tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51221579973789091752024-03-12T16:38:07.253-07:00Namaste1111RobertLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929739618722941337noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122157997378909175.post-22338991338961735382010-06-26T08:44:00.000-07:002010-06-26T08:58:43.498-07:00Above and below<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Why do I love so deeply</span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">yet hold back at times</span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">afraid of drowning</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">in such tempestual waters?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The surface of love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">would seem to be so,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">unsure, shifting with the wind,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">the only order being chaos.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Yet beneath it all</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">is the great and mighty sea,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">supporting, comforting,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">holding every golden moment</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">safe and gentle.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cool</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">within it depths</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">all is here.</span></i></b><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">N</span></i></b><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">othing is lost</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">to the surface storm</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">of time.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The illusion is all</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">when I live here</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">above love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">not sinking down</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">into its welcoming embrace. </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Above</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">there can be loss</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">confusion</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">and heartbreak.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Yet here</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">is where I must live</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">and love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">laughing and crying</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">with the wind.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dancing </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">and rejoicing</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">within times</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">seeming mastery.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A duality </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">of one</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">for one is part </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">of the other.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Life is love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">and love is life.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">There is no above or below</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">where all is one.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><i><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->RobertLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929739618722941337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122157997378909175.post-31511703833578538682009-12-05T09:13:00.000-08:002009-12-05T09:38:50.545-08:00another perfect day...<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />____________________________________<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRsOcIUeT-DU0eoYw3VqjLnZBL3o3GIpwc9KTyvLikDGV1kyzCU-WA1EPMgSogrLn3Q6BthirrcB0lYVdw4Q0fpRQy7MtRqHD0REYSQjM26Xa94QBY-MPVmXD7f91UfJsFnH_Ig7QzLxS/s1600-h/angel.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRsOcIUeT-DU0eoYw3VqjLnZBL3o3GIpwc9KTyvLikDGV1kyzCU-WA1EPMgSogrLn3Q6BthirrcB0lYVdw4Q0fpRQy7MtRqHD0REYSQjM26Xa94QBY-MPVmXD7f91UfJsFnH_Ig7QzLxS/s320/angel.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411807639219846978" border="0" /></a><br />________________________________<br /><br /><br /><br />I wonder<br />how many perfect days<br />we could experience,<br />if only we let ourselves<br />relax and sink deeply<br />into the moment.<br /><br />Is it about the event exactly<br />or is it that in those moments<br />we find a perfect connection<br />with who we really are?<br /><br />David opens that door<br />for many of us.<br />He shows us a beauty<br />we all feel<br />deep within our hearts<br />but which is so many times<br />masked by fear and sorrow.<br /><br />He laughs,<br />and smiles,<br />and bounces<br />his way<br />past our barracades<br />and lets the light shine<br />into our very souls.<br /><br />I found a new family<br />the first time I experienced<br />David in concert.<br />And I found family again<br />Wed night in Anaheim.<br /><br />We share<br />that common bond<br />of knowing but not knowing<br />why this angel of a boy<br />can touch us so deeply.<br /><br />Truth<br />needs no explanation.<br />It merely is.<br />And the truth is<br />that David brings love.<br /><br />He inspires me<br />to be open<br />to this miracle of life.<br />And he challenges me<br />to be a force for change<br />and peace in the world.<br /><br />I was able to tell him<br />what his music<br />and example mean to me.<br />I told him<br />that he speaks<br />directly to my soul.<br /><br />That soul connection<br />we all feel<br />not just with David<br />but with one another.<br /><br />It is the greatest gift<br />we can offer.<br /><br />And so I have<br />all I need today.<br />For I have a heart<br />and a soul<br />open and ready<br />to love.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>RobertLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929739618722941337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122157997378909175.post-83419181001540287132009-11-27T16:58:00.000-08:002009-11-27T17:02:37.483-08:00A prayer of Thanksgiving...<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br />_________________________________<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VTAdMKCXwZ_gq1hAm31L9UzU-nmAxsX57Dhb1B5LJiAZqMu0_lsKI_Tm6FgAkp7uIMu3bW4I0QiHt4IRKPmEEQxCW2HoEdrRaMMZZxv_OV1EUn8kuXC80dKgfqe7D8iG7eOjiy0TTsgU/s1600/IMG_1016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VTAdMKCXwZ_gq1hAm31L9UzU-nmAxsX57Dhb1B5LJiAZqMu0_lsKI_Tm6FgAkp7uIMu3bW4I0QiHt4IRKPmEEQxCW2HoEdrRaMMZZxv_OV1EUn8kuXC80dKgfqe7D8iG7eOjiy0TTsgU/s320/IMG_1016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408953199465613954" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;">_________________________<br /><br /><br />Dear God<br /><br />The day is here<br />and once again I am asked<br />to put aside my fears<br />and to embrace this chance.<br /><br />Help me Lord<br />to see the truth within me.<br />Quiet my fearful mind.<br />Let me focus not on death<br />but rather upon the continuous<br />beauty of life about me.<br /><br />The sparrow.<br />The light<br />upon golden leaves<br />as the wind kisses softly<br />making a glittering dance<br />of communion.<br /><br />No longer alone and afraid<br />these moments<br />connect me<br />to the truth<br />of who I am.<br /><br />A part of everything.<br />Let me sink deeply Lord.<br />For I long<br />so much to float<br />in your Heavenly waters.<br /><br />Suspended.<br />Supported.<br />Touching every smile<br />every moonbeam<br />with my innocence<br />and ancient wisdom.<br /><br />Within me<br />lies salvation.<br />Yet there is no within<br />and so the truth must lie<br />everywhere about me.<br /><br />In everyone<br />and everything.<br />I see it!<br />I smell it!<br />It fills me<br />with such sweet longing.<br /><br />Standing<br />on the palace balcony.<br />I rise.<br />I float.<br />Not needing to understand.<br />Not wanting for answers.<br /><br />For how can there be questions<br />where all is answered?<br /><br />Take my heart Lord<br />in your keeping<br />as I walk<br />into this virgin day<br />full of possibilities<br />promises and miracles<br />expectation and acceptance.<br /><br />Fill me<br />with patience<br />surround me<br />with gratitude.<br />Lest I fall asleep<br />again.<br /><br />I walk out<br />the awakened one<br />a part of the world<br />remembered<br />the world of your kingdom<br />the world called<br />love.<br /><br />Amen.<br /><br /></span></div>RobertLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929739618722941337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122157997378909175.post-20666959893082278382009-11-14T09:25:00.000-08:002009-11-14T09:32:57.670-08:00Connecting...