a closer walk

Should

2012-01-26T09:17:00.000-05:00

No one can judge you unless you let them. ~ Swami Nada Yolanda

Don't "should" on other people and don't let them "should" on you. Should is a judgment we make based on our experiences and perceptions. When we pass that on to other people, we are judging them. Should is an expression of fear. It says that our way is the right way; if you move beyond that, you might prove I am wrong. Should is the way we control others, to make them think or behave the way we want them to. Should takes us on a guilt trip and limits our capacity to grow. If we only do the things we should do we will never learn another way we could do it. Should limits us to what is comfortable. Should keeps us in a place that is familiar. Should makes us responsible to someone other than ourselves when we know that is not the way we "should" live. I "should" do only those things that feel right for me.

Solitude of Your Mind

2012-01-16T09:01:00.000-05:00

In the solitude of your mind are the answers to all your questions about life. You must take the time to ask and listen. - Bawa Mahaiyaddeen

There are times when we all feel we need to be alone. We just want to get away from everyone and everything and be alone. Sometimes we may feel guilty or selfish for thinking this way, but it is perfectly normal. To be alone is the best thing we can do for ourselves. To be alone means to be all one with the spirit within. When we are alone, we have an opportunity to get in touch with, to talk to and be guided by our power source. Spirit. To be alone means going to the essence of your being. To ask questions within and get clear, concise answers. To be alone means taking the time to give to yourself a small portion of what we have been giving of ourselves for so long. It is like drinking from the fountain of restoration to bring back your physical, mental and spiritual health. So go ahead. Tell them all and don't feel bad about saying it. "I want to be alone." Today we can be one with the spirit within.

Faults

2011-12-30T08:47:00.000-05:00

Don't be afraid to look at your faults - Yoruba Proverb

Even though we know there is always room for improvement, we tend to shy away from criticism. Our egos tell us we are being attacked and quite naturally we want to strike back. In order to be whole, healthy beings, we need to know all there is to know about ourselves. Sometimes that information must come from others. This may mean admitting that we are not always right, and knowing it is okay to make a mistake. A mistake, an error, a poor choice, or bad decision does not equal "there is something wrong with me." It means you are on your way to being better. We do not make mistakes on the basis of race or color. We make them because we are human. When we acknowledge our errors and face up to our shortcomings, no one can use them against us. Let us not be afraid to admit when we are wrong.

Confidence

2011-12-21T17:13:00.000-05:00

"The Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Emmanuel, which means God with us." Isaiah 7:14

Christmas means we should have confidence in God! This year, read the Christmas story out loud with your family, especially, children or grandchildren. The story is in the second chapter of Luke or the first and second chapters of Matthew.

The Christmas story gives us confidence that God did, and does, break into history and into human lives in transforming ways. Think about it: Mary was young. Elizabeth was old. Zechariah doubted. Joseph wanted to make the whole thing go away and get on with his life. King Herod hoped it wasn't true. But, in the midst of all of that human drama, God was determined to make Christmas with us. That's the first and best part of our confidence, God is determined to be with us! It should give you a smile to know that God is exerting God's self to be with you.

The truth is, we are nobody, really, that God should want to be with us. But, God does want to be with us! Jesus' birth tells the whole story. And because God wants to be with you, now you can be sure that you have real worth. Because of my worth in God, now I have real confidence, a confidence that endures through the changes of life; a worth that the world can neither give or take away. You can have Christmas every day of the year when you finally realize that.

(Originally posted December 2010)

Our Situation & The Real Meaning of Peace

2011-12-13T10:18:00.002-05:00

Strange is our situation here upon earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to a divine purpose. From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: That we are here for the sake of others ... for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy. Many times a day, I realize how much my outer and inner life is built upon the labors of people, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received. ~ Albert Einstein

The Real Meaning Of Peace
There once was a king who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. Many artists tried. The king looked at all the pictures. But there were only two he really liked, and he had to choose between them.

One picture was of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror for peaceful towering mountains all around it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace.

The other picture had mountains, too. But these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky, from which rain fell and in which lightning played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all.

But when the king looked closely, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird had built her nest. There, in the midst of the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest - in perfect peace.

Which picture do you think won the prize? The king chose the second picture. Do you know why?

"Because," explained the king, "peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace." ~ Author Unknown

Your Comfort Zone

2011-11-18T09:55:00.002-05:00

Create a soft place to land in your home a refuge from the stress of the day.

Our day-to-day demands can quickly take their toll on our well-being if we are not vigilant about caring for ourselves as best we can. One way we can ensure that we have an opportunity to relax and recuperate each day is to create a soft place to land when we arrive home. This landing pad, whether it is an entire room or merely a small corner of a larger area, can provide us with a safe and comforting refuge in which we can decompress and recover from the day’s stresses. There, we are enveloped in feelings of security that transcend other issues that may be unfolding in our homes. Our landing pads also act as way stations that enable us to shift our attention away from our outer-world concerns and back to our inner-world needs.

To create a soft place to land in your home, begin by scouting potential locations. Or perhaps your entire home is your landing pad in which case you may only need to declutter. Your habits can often provide you with insight into the perfect spot, as there may be an area of your home you gravitate to naturally when you are in need of comfort. Any space in which you find it easy to let go of stress and anxiety can become your landing pad. A basement or attic, spare room, or unused storage area, furnished with items that soothe you, can give you the privacy you need to unwind. If you appreciate the elements, you may find that spending time in a section of your garden or outdoor patio helps you release the day’s tensions. Preparing these spaces can be as easy as replacing clutter with a small selection of beautiful objects that put you in a relaxed frame of mind. Remember to consider noise and activity levels while choosing the site of your landing pad. If you know that ordinarily human commotion will distract you from your purpose, look for a secluded spot.

The soft place to land that you create should inspire within you the mantra, “I can breath here. I can relax here. I know I am safe here.” When you return to your home after braving worldly rigors, you will feel a subtle yet tranquil shift occur inside of you as you settle in to this most personal of retreats and feel centered once again.

"Inspirational Me"

The Greatness Inside You

2011-11-04T21:18:00.000-04:00

Life is a gift enfolded with happiness as well as darkness. There is a light at the end of every tunnel; the sun returns after every storm. The essence of goodness of life is felt when we lift ourselves out of the darkness and appreciate the good things in life especially the stars in the darkness for they shine brighter if only we look. It is essential for every individual to wrap themselves with positive thoughts, for it enlightens the relationship with family and peers, with YOU. Surround yourself with strong bonds, center yourself, BE your own best friend too. True happiness is felt in giving, in sharing. Listen to your soul, your instinct, that gut feeling. Follow it when it nags at you. Though money can aid in plenty of things that would make your life more comfortable and luxurious, you cannot find contentment until your heart rests into authentic happiness. Stop searching OUT there and look within the storm of greatness inside you.

~ Courtesy Inspirational Me ~

Authenticity

2011-10-10T17:28:00.002-04:00

Nobody knows the mysteries which lie at the bottom of the ocean.

- Yoruba Proverb

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Your body is 50 to 75 percent water. Like the ocean, you are a mystery of buried treasures. The deeper you are willing to go, the greater are the treasures you will find. Your mind is the only equipment you need. The sharper your mind, the greater the depths that will be revealed to you. Never allow anyone or anything to limit your mind since your mind feeds your emotions. The emotions of your heart will keep your dreams afloat. If you can feel it, the world must reveal it. When you take time to breathe consciously, stilling the motion of the mind, you can take a plunge into the deepest resources of your soul. Take a plunge within yourself to find the joy, strength, peace, freedom and love you may be seeking in the shores of life.

Look within the ocean of yourself to find the treasure of life.

Challenge

2011-09-29T18:29:00.000-04:00

The determination to outwit one's situation means that one has no

models, only object lessons.

- James Baldwin

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If you are facing a challenge in your life, before asking someone else what to do, remember what you did the last time. Nothing is new in life. Everything has been said or done by you. It may look different. There may be new people involved. It may even feel different, but it's not. The key is to recognize the lesson. Ask yourself, "What am I learning in this situation?" Is it patience? Peace? Forgiveness? Independence? What am I feeling right now? Have I felt it before? What did I do then? Remember, no one can learn your lessons but you. And the best teacher you will ever have is experience.

We are divinely guided at all times and we know exactly

what to do.

Faith

2011-08-09T13:32:00.000-04:00

Faith without work cannot be called faith.

Faith must inspire action. It alone cannot be verbal. Mental faith is insufficient. Faith is not believing, trying or hoping. It is knowing by which you do. Faith develops endurance to face the trials without our being tempered to stop. Faith produces doers. Those who understand fewness of words, greatness of deeds are a measure of true faith. Faith is obedience to the urgings of the spirit, the porthole through which all things have their being. Faith controls the tongue, soothes the head and stifles the urge to complain. Faith produces patience. Your life is the only true measure of your faith. Your words and actions determine the fullness of your cup. If there is anyone or anything of unworthiness in your life you must ask yourself, "To what am I giving my faith?"

Can we put our faith in only those things that produce good for us?

You Can Do Anything You Choose to Do

2011-06-03T06:34:00.006-04:00

Someone was hurt before you; wronged before you; hungry before you; frightened before you; beaten before you; humiliated before you; yet someone survived. - Maya Angelou

What do you do when it seems as if people want to stay in their pain? They have a story to tell and they tell you every chance they get. It may get to the point that they become so entrenched in their pain that they stop looking for a way out. Well, believe it or not, they may like where they are. Our job is to leave them there. You can point the way out of pain, but you cannot force them to get out. You can support the move beyond their limitations, but you cannot make the move. Movement requires learning from painful experiences by recognizing the role we have played. If we continually tell the story without drawing a conclusion, we become the victims of the drama of pain.

We can do anything we choose to do!

Abundance

2011-05-03T11:35:00.015-04:00

Know your friends and then you prosper.
- The Maxims of Ptahhopte
_______________________________________

Abundance has absolutely nothing to do with how much money you have. Abundance is about feeling rich and having rich feelings. Abundance is rich relationships, rich experiences, a rich mind and rich ideas that provide you with a sense of meaning. To understand abundance is to create what you want without fear. Abundance is knowing the glass is always half full no matter what is going on. Abundance is feeling good about who you are, where you are and what you have because you realize you don't have to stay there. When your mind is an abundance of ideas, when your hearing is an abundace of love, when your life is a abundance of good people doing good things with you and for you, you are rich beyond words. Abundance begins in mind, extends to the deeds and brings rewards you can bank on even if you cannot put them in the bank. Our abundant sources are unlimited.

Stations of the Cross

2011-04-19T09:05:00.008-04:00

Our God is a God of life and being. I can only imagine how it must have been for those people long ago who rejoiced when Jesus came to their city and cried, "Hosanna!" How their hearts swelled with good will and how happily they threw their hats in the air. I can imagine, too, when I look within, how the good will fades, and the rancorous ill will grew into the cry, "Crucify him!"

How capable are we of swinging from praise to denial, from singing to despising? We are not always steady and sure in what we want in our lives and our loyalties.

Yes, we can rejoice when it is time for rejoicing, sing when it is time for singing, and praise when it is time for praising. We can also be grateful that when we forget our Heavenly Father and follow less worthy inclinations ... He does not forget us.

