A Year Of Discovery
When the clock strikes midnight at the end of December 31st, we realize that even though we may not want to move forward into the New Year, we ran out of the old year. The end of the road. It's done, it's over, it's gone. When we put the new calendar on the wall, we begin with January and realize that we have 365 days to again create the life we choose to live. Instead of mindlessly crossing off each day as though it were something to endure, this year look at the coming months as part of a grand adventure. Open each monthly treasure with eager eyes and be willing to discover the gems of life!
January - Open Doors
Januarius, the Roman god of doors and gates invites up to step through time into the possibility of living a fully engaged existence. Our spiritual doors can either swing easily into the unknown or remain so warped and stuck that life pries them open as they creak and resist, pushing us reluctantly across the threshold. Providing a means to enter into the future, January welcomes us to start again, discover new ideas and possibilities and plan for the future.
February - Heartbeat
Life beats within every living creature, and in February we honor the rhythm of life. Our hearts celebrate Valentine's Day and the sharing of the most precious human emotion - love! Over time, the symbolic heart grew to represent love. The pulse of life which keeps our bodies alive, also keeps tempo with love. Our hearts may "skip a beat" when the subject of our affection enters the room, or our hearts may "sink" when we experience disappointment. When we discover the passion which fuels our spiritual engines, we know we've met our heart's desire.
March - Winds Of Change
Fresh air arrives in a flowing movement, on a current of ever changing composition. We sense a storm brewing, or smell oncoming rain. Wind brings with it a cleansing and sweeping away of old ideas and dusty routines and requires only that we allow it to "blow over" and experience the freshness of a new experience. Sure a strong breeze may stir up a bit of dust and confuse things for awhile, but noticing which of our old habits ceremoniously blew away, we understand how much better off we are without them. Accepting constant change frees us to discover an ever changing climate of possibilities.
April - Preparing For Growth
Just as the earth begins to prepare for planting crops with nourishing rain and warming temperatures, April offers us a chance to experience a downpour of blessings to ready us for new opportunities for growth. When we understand the storms of life not only serve to fortify us with revitalizing force, we see that our preparatory lessons - however harsh in impact - strengthen us to plant the seeds of what we choose to grow in our lives.
May - Planting Ideas
Traditionally in May, we plan for our lessons in the coming year by planting seeds of inspiration notions of realization. From ideas which root from deep within our souls, to the wandering vines of far-reaching dreams, we create our future with the small little requests put into motion by digging deep in fertile soil of possibility. The Universe then takes over the germinating and sprouting of our ideas, no matter how big or small. You'll enjoy discovering that an emphatic intention, deliberately planted in the rich soil of your connection to the Infinite brings you!
June - Solstice
Like the farmer committed to his crops, June gives us a solstice of change along with the steadfast yet unseen growth of our energetic desires. The longest days of the year allow us extra time and light in which to tend to and grow our ideas. The solstice also represents a shift from days lengthening to shortening and gently reminds us that although the rules of nature never change, we can accept the transition from light to darkness and remain empowered by the cycle. In the moments of darkness we learn that when we remain eternally connected to the Infinite, we commit to living an ever-changing life of discovery!
July - Freedom
Trapped in the grid of calendar days and months, the year stretches out before us as we plan our future. Take a revolutionary step from what you did this time last year and dare to discover something new to do. Think beyond what the month offers and in climate and leisure time, and break free from what Thoreau called "a life of quiet desperation." In the symbolic month of Freedom, this July dare to venture into the freedom of your mind, your thoughts and your desires!
August - Movement
Shifting from the summer months to prepare for the changes in autumn, we often look at August as a bridge between the vacations we knew as children to the school year ahead. Passing quickly, August reminds us our work is ahead of us and to amass the momentum gained from a few months of recreation to a life of creation. We discover that movement brings change as we look toward our goals and embrace the life lessons necessary to reach even higher.
September - Learning
We begin the harvest time of the year with eagerness to reap our life's work. After a hearty spring of planting, a summer of growing, fall's impending harvest gives us a chance to enjoy the nourishment we deliberately created. In the Autumnal Equinox of our lives, we reach a balance of work and restful resolve and discover that the spiritual work we consciously and subconsciously performed benefits us if we pluck it from its foundation and put it to good use!
October - New Ideas
As Christopher Columbus found the new world, we venture out of our comfort zones in October to seek new ideas and meaning. Fat with the abundance of soulful crops, we are full-bellied with spirit and able to allow ourselves the luxury of imagining a greater life. Halloween invites us to put on a face of someone else, even for one night, to aspire to be something different, or perhaps even better than we perceive ourselves to be. Discover something new about yourself every day!
