Self Mastery Is Valuable

Self Mastery Is Valuable

         When we reflect on ourselves and truly see the valuable person we are and the value to others our contributions make our worth is so greatly increased.  The best version of ourselves is tremendously precious as its lifting any in the Support Group to which we’re connected.

         Being other-focused has amazing character building qualities which give magnificent benefits to the community around us.  The lights we spill brightens the path near and far as our outreach extends to new heights.

         Anything we do – Our faith, sports, studies, talents, etc. – takes the practice to improve our skills and get better at how we live that part of our lives.  The mastery of self allows somethings incredible and achievable to inspire multitudes toward greatness.

         Once you understand the power of your words you won’t just “say anything.”  Once you realize the power of your thoughts, you won’t just “think anything.”  Once you realize the power of your presence, you won’t just “be anywhere.”  Know your value.  Influence others positively.

Have Sisu, Be Strong

Have Sisu, Be Strong

         In a sharing by Terry Hershey, he used “Sisu”, a Finnish noun, which means “A special strength and determination to continue on in moments of adversity; having grit, bravery, and resilience; refusing to give up”.  We are filled with “Sisu” in various parts of our lives.

         The drive to go on is innately built into our very DNA, even to a point when we’re cut or injured the healing process immediately begins.  We take the steps toward recovery so quickly, it is instinctive.

         Becoming the best version of ourselves is the challenge we’re called to achieve, as well as inspiring those brought close to our path.  We pick up the nuggets from other’s words and actions then put our own spin onto the way it affects us to be productive.

         Placing ourselves into various environments feeds energy to make up what embodies us to accomplish magnificent deeds.  Getting strength from all that we take in allows incredible blossoming beauty.

         Catching the light spilled by another results in any bright shining glow that sparkles within us.  Something initially foreign can be meaningful as we receive it and unwrap it accordingly.  Let it become strong in us, and share!

Palanca for Cursillos #312 & #313

 Palanca for Cursillo #312 & #313

                                

Jesus, I Trust In You

Cursillo #312 (April 2026)

 

Our faith is trusting and believing, and does so much.

Everything we do has these things as components.

With Jesus as its basis we act in love and have hope.

Jesus came that we might have life, so abundantly

     Jesus, I trust in you!

 

As we’ve discovered our faith — trust and belief.

It is now our challenge to share it with others.

Be Present — be aware, as well as be a gift to all.

Jesus is our Support Group, and calls us to be that for them.

     Yes Jesus, I trust in you!

 

 

You Knit Me, You’ve Made Me

Cursillo #313 (April 2025)

You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
– Psalm 139: 13-14

 

You created me for a wonderful purpose, a great plan.

The best version of myself I’m working towards.

Amidst this community I have been placed.

Each day you wake me with a goal to accomplish.

     You knit me, You’ve made me!

 

      In November 2024 the Rector for #312 and the Rectora for #313 were announced.  He gave his theme, but when Team School began in January 2026 it had changed to "Jesus I Trust In You".  But I had already written this poem.  So I'm sharing it with you all.

All It Takes Is Love

Cursillo #312 (April 2025)

Being in this community is a great place to be.

We strengthen each other in tremendous ways.

A Support Group so phenomenal is relied upon.

Practicing showing love is easy in this group.

        Jesus’ example of loving is simple to follow,

 

As we’ve been given, so now sharing is our calling.

With a mission mindset our challenge is presented.

Do all we can, and make the progress we’re to make.

God sends us to accomplish the task, bring all closer.

        Love lavishly and live kindness generously.

 

Time Is ______!

Time Is ______!

         The time we experience is determined by many factors and gives us tremendous insights if only we’re open to such possibilities.  Viewpoints to feed inspiration to our journey may lead us in phenomenal directions.

         Allowing a time-travel perspective can have incredible results and it shows magnificent feats to us.  That trip could be reading a book, watching a movie, hearing a song or music, etc. among the opportunities.

         Keeping pace with all that is going on is an arduous task that makes tracking the situations with quite a level of difficulty.  The thoughts, words and actions of others flow generously into us with valuable ideas as well as incredible value.

         We have some amazing occurrences that fill our lives to the point of overflowing exuberance, as well as spilling onto all brought close to us.  In moments of excitement that are thrilling and enthusiastic raising to heights unseen by our senses.

