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Post by YesterdayOnceMore on Jul 29, 2006 22:26:41 GMT -5
Another day, another 50 cents, eh? I don't really have much to write about tonight, just thought I'd get a few thoughts out there on the table. Rick is doing some great stuff on the main forum...loving the games, etc. Keeping us on our toes, and you really have to WORK at these logic puzzles to get the answers. I'm not good at logic...complete right brain, here. But, it's fun. I heard from a good friend yesterday. That's always nice. She told me several things which I just had to contemplate today. She is a good listener, and I appreciate her friendship very much. Lucky me to have such a wonderful friend. Thanks, friend. In fact, I feel like I've got ALL of you as friends, and have heard from several of you today. Leo is getting ready to go into the studio on August 19th to cut another track. This one will be called "Get Behind Me." He's very excited. I'm excited for him. Palma is WRITING more wonderful music. One day.....soon.....things are going to EXPLODE for her. Mark my words. My son is moving again to a new place in Chicago. Gosh it's expensive to live there. Such is life, I suppose. Have been listening to more than making music these days. I'm wondering, perhaps that's the way it's supposed to be. I'm not quite sure. Had a bad bug for about 24 hours, and was hoping none of you are having any sort of trouble. It's just a "pain" if you get my meaning. HOpe you all are feeling well. Told you I really didn't have any news. Just wanted to check in and say hi....let you know things are busy here in Springfield, and, well - I'm off to do some more "stuff" now. I wish you all the best from here in my corner. Tim
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Dr Johnny P LoveTrain
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Post by Dr Johnny P LoveTrain on Jul 30, 2006 19:12:29 GMT -5
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Post by YesterdayOnceMore on Jul 30, 2006 20:33:09 GMT -5
Wow, today was quite a day for me. Can I share it with you? It's really quite personal, but maybe by sharing this with you, I can help someone else here on the forum who may be having the same issues I was having....then I feel like a weight was lifted off my shoulder today, and it's all GOOD. I've been having sort of a tough time lately regarding a lot of things. Second guessing myself, perhaps. You know how it goes...you THINK you do something well, then all of a sudden, you DON'T think so at all - in fact, you begin to wonder (and it really works on you) WHY in the world you thought it was any good in the first place? Well, so - I was there....with several things. I felt that way about what I was doing basically in my LIFE....with my friends...family....those who mean the MOST to me. And...I was feeling that way quite strongly regarding my music. Especially my singing. You may have noticed in the posting before this, I even mentioned it. I had received encouragement from my wife, who didn't even know I needed it - I mean, I wasn't walking around with a visible sign or anything - these were just (oddly) "musings" but they were getting stronger every day and had been working on me for a time. I also received a great deal of positive reinforcement from Palma, who continued to remind me that perfection is not necessary...I have GOT to remember that. I Suppose I thought perhaps I was failing everyone - all these people who are important to me - all these people I, myself, am hoping to be able to "help" in some odd sort of way....I was just losing sight of being patient, perhaps. I'm not certain, but I know I was slipping into the "depths" about it, as they say. You know, it's tough when your children are on their own, and the best you can do as a parent is "support" them...no, not with money, although sometimes that's necessary, and I feel fortunate when we're in a position where we can do that - doesn't happen every time, but sometimes, it works....I mean the kind of support that they recognize we are "there" for them. We try to be. Jon is moving to a new flat in Chicago - it's a NICE one....expensive, too....but nice. (O.E., it's in Logan Square) which is an up and coming district not too far from where he was in Wicker Park - I think it's two blue-line stops away (that's how we know where things are now in Chicago - by the number of stops). Hehe! Anyway, we did try to support him in his efforts to remain in Chicago and find a decent place to live. Okay, one down. Then my daughter who I believe you all know has MS (since age 15 1/2 - she's now 28) was in the ER for about 10 hours prior to their visit this weekend, for various reasons, most of which seemed to be leading up to an exacerbation of the nasty disease. Just spoke to her - she feels MUCH BETTER tonight after her visit to "home" this weekend. Whew! And, today - well, let's just say that everything seems to be turning around. Since one of my biggest challenges seemed to be regarding music, I spoke with Palma about it. She came back with this (and she's told me this before) - she told me to try a bit of imperfection - sometimes being "perfect" doesn't really convey the right thing