Good Morning and Blessings Everyone!
My father used to talk about how simple life was when he was a little boy. I tell my children how much simpler it was for me when I was a young girl. Things have changed too much in this world and our children no longer have that simple taste of life. They don't get up in the morning and run outside to play with their friends because mommy and daddy are both working or just don't feel like going outside to watch them. So what do they do when they wake up? They turn on the television or the computer and there they sit for the rest of the day.
I remember my parents not allowing us to stay in the house all day watching television. Nope the TV got turned off and you had to go outside and play. There was no saying to your parents, "I'm bored," because they would just find things for you to do. Not fun things like ride your bike, play ball with your friends, no more like clean the bathroom, clean your room, do extra homework, read ahead a few chapters! Oh and don't under any circumstances let your mom receive a call from the school. There was no excuse because the teacher and the principal were always right! You were under their watchful eye all day so there is no way they don't know you. My mother used to say if the teacher punishes you for doing something wrong in school I will punish you when you get home as well. You can bet we didn't talk to our teachers the way students do today. We may not have liked them all very much but we showed our respect.
I loved school! I was considered a Nerd! Oh well, someone has to be. Other kids used to come to me to help them with their homework and I did. I enjoyed helping people then and now. I often think back to the days of when my biggest problem was whether or not to wear my hair in braids or pig tails. I think about when I used to play with barbie dolls in the fourth grade then I see fourth graders today and feel sad because most of them don't know they are still young enough to play with dolls, still young enough to want to play ball with their father, still young enough to want to hang out with their older siblings. Children today unfortunately grow up too fast.
I love children, I always did, even when I was a kid in high school I looked after the younger kids in the neighborhood. I never let anyone bother them and I always made time to hang out with them. Kids are amazing people. They develop every day in so many ways, their mind is a sponge, their social skills get fine tuned to their environment, they search to figure out who they are and what they want to be. It wouldn't hurt anyone to be there to help them grow the right way.You see parents today are no different than parents of yesterday. My parents had to work and my grandparents had to work as did my great grandparents. Yes they were homes with both parents working. My great grandparents had a farm among other things, my grandmother and grandfather both worked on both sides of the family, my father and mother had to work just like parents today but they all managed to be there for their children. Tired at the end of the day, yes, but still doing what needed to be done for their children no matter what. I was in brownies and girl scouts, my brothers played baseball and football. We had a social life our parents were well aware of. They knew our friends and if they did not approve of them then we did not get to remain friends that could hang out together. Today kids tell the parents what they are doing and when they are doing it. Not right, it's time the head of the family goes back to the parent in charge, be it father or mother, it's not for the children to decide.
Looking back now at all the amazing teachers that crossed my path growing up I had some of the best Earth Angels in the world. I could only hope my children were as blessed as I was. From the first day of school to the last I was blessed with many that made an impact on my life. That put me in the right direction when I seemed to veer off course. I am thankful for all the help I had.
Help Them Grow!
Children can get turned around,
Hard to keep their feet on the ground,
Hard for them to understand,
Things don't always go as planned,
To you and me they turn for advice,
When things don't feel right they think twice,
Just like you and me they are,
Trying not to rock the car,
Trying to keep the steering wheel straight,
Driving down life's interstate,
It is not always easy to stay on course,
Life's changes are often the force,
That clouds their mind so they lose sight,
Of what is wrong and what is right,
They do things they are not proud of,
They want to be noticed they are looking for love,
Children are no different than you or me,
A bit smaller I do agree,
But they are looking for the same things in life,
Happiness, love, a husband or wife,
To fill their dreams and reach their goal,
To be successful not fall in a hole,
They can achieve these dreams it is true,
They just need to know where to start what to do,
That will be taught by those they meet,
When walking down the path of life's beat,
Each person who crosses in front of them,
Is helping them build a strong stem,
Roots that grow deep in the ground,
Bearing the fruit of Knowledge abound,
They can not do this alone,
Every Earth Angel within their zone,
Needs to stretch out their wings and show,
All the children what they know,
So they can walk the path designed,
To help them straighten out unwind,
Their path should jump and sing,
So success, happiness, and love it will bring!
To Be Continued........
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
My First Earth Angel!
Good morning and Blessings Everyone,
When I was eleven yours old an angle entered my life, not an orb type angel, an real live Earth Angel. It was a time when I needed more than the hugs from my mother and father or the knowledge from my Great Grandmother I was going to be OK. When I was a little girl I was in the hospital because my stomach was always sick, I was in a lot of pain. The doctors didn't know what was wrong with me but my Great Grandmother did. She always seemed to fix it with chamomile tea. Calmed and settled the stomach while she laid her hands on my tummy and made it all go away.
The doctors decided they need to do tests to figure it all out so into the hospital I went. Boy was I scared! When I was in the hospital I met an amazing woman. Her name was Angie, this woman was truly an earth angel. For some reason at the age of 11 I was not put in a hospital room with children my own age. I do believe the angels intervened bringing me to Angie's room, whom I lovingly call Aunt Angie. She came into my life at a time I needed her most and I do believe she needed me too. So a double purpose was served.
During my stay in the hospital she taught me how to sew and stuff little animal figures so I could make my own stuffed animals. A love I still have to this day. Angie didn't have any children but her and her husband Al always wanted them. He came every day to visit her and spend hours making us laugh. They were amazing people but what bonded me, Aunt Angie and Uncle Al together was I could talk to them about anything. Things I could never talk to my parents about. I could tell her about the visions I have and she didn't judge me because she too believed. I could tell her about the troubles I was having at home without fear it would get back to my parents. She was my confidant but she was also the empath that was put in my path to help me heal when I needed it most. When I was scared about this test or that and my mother had to go home at night, it was Aunt Angie who calmed my fear.
After I got out of the hospital we kept in touch so it wasn't just for the moment I was there. My father would drive me to her house so we could spend time together. It helped me gather myself up again. I often left there feeling like new. When ever I was down, depressed and trying to cope with all that was out there she and I would sit on the phone and talk for hours. I spent many a night writing her letters instead of notes to my friends. She always answered them in writing besides the phone calls we had and the visits I made. Aunt Angie and Uncle Al made me feel at home even when I felt I didn't belong in my own skin. They helped me to grow and understand I was not some kind of weirdo. I had feelings, a purpose in this world that others chose to ignore. I choose to embrace it. I choose to listen to what was going on around me and try to help. I thank God and my Angels every day for putting these two amazing people in my life for however short a time it was. I know I have two more angels watching over and protecting me, guiding me down this path I choose to take. I am grateful they were there to help me along the bumpy roads.
Its true we don't know why some people come into our life but trust me it is for a purpose. One day when you are sitting back and remembering those times you will realize why you were blessed by the people who have crossed your path even if they did nothing more but bring drama your way, it was a lesson learned, an experience that was necessary to move on.
