Beyond the Clouds of Death (the Shoah or Holocaust)

November 9, 1938, and into the next day, has come to be known as Kristallnacht or The Night of Broken Glass. Some say it marked the beginning of the Holocaust also known as the Shoah. In our studies: "The 2000 Year Road to the Holocaust" - An interfaith project of the greater Rochester community
http://www.holocaustroad.org/ I'm finding that this road started many years before WWII.

I wrote this poem to try to honor those that suffered and died; honor those that fought to stop injustice against people; and to promote forgiveness and compassion for all people so this may never happen again...

May we all learn to Love our neighbors as ourselves. May we learn to Forgive. May we teach and Live Compassion and Tolerance, May we  learn to live in Peace for we are all brothers and sisters of the world. Once we realize  and incorborate these things into our lives, Peace may truly have a chance.

Beyond the Clouds of Death

(The Shoah or Holocaust)

Atrocities so horrible

make up the Holocaust

Where people were not people

And humanity was lost

Torture, Death, and Hunger

The Shoah's horrendous shroud

And in the background burning

The fumes of human clouds

To break the spirit and the lives

Of this almighty clan

It was power and insanity

That fed Hitler's plan

The devil came to life these days

the world came tumbling in

People blindly followed

Minds controlled from deep within

Lies and fears and blinded eyes

The massacre kept going

Like drones work was carried out

As hate and fear kept growing

The suffering unbearable

For people once so strong

Now shadows of their prior selves

How did life go so wrong?

Stomachs always grumbling

Little rest from dusk till dawn

A people thought forgotten

Their hope was all but gone

Yet in the bleakest darkest days

Within the souls of some

Remained the faith of ages

Though bodies beat and numb

For silent prayers not silent

They reached to God's own ears

He answered into hearts and minds

Gave courage to ease their fears

Where was God in all this horror?

Is what I hear some say

Just like the dove for Noah

He's there on the bleakest day

Look into the darkest corner

God's there behind the scene

He's teaching some compassion

Opening eyes to all that's been

Stars at night gave Peace to some

As silent prayers went up

Their twinkling light acknowledged

They'd reached God's holy cup

Like manna from the heavens

God is in the rain

Quenching thirsts and washing souls

Relieving some of the pain

Too many people did not survive

The hell that was around

Yet deep inside, lived a strength

A Faith that would astound

To honor those who's hope was strong

We must learn to forgive

In the end God's Law and Love

Will teach us how to live

Remember all the hate that spun

Out of control back then

But focus on God's strength that lived

Inside women, children and men

As in the Exodus of old

Tyrants are crushed and killed

Hope remains inside of those

That know what God has willed

The Promise of a better life

Like a phoenix in the sun

Out of the fires of hate and hell

With Faith in God, we've won

It's hard to see the rainbow

Beyond the clouds of death

Yet, in the deepest part of us

It's in our very breath

Let's heal the wounds of this hell

When insects fared better than man

Douse the hate and breathe upon

Forgiving embers if we can

Let the flames, this time, be from

Compassion and from Love

Melt hate and fear and intolerance

With God's Word from above

So live with God as Moses did

Beyond the trials of man

Teach the past but not the hate

and Honor the Great "I AM"

written with Peace, Hope, Love and Light

by Nina Pauline Ploetz

To:

Acknowledge the Holocaust through the Strength of persecuted people

Morn those that died before their time

Honor the surviving hearts of Faith, to show their Hope survived

Thank all those who fought for Tolerance, Compassion and Love

Teach Peace, Hope, Love and Light to future generations

Let a quiet Healing voice be heard above the crowd of pain

Guardian Angels

Have you ever had self doubts and fears? Fears of failure, of success, of change, etc...? They can sabotage you and it's your own doing. I've been having this inner battle with sharing my writing on another level .. Despite myself, things are falling into place for a joint venture to possibly put together a book of poetry along with another's wonderful photo's. I have lots of support from the outside; it's my inside that holds me back.... "am I good enough?", "am I worthy?" , the "should I's?"..... I was away at a kind of a Spiritual Retreat this past weekend and was given even more positive reinforcement on this potential venture.... After I attended a workshop on Friday night, I couldn't go to sleep so I sat on the porch to meditate. It wasn't long before I had to find pen and paper..... So here goes another one.....

Guardian Angels

Of Love and Light and Spirit be

Forever fighting to be free

Let go of fear and let go of fright

Guardian Angels guide me tonight

Be still and go inside and see

The Light of Hope that lives in me

My fear it stops me from my gift

If I would let go my fears would lift

Look to the Light that shines from above

Let in the Spirit, be filled with Love

So write dear pen and open the mind

Let me see Light and not be blind

Please guide my hand to touch your face

Fill my heart with your Healing Grace

For with you my Angel as my guide

I know God's Light will now abide

You guided my hand and my heart it follows

Gliding across paper as a flight of swallows

Let my imagination take wings and fly

As to doubts and fears; I say Good Bye

For my Guardian Angels to do their task

I get on my knees, open my heart and ask

I thank you dear Spirit with all of my heart

You've Blessed me and now I must do my part

written with Love and Light and a Thankful heart;

by Nina P. 8/14/09

STEADY LIGHT OF HOPE

(This was my Steady Light of Hope the other morning)

Going through an old thought for the day I came across this one that unfortunately, sometimes hits home.

