We are often our own worst critics and can all too easily get caught up in the struggle of not feeling good enough. Don Miguel Ruiz’s book, “The Four Agreements” offers some simple and yet deeply profound ways in which we can show up authentically in the world whilst valuing ourselves in the process.

When I honour these agreements, I feel so much flow in my life. The first agreement is also a reminder to be impeccable with my words towards myself and to have a healthy and encouraging relationship with my inner world.

• Agreement 1: Be Impeccable With Your Word.

• Agreement 2: Don’t Take Anything Personally.

• Agreement 3: Don’t Make Assumptions.

• Agreement 4: Always Do Your Best.

All to Love

Don’t ever doubt the joy you bring

Your soul, a many splendored thing

The way you are, the words you speak

By definition quite unique

Drop by drop,
hope drips in . . .
til goose bumps
form on my skin.

Shivers of glory,
tingles of peace
as each droplet
God releases.

Drip by drip,
hope seeps in
til my elation
forms a big grin.

Smiles of bliss,
cheers of delight
with each trickle
my soul it excites

Hope drips in,
drop by drop . . .
causing my heart
with joy to flip-flop!

~~~~~~~~

Romans 15:13

Now the God of hope
fill you with all joy and
peace in believing, that ye
may abound in hope,
through the power
of the Holy Ghost.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2021
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

In recent weeks I have been finding a lot of feathers on my daily walks. One day a feather was gently floating down beside me and I had the sudden urge to grab it. I stopped myself though as I realised that this feather was inviting me to watch it’s slow, graceful landing and encouraging me to be a little gentler with myself in the process. Nature’s signs are always divine. At least in my book!

River Download

I saw a feather softly land upon the river lane

I longed to catch it in my hand yet somehow I restrained

To watch it drift made my heart shift into a place receptive

For waiting bears enormous gifts, our urgency’s deceptive

There’s some that say, signs on the way, like feathers fortune speak of

that when we our attention pay, we find more what we seek of

The energy in which…

Lord, I am so thankful,
all is in Your control
oh, how knowing this . . .
my heart it consoles.

For, if it weren’t for You,
being all knowing
I would be alarmed . . .
at the way things are going.

Lord, I am so grateful,
Your wisdom is without limit
oh, how unearthing this . . .
calms my restless spirit.

For, if I did not believe,
You have a perfect plan
I would be frightened . . .
by the evilness of man.

Oh, Lord I am thankful,
everything You control . . .
will work out for the good
of each and every soul!

~~~~~~

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things
work together for good to
them that love God, to them
who are the called according
to his purpose.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2021
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD…

In the southeastern region of the U.S. state of West Virginia is a small town of Marlinton. It is here where you will find the 4^th Avenue Gallery Fine Arts and Crafts. What is the 4^th Avenue Gallery Fine Arts and Crafts?

Some of you are saying, “Well, duh, it is a gallery that has arts and crafts that happens to be on 4^th Avenue.”

You can say that, but it is more. The 4^th Avenue Gallery Fine Arts and Crafts is a gallery of works by a collection of artists that are part of the Pocahontas County Artisan Co-op. What kind of artisans? You have broom makers, basket makers, stonecutters, quilters, photographers, jewelry makers mostly from the region. The gallery displays their works, and you can also purchase their work from the gallery. If…

I once set my sights,
on worldly things . . .
hoping true happiness
to me they would bring.

But, they soon corroded,
and all turned into rust
that is why it’s only God
in whom I put my trust.

I once relied on people,
to bring me pleasure
but they couldn’t convey
love I could treasure.

For, too often my bubble,
they would only bust
tis why it is in God
I have come to trust.

I once put my trust,
in people and things
but, now I look to God . . .
for the joy salvation brings!

~~~~~~

Matthew 6:20

But lay up for yourselves
treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor
rust doth corrupt, and
where thieves do not
break through nor steal:

Copyright 2013 Revised 2021
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

The room is stifling with

deflowered souls.

The sad cafe tends to its ghosts

but we are more than grateful to forget.

There are no secrets among these

desolate lovers disfigured by life.

We inhale circlets of smoke

that linger in the air and taste lips

dripping desire.

The night arches its back

to drunken angels so we dance

beneath stars that meet us halfway.

“Knowing” by Andrew Atroshenko

.

Do you Remember

The Hush of all Life;

The Immortal Splendour

Before the strife?

.

Do you Recall