the loss of a love

when a lover says that it’s over
the shock and anger is unbelievable
“it’s not true, it’s a nightmare, how could it be?”
then the bargaining adds to the turmoil
“could things have been handled differently
and the loss of a love been avoided?”

getting through this phase does not guarantee
that the acceptance of the loss is reached
unfortunately this pain can go on in cycles
nevertheless it does get better
and we move on to happier and more fulfilling times
having hope for that gets us through the worst moments

goodbye Donald Horne

some were invited today to celebrate
the life and works of this great man
he led a life that influenced many
and although he did not suffer fools
his warmth was far greater than most
if your were fortunate enough to
be the recipient of that side of him

as I sat and listened to leaders
speak of their experiences with him
I remembered the warmth he showed me
and that of his wife, Myfanwy, too
goodbye Donald Horne
it was an honour to know you

it would be helpful to notice what we say

one of the best lessons in life is that
we teach what we need to learn
so when people come our way
asking for answers to their questions
and we spontaneously offer suggestions
it would be helpful to notice what we say

in our comments we will see
that we are giving answers to
our own current problems
and all it takes is to pay attention
then we have the solutions
sometimes one, sometimes many
right under our very own noses

make dreams come true

having a program to live healthy
by eating well and avoiding smoking
no excessive drinking or spending
staying true to yourself and your loved ones
can help achieve those goals that
make dreams come true

the only things that can go wrong
is with the HALTS, that is being:
hungry, angry, lonely, tired and serious
then all good plans can go astray and
the best intentions disintegrate
so make a plan and stick to it

I remember the firewalk

Sceptics don’t believe that a person can walk on fire. Others think that it is against “God’s” wishes for humans to do such things. Then again some ask “why do it and for what purpose”?

I was one of those who asked this question, but in 1992 a new found friend, Jussta, a qualified firewalker, organised a fundraiser for the Wayside Chapel and as I worked there I joined in the event, which was covered by the media

we danced around the huge fire until it burned down to embers with
flames lapping up at the coals, then she walked across as we watched amazed
then she sang out to me to join her but I hesitated, quite fearful I might add
she held my hand as we made the crossing and she pulled me off as I hesitated
that cost me a small blister but with great delight at my accomplishment
nevertheless, many a time I am faced with tasks that I undergo and
as usual when I am tempted to stop before I am quite finished
I remember the firewalk and then complete the effort
it was one of the most empowering things I have done in my life

our happiness or unhappiness

what makes a good mood turn into a bad one and then back again?
could be it’s what we make ourselves do
if we choose something boring or antagonising, our mood follows
when we choose something enjoyable, our mood follows too

so it stands to reason that changing what we are doing will
lead to how we want to feel and less likely that we can hold
other people places and things responsible for our happiness or unhappiness

fun without drinks or drugs

all went well at the ceremony
the bride looked beautiful
the groom was suave
no dancing, smoking or drinking of alcohol
their religion does not permit this
nevertheless lots of people and even youth
having fun with happy laughter
enjoying the celebration

it was a religious ceremony, penticostal at that
friends of mine who had struggled to
get accepted in a new country, Australia
and as I observed their joy, it was a relief that people
could have such fun without drinks or drugs
so natural and healthy and happy

because our focuss has been on the problems of society
have we forgotten that the majority of the population
in fact enjoys life without help from drinks and drugs?
it’s not impossible to do and results in good health and happiness
consequently this does not mean that
such clean living people don’t face Life’s problems
some are very serious, sad, and full of injustice
this happens to the best of us
but the solution is there with the support of the
like minded supportive fellowship we belong to
and its program or philosophy