A Simple Life People don’t have to be religious to live simple lives. Simplicity comes with commonsense And by living according to life’s affirming values The good life is inspired by love And it takes knowledge to make our goals realities   Spiritual texts speak about people’s future So that’s why many of the religious choose this lifestyle But for ordinary folks living simply calls for wisdom They view earthly excesses as a burden that damage their welfare So they pledge to themselves to live within their means   Simple people are enthusiastic about learning from nature They do what’s right to live in harmony with the natural forces Some go to bed early in the evening after winding down Others rise early in the morning when it’s quiet for prayer   The sun, moon, and stars are planets that are celebrated. The wind, birds, trees, lakes, and mountains teach life’s affirmations As well as the four seasons of spring, summer, fal...

  What is God? God is Nothing, Something, And the first cause Of Everything That’s good And bad in Nature. Amen

  A Peacemaker Peacemaking is more than winning wars A peacemaker isn’t a nation’s warrior. He or she should be beyond wars. This individual should love their country And has its interests at heart   Peace often calls for patience. It’s an ability to negotiate problems. A peacemaker has to be able to compromise. This should be the goal of every ambassador.   Building bridges to other peoples and nations Should be silver lining that a negotiator should pursue It’s how a ruler endeavors to leave such a legacy. But few of them will succeed if this isn’t done wisely.   Some ambassadors will do anything to pursue peace. Christian leaders will remember the admonition - “Blessed are the peacemakers” They will see peacemakers as children of God.   These rulers will be judges among many people And arbitrate between warring nations abroad They shall beat their swords into plowshares And used their spears as pruning hooks ...

  A Joyful Heart Give thanks to the Almighty For a joyful heart A heart that embraces The good things of our lives   These gifts can’t be seen But they surround us Like the air we breathe And how we feel every passing day   They are goodness, kindness, and truth. Attributes we feel with our hearts. So reach out to the splendor that surrounds you Know that you aren’t alone in this world But you’re surrounded by the grace of God   Build bridges that enlighten others Light a lamp that shines in the entire world And be at peace with everything you do Put your heart, mind, and soul in the smallest acts This is the way you’ll find true joy Small things do matter most in our lives.   “Universal Spirit, guide us in ways to live more fulfilling lives.   Let our hearts be open to those things we don’t see, but know that they will be in our best interest.   Grant us peace, love, and joy. Amen  

  Life in Transition Oh where do we go from here? What’s life all about? Do we live and just die? Is that the end? These are all questions that boggle the mind.   Every day seems as though there’s a new reality. People plan, make promises, and hope they pan out. But as the saying goes, “Nothing is promised.” Like a switch everything changes in a split second.   With life there’s action. People work hard for their dreams to come through. Yet they are often disappointed in their quest. Is this disappointment a blessing in disguise?   With all the plans do these things just pass away? What should be our main focus in life? Do we live then die? Is this the end of our existence?   No one could say with certainty where life leads. People may have such beliefs based on their religious faith. So if that is what gives them comfort just let it be. But for the seeker this quest is never over.   “Amazing Provider, h...

  Heaven on Earth It’s a blissful day! White clouds have graced the earth. They cover the hills, mountains, and land. And everything looks so serene with the bright sun.   Nature has poured out its blessings. Waters race into the sea. People lie on the beach Watching the waves flow by   Oh how I wish for more sunny days When the wind sweeps across the land Birds are singing in nearby trees But life goes on gingerly As some walkers stroll along the boardwalk   Heaven has descended to earth. Lovers renew their wedding vows. And musicians are playing happy songs As hordes of visitors are passing by It’s all thrilling and exciting For summertime is here again Thank heaven for these joys of life   “Great Designer, you have presented this summer like heaven on earth.   Help us to embrace its warmth as the sun kisses the land and depths of the deep blue sea.” Amen   

  Rescue of Whales In 2020 whales were stranded The largest incident of beaching On a sandbank in Tasmania In the rugged Macquarie Harbor Rescuers were able to save 108 Out of the 470 that were helpless   This task has been difficult Rescuers had to brave chilly waters In order to guide the saved ones Back into the sea Many of these freed whales Included adults and calves   The bodies of the less fortunate Were corralled off and protected Into enclosed pods with water booms From being attacked by sharks These dead ones were later towed Out to be deposited into the sea   Whales are very friendly creatures They are highly social That’s why such a large group Ended up on this sandy embankment They must have followed a dying matriarch “Almighty Creator, give us the wisdom to protect whales.   As part of the dolphin family, help us understand more about their bonding.   Guide us to do all in our power to save...

