Inspirational Healing

A Simple Gesture

Ruth surprised me the other day with a phone call and I can't stop thinking about it. She's our sweet and endearing 80 something year old neighbor who lives across the street from us.

During these cold Michigan winter months that keep many older folks inside, we don't see her as much as during the summer months when she's sitting on her porch or out working in her garden. But she does love to pull up a little chair and sit by her entryway door on bright sunny days, soaking up the warmth and pleasure of the sun.

I saw her sitting there reading a book as I got in my car to leave the house. I stopped, gave my horn a little beep to grab her attention, then gave a quick wave. She smiled, waved back and I didn't give it another thought as I went along my way.

Her phone call really took me by surprise. She called to say how much that wave meant to her - to think that I took the time to stop my car and pay attention to her just made her day. I was amazed! I was just being friendly to someone I consider a friend. Not a big deal, right? But evidently I was wrong. She told me that my wave brightened her mood every time she thought of it and she had to tell me how it meant so much to her. Her call to me was a week later! It was still in her heart even after all that time. Amazing.

It really got me thinking about the powerful impact that a simple gesture can make. It's not just the big things that help to make the world a happier place, it's the simple acts of thoughtfulness and kindness of everyday life that impact and create change. Certainly that's something we can all do and little by happy little, create a major impact.

Ruth gave me a gift with her phone call. Bless her heart for telling me because now I know and can tell you also. All those little things that we may never think of again can and do mean a lot. We may never know just how far a smile, a wave, a please and thank you, a prayer, a kind word or helping hand may travel in the hearts and spirits of those we meet every day. A week later, it may still be going strong, bringing simple joy right along with it. Amazing.

Closing the Store...

My daughter Lynne, a practicing psychologist in CA, recently took a leap of faith and left her job with no other job waiting for her or even prospects lined up. She was working in a hospital ER department and felt sapped of energy, inspiration and fulfillment. Slowly, piece by piece, she was being stripped of what makes her happy.

Remember the movie, You've Got Mail? A small, independent bookstore owner was being forced out of business by a big name conglomerate that moved into the neighborhood. She tried to keep her store open as long as possible, but finally made the decision to close it. Her friend told her, much as she wasn't ready to believe it at the time, that, "Closing the store is the brave thing to do. You are daring to imagine that you could have a different life."

That's a pretty powerful statement. How many times do we get stuck in the familiar, fighting to keep it the way it is, even when it doesn't fulfill us? Even when it continually drags us under and makes us want to stay in with the covers thrown over our heads? Fear is one of the most powerful emotions there is and it can blindside, distract and hold us down if we let it. It's full of "buts", "what-ifs", and "I cant's". It's pretty paralyzing.

But life has a way of letting us know when it's time to let something go, try something new or step out into the unknown, even when we don't know where it will take us. The trick is for us to pay attention to how we're feeling about the present situation. If we feel yucky, tired, scared, depressed - you get the picture - then it's time to see ourselves in a new light. Hmmm.....what if? Is it possible? Is there even the slightest chance? What if this dream of mine can come true? Just IMAGINE. That's where bravery comes into the picture.

I think courage, or rather the lack of, is really where we get tripped up. Change isn't always easy so we stay close to what we know, even if it's uncomfortable. In a bizarre way, there's a comfort in being uncomfortable. But if we can just for a moment, step away and imagine being truly happy, content and fulfilled, we find the strength and will within to move in a different direction. Especially when we're moving because it resonates to our heart, and not just a logistical, makes sense kind of thing, we step off the cliff, trusting that we'll be caught by something wonderful.

"Closing the store" means different things for each one of us, but if we're honest with ourselves in acknowledging our true feelings, I believe we will be able to imagine something new and find within ourselves every bit of courage we need to step into the wonderful.

