All_you_need_is_love!

Charity (Love) Begins With YOU!

I’ve been brooding about the topic of love lately a little more than usual. You see, in the world we live in, there is still hatred, racism, despair, confusion, and other things that detract, seemingly, from our ability to love.

I was at one of the public office spaces, I use for meetings, one day. An elderly gentleman was there; doing a presentation about his foundation, that goes overseas, to help those less fortunate. I won’t mention the country his ministry goes to because it really doesn’t matter. From observing this gentleman, I could tell he was extremely proud of his accomplishment in helping those children and families in that far away land. And I’m glad he is initiating this movement. He obviously loves the people he is ministering to. And that’s great.

But, I also thought about a phrase my grandmother used to say all the time when I was growing up in South Carolina…

“Charity begins at home and spreads abroad.”

When I was a child, I used to wonder what she meant by that phrase. Now, I understand.

We must have love in our hearts for those we are around, first, before we can take that same love and share with others! If you see a homeless person in the park near your home or office, can you share some love with that person? Could you spare a dollar, a McDonald’s Happy Meal, or a sandwich with that person?

This may seem like a strange topic to you from a former United States Army Drill Sergeant cum The Drill Sergeant of Life. Believe it or not, I had to love those Basic Training soldiers through Basic Training. Although that love was often termed as tough love, it was love nonetheless. I loved those soldiers because I wanted the Army to have the best trained soldiers possible.

Here in the United States, we have many underprivileged children and families right in our own backyard. Now, I give to missions and strongly believe in missions going overseas to help around the world. Unfortunately, it seems we can’t show that same love at home. Love should be shown the same, no matter what. The same way in which we love those we serve outside our circle is the same way in which we should love those in our circle. Can we do that?

Does charity begin at home for you and spread abroad to those who are right around you? Just a thought for you to think on today. #GodIsFaithful

Keeping It Real! Beatrice

written by Beatrice Bruno, The Drill Sergeant of Life

Beatrice@DrillSergeantofLife.com

www.DrillSergeantofLife.com

a Sunday Guided Meditation

Sunday Reflections

This is a picture of the festival of Yi Peng and Loi Krathong. During Loi Krathong banana boats filled with candles and incense are sent floating down rivers. The candle venerates the Buddha with light, while the krathong's floating symbolizes letting go of all one's hatred, anger, and defilement. During Yi Peng, floating. Lighted sky lanterns are launched into the air. This festival is meant as a time for “tham bun” - to make merit. In Thailand, Loi Krathong and Yi Peng are celebrated at the same time resulting in lights floating on the waters, lights hanging from trees/buildings or standing on walls, and lights floating by in the sky.

It is so beautiful. Too bad we don’t have a similar festival here in America. Can you imagine - a time to let go of past anger, hatred and defilement while making plans to live a life deserving of our own, personal praise and reward. How cool is that. How loving. How grace-filled.

Today, let go of all anxieties, fear and sadness. Let go of past anger and hatred. Let go of past defilement. Instead, let your Soul be Filled with TRaNQuiL Moments of Bliss, Joy and Love. Spend Quiet moments of Solitude in Reflection.... Find your Beautiful True Self.... praise and reward yourself… You Deserve it ...

-- written by asd --
photograph by unknown

Imagine by Herbie Hancock; featuring Alicia Keys, India Arie, and Seal

“Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one."

-- John Lennon --

Do You Have A Friend?

For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company. (Psalms 55:12-14 KJV)

Today's Prayer
Lord, I've been thinking about my friends a lot lately. I wonder how they are doing, really doing on the inside. I pray for friends today and those who call others their friends. I pray that You place the kind of friends in in my life that are righteous. Let them speak freely with love and compassion. Let them suggest wisely and honestly. Let them act with prudence and love. I want to emulate those same principles as well. I know that there is none like You. Lord, I need a friend like You. Amen and so it is.

