re-posted in entirety ...

    Belief Statement Essay
          Visualize all the bloody cold wars coming to a halt because we learned to treat each other equally.

I believe we should all act equally, but have our own unique personalities.  I believe this because I have been treated unfairly, and it just doesn’t feel right.  You almost want to start a war in retaliation because it has such a bad feeling on your life.

       

        Here is my perspective on the chain of events that ends up in death, war and other nasty stuff like that.

        Stage 1, the Kid. The kid feels bad about something or he/she’s getting bored and he figures out some one’s weakness and exploits it to get a reaction. They begin to think it’s funny and start to get as many of their friends/others to join in. The person becomes such an out-cast that the teasing is no-longer teasing and it’s now just being mean. Then when the so called out-cast tries to tell a teacher, the teacher says something and will not commit to it (not all teachers are that way). That is not being equal or nice; whatever someone might say it will never be equal.

            Stage 2, the Bully. The kid soon feels power making fun of the kid and starts to make fun of others too. The kid becomes the bully and gets in trouble more than the other kids. He soon gets more people to get in trouble and then the school is wreck. None of that would happen if we all treated each other equal.

            Stage 3, the Criminal. The bully grows-up and thinks that nothing will happen if he hurts or kills someone. SO the criminal starts a gang and robs small banks, starts drugs and eventually it’s a bad city. Then the cops retaliate with a war on crime. If only the kid treated the other person EQUAL then none of that would have happened.

        Here is why I say we should all be unique. Without being different (in a good way) it would be like taking away color in the entire world. You couldn’t play slug-bugs; you wouldn’t care about a rain-bow, and you couldn’t paint a beautiful picture because, well, it would have been painted already. So we all need to treat each-other equally but still have our own beliefs and religions.

        There would be no wars because no one could be left-out; we would accept everyone into our society and no-one would feel sad unless some-one died; then everyone who knew him would be as sad just as if their father died.

        We would all be happy, there would be no crime because no-one would want make others have a miserable life. We could support each-other and no-one would be homeless to. We still may have a president who makes decisions, but he will never be more important than anyone else. There would be winning and losing but there would be no bragging or higher rank. We would have supported those in need by giving our own work/labor for free.

I believe we all need to treat everyone equally,
but still remain unique.

I believe, we all have a purpose.

by Jason Lyon

free therapy ...

and it wasn't even MY birthday!!


Thanks King G for a most excellent session ~ 


and the workout was great too!!   


Enjoy your day!  =D

Happy Birthday - King G !!!

he writes …

Age Poem

At twelve I lived for the delicious chocolate-chip cookies my Mom and I made on Wednesday nights.

I lived for rock-band and staying up till 11:00 pm playing the endless setlist 1.

I lived for the endless nerf wars that 'the Jeffreys' and I would have (that they would win).

I lived for the times when we all would cuddle on the couch and watch a movie.

I lived for the times when Jeffrey and I would play fetch with Eddie and Jeffrey would hit the stop-sign 150 ft away

I lived for my friends and family and the help they have given me.

I lived for the times where we would play Mario Kart and watch Mom lose … horribly.

I lived because I wanted to Live.

But what I really live for is music, for getting into the emotion of the song and falling like a feather into the dark blue sea of emotion, music and love.

So music is what I really live for.

By: Jason Lyon
(Age Poem - 2010)

Whatcha gona be ...

when you grow up?

The question is commonly asked; the answers are rarely identical.

Here's what I heard:

Jason: I want to be an aeronautical engineer for the military; I would like to be a pilot, and a pastor (not really in that order). I think that means I have to go to college a few more years; but that’s really what I want to be – oh and I'd like to play professional basketball and be a good musician too.

Jeffrey: I just want to be me!

Jason: But what do you want to “do” when you grow up, you know, to make money or somethin'?

Jeffrey: Oh, I’d like to drive a monster truck and race cars. What kind of degree do I need for that?

[ mom is grateful big brother answered first -- without hestitation in fact -- the answer just rolled off his tongue while Mom was holding hers ... huh?? ]

Jason: Probably a physics degree; you'll need to know about trajectory of cars as you run them over. It would also be very helpful in determining speed, adjusting suspension and other important factors for racing too.

