The Beauty of the Soul

The soul is eternal
from its creation
to its never end.
The journey of the soul
is a peace within
a love not spoken
full of grace.
The beauty of the soul
is with its Creator
for apart
it dies.
We are one.
  

Peace on earth, goodwill to all.
Treat others with love and kindness,
striving to give more than your receive.
For in giving we receive, and in loving we are loved.
Live with a grateful heart, for you will have 
abundant blessings through your gratitude.
Love God with all your heart and soul,
for God loves you so.  

Today is a day of praise and glory to Jesus Christ in all things
through all things...not "for" all things.  Know that when we walk with our Lord,
all that we experience will be worked for good.  All things may not "be good", but will work "for" good.  Surrender your will in acceptance to a more blessed and peaceful life. Give praise and thanks at all times.  Thank You Jesus.

Our Father who art in heaven
hallowed be thy Name.
Thy kingdom come
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day
our daily bread
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us
and lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.  Amen

Make it a great day; spend time with God first thing when you wake up.  Talk with Him often all day long.  Keep Jesus in your heart and feel His love and then share His love with others.

I pray for all those who do not accept Jesus Christ as their Savior; I pray that our Lord will open the eyes of their heart to know Him who died for our sins so that we might have ever-lasting life with Him.
For all who come by my site, I ask you to join this prayer with me,(and for a special prayer to bring a close friend of mine back to God and to accept Jesus as God's only begotten Son.)  In Jesus' name I pray.  And we all say AMEN!  Praise the Lord!

Psalm 90:9-10
"All our days have passed away in Your indignation;
we have spent our years like a sigh,
seventy is the sum of our years, eighty if we are strong
and most of them are fruitless toil,
for they pass quickly and we drift away."

Life changing experiences are an important part of life.  You have a choice to look at each with a positive or negative attitude.  Granted, if something negative comes your way, it may take a bit for you to "adjust" yourself to the right frame of mind before you can see anything positive in it.  If we trust God and know that He has our best interest at heart, then we WILL see something positive or beneficial in all our experiences. Sometimes, something we are going through might be to benefit someone else.  Sounds crazy, doesn't it?  Yet  if we are not dealing with it in a positive way, then we will surely be of no benefit to anyone else, and the whole experience will be a waste.  Easier said than done, but God never promised us an easy life; only that He would never abandon us.   And so I hold to God's Word, His promises to us.  
Philippians 4:13 "In God who is the source of my strength, I have strength for everything."

We can help each other out by sharing our own experiences
with someone who may be going through the same thing.
We don't have to be an expert on anything,
only that we have lived through something
fills us with the empathy needed to help another person.
Sharing of ourselves in this way is a gift to another.

It goes against my nature to speak my mind
to voice my thoughts
because what may be my truth in any given moment
may change, but won't change you.
Or could it?
If I don't speak my truth,
then how shall I know if we agree.
When we share our truths,
then we share our souls,
we can begin to really know the other.
There is a wonderful satisfaction when
two people come to an understanding,
even if the understanding is 
that they don't understand; yet the acceptance is there.
The act of allowing each other to be who they are
to blossom in love.

How do I make a difference in this world for God?  Does my life show that I love Jesus?
I just heard a sermon that really made me think about this.  I just looked into the eyes of Jesus in a painted photgraph.  I saw His eyes, looking out at me, and in His eyes I saw all that He went through for me.  I felt Him in my soul, knowing the way He died for me, on the cross, being beaten and tormented for my salvation.  I had to ask myself, so what truly is important in this earthly life?  Do things of this world really matter?  It is only when I turn my eyes and heart away from Jesus, that I think other things are important.  If I see Jesus before me, allow Him into my heart, I will truly know what matters.
I had a conversation with a friend just now...Someone who I have spent much of my time with, who I felt was very important to me.  All of a sudden I felt a distance between us..the distance was the world.  It is said we must shed the "old self" and put on the "new self", and sometimes the new self feels very uncomfortable around things it was used to as the old self.  Yet, why does my heart break at the thought of endings?  I trust that Jesus will show me the way; show me the way to live my life for Him.  

Lord Jesus, I know You are always here to comfort the lonely, 
to bring joy to a heart full of sorrow, and love to the broken-hearted.
To teach a soul patience and endurance, understanding and love;
how to live a life of caring and service, to help one another.
Lord Jesus, You gave all, so that we could have all, in abundance.
To lay down one's life for another is the ultimate sacrifice.
And so I say Thank You, Lord Jesus.