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">____________________________________________</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGX6q369N4nxYEbt036UQmMwusUUainKO1hUxBNHYxtncvZL3Ed9REabu98lM-ksP6DKDoKt9LbSWDdNqTuz4iNLj15ERk9n0fHsK3HQBGMFgUKeCerbUHANDTvTvXVLy6Vioysjh95Yr/s1600-h/15847_175174089573_521019573_2646964_4153306_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGX6q369N4nxYEbt036UQmMwusUUainKO1hUxBNHYxtncvZL3Ed9REabu98lM-ksP6DKDoKt9LbSWDdNqTuz4iNLj15ERk9n0fHsK3HQBGMFgUKeCerbUHANDTvTvXVLy6Vioysjh95Yr/s320/15847_175174089573_521019573_2646964_4153306_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404012880309842034" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;">__________________________________<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Dear God,<br /><br />I take this breath<br />in your service.<br />Fill me with your fire.<br />Light me from within.<br />So that your radiance<br />shines forth before me.<br />I am ready<br />to spread your light<br />through forgiveness and understanding.<br />I am ready<br />to show your love<br />through acceptance and tolerance.<br />I am ready<br />to be your servant<br />through commitment and focus.<br />Lead me Lord.<br />Sing to me<br />the songs of Heaven.<br />Show me<br />the true path before me.<br />Allow forgiveness<br />to first be given unto myself.<br />For I am on this journey<br />with my brothers and sisters.<br />Put your love first in my mind.<br />Let me not be tempted<br />by selfish thoughts<br />of fearful separation.<br />But let me see truly<br />the angel<br />behind every face.<br />Let me see<br />the burning soul<br />behind every teardrop.<br />Let me see<br />the timelessness<br />in every smile.<br />I open before you.<br />Fill me deeply<br />so that I might empty myself<br />out onto the world.<br />Let love<br />be my only song.<br />Let understanding and wisdom<br />be my guides<br />as I go out<br />into another perfectly<br />glorious day.<br />Your gift to us.<br />The present.<br />Hallelujah!<br />Amen<br /><br /></span></div>RobertLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929739618722941337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122157997378909175.post-74599275384609047822009-11-07T18:51:00.000-08:002009-11-07T19:03:34.935-08:00the power of prayer...<div style="text-align: center;"><br />_______________________________________<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyFuAfvelMSwL_V0xW7PvLGZr1NH7kG14NMx90dO3aCp4Q5pwND9UYle3fXHV6GQe89KS1gOf2tk1JixZkFME4fi8ytKmlwrnjiEIMmf_GxIEO43BHOKr_HwQkvMqO8PuILIA-rEjfAVl/s1600-h/300px-Prayer.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyFuAfvelMSwL_V0xW7PvLGZr1NH7kG14NMx90dO3aCp4Q5pwND9UYle3fXHV6GQe89KS1gOf2tk1JixZkFME4fi8ytKmlwrnjiEIMmf_GxIEO43BHOKr_HwQkvMqO8PuILIA-rEjfAVl/s320/300px-Prayer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401562419534855410" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">__________________________________________<br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >When I write<br />it is as if<br />there is a song<br />already written<br />within me<br />and all I need<br />do is stop<br />be calm<br />listen<br />and let it<br />sing through<br />and out of me<br />onto the paper.<br /><br />When I write<br />there is a connection<br />like fire and water<br />flowing through me<br />warming me<br />until I am<br />aglo<br />with the passion<br />of existence<br />reaching out<br />my heart<br />and breath<br />and soul<br />to the love<br />which comes through<br />and out of me.<br /><br />When I write<br />I hear<br />the song<br />of Heaven<br />I feel<br />the angels<br />around me<br />and I know<br />that I am safe<br />and loved<br />and a part<br />of something<br />bigger<br />than anything<br />I could ever<br />imagine.<br /><br />When I write<br />I am home.<br /><br /><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;">_____________________________________<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Dear God<br /><br />I thank you<br />for this divine<br />breath.<br />It moves so deeply<br />through me.<br />An instrument<br />of compassion.<br />As it fills me<br />so too fill my heart.<br />That I might<br />empty Your love<br />onto the world.<br />Let every breath<br />be my gift.<br />For I am here<br />in your service.<br /><br />Amen<br /><br />__________________________<br /></span></div>RobertLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929739618722941337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122157997378909175.post-24022243685433083232009-10-24T08:54:00.000-07:002009-10-24T09:26:50.666-07:00Finding life between the heartbeats.<div style="text-align: center;">_______________________________________________<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEits2gUt5f_SdpZLDfy09DegAgqnNs5zVxMofZ7NkAUWnVeB-pzd5rKlZqNW5xlrUCML9SMeqkN2Ij7DEVdeJMaOQJyi4EhrI7WtP6KYvoG2_A1t1pIjOh42VUrXdLK_aKwcSiYQ2uWmnC3/s1600-h/blue-heartbeat-stephanie-decker.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEits2gUt5f_SdpZLDfy09DegAgqnNs5zVxMofZ7NkAUWnVeB-pzd5rKlZqNW5xlrUCML9SMeqkN2Ij7DEVdeJMaOQJyi4EhrI7WtP6KYvoG2_A1t1pIjOh42VUrXdLK_aKwcSiYQ2uWmnC3/s320/blue-heartbeat-stephanie-decker.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396202443722396994" border="0" /></a><br />_______________________________________________<br /></div><br /><br /><br />Writing and music<br />and laughter and sorrow.<br />Christmas and celebration<br />and birth and death.<br />Life is showing its seasons.<br />Here in October<br />I am given the gift of Christmas<br />from David A. a bit early.<br />It reminds me of the birth<br />at a time when I am mourning<br />the loss of a life.<br /><br />I am so thankful<br />for every experience in my life.<br />They all color<br />the palet of my heart.<br /><br />___________________________________________________________________<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Pau</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">se</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">I have found<br />that it is only<br />when I am forced<br />to stop and ask<br />for help<br />that the answers<br />come to me.<br /><br />They are there<br />resting<br />in the space<br />between<br />expectation<br />and regret.<br /><br />As of late<br />life has opened<br />a way to<br />stillness.<br />Grief<br />can open the door<br />as can joy<br />and laughter.<br /><br />So as I grieve<br />I also feel<br />my heart opening<br />and ready<br />for the miracle<br />given to me<br />whenever<br />I pause<br />and surrender.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />This is the answer I received when I asked for help.<br /></div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Being<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Robert Montgomery</span><br /><br /><br /><br />Don’t think. Just be.<br />All pain comes from thinking.<br />It separates us from life<br />placing experience in the mind<br />rather than the soul-body-mind.<br />Life here must be shared.<br /><br />Yet spirit rules<br />even where it has no wish to.<br />It will always yield to the mind<br />for the spirit has no agenda.<br />It exists outside of time.<br />It has no use of fear.<br /><br />The mind must rule to survive.<br />Such is its delusion.<br />A prisoner of time and space.<br />Fear is its greatest ally.<br />For this sword keeps us earthbound.<br />Here we can lose, be hurt, and die.<br /><br />Even religion has given itself<br />to the mind’s control.<br />How else could we have imagined<br />a punishing God<br />or a hell of retribution?<br />The mind creating a God in its image.<br /><br />We truly worship a false idol.<br />We bow down to the laws of loss and decay.<br />We praise judgement and damnation.<br />Never before has the wood of the cross been so strong.<br />Humanity nailed to a realm of fear.<br /><br />Yet spirit resides here.<br />It sparkles within everything.<br />Unconcerned with the laws<br />of space and time.<br />True freedom- free dominion.<br /><br />The challenge<br />is to cherish the mind<br />yet not to exalt it.<br />If befriended, it can do us no harm.<br />“Love your enemies, and they are enemies no longer.”<br /><br />Give yourself the gift of stillness.<br />as often as is possible throughout the day.<br />Take a moment<br />one heartbeat to connect<br />with the truth of spirit within you.<br /><br />In this way<br />you will begin to lay a foundation<br />of timelessness within time.<br />Creating a bridge over which you cross<br />from moment to moment.<br /><br />With discipline and faith<br />you will begin to see<br />that your true life<br />exists within these moments<br />between the heartbeats.<br /><br />You have felt them<br />so many times before<br />yet didn’t understand.<br /><br />Caught in the beauty<br />of a golden sunrise,<br />suspended in the innocent laughter<br />of happy children,<br />transfixed by the magic<br />of a Christmas tree.<br /><br />These are the moments<br />outside of time<br />where the soul reveals its secrets.<br /><br />Not going anywhere<br />yet resting<br />in the Holy connection<br />between thought.<br /><br />The mind then becomes the friend<br />which guides us back to the bridge.<br />Not thinking.<br />Just being.