Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts

Monday, August 10, 2015

Life Moves On

I had a another conversation this morning with my neighbor who lost her daughter a couple of weeks ago. She was in her early 40's and we both agreed it was way too soon for her to go. I simply can't imagine her loss, and don't want to allow any thoughts of something like that happening in my life. It just doesn't seem right that a child should go before their parents. My mom experienced that with the loss of my brother. I have no words when I think of her pain.


Each time I've seen my neighbor since, it seems that we share many beliefs:

  • that life moves on ... whether we choose to participate in it or not
  • that sometimes our loved ones give us signals before they get ready to go
  • that sometimes they give us signals from the other side of the veil
  • that we will never be the same but will learn to live a "new normal"
  • that people, when hearing of our loss, can feel rather awkward, not knowing what to do or say
  • that it's okay to cry 
  • that everyone has their own version of grief
  • that we almost always ask ourselves "what if?"
  • that faith can bring grace and peace, so it's okay to let go and let God
Namaste'



Thursday, September 12, 2013

Petals

Sad day.  You are subjected to your mean-spirited father and stepmother who have influenced your judgment and feelings about your mother.  I feel bad for you and your mom but there's nothing I can do about it.  I'm just your grandmother and as such, grandparents have no rights. 

Believe me when I say that the day is coming when the darkness will serve the light.  You can see it in this flower.  I love you and wish you all peace.  Namaste'




Thursday, December 15, 2011

Up, Up and Away

I won't be posting anymore until later next week.  I'm heading off in the big silver bird to CA to spend my daughter's 40th birthday with her and an early Christmas with the grandkids.  Looking forward to better holidays this year. Lots of fun and love. Color me happy!



Until then . . . have a wonderful weekend and namaste!

Friday, December 2, 2011

Finding Peace on Earth

Christmas Message from the Masters of Light (re-blogged from a post on Steve Beckow's blog) ...

In Christian Countries of the world, the focus of world peace has always been strongest during the month celebrating the birth of Jesus. Peace and love among all peoples were His most important messages. Today, that focus is constant as wars between races, religions and countries scar the earth and bodies of millions of people almost daily. Where is the Peace that the Angels promised? It is with you now & it always has been.

It was not peace between people and nations the message relayed; the Angels told of the Inner Peace that connects to the Mind of God, which automatically generates Good Will to Men! Consider that and see how very right it feels. The message was, and always has been, that humanity has that divine connection and it is only a matter of understanding and accepting the reality in order to be able to reach down deep within to access the Perfect Peace of God.

The message was not just for the followers-to-be of Jesus, but for the entire world. The words of the Angels were carefully preserved so that their meaning would eventually be understood by all humankind.

The word Peace as it is commonly used now, denotes the state of a lack of hostilities, in any form. When the world can live in such a state, able to raise children in a safe environment, grow food without unfair restrictions or mandated procedures, travel to any destination without hindrance, live and work with each other cheerfully, giving and sharing in joy, the world will experience the existence of real peace.

Before any of this can happen, however, before the world can come into the promised new age of peace, every living being must come to accept the Inner Peace & the inner connection with All That Is. How can a person who seethes with resentments live in peace with his/her brothers and sisters, giving and taking fairly and honestly? How can a person who lives with fear every day of his/her life, expecting a tragedy around every corner, relax and enjoy what life can really be? How can a person who must fill his/her ego with thoughts of supremacy work and live with those who are considered of no consequence because they look, think, and worship differently than they do? Inner Peace erases all such discrepancies.

How does one access this Inner Peace? The heavy clouds of daily cares, appointments, schedules, car repairs, computer breakdowns, keeping the kids in line, problems in relationships, etc., etc., keep the mind in many different focuses at once, all trying to command the primary attention. Emotions that spring from the daily round of thoughts engulf the nervous system, the heart, muscles, and the digestive system. Constant television commercials publicize certain diseases or common ailments, blowing them up to encourage the mind to accept the premise that the listener must certainly need their high-priced drugs to ease their suffering. Millions of dollars are spent each day for drugs that are not needed and do tremendous damage to the bodies they are supposed to be helping. Listen to the very quiet and rapid recitation of side effects that go with the ads for drugs. One even admits that the drug might bring on the flu as a side effect! Listen carefully!