A Friend Like You
They say there is none like You
So, what am I supposed to do

Things are always going on in my life
Constant turmoil
Meaningless strife

Sometimes I wonder,
Do I want to make it another day
Sometimes I just wanna quit, and walk away
I pray...
I hope...
Help is on the way

Having a rough time
Woe is me
Why is this happening
How can this be

Stop
Take a minute to reflect
See God in it
Don't give up yet

Like that time
I didn't know what to do
What do you know
My friend came on through

They say there is none like You
I'm so glad that I have a friend like You

Written by Marc Christmas

don't give up

Don't give up - Herbie Hancock featuring Pink and John Legend

Don't give up

'Cause you have friends

Don't give up

You're not the only one

Don't give up

No reason to be ashamed

Don't give up

You still have us

Don't give up now

We're proud of who you are

Don't give up

You know it's never been easy

Don't give up

'cause I believe there's the a place

There's a place where we belong

Live...Love....Laugh....

a way to make it thru the valley

I am glad that there is love in the world and that there are compassionate people in the world. when we go through valleys of dust, it is nice to know there are people willing to travel through the dust to bring you water, people willing to stand on the other side of the valley and wait for you to emerge so they can provide you with food and clothing. Best, there are people willing to find you in the valley and, if you are not ready or unable to emerge, willingly abide with you so that do not have to go through the valley alone.

when life takes you to the valley
filled with nothing but
bones and stones and dust

when the sun rides high in a
pastel blue sky
and the heat beats
hard upon your brow

may a friend track you,
following your footsteps
til she finds you

may she bring
coolness to dry your brow
water to quench your thirst
food to satisfy your body

may she bring an ear for your troubles
a shoulder for you to lean on
a smile to heal your soul

may you walk strong through the valley together
may you find moments to dance
and opportunities to laugh

may you ... together
keep your footing and fight through storms
combat the heat and avoid cutting stones

may you weather it all, persevere 'til the end
and emerge from the valley
victorious with your friend

*¨Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ¨*• written by asd .•*¨Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ¨*•
sista girls cafe -friends for life; http://sistagirlscafe.blogspot.com
photographer unknown

Meditation Music for Chakra Balancing and Healing Music Sound Therapy by Meditation Relax Club

Who's In You?

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV)

Today's Prayer
What's this about Lord? I read Your word. I pray. I worship You with all my being, and difficulty still comes my way. Show me what it is that I need to learn. Teach me that prayer is a form of communication and not a guarantee of my will being done. Help me to know that worship gives me strength, builds my relationship, and increases my faith in an almighty an everlasting truth, You. Lord, I want to face life and all of my circumstances with a God mindset, I am. Amen and so it is.

The You In Me
That thing that you do that pisses me off
Is a reflection of me that sometimes gets lost
That thing you did that got under my skin
I do the same thing to people over and over again
When you do it, it's so easy for me to see
The thing that irritates me the most, is the you in me

Written by Marc Christmas 

ways of being that lead to happines

Beautiful Peace. . .

Brilliant Peace. . . .
Photography by James Adams

Night Time Praise Eve. . . .

the kinds of friends we all need... or should have... maybe

Today, I am figuring out the type of friends we should have. As I am sure you would agree … there are several different types of friends and we all fall into at least one category. They type of friend we are might not matter or it might determine the type of friends we should have. What difference does it make? I have no idea … other than it is something to think about ... and... of course ... good to know.

Years ago I read a book about life and friendship. It was a great book on how to live life fully, wildly, happily, and with no real regrets. In this book, the author said we should all have nine friends: three older than us as mentors to us, three younger than us to look up to us and for us to mentor and three our own age to grow older with, together. I like that and have tried to do that. So far, however, I have not succeeded at the perfect nine.

Just the other day, however, I read an article that said we all need at least five friends: an older/mentor friend who has been where you are, a younger/mentee friend who is like a younger sister, an “old” friend who has known you forever and knows all about you and your family, a “deep” friend who is full of wisdom and sagacity and willing to share, and an “unexpected” friend who is full of surprises, can pull you out of the doldrums and make you laugh when you least expect it.

Now, if you combine the second theory with the first, you get at least one older friend (mentor), one younger friend (mentee), one your age (old friend) and two to play around with (deep and unexpected). 

 Not bad … if you agree with these theories and are willing to try to have the friends they suggest. But, I have to tell you … one true friend is really all you need; especially if that is all you have, whether by choice or by circumstance. 

