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Nothing is as great as a woman! (Happy Mother’s Day)
As I sat reflecting on my blessings the other day, I was overcome with emotion as one of the most obvious became the role of women in my life, and how perhaps their dedication is often taken for granted.
My mind raced across memories of my wife, my daughters, my mother, my sister, my grandmothers, my mother-in-law, my aunts, and nearly every positive encounter I have enjoyed in the presence of a woman.
My heart was filled with gratitude, knowing the peace and comfort I find comes from a foundation of knowing, “I will always be able to count on the heart of women.” You see the natural instinct found in the soul of a woman is one where she can instantly sacrifice her needs for that of another.
Reflect with me if you will on the times in your life when you were uplifted, loved, complemented, believed in, saved from disaster, or simply acknowledged through a tender mercy that only a woman can give. As with me, I know you will find these thoughts to be self-sustaining. They are times where your life’s course was positively changed.
Here are a few of the reasons I feel the role of women is so extraordinary and rare. Understand these observations are my attempt to describe how I felt while being taken away in a spirit of love. It was a time I became aware of how blessed my life has become through the compassion of my female counterparts.
- The role of childbirth closely mirrors the duty of our Creator in providing life. As a result I maintain that a woman speaks naturally to Spirit. That same Spirit then communicates back to the heart of a woman quickly, innocently, and as needed. This is done in direct relation to what is needed for her to help another.
- Our Creator knew that for life to be sustained, the role of nurturer would need to be available at any given time. Those who could be counted on for this responsibility were women. The woman’s soul maintains complete capacity to give in every circumstance presented. Her charity towards others is so deeply embedded in her soul that she can give beyond personal ability and does so willingly. A woman will sacrifice all she has for the life of another.
- A woman touches the lives of all whom she contacts by understanding the law of abundance. This law suggests the more you willingly give the more you receive, and the more you receive the more you have to give. Her heart looks into the soul of another to find the needs of that individual. When discovered, she will give, teach, and provide to those who want.
- The instinct of a woman is to hold her family close. This suggests that a woman constantly has the wishes, desires, and needs of others on her mind. She will observe, seeking out the appropriate time and place she can assist. Her heart moves her into action, providing needed guidance and assurance at the relevant time.
- She has a light within which reflects on others. By looking into the eyes of a woman you can see into her soul and witness this light which becomes a beacon in times of darkness. Her simple touch radiates love, filling the gaps found in anyone who is in need of her tender mercy.
- Her faith is strong and unwavering. A woman is a teacher of truth and will defend what is right to the end. Her ability to lead, teach, and then help develop those she loves is built on a solid foundation and is never ending. She is creative and responsible for envisioning the greatest potential of all.
- She alone can heal a broken heart, know what is best, extend mercy endlessly, and leave traces of charity on everything she touches. I believe it is a woman who knows what our Creator would have her do.
With all this, what is it a woman expects from all she gives? Nothing, not a thing! In fact, I too believe as a woman retires in preparation for a nights rest, she weeps inside as she prays, hoping that she was able to assist all who were in need; asking only for assurance she had done her part.
As I finished my reflection, finding myself weeping with gratitude, I thanked my Creator for all the women in my life. I appreciate a little deeper the sacrifices of my mother as I witness my wife give her all to our children. I realize there are life’s yet to come who will benefit from these same gifts which my three daughters naturally possess.
While I can’t thank all the women who have played a role in my life, I acknowledge that I would be nothing without the experiences I have had witnessing a woman’s love. Our world is a better place because of all of you!
Jaren
Posted in Life
Tagged charity, compassion, dedication, love, mothers, sacrifice, women
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Life presents itself with hills and valleys, ups and downs, or highs and lows.
Science learns about historical events in specific regions by examining the rings on trees. A core is taken from a living tree and then reviewed by experts. They can determine the years of plenty, and years of stress. Science finds what the tree endured as it built strength (character) over the years of its growth.
Their study has proven the tree needed storms (challenges), calm (resting), and bounty (success) to gain strength. It is only through a varied life of difficulty (trails) and abundance (blessings) that a tree can in fact withstand nearly any challenge presented.
Alternatively, trees that are grown on a farm, with either props holding them up or assistance insuring there is never a need; can barely endure any difficulty presented as they grow outside the farm. The same is true of trees that grow in large forests which are protected from adversity.
We are no different, a constant life of protection, one having no challenges will prove to be detrimental to our growth. A sheltered life often may be desired, but experience shows protection from adversity strips us of our moral fiber. When life presents difficulty to someone who has been safeguarded, there is nothing there to sustain them, they fall over, quit, or get discouraged with the first sign of difficulty.
We all have had trials, and perhaps even greater than average recently. I suggest that if we were granted an opportunity to have a “do over,” going back on life to remove difficulty, knowing the life lessons that would be lost as a result; each of us would gladly take the trials as they were given, or at least see them as blessings.
