TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2009 - VALENTINES DAY

Dear Ones;

I've been leading a series of Junior Achievement Classes on 'Careers With A Purpose.' The following are from an exercise in determining whether these maxims most pertain to a job, or a career. What do you Think?

Maxim - A principle or rule of conduct.

Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them. Dalai Lama

I have learned over the years that when ones mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.
Rosa Parks

The grand essentials of happiness are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for. Alexander Chalmers

If I accept the sunshine and the warmth I must also accept the thunder and the lightening. Kahlil Gibran

Some people say that I have an attitude. Maybe I do. But I think that you have to. You have to believe in yourself when no one else does - That makes you a winner right there. Venus Williams

All I can do is be me, whoever that is. Bob Dylan

To have respect for ourselves guides our morals; and to have a deference for others governs our manners. Lawrence Sterne

Certainly none of us want to turn care - giving into a career. It's more of a job done with a loving attitude. Patience, kindness, appreciation, thoughtfulness, approval, and being strong willed (when needed) are the attributes which carry the day - every day.

I hope your day - today and every day is filled with love, both our-pouring and in-coming.

God Bless, jack cook

LOCKED SAFELY AWAY

When your heart is safely
locked against intruders;

communication is the key,
understanding the handle,
and acceptance the hand

which releases the power
of your Loving. cjc 1988

YOU, ARE ON MY MIND

YOU…

...ARE ON MY MIND AND IN MY HEART.

Help me to help you. What can I say to you? What can I do for you? How do I touch your consciousness? How can I infuse your Heart with understanding? How do I put your mind at ease? Questions I have asked myself repeatedly; this answer I pray will suffice...

...there is a place within you so tender, so vulnerable that the slightest wound becomes a gaping gash of pain. Intense unrelenting pain. It seems the only 'cure' is to isolate, cauterize the incident - put it out of mind/heart/soul. PROTECT yourself.

...there is a place within you so tender, so vulnerable that all your learned/retained/growth experiences reside there. Mixed together with the hurt, is the joy; with the sorrow, the exultation; with the pain, the release; with the anger, the forgiveness. Be easy on yourself.

...there is a place within you so tender, so vulnerable that vacillates between eye popping clarity, and vision clouding fog. The effect on your senses is a whirling - swirling, yet oft times peaceful acceptance of life. Be patient with yourself.

...there is a place within you so tender, so vulnerable that thoughts, feelings, words, emotions converge in a symphony of sound and sight too intense to fathom - so beautiful as to not be understood. Accept yourself.

...there is a place within you so tender, so vulnerable that only friends/lovers can access. It is there we separate one from the other - change from one to the other - become one with the other. The line between friends/lovers seemingly obscure is actually well defined.
Your vision is yourself.

...You will KNOW when your toe touches the line. You will KNOW when to step over/through. You will KNOW when healing begins - ends - satisfies. Rejoice yourself.

...there is a place within you so tender, so vulnerable that truth - joy – peace, expel ALL negativity. These positive expressions are forever, this is so real. To KNOW you is to love you. To be KNOWN by you is to be loved. Know/express yourself.

Cjc – aka – Almandine (Stone) Wizard - /2009

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 17, 2009

Good Tuesday Morning to all:

You gave your life to become the person you are right now. Was it worth it? Richard Bach, The Messiah's Handbook, Reminders for the Advanced Soul

Who are you? (Today) - What are you all about? - Where have your thoughts wandered to? - When are you most present to your life? - Why does any of this matter? Almandine, Musings of a Mild Mannered Wizard

Recently I've been asked if I am having an Identity Crisis. I think not. I do believe I'm having an Identity Revelation.

I remember years ago going to see a friend who is a Seer. She told me I had a spirit guide who was always with me. After this revelation, she sent me off into the woods to commune with my guide and locate a stick suitable to be a staff. I did what she asked, all the time thinking "what a crock this is." I have since had a change of heart/vision.

I've been reading Conversations With GOD by Neale Donald Walsch. I've read The Shack by William Young twice already. I believe that Richard Bach, author, is blessed with exceptional wisdom and insight. I also think there is more truth in The Lord Of The Rings,
and The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant than people realize. My reading and experiences have led me to accept and acknowledge that I do indeed have a Spiritual Guide.

GOD is my Spiritual Director, Almandine (Stone) Wizard is my guide.

I'm about to start my second Junior Achievement class. A group of 20 students who are behind their peers. These kids have been labeled "losers," told they won't amount to much, and in general don't see schooling as a benefit to them. It is not my JOB to convert their thinking. I am there to teach a class about Careers with a Purpose. Hopefully to excite someone to really dig into a career path.

