Jewels of My Heart

Awaken my sleeping heart to your healing touch.
Breathe new life upon the calluses of my soul.
Turn my thoughts to your truth and transform my ways to your purposes.

Enlighten my dark places and open the gates to the hidden treasures of the jewels of my heart.
Let your mercy and grace shine forth as the sunlight burns away the dross of the decay of yesterday – bringing tomorrow on the wings of everlasting.

Let the ashes of yesterday become the beauty of tomorrow.

Surrender and Accept

Surrendering like clay to the Potter;
I succumb to the reality of Divinity,
and relinquish the illusion of success and failure.

In this net of Truth it is easy to perceive limitless potential versus false visions of grandeur.

Puffed up expectations, false hopes, beautiful lies; the currency of society.

Count the cost of everything.
Rather than asking someone, "How much does this cost?" Ask yourself, "What is my value?"

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Heart Times

The winter has gone; Spring has come.
The frost of your heart has shattered, and the Light has sprung forth for the flower of love to blossom and bear abundance.

I AM the Vine-dresser and the fruit you bear cannot be bruised or plucked; but will be rooted and grounded in the soil of my love for you, and all those who take shelter in you.

What are you thinking?

I could also title this, “Are you listening?” 

Are you one of the many that find your mind is constantly turning; as if you were the hamster running fast on a wheel going nowhere?

Do you find yourself constantly judging everything, and find yourself listening to yourself?

How often do you find at night your mind keeping you up with lists to do, and replays of the day, or fast forwards of tomorrow?

Congratulations you officially have monkey mind!

I was relieved to recently find that this effects nearly everyone, and I am not alone in this struggle. I was even more relieved to hear that these thoughts are really the program that has been downloaded in us since childhood, and all the judgments and projections we have taken on.  Why is this good news?  Because once we become aware of this, we can make a choice to choose what we believe by our free will of saying yes or no to it.

Becoming aware of our free will and how important our choices are becomes the first tool in detaching ourselves from our limiting beliefs and judgments against ourselves. 

It is this simple- the truth exists whether you believe it or not.  Lies on the other hand only exist by your emotions.  Lies thrive on drama, reaction, and emotional poison, this is what keeps them alive.  Moreover, the truth feels light, and lies feels heavy. That is why it is called “enlightenment.”  Now ask yourself does this feel light to you or heavy?

Here is a simple exercise to try - Next time you have a thought, pain, or emotion come up, ask yourself, “Who does that belong to?”

Science has proven that by doing this for 3 days you can eliminate up to 85% of that monkey mind or constant chatter. 

If this feels light do it, and let me know your results.

In His Love,

Debarah :)

Date Nights

With today's rush version of life; it is easy to ignore the important things in life - our loved ones.  There are many cliche's for this wise lesson, but I like simple - whatever kind of relationship you are in; single, or married; make time for date nights!

Jeff and I are budget conscious right now, so many times our date nights are simply us getting dressed up for each other, a nice dinner, and a bottle of wine (or margaritas).  Throw in some romance with music and a movie, and whola you have a successful date night!

Confessions of a blogger -

Psychologists have studied the practices of confession for many years.  Their studies revealed that there is a human “compulsion to confess.”  Moreover, this brings healing to us physically, psychologically, and spiritually.

Research found that when we “open up,” about things we have kept hidden deep inside us, that it can bring great healing to our mind, soul, body, and spirit, as well as create space for repair and reconciliation to broken relationships.

One of the easiest ways to implement our “compulsion to confess,” is through journaling.  You can choose to journal about your daily events, or any specific emotional upsets you are faced with, or journal about a particular crisis you are currently challenged with.  Take this as an opportunity to express the emotions you are feeling without any judgment or condemnation.  This is your time to accept and allow your feelings.  You will find this simple practice can become a channel for you to release and let negative emotions and upset go more quickly.

This activity is a healthy way to keep your mind focused and your emotions balanced. By doing this you can reduce the amount of stress you are feeling physically and feel more connected spiritually. 

Another great tool to consider adding is directive prayer and positive affirmations to bring forth the desired outcome to your current situation.

“It is words that enables us to make some sense of our existence by allowing us to stand aside and narrate it.”