Our greatest joys, our deepest learning, and our foundation of faith have all come through enduring our life lessons. Don’t misunderstanding the value of experience; it builds our character. Don’t take from yourself the blessing of trails; they both sustain you and bring fulfillment.
Trials may seem at the time they are lived, or relived, to be insurmountable. They aren’t and never will be; that is our promise. They are times we would never give up if we understood what protective barriers are built as we are tested. It is through this growth that good times are deeply felt and strength of character is built.
Each of us need to digest from the past so we can learn and grow, but we will trip and fall if we are repeatedly looking backward while moving forward. Never regret what has been done, take the time to better yourself from life’s experiences, and always be found looking forward as you reach for the stars!
Jaren
Slowly does it every time…
Through our life’s experiences we learn the wisdom found in tales such as Aesop’s fable “The Tortoise and the Hare.” Today we live in a world that is enriched by instant gratification. Our expectations threaten the values taught by the Tortoise who commented after winning the race, “Slowly does it every time.”
Think back on your life, try to remember those who sprinted into life seeming to have caught onto every dream. At the time, we may have felt envious of what they were achieving while we methodically moved along a planned coarse of action. Take another moment now and think of where those who ran quickly ended up and where you are today.
There is a story of a young man in 1849 who sold all of his possessions to mine gold in the rivers of Southern California. He learned of the great wealth that could be gained by mining the large nuggets from those waters. The stories were exaggerated such that men told of finding nuggets so large they could’t carry them.
Day after day the young man sifted through the waters finding nothing more than a growing pile of rocks. He had spent all his money and was discouraged that the stories he believed where untrue. All he was finding were small flecks of gold, nothing like the stories that made him sell all he owned.
One afternoon, after having had enough, he picked up a rock from the river and angrily through it back into the water yelling, “There’s no gold here!” Just as he did so, an older man who was known to have made it rich prospecting walked up saying, “Oh there’s gold in here, you just need to know where to find it.”
The young man with a smirk on his face replied, “There’s nothing here, trust me, I have been searching for days.” The old man was now at the river bank examining a rock he had bent over to pick up. He smiled as he threw it to the young man with a smile on his face suggesting, “See, I found one immediately.”
It was clear to the young man that there was gold in the rock but he said, “These are tiny flakes, I am looking for large nuggets, these are hardly worth my time,” as he threw the rock to the ground. The older man calmly walked up smiling and opening his pouch, “Son, it seems to me, you are so busy looking for large nuggets, you are missing filling your pouch with these precious flecks of gold.”
The young man was stunned at the amount of gold this old prospector had accumulated. The prospector continued by saying, “The patient accumulation of these little flicks has brought me great wealth.” The two men spent the next few hours together as the young man learned how to retrieve these large amounts of endless gold flakes floating freely down the river.
The lesson here is that by small and simple things, great things are brought to pass. A life spent engaged in small acts will build toward the richness and joy of love and happiness only few will taste of. Not unlike the slow methodic race the tortoise ran, our knowledge that collecting small amounts over time will bring to our lives everything we could ever want will serve us well.
Don’t get caught in the depression of attempting to defy nature by getting all that you want “now.” Find satisfaction in the journey. Know in your heart that each day is getting you closer to your desired outcome! One step at a time, one day at a time, will equal a lifetime of satisfaction.
Jaren
Love, true love…
I had a beautiful life experience while visiting with a dear friend of mine, Dan Densley. We were talking about an upcoming event he was participating in, “Bras for a Cause.” Our conversation reminded me of the time I had spoken with my friend Heidi Benson, a military mother, who shared with me her feelings about her son’s service.
Dan was scheduled to dance later that day as a female in drag, to raise money for cancer research. Dan is a middle aged man who has maintained good health and is active in “staying fit.” With that said, he was aware that age had precluded him from being “eye candy” like some of the other dancers.
Oddly enough, a few days earlier, I had spoken to a different friend, Robert Lopez, who was scheduled to dance with Dan. As Robert and I visited, we laughed about his annual request to participate in this event. Robert is a young, dark, handsome hardbody, who not only receives double takes everywhere he goes, but he is completely oblivious to the female gawkers!
I reminded him that we had used him to attract females on a boat in Lake Powell. Robert is one of the kindest, honestly humble men I have met. Part of his attraction is his sincerity of being unaware that he could be used as a “Mister Atlas” model; truly! Most of the dancers participate willingly, to support the cause but really don’t enjoy the attention.
Not all dancers are the same however, there is one who longs for this kind of exposure and is active in seeing that the pictures taken make it to large audiences. This individual actually exercises back stage by doing repetitive push ups and sit ups to “pump up” his muscles.
