How to End the Battle Now

No matter what the reason; no matter the cause, if there is anyone in your life that you need to make peace with -- do it now.

Forget the blame, and let go of the grudge. It isn't important how you made your way into the fray, you can begin to experience immediate relief by simpy offering a forgiving gesture towards the other(s). What about right and wrong; you ask?

What about it?

Would you rather be right, or would you prefer peace? If you want to be right, then just acknowledge that the one with whom you are at odds is also "right." Peace is only possible when we let down our guard, and when we genuinely desire an end to our struggle in abiding with all. And let's face it beloved, Love is in the air. We can breathe it in and exhale our response to it, or we can continue to hold our breath and blindly yield to the baser instinct to stay mad or hurt.

Think. About. It.

And it's important to remember: "It is of no consequence that we love those who love us." What makes a difference in the cause of Peace is how we handle the opportunity to love those who are not kind to us. Right people deserve love just like everyone else, so go ahead and take the first step in achieving an end to the battle. Let the Love that served you before the battle step forward and quickly end it once and for all.

Go ahead. You can do it :-)

LUVWRX. Believe it!

When All Is Said And Done

a song by Matt Redman --

Life´s too short to be lukewarm,

This is I know, this I know.

Jesus You can have it all

My every breath,

My every breath.

I need Your power to live this life,

This I know, this I know.

I can´t do this by myself;

You´re Christ in me

My only hope,

My only hope.


As I walk this broken world,

Tune my life to heaven´s song

For I am Yours.


And when all is said and done,

Tune my life to heaven´s song

Forevermore.

I just want to sing Your song.

--

It is a beautiful song, and it is so apropos for today. Heaven's song... do you hear it?

Listen friend.

Then read it again.

LUVWRX! Believe it.

Think of Them

Almost daily, I meet individuals (like 30 minutes ago) who are in need. I don't usually know their need, but because I ask for it, I have the on-going privilege of giving something (anything) to a brother or sister.

I have discovered a simple joy that is having a subtle influence on me. It affects my attitude about others, compelling me to be a source of hope whenever I am able. I only recently made the connection but it springs from memories of a time gone by when I reacted to a person's need in a much different way.

I remember vividly the day it all happened. I came upon an intersection, and there he sat. I had seen him before but never interacted in any way. I was always so busy; you see. He sat on a backpack holding a sign which read, "Will work for food." In my mind, the only thing this guy had going for him was the correct spelling on his sign.

I was glaring at him, wondering why he wasn't working, as he stood and tried to quickly move towards me. Immediately I noticed his left pants leg, which was pinned just below the spot where his leg unnaturally ended. I raised my eyes to check him out only to see his face. It was then that my life changed forever as we locked eyes. What was I going to do?

We locked eyes.

At that point, I made a decision that has remained with me; one I am sure I will never forget. As he was making his way to my car I pretended to fumble around as if looking for spare change. As I waited, lying about my intent, the traffic light finally turned green. Thank God, I thought, as I drove away.

I drove away.

I'm not sure just what I was afraid of. Was it cowardice that caused me to decide not to help? I have often thought about that choice. And to be clear, I don't feel the guilt that I once did. No. I am living proof that our decisions help make us who we are, and I decided to fuel my desire for the good and the true with the memory of leaving that man the way I did. Since that day, I have received literally hundreds of second chances to make a different choice. It is automatic now. As a matter of fact, I keep money in my vehicle so that I will never be without one of the resources that aids my fellow man.

I am not going to ask you to give anything to anyone. That was another post. And this isn't so much about giving money as it is an attempt to remind us that we have ALL been in need at one time or another. Can we just turn our eyes from our human family member when there is something we can do to help? This is not about asking you to give. However, I will ask you just one question.

How would you have felt if you had been the one I left standing on the side of the road?

Beloved, we are One. We were created to be a family of diverse cultures and ideologies. Our illusions of separation and separateness are self inflicted lies we spin in order to justify selfishness and narcissism. Deciding to walk away from another in their time of need is a choice freely made out of our own hearts. I pray that we will examine our hearts and reconsider our motives. It is my sincere hope that we will no longer see others as them, but as another member of our family.

I choose to give for many reasons, and as long as I live, I will never allow another individual to feel excluded or passed over as a result of a choice I make. Giving has many rewards, some unseen in the moment of decision, but nonetheless long lasting in their impact on our perception of the individuals we share our beautiful planet with. Just something to think about :)

LUVWRX! Believe it.

There is No Them

Have you ever noticed "them"?

You know the ones. The other ones. Those who don't match up with our requirements for inclusion. They don't fit in. Do you know who I am talking about yet?

Them. The others. The ones that look different. They talk funny; remember? They go to the wrong church on top of all that. These are just a sampling of the ways we commonly refer to others of our world as "them."

I don't mean to upset the apple cart, but there is no "them."

