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

'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.   

'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

THE REASON FOR THE SEASON-EASTER

 

 

GOOD FRIDAY/EASTER

 

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'S 'THE WAY',

'THE TRUTH' AND 'THE LIGHT'.

 

ACCEPT THIS 'GIFT OF LOVE'

AND DO NOT BE AFRAID.

GIVE THANKS, REJOICE IN THE LORD

AND BE HAPPY AND BRAVE.

 

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 THE RIGHT.

 

MAY WE RENEW AND REFLECT ON THIS DAY

FOR THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRIST'S MISSION.

LET'S PRAY FOR THE 'WELL-BEING' OF THE COSMIC WORLD.

GIVE THANKS - PEACE BE STILL - LISTEN.

 

copyrighted by Doris Swertfeger 2002

 

Until next time,

God Bless

Doris



Greetings,   'ATTITUDE OF LOVE'


As I was thinking today as to what I was going to pen, I pondered the weather.  Now, doesn't that sound rather strange?  Does 'the weather' effect how we look at our day?  Does 'the weather' effect how we plan our day?  Does 'the weather' effect how we feel?  Rather strange, indeed, I think.  Isn't 'WEATHER', just 'weather'?  Do we accept it 'as weather'?

We have been given a glimpse of Spring these past few weeks and our Attitude changes to happy smiling faces.  The next day when/if we have a cloudy, colder, snow flurries and wind blowing everything we have around us; our Attitude is more on the side of gloom.  Would you not agree? Therefore, I would say 'weather is more than weather' because it is effecting our day.  Or, are we allowing it to effect our day?

As I pondered this thought, I started to wonder how many other things effect how we feel, what we do, how we plan and how we act.  I feel, especially, in today's world that all of these factors can/do affect the other in some degree.  Now, the question that follows is: should they?  Who is to answer and/or take responsibility for each of these?  Perhaps, the better question is: 'will it be each of us by our own choosing'? 

I feel that Attitude is vital and it is one of  the most important things to focus or refocus, whichever the case may be, to move us along in our daily choices and actions.

Each day for all of us, there will be different things that come our way.  Some days, we will have minor things that come our way.  At times, we might feel it is a 'dull' day and on another day we might consider it 'earth shattering' and something  might happen that will change our life forever.  And, there are those days that we just can't put our finger on how we would label our day.  Sometimes, I feel that I can label a day, my 'Attitude day'. 

Many days can be good days in whatever might come my way depending on my 'Attitude'.  
Sometimes, I feel that Attitude is more important than facts.  The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the Attitude we will embrace for that day.  We cannot change the past,  we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way.  We cannot change the inevitable.  The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our Attitude.  We are in charge of our Attitude.  For me, I also include Prayer.  Now this is just my way and I do not judge or feel in any way that others should follow in my line of thought and belief.  But, I believe Attitude is powerful and Prayer is the ultimate power to blend the two.   

We can change our Attitude and in our willingness we will change how we feel, how we act, how we plan and how we see the world for ourselves and in turn for others.

How does our Attitude effect RSDS/CRPS persons; in the same way it effects everything else that any person who is ill or healthy.  It will effect our 'whole being'. 
Remember we are all a lot alike but with different faces, different clothes, different houses but in the very middle, we are all the same. 
It is in our choosing from our hearts as to how we will be effected and be effective in our daily living.  Would it not be nice if we chose the 'Attitude of Love'.  Just maybe, God's creatures can teach us about the Attitude of Love.

Until next time.
God Bless
Doris

Hi Friends,    'TIME TO MOVE CLOCKS FORWARD...WHAT ABOUT  'OUR CLOCK'?'

Today is the day that we move our clocks forward!  This brings many thoughts to mind as to how this effects other dimensions in our lives. 

There will be 'little ones' waking up a little later than they did this morning, there will be more light outdoors when persons get off of work at 5:00 p.m., there will be 'bellies' feeling hungry pains a bit earlier and sleep patterns will change.  Isn't this amazing?

This small move of the clock's knob will effect numerous other moves that we make because of this one hour time change.  Unbelievable, isn't it?  

