Epictetus: What is in our control?

In a period when so many people would have more time for each other, being able to take a long vacation or a long ‘Winter sleep’ so many seem to worry about matters they have not in control and shall not be able to have in control whatsoever.

Letting fear go is for many difficult, but all answers lie in themselves. But it also could help a lot when they would dare to go looking for the best solution to get rid of all worries by finding the saviour who can bring them under the Wings of the Most Precious One Who is Master of everything, the Elohim Hashem Jehovah. When people would trust Him more life for them would be much easier.

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To remember

• What in our control = question couched in fear.
• Fear = feeling which takes us back to our reptilian brain & automatic responses => rigid + compulsive.
• response to life situations = only thing in our control. <= all have ability to make a choice => choice not to react to primitive impulses we feel.
• human beings =  logical beings > answers = give us a sense of control = illusion of control.
• To become healthy = important to let go of unhealthy emotions.
• Letting go = process not taught
• We decide what is good or bad, right or wrong > placiing intrinsic value on those definitions = simply judgements =>  realize + accept => process of letting go = easier.

The Stoic Social Worker

What is in our control is a difficult question to answer. It’s a question couched in fear. Fear is a feeling which takes us back to our reptilian brain and automatic responses. This part of our brain tends to be rigid and compulsive. If we find ourselves stuck here we don’t learn to adapt. We all wish to be able to control the amount and intensity of the fear that we experience. The answer to the question, “What is in our control” is frustrating and can serve to increase anxiety because there is no answer to that question, at least not an answer that some will find acceptable.

Our response to life situations is the only thing in our control. We all have the ability to make a choice, the choice to not react to the primitive impulses we feel.

As a therapist I have been asked a lot of…

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Christian Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic

Sometimes people have to be confronted by something terribly bad. At regular intervals, certain people come to struggle terribly and have to learn by a hard lesson, being pulled down by an accident or serious disease.

Several people at a certain moment in their life got struck. Suddenly they become confronted by a longer period that they can not do the things they normally do. During that time of not doing anything, they are given time to think about the past but also the future. Then they can take time to meditate and to really start to reevaluate the value of things.

Before they got sick or bounded to the bed by their sickness or paralysation, they can have the film of their life repeated over and over again for days. At that time they have hours and days to think about all those things that kept them busy. Then they also realize that they had and still have so many dreams that they’ve had over the years and projects that they wanted to do.

From people who previously had serious accidents and diseases, we do know several people came in confrontation with the matter of a godhead, and started examining the Scriptures, coming to one conclusion, that there is Only One True Divine God, the Elohim Hashem Jehovah, Who is a loving God and not a cruel Being that would have His children being tortured or being burned forever.
It is then for them the time to recognise how so many churches or denomination lied to their flock and used fear to master them.

The devil, being spoken of in the Bible, is any or every adversary who walks on this planet. For sure there are many adversaries of God too, who would love people not to believe in the Divine Creator or have them keeping to the many false teachings, human traditions and heathen festivals.

But it are the real lovers of God who in such difficult times should show how they know for sure Who is behind everything and Who can be the helping hand in times of problems but also be a Guide in times when everything seems alright.

These days when there is a virus making many victims, those real followers of the son of God, should show the world how God has given the world a saviour and mediator, who paid the ransom for all the faults we as human beings have done.

Now is the time that all real lovers of God can show the world Who That real God is and how we as united lovers of God are not afraid of what comes upon this world but are willing to unite in prayer to protect all those around us, believers and unbelievers.

In the article of Janisha Jacobs, affectionately known as “Keela“,, the greatest hope is expressed that during this crisis more people will be drawn closer to Christ, the son of God. We only can hope and pray that more people shall come to see that in this time of fear there will be no other choice but for our faith to increase and to join hands spiritually. That in this time of not knowing what tomorrow holds we will learn to let God worry about tomorrow and focus on getting through today, with the knowledge that there shall come even worse days and even a more severe battle, with the third World War or Armageddon. Therefore we can look at this pandemic as a rehearsal for what still has to come and to make us stronger to be prepared for what is still to come.
Let us, therefore, pray not to false gods, like some many have taken themselves false gods, but learn also others to pray to the God Jesus also prayed too, namely his heavenly Father (and not himself) the One and Only True God, the Elohim Hashem Jehovah.