I do mean to say that I have been looking out at the world from behind these eyes for over 47 years, and I have come to realize that we are all truly equal. It doesn't matter what our skin color is or where we live. It makes no difference how we vote or whom we worship. We are all included by design. It was never intended to be any other way. Any attempt to exclude any one for any reason by any group, establishment, church, or whatever is unacceptable and is not the way of Christ.

All it really took for me to recognize this eternal truth was to place myself in the other person's shoes and really look at how they might feel under my form of judgement. I didn't have to walk around in the other person's shoes. You certainly don't have to literally be in their shoes -- especially if you have a foot issue. Just forget the shoe thing --

Think. About. It.

Think about how the other person feels about themselves and the world. You may not be able to. That should serve as a reminder that we can't really know how anyone feels. Just imagine how the way you choose to treat them will impact them. If after doing so, you can still argue for the justification for casting judgement on them, then e-mail me and let's debate it. :O

Just think about the fact that the other person has experiences that helped form them into who they are. Do you have fears in some area? I'll bet you the other person does as well. Do you want to be accepted just as you are? I'll bet the other person does too. If we allow all whom we come into contact with to be who they are and pass no judgement on them, aren't we doing unto them as we would want them to do unto us? I don't know about you, but I don't want to be referred to as a "them." I've been there. I probably still am one of them for some... that's too bad. It feels crummy, but it doesn't have to be that way at all.

I want to be accepted and loved right here, right now, without having to change in any way. I'll bet you feel the same. What if we really wanted it so badly that we began to see all creatures as having intrinsic value?

What if we just let go of the need to judge or profile anyone?

Do you think it would make a difference?

Could we change the world in the process?

Are we willing to give it a try?
 
LUVWRX! Believe it.

How to Improve Your Decision-Making Skills

Decisions. Decisions.

Do you ever find yourself unable to settle on a choice? Is the comfort of knowing you're making the right decision eluding you right now? Why can't you just decide for goodness' sake?

This Ain't No Menu, Baby. This Is Real Life!

Sometimes trying to make a decision is like trying to open a child-proof medicine bottle with oil on my hands. I get so caught up in pros and cons that even the original issue can become cloudy. I'd like to possess the ability to see my choices clearly, pick the one best for me in that moment, and never, ever second guess myself. Sometimes I get it right. But there are times when I seem frozen in indecision.

Ironically, I talk alot about choice. Choosing can be automatic it seems, and we do it constantly on a daily basis. Yet there are moments when a particular decision can have far-reaching implications, involving the well-being of others.

I also speak about how meditation has helped me to find clarity and peace while I ponder an issue. It can be a great source of comfort to listen for God-breathed answers while waiting on a God-sized response to my need. Then, if I'm not paying attention, I catch myself just staring at a menu. Just staring... like I'm in some state of menu meditation, when I come to the realization that it has been more than a few minutes. The party I am with are all looking at me with their silly grins while my eyes are glazed over like Krispy-Kreme doughnuts. You know what I'm saying? I'm in a real dilemna. The kind that, to take too long in deciding, can get me run over in traffic. No kidding.

Faith. Hope. Love.

Beloved, decision making need not be a struggle, no matter the gravity of my situation. To have certainty in my choices can be a  reality, free of pain and sleep loss. The very same One who guides me to the point of decision, is the same One who guides me to the correct choice. The same One who guides me out of on-coming traffice, is the same One who in the blink of a sugar-coated eye, provides peace in all circumstances.

It takes faith to believe that I am led to the tipping point as surely as I am provided a way to escape a tumble. I have a hope that all my steps are accounted for, and that hope rests in the knowledge that God has never abandoned me. When I leave my struggle in his capable hands, the Peace of the Spirit of Christ settles over my issue. When this is accomplished, his Love compels me to forget my struggle, and to remember that others face greater challenges than I.

The Love of Christ sustains me...

No matter how serious my decision may be, the Love of Christ sustains me. Whether I am choosing between the sushi or the hamburger; trying again or quitting; leaving or staying; I can know that my decision is best when I let Christ in on the process, and choose to partner with him. Remember these words the next time a decision becomes a challenge (even if it's only a menu choice.) They were spoken by Jesus, the Christ to those who needed to hear it. I know I did. God bless your decisions.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

LUVWRX! Believe it.

God, Speak to Me.

I stumbled across a conversation that I documented some time ago. Of course, reading it today was exactly how it was designed to work, because it really meant more to me as I read it this morning than it did originally.

Yes, God speaks to us. He speaks always. It is up to us to listen.

Here is how it went:

God, speak to me. I am listening.

What do you want me to say?

Something profound... lol.

Really? Is that what you want?

I really want you to tell me all of my dreams are coming true, or something really affirming like that.

I will tell you that you have nothing to fear. I will tell you that I love you, and that I am pleased with you. You have sought me with your whole self, and I have repsonded in like manner. You have the heart I gave you -- beating in your chest -- and I know that it is getting harder to get through the day without it being affected in some way. You are expanding beyond what you have known, and it is your heart that is leading the way.

Trust yourself. I do!

Trust what you feel when you don't know what to say or do next. Don't get ahead of me. We are not in a hurry.

