'THANKFULNESS = The Language of Love'

As we greet another 'Thanksgiving Day' on our calendars, let us pause and give 'THANKS' for an 'abundance of blessings' from our 'hearts'. 

In the story of the pilgrims back into early 1600; 'THANKSGIVING DAY' WAS ONE OF GIVING 'THANKS' FOR THEIR BOUNTY OF PLENTY.'  The memoir of the Cornucopia was to fill it up with fruit/berries and such as a symbol of 'Thanks'.  The Cornucopia is still used today in various decorations.  Perhaps, it is just used as a 'decoration' and the 'true meaning' of its origin has been lost over the years.  In today's time of living, most of us have more than an abundance of plenty, indeed. 

Are we as grateful as the pilgrims were in the early 1600's?  It seems our being grateful in today's world is less in appreciation than in years passed.  Maybe, this is because we do have more in abundant things. As we reflect on this, let us not forget the 'intangible things' that money can not buy us.  Nonetheless, 'thankfulness' can be elaborated on in various degrees. Let's reveal a few, shall we? 

Could it be the same in our 'thankfulness' of what the 'true meaning' and 'reason' of many things that cross our path?  Thankfulness can be plenty of things depending on the 'perceptive' of each person.  Thankfulness is not some 'magic formula'.  It is 'the language of Love' that opens all of us up to more understanding within ourselves and, in turn, flows out to others. Thankful Attitudes' are connected as in 'links are in a chain' that are only as strong as its weakness link'.  

'Give Thanks' for Everything' 

Do we have a 'Thankful Attitude' at this Thanksgiving season to allow ourselves to embrace those things that come our way?  Thankfulness comes in many fashions, colors and avenues. One might not think of 'thankfulness/thankful attitude' as such.  Most things in life have a 'rippling effect' in some entity.  

I think it is important to maintain 'hope', 'give thanks' and always remember we have a 'mighty power' beyond ourselves.  Through this 'heavenly power' in love, through grace, are gifts given to us to help add to our 'Thankful Attitude'.   It might be a gift in a tangible way or it might be a gift in an intangible way. It might cross our path in our welcoming it and it might come into our path in a way that the human side of us would like to curse it.  It might be helpful to keep in mind that all things that do come to us can be 'gifts' 'to season' us into a better person for hence it has come.  Once again, a 'thankful attitude' can be 'our friend' in any season.  

I read where two people in a relationship felt they had to always and ever question the other to know if they loved them.  Possibly, they didn't have a relationship, at all.  Actions will reveal 'authentic love' over time in a relationship.  There will be no need to wonder because all involved will know.  'Thankful Attitudes' will have recognized this 'window of opportunity' permitting it to unfold into what this 'language of love' is meant to be all along.  

'True Thankfulness from a thankful attitude.' How can there be one without the other?  This entity is as relevant as time is to the universe.  Again, it will come full circle over time.  When we can embrace this promise with a 'Thankful Attitude'..... everything else will fall into line called: living life on purpose in 'this language of Love' = Thankfulness. 

When we have 'Thankful Attitudes' in our 'Thankfulness' in all arenas of life and living, than we will have been a part of opening up huge opportunities for peace and love in our celebrations that are called; 'THANKSGIVING DAY'.   We have been given bountifully. 

I wish this kind of 'Thankful Attitude' in all of your 'Thankfulness'; this Thanksgiving Day and every day into the New Year. 

Until next time
God Bless
Doris

RSDS/CRPS - A Disease that needs more AWARENESS!

RSDS (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome was the original name for this disease)
CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is the name that has been attached to the disease in recent years)

I have found this disease is a very difficult disease to experience, seek treated and create AWARENESS OF.  

I will share just a short version as to what RSDS/CRPS is.  Should there be anyone interested in learning more about this disease, please leave a comment.  There are professional means to begin a support group.

I was diagnosed many years ago now in Houston, TX with this disease.   It will live within me, in some fashion, the rest of my life.  It is a disease that there is no cure for, as of today.  It can go into remission with the proper medications and therapy; when the disease is diagnosed, early on, after onset.   Preferably, within three to six months.  
However, mine was not diagnosed for over one year.  Therefore, I was in a treatment program for 18 months in order to function.  Since it took so long for my diagnosis; I do have some limb damage that gives me issues from time to time.  The important thing to remember is: I can walk without aid and I can function independently.  I am a happy person and I do not experience the Burning Pain all of the time.  My RSDS/CRPS is in remission at the present time.   One never knows when it will rear it's ugly head, so to speak.  

