A new day is rising...

I see the Divine in the flowers, trees, and bird song. I see the Divine in you and sometimes me. I strive to see the beauty of creation in everything and everyone. There is a grace, a blessing, and unconditional loving presence above, below, and within all things and all life.

I believe this unconditional loving presence is so abundant it cannot be imprisoned by hate and greed. Even when the powers that be lie and manipulate to control and fuel their ego, the presence of love seeps through.

I rejoice in the unconditional love that always finds a way to comfort and heal. When we are at our last breath, this loving power is there to keep us from drowning.

We are the emanations of this love. We are here for a purpose. We must share the light and love of spirit. Turn off the internet. Stop watching the commercials. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and your Amazon account can wait.

Sing a song of gratitude. Let your joy for life shine. Know that unconditional love will always negate the darkness.

A new day is rising.

Nature's abundant beauty...

Our world offers us exquisite beauty to focus on each day. Here in the New England area where I live, the leaves are changing color, the deer are coming more into the open areas and the sun mixes wonderfully with cooler temperatures.

I think that when we focus on the abundant beauty in nature, our demeanor becomes more calm, peaceful, and beautiful. When we are open and accepting of love and friendship we become more loving and friendly.

Please know I am not naive. I hear the hate. I see the fear. However life has shown me, hate does not serve me. Hate is an idea of the frail human ego. Love is an emanation of the Divine.

When we focus on peace, calm, and compassion, we are ripples of these Divine characteristics in our community.

I find that when I am afraid, anxious, and in turmoil, I go inward. I breathe, I pray, and I meditate. I listen to that "still, small voice." I listen to my Higher Self. This process brings me peace. My body relaxes and my mind let's go. I find myself in an experience of beauty and harmony.

Let your light shine

I was raised Catholic.  I am catholic.  I love the words of Jesus.  In the new testament, Lamsa translation from the Aramaic, Jesus's language, Matthew writes in Chapter 5 the Sermon on the Mount.  From this writing, I have always been drawn to the Beatitudes.  The Beatitudes speak to me today.

"Blessed are the humble, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

I look for humble, wise, and caring leadership.  My humility reminds me we accomplish nothing on our own.  Many others will always play a part in our success and service.

"Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted."

In this time of the COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement for Social Justice, there Is too much to mourn.  Our collective grief is overwhelming.  Our only sane solution is unity and compassion.

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be well satisfied."

Worldwide, millions hunger and thirst for justice.  Racism, sexism, poverty, hatred, gender prejudice, and violence towards those we perceive as different must end now.  Love and fellowship are the only answer.

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall have mercy."

I pray to release my judgement and to be more forgiving and merciful.

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."

I am privileged to live with the pure in heart.  My beloved wife Sandra and our daughter Ashley are both pure in heart.  I see God in them each and every day.

"Blessed are the peace makers, for they shall be called the children of God."

My intention has always been focused on peace.  To be a peacemaker you stand with the great spirited warriors; Jesus, Buddha, Gandhi, St. Francis, Mother Theresa, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Nelson Mandela.

"Blessed are those who are presented for the sake of justice, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."

This persecution is sadly part of humanity.  The persecutions are historical; slavery, holocaust, genocide, apartheid, and they continue on the streets of our cities today.

"Blessed are you who reproach you and persecute you and speak against you every kind of evil, falsely, for any sake."

This has happened to each and every one of us who we speak the truth with integrity, empathy, compassion, and love.

Gratitude can change everything

Gratitude can transform a mundane day into a celebration of Thanksgiving.  It can turn boring routines into moments of awareness and joy.

We have the power to choose.  We can change our perspective and see something or someone with fresh eyes. We can expand our world view.

Gratitude has been proven to enhance physical and psychology well being.

Here are a few of the research based benefits of gratitude:

• enhanced long term happiness
• enhanced positive emotions
• increased social supports
• increased optimism
• improved mental health and reduced stress
• reduced blood pressure
• improved sleep

We have an opportunity each day to create our lives with positivity by putting our focus on gratitude.

Gratitude is loving, and in that love, we become a better version of us.