Nobel prize winning author, Toni Morrison.

“Regardless of our particular religious or spiritual beliefs, don’t we all have personal stories of failure and redemption?”  Aaron Murray-Swank – “Clearing the Heart,” The Soul Body Connection.

Open Heart

 I love when something I read, see, or hear, touches me so deeply my heart feels changed by it.  I just had that experience when I read a quote from Ghandi.  Ghandi asked of us" is that we not lose faith in humanity.  Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty."  He goes on to ask us, "to be fully ourselves.  "I want freedom for the full expression of my personality."  

When I read this it brought tears to my eyes, and conviction to my soul.  I realized that I indeed have become cynical and have lost my faith in humanity.  I find especially now with the politics in full swing, it is so easy to choose sides, and start slinging that mud, or at least enjoy when someone else does.  

I recently learned that when someone pushes your buttons so to speak, they have shown up to reflect that part of you.  In fact, everyone you interact with is an aspect of you.  This news was very humbling to me, considering all the time and energy spent on complaining about them, judging them, and all the colorful metaphors I created for them.  So the truth is whatever or whoever you are judging, you are condemning yourself.  

The good news here is by having an open heart to truth, and being willing to forgive and let go you can experience peace, joy, and contentment.  Be kind and accept yourself just as you are.  How can you love your neighbor if you cannot love yourself?  

"You are exactly who you need to be in this moment.  Don't begrudge that or justify it."  Jennifer McLean - "The Big Book of You."

New Years Resolutions

I have to tell you that I am not one to make new year resolutions.  The simple reason is, from experience I have found that it is the end of something that counts and not the start of anything.  This is fantastic news to anyone whose year has not been so promising yet!  

With that being said, this is the first year that my husband and I have jump started this year with Pilates.  It all started with a Groupon - from there we became addicted to it.  First of all we love working out together, and it makes your body feel SO good when you are done with the 50 minute workout.  You feel stretched out in your body, and peaceful in your soul.  In the past I have been one for the aerobic and strength training, but I have to tell you that the claims for long, lean, muscles through Pilates and Yoga are all true my friends!

My first suggestion to you would be encourage your mate to work out with you, it is fun to be supported in whatever activity you engage in for better health and fitness.

Let me hear what you have started new in this year by leaving your comment below.  To be part of an ongoing thread, subscribe by the RSS Feed button on the right.

Catch Up

Thank God for new beginnings and second chances!  It seems after about two years of tumultuous transition due to marriage and becoming a partner in my husbands photography business, my writing ceased to a halt.  

The truth about the beach portraits and wedding photography business is it is seasonal here in Florida; which means it is feast time in spring and summer, and famine time in fall and winter.  Unless you are storing away the nuts you make in feast time, you starve in famine time!

But the good news is, I now have time to catch up with my passion, which is writing.  I have begun to re-vamp the sequel to "In His Love" and it will leave readers chomping at the bit at its suspense and mystery.

I also would like to invite you to visit me at my new blog site that will feature my photography highlights and inspirational thoughts.  It is my intent to have it an interactive blog which I would love to hear your comments and thought thread on any subject I am led to start.

Until next catch up, journey with love my friends!

Visit me at http://visionsandviews.weebly.com
Also find me at facebook - Deborah Patrick, In His Love

Ebenezer or Santa

Tis the season to reflect back and move forward in ones life. The shortfall on reflecting back can lead to regret and sorrow, if not done with a light hand and a sound heart. The balance of life is summed up by our mistakes and victories; our gains and losses.

I have recently learned that by applying a hefty dose of gratitude in the area of loss or in the area others would label failure; your point of view switches from negative to positive. When you feel thankful for however much you have and have accomplished you can move forward to accomplish even greater.

The morale of the story is you make the choice of having an Ebenezer heart; which is someone who has a hoarding spirit - who gives with a slack hand, or you can choose to have a bountiful heart like Santa - who lives with a spirit to give.

This year embrace the spirit of the season - Give from the riches of your heart and spread some good cheer!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

P.s. My New Year's resolution is real simple - I want to LOL and LMAO more!

ho, ho, ho!
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New Beginnings

Perhaps the first revelation I had when I began reading "The Four Agreements," by Don Miguel Ruiz which teaches us Toltec Wisdom is that 'Wisdom' is God and the teachings are based on the Word of God; illustrated for daily application.  I appreciate that it is presented in a different package, for simple application.