How many times have we been brought back by Him from our erring ways only to be grateful that He did? That His love is as persistent as it is? Let us seek more of a flavor of that kind of love in our lives so that we can be more open to others, more creative and responsive to the beauty and splendor that life can afford.

Since God refuses to give up on us, let us pray that we will refuse to give up on ourselves.

As we move toward the celebration of the great, glad news of Easter, let us lift up our hearts and our whole lives. I've included in this post something I find a meaningful meditation as we enter Holy Week. I hope you do as well.

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Purpose

2011-04-01T11:16:00.009-04:00

There are four rungs on the ladder of success: Plan Purposefully, Prepare Prayerfully, Proceed Positively, Pursue Persistently.

- African-American folklore

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In everything you do, have a purpose. Make sure the quality of your intent is one of truth, honor and love. Prepare to pursue your purpose with prayer. Ask for guidance, protection and direction. Ask that closed doors be opened and that the purpose of those that remain closed be revealed. Give thanks for your answered prayers by proceeding without any doubt. Keep your purpose in mind, trust the guidance you receive, have faith in your ability to suceed and accept all that comes your way. If your purpose is clear, your prayers backed by faith, your outlook sure and positive, never, never look back. You may meet forks and turns in the road, but your obstacles shall all be removed.

Plan with a purpose, prepare with a prayer, proceed positively and be persistent of your goal.

Peaceful Warrior

2011-03-15T20:56:00.005-04:00

I ain't gonna study war no more ....

- African American spiritual

Let us insist on peace today turning out minds away from war. There is war in our hearts, minds, body organs and words because of the fast pace in which we live. Yet for today, let us lay down our weapons, insisting that peace be the light and the way. Let us know today that we are spiritual beings, programmed for peace and love. Let us teach by example, demonstrating peace in everything we say and do. Let us know that it does not matter what others say or do. Let us think peace, speak in peace, knowing in our hearts that like will draw like. Let us know we are bound to become that which we study, so let us study peace and love and truth. If we commit ourselves to just one day of peace it is bound to feel so good, we will want to do it again. Let us be able to say - I AM a peaceful warrior.

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Mission Minded

2011-02-23T19:22:00.008-05:00

Deal with yourself as an individual worthy of respect and make everyone else deal with you the same way. -- Nikki Giovanni

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Many of us live day to day without a sense of purpose. We want more out of life, but we can't seem to put a finger on exactly what it is. We believe our fate is due to lack of career, money or the freedom to do what we want. Actually, what we may be longing for is a personal mission. When you have a mission, you have a core passion that gives you vision. With the vision of your mission, you move gracefully through your goals. When you have a mission, you wholeheartedly embrace a task and you remain focused until the task is done. When you have a mission, you feel valued, worthy and respectable. You manage to keep your head up and others notice you. What is your mission? Is it teaching, healing, painting, driving? Perhaps it is building snowmen, counting pea pods or keeping others on their mission. Respect your life enough to pursue a meaningful mission. Respect yourself enough to give yourself something to do. Be mission minded and focus on a goal.

Abundance

2011-01-11T04:12:00.005-05:00

Know your friends and then you prosper.

- The Maxims of Ptahhotpe

Abundance has absolutely nothing to do with how much money you have. Abundance is about feeling rich and having rich feelings. Abundance is rich relationships, rich experiences, a rich mind and rich ideas that provide you with a sense of meaning. To understand abundance is to create what you want without fear. Abundance is knowing the glass is always half full no matter what is going on. Abundance is feeling good about who you are, where you are and what you have because you realize you don't have to stay there. When your mind is an abundance of ideas, when your hearing is an abundance of love, when you life is an abundance of good people doing good things with you and for you, you are rich beyond words. Abundance begins in mind, extends to deeds and brings rewards you can bank on even if you cannot put them in the bank. Our abundant source is unlimited.

Strength, Wisdom, Power

2010-12-31T19:44:00.007-05:00

Every time I had the good fortune to research into someone's religion I found "God" to be in the image of the people to whom the religion belongs.

Would the Creator, with all the love, power and wisdom of the universe, make us all so different and then deem only one right way to get to His kingdom? I would think not. As an expression of the awesome power of the ultimate creative energy, we the people have been blessed to bring forth various expressisons. We call it race, culture, tradition and heritage. In essence, who we are collectively is a unique expression of God. No one knows better than He the beauty we bring to life, and He cannot be wrong. As we lift our minds and hearts to know, to be aware and to understand that we are all expressions of the Most High, we will begin to recognize the beauty of God at our disposal. Our world reflects God's strength as tradition, God's wisdom as culture, God's love as race and ethnicity. Who are we to decide which part of God is the best?

God's strength, wisdom, power and love are being expressed as me and YOU.

Confidence

2010-12-21T22:15:00.006-05:00

Wealth

2010-11-30T09:21:00.011-05:00

"A man's/woman's true wealth is the good he/she does in the world."

- Mohammad

In many ancient African, Asian and Native American traditions, a person's wealth is measured by the well-being of his or her children. Tradition mandates that you bring children into the world to continue your work and to make additional contributions to the good of the world. If you have no children, your wealth is measured by what you do. Do you sell good products? Do you create good crafts? Do you provide a good service? Do people speak well about you? Do people seek you out to obtain what you have? Do you deal with people honestly? Are you a person of your word? Are you dependable? Reliable? Can you be trusted? Your reputation is your wealth. Your work is a part of your reputation. If you want to pile up riches, give your best to what you do.

You are your own greatest product ... You are your greatest service.

Mysteries

2010-11-06T13:04:00.007-04:00

Life is a series of mysteries we must each unravel at our own pace. Our task is not to solve the mysteries but to use them along our way. No one can tell us what is good for us just because it worked for them. If we allow someone to give us our answers we create conflict deep within. Sometimes it gets confusing trying to figure out what to do. If the confusion is on the inside, the answer is there, too! No human being has all the answers, if they did they would not be here. One of the greatest mysteries we must unravel is our purpose, because that makes us clear. Let us take more time to listen to our hearts, filtering through the offerings that come in. Let us not be so willing to say "I know" when we have no idea where to begin. Let us know deep down that God loves us and use that knowledge along the way. Let us approach the great mystery of the meaning of life with a little bit less to say.

(Most people think they know the answer. I am willing to admit I sometimes don't even know the question.)

Value of the Valley

2010-10-04T05:49:00.012-04:00

To be who you are and become what you are capable of is the only goal worth living.
- Alvin Ailey

Life is not hopping from one mountaintop to another because there is a valley in between. At times, the valley is a job you hate but need to feed the family. The valley might be a failing or toxic relationship. The valley could be a child who goes astray or a friend who betrays you. The valley could be an illness or the death of a loved one. The valley is dark, bleak, ugly and frightening. But there is value in the valley. When you are in the valley, you begin to muster strength and power buried deep within you. In the valley you begin to think, pray and tap into your incredible self. The valley gives you a time to rest, to heal, to rejuvenate your being. It is an opportunity to look up, to see and remember those powerful mountain climbers who made it before you: your grandmother, your hero, even yourself. You have been in the valley before. Remember what you did, how you got up and out. Let the thoughts and memories of that success be the rope you use to pull yourself up. Take the time to learn the value in the valley.

An Inch is a Cinch ... A Yard is Hard

2010-08-28T00:12:00.013-04:00

My writings are not planned. They are shaped by life, lessons and the Holy Spirit speaking in my heart ... so there is no regular timetable with which I post my thoughts. My hope is that in some way these touchstone parts of me can aid your spiritual journey of faith based upon inspiration, journey and life's lessons.

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You must eat the elephant one bite at a time - Twi proverb.

You cannot get to the end from the middle. You won't find the beginning at the end. No matter what we are doing there is a process. Whether the situation is positive or negative, we must go through the process. When we rush ahead we miss important steps. If we become impatient, we can overlook details. We must be willing to move step by step, inch by inch to get to the end. There is no way to rush the process. When we are excited, we want to see how a situation will end. When the situation is unpleasant, we want it to end quickly. Whether anxiety or fear, the anticipation of benefits or pain, no matter what we do, we must be willing to do it one step at a time.

Your Divine Inheritence

2010-08-12T19:48:00.007-04:00

Your crown has been bought and paid for. All you must do is put it on your head. --James Baldwin

There is nothing you need that you do not already have. There is nothing you need to know that you do not already know. There is nothing you want that does not already exist. There is nothing that exists that is too good for you. There is nothing anyone has that you cannot have. There is nothing more powerful, more intelligent, more sacred than you. You are the stuff life is made of. You are the essence of life. You have been chosen at this time, in this place to be among the living. You come from a long line of successful living beings. You are one of the king's kids. Born into the world to inherit the kingdom. You are equipped to handle anything. You live by grace, built by love. You are the cause and the reason of everything you see. You are one with God. You are creative. You are alive. What else could possibly matter? Are you claiming your Divine inheritence?

A Father's Possible Reflection

2010-07-14T19:05:00.016-04:00

"Cycle of Life"

My reflections on a meeting with a father and his possible feelings
surrounding his daughter.

As I gaze upon your face, touch your hair and smell its sweet fragrance, look at your closed eyes and remember you calling me papa I am feeling your love for me. I am struck by how much life has in store for you. There are lessons that you must learn on your own and there are lessons that I hope I can teach you, to give you a firm foundation for whatever the years will bring. I ask myself, what can I tell you about life, what things are important to know, what little bit of truth can I pass on? What can I write that will have meaning, if not now, then in the years to come?

Life is more interesting and richest when it includes people who are not exactly like you. Everyone is different; everyone has their own beliefs and values. Not everyone will accept this -- ever. Be one of the ones who do. Understand that life is unfair, you can't change that. The idea of riding a pony may be a lot more fun than the ride itself. You don't always get to know why life takes the turns it does. Things happen and there's nothing you can do about some of it except persevere. Life does go gloriously onward.

It's important to mark the occasion, good or bad. Anniversaries, with their associated ceremonies and remembrances, are part of honoring the human experience. Things happen for no reason. When you feel yourself getting upset/angry/frustrated, ask yourself, "How much will this really matter to me in a day? A week? A month?" Asking helps you gain perspective. Screaming will not get you there any faster. I know this for a fact. Socks need not match to keep little toes warm. Spilled milk can be wiped up. Books were not meant to be chewed on. Entertaining ourselves takes many forms which I hope to be a part of for now and always.

There’s no shame in admitting that you need help. Don't be afraid to ask for it and don’t 'be afraid to help someone who needs it. A lot of bad things happen in the world because people are afraid to get involved. Care about others and give them a hand when they need it. Sometimes all they need is a chance to help themselves and you can be the one enables that!

Power - Truth of Who We Are

2010-07-08T10:34:00.005-04:00

There is a soul force in the universe, which, if we permit it, will flow through us and produce miraculous results.

- Mahatma Gandhi

Each of us on some level tries to elevate ourselves to a new height, a higher standing, a better way of living. Unfortunately, that is why we don't get where we want to be, because we are trying to do it. The power is right where we are. The power is the essence of all that is good. The power is divine. When we believe in the power and seek to make conscious contact with it, the power, not the self, will bring into our lives the very things we are struggling to do. The power will operate in all of our affairs, going before us to prepare our path. The power wants joy, peace, perfect health, abundant wealth and loving relationships for us. The power is the living spirit within buried beneath the personality, ego, perceptions, fears and doubts. The power is the truth of who we are. The power is available; all we have to do is invite it forward and move out of the way. Today, I believe I Am one with the living spirit who will do the work through me and for me.

