"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

''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

A 'Good Day', 'Ordinary Day', 'Another Day-So What?'

Greetings Friends,

'All is Well'

'Everything is going to be ok'

Are you having a good day, ordinary day or a day that you would describe as, 'Another Day, So What?'  Believe me, I have felt all of these over time.  I try to credit my feelings and thinking to the fact that I am 'human'.  Some days, I feel we need a boost to help us along our way.  This boost might be different for different people and in different ways.  Whether we are a person that lean on a belief that there is a power greater than ourselves or we are not, it might be good for us to take the time to 'be still' and go to a place that is serene and full of beauty.  Perhaps, this could be something that is as simply looking at a beautiful butterfly, going outdoors and listening to the birds and feel the sunshine that surround you or it might be calling a friend and just sharing about life and the many blessings that have been given. 

Giving 'thanks' can always bring one back to serve one better in going on to better thoughts and feelings that might be happening just now in our lives and living.  Take a look at our pets, they somehow can look beyond their cares and they are taken care of.  Enjoy their beauty and trust.

It seems to me that we are hearing, seeing and experiencing many things today that can certainly get in our way and cloud our attitude.  Sickness, economy, raising children, workplace stress, world affairs, aging to differences in opinions that we all have a right to have and own as individuals.  Nevertheless, all of these can effect our 'well being'. 

'A Good Day'

We have heard this statement: 'THIS TOO SHALL PASS'.  Biblical, actually, and I hold this close to my heart in life's struggles and challenges.  However, there has been something added to it by a 'human soul' and that is, ''and right now would be good'.   Oh yes, we always want to alter and control our situation and/or circumstances, don't we? 

Sometimes, we take life too seriously and worry about things that do not make a difference at the end of the day except they are things that we want and think that we need.  Well, I am one among all that have these same feelings and thoughts.  Some days are better than other days.  It mostly depends on what is going on in my life as to how other things effect me. 
Well, this is no surprise to the millions out there and this is what causes the turmoil in the cosmic world that really is very fragile.  All we have to do is turn on our television or any electronic device and we can see it only takes one person to blow holes in another with a gun that has gone mad and out of control.  So, what can each individual do to make more peaceful living in our life and others?  It could be to change our focus of our inner core and how we perceive ourselves in life and living in control.  Always and ever remembering 'who' is really in control.   God still reigns over the universe.  With faith, hope, love and perseverance, we can have peace in our hearts in the midst of our storms in life and living. 

As I was reading my daily reader this morning, it just happened to be this very reading.  If/when we believe in a power greater than ourselves it might be helpful to saturate our hearts with many things to help us along.  This just might be one of them.

This was written by Sarah Young - Jesus Calling- Readings for Every Day of the Year

I AM ALL AROUND YOU, like a cocoon of Light.  My Presence with you is a promise, independent of your awareness of Me.  Many things can block this awareness, but the major culprit is worry.  My children tend to accept worry as an inescapable fact of life.  However, worry is a form of unbelief; it is an abomination to Me.

Who is in charge of your life?  If it is you, then you have good reason to worry.  But if it is I, then worry is both unnecessary an counterproductive.  When you start to feel anxious about something, relinquish the situation to Me.  Back off a bit, redirecting your focus to Me.  I will either take care of the problem Myself or show you how to handle it.  In this world you will have problems, but you need not lose sight of Me. 

THIS IS WHAT WILL MAKE THAT 'ANOTHER DAY-SO WHAT' TO AN 'ORDINARY DAY' AND/OR  TO A 'GOOD DAY'! 

 

Until next time,
God Bless
Doris

Amazing Orchids That Look Just Like Animals! And, Yes, they are real Orchid Flowers!

Animals that Look like an Orchid Flower

I begin today by expressing how I love nature so much.  I can just sit and ponder and lose myself in 'nature's wonder'.  It calms my heart and gives me pleasure of thanksgiving. 

One day as I was looking up various flowers and etc. of nature's beauty, I ran across these beautiful Orchid Flowers that look so very much like animals.  I found the article so fascinating. 

We all very well know that these Orchids are not really animals.  However, these species look so much like animals that it is interesting to share them with others. 

I will share a few pictures of various orchids that look like a White Egret Orchid, a Bee Orchid and a Flying Duck.  First, let me share a little about these specific orchids. 