November - Gratitude
Giving thanks for all that we are, all we do, and all that we have keeps the laws of physics and energy in motion. Even when circumstances appear dire, gratitude finds a way to peek through and remind us that a lesson dwells deep inside the well of uncertainty. Amidst a feast of gratitude our life works. Discovering a morsel of positive thought brings about a cornucopia of daily blessings.
December - Rejuvenation
Winding down the calendar year, the Winter Solstice shifts the planet from shorter to longer days. Our harvest long-since stored for use in the coming winter months, December offers time for rest and reflection. Our spirits celebrate the much anticipated lighter days while using the darkness to turn within and rebuild our souls. Take the time to discover all the ways you move from darkness to light, and from storing your good to gladly sharing it with the world.
As long as people attempted to capture time in a calendar, restrictions on timepieces, measurement and ceremony moved into our consciousness. Cultures created rules about when a ritual is performed, when crops get planted, and even when to celebrate and when to relax. As you flip through the man-made calendar, know that you alone hold the key to discovering how you will live in the coming days, weeks and months. It's your life! Live it well and cherish every minute.
--- Copyright © 2010 Marlene Buffa
Taking a quiet sideways glance at life, Marlene offers insight through her words from experiences. A student of new-thought teachings, Marlene finds practical spirituality around every corner and seeks wisdom through observation of life's inter-relationships. Sometimes playful, sometimes poignant, always thought-provoking, her writing inspires readers in meaningful ways. Be sure to visit her website at: www.wordsofmind.com
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Sunday, January 16, 2011
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
How Great Love Is
Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived: Happiness, Sadness, and all of the others including Love.
One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all repaired their boats and left. Love was the only one who stayed. Love wanted to persevere until the last possible moment. When the island was almost sinking, Love decided to ask for help.
Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said, "Richness, can you take me with you?" Richness answered, "No I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place for you here."
Love decided to ask Vanity, who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel, "Vanity, please help me!" "I can't help you, Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat," Vanity answered.
Sadness was close by so Love asked for help, "Sadness let me go with you." "Oh...Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!" Happiness passed by Love too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her!
Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come Love, I will take you." It was an elder. Love felt so blessed and overjoyed that he even forgot to ask the elder her name.
When they arrived at dry land, the elder went her own way. Love realizing how much he owed the elder, asked Knowledge, another elder, "Who helped me?"
"It was Time", Knowledge answered.
"Time?" asked Love. "But why did Time help me?"
Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and answered, "Because only Time is capable of understanding how great Love is."
--- Author Unknown
--- Submitted by Amy Yates --- Texas
--- Submitted by Tammy ---Texas
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One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all repaired their boats and left. Love was the only one who stayed. Love wanted to persevere until the last possible moment. When the island was almost sinking, Love decided to ask for help.
Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said, "Richness, can you take me with you?" Richness answered, "No I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place for you here."
Love decided to ask Vanity, who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel, "Vanity, please help me!" "I can't help you, Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat," Vanity answered.
Sadness was close by so Love asked for help, "Sadness let me go with you." "Oh...Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!" Happiness passed by Love too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her!
Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come Love, I will take you." It was an elder. Love felt so blessed and overjoyed that he even forgot to ask the elder her name.
When they arrived at dry land, the elder went her own way. Love realizing how much he owed the elder, asked Knowledge, another elder, "Who helped me?"
"It was Time", Knowledge answered.
"Time?" asked Love. "But why did Time help me?"
Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and answered, "Because only Time is capable of understanding how great Love is."
--- Author Unknown
--- Submitted by Amy Yates --- Texas
--- Submitted by Tammy ---Texas
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Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Life Lessons I've Learned
* I've learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it.
- Age 39
* I've learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me clean it up.
- Age 13
* I've learned that children and grandparents are natural allies.
- Age 46
* I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
- Age 82
* I've learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice.
- Age 24
* I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
- Age 65
* I've learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone.
- Age 50
* I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die.
- Age 53
* I've learned that you can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
- Age 7
* I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt, the greater his need is to cast blame on others.
- Age 46
* I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
- Age 62
* I've learned that it pays to believe in miracles. And to tell the truth, I've seen several.
- Age 73
* I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.
- Age 64
* I've learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life's great pleasures.
- Age 29
* I've learned that wherever I go, the worlds worst drivers have followed me there.
- Age 29
* I've learned that singing "Amazing Grace" can lift my spirits for hours.
- Age 49
* I've learned that you can make someone's day by simply sending them a little card.
- Age 44
* I've learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up.
- Age 13
* I've learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back.
- Age 9
* I've learned that although it's hard to admit it, I'm secretly glad my parents are strict with me.
- Age 15
* I've learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
- Age 52
* I've learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision.
