Measure Up!

Have you ever met someone who is a walking encyclopedia? I have. He knows something about everything! I just met a mobile mechanic. He has everything he needs to fix your car right in in the back of his van. How about handy men who have their tool belts loaded with everything they need at their fingertips?

You can be a walking measuring stick. Without any tools, whatsoever, you can measure anything. How is it done? FIrst, try this stunt:

Say: “We all have different fingers but mine are really different. My fingers appear to be longer on one side of my hand than the other.”

Do: Hold your right arm in front of you at a slightly upward angle. Bend your hand at the wrist so it is as straight up and down as you can make it. Keep your arm facing away from you, toward the audience.

Say: “My first and fourth fingers are just about the same size. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Do: Turn your hand sideways and show your friend what your first and fourth fingers look like.

Say: “Watch my fingers carefully. I am going to turn my hand around so we see the side that shows my palm. My first finger really seems longer than my fourth finger. How can that be?“

Has anyone ever asked you to measure something but you didn’t have a tape measure or ruler handy? Everyone has their own set of measuring devices built into their bodies. Here are some examples:

Use Your Body to Estimate Length. Many real-life math problems don’t require exact solutions or precise calculations. When you need an approximate idea of length, you have a handy-dandy “ruler” always nearby: your body. Yes, your body — and its various parts — can serve as a quick length estimator.

• Your hand: The width of your palm is about 4 inches (10 centimeters).
• Your foot: An average foot is about 12 inches long.
• Your forearm from elbow to fingertip: Your forearm is about 1.5 feet (46 centimeters).
• From nose to finger tip: The distance between your nose and your fingertip when your arm is extended is about a yard (36 inches). If you haven’t used this method yourself, ask your mother or grandmother: It’s the traditional way of measuring cloth.
• The distance of one full stride: Called a pace, it’s about 58 inches, just short of 6 feet. The Romans used this measurement, and so can you!

These estimates are just that: estimates. A more accurate way use your body parts to estimate length is to know your own measurements: the width of your own palm, the length of your own foot, and so on. Then, wherever you are, you’ll have a pretty accurate ruler very close by.

Measure Me Joke:

One day, Dan went outside with a ruler. When he got to the street, he put the ruler on the ground, measured 12 inches. After the measurement he walked 12 inches down the road then excitedly looked round for a few seconds before sadly walking off. he kept doing this all the way down the road. walking 12 inches at a time then excitedly looking around like he was expecting something but never getting it. Eventually someone saw Dan doing this so went up and asked: “Dan, why are you looking around for something every 12 inches?” to which Dan replied: I was told there was a foot every 12 inches but I can’t seem to find any.

Here is a song on about measurement using body parts: Go to “Rockin’ the Standards Song” video and song.

http://www rockinthestandardsong.com

“Dry Bones” by the Rhythm Boys is a favorite camping song.

These two stanzas are the chorus. They are sung after each stanza that is not in bold print:

Ezekiel cried dem dry bones
Ezekiel cried dem dry bones
Ezekiel cried dem dry bones
Now I hear the word of the Lord

Ezekiel connected dem dry bones
Ezekiel connected dem dry bones
Ezekiel connected dem dry bones
Now I hear the word of the Lord

Well, your toe bone connected to your foot bone
Your foot bone connected to your heel bone
Your heel bone connected to your ankle bone
Your ankle bone connected to your leg bone

Your leg bone connected to your knee bone
Your knee bone connected to your thigh bone
Your thigh bone connected to your hip bone
Your hip bone connected to your back bone

Your back bone connected to your shoulder bone
Your shoulder bone connected to your neck bone
Your neck bone connected to your head bone
I hear the word of the Lord!”

Scriptural application: Matthew 7:2

The World English Bible translates this passage as: For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you.

What does it mean when the verse reads, “whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you?”
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Boundaries : This quiz will show how your personal boundaries measure up. It is written by Stephanie Konter at “Well-Minded Counseling.”

To start this quiz first close your eyes and picture who are the 3 closet people to you. Then develop a word that describes how you feel about the relationship.

Then, read each statement below and check the one’s that fit for these 3 close relationships that you identified.  Be sure to answer with your initial gut response.  

 Finally, take the quiz yourself. Tally the number of checks you made under each category to determine where you currently are with personal boundaries.

WEAK BOUNDARIES OR NO BOUNDARIES:

____ I put the needs and wants of others before my own.

____ I agree with others to avoid conflict.

____ I find myself unable to say “no” to things.

____ I’m afraid to say “no” out of fear or guilt.

____ I allow others to speak for me

____ I find my self accepting poor treatment from others.

____ I find myself doing more than my share of participating in the relationship.

____ I try to “fix” other people and their problems.

____ I attempt to control other people.

____ I don’t trust myself or others.

____ Total Number Checked

HEALTHY BOUNDARIES:

____ I’m able to set personal boundaries that protect my body, my energy, my time, and my other resources, without feeling guilty, fearful, or stressed.

____ I can comfortably express my true feelings regardless if they are seen as negative or positive.

____ I’m comfortable with other people expressing their emotions.

____ I’m able to respect others for who they are and do not attempt to change or “fix” them.

____ I understand that conflict is a natural part of intimate relationships and even though it may not be enjoyable.

____ I’m willing to end a relationship rather than continue to allow the other person to hurt me.

____ I respect other people’s feelings, needs, and preferences, and don’t take them on as my own.

____  I’m able to make my own decisions and look out for my interests while taking others perspectives into account.

____ I’m not afraid to disappoint or anger others by stating my opinion.

____ I take responsibility for my own feelings while others can take responsibility for their own feelings.

____ Total Number Checked

RIGID BOUNDARIES:

____ I feel frustrated when people don’t view things the same way that I do.

____ I have a tough time acknowledging and expressing my feelings and rarely consider the feelings of others.

____ I often use anger and/or intimidation to get my way.

____ I keep people at an emotional distance.

____ I am uncomfortable with physical contact unless I initiate it, and even then it needs to be on my terms.

____ I criticize others when they don’t do things according to my plan.

____ I refuse to “play” if things aren’t done according to my rules, plans, or desires.

____ I become very upset if anyone borrows something of mine, even if they ask first.

____ I always expect something in return for my help or generosity.

____ I infrequently invite people into my “space” (home, office, physical)

____ Total Number Checked

Whichever category you checked the most items in determines the type of boundaries you have. Do your best to be accepting of where you are at, and recognize that’s okay, you are doing the best you can, and you can try harder and make changes. With that, ask yourself, do you want to make some  adjustments to your personal boundaries to be make them more balanced and healthy? If so, follow the blog and you’ll find ways to help empower you to find ways to do and think about things differently.

There is a video on YouTube called, “Measuring with Body Parts” on Topper T.V.