29Jun 2015 by CJ

Celebrating love – marriage equality for all

Love & Relationships
“Loving someone and having them love you back is the most precious thing in the world.” Nicholas Sparks, The Rescue I applaud the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that same-sex marriage is NOW legal nationwide. It’s about time! Yes, the rights of both gay and lesbian couples were predominantly at the heart of this enduring debate, but what I always felt was on trial was the act of true love. I’ve long been a believer that no organized government, no religious institution, no one should ever possess the power to tell someone who they can and cannot choose to legally marry. Marriage is a gift between two individuals willing to commit their lives and their hearts to something greater than themselves. To share in the joys and struggles of life together…
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15May 2015 by CJ

Tell people you care – never assume they already know

Life & Living, Love & Relationships
This is a post from a year ago, but I feel it needs repeating in this world of uncertainty.   Regardless of your age, we’re all still students in the classroom of life. The learning process is never over, unless of course you choose to ignore the lessons that are often presented to us on a daily basis. Something I’ve learned of late is that society has a very difficult time showing their appreciation – sharing a simple “thank you” to those who’ve unconditionally offered their kindness. While there might be an unwritten code that the actions we take in life should be for our own personal fulfillment, and not because we hope to reap something in return, every human being wants to feel appreciated for their generosity. G.B. Stern…
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13May 2015 by CJ

Trusting others is never easy – no matter your age

Life & Living, Love & Relationships, Youth
"Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters." --Albert Einstein When I was in my early 20’s, I was far too trusting of people – sharing personal emotions, experiences and opinions with little concern about the credibility of the person I was revealing them to. But once that trust was violated, I eventually grew to become incredibly guarded – remaining superficial when it came to interacting with acquaintances around me. At this stage in my life, I trust few people with the internal workings of my heart and mind – protecting myself from those who have a difficult time simply being a listener. But the other day I let my guard down. As we form new relationships in life, we all possess and…
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05May 2015 by CJ

Characteristics of those with down syndrome – they know how to live

Life & Living, Love & Relationships, Youth
Life at times can be daunting. An endless journey filled with one insurmountable challenge after another. From our homes to our businesses to the world going on all around us – it’s often hard to stay focused on the proverbial “big picture” when faced with a continuous sea of unknowns. I present to you the following story – words once spoken by the late Fred Rogers as only he could. “There was a story going around about the Special Olympics. For the hundred-yard dash, there were nine contestants, all of them so-called physically or mentally disabled. All nine of them assembled at the starting line and, at the sound of the gun, they took off. But one little boy didn’t get very far. He stumbled and fell and hurt his…
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22Apr 2015 by CJ

Home is not a place, it’s a feeling in the heart

Life & Living, Love & Relationships
Last night, as the sun began it’s decent into the horizon, my wife and I positioned ourselves around our fire pit as the air became cool and the dark began to fall. All around us was the fragrant smell of nature – earth, mulch, freshly cut grass. A few late-night robins were out and about singing their tune and no doubt searching for a few morsels of food to fill their hunger. As the flames danced before our eyes, we both became lost in a sense of peace and tranquility. The world seemed far away from us as we basked in the warmth of the fire and the enjoyment of each other’s company. There are so few moments like that in life. Few opportunities to enjoy the here and now…
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