Jeff Baker Talks

Silence

2010-04-21T19:29:00.003-05:00

it matters not what season

of life i'm in right now,
there's more than one good reason
to let silence show me how

to hear what i've needed so to hear
and with much more clarity,
that life is really, really good
it's not meant to be a rarity.

being alone, for me,
was hard for many years.
but in silence now i see
that i was blinded by my fears

of being left, rejected or
abandoned by someone.
not being needed anymore
is not my style of fun.

fun for me was hard
on the one who gave so much,
that she's the one who's scarred
mine just don't mean that much.

and in the silence now
i'm hearing truth in love.
spirit showing exactly how
my freedom's like the dove,

able to soar above the din
of chaos, noise, and pain.
the things i did i don't defend,
but i won't do them again.

if i had another chance to show
my heart's been healed at last,
my love, i think, would finally know...
but that's living in the past.

there is no going back for me.
had to learn the karmic way.
though it's not meant to be that easy,
i've paid my dues you could say.

in silence now i'm reassured
that i'm honorable, good, and true.
spirit my soul has kindly cured
at last i feel brand new.

LUVWRX. Believe it!

My Next Move

2010-04-20T17:47:00.000-05:00

sting of tears
relinquishing fears
all these years
love in arrears

i'm learning
with eyes burning
pages turning
as love's returning

it's my next move
and i choose love

not a curse
could be worse
in a hearse
my final traverse

back in the groove
with scars to prove
my next move
is one of love

it's my next move
and i choose love

shedding my skin
exposing to sin
no lose, no win
beginning again

no danger of fear
love oh so dear
feeling it near
truth to appear

it's my next move
and i choose love

peace my quest
no form of test
just find my rest
love, you're the best

nothing to prove
just my next move
heart does behoove
it comes from above

and it's my next move
so i choose love

So Long Gone -- Love is Free?

2010-04-15T15:25:00.003-05:00

six feet tall and bullet proof
or at least that's what I thought.
believed it all,
down came the roof.
your word I completely bought.

shame on you,
shame on me
cause you're so long gone.
i won't blame you,
so don't blame me.
damn.

once more on my own

i gave my heart away,
no cost to you did i impart.

my love was free

but as of today
there's a hole in my heart.

yet love is free?

well from shit grows the rose.
so it is with love i suppose.

if love is free,
i'd rather pay God for some guarantee

no time for tears,
my heart's on the run.
oh, burn away the clouds of fear,
and break through sweet sun.

stop this constant pain;
too hard to take.
i want to grow in love again.
people can be so fake!

yes, mistakes were made
with loads of regret.
if love is free, as has been portrayed
why are these eyes so wet?

cause love isn't free

if it was, it is no more.
no, there's a price that's paid.
it's keeping score;
my heart left in shreds

what now?

well...

i tore off the rearview,
and i won't look back.
i'll keep moving forward
and stay on track.

must protect my heart
but...

how?

by remembering True Love flows free
right here; right now

true LUVWRX. Believe it!

There is no them -- A recent post.

2010-04-03T13:37:00.005-05:00

How to End the Battle Now

When All Is Said And Done

2010-03-04T10:32:00.000-06:00

Here is a song by Matt Redman.

Listen friend, and when you're done, listen to it again.

Tune your life to Heaven's song today.

LUVWRX! Believe it.

How to Improve Your Decision-Making Skills

2010-02-08T16:31:00.002-06:00

Decisions. Decisions.

Do you ever find yourself unable to settle on a choice? Is the comfort of knowing you're making the right decision eluding you right now? Why can't you just decide for goodness' sake?

This Ain't No Menu, Baby. This Is Real Life!

Sometimes trying to make a decision is like trying to open a child-proof medicine bottle with oil on my hands. I get so caught up in pros and cons that even the original issue can become cloudy. I'd like to possess the ability to see my choices clearly, pick the one best for me in that moment, and never, ever second guess myself. Sometimes I get it right. But there are times when I seem frozen in indecision.

Ironically, I talk alot about choice. Choosing can be automatic it seems, and we do it constantly on a daily basis. Yet there are moments when a particular decision can have far-reaching implications, involving the well-being of others.

I also speak about how meditation has helped me to find clarity and peace while I ponder an issue. It can be a great source of comfort to listen for God-breathed answers while waiting on a God-sized response to my need. Then, if I'm not paying attention, I catch myself just staring at a menu. Just staring... like I'm in some state of menu meditation, when I come to the realization that it has been more than a few minutes. The party I am with are all looking at me with their silly grins while my eyes are glazed over like Krispy-Kreme doughnuts. You know what I'm saying? I'm in a real dilemna. The kind that, to take too long in deciding, can get me run over in traffic. No kidding.

Faith. Hope. Love.

Beloved, decision making need not be a struggle, no matter the gravity of my situation. To have certainty in my choices can be a reality, free of pain and sleep loss. The very same One who guides me to the point of decision, is the same One who guides me to the correct choice. The same One who guides me out of on-coming traffice, is the same One who in the blink of a sugar-coated eye, provides peace in all circumstances.

It takes faith to believe that I am led to the tipping point as surely as I am provided a way to escape a tumble. I have a hope that all my steps are accounted for, and that hope rests in the knowledge that God has never abandoned me. When I leave my struggle in his capable hands, the Peace of the Spirit of Christ settles over my issue. When this is accomplished, his Love compels me to forget my struggle, and to remember that others face greater challenges than I.

The Love of Christ sustains me...

No matter how serious my decision may be, the Love of Christ sustains me. Whether I am choosing between the sushi or the hamburger; trying again or quitting; leaving or staying; I can know that my decision is best when I let Christ in on the process, and choose to partner with him. Remember these words the next time a decision becomes a challenge (even if it's only a menu choice.) They were spoken by Jesus, the Christ to those who needed to hear it. I know I did. God bless your decisions.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

LUVWRX! Believe it.
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Think. About. It.

2010-02-01T13:39:00.002-06:00

I Am Not Afraid

2010-01-20T13:36:00.005-06:00

Many of us are currently so ensnared by the grip of regret; some sort of fear-based, guilt-ridden, I did it again-type way of seeing our situation, that this "grip" has us literally immobilized. I want you to say to that Beloved, "I am not afraid!"

I am not afraid.

I am also not afraid to say to the darkness that, "I know who I am in the process of becoming. The dream of my Father will come to pass!"

We are created by and through Christ, who is the very nature of God. We are created with the same nature, and we can realize more of our purpose when we listen to (and live out) Christ through his Word in Micah 6:8, which states, "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Whoever you are, wherever you're from, your God says that when you show kindness and justice, when you offer grace and acceptance, and when you set aside judgement and present genuine forgiveness through Love, all is well. Do this child, and you will see the "grip" loosen, the chains weaken, and the darkness (ego) drop its head in shame as it finds itself in the Presence of real Love.

Love is all we need.

Never believe the lies you hear, especially the ones you hear yourself saying. You are Loved. You are forgiven. You are accepted as you are. And you are so special that all you need to do right now is let go, and fall back into his Loving arms.

You are good!

There... don't you feel better now?

LUVXRX! Believe it.

It All Starts With Me

2010-01-09T10:53:00.004-06:00

Don't look outward

for the answer

to the dilemna.

The answer lies inside.

Don't look at others

for a place to point the blame.

There is no one to blame.

Looking outside

instead of going within

is an ego thing anyway.

It all starts with me.

I am the interpreter

of my experience.

I am the creator

of my reality.

It all starts with me.

It's not all about me.

It just all starts with me.

Truth.

Lies.

Illusions.

What do I see?

What am I looking for?

How will this day

be described

when it's done?

Whether good

or bad,

it's up to me.

My focus

is on improving me.

I look inside

to see the real me.

Because...

it all starts with me.

I look inside

where no mask

can disguise

the real me.

No pretending.

No defending.

No mind game.

Inside.

In the midst of me.

In the deep place.

That's where the truth,

my truth resides.

Deep inside

I know that...

it all starts with me.

So...

Who am I?

Where's the Love?

2010-01-03T16:07:00.003-06:00

A new decade in infancy.

An old idea resurfacing.

A new way needed.

An old prayer the answer.

Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We [are]. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, [are] in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.

And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare [it], that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.
-- John 17:9-26 NKJV)

We are One.

There is no them.

Christ was referring to all of us.

Therefore, let us be active participants within the prayer of Jesus.

LUVWRX. Believe it!

It is You

2009-12-29T17:11:00.002-06:00

It is You.

It is only You.

It has ever only been You.

And because of You, I am a better man. You have never let me fall. It is I who always chose to stumble. You always pick me back up, brush me off, and offer Your acceptance so that I might be made whole again. Though I will surely choose again in error as I make my way along this path we share, I know that I am never ever alone. I know that I will always have You.

It is You.

It is only You.

It has never been that it was not only and forever You.

Thank you for Your Love. Thank you for creating me with the certainty that Love is all we have ever needed. When I make the conscious choice to make Love and only Love my method, I am completely in You. For I have also been created with the certainty that You have always been in me. I am forever grateful to You, and I love You.

It is You.

It is only You.

When the earth crumbles, and all the galaxies fade, it will always and forever only be You.

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

For in his eyes, it has always been you beloved.

It is you.

It is only you.

It has never ever been that it could possibly be about anything other than you.

LUVWRX. Believe it.

First Love

2009-12-25T11:43:00.001-06:00

It is a very quiet Christmas morning as I write. No people. No laughter. Nothing. Or so it seemed as I woke up today.

This has been a year to remember; death, divorce, division, defeat. And in spite of the way those things hang on me like smoke from stale cigarettes, I find that I am anything but alone. The God of the Universe never leaves, never abandons, never ever divides, and can only lift up.

The King of heaven who gave more to me than I have ever been able to comprehend came to my room and gently reminded me that my first Love is the only love I need.... now or ever.

"Return to me," he said. -- Insert an awkward pause here. -- "It has been so long Father, I don't know how to approach you anymore." It was all I could of think to say. Without hesitation, he simply replied, "My child, you just did. And not only do I receive you, I bless you now in my name with joy, peace, and completion." I am reeling from the event, and I just wanted to say to you beloved,

"Return to your first Love."

You are not alone. Don't ever fall for the lie. If you have no people around you at the moment, it may only be so that you can become reacquainted with true Love. The kind of love that is consistent and unconditional. The kind of Love you and I are searching for. The Love that knows us completely, and doesn't find any fault with us.

Merry Christmas.

And take heart, your life is an unfinished script. So help write by filling it with memories throughout this next year. Make memories that will carry you through till the next Christmas where things are sure to be better for us. God's promises are dependable. Talk with him about your hopes and dreams right now. Your First Love is waiting for you.

God Bless You in the name of Christ who we celebrate this day.

LUVWRX -- Believe it!

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Does Love Hurt?

2009-11-29T12:30:00.003-06:00

Why do we feel hurt by Love?

Is Love the source of our pain?

OR --

Are our past experiences the real bully?

All our lives we've heard the phrase, "Love hurts..." And all of our lives we have believed it. While it may feel like Love is the bully, that kind of thinking denies that God is Love, and that is in conflict with scripture. (1 John 4:1-21)

Please read all of the above-referenced scripture before proceeding.

John is specific: When we choose to believe that Jesus, the Christ, is all he claimed to be; when we choose to live in Love, forsaking everything; Love chooses to live in us. Yet all our lives we've accumulated our fair share of negative experiences that have helped to form our perspectives, our opinions, and our tolerance thresholds. All our lives we have allowed those illusions to blind us to how we come to believe what we come to believe. So instead of taking responsibility for our choices, then and now, all of our lives we have chosen to blame God for our circumstances.

That is a further denial of the truth of scripture.

Please read Galations 6:7-10, Job 4:17, and Psalm 36:5-9.

If we choose to believe we are loved by God, we lose the option of blaming him when we have a bad experience in love. That's a good thing. We are now in the ideal position to let Love off the hook and learn from the experience. God allows us to taste hurt to be sure. The truth is, however, he doesn't desire for us to swallow it.

Learning from heartache (it might be something worse than a breakup) gives us eyes to see others the way God sees them. We are then able to understand that we live in a hurting world. Those of us who call ourselves Christian have been provided the perfect template for avoiding further pain through the simple act of forgiveness, and we are expected to emulate it.

It is also not an option.

When we forgive, we deny darkness the opportunity to deceive us into thinking we've been wronged. Thus we avoid unnecessary pain. When we accomplish this, we see the perceived offense by another, not as hurting us, but as a cry for help.

Love cannot hurt us, and God is not against us.

Love is not designed to participate in pain except to serve as the cure. God would never allow himself to be called Love if there existed the remote possibility that He/It/Love could actually do anything to hurt us. However, he does understand that we blame him.

And to be sure, we do hurt. We hurt for various reasons, and pain in many forms and fashions is sometimes aimed at us by others. And even though we do sometimes hurt, remember this truth:

Love does NOT hurt :)

Beloved, we all want to be loved. It is only natural. So if you ever find yourself at the end of a relationship (or mean people are forcing themselves into your world), don't let Love go just because another person let you go, or another crashed into you. Instead, allow the God of Love to enfold you in his authentic embrace. Then (and this is the hard part) -- extend as best you can the same Love towards that person. Try it. Love works.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. . . and now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. -- Paul

LUVWRX (believe it)

The Gods Aren't Angry

2009-11-05T23:05:00.014-06:00

God is not angry.

God is not capable of disliking you. Your God loves you, even if you don't believe it.

Even if you don't believe there is One.

That's the good news of the day.

It is reasonable to assume that there are individuals today whose minds are free to ponder things outside the box of religion, going straight to the heart of the matter. Our questions are valid. Rob Bell is a mind free in Christ. Below is a trailer for a talk he gave that is outside of the mainstream of religious propaganda. It is compelling:

The Gods Aren't Angry -- Rob Bell

I included an additional clip that only hints at the insightful way he gives us pause to dare question all we've been taught. I have viewed both of these films. They are not new. His church is Mars Hill Bible Church, located in Grand Rapids, MI. In response to critics of his teachings, Bell is quoted, "When people say that the authority of Scripture or the centrality of Jesus is in question, actually it's their social, economic and political system that has been built in the name of Jesus that's being threatened. Generally lurking below some of the more venomous, vitriolic criticism is somebody who's created a facade that's not working...But I love everybody and you're next!" he says, giggling. "That's how I respond to criticism." I like him a lot. I hope you do:

Everything is Spiritual -- Rob Bell

Oh yeah, the bad news of the day is that some who see these clips will be upset.

It truly is a sad day when an open mind is somehow meant to imply an empty one. The truth is, only an open mind is offered the potential to become like Christ's mind. It is his deepest desire that our minds be identical to his. Jesus Christ is a peace-loving non-conformist.

Don't be afraid to ask questions.

If you like the trailers,the films can be purchased here -- http://store.flannel.org/eis.html

There is no God of Wrath. The proof is in the bloodshot eyes of the one who, like Bort, can see God's Mystery, and has still found it possible to not ask questions. I asked my earthly daddy to teach me what he knew. He taught me love. I have asked God to teach me what he knows. He has taught me that Love can change everything.

God is love.

It is not a new thing. God never changes so that we can have the joy of experiencing Love that can never fail.

LUVWRX -- jb

When All Is Said And Done

2009-11-05T00:28:00.005-06:00

I know that I am misunderstood by some readers. I also know that it is hopeless to attempt to explain myself through words -- written or spoken. I get grief for purposefully being open to others. The truth is, I am willing to accept anyone and everyone just as they are. I live my life as close as I possibly can to the example of Christ for the simple reason that he told us it is a good way to live. It is The Way. There are others who have gone before me that exude his goodness and his genuine love for All, and I try to follow their example too.

I am not into apologetics, yet I find myself actually bothered that some so-called Christians find fault with me because of my openness. Let's be frank: I am who I am. You are free to think of me as you wish. Just be honest: If you are saying ugly things about me, you don't know me.

I make mistakes every day. I am so far from perfect that I don't seek after it. I seek to be a peacemaker, and by my witness I hope to share with you what Christ means to me. If you are Buddhist, Muslim, Jew, or Pagan; I love you. I accept your beliefs. I accept your wisdom. I accept you. I want you to know the Christ that lifted me from my blind state of judgement, found me faultless, and dusted me off, patted me on the back and said, "Keep doing just what you're doing. I like the fact that you think enough of me to try and emulate My Way."

I sleep just fine at night with this way of thinking. I converse with him daily to ensure I am still on my path. Some of you Christians who read these words and assume I am something strange, or even worse, someone who is beneath you; I love you too.

I love you.

I have prayed that those of you with the most awful ideas about me, who spread lies and innuendo to any who will listen, will bump into me somewhere in public. I pray that we will lock eyes. I pray that you will not hate me -- even though you profess to be a follower of Christ, you know you hate me :) Yet, I sincerely want peace for you. You can't rob me of mine because my peace is beyond your ability to understand. Most days it is beyond my understanding too. I would give a body part to have a discussion about how we differ, if in fact we do.

When all is said and done and I stand before my Maker, I will know without doubt that I did the best I could to love, accept, embrace, and relate to All. It is not my place to judge anyone ever. I adhere to that just like Jesus said I should. I want to be understood, but I accept the fact that some people are intimidated by a person that can't condemn another to hellfire and eternal damnation just because they see things differently than I do.

Here's a visual for those of you that are cringing as you read this:

Imagine every living being alive today joined together, hand in hand, encircling God. Clearly we are only able to see God from where we are, yet we still see God. If my perspective is different as a result of where I am as I look, yet I love what I see and recognize through my understanding that it is God, how can I judge you and say you don't know God? Why would I take it further and believe that since you don't see him/her (God has no genitalia) the way I do, you're wrong? Did God tell you that?

Think. About. It.

Every time we unfairly decide for another person that our way is better than theirs without first considering their perspective, we spit on God's plan for the world he created. He never wanted us to hate another for any reason, yet we do it anyway. Remember:

There is no them.

