Death- a Reality of Life

So many stay away from the topic of death. So many fear their own
mortality. Realistically, death is a reality , it is a door we all have to
enter one day. It will be the same door, for the powerful, the rich
and famous and for everyone else who ever passed on this Earth.
In death, we are all equal.

There is always a deep sadness that death leaves upon the living. I look
around me and the "old"guards- generation before mine are departing
from this life. I feel and share the pain of family and friends as they say
their final farewell to their loved one. This parting is eternal. It is a
final goodbye.

The pain goes deeper when someone in their youth departs from this life.
Those left behind feel the sadness and loss of a life so young gone, with
hopes and dreams gone as well.

Death is a mystery- where the spirit/ soul goes after this life is even a
more deeper mystery.

BUT- there are memories to be cherished, legacies to be respected and
honored. It is the physical aspect that is gone, but the spirit lives on.

Alarming news about Alzheimer

This is indeed a very alarming news. Instead of reading about the decline of
Alzheimer's disease, forecast is scary, Within two decades, there will be more
patients who will suffer from this debilitating disease.

There is a wealth of information , if not information overload about how to
keep that gray matter healthy, the brain functioning etc. Today's society
is more in tune with their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.

On the downside, there is not enough hours in the day to get it all done.
Technology has put on a lot more stress on our precious time; it takes its
toll on health despite all these awareness on health and fitness.

Can't win, huh!!!

Insomnia

Who has not suffered insomnia at one point and time?

I believe it is a curse of our modern day stressful and hectic lifestyle.
There is no time for our mind, never mind the body to slow down.

OK- I have tried everything. I meditate, don't drink any caffeine or alcohol
after mid-afternoon. Although sometimes, when I have company, I have a
cup of coffee. After all, I am famous for my excellent coffee. My niece who
got married in Italy said I make the best coffee this side of the world.

In the summer, I keep busy with the garden, I have an active social life, I read.
I also allow myself time to meditate and do a bit of stretches. There are nights
not even a sleeping pill can help. Oh, yes, I know what it's like to toss
and turn all night.

Last night was a miracle- I felt so down yesterday because I had to pay quite
a sum to get my truck fixed- tune up, rear brakes changed, oil change and the
works to get it ready for winter.

I was all set to get some soil to get my garden ready for Spring . But after
I saw the repair bill- I came straight home, very depressed.

Can't even sit outside- it was chilly, so I decided to play mahjong on my laptop
for over two hours. I tried to surf to find something of interest- nothing could
grab my attention.

I don't always watch tv- but I settled down to watch HOUSE- it was good,
then watched more boring tv till my eyes were tired. I did my meditation
and said my prayers-, read some Psalms then off to bed @ 11PM. Had one
of the best sleep in months.

Perhaps I should watch tv every night.

Hidden cost of war

It is well and good to send troops to fight for freedom.
Sadly, there is a very heavy toll on the fighters, their family
and to society as a whole.

What happens to the maimed, the broken spirits and those who come
back with mental and emotional trauma? How well looked after are they?
What kind of family life do they have upon their return?

So many pay such a high price in the name of freedom- yet what is the
answer?

Cafeteria Christianity

Why on earth should this be an issue? One can just pick and choose which
part of Christian teachings it will follow?

In a homily, the priest made a comment about this issue. He started
with the 10 c0mmandments. Ok- thou shalt not steal, Amen to this.
God has many names today- The Source, The Infinite Power, etc.

Then comes the kicker: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife.
Hey, Padre, stay out of this, definitely. This is a very human issue.

OK- we need a leap of faith to believe that there is God and subscribe
to the teachings of the church.

We believe in the wind, no one has ever seen what the wind looks like.
So why can we not believe in God? There are many who do call on him
only in moments of distress, extreme distress.

I've known moments of extreme stress, I survived it without any serious
damage to my health , well-being and my Christian upbringing. During those
trying times, I now know that it was my faith and my prayers that helped
me keep my sanity.

Time flies

Oh how time flies.
September 2009 is more than midway.

So much is going on in our world, amidst economic and financial chaos.
There is more hunger in the world- millions of hungry people and not
enough food thrown their way.

YET... there is food in the world. Just look at people eating in restaurants,
throwing parties and of course food along the way.

What can the rest of us do? Just sit and pray, I suppose.

Economic downturn? All over the world? I was in Italy this summer- didn't
seem to see any signs of financial problems. But there are real cases, I am
sure. If people we love are hurting, it hurts us too.

In my family, I certainly don't see any sign of it. I am thankful.