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div>RobertLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929739618722941337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122157997378909175.post-80672540523655669722009-10-20T21:11:00.000-07:002009-10-20T21:36:35.153-07:00the wheel turns...<div style="text-align: center;">_______________________________________________<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOL2zbmlyiggQLD46PR0Y54R_U0M2zJMGgHWngqwtK325we8qu-NPI0UfeSvyD3vZQOUNfW8pSzxy1pPk_mtR0Y0Ui4nwQHoV9QCfZDPT2vK7I7Pkg2Xd7LZaa0VW3IK5ttgY2IO_cRgg/s1600-h/Celtic+Compass+Rose.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOL2zbmlyiggQLD46PR0Y54R_U0M2zJMGgHWngqwtK325we8qu-NPI0UfeSvyD3vZQOUNfW8pSzxy1pPk_mtR0Y0Ui4nwQHoV9QCfZDPT2vK7I7Pkg2Xd7LZaa0VW3IK5ttgY2IO_cRgg/s320/Celtic+Compass+Rose.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394905833492564802" border="0" /></a><br /><br />___________________________________________________</div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">A few days ago<br />I was sitting<br />on my bed<br />with my dog<br />and I thought<br />to myself<br />remember this<br />moment<br />because it is<br />perfect<br />and it will<br />not last.<br /><br />It is that<br />understanding<br />that nothing<br />lasts forever<br />which allows<br />us to move<br />forward<br />and outward<br />into more<br />life.<br /><br />Today<br />I lost<br />a friend<br />and the grief<br />is like water<br />flowing through<br />and around me<br />and just as<br />that moment<br />of perfect<br />peace<br />I knew would<br />flow through<br />and past me<br />so too<br />will this.<br /><br />It is<br />the gift<br />of surrender<br />when we<br />have<br />no other<br />options<br />when the pain<br />is too much<br />and God<br />is our only<br />salvation.<br /><br />Tonight<br />I will be<br />one with<br />my grief<br />allowing it<br />to flow down<br />and through me<br />cleansing me<br />leaving me<br />fresh<br />and ready<br />for the return<br />of peace<br /><br />It is<br />the heartbeat<br />of humanity<br />I feel tonight<br />playing out<br />the dance<br />of life.<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">_______________________________________<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDGxCRXmdxdS78bQG2fUvGKtj285H8hUOnxrWbMdCxIfXeN11HMb9f4-pD3Jm62RjV9C0blZmJ_aTkVFSoX8ArQrEXEbCn7y7Xsh0Mo4JNyogD7Fbm9f-CXNdtKLWekofxoC-OAov7Qd1/s1600-h/Steven_Nederveen_Sunlight_through_the_Fog_23804_38.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDGxCRXmdxdS78bQG2fUvGKtj285H8hUOnxrWbMdCxIfXeN11HMb9f4-pD3Jm62RjV9C0blZmJ_aTkVFSoX8ArQrEXEbCn7y7Xsh0Mo4JNyogD7Fbm9f-CXNdtKLWekofxoC-OAov7Qd1/s320/Steven_Nederveen_Sunlight_through_the_Fog_23804_38.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394905677296409522" border="0" /></a><br />___________________________________________<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;">For my friend Jack<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >I wonder</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >about time</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >and this life</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >running before me</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >like a river</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >wild and free</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >powerful </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >and unpredictable</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >asking how</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >can it mean anything</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >when every day</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >melts </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >into yesterday</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >revealing</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" > tomorrow's dreams</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >as today's adventure.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >my heart</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >has embraced</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >so many shining</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >breaths </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >of eternity</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >tearing me </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >open</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >and leaving me</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >raw </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >and broken</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >open</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" > to the next embrace</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >crying </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >for the loss</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >of innocence</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >praying </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >for the wheel</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >to stop.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >yet how</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >can sunlight</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >be held</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >in a fist of panic</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >how can a laugh</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >linger longer</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >even as the next breeze</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >takes it away</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >leaving only echoes</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >of happiness</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >memories unreliable</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >misty and vague</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >as time rolls on</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >the illusion </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >that I move through</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >this epic story.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >glimpses</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >of beauty</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >heartbeats</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >of perfection</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >a gentle glance</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >a knowing smile</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >these are the threads</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >which weave</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >the tapestry I wear</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >about me</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >warming me now</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >on this clear cool</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >autumn eve</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >a cloak of memory</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >promise</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >of a warrior's dance</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >in humble wonder</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >of this miracle</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >called life.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /></div>RobertLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929739618722941337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122157997378909175.post-51401321158885275472009-10-17T09:07:00.000-07:002009-10-19T21:56:13.533-07:00ready to be an instrument...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">______________________________________________</span><br /><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKrTsEhBTMVV2M0W9s1R2ik5C71QU2-gzXec9-clYdNPJq78_gBPwtNk6IIpNLgYYnn8i1Nyiej4N0NqkkpXZJFycWSteY08gWAkYETLfsB8Lvu6B5NFkOvf3VYj8Ip6VBofs2wDM-y3Ym/s1600-h/3418955642_630ae47ccc.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 231px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKrTsEhBTMVV2M0W9s1R2ik5C71QU2-gzXec9-clYdNPJq78_gBPwtNk6IIpNLgYYnn8i1Nyiej4N0NqkkpXZJFycWSteY08gWAkYETLfsB8Lvu6B5NFkOvf3VYj8Ip6VBofs2wDM-y3Ym/s320/3418955642_630ae47ccc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394540745780488770" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJA6MHp5AWw4YS3EyXGR5OSff1QTIbSb-e2aRfCPnj2VYP9Snq-YNrv4LY1yvpxKFPNakXxsBz9UBEziaMbEL0UtCdp4BWPff5cpq-RrhW6374aWDrTj9dtUxZdXNJ25jH2XOeusj3GmzC/s1600-h/southern_california_violinists.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJA6MHp5AWw4YS3EyXGR5OSff1QTIbSb-e2aRfCPnj2VYP9Snq-YNrv4LY1yvpxKFPNakXxsBz9UBEziaMbEL0UtCdp4BWPff5cpq-RrhW6374aWDrTj9dtUxZdXNJ25jH2XOeusj3GmzC/s320/southern_california_violinists.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394540608613294994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />______________________________________<br /><br />Held<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Robert Montgomery<br /></span><br /><br />Gentle morning...<br />I am calm<br />and focused...