love

what do we really want? what do i really want? love. and its not that we want it. we need it. and we'll get it in whatever form we choose to. but we also need to give it.

have you ever possessed something so beautiful... as unconditional love?

but then it really isn't a possession is it? because it doesn't exist if its not given.

There is Beauty

There are beautiful experiences to have, beautiful blessings to enjoy, peace to feel, love to give, souls to find, knowledge to gain, help to give, children to teach, relationships to strengthen, talents to develope and enjoy. Beauty is around us, in a kind smile from a stranger, in a dear friend who somehow new what you needed, in the children, in families, in the people who show genuine concern for another. The Spirit of God gives the most beautiful feelings. The earth and sky are beautiful. There is Beauty all around.

General Con. Fall 2009

"I am convinced that there is no simple formula or technique that would immediately allow you to master the ability to be guided by the voice of the Spirit. Our Father expects you to learn how to obtain that divine help by exercising faith in Him and His Holy Son, Jesus Christ. Were you to receive inspired guidance just for the asking, you would become weak and ever more dependent on Them. They know that essential personal growth will come as you struggle to learn how to be led by the Spirit."
"I witness that as you gain experience and success in being guided by the Spirit, your confidence in the impressions you feel can become more certain than your dependence on what you see or hear."

-Elder Richard G. Scott Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Simple ways are not always Easy & Easy ways are not always Simple

Simple being : clear/basic/truth; not elaborate or artificial; plain; unadorned; modest; not complicated; not complex or compound; single; mere; bare: fact; free of deceit or guile; sincere; unconditional; unpretentious: humble or lowly; not mixed.

Easy being : not hard or difficult; free from pain, discomfort, worry, or careproviding; lenient; not difficult to influence or overcome; effortless.

We live in a very easy-seeking world, which often results in very difficult consequences. The very definition of easy is effortless, free from pain (see above). The reason we exist is to love, to progress, and that is not done without effort, pain, discomfort, or some sort of difficult sacrifice.

Being simple is often difficult, but it is the way.

Honesty

So... what would happen if we were all completely honest. Well, the book I'm reading (Real Love) says its part of the steps to give/receive unconditional love. I think I should do it, it would really force me to see my true character. For the most part, I've been a lot more honest with people lately, even if it makes me look bad or hurts them. But there are certain situations where some people just don't need to know every little thing. I think what the book is referring to is being honest with others about who you are, your honest feelings. If you just put it (honesty) out there, then you can only be exactly who you are and can't feel pressured to keep up a facade. If you don't hide anything, then you have nothing to hide. (i know how that sounded but im making a point :) And there is no point in making a facade because you're not allowing the other person really know you, and love you (regardless of flaws). Give them the truth and let them make their decision if they accept you or not, and if they don't, that's their choice, even if you feel it's the wrong one. We try so hard to control, that we even try to control someone else's feelings for us, by the way we communicate who we are to them. That is not our right or responsability. We can only love unconditionally, expecting nothing in return. We can only control ourselves. And if someone doesn't accept who we are, then its ok. As my wise Father and Mother have said to me "Not everybody is gonna like you, and hey, thats ok, thats about them". Its reassuring to know that I don't have to try to please everyone, that I can just be myself, and allow others to know the real me, no matter what.

...What to be for Halloween???

Daniel Beach... my 2nd favorite artist (my uncle steve is 1st)

Baton Rouge, LA

Tower Bridge

My Prusia

http://danielbeachgallery.com/