I have been pondering the idea lately; how people are looking for love. You can find this topic in books, music, movies and television shows. Everyone is seeking the love of their life.

But what if I told you the LOVE is their life? Think about that thought for a moment…love is your life. So in that respect, what are you really looking for? There is no hidden key to happiness; you have had the ability to be happy your entire life.

We make choices, and then we give those choices a life of their own. We are not victims of circumstance; we get to choose. The problem occurs when those choices turn out to be something we have a hard time living with.

We were born with everything that we needed to be happy. We, as infants in a womb, were not worried about what we would wear when we were born. We were not concerned with when we were going to be married; or if we had the perfect hair. When we were in the womb; we trusted in a source greater than any that we had ever known. Yet as adults, we are seeking love.

Love is everywhere. There is love in every sunrise and sunset. There is love in the sound of a baby laughing or crying. There is love in all animals and in all things. Have you ever heard the oceans tide breaking against a cliff? Have you stood so close to the ocean crashing around large rocks that you can feel the mist from within? All of this is love; we may not get to choose where the love comes from…but we receive it daily.

You may see a sidewalk with a large crack in it and see fault; but if you look at it with loving eyes…you may just see on opportunity for a flower to grow. You may not see the love in a thunderstorm…but I see the possibility of a rainbow. You may not see the love in a blizzard, but I see a Creator that is purifying the air.

Are you looking for love? I will tell you; you only get back from this world…what you put into it. We come from a Creator which is an endless supply of love. Yet we are so busy going to that Creator in prayer, with what we don’t have and how much more we need…instead of showing gratitude, that we have blocked our own blessings.

As long as we are stomping our feet, because a door was shut on us…we won’t even feel the draft from the open window. Love is eternal…boundless.

If we do not have the things in this life that we THINK we need…perhaps instead of pointing a finger…we should ask why.

Why didn’t I get that job, promotion or car that I wanted? Have you given love in every opportunity? Did you pass that man on the street, carrying that cardboard sign, and judge him…even if it was silent? Let me tell you my friends…our Creator knows NO silence. You thoughts are louder than your voice…your intentions are brighter than the stars. When we turn our back on love…we have begun the process of dislodging, disengaging and dismembering…our souls.

You are given a gift every day…the gift of life. How many people take that for granted? How many people will say they value and appreciate life, while criticizing the efforts of others? How many walk out of a religious service…filled with the message from our Creator…and mindlessly curse at their neighbors or children?

Are we getting the message? Are we awake? Love is around us, in us. In closing I have one final thought…what are you going to do with the love you have?

If all that you are

Is the THINGS you need

If you lost those things

What would happen to THEE

If all that you are

Is all that you do

If all that stopped

What would happen to you

If we place identity upon

Places and things

What happens to a soul

What does this mean

All that you are

Is an investment in Creation

Remember life isn’t a part of

Your personal recreation

Dig deep within yourself

Find the core of your being

Let go of what you think

Nonsense you are believing

You were created from love

And that is who you are

Your greatness is with THE ONE

Who lives amongst the stars

We are from one Source

It is all that we ever need

What you are is enough

This is my Humanity Creed

You need not try to become

What others may perceive

Trust in the one who guides

That’s TRUE love indeed

Break down barrier lines

Tear down walls of frustration

Give love…be love

It’s my Humanity declaration

For when we return indifference

With love as our sword

We have accomplished our task

What we are striving for

What are you now

Do you finally see the light

We are lambs of God

And beautiful in His sight

One final take before

I end my little rhyme

What are you to me

Perfect…Every time

Filed under: God, Humanity, Poetry, spirituality Tagged: adversity, L.M. Young, life, Love, postaday, religion, spirituality ]]> http://myraysoflight.wordpress.com/2013/05/20/what-are-you/feed/ 0 myraysoflight http://myraysoflight.wordpress.com/2013/05/13/today-2/ http://myraysoflight.wordpress.com/2013/05/13/today-2/#comments Mon, 13 May 2013 05:13:58 +0000 my rays of light http://myraysoflight.wordpress.com/?p=896 ]]> Today