While Dan and I spoke, I teased him about having to stand next to Robert and the “pumped up bodies” assuring Dan not many eyes would be on him; we laughed. I complimented Dan for being such a good sport in doing something that requires a tremendous amount of bravery. We laughed as he told me that he was in it for fun; I knew differently.
Dan’s dear wife DeAnn is currently undergoing chemo therapy for cancer. She is a wonderfully kind and loving person who has given of herself her whole life. DeAnn is beloved. She is fighting her disease with all her heart. Her example is inspiring to all who know her. I asked Dan if he would be given a chance to speak at the event? He said he didn’t want to. I told him I admired his desire to participate.
He then said, “Jaren, I am doing this to see that they find a cure for cancer” with eyes moving toward the floor he began to cry. Raising his hand to wipe away the tears as they slowly trickled down his cheeks, he said, “I would dance naked if necessary.” Now, perhaps feeling slightly embarrassed about his emotion, Dan spoke softly and in a shaky voice said, “I would do anything to see that DeAnn gets better!”
As Dan and I continued with our visit, I quickly learned of his commitment to his “soul mate” and that here is nothing he wouldn’t do to help. It was inspiring for me to witness first hand this deep love Dan and DeAnn share. Words can’t express how I felt, knowing life is filled with relationships that are bound as one; with each partner feeling the others need.
I then saw Dan a few days later after his dancing charade and asked him how it went? “Fine” with a smile on his face as if to say, you know why I did it! I wondered if he had a chance to verbalize his feelings so I asked, did you get to speak? No, you know I could’t anyway. How did you do? I asked, knowing that he was up against younger hardbodies which included the show off. “Oddly enough, I raised the most money, go figure!”
This too taught me of the importance of doing things in life with humility and pure intent. Dan wasn’t there to do anything other than to accomplish one goal; raise money to help his wife and others who are struggling with this disease.
Dan, thank you for your dedication and love of life. Thank you for being willing to do what it takes to see that others are taken care of. You are an amazing example to all who know you! May God Bless you to realize the desires of your heart and may DeAnn be blessed to know of your love!
Jaren
Posted in Stories from people I meet
Tagged bras for a cause, cancer, dan densley, dedication, humility, love, soul mates
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I see that you are a good person…
It isn’t very difficult for us to see the harm generated in the life of someone who places judgment on another. On the other hand, it is difficult for us to realize personally that we may doing the very same thing. Our minds are filled with rational and reasoning in an effort to find comfort in our prejudice.
If we are ever one who has been judged, we realize the inaccuracies used in making that judgment. Our minds are filled with, “Oh, if they only could see things from my perspective.” Since we can’t walk in the shoes of another, we have no right to act as if we have.
The negative effect of judgment does more harm to the critic than the judged. Sights are placed on opposing, rather than building. Outlook is directed toward finding fault which turns on itself. Those who demean turn on themselves subconsciously preventing personal progression.
By understanding each of us carry the burden of making decisions regretted later, or through knowledge this is how we learn and grow; we will see the good in making the attempt. To progress to our greatest potential, we must see good in ourselves, which comes from seeing good in others.
Be aware that those who carry a little brighter smile, take a little quicker step, or have light surrounding themselves shedding willfully upon all they touch; are indeed seeing the good in all people.
Jaren
I am grateful…
For those of us who are fortunate, our paths are crossed by those who carry a spirit of gratitude in their life. You know exactly who I am talking about, as they approach their light brightens and uplifts everyone they meet. As you visit their attitude stimulates yours toward happiness and joy. Then as you leave their spirit lingers as you contemplate the richness of your life’s blessings.
What is their secret? Nothing really, gratitude is a state of mind achieved through focusing on the positive. If ingratitude is considered a serious sin, then gratitude naturally takes an equal position among the noblest of virtues. Gratitude simply stated is a feeling of appreciation, or an individual experiencing thankfulness for all that has been given.
I believe there are those who walk among us who have a natural orientation toward gratitude. The rest of us aren’t left out, we need only to alter our minds ever so slightly, seeing all we have, then realizing how truly fortunate we are. In doing so we will lift ourselves, lift others, and we will find we no longer hold a place for negativity. Our hearts orient toward an “attitude of gratitude.” This spirit builds on itself filling you with joy. The abundance of life flows from you as you encounter others who are blessed by your observation of bounty.
People are happier when they are sensing gratitude in their heart. It is nearly impossible to be resentful, mean-spirited or bitter while grateful. Gratitude opens doors to opportunity as limitations are removed by realizing all that has been given. You know you have value as others express appreciation of your existence in their life. This is why we feel so good around those who are grateful.
I am who I am because of who you are around me. To all who have so graciously given of themselves, thank you! I appreciate your love and light. My hope is that I am able to learn, experience and share; building on the light you have given me. I am grateful 
Jaren