Thursday, August 16, 2012

Inner Dialog

     During difficult times in our lives, our inner dialog can become our best source of help.  Especially when a friend or relative isn't around to care for us, we have to be able to talk to ourselves, calm our mind and emotions, and broaden our perspective beyond the immediate problem.
     Having the support of others helps us cope, but sometimes we realize we are alone and need to be an independent grownup.  Sometimes the problem seems completely out of our control.  The only control that remains is in our mind.  We need to quiet the negative voice and protect ourselves from getting depressed and imagining the worst.  Then, we can proceed to do what we have to do.  This can help us become stronger and more resilient.  We are not helpless as long as we can talk to ourselves and search for wisdom.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

BANG


13.7 billion years ago - Big Bang
4.6 billion years ago   - Earth was formed
500 million years ago - fish
475 million years ago - land plants
360 million years ago - amphibians
300 million years ago - reptiles
200 million years ago - mammals
150 million years ago - birds
200,000 years ago - modern humans

     Wikipedia has a more complete time line.  Most scientist agree with these approximations.  Most people have a very difficult time even imaging millions and billions of years.  Some who interpret the Bible literally believe the earth was formed 6000 years ago in 6 days. Some are even trying to add creationism and anti-evolutionary thinking to school curriculum. Others believe the scriptures were not meant to be taken as scientific fact but more of a simplified explanation of God's creation.  Then there are those that see scriptures as myths.
     No matter what you believe happened or how it happened,  today's world is a wonderful, precious home.  Each human being is also wonderful and precious.  Please respect and care for your part of the world.    

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Mother Nature

     Living in southeastern Louisiana has many perks but one obvious danger: hurricanes.  At least we get plenty of warning and can evacuate if necessary.  Since Katrina, more safeguards and stronger levies have been put into place to prevent flooding.
     Nature can be very harmful to human beings.  Most of the time nature is good to us, sustaining our survival.  We often take good weather for granted when temperatures are pleasant and rainfall comes in needed amounts.  We are surprised when human needs aren't the center of nature's activities.  Sometimes, we are so self-centered that we become harmful to nature by polluting the air, water, and soil.
     Mother Nature provides the basics for human survival.  We need to use our intelligence to protect what is good and deal with danger.  Mother provides and protects her children, but they in turn must preserve the source of life.