There is no them except in your mind. That is not the Mind of Christ my friend, and you know it! If you've ever been one of them-- as I am to some of you -- you would never want to inflict such unfair judgement again. If Jesus is God, and even if you believe that God killed everyone that he didn't like (including pregnant women and children) in his wrath, did he just change his mind when he appeared on earth as the savior of the Jews? Why and how did Christ forgive his murderers while they were in the act of killing him? Is God unchanging yet he won't forgive anyone for their sins except when they are killing the kindest, most accepting person on earth? You tell me. You have all the answers; right? Your God of wrath is also just in your mind. God is Love. PERIOD! I like to think that I am a willing participant in what God is doing in his world. And loving All is part of it.

LUVWRX.

Try it out on those you H8 today, and see if you don't feel better about yourself.

Peace. -- jb

What I've Learned

2009-10-13T19:03:00.009-05:00

I fly a lot but I had a chance to actually drive to my job today. It was a day like any other day except for the fact that, as I was driving, a post popped into my head. I guess being a frequent flyer frequently induces writer's block.

It occurred to me that my being a newly-created 47 year old provides me with nearly a half century of experience from which to glean wisdom... or the repetition of all-too-familiar "oops events." And while you and I have seen the dreaded e-mail forwards with all types of quips about how after such and such time you know this or that, I have no desire to plagiarize. I may be unconventional, but I am absolutely original. So...

Here's what I have learned; in my own words:

1. LOVE is the only thing that is real.
2. Life is not measured by the number of breaths I take. Just breathe.
3. Some people will only love me with conditions attached. Just love.
4. Once I decide that I have it all figured out, I have quit searching. Ouch!
5. I don't know a thing, and I'm good with that.
6. Music is a gift from the heart of an artist. I want to make some.
7. Love is the ONLY thing that is real.
8. Memories are not the past. They're happening now. Pay attention :)
9. Resentment can kill me. Love can heal me.
10. Mean people seem to be everywhere. I don't want to be one.
11. I am myself only to the extent that I know myself. I want to be real.
12. If I look for it, I will have the opportunity to help someone.
13. Love is the only thing that is REAL.
14. Laughter is as powerful as music. Make some.
15. The act of forgiveness should never be an act.
16. If I believe me, I will be as healthy as I say I am.
17. I am loved, and I am worth the effort it may take.
18. I am thankful for all my experiences. They make me who I am.
19. Christ forgave his murderers while they were in the act.
20. LOVE is the ONLY thing that is REAL.

Peace -- jb

An Open Letter to My Son

2009-09-09T16:24:00.017-05:00

I wrote this to Brandon as he was preparing to leave for college a few years ago. He is a senior this year. I had completely forgotten about it and as I was working today, I stumbled upon it. It is remarkable to me that this occurred because I had been having one of those days that we sometimes have when we are not completely centered. I offer it, as always, as a reminder for me and me alone. If you glean anything from it, I am blessed by that. Peace. -- jb
________________

Dear Brandon,

Somewhere it is written that the father is to give some final words of advice before sending the son off to college. I originally wrote this letter to you one day last week. It just poured out onto the paper. I have since read it about 10 times and I must confess that it looks like I wrote it to myself as much as I wrote it to you.

I wish I had known when I was your age what you will read below. I did not and that is ok.

At any rate, I want you to not read this until you are in a place physically and mentally where you have time to sit and think about the words. It’s ok to put this down and read it later. If you decide to go ahead though, just know that this is from my heart... here goes.

As I have told you many times, you somehow broke out of the generational trends that have existed for as long as there have been Bakers. I know I have said this to you a lot more in recent months and that is because you have also shown signs of being farther along in a spiritual sense than I had noticed before. I’m not talking about religion or church attendance. You have started a new thing that will serve you and all mankind, and will carry our name into the future.

It is important that you recognize this.

All your life I have had the honor of watching you -- I have blessed you, prayed for you and cried for you. I have memories that hurt because for whatever reason, I was unable to protect you from something that hurt you. All the while, I was being taught the role of "father." Those old memories have begun to fade as I now have the opportunity to watch you make your newest memories. I am comforted knowing that you make good choices and I like what I see in you very much.

Brandon, you were born with a "knowing" that is very special. You have a certain wisdom that transcends you and is far above the earthly kind of wisdom. What I am talking about is much deeper than what I had come to understand wisdom to be. It seems to come from a place I am only now beginning to understand -- a place of collective knowing that has always existed through all the ages. I can’t explain it, and, yes, it is included in the "talk" I’m going to have with you very soon.

I now know that true wisdom cannot be taught like I may teach a class or something... no, it comes from experience. We all have experiences and we sometimes learn from them and sometimes we do not. I am talking about something that seems to come from deep within us – from a place that was created by God and put there for a purpose. Think about this... it is worth considering how you will use this wisdom to help mankind as you discover why you are here.

You may not yet know what your purpose is. You may be in the early stages of discovering it or you may not really care right now. Either way, I’d like to offer some insights that I have learned from my own experiences. These insights have come from painful places many times and I’d like to see you avoid such delays in finding your complete self. Reading these may help you define your purpose.

Remember that Love outshines and will outlast everything else in all of creation. Whatever you think about, ask yourself is this from Love? For you see, thought is the creation of word and deed. It preexists all action and has the power to either hurt or to heal. Think about Love... pray, shout, sing and dream about Love. It is really that important. Do this and you will see your purpose for this lifetime as clearly as you can see on a crystal-clear blue morning.

Second, listen to your heart. Trust what you hear and test it against the standards you have been taught. Don’t go with the crowd unless the crowd has convinced you that its purpose matches or enhances your own. Never, ever compromise unless in so doing, you further the cause of Love. Remember the words of Jesus -- "Love God, love your neighbor, and love yourself." Treat everyone and everything -- family, friends, strangers, animals, plants, all of creation with respect and honor. If you do this, the Universe will reward you with the abundant life that is already yours... even if you cannot yet see it.

Be slow to speak and don’t speak at all unless it lifts up the person you are talking to or about.

Listen to what people are saying. Really listen on purpose, and you will gain a better understanding of where they are coming from. Remember that everyone has experiences, and those experiences helped to shape them into the person that they are. You may not agree with them and that is ok -- just don’t judge them. Everyone is equal in God’s eyes and they should also be equal in our eyes -- no one is any better than anyone else.

Even if you are in a disagreement with someone or even if they have hurt you, put yourself in their shoes and try to forgive them. Show patience and give grace. I assure you that all of heaven will stop and take notice that you actually put Christ’s teachings into practice.

Help an old person; smile at a stranger; bless the children you meet; be vulnerable -- now I didn’t say be weak. There is a difference. If you open your heart, you may get hurt, Jesus did, but you will grow and expand in ways that will make you a better person. Be humble. Thank God always and at all times with a truly grateful heart. You have much to be thankful for.

Be yourself. Don’t be something that is false and never be arrogant or mean. You know how to treat people, so remember that as your world begins to open up before you. You are going to meet lots of different kinds of people, and although you are a natural leader, college life will present you with a new set of challenges.

Son, you are the apple of my eye and such a powerful source of joy for me that even as I fumble to write these words my heart feels like it will burst. It is not easy to express these types of feelings because they are so very real and so deep.

I have never tried to influence you to be anyone other than Brandon. I believe it is an error for a father to put such pressure on their son. What you are today is certainly the answer to millions of prayers, but I especially want you to know that you are the fulfillment of all my hopes and dreams, and I am always here for you. You will never be so far away that I would not move heaven and earth to come to your aid.

Receive, once more, the blessing of your earthly father with complete assurance that I merely reflect the love of your eternal and perfect Father. It is because he loves me so much that he has allowed me to serve you in this way at this time. I am forever grateful.

May the sun be always on your beautiful face, with the wind of Love at your back. As you follow your dreams, may the road rise up to meet you and carry you to the greatest heights of completion. You deserve nothing less.

I love you.

Dad

Dark Night of the Soul

2009-08-31T13:49:00.006-05:00

The phrase brings haunting imagery to mind, but it doesn't have to. It is so very descriptive of how many of my friends are experiencing life right now, but it has Hope as its intended result.

I have been noticing the intensity of the dark times for several years now and it would seem that they are not only inevitable, they are an indication of something Good and True emerging.

Hope.

Hope is the last thing some of us know about lately, but it remains nonetheless. We are all, each of us, hoping for something better for ourselves, and the Dark Night syndrome, although excruciating, is a clear sign that Light is in our immediate future. It is this absence from the Light that allows us time to refocus our eyes; to reevaluate our priorities; and to ultimately re-present ourselves to the world.

I have also noticed that these times are less frequent, but more powerful in their effects. This is encouraging for me as it tells me that I am learning to maneuver through the darkness more efficiently. I am more familiar with the Hope that springs forth in the aftermath, and that provides energy to endure.

My friends, these are strange and difficult days to be sure. At the same time, it is an unfolding of possibilities if we are aware of it. We are never alone in the darkness even though we sometimes forget under the weight of our circumstances and pain. And when we come out on the other side into the Light, we realize that we were never, ever left alone.

I am never alone.

Choose for yourself this day to see your situation as hopeful. It may not truly be at this moment, but it will be. You and I can rest in the peace of that certainty. Inner peace will be our experience sooner than later when we see our path for what it is:

A journey of reacquainting ourselves with the Source of Life.

God is real. Love is the proof. And Dark Nights are lovingly designed to propel us out of fear and into Peace.

I love you. -- jb

Family Ties and Fine Porcelain

2009-07-16T22:37:00.007-05:00

For many of us there comes a time when our friends scatter, and there is that inescapable feeling of abandonment. We sometimes use the term fair-weather friend in reference to people like that, but whatever we chooses to call them, I don't believe most individuals intentionally mean to cause pain in doing this. So let's be honest; it just happens. And when it does, it is very comforting that our family is there to help replace the hurt with uplifting support and acceptance. When circumstances seems to turn against us, family ties undergird us with all we need to get back to joy:

Love.

It is true that not all of us have this kind of support when we need it most because we just don't have any family. While this situation does exist I believe that God provides alternatives. I have had the honor of being a surrogate family member, and it was one of the highest honors of my life. If you ever find yourself in any situation that provides you that privilege, take it. You being offered to that person, as a form of family, in love, by Love ItSelf is a beautiful thing.

Mr. Glynn

I have written about my dear friend Mr. Glynn Luckie Mosley who recently died. His wife Opal collected porcelain figurines, and he went to the ends of the earth in search of the ones she would ask him to find for her. One or two were exquisite and some weren't even very expensive. They just couldn't be shipped from where they originated.

He Went Anyway.

I observed many similar acts of devotion, and when she died he gracefully allowed me into his then very private and isolated world, and he stole my heart. I weep as I write remembering I got to say, see-ya-later to one of my best friends. When I was told he would not respond as the result of a coma he suddenly fell into from a simple stint procedure, I walked in the room and he began to try and talk to me. He reached for me... I got to hug him, and it was the last time I got to do that. He died the next morning.

What's Next?

My friends, it is a different time we live in. People are moving in and out of each other's lives at record speeds. Some say it's another sign of change. What I know is that for every friend that leaves you, there is another waiting to enter your life and take you to the next level. If you're really lucky this new friend may turn out to be the one you've been looking for your whole life.

Ponder It. Things Change.

So when change enters your life, make the effort to greet it like an old friend. Don't resist; that just creates repetition of circumstances. Instead receive it like a gift, maybe a fine porcelain figurine. Exquisite in craftsmanship, breathtaking to behold as the hands that created it must have surely known that it was to be this way :)

God bless those without family ties, as well as those friends who stand and remain no matter what may come. And God bless us all as we continue on in our journey of discovery. Don't fight the things you can't control. Just roll with it Baby. Rest in the beingness of it all, and quit trying to do so much. Do what you can, but let the rest go. There is freedom in that. I love you!

Peace for your weekend, spend it with your family and friends. And may you always have Love in your life. Love is real.

jb

Contrast is Calling

2009-07-13T22:59:00.012-05:00

If it were not for contrast in our experiences, would we have the capability of recognizing just how good Life really is? This may seem a strange question at first glance. However, being confronted with change, which is simply contrast -- or opposites as others put it -- we are offered opportunities to consider things from a different perspective, and this equates to growth potential.

But Please Pay Attention!

Bloggers come from all walks of life, and I have been given a larger world view completely free of charge just by being open to what they write about. In the same way, being open to change lessens resistance to growth, and we find that we flow more naturally with the current of Life. I have found that it is much more enjoyable than swimming upstream! And the key is the awareness that change is not intended to hurt me.

Stop Fighting Change.

Allow. I did not say tolerate. Tolerance screams, "I still disapprove!" Allowing simply allows. No fighting. No judgement. In much the same way we are guided through this life by a benevolent Love, we can more easily maneuver the maze-like "obstacles" we sometimes face by just letting go of the desire to control.

Desire is good. Control is dangerous.

Would you rather win, or would you rather offer love? Do you prefer being right over being open? Do you even think about it?

Think. About. It.

Do something ridiculously kind for someone in need today. And do it for no other reason except to experience the contrast of otherwise pretending to be too busy to see them.

There is no them, and I love you! -- jb

Everywhere I Go, There I Am

2009-06-10T19:23:00.009-05:00

Friends leave. Sometimes there is no other way. They may choose to leave for various reasons -- job change, death, or sometimes they just run away. Whatever the reason, whatever the purpose, what remains is always the same -- I.

I am.

I am, no matter what happens to my circumstances. Happiness is not found outside of me. If I rely on relationships (or anything else) to bolster my happiness factor, I am forgetting my right to choose. I know I talk about this a lot, but it is so worth repeating:

Happiness is a choice; not something you get.

I observe and I learn. I am learning the art of being me, and it as simple as a choice. All my life I've been searching. That's what I do. Today I am reminded me that I have discovered enough through the years to be, do, and have anything I choose. The Spirit which is in all things, and emits the Love that underpins all that exists is alive and well in me, and my happiness is found there.

Love.

Because of Love, I am able to love. I choose it knowing full well that It chose me first. I am. And everywhere I go, whether alone or with friends, there I will be found. And I am here. Right here, right now. I am a little more awake today, and the sun shone a little brighter today. It is this type of perspective on Life that guides me in the way that is best suited for me. I am a lucky man, and I know it. Thanks for reading :) and may peace fill your soul.

I love you. -- jb

Suffering in the Name of Love is Dumb

2009-06-03T01:50:00.010-05:00

"There is much suffering in the world - very much. Material suffering is suffering from hunger, suffering from homelessness, from all kinds of disease, but I still think that the greatest suffering is being lonely, feeling unloved, just having no one. I have come more and more to realize that it is being unwanted that it the worst disease that any human being can ever experience."
-- Mother Teresa

Now I'm not sure how much personal suffering one has to experience before they can say loneliness is the greatest suffering, but if you've been there I suppose there is no need for comparison. It seems there is much upheaval these days, and there is no shortage of perceived suffering on just about every horizon I can see. I received the above quote from an old and dear friend in reply to an earlier post here, and when I read it, I was struck by the thought that the suffering seems to be over. Thanks Mia.

At the same time, there is this knowing. You know?

You know how you just know, and then it is? I do. Hope lingers, even when ignored, and I just know that the dark days of perception tainted by pain are over... or quickly will be :) I can't explain the sudden turn in the air. Maybe the many sunrises I've participated in over the last months have left me with a promise forgotten, that all things are good if I say so. Things are only not that when I say, No.

Don't Just Say No

When I stand and block the gates of love, I am saying no. When I judge any-one including myself I am saying no. When I say no, I am saying I don't care what happens, I'm against it. Saying no to the extent that it causes another to suffer is not only unnecessary, it is unhealthy.

Think. About. It.

Love is the way to peace. Peace is the reason we offer love. Thinking about it is being responsible. Doing something in the name of love can change the world.

Peace -- jb

Love's Will Be Done

2009-05-24T13:25:00.009-05:00

I often speak of love and things related, and while I am no stranger to it, Love is a mystery waiting to be unraveled. I allow music and the gift of the artist to assist me in that unraveling. In fact...

I am a music freak.

I find solace in knowing that there exists an artist who has the unmistakable gift of reading our hearts, and producing a work of art by which to prove it. Eddie K. of the band LIVE has a special way of expressing things. This song says so much, so well that I wanted to just share it.

I know one or two of you have already heard this song, but indulge a romantic and give it a listen just once more. This "official" video was done by a young man who entered a contest held by the LIVE fan club to actually create a visual for their fans who have raved over the lyrics. It is shot in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. The scenery is surreal, nearly perfect, and the words... well the words are haunting. Allow yourself to go with Eddie as he, once more, says it just so...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqrDozjICPs

I love you. -- jb

Forgetting

2009-05-21T10:34:00.006-05:00

I have been writing about conversations between me and a dear friend. His has been a journey towards inner peace.

He has arrived.

His failing relationship, which was the cause of his turmoil, has come to an end. He is now facing the future with head held high, free of the emotional tugs that kept him under the dark cloud of guilt.

My friend is strong, but he is also vulnerable to his own self-inflicted pain. It would seem that, for some of us, pain has a miraculous way of bringing about emotional healing.

My friend is healed.

Following, you will read two poems from another dear friend. These were sent to my friend as a way of assisting in the process of moving on. They are quite moving. I suppose even more so for those of us who have survived traumatic events of our own.

Allow yourself to become immersed in the words. If you've lost at love, then you will see where this talented writer is coming from. May you never have to endure such pain.

________________________________________

KINDRED SPIRIT

There are moments when like minds meld,
as parallel thoughts turn perpendicular,
only to collide and dissolve as quickly as they appear.

In this short span of time
expressions slide past tongues and into ears,
with the speed of a spine-tailed swift.

Here, where past transgressions are forgiven,
with the simple spark of a synapse,
or the stroke of a pen.

The probability of finding one kindred spirit
with which to share such painful pleasures,
is almost nonexistent in this life.

But, somewhere while traversing the depths of life’s vast sea,
my soul found in yours,
what yours found in me.

FORGETTING

There was a point where I thought I had forgotten you;

A point where present and past folded into each other like ribbons,

Bending and swirling in the breeze,

A point where time bent into itself,

Overlapping and overwriting as the second hand ticked quickly by.

For a brief moment, synapse and soul rejected my memories of you,

And I felt relief from the ache of the empty place you left behind.

