tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79985141086326869262024-03-14T02:13:53.278-07:00Wind in our HeartThe wanderings of a sometimes wise and foolish wizardGary Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885933304330451812noreply@blogger.comBlogger227125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998514108632686926.post-83224021528687211642023-11-27T09:13:00.000-08:002023-11-27T09:13:31.486-08:00I'm Sorry<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZfyhcIw9Pk6NhQ1fqOOv0Bu2SG5wqasclDBBd2FLJG_-ZRWzeK_cyJhQdFS3QvDwDB4c9fUlXOTEK-6urkRGFeoGTdH4OCRF78CbjP2XEZJqoz4d0sL84Ct6LzA7ApWAGjzlegGXsB5fbW_sLjJp0owA8WwujwXHYLva5CWBXH-gU-9DRIGmNQ0oYo7m/s474/coyote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="474" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZfyhcIw9Pk6NhQ1fqOOv0Bu2SG5wqasclDBBd2FLJG_-ZRWzeK_cyJhQdFS3QvDwDB4c9fUlXOTEK-6urkRGFeoGTdH4OCRF78CbjP2XEZJqoz4d0sL84Ct6LzA7ApWAGjzlegGXsB5fbW_sLjJp0owA8WwujwXHYLva5CWBXH-gU-9DRIGmNQ0oYo7m/s320/coyote.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I’m Sorry<br /> <br /> Fall is here with Winter just around the corner. The harvest festival in Boulder was calling so we headed east on highway 12 to enjoy the day with friends and food.<br />Leaving the city a coyote leaped out in front of my truck from the sagebrush next to the road. There was nothing I could do to avoid her and instantly it was dead with the thump, thump of the tires over her helpless body.<br /> I have been driving most of my life and in that time I have never had that kind of experience with a coyote. Sure I’ve hit rabbits, they play a kind of game where they try to run across the road just as you get close to them, especially around the full moon. I will try and avoid them if possible, but my credo is maneuver if possible but never swerve out of control and cause an accident.<br /> Some years ago when I moved back to Escalante I was cresting the Blues and heading down through the Upper Valley when I hit a small hawk, I stopped and picked up the bird and brought it back with me. I placed it under a new bush that I was planting to honor it for its life force.<br /> When ever I have an unfortunate encounter with an animal or fowl I look around me to try and see a connection between me and the animal. Sometimes I get an immediate connection because of something that is going on in my life and sometimes I get nothing. I have a book called Animal Speaks that can give me clues from a traditional Native American view. I know from past reading that a coyote is compared to a trickster, but after reviewing the reference again I found that magic is associated with the coyote, much like the raven they both connect with creator, teacher, hidden wisdom and keeper of magic. Both remind us not to become too serious and that anything is possible. If nothing seems to resonate with me I set it on a shelf and wait for more to come at a later time.<br /> I thought about the coyote and wondered if I was part of the coyote path, had this animal being wanted to pass on over the great veil? Was I participating in a greater scene that was unfolding? Or am I taking life too serious? <br /> The past few years have impacted all of us in ways that are still unfolding. I did get caught up in the politics of life and spent too much time worrying about things that I could do nothing about. I am resolving to focus on things that are closer to home, on things that I can do something about, staying positive and being happy.<br /> In my meditation this morning I am connecting with you Coyote and all of life … I am sorry, please forgive me, I love you, thank you.<br /><p></p>Gary Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885933304330451812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998514108632686926.post-86119437535578011702023-11-22T14:24:00.000-08:002023-11-22T14:24:07.072-08:00Little farm house on the hill<p> Visitors</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcPQVrYjKYIVnW0114PuHs8EJLJdZmCe7yvyzrc4otuDYIQ3HaTsaNYiZbm8NVbJzTcMaT-YGf7DhNFcLqv6TKe0NgzIFbvGlG8cmX_YV02dmAxZ5mtfJhrWEH39sed9x4USKDPsCoxL__ltbqJzoVx6NIkXXJ_VaC3LZGWhKcOvF2AcetzBWWfNPnrUb/s600/medicine%20wheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcPQVrYjKYIVnW0114PuHs8EJLJdZmCe7yvyzrc4otuDYIQ3HaTsaNYiZbm8NVbJzTcMaT-YGf7DhNFcLqv6TKe0NgzIFbvGlG8cmX_YV02dmAxZ5mtfJhrWEH39sed9x4USKDPsCoxL__ltbqJzoVx6NIkXXJ_VaC3LZGWhKcOvF2AcetzBWWfNPnrUb/s320/medicine%20wheel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /> A number of years ago I lived in a little farm house outside of Wathena, Kansas, It was built sometime before the civil war. The property had 400 acres attached to it. The owner of the property had turned most of the acres into native grass land as the government was paying him not to farm.<br /> It was summer and the rolling hills of the land was blessed with deer and wild life. I wondered over those acres not knowing anything about the tiny insects or creatures that lived in the grass under foot. It wasn’t until I started itching that I noticed the little red bumps on my legs. The locals knew that when you go into the woods you always change your clothes and wear clean clothes the next day. Chiggers as I found out had blessed my walk that day and for several weeks they reminded me never to walk without spraying or changing my clothes after. I bought an old riding lawn mower and decided to mow a path around the property so that the little critters would be less of a problem. <br /> The path ended up being about 2 miles long and each week I would mow the path. One day as I was mowing the path I noticed on top of the hill a circle of grass that was different than the rest of the surrounding grass… I had an idea. I had been studying Native American medicine wheels and decided to make my own.<br />I got a string and a stake and found the center of the circle, I tied the string to the stake and extended it to the outer part of the circle and mowed a circle around the grass. I then made two more circles each smaller than the last until I finished at the center. The overall size was about 50 feet in diameter. I marked each of the compass points with a stick and a rock corresponding to the colors red, yellow, black and white. I gathered items that represented each direction, water, air, earth and fire and placed them at the cardinal points of my circle.<br /> At sunset this was a perfect place to observe nature and the beauty of the green rolling hills. <br /> My friend John was visiting one day and asked if he could walk out and see my medicine wheel, several hours later he came back with a story that made the hairs on my arms stand up. He said as he approached the circle that there were already people there. They looked like they were doing ceremony, he watched them and they looked at him and acknowledged his prescience. John was gifted with an ability to see beyond this 3D realm and said that these visitors were using “my” medicine wheel to pray. I have often wondered why I felt to make that circle or why nature seemed to talk to me as I entered that land. <br /> I had many spiritual experiences living on that old farm. The Ancestors also knew the sacredness of that area, I was just the latest occupant in this timeline.<br /> Over the years I have had the blessing of learning many lessons that nature teaches when we walk among the spirits of the land. <br /> We as humans only have the ability to see less than .0005 per cent of the universe around us, maybe less. Animals such as cats will seemingly stare at objects in the room that we can’t see. The dog’s ability to smell is many times greater than ours so why do we humans think that if it can’t be seen then it does’t exist? <br /> Let yourself drift into a mode of silence and close all your browsers, it is there we find a world of the unseen and unheard and the whole of the universe will open to us. The possibilities are unlimited as to the scope of our learning understanding. <br /> Too many have opted for blinders to block the unpleasantness of life, worse still are the hoards rushing to put virtual reality googles on to live in someone else’s fantasy world where we find ourselves fighting someone else’s battle. The rush of adrenaline and dopamines is addictive and it can take over our life with addiction.<br /> We are eternal beings living in a temporary world where fantasy and illusion can trap you in a dungeon of your own making. Make choices that will enhance your life and bring joy and happiness, it is ultimately up to you.<br /> What adventures lie on top of your hill waiting for you to discover? Life is short, I recently put in my order to the Universe that I want at least another 50 years, after all … I want to see how this all ends up. <br /> The longer I live the more I want to open the universe’s secrets just waiting to be discovered.<p></p>Gary Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885933304330451812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998514108632686926.post-88821342243526397562021-05-27T08:56:00.001-07:002021-05-27T08:56:21.724-07:00Plastic Flowers<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-jVF4s4ivu31sZ7fNUu8zZLM8cQDDYojeOTZAuzL-eek4XSrK5wkROoALRfu8qtm15VOE1CznuDkvOBE2kjgo6M9_78CijlhypTEfPuXYlQ3sYBgjU6Zpso0i302Ik_t6dYOhhyphenhyphenw8yUm/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-jVF4s4ivu31sZ7fNUu8zZLM8cQDDYojeOTZAuzL-eek4XSrK5wkROoALRfu8qtm15VOE1CznuDkvOBE2kjgo6M9_78CijlhypTEfPuXYlQ3sYBgjU6Zpso0i302Ik_t6dYOhhyphenhyphenw8yUm/" width="240" /></a></div> I talked with an old friend of mine today, we chatted and reflected on old memories, caught up on the current happenings and enjoyed the morning sunshine. While I am sipping coffee, I am reminded that many of my conversations these days are with people that I haven’t seen for awhile. How are the chickens? The garden? How about the water this year? Are you going to get some more firewood? I see you have a new fishing boat. How are the fish bitting?<br /> This weekend is memorial day celebration and so far I have already met with several old and departed friends and family. I’m not sure why I have been sensitized to these kind of conversations but I recognize the opportunity and engage. <br /> A couple of weeks ago I traveled to Sacramento to attend a memorial for someone that I didn’t know, this was an army buddy of my father in law. He was a commander in the Viet Nam war and made a difference in the lives of those who knew him. I got to know him through his family. But my personal conversations with him added so much more color and richness. I wished that I had known him in this life. His family felt like my family and I am sad that we live so far apart in this life.<br /> My ancestors often drop in, they look at the latest improvements that I have added and we recollect memories. <br /> Strangers often drop in that I don’t know. They can’t connect with family directly so they communicate with me. Perhaps the line is busy when they try to call upon family, I do my best to pass along the message.<br /> Reflections and memories are often tied to departed souls that are in other dimensions. <br /> It is not unusual for me to have a memory, a face or a thought pop into my mind that causes me to reflect. <br /> Too many people these days are tied to their electronics. They have tuned out the real sources of information and inspiration. <br /> We have been programed by media, politics and social programs. Religion and schools form much of our knowledge base. Much of what we learned has to be unlearned and corrected. My bank of knowledge is often challenged by new information.<br /> It is so important to reflect and ponder. <br /> Quiet time is something that we deny ourselves because we are so busy with what we term essential.<br /> The internet has cheated us out of a far more interesting and enriching opportunity to tune in to the real internet of knowledge.<br /> Teaching is best done by example. <br /> Turn off distractions and tune in to your own inner internet guidance.<br /> Most people here in Escalante go out to the cemetery and decorate the graves with plastic flowers. The boxes come out of the closet and flowers are carefully placed on the graves of the ancestors and family members. Sometimes we don’t always get our same flowers back and in about a week the boxes come back and the flowers are carefully packed and forgotten till next year.<br /> This year do your self a favor and have a conversation with someone who is still very close, they watch over you, are interested in you and your life. <br /> How often have these guides protected us from our folly’s and foolish activities? <br /> How many times have our lives been saved by unseen forces?<br /> Give them the gratitude that they deserve, they in turns will let you know how much they love you, and if the tears flow … that is them wrapping their arms around you.Plastic flowers<br /> <br /><p></p>Gary Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885933304330451812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998514108632686926.post-5751960695972772192020-03-29T05:29:00.002-07:002020-03-29T05:29:53.016-07:00IT<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYfFJZeBg6qILw7ez81Kwrpn93IbGwq1c7V3JbUNtO4vGp6QFsc-Uy5WKrdRttvF7l3kLJMySwldLAwDde13EeNheNsl9CyqgE0opmUj_KDxImNRUC2BnhEWpAuf_rviLmcE4MPqkSJFX/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4f12.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="468" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYfFJZeBg6qILw7ez81Kwrpn93IbGwq1c7V3JbUNtO4vGp6QFsc-Uy5WKrdRttvF7l3kLJMySwldLAwDde13EeNheNsl9CyqgE0opmUj_KDxImNRUC2BnhEWpAuf_rviLmcE4MPqkSJFX/s320/fullsizeoutput_4f12.jpeg" width="320" /></a>What on Earth?<br /><br /> What on earth is going on? That is the question that everyone is asking. I have seen a dozens of different theories pop up on the internet in the past several weeks besides the ones that have been dogging us for years through traditional history.<br /> So which is IT? Which one of these time lines are we going to follow? I am sure that you have your favorite guru, preacher, prophet or Ted talk that you hope will win out over all the rest. But what if there are multiple agenda’s that are running at the same time. That is my best guess at this time.<br /> I haven’t talked to one person yet that doesn’t believe there are behind the scenes actions going on that are hidden from the mainstream of people. We know that there are battles being waged on political, societal, religious, and moral battle gounds. The big question is what and who and why is this happening?<br /> The sky is falling, The end time are upon us, God is judging us, the ET’s are harvesting their crop, The Earth is rebelling against all her abuses, the scriptures are being fulfilled, Karma is going to get us. There are countless theories being thrown at us and yet we still have questions and doubts.<br /> I have been preparing for something my whole life and now that that something is here I am wondering still. Why am I here? What am I supposed to be doing? Where will all this lead? I am not alone and there are a lot of scared people out there.<br /> So … Some of my early training suggests that I shouldn’t let every wind of doctrine blow me around, that there should be a firm footing to guide me. My early life consisted of a religious background that included following the leader. I played that game both figuratively and literally. It didn’t play out very well, the one leading always seemed to going in a different direction than I wanted to go.<br /> There was a time when I was caught up in a group mind that believed the end time was upon us, we gathered together our emergency supplies, guns, survival gear, and families and headed down to Boulder mountain to wait out the predicted doomsday. After the first week this little group of people thought we were king of the hill, by the second week the reality of survival seemed a little less fun, by the third week people started to go back home, and by the forth week we all were glad “IT” didn’t happen.<br /> But now “IT” is upon us now, this time “IT” seems a lot more real. The biggest issue is the fear of the unknown. So what now?<br /> Years ago, there was a time when I was compelled to distance myself from all the chaos and go inside and ponder my own path. It began when I was awakened in the early hours of the morning with the very strong motivation to sit and write. I wondered why but I found a notebook and sat with my pencil and waited. Thoughts formed and I began … <br /> “My Son you are here for a magnificent purpose, you have been prepared for eons and are mighty before US. Be not afraid, all of this was planned before this world was. Listen to your inner voice inside and know that all is as it should be. Be at peace, breathe peace, send peace. Pray for those that are suffering, this is a time to remember who you truly are. This is not your only lifetime here upon this earth, you are well seasoned in Earth life and your past will merge with your now and you will know the answer to all your questions. Be patient, there are many agenda’s playing out on the stage of life and all are necessary for the progression of mankind. This earth is but one stopping place on your journey through the cosmos. Follow your heart and know that WE love you, WE love you, WE love you.”<br /> I have notebooks full of information that I received in those early morning hours, I found peace as each message formed in my mind and was put to paper. Nature began to speak to me, the trees, rocks, animals and birds shouted to me, “Go within and trust, you are LOVED, all will be well.”<br /> I would remind all of us in this time of uncertainty that we are all magnificent eternal Beings who are here because we chose to be here at this time and this place. Nowhere have I found information that said this journey was going to be easy, but I have found solace in knowing that it will be worth “IT.”<br />