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To remember

• facing global Pandemic of Covid-19 virus #CoronaVirus.
• enough news surrounding panic > All across the world right now persons are facing panic, trauma & a lot of uncertainty because of the effects of Covid-19.
• Persons afraid, lost loved ones, +  wondering if they will be next.
• China, Italy, America, UK, etc. > unimaginable crisis.
• biggest question right now =  “when will it end?”
• for the church = also the question of “how do we react?”
• to get us to close down churches > building =/= church
• people = church
• via Zoom = enjoyable + more intimate than “pulpit and pew”
• try + prevent spreading virus => stay home
• response/reaction to world crisis & pandemic = faith, wisdom, compassion, forward thinking, leadership + most importantly prayer.

Keela's Chronicles

As most of you know, we have all been facing the global Pandemic of the Covid-19 virus #CoronaVirus. Initially I had no intentions of blogging about it, figuring that there is enough news surrounding the panic and I didn’t want to be one more person adding fuel on an already blazing fire. But, if you read my latest post you know by now that I decided to change my mind

All across the world right now persons are facing panic, trauma and a lot of uncertainty because of the effects of Covid-19. Persons are afraid, many have lost loved ones, some may not even know if their loved ones are still alive in places like Italy, some persons are sick and many others are wondering if they will be next. And all of these emotions and feelings are completely understandable but so very heartbreaking.

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Truth is the daughter of time

Architect Daniel Libeskind, who was born in Lodz, Poland after World War II,
in a recent interview with arts editor Diane M. Bolz about an exhibition
he designed marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, said

“You can try to manipulate truth. You can try to suppress it,
but, in the long run, truth always comes out.”

Dutch version / Nederlandse vertaling: Waarheid is de dochter van de tijd

What might there be interesting or not to miss to read

In this world there is so much to read. I just have no time enough to read everything which might catch my interest. I also know there are certain articles and books which certainly deserve my and your attention.

We can help to bring more eyes to such interesting writings, be it articles and books for adults but also for children.

On the net we may find lots of interesting writings from people who write about the things they have experienced. Lots of people bring a self-reflection, and share a view on their self-awareness. Many also give their thoughts about society and social issues.

Some also mention they would love to find like-minded people or want to share their thoughts. With “From Guest Writers” there is a place for many guest writers, people who do not mind sharing their ideas, be it musings, poetry, thoughts about our way of living, criticism, reviews, etc..

Martijn Scheijbeler, currently VP Marketing at RVshare RVshare, wrote blog posts (2019, 2018, 2017 & 2016) listing the books that he read in the past year and that he wanted to be reading during that year. Problem with him, as with me, is to find time to read all those books one wants to read.  He confesses,

As always, the past year I didn’t read all the books that I’ve listed out in the blog post as I discovered some new ones and changed my focus on some others. But I did read a lot, as I finished ~25 books (and put two books aside that weren’t worth finishing). {What books am I reading in 2020?}

Saadia Peerzada is one of those many bloggers who

Hope to help people, let them know that all emotions are valid and necessary, they are pointers to where we should or shouldn’t go. {About}

She always had a special place for books written for children, be it the unassuming descriptions, marvellous adventures, vivid descriptions of the country and food or the lessons that many adults seem to have missed out on. As parent and later as grandparent we are confronted by bringing something inspiring to our kids and grandchildren, which we do hope can give them some lessons for life. Peerzada presents a list of 10 such books that have brought not only her sustained joy (10 Children’s Books that will bring you Joy).

We would love to find such writers who also could present our readers such lists and reviews of stories to be known and read.