I used to take moments for granted

Put it off til tomorrow I would say

I was a procrastinator…the worst kind

But I tell you…not today

I would sparingly send “I love You’s”

Pick and choose calls I returned

But not today I tell you

There is a painful lesson I learned

When we think there is always tomorrow

When we buy into that lie we create

Our window of opportunity will close

If we do not act…today

Is there is someone in your life

That you have taken for granted

I would strongly suggest

No…I am going to demand it

Life is short as we know it

And once a life line ends

We’re left with regret boundless

No way to make amends

Make the most of this moment

For moments aren’t supposed to last

Like sand in an hourglass

Our time falls away so fast

I once did what most do

I didn’t take enough time to say

I love you…I need you

But I promise…not today

For the love in our lives isn’t forever

They have work here also to do

Don’t put off until next time

Or you will have regret too

Make the most of this time

Before the sands of life wash it away

The pain of “what if’s” could be eased

If we made the most of today

Give love and be love always

Leave no room for sorrow

The time for action is today

Don’t put it off til tomorrow

Even up to this last few lines

I want to give you love in this way

Don’t postpone what needs to be done

Tell them “I Love You” today

Filed under: Love, Poetry, spirituality Tagged: death, family, I Love You, life, Love, poetry, postaday, procrastination, regret ]]> http://myraysoflight.wordpress.com/2013/05/13/today-2/feed/ 0 myraysoflight http://myraysoflight.wordpress.com/2013/05/12/greater-than-she-would-mention/ http://myraysoflight.wordpress.com/2013/05/12/greater-than-she-would-mention/#comments Sun, 12 May 2013 04:01:03 +0000 my rays of light http://myraysoflight.wordpress.com/?p=893 ]]> Greater Than She Would Mention

