One of the themes or points I've tried to get across in my book and through this blog is that "we're all the same"...we're all human. After you strip away all the labels we put upon one another and get down to the bottom line we're all just human. We all have blood running through our veins. We all have a heart pumping that blood through our body. And, we all really want the same thing...to live a healthy, happy, safe and fulfilling life.
Yes, the labels make us all different. Yes, we all look different, think different, feel different, etc. and how we try to live that healthy, happy, safe and fulfilling life is different from one another. But, at the core we're all just human.
So, when I heard Mandisa's song "Bleed the Same" the other morning (after all the talk and noise over the NFL protests over the weekend) it completely hit a cord. It moved me. They are poignant words. True words. Here's the chorus:
We all bleed the same
We're more beautiful when we come together
We all bleed the same
So tell me why, tell me why
We're divided
If we're gonna fight
Let's fight for each other
If we're gonna shout
Let love be the cry
We all bleed the same
So tell me why, tell me why
We're divided
I encourage you to download this song and listen to it often...maybe even start your day with it driving to work...especially in these trying times we need loving perspective. I hope it brightens your day!
May God bless and keep you...as the beautiful creation he made in you...may we all come together in love, light and peace.
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Monday, September 25, 2017
A New Word At Church...
Sorry I didn't get this posted yesterday, but my parents and I went back to a church I had once attended regularly years ago in the area to listen to the author of The Shack. The book was released years ago, but the movie just came out earlier this year. My mom and I had read the book years ago so we were excited to see the movie once it came out. My dad had never read the book, but enjoyed the movie and now wants to read the book.
So, when I saw the author was coming into town and speaking I thought it would be interesting to attend. I had also seen him on a recent episode of "Super Soul Sunday" that Oprah Winfrey hosts and was really surprised about hearing his story. I didn't know anything about the author beforehand, so when he told of his troubled upbringing and how he struggled as an adult it was eye-opening. It wasn't the picture of the man I had had in my head that would have been capable of writing The Shack. But, after learning more about him and listening to him again yesterday I could see the depths of the man who could write such a book. It was intriguing and thought-provoking which is what I originally thought The Shack was when I read it. Looking at how God sees us from a different vantage-point was extremely thought-provoking for me and opened my eyes to a new way of thinking at things. If you haven't read the book or seen the movie I highly recommend it.
My mom loved hearing his message yesterday! He definitely has some great insight and some "good nuggets" (as I like to call them) about life and how we view it through out rose-colored lenses....whether it's good or bad. I think we all need more thought-provoking moments where we actually LISTEN to one another and see someone else's point of view...and truly try to understand and have compassion for one another. I think that's desperately needed in our country right now!
How do we get to a better place? We all have to be willing to listen. We all have a voice to use...to rise up, to stand up and demand change. It's in our hands. We have the power. Let your voices be heard!
May blessings fill your heart and mind this last full week of September!!
So, when I saw the author was coming into town and speaking I thought it would be interesting to attend. I had also seen him on a recent episode of "Super Soul Sunday" that Oprah Winfrey hosts and was really surprised about hearing his story. I didn't know anything about the author beforehand, so when he told of his troubled upbringing and how he struggled as an adult it was eye-opening. It wasn't the picture of the man I had had in my head that would have been capable of writing The Shack. But, after learning more about him and listening to him again yesterday I could see the depths of the man who could write such a book. It was intriguing and thought-provoking which is what I originally thought The Shack was when I read it. Looking at how God sees us from a different vantage-point was extremely thought-provoking for me and opened my eyes to a new way of thinking at things. If you haven't read the book or seen the movie I highly recommend it.
My mom loved hearing his message yesterday! He definitely has some great insight and some "good nuggets" (as I like to call them) about life and how we view it through out rose-colored lenses....whether it's good or bad. I think we all need more thought-provoking moments where we actually LISTEN to one another and see someone else's point of view...and truly try to understand and have compassion for one another. I think that's desperately needed in our country right now!
How do we get to a better place? We all have to be willing to listen. We all have a voice to use...to rise up, to stand up and demand change. It's in our hands. We have the power. Let your voices be heard!
May blessings fill your heart and mind this last full week of September!!
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Lifting Each Other Up...
Multiple hurricanes, flooding, earthquakes, forest fires...total devastation. It may seem worlds away on your TV, but if you're one of the ones affected by any of these natural disasters it's really your neighbor, your fellow man that is affected. Yes, it's hard to imagine until you see the images on TV or on the internet...communities destroyed, lives overturned...and then humanity from your fellow man lending a hand to help those in need. Time and time again. Strangers from all over the world coming to help. Coming to be useful...to help in any way possible. It's the feeling we all need to hold on to and remember in our day to day lives. Treating one another with grace and humanity no matter your color, your race, your gender, your political affiliation, etc. We're all just human trying to live our lives, do the best we can do and to try and enjoy it along the way.
