Todays Sunday School Parable.

Often when I meet with clients the idea of change comes up; usually met with resistance.

Resistance is a cover for fear of change, failure of attempt, or lack of intent in the first place.

The usual comeback is, they will "try" to change.

When someone tells me "they will try"....I hear:
Ya, that sounds good, I just want to get the heck out of here, it always worked saying it before, and ....I don't believe in myself.

My response....forget the trying...to me that means....you would like to change, if it was easy; but most life changes require self discipline and taking a risk.

Fortunately, life is always presenting opportunity for change,the universe constantly providing new life choices. Sometimes these occur gently in life, sometimes they are forced upon us.

Spiritually we are designed for change, as a human.... not so much.

Do not allow age, financial situation, perceived family obligations, or the position you see yourself holding in life, stop you from being your authentic self.

Intent....the most powerful force in the Universe. Use your power wisely!

I'll Just Take A Minute Of Your Time Today!

It is a cold Saturday morning here. Upon waking you realize it is one of those special moments, when you would like to pull the covers up and languish in bed for just a minute longer. Your mind smiles at the thought, relaxed and free.

It is surprising what your mind can find to entertain itself when left alone for even such a short time. Mine tends to visualize all types of things.

But today....ponder this: If all the time you had left was this single minute...where would your mind take you?

Open your heart now....realistically....every minute has the potential to be our last.

It's A Jungle Out There!

Have you noticed this time of the year people are more easily irritated? Perhaps it is the constant cold wind, or the lack of sunshine, or the economy, or....plug your own reason in here.

Patience is lacking, smiles have all but disappeared. Common courtesy is even more scarce. Negative energy is pouring out all over. It is almost enough to turn even you into some unrecognizable beast!

The cure for the above malaise is so simple, however not always easy to take...a good dose of humor. Laugh, see the silliness all around, learn to enjoy the stupidity. Stop taking yourself seriously. People really aren't out to get you, they just need to vent.

Be part of the solution...not part of the problem. Chill out spiritually and let go of self-righteousness. Offer a hand to those in need. Smile at those filled with frustration. Say "hello", "thank you", to your fellow man.

Simply refuse to live in a "jungle"....and laugh! The sun will be back before we know it.

And, as my brother Gary told me upon returning from Viet Nam...."stop taking life so seriously, we don't get out alive anyway".

Note: Only in human form, spirit lives forever!

Still Not Uplifted?

If You Still Feel Depressed....Check out this blog of my dear friend Frederick.

Sing along to get your day started right!

Sometimes getting motivated in the morning is not as easy as we would like. Sometimes we wake up in a less than positive mood. Sometimes yesterday's leftover issues still dance in our heads. Sometime we feel the problems facing us today day rob us of enthusiasm. Sometimes we just want to stay in bed and move on to tomorrow.

When this happens to me, I find a way to energize myself. I look for something to get me moving forward in a positive direction. Music is a wonderful way to lift the spirit. So above I share with you a joyful song to get you going.

Just in case that doesn't work.......check out this video.

It's all in a name!

Spring Is Just Around The Corner

I feel tormented looking out at the gentle rain pouring down outside the window, holding my urge to escape the house at bay. This morning I sit here suffering from pre-spring fever. The past few days a hint of warmth entered the air bringing with it a sense of restlessness. Sign are everywhere it won't be too long now. Yesterday they were popping up all over.

For the first time this year my arch enemy dare show his face. Fearlessly  he sat there, as if laughing at my attempt to act like I own the place. He holds his ground, master of all he surveys. Yes...I am talking about...dund, dund, da.... ..........................HIM.                      

Unfortunately...he seems much smarter that I. Perhaps he can be convinced to try out for Survivor, surely he can outwit, certainly he can outlast.  Maybe we can have a truce, and he will agree to leave a little of the garden for me to eat this year.

 

 
Oh yes, my garden. With a sense of awe I found the first seed catalog in the mailbox,  the pictures on the cover convincing me soon my yard will look like that. No matter the blight of last year. A true gardener remains eternally optimistic.

My body tells me we can go play in the dirt soon. My mind races with new ideas for plants, constantly re-designing the landscaping.

Soon too...I can make "lists" of things I need to buy for the season: seeds, flowers, stone. Time to get the John Deere in order, perhaps a new set of tires. Fun stuff....I'm being serious here. Spring make me feel alive, vital, old.  lol It is a wonderful season. Well mainly.

Unfortunately for some of us that will also mean tires for our cars too. If you live in Southwestern Pennsylvania, you also recognize an unpleasant sign of spring....POTHOLES!

Enough said about that!

