A Woman’s Prerogative

SMILE

Are you talking to me

I am not here to perform tricks for you

You laugh

You look so pretty when you

SMILE

So what you’re telling me is

I’m ugly if I don’t

SMILE

For you

You laugh again

You know what’s funny

That you don’t know me

Or what makes me

SMILE

But I will share with you

Being commanded to

SMILE

Isn’t one of the things

That makes me happy

Makes my heart sing

So stop putting your

Demands on me to

SMILE

I’m not going to give

One to you

These are mine to distribute

As my heart tells me to

SMILE

Love,

Judy Angelheart

Copyright and all rights reserved 2018

I am reposting this beautiful poem in celebration of all the beautiful women, as we honor and treasure each other for Women’s Herstory Month. Yes, we have a voice in history. We are women, hear us roar!

This poem is dedicated to all the lovely women who have ever been told to SMILE. This poem was prompted by a conversation I overheard at the library one day. This man told this beautiful woman to smile; she remained silent, she just shook her head.

What is it going to take for people to understand that it is not flattering to be commanded, like a dog, to SMILE!

Stop doing it! It isn’t kind or respectful because our beauty- all our beauty inside and out is not here for your entertainment.

Sending out love to all my beautiful, lovely ladies- YOU are so much more than your smile. I hope this poem and the love I send with it will make you SMILE!

And to all the men, I am sending out an abundance of love and feminine energy. I know the majority of you are very kind and supportive of us beautiful women.

Love,

Juju

PS:  I quickly scribbled this poem in my notebook before the Muse got away. Afterward, I neatly made a copy of it and gave it to her. I told her, “Thank you for being an inspiration to me this morning.” I waited while she read the poem and with tears in both of our eyes, we gave each other a hug. Then I walked away because I didn’t want her to feel obligated to me in any way and I also didn’t want to intrude any further on her day.

In the Midst

All around is the roaring of lions

Their noise deafens my ears

I sink down 

In the midst of it all

Now  

I hear them

The whisper of angels

Softly bringing love

To the world

Judy Angelheart

I found this small treasure among all my past blog posts and felt that it was the perfect little poem to share again.

Enjoy

Love,

Juju

Infinitely Amazing

The infinity symbol flows, changes, and comes back upon itself anew

The Angels Speak to us:

How long will we be with you? How long must we remind you of our love?

These questions have only one answer: infinitely~ always~ time and time again.

We don’t show you or tell you “ugly” truths to scare you or cause you to fear but to propel you into action- the most powerful action there is: prayer.

Prayer releases the power of God. Does He require this of you? No, you need to do this. You are the one who shuts down or gets busy or hides- not remembering the assistance and power in you and all around you.

You must not let the things of this world or of the spirit world cause you fear. Allow them to set your spirit in action to send love, to be love, for all those that need it.

All need love

You are a mighty warrior. Your weapon is love. When fear comes spear it with love- literally harpoon it. It is not too big nor too mighty for the power of your love, the released power of God, to reach it and bring it under the direction of the love- flowing and flooding and changing those situations in ways unknown and unnamed- disarming them and morphing them- transmutating them into love.

Invite it in

Allow the flow

Allow the change

Send it out

Love!

The Angels

This timeless message speaks to my heart. I hope it speaks to yours. This simple, yet powerful message tells us that we are powerful. We affect the physical and the spiritual realms with our prayers. And through those prayers, we join with God and the holy angels to live in love.

Sending you infinite love,

Juju

A Song to the Lord

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies: thou anointeth my head with oil; my cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

This is one of the shortest psalms written and one that so many people are familiar with because it is often read at funerals. However, this is not a psalm of or about death, it is poem to the beauty of life.

I just finished reading a book by Max Lucado called “Traveling Light.” This book and others I have read do an excellent job of expounding on this psalm.

However, none of the books or commentaries I have read about this psalm have ever given me the explanation of one sentence that has always been puzzling for me.

A shepherd is responsible for a herd of sheep. This is a simplistic definition for a very difficult task for the shepherd. For these animals are not very bright and need constant care and guidance. Therefore, it may seem a bit simplistic or even a bit condescending when we are referred to as sheep.