While I am incorporating these agreements to improve myself and my relationships, I have implemented daily prayers to compliment the new agreements.

1.  First Agreement - "Be impeccable with your word"- May I speak truth and show forth righteousness. Proverbs 12:17

2.  Second Agreement - "Don't take things personally"- Help me Lord to resist offense and abound in the love of Christ.  Phil 1:9-10

3.  Third Agreement - "Don't make assumptions"- Help me Lord not judge myself or others, but seek truth, and follow peace.  Show truth, mercy, and kindness to me and my family.

4.  Fourth Agreement - "Do your best always" - May I stand strong in your grace, covered in your favor as a shield.  For I am nothing apart from you and can do nothing without you, but can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.

White Lace

Since I am only nine days away from getting married, I laughed when I came across this paper I wrote in College for an English assignment. 

Early in life, girls begin dreaming of white gowns and wedding cakes. Long ago, at bedtime, my mother read me stories of princes and princesses, living happily ever after in a far away land. As a little girl, that is when I began to desire to marry a prince.

Today, there is more than one type of wedding to choose from. For instance, you may choose traditional, modern, or storybook. To determine which type of wedding will be best suited for you, it is wise to look at the variations of each type of ceremony and reception.

Traditional weddings bring up images of Victorian lace gowns, biblical vows, and three-tier wedding cakes. As a result, traditional weddings are the mother’s favorite. Perhaps because she has a chance to save money if she can convince her daughter to wear her old gown. Everything is traditional or old way, meaning the wedding is traditionally done according to the family’s old way. Years ago, I attended a traditional orthodox Jewish wedding. The bride appeared in a traditional white lace gown embroidered with pink roses. As the bride met the groom they grasped each other’s hands and stepped towards a floral Chupah (covering), where a rabbi stood waiting. The rabbi spoke Hebrew vows, joining them in matrimony. Afterwards the bride and groom each stepped on a handkerchief covered bottle, breaking it; symbolizing the Jews are never to forget the destruction of the temples in Jerusalem.

While I remember this being the most beautiful ceremony, it was also the longest I experienced. Following the ceremony, the celebration began. What better way to celebrate than with good food and music? As the bride and groom sat on chairs, their friends and family lifted them up over their heads while they danced and sang joyously. This is an example of a traditional Jewish wedding. Each culture has a tradition to be honored at each wedding.

Another option is the modern wedding, which is also the most casual and inexpensive to choose from. Because of this it is popular among young adults. Recently, for example, I saw a beach wedding on Sanibel Island. As the dawn set over the horizon, the couple gathered at the water’s edge with friends and family. The brides dress was a verse above a bikini. As the bride watched the tide, she sank her barefoot toes in the sand, as she entwined daisies into her sun-bleached hair. The groom arrived clothed in Speedos and sandals. A female Indian guru stood under a sun umbrella as she announced the vows and brought this couple together. The reception was a keg of beer and a clambake at the wedding site: the beach.

Storybook weddings are a little girls dream come true, all paid for by Daddy. A girl’s chance to dress up like Cinderella and have her groom (which is dressed in tights) places her tender foot into the glass slipper. The last time I witnessed this type of wedding, it was almost too perfect. Until the cake cutting ceremony arrived. With anticipation, the bride cut the cake and shoved it into the groom’s upper lip, through his moustache. The groom retaliated with placing the cake gently between his bride’s lip-glossed lips.

As time passes from early evening to late evening, all eyes are on the happy couple as they glide across the dance floor to the tune of “Cinderella’s Ball.” Towards the end of the reception, the women are anticipating two things: the throwing of the bride’s bouquet and the throwing of the rice. By delaying my reaction time, I avoided catching the bride’s bouquet. Moving outside to throw rice, I see the newlyweds run from the reception into their awaiting white limousine. As the couple settle themselves in the back seat, the bride begins to cry because she realizes fantasy life is over, and reality begins. As that thought wrestles in her mind, her husband turns to her and enthralls her in passion. A new thought enters her mind: perhaps this is when fantasy begins!

