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Self ConsideratioThe Personal Thoughts of Tim Valent

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Just imagine if the money thats spent on war andweapons of mass destruction and distraction wasused to save lives and educate. How great acountry this would be?

Just imagine if the energy thats spent on hate,discrimination of any form and misinformationwas invested in love and tolerance. Howpowerful we would be?

Just imagine if the time thats spent towards tryingto be heard and seen was allocated towardslistening and considering. How much would weknow?

Just imagine if the fear we demonstrate of others

was expressed by our acceptance of them forwho they are and not what they are. How wouldthat affect your perceptions?

I know this may be far fetched, but imagine if wetreated people as we wanted to be treated. Howsecure our relationships would be?

You can not become someones teacher until youfirst become their student. In order to correctsomething you must understand how it thinks,how it learned what it thinks and how itprocesses what it thinks. May seem like a lot of

work, but it's commonly known as consideration.

I ask that you strive daily to be more willing tolisten than you are to speak, because it is howyou learn what to say and/or how to say themessage that you want to deliver.

Just imagine if you considered others beyondyourself.

When you think of the possibilities, nothing isimpossible.

When someone sarcastically tells you,"Keepdreaming". Just respond back by saying, thankyou, I will.

I say this last thought more for myself, but hopesomeone can get something from it as well.

Everyone will not see or embrace your vision ofchange towards a better future, because they areblinded by the stagnated views of today.Considering others beyond yourself is easier saidthan done, but it can be done.

If you could just imagine what could be whenyou practice consideration of others, life begins tobecome easy. You become attracted to people,not in some perverted sense, but by allowingyourself to simply see the face of God withinthem. Even those who choose to believe that Hedoesn't exist. You see the person for who they aremore than what they are. So race, ethnicity,religion, gender, sexuality and even politicalaffiliations becomes non-factors because you seewho they are, not what they are.

The challenge is getting others to see that forthemselves.

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Just Imagine | Written By: Timothy Valentine

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There are times in life when it just seemsimpossible. Its those times when everyone callson you, but you have no one to call on. The billsshow up, but the money doesnt. You get up earlyto get ahead and go to bed late still with more todo.

Life becomes overwhelming. You have your ownthings to deal with. We are more eager to seekthe comfort in our own selfishness andcircumstances that we miss the opportunity itpresents.

You may feel like youre all alone in the crowdedroom of life, but it is just the occasion wemistakenly allow our adversary to talk us into or

should I say out of what was meant to be. Ourthoughts, ideas and suggestions is the gateway toour mind and our mind is what controls ourperceptions. Our perceptions are dependent oncontext. What you perceive is often how youthink. What you think is what motivates you.What motivates you is what you do.

We get so busy with the problem that we forgetthat God is bigger than our problems. So we tryto do what we can to fix it ourselves. We arearrogant enough to do so without evenconsidering God for guidance.

So in conclusion I offer this for you to thinkabout.

Pray. But if you want your prayer to meansomething to God, it has to mean everything toyou. Sometimes life will become sourer or bitter,but when life goes bad, pray with the confidenceof faith that God is still good. If hes as sweet asI know then theres little reason for you to bebitter.

Prayer is just a conversation with God. It doesntneed to be long or drawn out, it can be a 140characters or less if you have faith. :D Becauseits not about the words you say, but what thosewords mean to you. I dont know who else this isfor, but I just felt like sharing.

Pray without ceasing is just encouraging youdevelop a relationship with God beyond thewords. Everyone may not agree with you, butremember who you're talking to. Yourconversation is with God.

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Pray Without Ceasing | Written By: Timothy Valentine

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When you consider the core of what divides usits normally something simple. We have beenconditioned to categorize, label or separateourselves in order to receive attention. It makesus easier targets and attacks on ourconsciousness easier because we internalize thatone is somehow better than another in some way.

We hear of the Civil Rights Movement, WomensMovement, Prosperity Movement, the ProgressiveMovement, even the Tea Party Movement. Wehave so many movements, but no one is askingwhere are we going?

Let me make it easier to understand. Were goingin ever direction except forward together.

I have no problem with a movement, but whenwe become so chopped and divided that we takeon a separate, but equal mentality with alldeliberate speed we forget that we are all onewho will all arrive at the same place in life oneday.

I could go further, but will let you finish thisthought in your own words. I would like to endwith a quote that sticks with me by Dr. MartinLuther King, Jr. as illustrated in A Letter from aBirmingham Jail. I find this as a philosophicalprincipal we all should consider.

I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not beconcerned about what happens inBirmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to

justice everywhere. We are caught in aninescapable network of mutuality, tied in asingle garment of destiny. Whatever affectsone directly, affects all indirectly. Neveragain can we afford to live with the narrow,

provincial "outside agitator" idea. Anyone

who lives inside the United States can neverbe considered an outsider anywhere withinits bounds.

Where are you going?

