Have I Told You Lately

I feel really impressed to put the lyrics to this song on here today, as well as adding it to the playlist, no. 17 if you want to listen to it.
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Have I told you lately that I love you
Have I told you theres no one else above you
Fill my heart with gladness
Take away all my sadness
Ease my troubles thats what you do

For the morning sun in all its glory
Greets the day with hope and comfort too
You fill my life with laughter
And somehow you make it better
Ease my troubles thats what you do

Theres a love thats divine
And its yours and its mine like the sun
And at the end of the day
We should give thanks and pray
To the one, to the one

Have I told you lately that I love you
Have I told you theres no one else above you
Fill my heart with gladness
Take away all my sadness
Ease my troubles thats what you do
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Each one of you have been created unique...formed from your mother's womb by a loving hand...your life has meaning, substance, worth. God loves you, hear Him whisper that in your ear and in your spirit today. You mean everything to Him.

HARMONY

What tends to give you peace...harmony?

Yesterday after reading some things about peace, the word harmony really popped out at me!
After this mom and I took our family pet cat "Tommy" to the vet and the first thing I saw on the bulletin board was the word Harmony. It was the name of a dog that someone was trying to sell.
Then it said underneath, Harmony would work great for...

What would harmony work great for in your life right now? A relationship?..work environment?..your living room, or closet maybe?
This really made me think that there are many places where we can create more harmony in our lives to produce less stress and have greater peace.

So, do whatever necessary to create greater harmony in your life...start making a list and see if it helps!
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Do something today that helps you live in an environment of harmony.
Enjoy an undisturbed and composed existence...let not your HEART be troubled...choose the path of peace. Cast all your care upon God, and enter into His rest, for HAPPY is the one who trusts in the Lord!
Love ya'll.

Freedom Now!

What does Freedom mean to you?

What freedoms do you already have?

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This has been in my spirit lately; let me just brainstorm some...

-freedom from fear (makes me happy, joyful, confident)

-freedom from anxiety, freedom from worry.

-freedom from death, freedom from future worries and worries of the future.

-freedom to be myself.

-Forgiveness brings freedom from resentment, anger, and bitterness.

In Luke 11:4 it says to forgive everyone!...and I don't think the Lord would ask us to forgive everyone if He Himself didn't forgive everyone who wrongs Him.

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...no problem, no worries, mate!

Shining into the world

Lift up your heads, O ye gates!...and the King of Glory will come in.
(Psalm 24:7)

You are a gate for God to use to gain access into this world, a beautiful door for His passage. Lift up your head today...you are somebody!

Let the King of Glory come in to control your current circumstances.
(some adapted from A year in the now, Bishop Jim Swilley)
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So much of my seeing and hearing this week has been saturated with the thought and fact of God shining through us into the world, we His portal.
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There are some new comments from you guys the past few days that are great, so check those out, I made mention to some of you on those as well.

Erik, Lisa and Rachel...thanks for coming into this place..."mi casa es su casa"...is that right Everardo?

Thanks for each one of your words everybody...I can see that we are already changing the world, right here. Yes, the Light of The Father shines through...and yes, with the love of God we CAN change the world

Remember, God isn't just GOD...He is your FATHER, MY FATHER, and OUR FATHER. He will NEVER leave His children!

Look at the flowers and birds again, for your Father will take care of you to a much greater degree.

God's Masterpiece!

You are His work of art! (see Ephesians 2:10)

What can you do today to make the world a better place?

"Ya' got something to say?"

I want to hear from you guys about something YOU have to say to others here that you think can lift someone up, make 'em smile or laugh.

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You've got a lot in you, so...blow us away!

If you're in a real big hurry in the mornings, don't forget to check out my son's new invention:

The Xcelerator hair dryer!

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You've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to go to bed with satisfaction. -George Horace Lorimer, American editor and writer (1867-1937)

Joyful Living

I recently pulled this off of yahoo about being happy.
This is just part of the article but it seems to tie in well with this blog, this particular point is about laughter.
(by:Dr. Maoshing Ni):

No one can live a long and healthy life without the will to go on; sometimes mood swings can make us feel that life is too much for us.
A bad mood not only gives you a gloomy outlook, it also lowers your immune function, leading the way to illness.

Here are some suggestions to lift your mood, your spirit, and your health.
1. A Laughing Matter"Laugh Therapy," pioneered by Norman Cousins, has turned out to have real substance. Research has discovered that laughter and joy boost immune functions, especially the production of the natural killer cells that help defend the body from illness and cancer.

Laughter also increases the release of endorphins - compounds that give you a sense of well-being - in your brain. Without a doubt, joyful people live longer and healthier lives. So read your favorite comics, watch your favorite comedies, and laugh it up!
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okay, what jumped out at me was "joyful people live longer and healthier lives".

Your thoughts?

Live Your Life!

Well, I'm super exhausted right now but wanted to touch base.

This particular week has been a good week, a very FULL week.
May 10 - was Mother's day, May 13 was both my dad's birthday and Natasha's and mine 17th anniversary (read the post on that below), and May 15 was my mom's birthday!