The limo disappears along the edges of the page where it reads, “They lived happily ever after.”

Inspiration

We are a people who are moved by inspiration.  What sets each one of us apart is by what inspires us.

For some it is location; a landscape, an ocean, or serene surroundings.  For me, it is the seasons of life.

The wisest man who lived, King Solomon, said, "To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven."  I have learned recently that just as creation expresses its' beauty differantly with each changing season, we too, express beauty in our willingness to embrace change with every season of life.

I am inspired to express my emotions and experiences of adversity to others through my writing.  I can take the pain I am feeling in the present situation and create the future outcome through plot, characters, and whatever twists and turns I would like to transpire to bring forth my desired outcome.  By doing this I have a creative outlet to help me see my current situation in a differant perspective and I am inspiring the reader to have a quasi-experience. 

Today, we go to the movies and choose our emotion -  do we want to laugh and see a comedy, do we want to cry and see a romance, or do we want to hold our breath in fright and see a suspense/thriller?    And, it is no differant with our reading choices.

Why?  Because we want to be moved.  We are a people who are moved by inspiration.

As an artist success to me is when the art inspires others to feel the same emotion it was created in.

English Author, Joseph Conrad said it best, "My task is by the power of the written word is to make you hear, to make you feel, and before all to make you see.  That and no more - and it's everything."

Running Shadows

We are all running from the shadows of our past. What we fail to realize is whatever we have left behind will become more than a shadow on the wall of our memory. It will become a mirror image to our present frail reality.

Broken love is like a shadow it is behind us, but we always know it is there. Similiar to the fallen petals of a rose, its fading fragrance and beauty left to be pressed between the pages of a book; to somehow preserve it.

Ultimately, when fear and trauma mingle; memories and nightmares cojele together forming a twisted reality. At that point shadow and light dance together to compose a corrupt perspective of life and death. The eternal struggle of creation itself. Light versus darkness, good versus evil. Isn't this what Disney built its animated empire on? Perhaps to somehow prepare children for this struggle and to fill our hearts with the belief good always triumphs at the end, and the wicked never win. Nevertheless, this is a real battle, not exclusive for heroes and villains; rather it is present in each of our daily lives.


Good and evil does co-exist among us. Rest assured our control comes by the wise choices we make which one triumphs today.

Nostalgia

The other day caught in a wave of nostalgia I impulsively spent a ridiculous amount on a set of Winnie-the -Pooh checks. I choose to call it nostalgia and not insanity!


This is because it is in our innate nature to want to be comforted when we are going through a difficult or stressed time. Such as the term, "comfort food!" (Which is a whole blog in itself!)


For me, Winnie-the-Pooh congers up fond childhood memories; when I would cuddle up in bed and spend the whole day getting lost in the ten-acre wood. As for my favorite character of the bunch it would be a toss up between Pooh himself and the charismatic Tigger. Christopher Robin would be my least favorite, perhaps because he did not offer any of the animated characteristics of the others. Believe me whatever Disney could come out with that featured Winnie and his friends, I had it!


So, when I was looking through the mundane check series and my eyes caught glimpse of the ten acre wood with that beloved bear and his endearing honey pot; I failed to realize I was no longer in the free checks, but crossed over into the luxurious specialty check series. By then, it was too late; I was headfirst in nostalgia and had to have them.


This morning however, on my way to Wal-Mart to go food shopping because I could not afford the shopping pleasure of Publix this week, that warm nostalgic feeling I enjoyed has now turned to shoppers remorse!

Ethnic Eats

I have found myself challenged in writing the sequel to "In His Love," partly because I have to incorporate facts of the lifestyle, culture, traditions of dress, religion, even food for Guatemala. While reading about the fiestas they typically hold I came across some great recipes.



What better way to embrace a culture than to partake in their food and drink? In that spirit and recipes in hand I proceeded to make a fantastic chicken taco salad with authentic spices; and it just so happened that Barefoot Contessa was making a pink grapefruit margarita that day on her show. I took it as a sign of encouragement.

I am pleased to announce that my ethnic eats and drinks were a success, both to my dinner and to my writers block!