Some days

(some weeks even), I just write more than others.

On this day then, here's what I'm thinking:

Patience, though an alleged virtue, is not something that I ascribe to during my walk in this life. Not just because, we leave this place without enough notice or fore warning, but because I can recognize the reality of the moment(s). Not always by using words, and not even by listening to the words of others. Mostly, I believe that life is dedicated to the living.

Actually, contained in the word life, is the inherent knowledge that life is about living, that being alive to my senses, alive to the wind, to the stars, to the movement of rain against my skin, and the songs the trees sing.

Not to say that if you’re afraid of life, afraid of living that we don’t have enough in common to continue. Nor even to say that within the trepidation that some seem to hide behind, there isn’t a desire to breathe deeply, just that for me, I’ve known the loss. I’ve seen the wasted, and that just doesn’t seem to me, to be the reason why I’m still here!

Plus, whereas this could be the last words I wrote, or even that this could be the last breath I draw, why shouldn’t I see the beauty of the now, why shouldn’t I embrace this opportunity and exhale?

One this day then, here’s what I’m thinking;

Should it please you to live underneath the fear contained in the not knowing, or even if you’re under the impression that not wanting to know the truth that can exist between us, is the better conclusion, that’s okay with me. Not as okay as knowing you after I hit the send key, or even as okay as seeing you from across the room and basking in the radiant knowledge that we’re still more than just friends, but then again, not all friends are friendly, just like, not all humans are willing to be humane.

Me, I’m unafraid.

Sure, I fear death and the Lords wrath.

But, in the between of here and there, me, I have to live.
I have to embrace this life.
I have to embrace the wonder of being alive.

Anything less than that, seems to be disrespectful of the blessing!

And on this day, it just had to be said……

Wednesday finds me thinking out loud:

It is widely understood, but rarely admitted, that a 
woman exerts a powerful influence over her man's 
life, and his overall pursuit of happiness therein.

So, it's really no surprise that when she is lit up and shining, as her man, you usually have a great day,
and the world seems that much brighter, and everything is  
as it should be, plus, life is good.

However, on the flip side, you also know, that when 
she's in a bad mood, you're whole world is open to trouble! 

Whether it is conscious or unconscious, a woman has an 
extraordinary ability to influence her man's happiness. 
In fact, so strong is this influence, so powerful is 
her ability to expand his happiness or to squeeze the joy out of him, that we can make this bold statement: 
a woman can also put a ceiling on a man's happiness. 

So how can we as men take advantage of this information?

One powerful strategy is to put so much attention on 
her happiness, that the woman reaches a point of abundant
surplus in her life. In this way, she'll feel so naturally happy and contented with the world, and the attention she is receiving from it, that this abundance will spill over to her man and othe ther people around her. 

(Note to the ladies: in order to reach that point 
of surplus you must be open to receiving it. To provide
a visual example: you can't pour water into a closed 
container. So practice being open to receive all the 
pleasure a man has and is willing to give towards you.)

And remember my brothers, this isn't the gospel.
It's simply one other way to be a better man, and 
not just for your woman, but for all the other men
she may encounter after you!

You may now go back to being unaware..............

All too often;

I hear from people who are afraid to speak.

I know, sounds like a contradiction, and yet, there
are so many amongst us, which just refuse to see past
the obvious limitations of their thoughts, and reach further!

Now, I'm not complaining, because if it wasn't for the closed mind,
it would be difficult for me to make a living, but really, is that all there is to it?

Truly, it is so dark now, that even I look forward to a greater darkness to come,
if not but to only run up my billable hours? 

Enough!

For me, stepping past the upcoming election and the harsh reality of
so many hurting Americans (yes, I have foreign friends too), me,
I just want to work towards something better.

Maybe I'll rent out the guest house.

Or for sure, I'll have a singles thanksgiving party this year,
just so the lonely can at least not be so on that one day.

But more than that, I just want to move past the detritus that is this life
we are too often forced to live in, because of the arrogance and ignorance
of those who claimed to no longer need our participation, and yet,
still spend so much of their free time, trying to make our lives 
as miserable as theirs!

Today, I just couldn’t spend another moment caught up in it.

Maybe I’ll just go bowling for lunch?

1 Corinthians 13

Love

1: If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love,
I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

2: If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries
and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains,
but have not love, I am nothing.

3: If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,
but have not love, I gain nothing.

4: Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

5: It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,
and it keeps no record of wrongs.

6: Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

7: It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.

8: Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease;
where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge,
it will pass away.

9: For we know in part and we prophesy in part,

10: but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.

11: When I was a child, I talked like a child; I thought like a child,
I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

12: Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror;
then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part;
then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13: And now these three remain:
Faith, Hope and Love.

But the greatest of these, is Love.


Amen..........

October begins

And in so many ways,
the anxiety persists.

Why is this?

Sure, not wanting to see past the obvious is easier for some,
and yet, real time is something that most people only seem to devote
to things, that waste it anyway, as for me, I have a better idea:

Why don’t we love without fear.
Connect without deceit.
Embrace without artifice?

For without pure knowledge,
there will never be connection(s),
and without connecting,
me, I'm not really interested!

So with that said,
I’ll sleep better knowing the truth.

The world isn’t going to end soon,
food and shelter is only a phone call away,
And no matter what the talking heads proclaim;

If and when Jesus returns,
I’ll still be me.

And in that,
You can find peace too!

Do You know me?

Are you breathin'
When I'm in the air
Do you feel me
When you comb your hair

Can you feel the rain
Hit the side as you walk around you
Like an angel's heart
I'll fly high as a hidden cloud

And you know me...
Yes you know me...

Do I scare you
When I come too close
Does the room you're in
come to a sudden cloud

I can hear you cry
Like a kid with an injured knee
I can see you pray for me
Before you lay to sleep

Do you know me
You should know me

How can you feel alone at night
Even when I'm by your side
Can you hear me laugh in the wind
Does it ease your mind
If you never see me again
I will always be your friend
Like an angel's heart
I'll blend within the wind

Do you see me

Yeah, you should see me
I can fly, I can fly
How high? As high as the wind can fly

Yeah you should know me
Oh! Yeah I'm your ghost
I'm watching over you
Oh! I'm your ghost

If you never let me know
How will I know
How can I be your guide
Are you fearing death or life
Can you make up your mind

Do you know me?

Words have meaning(s):

Contain:

—Synonyms 1. Contain, accommodate, hold, express the idea that something is so designed that something else can exist or be placed within it. Contain refers to what is actually within a given container. Hold emphasizes the idea of keeping within bounds; it refers also to the greatest amount that can be kept within a given space. Accommodate means to contain comfortably.
3. Embody, embrace.

Restrain:

—Synonyms 1. bridle, suppress, constrain.
2. restrict, circumscribe, confine, hinder, hamper.