Are you an avid reader? Do you think there is something interesting to read? Let it be known to us and our readers.

Help us to build up a “Readers Digest”.

Historians why not having your say?

A big problem with our present society is that lots of people do not know their history. Because they have no idea what went on, right or wrong in the past, they do not see certain dangerous trends.

I find historical teaching a necessary subject in the education of people and in the formation of a society.

People also have to understand that different views on a specific subject should be tolerated, but also be known. Therefore, I would love to find some people who would not mind to write on “From Guestwriters” about what happened in the past and how we have to look to the future in perspective what history can teach us.

a Path to explore more

When I started with this website, I wanted to share common thoughts or give similar minds an extra open door to reach others, as well as to present a selection of websites, blogs and writings I thought (and think) worthwhile reading or looking at.

For years on all my websites I also presented a “Related” articles list, to give my readers other opportunities to find more writings on the subject. After the many complaints having linked to their article, and having to search for placed links I was asked to remove, from this year onward, I stop to invest time looking for related articles, investing time to read them for after approval, placing links after the posted articles. Now much more time shall come available to publish more articles which are in unison with my thoughts and not bringing readers away from my own sites. (From the statistics more readers from this site went looking at the mentioned site, than receiving readers from the linked site.) At the same time on my websites I shall not any more bringing people to websites which are against me or my beliefs.

After giving all my energy to the world of dance my body could not fit any more the physical world of exuberance and graceful unlimited mobility. Having reached a certain age where they consider a human being not able enough to give enough to the world, I was made redundant, considered to be part of the ‘third age’ group.
First having been very disappointed by the way I was treated, the first two years I did not want to do much with ballet or theatrical dance. Not having to work full time for our living, receiving retirement fund, I could spend more time to my church work. My religious activities started even taking so much time I had less time to write at my own personal blog. (Because pensions not enough to survive I still have a few days a month I work for my living.)

I feel blessed that I am allowed to work at three Bible translations, even when it might consume also a lot of time and lots of thinking-work, being it a seriously very faithful responsibility, not to add or change anything in the saying or purpose of the original words supplied by God. Therefore, those translations in Judaic Dutch (Yiddish Dutch or Flemish), with the eye of two (or three) different groups (namely a Jeshuaist, a Jewish and an Orthodox Jewish public) is and shall be a time-consuming job with lots of thought and consideration).

This does not take away that I would have lost my interest in humanity and how man treats other people, animals and plants. I even became more active, spending also time in meetings concerning our way of life, necessary political actions a.o..
I must admit at meetings and conferences I seem to belong to a minority who strive to get unity in Europe, with some liveable world for everyone. Convinced we have to do something against this capitalist greedy world which does not show respect to the gross of people, animals and plants, I keep going strong and letting my voice being heard.

From  the moment I got retired I did not stop to seek a connection of like minds, to share common positive beliefs, and to be able to learn from each other about how to live life to the fullest.

Jonathan Hilton seems also on such a track. He writes:

Even when things don’t go as we plan, we all know no matter how hard we plan, life will throw us curve balls designed to engender growth. Our lives are defined by the lessons we learn at this moment and the way we handle ourselves. {Mind Connections}

Raising his level of consciousness has become Jonathan Hilton’s passion in life.

and understanding that when I follow and focus on certain core principles in my life and live in alignment with them, things go well. {Mind Connections}

He writes on the opening of his blog Mind Connections, admitting:

When I fall off, and my focus isn’t so sharp, then things are not so pleasant. Conscious thought about where my attention goes allows all of my energies to flow in that direction. {Mind Connections}

With the knowledge that each viewpoint may bring a different set of emotions, a different thought process, and a different reality to the perceiver it only can be enriching to share thoughts and to get to know more people from all over the world and getting to know how they manage to make the best of their life.

We have little control over the perceptions of others, but we may not forget that when we utter our ideas, share our thoughts, we might bring others to other ideas too.

