The Stream of Life

(Photo by a friend)

I have noticed that days move along like a mountain stream. No matter what happens, that stream continues along just like our lives. The twists and turns add to the splendor of the path it takes. Whether the scene is lush green foliage with flowering plants, fallen trees amongst jutting rocks, or bubbling brook-type rapids, it continues ahead.

As with us, we travel in a way that has many twists and turns, just like that stream. We traipse through these different pathways and continue on regardless of the scenery. There are days of that lushness where we are content and at the highest high, while other days we are battered between the stony hardness of living. When we finally have the chance to reflect on where we've been, those rapids have carried us into another month...sometimes year.

When I follow the stream of life, I am in awe of the different aspects of ultimate beauty the course depicts. Our individual character is shaped just like the bed of our stream, changing the flow in what ever direction the built-up sediments deem. Enjoy the flow of life each day by sitting on that bank to discover the exquisiteness it has to offer.

Until next time...

Stillness Follows Chaos

As a friend wrote on his travels to Cambodia, many flocked to see a sunrise over a temple in Angkor Wat. Crowds were there at the same time he anticipated the quiet in the wee hours of the morning, only to leave immediately following the sunrise.

After traveling hours and miles to see the wondrous site, some have saved possibly years for the opportunity, the crowd presses all around to get the best glimpse by the naked eye or camera lens. For some, the morning has been ruined and take what they can get and move on. But those few that can remove themselves from the crowd, gleen the reality of what is before them.

No matter what is around you, the sunrise is still one of the most spectacular events to witness. Pair that up with an ancient temple, and you can be transported back to a time and place in your imagination. The connection is there regardless of the crowd if you allow it.

The moment comes when the crowd dissipates. The silence that follows continues to enhance your visual. The oneness with what is before you grows through the stillness that follows the chaos.

Next time, be still amongst the crowd, listen and look beyond the nearness of others...wait awhile following the chaos...and gleen the benefits of that stillness.

'til the next time

Amidst the Storms!

Saturday started out cloudy with a hint of cool breeze. I was invited to my son’s girlfriend’a softball tournaments. With the threat of afternoon rain and with umbrella in hand, I headed out for a day of fun. The sun peaked in and out thoughout the morning, and by about 11:00 the sweats came off. Conversation with the parents was great as usual, (and I had to be on my best behavior...my son’s strick instructions!)We decided to have lunch. The adults did the right thing and headed off to Subway, while the younkins went to Cardiac McD’s. Unbeknownced to us, the clouds began their approach from Georgia. We set up our chairs to enjoy the 3rd round of games when the wind picked up. We were hoping that it was just going to blow the rain right over us. I left my son at the games in the very capable hands of the other parents (his girlfriend’s family) while I left to pick up my daughter to bring her to work. Mind you, I still had no idea of the storms brewing all around me.

Once I got home, my daughter had the TV on and across the screen came the daunting message about the tornado warnings! At the same time these words were trailing across the screen, I thought about the plans I had to visit a church. I realized that I would be heading right into the path of destruction. Thinking about the possibility, I still had desire to go to this place. So off we went...with a prayer.

After dropping her off, I continued on my way staring into the darking, swirling clould filled sky. I felt just like one of those storm chasers that I love to watch on the Weather Channel! I kept saying..."Lord, if you really want me to attend this service, open the path!" On I went, following the directions given to me. I made my turn on this road and kept following it as the rain began it’s horizonal falling...sheets upon sheets of rain pelted the car...but I kept to the course. At one point, the hail began...that is when I felt startled for just a moment. I thought, "OH NO, hail means one thing with horizontal rain!!!"

So I immediately prayed..."Lord, if it is your will for me to be safe and get to the church, protect me and open the road." Immediately, the hail stopped (all 3 seconds of it) and there was a light all around my car for the next few miles! Talk about answers to prayers! After getting lost for a few minutes, I was redirected by my friend and found the way to the church. It was an awesome service while the storm rose outside, once again only to clear up when it was time to leave and begin the trekk home!

On my drive back, I was given the gift of a rainbow with stormy clouds for a background.

My God is and Awesome God!!!!

The 'Heat' is on...

