Merry Christmas: A Reflective Moment!

Farewell Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
July 18, 1918 - December 5, 2013

Today we are saying farewell to a global icon who fought for peace, justice and equality. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, former President of South Africa, passed away today at the age of 95. I wrote about him in July when he celebrated his 95th birthday, ironically because my birthday is also in July. He fought a good fight. He is admired by so many around the world. He and his message will not be forgotten! Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the citizens of his country who loved, respected and adored him so much!

Tribute written for Nelson Mandela's 95th birthday.
http://www.diversitiesofgifts.blogspot.com/2013/07/saluting-nelson-rolihlahla-mandela.html

Happy Hanukkah!

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

We celebrate Thanksgiving Day with food, fun and family. Yet, today is not the only day to show your thanks and appreciation for your many blessings. Give thanks every day!

Wishing you a safe Thanksgiving Day!

No One Should Go Hungry in This Country

We will be celebrating Thanksgiving Day on Thursday November 28th. Traditionally, this is a celebratory time of the season where families and friends gather together to partake in a feast and socializing on this day. While we reflect on stories of the first Thanksgiving, let’s be mindful to fast-forward that time to the present: Sharing + Food + Fellowship.

We are highlighting Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity. Their mission is to feed America’s hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger. According to FeedingAmerica.org, hunger in America exists for over 50 million people. That is 1 in 6 of the U.S. population – including more than 1 in 5 children.

On their Hunger & Poverty Statistics page, it lists the hard core facts regarding supplemental poverty measure and food insecurity. There are several ways to get involved: volunteering, becoming an advocate, become a partner and spreading the word through various channels like social media. There are so many things that we should not and cannot take for granted. Wasting food when we have the means is something we must be mindful of, and recognize that unfortunately far too many people do not have the luxury of eating whenever they want to, if at all.

Throughout the year, we must be cognizant of the fact that there are so many people who would love a morsel of what we eat or throw away each day. We may not be able to completely eradicate this hunger problem, but we can do a little something to help ease the painful consequences resulting from hunger.

Saluting Our Veterans on Veterans Day!

Goodbye James Farmer!

So often, we get to a point in our lives when we come to a crossroad of sorts in our day-to-day living that certain events can leave us befuddled. When we see the senseless loss of lives or those suddenly taken from us without warning, it’s a hard pill to swallow. This morning, shortly after everyone got to work, we learned that one of the members of our corporate family passed away last night.

James Farmer, our CFO left us suddenly, unexpectedly and in a state of shock. Although we felt like life itself was momentarily sucked out of us when we read the corporate email from our President, we had to refocus on praying for his family. Loss is something that seems to be all too familiar to us the older we get. Perhaps it’s because it sinks in more than it did when we were younger. Or perhaps it is hitting home more than we realize. Or maybe it’s because of the relationships we build, whether personal or professional, are broken without warning at times.

For a while, we find that we are kinder, more sensitive to the needs of others and even more prayerful than we probably were before coming to work. Yet, at the same time, we feel compassion for the pain that James’ wife, children and the rest of his family are going through right now. We pray that God will grant them continued strength, comfort and healing.

We will always remember his huge smile, how he always dressed professionally and neatly (I never ever saw him without a sharp tie) and his strong work ethic. So long James! We will certainly miss you! 

Say NO to Domestic Violence!

Is it me or does it seem like domestic violence is getting worse? Today a co-worker told me about a tragic incident that happened yesterday involving one of her cousins. The result of the altercation left 2 people dead, one an innocent victim and the other the abuser. This is so sad and disturbing. The cycle of violence must cease. There are too many people losing their lives senselessly and there is so much heartache and pain that can be avoided.

Sometimes we have to look at the personal choices we make and see whether we are putting loved ones in danger. Abusers need help, but won't seek it. Victims sometimes feel that there is no way out or they're too embarrassed to seek assistance to escape the torture. I've witnessed too much hurt and pain resulting from domestic abuse and it is crippling. What will it take to live in peace within our own homes? How can the violence be stopped without innocent people getting hurt or killed? What can we do to avoid raising a new generation of abusers? My LORD, there is so much work to be done, but less work can be done when people seek you and find peace and comfort in your WORD!

Although we commemorate National Domestic Abuse Awareness Month in October, this is an ongoing problem throughout the year. May we be mindful and wakeup to the poison and torture this type of abuse brings. It's grip is shredding too many families and this plague must stop! Please, for God's sake, let's put an end to this epidemic.