You see her everyday

And yet she goes without attention

She moves ever diligently

No one even seems to mention

The sacrifices that she surrenders

The life strides that she makes

Her woes are gone unnoticed

She never seeks what we take

Often wearing a smile

So we never feel her pain

And tomorrow when we wake

She’ll do it all again

She is a beautiful warrior

And her armor is so divine

She is every woman we know

She’s your mother or mine

Our joy is her reward

And she wears it like a crown

Even if we seem ungrateful

And sometimes let her down

The passion found in her eyes

Is not about her own rewards

But the help she’s given others

And what they are striving towards

She’s our very own routing section

Our fan club president

Never complaining about what she doesn’t have

Or the time she has spent

On cheering us on

With our daily dreams

This undefeatable force

Who promises brighter things

She never lets us down

Unless she has no other way

She gives us hope for the future

Pushing us forward today

Unfortunate at times

We tend to take for granted her love

But she is vigilant still

Like our Father from above

So today when you have a moment

Make one if you must

To give thanks for the woman

The first you did trust

And tell her that you love her

And because of her…your love will increase

To all the beautiful women in your life

And to all the people that you may meet

Never forget her sacrifice or the fact that she

Made it without regret or intention

Knowing the blessing of being your mother

Was greater than she would ever mention

**Happy Mother’ s Day to all**

What is the greatest weakness of man

To give a clue…it’s not of another’s hand

Not love, hate or indifference others shout

 Its ye of little faith… those who harbor doubt

Its that little inner voice saying I don’t know

Fear of the other voice saying…I told you so

It’s the fear of the unknown…shadows in the dark

Inner self making you afraid of who you are

Do not let another single soul

Remove you from your place

They know not of you

Only their own dark space

For when evil comes knocking

Telling us all that we are not

It shows not our shortcomings

But THEIR lives are on the spot

When in doubt seek direction

Let no other man guide you blindly

The truth is never hidden

But you must desire to find it

Doubt not your selves ever

Nor your Creator from on High

For you exist because of He

Doesn’t really matter why

We all have a path which is written

Upon that which we came

Seek Truth…set aside doubt

For Truth is without blame

Love not waste not

For moments are best spent

With love all surrounding

It’s a show stopping event

Doubt not my loved ones

The love which brought us here

Will guide you through all storms

There is nothing but doubt to fear

Filed under: Adversity, God, Love, Poetry, spirituality Tagged: doubt, faith, humanity, life, Love, postaday, undecision ]]> http://myraysoflight.wordpress.com/2013/05/11/doubt/feed/ 4 myraysoflight http://myraysoflight.wordpress.com/2013/05/10/a-day-in-the-life/ http://myraysoflight.wordpress.com/2013/05/10/a-day-in-the-life/#comments Fri, 10 May 2013 23:14:43 +0000 my rays of light http://myraysoflight.wordpress.com/?p=887 ]]> A Day In The Life

 Today is International Lupus Awareness Day. Those of you who know me; or have followed my blog, may be aware that I have Lupus. I usually write something poetic about that specific struggle; but I have decided to just share my day with you, instead. Let me first start by saying…this is not a ploy for sympathy; sympathy will not change anything. I know you may have heard of Lupus…but are you aware of it?

I wanted to share my day with you, because sometimes the “Lupus Talk” can be overwhelming…or perhaps it is hard to picture what it is like. This is MY day with Lupus…it will be different than many other Lupus survivors; as the true “Gem” of this disease is that it will attack us all differently.

It all started so simply; I am going to run an errand. I know I won’t be gone long; so I don’t take the necessary precautions. I will go over those momentarily. I put on a t-shirt and pants…throw my hair up in a hat and I am off.

Unfortunately I got stuck in a traffic jam for 30 minutes and it is 86 degrees; the sun is beaming down. For most people, this is not a horrible thing…but I have Lupus and everything is different for me.

In 30 minutes, I have severe sunburn…my face has blisters. My skin is hot to the touch…not because the wind wasn’t blowing, but because Lupus has destroyed my body’s ability to cool itself off…I never sweat. For those of you that don’t realize this; when you cannot cool your skin…it can be very damaging. By the time I get to my errand, I am physically ill. I have to run to the bathroom…I can’t seem to stop getting sick.

By the time I get home; my skin is burning…my face swollen and blistered. It hurts to open and close my eyes, because Lupus often comes along with other auto immune diseases; so I also have Sjogrens. Sjogrens tends to dry my eyes out; causing them to swell and often they turn black and blue. I am running into the bathroom…after getting sick once again, I tear off my clothes so I can take a cool shower…I must cool my skin down.

As I told you earlier, Lupus attacks us all differently. Severe sun damage can do more than sunburn and blisters; it has, previously caused some organs to shut down. I have gone into a coma…had several strokes.

I want you to be aware. Lupus is more than a purple ribbon. Lupus is more than a “Spoon Theory”. Lupus is more than a word. Lupus, for 1.5 million people in the U.S. alone, is a way of life. Up to 15% of Lupus patients will die from this disease…but what that means is up 225,000 Lupus patients , in the U.S., will die; that is 750,000 people worldwide. While Lupus patients are 90% women…it is usually more severe in men. Lupus tends to show up more in minorities; but can affect all people.

Don’t just “Hear” about Lupus…be aware. Be aware that when he/she says she is tired or in pain…it is REAL.

I was raised in a deeply spiritual home. I was taught to be thankful for every moment. But I will tell you…Lupus made me aware. I am aware that my day can change in a moment’s notice. I was in a coma for 2 ½ months; that does something to a person. I am thankful for every single day that is more “Normal” than the last. My kidneys and liver have shut down; my lungs have developed blood clots; yet I am thankful. I am still here…so today…I wanted to share a day in my life. Be thankful for what you have and be aware that some of us have it a little harder than you may realize.

As always, I wish you love and light.

I wonder when it happened

When we started to deface

The integrity of others

Solely based on their race

I’m not even certain when

Races came to be

We certainly weren’t created

From this hostility

It is man made but I wonder

Why would one think

That being superior

Would make all others shrink?