*¨Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ¨*• written by asd .•*¨Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ¨*•
photograph by unknown

Are You One?

A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. (Proverbs 16:28 NLT)

Today's Prayer
O Lord, I might be, no, I am. I'm guilty, but I don't want to admit it. I pray that You receive my confession as my means of repenting. I pray that You help me to keep my actions and my mouth aligned with Your purpose for my life. Assist me with my good intentions, which often lead to not so good effects. Help me to recognize that sharing any information about someone else is gossiping. I only want to share the Good News about You and what You have done for me. Amen and so it is.

Focus On...
You & Yours
      Not
Me & Mine

Life & Love
      Not
Death & Crime

Here & Now
       Not
How & Why

God & Spirit
       Not
Them & I

Written by Marc Christmas

Faith Friday

Thank You God for the turbulence in my life. I believe by faith that it signifies higher elevations for me.

It's time to elevate my mindset and set my mind on Christ, the things which are above the world mindset. Colossians 3:1-3

Thank You God for answering my prayer. Despite being in a situation of rejection, you are able to turn it around and build something great. I just have to trust Your perspective in advance!  Psalms 118:21-24

When I am obedient, I believe by faith that I will have good success and prosper in everything I do.
Joshua 1:7

Lord, give me the strength and conviction to work on things that will make a difference beyond my lifetime. I believe by faith that when I take a high degree of pleasure in Your ways, You will give me the desires of my heart. Period. No matter what.
Revelation 14:13
Psalms 37:4

Lord give me a clean heart. Separate me from un-forgiveness and allow me to reconcile when I have differences with my wife, my family and anyone in the body of Christ.

Written by Lawrence Smith

Every Praise

We find what we look for. . . .

Praise and Worship: Shout to the Lord

The First Step

Hello Friends,
The "First Step is the hardest to take".  We hear this all of the time.  When I came across this picture it spoke volumes.  

When I think of "the first step", just the words make me a little skittish.  There are so many thoughts and plans in our minds. . . .you know?  In saying that the one thing I know is I want to live a beautiful, connected, powerful, loving, bountiful and compassionate life.  

How does one do that???

Reading this picture was so pleasing to my spirit.  From what I gathered you have to trust, let go, believe not only in yourself but your dreams. . . all of those things that seem so "uncomfortable". . . . but are all so necessary.

We have to live a life of abundance; knowing that we deserve our hearts desire.  We should accept that once we take that "first step"  each step thereafter is a little easier.  As it gets easier the fright dissipates and suddenly it disappears. . . . . 

and, guess what, you are there-wherever you are, there is.  Let's do it together........

Let's hold hands, say a prayer, take a breath . . . . .

OFF WE GO; knowing all is possible!!!! 

Paulo Coelho on Friendship

Paulo Coelho is a Brazilian lyricist and novelist. He is one of the most widely read authors in the world today and has written over thirty books. The Alchemist," easily his most successful story, is a story about a young shepherd who follows his spiritual journey to the Egyptian pyramids in search of a treasure. Most consider his books inspiring and life changing.

My daughter read The Alchemist some years ago. She enjoyed the book so much she has gone on to read several others by him and has been at me to read some of his works. For some reason I had never been interested in reading a book by him, but as he is popular and I like spiritual books, I finally gave in and decided to read one of his books. While trying to decide which of his books I would read first, I came across his blog and this friendship story. I liked it and thought I would share it with you. I hope you like it as well.

Friendship

by Paulo Coelho

Once upon a time there was a poor but very brave man called Ali. He worked for Ammar, a rich old merchant.

One winter’s night Ammar said: “nobody can spend a night like this on top of the mountain without a blanket or food. But you need money, and if you can manage to do that you will receive a great reward. If you don’t, you will work for thirty days without pay”.

Ali answered: “tomorrow I shall do this test”.

But when he left the shop, he saw that a really icy wind was blowing and became scared, so he decided to ask his best friend, Aydi, if it was crazy of him to accept that bet.

After reflecting a while, Aydi answered: “I shall help you. Tomorrow, when you are at the top of the mountain, look ahead. I will be on the top of the mountain next to yours, where I will spend the whole night with a bonfire lit for you. You look at the fire and think about our friendship – that will keep you warm. You will manage, and later on I shall ask you something in return.”

