Hello

 We got our problems, well what can we do?  It is too much for us; we give them all to you  And through your goodness we can clearly see, the path to victory  Your law is liberty  Grace is the way The darkness comes in, we are quickly lost For we have started to build without first knowing the cost Your word will guide us through our dark despair You are the King of Kings; your law is just and it's fair Grace is the way It's the light in the darkness Grace is the goal for our soul here on earth Yes grace is the hope for the hopeless We stick together as we bow and pray We trust your word alone will lead us on the way For when we're weak we know that you are strong Let's start believing now, God will help us along Grace is the way.  It's the light in the darkness Grace is the goal for our soul here on earth Yes grace is the hope for the hopeless We all carry our crosses As we walk on (walk on) Through our wins and losses Time to lay it down! We stick together as we b

 Thank you for letting me live life with you It's clear that we became family through and through The memories shared I'll never forget From running outside to bathtime regret I had a good life of laughter and joy Delicious meals and an awesome pig toy The smiles and cuddles of each day and night Caused me to feel such a great delight So don't be too sad as I'm laid to rest The years spent with you were surely the best

Rising again in the morning light My passion puts enemies to flight Day in, day out, again and again Chasing first place, until the end Feuling my mind with thoughts that help me Fueling my body with foods that are healthy Keep the creative and humor alive Smiling through circumstances is how I survive Looking above the all the blame and shame Searching for those with hearts aflame Burning out darkness with love so bright Paving a way through the dead of night I yearn to learn and improve myself Build much more than material wealth A work in progress, that's what I say One to build on day by day For there are times that I feel small But still see the beauty of it all So until all the work is done My heart stays aflame like the sun pic by @cathalmacan from unsplash.com

 We see a certain image projected on the screen We do not see the ones who work behind the scenes Our freedoms die in darkness, yet the light has been put out It's not comfortable to face what we really are about All critical thinking is swiftly cast away Instead we choose to follow the feelings of the day The labels that divide us are cancerous for sure No one can trust this sickness to bring them any cure But despite all the offended, there's reason to rejoice Each day we have the freedom to make a different choice Some choose their same old habits, the comforts of their life Others choose to push themselves and cut out waste like a knife I may paint a certain picture as someone who can rhyme words But in the bigger picture, I'm content with being heard @tateisimikito

 In many ways American's, and much of the developed world's lives are hyperstimulated. With the world at our fingertips, there is information coming at us from all angles. Headlines and soundbites such as "breaking news, critical story" among others seek to capture our attention. When I used to regularly watch ABC's "World News Tonight", their main announcer, David Muir and all fill-in announcers always had a sense of urgency in their tone as they would stress "Tonight! Multiple developments as we come on the air!" It got to a point, where I could nearly predict their opening line word for word.  Where we direct our attention is important. I recently watched an interview with Jeff Bezos circa 97 where he stated human attention as the most valuable commodity, and sought the need to capture it via Amazon. Bezos seemed to be ahead of his time and perhaps that's one of the reasons why his company exploded many times over. Along with attention t

 "2.5 miles, humph! How is that strenuous?!", we scoffed as my friend, Shane and I read the sign at the base of Mt. Scott in Crater Lake National Park. Both of us were from the east coast of the US. (Shane from Connecticut and myself from Long Island). Both of us were in for quite a surprise. As we started up, we soon realized the difficulty of the climb. The trail gradually became steeper with no sign of flattening out. In full direct sun, with just a few shady trees, we were tiring from the heat and the steep ascent. We each had some water, but in hindsight it wasn't enough. Around 2/3rds of the way up, I was really becoming nervous. My one water bottle was running low, the trail got significantly more steep and narrow, and we still had no clear idea how far we had. I mentioned turning back, but Shane encouraged me to push to the summit. Both of us are Christian and we both prayed before our trip, but my faith was being tested. Once I saw the outlook post at the summit,

  Life is beautiful, despite the sorrow Each day is new; so don't predict tomorrow And every new day brings things of its own No matter what we say, it's not good to be alone Working together ensures none are left behind As we stretch the boundaries deep in our minds Our knowledge is complex; and yet, still concise Few know the value, but all know the price Yet great gifts are given, many without cost We try not to worry about what we lost Lessons there to learn from, not to dwell in Though it's hard-fought, there's still a victory to win Cooper Creek Reservoir in Sutherlin, OR.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtDX1Vl-Jxk

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7yF-kHEHBQ&fbclid=IwAR3RMP-B5bvLu5mhpBwlzFzTmX22WRB-apef4bvLS_brxaas2pD4tyG5CuI

Togetherness Try some kindness; it won't hurt And all you need is just  a squirt Yea, a little good goes a real long way And can even make somebody's day Sure life is hard, this we know And trials come to all who grow But out of ashes, life is born Rejoicing overcomes the mourn I'm not to lead but to support Relate well among my cohorts Together we must rise again Turning enemies to friends And no it won't be all sunshine We'll have to walk our own fine line But somewhere for all our trouble A beautiful thing will arise from rubble. 