in music.....it isn't about the look of it - more about the sound of it, and in this case, since what I was concerned about was, in particular, a tune I was hoping to do for church this morning...she patiently explained to me, again, that I needed to let the Spirit take control, and to relax in it. Oddly, I found myself this morning with no other choice. I was set to do the song, but still didn't like how it sounded, and was worried about doing it. I wanted it to be good, because the message was so good. Finally, I had no choice but to let the Spirit take total control. As I told Palm, I don't even remember "hearing" what I sang - I know I emphasized what I wanted to in the lyric, and then the song was over. I heard the applause, and when I finally looked up - I was facing a standing crowd. Tears? Oh yeah. Big ones. I was humbled. I've been the music director at this church more than 5 years now, and this is the SECOND time, only, that I've received a standing ovation. BUT - it wasn't ABOUT ME. It was about the music, see? The Spirit DID take control, and to this end. I was gratified, humbled, and I suppose, a bit "shaken." Affirmation number one. If I had needed affirmation that I was on the right track - with my music, with my life, with my intentions, today....I got my answers. Palma happened to be online this afternoon after I got home, and I wrote her and told her about it. She wasn't surprised, and told me so. Affirmation number two. Thanks. I went to MySpace to review my profile, and I had a very long (lovely) message there from Leo (Prisoner_Walking). He said to me, out of the blue, "Tim you've had such an interesting life - so mutli-faceted - you are very clearly a 'people' person - full of a love for life no matter what. I don't think I've ever heard you say anything bad about anything or anyone! That is a rare quality! " Affirmation number three. And tonight, I got an email from Dave. I was reading right along his newsy emails (I love emails from Dave - learn so much from him) - and he says this "Lives touch other lives and you've made a big difference for many people. Brother Jim would be darn proud of you, I believe. " Affirmation number four. Finally, tonight I got an email from KCMusician, who I think you know this too, happens to be my very best friend in all the world. He says this about me singing the song I was going to do this morning: "May the Spirit use your voice and sound to reach out and touch hearts; may the gift you give heal the receiver and the giver, too. Bless Your Voice" Affirmation number five!!!! I gotta tell you, these things hit me right between the eyes, each and every one of them. Sometimes we're tested so strongly that it's difficult for us to recognize the test. It was for me. I was being beaten by it, rather than beating it. I lost sight of who and what was really the most important thing. Now, He has allowed me to bask in these wonderful, affirming words of my family and friends. It's all I want....I'm completely happy.....to help those I love, to know it's working, and to play and sing my beloved music. So...if you have had a similar experience, remember - you're being tested, and you can come through it. I don't know why, but felt compelled to "muse" this sort of personal bit with you right here on the internet. I hope none of you need the reminder, and that you're all happy and content. But just in case - just remember this: It doesn't get any better than having those you love tell you it matters. I'm glad. I'm re-energized, and ready to face another exciting day, and....I'm ready to make more music. I've just got to do it....I can't walk away. It's too important to me. Thanks for listening, and please feel free to respond. Love you all. And thanks for YOUR tremendous support. HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK, EACH OF YOU. I wish you ALL THE BEST from here in my corner, Tim
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Post by Rick Henry on Jul 30, 2006 22:04:15 GMT -5
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Post by ps11932 on Jul 31, 2006 16:25:02 GMT -5
Hi Tim, I sure am familiar with Logan Square- a good friend of mine also moved there just 2 weeks ago, actually. It's a great neighborhood- in many ways a microcosm of Chicago itself, with interaction among many different ethnic and other groups, and big opportuinities to make impact in many fields.
Thanks for your insights, and for sharing the affirmations and reactions you received. Indeed music is one of your many gifts, and as is the case with any talent given us, we can use it to enrich and help others- and sometimes it is strongest when it seems weak to us. Keep yielding to the Spirit and keep pressing on- you will continue to strengthen and inspire others. (The same is true for those of us who are not musicians- whatever we do can truly be an act of worship, and a service to others.) One other thing- as you (or anybody) effectively sings, or plays, or does whatever one is called to do: the help and kindness and support and attention you give others in the same field will outweigh what you yourself can do. In the positive and heartfelt words you have for everyone, you fulfill this, also. Thanks! O.E.
