Universal Love

Reflection

2008-10-07T12:48:00.000-07:00

October is breast cancer awareness month. I am reflecting upon the blessing of being cancer free. This November will mark six years for me. I know that plenty are still loosing the battle. There are plenty of survivors as well. I give honor to each and every one who have lost the battle, those that are fighting the battle as well as the survivors.

Do what you can to provide support to someone dealing with cancer.

We are not promised tomorrow. Stop fighting and extend your yourself to express love to one another.

Freedom to choose your own family

2008-07-07T05:59:00.000-07:00

For the 4th of July weekend we went to a family reunion. I realized again what family really is about and the reasons that I have chosen my own family. My family consists of some members that are blood related and many that are not. Family is love, acceptance, fun, uplifting. Family should have the same goals of love and peace as you. Even if you differ on religion, politics or other topics, family is respectful of these differences. I hope that you all have a family that is as beautiful as the one that I am blessed with! Everyone deserves a family that influences them to feel validated as a human being, happy to be alive and loved beyond measure. This is dedicated to my REAL family. I treasure each and every one of you.

Let's give ego a break...

2008-06-17T16:14:00.000-07:00

"The great illusion of our ego is that we alone are the center of the universe when, in fact, it is our Oneness-our equality and connectedness with each other-that is the ultimate truth. By doing service, we begin to shift our perspective from the small self to the bigger Self, becoming ever more empathic to the "other"; we realize that this inner change of heart opens us to a broader and more inclusive vision of the world..."

This quote is from a book by Kathy Freston called "Quantum Wellness A Practical And Spiritual Guide to Health and Happiness". The quote inspired me to take a look at what I am doing for the people around me. Perhaps when I feel lonely and insecure I have disconnected myself from my source which is in the universe and the people that are around me. I am trying to obtain things that will not satisfy my soul and so my focus is shifted from helping others thus leaving me unsatisfied.

I want to encourage you (and me) to look around and see how we can help our fellow human beings and the world around us in general. I wish you peace in your hearts. TLJ

GREAT DOG STORY

2008-06-13T08:45:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has pets will really like this. You'll like it even if you don't and you may even decide you need one! Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named 'Lucky'. Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing. Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box. It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease .... in fact; she was just sure it was fatal. She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders. The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her ... what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him. The thought mad e her sadder than thinking of her own death. The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable. Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap. Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed. When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. < /B> She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned!
While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life. He had covered her with his love. Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day. It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky? He still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure.
Remember .... live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God. And never forget the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care for us. If you see someone without a smile today give them one of yours! Live simply. Love seriously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

What would it be like?

2008-06-12T10:46:00.000-07:00

What would it be like if we lived in a world where we all took accountability for our own actions? What would the world be like if we gave thought to our words and actions before we spoke or acted out? What would the world be like if we were empowered to take actions to change the shape of the moment, the day, a life, and the future?

sad things...

2008-06-11T11:55:00.000-07:00

Although there are sad things that happen in world, I remain hopeful that we can provide shelter for the homeless, provide food for the hungry, protect those there are victims of violent acts and give universal love to all!!

living an intended life...

2008-06-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

Living a life with full intention and attention is be biggest gift and blessing that you can give to yourself and the world. Too often we live a life for the acceptance and approval of others. It’s OK to be considerate and thoughtful of others. However, if your actions cause stress to your life and well-being it will only produce negative energy to those around you and the world.

I encourage you to live a life that is full of intended purpose. Live a life that produces abundant and loving fruit of compassion, understanding, forgiveness and acceptance of yourself as well as others. 06/10/08

Blessings

2008-06-06T11:40:00.000-07:00

The following website was introduced to me by a friend a while back and I wanted to share this for others to enjoy. Please check out:
http://www.bettertobless.com/movies.html

I invite you to view the movie, check out the experiment and consider accepting the challenge under "the challenge" link.

Enjoy!!

Breaking the Silence Globally

2008-06-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

This is in support of a friend of a friend....

This shows great courage.....Please check out http://brakingthesilenceglobally.blogspot.com/

The seeds...

2008-06-05T09:36:00.000-07:00

All the things that we say and do are seeds planted into the universe that has an affect on someone. We should be careful of the seeds to which we plant. I hope that you give thought to all things that you do and say and give great effort to make it a positive seed planted.