Since Lynne made her decision to step away from what was unhappy for her and into that 'other' place that was as yet unknown to her, a series of open doors and exciting new possibilities has occurred, and in a very short time. She leaves soon to explore an exciting opportunity working in a boarding school with teenagers in a foreign country. She'll be able to practice her field in a creative, non-traditional way, both at the school and in the wilderness adventure activities that's part of the curriculum - all of which will satisfy the dream that she's carried in her heart.

I know that Lynne's been caught by protective and loving arms when she 'Closed her store', so I'll keep you posted on her new life adventure.

Myrtle

Myrtle is a bird, a seagull to be exact and I met her a couple weeks ago. My husband, Garry, and I took a road trip through several southern states and ended up staying several days at Myrtle Beach, SC. I don't expect to see her again, but she kind of adopted me while we spent time on the beach.

Our first encounter occurred while Garry & I were sitting in the sand, enjoying the sun, breeze and ocean waves. She slowly walked over to us, one careful step at a time, coming closer and closer to where I was sitting. "OK, what's going on?", I said aloud to her. "I have no food to give you and you're getting awfully close. Are you trying to tell me something?" She paused, but continued her journey towards me. Now I don't know much about seagulls, but when she was waaaay too close to me, about a foot away, I wasn't very comfortable. Would she peck or bite? I wasn't sure, so I slapped my foot on the sand in her direction to shoo her away.

Oh my gosh, she stretched her neck, reared back her head, and squawked loud and long. She let me know in no uncertain terms that she wasn't happy with me! Garry & I had to laugh because she was so verbal in her displeasure - she certainly made her point.

The curious thing was that she didn't leave me - not for the three days we were there. She visited every day, strutting close by or sitting calmly in the sand a few feet from me. She even followed me every time I took a walk along the shoreline. Garry said it was quite a sight - a seagull tagging along, almost side by side, down the beach and back. No other bird was allowed anywhere near me either; she chased them all away if they moved in too close.

I know everything in nature speaks to us because we're all from the same Source, all connected through It, so I was quite comfortable in knowing she was bringing me something inspiring. Besides, I enjoyed her company. Seagulls have a bad rap as they can be pests and make a mess, but I discovered she really is a beautiful bird. I knew to do a little research when I returned home to see what her characteristics and symbolism were and find my message.

Sure enough, her presence and determination that I pay attention brought me a message from the universe. Seagulls are great communicators (as I dramatically discovered). They have regular codes for all their purposes and activities and speak their intent to other gulls.The timing of her presence in my life was noteworthy as I was strongly feeling it was time to return to writing this blog. I was also scheduled for the week we returned home to participate in a "Lightworkers Festival", providing intuitive readings, and selling my book and intuitive drawings - all means of communicating with others. Myrtle was validation for me that the time was right for moving forward in this direction.

The universe talks to us; we just have to be open to its voice and be willing to hear it. There's nothing mysterious about it. If there's something unusual, or grabs our attention, or hits us in the gut, or peaks our curiosity, or, any other thing that strikes us and grabs hold, it's time for a closer look.

Myrtle gave me a new appreciation for birds like her. I had to laugh though - it's almost as if she sent out a call to one of her long distance cousins to make sure I got the message because the story continues.

While driving back to Michigan at one of the rest stops along the way, Garry & I got out of the car, a gull swooped by us, landed high on the light pole, stretched her neck, reared back her head and squawked loud and long.

OK, I got it, Myrtle, thanks for the message.

A Hummingbird Tale

It seems like overnight we've gone from hot and humid summer weather to the 20-25 degrees cooler weather of fall. Mother Nature has shown her fickle side lately and while the cooler weather is welcomed, I'm not sure we're quite ready for this change of season.The summer flowers however, are struggling and the leaves are beginning to show a little bit of color, so, ready or not, a new season is upon us.

One thing I've noticed among the seasonal changes is that the flow of hummingbirds to our feeder has picked up. They tend to stay around here for a few more weeks, but it seems as if they've begun preparations for an exodus soon. It's been fun having them here year after year and they've been a source of fun and joy to us, getting to know them and watching their antics. I've always considered them a sign of the delicate side of nature, but, at the same time, I've also witnessed their harsher side, too.

