It Takes One

In my mind and heart I believe that it only takes one person to stop, look around and commit to doing one act of kindness. Being kind, good and respectful really isn't that difficult. It only takes one, then one more, then another making a chain link around the world, loving one another.
Perhaps this is an old fashion idea, but in my soul I believe that mankind hasn't worked hard enough.
It only takes one person to light the fire of love.
This holiday season, be the one. You will never regret being kind.
That last forever and who doesn't want goodness to be forever.
It only takes one. Are you the one?

Be kind this season and always. It feels good.
Hugs,
CJ

Taking the Break

Sometimes when I am over whelmed with all of life's little stresses, I need to know when to take the break. so often I'm too busy trying to help other people get their lives in order, family and friends can just wear you out. They become too needy without even realizing what has happen.
Of late my poor worn out body let me know, we're taking a break and not to the beach either, ugh!! My body got sick, my mind was just too full of everything and it all went boom. Now as I'm moving forward in getting healed I need to remember that while I love to help other folks fix their lives, hey I've got to take time to live mine.
Taking a break is always a good thing. It allows for the body and mind to unload, relax and just enjoy the moment. So, I am now soundly taking my own advise and will continue to slow it down and know when to take the break.
After all if I don't, I may just break into pieces. Hope not.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all. Ya'll be well, be happy. God bless all.

CJ :)

Today

Whenever I think that I can't take anymore sadness, sorrow, pain  or hateful actions directed at me, I stop and think about today.
The world is still turning, there is still some sense of goodness, people do care, I am loved and I love back. My world didn't fall apart and things are getting better, slowly but surly.
God loves me and I love him. I'm still here, living and making the best of what I have.
Today is only a certain number of seconds, minutes and hours that I have to enjoy or endure depending on my mind set.
God bless America, all of his children and hopefully me as well.
Today, so far I have made it through most of it. I hope for tomorrow and all that it brings, something new, a surprise that only I can make the most of, good or bad.
Today, what a joy it has been, depending on your mind set...........

Be well, be happy.
CJ

Still just saying

Take time to enjoy the days that are filled with every smile you share. Someone out there in the world just might need your sunny energy to make their day brighter.
Go in peace.

Just a saying

 I would rather care for those in need, than to need those who don't care.
Take time to care for anyone who might have a particular need.

Just saying.......

Seeing

I may not always see you, but I will think of you often.
I may not know that you need me, but I am always here if you call on me.
I may not understand your position, but I will support you.
I may not appear to love you, but I will keep you in my heart.
I will try see you every where you are.
Be blessed.

No Judgement here

Last night I happen to attend a good old revival event at my church. It was one of those long drawn out gospel slamming moments. At some point I sort lost thought at exactly what was being said and for what reason, then an eye opening clarification occurred.
Somewhere within the droning of the words that was meant to inspire me a reminder popped up about judging others. This is something that I often think about, but do I really follow what is written in the bible about judging others?
While in thought of this dilemma I remembered what the Pope has recently said about homosexuality. That he could stand in judgement of those persons who engaged in such a lifestyle. At first I wonder how the catholic church could take such a position?
Suddenly, last night a clearer understanding of what the Pope meant came to me. As God has revealed to all of us, even if I think that a person is acting or behaving outside of the laws of God, I can not judge whether or not anyone's soul is condemn to hell. That judgement is God's and God's alone. Since I believe that my almighty Lord will judge me, then I also must accept and act with the understanding that judgement is his and not mine.
The art of loving is our greatest task whether or not we are in total agreement with every choice that an individual makes. God forgives us all and as his children we must learn to love and forgive all things.
As I left my church last night I felt a weight had been removed from my heart. The act of judgement is not mine, but the act of loving is. Perhaps now I can set about the task of loving all of God's children as he has loved me.
No judgement here, thank God.

How Much?

How much I love you depends on how much I can love myself.
How much I will give to you depends on how much I have to give,
How much I can endure from you depends on how much room my heart has for you.
How much room I have for others depends on how much room I will make for them.
How much God loves me depends on how much I will let him.
How much I am will to learn and change, depends on how much willingness I have to accept who I really am.
How much do you have to share with others and yourself?

