Happy Day of Gratitude!

May this day be one where we are reminded of our past and are grateful for what has brought us here.

May we also look to the future with eyes bright and body eager for the challenges & joy that lie ahead.

Let today be a present of peace and love.

Rise Up!

There was a night in Ojai...
I was not sure where I would lay my head,
or what direction my path was leading me...
I have those moments some times, they can grasp me whether I am on the Spanish coast,
in the farmer's market parking lot... or lying in my bed.

Moments where the passage of time seems to weigh on my soul.

This movie and this song remind me again,
I am in this World, but Not of This World...
I guess that is why being in the ocean, hiking up mountains and clinging to rock is so healing to me,
Reminders of the Mission I have taken...
turning mistakes into Gold!

And although He constantly has to remind me that I am never alone,
Its songs like this that help my Soul sing this blessed Truth :-)

Man in the Mirror

I was sitting on my bike the other day, by the pier... on my way to work out
Its a place that I kind of meditate... connecting with the ocean, birds, & sky... while watching the others around.
A spot of opening up to the moment and listening for guidance,
INteresting how this location is in the middle of a public place

One situation arises on occasion here... usually a Saturday afternoon
There being a group of religious people who come to "share the Bible"
They used to bring a big stuffed, semi-mechanical standing ape (?)
And always! with a soapbox to stand on
The progression of their "sharing" is always the same... finding someone to put "on the spot" for judgement
Leading to being labeled a liar, cheater, adulterer, and sinner, etc...
I always leave having wanted to discuss this blasphemously arrogant display by a follower of God

So this one day, a man sitting on the steps in front of me stands up to hand me a small note...
Leads us to having a conversation about that group and their display.
I can feel & hear this man's faith, quoting scripture quite well.
It is obvious that we are speaking of the same God, source of Everything...
But then he tells me no, my wisdom is incorrect... somehow I am not on the same trail leading Home
This makes me quietly laugh, feeling my true compassion rising...
I guess I can accept two children looking at the same Father and one seeing a Loving provider and the other fearful(?) of a condemning ruler... even after discussing "His Chosen Son's words," the two brothers see things with different views.

I appreciate moments like that, it's like looking in a mirror...
I think thats what we do for each other, why we have relationships.
Each of us holding up Our Mirror as steady as we can for others to peer into and See Themselves...
I know it Ain't easy, but much growth can be shared when we are truly willing.
Patience, compassion, understanding, awareness, discernment, confidence, humbleness, appreciation, curiosity...
This exercise can be very enlightening and strengthen one's journey through this lifetime.

You must have heard the song by Michael Jackson,
Here it is again to remind you of what is written on your Heart :-)
I dedicate this song to all those who have let me look into Their Mirror and have been willing to Look in Mine...

The Fuzz Speech!

Hey, I don't want to blow your Buzz...
but you gotta hear Dr. Gil's talk about Fuzz!
I'm not saying this just Becuzz,
It will change things from how they Wuzz...
For Sure :-)

Please Note: If you are eating a turkey sandwich, please finish your meal before viewing this clip!

I saw God standing on the corner today...

He was there again...
dressed as a middle-aged Asian man,
smiling and waving as cars past him by :-)

I've seen Him many times...
each encounter I honk and flash a peace sign
and His face lights up

But I know thats not the only place our paths cross,
so I keep a diligent watch,
and look forwards to feeling that Smile :-)

So... if you see God on the corner, be sure to honk

i surf because...

The other day...
I heard by chance between songs on a radio station that someone died.
It was Andy.
I shouted out loud there in my car in disbelief, NO WAY! :-(

I was shocked, it was like a part of me was now gone?! Strange feeling...
I didn't know Andy on a personal level, but it is true that a brother has now gone Home to our Father

Thanks for the memories Andy and reminding us all that this life is not very long...