         The wonder that brings sparkles to our eyes might have a glistening effect with immense charm.  The ticking seconds go by, but we must not waste them and make them productive.  Share wisely, be uplifting!

Even Broken Crayons Still Color Pictures

Even Broken Crayons Still Color Pictures

         Sometimes we feel broken, but we are still useful and productive and can inspire those in our midst.  There is so much energizing possible when making decisions in that direction.

         Edifying others is a doable characteristic and builds esteem in ways that can be quite immense.  Results of our involvement could allow gains enriching the lives of another with value.

         Our contribution may have a beautiful outcome even if we feel not as whole as we should.  Recognizing and relying on our Support Group gives us the strength to handle challenges we face.

         Being valuable can be an uplifting sensation, and our presence could be just what other people need to help them get through challenges.  Over the years I’ve learned that we connect better with others in our brokenness than through our wholeness.

         We are still capable of that masterpiece within us when we realizing a Master’s piece we are.  God can work with our abilities, inabilities, and also our disabilities.  What is mostly wanted is our availability, our dependability, and our reliability.  Do your best, accomplish great things!

Are You Quanked?

Are You Quanked?

         In a Sabbath Moment reflection by Terry Hershey, he used a made up term “Quanked” to mean overpowered by fatigue.  Many times we’re in such a quandary, and we are worn out by challenges we face.

         Recognizing and relying upon our Support Groups give us needed encouragement to handle the issues that sometimes overcome us.  That feeling rushing over us can have a surge of power we may not be ready to accept at the moment its given.

         When received it might be the kind of gift we’re not prepared to open the wrapping and put to productive use.  Inspired by a person’s insights are maybe the needed tool that gets us over the hump we face.

         Being overwhelmed can be the stumbling block in our so problematic journey that makes it harder to progress well.  Grasping onto the “quanked” sensations might lead to tiredness we find so draining.

         Needing rest and relaxation could be the way to refocus us towards the positivity and an uplifting dimension.  Getting reenergized allowing the climb to unimagined heights gives us power to accomplish great deeds,

Traipse Through ______ (Gardens)

Traipse Through ______ (Gardens)

         John Muir described hiking the woods as “sauntering”, which gives a different feel to the rural wandering.  In “Soul Gardening” by Terry Hershey, he used the phrase “Traipse through gardens” that also puts a newer spin on something so familiar.

         If we can look at the usual in an unusual way it might brighten sights in a refreshing perspective for us.  We need “aha” moments to catch us off guard and bring newness to our minds.

         Anytime spent in the outdoors could reveal amazing and magnificent views as they raise our spirits to incredible heights.  Quiet inspiration could have immense ways it lifts the self esteem we possess.

         Preparing environments for any kind of planting is investing with that goal of reaping rewards when it comes time for the harvesting.  Care of our production has some tremendous results pending that we can be so proud of, and bring smiles to our outlook.

         As we tread delicately through whatever the endeavor is, each step is a phenomenal part of our journey toward such hopefulness.  The blooming pays dividends for the efforts whatever seeds of our beginnings were.  This author wrote of an “unserious gardener” and that can apply to many things!

The Bridge Theory

The Bridge Theory

         “Some people weren’t meant to walk the whole journey with you.  They were just the bridge.  They helped you cross from who you were to who you needed to become.  And once you crossed, they disappeared.  Not because they were bad, but because their role was finished.”

         “Travel teaches you that not every connection lasts.  Some people are chapters, not the whole book, and that’s okay.  Don’t chase what’s already served it’s purpose.  Honor the bridge but keep walking.

         Recognizing and relying on our Support Group is an immense way of crossing the gap and continuing the journey.  I’ve just heard “accountability partner” as a term for getting us to the other side of blocks.

         Having inspiration from another’s thoughts, words or actions, etc. can be such an energizing and motivational prodding.  Bridges have multi-uses, but the basic function is getting across the divide.

         The theoretics instill in us that groundbreaking strides are possible if only we make the trip willingly.  Land we traverse gives us magnificence to brighten the lives of others in immense ways.  Be a bridge, help someone!

Be Enchanted, Share The Energy

Be Enchanted, Share The Energy

         There are many “WOW” moments in our lives, and wonder fills us so much along the way.  When we can share that energy with others, then the blessings are extended in their outreach.