Have a great day, smile and "Think Spring"

Sunday School Starts Promptly at 10!

Since it is Sunday I decided to start off with music to uplift your soul, if you like chanting that is. If not, just move on to the next paragraph, thanks.
Monks

Ok this part is for those preferring more.....mainstream Sunday morning music, if you know what I mean.
Tennessee Ernie Ford -Peace In The Valley

And of course, ... a room rocking spirituality!  My dad's favorite group.  

For my mom, a wonderful oldie but goody.
How Great Thou Art - For my mother.

And last but certainly not least....one of my favorites. please enjoy the music, your day, and find time to be grateful....now on to our lesson.
Cherokee Ava Maria

PRAYER

Anyone ever attending a Holiday family meal, knows they tend to bring out both the best and the worst of prayers. You can actually see people shrinking in their seats, hoping no one asks them to lead the prayer. Unless you are fortunate enough to have the family "religious leader" willingly take over, you end up either skipping the idea all together or someone stumbles over a few words, anything just to be able to eat.

Public prayer seems to make most of us very uncomfortable......why? Perhaps we don't know how to pray. None of us want to look silly or sound stupid, best to just sit quietly and "pray" someone else will step up.

Prayer is a personal choice. Pray or not pray, how to pray, what do you say, who do you say it to; all questions encountered by each of us at some point. If we have answered theses questions our thoughts are kept to ourselves, uncertain how others feel.

If you follow a particular religion the answer is easily provided for you. But if you don't partake of a structured form of faith what do you do? Actually the answer is simple. Just be thankful....for everything and everyone. God already knows what you need, what you want so it is redundant to ask for anything.

So if you desire to pray, speak from your heart without fear, God isn't grading you, and he has a sense of humor. Or.....just say "thank you God for everything", amen.

Amen!

Pondering My Coffee!

Today it is my wish to simply share a cup of coffee with you. Please enjoy.


What cup would you choose?

Adoption - It's Not Like Buying A Charm For Your Bracelet!

The Haitian orphans in the news have created quite a a stir. More than a few people are suddenly talking about the idea of adoption. Certainly some have been considering this move for a while, clearly others became inspired by the pictures filling the airwaves.

As an adopted person I feel qualified to address this issue. First, let me be clear about this....adoption is a wonderful concept which may provide stable, loving homes to those lacking them. I am not saying these children do not deserve the same. But each adoption should be carefully considered.

It is easy to get swept up into the moment and jump onto the adoption bandwagon. Frequently the prospective parent fails to think through the total commitment adoption brings.

Adopted children tend to be non-refundable, they are yours....for better or worse. Some of these children will face adjustment stresses, especially those experiencing trauma, losses and separation from anything familiar. Some do well immediately,  others will slowly will adjust, and some will never fit in.

Children adopted from a different cultural background visibly carry characteristics which forever announce they are adopted.  Generally this issue creates little or minor problems, but sometimes the need to connect with their roots and find who they are overtakes them. This may be a problem for the adopted family to understand and accept.

Additionally some friends may not honor your decision to adopt, some family members may not support this new being into the fold with loving acceptance. And while this country has come along way, it still has a way to go accepting the less familiar family make-up.

It is important for prospective parents to take the blinders off when making life changing moves which effect so many others. Such a decision needs to be clearly based upon what they have to offer the child. It requires a commitment to nurture the individualized portion of god's love in each being, without expected personal return. An adopted child owes no more that any other born into your home.

Each of us are  born a completed package of DNA, including basic personality traits which become difficult to change. Every child brings challenges to the parent to deal with. Not everyday will be easy, or pleasant.

The do list:
Love them unconditionally. Accept them for who they are. Nourish their spiritual being. Set a loving example. Expect nothing in return.

The don't list:
Don't expect perfection. Don't adopt to make yourself feel or look better. Don't think you are "saving" anybody by providing a home.

And last but not least :
We are NOT pets. Or a new charm for your life bracelet to brag about. We are not required to be eternally grateful to you for "taking us in". If you make us family....you become our family. We deserve a safe, loving, supportive home for no reason other than we exist. Some of us will require more patience and support than you will ever imagine. But the love we have to give back will be well worth the time given.

So, think before leaping. Then leap without fear into a wonderful experience. Good luck to you all and God Bless.

Creative Passion

Finding your creative passion is one of the best methods to live a positive life. When we nurture the creative part of us, it flows within and without, surrounding us with self confidence.

Frequently we fail to find anything good about ourselves, think we have zero talent or ability to do anything of value. Many grow up in an environment of discouragement, even told they lack talent during the formative years.

