The Secret

[555]

Ah, then is here where everybody is hidding, huh?
Only few days ago, the huge number of visitors and replies to this thread catched my attention... and I asked myself, "What is going on here?"
Frankly, I desperate only to think on go over all the previous posts, but I will browse them later, certain that I will find lots of good things reported.
As a start, I only read the reply of theunin to the last visitor, and I saw how she was very confortable to open up things about herself in this thread (I mean, perhaps more than she is in other threads). I am glad that exists such a corner here in the Miscellaneous, and I will pay more regular visits to it.
You all have good time,
Love,
Jose.

[theunim]

Jose, I hope you keep posting here. I feel like the topics are allowed to meander everywhere on this thread. It really is like a coffee house in that sense!

Sometimes I feel that to talk about certain things I would need to open up a thread for them, but otherwise, this is the place that can be good, too, if it is lighter fare and discussions.

Love,
Theunim

[Sandy]

HelloJose!!!
I'm glad you found the secret thread, what we have grown to lovingly call the" international coffee house". Of course, if you start at the beginning you realize that when Gypsy deb began this thread years ago it did have a serious beginning. But something peculiar happened with all the postings back and forth. We all...hard to explain, but we began letting our hair down and laughing and crying and encouraging and swapping stories and antedotes and the next thing we know...one thread became our kitchen table where from time to time we all pull up a chair and have a family reunion. Everyone being family you know. I think it was from this thread that I found... that something intangible... but something that felt like a human strong shoulder to lean on when I felt a little afraid, or worried. Those kind of emotions are so easy to harbor once the "door is opened, and when you are so far from your physical home, what you may know and understand. Yes, maybe you understand these feelings as well as anybody else on these boards as someone who has left home and the country you were born to come to a new place. If you do understand these emotions, dear brother, I need to ask you a question. How do we appreciate where we have come from without looking back and allowing a certain longing for the familar to discolor the bright beauty of where we now find ourselves? Hmmm I suppose this can also be taken into spiritual connotations as well. Because so often we experience something wonderous and then spend our time trying to recreate rather then allowing the moment and all new and wonderful and true to lead and inspire.

Well sorry about all that...I seem to find myself in an introspective mood this morning... Not really a bad place but tinged with a bit of sadness which is uncomfortable.

I think if you do read through this thread from beginning to this page you will feel as if you have known us forever as we tend to pour out ourselves onto these pages. Lots of recipes too and laughs...It is good to be together here.

and Hello to you too, T, I think you are doing a brilliant job living with this room mate of yours! Because we are so different it is never completely easy to live with another as newly married couples often discover. When I was having difficulties recently in understanding where another was coming from I was told to look at the basis...look hard at this person with the eyes of God... had to ask for help with that but I did feel a budding understanding of things I really couldn't imagine since I had not experienced that life myself...but it helped me to see that underneath that emotional wall, self built around this person, was a heart much loved On High. And so, that seemed good enough for me. We can never go wrong in the sending of love and asking to feel it with every cell of our being. Love begots Love and even if no change is apparent in the one for whom it is directed...does not mean it isn't finding its mark and assisting deep down where it rruly counts the most and in the sending giving us loving nourishment as well.
You T are one of the most loving and patiently caring people I know. So I pat you on the back and give you a huge hug and thank you from the bottom of my soggy little heart for the beautiful example you provide!

Now where is that PP? I am dying to know how the Eden Event she attended with Memawlaura turned out. If your out there Lynn, please know I've been thinking of you and looking forward to sharing a cup of your delicious chai tea...Oh before I forget I made one of your favorite apple cakes last night. Overcooked the caramel icing a bit so it is more like caramel drizzled over the cake instead of glaze but it still tastes lovely just sticks a bit in your teeth. Everybody is welcome to "dig" in!

Have a good day or evening everybody!
Love you to bits!
Sandy

[sammy]

Hi Jose - Nice to see you here!

Well, I've brought some nice Irish Coffee (went a little heavy on the Irish ) and some double chocolate brownies for you to enjoy while I ask you all to help me ponder something.

I read AquaDeb's and T's stories about how they were (in T's case, are) living with negative situations and attempting to remain positive. There are times in our lives where we have negative situations that we MUST live with and attempt to bring positive to the situation. Other times we have negative situations that have an open door to run as fast as we can to get away from the negative, or we can choose to remain and (beat our heads against the wall).