They are quite territorial and really don't like to share. There must be a secret code among them that only one bird at a time is allowed at the feeder. The problem is that each one seems to believe that it has propriety rights and that the feeder is there for its pleasure alone. We've often seen one bird swoop in and chase another away. We've seen in-flight battles taking place, fighting for the personal and private right to the sweet nectar held in the feeder vials. One day while working in the garden, I even saw and heard one dramatically and forcefully ram itself into another hummingbird to get its point across - this is mine and you can't have it!

But here's the rub and it keeps coming back to me - there's an endless supply of nectar available for them to enjoy, both in the flowers of my garden and the feeder itself. Now I know they cannot intellectually process this fact and they don't have the ability of rational thinking, but I wonder if this isn't another lesson gifted to us by the world of nature. Are we, all of mankind, like these birds, fighting for our space, our right to have whatever we want or believe is ours alone, using bullying and aggression all the while not seeing that there is abundance enough for all of us? There is an inherent gentle side of our own human nature, a gift from our Creator, but it tends to get overlooked and swept aside when we believe our own is threatened or that we have to get our share before someone else gets to it first.

Yes, there is 'survival of the fittest' in the animal kingdom which influences their behavior and much of what they do is done from instinct and self-preservation, but if we step back and take a closer look, we'll see that nothing has been permanently gained from the endless fight. Sooner or later, change occurs and life moves on. A study of history shows this is true as it applies to mankind as well. We can be aggressive, angry and annoyingly self-righteous and battle even to the death in our own never ending struggle with our adversaries. What a pointless endeavor this seems to be. The hummingbird of the moment has gained only a very temporary win, but he never wins totally. His counterpart will return to the feeder; he just has to wait his turn.

I think this presents a very valuable lesson. There's no point to all the fighting among us, not on any personal or worldwide level because it's guaranteed that change will occur. When we recognize this and act from our inherent gentle and compassionate nature, the world itself will be changed. Only when we accept and honor each other, will everyone's needs and wants be met without fear of personal loss or infringement of boundaries. We will have moved past the idea of 'survival of the fittest', a battle we, as a worldwide people, cannot win.

We each have something the hummingbirds don't have - a spirit of giving and a soul of loving. It would be great if we would see each other with these two divine gifts. The hummingbirds can't see this way and so they fight. But we don't have to. We can see things differently. If only we would, our world would live in peace.

Hearts of the Children

I love the openness of little children. They see with purity and wide-eyed innocence, unfettered by the cloudiness that so often accompanies adult vision. This truth was shown to me once again when I asked the classmates of my two granddaughters to help me with a project idea I had.

There is a program though the website of Soldiers' Angels that is designed to collect handmade blankets and donate them to soldiers who have been injured while serving in the military. I thought it would be fun to have children be a part of making a couple blankets, so I asked my granddaughters what they thought of the idea. Morgan, a first grader, and Brooke, a second grader, quickly agreed that it would be a fun project. Their teachers agreed also, feeling the project would be a good way to carry through the idea of giving and community service that is part of the overall school ideology. So...we were off and running!

The concept of the blankets and what they represented was explained to them and, as only little children do best, they immediately opened their hearts to caring and compassion. Their desire was so simple - to make a blanket  "to make a soldier feel better". They expressed many times that it would be sad to be far from home and hurt and missing their families. They just wanted them to "feel better" - such an innocent intention unencumbered with all the 'stuff' that adults attach to it.

Each child was given a small square of fabric along with fabric markers and asked to draw a picture of whatever they wanted to say to the lucky soldier who would receive their blanket. Each design was original and a true expression of each heart. There were rainbows, hearts, tanks and helicopters. There were happy faces, flowers, flags and pictures of boys and girls. There were sentiments of "You're the best soldier ever" and "Get well soon". There were expressions of "Thanks" and "Come home soon"...and they were all adorable and precious! The squares were then sewn onto larger pieces of fabric with the end result of two beautiful expressions of their hearts, given to someone they would never meet.

