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Appreciation

Appreciation

One day follows the next. With the cooler weather, now when you are walking around downtown, the outdoor patios are taken down, the street huskers have gone inside, and the market vendors are dwindling down to the the last of the ” die-hards”. People are hurrying rather than lazily taking in the day, and some are already bundled up warding off the cold.
We can look out at the world or we can participate.

Mishirase > Divine warning, in the form of an illness, a misfortune, an accident, pain or suffering

PL teaches about “Mishirase”, which appears in our lives in the form of illnesses, injuries, hardships and natural disasters.  These Mishirase that could be considered unlucky, are in actuality, warnings given by the “Universe” to show us that we are  having a poor understanding of the “material/info” that we are being given, thus, we have difficulty expressions our “true” selves.  God may be showing us that we are overly attached to our own thoughts and are expressing ourselves “unnaturally”

Human beings are born with the ability to experience pain so they can avoid pushing their bodies beyond natural limits.  If you bend your finger too far back, you will experience pain,  a warning that to continue to push your finger past the point of pain would result in a broken finger.  In the same way, the “pains” we experience in life are “reminders from “God” that you are pushing something beyond what is natural.

Who belongs to the face that is looking out, or back at you?  In Canaille’s picture, you see her, you can tell she is a dog, if you look really hard, you can see Velcro in the background.  But the picture is of Canaille, its a face, who is she, and what does the face tell you/us.  I ask only because I have been faced with seeing the face that looks back at me every day.  Does the face you see, really tell you about who a person is, or was.  Yes I say was, because in life, whether we want to or not, we are constantly changing, some changes we orchestrate ourselves,  others are made for us.

For instance, can you tell when you look at me now that I was one of the first “Eurasians” (not even a term heard today in 2013) in television back in “my day”… I was a model, it was live TV, we had to run off stage and change behind a (barely private) screen.  My hands opened and closed a weekly show, each slice of bread was a credit.  I was Miss Jade East, somewhere there is a photo to attest to that.  Media was different back then. I’ve written for magazines and journals that are simply non existent now.  Too short for the high fashion runway, I was also considered too short for the assignments in the fashion houses, however my “look/beauty” was exotic for that time/period.  I was too young to know that I was part of a ground breaking era, television was new and exciting business to be in.  I simply lived it.

Living in the moment has been a super huge blessing in my life.  When one lives in the moment there are a lot of advantages in life, we live the moment and we move on.  Because we appreciate each and every moment, often the past is really “history” for us, and when we look back at what was, or what “personality/character” was playing the leading role, it is often with interest and curiosity, much like watching a rerun on television.

While out with a friend, she took a picture of me and later sent it to me.  That was weeks ago now, I’ve actually looked at it a few times now, each time I look at it, I wonder who I was on that day.  I look familiar, but I can’t say for certain it is me.  Yet physically it is, I’m sure Christianne didn’t snap a picture of a stranger that happened to be in her space at the time..

When I read the Pl teachingLet’s first Accept and Appreciate Things as They Are.  Even when dealing with someone you don’t like or when you are facing an uncomfortable situation, take a moment to first accept whatever comes your way.  There is always something that you can learn from these situations.  I take a look at Canaille’s picture, and of the one Christianne sent me, and muse out loud to you, hmmm is this woman really me,  Can I accept and appreciate all the “things” she is to me?  A good meditation for me today.

Thank YOU for sharing this moment with me… sigh, OK, I’ll post the picture of me.  why not… I have to stop hiding from the face that other’s see.

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Drat haven’t found or learned how to make the picture smaller when I load it.  (see the part of me that wants to control is being over ridden by the Power that IS..)

UNBOUNDED BLESSINGS – now and always

photo of Canaille – Q

photo of Q -Christianne M  (Kemptville)

Did you know?

If you rub a potato on your snow goggles before you start your descent, do it when you get on the ski lift.  rub raw potato over the goggles, and your ride down should be nice and clear.

Out of silver polish, take a few potatoes and boil them up.  Remove them from the water and save them for another use.  Put your silverware in the potato water, let it sit for about an hour, then remove the silverware and wash.  Tarnish should be gone.

