‘Twas the Night Before Christmas – with a twist

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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Gratitude – Day 7 Love

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

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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Going First

Within the US today is “President’s Day” and the hope for a brighter future continues to burn. Two days ago it was Valentine’s Day – a day dedicated to love.

Last night my husband and I entered into a discussion over the Presidential Determination stating that the US will “…furnish assistance …in an amount not to exceed $20.3 million from the United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund…to humanitarian needs of Palestinian refugees and conflict victims in Gaza.” (You can read the complete text here http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog_post/relief_for_gaza/) A question had been posed, “Are we supporting terrorists?” in providing this assistance.

I found myself thinking about competition, taking a stand, being “right”, war, protection, and the list goes on. These ideas remained on my mind and my heart until I fell asleep working on updating my Blackberry software. When I woke the idea of “going first” came to mind and I share this with you…

You can listen to the poem here -

Going First

I can’t possibly go first I’ve been taught so well you see
If I drop my guard, you’ll take advantage of me

I can’t go first for that tiny spark of fear
Will ignite a blaze so strong, the hate will be all they hear

I can’t go first – what a silly, senseless thought
I’ve seen how it’s done and in your web I’ll soon be caught

If I go first in the name love and open up my heart
Will you share your heart with me – or will yet another battle start

If I go first and upon the ground, I lay down my arms
Will it all be in vain and the world still come to harm

If I go first and to my home invite you to enter in
Will you see to my demise and with my death declare you win

I must go first and starting now, relinquish all control
For I had none to begin with, you see love’s the only goal

I must go first and free of fear, open up my heart
For on that road to peace and love – I’m only doing a small part.

I must go first – for truth be told I’m not really the first you see
The foundation has long been laid – long before you and me…

I’ll go first and light the way for my heart has made its choice
I know you’ll walk beside me and we’ll hear each other’s voice

So first or last it matters not when the goal is clear for all
That peace and love may reign supreme as we hearken to the call

Kira Wagner 2/16/09

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International Day of Peace

Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.”

On September 21, 1981, the United Nations declared an International Day of Peace. In 2002, the General Assembly officially declared September 21 as the permanent date for this momentous occasion.

As a habit then, I believe that peace starts within, within our own hearts and souls. World peace will only be a reality when we find ourselves at peace individually. We can make this happen one moment at a time. I don’t know anyone that rides the Love Train 24/7 – 365 days a year, but we can begin the journey together and find ways to embrace the peace and love. 

One morning a few days ago, I woke with two tunes going through my head. One was a line from the song by John Lennon – “all we are saying is give peace a chance”. It repeated incessantly. It was overlaid by another tune and the following poem, which I wrote and share with you today –

 

I feel love in every day; I feel love in every way

I feel love deep in my heart, in every day there’s a brand new start.

I feel the peace flowing through my soul I feel the love that makes me whole

I feel peace I know I’m free I feel that peace deep inside of me

I feel peace of ages past; I feel that peace – I’m home at last

I feel the peace flowing through my soul I feel the love that makes me whole

I feel peace I know I’m free I feel that peace deep inside of me

I feel peace of ages past I feel that peace – I’m home at last 

 

I won’t kid you and say that I always feel this way. In fact, I’ve really begun to understand that the more I think I know, the further there is to go.

Nevertheless, it is a start and it is part of what allows me to know moments of total freedom. Something so ingrained that I know no one can take it from me. That if I “lose” it – it’s because I’ve chosen to give it up.

Thank you all for being part of my journey to freedom!

Love,

Kira

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Hope, Courage and Light

This is my my way of saying thank you to all of you for being…and helping me to “be” in 2007.

In all of your tomorrows – should there come a time where you need a hand to lift your spirits – may you find it here. With the help of a few friends and some time I’ve compiled a list of songs that help me “get through” the tough times.

May 2008 be a GREAT year.

These songs are simply arranged in alphabetical order and if the embedding option didn’t exist I left the link so you just have to click on it to listen/watch.

With 33 selections you’ll find the selection fairly eclectic – just like I am – ranging from Opera to Broadway and Rock to Rap.

God Bless and Happy New Year.