<br />Remembering<br />the lessons<br />I have been<br />reminded of.<br /><br />Ready to be<br />an instrument<br />of God's<br />healing<br />on Earth.<br /><br />The day sings<br />the song of waking...<br />Birds in joyous chorus<br />to the Heavens<br />above.<br /><br />I drink<br />from the font<br />of eternal Truth...<br />the water<br />the sweetest...<br />coolest<br />and thirst<br />quenching.<br /><br />Who can find<br />any agenda here<br />but God's?<br /><br />His hands...<br />hold us.<br />His arms...<br />wrap about us.<br />His voice...<br />leads us...<br /><br />Back<br />to what<br />we would<br />remember.<br /><br />Here<br />in this<br />moment<br />of eternity.<br /><br />I stand<br />once again<br />at Heaven's<br />door.<br /><br />Asking...<br />for instruction.<br />Asking...<br />for guidance.<br />Asking...<br />for acceptance.<br /><br />And I know<br />that all<br />is given<br />the moment<br />I am<br />willing<br />to remember.<br /><br /></span></div>RobertLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929739618722941337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122157997378909175.post-19288610449037270982009-10-10T09:32:00.001-07:002009-10-10T12:57:35.859-07:00Opening the Window<div style="text-align: center;">______________________________________<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAb3940SqWsc3plKItKpWYlh_A7kfnDsLsbcn_6i3h6VJCQOY2PileXi1R2HyGR_q34IR8QDpKCtnXdvrjibBiYX7hPAF_uBhUq1U_aUPdmKVyOf-pzyk5NGlsTorQhh3uuGyqKW7DGtX/s1600-h/c09d5145-3ddd-4613-8919-2a18151fba67dark+room+light+through+window+hunched+man%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAb3940SqWsc3plKItKpWYlh_A7kfnDsLsbcn_6i3h6VJCQOY2PileXi1R2HyGR_q34IR8QDpKCtnXdvrjibBiYX7hPAF_uBhUq1U_aUPdmKVyOf-pzyk5NGlsTorQhh3uuGyqKW7DGtX/s320/c09d5145-3ddd-4613-8919-2a18151fba67dark+room+light+through+window+hunched+man%5B1%5D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391061718252161714" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">_______________________________________<br /><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">I had a brief moment in college </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">when I thought, </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"I am going to write poetry."</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">and so I did.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I bought a journal</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">and I sat down to write</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">and out came a voice</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I had never heard before.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">It was the voice</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">which was always there</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">in my times of joy</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">and of sorrow.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">It was the voice</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">of the morning mist</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">and the caress </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">of the afternoon breeze.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">When I stopped</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">to listen</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I could so clearly hear</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">the beauty of life.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Heartbreakingly</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">simple really</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">all I needed to do</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">was ask.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">We all have</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">a poet within</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">waiting for us</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">to give it permission</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">to speak.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">This is one of the few pieces </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I wrote back in 1985</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">when I let the window open</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">and gave myself the opportunity</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">to sing with my heart.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I read it </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">25 years later</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">and it is as if </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I wrote it yesterday.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;">___________________________________<br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCS6IFkW5xjJQ10nnIVzLJ3BqxSW4h2Mbn1LoxyKHovp18Vd5fn_llDbj3s276H92SbhmCGzt96MHSEERX1VPgLTVRtBqQOI93LtqBq9tGi2oERlJ48j1YmJ-Ftimprco0xD2BvvKP3MN6/s1600-h/rays_of_light_through_clouds.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCS6IFkW5xjJQ10nnIVzLJ3BqxSW4h2Mbn1LoxyKHovp18Vd5fn_llDbj3s276H92SbhmCGzt96MHSEERX1VPgLTVRtBqQOI93LtqBq9tGi2oERlJ48j1YmJ-Ftimprco0xD2BvvKP3MN6/s320/rays_of_light_through_clouds.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391062262442605282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;">_______________________________________<br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">the day has come</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Robert Montgomery<br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">a private morning</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">I rise to starlight</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">flecks of light</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">clinging to the last moments</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">of night.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Air renewed</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">cool. crisp</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">lying ready</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">for the use of new day.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Where is the sun?</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">this yellow giant</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">who fires the world</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">in ageless splendor.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Mighty ruler</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">sleeping still</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">I set out,</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">in anticipation</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">of his glorious assent.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Innocence,</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">purity</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">simple solitude</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">the street so barren</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> yet soon to be trodden</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">by foot and bike</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">its cargo now slumbering</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> behind shades of gray</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">and I alone</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">sharing silence</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">a private time</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">orange, yellow</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">the coloring of dawn</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">spread quickly behind mountains</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">hiding</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">it reaches outwards</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">brighter, brighter</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">until all is drenched</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">golden, glowing</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">the day has come...</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> Nov 1985</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Footnote: I wrote this piece after a morning run. It was a glorious run indeed.<br /></span>RobertLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929739618722941337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122157997378909175.post-25623049847873896532009-10-07T20:00:00.000-07:002009-10-07T20:24:17.924-07:00the river calls<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipODKKG1gMMWERvHRc-YrbeFf3KaO4C9slddwRAaIHltoiobo5-_dIb5P-ht3D7vRs4wwegNXBqc_hmRCPcg9H9G0dz08HnJNEe5ivc2PsGl2Tuhf-Jq-orBmWxxotBfOpCuqQM3AiMFiQ/s1600-h/tetons-snake-river.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipODKKG1gMMWERvHRc-YrbeFf3KaO4C9slddwRAaIHltoiobo5-_dIb5P-ht3D7vRs4wwegNXBqc_hmRCPcg9H9G0dz08HnJNEe5ivc2PsGl2Tuhf-Jq-orBmWxxotBfOpCuqQM3AiMFiQ/s320/tetons-snake-river.