Believe

This afternoon as I watched the Piers Morgan interview of Oprah, I noted a few things to myself. 
She lives.  She lives in the moment.  Of course, she has others taking care of many tasks so I'm sure it is much easier to live in the moment.....But still, she believes it is important to be present in the now.  This is probably the hardest thing for me to accomplish. 

She has a small inner circle of friends that she trusts.  She believes in the power of friendship.  Loyal, integral inner circle.  These people will not betray her.  She believes that.

Then, she told Piers that her Brand is "Love".  Her goal is to allow people to grow, open their hearts and love.  When questioned about other things which may be her brand, she stated firmly "My brand is love". She believes it.  Her brand is Love.

Oprah knows her limitations and personal strengths.  She knows and believes that she is in the "lane" for which she is suited.  Her belief that one should stay in the lane where one fits and thrives is a lesson for all of us.

Can money make one happy?  She believes it can certainly make it easier to have the opportunity to be happy.   And, I believe that we all can share that philosophy!

Then, in turn, she also gives.  She believes one gives to others to bless them.  Roughly quoting her "to whom much is given, much should be given back".    Maybe then, it isn't luck and chance that has made her the billionaire celebrity.  Think about that as we envy her wealth.

The most honorable statement she offered is how she knows that she is standing on the shoulders of many who paved the way for a black woman to be in her shoes.  She stays connected and grounded in this knowledge.  She reveres Dr. Martin Luther King for his work which afforded the opportunity for her to be successful.  Believe in the work of others and regard it with respect.

In all of these thoughts as well as other statements and opinions offered, it is easy to see why and how Oprah is where she is today.  I surmise it like this.  Have a dream;  Find friends to believe in the dream with you; Get in the lane where it can occur;  Start working in the lane while sharing love and whatever your special  "brand" is for the world.  And most of all, give and give again.

Believe it, work toward it and it will happen.  Now that my friend is how to make sure we reach our potential and purpose on the planet.

Danette

Disclaimer:  I am not promoting everything to which Oprah Winfrey subscribes.  I'm looking at the success and ideals which may have influenced said success.

Sun on the Journey

The sun is behind you
Blazing a trail before you.
Enjoy the warmth and the light
Remember its certain return after every night.
Days cloudy, rainy, gloomy cast shadows
Only where the sun brightly glows
Behind them
Blazing a trail before you

Danette

Hold Me

Many years ago, these words dropped into my heart with music.  I sang it then. I sing it now.  And I post it as a poem for you.  May it give you hope as it does me.

Hold Me

The day’s been long and full of pain

I feel my back bend ‘neath the strain

My mind’s so full of what I’ve seen

I can’t remember anything.

Could You hold me

Could You love me

Could You tell me once more why You saved me

If You do, I know I’m sure to make the journey

Just one more time to be with You

I know it’s bound to pull me thru

Just like a dream that I can’t see

I feel You gently touching me

Danette

Start to Finish

Today I heard "There's no reason to begin it unless you're going to complete it" as Michael Douglas referred to his cancer treatment and his philosophy through it.

And immediately I realized how true the statement was for me.  I am goal oriented, bored if I don't have a challenge, and am determined to succeed.  There is no way I will settle for a C when I can make an A. 

What have I started in my life lately which has me determined to complete it? 

My journey with Christ is the first and foremost completion I have in mind.  Living out the gospel completely until I'm totally spent. 

Then, of course there are two lovely people in this world who wouldn't have started without me.  Rion and Megan.  My heart is yours until life is completed.   Although, is love ever really completed?

What else matters enough to begin with completion in mind?  Friendships.  Oh, yes, the friends with whom I am able to walk  honestly along this path.  We travel and separate and merge again.  Yet, the truth of friendship means we can come back together and complete what we started.  And, I love all of the "whats" that we've started.

I've begun writing, teaching, laughing, singing all along in my life.  Hopefully, somewhere along the way, someone has been motivated, blessed, touched.

Why did I begin any of these in my life?  I confess that I do complain and sometimes am tired.  Yet, I can't stop.  It is so true.  I began knowing I would complete them.

Danette
1/12/11

Surprises

Everybody loves surprises!  Or at least a GOOD surprise. 

Like snow and its calm, silent beauty of white. 

Like a baby's very first smile.

A new possibility to explore when it seemed none existed.

Or a new friend that just really clicks when you meet them.

And a special, personal touch from the Father when your heart feels frozen.

I must believe in joyful surprises.

Simple

Simple can mean less.  My home is small and easy to maintain.  Simple.  Thankful.

Simple can mean not mixed.  I plan to live for each new day .  I want to leave the past behind me.  Simple. Thankful.

Simple can mean plain, unornamented.  I want to be an authentic, real teacher and friend.  Simple.  Thankful.

I'm thankful for simple.  Less is sometimes more.  Right now, I will choose to be present and thankful.

Simple.