Then, as quickly as I had forgotten the time,

I remembered your hand on your hair,

Your voice in the distance,

The gentle roll of your throaty laugh,

And then,

The moment when it all came crashing to an end was vivid once again.

Somewhere, memories still fold into themselves,

Waxing and waning like the flow of the tide,

Bound inexplicably by a silver thread to the pull of the moon,

Your center,
Your soul,
Your breath,

The part of you I sense when I slumber.

There is no explanation for this strap that tugs me toward you in thought.

Even in sleep, I find no solace.

My earthly eyes may close,

But the visions of your sweet face haunt me,

And always will,

Until memories overlap and overwrite,

And the second hand ticks off the last moment of my time.

There's Nothing to Forgive

2009-05-03T14:20:00.011-05:00

This life is full of unexpected twists and turns. And as we go our way merrily singing our own praise, we sometimes don't recognize the warning signs as we enter a particular turn. If we're not careful we can flip over. My friend is still in the midst of turning, and this is a bit of an update about the journey he finds himself on.

Things are better.

It would appear that things are better for him in that he is reading the signs and, most importantly, obeying them. This has led him to his peace. It has its price of course, this inner peace, and what I am about to describe for you is a portion of another conversation regarding the necessity of being in your own peace before you can attempt to offer any.

Additionally, looking for your own peace or happiness in anything outside of your own self is sure to lead to difficulty. No one and no thing can provide what is inherently ours at the start. It is our recognition that we have the power to choose that makes it easier to find the peace that otherwise seems to elude us.

We choose everything. And what we see in others that we don't like is usually what we have not addressed within our own selves.

My friend and I had just made it through some rough territory about what constitutes grounds for absolute forgiveness (which is everything) when he said the most remarkable thing: "My heart tells me that there is nothing left to forgive. It is as if my perception (meaning ego) is the only thing that attempts to make me think someone did something to hurt me. When I really meditate on it, there's nothing to forgive. That makes it easier."

Turn the other cheek.

It is such a courageous moment when we turn the cheek. We don't do it because we are weak. No. We do it because we have found our own power; the power that is ours alone, and not to be given to others.

But don't give your power away.

Giving ourselves to another is proof that we see within them something we want to contribute to and participate in. That doesn't mean we allow them to have our power. It follows then that allowing another to give themselves openly and honestly to us is to say, "I allow you to be you; warts and all." That is not taking their power. It is simply allowing.

In allowing another person the right to be authentic, we naturally allow the Spirit which is in all things the freedom to provide blessing and energy to the most subtle of interactions between us. Love is naturally expressed through willing participation in the ups and downs of another, and by remaining with them as they grow through it all.

Just Grow up.

It is growth, and the willingness to grow that speaks to our commitment to a given thing. Whether it be a career, a goal, or a relationship, it is all about improving ourselves, and improving how we treat others. When we focus on our personal growth without sacrificing the art of paying attention to the needs of others, we have found the balance that we need to remain at peace in this life.

There is nothing to forgive.

When we remember that love never sees itself offended, life will become joyful instead of difficult. Let us focus on others as we grow up. Let us make peace by being at peace with ourselves.

I love you. -- jb

The Loneliest Life

2009-04-27T11:35:00.004-05:00

"The loneliest life is the life lived unloved."

I had the opportunity to spend the weekend with a dear friend who has been experiencing some turbulence in his personal life. We were just contemplating his potential when he said those words to me. A very intimate and difficult conversation ensued, and this post is a memorialization for those of us who believe Love never fails, or fails to forgive... and forget.

Some of the conversation cannot be repeated for obvious reasons, but here is a piece of the story of the journey of finding one's peace. It is within. There is no sense looking around for it.

To seek after Love is not erroneous thinking, but one should not have to seek that which is abundantly available. No. One is always allowed to receive Love in its purest form in effortless fashion by just being.

When Love seems unavailable it is only an illusion. Life is filled with illusions of great variety, created by fearful thinking and made real by repeating difficult scenarios over and over. Not only am I loved, I am loving. I am lovable just as I am. Imperfections included at no extra charge. Imperfections actually serve to strengthen bonds when given the chance.

Forgiveness allows me to find peace in spite of the appearance of lovelessness. I am a forgiver now. (Formerly a spoiled brat.) It is as if it snuck up on me. I'm really glad it did, for I discovered that fear is not the enemy. It is merely the perceived absence of Love. It is our reminder that love has not been allowed into the situation. I reminded my friend of this, and we shared a silent moment together.

Let Love in.

Forgive the perceived transgression and discover the freedom of letting them off the hook. You will find peace in giving forgiveness. It is the one thing you have to give even if you think there is nothing left to give.

Forgiveness heals.

It is the best prescription for any pain, whether real or perceived. In forgiving I make the conscious decision to let love in and let go of expectations about what happens next. I control nothing except my choices.

I choose love. It feels really good. And feeling good means healing has begun.

My friend's story is not over, and neither is he. He is attempting to re-present himself in a new light. I wish him well. I love him, too.

I love you. -- jb

Commitment

2009-04-21T09:46:00.002-05:00

COMMITMENT is what transforms a promise into reality. It is the words that speak boldly of your intentions. And the actions which speak louder than the words. It is making the time when there is none. Coming through time after time after time, year after year after year. Commitment is the stuff character is made of; the power to change the face of things. It is the daily triumph of integrity over skepticism." -- Abe Lincoln

Have a great day as you live within your commitment! -- jb

poem of contrition

2009-04-12T20:42:00.002-05:00

the apple of my eye

you are

though I've not shown you that

thus far

instead I've allowed distance

to creep

in between us

as if I was asleep

my heart is broken to pieces

tiny fragments remind me of you

I know it is hard to believe

but I promise it is true

you own my heart you share my soul

without you there's no role

that I care to play

it is fear that's been on display

I have repulsed you

and you've turned away

I am ashamed of myself

for putting

my ego ahead of my love

from this day till the next

one day at a time

with help from inside and above

I will display

my very true and honest self --

until you believe in me again

and until I've won you back

all I can do is wait...

jb

Out of the Mouths of Babes

2009-03-15T12:11:00.004-05:00

No governments, no borders, no politics; just Truth.

A New Blog

2009-03-09T18:17:00.011-05:00

I mentioned a new blog. It is entitled "There Is No Them." It exists as an extension of my heart, and is my own attempt at keeping the main thing the main thing. I tried to speak about too many things here, and I got off base. My goal was to talk very specifically about ways to promote acceptance and non-judgement. That is what the new blog is about. If that interests you, then I hope you will click on the link below.

As far as "Jeff Baker Talks" is concerned, I will limit posting to rants and musings on a variety of topics, but with more randomness and vigor. Going forward, the JBT blog will offer a much broader subject matter. If that turns you off, please forgive me. I have a lot to say :)

I'm not sure how the existing feed will be affected, or what will happen to the e-mail delivery. You may continue to get this one and the new one too. You can, of course, cancel either or both.

Just be happy. That is very important.

Here is the link -- http://thereisnothem.blogspot.com/

Peace -- jb

What'd You Go And Do That For?

2009-03-02T23:50:00.016-06:00

They (the unknown authorities) say that change is inevitable. We either choose to resist that change, or we allow the flow of Life to show us the new thing.

I am staring directly into the eyes of the new thing.

I am not sure what I see, but I know one thing. I have begun to expand my writing to include topics that were not my original intent, and I find that I have allowed my main focus for this blog to move off center.

I have lost focus.

When I began to explore my feelings about exclusion and the act of separation (the verb), I found writing was an outlet that served two purposes. I could voice my opinion of course, which is something I do well. I could also take the opportunity to reflect on the words that came from within me and allow them to be for me.

It has been good therapy.

It is good to reflect and take stock of what we are accomplishing for good as we walk the earth. In my contemplation I have decided that I will begin again with There Is No Them. I will continue to rant and rave here as Jeff Baker (the ego) Talks. God knows I have a need to talk.

At the same time, I am so very conscious of the fact that I live in a world that is hurting, with some on the brink of despair. The situation we find ourselves faced with today resulted specifically because of the egos of the greedy individuals who would rule the world. I still see it in myself. How I pray it were not so.

For those of you who, like me, ultimately see this world as a place of beauty and promise, I will soon provide a link to a blog that is more in tune with what I know I am to speak about. There is no way I can ever look out from these tiring eyes again and see otherness. It is so clear that we are meant to be connected in an intricate and divine fashion.

That we are divided by racial, religious, social, or even geographical lines is the great lie cast upon us, by us.

In our ignorance, we have hurt our brothers and sisters in some name or for some cause. Through anger and revenge we have given the taking of another person's life a certain legitimacy... no matter the reason. It all must end soon.

We must forgive. It is our only hope. See you soon.

Peace -- jb

There's Only One World

2009-02-23T09:24:00.007-06:00

At least as far as we know right now. The point being, we can continue finding fault with them ... the other party, the other religion, even the other denomination or affiliation, OR we can decide to take responsibility for ourselves and start working on solutions to our perceived differences.

There is No Them

The mere thought that we are separate and apart from each other is a root cause for our divisiveness. This world is a splendid place in which to live, and our cooperation and reconciliation with each person we interact with can bring healing and dissolve our illusion of separateness.

What a Wonderful World

Today the sky is a beautiful blue with wispy cirrus clouds drifting lazily by. As I sit and take it all in, I am conscious of the stirring in my own heart for peaceful coexistence with all of Life. I am amazed at the treasures this world offers me and I am grateful for the opportunity to live relatively free from strife. (The wind just picked up as if in agreement.)

What Can I Do?

I have the opportunity to view the world today as it has always been intended to be seen from the start. I can choose today to see them as I wish to be seen. Not as the other, but as one of us. We are One. It may take some effort to get to the point of being in agreement with that statement, however as soon as we change the way we see the world, the world we see will change. Be Peace.

I love you. -- jeff

How to Avoid Conflict Every Time

2009-02-16T09:03:00.011-06:00

There is a very simple step we can take any time we are faced with the potential for conflict. Just one step... We can choose to NOT be offended.

Just. Do. It.

Now, I didn't say this is an easy thing to do. Simple and easy are two different things. Easy implies little or no effort. Simple suggests that little thought should be involved... it just might be difficult to make the choice to do it.

We can make a tremendous contribution to the overall well being of our planet by choosing to avoid fighting. All it really takes is a conscious awareness of the consequences of being part of a dispute, and choosing to be a part of the solution instead.

You Can Do It!

It may not seem natural to offer forgiveness, but who ever said fighting was our nature? Have you ever paid attention to how you feel either during a fight or after? It really isn't a pleasant feeling at all. Make the effort today to see the "other" as anything but the other. See them as equal. Choose to turn the other cheek. It is a sure fire way to avoid conflict. Try it today.

Peace -- jb

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

2009-02-08T12:00:00.006-06:00

I watched a video clip today that was sent to me by my wife. It made me happy. I was quite moved by it, and I decided to share it for no other apparent reason. Of course, there is this tiny hope in me (it's why I blog) that it might move you... too.

In fact, I began to think that if our world leaders would, for just a moment, let go of their fear-based prejudices towards each other, and watch it, it might not seem so out of the ordinary. It might, instead, serve as a model.

Don't walk, don't talk. Do.

Leaders lead, preachers preach and teachers teach. But as you will see in a moment, lessons on love and acceptance (which are finally on the increase) are apt to be illustrated in most any way, by a variety of characters, in just about any place. This case centers around creatures that have discovered a truth of our existence. I suspect that it will move many of you as it did me.

In a word, the video is refreshing. (Someone took the time to tell the world about it.) It is a simple illustration of possibility. The possibility that we, the human race, might set aside the assumed paradigm of "them" or "other," and embrace the cause of peace through the simple act of acceptance.

And. Be. Open.

Many we see are different than we are in some way, and that my friend is a gift from God. If we were all the same, with the same beliefs, the same looks, the same religion, the same, the same, the same, where would the contrast be? Without contrast, without discussions about how variety really is the spice of life, are we able to appreciate? Can we grow if we aren't offered something new to consider? How many people do you know who want to talk about the prospects of lasting peace?

Peace.

It is not just a buzz word. It is an eternal fire burning in the hearts and minds of many of us across the Earth. Our desire is strong, and we know that there is a coming critical mass. A time when enough people will stop being against things, and start being for things. A sudden awareness by the majority will occur that we really are meant to love one another as we love ourselves. It really does work.

Peace. It is not the buzz of the day. A real peace for the entire world will be realized. How much sweeter that we would enjoy the ride, and get there by choice... so we can get there sooner.

Bzzzzz...

Ok. On the first link, let the commercial pass and enjoy. I added the second one so you can see how these two interact in daily life. May your perspective about life on this planet be filled with images such as these:

1. http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4696315n

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAN5nf04L2s

Peace and Love. -- jb

History Starts Now

2009-02-04T23:24:00.010-06:00

There is only Now. For every moment in history, there was first the Now. Our past is of no use to us if we ignore It, our future nonexistent without It. We are present within It, as It exists in all that is.

Music Reminds Us

I am a music person. I understand fully the power it possesses and its effect on me. From within the literal ocean of music available today, some songs rise to the top, as if elevated by the very vibration contained within them. There seems to be some kind of special (good and true) intent behind these songs.

Intelligent Artists Spread Peace

At the end of this post is a link (including lyrics) to a song that asks the question: What Kind of World Do You Want? It is written by John Ondrasik of the band Five For Fighting. I like it for many reasons but was reminded tonight by my good friend Kimbo that it is an important song. Many artists today are making great use of their fan base by raising awareness about those things they find worth writing about. (can you bloggers relate?)

What Kind Of World Do You Want?

There is no one who can take responsibility for the world I choose to see. Think. About. It... really stop and give it some headspace. I know life can be very unfair. Things happen to us that no one should have to go through. I understand personally. Yet I can choose to see a better world for me and it IS true. Can I get an amen?

Write History Now

With all the news about our current state of affairs, it can seem difficult to have a hopeful outlook. It is, however, my choice to see it "as it is," or to see it "as I desire it to be." I participate in the vibration of the media if I give in to the illusion of separation, lack, and terror. I create another vibration entirely when I not only pray for peace, but take an active role in offering forgiveness to those who would otherwise view me as one of "them."

Take Responsibility

It has been said that if I want peace, I must truly be at peace. If I, as an individual citizen of planet Earth, take full responsibility for all of my thoughts, words, and actions, the idea of world peace somewhere in the future would become the reality of Now. Put another way, being mindful of the personal responsibility we have at the individual level for the thoughts we think about others... as well as ourselves, can lead to forgiveness, which leads to healing, which leads to all kinds of wonderful things to consider. So...

Think. Good. Thoughts.

Enjoy -- http://www.onlylyrics.com/song.php?id=1003546 -- jeff

Life Is Good

2009-01-27T22:00:00.004-06:00

No matter what you've been told, all is well.

There are many of us who don't believe that statement, and that's a symptom of living in a world that reflects our thoughts back to us. Our thoughts become things. All is well. Think that thought. Just try it for a minute. Life is good.

Think. About. It.

For those of us who realize this absolute truth, freedom has arrived. There is nothing to worry about or fret over. There is nothing to fear. Believe in yourself and remember that you are a pure soul created in perfection. You have been placed exactly where you are to do what you came here to do. You may not know what that is, but it may only be because you haven't asked.

And it is ok to ask the question. It is ok to question period. But hey dude (or dudette), it's your life, you have a say-so in what happens so get up, get out and get on with life. Enjoy where you are... and you don't have to give up on your goals and dreams in the meantime. I have made a discovery that helps me a great deal. Here it is.

Are You Ready?

Decide to accept the life you have and be ok with that. Always have a burning desire for your goals to be realized, but don't miss out on what is going on right now. Enjoy now and tomorrow will reward you with more of life to enjoy. There is plenty of time. Time is an illusion anyway :-O

Love is the only thing that is real.

Make time for love, throw away your watch. -- jb

How To Begin To Overcome Any Problem

2009-01-25T22:00:00.006-06:00

Before you begin to think that this is just another how-to post, think again. Let me state that I never pretend to have the right answer. I have my own experiences to rely on, and in the case of this post, on this night ;) let me just say that I have come to believe that the solution to any and every problem we face already exists within us :O

The Deepest Place

It exists in that place deep within us that is outside of anyone else's absolute knowing. It is indeed a collective place on the level of consciousness, while at the same time remaining that private, inner place that we all possess. Who do you think you've been talking to all this time? Do you get it? Have you thought about it?

Think. About. It.

There is no need to look outward (out there), to look to others for the answers to the questions that you already know the answers to. Be honest with yourself. Think. About. It.

We Don't Need No Drama.

Most of us can see (if we're honest) that we create the drama that permeates our otherwise peaceful existence. We lose it, and sometimes we make things worse than they are. But we can cut the whole crazy process short by consciously choosing to reduce our own need for rightness. We can simply allow everyone to have whatever opinion they have. I want my opinion to mean something. That's ok. You want your opinion to mean something. That's ok, too. I want to be understood. You want to be understood. We want to be understood. It's ok.

Think. About. It.

My God! Just the collective recognition that we all have a voice, and we choose to make things as they are seems to me to be enough reason to get together and see what our collective wisdom can produce in the way of solutions... but we are here to talk about problems not really being problems at all; aren't we? Can we refer to problems, then, as growth opportunities?

Growth Opportunities

How we see ourselves within a given situation is important. It is good to have a healthy view of self before we attempt to overcome something. We don't have to be a mystic or possess the ability to regurgitate the wise words of our favorite sage either. We need only take a moment to be quiet and listen to our own heart. Really listen.

Sit as comfortably as possible and calm your mind. Prayerfully allow the other voices in your mind to dim so you can begin to hear the Voice that is good and true. Don't make fun of this unless you've actually tried it and have a better idea.

God is always speaking, we just don't always listen.

Praying is praying. But there has to be some faith in the prayer. The idea here is to change the way you see the issue you are facing. Don't look at your perceived problem; see the solution. See the truth of your situation. Nothing is hopeless. Everything is possible. Prayerfully and actively visualize the current thing as being the way that would be better for you, and hold that image -- as you see it, not as you have heard it described by others. Believe that it can be the way you see it. Then... let it go.

Let It Go.