Jeffrey: Oh, that would be good. I’d like to be an artist too – I’m going to paint my truck pink!!

Mom: I want to grow up to have a good self-concept & be at least half as smart as my boys!

HonuGirl

Listen to the voice…

Do you ever realize after the point of no return that you should have listened to the sage advice of your inner voice?

 

You know the little voice that says 'take the long way' – even though the map program says there's a shorter, faster better way – where you will ultimately discover the traffic is deadlocked …

That tender voice that warns you a millisecond before you allow something snarky to escape and you find out as the words leave your lips why you should've left it alone…

Sometimes its kind enough to prove that consequences would have been far more effective if you had listened more and talked less…

Oohhh, THAT voice?

 

It was present this morning… while I drove talking on my cell phone (with headset of course) answering questions for my brother.

Yep. It was all good. I had no reservations during that conversation.

It wasn't until …

in that moment of truth when talking with someone else I expressed myself (contrary to my inner voice prodding)… yes, I simply blurted my opinion on what was said to me earlier. . .

 

I've struggled all day with the resultant aftermath . . . why doesn't that voice choose to simply scream LISTEN TO ME!!!!

 

Words are like toothpaste – quick & easy to squeeze out … but tough as heck to mush 'em back inside.

HonuGirl

Coincidence? By design...

I wrote an email few days ago... It was composed to an addressee whom I’ve never met. My email shared a brief story; I secretly hoped for a swift response. Perhaps a little information in return. I had bravely included my subtle query about a chance of our meeting and my phone number. Wednesday already; I checked email. No reply yet. ~ I gave the boys no options on church tonight. They were not so happy about that announcement! It would be their first time to a mid-week service at this church. I honestly can’t blame them for such hesitations – changing churches isn’t any easier for kids than grown ups. Well, at least as grown ups we understand why certain changes have to occur. Kids {mine anyway} are simply related to the reason for a change and now have to follow where they are led. This particular week I had made a commitment to go -- to church that is. I had a purpose and a plan; therefore, standing on principle I'm taking them to mid-week service. The drive to church tonight was shorter than on Sunday; less traffic, less frustration. That’s good – think of another positive. As I try to pretend I can’t hear them complaining in the back seat, I'm secretly praying God also is ignoring the ‘strong worded’ discussion the boys are having. Another stop sign, another intersection gives me a moment to pause; my thoughts are brief, but heavy. Am I parenting like a Sergeant today? I recall the evening events. A quick self-evaluation assures me that the answer to that is – NO! I didn’t scream, use profanity, or put them down; in fact, I didn’t even command them to go to church. Conversely, I simply stayed silent. I have learned that occasionally, if I wait long enough before speaking, a really wise statement forms, moves over my tongue and flies gracefully past my lips. Thus, when I heard their first arguments, I was quiet. I waited. Hmm. Nothing bright flashed across my brain. That brief silence was merely an opening for what I can only describe as a litany of rather skillfully, logical, well-articulated reasons why it would be “dumb” for them to go to church on a school night. Hmmm. plausibly I could only wait a or two moment longer without words. Oooh the numerous ‘not so wise’ things were making their way over my tongue toward the front of my mouth. When without warning I was startled by the sound of calm, pleasant confidence as I heard myself voice these words: “Well guys, when you’re 18 you’re welcome to decide where to drive yourself on a Wednesday night; until then, I handle the calendar; and my car will be leaving for church in 10 minutes.” Now, I realize (unsuccessfully ignoring the back seat commentators) they are rudely blaming "someone" for and discussing the details of how much unhappiness this event is bringing to their lives. I’m grateful this light is green and I can swiftly turn into the lot and park the car. ~ The walk into the building goes well - they are distracted by the Hot Wheels they brought (just in case). Each inquires as to whether classes are available or will he be ‘stuck’ sitting with me. As if that would be an option that brings me *joy* right now. Ugh. I pull it together as I am handed a flyer and pleasantly welcomed by a chipper greeter (clearly her kids are grown and she didn’t force anyone to join her tonight). I inquired about classes for the boys; to my chagrin, she shares that there are only middle school and high school classes tonight. Ohh no! No, no, no – this is not possible!! I am simply unable to believe such a thing. Will you please direct me to someone who knows for sure? I manage to temporarily maintain my resolve. Certain to not even make eye-contact with my boys. She steps away as I convince uh… remind myself that “all things work together for good.” Breathe! My migraine from earlier threatens and throbs at the base of my neck and behind my eyes. Grrrr. ~ Wait; what’s that I heard her say? who? My ears are now carefully tuning into her conversation with a tall, causally dressed, confident young guy. Did I hear her right? I step closer, proceeding to join their discussion. Nice. She is courteous and offers introductions. As I shake his hand I say my name, followed by… “I emailed you a couple days ago; these are my boys. I'm glad to meet you.” ~ Gratefully, I watch this guy, whom I've just met; engage the trust of my boys in seconds. *sigh* I breathe again. I hear him 5 feet ahead of me assuring them that tonight they will have a blast; then he guides them to the appropriate room. ~ Turns out… afterward the boys beg for this to be an every Wednesday night event – hmmm? No litany of dumb reasons for them to stay home comes to mind. So I agree they can add it to our calendar; I chuckle as I say… “but I’d better drive.” ~ There is no such thing as coincidence for me. Thank you very much! God designed this moment for my life. Peace reigns.

