Inspiration

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We are thirsty.

Not thirsty for fame, possessions, passion, or romance.
(Well, maybe.)

We've drunk from those pools. They are salt water
in the desert. They don't quench.

We thirst for righteousness.
We're thirsty for a clean conscience.
We crave a clean slate.
We yearn for a fresh start.
We pray for a hand that will enter the dark cavern of our world,
and do for us the one thing we can't do for ourselves:
make us right again.

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It does not require many words to speak the truth.

When man first appeared on the earth,
spiritual arrogance was not a part of his nature.
He probably didn't claim any great power of speech
as proof of a superiority over the "dumb" creation.

He believed profoundly in silence.
It's a sign of perfect equilibrium.
Silence can be a poise of a balance
of the body, soul, and spirit.

Silence can be the cornerstone of character.

namaste'

Good one, Sky

Silence is a great workout for the ears.

Nature is God's first missionary.
Where there is no written Word, there are sparkling stars.
Where there are no ministers, there is springtime!
If there is nothing but nature, then nature is enough to
reveal something of God.

God's law is not something alien, imposed on us from without.
It is woven into the very fabric of our creation.
There is something deep within people
that echoes God's yes and no, right and wrong.

Yes, nature reveals something deep within us.

My inspiration for today are good memories. Memories that make me smile and feel so full of love.

It's quite strange how the tiniest things can fill my heart with joy. I think if when I was down in Mississippi and just the smallest things can make me smile--all from memory. I was thinking of the love of my life, Ron, and just remembering the tiniest things about when I was down there. Even tonight as I did the dishes I remembered doing his dishes...and just that memory made me smile and feel so full of joy. These memories are those that I cherish.

Memories filled with love, joy, and companionship.

TG

My collection of good memories keeps my head above water too. It's like cud - you can pull it back up anytime and chew on it.

I thought I was the only one with a fond "dishwashing" memory. My son was in high school and a couple of his friends were over, with the stereo blaring. I was in the kitchen washing dishes, but I didn't feel well so I started dancing a little to the rhythm.

My son and his friends saw me dancing to a song by Blackstreet called "No Diggity." Without saying a word, the three of them danced into the kitchen to the beat of the song and started helping me with the dishes and taking out the garbage ("bag it up" is one of the lyrics). By the time the song was finished, my kitchen was clean, they acknowledged me as the "queen pimp" (also from the song), and we all felt good.

I think maybe that's why I love music so much. Whenever I hear that song it places me right back there in the moment.

<font color="blue">Recently there was a short discussion
about certain places that give us inspiration.
One of mine was my church building.
But it isn't the building
- any building -
that really does that is it?

Perhaps it is the catalyst for the feelings
of inspiration
but moreso the spirit within each of us
that connects to what we are viewing
or where we are at the time.

For that moment we feel inspired
we allow our worries to melt away
our thoughts of hunger
or pain
might diminish
just long enough
to be inspired
by something bigger than us.

Peace.

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Perfect times are elusive.
Trying to create them only creates
times of high emotionality when
in reality we ought to be
living ordinary times with
extraordinary love.

In reality it isn't life that
is lived on the peaks that gives
us purpose,
but that which is experienced
during the times in the glen,
when know that love made it
all worthwhile.

<font color="blue">My favorite bird is also the State bird.
The mockingbird is pretty with a very long tail,
and mostly grey feathering, with white stripes on
it's wings.

A regular sits on the peak of the neighbors roof
and sings it's heart out each morning and again
at evening.

It's loud enough for me to hear well enough and enjoy.
The mockingbird sings all the sounds it's learned...
and can even mock frogs and crickets.

It learns from what it hears.

My most favorite thing is that it is the only bird
that can sing while flying.
Other birds can squawk or caw, but only the
mockingbird can sing a tune etc while flying.

It shows that we too, can sing
no matter what we're doing
or going through...
and we can learn a new song
if we but take the time to hear it.

How to pray when you're depressed. I found this in some resources. Hope it helps.
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Find a Quiet Place

Put on some soothing music. Keep it soft and gentle. Take a few deep breaths, holding each one for a few seconds and then slowly exhaling. Relax. Feel the chair you're sitting on, your feet on the floor. Smell the scents in the room. Imagine His love coming toward you. Tell him how you are feeling right now: anxious, uncomfortable, fidgety, distracted, wanting to focus. Tell him what things are like for you today. Open your heart to him. Feel his presence very close to you. Let his love into your heart. Thank him for this gift.
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Go for a Walk

Take some pleasant music with you. As you go, notice the sky, feel the season. Recognize what is around you. Feel at home right now. Offer your heart to God, even if your pain is deep. Though you may be alone on your walk, God is in your heart. Tell him what you see...the beauty around you. Tell him how you feel...even if it is dark. Remember he wants you to tell him everything in your life...joys and pains.

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Remember Others Who Are Hurting

Call to mind someone else you know who is hurting or sick. Focus for a few minutes on what that person may be feeling, and on what you would like to say to him or her. Lift this person up by name to God and ask his blessing on them.

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Hold On to God's Word

If you're feeling low, go to a quiet place and hold His Word. Read or focus on a phrase of it. Embrace how you feel, even if it's uncomfortable. Know that God is loving you through these moments of darkness.

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Open Yourself to God

When you are unable to focus because your mind is racing, try to remember and pray the words, "My God, I love you." Open yourself to God's love.

<font color="black">[b] For those who use the term "pray" but do not focus on one higher power, adapt the above for your beliefs, such as "Open yourself up to the Universe."

"Know that God is loving you through these moments of darkness."

Today I found inspiration in the words of my fiancee...and the thrill they give me to have found someone so special.

Although I'm 15 years younger than he is, it is strange in my mind that we think alike, act alike, and have the same morals, values, and beliefs...not just about the big things, but the little daily things in life. It took a lot of effort to get where we are...for both of us. We both had searched and searched for that one person who felt like home to us...and now we finally found each other.

Your inspiration seems far-reaching. The other day a mockingbird flew over the hood of my car and landed on the bush next to where I was parked. He wasn't singing at the time, but rather looking for sustenance. I was enjoying sustenance myself at that moment, and I enjoyed the company.

gg

I find inspiration when my 9 year old son awakes in the morning, arms outstretched, and says "Mama".

(((((mybestkids2)))))) that was beautiful.......

you are an excellent person apperently you did alot for her you should be proud because of you she became a better person i wish i had some one like you growing up she is very blessed to have you be apart of your life keep inspiring her and many others way to go

<font color="green">[b]
The Cherokees believe that seeing the sky
in all it's limitless expanse
stirs our imagination
and stretches our awareness
of how much simple beauty is
made available for us.

We can see that earthly emotions last only
as long as we allow them.
When we have reached beyond
the ceilings of our minds
we are as unlimited as the sky.

We may not be able to see all things,
but we can sense the influences, just
as the breeze stirs the fragrances of the flowers.

Life is ours to enjoy.
It comes by Divine heritage.

Peace

That's a good one, Sky

You can offer an extra credit assignment to the folks who are experiencing nice weather......

Lie down in a green pasture, look up to the sky, and play "I spy" with the cloud formations. Report back your findings for extra credit.

nice writing Sky

Thank you all I know that many people can write this way, I just happen to be one who is putting it here.

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It is the crushed grape
that makes the finest wine.

It is the crushed rose petal
that makes the finest perfume.

It is the crushed rock
that fortifies a foundation.

God uses the broken
for His good.