I am in the latter situation. A few years ago I got roped into being on the Board of Directors for a local non-profit (ALL Volunteer) animal shelter. The Board approached me because I seemed to work well with both the Board and volunteers - something they desperately needed because the board was viewed as the enemy by the majority of the volunteers. REALLY LONG story short, I agreed to do it because I felt I could help them. Well, it's been a couple of years, and that place is nothing but worsening chaos with tangible negative energy running rampant through the building. It causes me great stress. About 4 months ago I talked another woman into joining the board. I thought a second individual who works well with both the board and volunteers could pull us out of this rut. A lovely, extremely intelligent woman with a heart of gold. She has a keen eye for detail and presents good solutions. The problem is that although her solutions are logical and would help curb the chaos, NO ONE wants to participate in change. The place is becoming more and more negative as they now view our new member as the enemy. The real problem is that the Board of Directors holds no power here, they never have. With the economy as it is, the shelter will soon sink if changes aren't made, on the other hand, the shelter will tank if the volunteers leave.

Well - that's enough for you to get the picture.

I have prayed and meditated a LOT on this, and still have no clue what to do.... I want to run from this place. The stress and negative energy are sucking the life out of me. I've spent 2 years banging my head against the wall. All too often being thrown in the middle of battles. My problem is if I leave now that I have convinced this other woman to join the board, I feel like I am abandoning her in the jungle. I keep fighting myself with the decision - part of me feels as though I should stay and continue to try to bring positive loving energy to the place, but the other part of me feels as though if I stay.......well, It's slowly turning me into someone I don't like. The negative comes from too many people, it is overwhelming, and after 2 years, only getting worse.

So - how does one decide on when to call it a day? When to stop beating your head against the wall??? God has not given up on us crazies here...

Should I stay or should I go now....
If I stay there will be trouble....
If I go there will be double....
So com'on and let me know
Should I stay I stay or should I go


LOVE!!!!
Sammy

[555]

I am happy already that I found this corner, Sandy. I got what it is, a place to be ourselves. Sometimes, we are too worried to be correct, to say the right thing, to show our knowledge and we just ending up not being who we really are… Besides, perhaps, we all may have experience of being words-hurt in other boards that we just step back a little to see first how things go.

But not here… I remember that once somebody made a slightly mean reply to one of my posts, and George came out in my defense, teaching the guy how to be polite…

Sandy, About your question, how to appreciate our native place without lose ourselves in that and miss the moment where we are. Sometimes, I feel that I have lost some good moments in my country. I also miss so much my youngest son that lives there. But he went back by his own choice and, although in the years past I did want to go back to my country, now, I want only to go for visiting, because I have settled my life here, close to the majority of my children, and becoming an American citizen. So, I keep my ties to my country and my friends and relatives there, through the Web, but I have had so much wonderful opportunities in this country that I am sure, I couldn’t have there… so I am grateful God brought me here, with a purpose, as always.

And since I am in this opening mood, let me say I live in a rented room with a Christian lady and that our relationship sometimes makes me wonder… I am not perfect, as you all know, but I try to be the best I can. The problem is that our best seems not be enough sometimes… I have noticed that some people do not matter if other like them or not… Well, I am not this kind of person, I like to be loved or at least accept. I know that that is not always possible, but it is really hard for me when I am not accepted or when I think I am not being accepted. So I avoid conflicts (although they happen anyways) and I try to please people the most I can. Now even more, having come to a higher realization of the brotherhood of men. This fear of rejection has in past times taken a great emotional tool on me. I am better now, but sometimes, it hits hard. Then I look to Jesus and I see that once when they were in certain place, and it was a season of rest and relatives came to see their loved ones in the camp, and when nobody came from Jesus’s family, he felt sad at that occasion. So if even Jesus felt that way when unappreciated by his relatives, it is ok for me to feel the same way at times. At the end, we are just humans.

Sandy, seeing all the beautiful encouraging words you said to T., I realized, that the same could be said of you… I see how much you care for people here, literally everybody, always with a positive word, what a wonderful person you are! You have ministered love to me so much already and I am so grateful for having you in this board. You are just sensational!

Ok, that should be enough for now.

The alarm just sounded here in my client’s apartment complex and I had to take him down according procedure. Thanks God it was a false alarm, but sad to see that only three people out of almost 100 came down. But I give them a discount because most of them are old people and they want make sure they are really in danger, before adventure through the stairs…

Love,

Jose.

[Sandy]

Hi everybody!
This has been a morning of tears for me...a bit unstable as the weather outside... This isn't really a bad thing if you think about it though, because behind these "fronts of the mind" is usually resolution and sunny skies. So I sit here thinking and pondering life today over a couple of homemade Halvah candies. (really good for you they are... consisting of 1 and 1/2 cups ground almonds, 1/2 cup raw tahini (It is really sticky stuff that tahini ) 3 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 tablespoons of carob powder. A food processor makes them easy to throw together that is until time for the washing up. I should probably briefly describe what is needed to make them...1. Grind the almonds in your food processor, add the vanilla and the tahini and process again until mixed. Scoop out one half of the mixture. Form this in a ball and then flatten on a plate to about a 1/4 inch thickness. (0.5 cm) Next add the tablespoon of carob powder to what is left in the processor and mix again. As before, form into a ball and flatten on top of the previous mixture on the plate. The recipe calls for chilling for an hour but last time I made these I formed the little candy balls immediately and it turned out fine. Okay to form the balls: Make an inch cut forming a strip on one side of the circle of halvah. cut this strips into bite sizes (size of a medium grape) and roll in the palms of your hands. This creates a lovely swirl pattern. Continue cutting strips, bite sizes and rolling in a ball until finished.
Anyway, they are a great source of protein and a nice boost to your energy levels when needed.