Once you let go of it and give it to God, you have sent the clearest possible signal that you are at peace with your current state, and you are ready to get up, get out, and get on with living this wonderful life instead of worrying.

Ask, receive, but for Hope's sake believe. For it is the believing that makes it possible to overcome. We are not alone in this journey. We are never alone.

You Are Never Alone.

Believing is critical to success in overcoming our issues of incompleteness, separation, lack, failure, etc. There is nothing that can stop you when you believe. Believe in yourself. I believe in you. And I love you.

Peace -- jb

I Am An American

2009-01-20T23:59:00.001-06:00

We got a new president today. Did you witness Barack Obama's first speech as our Commander in Chief? I did. I wept. Today I am a hopeful and optimistic American.

I Have Hope.

I guess you could say that I felt hopeful today. I felt the glimmer of a much-missed optimism that our new administration will truly be in tune with the hearts and minds of its people. I do not talk about politics. I am neither Republican nor Democrat. I am an American citizen. I support my president, and today I am a proud and peace-filled American.

America Is Good.

One of the reasons I am so excited about our immediate future is because of the positive international response we are receiving as a result of this historic day. I meet bloggers from all over the world, and the consensus is overwhelmingly in favor of our decision to elect this man, Barack Obama. This is good news for our ailing reputation. Today I am a grateful American.

Barack Obama Is Our President.

Where I live, there is an obviousness to people's fear. Some people I know are concerned that we have elected the wrong man for the job; he is too inexperienced, these are very uncertain times, he sounds good but... I smile because I personally believe he is the man he says he is. I trust him today. My gut tells me to. These late bloomers will also feel the light of hope as soon as they let it go, and let him in. Today I am a confident American.

All Is Well.

My prayer for our nation, our president, and our citizens is one of singular focus. It is a wish of childlike innocence. It is a hope that was once only a longing. My prayer is this: May we experience the Peace of God. May we truly be in that peace, live out that peace, and share that peace with all creatures across the earth. We can change the world if we believe that we can. What do you think?

I love you. -- jb

Reactor or Creator?

2009-01-19T17:50:00.018-06:00

Do you react to things you experience and that is your action, or do you take action and create the life you want?

The Reactor-Type

I got up this morning and as soon as I stepped out of bed I stumped my toe, and fell into the nightstand bruising my leg. It hurt so bad. Everything spiraled from there as I prepared to go to the job I hate just so I can sit and listen to all of the problems of the delinquent occupying the cubicle next to me. He always looks at me like my fly is open. Every time I see him, I want to scream, "Brush your teeth!" He is such a loser.

The Creator Type

I woke this morning from a great night's sleep. As I got out of bed I stumped my toe and then I fell into the nightstand and really whacked my leg. If I didn't know better, I would swear someone moved that thing while I slept... lol. I couldn't wait to get to work so I quickly ignored the pounding in my toe, and just like that I forgot all about the event. I was in a particular hurry to get to work today. You see, there's this new kid in the cubicle next to me. He has had a rough time of it lately, but I really listen to him and we seem to be connecting in some way. He must know that I am being honest in trying to help him. Every time I see him I want to hug him and assure him that all is well. He's such a great kid.

Which Type Am I?

Do I understand the difference? Do I acknowledge that it is in the choosing that I determine whether I am the creator of my reality or the reactor to it? Either way, I choose. I am the one who makes my reality. There is no one to blame when things go bad for me. In fact, as soon as I choose to forgive the imagined offender, I realize that there was never any offense committed against me. It is always my perception.

Rearrange Your Letters

Did you notice that each type makes use of the identical letters? Reactor. Creator. When I rearrange the letters, I see that I could be either one. It is how I choose to arrange the letters that determines the word I use to describe myself. In the same way, when I choose to see the world around me in a different way, the world takes on a different look for me. I choose. It is only I. There is no one that is to blame for anything.

Realize The Truth

To quote a portion of the introduction to A Course in Miracles: "Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists. Herein lies the peace of God."

Dear friend, put on real eyes, and real-ize the truth of our existence: We are One. We are created in the image of God to be about the business of joining in with what God is doing. And what is God doing? He is waking his children from their slumber, as we are willing, and He is showing us who we really are. (Even while we are breaking our toe.) When you get it, express it, share it. The peace of God is for all people. It is meant to be expressed. In the expressing it is shared, and in our sharing we are creating peace on earth.

One Hope -- Peace. One World -- Now. One Love -- Forever.

We can change the world if we believe that we can. Believe. Be change.

I love you. -- jb

Going Home

2009-01-14T15:15:00.008-06:00

I have been traveling extensively for several months (I am currently sitting in the lobby of The Algonquin Hotel in New York City). And today I had such a distinct case of homesickness that I felt like writing about it.

Homesickness Can Be Good

Going home. You know that feeling you get when you've been away for just long enough that you want to go home? I've got three more days before I will be going home, and I've already got the feeling.

The feeling is occurring in part because of the sheer number of days I've been on the road lately, but in addition, because of the number of homecoming celebrations I've had, I find that feeling to be oh so sweet. I like going home.

Traveling Is Fun

Don't get me wrong, I love to travel. I had an extended vacation over the holidays, and before and since then, I've had many days of business travel. I absolutely love it... I also absolutely love going home.

I have two dogs and a cat. The reception I receive from them alone makes me long for home. I also have some of the dearest friends that anyone could have, and I miss them terribly. I have a close family that keeps up with me, and they make me feel like they miss me as well. I love all of them, and each time I return home, we get together and I can honestly say that the emotions of love, satisfaction, and appreciation can be very overpowering.

Emotional Guidance System

I am an emotional type. I am very in tune with my emotions. They serve as a sort of guidance system for me. I can always make a connection between what I am experiencing or thinking about and what I am feeling at the same time. Those things go together, and although I generally write about the subject as a way to gauge whether I am in sync with the flow of life, today I am just celebrating the overall experience; the thinking, the feeling, the joy of going home.

Take Stock

I encourage you today to take stock of those things that remind you of home. Even if you seldom or never travel far from your own home, it is so rewarding to remember those things that make home what it is. I am aware that some of us seem to have more to consider when remembering those things and some of us have less. I also recognize that for some of us home may not be such a happy place. I am saddened by that reality, however, I believe the old adage that "home is where the heart is."

Listen To Your Heart

Going home for some of us may be as simple as taking the steps to rediscover our heart. My friend, your heart is worth the time it may take to become reacquainted with. Are you lost? Are you hurting? Listen to your heart. It is your home. It is good, and it is always looking out for you. Trust your heart -- go home to it today. The reception you receive may just be enough to remind you of how good you are. You are good indeed. I love you.

Peace -- jb

Is Lasting Peace Possible?

2008-12-16T22:39:00.003-06:00

Do you ever think about what life would be like if the world was at peace? Do you ever allow your mind to open outwardly... a little?

I do.

And I have discovered the secret to avoiding any and all possible conflict.

It's simple... Never be against anything. Only be for things. Put in other words, we could just choose not to fight our wars.

Decide not to fight.

I know it sounds very passive and hippy or whatever... I understand that. I am not covering all topics for which one could become offended and retaliate against someone else. I am not that smart. I am speaking rhetorically to some and fundamentally to others. But I am indeed speaking about it. Peace that is. I want it. Don't you?

Don't you?

I mean, I realize there are mean people in the world who do awful things. I know it first hand. I also know the incredible power of forgiveness. I know what it can do to release a person from something.

Forgiveness.

It is an interesting word. In forgiveness, we forgive, and exist in the act of for-giving, thus the "-ness" of it all. It isn't meant to be a one-time event. Forgiveness is ever giving and ever grace-filled. It is the definition -- in a word -- of what we all wish to experience in a genuine way.

Genuinely.

World peace, as we see it being defined and attempted by our leaders, is not possible. There is a fundamental omission of personal responsibility on the individual level. Peace is a personal choice. Right? I can say I desire world peace, but I also scream at my wife, or kick the dog, or curse the other angry driver… Or, I aim my missiles at some other country.

Aim. Then what?

When I decide once and for all that peace starts in my own heart, and I begin to systematically eliminate the actions that promote chaos, I have made my own first step in contributing to peace on a global scale. Pray for peace, but also promote and create peace by doing peaceful things.

Peace is good.

I love you. — jb

Does Worrying Accomplish Anything?

2008-12-02T13:57:00.022-06:00

Do you worry? Do you think too much about things yet to occur? Do you fret? Do you mind control yourself into unnecessary anxiety?

Are you human?

My friend, there is a really short answer to the question that is the title of this post, and that answer is no. At the same time, we humans, all of us, have had episodes of worry at some point in our lives. And the idea for this post came about as a result of a recent occurrence in my own life.

As I began to ponder my untimely lapse of faith, I decided it would be helpful to offer hope for those of us who have real issues with worry. I know people who worry. I know people who worry a lot. (I used to be one of those people.) It is different for me now and as I ascend, and as I learn, I recognize that worrying, while unwanted, still offers one the opportunity for real growth. I'm not speaking of the act of worrying -- just the awareness that I am worrying, and the healthy practice of replacing my thoughts about future events with faith-type thoughts that all is well... right now. When I re-member that I am okay right now and choose to be content with "what is" going on in this moment, I proactively crowd out those thoughts that cause anxiety.

Tell your self that life is good, because it really is. And it is good to you. Do you believe life is good? Do you believe that Life wants to be good to you? Do you? Are you thinking about it?

Think. About. It.

When I choose to believe life is good and good to me, AND when I accept myself and my circumstances, all is well. (I did not say to settle for something less than my dreams.) Stated similarly: I have the capacity to simultaneously be content with my current station in life while having really big dreams, realistically healthy goals and clear vision for the future.

Being content does not mean that I do NOT have the desire for something "better." In fact, it is generally agreed that people who have a healthy outlook on life are those that practice contentment while remaining focused on their next greatest version of themselves. Do you want to be wealthy? Believe that you can be. See yourself as being wealthy. Be thankful (and really feel thankful) for the wealth that is yours. Feel free to substitute the word "wealth" with whatever works for you, be it perfect health, better relationships, that dream job or a new car.

There is no need to worry. There never is. There is nothing to fear -- except those things we create in our powerful ever-creating minds. We choose what we see for the future, so choose to see only those things that you "know" you want, not the things you don't want. Then, prepare to be amazed as you watch yourself move directly into that reality.

By the way, this is not some exclusive New Age philosophy. All the great masters who have ever graced our planet spoke of this. The Christ (who is my master) said that I am to ask, receive, and believe that I have already received what I asked for, and I will have it. I like that because I know it works. Having said that, when I do slip and begin to worry, I can now (with much practice) change my thoughts and begin again to follow this simple yet profound guidance.

I am thankful for you, Dear Reader, and I pray that you may have everything you desire. Joseph Campbell once said, "Follow your bliss..." In other words, don't steal from your potential by imagining anything less than the best for yourself. When you think good thoughts about your future, you easily place yourself in line for everything you are desiring. For by staying in tune with that which inspires and moves you, you create the now that makes the future all you want it to be. Believe it. Believe in yourself.

I believe in you!

Peace -- jb

Picture-Perfect Peace Post

2008-12-01T14:00:00.004-06:00

Peace is the destination, love the vehicle,

and our thoughts are the fuel that will get us there...

if we choose it.

No need for rambling. The picture says it. -- jb

The Gratitude Factor

2008-11-24T11:18:00.009-06:00

It occurred to me today that as we find ourselves in the midst of another holiday season, we should have many blessings for which to be thankful. If we approach this special time and find it difficult to come up with things that have blessed us over the course of the previous twelve months, then we should check our gratitude factor. I worded that sentence the way you read it on purpose.

You see, I have come to understand my ability to interpret and receive a blessing as being guided by my awareness of the good and true already present in my daily life. The fact that I am grateful for my excellent health allows me to be truly thankful for the overall health of my family. The gratitude I feel for the closeness of my relationships all year long creates opportunities for me to be openly thankful for all my friends and family during these special days.

My friends, I know as well that holidays can bring about memories that cloud our eyes with tears for days gone by. I have my own loss to deal with and this season brings back those memories. Allow those memories to fill you with gratitude for the times you had. Let those thoughts of loved ones be your motivation to make the most of the relationships that exist right now.

God bless you as we enter this holy time. God bless you as you contemplate all that you have for which you are thankful. God bless your memories of all that you have loved. May those memories serve as a reminder that having loved means never having to regret a thing. Love is all that matters... past, present, or future. And may God bless your present. May you receive the blessing in the present. And may you know deep down that the present is indeed a gift.

I will leave you with a link from Mary Robinson Reynolds, Author & Founder of Heart Productions & Publishing. I get these e-mails and they never fail to point my heart and mind in a positive direction. I fully understand how difficult the holidays can be for some of us. I am one who has first-hand experience with loss. Allow this short video to open you up to the good and the true that exists all around you. Read the message and/or scroll down for the movie. It will make you smile. Click here -- http://www.makeadifference.com/Success/081124.htm

Peace for the season, love for your family, and thoughts of gratitude for the everyday. -- jb

know thy self

2008-11-19T16:26:00.021-06:00

i know you think you know you

i thought i knew me too

then i met "we" sitting here

and found it wasn't true.

what i knew i only learned

from others who'd been burned.

they thought that i as well

should join in their concern.

i did because i was so sure,

and i wanted to be as pure

as possible, but i wasn't strong

i was always too demure.

i have my wings now friend

and my heart is on the mend

i trust my mind, i will always be

true to myself to the end.

for you see i had to go

down that familiar road you know

leads to joy, hurt, love, even loss

yet it taught me how to grow.

so i saw my self sitting next to me

i said, "tell me how to be as free

as my mind says i am, and why do i frown?"

i was hoping we could agree.

then self said to me so clearly

that i knew i was taken sincerely,

"you are we, we are one, you've nothing to fear

and i love you oh so dearly."

so...

know thy "self" as the one

be it christ, buddha, allah, or sun

love thy god, love thy neighbor, love thy self,

you are good... so have thyself some fun.

no need to break man's many rules,

just don't follow any of the fools.

remember free is what we came here for

so give yourself and then offer your tools.

freedom from ego is why

you can't wait till "the sweet by and by."

i know that i can know myself now

and i can know "we" before i die.

life is really good my friend

so you are free to buck the trend

and live your freedom right here, right now

and maybe this world will never end.

-- copyright: jeff baker

for my dear reader friends: i write all poetry posts in lower case, no offense intended to deity. i have my rather elegantly understated-i'm screaming-no offense-type style of expression and i like it but i am always respectful. may i also remind you that as i state throughout my blog, for me the christ is my self, but my audience is as diverse as those that he chose to be with, in his day. from my readings in this wholly accepting blogging community i find my self becoming immersed in, i have learned even more about the many versions of the true self that exist around the world. i respect and honor each of them -- for they have gone out of their way to respect and honor me. remember, there is no them; whether you believe it or not we are one. god is one. we are one. so it is. one. one hope. one world... without end.

one peace. one love. one thought: namaste'. (look it up) -- jb

these days

2008-11-17T15:13:00.010-06:00

i love days when everything's certain

so why are there days like these?

i can't see the future at all anymore

my crystal ball's broken to pieces

yet when i rest my mind for a moment

i can see that today is still mine

no need for seers, incantations or potions

i can see where before i was blind

i know all is well when i let it

controlling is futile at best

i knew it as soon as i said it

allowing allows me to rest

these days are created for living

no worries, no hurries, no fear

i find that when i am giving

peace, joy and patience appear

let it go, let it out, let it be

live today like tomorrow won't come

remember your choice makes you free

and freedom today wrote a poem

-- jb

i drive myself crazy sometimes by forgetting that i choose how i see it. i see large amounts of abundance, freedom, and peace for these days... there, i feel better already. how do you see it?

the answer

2008-11-16T10:29:00.008-06:00

i know of a place so near

how to get there is not always clear

yet knowing i can

keeps me seeking it still

for seeking is part of the plan

how valued your treasure my friend?

that forsaking all to the end

you would search high and low

leaving nothing to chance

it's a promise on which you depend

this place is not there it is here

nothing between us to fear

we seek the same place

moments lost till we wake to

the voice speaking right in our ear

questions we ask not believing

riddles that burn us, deceiving

don't be fooled by the lies

truth is waiting inside and

the answer is ours for receiving.

-- jb

asking is good. if it doesn't make sense, question it, and if the answer doesn't help... keep searching. never settle for someone else's version of the truth. know your truth.

they love me . . .

2008-11-11T16:00:00.002-06:00

as i sit with my coffee i see

that today is a great day to be

in love with this life

alive with this love

living free

as i sip from the cup i know

that tasting the moment aglow

with memories of laughter

smiles for those times

when friends take time to show

that they love me . . .

they love me

and as i close my eyes and sigh

i know that it's no lie

these friends are true

the truth is my friend

i am a really lucky guy

because they love me . . .

It is good to be loved. It is good to have friends. It is good to have friends to love. It is even better to be loved by good friends. Today, I want to say thank you to my PT family.

God bless you, and thanks for the memories.

Luvz -- jb

Happy New Year

2008-11-10T17:38:00.011-06:00

Christmas decorations have been up since the last week of September, even though Thanksgiving is still weeks away, so I thought it would be fun to get a jump on New Year's 2009.

Now, I don't care too much about New Year's resolutions. I don't make them and most people I know never follow through with them. No problem. I just want to keep things moving ahead, onwards and upwards. So in that spirit, I want to talk about new beginnings.

I always look forward to new things. Spring, a new home, a new plant, a new friend. I like new stuff, and today is as new as any other day so why don't we get off to a good start by thinking of "new beginnings" as being the equivalent of simply having a chance at starting over. A mulligan if you will. A do over.

I have succeeded and failed. I have made it and lost it. I have fallen, and I have gotten back up. This getting back in the game can be described in different ways by different people. One way might be by calling it persistence or bullheadedness. One might say conversely that someone like me is just lucky. Either way, there is something to be said for not giving in or giving up. I am a believer in second chances (I have had my share), and a new beginning is just like a second, or third chance, etc.

The question is: Do I believe I deserve a second chance?