Love,
Kira

Amazing Grace Leann Rimes http://youtube.com/watch?v=iT88jBAoVIM

Angels Among Us Alabama http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMB62g-A3Hk

Calling All Angels Train http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAKF3_hCSNs

Can You Feel the Love tonight Elton John  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkGDrV_2ehI

Candle on the water (Pete’s Dragon) Annaliese Van Der Pol http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NW5ZGLEiW1o

Don’t Rain On My Parade (Funny Girl) Barbara Strisand http://youtube.com/watch?v=JAVlk4F2qkw

Everybody Says Don’t Anyone Can Whistle http://youtube.com/watch?v=tJOwbrbswyc

For Good (Wicked)    Wicked    http://youtube.com/watch?v=05jdB1tGE_g

Friends    Michael W Smith    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOCJAVlESEo

From a Distance    Bette Midler    http://youtube.com/watch?v=i5_YAj9lCQc

Hero    Mariah Carey    http://youtube.com/watch?v=PWlS8Oerx8o

He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands    Tanya Tucker    http://youtube.com/watch?v=guyrERfsCB8

High Hopes    Frank Sinatra (Flower Drum Song)    http://youtube.com/watch?v=mlsitMRQAdA

Hope    Twista    http://youtube.com/watch?v=Vv1sRFbsKDY 

I Believe    Elvis Presley    http://youtube.com/watch?v=YztqE6QzCww

I hope you dance    Lee Ann Womack    www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTQfERb9HVk

If You’re Reading This    Tim McGraw     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7ixC-LYDGc

Imagine    John Lennon    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEOkxRLzBf0

Impossible (Cinderella)    Lesley Ann Warren & Celeste Holm    http://youtube.com/watch?v=JKK_tq-VBk8

It’s My Life    Bon Jovi    http://youtube.com/watch?v=gi-c6USo8fQ

Live Like You Were Dying    Tim McGraw    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mHaFMqde6A

One Moment in Time     Whitney Houston    http://youtube.com/watch?v=8EbYmMb4lR4

Somethings Coming    Westside Story    http://youtube.com/watch?v=xu7sRdRrm_w

Talk To Me    Angelix Listen to the audio on myspace

The Impossible Dream (Man of La Mancha)    Sung By Donna Summer     http://youtube.com/watch?v=yZvtcuTeJ4I

The Prayer   
Celine Dion & Andrea Bocelli http://youtube.com/watch?v=db1-IlnW2YY

The Rose    Bette Midler    http://youtube.com/watch?v=PIBUaMe37B8

This Little Light of Mine    Sydney Ellis Gospel Quartet    http://youtube.com/watch?v=6Vn6HJRiVyE

Waiting On The World To Change    John Mayer    http://youtube.com/watch?v=hKnF9CCYQPQ

When You Walk Through a Storm    Katherine Jenkins    http://youtube.com/watch?v=ffBIOTP5vtg

Wind Beneath My wings    Bette Midler    http://youtube.com/watch?v=9d9l8K7xOYM

Wonderful World    Louis Armstrong    http://youtube.com/watch?v=vnRqYMTpXHc

You Light Up My    Debbie Boone    http://youtube.com/watch?v=wxo0lsJnx-U

Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah    Song of the South    http://youtube.com/watch?v=LcxYwwIL5zQ

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September 12, 2007

6 years ago today we began a new phase in history.

Many were hurt and angry by what had happened the day before – the infamous 9/11. They looked for answers as to “why did they do this”. They swore they would never let it happen again.

And today they still feel the same.

They are worried about what might happen tomorrow.

They are angry at those who “caused” their pain.

They are doubtful of their leaders ability to protect them.

They are outraged at the way it was all handled

…and so it goes.

So they continue to gather.

“Some” gather together to pay tribute.

Some gather together to remember.

And some gather together to make sure we never let ourselves be hurt again in that way.

Then there are “others”.

They too felt pain and sadness and anger at the events.

They asked why.

Then they began to look inside and ask of themselves what did it have to do with ME? And how did I create this event?

These Others began, like so many of the profits of old, to see how the world is a reflection of what is inside them directly.

That while I may not have “caused” the event – I did help “create” it.