---so I just want to honor mother and father here as well as my wife and our anniversary. I changed the first picture of Natasha because she had a fit about it but seems to like this one well enough for me to not get into trouble broadcasting her face over the internet. I think she is a little calmer now after she has looked at the blog a little.

My plan here is to have some slide shows soon, also when I learn how to actually do that, a few links to other places of interest, too.

Zachary and I planted banana peppers and sweet potatoes this morning and followed a frog!...which inspired him to want to look for more...down in the creek!

Thank you to those who have responded here or by my e-mail...I try to write back when able...so check the comments under the day you made and entry.
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There are a number of things that I am wanting to share with you this week from ponderings and readings and will seek to do so soon. The main words that keep going through me lately are "quest", and "digging deeper" but wondering if I should hold on to these for creating a blog about deeper spiritual issues and communication, keeping this one for more light-hearted content...still thinking.
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Gotta head back to the house now...let me leave you with this that you be encouraged:

May your spirit find definition in the material world (hey, remember that song by the Police?)
-let the transient events of the day be trivialized by the triumph of the everliving, everlasting Mind of Christ in you. Don't let any of the events of this day overwhelm or overpower you in any way!

-begin to receive your information from the voice of your Creator, rather than from the alternative messages that you have received since your earth-birth.

-focus on the larger ideas of purpose and destiny. Your life is more than your current circumstances...you are here for a reason...your life matters because it is a valid and viable part of the grand scheme of things. Believe this until you can feel it.

-Death has no sting for you, because the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus liberates you from its grasp, and His eternal love produces fearlessness in you!

-Today, really live your real life.

(adapted from A year in the now-Bishop Jim Swilley)
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keep on smilin', get in sync with the flow of joy and not worrying today!
Love, Karl

What Next?

Well, this morning ended this work phase with the Census Bureau, so now I'm pondering, "what's next?"
I have to believe that because this good work happened, so will another!

Tuesday as I was finishing up the last day in the field and driving back home (the back roads) from Riverdale, Ga. I was thinking how nice much of this work has been.
During my work I got to see a lot of neighborhoods, many nice landscapes, and the nice feeling that I was actually being paid for time and mileage traveling to different areas!

I knew the work was coming to a close but I felt so peaceful about things on this drive...from nice neighborhoods...to passing cows in the field and feed mills and farms...gourds and gardens.
Something about all the colors of the flowers and the grasses I passed by that seemed to say, "Don't worry, everything is going to be fine". Reminders of Jesus' words flowed that said, "your Father will provide".

So, I took a deep breath as I watched the glow of the late afternoon golden colors, and relaxed in the driver's seat enjoying an awesome sunset drive back home.
Yes, I am blessed, I am alive and I am enjoying this day.
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There may be something that you are worried about today...there may be a LOT of things!
When you drive your car today or tomorrow, or walk, remember those flowers of the field and those birds in the air...THEY ARE TRYING TO GET YOUR ATTENTION! Listen and relax!

The main point of this blog is to cheer us up, to lighten the load, to put medicine into your spirit, peace into your mind through laughter, joy, mirth, encouragement...to lift the heaviness and create confidence in your loving Creator.

Happy Civil Wedding Anniversary!

Today reminds me of the "surprise" that Natasha and I had in Chile, 1992.(May 13, too)

You see, we were going to sign some paperwork with 2 witnesses that we were going to be married on July 18 (ya' know, the big church event). Well, what actually happened when we got there after signing something was that we were moved to another larger room with a justice of the peace, and family and friends started trickling in with smiles and flowers and cameras!

Huh?...well, a ceremony started and while we were holding hands we looked at each other and realized that we were actually getting married THEN, for all practical purposes. Later, her dad said, "oh, I thought you knew!"

Of course we weren't prepared for that so everyone was wondering for the longest time why she went home and I went and stayed by myself across the river in San Pedro.

It all worked out ok as you can see, we married on July 18...but we also celebrate this day, too, as an anniversary one.

Maybe I can surprise her with something today?...hmmm.

God bless you!
Love, Karl

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Don't let depression dampen your joy!

Happy Mother's Day!

I just wanted to say to all...Hope you have a great Mother's Day...be back soon, hopefully tomorrow...'til then...God Bless and keep postin'.

Just checking in...

Thank you to those who sent me an e-mail about visiting the blog!

Just letting you all know briefly a few things;
The Census contract work that I'm doing may actually end in about 2 weeks, so thanks in advance for your prayers for other work...I know something will work out well.
They may have something again in Aug. or Oct.

Natasha went to the doctor today...she's been suffering a lot of pain for weeks and doctor thinks it may be the trigeminal(?) nerve on the left side of her face...on meds...try to fill ya'll in later but thanks for remembering her, too.
She's been having some very good free-lance work with the make-up company Benefit for the past several weekends and enjoys that.

Zachary is fine and we may plant some tomato plants and flower seeds today if I get back in time...so I'm actually writing very quickly in order to get there. Have a lot more to put here, but that's ok, everything in its' time.
When it gets here it will be just right.

Let me see, I'll say this for now:
You can change your world by changing your mind!
Subdue the earth...be at peace!
Remember the faith of a child and trust in your Father who loves you.