My friend, not only do you and I deserve second chances, I have come to recognize second chances as God's way of saying, "I believe in you, and no matter what, if you are willing, I will give you as many opportunities as you need to get it right." So, don't quit. Don't let the circumstances you are facing drag you down. If watching the news depresses you, stop watching the news. If your friends do nothing but complain and whine about how hard life is, get away from those friends. If you can't get your face to smile, tickle some other part of your body.

You get the message.

It is never as bad as it seems, it never is. And life is really good, it really is. The fact is, whatever we think is bad could be worse, and those things that we hope for could always turn out to be better than we ever dreamed. Hang in there. People believe in you. I believe in you, and I believe in the people who make up our incredible human family. We are not quitters. We have that Divine spark which is inherently ours that kicks in when things get fuzzy and we need guidance. It is good and it is true. Focus on the good and the true. Think thoughts that lead to happy emotions, and leave the rest of it to the worriers of this world. They need something to do too.

Peace is the way, love will help us, and thoughts that are good and true will speed it all up. -- jb

life as we know it...

2008-11-10T14:34:00.001-06:00

life as we know it is good

our earth runs just as it should

we can help it along

by joining her song

and not chopping all of her wood

see forests are very much needed

so our oxygen won't be depleted

not to mention the rain

and the carbon exchange

helps keep her from getting too heated

if you think i am being dramatic

the earth could run on automatic

but we were given the chance

to share in god's plans

which i think is quite democratic

life as we know it is good

free will says i will chop her wood

but free will is free

not so for a tree

but then trees wouldn't do what we would

-- jb / copyright: jeff baker

i'm not really trying to think like a tree... not sure i could. but i do think we are about at our time limit for finding new and better ways of producing our stuff while inflicting less (no) further damage to the ecological balance of the incredible, beautiful, perfectly designed planet that we call home. more and more people are waking up to the responsibility we each have for looking out for mother earth. if we don't do it, who will? if we don't take the time to teach our kids, who will teach them? who will teach their kids? it is indeed a wonderful world. i think it is the apple of god's eye... as we are. i think god is prompting us to intervene on earth's behalf by looking at the impact we have had while living here. i think we should do something... what do you think?

United We Stand

2008-11-06T18:22:00.038-06:00

I have a friend who is very politically savvy. He recently shared with me an interesting perspective on the overused terms "conservative" and "liberal." He looked up the definitions of these words in a Webster's Dictionary circa 1988. As he was sharing his findings with me, the most amazing thing happened: I decided to write a post.

It seems that these decidedly divisive words (as we see them used today) had different meanings when they first became "famous." In fact, a conservative used to be one who was simply resistant to the idea of making changes to existing institutions, while a liberal was unbiased, accepting of change, and even catholic (universal) in their view of others. (Look it up) And sadly, as I observed tonight, the definitions have not really changed much, but the way some people now hide their agendas behind these descriptive terms has got to be an unprecedented occurrence.

Now, as you know, I do not like labels. However, there seems to be a sector of our society who are conservative by proclamation and who are actually fearful about the election results to the point of coming across as "freaking out." I've read posts calling on us to pray, "God help us. We are headed for higher taxes and interest rates." Come on, we have simply elected an another American who happens to be a Democrat, and a somewhat unfamiliar African-American Senator (got a problem with that?) And some would have us believe that we are on the brink of disaster? Get a grip!

I beg your pardon, this change is good. And I can say that without calling myself a liberal, a conservative, a Christian, a Muslim, or any other worn out label. It is time for change! As a matter of fact, changing the course of American history at this time is not only welcome, it is long overdue. Republican, Democrat, Preacher or Pimp, all one has to do is look over the last eight years and it is clear to see that the American Dream has been distorted to mean something bad to the rest of the world. It has come to mean greed, apathy, arrogance, and colonialism. I support our new president. He is an American; I am an American, and I share in his dream of creating a more balanced landscape not only for the well being of Americans, but for the rest of the world who count on us to continue that dream. Many are counting on us... Why do you think so many people want to move here? What do you think about that fact?

I don't want to hear another person complain about redistributing wealth either. What were the early Christians attempting to do when they started the Church? They shared everything. Stop quivering in fear. Have you even thought about it?

Think. About. It.

Barack Obama's proposed tax plan is nothing new. It is in essence the same one we had during the Clinton administration, and together we accomplished a balanced budget by our participation via our tax contributions. I think that we should be able to agree that the last eight years have sufficiently upset any balance that might have existed, whether economical, social, or international. Let's quit freaking out and saying that God has forsaken us.

I believe (you are free to disagree) that we have elected the best candidate we could for redirecting our government and restoring trust in the processes that govern the people. We as Americans have the historical privilege of living in the era that will save America for our children and their children. We will be remembered not only for electing, but hopefully supporting the man who made "change" a healthy term once more; one absent of fear, one that brings about hope, and for me personally a feeling of true patriotism. God I have missed that feeling.

Peace for these times, love for our neighbors, and no more thoughts of fear! -- jb

Reconciliation

2008-10-29T17:02:00.017-05:00

I talk a lot about peace, love, making peace, being love, etc. Well, because I am who I am, I find it necessary to act from time to time, instead of just talk. In that spirit, I'd like to offer some self-realized guidance on one way to bring about reconciliation...

I have a habit of saying just about anything :O

I also say things that are not completely understood, whether it be the actual words or the thinking behind the words. Whenever this occurs, I am provided the opportunity to put my peace-talk into action. I once had a dear friend say, "Jeff, you can't just say anything you want." I agree.

At the same time, passion causes me to lose sight of this when I get cranked up. I want the world to stop and listen. Rather narcissistic, huh? I agree again. So when I get foot-in-mouth dis-ease, I have the perfect remedy. I say, "I'm sorry." I don't mean just saying the words... I mean meaning the words. My method goes something like this -- "I'm sure that what I said was inappropriate, and I think it may have hurt you. I want you to know that I am sorry, and I will not do that again. Can you forgive me?"

Sort of elementary, you might say, but is it? Have you ever been in a position where you have a genuinely specific opportunity to make peace with someone you love, even if it means modifying the way you express yourself? When you've been around the block as many times as I have, and when you really, truly love people, AND when you are as outspoken as I am, there will inevitably come a time when you are confronted with the choice of either not budging or allowing the feelings of the one you love to take precedence over your need to make a point. Does that even make sense? I hope it does.

This post, like all the others I write, is very personal. I am growing as I am writing. You, Dear Reader, have an open window through which you may observe the evolution of Jeff Baker. I do not pretend to be right, I just speak my mind. I never intend to offend, and I seldom consider what one might glean from my posts, although there are times when I get carried away and unintentionally hurt another's feelings. Kind of like a bully pulpit, I tell it like I see it. But I am anything but a bully. I am a gentle soul with the best of intentions. I have friends who are hurting and I take it upon myself to defend, and much to my dismay, I can come across as offensive.

If you are reading my stuff and you know me, and if you have been offended by anything I have EVER written, I am sorry. I did not mean to hurt you. I cannot justify anything. I will not attempt to do so. I hope you can forgive me.

In closing this confessory entry, I'd like to add, for what it's worth, that I have even pulled some older posts as a means of backing up these heartfelt words. As much as I'd like to think that my blogging is mine alone, I recognize that (and it stings a little to write this but) I can't just say anything I want.

This is a shared world, and during uncertain times like these, it is imperative that each of us do all we can to give peace a chance to flourish. It has the potential to eliminate all of the ugliness that we have witnessed in recent times.

Peace for our lives, love for everyone, and thoughts that lead to reconciliation for us all. -- jb

I See a World

2008-10-27T11:53:00.002-05:00

I see a land of peace

no. i’m not alone

for the eye that sees

is the I that has won

if we want it to be

then our work’s almost done

it’s the wanting, you see

that will make us all one

i see a world with no lies

only love remains

of course nobody cries

just the sweet scent of rain

falling free on us all

living in peace

is my dream

it’s my destiny’s call

this world is so real

lying just beyond the veil

so long concealed

yet i’m lost in its spell

envision with me

if only for today

people coming together

with peace as their way

i see this place

as sure i know

that love will erase

all memory of foe

beauty and honor

respect, love, and cheer

if you truly believe

then it’s already here

i may be a fool

and this i am sure

will not be the last time

i dip my tongue in the pool

of a love that will last

my vision so near

just want it with me

please, just want it with me

see. now it is here

let it be

that my hope

is not lost on you now

for if our hearts can see it

then peace is here… right now

I wrote this poem because I really and truly believe that world peace, as we see it being defined and attempted by our world leaders, is not possible. There is a fundamental omission of personal responsibility on the individual level. Peace is a personal choice. Right? I can say I desire world peace, but I also scream at my wife, or kick the dog, or curse the other angry driver… Or, I aim my missiles at some other country.

When I decide once and for all that peace starts in my own heart, and I begin to systematically eliminate the actions that promote chaos, I have made my own first step in contributing to peace on a global scale. Pray for peace, but also promote and create peace by doing peaceful things. — jb

I AM, Therefore I Think

2008-10-22T16:32:00.012-05:00

For all of you that are thinking that I have that backwards, I apologize, but for me this is how it works... not the way Descartes put it. He said, I think, therefore I am." Which is the same as saying, the fact that I am thinking is proof that I exist. So profound.

I know I exist. I existed before I had my first thought. After I thought, I became a creator :O

Aristotle is quoted as saying, "But if life itself is good and pleasant (...) and if one who sees is conscious that he sees, one who hears that he hears, one who walks that he walks and similarly for all the other human activities there is a faculty that is conscious of their exercise, so that whenever we perceive, we are conscious that we perceive, and whenever we think, we are conscious that we think, and to be conscious that we are perceiving or thinking is to be conscious that we exist..."

You will notice his opening line of thought, "But if life is good and pleasant..." Well, sometimes life is not good and pleasant, but it is what I think it is which is to say I created it the way it is. Many of you will say, "There is no way that I created all these problems in my life!" And I cannot argue with you, but I do humbly disagree. I have a thought about something, and I am thinking about what is and no matter how much I don't want a certain thing, the more I think about it the more it lingers. What I have learned is to change my thinking and then I find I am creating the new thing that I do want.

I can't get into all the physics of it, but these days there is no shortage of those of us who place a lot of emphasis on what thoughts run around in our minds and how those thoughts constitute our reality. Some can explain the details of it. I am less interested in the how, because that is God, or fate, or the process. It is of the utmost importance to me that I become the master of my thoughts and spend my time participating in the end result that I am seeking. Visualizing what I want to ultimately experience, even though I can't see it yet.

That is faith.

You can say I am leaving God out of the equation, and to some degree you might be right, but can we agree that no matter how much faith I have in God, or Source, or the Universe, little if anything happens unless and until I get involved? I mean, I believe in God, but I have prayed, begged, and pleaded for many things that were very important and nothing... absolutely nothing happened. In fact, things sometimes got worse. That does not discount Divine involvement, it implies that I have been asking without really participating in the realization of my prayer. God gave me the mind to use. It is part of being created in her image. I have to use the mind to participate in the intended power that my thinking possesses.

I think, therefore I create. I AM no matter what, and I am creating my world with my every thought. By monitoring my thoughts and keeping them in line with the intended result, I play the most important role I can in seeing the thing come to fruition. Does that make me God? Nah, that's too much responsibility for me, but it does make me a co-creator with God. Like it or not, that is a truth that is as real as rain.

Don't stop praying, just be involved in your prayers. Don't wait for someone else to change your reality. Begin in your own mind seeing the reality you desire while in the process of praying, and I believe you will see that reality come to you quickly. Have faith. It is good to have, and it is better than saying a prayer and just waiting... wait all you want, but I AM getting up, getting out, and getting on with my life fully awake and aware. I AM fully participating in my prayers being answered. What are you doing?

Peace, love, and faith-filled thoughts. -- jb

What Now?

2008-10-17T19:41:00.010-05:00

A human being is part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. We experience ourselves, our thoughts and feelings as something separate from the rest. A kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from the prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. The true value of a human being is determined by the measure and the sense in which they have obtained liberation from the self. We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if humanity is to survive. -- (Albert Einstein, 1954)

The above quote speaks directly to the heart of the solution to our current world economic situation. I did not call it a solution; this is fundamentally a larger perspective while involving the heart in coming to terms with why these things are happening, understanding and systematically eliminating the causes, and ultimately getting on with living this great life.

It's time for us to begin to look at ourselves and how we view this situation. Do we feel victimized? Do we need to blame someone? How will this affect our children? Have we thought about it? Have you thought about it?

Think. About. It.

Greed and apathy have played insidious roles in forming the current path. Honesty and integrity will cure it and restore our vision of the correct path, one in which all people are honored and planned for. Maybe we should stop putting our parents in nursing homes and assisted living communities and allow them to live with us in support of raising our children. Think about the benefits, not to mention the honoring of the wisdom inherent in being the older, wiser adult. Spending time with men and women of such stature is incredibly good for young people and children. At the same time, it is very healthy for elderly individuals to be involved in the energy of the young as well. Think about it.

Like I said, fundamentally a larger perspective :)

The opportunities to influence the world for good take place all around us and how we treat other people speaks to our willingness to be a part of the process. We have evolved to a point that we can and should be seeing everyone as connected; not separate. This is indeed a world situation, not just an American situation, and I believe we can get a good start on healing it all if we would consider forgiveness. Forgiveness. Neat word.

Peace -- jb

What Do You Think?

2008-10-15T19:26:00.019-05:00

I have an opinion on every subject, and if you have the time and can give me half an ear, I will tell you all about it. At the same time, I am genuinely interested in what you have to say, and I will listen to you. That element may seem somewhat unique considering the way most talkers like me tend to take up all the air in a room :-)

Genuinely listening to others almost always offers me ways to refine my thoughts about whatever is going on in my life at the moment. I guess mostly because I am open to the way God offers to help me in my every moment, while at the same time recognizing that wisdom does come from the mouths of people when I am really listening to them.

Last night I had the honor of discussing a particularly sensitive subject with a gentleman I have known for a while, but I am just now really getting to know. Without going into detail, let me just say that our conversation was a reminder to me of why I talk so much, and why drawing others out into the open to express their own ideas is so rewarding for me. There is so much wisdom in the world and I want to hear what others have to say.

I had such a blast you see because we talked for a few hours and never once did either of us get offended or bothered. Neither of us attacked the ideas that were presented by the other. (World leaders should take note.) It was not only a lively discussion, with Cornelia patiently listening and sometimes contributing, but it was also heartfelt and honest. It was simple. It was great!

I awoke this morning refreshed from the experience. It's been a fine day, and I am reminded as I sit in the Memphis airport, waiting hours for my plane, that if we could all each one of us engage in the type of talk I just described, there could be no limit to the good that could come from it.

Sitting in airports exposes me to much negativity as the news channels constantly spew the latest awfulness while somehow maintaining a smile. I don't waste much time on watching or reading the news precisely because of that, but as I sit here today, I remain encouraged and hopeful for the day when all adults world wide will arrive at that place where there is no agenda, and motives are replaced with genuine interest in the ideas of another. Whether you are a politician, a preacher, or a pimp you have an opinion, and your opinion matters. It really does. But don't be mistaken. You are no more important than anyone else. And the opinions, ideas, and interests of other people, countries, and religions can aid all of us when approaching solutions to the many issues we all face.

Sometimes we should talk less and listen more.

There is no prerequisite that we agree, only that we honor each other. We are not required to do anything, just listen to each other. There is no shortage of wisdom on this beautiful blue orb that we all live on together. And the sooner all of us tune in to the rest of creation, by crawling out of our place of perfection, the sooner we can get on with the business of healing the hurts that exist today. (Forgiveness is a good place to start, and when would now be the right time to do something about it?) Wisdom is certainly to come when two or more are really intent on honest discussion regarding matters that have real meaning.

We are the ones who are going to have to find common ground. We are the ones charged with making things work while we have the chance. We are the ones our children are counting on to get it together once and for all.

When we move into that special place of acceptance without judgement, honor instead of disdain, and love without limits, we will indeed be entering heaven on earth. I believe in it as surely as I believe in our ability to get there. I am not waiting around for my ticket to heaven to get punched. I am not sitting around twiddling my thumbs doing nothing, anticipating liberation from above either. What I am doing is engaging any and all comers who honestly want to make the world a better place in which to live and learn.

Together we humans have what it takes to make lasting change by simply being aware of the things that take place in our immediate field of experience. Don't let an injustice go as "just the way it is." Get up and do something about it. Don't wait on saviors or messiahs to come. Don't sit around and waste this chance. We are the ones who are alive right now. Let's get together and stop believing in separation. Recognize the inherent goodness in and connection with everybody else that you can see. We are the human family. Together. Brothers and Sisters. Sons and Daughters. We are all part of The One.

One world. One hope. One love.

One way or another, we will get there. How much more enjoyable it will be when we make the choice to get there together.

Love and Peace -- jb

The End of Conflict

2008-10-12T10:30:00.007-05:00

It's been a while since I last posted anything. It is not for lack of desire, however, and becoming busy has its own certain bittersweetness; doesn't it? I have enjoyed great abundance in my professional line of work (not blogging) and I have equally endured the perceived lack of "enough time."

It is in the spirit of ending conflict that I write of my thoughts today. This is an effort to spark conversation about forgiveness and how it alone can end all suffering.

Conflict and war in the world reflect conflict and war in the mind, and both this inner an outer turmoil are born of thoughts of anger and attack. The relinquishment of anger and attack and the practice of forgiveness are, therefore, essential to the realization of peace in the world and in ourselves. -- Gifts From a Course on Miracles

I have come to see that there are times that, in my own anger lies the perception of righteousness and justification at the expense of the true feelings of the one I am projecting my interpretation onto. In other words, I have interpreted something about someone and allowed negative emotions to rise up in me because of what appear to be the facts. In that moment I am denying my knowing that forgiveness heals, and choosing to allow anger to take its place without clearly perceiving where the problem lies. When I choose to accept the idea that all conflict stems from misunderstanding, I am taking a first step towards peace and away from conflict.

When I allow myself to receive only loving thoughts from someone and recognize their attack as a cry for help, then I can begin to accept them and work towards healing that hurt. We are all humans with the potential for greater good than we have known, and by choosing to think before we speak, and letting love forge a position of forgiveness deep within us, we allow peace a chance to bloom in any situation... no matter how dire that situation may appear.