Now

Now is the time for me to show you how much I love you, spread your arms wide and this is how far my love will grow, forever.
Now is the time for all of mankind to stop and love one another.

Tipping the plate

For many years I"ve heard that old saying that God doesn't give you more than you can handle, which in simple terms means that God doesn't fill our plates with more than we can handle at any given time in our life.
I on the other hand have a thought about that saying myself. It is my belief that God doesn't put anything on our plates at all, rather he wiped our plates completely clean when he gave his son Christ to us.
Having that belief for me means that in any situation it is I, myself that fills my plate daily.
If anyone should take responsibility for all of the stuff that lies on my plate of life it is me and only me. I have said plenty of times on this posting site as well as other's that I'm not one to preach to anyone, but after the events of the last few days here in America how can anyone think that God would chose to use such hellish acts of violence against his own children.
We are capable and willing to tip our plates, then looking quickly to God as though he would even begin to test our faith in such a manner. Tipping the plate of ones own life is what humans do daily. We task ourselves with the most incredible acts possible thus tipping our own plates.
How long can we go at this pace of inhumane depravity? When we accept that our plates have been clean this is the beginning  of choosing wisely on how to use that space.
Everyday I pray that I become closer to my God and his love so that I can select those things that will fill my heart and soul up, leaving room upon my plate to love others as I know God has loved me.
It is far past the time for us to stop tipping our own plates with acts of hate and violence and work harder to love ourselves and one another.
How full is your plate? Is it at the point of tipping? Look closer and more carefully at what you carry and ask yourself, I'm am indeed responsible for the mess that I made?
God  doesn't over load us then bail us out. That was done a long time ago, he already balanced the plates for all of us.
Are you balanced today? I pray you are.
No tipping pleasing, it's been paid already.
May God bless you everyday in your walk through life.

Settle

  There are times that settling for what I have as apposed to what I want is the best and quickest way to get my wants taken care of. Settle for a moment of true happiness, it's the very best feeling in the world when you just let it settle in.
Happy peaceful weekend to all. Be happy with what you have, settle into your life.

Others'

WHEN WE CAN PUT OTHERS' BEFORE OURSELVES,  THEN WE HAVE BEGUN TO UNDERSTAND THE TRUE VALUE OF HUMANITY AS GOD CREATED IT.

THIS IS THE MOMENT THAT WE HAVE BEGUN TO CHANGE OURSELVES 
FOR THE BETTER.

THIS IS THE TRUEST BEGINNING TO SELF WORTH.
OTHERS BEFORE SELF IS THE GREATEST LOVE OF ALL.

Joy

  The Joy of being alive is to learn to live joyfully so believing that,
A positive thought can become a positive action and knowing,
Kindness never kills, it heals the wounded.

God bless your daily journey.

Worshiping

                              The act of worshiping God, is the art of loving him.

                              Worshiping and loving God is the best action we can choose.

Keeper

I am my keeper of my soul and spirit.
I am my judge of my actions and behavior.
I am just a person standing all alone.
I am a creation of Gods' image, who sits on his throne.

Be blessed today and know you are we a keeper of God's love.

Icing

The written is word is like icing on a cake. It completely draws you in for every delicious bite. Enjoying the flavor of the words leaves you excited and content. Take a bite out of some fabulous reading today.

ALLOWING

   IF YOU DON'T ALLOW GOD TO HELP YOU, THEN YOU'RE REALLY IN TROUBLE.
ALLOW HIM TO GIVE YOU HELP, IT WILL LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD AND FREE YOUR SPIRIT.

 WISHING GREAT BLESSINGS EVERYDAY :)

A Prayer

 Pray that today is better than yesterday, that whatever errors we have committed we are still able to rise up and become stronger and more caring people.
We have but one life, pray that we can change for the better, resolving to love one another as God loves us.

