The World is Mine

Unknown Author

We often take things for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.

~Cynthia Ozick

Today, upon a bus, I saw a very beautiful woman and wished I were as beautiful.

When suddenly she rose to leave, I saw her hobble down the aisle.

She had one leg and used a crutch. But as she passed, she had a smile.

Oh God, forgive me when I whine. I have two legs; the world is mine.

I stopped to buy some candy. The lad who sold it had such charm.

I talked with him, he seemed so glad. If I were late, it'd do no harm.

And as I left, he said to me, "I thank you, you've been so kind.

It's nice to talk with folks like you. You see," he said, "I'm blind."

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine. I have two eyes; the world is mine.

Later while walking down the street, I saw a child I knew.

He stood and watched the others play, but he did not know what to do.

I stopped a moment and then I said, "Why don't you join them dear?"

He looked ahead without a word. I forgot, he couldn't hear.

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine. I have two ears; the world is mine.

With feet to take me where I'd go ... With eyes to see the sunset's glow…

With ears to hear what I'd know. Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.

I've been blessed indeed, the world is mine.

If this poem makes you feel thankful, just forward it to your friends.

After all, it's just a simple reminder that we have so much to be thankful for!

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The Window

Unknown Author

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.

And every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color of the rainbow. Grand old trees graced the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene. One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days and weeks passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the world outside. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it for himself. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."

Epilogue ... There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all of the things you have that money can't buy. "Today is a gift, that's why it is called the PRESENT".

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A Brand New Day

Today is a brand new day.

A fresh start.

Replace any negativity with positivity.

Think happy thoughts.

Exercise. Drink lots of water.

Fill your body with fuel.

Healthy is happy.

Inspire yourself.

Create. Laugh. Play. Love. Learn.

Give someone a compliment.

Make a new friend.

Do a random act of kindness.

It creates good karma.

Take chances and finally start living life to its fullest.

But no matter what’s thrown at you today,

smile and remember,

tomorrow’s always a fresh new start.

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The Universe Speaks To Us

When feathers appear, angels are near ...

"It is quite possible to listen to God's Voice all through the day without interrupting your regular activities in any way. The part of your mind in which truth abides is in constant communication with God, whether you are aware of it or not. It is the other part of your mind that functions in the world and obeys the world's laws. It is this part that is constantly distracted, disorganized and highly uncertain.

The part that is listening to the Voice for God is calm, always at rest and wholly certain. It is really the only part there is. The other part is a wild illusion, frantic and distraught, but without reality of any kind." L-49

One must always be able to distinguish between the symbol and its meaning; therefore understanding metaphoric language (sign and symbol), just as a student of poetry must understand how and why words are used, without taking them literally.

"Remember, then, that neither sign nor symbol should be confused with source, for they must stand for something other than themselves. Their meaning cannot lie in them, but must be sought in what they represent." (T-19.IV)

The universe is always speaking to us … sending little messages, causing coincidences and serendipities, reminding us to stop, to look around, to believe in something else—something more. Life's signposts are all around us. We just need to keep our senses awakened to them.

"Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen. The fearful heart will know and understand, and the stammering tongue will be fluent and clear.” — Isaiah 32:1-4

The key is to be present and aware so you can tune into, experience, and act upon the signs you receive.

Number Sequences - If you are seeing repeating numbers on the clock, in phone numbers, or in addresses in coincidental ways that are too eerie to ignore, the universe is most likely sending you a very important message. Realize that seeing these numbers repeated is no coincidence. Often these are messages from Spirit. Sequences of the exact same numbers are bestowed upon you to get your interest, so as to better deliver you a message.

Their meanings could be slightly different for each individual—there is no definitive guide. It really comes down to an individual perspective and what you believe it to mean in your life.

Voices - When you hear a whispered voice which seems to appear out of thin air, or a message in your mind, you may be experiencing communication from your angels or guides. Don’t assume you’re making it up! If you can’t really hear what is being said, ask for the message to be repeated and to speak a bit louder so you can understand. Hearing the guidance is a beautiful sign of their presence, and is common when you are in need of comfort or reassurance. The key is to be present and aware. These signs contain infinite possibilities for growth and transformation.

Clouds - An obvious sign is a cloud which looks like an angel, or the shape or a heart, as well as many other shapes and symbols to offer. Your awareness will be drawn to look up towards the sky.

Feathers - One of the more commonly known angel signs is finding feathers on your path, or floating through the air. Feathers (particularly white) are a beautiful reminder that angels are near, giving you love and support. An especially powerful sign is when you find feathers in a place that is somewhat abnormal.

Feelings - You may be alone in a room and get the impression that someone is present in the room with you, or you feel like someone has just walked past you. You may feel a very subtle brush against your arm or neck, or a gentle touch on your hand, back or shoulder. Sometimes you will feel an overwhelming sense of unconditional love.