All of these things keep the mind and body in a state of tension that forbids the conscious mind to relax and set aside a few minutes every so often to tap into the Inner Peace. Indeed, how often do most people even think about communication with their Creator through a few moments of prayer during their day? Would you believe that even a short “Hello!” to the spiritual sources of all things is welcomed as the acknowledgment of the reality? A few “Thank You’s” to your Angels for making things easier is very welcomed, too. If you cannot do this, accessing Inner Peace is impossible. You must know that it IS there! You must know that it takes the determination on your part to put your mind into a state of stillness in order to find that Peace. One does not have to sit in meditation for an hour to find it, although many people find this is the only way to train their minds to be still.

Inner Peace is not just a state of mind, but the very profound connection with universal energy and Creative Power. When that connection is made, even if only for a few minutes, it suddenly becomes apparent that all of the spiteful thoughts, all of the anger, all of the tangled webs of humankind, are simply of no real importance. The answers to problems become simplified, the blocks of memory or thought suddenly become clear again. You can see and understand the confusion behind all of the rhetoric of fear and annihilation that is produced by minds denied the clarity of Inner Peace.

European and Eastern nations who have been killing each other over the acquisition of ancestral lands, trying to erase those who think, speak and worship differently than they, continue their thoughts of hate and retaliation. Revenge for the terrible wrongs that have been committed is creating more terrible wrongs. This part of the world will not see a peaceful world for themselves and their descendants for a long, long time. The enlightened few are struggling bravely to turn this kind of thinking around, but it will not be easy. Where and when will it end? Worse yet is the infection of bias and bigotry that has been part of the human race for centuries.

When Inner Peace has been accessed, the realization of absolute unity with all humanity comes into view. One understands that the outer appearance is only a façade that spiritual beings use to experience a lifetime in matter. Yes, there are differences between spiritual beings, too, for the Creator saw to it that each created being is an individual, with its own thoughts and goals. That is why personalities differ so drastically. All of the experiences each being undergoes through the eternal stages of their lives, both in spirit and in matter, molds the spiritual personality just as much as the human personality, affecting the thoughts and goals of the incarnated soul. It is the Inner Peace, that connection with the Mind of God, that directs the beings towards wisdom and knowledge of the highest order. It is the Inner Peace that fuels the recognition of each person you meet as a part of yourself in some way. All of the qualities and characteristics of humanity are mirrored in the people you associate with every day. This realization is a beautiful relief from all of the little petty attitudes and resentments that are carried in the heart and mind & they hold you down and keep you from the joy you really desire! You realize you are no different from those you thought were either not as good as you, or so much better than you! All expressions of life are different as each individual reacts to them in different ways, echoing many eons of experiences. Inner Peace brings all of the Creator’s children together in simple, perfect Love.



Peace on Earth can be accomplished in your own home when both parents recognize the harmony and clarity that comes when peace is part of the thinking process, a part that remains close to the surface of the conscious mind, regardless of the many problems that surface each day. Disagreements can be quickly solved because of the clarity of mind that sees both sides of a question without the ego interfering. Negative outside influences can be explained to children from a universal, spiritual point of view instead of letting emotions run wild. This clarity of mind helps to avoid dangerous situations and/or to react without the mind turning to mush. The inner connection, when used constantly, eventually brings one to a point where the lies or misconceptions of others are seen without effort. Commercials or other methods of mind control are no longer of any effect. Inner Peace is a clarifier of thought and a kind, loving touch to the heart and the emotions. If humanity had never discovered this, your world would not have lasted this long!

The Inner Peace we are speaking of is NOT some namby, pamby, weak emotion that invites the scorn of others! It is an extremely powerful force, drawing upon the energy of the universe! As one dwells within the influence of this Inner Peace, it is like standing on a mountaintop, able to command all that you see, hear and feel in perfect harmony, a place where the personality has the feeling of supreme self-confidence.

Please help others to realize what a wondrous piece of creation they really are. They are partially a spiritual being that has all the knowledge of the universe at its fingertips, and partially a human being who is trying to understand life at a physical level, bringing a lifetime into real focus.

