THE VOICE IN THE TREES ~ AN ENCOUNTER THAT CHANGED MY LIFE

Today I was walking the dog behind Trader Joe’s and I passed a shady alcove bordering the alley, in the center of which was a large tree. I peeked into the bushes, and saw a grocery bag. This seemed like a private place for a homeless person to rest, but just as I was thinking this, I glimpsed a pair of shoes attached to legs in camouflage pants, standing behind the tree, hiding inside the tree — as if they were hoping not to be seen, trying to blend in with the shrubs. I could hear the owner of this pair of legs trying desperately not to breathe. Was it a homeless person, or just someone who was trying to go to the bathroom in the bushes?

As I passed by, I said to the bush: “God Bless you.” I kept walking. Then I realized that I was holding in my hand two sticks of Mozarella string cheese, so I circled back to the bush and offered it to the person hiding in the trees. “Would you like a piece of cheese? It’s wrapped in plastic, it has its own wrapper," I said. A woman’s voice, shaking, rang out, “No, no thank you.” Then, the voice said: “You're very sweet.” I could see a pair of glasses and dark hair through the leaves.

I walked away and said, “You are sweet too.”

Then I started crying; I couldn't stop. The same way I cried on Sunday when they talked to us about the homeless and how it can happen to anyone, and how there are over 23, 000 homeless women and children in Los Angeles County alone.  Can you imagine what it’s like to have no place to rest, no privacy in going to the bathroom or shower ... no clean, safe, or soft place to lay one’s head. No place without bugs or flies, mosquitos or rats… no place to get dressed, to bathe, or to bring friends home for ice cream. No place to do homework. No place to have dinner or play Monopoly or take piano lessons. No dinner. God bless these poor lost little souls.

You can help by donating here: downtownwomenscenter.org or  myfriendsplace.org.

In light of Christmas it is a good idea to understand what the Prince of Peace stood for. He commanded us "to love your neighbor as yourself, to take care of the poor, to give your cloak to someone if he asks you — in Christ's words to take care of "the least among us" - the poor, the weak, frail, helpless, handicapped and those who seem different, the "outcasts."  I don't always succeed but I try to bless my enemies and love those who persecute me.

If we would all follow the law of love, the Golden Rule we'd have very few problems in the world.

Maybe some Christians don't realize that Christ is the root of the word Christianity because the vowel sounds are different. 

I believe in the actual healing power of the Truth, and have had many tangible healing 'miracles'. But according to quantum physics, miracles are just natural laws. 

Please donate to one of your favorite charities that benefit the poor.  Not only are there over 15,000 homeless children in Los Angeles, but many senior citizens across our rich nation don't have enough to pay their electric bills and have no heat. 

My favorite charities are Feed the Children, Imagine L.A., Union Rescue Mission and Candy Christmas' "Under the Bridge Mission" in Nashville, which you can read about in recent threads.

THE HUMAN SPIRIT

"At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by, 'I was hungry and you gave me to eat. I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless and you took me in.'" - Mother Teresa

Feed the hungry, give to the poor. If you Google these words in your city or community, you will find local ways to help othes right now.

 In Los Angeles, check out P.A.T.H. (People Assisting the Homeless) or The L.A. Mission or Imagine L.A. -- which finds homes for children and homeless families in L.A. It is a charity of Bel Air Pres, at the top of Mulholland at the Sepulveda pass. It's always a wonderful place for helping others. They have lots of charity work for everyone to participate in. When my kids were little we would always go up for Advent and make wreaths and give gifts to prisoners and children who are suffering and have nothing. We also worked at Hope Gardens, for homeless families. It's an amazing place. You can check out their website: http://www.belairpres.org/ (This church is fantastic for EVERYTHING! Meeting singles, groups, helping the community, the world, etc.)

Also, check out the LOS ANGELES FOOD BANK

Operation Gobble!
Date and Time:   Monday, November 19th - Registration is from 8:35 am to 8:55 am – volunteer project starts at 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. *Please bring in your release form on the day of your service project.
Address: Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is located at 1734 E. 41st Street, Los Angeles, 90058

Volunteers are needed to assemble food packages that go to women with infants, children, and senior citizens in Los Angeles County. Food packages include canned fruit, cereal , rice, and other non-perishable food items. Take this opportunity to support the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank with a great hands-on event! Help us help those in need in our community. *Once you register you will receive an email confirmation with all the logistics and forms. ***All volunteers must wear closed toed shoes*** *

This is a hard time for my mother and family. My younger brother died on December 1, 1995 and we always have this memory of his life on Thanksgiving. Also just google "Feed the hungry Los Angeles" or "Help the Poor"

Love is such a transformative force, it can reverse any past mistakes or regrets even from a moment ago. In fact if you stop going over the mistakes made yesterday, this very action will alleviate my suffering and create a new reality. LOve is such a creative force, it remakes the body. It can reverse any dis-ease. Your thoughts are the only thing creating your reality, and your attitude is the only thing you really have control over. Gain ctotal dominion over your reality right now. If you judge others, or yourself, you stay in a state of negative condemnation. You cannot thrive and grow in this state. Your cells are dependent upon your happiness and joy. That's why I can't listen to talk radio anymore: it actually hurts my heart to hear anyone put anyone down. And the constant negativity, looking at "what's not working" is defeating us! If you focus on the problem you never rise above the problem. Even Einstein said that "you can't solve a problem on the level it was created on." You have to go to a higher level: a diplomatic or spiritual solution. You have to forget your worries, let go and let love take care of you. All your needs are provided for the more relaxed and joyful you are. It's the LAW OF ATTRACTION! You attract the level of emotional joy, serenity, confidence you feel right now. Love is the key. Turn all fear to love. You can't be angry or in fear at the same time you are trusting the universe, and helping your fellow man.

With Brandyn Speaks! raising money for hungry, homebound seniors at Splendors Day Spa!