Take 'time' to look back......

'TAKE 'TIME' TO LOOK BACK as this year ends-and, also, to 'LOOK FORWARD'.

Why, one might ask.  The past is gone and to 'look forward' in the future; how could this be of help?  This might be one way to view it in our thinking.  Nonetheless, there could be 'value' in doing so.  As we reflect on our experiences in 2016, the 'hard times' as well as the 'good times'; we can see 'life lessons' to help us grow in so many ways for our continual journey for ourselves and to help others.
Taking 'time' to 'listen' and to be 'silent' truly takes 'time' and 'discipline'. 
                                                                             

As I reflect on some of my experiences in 2016, I see challenges that turned to blessings for me and, hopefully, for others.  And, I experienced many 'good times' and I am very grateful.  I feel that I have learned from both. 

All of us are here striving to reach a 'goal' we have chosen to live out our life even if it isn't evident in an 'outward and/or conscious way'.  We are 'all' 'living' so life is happening.  We have a measure of control in how we choose to live out our life more then it might sometimes seem.   No, we can't control every minute of our day and how 'others' act out nor the life expectancy of ourselves or another.   However, we can act in ways that are helpful and constructive in opening up possibilities for a brighter, better future for our ourselves and in turn others.   No, we aren't all on the same path because 'all' of us have been given 'a free Will' to choose what 'way of life' we wish.  Depending on what 'free will' choices we have made, they will affect our beliefs, actions, challenges, responsibilities and blessings that come our way. 

Nonetheless, 'nothing' will change in one's growth, as a person, in their life and living without; 'each individual taking 'responsibility' and 'action' in one's 'own life and living'.  Nobody can make us 'happy'.  Nobody can 'fix' things for us to have an easy ride in life. Perhaps, for awhile and yes, people do affect how we feel at times.  However; 'the good life' will not last if/when somebody 'hands' us material things.  Plus, when we are given 'no responsibilities' to 'take ownership' for 'our own actions' that will allow us to grow into a mature individual. 'Tough Love' is priceless.  

Nobody is exempt from 'challenges in life'.  The 'aging process' will come to every human being if they possess longevity.  The acceptance, in this fact, can open up so many 'good things' as they are reflected upon and, therefore, enjoyed.  Most 'grandparents' are elderly.  What 'joy' this is to experience as one ages into this particular generation.  There are always things we 'enjoy' and things we 'dread' in any generation we find ourselves in.  'Honor the space between no longer and not yet'......written by a Nancy Levin.   

The value in looking back to where we have been and looking forward to where we will go can be priceless, as well.  We can reap many valuable 'resources' from our challenges and from the joyous times we have experienced in 2016.  As we look forward in to the New Year of 2017, we can bring hope, promise and perseverance to give us joy with a positive attitude in our tomorrows.

Everybody has a 'story of their own'.  Nobody truly knows 'another's story' or has a right to tell it as 'they might see it'.  Nonetheless, nobody is exempt of heartache of many colors.  Plus, everybody has something to be 'thankful' for', everybody.  There are so many beautiful things to be 'thankful for' every single day. Sometimes it is better to be kind than to be right.  We do not need an intelligent mind that speaks.  We do need a patient heart that listens. 

Yes, we all have choices that we 'alone' can make if we so choose.  It is up to 'each person' to move forward to a brighter future.  It doesn't matter what we have experienced in our past nor what we will experience in our future; we have the choice to 'help ourselves' to a better life for ourselves and others.  We have the choice to 'move forward' stronger with perseverance and joy as we grow from our past experiences.  This can be our mission and a desire of 'mature individuals' to be an example of hope and love.  Yes, even through our challenges that for some unknown reason might have come our way.  There is a reason bigger then ourselves and everybody will have a richer fuller life when it is realized.  Let it be in 2017. 

As we close out this year of 2016 and look forward to the coming year of 2017, how in the world can it do anything but help to realize the blessings that we have received in 2016?  Let us 'give thanks' and look forward with 'hope, believing in a higher power' then ourselves with promise going forward into 2017?  

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year in 2017.

Until next time,
God Bless
Doris

                            VETERANS DAY

SO WHO ARE THEY, VETERANS, THAT IS? 
SOME PEOPLE SAY THEY ARE 'PEOPLE' THAT HAVE GONE 'OFF TO WAR'.
SOME PEOPLE CALL THEM, 'THE FORGOTTEN'. 
SOME PEOPLE SAY, THEY ARE 'OUR HEROES' LISTENING TO 'THEIR CALL'.

VETERANS ARE 'COMMON PEOPLE' THAT WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
VETERANS ARE 'COMMON PEOPLE' LIKE YOU AND I.
VETERANS ARE 'FATHERS, MOTHERS, AUNTS, UNCLES AND SIBLINGS.
VETERANS ARE 'COURAGEOUS PEOPLE' THAT 'CRY'.

