‘Twas the Night Before Christmas – with a twist

December 24, 2009

May you have a blessed Christmas! Enjoy this poem as my gift to you.

Love,
Kira Wagner
Your Freedom Guide

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the land -
Not a person was stirring, no woman nor man;
Heads were bowed and in silence they’d start,
To offer up prayers that God’s love would fill hearts.

The faithful knew peace and love still abounds,
Yet even their hearts questioned as they looked around;
Confusion, despair, depression and more
All searching for peace to be bought in a store.

Some children seemed lost, forgotten, alone,
Some on the streets – others at home.
Families broken in pain and in strife
Values confused between money and life

Fighting abroad, precious lives lost
Fighting within – joy being the cost
No sound of laughter rang through the night
All eyes were cast downward to avoid such a sight.

Then throughout the heavens rang bells clear and strong,
Sending a message in beautiful song.
The angels gave praise as they sang loud and clear,
Rejoice in His love, hold this one thought dear.

God’s love was a gift – to me and to you.
He freely gave and paid the price too.
His power is greater than any on earth
His love came to light the night of His birth.

Look to the stars; let your heart fill with joy
Each moment give thanks for that tiny boy
He came with purpose and power and might.
He led the way with actions and sight.

Give thanks overflowing; let your heart fill with cheer
Banish the doubt, the dark and the fear.
God’s love reigns supreme He’ll care for us all
Be still in His plan, then follow his call.

So trust and faith were the answer to prayer
With a touch of patience as we rest in His care.
Share laughter and joy as you see with His sight
And, “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.”

12/24/2009 Kira P. Wagner

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By Kira | Posted in Freedom, Religion, Twas the night before Christmas, empowerment, self-help | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Gratitude Day 13 – “Redneck”

November 21, 2009

Today I’m grateful that I’m a Redneck. I know, it’s a bit of a left turn and with the “redneck” association to the south but I was pleased when I received this in an email from a friend. It’s a different take, and I think that it applies across continents and cultures as it’s really about respect and heart.

So while we have enjoyed the redneck jokes for years, it’s time to take a reflective look at the core beliefs of a culture that values home, family, country and God.

You might be a redneck if:

  • It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, ‘One nation, under God’
  • You’ve never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places
  • You still say ‘Christmas’ instead of ‘Winter Festival’
  • You bow your head when someone prays
  • You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem
  • You treat our armed forces veterans with great respect, and always have
  • You’ve never burned an American flag in protest, nor intend to
  • You know what you believe and you aren’t afraid to say so, no matter who is listening
  • You respect your elders and raised your kids to do the same
  • You’d give your last dollar to a friend

BTW – My daddy’s family was most recently from Mississippi, Texas, Oklahoma area while my mom’s was from Russia and the Ukraine so I get the cross culture concept :)

Have a great day!

Sincerely,
Kira Wagner, Your Freedom Guide

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Gratitude Day 12 – Light

November 20, 2009

I’m grateful for the light that illuminates the way before me and guides me. Sometimes it’s the sunshine — always its the Sonshine. It just depends on what I’m asking for and where I’m going.

May love and light be yours always!

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Gratitude Day 11 – Music

November 20, 2009

Today I am grateful for the music in my life and the people that I’m honored to share it with. Much like reading – music has always been an integral part of my existence. I actually can’t remember not singing.

Every Tuesday evening I have the honor of directing a great group of women and creating some beautiful music. The fact that we discover more about ourselves, the music and the possibilities each week, creates a unique bond filled with love, laughter, memories…and more.

Additionally, I have the joy of singing with three wonderfully passionate ladies in Playlist! When we come together to rehearse or perform it’s always a new experience.

Then there are the times when I have the privilege of sharing the intimate details of clients lives when I’m asked to write a song for a loved one. Their appreciation when I connect their hearts in such a unique way is a blessing beyond mere words.

Finally, watching my kids perform everything from Opera to Hard Rock or singing along with the radio – just the fact that they have each found ways to share music with the world is something that every mom and performer can appreciate.

I’m thankful that I grew up amongst a family whose faith and joy of singing created a foundation that has lasted over 50 years…but who’s counting :) !

To my parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, classmates, fellow thespians, and Sweet Adelines…thank you all from the bottom of my heart. And to my husband who supports and encourages my endeavors in performing and teaching music – I love you.

May the music fill your days!

Love,
Kira

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By Kira | Posted in Family and Friends, Religion, Singing, Your Freedom Guide, empowerment, self-help, teaching | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

Gratitude 9 – Opportunity

November 18, 2009

Today I am grateful for opportunity. The opportunity to try something new and just be present with the experience.

I have the opportunity to make mistakes – to fall flat on my face, get up and try again. I even have the choice to listen to “the committee” and worry about what “they” will say, think or do OR know that the truth lies between God and I and that’s a good thing!

Ultimately I am blessed with the opportunity to learn, grow and experience so much in life. May you all take chances, see choices and create change in your life by embracing of the opportunities that come your way!

