This Magic Moment

As the song's lyrics suggest...., "Magic Moments" experienced each and every single day, are all at times vastly different and new; they're really unlike any other, and once they are gone you'll never see or live another one exactly like it again.

Looking back, over my life I can remember taking a lot for granted. Things like thinking I would stay young, smart and or even living forever.  Obviously forgetting that life disguised as time, would eventually change myself and everyone else too.  Not only in the way we physically felt and looked, but most importantly the way we think.

These days, I get up feeling and acknowledging how truly blessed we all are. Thank god, I'm personally not awaken to the sounds and smells of war and the countless numbers of deaths that are part of its results.  In some places around the world its all some people know, breathe and live constantly.  Lately though, some have begun to stand up and fight back against the insanity of their dictators, who for whatever reason believe that an oppressed nation is a happy nation. Surely, I sympathize with them for having to exist under these conditions, but unfortunately, if I were asked to  change places with them for a moment or a day, my answer would be simple and clear.

In a word...NO!

Although, I sincerely do wish that they could experience the peace and tranquility, I sometimes take for granted in this country, at least for just a moment in their time.  In comparison to their everyday world, I guess my life here on this side of the fence... really is paradise. 

So, here's some thoughts on what I'm doing to sow and reap Magic Moments...

I've got to continue to enjoy this life that I have by first recognizing that I must first begin to live it, love it and share it.  Understanding that everything that exists, happens for a reason; That every thing is not all about me and that somethings do take time, and in fact there is more to life than just sitting around and contemplating on how to speed it up, while forgetting that without a plan to where I'm going, I'm destined to end up some place else.

I must strive to be steadfast in gaining a better appreciation for the people, places and things that impact my love for life.  I have discovered, that it may be as simple as looking up and instantly being overwhelmed by a beautiful sunrise or sunset or hearing and listening to the birds that sing, or caressing the flow of air that I'm able to breathe even though I can't literally see it, yet knowing that its there in abundance every time I arise to see a new day.

Remembering the experience and answers I searched for, on one occasion as I looked down on the remains of a loved and respected family member, who had lived her life on earth for 94 blessed  years.  As the feelings of hopelessness and pain raced through my core, I suddenly realized that through all the sadness and heartbreak displayed in that building, my subconscious senses were now being repeatedly bombarded with the awesome and awakening sounds from none other than a newborn in attendance three rows behind me. Their tiny and incredible utterances of love, joy and happiness, miraculously drowned out my selfish tears of sorrow and woe.

The rewarding results of that small "Magic Moment", was huge and gave me reassurance that life will continue to go on with or without me, but while I'm still here, its a responsibility of mine to give back into that which I partake of.


Mark Twain said once that, "Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see".  In like manner, I've heard it said that, negative thoughts create negative beliefs which govern our attitudes and actions to create negative beliefs.  So if this is a true statement, can you imagine what impact positive thoughts will and would have on ourselves and those we have influence on?

Just Live, Love and Share life. Strive without regret to give these intricate and important factors your very very best each day.   

   

The Return of... "No Need To Fear"

Very soon this month, specifically on the 31st day of the week, several different populated sides of this planet will voluntarily engage in dressing up in strange clothing (better known as costumes), and participate in what is known as HALLOWEEN.


Usually, for many the favorite Halloween color represented is your basic orange and black combination. Additionally, the event is largely associated with the use of symbolic images like, jack-o-lanterns, witches, scary stories etc.

It may sounds like a lot of fun, but it's not necessarily fun for everyone. There are some religious skeptics who have voiced serious concerns over the years, due to their belief that Halloween, is in direct conflict with their specific faith teachings.

They believe that any association with Halloween has become less about fun and celebration, but more about Satan and demon worshipping. Ouch!

I grew up living with a very strict and religious family and can't ever remember going trick or treating. Sometimes I wonder and ask myself, was I really that sheltered? Did I somehow miss out on something?

Actually, I only think about such things when the Halloween festivities come and go, or when we escort my youngest daughter and grandson, door to door collecting treats and most importantly searching for the "Great Pumkin".....Ooooo!

The next big question or complaint about Halloween is at what age should one stop trick or treating? ummm.

This situation is one that probably is no big deal, but there have been times when I've responded to my front door expecting little cute and adorable youngesters, dressed in angel; spounge bob; batman; whinny the pooh; and spiderman get ups. Each and every one of them, tiny little people, with cute tiny little voices attempting to articlulate, those famous 3 words... TRICK or TREAT. . Wonderful Right?.... Wrong!!

As I'm opening the door, and starting at the feet level of the ghostly vistors, I immediately realize that those little feet are huge, massive podders that are attached to large legs and torso's, who's voices are certainly not tinnie weenie. Then as I slowly glance up at the faces of these masses of terror, it's enough to knock you off your own feet, reeling you backwards inside the door and embarassingly onto the floor. Enough already, not only are they heart attack scary, they're just to big..., And with big people ghools, come BIGGGG! ghoolish hands. Hell, they literally took more than their ghoolly share of the goodies. So much so, that it was all gone before the Halloween night came to an end.

After a few of those incidents, I now never let them reach into the goody tray anymore. Ha,Ha, Ha.....

Thank Goodness, there are lots of other options available to attract those older Halloweener's, who wish to celebrate this event. One of the options is to do what I'm doing and just pass out treats and call it a night.

Or...

They could actively and safely participate or sponsor Halloween parties involving their age related peers. ummm. Ok, that's all I've got for now. Looking forward to hearing from or seeing you all on the 31st.


