Family - What does it mean to you?

A person who I have a great respect for always provides a definition when he speaks to a certain topic. So I thought I would follow that in this situation.

Below you will find Merriam-Webster's definition of the word family. The question I pose is what does family mean to you? To me it is a group of people of similar mind and spirit who support and unconditionally love you. Some believe that we choose our families before we are born to resolve prior karmic issues or simply because we liked the individuals. I am not sure if that is true or not.

I do know one thing for certain in my life that being a family member does not automatically entitle friendship. Friendship is something that develops over time and isn't forced; being of the same blood line entitles you to nothing but a leaf on the family tree of your family's lineage. I am proud of mine 100% Polish. Parents who were in WWII survived, met in England and were married over 50 years.

I was/am Blessed both my parents became my best friends albeit some things I got to learn as their friend was a little TMI(too much information). I wouldn't have had it any other way. We shared everything. My Mom had me when she was 40 and she died when I was 40. How lucky am I to have had her for so long; the same with my Dad who followed after her two years and two weeks to the day of her crossing over. So in my case I was fortunate not only to have family but friends as well. I have a sibling whom for the better portion of my life I had little to no use for. I thought that the person was my parents' favorite even when this person had no interaction with us. Due to divine situations and timing and confined spaces; this sibling has also become a friend. A friendship that I never expected, it just happened. The sibling has pulled me through some of my darkest times and I will be forever grateful for that.

I think of people that I know that are mistreated, abused and violated by their siblings, parents and other family members. Does this mean that the person should look past that and be involved with their family? I don't think so, for one's own sanity, the key is to forgive and it may require outside intervention such as a counselor or just internal processing. Once you have forgiven the person, it doesn't mean you have forgotten but it empowers you to continue on your path without looking back.

So as you read this just ponder about what family means to you? Who supports you without question(not to be confused with advice)? You may be surprised at what you come up with. Just remember there is no right or wrong with this question it is what works best and healthiest for you.

Try not to let family politics get in your way in what ever you do. Don't try to guess at people's motivations just stay true to yourself, doing right by yourself and by others. Keep exploring this wonderful journey we call life.

Until next time,
Halina


Main Entry: 1fam·i·ly
Pronunciation: \ˈfam-lē, ˈfa-mə-\
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural fam·i·lies
Etymology: Middle English familie, from Latin familia household (including servants as well as kin of the householder), from famulus servant
Date: 15th century
1: a group of individuals living under one roof and usually under one head : household
2 a: a group of persons of common ancestry : clan b: a people or group of peoples regarded as deriving from a common stock : race
3 a: a group of people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation : fellowship b: the staff of a high official (as the President)
4: a group of things related by common characteristics: as a: a closely related series of elements or chemical compounds b: a group of soils with similar chemical and physical properties (as texture, pH, and mineral content) that comprise a category ranking above the series and below the subgroup in soil classification c: a group of related languages descended from a single ancestral language
5 a: the basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their children ; also : any of various social units differing from but regarded as equivalent to the traditional family b: spouse and children
6 a: a group of related plants or animals forming a category ranking above a genus and below an order and usually comprising several to many genera bin livestock breeding (1): the descendants or line of a particular individual especially of some outstanding female (2): an identifiable strain within a breed
7: a set of curves or surfaces whose equations differ only in parameters
8: a unit of a crime syndicate (as the Mafia) operating within a geographic area.

Courtesy of http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/family

A Person's Inner Strength

Why is it so easy for us to drop into the emotions of fear and lack? It is called being human. Our faith no matter what path we walk on Muslim, Christian, Pagan and so on is all built on the same foundation. It is called Love but as humans walking in our skin temples we are always tested. The Enemy takes many shapes and sizes and prey's on our weaknesses from the most granular to that which is most obvious. Whenever the doubts, fear's anything that is counterproductive to being happy creep in and make you feel "not-you" shine the light on it. Two things happen when you shine light into the dark; first all that was hidden is illuminated and second the darkness disappears.

The more you act in Love and Light, your energy (we all have an energy field around our bodies) will vibrate at a higher level and you will notice changes around you. New people may come into your life and old friends may fade. There is nothing wrong with this people all grow and change at different levels and times. Like a moth to a flame you will also attract that which is unwanted. Stay grounded in Love and remember the acronym FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real.

There are books you can read and cd's to listen to but sometimes just remembering one little thing can put it all back into perspective for you.