One more.  Use slices of raw cold potatoes over your eyes, to make the puffiness go away.

Calorie free uses of the multi- purpose  potato.   smilePencil

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/66639269459829037/   come on now, click on the link, let me take you to a different place…..

Lessons can be learned through awareness.  If you think of the hardest thing for you to do and how much you resist it, then you are looking at your greatest lesson at that moment.  don’t let resistance stop you from making changes.  Observe yourself, watch how you resist, then go ahead anyway.  Here are some non verbal clues, of how our actions often show our resistance…   Changing the subject  >> Leaving the room >> Going to the bathroom >> Being late >>> Getting sick >> Procrastinating by doing something else, doing busy work, wasting time, etc….

Then of course there are the verbal clues – “I’m waiting for the stars to say it’s OK….>>>>>>> This is not the right environment >>>>> “they ” won’t let me change >>> It’s all “their” fault.>>>> how many more can your fill in here.

Oh and let’s not forget the self concepts >>> Too old >>>>Too young >>>> Too fat>>>> Maybe its just all too much >>>> and if we are honest with ourselves, there are the delaying tactics, denial and fear.  Truth is… the  process begins the moment we begin to think about making a change.

TAO ..The only constant in life is change …

PL .. Have the courage to take the first step. break free, start something new… believe in yourself and take the first step…

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Travel on past the line of trees…

Have a great day, set your mind free…

Good Morning everyone!  =^_^=   one potato, two potato, three potato, four.…  Give me a hug, and I’ll want more!   Now to church I’m going, I’m out the door!

picture 1 is from Pinterest,  Picture 2, was taken by Q

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If only

If only

How often do we think there are not enough hours in a a day…
How often do we think, if only I had done . xyz….. the outcome would have been different….
If only, this had happened,then blah blah blah.. life is not wrapped up in a neat little bow

The wrapping paper is not always pretty, and the ribbon can be frayed, but, when we pray, when prayer is a daily activity in our lives Our lives take on a very different “flavour”, our wrapping takes on a pleasing and uniquely personal “style”

Prayer, faith and devotion are at the core of living in harmony with “Nature

FYI – Willie Nelson wrote a book with Turk Pipkin.   The Tao of Willie – a guide to the happiness in your heart..   On the back cover  “Some would call it happiness, but I like to think that what I found is me.  that sounds simple enough, but the truth i, it took quite a while to do it….

If only, belongs in the past, it is past tense,  live each moment like it is your first (cuz it is)…. and   SMILE,      S M I L E,     S  M  I  L  E

Love and Blessings…  today, and always

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October memory

October 13

I had such a happy excursion yesterday.  My husband with the two dogs, did some touring around the countryside near home.  It was a simply fantastic day!  What can I say, not much, I’d rather some the pictures with you…

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Even in the last days of its bloom, this flower is an expression of nature’s glory.

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Nature’s colour palette is filled with the richness of the shades that so brilliantly say “autumn”

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Old markers in a newly discovered (to me) historic cemetery beckoned to me from the road, I had to explore.  The older the cemetery, the more serene. With the dazzling sunshine, and dappled shade this one was lovely.

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A tribute of another time, still sits proudly on a marker, its beauty may be faded, but it still exudes pulchritude and charm

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The riot of colour that filled my day had me exhilarated and filled with a joy that was near to bursting.  I love Canada and the four season it offers.

God resides in a prayerful Mind….. Evidence of the “Master’s” creativity was on full display yesterday.  From pictures I saw being posted yesterday on FB
(Facebook) we were not alone in our rediscovery  of the knockout day available to us yesterday.  Every day is filled with new discoveries.

Let me leave you a thanksgiving greeting I got this morning, I’m sorry the graphics did not  copy paste, but the verse is cute. click on pumpkin pie)

“the pursuit of happiness is the chase of a lifetime!”


TWAS THE NIGHT OF THANKSGIVING,
BUT I JUST COULDN’T SLEEP.
I TRIED COUNTING BACKWARDS,
I TRIED COUNTING SHEEP.

THE LEFTOVERS BECKONED –
THE DARK MEAT AND WHITE,
BUT I FOUGHT THE TEMPTATION
WITH ALL OF MY MIGHT.