<br />Gary Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885933304330451812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998514108632686926.post-26405629879658636192020-01-01T09:21:00.000-08:002020-01-01T09:21:00.771-08:00Quirky<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyVADwh9tW-LhX55kZWGsZXkcZyQ4kVc1jkgW_UEtQ6vdNd23tfsDwAToOjgxDoscHDrFAqbnK4AEheFc3VbieZsMjN2DzrCgBFoikaqcsdqu2AbXvD_Zu9a6vH02JlPUdE16BeOx5O7D/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7446.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyVADwh9tW-LhX55kZWGsZXkcZyQ4kVc1jkgW_UEtQ6vdNd23tfsDwAToOjgxDoscHDrFAqbnK4AEheFc3VbieZsMjN2DzrCgBFoikaqcsdqu2AbXvD_Zu9a6vH02JlPUdE16BeOx5O7D/s320/fullsizeoutput_7446.jpeg" width="240" /></a> It's been nearly 10 years since my former wife left this world and in that time I have traveled many miles and many roads to find myself.<br /> A handful of years ago I was doing my daily routine of going to the post office to catch up on the happenings of Escalante when I ran into an acquaintance who offered me a job at the new hardware store being built. I had been watching the progress of the project and thought I might contact the owners and ask for job, a way of integrating myself back into the community after the loss of my wife. <br /> I once thought that I might live out the rest of my life single, even had the thought of being a hermit but that didn’t work long or feel very good and so I was open to this new opportunity.<br /> Being somewhat blunt and curious at the offer, I countered with my own proposal. I said I was no longer part of the local church, that’s ok she said. I said I was somewhat quirky in my ideas and they might be different than the prevailing opinions, that’s ok she said. I finally said that if a beautiful woman offered me a world tour I would quit, she agreed.<br /> As the building neared completion I met with the owners and became part of the team. It was just the thing to get me out of my funk and back into life once again. I met the locals and found many of them were related in one way or the other.<br /> As the months passed I found that 50 to 60 hours a week was more than I wanted to spend at work so I began to taper my hours to suit my lifestyle, after all I was a somewhat retired county gentleman. <br /> It was about this time of year, early in January five years ago that I had a premonition that something was about to change in my life. I wanted companionship and looked eagerly at each possible prospect that came into the store but without sucess. Not being able to contain my premonition to myself I shared it with the boss. “Something is coming up in my life, I don’t know what it is but I want to give you a heads up. Now would be a good time to hire some more help.” A few weeks later I had that same feeling, only stronger this time. Again I approached the boss and gave him a second heads up. “Something is coming up in my life and I am just letting you know, you really should hire some extra help.”<br /> A few days later I got a phone call from a dear friend, I met her 25 years earlier and made a connection that has lasted through the years. She said, “I have someone that you might like to meet. She lives in Salt Lake and has many of the same interests that you do.” She gave me her name and said that she would put us into contact with each other. The next few days were spent anticipating and doing google research to find what I could about this person. I was able to find a facebook connection but very little personal background.<br /> When we made contact and I could feel the instant attraction and connection, we made arrangements to meet in Salt Lake. Eagerly I prepared and headed up North with a 18 eggs from my chickens and a fresh loaf of bread as an offering.<br /> When I saw her it was as if we had known each other all our lives and yet we had just met. It was a magical experience and I knew my life was about to change in a major way. Over the next few days and weeks we connected in every way, I even broke my never to break promise to myself, that I would never get a cell phone. She was worth my broken promise. In my eagerness I ask her over the phone about marriage, she countered with “lets wait for the second date so I am sure what you look like.” She said yes at that second meeting and so … as I sat in the Salt Lake Cemetery contemplating the changes in my life I knew that I had to make a phone call to my boss in Escalante. I somewhat dreaded the call and hoped to somehow ease my situation by speaking to the bosses wife. Hello, came the voice on the other end, It was my boss and friend. I began, “Do you remember a conversation that we had when I started this job? And do you remember when I told you something was coming up in my life? Well … I met someone special and I am not coming back to work. I am sorry but this is more important.” <br /> That was five years ago and now I am about to celebrate a 5 year anniversary with my companion, wife and lover. We have had so many connections in our lives, our backgrounds have been intertwined and it has truly been an adventure and tour that I would not have missed for the world.<br /> My life has been remarkable because of the people I meet and the inspiration that guided my life. As I begin a new decade of adventure I look forward to seeing the best of life. With all the opportunities that cross our paths it has always been important for me to follow my heart, my passions and to follow the sense of who I am. <br /> Don’t be afraid to speak it out loud. It can be scary and intimidating to share your dreams, but speaking them verbally, sharing them with others, making a vision board and imagining the result has been what has worked so well for me.<br /> <br />“I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.”<br /> In this new year, take the one less traveled by … and expect the best, for that is what you will receive.<br />
<br />Gary Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885933304330451812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998514108632686926.post-8141729836461814462019-12-23T06:25:00.001-08:002019-12-23T06:25:41.634-08:00Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobO4rkIPA5gBRNSoiZ-aPVP1gYgSkBplwOZrqso1TMtyRCJxCC0dZfWSh59mmB2b7dmVtVdJqGQZcqJRvcrv_BkLLW-BlEq5iyqfeeymZuZLKbDwaLdxWOOLTXeYcGLDcCj2hc0GEHEfD/s1600/fullsizeoutput_763a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobO4rkIPA5gBRNSoiZ-aPVP1gYgSkBplwOZrqso1TMtyRCJxCC0dZfWSh59mmB2b7dmVtVdJqGQZcqJRvcrv_BkLLW-BlEq5iyqfeeymZuZLKbDwaLdxWOOLTXeYcGLDcCj2hc0GEHEfD/s320/fullsizeoutput_763a.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /><br /> Almost lost a friend the other day. We were arguing over whose big brother was better.<br /> Sad part about my story is that we were shouting at each other almost 3000 miles apart on an electronic device.<br /> We as a society have been co-opted by an even bigger brother, a bully who wants to divide us by any means possible. <br /> Social media has given us an instant way to act or react towards any little thing that pops up on our informational feed be it Facebook, Twitter, or any one of a handful of popular social mediums.<br /> We have at our fingertips emoji’s, thumbs, and faces to flash our agreement or dislike.<br /> We have been turned into Robo-people. <br /> We have been used and misused. <br /> We are constantly being hammered into uncomfortable positions that ultimately separate us from those that we love.<br /> My wise friend, saw the bigger picture and reminded me that our friendship has lasted over 40 years and it was more important to preserve that friendship than to play into a mind game that only focused on separating us.<br /> As I watch the passing years I am beginning to see the folly’s of my younger days, but also the wisdom that comes from those years. <br /> Learning to let go of prejudices and a mind set from a host of programmers has made things simpler and more rewarding. <br /> School teachers call it education, but my own experience says it is mind control by Matrix controllers who want to use us, to feed off our negative energy.<br /> Religion, government and internet access to unlimited facts and fictitious information has given rise to a new human society. <br /> History is being rewritten by some very unsavory people. <br /> Without a past to guide us we are thrown to the wolves of society.<br /> Religion let me down many years ago by attempting to force my allegiance to an idea that no longer served me. Government has been a slippery slope that seeks to bury people in other peoples business. The internet was developed by a government deep state think tank and we are the rats running through their maze trying to find a finish, but there is no finish.<br /> Once we are able to rise above the maze and see the puzzle it becomes much easier to find our way.<br /> Our own compass can then kick in to guide us to any destination we choose.<br /> My best teacher has always been following my own intuition and heart.<br /> But sometimes we need a friendly reminder. I am grateful to my friend who reminded me that friendships are more important than running a maze.<br /> We are only separated by our own ignorance and lack of love.<br /> I recently read of an amazing experience by Hawaiian healer, Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len. He used a prayer called Ho’oponopono, to heal an entire mental ward by first healing himself. <br /> His words were simply this:<br /> <br /> I LOVE YOU<br /> I AM SORRY<br /> PLEASE FORGIVE ME<br /> THANK YOU<br /><br />This prayer was offered over and over for the patients of the ward without ever seeing them physically.<br /> l offer this prayer to you my friends:<br /><br />I love you<br />I am sorry <br />Please forgive me<br />Thank you<br /> Gary Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885933304330451812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998514108632686926.post-70608782003440857082019-11-30T06:52:00.002-08:002019-11-30T06:52:14.257-08:00Hear the Wind blow Dear<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtgSsDzrJNV0S_6K7w65KwtwihFkfaHwfFXbkmVdtuKIQa5mKQ9W53NPqRfuyeAbBgO3dbrzo2z7xNH2uQM0O2rMqLgC8-VK4CHSp0gkrsA0GW2aDumFfNQ7DyMQodNe2ec3jmnUizwrX/s1600/retirement+cabin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="963" data-original-width="1440" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtgSsDzrJNV0S_6K7w65KwtwihFkfaHwfFXbkmVdtuKIQa5mKQ9W53NPqRfuyeAbBgO3dbrzo2z7xNH2uQM0O2rMqLgC8-VK4CHSp0gkrsA0GW2aDumFfNQ7DyMQodNe2ec3jmnUizwrX/s320/retirement+cabin.jpg" width="320" /></a> I was awakened this morning by the sound of the wind blowing against the rain chain. The cat wanted out and then she wanted back in. <br /> The stove needed wood and as I waited for the fire to warm, I sat in the quiet silence of the predawn light and contemplated. <br /> I don’t do that as much as I used to and I wondered why?<br /> We are over stimulated. I am over stimulated.<br /> The simple things of life have been overshadowed and buried in the electronic world of sensory overload and constant information.<br /> We are addicts.<br /> Sounds of a familiar tune kept going through my mind … Hear the wind blow dear, hear the wind blow.<br /> I paused and listened to the wind. What is it that I hear? Winds of change? Winds of a coming storm? A message from Nature?<br /> The addiction of our constant need to be informed has robbed us of the ability to listen to our inner soul. <br /> At times that ability has shone bright and I have found comfort in the quiet reflection of life’s experiences.<br /> Those experiences are now what I draw upon to navigate through these troubled waters.<br /> Every where we look there is something or someone who is wanting our attention. If you open the computer there are ads designed to get our attention. Those little questions that show up on social media asking us which color or food or actor or vacation spot we would like best have all been used to create a virtual identity of ourselves. <br /> That virtual identity is held in multiple locations and programs., It contains our buying habits our pet peeves, our interests, our likes, our dislikes, who are friends are and what we eat. We have been virtually cloned down to the tiniest detail and all this information we have volunteered freely.<br /> It is now being used to influence and control us.<br /> Remember that DNA swab that you sent to a lab somewhere to tell you where your ancestors came from? That lab now owns your DNA and that information can now be added to your virtual clone, and may influence the results of your next insurance application or job interview.<br /> The smart phone is only one of the many ways that we are controlled, we are constantly detracted from listening to our own inner soul.<br /> Smart media has co-opted our ability to sit in the silence of the moment. Sound bites and vibrations are rewards that cause us to do as Pavlov's dogs, we salivate over the next electronic interaction. Our senses are overloaded so much and so often that it is impossible to sit in silence, we have been addicted to the electronic buzz.<br /> Holidays have been typically spent with family, sharing a meal and reflecting on life. Not so much these days. Television, videos, gaming and social media have taken the place of family time. Meals are rarely spent together at the family table and when it does happen on the rare occasion, the smart phone or devise we carry interrupts to break into family time.<br /> Black Friday and Cyber Monday would have meant nothing to our grandparents. Our children now carry their own smart devises and phones that fill in as baby sitters. Most everything that we do and say is filtered though an electronic medium of some sort. What ever happened to face to face conversation?<br /> The constant need to be informed has deformed our ability to sit in silence.<br /> I keep a fire ring out in the back yard, it is my version of an original TELEVISION. I have a fire at least once a week, summer or winter. It gives me a chance to sit in silence, to look into the fire and reflect on the whirlwind of activity that flows around me. <br /> In the quiet of the fire, I share my stories and my visions, the things that I hold dear and sacred, my insights and lessons learned from life. <br /> This season is traditionally when we give thanks for the blessings that we have. <br /> This season I give thanks to the sounds of the wind and to the sound of silence.<br /> I give this gift to you …<br />
