Here We Go!

New format, trying something new. Except it isn't dramatically different, just a shift to the left. Power. Who has it? Do you and I and 'us' - all of us - have it? I would like to think we do and how we choose to use it is the problem and the solution. We exercise control over one another and yet we aren't really sure what we want to attain. We say we want the world to be a certain way, but don't realize there are others who want equally opposing things. So we work, talk with others who are of the same mind, trying to get the whole of society, a nation, or the world to be shaped in the vision we have for it. Except there are others who are doing the same thing, but not with the same goal in mind. And in truth, no matter how much the "group think" mentality rules, there are always those in the group who don't see things quite the way the "leader" sees it. There is a constant shifting of energy and control and the world is in a state of upheaval as a result.

Here's the other side of this equation: while we have "power" and exercise it, there is a vision for this world that exceeds - overrules - our own. Certainly, we can guide, direct exercise control over others. But there is one who has the first and final say over every life on this planet. His plan will be completed, even while we exercise our "free will." The direction He wants will be carried out, even as we go about our daily lives, doing, building, loving and hating.

What is good? What is right? What benefits all? And what is LOVE? Focus there.

Thought for The Day - 7:21

12/05/14 Early Morning view of "Sailing under a Penny Moon"

Get up! The day is wasting away and you have plenty to do! Well that's me most days and quite honestly, on most days, by 7:21 I've written, exercised, had breakfast and I'm on my way to work. And no, this has not always been my way. Creativity is my driving factor, my motivation to rise early and start the day.

Goals, I have them and when I achieve those that look like helium filled balloons floating away, I'll have more! When I get to the point, my message is heard by some and understood in my images, I'll reach further. Those goals are like clouds "above" the clouds, goals that I know are there, but for now I keep them just out of conscious thought. Time isn't a factor anymore and with that thought comes a realization that I may not obtain those dreams. I won't die trying, but I will live my life knowing I have tried with each day. And far more importantly I have dared to dream and dared to create.

Clarity: who you are - who I am - isn't all you're capable of being. The dull or exciting life you have now isn't all you can experience. The sun rises and sets and soon you find yourself shifting, changing the direction of your life. You may not earn much today, maybe nothing at all, but a shift, an unexpected but natural transition places you in a new point of view and you find yourself earning, achieving and living life to the fullest.

Thought for The Day - The Process

It seems, some days as if you are moving through oily and dirty sludge. Progress? No, more of the same.

Trust the process...

Tomorrow comes, believe me. The promise is fulfilled. Trust me. Deliverance is N O W!

Thought for The Day - Cracker Jack Surprise

A rectangular box about 4 inches tall and 3 inches wide, full of caramel corn and caramel covered peanuts. A cartoon image of a little boy in sailor blue and whites, smiling on the box. The snack itself was okay, but for a child, the joy was the surprise inside. And the way "life" goes, rarely was the surprise at the top of the box. I was never really sure if the manufacturer planned it that way or it settled to the bottom by the time you opened it, but there it was, wrapped in a wax wrapper! And what was it? A tiny toy, maybe a tiny book or a tiny doll. Not much in value, but to a child, the "gift" was worth the stuffed belly and possible tummy ache!

When it comes to waiting and anticipating, so much of life is that way. You work hard for 30 years or more and what awaits you on the other end of the rainbow? If it's a pot of gold, it's the type in the form of gold coins with cheap chocolate inside. Most retirees have to be concerned with stretching their income over an indefinite life span and juggle failing health, doctor visits and possible mistreatment by unfeeling, underpaid aids. Graduate from kindergarten, elementary school, high school and you get a piece of paper with your name on it and a date of graduation.

So what is life? What is the true value of it and it's reward? Why do we strive for recognition, applause and fame when the results are fleeting? Are we "wired" for minimal returns on so much effort? Well life is for the living and recognition and even fame is part of the journey. Along the way, life is to be savored. I dare say we should savor the "depths" and "dips" of life because there are lessons to be learned in the darkest days. Trophies, prizes, blue ribbons and banners are placed in places of prominence. They are reminders that we worked, we strived and we won. The monetary value of the prize is minimum, but the eternal benefit of remembering accomplishments...

Thought for The Day - Keeping it Together

Step, step, step, step, sli-i-i-i-i-de! That's me yesterday at noon. Out for a walk before getting lunch, the ground still wet from rain the previous day. My shoes are probably best designed for people who would be standing stationary most of the day, not for walking a mile or so each day. The soles are rubber, padded, but the combination of my size and gait, makes me slide from time to time. This is a very dangerous undertaking, considering I have herniated discs in my back and of late, the muscles are extremely sensitive! So many reasons to keep my steps lined up and conscious of every surface I encounter along the way! And a good reason to buy a pair of walking shoes for this latest form of exercise!

Though this back condition is alarming, my assurance comes from doing what I can to keep things together. Daily exercise not only helps to minimize back pain, the types of exercises I do help to keep me strong. A variety of stretches focus on all muscles to ensure the cardio and strength training doesn't leave the muscles sore and stiff. Well, actually they are, but that is to be expected, considering the types of weight I lift.

I keep myself moving, twisting and lifting because I hope to be able to move well from now until I am called home. I have no guarantees on that future, but I do have the capability of ensuring what I'm doing makes me a healthier man. What are you in relation to your goals?