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390063232845911906" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Trust<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:78%;">Robert Montgomery<br /><br /><br />Awakened<br />to the day<br />Yesterday ringing<br />through my head.<br />Will I make the most</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br />of these gifts?<br />Every heartbeat<br />heaven sent...<br />drumming out a call<br />to action.<br />Calming a mind<br />which plays the tapes:<br />"You must do this!"<br />"You should do that!"<br />Regret and guilt<br />are the motivation<br />of a world still sleeping.<br />I listen<br />to the song within...<br />a river<br />taking me<br />through chaos<br />to paradise...<br />homecoming.<br />And here<br />we all meet<br />again<br />for the touching<br />of souls<br />is eternal...<br />a flame unwavering<br />in the fiercest storm.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /></span></div>RobertLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929739618722941337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122157997378909175.post-54321412050520750562009-10-06T10:13:00.000-07:002009-10-06T15:50:56.731-07:00Heaven and Earth...living in both worlds.<div style="text-align: center;"><br />_________________________________________<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr83ySJNwCPNh2U_57A7HZIC5H7ThKg56wDGiZyRR3ZcKwjxhhiovw3EAQIxswCAQRlY8h3Bu9xJh0NKExjuuMzFJw7ulrDV2jxig7U5abWfIMMxaLolhh6MUkEEDyxy5cLRIDdnFJ9sFq/s1600-h/2130474359_f07da2d379-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr83ySJNwCPNh2U_57A7HZIC5H7ThKg56wDGiZyRR3ZcKwjxhhiovw3EAQIxswCAQRlY8h3Bu9xJh0NKExjuuMzFJw7ulrDV2jxig7U5abWfIMMxaLolhh6MUkEEDyxy5cLRIDdnFJ9sFq/s320/2130474359_f07da2d379-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389594584395018242" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfr4j2_u2DUW3k6MznwojBmrsBuJwEPAqPFV3k_PozV1OGELvKe1p-bxItkWjkV8Prx-uJ-HknUQYjcws-bijLkWMiWU7e-5Su4q8iW_F-op_z1cl3BatMlNWpeBtmArj8ID0PUi1oQqQ/s1600-h/sunlight_water_fog.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfr4j2_u2DUW3k6MznwojBmrsBuJwEPAqPFV3k_PozV1OGELvKe1p-bxItkWjkV8Prx-uJ-HknUQYjcws-bijLkWMiWU7e-5Su4q8iW_F-op_z1cl3BatMlNWpeBtmArj8ID0PUi1oQqQ/s320/sunlight_water_fog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389542053701816850" border="0" /></a><br />________________________________________________<br /><br /><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Much of my writing<br />speaks to homecoming.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >It speaks to the call<br />our souls hear</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >above and beyond<br />this physical life.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >When I feel most at peace<br />I lose my connection</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >to time and space</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >and am just<br />simply present.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >We are spirit<br />trying to live<br />within a physical<br />realm.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >And so we are faced<br />with the paradox</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >of life and death,</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >heaven and earth,</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >love and fear.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >We are constantly<br />pulled</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" > between<br />the extremes of life</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >trying to find</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >a balance between.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >I am not sure</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >we will ever<br />achieve balance</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >for to find balance</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >you must be thrown off of it</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >from time to time.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >For me<br />life is like the tides,</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >like the seasons,</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >like the breath.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >It is always<br />changing<br />and renewing.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >It is a gift<br />of rebirth<br />in every moment.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >I know<br />that joy<br />will pass<br />and so to<br />will sorrow.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >It is this dance<br />between the spirit<br />and the physical<br />which is life.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;">________________________________________________<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQE32GS4wo4lvZ3BKgUmamXzFIgkMQN_HtqQQMy4q5hqP8qy3I-FM8Oaac72p56tAe9wxBLMxcKucZfEz4qsm53gGfm4u4Oko9cn0wBbAap1ZOM6KKQCrTuWGrf9yU7l54zMvx0RLVEhU/s1600-h/raul-touzon-sunlight-reflects-on-the-sea-floor-through-crystal-clear-blue-water.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQE32GS4wo4lvZ3BKgUmamXzFIgkMQN_HtqQQMy4q5hqP8qy3I-FM8Oaac72p56tAe9wxBLMxcKucZfEz4qsm53gGfm4u4Oko9cn0wBbAap1ZOM6KKQCrTuWGrf9yU7l54zMvx0RLVEhU/s320/raul-touzon-sunlight-reflects-on-the-sea-floor-through-crystal-clear-blue-water.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389540268851107474" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">________________________________________________<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Above and Below</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Robert Montgomery</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Why do I love so deeply<br />yet hold back at times<br />afraid of drowning<br />in such tempestual waters?<br /><br />The surface of love<br />would seem to be so,<br />unsure, shifting with the wind,<br />the only order being chaos.<br /><br />Yet beneath it all<br />is the great and mighty sea,<br />supporting, comforting,<br />holding every golden moment<br />safe and gentle.<br /><br />Cool<br />within it depths<br />all is here.<br />Nothing is lost<br />to the surface storm<br />of time.<br /><br />The illusion is all<br />when I live here<br />above love<br />not sinking down<br />into its welcoming embrace.<br /><br />Above<br />there can be loss<br />confusion<br />and heartbreak.<br /><br />Yet here<br />is where I must live<br />and love<br />laughing and crying<br />with the wind.<br /><br />Dancing<br />and rejoicing<br />within times<br />seeming mastery.<br /><br />A duality<br />of one<br />for one is part<br />of the other.<br /><br />Life is of love<br />and love is life.<br />There is no above or below<br />where all is one.<br /><br /><br /></span><br /></div>RobertLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929739618722941337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122157997378909175.post-38204288400933588852009-10-04T15:18:00.000-07:002009-10-06T15:55:12.840-07:00Radiant...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">______________________________________________</span><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQ5QkpeanxHEW6HcHThTWsqjquHruN_z89kbEHKyREWV6b9Ofj_2xlN9zkn4fFni87g-3AQX0pVEIeqJ5qLWM4B5M-zxZzB5zOnYsJPx1DkiPGFpDE1i28LI6xHZZNHw2LNz1YwBe3Y_W/s1600-h/falkirk_wheel_ssuk_411.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQ5QkpeanxHEW6HcHThTWsqjquHruN_z89kbEHKyREWV6b9Ofj_2xlN9zkn4fFni87g-3AQX0pVEIeqJ5qLWM4B5M-zxZzB5zOnYsJPx1DkiPGFpDE1i28LI6xHZZNHw2LNz1YwBe3Y_W/s320/falkirk_wheel_ssuk_411.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388874056927574050" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;">________________________________________<br /><br /><br />wheel</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Robert Montgomery</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">do I live on a line?<br />or is it a wheel?<br />here to there<br />or all from a center?<br />radiating.<br /><br />to walk a line<br />leaves me<br />unstable...<br />neither here nor there<br />past, future<br />all moving...<br />no connection.<br /><br />the wheel gives me<br />a center<br />and as I turn<br />past, present, future<br />all connect<br />like ripples<br />in a still summer lake.<br /><br /><br />I live on a wheel.<br /><br /><br /></span> <br /><br /></div>RobertLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929739618722941337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122157997378909175.post-25210826195359326612009-10-03T21:15:00.000-07:002009-10-03T21:21:48.060-07:00Pictures from life...