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Post by palmapascale on Aug 1, 2006 13:39:42 GMT -5
The anxiety can be fierce if we let it. There seems to be nothing but "threats" to our existence in the awful wars we are seeing for ourselves in the papers and on TV, in the constant warnings about how we have doomed the planet, and the dangerous weather they keep telling us will bring wild flooding and damage in places that have never seen these weather flareups before. They send us warnings now, on Long Island, to be "hurricane ready." All I keep thinking is, how would I ever get all my beautiful cats to safety...I don't have just one or two. Would I just open the door and let them run, or flee with them in carriers, but to WHERE?? How much water am I supposed to keep "on hand" and did I know that water "goes bad" and has to be replaced after a few months anyhow?? How much food would be enough, especially for the cats, if disaster struck? Oh, and those ALL IMPORTANT papers, house deed, birth certificate (where IS that ANYWAY, at my mother's house in my father's file in the closet??) and what if I lost them? Do I have enough house insurance (I'm sure NOT) and what ABOUT flood insurance? I don't know about all of you, but I am finding all this "helpful info" very depressing and it is causing tremendous anxiety on the days I allow it to. Who can be PREPARED for the end of the world, the way they are leading us to believe it is? And who would want to live anyway? Then, I try to recall my own words in the song ENOUGH GRACE FOR TODAY...."let me stay in the moment, where I will find, my needs will be met, one day at a time" and the promise that GOD will never fail me, will give me WHAT I NEED, IF AND WHEN I SHOULD NEED IT. Some planning, yes, but can the cupboard ever be filled ENOUGH? Is the bank account ever high ENOUGH? Did I take all the recommended physical tests for a woman my age, blah, blah, blah, to catch anything disasterous in TIME or will I blame myself for missing that ONE TEST I should have taken a year ago? Is this ringing any bells for all of you out there? I think that too much TV, too many radio warning ads about our health, too many weather alerts and terrorist alerts are leading to an underlying depression and anxiety in all of us. Maybe we need to "watch what we eat" when it comes to consuming too much of the media. How much can we PREPARE for, when we need to LIVE and enjoy our days and each other? As I say in my song MAKER OF ALL THINGS:" I heard there was some good news, I could sure use some. Lately everything's bad news, feel the end's about to come. Yet I look around, see a hopeful face, what is it they know about the human race?" The song goes on to say our MAKER has the answers to a happy life...rely on HIM in all things, and take it easy. It may not be as bad as all that. Right now, the kitties are fine, their mommy is, too, the house has central air, I'm meeting my friend Father Mark for lunch, where it is air-conditioned too, I have some money left in the bank, my mother is well, and I have more music to write, to make the world a little less alone in their thoughts. Thanks for letting me have a little say today, Tim. Love to all of you. Palma
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Dr Johnny P LoveTrain
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Post by Dr Johnny P LoveTrain on Aug 1, 2006 14:27:27 GMT -5
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Post by Rick Henry on Aug 1, 2006 18:07:36 GMT -5
Hi Palma... many interesting and introspective thoughts. I've learned a long time ago that we just can't live life worrying about catastrophes which may or may not hit us. Yes, we should be prepared for such possible happenings - but when it comes down to it - it's all in God's Hands. I say live for today. Let today be the best day you've ever had. Tomorrow may come and it may not - but you do have today. today is here for us to make the best of it.
What I find interesting is when people (the media mainly) start saying that they feel the end is coming near. Some people are even so bold as to say they feel the end will be in their own lifetime. I've always believed that this is not for us to try and predict and dwell upon so much. As it states in the Bible "the end will come like a thief in the night". Nobody on Earth knows when this will happen. It could be tomorrow and it could be 2,000 years from now.
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Dave
Ultra Emissary
"sleeping in the arms of the cosmos..."