Calm:

—Synonyms 1. quiet, motionless. 3. placid, peaceful, serene, self-possessed. Calm, collected, composed, cool imply the absence of agitation. Calm implies an unruffled state, esp. under disturbing conditions: calm in a crisis. Collected implies complete inner command of oneself, usually as the result of an effort: He remained collected in spite of the excitement. One who is composed has or has gained dignified self-possession: pale but composed. Cool implies clarity of judgment along with apparent absence of strong feeling or excitement, esp. in circumstances of danger or strain: so cool that he seemed calm. 7. still, quiet, tranquilize; allay, assuage, mollify, soothe, soften.

Enable:

—Synonyms 1. furnish, supply, render, bear. 3. abandon, abdicate, waive, forgo. Yield, submit, surrender mean to give way or give up to someone or something. To yield is to concede under some degree of pressure, but not necessarily to surrender totally: to yield ground to an enemy. To submit is to give up more completely to authority, superior force, etc., and to cease opposition, although usually with reluctance: to submit to control. To surrender is to give up complete possession of, relinquish, and cease claim to: to surrender a fortress, one's freedom, rights. 6. render. 10. give in, comply, accept.

Release:

—Synonyms 1. loose, deliver. Release, free, liberate, emancipate may all mean to set at liberty, let loose, or let go. Release and free, when applied to persons, suggest a helpful action. Both may be used (not always interchangeably) of delivering a person from confinement or obligation: to free or release prisoners. Free (less often, release) is also used for delivering a person from pain, sorrow, etc.: to free from fear as well.


And me, I like words!

Dix Hills NY

Friendship is a promise
spoken only by the heart,

it isn't given by any pledge,
it isn't written on just any paper,

but friendship
is a promise that is renewed
every time two friends meet
and smile and enjoy
the good times
that come from simply
being together.

It's a promise
to share
both glad
and sad times.

A promise to think
of each other fondly
whether near or far apart.

Friendship
is promise spoken only by heart…

A promise
that you and I will always share!

(Truly) All depends on the Breath:

"Without it,
we are nothing.

Worship it as your soul–
for surely it is that.

All breath
depends upon the wind–
that connecting us to all else

The wind,
God’s breath,
nourishes us
lifts us up,
allows us to be.

Therefore,

Give thanks
for breath
and the wind.

They are
our best friends.

Though invisible,
together
they are our
foundation.

May you breathe
and dance
in the wind,
forever......."

The hours point to a conclusion:

New York,
The east coast for that matter,
Has been a very restive moment for me.

True enough,
Though I live in the comfort
Of many hills,

Oddly enough
Within the caverns of the
Metropolitan eastern corridor,

I am strangely
And calmly
At home!


In leaving then
In returning thus,

I guess the thing(s)
That’s on my mind the most
Is what I’ve missed,

Those I was unable to connect with
And the feeling that
Even in departing(again),
My heart will once again

Remain behind....

Reality, is often too compicated

Oddly enough, I discovered something I knew existed,
and yet, even in seeking out the discovery,
I'm still searching for the right words to describe it.

Me, I know you.
Not because of the obvious,
for that which is known
in all honesty, is quite obscured.

For me, looking at you,
I see some of myself,
and yet, honesty tells me
what we have in common,
is not that common after all.

Words then, are going to sound different
for under it all, is not the foundation
you've come to believe existed.

Me, I'm part,
but not quite contained
within the parcel.
You, you are also unique.

Should I bridge this?
Do I even have a choice?

In my mind,
the answer is simple.

And yet,
how will you react?

Though the answer is obvious,
the leap is great!

Care to believe?

For aside from the truth,
how else can the pain reside?

Tears are wasted.
Wine goes untasted,
and still, you're alone.

Alone, seeking the truth in others
who fail to connect,
alone in the truth of the others
who refuse to accept.

Still,
your tears remind me of hope.

Why is that?

Sunday morning in the city

And there are so many sights
and sounds to remind me that I'm home.

Gypsy cabs honking on the boulevard,
Korean cooks, and Haitian seamstresses,
each hustling to earn enough to send home to their families,
far from the crush of our immediate here and now home.

NY (Brooklyn to be precise),
not the home of my youth,
or even the home where I left my children to grow up within,
but home nevertheless!

Here, in the cradle of my immediate family,
still I long to see my sons and hear their laughter,
answer their questions and wipe away their tears.

But, as is often the case,
nothing lately is ever certain about
our being able to connect this time,
and in that, there is a deepr sadness that's harder to handle than
when I'm 3,000 miles away from this home.

@ this home, a neighbor
plays a piano somewhere done the block.
@ this home, Manuel stops in to show some
of his latest work, and we reminisce together
about all the moments missed since last
we were together here,
in this other place we've learned to call home.

Home, it's nice to be here,
nicer still to be closer to those
I've been so far away from in my absence,
and yet, this home, is so much less
than what I always dream it to be,
when I'm imagining it from the
distance of my other home,
in the valley where I dream about my home!

You know how

Late at night,
you can hear my voice
in your thoughts?

I wonder about that too.

Wonder about the connection
that remains unbroken,
even though the time
and the timing
of it all doesn't always
quite feel right.

And yet,
this night,
I could sense your hearing
and in that, my voice
grew stronger.

This
I liked
as well!

Thank you......

I almost forgot(Saving Grace by Seal);

"So strange
It's funny how
We came to meet

Those eyes uncanny
Were my invitation

I couldn't wait
To hold you like a baby

Is this what it feels like
You are here now
Oh but I
Can't seem to find our state of grace
Who knows tomorrow may never come
One touch, one look that is all it takes
These things forever change us

This is the sound of a feeling
that's caught in my head
Makes me think about something you said
To take away my fears

Oh but I
This is the sound of a woken man

Why don't you tell me its you babe
I found you
You babe

Oh but I
Can't seem to find that state of grace
Who knows tomorrow may never come
One touch, one look that is all it takes
These things forever change us

Look at the past
No savoir faire
No that's not us

Oh but I
I can't seem to find my state of grace
Who knows tomorrow may never come
One touch, one look that is all it takes
These things forever change us

These things forever change us"

Just as does the natural world,

The lives of each one of us also have seasons.

Learning to embrace these seasonal changes and to perceive and enjoy
the unique and beautiful characteristics of each of the seasons your in,
is the essence of living life to the fullest.

To seek and then achieve this perspective,
enables one to absorb the present with delight,
look forward with eager anticipation upon our tomorrows,
and thus, be able look backward with simple satisfaction, and no regrets.

Thus, as you move through the remainder of this present season,
consider these thoughts;

Reflect
on your need
to control others in your life.

Work with yourself
on gradually letting go of this need
so that you can learn to live within yourself.

After all,
control is just
an illusion after all.

Trust yourself first
and then, you will
be able to trust
others as well.

Support and nurture your mind and body
with a healthy diet and reasonable amounts of exercise.

Actively encourage
the growth of your
intuitive self,
for this is who you really are.

Listen,
and then do.

For in this way,
I can hear you as well.

from George H.W. Bush

"If all you do ever is
all you've ever done,

Then all you'll ever get
is all you ever got!"

Which I think reveals the man that his is,
and was always to become!

I sang (my own song)on my way to work:

The beauty of life,
is that for those who are living,
it was a free gift.