Anyone I perceive as my enemy is part of my peace, which I give up when I choose to attack.

I am in my weakest state when I attack, and I am at my strongest when I recognize that I do not need to attack. I always regret conflict afterwards, so my prayer today is that we each remember, before we go into attack mode, how much nicer it is when we all get along in the way we are designed to. We are all better served when we do not choose to be offended, and instead choose to offer healing through the conscious choice to forgive. Every time I write those words, I remember Christ forgiving his murderers while they were in the act of killing him. I think that embodies for me (by design) the totality of love personified. That act alone is the simplest way for me to see that my petty issues are small enough to, at least, justify the idea of forgiving instead of fighting.

Give peace a chance today, let love be its reason, and think thoughts of how to end conflict with those we know we should right now. -- jb

How Are You?

2008-10-04T13:12:00.015-05:00

Today is Saturday, October the fourth, in the Autumn of the year of our Lord two thousand and eight. It is the afternoon of another day complete with made-to-order weather, radiant flowers, and trees that from drought and change of season are making themselves available to any eye that would take pause and notice. Today presents itself to me as another opportunity to contemplate the things that are part of the thing that reminds me to appreciate all the good that exists in my life.

Isn't it a good day to examine our state of well being as well?

How are you? How are you doing when it comes to the things that come to you? Are you bringing them to you? Is that good or not so good? How are you? Are you happy? Do you appreciate life as it presents itself right now?

I sometimes fail to take the time to say outwardly how thankful I am for specific things, so I will list a few of the more general in hopes the reader may relate in some way. I hope to cause a thought of appreciation in you which will translate into a beautiful experience for you. I will also leave you with a link to a post that I feel says a lot that I could try to articulate in my way, only to end up referring you there anyway :) It is an honor to introduce you to TimeThief. She is a very intelligent writer, and an inspiration to me as one who offers a constructive eye towards making my writing better. Helping others is cool.

So, I am very appreciative today, and before I offer a short list of my points of appreciation, I'd like to make obvious the fact that I have not used the word "grateful" or the term "gratitude." For me there is a difference that in terms of how it is applicable to my post is worth clearing up. Gratitude is what happens after I have either survived some event perhaps, or after receiving a gift from someone. Gratitude happens after.

Appreciation, on the other hand, occurs because I choose it.

I am appreciative of things that have made me a better person and these include: My wife, my son, my parents, all my relatives and in laws. I immediately think of all my close friends and how much closer we are getting because we really like each other. These are the best of days because of the ones so dear who have made the choice to always make time to be in the others' company whenever the busy calendar allows.

How are you? How are you doing in terms of your family and/or your good friends? If you don't have any friends, contact me. If you are like most, you have some really good friends, and I'd like to challenge you to go an extra step in showing appreciation for them as soon as the opportunity comes up. This can be done in a variety of ways, and you don't need me to tell you how to do something nice for your friend. I only know how good it feels. I know it equally well because of how often my friends go out of their way to show me appreciation as well as acceptance. That's good stuff.

Peace between family and friends, love for both, and thoughts of creative ways to show them. -- jb

I Don't Understand

2008-10-01T15:51:00.007-05:00

I don't understand why some people choose to be so happy, but I like it. Lately I have been noticing that those with whom I am interacting seem to be much happier people than in times past. Could it be that this whole world peace thing is coming around?

I realize that there is uncertainty regarding the state of our financial institutions here in the U.S., as well as concern over money in general everywhere else in the world. I have had my own issues in recent months, but hey! It is really a great time to be alive, and the joy that I keep bumping into is quite contagious. It is also really hard to miss.

I like how it all seems to contribute to an overall sense of well being, at least from my perspective. Additionally, it is remarkable that this sense of well being would choose to manifest when everything appears to be so screwed up :O

I don't put much stock in the news, and I don't care too much about popular opinion. I have been hearing how bad the economy is for several years and with little exception, my work is as fruitful as it has ever, ever been. So why have some of us been shielded from so much of this chaotic activity and allowed to live an unaffected existence?

I tend to believe that those who choose to see the good will always see it, and the poor souls who choose to see only other than good, have an ample supply of doo doo to sift through. It is a choice to see beyond these illusions, and I encourage you today to consider a new set of eyes and/or glasses if you have anything less than beauty and truth in your immediate view.

It is times like these that allow for the contrast that becomes necessary for some of us when we get too complacent. It is indeed a beautiful world, it's just that some people need help seeing that beauty. If you're happy, offer a glimpse of it to a stranger as you make your way through your day. If your anything short of happy, drop me a line and I will share mine with you.

Either way, just remember that it is our choice to see beauty and truth, and it is also our choice to see something else. Seeing is sometimes believing, and the fact that I am seeing more smiles than frowns makes me more of a believer in world peace than ever before.

May you experience peace, love, and thoughts that are unhindered by illusions. -- jb

I Know Nothing... Nothing!

2008-09-29T20:00:00.037-05:00

I don't know about you yet, but I personally don't know a thing when it comes to the absolute truth about everything there is to know about everything that is. In fact, I am so glad of that fact that I am compelled to write about it so you can tell me if I am crazy. I was thinking just now, what would be your job title if your job was to be the One with all the answers? Would you work out of your house? Who would be your boss? (there seems to always be one) And can you imagine your cell phone bill? Oh my...

I was just dwelling on the thought that right now, I really don't know all that much when it comes to all-certain-there-is-no-error-possible type knowing. The fact is, I do not know, and I am actually cool with that. The next thought is really the impetus that started as the thought that led to my rambling in public once more.

So my question of myself is: Why am I not freaked out about not having the remedy for my current state of affairs? Why am I actually finding freedom with not being in control of "how" it all works out until it manifests as what I really want? Is it patience, passivity, complacency, sacrifice? Or is it trust?

Trust.

It matters little to me if you are a Christian, an Atheist, a Buddhist, or a Pimp, at some point you have to trust something, or someone, even if it is yourself. So the question that follows is: What level of control am I willing to relinquish in order for my dream to become a reality?

Place your trust somewhere.

I trust God but I also trust myself because I have learned to trust the innate instinct that comes from being alive and awake in this physical element we call human being. I am aware that animals ran for higher ground before the terrible Asian tsunami in 2004, while humans took pictures. Yet I am equally certain that while you and I are curious by nature, we also possess all it takes to have a trust level in our own instincts that cannot and should not be throttled by the teachings of the ones, whether they be professors or preachers, who would keep you from your completely and totally becoming who you really are.

Who are you really?

One way you can really know is to let go of the fear of asking the questions that are burning in your heart even as you read these words. You know which ones I mean, the ones you know that to ask them and then get certain answers could and would change everything. Just your asking could change everything. If only you would ask.

Here's the deal: It is the awareness of the question that is the hint of truth that there is truth that has not yet been offered. Trust the question and in the asking lies the answer. You deep down already know the answer, and you just need to get it out in the open and decide how you feel about it. There is freedom in asking. There is even more freedom in getting the answers. It is good to ask. It is even better to insist on the truth.

Let the chips fall where they may.

So in our asking we are making the conscious choice to challenge the system that we have known up to the point of the asking. This choice will lead to the beginning stages of discovering who you really are. Don't let popular opinion make your decisions for you. Don't let anyone lead you away from what your heart tells you is true. Truth is not always the same for each and every person... and that is quite by design. Truth is personal. Think about it.

Think. About. It.

Think! My friend, your opinion is important. It should be heard, for without your opinion there might never exist a reality called world peace. Without your input it might take longer than necessary to get this planet (and its management) on track with what's best for our Earth.

God bless her.

You know, it might ultimately be proven that I know nothing. I may have to adjust my thinking as new information comes along, but for today what I know is that as long as I make an intentional choice to press for truth, never settling for anything that leaves me less than completely satisfied, I can wait for the answer as long as it takes. Time is an illusion anyway, so it may just work itself out overnight.

Peace, love, and happy thoughts...what else is there? -- jb

It's Not About Me!

2008-09-29T12:47:00.014-05:00

I have been so busy lately that writing a post seems nearly as difficult to accomplish as giving myself a surprise birthday gift. I have so many topics running around in my head that I want to begin today by stating that this post will not be about the 700 billion dollar bailout, Governor Palin, oil prices, or the recent hurricane in Maine. It's not about me, either.

I want to pay homage to all of those who give of themselves all day, every day. I know of several people who never fail to bear a smile, a wave, and/or a good word. These are the ones who keep everything in harmony while the rest of creation seems to be caught up in the latest drama of fear and uncertainty. These light bearers are supplying balance in times of seeming chaos.

I am not diminishing the unsettled nature of our economy, or the limited choices presenting themselves in the upcoming election, nor am I ignoring the shameless profit taking of the rich oil companies... wait a minute, yes I am. What I am really attempting to do, if only for the briefest of moments, is to get us to think about the good things that are happening that appear to go unnoticed.

Did you hear about the group of Americans adopting HIV-positive kids from Ethiopia? How about the $16 billion raised at the Anti Poverty Summit? I know these are only news stories, but at least there is a good message in them. On September 22nd, Autumn announced its annual arrival in typical silent fashion, but haven't you noticed a change in the air? How about the trees and their subtle changes in hue? You'd think they were trying to get noticed :)

So, for the record, you don't have to watch the news or read the paper in search of happy news, all you need to do is make some yourself. Offer a smile with no strings attached, hold the door for someone, or make a contribution to the charity group working the street corner. All of these acts contribute to the overall upliftment of society's collective vibration. If enough of us got it in our heads that each act of kindness can overcome any act of meanness, maybe there would be a change that would go more easily noticed. Then if more people noticed the good stuff, more and more people would begin to offer more good stuff until the world was full of good stuff, enough for everyone to feel good about life. Now that's good stuff.

Peace is not a dream, love is its guarantee, and thoughts that are focused on the good and the true will make life better for everyone. I really believe that! -- jb

Gratitude

2008-09-25T15:22:00.008-05:00

I am about to turn 46, and I have been receiving best wishes from all over the world today from people I have never met. I am blown away because I don't really do the birthday thing, but I have been reading your posts and thinking about receiving blessings and such, so I am compelled to receive them. It's just that I was unprepared for the emotional impact that they are having on me. I confess that I don't always follow the suggestions I offer in this blog, for reasons that are not readily apparent :)

See, I come from a long line of service-type people. My father and mother always taught me to be a servant, and while I know it has aided me in my perspective of what it means to give, I have only recently acquired the ability to truly receive. I am so thankful for them, and the fact that they are in such great health. I am grateful today for so many things. I have a beautiful wife who thinks I am "all that and a bag of chips." (That's southern speak for she thinks I am the greatest.) I have a son who has literally broken the mold in that he has, and will continue to achieve at levels unprecedented in my experience. I have best friends who have shown me the kind of acceptance that until I met them, I had only read about in the hundreds of books that I have devoured looking for just that :)

Now, it appears that I have new friends, and these friends do not specifically realize the ways in which they are contributing to my becoming who I really am. I would love to list all of them and link you to their particular sites but I am fearful of missing one or two, so I am hesitant. I will link you to two of the many that I visited today. The first is from Tammy. She shares her day via her blog, and today's post spoke to me deeply. Thanks Tammy.

The next one of them is from my first and now my best blogger friend. His name I do not know. I have been calling him Ari (he has not divulged his real name), and he is from the Philippines. He claims to have a dark side, but with as much light as he obviously possesses, I think I can handle it. He goes by the name Hanging on a Hyphen. He is a brilliant writer with a great mind. He is also very giving and full of surprises. Thanks again... whatever your name is.

I have to run now. Evening celebrations have sprung up in spite of my desire to keep my birthdays quiet. I receive it all, and this year for the first time since I was a kid, I am going to savor it, and cherish it in my heart.

Gratitude. A simple word offering the promise of new beginnings. I feel brand new today.

I feel at peace. -- jb

I'm Going to Write a Book!

2008-09-24T17:36:00.029-05:00

I have dreamed of writing a book for a couple of years now and I think my dream may be coming true through these posts! I've been submitting them to ezine articles which is a writers'-community-type site that accepts articles written under certain guidelines. They have graciously approved my ramblings and from time to time I visit the site, and read my posts as if I was reading pages from a book. If you blog similarly to the way I do, I would suggest you begin reading your blog as if it were a book and see what happens. At the same time...

I will go ahead and switch gears now (don't you love the way I didn't sneak it by you like I normally do?) I really am going to turn this into a book if I can figure out how, but for right now, I want to revisit the entire purpose for even starting a blog about exclusion and the simple fact that "there is no them." Let me say that again a little louder, There is no them! I am so perplexed at times, and I am uncertain about how and why we humans ever lost sight of the truth about our absolute connectedness. I am completely frustrated by the way many of us treat others just because they are different, and I have finally gotten so fed up that I had to start writing about it. I never intend to point a finger in judgement but I know I will offend some. That's ok. I actually believe that some people really like to be offended (I personally know some) so you can have at it with me because I love you no matter what you believe about me :O

Just stop and think about how we sometimes profile another without ever knowing we did. I hear people say, "Well, I 'jewed' him down on his price." Or, "Those children act like wild indians." Or, "I just n*****-rigged it." I will not write the word. It insults our entire society but I think you get the picture. I am a 46 year old (that means I was raised in the 60's) white American living in Montgomery, Alabama, and I have probably heard every variation on the prejudicial slandering of African Americans, Jewish Americans, Native Americans, and just about any other non-white American you can imagine. I now travel extensively and I am sad to say that that sort of unconscious activity is prevalent everywhere, and in every part of this beautiful world. I think I am going to be sick, but the point of this ranting ramble is an attempt to get you to think about it!

Think. About. It.

Why is it ok to say things that allow another human to be put down in the first place? Why do we listen without saying something? We could at least walk away. Do we so lack in imagination and originality that we feel compelled to perpetuate and participate in this mindset without questioning it? Furthermore, why does this sort of conduct ultimately lead us to take part in the act of exclusion? Judgement is a scourge on all of us and the snobbish practices of elitism and exclusivity have increased in there divisiveness it would seem. Polarity between races, classes of society, and ethnic groups all seem to be on the rise in recent times. But wait! Is this really happening, or is it that there have always been man-made excuses created right from the beginning of history that provide license to mistreat others anytime we like, in any way we like? I really think I'm going to be sick now.

I won't drag this out. You can read most any of my posts and fully understand my thinking on this subject, and I hope you do. I hope you will get others to read them. In fact, I hope you will not just read, but do something about it in your particular area of influence. Startle your friends by no longer participating in the old ways. Begin to show them a new way, a way of love and acceptance. It is really much easier to be nice to people than to be mean. We also expend much less energy accepting than we do pushing away. Try hugging somebody... it feels good, and it is so much less stressful to choose to avoid conflict with others than to choose to be offended by them.

We choose.

My friend, you and I are both human beings. The differences that make us unique are perfectly planned to contribute to the splendid diversity that comprises our human race. As soon as we change the way we see our neighbor, our neighbor will change before I very eyes without having to do a thing. We will suddenly see a new world, a world of peace. This world is one that I think is being lovingly, yet silently created in the background, behind the chaos and confusion. It seems to be hidden most of the time by news stories of war and violence, or it is subjected to last page news if written about at all. But there are nice people everywhere making news. You just don't hear much about it.

I think that if we just quit watching the news altogether, and made the choice instead to get up and go outside to visit the elderly widow down the street or the child with Down's Syndrome, we might begin to truly see the good news that is right under our noses. We need not ever look down the afore mentioned facial appendage again. All we need are eyes willing to see the beauty in everyone, everywhere, all the time. It is there if you look for it.

Just imagine a world free from conflict, and free from the idea of separation or division.

Wow! What a wonderful world that will be, a world worthy of the peace it seems unable to realize. I pray for peace. Won't you join me? I believe we can change the world together, and to help get us started I will leave you with some of the most beautiful words ever written:

"Imagine there's no heaven, it's easy if you try. No hell below us, above us only sky. Imagine all the people living for today... Imagine there's no countries. It isn't hard to do. Nothing to kill or die for, and no religion too. Imagine all the people living life in peace... You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one.

Imagine no possessions. I wonder if you can. No need for greed or hunger, a brotherhood of man. Imagine all the people sharing all the world... You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will live as one." -- John Lennon

Peace is possible, love will make it happen, and our good thoughts about it will speed it up. -- jb

Satisfaction Guaranteed... Right?

2008-09-22T18:31:00.015-05:00

Is there any such thing as satisfaction guaranteed when it comes to our wants and needs? I believe the answer to the question is yes even though I have days when I think it's the absolute farthest thing from possible. What I am learning is that no matter what I think, that is exactly what I get. In other words, whether I think I can or I can't, either way I
am right.

Get it?

The Universe is full of natural laws, and we bow to them without thinking about them. Gravity, time, weather, etc., are just a few, and we never really think about them because they just happen. Well, don't get in a wad when I submit to you that there is another law that is equally natural, but I do have a choice in how it operates. At least to the degree that I believe it :o

That law is the Law of Attraction, and it is getting renewed attention even though it is, was, and will always be just another natural law. The cool thing is that by participating in its power and cooperating with it, we come one step close to accomplishing all we have ever wanted to be, do, or have. The paradox for me is that it has the same effect in the opposite fashion when I look for things to feel negative about and then just unconsciously "allow" it to bring me all the things that kind of energy produces.

My parents raised me to pray to God and I do. At the same time, these days I have enhanced my prayers by becoming a willing participant in the outcome, and it has changed my outlook on life irreversibly. I meditate on peace and I find it. I know I am created in the image of God as the book says, and I can do all things through Christ (not the man Jesus, but the anointing he carried is equally available to me -- look it up!) and I believe it. I say positive things. I think positive things. And when I do, good things happen. When I don't, well... I don't need to elaborate, do I?

Friends, try it today. Change the way you look at your situation, and I guarantee that if you really believe in the new way, your situation will change, and you will see positive results.

Satisfaction guaranteed. Gotta run... Peace -- jb

What Price, Freedom?