May the seeds you plant bare positive, loving and radiant fruit into the world. 06/05/08

Speaking heart

2008-06-02T10:08:00.000-07:00

This is an encouragement to you to listen to your heart. It does speak to you. Whenever your heart speaks to you to do the loving thing, the right thing....I encourage you to do it. You can never go wrong when you do the truly loving thing. True love is giving of yourself without the feeling of obligation or without the expectation of reward or recognition of that expressed love. It is a gift that we can give to one another each day.

May you have a life of blissful true love!!

New beginnings

2008-05-30T12:10:00.001-07:00

Friday, May 30, 2008

There is so much excitement in the air. There are a lot of celebrations taking place this weekend for graduations. It's exciting to think of all of the new possibilities that exist for the new graduates. I'm excited for them and their endless possibilities.

Congratulations to all of the graduates!!

Stay awakened...

2008-05-29T14:32:00.000-07:00

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Often times when we hear or read about discouraging news on the TV or in the paper or just some of life's experiences we find the need to escape from it all. I encourage you to stay awakened to your surroundings. There are so many little clues out there if we simply have the courage to stay awakened to the needs of others and the world.

I applaud those that have the courage to stay energized and committed to remaining awakened as well as remain optimistic and hopeful to all of the wonderful possibilities that exist through each new blessing that another day brings.

Have a wonderful awakened experience!!

It all matters....

2008-05-28T12:51:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

It all matters....

Each of us can make a difference in the world. Everything that we do, big or small, negative or positive makes a difference in the world. I have great admiration to those that make the decision to make a positive difference in the world.

If your act of kindness makes some one's life better take the time to do it. It doesn't have to be a big task. Just because you might think it doesn't matter or that it's small doesn't mean that it is true. It will make a difference in some one's life if it helps them to have a better day or a better moment than what they are having. Make each thing that you do make a positive difference in the world....

China earthquake disaster relief efforts

2008-05-23T08:31:00.001-07:00

Regarding the contributions to the China earthquake disaster relief efforts, if you want your donations to be tax deductible in the US, please read on:

Here is a link to the American Red Cross where they explain that you can give to their American Red Cross International Response Fund and designate your gift to help with the China Earthquake Relief effort. American Red Cross - Preparing Communities for an Emergency and Keeping People Safe - Preparedness

Recycling love...

2008-05-23T08:06:00.000-07:00

Friday, May 23, 2008

I wake each day to the wonderful blessing of love in my life. Each day I wake up to share my life with the love of my life. I have been blessed in so many ways throughout my life. I try to give love to others in the effort to share the blessings that I have in my life. I believe that it is through these blessings of love that I have the ability to give that gift back to the world.

As you are blessed, take time to pass blessings on to others. I call this recycling love!!

May you be blessed with abundant universal love!!

Be true..

2008-05-22T08:01:00.000-07:00

May you have the courage to be true to who you are. It takes courage to be true to one's true self. Universal love is inclusive of self love as well.

We wish you a life of pure and true universal love each day!!

The little things...

2008-05-21T14:04:00.000-07:00

I recently read an e-mail that I received from my sister. It was a powerful story and titled "Who I Am Makes A Difference". It touched me and I wanted to add a note to our post to encourage each of you to remember to give thanks for all of the wonderful blessings that you have in your life. Also remember to let the ones in your life know that they make a difference in your life. You never know the impact that it can have for someone to simply know that they make a difference in your life.

We can all make a difference!! May 21, 2008

Laws of Love

2008-05-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

I found this and enjoyed it and wanted to share it with everyone who reads it. Enjoy!! May 19, 2008

In some form or another, you will experience Love. There are many different perceptions of what Love is. But Love is not in control of another. Love is not what you think would be, that another would be doing. Love is beyond description. It is an emotion. It is a feeling. Love is not an animate object. It cannot be set here in your lap and say, “This is Love.”

Love encompasses many things. Love expresses itself in many different forms. But when Love comes from the highest of vibration, it can only create Joy, a sense of Peace, and Happiness within. Love truly is letting go and letting all things be in their Divine Order. Many would misinterpret that type of Love as: “But you don’t love me.” “You’re not here for me.” “You are not doing this for me or doing that for me.” That is not what Love is.

Love is letting go and allowing each one the choice for themselves but to give of your heart--wholly and perfectly. Love is trust. There is no judgment where there is Love. Where there is forgiveness, there is Love. Where there is acceptance, there is Love.