Yes, we are all different, too, and uniquely made which is what makes us special...but, the bottom line is that we're all just human beings. We all have blood running through our veins with a heart pumping that blood through our bodies...no matter all of our differences. Somehow we need to tap into that humanity more often so that we can rise up and lift one another up more than tearing one another down. We all can make a difference in this world and we can start in our own neighborhoods and communities.
So, in this time of great despair and need all over the world, lets lift up our fellow man. Please continue to pray for all those affected by these natural disasters and may God's blessings fill their hearts to carry on.
Yes, we are all different, too, and uniquely made which is what makes us special...but, the bottom line is that we're all just human beings. We all have blood running through our veins with a heart pumping that blood through our bodies...no matter all of our differences. Somehow we need to tap into that humanity more often so that we can rise up and lift one another up more than tearing one another down. We all can make a difference in this world and we can start in our own neighborhoods and communities.
So, in this time of great despair and need all over the world, lets lift up our fellow man. Please continue to pray for all those affected by these natural disasters and may God's blessings fill their hearts to carry on.
Sunday, September 17, 2017
Time Marches On...
My last post was about my 1st book signing 4 years ago. It was a very special day for me for many reasons. If you haven't read my post from September 2013 about my 1st book signing you're missing a lot about my journey and sharing it in this blog. And a year ago at this time my dad was in the hospital suffering from severe pancreatitis. It was a scary time with long days at the hospital, but thankfully he recovered from it...after a couple more stints in the hospital after that.
You never know what a new day will hold...something good, something bad, nothing new...but, with faith in God's plan for your life's journey it can be taken with confidence and trust. Trust in His plan, trust in His timing, trust in HIS love for you!!
Looking back we can reflect on all the good and bad things that may (or may not) happen to us, but without hope in the future we can't move forward with full confidence that everything will be OK. Even through the hard times, like those affected by the two hurricanes that have hit the States, you may feel lost, depressed, angry, stressed and filled with anxiety about what will come tomorrow. But, having faith in what God has planned for you tomorrow will calm your nerves, your heart and your mind so that you can focus on the here and now. That's all we really have. Right now. Tomorrow will come. And, if we trust in God it will come with His blessings! Have faith!!
Wishing you soul-filled blessings in the week ahead!!
You never know what a new day will hold...something good, something bad, nothing new...but, with faith in God's plan for your life's journey it can be taken with confidence and trust. Trust in His plan, trust in His timing, trust in HIS love for you!!
Looking back we can reflect on all the good and bad things that may (or may not) happen to us, but without hope in the future we can't move forward with full confidence that everything will be OK. Even through the hard times, like those affected by the two hurricanes that have hit the States, you may feel lost, depressed, angry, stressed and filled with anxiety about what will come tomorrow. But, having faith in what God has planned for you tomorrow will calm your nerves, your heart and your mind so that you can focus on the here and now. That's all we really have. Right now. Tomorrow will come. And, if we trust in God it will come with His blessings! Have faith!!
Wishing you soul-filled blessings in the week ahead!!
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
A Special Day...
This day 4 years ago I held my 1st book signing...in my hometown! It was a very special day and a very special memory for me! I can't believe it's been 4 years already! I couldn't have anticipated such a warm and loving welcome back from my hometown family and friends, but I'll forever be grateful and appreciative for all their support and good wishes!
If you didn't read my post after that 1st signing or just need a good story to read today, check out my post from September 2013 titled "My 1st Book Signing...Truly Grateful." Enjoy!
Wishing you blessings of joy, health and happiness the rest of this week!!
If you didn't read my post after that 1st signing or just need a good story to read today, check out my post from September 2013 titled "My 1st Book Signing...Truly Grateful." Enjoy!
Wishing you blessings of joy, health and happiness the rest of this week!!
Sunday, September 10, 2017
Sports Sunday
It's a sports viewing Sunday for me! The NFL season kicked off Thursday, but obviously most games are being played today...so, this is really kick-off for me. The Dallas Cowboys play tonight in primetime and am excited to see a good game. The Texas Rangers are playing an afternoon game, so I've been flipping back and forth from that game to the U.S. Open tennis men's championship game. And most of the morning and the rest of the day have been spent viewing hurricane Irma making landfall on Florida.