These rare orchids only grow in the cloud forests of southeastern
Ecuador and Peru at elevations of 1,000-2,000 meters on the side of mountains. 

Bee Orchid

What makes these flowers even cooler is that they smell just like a ripe orange when fully blossomed.


Flying Duck Orchid

Perhaps, these 'Orchids of Animals' have given someone a little pleasure today.  Perhaps, these 'Orchids of Animals' have given a hint of 'nature's beauty' is 'divine'.   Perhaps, these 'Orchids of Animals'' beauty is in the 'eye of the beholder'. 

I, personally, find these 'Orchids of Animals'; fascinating, interesting and a small part of God's creation of all things.

Until next time,
God Bless 

'HOPE IS A GOLDEN ROPE' 'TRUST AND UNDERSTANDING PEOPLE HELP US ALONG'

Greetings Friends,

As the news began this a.m., what did we hear?  Fear is heighten in Washington D.C. with angry shooters, once again.  It seems there are so many non-trusting, insecure, lost people out there in our world.  Their thoughts are focused on hurting others in return. 

In light of this, I felt this poem might help cushion our emotions just a bit. Does this poem solve any problems of today so far away?  No, but it only take a seed as small as a mustard seed of faith, hope, trust to touch a person.  And, in turn, hopefully, spread across our land.  One small step at a time.  Our hope can connect to just one person in an attempt to try to help in some way to bridge so many broken hearts for so many different reasons each day.  There can be peace, hope, faith through prayer that can be powerful. Each prayer spoken in each person's own way, filters through ways we cannot understand but it does allow the Spirit to be felt in hearts far from our sight.  This is called Faith, Hope, Trust in something bigger then ourselves, indeed.
I wrote this poem in 1992 but I feel the same today. 

'HOPE IS A GOLDEN ROPE'

 

Hope is a 'Golden Rope'.

Perhaps, a 'heavenly rope' we cannot see.

Love can cushion many fears

and comfort hope to free.

 

Hope, trust and understanding people

help us to appreciate any gift of love.

It is vital to know when to let go

with gracious patience from above.

 

Sometimes it takes years and years

to believe there are true friends to be found.

And, not from just the well known class,

but, from simple folk from common ground.

 

'Hope' is the 'Golden Rope' to heaven.

May we give thanks for even things we cannot see.

Faith, Hope, Trust in 'One Spirit' are heavenly gifts

that abides in 'our hearts' that set all people free.

 

Copyrighted Doris Swertfeger

                        1992

 

 

Let us all pause today and remember all of the people that are involved in this Headline Fearful event in Washington D.C. today. 

 



Until next time

God Bless

Doris 

'Making a Positive Difference'

"Can I brighten your day?"

CAN WE MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE?! You bet we can!    
It is all about Love.  Love is a VERB.  A VERB means ACTION!  It is all about making a positive difference in people's lives.  It is full of wisdom, principles, just simple little actions and our time.  
Wow, there is where the rub might be, 'our time'.  How long does it take to make a positive difference?  Not as long as we might think. 

I had promised to the readers of my blog a poem regarding 'Our Caring'.  I want to share a bit in this post before I share the poem: 'Persons that Made a Positive Difference'.   So, please bear with me to lay some background leading up to my poem.  I feel this is important because the 'love' must flow from both directions.  This can be an uneasy feeling for a time but so very worthwhile and is the key to making a positive difference in the lives of many people that we touch. 

Have you ever had a particular place to go or somebody you thought you just had to visit and/or see and you dreaded it so much?  You was doing it out of a feeling of duty or responsibility.  However, once you actually did it you could feel and see just how much it made a positive difference in that person's day and in turn, your day.  That is what it is all about.  WE go into ACTION.  We give our love that comes from our heart rather then an effort.

When things are done out of 'love' there is no 'putting off' and/or 'dreading' a part of it.  There might be places we feel we should visit because of the circumstances such as visiting an ill person with a terminal disease, a person going through divorce,  a person that has just heard the news of a loved one that has passed away that prevents us from feeling a pleasant desire to visit them but there is still an inner feeling of a desire in our heart to reach out to help that individual.  The actions taken out of no desire and a lack of love are ones that serves no good purpose.  Those type of actions never gives the person a desire to go and feel happy that they had been there, either.  This can only lead to an emptiness.  Persons are acting out of a feeling of 'i have to', what's the use', 'who cares' , 'what can I say or do to make a difference' and therefore; they only go through the motions and/or don't even take part in the actions that regard 'love' to fulfill any good.  The end result, they feel drained.  Loving action will give one a lift within their Spirit and to the person that they have just visited.  It is just the way 'Love' works.  An easy guide to follow and can help us stay focused as to what we are to be about in making a positive difference in others' lives and in ours.