- Age 66
* I've learned that if you want to do something positive for your children, try to improve your marriage.
- Age 61
* I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.
- Age 58
* I've learned that everyone can use a prayer.
- Age 72
* I've learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing "Silent Night".
- Age 7
* I've learned that there are people who love you dearly but just don't know how to show it.
- Age 41
* I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch, holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
- Age 85
* I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
- Age 92
--- Author Unknown --- Submitted by Fran Sawyer --- Florida
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- Age 39
* I've learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me clean it up.
- Age 13
* I've learned that children and grandparents are natural allies.
- Age 46
* I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
- Age 82
* I've learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice.
- Age 24
* I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
- Age 65
* I've learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone.
- Age 50
* I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die.
- Age 53
* I've learned that you can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
- Age 7
* I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt, the greater his need is to cast blame on others.
- Age 46
* I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
- Age 62
* I've learned that it pays to believe in miracles. And to tell the truth, I've seen several.
- Age 73
* I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.
- Age 64
* I've learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life's great pleasures.
- Age 29
* I've learned that wherever I go, the worlds worst drivers have followed me there.
- Age 29
* I've learned that singing "Amazing Grace" can lift my spirits for hours.
- Age 49
* I've learned that you can make someone's day by simply sending them a little card.
- Age 44
* I've learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up.
- Age 13
* I've learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back.
- Age 9
* I've learned that although it's hard to admit it, I'm secretly glad my parents are strict with me.
- Age 15
* I've learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
- Age 52
* I've learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision.
- Age 66
* I've learned that if you want to do something positive for your children, try to improve your marriage.
- Age 61
* I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.
- Age 58
* I've learned that everyone can use a prayer.
- Age 72
* I've learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing "Silent Night".
- Age 7
* I've learned that there are people who love you dearly but just don't know how to show it.
- Age 41
* I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch, holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
- Age 85
* I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
- Age 92
--- Author Unknown --- Submitted by Fran Sawyer --- Florida
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Time Is An Equal Opportunity Employer
Time is an equal opportunity employer. Each human being has exactly the same number of hours and minutes every day.
Rich people can't buy more time. Scientists can't invent new minutes. And you can't save time to spend on another day.
Even so, time is amazingly fair and forgiving. No matter how much time you've wasted in the past, you still have an entire tomorrow.
Success depends upon using it wisely - - by planning and setting priorities. Time is worth more than money, and by killing time, we are killing our own chances of success.
--- Author Unknown --- Submitted by Zully Bones Read More..
Rich people can't buy more time. Scientists can't invent new minutes. And you can't save time to spend on another day.
Even so, time is amazingly fair and forgiving. No matter how much time you've wasted in the past, you still have an entire tomorrow.
Success depends upon using it wisely - - by planning and setting priorities. Time is worth more than money, and by killing time, we are killing our own chances of success.
--- Author Unknown --- Submitted by Zully Bones Read More..
Can Your Actions Affect Others?
Mark was walking home from school one day when he noticed the boy ahead of him had tripped and dropped all of the books he was carrying, along with two sweaters, a baseball bat, a glove and a small tape recorder.
Mark knelt down and helped the boy pick up the scattered articles. Since they were going the same way, he helped to carry part of the burden.
As they walked, Mark discovered the boy's name was Bill, that he loved video games, baseball and history, and that he was having lots of trouble with his other subjects, and that he had just broken up with his girlfriend.
They arrived at Bill's home first and Mark was invited in for a Coke and to watch some television. The afternoon passed pleasantly with a few laughs and some shared small talk, then Mark went home.
They continued to see each other around school, had lunch together once or twice, then both graduated from junior high school. They ended up in the same high school where they had brief contacts over the years.
Finally the long-awaited senior year came and three weeks before graduation, Bill asked Mark if they could talk.
Bill reminded him of the day years ago when they had first met. "Did you ever wonder why I was carrying so many things home that day?" asked Bill.
"You see, I cleaned out my locker because I didn't want to leave a mess for anyone else. I had stored away some of my mother's sleeping pills and I was going home to commit suicide. But after we spent some time together talking and laughing, I realized that if I had killed myself, I would have missed that time and so many others that might follow. So you see, Mark, when you picked up those books that day, you did a lot more, you saved my life."
--- Author Unknown --- Submitted by Jeff Pappas --- Texas
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Mark knelt down and helped the boy pick up the scattered articles. Since they were going the same way, he helped to carry part of the burden.
As they walked, Mark discovered the boy's name was Bill, that he loved video games, baseball and history, and that he was having lots of trouble with his other subjects, and that he had just broken up with his girlfriend.
