Onward and Upward!
MODERN Definition: up-to-date; contemporary; not old-fashioned or obsolete; recent; fresh; new; novel; with-it Quotes: Fire made us human; fossil fuels made us modern, but now we need a new fire that makes us safe, secure, healthy, and durable. — Amory Bloch Lovins (1947-) American physicist Even more amazing than modern technology is our opportunity to … Read more
INVITING Divine Definitions: (1) Courteously requesting participation; attracting; (2) Opening the way; showing the course; alluring; (3) Eliciting wholesome desire; satisfying, (4) The essence of tact, finesse, and subtlety; (5) The most magnetic personality; charismatic; charming; (6) Able to make Himself evident to us; (7) Engaging; likable Comment: God asks us to allow ourselves to … Read more
When you are tempted to be meddlesome reach for your tender Lionheart and be Mettlesome instead. The qualities which are most often abused need to be balanced the most. Power is very seductive. Bring into play fairness, reasonableness, compromise, and all-powerful love. LIONHEARTED Definition: exceptionally courageous or strong; magnanimous Quote: The truth is like a … Read more
Justice does not stand alone. As Lady Justice demonstrates, balance is essential. We can also include fairness and patience, and even kindness and mercy. As the old clergyman said, “There, but for the grace of God, go I. Thus, adding humility and empathy to the list. JUST Divine Definitions: (1) The Divine arbiter; (2) Conforming … Read more
INNOCENT Definitions: (1) free from guilt or sin <especially through lack of knowledge of evil>; blameless; faultless; (2) without guile or cunning; lacking sophistication; ingenuous Synonyms: clean-handed, immaculate, pure, simple, spotless, undefiled, virtuous Quotes: Innocence is one of the most exciting things in the world. — Eartha Mae Kitt [born Eartha Mae Keith] (1927-2008) American … Read more
The Wayfarer’s Hymn – Brightly Beams – Let the Lower Lights be Burning In the mid 1800s, the city of Cleveland was becoming a factor to be reckoned with in the world of commerce. Critical to any such success was Cleveland Harbor, which by 1830 featured a world class lighthouse. Now while a lighthouse may … Read more
ENCOURAGING Definitions: (1) inspiring with courage, hope, and confidence; inspiriting; (2) generating positive anticipation for success; spurring on; stimulating Synonyms: animating, cheering, emboldening, heartening Quotes: A pat on the back is only a few vertebrae removed from a kick in the pants, but is miles ahead in results. — Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850-1919) American author … Read more
AUTONOMOUS Definitions: (1) undertaken or carried on without outside control; self-contained; self-guided; self-taught; (2) independent; self-governing; self-ruling; (3) acting in accordance with one’s moral duty rather than one’s desires; self-starter Derivation: Greek, “having its own laws” Quotes: Listen to the desires of your children. Encourage them and then give them the autonomy to make their … Read more
CURIOUS Definition: (1) strongly desirous to learn or know; (2) possessing a need to investigate; (3) quizzical Balancing Qualities: Diplomacy, Discretion, Thoughtfulness Familial Qualities: adventuresome, explorative Consequential Quality: understanding Too Far: nosy, prying Note: A person’s privacy should always be respected. Music: “What’s Going On?” {1971}Father, fatherWe don’t need to escalateYou see, war is not … Read more
MYSTERIOUS Divine Definitions: (1) Stimulating wonder; inspiring fascination; hypnotic; (2) Exciting curiosity; intriguing; (3) Beyond our most appealing dreams; unfathomable; (4) So awesomely sacred as to cause speechlessness; ineffable Quote: Mysterium fascinans (fascinating mystery): a sense of something fascinating, desirable, good, caring, and comforting which invites us into its fullness, fulfills us, and in so … Read more