As I sit at my computer and sip my morning Ghirardelli's hot cocoa I ponder the words of Robert Burns "An honest man's the noblest work of God" 

Work for that honesty within ourselves and we make the world a more noble place to live in. It also makes it easier to live with ourselves.

It was a wonderful day at the Springfield Womens' Expo yesterday.  What a diverse variety of women in our neighborhood. It's amazing the unique looks and differences we all share.  To me this is the beauty of life, sharing our unique qualities with one another. If we we focus only on what a relationship should be, instead of enjoying those unique things that make our spouse and relationship different, we are loosing out..

When something really bothers me (like when my husband mispronounces a word and it grates against my core)  I like to think two things.... "am I so perfect?" and ... "what would I feel if he weren't here?" Every time to my first question it's a resounding "I must be driving him crazy" and the when my heart is softened I think " I'd miss those misspoken words, his country boy charm."  So, think first before you scream a "don't do that"  It might be what you'd miss most if they weren't around.

The Poor Mans Copy

Brittany loves to schedule.  Knowing that in this amount of time, this particular project should be done.  The difficulty with this is things always take longer than expected.   Especially when trying to create something of beauty.  We're working on clouds of the chapel ceiling.  I could go back and back, tweaking, changing, trying to perfect, can anything compare to the beauty of Gods creation?  We try to imitate, but many times it feels like a poor mans copy.  None the less we do it in hopes of something to inspire.

So it is with relationships.  They take more time than we have scheduled in.  A weekly date night is important to keep the romance alive.  Ours usually consists of Thai or  Mexican dinner and a quick round at Lowes to pick up extras we'll need for the next day.  You don't have to exclude your work, just make it a fun part of the process.  By continually working on that relationship, little by little  you have something that  truly inspires, even you.

To Goal or not to Goal?

I read recently in a column by Kevin Davis about the difference between goals and intentions.  It got me thinking.  I never had a goal to build a castle and yet my intentions were to build a castle from early childhood.  I sat near the barbecue in the back yard and would scavenge bricks to build enormous rambling homes with room for 24 children. (I guess I always dreamed big)

It's curious sometimes it's easier to accomplish something when we let the subconscious do the work without getting in our own way.  Don't get me wrong I like goals.  But there is an attachment to them and a deep hurt if we fail.  So my goal is to work on my intentions!  Ha! (LOL for those of you that don't know what Ha, Ha means)

So the sum of this is, in relationships don't have the goal to be good, make it your continual intention.  Soften your heart to remember your spouse has the best intentions for you also.  Even if they do not always manifest themselves that way.  When we let our heart follow the intentions of our heart we become better people (If those intentions are good).  We become what our intentions are.  So the best advice ever given to me by my loving mother "watch your intentions, "

Truth with Self

There are things we do in life when we never know what the outcome will be.  We hope, pray, fast and ask for divine intervention in those things that matter most, such as finding a spouse.

In keeping up a  blog, it is less difficult and  less critical.  It still takes patience and  persistence.

Yet as with all things we endeavor, our desire is to do well and hope that others may appreciate our efforts or that those efforts will be of some value to another. 
If it seem the value is only for oneself, though disappointing, make the most of it.  We each develop skills and relationships in our own way. I like Galileo when he stated "All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered, the point is to discover them."

And so it is with life and relationships especially the relationship we have with ourselves.  As we discover the truths of our existence we are better prepared to make our contribution to society and family.,

Check out History

If we want to see where we are going, look to the past.  It seems the human family is very predictable. In politics power corrupts, That is why the constitution of the United States is so unique and has done so much for the freedoms and liberties of all mankind. (Sadly we see it being corrupted by the desire for power, something the  founding fathers abhorred).

As one small person in this grand design of life, we each are responsible to those we care about, not to usurp undue power.  As parents, a spouse, a child, a character in the community or in the world, we need to be sensitive to the needs of others.  This does not mean taking from one who has more and giving to another who has less (that  act enslaves us and takes our freedoms).  Ask any child if that is fair, they will tell you emphatically "no".  But sharing is another thing.  If we can create in our own hearts the tender feelings of concern for another, we then voluntarily take care of those needs.  That is the big Secret.... LOVE.  When we truly care we do whatever we can to help another. LOVE is the KEY to open the door to the tragedies of the world.

In every family we should make the decision to love first, love always. It's a voluntary act that reaps world benefits.

Heavenly Voices!

Three young men with amazing voices blended perfectly on the stage in the chapel as they were filmed by Justin Cardoza for their newest single,
"Worth. "

They have such a sweet unity of tone that everyone in the room remained still, we were all awed, not only by their voices but by the acoustics which transformed it to a spiritual experience.  I do hope they will return to sing at the castle for an audience one day.

We wish "After Daybreak"  the best in their musical journey and a receptive audience wherever they appear. That they, through their music , will touch peoples hearts as it did ours. 

Also, what a treat to work with such a young and professional film team.  With their sincere desire to create the best possible music video they asked Bob to run the lift out in front  of the castle where they could film from above.  I can hardly wait to see the rough and finished cut from these young enthusiastic professionals.


This photo doesn't do After Daybreak justice, it was a quick snap (I didn't want to interrupt the filming) We'll link the song when we get it so you too can enjoy their talents.

Why is it we continue to look at problems in our life from only one angle.  Sometimes a change of perspective is all  we need to clarify or help us understand that things aren't as bad as they seem.

As I walk the perimeter of the castle I get a sense of perspectives and how they change what we find important and how we choose to look at our situation.

Always walk the perimeter of a problem, in life and relationships, before delving in to fix it.  Sometimes the view will help you think differently..

Same day different view.  Some times a walk out in the beauty of nature can clear our minds and help us see a new beginning, a new way to fix what  might not be a problem at all, but an opportunity.

Walk briskly, watch keenly, and enjoy the journey.

We all know the loyalty of our pet.  They would die in our protection, they are a constant reminder of forgiveness and joyfully accepting any small token of affection.

I often wonder if I'm as good to my spouse as I am to my pet.  The pet gives an unconditional love...  and so it's easy to give that back.  

I find that more difficult with another human being.  Perhaps because they too are judging.  None the less,  if I look for the child like qualities in  my spouse and wonder why he whispers while walking away (instead of immediately blowing up), then look for those things that endear instead of frustrate, I have a much better relationship daily. 
Don't we all want someone to adore us?  Then give that undying love and see what comes back.

When I look at the creation in all its majestic beauty, it fills me with the desire to always do my best..  It is amazing to watch children grow and their unending desire to do better. 

As we work on the castle, I try to improve my skill in what ever I am doing.  It  often is in simply overcoming my  fears (like moving the lift).  But when I gaze into heavens I am filled with a gratitude then doubt flies as I reach to expand my limits.

A relationship if treated with that same care will turn into a treasure more valuable than the wealth of King Solomon.  It is a living entity which must be nourished.  Our hearts should be  filled with gratitude for your spouse. It seems the only thing I am consistent at is my inconsistency, and my sincere desire to try again.

I was listening yesterday to The Spoken Word, in which he talked of the curiosity of a child.  What happens to that curiosity?  Do we think now we are adults we  know everything?  A virtual impossibility. Can we ever stop learning? 

Relationships are probably one of the most significant things we need to learn more of and show more consideration to.  Love is in the details, just as is building a castle.  What kind of love story do you want to create?  A castle of beauty or a shack with holes and wind blowing through?  Last line, love is what you work to make it become, every single day.