The Precious Stone

A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a very unique and precious stone in a small river. The next day she met another traveller who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her pack to share her food.

The hungry traveler saw the special stone in the wise woman's bag, appreciated it, and asked the wise woman to give it to him. The wise woman did so without hesitation. The traveler left, rejoicing in his good luck. He knew the stone was worth enough to live peacefully for the rest of his life. But a few days later he came back, searching for the wise woman. When he found her, he returned the stone and said:

I have been thinking. I know how valuable this stone is, but I give it back to you in the hope that you can give me something much more precious. If you can, give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me the stone.

The True Meaning of Spirituality

What really is spiritually? Is it preaching the word of God, yet practicing something totally different? Is it going to church and temple every day, yet having an "impure" mind / heart? Is it quoting from religious text, yet having the gall to pass judgement on others? Is it about proclaiming that one's religion is superior to another?
Well, if we agreed with any of the above, we indeed do not know the true meaning of spiritually.

Spirituality is a way of life. It is more about "being" rather than "doing". It is being loving and caring; going the extra mile to assist someone. It is giving hope to others in times of distress. It is about putting others before you (yet not neglecting the self). It is helping to build others' faith and positive outlook. It is about self -realization and living from your inner core; your divinity. It is serving, respecting and loving God's creations. It is living a life of gratitude and faith.

It is disappointing that so many of us today claim to be pious, yet fail to demonstrate any of the above traits or behaviors. We preach from the holy text, and consider ourselves God's personal messengers. We believe ourselves to be mighty enough to condemn and cast judgement on others. God does not judge. Why then, should humans?

I do not believe that hell is some place you go after you die, based on your "karma"; your wrongdoings. As my mother always said, "heaven and hell are right here on earth." And the truly spiritual person strives to make earth a heaven for the self and others by living a life that God will praise!

God is a loving God. He forgives, He builds, He inspires. Yes, He tests us at times but these trials never go in vain. He wants us to be the best we can and has bestowed upon us the power of choice.
We have the choice to live spiritually. But friends. it does not start from visiting temples and churches. These are good practices, but being spiritual starts from the heart. Can you declare that you have a clean and pure heart? I am in the process of cleaning mines!

Focus on what you are here to give, not receive. Be humble, forgiving, grateful, trustworthy, and make the world a better place. Give freely, live lovingly, joyfully and peacefully. Think positively, see the good in everyone, live life to the max, remember God, practice the philosophy of the holy scriptures and only then can you profess spirituality! Friends, I would like to suggest that we focus more on being spiritual than on following man-made religion. You decide what works for you and what will lead you to self-realization. I'm on your side!

I Got Flowers Today

(Dedicated to all Battered Women)
I got flowers today!
It wasn't my birthday or any other special day;
We had our first argument last night;
And he said a lot of cruel things that really hurt;
I know that he is sorry and didn't mean to say the things he said;
Because he sent me flowers today.
I got flowers today!
It wasn't our anniversary or any other special day;
Last night he threw me into a wall and then started choking me;
It seemed unreal, a nightmare, but you wake up from nightmares;
And I woke up this morning sore and bruised all over — but I know he is sorry;
Because he sent me flowers today.
I got flowers today!
And it wasn't Valentines Day or any other special day;
Last night he beat me and threatened to kill me;
Make-up and long sleeves didn't hide the cuts and bruises this time;
I couldn't go to work today because I didn't want anyone to know — but I know he's sorry;
Because he sent me flowers today.
I got flowers today!
And it wasn't Mother's Day or any other special day;
Last night he beat me again, and it was worse than all of the other times;
If I leave him, what will I do? How will I take care of the kids? What about money?
I'm afraid of him, but I'm too scared and dependent to leave him! But he must be sorry;
Because he sent me flowers today.
I got flowers today….
Today was a special day — it was the day of my funeral;
Last night he killed me;
If only I would have gathered the courage and strength to leave him;
I could have received help from the Women's Shelter, but I didn't ask for their help;
So I got flowers today — for the last time.
By Paulette Kelly

Live Today As if It's Your Last

Don't we tend to assume that our life span is unlimited? That we will have all the time to do what we want? That we will always be given another chance?

