Know Yourself

KNOW YOURSELF 

Know yourself they say 

and don’t be led astray

but how can I know who I am 

when I’m different every day?

Some days I’m the smart one 

with the answers people need 

and some days I’m the strong one 

standing up to take the lead.

On other days I’m sure 

that if the wind blew me too hard 

I would shatter like a glass

into a million tiny shards.

And on those days I cower 

and I hide out from the world

waiting on my inner child

to blossom and unfurl.

And each day I’m surprised 

by the newness that I see

the things I’m finding out

the complexity of me.

So how to know yourself 

when you’re all things rolled in one? 

you simply must decide

to love whatever you become.

Donna Ashworth

From ‘I Wish I Knew

After Awhile

 

After a while you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
and you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning
and company doesn’t mean security.

And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts
and presents aren’t promises
and you begin to accept your defeats
with your head up and your eyes open,
with the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child.

And you learn to build all your roads on today,
Because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans
and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.

After a while you learn that even sunshine
Burns if you get too much.
So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul,
Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flower.

And you learn that you really can endure…
that you really are strong
and you really do have worth,
and you learn and learn…
With every goodbye you learn.

-Veronica Shoffstall

Stand

If I stand for the grace that I've known, For what I believe
Then I won't stand alone, No I won't stand alone.....


 With visible breath, I'm calling your name
With visible tracks, I'm finding my way
With a sorrowful heart, I honor this pain
And offer these tears to the rain
In a moment of truth at the top of the hill
I open my arms and let go of my will

And stand with my face to the wind
With the storm beating down on this sacred ground
If I stand for the grace that I've known
For what I believe
Then I won't stand alone
No I won't stand alone
There's a new pair of eyes to embrace all I see
A new peace of mind and it comes quietly
There's a joy in my heart that you've given to me
And I offer this soul's melody
So I beat on my chest till my song has been sung
And I cry like a wolf at the top of my lungs
And stand with my face to the wind
With the storm beating down on this sacred ground
If I stand for the grace that I've known
For what I believe
Then I won't stand alone
No I won't stand alone
When the thundering voices of doubt try to shake my faith, oh
I'll be listening from inside out and I won't be afraid to
Stand with my face to the wind
With the storm beating down on this sacred ground
If I stand for the grace that I've known
For what I believe
Then I won't stand alone
No I won't stand...I won't stand alone

The Gift of Life

It's wonderful to watch a baby move on a pregnant woman. It's amazing to watch a baby move, and really helps you understand just how magical life is! Actually feeling a baby move inside your own body is the most awe inspiring feeling you can ever imagine.  The gift of life is truly a spectacular thing.

Read more at http://blog.petflow.com/this-is-what-a-36-week-old-baby-does/#DlE4tOuPRXhubQk3.99

The One Flaw In Women

I personally find these traits to be a blessing of humility not a flaw. - J

 Women have strengths that amaze men…..

They bear hardships and they carry burdens,

but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy

and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in.

They stand up to injustice.

They don’t take “no” for an answer

when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel

and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about

a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member,

yet they are strong when they

think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss

can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They’ll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you

to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what

makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.

They have compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their

family and friends.

Women have vital things to say

and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH. 

-author unknown

A Woman's Creed

I believe that I am created in the divine image of God.

That my body and spirit are holy.

The God, who dwells in all creation, lives in the inmost depths of my being.

I believe that I am loved by God just as I am, without conditions or demands that I be more.

I am enough.

This love sustains me when I am in doubt and upholds me when I fail.

I believe that God desires my freedom and wholeness, the full expression of my talents.

I need not live by values of others, nor silence myself to please them.

I can let my own voice ring out, my own song be sung. I can trust what I feel & know, living out of my own deepest truth.

I believe in the power of women to heal and love, to seek truth and justice.  I believe that my gifts and strengths are for cherishing myself, others and the world around me. The more I care for myself, the better I will be able to care for all living beings.

Source: Kathleen Fischer and Thomas Hart, A Counselor's Prayer Book.