When illness strikes, loneliness, despair, pain, hurt, death, fear, etc….. Find your

STEADY LIGHT OF HOPE

“No Matter how dark the situation, let me always hold on to the steady Light of Hope.”
( www.thoughtfortheday.org.uk )

When I’m right in the thick of things, my darkest moments, my deepest despair; it seems impossible to find a steady Light of Hope. All you see is darkness. No windows, no doors, just deep sorrow, loss, despair, pain, loneliness, fear…. How can they say there’s even a glimpse of hope let alone a steady Light of Hope?

A lot of twelve step programs say you have to hit bottom before you can start the healing. Sometimes, that’s all too true. When your down and out and you can’t get any lower, you have to look up to see the rim of the gutter….. And there it is….Look Up! … When all seems hopeless/darkest and the pain is so deep it hurts; your chest physically aches, that’s when you begin to crawl… reaching for whatever you can grasp…. , and you reach up to grab the rim of the gutter… all the sudden your on your knees… looking up. That’s the coal warming. When all that comes out is “God /Universe/Devine why, how, where, stop…Please!??” That raw guttural plea turns into a prayer of desperation. It’s in that asking for deliverance that healing can begin. That dark coal in your heart starts to warm and glow. The ember starts to take hold. Your hand reaches up to grasp Hope. It’s then that things begin to change. Once the “prayer” or “cry” of desperation is uttered, there’s no going back. Coal may take a while to warm and glow but its fire heats deep and its glow lasts long and can be seen through the darkness.

In the darkest dungeon, there is a glimmer of Light when they slide nourishment towards you. There is companionship in the quiet mouse that visits you every night. There is communication with the cricket that sings to you. All these small Steady Lights of Hope are around you even in your darkest dungeon. Look around see, feel, taste, touch, hear the heart beat of life, of Hope in the silence of despair. You are not alone. The Great Creator puts these unassuming beacons to guide us, to be with us even in our darkest days.

Focus on the glimmer of Light. Find comfort in the companionship around you. Listen to the songs of nature, taste the cool water that washes over you, easing pain. Touch the healing hand reaching down.
Reach up to the Light. Look up and see the steady Light of Hope beaming down on you. You are not alone.
That comforting smile from a nurse; that warm cup of tea/coffee being offered; the driver that motions for you to go ahead of them; that unexpected coin you find on the ground; the neighbor that waves good morning to you; the sunshine that warms your face; the breeze soft as an angel kiss cool on your cheek; the coo of a newborn baby; the chirp of a bird; the unconditional love given by your most precious pet; the list is endless for examples of the “Steady Light of Hope”. We may not recognize them at first when we are in our deepest darkest place, but they are there: ever present, always waiting for us.

Focus on the Lights that are around you and the darkness and shadows will fade. For up above the darkest clouds lies a Bright and Glorious Universe of Light. A Light so bright that it will fill your soul with Love and Peace. A Light of many colors creating a glorious Healing Rainbow of Hope. Reach Up and take the Hand of Love and you will find your Steady Light of Hope.

May you find healing and comfort even in your darkest situations. May you hold on to your Steady Light of Hope and find Peace and understanding. May your dark clouds lift giving way to the Healing Rainbow of Hope.
Love and Light, Nina P.

In Silence...

When I really started feeling the "calling" to write poetry, it came from a need to express comfort to those that have lost. First with the loss of my father many years ago and then throughout the years with friends and family that have lost loved ones. Some one said my writings all "sound the same", and maybe part of that is true. As I look back on my old writings, there are many written to comfort people that have lost loved ones. By putting feelings and memories into words, I try to acknowledge the heart felt pain, and transition emotions to those that offer comfort, hope and acknowledge the joy of the life once shared.

This one was written for a friend who lost their spouse. You can exchange he or she for they if it carries more meaning for you. Originally it was she. In Love and Light, I share yet another...

IN SILENCE

What do you do when someone’s gone away?
Words seem shallow; so much more I want to say.

I sit and think, My heart aches for you.
Your pain, your sorrow, what can I do?

Everyone gathers the support is abound
Afraid to be alone yet don’t want anyone around.

It’s a pace with no name there’s nothing you can do,
For it’s nowhere at all but inside of you.

In silence you sit, watch, listen and wait.
You feel and feel and want out; there’s no gate.

The pain of the loss overtakes your breath
This place hurts as you feel their death.

It’s dark and damp and oh so cold
You can’t go on there’s no one to hold

A chill you feel then sweet softness so warm
Across your neck, your cheek, your lips…no form

In silence you see a light it glows
Your holding your breath, the silence grows

A thought it comes and touches you
A smile it brings as only they can do

Memories fly and laughter it comes
A fragrance you taste on your tongue

The light is bright as thoughts go by
Times together; they seem to fly

Memories flood in. Oh please let them stay?
Oh God why did you take them away?