         Being enchanted fills us with incredible positivity and that can be very enlightening and treasure filled.  We might be awe-struck in our imagination with great immensity if only we’re open to that possibility.

         As a present, we could be aware of our surroundings and also being gifts to others, the preciousness may be magnificent.  The gem of the pack given is only realized if it is unwrapped and put to good use.

         The energy bestowed unto another can be amazing if it is received in that fashion and finds a way to be imbedded into the person’s life.  Choices we face are also opportunities to make thing happen in a particular path.

         Directions we choose can have tremendous impacts for us as well as others, leading to amazing pursuits.  Anything we receive from a generous giver raises our position to terrific heights.  We’re energized immensely.

In A Transitional Phase, We Always Are

In A Transitional Phase, We Always Are

         Our lives are constantly in a state of change, and we must be ready for so many fluctuations.  Opening ourselves to a multitude of many things possible gives us chances to accomplish a great deal.

         There is so much input and inspiration coming our way, and boosts the self esteem to incredible levels.  On the move is the norm that makes it usual in our ever-changing world.

         Growing toward our next phase is the consistent journey we are on, traveling a path that results in so much building.  The transitions may need some planning, inspiration, etc., with steps taken to be forward moving.

         A goal in mind gets our tasks going, with a focus leading the way to that something so bright at the end of the tunnel.  The plate before us may be filled with nutritional foods or junk that seems appealing to our taste.

         The view to prospects we face can be uplifting and enhancing for a shining future that may lead us in directions to bring joy.  Our world is full of transitions for us to grasp and pursue.  The “always are ______” is bright.

What Kind Of Container Are You?

What Kind Of Container Are You?

         Maya Angelou, a poet, had a quote, “Hate and anger are like acids.  They corrode the containers that hold them.”  So what kind of container are we, and are we filled with negativity or positivity?

         Are our contents building others up or tearing them down, to the point of contributing encouragement or not?  The choices to be helpful may edify those near to us in phenomenal ways, and can spill the light immensely.

         Being the holder of treasures could be the needed gem that makes a precious difference in our environments.  We might be the present to others as a gift bestowed on them, but they must unwrap the package and put it to good useful production.

         It is with tremendous rejuvenation that our actions can affect others in so many ways to raise their spirits to greater levels.  Holding onto negative thoughts and words can be detrimental to our lives and others close to us.

         Hate and anger is like not being able to forgive, which is described as drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.  Or not forgiving also is like allowing someone to live rent free in a space not meant for them.  So be the kind of container that holds positivity and lift up all we can.

Improve The World, Start Now!

Improve The World, Start Now!

         We are presented with a multitude of opportunities to better our environments, if only to make such a choice.  The beginning point in this endeavor challenges us to decide positive outcomes or otherwise.

         Everything that has improved our world is because someone was thinking it could be better, more, etc.  We can generate ideas and plans to put in motion changes to impact our surroundings immensely.

         It is with tremendous outreach that we’re brought a brighter view to help lead us forward in hopeful ways toward an innovative future.  To begin right where we are is a good starting point to propel us where imaginations might do incredible good for many.

         Our mindset can be focused on the goodness to achieve such super results getting the best version of possibilities.  The “start now” is a great place to begin progress toward innovations happening.

         Our world needs to be jump started in many ways and jolted ahead as we have ideas spark imaginations.  Improving areas around us could be what is needed to raise all in incredible ways.  Get going, make it happen!

Cloudy, Inhibiting Our Perspective

Cloudy, Inhibiting Our Perspective

         Our lives are filled with storminess and that blocks seeing things in the truest sense of clarity.  We do not see things as they are, rather we see what is before us as we are.

         Our biases figure into the perspective that makes unique envisioning a part of everything we sense.  The blue skies appear clear until they might get covered so CIRRUS=ly.

         The visibility could be obscured in a variety of ways just as the issues and challenges in our path draws us in different directions.  Being open to a reality we’re facing may reveal a host of possibilities and considerations in brightening our outlook.

         A clouded over viewpoint does not diminish our moving forward ability in any way and the spilling light stances possible.  We might be overcoming gloominess thrust upon us in circumstances faced.

