Abstract Soul

Update

2011-04-06T12:49:00.001-07:00

Hello!

Just so you know...my official blog (Eighth Row Blog) has moved to: http://www.tswilkins.com

Come visit me there and comment to share your inspiration!!!

Blessings,

T.S. Wilkins

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2010-12-25T07:42:00.001-08:00

Happy Hanukkah!

2010-12-07T06:12:00.000-08:00

HAPPY Hanukkah!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING-(Christian Message)

2010-11-25T09:02:00.001-08:00

I am thankful to God for His many blessings. I am thankful for each and every friend I have made here. I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope that everyone knows that today is a special day, as every day is. It is a day to be thankful and to see the wonderful beauty in life. Sometimes it may not always seem so obvious, but there is always Beauty--and there is always Hope. May God continue to bless you always!

A special prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Please be with those people right now without a home, without a family, without food to eat, or without someone to call a friend. Be with that person, and please bring them comfort.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

-T.S. Wilkins-

Um, why?

2010-10-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

I know this particular post is not inspirational, but why does the media insist on taking pictures of people while they are ill with some unfortunate disease, and then talk about how gaunt, and frail, and terrible they look? Can't you have some respect?

In Rememberance of September 11

2010-09-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

We will never forget!

Updates

2010-09-04T12:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I am receiving good reviews for my book, He is Noah. I am grateful for the kind words and encouragement regarding both of my books. It means a lot to be encouraged and inspired. Right now, I can't seem to write anything new. Some say there is no such thing as writer's block. Perhaps not for them, but I'm having a difficult time right now organizing these scrambled up thoughts. I have a new idea for a short story, but I can't even get it lined up the way I want it in my mind. I also have new ideas for some poetry I'd like to write, but they are all tangled up too. What am I going to do? Really.

At the moment

2010-08-18T09:19:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's good to just sit down and write what you're feeling at the moment. Right now, I guess I'm stuck in wondering about everything. Life is just so interesting to me, and it's interesting to see the different concepts and personalities that make up this massive world. I mean, wow! Sometimes I wonder where I truly fit in the midst of it all. I don't always know. There are times I feel so distant, and this whole world feels unfamiliar. Then there are times when I feel I know this world all too well. There are times when I get up eager to find out what is new in the day, but then there are days when I wonder..."What's the point?" Yes, I get tired too, and it seems that inspiration is hard to give in the moments I'm not feeling inspired myself. However, something always happens in the day that helps me to learn something about life, and I am sure to pass that little lesson on in one way or another.

Sometimes my thoughts end in a rather 'uneven' manner, so I just have to stop wherever they stop at. sorry.

Another writing confession

2010-07-15T10:45:00.001-07:00

Some people say that writing poetry is an easy thing for them to do, and that's great! However, it's not so easy for me. Sometimes, a thought has to linger for weeks--even months, before I am able to share it. It has to develop into all that I really feel within me...nothing can be left out. As a result of this, I cannot write every day. I cannot just write what comes to mind, because I will not be satisfied with just that. I have to take what comes to mind, and allow it to journey through the emotions of my heart, so that by the time it gets to the deepest parts of my soul...it will have matured into something I can truly feel. I always try to share what I truly feel. I have done writing exercises that have given me ideas, but I even have to go back and allow those thoughts to linger or else I simply won't share them because they feel unfamiliar and incomplete. Sometimes it's hard because there is a certain way that I want a certain emotion to be illustrated with my words. It's not always easy for me to paint a picture with words. I can't always feel the words right away, and when that happens--the poem stops, and it sits until I feel the words that correctly illustrate my emotions. Also, sometimes one vision...one image remains in my mind and I use that one image in several different poems. I try to do what I believe most writers and poets try to do, and that's simply share how I feel. I realize that others can write every day, and I believe that is wonderful. Sometimes I wish that I could do the same, but most of the time I am satisfied with knowing that the thought I need to come will come in its own time, in its own way.

Canada Day

2010-07-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

To all of my Canadian Friends:

Michael Jackson-1 yr.

2010-06-25T08:44:00.000-07:00

Today, it has been one year since Michael Jackson died. His music and his many talents inspired me in such a special way. I always admired his passion for his purpose, and I love his music.

New Book

2010-06-24T11:56:00.000-07:00

My new book, He is Noah is now available. This is a book that reveals the more personal side of myself as I share a story with people that I usually never talk about with anyone.

You may find out more about it by visiting the following link:

http://www.tswilkinsbooks.com

Happy Father's Day (June 20, 2010)

2010-06-19T07:06:00.000-07:00

Baby Hears Mothers Voice

2010-06-17T09:19:00.001-07:00

This video just really warms my heart every time I see it. This is a video of a baby who can hear his mother's voice for the first time after a Cochlear (sp?) Transplant activation.

