“A Soothing Smile”

 

How many times  a day do you think you grace your beautiful faces with a smile????  Come on, take a guess….. Researchers say it is not as much as we frown. WELL, I BEG TO DIFFER. And besides, who are these people doing the studies?? Lets do our own study this whole week. Challenge yourself to go along your Journey and use the gift of JOY we have been given and pass it along to everyone. Yes, even those cranky people we try our best to avoid. Who knows, maybe they need your support to lift them to their HAPPY PLACE!!

 

I find such happiness in my spirit when I say one of my more ridiculous comments and it brings chuckles to those around. Or when I break out into one of my homegrown songs by changing lyrics and mutilating a terrific song with my own rendition; which can seriously prove to be completely silly. But, it gives great laughs and smiles to those who partake in listening. Or at times, HAVE NO CHOICE IN LISTENING, because I JUST BREAK INTO IT AND THE POOR PEOPLE HAVE NO WHERE TO GO > WHOA TO THEM .

 

Laughter is an amazing remedy for so many things. And so is smiling; again, “those researchers” say it takes more muscles to frown than smile. Which will increase those yucky frown lines we all try to avoid. Lets say WE WILL AGREE WITH THESE ELUSIVE RESEARCHERS this time (:

 

Laughter is comfort for the soul. It brings out the youth in your heart, the happiness you may have had hidden with sadness, it enhances your inner and outer beauty with that smile on your face.

Just think of this; you look at a person, they pass you in an aisle at the market and they simply smile at you!!! WOW, I find this to be one of LIFE’S GREAT MOMENTS. Then on the flip side, you walk by a person on your way to work and another and another and all you see are frowns or looks of dismay. Kind of brings your mood to a low place too, doesn’t it???

 

This is why when I encounter a person wearing that smile on their face, it really brings something special to my day, as it should to all of you too. Think of it as you have just been given THE GIFT OF HAPPINESS.

 

Our daily walks through life will be filled with so many things; strife, stress, confusion, countless decisions to be made. Despite all going on, hopefully there is a co-worker, friend, family member and of course a stranger that makes you laugh so hard and brings a smile to your face it is like they have just dropped that life raft down into a somewhat dismal day to save you……….

 

It is a blessing to wake up and face any challenge you are a given, but, it is pure delight to look at the faces around you during the course of your hurried day and find comfort and peace in just one person that offers “A Soothing Smile”

 

GOD’S PRECIOUS BLESSINGS TO ALL

PEACE 

“Fragility”

 

I  have been doing some heaving thinking in the past few hours about LIFE, the value of it, the worth of it, the very depth of it………..

 

My conclusions are nothing more or less I am sure than anyone would think or feel. So, in light of the passing of a music legend with such an untimely passing; I was prompted to write about our existence and the profound meaning I BELIEVE IT HAS………..

 

We wake, it is a blessing; we go to work, we should have gratitude for a job; we take care of family, we should feel honored we have those that love us and those we might love; we witness GODS MIRACLES EVERYDAY; we NEED TO UNDERSTAND THE PRIVILEGE THAT COMES WITH THIS GIFT. 

 

All things in our precious life and every minute that we take a breath; they are EXTREMELY valuable. Price tags may come on our new flat screen TV or your new IPAD, possibly you purchased a Xbox system or a Kindle. However wonderful all these things might be, how terrific they make you feel when you buy them; let me try to impress upon a notion that NOTHING EVER WILL REPLACE THE VALUE OF YOUR EXISTENCE HERE.

 

As any of us can understand we all have bad days and hopefully we try to make sense of them and turn those clouds into rays of sunshine. Often, it just doesn’t pan out the way we would like and clouds linger and alter our state of mind. Even myself can be transparent and people around me can notice a change in my demeanor when I am upset or distraught over something. However, It is my responsibility and mine alone to disband these negative vibes and actually simply sit back, take a breath and observe my LIFE through my Photo album I keep deep within my heart. There I will see, feel, sense and be troubled no more with disparity and sadness. For, in my album, I will see all the TREASURES I have been BLESSED and HONORED WITH.

 

This experience is surreal. I transcend myself to all the happy places in my heart and mind;  it is AMAZING how in those short moments my sense of SELF is restored and my realization of how FRAGILE and BEAUTIFUL LIFE IS becomes so very apparent to my spirit. I then feel NO ROOM IS LEFT FOR NEGATIVITY TO LODGE IN MY SOUL. 