Our hearts are restless till they rest in thee Our eyes may be opened, but rarely do they see The infinite value of your great love The graces and mercies pouring down from above Our day to day lives can seem like a fight But your yolk is easy and your burden light Trouble that's shared, becomes trouble diminished This will stay true till our time here is finished So thanks be to God and his love for us A love that remains when the gold turns to dust photo:  @priscilladupreez

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYPVVS6e5Bs

Whirling and twirling in a frantic pace Striving each day just to save face All that we are is all that we've done Yet still so unsure of what we'll become Time grants us choices, and it's up to us To follow a path that is right and just We've fallen, forgotten and were lost before So now here's a chance to do something more All of our options out on the table Ready and willing, so we must be able To not kid ourselves about what we're worth Time for reflection for all of the Earth Each day is a gift, not a guarantee Some are not as fortunate as you or me If there's something to learn as we cope with insanity It's to never give up on the hope of humanity Our hearts a reflection of our Lord above Able to heal wounds through acts of love So each one of us that shows any care Is a shining example of our hope in despair

Life can be funny in the curves it throws Like the changing tide that ebbs and flows Racing towards a plan, we thought was for sure Only to realize, it's not the same anymore Shifting back into focus, some see a different way Though it's always been there, it's more visible today Perspective is important, gratitude helps a lot How sweet it is to cherish the beauty we have got To adapt to this new normal; is to have an open mind Creativity keeps us from falling behind Personal connection, as always is a must Why let times of changes violate our trust? At the end of the day, I take time to reflect Sometimes it is great not to know what to expect Photo by  Nathan Dumlao  on  Unsplash

Why I listen to Billy Joel *He lets me know what time it is *He knows who’s still going steady *He makes history much more tolerable  Everyone’s asking what I’ll do with the $1,200 stimulus check. I don’t know, but there’s a guy I know who’s got a combo deal: one N95 mask and 8oz. Of Purell for $1,199...🤔 So now that we all have to be 6 ft apart, how do Italian mobsters greet each other? Do they blow kisses or what?  Speaking of the virus affecting bad guys, the taliban reportedly sent a letter to members saying stay out of Europe due to Coronavirus concerns. Like all of a sudden hygiene becomes important to them.  They went from Jihadi John to Handwashing Hussein  I’m making use of my time though. I’ve quickly become an expert on Youtube Free Movies. Parents beware of Frozen (Definitely not Disney) about 3 kids trapped on a ski lift. You won't be singing “Let it Go” during that one.  I’m also listening to different kinds of music. Recently playin

Working in healthcare for over 5 years has taught me a lot of essential lessons. One among them being the power of resilience. While we all know healthcare facilities are open 24/7, 365 and days can be tough, it helps to gain perspective of our actions and how they make a difference. I started volunteering as a dietary aide in a hospital kitchen in 2014, working alongside paid workers, all grateful to have an extra hand. Eventually I was hired to this position. I told myself that everyone needs to eat and should look forward to good meals during their stay. As a dietitian now, this mindset continues. I see myself as one who advocates for residents and educate them and/or families during often trying times. While not everyone shows gratitude, those who do lift my spirits and see the worth behind my work. I also realize that it is a team effort from cooks to directors to nurses and so many others which keeps things running every day. Each day is a new learning experience for me, as I see

We see see now more than ever, people and companies/non-profits stepping up to help out. My local credit union donating $5k to restaurants feeding hospital workers, New Belgium raising over $75k to help restaurants/bars. Billy and Alexis Joel committing to $500k in PPE for hospitals throughout NY, Meals on Wheels and Long Island Cares, amping up charitable work, and people all over donating their time, talent and treasure to help make a difference. There are far too many to name, but know that this is us at our best. We are all in this together, and all must do our part to defeat this virus. I believe and hope that this will strengthen our resolve to combat future crises together. United we stand, divided we fall.

Sometimes we all need a change A time for us to rearrange As life calls for a change of pace It helps to find a quiet place Reflections on our inner feelings Can lead us all to kinder dealings A time to pause, a time to breathe Space to heal and to relieve A call for creativity As we think of things vividly Smiles and acts of goodwill Do their part to cure the ill Now to use this time to reflect So better days we can expect                                   Photo by  Lina Trochez  on  Unsplash

My case isn't always clear, but it still has yet to close As I put together arguments and try not to suppose To organize my thoughts and calm my frantic mind I take in some deep breaths and leave the past behind Each day is born anew; and so it is with me Shedding my old skin, to embrace all that is free My case is filled with statements, alleging this and that Some fact alongside fiction; who knows where I'll be at? Patience is a virtue, at least that's what they say I seem to possess it, but perhaps just for today If I had to offer anything in my defense I would place the judge within my life's events What will be done is up to him, and that's what I accept We all must face our judgments at times we don't expect So here's my cards all on the table, nothing is concealed I'm ready, willing and able; and with that, I yield                                           photo by:  @bill_oxford  on Unspalsh

We teach ourselves about the other's cause, when we pause Finding the stories beneath the faces seen everyday When we pause, we listen to more than just applause Realizing all the ignored words people say All the empty baggage which clutters up our lives Could easily be managed, if we just organized The finger pointing leaders say this is what to do But when you point the finger, three more point back at you So I try to plan my days, prioritize my time Each step brings me closer to the mountain I must climb The journey's not a quick one, but worth an honest try Some say talk is cheap, but how expensive is a lie? Through all the ups and downs, I'm striving for the summit To be risen to new heights and let all the nonsense plummet