Temperature - Experiencing a change in temperature may signify an angelic presence. You may suddenly feel a warm glowing light around you; or you may get the chills, and feel cold, with a tingling or pressure in your head or on the back of your neck, which is not uncomfortable (also referred to as Spirit Chills).

Scents - You may have noticed a sweet scent, a rich and chocolatey smell, or a subtle floral scent and been unable to identify the source. Angels often love to make their presence known through the power of scent. It is also a sign commonly used from loved ones who have crossed over as well. You may smell your grandmother’s perfume and sense that her spirit is right there with you.

Babies and Pets - Have you ever noticed a baby looking up and smiling at the ceiling, or excitedly gazing into the air? Perhaps your pets’ focus is entirely captured by a blank spot on the wall, something you seem unable to see. Chances are they are looking right at an angel! Babies and animals have not yet taken on the filters and conditioning which can block the ability to clearly see the angels. They will be at ease, comforted, and excited in the presence of angels.

Rainbows - If you’ve been thinking about your angels, or asked for a sign and you notice a rainbow, it’s likely your angels confirming they are with you. Rainbows are a common symbol of Divine love. A rainbow orb around the moon, a double rainbow, or a rainbow appearing when it hasn’t even been raining, are extra spectacular signs from your angels bringing encouragement and validation.

Sparkles of Light - Seeing orbs, unexplained shimmers of light, or flashes of color, are all common ways of experiencing your angels. You may see a flash of light appearing where there is no actual light source, or light shimmering off an object in an unusual way, or an orb of light hovering near. It’s very likely an angel is with you.

Music - Angels are often sending messages through music, whether it is through a song which just starts playing in your mind, hearing peaceful tranquil music when meditating, or continuing to hear a certain song on the radio ... or hearing a series of songs, all with a similar theme. Pay attention to this guidance.

Coins - Finding coins is a common sign of guidance and support from the realms of spirit … pay attention! Does the date on the coin hold any significance? Have you asked for financial help? What were you thinking about right before you noticed the coin? This very well may be a sign from your angels, or from a loved one. Know that it was deliberately placed on your path as a symbol illustrating you are loved, supported and guided.

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Stealing Cookies

Author Unknown

A young lady was waiting for her flight in a boarding room of a big airport. As she would need to wait many hours, she decided to buy a book to spend her time. She also bought a pack of cookies. She sat down in an armchair, in the VIP room of the airport, to rest and read in peace.

Beside the armchair where the packet of cookies lay, a man sat down in the next seat, opened his magazine and started reading. When she took out the first cookie, the man took one also. She felt irritated but said nothing. She just thought, "What the nerve! If I was in the mood, I would punch him for daring!"

For each cookie she took, the man took one too. This was infuriating her but she didn't want to cause a scene. When only one cookie remained, she thought: "Ah ... what will this abusive man do now?"

Then, the man taking the last cookie, divided it into half, giving her one half.

"Ah! That's too much!" she thought. She was too angry now! In a huff, she took her book, her things and stormed to the boarding place. When she sat down in her seat inside the plane, she looked into her purse to get her eyeglasses, and to her surprise, her packet of cookies was there, untouched ... unopened.

She felt so ashamed! She realized that she was wrong ... she had forgotten that her cookies were kept in her purse. The man had divided his cookies with her, without feeling angered or bitter, while she had been very angry, thinking that she was dividing her cookies with him.

And now, there was no chance to explain or apologize.

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Beautiful Mind

She had this way about her. She walked like it did not matter,

like it did not hurt. She sealed the scars up inside like vintage

wrapping paper, and when she smiled, she smiled from the

core of the world, like the happiest being on earth. She moved

with the same grace, as though she were taking the world for a

walk. Only she knew that the world would not ever really walk,

and she had to carry it atop her shoulders. And there she was,

beaming, a picture perfect of sun trails and piano keys; world

on her shoulders, not once saying "I can't" ….

Anonomys

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They Called Her An Ugly Duckling

She wore frumpy clothes. Her teeth needed straightening. She was very insecure, she believed what everyone said about her, admitting she was an "ugly duckling." She believed, however, that one's prospects in life were not totally dependent on physical beauty.

When she finally met a man who was interested in her, she decided not to take him to a fancy, social event, but instead took him to the slums of the Lower East Side, where she did volunteer work, helping young immigrants.

The young man, who had held a rich, sheltered life, saw things he would never forget -- sweat shops where women labored long hours for low wages and squalid tenements where children worked for hours until they dropped with exhaustion.

This walking tour profoundly changed the young man, moving him to say, that he "could not believe human beings lived that way."

The young man's name was Franklin D. Roosevelt, and the young woman, who changed his life forever, who would change the world forever, her name was Eleanor Roosevelt.

They would eventually marry, and Eleanor Roosevelt would become more than just a First Lady. She was nominated three times, during her lifetime, for a Nobel Peace Prize. She was a renowned social and political activist, journalist, educator, and diplomat. Throughout her time as First Lady, and for the remainder of her life, she was a high profile supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, of equal rights for women, and of social reforms to uplift the poor. She helped the Tuskegee Airmen in their successful effort to become the first black combat pilots.

Even after her husband's passing, she remained active in politics for the rest of her life, chairing President Kennedy's ground-breaking committee which helped start second-wave feminism, the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women.

They called her an ugly duckling when she was growing up, but to the world, she was a beautiful swan whose beauty inside helped her speak the truth, making the world a little better for all.

~ Eleanor Roosevelt, born on this day, October 11, 1884

All Hallows' Day (Halloween)

Halloween or Hallowe'en; (a contraction of "All Hallows' Evening"), also known as Allhalloween, All Hallows' Eve, or All Saints' Eve, is a yearly celebration observed in a number of countries on 31 October, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows' Day.

It initiates the three-day observance of Allhallowtide, the time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs, and all the faithful departed believers. The traditional focus of All Hallows' Eve revolves around the theme of using "humor and ridicule to confront the power of death."

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Have No Regrets

Eat the damn chocolate cake, get your hair wet,

love someone, dance in those muddy puddles,

tell someone off, draw a picture with crayons

like you’re still 6 years old and then give it to

someone who is very important to you.

Take a nap, go on vacation, do a cartwheel,

make your own recipe, dance like no one sees

you, paint each nail a different color, take a

bubble bath, laugh at a corny joke.

Get on that table and dance,

pick strawberries, take a jog, plant a garden,

make an ugly shirt and wear it all day,

learn a new language, write a song.

Date someone you wouldn’t usually go for,

make a scrap book, go on a picnic, relax in the sun,

make your own home video, kiss the un-kissed,

hug the un-hugged, love the unloved,

and live your life to the fullest.

So at the end of the day, you’ll have no regrets,

no sorrows, and no disappointments.

Feed Shark

Beauty of Autumn

The rain falls gently
Quenching the thirst of a landscape
Parched by the rays of the hot Summer Sun.

The song of the birds is now silenced.
The petals of a once brilliant flower have faded
A bright, azure sky with soft white clouds is gone,
Replaced by the grey dampness of the season.

The caressing breeze of summer
Has turned into the stormy winds of fall.
Leaves once proudly perched on the limbs of trees,
Now dance gaily through the air.

Brightly colored in the warm tones of autumn.
Children laughing merrily on their way
As they hear the crackling sound of leaves beneath their feet.

A jack-o-lantern sits in the window,
Showing a wide, toothless grin or scowling frown.
The snapping of pitch from a burning log,

The faint scene of pine filling the room,
Flames leaping about as if it were a ballet.
Performing for its audience.

The soft, comforting glow of candlelight
Bringing with it serenity and quiet thoughts
I sit in amazement watching all that is around me.

Yes, there is a God.
Only He could have made the wonders I see before me

I will accept the solitude and indifference of winter.
So I may anticipate and appreciate.
The re-birth of spring.

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Thanksgiving Blessing

Thanksgiving Blessing

O God,

We thank you for this earth, our home; for the wide sky and the blessed sun, for the ocean and streams, for the towering hills and the whispering wind, for the trees and green grass.

We thank you for our senses by which we hear the songs of birds, and see the splendor of fields of golden wheat, and taste autumn's fruit, rejoice in the feel of snow, and smell the breath of spring flowers.

Grant us a heart opened wide to all this beauty; and save us from being so blind that we pass unseeing when even the common thorn bush is aflame with your glory.

For each new dawn is filled with infinite possibilities for new beginnings and new discoveries. Life is constantly changing and renewing itself. In this new day of new beginnings with God, all things are possible. We are restored and renewed in a joyous awakening to the wonder that our lives are and, yet, can be.

Amen.

(Walter Rauschenbusch)

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White Raven

A separate species from the black raven, white ravens are extremely rare. They are larger and more intelligent than their black counterparts, if that could be possible!

White ravens are known to have black or blue eyes, and therefore are not albino, but leucistic. Albinism occurs when one of several genetic defects where the body is unable to produce or distribute melanin, a natural substance that provides color to the skin; and leucism is a condition in which there is partial loss of pigmentation in an animal resulting in white, pale, or patchy coloration of the skin, a known phenomenon in nature. If the animal lacks all pigmentation and has pink eyes, it is an albino. If it lacks pigmentation in only some parts and does not have pink eyes, it is leucistic.

This usually arises when two common black ravens, with the same genetic defect, mate. The chances of this happening are rare, however, since they are monogamous and live long lives, there is a good chance they could produce successive generations of white ravens.

The white raven is highly regarded by many native cultures and has special spiritual significance.

Wisdom and subtlety of truth is attributed to the white raven; as well as introspection, courage, self-knowledge, healing, creation, rebirth, magic and mysticism, shape shifter, prestige and the complexity of nature.

Several legends credit the white raven for bringing light to the world by freeing the sun, moon, and stars, which were locked away by an evil being. In the course of its heroic deed the white raven was turned to black. The occasional sighting of a white raven is meant to remind people of how the world was saved for all mankind and animals of creation.

Bearing magic and mysticism, ravens have a long history of myth enshrouding them. Shamans know the power of an unexpected piercing sound in shifting consciousness. Ravens have this power, giving out varied sounds, and can assist us in shifting our consciousness into various dimensional realms. Hence one of the reasons why the raven is referred to as a shape shifter with magical powers.

Ravens are considered to be highly intelligent and clever mimics. They can mimic and use the calls of other species in their own vocabulary and can show us how to understand ‘animal language’.




The raven's black color is linked to darkness, the place where unconscious fear resides, and is regarded as a bad omen; therefore feared by many.

Like all wildlife and nature – ravens should be respected, rather than feared. Some refer to them as the keeper of secrets: a link to the void. Ravens are master magicians and represent transformational energy, revealing to us how to rid ourselves of our inner fears.

If a raven has flown into your life, magic and healing abound, awakening the energy of our will and intention. You have the ability to make great changes in your life. Raven are strongly linked with death and rebirth.

Remember not to be fearful of the raven, but rather to give thanks for the teachings he brings. The raven chooses its student according to their knowledge, and usually stays as long as needed to help transmute karma, returning you to the light.

Mentally Strong People - Do's & Don'ts

1. They DON'T make the same mistakes over and over. (Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. - Albert Einstein)

    They DO self-reflect and accept full responsibility for past behaviors and are willing to learn from mistakes.

2. They DON'T dwell on the past; wasting time feeling sorry for themselves or their circumstances.

    They DO take responsibility for their actions and outcomes, having an inherent understanding of life. When a situation turns out badly, they are able to emerge with self-awareness and gratitude for the lessons learned.

3. They DON'T become complacent and stagnant.

    They DO embrace change and welcome challenge. An environment of change and even uncertainty can energize a mentally strong person and bring out their best.

4. They DON'T waste energy on things they can’t control. They don’t complain about such things as traffic, lost luggage, weather, or other people.

    They DO recognize that certain factors are beyond their control, and recognize the one thing they can control is their own response and attitude.

5. They DON'T become jealous or resentful of other people’s success.

    They DO have the ability to work hard for their own success, and possess the strength of character to feel genuine joy and excitement for other people’s success.

6. They DON'T give away their power to others to make them feel bad or inferior.

    They DO understand they are in control of their actions and emotions, knowing their strength is in their ability to manage the way they respond.

7. They DON'T people-please, or go out of their way to dis-please others as a way of reinforcing an image of strength.

    They DO strive to be kind and fair and to please others where appropriate, but are unafraid to speak up. They are able to accept the possibility that someone will get upset and will navigate the situation, wherever possible, with grace.

8. They DON'T feel the world owes them anything.

    They DO enter the world prepared to work and succeed on their own merits, throughout life.

9. They DON'T fear alone time, or depend on others to make them happy.

    They DO enjoy, even treasure, the time spent alone; using it to reflect, plan, and be productive.

10. They DON'T fear taking calculated risks or failure.

      They DO weight the risks and benefits thoroughly, fully assessing potential downsides and worst-case scenarios before taking action. They are willing to fail again and again, if necessary, as long as the learning experience from every “failure” can bring them closer to their ultimate goals. Every failure is a chance to improve.

11. They DON'T expect immediate results.

      They DO understand that genuine changes take time and know that they are in it for the long haul”. They apply their energy and time, celebrating each milestone and increment of success along the way.

Just One

Poet Unknown

One song can spark a moment,

One flower can wake the dream.

One tree can start a forest,

One bird can herald spring.

One smile begins a friendship,

One handclasp lifts a soul.

One star can guide a ship at sea,

One word can frame the goal.

One vote can change a nation,

One sunbeam lights a room.

One candle wipes out darkness,

One laugh will conquer gloom.

One step must start each journey.

One word must start each prayer.

One hope will raise our spirits,

One touch can show you care.

One voice can speak with wisdom,

One heart can know what's true,

One life can make a difference,

You see, it's up to YOU!

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