Earth Angels!
Angels walk the Earth with us,
Sitting next to you on the bus,
Check you out in the store,
Relieve your stress at the core,
They touch our lives every day,
They always know what to say,
We don't know who they are,
Their light shines bright as a star,
This is what draws us near,
Helps to calm all our fear,
Along our path they may walk,
If only for us to talk,
To clear our mind from what may be,
Not allowing us to see,
To open us up to receive,
The positive energy that they weave,
They will help us face each day,
In a more enlightening way,
So when this angel comes to you,
Do not question what they do,
Embrace the assistance they share,
For they are sent here,
To help us learn along the way,
So that we may,
Take the knowledge they bring,
Ushered in on their wing,
And share it with all those we meet,
So once again there is dancing in the street!
To Be Continued..........
When I was eleven yours old an angle entered my life, not an orb type angel, an real live Earth Angel. It was a time when I needed more than the hugs from my mother and father or the knowledge from my Great Grandmother I was going to be OK. When I was a little girl I was in the hospital because my stomach was always sick, I was in a lot of pain. The doctors didn't know what was wrong with me but my Great Grandmother did. She always seemed to fix it with chamomile tea. Calmed and settled the stomach while she laid her hands on my tummy and made it all go away.
The doctors decided they need to do tests to figure it all out so into the hospital I went. Boy was I scared! When I was in the hospital I met an amazing woman. Her name was Angie, this woman was truly an earth angel. For some reason at the age of 11 I was not put in a hospital room with children my own age. I do believe the angels intervened bringing me to Angie's room, whom I lovingly call Aunt Angie. She came into my life at a time I needed her most and I do believe she needed me too. So a double purpose was served.
During my stay in the hospital she taught me how to sew and stuff little animal figures so I could make my own stuffed animals. A love I still have to this day. Angie didn't have any children but her and her husband Al always wanted them. He came every day to visit her and spend hours making us laugh. They were amazing people but what bonded me, Aunt Angie and Uncle Al together was I could talk to them about anything. Things I could never talk to my parents about. I could tell her about the visions I have and she didn't judge me because she too believed. I could tell her about the troubles I was having at home without fear it would get back to my parents. She was my confidant but she was also the empath that was put in my path to help me heal when I needed it most. When I was scared about this test or that and my mother had to go home at night, it was Aunt Angie who calmed my fear.
After I got out of the hospital we kept in touch so it wasn't just for the moment I was there. My father would drive me to her house so we could spend time together. It helped me gather myself up again. I often left there feeling like new. When ever I was down, depressed and trying to cope with all that was out there she and I would sit on the phone and talk for hours. I spent many a night writing her letters instead of notes to my friends. She always answered them in writing besides the phone calls we had and the visits I made. Aunt Angie and Uncle Al made me feel at home even when I felt I didn't belong in my own skin. They helped me to grow and understand I was not some kind of weirdo. I had feelings, a purpose in this world that others chose to ignore. I choose to embrace it. I choose to listen to what was going on around me and try to help. I thank God and my Angels every day for putting these two amazing people in my life for however short a time it was. I know I have two more angels watching over and protecting me, guiding me down this path I choose to take. I am grateful they were there to help me along the bumpy roads.
Its true we don't know why some people come into our life but trust me it is for a purpose. One day when you are sitting back and remembering those times you will realize why you were blessed by the people who have crossed your path even if they did nothing more but bring drama your way, it was a lesson learned, an experience that was necessary to move on.
Earth Angels!
Angels walk the Earth with us,
Sitting next to you on the bus,
Check you out in the store,
Relieve your stress at the core,
They touch our lives every day,
They always know what to say,
We don't know who they are,
Their light shines bright as a star,
This is what draws us near,
Helps to calm all our fear,
Along our path they may walk,
If only for us to talk,
To clear our mind from what may be,
Not allowing us to see,
To open us up to receive,
The positive energy that they weave,
They will help us face each day,
In a more enlightening way,
So when this angel comes to you,
Do not question what they do,
Embrace the assistance they share,
For they are sent here,
To help us learn along the way,
So that we may,
Take the knowledge they bring,
Ushered in on their wing,
And share it with all those we meet,
So once again there is dancing in the street!
To Be Continued..........
Monday, February 25, 2013
Be Thankful!
Good Evening and Blessings Everyone!
You wake up in the morning closing your eyes to the beauty of the sunrise. Instead of singing along with the birds you choose to stomp on the worms. Why bring all that negativity into a brand new day? Think about it, in everyone's life there are high roads and low roads. It depends on how you approach each road as to how the ride will be, how long you will be on the high road or low road.
I love opening my eyes at 6 AM no matter what time of the year it is and welcoming the day with a song in my heart and mind. Embracing each day as if it was the first one of my life. Oh I haven't always been so optimistic that is why I can say taking the high road of happiness and laughter is so much better than taking the low road of disaster and depression. We all have things go wrong with our day, our week, even our year for some, but we can not own it. We can not take the negativity that comes our way and take hold of it owning it, making it our own because if we do then it hangs in with us as long as we allow it.
I love waking up in the morning singing to my favorite song, listening to the birds chirping away, the beauty of sun even the sound of the rain tapping on my window or the silence that a snowfall may bring. I used to drive my late sister Donna crazy. I would wake up in the morning for school singing and dancing around the bedroom we shared. Every morning she would tell me there was something wrong with me. She couldn't understand how I could love the morning so much. The reverse was true for me, Donna loved the night where I couldn't wait to lay my head down and get some rest she was ready to go out and enjoy herself. So many people couldn't believe we were sisters because we were not really that much alike but we were always together.
The way I look at it is, I get to open my eyes every morning and great each day. So why not greet it with a smile on my face, a thank you on my lips, a prayer to God and happiness in my step. Why not thank my lucky stars I am getting to greet the day? Why ,let the traffic get to me, the sound of the neighbors dog barking all night, the loud music coming from passing cars, or the bank teller with an attitude bring me down?
Life, my friend, is too short. There aren't enough hours in the day, days in the week, weeks in the month, or months in the year to walk around unhappy and miserable. So when things seem to get you down remember the bills will be there tomorrow just do the best you can, it's all anyone can ask. Your boss will still be a know it all in the morning, your neighbor will still be gossiping next week, and it could rain tomorrow but no matter what life goes on so why not let it go on for you with a smile on your face and happiness in your heart.
Here's wishing you a life filled with happiness, joy, and love!
So Beautiful!