It's that time of year when the sandals go on and the shorts come out. Along with the clothing, baring portions of your body become of great importance. Ok, not so much the extra pockets of bubbles beneath the skin (which should have been taken cared of in the gym), but I'm talking about the chalky whiteness of hidden skin beneath the many layers of winter clothing. The mad rush to the tanning beds begin. Yes, even here in the deep south those are used.

Lines upon lines, the masses wait for their 8 to 12 minute experience in a bed illuminated by light bulbs and a whirlwind of fan blowers.

OK…I admit I am an avid fan of color but will by all means try to get in and out of such establishments as soon as possible. Last night was such an example. I decided after a long absence from the luminance lights, I was going to add to my bronzing endeavors by participating in the flood of avid tanners. When I entered the building, every square inch of the waiting room was filled with patrons anticipating their moments of coloring. I knew I was in for a long wait, but found to my surprise a few of my acquaintances to while away the time.

But what to my wonderful ears did I hear? The attendant asked if anyone wanted to use the stand up machine. When no takers rushed the counter, I calmly said, "sure, why not". My line cutting was a fortunate event for me because it cut my wait time over 30 minutes. There is something to say about flexibility.

After my vortex of tanning, I left the building with each of my friends still waiting for their moment of 'sun'. As I look at my skin, the gentle browning has begun…only to return to the scene and hope once again, no one wants to stand in that mighty vortex. Wish me luck!

'til next time

Beginning or End...You Decide

As time continues its fleeting course, all of us ponder if our lives are just beginning or coming to an end. Actually, both happen. We all experience this phenomenon, whether it is through relationships, jobs, family, and aging. Each of us has the opportunity of deciding if we are beginning or ending something...it all depends on how we look at it. Think of the possibilities. Take situations and glean from them. Look to the future with the hope of new beginnings...or you can wallow away the days as the darkness grows stronger around you. It's up to you. Are you at the beginning or end...You Decide!

Until next time.

Footsteps

As we continue to press on in our lives, we have the opportunity to discover our souls deep inside ourselves. The quiet strolling pace in the shadows finally emerges into the brillant light, illuminating our inner beings. Contentment on that tranquil walk allows us to share the wondrous experience of connection to one another. It may be for a season, but what extraordinary opportunities there are while that light is shining on our meeting.

As the light shines on the path that our footsteps have been...be filled with the excitement of where they eventually lead.

Until next time....

Christmas in Florida!

Twas the eve of Christmas and all through my mind
All my thoughts were stirring of where to dine.
The phone call to mom left me to a wishin'
knowing that St. Dawn had just got her mission.

The children were nestled all safe at home,
With no clues of where mommy wanted to roam.
While Nicholette and Anthony came for a visit,
Dominic and Chelsie didn't want to miss it.

When out to the car we flew with the cases,
We sprang to the road with smiling faces.
Away to the interstate we made a mad dash,
expecting to get there with very little cash.

The sun in the sky shown brightly the way,
giving more warmth to the crazy day,
when what to my eyes did suddenly appear,
but a shinny blue light as the police drew near.

With a uniformed driver so smiley and cute,
I panicked and knew I couldn't stay mute.
With questions, and questions he continued to smile,
making us stew with for a long long while.

Now Dominic! Now Nicholette!
Now Chelsie and Anthony!
On speed! No seat beatl
How 'bout a ticket!
More joyous that angels did his words sound
When he gave me a warning and widdled it down.

With the flick of his pen as cars sped by,
we continued our journey oh me oh my
so on to the interstate with others we drove,
with a car full of laughter, as we were told.

And then within hours we crossed the border
the singing and laughter needed a recorder.
As we continued on to pursue our course,
we all began to realize we were becoming horse.

We were excited with our plans set in action,
knowing we'd have much satisfaction.
A bundle of clothes that were thrown in the back
were shifting and sliding as a matter of fact.

When there before our wondrous eyes,
was their house all decked out in complete surprise.
The palm trees were loaded with mega lights
and music boxes played on many of the nights.

We snuck into the house as quiet as mice,
to see my mom surprised was especially nice.
My dad was smiling from ear to ear,
then the kids and I knew it was right to be here.

Merry Christmas to all and to all HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Until next time!