I wonder if some places in our society there have been more nonverbal action of 'love' that has somehow made persons become less caring, less compassion, and feel less of a desire to reach out and make a positive difference in people's lives.  Perhaps, this would be a good place for us to reflect in our own lives and living. 

''May I help in some way?'

I have experienced, the more I can exercise 'Love' in Action, the more it rekindles the warmth in friendships, family and once strangers, become closer during these times. And, it gives me a warmer feeling of worth within my own being.

A number of things we might reflect on as we reach out in 'love' are:

• Identify what people 'need' to feel good about themselves
• Develop a sincere interest in others
• Forgive hurtful actions
• Get along with difficult people
• Accept people for who they are
• Be yourself
• Never give up



'It is the little things that mean the most'
It doesn't matter that we aren't the same skin color and agree with everything another person believes.  It is important that we all become the type of person that people enjoy being around.

This is unconditional love that equals: 'love in Action' making a positive difference in peoples lives.

Always remember our Shepherd will never let us down.  

• Pray without ceasing

  

  'The Lord is our Shepherd'

  
  
  Until next time
  God Bless
  Doris

Memorial Day Holiday - United We Stand

 

 

There are so many reasons that people celebrate the Memorial Day Holiday.

As I think about so many of us spending this time to relax, picnics, camping, Indy 500 race, summer activities, visiting families and friends and so many other activities, I hope all of us do not forget the real meaning of this holiday. 

Our Freedom is priceless and taken for granted.  May we pause and give thanks for the many that have dedicated their lives and services to fight for our freedom.  Without those people, we would not be enjoying the many events that we have been and are enjoying this weekend. 

Let us give thanks and pray for the many families that have lost their loved ones fighting for our freedom.

We salute all Veterans of War and the many that are serving our country today.  May God Bless each and every one!

As we are experiencing many evil and harmful acts in our world today, may we never forget that there are some treasures in our trials. Perhaps, they are  designed to shake us free from earth-shackles.  It is very hard to find secure reasons why things happen the way that they do.  It is very easy to lose hope. 

However, there are other blessings that hopefully reveal 'a higher power' of love and hope to strengthen our faith.  Those blessings might be through sunshine, flowers, birds, friendships, music, answered prayer.  Plus, these blessings can give us insight and reflection as to the many blessings that we do have and experience everyday.  These can be powerful 'tools' to bring us back on track to 'a purpose and goals' to strive to support and encourage our  'soldiers' that are fighting each and every day for our 'FREEDOM'.

May we always and ever search for a deeper treasure as we go through each day.  It might be a miracle as to what we find along the way.



 

'Faith does not concern itself with the entire journey.  One step is enough.'  by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman

 

Until next time

God Bless

Doris

'OKLAHOMA TORNADO'

As I have shared in my blog that 'Life is a wonder to me', the Oklahoma tornado speaks volumes today.  There is no way to relate to the people that are experiencing this terrible tragedy in Oklahoma.  What does it mean to every person there in Oklahoma and across our land.  The 'message' is in the process and the 'teacher' is silent or is HE?  To seek, discern, pray, hope, trust and cling to ones' faith is vital at this time, indeed.

Our minds kick in gear as to what would we do, how would we feel, what if it happens to us, how can we protect ourselves and our children. It is not so much adverse events that make us anxious as it is our thoughts about those events.  We have a tentative to want to control or fix things.  We quickly forget who is in charge when an act of God is allowed to unfold. 

Where is our trust and faith in all things during times as these? What can we do to help so far away as we hear about this tornado.  Is this event only speaking to those in Oklahoma? 

Today, my thoughts are all over the place as I watch and read about this terrible tornado in Oklahoma this morning.  We all know that there isn't a single soul that could have prevented this tornado. 

