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I was recently relating to a friend the story of Ali Babba. You may recall how he tried and tried to get into a secret treasure room without success. He couldn't figure out the code until he overhead the magic words, "Open, sesame." And when he tried them, magically the door opened and he got the treasure.

Some ideas on what a revival might be:

"A third concept of revival may be identified. It is less familiar, less often encountered but maybe even more what is needed today. Revival can be defined in terms of a sweeping, penetrating, outpouring of the Holy Spirit that literally changes forever anyone, any church, any community, any culture, and society that experiences it. It is a kin to a great awakening. Such works of the Holy Spirit have widespread impact geographically, lasting duration influencing several generations, and produces significant spiritual, moral, and ethical uplift upon all that are touched by it. It is never confined to a local church for its scope goes far beyond that. It creates a sensitivity and passion for God, the Bible and salvation. It creates a consciousness of sin with its implications and consequences. It produces a deep hunger for purity of heart and life. And, such a revival generates a commitment for urgent, all out endeavor of evangelism of the unsaved, for the glory of Jesus Christ, and the eternal sake and good of never dying souls. Such is the revival needed today."

I am fascinated by this collection of experiences we call life. It has such an amazing way to keep us entertained. Or at least busy.

One of those ways is through all the myriad things it puts before us that beg for our attention. Things to keep us occupied. It's like we're little kids, and those activities are presented by a doting parent to keep us busy.

Did you ever wonder what other people are feeling around the world? Or whether you are the only one who feels the way you do? Here's a website that actually tracks and measures those feelings, with some FASCINATING results: WeFeel Fine.org. Check it out.

How are you spending this Memorial Day weekend? Getting away for the weekend, if not physically at least mentally? Or are you still caught up in whatever you've created, or are trying to create?

Escape is an all-to-common way of dealing with things. The struggles are sometimes so incessant or overwhelming that we need some time to renew and recreate ourselves. And from there, hopefully to return with greater perspective and ability to move through them.

Here's a link talking about how people survived the early years of the depression, before the government butted in. Please read it. It's important to know what people can do when they pull together and think outside the box.

Read this Yes Magazine article.

Are you loving as much as you can, giving it your all? Are you allowing yourself to be loved as fully as you can be loved? To what new limits can you push yourself?

Creating in this world is an act of love. If you want to create more, then first learn to create more love for others, as well as capacity within yourself to be loved.

How do you love yourself? How do you love others, particularly your spouse, family and friends? Do they accept your love, and most of all, feel loved when you do? Or do they feel oppressed, controlled, or expected of?

"If I had in myself a desire which no experience in the world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."

You know yourself, and what's going on in your life. What are you getting? What are you becoming? What could you do to make a difference in your life?