God is Love.  God loves us so much.  We were created to love God and to love one another. ( John 15:12-13)  It is at times of true compassion for your fellow human being, that you will feel most complete, and you will know in your heart that this is what we are here on earth to do; to make a positive difference in each persons life that you touch.  It's not about "self", it's about others.  A friend of mine once said to me "if every person on earth (for just one day), did kind deeds for others, instead of thinking of themselves, the world would be transformed".  
Jesus says, "The command I give you is this, that you love one another." John 15:17

Yes it's true...life is all about relationships...

If we had no relationships, life would be meaningless..Who would we share our hopes, dreams, joys and sorrows with?  Who would we strive to encourage, to inspire, and motivate?  I think seeing another person being happy, and successful because of some contribution you made to them, is as satisfying as if you had achieved it for yourself. 
Jesus tells us to "join our voices in prayer" Matthew 18:19; He tells us to "love our enemies and pray for our persecutors", Matthew 5:44.  He tells us to "love your neighbor as yourself" Matthew 22:39.  Throughout the bible Jesus shares with us how to interact with each other, not only through His words, but through His actions.  If we spend time with Jesus, through His words, we can learn how to be a better person and to accomplish God's Will for our lives, which starts with loving all of His creation.  In this way, we can contribute to a better more positive world.

I am watching Coptic Orthodox sermons on You tube and learning so much.  Most of the sermons are given by Father Anthony Messeh of St. Marks Parish Washington DC.  
I want to share a little of the latest series I am watching in the "Light and Life" sermons.  The series is called the "Amazing Race" and he tells us to make 3 commitments each week; one to God, one to myself and one to others.   Also, ask yourself "what one thing can I do to make a difference in my life."  The answers to these questions are not as easy as they may sound...

I find myself always wondering
if I'm in the right place 
or doing the right thing.
It has been said that where you are
is where you are suppose to be;
yet is this really true?
In each moment and each choice that you make
may determine where you are today;
yet if you make a wrong choice
it may take you to the wrong place.
So, it is important to double check your choices;
see where they may lead you.
So this commitment I make to God and myself,
to double check my choices and listen;
listen for the voice of God within my heart
to know what I am doing is the right path.
And my commitment to others, of being the best I can be
for them, will be the fruits of my choices.

Look out to a hurting world
at this coming time of holiday season
when joy fills some hearts,
sadness fills others.
When comfort finds one,
anguish finds another.
Lost relationships to be renewed
with a little bit of care and time.
Look around you,
see what is important,
and take care of it.
Use your time wisely,
be grateful in each moment,
for each moment.
Give much love, and know healing will come.
Peace.

Where does the time go
such a cliche`
oh, but it's true.
Look at the days gone by,
the weeks, the months, the years
what have you done
with all your time,
have you left something
of yourself behind?
A memory, a kind word or two,
something meaningful
to remember you.
Each day that you live,
give thanks for all you have,
for all you are.
Because you are special,
no one like you,
so touch as many other lives
as you can.
Make a difference
in the bigger plan. 

The Beginning of a New Day

The soft sounds of the flowing creek

the gentle breeze in the trees

the tall flowing grass

so green from the rain

the billowy clouds

floating by in the sky

hold no moisture

they just are

The chirping of the birds

so happy to be alive

fly swiftly in the sky

as if dancing in jubilation

at the beautiful day

The sun so warm

almost too warm

I move into the shade

Oh the wonderful coolness of the shade

as a splash of cold water on my face.

the beginning of a new day.

http://youtu.be/W7tGbxf78Sc


Father Lazarus has been a true blessing to me.  In this segment of this video he speaks of finding inner peace
even among the depths of our existence of our everyday struggle with life.  Very good talk.

When I'm alone I think of him
and all that could have been
When I'm alone I tell myself
if I'd only kept
my heart in place 
where it belonged
Then, I'd  not be all alone.

I've found my desert, all alone
I've found serenity
I've found the place I want to be
I've found the real me.
now I realize the truth
it was not him at all
No,  I'll never be alone.

I am at peace, I am where I belong
I'm with the One who loves me most
who's loved me all along.
The One who's called me here below
to show and teach His love
I couldn't do it by myself
He's called me for His own.

