, too.

With luck, by the time it hits mainland Texas, it will have dropped from a category 5 to a category 1 hurricane. We're stocking up on supplies, like everyone else.

While the world is still reeling from the effects of Katrina, we're now bracing for something that could be just as bad, or worse.

As I listen to the news, and watch people, the key word that everyone says or seems to breathe is "victim."

We're victims of storms.

We're victims of chance.

We're victims of a poorly run government.

We're victims of gas prices, gas shortages, inflation, recession, taxes, wars, and now -- the worst of all -- Mother Nature.

I'm going to say something unusual. It may upset some people. I'm hoping it will inspire you. Here goes:

You have more power than you think.

While you may not want to stand in the path of Rita, you don't have to cower under the bed.

As odd as it may sound, I believe that if enough of us think positive, we can create a counter storm of sorts. We can protect ourselves and our loved ones with our thoughts.

I've described and proved this with the research in the back of my book, "The Attractor Factor."

Nineteen studies *proved* that when a large group of people hold positive intentions, those intentions radiate out and become reality.

No, I'm not saying ignore the storm warnings. I'm saying don't get caught up in the fear that the warnings often trigger.

Look. If you think the storm will get you, then it's already gotten you. You're living in fear.

Your life is dark, gloomy and in a cage. The media is flawless at whipping us into fear.

So I suggest ignoring the media. It's not information, it's propaganda. It gets large groups of people to think negative, which of course then becomes reality.

Why can't we do the opposite?

Why can't we get large groups of people

to think positive?

At this very moment, as I type this and you read this, all is well.

Isn't it?

Aren't you ok?

Aren't you feeling fine right now?

Yes, be sure to have batteries and water and supplies.

But also check the storehouse in your mind.

Are you living in fear, or living in trust?

Are you focused on the negative, or are

you doing something to create a positive?

We are all, always, at choice.

My plea is that the readers of my ezine -- you -- will stop, breathe, and focus; pray, or in some positive way send out an energy that will help dissolve the fear in and around us.

I'm asking you to do this on Saturday, the day Rita is scheduled to visit Texas.

As I was finishing this article, UPS delivered two books to me. Both are timely and worth mentioning.

"Unconditional Bliss" says you can find

happiness in the face of hardship.

I think this is relevant. While the media is making us shake in our boots, we can choose to take care of ourselves and others *while* remaining happy.

Happiness is a choice.

The other book looks just as fascinating.

It's "Megatrends 2010" by Pat Aburdene.

To my surpirse (and delight), the book

declares that the future will be more

focused on spirit.

Well, let's create the future right now.

Let's focus on spirit.

What I'm asking you to do is be happy,

right now. Smile. Send that loving energy out, in the direction of Texas. Intend for all to be well, for, in reality, all is well.

In fact, pretend you are the eye of the

hurricane. That's the center where all

is at peace. *Be* that peace and send

that peace from the eye to the hurricane itself, imagining it dropping in intensity.

We can make a difference.

It begins with you.

What will you choose to think?

Love,

Joe

*************************************************

Dr. Joe Vitale

"Aude aliquid dignum" *

Author of way too many books to mention, including the bestsellers "The Attractor Factor,"

"Life's Missing Instruction Manual" and ooohhh so many more, including the head spinner, "Zero Limits" and the mega-hit, "The Key."

Star of the movies The Secret, The Compass, and Try It On Everything

Released tomorrow - The Awakening Course http://www.theawakeningcourse.com

See it all at http://www.JoeVitale.com

Member BBB 2003 - 2008

* 16th century Latin: "Dare something worthy"

This was me last year preparing to JUMP OFF A CLIFF!

For some of you under the age of 50, this might not have been a big deal. For me, it was an incredible experience of a lifetime. I wish I had become more daring in my earlier years. Although the pilot for this tandem flight was tolerant and patient with my lack of coordination, once we cleared the edge of the cliff and began flying, it was nothing short of shear joy.

I filled out the massive stack of paperwork telling the Gliderport north of San Diego that they had no responsibility for my safety. (In fact, the paperwork said that if we crashed I might be responsible for the damage to the equipment...how's that for liability?)

As I was about half way through the multiple initialed and signed docs when a couple of men came in. One looked 20-something. The other looked much older than me. Because my training has taught me to atleast scan anything that I sign and they simply rushed through without reading, they were out on the launch site before me.

When the older man was getting strapped in for his launch, the younger man told the story. You see, it was his grandfather about to jump off the cliff. He had asked this important man what he could give him for his 80th birthday. This inspirational gentleman told his grandson that he wanted to do something he had never done before. THIS was the answer to his request.

I hope that when I get to my 80th birthday my grandchildren will have a hard time finding something that I have not done...and experience that I have failed to know...an adventure still to be undone. My list is long and I can't wait to cross off a few each year.

"Life is brief and very fragile, do that which makes you happy"

Flavia Weedn

Enjoying spectacular sunrises is part of the lifestyle here. Quite moments of deep appreciation for nature's bounty and the convenience to the Houston metroplex is a wonderful combination.

Located only 32 miles from Bush Intercontinental Airport, this community includes more than 60 residential communities and over 20 golf courses in the area.

Completed in 1973, this recreational lake has22,000 acres of surface water spread into more than 157 miles of shoreline, One third of that shoreline on the northwest side is bordered by the Sam Houston National Forest with hike and bike trails and other nature-loving amenties to enjoy.

Like many things in life, Lake Conroe has become so much more than the original developers ever dreamed about. Located on the west fork of the San Jacinto River, it was built in 1973 as a joint project between the City of Houston (as an alternative source of water) and the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA). State Hwy 105, which runs between Conroe and Montgomery, is to the south of the lake and the northern boundaries spread into San Jacinto county west of New Waverly.

The area is known for it's namesake and the county seat, Conroe. But actually, it is 7 or so miles west of the city. The western portion of the communities attend school in the city of Montgomery and the northeastern portion attend school in Willis school district.

Lake Conroe has become the destination for many people seeking a combination of lifestyles. Because it is located about one hour north of Downtown Houston, it is possible for people to enjoy this recreational lake frequently. Some opt to purchase a condo or small home for weekend excursions.

The rapidly growing population is people that choose the resort lifestyle for permanent, full-time living. Some of them commute to Houston...Some of them tele-commute and work from home...Some of them begin living in this affordable paradise as semi-retired or retired. ALL of them will sing the praises of the rare combination of recreation and graceful country living afforded by this locale.

To the south and east of Lake Conroe you will find an abundance of medical facilities, retail and restaurants. With three major hospitals within a 30 minute drive, you never have to worry about emergencies. The Woodlands Mall is a short drive away and with the growth of Conroe, you can find an abundant selection of dining options.

The Houston Symphony Invites you to The Woodlands Pavilion

Time travel to the era of the 1940s...swing dancing with the big bands to the tunes of such favorites as "Chattanooga Choo Choo", "Moonlight Serenade" and many others. Michael Krajewski conducts the Houston Symphony with pre-show entertainment beginning at 7pm on Wednesday, August 27th.

With sponsorships from Woodforest Bank and Macy's you can bring your family for FREE LAWN SEATING. For seating under the pavilion roof, prices are $10-15. Tickets can be purchased at The Pavilion Ticket Office located at 2005 Lake Robbins Drive in The Woodlands Town Center Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm or at any Ticketmaster outlet including www.ticketmaster.com.

If you have a new or used musical instrument that you are willing to donate, bring it to The Pavilion ticket office the evening of the event. The Houston Symphony will give you 1/2 price tickets to concerts on August 27th or September 19th. For details, visit www.woodlandscenter.org.

I hope to see you there.