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Friday, December 28, 2007

Uncle Joe Inspires me. He is 92!

This is a video of my friend Steve's Uncle, Joe. He has been teaching piano for 85 years. You will be inspired too!

Click to play Uncle+Joe's+First+Piece
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Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Kids' Inspirational Stories


My kids had some wonderful inspirational moments during this holiday season. It is always fun to recognize these moments and realize that wishes and dreams DO come true. Not ALWAYS, for there is a wisdom in the universe one can never explain with just one theory... but dreams and wishes come true enough that we keep hope! Here are their stories:


1. Sofi and Suni asked me if they could open just one present early. They said "our friends are". It didn't matter that the three friends they were talking about were going to be out of town on Christmas day and perhaps they had a REASON to open a gift early! But I said No. Christmas is about the spirit of giving and about patience. You can open one gift on Christmas Eve but no earlier than that. Two hours later their Grandfather came from out of town with some gifts. So they had their wish anyway - just not in the way they imagined!


2. A few days later Sofi just couldn't bear it any more. "Can I open just one more?" she asked again. Again, I stood firm. She pressed a bit and was sad, but then went on to play. Literally - 5 minutes later the doorbell rang and it was a friend's mom who was delivering a gift for Sofi from her friend. Once again, a wish is answered.


3. A couple weeks ago I was riding home on a street I had never been on before. I called my son to tell him I would be home soon. He said "could you bring me some ice cream from Dairy Queen?" That is usually not very expensive and a rare treat so I didn't mind the request but I said, "no, there is no Dairy Queen around here. I'll be home in a few moments". About one minute later I passed a Dairy Queen store on the right and was able to turn in and get him some ice cream. He was so surprised! So was I!


Friday, December 14, 2007

Spiritual Letter from Santa Claus

Truly I was inspired to write this letter. I didn't even think about it. I sat down this morning and it seemed to fly off the page directly from the depths of my mind to the keyboard without any thought inbetween. Perhaps it came because it is needed at this time when my children are questioning who Santa is. I have known for a long time who Santa is, but I have been unable to put it into words until today...

Dear Sofi,

This is from Santa. Not the Santa of the chimneys and reindeer, but the real Santa. I have enjoyed the stories that people have created about me over the years but I think you are old enough now to know the real story. Did you know that in some countries I don't come on Christmas day? I come on St. Nicolas Day and I fill their boots with treats. In America they changed the story to Christmas day and I fill their socks instead of boots. Some people thought it was sort of icky to fill their socks so they created really pretty socks for me to fill.

Did you know that my story started in 280 A.D. When St. Nicholas was a saint? My spirit has existed since before then, but that was when people first started calling me St. Nick. The real Saint Nicholas was greatly inspired by the spirit of giving. He wandered the countryside giving away all his wealth to poorer people. He especially treated children with kindness and helped children who needed money or gifts. After that, many people in Europe, inspired by his name St. Nick, continued to give money and gifts to people in need and to children even after the real Saint Nick was gone. I didn't officially come to America until 1861 when the Dutch brought my celebrations to New York and distributed pictures of what I "looked like". Their name for me was Sinter Klass...which Americans made into Santa Claus. However, as I mentioned before, just because my name did not come to America before 1861, does not mean that I have not always been here. For I am the spirit and angel of giving and charity. This concept is hard for some people to understand.

People have a hard time understanding ideas or spirits or angels because they cannot see them. So to make it easier they sometimes make stories or draw pictures so it is easier to understand. That is the short story of how I, the angel of giving and charity, became known with a name and a face. And that is how you probably know me. I don't really mind. I am known by so many different names and faces that are not the "real" me, but who doesn't like a story? I find the stories very creative and wonderful and since they are each accurate in their own way I don't mind!

My favorite is the one about my riding a sleigh and delivering presents all night. That is accurate in a way, for I never sleep or run out of energy so I could, in theory do that, but I do not need a sleigh to ride.