I get a little anxious when the mailbox is light and the bills are big.

Yeah, you put too much emphasis on the mailbox money. I understand that you are responsible, and you want to pay those whom you owe. It's ok to be honorable. It is also ok not to worry about the outcome.

Surrender is the place you are now experiencing. You have let go of the pleasing phase; you have let go of control in most areas of your life, and in letting go of those things you wanted to control, you are have found freedom. Freedom to allow all of my love and goodness to fill the place where you used to hold all of your issues with control, respect, and love.

By allowing yourself to be loved and respected, you have actually allowed yourself to love and respect you. Wow! That is beautiful -- and quite a sight for sore eyes -- so to speak.

I am pleased with your attitude about letting go. Continue in this direction. Trust me -- and yourself -- trust Our instincts. We make a great team.

Am I hearing you correctly?

You are listening, and that is correct. You hear my voice because you recognize it. I am Love, and I created you to be love in action on the earth. That is what you are doing, and I love you. I love you.

I love you!

Son, my voice isn't limited, and my Word will not return to me void. I love you eternally.

Go forth, and do good.

LUVWRX! Believe it.

I Am Not Afraid

Many of us are currently so ensnared by the grip of regret; some sort of fear-based, guilt-ridden, I did it again-type way of seeing our situation, that this "grip" has us literally immobilized. I want you to say to that Beloved, "I am not afraid!"
I am not afraid!

I am also not afraid to say to the darkness that, "I know who I am in the process of becoming. The dream of my Father will come to pass!"

We are created by and through Christ, who is the very nature of God. We are created with the same nature, and we can realize more of our purpose when we listen to (and live out) Christ through his Word in Micah 6:8, which states, "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Whoever you are, wherever you're from, your God says that when you show kindness and justice, when you offer grace and acceptance, and when you set aside judgement and present genuine forgiveness through Love, all is well. Do this child, and you will see the "grip" loosen, the chains weaken, and the darkness (ego) drop its head in shame as it finds itself in the Presence of real Love.

Love is all we need.

Never believe the lies you hear, especially the ones you hear yourself saying. You are Loved. You are forgiven. You are accepted as you are. And you are so special that all you need to do right now is let go, and fall back into his Loving arms.

You are good!

There... don't you feel better now?

LUVXRX! Believe it.

How to Know Your Purpose

Why am I here?

How did I get here?

I know I am supposed to do something.

What?

How can we know with certainty our purpose in this life?

I don't know.

What did you expect me to say?

What I do know is that we are defining our purpose, whether we realize it or not, with each thought that precedes our words and deeds. Each time we do or say anything we establish our direction in life. How we see our situation; how we deal with our issues; how we express ourselves in the midst of it all; these are just a few things that can help us answer the question of our purpose.

If we desire to understand fully what our purpose may or may not be, we can begin by developing and maintaining a full awareness of our thoughts about the matter. Am I satisfied? Do I have contenment at this moment? How do I feel when I think about my current status?

My answer is the answer!

If I am in a good place (no pretending), then I am living out my purpose at this moment. If there exists the slightest departure from well-being, I analyze it and adjust my thinking. In this manner I am better able to define my purpose, understanding that it may change with time.

Jesus told us we should repent. He was telling us to change the way we see (think about) our lives, and how we choose to live. Usually, as we change the way we see things, the things we see seem to change. In truth, we have the personal power to choose to see things in such a way as to experience total well-being. I believe in doing so, we also experience a form of repentance.

We are repenting of the sin of denying our nature. Our nature is to have a joy-filled life of abundance. And one of the quickest ways to begin feeling good is to do something kind. One of the most joyful times in life is sharing with those who are in need... even if it's just a smile :-)

LUVWRX! Believe it.

It All Starts With Me

Don't look outward

for the answer

to the dilemna.

The answer lies inside.

Don't look at others

for a place to point the blame.

There is no one to blame.

Looking outside

instead of going within

is an ego thing anyway.

It all starts with me.

I am the interpreter

of my experience.

I am the creator

of my reality.

It all starts with me.

It's not all about me.

It just all starts with me.

Truth.

Lies.

Illusions.

What do I see?

What am I looking for?

How will this day

be described

when it's done?

Whether good

or bad,

it's up to me.

My focus

is on improving me.

I look inside

to see the real me.

Because...

it all starts with me.

I look inside

where no mask

can disguise

the real me.

No pretending.

No defending.

No mind game.

Inside.

In the midst of me.

In the deep place.

That's where the truth,

my truth resides.

Deep inside

I know that...

it all starts with me.

So...

Who am I?

Where's the Love?

A new decade in infancy.

An old idea resurfacing.

A new way needed.

An old prayer the answer.

Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We [are]. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, [are] in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.

And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare [it], that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.

-- (John 17:9-26 NKJV)

We are One.

There is no them.

Christ was referring to all of us.

Therefore, let us be active participants within the prayer of Jesus.

LUVWRX.  Believe it!