VETERANS HAVE BEEN TO PLACES THAT NEVER LEAVE THEM.
VETERANS NEED 'SUPPORT, KINDNESS, AND LOVE'.
VETERANS BECOME 'DIFFERENT PEOPLE' FROM HENCE THEY HAVE COME.
VETERANS NEED PRAYERS THAT REACH 'THE HEAVENS' ABOVE'.

VETERANS HAVE 'SCARS' THAT ARE MANY FROM THEIR EXPERIENCES, 
MOST COULD NEVER CONCEIVE.
SOME NEVER WANT TO SPEAK OF 'THEIR VETERANS DUTIES'
BECAUSE OF UNPLEASANTNESS NOR WOULD WE BELIEVE. 

VETERANS ARE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN.
VETERANS ARE 'PEOPLE' THAT SERVE/SERVED IN A SPECIAL WAY.
AS WE CELEBRATE THIS, WELL WORTH, 'VETERANS DAY',
MAY WE SALUTE THEM WITH 'HONOR' AND 'GIVE THANKS' 
FOR GIVING ALL OF US BETTER DAYS.

MAY GOD BLESS OUR VETERANS AND GIVE THEM PEACE.

Until next time
God Bless
Doris

Today we have a right to 'vote'.........God help us all......

TODAY IS ELECTION DAY!  MY, MY, HOW DIFFERENT THIS ELECTION IS COMPARED TO ANY, EVER BEFORE!  Of course, only 'HUMANS' can vote.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if 'humans' could be more 'united'?    
Perhaps, sharing a little of 'nature' in the mix of things will bring a smile or two.   

I usually do not write, speak and/or even share about politics.  I do not like any part of them.
Wow, how times have changed from years ago in how 'politics'/'elections' are viewed, handled
and are represented FOR THE GOOD OF OUR U.S.A .  

Today, I have chosen to say one thing.  Regardless of any ones' 'opinion', 'belief' and 'right';
that person 'owns' it.  So, depending on how 'ANY PERSON' has chosen to exercise 'their right',

in my opinion; 'their space' should be respected..  NOBODY HAS 'A RIGHT' to condemn, judge,
act out in any harmful way. 

I feel the same about one's belief, as well.  It is so comforting to know that what other people think isn't 'any of my business'.  What a 'freeing feeling'.  I can say that this is a place that has taken me years to arrive to. 

As I woke this morning, I thought, "Wow, God sure has a busy day TODAY!"  And, on second thought, I thought, No, He doesn't; He already knows His people in every way.  He sees and He  knows the bigger picture.  Plus, He has given His people the 'free will' to choose their 'right to vote'.  It is time for 'the  people' to act out 'their belief/right/opinion through this 'voting process'.  

The days that follow into years to come, long after 'my generation' has passed, will have a lingering effect of today's election.  

May each person that chooses to vote to the persons that have chosen 'not to vote'; may ALL have made their 'decision' based with worthwhile thought and prayer for the 'right and real reasons'; 'FOR THE GOOD OF OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN, and the entire USA.'

Until next time.
God Bless

Doris

'A BEAUTIFUL FALL DAY'

                                                     

            'A BEAUTIFUL FALL DAY' 

TODAY IS A BEAUTIFUL FALL DAY,
RADIANT IN MANY COLORS OF ORANGE.
THE SOUNDS OF CROWS' CAW, CAWING,
A SENSE OF NOTHING COULD GO WRONG.

IN THE SOUNDS OF GOD'S 'FREE AND LOVING CREATURES'.
ONE CAN STILL HEAR THE STILLNESS AND CALM. 
THIS TAKES ONE'S BREATH IN 'AN AWE' OF BEAUTY
OF THIS MIRACLE IN TODAY'S DAWN.

THERE IS A 'REASON FOR EVERY SEASON'.
'FALL' IS FULL OF BEAUTY IN COLORS OF RED, YELLOW, ORANGE AND BROWNS.
THE CRISP SNAP OF LEAVES AND THE CHILL OF THE BREEZE
BRINGS FORTH 'THANKFULNESS' THAT IS DISCERNIBLY FOUND. 

THE VERY NEXT MORNING SOMEWAY, SOMEHOW,
THE SAME THING WILL APPEAR BY 'HIS GRACE'.
AS THE NIGHT IS TUCKED AWAY, ONCE AGAIN, INTO  DARKNESS,
ANOTHER INFINITE BEAUTY WILL UNFOLD TO TAKE ITS' PLACE. 
                                                                                                                 Doris S/2016

                                                                                                               

until next time
God Bless
Doris

"Do we realize?'