To enhance this gift,
we must reach beyond the dream
and build upon the moments of now
a foundation to carry us, forever!

The beauty of life then,
for those who are alive in it,
is that it can become
all that we're willing
to achieve, within it!

In the between;

Love, and longing
as you grow....

The weekend begins:

In believing
In understanding
in participation even

Life can happen!

In believing that which is not real though,
Confusion and disappointment can reveal
The true intention of our beliefs

And in that, there can be peace!

For in believing that which we can recognize
Always, we are able to see the truth before us

And in that,
I can find peace too.

I'll be home this weekend;

Even in the distance that seperates us still, often I wonder why.

Not that I lack an understanding,
for you know how my mind works.

More than that though,
I think that time and timing has placed a wedge between what I know is real,
and what I believe you've yet to reveal.

And yet, no matter!

For If it feels better this way to you,
then maybe I missed more than I thought.

Forever revealing,

I only ask because it truly makes a difference:

"The problem with communication is the illusion that it has been accomplished."
George Bernard Shaw

Last night, I was thinking;

Even though it's the unique capability of language(s) that allows us as human beings to alter the course of our lives, expand our boundaries and enhance our relationship(s), for some reason, everything we do, that is truly done, is not often contained "in connected conversation".

Why then, with this powerful tool available, do our lives so often embody such unnecessary conflict, and needless misunderstandings? Sure, the potential for conflict is inherent in every conversation and relationship we participate in, and even loosely, in the use of language itself. And yet, we're still often limited in reaching our full conversational potential by how (or not) effectively we manage life's inevitable conflicts.

Wouldn't just be easier to do as we're asked, willingly and with the real desire to please,

without any struggle, when we know that's the best solution?

Sure, to have misunderstanding is human, but to see what's needed in order to grow, and still not do it, well that helps no one. For me then, it's time to learn to use the power of language to get the most out of our unique potential. Whether it's to bring resolution to a specific conflict we've encountered, or to develop enhanced skills for managing conversations more constructively, my goal this week, is to see how I can more effectively pursue conversations, that lead to peace.

Joy then and the thrill of caring for and about another should instinctively be conflict free.

For without that hallmark within my life, I'm truly unsure how I'd be able to continue moving forward, with or without another in my life!

Share Compassion.

Rejoice in Peace.

Replenish and Enhance.

Love while enabling Love.

Me, I'm traveling this week.

Think kindly of me as I go along the way……....

An American diatribe:

Looking off in the distance, I still believe I can see the hazy outline of the American experience as it meanders of in yet another new direction

For some, like those who seem to talk the most, the American experience must be some kind of structured environment where rules and order are the foundation upon which dreams and aspirations are built. By using the setting of a suburban high school to exemplify their positions, some are presupposing that their experiences as students within the walls of privilege, is somehow reflective of the more common, or normal American high school environment.

Though when looked upon at face value, the positions taken do hold some truths about what the average child attending any large high school in America today is seeing and experiencing the true essence of what it's like to be an American.

For nowhere are the class boundaries and economic differences more prevalent and acute, than between the walls on an average American high school campus!

School bought, or bag lunch?Government voucher or correct change?
At almost any juncture, who you are, how you got here,
and where you come from,
is readily on display in High school.

Not unlike the lots at any job site, or the office park where others work; what you drive, and if you drive at all, is the bench mark you are judged by. New car, or older, foreign or domestic, the American way of determining your status within the group, is often your vehicle of choice.

As is the de rigueur, everywhere in everything American, some will always fit readily into groups of one stripe or another, but being the land of many faces and backgrounds, often between the boundaries of what is acceptable behavior and community involvement, lie an awkward or shy, non athletic or tone deaf individual who finds no place in which to develop his or her standing.

No way to measure up to the standards set by our overall societal norms and silent agreements, due to language, cultural and physical limitations.

Just like in high school, America in general has many places to belong, but far too many rules
that limit who can be (come) a member!

So then, when looked at globally, the American experience is no more or less than what you take and make from it. Is it not the American experience to live below the poverty level, or to be chronically underemployed? Or is the American experience to serve in the armed forced and become an amputee for your country?

For while some are living upon the hills above town in mini mansions, still others live within the valleys below in single wide trailers. Who then has the firmer claim to living the American experience? Or is that just the point; to be an American allows you the freedom to do and to be anything that you are able, and as long as you can afford it.

For America is, and will always be, the place where no matter what or who you've become, you are always going to be, just a one, of the vast many, with an opinion.

Thursday;

And the sun shines bright across the foothills.

Oddly enough, I was thinking about you.
Thinking about your children,
your family,
and then I wondered,
who are you thinking about?

Have you called those far away?
Have you reconnected with those
whose distance is emotional, and not physical?

I know, but as I said, I was thinking.

Thursday, and the weekend is due for some.
For others, the week has just begun, and yet,
neither changes the season.

In love,
as in life,
sometimes,
we have to reach past our own borders.

Reach past the pain and
dissapointment(s)that we harbor,
and reach into a new perspective.

Me, on this Thursday,
I'm thinking of you.

And you, who are you thinking about!

Free your heart,
and be blessed.....

Last night, while the stars were dancing in the sky

The moon and I were talking about you.

Not that he told what he saw, for he can see us always,
but, he was kind enough to tell me how he wiped the hair from your brow,
and how you purred in that way that you do, when you can fell love is near you.

The moon and I, we talk alot.

Mostly we talk about him,
but every so often,
we'll talk about the ones that we know together.

Those that we each can see need a hug,
and we pray about the sun.

Odd that,
but the moon and the sun don't always get along.

But last night,
we mostly just talked about you!

What if you changed your thinking:

Have you ever been excited about something new you've learned or a new and exciting direction you wanted to move in your life into, but for some reason, that seems to be happening less and less as you get older? Well then, you just may be getting slightly jaded.

For most of us, as we get older, it gets tougher to find new things to get excited about, primarily because we've had our hopes and dreams dashed to pieces so many times in the past. Unfortunately, we then fall into the trap of shutting ourselves off to new things simply because this perceived never ending hope dashing, is just too painful.

Oddly enough, I'm hearing a version of this now
as we get ever closer to electing a new National Leader:

"We've heard it all before."
"All of these politicians are just lying crooks

who won't really end up doing anything."

Of course, if you buy in to the "Law of Attraction", then you'll agree that we
create a self fulfilling prophecy with all of these comments, thoughts
and feelings do have a way of ending up getting us the leadership we deserve!

How sad.

So, what is the secret to staying positive, upbeat, approachable, mentally and
emotionally fresh throughout life?

Here are a few ideas:

Always be about learning something new.

Understand that your interpretation of a situation is based on your
Perceptions, therefore, always question your perceptions!
Why do I believe the way I do and where did these perceptions come from?

Learn to never criticize anything unless you completely understand what is going on and have developed an alternate solution. Do you have some thoughts about the price of gas and what to do about it? Are they based on economic reality? Is there something you can do personally and locally to make a difference with your ideas?

Approach every situation you find yourself in with the attitude that
there is something you can learn, and/or there is someone you can help with your knowledge. Always, and but that, I mean always, expect the best and most complete graciousness from where you are and who you're with right now.