Well, I, and I'm sure you have realized that this is certainly not the case. Just take a look around. People are dying, the young and the old, the sick and the healthy, the poor and the rich. Death has no bias and sometimes no logical explanation. But one thing is for sure, it will happen to every one of us. And none of us is sure, it will happen to every one of us. And none of us is sure when that day will arrive when we have to exit the earth, leaving behind our loved ones, our unfulfilled dreams, our incomplete responsibilities. But to arrive it will.

Intimidating, is it not? So, what can we do about it? Can we conquer death? What do you say? No? Well, I think we can! How? Simple. Live each day and every day to the fullest as if it's the last one we have. Live so that when we die, our souls feels fulfilled and there is no remorse whatsoever.

Although I have been aware of this philosophy sine childhood, I used to take life for granted, thinking that I had all the time that I will ever need and want. I lived regretting yesterday and worrying about tomorrow, never enjoying "today". I was busy planning for for the morrow, always striving for more and stressing myself out in the process.

However, over time I observed the "passing" of so many young healthy persons who had such promising futures and I was "awakened" to what is. I even lost my mother suddenly; at one moment she was alive and jolly, within the next, she died, with no warning signals at all. I was jolted emotionally, spiritually and physically. I realized 'forcefully" that I was not truly living in the moment. I thought I had infinite time but this profound experience taught me that I did not and that I had to pay more reverence to "today".

Friends, we can never be sure of tomorrow, not even the next second. And this is why we must mentally detach from the physical world and stop taking the gift of life for granted. I agree that we must have high standards and "stretching" goals, but we should never sacrifice living in the present moment. The present is all that we will ever have. Make the time to relax and do the things that fill your heart with joy.

Let us live today as if it's our last day on earth. Thank God if we live to see tomorrow. But in case we don't, let us at least have no regrets. Life can be so blissful, but we have to savour every moment.

It's getting late for all of us. Each day lived is a day closer to death. So let's wait no more my friends. Laugh, love, serve, stretch your mind, smell the roses, hug your loved ones, listen to great music and inspirational messages, see the beauty in your surroundings and have a ton of fun (you deserve it). Today could be your last day. Make it count!

A Tribute to ME

I AM SPECIAL. I AM BLESSED.
There is nobody on this earth who looks exactly like me. I have UNIQUE talents and personality.
I was born to fulfill a purpose that nobody else can. God has designated me with that responsibility because only I am equipped to do so. I am queen in my own right. I need no permission to be me. I am good just the way I am. All that God created is wonderful, and I am SUPER WONDERFUL!

I am DIVINITY, I am linked to the supreme core and I have a role to play in this world drama. I have all that I require and most of it comes from within. There is no need to impress anyone. I was BORN inherently IMPRESSIVE.
CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING ME!

As I Grow Older

It's like the older I get, the better I get. Gravity and wrinkles are fine with me, that's a small price to pay for the wisdom inside my head and my heart. As I grow older, I get to understand life better and what truly brings happiness. The big mystery is solved as I realize that most of what I sought outside of myself, like happiness was there inside all along.

The shadows I chased after when I was younger eventually become things of the pass and I begin to seek what is more important and lasting as I grow older and for that I give much thanks.

Thanks Thanks.

Happiness

Have we really taken the time to be happy with ourselves?

Some of us want to make others happy more than making ourselves happy, but how can we expect others will be happy around us or because of us when we are not even happy with ourselves?

You can be happy in spite of the fact that things are not as smooth right now as you would like them to be but I am basking in the simple blessings that life has to offer, it is not that I don't have my down days, too many for my liking, but I remember all the people and blessings I have to be happy for so I stay focused and before you know it there is something to smile about.

The song of the birds

The splendor of the morning sky

And thank God for another day in this blessed land.

Smile, Smile, Smile

Laugh out loud it helps!!

It isn't What you Have but What you Are

It isn't what you have but what you are, that makes life worth while.

Some people can gloat at the downfall of others, keep in mind never to forget we could be next. If we can humble ourselves enough to try and walk in another shoes, then for sure the world will be a better place to live in.

And why would we want this? Because what ain't meet us ain't pass us! Gossip is sweet, I know but we must have understanding and empathy for others. The facts of life is that some of us have planted some seeds that we will reap the equivalent of, remember to empathize with the other person. We who want someone else to be understanding and forgiving.

Going through a tough time what is needed is an extension of our hearts, hands and to some extent our prayers.