Pain

2010-06-22T20:05:00.007-04:00

"Lord, make me so uncomfortable that I will do the very thing I fear"

- Ruby Dee

When it is time for us to grow we get restless. When it is time for us to move forward we get tense. When the time comes for us to let go of the things we know are holding us back, all heck breaks loose. Unfortunately, we sometimes misunderstand what we are feeling and use it as a reason to stay where we are. Nothing forces us to move faster than pain. Tension is pain. Heck breaking loose is a sign that pain is on the way. When we are in pain we must do something to make ourselves feel better. And if the old remedy does not work, we must try something new. Too many times we have cut ourselves down to fit into the situation. Fixing ourselves to stay where we are is the very source of our pain. If we allow ourselves to live with a constant, dull ache, it means we are not getting the message. But we can be sure all dull aches eventually turn into a throbbing pain. Pain tells us something is wrong.

Healing Power

2010-05-28T06:44:00.005-04:00

And He sent them out ... to heal

- Luke 9:2

We must realize that the healing power of the spirit is within each and every of us. We each have the power to heal not only ourselves, but our world and all those around us. Spirit expressed through us as a kind word, a caring touch or a simple smile may be all it takes. When we realize who we are, the blessings we have been given, the power we embody, we have tapped into the source or our healing ability. Every day we have at least one opportunity to help a friend, a loved one or even a stranger. Regardless of the color of our skin, our economic status, our social or political philosophy, it is our responsibility to do what we can, when we can, to assure that someone else does better. Today, let us become aware of the healing power within and dedicate ourselves to uplifting those we touch. Through the healing power within, we can bless others today.

Rain

2010-05-15T19:54:00.012-04:00

If rain doesn't fall, corn does not grow.

- Yoruba proverb

Every farmer knows a good hard rain is needed to make a healthy crop. It will strengthen the roots, fasten the stalks and produce a healthy yield. A responsible farmer prepares for rain. He prepares the field by clearing away all remnants of past crops. He irrigates the field so the rain water can run off. He carefully guards his crop to keep away the birds and insects. Through it all, he has faith in his ability as a farmer knowing he is doing all he can. Our lives are much like a field of corn, our challenges are the rain. We don't mind planting the seeds, working the field or planning for the harvest, but we have a tendency to complain about the rain. If we focus our mind on the goals, we are putting on our raincoat and boots. If we cleanse ourselves of negative thoughts, we are covered by an umbrella of strength. If we keep faith in ourselves regardless of what others say, we have all we need to weather the storm.

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The harvest I reap is measurd by the attitudes I cultivate.

In the Image

2010-03-11T13:34:00.009-05:00

Every time I had the good fortune to research into someone's religion I found "GOD" to be in the image of the people to whom the religion belongs.
- Yosef Ben-Jochannon

* * * * * *

Would the Creator, with all the love, power and wisdom of the universe, make us all so different and then deem only one right way to get to His kingdom? I would think not. As an expression of the awesome power of the ultimate creative energy, we the people have been blessed to bring forth various expressisons. We call it race, culture, tradition and heritage. In essence, who we are collectively is a unique expression of God. No one knows better than He the beauty we bring to life, and He cannot be wrong. As we lift our minds and hearts to know, to be aware and to understand that we all are expressions of the Most High, we will begin to recognize the beauty of God at our disposal. Our world reflects God's strength as tradition, God's wisdom as culture, God's love as race and ethnicity. Who are we to decide which part of God is the best.

* * * * * * *

God's strength, wisdom, power and love are being expressed as me.

Inspiration

2010-01-16T21:16:00.004-05:00

This was sent to me via a friend. It speaks volumes and I wanted to share it with you. Be sure to turn on your sound for the full effect.

Just A Closer Walk

2009-11-13T18:24:00.003-05:00

Thanks to a wonderful friend (Jun) for sending this to me.

Behold, I Do A New Thing

2009-09-13T22:54:00.006-04:00

Progress means ease, relief, peace, less strife, less struggle and happiness.

- Sufi Hazarat Inayat Khan

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

How many times have you heard someone say, "That's just the way I am," or "I can't change." How about , "This is me, take it or leave it!" Oh how we hold on to what limits us. Don't we realize, if our way worked, it would be working. Can't we see that holding on to what "I am" keeps us from realizing who we are? It is natural to resist change. It is insane to fight against it. For some reason we believe if we have to change, there must be something wrong with the way we are. The issue is not right or wrong. The issue is working or not working. Everything must change. The best can always be better. The fast becomes fastest. The great becomes the greatest. When we make minor adjustments as we see they are needed, we save time and the expense of a major overhaul.

Behold, I do a new thing.

(Thanks Nancy ....)

Work

2009-07-02T09:03:00.007-04:00

Work is love made visible. Keep working with love. - Anonymous

Have you ever watched people who love what they do? They work with a smile on their faces or a song in their hearts. They move with grace and ease. They attend carefully and lovingly to every little detail. They never tire of what they do. They do it willingly, joyously for themselves, for you and for anyone else who shows the slightest bit of interest. They talk about what they do, they read about it, staying up on the latest trends, teaching it or some part of it to newcomers and converts. When you love your work, you do it with passion. It rises up from within your soul and excites you. You want to do it all the time, in as many ways as possible. Wherever you go, whomever you're with, you want to do what you love because it feels good. Try to love what you do and do it with passion.

God is Love ....

2009-06-11T17:17:00.007-04:00

The love we desire is already within us.
- A Course of Miracles

God is love. That is where we must begin. We cannot expect to have a loving relationship with our family, mate or children until we heal our individual relationship with God. In the ancient traditions of people of color all life was centered around the Creative Force and its elements. Our ancestors had a wholesome respect for the Creator and all creations. They honored the earth for support, the sun for the life force and themselves as expressions of creation. Today we relate to one another's ego. We want to please one another because of who we are or what we have. We hold people in awe; we want people to fulfill our needs; we demoralize ourselves and one another for what we believe is love. God is love. That's it! God does not give presents. God does not have needs. God does not argue. God does not make threats. God does not feel abandoned. God does not deal with rejection. The only thing God does is love you and that is the only reason you are here.

* * * * * * * *

The only relationship I will seek today is a relationship with love.

Talk ... Listen

2009-05-05T23:51:00.009-04:00

God would not give us the ability and opportunity to be succcessful and then condemn us to mediocrity. - Debra Anderson

* * * * * * * *

Everything in the world was, at one time, just an idea in someone's mind. The chair you are sitting on. The clothes you are wearing. The car your drive. The multimedia instruments that bring information to us. They were all ideas that someone took the time, had the faith and made the commitment to bring forth. How many good, no, great ideas have you had lately? Do you have ideas about things you would like to do? Ideas about the quality of your life? How to make life better for someone else? Why then are you not acting on those ideas? Ideas are all we have. That's what we get from the One on high. We already have the ability, skill and access to information. What the Creator does is generate ideas. Many people get the same idea at the same time. Some of us act, others don't. The next time you are wondering what you are supposed to do in life, remember all the idea blessings you let go.

* * * * * * * *

Go ahead, God, talk. I'm listening.

On Eagle's Wings

2009-04-08T10:53:00.005-04:00

* * * * * * *

Creating a New Me

2009-02-25T05:43:00.005-05:00

"The life of every person is like a diary in which we mean to write one story, and write another." (Sir James M. Barrrie / 1860 - 1937, British Playwright)

* * * * * * *

We are growing and learning every moment of every day. Regardless of what we have been told, we can and do change with every new experience. Each experience enhances our capabilities by giving us something new to draw upon. Every new capability we discover and develop leads to a new opportunity. As long as we have the capability and an opportunity, there is a new possibility for us to grow and learn something new. Dare not to limit yourselves to only knowing or doing one thing. Take a chance by putting all you know to use. Accept all invitationss to do a new thing and when you do it, celebrate. Move toward you wildest dream, take the labels off your mind and step boldly into your greatness. Think about this if you will - ".....with every new step I create a new me."

2009-01-26T09:03:00.007-05:00

Your attitude about who you are and what you have is a very little thing that

makes a very big difference.

- Theodore Roosevelt

Can you see, hear and speak? Can you walk, move around and do things for yourself? Did you eat today? Yesterday? Someday last week? Can you pick up a telephone? Turn on a light? Stick a key in a door and have a place to sleep? Are your feet adequately covered? Do you have something to wear? Are your lungs and kidneys functioning? Can you breathe without assistance? Can you move your hands, arms, legs and do the things you want to do? Is there someone who will help you if you need help? Is there someone from whom you receive love? Is there someone you know who will be there no matter what you've done? Can you laugh when you want to cry? Cry if you need to? Does your mind let you know the difference between the two? Is there a tree you can touch? A flower you can smell? Can you stand in the rays of the sun? Give thanks for every "yes" you can give and remind yourself that you are truly blessed.

Expressions

2009-01-05T06:14:00.007-05:00

Would the Creator, with all the love, power and wisdom of the universe, make us all so different and them deem only one right way to get to His kingdom? I would think not. As an expression of the awesome power of the ultimate creative energy, we the people have been blessed to bring forth various expressions. We call it race, culture, tradition and heritage. In essence, who we are collectively is a unique expression of God. No one knows better than He the beauty we bring to life, and He cannot be wrong. As we lift our minds and hearts to know, to be aware and to understand that we are all expressions of the Most High, we will begin to recognize thebeauty of God at our disposal. Our world reflects God's strength as tradition, God's wisdom as culture, God's love as race and ethnicity. Who are we to decide which part of God is best? Let us be reminded God's strength, wisdom, power and love are being expressed as you and me.

Fear Not - Rejoice!

2008-12-21T19:36:00.006-05:00

FEAR NOT - Luke 2:8-11
The angel said to Zechariah: "Fear not!" He said it to Mary: "Fear not!" And now He says it to the shepherds: "Fear not!" It's a natural thing for a sinner to fear. The more guilt we have, the more things we fear: fear of being found out for some little deceit, fear that some ache we have is God's judgment, fear of dying and meeting the holy God face to face.

But even though it's natural, God sends Jesus with the word: Fear not! Hebrews 2:14 says: Jesus became man "that through death He might destroy him who has the power of death, that is the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death have been held in lifelong bondage." Doesn't this last phrase imply something tremendously liberating for our daily life? If the worst fear--fear of death-has been taken away through the death of Christ, then surely God does not want us to fear the lesser things in life: job insecurity, not having enough time to finish a sermon, having over for lunch someone who can't speak English, failing a test in school, being rejected by your friends, etc. The message of Christmas is fear not! God is ruling the world for the great good of His children. Believe His promises: "Fear not for I am with you. Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will help you; I will strengthen you; I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness... Do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall wear... Cast all your anxieties on God because He cares for you ... The Lord is my light and my Salvation: whom shall I fear. The Lord is the stronghold of my life: of whom shall I be afraid?"

REJOICE!
And in the place of fear Jesus puts joy. Joyless faith in Jesus is a contradiction in terms. Paul summed up the goal of his whole ministry like this: "for the advancement and joy of your faith." And he told the Philippians and Thessalonians "Rejoice always and again I will say rejoice." Always? Yes. Not without tears of grief and pain. But still joyful. When a friend on mine lost her mother, she cried for about half an hour before she could stop. But as she knelt there by her bed she was not only grieving. She was hoping. And while it is very hard to describe, there was a kind of joy in God and His sovereign goodness that later on at her funeral she tried to express.