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Where Are You Going? | Written By: Timothy Valentine

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The inspiration of this comes from reports overthe past several months that tells the story ofRepublicans either being forced out of the GOPfor the bogus reasons of not being conservativeenough as defined by Ultra-Conservatives andtheir Tea Party.

This continues to be the problem I've been tryingto explain to Republicans for the longest and theystill refuse to comprehend the dead end politicalstreet they're on. The more you drive outRepublicans who you think are not conservativeenough, the smaller and weaker the GOP willbecome.

These type of actions essentially make the

Democrats stronger, because the moderates youdrive away also drives away conservativeindependent voters as well. That leads them withfour choices, well three, the fourth is unlikelygiving the political circumstances.

1. Become a Conservative Independentwho votes for the Independent orDemocrat running for office.

2. Become a Conservative Democrat,which strengthens the Democratic Partyin areas where they were weak.

Specifically, in conservative and ruraldistricts.

3. Not vote at all. This essentiallystrengthens the Democrats, because theyare disenfranchised Republicans whowill now refuse to vote for theRepublican candidate. Democrats didn'tfactor in their support in the first placegiven the voters electoral record of notvoting for them. This weakens the GOP.

4. I would add this one, but unlikely. Theycould just vote for the Republican/TeaParty candidate who holds more extremeconservative views than them, but thatwill mean they would have to onceagain vote against their own interests.

Republicans, Conservatives, Tea Party folks can beupset with me if you want. If you consider whatI've written you will see that I'm not comingagainst you, but warning you of what you'redoing. When it's all said and done, your actionsis weakening your party and strengthening your

oppositions. By pushing the Real Republicans outthe door, you set them up to push back againstyou in one way or the other.

As a Democrat, I say keep up the good work.Seriously, thank you. Your static opposition toeverything helps me make the case for why anyreasonable person shouldn't collaborate oraffiliate with Republicans and its subsidiaries.Because all I have to do is let you do what you doand coral them to follow a Democratic agenda orat least reject the Republican one.

Either way, a conservative conundrum means aneasier path to a progressive win. You may not likewhat I have to say, but think about what I'm

actually saying.

References & InspirationsYahoo News - 05/08/10"US Sen. Bennett facesconservative test in Utah"

CBS News - 04/28/10"Charlie Crist Expected to Runas an Independent in Florida Senate Race"

The Huffington Post - 11/20/09 "John McCain CouldLose Senate Primary To Tea Party Supporter"

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Conservative Conundrum | Written By: Timothy Valentine

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What is your definition of ethnic studies?

I believe this is a good question for everyone,because we often do not consider our own raceas an ethnic group.

I use this example for clarity and consideration. Iuse this as an example to emphasis our socialperceptions and what so many have been taught.This question is designed to get everyone toconsider themselves as they consider others.

Isn't being Caucasian/White an ethnic group, justlike any other group?

When we do not consider who we are we tend

not to consider others for who they are andperceive others with a different standard than wegive ourselves. This makes for biases to enter. So ifwe got rid of ethnic studies, like Arizona is nowproposing in their state, wouldn't that meangetting rid of all of our history?

This actually isnt a question of politics, but yourown personal policy about inclusion.

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Our Ethnic Perceptions | Written By: Timothy Valentine

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What if God held a grudge?

Could you just imagine the affects it would haveon life itself? It would be like we, meaningmankind were God.

I want to keep it simple, so I will not get too deepinto Genesis, but encourage you to study it foryourself. As the name itself is defines what it is;it's the beginning of comprehension of the Wordof God.

Understanding why were not God and thepotential hell that could have been if we werebegins when you examine what is written andconsider the possibilities of what is not written. I

reference Genesis 3, The Fall of Man, but onecan go beyond this if you choose.

When I consider what if God held a grudge, Iwould have to conclude that He would be actinglike many of us do today, both in and out ofchurch. If it wasnt for his grace, tolerance and

mercy that is given to us each day, can youimagine where we would be?

Arent you grateful that God doesnt holdgrudges?

So why should we hold a grudge, if the one wesay we are a child of doesnt?

One thing that comes to mind when I find myselfleaning towards grudge instead of forgiveness,acceptance or tolerance is mercy.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all thedays of my life, when I strive to be obedient,concerned about others and demonstrate

diligence in His will.

What if God held a grudge?

Man, I dont even want to know what my lifewould be. All I know it would be Hell.

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What If God Held a Grudge | Written By: Timothy Valentine

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Within each of us is a person who wars to getout. The challenge is determining who or what iswithin us that seeks its freedom.

How do I have to be in order for you to be free?

A better question I believe would be what can wedo that honors everyone in order for us toaccomplish true freedom?

What makes for peace?

When we look at our conflicts, whether in termsof global, nationally, regionally, locally,spiritually, politically, inter-personally and withinourselves it all derives from our own personal

war within to be acknowledged, respected,considered and valued. To make it plain, its aquest to be human.

If it means giving up what makes a person give upwhat makes them comfortable they are opposedto doing.

Most people want peace, but are unwilling tomake peace, unwilling to create peace, unwillingto be exposed to the contradiction that lends youto fight for peace.