Ali won the test, got the money, and went to his friend’s house: “You told me you wanted some payment.”

Aydi answered: ”Yes, but it isn't money. Promise that if at any time a cold wind passes through my life, you will light the fire of friendship for me.”

*¨Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ¨*• written by asd .•*¨Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ¨*•
story by Paulo Coelho
photograph from paularosa.com

Have You Opened Your Gift?

Neglect not the gift that is in thee, (1 Timothy 4:14 KJV)

Today's Prayer
Lord, help me to acknowledge the gift that You have bestowed upon me. Sometimes, I've been ashamed or embarrassed to share my gift with others. Please forgive me for my obstinance. Please don't take Your gift away from me. Lord, I want to make a new covenant with You. I want to be used by You. Show me how my gift helps me to do that. Send somebody to help me see what gift I have on the inside that I should be sharing on the outside. Surround me with Your greatness in human form. Stir up the gift in me that has been laying dormant. Allow me one more chance to open my gift so that I can be a blessing to that person that is waiting for me to do so. Amen and so it is.

G.I.F.T.
God
Is
Faithful
Too

You gave it to me,
but I didn't know what to do with it
Actually,
I never even opened it
It was wrapped so nice
I didn't want to mess it up
That was really thoughtful of You to take time and pick a gift just for me
Of course I appreciate it,
I've just been waiting for the right time to use it
I promise I will,
I just need a little more time
I didn't realize that somebody was waiting
I didn't recognize the effect of my hesitating
Is it really that important to you,
that I do what I'm supposed to do
You really need me to open my gift

Written by Marc Christmas

planting the seed of friendship

“I will be generous with my love today. I will sprinkle compliments and uplifting words everywhere I go. I will do this knowing that my words are like seeds and when they fall on fertile soil, a reflection of those seeds will grow into something greater.”

-- Steve Maraboli –

Love this quote … but I was thinking … perhaps it should say …

“I will make a friend today” instead of “I will be generous with my love …” because making a friend is being generous with my love.

Making a friend is a rewarding experience. But it is a choice and does require work.

It is not arrogance that says I am being generous. It is honesty.  Friendships are indeed like seeds. After being planted, if you want them to thrive and flourish, they must be nurtured. They must be planted in the right soil.They need lots of sun, sufficient amounts of water and a bit of fertilizer. Not enough of these ingredients and they die from inadequate care. Too much of these supplies and they die from excessive indulgence. So it is with friendship. it must be cultivated and cared for. It is a fine balance we walk between not enough and too much.

Similarly, when you choose to try to become friends with me, you are being generous with your love. It is a choice that can be quite rewarding… for both of us.

So, today let’s all be generous with our love … let’s go make a friend.

*¨Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ¨*• written by asd .•*¨Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ¨*•
photographer unknown

Do You Need Peace?

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (Isaiah 26:3 KJV)

Today's Prayer
Lord, I'm almost in tears today just thinking about what You have done for me. You are mine, and can't nobody take that away from me. One thing I know for sure, Your love is everlasting, and it gives me power. Thank You Lord. Thank You for the peace that comes before the storm, and the courage to say to the storm, "peace, be still." Hallelujah! I say to life today, that no matter what comes my way, it is only because God has allowed it to be so. Furthermore Lord, thank You for bringing me the victory before the battle. Amen and so it is.

Yes He Is 
God is a mighty God, yes He is
God is an awesome God, yes He is
God is a loving God, yes He is
God is a patient God, yes He is

God is a saving God, yes He is
God is a giving God, yes He is
God is a living God, yes He is
God is a gracious God, yes He is

God is a caring God, yes He is
God is a sharing God, yes He is
God is a hearing God, yes He is
God is a nearing God, yes He is

God is a right-now God, yes He is
God is a forever God, yes He is
God is a everything God, yes He is
God is a great God, yes He is

Written by Marc Christmas

may you be happy

It is a big, beautiful morning out there this day. I have awakened early for a change and can actually appreciate the early morning brisk air ... full of promise and possibility.

I know there are those of you out there in the world who are lonely or troubled. May we here be there for you. May we be your rock and your shoulder ... if not in person, at least in spirit.

