Coincidence or Divine?

If I hear the same things I’m thinking/pondering echo back to me through other people, dreams and current situations … coincidence or divine?

God is Good. God is Great.

God is so great, so much more than we can understand.  I believe God is more than any religion or book.  God can speak to each of us as individuals in ways that are completely unique to each of us.  This Greatness cannot be hidden or restrained nor is it healthy for us to block God.  I have found that learning to open up to God through stopping all the chatter and getting to know ourselves and our very unique and individual relationship with God is one of the keys to long lasting happiness.

My life has changed profoundly since my last posts.  In ways I would have never imagined.  Yet it was through this blog that I began to open up, share and sought to understand how life could truly be.  Have there been rough patches…yes.  Actually I have gone through and am in what some would call “the hard row” or others would say difficult and yet I am calm, centered and truly happy because I was blessed enough to decide to stop seeking and find out about me and my blessed relationship with the Creator. 

A Creator that is so great that I get to co-create, the Creator that is so great that I was free to choose, the Creator that is so amazing that I get to decide about our relationship.  I have the freedom to be creative in the ways we get to communicate with each other and that I can have the awesome mysteries of life open up right before me.  I’ve learned I have all I will ever need with patience and gratitude.  So simple and so complex…WOW!  Thanks God!

 

SHAFT!

Enough is enough!

Politicos et. al.

SHOW

THEM

THE

SHAFT!

Stop Hatemongering And Fingerpointing Today!

The BEST Thing for Teaching in YEARS!

http://gorowe.com/2010/07/20/role-on/

Happy Independence Day – Let Freedom Ring!

Would you please tell us something about you and your site?

My site is The Canvas Grey. (www.thecanvasgrey.wordpress.com) The name was inspired by a dream.  I believe I was healed by God and wanted to let as many people know for His Glory.  It is difficult to imagine that I could ever, ever talk about it enough or be thankful enough.  So I blog about my experiences, both success and failure, to help others who may find themselves needing more information, guidance or just a laugh.   

God is so great, so much more than we can understand.  I believe He is more than any religion or book and He can speak to each of us as individuals in ways that are completely unique to each of us.  His Greatness cannot be hidden or bound.

Do you feel that you continue to grow in your writing the longer you write? Why is that important to you?
I haven’t thought much about whether I’ve grown as a writer or that it was important to me.  I mostly feel compelled to write about something and then set about doing it.  There is no doubt that some of my posts are inspired and they are easy to see; my journey of learning, plowing around the stump for examples.  I’m a deep thinker and when God gives me insight I want to share that for others to let God work through it if He desires to do so.

I’m wondering what some of your memorable experiences are with blogging?
My memorable experiences are all about the inspiration and compelled writing plus the interaction with others.

What do you think is the most exciting or most innovative use of technology in politics right now?
Using the internet to get passed the two minute sound bites that the main media WANT us to see or hear.  I want to know in-depth information about past, present and plans for the future on all the political players.  I think the internet should remain uncensored and ungoverned to allow real freedom of speech and exchange of ideas.

Do you think that these new technologies are effective in making people more responsive?
I think more people feel free to express themselves and have a place to say what they want and exchange ideas, thoughts, experiences, etc.  I think more than that the internet provides a platform for anyone who can get to the internet to tell their story or a story they believe is important AND to tell it without edit or censorship.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?
I am a unique individual that has much in common with other unique individuals.

If you could choose one characteristic you have that brought you success in life, what would it be?
Believing the best of intentions from others and yourself.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?
I speak of this in my Journey of Learning at my blog as they are both on the day I was healed.

Do you think [the use of Twitter and other social networking tools by politicians] is bandwagon jumping or what?
I have to say a direct YES to this question.  Unfortunately politicians seem to be nothing more than advertisers trying to grasp at every last pair of eyes and ears no matter what it takes or what avenue pop culture would have them travel.  That does NOT speak to me as “being a leader” but more as a follower of trends. 

If you could pick a travel destination, anywhere in the world, with no worries about how it’s paid for – what would your top 3 choices be?
Alaska, South America, Europe and the rest of the world, then the moon, planets, other galaxies and beyond.