So don't oversimplify: it is not wrong to cry (weep with those who weep), but there is a joy rooted in God's rule of love that is never overcome in God's children.

Let the Light Shine

2008-12-08T07:24:00.007-05:00

Make a prayer acknowledging yourself as a vehicle of light, giving thanks for all that has come to you today.

- Dhyani Ywahoo

Just for today, allow yourself to embrace all that you are every moment. Know that you are a vessel of light. Allow yourself to release all doubts about your ability, the mistakes of the past, the fear of the future. Just for today, remember that you have grace. It is called breath. You have a connection to the Divine Mind, the power source of the world. Just for today, remind yourself, "I am one with God." "I am one with all the power there is." Just for today, be a little child. Know the world is safe. Know that you are loved. Know that just where you are, God is. Just for today, be free. Be peace-filled. Be loving to yourself and all others. Know that you shall not want for any good thing. Just for today, give praise and thanksgiving to let the universe know you are ready to receive more.

Let the light shine on me today, I give praise and thanks.

Silence

2008-11-23T15:06:00.004-05:00

Every time we open our mouths we release a powerful energy. If we could learn to hold on to that energy, it could be used to nurture our dreams, heal our bodies and fuel our minds. But we always have so much to say. Talking can take us off track, knock us off center and kill off our dreams when we speak mindlessly. Talking is something we must learn to use, not something we must always do. There is a power in silence that energizes the mind, body and soul. Think of the sun, moon and stars. They all appear silent and never fail at their job. There is wisdom in silence. Think of the mountains and trees. They never have anything to say, yet it takes great efforts to bring them down. There is love in silence. Think of the womb. Perfect timing, order and completion accomplished in total silence. Silence is an art, a tool of the wise. When we perfect the art of silence, chances are we will get a lot more done. Today I will practice the art of silence.

As You Give - So You Receive

2008-11-02T08:09:00.005-05:00

In this world it is not what we take up but what we give up that makes us right.

- Henry Beecher

There is a very simple principle that people cannot seem to get the hang of - as you give, so you receive. People find it difficult to believe that it is necessary to give first and give righteously. If you only give to get, you will not receive. If you give out of fear, you will not receive. Many people do not believe they have enough to give. That is because they may be thinking in terms of money only. If you do not have money, give your time, talent and energy. Give a smile. Give a prayer. Give anonymously without expectation or recognition. The spirit in which you give detrmines the manner in which you receive. If you give freely, joyously and willingly, you will receive abundantly. As you give what you have, what you are not using, you make room to receive something else in its place. Give of yourself, your knowledge and the information you have received, then prepare yourself for an outpouring of blessing. And by the way, do not expct it to come back to you from the person you gave it to. Today let us lovingly give our all to all who may need.

People Are the Light

2008-10-22T20:58:00.003-04:00

Let there be everywhere our voices, our eyes, our thoughts, our love, our actions,

breathing hope and victory.

- Sonia Sanchez

In the twenty-first century the power is with people through the Grace of God. The people are the force that will make or break the world as we know it. The people are the only voice that will matter. The people have the power to create the world they want to see. The power is in our thoughts, our words, our actions toward one another. Who are the people? Not the priests, not the heads of state, not the presidents. The people are those who can surrender their ego, embrace themselves as they are and do what they have been sent to do. The people are those who know they are not in charge; rather, they give praise to the Creative Source of Life. The people are those who control their breath, know their bodies and use both to teach others how to do it. The people are the children. The people are the women. The people are our elders. The people are the men who love, nurture and protect the childen, women and the elders. The people are the light. The Light is provided by God.

Can You Live Day to Day?

2008-10-01T12:46:00.009-04:00

" I wish I knew how customs got started, it would make it easier to stamp them out."

- Martin Lane

Right now, in the midst of a so-called recession, many people are still able to, and do, demonstrate wealth and abundance although it is harder as each minute passes and worries rise. These individuals have overcome the dominant thoughts and beliefs of the mass consciousness that money is in short supply. Are they fooling themselves? Unfortunately, many people still believe they can't live day to day; they won't make it through the week; they can't make ends meet; they don't know what to do to get some of the shrinking money supply. Many people who believe this way are people of diversity. People who have been duped into believing we will never be self-supporting, self-sufficient, capable of standing on our own. We are dependent on the system to get better, give us a break, take care of us. Many of us still believe the system can and will provide economic healing we need - Until today! Now hear this, God does not have a money problem! Everything God made is self-sufficient, including you and me. If you want to know what to do about money, ask God ... and remember, thank God for providing your every need. We must do what we need to do BUT keep God in it.

Staying Focused

2008-09-18T10:36:00.006-04:00

Let not what you can do tear you from what you can.

- Ashanti proverb

Staying focused on a project or plan is one of the most difficult challenges we face. There is always the house to clean, calls to make, laundry to fold, movies to watch, news to catchup on. There is so much pulling on us, distracting us, keeping us from doing what we say - no wonder it never gets done. Actually, there is only one thing that keeps us from our goals, that is lack of focus. Very often, lack of focus is caused by fear. Lack of focus/fear means you can find a million reasons not to do what you say you want to do. Lack of focus/fear means if you do what you say you just might succeed. Success means you would move out and beyond your comfort zone. Somehow, somewhere deep inside, this is frightening. The key is if you would just stay focused, all of those frightening little details would miraculously be taken care of. Before you know it, you would be exactly where you say you want to be. When we stay focused on the end, the details are handled!

Ego versus Spirit

2008-09-10T18:52:00.007-04:00

The ego needs recognition. The spirit does not need to thank itself.

- Stuart Wilde

The ego wants to be noticed. It needs stroking, pumping up and limelight. The ego needs to compete to prove it is better. It senses danger around every corner, difficulty in every challenge and trouble coming through everyone. The ego can never be enough, do enough or have enough. The goal of the ego is to be well liked and authorized because, for some reason, it does not feel qualified. The spirit is qualified by light. The light of truth, peace, joy and love. It does not seek to condemn, condone or compromise what it is. It simply knows and is it.

The spirit does what it can and moves on to something else. It does not ask for an award or wait for rewards, it is just spirit being spirit. One of the difficult problems in the world is the competition of egos. They want to be noticed and applauded so they compete and dominate. When we truly understand that we are spiritual beings, we will no longer have a need for recognition. We will do what we can because we can do it by virture of the light of the spirit. Today can we go unnoticed?

How Do We Plant Seeds?

2008-09-01T21:11:00.005-04:00

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

When we pass a garden and see everything in full bloom, we don't always think about the seeds that were planted long before we got there. We simply enjoy the beauty of the harvest. Our minds work the very same way. It is the law of expression that says we must ultimately express in form those thoughts, emoticons and impulses we store in the subconscious mind. That part of us does not think. It does not reason, balance, judge or reject. It is the fertile ground that accepts any and everything we plant. Good or evil, constructive or destructive, our lives will bear the fruit of the seeds we plant in our minds. If we have no faith, purpose or belief in ourselves, we cannot blame the world. We plant the roses or weeds we see in the garden. We can imagine good big things as well as troubling little things, our minds will accept either one. If we want the lay back and sniff the lilies in our valley, we must tend our seeds of thought with constant care.

"I"

2008-08-12T21:16:00.004-04:00

God is the source of life - shouldn't we be able to find the essence of that source in our lives? Yet when we examine our lives, in what part do we find God? What part is the "I"? God is love, peace, abundance, power, strength, mercy, truth, balance and joy. For many of us, life is lack, limitation, strife, stress, chaos, confusion, oppression and hate. Your race, my race; their goals, our goals; your religion, my religion have replaced the sense of oneness known as God. Did God create this mess? No, "I" did. The small part of "I" that wants control and the power. The "I" that is fear, arrogance, anger and pride. The "I" that holds on to pain because "I don't know what to do." The "I" that wants it my way because "I can take care of myself." The "I" that can't figure out which part of God is and which part "I" am because "I" have forgotten that all God is I Am. If only "I" would let God do His part, [I believe] we would be fine. How can we serve God today?

Abundance

2008-08-04T00:24:00.005-04:00

Our Abundant Source Is Unlimited

I don't believe abundance has anything to do with how much money you have. Abundance is about feeling rich and having rich feelings. Abundance is rich relationships, rich experiences, a rich mind and rich ideas that provide you with a sense of meaning. To understand abundance is to create what you want without fear. Abundance is knowing the glass is half full no matter what is going on. Abundance is feeling good about who you are, where you are and what you have because you realize you don't have to stay there. When your mind is an abundance of ideas, when your hearing is an abundance of love, when your life is an abundance of good people doing good things with you and for you, you are rich beyond words. Abundance begins in the mind, extends to the deeds and brings rewards you can bank on even if you cannot put them in the bank.

Who Am I?

2008-07-21T22:32:00.012-04:00

This is a video that was shared with me. I felt there was no better place to put it than here on my blog and share it with you and pray that you might share it with others. Please be sure to turn up your volume. I didn't need to formulate any words to write at this time ... this video speaks volumes!

Reaching our God given dreams is impossible to do alone - but we are not alone!

* * * * * * * *

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen."

Jeremiah 29:11-12 (NLT)

Your Path

2008-07-14T05:54:00.004-04:00

Do not follow the path. Go where there is no path to begin the trail.

~ Ashanti proverb

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It takes courage, strength and conviction to go against the grain. But if someone hadn't done it, we wouldn't have wheat bread, chocolate chip ice cream or radios in our cars. It is often difficult to get other people to follow our train of thought. Stop trying. It's our train. We are the engineer and the conductor. We usually want and need help, support and comfort when we are doing something new. If we do not get it, so what! Does it mean we should stop what we are doing? Absolutely not! The path to success is paved with road signs, warning symbols and obstructions. But when we start a new trail equipped with courage, strength and conviction, the only thing that can stop you is you.

What Do You Believe?

2008-07-05T21:52:00.007-04:00

In the province of the mind, what one believes to be true either is true or becomes true.

- John Lilly

What do you believe about the world? Do you believe it is big and beautiful or that it is dangerously doomed? Do you believe there are people out there waiting to get you? What do you think they will do with you when they get you? Do you believe you can't because they won't let you? Do you believe you can because nobody can stop you? Do you believe in choices or the power of destiny? Do you believe in evil? Do you believe you are free? Do you believe that someday, somehow you will be what and where you want to be? Do you believe that someone else has more power than you? How much power do you believe you have? Think about this .... what you believe will come true whether it is good or not so good. What you believe about the world is exactly what you will experience because that is what "YOU" bring into the world.

The world as I see it is a reflection of MY thoughts and actions. The world as I see it is a reflection of YOUR thoughts and actions.

* * * * * * *

Your Heart

2008-06-23T19:10:00.005-04:00

Go and open the mansion of the soul; when you find the powers of heaven, you shall

sit with them.