Always

                             


                                LIFE IS NOT ALWAYS FAIR,

                                UNDERSTANDING HOW TO

                                 TREAT OTHERS FAIRLY

                                     WILL MAKE YOUR

                                           LIFE BETTER.

Alone

We all must walk through life seemly alone. Hold out your hand, smile and welcome those around you. You might be surprised that you are no longer alone. Kindness is as simply as smiling, it's warmth you don't need to be paid for and won't miss it when it's gone. Share your smiles, life is very short. Be generous with your heart. We are all very blessed.

The Storm

Thunder bellowed loudly across the darken sky, rattling windows like fist beating against the panes. The sky had turned mid-night black, not a peep of light sneaking through. It was a fierce storm moving slowly against the earth's unprotected land, bringing fear and uncertainty with it.
I hovered on the couch with my dearest companions,  my cat Nickels and my dog Bessie hoping for some safe comfort for us all. A storm of unmeasurable size wielded it mightiest forces at us, daring anyone to stand against it.
Listening carefully to the weather report, I waited to see if I needed to move me and my companions down stairs, to a safer hiding place. The bright quick flash of the lightning rod sped across the sky once again. Another reminder of the vast power it held against all things.
Waiting, waiting and waiting as the moments slid by, hope that the giant trees in my backyard could bend far enough without snapping, slamming down to the earth. Almost without breathing, I watched the tall timbers sway against the mighty gust of wind, thinking that this would be the moment the crashing began. My poor animals, sitting as close to me as my own skin, were looking wide eyed and fearful of the storm that raged outside our door.
There had been a whole season of these storms coming at us in a moments notice. For all of the long hot summer months, we had endured flash flooding, and gusty winds that uprooted tree after tree.The dark brooding sky, filled with thick heavy clouds raining their huge tear drops down on us. It was as if heaven and earth waged a war with one another and humans were simply caught in the middle.
Mother nature, always unpredictable, rose up and once again showed her mighty power.There is no defense against these storms. All there is left, when they come marching in, is to gather up whatever defenses you have and ride out the worst of it. With a prayer on my lips and a readiness to move to a safer hiding place, I waited for the storm to pass, hoping that it would do as little damage as possible.
The loud snapping of the lighting zinged across the sky once again, the white brightness lighting up the entire room, as I continued to watch the weather channel. Slowly, the storm began to ease up, as the thunder continued to rumbled off in the distance.The rain had poured over the roof top and down across the yard forming a river.I had watched in fear and awe at the magnificent strength mother nature cultivated. She could be a fearsome beast with little defense available, yet one could not dismiss her power.
The hours passed slowly, bit by bit the storm moved on leaving the wreckage behind. Still the lightning could be seen across the night sky, a subtle reminder of who was really in charge. Finally, Nickels stood up, stretched himself as though he had only be napping then jumped down from the couch to find his food. Bessie continued to lay close not yet ready to trust that mother nature's fury had subsided. After and only after I was really sure that the storm had past I stood and walked to the back door to peek outside.
 All anyone can do is ride out that fury, pray and wait to view the damage.There was some structural repairs that would be required after this round of pounding rain and high gusty winds. More than that, we had survived. I had been spared, along with my two loving pets to live another day.
Eventually, the sun broke through the heavy clouds, the rains slowly began moving on towards another area. There had been more than one of these storms engulfing my community in the past several weeks. Each time I held my breath, fearing the worse. As usual mother nature and God decided to move on leaving most everything in tact.
With a little clean up required, replacement of some dirt and sweeping and raking away the tree branches and leaves, our lives were untouched. Every season rolls in and rolls out, leaving in its wake the trail of its own character.
The storm had bellowed through our little community, with thunder and lighting as though the gods of some ancient time still existed. In the after math, all that really remained was the memory of a storm well produced, and the unshakable knowledge that we are but small creatures in a vast universe living one day at a time, storm to storm, riding the lighting bolt to its end. -

Feeling Good

Today is a beautiful day. It has brought a wealth of happiness to my life.
Each day brings its own glorious value to where ever I am.
In each new day I will find great things waiting for me.
This is my life and I am blessed to share it with all of those I love,
that includes who ever reads this too!
Smile, it could be worse.
Stop so that you can see your blessings.
Be grateful.