God bless!

SLOW DOWN!

Step out of the frenzied activity and rest.
Seize the moment, and do not allow the beauty of the life God has given you pass you by.

Re-prioritize and lighten the load where possible.
Simplify...scale down for the restoration of your soul.

Stop and listen to your spirit...and don't rush about decisions concerning your life.
Follow the path of inner peace and avoid making decisions under pressure.

ENJOY guilt-free and much -deserved relaxation, taking care of yourself first where you need to, so that you can be a blessing to others later.

LET IT ALL GO!-get away from it all (if only mentally) so that you can maintain perspective.

REDISCOVER the beauty of the world around you...the dramatic grandeur of the Creator's vision. Marvel at the magnificence of His masterpiece...let yourself cry out in gratitude.

LISTEN to what your body is saying to you and REFRESH it and nourish it and rest it.

I say that stress, stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, nervousness, heart trouble, and insomnia leave you... in the name of Jesus'.

Choose health and protect your right to walk in it.

Stop, look and listen...to loved ones...to children...to nature...to your Father in Heaven.
Take time to make the most of this day!

(I adapted this from A year in the now, Bishop Jim Swilley)
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I would like to say that I am thankful to all who have posted here so far, it fuels the desire to do more!

I wish above all things that you prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.
Cast all your care upon Him for He cares for you. Be led of His Spirit.

If you are new to blogging just go under the comments, and after the word verification just click on anonymous if you want and click publish, that's the fastest...of course you can tell me your name in the comment if you wish...love ya'...just let me hear somethin' if you're here, k?
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The other day I asked my son Zachary(who is 7), "would you like some cinammon toast?",
"no...but I will have a refreshing beverage!"

Enjoy the new tunes, and let your heart be merry!

confidence.

I have just a few moments but wanted to connect for a moment if just to say hello.

I pray that God bless you all with an outpouring of His favor and promotion, that you will not strive to make things happen...that you will get things done today-not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit!

Feel not alone, for His Spirit will abide with you forever...confidently walk in His love and assurance.

Love,
Karl

Keep on smilin', you'll make the right decision!

Okay, right now I just want you all to take a deep breath...then crack the biggest smile you can, even if it hurts. Alright, do you feel the worry start moving behind you?
If not, just keep on smilin' (didn't Wet Willie write a song about that?)
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something here I've adapted mostly from, yep, A YEAR IN THE NOW, by Bishop Jim Swilley. Really, this book has great stuff, if you want to see more there is a link at his personal website:www.bloginthenow.blogspot.com

okay, here's to building a superior lifestyle by making excellent choices in every area of your world.

I say that you hear God speak, and you will have faith in your own faith to carry out His will!

I say that you will find stability in all your ways so live by what you believe, more than by what you feel. Your soul is anchored . . . your heart is fixed . . . your mind is made up . . . your attention is focused!

I say that you speak productive words.
Your conversation will be resolute and declarative, and you will speak as one who has authority. The power of your positive speech will attract the provisions that you need to be productive.

(this next one really spoke to me personally about getting my closets organized, my room cleaned and general destruction of clutter, to create more peace and yes, joy in my environment.)

Command clarity into the chaos and confusion around you, causing things to come into order and to cooperate with the Creator's commitment to conformity in the cosmos! Decisiveness will organize your thought-life and help you to make sense of your world. Decisiveness will move you forward!

Today remember this, "You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you; so light will shine on your ways" (Job 22:28). I am ready to make my decrees so that light will shine on my ways today

Father, help each one on this blog and those to come make the right decisions today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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okay, I'm going to see if I can add a few tunes before going home...I'm learning how to work this. God bless each one of you hear. Joy to your world.

Why do you love me?

This is a simple story book I picked up at the library because it really spoke to me of unconditional love. It is of a father and son going out for a walk...italics I used to describe the picture.
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son: Do you love me? -(daddy putting on son's boots)
dad: Yes, I love you very much.
son: Why do you? -(as they are walking outside)
dad: Oh, lots of reasons.
son: Do you love me because I'm strong?
dad: Mmmm, perhaps.
son: Do you love me because I'm fast? -(dad running to keep up)
dad: Yes, and when you're slow too.
son: And when I'm kind? -(son is carrying a dog across a creek)
dad: Certainly when you're kind...oops! -(dad slips into the water)
son: Do you love me when I'm brave? -(son is climbing a tree now)
dad: Yes, but be careful. -(dad wringing out his socks)
son: And when I'm funny? -(son is dangling upside down from a branch)
dad: Yes, but please, please be careful -(dad trying to put shoes back on)
son: Do you love me when I'm clever? -(son is walking out on the branch)
dad: Yes...watch out! -(branch breaks down and both are on the ground)
son: Do you love me when I'm naughty?
dad: Yes, even when you're naughty. -(looking at each other lying down)
son: As much as when I'm good? -(dusting themselves off)
dad: Yes, just as much. -(dad wiping him off)
son: Why do I try to be good then?
dad: I don't know why. You tell me. -(while they walk along)
son: Because I love you too. -(they hold hands while walking back home)

Why do you love me?
by Martin Baynton