What is your favorite book and why?
There is no way I could ever pick a favorite book or favorite anything.  How could I pick just one of anything when God has made/inspired so much.

What’s the first thing you notice about a person (whether you know them or not)?
Their expression.

Is there anyone from your past that once told you you couldn’t write?
No.  I was told at a young age by a teacher that I wasn’t an artist.  But she was wrong.

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?
I think others could answer this much better than I.

Is it true that who has a successful blog has an awful lot of time on their hands?
If research is required or one keeps up a post a day (or more) then blogging can become time consuming.  I imagine the most successful blogs (that are more than pictures) are very time consuming as they must keep readers coming back AND attracting new readers.

What are your thoughts on corporate blogs and what do you think the biggest advantages and disadvantages are?
It would depend upon the size but by far the biggest advantages for corporate blogs would be communications…easy, fast, far reaching; the disadvantage would be cumbersome, too many responses or ideas or the need to dedicate one person to the blog.

What role can bloggers of the world play to make this world more friendlier and less hostile?
Communicating with each other expecting, projecting the best intentions.  I think we as human beings will find that no matter what part of the world we live in the we are more alike than different; to make a way in this world for our family and friends to be together and rejoice in our love for one another and God.  We share a marvelous place in the universe and it is a privilege to share it together.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?
I really don’t mean to be obnoxious I just can’t pick favorites.  There are just too many favorites to list in just five. 

Is there one observation or column or post that has gotten the most powerful reaction from people?
There are several but if you are interested to know which is the most read it would be about my experience in a multi-level-marketing company.  Closely followed by my experience discovering that depression and low iron (anemia) have very similar symptoms.

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?
I have a perception of the country and then my experience of the people here in the United States.  Since most of the perceptions are via people who have agendas (the media, the politicians, etc.) I base my facts on my own interactions.  I must say that I’ve found people of/from Pakistan to be more like me than different.  I also must tell you that one of my doctors is from Pakistan.  He is a doctor who I can say truly listens to me, treats me with great kindness and respect.  I pray for him to be happy as he is truly a great man in my eyes.

Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger?
Twice I could use the word stunned to describe my reaction to reading a blog and been interested reading/trying to understand them/their writings more in depth.  Disgusted is a word I’ve experienced more often than stunned.  BY FAR I’ve had completely positive experiences in blogging and reading other blogs.

What is the most striking difference between a developed country and a developing country?
The amount of food, clothing, shelter and ways to make a life for a family.

What is the future of blogging?
My guess is it will stay the same for quite some time.

You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?
There have been positive; expression, helping others, learning new things, connecting with others AND negative; some time away from family and other projects yet who doesn’t need a break every now and again?    Mostly I see the good of it when balanced.

What are your future plans?
To continue to seek what God has for me and my family because I know it is beyond my dreams, as He shows me consistently.  I plan to write more about that and to create a history of thought and pictures and understanding within my family, friends and others who touch my life as I touch their life.

Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?
I can only see good from reaching out to one another in peace, understanding and our common bonds as people who are blessed to share the earth at the same time.  I believe that different cultures and diversity is a great thing in life.  We can  throw off hatred, apathy and indifference to enjoy one another.  Peace and happiness to you as you read.

A Proposal

Let’s do away with the phrase:

GO F* Yourself

And all it’s glorious versions.

I propose we say:

Go Fulfill Yourself!

It sounds much nicer and is really much tougher to do.

Shh

Perspective

Young son brings me some scribbles on a notebook paper and asks if it is a masterpiece. It hurt his feelings when I said no but I quickly explained to him why it wasn’t and what a masterpiece was and then he said, “Yeah mom, but God does make masterpieces.”

Walmart, Claire’s, et. al. STOP SELLING TOXIC KIDS STUFF!

I can hardly believe there is more stuff being sold from China with cadmium, another toxic metal. Cadmium is even more toxic than lead, which was found in kids toys from China and asbestos was found in some clay products awhile back.

