My day began as many others do. The morning was a bit cooler. I cannot say I am sorry ,as recently, the hot weather has taken a toll on my energy level.
It was a day of a routine schedule. Nothing exasperating, nothing remarkable , until I saw a statuesque young woman, with blonde hair, walking her dog. He was a fairly large, very black dog. They moved slowly together.
We passed and I said hello . I mentioned her dog limping….thinking perhaps the dog had twisted an ankle.
My Axel Bear, a Rottweiler, often charges across the yard to chase the sounds along the fence-line. In doing so, sometimes he twists his paw. One time he tore both ACL joints and was in severe pain. But that is another story……
She said her boy was eleven and had arthritis. I have some arthritis so I know how painful it is. I can voice my pain All a dog is able to do is limp, or pant, or sometimes voice an occasional whimper. All the owner can do for his or her beloved dog, is attend to the business of caring for the animal, when these things become obvious.
This afternoon I saw this patient and kind – lovely woman, walking her dog again. I watched her for a few minutes.
She was in pace with the animal in pain. She never hurried the dog or got impatient. She just lovingly stood as he looked around, sniffed the air, and decided when it was time to walk a few steps further.
It was genuinely an amazing sight to see. In recent days, I have read about dog owners giving their dog away when they get old…taking them to the dog pound, or trying to sell them saying,“We just moved and we cannot have a dog.” It makes me FUME!
When we accept the unconditional love of the greatest friend human beings have – a dog – we need to not only feed and care for them through out their young and vibrant years; we need to fulfill our commitment, as we would with a child, during those more difficult and painful years. We should not dump them because they need more care and perhaps medical help…or because we are fearful to see them wither on the vine and pass away.
As I watched these “friends” walking past, I could not help but ask what their names are. The young woman said, “This is Diesel and I am Donna.
I asked if I might write a bit about them, and though taken by surprise, she said it was alright.
I wanted to tell this LOVE STORY between a young blonde woman, and a very black older dog. The love was obvious. The patience and care was beautiful, and it touched my heart deeply!
If only everyone who accepted all that a dog has to offer, would fulfill a dog’s life, as this woman is obviously doing, it would be miraculous.
Bless them both. When the time comes for separation, I know, and believe with ALL my heart – God would never give us such a gift only to end the Spirit forever.
I believe Diesel will be playing, pain free, at the Rainbow bridge, and waiting with kisses and love in his heart, for his Donna!
Totally believe we have choice one hundred percent of the time. “The best anesthesia against pain is your mental power. If you identify yourself more with God and less with the body.”..……You can survive anything and be happy!
“Be mentally apart from pain; develop more strength of mind. Be tough within. When you are feeling pain, inwardly say to yourself, “It doesn’t hurt me.” When a hurt comes, recognize it as something to be cared for, but don’t suffer over it.”
We can help heal our bodies with the power of our minds. We will find peace beyond understanding if we fill that empty space in our hearts with God.
We need to remember to have FUN and really take time to LIVE!
Time is of the essence. Fill the air with love and don’t forget to listen and watch…miracles are all around us if we just open our hearts and eyes.
You may think what is happening in the world is terrible and out of control. It may APPEAR you have no choices. You ALWAYS HAVE THE CHOICE of how to react to what happens in your corner of the world. Do the best you can in “your” world, remember to love and forgive, and be honorable in your actions.
One word, one deed, one moment could make a change in someones life and then the domino effect begins….one human, one heart at a time.
The difference between positive thoughts and negative ones…is simply a word or two.
Rather than mentioning how much I MISS specific things, as an optimist I will say instead, I have WONDERFUL MEMORIES of things. It is so easy, but we get in the habit of using negative words and phrases, and our minds, being brilliant learning machines, places the words used into thoughts and feelings.
Today I would like to share memories of things I treasure. I will hope and pray that the children of today, though perhaps unable to enjoy the exact memories, will have exceptional memories of their own as they grow into adults.
The first thing that comes to mind: sitting in a tree when I was eight or so, and I enjoyed the sound of the birds and the big clouds mixing together before a storm. I ate so many tart green apples it did make me ill for a bit – but worth every moment I had sitting in that tree.