On the other hand, this could be a time that we may choose to change a bit.  We might want to reflect on something we would like to change in our day that would effect more than an hour of our life and others but it might take only fifteen minutes to do. 

Perhaps, call a friend, take a walk, read, start a journal, exercise something, eat a different fruit, drink a different drink, laugh everyday.  Do one act of kindness for somebody.  All of the things that I have listed, we can do in less than fifteen minutes per day.  And yes, I am right in here with you. I can/will do this, too.
All of us have 'our muddy ruts' of struggles we walk in from time to time, but we can travel a bit easier when we try not to walk it alone.  I understand when one walks in mud, if they hold the hand of a friend, they tend to stay in a upright position better.

Let's take a minute to reflect on what we wish and pray for at times.  Sometimes, we act as if we want it ALL but do we?  What is ALL?! 

'WELL, I WANT HEALTH'?  BUT,  I DON'T HAVE IT OR DO I?  I feel that we all have 'Health'.  It just might not be in the way we would want it.  Health is what we make it?  Is it? Health is a teacher?  Or is it? I said in my last post that Health is Priceless and Problems are Priceless.  Did I loose you?  I hope not.  Soon, I will share with you how Problems can transform into Inconveniences.  This I can testify to because I believe;  His Grace Is Sufficient. 

This brings me to sympathy and empathy.  Remember my sharing in an earlier post, I did not like sympathy during my times of great pain and I longed for empathy.  Have you ever thought of what sympathy really is:  It is given to support the weakness in a person.  When a person gives another sympathy in loss of a loved one, this is sympathy and it helps comfort.

Empathy is given to support the strength in a person.  When a person gives another empathy during a struggling time in their life to cope, this is empathy and it offers encouragement.  

I read recently from a daily calendar that is on my desk:  I asked for strength and God gave me difficulties to make me strong.  I think maybe next time I'll just be content being weak! (are you laughing yet?)

The next line read:   2 Corinthians 12:10  That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. 

Now, this was the beginning and the end of what was on the Calendar.  Sometimes, I feel it helps to read more for clarity.  Things are taken out of context and this is why I am very guarded in sharing biblical scriptures and/or do I listen to cliches.  I have heard many and they don't set will with me.  You will not hear me preaching or quoting tons of scriptures.  I am not a scholar in the Bible by any means.  I share my experiences and beliefs. 

Nevertheless, I read the rest of the scripture just before this in my bible and it reads: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  2 Corinthians 12:9
(It just might help to write this scripture on a piece of paper and keep it near you.  I find it powerful.  It is in little things as these steps that will be building blocks to your transforming those problems into inconveniences)

I close with this.  My views and beliefs will be different from your views and beliefs.  My mission is to share my story humbly and in empathy from my heart to your heart.   We are all on a journey and if our paths cross for the reasons that are 'Divinely Meant To Be' than I feel it is a worthwhile effort to walk together for awhile. 

Let's never loose sight of Hope in all that we do.  God has a Purpose For Your Life and His Grace is Sufficient To See You Through.

God Bless!
Doris

February 23, 2013

TIME FOR CLARIFICATION

I find a need to clarify my writings regarding RSDS/CRPS.  FIRST, and far most, my wish is for anybody reading my posts to realize that anything on my posts are coming from my view and experiences.  My only intent in taking this leap of faith in sharing, as I am not usually this bold in the public eye, is my hope to help somebody in some way. 

As one reads my posts, they will read many emotions and ups and downs regarding this condition called RSDS/CRPS.  I pen as I think, feel and have experienced at variable times during these 25 years that I have been diagnosed with RSDS/CRPS.

This last post where I penned the poem RSDS/CRPS PERSONS were written from the view of a person that has been going through terrific pain and this is their thoughts and feelings expressed.  The latter part of the poem is written from the view and feelings from a person that has RSDS/CRPS but has allowed it to become a part of their life and have learned skills and is leaning on a higher power than themselves to cope.  They are living a life that they see is worth while and on purpose. 