U.S. Armed Forces

2010-06-02T17:46:00.001-07:00

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brooks and Dunn-Believe

2010-05-23T13:37:00.001-07:00

I love this, I really do.

Brooks & Dunn - Believe (Official Music Video) - Click here for more blooper videos

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

I thank God for my mother!!!

Thank you, Mom, for all of your love!!

Lucille Ball Quotes

2010-05-08T09:54:00.000-07:00

"I'd rather regret the things I've done than regret the things I haven't done."-Lucille Ball

"In life, all good things come hard, but wisdom is the hardest to come by."- Lucille Ball

"Luck? I don't know anything about luck. I've never banked on it and I'm afraid of people who do. Luck to me is something else: Hard work - and realizing what is opportunity and what isn't."-Lucille Ball

" One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn' t pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself. "-Lucille Ball

"The more things you do, the more you can do."-Lucille Ball

National Day of Prayer (Christian Message)

2010-05-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

(The message below is of the Christian faith and reflects my personal beliefs.)

Today is the National Day of Prayer. As a Christian, I say a lot of prayers mostly in private or in small groups. However, on this day I will say a simple prayer that I always keep in my heart, my mind, and my soul... and that simple prayer is,

"Heavenly Father,

Thank you for all of Your wonderful blessings. I thank you for all of the beautiful things, all acts of kindness and love, all efforts to spread peace and comfort. I pray that during all forms of affliction, sorrow, and darkness You will bring healing, comfort, strength, confidence, and peace.

In Jesus' name, Amen."

Cinco de Mayo

2010-05-05T06:56:00.001-07:00

HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO!!!

Michael Jackson Quote

2010-04-24T15:01:00.001-07:00

“In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.”-Michael Jackson

Quotes by George Lopez

2010-04-24T10:58:00.000-07:00

"It means a lot in that I always felt invisible, and I was louder in my own head than I was verbally, ... I was torturing myself, wanting to say things and not knowing how to be. The stand-up was a way out but it never came easy. So to have something that's named after me make it, and that has history tied to Desi and Freddie and now Freddie Jr., it's unbelievable to me because I never really thought anything good would happen to me.”- George Lopez

"“When I look at the Gospel, I see how it is speaking to me at this time. I see how to be to others and it helps.”-George Lopez

Jackie Chan Quotes

2010-04-24T10:48:00.001-07:00

"Do not let circumstances control you. You change your circumstances." Jackie Chan

" I never wanted to be the next Bruce Lee. I just wanted to be the first Jackie Chan." Jackie Chan

" I'm crazy, but I'm not stupid." Jackie Chan

Tyra Banks Quote

2010-04-24T10:41:00.000-07:00

“take responsibility for yourself because no one's going to take responsibility for you”-Tyra Banks

Lin Yu Chun

2010-04-07T17:18:00.000-07:00

Taiwanese Boy Lin Yu Chun Sings Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" @ Yahoo! Video

Quotes by Carol Burnett

2010-04-06T21:07:00.000-07:00

"When you have a dream, you've got to grab it and never let go."

"Words, once they are printed, have a life of their own."

"You have to go through the falling down in order to learn to walk. It helps to know that you can survive it. That's an education in itself."

"Because nobody goes through life without a scar."

"But I don't begrudge anybody, because I know how hard it is to have that dream and to make it happen, whether or not it's just to put a roof over your head and food on the table."

"It's also selfish because it makes you feel good when you help others. I've been helped by acts of kindness from strangers. That's why we're here, after all, to help others."

"Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me."

"We don't stop going to school when we graduate."

Punctuation (A Writing Confession)

2010-04-06T20:47:00.000-07:00

I have made many of my teachers and professors frustrated with making up my own punctuation rules. Yes, I can make some seemingly very careless errors. A lot of times, with poetry, I do it on purpose. Sometimes, to make the sentence grammatically correct, I should put a comma or something in there. Well, a comma may cause the reader to pause when I don't want them to pause. Sometimes people despise my '...' and my '--'. Sometimes my commas and semi-colons are all over the place, and my punctuation is just a mess. I admit it. I have my own rules that are really incorrect at times, but sometimes the incorrect punctuation gives the poem the pause or the feeling I need it to have. It may not work every single time, but it works out okay most of the time. Now, I have to write with the correct punctuation if I am writing something professional, or else it will not be accepted well at all. For anyone in school, follow the correct rules for punctuation. Trust me when I tell you this...you may write a wonderfully written paper that just may deserve an A, but because you followed your own grammatical rules that were most likely incorrect, points will be deducted from that A, and you just may end up with a lower grade. Don't do that to yourself.

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T13:17:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter!! Jesus Loves You!!!