Do we realize 'the influence' and/or what we 'say' or 'do not say' can be of  'help' or 'a hindrance' to another?  If our answer is 'yes' to this question, then what about 'actions only' in our daily living with another person? 

I think if we really looked at these questions in a perceptive way; we would be shocked to the gravity of the outcome of all of the above. 

In today's world, everyone is busy racing to one appointment to another for various reasons.  Some are required in our world of making a living and striving to have a life with quality intentions for family and friends and community.  Surely nothing wrong in this way of living. We can say 'we have to live this way'.  We can say 'the world has forced us to live this way'.  We can choose to say that 'this is the way I want to live'.   Making 'good choices' is a goal worth trying to achieve for everyone.  
I write these words to, hopefully, give all of us 'pause' in examining for even a brief time as to how ALL OF US have an IMPACT/INFLUENCE on another.  Do we realize how our actions, words expressed or not even expressed can influence other's thoughts or thinking?  This may have a good 'impact' or it could be an influence that would not be a healthy choice. 

'Let's think about our words & actions'

In saying this, I want to share a story with you.
Recently there was this 'little elderly lady' that was going about her life and living without a clue anyone was watching her actions.  Picture this lady living away from 'the business' of the world in a 'quiet quaint place' with nature all around her'.  She had everything she needed.  She was content, however; she found herself in a situation that was unique but not one that she could call 'her own' or she would want to.  She had some decisions to make that would change her way of living.  Therefore, it would change others, as well.  She continued to live her life without communicating details as to how she handled her situation.  The only things that was shared was she reached out to other entities and broaden her thinking in seeking solutions to her current issues.  She was friendly to all around her and she did brush shoulders with friends, family and neighbors. She had a 'serene way' about her. She didn't mind others in their comments or  cliches'.   Daily, weekly, monthly, encounters were a part of 'the knowing' as to the 'how she was' were present.  Nonetheless, this is common to most. Time passed and 'ordinary living' was, once again, noticeable and recognized with thankfulness. 

Then on a particular sunny day, this 'little elderly lady' received a telephone call from a person stating she wanted her to know how she had 'impacted' her thinking on a particular subject in her own life.  
She said she had watched her and without many words being expressed from her; she had found 'a new hope and a new perceptive' in how she was looking at a situation in her own life.  She wanted to 'thank' this little elderly lady.  
Before the conversation was ended; they were 'thanking' one another.  

This story could have ended very differently. This is one of the reasons that I wanted to share it.  We ALL have 'an impact' on one another in some way.  Let it be one that is a 'good one'.  

Sometimes, 'Actions Speak Louder then Words.   

Until next time.
God Bless 
Doris

DO WE 'LOSE' OR DO WE 'LEARN'?

it is 'our' choice

Life has a way of crowding our thinking into 'Losing, Winning and/or Learning'.  Hopefully, we take up the 'choice of Learning'.  

Every day we have the opportunity of 'choosing our attitude' in how we will view our day.  

This decision is 'ours to choose'.  However, it is easier 'said' then 'done'.  As we all know, this can be viewed and chosen with many different emotions.  

This world is full of many different people with many different views and beliefs.  However, who are we to judge another?  As I age in time, I can see so many different changes and in ways of living life.  Change is inevitable.  Less we realize this and try to adjust to it; we can all be 'losers' in the 'whole of life and living'.  

Fall is just around the corner.  Another change of the seasons.  Most of us have a favorite season.  I find all of them have a good amount of beauty in their own way.  However, once again, all seasons have a side of gloom when we look for it.  

I heard once 'weather' has no emotion.  'Weather' is 'weather'.  It is all in how each of us look at it and adjust accordingly on any given day.  So, as we look ahead into September.  We will see adjustments, changes and attitudes will change as we move into the fall months of the year. Some of these will be by choice and some of them will be forced upon us.  

Will we lose, win or learn from these changes?  I can think of a thought as in 'how can we lose, win or learn' from a season of the year?  Can we?  I think we can 'learn' in any season of the year by the calendar's reading or in our hearts of living everyday on purpose.  
If not, then why was it given to us in the beginning of time.  I believe in our 'creator's time' of beginning until the end of time' is 'a way of life' in our living each and every season of 'our life'. We can choose to learn and grow every day from these experiences that are sent our way, by 'our choosing', or by a way that 'we have no control'. 'Our Will' is still there for the choosing. 

As we look at life in a way that we can 'learn' in every situation, it can take away the 'winning and losing' part entirely.  This is refreshing and will help keep us 'on purpose' every day.  More joy, peace, contentment and carefree to enjoy and project love. 