Make a daily list of everything you are grateful for.

In this way, the positive your thinking about,
can affect the thoughts that you’ll be having as the day progresses.

Life, like the thoughts of those around us,
can be influenced by the positive energy, within us!

So, be Positive.

What face do you present to the world?

How do others know you?

Do they see the same person you know yourself to be?
Do they see your fears, your hopes and dreams, your successes, your pain, all you’ve learned, all you haven’t?

Or do they see a mask that you’ve put in front of your face to hide that which is deep inside you, so that you can “be” somebody else instead?

These are some of the pressing questions that confront us as we seek to live more authentically. Considering them takes time. Going more deeply, how do you see yourself? Are you aware of the difference between the real person you are on the inside and the person you show to the world?

Do you know you wear this mask?
Do you even know who the “real you” is?

Heavy questions. If you haven’t turned aside by now with the discomfort it may evoke in you, congratulations.
Discomfort is one of the strings that holds the mask on.
What to do now? Two steps can move you toward a more genuine life:


Understand. It usually helps to have a mental picture of what’s going on inside you. From that, you can develop a first-hand experiential picture (see below). Think of two circles, one inside the other. The small circle in the center is the genuine, free, honest, heart-centered you. The much larger, outer circle is made up of all your life lessons, fears, pain, discomfort, opinions and judgments -- about yourself and about life. Because the inner circle (you) is hidden inside the outer one, the “face you present to the world” is made up of stuff that isn’t even you. It’s your mask. It’s how others see you. It may even be the person you think is the real you. On to part 2.

Inquire. The way to set the real you free is to dismantle the mask, the “false face” you are presenting to the world. The way you do that is to start to get to know yourself very well, possibly for the first time. It doesn’t matter so much right now how the mask got there, but it came from all the “lessons” you were taught about how life is, and from the fears you took on as a result of those lessons. Your mask protects you from your fears (but denies you authentic living). Perhaps on your own, and more likely with outside help (a coach, maybe) you can learn to observe your own thoughts, behaviors, feelings, and body responses -- all clues to pieces of your mask. Here is where the value of experiential lessons comes in: when you can see and feel your own reality in new ways (despite the admitted discomfort it causes), you’ll easily be able to take action in new ways, ways that help you let go of the parts of you that just “aren’t you,” exposing that genuine self to the world.

It turns out that, even if you are unconscious of wearing a mask, it still drains a huge amount of your energy. Not being your genuine self drains you in the way of frustration, resentment and dissatisfaction with life.

Once you let go of the mask, truly accept the real you underneath, and allow yourself to live from the depth of your own heart and truth, life gets easier and easier. Instead of fighting with life, you merge with its natural rhythm and flow.


A River Runs Through It [Life lessons offered by rivers]

A river seems to have many faces. It may be a raging torrent in the springtime. It may overflow its banks after a heavy rain. It may be an early-summer mirror, lazily reflecting deep-blue sky and puffy clouds. It may dry up with the summer’s heat, exposing its bed to the world. Yet no matter what face it presents, a river isn’t covering up for something, hiding from part of itself. In every day of its life, a river is just working (genuinely) with “what is.” Perhaps it is this authenticity in rivers that evokes such peace in us, and offers us that connection in life that we long for so deeply inside. Perhaps the river is there to help us believe in that same power in ourselves.

Words for the weekend

Fill your moments with action,
and there will be little time left for worry.

Fill your moments with meaning,
and there will be little time left for despair.

Fill your days with discovery, and you will fill your life with valuable knowledge. Fill your hours with caring, compassion and respect,
and you will fill your world with love and friendship.

Fill your thoughts with positive possibilities,

and the best things in life will surely be within your reach.

Fill your words with encouragement and enthusiasm,

and you'll often find people and circumstances lining up in your favor.

Fill your efforts with purpose, persistence, diligence and integrity.

And your life will be filled with valuable achievements.

Fill your heart with a love of truth and goodness.
And your soul will be filled with the treasure of wisdom.

Your life is a most precious gift.

Fill every corner of it with the best that you can.

Love ends, and you breath again(trust me!):

How will I stand

If you turn out the light

That shines over me

And how will I live

If you take all the give

That you have given me

How will I love

If you take all the life

From out of me

Right from out of me

Tell me,

how will I live

If you take all the give

That you give to me

Love so fast

Yet still we remain'

Cause we'll live

And we giveToday

Tell me then,
how will I live

With anyone but you

With anyone but you?

(Seal)

Me, I'm not blaiming it you!

In all honesty, I do write every day, but it’s a habit that I don’t always release these words that are my crystallized thoughts for those moments.

Some see them, and others do not.
In this way, I feel safe.

And while I’m confessing these word related sins,
I sometimes neglect to even capture my written thoughts at all!

Even those that I know I should, but honestly, I remember them still.

On any given day then, a one will come to me, and inspired by our exchange, I’ll write something to them (or about them), but I won’t allow myself to save and/or share it with others, for not unlike my verbal expressions,
some of my written words can often go too deep as well.

Clarity:

Therefore, the reason why I’m saying all this, is that yes, I allowed a comment to remain posted (and no, I’m not saying it’s a new thing, or something that I’ll continue to let happen from others), but enough have noticed and then questioned me about it, that I thought it was best to offer an explanation now, then have to confront it at a time,
when I’m in the mood for confrontation.

Words:

Me, I love.
I share my love,
And I’m open to new love
Which is how we
Got to be friends.

But also within me,
I’m not responsive to all,
And in particular
I exclude those who
Are rightfully so,
Connected to me.

In this way
I choose in whom,
I want to be related to.

And yet,

A one has come from that place
And I’ve chosen
to reveal myself to her.

And in doing so,
She is revealing herself
To us both.

In that
I see a love
For awareness,
Awakening

And so,
I’ve chosen
To not turn away.

In this new way then,
I don’t perceive
That I’m changing

But I like
The growth
Nonetheless.

Change with me
If you like,

But don’t expect

The change
To effect

Who we’ve
Become,

To each other.

In that
I think
is truth!

In the future:

How about a life that makes the living better?
Love that includes your whole life.
Passion that wakes you up @ night.

And the best part is, in the future,
you'll never have to wonder if you're being loved.
Plus, your whole family is invited.

Now all you have to do,
is want such a life.

For when we're ready for anything, ideally,
that should include somethings that you'll want more of.

Sort of like good sex!

When the power is right,
the surrender is that much more complete.

In the between, sleep!
But remember,
it's a long holiday weekend,
so be safe,
and remind your friends to be as well....

The Beauty of Memories

Is that within them, there's a choice to be taken;

Not unlike love, which unfurls and is buffeted by every other opinion,
within a memory, there is only the viewer, who controls the outcome.

Thinking then as I do, remembering you as you'll always be to me, I smile.
Not because my mind is jaded and I can only remember the beauty of it all,
but because no matter the reality, in closing my eyes, I can remember the you that always brought me joy, and in that, you'll always be.

On Mothers day, and beyond....