I was wondering how can I reach these kids when the thought of a Wizard popped into my mind. A "Work Wizard." So, I asked Mary to make me a wizards costume, complete with tunic and cloak. It really looks great.

Once the idea was born, the request placed, and the construction begun, my mind went to the actual wizard. Without warning the name "Almandine" popped into my head. I wasn't even sure it was a word, much less a name. However, I learned that Almandine is a type of stone.

So, "Almandine (Stone) Wizard I am. I adopt this name to identify my own spiritual guide as well as well as that of a teacher of many things important. Wearing my wizard's out fit, I hope to capture some young peoples imaginations. Getting and holding them focused on their future. Say a prayer for me. Say a prayer for them!

We care givers meet tonight at 9:00pm, 1-218-936-7999 - PIN # 784426 I look forward to talking with you and ask you to invite a friend. jack cook

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2009

Good Tuesday morning to every one. I've been through the incoming e-mails already. Looked through my desk top library for a quote or something to anchor this morning's message, and finding none to my
liking just took pencil in hand to write the following;

When I look into a mirror I don't always like what I see.
Red face, gray hair, more asleep than awake, I wonder
what happened to ME?

Sometimes I ask myself how did a 25 year old man get
trapped in this 62 year old body? Other times I feel
my age. I ache, my back hurts, it's a struggle to hold
up my arms as I blow dry my hair. (at least I've got
some still.) What's happened to me, where is the
strength, the vitality I once knew?

When I look into a mirror I sometimes like what I see.
Bright clear blue eyes that reflect the state of my
being, the how I will be for today.

My goatee looks good, the mustache too, and my cheeks
are smooth to the touch. I see myself for who I am and
feel contentment, even a little surprise to be alive at 62.
My mind is clear, but somewhat forgetful. I still
remember yesterday's as well as long ago. I plan for the
days activity, dream for the future, smile & feel warm
inside when I first see my love in mornings light.
My fears are real, my gratitude stronger. My faith
sometimes wavers but not my belief in a GOD who
loves me. Life is up, life is down, life goes around and
around but never so fast this merry-go-round that I
flail through the air to the ground.
I have good friends, I've made my amends and look
everyone straight in the eye.

When I look into a mirror I like to see that my
pleasures are many, my doubts just a few. I'm not
really lucky, I am blessed through and through.

Is there something in this you can relate to? Can you
add a verse? Please do, then forward around to us
all your addition.

We meet tonight at 9:00pm. Call in on: 1-218-936-7999.
The PIN# is 784426. See you. jack cook

TUESDAY, FEBRURY 3, 2009

Dear Ones;

It's incredible! We're already in February. I hope your January was a good fun time for you without a lot of drama. Few, if any down turns, and with a lot of positives in your future. Which leads me to:

WHY IS IT...WE GET - angry - sad - hyper - frustrated - tired - bored - anxious, - feeling like we could explode (on someone)

WHEN WE COULD

Angry - forgive
sad - find a positive
hyper - make time to relax
frustrated - ease up on ourselves
tired - take a nap, get respite assistance (if only for a few hours)
bored - read, listen to favorite music, journal
anxious - be still, breathe, sit quietly and be with our self (focus on inner peace, rather than external stimulants.)
explode - be calm, take a moment to center ourselves

I know, I agree - it sounds so simple, yet seems so hard to do. But, consider this;

We go the extra mile, take extraordinary steps, deprive ourselves time and rest to better take care of our loved one. In so doing though we foist upon ourselves the long list of personal "wrongs" listed above.

L.O.V.E. Loving (self care) - Ourselves (body & soul) - Viably (measurably) - Emotionally (with grace).

How can we provide for others (honestly) unless we provide for ourselves, first? It is not selfishness to take care of ourselves, it is a considerable blessing to ourselves, and others. If you we can tell when others are faking it, why do we think others can't tell when we are?

"For centuries you have been taught that love-sponsored action
arises out of the choice to be, do, and have whatever produces
the highest good for another.

Yet I tell you this; the highest choice is that which produces
the highest good for you."
Conversations with GOD, Book One, page 117
Neale Donald Walsch (for context)

WE CAN

Ask for help when & where we need it.
Do at a minimum one thing a day exclusively of benefit to ourselves.
Be grateful for what we do, how well we do it, the benefit we provide to our loved one
Be forgiving of ourselves and others.

BE STILL, KNOW THESE WORDS IN YOUR HEART:

I am grateful. I am joy. I am strength. I forgive. I receive. I accept.I am grateful!