Today is National Color Day

How does color affect your life? What does it say about you and your personality? Today is designated as a day to celebrate how color influences what you wear, how you decorate and the mood it puts you in. How does color affect your spirit? Color is a part of our culture. It is symbolic among many different cultures. According to Digital Skratch and Pantone, here are characteristics of color families.

Red is a very strong color. It is a noticeable color that is often used on caution and warning signs. It is often associated with stop or "beware". It’s a hot color that evokes a powerful emotion of passion, lust, sex, energy, blood and war. Red is a good color to use for accents that need to take notice over other colors. Red is often used in flags for nations, as it is a symbol of pride and strength. It is also a sporty color that many car manufactures choose to showcase their signature vehicles.

Orange is a combination of Red and Yellow. It is also a bright and warm color. It represents fire, the sun, fun, warmth and tropical images. It is considered a fun light color that has appetizing qualities to it. Orange increases oxygen supply to the brain and stimulates mental activity. It is highly accepted among young people. As a citrus color, orange is associated with healthy food and stimulates appetite. Any design relating to the tropics, something fun, easy going and youthful should incorporate some type of orange into the design. A darker, richer shade of orange can be associated with autumn.

Yellow is the brightest color to the human eye. It represents youth, fun, happiness, sunshine and other light playful feelings. It is a cheerful energetic color. Yellow is often used for children’s toys and clothes. Yellow is often hard to read when placed on a white background so designers must be careful when using yellow, that it isn't’t too difficult to read or notice. Though yellow is a bright cheerful color, as it starts to darken it, however, quickly becomes a dirty and unpleasant color. Yellow can also be associated with being scared and, cowards. The term "yellow belly" is proof of that.

Green is the color of nature and health. It represents growth, nature, money, fertility and safety. Green is a relaxing color that is easy on the eye and has a healing power to it. It is often used to represent anything having to do with health. Many pharmaceutical and nutritional companies use green in their logos and material to advertise safe natural products. Dark green is commonly associated with the military, money, finance, and banking. However it can also be associated with being new or inexperienced as being green or a "green horn". Green is becoming a very popular color in design for web sites.

Blue is a cool calming color that shows creativity and intelligence. It is a popular color among large corporations, hospitals and airlines.  It is a color of loyalty, strength, wisdom and trust. Blue has a calming effect on the psyche. Blue is the color of the sky and the sea and is often used to represent those images. Blue is a color that generally looks good in almost any shade and is a popular color among males. Blue is not a good color when used for food as there are few blue foods found in nature and it suppresses the appetite.

Purple combines the stability of blue and the energy of red. Throughout history purple has been associated with royalty, nobility and prestige. It symbolizes mystery, magic, power and luxury. Purple is often used to portray rich powerful kings, leaders, wizards and magicians. Purple combined with gold can be flashy and portray wealth and extravagance. Light purple and pink is good for a feminine design and is a popular color among teenage girls. Bright purple along with yellow is commonly used in promoting children's products. It gives the appearance of something that is fun and easy to do.

Black is often a color used to portray something evil, depressing, scary or even death in western civilization.  It has negative imagery with it at times such as "black mail" "black list" "black hole" etc. Black is also a very powerful color that also portrays one of class elegance and wealth.  Classy clothing is designed in black from the "power suit" to the "sexy black dress" to formal "black-tie attire". Black combined with other colors can have a very strong statement.  Black is a color that can fit into almost every design to add contrast, type, and make the other colors stand out more.

White is often associated with being pure, clean, fresh and good. The color of a fresh snowstorm brings up images of a peaceful and pure winter scene. White is a common background for Webster's as it is easy to read black or dark text on it. When used with a design using lots of negative space it gives a very clean look to it. White is also used lots for charities and non-profit organizations to denote something good and positive. Hollywood often portrays their characters in white as being good; the white horse, the cowboy with the white hat, the white wizard etc.  White usually is associated with being pure and almost heavenly, it is associated with hospitals, doctors, and heaven.

Words of Wisdom from Dr. Charles Stanley

Prayer is one of the sweetest experiences in all of life, but it’s also one of our greatest struggles. Since prayer is a battle, we need to think of ourselves as soldiers and realize that our Commander has provided everything we need to be victorious. Besides being appropriately dressed for battle, a soldier must be watchful, determined, persistent, knowledgeable and obedient to his commander’s instructions.

The next time you get on your knees, remember that you’re entering a battleground. So stand firm and never give up, because your effectiveness and personal victory in Christ are linked to the time you spend with the Lord in prayer.

This excerpt came from the origninal editorial written by Dr. Stanley, from In Touch Magazine (October, 2013).