Sometime it may be challenging to find your special ability, but it is in there. Perhaps you need to look outside the box, take a risk, try something new. Start with any desire and follow the path it takes you on with an open attitude.

Recognize that you only have to please yourself, not the many self-appointed critics more than willing to share their not so professional opinions.

Be yourself, express yourself freely with joy. Stop any critical thinking flowing inside your brain, whether implanted by others or self imposed.Your creative ideas do not need to meet those of others; "their" creative thoughts.

Encourage yourself and others towards a more playful, creative and joyful life. Dance, sing, act, write, design, whatever floats your boat in life and fills your soul with lightness of being.

Our family is full of talented spirits willing to accept the risk of ridicule in the arts. I am very proud of their courage to follow their creative passions.

The picture above is an example of our daughter's artistic passions for photography, one of many talents Amy possesses.

Erin, our other daughter, is an extremely talented writer and editor, creative in other areas as well.

Unashamed to promote them....please check out their links below for more info.
Amy Soich
Erin Swift

Renewal - How Do You Refill Your Spirit?

Sometimes we might feel like we are hanging by a thread. Daily life keeps moving faster, with ever increasing expectations and demands on our time and energy. Usually by the end of the week we are run down, out of ideas.

Overtime this may make us depressed and feel like we are living our version of "Groundhog Day".The Movie

It is difficult to stay positive, loving and productive day after day. Our energy levels and inspirations can get a little on the low side, beaten down by the daily grind.

Sometimes our spirit needs to be recharged; energized to renew the being within.

How?

Seek something with the ability to touch you to the core and wake your spirit. It could be a movie, some song, a special person or place that is relaxing and nourishing. Or it could be allowing a spontaneous, joyous instant like playing, singing or dancing.  Whatever your spirit responds to.... has the ability to re-new.

Find that moment in time when life can hang suspended...just for a second. Allow your body to say "auhg", your shoulders drop softly, your mind stop racing, simply feeling the flow within. You then walk away awake and aware of life again, knowing you can handle it a little easier now.

Sometime these moments are individualized and private. Sometimes they can occur publicly and in great numbers. In my opinion, the world shared exactly such an amazing moment last year on the British version of American Idol.  The effect around the world was extraordinary. No matter how many time you watch this video it inspires and heals your soul. Individually she is spectacular. collectively the energy is overwhelming. Pay attention to the others, their emotion is truly inspiring.

Susan Boyle.....in her 15 minutes of fame.....was an angel we were fortunate enough to experience. I Dream A Dream

Find your safe haven or something that makes your spirit soar. Inhale the spirit energy into your being with joy and gratitude. Be thankful for your life. Renew yourself so you can radiate outward and share.

What If?

American Red Cross

Are you prepared to handle emergencies Mother Nature might send your way?

The last few days show us how vulnerable we all are.

What would you do?

Where would you go?

Who do expect will save you?

Can you and your family survive a few day until the expected help arrives?

All it takes is a few minutes to think through every possibility and plan for the most likely to occur.

Create an action plan with your family.

Purchase supplies needed for continuation of life until rescue takes place.

Take first aid courses, learn basic skills in survival.

911, Katrina, Haiti should be an eye opener to us all.

Don't forget to remember your extended family, neighbors, even pets in your plan.

What? He said what?

Pat speaks.

Pat Robertson must have foot in mouth disease, or suffer from dementia, unless he is just plain insane. In my opinion his ideas and teaching are extremely wrong.

While some believers may trust in an angry, vengeful God, I think most do not. What God would punish innocent people in Haiti for things supposedly done generations ago?

I know there are places in the old testament about God's wrath some will reference in an attempt to prove this concept valid.

But this is a negative God, not one of love. This god's love is extremely conditional.  This god believes in the concept of "the sins of our father", sort of a negative way of paying it forward. This god wants us to live in fear, pass judgments, punish offenders mercilessly including entire extended families.

How are these ideas different that those of the extremists we are to be so afraid of.

Loving Intention!

News this morning of a devastating earthquake in Haiti filled the local channels. Picture of trapped, dying, emotionally distraught people can be found all over the internet as well. In times like this we feel empathy for those suffering and wonder what we can do. Certainly we can send money, food water and other necessaries, but we can do something even easier and quite powerful.

In each of us resides a beautiful spiritual energy which flows freely from our being. This energy can be directed by us as either positive or negative, impacting the world around us in ways unknown to man. It can be a wonderful tool in healing the human body as well as flood the spirit with strength. I use a technique called Riki, energy healing through strong intent and direction.  But you don't need to study anything to simply focus your intent on loving compassion, the most powerful of tools in our energy toolbox.