Sammy, I had no idea this shelter work was such a hot bed of controversy. Bless you! And you have been struggling with this for 2 years?!!!! My goodness! Do you find this new board member, the one you encouraged on the board has peace loving tendencies as you do? I ask you this because should you stay (both of you) it sounds as if you have your work cut out for you.

Now, do you have a strong friend (supporter) in this new board member? Can you find a couple of the volunteers to rally along with you in some form of solution to end the friction? (In other words a mini quiet meeting with just a few hopefuls on both sides... maybe serve some goodies to sweeten the mood... and lots and lots of Irish coffee! Do you have a couple people on both sides that will be willing to put themselves on the line in a new campaign of Peace?... Is there validity to the position of the volunteers not seen or wanted to be seen by the board? Is there a trust that has provided funds for the shelter with lifetime board members who come with "the territory"?

I am naive and like to think peace can always be found if people want the solution bad enough. If they can see the benefits of giving up the grief and working together for a better tomorrow. glorified words I know...but hard to put into practice. sigh...

How do you sweeten the space between the two waring parties? How do they let the past arguments go and look at this with new possibilities? Unfortunately, with people, this isn't always possible in a certain time frame...if ever. But those troublemakers who do not put the welfare of the shelter and the work it does, on both sides... well, if they put their egos and their own will above those of the welfare of the animals whether they are volunteers or board members, it seems to me they should be let go or rather should resign. There will be others to step into their shoes, perhaps... hopefully...maybe....

Now with all that "bluster and blubber"... the bottom line lies with you, Sammy. You should not feel ashamed to remove yourself from a situation that is causing you stress and hampering your physical well being. Stress can kill!!! If you feel you have no choice and this is a no win situation, you must protect your sanity and health, speak with the board member you coaxed into the position and explain what you are thinking and why. There is no shame. None at all. It sounds like she too feels the brunt of the anger from both sides and she too may say. Thank you. I too have had enough! Lets go take a walk on the wild side and forget all this!

This conflict is not your doing. Sounds like it was there before you started and will be there after you leave. However, you resignation letter should it come to it, perhaps will give you a platform and opportunity to vent your feelings on this subject..Letting both sides know exactly how disgusted you are by the sad lack of progress. grrrrrr

Sammy if you need a nice quiet vacation away from the “hub bub”! I know the perfect beach! Come on down, sis!

Hi Jose,
I have to tell you you gave me such a warm feeling when reading your post. As my Mom would say, we are "two peas out of the same pod!" I understand how you described yourself as I am much the same way. I too love easily and desire to be loved by others... but with this sometimes comes a little hurt and it is the hurt that I seem to wish to avoid at all costs. Yet we cannot love without a little risks can we? We put ourselves out there in love and sometimes too we have to let go of those we love as they walk their own path. I am wondering though, does that mean love has died? No, I guess not, but in many ways my mind had a habit of treating it in that manner and seeing it as a loss rather than a possible gain in marvellous experience for the one treading a different path or life. In all honesty I am not sure what I am saying because it has been one of those days when I am feeling losses more than usual... I guess if I could categorize myself I would say I am much like a silky Bantam hen who is very small but keeps stuffing more and more "lovies, chicks under my wings and trying to keep them safe and happy...but eventual the chicks need to spread their wings and go where they need to go to progress..sigh... and my heart breaks again as I wave good bye.

I smiled when you said this....

I am not perfect, as you all know, but I try to be the best I can.

I know nothing of the kind and I think you are pretty perfect in my book.

I see nothing but love when I look at you and your striving to do just as you stated earlier, the best that you can and for such a noble cause...to enlighten and uplift others. Thank you for explaining your life in America and how you deal with geological separation with your youngest son. I guess that one of the things causing my "troubles of the heart" right now as I see my children's lives without my participation...so far away I am. Yet... Gina on another post reminded me that there are ways to stay close and that she has seen it personally as her in-laws moved to Greece a few years ago and they are still able from a far to be actively close in their grandchildren's lives. So I must not give into fears and even situations that either have not happened yet or may never happen. As you said earlier...I will just do the best I can and be the best I can be. (Okay that isn't always very good but I will try and try a little harder. )

Glad to hear the alarm in the building was a false alarm...It is a little scary to think though that little attention was paid to the alarm...Lets hope there is never a need for a real evacuation as so many may think it was of no consequence and fail to get out in time.

