STORMS, STORMS, AND MORE STORMS

Today I would like to ask all you fine folks out there to send some healing thoughts to all the people here in the Midwestern part of the United States who have been dealing with tornados and severe storms the past few weeks. Oklahoma in particular has been devastated by them. Entire towns wiped out, good people dead, injured, and left homeless, and still the storms rage on. Here where I live, in the western part of the state of Kentucky we are also considered to be in the "tornado alley" of the Midwest. For some reason the storms usually hit all around the city I live in but so far have not touched down within the city limits. But several small communities that surround Paducah are hit with storms that cause much damage and take lives every year. Mother Nature seems to have run amok in the past few years down here. One year it was flooding(again this year also) the next it was an ice storm that left us without power for weeks. Then it was a drought one year that caused much concern and hardship. I am used to seeing severe thunderstorms here every year and it still amazes the wrath that Mother Nature hits us with. This planet is showing just how merciless it is when it comes to the weather patterns. I'm pretty sure the planet will continue on its wings of change and that one day the planet itself may be wiped out and become a rogue planet. Only time will tell. But at this moment in time there are oh so many folks around the world who are facing the "hard" times of severe weather. And even though our technology has come so far, we are still, at times, helpless to do much of anything. So today, if you will, how about just sending some positive healing vibrations out to all of the folks who are facing the wrath of Nature. We are "ONE" and when one of us is hurting, then all of us are hurting in some way. Thanks for your time and may I just add that since all of us don't really know for sure when we are gonna leave this place and make our transition elsewhere, let us all reach out right now and do something nice for someone while we still have the opportunity! I wish for you and yours the very best of everything.

WILLING TO CHANGE ONE"S BELIEF'S AND UNDERSTANDING THAT CHANGE IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY

How would you describe yourself when it comes to regarding your beliefs and traditions? Would you say you are adamant in your beliefs? Or maybe even rigid in them? Or maybe you consider yourself flexible when it comes right down to it? I believe most of us are just so set in our beliefs and ways of living that we oft times argue our point of view in trying to get others to think and act as we do. Don't get me wrong, I do feel that one should be firm in their beliefs, but not so firm that they are not willing to alter or completely change the beliefs if more truth comes into their range of perception. I personally know folks who are so inflexible in their ways that they will not even listen to another's possibilities about how things really are. And I feel that is the reason so many folks are not really satisfied with their beliefs and ways of doing things. They just keep on believing the "old' things they have accepted as truth and if anyone does question them about it they just get a little self righteous and even indignant at times. I feel that all of us as human beings should keep an open mind about everything we allow to enter our sphere of thinking. You and I may not agree on everything but that still doesn't mean one of us is right and the other is wrong. All it really means is that we each perceive the same thing in a different light. But if one will be flexible enough to just consider that what we purpose as our truth isn't necessarily the same truth that another needs. My hope is that all of you are able to keep an open mind about everything that you believe, everything that you have read, heard, or seen, and that you are willing to change if the time comes when you feel it is the right thing to do. I know in my own personal experiences of this life that the greatest freedom I ever gained was when I realized I did not have to be "right". There is no right or wrong, only our perceptions of it is truly real. I will leave you with a quote from Lao-Tzu who once stated the following: "Men(women, children) are born soft and supple; Dead they are stiff and hard. Plants are born tender and pliant; dead, they are brittle and dry. Thus, whoever is stiff and inflexible is a disciple of death. Whoever is soft and yielding is a disciple of life. The hard and stiff will be broken. The soft and supple will prevail." As I bid you a fond farewell may I once again remind you to try and do something nice for someone today. Become a part of life's solutions and walk with your head held high and your heart full of unconditional love for all. Also remember to be good to yourself and even better to those around you. "HUGS" to all of you amazing folks that I share this planet with. I wish for you and yours the very best of everything!