TOSSING AND TURNING WITH ANTICIPATION,
THE THOUGHT OF A SNACK BECAME INFATUATION.
SO, I RACED TO THE KITCHEN, FLUNG OPEN THE DOOR,
AND GAZED AT THE FRIDGE, FULL OF GOODIES GALORE.
GOBBLED UP
TURKEY AND BUTTERED POTATOES,
PICKLES AND CARROTS, BEANS AND TOMATOES.

I FELT MYSELF SWELLING SO PLUMP AND SO ROUND,
‘TIL ALL OF A SUDDEN, I ROSE OFF THE GROUND.
I CRASHED THROUGH THE CEILING, FLOATING INTO THE SKY,
WITH A MOUTHFUL OF PUDDING AND A HANDFUL OF PIE.
BUT, I MANAGED TO YELL AS I SOARED PAST THE TREES….
HAPPY EATING TO ALL – PASS THE CRANBERRIES, PLEASE.
MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY,
MAY YOUR
TURKEY BE PLUMP.
MAY YOUR POTATOES ‘N GRAVY HAVE NARY A LUMP.
MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS.
MAY YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE,
MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER STAY OFF OF YOUR THIGHS!!

HAPPY   THANKSGIVING   TO  ALL

Blessings – Matthew 5:1 and 6
photos -iPhone -Q  Kemptivlle, Mountain and surrounding areas.
 
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Yup, Fall is here

Yup, Yup,, Fall is coming

leaves are falling some trees will soon be bare
it is cooler outside, but still the sun shines bright.
I love being outside, anytime,  any where.
as long as I have you dear friend in sight.

have I told you lately, how I love having you in my life
gosh, I should tell you every day
why, because not a day goes by
not one single day, where I’m not touched by your love
and enthusiastic acceptance of me, in your life.
Human that I am, self absorbed I get.
patiently you wait, you sit, lie or just rest
always by my side, I feel you there, and know
I always know, with you in my life. I’m never alone.

>>Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life…I will not fear, for you are always close beside me……
my strength renewed, you guide me along the right path….
Like a tree, I stand strong and proud, arms reaching up into the heavens….alleluia, alleluia

The Joy of Expression is in the Process!

Blessings .. always and forever…

photo of Canaille -by Q

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Live each day with Excitement

Live each day with Excitement

PL. teaching. Live Each Day With Excitement > Challenge everything with enthusiasm. You will be rewarded with joy and encounter happy occurrences.

PL is a non denominational church, Did you know that? To embody the PL teachings, you do not have to go up into the mountains for hours of meditation, nor fast for many days. Oshieoyasama gives us simple practical and useful ways to learn to live the PL Way.. (You can learn more by contacting one of our ministers today, or myself for contact information in the country you are in) Our website is in the right sidebar.

Life is Art, is the foundation of our faith. Your life is your very own unique work of art. If you cut corners or miss important details, you will not be able to live up to our fullest potential.

Everyone wishes to be happy and lead happy lives. Your environment and the things that happen in front of you are all materials for your self expression. In PL we are taught that with God’s blessings we will be able to freely express ourselves using these materials.

There is only one you.an individual, so unique and special, YOU are the artist. Together, let us live this day with excitement and enthusiasm.

B L E S S I N G S  for a God filled day..

Love and Light

photo-landscape SL,Second Life, >Q

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The only constant in life is Change

The only constant in life is Change

So be Yourself!
Live your life to the fullest.
Relax and express yourself freely.
Be who you are.
Accept you won’t always be perfect
In Taoism, there is no such thing as perfection anyway.
=^_^=
As humans we need to stop wanting definition for everything,

Sometimes, life is what it is.
Love and Blessings. now and always.