But even I know that is not enough. You must find a way to be there for yourself. For those of you who are lonely, find a church or an organization that interests you and join. Be kind and friendly. Extend the hand of friendship to a fellow member. I am certain it will be received warmly and honestly. Or volunteer to help out somewhere, giving is always rewarded ... as is kindness. Moreover, you will have a good time. Nothing is more rewarding than helping another. It also helps to take your mind off your own problems.

For those of you who are troubled, remember ... we all go through things and even the happiest of people have down days. But, today is a perfect day to begin to heal yourself. Take a walk in the sunshine,let the wind caress your cheeks and play with your hair. Stretch your muscles and fill your lungs with the energy of the world around you. Walking is good for the body and spending time out in the sun is good for your spirit. It can be a real spirit lifter.

As you walk, enjoy the scenery and say a quick thank you for all the sights you wish to experience ... couples in love, couples with children, those well dressed, those in great shape ... whatever it is. By appreciating others with what you have, you let the universe know what is in your heart so that it can bring your heart's desire to you. What we are grateful for we get more of.

Enjoy today, having faith in the possibility of tomorrow. And know that we here love you and have your back. We were here yesterday, are here today and we will be here tomorrow.  AND ... In The Meantime ...

May you be in a happy and loving friendship

That your heart might remain open

May your friendship fill you with the confidence to be you

That the light of your true nature might shine forth because of their acceptance of you

May acceptance remove all traces of shame from you, replacing that shame with the joy of self acceptance

That their acceptance might help you to allow others to reveal their true nature to you without shame

May your friendship be healing

That you might become a source of healing for others

May your friendship fill you with trust

That trust might allow you to express yourself openly and honestly to yourself and others

May you be filled with a light and loving heart

That your love might fill the air with beauty and kindness

May you be happy

That your happiness might radiate from you to fill the world with sunshine

*¨Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ¨*• written by asd .•*¨Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ¨*•

Are You In The Way?

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (Psalms 1:1-2 KJV)

Today's Prayer
Lord, my prayer is simple today, make me like a tree that is planted by rivers of water. Root my tenants deep in principles of righteousness. Let me be fruitful. Fertilize me with Your love. Fortify and ground me so that I may withstand the storms of life. Let me be a symbol of strength, hope, and prosperity for all to see and believe that it can be so for them as well. Today I declare, I am in You, and You are in me. Amen and so it is.

Move
"Move...Get out the way!"
Said best in a song
The writer might've known it all along
Now I get it
It's my turn to see
Move
That's what God is telling me

Written by Marc Christmas

Monday Meditation

Happy Monday

susanne van hulst

"Quiet the mind, and the soul will speak." 

-- Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati--

Let's try a joyful meditation  -
Sit as comfortable and as upright as possible.
rest your hands open and uncross your legs
drop your shoulders and slightly tuck in your chin
breath through your nose
smile... yes... put a smile on your face
keep your eye focused on something just above you or half close them... or... if you like close them all the way... whichever feels the most comfortable for you.

now take slow, deep breaths and tell yourself to relax with each breath.
pay attention to your breaths as you tell each part of your body to relax from your head down to your feet.
when you are relaxed repeat to yourself "I am joyful, life is fun"
say it to yourself with each breath

as you say this, imagine invisible smiles floating down through your body.
as they float down feel how they help wherever they touch feel relaxed and warm.
if you feel any discomfort, itching or pain, encourage the smiles to land on that area and suggest to the area that it can relax and enjoy the moment of smiles.
continue to breath in smiles and to let the smiling energy float down, touching and relaxing every part of your body.