2008-09-20T00:47:00.001-05:00

Is freedom worth fighting for? Are we really free if we have to battle something or someone? I like asking questions, and I want you to think about, and envision with me, a life free from any reason to bear arms, or fists, or ugly words. That, my friend, is the freedom I am talking about.

Let's be frank: Life is supposed to be enjoyable, and if you find yourself constantly fighting, then somewhere along the way you have missed out on the original plan. It happens to all of us, and we can unwittingly fall prey to blaming or lashing out when things are not going the way we would like. This leads me to the main point of this post --

Am I trying to control things when I place a definite expectation on something or someone?

It would appear that after years of analyzing this idea, it is a fact that when I am disappointed in some outcome, I can always trace it back to having a certain expectation. When I am truly participating in the art of allowing, then I no longer have a need to control how something turns out. I can be expectant and I can have my dreams and goals. This is a very important element in personal development, however when I expand that into demanding things be a specific way, I am no longer enjoying myself. I can all but guarantee a disappointment when I set myself up like that.

Instead of worrying about how something will go, I have found that by simply wanting and desiring the good and the true, and furthermore, leaving the "how" to God (this is where faith comes in), I am very likely to be ok with the end result. I want world peace. I also understand that I alone cannot achieve it. I can pray about it, meditate on it, dream about it, and truly desire it... I do in fact, but I ultimately must trust God to bring it about. It could be that many others are feeling the same as I, and at some point out there in the near future, there will be enough of us that a critical mass will occur. I don't really need to know how it will look, I just need to look for it.

My friends, I am tired of the way I give in to my lower nature and start whining when things do not go my way. I have seen enough of the "my way or the highway" mentality to know that it is a primitive mindset. I am making every effort to be consistent in my daily walk by allowing things to be what they are. This is an important effort in my way of thinking because it is a way of accepting without selling out on my dreams. I always lean into any risk for the sake of seeing my dreams come true, all the while being ok with my state of affairs right now.

I hope that makes sense, and I would love to hear your comments. Otherwise, I am just talking to myself. I already do enough of that :)

Peace to you, love for you, and accepting thoughts about you and this world. -- jb

Dawn of a New Day

2008-09-15T18:27:00.022-05:00

If you've ever had the divine luxury of being anywhere there is more sea than land, and it just so happened you got to be on the land, I'd say you were in paradise. The exquisite combination of the scented air, painted skies, and laid back pace just whispers in your ear with each passing second, "Let go, look around, allow the things that would weigh you down to serve as the very wings that carry you out of that place you've been stuck in for so long. Love this place, this place where you are, and through it begin to love yourSelf once more. Just like you did when you were a kid.

Do you remember when you were a kid?

I do, and I did a lot of crazy things when I was just a boy. My friends and I would love to see just how late we could stay up when spending the night together. These days I travel a good bit, and I have discovered that when traveling, my sleep pattern gets whacky. If you've ever found yourself out of synch with your body clock, you've possibly found yourself awake as the dawn breaks. Oh my friend, if not, grab some of your closest people and go to an island and stay awake the whole night, that very first night! I bear witness to the magic of such moments in my own life... it is utterly splendid. To be awake and alive as a new day presents itself to you in all its captivating light, provides you the opportunity to make a new day for you. If you've been stuck, you deserve a new day.

You really deserve a new day.

It is a moment like I have attempted to illustrate for you here, that I am praying and intending for my world to experience in every moment. I would like a new day where, as we are seeing the beauty in our surroundings, that beauty automatically includes the people within our view.

My world consists of you and me. We are people and even though I do not know you, I love you. For me, it is that simple. I'd be lying if I didn't admit here that I miss the mark on occasion. I love my wife more than I can describe, yet I miss the mark with her as well. So please, believe me when I tell you that I love you. I will not lie to you.

I speak of world peace sometimes as if it already exists. It can and it will when we all speak of it in unison. We are eternally, indisputably, and undeniably connected. We unknowingly believe otherwise when we view others as anything less than equal. That's pretty simple for me too. Call me simple-minded. There are days that I pray for just that :O

Well, I will leave those ramblings with you for now. I am in a quandary, and I need your help.

They say there comes a time for all of us when we must pick up and move on. I have had so many people tell me I should be using WordPress that I have finally succumbed to the pressure. I realize that I have a lot more to learn, and honestly, I will continue to post on this platform as long as the learning curve keeps me off balance at WP. It is a different world to be sure.

At the same time, I began blogging with the full intention of making it my full-time profession as well as an enjoyable way to pass the time. Do what you love, and love what you do. An old adage with all new meaning for this wild-eyed southern boy. And I want to keep these eyes open for a way to convert all my stuff, get all the coolest bling for my site, and not lose my mind or my content in the process. Whew... and did I mention not lose my mind?

I enjoy connecting with you and I appreciate all the great comments. Here's to you, and I will be waiting to see who will be the one to help me get on with "my new day."

Peace is really cool, love is the reason, thoughts about those two things alone could change the world. Think. About. It. -- jb

And The Truth Will Set You Free

2008-09-13T14:34:00.005-05:00

Why do we sometimes avoid the truth? What is it that causes us to take any route other than complete honesty? Ok, so let's be painfully, honestly straight with each other: Why do we lie?

I used to hold my stomach in when I looked at myself in the mirror. I can't explain it. It's not like I don't know the truth about my body and how it really looks. I guess that it boils down to fear.... ouch!

Well, I don't do that anymore. In fact, I have made a lot of progress with the truth that I understand about myself. And I think that that understanding has helped me to see a bigger truth about humanity in general. I will not place any blame on the media, but let's face it, they really portray an unrealistic idea of what is acceptable when it comes to how we look. Not everybody can look like those we see advertised... where would the contrast be? Ego has everything to do with that type of marketing and I for one, don't believe that it is necessary to fall for that line of doo-doo sales. It is just another example of plastic people putting out plastic concepts designed to sell something. But when we think about it, isn't it the way the world works at times?

I know people who are really great, but they have a sort of distorted perspective on honesty. And maybe I am wrong, but I also think those same people live in some type of fantasy world where they actually believe the lies they tell. Do you relate? I am not judging them, only making an observation.

Why do we ever lie?

Fear of anything can lead to an unhealthy life. If I am afraid at times I am only human, but does that make it ok to be dishonest? Not if you value those who might be hurt by that dishonesty. Wake up and smell the coffee. It isn't rocket science that one lie leads to another, and another, ad nauseum. It is down right unhealthy for the liar and the lied to. I think a healthy life is one that makes truth the only option. Telling the truth isn't difficult, but it can be difficult to accept. I have good friends who are not afraid to let me know when I am out of step with who I really am. I appreciate that. I try to do likewise for them. I think that is a healthy life between good friends. Don't you?

Try today to make honesty a priority. Even if you consider yourself completely honest, do you hold in your tummy when you look in the mirror? Trust me when I tell you that it can be very freeing to just be yourself with your Self. It also requires less energy :)

Peace and truth -- jb

Leave It Better Than You Found It

2008-09-12T17:03:00.047-05:00

Happy Friday Mom!

I have always believed that I have the ability to make something better than it was before I got involved, and I wish I could say that it is true in every case. That belief originally sprang from my need to control everything. In my controlling, I actually thought I was making improvement... oops.

Enter reality.

I know people today who have a gift for making things better with seemingly little or no effort, and I like that. In fact, as I have grown older and somewhat wiser, I have found that I can and do make some things better. I have the gift of gab, and I have the freedom to say what I want, so I normally do... thus the dawning of Jeff Baker Talks. I make no excuses for my opinions, whether I am right in someone's eyes or wrong means little to me. I never intend to offend, and I really try to be uplifting. At the same time, there are days when I lose patience with something or someone, and after much quiet restraint, I just let go and let it fly.

Do you relate?

I hope to make a case for thinking before speaking today as I am freshly reminded that even when speaking the truth, there are those who cannot and will not hear it :O

Not that I have a corner on the truth market mind you. I make plenty of mistakes, and not just with my tongue, yet I am blessed to have great friends who keep me in check. That is more than a blessing, it is the way life should be for all of us. That life assumes, of course, that I am able to make and keep friends. And it assumes that any truth spoken, is spoken in love.

Always.

I have a quick wit and a quick mouth, and believe me when I tell you that it is always better to think before speaking. Words do not have a rewind feature; they are like arrows shot from a bow and can have deadly aim. I have learned all too often the hard lesson of saying something only to regret it afterwards. My friends, this is something we should all be conscious of because the power of our words is truly underestimated.

When we think from a place of loving intent, then our words and deeds will reflect that. If not, well, you get the picture. And, that is the point of this post. Let me say for the record also, that even if you are speaking from love, the hard conversations might not go very well. That is ok, because you can rest in the peace of the effort and not regret the result of having said something difficult. Remember, you are not responsible for anyone except yourself in these conversations, so speak the truth and let the chips fall where they may.

I will leave you with a link to a remarkable blog, written by an equally remarkable lady named Wendi. She says things the way I think them. One day I will be able to write like her and that will be the day that I finally get picked up by a sponsor! That is not a pipe dream. I believe it, and it is so.

Peace for your weekend, love for your friends, and thoughts that are firmly rooted in the power of Love. -- jb

Imagine Peace Today

2008-09-11T16:41:00.009-05:00

I was reminded of our need for peace again today. I was out and about watching people like I like to do and I noticed many, not just a few, but many people wearing t-shirts commemorating the 9/11 tragedy. I am not one to suggest that we ever forget those who lost their lives, nor am I of the opinion that by wearing a shirt that reads, "We Will Never Forget," that the wearer is even connected to the events of that fateful day... except through the window of their television set.

On the other hand, what is it that we are keeping alive by remembering? Keep in mind, I live in the south, far, far away from the site of the twin towers. I have a hunch that when some of us are doing the remembering, we are actually looking for an excuse to get back at the perpetrators. I say, let it go.

I pray that I do not offend any of you by saying that. I too watched in horror as the towers fell, and I remember how I, along with my wife, just cried and cried nearly all day. It was awful... but it is in the past. It is wonderful and very healing to memorialize the dead, but at some point there needs to be an effort at forgiveness. I guess I am still jaded by those I know who can't let something go, and hold on to the past as if it were their favorite childhood toy.

I have witnessed first hand how holding on to a painful memory can lead to other painful events. I have been counseled in the past to find an image of peace that I can hold on to instead, and it works. I use this during meditation and prayer also. I don't believe that we will ever be satisfied with ourselves if we spend our energy focused on the the things that we don't like about our brothers and sisters around this beautiful globe, or down the street, or across town. I wish we had t-shirts proclaiming, "We Will Never Forget World Peace."

We are destined to have what we hope for and I am only trying to get us to think about letting a forgiving attitude be the driving force behind our hopes and our actions. Peace is still a viable option, no matter the circumstances, and I pray for our collective healing.

Here is a video I saw today that caused me to think. I share it with you in hopes that you will be touched by it's message, as I was. Namaste' --jb -- http://www.peacetodaymovie.com/

After you watch it, go here and join my blog network on Facebook. Thanks!

Hello World! I've Got Something to Say!

2008-09-10T21:40:00.019-05:00

I just started trying to use Word Press. Don't ask me why, and it's not because I don't like Blogger. I really like it a lot. It's just that I keep hearing how I can do more, and do it better or whatever. So I was playing around with it and I got tired. See, I had a tooth pulled yesterday, and it hurt so bad I am all wimpy... you know how men are. I am embarrassed to tell you that this is a copy and paste job. I humbly beg your forgiveness :-)

_______________________

My name is Jeff Baker, and I am what I refer to as a philosopher-pontificate(r)-thinker-type person. I know that may sound sort of strange, but you’ll soon see that it makes sense : )

I am here to blog about life and the experiences (most being my own) that can contribute to the better life. I am hopeful that I will soon learn the intricacies of Word Press as I am sticking with Blogger for now. I felt the easiest way to get my first post published was to try a simpler program and apparently Blogger is a lot simpler, but at the expense of some cool things. I like the stuff I see, but I haven’t figured out how to do any of it for myself yet, and even though I want to make the change, I am having a bit of a slow start. I guess I am indeed a writer and would rather do what I am passionate about, and leave the “figuring out how to do everything” to someone better suited for it like my very talented wife/editor/bestest friend in the whole-wide-worldestest, Cornelia. At the same time, this has turned out to be more fun than I ever dreamed, and I will indeed tame the monster that is Word Press… eventually. If I ever get back to it. Right now my tooth hurts :/

Until then, please check to see how I am doing. I am quite the newbie as a writer, but I’ve been told I have real potential to get discovered. I’d like to think so, and I would appreciate your honest feedback and suggestions. I have to be prepared for the critics one day, right? So it makes sense that I would want to experience all that now, and try to make them (you) fall in love with me and my writing before I am famous. Really, please be open to say whatever you like or don’t like about my stuff. I really appreciate it.

You’ll find that I write mostly about the act of exclusion, thus the reference to “them.” We all are connected to the process in some way. I don’t know about you yet, but I know I’ve been picked last, omitted from the e-mail list, ignored by friends, and even shunned by the church. It hurts. But it doesn’t have to keep hurting. We choose, and everything we experience has been given our personal seal of approval to be experienced. Think about it for a moment.

Think. About. It.

I ramble some. You’ve been warned. I cover the gamut, from connecting peace to something like a hurricane, to exclusion being a teacher, along with rock songs, forgiveness, and Alzheimer’s Disease. Experience is our greatest teacher, of course, and sharing our experiences with one another in the form of stories brings us closer together. I love to tell stories, and I love to hear great stories too. I have a passion for being around when someone says, “I get it now!” Oh, before I proceed I want to qualify the term “it.”

It is when you meet yourself again for the first time :O

More on that later, so stick around. I really hope to create dialogue and get us thinking about what we can do about the state of our world. I think we all have differing opinions about what it might look like, but in the end I believe that we will see world peace, because I am equally certain that I have to make peace before I am able to contribute to the cause of peace. Forgive. Allow. Accept. Love. Think. All I am really trying to do is get us to think. The rest will come if we want it. I would be honored if you would join me.

Peace is the way, love is here to stay, and our thoughts allow it to happen today. -– jb

How Do You See It?

2008-09-08T17:26:00.021-05:00

"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." -- Wayne Dyer

Do you believe that? I do and I can tell you that today is one of those days when I am encouraged by the truth of that statement. It feels strange to be writing this post because I am actually writing it to myself. I have been somewhat out of sorts lately, and I have to confess that I have allowed certain recent events and conversations to create within me an outright uneasiness. It crept in without my having the consciousness to detect it. Man that hurt to say. And it would be easy at this point to give myself a hard time, but I am actually ok with taking my own advice.

I realize completely that I had simply gotten lazy and lowered my vibration by falling back into some old thought habits. I finally decided enough is enough. I love myself and I love my life. I am the master of my thoughts and I hereby take charge once more and allow myself the opportunity to get over it. (Sometimes I do this daily until it sticks.) This post is as much about positive affirmations as it is a personal confession. I have discovered that the outer reflects the inner and I have stopped my "stinking thinking." The way I look at things is changing as I write because I have also discovered the healing that talking about something can bring about. I cannot blame anyone for the way I was feeling. It never helps a situation to point a finger when the other four are pointed back at me :O

I take full responsibility for me and I offer this post as a reference in action for your free consumption. Always be good to yourself and even if you begin to think something less than positive, just stop. S.T.O.P. Stop and take a moment, take three deep breaths and remember who you are. Remember what you are about. Love yourself through it and change you mental image of the situation. It isn't magic, but it works in similar fashion. Everything, and I mean everything that we see is what we choose to see. Our experiences remind us of how we are seeing things and by responding in a positive way and changing our minds, we become our own personal healer. God I am glad I did because I feel better already!

Positive thoughts and affirmations are so important during stressful times, and I cannot even adequately impart to you how much better I feel. It is good to take responsibility for ourselves. It is sometimes a good idea to take a good look at our surroundings as well. It might even become necessary to stop hanging out with the same people if those people are the source of, or a reminder of the uneasiness. It can be painful I know, but it is not selfish to take action out of respect for our own well-being. It is not easy but it is healthy and leaving behind individuals who can't get their own lives together is quite possibly the only thing we can do. They cannot be of any assistance to us when we are struggling if they can't help themselves.

Take time out right now and reflect on your personal situation. Is everything just like you want it to be? If not, is there something or someone that is making things cloudy for you? Is there a situation that you've been close to that now needs to be dealt with differently, maybe as if it were dead and buried? Is there anything better than having the power to choose?

My friend, if you have allowed someone to take your power, reclaim it Now. Stand on your own feet, hold your head high and say, "No more." Indeed, change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change. The bible refers to this as repenting. My Christian friends who don't do their own due diligence, and instead rely on preachers to define terms like this may not like the connection, but look it up for yourself. Oh never mind... here is the truth about the term "repent" in the exact way Christ used it, borrowed from our friends at wikipedia -- "The Greek term for repentance, metanoia, denotes a change of mind, a reorientation, a fundamental transformation of outlook, of man's vision of the world and of himself, and a new way of loving others and God."

It feels good to look at things through our own eyes, clear and bright, with no clouds in view.

Now on a personal note, remember that Jesus, Emmanuel, the Christ was always positive in his perspective. He even saw the good in those who were in the process of killing him. "Putting on the mind of Christ" means just that. He never judged, lest he be judged. Think before you refer to that Mind. Don't speak about it unless you know something about it. If It is in you, you will have no difficulty seeing the world you wish to see. Then maybe you can find the peace that seems to elude you. Thanks, Jeff. I really needed to hear that :-)

"I can see clearly now, the rain is gone. I can see all obstacles in my way. Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind. It's gonna be bright, bright, sun-shiny day." -- Johnny Nash

That's an old song, but man, that's good stuff!

Peace is the only way. Create some today. It will help you see better. -- jb

What Are You So Afraid Of?

2008-09-06T09:56:00.015-05:00

I was driving around town yesterday and my mind began to wander towards an issue I've been dealing with and I felt it... that unmistakable twist in my gut, and I instantly knew I was going down the wrong road. Do you relate?