I read recently from a reading of Graham Cooke these words:  "God allows in HIS Wisdom what HE could easily prevent in HIS power."  WOW!  How does this settle in our hearts?  Are we back to choices and how we view the 'whys' of life?  Are the 'wonders of life' about something deeper than what we want to feel this morning as our hearts break.  This might be a time to reflect in a deeper level as to the 'whys' of real life lessons of this tornado. This tornado might change persons lives in a way that brings them a new awareness of life and living.

I have chosen this morning to share this poem that I have penned as I reflect, ponder and pray for the many hearts that are hurting so badly in Oklahoma and around our world. 

                REFLECTION ON THE OKLAHOMA TORNADO EVENT
                     
May 19, 2013 was an ordinary date, sending children to school.
By the end of the day, it was similar to 1999's memory of a 'Howling Gate'.
Before the tornado sweep through this day,
folks' memories had faded and they didn't think of this date.

For some, time allowed for nothing.
Much more than seconds, minutes of whirling winds and rain were released.
The boldness of disaster took, homes, businesses and lives.
The results of the tornado is beyond human belief.

Folks are supporting all means against the wicked winds of speed.
More than neighbors and families, are ready and standing tall.
Homes, trees, vehicles, and people were tossed everywhere.
Life seems more precious - the mission to help is their 'call'.

Loving people are coming from near and far.
They want to join this mission in resolve for a common cause.
They are mixing their sweat with other peoples' sweat, dirt,
mud, rain; still, they haven't paused.

Yes, awakening calls roar through disasters.
Courage, compassion, empathy flows across our land.
People helping carry their burdens, as in: 'you ain't heavy, your my brother'.
It is priceless and precious in giving and extending a helping hand.

'May god's guidance, love and grace' overshadow all people.
Abolishing all differences, with harmony to give and receive.
Let us hear with our hearts and not our ears only.
May God grant us a willingness and compassion to perceive.

                                   copyrighted by Doris Swertfeger
                                                      05-21-2013

            'LOVE' is one of the most powerful forces in the universe.



Until next time
God Bless
Doris
                              

IT'S BEEN A GOOD RIDE.....



Whatever is your passion, never stop striving to reach it. 

It might be good to always remember: Hope, Love, Faith, Trust, Perseverance, Comfort in 'your' belief,' in something bigger than yourself will never let you down. 

May this Love and Hope surround you each moment in a tender and loving way.
May Peace and a Calm cradle you, as you continue on your journey each day.

Until next time,
God Bless
Doris

'HOPE IS A GOLDEN ROPE'



I pen today a few reflections as I review several events in recent times.  'HOPE' can be vital in our everyday living.  The circumstances of a situation can be 'earth shattering' but 'HOPE' can be 'the seed', if you will, to see us through.....this is a link to the power of Peace, Comfort, Prayers, Faith and Trust. 

Listening to a friend this week, there is great concern as their nephew is very ill from an auto accident.  Hearing of a young man that is hurting in his back and waiting on tests results as to what is next in his journey.  Hearing of a friend's passing, this saddens our hearts.  These are just a few in a very small circle.

If you have followed my writings, you might recall my experience of my plane flight returning from Houston, Texas early on in my diagnosis of RSDS.  God revealed to me that there is 'HOPE' through Him in all things. 

There are no exceptions in age, race, or religion background and/or perils that prevent the link to 'HOPE'.  This brings me to sharing this poem that God gave me the words to pen.

 

'HOPE IS A GOLDEN ROPE'

 

'HOPE' is a Golden Rope.

Perhaps, a 'Heavenly Rope' we cannot see.

Love can cushion many fears

and comfort 'Hope' to free.

 

'Hope', trust and understanding people

help us to appreciate any gift of love.

It is vital to know when to let go

with gracious patience from above.

 

Sometimes it takes years and years

to believe there are true friends to be found.

And, not from just your well known and supportive class,

but, from simple folk from 'common ground'.

 

'Hope' is the 'Golden Rope' to heaven.

May we give thanks for even things we do not want or see.

Faith, Hope, Trust in 'one's Spirit'

are some key essentials that set all of us free.

 

copyrighted by Doris (M) Swertfeger 1992

Until next time,
God Bless
Doris

'TO MY FRIENDS IN THIS PLACE' 'RSDS/CRPS SYMPOSIUM'

This is the poem that I had promised I would share with you in my last post.

To My Friends In This Place

RSDS/CRPS Symposium

1996

 

Life is a time of changing events.

Life is also a time of changing pace.

