Carmela Snelbaker

Author of "Thank You For Your Service, Sheep!"
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    • The Tiny Mustard Seed of Faith

      Posted at 9:24 AM by carmelasnelbaker
      Jul 17th

      In a world so divided on so many topics where human arrogance overflows and has brewed into hate, violence and death over attempts to gain or keep power and control “The Mustard Seed Of Faith” is desperately needed.

      When all the lines are blurred and deliberate attempts are made to “muddy the waters” so Truth is never revealed, maybe it is time we step back and look at the bigger picture. See the Human arrogance for what it truly is, and let go of it. Park that Halo you think you are wearing (or deserve) look in the mirror and truly see the person you are. The Human Being that has faults, makes mistakes, that is equal BUT not worthier than any other human being on this earth. A Human Being who may look differently, act or communicate differently and in God’s Eyes is AS Precious but not MORE precious than every other Human Being.

      Not until you completely lower your importance to the same level of your oppositions can true communication and understanding be accomplished. It is NOT JUST the “walk a mile in my shoes” reference or belief that is needed. Rather an IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THEIR VERSION OF EXISTANCE that is needed to fully understand and empathize with others. Even more then just listening, it is actively making an attempt at HEARING what another person is saying and also FEELING what it must be like to live in their situation.

      Each of us is not without sin, however when communicating with another human being if “their sin” is the first thing that you see or address, at that point might “your sin” be even greater.

      One of my favorite Bible verses has always been Matthew 17:20

      And he said to them “for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you Matthew 17:20 .

      The parable of the mustard seed also describes how God’s Kingdom grows in the life of each believer. When a person puts their trust in Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to live within. When the mustard seed is planted in the ground even though it may not be seen by others it continues to grow, rooting more deeply, gaining stength and growing more and more every day.

      When carrying the tiny mustard seed parable in you heart it helps us to understand that even a seemingly small act of kindness, saying a faith-filled prayer for someone, or whatever faith-motivated act we take, no matter how small, can have an eternal and mountain-moving impact on another’s life.

      It is THIS knowledge and faith that I pray begins to appear more in the world we now live in. As our leaders making laws and often arguing their opinions with great human arrogance, may we all pray and believe with that tiny mustard seed of Hope that it will not be the Human arrogance that prevails but the Mercy, Love and Kindness of God that comes through and moves those mountains.

      With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love, Carmela

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      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged Carmela Snelbaker, Christian, Christianity, congress, democrats, faith, FruitOfTheSpirit, gratitude, hope, January6committee, kindness, love, MustardSeedOfFaith, peace, politics, positivity, republican, respect
    • A Caregive’s Pain… Why I Am Bothered By the Use of the Word “Libtard”

      Posted at 3:37 PM by carmelasnelbaker
      Feb 17th

      I recently spoke up attempting to explain why I felt that it was important to express our opinions in a respectful manner and not use divisive words or personal attacks. Stress is high in the political arena. Defenses mechanisms flare at the first word. Please read completely to fully understand and hopefully consider my point of view. Please be sure to share your thoughts on the matter as well. We learn and grow from each others experiences in life.

      This is a political neutral request being presented with kindness please continue to read.

      I am speaking up about the use of the word “Libtard”……….. If I would have seen signs and posts that stated “conservatard” I would be speaking up about that as well. 

      At the risk of looking like a Prude or an oversensitive person I am feeling the need to explain the education I received from many beautiful people who have a diagnosis of intellectual or developmental disabilities in their medical histories.

      I see the use of the word “libtard” (Which is a derogatory term –  combination of the words liberal and retarded)  unnecessary, unkind, and offensive to those who may have head injuries, intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities from birth.

      Any one of us could wake up tomorrow and have a diagnosis in our medical charts of mental retardation due to brain injury.

      To those who may be recovering, or have a family member recovering it is sad and traumatic and may not be something that is easily laughed off.

      When you work with those afflicted you see and feel the seriousness of it. I post this in hopes of gaining respect and awareness for the people I have worked with like those who work with people who are in the Military or Veterans.