         Perceptions we encounter could fill us with hopeful sights, brightening the path we’re on while also allowing us to share blessings.  The clouds are possible shapes that may transport us toward unforeseen dimensions that inspire some phenomenal sparkles within our beings.  Wisp onward!

What Left You Feeling Energized?

What Left You Feeling Energized?

         Feeling alive is the beginning to accomplish great things and being in a tremendous space to allow us to do so much.  The energized sensation is a boost for many of us to raise our self esteem to immense levels.

         Reaching unimagined heights could brighten our perspectives as well as letting us share blessings with others coming close to paths nearby.  We may be inspirers of incredible proportions in simple ways and doing such ordinary things.

         When we’re open to the possibilities then thoughts and words shared with us might produce magnificent results.  Feeling empowered with energy to be able to do amazing feats brings us toward hopefulness.

         Relying on our Support Groups might help in circumstances that are seemingly heavy upon us.  Having someone guide us forward motivates us by methods that lifts our spirits when times get tough.

         Being strengthened has some phenomenal attributes challenging our drives to greater lengths, and drawing us to epic dimensions.  Empowering us toward incredible outcomes takes us to legendary levels if we allow it to happen that way.  Be energized, and share that feeling with others too!

Live Where Fear Isn’t The Final Word

Live Where Fear Isn’t The Final Word

         Our lives can be scary in so many ways but the fears shouldn’t be an ending to the journey.  We might take a step forward in hopes of making a better choice to improve the situation.

         Being scared in certain circumstances is a natural feeling but having courage to stay focused is a brave move also.  Having a Support Group to rely on can be strengthening as we face challenges.

         Getting inspiration from those close to us may brighten perspectives and lift up our spirits.  Just heard the term “quanked”, to be overpowered by fatigue, which is exactly what fear can do to us.

         We could overcome problems and issues by facing them head on as well as reaching out to those ready to comfort us along the way.  Accepting the aid from another might boost our strength to amazing levels.

         One step at a time makes the journey achievable and our destiny is in sight.  Latching onto courage fills us with the drive to accomplish terrific and phenomenal things.  Anything we go through does not our story become!

Take Steps To Heal Yourself; But Don’t Wound Others

Take Steps To Heal Yourself; But Don’t Wound Others

         Our bodies have the amazing ability to begin the healing process when injured.  But on the path to a cure we must not wound another in trying to fix our own malady.

         There is so much positivity within our grasp, yet we can inflict so much pain along the way if we choose such deeds.  Sometimes there is a desperate point we’ve hit and our condition may seem unbearable.

         Maybe a slow-down place might the area we have hit and rest could be the necessary step to take.  If we are quietly listening then lessons may be forth-coming in droves.

         Advice could be handed to us, but then we have to consider what is best for us to pursue.  Any journey we take, there should be no actions that hurt another in what we do.

         Recently, in a talk a guy said “I’m going to use everybody’s favorite radio station – WIFM – What’s In it For Me.”  Get better, but not at the cost of the well-being of others.  We don’t improve by stepping on someone!

Be Joyful On Purpose

Be Joyful On Purpose

         On waking for a new day there is a sense of purpose to get things done and accomplish tasks.  We can also choose to be joyful or not, and make a decision about being satisfied in our circumstances.

         There was a walk for peace, and a Spiritual Leader said, “We walk not to protest, but to awaken the peace that already lives within each of us,”
“Because here’s the deal: We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.”  And as another participant reminded us, “Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.”

         Someone has said, “I, not events, have the power to make me happy today,  I can choose which it shall be.  Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet.  I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it.”

         Today is the gift given to us, that’s why it is called the “present.”  But we must receive it, unwrap it and put it to good use so that we can benefit from it as well as share it with others.

         The joy we might select brightens our outlook to a sparkling point and glisten tremendously.  A song goes, “If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands.”  So show the emotion that is building up inside you.

Presence Doesn’t Require Permission

Presence Doesn’t Require Permission

"... Your presence does not require anyone’s permission.”

 

         Being there for others can be a gift so precious and valuable that we are giving so generously.  Our presence in the life of another might be an amazing gem that shines brightly.

         Kindness revealed is quite the blessing as it raises a person’s view to phenomenal heights.  The words and acts shared could be inspiration that someone needs to get them going in a positive direction.