Okay I have had more than my fair share of Sammy's Irish coffee and have stuck a few double chocolate brownies in my pockets for George. (yeah right! ) so I had best be on my way. I hope everyone is at peace where ever you are tonight.
With Love,
Sandy

[555]

Hello Sammy,
You know, I think that is hard to give advices. But I might have the perfect situation here to give some, because the Urantia Book says you shouldn’t give advice, unless asked, and here you are, asking for advice! So, here what I thought about your case.
You know that our purpose in life is to do the will of God, mostly by serving others. So I think you have a good opportunity where you are to serve others, even the little creatures of our world. You also know that we should put the needs of others before ours. So I think that you should leave this organization, only if you think you are not able anymore to be of service to them. The burden on you also counts, because it may be one factor that might make you unable to serve. But, if you are thinkikng only mostly of yourself (what I don’t think so) just to relief the pressure on you, I would advice you stay and face the situation even as an opportunity for personal growth.
Now, only you can decide if the burden you are experiencing there is too heavy that is making you unable to serve as you should.
This is my thought.
Love,
Jose

[sammy]

Sandy and Jose! THANK YOU!

Sandy - LOTS of great advice, unfortunately the answer to most of your questions are either "no" or "been there done that". So...now it has to come down to what Jose said:

only you can decide if the burden you are experiencing there is too heavy that is making you unable to serve as you should.

AH yes! This is exactly where my attention needs to be focused! And you are correct, only I can decide. The stress and negativity surrounding the shelter overflows into the rest of my life. I walk into the shelter ready to spread love but that is immediately squashed. I leave there cranky and stressed and bring all that "yuck" home to my family and friends. It takes me hours, sometimes days to shake the negativity. I am constantly pondering if it is just ME who needs to try harder to be at peace and maintain that feeling among the shelter chaos, or if I have done the best I can.

If the place could just settle down for a couple of weeks, perhaps I could get myself back on a more stable, peaceful, love filled track!

THANK YOU for the advice!

LOVE!!!!
Sammy
PS - Sandy, I hope George enjoys those brownies!

[luvinlife]

Great advice for you Sammy! Keep us posted as to how it's going.

Dearest Sandy, why the tears? Sending love to you!

Love, Clare

[555]

Hello friends,
I am so grateful for air conditioning! The weather man is promising a heat wave for Midwest! Today is 91, but tomorrow, will be almost 100.

Well I don’t have special recipes to bring with me to share you, my friends. I only brought my cup of coffee. I drink it with my client. I am messing with the laptop in the recliner and he reading his paper… which he is unable to remember 10 minutes afterwards. But he is a good man, one of the best clients I ever had H. Most of times is thinking of others, different from other selfish clients I had. I am glad I have him as my client.
---------------------------------------------
Now, I am already off of my duty, in my son’s house, where he called me to babysitter my 9 years old grandson for 3 days. Could I miss this opportunity to be close of my grandchild and spoil him a little bit? No, sure I wouldn’t. So I am here. He will come this afternoon. Last time we went to see “Transformers” and the destruction of Chicago… I don’t know what we are going to do at this time… Probably not a movie as I am saving for my coming trip to Philippines, but we will find something, or even to make company to each other is good.

Talking about taking him to the movies, last time I took him to the movies, it happened something I didn’t like… I kind of lost my temper with the theater’s manager. I had a coupon from Fandangos for 2 tickets. Before I bought these tickets with coupons, I checked if Fandangos were linked to the theater near my son’s home. They were. So, I printed the coupons and went happy with grandson to watch the Transformers. But when there, they didn’t accept my coupons and out of frustration I lost my nicely tone of voice and was irritated with the issue. Well, I was jerk and made the manager, write on the piece of paper, why she was not accepting the coupon, almost treating to sue them… Well, fortunately I had money to pay full price and thanks I realized in time that I was being a jerk about it. At the end, it is only money and she was only trying to do her job… When I think that she is a daughter of God, as much as I am a son of God, and that she hosts a wonderful being, a fragment of God, as I do, I feel so bad for giving her a hard time… Next time I be there, if I have a chance I will apologize for being a jerk that night. It is on these moments that I check my spiritual maturity. Don’t I say I love everybody? How can I act like this sometimes? I must do better than that, or I will spend lots of time in the mansions… rectifying these inferior behaviors of mine. But no doubt I am better than I was, and certainly tomorrow I will be better than I am today… I continue striving – it is what matters.