Sometimes we can fall prey to this attack without even knowing it, and before we have a chance to react, we have already made life miserable for others. Today, I am much better because I was able to recognize that deeply internal, egoic effort working at keeping me in a place of uncertainty, which invariably was just another face of fear. So what did I do? I corrected my thinking to reflect the truth of my situation and observed in amazement (once more) how quickly my true feelings about me and my future emerged.

Fear. What a persistently sneaky and insidious illusion. One possessing the potential of destroying everything in its path. Much like the storms of recent weeks down here in my neck of the woods, fear is only as strong as the conditions involved will allow it to be. Considering the indisputable fact that I created those perfect conditions, I just took control of the elements and decided that I was not afraid... and so it is.

These days are seemingly filled with elements that lend themselves to unnecessary confusion, hurt, and pain. There are unprecedented numbers of individuals bent on projecting their fears into the lives of those around them. Remember that old adage "Misery loves company"? Well, it may be a fact, but I am not miserable and I still love company. I love the company of friends that are traversing this beautiful, yet unpredictable path along with me. Constantly supportive, undying in their commitment to me, they are responsible for coming to my rescue when I am unclear or cloudy... or when someone is out to get me... lol.

If you, my friend, ever find yourself dealing with people who seem intent on making your life or the lives of those closest to you miserable, make the choice today to put distance between you and them. Keep in mind that they are lost in their own confusion, and there is no benefit for anyone involved if you just keep putting up with meanness and judgement when there are healthy alternatives :)

You see, we are not alone. We are never alone, and we are in this thing together. Loving these poor souls is the right choice... just do it from a happier place and leave them alone to their private war all by themselves. Eventually they may even wake up and discover for themselves how fear has nullified their potential for good. Offer them peace in your prayers and meditation, but do not allow yourself to be the victim. Again, it is your choice.

Choose to love them and watch their power over you dissolve into thin air. Love them and you can rest your mind about them and get on with living your life the way it is intended to be lived. Free of judgement; free of conflicting emotions, free of fear. Who knows? If enough of us will just let it be, your former "victimizers" might come to the awareness that they have no power over you anymore and they will quietly go their own way.

May you never be afraid, may you always feel loved and accepted, and may you know that no one can make you into a victim. Only you have that power.

Peace -- jb

I See a World...

2008-09-04T09:30:00.007-05:00

i see a land of peace
no. i'm not alone
for the eye that sees
is the I that has won
if we want it to be
then our work's almost done
it's the wanting, you see
that will make us all one
i see a world with no lies
only love remains
of course nobody cries
just the sweet scent of rain
falling free on us all
living in peace
is my dream
it's my destiny's call
this world is so real
lying just beyond the veil
so long concealed
yet i'm lost in its spell
envision with me
if only for today
people coming together
with peace as their way
i see this place
as sure i know
that love will erase
all memory of foe
beauty and honor
respect, love, and cheer
if you truly believe
then it's already here
i may be a fool
and this i am sure
will not be the last time
i dip my tongue in the pool
of a love that will last
my vision so near
just want it with me
please, just want it with me

see. now it is here

let it be
that my hope
is not lost on you now
for if our hearts can see it

then peace is here... right now

Namaste' -- jb

Thoughts Become Things

2008-09-01T14:24:00.008-05:00

I have been enjoying my holiday today, and I have spent a large portion of it reading my favorite bloggers. I discovered a few new ones today, so I have been inspired to write about how our thoughts become things. Thanks to the brilliant insights of Robin, I was reminded of the importance of really being aware of my thinking.

I often speak about world peace. It is my loftiest dream and seemingly the most futile. At the same time, I recognize the fact that I alone do not have the power of mind to single-handedly create world peace. I like to think I can do anything... but for today, I humbly admit that world peace is a collective effort. So what are we waiting for?

Maybe the term "waiting" is a little off the mark, but sometimes the things I desire most tend to take a little while before showing up. Have you noticed? Actually, there are also times when I think something and for whatever reason, poof! -- there it is. These events, however, are usually related to parking spaces :-)

So, as I was thinking about thinking, I was reminded of a term used by Esther Hicks when discussing the delayed manifestation of a given desire. She calls this effect "the buffer of time." What she is describing is the space between the thought and the thought becoming the thing. Stay with me here, this is good stuff.

This idea really helps me to have patience, and it is rather beneficial to us as humans at this juncture in our evolution when you stop to think about it. (It will be interesting to read this back and count the number of times I use the word think.) When I think something, or wish for, or pray for anything, there is the reality that we exist within the spacetime continuum. It can make me nuts when I have to wait for the money or the phone call or the lottery results, and I am ok with that. The truth is, I understand the benefit of the delay between the thought and the thought becoming the thing. I'm sure none of us would like the hateful thought we had toward our friend or spouse to immediately become reality, would we?

If I have the power of mind to push my thought beyond time and space but my thought isn't pure, I am in trouble. Do you get my drift? I am thankful that I don't get instant results with each thought. At the same time, that awareness aids me in becoming the master of my thoughts. I can't always control my thoughts and that is not really my aim as much as it is to improve my thoughts... especially my thoughts about others. I don't want to inflict pain on someone by thinking something about them that could, in fact, do just that. I want to think good thoughts about everyone. It is a goal, not a reality so let me be blunt.

Watch what you're thinking! There will come a day when we will collectively possess the power to create anything we want, just by thinking it. We are in this physical plane of existence to work that fact out in our minds now in order to improve the state of our world later. If we all truly wanted world peace, we would already have it in our present reality. The fact that we do not, speaks to the way many of us think. I actually know people who are "praying" for the end of the world. Ouch! Sort of shortsighted if you are actually praying for the end of the world. Maybe you should concentrate on what is happening in your world if you're so ready to pop out. I like it here, and I know my work is not done.

May you monitor your thoughts lovingly, without judgement. May you reflect on your thinking and simply improve the thought that you are not pleased with, again without judgement. And may you come to understand that what you think about others, even though they may not be aware that you are thinking of them, must become a thought created in love. It will help me in my quest to see this world enveloped in peace, and it will help you in creating thoughts that become good things.

Peace in your world, love in your life, and pure thoughts in your mind. -- jb

I would like to hear what you think about thinking, so comment below and let's get the peace train rolling. Thanks for reading. Now you can join my blog network on Facebook

Resubmission and revised version of the original - Part 2

2008-08-30T08:17:00.007-05:00

This is yet another extension of the original post which was submitted earlier this month. The first extension of it is here if you want to catch up with me. In order to keep growing, I like to revisit my thoughts and see if I am getting anywhere :)
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Funny coincidence that we just returned from New York. My wife and I love to travel and we even have many opportunities to travel with our work. This was a business trip that caused me to miss two days of posting :/ and, at the same time, gave me inspiration to live out my blog. I love the way things can become synchronized for us when we sincerely seek out the good in this wonderful life we get to live. Have you ever noticed the messages that are being sent to you through unusual avenues?

I have been reading lately about the 11:11 "phenomenon." I use the term a little loosely because it isn't really any kind of special or supernatural event to see the clock reading a particular time. Think about it. When you bought your last car, did you suddenly notice all of the identical models that began mysteriously appearing on the roads? How about the new outfit or the new hairstyle? I want to get you to understand that we are always going to see what we are looking for.

I have days when the clock talks to me to be sure. I am really into synchronicity. I also have come to understand that this is just a very small example of being in tune with what is going on around me. Awareness is the key. I think that when we begin to experience anything that causes us to pause and take note, what is actually happening is the fine tuning required of us in order to advance our ability to see.

Stop. Look. Listen. The Creator is always communicating with creation. I may not have the honor of seeing my son everyday but I see him in my spirit and I know that it is because we are tuned in to each other. I am communicating my love for him having never spoken a word. I am in synch with Brandon because he is my "creation" -- if you get my meaning.

Today, I am being constantly reminded of God's love for me by the things that are coming into my line of sight. I am looking for that communication because of the positive impact it has on me... especially during those times when I really need it. I know that I am not alone. I am never alone. I know it. Do you?

May you have eyes to see what you are looking for, and may what you are looking for provide you with everything you need to help others see more clearly. They are our responsibility as well. May you come to know and believe that the communicating that takes place in your private world is, by design, God talking directly to you. May you come to understand that if a clock is talking to you, you are in synch! And that means all is well. So...

Get up, get out, and get on with your life and your synchronization. Know that you are not alone and know that God is really pulling for you. So am I. Peace -- jb

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Forgiveness

2008-08-26T08:57:00.008-05:00

My friends, I am about to try and make a case for forgiveness being the single most important choice we can make in the cause for peace. I am speaking, of course, from my personal experience and years of observation, both outwardly and inwardly. It takes both you see, and what I have come to believe about forgiveness is that without it we cannot heal, and healing is what the world needs. Allow me to elaborate:

If I truly desire peace for myself, and all others as well, I am forced to confront my relationship with my self first. I can't lie to myself and simultaneously be honest with you. It just doesn't work that way. Furthermore, if I want peace for others, I must choose to be peace. In choosing to be peace, I am now confronted with my relationship with my brothers and sisters.

When I take time to heal by forgiving myself first and making peace with myself, I open up my true self to reconciliation with everything that is. I am in a better position to offer peace when I know what it looks like, and self forgiveness leads me to that awareness.

There exists quite an exquisite mystery for me in that, I want to be a teacher of peace yet I am discovering that, in the process, I am actually learning to be peace. As I learn more about peace, I gain a higher understanding of how it applies to the healing process. I can say I want peace, but my choices will indicate my level of commitment to it. When I make forgiveness of others a priority, I avoid the unnecessary delay in reaching peace between us.

Think of those who, for you, represent an opportunity for healing. Decide to offer forgiveness if it is needed and watch the healing begin. Don't have expectations of what the one you forgive will do in response. That is of less importance than for you to reach out in love. I am convinced that we will find true peace by making peace with ourselves, and by forgiving instead of resenting, we make it easier for others to realize their own peace. In this exercise we allow healing for us all.

Namaste' -- jb

2008 Summer Olympics

2008-08-25T15:25:00.005-05:00

I watched part of the closing ceremony last night for the 2008 Summer Olympics that took place in Beijing. I was completely blown away by the beauty and grace of what I beheld. That imagery was encapsulated in a moment for me that I will hold on to forever. There were other moments that held me spellbound as well, and in general, I came away with a renewed feeling of hope for what I believe is inevitable -- world peace.

One of the commentators spoke of it at the close of the broadcast and he said it so well, it led to this post. The sheer magnitude of what the Olympics can offer the world in terms of an idea of what world peace can look like is compelling. Just think about the diversity represented during the past two weeks and the ways our various nations and cultures integrated into a collective model of humanity. Where have we ever been presented with such an exemplary case study in successful human relations?

I don't know about you, but I am convinced that the world is a better place than we see represented on television news shows. I know the world is not a happy place for some of us and my optimism is not some misguided attempt at making an argument with anyone about the state of the world. I just feel good about our prospects in spite of what some may say.

Call me crazy and I might just agree with you. Most, if not all, of the people down through history who ever spoke of world peace as a real possibility were called crazy... or they were killed. We, as humans, sometimes do act crazy, but I feel that the craziness is in believing that peace is impossible. Nothing is impossible and I expect that we will all be one step closer to real peace once we see the possibility of it.

What I witnessed during this recent Olympic event was only possible because people believed that it could be done. So many people, so many venues, so much logistical preparation, so much effort by so many... it was something that I will always remember. So many individuals committed to the vision of the larger purpose. Wow.

If we were to decide to commit to the larger purpose, in cooperation with what God is already doing, that purpose being the creation of a planet filled with love, the world as we know it today would change "in the blink of an eye." It doesn't take a high-profile hero like Michael Phelps to create the change, it takes regular everyday heroes like you and me.

The world needs more heroes. Decide to be one today.

Peace -- jb

Power Outage

2008-08-24T10:43:00.016-05:00

Last night as the full effects of Tropical Storm Fay literally inched closer to our home, we found ourselves facing ever increasing torrential rain and strong, gusty winds. My wife and I were just hanging at the house watching all of it when suddenly everything went black. We live outside the city and even with the electricity running in normal fashion, it is very dark at night. Last night it was as black as crude oil. So black was this kind of darkness, in fact, that it was dangerous to try and walk around in our own home for fear of tripping.

We like to think we're pretty prepared for things. We got out a flashlight, turned on the weather radio, located some candles, and provided our own light. It was adequate for seeing where we were going, but the amount of light necessary for normal function was not available to us. It seemed that no matter how many candles we lit, we were still short on the amount of light we desired. Hmmm, I smell a ramble.

As I sit here now in reflection, which is my favorite thing about Sunday mornings, I am conscious of an analogy regarding light and dark and how the two play into our daily lives. I should add that for me there is no such thing as actual darkness. It is simply the absence of light. How's that for eternal optimism? I am also fairly certain that scientists concur with that statement. :) And when I refer to light, I don't necessarily mean physical light, although we certainly depend on it to see. What I'm really talking about is the kind of light required to see what is really happening.

I am on the other side of a very difficult event which culminated late this week with what I felt would be a wave of relief. Instead, I have sensed a subtle difference between the feeling of relief I expected and what I am actually feeling, which seems to simply be a strong connection with appreciation. It really took until last night for all of that to sink in. Up to that point, I still struggled with some of the remnant emotions related to that event and the impact all of the uncertainty has had on me. I have been looking for things in my life for which appreciation has not been the operative word, and I am finding the process very healing. On a personal note, I am especially appreciative of our dear friends the Johnsons. They know me and they have always been here for me. They allowed me to further my processing this weekend without judgement, and it has played an important role in my getting my head out of my rear end. Thanks guys! You are both good and true; two very needed elements in today's world. These two qualities alone, when uncovered in an individual, constitute a strong foundation for the act of light bearing.

For me, it has become inescapably true that being in the light is good for me. I am honored to be a light bearer when it is my duty to do so, but I am at the same time a willing and hungry soul longing for that kind of light to be poured into and all over me. I never want to be in the dark although it would seem that it is sometimes unavoidable. I like being able to see. I want to really see what is really happening, and I have discovered that seeing is only possible when there is sufficient light. :O

There are many among us living in a sort of darkness that restricts our ability to see. It is disturbing to watch. Sometimes we are not successful in sharing love and light in these situations. This shadow is so overwhelming for some of us that it has the the potential of reaching a point of becoming almost debilitating. We are all responsible for our neighbors, and when we encounter these specific souls, it is imperative that we do all we can to share our selves with them. Lift up your head and look around. It is a beautiful world filled with beautiful people... our extended family, and we are all connected to each other whether we choose to believe it or not. We are truly living in the light when we recognize and see our brothers and sisters as we look into the eyes of those whom we meet in our everydayness. Give yourself away today. I mean it! No hidden price tag connected with just giving yourself away as completely as you can to the one you see who needs it. There is no greater gift than to give your life away in service to another. Your love, your money, your time -- your life.

Peace for the heart of your Sunday, love for the fuel of your mind, no thoughts of self, only for "them" and begin to see your Spirit soar ;-) jb Join my blog network on Facebook

Now what?

2008-08-21T17:03:00.012-05:00

Have you ever reached your goal and then didn't know what to do next? Or, have you ever made it through an extremely tough situation only to find yourself unsure of what you will do "now"? Most of us have come to that place where we are just uncertain of the next step and it is during these times that, if we're looking, we can discover a freedom of sorts to do, well... nothing.

I'm not suggesting that this nothing last forever, or even a day or a week. I am just saying that when you get to a point and there is no clear directive, it is ok to just sit and be. Of course, you can stand, jump, lie down, or whatever, but there is no requirement to have the next thing already figured out.

I have said over and over that we are not alone. We never go through anything alone, even when there is no other physical "person" with us. And I have come to understand the quiet that comes after some major happening in my life to mean that I can feel free to do nothing. It is like a reward of sorts. I find that I am not alone when I am really still. Do you know what I mean? Have you ever been still?

Reminisce with me. Close your eyes and go back to a time in your life when it felt really good to do nothing. Sometimes our imagination is a little tired so if you're not into mind exercises, may I suggest the following: You're just a kid, it's late autumn, the leaves in the trees are screaming for you to take notice, the smell of crisp, perfect air is all around, the bluest skies ever painted are suspended perfectly between heaven and earth just for you, laughter's in the background and your team just won, or the wedding is over, or the funeral complete. It's Saturday afternoon and you're tired. You really could use a break from everything... no one quite understands how you feel about the scene that just went down and for the strangest reason, for the first time in your life you're at a loss for words; you can't even explain it. On and on and on and on and on... your mind just wrestles with the issues and you suddenly just give up. There's nothing to do but do nothing. I know of no one that cannot relate in some way to the feeling. It is universal. It is the signal we need to hear. It is the still small voice that is always trustworthy whispering to us to "Just be still."

I guess what I am meaning here is that our emotional guidance system is operating under extreme pressure to keep us balanced out during stressful or exciting times and refueling is only natural. I used to be a workaholic and I could never justify "downtime." That was for people who had less than enough drive or whose goals were not set high enough. I see now that I was not clear on the whole "sabbath" idea.

Watch out now, I'm not going "churchy" (is that even a word?) on you, but God knew what was needed when the weekend was created. This post is ultimately about personal balance, and I feel very strongly that many of us are not being kind to ourselves and allowing time for nothing to have real meaning in our lives. We are always going about doing something. It seems that we have difficulty being comfortable with stillness. The term "just be still" seems impossible.

Just. Be. Still. Only three words, but quite possibly three of the hardest words to honestly use when describing how we deal with stress. Why do we feel stressed anyway? In general we are just too busy and we fail to make downtime a priority. Guilt can keep us from ever exploring the quiet that always exists in the music that lies underneath the everyday sounds that have constantly distracted us, so effortlessly, for so long. We can experience a peace beyond description just by stopping the routine and intentionally choosing to be still. Quiet. Alone.

Three deep breaths and an image of peace in your mind everyday for only a few minutes can yield for you a real purpose for quiet, as it disrupts the everydayness that can become your existence. Reflect. Contemplate. Pray. Imagine your best days that are just ahead of you. Do something that feels especially good but... be still. Be quiet in your own private heaven for as long as you are willing and you will thank me later. ;-)

Peace is the way, and the sooner we agree, the sooner we can all heal. I'm ready. -- jb