I remember how the sound of a train made me feel warm and think of places in the country and the thrill when the engine operator saw me and tooted his long horn. The sound still makes me stop and think….
I remember laying in the grass and listening to silence, while clouds configured into animals and faces, and wonderful things.
I remember riding my bike with my sister to the high school in the evening. There was no fear, no helmet, and no restriction to be home before dark. We dropped our bikes and changed into swimsuits and jumped into the pool. I loved to do a headstand in the water – legs straight as a board.
I remember walking on a downed tree with my cousin on the end of it, pushing it up and down to see if he could shake me off. We laughed and smiled and then went fishing on the river in Kings Canyon.
I remember seeing so many butterflies when the flowers came into bloom. A butterfly would flutter by…The bees came round too when the flowers were in bloom, another memory of joy.
I remember going to a camp where my brother and sister and I floated candles on little lily pads made of cardboard as a show of our faith in Jesus. The lake was brilliant with the light of so many that night.
I remember being scolded at that camp because I let a boy kiss me lightly on the lips. It is not the scolding that brings a fond memory, but because I liked the boy – it was the kiss!
I remember always, with my family, sharing laughter and song. Often we broke into song for no particular reason. We still do. I remember holding each of my children close to me, and thanking God for them.
I am joyful and grateful I was born with something inside my heart than always finds a way to smile and be positive. I believe I was born to love, and in turn, I have been given love by so many people along the way.
I remember as a young adult someone told me “I have the cracklings of a healer” – which to me is wonderful. I want others to feel their hearts almost explode with joy, and their bodies and minds to heal..I want them to KNOW and use the power of the Spirit within.
I am grateful for living, thirty years now, with a man who kept his promises…and still does.
Fireflies, bonfires, a church bell ringing, children giggling, the feel of a baby laying on your chest-your heartbeat and the infants heartbeat, the dog laying upside down, sleeping and snoring, the unity of loved ones when Spirit leaves a body, the faith that keeps you going even when it seems impossible, the movement of the foot when a piece of music begins and that rhythm awakens the body and prods it to get up and dance just for fun, a sunset on the beach with sand sifting between your toes, the sunrise in the pines when the smell of coffee and the sound of crackling bacon awakens you, the colors as leaves turn from green to red and drop off of the trees, the dogs jumping in a pile of leaves you just raked up, a child’s eyes as he sits up in a bathtub, after showing you he can put his head under water, the parents gathered together to watch the soccer game with the young children beginning to hone skills in physical challenges, the bravery of a young soldier when he comes home with only one leg and works to begin again, holding hands, a good movie that leaves you smiling and feeling elated, the smile of someone you don’t know sitting next to you in stopped traffic, the look someone you love gives you when they shine eyes upon you, and you know they love you, and oh so very much more……all the miracles of the moments, the days, the months, the years.
THIS IS my year of GRATITUDE for all the memories, and all the wonderful moments of life to come – NO MATTER WHAT!
I pray this will be the beginning of a new and beautiful year for you too! REMEMBER there are a few ways to make it happen.
No matter what happens keep in mind you ALWAYS have a choice in how you respond; make it a positive response.
Prayer works so use it. (Even if you question this, try one prayer a day and see what happens!)
Wake up and say, “This is going to be a very good day.” Turn around potentially bad incidents into a learning scenario, and move forward.
Think before you speak. As ye think, so shall ye become.
Be a better listener.
Love one another – and FORGIVE. We all make mistakes.
No one knows the exact meaning of life! We all have a personal interpretation of it. But one thing that is certain: we are not meant to go through our lives worrying about every detail that crosses our paths. The result of doing this manifests mental and physical damage to our minds and bodies, and can literally ruin our lives!
That which seems so important to us, things that often occupy our attention and fill our days with stress, are results, not causes; they are secondary, not first. We are so busy or so shaken with our outer lives, we forget what our goals are, and even if we remember and reach them, we are still left restless and dissatisfied.
Sometimes when we wonder what the real meaning of life is, we let our thoughts get heavy and desperate. We forget the wonder and joy of every day. It is easy to do in this world.
Life is not to be explained in terms of aims and ends and goals, but only in terms of living this moment, moment after moment.