It is that simple old "Golden Rule"

Treat people the way you want to be treated. (paraphrased by me). When someone treats you poorly hold your tongue if you can and then mentally send them love. You may not be able to do it right then and there but do it before going to bed. Always try to go to sleep with a soothed heart and mind

Ask your Deity to encircle you in their love and to deflect anything that is not of Their Love. Then ask to send anyone who wishes you ill, light to illuminate their actions and love to fill the void in the lives.

I write these words yet I myself struggle with this on a daily basis. It is growth and it isn't always easy but I strive to be the best I can be for myself, for my God and for all the people I may come into contact with. I smile when I truly don't feel like it but when I get a smile back it I notice it makes the next smile a little easier.

I believe anything we set our minds to we can accomplish it is just a matter of how badly do we want it. We are the biggest obstacle in our way 9 times out of 10.


So I end this BLOG by saying God Bless You and Yours. May you always walk in light and if you should stumble into darkness may there always be an inner light to bring you back.

Mother's and Mother's Day

For those of you who still have your Mother's treasure every day like it is Mother's day. You never know what tomorrow will bring so honor and love her the way you would want to be honored and loved if you had children even if you don't have children the way you would want someone of special significance in life to treat you.

This has been a hard week for me Thursday marked the 5th year since my Mom has gone to be with the Lord and sometimes it still feels like yesterday. I know she is still with me in spirit but sometimes I want her to hug me and tweak my ears the she always did.

I end this with one of her favorite expressions it sounds cuter in Polish. No matter how many times you turn around your butt will always be behind you.

Love to you all.

Thanksgiving everyday

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; and his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100: 4-5

I am not affiliated with anyone religion. So where you see the word God/Lord insert what is appropriate for you.

Thanksgiving
I have asked the Lord to give me these words today. It is my hope that they will touch you within your soul as they have touched me.
On Thursday of this week many will celebrate the day of Thanksgiving.
Their will be families coming together to eat, drink, watch football and be merry.
Thanksgiving should not be just one day of celebration but everyday and we need not have the day off.
It is somewhat perplexing as to why families will come together on this one day to socialize but are too busy the other 364 days of the year other than Christmas.
Thanksgiving is something we as a people as a community, should be loving one another should be doing everyday of the year.
If the Lord woke you up, you should be praising his name.
If you have food on the table, you should be praising his name.
If you are employed, you should be praising his name.
If you have a roof over your head, you should be praising his name.
There are a multiplicity of reasons you should give God thanks and praise.
We need as a people of God need to get back to basics and praise and give thanks to God without ceasing.
So as you sit down with your families on Thursday, please think and pray about those men and women who are fighting in a foreign land and their families.(They did not choose to fight, it is their job. If you are against the war still support those that
are fighting)
When you sit down with your families this Thursday, please think and pray for that homeless man or woman you pass each day as you go to work.
When you sit down with your families this Thursday, please think and pray for the family who is bereaved.
When you sit down with your families this Thursday, please think and pray for that senior citizen whose family has deserted them.
When you sit down with your families this Thursday, please think and pray about whose you are and why he gave his life for you to be here.
Let's enter the courts of our hearts with thanksgiving daily and give God the praise he deserves.
I wish you all a blessed Thanksgiving Day but more importantly, I wish you all blessings from on high as God grants you another day in his earthy kingdom

Reason for the Season

As I grew in my spiritual path I realized that Christmas wasn't about gifts but it is My Saviour's birthday. I could care less about the scientists who say it wasn't the correct day. It is the day that we historically have celebrated it. So I have a cupcake in Jesus' name on the 25th and sing him Happy Birthday. I am not a devout Catholic or devout any organized religon. I treat people the best I can and I know that Jesus died for me and that is enough. I do not need any more explanation or dialog. I just received the following information and it touched me so I have decided to post it in my blog to keep it in other people's hearts.

Twas the month before Christmas When all through our land, Not a Christian was praying Nor taking a stand.The "politically correct police" had taken away, The reason for Christmas - no one could say. The children were told by their schools not to sing, About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and thingsIt might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say December 25th is just a " Holiday ". Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it! CD's from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod Something was changing, something quite odd! Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda. As Targets were hanging their trees upside downAt Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found. At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-is-ty Are words that were used to intimidate me. Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen Obama, Rather, Kerry, and Clinton! At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter. And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith Forbidden to speak of salvation and graceThe true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discardedThe reason for the season, stopped before it started.So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree"Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me. Choose your words carefully, choose what you say Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday