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Spiraling out of control

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Have you ever had the feeling that you were spiraling out of control. That even though you were standing still, life was just whirling past far too quickly
We live in a world that is rapidly changing ..
We get used to certain constants in our lives, and then, one day you wake up, look around, and life is not really the same at all.
How do we continue to keep up and evolve with the different trends of society, do we really need to continually strive to broaden our horizon.

Sometimes yes. Sometimes no.

One of the aspects of being a member of PL is that PL responds to problems in our daily lives, by offering personal consultations. I treasure this opportunity to have one on one with the minister. The Minister(s) is/are always there for private consultations. WE, each and every one of us, travels at our own pace. Having the ability to touch base personally regarding the various stages and phases of our spiritual life journey is one of the “unique” services provided by church.

PL offers Personal guidance, to help us keep in tune with the Times. You can receive consultation from a PL minister for any kind of problems or situations. You receive personal guidance tailored to your individual character and situation.  Each one of us has our own unique personality and life style.  Therefore, it is different for each individual how they would practice the true way, or how they would seek happiness.

Happiness is built by establishing wishes and goals, and then working towards achieving them in your daily life.

Oshieoya-sama has put his Shikiri prayer into PL Consultations. – PL ministers and Hokyoshi are sworn to confidentiality, If something is not right in your life and you are not happy, or you are not enthusiastic about something, feel free to ask your minister or Hokyoshi (assistant Minister) for a PL consultation.  The church is here for YOU.

photo-SL virtual art -Q

photo -PL prayer symbol  (Aramitma) courtesy Ana in Spain

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Japan, aspects of

Japan, aspects of

Now back home in Canada, in the middle of Nature’s awesome exhibit of her Fall colour palette, I find myself drifting off to memories of my all too brief time in Japan.
Japan had never been one of my travel destinations, so when I decided to go, it was pack up and go, no research or prior reading was done on the country, their customs, attitudes and behaviors.

For instance, I had no idea that in Japan public toilets did not supply paper towels, or hand dryers. I would have known to bring with me my own handkerchief.

Western tradition, we say “Ladies first”… Japanese tradition is “you first” the other person is placed on a higher social level than oneself… BUT… interestingly, going through a doorway, the senior male is expected to lead the way, and on a crowded train or bus, there is not need for a man to give up his seat, no matter how many packages or children a woman may be carrying. (social expectation)

When invited for lunch, a visitor usually leaves by 3 pm. while for an evening meal, visitors do not stay any later than 8 pm, even if encouraged to stay, the polite response is to leave. Host and family will often even go as far as the transit station with their guests. At the least, they will all stand at the door wishing the parting guests, safe journey etc.

The Japanese language is rich with special ways to express gratitude  ie..
O-machido-sama deshita, -Thank you for waiting.
Go-chiso-sama deshita – Thank you for the meal.
Go-kuro-sama deshita – Thank you for going out of your way
O-tsukara-sama deshita -Thank you for your hard work.

Think how often we hear or say Thank you in our daily lives.

What I did experience and loved was the underground streets (Chikado) (areas of shopping) that are built in conjunction with major subway stations (train stations) in the larger cities, ie. Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya in particular)

Every eating place (shokudo) and resutoran (restaurant) has an outdoor display cabinet that contains shokuhin sanpuru, (life size plastic replicas of dishes being served in that location). I understand that in most cases, what you see outside is a very close duplicate to what you will actually get in the shop, down to the number of slices and size of portions.

I came back home with a yen for more of the fabulous food offerings I had while in Japan.No, this taste delight has not been satisfied. I will have to continue in my searching. chances are I’ll do better in a larger city, i.e. Toronto. If you have any suggestions, please send them along to me.

In PL we say…. Saying Thank You creates a heart to heart connection.  If you don’t put your thoughts into words and actions, you will not be able to express how you truly feel.  By expressing your gratitude in words, you can really get your feelings across.

Blessings to you all, now and forever

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Greet Everyone with a Smile!

Greet Everyone with a Smile!

The basic building block of human relationships is greeting one another. Be the first to greet others cheerfully. A cheerful outlook can be such a “positive” to those around you.
This “otterly” delightful “Tiny” is Muttley, she never failed to bring smiles to those who shared time with her or in her sphere. I tried to find the picture I have of her with a big smile plastered on her face. Couldn’t, but.. did find this one.