As this year comes to a close, it is apparent that the world is changing rapidly, bringing new experiences and challenges never even thought of in prior years. Finding your own Inner Peace will bring the realization that it is humanity itself that will bring world peace to perfection. You are the catalyst that will turn humankind’s concept of life and living completely around. As you live within the inner light and by the loving laws of the Creator, a new world is coming into play, just as planned. You are its Creators!

Peace on Earth WILL become a reality, for this is the Plan of God.


Monday, November 28, 2011

How to Keep Stress to a Minimum During the Holidays

The holiday season can be so joyous and yet extremely prone to creating real stress. Don't let your holidays be ruined by nerve-racking experiences. Here's some inspirational insights to help you keep your stress to a minimum this year.

Ask yourself if your expectations are realistic? Are you going to be getting together with family members that you normally prefer not to be around? Do you feel obligated to buy gifts for people who you aren't really close to? Do you get invited to events that just don't appeal to you but you feel obligated to go?  Believe it or not, these types of scenarios take place every year for millions of people. Why? Because we don't want to hurt someone's feelings so we sacrifice our own and then become resentful. If you want to stop that cycle, then just think carefully before you decide what to do. If it's a NO that you decide upon, say it as politely as possible but make it very clear that your answer is a firm NO. If it's a yes, then realize you committed yourself and see it through (hopefully in a very enjoyable way). I know people who purposely take the holidays to go away somewhere so that they're not caught up in the family frey. Las Vegas? Mexico? Hawaii, anyone?

Are you scheduling too much in too little amount of time? No one has more than 24 hours in a day. Try to remember that as you plan your pre-holiday events and accept invitations. Enlist the use of a calendar or day planner, either paper or electronic, so that you can feel some measure of control over your time. And don't feel bad if you've overlapped something by mistake. Just inform the parties involved and they will understand. We all make mistakes, especially at this hectic time of year.

Do you have a holiday budget or are you over-spending? Over-spending can be the biggest source of stress because we know what will happen ... we have to pay for those items sometime. If not now, then later. Just the dread of getting the credit card bills in the mail is enough to keep you from having a good time during the holidays. Stick to a budget. You'll be so glad you did come January when all the lustre and shine of the holidays has disappeared.

Sometimes our holiday stress comes from missing loved ones. If someone you love has passed on, change things up this year so that you can make it through this rough patch. There are lots of support groups with people going through the same kind of grief at the holidays. Tap into that for some healthy and supportive ways to cope. Last year at Christmas I just let myself "be" because my brother died in September. So I was pretty easy on myself and so were others around me. Of course I missed him, but attending a grief support group was such a lifeline for me.

The holidays can be the worst time of the year for us in terms of taking care of ourselves. My advice is to make sure you're eating healthy meals and drinking plenty of water. Dehydration (yes, even though it's not warm outside) can sneak up on you before you know it. Water supports every organ in your body, so if you plan on doing some holiday drinking, be sure to increase your water intake.

This may sound crazy because of all the running around we're doing at this time of year, but exercising is really important. Take a walk out in nature, ride a bike, do yoga, etc. Any form of exercise can be a phenomenal stress reducer. It's also good for lowering blood pressure, which could rise when crazy Aunt Mildred walks through your front door on Christmas Day.

One of the best things about the holidays is that more people open their hearts to acceptance and forgiveness. If there's someone in your life that you will be around this year that this applies to, give it a try. Even if it's a silent blessing from your heart to theirs. After all, the season really is about love.

The holidays are supposed to be a great time. Take good care of yourself and practice things that will eliminate some of the stress. I hope you find these tips helpful.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Tips for Taking Great Pictures

Almost everyone has used a camera at some point, but not everyone has used a camera correctly. Photography can be a really satisfying hobby or you can make a successful career out of it if you have the patience and willingness to learn. If you give yourself enough time, you are sure to see a vast improvement in the quality of your pictures. With today's digital cameras, you can literally shoot thousands of pictures and if you don't like them, you only have to press the delete button. Having a digital camera can really shorten the practice period for any budding photographer.

