Saturday, 31 December 2022

"Beginning Today " - a New year


 

“BEGINNING TODAY”

 

Beginning today, I will no longer worry about yesterday.

It is in the past and the past will never change.                                                                                                    Only I can change by choosing to do so.

 

Beginning today, I will no longer worry about tomorrow.

Tomorrow will always be there, waiting for me to make the most of it. But I cannot make the most of tomorrow without first making the most of today.

 

Beginning today, I will look in the mirror and I will see a person worthy of my respect and admiration. This capable person looking back at me is someone I enjoy spending time with and someone I would like to get to know better.

 

Beginning today, I will cherish each moment of my life.

I value this gift bestowed upon me in this world and I will unselfishly share this gift with others. I will use this gift to enhance the lives of others.

 

Beginning today, I will take a moment to step off the beaten path and to revel in the mysteries I encounter. I will face challenges with courage and determination.

I will overcome what barriers there may be which hinder my quest for growth and self-improvement.

 

Beginning today, I will take life one day at a time, one step at a time.

Discouragement will not be allowed to taint my positive self-image, my desire to succeed or my capacity to love.

 

Beginning today, I walk with renewed faith in human kindness.

Regardless of what has gone before, I believe there is hope for a brighter and better future.

 

Beginning today, I will open my mind and my heart.

I will welcome new experiences. I will meet new people.

I will not expect perfection from myself nor anyone else: perfection does not exist in an imperfect world. But I will applaud the attempt to overcome human foibles.

 

Beginning today, I am responsible for my own happiness, and I will do things that make me happy . . . admire the beautiful wonders of nature, listen to my favourite music, pet a kitten or a puppy, soak in a bubble bath . . . Pleasure can be found in the simplest of gestures.

 

Beginning today, I will learn something new; I will try something different; I will savour all the various flavours life has to offer me. I will change what I can and the rest I will let go. I will strive to become the best me I can possibly be.

 

Beginning today.

And every day.”

~~Unknown





Saturday, 17 December 2022

Christmas 2022 - "Corintians 13 - Christmas Day auction." - Remembering our Loved ones.




 

Some thoughts as you prepare for Christmas !

1 Corinthians 13 – A Christmas Version.

If I decorate my house perfectly with fancy bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny ornaments, but do not show love to my family,  I’m just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of mince pies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautiful adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another cook.

If I work in the soup kitchen, sing carols in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family,  it profits me nothing.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to spend time with family.  Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

 Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

 Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.

 

Christmas Day Auction

Remember that a gift should be treasured; not only the ones that are wrapped but ones that are bestowed upon you.

Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion for art collecting. Together, they travelled around the world, adding only the finest art treasures to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of the family estate.

The widowed elder man looked on with satisfaction as his only child became an experienced art collector. The son's trained eye and sharp business mind caused his father to beam with pride as they dealt with art collectors around the world.

One year, as winter approached, war engulfed the nation, and the young man left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram. His beloved son was missing in action. The art collector anxiously awaited more news, fearing he would never see his son again. Within days, his fears were confirmed. The young man had died while rushing a fellow soldier to a medic.

Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the upcoming Christmas holidays with anguish and sadness. The joy of the season that he and his son had looked forward to would visit his house no longer. 

On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the depressed old man. As he walked to the door, the masterpieces of art on the walls only reminded him that his son was not coming home. As he opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hands. 

He introduced himself to the old man by saying, "I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you."

As the two began to talk, the soldier told of how the man's son had told everyone of his, not to mention his father's, love of fine art. "I am no artist," said the soldier, "but I want to give you this." 

As the old man unwrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of the man's son. Though the world would never consider it the work of a genius, the painting featured the young man's face in striking detail.

Overcome with emotion, the man thanked the soldier, promising to hang the picture above the fireplace. A few hours later, after the soldier had departed, the old man set about his task. True to his word, the painting went above the fireplace, pushing aside thousands of dollars worth of art. His task completed, the old man sat in his chair and spent Christmas gazing at the gift he had been given.

During the days and weeks that followed, the man realized that, even though is son was no longer with him, the boy would live on because of those he had touched. He would soon learn that his son had rescued dozens of wounded soldiers before a bullet stifled his caring heart.

As the stories of his son's gallantry continued to reach him, fatherly pride and satisfaction began to ease his grief. The painting of his son soon became his most prized possession, far eclipsing any interest in the pieces for which museums around the world clamoured. He told his neighbours it was the greatest gift he had ever received.

The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was in anticipation that the collector's passing and his only son dead, those paintings would be sold at auction. According to the will of the old man, all art works would be auctioned on Christmas Day, the day he had received the greatest gift. 

The day soon arrived and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world's most spectacular paintings. Dreams would be fulfilled this day; greatness would be achieved as many would claim, "I have the greatest collection."