The reality of life is:

Many are called, and yet,
very few will answer.

Not unlike the people we meet as we go about our day;

Many will seek to be seen,
but few, actually want to be known.

And in that,
is contained the reason why
so many are aware,
and yet so few have understanding!

In knowing this,
just as in knowing me,
there is indeed a difference.

Me then,
I know you,
seek more.


Which is why we, connect....

An old thought:

You know,
so many things change in life,
and yet,
the things that matter never seem to fail us:

Friendship,
Understanding,
Family,
Love,
Compassion
and Strength.

For us then,
yesterday,
is almost as good as today,
but, in the between of tomorrow,
closeness has always been the promise!

Which is yet another reason to smile.

Learning to let go of emotional burdens:

One of the most liberating tools for empowering your life is learning to let go.
We carry so many burdens with us, from our childhoods throughout our lives.

We carry hurts and wrongs that were done to us.
We carry regrets about things we wish we had or hadn't done.
We hide these memories, but the anger and hurt and regret
can influence the way we think and interact without our even knowing it.

Living in the Now:

We often forget to live while we're living, because we're focusing on something that we wish to be. Or we're worried about something that lies ahead, and it distracts us so that we don't seem to be able to accomplish anything or get any closer to where we want to be. The key to living a life of peace is to set our sites on where we want to be, but focus on where we are NOW, and take each step, moment by moment.

Learn from the past, plan for the future:

The past is past. The future will come when it comes.
We are here in the present. We can learn from the past.
Where we can, we can try to mend the bridges in our lives -- the relationships with the people who are a part of our lives. But where there is nothing we can do, we have to let it go.

We have to let ourselves live, free of the burdens of guilt, and regret and anger.
We can plan for the future, but we must live in the present and let go of anxiety and worrying about what might be.

Change what we can:

let go of what you can't change my friend, so as to free your self for what is to come!
Learning to see the difference between things that we can change and things that we can't,
is the first step to letting go and freeing our inner selves.

Emotions can be red flags or red lights:

Guilt, regret, anger and anxiety can sometimes help us to see things in our lives that need to be fixed and changed and worked on. But they are useless emotions when they paralyze us. They are useless when there is nothing that we can do to heal them. When they are useless, we need to let them go.

Learning to tell the difference:

We can learn to figure out when our emotions are trying to tell us something useful, or when they're causing us to lose track of what's important. The first step is to slow down, and find that place of peace inside. Then examine what exactly it is that you're angry or sad or anxious about. What would it take to make it right? Is there anything that you can do about it now? Is there anything you can do about it at some other time? If not, let it go. If so, set a new course.

Redirecting your focus:

When we find our emotions have led us to a fork in the road, we can refocus and redirect the paths we have chosen to walk. What path can we take to lead us towards making whatever is wrong right? It helps to write down our thoughts and concerns and resolves. It helps to keep our focus on the paths we choose, and to let go of paralyzing emotions until the time when they can be resolved, and to concentrate on the moment at hand.


In the between though:

Feel free to choose me as a one that you call.
For within me, is more than just the answers you seek,
but also the unspoken questions you've yet to fully consider...

Coming back into the Valley;

I was reminded that the universe has always had an ear for my heart:

"Lights go out and I can..t be saved
Tides that I tried to swim against
You..ve put me down upon my knees

Oh I beg, I beg and plead, singing
Come out of things unsaid,
shoot an apple off my head and a
Trouble that can..t be named,
tigers waiting to be tamed, singing

You are, you are
Confusion never stops,
closing walls and ticking clocks, gonna
Come back and take you home,
I could not stop,
that you now know, singing

Come out upon my seas,
curse missed opportunities, am I
A part of the cure, or am I part of the disease, singing

You are, you are, you are, you are
You are, you are

And nothing else compares
Oh no nothing else compares
And nothing else compares
You are (in background)

Home, home,
where I wanted to go,
Home, home, where I wanted to go,

Home, home, where I wanted to go,
Home, home, where I wanted to go."

Clocks: by Cold Play

Just as I thought it, there it was to reinforce my reservations about you.

Weekends

Sometimes, no matter how often we think about another,
often, we fail to take that thought and transfer it into action.

This morning, oddly enough then, right after I awoke,
I remembered you, recalled your smile and just knew,
I had to do something.

Here then is just another opportunity to remind you,
that no matter the distance, still, I remember you!

Even if I know I'll see you soon.....

You know;

I’m elated that,
with the fading notoriety of the movie "TheSecret",
the buzz around the Law of Attraction hasn’t fadedcompletely into the background.

I’ve noticed that for some it was a flash-in-the-pan,
but for others it was the beginning of a process
of peeling back their layers of ego and external expectations
to get reacquainted with "who they really are."

And me and others,
that’s truly a good thing!

Live,
Love,
Refresh,
And reflect.

For in the coming months,
life will indeed improve
as your awareness expands.

Actualy, it wasn't Lauryn Hill:

"I see the way you look at me
As if to say its right
I pray for you day in and day out

Something's happening to me
The man I used to be is gone
He gave up his life
So I could go on Girl, on in heaven

Where the love of a lifetime resides In you
Girl there's heaven in you babe

Oh Girl and it's so meant to be
This place where two souls collide
There's no pain, no fear, only you and I

Something's happening to me
The man I used to be is gone
He gave up his life
So I could go on and on

Girl, on in heaven
Where the love of a lifetime resides
Somewhere in you girl

I've been looking for heaven baby
See I spent my lifetime only to find
Heaven's in you, girl
Heaven's in you baby

Here I spent a lifetime
Trying to find heaven
Searching my lifetime
Trying to find heaven yeah

Gotta find you
Come on girl
Heaven's in you baby
Yeah it's right there

Inside your heart baby I've been looking for heaven baby
Where the love of a lifetime yeah,
It resides somewhere in you girl.

I've been looking for heaven babe
See I spent my lifetime
Trying to find it
I want you baby
I want to give my love to you

Heaven's right there in your heart girl
Heaven's inside of you
Heaven's inside of you
Heaven's in you
Heaven's in you babe
It's right there
On the inside
Heaven's in you girl

You're like heaven
You're the love of a lifetime
And I find my strength in you"


See, not every man is correct,
nor every womans need suspect.

Often, life in love is just a series of mistakes
that are caused by following what we see w/our eyes,
while ignoring the genuine words that we feel and hear w/our heart!

Writing, not only clears the mind

It provides space for the soul to sing as well!
For me then,
I'll step away from the keyboard
and reflect on the day.

Reflect on the sights
and words that came to me,
and find reason to write again.

In the between though,
think as you do
but be willing to change too.

For change is neccesary,
if you're ever going to really believe in more than right now!

The Risk of Love: by Kris Hydmore

There is a risk involved in everything
Every time you share a smile
Every time you shed a tear
You are opening yourself up to hurt.

Some people tread slowly through life,
Avoiding the closeness risk brings,
Side-stepping the things they can't understand
Turning away from those who care too much,
Those who care stay too long,
Those who hold too tightly.

There is never an easy way to love
You can not approach it cautiously
It will not wait for you to arm yourself.