I will not linger in my clarifications of the posts but just wanted to share this as there might be persons out there reading these and have a misunderstanding of the intent in my heart as to why/what I am writing.  I feel this is worthwhile in penning because I do not want to leave any room for any help to be missed or interruption in the flow of my intent. 

Life is better or worse many times in the way we make our choices and accept what we have no control over.  I feel when we are willing to always and ever think and act beyond ourselves and look for ways to help others in the process of living, the rest will fall into place.  Hopefully, at the end of our journey, we will have come full circle.

Have a thankful day. I know that I am.
God Bless!
Doris

ATTITUDINAL HEALING

ATTITUDINAL HEALING

Attitudinal healing is a choice.

Is this something you can do?

You bet your life you can.

It is already inside you!

Just remember, peacefulness is selective

to all in this world to choose.

The earth can shake and the mountains can rumble.

However, peace is not something you want to lose.

These principles of 'Attitudinal Healing'

are worth their weight in gold.

If you would like to learn more about them,

choose to make them your primary goal.

We can focus on the 'whole of life'

instead of on the fragments, that come our way.

Living life in 'its fullness' is a matter of choices.

Share our gifts from within or hold them at bay.

The essence of our being is LOVE!

Please never underestimate the power in this call.

Positive emotions and one's attitude

can assist healing in our health and wholeness for all.

                                           copyright 2002 Doris Swertfeger

Window of Opportunity

October 28, 2012 9:35 AM

Today I wish to begin by giving 'Thanks'! Today is a cool, windy Autumn day. The vibrant colors of the Autumn leaves are a reflection of God's hand.

Giving 'Thanks' give me a feeling of peace. An oneness with our God. I have this belief that God has a sense of humor. I can just imagine HIM saying something similar in our day as 'I GOT THIS'. Moreover, I believe HE has.

I think in our busy living, our grief, hurts and in our comfortable style of living, we sometimes crowd out a space for our loving Heavenly Father to enter. Time, people, relationships, morals in our culture tend to reshape our very essence of our Authentic Purpose and Splendor. Therefore, 'Choices Matters'. I 'Thank God' for HIS Awesome Forgiving Love.

I will share more in detail my 'near death experience' another time. I will share that after I realized that God wanted me to return to this mortal world, I become angry at God. Yes, I certainly did. 'WHY' entered my thinking. As time moved on, I gave up the fact that I was not going to return to a place that was glorious, yet. God was not going to allow it. As I continued to pray, trust and discern as to what HIS WILL was for me, HE gave me the words to pen a poem titled; 'WHY?' 'WHY NOT ME?'

The next writing I will share this poem.

Until next time, May we always give Thanks in all circumstances. God Bless and Peace, my friends.

Choices Matter

October 2, 2012 1:20 PM

Ever have a day when "Choices Matter' just doesn't seem fair. Things get in the way as to how you think your day will go? The saying: IT IS WHAT IT IS..but the rest of that statement is not easy to put into action. For example, your dog is sick, your child spikes a fever, you cannot do something that you was able to do yesterday. Last night everything seemed just fine.

NOW, reflect back to your feelings of 'Choices Matter'. The dog is just a dog, no big deal...but is it? It is YOUR DOG. Your child spikes a fever, so what, it will be over in 24 hours, or will it? It is YOUR CHILD and 24 hours goes into a week and I am a working mother. I could go anywhere I wanted yesterday but today, I CANNOT. I am active and I have goals!

..So how does 'Choices Matter'? It might depend on how we handle those Choices.

All in all, the 'thought of the day': 'CHOICES MATTER' on our worse day and our best day. NONE OF US ARE EXEMPT. Every day we make hundreds of Choices and the quality of those choices determines the quality and attitude of your day and your life.

Oh, the rest of the saying: IT IS WHAT IT IS...BUT IT WILL BECOME WHAT WE MAKE IT.

Tough love matters! We all need one another, especially, on those days that 'Choices Matter', just does not see fair.

Shared in Love...

Until next time....May we listen and share with one another..we are all on a journey....we just have different stories to share and hopefully, help one another.

God Bless and May we always be Thankful.