When you are finished, tell yourself that life will be more enjoyable and you will be more joyful if you smile and relax just a little bit more. Then rest a moment and relax in the space of your meditation. When you are ready, get up and return to your day. Every now and then, throughout the day,  stop, take three deep breaths and say "I am joyful, life is fun."

written by asd (with some assistance from john a. bright-fey... thank you)

my soul remembers my friends

I just wanted to add a little bit from my previous bit “on Rumi on loving”. As I said, I agree that the soul's memory is the best and the ultimate but my heart and my mind play a major part in who and why and how I love. They all work together.This poem is in honor of our souls and the friends we love, with our heart, mind, soul and spirit. HERE'S TO FRIENDSHIPS. LONG MAY WE LOVE

My soul remembers what my heart's forgot

My soul remembers what the mind cannot

My soul is there when the body dies

My soul remains ‘cause my spirit’s wise

My friendship’s true … My mind reason’s so

My friend is you … my heart feels love’s flow

My friend, our friendship fills my heart and mind

My soul says that we are one of a kind

So my soul will remember you when my heart’s forgot

My soul will remember you when my mind cannot

My soul will remember you when my body dies

Because my spirit loves you and my spirit is wise

*¨Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ¨*• written by asd .•*¨Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ¨*•

author of picture unknown

Did You Have A Taste?

O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. (Psalms 34:8 KJV)

Today's Prayer
Lord, I am trying to do better than before. I'm holding on to Your promises of redemption, and power, and strength. I desire to walk upright with faith and courage right beside me. I need You now. Right now, in an immediate way. I'm praising You with my mouth even though I'm challenged in my heart. I'm telling others how good You are, even though things ain't going so good for me. I just ask that You help me. Help me to do what I should do even when I don't want to do it. I will magnify You, and I will exalt Your name. Hear me. Deliver me from all my fears. I'm trying to do good, and I'm searching for peace. Hear my cry o Lord. Deliver me from my afflictions. I read in Your word that You redeem the soul of Your servants, and If I trust in You, I will not be desolate. Make it so Lord. Make it so. Amen and so it is.


I've Been Dreaming
In the middle of the night
Right before dawn
My eyes begin to flutter
My mind's T.V. cuts on

What is that I'm watching
Is that possible can it be
I'm dreaming in color
It's looks so real to me

Out of nowhere
It just appeared
Are You trying to tell me something
Maybe so, that was weird

I've been dreaming
Every night for some days
Different dreams every time
Sometimes in multiples, they come in waves

Should I just chalk it up
Maybe it's just one of those things
Maybe it's God trying to tell me
God is everywhere, even in my dreams

Written by Marc Christmas

a Sunday Guided Meditation

crossingisland.tumblr

I enjoy guided meditations - taking some time for me, to relax, go inside  myself, and just be. It is even better when the guided meditation is fun. This guided mediation is just that. It is also a perfect beginning sort of meditation. It is called "P.S. You are Great and Everything is Going to be Okay". It is basically fifteen minutes of why life is actually pretty okay. If you have fifteen minutes give it a try.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hvGRXdXrV0

Sunday reflections

photographer unknown

I know it looks like I am just sitting. Actually, as it is Sunday,  I am rejuvenating myself and waiting to see what the universe has in store for me next. I can't recreate any of my past happy moments. I no longer choose to live in the past. Instead, I choose to continually create new happy moments. But every minute can’t be a happy moment so in between (and especially on Sundays); I sit, relax, rejuvenate and enjoy ...just enjoy... the day.

I forget sometimes the real value of a day. I forget that each day is unique, comes only once, cannot be repeated. I forget that any moment of every day can be magical. I forget that any moment of every day can take your breath away. I forget that I must be willing to seize those moments, laugh with them, go with them

and be grateful for the opportunity to be in and a part of them if I want to have more.

If I remembered more often, I might realize I can shape and mold each day the way I want it to be, as well as the way I want it to turn out. If I remembered more often, I might always begin each day in gratitude and end each in day in thanks; see each day and task as a chance to do my best. If I remembered more often, I might take the things that cross my path – the good and the bad, in my stride. If I valued each day I would remember to enjoy it more, appreciate it more and fill it with more of all that is good.

If I remembered I might spend more days in harmony with nature, myself, others and the world. I might consciously choose to be lovingly, joyfully, peacefully. purposefully living. I might seize every moment -wild or serene, happy or painful - and laugh in it, dance in it, find the music and rhythm in it, hear the poetry of it, see the artful beauty of it, go with it, learn from it and be grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it. No... not might... I would.

*¨Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ¨*• written by asd .•*¨Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ¨*•

Are You His?