<div style="text-align: center;">_____________________________________<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2G1gfIhlo4SwCOD5aO_HF8Z49YbUE4hJ1PELqZmVwZ40K-UhEDkpxtORUzjgR1zJT5Gv0n9EvGIfp6OHODqrIdwvZNJA3FnlGFhIhibYUv9Gktrj5ImpSvV3P5jawzykuMef7ViTc45s8/s1600-h/8420_1217066996812_1532972669_30556542_4640202_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2G1gfIhlo4SwCOD5aO_HF8Z49YbUE4hJ1PELqZmVwZ40K-UhEDkpxtORUzjgR1zJT5Gv0n9EvGIfp6OHODqrIdwvZNJA3FnlGFhIhibYUv9Gktrj5ImpSvV3P5jawzykuMef7ViTc45s8/s320/8420_1217066996812_1532972669_30556542_4640202_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388594322028678290" border="0" /></a>______________________________________<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTE0i9izYocnBZQF7WulwcoRSqa4kLzsRGlnC243KEG4wybEM2Mjo6Tp3eSVDcWEHnpDxcW_PwTi5_JyzwZ5twYI1ngPgbO6eh7kYQVY_18SQHpU6ZvQYgQckETzZCeFQrfhwrFrczSqw/s1600-h/8420_1219930348394_1532972669_30563309_7385401_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTE0i9izYocnBZQF7WulwcoRSqa4kLzsRGlnC243KEG4wybEM2Mjo6Tp3eSVDcWEHnpDxcW_PwTi5_JyzwZ5twYI1ngPgbO6eh7kYQVY_18SQHpU6ZvQYgQckETzZCeFQrfhwrFrczSqw/s320/8420_1219930348394_1532972669_30563309_7385401_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388594237699656338" border="0" /></a><br />______________________________________<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiXSRsvHumFeXyhni00VhpikAk8aco05ehtxpGdKlFlPU4WTrUBRbh7wWPGW0iB4BLi5qG51CFE3dMBo4KgOZAQskyimDppsf7rlCN-yh2cE3Xwnm0OX0O-TPb12bsvFnufuFY5809b-1/s1600-h/8420_1217809135365_1532972669_30558372_2285031_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiXSRsvHumFeXyhni00VhpikAk8aco05ehtxpGdKlFlPU4WTrUBRbh7wWPGW0iB4BLi5qG51CFE3dMBo4KgOZAQskyimDppsf7rlCN-yh2cE3Xwnm0OX0O-TPb12bsvFnufuFY5809b-1/s320/8420_1217809135365_1532972669_30558372_2285031_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388594171006460898" border="0" /></a><br />__________________________________________<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwYuJkfHr1ivIkyRISIjraHrsBkV6bLd6F_M3Mb7SNYk6UYeEVwCVI_OmbWbuleiPgi-HXufNgSe-f1RLCWxXWpKsUKprTPJZe5x282X4WPKZIlW6ffzcYuQNatmpMLe-D-kpLTQQDtlZ/s1600-h/8420_1217017435573_1532972669_30556416_5824106_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwYuJkfHr1ivIkyRISIjraHrsBkV6bLd6F_M3Mb7SNYk6UYeEVwCVI_OmbWbuleiPgi-HXufNgSe-f1RLCWxXWpKsUKprTPJZe5x282X4WPKZIlW6ffzcYuQNatmpMLe-D-kpLTQQDtlZ/s320/8420_1217017435573_1532972669_30556416_5824106_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388594095101151106" border="0" /></a><br />_________________________________________<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRl6ihRn91teu6CBh8YOwiXf-93AXlKoMYUMsCt-TaPAguoOtYAgY4ue1uxXsBSF8-JjGIkGZImUNp5LJ0iQWbPbBbbdjdqAKXDaA5hAOER7MoxhmKu1A26xoY_YL2pXLy3Nibg-itjmT/s1600-h/8420_1216316178042_1532972669_30554617_5828169_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRl6ihRn91teu6CBh8YOwiXf-93AXlKoMYUMsCt-TaPAguoOtYAgY4ue1uxXsBSF8-JjGIkGZImUNp5LJ0iQWbPbBbbdjdqAKXDaA5hAOER7MoxhmKu1A26xoY_YL2pXLy3Nibg-itjmT/s320/8420_1216316178042_1532972669_30554617_5828169_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388594029857712946" border="0" /></a><br />_________________________________________<br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCO9Gd3KU3K6-Rv95AJO15zTITrZrzHkhPaEvnlj0J5qsbQJM_TULy8EPdk_UoXlN30SedXrKZiB9S7PWR7SClLPcqRWG4k7POL4b3s4CcEvKq7TLDpXg4P2kD32Vva6StlNLZk_eFYF7/s1600-h/8420_1213367704332_1532972669_30546534_1843050_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCO9Gd3KU3K6-Rv95AJO15zTITrZrzHkhPaEvnlj0J5qsbQJM_TULy8EPdk_UoXlN30SedXrKZiB9S7PWR7SClLPcqRWG4k7POL4b3s4CcEvKq7TLDpXg4P2kD32Vva6StlNLZk_eFYF7/s320/8420_1213367704332_1532972669_30546534_1843050_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388593954365227538" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">_________________________________________<br /></div>RobertLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929739618722941337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122157997378909175.post-51841756433519387032009-10-03T18:02:00.000-07:002009-10-06T15:55:40.534-07:00Why?<div style="text-align: center;"><br />_____________________________________<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-MhkLim-eiFp60P4hJ2NQdwImML9SaUncy0h6PFIS9Yb7xw29NcyG3ZekYQXk-vtgCK4TDlobyFq9bcFFzNvpcMdH9ye0KbrQO-3ouioOkHUuNJN0fPyvzQ75E1ADuNkRXcDYamRgqqv/s1600-h/freedom.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-MhkLim-eiFp60P4hJ2NQdwImML9SaUncy0h6PFIS9Yb7xw29NcyG3ZekYQXk-vtgCK4TDlobyFq9bcFFzNvpcMdH9ye0KbrQO-3ouioOkHUuNJN0fPyvzQ75E1ADuNkRXcDYamRgqqv/s320/freedom.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388547353585266066" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">__________________________________<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Because</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Robert Montgomery<br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">freedom<br />free dominion<br />the domain<br />of the free<br />freedom<br /><br />I am writing because ...<br />I know that there is something ...<br />wanting for a voice within me...<br />always there ...<br />waiting to be released...<br />patient and insistent...<br />furious and gentle...<br />builder and destroyer...<br />it is the me of the ages...<br />this pallet<br />richly stained ...<br />by the eruption of Life...<br />too long away...<br />I linger here...<br />timeless moment...<br />sure to be swallowed...<br />again in times delusion....<br />the focus obscured...<br />until the crystal...<br />shines clear again...<br />and I wonder...<br />have I been away?...<br />so much like a dream...<br />these times away...<br />that I scarcely notice...<br />the flow...<br />until I am away again...<br />and then it is the longing...<br />to return...<br />which aches within me...<br />irregular heart...<br />yearning to beat...<br />with the drums of Heaven...<br /><br />I am writing because...<br />this key has been given me...<br />I know what it opens...<br />I see the garden before me...<br />so many friends...<br />blessed kindred...<br />beckon me home...<br />I write to remember...<br />the key in my hand...<br />I write to share...<br />this ecstasy...<br />of acceptance...<br />and total knowing...<br />returning to that...<br />which was never forgotten...<br />by the heart...<br />beating its ancient call...<br />to the truth...<br />virgin within us...<br />and as I write...<br />I am here..<br />amidst Heaven's sigh...<br />peaceful union...<br />connecting me...<br />golden thread...<br />stretching into eternity...<br />I write to share...<br />I write to create...<br />I write to sing ...<br />the song of homecoming...<br />to all who would hear.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /></div>RobertLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929739618722941337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122157997378909175.post-45400010549572583802009-10-03T08:52:00.000-07:002009-10-06T15:56:19.676-07:00the memory of peace...<div style="text-align: center;">_______________________________________________<br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQZCRuJXMV1g3NiP8w9qmhxXzCzl8Gn6CjIsQ8ejjmB_6t_qa6oer0lF9w4IjYf4vkziUMnwYWDZZe6aL-6gKtKIRYNEw36q4szwQkOyBYSVdJg2TE1aCOuxjUJF89BD-l6A9eyHMXlAs/s1600-h/pure_peace_varner_MG_8842.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQZCRuJXMV1g3NiP8w9qmhxXzCzl8Gn6CjIsQ8ejjmB_6t_qa6oer0lF9w4IjYf4vkziUMnwYWDZZe6aL-6gKtKIRYNEw36q4szwQkOyBYSVdJg2TE1aCOuxjUJF89BD-l6A9eyHMXlAs/s320/pure_peace_varner_MG_8842.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388406538771438754" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">_____________________________________________<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Remembering Peace</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Robert Montgomery</span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Oh peace…<br />when I remember you<br />life slows to a heartbeat.<br /><br />Breath…<br />feeding my soul<br />smiling through me.<br /><br />You give me<br />such blissful<br />surrender.<br /><br />Deep,<br />gentle,<br />ancient rest.<br /><br />Time forgotten<br />as illusion floats away<br />on the surface<br />of your eternal comfort.<br /><br />“I rest in God”<br />here where meaning<br />is meaningless.<br /><br />Oh peace<br />feed me the mana<br />for which I hunger.<br /><br />Sweet homecoming<br />of stillness.<br /><br />adrift<br />yet connected<br />through the gift<br />of your tranquil waters.</span><br /><br /><br />________________________________________________<br /><br /></div>RobertLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929739618722941337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122157997378909175.post-66762595350480477752009-09-29T20:39:00.000-07:002009-10-06T15:56:44.290-07:00Breath of Heaven<div style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAi6bWSTUCrzCC2cmrn6rjwcGgPLooUWK0iYeGDfKdQAsVV-r7F58rZFyZGpWQX3elXFO5hZEvmMbHpUqu6eCd_pjqwdyhCkL77HEQ2uq_8VwdJ5UAu8oiWH4JQdLhnFqB37_p_UzrcCPz/s1600-h/465834831_b47403cd19.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAi6bWSTUCrzCC2cmrn6rjwcGgPLooUWK0iYeGDfKdQAsVV-r7F58rZFyZGpWQX3elXFO5hZEvmMbHpUqu6eCd_pjqwdyhCkL77HEQ2uq_8VwdJ5UAu8oiWH4JQdLhnFqB37_p_UzrcCPz/s320/465834831_b47403cd19.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387101460496242626" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />_______________________________________<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Sentinel</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Robert Montgomery</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Why is unity so fleeting?<br />To touch the face of God completes us.<br />As is every cell, every breath, every thought,<br />rests safely in His loving embrace.<br /><br />So natural it seems to remain here<br />in the bosom of acceptance.<br />All of life's mysteries revealed.