ACTIVATE

 ACTIVATE...

The word, ACTIVATE denotes the ability to get started, to get things done. For some this can be hard because we may like to think about something before we actually go ahead and do it.

When it comes to writing, or works that demand immediate attention, it becomes imperative NOT to dwadle.  So, so important to go forward and do it, whatever is being asked of us. 

The way to do this is hard, yet simple when we learn NOT to procrastinate. Be deliberate, do what needs to be done, NOW!

Even as I write these words, I'm reminded of my own weakness in relation to over-thinking what needs to be done at times. Then I'm reminded of a friend to has this wonderful ability to act instantly.  No waiting / no over-thinking, just does it.

If and when we learn to activate our minds to respond in the present moment, we will be surprised and delighted at how quickly things will be done, NOW!

LOVE...

LOVE...

Whenever I look at a Film or read a Book, I am attracted by the love between the people in the story and how their love develops. Even more so, the challenges that they are presented with / the drama as it unfolds.

This is often the case when I write a Story or Poem and find myself interested in how the storyline will unfold.  Will the characters find love / lose love, or even betray love.

In a way, this proves to me, all that matters in life is how we love / find love and discover how love guides us in our decisions and opportunities in life. We are drawn to pursue the ability to love, no matter who or where we are.

If we are blessed with a certain spiritual life, then we become aware of the truth that God is Love.  This will encourage us to take on board the qualities of love and become a truly loving person.

KINDLY...

KINDLY...

Acting Kindly, taking into account the feelings and difficulties of others, can be heroic at times.  We may like to believe we are a kind person, caring for others and believing we are doing well.  

However, acting kindly is stepping into a state of heroic virtue, and may well show us up for the apparent unkind person we are. To know this is to be grounded in humility, or at least aiming towards being an honest person.

Our whole life guides us and moulds us into who we truly are, so no surprises when we find it difficut to act kindly at times.  Virtue does not come easily, especially the virtue of Humility. We are invited to become the best that we can be.

Acting kindly is taught and practised simply by knowing ourselves, and not being surprised at our failures.  A baby learns to walk by making the effort and tumbling down several times before the habit is solidified.

Saint Therese often spoke about being 'child-like' and this is a great practise to have through our whole lives.  We try, we fail and we try again.  Then we learn to know that failure is only postponed success.

We become a Champion in acting Kindly.

 that failure is j

JUSTICE...

 JUSTICE...

It seems a good thing to applaud JUSTICE, to have a just attitude to all we do and care about.  With so much happenings in the World today, people are crying out for Justice and well they might.

To have a just attitude to all we do and all we are interested in, takes both courage and awareness and knowledge.  A good shopper will look around for good and fair prices when buying food or clothes or a place to live. Nobody wants to be cheated, yet often the cheapest prices on goods may not be cheap.  The value and quality of the goods must come first.

The same applies to ourselves. We are invited to look for what is best for us,  not necessarily what is cheapest or easiest to get .  The value of our lives depends on the values we live by. If we are paid to do a job, yet fail to do it well, then we are at fault, we fail as a person.

The same applies to whatever values we live by.  Are we honest, reliable, caring in our relationships with others.  Do we value love above all else?  And do we truly love ourselves enough to set high standards in relation to who and what we are.

A loving person is to be valued above all else. This is true Justice.

 LOURDES...

Certain places in the World can move us to tears by their beauty and wonderful artistic buildings. At first, that was my reaction when I visited the magical place called LOURDES.  

At one time it was just a small village, poor yet rich in natural beauty, being surrounded by the Pyranees.  I was impressed by my visit, yet a part of me felt uneasy.  Has it just become a Tourist place, with plenty of Liturgical goings on? Impressive, yet the surrounding nature seem to attract me more...

Then, I discovered where the magic could be found... the Stations of the Cross, beautifully carved out of blocks of stone, depicting the sorrowful and terrible sufferings of the Passion of Christ.

The figures portrayed seem to come to life, with expressions of sorrow and compassion, depicting Veronica touching the Face of Christ, her hand gently brushing his wounded cheek.

And, when Mary, His mother met her Son, somehow, I was not looking at figures carved out of stone, but a mother and Son embracing each other with such deep sorrow and tremendous Love.  

IGNITE...

 IGNITE...  set fire to...

Whenever we are inspired and moved to be creative and loving, we become like a fire that can and will spread, so easily, so readily.  

We become ignited with a love that can and will transform us into our true selves. It will become a way of life that forces us to love and learn and become Godlike.

Whatever it is that sparks of this fire within us, it will not leave us alone until we respond to the special grace we are receiving. We become like a messenger who must deliver the news that is burning within.  We are restless until we obey the call of God.

At times we may not even be fully aware of how powerful it is, to become ignited with the love and grace of God. Spend time quietly and allow the truth of what is happening within us, to unfold.  Are we being called to live a special life?

Are we being inspired to become a leader of others, and God knows how much the World needs good leaders / good people who are inspired to give ALL.

When moved by grace, allow it to happen. Accept as a natural progression of how wonderful it is to be alive.  Let our hearts be ignited with Love!

HUMOUR...

 HUMOUR...

    A sense of humour can defuse a bad situation, allowing people to keep a sense of pride in who they are and what they do.

    Bishop Fulton Sheen was a great speaker on TV.  His talks  always began with humour... One day a mother was removing her crying child from the audience who had come to hear him speak...  'Dear lady, no need to remove your child.  The crying doesn't bother me...'  The mother replied,  'It's your voice that bothers the child.'   In this way, with humour, he allowed the audience to laugh at him and with him.. 

    Humour and humility could well be linked together.  By using a sense of the rediculous we give freedom to others to laugh at us, more especially to laugh with us!.

    The ability to be light-hearted and not too serious in our endeavours, allows others, not to be afraid, and listen to what  we have to say,  This humble attitude  gives power to our words and actions, and can build friendships.

    With good humour we can conquer the World!