Open your eyes to a sun filled room,
Breath in deep smell the flowers in bloom,
Enjoy the beauty life brings to you,
Admire the beautiful sky of blue,
Appreciate the need for rain,
It brings us fields of grain,
Take a ride and explore,
The beauty of the sea shore,
Take a walk on the beach,
Watch the clouds out of reach,
In and out the waves you run,
Like a child having fun,
Hear the thunder begin to clash,
Out of the water run with a splash,
Back to the car on the road once more,
Up to the mountains away from the shore,
See the beauty of the setting sun,
The night begins the day is done,
Rest your head beneath the stars,
Through the telescope you can see Mars,
The beauty before you stretches through,
The Galaxy, the Universe, the stars anew,
For each night as the stars burn bright,
Up in the sky with all their might,
They shine brightly for you and me,
And the rest of the world sees their beauty,
As you close your eyes for the night,
Bathing in the starry light,
The beauty before you is all you see,
Laying beneath the apple tree,
And in the morning as the sun begins to rise,
You stretch out and open your eyes,
Thankful for the chance to see,
The beauty God made for you and me.
To Be Continued.......
You wake up in the morning closing your eyes to the beauty of the sunrise. Instead of singing along with the birds you choose to stomp on the worms. Why bring all that negativity into a brand new day? Think about it, in everyone's life there are high roads and low roads. It depends on how you approach each road as to how the ride will be, how long you will be on the high road or low road.
I love opening my eyes at 6 AM no matter what time of the year it is and welcoming the day with a song in my heart and mind. Embracing each day as if it was the first one of my life. Oh I haven't always been so optimistic that is why I can say taking the high road of happiness and laughter is so much better than taking the low road of disaster and depression. We all have things go wrong with our day, our week, even our year for some, but we can not own it. We can not take the negativity that comes our way and take hold of it owning it, making it our own because if we do then it hangs in with us as long as we allow it.
I love waking up in the morning singing to my favorite song, listening to the birds chirping away, the beauty of sun even the sound of the rain tapping on my window or the silence that a snowfall may bring. I used to drive my late sister Donna crazy. I would wake up in the morning for school singing and dancing around the bedroom we shared. Every morning she would tell me there was something wrong with me. She couldn't understand how I could love the morning so much. The reverse was true for me, Donna loved the night where I couldn't wait to lay my head down and get some rest she was ready to go out and enjoy herself. So many people couldn't believe we were sisters because we were not really that much alike but we were always together.
The way I look at it is, I get to open my eyes every morning and great each day. So why not greet it with a smile on my face, a thank you on my lips, a prayer to God and happiness in my step. Why not thank my lucky stars I am getting to greet the day? Why ,let the traffic get to me, the sound of the neighbors dog barking all night, the loud music coming from passing cars, or the bank teller with an attitude bring me down?
Life, my friend, is too short. There aren't enough hours in the day, days in the week, weeks in the month, or months in the year to walk around unhappy and miserable. So when things seem to get you down remember the bills will be there tomorrow just do the best you can, it's all anyone can ask. Your boss will still be a know it all in the morning, your neighbor will still be gossiping next week, and it could rain tomorrow but no matter what life goes on so why not let it go on for you with a smile on your face and happiness in your heart.
Here's wishing you a life filled with happiness, joy, and love!
So Beautiful!
Open your eyes to a sun filled room,
Breath in deep smell the flowers in bloom,
Enjoy the beauty life brings to you,
Admire the beautiful sky of blue,
Appreciate the need for rain,
It brings us fields of grain,
Take a ride and explore,
The beauty of the sea shore,
Take a walk on the beach,
Watch the clouds out of reach,
In and out the waves you run,
Like a child having fun,
Hear the thunder begin to clash,
Out of the water run with a splash,
Back to the car on the road once more,
Up to the mountains away from the shore,
See the beauty of the setting sun,
The night begins the day is done,
Rest your head beneath the stars,
Through the telescope you can see Mars,
The beauty before you stretches through,
The Galaxy, the Universe, the stars anew,
For each night as the stars burn bright,
Up in the sky with all their might,
They shine brightly for you and me,
And the rest of the world sees their beauty,
As you close your eyes for the night,
Bathing in the starry light,
The beauty before you is all you see,
Laying beneath the apple tree,
And in the morning as the sun begins to rise,
You stretch out and open your eyes,
Thankful for the chance to see,
The beauty God made for you and me.
To Be Continued.......
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Protecting Your Empathic Self!
Good Afternoon and Blessings Everyone!
There are days I just want to run and hide. Lock out the world, try to make my surroundings peaceful, relaxing. Then there are days the sky is blue even in my living room! :) When the stress starts to get to me I know I have to change the way things are going around me. I have to shut down and not allow it to get in, protect myself, block any an all negativity. Its not energy I want to soak up and enjoy. Not like the laughter of a child that makes me feel as if I have been rejuvenated.
I am sure there are a lot of us out there who feel we need to shut down, disappear inside ourselves and say goodnight till we gather ourselves up once again. Being an empath I sometimes feel like there is someone playing basketball with my insides. I try to tell people how I feel. To please not bring it around me but sometimes people just forget. They get caught up in their own problems so they forget I feel what they are going through. You see the job of an empath is to feel what others are going through to try and help those around us in a number of ways. These ways are to feel what they are feeling, understand what they are going through, absorb the energy popping up around them, be there if they need to talk things out. Of course we don't always know the people who need this kind of help so when they are busy tossing out negative energy we sometimes catch it not sure of where it came from. How could that be, you ask yourself.
Here's a perfect example: You are taking a much need walk through your neighborhood. Just soaking up the beauty of the day, when someone who is having a really crappy day drives by. In that second that it takes for this person to drive by, the negative energy they have stored up inside of them is directed at you. Oh they don't mean to send it your way but perhaps while they were driving by they took notice of you walking and looked your way or it could be as simple as they energy was more than they could handle so your energy reached out there to help them through it all. Now they are feeling much better but you feel you could run the mile in 2.3 seconds. Your insides start jumping so being the empath you know you are, you realize you need to add a little more time to your walk to work off the negative energy you just picked up.
This happens when we go out there unprotected. I don't usually put a wall of protection around myself just to go for a walk or when I am sitting in my living room but if there is something going on around me, something I am aware of, I protect myself. If I am going out to restaurant, even shopping, somewhere I know I am going to be in the company of more people than I know, I protect myself. The way I do this I imagine an imaginary white circle all around me, my circle of protection. When doing this I also put a clear dome cover over me making it resistant to the negativity that could be out there. Inside I sit calm and protected from all that could be thrown at me. Now I used to do this a lot , when I was first starting out because being around people and all their emotions drove me up the wall. My Great Grandmother taught me to put myself inside the dome making it a wall of protection. It worked for me for a long time when I needed it.
Now I don't use it as much anymore. Not because I don't feel the way I used to but because I want to know what is going on around me and if there is someone out there who needs my help. I want to be able to help them, have them reach out to me if need be, even if they do not understand why they are reaching out to me. I have had people start talking to me while standing in line at the food store for no apparent reason. By the time I check out I know all about this person, their family, their life. All I did was listen, smile and nod my head in understanding. Whatever it is they needed they felt an urge to talk to me. I could feel the tension release from their energy. I could feel them get lighter so to speak. I always feel as if I have accomplished something if the person who ranted on suddenly turns to me with a smile on their face and says. "I have no idea why I told you all that but I feel so much better!" I usually respond with, "Not to worry, I enjoyed our chat!" I smile at them and they smile back. It feels good to both of us and that's all that matters. They needed a release, I was put there for them to get that release.