It's probably safe to say that almost all professional photographers started out with photography as a hobbyist and then moved forward as they learned the basic techniques and then became more creative.  One of the most creative ways to take beautiful photographs is to learn the art of identifying the right lighting for each picture you take.  For example, if you're shooting a photo of a landscape, it will look dull and flat if you shoot it at high noon, so use the golden hour(s) to your advantage.  What are the golden hours?  These are the hours when the sun comes up in the morning and when it sets in the evening. In the morning the sun's rays emit more blue and in the late afternoon and evening, you'll notice more golds and reds.If you're shooting a photo of a person, make sure they're not looking into the sun (so that they don't squint), or that the sun is at their back.  That will create darkness on their face because your camera will compensate for all of that back light. I suggest getting them into a place where there is some indirect light, which will give their skin a more evenly lit effect.

If you can't find some good indirect light and find yourself out in direct sunlight, you can use a reflector panel of some sort. These can be purchased at a camera store, online, or just about anywhere photo equipment is sold. Go online to see if someone is selling some used equipment. If you can't find one, you can always improvise by using a white poster board, which will reflect the light to fill in shadows on your subject's face. Have them hold the board or reflector on the side opposite of the sun's light so it's not in your viewfinder but close enough to their face to reflect the light. Take a picture with it and one without it to compare the difference. Practice with this and you'll be thrilled at the results.

One of the best ways to learn photography is to simply focus on your subject. I've always referred to this as "fill the frame." What that means is this: don't have a lot of background in your picture if you're photographing a person or a pet, for example. If you're at an event and you want to capture the essence or flavor of that event, then it's fine to have a lot of things going on in the picture. And don't forget to practice with your lens, moving it forward and backward to see what the shot will look like up close and further away.

Photography is a fun activity to learn and improve your creative skills. If you give yourself enough time, you will love the feeling of taking an excellent picture.

To learn more and see samples, visit www.reginaarnold.com

Monday, October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween

This is great!  Even the animals in the Disney Kingdom get treated to some Halloween pumpkins:

Beware!  There might be a lot of trickery going on tonight.

Namaste!

Friday, October 28, 2011

God Bless Rose

Our dear friend, Rose, (see post of Oct. 25) just had to undergo a 4 1/2 hour surgery to clear a blockage from the port in her arm.  The port was inserted a couple of years ago for dialysis.  She only has one kidney functioning at 5% now.  The surgeon cleared the blockage and apparently she had her first dialysis today.  We were all hoping she wouldn't have to do dialysis at all but it seems it might be the method that keeps her with us a lot longer.  We sure hope so and hold her up in prayer, light and love.

Here's a rose for our dear Rose:
Namaste!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Jump Start of Creation

The jump-start of creation is gratitude.  Neale Donald Walsh said that and I believe it's true.  As I had a conversation this morning with my daughter, we both found ourselves being grateful for all kinds of things.  One led to another and another and another.  You get the idea.  We could have both stayed on the fast track to complaining but decided to go in the opposite direction.  And what's strange is that we both veered into the gratitude lane at the same time.  As the conversation ended, I realized how grateful I am to have her in my life.  I've often said that even if she wasn't my daughter, I would choose her to be my friend.

There are lot of synchronicities going on everywhere around the planet.  But not many that you'll see in the MSM (main stream media). 

When was the last time you made it a point to think of things that you are grateful for?  If it's been a while, why not do it now? 

Today's picture is worth a thousand words.  My grandson, Blake, and I'm grateful for him, too.


Namaste!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

True Self-Discovery

When we realize that the human race is about to undergo a magnificently dynamic overhaul, it becomes perfectly clear that we might want to rid ourselves of our old baggage.

Actually, it might be fairly easy.  If we just ask ourselves in any given set of circumstances, "Am I coming from love or fear?" then maybe we can start to clear out the attic of our minds.  We are emotional beings, after all.  Another way to ask the question is, "Am I coming from my head or my heart?"

Oh, yes, the ego will always want to be in the mix.  So just ask it to take a short break because you want to talk to your higher self.  Wow!

Art Prints

Namaste!

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Teach Love, Not Fear

With all that appears to be going wrong in today's world, there is still a lot of happiness, good deeds, and trust among us as human beings.  I hope that's what we're teaching our children.  I hope that we're giving them messages of hope and love.