Although I have not seen Muttley for awhile now, I will never forget her because of the personality she shared with me whenever we met. She always made me smile. That is a special quality.

In PL, we believe that a positive outlook, can influence the mood of people around you and keep things upbeat.

“My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment” Oprah Winfrey

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photo – outside library Kemptville – Christianne M

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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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World Peace

World Peace

This picture was on Pinterest, it is a visual that says a lot.
To achieve World Peace we have to start with ourselves. We must live and act with World Peace as our daily focus and act accordingly.

Greet everyone with a smile.

Begin your Day with appreciation for others.

Today, the 11th. in PL we celebrate our Ancestors, we pay our respects and give sincere thanks to those who came before us. Service at the church is at 10 a.m. =^_^=

Accumulate Virtue and Pass It on!

Thanksgiving- Praise the “Divine” for the many aspects of your life that bring you joy- family, your friends, physical provisions,etc.  If you read the Bible, skim through some of the psalms, find one that you can identify with, let the words of that psalm usher you in to the presence of God, then spend extra time with God in prayer.

Blessings to each and every one of you.   always and forever.

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Downsizing?

Downsizing?

Shudder.. I heard that word so often while I still worked in a Corporate Health Care setting. (Teaching Hospital) When newsletters/memos came out with “downsizing” as the featured item, or, even when it was an statement tucked down further in the reading material, we all saw it, and we all felt the little frisson down the spine to the tail bone.

Downsizing comes up again in later years, when a family looks at the house they are currently living in, and realize that where it suited n active growing family, times had/have changed, and the remaining home dwellers find it “too much” to look after.

As our life changes occur, we find that the decor, “trappings” we have surrounding us, often, are redundant. We can keep adding, making changes, but what happens then… you look around and find you have no “breathing” space. there is too much clutter.

It is hard to pass along objects that hold memories, or are simply “stash” tools, inventory for those “to happen” creative expressions, that you have yet to get to. My Mother, had a loom and boxes of wool and materials for when she retired. they took up all of one room. She finally retired, but by then, her interest and activities in her day to day still kept her too busy to get to the once loved hobby she had so long planned for. When she downsized, guess what was still waiting, and what we (the children) had to find homes for..

I’ve been downsizing for years now. Really and truly I really have been. I’m enthusiastically pulling out, packing and preparing boxes for the goodwill, and giving this and that away to friends. It is amazing the “material objects” I’ve acquired over time.

Finally, I say with optimism, I’m seeing a light at the end of the long hallway. I hear myself explaining to my patient, loving husband, how getting a new iPhone will help me to downsize even further. In getting this new “desired tech toy” I will eliminate having to carry around with me a relatively new Samsung Tablet that I just had to have when it came out, my efficient little Sony Cyber-shot camera that never seems to be with me when I want to snap a picture, and of course my pay as you go phone.
Hmm my inner voice says in my other ear… are you making sense On one hand it sounds good, in my little purse, I will only have one item, the iPhone My other ear, is hearing my husband mentally calculating this new “downsizing” venture of mine. (years of marriage does this, once we are open to this little exchange, they are very helpful) I have been going on and on about an iPhone for a year or two now. Somehow I have always managed to get “something else” so that the iPhone has remained a “want to have” item.

The Samsung came home with me, instead of the iPhone,(iPad) my HTC (Windows phone) was another purchase that came home instead of the iPhone. I think the reality is that I’m tired of wanting product X and always settling for something else. I get the iPhone, pass along the other items (husband waiting for the them with a not quite hidden gleam in his eyes) and SIGH, I get back to the serious business of downsizing in other areas of my life.

As Rev. Eugene would say ” does that make sense”? We always nod our heads in the affirmative when he says that, and of course we smile while doing so. we all know that sometime in the near future, we will be reviewing his words and then wanting to have discourse about them.

OK.. the Enthusiasm is there, Will it lead to new opportunities. I say YES. Why, because if the mind is caught up on a subject and it just won’t “let go” there is a message that you aren’t listening to, or hearing.
Chances don’t just fall into our laps, They come to us when we are putting our full effort into something.