         Our lives are intertwined gracefully to enhance each one’s existence in ways allowing us to ascend beyond challenges we face.  Sometimes we tug one-another to the places we must get to, and results to achieve.

         At times “permission” is not even thought about as needed, but to get the participation of a helper may be vital.  Our brokenness helps as salve to soothe the wounds of people’s needs.

         The environments we find ourselves in offer incredible blessings and opportunities to aid so many in our midst.  We are filled tremendously to be support for one another and boost spirits.  Our presence lifts others!

Flavor/Preserve & Shine

Flavor/Preserve & Shine

         There is a teaching about Salt & Light in which salt is used to flavor and preserve while light shines to brighten our pathways.  Each of them have value in our lives to raise the level of how we can be productive.

         We impact so many that are near to us with inspiration and might be blessings allowing others to achieve their best possibilities.  Our presence is able to flavor as well as preserve the traits and characteristics to make futures fuller immensely.

         Also to spill and shine light could be what someone needs to boost their spirit to become the best version of themselves.  When given a gift. that we unwrap and put to good use it results in tremendous outcomes.

         Being able to spice our environments and add the saving power to keep the lasting effect that it can have a longer existence.  Plus any light provided illuminates paths for others to navigate more easily.

         On a show I watched, a quote stuck with me, “Everything will be fine in the end.  If it’s not fine, then it’s not the end.”  The character built into us has some amazing potential to change our world.  Be the change you want.

Most Don’t Want Remarkable; Many Just Want To Be Visible!

Most Don’t Want Remarkable; Many Just Want To Be Visible!

         I’ve had many occasions to encounter people in various stages of life, and most don’t care about achieving the successes.  But what they want is to be seen and cared for in their needs.

         We all have so much opportunity to be there in each other’s lives and contribute toward the people close to our paths.  There is much neediness in the environments around us and I’ve realized we are all rich enough that we can give, something.

         Each of us want to be recognized for the person we are with outright appreciation that values characteristics we embody.  Visibility is cherished as a trait so magnificent, allowing us to shine and make other’s lives bright.

         Feeding another with inspiration can raise them to amazing heights, and boosts self esteems beyond any we may have imagined.  If only we’re grasping what is presented to us, but also put it to good use those benefits may be phenomenal.

         Most “remarkable” actions didn’t start out that way, yet piling them together and looking back might reveal things quite revolutionary.  We don’t see the results in ourselves that others notice so feedback could renew us immensely.  Receive gifts freely, show gratitude and share blessings!

Change Is Foundational

Change Is Foundational

         The basics of life is that change will happen; We have to adjust and get used to it.  At our very core things are going to be different, accepting the challenges that come our way.

         Just saw “The past cannot be changed.”  But we can learn from it, and make decisions to help our future accomplish its potential.  Part of a John Lewis quote is “… Be hopeful, be optimistic.  …”, so we must go with the flow, and make the best choices.

         I just heard “… the story of our time …” and that made a difference in how I see things because stories have been a part of my life for such a long period of time.  The “change” we experience through the generations could be valued and valuable as building blocks to our existence.

         Recently I was reminded of Edmund Burke’s words, “No one made a bigger mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little.”  When we resist change then we’re blocking progress from happening, and limits are placed on the potential good.

         We might be inspired to accomplish so much if only we make that a priority and receive change as probable hope.  The dreams and goals we’d reach for draw us toward expectations beyond imagination.  Change it up!

Our Need To Tinker

Our Need To Tinker

         So much in our world needs adjusting, and we continually have DIY (Do-It-Yourself) projects to keep us occupied.  Tools abound our presence quite readily and our schedules are very filled.

         The ideas given to us and imaginations inspired lead us toward such countless prospects and brighter futures develop.  Each thing invented is because someone thought the future could be better than the past.

         Plans to make changes improves the current situation, if even a bit more, and builds significantly what can be.  We may take the “now” to the next level, and beyond expectations envisioned.

         Even the DIY (Do-It-Yourself) term was revolutionary at the start, but has become accepted and put to phenomenal use.  Our desire to draw the things that flow out of places residing within us find incredible flourishing.

         Tinkering might have a masterpiece in the making, but is precious to us in so many ways.  So filled with purpose our journey has been, focused on accomplishing the task at hand.  Don’t just try, but DO!