jimwdollar

February 02-A, 2023

We are told what to believe, but no one can give us our opinions. Of course, they try, but to be genuine, opinions have to come from within. Belief from without, opinions from within. Articles of faith are opinions that take themselves seriously. And, when we don’t know what we think or believe, it’s greatContinue reading “February 02-A, 2023”

February 01-B, 2023

How we see what we look at depends upon how we look at what we see. How do we look at liberals? Conservatives? Police? People of Color? Immigrants? Orientals? Trans-gender People? Etc. through all the lists of all there is to look at. We have a pre-determined preference for the way we look at practicallyContinue reading “February 01-B, 2023”

February 01-A, 2023

Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” Begging the questions, “Free from what?” “Free to do what?” And Pilate’s inquiry, “What is truth?” Which Jesus left hanging through all these long years of truthlessness. Which will continue as long as we look for truth “out there,” when itContinue reading “February 01-A, 2023”

February, 2023

I have no idea where we get our filters, the perception sieve that tilts us imperceptibly toward the way we see/interpret/comprehend/ understand/judge/determine/take things to be, and away from different/better/worse ways of doing the same thing. We look and see something different from the way others look at the same thing. A lot has to doContinue reading “February, 2023”

January 31-D, 2023

I am taken by the flow of life through the circumstances and situations of each day– and how so few people seem to be aware of it. My sister-in-law, for instance (You know the one I mean), sees every moment as an opportunity to assert her way upon whatever is happening, with no clue regardingContinue reading “January 31-D, 2023”

January 31-C, 2023

There is what we say, “Yes,” to, and there is what we say “No,” to, and that’s it. Our life is lived out between “Yes,” and “No.” You might think we would be better at being clear about, and dedicated to, “Yes” being actually and absolutely “Yes!” and “No” being actually and absolutely “No!”, butContinue reading “January 31-C, 2023”

January 31-B, 2023

Believe anything you want– it doesn’t matter what– as long as you do what needs to be done, when, where and how it needs to be done, in each situation as it arises without an eye on what’s in it for you. How often do those who “Believe in God the Father Almighty, maker ofContinue reading “January 31-B, 2023”

January 31-A, 2023

People talk all the time using words to say what they mean. Words are useless when it comes to meaning. Meaning is among the most personal of things. Coffee doesn’t mean to you what it means to me, and vice versa around the room. Nothing does. Meaning is ours alone. And we cannot say whatContinue reading “January 31-A, 2023”

January 30-B, 2023

Zen is what happened when Taoism met Buddhism. The essence of Zen is the essence of Taoism. Their differences are insignificant compared to their essentials. For instance, the place of zazen to either is “Take it or leave it, it is up to you. If you like it, fine, if you don’t like it, fine.”Continue reading “January 30-B, 2023”

January 30-A, 2023

If we keep asking the same questions, we will keep getting the same answers. Pay attention to the questions you ask, noting how many remain the same over time. Things are the way they are because we are only allowed to ask the same questions. Every institution/structure limits the questions that can be asked aboutContinue reading “January 30-A, 2023”

January 29-B, 2023

The worst thing that ever happened to you can be the best thing that ever happened to you. The best thing that ever happened to you can be the worst thing that ever happened to you. Depending, of course, upon how you respond to what happens to you. How we respond to what happens toContinue reading “January 29-B, 2023”

January 29-A, 2023

What is the difference between having faith in something, and having an opinion about something? Between having strong faith, and having a strong opinion? Knowing in your heart you are right would apply to both. Having deep conviction would apply to both. Hearing it from someone else (including the Bible) would apply to faith, butContinue reading “January 29-A, 2023”