      As a caregiver I literally find myself saying OUCH when I have to take a bandage off someone I am giving care too. It hurts me to see them hurt! I was trained the “R” word should be respect.

      It pains me to see so  many people use words, labels and names to deliberately attempt to belittle someone or a group with an opposing viewpoint.

      My post has nothing to do with democrat or republican it is simply speaking out requesting respect for all people with mental disabilities.

      The very first step toward positive solutions is finding common ground, and treating each other with respect.

      This is impossible when we intentionally call each other names and attempt to diminish and discredit the opposing side using demeaning  words and “name calling”.

      I truly believe in free speech but my heart believes also in having and expressing respect for one another.

      It is possible to voice one’s opinion without calling the person with the opposing opinion a derogatory name. This only causes division, anger and hurt.

      I pray Americans will soon join together, humbly realize and admit when we have said things, done things or communicated things in an inappropriate manner.

      Resolutions to conflicts begin with the willingness to compromise and show respect for an opposing opinion.

      Peace comes to those with open hearts who welcome in Wisdom and Strength to make positive changes.

      A willingness to humbly open ones heart to feel another person’s pain will open our eyes to a new found clarity and wisdom.

      I pray others will join with me in attempting to communicate and articulate our opinions in a manner that does not instigate or enrage emotional responses and belittle other human beings.

      With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love, Carmela

       

      goldfish jumping out of the water

      Aim high show respect for everyone and everything  

       Stand firmly for opinions if you feel they are right, but respect those of other.                         wrong prime purpose

      Examining reasons why we become so angry over an issue will often lead us to a new level of contentment, peace, understanding in inner Joy.

      nothing about you

      Nothing destroys self worth, self acceptance, and self love faster than denying your feelings.  Without feelings you would not know where you are in life, nor would you know what areas you need to work on.  Honor your feelings, allow yourself to feel and communicate. Be mindful of choosing words that are not harmful to others when expressing yourself.

      Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better. -(Maya Angelou)

      born-tolerant

      namaste1024

       

       

       

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      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged #libtard, #libtard Democrats, #MentalHealth, #politicalNews, #trump, blogging, conservative, Conservative party, medical, Mental health, mental health support, politics, republican, respect
    • Enough “When Arguing With A Stupid Person Make Sure They Are Not Doing The Same”

      Posted at 10:56 AM by carmelasnelbaker
      Feb 8th

      Every second of Life is filled with a multitude of  wise quotes educational studies and varied opinions of how we can improve ourselves. One could spend countless hours trying to absorb and understand the perfect way to find happiness and Joy.

      The entire time we are researching, digesting and ruminating the many different human opinions on how to live an optimum life filled with Joy the clock continues to tick away and the precious moment of Joy are falling through the hour glass as we study.

      Then someone says something that is drastically in contrast to the peaceful existence the “seeker of Joy” is attempting to understand and develop. The manner in which we respond to this says it ALL. As a seeker of Joy and peace if we become enraged by the comment and at the person who communicated it we loose our focus and we can easily be pulled into the vacuum of despair that will most assuredly do nothing but steal the joy of the present moment and add to the chaos and anxiety in the world.

      Peace and wisdom is attainable only after we deescalate agitated emotional feelings that come naturally in human behavior. As human beings we all want to feel safe and have our opinions respected. We learn by doing. We also learn by the mistakes we make. We have more things in common with each other than we often realize.

      Both sides are at fault when there is a disagreement that is not handled in a respectful manner. I was given a very helpful bit of wisdom from a church sign once many years ago…… “When arguing with a stupid person, make sure he is not doing the same thing”.

      It is a common narcissistic human reaction to want to be heard and have your opinion respected, when you feel you are not being heard or your point is not being taken seriously the narcissistic response often turns to aggressive language and maliciousness and personal attacks to show power. It is a vicious circle that will never result in a peaceful resolution.

      Meditation brings awareness that is available to us all from deep within. It may be referred to in many different ways but the common denominator will always be Love. Stillness and Meditation will connect you with Internal Universal Wisdom. The inner voice I like to refer to as the Whisper of God.