But it didn't stop there. To share the gifts they made, they were asked to show the blankets at their all-school assembly in front of all the students and teachers. The project was explained to the assembly and each blanket was carried on stage by a couple of class representatives and unfolded in all their glory. I was invited to attend and it was very gratifying to see the pride and happiness expressed in the smiles of those little faces.

These children are not only the future of our country, but that of our world. Each one of them carries within them giving hearts and generous spirits. If we adults continue to feed and nurture these traits and care for these children, and all little children of the world, then we won't have anything to be concerned about - the world will be in good hands.

Click on the picture for a close-up view. (Being the proud Gamma...Brooke is on the left, front row, wearing a red shirt, brown pants and boots; Morgan in holding the blanket on the right, wearing a light blue shirt.)

Pajama Program

"Every child deserves to feel loved," says Genevieve Piturro. She learned first-hand while volunteering in a shelter that the children there had no one special to care for them. They didn't have someone to tuck them lovingly into bed at night or read them a story. Touching her heart even more, these children climbed into bed wearing the same clothes they wore all day, not having pajamas for bedtime. She remembered feeling loved when her mom tucked her into bed as a child, snuggling close and reading her a story as she slipped into sleep.

And so the Pajama Program was born. She began collecting pajamas and books for these children and the word spread. One pair led to another, then another. Before too long, a nationwide program of pj's, books and volunteers took off to great success. After eight years, it has now touched over 350,000 little hearts and spirits - all through providing such simple gifts of love and caring.

The sad fact is that there are too many children currently living in situations of upheaval, insecurity and broken hearts. Children waiting adoption, living in shelters or care centers and those affected by domestic or sexual abuse are some who've been helped through this program. It's amazing to think that a pair of comfy jammies and a good bedtime story lets these little ones know that someone cares and thinks they're special.

My women's group recently met and collected some pj's and books to donate to a woman's shelter in our community. It was fun to gather them together, all warm and cozy for the winter cold, and wrap them in curly ribbon. Our prayer is that the children who receive them will know that each pair includes our intentions for protection, safety, healing and hope...and certainly, sweet dreams!

You can read Genevieve's story and learn about the many ways you can help at www.pajamaprogram.org. She's right...every child does deserve to feel loved.

A Soldier's Thanks

My post entitled Soldier Support describes the wants and needs of our military soldiers presently serving in foreign countries. Many of their requests include items to share with the community of people in these areas. My family sent some packages to these men and women which included items for the local children. I'd like to share the response from one of these men so you can hear his feelings first-hand.

"I just want to start off by saying thank you for what you've done. It may not seem like much to you but to myself and the rest of the U.S. Army it means the world. Not only did you take the time out of your day to send us items we can hand out to the local children of Afghanistan, but you also showed that you support us. Knowing that there are folks back home that are keeping us in their hearts and minds is the best thing we could hope for. With all the talk on the news these days of whether or not we belong here or there, one can easily be at odds with them self on what's right or wrong. I'll tell you one thing though, all that doesn't matter as long as there are still soldiers serving all of the world in areas where life and death go hand in hand, day in and day out. There are only two things that matter to the soldier; his brothers in arms and the folks back home. We don't choose where we go or when we go there, but know this, wherever we go we will serve with honor and represent the American people to the utmost of our ability. I could never express in words what it means to have a total stranger take the time to let you know they care. It's one thing to get something from loved ones you always know will support you, but to have someone you have never met send you a care package or just say hello is something truly work fighting for. This is the exact reason I joined the Army. I believe our country to be the greatest on this earth. Although it may not be perfect, we strive to do what is right and to uphold a standard which all others aim to achieve. We soldiers represent the interest of the American people. As long as you stand behind us, there isn't a newspaper, television show, or country that can stand in our way.