The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum's list. It was the painting of the man's son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid, but the room was silent. "Who will open the bidding with $100?" he asked. Minutes passed, and no one spoke. From the back of the room came a voice, "Who cares about that painting? It's just a picture of his son." "Let's forget about it and move on to the good stuff," more voices echoed in agreement.

"No, we have to sell this one first," replied the auctioneer. "Now, who will take the son?" Finally, a neighbour of the old man spoke. "Will you take ten dollars for the painting? That's all I have. I knew the boy; so I would like to have it.

"I have ten dollars. Will anyone go higher?" asked the auctioneer. After more silence, the auctioneer said, "Going once, going twice, gone." The gavel fell.

Cheers filled the room and someone exclaimed, "Now we can get on with it and we can bid on the real treasures!" The auctioneer looked at the audience and announced that the auction was over.

Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked, "What do you mean, it's over? We didn't come here for a picture of some old guy's son. What about all these paintings? There are millions of dollars worth of art here! I demand that you explain what is going on!"

The auctioneer replied, "It's very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son...gets it all."

Puts things into perspective, doesn't it? Just as those art collectors discovered on Christmas Day, the message is still the same: the love of a father, whose greatest joy came from his son who went away and gave his life rescuing others; and because of that father's love, whoever takes the Son gets it all.

In life, many things will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart.


Author Unknown 


Remembering our loved ones.


Jealous of the Angels

I didn't know today would be our last
Or that I'd have to say goodbye to you so fast
I'm so numb, I can't feel anymore
Prayin' you'd just walk back through that door

And tell me that I was only dreamin'
You're not really gone as long as I believe

There will be another angel
Around the throne tonight
Your love lives on inside of me
And I will hold on tight
It's not my place to question
Only God knows why
I'm just jealous of the angels
Around the throne tonight

You always made my troubles feel so small
And you were always there to catch me when I'd fall
In a world where heroes come and go
Well God just took the only one I know
So I'll hold you as close as I can
Longing for the day, when I see your face again
But until then

God must need another angel
Around the throne tonight
Your love lives on inside of me
And I will hold on tight
It's not my place to question
Only God knows why
I'm just jealous of the angels
Around the throne tonight

Singin' hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
I'm just jealous of the angels
Around the throne tonight

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IccwWEFrcjQ&list=RDIccwWEFrcjQ&start_radio=1&ab_channel=karlloxley

 






Thursday, 8 December 2022

No Longer waiting + Wisdom from the Dalai Lama

 





No Longer Waiting

I am no longer waiting for a special occasion; I burn the best candles on ordinary days.
I am no longer waiting for the house to be clean; I fill it with people who understand that even dust is Sacred.
I am no longer waiting for everyone to understand me; It’s just not their task.

I am no longer waiting for the perfect children; my children have their own names that burn as brightly as any star.
I am no longer waiting for the other shoe to drop; It already did, and I survived.

I am no longer waiting for the time to be right; the time is always now.
I am no longer waiting for the mate who will complete me; I am grateful to be so warmly, tenderly held.
I am no longer waiting for a quiet moment; my heart can be stilled whenever it is called.

I am no longer waiting for the world to be at peace; I unclench my grasp and breathe peace in and out.
I am no longer waiting to do something great; being awake to carry my grain of sand is enough.
I am no longer waiting to be recognized; I know that I dance in a holy circle.
I am no longer waiting for Forgiveness.
I believe, I Believe.

~ Mary Anne Perrone

 






Link : interview with Dali Lama – Global Joy summit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5u3cMvj-Bs&ab_channel=TheAwakeNetwork




Saturday, 3 December 2022

"Gossip" - be careful of the stones you throw.

 



Why you should not GOSSIP.

 

In Ancient Greece, Socrates had a great reputation of wisdom. One day, someone came to find the great philosopher and said to him:

- Do you know what I just heard about your friend?

- A moment, replied Socrates. Before you tell me, I would like to test you the three sieves.

- The three sieves?

- Yes, continued Socrates. Before telling anything about the others, it's good to take the time to filter what you mean. I call it the test of the three sieves. The first sieve is the TRUTH. Have you checked if what you're going to tell me is true?

- No, I just heard it.

- Very good! So, you don't know if it's true. We continue with the second sieve, that of KINDNESS. What you want to tell me about my friend, is it good?

- Oh, no! On the contrary.

- So, questioned Socrates, you want to tell me bad things about him and you're not even sure they're true? Maybe you can still pass the test of the third sieve, that of UTILITY. Is it useful that I know what you're going to tell me about this friend?

- No, really.

- So, concluded Socrates, what you were going to tell me is neither true, nor good, nor useful. Why, then, did you want to tell me this?