<br />Gary Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885933304330451812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998514108632686926.post-8430453096846854842019-09-28T19:48:00.000-07:002019-09-28T19:48:09.292-07:00What do you want?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpClJKHRlgyFOwE1ryuDNacTMxIfJdl2Yhq4zs8iJKsgAIwfvpsvvsWHSvBK9eNEQ6imhNvVvwOzJxBAzxhmJcPRntPp5nh_Z0j6eLAS7sTskt6Xk3VgDeCJau7YZ9DfH6e92f0A4Pi6s/s1600/IMG_1118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpClJKHRlgyFOwE1ryuDNacTMxIfJdl2Yhq4zs8iJKsgAIwfvpsvvsWHSvBK9eNEQ6imhNvVvwOzJxBAzxhmJcPRntPp5nh_Z0j6eLAS7sTskt6Xk3VgDeCJau7YZ9DfH6e92f0A4Pi6s/s320/IMG_1118.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br /> I spent the last couple of days interacting with several hundred people. Here in the little town of Escalante on the last week of September, a Plein air art festival is held. It has been going 16 years and grows a little bit bigger each year.<br /> I live in a home directly across the street from all of the activities. The artists begin to trickle into town about a week before and they participate in various classes, competitions and demonstrations. <br /> I decided after a few years of observing that I would participate in my own way.<br /> The old board fence was getting rickety and needed to be replaced so in own way I customized the fence facing the festival, I made a drop down panel that makes into a table. OK, I added a few prayer flags and some organic farm signs, and a few other things that might not be traditional, but they were me, my personality.<br /> I live in Potato Valley, at least that is what it was called when they first arrived because of the wild potatoes that grew in the valley. Archeologists have dated them at about ten thousand years old. They found pottery and other shards in this area that still had potato DNA. <br /> I thought it would be fun to have a potato festival, maybe even a tater tot parade with the kids. That hasn’t happened yet but I decided to furnish an Organic Coffee and stuffed Organic Baked Potato bar during the art festival. <br /> This is my third year and we sold about a hundred potatoes and I lost count of the pots of coffee that I served. Artists and volunteers got free coffee for the week and the others paid $6 bucks for a loaded baked potato. I guess I probably started something that I might not be able to get out of. <br /> Weeks before the festival people started asking if I was going to do the potato bar and I said, Ok I’ll do it.<br /> As you know social media has gotten mean spirited and people are blaming and complaining about most everything. I have unfriended and unfollowed countless people and pages because of the negativity. I have seriously cut back on computer time, I had to, the air waves are toxic with bitterness and blame.<br /> This year I decided to do something a little bit out there even for me, I put up some political signs. I did it as a dare and also as an experiment to see how people would react, and boy did they ever react!<br /> I listened as people vented about the state of the country and the leaders, the difficulty with the changing environment, diet, wifi, and a myriad of other subjects. For the first day I mostly listened, but today I chose to do it differently, after they vented I ask them, “What do you like?” That question stumped them. Some said they didn’t like the state of the country, religion, environment or some other thing. I asked the question again, “What do you like? What do you want to happen?” That made them stop and think, most couldn’t come up with an answer. Some gave weak responses so I reminded them that the things we focus our attention on are the things that come back at us. Cause and effect, sow and reap, karma, you know, that kind of thing. It changed the whole feeling of the conversation and I found that most of the people were so focused on blaming something outside of themselves that they don’t have any positive thoughts on what they do want. <br /> Other people came up and quietly gave their support and thanked me for voicing the same opinion that they held, they wished that they could do the same but it was too risky to face the fallout from the negative responses.<br /> Loudmouths, I relate them to schoolyard bullies, making lots of noise and generally upsetting the rest of the kids.<br /> I bought a book a few years ago called the NO Asshole rule, it laid it out plainly that we live in an environment where the loud and toxic few often rule.<br /> We must not allow them to ruin things for everyone else.<br /> So, I ask you, “What do You Want?”<br /> I hear what you don’t want, but what do you want?<br /> This week has given me a fresh perspective on the people that live around me and the many who came to visit.<br /> Do you really want all the negative? <br /> I don’t, I want a peaceful place where I can share the good and enjoy simple things in life. <br /> We will attract those things that we focus on … <br /> I will find the good in the world and the good in people.Gary Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885933304330451812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998514108632686926.post-69303691377849500462019-08-12T07:12:00.001-07:002019-08-12T07:12:16.061-07:00Robo call revenge.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9-S8Y3sYUoZ0EahmQiOeU2_9KtRlrgBsJ21XAvyyNekcnomOKnhkpRuXfn2lOpkX_ZKJGdjh6xfCU73DiAOIoHffY_L2fk_lxLPwOEkihlM4IQZC8N3DtkNJ9sxBWp6-9N7oda6oycsw/s1600/IMG_4909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9-S8Y3sYUoZ0EahmQiOeU2_9KtRlrgBsJ21XAvyyNekcnomOKnhkpRuXfn2lOpkX_ZKJGdjh6xfCU73DiAOIoHffY_L2fk_lxLPwOEkihlM4IQZC8N3DtkNJ9sxBWp6-9N7oda6oycsw/s320/IMG_4909.JPG" width="240" /></a>Hello?<br />Hello!<br /><br /> We are unable to answer the phone until we know why you are calling.<br /> Please listen to the following menu as our options have changed. <br /> This call may be recorded for training purposes.<br /> If you are looking for money, hang up and get a job.<br /> If you are a robot, hang up and push your self destruct button.<br /> If you are AI, reformat and wipe your drive. <br /> If you are ET, call home, your mother wants to talk to you.<br /> If you have reached this number by mistake, please check the number and try your call again.<br /> If you would like to leave a message, you may begin. <br />
If you are a human stay on the line and your call will be answered in the order that it <br /> Your wait time depends on your attitude.<br /><br />
was received.Gary Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885933304330451812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998514108632686926.post-5074867521540426192019-03-23T08:43:00.001-07:002019-03-23T08:43:19.695-07:00Q and me<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Today is Saturday and my plan for today is no different from most other days here in tiny Escalante. <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Coffee, a quick check on email, another log on the fire, banana. Then my usual routine. A walk around the block for a muffin at Mimi’s, a quick walk across the street to the post office to pick up the mail, then down to the grocery store to get banana’s. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I love my routine, it does’t vary much from day to day. It’s what I worked for. A leisurely retirement filled with whatever I can imagine each day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A new challenge was offered the other day, sit on a board of local citizens to keep an eye on the establishment. I reviewed my mission statement: “My job is to challenge the status quo.” I may have to follow through with this one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The new senior citizens center across the street is nearing completion, it replaced the old high school built in the forties. I noticed something that caught my eye. Norda, the window company put a finishing touch on the front window of the building. Is it a message to me? It looks mysteriously like the Qanon logo. Well maybe just like an O but with a little masking tape it would be hard to distinguish from the Q logo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have been following Q for the past few months now. It is a group of fellow patriots including POTUS who are really stirring up the status quo. It happens doesn’t it? We are drawn to others who are of like mind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I find my simple life may just get a little more interesting, after all my mission statement is to challenge the status quo.</span></div>
Gary Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885933304330451812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998514108632686926.post-18822378786743441012019-02-03T06:34:00.002-08:002019-02-03T06:35:30.592-08:00Colosseum<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-pxv-3fZFx27Fc002CMcyBvFwG8vfUetiuUjevoysho1m_IWiCSKv4wY6q6XpzxZ7bpFjrerNGVXItu5_tWicO7SXrXrHUzDCZ3wZzU4n0Hz0PIMs16K4FIHN0O7qvEftfs7JNOOb3mF/s1600/IMG_0760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-pxv-3fZFx27Fc002CMcyBvFwG8vfUetiuUjevoysho1m_IWiCSKv4wY6q6XpzxZ7bpFjrerNGVXItu5_tWicO7SXrXrHUzDCZ3wZzU4n0Hz0PIMs16K4FIHN0O7qvEftfs7JNOOb3mF/s320/IMG_0760.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Today we enter into a colosseum where we will witness a battle between opposing forces. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Each opponent has been declared and decorated with appropriate colors and battle gear designed to not only protect but to inflict as much damage on the opposing player as possible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Each participant has been promised fame and fortune that will follow them for the rest of their life, regardless of the damage that may be inflicted upon themselves. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This battle will be witnessed by many hundreds of millions of people who will be immersed and intrenched in the support of their players and team. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The energy will be palpable and regardless of who you are, those who participate or witness will feel the emotions, there will be a palpable tidal wave of immense proportion moving across the globe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Who or what benefits from this experience?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Will those who witness be better for the experience?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Will this battle make this world a better place?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have long believed that events like this degrade the human spirit and devolve the world into continual conflict. <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What has been promoted by the media as entertainment is a carefully planned event to mine our spirit and energy, to be manipulated by unseen forces to feed the masters who control us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There are among us energy vampires who manipulate us for nefarious purposes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We freely give this energy to employers, family, friends and enemies alike who take our energy and then use it to further control us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>World power brokers take the energy from these emotions and sell it to the highest bidders. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>They feast upon our emotions as we feast upon food.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Emotional energy is powerful and many unseen beings will be there to take advantage of us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Watch the frenzy and the dedication of the fans today, be the observer and witness the immense energy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What if we were to unify that energy to benefit and uplift the spirits of mankind instead of dividing and defeating us?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We are powerful beings capable of creating anything we choose. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We can create a heaven on earth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A beautiful and peaceful existence here upon this earth is possible if we channel positive energy to positive means.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I challenge each one who attends the battle this day to be an observer, to step back and watch how your energy flows out from your spirit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Be aware and beware of energy vampires who will feed off us and our negativity this day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Instead, choose to be a conscious creator of positive outcome.</span></div>