Being an empath is an interesting part of my life. Confusing sometimes, yes, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I enjoy my work, my connection with the other realm too much. I enjoy helping people, relieving their stress or just sharing in their happiness. I love my job even though the pay stinks, lol. You don't get a salary from God for doing the work that needs to be done but the feeling you get from helping others is reward enough. If you believe you are an empath and have any questions for me I am always available to listen. Please feel free to contact me anytime either here or email me at michelinascloset@gmail.com. I look forward to talking with you.
Helping Out!
Standing in line checking out,
The little boy behind me gave a shout,
His mother was so stressed I could see,
This was not where she wanted to be,
The sadness in her eyes said it all,
She felt like curling up in a ball,
I turned to her nodded my head,
Hoping she would talk to me instead,
She apologized for the noise,
I said, "boys will be boys,"
She smiled a light shone in her eyes,
I can feel how often she cries,
I can see inside her soul,
Her struggles have taken a toll,
She thanks me for understanding,
Her little boy loudly demanding,
She tells me how hard life has been,
Always seems to be in a spin,
Sometimes she just wants to scream,
It must be a nightmare, a dream,
Why does it have to be this way,
When her children sleep she sits to pray,
Waiting for answers she has nowhere to go,
Why is she telling me this she just doesn't know,
I assure her it will be alright,
At the end of the tunnel there is a light,
Then I smile and pass her my card,
I ask her please do not discard,
If you ever need someone to talk to,
Call me is all you have to do,
She reminds me she can not pay,
I smile and quietly say,
"I don't want money from you.
That is not what I do."
So she promises to hold on tight,
When its darkest with no light,
She will call me friend to friend,
So I can assist in helping her mend.
One day she calls me just to say,
Thank you for your help that day,
Now we can laugh and joke when we talk,
For God has helped her clear the walk!
To Be Continued.......
There are days I just want to run and hide. Lock out the world, try to make my surroundings peaceful, relaxing. Then there are days the sky is blue even in my living room! :) When the stress starts to get to me I know I have to change the way things are going around me. I have to shut down and not allow it to get in, protect myself, block any an all negativity. Its not energy I want to soak up and enjoy. Not like the laughter of a child that makes me feel as if I have been rejuvenated.
I am sure there are a lot of us out there who feel we need to shut down, disappear inside ourselves and say goodnight till we gather ourselves up once again. Being an empath I sometimes feel like there is someone playing basketball with my insides. I try to tell people how I feel. To please not bring it around me but sometimes people just forget. They get caught up in their own problems so they forget I feel what they are going through. You see the job of an empath is to feel what others are going through to try and help those around us in a number of ways. These ways are to feel what they are feeling, understand what they are going through, absorb the energy popping up around them, be there if they need to talk things out. Of course we don't always know the people who need this kind of help so when they are busy tossing out negative energy we sometimes catch it not sure of where it came from. How could that be, you ask yourself.
Here's a perfect example: You are taking a much need walk through your neighborhood. Just soaking up the beauty of the day, when someone who is having a really crappy day drives by. In that second that it takes for this person to drive by, the negative energy they have stored up inside of them is directed at you. Oh they don't mean to send it your way but perhaps while they were driving by they took notice of you walking and looked your way or it could be as simple as they energy was more than they could handle so your energy reached out there to help them through it all. Now they are feeling much better but you feel you could run the mile in 2.3 seconds. Your insides start jumping so being the empath you know you are, you realize you need to add a little more time to your walk to work off the negative energy you just picked up.
This happens when we go out there unprotected. I don't usually put a wall of protection around myself just to go for a walk or when I am sitting in my living room but if there is something going on around me, something I am aware of, I protect myself. If I am going out to restaurant, even shopping, somewhere I know I am going to be in the company of more people than I know, I protect myself. The way I do this I imagine an imaginary white circle all around me, my circle of protection. When doing this I also put a clear dome cover over me making it resistant to the negativity that could be out there. Inside I sit calm and protected from all that could be thrown at me. Now I used to do this a lot , when I was first starting out because being around people and all their emotions drove me up the wall. My Great Grandmother taught me to put myself inside the dome making it a wall of protection. It worked for me for a long time when I needed it.
Now I don't use it as much anymore. Not because I don't feel the way I used to but because I want to know what is going on around me and if there is someone out there who needs my help. I want to be able to help them, have them reach out to me if need be, even if they do not understand why they are reaching out to me. I have had people start talking to me while standing in line at the food store for no apparent reason. By the time I check out I know all about this person, their family, their life. All I did was listen, smile and nod my head in understanding. Whatever it is they needed they felt an urge to talk to me. I could feel the tension release from their energy. I could feel them get lighter so to speak. I always feel as if I have accomplished something if the person who ranted on suddenly turns to me with a smile on their face and says. "I have no idea why I told you all that but I feel so much better!" I usually respond with, "Not to worry, I enjoyed our chat!" I smile at them and they smile back. It feels good to both of us and that's all that matters. They needed a release, I was put there for them to get that release.
Being an empath is an interesting part of my life. Confusing sometimes, yes, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I enjoy my work, my connection with the other realm too much. I enjoy helping people, relieving their stress or just sharing in their happiness. I love my job even though the pay stinks, lol. You don't get a salary from God for doing the work that needs to be done but the feeling you get from helping others is reward enough. If you believe you are an empath and have any questions for me I am always available to listen. Please feel free to contact me anytime either here or email me at michelinascloset@gmail.com. I look forward to talking with you.
Helping Out!
Standing in line checking out,
The little boy behind me gave a shout,
His mother was so stressed I could see,
This was not where she wanted to be,
The sadness in her eyes said it all,
She felt like curling up in a ball,
I turned to her nodded my head,
Hoping she would talk to me instead,
She apologized for the noise,
I said, "boys will be boys,"
She smiled a light shone in her eyes,
I can feel how often she cries,
I can see inside her soul,
Her struggles have taken a toll,
She thanks me for understanding,
Her little boy loudly demanding,
She tells me how hard life has been,
Always seems to be in a spin,
Sometimes she just wants to scream,
It must be a nightmare, a dream,
Why does it have to be this way,
When her children sleep she sits to pray,
Waiting for answers she has nowhere to go,
Why is she telling me this she just doesn't know,
I assure her it will be alright,
At the end of the tunnel there is a light,
Then I smile and pass her my card,
I ask her please do not discard,
If you ever need someone to talk to,
Call me is all you have to do,
She reminds me she can not pay,
I smile and quietly say,
"I don't want money from you.