 

Allowing yourself to be free of Negative people and situations will take you so far, I Promise.

Sometimes, living in the silence of your own world is terrific for your  spirit. Never fear this exercise; you need to be in touch with who YOU ARE, not what others perceive you or feel you should be. BE YOU, this was the GIFT GOD GAVE, NEVER LET ANOTHER TRY AND ALTER THAT BEAUTY!!!!!!

 

In light of tragedies I PRAY we can find HOPE and FAITH that will uncover answers through our FAITH IN GOD as to how we can make sense of things we cannot always understand.

 

I am making my own promise that I will make each moment matter more than yesterday;  make each breath have a meaning, a reason and truly understand the VALUE OF LIFE AND IT’S PURPOSE more than I do already. In life we can NEVER STOP LEARNING from ourselves and others; this is the beauty of our JOURNEY.

 

I felt compelled to write because I truly was saddened by Ms. Houston’s passing. Also thinking of how incredibly FRAGILE our lives are and what it should really mean to us all.

Sadness can draw many emotions from your heart and spirit. I pray that anyone reading will draw their own ideas and create and environment for themselves that will hopefully serve as a vehicle for your inner peace and soul-searching conclusions.

 

Life is a series of paths that we can follow or not. It is our life, our choice.

Choose to VALUE, to ADORE, to APPRECIATE the GIFT OF LIVING. IT IS OUTRAGEOUSLY BEAUTIFUL and also an AMAZING HUMBLING EXPERIENCE.

 

GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU WITH HOPE, LOVE, HEALTH and MANY BLESSINGS

 

“Food for Thought”

 

Well, another Super Bowl has left its mark and also many highlights of excitement, highs and some lows and also pumped up victory bells ringing for fans of the triumphant winners.

 

Hopefully from this Super Bowl experience we have learned on our journey that life is a series of  gambles, risks, challenges, excitement, sacrifices and so many other up’s and downs I can’t even mention. Do you think when these men go into a game, they are thinking DEFEAT??? No, I think not. They go in with the idea; I OWN THIS…….. Great school of thought. We all should have such confidence taking on a challenge or project. 

 

Fear is acceptable at times, but, not a law you should LIVE BY. If anyone believes there are such people as FEARLESS, you are mistaken. Every human at one point or another has had fear running through their veins. Trick is, OVERCOME IT!! My angle is to have FAITH IN GOD and believe in yourself enough to realise you can do it!!. 

 

Life is truly fascinating. You know, we can win, we can loose and it is all how we choose to HANDLE THE OUTCOME that affects our attitude. I mean; after all, isn’t that the truth??? Riding the wave is an adrenaline rush, but some feel that crashing is a complete bust. Well, It is only if you see it that way. If we look at it that we had the opportunity and the tenacity to take on that challenge with courage and fortitude, guess what friends; WE ARE THE WINNERS……..

 

Guessing is easy, making the right choice is impeccable and requires courage to deal with the outcome. This is the CRITICAL aspect of any deliberation you might have. Taking chances is FUN, EXCITING and simply EASIER. Making a CHOICE on the other hand is a RESPONSIBILITY you share with only yourself. It takes GREAT strength of mind to make a choice and LIVE WITH IT. 

Be confident that you and you alone are capable to do this.

 

I am  a gambler by heart; yet, by mind and spirit I am far more grounded. I live by the code that if I make a very important decision, I must live with it and be proud that I made it. I try to never disappoint my spirit with indecisiveness. I personally know first hand if you determine something as being RIGHT and follow through, DO NOT second guess yourself and deem it WRONG later. This is unhealthy for your spirit.

Be proud of decisions you make.  

 

You will make great choices through life and some not so fabulous, but, in the end you will have PRIDE and INTEGRITY to know at that moment you thought what you were doing, saying or being was RIGHT and you went with it, dealt with it and most IMPORTANTLY, LIVED WITH IT!!

   

 Super Bowl is an event we can look at 2 ways; oppositions fighting against each other for the coveted prize; or 2 teams that deserved to be there and are exhibiting the courage and strength that brought them there to begin with. Life is all a matter of perspective, isn’t it??? A positive take and a negative one, your decision which to choose……………. AHHHH, FOOD FOR THOUGHT.

