Gwenn Jones

A year ago today I started actualizing a web site entitled Gift-Gratitude-God. The single person that made that possible was Gwenn Jones.

I first met Gwenn when I dropped into a yoga studio here in town (Auburn Yoga and Fitness). Gwenn spent an hour with me discussing my physical health and diet. She made several suggestions and I started attending classes shortly thereafter. I found her opinionated, feisty, full of life and fun to be around. As time went by, I learned she was a "take no prisoner" type of instructor. We've had many talks as to her approach and how a former Division 1 Collegiate basketball player (yes, that would be me) felt about her "style." She disagrees with my interpretation and reminds me constantly that she is verbally emphatic (and repetitive) about staying within ones limits. And she's right, she does. What I try and explain to Gwenn is when men hear a "coach" shout an instruction--by God we do it! It is about going beyond our limits! Gwenn and I have yet to resolve this difference.

I love Gwenn Jones. I love that I've discovered she has topics, subjects and personal experiences she refuses to discuss with me (though that number is shrinking). I love that she is as loyal a person as I have ever met. That if you are her friend, world watch out! She is not about to let anyone take advantage of you, berate you, or malign you in any way, shape or form. I love the fact that Gwenn always has time for me, or makes time. Pretty amazing when you realize she runs three businesses to keep herself afloat. Even more so when you realize she did this whole web site "gratis."

Yep, didn't ask for anything. I gave what I could, which amounted to about 4 hours what a mediocre web designer would charge. We spent AT LEAST 12 hours working just that first day/night! And if anyone thinks this web site is mediocre...please direct me to one more ascetically pleasing. Honestly...I would love to see it. In 7 days (!) Gwenn created everything you see within the web site. On the 8th day you could google Gift-Gratitude-God or WP Grogan and guess who was first (FIRST!) on page number one to appear? I have talked to others and the consensus is; "that ain't possible bub!"

It took quite a bit more time to get the "Blog" section up and running. Gwenn had sacrificed so much time and effort that (obviously) other endeavors had suffered. Proof of this is the very first post didn't appear until August 3rd when it had been written a day or two after 7-20. I share this only to emphasis how driven I had become. I hope I was somewhat understanding about it but we would have to ask Gwenn to be sure. Most likely, I was the last person on earth Gwenn wanted to receive another e-mail or phone call from.

I took Gwenn to lunch yesterday. It had hit me that the web site was (soon to be) one year old. I told her why I was taking her to lunch. I asked her if she had any reservations if I used her full name doing a post (blog) about her. She was fine with it and perhaps, pleased. But as I've written this blog I realize I have "shorted" Gwenn Jones again. What I could have said was; "You have been a godsend. For all you've done, the hours (and hours!) you've spent, the direction you have provided, the level of professionalism you have displayed---thank you." But I didn't do that. I think it may be due to the fact I will never be able to thank her enough...

The very first step in the process. JULY 13th

http://www.travelklix.com/magnificent-japanese-garden/

Gwenn, if you open up the link and scroll down to the 7th image, it is a bridge leading into a forest. I LOVE THIS IMAGE! It is perfect. A fallback image would be the third one. (japanese garden) However, believing Life wants this to happen, I believe that we can obtain something very similar to the bridge. Let me know.  P.

 

-JULY 21st-

Wow. We are active on Google and we have the first 3 positions on page 1. Holy Moly.

I have used you saving some links--I am sorry. I bet they add to an already crammed mail box.

(Just had Ronnie confirm--were available on Google)

Anyway, I am going to go through and check for typos and mistakes. Are you going to be available today?   P.

PS Dont worry about the 2 links I have sent or the text for Aurora.

Scroll II

I will greet this day with love in my heart.

For this is the greatest secret of success in all ventures. Muscle can split a shield and even destroy life but only the unseen power of love can open the hearts of men and until I master this art I will remain no more than a peddler in the market place. I will make love my greatest weapon and none on whom I call can defend against its force.

My reasoning they may counter; my speech they may distrust; my apparel they may disapprove; my face they may reject; and even my bargains may cause them suspicion; yet my love will melt all hearts liken to the sun whose rays soften the coldest clay.

I will greet this day with love in my heart.

And how will I do this? Henceforth I will look on all things with love and I will be born again. I will love the sun for it warms my bones; yet I will love the rain for it cleanses my spirit. I will love the light for it shows me the way; yet I will love the darkness for it shows me the stars. I will welcome happiness for it enlarges my heart; yet I will endure sadness for it opens my soul. I will acknowledge rewards for they are my due; yet I will welcome obstacles for they are my challenge.

I will greet this day with love in my heart.

~excerpt from "The Greatest Salesman in the World," by Og Mandino

Atheists and Agnostics

If you read the About Me section of the web site, I state; "I don't care whether you believe in God or not." And I don't. God is an arbitrary term. The etymology of the word can be reduced to "invoke." If the term "grace" (as in Gift-Gratitude-Grace) works for you, it works for me. Here I speak of grace more specifically as, "a state of grace." Stripped of religious connotations, I imagine a state of grace  to be similar to an athlete, musician, or dancer's virtuoso performance. Or an individuals ability to meet circumstances with a level of intelligence and poise that manifests an unconscious competence.

One of the cornerstones of G-G-G is "inclusion." We allow everyone the freedom to demonstrate and speak to their truth. This does not mean we support or endorse their truth. Someone who identifies themselves as a Ku Klux Klan member, or a neo-Nazi, doesn't allow for inclusion and invalidates themselves. Basing an opinion of another human being simply by the color of their skin or religious affiliation is toxic. It breeds intolerance, hatred and violence. While I allow you the right to hold your own opinions, I allow myself the freedom to oppose them.