Our world is so small within the big world
not much going on, yet too much to see.
tragedy, yet blessings
who knows what will be.
Questions and answers
fear of unknown
always wondering,
are we alone?
Would not like to think of a possibility
that which some might center their lives on
of noone exisitng who cares about me.
It's not what I choose, I know it's not true
I know there is One who has always knew,
One who is in control of all things
of every creature and human being.
With all of the trials, fires, and pain
that seem to exist in the world
It's easy to say "how could it be if the One is Love?"
is the One all the same?
Good verses evil, light and the dark
happy and sad, go hand in hand.
This is the way it's always been,
so how we choose to see, how we choose to be
is what really matters and gives strength to humanity.
Love and support, kind words and a smile
make all the difference to all in your life.
Share love, give of yourself
see the change you can be.

God wants us to be with Him first, before all others

Hosea 2:16-17
"So I will allure her:
I will lead her into the desert and speak to her heart.
From there I will give her the vineyards she had
and the valley Achor as a door of hope.
She shall respond there as in the days of her youth,
when she came up from the land of Egypt

Meditate on all the verses in Psalm 119...they speak life and hope when you may feel it difficult to do the right things .  The temptation of the "world" is so big, sometimes I feel as if  it is too big.
Well it may be too big for me, but it is not too big for God.  Psalm 119 gives me the strength, in each moment, to face any temptation that may come my way.  If I should fall, I know thru forgiveness I am lifted back up to go forward with Jesus.
You know God knew that we would have many, many troubles.  That is why He gave us His Word to help us;  not only to help us  "get by", but to help us prosper abundantly in everything we do...everything we do for God. 
We can find all joy, hope, love; everything; when we stay with God.  If you are feeling lost, or lonely; if your life has "lost its purpose",  find your answers through prayer and praying in God's word.  He will be there.  I hear all the time how God speaks to us through His word and I didn't always "really" believe that.  But looking back, I know it's true.  When I went to God with a humble, open heart, He spoke to me...through His word.  He really spoke to me.  And today, He spoke to me thorough Psalm 119.
When the world seems too big, maybe you are taking too big of bites; slow down and just feel each moment.  Hear your breath, feel your heart beat, listen in the silence for God to speak; He is always here for us.  He has promised this to us. Blessings for you.

Advice to people getting married.....

Trust in God...God never promised us that life would be easy,
but He did promise to never abandon us
as long as we keep turning to Him.
My Mom always told me 
"Life is not a bed of roses,but it's a great life if we don't weaken".
My mom and Dad, who were married 57 years, 
always told me to put God first in your marriage.
your spouse second and yourself third.

"Making God first will make your marriage last"

Bless others today and you will be blessed.

It's so important to hold on to friendships...true friends are hard to find...friends that actually are with you through good and bad times...friends who share their lives with you and allow you to share yours with them.
It takes work to maintain and cultivate a friendship, but when you do, you are rewarded with a special kind of love, a feeling of purpose and belonging.  Tell a friend today how much they mean to you; that you are thankful they are in your life...you will both feel the love...  God Bless you...

I was just reading through all the prayer requests on my Christian radio stations prayer request page and I realized how many people are in need of prayer.

I have also been studying and researching the lives of Monks in Monastery's, and I understand completely their role in serving God through prayer; our world definitely needs it.  There are so very many hurting people. And so I join my prayers with the prayers of the Monks to bring peace, comfort and love to all humanity. 

I need look no more
I've found what I am looking for,
the solitude within my soul
which is Spirit within me.

No more searching
or wandering lost
in the cities, the desert,
the mountains or by the sea
God's Spirit lives in me.

Look at me, you may see the change,
if you can see,
listen to what I say
if you can hear,
God Spirit within me speaks
if only in a moment of need,
all other times
we are at peace.

                    I Saw A Miracle


It was the evening of June 12th; I had just returned home from my walk. The sun was just setting and it was a beautiful night.

I was in the kitchen getting something to drink and talking with my daughter, (Elizabeth) and her fiance(Coire).  My grandson, (Elijah) was in the living room watching TV.

All of a sudden Elijah started yelling in an excited voice; he was standing at the back Arcadia door looking out and calling for us to come over. We couldn't really understand the rush of excited words he was yelling, so we all ran over to him.  He had the screen door open and was excitedly pointing to the herd of Javelinas that were drinking from our neighbors water fountain.  (I say herd, because there were at least 15 of them; all different sizes).  The Javelinas had been around the neighborhood for the past few months(always looking for water as the weather was very dry), but the number of them had increased substantially in the last few weeks.  There were all different sizes, large, medium and then quite a few babies.  I always watched the babies thinking how cute they looked.