- The Book of Coming Forth by Day, translated by

Dr. Maulana Karenga

* * * * * * *

Where your treasure is there your heart will be. Your heart is a place of silence and communion. Your heart houses the secrets of your soul; the path of your destiny. Your heart covets your desires and places them strongly in your mind. It is the key of all you want to be. You must have faith in your heart and trust all that it says to you. Never betray your own heart or you will find yourself lost. Your heart is the gatekeeper to your soul. It will never judge you, never doubt you, for your heart knows exactly who you are. Keep your heart light from grief. Let it guide you in all your ways. When things are not as you know they should be, retreat quietly to the resources of your heart. You make your heart a mystery. You fail to ask its advice. When your heart is heavy about a matter, you believe others can lift you up. If you really knew your heart you would never doubt its value to you. God speaks to us through our hearts because all that God is, is love.

God is in the midst of us. Wherever We ARE, God IS.

Power and Plans

2008-06-17T20:43:00.008-04:00

"Power concedes nothing without a demand."

- Frederick Douglass

Have you noticed how long hard times seem to last? And don't rainy days seem to go on forever? Do life's difficulties appear to multiply rapidly? When hard times, difficulties or rainy days appear, do you give them all your attention? If you are like most of us, you probably do. And like most of us, you give difficulty power. Nothing is ever as it seems. What looks bad today, can be a blessing tomorrow. Challenges come so we can grow and be prepared for things we are not equipped to handle now. When we face our challenges with faith, prepared to learn, willing to make changes, and if necessary, to let go, we are demanding our power be returned. Willingness to grow is a demand for power.

* * * * * * * * * *

Plan. Do you have a plan? What is your plan? Have you failed to plan? Can you carry out the plan? If you do not have a plan, what do you plan to do? Life is much too precious to waste time on wonder or worry. You can predict your life's alternatives now, if you take time to plan. Plan your moments to be joyous. Plan your hours to be productive. Plan your days to be filled with peace. Plan your weeks to be educational. Plan your months to be filled with love. Plan your years to be purposeful. Plan your life to be an experience of growth. Plan to change. Plan to grow. Plan to spend quiet moments doing absolutely nothing. Planning is the only way to keep yourself on track. And when you know where you are going, a path will be cleared for you. Plan to be all you can.

Your Gift

2008-06-05T21:33:00.004-04:00

Use What You've Been Given

What gift have you been given? Perhaps it is the flair to entertain or inspire. Perhaps it is the ability to fix things, cook well, or serve others with a smile. You may be a "techie" who is great at finding solutions to problems or programming software. Maybe you have the gift of creating beauty, connecting people, or making others laugh. Whatever your gift, you have a responsibility to be a good steward of it: "As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." (I Peter 4:10)

Investing in your talent by learning, growing and positively impacting others illustrates good stewardship. Good stewards not only use their gifts and multiply their rewards, but they also take care of what they have been given, no matter how seemingly small.

Consider this: The gift of being able to recognize and show gratitude can transform a dismal outlook into one of hopeful optimism.

* * * * * * * *

Heart to Heart

2008-05-25T08:55:00.005-04:00

Our hearts are the wrapping which preserves God's word, we need no more.

When was the last time you sat down to have a heart to heart with yourself? Have you really examined your heart lately? Are you harboring childhood wounds? Are you still nursing a broken heart? Are you frightened? Angry? Guilty or ashamed? Is there someone you need to apologize to? Who have you forgiven lately? If God were to speak through your heart today, what would you hear? In the everyday quest to get through life, we sometimes forget we really do have all we need. It's tucked away safely inside us. It contributes to our thouhts and motivates our actions. If we clear it out it will actually speak to us and tell us exactly what to do. When was the last time you had a heart to heart with yourself?

With pure hearts we can be balanced in life.

Life: A Strain or A Struggle?

2008-05-20T20:41:00.011-04:00

"Life doesn't have to be a strain or a struggle," are words spoken by Marion Anderson.

Sometimes we make life very difficult for ourselves. We have a great ability to create our own stress. We may refuse to see the good in anything or anyone. We sometimes refuse to count our blessings and complain about lack. We will criticize, judge or blame others because we forget when our choices were not wise. What we don't seem to realize is that when we voice words of struggle and strife we draw more of it into our experience. We create our own well-being according to the way we conduct our mind, mouth and heart. When we expect the best, we get it. When we speak of good, we see it. When we cleanse our hearts of fear, anger and strife, we place outselves on a higher vibration. If we choose to struggle with the issues of life, they will be very willing to fight us.

Remember the words "I AM" and create a great day.

* * * * * * * *

Fullness of Your Cup

2008-05-08T07:36:00.009-04:00

Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8

Faith without work cannot be called faith. Faith must inspire action. It alone cannot be verbal. Mental faith is insufficient. Faith is not believing, trying or hoping. It is the knowing by which you do. Faith develops endurance to face the trials without being tempted to stop. Faith produces doers. Those who understand fewness of words, greatness of deeds are a measure of true faith. Faith is obedience to the urgings of the spirit, the porthole through which all things have their being. Faith controls the tongue, soothes the head and stifles the need to complain. Faith produces patience. Our Lives are the only true measure of our faith. Our words and actions determine the fullness of our cup. If there is anyone or anything of unworthiness in our life I suggest we ask ourselves, "To what am I giving my faith?"

An Inch or a Yard?

2008-04-30T06:10:00.006-04:00

... YOU MUST EAT THE ELEPHANT ONE BITE AT A TIME.

- Twi proverb

You cannot get to the end from the middle. You won't find the beginning at the end. No matter what we are doing, there is a process. Whether the situation is positive or negative, we must go through the process. When we rush ahead we miss important steps. If we become impatient, we can overlook details. We must be willing to move step by step, inch by inch to get to the end. There is no way to rush the process. When we are excited, we want to see how a situation will end. When the situation is unpleasant, we want it to end quickly. Whether anxiety or fear, the anticipation of benefits or pain, no matter what we do, we must be willing to do it one step at a time.

An inch is a cinch, a yard is hard.

STOP!

2008-04-26T20:51:00.011-04:00

STOP!

Most of us know exactly what it is that causes the pain, confusion, stagnation and disruption in our lives. Whether it is a habit, behavior, relationship or fear, we know. Unfortunately, we seem powerless to stop whatever it is. Sometimes we believe we don't have the discipline or willpower to stop. The behavior becomes so habitual we do it without thinking. Other times we know exactly what it is and what we do, but we simply keep doing it anyway. We are the only ones responsible for what goes on in our lives. We can make excuses and blame others, but we are responsible to and for ourselves. When we find something or someone creating in our lives that which we do not want, we must muster the courage and strength to stop it.

Today can you use your power to stop what is no longer good to you?

* * * * *

The Needle Pulls the Thread ..... when we make strides in life we may face obstacles and challenges. There are times when that which is most familiar to us will present the most challenges - our family. If our life moves away from what is familiar to our family, it might result in becoming frightened. Our being nurtured by family may stop - if only for a moment. They may use those fears and concerns as a reason not to support us. They may not understand why we cannot do things the way they've always been done or they deem reasonable. We want our family to support and encourage our dreams, but if they don't, it is okay. Sometimes we must step out alone, make a new way, start a path others will follow. Our job is to let our families know that we love them, keep them as informed as they care to be; when possible, we should invite them to join us in the process. However, if they choose to stay on the same old beaten path, there is no obligation to march with them. We can weave fibers of a new world and life. Ummm .....

Power In Difference

2008-04-16T17:17:00.014-04:00

One love, One heart. Let's get together and feel alright.

- Bob Marley

True power, our power, is in our diversity and difference. It is not in the illusive power we chase in money and things. It is not in what we call unity. We are already unified through breath. Do we want to deny our unity because we look different, act different and we believe we want different things? The elm, oak and pine live together to create the mighty forests. The shark, dolphin and whales live together to create the wealth of the oceans. The blue jay, hawk and robin sing together to create the melody of the sky. The lion, elephant and jaguar live together in the wonderment of the wild. They all want the same things: food, protection for their young and the opportunity to move freely. The animals do not blame or judge. They live without anger or fear. Are the animals just stupid? Or have we become too smart?

Today, will you honor and respect the power in difference?

Value of the Valley

2008-04-13T08:52:00.007-04:00

To be who you are and become what you are capable of is the only goal worth living.

- Alvin Ailey

* * * * * *

Life is not hopping from one mountaintop to another because there is a valley between. At times, the valley is a job you hate but need to feed the family. The valley might be a failing and toxic relationship. The valley could be a child who goes astray or a friend who betrays you. The valley could be an illness or the death of a loved one. The valley is dark, bleak, ugly and frightening. But there is value in the valley. When you are in the valley, you begin to muster the strength and power buried deep within you. In the valley you begin to think, pray and tap into your incredible divine and spiritual self. The valley gives you a time to rest, to heal, to rejuvenate your being. It is an opportunity to look up, to see and remember those powerful mountain climbers who made it before you: your grandmother, your hero, even yourself. You have been in the valley before. Remember what you did, how you got up and out. Let the thoughts and memories of that success be the rope you use to pull yourself up.

* Take the time to learn the value of the valley *

Truth

2008-03-17T20:35:00.016-04:00

Are you living your truth?

Is it based on your belief, in the deepest part of your heart? Is it that thing you want to be, to do and have about which you rarely speak to anyone? Is it that sacred place in your spirit that lets you know no matter what that you are really okay?

Are you living your truth?

Are you doing what brings you peace and joy? Are you smiling to yourself in the face of adversity, believing you are a divine creation of a loving Father and Mother? Are you beautiful and strong? Powerful and humble? Understanding and merciful? Intelligent and faithful? Protected and prayerful? Is your truth plainly clear and simplistic? Does it bring you the understanding that all is well without when all is well within? Are you living your truth all day, every day, when others tell you it is impossible, impractical, irrelevant and dumb? Is the truth of your being as expression of God? If not, are you really living?

Can you surrender to your truth and live in its being?

The Sea of Life

2008-03-07T06:46:00.009-05:00

"I am the one whose mouth is pure and whose hands are clean."

- The Book of Coming Forth by Day, translated by Dr. Maulana Karenga

As we pass through the sea of life, we meet many types of fish. Mud fish sling dirt in order to keep themselves clean. Guppies have big mouths that are always moving, but guppies are always being eaten up by bigger fish. Barracudas knock you out of the way, get in the way and never go away. Eels slither around on their bellies, eating what others leave behind. They do nothing for themselves, so they want what you have. Crabs move from side to side. Today they are on your side, the next day the are not. Flounder have both eyes on one side of their heads. They can only see things one way. Crayfish move backwards. Sea horses eat their own. Whales blow air out of the top of their heads. Sharks attack all other fish. Angel fish float around with no idea of what is going on. Then there are the salmon. They always swim upstream; and no matter how far they swim, they never forget how to come home.

Do you know who you are in the sea of life?

2008-03-02T07:14:00.008-05:00

For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required.

- Luke 12:48

Have you ever wondered why certain people are expected to do things a little faster or better than everyone else? The simple answer may be because they can. Have you ever wondered why you are expected to do the impossible, achieve the unattainable or overcome the insurmountable? Very simply because you can. You know how you can just look at sombody and know they can do it? Well, the exact same thing is true about you. Unfortunately, we are not always aware just how magnificent we are. The same light others see shining blinds us about ourselves. We become content being like everyone else when something inside tells us we are not. But we plod along being angry or bitter when others expect us to do what they cannot. The key is not to do what others do and say; it is to know we can, believe we can and do what we can to the best of our ability. If we know what to epect from ourselves, we will always live up to our greatest expectation.