Gary Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885933304330451812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998514108632686926.post-47459143974989026262018-10-13T17:20:00.003-07:002018-10-13T17:20:54.887-07:00Runners<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Runners</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZStSqFmWZsaTBanbgUurgOZiXblVDBrK_3zfhGSNnTgl8JPPT7t5ndLw3yREnFIzookMJ5QO38o5eEO1IRAs4mZpfvz44AGvKTZ2muVLqVjz1TnjX6d6pkMkj5tfTx4o-B4HGEbuHAtn/s1600/100_4974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZStSqFmWZsaTBanbgUurgOZiXblVDBrK_3zfhGSNnTgl8JPPT7t5ndLw3yREnFIzookMJ5QO38o5eEO1IRAs4mZpfvz44AGvKTZ2muVLqVjz1TnjX6d6pkMkj5tfTx4o-B4HGEbuHAtn/s320/100_4974.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Today our little town hosted a marathon between Escalante and Boulder. There were hundreds of visitors here to participate and support the runners.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The park across the street from my home is where everything wrapped up with a small fair, vendors and music.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Last night the musical entertainment included a singer storyteller, Clive Romney who gave an amazing version of early mormon history with a anecdotal spin. His stories were from the lives of those that helped to settle this area over 100 years ago. He was inspiring and personable. It was a shame that the cold night and lack of interest, it was only me and my wife listening. We sat on the edge of the stage with Clive as he played and sang his songs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Today I slept in late, something I ate yesterday gave me a whopping headache. I can usually backtrack and find the culprit. I think it was the honey baked turkey, it had “additives.” I think the culprit was nitrites used in the processing of the meat. Each time I get one of these whoppers I vow to be more diligent but sometimes I let my tastebuds get the best of me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The sound of the loudspeakers this morning woke me announcing the runners as they crossed the finish line. The cow bells and cheers from the spectators was infectious so I wandered over to spectate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>26.2 miles, thats a long way to run, at least for me. If you ever see me running it’s probable because something large and hairy is chasing me, otherwise I choose to walk and that is where you will find me on gentle evenings here in Escalante.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What is it that makes us run or walk?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Are we running from something or to something?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I can still remember several bad relationships in my life where I ran.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Now days I try to choose my destinations and go towards those things that will make my life better. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We have an internal navigational beacon that helps us to make the choices in life that will enrich us and those around us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Each of the runners had their navigational beacon set on the finish line with such dedication and determination. I wonder what made each of them run? Are they running away from unpleasant experiences or running towards a fulfilling goal?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cow bells generally don’t merit the reason to run so I have to think that each runner set a goal to run because of an inner strength or maybe because of a challenge they wanted to achieve today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In the midst of all this activity, I have an interview looming with a video journalist who connected with me several weeks ago. He wanted to do a followup on some comments I made then. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Is that the reason for my headache? Am I running from something I don’t want to face? I don’t think so, but I would like to soften my tone and clarify some thoughts. This documentary may end up viral and then what? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I mostly feel good about where I have been over the years and where I am going. It’s not a good feeling to keep looking over your shoulder and wondering what might be following you. It could be that large hairy thing or something that we said in haste on social media. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I would like to think we might be sitting on a stage some time sharing our life stories, our successes, our songs and our failures, for in doing this lives are enriched and made better. And if there are only two others listening, it still makes it all worth while.</span></div>
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Gary Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885933304330451812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998514108632686926.post-37002030837136356552018-10-07T07:59:00.003-07:002018-10-07T07:59:30.383-07:00Reflections<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCd8PbkHGIcZdC6uD00ROkUOQAqLgeokcvMxauu6ytRrmelJHFWVkLsp2-AEIbmHHVSse8jQOBVGjsKCYkOGU0M987Xk1FXHM1X7ILsgsdq4VSMc7H1DLxkb7D-SJp8RLL38fl3uPeVk2t/s1600/water-surface.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="519" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCd8PbkHGIcZdC6uD00ROkUOQAqLgeokcvMxauu6ytRrmelJHFWVkLsp2-AEIbmHHVSse8jQOBVGjsKCYkOGU0M987Xk1FXHM1X7ILsgsdq4VSMc7H1DLxkb7D-SJp8RLL38fl3uPeVk2t/s320/water-surface.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-kerning: none;">lt is a wet and soggy Sunday morning today, perfect for reflecting on life and being grateful for the lessons that life has taught me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Over the past week I have had an opportunity to interact with hundreds of people as they came to Escalante to participate in the annual Art Festival.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>At first I was going to coast through and just be an observer, but a handful of neighbors commented on my potato bar and hoped that I would do it again, so with less than a week to get ready I ordered the organic potatoes and unpacked the supplies that I needed to serve the public. As the day approached I got more excited with anticipation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My home is directly across the street from the festival and after watching the festival for years, I wanted to be a part and add my own unique energy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I wasn’t disappointed, we had several hundred people who enjoyed the organics, and I had the opportunity to engage with each of them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>One German fellow lectured me on the use or rather the abuse of using plastics. He pointed out to me what I already knew, but had failed to do my diligence to find a better alternative. Twice more he came over and told me of the successes that his countrymen had in reducing plastics.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He was right and I promised to do better next year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Each of the artists that entered paintings interpreted what they saw in our local town and landscapes in a unique way that I hadn’t been able to see. They saw what I could not. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I met some new friends and caught up with old friends. My life is richer because I participated, shared and listened.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Our community is currently struggling to find balance between the old traditions and the new opportunities here on the edge of a National Monument. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Old prejudices meeting untapped opportunities. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It is unsettling for everyone and there is a lot of finger pointing and complaining going on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It’s not unlike what is going on in the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We have allowed ourselves to engage in electronic dialogue and have removed ourselves from face to face interaction. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We live in boxes, we drive in boxes and work in boxes, then we watch a box to find entertainment and mold our opinions. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Last week I chose to step outside my box and meet face to face with those who came to my home, it was risky but ultimately very rewarding.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What would happen if we all decided to look one another in the eye and share part of ourselves, our story?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We are living in an ever changing world and whether we like it or not we are part of that change.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I spent several hours last night sharing and listening to a small group of new friends who helped to mold some new ideas and firm up old ones. I probably talked too much, I blame that on the good food and drink.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Instead of reposting someone else’s thoughts and ideas, I am challenging myself and you to share your own unique thoughts, your successes and your failures, for in your sharing, my life will be better and I hope I can do the same for you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The ripples that we leave behind will forever shape the lives that they reach.<span id="goog_1381395827"></span><span id="goog_1381395828"></span></span></div>
Gary Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885933304330451812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998514108632686926.post-21577979456132709092018-04-01T05:36:00.002-07:002018-04-01T05:36:57.785-07:00My heart swelled<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">A recent event at the Mormon General conference triggered memory that happened to me over 25 years ago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Yesterday, a lone voice in the vast audience of members in the Salt Lake Conference center called out, “STOP PROTECTING SEXUAL PREDATORS, </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">STOP PROTECTING SEXUAL PREDATORS,</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">STOP PROTECTING SEXUAL PREDATORS.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My heart swelled.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In 1992 I Lived in the small community of Manti Utah. <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I found a common theme among many of the people there, they had all felt the abuse of their church leaders.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I was given a copy of a paper distributed by Malcolm Jepson, a member of the General Authorities in the Utah central area. The paper was titled, WE SHALL NOT BE LED ASTRAY - III. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He had called a special meeting for Bishops and Stake Presidents to inform them that members who followed certain principal would be in suspect of being apostates.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I watched as my neighbors were called in one by one by the local bishops in Manti. They were asked the same questions in their interviews. I determined not to allow the same harassment to happen to me so I contacted the bishop and ask for a meeting. I told him to either stop harassing me or hold a court to determine my worthiness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In the meantime I decided to attend a stake conference where Neil Maxwell would be attending. I dressed in my best suit and tie and got to the meeting early to get a seat near the front of the chapel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I wondered at the time why I was dogged by several men who kept close to me. Now I know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As the time came to sustain the leaders of the church, my heart began to pound inside my chest for I had determined to appose the leaders in public for their unrighteous actions against me and my friends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>With the usual blah, blah, blah, the stake president read off the names of the various leaders and then asked for a raise of the hand. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>All in favor?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>All Apposed? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There it was … that was my cue. I stood and raised my hand … nothing, Greg Maylett, the stake president, ignored me. Each time a vote was called for, I did the same but to no avail. I was ignored each time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A few days later I received a letter from the stake president asking me to appear before a disciplinary council.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> I don’t think many in my family or friends know why I was excommunicated that night. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It was because I took a stand against those church leaders who abused their power and terrorized members who asked the hard questions and who voiced any opposition.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I kept a copy of that paper given to Bishops and <br />
Stake Presidents, the one used to cleanse the church.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Salt Lake Tribune called it a witch hunt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Here is the list:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Profile of the Splinter Group Members of Others with Troublesome Ideologies.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>They follow the practice of home school.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There is a preoccupation with the end of the world and the events preceding the coming of the Savior.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Many have John Birch membership of leanings.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Many do not work and have no jobs.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>They study the mysteries, feeling that what is provided in our meetings today is superficial.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>They meet in study groups.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>They listen to tapes such as the “Bo Gritz” tapes and others about such topics as Armageddon.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>They are inordinately preoccupied with food storage.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>They feel and teach that there is a great conspiracy, that the government is corrupt and that you can trust few people.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>They feel many of the members and Church leaders have gone astray.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>They feel that President Benson’s counselors have muzzled the prophet so that he cannot tell us the things he would like to tell us, especially about the last days.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>They staunchly profess that they sustain the prophet and local leaders, but when asked to stop doing certain things, like meeting in groups to study the mysteries, they tell you straight out they will have to take the matter to the Lord to see what He tells them before they will agree.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Some have met or are meeting with leaders of the Church of the Firstborn.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>They believe we must be super spiritual to know the will of God or even our leaders may lead us astray.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>They read the books of Avraham Gileadi and other materials which are unapproved by the Church.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Many of these folks are on state welfare and others to try to obtain Church welfare.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We observe that many of these people reportedly have visions and dreams which they share with group members but not priesthood leaders.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The element of plural marriage, though seldom spoken of outside this group, continues to surface as a part of the belief structure of many.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Some have held prayer circles in full temple clothing outside the temple.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>While this practice has now been stopped, some of these folk would linger in the celestial room of the Manti Temple for hours to teach one another.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b>I thank my good friend, Lee Thurston for giving me a copy of this letter so many years ago. It showed me his courage and the fear that leaders of the church face when they are not followed obediently and blindly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“When our leaders speak, the thinking has been done. When they propose a plan–it is God’s plan. When they point the way, there is no other which is safe. When they give direction, it should mark the end of controversy. God works in no other way. To think otherwise, without immediate repentance, may cost one his faith, may destroy his testimony, and leave him a stranger to the kingdom of God.” <a href="https://www.fairmormon.org/archive/publications/when-the-prophet-speaks-is-the-thinking-done"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><b>https://www.fairmormon.org/archive/publications/when-the-prophet-speaks-is-the-thinking-done</b></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>This statement originally appeared in the <i>Improvement Era</i>, in June 1945, as the Ward Teaching message for the month. </b></span></div>