I have a second degree nephew in Brazil that asked me to buy him a XBOX 360. I said that I would look for some here and would ship to him. The problem is he wants for YESTERDAY… Can you imagine that this 14 year old keeps texting without stopping even late, late night? (I always leave my computer on at night because my friends in Philippines) Oh my friends, I didn’t lose my temper with him, I was nice all the time, but I am sorry, I turned my stealth controls on him so I would appear offline to him, so he wouldn’t text me so much… I found his XBOX 360 and I am going to buy for him soon… but I hope he will learn some texting manners… Oh, well he is only 14 years old, what does he know that older people need to sleep once in a while?

Ok, I think this is enough for today… I wish you all the best of the day or night, whichever is your time there.
Love,
Jose

[sammy]

Hi Jose!

My boys (well, they are actually young men) both love the Transformers movies...and XBOX as well. And they also stay up WAY too late at night (actually early into the morning hours) texting and posting on facebook. I sure hope my parents shut their computers off at night!!!

As for tempers...we all have them. I am like you in that I am constantly trying to remind myself that everyone has God in them...would I dare treat God in that manner? Well...actually I did lose my temper with God one night, very recently in fact. My neighbors must have thought I had gone nuts! My oldest son told me he was joining the Army. I went outside...to smoke (another battle for another day)...I was sobbing and SCREAMING out loud at God "I DIDN'T SIGN UP FOR THIS...YOU'D BETTER FIX IT!!!!!" Hmmm, I just realized I never did apologize to Him for that, but I suspect he understands better than humans whom we lose our tempers with. I laugh at what I did now, but I suppose I should make a formal apology

Enjoy your grandson!

LOVE!!!!
Sammy

[theunim]

Hi Sammy, everyone's answered your situation quite quickly, and I would say if you eventually still have the same problem, when you've already given a fair amount of chances for resolutions to be made between you, the rest of the board, and the new member, then you should walk away, but only if you've done all that you feel you could do for everyone involved.

It was an eerie reminder of my work position last year, but I was just a lowly office assistant at a modeling agency. However, it felt increasingly oppressive and cruddy to work at, after a while, even when I was already used to the routines.
I just felt like something was off and negativity all over the office. I wasn't even there for a full three months, but while I was there, the days felt like they dragged on too long and made me feel heavy and disgusted with myself and parts of my life. I was always thinking of walking out, just to end my misery there, and one of the few things that stopped me was the fact that I was in charge of interns and that I didn't want them to be left alone. (I also felt obligated to complete certain parts of my job all the time, but at times I could have cared less because it felt like no one else cared.) However, the interns I intended on watching out for the most left, before I was laid off from the company. I did not feel any kind of remorse when I was asked to leave. In fact, I was praying to leave or for something good to happen while I was there, and it turned out leaving was a good thing, coupled with great timing. A couple of days after my formal layoff date, a couple of news reports pointed out that the company was in some form of trouble. Apparently, some of the leaders of the company were accused of being involved with sex trafficking and illicit actions, and the US FBI was in the middle of investigating these accusations! An old coworker said it was better for me that I was let go before this came out, because who wants their name attached to such a place anyway? The things us humans do to ourselves and one another...

Irish coffees...hmmm Yummmssss, but I would love a brownie right now, too! Speaking of brownies, I almost ordered one for dessert at the cafe in which we had lunch, but instead, I went for a lemon tart, which took too long to come out so I just asked for a take out container. It will be a shared dessert between me and Bert tonight.

Jose, I love that you are spending as much time as possible with your grandson, especially right before your trip. You can have great happy moments to think about while you are away, then when you come back, you can make more! I hope your 14-year-old does eventually acknowledge the world does not revolve around him. My brother used to stay up so late that my parents would take away the computer keyboard and other things as punishment for it! Same with me But I think a lot of teenagers feel immortal, unless they have had experiences to let them know otherwise.

By the by, Sandy, don't cry! I'm with Clare, sending love out to you and the rest of all the 11ner Family!

Love,
Theunim

[Sandy]

Hello family,

I have never seen the Transformer movies before. Its funny you mention them though because one of them was on television just last week and even on our small TV screen the commercials almost got me hooked! Unfortunately, for me, it came opposite one of our favorite British mystery shows and so we passed. My boys loved the Transformer toys when they were kids. Those and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. They made movies from that cartoon show too. The "young men" still enjoy watching them even though they are now looking at their thirties. Maybe it's a good thing to keep some child like joy even as an adult. After all..I was silly over Disney movies...still am.

I hope you and your Grandson have a great 3 days together Jose. Try and stay cool...my goodness 100 degree temperatures are not pleasant! I hope it isn't humid too!
Hi T, I am so glad you got out of that modeling agency when you did! As for myself, I have been so blessed with my various work environments over the years. The people I worked with were all upbeat, pleasant and kind hearted individuals. Of course, how can you feel cross around either young children or animals? (I worked at a preschool and later a family run pet store) Of course these jobs were not in the least bit competitive. We all worked together to create either a great children's program or a clean and efficient shop with the comfort of the animals being of most importance.
Both jobs were lots of fun and kept me busy, which was important. I can't stand not having something to do when at work! The more to do the better I liked it.