There are so many angels on the earth that watch over you and protect you and we each have our own job - some protect from accidents, some teach wisdom, some are keepers of history, and we each have done our jobs since the beginning of time and will continue forever to do our jobs for angels never tire and never sleep. We don't really have names but in some books we have given ourselves names to make our stories easier to read. It is hard for humans to understand something that they cannot see and that does not have a name!

You may also be familiar with the angel of awakening childhood (the tooth fairy who guides you across the bridge from childhood to being a young lady or young man as you loose your teeth along the way), or the angel of eternal life who teaches us about the endurance of spirit and the rebirth of the soul during Easter. And what about your guardian angel? Everyone has one of those. Some of the angels don't even have names. They are eagerly awaiting the day when humankind gives THEM names too. It is an honor to be recognized by those we serve and to be given names and stories.

You mom is writing this letter for me and she may or may not remember writing it. That is how it works. I inspire people to do my work through their spirit. Sometimes this may awaken them in the middle of the night to fill a stocking and they may think they were dreaming. Sometimes they are aware of what they are doing and remember doing it. But in both cases I have been able to motivate millions of parents around the world to share my vision. And at some point everyone understands that I am the angel of giving and they also know that they must continue to work for my vision in the ways that children will understand.

I don't know what story your parents shared with you. They are all different - even in little ways. However, I do know, that whatever story your parents told you was one that they thought would touch your heart and prepare you to understand more about giving and charity and joy so that you would be able to carry on my traditions during your life as well.

My vision is that all children feel a sense of wonder and awe at the power of giving. I want people to always feel this spirit within them and to look for ways all year to give and to help others. I am honored that a day was chosen to do this, but I don't want people to forget that we should do this every day.

But since humans have created a day to honor my spirit, I want all children to wake up Christmas morning and to feel so wonderful and filled with joy that they are inspired to share this joy with others. This is my gift to the world. It is simple and yet is so powerful as you can see from what is happening around you this Christmas season.

Please continue to tell my stories. I enjoy them. I sometimes come by and sit by your guardian angel and listen to them. They are beautiful stories that make who I am into pictures instead of spirit. It is almost like when a painter has a dream and then he paints it. He is not really painting the dream, because nobody can really do that, but he has made his dream into a picture. That is what it is like with my stories. Nobody can ever really understand me completely - for you are humans and I am an angel spirit. However, the more stories you create, the closer you come to understanding who and what I am. So please continue creating stories and pictures and please continue my tradition and pass it on to your children. Please know that as your mother was inspired to write this letter one day, you will also be inspired to write a similar letter one day. You may also keep this one and pass it on.

Merry Christmas! Please enjoy the gifts I have sent you through others and please pass these gifts on to the people you love.

- Santa
(Inspired into words by Kristie Burns of http://www.thedreamangels.com/)

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Right in Front of You!

How many times has someone said to you, as a word of encouragement: "Sometimes the solution is right in front of you and you just don't see it" or "sometimes what you are seeking is right there and you just don't see it."

I know this to be true, and have experienced it many times but I have to admit when I am frustrated and somebody says that to me there is a little rebel in my head that responds "yah, I am not blind! If there was a solution or my wish had come true I would notice. I'm not that dense."

But the universe has ways of showing us how wrong we can be sometimes.

The story starts at a silent auction. I purchased a basket at the auction that looked appealing because I like to donate to worthy causes, but also because it had 4 gas cards in it and we all know how expensive gas is! I could see myself finding those very useful! So the next week I went in search of a Casey's gas station. I usually go to the gas station two blocks from my house so I was not really familiar where this particular place was, although I knew I had seen one before.

I thought I recalled seeing one way out on University avenue near the highway - so I drove twenty minutes out there only to find there was none there. Then I thought, well perhaps on Hickman near the Living History Farms. But that turned out to be a store, with a sign similar to Caseys but not a gas station. So I took a different road home and ended up driving another 5 miles or so, down Merle Hay Road towards the Interstate 80 and around until I finally gave up.
I thought to myself, "Well, I will just save those gas cards for a day when we are traveling. I am sure I saw one of those stations on the way to Iowa City..."