I am expecting as much as I can because I CAN

Take A Stand

2008-02-12T19:11:00.000-05:00

Successful people succeed because they learn from their failures.

- Betina Flores

The most difficult things to face in life are the things you do not like about yourself. Not your ears, legs, hair or those habits and abilities you feel are not up to par. It is the ugly little things you know about yourself that need a good long look. You recognize it when you see it in others, but you make excuses for yourself. You may go to any length to cover a shortcoming, while you quickly point out the ills of another. Since the very thing you want to hide is the thing that shows itself, you need to be able to say, "I know that and I'm working on it!" It takes a loving heart, a willing mind and a sensitive spirit to get to the core of the self. But when you do, you can root out the seeds of ugliness.

If you can blame anyone for any condition in your life, then you, not they, are digging yourself into a hole. Your chief adversary comes to teach you a lesson. Your most difficult challenge strengthens your survival skills. Your greatest fear deepens your faith. Your weakest ability beckons you to grow. Anyone and anything can challenge you. It will not overtake you until you surrender. Only you can determine what you do and how you respond to a situation. It is your responsibility to make a decision about what is important to you; choose what you want and how you are going to get it. Once you accomplish that, it is your responsibility to move forward until you get it.

We [must] realize that our future lies chiefly in our own hands.

Take a stand for yourself!

Right Now

2008-01-21T19:25:00.000-05:00

I wish I knew how customs got started, it would make it easier to stamp them out.

- Martin Lane

* * * * * *

Right now, in the midst of a so-called recession, many people are still able to, and do, demonstrate wealth and abundance. These individuals have overcome the dominant thoughts and beliefs of the mass consciousness that money is in short supply. Unfortunately, many people still believe they can't live day to day; they won't make it through the week; they can't make ends meet; they don't know what to do to get some of the shrinking money supply. Many people who believe this way are people of diverse backgrounds. They have been duped into believing they will never be self-supporting, self-sufficient, capable of standing on their own. They are dependent on the system to get better, give them a break, take care of them. Many of us still believe the system can and will provide the economic healing we need - Until today! Now hear this, God does not have a money problem! Everything God made is self-sufficient, including you. If you want to know what to do about money, ask God.

Dear God, thank you for providing my every need.

Your Treasure

2007-12-31T18:12:00.001-05:00

my last entry for 2007 - happy new year!

Go and open the mansion of the soul; when you find the powers of heaven, you shall sit with them.

-- The Book of Coming Forth by Day, translated by Dr. Maulana Karenga

* * * * * * *

Where your treasure is there your heart shall be. Your heart is a place of silence and communion. Your heart houses the secrets of your soul; the path of your destiny. Your heart covets your desires and places them strongly in your mind. It is the key to all you want to be. You must have faith in your heart and trust all that it says to you. Never betray your own heart or you will find yourself lost.

Your heart is the gatekeeper to your soul. It will never judge you, never doubt you, for your heart knows exactly who you are. Keep your heart light from grief. Let it guide you in all your ways. When things are not as you know they should be, retreat quietly to the resources of your heart. You make your heart a mystery. You fail to ask its advice. When your heart is heavy about a matter, you believe others can lift you up. If you really knew your heart you would never doubt its value to you. God speaks to us through our hearts because all that God is, is LOVE.

God is in the midst of me. Wherever I AM, God is.

A Reason ..... A Season

2007-12-27T20:45:00.000-05:00

"When a Prayer is Answered There is no Need to Cry"

A REASON: When someone is in your life for a reason, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrondoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the "reason" to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need for them has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.

A SEASON: When people come into your life for a season, it is because our turn has come to share, grow and learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But only for a season. In the same way that leaves must fall from the trees, or the moon becomes full and then disappears, your seasonal relationships will end at the divinely appointed time. When that time comes, there is nothing you can say or do to change it. There is no one you can blame. You cannot fix it. You cannot explain it. The harder you clutch, the worse it will feel. Keep the memories. When the end of a season comes, the only thing for you to do is let go.

"For Everything There is a Season"

MGHYITPOHH

Being Employed

2007-11-17T11:36:00.000-05:00

When you are employed by God, Inc., you never worry about unemployment. When we work to obtain greater awareness, knowledge and understanding of ourselves, we are working for God. God's goal is for us to be the best we can be with what we have been given and to share what we do with the world. When we do the thing that makes us happy to the best of our ability we are working for God, Inc. The only reason we have come to life in a physical body is to work for and serve the true self within. That is the part of us that is all-wise, all-knowing, all-loving and infinitely creative. When we do what we love, we are happy. When we do what we are good at, we are at peace. When we use what God has given us to create our own work, our rewards do not come from man. Every living person has a desire to do or be something. When we follow that desire, using our gifts, talents and abilities, we can never be out of work!

When we are employed by God within us, we are unlimited!

Heart to Heart

2007-11-10T20:27:00.000-05:00

When was the last time you sat down to have a heart to heart with yourself? Have you really examined your heart lately? Are you harboring childhood wounds? Are you still nursing a broken heart? Are you frightened? Angry? Guilty or ashamed? Is there someone you need to apologize to? Who have you forgiven lately? If God were to speak through your heart today, what would you hear? In the everyday quest to get through life, we sometimes forget we really do have all we need. It's tucked away safely inside of us. It contributes to our thoughts and motivates our actions. If we clear it out it will actually speak to us and tell us exactly what to do. When was the last time you had a heart to heart with yourself?

With a pure heart, we can be balanced in life!

A Reason

2007-10-16T07:29:00.000-04:00

When someone is in your life for a reason, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they are up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer for you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on. When a prayer is answered, there is no need to cry.

Next!

The Path to Knowledge

2007-10-07T21:16:00.000-04:00

Most people think they know the answer. I am willing to admit I don't even know the question

- A. Hall

* * * * * *

Life is a series of mysteries we must each unravel at our own pace. Our task is not to solve the mysteries but to use them along our way. No one can tell us what is good for us just because it worked for them. If we allow someone to give us our answers we create conflict deep within. Sometimes it gets confusing trying to figure out what to do. If the confusion is on the inside, the answer is there, too! No human being has all the answers. If they did they would not be here. One of the greatest mysteries we must unravel is our purpose, because that makes us clear. Let us take more time to listen to our hearts, filtering through the offerings that come in. Let us not be so willing to say "I know" when we have no idea where to begin. Let us know deep down that God loves us and use that knowledge along the way. Let us approach the great mystery of the meaning of life with a little bit less to say.

Fruit of the Seeds

2007-09-30T20:01:00.000-04:00

If you plant turnips you will not harvest grapes

- Akan proverb

* * * * * *

When we pass a garden and see everythng in full bloom, we don't always think about the seeds that were planted long before we got there. We simply enjoy the beauty of the harvest. Our minds work the very same way.

It is the law of expression that says we must ultimately express in form those thoughts, emotions and impulses we store in the subconscious mind. That part of us does not think. It does not reason, balance, judge or reject. It is the fertile ground that accepts any and everything we plant. Good or evil, constructive or destructive, our lives will bear the fruit of the seeds we plant in our minds.

If we have no faith, purpose or belief in ourselves, we cannot blame the world. We plant the roses or weeds we see in the garden. We can imagine good big things as well as troubling little things, our minds will accept either one. If we want to lay back and sniff the lilies in our valley, we must tend our seeds of thought with constant care.

Think of it this way - We reap a good harvest from the soil of our mind.

Blazing Trails (for others to follow)

2007-09-02T22:11:00.000-04:00

Just thinking about something ....

Numerous options exist to move from point A to point B on our path. Some options will fit like exqusitely tailored garments while others simply don't feel right. At times doors to our innermost desires will seem closed. This is when our creativity is most valuable. It takes conviction and an inner certainty of our destiny to create opportunities in the face of adversity. From these necessary creative endeavors, we often discover a lesson or gift that reaps benefits beyond our own personal satisfaction. When we create something from nothing because no other option exists for traveling the path we were born to live, we will find ourselves thrust into the leadership role of a pathfinder or trailBLAZER.

When is the last time you blazed a trail?

Give and Receive

2007-08-19T07:55:00.001-04:00

In this world it is not what we take up but what we give up that makes us right.

- Henry Beecher

There is a very simple principle that people cannot seem to get the hang of - as you give, so you receive. People find it difficfult to believe that it is necessary to give first and give righteously. If you only give to get, you will not receive. If you give out of fear, you will not receive. Many people do not believe they have enough to give. That is because they may be thinking in terms of money only. If you do not have money, give your time, talent and energy. Give a smile. Give a prayer. Give anonymously without expectation of reconition. The spirit in which you give determines the manner in which you receive. If you give freely, joyously and willingly, you will receive abundantly. As you give what you have, what you are not using, you make room to receive something else in its place. Give of yourself, your knowledge and the information you have received, then prepare yourself for an outpouring of blessings. And by the way, do not expect it to come back to you from the person you gave it to.

* * * * *

Thinking for Yourself

2007-08-15T21:00:00.000-04:00

Think wrongly if you please, but in all cases think for yourself.

- Louisa May Alcott

One of the many things that drive parents crazy about their children is that children like to think for themselves. Parents do not always like that. Most of the time, parents do not understand why children believe as they do; they may also feel threatened when the children do not see tings the right way - that is, the parent's way. Parents have experience; they may believe children do not. Parents know the dangers and traps in life; children seem not to care. Parents believe that if children are left to their own devices, they may destroy themselves. Parents need to realize the difference between discipline and thinking, disobedience and thinking, disrespect and thinking. Children are just people living through a smaller body. They must learn to express themselves, to understand who they are and grow into who they are through their own thoughts. Just because children do not think as we do doesn't mean they are wrong.

Ideas are children of the mind.

You Don't Always Have to Have Something to Say

2007-08-05T22:48:00.000-04:00

Every time we open our mouths we release a powerful energy. If we could learn to hold on to that energy, it could be used to nurture our dreams, heal our bodies and fuel our minds. But we always have so much to say. Talking can take us off the track, knock us off center and kill our dreams when we speak mindlessly. Talking is something we must learn to use, not something we must always do. There is a power in silence that energizes the mind, body and soul. Think of the sun, moon and stars. They all appear silent and never fail their job. There is wisdom in silence. Think of the mountains and trees. They never have anything to say, yet it takes great effort to bring them down. There is love in silence. Think of the development of a new life. Perfect timing, order and completion accomplished in total silence. Silence is an art, a tool of the wise. When we perfect the art of silence, chances are we will get a lot more done.

The Light That Shines

2007-07-14T18:28:00.000-04:00

A very special thank you to a wonderful person and friend who shared the gift of this image with me on the occasion of a life changing event.

* * * * * * * *

Make a prayer acknowledging yourself as a vehicle of light, giving thanks for all that has come today.
- Dhyani Ywahoo

Just for today, allow yourself to embrace all that you are every moment. Know that you are a vessel of light. Allow yourself to release all doubts about your ability to make mistakes of the past, the fear of the future.

Just for today, remember that you have grace. It is called breath. You have a connection to the Divine Mind, the power source of the world.

Just for today, remind yourself, "I am one with God." "I am one with all the power there is." Just for today, be a little child. Know the world is safe. Know that you are loved. Know that just where you are, God is.

Just for today, be free. Be peace-filled. Be loving to yourself and all others. Know that you shall not want for any good thing.

Just for today, give praise and thanksgiving for everything and know that you are ready to receive more.