A silent touch you feel; your heart skips a beat
A voice, their voice, you get up on your feet

You’re alone, you’re alone ;you tell yourself out loud
Your head spins, heart races, you feel as if a cloud

This place inside of you isn’t really that bad
It’s a place where it’s even ok to get mad

The loss you feel.. Once here… now not
Your gut wrenches with all the pain you’ve got

Let the silence come again inside of you
Listen, wait, feel; there’s nothing to do

Acceptance of all this, it comes with Love
Wisdom beyond ours; it comes from Above

Listen to your memories in sweet quietness

Look past the pain and the emptiness

Soon you will find this quiet place that you have
Has healing powers, much as a salve

Unnamed feelings with no way to express
Come, find Peace in silent reminisce

How great is the loss of your lover, your spouse
At times you may feel so alone in your house

In silence just listen, they’re there by your side
At the same table with arms open wide

They want you to feel and know their all right
As angels watch over you all through the night

I know I babble and make little sense
But feelings and words build life, not a fence

Raw emotions we have and don’t know what to do
Just listen and know that we are here for you

To walk and to talk or just sit and be
You’ve touched many lives and are like family

I don’t sit and judge that’s not who I am
I’m a watcher of life and try not to condemn

I offer to you myself as a friend
To hold if you want when tears have no end

You don’t know me that well but know this as true
As a friend in your life, I’m here for you

I believe in this place as I’ve described above
I found it first with loneliness, anger; not love

As time passes on and fond memories come
This silent place actually starts to hum

The loneliness fades and so does the pain
Even tears of your loss come and go like the rain

Memories can hurt as they pull at your heart
You’ll always wish that you’re not far apart

Times a great healer as is God Above
Hang on to your friends and gain strength from their love

Remember in silence your lover’s right there
By your side blowing kisses that brush through your hair

They loved you, and love you with all of their heart
Just know in your silence, you’re never apart.

Written with Love and prayer by Nina P. 12/2000

Thought for Today: Deep Within

From: Thought for Today: http://www.thoughtfortoday.org.uk/

Deep Within:
Just as the highest tower needs a deep foundation, so too our higher thinking is based on going deep within. (Thought for Today 5/29/09)

Its funny this Thought for Today came today. I was just reading a site called the “Zen in You” and her post on May 27th, 2009 was on Foundations for human beings; spirits, and persons. (Wow…I said that? Author: Caroline, http://thezeninyou.com/wordpress ) There were some amazing responses to her post.

Here’s what I wrote:

When I think of foundations I think of being grounded: in balance with God, the Universe, and self. Centered in the Trinity, there is unconditional Love, Hope and Peace beyond all understanding. The foundations for humans as beings, spirits and as persons, for me, blends into the Love and energy of all that was, all that is, and all that will be: a continuum of all. I find this in nature, meditation and prayer. Your photo’s say what my words can not. Thank you for this post and for sharing your photo collage.Love and Light, Nina P.

How true it is that at the base of everything meaningful is a strong foundation. From Faith, to Love, to Relationships, to Business, to Friendships, to Life itself, a deep and firm foundation is essential. “Higher thinking is based on going deep within.”

In the craziness of day to day life, questions come rushing in from all over the place. We’re able to respond and get the job at hand done quite easily. Yet when we’re quiet and alone, those deeper, harder questions come. You know the ones that hit the heart and, at first glance, may not have an answer….. “What’s the meaning of Life?”; “Why am I here?”; “Where is God?”; “Is there a God?”; “Is there life after death?”; “Will I ever find true Love?” etc… You know, the hard questions, the self doubting questions, the disturbing questions, we all have them.

Don’t you also find that when you’re alone with yourself, meditate, pray, be one with nature; listening to that deep rooted voice in your soul, the answers are there? When we step out of the mind and into the depths of the soul/spirit we can hear the Higher voice. How can we know if it’s the right voice? If it comes from pure LOVE it is the right voice; the Higher Voice. Listen, its there, deep within, firmly founded in your soul… Listen.

May you find your foundation firm and deeply rooted and may you go deep within and listen to your Higher voice, your Higher thoughts and find Love, Hope and Peace.

Love and Light,
Nina P.

Happy Graduation

HAPPY GRADUATION

Graduation is here and it’s time to say
God Bless your future come what may.

The roads been hard but you’ve made it through
Since it’s done, now what to do?

The classes, the grind, and teachers comment
Stand in your mind no more to lament

The world’s your oyster, is what some say
What ever that means, just seize the day

Life is hard but you can win
Trust in the Lord and try not to sin

He said; “ask and you shall receive”
To do this, you must always believe

College or work, or whatever‘s your lead
Doing your best you’ll always succeed

You may be tempted by many things
Trust in the Lord and all that He brings

Through ups and downs, He is your guide
Stand strong in Faith and feel His Pride

Your life’s a canvas, a painting in part
God’s own masterpiece; you’re His Great Art

You don’t know what the painting will be
Walk with the Lord and you will see

All of your moments keep adding a stroke
The painting’s yours, no one can revoke

Dark lines are added not to give fright;
Instead they give depth to all that is bright

Your painting is crafted by His Almighty hand
To deepen our lives as is His command

So stay strong in Faith, Courage and Love
Know that His guidance comes from above

Graduation’s a time, a Journey to start
Have fun, enjoy and keep God in your heart.

Written with Faith/Hope and Love,
by Nina P.

Mastery is a Journey.... ...

As part of a "martial arts/meditation" class I was taking, we had to read and write our thoughts on George Leonard's book: Mastery: The Keys to Success and Long Term Fulfilment (If you have the chance, read some of his work...very insightful...)