His Silent Communication Spoke Volumes to Me

Clutching his crooked ebony walking stick, a fragile-looking old gentleman took daily strolls along the shoulder of the winding streets in our neighborhood. He waved at every oncomer. His rhythmic strides were purposeful, not pretentious or hasty. I had no clue who this man was, but just the same I would impulsively wave back.

Often, while I was rushing off to work,...

Read more

Original Post: The Christian Science Monitor

http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0219/p18s04-hfes.html

What Will Your Legacy Be?

Everyone has “History” or “Herstory,” no matter how old you may be. As the evolution of life continues, we find just like that of a tree, people are born and people die. However, we must not take lightly the way we live and the contributions we make to ensure that the generations who follow us will be equipped for their life’s journey.

Unfortunately, all too often we make critical errors in judgment that could curse the fruits of our roots; decisions that could have massive consequences on the growth and development of generations to come. So as we pause and reflect on celebrating “What Will Be Your Legacy Month,” let us think about how we appear to others, just as others appear to us. Do we want to live in embarrassment by not setting a positive and empowering example to those who follow in our genealogical pool? On the other hand, are we challenging the generations who follow to raise the bar on going further than we went, just as we raised the bar on how far we successfully traveled in the shadows of our ancestors. Are you better off…worse or stagnant?

Quote From Carol Burnett

Image Credit: operagasm.com

Words, once they are printed, have a life of their own.

~ Carol Burnett

Today Is National Cheesecake Day!

Now, this isn’t one of those “officially” declared days of celebration by the President of the United States of America or an elected town official, but it is certainly a rich and delectable day to celebrate cheesecake officially! According to historical archives, cheesecake is believed to have its origins in ancient Greece, over 4,000 years ago, on the island of Samos. Although we really don’t need a reason to delve into this creamy dessert that so many of us have come to know, cheesecake is truly one of our favorite comfort foods.

As a fan of “The Golden Girls” television show, I especially loved the part when someone would grab the cheesecake and saucers when one of the characters was facing a crisis. Estelle Getty (Sophia), Bea Arthur (Dorothy), Rue McClanahan (Blanche) and Betty White (Rose) always sat down with a slice of mouthwatering cheesecake, fellowshipped and solved the problem with good, fun and encouraging conversation. I hated to miss an episode! I loved this show and the part where they brought out the cheesecake!

So whether you are having a Golden Girls moment, a Divas brunch or a Boys Club conclave, just close your eyes and allow the creamy, rich taste of heavenly bliss tantalize your taste buds! It’s National Cheesecake Day, so dive in and indulge your senses!

And look at what I found! The Cheesecake Factory is offering ½ price on a slice of cheesecake in celebration of National Cheesecake Day today!

Don’t miss it!!! And by the way, what is your favorite cheesecake? Personally, I love good old cherry-topped cheesecake and a cup of tea! Sheer bliss!!!

Saluting Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela: An Activist, A Messenger, A Global Icon

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, born on July 18, 1918, will always be known as the iconic South African leader who fought for peace and human rights in a country where apartheid, a political system that encouraged segregation impeded freedom for the poor and oppressed. Nelson Mandela served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the first Black South African to hold this office and the first elected in a fully representative and multiracial election in the country.

In 1962, Mandela was arrested and convicted of sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government. He served twenty-seven years in prison. An international campaign lobbied for his release that was granted in 1990. He is described as The Father of the Nation and is held in deep respect and admiration in South Africa. Among his more than 250 global awards, here are some:

Nobel Peace Prize, Time's Person of the Year, Bharat Ratna, Presidential Medal of Freedom, Congressional  Gold Medal, Sakharov Prize, Gandhi Peace Prize, Lenin Peace Prize, Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding, Al-Gaddafi International Prize for Human Rights, Order of the Nile, United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights, Indira Gandhi Award for International Justice and Harmony, Ambassador of Conscience Award, UNESCO Peace Prize, Carter–Menil Human Rights Prize, J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding, Simon Bolivar International Prize, Harvard Business School Statesman of the Year Award, W E B DuBois International Medal (from Wikipedia).

The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory contributes to a society, which remembers its pasts, listens to all its voices, and pursues social justice in order to promote peace, human rights and democracy. http://www.nelsonmandela.org/. There was a song that was sung and dedicated to Nelson Mandela sung by Nona Hendryx, a great singer that I absolutely adore and want you to listen to.  The song is called “Winds of Change” so please check it out!

We celebrate today, International Nelson Mandela Day, on his 95th birthday! Happy Birthday President Mandela!

Rain On My Parade? It Depends On My Attitude!