Let the light shine on you today and give praise and thanks.

Who Is God? ... Look At Me!

2007-06-19T23:02:00.000-04:00

If I want to know who God is, I look at me

One good way to know if something is working is to actually see it work. No matter what your philosophy, regardless how much you believe it, if it does not produce, it is worthless. I believe God is the same way. We can talk about Him, sing about Him, pray to Him, for Him and about Him, but if His glory is not produced in our lives, what are we really saying? The only way for God to be seen is through our lives. Our lives must reflect all the things we say God is. We are His hands, feet, eyes and voice. Our lives reflect who and what God is. Are we living a happy life? Are we thinking practical thoughts? The only way for God to demonstrate who He is, is for us to do it for Him. We must demonstrate what we know about God in the way we think, talk, walk and live. God is peace. God is strength. God is mercy. God is forgiving. God is all knowing, all powerful, abundant, radiant life. God is love. To know God is to be like Him. All else is a figment of our imagination.

Standing In the Way of Your Own Good?

2007-06-11T23:17:00.000-04:00

The moment you move out of the way, you make room for the miracle to take place.
- Dr. Barbara King

You will never accrue the wealth, experience the success, do the things you really want to do as long as you worry about it. Chances are you are thinking in terms of what you do not have and cannot do. Your good cannot get to you if your mind is filled with lack. You have no room for blessings if your words are laced with limitations. You will not notice or be open to new experiences if you are stuck in the old ones. What you want may be totally new to you. It may be way beyond your highest expectations. How can it get to you if you keep getting in the way?

It's time for you to move, realizing that the thing you are seeking is also seeking you. If not, you wouldn't want it. That is the law of compensation, what you give out will be returned to you. Get rid of your bad thoughts, inferior attitudes and limited behaviors and good will be attracted to you. It's not easy. It's not magic. But it works, miraculously.

Getting Better and Better

2007-06-09T14:23:00.000-04:00

Your world is as big as you make it.

- Georgia Douglas Johnson

Guess what? We are not the worst persons in the world! Sure, we've made some bad judgement calls, taken some pretty foolish chances, created some awful situations, but we give ourselves too much credit. Others have done far worse. Then there are those people who haven't done anything to anybody - ever. They are quiet. Go unnoticed. They have flawless characters and records. But you know what? They haven't done anything for themselves either. They are probably just as, if not more, miserable and confused as we tend to be at times.

Think about it this way: The future will be what you make it today. Whether you are a doer or a nondoer, we must work on our future. If we've made a mess, we must clean it up. If we're afraid to take a chance, take one anyway. If we've done things that didn't work, do something else. If we have done nothing, do something. What we don't do can create the same regrets as the mistakes we may have made. In the long run, either we must happen to life, or it will never happen for us.

Step by step, we must believe we are and can get better and better.

Discipline Your Mind, Your Body, Your Being!

2007-05-27T20:21:00.000-04:00

Why did you get up this morning? What do you hope too experience by the end of the day? In order to answer these questions and put yourself in alignment with divine purpose in your life, you must have discipline. You must do what you say you will do when you say you will do it. You must consciously and creatively structure your day toward some small intention. You must be disciplined in thought, word, and deed. Consciously train yourself to do those things that are good for you. Breathing. Walking. Eating. Resting. Working. Playing. Listening. Creating. Praying. Meditating. Discipline yourself to speak softly. Discipline yourself to live peacefully. Discipline is the only way to avoid struggle, chaos, and confusion.

When you know what you must do, when you must do it, and why you are doing it, things that are not in aligment with your intent seem to fall away. When you are where you intend to be, doing what you intend to do, for a goal or purpose you intend to realize, you are less likely to be knocked off your center square. Discipline calms the mind, opens the heart, and clears the path away from ego toward spirit.

When you are disciplined in your quest toward peace, joy, harmony, balance, and expansion, you are spared the confines of fear, anger, resentment, restriction, guilt, and shame. Having discipline is like doing one hundred spiritual sit-ups. It builds your spiritual strength and muscles.

Just my two cents!

Speak It Quick

2007-05-10T21:59:00.001-04:00

Saying what you really think, feel or believe is often difficult. Usually you don't want to hurt other people's feelings. Even when they infuriate you, you don't want to make someone mad or angry. The real truth of the matter is, somewhere deep down inside, you don't believe your feelings are "right" or that you have the "right" to feel the way you do.

When you hold on to feelings you become angry, fearful and confused. When you don't say what is on your mind you will be prone to gossip, rebel or commit acts of betrayal against yourself and others. The only way to free yourself from the stress of not saying what you think is to speak your truth with love, clarity and conviction. And to speak it quickly with a conscious tongue.

Speak the truth from your heart and with love!

Pull Someone Else Along

2007-04-30T21:46:00.001-04:00

No man is free until all men are free. No woman is healed until all women are healed. I believe these are more than profound statements worthy of thought. They are the clues to the moral responsibility we all have for one another. Many of us hold on to our pain, afraid to reveal it. Ashamed to admit it. Others hold on to healing information because we believe it is ours to own. We may fight for the freedom of the disenfranchised, but forget about those who have been cast aside by ridicule because their lives don't mirror what we feel appropriate or forget women and children who are oppressed. We owe it to ourselves and everyone else to see that all people live painless and free. It is our duty to share what we know if it has helped us to move beyond some darkness in life. We can talk it out or write it out, but we must get it out to those in need. We can support someone and encourage someone else to take healing steps or paths or ways. We should think about where we would be if there were no books or people to guide us when we need it. Then, with an open heart and extended hand, we can pull someone else along.

Remember we are valuable tools in someone's healing process. As soon as healing takes place, go out and heal comebody else.

It Begins with Me!

2007-04-26T19:10:00.000-04:00

The bell rings loudest in your own home.

~ Yoruba proverb

As you look around the community, society, the world, you probably see many things you would like to change. Recent changes in my life have raised my conscienousness to a higher level and created a deeper desire to make a difference in the lives of others. My path is growing stronger toward a commitment for change.

Injustice, inequality, hatred and poverty probably disturb you. They do me. We may be angered by the lack of respect and insensitivity to people and their needs creating an impetus for us want to speak out and take action -- to strike out and make changes happen, but what comes to mind is that God works from the inside out. I believe we must first look within ourselves to eliminate the fear, the anger, the imbalance in our lives. Then and only then can we move forward to create peacefully and powerfully the changes needed in the world.

The world I want begins with ME.

The world you want begins with YOU!

Unlimited?

2007-04-22T20:43:00.000-04:00

Just a short musing for today -

When you are employed by God, Inc., you never worry about unemployment.

When we work to obtain greater awareness, knowledge and understanding of ourselves, we are working for God. God's goal is for us to be the best we can be with what we've been given and to share what we do with the world. When we do the things that make us happy to the best of our ability, we are working for God, Inc. Perhaps a reason we have come to life in a physical body is to work for and serve the true self within us (just a thought). That is the part of us that is all-wise, all-knowing, all-loving and infinitely creative. When we do what we love, we are happy. When we do what we are good at, we are at peace. When we use what God has given us to create our own works, our rewards do not come from man. Every living person has a desire to do or be something. When we follow that desire, using our gifts, talents and abilities, we can never be out of work!

What Do YOU Think?

2007-04-15T17:52:00.000-04:00

Stress began the day you learned your were expected to please other people. Parents wanted you to stay clean and quiet. Neighbors wanted you to be respectful and helpful. Teachers wanted you to be attentive and alert. Friends wanted you to share and hang out. Whenever you failed to do exactly what someone expected of you, you weren't good, or good enough. You were bad, weak or dumb. Unfortunately, we began to believe it. Giving in to the demands, day by day, we lost a little of ourselves and our understanding of the truth. The truth is that we are just fine, just the way we are! Perfect in our imperfection! Growing brighter and more brilliant each day, we can accept the truth of who we are. The next time we want to know who we are, what we are or if something is the right thing to do, let's not ask our neighbors - but look inward - and pay attention to the response!

Don't be afraid to look at your faults.

- Yoruba proverb

Even though we know there is always room for improvement, we tend to shy away from criticism. Our egos tell us we are being attacked and quite naturally we may want to strike back. In order to be whole, healthy beings, we need to know all there is to know about ourselves. Sometimes the information must come from others. This may mean admitting that we are not always right, and knowing it is okay to make a mistake. A mistake, an error, a poor choice, or bad decision does not equal "there is something wrong with me." It means we are on our way to being better. We do not make mistakes on the basis of race or color. We make them because we are human. When we acknowledge our errors and face up to our shortcomings, no one can use them against us. Let's NOT be afraid to admit when we are wrong.

Stations of the Cross

2007-03-31T21:22:00.001-04:00

Our God is a God of life and being. I can only imagine how it must have been for those people long ago who rejoiced when Jesus came to their city and cried, "Hosanna!" How their hearts swelled with good will and how happily they threw their hats in the air. I can imagine, too, when I look within, how the good will fades, and the rancorous ill will grew into the cry, "Crucify him!"

How capable are we of swinging from praise to denial, from singing to despising? We are not always steady and sure in what we want in our lives and our loyalties.

Yes, we can rejoice when it is time for rejoicing, sing when it is time for singing, and praise when it is time for praising. We can also be grateful that when we forget our Heavenly Father and follow less worthy inclinations ... He does not forget us.

How many times have we been brought back by Him from our erring ways only to be grateful that He did? That His love is as persistent as it is? Let us seek more of a flavor of that kind of love in our lives so that we can be more open to others, more creative and responsive to the beauty and splendor that life can afford.

Since God refuses to give up on us, let us pray that we will refuse to give up on ourselves.

As we move toward the celebration of the great, glad news of Easter, let us lift up our hearts and our whole lives. I've included in this post something I find a meaningful meditation as we enter Holy Week. I hope you do as well.

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In order to view Stations of the Cross - Click on the arrow twice. To view on You Tube - double click a second time. There is sound so please turn it on.

Learning A Little More Every Day

2007-03-28T05:52:00.001-04:00

I AM learning a little more every day!

Unless you make every waking hour a learning process, you are wasting a major portion of your life. You can learn from people you do not like as well as from those you love. You can learn from the elders and the youth. You can learn more about the things you know about and fine-tune the things you are good at. You can learn by observing, listening, and serving. You can learn by assisting, completing and forgetting. Never withdraw from the education process by picking and choosing from who you can learn. Keep your mind open, your ears attuned and your willingness to learn in the state of a student.

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The determination to outwit one's situation means that one has no models, only object lessons.

- James Baldwin

Remember, no one can learn your lessons but you. And the best teacher you will ever have is experience.

I Need to Listen

2007-03-21T22:29:00.000-04:00

This evening I had the final opportunity to meet with the 'Magnificient 7', at least for now. What I do know deep within myself is that I gained so very much from the simple act of listening ... the type of listening when you actually hear and internalize words.

This has been a spiritual time that has allowed me to hold on to what many of us may take for granted. The 'art of listening'. God gaves us ears to hear. Why? I'm not going to attempt to answer that question but rather share a prayer that has meaning to me.

I NEED TO LISTEN

How strange it is, O Lord,
that I should need to feel I need to ask you to hear me.
Is it not I who need to learn to listen? Should I not ask you to jerk me to my feet,
to snatch me out of my drowsy indifference,
to nudge me into alertness?
I am constantly surrounded by sounds I do not hear,
by voices to which I am indifferent.