Is Being Baptist Bad?

Sitting in the church waiting for the sermon, hoping to be filled with  joyful spiritual up lifting, the words come at me like a whirlwind. Talking, shouting with sounds of glee, I hear the message loud and clear. Do not judge lest ye be judged. Don't look to others' for the sin they commit, don't be Mormon, don't be Catholic, don't be Baptist, you're looking in the wrong place.
Each of these denominations are leading us astray. Yet couples that are not married, just getting divorced set side by side in relationships that the bible teaches us that are wrong. I'll say this without judgment of any kind, is being Baptist worse than committing an outward sin?
I sit listening at being told that if you're a Baptist you might be too judgmental. That seeking the presence of the Pope while he sits in his own man made king dome is a sin against God. Trying to understand that no matter what the claims of the man who says that God and Christ appeared to him, anointing him as Profit of a new and true religion, remains out of text from the teachings of the bible.
So where does that leave all of us "bible thumbing Christians"? Is being Baptist bad? A long time ago my parents raised me to attend a baptist church. It was where we went every Sunday and Wednesday of my young life.It was there that I began to understand God's love and what he was willing to give to me, his son Jesus Christ.
Christ died for me. That was the most important aspect of going to church and it remains so today, but how can I accept the value of my church when I know that adultery is being so openly displayed. If you're gay, you can't join my church, but if you are in a relationship with another person who is "working" on becoming divorced that's okay.
Still not one to preach, I do however question these very interesting situations within my small town church. As Christians we are to love one another as Christ loved us. Right? So again, I ask how can we accept that one religious point of view is better than any other. Christ loved us all no matter what we call ourselves and it feels like we are setting a bad example of that love.
I don't really want to be in charge of other peoples' religion, but if my pastor is going to set a standard that he feels we must all meet, then can we not expect that every standard coming from the bible is equal? Judge not? Well I was raised Baptist. That doesn't mean that I sit around and judge everything that someone does.
However if you put yourself in front of me and flaunt these type of behaviors, well it's a little hard to ask, hummm.... Is this right? No judgments, just asking that's all.
Oh well, these are just my thoughts and the parting question remains the same for me, "Is being Baptist Bad?"
I may never know, but I was just wondering.

FEELINGS.....

                 

      If today is full of sorrow,

      look up, and know that tomorrow 

      holds hope.

      Feeling good is a journey one can 

      only travel alone.

       Hope will replace sorrow if you let          it.

A Friend

  A TRUE FRIEND NEVER SHOUTS AT YOU, NEVER JUDGES, AND NEVER POINTS   A FINGER. THEY ARE NOT ANGERED BY DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW.

  A TRUE FRIEND BONDS WITH YOUR HEART AND STANDS READY TO WIPE       YOUR TEARS, HELPING TO FIND RESOLVE FOR YOUR SORROWS.

  A TRUE FRIEND SEEKS TO MEND A BROKEN HEART, LIFTING YOUR SPIRITS,     LOVING YOU ALWAYS, IMPERFECT AS YOU MAY BE.

  A TRUE FRIEND LAST A LIFE TIME.

NOW

Now is always the best time, to forgive, move on and see other's the way you'd like to be seen. Share the moment, now never last longer than a second.
 Wishing Peace always.....

Just Breath

When life gets you down and there seems to be no happiness in sight, stopping long enough to just breath affords you that little incentive of appreciation so you can see that all is not lost. The fog that has become an unpleasant moment just might hold some shine sun not noticed before.

Just breath, it can clear the air in any soul that is bogged down. Peace and happiness do exist
 if you let them. 

Strength of a Heart

                          When winter's hardest night doth lie. 
               then do I fight my truest to survive.

               Those days of past and present meek,
               never again will I seek.

              This life's path I am bound,
              heaven's gate I have not found.

             Until this life shall I be at rest,
             forsake me not, call me blessed.

            On God's wing do I stand,
            forever in his loving plan.