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My  two sisters and I had a day of “art” we made miniature prayer flags -great fun – photo -M.Murphy

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World Peace

World Peace

I’ve found myself wanting to be back in Japan, even though I was surrounded by people there were nooks and crannies and quiet places where the serenity of the moment was overwhelming. You literally walked away your stress, or day to day hum drum thoughts that weighed you down when your busy mind started to natter.
The goal in PL is to strive for, and achieve, World Peace.
To attain such a goal, we have to begin with our “Selves”

No one can change us, we alone can do that. I think lately I’ve let the every day world “pull my chain” or interfere too much with my daily meditations. Yesterday’s teaching on the PL calendar was.  Let’s choose to use words that are kind, polite and courteous. Kind words will bring about a kind heart.   BEAUTIFUL WORDS MAKE FOR A BEAUTIFUL SOUL

That is what resonates with me today. today’s teaching is Act with Enthusiasm.. If you put your whole heart into whatever you do, you will be able to appreciate any task at hand.take initiative in tackling your work or tasks.

Good thoughts to start the day with don’t you think.

Robert H. Schuller wrote a spiritual autobiography that he called Prayer – My Soul’s Adventure with God –
He wrote.. (Psalm 51:10-12)
Create in me a clean heart, O God.
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from yolur presence
And do not take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous spirit.

Blessing everyone, be God inspired today!

photo – Pl Prayer Symbol -supplied by Ana in Spain

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Time moves on

Time moves on

A silent marker of another time
caught in the lens
the moment captures my imagination
I treasure the moment
close my eyes and make it mine

Live each day with an open mind,
What is being offered up as the daily special
Peruse the menu carefully
It is always our choice, which direction we choose
Do we stay with tried and true but boring
Or… do we try something new
Whatever your decision, it will be now…
tomorrow will be another day,
the moment you are in now will be history

How can you say you have embarked on a spiritual path unless you can look back on years of daily practice and be comforted in the momentum it has given you?

Savor each moment, once it is gone, it’s gone!

PL Precept # 7   Everything exists in relativity.

Blessings…serene moments & sweet dreams

photo – virtual art- SL -Q

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Intuition & Appreciation

Intuition & Appreciation

Over the many years of my existence I’ve learned to follow my intuition, if a thought pops up into my head, I do my best to act on it. Usually I discover, that there was a reason for my actions.
I had planned today to be out with a friend, however, it didn’t happen, so I found myself with “free” time. We have been away for several days, days that were busy, fun and full of activity. Ah HA! time to regroup and just chill.
Having decided that was what I was going to do and feeling very content with that decision, I was rather surprised to hear myself suggest to hubby that I go along with him to the extreme west end of the city.
Believe me when I offered to tag along, I had not idea why I wanted to get back in the car to drive and shop some more, There are two shops in that end of town that I have gift certificates for, but I was not pumped to shop.  My attitude was one of “I’ll just explore”
At the first shop, I found the perfect gift for friends that I will be seeing in a couple of weeks. Wow, I thought, this is great, must be why I wanted to be here.  The next shop just blew me out of the water. The bookshelves were full of books on one of my favourite topics. Philosophy and Theology. My head was spinning as I tried to select only a few of the books and not gather them all and dump them in my basket.  I found two wonderful dictionaries, Pocket Oxford Chinese dictionary, so new I could still smell the pages, it will go with my Oxford Advanced Learner’s English-Chinese dictionary, and the Oxford School French Dictionary, both mint.
ahhh heaven!
Oh, and a brand new copy of The Tao of Willie (A guide to Happiness in your heart, by Willie Nelson). There are many more, but I will share them with you over time, this is a blog after all and not a novel.
Since I’m recently back from Japan, I may start with Religion and Social Crisis in Japan (Understanding Japanese Society through the Aum Affair).. hmmm not light reading.  BUT, I allowed my intuition to guide me in my choices. When I look at the variety in my choices I’m happy happy happy..

When you pray on a regular basis,you become more and more comfortable with you “intuition”, in prayer we learn to realize that as humans we do not live solely by our own power, We “are” thanks to the “grace of God”

For this I give thanks, and have a true appreciation for things as they are. I accept what comes my way, with ‘age” I am learning that accepting isn’t always a walk in the park.. and if I don’t know at the time, I will eventually know, what the Universe has intended for me.

When you let go and listen to  your intuition -you will be blessed, treasure the fleeting “connection with a higher power”,  your inner smile deepens to and fills you with Joy.  multiple BLESSINGS are being sent your way filled with love and appreciation, 

photo-a virtual scene from SL -by Q

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