Sunday, December 28, 2008

Movie view - Defending Your Life

Defending Your Life

This movie is logically comforting.  Most lines carry wisdom we trust is waiting for us.  Very thought-provoking.  Albert Brooks and Meryl Streep show levels of progress and forgiveness we trust carries some truth for us.  The balance of fun and evaluation is deftly handles.  A must see to keep for me.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

The Lion and the Lamb

The Lion laying down with a lamb is a strong symbol of peace to me. This has been my Christmas theme for cards and letters for many years.  Working for peacefulness within myself kept me focused for a long time - not realizing the triggers that would spring up in personal situations.
   I heard a powerful speaker one time, Vivian Castleberry, answer to another speaker from South Africa who was exiled at the time - during apartheid.  The African speaker relayed her poginant story of how we could not have peace until we had justice. 
   Vivian was thoughtful, as were we all.  We had gathered to discuss the upcoming "Global Women's Peace Conference,  Then she spoke to her Aftican "sister-"  If we have peace we can solve all of our problems - if we don't have peace, we cana't solve any of them."
    This stays with me as a weathervane for attitudes. 

Thursday, December 25, 2008

The Sun Worship of the Sunflower

I learned today from the movie,Calendar Girls, that the sunflower follows the sun all day.  My namesake is the sunflower, and I'll take that path as an omen.  Merrily

the Power of Peace...

This has been a meaningful message to me all my life the lion and the lamb together...
We take it for granted now... but is it just a story? Are we capable of much more?
Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas...

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Utilizing Rudolf

On a foggy Christmas Eve Santa asked Rudolf a
question: Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?  In other words, how can we get you
to use your bright (red) nose?  How can we take advantage of what appears to be
a fault, a challenge, nay, a source of disfigurement and turn it into a
positive?  This is the Rudolf Question.   Rev.Leo Booth

We are often given something that draws attention to our uniqueness - a debilitation or even a talent that has been developed.  Sometimes we want to hide because we are "different."  There are no accidents - it's come to us because we have the inner guidance and/or strength to benefit the world in which we live.  Giving from our inner wisdom allows the benefit to come forth in the right way at the right time to be a blessings to those we meet.  Rudolph's red nose guided efficiently with the job at hand.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Order

To me these days, when I hear Obama, Biden, and others that have been chosen, I feel a sence of order and good management that I haven't hear in years.  I'm very hopeful and looking for my place to fit in with this new flow.   Merrily Smith

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Problems = Gifts


"There is no such thing as a problem without a gift - you seek problems because you need their gifts."
Richard Bach, author of "Illusions"

What a great book...

pic by Tiger Swami

Monday, December 15, 2008

A Superlative Christmas Carol



At the Dallas Theatre Center, is a totally vibrant depiction of the classic transformation of Scrooge. The stage is often filled with joy from the ensemble, sound effects abound to reflect Scrooge's dilemma and acting from all truly enthralls us at each stage of his mind set.
The essence of the play captures a heart-felt attitude from family and friends. The dialogue clearly show how he laid his cold-hearted path.
Performances continue until Dec. 28. Take a child, or let your inner child experience this joy.

Animal Buddies as Teachers

Animals care little for the differences between us and them and simply enjoy loving and being loved. Our pets encourage us to let our guards down, have fun, and take advantage of every opportunity to enjoy life.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

The Value of I Am

Everyone is subject to losing the delicate thread of I Am which is the only truth about identity, the lnly fact of the self that belongs to each of us without falsity, Deepak Chopra

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Animal Buddies as Teachers

Animals care little for the differences between us and them and simply enjoy loving and being loved. Our pets encourage us to let our guards down, have fun, and take advantage of every opportunity to enjoy life.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Peace is not a dream.

"Peace is not a dreamer's dream. but a real chance to transform our families, our communities, and our world. Chopra dares us to confront the notion that we are destined to relive history's transgressions. His call challenges us to exert ourselves as instruments for what should be our most urgent task: Constructing Peace." Deepak Chopra

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Monkey See Monkey Do

"As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same." ~Nelson Mandela

What a neat insight into "Monkey See Monkey Do!"

