In the dark

Character is what you are in the dark.
-- Dwight L. Moody

Joe (the boyfriend) and I were talking the other day about religion, faith, and spirituality in general. And I suppose that remnants of that conversation are still on my mind.

I have appreciated and loved the part that my spirituality has played in my life. But these days, I'm aware of how often I hear someone say that they're religious and yet their actions don't seem to come close to matching the faith that they're professing to others. I'm aware, acutely, of the times that I have done the same.

Why is it that we, as a people, seem to be so quick to point out others shortcomings? We judge others by their actions and judge ourselves by our intentions entirely too often.

It feels lighter - doesn't it - to forgive others and ourselves?

So what if, instead, we all tried to be the best authentic self we could be?

Not because it gets us a better seat in heaven.

Not because others are watching.

But because it's the right way to live. It's less stressful on our own bodies. It's more harmonious.

It facilitates peace - internally and externally.

Seek and ye shall find...

What I am looking for is not out there, it is in me.

--Helen Keller

Quotes today that resonate with me...

“Love is when the other person's happiness is more important than your own.”

“Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot, who calls you back when you hang up on him, who will lie under the stars and listen to your heartbeat, or will stay awake just to watch you sleep... wait for the boy who kisses your forehead, who wants to show you off to the world when you are in sweats, who holds your hand in front of his friends, who thinks you're just as pretty without makeup on. One who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares and how lucky his is to have you.... The one who turns to his friends and says, 'that's her.'”

“Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.”

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”

“You haven't lost your smile at all, it's right under your nose. You just forgot it was there.”

“They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

“Love is supposed to start with bells ringing and go downhill from there. But it was the opposite for me. There's an intense connection between us, and as we stayed together, the bells rang louder.”

Poop is raining from the ceiling! Poop!

Okay, so for those of you who are not familiar with "The Office," you're missing out.

It has to be one of the funniest shows I've seen and I look forward to it every week. Last night's episode was a great one. It made me laugh, it almost made me cry, and it made me want to convince someone today that I am a vampire. It would make work much more bearable.

Anyway, I found this website and I highly recommend you "Office" fans checking it out. I've laughed so hard I have literally started to cry. :)

One of my favorite quotes

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deeest fear is that we are are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you NOT to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shirinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own Light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fears, our presence automatically liberates others.

--Nelson Mandela