That is not what I do."
So she promises to hold on tight,
When its darkest with no light,
She will call me friend to friend,
So I can assist in helping her mend.
One day she calls me just to say,
Thank you for your help that day,
Now we can laugh and joke when we talk,
For God has helped her clear the walk!
To Be Continued.......
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
What Did Your First BOS Look Like?
Good Morning and Blessings Everyone!
When did you start your first Book of Shadows? Don't remember? Once again, I do! I was about thirteen years old when I started my first Book of Shadows, I called it my journal. Which when you think about it that is what a Book of Shadows is. It is writings of your daily activities, lessons learned, friends made, love flourishing, spells that work and didn't work. It could be short stories or poetry or both whatever you want to put in it since it is a journal of your life.
Of course I didn't know at the time I was writing all this down that it was called a Book of Shadows. I had fun developing my first BOS and all the ones since. Yes I have more than one BOS. I mean I am fifty seven years old if I don't have more than one then I am not keeping track of things at all. I love to look back over my writing to see how it has matured over the years. The way I word things, the way I write poems, what I write about, it has all changed year to year for the better.
Now your own Book of Shadows or life journal how ever you want to look at it, is very easy. You can go from the affordable to the ouch status. At the age of thirteen I can assure you I went the affordable. Like any teenage girl I wrote it in a notebook because that was what I could afford. Then I made that note book my own. Meaning I decorated it with stickers, doodled on the cover, wrote my name on it in block letters. I claimed it as my own. One thing that was really nice in my house, my siblings never tried to read it. They respected my privacy. Of course my older sister, Donna, I used to read my stories and poems to. She always told me I needed to get them published. Donna was good for my ego. Now I can feel her pushing me from the other realm making sure I get my work out there. It's good to have a big sister no matter where she is.
Some of the poems I published in my book "Glimpses In To My Soul" were from when I was growing or about how I grew up. My book is in fact yet another form of one of my Book of Shadows since it tells a story about my life, who I love, what I care about, the things which have impact my life. I will not take credit for the amazing cover since it was done by my publisher so to them I say, thank you Publish America for all the wonderful help you gave me getting this journal of poetry out there for everyone to enjoy.
Now I have an amazingly beautiful Book of Shadows leather bound. Not something I would usually buy for myself but I started it when I had my store. It was originally the book for the store but now it is home with me for safe keeping. A lot of people believe you BOS should die with you but if that was the case then we would not have the knowledge Gerald Gardner gathered in his years here with us along with so many others who have published their work to share and learn from. No I don't think when someone who enjoys their life, the work they do, the path they walk, writes it all down in a journal, that journal should be destroyed. I think it should be shared if they wish it to be. Me I want to share my work, my knowledge, my ideas, and opinions with anyone who wishes to hear them while I am still living in this realm.
I like to see the light go off in their head when they get what you are talking about, when they begin to understand and see your point. Not saying that my point is the only point of course. I have learned from many a student as well which is as much fun as them learning from me. It's important in a BOS to write down the work you do and to note whether or not it work for you. Then again what didn't work for you may work for someone else. It's all in the way it is done and the belief you put into it. Same as anything in life, if you do the work, believe in yourself, put your magick into it, yourself, your essence it will work. Remember to be pure of heart and pure of mind.
One thing that I like to put in my Book is the Law of Three. Oh not for me, I would never forget the law as well as the power of three. I want it there so a hundred years down the road when someone uncovers my lost work :) they know to treat it with the respect it deserves. The words written in anyone's BOS are not to be taken lightly. They were written for a reason, with a specific topic in mind. No one should ever look at it as just another Book! Me I protect my writing and my Book from damage, from harm, just like I do all those I love. Yes I love my Book of Shadows because it is a place where I can be me, express myself, never be ridiculed. It is my canvas, where I create, learn, explore, and be myself!
As I said before I didn't have a lot of money growing up to buy an expensive book to do my writing in. I used what I had and you could too. There are a lot of people these days who are putting their Book of Shadows on the computer then downloading it to a flash drive. I think that's great! Just remember before you do any of the spells in that BOS write them in your own hand on a piece of parchment paper or simple brown paper. It is important for any spell to be have you included in it. If you just copy, paste, and print there is nothing of you put in there, no feeling, no emotion, no spirit, no intent. So just take a few moments and do things right.
If you ever need any help remember I am only a click away. Contact me any time either here or at my email address michelinascloset@gmail.com. Blessed Be one and all!
I sat at my desk to write,
The notebook was blue and white,
My favorite color seemed to fit best,
I know I wrote more then when I was stressed,
Growing up I had some pains,
But I didn't strike in anger I used my brains,
Instead I wrote a story or two,
It just seemed the right thing to do,
Poetry just flowed from me,
Expressing happiness and beauty,
Bringing out the glow from within,
Helping my anger to spin,
Around and take a turn,
There were lessons I needed to learn,
And as I did over the years,
The anger and stress disappears,
Giving way to someone new,
The me you see before you,
My Book of Shadows has matured,
It still shows what in life I endured,
But it is lighter and more free,
The way I always wanted it to be,
My spells and poems written with pride,
With Arch Angel Gabriel by my side,
My guides are with me in all I do,
Especially the knowledge I pass on to you.
To Be Continued........
When did you start your first Book of Shadows? Don't remember? Once again, I do! I was about thirteen years old when I started my first Book of Shadows, I called it my journal. Which when you think about it that is what a Book of Shadows is. It is writings of your daily activities, lessons learned, friends made, love flourishing, spells that work and didn't work. It could be short stories or poetry or both whatever you want to put in it since it is a journal of your life.
Of course I didn't know at the time I was writing all this down that it was called a Book of Shadows. I had fun developing my first BOS and all the ones since. Yes I have more than one BOS. I mean I am fifty seven years old if I don't have more than one then I am not keeping track of things at all. I love to look back over my writing to see how it has matured over the years. The way I word things, the way I write poems, what I write about, it has all changed year to year for the better.
Now your own Book of Shadows or life journal how ever you want to look at it, is very easy. You can go from the affordable to the ouch status. At the age of thirteen I can assure you I went the affordable. Like any teenage girl I wrote it in a notebook because that was what I could afford. Then I made that note book my own. Meaning I decorated it with stickers, doodled on the cover, wrote my name on it in block letters. I claimed it as my own. One thing that was really nice in my house, my siblings never tried to read it. They respected my privacy. Of course my older sister, Donna, I used to read my stories and poems to. She always told me I needed to get them published. Donna was good for my ego. Now I can feel her pushing me from the other realm making sure I get my work out there. It's good to have a big sister no matter where she is.