They arrived at Bill's home first and Mark was invited in for a Coke and to watch some television. The afternoon passed pleasantly with a few laughs and some shared small talk, then Mark went home.
They continued to see each other around school, had lunch together once or twice, then both graduated from junior high school. They ended up in the same high school where they had brief contacts over the years.
Finally the long-awaited senior year came and three weeks before graduation, Bill asked Mark if they could talk.
Bill reminded him of the day years ago when they had first met. "Did you ever wonder why I was carrying so many things home that day?" asked Bill.
"You see, I cleaned out my locker because I didn't want to leave a mess for anyone else. I had stored away some of my mother's sleeping pills and I was going home to commit suicide. But after we spent some time together talking and laughing, I realized that if I had killed myself, I would have missed that time and so many others that might follow. So you see, Mark, when you picked up those books that day, you did a lot more, you saved my life."
--- Author Unknown --- Submitted by Jeff Pappas --- Texas
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Our Evolution - A Message of Hope
Our Evolution - A Message of Hope
Along our journey there will be many forks in the road and choices to be made. Ever evolving, a sense of calling grows within... ever beckoning The Way. It never insists, yet always remains; a loving whisper calling from that place of deepest being.
Dear Friends,
Last Wednesday, I smiled and said hello to another, and they pretended not to see or hear me.
Then, on Thursday, I overheard a passionate plea from a corporate boardroom about the need for teamwork and working together... but, that person was scoffed at as "dreaming in pink".
... On Friday, I watched a news story saying that we must cut back on world relief efforts, as times were tough at home.
Then, on Saturday I saw that same person from Wednesday so touched by the gesture, that they smiled and greeted their neighbor for the first time!
And then! On, Sunday morning an e-mail was sent from the CEO to that brave businesswoman saying "yes, we do need to create more harmony" and "please lead our team".
And finally, on Sunday evening, I watched a courageous news reporter make an emotional appeal declaring: "It was time that we all pulled together and help our sister countries in need!"
So it is with a joyful heart, I can report evidence supporting the evolution of humankind; and I am so very hopeful...
--- Written in 2010 by E.G. Drennan --- Canada
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Along our journey there will be many forks in the road and choices to be made. Ever evolving, a sense of calling grows within... ever beckoning The Way. It never insists, yet always remains; a loving whisper calling from that place of deepest being.
Dear Friends,
Last Wednesday, I smiled and said hello to another, and they pretended not to see or hear me.
Then, on Thursday, I overheard a passionate plea from a corporate boardroom about the need for teamwork and working together... but, that person was scoffed at as "dreaming in pink".
... On Friday, I watched a news story saying that we must cut back on world relief efforts, as times were tough at home.
Then, on Saturday I saw that same person from Wednesday so touched by the gesture, that they smiled and greeted their neighbor for the first time!
And then! On, Sunday morning an e-mail was sent from the CEO to that brave businesswoman saying "yes, we do need to create more harmony" and "please lead our team".
And finally, on Sunday evening, I watched a courageous news reporter make an emotional appeal declaring: "It was time that we all pulled together and help our sister countries in need!"
So it is with a joyful heart, I can report evidence supporting the evolution of humankind; and I am so very hopeful...
--- Written in 2010 by E.G. Drennan --- Canada
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God Is Always With You
God's Love Surrounds You
When you are down and out
Lost, and filled with despair
Know that God's love surrounds you
You're safe in His special care
When people taunt and abuse you
And leave you feeling low
Look to your Creator and Saviour
Let His Love surround you in its Glow
When you need to ask for forgiveness
And are hurting deep inside
Approach Him with an open heart
And let Him touch your life
When your situation seems hopeless
All you need is a friend and guide
Look to Him and seek His help
Hand held, he'll walk by your side
Just welcome Him into your heart
Make Him the center of everything
You will find an amazing transformation
As His love envelopes your being
--- Copyrght © 2010 Sharon Pires
This poem is based on some of my experiences when God's love has helped me through difficult and trying times.
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When you are down and out
Lost, and filled with despair
Know that God's love surrounds you
You're safe in His special care
When people taunt and abuse you
And leave you feeling low
Look to your Creator and Saviour
Let His Love surround you in its Glow
When you need to ask for forgiveness
And are hurting deep inside
Approach Him with an open heart
And let Him touch your life
When your situation seems hopeless
All you need is a friend and guide
Look to Him and seek His help
Hand held, he'll walk by your side
Just welcome Him into your heart
Make Him the center of everything
You will find an amazing transformation
As His love envelopes your being
--- Copyrght © 2010 Sharon Pires
This poem is based on some of my experiences when God's love has helped me through difficult and trying times.
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