Thought for the day

As we go through our daily lives and thoughts, it's amazing when we come across something which causes us to stop and be fully present. Love those moments filled with messages to remind us to be grateful no matter what.

"All of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon - instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today."
- Dale Carnegie

Happy Father's Day

Daddy's Girl

When I was young, pony-tailed, dimpled cheeks, I was a daddy's girl.

I still am.

I looked at you for your security, for love and attention, for the understanding, and the patience I lacked as a child?

You were the center of my small world, the focus of my affections, the star that lit my life, shining bright. Shining still in my heart.

The years have led me here, weathered with maturity and responsibilities, and I see more clearly now. The hardships, burdens of love, and all the small sacrifices you made for me, for our family.

You and mom both created stability, a place to call home. All the photographs I browse through of a childhood long forgotten, but with remembered smiles. So happy and so loved.

The mere thought of becoming that role model is enough to send me cowering, afraid... looking for guidance. Turning to both you and mom for support, advice, wise counsel, and for approval.

Grown up, I see differently now...

A new perspective of a man I have always known. My heart is full, my emotions overpowering just in the certainty of that bond. You’ve been there for me through all the conflicts helping me over the rough, ragged stones of growing up. My respect for you is unending, faith is unbound, and love is unquestioning.

Even in the midst of all my imperfections, you’re lenient, ignoring the pitfalls, the downfalls, the shortcomings, you just accepted me as I was, as I am.

The sheer purity of it leaves me awe-struck and it lifts me up, it holds my head a little higher, it keeps me in balance, harmonizing with the world around me beautifully, like an inspired masterpiece from the soul of an honest man. I am honored to know you, to love you, to be of you.

You’re my hero, and I am your daughter, your little girl.

Happy Father's Day to all of our wonderful dads.

Simply profound

While I was finishing up my workday today, I had Oprah on in the background. Denzel Washington was on there with some of the caster members promoting his new movie, The Great Debater. As an aside and probably too much information, Denzel is yummy. LOL

Anyway, one of the younger actor’s was talking about what they learned from Denzel while they were filming the film. He said that one of the things that will stick with him always that Denzel said was “A man gives awards, but God gives rewards”. What an awesome statement!

Love these little God winks as I consider them----messages that God sends to us in whatever fashion it takes to remind us of his everlasting love for us, alhamdullilah. Moreover, reminders for us to always keep our eyes focused on Him rather than seeking approval from mankind.

MusicLover Recommendation

The other day MusicLover posted a comment on one of my post regarding a movie recommendation. After doing some research, I was not able to find this movie at my local movie rental place via their website, and was disappointed.

Tonight, however, after work Amira and I went to the movie rental place to pick up a couple of movies to watch over the long Thanksgiving holiday, and low in behold the movie, Away From Her, was starring right at me as soon as I rounded the corner. Of course, I immediately picked it up along with a few others. When we got home we had to watch Amira’s movie first which was Mickey Mouse’s Christmas….LOL It was cute. After finishing her movie, I immediately popped in Away From Her. Oh my goodness, what a perfect movie for the holidays. For the matter, it’s the perfect movie anytime. It will definitely be one of my favorites. I should caution to keep tissue nearby because it’s a very powerful movie.

I cannot and hope I never have to experience what both these people experienced, inshallah. But, how I would love to be able to spend 44 years with a beloved, inshallah. This movie is a great reminder of how we should be ever so grateful for every moment we have on this earth, and every moment we spend with our dear families, friends, and people will meet in the future. Truly life is the most precious gift on this earth, alhamdullilah, and we, as humans should cherish life as if it were a rare and precious gem. Moreover, we should always remember to never take advantage of the wonderful relationships we have with every human that crosses our path, inshallah.

MusicLover, thank you for the recommendation.

Too Blessed to Stress

Mere words of gratitude seem inadequate for the amount of support received from the various bloggers I’ve been blessed to encounter, alhamdullilah.

I’m grateful for Mixed Up Me for sharing the world of blogging with me. Grateful for Anglo-Libyan being one of the first to comment on my blog and welcoming me to the community. Grateful for Cofman for teaching me how to upload my display picture, for his translation services and for the variety of topics he brings to his blogspot. Grateful for PH for patiently helping me install cbox on my blogspot. Grateful for A_Akak’s eagerness to comment first on everyones' blog and do so with such sincerity. Grateful for Mani and his incredible gift for writing and stimulating conversation in all areas, but most appreciative for the philosophical topics. Grateful for Lost-Libyan, Boy Interrupted, and Lebeeya for their fantastic personalities and "real" perspectives on life. Grateful for DaMoon, Piccolina, White African, Brave Heart, and HappyMoi for their blogs and viewpoint.

Funny this blogging world – it appears to be a safe place to make one vulnerable enough to open up to their own truth. Why is it that we feel that comfortable to open our hearts and selves in this fashion risking so many things, and yet fear to do the same in "real" life? Also, would we be as seemingly close to those of the blog world in real life as we seem to be in this cyber world? Certainly geography plays a huge part, and for that mere reason alone I’m so grateful for the technology that seems to bind us together.

Most of all I’m grateful for the blessings I’ve found through this blog family.