It does not care if you turn away
It is everywhere, it is everything.

Love is the greatest of all risks.
It is not reliable, it is not cautious,
It is not sympathetic
It is unprejudiced and unmerciliess.

It strikes the strongest of mind,
And brings them to their knees in one blow.
Even in the best of times,
love hurts.It hurts to need, it hurts to belong,

It hurts to be the other part of someone else,
Without either of your consent.
But, from the moment it overtakes you,
It hurts worse to be all alone.

The risk of love never depletes;
It grows stronger and more dangerous with time.

But, it's in the total surrender of all defense,
That we, no matter weak or strong,
No matter willing or captive,
No matter what, we truly experience love.

Despite the many things love is not,
Outweighing it all are the things that love is.
Love is surrender without a loss.
It is a gift without the cost.
It consumes your every thought & desire,
Every breath you take.

It is the fire that fuels you
To do more than pass through life;
It urges you, instead, to live.

No matter the outcome,
having felt love,
You will never be the same.

It may scar your heart & soul
And Leave you only memories of forever.
Or, it may cause every day of your life
To feel like there is no need for tomorrow.

But, love is worth it. It is worth the risk...

For in all of life,

Love is truly the only risk worth taking.

Amen!

Remember this then;

The color of a man
only determines how others see him,
for the one who is loved by him though,
all she can see is his heart!

Mine's purple by the way.

Good morning after all;

Today,
today is going to be a great day!

Not just because the rains have returned,
or even because the deer were in the yard again this morning.

Today is going to be a great day
because I desire for it to be.

And whether or not you believe this,
the fact remains that our attitude(s)determine our outcomes.

Last night,
I didn't sleep well.

And yet today,
knowing that it's my life after all,
Today I'm going to be happy!

You,
you can be what ever you want.

Me,
me I'm going to be happy!

As for everyone else,

well the choice is up to you.................

You deserve to live your dream;

When it all boils down,
You deserve to live your dream
The dream that you have held onto
For what seems like forever

You deserve a person who looks at you
With adoring eyes
The one who understands
When your mood changes
Then changes again.

You deserve the one who
Listens
And hears

Not only your words
But your heart

Remember you deserve to live your dream;
Wait patiently
For the one who will dance with you
Even when there is no music

That one who will read to youS
inging your favorite song to you
Although off key
In time to your own special rhythm

You deserve to live your dream
Evenly yoked
to another
Unafraid to pray With you
And for you

The one that has planned
Not SCHEMED.

The one that will catch you
If you decide to lean back
The one whose words are
Transformed into actions

You deserve to live your dream.
So do not allow yesterday
nor yesteryear
To cloud your judgment
And dreams a
nd visions of tomorrow

Make sure that you are prepared
To receive that dream though,
Oryet again;

It will just turn out to become
your ever recurring
nightmare!

Dreaming about Tomorrow

I can see a miracle across the horizon,
an untouchable passion,
which I can see,
burning higher than the flames of love.

Then, right at that moment of clarity,
I know that you’re missing me.

A waterfall of love starts pouring down in front of me.
And as I look into the water with thoughts of you,
all of a sudden,
the sun is setting,
yet, I can see your hand reaching out to me.

It’s as though I can feel you as you can feel me too.
I blink, thinking it’s just a dream,
Still, I blink again.

For strangely,
I can still see you and feel you near.

So now again, I think to myself;
Did this life just get better,
or has my real life finally begun?

What ever happens now is up to us my love.
So let us hold each other close beloved, f
or soon,
our hearts will burn with that passion.
That passion of two, as one, Forever!

Good night my friends;

In a brief conversation, a man asked a woman he was pursuing the question:

"What kind of man are you looking for?"
She sat quietly for a moment before looking him in the eye and asking,
"Do you really want to know?" Reluctantly, he said, "Yes."
She began to expound...

"As a woman in this day and age, I am in a position to ask a man what he can do for me that I can't do for myself. I pay my own bills. I take care of my household without the help of anyman... or woman for that matter. I am in the position to ask, "What can you bring to the table?" The man looked at her. Clearly he thought that she was referring to money.

She quickly corrected his thought and stated, "I am not referring to money." I need something more. I need a man who is striving for perfection in every aspect of life."

He sat back in his chair, folded his arms, and asked her to explain.
She said, "I am looking for someone who is striving for perfection mentally because I need conversation and mental stimulation. I don't need a simple-minded man.

I am looking for someone who is striving for perfection spiritually
because I don't need to be unequally yoked... "believers mixed with unbelievers is a recipe for disaster. "I need a man who is striving for perfection financially because I don't need a financial burden. I am looking for someone who is sensitive enough to understand what I go through as a woman, but strong enough to keep me grounded.

I am looking for someone who I can respect.
In order to be submissive, I must respect him.
I cannot be submissive to a man who isn't taking care of his business.
I have no problem being submissive... he just has to be worthy.

God made woman to be a helpmate for man. I can't help a man if he can't help himself.
When she finished her spill, she looked at him.

He sat there with a puzzled look on his face.
He said, "You are asking a lot.

"She replied, "I'm worth a lot."

Send this to every woman who's worth a lot.... and every man who has the wisdom to understand!!! Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry,
the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.

Kahlil Gibran

The awakening;

A time comes in your life when you finally get it..

When, in the midst of all your fears and insanity,
you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out - ENOUGH! Enough fighting and crying or struggling to hold on.

And, like a child quieting down after a blind tantrum,
your sobs begin to subside, you shudder once or twice,
you blink back your tears and begin to look at the world through new eyes.

This is your awakening.
You realize it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change...
or for happiness, safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon.

You come to terms with the fact that neither of you is Prince Charming
or Cinderella and that in the real world there aren't always
fairy tale endings (or beginnings for that matter)
and that any guarantee of happily ever after must begin with you...
and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance.

You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are ... and that's OK.
They are entitled to their own views and opinions.
And you learn the importance of loving and championing yourself...
and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval.
You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you (or didn't do for you) and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected.

You learn that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will always be there for you and that it's not always about you.
So, you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself...
and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance.

You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailtiesand in the process a sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness. You realize that much of the way you view yourself,
and the world around you, is as a result of all the messages and opinions that have been ingrained into your psyche.

And you begin to sift through all the junk you've been fed about how you should behave,
how you should look, how much you should weigh, what you should wear,
what you should do for a living, how much money you should make, what you should drive,
how and where you should live, who you should marry, the importance of having and raising children, and what you owe your parents, family, and friends.

You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view.
And you begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for.
You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into begin with ...
and in the process you learn to go with your instincts.

You learn that it is truly in giving that we receive.
And that there is power and glory in creating and contributing and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a consumer looking for your next fix. You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life.

You learn that you don't know everything,
it's not your job to save the world and that you can't teach a pig to sing.
You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO. You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs get burned at the stake.

Then you learn about love. How to love, how much to give in love,
when to stop giving and when to walk away.
You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be.
You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes.
And you learn that alone does not mean lonely.

