It is You

It is You.

It is only You.

It has ever only been You.

And because of You, I am a better man. You have never let me fall. It is I who always chose to stumble. You always pick me back up, brush me off, and offer Your acceptance so that I might be made whole again. Though I will surely choose again in error as I make my way along this path we share, I know that I am never ever alone. I know that I will always have You.

It is You.

It is only You.

It has never been that it was not only and forever You.

Thank you for Your Love. Thank for creating me with the certainty that Love is all we have ever needed. When I make the conscious choice to make Love and only Love my method, I am completely in You. For I have also been created with the certainty that You have always been in me. I am forever grateful to You, and I love You.

It is You.

It is only You.

When the earth crumbles, and all the galaxies fade, it will always and forever only be You.

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

For in his eyes, it has always been you beloved.

It is you.

It is only you.

It has never ever been that it could possibly be about anything other than you.

LUVWRX. Believe it.

First Love

It is a very quiet Christmas morning as I write. No people. No laughter. Nothing. Or so it seemed as I woke up today.

This has been a year to remember; death, divorce, division, defeat. And in spite of the way those things hang on me like smoke from stale cigarettes, I find that I am anything but alone. The God of the Universe never leaves, never abandons, never ever divides, and can only lift up.

The King of heaven who gave more to me than I have ever been able to comprehend came to my room and gently reminded me that my first Love is the only love I need.... now or ever.

"Return to me," he said. -- Insert an awkward pause here. --  "It has been so long Father, I don't know how to approach you anymore." It was all I could of think to say. Without hesitation, he simply replied, "My child, you just did. And not only do I receive you, I bless you now in my name with joy, peace, and completion." I am reeling from the event, and I just wanted to say to you beloved,

"Return to your first Love."

You are not alone. Don't ever fall for the lie. If you have no people around you at the moment, it may only be so that you can become reacquainted with true Love. The kind of love that is consistent and unconditional. The kind of Love you and I are searching for. The Love that knows us completely, and doesn't find any fault with us.

Merry Christmas.

And take heart, your life is an unfinished script. So help write by filling it with memories throughout this next year. Make memories that will carry you through till the next Christmas where things are sure to be better for us. God's promises are dependable. Talk with him about your hopes and dreams right now. Your First Love is waiting for you.

God Bless You in the name of Christ who we celebrate this day. 

LUVWRX -- Believe it!

Caution: Tripping Hazard

Do you react to things you experience and that is your action, or do you take action and create the life you want?

Reacting

I got up this morning and as soon as I stepped out of bed I stumped my toe, and fell into the nightstand bruising my leg. It hurt so bad. Everything spiraled from there as I prepared to go to the job I hate just so I can sit and listen to all of the problems of the delinquent occupying the cubicle next to me. He always looks at me like my fly is open. Every time I see him, I want to scream, "Brush your teeth!" He is such a loser.

Creating

I woke this morning from a great night's sleep. As I got out of bed I stumped my toe and then I fell into the nightstand and really whacked my leg. If I didn't know better, I would swear someone moved that thing while I slept... lol. I couldn't wait to get to work so I quickly ignored the pounding in my toe, and just like that I forgot all about the event. I was in a particular hurry to get to work today. You see, there's this new kid in the cubicle next to me. He has had a rough time of it lately, but I really listen to him and we seem to be connecting. Every time he talks about his life I want to hug him, and reassure him that all is well. He's such a great kid.

Which Type Am I?

Can I accept that, in choosing, I determine whether I am creating along with God, or just reacting to life? Both choices contribute to my perception of my life; good or bad. And there is no one to blame when things seem to be going poorly for me. In fact, as soon as I change the way I see me (I am a good person!), I change the way I describe myself. When I improve my belief about myself, things turn around. Additionally, when I choose to see others the way God sees all his children, I realize everyone deserves my love; including me. It is always up to me to choose to offer love (to myself as well as others), or to choose to withold it.

Rearranging the Letters

Reacting. Creating. When I rearrange the letters, I illustrate how I can make a change, and see myself as either one. If life seems unfair, change the way you see yourself. If you hate others, change the way you see them. They pose no threat to you really.