How do I have to be in order for you to be free?

The mentality is that I want what you have alwayshad, whether you recognized or respected it ornot. Give it to me.

Power concedes nothing without a demand. Itnever did and it never will. Frederick Douglass

Power is not always in what we see someone elsemay have. We must consider what it took forthem to get it first, but more than that we mustconsider what they have to do to keep it. Thepower may not be in what we see, but in whatwe think we dont have. The more popular youare, the wealthier you become, and the moreinfluence you have on people the less freedomyou have.

There are so many things and people who tell usthat were free, but how free are you when youhate?

As people we often dont realize that we havebeen given free will. Whether we choose toproperly exercise it or not, that too is our choice.

The power thats invested in your MentalExistence is enough power to make both war andpeace, which one do you choose?p

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By The Power Invested in M.E. | Written By: Timothy Valentine

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As men, one of the hardest things for us to do isto listen to a problem without trying to figure outa way to resolve it.

Can I get an Amen?

We just want to make life simple, easy or fun.Why complicate it with a problem? So when weare presented with a problem or discover aproblem we try to fix it as quickly as possible.

Boom, there you go, all done, no more problem.Are you happy now?

Now I can only say this by my own observations,conversations and experiences with women, so I

would need at least two or more women to verifywhat Im about to say. Im sure you will correctme if Im wrong.

We try to fix problems for the most part due toour schizophrenic propensity for peace. I sayschizophrenic because the vast majority of theproblems in the world if researched was likelycaused by some man with a problem. Wheneverit comes to a woman for some reason we want tohurry up and solve it.

Why?

In all sincerity, often we just dont want to seeyou unhappy. Whenever there a womanunhappy in some way there tends to be afrustrated, aggravated or annoyed man nearby. Sowe do all we can to basically answer thisquestion.

Are you happy now?

We dont mean any harm if we are immatureenough to verbally ask you that. We only wantsome type of confirmation that we fixed whatwas wrong.

As men we learn what to say for the most part toget what we want. No its not always sex.

As we become more experienced in ourrelationships we learn what to say and how to sayit. As we mature in our relationships andpersonally we learn what to say, how to say it andwhen to say it? But it doesnt stop there. We haveto learn how to say what needs to be said, knowhow to translate it into Woman and why weshould say it?

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Are You Happy Now? | Written By: Timothy Valentine

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Now women, please tell me am I right?

What I believe thats missed sometimes and I do itas well is knowing when not to fix anything and

just listen. When you are actually listening towhat shes really saying you can discern whethershe wants you to fix it or just listen and let her fixit herself in her own way. So we must learnpatience.

As men we frustrate women and they frustrate us.This is why men can remain friends with lessconflict longer. Women can be friends withwomen, but how often do you get upset withyour friend? How long does it take you to getover it? Then ask a guy the same question.

If we share a problem with another man wetypically are seeking an answer or ideas for asolution. We dont want to talk about it. We wantit done so we can do something else. We donthave time for all that. All we want to know is theproblem, facts, important details, how much timewe got, answer and were done.

Can I get an Amen from the men?

You always hear women say that it's the littlethings that are important. Now I know thats not

always true, but for the most part it is.

As Ive matured the one thing Ive tried to sharewith men is that most women live much of theirlives in their heads. Unfortunately, we do too, butthats a conversation for another day.

Learning to listen is difficult for most of usbecause we all want to be heard, seen andacknowledged. We tend to lack the patience andconsideration thats required to listen.

Being with them is essential to fostering andmaintaining a stable, enduring, enriched andconscious relationship. Whether it is with afriend, family or loved one seek understandingand incorporate it into your interactions.

Be receptive to the kind of responsiveness manywomen seek if you want them to be happy.

You want always make them happy, because itsalways something. But we typically only caremost about your happiness with us.

Communication is not always about words, butthe connection. The lack of communication is notalways about a lack of words, but not knowingwhat to say, how to say it or when to say it.Communication is subtle. Its not a joke, but it isin a way because it requires timing and patienceto get it right.

Men and Women are crazy, but you dont need tobecome a psychologist to know this. Perhapsthats why Im working to become one, to confirmthat Im not crazy. Just so I dont have to ask thequestion, are you happy now :)

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Are You Happy Now? (Continued)| Written By: Timothy Valentine

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I thank and appreciate all who has taken the time to read

what I have to say. You continue to be the ones who provoke

thought, conversation and action by your comments,

commentary and on occasion, criticisms.

Either way it goes, its always good and the reason why I

am inspired to write. Thank you.

Please share your thoughts about what is written with

whomever you feel may appreciate or gain something from

it. Also, I would welcome your feedback as well. Simply

email me attimvalentine@ymail.comor you can send me a

tweet@timvalentine.

Consider Others Beyond Yourself,

Timothy A. Valentine

http://www.twitter.com/timvalentinehttp://www.twitter.com/timvalentinemailto:timvalentine@ymail.commailto:timvalentine@ymail.com