There are a lot of TV junkies out there who really buy into the mainstream media's hype.  Is that what we're passing on to our children around the dinner table?  Comments about the nightly news and all the fear that it projects?  Oh God, I hope not.

BLESS YOUR CHILDREN . . . TEACH THEM LOVE, NOT FEAR.

Art Prints

Namaste!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Forgive Yourself

Today's installment is all about forgiveness.  Ahhh, such a subject!  Personally I think forgiveness starts with ourselves.  Haven't we all done things or said things that we wish we could take back?  Or not done things that we wish we had?  Surrender your heart to the Divine and forgive yourself first.  It starts with you.  Go into your heart and you'll see how easy it is if you just try.

FORGIVE YOURSELF AND OTHERS . . . GROWTH IS ALIVE IN THE ACT OF FORGIVING.

Sell Art Online

Namaste!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Mother's Day

It's been a very nice Mother's Day for me.  My husband took me out to breakfast to our favorite place and we were lucky enough to sit outside in the beautiful weather.  There was just enough of a breeze to make it nice.  So what if we had to weigh down our napkins. 

I heard from both of my children and that's always a treat for me.  Still didn't get a commitment out of my son as to when he's coming to visit.  Aaaargh!  But it's always good to talk with him.  I'm grateful that he's doing well in Texas.  It seems to agree with him.

As for my lovely daughter, she had to work today and I think that stinks!  But as soon as she's off work, her and the kids will do something special.  I'm grateful for her . . . it's beyond words how much I love my kids and I am thankful every day that God gave me these gifts.  And my grandkids?  Well, they're a huge bonus. 

To all the Moms out there, I hope you feel as blessed as I do.  I also feel blessed that I still have my Mom.  We spent the day together yesterday . . . had some lunch and went shopping.  A lot like old times.  She moves a lot slower now but we are patient with each other and we had a wonderful time.

God bless all of us.

 

Namaste!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Ahhh . . . Finally!

Got such great news earlier this evening.  Lo and Behold!  Pictures just taken this afternoon of my daughter and grandkids.  Finally!  I've been hounding her for weeks.  I even put up another ultimatum on Facebook and not two minutes later, I had some new pics.  Wow! 

They're getting so tall and growing up way too fast . . . without me!  Thanks, Michele, for coming through.

Namaste!

Friday, April 29, 2011

End of the Dark Times

The Royal Wedding today signifies a return to love.   At least in my book it does.  Isn't that what we're all about anyway?  Prince William and Kate, now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, epitomize the meaning of love.  Even though they have to abide by the Windsor protocol, they are still the evolution of love and will remain true to who they really are.  And love always evolves.  There's no stopping it.  I wish them the very best that life and love have to offer.  They are a wonderful couple and I just know that Diana approves and sends them her love.

Today's picture:
Cartoonized version of pink vines


Namaste!  Best wishes to Kate and William.  Diana would be proud.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Easter Blessings

Wishing all of my family, friends and acquaintances the peace of God and a blessed Easter.  We're staying home and just taking it easy on Easter Sunday.  For all of you who are traveling, be safe.

I just don't feel like writing much tonight.  A dear friend just had to put her beloved dog, Willy, down yesterday and I just heard about it today.  Willy was 14 and she took such good care of him.  I know how she feels to have that big hole in her heart. 

Willy will be waiting for her at the Rainbow Bridge.     

Namaste!

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Cool Dude

Yes, Blake, you can bet I'm going to snag as many pictures as I can of you and your sister from Facebook.  All's fair in love and I love my grandkids!  Miss them more than words can accurately describe, so any chance I can to see them (even in photos), I'll take it.

There will be a day soon, very soon, when I will see them in person much more often.  As Blake would say, "Gooooood!"

Somebody took this photo of him when we were all going to Apple Hill last fall.  I think it was Michele because I was driving.  Love it ... great shot, Michele!  I did a crop, a soft focus and then a duotone effect. 

Blake in Mist - ©Regina Arnold
Namaste!

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Happy Birthday, Blake

Happy Birthday, Blake.  I can't believe you're 14 already.  I miss you and love you tons and tons! 

So this is for you ... I took this of you on your #2 birthday.  Such a beautiful boy back then and you still are.