<br />Wonder and gratitude flowing.<br /><br />What pulls me away?<br />Watching from outside the window.<br />A beggar at the feast.<br />My invitation in my hand.<br /><br />I see clearly the doors guardian.<br />Armored sentinel, fears companion.<br />Its face hidden behind<br />layers of denial and regret.<br /><br />Easy to fear the unknown.<br />Easy to forget my Savior's promise.<br />Here in the icy illusion<br />which is my chosen reality.<br /><br />Yet in a breath of Heaven<br />my God reaches out to me yet again.<br />I can see the guardian's face<br />and clearly it is my own.<br /><br />His armor of separation falls away<br />in one glittering remembrance.<br />"Welcome" is his message.<br />Acceptance and understanding are His promises.<br /><br />I have always been here.<br />Honored guest at the feast.<br />My brothers and sisters about me.<br />Singing the chorus of salvation.<br /></span><br /></div>RobertLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929739618722941337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122157997378909175.post-524782496194998232009-09-27T15:55:00.000-07:002009-10-06T15:57:08.838-07:00rising with the dawn...<div style="text-align: center;">______________________________________________________<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhav7Nn5w2XvtWjRkUhgfadUDbDL7gfDIC1cHwYoSTFBgh2SzwZKC_ssg0gv4Hy5-lFOGlmxx6Xk0dlCF8rz7ZFSoIuT6mPLh6jl3t-afO8mmEY6rQZ71fR6uWZ-hYj-_8iaWPW7UfchN/s1600-h/8420_1207553598983_1532972669_30531030_5871829_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhav7Nn5w2XvtWjRkUhgfadUDbDL7gfDIC1cHwYoSTFBgh2SzwZKC_ssg0gv4Hy5-lFOGlmxx6Xk0dlCF8rz7ZFSoIuT6mPLh6jl3t-afO8mmEY6rQZ71fR6uWZ-hYj-_8iaWPW7UfchN/s320/8420_1207553598983_1532972669_30531030_5871829_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386285123681720898" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br /><br />___________________________________________<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Daybreak</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Robert Montgomery<br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Quiet mind.<br />Don’t think.<br />Just feel this breath<br />moving up<br />and through.<br />Gentle peace<br />rising and falling<br />bringing smiles<br />of release<br />and blissful surrender.<br /><br />All talked out.<br />Excused away<br />yet here again.<br />Always here<br />asking<br />waiting<br />releasing<br />promising.<br /><br />At the beginning.<br />If I could only<br />live in the dawn.<br />I am at my best<br />at daybreak.<br />My mind clear.<br />My heart focused.<br />Distraction yet to touch<br />my Holy mind.<br /><br />How to live here<br />yet not be of here?<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /></div>RobertLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929739618722941337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122157997378909175.post-32903375176703884522009-09-16T22:40:00.000-07:002009-10-06T15:57:26.078-07:00finding the teacher within...<div style="text-align: center;">__________________________________<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorv9qQo84lWFaDuceWSwMReDMkYzrL9rNp9JbksXDf610-YhVRvMNSLj7lwT7TJnAG1NGdJPYzg_1Tc8inwPJkKR6FtJgQ32LCOYU5jcalksbrIylRI0urzh0xkHoKJ-Z2QNBtOD8fZE7/s1600-h/5482301-lg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorv9qQo84lWFaDuceWSwMReDMkYzrL9rNp9JbksXDf610-YhVRvMNSLj7lwT7TJnAG1NGdJPYzg_1Tc8inwPJkKR6FtJgQ32LCOYU5jcalksbrIylRI0urzh0xkHoKJ-Z2QNBtOD8fZE7/s320/5482301-lg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382308498631992306" border="0" /></a><br />____________________________________<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Autumn Morn</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Robert Montgomery</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I am so filled<br />with the joy of living<br />my heart singing out<br />on this cool autumn morn.<br />My heart belongs<br />to every child.<br /><br />The vision still lingers<br />in theirs minds.<br />Memories<br />of a Heaven...<br />flashes of Utopian<br />perfection.<br /><br />They battle<br />the dampening<br />by the world<br />of thought.<br />The wisdom<br />of the physical.<br /><br />"What you see is truth."<br />not what you feel within.<br /><br />I seek to reveal<br />their beauty...<br />the untouched elegance<br />of their souls.<br /><br />To teach<br />is to demonstrate<br />and so this is my journey<br />as well.<br />The children teaching me<br />as I teach them.<br /><br />Their wisdom<br />ancient<br />in its simplicity.<br />Their innocent questions<br />shaking the world<br />to its foundations.<br /><br />Opening<br />to the dream<br />living it<br />with every breath<br />creating family<br />amongst strangers.<br /><br />We look<br />into the deep<br />stillness<br />of each others souls<br />and see<br />ourselves.<br /><br />And so we become<br />one again...<br />We unite<br />in understanding...<br />all of us<br />children.<br /><br />All of us playing<br />as on an endless<br />summer day<br />drinking in<br />the brilliant warmth<br />of home.<br /></span><br /></div>RobertLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929739618722941337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122157997378909175.post-34531227196910453752009-09-07T20:34:00.000-07:002009-10-06T15:57:44.197-07:00another day begins...<div style="text-align: center;">___________________<br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguns36x3KWth8Gf08gre9lEHcsL4wNDbq6qUk5srS3bkFM6mo7McVMPr-nf7wkfNm8ornn_tVW0LIFyM4fIFyxSpkQZE60USoqwjgl0rBvFBsED28EXG0p1gDp5IKvB3NP85fEBGcys-W5/s1600-h/daybreak.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguns36x3KWth8Gf08gre9lEHcsL4wNDbq6qUk5srS3bkFM6mo7McVMPr-nf7wkfNm8ornn_tVW0LIFyM4fIFyxSpkQZE60USoqwjgl0rBvFBsED28EXG0p1gDp5IKvB3NP85fEBGcys-W5/s320/daybreak.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378936282409471778" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">________________<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">elixir</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Robert Montgomery</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">already<br />and finally<br />today<br />where are you really?<br />anywhere?<br />is there really anywhere<br />to go?<br /><br />for how to move<br />when you<br />are always<br />here?<br /><br />Questions...<br />as I begin<br />yet another day<br />full of possibility<br />and mystery.<br /><br />One would think<br />that people<br />could not wait<br />for the dawn<br />in excitement<br />for the promise<br />of tomorrow.<br /><br />We live<br />such patterned<br />existence's...<br />routine moving us<br />through familiar steps.<br /><br />and so we fall<br />asleep<br />to the wonder<br />of the breath<br />of the glory of light<br />sound<br />and feeling.<br /><br />every moment<br />uniquely<br />crafted<br />never the same<br />yet all part<br />of the tapestry.<br /><br />I drink<br />this moment...<br />sparkling elixir<br />of heaven.<br /><br />It expands<br />within me<br />warming this vessel<br />to God's<br />purpose.<br /><br />Happiness<br />rises within me<br />up<br />from my toes<br />and out<br />of my head.<br /><br />His gift...<br />to me.<br />He wants<br />so very much<br />for me to learn<br />through joy.<br /><br />and so<br />with His trust<br />in my heart<br />I step out<br />into another<br />day.<br /></span><br /></div>RobertLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929739618722941337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122157997378909175.post-15179747840741724822009-09-04T16:59:00.001-07:002009-09-04T17:06:41.049-07:00thanking a friend...Namaste<div style="text-align: center;">______________________________________<br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt00zquL274AohboTdfL5CMYw2-66XwuX2JjXv1WhqQn5pNhxRJam_NAVwFwbICJ-Lx-gNPkwIC1jMy0XiAlEp1x4LEYPlVxul1_PNm36ig4qfaMeEtaN2UcER5FZ3jyOXc92R0MzYEH_y/s1600-h/LotusBlossom.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt00zquL274AohboTdfL5CMYw2-66XwuX2JjXv1WhqQn5pNhxRJam_NAVwFwbICJ-Lx-gNPkwIC1jMy0XiAlEp1x4LEYPlVxul1_PNm36ig4qfaMeEtaN2UcER5FZ3jyOXc92R0MzYEH_y/s320/LotusBlossom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377767531309014818" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iuEKHYe2XrNtkBtSQVEavon4-jh1r9jDHIJEtyid8gHono4VwKwSlg1c0EoXzDd-hxtxEuf5Uc4hz8KqNYUNTKpjVPW-PHsueuyNsDVTR4wPcmOHRDcxfl1Sy7tOCBs6ct0I2D5SKD7F/s1600-h/Lotus-Blossom.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iuEKHYe2XrNtkBtSQVEavon4-jh1r9jDHIJEtyid8gHono4VwKwSlg1c0EoXzDd-hxtxEuf5Uc4hz8KqNYUNTKpjVPW-PHsueuyNsDVTR4wPcmOHRDcxfl1Sy7tOCBs6ct0I2D5SKD7F/s320/Lotus-Blossom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377767015882556322" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7dL0N1H3PMOhIatf3Ex1ikpodBli4_UXukjsG_nRiidDhtzMZ2A_YN75_tfU637DP1WLP-YkMCsfKy84kFrfcdSns2dcbEIdhCj7jnES254Bkmvn3v5c_y3oWnoKd0MpVAjNsk1fqL-R/s1600-h/balboa_9_bg_041104.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7dL0N1H3PMOhIatf3Ex1ikpodBli4_UXukjsG_nRiidDhtzMZ2A_YN75_tfU637DP1WLP-YkMCsfKy84kFrfcdSns2dcbEIdhCj7jnES254Bkmvn3v5c_y3oWnoKd0MpVAjNsk1fqL-R/s320/balboa_9_bg_041104.