Our shepherd, Jesus, cares for us in such an overarching way that we want or need for nothing; all is provided and cared for.

Yet, one line was always been left unexplained. He prepares a table before me (for me) in the presence of my enemies. One commentary said that the table was the grass to eat but the psalmist already spoke of the green grass. Or it has been said it is a place of safety. Yet, that too is covered under the rod and staff of protection and direction. And in just the line prior it is stated that we need fear no evil.

Therefore, what is this table and why is it prepared for us? I think the answer lies in who we are as a chosen people. We have this wonderful table prepared for us, yet all around us are those who we perceive as enemies, foes, people who have hurt us or wish to hurt us.

Before, I come to the table I must wash my hands, I must bow my head in thanksgiving, and then…

Yet, can I truly come to the table before I have offered forgiveness to those who have hurt me? Can I truly come if I myself am in need of forgiveness?

Not only am I in need of forgiveness but I must forgive before I can come to this table. Furthermore, since this table has been prepared to overflowing then the next imperative is that I must invite those around to join me. I can not take of these abundant blessings unless I am open and willing to share it with all.

Furthermore, we can see that the table was prepared by the shepherd and that it is piled high to overflowing. All is given to us as gifts from above. Therefore, we can rest in the assurance of more.

This is why this remains one of my favorite psalms, it is always fresh and alive and there is always something new to be seen and experienced.

This shepherd is always with us, leading us on, giving us rest, anointing our heads, and challenging us to live with him in harmony with our brothers and sisters.

Yes, there is a bounty in the Lord.

Yes, more than enough.

Yes, to life with the Lord.

My dear friends I ask your forgiveness for a period of quiet with no words from me for a time. I ask that you accept this as an offering of bounty from my heart to yours.

With love,

Juju

Spring 2020

Reposting because this is still true

Here we are in the midst of a GLOBAL PANDEMIC in case you haven’t heard about COVID-19. There, I said it but that will be the last time I mention it because we have all heard and seen that plenty.

Here is a poem I wrote this spring about the aforementioned thing.

Spring 2020

We are all looking for some huge thing right now

The turning of the tide

Where finally we will see the end of this

And get back to “normal”

I predict there will be none of that

There will not be ringing of bells

Nor shouts in the street

It will not be like that

There may be celebrations

Small intimate ones

Why do I feel this way

When something is so large

You can not take in its enormity

The vast unfathomable essence of a thing

Some unnamed entity it started out to be

Yet no one can claim to not know

Every is a very large number

An all inclusive sum

Instead I predict

It will be quiet like

A gentle breeze

Yet no one will escape its passing

And I was privy to a miracle

Will be the only words we are left to say

 

Judy Angelheart

Copyright 2020

I promise I will be in touch soon.

Sending you love and angels,

Juju

 

 

Missions

I am sending you out a mission(s); each one is simple yet challenging. Choose one and take some time to think about and play with the idea of the mission. Then have fun exploring ways to accomplish the mission. You can pick one or several to explore. You can go down the list starting at number one and do each mission in order. You can do these missions alone or with a friend(s).

Mission  Guidelines:  

1.      Look for opportunities- everyone needs a little TLC

2.      Be open &willing to connect-to new people and experiences

3.      Give- expecting nothing in return

4.      Likewise- when given- take without guilt or obligation- allow the giver the gift of giving

5.      Small and Simple- nothing large or extraordinary is required-give what and when you can

6.      However- keep in mind that you can never out give God- there is abundance

7.      Plus giving/sharing begets MORE- it opens us- to the abundance of the universe

8.      Be thankful- that you have something to give

9.      Be joyful- joy is a heart condition- Give from your heart

10.   No right or wrong way to complete a mission-trust your instincts 

**A mission may spark powerful reactions; be prepared for spontaneous joy. However, you may also experience other emotions such as hurt, sorrow, or guilt. These emotions are signs that you are doing something meaningful. Keep up the good work. 

Please share your experiences:

On Facebook at www.facebook.com/whisperofangeljuju  or send an email to whisperofangels@live.com and I will post it or you can post it yourself right here.  

Thank you for Giving of Yourself,

Juju

Missions:

Each mission carries with it a message or two. Have fun exploring and playing with concepts/tasks .