It has been a good day. We had a nice cup of coffee at the local mall then picked up a few items needed in the grocery line. You never know what you are going to run into when you go there now as they are in the process of major additions and renovations. sigh. The parking for awhile seemed to change every few weeks and everyone seemed confused and grumpy. (Myself included) They took out this beautiful line of trees we used to park under months ago. It broke my heart...It was so lovely and full of beautiful colored parrots. For awhile, I must admit, I glared at every workman who walked past. They must have wondered what was up with that crazy woman! Now I've accepted it as a "not so necessary evil" but one I will simply have to make the most of if I wish to do my grocery shopping there.

Well I had better get moving. I sure enjoyed Jose's coffee tonight. It was just what I needed to unwind.
With Love,
Sandy

[sammy]

T! You're not sharing that lemon tart with us???!!! Thank you for sharing that experience T. I've often felt like there would be a specific event that would cause me to KNOW it's time to go. We'll see.....

Sandy

For awhile, I must admit, I glared at every workman who walked past. They must have wondered what was up with that crazy woman!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! Oh! What an image I got of that! Thank you!

LOVE!!!!
Sammy

[theunim]

Aw, Sammy, I'll gladly bring some lemon tart...I would imagine meyer lemon for the tarts would be best, no? I hope I can get a hold of meyer lemons sometime or another and attempt my own tart.

Sandy, your mention of the parrots in the trees makes me remember what Bert and our friend saw in San Francisco. Though I heard them myself, I did not see them. We were at the most crooked street ever built, Lombard Street, and there were some trees on the properties located on the street. Sure enough, there were a couple of the birds in those trees!

I may make bread today...wish me luck? I'll let you know how it comes out? Or biscuits...there's a lot of lard in the fridge.

Love,
Theunim

[555]

My friends,
This morning my boss called and said she had another assignment for me. She pulled me off from the client I told you I liked very much and is giving me another assignment that is not secure (well never any assignment is secure). Just the timing is not what I called so good. In three weeks I will go to Philippines and when I come back I don’t know if I still have a job. Oh, talking about that our adjusters like when life is rough so he can work on us more. Last change I had in my job worked out for my best. I believe that things work out for better when you are trying to do the will of God, to the best you can.

On doing the will of God, I want to make it, but out of love, not out of obligation. I don’t want to make the will of God a religious thing, you know. And to be sincere, specifically, almost never I know which is that God has for me… usually I know later. All I try to do is to live according to the values of goodness, truth and beauty… I try not intentionally harm anybody… I try to be truthful in all I do, although sometimes, I don’t volunteer the truth on certain aspects of my life because it only would bring additional friction with people. On beauty, is really hard for me. I think of beauty as harmony, unification of life and I think my life is far from experience this unification, although it is now much better than before…

But friends, at the end, I have heard the voice of my Adjuster saying: “Stay on course, be courageous, face this situation with confidence, because I am with you on all the steps of the way”. I also had a word with my friend Thomas, 555, and I know that he is helping me, as always… So, doesn’t matter what happens, I will press forward… If sometimes fear comes to me (and it does come) I will push it away from me, for even the Universe is on my side. Nothing really bad can happen to me because I am on the way of perfection… Some things may delay my journey… but they will not prevent my arriving one day in the very presence of our Universal Father. I am loved, so loved and so very well taken care of. I know that a good number of beings, right now, are working in my favor… from my guardian angels , midwayers, teachers, to the Supreme, I know that they are all concerned with me and making ways to help me, to teach me more… So I will press on.

Now, think: according to common thinking, which is the worse thing can happen to a person? Many think is to die… or be really sick… Well, I welcome death, and if I will experience any sickness, I know that my Adjuster will help me to make the best of it… What I wouldn’t like, my friends, is somehow be a burden for my children. But again, sometimes, we, ourselves, when we are in need, we are instruments of God to teach caring to our children… But that is something that I would ask not go through. The reason is that I had been in this situation before, and I didn't feel good, by seen some attitude in my children (but I think both them and I have grown since that occasion). Anyway, I wouldn’t like to be seen with pity, because I don’t think I am worth of pity. I am a son of God, a very loved one (no more than anybody, but at least I know that I am very loved) and I would like to have my final days in full possession of my mind and dignity. I know that my Father will give me this…
So, here I am again with changes around of the corner… I will be fine… God always has given me a way out and he will do it this once again. Oh, I love Him! I love my Creator Son, he is the reason of my life! Love is the vital force of Universe, I will be fine!

