The Day Before Christmas

The Day Before Christmas

by: Dr. Angela Kowitz Orobko

It was the day before Christmas
and all through the land.
People trying to complete
their last-minute Christmas plans.

Goodwill is around us,
if you open your eyes;
See people acting kindly;
it is Jesus in disguise.

Smiles and laughter
will rule this day,
With Christmas carols
playing along the way.

However, keep in mind
that a few souls will be
Not as much into Christmas
celebration as you and me.

A hole in their heart from a past
event that brought them despair.
Let us create for them new memories
and fill them with love and tender care.

Appreciate and value every
person that crosses your way,
Know them or not, express love
and kindness; make their day.

Christmas can be a magnificent
and marvelous time to bring
A new season of compassion and love,
let every bell chime and every voice sing.

“Merry Christmas to all and to all Love and Thanksgiving!”

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True Nobility

Dr. Wayne Dyer has often said that TRUE NOBILITY is really NOT about being better than everyone else. It is about being better than you used to be. It is shedding the mantra of the ego, “what’s in it for me?” and practicing the mantra of one’s highest self, “how may I serve?” Dr. Dyer feels that there is no greater model of that than the man who lived in Assisi (Saint Francis).

I believe each of us are gradually awakening to this higher spirit within ourselves, where we can shed the self-serving habits. We are developing our loving and compassionate hearts and spirits by practicing love and kindness, no matter the circumstances. We are beginning to show our capacity and ability to be pure love to one another, to all living creatures, to our environment and to our world.

Everything in our world are our sisters and brothers. We get to share our pure and unconditional love to our sister butterflies, brother birds, sister flowers, brother sun and sister moon. We get to live from the place within us where there is no condemnation, no judgment, no criticism towards any of God’s children, anywhere! The moment we can love that of which we most fear or hate, then we will know pure, unconditional love that of which is Jesus Christ and God (and all the higher spirits of the Universe). We DO have the ability! We can be love for each other and the world. I believe this to be awesome and wonderful.

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New Traditions

Create new traditions to bring more joy and unity into the lives of you and your loved ones! ~ Dr. Angi K. Orobko

In December we celebrate love, joy, generosity, charity, Christmas, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, rebirth, return of light, and so much more. How we choose to celebrate the holiday is entirely up to us. We can choose to create new ways to celebrate the season. The possibilities are endless. Take the opportunity to invite input from your loved ones when you create a new tradition or two. Ask yourselves, how can you best celebrate? What will make this season for you and your family more meaningful?

My loved ones and I celebrate Christmas each year. Yes, we usually put up a Christmas tree and exchange gifts; but, more importantly we honor the birth of Jesus Christ, as well as, prepare our hearts for the second coming of our Lord. This preparation can be in many forms, but ultimately it is being Jesus and Love for others, whether it is in the spirit of giving gifts and/or sharing time and talents.

I love the idea of creating care packages filled with necessities and goodies for people in need. I love the idea of doing deliberate and anonymous acts of love and kindness each week in the name of Jesus and Love. These can become new traditions in my family. There are countless other things we can do and I am open to receive any ideas my loved ones have in mind. How about you? Are you going to create a new tradition this December?

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November: A Month of Appreciation

November is a month of thankfulness and appreciation as we celebrate Thanksgiving later this month. A great idea that was started by two dear people in my life, my friend Donna and my cousin Amber, is to note what you are most thankful each day this month. They are posting their thoughts of gratitude in their status each day this month on Facebook. I am collecting my thoughts in a journal and on Thanksgiving Day, I am going to share these messages of gratitude with my family and friends during our Thanksgiving Dinner. I may post messages of gratitude on Facebook, as well. I try to do that now and then throughout the year, anyway.

Upon reflecting on gratitude, attitude comes to mind; gratitude is an attitude of appreciation, knowing the worth of another. Gratitude is a positive feeling of indebtedness to another. It is a form of love, loyalty, and giving back; like an I.O.U. Your heart feels a warmth and longing to be of service to whomever or whatever you feel gratitude.

Gratitude is related to being thankful, grateful and appreciative. It is an uplifting emotion where you feel worthy and valued; and, you usually have a feeling of joy where you want to pay a favor in return directly or indirectly for the person you feel gratitude. An attitude of gratitude brings positiveness and higher energy. It is a glow in the heart, a warmth from within that makes one grin.