Mission #1: Be Forgiving

Primarily, be forgiving to and of yourself. This requires some self-exploration and honesty yet the rewards are worth it. We all make mistakes and do stupid things. Be kind to yourself and allow forgiveness to flow through YOU!

Now move on to forgiving others- keep in mind that forgiveness is an act of love, you do not need to condone or excuse them; just forgive. Nor do you need to allow someone to continue to hurt you.

Mission #2: Forgive Debt(s)

Allow someone(s) off the HOOK- let it go! Some words of caution here- forgive only what you can – financially, emotionally, and spiritually. Also, do not fall into the trap of bragging, boosting, or shaming others. Forgive quietly, freely, and completely. Maybe you can only forgive a portion of a debt, do what you feel comfortable doing.

Mission #3: Send a Card or a Letter

A handwritten note has so much impact. You can send a card to a friend or relative or you can send a card to a business that you like. However, you can also randomly send a card to someone by calling a nursing home and asking about a resident that likes to receive cards or send a card via the USO to a military person serving our country. The list is endless. However, taking the time to write a thoughtful note is invaluable.

Mission #4: Give Some Time

We are all busy- yet giving of your time to a local organization can literally change lives. You get to pick how much and where to give your time. Challenge yourself to research organizations and causes that speak to your heart and soul. Then call to find out how you can get involved. Go-give-get involved! You may just find a calling awaiting you.

Mission #5: Be Kind to Others

This sounds so easy. Yet, this is a challenge. Be kind for an entire day, to everyone and everything. You can’t get mad at your computer, cell phone or the driver next to you. There will be no cursing the ants crawling all over your kitchen or the leaking faucet in the bathroom.

Mission #6: Be Kind to YOURSELF

This sounds easy. Yet, this is a challenge. Be kind to yourself for an entire day. You can’t get upset or fall prey to the negative self-talk. You have to be kind to yourself in every way. Challenge yourself to look in the mirror and not find one flaw. No frustration over what you can’t do; we all have limitations. Celebrate all you CAN do!

Mission #7: Be Thankful

For EVERYTHING and EVERYONE. Easy, right? However, we often forget how blessed we are. Count your blessings. Yes, count- how many pairs of shoes do you have, how many meals you ate today, do you have a mode of transportation, etc.… Too easy- take it up a notch be thankful for things before they happen. An example- I am thankful that I will find a good parking place and be on time for work.

Mission #8: Feed the Body and You Feed the Soul

Share a meal. You don’t have to cook it yourself but you may enjoy that. Take food to someone, offer to cook for a young busy family, fix a meal at the homeless shelter, etc… Yet, go beyond sharing the food and feeding someone- share you and sup together. There is a reason that this type of fellowship is important to our souls.

Mission #9: Be Well

The human body is an amazing thing! It is constantly repairing, rebuilding, and growing. Be amazed at the wonder of the human body- yours and others. We come in different sizes and shapes, yet all beautiful. No one is immune from illness; however, wellness is a state of the spirit. Celebrate the wellspring of vitality and health within each of us.

Mission #10: To Infinity and Beyond

Consider the infinite universe- it is big- it is ever expanding. Share this vision with others and allow them to know the infinite universe and its infinite blessings. Look for ways to honor and celebrate this expansion. Challenge yourself and others to expand your horizons- mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

 

Witness to Opportunity

I am the only one that knows this story. There may have been three of us in the room but I was there as God’s witness, even though, I did not know that at the time. I remember it well, I was a part of the story but it is not my story, it is his story.

Let me take you back about ten years:

He and I had both just been hired at a senior living community and were in the new hire orientation.

I had been trying to get a job at this place for some time and I finally snagged one, albeit a part-time gig with no set hours or schedule. The big boon for me was a job working in a field I had always felt drawn to and had worked in before.

He was a young kid, barely eighteen, a high school dropout who had recently had a brush with the law. He was not the poster child for the ideal job candidate by any means.

I, on the other hand, was in my forties and could have used a full-time position. I had a bachelor’s degree and experience working with seniors. However, I was thankful to be hired.

