Dear Friends,

 Thank you for all the times you've read my writing and made kind, insightful or challenging comments. I've learned a lot from you and continue to hold you dear in my heart.

 This week I start a new job as an Asst. GED Teacher for the local community college.… Read full post »

Wanted to share a sweet video from my friend Pastor Katrina Foster. We went to seminary together and she was fortunate enough to be at the Assembly where the historical vote took place.

Pastor Foster is the pastor at Fordham Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Bron… Read full post »

Twelve years of exile and pain, that's what life has been for me. In 1997 I chose to be honest with my Bishop and came out to him. They promptly got rid of me even though many stood up for me. Here in the mountains great healing has occurred… Read full post »

...but I wanted to share something beautiful with you for the weekend. Here are some blue skies over the Appalachian range in Western NC.

 And a song to cheer your heart:

  Read full post »

 ^{Disclaimer: This article is really not written because of any of the Open Salon readers who I find to be quite open-minded and daring. It is only because of your open-mindedness that I dare post it before I'm even fully awake. You all are such a blessing and your}… Read full post »

  March 16, 1986 file (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez, File)
 

 
The spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.        Job 33:4

In an article by Parveen Chopra describing Zen Buddhism she states:

  ... Zen is a syst… Read full post »

 ^{A dove is often seen as a symbol of Spirit. Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill sets free a dove during his visit to Simferopol, Crimean Peninsula, Ukraine, Friday, July 31, 2009.  (AP Photo)}

The spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me… Read full post »

^{Actor Daniel Radcliffe in New York, on Thursday, July 9, 2009.}

^{(AP Photo/Peter Kramer)}

There are many people who have claimed that the Harry Potter books and movies made from J.K. Rowling's series Harry Potter are anti-Christian and promoote evil. Now that Daniel Radcliffe, the acto… Read full post »

"If you want to become whole, let yourself be partial.If you want to become straight, let yourself be crooked.If you want to become full,let yourself be empty. If you want to be reborn, let yourself… Read full post »

The first thing in the inbox today was a link to Brave New Film's latest video, "Rethink Afghanistan… Read full post »

 (AP Photo/The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, Robert DeBerry)

Like Palin, many people have a higher calling, but most who choose to follow a higher calling are willing to name the path they are choosing to follow.

After her press conference on July 3rd, Palin's… Read full post »

Old Jackson County Courthouse, Sylva, NC ©2008, by JRobin Whitley

Independence and freedom call to individuals round the world. Americans however, are some of the most fortunate people because we are in… Read full post »

Debra Salazar, 6, of Los Angeles,Wednesday, July 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

 June28, 2009 -The Huffington Post reports on Debbie Rowe, biological/… Read full post »

  Read full post »

After the comments on the Madoff piece, a friend named Faith (I love the irony or grace of that) suggested that I write another blog to explain that the forgiveness piece didn't just come out of the blue and I'm not one of Madoff's wives who get to… Read full post »

Madoff has brought the term Ponzi scheme into the forefront of our news. The term was coined in 1910 after Charles Ponzi and in the simplest terms, it's a scam where people are promised a high rate of return on investments that can never happen. Basically, if it… Read full post »

Michael Jackson is known for many things, but no one usually associates him with faith or belief. One of the most moving articles in the flurry of media attention on the loss of the star is written by Deepak Chopra, "A Tribute to My Friend, Michael Jackson". Chopra's… Read full post »

The White Rabbit is a character in Alice in Wonderland's famous tale. His infamous words, "I'm late! I'm late! For a very important date! No time to say hello, goodbye! I'm late, I'm late, I'm late!" have become a sign of the times in the modern world.… Read full post »

by JRobin Whitley Spiritual Growth Examiner for Examiner.com

"Cope Creek Barn" © 2009 by JRobin Whitley

Dr. Temple Grandin is autistic. That's the first important thing to know. The second important thing of course, is an understanding of Autism. From the National Institute of Neurolog… Read full post »

Grayson Watches You, ©JRobin Whitley 2009

Idealism has been a constant companion in my life. Wanting to be the very best, the kindest, the most loving I held high standards for my actions and truthfully, for those around me. "Practice what you preach," the idiom is one we've all… Read full post »

Texas starting pitcher Cole Green delivers against Southern Mississippi in the first inning of an NCAA College World Series baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Sunday, June 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

In this life we are always learning lessons and often the best lessons come from each… Read full post »

I am a southerner. Born, raised and loved by grandparents who were born, raised lived and died in Stanly County, an hour east of Charlotte. Today is my Grandma Whitley's birth date and if she were still alive she would be 109. It's funny how I use her… Read full post »

Photo by JRobin Whitley

Change through hope has started if my family is any measure of what's happening. From a life of "What dreams may come" insanity to getting ruby red slippers, things are turning around and there is light at the end of the tunnel, deliverance from the… Read full post »