Hmmm, one must realize

With the logic we have

That looking down on others

Just makes us look bad

I mean God created all things

Who are we to say

What is better…who is brighter

How are we living today

We merely exist, I tell you

Due to our own selfish pride

It’s clear we are making errors

We are barely getting by

The planet is dying

Our air is dirty

Everyday we prove

Why we are unworthy

Yet every single day goes by

More hate being spread

And we are deciding

Who is better off dead

There is no superior man

No greater race

No perfect culture

This is not OUR space

May God be patient

With our egotistical ways

And may we find His Grace

Before kneeling to pray

So here’s to us all

Man and woman alike

Love all skin tones

Black yellow red or white

Let us recall with humility

The love inserted in our being

Allow us to spread God’s joy

To all people and things

May we all cross the finish line

With the answer to this

Did you give back to My Creation

Or did you merely exist

What did you contribute

Our Father will ask

Did you love all things

It was your only task

My friends give love…be love

In all that you do

Shine light and hope

As He has shone on you

Be the greater being

Be the example of our Creator

You are part of a plan

Of something so much greater

So when looking down on others

Remember this poem’s for you

Reminding all to shine brighter

In all that you do

Filed under: God, Poetry, spirituality Tagged: hate, hostility, life, Love, poetry, postaday, racsim, religion, spirituality ]]> http://myraysoflight.wordpress.com/2013/05/09/all-that-you-do/feed/ 0 myraysoflight http://myraysoflight.wordpress.com/2013/05/07/spoon-talk/ http://myraysoflight.wordpress.com/2013/05/07/spoon-talk/#comments Tue, 07 May 2013 07:05:54 +0000 my rays of light http://myraysoflight.wordpress.com/?p=881 ]]> Spoon Talk

What is this spoon talk

Amongst Lupus heroes

They symbolize our energy

How fast it can go

You need one to get up

But don’t be too fast

For one spoon opens your eyes

That’s how long a spoon lasts

Throughout the day you have

Limited spoons to use

By mid day you are

Running on a short  fuse

Who would have thought

A conversation would take

So much energy…a spoon

Concessions we must make

Oh and the smiles

They are deceptive too

But she doesn’t want

This to be a burden to you

So she smiles and laughs

While spoons are being spent

Until she realizes that

Her energy…it went

I guess if fatigue was

The extent of this disease

It would be a cake walk

Like a soft blowing breeze

But there is the pain and swelling

There are the organs shutting down

There are the tears she sheds

When no one else is around

There is the knowledge that

Lupus tends to create

Pain, bruising, swelling

The rashes, fatigue…the aches

Its amazing exactly how much

One shining smile can hide

Fear of the unknown

Lupus is a frightening ride

She gives a spoon for this

And a spoon for that

It may get you going

But how do you get back

Every idea you have

Every motion you make

Every attempt at normalcy

Is ALL lupus takes

So I am sharing with you

On this unspecific day

Be aware that this disease

Wants to kill all in its way

So my prayers are lifted up

And my heart it breaks

I know your struggles

How your strength breaks

Lupus and spoons

One day will be done

Keep hope in your hearts

This war will be won

I am sending you a smile

Healing energy and joy

For those days when

Your life feels a void

From my heart to yours

Til we fear the spoon no more

I wish you love and joy

Make memories galore

Life can sometimes spiral out of control. We can feel as if we are lost or even as if we may not want to be found. We may feel alone or isolated…wondering who would even notice if we just dropped off the face of the earth. These sentiments are what make this topic pertinent. We are all important, our lives are essential in some plan that God has for us. Just like when we speak of the importance of animals and the chain or circle of life…we, too, are critical parts; in the grander scheme of things. Something as minor as a smile to a stranger…may change the course or energy of a day. A kind word or gesture could turn war time into a moment of peace.

