In a previous post dated July 1, 2009 I proclaimed, "escapism is the new racism." I theorized that most people exhibiting prejudice behavior or racist acts try to escape from whatever is causing them unhappiness in their lives by transferring blame to someone else. The escapist rationalize that their being born to a specific race gives them superiority over another human being. This way of thinking and behaving momentarily makes them happy and feel satisfied.
This got me wondering why are so many people unhappy? Maybe it is because they don't know what makes them happy. Let's be real first. We are not happy 100% of the time. Everyone has moments of unhappiness. Bouts of sadness and feelings of despair happens. I believe it to be our nature not to be happy all the time. Happiness should always be a goal to reach, something to strive for. It does not come automatically. So we are back to where we started. What makes a person happy?
For me it all boils down to knowing my purpose in life. My passion. The thing that drives me. Yes all the obvious things make me happy like God, family, friends etc; My outward happiness starts first from the inner peace and satisfaction I feel from the very core of my existance. If this is true then when a person is unhappy on the inside that unhappiness radiates towards others on the outside as well. Thus my point about projecting your unhappiness unto others and using them as a scapegoat.
When I am writing or speaking I feel the communion of God, intellect, heart and spirituality springing forth from the depths of my soul. It gushes out of me like a well spring of life. It pleases me immensely, and I am filled with joy and happiness. I write and lecture for myself but humbly hope that someone will be moved and touched in a positive way from what I have said or written. I want to please and make others happy.
So I want you to ponder today your purpose driven life. Are you happy from the inside out and if not why? What makes YOU happy? A small hint: It has nothing to do with money or things. Can you see the connection between your happiness and making others happy? Do you understand how degrading other people is an indication that your life is not in balance and you are not happy? Can you find find happiness and change bad behavior? Yes you can!
THIS IS SUPPOSE TO BE FUN!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Goodbye Summer Hello Fall
Thanks to my Victory Gardeners we reaped what wesowed and had a really good time. We learned a lot
about planting, eating healthy and setting good
examples.
My neighbors and I have a wonderful end of summer tradition. We have a backyard goat bar-b-q and everyone brings an exotic side dish from their native land. From Ghana to Egypt, from the Phillipines to Texas and all points in between we are about as diverse as it gets.
We love sharing the fruits of our harvest and our uniqueness. I swear you feel the breath of God when we come together like this. It is how it was meant to be.
On my side bar to the right you will find a chart that list seasons veggies and fruits can grow in according to state. Just pull down Texas and take a look at things you can still plant. After all there is a Fall garden. So until next spring...why hate when you can celebrate!Friday, July 3, 2009
GOD BLESS AMERICA
An Evangelist traveled to Russia with the intentions of giving out 500 bibles. The night before the event someone stole all the bibles. The preacher showed up the next morning with only his personal bible. People stood in line for hours anyway, just to touch the bible. For many it was their first time seeing a bible.
One gentleman went home and brought back his camera. He photographed as many pages of the bible that he could. I am ashamed to say I have taken the bible for granted. I pull it out to read a specific subject pertaining to a question I have then put it up. How could I have taken such a precious book for granted?
Starting in January this year I committed myself to reading the bible. I'm about halfway through. I read the Old and New Testament. What a wonderful country we live in. Freedom of religion is one of the most important rights we have. To be able to read His word and worship is an extraordinary gift.
God bless America, the troops that fight to keep us free, our leaders, and each other. Have a safe and joyful 4th of July!
One gentleman went home and brought back his camera. He photographed as many pages of the bible that he could. I am ashamed to say I have taken the bible for granted. I pull it out to read a specific subject pertaining to a question I have then put it up. How could I have taken such a precious book for granted?
Starting in January this year I committed myself to reading the bible. I'm about halfway through. I read the Old and New Testament. What a wonderful country we live in. Freedom of religion is one of the most important rights we have. To be able to read His word and worship is an extraordinary gift.
God bless America, the troops that fight to keep us free, our leaders, and each other. Have a safe and joyful 4th of July!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
VICTORY GARDENERS
Meet Lillian Copeland. This wonderful friend and neighbor and I have lots in coming. Her and her handsome hubby Larry have the most beautiful backyard/patio bar none. It is an oasis. I love this woman because she had the tenacity to finish her degree at a mature age. She is also from the same community as my husband and they were school mates. She, her husband and myself retired from the same company.
Lillian gifted me with wonderful tomatoes and basil. So what did I do with Lillian's gift? Created a meal in less than ten minutes.
Mahi Mahi
Pre heat oven to 400
Wash fish and sprinkle with seasoning (Louisiana Cajun Seasoning No Salt)
Added Lillian's basil
Sprinkle fish with lemon juice
Melt butter in pan
When butter sizzles add fish
Brown for 5 mins. on both sides
Toss salad
Added Lillian's tomatoes & basil
Cucumbers
Mushrooms
Olive oil (extra virgin) vinaigrette (WishBone)
Add corn on the cobb or some other steam veggies if desired.