Atheists and agnostics are a whole other kettle of fish. They either don't believe in God, or aren't sure. In no way do I find this offensive. Actually, I am of the opinion that the onus lies with God. Show them! Demonstrate your power! And I believe He does. One way is through the process of G-G-G. There is enough evidence "linked" on this web site to support a SCIENTIFIC evaluation that the process works. What I ask of you atheists and agnostics is to try it out. Look on Life as a Gift, for which you could be Grateful under any circumstances, and see if this doesn't lead to a state of Grace.

Be advised though, I have no problem with you reverting to the use of the word God. As this article in the Journal for Scientific Exploration reveals, you won't be the first in you efforts to reclaim it.

http://henry.pha.jhu.edu/haisch.html

Conundrum

"You are a teacher of Israel, yet you do not understand this? Truly I tell you, we speak only of what we know and testify only to what we have seen, yet you people reject our testimony."  John 3:10-11

The dynamic at plays seems to be the 3rd paragraph in the God section. I find myself repeatedly referencing it of late. Here is one more example (albeit Biblical) of our experience being our reality, our reality being our perception of life, and our perception of life being our truth. As important is the acknowledgment that "our truth isn't your truth." This is the point of divergence between Christianity and G-G-G (or any religion for that matter). I am of the mind Life (God) is so diverse, intelligent, and creative, it will provide a personal revelation. As intoxicating as that may be, remember too "neither does it take precedence over your truth."

Shared experiences can be as instructive as they are informative. I am not suggesting that they are off-limits. Only the understanding that they aren't (necessarily) universal. This seems obvious to me. Yet how much of our interaction with others consist of us ramming our beliefs down someone else's throat? And growing indignant if they aren't convinced? Watch the next time an argument sprouts up around you. Marvel at the importance people place on being "right."

My truth is the Bible isn't to be taken literally. The conundrum is, I often use it as an example to amplify the message I am trying to impart. Some might find that hypocritical or inconsistent. Be that as it may, the larger truth is I'm in some pretty good company.

See Luke 5:37

Any Questions?

The time will come and you will scream; "enough is enough!" Your distress will be so great you will be ready (finally) to surrender. "What must I do," you whisper. Life, as it always does, responds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4Qm9cGRub0

Of course, this isn't new. We have covered this ground before...

http://wpgrogan.blogspot.com/2012/11/im-hurtin.html

http://wpgrogan.blogspot.com/2012/10/not-good-enough.html

This time though, it was said a new way, by a different speaker. This time, the moment was ripe. This time, circumstances conspired to create a willingness in you to listen. This time, you don't give a good goddamn what the ego is saying. This time it will be different...and you know, you are right. Welcome to the Kingdom.

Can I Get a Witness

One might think I financed this video, it is so in line with what I promote. It does meander a bit but the voice of Patrick Willis is so hypnotic, one doesn't mind. (or at least I didn't) Enjoy...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEjEX9Cp1-g

Heading into the weekend, may blessings infuse your activities and your leisure.

Holy Ground

"And he said, Draw not nigh hither; put off thy shoes from thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." (Exodus 3:5 KJV)

I use this quote to acknowledge the respect and reverence I hold for the subject matter I am about to discuss. It is the tragedy one family faced losing their 20 year old son. The family was devoutly Christian, the son gay. I will allow the mother (Linda Robertson) to tell the story herself.

http://justbecausehebreathes.com/

The courage and vulnerability of this mother (and family) amaze me. As with Damien Mander (Yes or No 5-30-13) it is obvious no punches are being pulled and we are getting the straight, unabridged truth. That it is heartbreaking deepens the impact and increases our compassion. We ache for and with the family.

That said, what is the lesson we can benefit from? Isn't it the complications Christian fundamentalist create when they insist on a literal interpretation of scripture? That they are convinced they know the will of God based on the Bible? Isn't a segment of the United States resisting the recent Supreme Court decision to permit gay marriage based solely on the bible? This very minute, aren't Christians politically active enacting legislation at the state level (Texas, North Carolina and Ohio) to remove a woman's right to chose?

The question is, why? Why isn't your belief sufficient to you? Why do you insist on making it my belief? Why do you wish to impose your morality on me? The argument seems to be (always) biblically based. The problem is, the Bible can't be literally read. It is too full of contradictions and counter commands to be interpreted in that fashion. And it is not a matter of me saying that it is contradictory, READ IT! Simply start at the beginning of Genesis chapter 1. Chapter 2 of Genesis contradicts chapter 1. As to the typical semantics Christians (at this point) start to employ, I ask you go to Genesis chapter 5 and read the first two verses. It is your text, it is either "literal" or its not.

Understand it isn't just Genesis...its the entire Bible. The first book of the New Testament (Matthew) flatly contradicts the third book (Luke) as to where Mary and Joseph lived prior to the birth of Jesus. All four gospels have different stories surrounding the resurrection and one would think that they would have gotten that right. I could go on and on, but it isn't my aim to ridicule Christians. I am simply trying to create a context where they will allow and respect MY choices.

I shared Linda's story today because it underlines the point of this website. It is our experience which makes up our reality. (see God section, second half of paragraph 3) You can be as well intentioned as can be, but once you start imposing ethics or morality on others, you diverge from the path. The path is self discovery. The goal is understanding your relationship with Life (God). The fulfillment is granting this privilege to others. Then, and only then, will you be standing on holy ground.