'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
'MY DAD'S HANDS' - 'HAPPY FATHER'S DAY'
Father's Day is a special day. A father has so many roles.
'Fathering a child' is much different than 'being a father'. Love, compassion, integrity, honesty, perseverance, maturity, responsibility and supporting a child is vital in raising and molding any child. A father thinks nothing of it each and every day. A father does it all out of 'love' and 'a desire'. This is what a 'real father' does and enjoys the rewards of this child. It is a privilege, obligation and an honor.
I think many people have reflected back on their child life experiences and have wished they would have had things differently. I think at times, we can easily look at somebody's father and wish they were a part of our lives. Perhaps, not as a 'whole', tho. We see just parts of a father's role in them. But, at the end of the day, God has chosen the father that we have. As we get older and mature, we realize that life wasn't so bad. And, as adults, we have choices to choose from. We can take the good things/good times that our fathers' taught us from our past experiences, choose to take the challenges we experienced and grow from all of them.
I feel we sometimes think we can shift our disappointments in life and direct them to who was 'in charge' or 'the head of the household' at the time. Nevertheless, it still comes back to the fact, as adults we much always and ever, turn within, seek without blame and continue on our life's journey in a blessed way. It is never too late to do this. It is our choice. God has provided us with 'free will' and HE will guide us along the way.
I pen this because I know that I have had some of these thoughts. I feel it is not fair in the reflections of 'my Dad' to avoid this area, as well. I know without a doubt that 'my Dad' worked hard, loved me and did what he thought was good with the knowledge and experiences that he had growing up. I love 'my Dad'!
I would like to share a little about my father through the following poem. My father is 97 years old. I call my father, DAD.
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| 'My Dad's Hands' |
'My Dad's Hands'
Looking at 'my Dad's hands',
tell a story of its' own.
They remind me of so many things
that he has done from way back home.
My Dad is up in age today,
Well, very soon, he will be 98.
He was always working hard each day.
He worked from dawn til almost eight.
My Dad could do a lot of things.
He toiled in the dirt, coal, to greasing ole cars.
My Dad provided food on the table
that was good for us and, yes, even candy bars.
He worked really hard on the farm
and the soil he did till.
Fields of wheat, beans and corn,
this is what paid our bills.
Yes, my Dad's hands are worn
and a bit wrinkled and stiff.
But, they tell a story of hard work
and this isn't just a myth.
'My Dad's hands' are cracked, dry
and the age upon them shows.
But, with time, brings an awareness
to things that are 'dear for evermore'.
Yes, 'my Dad's hands' tell me a story
that my memory will always 'hear'.
Cause when I look at 'my Dad's hands'
I will always think of our yesteryears.
copyrighted by Doris Swertfeger
2013
Until next time
God Bless
Doris
"What Rests on a Foundation is Every Bit as Critical as the Base Itself"
I find life experiences interesting. I am sure there are others out there that do, as well.
Generations come and go. There doesn't seem to be too much difference in how 'relationships', play out, if you will, in accordance to past generations. Please allow me to clarify.
In all families and friends, we find there are no perfect entities. The 'human aspect' is always in play. However, behavior patterns of their actions unrelated to the 'foundation of the soul' are revealed. Or, are they? I feel that they are in time. Do you ever feel that what appears is happening in certain circles are not necessarily how the events are truly unfolding? It is only in appearance to the world's view? Mostly, from the 'human aspect' view.
Have you ever felt or noticed how some people strive each day to be on purpose in each and every action that they do out of character, responsibility, integrity and respect for themselves and their children? I certainly hope so. This is a person that has a foundation that stands tall in their 'soul' and nobody can ever rip it away from them.
We all were created this way and/or the 'center of the soul' was intended to be exercised fully and daily in all persons' lives. But, when 'free will' was given so graciously to each of us, not everybody chose this for their path. I feel the intent of the creator was to 'balance' the 'human entity' and the 'spirit of the soul'. In doing this, we always and ever come full circle to the 'choices' we 'choose' in our actions each and every day.
There are so many misconceptions as to how things really are in ones surroundings and in the public view.
I was recently reading from Philip Gulley's writings. He stated: what rests on a foundation is every bit as critical as the base itself. He drove home this thought so brilliantly and humbly to me.
He was sharing about a home their family lived in long ago. He said that the only thing this ole house had going for it was a 'strong foundation'. And, in light of this, it was not to be discounted but it was not enough. The boards were spongy-soft with rot. It was like pulling on five-dollar pants over hundred-dollar shoes. Oh, they thought they could just give it a face-lift with a coat of paint and it would be fine and look nice to everybody in the neighborhood. Nobody would really know what was going on in the inside. But, they were wrong. The foundation started to crumble and everybody that thought 'one thing' was so wrong in how 'things really were'.
Could this story be similar to the way circumstances and situations look in our lives and the people around us? We are human and it hurts when we strive everyday to do what is right and uphold our character, respect, honesty, perseverance and humility. We strive to raise our children to show respect and grow up into mature and responsible persons with dignity and the things that we feel and know is holy and right.
Perhaps, we are back to the measuring of the 'Foundation of our Soul' versus 'Our Human Side'. The purpose of such a measuring is not to provoke guilt, but rather to remind us of those treasures which never lose their value. (Philip Gulley)
We can find hope and value in stretching ourselves against this 'wall of our soul' for 'our spiritual fruit' and take our measure in an important exercise and one we can choose to continue. In our soul, we really know who, what and how things truly are going down and/or around. And, we need no flare and we can feel great freedom.
Yes, we have choices and they can make a difference. We can choose to show the world a beautiful surface of ourselves and do nothing and pretend to the world. In time, it will all be revealed and it will not stand. Or, we can choose to know we have a 'strong foundation' with character, responsibility, respect and keep maintaining each level of 'our being' everyday that will stand strong forever. We can choose to strive to live life on purpose for ourselves, for our family and community.
Do we love people for who they are? Or do we love them for who we think they ought to be? I feel a big problem in our world today is that we fall in love with images instead of persons. God forbid that our underwear should show, that our masks should slip.
As we continue on our journey, and we feel the swords of life hitting us in a way that we are not deserving of, may we always remember; 'forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hate. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness'. Corrie ten Boom
We can never fully enjoy the present if we'll bitter about the past. Instead of living in the past, make peace with it...and move on. We can never change anybody else. Nevertheless, we can stand firm in our 'foundation of the soul'. Than, we will surely know it will support and be enough from its' 'base itself' for whatever life brings to us.
Until next time
God Bless
Doris