We have traveled an unique path

in this wonderful human race.

 

We have gathered in this place

to share cheerful things and tailspins.

We have cared and shared our love

to help fight RSDS - to win.

 

We have talked and listened until weary

and just fed up with life.

We are here to give a special lift

through all our pain and strife.

So, George and I say this prayer to all:

We pray for God's protection will keep you in His care.

His Grace to intervene in trails

and His Peace to help you share.

 

We pray for 'His Will' to unfold in your tomorrows,

His Trust and Joy to be felt within.

His gracious refreshing of 'The Spirit'

to brighten each day that begins.

 

                                 Thanksgiving comes from our hearts

for God entrusting 'RSDS' to our care.

Can we trust Him enough to never ask 'WHY'

and seek true meaning with Faith....to Share?

 

It is only in our humility

that God can use us for 'His Mission'.

What silly path would we have chosen, perhaps,

to go without pain, wealth, fame; than to an empty pension?

 

We are glad loving hands prepared this time today

for us to share and help to reach our goal.

Experiences and knowledge, shared and received

are a part of our healing and go deep into the soul.

 

Thank You and God Bless and Keep You In His Care

copyrighted by Doris Swertfeger

09-07-1996

 

 

'TO ALL RSDS/CRPS PERSONS'

I penned sometime ago that I spoke at a symposium in South Bend, Indiana in the late 90's.

The committee's president of this particular symposium had asked me to speak from my view of living with this disease, RSDS/CRPS. 

First, I do not consider it a disease.  It is a 'dis-ease' and an' inconvenience' in my life.  It comes and goes and when it is in my life in a more vibrant way; I HURT, MY LEGS BURN AND THEY BECOME WEAK.  I become frustrated and it prevents me from doing most anything that I want to do during those times. 
However, I have learned to redirect my thinking and acceptance toward 'this too shall pass'.  Sounds easy but everything that I have learned during those times, my thoughts just automatically kick into gear, so to speak.  Just as if an EMT person comes upon a person that needs his/her help.  They do not dwell upon their skills all day but when the need arises, it just automatically kicks in to what they need to do. 

Now, I can just imagine anybody that is reading this that are hurting and frustrated at this time, might be thinking something along the lines of: 'SURE, THAT IS EASY FOR YOU TO SAY', 'WELL, YOU DON'T HURT LIKE I DO', 'YOU PROBABLY DON'T REALLY HAVE RSDS/CRPS'.  And, if there is anybody thinking along these lines, THAT IS OK!!!  ........ As long as you don't 'chalk up' what I am sharing to, "forget it, nobody and nothing can help ME!"  I will now share more of my story.  Please stay with me.

As I shared with many people there at the Symposium, I took my monkey puppet, George, with me.  You see, in my research on RSDS/CRPS and searching within myself with much prayer, hope and perseverance; I have found ways to learn, cope and, hopefully, help others in their coping.  I found these techniques brought 'purpose and meaning' into perceptive. My puppet, George helped me clarify as to how anybody can easily get RSDS/CRPS with a slight injury.  In this case, George came to the Symposium with an ace bandage on his elbow with RSDS/CRPS from running to third base in a baseball game and hit his elbow.   Plus, George has given many people some laughter.  Laughter is healing and releases endorphins.   

In my next post, I will pen a poem that I wrote for all persons that attended the Symposium.
The poem is titled: 'TO MY FRIENDS IN THIS PLACE' 'RSDS/CRPS SYMPOSIUM'

Please remember as we walk this journey with whatever has become our dis-ease and/or inconveniences, there is purpose and meaning in it.  I have found for me, seeking something bigger than myself in helping others has been a vital key in living life on purpose.  First, and foremost, remember, in the beginning of being diagnosed with RSDS, I could not make it on my own and I had to reach out to others.  Now, I can reach out to others to help them and 'in turn' it helps me.  WE NEED ONE ANOTHER.  RSDS/CRPS has become a part of our lives but IT DOESN'T HAVE TO CONSUME US. 

Acceptance says: True, this is my situation at the moment.  I'll look unblinkingly at the reality of it.  But, I'll also open my hands to accept willingly whatever a loving Father sends me.
Catherine Marshall

As we encounter situations that we cannot change, we must learn the wisdom of acceptance .....and we must learn to trust God and/or in a higher being. 


Until next time,
God Bless
Doris

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.