 

“The Promise”

How many times or should I say, how many good intentions have you had to make a commitment to a project that you have been desiring for so long?

Do you procrastinate so much that it becomes a chore to make your dream come true??

 

Friends, do not feel alone. I assure you; each and every one of us have done this. Most likely more than once.

 

The easy part is setting a goal. Putting into place and making it happen is the hard part.

So many things in life make us want to change; such as a job, home, location, self image, attitude and there are numerous others you will relate to.

 

Tackling anything that requires thought and work  are most definitely laborious. As I am getting up there in age, I am setting goals or desires not at the top of the billboard charts anymore. This is a far more realistic approach to achievement.

 

Take a look at what is the most important thing  in your life that requires change and address that first.

 

Walking before running is so much easier and much less stressful. We make promises to ourselves and others and we never want to disappoint any situation. So, tread light and focus strongly. Sounds silly but will help you in getting through your dilemma. If any of us try speeding up a process that requires much thought; trust me, it will not have the outcome you anticipate.

 

Now, here is where our HOLY LORD comes in….. He and HE ALONE will TRULY listen, help and lessen your burden if you take the time to speak to him. Let him hear your thoughts, let him into your heart without reservation. Mostly friends, let down your guard with OUR FATHER. You need NO PROTECTION or shield when speaking to him. He needs your spirit to speak to him, not an angry mind and heart.

 

Make him aware of your needs, ask for his help in finding an answer. TRUST IN HIM and you will find a new day filled with promise, a light at the end of your tunnel,  a friend who cares and an awakening to a world of HOPE, LOVE AND COMPASSION you would have never imagined. 

 

Start today with positivity in your spirit that anything really is possible. Believe in yourself, trust your judgement, follow through with projects, make those promises and if you do your very best to keep them, TRUST ME, YOU HAVE DONE YOUR PART. Not everything will turn out perfect. Understand this;

In life you will not be judged by the amount of promises you have made; what is important is all the ones you have kept…………

 

Gods Blessings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“GOD’S MIRROR”

Hi friends,

This was written by my good friend Paul P. I enjoyed it and wanted to share his thoughts and add a little touch of mine as well…..

God didn’t make mirrors, human’s did. But what the mirror shows is his
creation, and when we gaze on that creation we should be awed for it is
as perfect as he wants it to be. When we awake in the morning we
should take that extra few seconds to look and take in this miracle;
smile and thank Him for being alive, then suck it up and get ready for
what the day has in store. By taking these few seconds it is amazing
how much better the day starts and whatever adversity is thrown at us
we can handle it that much better since we have acknowleged the Lords
existence and that He is watching over us.

I love the short yet rich content of Paul’s piece. Blatant and to the point.
God does loves us, just the way he created us. Doesn’t choose to love us more or less as we age or by adding cosmetic surgery……..Im sure he is not thrilled at this procedure anyway, why alter his PERFECTION,RIGHT? Like Paul said, Look, and feel gratitude, then take on the day with that simplistic knowledge that he gave you;  pure beauty, inside and out. So, stop diagnosing all the wrongs and revel in all GOD created that was so very right!

YOU ARE HIS MASTERPIECE, REMEMBER THIS AND KEEP IT IN YOUR HEART. And next time you see yourself or catch a glance in passing at a reflection, vision it as GOD SEE’S IT; BEAUTIFUL, FOR NOTHING ELSE YOU SHOULD EVER SEE IN
“GODS MIRROR”

Paul, I hope you liked my interpretation of your work.

Blessings to all

“KARMA”

 

Karma 

 

Definition: The sum of a person’s actions in one of his successive existences, though to decide his fate for the next. 2. Fate; destiny……………….

 

Alright, now we have taken into account what our dictionary tells us. But, what do we believe????

Share yours with me by making a comment and I will now share mine.

 

Through years of hearing one person or another have someone do an unjust thing to them or watching a person exhibit very bad behavior and hearing how KARMA WILL GET THEM. I have made my own assessment; they will surely wrap themselves up in their own web of misery all on their own without KARMA assisting in any punishment.