Gary Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885933304330451812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998514108632686926.post-84862277643424124432017-10-03T15:17:00.001-07:002017-10-03T15:17:19.659-07:00Brain Dead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QvWrapt2HwaW5j15zs68rFMGlT-28DI7grj_buce7dFw09j4FtDGD9eskbBvWTBT0-srvR710Xo39ltXB_zCOpH-_vzNF7nIVYDQYCJFbfcM_nhx5Jd54UEh2AzNLvUmCKT23GwAHDFA/s1600/monsanto-mmj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="750" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QvWrapt2HwaW5j15zs68rFMGlT-28DI7grj_buce7dFw09j4FtDGD9eskbBvWTBT0-srvR710Xo39ltXB_zCOpH-_vzNF7nIVYDQYCJFbfcM_nhx5Jd54UEh2AzNLvUmCKT23GwAHDFA/s320/monsanto-mmj.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My evening strolls give me an opportunity to reset with nature. Last week on one of these walks I saw 3 different people using toxic sprays to kill weeds and bugs. My patience with these people is Nil. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>During my time at the local Do it Best store I had to deal with brain dead morons who wanted to kill anything that moved or grew. It infuriated me that they were so uncaring. I called the isle where the poisons, pesticides and weed killers were, Death Row. I tried in vain to get the hardware store to stop selling these products. The registers were next to Death Row and I had to smell these toxic substances when ever I worked the registers. I suggested a ventilation fan to clear out the toxic smell and off gassing from all the packaged goods. That suggestion was ignored. I always tried to substitute a gentler less toxic product to customers, but mostly in vain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>All this came flooding back when I watched these uneducated, uncaring neighbors spray toxic poisons.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I confronted one neighbor and asked what she was spraying? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2-4 D.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"> Do you know what's in it?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"> Yes, I am from Nebraska.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I asked if she had children or pets? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I asked if she knew that 2-4 D was used in Viet Nam and caused birth defects? <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I asked if she knew that it could permanently cause DNA damage that could be passed down to her children as well as sicken her dogs? <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Do you know what she said? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I DON’T CARE!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I was in Lava Hot Springs last month soaking in the water, it was glorious. While there I was eating some street food from the big bus next to the park. Great tacos by the way. Anyway, in walked an older woman wearing a Monsanto uniform. I watched as she ordered her food and then sat next to me waiting for her food. Several minutes passed by in silence then I couldn’t resist any longer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How do you like working for Monsanto? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>After a short pause she said it was a good place to work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What kind of work do you do? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I service the big trucks that haul dirt. Our plant digs the dirt and it gets sent to another plant. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I asked was she aware of the toxic nature of Monsanto products? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>She paused before speaking and then feeling more comfortable with our conversation began to reveal that she had only a few years before retirement and will be glad to leave Monsanto. She started unloading on the evil nature of the company and the executives. She is afraid to say anything at work that might get her fired but said as an insider she was watching very carefully.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>One of my neighbors last week was spraying Round Up, one of Monsanto’s products.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Do you know what is even worse? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Two of the people were health care practitioners, one a Hospice Worker and one a Registered Nurse, the last person worked for the Bureau of Land Management.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How is it that people risk permanent DNA damage and lasting health problems by using these products? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Is It ignorance? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Stupidity? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Education? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Or just plain brain dead zombies?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Last week the city of Escalante paid Bulls Eye Pest Control to spray the city lawns. I checked with the owner and found out that the product they were spraying is Suspend SC, an insecticide. I looked up the company website and read the spec sheet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Hazards to humans and domestic animals” is the first statement on the sheet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have chickens, bees and my family and I am concerned about my health.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For two days the smell caused me to have burning eyes and burning lungs. The smell still lingers after nearly two weeks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I filed a complaint against the city of Escalante for breaking their own city ordinance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I am waiting for a response …</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What will it take for people to stop killing?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There are alternatives to killer poisons. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Here is one off the internet …</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Weed-Be-Gone</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">1 Gallon Vinegar</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">2 Cups Epson Salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">1/4 Cup Dawn Dish Soap (blue original)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It will kill anything you spray it on. Just mix and spray in the morning after the dew has evaporated. Walk away. Go back after dinner and the weeds are all gone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Maybe I’ll spray the neighbors … Nah, they are already brain dead.</span></div>
Gary Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885933304330451812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998514108632686926.post-86196781853200206282017-07-30T11:02:00.002-07:002017-07-30T11:02:39.016-07:00Unfriended<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Unfriended</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ28xzLGup5cfAFKK-5Mnr0LeY396s9o4TFtk_I3wCugwPDNM5BM2mUgcFsuIfonOcLCjVr_wXlNR12_4xf4f5RBLS1qgha0eAiuKCBr7H1P8htES7P1vvag3eztWHU5BqZigN2ZOJZpDY/s1600/The_No_Asshole_Rule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ28xzLGup5cfAFKK-5Mnr0LeY396s9o4TFtk_I3wCugwPDNM5BM2mUgcFsuIfonOcLCjVr_wXlNR12_4xf4f5RBLS1qgha0eAiuKCBr7H1P8htES7P1vvag3eztWHU5BqZigN2ZOJZpDY/s320/The_No_Asshole_Rule.jpg" width="228" /></a><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>To my former childhood friend … and to all would be friends, virtual and otherwise.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have a rule in my life, one that I pretty much stick too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It’s the 3 strikes you are out rule. Some have called it the no asshole rule.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When Facebook became popular I joined in. First because I was curious and second to find old friends from my early life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>One by one I friended those with whom I had memories and history.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sometimes I would friend a stranger who had similar thoughts and ideas, those strangers became my friends.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A few years ago I got a request to friend an old acquaintance, I accepted. Almost at once this “old friend” began shooting insults and barbs. I tried to ignore but his words were hurtful. I unfriended him. Again came the request to be a Facebook friend, once again I accepted. I hopped for better. Wrong, soon came the same hurtful words so I unfriended him again. When the third request came with promises to do better, I decided I would friend him but monitor him closely. Unfortunately he followed the same negative pattern. Hence the 3 strike rule became my motto for the future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Several “friends and relatives” have been unfriended by my 3 strike rule. It’s my way of protecting myself from unwanted negative energy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have wondered about my friend at times. I heard him describe how he lost his virginity in a darkened party bedroom waiting his “turn.” I watched how he partied with the wild bunch on Center street. I watched him find and marry a sweetheart of a girl who helped him to see better things in life. He “got” religion and followed a very different path. I met up with him 20 years later in the small town of Snowflake. He had changed, I had changed. I could tell he was troubled by my “story.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I grew up in mainstream Provo and followed the straight and narrow. For 20 years I was the ultimate follower of the Church, and then I had an epiphany. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I became a free agent, I sought after the mysteries of life and followed my heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I don’t like judgmental people, I do my best to avoid any judgements. My life path has taught me that what I put out, I get back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have unfriended many “friends” over the years that have been a part of my Facebook experience. It is my way of protecting my self from the negative people. They may be good people, but they choose to see the bad in life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There is plenty of bad around, but there is plenty of good too. And that is what I choose to see. The PollyAnna way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Some may say It is too simplistic.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Recent scientific studies have shown that thought can change our very DNA.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Thoughts are powerful and where our attention goes, energy flows.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We are each powerful transmitters of energy. Others can feel and sense our moods and we can feel the moods and energy of others. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Be careful of the signals that you send out, the Universe is listening and will respond with like energy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Be mind full of the programs you watch and the people that you associate with, you are constantly being shaped by those you follow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>To my “old friend,’ I can no longer trust you or your intentions. You have met my 3 strike, no asshole rule and you are out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Still, I send you best wishes and hope you find happiness in life.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
Gary Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885933304330451812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998514108632686926.post-78657140195620995332017-02-23T18:35:00.001-08:002017-02-23T18:35:37.341-08:00Light Tresspass<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Light Trespass</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwfugR3a_9AgFILxLqEyLMAkWoG0bqsf9M7azgqyG61CTkZiNTSULLw68Uf8sdJ26LvA56pfpRjw0rvLAbYoJDvCTTmFnOxxZlWJ2rO0hpggfHZEYVpFQvkN5iDBFToU0ETvJW-urTxnm/s1600/P1010603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwfugR3a_9AgFILxLqEyLMAkWoG0bqsf9M7azgqyG61CTkZiNTSULLw68Uf8sdJ26LvA56pfpRjw0rvLAbYoJDvCTTmFnOxxZlWJ2rO0hpggfHZEYVpFQvkN5iDBFToU0ETvJW-urTxnm/s320/P1010603.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That is the proper term when an individual or government entity installs lights that invade your privacy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This subject brings more enmity in city council meetings than most other items.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Several years ago when I approached city council to consider removing a street light in front of my house, I was met with criticism and negativity, mostly from uninformed people who were looking for any reason to complain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The former Mayor and newly elected County commissioner suggested that problematic street lights in his day were shot out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That was then.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This is now.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Last month my neighbor had Garkane install a new LED street light on a city pole adjacent to their property.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The light lit up my entire backyard. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I wrote a letter to my neighbors voicing my objections and concerns.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The next email went to Garkane to inform them that I objected to the street light and wanted it removed.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Then I waited.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And waited.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Nothing, no response from either party.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I mulled over the advice that the former Mayor gave at city council several years ago.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>No, I won’t go that route.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I called the CEO of Garkane, Dan McClendon and voiced my concern.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Then I waited.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Nothing.