Well tonight was different from the last few times we had watched them, as when Elijah had initially opened the screen door and began yelling, our little miniature cocker spaniel, Lady, excitedly ran outside thinking Elijah was in trouble or playing. It all happened so fast none of us realized what Lady's intent was.  She flew to the end of the yard and bounded down the hill and began barking furiously at the Javelinas.  We began screaming for her to come back, but in the excitement she did not hear us. Elizabeth took off running towards the herd grabbing a big plastic tub that was in the yard,(it was the first thing she saw), and at that moment we heard Lady let out an alarming Yelp/scream and Elizabeth hurled the big tub at the large Javelina(which we later found out was the dad, that is called a boar and has tremendously large strong tusks).  Lady ran up to the house and went inside and the herd scattered.

We were all shaking, full of subsiding adrenaline, and went over to check on Lady who was laying in the corner next to the wall.  She got up and went into her bed and I walked over to her to see if she was hurt. Elijah saw little drops of blood on the carpet, so we knew something had happened. I saw a gash underneath her chin and I told my daughter it looked like she would need stitches. Coire and Elizabeth began scouring online for an emergency animal clinic, as it was after hours.  Coire gave a clinic a call and the phone was answered.  This clinic happened to be the only animal clinic in Northern Arizona open on an emergency basis and the doctor was there(attending to another animal).  The clinic was only 10 minutes from our house.

Elizabeth and Elijah took Lady and got in the car to go to the clinic.  (Coire went to work, and I stayed home thinking it would not be too serious, that all Lady would need were a couple of stitches)

As Elizabeth and Elijah waited at the clinic to see the doctor, Elizabeth noticed blood all over her shirt and on her arms while she was holding Lady. The doctor came out to see Lady and on initial examination noticed another two puncture wounds in her side(in addition to the one under her chin). The doctor said Lady would have to have surgery and be checked for internal injuries.  Elizabeth and Elijah were crying and very frightened and called me to come over there.  I got in my car and when I drove up they were standing outside waiting for me.  The doctor had told them to go home until the surgery was finished, there was nothing we could do there.  So we both drove home and waited for the phone call.

About 2 hours later the clinic called and said Lady was ready to be picked up.  Elijah and I waited at home while Elizabeth went to get her. About 30 minutes later Elizabeth came home with Lady. Lady had two narrow rubber tubes inserted, one in her side, one under her chin. (This was to keep infection from building up in the wounds.  It would allow for drainage of fluid build up). She was given three different medications to take and instructions to return to remove the tubes in a few days.  Then in a week or so she would need to have the stitches removed.  Lady's hair around her wounds was completely shaved off to her skin so you could see exactly where she was stabbed by the Boars tusks. I had never imagined her injuries were so bad.

But Elizabeth shared with us what the doctor had told her.  Lady was extremely lucky that she had no internal injuries.  The large 100 pound boars tusks had just hooked lady through the first few layers of her skin, going in one side and coming out the other side.  The puncture under her chin had not severed any tendons, muscles, or punctured anything in her throat.  The doctor said he had seen many Javelina/Boar attacks on dogs where the Boar had actually speared half the dogs face off. The doctor actually told Elizabeth it was a miracle that Lady only sustained superficial injuries.(Elizabeth had a theory that she thought the Boar had hooked Lady in such a way that he planned to carry her off for his families dinner, which to me, sounded pretty realistic).

We all thanked God for our miracle, for saving Lady's life.  I do believe that even dogs have little angels watching over them!

Nothing Ethereal
I am in the world today; seeing everything as it is, not as it should be.
It is said that "the way it is", is how it "should be", but this does not seem true to me.  If only all was love; it would be as it should.  There is love in all creation;
I catch glimpses of it here and there.  But at times it is in disguise; we don't recognize.  Sometimes love is buried in flaws, in things imperfect, in ways unknown to us.  Love is here.  Within our innermost being true love resides; sometimes to only feel. and not to see.  Trust it is here.  For what is life without love?  A vast emptiness; darkness.  Realize this.  For we are created in love; for love; to be one with Love.

Thank God for the safety of all the firefighters putting out the Slide fire in Oak Creek Canyon(Sedona) Arizona.  No injuries and no structures lost...A true miracle.  Praise the Lord!!!

I haven't been here in awhile....
I've thought..what's the use?  Who really ever hears?
Who sees?
But then I know, my God does...He knows all ..
and He will lead the people to this spot if it is where they are meant to be.
Please share with me how God is working in your life...
I would like to have a blog full of love and the light of God
working in our lives.
God is here with us.
Pray for all those who don't know God...who do not recgonize Jesus as their Savior.
Hope to hear from you...See you next time.