Memorial Day

In this time of reflection, let us remember What our forefathers have discovered What our ancestors have taught us What our soldiers have sacrificed (and what those sacrifices might have to tell us about the importance of peace.) Let us learn from history, not mindlessly repeat it.

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Financial Failure: The Dark Before the Dawn

I spoke with a friend tonight who is in the process of filing for bankruptcy.  She has lost her livlihood, her credit, her car, even her own place to live. After two failed business ventures followed by a health challenge that left her briefly incapacitated, she finds herself now with mountains of debt and no real income.  Falling on the mercy of family and friends who have fed and sheltered her the last few months, she has retreated to an earlier profession, wrangling a few hundred dollars a month from friends and aquaintances who can afford to hire her on occasion.  She has lost what most people would consider “everything.” As I spoke to my friend, I noticed a palpable shift in her since we last spoke a number of weeks ago.  Was it depression?  Resignation?  Anger, shame, or blame?

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Winter Contemplation #1 (or, how to get unfrozen)

I live by Lake Marcel, poised between the Snoqualmie Valley and the Cascade foothills, between the towns of Carnation and Duvall (east of Seattle).  It is peaceful, idyllic.  It looks like the kind of place you’d go to visit your financially-secure retired relatives in their second home… nestled between tall fir trees, near the community beach. Part of my daily routine is to walk around the lake, weather allowing.  I walk to stretch my legs, clear my mind, and… to listen.  Sometimes, I hear Spirit speaking in Nature – perhaps through a bird or a tree, and often, through a living metaphor. 

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Announcement: Christmas has been Postponed!

Think about it – do you look forward to seeing your family and friends on Christmas because of the gifts that they bring, or because of the GIFT that they ARE!?

With all due respect to Santa Claus, the biggest gifts we can give this or any season do not come in wrapping paper. Bring joy, peace, and goodwill in your sleigh, and you will be a welcome visitor anytime of year.

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