BACK STABBERS

I have often been amazed by how often I have witnessed both myself and others being stabbed in the back by ones whom we have been nothing  but good to. And more times than not they choose to do this over some kind of monetary award. Nothing much surprises me any more as to what some folks will do to others for money. I still  think it is such a shame that one will choose money over the option of being nice to someone, especially those that they know. If you don't believe me I would suggest you tune in to last week's episode of "Survivor" the reality show on CBS network. In that episode I watched as Brenda chose to give up her individual reward so the rest of the "tribe" would instead get the reward. A very nice thing to do for someone else I must say. And then immediately after she did the honorable thing for the others 3 of them decided to "blindside" her and get her voted off the show. Now, I do realize this is a "game" and 1 million dollars is at stake for the winner, so you may say she was just dumb to give the reward up. But on a deeper level I watched her crying after she was voted out and she had a very legitimate reason for being upset. The ones she went out of her way to be nice to had stuck a dagger in her back and she was very hurt. The sad  thing though is that I've either been treated that way over a lot less than 1 million dollars and I've seen others back stabbed by so called friends for a few dollars. It's a sad state of events when people take advantage of others for any reason but to me it is especially sad when it happens over money. I try not to become too jaded as I realize there are a lot more honest caring people in the world than there are those who are"backstabbers", but it is very disheartening when I see things like that happen to good people. Thankfully I've been able to rise above all the times I've been used and abused and my hope is that you are able to do the same if and when something like that happens to yourself. And believe me, if you are a kind, caring, and giving person the chances are you will be taken advantage of a time or two. But hang in there and remember that it will only be an opportunity for you to grow into an even more caring person. As a matter of fact I have come to the realization that those who have used me in any way are the losers, and not me! As long as one can forgive others for their heartless acts then in my opinion they are truly the "winners". If you can today,  try and forgive anyone who has done you wrong and reach out and do a little something nice for someone just because you want to. And if you do that , I do believe that it will make your day a lot brighter also. Hey, I love all you folks, even those who haven't treated me exactly nice! So take care my friends and to all the beautiful mothers out there I want to wish you the best Mother's Day ever! Me, being a guy, I will not ever fully comprehend the unconditional love a mother has for her kids and all the sacrifices they make for them.  But I dare say that has to be the "Hardest" job in the world--being a good mom- so to all of you I can only say Bless your hearts! And those of you reading this who have a mother who is still alive please go out of your way to do something extraordinary for your mom this sunday! And remember, she is the only mother you will ever have! And to my dearly departed mom who passed away the day after the terrorist attacks on 9/11 2001 I want you to know that you were always the best mom ever! I can't say for sure what happens to any of us when we make our transition from human back to spirit but I do believe my mom is listening from within my own heart. God bless you mom You are the best! To all of you folks I sincerely wish you and yours the very best of everything  now and forever! "HUGS"

WHAT CONDITION MY CONDITION IS IN

How am I doing you may ask. Well, I'm not too unwell thank you. Lately I've been giving much thought to just what is it I'm trying to accomplish here on earth. And guess what, I'm still not sure. Even after all these years of living I still question as to whether I'm in the "right" world or not. Believe me, I have some strong doubts that I'm where I wanted to be at this stage in my life. Please allow me to try and explain just how I am feeling at this particular point in my existence. And as I do at times I am going to use some of my favorite music as a reference point. I will start with a verse from the old Kenny Rogers and the First Edition song titled What Condition My Condition Was In. I quote:  "I woke up this morning with the sundown shining in, I found my mind in a brown paper bag but then I jumped on a cloud and fell eight miles high I tore my mind on a jagged sky I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in." That's kinda the way I've been feeling here lately . Kinda confused if you know what I mean. When I saw on TV the bombings at the Boston Marathon I was really upset. Here we go again I thought--ignorant people killing innocent men ,women, and children because of some misguided beliefs. Terrorism at its finest! Now please, can anyone tell me why any human can believe it is appropriate to blow up, shoot, maim, or destroy another innocent human being? And especially in the name of a God or holy deity who would want one to kill innocents. If by the slightest chance that is even close to being true then I am sure I am not in the right world for me. Way too violence and blood shed for my taste. The way some of us treat each other is just a downright dirty shame! I've been abused, lied to, taken advantage of, and then used some more by several folks in my life who did those things mostly for money or some other selfish purpose. Like the following verse from The Grateful Dead song called "Trucking" which goes like this: "Set up like a bowling pin, knocked down it gets to wearing thin, they just won't let you be...." I feel that also. I still try and treat everyone as nice as I can but still there are those who still just want to use me for their own selfish purposes. Even here on this blog as I try to encourage others to think for themselves and to share their innate goodness with others, I have to daily fight the "spammers" who try to use the blog to make more money for themselves. They could care less as to the content of the blog, they can only see dollar signs in their mirror. To them I am only a "mark" for them to use in their search for money. How sad-these people are just so misguided in their lives. I could go on and on as to the perception I see from this world but I see no use in doing so. Either you get it or you don't. I believe all human beings are born somewhat selfish but one must learn top overcome that and instead learn to share instead of just take, take, and take! I have been taken advantage of by folks who go to church every sunday, those who put on a good show for everyone, always talking about loving your neighbor, treating others right, etc and then on Monday sell me something without revealing the problems I would be faced with later. And then just tell a bunch of lies on Tuesday and every day since. And they never own up to the fact that they really did defraud me in any way. Then they go back to church the next sunday and everything is righteous again? I don't think so but then again who am I to say what's right?  I may not go to church but at least I don't try to be someone I'm not. Why do people think money is the only thing they need? Or to wield power over the masses? But that seems to be the way of this world so yes, I am once again beginning to think I am in the wrong place. This little rant of mine will maybe help me to get back on track, I don't know. But one thing I do know is this, Again borrowing a verse form Jerry Garcia's band who says: "Going home, back to where I belong, sit down patch my bones and get back on truckin almost home". Yes, I am almost home I can start to see the finish line and I'm sure my remaining years on earth will fly by as usual. And while I'm awaiting my so called "death" or what I instead like to label , my "rebirth" maybe next world will be the one I'm looking for. A world where everybody realizes we are all one. Or as Lionel Ritche once sang: If I was at a place where dreams were for dreamers, and all you wished came true. I'd wish the world had all happy people and then there'd be no more wishing to do. "I want to thank all you wonderful people for allowing me a moment to just vent some of my frustrations. I do love all of you and wish for you and yours the very best of everything. And please , if you will, try and do a little something nice for someone from your heart to theirs. "HUGS" to all.

LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOT

And you think that you have no way to be a part of this life's solutions?Well, let me say this;I sincerely believe that all of us have our own unique way of adding to the betterment of all humankind.Most of you, like myself will never be rich or famous. Nor will we be the inventor of the next "big" thing that will make life easier for the rest of us.But we will all have a chance many times a day to make life better  not only for ourselves but others to boot.Please allow me to share with you how my day  went the other day.After getting up and having coffee I went to the kitchen and washed up the breakfast dishes that my wife had to leave because she had an early appointment.That was my first chance to do something nice for someone.Later, I went out to run a couple of errands. When I was getting to the door of the post office I saw an elderly fellow getting out of his car.So instead of rushing in and taking care of my business I decided to stand there in the cold wind and wait til he got to the door so I could hold it open for him. He gave me a warm smile and said thank you so much. Now I wasnt doing it to get a thank you but I admit it was nice to hear him say thanks.Later I was sitting in traffic waiting for the light to change and noticed there was a car trying to turn in my lane from a sidestreet. Since the road was filled with traffic behind me and not knowing how long it would take for him to get out I stopped and waved him to come on over and get in front of me. Again I was greeted with a broad smile and a lip snyced thank you.When I arrived home my beautiful wife was there and the first thing I told her was just how damned beautiful she was.Later that evening I thought of all the opportunities that life gives us to do a little something nice for someone even tho we may never see them again. I believe it should go without saying that we all need to be really nice to those we love as well as those we meet everyday as we go about our everyday living.I'm not writing this so you will say something nice about me but rather I am trying to get you to see that no matter your station or circumstances, you can choose to be a part of life's solutions instead of becoming part of the "problem" Today, while you are here how about just doing something nice for someone just because you can.If you make this a part of your daily routine I can assure you that not only will you have more friends but you will see life repaying you in so many wonderful ways.Dont do just to get a reward, do it because your heart says so.I leave all of you wonderful folks with peace, love , and joy."HUGS" to all.

GETTING TO WORK

Most would agree I think that there is still lots of work for us human beings to do if we are to become truly enlightened.I firmly believe all of us are given ample opportunity to take what we have learned and to share it with others who are looking to find spiritual enlightenment. I will paraphrase a quote from Thomas Troward who has stated that the Creative process brings us the materials and conditions for the work to our hands; then we must make use of them with diligence and common sense.This Creative process will provide us the food, but it will not cook the dinner.I leave all of you in peace and love

USING YOUR MIND TO EMPOWER YOUR WORLD OF ILLUSION

I look out upon an ocean so wide and I see the waters that are colored green.You look upon the same ocean and see the waters colored blue.Are you right and me wrong? Or am I right and you wrong?What if I told you we were both right?Would you agree or say I must be disillusional?  It really doesn't make any difference as far as I can tell, but it does show just how often we can see things in an entirely different light than another one would.Such it goes in this  3 dimensional world we find ourselves in.No wonder we find ourselves feeling seperated from each other, I mean after all if we can't agree on the color of the ocean what can we agree on?One thing I do believe tho is that each of us have the innate divine spark of all consciousness within our souls and if we but take the time and effort to learn how to use this info we can attain complete peace among all people everywhere.Just think, a world where we all feel as one, that we belong with everybody, a world where there is no need for greed, wars, fighting for things as if we are afraid we will wind up with nothing.How sad, when in reality everything there is is already ours if we but claim it from Divine Mind.I wish to share this quote with you that is from Joel Goldsmith:"Contemplation lifts our consciousness into an atmosphere of receptivity, into a consciousness where miracles can take place." And from the Science of Mind comes this nugget of wisdom: The person who can throw himself(herself) with a complete abandon into that Limitless Sea of Receptivity, having cut loose from all apparant moorings, is the one who will always receive the greatest reward. I would hope that you think about those 2 quotes until you can attain all the wisdom that lies within them.Remember that the thing you wish to see has already been made manifest in Divine Mind and all you need do is reach out and claim it for yourself.The mind is such a miracle made manifest and it saddens me to see so many of us fail to grasp the power we have. My hope is that each of you reach out and take back your power. And afterwards I would hope that you will remember to do something nice for someone and thus become part of the solution and not a part of the problem.Bless all of you beautiful people.I leave you now in perfect peace ,perfect love, and perfect Oneness.