You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside,
smoothing things over and ignoring your needs.
You learn that feelings of entitlement are perfectly OK....
and that it is your right to want things and to ask for the things you want ...
and that sometimes it is necessary to make demands.
You come to the realization that you deserve to be treated with love,
kindness, sensitivity and respect and you won't settle for less.

And you learn that your body really is your temple.
And you begin to care for it and treat it with respect.
You begin to eat a balanced diet, drink more water,
and take more time to exercise. You learn that being tired fuels doubt, fear,
and uncertainty and so you take more time to rest.
And, just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul.

So you take more time to laugh and to play.
You learn that, for the most part, you get in life what you believe you deserve...
and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy.
You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for
and that wishing for something to happen is different than working toward making it happen.

More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, d
iscipline and perseverance. You also learn that no one can do it all alone...
and that it's OK to risk asking for help. You learn the only thing you must truly fear is the greatest robber of all: FEAR itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens you can handle it and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your own terms.

And you learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom. You learn that life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people. On these occasions you learn not to personalize things. You learn that God isn't punishing you or failing to answer your prayers. It's just life happening. And you learn to deal with evil in its most primal state -
the ego. You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you. You learn to admit when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls.

You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower. Slowly, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never, ever settle for less than your heart's desire.

And you hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind.
And you make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting, and to stay open to every wonderful possibility. Finally, with courage in your heart and God by your side you take a stand,
you take a deep breath, and you begin to design the life you want to live as best you can.

Anon;

Sometimes,

I allow myself to think about the possibilities of you,
not just the you that you're becoming,
but more so the you that I've always imagined you can be.

Sometimes,
even when I'm struggling
with all the things that being in a relationship with you entails,
still, I am often able to just look pass your past,
and see into the future that you're creating and smile.

For in this new future,
this new you,
all there is you,
and in that,
even I find peace.

Of course,
as I was going into my day,
I never expected to have these thoughts.

Nor did I even
consider the possibility that having you
soon before me would affect me
any differently than it always has,
but sometimes,
even I can be moved by the unseen,
inspired by the unknown(to you),
encouraged even in my own thoughts,
by the fear(s)
that is within you right now!

Sometimes.

Days

Days in and of themselves
have no regal purpose, and yet,
on this day,
I am reminded of you.

Of your smile.
And even a one such as myself
finds today to be special in that instant.

Thanks!

Friendship

In the beginning
of all the great friendships,
the expectation(s)
alwaysexceeds the warnings.

The trepidation though,
is often lessened
by the longing
each person carries
within,
and that,
is the true
question after all!

Words about the Season;

Our memories of summer are often intense because it is a season blessed with a vividness unsurpassed by any other time of year. Our senses are delighted by the bright colors, fresh scents, vibrant flavors, brilliant sunlight, and heat's caress.

There is a sumptuousness about summertime, as both flora and fauna come into their own, regaling us with natural beauty. Our day-to-day circumstances may not change as spring turns into summer, yet we nonetheless feel refreshed. Our burdens seem lighter, and we feel compelled to play, to travel, to relax, and to experience all of life's joys to their full extent during those extended sunlit hours.

Rituals specific to the summer season empower us to attune ourselves to the changes that take place in nature, and within ourselves as the weather grows warmer. Some summertime rituals are highly personal—remnants of past traditions that we have unconsciously preserved through practice. Others can and will be incorporated into our lives whenever we feel the need to experiencesummer's significance on a deeper level.

Summer then, at its core, is a season of light, and by opening ourselves and our spaces to this light, we honor all the joyassociated with the coming months. Unbolting windows and doors, arranging bright-golden blooms in a vase, and turning our faces toward the sun become a celebration when done with intent.

Summer is also a wonderful time to practice focused listening, as the air is filled with beautiful sounds particular to the season. To begin then, find a quiet, solitary spot. For a few precious minutes, pay attention to the workings of your mind and allow it to wander at will. Then turn your attention to the sounds resonating around you and note what you hear, whether the buzzing of bees, our children's laughter, or the song of distant birds.

Thoughts of summers passed, will likely evoke numerous pleasant and joy-filled images in your mind. However, if what you envision seems little more than a piece of your distant past, you can reacquaint yourself with the joys of summertime by immersing yourself in its real and immediate pleasures. Wake up with the sunrise, take a day trip tothe beach, indulge in an ice cream cone, or simply sit quietly in nature's embrace. For as always, the season will pass quickly, but while it remains in front of you, become enveloped in the richness of this life and renew yourself in the wonder of that it will be, no matter what the season may bring!

Loving you richly.
Missing you fully.
Enjoying our connection nevertheless,

Who's Holiday is it anyway?

To realize The value of a sister,
Ask someone Who doesn't have one.

To realize The value of ten years,
Ask a newly Divorced couple.

To realize The value of four years,
Ask a graduate.

To realize The value of one year,
Ask a student who Has failed a final exam.

To realize The value of nine months,
Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.

To realize The value of one week,
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize The value of one minute,
Ask a person Who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize The value of one-second,
Ask a person Who has survived an accident.


Time waits for no one
Treasure every moment you have.

You will treasure it even more when
you can share it with someone special.

To realize the value of a friend or lover,
companion, and/or family member:
lose one before you're ready!

Love,
Breath,
See & Seek.

The rest,
leave to someone who hasn't come as far as you have.

You,

You, who were lost before the beginning, who never came when the call was sent out, me, I do not know which sounds might be precious to you now.

No longer then do I try to recognize you, when, as a surging wave, something is about to manifest within you, before me.

And yet, all the huge images in me, the deeply-sensed far-away landscapes, cities and towers and bridges and un-suspected turns of the path, the powerful life of lands once filled with the presence of gods: all rise with you, to find clear meaning in me, your, forever, elusive one.

You, who are all the gardens I've ever looked upon, and yet, so still full of promise. An open window in a country house,
a warm breeze on a fall day.You, who are, and can always be, within me.

Sometimes,
even though you can't feel a smile from me,
it touches you nevertheless.

Explanations;

Relationships challenge us to accept the unknown of both ourselves and the other,
and this is never easy. Meeting this challenge must be founded on trust.
You need to trust that the other will get whatever they need from you.
You also need to trust that you will get whatever you need from them.

The key word is NEED, not desire.
We are not in relationships to have our desires fulfilled.
It is up to us to fulfill our own desires and stop demanding that they be fulfilled by others.
For example, if you have the desire to be loved,
you must not demand it from someone else.

You fulfill your need for love by expressing it,
and no one can prevent you from doing that.

We usually create difficulties in our relationships
when we let our desires get in the way of the needs.
When we dont get our desires met and that includes things like getting our way,
getting what we want, getting love and attention,
being made to feel important, being shown respect and honor,
and so on we usually get angry, sad, resentful or revengeful.

When that happens we need to stop and ask ourselves what we really need,
and then give it to ourselves rather than demanding it from others.
Its not always easy to know what we need.

While we are conscious of our desires,
our needs are usually related to what we are unconscious of.
Thats why intimacy is an important aspect of all relationships.