[sammy]

Jose!

That was beautiful!

I have always tried to live by loving...as I mentioned earlier, I don't always succeed. My biggest problem has been trusting that God "has my back". A few months back I was finally able to fully believe that and ask that I be guided to do His will. Boy! That IS a good feeling...KNOWING that whatever happens, you are doing God's will.

The tricky part is knowing what God's will is. I'm still working on that, but I try to believe that when I act or react out of love that God's will is being done.

I wish you well with your new assignment! May God's will be done my friend!

LOVE!!!!
Sammy

[555]

Thank you, Sammy!

Isn't great how God works out things for us, even in the midst of trials? There are certain signs along the road that we have to follow, some steps that we have to take, somehow, we can't just jump to a higher state, without actually climb the steps that conduct us there.
You know the whole week I had this thing on the back of head saying about that I might would be transferred. But I didn't want to give attention because I didn't want to be transfeerred or lose that client... Well, now is done and I have to move on. Everything will be fine.
Thank you for your loving support.
Love,
Jose

[sammy]

Hello Family!

Well....I resigned! I feel like an elephant has been lifted off my shoulders. I tried for 2 years to help them get organized and at peace with each other, and truly never made an ounce of progress. They seem to thrive on chaos and anger. Someone pointed out to me today that perhaps they don't want it fixed - and then I saw Jose's post about signs along the way. I've has SO many "STOP" signs at the shelter, but fought the signs thinking I just needed to try harder ...anyway, I finally decided that I can benefit many more individuals if I don't hold on to all that grumpy stress! WOO HOO! Spreading the love! Plenty to go around!

LOVE!!!
Sammy

[Sandy]

Hello there family!
Once again I have tears in my eyes...good tears as I read Jose's post. It spoke to me with a loud ringing in my heart, if that makes any sense...and the tears flowed that helped clear the fear for a time. I know words cannot do the work for me though...and I too must give up this one fear for myself in the long term before I can step out in complete joy and do the will of the Creator. Like you Jose, I do not fear death and even welcome it...but I do fear loosing George to death. Maybe it is our age difference but I worry so about what I know in my head would be a temporary separation yet I cannot imagine going on without him. How could I possibly continue his work without him...how would I/we ever keep the light working project of the Midwayers together without his beautiful will and determination? He is my beloved soul mate...and I do not ever want to let him down... but then you see the crux of my problem as I look at this enlarged part of my life... Perhaps it is trust...and I have lessons to learn in this area... And so right now, I very selfishly hope that my time arrives before his...giving me plenty of time to prepare his welcoming party on the Mansion worlds. I love you all and thank you for allowing me to get this out of my system. Perhaps in the airing, I will clear some inner space allowing something better to take its place.

Jose, God has placed you in such a wonderful space to help people and you are doing that with your kindness, words and actions. Perhaps this new client is in need of these gifts you so brilliantly exude. And perhaps this previous client, the one you just left will be able in some way to help the next person who is in charge of his welfare. I am reminded of Wingzie here, she was a Progress group member and a good friend to many of us who was diagnosed with ALS, a terminal disease back in 2005 I believe. She wanted so badly to heal to beat this monster but in the process of living things changed and living wasn't as important as she once thought it would be. Instead she found reasons to be grateful in her days and found too that she was not weakened in Love instead strengthened and ministered in this capacity to those who ministered to her physically. She was able from her bed and power chair to lift those who lifted her...and this thought of being useful still to God helped her to fly with her TA, knowing she could never fall. Anyway I guess what I am saying is perhaps your previous client has something to give the next carer. We are all capable of doing great and good things even though the way looks dark and hard sometimes.

Anyway, with your permission Jose, I would like to copy your post and keep it close, to help me as I do the work to put my fear behind me. Thank you for being you! (((HUGS)))

Sammy! Onwards and Upwards! I am pleased this shelter "monkey' is off your back and join you in the banana dance! On that happy note, how about some banana cream pie to go along with T's lemon tart! We'll have a pie tasting party!

How'd the biscuits or bread turn out T? I have had some difficulty with making biscuits or scones as they are called here. There is a real art to them and with the exception of a couple times when making Welsh cheese and herb scones, I have failed to get it right. My Mom always say, "practice makes perfect." Of course she isn't having to eat the hard "hockey puck" like results either. Poor George.

Okay enough from me for one day. I should get busy on a job I have been putting off once again... the GST taxes. Bleah! Hmmm... but you know, it really is a good day for baking...rainy and cool...

Have a good day or evening everybody!
Love,
Sandy

[sammy]

{{{{{{{{{{{SANDY}}}}}}}}}}} Sending you a pm on this.