I’d like to think that I fell into the Others group. My world has changed dramatically since that day. Freedom’s Formula as well as Global Connections Networking were created as a result of looking inside and seeing how I share responsibility with every action and event that happens. I am in the process of bringing the insights of Freedom’s Formula into Global Connections Networking as I write this. See it:

http://www.globalconnectionsnetworking.com/laws.htm.

It has allowed me to expand my world to include YOU. It has allowed me to appreciate the existence of US.

Take a moment today and remember this, as my friend Joe Vitale said, “The secret to getting what you want is to totally appreciate this moment. When you are grateful for this moment, then whatever is next for you will bubble up out of this moment. You’ll be inspired to take action of some sort.”

Make it a great day!

 

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A peace filled moment

No words – just watch

http://www.theinterviewwithgod.com/viewmovie.html

May you always find peace and beauty, laughter and love…

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Are you waiting to be chosen?

Have you ever ignored that “still small voice”? Particularly when it wasn’t so “still” or “small”?

I have. Today my dreams had taken me to events like – teaching someone to sing and they do great but I’m just doing the lead line of a barbershop tag, When I leave the World Behind. The lead part is “be-hind”; yep that’s it. Everyone else does the “cool” stuff. Then I’m back in HS and it’s the last day of my Senior Year and I didn’t get a yearbook – again. I’m walking around campus and as I arrive at the different booths (like a carnival) they are packing up and leaving… So I decided to take a look at a statement that has come up several times in the last 4 weeks “waiting to be chosen”.

The only time in school when I didn’t have to “wait to be chosen” for the team was when I paid to be on it. Specifically softball and gymnastics. Otherwise I was one of the last ones chosen for the team – especially if the team wanted to win.

When I began to look more closely it was a lot of images of having the opportunity to do something and opting out because it didn’t look the way I wanted it to. For example I never went to my senior prom. My boyfriend had to work that night and when my cousin offered to have her husband take me – I mean – I just “couldn’t”! And I didn’t go.

Even though I knew I could have but I only wanted to go with my boyfriend.

When I was in 4th grade I went with my mom to get new shoes; we went to Shallow’s Shoe Store – great mom and pop kind of place that always felt warm and inviting when you went in. I wanted a pair of brown suede shoes and after MUCH discussion (I REALLY wanted those cool

shoes) – over my mom’s objections she let me get them. We left the store and I hadn’t walked more than 50 feet when I stepped on a rock and split the bottom side of one of my shoes. I had to wear them that way – held together with tape and band aids for at least a month.

As I kept looking for incidents when I believed I caused harm or was harmed by going after and getting what I wanted.

Do you believe in past lives? I don’t know that I do or don’t – I’ve never seen a material proof of it :) But, I DO believe in past life parables. As I was relaxing and looking – I saw Pontious Pilot “wanting to be the ruler”, “wanting to be in charge” and ignoring what he knew (I find no guilt in this man) yet handing Christ over to be crucified.

The next thing I heard was “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

I believe that Pilot was a child of God. He was part of the plan. He paid a price here on earth for sending a man to die just like Judas Iscariot did.

To send someone to die because of what you wanted and then to be forgiven for it. Can you imagine how that feels? I think I can in part and it all came full circle in terms of waiting to be chosen.

I was chosen; for a purpose much larger than playing on a kickball team. So were you. I am only responsible to listen to that still small voice and take action without waiting for someone here to “choose” me.

That’s part of succeeding in the game of life.

Are you waiting for someone to “choose” you?

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Angels among us

Dear Friends,

Today the second angel, that I’ve recognized, has passed on from her mortal body. Her name ~ Christal. While I had never met her personally, I had met and had the pleasure of working with some of her direct family members. In addition, her Mommy, Chris, was blessed with the strength to keep everyone informed of young Christal’s journey here in this world.

Today I consider myself most richly blessed to have seen through her Mommy’s eyes the teaching of Chist, in action, on how to live. For a time you can read about this wonderful child and her journey on her website click here. There is joy in the posts, in addition to the sorrow.

Earlier this year I saw the journey of dying and how beautiful it can be when Brother James McCullum passed away, smiling, loving and giving with each passing day.

I hope that each of you will have the inner peace of living fully until your body ceases to exist on this mortal plane.

I be seeing you both one of these days and until then I intend to follow in your examples and live the blessed life.

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