A great quote to ponder stated by Denis Waitley, truly makes me realize how much I have to be thankful: “I had the blues because I had no shoes until upon the street, I met a man with no feet.”

I am deeply grateful for: my overall good  health, my wonderful husband and family (including Sasha, my fur-baby), my amazing friends both off and on-line, God and the Universe. The gratitude in my heart I extend to all those who have touched my life and molded me into who I am today, including the bullies and heart-breakers; and most importantly for having Jesus Christ in my life…the example He has led as God in Body…God the Experience…God the Flesh…God the Human Example. He showed us the path and the way to be.

I have the gratitude attitude for music, creativity, life, transformations, lessons, love, friendship, fellowship, family, education, color, sight, all my senses, my gender, my femininity, my masculinity, my whole being, my outlook and perspective, my vision, my attitude and openness…for everything. Everything is a blessing that deserves to appreciated! Have “Gratitude Attitude”and a thankful heart. Consider keeping a log of everything you appreciate this month (and perhaps beyond). You will see the positive ways it will change your life. (Parts of this article were used in previous articles in A Kiss of Bliss this year.)

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Gift Of Love #36

As I have given an update on my Gift of Love campaign yesterday, I also discussed how each bag has a story. Gift of Love #36 has a very special story. It has an image of praying hands with 3 hearts surrounding them. The three hearts represent God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

I spent a lot of time on the hands because I wanted them to look as reverent as possible. I, also, felt deeply connected with the Holy Spirit as I painted this. I really sensed that God was guiding me through this Gift Of Love. In fact, as I have progressed with this series of Gift of Love bag paintings, my connection with God and Spirit became more and more profound. It is extraordinarily validating. I know I am doing what I need to do. Have you ever felt this kind of connection in your work?

Grateful: The Gratitude Attitude

 

Upon thinking about gratitude, attitude came to mind; gratitude is an attitude of appreciation, knowing the worth of another. Gratitude is a positive feeling of indebtedness to another. It is a form of love, loyalty, and giving back; like an I.O.U. Your heart feels a warmth and longing to be of service to whomever or whatever you feel gratitude.

Gratitude is related to being thankful, grateful and appreciative. It is an uplifting emotion where you feel worthy and valued; and, you usually have a feeling of joy where you want to pay a favor in return directly or indirectly for the person you feel gratitude. An attitude of gratitude brings positiveness and higher energy. It is a glow in the heart, a warmth from within that makes one grin.

Dr. Seuss quoted: “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” How true is that?! Are you great-full (grateful) in being you?

Today, I am grateful to be ME, because as you can see, it is ME that can set my CREATIVE heart and soul FREE! (Angi quote). I am grateful that I can rhyme from time to time. It is an instrument in writing that can be fun to use if used sparingly with reason.

Another great quote to consider was stated by Denis Waitley: “I had the blues because I had no shoes until upon the street, I met a man with no feet.”

This quote really makes one pause and consider everything for which to be grateful. Today, I discovered I had an abscessed tooth. It had to be extracted. I chose to be grateful that it was only one tooth and not something worse. Yes, my mouth is sore and a little swollen; however, I am deeply grateful for: my overall good  health, my wonderful dentist, my husband and family (including Sasha, my fur-baby), God and the Universe. The gratitude in my heart I extend to all those who have touched my life and molded me into who I am today, including the bullies and heart-breakers; and most importantly for having Jesus Christ in my life…the example He has led as God in Body…God the Experience…God the Flesh…God the Human Example. He showed us the path and the way to be. 

I have the gratitude attitude for music, creativity, life, transformations, lessons, love, friendship, fellowship, family, education, color, sight, all my senses, my gender, my femininity, my masculinity, my whole being, my outlook and perspective, my vision, my attitude and openness…for everything. Everything is a blessing that deserves to appreciated! Have “Gratitude Attitude”. You will see the positive ways it will change your life.

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Gotcha!

Those “gotcha” moments can be upsetting and make you feel like you’ve been “had”; but, it doesn’t have to dampen your positive outlook.
~ Dr. Angela Kowitz Orobko

I would be dishonest if I did not share with you that I have my moments where I feel disappointment and anger, especially when I follow through and fulfill my promises and the respective party does not. The expectation is there, with verbal agreements and contracts; but, then the communication starts becoming one-sided. The other party has “GOTCHA!” I want to be positive about it and give everyone who touches my life the benefit of doubt (as Jesus would do), but it is not easy. Why would anyone say something and then not follow through. Is it fear? Is it mean-spiritedness? Is it neglect and forgetfulness?