 

WE and WE alone chart our own course and make our own successes and failures. It is a process we will make in life generally. We wake up and hope to just be a decent person who does the right thing. Sure we may falter, but, ultimately we TRY to be the best we can be. I do believe you will be haunted at some time for your actions. Surely, it will be by your own conscience tormenting you though.

 

However, I do trust that GOD will not accept cruelty and harsh behavior to his children and our beautiful furry and not so furry friends. And guess what, it should be unacceptable IN ANYONE’S EYES.

 

Karma I think is a boundary that is set to uphold a better way of living in the here and now; not to upset the balance of life’s future state of peace. I DO BELIEVE THIS 100%. If we can propose to ourselves that we might refrain  from insane anger over a parking space or being bumped up in traffic and many other scenario’s which I am quiet sure you are all to familiar with. And If we can compose our hostility towards family, friends, strangers and that person in the supermarket knocking into our ankles with a shopping cart because they were oblivious ( BTW, it does hurt) well, I think we might be on to something BIG.

 

Plain and simple, Karma is whatever you would like to think it is. But I cannot believe it is punishment coming back to you. I TRUST we provide our own punishment just by our personal actions of vengeance, anger, hostility, selfishness, bitterness, and lack of compassion for others. These road blocks in your journey will most definitely hinder your future steps.

 

Friends, make peace with your soul, find comfort in simple things, take a breath of compassion and exhale anger. Mostly, listen to GODS voice comfort you as you take the time to speak with him about your challenges. He will hear only if you make time to express your thoughts to HIM.

 

We can alter life only by our actions. Choose carefully what you say, it can hurt another for a very long time; words make a strong impact on those listening. Be kind and considerate, it goes a very long way to one who needs your compassion, and above all, find time and space in your heart to be selfless. THIS IS THE BEST GIFT you may give not only to others but to yourself.

 

Make today count, make it special; worry not about tomorrow. Let your Karma bring good spirits, positive energy, hopeful beginnings and beautiful memories of today’s destiny that was designed just for you!!!!

 

Blessings and tidings to all

“Once upon a Memory”

 

It can all seem so distant and vague the things we choose to recollect from our past, or is it that we want it this way???

 

The question is, what do we choose to rekindle in our memory bank. Do we opt for sad remembrances, joyous occasions, or a touch of both to balance life’s scale????

 

I believe it is good to keep both as a reminder that we have emotion and feelings for all that was GREAT and all we endured that has been difficult in our life’s journey. For when we recollect sadness and bad issues that we have skirted around for so long we can also ask ourselves a question, is this baggage meant for me to carry?? Some sad memories are truly meant to be dismissed. Others we can keep till we find forgiveness to let them go. But, on a postive note, don’t you believe that these particular incidences you tag along with you have developed your character in some way to help create WHO YOU ARE and even more important made you a stronger individual?? We can always find sunshine in the rain.

 

We tend to try so hard to forget the past hardships, tears we shed, lost words never spoken, things that were done and said out of anger. Things that we can’t erase and wish we could. So possibly, instead of burying our past in a box, we should attempt to face it and it will prove to be not so bad after all. Facing our closet skeletons, just might be the thing we NEED and not the thing we should avoid.

 

If we choose to dance around bad past experiences and never facing them at all; they will just stay in your personal luggage trunk. DO YOU REALLY WANT THAT? I know how difficult facing your bogeymen can be; trust me on this one. However, releasing them all will be a tremendous weight off your life not just your shoulders.

 

These pains, anguishing struggles that you carry with you are obstacles you are allowing to hinder your progress. They will continually be a road block, believe this. Open up your Pandora’s box and let out each thing, only one at a time and confront your fears and pain, then SAY GOOD BYE TO THEM.

 

Find forgiveness for yourself and others in each sad memory you have. Seek  courage to deal with each hardship you have encountered and find GOD’S STRENGTH in every tear you have shed……

 

It may not be a complete answer to your occasional blues, but, I rest assure all of you; your spirit will be filled with peace and content and your heart will know GODS LOVE and COMPASSION AS WELL.

 

And Friends, as for all of your fond memories; well, that is self explanatory; SAVOR THEM, TREASURE THEM LIKE FINE JEWELS, FEEL BLESSED AND HONORED TO HAVE HAD THEM, KEEP YOUR PHOTO ALBUM IN YOUR HEART AND MIND AND LOOK AT IT ALWAYS. THEY ARE PRICELESS AND NO ONE CAN EVER TAKE THIS KIND OF HAPPINESS FROM YOU EVER.