Eat as much as you want....and lose as much weight as you want!
Lillian gifted me with wonderful tomatoes and basil. So what did I do with Lillian's gift? Created a meal in less than ten minutes.
Mahi Mahi
Pre heat oven to 400
Wash fish and sprinkle with seasoning (Louisiana Cajun Seasoning No Salt)
Added Lillian's basil
Sprinkle fish with lemon juice
Melt butter in pan
When butter sizzles add fish
Brown for 5 mins. on both sides
Toss salad
Added Lillian's tomatoes & basil
Cucumbers
Mushrooms
Olive oil (extra virgin) vinaigrette (WishBone)
Add corn on the cobb or some other steam veggies if desired.
Eat as much as you want....and lose as much weight as you want!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
MIRACLES
Nothing says fear like getting a flat tire in the middle of nowhere without a cell phone signal. So there I was coming from a weekend with friends at a lodge outside of Crockett, 9 miles from Corrigan on State Hwy 287. I pulled over when I heard the dastardly sound and checked the tires. The front two tires were brand new. All the tires looked good, so I drove slowly at first back on the highway then got up past 40 when I heard the clop clop clop of what sounded like a flat tire.
On my back under the car (wouldn't you know I was wearing a sun-dress that flew up around my neck by the wind of a passing 18 wheeler), I thought something was stuck under the car. No such luck. My husband was in another state playing golf for the weekend. Everyone I could think of was out of town. Back in the car I decided to keep going slowly on the shoulder. Every time I drove pass 40 I got the flat tire sound.
Push the panic button in the car, call someone, pull over and flag someone down, what should I do? I finally composed myself and prayed to the blessed mother by saying 3 Hail Mary's. Within 5 minutes I saw a busy intersection in the distance and looked at the clock on my dashboard. It read 4:45. I also saw a kid in his early 20's walking on the side of the road coming from the busy
intersection.
I pulled up beside him, lowered my window and asked if he knew of a place where I could get a flat fixed? He knew of a place (that didn't have a name or a sign) but he couldn't explain how to get to it. I asked him did he have time to show me. Away the kid and I drove at 4:55. He was right I never would have found the place.
It was closing time but the boss agreed to help me. The tires were solid. "Brand new," is how my tires were described. Surrounded by a half a dozen men with smirks on their faces was not a good feeling. Back on the highway with one of the mechanics sitting on the passenger's side I accelerated past 40. Clop clop clop clop the loud sound panicked my passenger. "Pull over," he yelled.
Back at the shop, the boss drilled in two screws to hold a piece of plastic in place that had loosened under the front end of my car. Five dollars was all he charged for his troubles. I gave him $20 and asked where the young man was that brought me to the shop. He had to leave and start back home I was told. I whipped the car around and headed back in the direction I had met the young guy. I passed him, and had to go to the next block and turn around. Before he could refuse the $20 I put in his hand, I said "God bless you," and sped away.
Meeting honest people that didn't mind helping, $20. Rewarding a young person for their compassion, $20. Having Mary, the Mother of Jesus, watching over me.....priceless!
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Feel free to say this prayer whenever you feel a need. It is not a Catholic thing, it is a faith thing. May the Blessed Mother watch and protect over everyone reading my blog.
On my back under the car (wouldn't you know I was wearing a sun-dress that flew up around my neck by the wind of a passing 18 wheeler), I thought something was stuck under the car. No such luck. My husband was in another state playing golf for the weekend. Everyone I could think of was out of town. Back in the car I decided to keep going slowly on the shoulder. Every time I drove pass 40 I got the flat tire sound.
Push the panic button in the car, call someone, pull over and flag someone down, what should I do? I finally composed myself and prayed to the blessed mother by saying 3 Hail Mary's. Within 5 minutes I saw a busy intersection in the distance and looked at the clock on my dashboard. It read 4:45. I also saw a kid in his early 20's walking on the side of the road coming from the busy
intersection.
I pulled up beside him, lowered my window and asked if he knew of a place where I could get a flat fixed? He knew of a place (that didn't have a name or a sign) but he couldn't explain how to get to it. I asked him did he have time to show me. Away the kid and I drove at 4:55. He was right I never would have found the place.
It was closing time but the boss agreed to help me. The tires were solid. "Brand new," is how my tires were described. Surrounded by a half a dozen men with smirks on their faces was not a good feeling. Back on the highway with one of the mechanics sitting on the passenger's side I accelerated past 40. Clop clop clop clop the loud sound panicked my passenger. "Pull over," he yelled.
Back at the shop, the boss drilled in two screws to hold a piece of plastic in place that had loosened under the front end of my car. Five dollars was all he charged for his troubles. I gave him $20 and asked where the young man was that brought me to the shop. He had to leave and start back home I was told. I whipped the car around and headed back in the direction I had met the young guy. I passed him, and had to go to the next block and turn around. Before he could refuse the $20 I put in his hand, I said "God bless you," and sped away.