Happy Halloween or should I say... TRICK or TREAT!


* This is a repost of an original archived item dated, 10/26/09, with minimal photo rearrangements.

JUST FOR ME

Its morning again, I hear the sound of birds singing and I began to wonder... 

Suddenly, my face is greeted with wetness and I witness the wagging of his tail moving crazily back and forth, but I'm not alarmed or quicken to anger, and I began to wonder... 

As I look over and past a most familiar face, still ever so quietly slumbering in restful and peaceful sleep, my eyes meet the awesomeness of nature and the warm morning sun.. and I smile, and yet I continue to wonder....

Is all of this... JUST FOR ME?

To many are those, whose days and nights are filled with horror and the sounds of cruelity and of death. To many are those, who tremble and huddled together because the endless fear(s) of the unknown was and have become so deeply overwhelming. To many of those, will have no sound of joy in the trees, no faithful friend to greet their awakening eyes, no familiar loving presence of a life long mate or the laughing, happy tunes of little tiny feet, with outstretched arms running to meet them .  Yet, through it all, I somehow will be spared and wonder, will it all be... JUST FOR ME?

Why, oh why, did the thief who comes in the night pass me by? Why, did those few, who are both near and abroad, choose to protect the many and include little ole me?   How could anyone know, that I prayed for these things?  How could anyone know, that through all the negative possibilities that could engulf me, that my tiny little exisitence really mattered. 

Although the road I travel, sometimes gets rough, and some of the people around me choose to openly hate, I still somehow can reflect on the countless number of good times.  Good times when I encountered strangers who smiled as they looked me in the face... and said, "Hello".  I'm motivated to faithfully, rise every morning and awaken to the glorious sounds of life all around me and then stop, smile and breathe freely as I realize that I'm alive, worthy and well, especially with having the opportunity of sleeping in my own warm and comfortable bed. 

Hastily, as I spring up and move throughout this place that I call my own...my home, I am overjoyed and as my peace suddenly escapes me, I shout out towards the heavens..., Halleluiah!!, because the majesty of the stars and strips, affixed to my house is still intact and I'm still, oh so....... FREEEEEE! 

Yet, somehow I find myself wondering, did he really hear me, does he really know me, and if so.. why, oh why, JUST FOR ME?

Wait a minute... I remember now, I was told long ago that my thoughts are not his thoughts. That he sits high and looks low. I never have to worry, nor wait in line. There's no need for an appointment or even a co-payment, that he may not come when I want him, but he would always be there, right on time. 

The answer is clear and yes its a choice.   The truth of the matter can be summed up in just one word..."LOVE " and its truly all done.... JUST FOR ME.                

YOUTH SPORTS

It was not to very long ago, I wrote a post about the athletic attributes of my youngest daughter Taylor.  Well that was just about a year ago, (July 25, 2009).  Of course, you may wonder why or think that I'm bragging about my kid again and If that's what you're thinking, I must admit that you're absolutely right.

Sports has always been and probably will always be significant in our families lives.  My wife and I both participated in sports and found it very rewarding. There are just so many amazing advantages to kids and their parents when sports are included in their daily activities.  For one thing there are both mental and physical benefits as it relates to overall health.  Our daughter has a difficult time with seasonal allergies. Thanks to sports she has responded quite well when she's dealing with the wheezing and sneezing etc., because it forces her to breathe deeply and the air she's intaking is fresh and outdoors vs. being stuck indoors sucking on a humidifier.

Sports have also become a very positive distraction for her and it seems to actually enhance her competitive nature during these most difficult times.

Speaking of distractions, youth sports have in my experience, proven to help kids focus and most importantly it has kept a boatload of kids off the streets and out of trouble.  Being a retired law enforcement professional, I have personally witnessed troubled kids turn their lives around and become viable and outstanding law abidding citizens due to their involvement in sports.  Of course, there are a few who fall off the wagon and become involved with the wrong crowd or group, leading them to crime, but those aren't the ones I'm talking about. There are tons of documented success stories, than those of the failures.

Sports has a way of turning intraverted kids into excited outgoing communicating team builders and leaders.... YEAH!!

This phenomena is especially helpful when its time for them to grow up and get out into the job market(s). The beautiful results are that these kids are usually no longer insecure, but confident individuals who are driven.  They tend to look you in the eye and state exactly what it is they want and why. Sports has assisted with the development of  recognizing and enjoying the sweetness of victory, as well as shielding them against the depressive state of dealing with the agony of defeat. So if they don't win today so be it. Thankfully, it becomes somewhat of a motivator, because they've learned that you can't win by merely be comfortable to sitting on the sideline. You've got to get in the game!  The kids I'm talking about know how to do just that.

We are just so very proud of Taylor.  Although she loves practically any sport, she's really dialed into soccer and basketball.  This year she was selected to participate in a State wide soccer event called, ODP, which is an acroynm for Olympic Development Program. This was and is an incredible achievement, because you have to tryout/compete, in order to be selected.  This program, trains and prepares kids for State, Nationals, College and olympic level competitions in soccer.  She really enjoyed it and I sure she'll tryout again next year too. This year's season ending basketball playoffs, she was just short of a triple double.

"You Go GIRL!!"

So, if your brother, sister, son, daughter, niece or nehew etc. is willing to except the challenge to having absolutely incredible fun and the possibility of achieving greatness.... Please don't just point them to it, but get up and literally get involved and take them to the nearest youth sports entity and... GET IN THE GAME!