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377766400666126882" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">__________________________________________<br /></div>RobertLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929739618722941337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122157997378909175.post-57764545950901996902009-09-04T16:45:00.000-07:002009-10-06T15:58:08.990-07:00heaven bound<div style="text-align: center;">_______________________________________________<br /><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-JlnGtbrdBnVn-SubeQU_u-tl0fgDIFGnVVa92gXh1vBw-Xu4zEAWrmPq_a9sJIiwcaodjFly4Hr9k6fC6-G3cbkYdyA2nweXSROCDjp51IayM-4zOGtqqVvDbA82Ck7LfkUzzh6FTrg/s1600-h/The+road+to+heaven.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-JlnGtbrdBnVn-SubeQU_u-tl0fgDIFGnVVa92gXh1vBw-Xu4zEAWrmPq_a9sJIiwcaodjFly4Hr9k6fC6-G3cbkYdyA2nweXSROCDjp51IayM-4zOGtqqVvDbA82Ck7LfkUzzh6FTrg/s320/The+road+to+heaven.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377764506474887410" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">_________________________________________<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">the road</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Robert Montgomery<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Yesterday gone<br />I am here for another day Lord.<br />How many times<br />have we had this conversation?<br />How many mornings<br />have I breathed away the ragged<br />pain of yesterday?<br /><br />Today<br />I will look my pain in the face<br />soberly.<br />To dull it denies<br />any connection<br />with my brothers and sisters.<br /><br />We all share the same confusion.<br />We all cringe at the dark<br />and jump at shadows.<br />Yet through this epic dream<br />I can see ahead<br />the light of Heaven<br />pouring down from above.<br /><br />Its light<br />extends down<br />into every darkened corner,<br />warming, glowing,<br />until all is "ablaze"<br />all is safe<br />in its gentle embrace.<br /><br />I walk this road<br />not alone,<br />in faith and trust<br />that I must learn this<br />if I am to bring it to others.<br />I must know this<br />if I am to come home.<br /><br /><br /><br />________________________________________<br /><br /><br /><br /></span> <br /></div>RobertLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929739618722941337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122157997378909175.post-19731953264484429252009-09-02T21:28:00.001-07:002009-10-06T15:58:53.269-07:00the gift of flight...<div style="text-align: center;">____________________________________<br /><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqoVoyTZOMK0-l8FQK1W7venj2ncu-7YkVeLxgEiFDNmvijvo28MPHN8YQsoPh4PIyVR4FazwLjXtP1S716aOoee-D90KIOUG75i9JHa79GfXVj4HtmgmAkWGs2uZ_ONSYUk1h3-MDNaQ/s1600-h/___White_Angel_Wings____by_PinkMonkeyLove.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 219px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqoVoyTZOMK0-l8FQK1W7venj2ncu-7YkVeLxgEiFDNmvijvo28MPHN8YQsoPh4PIyVR4FazwLjXtP1S716aOoee-D90KIOUG75i9JHa79GfXVj4HtmgmAkWGs2uZ_ONSYUk1h3-MDNaQ/s320/___White_Angel_Wings____by_PinkMonkeyLove.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377098041397454066" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">_________________________________<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Remembered Wings</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Robert Montgomery<br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">My mind wants to wander<br />free from my own restrictions<br />released from this bondage<br />of who I think I need to be.<br /><br />My soul wants to play<br />touching sunbeam to sunbeam<br />open to this truth<br />of who I am really.<br /><br />Light,<br />Truth<br />Compassion,<br />Understanding<br /><br />Love.<br /><br />Looking out<br />with soft eyes<br />and a gentle smile<br />of peaceful acceptance<br /><br />upon a world<br />of angels<br />still remembering<br />they have wings.<br /></span><br /></div>RobertLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929739618722941337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122157997378909175.post-6516945355398501072009-09-01T07:30:00.000-07:002009-09-01T07:32:46.792-07:00i just love this picture...life is art<div style="text-align: center;">_________________________________________<br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD12SGaZXPmOPzXsMoP8FUG2tBZ3c-JDaSczBJ2c0IgS5wN8waMUP3dExB7jIzMcQBQhs_YCU-LE1n9UnwooMVHuWtssRzRhNTIVhOzAatwVEhCSSXmEqzuGmfWWej_JKpXugVtP78YSKW/s1600-h/Starry_Night_Over_the_Rhone.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD12SGaZXPmOPzXsMoP8FUG2tBZ3c-JDaSczBJ2c0IgS5wN8waMUP3dExB7jIzMcQBQhs_YCU-LE1n9UnwooMVHuWtssRzRhNTIVhOzAatwVEhCSSXmEqzuGmfWWej_JKpXugVtP78YSKW/s320/Starry_Night_Over_the_Rhone.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376506626149774466" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">___________________________________________<br /></div>RobertLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929739618722941337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122157997378909175.post-46377858606469039122009-08-29T08:23:00.000-07:002009-10-06T15:59:14.156-07:00welcome at the feast<div style="text-align: center;"><br />_________________________________________________<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFaNlFvt3eey4qu8StaUJ_fQ-FI1x24kO6VBOJj2IlJtlhQs8kgJjzexI-i_z1L1xhFv0Fori6lQZ9pp510K7Zum2FtPatGyw6CSYMdg4gzX-tsvXCtMwJGhtkeD2tgwaEGoyATVr5sjR/s1600-h/Steven_Nederveen_Ive_seen_these_lights_before_23725_38.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFaNlFvt3eey4qu8StaUJ_fQ-FI1x24kO6VBOJj2IlJtlhQs8kgJjzexI-i_z1L1xhFv0Fori6lQZ9pp510K7Zum2FtPatGyw6CSYMdg4gzX-tsvXCtMwJGhtkeD2tgwaEGoyATVr5sjR/s320/Steven_Nederveen_Ive_seen_these_lights_before_23725_38.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375596442503067842" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">_________________________________________________</div><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">banquet</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Robert Montgomery<br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">yearning to share<br />a door flung open<br />and out of the ancient halls<br />comes music divine.<br /><br />Sweet billowing songs<br />of gratitude<br />echo throughout<br />this sacred place<br />too long held silent<br />and waiting.<br /><br />words come<br />together<br />wanting to weave<br />beauty<br />wanting to stretch<br />open<br />the close fisted heart<br />of a frightened world.<br /><br />sometimes this process<br />hurts and I can feel<br />the weeping inside myself.<br />Tears for the world<br />and grief<br />for not caring enough.<br /><br />Is this evil?<br />Is this the force<br />which attempts<br />to take me<br />from God's right hand?<br />petty worry...<br />senseless desire...<br />dull pain?<br /><br />to remember<br />fills the halls again<br />with rapturous music<br />and the gentle knowing<br />of my Lord's smile<br />always the choice...<br />always the table set<br />and waiting for<br />me to be seated.<br /><br /></span> <br /></div>RobertLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929739618722941337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122157997378909175.post-82778196122117875922009-08-28T10:09:00.000-07:002009-10-06T15:59:42.413-07:00the discipline of peace...<div style="text-align: center;">_____________________________________<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lziP7omJoO8Dop4XY_MODz3lUiE_NHGtyATihm-1ga0LER-9rdWwz9NBG3rF9bmW5PLolnkvwGF4gQpIJG3p3xOFGQG3qgMrQcUQXM7j4OwW2_aKQsNyBj2HFpqq-xVFgXnqOWol6uLc/s1600-h/blue-enso-amazing-growabraintypepad-com.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lziP7omJoO8Dop4XY_MODz3lUiE_NHGtyATihm-1ga0LER-9rdWwz9NBG3rF9bmW5PLolnkvwGF4gQpIJG3p3xOFGQG3qgMrQcUQXM7j4OwW2_aKQsNyBj2HFpqq-xVFgXnqOWol6uLc/s320/blue-enso-amazing-growabraintypepad-com.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375064524705348882" border="0" /></a><br />_____________________________________</div><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Discipline</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Robert Montgomery</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Man has become waiters in time.<br />Marking the days.<br />We count down to events<br />only to pass them by<br />en route to another destination.<br /><br />Sometimes we linger<br />and time slows to a heartbeat.<br />Beyond plans and definitions.<br />These pauses are ironically<br />the life we are searching for.<br /><br />Everything else is movement<br />away from paradise.<br />For such is found within<br />and the spasms of the outer world<br />so many times blind us.<br /><br />Can we live without and within?<br />Surely for God means us to be happy in physical form.<br />Yet this takes discipline<br />and a commitment to retrain the mind’s thinking.<br /><br />Finding our inner voice opens all of life to us.<br />Suddenly the connection are clear<br />and we see beyond time and space<br />to the unity of all which is truth.<br /><br />Why, how, when, where…<br />all become so many scattered petals<br />on the breeze of our Holy mind.<br />For where all is one<br />there are no questions.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /></div>RobertLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929739618722941337noreply@blogger.com0