So, please take a few moments today, or perhaps though out the day to intentionally send loving, healing energy to those in need. If you have some spare change to share, that would be equally wonderful to send. Contact your church or American Red Cross if you wish to make other contributions to this cause.

Be Who You Were Meant To Be!

Are you always re-inventing yourself to please others? I admit to having done it myself numerous times, fearful to just be who I was born to be. Something so simple in thought, yet extremely challenging at the same time. Why? Because we want others to like us, give us approval, support and love, therefore we attempt to be what they want, not necessarily ourselves.

We create many personalities to cope with the different demands and ego of those around us. We are many, in one; child, parent, lover, worker, friend, on and on, each with independent responsibilities and expectations, so we "create" acceptable persona's to get by, which may or may not be true to your nature. Eventually, we forget how to be ourselves, happy just to blend in and be left alone, accepting emotional reward wherever we can get it. It is my belief this is exactly what the saying, "they are beside themselves" means, no longer connected to true self.

Relationships suffer when we are not free to be, frustrations, angers grow, leading to separation and disappointment. Families fail to stay together, no longer able to deal with criticism and emotional rejection, fleeing the constant demand to be created in some other person's image.

It takes strength to stay true to yourself, requires being honest to yourself, about yourself. Pay attention how you present yourself, find how many of you there are. Listen to yourself as you talk, how you respond, feel around family and friends, co-workers. You may be surprised what you find.

Last year I became determined to become just one of me, no matter the situation. It is freeing, you learn to feed your own ego in a healthy way, life seems less complicated, connection with others becomes deeper, more genuine.

So, if you feel most of your life has been "shape shifting" then give my idea a whirl, you have nothing to lose except excess baggage. Be yourself, fearlessly. It is alright if others disapprove, it isn't your job to please them. in the first place.

Disappointments In Life

While channel surfing the other day I came across a reality show based upon the Duggards, 18 Kids and Counting. In the brief second I watched I learned something about disappointments, Mrs. Duggard was taking a car load of their children into town, one of the younger, about 5-6 was running behind the car crying loudly. Mrs. Duggard stopped the car, calmly explained to the little girl she was not permitted to come along this time, it wasn't her turn, she had to turn around a go back to the house. Surprisingly, she tearfully turned and ran back, into the waiting, comforting arms of her father. Mrs. Duggard then sweetly explained to the cameraman filming, that "she", the little girl, was of the age where she had to learn to emotionally deal with disappointment, then drove away. WOW, did I miss a memo or something growing up? I don't remember getting past feeling disappointed with things, other people, or even myself. In fact the past three years many opportunities presented themselves for continuing my emotional education.

Independent contractors...(out of work individuals)tend not to be what they present to be, work promised not to up to your dream level, time lines don't really exist either, nor does the "final" amount owed stay final. Now some people will place responsibility for failure upon my shoulders, as obviously I lost control over these situations at some point, and they would be right, hence disappointment in self.

So, I believe in people, trust them beyond the point most others would, willing to give most anyone a chance to prove themselves, wish everyone well, that isn't about to change. Sure, I am out some money, projects remain undone, my dream still unfulfilled. But none of that really matters, people do, respect matters, saving face matters, building relationships matter.

In the future, hopefully I will not disappoint myself as much, ask better questions, get things in writing if possible, and accept my dreams as long term goals without the added pressure of expectation. To me...disappointment comes from mis-communication of expectations, or lack thereof, so this is one area I will work to improve.

As for dealing with disappointment in others, well...everyone I dealt with was sincere, did their best, underestimated the job, over promised results, allowed personal problems to  intermingle with their professionalism. Frustration was felt by all, everyone wanting to walk away pleased with what they had done.

I chose to do exactly that...dreams can be less than realized in my time frame and life goes on... sometime letting others walk away with a modicum of pride and dignity for what they did accomplish was far more important....every one needs to provide for their family the best way they can, and given the chance, they will attempt to correct what they can, offer solutions if they have them, and be willing to help your visions happen. People are generally well meaning in intent, damaged humans however, occasionally have lousy follow through, but loving acceptance helps heal damaged souls, so take a risk sometimes, even though the outcome you receive may not be exactly what you expected!

Winter

This morning the world outside my window is covered with a beautiful layer of snow, of course to see it requires finding a window not covered with frost. The driveway is  an amusement park all by itself, complete with a slip n slide, alien planet simulation, dodge ball of snow, not to mention bumper cars trying to reach the main road, without taking out the mailbox. If you are fortunate enough to reach this goal, one must step on the gas to propel the vehicle onto the road, or forever stay stuck in place, at least until spring thaw. Now it gets exciting, although not a main road it none the less has frequent cars moving past as I attempt to exit my cabin fever local. So, swerving a bit, I go for it, smiling at my achievement. Conqueror that I am, being master of my universe, brings a satisfied smile to my face, lookout Chinese buffet, here I come, guilt free after working so hard to get out.