See you on our call tonight - 1-218-936-7999 PIN 784426#

In light and LOVE, jack cook

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2009

Dear Ones; Due to difficulties with the phone bridge service I've changed to a new service with a new number and PIN #. Here they are: 1-218-936-7999 - PIN # is 784426# Thanks for your patience and understanding. The meeting time has not changed, still at 9:00pm Tuesdays.


This morning I've turned to two of my favorite authors for inspiration. Richard Bach and Don Miguel Ruiz. In addition to their wonderful books they have authored books for daily wisdom which I turn to frequently for a daily theme.

Today from Richard Bach - The Messiah's Hand Book;

There is nothing to forgive when you know you've gathered to yourself all of your own experiences. Why frown at those who bring what you've asked for?

I have struggled with the Law of Attraction. How is it that we attract whatever happens to us? Even the bad things. Why would you, or I or anyone else want something bad to happen in our life? On a conscious level we do not. Yet it is our sub-conscious that "rules the roost." It isn't what we ask for in sub-conscious, it's what we dwell on (positive) or fear. As has been explained to me, the Universe does not distinguish between "good" thoughts and "bad" thoughts. Whatever psychic waves we put out are heard and acted upon. So, read on!

From Don Miguel - Wisdom from The Mastery Of Love

Everyone has a price, and Life respects that price. But that price is not measured in dollars or in gold; it is measured in self-love. How much you love yourself - that is your price - and Life respects the price. When you love yourself, your price is very high, which means your tolerance for self - abuse is very low because you respect yourself.

Is Love of self the standard which regulates what happens to us, or as in the L.O.A. what we bring upon ourselves. And, how vast is the cosmic cloud of fear and doubt vs. Love and assurance? Certainly, Love and assurance trumps (over shadows) fear and doubt. The choice is ours.

When we are faced with decisions or instances that are troubling do we move forward in doubt, or in confidence? Do we move forward at all? Does our state of mind/being influence those we care for? Reverse that. Does the state of being of our loved one influence us? Admittedly, it does.

What then is the price (value) of our caring? In the end, isn't the price regulated by self - Love? By what we believe in our sub - conscious? When we feel Love for self, are we not impervious to the barbs, irritations of daily life? Does not my portion of Love - Assurance lift me up as assuredly as fear - doubt holds me down?

So; For today, and for many tomorrow's, let's bask in "self - Love." Sort of like a "sun-tan" for the soul. The (self) love we show, and live by is the balm we lather upon our senses. The "feel - good" we emanate to self and others. PRICE? I - we - are invaluable!

Be blessed today, knowing you are a blessing to others.
jack cook

INAUGURATION DAY 2009

INAUGURATION DAY 2009

Dear Ones;

CHANGE - HOPE - RESOLVE - RESULTS - SATISFACTION - GRATITUDE

Is it possible to encompass in these six steps the cycle we move through as we deal with the situations, instances, pressures, drama of every day living? As care givers do we increase exponentially the overall effect, effectiveness, personal success, and situational successes we experience in performing our mission?

I believe the answers to these questions are individual, and situational. Applying broad brush stokes is akin to an abstract painting.

Bold and Messy -:) Applying single fine lined strokes of color creates a detailed master piece in the management of our and our loved ones lives.

Let's paint together:

Change - Good or bad happens on a regular basis. Some times planned for, some times foisted upon us, some times welcome, but often not. Whatever change it is, and whenever it happens we must face the challenge/satisfaction of change square on. Remembering as we do that however much the change affects us, our loved one feels it too. Perhaps even more so. Sometimes we chafe, sometimes we celebrate.

Hope - Springs Eternal.
H. Huge O. Opportunities P. Personally E. Expressed. What is it that separates good from bad? Bold from bland? Warm cherished memory from Cold chiseled reminder? Is it our HOPE for a better.....? I believe it is. I spill tears in anguished pain, or exalted joy through and because of my degree of HOPE.

Resolve - Is rooted in strength. "One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles (challenges) possesses the only strength, which can overcome adversity." Albert Schweitzer. Are we constantly tested? Do we react, respond, or repeat? The answer is found in the level of resolve we bring to every situation.

Results - Are what we seek, or, just satisfied with? Is our level of inspiration regulated by our loved ones level of determination? Are we on the same page? Must we accept? "It Is What It Is" Really?
Out comes depend upon input. Mutual commitment, desire, and attitude - attained through conversation and cooperation - expressed as failures or successes.

Satisfaction - A soothing balm of relief. I would rather know the caress of my loved ones joy than gain the accolades of men. Satisfaction is found in service. Giving to, and caring for those whom we love. Be it family member, veteran, neighbor, or stranger, LOVE IS RELIEF.
It is the essence of who we are, how we serve, what we receive.

Gratitude - Is joy expressed, pleasure multiplied.