Realize The Truth

To quote a portion of the introduction to A Course in Miracles: "Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists. Herein lies the peace of God."

When we stand up for love, we take on the character of Christ as he prayed for our unity and Oneness, with God and with each other. We are One. We are created in the image of God to be about his business, and joining in with what he is doing. And what is God doing? He is waking his children from their slumber -- as we are willing -- and He is showing us who we really are, so we can better serve from a place of humility and authenticity. God is working with us (even while we are breaking our toe), and he loves us deeply.

There is one hope, peace; one world, now; one Love, forever.

When you get it, express it, share it. The peace of God is for all people. It is meant to be expressed. In the expressing it is shared, and in our sharing we are creating peace on earth.

LUVWRX

Contrast is Calling

If it were not for contrast in our experiences, would we have the capability of recognizing just how good Life really is? This may seem a strange question at first glance. However, being confronted with change, which is simply contrast -- or opposites as others put it -- we are offered opportunities to consider things from a different perspective, and this equates to growth potential.

But Please Pay Attention!

Bloggers come from all walks of life, and I have been given a larger world view completely free of charge just by being open to what they write about. In the same way, being open to change lessens resistance to growth, and we find that we flow more naturally with the current of Life. I have found that it is much more enjoyable than swimming upstream! And the key is the awareness that change is not intended to hurt me.

Stop Fighting Change.

Allow. I did not say tolerate. Tolerance screams, "I still disapprove!" Allowing simply allows. No fighting. No judgement. In much the same way we are guided through this life by a benevolent Love, we can more easily maneuver the maze-like "obstacles" we sometimes face by just letting go of the desire to control.

Desire is good. Control is dangerous.

Would you rather win, or would you rather offer love? Do you prefer being right over being open? Do you even think about it?

Think. About. It.

Do something ridiculously kind for someone in need today. And do it for no other reason except to experience the contrast of otherwise pretending to be too busy to see them.

There is no them, and I love you! -- jb

The Cost of Kindness (Why We Give)

I had blogger block for a while so I asked my son, Brandon, to look for someone to whom he could offer kindness, and I would write a post about why we give. Simple way to get back in the flow of writing, and it was an idea just in passing as we were discussing his test scores. It wasn't one of those things where your kid says in response, "Oh, okay Dad. I sure will." ... and it is never mentioned again.

Brandon knew that he was going to enjoy it, and get to help me at the same time. He said, "I look forward to it, and I will let you know how it goes in a few days." Brandon is a student at the University of Alabama. He is a standout for his dedication to his goals and his purpose, and the absolutely natural way in which he coexists with everything and everyone. He is very easy to be around, and he is a particular joy for me.

He is pure joy for his father.

So he's a good kid. You get it. He related to me the following story: He was walking out of class and met a man who explained that he needed $60.00 and a ride to where his car was disabled. The gentleman was a graduate of Alabama, and further he was schooled in video production which is Brandon's major. He only had $60.00 dollars in his checking account, so in his mind he had just enough to help this guy get what he needed. He goes to school full time even in the summer. He also works 30+ hours a week, so he understands money. His new acquaintance promised to call in an hour or so and meet Brandon in order to repay him :)

He gave his last dollar.

To some, it would appear my son is simply out some money for being naive'. To others it may seem he was a victim of a con artist. Here is what he did: He aligned himself with Love, and without question, gave what he had just to be kind.

Just. Be. Kind.

The greater the sacrifice, the greater the reward. The darker the night, the brighter the dawn. It was a simple story that made me feel so good. He opened himself to the opportunity to be kind even though it might cost him some money. If we all just once a day would do something similar, it would change everything.

There is no them anyway so why not just treat everyone the way you would like to be treated. By the way, I gave him $100.00 just because it felt good :) Not a bad return.

Peace. -- jb

My Friend Died

My friend Glynn Luckie Mosley died recently. He was 92. He was the best example of making love the main thing in a marriage that I ever observed, and I miss him today.

I wrote a story about our coming together some time back. I re-post it today just for me. You are free to read it of course.

http://jeffbakertalks.blogspot.com/2008/08/you-never-know.html

Please look at the person asking for money today. Please don't turn away, and if you can't spare any money, at least offer a smile and an encouraging word. But for God's sake, don't look away.