This is a singing world.
There are voices of angels
and voices of love
and voices of those inviting me to gladness everwhere.
Enable me to hear them, I pray,
and in the hearing be lifted up to gratitude
for the mystery and magic of being human.

This is a sobbing world.
There are voices filled with echoes of hurt and pain everywhere.
There are voices almost choked out by tears
and voices that come out of aching.
There are hollow voices, empty voices,
I would rather not hear them --
the voices of hungry children
and of sorrowing woman
and of desperate men.
But they are all around me.
Enable me to hear them, I pray,
and in the hearing
be able to identify my brothers and sisters.

This is a shouting world.
There are voices of rage and of protest,
of defiance and of contempt,
How carefully I sift out the shouting,
ignore the screaming.
Make me listen, O God, I pray.
For you are the Father of us all,
and sometimes the voices of anger carry messgages from you.

Enable me to be listener, I ask.
For in listening I may find direction and guidance.

Help me to listen to myself --
to still, small voices of conscience,
to whispers of faith,
and to the soft inner humming of hope.

Help me to learn to trust myself more than I do,
trust myself not because I am wise and good,
but because I am loved and wanted.

I remember how the Lord Jesus spoke of your love for me
and went all the way to a cross to show its meaning.
Help me listen to others --
In the persons who are trying to tell me they love me,
and the persons who are trying to tell me
they need my love in return.
Help me to listen to the stranger who may be an angel in disguise,
to a friend who my be lonely and lost.
Help me to listen to the angry and the outraged
who may be saying to me words I need to hear.

Steady me, O God, as a listener.
And when I speak, make me careful lest I use words as weapons
and language as a severing sword.
Enable me to sort out what I hear
and not be thrown off balance
by the careless tongues of others.
Teach me to realize that just because a lie is spoken over and over,
it does not become true.
Just because a falsehood is spoken loudly,
it does not become less false.
So when prejudice and passion weight the words I hear
with divisiveness and conflict,
give me sense enough to reject them.
Give me judgement and common sense to cut through words
that evade and distort lest I be misled.
Steady me, O Lord, as I learn to listen. Amen.

Source: A Book of Uncommon Prayer by Kenneth G. Phifer

Connecting

2007-03-17T08:09:00.001-04:00

The Bible says, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8). In other words, God is always there, ready for us to talk to Him and seek His direction for our lives - but the first move is ours to make. God's hand is always extended toward us, hoping that we will reach out our hand to His. God will not force His way into our lives, but if we take action and reach out to Him, we will begin to experience His divine presence in our life as He draws closer to us and we to Him. As we each take a step toward the other, our hands finally touch His, connecting and releasing divine power into our life. With that power, our potential for success is unlimited.

All we have to do is approach God with a prepared heart and begin to practice spiritual connection on a regular basis, believing that He really cares.

Just my thoughts for the moment.

Desire

2007-03-07T06:31:00.001-05:00

When you have a deep burning desire to to a thing, do it! "De" meaning "of," "sire" meaning Father, is the very thing God wants for you. The urging is from the soul and is the only fuel you need. It is a blessing. It lets you know that you have been chosen for a special task. The Creator knows you can and wants you to do or have whatever it is. It cannot be too difficult! It is not beyond your reach! It is connected to your soul! That's where all the power is! Trust those urgings. They are the best friends you could have. Learn to move beyond what appears to be the essence of what you are. Is it a good thing? Will you and others benefit? If so, go fot it! Don't let others talk you out of your desire. It is not for them to see or know. They cannot feel it the way you do, don't expect them to. Nurture your desire in thought, word and deed; never doubt it will become your reality. If you do your part, the Father will do His part and guide you to the well-spring of your desire come true.

Decisions

2007-03-03T22:35:00.000-05:00

We always want to do the right thing, but we do the wrong thing when we do not make a decision about what to do. Decisions have power. Decisions have force. They usually take us to the exact place we need to be, exactly the way we need to get there. It is wavering back and forth that is dangerous. It places us at the mercy of events, we fall prey to the choices people make for us. Since time and opportunity wait for no one, our lives will not stand still until we figure out what to do. The rightness of a decision is based on our ability to make the decision. When we weigh what we want against what we will have to do, a decision can be an effortless event. We must know what we will and will not do, what we can do and choose not to do, and decide in harmony with the things we know. The freedom from making a decision can only come after we have made the decision.

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Guess What? Our world is as big as we make it.

You are not the worst person in the world! I am not the worst person in the world! Sure, we've made some bad judgement calls, taken some pretty foolish chances, created some awful situations, but you and I have given ourselves too much credit. Others have done far worse. Then there are those people who haven't done anything to anybody - ever. They are quiet. Go unnoticed. They have flawless characters and records. But you know what? They haven't done anything for themselves either. They are probably just as, if not more, miserable and confused as you and me. Think about it this way: The future will be what you make it today. Whether you are a doer or a nondoer, you must work on your future. If you've made a mess, clean it up. If you are afraid to take a chance, take one anyway. If you've done things that didn't work, do something else. If you have done nothing, do something. What you don't do can create the same regrets as the mistakes you make. In the long run, either you must happen to life, or it will never happen for you.

Making Something Out of Nothing

2007-02-26T05:50:00.001-05:00

God is always capable of making something out of nothing.

"The earth was without form, and void ..." (Genesis 1:2); today it is a multinational conglomerate. Remember when there was a void in your life, seemed to be no way up or out, and then suddenly a way was cleared. What about when you were down to your last dime and didn't know where the next one was coming from; it came from somewhere. When you were at your wits end, the wolves were on your heels and you had reached the end of your rope, somehow you rose above it and lived to talk, even to laugh about it. You may think you did it on your own, by yourself, without help from anyone, but you didn't realize where the help was coming from. So the next time you find yourself in need, ask, who can make something out of nothing?

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Another thought flowing through my mind.

Can you imagine not doing what you're doing in your life right now, but doing something completely different? Something exciting, fun, even risky, like quitting your job and traveling around the world. Or working part-time and going to school full time to study scuba diving or basket weaving. Or owning your own home, business, plane or boat. If you can imagine it, why aren't you doing it? I'll tell you what I think.

The moment you think about it, we think about all the reasons we can't. "How will I pay my bills?" "Who will take care of my family?" "Where will I get money?" "What will people say?" Well, here's another question. How do we ever expect to be happy or at peace if we stay where we are? If we don't allow ourselves to dream, to dare, to move up, out, forward; how will we ever know what we are really capable of? Looking at it this way, what's the worst that can happen? We could end up right where we started, doing exactly what we are doing.

Although I sometimes find it hard, I say, "Oh, what the heck, go for it anyway."

Peace and Blessings!

Connected

2007-02-17T19:21:00.000-05:00

We were born with the potential to walk an extraordinarily successful path. On this path, success is about being fulfilled in every area of our life, and it comes more easily and naturally because it is perfectly tailored to our unique gifts, experiences, and passion. We're connected with God, ourself, our values, and the people who matter most to us. Without hesitation, we can answer the questions. Why are we here? The life we live exemplifies that purpose. All the answers we need to live that extraordinary life lie within us ... within me. But to access those answers, we must listen to our life.

Listening to our life is a learned skill that can be refined and then used as a powerful tool for success. It may sound mysterious, but it simply means paying attention to the events, experiences, nudges, and passion that can steer us in the best possible direction - toward the unique path of our life's highest potential. Listening to our life involves connecting with God, ourself, and the people we encounter to get directions for finding and staying on our path. It is about being curious enough and honest enough to answer the important questions that will enable us to grow. It is about using what we hear to create a vision that pulls us forward and open our mind to the creativity that will unlock doors and create experiences at a higher level than we have ever experienced.

Listening to our life gives us both the confidence to keep walking our path even when it seems nothing is coming together the way we hoped and the tenacity to flow smoothly through the twists and turns that threaten to knock us off course. It also opens us to the rich and abundant rewards of living generously and with purpose and passion.

On the path to extraordinary success, failures along the way offer lessons that lead us to victories. The heartaches and pain cultivate drive, compassion, and understanding we need to live at our highest potential. The mistakes, when we learn from them, give us insight that propels us forward on our journey.

Consider for a moment the chain of events that led you to the life you are living right now. Isn't is amazing how one thing leads to another and another until we arrive at one particular moment and place in time? Sometimes it's the place we're supposed to be, and sometimes we simply know that another path awaits us and we yearn to find it. A persistent voice whispers softly but urgently: "You're going in the wrong direction. There's a path over here with your name on it." Even if we are unaware of where our path is, God will find a way to lead us to our destiny - and connect us with the right people who cross our path. This key is listening to what our life is trying to tell us, following the voice of the Holy Spirit, and walking directly onto our own unique path.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your path.

- Proverbs 3:5-6

Figment of Your Imagination? What Do You Stand For?

2007-02-14T05:58:00.001-05:00

I would venture to say one good way to know whether something is working is to actually see it work. No matter what your philosophy, regardless how much you believe it, if it does not produce, it may be seen as worthless. God is the same way. We can talk about Him, sing about Him, pray to Him, for Him and about Him, but if His glory is not produced in our lives, what are we really saying? The way for God to be seen is through our lives. Our lives need to reflect all the things we say God is.

We are His hands, feet, eyes and voice. Our lives reflect who and what God is. Are we living a happy life? Are we thinking peaceful thoughts? The only way for God to demonstrate who He is, is for us to do it for Him.

We must demonstrate what we know about God in the way we think, talk, walk and live. God is peace. God is strength. God is mercy. God is forgiving. God is all knowing, all powerful, abundant, radiant life. God is love. To know God is to be like Him. All else is a figment of your imagination. When is the last time you looked at yourself and saw God?

God is as dependent upon you as you are on Him - Mahalia Jackson

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Another thought crossed my mind.

If you had to tell someone in ten words or less what you stand for in life, what would you say?

It might be noble to speak of liberation for all people of color, but what do you stand for? Perhaps you would take up the cause of starving or abused children, but what do you stand for? The freedom of political prisoners? Decent housing? Equitable distribution of food and natural resources? An end to all wars and warlike aggression? Or perhaps it's education? It is good, honorable and very noble to have a cause, but before you can do that, you must be able to stand on your own two feet.

More battles are lost in this life to weary soldiers than are lost for lack of cause. What do you stand for? How about peace of mind, radiant health, truth and honesty, visible use of your God given talents, gifts and abilities, or maybe just plain old love. When you are standing on well-cared-for and rested feet, you can be victorious in any cause.

A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything.

-- El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (Malcolm X)

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Truth Is More Than A Mental Exercise

2007-02-07T07:07:00.001-05:00

The human mind is always searching for truth. The mind guides us through books. It interprets our experiences. It limits us based on our exposure. The mind searches to find truth, not realizing that truth was never lost. Unfortunately, truth cannot reveal itself in a mind that is busy with personal chatter. That chatter refers to what we think we need or want and what we say.

Unlike truth, our mental chatter may have nothing to do with what is real. The only way to find truth is to go deep within the self and to live from that consciousness and understanding. The truth is the reality of who we are from the inside out, and that is something we rarely think about.

Truth is the joy of living, of being, of having a connection to everyone and everything, without thought of malice or condemnation on any part of us. Truth is the spirit of life.

Affirmation: I will live in the light of truth.