Had a glimpse at the future generations today...it was an opportunity to witness two couples having fun "exploring!"  We began our journey following a sign that led the way to the trail we had chosen to hike.  Temps were into the 90's today and yet we were cooled by the shade of the community of trees that lined the path.  Some trees were small saplings just beginning their growth into this world, others were very tall and lush from the bountiful display they adored from the rains this spring and warmth from the sun.  Still others had fallen from decay due to age, disease, animals, or maybe it was simply the effects of a cold and snowy winter.  Whatever was the culprit to their breakage, they leaned onto another tree or laid to the ground from sheer exhaustion.  What is marvelous, is seeing how generations of trees reside within the same area, each contributing something to the growth around it. The sapling would not be there if the mature trees did not drop their seeds, and neither would be there if the decayed or aged tree did not fertilize the ground with itself. 

There is a cycle to life, and we often get caught only looking at what seems "sad" or "fearful",or simply a puzzling predictament.  And our current family dynamics do seem something to be concerned about... it is different, it is "opposed" to what most of us know to be for the highest and best good.  There can be no dispute that as a community we do have to pay attention to what we are "feeding" ourselves and our families.  There are things that happen that bring us sadness and concern, especially when it comes to seeing people not respecting themselves, others or life.  It is disconcerting to witness the lack of joy in people's lives because they are more focused on "things" then on what makes their heart sing.  Families seem to be shapeshifting into something unrecognizable to what we know in our own hearts to be a "loving family." However, what I witnessed today reminds me everything has a purpose, the divine flow of all things will be restored.  It may take several seasons to see the rebalancing or restoration after a devastating winter or spring, but with the assistance of the community around it, it will rebalance from the experience. 

The question is, do we realize our thoughts, words and actions are feeding the community? As I see it, there will always be a future, the world will continue to exist, people will continue to have children, elders were slip from their physical body and leave this planet, and what each of us focuses on will contribute to what that community will become.  There really is no need for fear, that's something we humans use to avoid stepping into the power we have....because if we realized what an impact we have on those around us, we might consider our words and actions more carefully.  We might also understand more clearly how those around us influence us and choose who we spend time with more carefully! 

Whether we like it or not, we are interdependent with each other.  We all need people in our lives.  The future is being created by each of us, and collectively we are molding future generations.  I have no doubt it will be just fine, especially if we can get out of the way of trying to "fix-it," and simply enjoy it. How do we do that? We return to our very core that knows there is a divine order, a Creator that knows precisely how and when to allow what needs to happen to rebalance things, and to do the job!  Until then, I'll continue to hike the amazing handwork of our Creator's, get "off the trail", consort with my "buds" and find the path back to where we started with more joy in my heart having spent the time with people I respect and love.  Guess that's the only way I know to help balance the crazymaking that comes from not recognizing and utilizing the gift of God's handwork!  After all, isn't life about the journey, and not necessary the destination?

It is an interesting time on this planet, alot of people are talking about all the negativity, corruption, unethical behaviors, and the other such "energy zapping" actions.  It makes one wonder if anyone can be trusted and how we can know for certain whether they can be? It has been said you can tell a person by their character, and we all know there are many "characters" asking us to trust them.  It is my understanding there are 3 main traits by which to observe a person's character, their trustworthiness, and that is: 1. every thing they think, 2. everything they say and 3. everything they do all matches.  That is to say, their actions back up their words.  And, of course, the old say, "as a man thinketh so he will be" (or something like that.) What that means is a person's actions show how they think about life, what is important, and how they feel about themselves and the world around them.  In order to learn how to discern if someone is trustworthy, we must listen, step back and observe.  Now the observation part can get tricky, because it is not our place to "judge" someone.  However, the difference between judging someone and observing them is their actions.  There are alot of people espousing truths, theories, ideas, and yet their lives show the contrary to what they say they believe.

We all have a value system that helps us determine what feels "right" in our life...solid principles by which we live.  It matters not whether people agree with us, what matters is whether we are content with our actions. Let's make this personal, Do you like what you see in the mirror?  Are you someone you would like to spend time with? In my opinion, it would be marvelous if everyone focused on creating more peace, harmony, contentment in the world; however, I know people who enjoy chaos, turmoil and unrest...and the media feeds that need.  In order to keep your life in alignment with what you hold true and dear, you must learn how to use good discernment.  Observing someones actions and deciding whether it matches what you wish to "feed" in the world gives you the opportunity to step back and make a choice.  All too often people try to change someone else to bring them into alignment with their own values.  To do this is to disrespect what that person came here to do.  Perhaps the person who is opposite your values came here teach you how to develop discernment skills? If you are trying to change someone else, you are wasting alot of precious time and energy that could be better served for you and someone else with similar values. 