When you are expressing Love, you are expressing the Creator through you, for you were created out of Love.

Giving Lights to Rebuild Hope for Victims and Families of the Earthquake in China

2008-05-16T13:20:00.000-07:00

I received this information at my job and it warms my heart to see people pull together. This is a great example of universal love.

The horrible human tragedy in China’s Sichuan Province, following the 7.9 magnitude earthquake this past Monday afternoon, caused more than 22,069 in lost lives. An estimated 14,000 people are still buried, with 159,000 people injured and 4.8 million homeless. And the potential death toll could eventually top 50,000. This is the worst disaster in China in recent years.

All Austin local Chinese community agencies, State Senators, Representatives and AACC are sponsoring a fundraising event this Saturday to show support for the victims and families in this disaster earthquake. This is a public event; all interested parties are welcome. Your help and support will show the world how Austin cares. Cash donations will be appreciated - make checks payable to Chinese Consulate General in Houston, designated for earthquake victims.

Here are the details of the event:

Giving Lights to Rebuild Hope for Victims and Families of the Earthquake in China

Location: The South Steps of the State Capitol, Austin, Texas

Date & Time: Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 7:30 PM

Please bring your flashlight and join us at the South Steps of the State Capital to shine our bright lights & good wishes in giving hope to the families suffering through this heartbreaking natural disaster.

If you can't make the event, but would like to donate here is the info:

Pay to the order of "Chinese Consulate General in Houston ", indicating that it's for "China Earthquake Disaster Relief".
Please send the check to:
Mr. Xiao Bing
Chinese Consulate General in Houston
3417 Montrose Blvd.
Houston, TX 77006

Our World Family

2008-05-16T10:18:00.000-07:00

My thoughts and prayers go to our brothers and sisters in China who have lost someone they love. I pray for peace in their hearts during this very hard time.

Congratulations to our gay family in California who are now able to marry legally!

No day is promised

2008-05-16T07:57:00.000-07:00

Friday, May 16, 2008

Yesterday I learned that a member of my football team suffered the loss of their baby niece. My heart is heavy for them and for the loss. I only post this as a reminder to each of us that no day is promised. Remember to cherish each day and one another for there are no guarantees for a new day or a new opportunity. There should be nothing too big that we can't find it in our hearts to express universal love and compassion towards one another.

Each day is...

2008-05-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

I believe that each day is a gift and has endless possibilities of blessings. I start each day with a moment of thanks for the gift of life. If you ever call my cell phone and listen to my greeting you know that it states, "today is a new day and a new opportunity, what will you do with your day"? I think that this is a great thing to ask yourself each day. New beginnings are presented each day. You can make the best out of each day and moment if you simply choose to accept the blessing that each new day provides.

May you be blessed with peace, health and universal love each day!!

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Inspiration knocks

2008-05-14T13:55:00.000-07:00

Inspiring websites that I have come across today:

www.peacepeddler.com

www.coolpeoplecare.org

Two Choices

2008-05-14T10:24:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed this story and wanted to post it. It is a true story of universal love. I hope that you will enjoy it!!

Two Choices

What would you do? You make the choice. Don't look for a punch line, there isn't one. Read it anyway. My question is: Would you have made the same choice?

At a fund raising dinner for a school that serves learning-disabled children, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question: 'When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?'

The audience was stilled by the query.

The father continued. 'I believe that when a child like Shay, physically and mentally handicapped, comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.'

Then he told the following story:

Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?' Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but the father also understood that if his son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.

Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.'

Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. His Father watched with a small tear in his eye and warmth in his heart. The boys saw the father's joy at his son being accepted. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.

At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.

However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.

The game would now be over. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.

Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates. Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, run to first! Run to first!' Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.

Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!' Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base. By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball .. the smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team. He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.

All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'

Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third! Shay, run to third!'

As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!' Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team.

'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'.

Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making his father so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!

Expression of Love

2008-05-13T07:13:00.000-07:00

Expression of love comes in many shapes and sizes. My first experience of the expression of love today was the gift of life. I'm thankful for that gift. Then I was blessed with a wonderful gift from my beloved. It was a necklace that is a circle with an inscription of "live, laugh, celebrate" and inside of the circle is a heart. This token of love and kindness has brighten my day and inspired me to share the gift for all to read. May you be blessed with a life of love, joy and abundance of all things good.

May 13, 2008