           My strength of heart he has ingrained,
           forever loving shall always remain.



FOR BARBARA

When.......

When the world seems to heavy and life isn't smooth as glass, take a minute to see your whole life in review. Smile at the wonderful things that you have accomplished and know that the image of yourself you leave behind is the best of the best.
Be content with how good your soul has become. Others will recognize that as well.
In all things God is here holding our hand, giving us strength and letting us know that all will be well, now and forever. That's when you know you can let go.
Be well, :)

In Time

There are always moments that feel as though we can never make it through them. Take a breath, close you eyes and in one quick second, just in time your sense of balance will level out.
Life is always about time, things work out they way they are suppose to,  in time.

Thankful

The art of being thankful isn't very hard. Consider all that you have, not what you don't have in life. Thank you so very much for sharing my thoughts. Mankind is still the greatest creation of God. How thankful I am for his blessings and to share it with the world. This is life at it's best moments, how thankful I am for everything that I have.
Wishing great blessings to all. :)

Being Real

Sometimes it is easier to act like those around you than to be who you really are daily. Being real is the part of my character that must be exercised each day or I will forget who I am, and who I want to become. Be happy with your inner self and soul, that's what being real is all about. That's how God made me so I can never go wrong with being me.
See the blessing of who you are, it's art in progress. :)

Grateful

If you ever think that life is being unfair and everything is falling apart, that's when we should stop, take a breath and remember to thank God for loving us as we are. Not one person is promised roses and sweet dreams everyday that they live. However, we are promised that if we can manage to hang on to the belief that there is something greater than all of us, that which is God almighty, then our experiences to a wonderful journey of becoming grateful can mean so much more

Everyday has it's own purpose of what is to come. Life is far more difficult when you travel  it all alone. Look up and be happy with what you have become, after all aren't we all perfect in God's image? As for me I am always grateful for that! Be blessed and enjoy your success, gratefully :)

Loving

Remember, loving isn't always easy, yet it is the greatest act of sharing your joy. It is always better to act with love than to carry the sorrow of hate. Stretch yourself, show and share your inner joy by loving those that treat you poorly. At the end of your day, your heart will be at peace and that's worth all of the gold in the universe and far beyond. Just love.

Smile :)

A smile cost me nothing, but gives so much. You never know when someone could need just a smile. It opens the doors to the idea that all can be well. Think of the possibilities...... Smile, it's your blessings shining through.:) Have a blessed weekend!!

Im Worldwide!!

Never thought I would be so important that anybody would be watching me, watch me! Finally, how cool is that?? WORLDWIDE WEB, HERE I AM!! HOORAH!!

Blink

In one quick blink a life has come and gone. Don't waste a second to enjoy all that you have;blink and it is gone never to return again.

SELFLESS

The act of being selfless means having a true understanding that other's before self is the greatest gift of kindness. Be self'less, it can heal the soul. :) Good Blessing always.

Always 

A gentle breeze touches my face,

Removing sadness with its kindly grace.

This moment do I behold and embrace,

Feelings of hope not replaced. 

Here again my courage abound,

Having no fears of being let down. 

For if I let all that's not sound,

Crash my spirit to the ground. 

Then all love within my heart would break,

No tomorrow would ever wake.

Spirit of my heart still true, 

Courage still stands like a new days dew.

Then I will know my souls truest self,

Within my own life I find absolute wealth.

That no sunset or darken cloud above,

Will ever take from me my one true love.

My strength for living shall stand steadfast, 

All that is wrong in the end shall pass.

The truth of life not lived too fast, 

Is knowing that real love will lasts.

-8/9/2002-

Life in Time

        Enjoy life. It passes by so quickly, never to return to the same place twice. This is our life in time, here today and so surely gone tomorrow. Never mourn what has left your presences. Marvel that you were there to enjoy and share in the moments. God's mercy is with you always, eternal.

Today's Just A Thought

           We only have today to make tomorrow better for all of mankind.

            Try peace, with God's grace it will always work.
            
             Have a blessed day. :)