The HR manager conducted the new hire orientation; she gave us both big binders full of information about working there. As she went through the binder explaining the various things in it she would look over at him and in a positive and in an upbeat tone of voice tell him about all the wonderful benefits he would receive as a full-time employee. She then would turn to me and say in a monotone voice, but you don’t get this so you can sit there while I go over this with him. As each new thing in the binder was introduced and gone over this was repeated with her cheerfully going over all the wonderful things he would get and again turning to me and telling me that I would not get any of it. She also glowingly shared with him about the immense opportunity for advancement in his department and then turned to me and told me that there was none in my department. I could understand that as a full-time employee, he would get benefits I would not but I could not understand her exuberance toward him and her dismissive attitude toward me. I remember the sting of her words.

I no longer work there; I wasn’t even there a year. She was right, the department I worked in could not offer me the hours I needed so when I was offered a full-time position somewhere else, I took it.

Yet, for him, and remember it is his story. He was bolstered from the beginning, he was told about all the wonderful opportunities he would have. The things he heard and the tone they were delivered to him in literally altered his life.

I know they did because the other day I picked up my local paper and there he was smiling in his chef’s uniform. The caption underneath gave his title as The Executive Chef. He had won an award that night for the best dessert at an event where he was competing against some of the best chefs in the area.

I thought back to that day when I met him in our new hire orientation. I thought back to this kid who was beginning a new chapter in his life. I thought back to his title at the time, which was a dishwasher. I thought back to her telling him that he could go far, and he did!

I am truly happy for him and his success. I don’t know all of the story in between then and now, but I do know that he had to have put in the hard work to get where he is today; he should be extremely proud of himself. Yet, I believe that if on that new hire orientation day he had not heard someone speak to him in such positive ways, giving him hope for a bright future, he would have had a very different outcome.

This story is a testament to so many things. I am telling it to you for two reasons, the first I shared with you, that he was spoken to and given such a wonderful picture of his future. This points out that the way we speak to one another has a profound impact on our lives and the lives of those around us. We literally have the power to change someone’s entire life by how we speak to them and the faith that we have in them to reach their potential.

However, there is a more profound second reason; this one is veiled in the story. It is somewhat my story, as I was there as the witness, but it is really your story, the story of feeling like you were treated unfairly, or not given an opportunity, or spoken to unkindly. It hurts, it stings, and it is difficult to understand why it happens. The outcome of this story points to a very high spiritual reason, you were chosen to be a witness to someone’s glory! In addition, you were chosen to be the remembrance of how we are to treat one another. Sometimes the hurts we carry are there to build a stronghold to give to others. You were chosen to be stronger and bolder so you can stand up for others.

Be of good cheer friends for you are chosen to be the greatest you in the universe. Thanks for being there to read and share our stories.

Juju

 

A Woman’s Prerogative

 

 

SMILE

Are you talking to me

I am not here to perform tricks for you

 

You laugh

You look so pretty when you

SMILE

 

So what you’re telling me is

I’m ugly if I don’t

SMILE

For you

 

You laugh again

 

You know what’s funny

That you don’t know me

Or what makes me

SMILE

But I will share with you

Being commanded to

SMILE

Isn’t one of the things

That makes me happy

Makes my heart sing

 

So stop putting your

Demands on me to

SMILE

I’m not going to give

One to you

These are mine to distribute

As my heart tells me to

SMILE

 

Love,

Judy Angelheart

Copyright and all rights reserved 2018

 

This poem is dedicated to all the lovely women who have ever heard someone tell them to SMILE. My lovely daughter recently was lamenting about men telling her to smile. This poem was prompted by a conversation I heard this morning at the library. I overheard a man tell this beautiful woman to smile; she remained silent, she just shook her head.

What is it going to take for people (men) to understand that it is not flattering to be commanded, like a dog, to SMILE!

Stop doing it! It isn’t kind or respectful because our beauty- all our beauty inside and out is not here for your entertainment.

Sending out love to all my beautiful, lovely ladies- YOU are so much more than your smile. I hope this poem and the love I send with it will make you SMILE!

And to all the men, I am sending out an abundance of love and feminine energy. I know the majority of you are very kind and supportive of us beautiful women.

