S.T.A.G. Style. Taste. Attitude. Grace.
Stag Defined: "The male of various other animals."
Dictionary .com
Grace
Grace is the embodiment of how we handle ourselves in all of life’s affairs. To often some are dealt the challenges that others would see as insufferable but to look closer, they are in the process of grace. I have seen many, many examples of grace in my life. I also know some of my own experiences that are gracefully produced and have molded my spirit for life
Abundance by R. Brian Kuerze
There can be enough to fill your day with activities. There can be enough creativity to find a vision for seeing a project in a new way. There is enough love to enfold with two hands to give away time and time again. There are two ears to hear the worries, laughter, heart ache , anticipation of another. There is enough wisdom to cam the worst storms that can enrage the heart. There is plenty of memory to paint a lasting moment for reflection. If you are alive today there is an abundance to who you are to others and how you fulfill anothers life...it is abundantly clear. You have what you need because we , them, us, those around are always here to add to your life.
John Lewis Christmas Advertisement 2016 "Empty Chair"
During the holidays its good to remember those that are no longer with us and remember the value in the gifts of memories long forgotten, stories not shared. We need to take time to renew those memories and revive what has been the gift every day before, during and after Christmas has come and gone.... love.
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Grace is not to use the gift in the season of love but to cherish it always. Share the story of a loved one since passed, a humorous moment, a tender thought, a memorable gift. Then acknowledge the presence of those you have in front of you before they are the story of the empty chair one day down the road.
What is life without a good giggle but a truth painted inside the picture? I found this on Pinterest. I thought it was hysterical. If Jesus did have to address the United Nations or Congress or a group on a street corner... today...Would it go something like this picture?
Grace is the act of Forgiveness
Self inventory is the path to Wellness
We are a generation that has evolved away from the the practice of modeling forgiveness or the act of seeking forgiveness from others.
We have children growing up that are more familiar with the concept of bullying and hate by technology peer pressure. We can say what we think without the need to feel the justification for remorse in being possibly wrong or offensive to others lives.
Our children "see" all the time. We are models 24 hours a day. When we interact with: check out cashiers, telemarketers, banks, grocery stores, sports teams….our children are watching to see how to behave. It only makes sense that the thing they don’t see a lot of because we send them out of the room or don’t want them to see this aspect of us, is when we retract and forgive.
Forgiveness whether the seeking , asking, or giving has never been a form of weakness but one of the truest graces of life. It takes the very toxic aspect of a moment or series of moments and asks that we assess, examine, inventory and choose to heal ourselves or others.
Sometimes forgiveness windows close because of the death of others or time has past and bringing up the past will inflict new harm that can do greater damage. Seeking wisdom is sometimes beneficial of those around us. Sometimes it is the need to self forgive to go forward, while “ paying it forward “ to the universe in good nature when we cannot or should not seek direct forgiveness.
Children are our future, Teenagers are the future , your family is your present only for a time. Co-workers are practice ground for reminding us how to behave and practice grace. But grace is everywhere at every moment waiting to be practiced.
Remember that you are the difference to someone observing your actions. Will it be internalized to them as resolve? anger? hurt? peace? love? sharing? shame? power? hate? healing?
Have you ever noticed how much easier you go through your day when you are not weighed down by the grief of wrong done to you or wrong you have done to another? We are more joyful when we don’t carry this toxic pain.
Take your inventory today. Have you wronged someone? Has someone wronged you? Have grace to go and seek what you need from the other to be able to go forward with your day. Is it forgiveness you need? Is it forgiveness you want to extend?
HEAL = HELPING EVERYONE ACHIEVE LIFE
Lindsey Stirling- "Crystalize"
New Perspectives
In a trip to British Columbia Vancouver, I had a wonderful opportunity to step outside the noise of cities and communities to simple nature. Thousands of feet up onto a mountain side this view was a daily reflection of grace in blossom. To be so close to what has only been an image in a magazine truly is beathtaking. Every morning was like memorizing a portrait of beauty to paint in my mind over and over later in life.
The waters of the lake were glacier driven and perfectly relaxing to soak and tube with a nice relaxing drink while realiziing that I was in motion with grace all around. No longer fighting to find the moment of grace or to keep it, but just being in presence with it.
A Visit that "Bugged Me"
About eight years ago I was visited outside our back door by this little friend. The Praying Mantus. What a thing of beauty, however what you don't see is what his morning praying hands were devoutly held over.... my bucket of cigarette butts!
Talk about a message from the universe. The following year I quit smoking.
I called a friend of mine who is familiar with Native American Animal Speak and asked what this message of the Praying Mantus was to teach me. His response " Don't screw with me and I won't screw with you!"
Have you ever had music stir your soul? To make you feel energized. I never thought I would be someone who falls in love with Strings. Piano yes. Strings....well that would have been a long shot 10 years ago. In the same way that someone can listen to the flute or recorder and be led by its music, Lindsey's art of music does that to my spirit. She is grace and beauty in her expression and ressonance. She walks in grace both sound and step.