The expression “Don’t Rain on My Parade” essentially means that someone tries to ruin your celebration of achievement or happiness, by saying or doing something to put a damper on your spirits out of malice. However, your response is to let them know that no matter what they try to do to put a damper on your celebration, you won’t allow them to! “Don’t Rain on My Parade” is also a song that was sung by Barbra Streisand in the 1964 musical, “Funny Girl.”

Nevertheless, this saying came to mind this morning as I listened to the countless complaints echoing from so many people about the downpours of rain that has been consistently hitting the East coast in particular, over the past few months. Although we see many plants and trees uprooted by the overly saturated waters, find some areas flooded, or see the destruction resulting in potholes on many heavily traveled roads and even private residential streets, water is still an essential part of life. And as much as we hoped that our 4^th of July plans and outdoor activities would not be “ruined” by the rain, I could actually think of much, much worse that could happen. For that reason alone, I try to bridle my tongue so that my complaints would not sound like ungratefulness.

I would rather have the daily showers, in spite of the little inconveniences, as opposed to those who lost their homes in the Midwest due to the unpredictable tornados that swept through so many areas and destroyed so much in its path. No one knows where to begin in order to salvage or how to start rebuilding again because they lost practically all of their possessions. I would rather have the rainy days as opposed to the people who lost their homes due to wildfires that consumed their properties within a matter of minutes, going up in flames and resulting in ashes. I would rather deal with the rain, as opposed to the earthquakes or drought that so many people are suffering from that is literally swallowing up things and even people as the earth rumbles and opens up.

I realize that many areas experience their own climate giants. But it’s the attitude and proactiveness that you have towards that giant, your personal Goliath, which will either break you or strengthen you. So, how do you deal with the circumstances when you are confronted with someone or some situation wanting to rain on your parade? The umbrella is in your hand!

To end on a lighter note I wanted to share this link of that 1964 movie “Funny Girl” with Barbra Streisand singing that classic tune "Don't Rain on My Parade!" Enjoy your day, no matter how rainy, windy or scorching hot the day is!

Today Is National Camera Day & We’re Celebrating Our Love of Taking Pictures!

Pinterest Board: Click On Image

Do you love cameras? Do you still take pictures with them versus the phone cameras? Today is National Camera Day! While I love the convenience and cost effectiveness of digital cameras, I still love the feel, look, nostalgia and mechanics of vintage cameras. I love photography, and the essence of capturing an image as it appears at that moment.

This picture is from one of my boards on Pinterest. Do you have a board on Pinterest that you want to share your pictures of vintage cameras with other camera enthusiasts? Happy National Camera Day!

The Sun, Moon and Rainbow!

You know, sometimes you have to stand in awe and watch the beautiful blossoms of God’s grand creation, speak uniquely in their natural personal appearances, which cannot be orchestrated by man. While driving home this evening just before darkness crept up, we had a rainshower during the same time the sun came out. Old folks used to say in certain cultures that this was a sign the Devil was beating his wife! Go figure and don’t ask!

But after the showers, as expected I saw the beautiful arch of a rainbow opposite the brilliance of the sun. Although the sight of a rainbow makes my heart skip a beat, because it is a clear reminder of the beauty that lies after a storm, I saw something else that peaked through the opening of some white clouds in front of the backdrop of a blue sky. Incredibly, it was a perfect half moon. I wanted to pull over out of the traffic, because I simply could not believe that I was witnessing the cameo appearances of the sun, moon and a rainbow all at the same time!

All I could say at that moment was “WOW, God you are so awesome!” I couldn’t even take a picture that would come close to grasping the beauty and emotion I was feeling at that moment. Sometimes, just when we least expect it, God will whisper to us, “Psst, come here and let me show you something” or “Hey, would you take a look at this!” If you are intuned to hear and listen His voice when He speaks, no matter where you are or what is going on around you, God will reveal some amazing and spectacular things, that can change your life in a miraculous way!

Memories On Father's Day!

This year, I join the many people who will celebrate the first Father’s Day without their father. When my father passed away a month ago, just a few days shy of Mother’s Day, you don’t really think about their absence during the time your grief is brand new and fresh. Today, I am not certain if I feel sadness or a void that will never be filled, but I do sense an aloofness of thought at the moment. It’s a thought that I know is a reality and don’t dispel, but I think my thought process is reactivating memories of a time that once was.

Losing your parents almost takes you back to a mental position where you were, when you were just getting out in the world on your own. It sort of feels like you are learning to fly all over again. Yet, this time around, the flight is not foreign, but a continuation of a journey. It’s sort of like a layover when you are traveling by airplane.