River Deep, Mountain High-Tina Turner

2010-03-28T10:59:00.001-07:00

I love to listen to Tina Turner's music, because I can always hear and feel the passion, the soul, and the energy within each song. She is very dedicated to her work, and ignites such magic on the stage. I admire her for her strength and her courage!

One of my favorite songs she sings is River Deep, Mountain High. The lyrics and the video are below.

When I was a little girl I had a rag doll
Only doll I've ever owned
Now I love you just the way I loved that rag doll
But only now my love has grown
And it gets stronger in every way
And it gets deeper let me say
And it gets higher day by day
And do I love you my oh my
Yeah river deep mountain high
If I lost you would I cry
Oh how I love you baby baby baby baby
When you were a young boy
Did you have a puppy
That always followed you around
Well I'm gonna be as faithful as that puppy
No, I'll never let you down
'Cause it grows stronger like a river flows
And it gets bigger baby and heaven knows
And it gets sweeter baby as it grows
And do I love you, my oh my
Yeah river deep, mountain high
If I lost you would I cry
Oh how I love you baby baby baby baby
I love you baby like a flower loves the spring
And I love you baby just like a robin loves to sing
And I love you baby like a school boy loves his pet
And I love you baby river deep mountain high
Do I love you my oh my oh baby
River deep mountain high
If I lost you would I cry
Oh how I love you baby baby baby baby

March Madness

2010-03-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhhhh, basketball!!!

My favorite sport to watch.

May the best team win!!!!

Jordin Sparks-Faith

2010-03-17T13:46:00.000-07:00

I love the song, "Faith," by Jordin Sparks.

Hey there sad eyes.
What's on your mind?
Don't look so down.
Give it some time.

You don't have to be so hard on yourself.
I know the world can be a brutal place.
Please don't let it steal your smile away.

Cause when the sky's the darkest,
You can see the stars.
And when you fall the hardest,
You find how strong you are.

Close your eyes, rest awhile.
It's been a long long day.
So come on baby, baby have a little faith.

Let those tears fall,
You gave it your all.
It's all you can do.
I'll be here for you.
And there goes your pride,
Crushed on the ground.
Sometimes it takes a wall to tumble down,
For you to see who's gonna stick around.

Cause when the sky's the darkest,
You can see the stars.
And when you fall the hardest,
You find how strong you are.

Close your eyes, rest awhile.
It's been a long long day.
So come on baby, baby have a little faith.

Sometimes it gets worse before it gets better yeah.
And it takes so much to be brave.
Sometimes it feels like forever.
But when all the lights begin to fade.

And when the sky's the darkest,
You can see the stars.
And when you fall the hardest,
You find how strong you are.

Close your eyes, rest awhile.
It's been a long long day.
So come on baby baby.
And have a little faith.
Have a little faith.
Ooh, oh, ooh.
Have a little faith.
Have a little faith.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

Purim-Jewish Holiday

2010-02-28T16:31:00.001-08:00

Quotes by Robin Thicke

2010-02-25T10:27:00.000-08:00

"I can do better. It`s all inside of me; I just got to find it."-Robin Thicke

"I really try to wake up with my music the same as I do with my life, and that is with no expectations. I just feel what I feel that day and follow it."-Robin Thicke

Quotes by Will Smith

2010-02-25T10:21:00.001-08:00

“Throughout life people will make you mad, disrespect you and treat you bad. Let God deal with the things they do, cause hate in your heart will consume you too.”-Will Smith

“Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like.”-Will Smith

“Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects.”-Will Smith

“Money and success don't change people; they merely amplify what is already there.”-Will Smith

Quotes by Vin Diesel

2010-02-25T10:15:00.001-08:00

“You have to live Plan A-on any level. Make it a lowercase a if you have to, but live your Plan A. Anything else belittles the importance of life.”-Vin Diesel

“If you had asked me back in grade school what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would have said my first choice was an actor, but if I couldn't be that, I'd want to be a superhero.”-Vin Diesel

John Wayne

2010-02-24T07:24:00.001-08:00

“Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday.”-John Wayne

Leona Lewis-Happy

2010-02-23T19:43:00.001-08:00

Love this song called 'Happy' performed by Leona Lewis. The lyrics are below:

someone once told me
that you have to choose
what you win or lose
you cant have everything
dont you take chances
you might feel the pain
dont you love in vain
cause love wont set you free
i could stand by the side
and watch this life pass me by
so unhappy but safe as could be

CHORUS
so what if it hurts me
so what if i break down
so what if this world just throws me off the edge
my feet run out of ground
i gotta find my place
i wanna hear my sound
dont care about other pain infront of me
cause im just tryna be happy, yea
just wanna be happy, yea

holding on tightly
just cant let it go
just tryna play my roll
slowly diasappear, oooh
well all these tears
they feel like theyre the same
just different faces, different names
get me outta here
well i can stand by the side
and watch this life pass me by
pass me by

