A Stable Influence

A Stable Influence

It appears to me we need a stable influence this Christmas.  Things are kind of rocky with our politics.  The economy is up one day and down the next.  Can we trust the media or not?  Where is hope?  We’ve got enough despair. 

We need a stable influence. 

Here’s the thing.

A stable influence means …

~Joy to the whole world.  Not just to a selective band, but for all mankind.

~Peace that passes any man’s or woman’s understanding.  Peace that calms and sooths.

~A Kingdom whose end will never come to be.

~A place where the impossible becomes possible. 

If you are smart, as all my readers are, then you are already reading between the lines and words to capture the meaning here.

We need the redeeming qualities of the star of the Christmas story. 

We need hope for these desperate times.

We need joy in our busy, and sometimes disturbed lives.

We need peace in all our lands.

And most of all …

We need love – brotherly, neighborly, Godly love.

Yes indeed.  We need a stable influence about now.

Something to think on,

in less than 60 seconds.

This post was inspired by a comment from Danny McDonald, my Facebook friend.

The "Almost a Minute" Blog Site

P Michael Biggs

Offering Hope

Encouragement

Inspiration

Stop for One Minute

Stop for One Minute

Stop!  Just for one minute.  Look out whatever window is nearby.  What do you see? 

Be in the moment?  Do you see a bird or birds?  Watch how they glide, how they land. 

I saw a squirrel doing whatever squirrels do.  He would scamper, hop, jump and run, then stop, work over something on the ground and then move on.

It’s a lovely sunny evening tonight, after a long and dastardly winter-into-spring time.  I see the occasional auto headed to unknown destinations.  I wish them safe travels.

And we are at peace.  We’re listening to a great jazz pianist, comfortable in our bed, satisfied after a delicious dinner.

What a nice moment to reflect.

Something to think on, in less than one minute.

The "Almost a Minute" Blog Site

Offering Hope

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Inspiration

Coda

Coda is an Italian word for “tail” and in music it primarily designates a section of the music that brings the piece to an end.

I've wished a few times that movies had a coda that I could execute right on the spot. 

And occasionally I wish for a “coda” button to push in church to end a boring monologue called a sermon.

And now, perhaps, you are wishing for a “coda” button of your own to end this blog. 

And with that …

Bye!

P Michael Biggs

Up-Words Web Site

Offering Up-Moments

One Moment at a Time

Largo

In musical terms “largo” means ‘in a slow manner with dignity’.  Pachelbel’s Canon in D is a wonderful example of ‘largo’ music.

I especially like the ‘with dignity’ part of this definition. 

How many moments have you had to demonstrate dignity in your lifetime?

Wedding ceremony

A funeral

A graduation ceremony

For those ‘largo’ moments, I believe the idea is to use this experience as a sobering and reflective moment to savor what is happening.  It is a subdued celebration – and that is not a contradiction of terms.

  

P Michael Biggs

Up-Words Web Site

Offering Up-Moments

One Moment at a Time

Dolce

“Dolce” in musical terms means “sweetly and gently”.  If you think of Brahms’s Lullaby you would immediately grasp the meaning of “dolce”.

You were probably “dolce” on your first date with your mate.  Hope so at least.  In a job interview you generally want to be “dolce”. 

If you work retail, you generally want to treat your customers with a “dolce” like attitude.  Now that does not always apply to used car salesmen however.

My grandkids all demonstrate “dolce” in their behavior – even the boys.  But of course, they are perfect grandkids. 

I love being around “dolce” people, don’t you?

Come hang around me sometime.  I’ll give you a slice of “dolce” and you will like it!

Let’s be sweet and gentle out there, you hear?

  

P Michael Biggs

Up-Words Web Site

Offering Up-Moments

One Moment at a Time

Ritardando

“Ritardando” is a musical term that simply means “to slow the tempo gradually”.  It is often found at the end of a phrase of music and often found at the very end of a piece.  It is a conductor’s way of lingering a little longer with a particular passage.

Ritard (the shortened version) is a good thing in life sometimes.  There are moments when we should savor the experience – like our wedding day, or an incredibly delicious dessert.

When Carolyn and I visit Hawaii I plan to have a bunch of “Ritardando” moments.  We are going to suck the very marrow out of every moment of our Hawaiian experience.

Have you ever had a “Ritardando” conversation, one in which you wanted it to never end?  Then you know the value of going slowly, savoring and sapping up every moment of life.

Oh yes.  It is a good idea to “Ritardando” at busy intersections and traffic lights.  Just a bit of free advice there.

P Michael Biggs

Up-Words Web Site

Offering Up-Moments

One Moment at a Time

Piano

“Piano” is a musical term meaning “played or sung softly”. “Pianissimo” is its first cousin and that means “play even softer”.

Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven begins at the dynamic level of “piano”.

When I use music to help fall asleep, it generally needs to be “piano” in volume. 

The Seattle Seahawks won the Super Bowl this year.  Seattle is being touted as one of the noisiest crowds at a sporting event.  Don’t go to a game expecting to be soothed and calmed.  You won’t hear “piano” at a Seahawks game.

Ah, but after the game, when you get back home, put on your happy pants, slip into your favorite chair or sofa, and play whatever music brings a “piano” moment for you.  Just before dozing off, be sure and change to some “pianissimo” so you are not awakened from your dreams.

P Michael Biggs

Up-Words Web Site

Offering Up-Moments

One Moment at a Time