Relive the good times as much and as long as you like. It is GREAT for the soul.

 

Smile that you have wonderful treasures that lie in your memory, feel blessed you were given these gifts and also understand, don’t take valuable moments for granted. They truly are priceless. And remember, that in our lives along with our blessings must come obstacles, this is a reality…….However, you were given the ability and courage to deal with and face them, knowing that obstacles are a process in our journey as well. It is all an experience that is vital to our existence. 

 

But friends, you DO NOT NEED to carry baggage around with you always. This was not what GOD INTENDED. The journey was meant for you to learn, encourage others through your wisdom, help others with the lesson’s you have learned and inspire all you come in contact with your words………….. 

 

Learn to  forgive yourself, forgive others and make these negative chapters in your  life

 

“ONCE UPON A MEMORY” 

 

 

“Where do we go from here”

I can’t believe I stopped writing for so long!! Who knows maybe some of you ; hopefully ALL OF YOU will come along on my journey once more through life’s many ups, downs, mysteries and epiphany’s we can experience together……………

I am thinking; it is a new year; everyone most likely has things they would like to achieve or try at the least to set some goals. As one of my dear friends who will remain nameless because they will be perceived as a “movie junkie” would say, make your “Bucket List”.
In actuality this is a very good idea. We and when I say WE, I do mean all of us at some point in life has said ” I wish I would make time to do all the things I hope to do, make ammends with family or friends, repair old wounds to oneself, relive the glory days just one last time, make a ninny of yourself and totally not care who is watching or gossiping about you!. Because you know that will happen. But, what do we say when we confront ourselves with this task?? You know what we say; I’m just too busy now, maybe tomorrow” Well friends, the operative word here is; TOMORROW!!!

I, like most of you, continually seek out that word LATER in my vocabulary to reason my laziness……. Pure and simple; WHY WAIT??????

I encourage all to embrace your bucket list. Find a reason for change, a reason to make peace with oneself and others, a reason to heal your wounds, a reason to care and to love unconditionally, a reason to have hope and faith that yes your life has purpose and an incredible meaning. I do believe OUR HOLY FATHER would agree. After all, he created you to be SPECIAL and NEVER LET ANYTHING, ANY CIRCUMSTANCE OR PERSON MAKE YOU FEEL LESS THAN THIS!!

Friends, go and be a mover and a shaker not a tired old procrastinator……
Be who you feel in your heart that you should be, dance under a moonlit sky, sing a song out loud no matter where you are, have a cup of coffee with a complete stranger and ask them how they are doing!. Live life on your terms, yet, be compassionate enough to understand it is not always about you. Be generous of heart and financially as well to those that need you. Learn to forgive, learn to cry, learn to heal, learn to laugh, learn to listen, and mostly, Be who you were meant to be.

So the question is, Where do we go from here?? I would say, one step at a time. Maybe we will walk before we run and all the answers will come to us.. Leaving the laziness behind, moving forward and upward. NO TURNING BACK……..

Start today, make a difference in you.
I have learned, no matter how hard you try, things will always turn out the way GOD HAS PLANNED……….. Sometimes, it is about ACCEPTANCE. A tough word to deal with, but, you, me and anyone that has FAITH can do it. Find acceptance and trust me you will find peace of spirit!!

BE well, walk in faith and never give up
blessings to all

“A Time to Learn”

You know as time goes by I always reinvent myself and my  somewhat cynical ways of thinking about the people here on this planet. I tend to believe that our little animal friends have the best to offer overall and most definitely provide the best comfort to our ailing hearts and spirits in times of need. But with growing and learning I too can even see the rainbow when it is storming outside………I have come across some incredible humans with a compassionate side that has filtered all the negativity I once had and it most surely has swayed my dismal thinking of human kindness. I strongly believe that it is  imaginable and does exist. Bravo for this epiphany. Now, can I convince some of you?