Gone, but not forgotten takes on a completely different meaning. Yet, we begin new memories, although these cannot serve as a replacement memory of those past experiences. I implore all fathers, even those who lack the type of parenting skills that kids need nowadays, to step up to the plate and help our young people become valuable additions and contributors to society.  Mothers of course, are extremely important, especially where that nurturing spirit and support comes into play with her children. However, some fathers don’t realize what a vital role they play in the strength and bonding of his family. Fathers are supposed to compliment mothers and vice versa, even if a divorce is a part of the equation.

So on this beautiful Father’s Day, I want to wish all of the fathers, as well as mothers who had to step in for an absentee father, to enjoy and celebrate this day! For those fathers who are away from their children, perhaps due to military deployment, we pray for your safe and speedy return to your family.

Happy Father’s Day!

Have You Identified Your Gift?

Sometimes the way we are able to retain and think about the things that apply to life and how it affects us, is to write those thoughts down, read over what you wrote, pray about it and allow it to penetrate in your spirit to make positive contributions to life!

How have you identified, defined and understood your purpose, talent and gift responsibility? Is your gift evident in your walk, conversation and servitude? What are you doing on a daily basis to strengthen your gift? How are you sharing your gift with others?

Thought for TODAY Reminder from Mahatma Gandhi

"Learn as if you were going to live forever. Live as if you were going to die tomorrow." 

-Mahatma Gandhi

Preparing for a Final Farewell

As I sit here thinking about the emotionally charged tragedies and events that took place this week, I prayed to God for granting those families a double dose of strength to help them through their crisis, although I didn’t know any of them. There were situations where some people became a victim while trying to be a Good Samaritan, while others faced watching loved ones slip away from this life, due to a long or short-term illness.

As of yesterday morning, my family has joined the ranks of those families this week who are mourning over the departing of a friend, family member or even the close companionship of a pet. Although we knew what the doctor’s diagnosis was for my father’s condition due to suffering a heart attack two days before Christmas (December 23, 2012), you are still never fully prepared for “that” phone call in the wee hours of the night or morning announcing that they are gone from this life forever. Early yesterday morning at 1:52a.m., I was awaken by “that” phone call. When I looked at the caller ID and I looked at the time, “I knew” and my heart began racing faster than the speed of any NASCAR driver’s car engine. I could not control that, because it was natural and I just had to go with the flow.

Your mind begins to race like a child’s spinning top toy and you become literally numb. This isn’t the first time I experienced this and it certainly won’t be the last, as long as I am living.  It’s never easy, unless you have no emotional attachment to life, but as you are faced with the reality of a dearly departed family member or friend, you go through a roller coaster of highs and lows that you just have to let happen. At some point however, you have to get off that ride and move on, not getting over it, but dealing with and getting through it.  

While sitting here drafting words for my father’s obituary, then planning to collaborate with the thoughts from my sister and brothers later today, I needed to write down my current thoughts and feelings from just this week’s tragic events alone, in order to garner “that” strength to make it through this grief. While the emotion drifting in the air from my father’s transition, which happened a few days before Mother’s Day (my mother passed away from this life on Easter Sunday 2003), I am still strengthened (in an ethereal kind of way) by these occurrences. The time my parents were here on this side of life was theirs. How they lived it, was on them. Now, I am standing with a little more strength to do “this,” to make my time here more meaningful and to strive every day to leave a legacy that will be a helpmate and not a “hinder-mate” on this side of life for someone who truly needs it. For all of our foreparents, and us, just as it was for my parents “The life I live, will definitely speak for me!”

In times of grief you need some moments alone, in the quiet of the morning, when unspoken words resonate with an epiphany of what you need to do and how you have to respond, whether you like or agree with the answer or not. Despite the fact that everyone’s pain and tragedies are different, no one tries to boast about “My pain and tragedy is worse than yours!” A connection of compassion and peaceful reassurance needs no explanation between people who are “going through” some things. We all have our issues. I think that leaning on God’s Everlasting Arms is that one thing reassuring me the most; and that assurance gives me the courage and strength to do what sometimes seems like an impossible task!

The Finale of National Poetry Month with "Mountain So High"

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring

good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who

proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’”

- Isaiah 52:7 (NIV)

Mountain So High

A majestic piece of sculpture

eloquently draped in peaks and valleys

commands prestigious attention

by ethereal conception.

Highs of joy

lows of tribulation

integrate to find balance

and common ground.

How do you climb a mountain so high?

Where ruggedness and challenges transcend?

Elevating to claim victory

while obstructing the grip of defeat.

There’s nothing wrong with asking for help

persuaded the mighty voice sublime

getting over this massive mound

the direction is seek and ye shall find.

With fascination the hard core stones

had cracks where green trees grew.