Below is my interpretation inspired by George Leonard:

Mastery’s a Journey

Written by Nina P. (4/1/2007)

Inspired by the book:
Mastery
The Keys to Success and Long-Term Fulfillment
By George Leonard

Life, it is a journey

of Mastery or not
A choice that is all ours

of many that we’ve got

Like a child learns to walk

at first it seems too hard
Letting go of inhibitions

to change our inner guard

Step by step you’re on your way

Small steps are for a while
Persistence and with patience

you’ll be walking with such style

The path it may be long

like some great distant star
With consciousness, awareness

you’re sure to get that far

Practice and then practice

the art of your own walk
Finding Joy in the journey

that’s walking with the talk

The Master he continues

learning as he goes
Loving all the pathways,

even the plateaus

The Dabbler he may start,

and stutter, and then stop
The Obsessive feels that he

must always be on top

The Hacker may just settle

for the middle ground
Never reaching deep inside

to see what is around

The value of this Mastery

is not just a quick fix
If that is what you want,

then you can call it nix

Try patient dedication

I know you’ll persevere
For what was once so far

is simply now quite near

Homeostasis,

it is what our bodies need
Finding our own balance

it is our soul to feed

There are five keys,

to unlock the Master’s door
Keep on the path, be patient,

and there will be much more

Key one is find a Teacher

one that you do trust
Knowledge, values, and great skills

they all are a must

Then you must be willing

to learn from their command
For Master, Teacher, Learner

they change from hand to hand.

Practice and then practice

is key number two
It’s try, and try again

in everything you do

The Journey for the journey

not the goal at the end
Loving all the practice

is the message that we send

Surrender of yourself

as your Teacher has taught
Surrender your successes

is to farther your own thought

Be a fool and be humble

and surrender all your pride
Wobble and then weave

like on your first bike ride

The key to surrender

is key number three
No experts, only learners

surrender and you’ll see

Intentionality

is key number four
Practice in the mind

that’s it, and so much more

Meditate, relax

be mentally aware
See yourself doing it,

as if you’re really there

This technique has been tried

and always proven true
A Master uses vision,

can that Master be you?

If Mastery is practice

and enjoying the plateaus,
The Edge is then a catalyst

that changes ebbs to flows

Lest we be the Dabbler

or Hacker deep inside
We must reset our limits

ride the wave in the tide

For in this last key,

we challenge of our self
Striving harder, reaching higher

towards the upper shelf

Plateaus they will shift

as we reach for higher ground
Safely practice with great purpose

your presence all around

Mastery’s a Journey

a Peaceful way to live
So lift your feet, start walking

the paths not mine to give

Your life will change immensely

such energy you’ll see
Use mind and body fitness

for that there is no fee

Get up, get out, and do

procrastinate no more
Face your fears and change,

be different than before

Acknowledge all the negatives

and put them in their place
Accentuate the positives

let Truth be your new face

Be gentle with yourself

but oh not too sincere
Prioritize your life

stay focused on what’s dear.

Look down into your dark side

but not to point of fright
For humor is a gift

that turns darkness into light

So keep on with commitments

take action step by step
Set goals and keep on moving

for pep begets more pep

Put all things in perspective

keep flow of energy
Rest when it is needed

it’s all part of Mastery

Follow rest with action

keep motivation strong
A Competitiveness nature,

keeps pulling you along

The pitfalls there are many

of self they do arise
Acknowledge them and move along

for you are not their prize

Take pleasure in the practice

each moment great and small
Be fully aware of everything

use your senses all

Nothing in life is commonplace

and nothing’s in between.
There are threads that join our every act

can infinity be seen?

A Masters Journey has no end

perfections never serge
For all the paths of Mastery

eventually do merge

Relax and Center

be Fully Present to begin
Feel power, life’s force energy

your Chi from deep within

Now Practice with Great Purpose

find Joy along the way
Mastery is Balance,

Awareness, and Learning everyday

Miracles...written after someone said "there's no such thing"...

Miracles:
Miracles are around
us every day if we but open our
hearts and souls to God and His Almighty
Blessings. The bee that buzzes by our ear, is a
blessing; the grass under your feet, is a blessing; the
song of a bird, the sound of rain, the smell of fresh cut hey,
the sun and clouds, the rainbow, the snowflake, all are

blessings; Miracles from above. Look around, feel around,
smell around, sense around you , you'll find your miracle
everyday. Its right there as God's gift to you......... Go to
a window and look out, or go outside if you can. If that's

not possible, you can still imagine a peaceful place,

so go ahead, Close your eyes, breath deep, feel the
fullness of life in that breath, open your eyes, and
open your heart, there it is, your very own
miracle, given to you by God's Blessings
every day. Did you find it? :the leaf
of a tree,
a whisper,
a flower,
a tear,
the wind,
the sun,
a smile,
Did you
find it?
Did you
find your
daily miracle?
:the inch worm, a puddle, you can hear, you can see, you can feel, you can breath, you woke up, you can smile, you can laugh, you can cry, you can read this e-mail...
Did you find your miracle? Did you find it?
If not, just open up your heart and soul and it will find you.... Nina P. 6/28/08

Goodbye to Someone You Love: was written for someone that lost their mother......A Sister's Love: was written fot the loss of a sister...

