What Did You Dawdle On?

 What Did You Dawdle On?

          There are many things that occupy our time and fill our existence. We can choose such incredible stuff to focus on, and be uplifting for ourselves and others.

          What we “DAWDLE” on may not be about end results but they could be about the joy experienced.  The intensity of that which keeps us active may fill our time with much animation.

          If we’re so tied to our thoughts that nothing else draws attention to be looking in other directions to cause shuffling about would lead to distract us in ways unexpected.  Being creatively focused might drive us to dimensions we may not have previously envisioned.

          Going in paths that give us newer experiences open up possibilities, while giving different perspectives to consider.  When our senses are open to revelations phenomenal things might be added to our awareness.

          The things that spark ideas for us push limits to expand our imagining as benefits for us and others too.  When we’re open to what is possible, so much can happen.  Let “DAWDLE-ing” happen; Creativity bursts on!

Better Connection Through Brokenness

Better Connection Through Brokenness

          Over the years I’ve learned that we find a better connection through our brokenness than through our wholeness.  We seem to relate with each other in short-comings versus the positive characteristics contained within.

          The positive stuff may teach us things but that “brokenness” has so much more for us to learn.  We used to take youth on Retreats, where they would think “No one else knows what I’m going through” until another’s story was the catalyst for changing their mindset.

          When we’re open to possibilities, then modifications can happen.  So change is at our doorstep, maybe even knocking and waiting for a reply to make something happen.

          Paths that take us places are nearby for us to step forward and allow the progress to occur.  Environments that we participate in can make such a difference, showing amazing results.

          Bread is an important part of our faith, but it has to be broken to be shared.  So if we feel like we’re broken, it might be possible that we are being prepared to be shared.  Celebrate your brokenness!

Could I Help?

Could I Help?

          In the Good Samaritan story some people walked by and chose to not help for various reasons.  But a stranger cared for the needs of the person who was hurting.

          We all face choices to assist someone in need, stepping out of our comfort zone to be there for another in their challenge.  The time offered to both of us as blessings can lift our spirits in ways that strengthen the bonds of our community-mindedness.

          To not step over or past someone because we’re busy might make them recognizable as a person.  In the movie Avatar the phrase “I see you” was used as a connection point of incredible relevance.

          Being available may bring compassion and kindness to the verge of an outward sign, taking us to show a loving characteristic.  Our potential is within reach if only we grasp such opportunities to be missionary focused.

          We can choose to get involved or avoid being helpful and ignore the circumstances seen.  “You can do things the hard way or the harder way,” Patrick Madrid said.  In Star Wars master Yoda said, “Do or do not, there is no try.”  Choose to help!

Say “Yes” to Choose ______

 Say “Yes” to Choose ______

          We get to decide many things and they can have positive as well as negative results.  The options we face may be immense in their reach into our lives.

          Our “Yes” could point in directions, where our “No” would have effects too.  Each day is filled with questions and choices that lead us to joys and challenges.

          The steps we take might move us forward or backward or even in the place we remain motionless.  Being stuck can be where we stay for a time while deciding what we face.

          Moving forward can take us places that advance our progress to such levels we may not have previously realized.  Choosing affirmations may be the spark needed to the next step required for positive movement.

          Shining a light onto our path could reveal the direction toward clues to answers pointing a way to so much possible joy and contentment.  A “Yes” may lead to starting an adventure, opening some amazing things.

I came upon a fruit filled tree

(from my cousin Marianne (Menezes) Klingstrand)

I came upon a fruit filled tree

And wondered aloud, "How can this be?"

There was not a single leaf in sight,

None to the left and none to the right.

No signs of life, the branches were dry,

Yet abundance hung from low to high;

This mysterious tree in a verdant field

Gave away its life for one last yield.

Each drop of sap that went coursing through,

Nourished every fruit as it steadily grew.

No greater love hath one that gave its life away;

The tree drained slowly of its aquae vitae.

And this is the lesson to learn my friend,

We must bear fruit before we meet our end.

Thru our deeds like seeds will bring life anew,

To raise a sapling where the last one grew.

As one tree is felled, another is born,

As surely as the night is followed by morn.

The orchard intact, its legacy strong,

As life circles around, it will be here for long.

(Or until it is replaced by a housing development. Tree on California Street in Redlands).

Child of Love

Child of Love

          Some months ago I helped at a Retreat with the “Child of Love” theme.  It was focused on family connections as our foundation while instilling in us that we are part of something larger.

          Being amidst of what may have been beyond our comprehension, we’re brought to the reality in ways that strike at emotions and intellect is among other characteristics.  Environments that strengthen us builds us up so we can flourish to heights we may not have thought possible.

          Inspirations could take us to levels that may renew hopes toward missions unimagined, opening paths beyond what’s seen.  Considerations to think about might be the horizon we had not explored, but now we see it as within our grasp.

          The stories of someone could be just the needed push getting us to a point of discovering potentials extending our reach for that next step.  Look for near and far and search diligently and it can come alive.

           Caring, compassionate and kind are traits that make relationships so strong and relevant.  Our choices can be examples putting other’s needs in front of our own.  The love we show can reveal so much, and establish the family bonds we’re meant to have.