I suppose it is not really for me to know why; but, more for me to decide what will I CHOOSE to do next. I could become cynical and negative, but what does that get me. Will that make me feel any better? No! I need to see the positiveness in this latest event in my life and learn from this experience. I would rather look like the sunflower in the summer sun with my head up high; after all, even a sunflower must experience a rainstorm in order to grow. She always comes out stronger and taller from the nourishment of the water. This rainstorm in my life need not wound my positive spirit or outlook. I will turn this “GOTCHA” moment into a learning experience that will allow me to grow and evolve. Consider the “GOTCHA” moments in your life, how will it shape you?

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It Only Takes a Second…

With 86,400 seconds per day…that is 3600 seconds an hour, I have more than enough time to use a few of those to make someone’s day. ~ Dr. Angela Kowitz Orobko

It only takes a second or two to say hello, thank you, bless you and I love you. It only takes a moment to smile or pat someone on the back. It only takes a few moments to hold open a door or help someone. However, it is in those few selfless moments that touch the hearts of others. How deeply we may impact another, only God knows. How much more time would we spend with others, if we knew today was his or her last day (or last few moments)? Consider making someone’s day. It only takes a second.

Nourishment for the Heart and Soul

As food is nourishment for the body; love, kindness, and interaction with people, nature, art and music are nourishment for the soul. ~ Dr. Angela Kowitz Orobko

Our souls need nourishment as much as our bodies do. Unfortunately many of us, me included, have used food to comfort our souls, when it really it is crying out for love, kindness, interaction with people, nature, art and music. When we were children, too often ice cream, candy and cookies were used as rewards, when hugs and attention would have provided the best nourishment to our spirit. Each of us need a daily dose of self-love and kindness, whether it be in the form of affirmations or simply giving ourselves time to relax, have fun and joyful experiences, pamper our bodies and get a full (night’s) sleep every day.

Interaction with people is also important to nourish one’s soul. Getting out in public provides one with opportunities to socialize and to help others, through simple and small, but very important acts of love and kindness. One’s own spirit is lifted when one can make another smile. Sharing the gift of time with others is one of the best ways to nourish both our spirit as well as the spirits of others. Jesus did this throughout His lifetime (and beyond). He was and continues to be food and nourishment for the weak in spirit. His love and his kindness has filled the void in the lives of thousands in His lifetime and now millions.

Spending time outdoors among the trees, plants, flowers, birds and other animals nurtures the spirit. When people actively listen, watch, and are fully present in nature to see, hear and feel all the wonderful sights, sounds and sensations of nature, their souls are lifted.  What is more lovely than hearing birds singing, frogs croaking, and crickets chirping? Who doesn’t enjoy seeing butterflies dancing and squirrels playing? The feel of a gentle breeze and drizzle of a summer shower has a way of positively touching one’s soul. Nature reconnects people to their spirits.

Art and music engage the spirit, encouraging and evoking feelings. The beat of a drum, the lull of a flute, the colors of a painting, the movement of a dance (just to name a few) satiate and nourish our spirits. Whether we are observing or performing art and music, our souls are filled. Art and music comfort us, as does love, kindness, people and nature. The next time you sense a bit of a void in your life, consider taking time for yourself, go out and interact with others and nature, and engage your heart with art and music. This food for your soul will nourish you spirit (without calories).

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Why?

Why does it take the worst of events to bring out the best in people? ~ Dr. Angela Kowitz Orobko

It was my intention to write about a totally different topic today, but when I learned of the tragic events that occurred in Colorado this morning I cannot help to wonder why anyone would deliberately cause such an act of terror. I will never understand deliberate actions that result in violence and the outcome is hurt and/or death. However, among all the ugliness of the unfolding events, love and hope manages to find its way to comfort the survivors.

May God bless all those who were directly affected today. May He comfort their hearts through the loving actions of others who have come forth after this tragedy to console and help them. May the horrific actions of one man NOT taint the hearts of the survivors. Let us not let evil win over good. This brings to mind one of my favorite Bible quotes: For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 God does understand our sorrows and He does love us. It is hard to see that right now, but His love is infinitely abundant and eternal.

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