Perhaps, we could say the same with 'people' that cross our path every day.  
Nonetheless, life is full of beauty in the eye of the beholder. Each human being that we see or cross our path; is a 'moment in time' for learning.  Life moves by quickly, and we do not look
and/or think about such 'moments' as such.  However, they will/do add up to what will lean in to our thoughts and choices in some tiny fiber of what we call: living life.  Oh, we can't see them, per sa; however, they are there woven into a part of each of us. 

Hopefully, as the changes come and go into the fall season, we can look at them in a way that we will 'LEARN' from them in allowing us to be a better person within ourselves and then in turn, to others. 

Every day is a day to begin in 'thanksgiving'.  Every day is a day to realize how fortunate we are.  Every day is a day to make 'good choices'.   Every day is a day to 'LEARN'. 

"Just living is not enough," said the butterfly.  "One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower."  by Hans Christian Andersen 

Until next time.
God Bless
Doris  

Beauty in nature

"Butterflies' Paradigm"

'Butterflies on a Mission'

"Butterflies' Paradigm"

Tiny, fragile, beautiful golden butterflies
offer many folk great pleasure and smiles.
Their beauty reflects uniqueness.
They travel daily, miles and miles.

Butterflies cannot be concerned of their journey.
Nonetheless, no reason to be sad and such.
They offer joy, while fulfilling their mission in pollination,
allowing 'beauty in flowers, plus, 'good feelings' to those they touch.

Sometimes in their leaving, it seems a hindrance to the flowers.
Their mission they follow as the creator designed, 'one way'.
Perhaps, they are an example for our reflection and understanding.
They could open us up to 'new insight and hope' - - - 'doorways'.

Incredible 'Windows of Opportunities' are given
when our hearts are open for growth in our tomorrows.
They can reflect motivation and purpose to all of us.
Similarly as the butterflies' mission journey are to the flowers.

Faithfully, as we accept our challenges as 'learning possibilities',
may we take them in stride without listening to ... 'Tick Tock, Tick Tock'?
This is when we are truly 'living with perseverance in love
for ourselves and others' ... I kid 'you not'.

                                                                                         by Doris Swertfeger
                                                                                                                   2016
Until next time.
God Bless
Doris

'The Family of the Heart'

                             'The Family of the Heart'

The 'Family of the Heart' includes all people

that stand in a loving relationship to one another. 

Where care, concern, communication, hope and love is an art,

that becomes 'a way of life' to our sisters and brothers.

Plus, when we live consciously and grant freedom, equally, to all people,

as we would wish for ourselves to receive,

to hear with our hearts and not our ears only,

with a willingness and compassion to perceive.

It is in the small things done with full-hearted concentration

that we 'find freedom' and 'feel peace' and 'love'.

A way of bonding with each other is woven

that allows the spirit to flow from above. 

Also, when we truly love our neighbor as ourselves,

we 'are offering' every action to be something beautiful and kind.

The 'family of the heart' permits reverence in all of life relationships

for the joining of hearts and minds.

There is no value in pain and confusion as one might think.

The value lies in the rearrangement of the elements

that will lead to clearer vision for all.

This is 'a process' to 'channel our energy into love' for access to 'the real'

that 'keeps us on purpose', of our 'destiny call'. 

The 'awareness of unknowing', creates 'hope' and 'faith' in life itself.

We all sense the mystery and wonderment of life. 

Less we have no risk, grief, pain, nor loss,

it would take away the 'teachers of strife'. 

As we listen with 'our hearts', we can discern 'a higher power' presence,

affording strength to carry us far.

This opens the channels for 'healing and wholeness',

to unfold to 'all people' today and all of our tomorrows. 

                                                                                        by Doris Swertfeger

                                                                                                                 2016

Until next time

Doris

''Hope Pebbles'

Sometimes in life we are given 'a valley' to cross.
All of us have a a 'story' we could tell.
Instead of a 'valley', we could call it a 'hill'.
Does either of these ring a bell?

Let us reflect, if you will, in our present, past or future.
Perhaps, when in focus, we could also see 'sunshine rays'.
The hills and valleys thin out in our awareness.
Now we can see more clearly, solid ground, replaces each day.

As I look back from hence I have come.
I can see little ripples of 'ups and downs'.
This leads me to believe as I count them,
those were 'hope pebbles' leading me to 'solid ground'.

There was 'incredible hope and promise' in places, I had not yet seen.
Answered prayer, the beauty of nature's renewal of Spring, brightened my day.
There was a lingering in 'awe' of 'amazing miracles' in the midst of this sight.
This allowed me to see 'beyond myself' with 'hope', a much better way.

Let us remember as we walk this 'journey in life',
there isn't anything that can ever be beyond our 'maker's' reach.
By choice, we can focus on 'hope pebbles', as stepping stones,
to guide us to 'solid ground' of 'faith' to give us a peaceful belief. 
                                                                            by Doris Swertfeger  '2016

Until next time
Doris