Many of us are shoppers and collectors; valuing antiques, fashion, art and beautiful remembrances of our life's journey. We protect these items and place them in storage, wear them, or display them in prominent places to be admired. There is something exciting to know that these special items have a monitory and public appeal and they belong to us!
The world and our own countries have been experiencing severe weather with widespread destruction. The survivors do not have to worry about irreplaceable items; they are concerned about whether their family, friends, neighbors, community and county have survived the fear and chaos of the loss of everything they own. Who has died, who has been injured, who is homeless, who has no clean water or food, who has an unknown future?
Jesus, in the sermon on the mount, stated: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth! For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also!" Our hearts sometimes get stuck with our treasures on earth and forget that if we get our reward on earth we may lose our reward in heaven.
"What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?" Many of our politicians, leaders, family, neighbors, co-works, friends, and fellow human beings forget that this world and it's things are only temporary. I remember the auctions, garage sales, estate sales that occurred after someone died. All of those antique, coin, gun, and other collections were separated, sold inexpensively, given or thrown away. On the final journey, we go as we are born, with nothing but our soul to judgement. God is merciful. Have we been merciful in our lives to all of those we have come in contact with? Have we used our resources to help others who are in need? Have we loved God and others as we love ourselves? How can we ask God to show mercy to us when we have not shown mercy to others? Let us remember what is truly important in our lives!
From the Author
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Love and Kindness
Yesterday my sister was able to return to her condo in Florida. She lives along the coast and went inland to stay with her daughter during the hurricane. There were several other families who chose to remain in the building, including the couple who often assisted with repairs and remodeling. With permission, he was able to check on my sister's condo. There was water that had leaked onto the floor, under the walls and traveled into the other rooms.
My sister was anxious to return home but was unable to travel until the roads were opened and cleared for safety. She felt helpless, thinking of the damage that was occurring and she couldn't be there. She worried about walls, flooring and personal items that would be damaged with water and mold because she couldn't clean it up. When the all-clear was obtained, she drove about four hours to arrive at her home.
She was so surprised when she learned that her condo neighbors had all gathered to help to clean, mop and do minor repairs on my sister's home and other damaged condos. She cried when she felt the love and kindness of many of the people she only knew by name or a casual hello in the elevator. They had all gotten together to physically lift a heavy bed, remove drawers underneath and mopped the water underneath. Her wet towels she had placed under her windows and doors were in the washing machine already. They had rescued two old postcards that had been floating in the water. They were set up to dry on the counter and were easily seen. One was from her deceased husband and one from her deceased father. They were upbeat messages, meant to be seen by her, to remind her that they were still watching over her.
There are many volunteers in Florida and other areas damaged by the hurricane that was milder than expected but very destructive. My son is one of them. People reaching out in love to their less fortunate earth family members. I continue to pray for all of the hurricane victims and for the emergency caregivers who risked their lives for the needs of others and for current volunteers in the work of reconstuction. My prayers include all of those from other countries affected by the weather and earthquakes. I thank God for the opportunity for healing of the spiritual, emotional, psychological and physical needs of the survivors everywhere in the storms of life.
My sister was anxious to return home but was unable to travel until the roads were opened and cleared for safety. She felt helpless, thinking of the damage that was occurring and she couldn't be there. She worried about walls, flooring and personal items that would be damaged with water and mold because she couldn't clean it up. When the all-clear was obtained, she drove about four hours to arrive at her home.
She was so surprised when she learned that her condo neighbors had all gathered to help to clean, mop and do minor repairs on my sister's home and other damaged condos. She cried when she felt the love and kindness of many of the people she only knew by name or a casual hello in the elevator. They had all gotten together to physically lift a heavy bed, remove drawers underneath and mopped the water underneath. Her wet towels she had placed under her windows and doors were in the washing machine already. They had rescued two old postcards that had been floating in the water. They were set up to dry on the counter and were easily seen. One was from her deceased husband and one from her deceased father. They were upbeat messages, meant to be seen by her, to remind her that they were still watching over her.