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I called again, this time apologies and promises to look into the matter.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I waited.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Finally a phone call from Casey the operations manager gave me hope that I had reached a listening ear. <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He let me know that he was looking into the matter.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I waited.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And waited.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Finally, several weeks later I got a calls from Casey and Dan to inform me that they had a possible solution and Casey would be out later that evening.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>8:30 PM</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Knock at the door … three Garkane employees working overtime informed me that they had a possible solution and were there to try it out.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>9:00 PM</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A shield to confine the light to the neighbors property was installed.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Success!</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So … If you have a bothersome street light, what should you do? </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I can’t give you that answer, but here are some suggestions.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Don’t panic</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Write a letter to all party’s involved voicing your concern and any possible solutions.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Persistence and the sticky wheel will get the grease.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Speak kindly and show appreciation.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sometimes it takes weeks to get things through the proper channels.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sometimes you have to go to the top to get solutions.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Final follow up: Dan McClendon called me this afternoon to get my feedback and any possible suggestions. He said they were working to find solutions to future conflicts with light pollution. He suggested that anyone having similar problems with light trespass call him directly and he will work with them to find a solution.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Thank you Dan and Casey at Garkane.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
Gary Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885933304330451812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998514108632686926.post-19270286575079917332017-02-19T10:00:00.002-08:002017-02-19T10:00:37.223-08:00What do you want?<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">What do you want?</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYA3FeJAnl-bJOS6d-f6deVHjUwwbVaAqKH-jj8Ey7jlV8rUHnEe0W_BufEBZ6BQw_Es8j0Vynn_NBiTfZ-rTocxjfRAsxsWzJKXnLazi36WzjQoWMrLE2aGy1lo5ofSL2EtS9PtmTpcw/s1600/ripples-702152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYA3FeJAnl-bJOS6d-f6deVHjUwwbVaAqKH-jj8Ey7jlV8rUHnEe0W_BufEBZ6BQw_Es8j0Vynn_NBiTfZ-rTocxjfRAsxsWzJKXnLazi36WzjQoWMrLE2aGy1lo5ofSL2EtS9PtmTpcw/s1600/ripples-702152.jpg" /></a><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Why are so many people looking outside of themselves to find answers to the problems that face them?</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Why are we so obsessed with what someone else is doing or saying?</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The current state of the world around us is only a reflection of what is happening in our own life.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We will only find inner peace by fighting the inner demons and the unresolved conflicts deep inside us. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Do you have triggers?</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What are your triggers?</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When we are triggered by what someone or something on the outside says or does, it is a indication that we have unresolved issues.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Peace of mind, of the soul, can only be found by looking within the dark recesses of our own mind and soul.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The conflicts on the world level are only reflecting conflicts on the national level. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The conflicts on the national level are only reflections on the local level. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The conflicts on the local level are only reflections of what is unresolved within ourselves.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It become obvious that in order to solve anything at all we need to begin with ourself.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That’s a hard one to face because there is no one else to blame for the unrest in our life.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We are constantly being bombarded by signals that are being broadcast by cell phones, radio waves, micro waves and cosmic waves. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Each of these frequencies affect us and shape our perceptions of the world around us. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We broadcast our own very powerful signal with a very real affect on the world around us.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When we tune into the outside world we are attracting energy from whatever we focus on. That energy affects and alters our perceptions and our physical body. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Our moods are constantly being influenced by subtle and not so subtle energies.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We are powerful beings that are capable of creating and doing anything we set our intentions and focus upon.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Why are we wasting it on foolish creations?</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When we look to the outside world to shape our moods and efforts we are giving up our power to the outside world.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have been witness to an unbelievable onslaught of negative behavior by people who have given their power over to outside influences.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It happens on all levels, from a world level down to a personal level.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It is time to take our power back by first looking inside.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Stop the blaming.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Introspection is what is needed.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Introspection begins when we finally realize that we are the ones to blame for the unrest we feel.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If you want peace in your life, you must be peace.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If you want quiet in your life, you must quit shouting.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If you want cooperation you must first learn to cooperate.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Think about this for a moment … </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What do you want out of life?</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Are you willing to do what is necessary to make that happen?</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Are you willing to stop blaming others and look within?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Make a choice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Follow your own path or be content to allow others to choose for you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I read a rather long ranting post about what someone will not do, it shows the unrest and effect that the outside world has had on this person. It was signed by one hundred other people.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The main theme was, “I will not work together.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sadly, this is the state for many people … they will not work together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Look at the outside world and you will see that people cluster together to bolster their cause.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>People who are sick and tired find comfort in others who are sick and tired too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What will you do?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Will you be willing to do what is necessary to find the peace you seek.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Maybe you don’t want peace in your life … maybe you like the drama and unrest the world offers. If so, you are directly responsible for your own misery. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Does misery love company? It sadly seems so in many cases.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When I look at the media and see popular programs focusing on police and detective drama, followed by fake news, followed by disaster and apocalypse themed movies, followed by war, vampire and zombie movies, I see a future that I want no part in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Don’t be afraid to unfriend negative people, there are very real vampires who thrive on misery.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The feeling part of my guidance system has served me well over these past years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If it feels good, I move towards it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If it feels bad, I move away and avoid it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Simple radar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Who do you hang out with?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Look at your peers, who are they? What do they promote? Do they make you feel comfortable?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There are very real consequences for the paths we choose, both emotional and physical.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I came across a book years ago that made a lot of sense to me. It is called, Feelings buried alive never die … by Karol K. Truman. Her premise is that many of the health problems that we deal with are based in unresolved conflicts. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is seeking peace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Social media is a powerful force that can be used for empowering or controlling. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Before you choose, remember … YOU are a Powerful Being.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Focus on what you want … not on what you don’t want.</span></div>
Gary Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885933304330451812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998514108632686926.post-8805183721177318632016-12-04T08:24:00.000-08:002016-12-04T08:24:03.881-08:00Editing Life<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Editing Life</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtPWmUodJhCblaP4iDo1nWeLKXOR6_18GgYOl_kvuJ4ZgF1DVFT3CuiOODSozEn3wbtgZkvALSRewPiTCUg1gVuhqkwAl7aGgqDHC0VL_gxIO7CST6o7xV-nhy2w4O-RTINyHzDAYhR8Z/s1600/Escalante+2003+reunion+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtPWmUodJhCblaP4iDo1nWeLKXOR6_18GgYOl_kvuJ4ZgF1DVFT3CuiOODSozEn3wbtgZkvALSRewPiTCUg1gVuhqkwAl7aGgqDHC0VL_gxIO7CST6o7xV-nhy2w4O-RTINyHzDAYhR8Z/s320/Escalante+2003+reunion+2.JPG" width="257" /></a><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I found myself sitting at the computer the other day editing photos.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>During the session I rotated photos that were not upright, I color corrected the dull ones and deleted any that I didn’t want to keep. There were some that I cropped to eliminate unwanted people or background. I put them into categories so that I could find and watch them in a slide show later. When I was satisfied I closed the program and went on to other things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Not long after I finished, my mind began to form an idea, I began to see a comparison with my photo session and how I have edited the things in my life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We all do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Its the way humans are able to find form and reason with the experiences that we have each day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Selective memory is what I call it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When I am focused on doing the best I can, I decide on what I want to experience at the beginning of each day then review at the end of the day how well I did.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There are always variables to consider and the unexpected events that seem to surprise me but all in all I find each day fulfilling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>OK, there are those times that things don’t go as expected and I end up in a whole different direction with unexpected results. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When those kind of things happen, I edit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I mean, don’t you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Selective Memory, it is a convenient way to forget the not so good experiences and focus on the good stuff.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Come on, admit it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We all do it.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We take the programs of life and erase the bad stuff, color correct the dull scenes, crop out the people, experiences or events that have made our life so miserable and highlight the good stuff.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sometimes that is the best approach, but just as likely, it may be a good thing to remember the bad shots so we don’t make the same mistakes again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If I were to completely wipe all unpleasant memories I would have lost a mountain of learning experiences and the life lessons would be lost.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>No, I don’t think I will wipe all memories, but some selective editing is probably a good thing in all our lives and along with that photo editing we should add a prospective and dialogue to help us should we have a similar experience show up again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Life lessons … they are important to pay attention to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Without a perspective on how actions affect our lives we could repeat things over and over, a kind of Groundhog day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When I see the same experience in my life again, I eventually get around to asking myself, what is it that I have missed?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Did I not learn the lesson of that life event?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It is always easier to see others and their challenges than it is to see our own.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Often the hardest thing to do is to admit our own mistakes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Don’t be so hard on yourself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Don’t be so quick to judge yourself wrongly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Allow the experience to be processed by your inner soul and allow the lesson to be merged into your life stream.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Editing photos or life comes with the road of life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Before we act, it would be wisdom to see how each has added to the rich fullness of our everyday experience. <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It is entirely up to us how we color, crop, enhance or eliminate entirely the experience.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>But the very act of deleting unpleasant parts of our life can cheat us of the richness of life here on planet Earth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>After all, what would life be with only the good stuff? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We wouldn’t have a comparison to learn from.</span></div>
