Wake up!

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Wake up!  It’s more than time to give thanks and praise

to our God who helps us in all our ways.

The season of giving and receiving unfolds,

so let us relax, go forth and be bold.

This holiday comes at the end of each year

So let us shout for joy and be clear

Wake up

Remember it’s all about our Lord and those

really in need,

so let’s forget about ourselves, there’s

no time for greed.

We keep giving to people who have more

than enough, come on look around

do you really need all that stuff?

Shopping for presents is a yearly tradition

Wake up

It’s time to change this compulsive condition

Stressing and frustrated from all the rush

Spending money we don’t have

until we’re crushed

Wake up

Living paycheck to paycheck to pay all the bills,

believe me when I tell you this is no thrill.

At the end of the year when you think

you’re ahead, the Santa syndrome

Hits you hard on the head

Christmas music entices you to

shop till you drop

As you shop for the season and you

Just want to stop.

Our lives are not defined by how much

we have, but how much one gives to those

who are sad.

Wake up

It’s time to change our obvious response

to a life filled with desires and wants

time to change our conclusion

Get out of this illusion

Place a limit on your family and friend giving

So you can really start living

Stay alert find the charities who are truly

Reaching out

Make a switch, change your life

Remember what life is really about.

 

Pat Fagan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Left behind

 

FB_IMG_1506479935696Why should I be concerned with those left behind in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria?

Some people were fortunate enough to get their family members out of the Island of Dominica after the hurricane. Those who had the means to travel overseas left in droves by ferry, helicopter, and chartered planes.  I am very thankful because my parents at such a ripe old age arrived safely after enduring weeks with no communication, electricity or running water.

For those left behind, it’s pure torture as the Government scrambles for food water shelter and clothing. Basic amenities are trickling in slowly. Towns have to be relocated due to the  major damage of  homes in many locations.

Don’t forget the children who lost homes and experienced such a tragedy. The schools are unable to give them a sense of normalcy due to the severe conditions of the buildings. Can you imagine living in a place that looks like a war zone?

There are many people living in shelters who has lost everything they own.  I stopped to consider their plight and I couldn’t help but think about the pieces of their life they will have to rebuild all over again.

No one is coming to their rescue in order to get them off the Island. This is their home, and for those who have businesses and work in government positions, the task of rebuilding their country will be daunting.

For others left behind in broken wind-swept roofs, damaged and sunken homes, it was like living in a nightmare which will continue for years to come.

I am deeply concerned with those who are left behind because they are left with  a country that will be impacted in so many ways as they pick up the pieces of their broken lives. We got our parents out but there are friends and relatives trying to deal with this new reality.

We have to thank God everyday for our blessings. Today is given, tomorrow is never promised. The people living in Dominica have a long road ahead in order to conquer the impact of this storm.

They will rebuild their Garden of Eden which is now littered with Debris. It is an opportunity for renewal and rebirth. Let us pray for those who are left behind so they can pick up the broken pieces of their lives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zest for Life

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Having zest for life means you live with great enthusiasm and energy. For the majority of my life, that rings true. Most people who know me will probably describe me as a person who always has a smile on her face. Another attribute is I am generally enthusiastic about life. But we all have our moments when life is not always what it seems.

I remember when I was in college and life was beautiful. On my 23rd birthday, I broke into tears because I was older than some of the other students. I laugh about it today because next month, I will be a couple of decades older. Now I’m beginning to reflect on my future goals. What can I to do to live a more productive life?  I’ve been told, “I have more yesterdays than tomorrows.”

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We all can become worn out by a world which dictates the roll we play everyday. Why are we so concerned and distraught about all the other issues which sometimes shows up along the way? Life can become very challenging and plain old complicated. Your zest for life can be gone in a flash. Look out, be aware and hold every thought captive which drags you down.

There is always a glimmer of hope. In God we trust to help us through the tough times. Believe God will guide you back to having that zest for life. We’ve all been there many times and thank God, it doesn’t last forever.

This is the perfect time to regroup, reassess, and recapture your zest for life.  Redefine what makes you tick. What motivates you and brings you joy? Discard the thoughts which don’t serve you at this point of your life. Fight and replace negative paralyzing thoughts for positive affirmations. Get back that enthusiasm and energy that made you ecstatic.

Nugget of truth: Your personal success in life no matter where you are depends on you.

Life Menu

options-73332_640FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Imagine walking into one of your favorite fine restaurants, and being escorted to your table. You sit down and you’re given a menu. Only this time, it’s a menu about your life. What do you see? Are you happy with the selection on the menu? Do you wish there were other choices which are not presently on this menu? Continue reading “Life Menu”