"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

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

"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

TODAY WE LOOK BEYOND OUR PAIN.....ATTACK-BOSTON....physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually

Today as I ponder and reflect with a heavy heart as to what is going on in our world, especially, in Boston this week, it brings many emotions to the surface.  As I have posted with the importance of positive thinking and turning negatives into positives, it is very hard to do when we hurt. 

The pain in the hurt doesn't have priorities to the subject.  Nor does this attacker/attackers care of the value of human life.

To survive and gather our thoughts, hope, courage, and continue on our journey is what much take priority in this very deep valley that we have fallen into.  And, again, the percentage of pain, aching in our hearts and all of the negativity that we feel, the only way is up and onward to our ultimate goal to finish this race, so to speak, on our journey. 

We do not feel the extend of the pain unless it hit us directly but we can feel and know in our hearts that there is a connection from hence we have come and the flow of God's creation that was/is meant to be.

As we continue to cope, feel and hold onto hope, courage, 'a calm' and persevere, may we stop on our way in whatever busy world we think we live in and say a prayer, give a hug, jot a note to brighten another's day.  Look up in the sky to see it's beauty, feel the wind, smell a flower, touch nature in some fashion and give Thanks for what we do have and know in our hearts that we all are truly blessed as we lay our head down at night. 

These reflections from my camera's lens are meant for anybody that wants to see the beauty that is so near to our Creator of Love and Peace.  These similar reflections are all around us.  Now, sit back and drink in the 'little things' that come our way that can make a big difference at the end of our day.  There is meaning and a purpose for His good in the scope of our daily life and living. 



The Beauty of Nature growing.....




This pic is perfectly designed and painted by 'our Creator'



Nature's beauty in full view






A closer look of beauty in these Magnolia blooms



And another view of beauty



UP CLOSE AND REFRESHING TO LOOK, SMELL, TOUCH, BEHOLD THE DEPTH AND  GIVE THANKS

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

'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

Doctor-Patient Communication

October 13, 2012 1:18 PM

Hello Friends!
I want to begin today in my continued sharing of my story/journey with RSDS/CRPS. I had written earlier that CRPS was 'Chronic' and it should have been 'Complex'. So, I want to correct myself in this statement first, today.

Today, I want to share with you how important 'open communication' is a key factor in your doctor/patient (person) relationship.
And, I feel that all of our experiences can be helpful and cross the threshold with one another in hopes to strengthen us separately and collectively.

I had stated early on that finding a doctor and a diagnosis to your pain is an important key to your treatment and recovery time into remission. It is vital for you to find a doctor that you can feel comfortable. You have a right to know and understand how the doctor is treating you and sharing with the doctor in an open dialogue will speed your treatment. If you do not understand your treatment, ask questions until you do and/or speak up. Just remember, if the doctors wanted to treat something that could not talk,
they could/should have been Veterinaries.

I remember after several months of walking with the aid of crutches my doctor took them one day and threw them across the room. He did this to make a point. Well, he did, indeed. I wanted to leave immediately but I knew that I would only be hurting myself. He told me that I had to walk on my foot or my foot would die due to lack of circulation of blood. The bones in my foot had already started thinning. He told me that I would have to undergo many pain blocks to withstand the pain and I would possibly have to enter a rehabilitation with a dripping IV to control the pain. He said that I would need a number of medications for possibly a two year period to control the RSDS/CRPS that was trying to take over my nervous system.
Please know that not all doctors treat in the same method and sometimes the use of equipment is/will be necessary for an individual.

Nevertheless, after approximately 18 to 25 months, I had the honor to speak at a RSDS Symposium as a person living with RSDS/CRPS in South Bend, IN. There were sixty doctors that attended nationwide as well as RSDS/CRPS persons. I will always remember feeling the bond of kinship among those there that particular day.

After I had spoken the words relating to the 'doctor/patient/ relationship versus the Veterinary profession; at intermission, a number of doctors thanked me for sharing the need to communicate with their doctor.

So, please realize that you are the spokesman for your body. Lean into your treatment with confidence that you with the help of your doctor will/can turn your pain into something more livable than as you see/feel it today.

We will share again, soon. God Bless!