Impossible! How could that be?

It’s amazing what a little faith and perseverance can do.

I came upon an opening

pierced in the mountain’s side forlorn

bright light appeared near the tunnel’s end

illuminating a ray of hope.

You see my child

mountains are many

and as your tour guide

you may not have to climb those mountains at all.

For a tunnel I make

to ease your journey

leading you to the other side

from whence I call.

* This poem is from the collection found in the book Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit (2009)

Celebrating National Poetry Month with "Sign of the Covenant"

Sign of the Covenant

Look to the rainbow

the sign of the covenant God said He made

between me, you and every living creature of all flesh

an infusion of mystical particles

magically sprinkling colorful sparkles through the clouds

where rain exits and the sun enters

acknowledging each other’s presence by uniting

forming an arch of unbelievable vibrant colors

admired by those who look up

and recognize the sign of hope and promise

all within the color wheel of a rainbow.

After the great flood in the beginning

lasting forty days upon the earth

waters increasing high above the land

where even the mountaintops could not be seen

as the waters subsided

God commanded Noah and his house to go forth

to breed abundantly

declaring never again shall the mighty waters

of a great flood

come to destroy all flesh and the earth.

Look to the rainbow

tis the sign of promise for all future generations

in all of its magnificence in shades of royal flair

a blessed covenant from God

wrapped in unyielding reassurance

knowing that He will never forsake you

confident He’ll always be there!

*This poem, Sign of the Covenant, is from the book Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit (2009)

“And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come:

I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.

Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds,

I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.

Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”

- Genesis 9:12-16 (NIV)

National Poetry Month Poem of the Day: A Flourishing Root System

A Flourishing Root System

What are you grounded in?

What do you feed your soul?

Do you have what it takes to bear good fruit

when the harvest approaches to unfold?

What shows on the outside begins from within

prune to remove the elements that block your growth.

If you feed your spirit with hate

animosity, jealousy, envy and greed

so too shall your soul grow and flourish in these things.

If your spirit is fed with love

sharing, giving, compassion and truth

so too shall your soul be blessed

to grow and flourish in these things.

What you feed yourself with

will be passed on to your offspring

and the legacy continues

growing and flourishing in these things.

From afar

regal and towering

a century year old oak tree stands

swooping branches and sprawling limbs

enduring years of hurricanes, tornados and drought.

What’s the fate of a tree so old

weakening to finally succumb to the elements

yet looking around

at the tender young seedlings underneath

revealing the next generation to carry on.

A seed planted on solid fertile ground

can germinate to shelter, heal or bond.

The tainted seed can debilitate a country

breakup a family

destroy a community

or simply drive you crazy.

A weed will rob nearby energy sources

strengthening its root system

a nuisance multiplying like wild fire

an infestation that needs extermination.

Lack of a good healthy root system

breeds a poison with deadly consequences.

A seed once planted

should not be abandoned

snaking its way in contaminated darkness

give it water and nutrients

fertilize with goodness and understanding

be proud of the abundance that you sow.

“He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
- Jeremiah 17:8 (NIV)

This poem was published in the book "Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit" in 2009.

"Facets of Dawn:" A Poem from the book Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit

“The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.”

- Proverbs 4:18 (NIV)

Facets of Dawn

(2006 Grand Prize Winner of the Oneswan Productions

Writing Competition)

Placidly in the call of morning’s innocence

the eastern sun begins to slowly ascend

silence is broken by the stirring of life

familiar sounds declaring night’s impending end.

Flavors of dew sprinkling over the slumbering milieu

delightful aromas permeating fresh air

chromatic mist sparkles like the magic of fairy dust

invigorating zest bursting with psychedelic flair.

A time to pray, reflect and praise

planting, nourishing and reaping

exterminating the weeds of asphyxiation

abundant harvest for sharing not keeping.

Here I am oh gracious and precious LORD

what purpose will you have for me today?

Will it change on tomorrow or remain the same

an assignment too great to ignore or cast away.

Through grace we cannot grow weary

called to do that which is lawfully right

the work of the righteous is not yet finished

dedicated laborers are pleasing in God’s sight.

Time is of the quintessential essence

tides of spiritual vexation are on the rise

beckoning for strength corrupting the enemy’s work

thanksgiving for the ultimate eternal prize.

For the present is past, existing nevermore

look towards the hill, as dusk slowly erases day

a cornucopia of blessings for your faithful work

gratitude that won’t easily fade away.