Yes, it's been a busy TV viewing day! I should be doing some chore or project around the house, but I'm too tired and too intrigued by what's on TV. I'll be more productive tomorrow! That's what Monday's are for, right? I did do some cooking and laundry, of course, so I haven't been a complete bum today.
Do you ever have days where you've found yourself glued to the TV all day? It's good to rest and veg out every now and again, right? Well, that just means I'll sleep well tonight (if the Cowboys win) and I'll be more productive tomorrow. Weekends are for resting and relaxing!
So, I hope you've had a restful weekend and that you have a very productive week ahead! May God bless those in Florida who are enduring the wrath of hurricane Irma. May blessings be with all those that are affected by this storm today, tomorrow and in the days to come!
Yes, it's been a busy TV viewing day! I should be doing some chore or project around the house, but I'm too tired and too intrigued by what's on TV. I'll be more productive tomorrow! That's what Monday's are for, right? I did do some cooking and laundry, of course, so I haven't been a complete bum today.
Do you ever have days where you've found yourself glued to the TV all day? It's good to rest and veg out every now and again, right? Well, that just means I'll sleep well tonight (if the Cowboys win) and I'll be more productive tomorrow. Weekends are for resting and relaxing!
So, I hope you've had a restful weekend and that you have a very productive week ahead! May God bless those in Florida who are enduring the wrath of hurricane Irma. May blessings be with all those that are affected by this storm today, tomorrow and in the days to come!
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Praying Along the Path...
Is it possible that an even stronger hurricane than hurricane Harvey will soon make landfall upon the U.S.? That's what the forecast predicts and residents of Florida are getting prepared. Can we survive 2 natural disasters only a few weeks a part? We're about to find out!
And, for all the smaller islands in the path of hurricane Irma that have been and are about to be hit between now and the weekend...I'm praying for you! It looks to be another devastating storm that will destroy property, homes and perhaps even lives. May those affected be strong and resilient as those in Houston are being now and long into the future. It's going to be a long and grueling process to get these homes, towns and communities "back to normal" again. So, lets not forget our fellow man, our neighbors in the coming days, months and years ahead.
Blessings to all preparing for hurricane Irma! May you be safe and sound in the coming days!
And, for all the smaller islands in the path of hurricane Irma that have been and are about to be hit between now and the weekend...I'm praying for you! It looks to be another devastating storm that will destroy property, homes and perhaps even lives. May those affected be strong and resilient as those in Houston are being now and long into the future. It's going to be a long and grueling process to get these homes, towns and communities "back to normal" again. So, lets not forget our fellow man, our neighbors in the coming days, months and years ahead.
Blessings to all preparing for hurricane Irma! May you be safe and sound in the coming days!
Sunday, September 3, 2017
Happy Labor Day!
For those in the States, Happy Labor Day weekend! Do you know why we celebrate Labor Day? It's dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It's a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers make towards the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country.
On a more social, broad perspective I think most Americans think of Labor Day as the time around school starting, parades with high school bands, BBQ's, summer winding down and not to wear white after Labor Day...am I right?! High school football is starting again which means so is college football and the NFL. Temperatures finally start to cool off a bit and some people start to get giddy over pumpkin-flavored everything coming back, which by the way Krispy Kreme doughnuts is selling pumpkin glazed donuts this coming Friday for one day only! So, get 'em while they're hot!
Labor Day always reminds me of schedules getting busier and holidays fast approaching! It's that final reprieve before it feels likes it's non-stop until the turn of the calendar into the new year. So, I hope you're all enjoying a relaxing, recharging holiday weekend to get you ready for the final few months of the year...the ones filled with holiday after holiday and more delectable food after another! Are you ready?! Well, you have one more day to get ready!
Many blessings this first full week of September and for all the contributions you make towards strength, prosperity and the well-being of our country!!
On a more social, broad perspective I think most Americans think of Labor Day as the time around school starting, parades with high school bands, BBQ's, summer winding down and not to wear white after Labor Day...am I right?! High school football is starting again which means so is college football and the NFL. Temperatures finally start to cool off a bit and some people start to get giddy over pumpkin-flavored everything coming back, which by the way Krispy Kreme doughnuts is selling pumpkin glazed donuts this coming Friday for one day only! So, get 'em while they're hot!
Labor Day always reminds me of schedules getting busier and holidays fast approaching! It's that final reprieve before it feels likes it's non-stop until the turn of the calendar into the new year. So, I hope you're all enjoying a relaxing, recharging holiday weekend to get you ready for the final few months of the year...the ones filled with holiday after holiday and more delectable food after another! Are you ready?! Well, you have one more day to get ready!
Many blessings this first full week of September and for all the contributions you make towards strength, prosperity and the well-being of our country!!
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