Some of the poems I published in my book "Glimpses In To My Soul" were from when I was growing or about how I grew up. My book is in fact yet another form of one of my Book of Shadows since it tells a story about my life, who I love, what I care about, the things which have impact my life. I will not take credit for the amazing cover since it was done by my publisher so to them I say, thank you Publish America for all the wonderful help you gave me getting this journal of poetry out there for everyone to enjoy.
Now I have an amazingly beautiful Book of Shadows leather bound. Not something I would usually buy for myself but I started it when I had my store. It was originally the book for the store but now it is home with me for safe keeping. A lot of people believe you BOS should die with you but if that was the case then we would not have the knowledge Gerald Gardner gathered in his years here with us along with so many others who have published their work to share and learn from. No I don't think when someone who enjoys their life, the work they do, the path they walk, writes it all down in a journal, that journal should be destroyed. I think it should be shared if they wish it to be. Me I want to share my work, my knowledge, my ideas, and opinions with anyone who wishes to hear them while I am still living in this realm.
I like to see the light go off in their head when they get what you are talking about, when they begin to understand and see your point. Not saying that my point is the only point of course. I have learned from many a student as well which is as much fun as them learning from me. It's important in a BOS to write down the work you do and to note whether or not it work for you. Then again what didn't work for you may work for someone else. It's all in the way it is done and the belief you put into it. Same as anything in life, if you do the work, believe in yourself, put your magick into it, yourself, your essence it will work. Remember to be pure of heart and pure of mind.
One thing that I like to put in my Book is the Law of Three. Oh not for me, I would never forget the law as well as the power of three. I want it there so a hundred years down the road when someone uncovers my lost work :) they know to treat it with the respect it deserves. The words written in anyone's BOS are not to be taken lightly. They were written for a reason, with a specific topic in mind. No one should ever look at it as just another Book! Me I protect my writing and my Book from damage, from harm, just like I do all those I love. Yes I love my Book of Shadows because it is a place where I can be me, express myself, never be ridiculed. It is my canvas, where I create, learn, explore, and be myself!
As I said before I didn't have a lot of money growing up to buy an expensive book to do my writing in. I used what I had and you could too. There are a lot of people these days who are putting their Book of Shadows on the computer then downloading it to a flash drive. I think that's great! Just remember before you do any of the spells in that BOS write them in your own hand on a piece of parchment paper or simple brown paper. It is important for any spell to be have you included in it. If you just copy, paste, and print there is nothing of you put in there, no feeling, no emotion, no spirit, no intent. So just take a few moments and do things right.
If you ever need any help remember I am only a click away. Contact me any time either here or at my email address michelinascloset@gmail.com. Blessed Be one and all!
I sat at my desk to write,
The notebook was blue and white,
My favorite color seemed to fit best,
I know I wrote more then when I was stressed,
Growing up I had some pains,
But I didn't strike in anger I used my brains,
Instead I wrote a story or two,
It just seemed the right thing to do,
Poetry just flowed from me,
Expressing happiness and beauty,
Bringing out the glow from within,
Helping my anger to spin,
Around and take a turn,
There were lessons I needed to learn,
And as I did over the years,
The anger and stress disappears,
Giving way to someone new,
The me you see before you,
My Book of Shadows has matured,
It still shows what in life I endured,
But it is lighter and more free,
The way I always wanted it to be,
My spells and poems written with pride,
With Arch Angel Gabriel by my side,
My guides are with me in all I do,
Especially the knowledge I pass on to you.
To Be Continued........
Friday, February 15, 2013
My Father!
Good Afternoon and Blessings Everyone!
I trust everyone had a wonderful Valentines Day! Mine was spent home during the day working on my book, cooking dinner for my sweetheart and then visiting his father in the hospital. Pops had a stroke the day before Christmas Eve but he is on the mend. Watching him, seeing all he is going through makes me miss my father all the more. I lost him the day after Thanksgiving 2012 so it's all new to me after having him with me for 57 years to suddenly face the days without him. All the magick in the world can't bring him back to me and the rest of the family. Even though I know he is in a better place, free of pain and stress, I still miss him on a daily basis.
My father was an amazing man. He cared for his family with love and a strong hand. Never once raising it to hit his children in anger. Oh yes we got the smacked on the butt but that was for our own good. It was how he taught us to have the morals we have, to respect our elders, to care for those less fortunate than us, to work to achieve and become the best we can in whatever we do. He always told us you aren't given respect you earn it! You work for what you want in this world you don't take it!
Growing up my father was my hero! He was always my Valentine even when I was married, he was the love of my life because he was my Dad and no matter how old I got he always saw me as his little girl. The youngest of two daughters but older than two sons. My sister blazed the road ahead of me to make life easier for the three youngest but it didn't work that way. Oh, the boys had it easier going out and hanging out with their friends but I well, I was always the youngest daughter. My older sister Donna, never could figure out why he was like that but looking back on it now, I wouldn't have had it any other way.
In 2007 we lost my sister Donna to cancer. That is when I started to lose my father. It was more than he could handle being 79 years old and losing a child. He wanted to know why God didn't take him instead. I reminded him he always taught me life goes on so we have bear it on our shoulders and take care of what needs to be done. He reminded me this was unnatural a parent should now out live their child. He was right of course but he needed to know we were all there for him and wanted him with us a long time.
Over the next few years I watched him slip away. At one point he started to see! Oh i don't mean he was blind and could finally see things around him I mean he started to "see" the spirit world. One day he was so upset with having too many "people" in the house he told me to take them with me when I leave since they come in with me when I arrive. He was seeing those who come to me. He started to describe spirits I knew were around me. He started to understand what my life was like and what I have been going through for so long. His only request was to take them away. He wasn't happy with his new found gifts. Being 81 years old when this was bestowed on him I can't say I blame him. My father had a knew respect for the work I do. He began to understand it more and respect it.
As time went on he slipped deeper and deeper inside himself. I hated watching it, hated knowing one day thanks to Parkinson's Disease he will not know who I am and he will no longer be able to get along on his own. Unfortunately it happened faster than I thought it would. Little by little he drifted away and most times he came back but then the day I dreaded arrived and he didn't find his way back. He went to sleep and went home to a better more peaceful life.No more pain, no more sorrow, he was now with my mother and my sister along with so many other family members who left before him. Closing my eyes even through my tears I could see he was happy and smiling.
It's hard for a parent to lose a child and it's hard for a child to find themselves in the situation of taking care of their parent or parents as if they were now the children. I do not wish neither on anyone. So when you open your eyes in the morning to your mom or dad texting you or calling you with this issue or that, thank your lucky stars and God for all he has given you.When your children are driving you nuts because they are bored or they are doing what kids do just to get on your nerves, take a second to thank God for these blessings and remember each life he has given is a gift. Treasure these gifts always.
My Fahter is always with me, still makes me smile. I can still feel his love. I know he is with me always and all I have to do is call out to him. He was my hero, my heart, my first crush, my Valentine, he was my Daddy then, now and always! Papa you will always have my heart!
