My day was exciting. I had the wonderful opportunity of spending it with mom and dad. Despite what happens in our lives, there is always time to spend with those we love. Whether it is a mother and/or father or any other family member or friend, we should use what remaining time we have wisely; rectifying differences held onto for years or simply putting the past behind us to clear the way for the breath of fresh air open-mindedness brings. I also spent time with a brother whom I am close with.

I also had an opportunity to work on computer projects and watch a phenomenal football game between the Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos. Finally, I ate well and was able to shower and put clean clothes on. Tonight I shall lay my head on a comfortable pillow and sleep under some warm covers. I am grateful to have these things. There are plenty of people who have none of this.

Gratitude in the simplest things should allow me to appreciate the larger gifts as they show up in my life. I know what it is like to have an empty spiritual tank and no "pot to pee in". I have stared death in the face and was granted salvation from the greatest plans I had for my life. When I sank deep into the abyss, I began applying spiritual principles in my life and have since received many blessings. This sums up a most of my struggle when I apply it to my life.

I hope every body has stayed healthy and out of harms way since my last post. In your absence, I have continued on my path of better insight and understanding of my fellow women and men. Difficult at times, my interactions with a myriad of individuals reveals many common threads.

Typically speaking, most individuals have ulterior motives when interacting with other humans. Whether it manifests itself in the beginning or the end of the interaction, each participant wishes to leave the encounter with more than they came with. Also, they want to gain more than the other guy. Few humans indeed are only out to help others, giving purely to give and expecting nothing in return.

I have crossed paths with many shady and upright people in my life. I have yet to find an individual who is free of this problem. Usually, these individuals have a soul sickness that drives them to covet and seek all things outside themselves. The problem with this type of sickness is the impossibility of satiating their soul.

Things from without will never suffice for the necessities of the spirit. Only the spirit can be satisfied by doing spiritual things. The greatest tool for accomplishing this task is selflessness. Giving of yourself and your possessions is a sure way to feel complete.

I am no hyper-religious fanatic. I have my beliefs about religion but do not think it is necessary to discuss them here. I believe it will only created divisions amongst me and everybody else. I will say that my views on service to others is crucial to not only solving problems with our neighbors, but also conflicts among the world's powers.  

Live Like the Big Cats

Good morning,

I heard a quote this past week that I thought you might like. It asks that we be "a thermostat in life rather than a thermometer". I thought that coincides well with the old adage that we "roll with the flow", not allowing specific instances in our daily routines to thwart our spiritual progress. I believe we are to check the monitor the temperature of all the areas of our lives and adjust our thoughts and actions accordingly.

This practice, if rolled into our daily routine, may prevent folks from doing strange, bizarre things in our communities. My hope is that we all learn acceptance of those around us flaws and all. I also hope that we learn to communicate our difficulties with the world around us more freely and openly. We can trust each other. This fact has materialized in my life. With what I have been through, if it can materialize in my life, it can do the same in anybody's life.

Remember tigers and virtually all other big cats are extremely observant, calculating every move they make. They conserve their energy for the important moments of hunting and defending their turf. I believe we can allow this beast to set an example in our lives. Let us observe diligently and conserve our energy and resources for those times that require much effort. In between, let us move around, head hung high in the air, with confidence but not arrogance. Have a great day!