Here goes;
I am driving and  some inconsiderate person will refuse to let me in when he clearly knows he is only approaching a red light and has no chance of going any farther than 2 feet ahead of me. But, he still proceeds with glee that he didn’t fail and let me squeeze in. He is still the front runner, yeah him. Then, on the other side of town, I am still coasting along and I am  waiting on  a green light to make a left and some kind person will give me that wave or flash a beam at me that indicates, hey, I can go hassle free. Wow, refreshing, isn’t it?????? Then I will take a usual stop at the grocery store and find myself buying much more than I bargained for and stranded in aisle 5 with no cart and a hand full of nothing I came in for originally. And again, human kindness at it’s best; a young man will approach me and see’s I am attempting a try out for Ringling Brothers Circus with my 10 item in hand juggling act and offers up a cart to make my situation uncomplicated.

Once again my faith is restored in humanity.

 

So, for every time you get agitated when a wrong has happened to you, and feel what is wrong with everyone? Revert to your memory bank and think of the great moments in life, the wonderful people that offered a helping hand, a simple wave to make my life easy or that shopping cart that truly was needed. Whatever it is; it has enriched your life with simplicity or joy, even for a moment. Life is a journey, a wonder that will always surprise and even amaze you!! Every day I wake, I thank GOD for his angels here on earth and I know I will continue to learn, I will take time to teach and I will understand all that is good even from the not so fantastic experiences. I will keep my eyes wide open and realize there will always be negative experiences, but the great ones compensate and make life beautiful and a great opportunity for 

 

“A Time to Learn”

“A Simple Day”

Here are some of my little ideas of how to make this somewhat hectic life we live daily a little more PEACEFUL:

 

Staring out into the beautiful morning sky, sitting on the edge of a dock where you can smell the scent of the ocean filling your senses with peace, watching a bird take flight into a sun drenched sky, gazing at a majestic mountain filled with colors of autumn, looking into the eyes of one you love, sharing moments with friends, making memories with loved ones, a hug from a stranger that with no words, clearly said, ”Thank you for listening” These simple things and so many many more that can flow from my lips tell me that life is AN AMAZING SPIRITUAL JOURNEY that has been given as a GIFT from GOD for anyone of us to take in.

 

Feel always humbled and blessed to wake every morning with the knowledge that doors can be opened when the windows of your mind are not closed………

 

We as a generation have learned with age how very fragile life can be, and at times we can really understand and actually “GET IT”. Then, at other times we listen, but do not actually absorb the reality of the MIRACLE of what a SIMPLE DAY CAN BRING!! 

 

In as rapid as a breath, a joyous moment may happen. Then in another, a tragedy may strike. Miracles can continually manifest themsleves through the power of hope. All things are possible friends if we trust in ourselves enough to be aware that our walk through this life is a blessing not a burden. Walk each step with pride, feel each emotion with heart, allow yourself to cry for a loss and have no remorse for those you love for they are with GOD NOW. Live for today and not dwell in yesterday’s shadows. Believe in and make happen your dreams for they are your promise of what you can achieve if you have trust!! Be kind to GODS CREATURES, THEY ARE ANGELS HERE ON EARTH; TRUST ME PLEASE ON THIS. Teach your children the art of compassion they need to learn from you to be selfless and have compassion. Share all the smiles you can with one who needs you; They possibly need you more than you even can imagine. Be at peace with your anger and bitterness, let it go, it has no place in a quiet spirit.  Mostly, WALK IN FAITH AND TRUST that ANSWERS WILL COME to questions you have in your soul. HEARTS will always mend THAT ARE BROKEN. JOY WILL RESUME IN YOUR SPIRIT ONCE AGAIN. AND PEACE WILL FILL YOUR SOUL WITH THE GRACE OF GOD IF YOU TRUST IN HIS LOVE FOR YOU!!

FINALLY FRIENDS, FIND GOOD IN LIFE, SEEK LOVE and FRIENDSHIP, it is everywhere to be found. RESPECT OTHERS, LEARN FROM OTHERS, LEND  A HAND TO ANOTHER……….

I have tried to understand Life’s many mysteries and I assure you, I truly most likely never will completely be positive in my assesment. But, the one thing, I will always hold dear and true, is my LOVE, RESPECT AND GRATITUDE TO OUR FATHER WHO HAS BLESSED ME WITH SO MANY GIFTS.  ENJOY THEM, AND REMEMBER ALWAYS IT IS SO AMAZING WHAT A SIMPLE DAY CAN BRING!!

 

BLESSINGS AND PEACE