GOODBYE TO SOMEONE YOU LOVE

It’s never easy to say goodbye
It’s downright hard I will not lie

Your heart it hurts as if to break
Please take it away for goodness sake

For all you feel is pain inside
Why oh why did she have to die

To leave you here with all this pain
And all your feelings to many to name

Why oh why are some lives short
Why oh why is my retort

Thinking back on all we’ve lost
We realize life has such a cost

Have faith in God, for He is Love
Have faith He’s looking down from above

Find comfort in knowing she’s by His side
For it’s in His home she now abides

She’s gone but yet she’s right near by
She’s in your dreams singing lullabies

She may not be right here on earth
But she’s up in Heaven it’s her rebirth

When you sit quiet and are at rest
That’s when your memory is at its best

Remember the fun you both share
The Joy and laughter it seems right there

For in those thoughts she’s reminding you
How much you are loved in all you do

Time will heal your broken heart
And you will know your not far apart

The gentle breezes across your cheek
Are her angle kisses oh so meek

Her scent you smell you can almost touch
Her spirit is near you, know that much

And when your sad and missing things
Remember she’s in Heaven with Angel wings

Time will pass your life will move on
And there will be times you come upon

Smiles will come and warm inside you
That’s her pride in all that you do

For years from now you’ll remember when
She held your hand a way back then

Find comfort in knowing all of this too
That one day you’ll see her and all will be new

She’s waiting in Heaven with all that have past
With Love in her heart that will last and last

God promised us through the gift of His Son
Life in Heaven His free gift we have won

Grief is a part that we must get past
In order to find Peace in our heart that will last

So take time now and shed your tears
For God knows this and all of your fears

May God keep you and hold on to you tight
And may sweet dreams be yours through the night

May family and friends continue with Pride
Know that’s what she’d want deep down inside

Goodbye with Love is what I send
To Mother, Daughter, Sister and Friend.

Written with love Nina P. 2006

A Sister’s Love

A sister’s Love is never lost
It stays right in the heart.

All you do is think of her
And you’re not that far apart

So grieve you must its part of life
It’s something we must do

Then take a breath and look within
She’s there inside of you

Her smile, laugh and things she did
You see her standing there

Her angel kiss you feel the touch
It breezes through your hair

So go outside and then look up
For that is where she’ll be

The promise of the Son it shines
For all of us you see.

Find Peace and comfort as she rests
She’s walking hand in hand

With loved ones that have gone before
They’re in the glory land.

She’s waiting there, you see, right now
She’s just behind that cloud

Close your eyes and listen well
It’s her sweet voice aloud:

The song within the birds you hear
And babbling of the brook.

So be at Peace and go within
She’s there just take a look.

Many Blessings be upon you now
And with your family

For God did promise with the Son
We’d meet in Calvary

Written with Love by Nina P. 9/19/08

There is a Light in All of Us....

There is a Light in All of Us

There is a Light in all of us
If we but only look
So look inside it’s there you see
As written in The Book

When darkness comes as it will do
Rely on that Great Light
And soon the darkness fades away
As will that hard felt plight

Stresses come as life we live
It’s part of humankind
If all you see is dark and bleak
Desperation you will find

Pointing fingers all around
For isn’t that the cause?
“It’s him, it’s her; it can’t be me”
We say without a pause

It’s easier to look outside
Than to turn within
But when we look inside instead
The healing can begin

Self healing may be needed
But often we don’t see
Being part of us so long
It’s our only way to be

Let go of our complacency
Is hard but it’s a must
To lift that shroud of darkness
It’s the Light we must trust

Starting now we must look within
To heal us from the past
Cleaning out our closets
For healing that will last

Forgive yourself and others too
Feel changes come alive
For when our fear and pain collide
Only Hope and Love Survive

Remember after every storm
There is a rainbow of Hope
The Light beyond the clouds is there
Giving us ways to cope

So go on now and find the Light
It’s there inside of you
With Faith & Hope & Love you see
Grace and Light will see you through

By Nina P. Ploetz 3/19/09

Nina P's thoughts on : Generosity...

"Generosity: Do not hide the treasures in your heart in fear that they will be stolen - instead share them and find they multiply. " (Thought for Today http://www.thoughtfortoday.org.uk/)

As I like to say: when I write, a Hand touches mine,
so here it goes.....

In these times of loosing jobs and declining economy, it's hard to think of generosity. We want to keep, hoard, guard what we have: to keep us safe for the future, right?..... Well not exactly.... What good is keeping, hoarding, guarding what we have if we do not enjoy the life we are given? We live in fear and depression rather than living in Faith, Hope and Love. I can keep all I have and not share it with anyone. If I do, I'm always worried about: "What's going to happen? Will I be OK? will there be enough? What will I do? How can I get more?...." I'm sure you can add even more "What if's" here too, the list could be endless. All of these fears seem all to real. They are aren't they? again I say not exactly....