CHORUS
so what if it hurts me
so what if i break down
so what if this world just throws me off the edge
my feet run out of ground
i gotta find my place
i wanna hear my sound
dont care about other pain infront of me
cause im just tryna be happy
just wanna be happy
oooh

so any turns that i cant see
ill count a stranger on this road
but don’t say victim
dont say anythng

CHORUS
so what if it hurts me
so what if i break down
so what if this world just throws me off the edge
my feet run out of ground
i gotta find my place
i wanna hear my sound
dont care about all the pain infront of me
cause im just tryna be happy
just wanna be happy

Maya Angelou

2010-02-18T18:17:00.000-08:00

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou

I have found the quote above by Maya Angelou to be very wise and truthful. I remember when I worked at a retail store, and I tried to be as professional and as nice as I could with my customers. It was at this store that I really learned to discover the value within each person I met. Each customer had their own interesting personality, whether it was good or could use some work. I don't work there anymore, but when I go in there to shop--I meet some of my customers, and surprisingly, they remember me and I remember them. What always stands out the most is how they made me feel while I worked there, so I personally find Maya Angelou's quote to be true.

The Climb-Miley Cyrus

2010-02-18T18:06:00.000-08:00

Okay, so yes, we have heard this song a million times, but the lyrics are very inspirational and I'm all about inspiration. The video is of course on YouTube if you want to see it.

The Climb-Miley Cyrus

I can almost see it
That dream I'm dreaming but
There's a voice inside my head sayin,
You'll never reach it,
Every step I'm taking,
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking but I
Got to keep trying
Got to keep my head held high

There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm gonna to have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing,
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down but
No I'm not breaking
I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm going to remember most yeah
Just got to keep going
And I,
I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on, cause

There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm gonna to have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb (yeah)

There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes you going to have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb (yeah yeah ea ea)

Keep on moving
Keep climbing
Keep the faith baby
It's all about
It's all about
The climb
Keep the faith
Keep your faith

Whoa a oh oh

Performed by Miley Cyrus

Things to Consider

2010-02-13T15:07:00.000-08:00

I have found that a lot of times when people feel the need to constantly tell you how much smarter, better, and just generally greater they are than you--they're not actually trying to convince you of this as much as they are really trying to convince themselves. Many times, the reason people spend so much time belittling other people is because they see something greater in that person than they see in themselves, and it sparks fear. You can't allow things or people like this to stop you from achieving the great things that you are supposed to achieve. We all were put here to fulfill the positive things placed within us, and we have to make a personal decision to do that. In this life, we have the opportunity to make a difference for the better, and to help and encourage others to do the same. Many people don't know what their purpose is in the world, and we all have one common purpose and that is to help someone else. No one is perfect. None of us know everything there is to know. Sure, there are many of us that were blessed to have a genius amount of knowledge, but even so, they don't know everything. Because none of us know everything, that means that every single person we encounter, either knows or will know something we don't know. We can learn something new from everyone, and that's part of the beauty in life. Sometimes we just pass people by because we are quick to judge them, and we convince ourselves that there's nothing that person can possibly teach us. That's not true. That person knows at least one thing that you don't know. There are many decisions to make in life, and in the end the legacy that we leave is not only about what we have done in the world, but who we are to the world. Work for the greater good.

Blessings,

T.S. Wilkins

Taylor Swift

2010-02-01T15:32:00.001-08:00

I think that Taylor Swift is a talented country singer, but what shines the most to me is her personality. Every time I see her on television, she is always kind and thoughtful. In this world, you can appreciate anyone who takes the time to put themselves aside and consider the person standing in front, beside, or behind them somewhere. Wonderful.

Other quotes I like

2010-02-01T15:22:00.000-08:00

The quotes in this particular post are also in regards to Black History Month which is recognized in the month of February (in the US). Below are some quotes by Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman. These are quotes that carry a lot of meaning and wisdom.

One of those days

2010-01-19T11:29:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had one of those days where it seems like you have every reason to be sad, but you just can't be that way? Something in you just wants to celebrate...not for any particular reason, but that you're alive! I don't really have a lot of those kind of days, so when one comes...I try to take advantage of it and thank God for the peace and joy!

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

2010-01-17T12:14:00.000-08:00

For Jan. 18, 2010--In celebration of his birthday and the MLK Holiday.

A great leader that dared to change the ways of the world, and dared to walk the courageous path of equality and freedom!

Martin Luther King Jr.

Be sure to look up his wonderful, "I Have a Dream" speech.