It all begins with looking first at yourself.  Does what you think, say and do match?  If it does, then you can be confident you have the ability to step back and observe the other person's behavior based on their actions and not as being a judge and jury.  Then you can discern whether what you see will be in alignment with your values; that's to say, what core qualities you cherish and hold dear will bring more of what you want in your life.  It is interesting how discernment brings a sense of responsibility full circle back to YOU, because when what you think, say and do matches, you cannot blame someone else, or make excuses for your actions.  Instead, you take full responsibility for your life!  That can be pretty scary!  Interesting stuff...and something to think about!

Am feeling the power behind the gift of forgiveness today.  Of recent, several occasions have arisen that put that powerful energy in front of me.  One, was from a situation several years ago that pierced my heart very deeply; truth is, it catapulted me into my heart that I found myself redefining my life.  Many profound questions were in front of me, such things as: "What am I doing?" "Am I living from a place of integrity?" "What have I done that brought this action into my life?" And probably most importantly, "How do I know who(m) to trust?"  That last question was the most powerful, since experiences when I was younger left me building very high, very thick walls around myself.  I knew from those earlier experiences, I could not offer much to enrich this world, my community, my family, and myself if I "revisited" that option.  If I was to take responsibility for my thoughts, words and actions, I had to pay attention to my human emotions, and the truth was, there was very deep pain in my heart that needed attention.  Being an action person, I did ceremonies to remove any negativity, any ill feelings, sought assistance from a professional, utilized homeopathic remedies, along with other alternative options such as breathing techniques, yoga, and many more.  And yet, my nighttime dreams brought the awareness of the unresolved pain smack dap back into my physical reality. I was trying to wish the painful experience away when it was the very thing I needed to embrace in order to learn from the event.
The power of prayer, meditation, unconditional love of others (along with the various actions mentioned above,) gave me the grace to move forward without reconstructing a wall and much wisdom has been gleaned from the experience.  Time is a key element as well.  It seems we want everything done now, when if we will take the time to touch the core teaching of the experience, freedom will be found.  (It saddens me how many people seek prescriptions that only masks the teaching and keep us from really living life!) We are all given the opportunity to take our experiences, seek someone that has experience assisting others to help us ask, with a gentle heart, what we are to learn from the event. Only then the teaching will become clear and forgiveness can once again free our heart.  We are never victims, only students of life!  A footnote: please use discretion when seeking someone to assist you, you wouldn't have your car repaired by someone who drives a vehicle that is ill kept, has smoke rolling out the back and bald tires! Interview them as you would anyone for whom you are asking to care for someone you love.

There's an old saying, "Curiosity killed the cat," and I am thinking about that this morning.  Seems asking questions and wondering about life has been one of my favorite past times this life time.  I find it fascinating how people act and react to life, how they interpret life experiences and how they choose to see the world in which they live.  I find it absolutely amazing how two people can watch the same speech on TV and hear completely different messages.  Same words, same intonations, same visual expressions, same body language viewed by both and yet the interpretations each person "hears" and observes may be completely opposite each other's.  Is that interesting or what?  So, I ask myself how is such a thing possible?  And how do we not get into judgments about how the event is interpreted? Or when it comes down to "bare bones," who's interpretation is accurate?  If you know how to figure this one out, please let me know.  Much like the cat, I am very curious about many things; and I respect everyone has their own unique way of "hearing" things; guess my wish is no one's point of view be "killed" or "put down" just because someone else "heard" (or interpreted it) differently. I'd prefer each person learn something they hadn't considered and keep an open space for something new to emerge.  Seems compassion is developed by keeping an open heart and mind!  This only happens when we are willing to really "listen" with more then our ears! Wouldn't it be positively marvelous to use such gentleness to reach a mutual understanding; rather then the heavy energy generally emitted when someone is trying to proof you "wrong?" Somewhere, in the respect of listening and speaking is the purr of a contented cat!

Many of you already know I've been working on a book.  Well, the first "mini book" is completed and ready for you to examine!  This mini book is a "primer" of sorts since it introduces the reader to the series of stories that will follow in Book Two.  It took a program co-sponsored by Neale Donald Welsh (author of Conversations with God) to get my rear in gear!  The mini book has promotional pages to encourage others to begin writing their "story".... Whatever that may look like!  It was a time-consuming, very detailed, self-motivated and self-monitoring program.  Personally, I could not have done it working full-time; however, it does get you completely enmeshed in the writing, publishing process.  I started the program about 10 months ago and learned more then I ever imagined about publishing a book.  I must say, writing is the easy part!  Nonetheless, if you have something to say, you might consider getting involved in the program.  The one big caution I would give is you must be self-monitoring.  This is not a step-by-step, person to person program.  If you are computer savvy and enjoy searching for things online, you will love this program.  They encourage a person to do most of their promoting, and networking online...which is not my forte! Personally, I like the personal contact, so it was often times a major teaching in patience and perserverance!  I am currently completing stories for book two, which will be a regular size book handled by a publisher!  When that happens, it will become more easily available through a number of book companies.  If you would like to order the mini-book, just contact me via this blogsite.  Blue Moon Gifts in Brazil, IN also has copies....so, if you are in their "neck of the woods," you can pick up one there. 
My hope is you will find the stories "thought provoking" and perhaps learn something new or remember something you have forgotten!  The book is called, "Head to Heart Talks;" I think you will enjoy the simplicity!