Posts: 1,515
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Post by Dave on Aug 1, 2006 18:37:37 GMT -5
Well, Palma, you've got a friend in Pittsburgh. We have been hurricane-free for...well, we did get flooded a bit from Ivan a few years ago. But I live on a hill, and we have two cats, so we're a cat-friendly home. I can give you some more "end of the world" scenarios: The asteroid Apophis is scheduled to make a close fly-by in 2037, but the end of the Mayan calendar is Dec. 23, 2012. But you know what? It may be the end of the world as we know it, but I feel fine. I look at the sky, and see all of the wonderful photos NASA gives us, and think to myself "We're the only known planet with 'intelligent' life on it, and what do we do?" Perhaps intelligence is vastly overrated. I saw a cartoon years ago where an alien ship was loading dolphins, whales, and porpoises, and an alien said to a fisherman "We're only interested in intelligent life." Think about that. I don't watch much TV beyond the Weather Channel and NASA TV. Savor the day, savor your friends and acquaintences.
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Post by Rick Henry on Aug 1, 2006 18:48:31 GMT -5
We're the only known planet with 'intelligent' life on it, and what do we do? More interesting thoughts Dave.
I've often thought about other possible life forms in the universe. Could there be others somewhere who are far more advanced than we are. So much more advanced that we are unable to recognize them or see them. Could this other intelligence be disguised so that we see them as being still life? Do they see us, but we don't see them? I've often had thoughts like this. I've always believed that anything is possible.
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Post by palmapascale on Aug 1, 2006 21:12:24 GMT -5
Sometimes, when I look at their beautiful, furry faces, and how they "watch" things I don't see in the house, I think maybe the CATS are the hidden intelligent lifeforms you speak of Rick! Seriously, Mother Teresa said she believed God was hidden in the "distressing disguise of the poor." Could it be the people society doesn't value are really the most evolved spirits? Jump in, gang. Your thoughts?
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Post by smoothie2 on Aug 1, 2006 23:38:53 GMT -5
>:(hi all, this is one of those questions which I think no one really knows the answer to. Though Palma, so glad you're a cat fan...I know exactly what you mean about how felines have such personality, and are very expressive. If I believed in re-incarnation,a cat is what I think I would like. Generally speaking, I believe totally in a spirit world and that our spirit is who we are without our physical bodies. There are many unknown things about this. Overall, I think earth is the only world where there is intelligent life. I truly believe that if God did create another planet with people on it, He would include such a place in His Holy word. Guess I'm a little too sceptical about this. but salvation is for everyone, there's no mention of any other world He created which has people on it. There are many extraordinary things that happen every day right here on earth. There's some very convincing evidence which points to a strong possibility of some type of aliens out there, so I must admit I surely should keep an open mind.
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Post by YesterdayOnceMore on Aug 2, 2006 8:57:01 GMT -5
Some excellent discussion here......Palma and I were sort of discussing these issues a couple of days ago - because, being the CNN junkie that I am, all I saw on Monday night was bad news after bad news. On Paula Zahn Now, there were a couple of "preachers" one Evangelical, and one Catholic Priest (I am a "recovering" Catholic, remember - now attend Unity Church, but was raised Catholic, and attended Catholic school through High School)....anyway...one professed the end of the world - the other professed that God was all loving and that the Bible should not be taken "literally" as written. So, that was one debate, and a depressing one at that. End of the world was coming, according to the Evangelical. Next news program was Larry King Live - on his show, we saw Queen Noor. What a beautiful, and typically very well spoken, at ease sort of person. Queen Noor was VISABLY shaken due to the current situation in the Middle East. I have seen her in person (she delivered a speech to the SHRM conference in New Orleans summer before last). She is always seemingly so calm, and collected. Not on Monday night - I felt for her. She was distraught, clearly. Next up, Anderson Cooper 360. Anderson was smack in the middle of the fighting....many of the best reporters are. Day after day, it's the same stories - felucia rockets going off, filled with ball bearings, killing, mutilating, men, women AND children - not to mentiont he pets. Poor animals. People can't take care of themselves, how on earth do we expect the animals to? Then, of course, Iraq is still as active as ever, and more killing is happening there, on both sides. Do I think the end is near? No, and as Rick said, we will not know the day or the hour. Palm, I have to agree that we could gear up for every disaster we THINK might be headed our way, and it would never, ever be enough. So what to do? I'm with the majority of you. Sit back, live each day to the fullest, and definitely, trust in God. He'll take care of us. It's in God's Hands, and God's Hands wil never let us fall! I wish you all the best from here in my corner, Tim
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Post by Rick Henry on Aug 2, 2006 11:42:13 GMT -5
Again many interesting thoughts...