Haiti

2010-01-13T17:36:00.000-08:00

May God bless the people of Haiti who are the victims of a terrible, terrible earthquake. Let us remember to keep them in our prayers. American Red Cross is taking up donations. Look for information at your local churches or mission centers. They are in need.

Mother's Arms

2010-01-11T14:56:00.001-08:00

That's how simple life was.....

It was as simple, warm, and safe as my mother's arms. Her arms could soothe my sadness and comforted me in my times of sickness. I remember them well, and in this silent moment...the memory has returned to me, because I am too old for my mother to hold now. But if I asked her, she'd hold out her arms anyway. Sometimes when I am going through tough moments, I wish that I could just hide from them in my mother's arms. But, I can't do that. Now, I have to face life, look it straight in the eyes, and go on anyway. But I still thank God for my mother, because even though I cannot fit in her arms, I will always fit in her heart.

That makes me happy.

The New Year

2010-01-02T07:48:00.000-08:00

Well, I have had a splendid time with my family. Now it is time to focus on 2010. Wow, when I think about it...it actually got here quickly. I hope for the same things I have always hoped for, and strive to obtain...a better me; a better me that continues to use the things God has blessed me with to bless others. They say that change starts with yourself, so that is why I continue to look at myself first, mainly the things that I know I can improve on because there's always something. I hope to spread a lot more inspiration this year, and to meet many more people along the way. I have always loved meeting new people on this inspirational journey of mine. Every one has a story of their own that has made up such an interesting life, and when I listen to these stories, they inspire me. Most people do not know just how interesting their life is, but every one has something interesting about them, and I enjoy discovering that in people. So, I hope the new year brings a lot of discovery!

God bless,

T.S. Wilkins

Merry Christmas

2009-12-19T08:26:00.000-08:00

Mark Twain

2009-12-09T18:33:00.000-08:00

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”~ Mark Twain

Sometimes when I just want to give up, I pray, and I also run through the many quotes that are floating around in my mind. One that always comes up is the one above by Mark Twain. (Now don't laugh but...) There is always this point in the day, or my day, when all possible problems find each other, and just group themselves together, and I have to be my own cheerleader. Many people just see my smile without seeing the many missing puzzle pieces my mind is searching for and its struggle to keep going so that I won't let down the people that are depending on me. The quote above helps me to relax, gives me motivation, and thank God....I just move on to whatever is next.

Kimora Lee Simmons

2009-11-15T08:19:00.000-08:00

Kimora Lee Simmons is a famous fashion designer who said, "A woman may be a mother, a sister, a business woman, or she may own a business. Women do many things, and it is important that we do it with grace and style. "

This is a quote I think about every day, and it motivates me to do great things and to do them with grace and style.

Kimora with daughters Ming Lee and Aoki.

Kimora with son, Kenzo.

Native American Heritage Month

2009-11-07T19:41:00.000-08:00

November is Native American Heritage Month!

One of my favorite quotes is by Crazy Horse pictured below:

"A very great vision is needed, and the man who has it must follow it as the eagle seeks the deepest blue of the sky."~Crazy Horse

This quote always inspires me! It is very uplifting!

Not So Easy

2009-11-07T12:52:00.000-08:00

On my journey to spread inspiration, I never want to make it seem like I am saying you need to just cheer up, because it's not so easy to do that and I know this to personally be true. A lot of people simply don't understand the emotions of other people, simply because they have not felt them in the same way other people have. Some people really do have a kind of sorrow that never seems to go away. It stays even in laughter, even in sunshine, even in the best days and moments of their lives, this sorrow is still somewhere underneath--and it's not so easy to just escape from. So, I always keep this in mind on my journey because it's important. It takes time to get to a point where you feel like you're able to stand, but the point that I always try to make to others and to even remind myself of...is that we can stand, and that we can make the most out of life despite it all, and that someone somewhere does understand what you're going through....because the second you give up on these forms of hope, then you begin to really fall into a place in your heart, mind, and soul that just claims you. So, I try to offer as much inspiration as I can not only to others, but as a form of therapy for myself too because I can totally relate to sorrow...and I hope that this journey in life grows and that God continues to add His blessings because I have found that inspiration is desperately needed, and we all should do our part in the world to give what we can to help others.

The way life is

2009-11-03T10:14:00.000-08:00

This is the way life can be sometimes....

I had just gotten out of one of my classes, and there is a long enough break between my first class and my second one to go home for a while and get a snack, and do a little work. So that was the plan. I was traveling along smoothly and quite content when my trip was extremely interrupted by workers moving a house. Now, of course this took up the whole road. So, I turned down some neighborhood roads thinking that they would lead to an outlet where I could get in front of the moving house. Every single outlet led me back to where I was, behind that house! Yes, although I knew those workers were just doing their jobs, I was still frustrated. I was frustrated because they just stopped in the middle of the road, and I had to turn around and go back to my classes because that route was the only route I could take--no detours.