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Gary Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885933304330451812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998514108632686926.post-50966788134889752112016-10-01T10:40:00.001-07:002016-10-01T10:40:05.803-07:00You get to choose the kind of life you have<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">What is it that makes you happy?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86k-OwoZ7ffF7mkRFI8VXa_kjC7bb8VeGqeJc7VYth03bzm58S5Znr7J-pYqjay-pWedwMs1g2Jh3skwjf0LlXC7uvn9Uyz1ckjb849QOVtSFnzgdcU2qCjRpbbCSDip2HV3A0KriQ5kf/s1600/carrot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86k-OwoZ7ffF7mkRFI8VXa_kjC7bb8VeGqeJc7VYth03bzm58S5Znr7J-pYqjay-pWedwMs1g2Jh3skwjf0LlXC7uvn9Uyz1ckjb849QOVtSFnzgdcU2qCjRpbbCSDip2HV3A0KriQ5kf/s1600/carrot.jpg" /></a><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sitting at the kitchen table this morning I am reflecting on what makes me happy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have most of my ducks in a row and the most pressing thing on my plate today is whether to have my second cup of coffee now or later.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What is it that makes me happy?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What is it that makes you happy?</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I tried following the sparkly bobble that society said would make me happy, you know … the big house, the new car, the top position in the company, the church, or the community. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>But guess what?</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>None of that worked for me.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The carrot trick was a lie, and is for all of us.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The only thing that can make me happy is …. well, me!</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>No one else can make that happen for us.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Not your companion, your children, not your work place or your church or community.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>About the time I turned 40, I had had it with main stream society. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Their lies had taken its toll on me and I no longer believed their justifications and reasons of why I had to stay in their system.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Most parents are parroting their parents and mostly in ignorance pass on to their kids the same broken lies and myths that they were told.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As children we get to learn the sad truths that there is no Santa Claus, no Easter bunny, no Sand man, no Tooth fairy, and so on and so on.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And at a point in life, I began to question everything. That is where I began my trip down the rabbit hole and wholly cow, we have been lied to by every entity, leader, and teacher. We find out our heroes were made up stories, or at best, greatly exaggerated tales. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Governments are responsible for creating war machines to suck money down a black hole. Religions are no better than corporations for profit with us paying the bill and then feeling guilty for not paying more. Schools are prisons for our children where original thoughts are smothered and children programed to follow the same broken system and carrot trick. Teachers are wardens and mostly concerned with being able to mark the appropriate box with an X.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So … here I sit contemplating whether to have my second cup of coffee.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What make me happy?</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I do! </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When I began to delete the friends, teachers, and leaders that propagate the lies, and distance myself from neighbors and family that promote the old ways, my life became calm and my vision began to clear. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When I finally figured this out, it all became crystal clear that I have two choices each day …</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Whether to be happy or not?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Not all days are happy, sometimes I get caught in the webs that are left and forget the great lesson of life.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>But sooner or later my heart lets me know that I must find that inner peace within and walk my path and walk my talk.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Life is what we make of it, not what others do or say.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I get to choose what kind of life I have!</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And you get to choose the kind of life you have.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I think I’ll have that second cup of coffee now …</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What will you do?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
Gary Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885933304330451812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998514108632686926.post-25107693889754592462016-08-27T18:27:00.003-07:002016-08-27T18:27:34.622-07:00I woke this morning, or did I?<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">I woke this morning or did I?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6av8jP6kxe-Q3gg4263C1y0erQpYAD-MoWqfiN9ShDEeo2x1h1k1sKZX95P-Szp2IbxLWwld1TY622sPxPFLS8Qty7E740ThyphenhyphenaykkvwI4WpBlS0Cx4lIQIcKMZb4wvDxltnhSH2a3cPf-/s1600/the+universe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6av8jP6kxe-Q3gg4263C1y0erQpYAD-MoWqfiN9ShDEeo2x1h1k1sKZX95P-Szp2IbxLWwld1TY622sPxPFLS8Qty7E740ThyphenhyphenaykkvwI4WpBlS0Cx4lIQIcKMZb4wvDxltnhSH2a3cPf-/s320/the+universe.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When I woke today I felt as if I had been on a long journey. My equilibrium was off, my eyes were unfocused and I felt like I wasn’t quite all here.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It’s not the first time this has happened nor probably the last. About once or twice a month I feel like this when I wake.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It is kind of like taking a strong narcotic, prescription of course. The kind that comes with a warning, do not drive or operate heavy machinery.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I know what it is …</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I am on a journey traveling through time and space.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This earth is just one of the many places I inhabit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It may seem strange to some who are still looking at the world out of a box, but it is absolute truth to me.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I began this journey long before I was born to this earth, to these parents, to this time, and to this mission.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We are all here on this earth by direct choice and knew fully what the possibilities might be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There are events happening on this little planet that are affecting the whole of the multiverse. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My little part is to hold an energy space for this moment in time and space.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My essence has been felt in many times and places and it requires me to leave my body and check in as needed.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There is a momentous event about to take place and it requires the attention of many light workers. I suspect this is the reason that I am left with only a partial soul at times, here.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I am not the only one who feels the shift and changing times. There are literally tens of thousands who are participating in these “ off world “ conferences.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The part that I don’t like is that I very rarely get to remember what took place. It is over a period of time that I eventually get the pieces and it begins to make sense.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My wife is a bit concerned as I shared with her my feelings, she wants to make sure that I don’t exit prematurely and leave her alone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I can relate to that.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My previous wife had to leave early on an emergency exit. Her light was needed on a more permanent basis in the multiverse. I was not a happy camper being left behind.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I tried to reassure my wife that if it is my choice, I will be here for a long time to come.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>However, that choice is not always possible.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Besides, I have too much to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Moving another household to my pioneer home, finding space for the important stuff, making new space, getting rid of unnecessary things and doing all the honey-do’s is definitely going to take more time.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My heart aches for my home in the stars.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I will have to settle for a few out of body experiences to hold me over. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This I know, what ever is happening and is about to happen will be a monumental change for all of us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We need to clear our browsers, get rid of all the cookies that slow us down and open a clear channel for the information that is about to be downloaded.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In the meantime, I will sit in my cowboy hot tub, ( a metal watering trough with a propane burner ) and contemplate the meaning of life. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The problem with that is, as soon as I think I have it figured out, it changes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Well, the solution to that is to keep an open mind and not get stuck in all the sticky stuff that life has to offer.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If I can remember to laugh at myself, forgive others and keep a positive attitude about life, I think I will survive.</span></div>
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<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Namaste, I will look for you next time I am “out.”</span></div>
Gary Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885933304330451812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998514108632686926.post-69442925071566676432016-07-31T07:24:00.001-07:002016-07-31T07:24:14.482-07:00Religion betrayed me<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Religion betrayed me</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You asked me why I won’t come back and join you in church?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My answer is, Religion betrayed me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How do you mean?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I was taught from childhood to follow my leaders. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I was told that I would never be led astray from the truth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I was told that even if I was told to do something and it was wrong I would be blessed by doing it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I believed in my religion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I promoted my religion.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I lived my religion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I was told that the most sacred place in this world was the temple of the most high, I was promised great blessings if I followed the teachings of the church.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When I turned 19, I was allowed into the most sacred place on this earth, the Mormon temple.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I walked into the Temple in Salt Lake City, the icon for the most holy place on earth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There I was ritually washed and anointed to become a God. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I was taught a special way to pray called the true order of prayer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I was told that I was to liken myself as if I were Adam.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I participated in a prayer circle and told this was the proper way to pray.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I searched the scriptures of the church and found a template to build my own altar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This I did, and began to pray as I was taught.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I experienced an awakening and communed with the heavens.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I was at peace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A movement began, instituted by the highest leaders of the Mormon church.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It was called a witch hunt by Salt Lake media.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Hundreds of people were called to stand before their local leaders and justify their beliefs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I was called to stand before 15 men.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I was was told that I must stop praying in the manner I was taught in the Mormon temple.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I was told that if I did not comply I would be disciplined.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I declined to follow these 15 men who represented the Mormon church.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Two days later, two men dressed in suits came to my door and presented me with a letter that stated I had been formally been excommunicated for apostasy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The definition of apostasy from <a href="http://ads.org/"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">ads.org</span></a> is, “When individuals or groups of people turn away from the principles of the gospel, they are in a state of apostasy.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I followed the teachings taught by the church in the Temple.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Betrayal is defined by Wikipedia as, “<b>Betrayal</b> is the breaking or violation of a presumptive <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contract"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(6, 69, 173); color: #0645ad;">contract</span></a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trust_(sociology)"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(6, 69, 173); color: #0645ad;">trust</span></a>, or <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confidence"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(6, 69, 173); color: #0645ad;">confidence</span></a> that produces <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morality"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(6, 69, 173); color: #0645ad;">moral</span></a> and psychological conflict within a relationship amongst individuals, between organizations or between individuals and organizations.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I no longer subscribe to religion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I commune with the heavens in my own way now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have found true peace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It is true that I was betrayed by religion, but that experience has brought me to a place that was not possible before.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When others seek to draw me back into their world I smile and say, I have found God and he/she does not require a membership in any organization or religion to commune with the heavens.</span></div>