Lets turn some of this around before the stress level gets too high. Instead of the "What if's" lets ,focus on the "What Have's". Tomorrow is not a promise to us, if it happens, it is a Gift. Yesterday is gone and no matter how hard we try, we can't get it back. That gives us today.... now....... this very moment.
So lets do an assessment of now, this very moment. Look, feel, smell, hear, taste what you have right now where ever you are. Let's focus on the time of year: it's Spring!......I can touch rain that falls bringing with it Hope of new beginnings, I know that in stillness there is motion, I can see the Son shine and the the first signs of spring poking through the ground all green, new and fragile. I can feel the cool breeze of an angle kiss across my cheek, I can smell the earth of spring, I can taste the water that sustains life.

What does Spring mean to you? It means growth, renewal, fresh, hope, awakening, new life.... There is such a spirit of generosity in spring and so, many lessons it gives. That little sprout of green struggling it's way through the dark, soil, small and fragile at first, not knowing what lies ahead. It reaches up from the darkness of despair awakening, reaching towards a new life. It doesn't know if there will be food or water enough to sustain its life tomorrow. Yet it is there Today, growing, awakening, unfolding, giving of itself...

Take a walk outdoors, if you can, and look around until you find a little green starting to grow. (Or even a plant you might have indoors) It has no way of sustaining itself yet it grows (Faith). It has no way of making sure it won't get hurt or broken or even die tomorrow yet today, it is here, living, surviving, believing it will make it ( Hope). It has no money, no way to give, no means of generosity, yet it is here today for us to look at (Love).... You see, like life, it's all in how you look at it, what perspective you take. Do you look at it with the doubts and fears of what you don't have, or might not have? or , do have a perspective of Faith, Hope and Love? Do you Believe? .What's inside you?

In this time of early spring, coming from the dark, cold, dreary days of winter; didn't that little tiny frail bit of green poking through the soil give you a little Hope? Didn't it give you Smile and didn't it lift your heart a little and make you realize "Ah yes Spring Really is coming"? This frail little green sprout with "nothing" gave of itself to you.....

This lesson is for all of us. We must learn to give freely: a smile, a hug, a kind word, a hand out to someone in need, etc... be generous today. Try it!!

Give Hope through a smile today. Have Faith and Love in your heart. Walk around with a Positive Attitude and Smile! Yep that's all: Be Generous with your Smile and Positive Attitude of Love, Hope, and Compassion. Now take a walk and be aware of the people around you, their reaction to you. See how many look at you and smile back!!! How did it make you feel to have someone smile back at you? Did it lift your spirits? Did it make your smile broader, your heart fuller? Your gift of generosity just came back to you and multiplied. For you gave your smile generously,freely, and it was returned to you!!!!!
And guess what?....., now that persons heart was lifted and their heart renewed a little..... and ....... they now might smile at someone.... and the gift is passed yet again, and again, and again.... Your seemingly small gift has now grown beyond expectation...

So give away a little today and gain allot!! Take that treasure in your heart, share it and watch it be passed forward.... All this without any human control.... watch it grow.... Like that small bit of green, watch it grow stronger every day, watch it keep giving Hope and Love back to its viewer and all that's around. It may just turn out to be the most beautiful flower you'll ever see; a gift grown from the seed in your heart given away selflessly ... to all that look...

What started as a seed in the darkness of fear has survived the storms and hardships; now Awakens and Grows strong. Growing deep roots of Faith with Grace and Courage....Through the gift of Hope, Love and Light: the once small frail seed,has come out of the darkness, growing stronger in the Light, a gift of generosity, freely given... Be generous with these gifts of your heart and see how they multiply not only in your life, but those around you.....

May you find a true Spirit of Generosity Living inside you. May your spirits be lifted by the rainbows of Hope after the storms in your life. May you find Strength in the Son above, shining down warming your soul, encouraging you to grow. May you find Faith to live today without fear of what might come, but live today in the Love that is freely given to you... the Love that is inside you, sustaining you, and nothing can take from.... the Love and Hope you can generously give away; knowing that if you give Love and Hope, it will Multiply uncontrollably, gracing the lives of others as well as your own. With the seed of Love and True Light in your heart, there is an Awakening of Spirit and all things are possible.....

May God Bless you today and always and may the seeds that are planted, grow and flourish, in you, through you, with you always.

Nina P.

Musings on Thought for Today.....

Thought for Today : Character: When you do not upset yourself thinking about how others must change and instead you concentrate on your own change, good things start to happen. First, you will feel better about yourself. Second, you will start to have positive feelings towards others and start to understand them. Third, others start having a more positive attitude towards you.
(brought to you from: www.thoughtfortoday.org.uk)

... if my coworker only did this, than....... My boss needs an attitude adjustment, than..... if my spouse would pay more attention, than..... if, than,..... they need to, than.... See the pattern? As the Good Book says, we need to remove the log from our selves before we can look at the speck in our neighbor.... Not always an easy task. Its easier to blame someone else than to change ourselves; change our attitude. It's easier to look the other way than to look within and see our own shortcomings. The only problem is, Change is an inside job. If I change , than.....

I tell people all the time; "the only thing constant in life is change". I don't usually follow that with ..."you can't change another person, the only person you can change is you".. but maybe I should. It is so easy to look at someone, else for our shortcomings. It's easier because than we don't have to change, we can always point the finger elsewhere. How many times have you or I said, " I can't believe it, they did it again, they need to stop it, it drives me crazy,....". The same things bother me that bothered me yesterday about someone, why don't they realize they need to.... I dare say most of us have caught ourselves in those situations.