There are many volunteers in Florida and other areas damaged by the hurricane that was milder than expected but very destructive. My son is one of them. People reaching out in love to their less fortunate earth family members. I continue to pray for all of the hurricane victims and for the emergency caregivers who risked their lives for the needs of others and for current volunteers in the work of reconstuction. My prayers include all of those from other countries affected by the weather and earthquakes. I thank God for the opportunity for healing of the spiritual, emotional, psychological and physical needs of the survivors everywhere in the storms of life.
Monday, September 11, 2017
9/11
Today is the anniversary of the loss of a huge number of people who were in the Twin Towers or were safety personnel such as fire fighters, police, emergency medical technicians, medically-trained helpers, or ordinary citizens called to do extraordinary things. The loss of so many individuals is very traumatic especially since it was not a natural disaster from weather. It was, instead, planned and executed with the sole intent to kill other human beings.
Pope John Paul II had some very compelling quotes:
"You don't have to like your history, but never forget it. Because if you forget it, you are doomed to repeat it."
"Social justice can not be created by violence because violence kills what it intends to create."
Don't be afraid to take a chance on peace, to teach peace authentically, and to live peace authentically. Peace will be the last word of history.
Respect, tolerance, and negotiation will not prevent conflict but it will level the playing field so that a window can open to solve problems with communication instead of violence. It is important that we recognize that all of us are human beings and we all grieve the loss of family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and the loss of life. We all generally want many of the same things; food, clothing, shelter, education, safety for ourselves and others close to us, jobs,health/medical care and hope.
Prayer and faith are powerful tools to combat evil. We must remember that what we do in the name of faith must be moral, ethical and able to pass the scrutiny of God. Otherwise the actions performed are not, in fact, motivated by God. We are all accountable for our lives, our actions, our verbal and physical responses to others. We are all going to die; however some of us will be ashamed, some proud and some condemned! We all have a choice everyday with every decision and every action! Choose to love!
Thursday, September 7, 2017
IRMA Hurricane
As I watch the weather and see the devastating results of the wind and water from this powerful hurricane, I am aware of the fear of all of those who are impacted. I hear from relatives who are leaving their homes and are not sure what they will find when they get home. Courage is moving forward in spite of fear and it is obvious that there is a huge exodus from many areas in the world as they try to avoid dangerous weather. While I will welcome relatives to my home, I can't imagine the fear and uncertainty they and many others are experiencing. "Love keeps us going, and hope moves our feet." Maria Goff, from the book, Love Lives Here: Finding What You Need in a World in a World Telling You What You Want.
"It is when we are most lost that we sometimes find our truest friends." Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
"TEAM =Together Everyone Accomplishes Miracles." from the Miracles in You: Recognizing God's Amazing Work in You and Through Your, by Mark Victor Hansen. It is incredible to see the number of volunteers, donations, accommodations and heroism that appear as this storm unfolds.
Many people are already out of earth power. Remember that "Prayer is not 'whistling in the dark'--it is 'walking toward the light." from Prayer: The Voice of Faith, by Charles B. Hodge, Jr.
"Faith is not believing that God can, it's knowing that God will." Donna Coker, of Brentwood, California. "To know God is to need God." Esther Fleece, from the book No More Faking Fine
"Help is a prayer. And by help, I mean Hello Eternal Loving Presence." Michael Bernard, life coach
Prayer is very powerful. All of you are in my prayers!
"It is when we are most lost that we sometimes find our truest friends." Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
"TEAM =Together Everyone Accomplishes Miracles." from the Miracles in You: Recognizing God's Amazing Work in You and Through Your, by Mark Victor Hansen. It is incredible to see the number of volunteers, donations, accommodations and heroism that appear as this storm unfolds.
Many people are already out of earth power. Remember that "Prayer is not 'whistling in the dark'--it is 'walking toward the light." from Prayer: The Voice of Faith, by Charles B. Hodge, Jr.
"Faith is not believing that God can, it's knowing that God will." Donna Coker, of Brentwood, California. "To know God is to need God." Esther Fleece, from the book No More Faking Fine
"Help is a prayer. And by help, I mean Hello Eternal Loving Presence." Michael Bernard, life coach
Prayer is very powerful. All of you are in my prayers!
True Friendship
"If you can't dance in the rain with me, you will never be with me in the storm and if you aren't in the storm with me, I don't need you in the sunshine either." Tracee Blair (Hayslip) facebook post
All of us have "friends" who are always ready to have fun, share the limelight, and enjoy partying. It is the ones who are with us when times are tough, who listen when we ramble on about our troubles, who go the extra mile when we need them, who are our true friends.