They stayed in my purse for a few weeks until one day I was driving down a street that I drive down at least 5 times a week for the past 2 years. I always take this street to bypass University, because that street is so busy. I wound around the road as usual, I glanced at the new car lots on the right, took a look at the Play it Again Sports on the left and then, noticed the stop sign was read so I stopped on 35th St.

And there is was, right in front of me, just as it had been for the past 2 years - Casey's gas station.

Next time someone tells me "the solution might be there, you are just not seeing it." I will be more inclined to be inspired by that statement rather than annoyed.

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Are you TOO DEEP?

Part of living your dreams is simpliflying life and re-gaining the innocent ability we had as children to see the obvious is things. This is a wonderful joke that illustrates how hard we sometimes try to figure out things and how simple they really are. Living your dreams is simple. Just remember "Tonto":

The Lone Ranger and Tonto went camping in the desert. After they got their tent all set up, both men fell sound asleep. Some hours later, Tonto wakes the Lone Ranger and says, "Kemo Sabe, look towards sky, what you see?"The Lone Ranger replies, "I see millions of stars.""What that tell you?" asked Tonto.

The Lone Ranger ponders for a minute then says, "Astronomically speaking, it tells me there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, it tells me that Saturn is in Leo. Time wise, it appears to be approximately a quarter past three in the morning.

Theologically, the Lord is all-powerful and we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, it seems we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What's it tell you, Tonto?"

"Someone stole the tent."

Astronomy Image of the Day

To live our dreams we need to realize the one-ness of ourselves with the universe. What better way to be inspired than to learn more about the universe? This wonderful site shows you a DIFFERENT IMAGE EVERY DAY of the universe. It is called:

Astronomy Picture of the Day. Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. 2007 November 2 Three Nebulae in Narrow Band http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

The Little Things

I was sent this lovely inspiration by a friend. It helps us to reflect on how the "little things" are not so little as we think. We should live and focus on each moment we live beause these moments are the most important ones in our lives.

The 'L I T T L E ' Things As you might know, the head of a company survived9/11 because his son started kindergarten. Another fellow was alive because it was His turn to bring donuts. One woman was late because herAlarm clock didn't go off in time. One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike Because of an autoaccident. One of themMissed his bus. One spilled food on her clothes and had to take Time to change. One'sCar wouldn't start. One couldn'tGet a taxi. The one that struck me was the manWho put on a new pair of shoes that morning, Took the various means to getto work But before he got there, he developed a blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid.That is why he is alive today. Now when I am Stuck in traffic, Miss an elevator, Turn back to answer a ringing telephone ...All the little things that annoy me.I think to myself,This is exactly where I should be the Divine is at work watching over you. At this very moment.. Next time your morning seems to beGoing wrong , The children are slow getting dressed,You can't seem to find the car keys,You hit every traffic light,Don't get mad or frustrated;~Richard A. Singer Jr. MA

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

LESSON: From a Car Accident Yesterday

Dear Members,

Yesterday I was in the first car accident of my life. I had some injury to my back and neck. They say there are no broken bones but I have to wait a few days to see if the pain and swelling are just muscle stress or something more serious. I am hoping it all just gets better in a few days. Right now I am just able to work very slowly but I am thankful for a lot of things and I wanted to share these with you so you can learn from what happened to me and perhaps have a little time to reflect on the things that you are thankful for today.

I am thankful that...

1. ...The kids were in the backseat. Sometimes I do let the older child sit in front, but if he had been sitting in front he would have rammed his head into the dashboard and not the soft seat in front of him. Note to self - NEVER let even an older child sit in front!

2. ...The kids were wearing their seatbelts. Sometimes they "forget" and I have to remind them. And sometimes I forget to remind them and we go a few blocks before I realize they are not belted in. Note to self: Be 100% diligent about reminding them and don't forget in the future AT ALL!