This is where the Thought of the day : Character comes in. If we look at those situations from a different perspective. Hmm ... Next time you catch yourself saying "there they go again and it bothers me", (here's the key...) stop and think why?, what is inside me that it bothers me so much? What do I need to change? There it is, the answer.... I need to be more accepting of, That person cleaning all the time....maybe I need to clear my clutter and don't want to look at it yet,....... That slob not cleaning anything.....maybe I'm too sterile inside and need to let in a little life.... I can't believe they haven't moved on from that situation yet......maybe I'm stuck in my own..... It is so easy to look outside, and so hard to look inside, but we must.

The merry-go-round will keep going in circles until we let go of ourselves and change our position. We must look at ourselves, what we're hanging on to and why. We get comfortable with ourselves and don't want to change or don't see the need to change. We get stuck on that merry-go-round and think we'll always have fun, get a-long, be OK. After all aren't we all reaching for that brass ring? Take a Look away from the brass ring and see what's outside. There are all kinds of possibilities. We need to slow the ride down, look at ourselves, change our attitudes, our thoughts, ourselves.... We need to get off the merry-go-round of complacency and start the walk of inner change.

When a behavior in someone else triggers a negative response from you, look inside, and ask why.... When a type of person walks by and you have hate or animosity towards them, look inside yourself and ask why..... when your frustrated because they keep doing that, look inside and ask yourself why.... If you can't look inside at that moment, instead of responding in a negative way, say a small prayer of love and acceptance for that person, situation etc... then go back when you have time, when it's quiet, and contemplate your inner response and look for the why..... I need to be more forgiving, I need to be more accepting, I need to be more helpful, I need to be less jealous, I need to be more loving, I need to clean out my own house,.... Find out the inner why, the inner fears,....

Once you start looking at it from the inside, and making those inner changes, your true character will come out. . .We all have shortcomings, we put ourselves, our ego's in the way of what we truly are meant to be.

Try it today, when you start with the if only they'd... stop yourself, look within, and make that change. Get off the merry-go-round of complacency and take that first step towards true and God given change inside. You will be truly amazed at how things change around you.... Not because of their change but because of yours..... yep.... it's an inside job.

And who's at the core living in, with and though us, deep inside our soul? Yep the Light of Lights, the Hope of Hopes, The Love of Loves, is waiting there for you to look within, ask for guidance, make that inner change...... become strong in inner character through Grace and Love.

May God Bless you today and always with Love, Forgiveness, Hope, Grace and Acceptance, and bring Peace and Joy into your soul.....
Love and Light,
Nina

Written for parents to be..... of a little girl...

God Has Blessed You

God’s Blessed you two as husband and wife
And now He’s granted the miracle of life.

For God so Loved he gave His Son
And with His Love we too have won

The Love you share has grown each day
Gods Love helps endure what may

Now raise your hands and praise the Lord.
Show Him how much He is adored

For soon you’ll have your hands both filled
With a bundle of Love that He has willed

Cries and laughter will replace the kicks
Walking and rocking will do the trick

Of course you’ll miss that Belly touch
The one we know you love so much

Your baby’s arrived with pride in your eyes
Now what to do when she cries and cries

As parents, back on your faith you will fall
Praying for quiet, sleep and that’s not all

Washing hands and face till they sheen
Teach her with Faith her soul to clean

Little fingers and toes how tender and small
How great a reminder God’s made us all

God has changed you with this bundle of Joys
Try to remember that when she annoys

For little ones to grow tall and strong
Our Lord and Savior must be along

May God Bless you and your family tree
Love each other and soon you will see

For this little sapling so tender to grow
Feed her with Love and Faith so she’ll know

Build a strong house by living in Love
Strength always comes from God Above.

So rejoice in today for you two are Blessed
Two became one and you know the rest

Written with Love and Prayers by Nina Ploetz 2/3/07

Written for a friend battling Cancer.....

The only words that came out were, "this really sucks..."
Sometimes thats all that can be said to describe situations
beyond our control. Below is a result of the overwhelming
feelings that come up/out when life doesn't seem fair.

WHEN LIFE REALLY SUCKS

There are those times when life really sucks
And you just want to say "What the Muck!!!!"

At those times when all seems lost
You just want out regardless the cost

It's at these times you must let in
Those you trust that make you grin

When life gets hard just grab a hand
And hang on tight to make a band

Walk with Faith and look above
For even in hardship, you'll find Love

So shed a tear and curse a bit
If it were me, I'd throw a fit

Let anger fuel you in your fight
Faith and friends will give you might

Whatever you think whatever you do
Let in a friend, we care for you

You need a punching bag or a hug?
Or just to holler, you’re never a bug

A kick in the pants, we're there as well
Maybe a laugh..., oh what the hell.

We'll listen and be there through it all
With friends and Faith you won't fall

So, on this road when life's really a suck
Find Faith and know it's not all luck

With friends and family and God above
Through this fight you'll find Peace and Love

You'll win this battle and come out strong
And you won't be alone be it short or long

Just one last thing I want to say
You'll be in my prayers everyday.

Written with Love and Prayers,
Nina Ploetz (1/7/09)

Written a while ago for those that are ill and in need......

Gods’ Love

God is always closest
When we feel He’s not.