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Gratitude – Day 7 Love

November 15, 2009

Serendipity plays into life when we stay in the moment.

Today I am grateful for love, the caring of family and friends both near and far. The love of a God who is all present and all knowing and loves me unconditionally.

And tonight my prayers go out to the young family of Noah Biorkman in Tennessee. While his CarePage has the same information it also requires a log-in. It’s times like these that this poem is so fitting.

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord, “You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there have only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?”

The Lord replied, “The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand, is when I carried you.” ~ by Mary Stevenson

May you be held in the palm of His hand – today and always!

Kira

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Gratitude – Day 6 Peace of Mind

November 14, 2009

Today I’m grateful for peace of mind.

Sometimes when it seems that there is a firestorm all around God speaks in the still small voice and says; “Peace, be still” and I know that whatever is on the horizon will come out OK.

It reminds me of the story about the old Chinese emperor who wanted his artisans to create something so unique that it would always keep him centered. After many trials, a fine jeweler brought him a gold ring with nothing more than four words engraved around the inside of the ring.

At once he knew that this was what he had been looking for. When he was on the top of the mountain so proud in his accomplishments or in the valley of despair, one look and he would find a balance in his life.

All of this with these four simple words, “this too shall pass“.

May the wisdom of this saying be yours today.

In Harmony,
Kira

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By Kira | Posted in Freedom, Freedom's Formula, Religion, Your Freedom Guide, empowerment, personal empowerment, self-help | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)

Gratitude – Day 4

November 13, 2009

I wear a ring that says “Everything is possible when you have faith”. And yes – sometimes I wear it to remind myself :)

The saying is true. Who know what we could accomplish if we would release the negative self-talk, that committee that sits on the shoulder and says, who are you to imagine that?

There is a reason that you can’t turn around without seeing some kind of motivational saying about never giving up, always believing, having faith.

Last night a part of me was wondering what was the point of this self-imposed idea of 50+ days writing and sharing about something to be grateful for. Isn’t it just one more voice that keeps saying “the same thing”? And then I heard that little voice repeating “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

And suddenly I understood in my mind what my heart had told me long before – these ARE the thoughts that will serve us, they are profitable for the body, mind and spirit.

Our thoughts do create our reality so…today I am most grateful for the simple suggestion of doing this gratitude “excercise”.

Who knows what will happen by the New Year!

Join me, won’t you, in seeing what you can accomplish with just a little faith!

In Harmony,
Kira

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Easter Sunday – Our Independence Day

April 12, 2009

Have you ever considered that today is the Universal Independence Day?

When Christ hung on the cross as intercession for each and every one of His own he stated, “It is finished”. He had paid the price and guaranteed our place in Heaven.

But, we still had a fear that death would consume us. Mankind saw him die on that cross and, just like today, most of us only believed what we “saw”. The question of “what if…” crept in. Then three days later his body was no longer confined to that tomb and he walked among us once again.

Today, Easter Sunday, we celebrate the assurance that death has no power. Those three days that He laid in the tomb were a time of transformation.

Because of His caring, His unconditional love, you and I are free today to choose our path. We have the ability to rejoice in a state of gratitude and know that we are blessed beyond measure.

We have the beauty of sun, moon, sky around us every day. Even when we can’t see it – we know it’s there.

We have the choice to, as Bobby McFerrin sang, don’t worry, be happy”. 

Yes, there are situations that we have created in this world that are less than pleasant, created out of fear. However, we have the choice to change those things and slowly, we’re doing so.

So take a moment today and reflect on the wonderful freedom that you and I share. The freedom that allows us to be at peace within, regardless of the circumstances without.

Share a smile today, be grateful for the state of grace you find yourself in and give thanks to the one who made the miracle possible.

Happy Easter!

Love,

Kira

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The Eye of God

March 20, 2009

Today I received an email – you know the kind – you’ll be blessed …. forward to those you know… and it had a beautiful picture.

The rest of the story goes: “This photo is a very rare one, taken by NASA. This kind of event occurs once in 3000 years. This photo has done miracles in many lives. Make a wish…  you have looked at the eye of God. Surely you will see the changes in your life within a day! Whether you believe it or not, don’t keep this mail with you. This is a picture NASA took with the Hubbell telescope. Called ‘The Eye of God.’  “

The Eye of God

Now I know what programs like Photoshop can do so being the skeptic – I looked this up. Here is the coolest thing – it IS a real picture. Granted it is a composit since it is about 700 light-years away and spans about 2.5 light-years across. It isn’t a once in every 3000 years kind of thing – it’s age is @10,600 (+2,300 or −1,200) years so it’s been around a while. In addition, it DOES make one think of the “Eye of God”. For more about the background on the image I’ve included two links – one is is the press release about the Helix Nebula and the other is details found on Wikipedia. Press Release and Wikipedia

In the end I wonder why people feel the need to make up “stories” to be amazed at the miracles around us every day.

I would love to hear what you think?

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By Kira | Posted in Religion, Science, email, new age, self-help | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)