3. ...I was wearing my seatbelt. I was rammed into very hard from behind. If I had not been wearing my seatbelt I imagine my face would not be too pretty right now.

4. ...That is was not worse. About the only thing I can do today is type a little and sit. So I was reading the paper a bit and there was a story about a lady who was in a similar accident 4 years ago and the spine injuries she sustained cause paralysis. She is looking for donations for a surgery that she needs. I think I will send some money.

5. ...That I was not talking on my cell phone or eating while I was driving. I have to admit (shame on me) that I occassionally did this in the past. Well, I realize if I HAD been doing that last night the accident would have been much worse. I had fast enough reflexes and was focused enough that I stopped before I hit the car in front of me. Of course my car hit him eventually anyway after the car behind me hit ME but the accident would have been much worse if I had not been completely focused on my driving at that moment.

6...That is was rush hour and traffic was slow. I usually hate 73rd street because of the slow traffic. I am learning to appreciate it now.

Wishing you all a safe driving day!

Blessings & Health,
Kristie Karima Burns, MH, ND
www.thedreamangels.com

Monday, October 8, 2007

NETWORK: Tour the USA in a Veggie Powered RV with Sara, Mike and Bella!

Dear Members,

If you are living your dream in some way please contact us so we can take video of you living your dream and promote your efforts. Take some time to view this great 5 minute video about a family touring the USA in their Veggie Powered RV!

You can link within this e-mail here:

LIVE LIGHTLY TOUR VIDEO

Or you can link in the blog over to the right to instantly play the video from this BLOG.

Enjoy and PASS IT ON! This is inspiring!

Blessings & Health,
Kristie & Steve

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

GREAT PRODUCT: Burt's Bees Lipcolor

Remember - I do not accept money for advertising. I just share with you products I have discovered and love and why I love them! I discovered Burt's Bees Lipcolor about a year ago and I will not buy any other lipstick now. This is why:

1. I am not allergic to this product. There are so many products on the market that say they are hypo-allergenic but I have reactions to the chemicals in most lipsticks.

2. The minty feel of it really wakes you up.

3. It does double-duty as a moisturizer, healer AND lipstick.

4. It comes in these really thin tubes so I can fit about 8 colors in a pouch in my purse without taking up much room...when I am on the go I can always find a lip color to fit what I am wearing.

5. The colors last a long time.

Enjoy!

TOP TEN: Reminders to Inspire You

☼ No one can ruin your day without YOUR permission.
☼ Most people will be about as happy, as they decide to be.
☼ Others can stop you temporarily, but only you can do it permanently.
☼ Whatever you are willing to put up with, is exactly what you will have.
☼ Success stops when you do.
☼ When your ship comes in.... make sure you are willing to unload it.
☼ You will never "have it all together."
☼ Life is a journey...not a destination. Enjoy the trip!
☼ The biggest lie on the planet: "When I get what I want, I will be happy."
☼ The best way to escape your problem is to solve it.

GREAT WEBSITE: Free Hug Campaign

If you have not see this YOUTUBE video yet you HAVE to see it. I watched it a few times. My daughter watched it 10 times. It is GREAT!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4

QUOTE: Making a Difference

A young boy on the beach was throwing the washed-up starfish back into the ocean. A stranger passing by told him not to bother, because it would not make any difference, there were thousands of beaches and millions of starfish, and it would not be possible to save all of them. The boy reached down, picked up a starfish, threw it back into the ocean and said, smiling softly, " I made a difference for that one!"

POEM: The Beauty of a Woman

This is a beautiful poem someone sent me that I think all women should take to heart:

Beauty of a Woman

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears,
The figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair.
The beauty of a woman must be seen from her eyes,
Because that is the doorway to her heart,
The place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman Is not in a facial mole,
But true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives,
The passion that she shows.
The beauty of a woman
With passing years -- only grows.

~unknown author and source