I say it is time to hold the stores that are selling this stuff accountable PERIOD.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/business/breaking-news/story/1418217.html

The Grand Scheme of Things

Oh Mother of God! Oops…will I get in trouble for that funny???? Did God make humor? The details of it all, the fighting over the details. Find it funny…laugh, find it offensive… move on. There is a HUGE space out there and NO ONE can wrap their head around it all. Take the good where you get it and be happy. Take that good and help OTHERS be happy (WIN-WIN). Are there books that are inspired by God, yes…every word…doubtful. Religion is inspired by God and man handled. This too is one opinion, from one unique individual to other unique individuals with much in common. Peace!

Ringin IN 2010!

I’m looking forward to a great 2010! 

I’ve heard that from nearly everyone I’ve gotten email from, talked to and seen on FB.  The excitement in the air about 2010 is palpable. 

I can’t remember when …well, yes I can, I think many people were so worried about Y2K and working their butts off in 1999 to prevent “the unspeakable horrors” the clock turning to 2000 could bring that everyone was looking forward to the “end” of what nightmares COULD happen. 

Maybe that was the start of all this doom and end of the world talk that seems to dominate everything these days.  It is (of course) at the movies, in the news, on all my favorite channels, History, Discovery, Science; whether they are talking about Nostradamus, the Holy Bible, the Mayan calendar or other forseers they want to use to prove the “disaster looming” point. 

The positive lesson to take from all this is … MAYBE…  all we have is today.

Today is the PRESENT so maybe we should treat it like a GIFT and ENJOY!

Bah Hum Bird!

So let me get this straight…I have to get up at 1am Thursday morning to start the big bird, go back to bed at 2am and then wake up on the hour to baste until 5am and then start preparing 20 side dishes, 2 pies, 2 cakes…all between one oven and a small microwave, set the table to look like something from Martha Stewart’s Living, look like I stepped out of Vogue as I serve it…then do two loads in the dishwasher whilst washing all the big stuff which puts me at about 1am Friday morning and then I’m supposed to get up at 4am and stand in line to shop in over crowded stores for bargains whilst everyone else watches football games and marathon TVLand episodes????

BAH HUM BIRD!!!!!!!!!!!

What I REALLY want is my own reality show just to get this documented!

Walking with God…He teaches me to…

Spend time in love!
Walk in GRACE!
Lead with compassion!
Follow with humility!

Fear…No Fear?

My greatest fear isn’t H1N1 or an asteroid or 2012… My greatest fear is we are being programmed TO fear. Discretion is an under used word!

The Canvas Grey

When Weary

A recent, follow-up colonoscopy and more surgery by the same doctor that found the bone tumor two years ago (see Journey of Learning first tab) reveals need for another surgery. This time a wonderful surgeon I met with here locally will be removing 3 to 5 inches of small intestine and 1/3 of my large intestine along with surround lymph nodes. Things will still work the same, I’ll just be a little lighter; this is a bad way to lose weight! Ha!

A dear friend of mine has been through quite a lot herself and she sent me an email about being weary. I’ve included an excerpt from the email because I believe it was inspired by God for comfort for anyone who reads it. Because I do feel a little weary; then I remember that we all have our life journey, we all have a different and deeply personal experience with God. It is our choice, complete freedom of choice and if that doesn’t speak volumes about our God then I couldn’t imagine what would, He loves us that much.

May God’s will be done! Excerpt:

I know what you mean about becoming weary and this is when we will lean on God because He is our true strength. God can perform miracles when we let go and let God. I know that no matter what happens we can overcome it to His Glory and for His purpose. I’m not afraid but I’m not ready to part this place just yet. I still believe there is great work to be done by you and me and others like us. We are in the world but not of it. That can be so very hard. It can be burdensome to be strong all the time. Even Jesus felt the burden and didn’t understand. We are human and don’t understand it all but we do know the wonder of God…how awesome is that? How awesome to KNOW GOD!!!! WOW! Getting tears in my eyes, if we even thought about it very long we would be on our faces night and day in awe and praise. We could be that humble about it all but we are so blessed to be able to live and walk in Him. So that His work can be done as He calls us to do it.

I’m just glad He calls me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Inspiration

leave it where ever you go.

TAG LINE = ALL THE ACTIVE WORDS

Ted Ted The Talking Heads

For whom this is meant…

http://www.ted.com

Escape and Release Your Gifts!