"Gossip is a bad thing. In the beginning it may seem enjoyable and fun, but in the end, it fills our hearts with bitterness and poisons us, too!"

- Pope Francis




Wisdom I received from a friend recently

How often have we killed someone by gossip, by character assignation, then discovered we ere wrong, and we did nothing about it? There is a large number of people who are seeking healing, forgiveness, because of what another said to or about them and it left them devastated. Often the harm is done by one for whom the victim had great respect.     There are many individuals who are walking dead; walking wounded, who are not able to work at their potential due to the mental, emotional wound inflicted upon them that is keeping them from doing so.                                                                                                        Hank Williams wrote: “A tongue can accuse and carry bad news, the seeds of distrust it will sow. But unless you’ve made no mistakes in your life, be careful of stones that you throw.”                                                                                                                              

Sunday, 20 November 2022

Vicky Phelan

Wisdom from Vicky Phelan

This country feels incomplete following the loss of Vicky Phelan. The cervical cancer campaigner gave so much to this country, to the women of Ireland, and to women's healthcare. She used her short life to fight, raise awareness, and make Ireland a better country.

She inspired and influenced so many of us, but the best thing Vicky Phelan taught us to embrace the everyday moments.  For example, She spent the day with her son, doing simple things like helping him with homework and playing Wordle. It wasn't anything grand or exciting. There was no lavish setting or fancy event. It was simple. It was what matters most.

 Vicky said,  "Not enough of us take enjoyment from the little things. We rush through them waiting for the bigger things to come along.


A TRIBUTE TO VICKY:

One of Vicky’s favourite places was the west coast of Ireland where she used to love spending time in her holiday home. She often talked of walking the beach which she adored to do or simply watching waves as they either crashed into the shore or on soft days, rolled gently onto the beach. It was the simple things that meant the most to Vicky. Spending time with her children and her loved ones and watching in awe at the beauty of nature. Absorbing and making the most of every precious moment that she had left in this world.

We all know that Vicky was that wave who came crashing in when there was desperate wrongdoing to her and to so many other women in Ireland. She brought to light the cervical scandal. She was not going to shut up and go away quietly as they had hoped she would do. The powers that be had met their match in Vicky Phelan. She fought to the very end to stay alive for as long as she could, and she fought to the end for every person in Ireland who were and who could be failed by our health service. In doing so she saved hundreds of lives. We all watched in awe and admiration of her and her bravery. She was as beautiful and yet as strong as those waves she so loved. But Vicky was also the gentle wave that rolls on to the beach. she comforted and reassured all of us. She opened our eyes to the best things in life and she taught us to appreciate them. She inspired all of us. Vicky Phelan was and is our hero!

Our little island is yet again mourning the loss of another woman to cancer. It's made all the harder by knowing their deaths might possibly have been avoided.

We can only pray that this dreadful situation may never ever be allowed to happen or to be covered up again. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts Vicky. In all of our hearts you shall remain.

We leave you with a poem by Ellen Brememan and the photo above that Vicky took herself of her beloved West Coast. She has said understandably that she wasn't so sure God exists but we'd like to think he does and that he met her in the early hours this morning with this scene where one day she will be reunited with her beloved children and all of her loved ones.

Don't think of her as gone away

her journeys just begun

life holds so many facets

this earth is only one

Just think of her as resting

from the sorrow and the tears

in a place of warmth and comfort

where there are no days and years

Think how she must be wishing

that we could know today

how nothing but our sadness

can really pass away

And think of her as living

in the hearts of those she touched

for nothing loved is ever lost

and she was loved so much

Rest in peace dearest dearest Vicky.                                                                                                                        Please watch over all of us



 An Empty Feeling

Song by The Stunning

Collar up the cutting wind is blowing down the river
Kids begging on O'Connell bridge, how can they stand the cold?
People stray from matinees all starry-eyes and in a daze
From paradise in the picture house they spill out on the road

Got an empty feeling deep inside, it hit me when we said goodbye
I can't find a thing to say, I wish to god I could smile

This love was like a hurricane no one could stop no one could tame
It fuelled the fire and fanned the flames, what a nice surprise
But a silver cloud came drifting in, a satin shroud it covered in
I never found the secrets that were hidden in her eyes

Got an empty feeling deep inside, it hit me when we said goodbye
I can't find a thing to say, I wish to god I could smile

Now it's time to lock up shop it'd six o'clock right on the dot
Shutters clatter to the ground like big steel overcoats
Right now this place is not for me, home is where I want to be
Surrounded by the memories of things we used to say

Got an empty feeling deep inside, it hit me when we said goodbye
I can't find a thing to say, I wish to god I could smile
I'm losing you