LOVE!!!!
Sammy

[555]

Hello friends,

Sandy, were lots of tears also for me when I wrote that post. When I read about you being afraid to lose George, I remembered how me too, in my puberty, used to thing that God was going to punish me for my sins (things that religion told me were sins) by killing my Aunt Ana who raised since I was 4 years old (one day I will tell you this story). So, afraid to be alone in this cruel world, I would pray to God to take me first than she… We all fear pain, especially emotional pain that comes with separation… God in his wisdom, only took my Aunt Ana many years later, after all my children were born… when I was not alone anymore… Although new in the Progress Group, I too fear to lose him, I even have prayed to God to keep him with us many and many years to come. Sometimes I ask myself why I didn’t know him before. I think of him everyday, as I read his emails from the 1111 Progress Group, and as I translate the transcripts into Portuguese. So I understand your fear to lose somebody you love.

But Sammy, you two do such a wonderful work in the Progress Group! We don’t want to lose none of you… and if you are the same Sandy that I have heard from on the Archives I think you would be a wonderful successor to continue his work, and even you are not that Sandy, you would anyway --- look what marvellous work you do here in this board! And besides, think of this beautiful being you have right there in your mind, certainly a fabulous one, that ever will help you to go on, no matter what! You too, my darling, will be just fine!

Thanks Sandy for remembering me that things always work out for good for us that want to do the will of God, even in midst of trials. My boss didn’t send yet the details for my new client so I am still a little anxious about the situation, but it doesn’t matter what, I will be fine… because I am not alone. Yesterday I planned for this new assignment that will require me to deal with a roll lifter – so I went online to refresh my memory on how operate it, and also I put together some information about other jobs I can try after I come from Philippines if this one doesn’t work out anymore. Press forward, is all I can do. Sometimes I do have to make some steps back to correct the course, but it is only temporary. Soon I am back on the route.

Sure, Sandy, copy it! I am glad that my venting helped you too. It is great to have a place where you can put out your feelings without fear of being judged, and receive love back. Thank you for you all.

Sammy, decisions sometimes are hard to be taken, but once taken, they have at least one benefit: to finish the indecision! You will find another way to serve others, luckily a place where you don’t have to struggle too much on doing it. As you said, you don’t have to go far to help others. Just look around and your kindness will be always welcome. Yes, plenty around!

Here is still early in the morning I just woke up. My son already left to work and I will go down to make coffee. I am going to sit on the steps of the backdoor and read a little from the Independent Writer, preparing to the next assignment. I will keeping doing this as much as I can. I envy George’s ability with English! I wonder if one day I can write as good as he does.

Well my friends, this is all for now. I may be back later. You all have a wonderful night or day.

Love,

Jose

[Sandy]

Hello my friends,

Despite the rain coming down in buckets again today I am in a fabulous mood and I hope all of you are too...that is if you're not asleep. I had the best time walking to the post office today, the umbrella making me feel a bit like Mary Poppins as the wind threated to set me flying. It was good to be out in nature though, it's been four days of this and four days since I walked.

I didn't get any baking done as I had hoped but how about some oreo cookies and milk today which I just shared with our landlord and wife who stopped in a little while ago before heading off on their vacation to Hawaii tomorrow. Talking with them, I am once again reminded how blessed George and I are. I sometimes think I am alone when I allow my thoughts to fall into certain unproductive thought ruts. But I'm not...These dear people are close by and our beloved Geoff is just a few hours north of us. He has helped us, patient man that he is, more times than I can count. Yes, it is good to have friends afar and friends close by, those of flesh and blood and of the celestial kind.
I feel an amazing appreciation for this moment.

Jose, you have helped me immensley. You too Sammy. The word, thank you hardly seems big enough... But here's a HUGE Thank you all the same!

I thought I'd better say that I am not the archived Sandy, though. She was a very good receiver and assisted greatly in getting this 11:11 project off the ground some years ago. There have been so many people that gave a part of themselves to this effort over the years some I know and some I don't know, but they all left an indeligable mark on this tiny little branch of the on going Correcting Time work.
As I sit hear and listen to the latest deluge on the metal roof of our garage I am at peace, happy to not look too far into the future but simply to enjoy this moment knowing that the future is built on moments such as this.

With Love,
Sandy

[sammy]

Another Sandy?????? No way. Only one of you my dear! But seriously, now I have to go find this "archived Sandy"....what is her screen name?

I am SO glad our Sandy Poppins is feeling better today!

We are having a mini heat wave here, NOTHING like the mid-west is experiencing, so I brought some Ice cream and hot fudge four y'all today! And some more Irish coffee for those who need to get warmed up!

Ok - I'm off to go read the rest of the new posts...have a LOVELY day my friends!

LOVE!!!!
Sammy

[luvinlife]

Sandy Poppins

Love that name for our Sandy! Welcome to my summer, Sammy, as it's ALWAYS hot like that down here in the summer!

Love, Clare