Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thanksgiving 2008

“There is something about the mental act of thanksgiving that seems to carry the human mind far beyond the region of doubt into the clear atmosphere of faith and trust, where all things are possible. Even if at first you are not conscious of having received anything from God, do not worry or cease from your thanksgiving.”~H. Emilie Cady


Quote is taken from: Lessons in Truth


Maybe this is what is missing in the world. The art of giving thanks in all situations.


At this moment in time I see not much to be thankful for in Mumbai, but I am sure that those that survived are thankful and the grieving are thankful for those around who are carrying them through the process. The terrorists are probably even thankful that they made the world news.


In everything give thanks... that is our charge from the writer Paul in the gospels. It may take a moment to realize it, but in every situation there is a way to give thanks, from some perspective.


I have been on this sphere long enough to know that in every situation - happy, sad or desperate, I am able to say thank you for the opportunity to grow and become a more real person.


Today, take a moment and be thankful that life gives you every opportunity to grow and become a better person. You become more knowledgeable, more patient, more accepting, more loving, more tolerant, more hope filled, more beautiful each and every day. And each of these increases are free for the taking - taking the chance and saying thank you when you are finished using your new found skill...


Thanksgiving in all things...

Monday, November 3, 2008

Election Day, why it is important to me...

It all began with a question from my children one winter day. “Why was I writing my Senator?” I told them, “I was upset about the way that they were acting in the Senate and it was my right to complain…You can’t complain if you do not vote.” I left it there and it seemed enough of an answer for the time.


So blink your eyes from the late 1980’s to 2008 and this long and drawn out election season we are having. This year it did not seem enough to complain and vote. This year the donations were not enough of a contribution as they were in the past elections. Talk is cheap with 24/7 news on the internet and cable TV.


No, in 2008, it was time for the rubber to meet the road. It was time to act.


Over the weekend I did a literature drop in several local neighborhoods. I saw some people walking the neighborhood and dropped them a pamphlet also. Sometimes sample ballots help people decide. My daughter and grand daughter did door to door canvassing. They saw the real America. They got the door shut in their faces several times and probably got an earful for good measure. I just got a polite “No thank you.”

I have been encouraging my friends, spouse and children to vote since they became of age. Most times they comply. And with the right to vote exercised – we complain. We complain mostly to each other. Occasionally we will even write a letter to an elected official telling him/her just what we thought and how we voted for or against them.

So please, no matter your candidate. VOTE. Never let your voice go unheard in this great country.

Just do it!