During my life I was often disappointed with individuals who I thought were friends who were not available when I needed them. On the other hand, I was often surprised by people who I did not recognize as friends, who became a wonderful support system and cemented themselves into my life.
It is easy in life to accept the superficial relationship as a friendship. We take for granted those in the background who quietly sustain and encourage us because they are always there. They are the ones who validate our core values and push us to do more than we imagine we can accomplish. I have been blessed to have many life-long friends who have made my life rich and fulfilled.
Take a look at the steadfast workers who may not be "fun" but who have our best interest at heart. Our best friends may include biological family members or life family who are with us through thick and thin. Look around and find those special people who assist us to be the best person we can be, who help with life goals and who are the mainstay of our life. Appreciate and cherish them as they are gifts from God.
All of us have "friends" who are always ready to have fun, share the limelight, and enjoy partying. It is the ones who are with us when times are tough, who listen when we ramble on about our troubles, who go the extra mile when we need them, who are our true friends.
During my life I was often disappointed with individuals who I thought were friends who were not available when I needed them. On the other hand, I was often surprised by people who I did not recognize as friends, who became a wonderful support system and cemented themselves into my life.
It is easy in life to accept the superficial relationship as a friendship. We take for granted those in the background who quietly sustain and encourage us because they are always there. They are the ones who validate our core values and push us to do more than we imagine we can accomplish. I have been blessed to have many life-long friends who have made my life rich and fulfilled.
Take a look at the steadfast workers who may not be "fun" but who have our best interest at heart. Our best friends may include biological family members or life family who are with us through thick and thin. Look around and find those special people who assist us to be the best person we can be, who help with life goals and who are the mainstay of our life. Appreciate and cherish them as they are gifts from God.
Friday, September 1, 2017
The Best I Can Do
"My mother says, "The reward for hard work is hard work," and that's the truth. It's satisfying to finish something and feel like it's the best you can do." Alison Krauss, musician, in Garden and Gun
I have struggled to write and illustrate a book, "The Dying Teach Us How to Live" and have completed this book/e book and am starting to write a second. I have a majority of my original book paintings on display and plan a book signing and a reading of some of the stories. I am including the handout on my website in case anyone can attend.
thedyingteachus.com
The only way to achieve a milestone in our lives is to take one step at a time and keep plodding on until the goal is reached. It takes a certain amount of stubbornness, determination and courage to continue working on a long-term project. I remember when I attended classes for my master's degree after working all day at my full time job for four years including summers. I was a single parent of five teenagers and had the responsibility to maintain a home. I didn't think I would ever have the degree in my hand and was too tired to care at the end of my journey.
Don't dive up on your dreams and always remember to do the best that you can!
I have struggled to write and illustrate a book, "The Dying Teach Us How to Live" and have completed this book/e book and am starting to write a second. I have a majority of my original book paintings on display and plan a book signing and a reading of some of the stories. I am including the handout on my website in case anyone can attend.
thedyingteachus.com
The only way to achieve a milestone in our lives is to take one step at a time and keep plodding on until the goal is reached. It takes a certain amount of stubbornness, determination and courage to continue working on a long-term project. I remember when I attended classes for my master's degree after working all day at my full time job for four years including summers. I was a single parent of five teenagers and had the responsibility to maintain a home. I didn't think I would ever have the degree in my hand and was too tired to care at the end of my journey.
Don't dive up on your dreams and always remember to do the best that you can!
Enjoy Xenia’s
best kept secret: it’s beautiful,
spacious X*Act art gallery and theater!
BOOK SIGNING and OPEN HOUSE
For Patricia
M. Acker
Author/
Illustrator
The Dying Teach Us How to Live
Tender Stories of
Faith, Hope, Love, Angels, Forgiveness and Near-Death Experiences with over 70
Illustrations
Come to see original
book paintings and drawings and additional artwork
Enjoy snacks and door
prizes!
Saturday, September 23, 2017
3:00-6:00 PM
X*Act Art Gallery and Theater
45 E. 2nd Street
Xenia, OH 45385
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)