So what do you do when you're going along smoothly and something beyond your control happens to just stop you from getting to your destination and causes you to back track in life? What do you do?

As inconvenient and extremely frustrating as it was, I had to take a deep breath and reorganize my plans. I couldn't just remain stopped, because what would I accomplish--where would I go? Sometimes in life, things happen that cause you to have to slow down or even turn around. Things happen to totally mess up your plans. But you can't stop. You just can't do that because if you do, you won't get anywhere at all. Sure, you may have to back up, and yeah, it is frustrating when you have a set back, but no matter what, don't stop....keep on going, and somehow, someway...you'll make it.

A Thought~To that man on the street

2009-10-16T14:19:00.000-07:00

Today I saw a man standing on the side of the street holding a sign that said he was out of work and having a really difficult time in his life. He captured my attention because somehow I could feel myself standing there....and it hurt.

Now, sure, it's very simple to be part of the world that would say, "Get a job." "I had to work my way up and no one helped me, so why should I help you?" "You're just lazy." "A lot of people are having a hard time, join the club." "I can't help you, I can barely help myself." "Oh you'll probably spend it on something you shouldn't be spending it on anyway."

It would be simple to be part of the crowd that would simply pass him by according to their own reasons and excuses--for that moment was not their moment of need--so why, they ask themselves, should we care?

I've seen people laugh at and look down on other people, and I've seen those same people stand on top of the mountain, only to end up a fallen soul in the low,dark and lonely valley. I have heard these same people say that they would never find themselves in such a pitiful situation in life--it would never happen to them. I've seen life swallow them up and spit them back out, and left them to fend for themselves. I have seen people stand tall with pride, flaunt their money, show all their material possessions for the world to see. I have seen people define themselves by their material worth. I have seen these same people stripped of almost every penny they ever had.

I have seen people come from everything and end up with nothing, and I have seen people who have come from nothing, end up with a lot. I have seen the least of all succeed in ways that they were never expected to succeed in. I have seen the one who started off in last place win the race.

Who can know for sure about the person on the street? Who can know for sure what their story may be? Who knows that if you handed them money whether or not they would really spend it on food? Who knows for sure, other than God?--But, who are we as human beings to look down on another human being when we don't even know about the next minute of our own lives?

I have truly learned that anything could happen to anyone. I have seen it. I have lived it. It is true.

God bless the man on the street, watch over him, and keep him safe.

To my Canadian Friends

2009-10-11T09:32:00.001-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving! I wish all of you a blessed day!

Allison Iraheta

2009-10-06T10:08:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I am really liking this song by Allison Iraheta, "Friday I'll Be Over You." I was a fan of hers while she was competing on American Idol. I like this.

What is the world coming to?

2009-10-05T17:48:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I feel that I can no longer be shocked about what happens in this world. I guess I should say that sometimes I feel I have heard and seen it all.--But then something happens that just blows my mind. People wonder what the world is coming to and it's coming to whatever it is we create. People act as if kindness is a favor, and I wonder when they will realize that being kind to someone is something you're supposed to do anyway. I mean, I have learned in life that despite what it looks like, regardless of who you are, you need other people in some way--no one makes it in this world 'alone.' No one.

Abc's

2009-10-04T10:58:00.000-07:00

Now why couldn't I learn my abc's this way? Where was this when I was staring hopelessly out of the classroom window silently praying for my teacher's lecture to end? So not fair.

What do you do?

2009-09-29T14:06:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been sitting somewhere listening to someone teach you something (yes, classroom is the first thought that comes to mind)and just wondered to yourself where along the way in your life will you actually need this information?--And the more you ask yourself this, the more tedious it becomes to sit and listen to what is being said, especially when it does not apply to any of your goals in life. Then suddenly, the voice doing the teaching begins to sound like one long sound of a never ending ramble.

What do you do?

I mean, what if by some chance the information you are being taught actually becomes valuable in your life?...it's not likely, but hey, it is still possible.

How do you see yourself through these moments?

Alicia Keys- Doesn't Mean Anything

2009-09-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

Love this song!

One Republic

2009-09-29T13:50:00.001-07:00

I believe this is my favorite song by One Republic: Come Home

You Never Know

2009-09-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

Just because one day may be happy and grand does not guarantee that the next day will be the same way. Just because you may have everything you want in life does not mean it will always be that way. You should appreciate everything you have, and make sure you are as kind as you can be to others. You never know what situation you may find yourself in, and you don't know who you will need to help you, and to be on your side. I have seen people be very rude to other people simply because they feel like they can. You never know who you will need in life, so it is best to go through life without the eager need to make enemies. It is best to go through life not looking down on other people, no matter who you are or what you have. You never know when the moment will come when you are the one struggling or going through some sort of grief, and you will need for someone to lend you a helping hand.