I Am Strong and Blessed

Sometimes I find myself in situations that my not necessarily be right or divinely designed for me, and I am convinced that when I am where I'm supposed to be even though there may be some challenges along the way, I will by extension be happy, I see happiness as a symbolic expression or an attempt to express the radiance of the divine shining through me.

We all know when we are being celebrated or just simply being tolerated, I think of those experiences, situations and people who brought happiness to my life and then there were those areas of time when I know in my inner deep place of knowing that I were being tolerated. Then I find myself in the valley of indecision, I feel that I have no option or way out, but the challenge is always what choice to make, do I make the choice myself or do I wait for someone else to make the choice for me? The choice which will affect my life. Well frankly this is as good as it gets even though I am as miserable as I can ever be.

Heaven and hell isn't somewhere or some place out of this world it's here and now but who says things can't get better or that I do not deserve better who says that I DO NOT because I am woman, I am strong and blessed. Blessed.

I Am Woman A Motivational Poem From The Heart And Soul

I come in many shapes and colors

. I am soft and delicate, but nothing to play with.  I stand on my own two feet, I depend on one.

I am Woman, I am strong, beautiful, unique, a fighter and survivor. I am Woman, irresistible, seductive, sexy, and voluptuous. Yes I am

I play many roles, Mother, Aunt, Sister and Grandmother. I’m bad and loving it. Looking good like a woman should, I stand out like a skyscraper and stand strong like a house build with bricks.

I get a kick out of challenges, nothing holds me down.  I’m always ready for the next round. I do need love from a good man, a man that’s not afraid to really be what a man should.

I am Woman seducing you with the swing of my hips, temptation at its best.  My soft curves and my beautiful tresses are longing for your soft caress. I am defined by my mind not my beauty. One look in my eyes and you are mesmerize by my strength, my dedication and strive to survive.

I’m a proud lover and achiever letting no one astray me from my ambition. I’m more sensitive then the opposite sex, but I fight my battles and have won many wars. I hold it down like no other, protecting my children from life’s evil. Molding them into their best physically and morally and I must say I look pretty good doing it.

Woman to Woman we go through a lot struggling to be to be treated as equal in society and in relationships. We love hard with disregard of how we are sometimes treated. We deserve the best and never the less we will always be Queens of our throne.

I am proud of my womanhood, I am proud of who I am. Independent, strong willed, provider, nurturing and flamboyant of my style. I love driving men wild.

Loving who I am every part of me, I’m not perfected but I am a site to see.
I am Woman

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/poetry-articles/i-am-woman-a-motivational-poem-from-the-heart-and-soul-896126.html#ixzz0zoT1BIPu
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

Those Who Judge Don't Matter

Those who judge don't matter, those who matter don't judge.

It is absolutely amazing how in spite of all the changes life throws at me or those I may have created on my own, the real true loving people in my life do not judge me, they motivate me to keep on going when I'm down.  I really know who my true friends are, I love and appreciate them. I don't take them for granted though they may not give me advice, they listen and that helps to save my sanity.

Take a little time today and consider those people in your life who have demonstrated the true marks of friendship and offer up a prayer of thanksgiving for them let them know that you consider it a blessing to have them in your life and that you love and appreciate them.

I love you children, sisters, aunts,friends ,nieces, nephews and grandchildren


Love Sylvia

If You Don't Like Your Harvest, Change Your Seed

If You Don't Like Your Harvest, Change Your Seed.

We all face trials of different kinds and in order to deal with our challenges effectively, we will realize that we have to replace something negative with something positive, the first thing that we need to replace when it gets to inner cleansing is resentment, its blocking a lot of good things from happening in our lives, replace resentment with forgiveness.

Forgiving ourselves and others is the beginning of peace in our hearts. Next fear, fear seems to be always lurking over our shoulders, replace fear if we are to be powerful in our day to day living. The most destructive of all emotional baggage we have to replace would be hate, both fear and hate have to be replaced with love and happiness, and joy can't help but follow.

Criticism and condemnation, whether expressed or not are killers. These two kill our joy and may even kill our souls,get rid of them by appreciating and blessing others. And that emotion jealousy, we should avoid that as much as possible. replace it with trust as fast as you can. I know that if something is not working for me if I am not getting the results that I desire in my life, then I am the one who has to do the work.

If I don't like my harvest, I have to change my seed.