I also want to thank you on behalf of the Afghan citizens of Khowst province. Khowst is located in Eastern Afghanistan right along the border of Pakistan. I received your package several weeks ago. I think it took about 2 or 3 weeks to get here. We've handed out the items you sent and the children were overjoyed to receive them. The rural areas of Afghanistan are very poor and lack solid government support, but that's what we're working on changing. What you've sent does wonders for the relationships we are building between the Afghan people and their local government. We gave most items to the local police to hand out to help boost this relationship. Rather than having Afghans see Americans handing out aid, they now see their own government handing these items out. Our goal is to help establish this government  all over Afghanistan so they can someday enjoy the things in their country that makes our so great. Although it may take years for this to happen, we work hard every day to push this in the right direction. Someday we hope to see in Afghanistan where the citizens can make decisions that are best for the country. As you know, in years past radical Muslims like the Taliban and Al Qaida have made life very difficult here, and on September 11, 2001, brought their hate for freedom and democracy to our own people. Afghanistan may never be like America, but we can definitely improve the lives of the people and you are a factor in this. Thanks again for your support.

Sincerely, Corporal Crone Bco. 2/151 Infantry.

I can't help but be amazed...to think that a box of coloring books, crayons, school supplies and candy can have such an impact and bring so much healing. It's the children of the world who will determine its future and decide the way to peace and unity between nations. If we let them know we care, they will carry this feeling with them and someday bring us all closer to the world we envision. Yes, packages of desired items to our soldiers definitely lends support and are important, but items for the native children have greater and longer lasting results. A simple thing that brings so much possibility to the world - a possibility that brings benefit and enjoyment for us and our future children as well. What could be better?

Soldier Support

"Adopt a Marine" came across my email a few weeks ago. It was from a mom asking for support for her son and his comrades who were having a tough time dealing with the loss of some of their platoon members in Afghanistan. She was asking for cards and letters to be sent to help them while so far from home. This led to a friend taking charge, collecting some items and making up "care packages" to be sent overseas to let them know that they were being thought of and appreciated. 

In the time of change that's been going on in our country in recent months, it's easy to forget our soldiers who are serving throughout the world, many in war zones. But the fact is that there are thousands of our fellow citizens away from their family, friends and way of life while serving in the harshest of conditions.

In researching information for this article, I came across numerous internet sites designed to outreach to the American people, providing information and ways in which support can be given. In working my way through them, I was struck by the touching stories of gratitude and appreciation from the soldiers for even the most basic items that they received from those back home. It's amazing to think that they don't have the simplest things that we take for granted and how much they're missed. Things like dental floss, deodorant, playing cards, lotion and potato chips. Or gum, candy, socks, even beef jerky. Or baby wipes, snacks, a soft blanket, ketchup, granola bars, kool-aid, lip balm and shampoo. The American way of life provides us the blessing to just open the cupboard and pull out these items or jump in the car, drive to the nearest store and stock up on what we want.

But this is the way of war - to be separated from those people and the things we know and love. Curling up to a loved one, reading a child a bedtime story, hot showers, eating popcorn while watching a movie - these are missing for our soldiers. So too is having a fresh razor blade, bug off, sunscreen or a nail file. But we also live in a time that the needs of the service men and women can be easily discovered and provided for. As I said, there are many websites that can be accessed to find this information, but two of them stand out to me as being current and seemingly efficient. They are www.soldiersangels.org and www.anysoldier.com. These sites provide all the information necessary to send cards, letters and packages overseas correctly in order to be sure they're received safely. (They caution not to send anything addressed to "Any Soldier" for security reasons as well as the postal service cannot deliver it without a complete address.)

The United Postal Service provides free boxes for use for military packages and a set shipping rate (no matter the weight) for each box. These can be obtained online at usps.com or at local post offices.

