A Spirit passing through

“As soon as there is life there is danger.” ~ R.Emerson
Contemplating this thought today as I reflect on the recent loss of our grandson, Easton Reed Critchfield. Easton came into this world facing some tall odds. And as the poem below will tell, he put up a good account of himself. But in the end, he succombed. And while I believe we will ultimately join with him at a later time, I can still feel the loss. So, this is for you, Easton. God Bless.

                              The Lion's Roar

I heard a lion roar today. I saw his courage on display.
His heart beat true within his chest as he faced a most fearsome test.
He fought for life...yet showed no fear and his battle cry rang in my ear.
This lion is no jungle king, no hero of which legends sing.

He is no larger than my hand. Yet, against all odds he makes his stand.
And tho' he cannot speak a word, I look at him and am assured,
That tho' he cannot scratch or bite, he's putting up a lion's fight.
Will he prevail? I cannot say. But I heard a lion roar today.

From the den of faith and the lair of love to Easton Reed Critchfield.
Born June 16, 2010
Died June 21, 2010

Personal Worth

“Your worth consists in what you are and not in what you have” ~ Thomas Edison

Do your best

“Doing your best is more important than being the best.” ~ Shannon Miller


Doing your best is the best way to show God that you are grateful for your blessings. It will also help you to get the most out of life. You can't expect to receive the best if you are not willing to give the best. Sometimes this means climbing out on a limb, getting out of your comfort zone and "going for it". You don't know what you can do until you try to do it.

A Lesson from an Elephant

Not sure if this link will take you to the video but there is a lesson we can learn from a couple of God's "lesser" creatures about accepting those who may be different from ourselves. When_elephants_retire.wmv

Fate

“How a person masters his fate is more important than what his fate is.” ~ Karl Wilhelm Von Humboldt
I love this thought! Why? Because each of us has a commitment to God and the universe to fulfill the measure of our creation. Fulfillment of that "fate" is far more important than the fate itself. This speaks to self-mastery and ultimately to "mastering the long trip".

Courage

“The highest courage is to dare to appear to be what one is.” You are not necessarily who you think you are or even who you say you are. But, if you are true to yourself, then you are what you show you are. If not, then you are a hypocrite.

Destiny

“Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.” ~ W. Bryan