Please don’t be so hard on yourself, others aren’t (at least people that really matter)!

Most of us struggle with self-consciousness issues. We can’t let that stop us!

I could name several people (who aren’t so nice) that are successful and put themselves out there all the time on TV and film. And then there are really nice people who give uplifting information and try to help (aka Oprah, if that end of the spectrum helps).

Those who know us know what we look like and still like or love us for the people we ARE!

Look at everyone around you that speaks well of you. bending over backwards to do so at times.  There is a large positive ripple effect there, why not be the stone that causes the ripple.

If all anyone cared about was what a person looked like then yikes, we’d all be like Hollywood…ick…what a depressing world that would be.  Picking each other apart instead of building each other up or working together.

Focus and capitalize on your strengths and forget about (what you perceive as) weaknesses…everyone wins that way! Why? You win and the people around you win because you share with them your gifts instead of coddling them in self-consciousness.

Sending love and good thoughts, Debi

Control

We all need to keep that in mind the following little eye opener….when we think we have to control it all or if we think we have it all under control…

A pastor had been on a long flight between church conferences. The first
warning of the approaching problems came when the sign on the airplane
flashed on: Fasten Your Seat Belts.
Then, after a while, a calm voice said, “We shall not be serving the
beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be
sure your seat belt is fastened..”

As the pastor looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the
passengers were becoming apprehensive. Later, the voice on the intercom
said, “We are so sorry that we are unable to serve the meal at this time.
The turbulence is still ahead of us.”
And then the storm broke .. . .

The ominous cracks of thunder could be heard even above the roar of the
engines. Lightning! lit up the darkening skies, and within moments that
great plane was like a cork tossed around on a celestial ocean. One moment
the airplane was lifted on terrific currents of air; the next, it dropped as
if were about to crash.

The pastor confessed that he shared the discomfort and fear of those around
him. He said, “As I looked around the plane, I could see that nearly all the
passengers were upset and alarmed. Some were praying. The future seemed
ominous and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm.

“Then, I suddenly saw a little girl. Apparently the storm meant nothing to
her. She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat; she was
reading a book and every-
thing within her small world was calm and orderly.

“Sometimes she closed her eyes, then she would read again; then she would
straighten her legs, but worry and fear were not in her world.
When the plane was being buffeted by the terrible storm when it lurched this
way and that, as it rose and fell with frightening severity, when all the
adults were scared half to death, that marvelous child was completely
composed and unafraid.” The minister could hardly believe his eyes.

It was not surprising therefore, that when the plane finally reached its
destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark, our pastor
lingered to speak to the girl whom he had watched for such a long time.
Having commented about the storm and the behavior of the plane, he asked why
she had not been afraid..

The child replied, “Cause my Daddy’s the pilot, and he’s taking me home.”

One Hundred Days with Little to No Change

What a mess we are in! And I am getting the full force of it all…coming and going!

Not only have many of my good investments gone down with the ship from greedy CEOs and board members being baled out but this tidal wave of tax and spend is nothing more than “robbing Peter to pay Paul” and means I will also get taxed to death.

When do those of us who’ve played by the rules, done the right thing and are law abiding citizens going to get treated right?

I mean it. I can hardly believe this is the America I pledge to….

It really makes me wonder if the small businesses I see here in Hampton Roads going out of business is because of true economic hard times or something else.

For years I’ve wondered how all these businesses competed and now I know…through massive debt, which was plainly stated by the President himself.

So now…our country is going to do the same thing…it really, really makes no sense whatsoever!

Why would you want to take something that is so bloated up and try to bloat it even more unless there was a reason?

So what is the reason…a depression? How will more debt make that go away? No one is making any sense any more.

It seems to be political posturing with global domination, power and greed…just like the past…nothing has changed…only the players.

Circle of Love

If you’ve not seen it…

see the amazing RELATIONSHIP HEALER…

FIREPROOF!

This is the way to mend ANY relationship AND be happy!

Pray that our relationships will be healed by God through the CIRCLE OF LOVE! And to GOD be the GLORY!

So little to give and so much in return…God is the answer!