Be still, and know these words.

Bless me Lord, as You bless us all indeed. We are grateful.

Increase my awareness, as You increase our influence. We are mindful. Protect me from harm, as You save us from ourselves. We are at peace.

SO IT IS.

Six Degrees of Joining. We are one. We rise and fall together; physically, emotionally, spiritually.

Six degrees of Joining. The glue of family, experience and peace.

Every Tuesday I send out an e-mail reminder for that nights meeting. This is the message sent out for January 13, 2009

...like the corners of our mind - misty water color memories of the way we were....I can hear that tune playing on my mental juke box. Gives me shivers every time I "hear" it.

While rummaging around in a search for something this morning I came across a picture of the 1951 PM Kindergarten class at Franklin Elementary School in Fair Lawn, N.J. There I am at 6 years old wearing a tie, white shirt and a sweater that looks like it may have horses on it.

I've been a white shirt/tie wearing sort of guy all my life.

Somewhere in Colorado is a horse named RENO that I fell in love with years ago. Reno and I galloped across a meadow together, it being the very first time I ever felt "at one with the horse."

There is also a horse named JIM in Dahlonega, GA who is still laughing about how he stepped to one side allowing me to flip on over his back, landing on my own on the ground next to him. Jim had/has I'm sure a wicked sense of humor.

To say that I love/admire horses is an understatement. If you want a great read-of-a-book, locate "It's Not About The Horses." A book about just how intuitive horses are and how they are useful in therapy around people with phobias.

This past week as I plundered through unused "stuff" around the house (E-Bay Material) I found a Kodak digital camera. To test it, I hooked it up to a computer and found myself going down memory lane. Pictures of my motor home "Le Barge" that I lived and traveled in for a few years (before I met Mary) and pictures of "La Chat" my cat companion for 17 years. Funny how it still hurts to remember him and miss him so. So here we are at the crux of this missive;

We here at the Reynolds - Ellington - Cook enclave are facing our mortality in several ways. Luther has bladder cancer, which no doubt will be his "hurrah." We've all been subjected to a mold infestation in the A/C ducts that was just brought to our attention. A reasonable explanation of the different illnesses we and the dog have coughed, or sniveled through. Neighbors are dying, as are members of our church family. Our world is diminishing slowly around us. BUT!

Mary has had a great success with The Guild Of The Christ Child this year. Written up in the Arlington section of the news paper. I've noticed that Luther is smiling a bit more. He now has a plan to live/die with, a great satisfaction to his engineer mind. I have had success in leading a Junior Achievement Class, AND look forward to the duct work guys being here to clean out the mold. Hello clean air - good bye cough. (Cross your fingers.)

I believe that any or all of you reading this could easily write a few paragraphs similar to my rambling. The point of this being: As care givers it is so easy to be caught up in the activity of giving care that life - our lives - moves on and we are less aware of our own feelings, memories, desires, prayers. A picture, a song - something we read, or hear - grabs us, captures us and at least for a few moments or minutes we honor ourselves through reflecting our personal memories.

A picture, Reno, Jim, Caht. Precious memories. Tonight as we gather for our weekly meeting, I'll be asking about the memories you carry. Memories to share. The reminders of where we've come from - who we are - how we approach what lies ahead.

Have a great day, see you on the call tonight. jack cook

1-218-936-7999 PIN # 784426 @ 9:00PM

PS: The web site www.cjc-reliefnow.org has been up-dated. Take a look, pass along the information to friends and co-horts. Thanks.

2009 Off To A Great Start

Every success, every positive action, any sense of wonder, and any level of joy is cause to celebrate. As we start this New Year I am grateful for my life, my work, my family, my friends, and the new associations I'm creating. In every aspect of my life I can only find peace, contentment and a sense of joy. Although my role of care giver is minor compared to others the stresses are the same. Yet there seems to be a new level of connection. A sense of understanding that has not been present before. "dad" has cancer. He has chosen not to do chemo. He does not seem to be resigned to his fate, but rather relieved to put a date on his passing. An engineer to the end he has to have a plan. Now he does. He is giving things away, being a nuisance with his attention to detail or is that control. I guess that depends on who you ask. Mary has had a great success with her Guild Of The Christ Child Annual Baby Shower. This is the third year. Biggest and best so far. The reach of her efforts now stretches to an Indian Reservation and new borns living in squalid conditions. She has been interviewed by our local news paper. The extent of her "caring" is so much larger than just taking care of "dad." God Bless her efforts, and successes as well as yours. For 2009 may all your care filled giving be recognized and appreciated. Remember; You are a blessing to those you care for and blessed by your mission. jack cook