2012, What Will You Be Doing?

Frequently I am asked if the world will end in 2012. Of course I have no idea what-so-ever; not being a prophet, nor receiving an insight as to what lies ahead. Hesitant to provide any answer at all,  I do think the world is in a dire position financially, politically, even environmentally and quite possibly become challenging to deal with in the next few years regardless .

My main concern is....will we be strong enough spiritually,  emotionally and physically to handle changes mankind or the universe could decide to sends this direction. We have become soft, whiners, physically lazy for the most part, dependent upon constant amusement, distraction from reality, disengaged from things considered unpleasant. We coddle our children, over protect them out of safety concerns, feel responsible to make them "happy", expect little from them. We unintentionally destroy any innate work ethic, encourage the easy way out, yet expect great reward, admiration for simply being. Many are soft, out of shape, lack a sense of "stick-to-it", self discipline.

This morning I saw a programs on Planet Green, which brought home how simple life is in the good old USA. Example: in Japan workers in the Tuna industry put in extremely long hours,(until the fish are gone,usually 12 -14 hours), standing side by side, silently, robot like, scraping, cleaning tuna in 90 degree rooms. They must complete 600 cans each, or be sent back to the gutting room, far more unpleasant. For this each worker is paid the equivalent of $5.00, that's right...$5.00 a day!

Now, I am not for a second suggesting we do anything like that, but I do feel we need to buck up if this country is going to remain the one I grew up with, still the best place to be. We need to find our way back to pride in ourselves and the work we do. We have to stop the direction taken during the past decade of self absorption, laziness, entitlement mentality. Strength, endurance, motivation, faith, commitment, family support, community involvement must return to the average home, business, political arenas if we are to survive anything, forget 2012.

So, what can you do? Become stronger, in every sense, positive in direction and scope, help ensure the survival of your family, the USA, perhaps the world. Push yourself and loved ones, create endurance, deepen respect for life, face adversity with courage no matter where it comes from. Live an example of strength, optimism, belief, look for opportunity to  grow, become stronger within yourself, teach gratitude, self sacrifice, teamwork, leadership, love.

Be thankful....appreciate your can of tuna, the sacrifices other make so you may live and thrive.

Decide 2012 or any other obstacle presented can be survived, overcome, perhaps even provide opportunity, a new direction, stay positive.

Lost Your Glow?

Do you have the "winter blahs", hat head, sick of layering, shoveling snow? Well, get over yourself! Its WINTER, of course its cold out, and yes....we actually got a decent snowfall in Southwest, PA...imagine that. It is also beautiful, provides exercise, gives perfect strangers an opportunity to interact, creates unlimited chances for random acts of kindness, and time to pay it forward.

Warm you heart with generosity, loving intent toward others, notice the beauty, find a reason to glow. When just one person walks around glowing, they infect those around them with positive energy, compassion, self worth. Imagine the impact we could have in this world if we could all just shine out, blinding negativity, decreasing it's strength.

Before you know it the flowers will be out, enjoy what it left of "Old Man Winter".

Glow, Baby, Glow

Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy Down In My Heart

We hear a great deal about joy around the holiday season, but do you know a secret? It is available all year long. It sort of comes connected to another holiday idea, gifts! How, well because the gift we receive at birth is, drum roll please, "FREE WILL", the gift that keeps on giving, unless you re-gift it and push it off on someone else. Now you are wondering the connection, well, every second of every day, we choose how to think, act, respond, and are responsible for any consequences, positive or negative those choices bring. Therefore....you can choose to have joy in your heart regardless of how life is being played out for you. Of course, it is much easier and more pleasant under less challenging circumstances, but if you look to the world outside yourself you can't help but notice how Joy flows out of others. Frequently I am amazed to see unbridled joy on faces of children living in unimaginable conditions, without enough food, education, health or emotional stability. Smiling, not because life has provided a cell phone, 40" TV or the latest fashion, but because they have an innate sense of oneness, a connection to all things,  that everything is all right, somehow find even the simplest thing a  blessing to be shared and enjoyed, grateful for the moment. We could use a little more of that in our lives, I think. No matter the situation, find a joy, somewhere in the universe to get you by. And don't forget to share and pass it along to those you meet, and check out the video of the kitty!

Welcome to my blog!

This is my first attempt at a blog, so we will see how it goes. I am certain there will be learning curve so please bear with me.