Celebrating National Poetry Month, we are featuring this poem which appears in the book, Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit by Author Kym Gordon Moore. (2009)

Wings of the Wind: A Cornucopia of Poetry by Author Kym Gordon Moore

Wings of the Wind: A Cornucopia of Poetry is an eclectic full-length collection of poems depicting experiences illustrated through diverse forms of self-expression. Kym Gordon Moore portrays versatility in rhymed and free verse poems that convey stories about people, places, nature, inspiration, cuisine, music, celebrations, epiphanies and inanimate objects. Included in her compilation is a metrical sample of a Pantoum, Limerick, Elegy and Haiku.

Wings of the Wind: A Cornucopia of Poetry contains 81 carefully chosen poems that are significant to the foundation of this collection and easy for readers to identify with. Besieged by segmented poetic elements of flight, your journey through the pages of this book will be entertaining, educational, emotional, nostalgic, stimulating and edifying.

Kym Gordon Moore, also author of “Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit” is an award-winning recipient in poetry contests such as the Edward Davin Vickers Memorial Award and Oneswan Productions Writing Competition. Her poems appeared in Writers Digest Magazine, Poets for Peace: A Collection, Reach of Song, Home for the Holidays and The Blind Man’s Rainbow anthologies. She was selected as one of the contributing authors for Chicken Soup for the Soul: Thanks Mom.

Kym is the co-founder of “Favorite Things for a CAUSE, a member of the American Author’s Association, the North Carolina Writer’s Network, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, American Marketing Association and the Poetry Society of America. She was also selected as one of the U.S. 2012 and 2013 National World Book Night Volunteers for North Carolina. Kym holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice, an MBA with a concentration in marketing, certification as an email marketing specialist and certification as a corporate spokesperson. As one of the three 2009 General Mills Feeding Dreams Community Champions for the Charlotte, North Carolina market, Kym was recognized for her volunteerism with the Dove’s Nest, a subsidiary of The Charlotte Rescue Mission.

Kym's book can be purchased at BarnesandNoble.com, Amazon.com and OutskirtsPress.com. Visit her website www.kymgmoore.com, her blogs http://frombehindthepen.wordpress.com/, http://www.teaandpoetrybookclub.blogspot.com/  and connect with the author through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Google +.

What A Day of Rejoicing!

Today is such a wonderful and beautiful day, just as every day is. When my mother died on Easter Sunday, 10 years ago, I mourned a very personal and heartbreaking loss. Then, through it all, I realized that her death on this earth was actually the beginning of a new life for her and commemorating that on Easter is even more precious to me than the finest jewels.

 

I want to take this moment to wish everyone a joyous Easter. Beyond the Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies and Easter baskets, let us look to the “Son-rise” and witness a light that is more spectacular than anything we have ever seen before.

 

Happy Easter and enjoy another day to celebrate 

the Risen Christ!

Remembering Good Friday

As Maundy Thursday leaves and births this day that we observe as Good Friday, we can’t help but become absorbed in the somberness of these historic days leading up to Easter. Maundy Thursday, also known as “Holy Thursday” or referenced as “Great Thursday” commemorates the foot-washing ceremony and the Last Supper that Jesus shared with His Disciples the night before he was crucified.

“Were you there when they crucified my Lord?” is a familiar song we hear sung during this time. Some give little thought to that song because they think that this event happened well over 2,000 years ago, so how could they be there at Golgotha on this glorious day back then. Well, fast-forward to now. Think about if you have denied The Lord in some way, perhaps unintentional and out of sheer fear, just like Peter did, and not even realize what you were doing. Were you one of those spectators who watched the soldiers brutally nail Jesus to the Cross and did nothing? Compared to today, have you watched someone being tortured and didn’t do anything when you knew that you could? Were you one of the soldiers who inflicted such horrific abuse to Jesus, but followed orders eventhough you knew it was inhumane, humiliating and unethical? Compared to today, have you hurt or bullied someone so horribly just because everyone else did?

As we search within ourselves on this Good Friday and having heard and read about Jesus’ tortuous journey to the Cross, we have to examine what can we do today to walk and behave in the way God wants us to. Sometimes that is a hard thing to do when you are being attacked mentally, emotionally, verbally, physically and spiritually. But just remember, no weapon formed against you shall prosper. They may think they will, but the reality of it is, they are sadly mistaken and will fall in defeat.

Free Your Mind and Do Your Job!

Evil is as prevalent as good. Just as we have a purpose to do what God assigned us to do, the Devil has his mission as well. When God sends His saints on assignment to recruit, the Devil is doing double-time recruiting too. Yes, the Devil is busy, but let us not be blind to the fact that the enemy is only doing his/her job. He/She is out to seek, kill and destroy. We have to step up to the plate and do ours! We have to stop giving the Devil so much credit. This only energizes him/her. But, if the Devil isn’t taking a day off, why should we?