  Homeless Shelters Where does the poor, homeless, And tired rest their weary heads? This has to be at homeless shelters.   Many people who come To these shelters are broken From the stress and strain of life They are all seeking relief.   Take a moment and help the homeless. Provide them with a suitable place to live. Let them be able to have a roof over their heads. And serve them meals to relieve their hunger. Their distraught and pain are intense.   The homeless and tired are really suffering. Let all good people empathize with their dilemma. This only calls for a bit of sacrifice on their part In making this world a better place So take time and give a little to those in need.   “Loving Provider, help all those who are homeless to have hope.   Let good people give a little to make their lives better by providing shelter and food.” Amen     

  Elderly at Home The elderly has many challenges. A lot of tasks that they did While younger have become difficult That’s why there’s need for adjustments.   There are risks of tripping or falling. So seniors have to be careful in their homes. As their mobility decreases The elderly have to be aware how they walk Some rooms in their homes May well become dangerous places So they should try to prevent falling   What can the elderly do about aging in place? They should endeavor to modify their homes. Looking into senior care options is a good idea. Seeking out the advice of caregivers make sense. And depending on family and friends In helping them elder proof their homes It’s the only way that they may be safe As they endeavor living out their life at home “Loving God, help the elderly as they make adjustments to living in their home.   Give them the wisdom to turn to family, friends, and caregivers for the help that they wi...

  Warming of Oceans Oceans are our life blood Living with water is imperative Water sustains us in many ways It isn’t only the sea creatures that are important But the use these waters to traverse vast continents   Billions of tons of heat-trapping gases are in the atmosphere These are the work of humans’ industrialized age Our oceans however absorb these gases The temperature of these waters rise And marine life like sea lions, fish, and lobsters are affected   Heat waves cause toxic algae in the seas to grow The sources of food for marine life die off or migrate And such heat waves have caused extreme weather patterns On the West Coast California has experienced drought Heat has the effect of allowing stagnant air to warm the oceans   Storms are formed by heat waves In 2018 the Gulf Coast was hit by the tropical storm Gordon This storm generated by heat impacted cold water It mixes with warm water to cause unpredictable w...

  A Black Portrait Why can’t the races get along? There has been a long history That explains this urgent problem Slavery was rampant in America. Blacks were abused. Jim Crow was alive and well. And for years many Blacks Lived in fear in America   There was lynching, emancipation, Followed by the suppression of the vote There was a lack of educational opportunities. A lack of jobs that permeated the Black society. Families were separated and abused. Many Blacks migrated from the South. They headed North where the opportunities Were better for them in finding jobs   For years Blacks lived separated from Whites Eventually they were integrated in the U.S. Army Civil Rights fights led to some gains Still discrimination pervaded the land As Black voices accentuated their struggles The NAACP was formed to champion their cause A lot changed in the 1960s When there were riots in the land   But change continued to be slo...

  LGBTQ Rights Equal rights are an imperative. It’s the bedrock of all classes, Peoples, creeds, and national origins So LGBTQ rights are no different   The Equality Act, a bill in the United States Would prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ, Women and minorities It campions sexual orientation and gender identity.   LGBT would have equal rights In employment, housing, public accommodations, Public education, federal funding, credit, and the jury system But in 2020, 29 states haven’t outlawed Anti-discrimination laws about LGBTQ   It’s time for that to change The House of Representative in a bi-partisan vote Has sent this bill to the U.S. Senate Where it stalled and not acted on This Equality Act was intended To prevent discrimination against LGBTQ Let the provisions of this legislation become law.   “Universal Judge, help the new Biden administration to pass this federal Civil Rights law.   Give the legisla...