Gary Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885933304330451812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998514108632686926.post-88423714187542608212016-06-07T13:48:00.003-07:002016-06-07T13:48:44.266-07:00If you build it, they will come<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">If you build it, they will come.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cnCRhnGoi_QvA51ysW0xLc-QJDJOA-RNIC2Uw7A2f6ykx78ljflC7o9pkAFNrNmXhMKdD_VNJB8F3G_4TRmSbbRVj3nCTY5DExLj8kE7H9eDr1oleMfpavM0RWDEVSuV5rmGDCc_usTz/s1600/P1010267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cnCRhnGoi_QvA51ysW0xLc-QJDJOA-RNIC2Uw7A2f6ykx78ljflC7o9pkAFNrNmXhMKdD_VNJB8F3G_4TRmSbbRVj3nCTY5DExLj8kE7H9eDr1oleMfpavM0RWDEVSuV5rmGDCc_usTz/s320/P1010267.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There are those who would think that because our town of Escalante is small that it is dead. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Not so.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Some of the old timers have lost their traditional jobs and are angry because of changing times.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I would say that there have been many over the years that have had to change and adapt to new ways, not only to survive but thrive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The latest projections by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic (BLS), the following occupations are expected to massively decline in number and percentage of workers between 2010 and 2020.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The following jobs are slated to decline:</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">1. Farmers, Ranchers, and other Agricultural Managers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">2. Postal Service Mail Sorters, Carriers and Clerks*</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">3. Sewing Machine Operators</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">4. Switchboard Operators</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">5. Fast Food Cooks</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">6. Agricultural Workers</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">7. Data Entry Keyers</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">8. Word Processors and Typists</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">9. Door-to-Door Sales Workers and News and Street Vendors</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">10. Food Service Managers</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">11. Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">12. File Clerks</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">13. Prepress Technicians and Workers</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">14. Computer Operators</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">15. Postmasters and Mail Superintendents</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">16. Office Machine Operators</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">17. Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">18. Florists</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">19. Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">20. Loan Interviewers and Clerks</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So … which ones affect you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It isn’t just the small town communities that are going through major changes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Over the past few years I have asked those who are new to the area what it is that brought them here to this out of the way place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And that is the answer that they give me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This place is out of the way, out of the mainstream, unspoiled, the pristine natural beauty, the spirit of the desert, and the feeling of seeing the night sky unspoiled by city lights.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The problems created by modern societies have caused city dwellers to look for the simple beauties in life and nature.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If you build it, they will come.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The word is out, Escalante is a great place to be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We have what the tourists are looking for. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The tourists are not going to go away, it fact they are coming here by the thousands … every day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Escalante is going to grow up, whether we like it or not. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It makes sense to take the opportunities offered by the tourists and make venues available for them to spend their dollars.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Forward thinking people and those with vision can see a new industry here and those who cater to the visitors will have their cake and eat it too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Careful planning and positive thinking by the locals will go a long way in making this transition easy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There will always be those who like chicken little, see the sky is falling, the glass half empty, doom and gloom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I join with all the positive thinkers and doers and see great things ahead for Escalante.</span></div>
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Gary Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885933304330451812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998514108632686926.post-10977141203435407902016-05-25T12:20:00.002-07:002016-05-25T12:20:25.397-07:00Estate Sale<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Estate Sale</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FR548GMG9awJj9Nip3V6DZbjZuQun3Lgzi18q-nV7GO6lxpVnkqcSr-sTZk4_Kza3sjL2DEbUx5cWKYoajDCdiN4Es0cvYjl5XYcMwGw6mMAbl-IUnIcG93d2Yfk7OafiO5htzS6j0WT/s1600/costume+jewelry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FR548GMG9awJj9Nip3V6DZbjZuQun3Lgzi18q-nV7GO6lxpVnkqcSr-sTZk4_Kza3sjL2DEbUx5cWKYoajDCdiN4Es0cvYjl5XYcMwGw6mMAbl-IUnIcG93d2Yfk7OafiO5htzS6j0WT/s1600/costume+jewelry.jpg" /></a><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Today as I was driving back from the grocery store I saw a small sign posted on the side of the road, it said “Estate Sale” and had an arrow pointing up the side street.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I followed that sign for several miles wondering if that sign meant today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I arrived and found I was one of 25 others who had seen the same sign. The house was in the ritzy neighborhood of Hillcrest. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>After securing a parking place on the small street I entered the house. It was crowded with other curious people who were busy inspecting all the items.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The first room was jewelry, gobs and gobs of dazzle and glass.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The second room was kitchen stuff, there were all the recipe books of a lifetime and all the cookware, linens, and dishes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Another room was dedicated to shoes, hundreds of shoes of all colors, some for specific holidays and seasons.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Three floors of rooms, all filled with stuff collected from a lifetime.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It felt empty to me, a life on a hill overlooking the little people far below. <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Each room was a window into the life of this person.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>At the end of a lifetime, this is what was left.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Strangers looking for a bargain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Each room was showcasing a life time of collecting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It wasn’t a small amount either. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This person had way too much money and time and found comfort in surrounding themselves with stuff.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I wondered, what will my life reflect when I leave this earth? Will people pity me? Feel sorry for me? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I would hope that my collections of stuff will show that I lived a life filled with adventure, happiness, travel, and someone who made a difference in this life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My daily walks through the cemetery show what most people leave as a legacy to this life. A stone with a name, a birth and death date and maybe an epithet that reflected what they became or did.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Hmm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Is it time to change a few things in my current life?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Probably.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My collection of stuff needs to be seriously downsized. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I need to follow my own rule, if I haven’t used it in a year I need to consider passing it on. If I haven’t used it in a couple of years I definitely need to let it go.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Oh there are always exceptions to the rule and I guess that is what someone someday will be rifling though to find their bargain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My desire and hope would be that when my stuff is laid out that it reflects a life well lived with minimal stuff.</span></div>
Gary Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885933304330451812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998514108632686926.post-90260360776415099762016-05-15T11:24:00.003-07:002016-05-15T11:24:38.870-07:00Unfriended<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Unfriended</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOdIfgrdic5ysjsnDBazKV5w2eIqEtfgOUwxspaIZF01YlZR2kkwE135j8PCuAViCTHcDyyzr3lk9EF5fWblI8zv7dhaV4aLNK8VZDhGoLavp2-6cNfiPmRtD7DHMYkC51IeYY1bqISrl/s1600/IMG_0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOdIfgrdic5ysjsnDBazKV5w2eIqEtfgOUwxspaIZF01YlZR2kkwE135j8PCuAViCTHcDyyzr3lk9EF5fWblI8zv7dhaV4aLNK8VZDhGoLavp2-6cNfiPmRtD7DHMYkC51IeYY1bqISrl/s320/IMG_0199.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I was unfriended a few days ago, not in the usual sense of Facebook. This was a face to face unfriend. It was uncomfortable and disappointing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I met this person a few years back in my hometown. We had an instant connection and over the next few years we shared a common ideas of making the world a better place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Time and distance, miscommunication and unresolved differences made the outcome of un-friending a natural course of our relationship.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have become an outspoken crusader of toxic materials that are daily added to our air, water, food, news, medicine, and sense of living.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That course of living has cost me more than one friend. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Many are so polarized in their way of thinking that they are unwilling and unable to see any other kind of perspective than what they can see from their “box.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The chemicals that have been toxifying our minds and bodies have shut down our ability to “see.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In the conversation that developed I hit on many points of contention.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My contention was that I had done the research, studying the web for information that would help me to understand better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My “un-friend” had not done the research. The information shared was one of bias, discrimination, and lack of charity. Because a majority of others who hovered around my “un-friend” agreed, they were right and I was wrong.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A line from the movie Matrix fits this story well …</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>‘You have to understand. Most people are not ready to be unplugged. And many of them are so inured and so hopelessly dependent on the system that they will fight to protect it.’</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It is easy to unfriend someone on Facebook, you simply click, and they are gone from your life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It is another thing to unfriend someone in real life or have someone unfriend you. It is uncomfortable, challenging, and downright hard.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>But it is something that everyone of us has to do from time to time to hang on to sense of who we are.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It is always best to divest ourselves of these toxic people even if they are the majority and we are the one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
Gary Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885933304330451812noreply@blogger.com0