Touching on the subject of the possiblity of other forms of intelligent life. I believe that there is that possiblity. I only believe this because there is so much which has not been revealed to us "mere human beings". Obviously there is a supreme being far more advanced than us named God. I am a true believer in God and His salvation. I do not question His works, but grow and develop from what has so far been revealed to all of us here on earth.
Sometimes I think that the microbial life forms here on earth are actually superior to humans in the ways that the world develops. A case of bacteria can kill off an entire generation of people. It's something to think that an entity which can not be seen by the human eye can have so much power.
To say that there is absolutely no possiblity of other intelligent life forms somewhere in eternity is almost like saying that God has already revealed what will be seen in our next step into eternity - into reality. There is so much that has not been revealed to us.
Here is a passage from the Bible Romans 8:18-21 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
Very little has been revealed to us. All we know is what we currently know. Again I am not challenging the Bible or God, but there are many topics which the Bible does not touch upon. Such as there isn't any talk about our solar system in the Bible. Recently, in 2005, there was discovery of a possible tenth planet. There is more out there than we believed there to be. Right now there is debate and research going on to determine whether or not this newly discovered entity is actually a planet or not. right now the tentative name for this entity is; 2003 UB313. Here are a few links to articles on this: science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2005/29jul_planetx.htm
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_UB313
This is all very fascinating to me and I try and keep my mind open to all possiblities as we just don't know what really lies beyond - that has not yet been revealed to us. Tim, I watch all the same programs you watch - pretty much everyday I tune in to these shows. It is sad how we are in so much war and destruction, debauchery, self idolization and moral destruction. It seems to be getting worse and worse. People seem to be caring less about others and more and more about themselves and only themselves. But, then I stop and think all of this has been going on almost since the beginning of humankind. This is not new or unique to us. We have been killing and destroying ourselves and our planet for ages now. When will it all end - we ask. God only knows.
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Post by YesterdayOnceMore on Aug 2, 2006 13:15:11 GMT -5
Rick - your point here is well taken. You are absolutely right - from the beginning of time, we have been, literally, destroying ourselves as a "world" - and there has probably NEVER once been a time that everyone was at peace with each other. Probably.....because so few are truly at peace with themselves. Such a sad statement, but I think it's true. We are fortunate....we know of God....we know of His promises... and we know of, and can feel His love. Yes, we are so fortuante that we have the ability to open our minds and hearts to this God. The God who gives us enough grace for today. I'll be back, as I do have more thoughts on this subject. EXCELLENT discussion, everyone. Very. I wish you all the best from here in my corner, Tim
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Dave
Ultra Emissary
"sleeping in the arms of the cosmos..."
Posts: 1,515
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Post by Dave on Aug 2, 2006 15:43:21 GMT -5
Billy Joel was inspired to write "We Didn't Start The Fire" because of an argument he had with a stranger in a sandwich shop! Part of the problem is that we live in the Information Age, surrounded by 24 hour news, sports, and weather channels all too ready to pounce on any story, no matter how trivial, and amplify it to the extreme. When Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was injured in a motorcycle accident, all 4 local channels dropped any non-Steelers stories from their broadcasts for two days. The letters to the editor were filled with rants for about two weeks. The news loves tragedies... When STS-114 came home last summer, all of the news outlets were there. When STS-121 came home a few weeks ago, as late as one minute to landing none of the networks covered it. We had to watch NASA TV via the Internet to watch them land. Why the difference? Last year, there was a plethora of items which the news people could amplify to their extremes. "The Shuttle is in danger!!!" headlines screamed. This time, there was nothing but as close to a perfect flight as NASA has ever put together, and the news people stayed away. Good. If good news doesn't sell newspapers, then I won't read their bad news either.