      We will all react at times “Humanly” and with emotions however, we need to forgive each others slip ups and begin again to listen for the word of God to lead us to a better reaction……. (this example came from a book I read once long ago, A Life Worth Breathing)… imagine if you were in a car accident…. You are laying along side the road with torn clothes and bleeding. The ambulance driver arrives jumps out of the ambulance and responds emotionally…….”Oh MY GOD, you are in horrible shape! This is going to be hopeless, no-one will be able to fix this”. No one wants something like this to happen.

      Remember to focus on the moment in front of you and not worry about the imagined moments of the future. We can waste many precious joyful moments when we fantasize, strategize, and organize for the imagined disasters in the future.

      Life is better when we build one another up instead of tear each other down. Teach each other and be willing to learn from each other. Children are watching how we respond and treat political figures and this is how they will believe it is acceptable to treat all humans.

      Be confident that as individual souls living an earthly experience we have enough internal wisdom to get us through our Journey here on earth. Never forget to Be Still and listen to the Higher Wisdom within you instead of responding emotionally from your human ego. Lets not be that ambulance driver with nothing but alarming words proclaiming our demise.

      It is possible to voice one’s opinion without calling the person with the opposing opinion a derogatory name. When we express ourselves with respect we promote a peaceful enviornment. By responding offensively to an oposing opinion we are teaching our children it is acceptable to call people derogatory names, antagonize others who believe differently than you and cause division instead of promote unity and peacefulness.

      theodore-roosevelt-quotes

      With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love,   Carmela

      focus           theodore-rooseveltcompare

      namaste1024

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      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged #blog4peace, #CarmelaSnelbaker, #Hope2017, #libtard, #MentalHealth, #PoliticsToday, #TeachingRespect, #trump, #USpolitics, #whitehouse, Bloggers4peace, blogging, blogs, Christianity, Earth, faith, family, inspiration, joy, love, politics, respect, Truth
    • Open Letter to Political Leaders and individuals who spew hate toward anyone who may vote differently then themselves

      Posted at 2:19 PM by carmelasnelbaker
      Mar 17th

      Unconditional love that comes from God is that which can forgive harshness, criticism, and disparaging words. It is only in Hope from the Love that we can draw enough strength to endure. As individuals if we look first to God for direction, strength and wisdom before speaking, acting and retaliating to a tongue lashing, our response may change significantly.

      Could the major problem behind all the political difference of opinion, disparaging words and often childlike attacks be that we respond quickly, without contemplation with reasonable cognitive thinking? Does it make sense to respond to someone’s harsh unreasonable words with even harsher and more unreasonable words and blame?

      I once read a bit of “drive by wisdom” at a time in my life that involved many major life changes. Because I had been tormented with grief and praying for help with anger and unrest, looking for wisdom, and attempting so desperately to find Hope, it wasn’t until I read this statement that I was able to see clearly that I was also an active part in all of the wrong that I felt was going on around me. The statement said very simply…. “When arguing with a STUPID person, make sure he is not doing the same thing.”

      In my years as care giver to people with cognitive and behavioral disabilities, I experienced many disagreements daily. Often times even the smallest difference of opinion can unleash a massive war of words, accusations and aggressive actions. This is where another phrase of wisdom comes to mind, ”Hind sight is always 20X20”. How many times have we quickly responded to something only to later find out that we now feel differently, and wish we hadn’t said that?

      As I write this I am humbly not claiming to have any solutions that will bring world peace or even at the very least an amicable election year. But what I do hope is, that everyone will remember, before they react or respond, this very simple bit of wisdom …. “When arguing with a stupid person, make sure he or she is not doing the same thing!”

      In conclusion please don’t forget as human beings we improve ourselves by continuing to search for wisdom and enlightenment. We all may not go about it in the very same manner. The important thing is that we act with Love and not hate, and disagreeing with someone does not automatically mean they are stupid. Spend some time contemplating before reacting. We teach respect by acting respectful to others.

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      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged #blog4peace, courage, democrat, election year, hope, inspiration, joy, kindness, peace, political, political election, political leaders, politics, positivity, republican, respect
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