I Love You Dad!
You held my tiny hand in yours,
When I cried you walked the floors,
You taught me how to talk,
Caught me when I learned to walk,
Made sure I did my school work,
And my chores I did not shirk,
You taught me to hold my head high,
Respected the fact I was shy,
Always there to protect me,
Taught me what I need to be,
Able to stand on my own,
Once I was all grown,
The morals you instilled in me,
I passed down to my three,
The traditions you taught us year after year,
In this family will never disappear,
You are the reason I believe,
No matter what I set out to achieve,
I will meet it with success,
Myself I should not second guess,
Now when I am sad thinking of you,
I ask myself what you might do,
Quietly I bow my head in prayer,
Knowing you will be there,
To once again take my hand,
To give me strength so I can stand,
And face each day with out you here,
Knowing you will always be near,
I love you Dad with all my heart,
But then you knew that from the start!
To Be Continued.......
I trust everyone had a wonderful Valentines Day! Mine was spent home during the day working on my book, cooking dinner for my sweetheart and then visiting his father in the hospital. Pops had a stroke the day before Christmas Eve but he is on the mend. Watching him, seeing all he is going through makes me miss my father all the more. I lost him the day after Thanksgiving 2012 so it's all new to me after having him with me for 57 years to suddenly face the days without him. All the magick in the world can't bring him back to me and the rest of the family. Even though I know he is in a better place, free of pain and stress, I still miss him on a daily basis.
My father was an amazing man. He cared for his family with love and a strong hand. Never once raising it to hit his children in anger. Oh yes we got the smacked on the butt but that was for our own good. It was how he taught us to have the morals we have, to respect our elders, to care for those less fortunate than us, to work to achieve and become the best we can in whatever we do. He always told us you aren't given respect you earn it! You work for what you want in this world you don't take it!
Growing up my father was my hero! He was always my Valentine even when I was married, he was the love of my life because he was my Dad and no matter how old I got he always saw me as his little girl. The youngest of two daughters but older than two sons. My sister blazed the road ahead of me to make life easier for the three youngest but it didn't work that way. Oh, the boys had it easier going out and hanging out with their friends but I well, I was always the youngest daughter. My older sister Donna, never could figure out why he was like that but looking back on it now, I wouldn't have had it any other way.
In 2007 we lost my sister Donna to cancer. That is when I started to lose my father. It was more than he could handle being 79 years old and losing a child. He wanted to know why God didn't take him instead. I reminded him he always taught me life goes on so we have bear it on our shoulders and take care of what needs to be done. He reminded me this was unnatural a parent should now out live their child. He was right of course but he needed to know we were all there for him and wanted him with us a long time.
Over the next few years I watched him slip away. At one point he started to see! Oh i don't mean he was blind and could finally see things around him I mean he started to "see" the spirit world. One day he was so upset with having too many "people" in the house he told me to take them with me when I leave since they come in with me when I arrive. He was seeing those who come to me. He started to describe spirits I knew were around me. He started to understand what my life was like and what I have been going through for so long. His only request was to take them away. He wasn't happy with his new found gifts. Being 81 years old when this was bestowed on him I can't say I blame him. My father had a knew respect for the work I do. He began to understand it more and respect it.
As time went on he slipped deeper and deeper inside himself. I hated watching it, hated knowing one day thanks to Parkinson's Disease he will not know who I am and he will no longer be able to get along on his own. Unfortunately it happened faster than I thought it would. Little by little he drifted away and most times he came back but then the day I dreaded arrived and he didn't find his way back. He went to sleep and went home to a better more peaceful life.No more pain, no more sorrow, he was now with my mother and my sister along with so many other family members who left before him. Closing my eyes even through my tears I could see he was happy and smiling.
It's hard for a parent to lose a child and it's hard for a child to find themselves in the situation of taking care of their parent or parents as if they were now the children. I do not wish neither on anyone. So when you open your eyes in the morning to your mom or dad texting you or calling you with this issue or that, thank your lucky stars and God for all he has given you.When your children are driving you nuts because they are bored or they are doing what kids do just to get on your nerves, take a second to thank God for these blessings and remember each life he has given is a gift. Treasure these gifts always.
My Fahter is always with me, still makes me smile. I can still feel his love. I know he is with me always and all I have to do is call out to him. He was my hero, my heart, my first crush, my Valentine, he was my Daddy then, now and always! Papa you will always have my heart!
I Love You Dad!
You held my tiny hand in yours,
When I cried you walked the floors,
You taught me how to talk,
Caught me when I learned to walk,
Made sure I did my school work,
And my chores I did not shirk,
You taught me to hold my head high,
Respected the fact I was shy,
Always there to protect me,
Taught me what I need to be,
Able to stand on my own,
Once I was all grown,
The morals you instilled in me,
I passed down to my three,
The traditions you taught us year after year,
In this family will never disappear,
You are the reason I believe,
No matter what I set out to achieve,
I will meet it with success,
Myself I should not second guess,
Now when I am sad thinking of you,
I ask myself what you might do,
Quietly I bow my head in prayer,
Knowing you will be there,
To once again take my hand,
To give me strength so I can stand,
And face each day with out you here,
Knowing you will always be near,
I love you Dad with all my heart,
But then you knew that from the start!
To Be Continued.......
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Ash Wednesday!
Good Morning and Blessings Everyone!!!
What is Ash Wednesday? Ash Wednesday is the start of Lent, the start of the season of Lent. The season of Lent starts 40 days prior to Easter so like Easter the date of Ash Wednesday changes every year. Here's a good note most people do not know, Sundays are not included in the 40 day count of the season of Lent! On Ash Wednesday Christians around the globe go to church to receive their ashes. A priest or minister lightly rubs a sign of the cross with ashes on the forehead of the person wishing to receive them. During lent season people fast giving up their favorite food and many still do not eat fish on Fridays and some include Wednesdays, such as myself. It is a time for repentance and spiritual discipline. A time to come in touch with yourself and spirituality. The ritual of receiving ashes is not written in the bible, just a note so you know.
When I was a small girl Easter marked the beginning of Spring. On Ash Wednesday we would all go to church after school to receive our ashes which my father always told me were the Ash from the Palm since that was considered a holy tree. In the Catholic church you don't have to receive ashes prior to receiving your First Holy Communion but it was believed that when you received your ashes you were truly blessed by the church so it was no surprise when parents lined up with their children in tow. As for the kids well we just thought it was cool, believe it or not, to wear that badge of ashes on our forehead. It meant we went to church and it proved we were Catholic. Silly I know. Then we always gave up things our parents really didn't want us to have anyway like gum, candy, soda. Many of us kept our promise and kept away from what we gave up but for some it was hard to do 40 days without their favorite treat. I mean at ten years old could you really give up your favorite dessert for 40 days? To this day I will not give something up for lent unless I am sure I can do the time.
