Ashley Grey

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Dynamic, driven, achieving set goals and full of zest for living. Is there any other way to live? Simon amazed folks, great and small, with his magic. He was a rich and respected man in the community. Then one day, a certain Philip waltzed into town with a new and compelling message. Many including Simon, embraced this life-transforming message.  Philip and his company demonstrated so much power, that Simon followed them around. Eventually, drawn to the power, Simon offered money for some of it. Perhaps, he was thinking about the “good, old days” in which he’d captured hearts and purses through magic performances. Perhaps, he could go back and make money? Isn’t it in the heart where things really start? “Down, tiger! Your heart is all wrong. What we offer is free. Freely we received.” just about sums up the response he got.See, Simon’s heart had slipped to the old…

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Choose a good name.

A quote by George Carlin in Brain Droppings attests to the fact that a good name is desirable. There are women named Faith, Hope, Joy, and Prudence. Why not Despair, Guilt, Rage, and Grief? George Carlin Indeed, why not? Easy! Names stick and we want to get them right. Why bear the name “Despair” and not “Hope”? “Guilt” sounds depressing already, doesn’t it? SASH-T, sent in this account of a choice she made a few years ago. I imagine that it couldn’t have been an easy one to make.  Choosing right in the face of overwhelming situations is often, not convenient.  But she was rewarded as we will see. Her story, I hope, encourages someone who might be facing something similar. I share it below.        I was following up on my application for a job and this is what the then acting director hesitantly asked me. “Did…

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“We hung our harps on the willows…” is a quote from the psalmist. Want to read the full verse here? What did they then do after they hung the harps? I know what one thing I would hang up. Actually, three things I’d hang up. On the willows! The first is television. I simply forget every other thing. Hours later, I see what tasks I’d complete if I wasn’t so engrossed in the tube. So, I would much rather read a book or go dancing. The second is clutter. They take up all that space in a room and in one’s head many times. I’d hang up clutter so that I can see my priorities better. It would serve me to pick up DIY, and self-education. Of course! harp Lastly, I’d hang up the “keeping up with the Joneses” game. You know, following the lemming if you will. Watching a…

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Consider and look carefully for the colour of truth. For men do give it colour in their stories and perspectives. But the truth just is. And it is no lie!   I stumbled upon Confessions of an Economic Hitman by John Perkins, recently. And, oh, what a find! An exposé of crime in international circles. While on assignment in Panama, he met this el hombre, who was picnicking with family. His guide was showing him around at the time, and the hombre walked up to chat. They chat about advancements in the country and the man described Omar Torrijos, as a despot and a dangerous man. Dangerous to whom? It is peculiar that he could label Torrijos, in such “colourful” terms. We clearly see in the story, that he is in fact, a respected leader “who will go down fighting for” the Panamanian people. Some positions really just reveal an…

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How I see it, is a post about perceptions and impressions. How we might perceive events. Some perceptions are popular and may become stereotypes. Others, are not. That doesn’t mean they are wrong, though! Our environment does influence our perception and become culture or a way of life. how I see it John had cash to buy food. Problem was cash was unacceptable in grocery stores in his city. So the cashier wouldn’t accept cash. It was a long and lousy night for poor John. His is a culture that places systems above people. Rigid much? A widow sought justice from a judge. She wouldn’t quit though he dismissed her. This judge had a reputation. We learn that he neither feared God nor respected man. Eventually, he relented and granted her wish, saying to himself, this woman is going to weary me by her continual calling. What?? How I see…

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Out of Akosombo and fond memories! The training venue was the Volta Hotel, less than two hours drive, from Accra, Ghana’s capital if traffic is light. Bags packed, we all looked forward to the travel experience especially as it meant being out of busy Accra for a few days. Besides, road trips can be such fun, yes? Images from the lake Checking in took a bit of time. Why did it take so long? They knew we were coming, right? Soon, it was dinner and surprise, it was the eat- all- you- can kind. A delightful spread to choose from. The food was consistently good all through our stay. The lake across was attention grabbing; not to mention the scenic landscape and majestic mountains. Finally, we all got our rooms. Nice and clean with luxurious sheets, waiting was not so bad after all. Seeing the drinking glasses wrapped in cling-film…

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The dew on the ground at the perfect time is a life saver. Never mind that it wets our socks as we walk through fields in the morning. The drops are perfect for earth life. In some cultures, applying the drops to the face is a thing because of the belief that it can restore, rejuvenate and help retain youth. Life everywhere. “A great wheel turning.”  “…morning dew, cheers for a time, but till the sun doth show; and straight is gone…” Samuel Daniel The tipping point! Lights blink.  A discordant tune in the great circle of life? “Life is a delicate dance on the edges of time like dew on the tip of a leaf. No prodigal be.” As the dew As the mist falls on the ground,Is a graceful garland for the head;And pendants for the neck.Alas! A capricious dayMorning dew is out! Seasons come and goLike droplets…

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It is in a book. That which you seek! If you have the drive to seek it. There’s often an answer in the fine print and a lot of learning in belles-lettres. It is in a book. For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn to unique literary styles and expressions. I read dictionaries and encyclopedias too when I was quite young. Yeah! I know! Nerdy stuff! I was curious about words and how to use them correctly. I still am! Some words are unusual. Art, stories about love, faith and adventure helped shape my world. “I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.” Jorge Luis Borges Well put, Jorge! All that was stored will have to come out in time, right? I truly enjoy writing. No surprise there! Maybe, because the things that take our attention, eventually manifest. Good or bad. One…

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Easy does it, insert name. This expression, is a way of asking that a person proceeds carefully or take their time with something. Sort of like make haste slowly. Steadily complete a task with care and minimum injury. Hasty climbers have sudden falls, nor so? Easy does it! Could we apply this principle to work? A work culture of fewer work hours, high productivity and no burnouts? This may be a more sustainable way to work, I might add! It is worth noting too that less is more! EASY DOES IT, ‘ERE! Perpetual Guardian, an organization based in New Zealand, cut down working hours on a trial basis. Soon, the management observed a boost in productivity. Employees learned to prioritize and focus on tasks much better. They were happier because they could spend time away from work or with their families. Electricity cost reduced. A win-win situation. So the trial…

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