The 'MAJOR SYMPTOM' of what RSDS/CRPS is: IS A BURNING PAIN.  It effects the central nervous system.  It is vital to continue the circulation of blood flow to the extremities. When the blood flow isn't flowing evenly over time, the extremity will begin to atrophy (waste away).  It is vital for the core/center nervous system to work properly for all parts of the body to work accordingly.  RSDS/CRPS is a condition that interrupts this process.  An example would be the thought of an electrical process when lightening strikes and the electrical system that is designed to work evenly and accordance with the wiring in line.  And, when it is interrupted through another means that isn't invited or belongs in that area, it misfires. The exact same reasoning can be applied as to what is happening in a human body when an injury, an illness and/or trauma of any kind enters the body that isn't welcomed or it is not being treated properly.  Over time, usually, a three to six month period, RSDS/CRPS begins to take over with Burning Pain.  It is vital for treatment of medications and therapy to keep things moving and active for recovery to begin.  

The Number One Question seems to be: 'How does somebody get this disease?' It is created through 'trauma' of some kind.  It can be from a surgery that went badly, it can be from a construction worker hitting his leg the wrong way in his work, it can be as simply as a little boy running into first base and hitting his elbow/knee the wrong way.  It is the 'firing of nerves' that creates 'trauma' in the human body.  This 'trauma' is not treated and/or it lingers in the body in a mis-firing way.  Possibly unknown to the person at the time.  However, when it lingers for a period of time and does not get better; symptoms will creep out in different ways.  A Burning Pain might occur and/or a limb might show redness, the skin might be shiny and tight and/or the limb might turn cold and purple at times.  All, symptoms of improper blood flow.  

It depends on how long it takes for this treatment to be acquired as to the damage it leaves behind.  Again, comparing RSDS/CRPS to the illustration of the electrical process.  Depending on how much lightening damage has occurred, will depend on how much maintenance can be done to make the electrical pole whole.  

This is a very brief explanation as to what RSDS/CRPS is.  This no way completes all that should and can be shared about what RSDS/CRPS.   

However, should anybody be interested in learning more and/or have a desire to be a part of forming a support group in the Evansville Tri-State; I would encourage you to comment on my blog.  
Perhaps, if there is just one that can be added to another person; an AWARENESS can be brought to RSDS/CRPS to help others.

Thank you for caring.

Until next time
God Bless
Doris

A 'LOSS OF A PET' is an experience.....................................

A 'LOSS OF A PET' is an experience that certainly qualifies to be on the 'List of Experiences' that is or will be one of the most difficult experiences a person will go through on their journey of life'.

We all have a story if/when we have taken a 'pet' into our home to love and they have become a real part of our family.  All of our stories will be a bit different.  However, the real part in losing a pet will possibly not be so different.  The owners' hearts of this unconditional loving pet, will feel as if it has an 'unfilled pit'.

I am so happy that there are processes in which our hearts can heal.  Hopefully, each pet owner will have become a better person from their choice of selecting a pet to become a part of their home and heart.  After all, isn't this a part of what life is about?  

'Acceptance of our loss' isn't taking away 'the pain process' of the many entities that surround 'our pet's fate'.  I believe that everything that happens fits into a pattern for good to those who love unconditionally.  There isn't anything that crosses our path randomly when it 'flows from the heart of love'.  In realizing this, yet another part of our healing occurs when 'life happens'.
As we look at the 'bigger picture' of what 'our pet' has so freely given to us; there is nothing in the world that we want for our pet more than to 'love them unconditionally'.  Loving equally, in returning back to them what they have so unconditionally given and taught to us.  This is when one can have peace and knows in our heart of hearts that 'our pet' and 'our mission' have come to completion.  Loving memories can start to feel good and the ease of our pain can lessen when they surface, day by day. 