Life is consciousness. There is a direct relationship between our thoughts, attitudes and beliefs and what happens in our lives. We are NOT powerless pawns whose experiences are determined by other people and worldly conditions.
Stress management techniques and various trainings are a powerful ally to thousands of people who seek to express dominion over their circumstances, and really change their lives.
Before you can have dominion over your circumstances, you MUST have DOMINION over your oxygen and your body. It sounds simple, but truthfully, how many times today have you thought about your breathing or done something positive for your body?
“Mind, body and spirit” are all finely woven together to become your life. Whether negative and unhealthy, or positive and healthy, your life is pretty much your choice. You just have to make the decision to really change from within yourself.
As we think we create brain cell impressions. Remember that any state of mind manifests itself as our experience. When you are grounded and relaxed, you are in control of your body’s responses, you will create positive and powerful brain cell impressions.
Remember: Any consciousness or state of mind will linger. When we are angry the feelings often remain with us for hours. When we are happy the joy can color our world beautifully can be lasting too.
Memories will stir the emotions repeatedly, IF we allow that to happen. The winds of turmoil hits all of us, but if you can accept, adapt, and control your response to whatever you need to, by using your oxygen and thereby controlling your bodily responses, you will change your life for the better (and the lives of those around you). By taking charge of your thoughts you can eliminate a problem that you are worried about that might never take place.
ANY change takes practice, practice, practice, and then the knowledge and belief it will work. We have miracles stored up within! It sounds like work – but it is opening a door to a new life, and a new you!
Go forth in spite of all difficulties. Every day new vistas, and new revelations will come to you. By the science of controlling your own life energy, you will master subtle gifts you have been given. You have the capacity to change your life through your own CHOICES.
Think: strength and peace and transcend the lack of harmony and contradictions of life. Mistakes and errors are in your mind. Let your soul force (your life’s breath) drive the negative from you. Our lives are largely our perceptions from within, even more so than conditions without. Cultivate harmony from within and you will spread it to others.
Everywhere you go, even into the most incongruous circumstances, you will be able to find and nurture an underlying harmony.
Always take a slow and mindful breath, and then exhale slowly too. Whenever you feel you are out of control, stop. Use your oxygen. Be in charge of slowing your mind and your body’s responses. It is a MIRACLE you carry with you.
You don’t have to think about it as it is a natural act…your breathing. But you can find the miracle of life if you take a moment or two and use your oxygen mindfully.
Think before you speak. Choose a positive response to the situation, and you will find a “new you” emerging.
You can read this and then go on to something else, or you can dissect it and re-read it and REALLY choose to leave your “out of control” life behind, and do the easiest exercise in the world to reinvent your life…BREATHE!
The meaning of life? Who knows! But whatever it is, YOU HAVE the OPTION of being in charge of YOU and enjoying each moment on the journey to see what happens next!
(I am not kidding about this. I broke my back almost four years ago, and went from partially paralyzed in a wheelchair, having to learn to walk again..baby steps, using a cane and starting what I have left of life over….yesterday I ventured out without a cane! I attribute this to lots of prayer, and lots of challenges being met with BREATHING, BREATHING, BREATHING! I want YOU to climb the mountain with me.)
I opted to model in this beret a “few” years ago – at least more than 25! Yikes.
Mine was angora. Ha ha. I just think this is very funny. “They say” every style that is old will come back again! Proven here. I do have some bell bottom slacks that I have had since the 60’s. Wide bell bottoms to dance in. Of course they are a tad tighter now!
Sometimes things are just funny to me. Humor is healing, you know – and for me that is necessary! Actually humor is very important for all of us to remember these days!
Here is the latest update on EV-D68 (virus) It has now been recognized in forty-states. Please be sure to watch your children closely. The first signs mimic the common cold – (sometimes fever, runny nose, sneezing and coughing).
EV-D68 has many strains. In the fifties and sixties, it was the cause of cases of POLIO, though, it only recently has become a problem associated with serious respiratory conditions – particularly with those with asthma and those prone to breathing issues.
The virus mimics the common cold initially. The cough can be intense, and it can cause difficulty in breathing. Many children have neck or back pain or pain in the arms and legs (muscle and body aches). Listen to your children – they probably won’t read “what the symptoms are!”