Intimacy exposes the unconscious and teaches us trust.
Intimacy helps us to recognize needs and awakens the love to respond to those needs.
It especially empowers us to meet our own needs.

Intimacy says: you are acceptable and lovable just as you are.
It helps to remember that soul is the underlying guide of all relationships.

We always get what we need in our relationships
because the soul always responds to need.
If we dont recognize this,
the problem lies only in our lack of awareness and understanding.

All of our relationships have the potential of showing us who we are as souls,
and asking us to relate as souls to the other.

Thats why our relationship challenges are such powerful forces for personal growth!

In this Life(pmr):

In this life,
there is love that goes unused.

Love that goes unclaimed.
Sometimes,
there is even Love that goes away!

In this way,
many people are made sad, or bitchy,
or angry, or depressed, or sometimes,
just plain confused about life.

In that void,
because of that emptiness
We, those that are not afraid of love
we connect.

Even without touching
we make love
with words
we share love,
even with our thoughts
mostly unspoken.

Which oddly enough,
is the reason there
is real love anyway.

Me, I just like that about life.
No matter the season
I will always be drawn to those
unafraid to feel.

Like you!

Enjoy this day my friend,
and as always,
be blessed as you love again!

Directions to our Father's House;

I really like this one. Someone spent a lot of time on this..

"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Make a Right onto Believeth Blvd.
Keep straight and go through the Green Light, which is Jesus Christ.
There, you must turn onto the Bridge of Faith,
which is over troubled water.

When you get off the bridge,
make a Right turn and Keep Straight.
You are on the King's Highway - Heaven-bound.

Keep going for three miles:
One for the Father,
One for the Son, and One for the Holy Ghost.

Then exit off onto Grace Blvd.
From there, make a Right turn on Gospel Lane.

Keep Straight and then make another Right on Prayer Road.

As you go on your way,
Yield Not to the traffic on Temptation Ave.

Also, avoid SIN STREET because it is a DEAD END.

Pass up Envy Drive, and Hate Avenue.

Also, pass Hypocrisy Street, Gossiping Lane, and Backbiting Blvd.

However, you have to go down Long-suffering Lane,
Persecution Blvd. And Trials and Tribulations Ave.
But that's all right, because VICTORY Street is straight ahead!

AMEN!!!!! SEND THESE DIRECTIONS TO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY SO THEY WILL NOT GET LOST TOO. "Life is God's gift to you. The way you live it............is your gift to God."

Viewpoint(s) shared:

There is a risk involved in everything
Everytime you share a smile
Everytime you shed a tear
You are opening yourself up to hurt.

Some people tread slowly through life,
Avoiding the closeness risk brings,
Side-stepping the things
they can't understand
Turning away from those
who care too much-Those who care too long,
Those who hold too tightly.

There is never an easy way to love
You can not approach it cautiously
It will not wait for you to arm yourself.

It does not care if you turn away
It is everywhere, it is everything.

Love is the greatest of all risks.
It is not reliable,
it is not cautious,
It is not sympathetic
It is unprejudiced
and unmerciliess.

It strikes the strongest of mind,
And brings them to their knees
in one blow.

Even in the best of times,
love hurts.
It hurts to need,
it hurts to belong,
It hurts to be
the other part of someone else,
Without either of your consent.

But, from the moment
it over takes you,
It hurts worse to be all alone.

The risk of love never depletes;
It grows stronger
and more dangerous with time.

But, it's in the total surrender of all defense,
That we,
no matter weak or strong,
No matter willing or captive,
No matter what,
we truly experience love.

Despite the many things love is not,
Outweighing its allure the things that love is:
Love is surrender without a loss.

It is a gift without cost.
For it consumes your every thought & desire,
It is the fire that fuels you
To do more than pass through life;

It urges you,
instead,
to live.

No matter the outcome,
having felt love,
You will never be the same.

It may scar your heart & soul
And leave you only memories of forever.

Or, it may cause every day of your life
To feel like there is no need for tomorrow.

But,
love is worth it.
It is worth the risk...
For in all of life,
Love is truly
the only risk worth taking.

Feeling Our Words(I liked this):

Words Have Weight Words carry energy and this gives language its power and its potential to heal or hurt. Most of us can remember a time that someone sent a word our way, and it stuck with us. It may have been the first time we received a truly accurate compliment, or the time a friend or sibling called us a name, but either way it stuck.

This experience reminds us that what we say has weight and power and that being conscious means being aware of how we use words. The more conscious we become, the more we deepen our relationship to the words we use so that we speak from a place of actually feeling what we are saying. We begin to recognize that words are not abstract, disconnected entities used only to convey meaning; they are powerful transmitters of feeling.

For the next few days, you might want to practice noticing how the words you say and hear affect your body and your emotional state. Notice how the different communication styles of the people in your life make you feel. Also, watch closely to see how your own words come out and what affect they have on the people around you.

You may notice that when we speak quickly, without thinking, or rush to get our ideas across, our words don't carry the same power as when we speak slowly and confidently, allowing those receiving our words time and space to take them in.

When we carefully listen to others before we speak, our words have more integrity, and when we take time to center ourselves before speaking, we truly begin to harness the power of speech. Then our words can be intelligent messengers of healing and light, transmitting deep and positive feelings to those who receive them. Speak truthfully, and live with integrity.

I believe many things;

And yet today;
I believe that directly across from me on this earth
is a being so much like myself.

In their need for love...
their craving for peace...
their desire for unity...
and that person is connecting with me,
even though we can't speak each other's language,
and we eat different foods,
and we wear different clothes,
and play different games.

Even though we differ in every other way,
we are the same in one way.
We are Love.

We are Love...
underneath the fear.

And I believe we can abolish that FEAR!

I believe we can pull it all away
and get to what the core is...
who we really are.

Which is Love!
What do you believe?

"Fear, in whatever form, prevents the understanding of ourselves
and of our relationship to all things."

Good sex...............

…………… like a great relationship,
requires mutual participation.

Without the efforts of two people,
nothing wonderful can develop
when just one person is
willing to share themselves with another.

Whether it is in love,
in bed or even at lunch,
when one provides
and the other is incapable
of meaningful participation,
what fulfillment can come
from such an encounter?

Which of course,
is my way of saying(?)
I’m not just deleting you,
I’m also releasing
you more fully
back into yourself!

Please, enjoy the moon
as it beckons again
tonight.

Lessons learned

After awhile you learn
the subtle difference between
holding a hand and chaining a soul
and you learn that love doesn't mean possession
and company doesn't mean security.

And you begin to learn that kisses
aren't contracts
and presents aren't promises
and you begin to accept
your defeats with your head up
and your eyes ahead
with the grace of an adult
not the grief of a child.

And you learn
to build your roads today
because tomorrow's ground
is too uncertain for plans
and futures have ways
of falling down in mid-flight.

After awhile
you learn that
even sunshine
burns if you get too much
so you plant your
own garden
and decorate
your own soul
instead of waiting
for someone to bring you flowers.

And you learn that
you really can endure
that you really are strong
and you really do have worth
and you learn.......


……………..to love freely,
without unfettered strings attached!