It doesn't matter the circumstances in one's mind if the pet is a 'rescue dog', 'from an newspaper ad', a 'dog running the streets' or in a 'pet shop'.  At the time of the loss, it is ultimately the same.  The 'hearts of owners' that care in a way that are deserving to have chosen 'their pet' aches in similar ways as they grow to love and accept 'their pet' as a 'member of their family'.  

Sometimes, some people view their pet as an 'object', in time.  It appears as if they think and, perhaps, truly feel that they can bring a pet into their ownership for 'their pleasure only'. There isn't much regard to 'the pet's rights'.  And, sometimes, there isn't much regard to 'their responsibilities as owners'.  'Time or thought' hasn't been taken into account if/when their pet 'become sick', 'aging in their years' and/or when 'the pet might become an inconvenience'. Sometimes the 'family pet' can easily be moved onto a 'checklist of options' to rid themselves of the pet. 

As I pen these words in our loss of Daisy May, I am so thankful she was 'our pet', a 'true member' and 'loving part of our family' in every way.  Daisy gave us so much joy and happiness in our everyday living.  She spoke volumes and 'taught us unconditional love' in a unique fashion in God's design of 'dogs' incapability of speaking a word.

'Her unconditional love' and 'trust' was amazing from the day we received her from a family member.  Daisy was starving, tied up in a state park in Nashville Tennessee.   
Daisy, also, showed symptoms of abuse in her right eye.  Plus, she was very frightened of a broom which gave us pause, as to where the droopy right eye possibly could have originated from.  A friend to a family member helped rescue her.  She was than brought to our home to love and she became a 'real part' of our family. 
Our hearts melted in sadness as to how a 'human being' could have taken such actions in this loving animal that we didn't even know, as of yet.  From that moment on, she was 'our pet', a 'member of our family' and we knew, in our hearts of hearts; she would live with us with our giving her the best possible care; we, as pet owners, could give to her. 

Daisy was a fighter.  Daisy had a total of 76 seizures in a period of two years and seven months. She was diagnosed with leukemia in February of this year, 2015.  With each new challenge, she remained gentle in our direction and guidance and in giving her medications that she did not want.  She was mischievous in that she would spit the tablets out after our heads were turned when we thought 'that particular mission' was complete.  She was so smart.  However, she always came to us in love and gave us kisses and hugs.  She knew we cared and was only trying to help her. 

Daisy, also, showed she loved and cared for 'us'.  When a stranger would come to our door, she would start barking and be about her business in alerting us.  And, any time we were ill; Daisy would position herself close by; showing her love and care in our behalf.  She accepted all other 'family dog members' that came to visit in our home and she played with our little grandchildren with great ease. 

I realize as I pen these words today of our loving Daisy May that this is a means of 'healing for me'.  It is just another means to 'help mend and heal my heart; a heartbeat at a time'. 

We feel that Daisy received the better professional veterinarian care that she could have received through Dr.Coleman and the entire staff at Parkdale Animal Hospital.  Daisy loved going for each visit.  It did not make a difference if she was well or ill, there was a trust between Daisy and Dr. Coleman.  She, also, loved the treats that she received there and would wag her 'stub tail' as we entered the entrance of Parkdale as if to say: 'are we there yet?' 
We certainly extend our thanks to Parkdale and the staff and we will never forget their part in our journey with Daisy.  

I will close with one request, if I may.  If anyone reading this, has a pet or wish to share this with someone that does;  My wish for you is to hold 'your pet' a little tighter tonight and look deeply into 'their eyes to the window of their heart'.  Perhaps, you will discern another opportunity for 'your pet' to teach you.  Yes indeed, 'our pets' are teachers in engagement without uttering a word.  And you know, whatever it might be; I am sure it will bear a resemblance to 'unconditional love'.

I know that we have learned volumes from 'our pet, Daisy'.  I wish the same for you!

Thanks for bearing with me if you are still reading this post.  You have been a part of our story of Daisy.

God Bless Daisy May 2006-2015

'DAISY MAY' 

Until next time
God Bless 
Doris

         GOOD FRIDAY

'Good Friday' is the darkest day
in all Christian history.
Perfect love reached its' height.
This seemed to be a mystery.

Easter is the greatest day
in Christian history for all.
     "JESUS AROSE'! 
"HE BECAME OUR RISEN LORD".