HonuGirl

Wednesday - Story - Part 2

Divine Day I have this habit of being irritatingly human – although secretly hoping for heroine. Uh-huh. Yeah. Actually, I’m known to be extremely distracted and a little bit snarky; newsflash – I admit to being human girl. (Read Tuesday's post... which was a belated posted as Blogger and I fought over PUBLISH and SAVE functions... GRR. I think I won, eventually!) I am a girl who believes (truly) knows that God has divinely designed and memorized the cover of the box for my personal puzzle called life; He created the puzzle, therefore, whether I see the big picture or not – I trust that through His eyes I can place the puzzle pieces as they were creatively designed to fit! ~ Today is Wednesday. Different from recent mornings, and specifically last night, Wednesday began easily. I felt fresh, aware and rested. Pressure relief valve must have been installed during sleep. Whew. It’s true – no heaviness or residual worries from Tuesday’s questions, frustrations or unaddressed decisions; no concerns for the weight of the world to-do list that nearly crushed me. A moment of thanks for relief… God is good. Remember this – you always have a choice – it is a gift. I choose life! I choose blessings. I choose gratitude. I choose a heroine attitude. I choose to accept any challenge that dare face me today!! Divine awakening. ~ Whoo Hoo!! It’s a new day, a new attitude, a new affirmation. After all, I trust God for all things in my life – they are all in His control. Heard the saying… let go, let God? I’m living it. Divide attitude. ~ My day continued… On task and on-time, I left for my workout. Bonus – I remembered, ahem, everything necessary for the day. I began driving my route to the gym. After a quick push of the radio button and a momentary wait for a song to begin… my index finger hovered over the preset buttons – just in case I felt fickle about the music, style or artist or words – I waited a moment to decide about this song. After the first stanza; I was engaged... I choose to listen:

“Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning? and Who told the ocean you can only come this far? and Who showed the moon where to hide 'til evening? Whose words alone can catch a falling star?”