He sees us through the darkness
When we think that He forgot

His light it shines forever
Our hope in Him you see

Our thoughts and prayers unspoken
He hears from you and me

He answers with a whisper
To his frightened little one:

“I’m here for you forever
As promised by My Son.

My arms to you I open
My child, come and cry

I hear your prayers and answer
Though, you understand not why.

I have a plan for each of you

While you’re here on earth

I also have a place for you,
When its time for your rebirth.”

Family and friends all gather
We pray for health with love

We pray for you Gods’ Wisdom

His answer, from Above.

Written with Faith, Hope and Love

by Nina P

Anniversary Rose... One of my first musings....

This was originally written for 2 dear friends of mine for their 10th anniversary! L & V I hope you don't mind my sharing......

The Anniversary Rose

Love is like a rose garden
Adventurous beauty to behold

Each petal differs’ us apart
Soft beauty and imperfection

Focusing on the single
Some see all that’s wrong

Negatively they have focused
On the blemishes we have

Same petals viewed with different eyes
The positive is seen

The silk, the hue, the glory shine
Gentle beauty all within

We see you both as beautiful
Soft petals that you are

Distinct is each, and yet together
More precious than a rose

Many years you have in common
To compliment each other

To share life’s gifts of love and joy
And all its many laughter’s

As roses do, we too have thorns
Sorrows, anger and resentments

Together you have grown through these
And focused on life’s best

You are roses with such color
Your growth forever shines

Your garden it has flourished
You’ve nurtured it with care

So tenderly you cultivate
To forgive with thoughtfulness

Each of you so wonderful
Individuals you are

May your love continue growing
With all the joy you have found

Written for 2 dear friends
by Nina P. Ploetz 1995

Nina P's musings over :Thought for today....

"The BestThe best ornament is Humility; The richest wealth is Wisdom; The strongest weapon is Patience; The best security is Faith; The best tonic is Laughter " (3/1/09 Thought for Today/ www.thoughtfortoday.org.uk)

How true this thought for today is:
All these things are found deep inside ourselves, our soul. It is said we are born in Gods image. For me that means that deep inside, if we listen to that inner voice from above, we have a connection. A connection to Gods Light, and all the gifts that are freely given. We must go to the quiet place inside, Talk to God, Listen to the Light; that is where Peace will be found, that is where answers lie. It is the outside influences that create fear, doubt, uncertainty, things that test and challenge our faith. When we are down, troubled, hurting, etc... we can look outside for the answers; for guidance. That is also good if we are careful in choosing the "who" and "where" we go for the answers. Not every church is holy, not every person is pure of heart: too many are influenced by the human need for power, control and money. If you can look beyond the human additives, you will find at the core, most, at their core, are holy and pure of heart. When you listen, read, hear messages and advice given in Gods name, deep inside you will know, if it truly a message of Gods Love and Guidance for you, a Message of Hope for the future, a message of the Light of the Son freely given to all that ask and believe.

If we are uncertain, how then do we know where to turn? Find a quiet place, a place that is peaceful and comforting to you. For me it's sitting on a fallen tree in the woods looking over the valley with the sun shinning down twinkling through the leaves, the wind gently blowing across my face, the Son warms my soul there. I can ether go there physically or if I'm unable to travel there, I can go there in my mind. I can sit in the Light, feel the warmth of the Son in my soul. This is where I find Peace, this is where I find Unconditional Love, this is where I find Hope, this is where I find Truth. I believe God talks to us in many ways, we just have to listen. That warm, soothing feeling inside is Gods arm around you. That tear on your cheek is God saying "I know you are hurting/sad/overwhelmed, but I am here for you, come find me." The lightness of laughter is God letting you know life is wonderful and joyful. When God shows us the hungry, the poor, the diseased, the hurt, the angry, that's God saying: "Share my Light, my gifts. Show them your kindness. Give them my Hope and Love. Reach out and show them there is a better way." God gives us challenges, things that test our faith every day. We must then go inside for the answers from above. Humble ourselves before God and listen to Light from the Son. Change happens in Gods time not ours; we must have patience. Wisdom lives, in us, with us, through us we must only listen, believe and follow with Light and Love.

May you find Peace, Love, Joy and Hope today and always.
Love and Light,
Nina

Ripples on a Pond....

Ripples on a Pond

We go to water our soul to feed
Seeking it out when we're in need

A stone is thrown and circles form
From calmness now we have a storm

These ripples how they mesmerize
Each circle spreading before our eyes

The stone once thrown now is still
Yet its effects will test your will

The ripples move us on instead
We do not know what lies ahead

So as we move on towards the shore
Please anticipate so much more

Our ripples spread until they touch
Then we seem to change so much

With added strength, our path is new

God has plans for us to do.

Our circles spread and move us on
Connecting with others we come upon

As with the water, we can't stay still
Stones move us on against our will

We can sink below the surface
Or sail each wave with a new purpose

Look at the horizon and see the Son;
Brightly Rising; life's just begun

So travel each and every wave
It started a ripple just yesterday

We never know our journeys length
But God will always give us strength

So go beyond what you feel you can
His guidance for every woman and man

Travel in Light and live Gods way
Your circle grows stronger everyday.

By Nina Ploetz (10/26/05)