As recent as within the last week, some cases are causing paralysis!!
If your child is sick – keep him or her at home! The virus passes from person to person, with a cough, sneezes or even touching surfaces. Sneezes travel at over 65 miles per hour.
The best defense is to have children WASH his or her hands vigorously several times a day. Not the kind of washing that water passes over, a dribble of soap, rinse and done!
Wash clear up to the wrists, and thoroughly. This virus is not restricted to the USA. It is MANY places in the world, so please care for these blessed little ones.
Show your children how you want them to wash. Show them how to cover their mouths, with bent elbow, when they cough. Be vigilant. One child has died in the United States. He was four years old.
I believe it is a beautiful day. Even if I didn’t, I would talk myself into it by creating new brain cell impressions: It’s a beautiful day. It’s a beautiful day. It’s a beautiful day.
It works. Thoughts become your life. That’s kind of general, but it is true. Also the creating of new brain cells is true! We are a precision and wonderful human machine. Far better than any mechanical thing! Believe it!
Someone ask me if I would republish one of my posts, so that is what I am doing today. If you haven’t read it, I hope you enjoy it. I have published over six hundred and fifty posts! Yikes – I must love to write! Yes, I do.
So here it is. Enjoy and CREATE a beautiful day for yourself and those in your circle of life. Time is fleeting so take advantage of every single moment.
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Rambling from the heart
Beautiful is a friend who always there for you, even if she should be taking care of herself.
Beautiful is kindness that comes directly from the heart, and is unending for those in need.
Beautiful is a smile that doesn’t have to be pasted on, but one that reflects joy and sincerity.
Beautiful is character that molds itself from life’s experiences, and grows in quality and positive traits.
Beautiful is being able to face someone and look them in the eyes and know they love you too.
Beautiful is faith that is recognized, and credit given to He that paid the highest sacrifice.
Beautiful is genuine motivation to give something in life that shares healing with others.
Beautiful is a word that cannot be fully described, yet you know when you see real beauty because there is a vibrance, and a shining glow that can only be captured with the word beautiful!
Be beautiful – it’s possible for all – for beauty lies within the heart, so open yours and let your light shine. When you love, love will come to you bountifully.
Learn to give, and you learn to live!
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This photograph may have you wondering. I will explain. One day my daughter said her two children were bored. She got creative. She let them make a tent from moving a few things, using a few blankets, and a flashlight. They had a blast and when done invited her to join them. You can’t see the kiddos, but you can see my daughter’s leg. Have fun with your children. As I have said before, time is fleeting. To finish – at some point, they all pitched in to clean things up. What a great afternoon!
And to honor all our military who have paid the ultimate price protecting citizens- either with the critical loss of body and/or mind quality, and those who have given their lives in the service of all of us in the United States of America. God bless them, and God bless us all.
Photo taken during only one “conflict” – these were boys and girls we lost in ONE DAY.
In case you haven’t heard, KRAFT SINGLES AMERICAN CHEESE (date 2/20, 2/21 2015) – is being recalled. I know this is something lots of kiddos like, so wanted to let you know ASAP.
Do you know what the biggest killer of man is each year? You are going to hate this (at least I do) – mosquitoes! 2.7 million deaths a year attributed to mosquito bites.
Please get out the “deet” or whatever you KNOW will keep them away, and protect the children and yourself!
Lastly for this short post – serious research has shown that employers do discriminate against people who have been unemployed long-term. They believe the talent and skills atrophy. If you are one of these people get that resume out, refresh it, and start hitting the pavement.
Among the long term unemployed there are higher numbers of depressed people, divorce rates are higher, and so are suicide rates!
Even if you have to take a position that is “less” than you have gotten in the past, just remember working is good for the Spirit, and any money earned is more honorable than money “taken” because of lack of effort.
God bless you and your loved ones. These are tough times around the world, and we need to love one another and practice peace (as best we can)!
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“The bulk of the world’s knowledge is an imaginary construction.”
Helen Keller
“I wish I had time for eventually.”
A line from the new Batman
(Which, by the way, I really enjoyed. Lots of action and special effects – good diversion.)
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CREATE each moment as in individual piece of artwork! Love vigorously. Laugh.
Relax, it's just Life! 