When the downsizing happened at the Hospital, and finally my position was affected I was immediately filled with a sense of fear at what lay ahead, BUT biggest feeling of all was RELIEF. when it first became known that Management positions would likely be the next to be slashed, I could have been proactive and simply tendered my resignation and moved on, but like the above iPhone situation, I kept trying to dodge the bullet.

It happened, life went on.. and it actually started to get better and better. I was no longer encumbered by “how” “when” I was free to build my own future, my way.

Listen to your inner voice. Follow your enthusiasm, Let it lead you to new Opportunities.

Wow look at the time, I’ve had a great time visiting with you. I love time spent with you. AND I love hearing from you. Have a great day, be Happy, Let the sun shine on your day, smile….

Start with a good breakfast…. =^_^=

Love and Blessings – now and always….

photo credit –  Darren, CA

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Wednesday greetings

Wednesday greetings

Oh what a beautiful morning,
Oh what a beautiful day….

Everybody has a different Way of thinking and seeing the world ,I’m a morning person, I love waking up to a brand new day.

What about you?

Yesterday I found a shop called Crystal Dawn, I’ve seen it advertised, but never have I been near the place, yesterday I was, so I crossed the street and went in. How could I not.  The place/ambiance was so inviting, crystals were on display everywhere, There were a multitude of other minerals, gemstones, and the other paraphernalia that one would expect, the incense was subtle and soothing… the owner had staged the place in a very “winning” way.  All I saw was the crystals, I found myself drawn to a cabinet that held perfectly round crystals with inclusions.  The triple A grade were nice, but I wanted the imperfections, and I wanted (not intentionally) something, I  didn’t know what, but I knew that when I saw it, I would “know”.

The decision was not a quick one, it is almost like an adoption process… the vibration/energy of the mineral had to “speak” to me, if you are into crystals, you will know of what I speak. It’s Interesting because we all see things differently…  Nothing or anyone else in the shop was happening for me, only the crystals.  Finally I held the one crystal, went to the sunlight, saw the  brilliant reflection of a single “bling” and knew I’d found my personal crystal.  Now, dear reader, that was a special moment,  Yet, I heard an inner voice “have an appropriate mind frame towards using money and things.”  You have heard me say this before.  I live with Yin/Yang in my life, the PL Way, is always first and foremost in my day/night.  Somehow in all the process I’d just lived, allowing my “instinct” to play out that “moment” in my life, the cost, the size, it all seemed to just  work out, 1,2,3, it happened, it was in my price range, and I did not fall into the> and I’ll get this and this to go with it<.. No.. I paid for the crystal and left the shop knowing that I would be guided to the next step … 

Yes I was. Next in my wandering I found a retail/wholesale vendor of gemstones/beads and findings, but even though tempted, I did not stray, I left the shop and kept going.  I met a young lady in one shop who in talking found out about a sale of singing bowls at one of the known metaphysical shops in another part of town. I was also able to talk about PL, Perfect Liberty,  again, it was right time, right place. (btw I was headed to a destination to meet a friend for lunch, I did have a reason for being downtown in the first place)  Almost at the meeting place, I went into another bead shop.. and “hello” the young lady there sold me exactly 4 yards of a strong cotton that would be perfect for the sling/pocket in which to carry the crystal.  (No, I had no idea how I was going to accomplish this, but I had faith, I believed it would be.)

Last night, I sat the dog and crystal on my lap, a crochet hook in hand,  I began to crochet.  NO idea of how or what was going to happen.  Happen it did. I couldn’t be more chuffed.  I had just the right length of strong leather cording for it to hang in just the right place, and I was able to lay hands on my black jewelry wire to bind everything in place.  Et Voila my personal crystal is ready for use and travel, it is very exciting.

Everyone has a different point of view, or “take” on life… Let’s enjoy and appreciate the personalities and differences we all have.  Listen to your “Instinct” “heed your inner voice” Believe” “have faith” =^_^=

Blessings of the day, may your day thrive and  happiness abound.

photo is from New Zealand –  thanks Shirley K.