You never know.

Stand

2009-09-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

I’ve missed my blessings in the times I’ve sat and counted my tears. While shackled to the cold, and fierce heart of darkness—I failed to see the sunlight that was shining on me the whole time I cried, and I screamed, and I thought life was unfair. Life is unfair at times, but I am more unfair to myself when I dwell in the misery of things—when I allow misery and sorrow to barge through the door of my heart, unpack their bags, and use my soul as their own personal hotel. I am human and sorrow comes, and yes I cry because I should cry and grieve when I have to, but if sorrow should have it’s way as it wants to, it would latch on to some corner of my mind and spread itself throughout my being—and it wouldn’t leave…it just wouldn’t.
Life becomes more unfair when you dwell on how unfair it is. People wonder how to see the sunshine through the darkness, and you do it by making the best out of a terrible situation, because despite it all—you’re still alive and either you stand up or you stay down.
Life throws hard punches and it’s no guarantee that when you stand up again, you won’t get knocked back down, but don’t we call that living?—And when you look back over your life, some of your greatest accomplishments will be found in the times when you were beaten down to the ground, and you stood back up.
Yeah, I’ve learned quite a lesson. If I fall, and I’m still living, there’s an opportunity to stand again.

~T.S. Wilkins~

politics

2009-09-20T14:15:00.000-07:00

Politics make me feel like I am losing my mind. I mean, I'm not on one side or the other....I'm just me in the middle. All I can see are these miles and miles of promises and various roads marked 'dead end.' All I really hear are these people arguing amongst themselves for what they feel like is in the best interest of the people, and I wonder if they know how loud they are and how confusing they all sound. In my eyes, one side is not better than the other or smarter than the other. They both sound alike, and this likeness sounds too much like a power struggle. They both seem to say whatever just to get to wherever they want to be, and to try and gain whoever is willing to play the game. I don't like playing these kinds of games. And people just become so trapped in this, like they just don't realize that all of these people trying to rule, regardless of what side they claim, are just human beings....they all are imperfect human beings. Sure, they may be intelligent people, but I can't just choose a side and say..."Hey, I'm going to follow that person there." No. There are things I can agree with from both sides, and things I disagree with from both sides...therefore I am just a person in the middle, and it's all chaos to me. I'll always pray for the leader of my country, always. I will always pray for my country, and for this world....but this game of politics....I'm not playing. This power struggle is ridiculous. We're not getting anywhere with people who are so far divided causing the people who are just trying to survive to keep falling in the gap between the two. I'm not naive, I know there is no such thing as a perfect situation where everyone agrees with everyone. Disagreeing is a part of life. It's reality, but at what point should it all become some power hungry, ego driven, chaotic mess? At no point.

politics. It's not my cup of tea.

Dad wrote this poem

2009-09-19T15:54:00.001-07:00

My father is not one to stay trapped in one emotion for too long, especially if it is sadness. Sometimes I tend to linger in my sorrow. Here's how my father feels about lingering....

A poem by C.F. Wilkins:

Time to Move On

It's time to move on,
you've languished long enough.
Walk the road without fear
although it's hard and rough.

What was said has been said,
the past is now gone.
Grit your teeth, hold up your head,
it's time to move on.

It's time to move on
in visions of tomorrow.
So ride on wings of hope
and soar above your sorrow.

It's time to move on
toward that better day
when the peaceful light of joy
shines sadness away.

Start from where you are
and just keep pressing on.
Be brave and let go!
It's time to move on.

C.F. Wilkins

Thanks anyway, Dad.

My Birthday Wish

2009-09-19T12:05:00.001-07:00

I think I'm too old to still be making birthday wishes, but I wish what I've always wished...and that's to make the most out of life. Perhaps that's not really a wish at all, but a prayer. Either way, I will strive harder and harder to make sure it comes true.

Happy Rosh Hashanah

2009-09-18T07:40:00.001-07:00

Happy Rosh Hashanah!!

Those Days

2009-09-17T07:07:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I just don't know what to do about those days when I cannot even get the day to start off well. The morning begins with a long deep breath and a prayer to make it through. Sometimes, when I know the day is going to be a busy day...I automatically associate busy with stress. Most of my busy days are stressful, but I try to handle them gracefully with a smile on my face. There are times when I have to take a minute and regroup myself. I think everyone has to do that. Today is one of those days where I just don't feel motivated, but I have to go on anyway because important things must be done, and they must be done efficiently. What I do not accomplish always has an influence on other people, and I cannot allow my lack of motivation to destroy their day. I must march on anyway!!!

Bollywood

2009-09-12T14:08:00.000-07:00

I love to watch Bollywood Dance.