How often do we not wonder if what we are doing is or would be right? How often do we not wonder if we should openly write what we think or if we should write in ways and words others would love to hear? I always have been a bad one at that. By creating my ballets I did not mind criticising the way our society was moving. I never tried to be popular by my creative works. [Choreographing fashion shows was a totally different matter, there I tried to bring the customers to find a connection in a future world to form. (We always had to be seasons ahead, manipulating the fashion trends – and yes, there stimulating human desires of consumption.) There it was also part the business to know beforehand what others would love to wear and see. ] In such way I also kept busy to try to find out what others would like to see and read.

On the surface, it is a simple choice, but in reality, it is a constant battle, {Life is a Mirror}

Hilton notes.
According to him

There is only a short time allotted to each of us to write the story of your life and with that time, we are tasked with a lot of things to accomplish. You have really only one life to get things right and sing the song that you want to sing. {The Story of Your Life}

We can try to make our dreams so compelling, that we will that we can’t wait to work on them, because waiting to experience them, in reality, is too painful. Often it is that enthusiasm which gets us to be restless and gets us up in the middle of the night to scribble something down or even to write certain texts.

A difficulty might be to:

Tune your enthusiasm to the size of your goals and attack it like your story depends on it because it does. That is how you write the story of your life. {The Story of Your Life}

At this blog I want to give, as many people as possible, the opportunity to share their thoughts which they and I find interesting enough to think about. I keep chasing my dreams that we can find enough people all over the world willing to bring others to see how we have to be careful which way of life we want to choose. As a Christian I also would love to see more people sharing the faith in One God and in His Gift and Good News of the coming Kingdom.

Once more, I dare to invite people to join us to share positive thoughts, but also to bring warnings how to tackle ecological and other problems.

Please do not hesitate to contact me, for becoming a part of joining hands across this globe.

Kathy Millington, Executive Director of World Citizen, tells her story how she became committed to the work of World Citizen

Executive Director of World Citizen, Kathy Millington often reflects on why the Board members, staff of World Citizen, and people like us who try to spread peace, stay committed to the work of World Citizen. She knows that there are as many reasons to this passion and commitment as there are individuals who serve, donate, and participate.
She believes that the one common denominator that we all share is the desire to empower communities to educate for a just and peaceful world by actively engaging in our Five Peace Actions. Implementing our mission through our Five Peace Actions are the key to achieving the ability to live, work, and play together respectfully.

Identifying that each of our board members and staff have “A Story to Tell”, She brings her story in our publication at the beginning of this year.

This will also provide you with a snapshot view into the passion of our Board and staff as individuals.

“My commitment to peaceful problem solving became a priority when I was an Elementary Principal. I was able to see on a daily basis the positive impact peaceful problem solving made within a classroom as well as an entire school community. When substitute teachers would share with me, the administrator, that they only wanted to accept substitute teaching assignmentsat my school because of the peaceful and respectful climate,I knew we were doing something right!

This became a testimony to the hard work of students, staff, and parents who participated in fostering this climate.”

2020 presents itself as a new year and a new decade

Every year when one year comes to an end and a new one presents itself people remind themself to reflect on the past year and take stock. It allows them to review their goals for the year and ask themself a few questions.

‘How am I doing? Who am I becoming? If I stay on this present track, will I accomplish my goals?

It is also the time to reflect on how we could cope with situations but also with other people. We take a look at our relationships and analyse them. You could ask:

Am I an asset? Do I add to the lives around me?  Am I ‘swift to hear, slow to speak’?

A new year allows time to flash back and gives people an inkling of the changes they may need to make in the future.

How many put into practice the plans that will ensure their goals are accomplished?

When you look at people, how many do not continue on the very same path, even when they made so many nice promises at the change of year.

Perhaps it will not be bad to not only set some goals but also to take certain steps in order to claim victory.

It would not be bad to Write down the goals and to place them in a very visible place.