If you're feeling the tingling of compassion, patriotism or a "crockpot moment" (see the previous post below) while reading this, you may wish to visit these sites and find a way you can help. There are cards and letters to be sent. There are "care package" wishes to be fulfilled. There are blankets of hope that can be wrapped around the wounded as they're transported to military hospitals. There are scarves that can be made to protect their faces while the desert sand whips their skin. There are fun requests such as yo-yo's, nerf balls, squirt guns, puzzles, books and so on designed to get their minds off the hardships of war and the things they see if only for a little while. Packages can be made from scratch of the items you choose to send or there are ready-made ones you can purchase. It's almost too easy for such a meaningful gift.

When my friend took the packages to the post office for mailing, the postal clerk noted the military address and told her how much it meant to him and his fellow soldiers to receive a box from home while serving overseas. Years later, he still remembered the impact they had on all of them. It wasn't just the items themselves, but the encouragement, support and gratitude that went along with them -things he won't forget.

These men and women need us now. It's not about personal viewpoints on war and it's definitely not about politics. It's about support for a fellow American far from home. A letter or a box, just one or one every few months - it all helps and says we care. It's a simple gift of hope and caring until they all come home.

A Crockpot Moment

A friend of mine bought a stranger a crockpot. Many years ago this stranger found herself admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of Guillain Barre Syndrome which occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the nervous system resulting in variable degrees of muscle weakness. The hospital became her home for a year and left her body with quite pronounced limited motor function abilities. The impairments also limit her ability to be employed and the very reduced budget on which she lives doesn't allow her much freedom to buy outside its boundaries. She had a simple desire for a crockpot but felt her budget didn't have the working room needed for her to purchase one herself.

Her friend, and my friend's neighbor, shared her story with several people hoping to find a crockpot that wasn't being used and could possibly be given to her. She explained that this woman had difficulty eating because she didn't have many teeth and it was difficult for her to chew. Cooking with the pot would make the food soft and tender and help her eat better.

Sometimes we see and hear something and immediately get that spark inside. It's more than interest or curiosity, more than the story and its details, more than just the facts; it's making an emotional connection to it. This occurred when my friend heard about the crockpot wish. She felt something stir inside of her, some little twinge that made it more personal to her. Over the next few days her thoughts turned to this woman and her situation. They went beyond thinking of the degree of this woman's early struggle with the disorder, beyond her physical limitations and where they placed her in life and beyond the limitations of her monetary situation. She told me that what moved her the most was the simplicity of the wish and that it appeared so out of reach for this woman. But my friend had felt the spark, felt the connection and knew that it was up to her to do something about it. This was hers to do. So...she bought her a crockpot.

It makes me wonder - how many times does the spark remain just a spark and fizzle out before it can become more? And how many times does it go beyond a spark to become the full-blown fire of something bigger, brighter and more wonderful?  I would bet that we all have "crockpot moments" that we notice and act on, but I have a feeling that way too many of them get lost along the way. Either they don't get noticed at all or, once recognized, get ignored, pushed aside and buried before they can move forward and become what they were meant to become. How many opportunities and possibilities for greatness are lost in our "reasons", excuses and noise of life?

The woman's thank you note said it all. In expressing her thanks, she said that she never expected to have a new crockpot. She was happy to have any crockpot, but to have a brand new one her very own - she was thrilled!  How simple a joy can be.

A spark ignited, a spark felt, a spark acted upon - a blessing given and received, a "crockpot moment" fulfilled...wouldn't it be great if we could light the world with millions of these "crockpot moments"?

Let's try. If you know of someone who felt the spark and acted on their own "crockpot moment", thank them for adding to the light of the world by their goodness. Invite them to this website so they can read this article and know what you're talking about. Ask them in turn to thank someone they know for following their spark of light and invite them to this article. We could inspire each other and generate a trail of light so bright that it would be impossible to miss.

This can be fun - I hope you join in.