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Post by ps11932 on Aug 2, 2006 16:53:25 GMT -5
Many excellent insights here. We are bombarded with warnings about impending disasters and slapped with constant rebukes about coming shortages of just about everything... we eat the wrong things... too little (or too much) exercise... we really should have our elbows examined once a wek...chastised for not saving 110% of our income... if we have kids they better be playing basoon and be in advanced trig by the age of 1 or it's too late... (of course I'm exagerrating some here.) But as a whole people are, and have been just about since the beginning, primarily absorbed with self. What you all are saying is right- the best thing is to be thankful for what we do have, trust God for what we need today, and as opportunity comes, serve God- which is most often by serving others. All this is pretty easy to say, but carrying it out every day is challenge. (This is one reason I'm inspired by "When You've Got What It Takes.") And the quote from Mother Theresa is right on. I'm totally convinced that God, while loving everyone, is especially near the weak, poor and defenseless. Two groups of people whoare very dear to God and should be increasingly dear to me are children (and we allmust approach God as would a child), and the disabled. If you all are familiar with it, L'Arche is a great organization. A lot of power there. Now regarding animals, I hope you'll all endure a strange but true- and I guess a bit humorous- story. I love dogs as well as cats (fish, birds, rodents, reptiles, etc.- they're all cool with me.) I was walking past a grocery storre and a guy wanted me to watch his dog while he went in to get a few things. I had some time so I said "sure." Real nice dog- maybe a year old but good sized (part huskie) and real active and energetic. Kept good-naturedly nipping at my hand. Somehow I got the urge to talk to the dog a little bit about God and told him a couple Bible stories. He actually sat down and listened; when I was done he went back to high activity level. Now, I'm not saying the dog understood the words of what I was saying, but I often wonder if animals have a way of recognizing the presence of God and when He is being spoken of. As for life on other planets- of course we can't prove or disprove it, but who knows? There is a lot of info. God hasn't given us and if one day we meet some redeemed ones from Mars, Pluto or wherever,- great! Thanks for listening and I look forward to more thoughts, O.E.
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Post by palmapascale on Aug 3, 2006 15:05:49 GMT -5
Hello to Wisejester7...how cool is THAT screen name? Like clever license plates, I always wonder where they came from, and what they mean about the person. Moving to Kansas? How exciting! I can't imagine moving ANYWHERE, so I always enjoy reading about other people's guts and sense of adventure. I had a girlfriend from college who moved from New York (Long Island) to Kingman Kansas some time after college. I always recall how the local paper there reported her "going thru a stop sign" in the newsworthy bits on a certain week. I thought how nice it must be to live in a place where the worst crime was committed by a tall blonde singer, formally from New York. So, I wish you alot of peace and open air in what must be a very serene place, Kansas, USA ( except for that momentary vision of the tornado that took Dorothy away for awhile!)
Rick, I gave alot of thought to your comments. I have to agree that altho we think of the information that we have been given in the Bible as finite, it is so probable that we are only able to retrieve a portion of the knowledge of the universe from anything man can hold or read or pass down. So much of what there is to know lies beyond our capacity to get it all here, in this body, in this mind shell. I believe we are restricted, and given SOME of the information, but because the Bible is also poetic, and veiled and opened to interpretation, I think we are naive to think anyone, even a biblical scholar, can understand all there is to know. The biblical scholars I know, explain that the more they study each individual LINE or WORD, the more complex glories are revealed or suggested. One of the saints spent hours just pondering the opening words: OUR FATHER and couldn't move past the implications and wonders of the first two words of The Lord's Prayer. If there is life elsewhere in the universe, I am sure we will come to realize that our understanding of the words of Scripture were limited...I sort of wish there WERE other folks, and I sort of wish THERE WEREN'T. You know what I mean? Remind me to tell you all of my "out of body" visit to the universe one time. It was clear why the human body cannot sustain the real trip to the other side. I admit I was adventurous until the speed picked up. I asked God to return me at that point. The pull of the universe was much too strong for the shell we inhabit. Interested to read on, for all your views, Carponline visitors. Think about this. Our favorite singer, Karen, actually KNOWS the answers as we speak.
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