I love religion and spirituality in itself. I love learning all I can about any and all religions but for me there is nothing like walking into the Catholic Church and feeling the warmth that engulfs me. I love the smells that come from the walls do to years of burning Frankincense, Copal and Myrrh their incense of choice. To some it is known as Three Kings. Most of all I love touching base with my roots. I do not need to go to church and pray to God and ask Jesus for forgiveness. I do not need to go to church on Ash Wednesday to receive my ashes but I do need to keep in touch with who I am.. I am proud of my beliefs my roots. I am proud of my spirituality and too many people today don't know who or what they are. The memories of my father and mother teaching my spiritual path bring a smile to my face and pleasure in my heart.
You don't have to be Christian to start making changes and becoming more spiritually dedicated today Ash Wednesday. Just take some time to come in touch with yourself. Examine who you are and what you want in life. Ask who ever it is you pray to, to stand by you and show you the way your path leads. Heck I told you from the start I am a Witch and it doesn't mean I can't be Catholic so if I can talk to God and tell him that, you can tell him anything you need to and find what it is you think you might be missing in life. So many people today don't believe in anything until it's too late then they have to call upon God to help. Don't get me wrong it's never wrong to call upon God it's just that we wait till someone needs our prayers before we pray for them just because. I thank God every day for those people who have come into my life along my path and I ask every day for those poor people with no place to live no place to go to have a place and never go hungry. Heck these are people I don't even know but they deserve my prayers.
The lesson here is to figure out what and who you are and realize that no matter what turns in the road you may take, you are never alone! Blessed Ash Wednesday To All!
Thank you God!
Written by Toni Gamarro
There are times in my life I have been scared,
Times I thought no one really cared,
Then I remember the most important one of all,
And sit down to give you a call,
Silently I sit down to talk,
Sometimes I call while I walk,
I tell you what is on my mind,
How I need you to help me find,
My way down the path I take,
A way to mend the heart that may ache,
For if I do not turn to you,
I am lost do not know what to do,
For you have always been by my side,
Held me tight when I cried,
Walked with me hand in hand,
Giving me strength to take a stand,
Showing me times are sometimes hard,
Next to me you stand guard,
Watching over me until I say,
Dear God why does it have to be this way,
Then the light goes on and the warmth is felt,
I know besides me you have knelt,
You are listening to the words I speak,
Kiss me gently on the cheek,
Empower me to be who I am,
For in your flock I am a lamb,
So when I sit down to pray,
You sit besides me and here what I say,
With your presence I can see,
The path in which I was meant to be,
With this knowledge I feel relief,
No more sorry no more grief,
So thank you God for always being there,
For holding my hand reminding me you care.
To Be Continued........
What is Ash Wednesday? Ash Wednesday is the start of Lent, the start of the season of Lent. The season of Lent starts 40 days prior to Easter so like Easter the date of Ash Wednesday changes every year. Here's a good note most people do not know, Sundays are not included in the 40 day count of the season of Lent! On Ash Wednesday Christians around the globe go to church to receive their ashes. A priest or minister lightly rubs a sign of the cross with ashes on the forehead of the person wishing to receive them. During lent season people fast giving up their favorite food and many still do not eat fish on Fridays and some include Wednesdays, such as myself. It is a time for repentance and spiritual discipline. A time to come in touch with yourself and spirituality. The ritual of receiving ashes is not written in the bible, just a note so you know.
When I was a small girl Easter marked the beginning of Spring. On Ash Wednesday we would all go to church after school to receive our ashes which my father always told me were the Ash from the Palm since that was considered a holy tree. In the Catholic church you don't have to receive ashes prior to receiving your First Holy Communion but it was believed that when you received your ashes you were truly blessed by the church so it was no surprise when parents lined up with their children in tow. As for the kids well we just thought it was cool, believe it or not, to wear that badge of ashes on our forehead. It meant we went to church and it proved we were Catholic. Silly I know. Then we always gave up things our parents really didn't want us to have anyway like gum, candy, soda. Many of us kept our promise and kept away from what we gave up but for some it was hard to do 40 days without their favorite treat. I mean at ten years old could you really give up your favorite dessert for 40 days? To this day I will not give something up for lent unless I am sure I can do the time.
I love religion and spirituality in itself. I love learning all I can about any and all religions but for me there is nothing like walking into the Catholic Church and feeling the warmth that engulfs me. I love the smells that come from the walls do to years of burning Frankincense, Copal and Myrrh their incense of choice. To some it is known as Three Kings. Most of all I love touching base with my roots. I do not need to go to church and pray to God and ask Jesus for forgiveness. I do not need to go to church on Ash Wednesday to receive my ashes but I do need to keep in touch with who I am.. I am proud of my beliefs my roots. I am proud of my spirituality and too many people today don't know who or what they are. The memories of my father and mother teaching my spiritual path bring a smile to my face and pleasure in my heart.
You don't have to be Christian to start making changes and becoming more spiritually dedicated today Ash Wednesday. Just take some time to come in touch with yourself. Examine who you are and what you want in life. Ask who ever it is you pray to, to stand by you and show you the way your path leads. Heck I told you from the start I am a Witch and it doesn't mean I can't be Catholic so if I can talk to God and tell him that, you can tell him anything you need to and find what it is you think you might be missing in life. So many people today don't believe in anything until it's too late then they have to call upon God to help. Don't get me wrong it's never wrong to call upon God it's just that we wait till someone needs our prayers before we pray for them just because. I thank God every day for those people who have come into my life along my path and I ask every day for those poor people with no place to live no place to go to have a place and never go hungry. Heck these are people I don't even know but they deserve my prayers.
The lesson here is to figure out what and who you are and realize that no matter what turns in the road you may take, you are never alone! Blessed Ash Wednesday To All!
Thank you God!
Written by Toni Gamarro
There are times in my life I have been scared,
Times I thought no one really cared,
Then I remember the most important one of all,
And sit down to give you a call,
Silently I sit down to talk,
Sometimes I call while I walk,
I tell you what is on my mind,
How I need you to help me find,
My way down the path I take,
A way to mend the heart that may ache,
For if I do not turn to you,
I am lost do not know what to do,
For you have always been by my side,
Held me tight when I cried,
Walked with me hand in hand,
Giving me strength to take a stand,
Showing me times are sometimes hard,
Next to me you stand guard,
Watching over me until I say,
Dear God why does it have to be this way,
Then the light goes on and the warmth is felt,
I know besides me you have knelt,
You are listening to the words I speak,
Kiss me gently on the cheek,
Empower me to be who I am,
For in your flock I am a lamb,
So when I sit down to pray,
You sit besides me and here what I say,
With your presence I can see,
The path in which I was meant to be,
With this knowledge I feel relief,
No more sorry no more grief,
So thank you God for always being there,
For holding my hand reminding me you care.
To Be Continued........
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