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Doggie DNA

On Channel 5, NBC, this morning, Dec. 8, 2008, it is reported that doggie doo can be sent to a sample lab, the dna is checked and can be traced to the owner! A new blessing for lost animals, also. Hooray for science.

Monday, December 8, 2008

NO WONDER I WAS SCARED:

...

When I thought I’d have to come up with answers
To all that could happen to me in my life –
No wonder I was scared.

When I thought I was really lucky to make it thru another day –
No wonder I was scared.

There was an attack here, a squelch there – no matter what I did –
No wonder I was scared.

Long years went by – brass rings came and went
I caught a few and passed a lot –
I didn’t know I was so scared.

I filled my years – much was good “they” say – and I say, too.
I was wearing out my fears.

It had a name – more than one.
Faith showed me how to shine a light.
I saw fear fade!

It didn’t live so I could feel free –
I soared in Silence – and more could see
It’s me – clear and free.

My voice is heard, my step is seen
Others now can follow close
Free from fear our paths arose.

That light that shone became my own,
It’s always been there my soul has known
I travel now so free from fear –

I now know that God is near.





Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Rockin' Your World

Recognizing that our bodies have innate intelligence, here is a way to utilize that intelligence to bring the clarity we often seek.
Stand erect - ask your question clearly - and notice if your body moves forward - giving you a "Yes," or back, giving you a "no." Test with known answers, then try with unknown answers. This is just one of many techniques you can use to give greater peace of mind.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Pronounce It GOOD ...


After creating the world, God pronounced it good. My paraphrase, but to me the message is clear and current. If we want to keep moving forward - pronounce our own world - Good!
I think our heaviest "sin" is when we feel stopped - just can't move forward - and it usually is when we have an anchor on the past, holding us in place until we find some way to lift the anchor - forgiveness in some form. Then we will feel the lifting.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Greatest gift...

Choice is your soul's moment for its light to strike.

~David Crosby

Choice is God's greatest gift to us.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Only words that heal

Careless Cussing

so many of us do this - the expletives roll off our tongue without pause when a frustration comes or a disappointment stops our intended forward march, let along when an intentional attack is made.

We've also studied the power of the spoken word - and assumed that these casual words that are sent out don't count. How could they not? If the good directive and blessing count - and we've seen that happen many a time - then these negative drops also drip into our way of thinking.

Here's to the pause that refreshes - only words that heal, inspire or encourage come from me now!! Tall order, but worth the effort - notice the stunned effect around you.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Sea Of Discovery

A Poem:

A Birthday is an honoring of the


completion of another cycle –


A pushing uphill with people,


places and things.





Windows that were given to


breathe, weave new patterns


of our heart’s desires.





A reaching out to touch others


in new ways, some fun; others


we’d shudder and shake.





In the Quiet we’d catch a Glimpse


to see “why” and “how” it fit


this personal flow that is our


own life energy.





Now, a new wave begins your


Sea of Discovery.


May warm winds of Universal


Love blow every so gently


To fill your sails and skim you


along to your port of 2009.





Merrily Smith

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

To Affirm or not to Affirm.

Roilling Along with Merrily

As we learn many things about our minds, we are taught about affirmations. They work amazingly many, many times. Then there comes the time when no matter how much you affirm, the "thing" just wom't move.

This is when I suggest that it has roots - deeper underground than the surface positive flow. we're taught to use only positive words in these affirmation - keeping the "not" words out.

Well, I'm suggesting that we may need to uproot the more firmly held thought below the surface and declare that they don't have a hold on us any more.

If it's fear - we've affirmed that I go forward with faith. But "it" hasn't moved so try "I don't fear the successful outcome I need (or wish). This may go into that more deeply held fear. I've found that it works.