It also would not be bad to speak about your desires and goals with the Most High Elohim. Surrender them to The Almighty God, allowing Him to do the best for us.

Make a commitment to the goals before the Lord and to an accountability partner. Most often when we expressed our intentions at the beginning of the year, later on we do not repeat them to others. Often we forget them ourself. By not remembering what we promised or by not thinking of those promises we give ourself a way out. Everyday we have to cope with other confrontations and as such life is not always as easy as we would love it to be. On the days, when we don’t feel like going on; when we want to give up, then it is a good moment to be reminded of the reasons we chose those goals at the beginning of the year in the first place.  We want to be encouraged to keep reaching toward that prize.  At such moments of discouragements prayer should be the first on your doorstep to welcome.

I am ungrateful – Czesław Niemen

Life often goes by faster than we can grip it.
Man often forgets his Creator, or does not want to know about Him, Who gives life and all beauty found around. Too often man wants to compare to others, who have gathered more money and success, though who did not always find that happiness they were looking for as well.

Too often man forgets he can not take anything with him into the grave, up to another life, because when man dies everything for him comes to an end. Then it will be too late to change roads or to get on the right track. Therefore, he better find the right track before, and chooses to follow the Right One, instead of the world.

Tylko fotografia

Day by day
As a rapid stream of time
It tightens the circle
My existence
Day by day
He runs away
Further
Further
My false desires
The weave falls

And around
Universe
Boundless, inconceivable
Infinite fertile garden
Eternal thought the Masterpiec!
I would like to respect heaven
Ground forehead to slope
But I am ungrateful
That imperfect …

Nonsense
They feed each other
Comic matters
Wrapped in a net
I am ashamed of these
Which is not ashamed
They forgot
That it is over
The graves will make us equal

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Believe me! Everything is Possible

Once on our way in life we are confronted with lots of things, of which some seem difficult to tackle or which are disturbing us.

All of us search for the better life and have their goal put on marvellous things we dream of. Many people think a good life and happiness lies in gathering wealth, but they are mistaken.
Many think they have to look for luck by others around them and think the world can offer them peace within. They do hope to achieve great success, and some even can do so but in the end do not feel very happy. Several who seem to have reached the top within themself do not feel really satisfied or fulfilled despite becoming a multi-millionaire or a star. Oh, so many go looking for luck and happiness too far away out.

Too many people do forget that answers should be found within themself, becoming self-aware and having the right spiritual goal.

It might not always easy to accept we failed in something. But we should come to understand we better learn from any failure and go on avoiding it in the future by not falling in the same trap or by not choosing the wrong direction.

Lots of people do not want to know they are created in the image of their Maker. The majority of the world population even does not want to accept such Eternal Spirit Being would exist. But if they would learn more about Him and read His Words, they would be able to find the most valuable Guide for life (in His given Word: the Bible). That century assembly of books gives enough wisdom to mankind to find the best way to live and shows the path to true happiness.

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To remember

• Failure =/= failure < > brings a lot of experience + maturity in our brain and mind set = > a way towards success.
• willpower matters a lot
• believe in yourself + never give up > you “can do it”.
• Think Positive
• Trust in Hard Work
• Set your goal > set a milestone for yourself.  Every target and milestone has some requirements = think, find the story, model them, and then try to better them
• empower your will power with greatness you have achieved in your life.

It's all about Inspiration

Nothing is impossible, I mean to say that “Everything is Possible”.

Do you have dreams in your mind and do you work hard to achieve those Dreams?

Have you observed people around you in their daily life?

There are 75% of people we noticed that they are happy with their current status. They do not want to do something new in their lives. They even didn’t bother to think about something that is better than their current status.

Why? I asked Why? Let me tell you, it’s because they are so much comfortable in their current status. They don’t want their selves to get outside of their comfort zone. Keep in mind, YOU were born for a special purpose.

Read Success Stories: The history is full of success stories of success people. So many people are there, that start their business with nothing in their pockets, but before…

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