For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: (Psalms 149:4 KJV)

Today's Prayer
Lord, I praise you and magnify Your Holy name. You are so wonderful, that sometimes just the thought of what You have done for me over my life, brings tears of joy to my eyes. Hallelujah! I pray that You place a new song of praise in my heart. Let me cantillate Your praise amongst Your people. May the beauty of Your salvation shine brightly through me. Honor me with Your glory. Glory be to God. This I pray. Amen and so it is.

He
He has done so much,
Where do I begin
He has stuck closer than a brother,
He is better than a friend
He has been there when I completely failed
He has carried me through tough times as well
He has given me grace that I didn't earn
He has shown me mercy on many a turn
He has done more for me, than I could ever show
He loves me unconditionally, and this I know

Written by Marc Christmas

The Wisdom of Mooji

photographer unknown

You are the peace in silence.

You are the silence in peace.
You are the light of consciousness that causes all things to be seen.
You are the perceiving love devoid of objective identity.
You are the wisdom and love which shines from the source of existence.
You are Unborn Awareness Self.

~ Mooji

what is friendship?

photographer unknown

A friend is defined as a person whom one knows, likes, and trusts. So friendship is when two people know each other well, and like and trust each other. A friendship is a relationship between two people that demands time and effort and requires empathy, honesty and putting aside your pride. It provides support and comfort in good times and bad and it keeps you happy.

        But friendship is more than just being happy together or sharing in good times. Sometimes one of you may say or do something hurtful to the other. In a good friendship; you face the problem together, work out a solution together and forgive and let go. In a good friendship, you protect, love, and accept each other, you don’t judge each other. You may argue with each other from time to time, but you come together again. In a good friendship all this works because a good friendship is also about surviving bad times together.

        What else is friendship? It is having a person in your life you can trust completely. It is realizing that someone else wants the best for you. It is being together without needing to pretend. It is having someone you can call at any time, knowing they will be happy to hear from you. It is sharing your grief and your happiness with another. It is helping solve each other’s problems. It is sharing your dreams, hopes, and secrets together. It is helping out and expecting nothing in return. It is having fun through everyday life together. It is finding time for each other. It is being so in tune with each other, you know each other feelings and understand the why of them; and you can even… sometimes… finish each other’s sentences and thoughts.

A true friendship, a good friendship; is an enjoyable relationship that makes all involved in it happy and without one in your life; it is a lot harder to maintain a happy existence. A true friendship fills your heart, your spirit and your soul. It is a gift you choose to give yourself… knowing it will keep on giving as you keep on giving. And that is good.

*¨Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ¨*• written by asd .•*¨Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ¨*•
Sista Girls Cafe - Friends for Life

Did You Get The Sign?

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; (Isaiah 7:14 KJV)

Today's Prayer
God, I've been wrestling with what Your will is for me. I want to believe that this is Your will. Mainly because, this is something that I want real bad. However, I must pray. Lord, let Your will be done. I just ask that you give me some kind of sign or symbol for my conscious mind. Show me what Your will is for me. Amen and so it is.

S.I.G.N.
Send
In
God
Now

Written by Marc Christmas 

This is what humbles the gifted called...us.

Sunrise Reflected in a Bubble 

Isn't Creator’s hand grand?  The pleasing spectacles available for the eye to gaze upon are so amazing.

We just have to take a moment, breathe in, reflect and remember to inhale the beauty.  It’s all around us; each child-like glare, the sunrise as seen by a bubble, each flower petal, each branch as it holds on to its leaves during the breath called wind.  Sometimes it becomes overwhelming to see and acknowledge Creator’s gifts.

This is what humbles the gifted called. . .us. 

Take time to notice…. It makes us cry out Jesus, Yahweh, Jehovah, Elohim, Savior, Father, Spirit, Allah, Elah, ehyeh, Adonai, Messiah, Cheon-ju, Nkosi, Whaeguru, Ishvara -meaning ….Lord invisible, Worthy of Profound thanks,  All embracing goodness, Merciful Giver, Most High Creator, Embracing All Creation, Wonderful Teacher, All Glorious, I AM that I Am….. 

WE stand amazed at Your glory,

WE stand amazed at your power………

Look and see what has been created for us..........

                            So AMAZING!!!!

Reflection by Noreen Holly
origin of image  unknown