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Rev. Tiago shares a “musical moment”

Rev. Tiago is a young minister from Brazil who is now serving in the Ottawa church of Perfect Liberty. Reflecting on creativity and “happiness”, he shares the following. (I have kept his text and wording, Rev. Tiago speaks Portuguese,Spanish,French, is learning Japanese and English, my time spent talking with him, has always been bright, and informative, he is so enthusiastic!, his door is always open, if you live to far away, you can e-mail Rev. Tiago, or call)

One of those days, after I finish my missionary work, I went to my place to spend some time with my family. After a while, I was surfing online, reading some news and checking on several websites when I saw something that attracted my attention. It was a link for a video on youtube of an audition for The Voice show in Netherlands.

I saw this guy standing in the middle of the stage, an ordinary guy to be honest, that like so many others, was trying to be accepted in that contest show. But, from the moment that Mitchell Brunings opened his mouth to sing, the mood of the judges and the audience completely changed. After the first two lines of the song, all the judges pressed a button and turned to see who was singing. (Pressing the button means that the contender was accepted into the show). Mitchel Brunnings made everything seems to be so easy to be done. It was really incredible.

He was singing this incredible song, Redemption Song, by Bob Marley. But, his voice was so incredibly similar to Bob Marley’s that everyone was in shock. However, what really amazed me was that, it seemed to me that the song was not coming out of his mouth but from his heart.

I consider myself a fan of Bob Marley, but somehow, I never listened to that song before. The lyrics was so meaningful, so strong, so damn good!!! I was very grateful that I had the chance to watch this marvelous video.

But this situation made me think about something. In all fields of art, there are some genius who are capable of creating the same kind of good emotion in our hearts. Those people are capable of creating such a masterpiece that can make fill our hearts with joy, hope or even make us cry like little babies.

In that sense, in our lives, there are wonderful examples of people who are doing their best, living their lives in a masterful way. Living in a world like and being able to notice that we can be happy at any time is a wonderful thing. Just now, I remember part of this famous song:

“And I think to myself, what a wonderful world”

I had prepared this post last night before heading to bed.  I had a very musical evening of sleep, =^_^=…

This morning I was reading a post by Deepak Chopra, if you are interested this is the link.

http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20130928001037-75054000-the-secret-to-personal-change?trk=mp-details-rr-rmpost

BLESSINGS TO YOU ON THIS MOST AUSPICIOUS DAY!  

reminder –  Friday October 11th.  10. a.m.   we  (PL) celebrate  Ancestor’s Day.

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Smiles -Autism – Buddhism- churches

Smile and the world smiles with you

A friend sent me this picture and I returned the smile from ear to ear. Smiling is contagious.
First i would like to give you some information re. Autism that I have for those of you who venture into SL.
If you key in the world autism in the search window, you will be given a number of choices.
Autism Society of American and GBFA Commumity Center and Mall is a favourite.
Autism Support
Autism Society
Second Life Autism Network
The list goes on. I apologize that sometimes I take for granted the wealth of information and places to visit in SL.
Where I personally do not deal with autism in my life, I have friends that do. I’ve learned that where a child/individual who has difficulties in daily interactions in RL, shines and demonstrates amazing creativity with the tools SL offers.

To the other question about the various churches in SL, there are far too many to list. Again, once in SL, use the search window, type in the church, philosophy, teachings you are looking for and you will be directed to the various destinations.

For example, you can attend Buddhist Dharma teachings at the Buddha Center. This can be a busy place, they have traffic in the 1000s from all over the world at any given time.
Please dress accordingly.

Today I was visiting the Buddhist Temple in Aosagi,  Japan. This sim is themed as a region of Japan in the Edo period (1603-1868 AD). It is designed to support a number of cultural, educational and roleplay groups for the benefit of all. The owning group is Kurogawa Cho. a wonderful way to revisit history and learn about how life was in the late 17th century.
This region is set in sengoku period of the late 17th century of feudal Japan.
Please remember that SL is International, often you will encounter people who are from a different country and culture, some do not speak English, on this sim (community) the main language is Japanese.

Wherever you go, who ever you visit with, remember today’s teaching (PL teaching) People Grow by Being Praised and Applauded by Others.
When people recognize your accomplishments and celebrate with you. What happens?, we become more enthusiastic ourselves and want to do better.

Success is achieved by working in Harmony with others.

Applaud someone in your circle today, SMILE, the world is ours when we SMILE and live the PL Way.

Blessings all…. arms open wide to embrace you, my heart is singing ” I   L O V E    Y O U”     love is in the air, reach out and grab your share.

Ari thank you for the wonderful picture!

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