Meeting honest people that didn't mind helping, $20. Rewarding a young person for their compassion, $20. Having Mary, the Mother of Jesus, watching over me.....priceless!
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Feel free to say this prayer whenever you feel a need. It is not a Catholic thing, it is a faith thing. May the Blessed Mother watch and protect over everyone reading my blog.
Monday, June 15, 2009
VICTORY GARDENERS
This is a commercial interruption to say a word about my small but mighty "Victory Gardeners." Meet Mrs. Gracelyn Miller, Beaumont socialite, friend and now tomato gardener. We had a great lunch together last week and I got a chance to see her beautiful doll house. It's the kind of house you got your doll as a child but secretly wanted to live in it yourself. Well Gracelyn lives in hers along with her husband Russel (Crowe) Miller. Yeagh he's that hot! Lucky Gracelyn has the house, the man and now the tomatoes.
This isn't to be taken lightly. I have named myself the "black thumb" of death. I have killed so many tomato plants, any day I expect to see my picture hanging in the Post Office. Worst part is I have not one tomato to show for all my killings. The Topsy Turvey whose bush was sticking straight up to high heaven is now pointing downwards. Woe is me. I have shamed my name and reputation.
However, Jessica Ferguson and Mz. Angie & Audie & Sandra Rameriz have a bumper crop. So have Mr. Tingan. Actually I'm the only one that have not gotten one tomatoe. Thanks to the John Roberts family for bringing me tomatoes and cucumbers. More pictures and success stories later. Happy Gardening!
This isn't to be taken lightly. I have named myself the "black thumb" of death. I have killed so many tomato plants, any day I expect to see my picture hanging in the Post Office. Worst part is I have not one tomato to show for all my killings. The Topsy Turvey whose bush was sticking straight up to high heaven is now pointing downwards. Woe is me. I have shamed my name and reputation.
However, Jessica Ferguson and Mz. Angie & Audie & Sandra Rameriz have a bumper crop. So have Mr. Tingan. Actually I'm the only one that have not gotten one tomatoe. Thanks to the John Roberts family for bringing me tomatoes and cucumbers. More pictures and success stories later. Happy Gardening!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
MARY MOTHER of MILLIONS
Have you ever asked a friend to be a go between, in letting a special person know that you were interested in them? We parents often ask our adult friends to intercede in speaking with a child, to help drive a point home. Many instances throughout life we have relied on others with clout, experience or knowledge to intervene in matters we could not speak directly to a person about.
Is it too far fetched to believe that in the world of deities that we too can pray to a spiritual existence (saint) to put in a word with the Master on our behalf? There is no closer bond than that of a mother and child. So it is with Mary and her son Jesus. The first miracle Jesus performed was at the request of His mother. (John 2:1-11). He turned water into wine at the wedding at Cana.
Of course we can turn to Jesus ourselves as Mary did in this situation. Mary however is special. She is the mother of Jesus and what son could deny His mother anything; Secondly, Mary is the first and most perfect disciple because she always said yes to God. Mary was obedient to God and always did His will, no questions asked. Who better to have God's ear or Jesus heart.
When Jesus hung on the cross, He told his disciple, "Here is your mother." (John 19:26-27). It is believed that Jesus at that moment commissioned Mary to be not only the mother of His Church but to serve as our caregiver, our mother. It is part of God's perfect plan that we not only help one another by our prayers and good deeds but that we have an ally in Mary to assist us. Mary intercedes for us with Christ, the same way she interceded for the couple at the wedding in Cana.
Next......how do I pray for intercession to Mary? Do I have to be Catholic? How do I show thanksgiving to Mary after prayers have been answered?
Is it too far fetched to believe that in the world of deities that we too can pray to a spiritual existence (saint) to put in a word with the Master on our behalf? There is no closer bond than that of a mother and child. So it is with Mary and her son Jesus. The first miracle Jesus performed was at the request of His mother. (John 2:1-11). He turned water into wine at the wedding at Cana.
Of course we can turn to Jesus ourselves as Mary did in this situation. Mary however is special. She is the mother of Jesus and what son could deny His mother anything; Secondly, Mary is the first and most perfect disciple because she always said yes to God. Mary was obedient to God and always did His will, no questions asked. Who better to have God's ear or Jesus heart.
When Jesus hung on the cross, He told his disciple, "Here is your mother." (John 19:26-27). It is believed that Jesus at that moment commissioned Mary to be not only the mother of His Church but to serve as our caregiver, our mother. It is part of God's perfect plan that we not only help one another by our prayers and good deeds but that we have an ally in Mary to assist us. Mary intercedes for us with Christ, the same way she interceded for the couple at the wedding in Cana.
Next......how do I pray for intercession to Mary? Do I have to be Catholic? How do I show thanksgiving to Mary after prayers have been answered?
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