This morning I am thinking about Respect and what that really means.  Guess like every other word, it is a matter of each person's personal interpretations.  Each of us are taught about respect by our significant others; parents, grandparents, extended family, and those outside our home.  Of course, we first learned about respect from those with whom we lived.  Learning about respect can be very difficult because sometimes people demand we show them respect when all we have done is reflect what we have seen.  If what we learned as children was name calling, a raised voice, how to be critical and judgmental of others, that is what we will show in our lives.  Of course, our caregivers may not think having those behaviors given back to them is "respectful"; so they will punish us in a variety of ways for not showing them respect.  It can be very confusing to a young one to try to figure out what they did or did not do they "should" have done.  Many parents, as well as people in authority, have not learned that you teach people how to treat you.  IF you feel you are not being treated with respect, it would be helpful to take some quiet time and ask yourself specifically, what behavior you received that did not feel respectful.  This may take some time since most of us know how we "feel," however, are not clear what action caused us to feel that way.  All we know is it was a "yuky" feeling!
This morning, I am considering the actions of someone that was very negatively directed toward me.  (Of course, he/she also exhibited negative energy toward most of the things happening in his/her life, so, I knew not to take it personal.)  This morning I am considering if any of the words, or simply energy behind the words could be reflections of how I am feeling about myself or someone in my life.  After careful consideration and prayer, I know such words and energy are not what I feel about myself, or anyone in particular in my life at this moment.  (of course, being human, that may change! so I am mindful to be vigilant in noticing what is happening in my life) What I realize is this person needs prayers for their heart, for whatever is happening in their heart that is causing pain, causing them to feel so negative about most things around them.  What I have discerned is they are not happy in their heart, for whatever reason, and my opportunity is to detach from any ill effects from the negative spewing and refill the space with love, respect and gratitude for the sweetness in life.  If this person were to continue to show such negative actions, I would address the situation and seek some sort of peaceful resolution. Gratefully, they have never shown such angry words and actions; such behaviors are not who this person is, little wonder they feel so miserable!  Perhaps my prayers of gratitude for who they truly are, will help him/her rebalance and feel the powerful effects love brings and begin to clear their heart of the toxic residue currently residing in their heart space. 
It's certainly worth the try!  If necessary, a Plan B is always available....but we'll figure that out later.

Fox News reported this morning that Father's Day ranks 4th in gift-giving; it was surpassed by Mother's Day, Easter and Valentine's Day.  After interviewing several people, it is surmised that Father's are most difficult to "buy" for primarily because what they prefer most is to be appreciated by their family; hence, what they want most is time with them.  Now, isn't that a tremendous thought.  How often do we think about our time and presence with someone as a "gift?" Most of us take for granted the people we interact with every day.  Like the bed you sleep in, or the toothbrush you grab in the morning, it's an item you just take for granted...it's always there.  While many in the world do not have their fathers "always there," most of us have the opportunity to at least know how to get in touch with them....if we want.  The problem as I see it is we all too often take our fathers for granted.  After spending nearly 30 years in education, I can tell you most young people do not really know their father.  Even if the father lives with them, they know little about who their father is outside being their "father."  It was surprising to me to realize how few students even know what their father (or mother for that matter) did for a living.  How is that possible, I asked myself, and then I realized how little time most children spend with their fathers. And, of course, there's the real truth that most kids are too self-absorbed to even think to ask.  For most young people, the father is the representative of the "things" they have in life.  What they do to bring home the "bacon" is of little importance, what is most important is the "bacon." 
Seems very sad to me.  I have two sons that are, in my personal and professional opinion, excellent fathers.  They have a strong work ethic, have been actively involved with their children since birth and do "show up" in their children's life.  And yet, they too are often seen as aloof by their children.  What I know from years of experience, is fathers rarely show all their emotions, instead, they move through their life focused on what their "family" wants, which, in modern day, is "things."  And so, these men feel their worth is measured by what they can provide for their families.  Imagine how that feels?  Then, of course, there's the whole step-father thing....and yet, that too can be viewed in a similar light.
All of this is said to bring some light on understanding who fathers are.  As in all relationships, there are many "colors" from which to choose how to describe a person.  It is from our personal "paint pallette" we choose how to interpret each other's actions.  Perhaps for today, we might pause and consider if it is time to choose another "color" to describe our father.  Today might be an opportunity for us to show our father a new look....it might help them "feel" the brightness by which we "see" them that will give them the "gift" they deserve for all the "things" we took for granted they spent their life "giving" to us!
Let it be noted there are many who never knew their fathers, that missing piece cannot be replaced, only filled with forgiveness and finding other male figures to teach us something about the role of a good father.