Sunday, November 23, 2008

Thank You, God

Thank you, God - for holding the world together while I fell apart.
Thank you, God - for Your strength within strong men and deeds
That stood firm while I fled in fear.
Thank you, God - for continuing the endless creation of beauty
When my eyes saw only dry flatness.
Thank you, God - for Your Love that brings near to me
a wonderful, warm spot in which to live
when I release and let Your Love within me
flow and fill my expanded world.

Friday, November 21, 2008

God Is

GOD IS

I thought God was near
Then felt that I alone faced my foe.

I saw my foe as different and fierce,
The found we stumbled over the same stones.

I thought that God was far away
The healed without a scar.

I thought that God was strong
Then felt the gentleness of a new idea.

I thought that God was gentle,
Then went within Niagara


Thursday, November 20, 2008

Pots 'O Gold...


POTS OF GOLD

We reach for Spirit’s touch,
To truly BE where we want to BE.
To bless all we have brings Spirit’s flow,
Filling our own Pot of Gold.
Now Spirit has a welcome home
And we fill it with blessings anew.



We have learned much about our minds through affirmations.

Then we expanded into visualizing – thru imagining, treasure maps, etc. We saw and experienced the power of our minds in these ways.
Then our wisdom teachings lead us to believing so strongly in our answers that we are to get into the feelings of being answered. Ah, THERE’S THE RUB!
Many times there is difficulty getting into this feeling of answered prayer. We feel empty – at a loss.
If we had something to do that could move us forward???
This is what our Pot of Gold is all about.

A clear glass container that will hold
your blessing items is chosen.
First – Take your Blessing Icon (chocolate nugget?) – identify the Blessings you do already have – housing, food, clothing, car, etc.
Second – As new Blessings occur – prayers answered – delightful surprises – creative ideas – take a Blessing Icon – hold it to your heart – consciously acknowledge the blessing
and add it to your Pot of Gold.


Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Only for the Strong...


"To forgive is for the strong - not for the cowardly."

When we feel confident within ourselves - we can

feel like we have something to give. There are so

many things that can go into the wounding - trying not

to hurt someone's feelings and making the suffering

more keen - choices wee made that hurt someone

knowingly or unknowingly - embarrassments made by us

or "them."
These may be some dormant trigger to our memories.

For all of it we are left with dormant emotional

residue.
If any of this is hard to acknowledge, we may have

some emotional charge on it. Let's say we do -

clearance is what we want - confronting the injured to

say "I'm sorry," may or may not be advisable or

comfortable. Imagining a similar situation and

creating a change in attitude or movement may bring

some relief - but primarily forgiving ourselves in

the highest priority. Usually we did the best we

could with the information we had. Most of us think

that what we plan to do is a good idea at the time.
OOOHHH - those thoughts - we've often heard -

thought held in mind produce after their kind - let's

let kindness prevail.

May there be joy on your journey,

Merrily

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

I criticize by creation...

Rolling Along With Merrily

"I criticize by creation - not by finding fault."

Michelangelo gave us a thoughtful, creative way of looking at situations. Charles Fillmore, co-founder of Unity Churches, presents this scenario - have a group listening to a newscast. Then ask each one to tell which story interested them. Out of the usual number of stories - perhaps 10 to 12, few in the group will choose the same one.

Mr. Fillmore suggests this is no accident - that the story each one chooses indicates that that person has part of the answer. Their life experience may give them the solution or part of the solution - or they may know someone who does have pertinent information.

Our word for today is to pay attention to that which interests us and be reflective about what we can do to assist in expanding the scope of its effects.

So, Friends, look to this day for the fruit of your own harvest.


Monday, November 17, 2008

Reasons to Breathe Slowly

An Arab saying is that when we are born, we are given so many breaths for this life.
If that is true then it behooves us to be aware of the timing of our breaths - hurry and worry often bring the quick short breathing. Calm, confident feelings allow the slower, deeper breaths.

If we want longevity - this is another way we can get more of it.