Bette Midler

2009-09-12T13:46:00.000-07:00

Every single time I hear, The Rose, I just feel like crying.

Rascal Flatts

2009-09-12T13:40:00.000-07:00

I really, really like the song My Wish by Rascal Flatts. It has a great message.

Jennifer Hudson

2009-09-12T13:35:00.000-07:00

I listened to Jennifer Hudson's song, Invisible, for about a good month. It still is my motto.

Beyonce

2009-09-12T13:24:00.000-07:00

Beyonce is one of my favorite singers and performers. I love her song 'Halo'

I can't post the video but the link is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70AgyIEnBRE

Mother Teresa

2009-09-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

Mother Teresa said, "If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one. "

A lot of times we get discouraged when we realize how hard it is to change the world. Sometimes we fail to realize that the whole world will not see eye to eye with what we do and who we are, and sometimes things happen where we are not able to help a lot of people at a certain time. Whatever the situation may be, the one person we are able to help is just as important as helping a million. That one person means a lot to this world. So, in whatever we do in life, we need to take pride in whoever it is we help...even if it is just one person. We have still made a great difference.

~T.S. Wilkins~

Bill Cosby

2009-09-07T05:48:00.001-07:00

Bill Cosby once said, "In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure." Many people wonder why I may talk about failure a lot or even fear. It is because I realize that they both hold you back from accomplishing many things, and I have learned that failure itself has a way of teaching a person what it takes and what it means to succeed. It reveals the importance of making the most out of your life, otherwise, you have ignored your purpose. Failure is something that should make you want to rise higher and be the best person you can be. It should make you want to work harder towards success. Your desire for success should shine brighter. We all have our moments when we have failed to accomplish a certain thing, but it is those moments that should make us desire to become a better person. It's a good lesson to learn from.

~T.S. Wilkins~

My Days

2009-09-06T06:47:00.000-07:00

My days have a tendency to go down hill rather quickly, it's just that I oftentimes decide not to go with them. Many tough situations come throughout my days, and sometimes I feel like I am just not able to take the next step. Then I think about the fact that I do have clothes on my back, shoes on my feet, food to eat, and a home. So many people don't have those things, and therefore they face worse situations than my little day to day problems. I wonder how many people will actually have a better day, a better life even, if they'd focus more on the things they do have instead of focusing constantly on the things they do not have? I have to remind myself of that, because sometimes I forget. So, I try to appreciate what I am blessed with during the times of stress and aggravation. I think about the things that I do have when the desire to believe I have nothing comes. I have not mastered this kind of thinking, but I do believe I am getting better.

Gone

2009-09-05T07:19:00.000-07:00

He slammed the door behind him. The impact made a picture fall from the wall. Ironically, it was our picture.

The room was silent as I stood there, frozen, staring at the closed door with painful tears gathering up in my eyes. I wanted him to return, to open the door and come back to me, but I couldn’t run after him. His anger made him leave, and if his heart could not make him stay…then I had to let him go.

Something happened to him, something that stole the sparkle in his eyes, but he would not come to me. He would not allow me to hold him; to whisper to him. His past was hurting him. He could not forgive the people who had wronged him, who had torn him apart inside, and so he cried…but not to me. If only he had come to me. If only he would have allowed me to hold him and whisper to him a song of sweet serenity, then perhaps he would have known that I was strong enough to hold his hand through the storm.

But, no, he ran away from me straight into the misery of his anger. I waited for him, but he would not come to me.

He slammed the door behind him. The impact made the picture fall from the wall. Ironically, it was our picture and painfully…..it was my heart.

~T.S. Wilkins~

Joe Cocker-A Little Help From My Friends

2009-09-03T11:17:00.000-07:00

I like this song a lot!

Alicia Keys- No One

2009-09-03T11:11:00.000-07:00

Although, I listened to this song a million times on the radio, I still like it. I could not include the video, but the link for it is below her picture.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktUSIJEiOug

Native American Morning Song

2009-09-03T11:07:00.000-07:00

I do not have the translation to this, but I love the sound. It is soothing to me.

Eleanor Roosevelt

2009-09-03T10:48:00.001-07:00

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do."

I have sat dreadfully consumed by my own fear, and in the times when I paused long enough to be affected by this self torment, I missed every opportunity I had at that time to make a positive difference in this world. How many miles of success do we truly deny ourselves when we give in to fear? How many accomplishments remain as dreams and wishes simply because we do not allow them past fear's locked gate? I have learned that what Eleanor Roosevelt said is true, and every day that I am granted, I hope to walk forward towards accomplishing one more thing I thought I never could.

~T.S. Wilkins~

Native American-Amazing Grace (Cherokee)

2009-09-03T07:02:00.000-07:00

I have always thought this was beautiful to listen to.