What is the bright side of a life which appears to have no particular meaning? Well, we woke up today. We lifted our heads…and because we were willed to do so…the work God has lain out for us has begun. The bright side is the fact that today…unlike some…you received the gift of another moment…another opportunity to do the work of our Creator. Today we can hold our heads up and move forward. We get to choose whether we live or simply exist; while keeping in mind that we are the example that others are turning to. People don’t want us to tell them what to do…but they are open to observing those thoughts in action. We are responsible for all of our deeds…large and small…good and bad. We can impress or depress people…we have the luxury of choosing the path we walk.

Look on the bright side…today is a new day…and the way we view it may help or hinder someone else. Things happen in life, some of these things may seem like they have broken us…left us in pieces. I think we have all felt this way…one time or another. But the actual truth is…we were not broken, shattered, crushed, or defeated. We were simply temporarily impaired…stunned…surprised…startled and dismayed. And here we are…not only present and accounted for but looking on the bright side of life. We have simply evolved into another part of who we were intended to be. We may feel sad at times due to a change or loss in our lives; and while I am not trying to take away from that very real feeling…I am going to tell you that hope always exists.

You get to decide the energy that you will emit on others…just as I do. And yes, we will sometimes falter. It is okay to stumble on the building blocks of life…as long as we understand that they are just blocks…and not giant walls with no means of escape. You have to remember to pick yourself up and press on…eyes are watching you. If you have hope…someone else will be able to feed off of it…and they will be able to give hope to others, as well. Use the foundation that we were created with…love…peace….understanding and kindness; these are the elements of success and hope.

Life is a gift. It regenerates, rejuvenates and revitalizes our souls. It is okay to have rough days…but understand that…better days will follow. No one expects perfection, but we do expect, desire, and need your word that you will constantly strive for more.

Our lives contribute to the ever populating circle of love…and the bright side of that concept is that love always comes back ten fold. Love is more like the boomerang of God…no matter where you toss it…God will make sure it finds you again. Contribute to the lives of others…remember they too are looking for a bright side…be that for them. Other people have the same insecurities, anxieties, and hesitations that you may have…lend them your shoulder and in doing so…open your heart.

The possibilities of life are endless…unless we stop trying. Do not be your own road block…expect the impossible…because with the divine love of our Creator…all things are attainable. There is no goal or idea which is too much for our Creator…we simply need to ask and be prepared to receive it. Look at the bright side…no matter how dire a situation seems…this too shall pass…and the lesson in the struggle may feed the hopes and aspirations of others.

If she tells you how he hurts her

Know that it is true

When you ask why she doesn’t tell

Remember she is turning to you

If you say it can’t be THAT bad

Or she wouldn’t ever stay

Know the dangers of judging

Don’t look at her that way

If she says that he hit her

Understand the sugar coating words

If you knew the extent of the truth

You would find it most absurd

Could you even fathom a life

Where hope is led astray

A life that once shined

Now is spent being afraid

If you are too busy discounting

Making excuses placing blame

You leave her abandoned

In her abuse induced shame

If you criticize her choices

As if you could do it better

You may push her over that cliff

Where she is lost forever

Wouldn’t it be worth the risk

In case she was lying

Than to forsake her safety

So many women are dying

If she comes to you for help

Know that it took all she had

It places her safety at risk

He could get angry, violent and mad

If for just a moment

You could wear her battle scars

You too would pray for relief

When you look up at the stars

You would have a deeper understanding

Of how she prays to not wake

Your reaction to her cries

All the difference it could make

The statistics are minimal

The pain of abuse is far reaching

Our children are watching

What ideas are we teaching

Reach out for her heart

I know this life too well

Extend a loving heart

Where God…always dwells

If you want to make a difference

Open your heart…lend an ear

She needs compassion…hope

While she lives in such fear

Women are abused daily

So listen closely to this

Please don’t waste time

On the judgmental ‘IF”

Filed under: Domestic Violence, Family, God, Poetry Tagged: abuse, Domestic Violence, Domestic Violence Awareness, postaday, spirituality, violence ]]> http://myraysoflight.wordpress.com/2013/04/20/if/feed/ 7 myraysoflight