There is no them. -- jb

My Name's Stella

It was a warm, southern-style evening, much like any other March evening in his small community. He was minding his own business, pumping gas into his SUV, just thinking about his dinner when he heard her: "You tryin' to clean it up a little baby?" He assumes she had been watching as he picked up a floor mat to shake out the dirt.

All he wants is to get his gas, get a sandwich, and get back to the solace of his home... all without any fanfare. He is thinking, Not tonight. But he is forced to say, "I'm sorry, I can't hear you. Hold on." By this time she is approaching him. He turns, and they lock eyes. He sees something in her wild smile. What is it? Is this why I came out tonight? Stella is about to say hello.

She is an unusual looking woman. In fact, with the way she's dressed and the way she carries herself, it is easy to mistake her for a male. There are very few teeth in her mouth. He can tell by her ever-widening grin. "Can you spare some change so I can get something to eat?"

She reeks of cigarettes and old alcohol, but that smile. What is it? "You like Subway?" is all he can muster. Her eyes twinkle as she says, "Oh, it's my favorite!" He is smiling without knowing it as he suggests that she go ahead and place her order.

Once he tops off his tank, he parks the big SUV and walks inside. There she is dancing and singing to the apparent music playing in her cap-covered head. When she sees him she stops and with a genuine look of appreciation, introduces herself, "My name's Stella. What's your name?"

Before he knows it, words are coming out of his mouth that he is certain did not originate in his head. He turns so no one can see, and handing her a twenty dollar bill, he whispers, "Here. Why don't you use your own money." Her exuberance was infectious, and before he can prepare himself, with the whole store observing, she literally leaps to him. She gives him a hug so big he is certain she no longer smells like stale smoke and beer.

After joking and talking about their common acquaintances in the community, he comes to the realization that they only live two miles apart. You see, as he heads home to his high-end neighborhood, he passes many shacks and trailers scattered on both sides of the winding country road. He wonders which one is hers. Then as if divinely inspired, covered in goosebumps he tells her how glad he is to meet her. At which point he discovers that he really means it.

Stella, his new friend, floats out the door with her foot-long combo and disappears into the night. He is left standing there reflecting in amazement at the events of the last half hour. Now smiling bigger than he has in a while, he makes his way to his truck, and with a rekindling of sorts taking place in the embers of his spirit, he returns home. 

After enjoying his meal, and still treasuring his experience, he realizes why he ventured out this evening. He heads straight for his computer, and begins to write. Stella has inspired a new post that serves as a vivid reminder that there is no them.

Thanks Stella!

What If?

What if the world was like a big crowded bus with lots of seats, and the only way to ride this bus was to actually have a seat to occupy? What if there is only one seat left, and when you look around you suddenly realize that there is only you and one other person left who are not yet seated?

Would you give up the last seat?

Oh, by the way, this person has a different skin color than you. Or maybe their teeth look funny, or they smell odd. For some reason you can't take your eyes off of them. Maybe it's the strange language, or clothing that makes you stare. It is of course, very possible that the person you are looking at is simply the opposite of all the things you think are good and acceptable. They don't quite meet the criteria for inclusion. They are the enemy. They are one of them. No time to be specific, they just don't belong on your bus. But wait...

A choice must be made now.

There is no time to delay, the bus is leaving. What is your decision? Can you look at the unworthy and just leave them behind? Will you offer the last seat on the bus to that person? Will you open your heart or close your eyes? Can you even look at them now that you are confronted with such a choice?

It is the way we look at "them" that has, and will continue to determine our destiny as the human race.

We are a world that is comprised of tremendous variety. We humans possess our own unique variety within the world we share. It is in this variety that we are offered the opportunity to appreciate all of life. If we see our perceived differences as simply variety, we disable the destructive impact of judgement. When we do away with judgement, we are moving away from fear. When there is no fear, love is all that remains. Where there is love, there is no them.

What if we all just chose to forgive?

What would our world look like?

Think. About. It.

NO PEEKING!