Love,

Juju

PS: I wrote this poem in my notebook, however, it would be more correct to say I quickly scribbled it before the Muse got away. Afterward, I neatly made a copy of this poem and walked over and gave it to her. I told her, “Thank you for being an inspiration for me this morning.” I waited while she read the poem and with tears in both of our eyes, we gave each other a hug. Then I walked away because I didn’t want her to feel obligated to me in any way and I also didn’t want to intrude any further on her day. She really is a beautiful lady inside and out. Thank you for the hug!

Girlfriend Hands III

Really

What was I thinking

Painting my nails

Of course the polish smeared and chipped

Within minutes

By the next day

They looked really bad

But I had no time to fix them

A busy week each day they looked

Worse and worse

Hunting through the linen closet

I finally found the almost empty bottle of nail polish remover

It wasn’t enough- UGH

They looked even worse

I wanted to hide my hands

Hoping no one would notice

Chipped pink sparklily nail polish

Stuck on from Valentine’s Day

Screamed- UGLY

Looks can be deceiving because in reality

These are writer’s hands

Penning poetry hands

These are amazing

Sending out healing hands

These are artist hands

Creating visions and sensations hands

These are nourishing hands

Preparing body and soul food hands

I scrap and scratch the last few flecks

Desperate to remove the traces of pink

“Out, out great spot”

However unlike he

I only wish to reveal

The true stain of these hands

Which conjour up such amazing things

Love is in the mix of all of these

Love,

Judy Angelheart

2/17/18 Copyright and all rights reserved

Thank you for letting me share a bit of my poetry with you for national poetry month.

Yes, these are my hands, dried and weatherworn. We need to remember that looks really can be deceiving; the person is always more important than the appearances.

We are finally experiencing spring-like temperatures here which makes me very happy! Sending out warm healing energy to all of you.

Juju

Another High School

Each of us has a voice that is unique to our experience. Sometimes we feel the strong need to add our voice to the fray. At other times we feel like our voice will take away from the voice of others, or that it is too small to make a difference. However, after much thought and prayers, my voice has something to say.

I work as a substitute teacher. I primarily work in elementary schools but I also go to the middle and high schools. I have been doing this work for many years; therefore, I have seen and heard a lot. After every major event in the country, the kids feel it and react. We all feel it. No one is immune. However, I continue to go to work, as do so many other teachers, secretaries, and all the other adults that work in the school buildings. Our children continue to go to school.

We have heard the voices of our young people. They are scared and scarred. Yet, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t also.

Just days after the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, I was substituting at my local high school. As soon as I arrived, they assigned me to front hall duty for Lunch A. The front hall is a wide vestibule of glass doors and windows. Although the doors are locked I was fully exposed. I was on heightened alert due to recent events with nowhere to hide should something happen.

When I arrived, I noticed extra buses in the parking lot but didn’t know why they were there. I soon learned that the school was hosting a countywide choral festival; every middle and high school chorus from the entire county was there. They were there to sing and be evaluated by top judges.

It was wonderful to see so much positive energy from our young people, such beautiful voices. May all our children learn to sing together in harmony and heal the world.

 

Another High School

On the front lines

No distinction drawn

A wall of windows

Offers no protection

Stationed by the glass doors

I must not fear

There is a reason I am here

Always a purpose

An unwavering stance

My heart and soul

Flood with fierce love

For each one

Our children

Our future

Our joy

Today they come

Armed in chorus of voices

Let these be the only weapons

That ring out in our school halls

Love,

Judy Angelheart

2/26/18 Copyright and all rights reserved

 

When the world seems crazy and out of control our best defense is to lift our voices in hope, in peace, in prayer, and in song.

 

Sending love and healing out to all,

Juju

Postscript: I submitted this poem to Connections, a wonderful publication in the spring of 2018. The editors emailed me and said they wanted to publish it but didn’t have room in the spring edition. I emailed back and told them that I thought that the subject of the poem was so timely that they should reconsider finding room for it in the spring edition. However, they did not.
I reached out to them in fall 2018 to see if they still wanted to publish the poem and let them know that I had written a blog post. They did and it was published. I wish I could have had the chance to dedicate the poem, on page 49, to all of the young people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida and to the wonderful students who I have the chance to work with here at Calvert County, Maryland, with a big shout out to Patuxent High School where I was subbing that day. Well, at least I got the chance to do it here. Thank you all of you wonderful young people.