Take it easy, my Friend, Merrily




Saturday, June 14, 2008

Goddess, Mayan Prophecies & More~Notes

Good Morning All, There is now a really great program by two nationally-recognized speakers that will be available soon on video.
Jimmy Langkop is a brilliant researcher on the Goddess teachings, showing pre-dated materials revealing the worship of the Goddess in many ancient civilizations, and their silencing by most current religions. Definitely not for wormen only, presenting that the influence is even greater upon men today than it is upon women.
Dr. Margaret Christensen, a noted ob/gym, brings out much in the study of sex, and its practices in many cultures today. She also is a strong advocate of healthy nutrition and this is amply shown.
These two cohorts provided a most stimulating 2 hours at the Plaza 200 in Dallas last night, June 13 - yes, Friday the 13th, another auspicious day for the Goddess and that also is addressed.
I'll be making announcements via my email as it becomes available. If you want to be on my Holistic Hotline, published weekly, freely, in the DFW area. sign in to merrily@holistic-helper.com. G'day, Merrily

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

A Movie Review of "The Final Inquiry"

Hello on the Earth Day,

I've seen "The Final Inquiry," and want to tell you about this interesting historical view - fanciful though it is,
The scene is the palace of Emperor Tiberius, roman ruler of the world at that time. He hears about this group of people that are following the principles that this teacher, Jesus, has given to them. He also hears that after his death - he rose again. Now Tiberius is nearing his own death and wants to know if this is true. He calls in a trusted friend (forgot the name) to investigate this information - and to find the body. If the body is found, then the whole thing is a hoax.
So the friend goes to Jerusalem and finds the group of Christians that indeed are following Jesus' teachings - and are having difficulties with the Roman rule. There is a good glimpse of how the early Christians were implementing these teachings, how they had so impacted their lives that they had the courage ot deny homage to the Romans.
Of course, the friend does not find the body and returns to Tiberius with that news. Tiberius is overjoyed at the prospect of ascending into future living. He decides to make a proclamation that these principles are to be implemented into the Roman rule.
Enter Caligula. Caligula tries to dissuade Tiberius to not change the Roman rule, but Tiberius is determined - so Caligula kills him. And so ends the saga of - what might have been!
I found the movie very well done - the depiction of early Christian life dealt with realistically, tho brief, but a hopeful view of "what might have been." I think it is refreshing to see a new look.


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Wednesday, January 23, 2008

3 Movie Reviews



RATOUILLE





Movie
Review
1-5-08





Movies often inspire, educate and entertain. To me
there are not many who actually charm.
This one does. Such a journey of
human emotions – awareness of gifts – aloneness – unsuspecting positive
openings – unlikely friendships – recognition – fulfillment of one’s purpose –
these are a few of the human-like positions you will see paraded before you as
you take yourself to this movie. Pixar
to me is a step above other animations.
What a r
omp they had in making this. I’ll be going again soon.





The
Great Debaters



1-12-08





What great guts Oprah has in making this picture. There is passion in all the main people –
fire in every frame. As the producer she
chronicles for us the glimpse of the millions upon millions of incidents the
black people have lived with and through to attain normal dignities that whites
take so for granted. That fire – “hope”
is seen through all the generations, and none more powerful that the academic
experiences. The audience I was in
cheered and clapped at the end. Rightly
so.





The
Bucket List



1-20-08





Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman have been brought to the
pronouncement of their impending death.
Both have very involved lives and this is a shocker. Now to consider an ending to all that represents
their lives. Unlimited wealth plays a
supportive role as they check out their list of what they want to accomplish
before th y “kick the bucket.” Jack, the
wealthy, and Morgan the worker come from different value systems, but quickly
gain a respect for one another as they experience the wonders available to
them. The most profound thoughts they’ve
ever had parade before their minds and hearts.
They face the chinks in the seemingly brick walls of their emotional
mountains and allow themselves freedom breakthroughs done with believable
efforts.



We’re all here with them and I feel will be inspired to
write our Bucket List so we won’t miss out on anything we came into this life
for. Anyone at any age will gain to see
this.





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