Category: Life Influences

No beauty and rejected

We the world reflect various beliefs,

Who am I to question what you believe, or do not?

Each has mind, soul and thought within;

Given by divine or simply of women and men.

Lives reflect what surrounds us, products of what was taught, and shown;

My views formed at early age; I searched for truth, released from the cage.

If we seek, we will find, less we desire other paths sublime.

I choose not to judge others’ beliefs; I only speak for myself – and my life’s relief. 

It’s a relationship I learned to love; the Love I found from God above. 

He the sacrifice to atone for me; and answered to my feeble plea. 

He bought me with a very high price; it cost the one who came, His precious life. 

Isaiah relates suffering and pain, of the coming Messiah – the world would not know.

He comes for all, God reflects His Love; life blood poured out – from His veins it flowed.

But who would believe, message from above; He grew like a tender shoot, with no beauty to attract,

Even today, many turn away, allow nothing within; waiting – waiting – for answers to be exact.

Despised, rejected by each of us around; has it really changed from way back when,

No matter how gloom and dark, light overcomes and provides life.

We didn’t believe – one to earth He would send?

Yet He bore our pain, suffering; pierced for the world to see,

But who is to blame, putting Him on the tree?

Was it government, religion, others – but no – it was even me.

Skull Hill face in Jerusalem. Do you think this is the actual site of where Jesus’ cross was placed – on top of this hill with the face resembling that of a skull? 

Where is one today who would die for another?

Would it be sister for sister, or brother for brother?

I’m not able to display such Love, as only God could show.

He gave His life for me; now risen, living – and I am free.

(Inspired by Isaiah 53)

For an image to see what the crucifixion site of Jesus at Golgotha (Jerusalem) may have looked like, you can link it here on Trip Advisor.  https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293983-d325092-Reviews-Golgotha-Jerusalem_Jerusalem_District.html

Blessings along the Way!

Ron

Work hard, play hard – live

This sign at Mission Barbeque (BBQ) caught my attention on Sunday.  They have photos and various items to thank first responders and military, and even play the national anthem at noon.  I enjoy the atmosphere and the appreciation shown by the team there. They also have excellent food at an excellent price. 

I happened to notice the Navy is missing a helmet on the wall.  They are probably refurbishing it.  😊

Anyway, just ponder this thought, that applies to life itself.  “If you knew you couldn’t play tomorrow, how hard would you play today.” 

Doesn’t this statement apply to our lives?  If we couldn’t live tomorrow, how will we live today? 

Blessings along the Way!

El Camino Real

Mission way-station along Florida’s El Camino Real.

From the time St. Augustine (capital of Florida at the time) was established in 1565, Spanish military and religious authorities began extending their reach beyond the town limits.  They developed various modes of transportation between widely dispersed settlements which eventually included forts, missions and ranches. 

Map placed at Ichetucknee Springs near Fort White highlighting part of the Camino Real.

During this period, many roads were established in Spain’s New World colonies, often following earlier Indian footpaths and trade routes. In La Florida, the Camino Real helped move people and supplies between St. Augustine and the more than 100 missions located to its west among native populations living on the frontier.

Rontittle.com photo of the drawing by Edward Jonas depicting movement of an oxcart along the Camino Real toward a mission.

In the 1680s, Florida Governor Diego de Quirogay Losado contracted the services of military engineer Enrique Primo de Rivera to build a formal road across north Florida that was suitable for oxcarts. 

Rontittle.com photo of drawing of oxcart by Edward Jonas.

Although there are no standing Spanish missions in Florida today, important clues found in historical documents, archaeological evidence, and the land itself have allowed researchers to reconstruct this royal road’s path.  So, come learn about, explore, and enjoy the places and stories of La Florida and its El Camino Real!  https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/explore/el-camino-real/

Blessings along the Way!

Ron

Dance love

Ballet shoes of a dance instructor, through her childhood.

I recently attended an open house at a dance academy and saw these shoes hanging on the wall. They are shoes of the studio owner and instructor as a reminder to the young dancers to learn, practice and persevere. The shoes reflect years of hard work and labor to be the best one can be – and enjoy the dance. So, below is a simple little poem I attempted to honor instructors and students for their dedication.

The dance is within, from child to aged

Each awaits the moment, to learn and dance. 

When one gets the dream and feels the move.

The mind triggers the thought, but still –

Feet flow without rhythm, striving to become smooth.

Years of dedication and work,

To train the feet the way they should go.

The placement, each muscle learns to conform.

Legs form into the emboîté,

Alternate legs as they are bent,

Or escape with an echappé.

Frappé is quick and precise,

Plié from two into one fondu.

Terms, movements rhythm, grace

Require countless time to improve.

Commitment of years, learn to lead,

Guiding youth steps along the way.

Flowing with grace, beauty,

Standing on tips, learn not to sway.

From pointe on toes – encounter relevé.

Grace, beauty and form now belong,

Countless work becomes perfect, never ending for most.

Love shows through as you dance along.

Grasp every move, on your feet become steady,

Shoes tell the tale, of struggle and growth,

It’s not easy, but dance when you’re ready.

Never give up – achieve the most.

Dance with Love!

Blessings along the Way!

Ron

Fuel creative minds

Legos creations by Levi

I’m highlighting this week some of the creations of young minds,

Whether drawing or building something.

What did you create when you were young?

How did that help you toward adulthood?

Take time to encourage our young people,

Letting their minds flow,

Creating not just what their eyes see,

But even what they may not know.

Look at little hands, developing, instruments of the mind,

Applaud them, praise them – don’t let them fall behind.

Sometimes the plan falls apart and pieces crumble,

Don’t let then stop, even though they’ve been humbled.

Engineers, scientists, doctors, builders and creators,

They have it within,

Waiting and waiting,

For us to let them begin.

***

Blessings along the Way!

Ron

Eyes of youth

Become – Drawing from Shelby

From baby to child,

From child to teen;

Oh how they grow;

They never stop wondering

Through their eyes so keen.

What is in the eyes of youth?

It’s Okay – Drawing from Shelby

It’s beauty, it’s hope, it’s love.

How we shape them, depends on us;

Or, cause them to withdraw and remove,

We may not know.

Dance – Drawing by Shelby

Shelby the youthful one – long, flowing hair,

With love, energy and blessing from above;

She draws, creates, learning to become,

Young woman of beauty, aspirations, love.

Free to be Me – Drawing by Shelby

We dream for them, encourage them, guide them,

Not just let them wonder of life,

They form and glow, like a shining gem.

We do what we can, to slow the strife.

Vision Beyond – Drawing by Shelby

We behold little things they do,

Praising, lifting spirits high,

You can do it, we know you can,

What a lovely drawing, through mind’s eye.

***

Blessings along the Way!

Ron