- Excerpt from the book Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit

Page 106

Quote by Dale Carnegie

"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all."

Dale Carnegie, American writer, lecturer, and developer of famous courses in self-improvement 

The Moods by W.B. Yeats

"The Moods"

by W. B. Yeats

Time drops in decay,

Like a candle burnt out,

And the mountains and the woods

Have their day, have their day;

What one in the rout

Of the fire-born moods

Has fallen away?

*This poem is in public domain

Thoughts: How Do the Results of Groundhog Day Affect Your Plans?

Each year on February 2, it is customary that  Punxsutawney Phil will predict whether spring will arrive early or late. If the day is cloudy as the groundhog emerges, then spring will come early. If it is a sunny day however, the groundhog will obviously see its shadow and winter weather will continue for six more weeks. 

After Groundhog Day comes and goes and the predictions are given according to the weather conditions, how many of us actually count the weeks after this day to check the accuracy of this folklore? Some may, but when this question is posed to most people I know, unless they are in the agricultural industry, no one really seems to think about it or monitor the timetable after February 2. Life goes on and apparently we adapt to the current weather conditions, with or without the shadow of Punxsutawney Phil.

Happy Groundhog Day!

Happy Birthday Jackie Robinson!

January 31, 1919-October 24, 1972

Happy Birthday Jackie Robinson, the first Black Major League Baseball player of the modern era. He broke the color line in major league baseball and made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947! You were a true pioneer and we thank you for your sacrifice! 

http://www.biography.com/people/jackie-robinson-9460813

 

Celebrating National Puzzle Day!

Did you know that today is National Puzzle Day? Who knew right?  Puzzles have been around forever from crosswords, Sudoku, find-a-word to jigsaw puzzles. Putting together a jigsaw puzzle was always challenging, entertaining, fun and stimulated the mind.

People are always fascinated by the mechanics of filling in the blanks when putting things together. Each one of us is an enigma in the grand human connection of life. We are different, individuality springing forth like the bud of a flower. We are vital members of the human race and when our piece fits, then we know what part we play in the grand scheme of things.

So today, why not pick up a puzzle and try solving it in celebration of National Puzzle Day? Rekindle the fun of how exciting it is to solve a mystery, while stimulating your mind!

Happy Birthday Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968

Today we celebrate the birthday of an iconic civil rights leader for non-violence. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a prominent member of the American clergy, activist and leader. He is best known for his "I Have A Dream" speech.

Dr. King was one of our trailblazers who helped pave the way for justice and equality for all people. Although he lost his life because of his courage and boldness to fight an uphill battle against the forces of radial discrimination, his legacy remains alive and is an inspiration for all of us today!

Thank you Dr. King for the unselfish sacrifices you made, not just for yourself and your family, but for everyone in our country and touching the world community.

Richard Koch Quote

"The 80/20 principle - that 80 percent of result flow 

from just 20 percent of the causes - is the one true principle of highly effective people."

— Richard Koch: Former management consultant, entrepreneur, and author 

Quote By Earl Nightingale

"We all walk in the dark and each of us must learn
to turn on his or her own light."

— Earl Nightingale: Motivational author and speaker

Emancipation – Liberation – Freedom!

On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation to abolish slavery throughout the nation.  One hundred and fifty years ago, this very important document began a rollercoaster of transformation that changed the lives of every human being across this country. Inevitably, this process of freedom trickled down to the descendants of slaves and slave owners.

We reflect on a few aspects from the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation and apply them to our lives today, regardless of race, creed or gender. If you are a slave to something, whether it is an addiction to drugs, alcohol, food, toxic relationships, procrastination, massive debt, illegal activity of some type, infidelity, illiteracy, complacency or anything else that compromises your integrity and self worth, then it is time for liberation!

As with the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, breaking the chains of anything that has a stronghold on you that keeps you from being the best and most effective person that God designed you to be, is a clear signal that it is time to let it go and move on.  We realize that with good comes bad, with light there will follow darkness and with positivity you will find negativity waiting to shake things up.

In this country, we have many freedoms that other parts of the world could not imagine. We must also be cognizant of the fact that we must assert responsibility for those freedoms and pledge to be accountable for our words, actions and deeds. With wrongdoings, there will be consequences. If we would just pause and listen to that still small voice that all too often we ignore, we will find that in some incredible way, we will be able to help each other rise, shine and soar!

Take a good, long look in the mirror and examine beyond the point of what you physically see. Are there any chains in your life that need to be broken? It’s a new year, so why wait and remain in bondage. Break free NOW! Do it TODAY!