4th of July Inspiration

Since I am a night owl, it stretches the limits of my imagination as to why anyone believes that 7:30am is a good time for our town to hold its 4th of July parade, but there I was this morning at 7:00, getting my place with other questionably sane, yet undeniably patriotic Americans gathered to celebrate our nation's birth. We viewed the usual things that you'd find in a parade - marching bands, floats, clowns, stilt walkers and a politician or two - but the crowd came alive and reacted with pride and sentiment when soldiers, past and present, marched by or when the flag was the center of attention. There is no doubt that a shiver of emotion was felt or a tear or two glistened in people's eyes when the symbols of our nation passed in front of us.

Anyone who knows me knows that I tend to stay away from political discussions. This isn't because I'm ill informed or don't have opinions and beliefs, rather it's because these discussions generally revolve around the perceptions of things that are wrong or aren't working and end in discord, disagreement and dissatisfaction. And I noticed that few, if any, of these participants address their concerns or complaints to the government officials who make the decisions and pass the laws and could cause change to take place on their constituency's behalf.

I don't have a particular political agenda for this entry, but, without assigning labels or following any party lines, I do believe that we are living at a time that carries with it the potential of great change for our country. It's possible that the same indomitable spirit and belief in our country that has carried us so far in the past can work against us in the future if we're not careful. We sometimes border on arrogant in believing that we are untouchable on the world stage and that, just because we're Americans, cannot be impacted or tumble as other empires have in the past. Complacency and the naive belief that "it will all work out" just because it always has, will work against us as well. Looking back at our history, it did not "just work out" without a lot of effort, dedication, contribution, sacrifice and belief that America stands for something great and good.

We do have a responsibility to the world because our nation has been blessed with so much. But that doesn't mean we are to be blinded to the wants and needs of our citizens and country as a whole. There is a basic law of the universe that holds that love comes first from within then it's given out. This isn't a love that stems from narcissism, ego or arrogance, but rather one that comes from knowing true connection to a divine source. This divine source knows no boundaries and its abundance is limitless. In taking care of each individual's needs, the community's and then the nation's needs are also met. This process continues, allowing the world to be gifted as a whole, because there is more and more available to give to aid other people.

But the universe works within a system of balance and we have to be aware when things are getting out of balance. Governmental and financial policies of the past couple of decades have brought our country's systems and world markets out of whack. The need is great for these systems to be corrected and they're struggling in their ability to bring things back in line. Balance is the key and we are still very much off course from achieving that goal. Caution must also be applied so that the shift doesn't swing too far off in the other direction again creating imbalance. The choices we make now, both nationally and internationally, will determine if we operate in a balanced way for the benefit or all or an unbalanced way, sinking us further into the deep hole of chaos.

These choices require us to speak to our government officials and tell them what we want. They have an obligation to work for us, within the legal framework of our constitution, to make policy and procedure beneficial to all citizens equally and carry out fair and productive laws. They have the further obligation of keeping us safe and protecting our place in the world market. But if we don't speak to them, we cannot complain. If we don't hold them accountable to operate in a honest and balanced way, we cannot complain. If we do not vote our voice, by removing those who work for self-gain or against us, we cannot complain. If we do not demand what we want, in a way they can hear us, we cannot complain.

Americans do have a beautiful spirit and a willingness to do what needs to be done to protect and preserve what was gained after many hard fought battles. We also have the willingness to help others and give generously in order to help create a better world. But we must be smart about it. We must move through these next months and years with intelligence and clear-thinking, not to the goal of collecting for ourselves all we can and be damned to the rest, but in the sense of knowing that, as we protect ourselves, we will then maintain the station of responsibility and giving that we've achieved, founded on principles determined by our wise founding men and women. This way, we will be able to continue to bless the world with our presence and inherent goodness.

The universe is abundant and will provide for all. By directing our consciousness toward that belief and in that direction, applying the laws of sacredness and truth, and upholding our values with integrity and caring, we'll continue, many, many years from now, to attend 4th of July parades with honor, pride and freedom, just as so many did today. We are a nation "under God", so let's pray for ourselves, our government officials and our country, that we find our way through these current challenging times, achieving wisdom and strength, both as people and a nation, standing whole in the freedoms and bounty that we have been blessed with.