God sent His only son
into the world that we
might live through Him.
The way' the Almighty' designed life to be.

He forgives and gives us
newness of life.
He tells us 'HE' is 'the way'
'the truth' and 'the light'.

Gift of choice has been given to renew our faith
in the living risen Christ.
Jesus walked forth from the tomb.
He prepared our journey for what is holy and right.


May we renew and reflect on this day
for the true meaning of Christ's mission.
Let us pray for 'ALL PEOPLE' in the cosmic world.
Give Thanks, Trust, Hope, Love -- Peace be Still- Listen.

by Doris (Miller) Swertfeger 2015

Until next time
God Bless

'THE MAGNOLIA TREE'

Not long ago, the Magnolia tree was so barren.
There wasn't any life in sight.
The winter weather has been a tough one.
Now spring has arrived, changing things into flight!

The little branches have hints of green
and their tiny blooms are coming forth.
Oh, one can get excited each day
seeing and snapping another pic of new growth! 

The birds will soon be coming
To prepare for their new babies a bed.
A place to be cradled and nestled in warmth.
A safe place for the babies to be fed.

Isn't it strange how we long for each season
to come at their scheduled time each year?
Somehow, the 'spring time' of 'new beginnings',
we always and ever, hold very dear. 

The trimming of the old growth in our gardens and lawns,
we anxiously want to go out and trim away.
Allowing the new growth to start anew,
Fulfilling its' purpose, day after day.

Is there a lesson in the Seasons of the year
that would be good for us all to heed?
Perhaps, the message is a 'God given example'
of how all of us can start anew, again and again. 

copyrighted by
Doris Swertfeger

Until next time
God Bless 

'REFLECTIONS TO ENCOURAGE''

'REFLECTIONS TO ENCOURAGE' 

This winter has been one to surprise us at times, elate the children at times with no school and fun outdoors.  This winter has been one to feel 'blessed'; depending on which state one lives in.  What is the saying?  If you think you have reason to complain, just look around and one will see others with many more trials and tribulations.

In saying all of this, I think it is important to note that we are all 'human beings', as well.  And we have feelings and everything is reverent.  So, it might be better to pull back a bit and 'balance' out our thoughts and understanding in all areas of concern and blessings.  It might help spread a bit more harmony, inch by inch, for all human kin. One might think; well, how can we do this?
There is always and ever something getting in our way of our efforts.  One might say that it is easy for you to say but you just do not understand!  No, we don't understand each persons' valley, trials and struggles; however, by choice, we know 'the concept' of living more humble, being more kind, allowing others to find their way and accept responsibility, to master.  It is important to learn ones' boundaries and follow ones' heart.  

It seems that 'the weather' gets in our way in our actions, our thoughts, our moods and our attitudes.  I wonder how that can be since 'weather' has no emotions?  If we say that 'weather' gets in our way; could we say that 'our job', or 'our family', or 'anything else' that we find effects our daily living?  Less we forget, the process of learning and growing never ends when one becomes a certain age.  It is a life-long journey.

Perhaps,  it always and ever will come back to 'our hearts' and in how we handle 'the weather', 'our family', 'our job' and/or 'any circumstance' that might come our way?  And, there are times that we can handle and adjust to 'life's challenges' better.  On a 'Sunny Day', it seems life is more gentle to us.  Whatever might nourish our 'nerves' to better handle life and living, may all of us seek those 'little perks' and in addition to God's promise to never put on us more than we can bear.  Resting in a 'higher power' than ours, will always see us through and give us a peace beyond ourselves.  'Thankfulness is like a medicine' as 'a hug is from your child/grandchild'.  It can always give one comfort, humility and strength to move forward and onward to better days. Where there is 'thankfulness' and where there is 'love', life is good!

Listed below are a few quotes from great leaders by Peggy Anderson

"The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time."  by Abraham Lincoln

"Life is a series of experiences, each of which makes us bigger, even though it is hard to realize this.  For the world was built to develop character and we must learn the setbacks and the griefs which we endure help us in our marching onward."  by Henry Ford

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." by Mother Teresa

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal:  It is the courage to continue that counts." by Winston Churchill

Until next time
God Bless
Doris