As her voice that rang out these words – it was as close to being with angels as I could imagine; she sang with such melodious power and grace; I allowed myself to concentrate on the words of the song. Touched to the core of my being by the words, the affirmations, the truths – I felt transported onto a glorious cloud – as if experiencing the song through soul, not ears. Incredible!! Tears trickled down my cheeks as I heard the words of the song uphold all that I believe – the decisions I have to make are miniscule compared with what it took to create my world. Oh, the power to place the universe in order… {I’m silently relieved that my instinct to change stations was reversed by my spirit’s voice – “wait for it, listen for it… peace will come.”} Divine thought. Be still and know He is God! Psalm 46:10 ~ I was still covered by goose bumps head to toe when I arrived and parked my car; I couldn’t turn it off until the last note gently returned my blessed encouraged and fulfilled soul back to my driver’s seat. Wow. Again. WOW!!! The DJ’s voice now announcing Nicole Mullen as the artist; I commit to download her song tonight. Divine song. After another genuine thank you spoken aloud to God for loving me through song… I walked inside the gym to workout, not quite the same person I was when I awoke 2 hours earlier. AND happy to be a little early! ~ Leaving the gym I drove to work (no errands today). In route, my thoughts focused on a good friend of mine… oddly enough I began an inner conversation – thinking it would be good share my latest journey; share about the song; and also ask her opinion on a few undecided things; hmm... Later though. A couple hours into my workday, where strangely, I was not alone (rudely confirmed by the excessive noise from the crew sanding in the back room). It was difficult to even hear the radio. Two of the three owners appeared and departed. Yet, I remained surprisingly focused. It seemed I would finish work early today, nice. Shortly before leaving, my phone rang – smiling as I answered; I’m not surprised that it’s the friend I was planning to call later. It’s that kind of day. Our conversation was brief. She had news to share. I talked about the song – she is close friends with the artist. I’m delighted to hear her story of Nicole. I asked my questions – received her great insight; we arranged to email on another topic and said goodbye. This was an appointment of spirit collaboration and certainly not coincidence! I needed to hear the confidence she shared in answering my questions. What blessings I’ve received today! Divine conversation. ~ Night falls. I remain amazed by Wednesday’s divine events. Briefly I recalled a number of choices that allowed for a puzzle piece of life to be discovered and placed into its divine location of life's puzzle. “As if by design,” I giggle knowing it was ALL about me today. Sometimes God hears the pray of a human girl and creates a day for a heroine. Divine relief. ~ I choose to walk courageously through life. Living in the moment, for the future. I commit to let go of the past and let God select the future piece of the puzzle for placement! Just like that sleep is close and I rest my head on my purple pillow - relieved to know that the weight of the world was not mine to carry anyway. Human girl, living heroine-like on a Divine day.

HonuGirl

Patience...

Popsicles or Polish?

I shuttered as I listened to yet another cry of impatience from my boy (pick one, either one they both resemble this remark)… hummmph. I paused for a moment. My mind shot off into its own little diatribe of “when??? What do you mean, WHEN???” Haven’t you noticed the things I do for you? … _________ [ insert here a reminder list of multitudes of mothering activities, nurturing, caretaking, bandaging, feeding, transporting, toy purchasing, housekeeping, and uhh the list goes on ad infinitum. ]. Yet you [dare] suggest that I am not doing something fast enough to accommodate your needs? grrr. =/ Thank God. That only occurred inside my head. Whew. The chance of my blurting out toxic waste passed safely without injury!! I know this because there is a distinct absence of that disgusting flavor of toenail polish from having stuck my purple-painted, toe ring adorned, foot into my noxious mouth – only to have to remove it later and reapply polish (and scrape my tongue … eww). However. The comments never left my subconscious mind. I mentally worked on the scenarios of “impatience” for some time. "How long until this goes away... it still hurts" – upon applying medicine and bandage to road rash (knee to calf) from Jeffrey’s bike incident. "Why can’t I have a popsicle now." [at 9:30 am] “Why did this happen? Why did that chain have to brake when I was riding?” – upon applying medicine and bandage on both scraped elbows after Jason flew over handlebars riding a friend’s bike. "It will take 8 weeks of allowance before I can buy [insert Lego set name here]; why can't you just get it for me now, then I'll pay you back" ~ It came to me rather abruptly while washing my hair. Dang suds; they must have cleansed the build up in my brain. Right there with wet hair my mind began an internal conversation. A mind is a wonderful thing – sometimes – pain in the butt at others! Mine began to replay some of my conversations with God. Of which, I’m too embarrassed to list many, but there is an uncanny resemblance to some from my kids. Hmmm. “Do I really have to feel such pain while healing?” “When will I get a break?” “I can’t wait until… “

“Seriously, need help here!!” I recognized that He could so easily respond with that “reminder list” of how I dare not notice His blessings ... yada yada. It could be: He might pointedly question how can you be so ungrateful for safety through the Red Sea of your life? Do you not appreciate the comfort I offered when you felt alone? Where is the gratitude for the gift of cherished friends who supported, loved, encouraged and shared so practically with you? Will you continue to ask me “when” I plan to bless you MORE?? ~ And with that – in His infinite wisdom and perfect timing – my Heavenly Father spoke silence to my impatience with impatience. ~ Alrighty then.

Hey, if you need me, I’ll be painting my toenails while the boys eat popsicles (after lunch).

HonuGirl