Memorial Day - May 30, 2010

Wow -- Thank you to each member of the U.S. Military for standing up, and continuing to stand up and being proud even after 20 and more or less years. Each of you left your life as you knew it - to stand tall and proud for the chosen military service - to live by Faith. You accepted what each day brought without much if any choice regardless of how difficult or demanding or pleasurable.

That is the walk I'm attempting openly each day by asking God to take me away and enter my life.

I applaud each of you - and thank each of you individually for all that you did, all that you do and for who you are today.

Many people believe it is for the U.S. - yes, service in the military is. Yet, there are so many benefits throughout the world.

"Be the change you want to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi

You each changed your lives for the benefit of others. Bless you!!!!

Another phase

Commitment -- some people find this word simply difficult - living on the fence, might seem to provide choices and the ability to not get bogged down in mire and muck.

Yet, I have committed to more oral surgery this next Friday, which means soft food for another three weeks or so after. All for the good - and perhaps, I might discover how many flavors there are of ice cream. Or, give it a good go for the first couple days only.

Commitment can be simply the process of making a decision. So many times in past years the decision appeared as the largest challenge. Once made, a 1,000 pound elephant was off my shoulders, until the next time.

One simply way to assist: Make a list entitled: Advantages OF on one side -- and Advantages of NOT on the other. Get into the details, and see what appears.

Again, to contact me directly - use itsyourlifenet@yahoo.com.

Disappointment - unavoidable sometimes

"Life without love is like a tree without blossom and fruit." - Kahlil Gibran

Rochester, NY in the Spring is where most thoughts turn to warmth, sunshine and the Lilac Festival. The following is from the website, lilacfestival.com

"The only 10-day free festival of its kind in North America it is inspired by a magnificent lilac collection at Highland Park that plays host to over 500 varieties of lilacs on more than 1,200 bushes. What was first planted in 1892 by horticulturist John Dunbar has turned into the world’s largest lilac collection that even Martha Stewart has enjoyed when she visited the festival in 2007."

This year, the lilacs began to bloom two weeks prior to the start of the festival. I am not certain how the festival calculates the date, yet, it is always in May. As I watched and read some comments the past week, or two, I thought of this possibility. What if the lilacs had bloomed and departed prior to the festival? Yet, does that mean I love the flowers less? NO. This is a somewhat my thought when asked a question about commitment. Typically, I don't attend the festival, as the lilacs grown and showing their brilliance around the community are enough for me to get a dose of spring and see the beauty of the flowers. I don't need the festival typically.
Yet, relationships where one or both people want it to grow - they need the festival, they need many things more than simply seeing and experiencing the visual and the sensual. People have values, and if not lived within, a life will be out of balance.

This blog is not intended to answer specific questions - it is designed for people to think and choose their own direction. Coaching is more specific and personal, yet, too, it is designed for people to choose their own direction.
************

"I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much."- Mother Theresa

For those who have lost a loved one -- it is so very painful. There is not much to say - except, love each other more while each is grieving in their own particular way. Create a scrapbook of moments - if not many pictures, then words - thoughts and memories of the joy experienced. Or, perhaps create two -- or more -- Connect with others, perhaps who have had similar experiences. Yet, each one will be distinctly different. There can be comfort in things that are similar.

Also, know that prayers are with you - each one of you.

This is an English speaking Blog

Lately I've noticed comments in another language.  I request strongly that all comments be in English or they will be deleted from the site.  There are many translation sites available to translate from or into English.  As, this blog is written to be available to everyone - and more people understand English than other languages.

Please if you would like to comment -- and, please do - comments are VERY welcome and requested.'
 

PLEASE COMMENT IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE.

Thank you!

Speaking the Truth with Love

Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.
   --Proverbs 3:13, NLT

Back from NYC and getting healthier again.  Something got me and took my voice.  Laughingly, my children indicated their delight.  More about that trip later, and a week has passed already.

Taking on tough subjects with friends or loved ones.  There are options, of course.  Wait until they bring up the subject, or have someone else share the information.

First, consider the motive and the subject.  Do they need to know, or is it your need to share the topic and remove it from your mind.  Is it their issue or yours?  Also, consider the possible outcomes of sharing information.  One possible way to begin a difficult conversation, is to discuss values and what if this or what if that, how would you handle it.  Possibly use a similar topic without actually discussing the topic in question.

With rather vague information - a position is difficult to offer.  Yet - honesty is ALWAYS best - even if the results are less than warm and fuzzy.

As far as how to handle a friend, when the feelings have become strong for one, and the feelings of the other are in question.  What not to do --- don't catch them off guard with a sincere kiss.  That happened to me once, and it changed and ruined a wonderful friendship.  To this day - I look back and wish that the situation had played out differently.

Roy -- so sorry to have missed you and the family.  Not far from Henrietta at all.  Every area around here is within approx. 20 minutes.

The weather is beautiful here today - spent the larger part of day at RIT - Rochester Institute of Technology.

Also - I can be reached by e-mail.