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ut7MFbIxyZU&ab_channel=TheLateLateShow

 


Heads Are Gonna Roll

Song by The Stunning

When I was younger my heart had a hunger
For feelings of every kind
But down through the years I shed hardly a tear
Was it just that I hadn't the time?
A world full of sorrow holds pain for tomorrow
The future don't look very bright
Down through the ages we're tearing the pages
There's more of the book still to write

All these years I never asked why
All the tears I never could cry
You don't miss the water till the well runs dry

I met an old woman she knew I was coming
By the leaves in her teacup that night
I took pains to explain what I found on my way
And the things that I left way behind

All these years I never asked why
All the tears I never could cry
You don't miss the water till the well runs dry
And you've nothing left to show
So heads are gonna roll

All these years I never asked why
All the tears I never could cry
You don't miss the water till the well runs dry
And you've nothing left to show
You've got nothing left to show
So heads are gonna roll

You don't miss the water till the well runs dry
Don't miss the water till the well runs dry
You don't miss the water till the well runs dry
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah yeah yeah.

 


 


 

 

 

Sunday, 13 November 2022

How the Sun died so that the Moon could live

 



How the Sun died so that the Moon could live.



At the dawn of time, when the universe was still young, the earth and the sky lived in harmony, but the sky would always look down at the earth and grow envious. The sky wanted to be more beautiful than the earth, so it birthed the sun and the moon and set them to roam the sky’s vast expanses. The oldest was the sun, shining brightly, and his sister the moon was small and cold, but they never parted. The sun would warm his sister, and let her shine as well. The sky was happy with his creation – as the sun and the moon roamed the firmament, it made it look much more beautiful than the earth, which was gray, brown, and black.

After a time, the sky noticed that, as they circled it from above, the sun and the moon were changing the earth. The sun’s heat caused plants to grow, filling the earth with shades of green. The moon moved the earth’s seas, carving beautiful shores and cliffs. It did not take long for the earth to be filled with colors and life, much to the sky’s dismay.

Frustrated, the sky decided to do away with his creations. Summoning the sun, it congratulated it for all the beautiful changes it made to the earth and said that he could do even more. The sun was curious, and so it followed the sky to a volcano. Sky told the sun that if it truly loved the earth, it would jump inside and give her more heat.

Unsure if it was wise, but bereft of his sister the moon’s advice, the sun put his trust in the sky. This was the first time the sun was away from his sister, and he felt lonely without her. The sky filled the sun’s imagination with all the beauty and diversity the earth would gain from him. “But, should I not ask the moon for her opinion?” he asked, and the sky told him that it would be a surprise for her, and would make her happy. Convinced, the sun jumped into the volcano and feasted on the boiling lava, which made him grow.

When the sun’s light disappeared, the earth and the moon searched for it throughout the firmament, yet they could not find him. When they asked the sky, he replied that he does not know where the sun is.

Sometime later, the sun got so big and hot that the volcano erupted, spewing it out. The sun’s intense heat now burnt everything it touched, so it rushed up to the heavens, hoping not to burn the earth. Alas, it was in vain, and his intense heat was burning the earth, turning it brown and desolate. The heat was so terrible that even the moon couldn’t stand it, and she ran and hid in the seas of the earth.

As the sun traversed the firmament, all that he approached suffered from his blaze. As he looked down at the earth, it saw the earth brown and dying, and his sister cowering from him in its seas. The sun did not wish to harm anyone, so to amend for his mistake, he threw himself into the sea, hoping to drown himself. When the heat and shine diminished, the moon left the sea in search of the sun. 

Looking down, she saw a dim glow coming from the earth’s sea and followed it. The moon’s brother has lost most of its shine, yet the little that was left was still enough to guide her to him. As the moon found the sun’s body floating in the water, she wept, as she could not imagine ever existing without him. As her tears reached his lifeless body, they filled it up with a new life. His sister’s love has given him a new life, and he began to shine once more, but his heat still burnt her body.

The sun rushed up to the firmament, and the renewed light filled the earth with life once more, but the moon could not withstand the heat and was forced to hide in the sea. The sun’s heart grew heavy, knowing that he was the reason his sister can no longer roam the firmament freely, and so he once more plunged himself into the seas to free his sister. But the moon would only ascent to the firmament again in search of him, only to find him drowned once more, and her new tears would revive him.

When the sky saw the disaster he had wrought, he was filled with regret. The sun and the moon’s misery had touched him deeply, and he thought of a solution. He filled the firmament with stars so that the moon would not be lonely, and at times, he would come between the sun and the moon so that they may roam the firmament together, if only for a time.



Forgiveness

  Forgiveness  My father once said, “If they hurt you, forgive them, but never forget what they’ve done.” This has always been a reminder ...