Return to Top You Say — God Says
You say: "It's impossible." God says: All things are possible. (Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired." God says: I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me." God says: I love you. (John 3:16 & John 13:34)
You say: "I can't go on." God says: My grace is sufficient. (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out." God says: I will direct your steps. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: "I can't do it." God says: You can do all things. (Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able." God says: I am able. (II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's not worth it." God says: It will be worth it. (Roman 8:28)
You say: "I can't forgive myself." God says: I FORGIVE YOU. (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage." God says: I will supply all your needs. (Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid." God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear. (II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated." and "I don't have enough faith." God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith. (Romans 12:3)
You say: "I'm not smart enough." God says: I give you wisdom. (I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: "I feel all alone." God says: I will never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5) — Unknown
The Holy Alphabet A lthough things are not perfect B ecause of trial or pain C ontinue in thanksgiving D o not begin to blame E ven when the times are hard F ierce winds are bound to blow G od is forever able H old on to what you know I magine life without His love J oy would cease to be K eep thanking Him for all the things L ove imparts to thee M ove out of "Camp Complaining" N o weapon that is known O n earth can yield the power P raise can do alone Q uit looking at the future R edeem the time at hand S tart every day with worship T o "thank" is a command U ntil we see Him coming V ictorious in the sky W e'll run the race with gratitude X alting God most high Y es, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but... Z ion waits in glory...where none are ever sad! — Unknown
The Seven Social Evils
Wealth without work
Pleasure without conscience
Knowledge without character
Commerce without morality
Science without humanity
Worship without sacrifice
Politics without principles — Mahatma Gandhi
Really Important Stuff Kids Have Taught Me
It's more fun to color outside the lines.
If you're gonna draw on the wall, do it behind the couch.
Even Popeye didn't eat his spinach until he absolutely had to.
If your dog doesn't like someone you probably shouldn't either.
Even if you've been fishing for 3 hours and haven't gotten anything except poison ivy and sunburn, you're still better off than the worm.
Sometimes you have to take the test before you've finished studying.
If you want a kitten, start out asking for a horse.
There is no good reason why clothes have to match.
If the horse you're drawing looks more like a dog, make it a dog.
Save a place in line for your friends.
Just keep banging until someone opens the door.
Making your bed is a waste of time.
Make up the rules as you go along.
It doesn't matter who started it.
Ask for sprinkles.
Hang on tight
Ask "why" until you understand. — Unknown
Watch
Watch your thoughts; they become words
Watch your words, they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; they become destiny. — Unknown
The Paradoxical Commandments
People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.
The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds. Think big anyway.
People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.
People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. Help people anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway. — Dr. Kent M. Keith
The Connection
You call me in the morning, your voice makes my heart smile
We've laughed and talked and gotten to know each other
Near, and across the miles;
I've run to your side when you've been in pain
You've carried my soul through the hard rain
There are no words to express how I feel;
You've helped me grow; you've helped me heal
Disagreements are expected — we've had a few,
But God gave us principles to get us through
The love, the bond, the fellowship — without it, I'd be dead
I only thought I had all that when I was out feeding my head...
You've been my mentor and spiritual guide, so real and so true,
I don't know how else to say it, but with three words: I LOVE YOU!!!! — Unknown
The New Ten Commandments
1. Thou shall not worry, for worry is the most unproductive of all human activities.
2. Thou shall not be fearful, for most of the things we fear never come to pass.
3. Thou shall not cross bridges before you come to them, for no one yet has succeeded in accomplishing this.
4. Thou shall face each problem as it comes. You can only handle one at a time anyway.
5. Thou shall not take problems to bed with you, for they make very poor bedfellows.
6. Thou shall not borrow other people's problems. They can better care for them than you can.
7. Thou shall not try to relive yesterday for good or ill, it is forever gone. Concentrate on what is happening in your life and be happy now!
8. Thou shall be a good listener, for only when you listen do you hear different ideas from your own. It is hard to learn something new when you are talking, and some people do know more than you do.
9. Thou shall not become "bogged down" by frustration, for 90% of it is rooted in self-pity and will only interfere with positive action.
10. Thou shall count thy blessings, never overlooking the small ones, for a lot of small blessings add up to a big one. — Unknown
Today
I asked GOD for strength that I might achieve.
I was made weak that I might humbly learn to obey.
I asked for health that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy.
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for riches that I might be happy.
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
I was given awareness that I might be grateful for the now.
I got nothing I asked for, but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all people most richly blessed. — Unknown
Very Revealing Prayers
Lord, help me to relax about insignificant details beginning tomorrow at 7:41:23 AM PST.
Lord, help me to consider people's feelings, even if most of them ARE hypersensitive.
Lord, help me to take responsibility for my own actions, even though they're usually NOT my fault.
Lord, help me to not try to RUN everything. But, if You need some help, please feel free to ASK me!
Lord, help me to be more laid back, and help me to do it EXACTLY right.
Lord, help me to take things more seriously, especially laughter, parties, and dancing.
Lord, give me patience, and I mean right NOW!
Lord, help me not be a perfectionist. (Did I spell that correctly?)
Lord, help me to finish everything I sta
Lord, help me to keep my mind on one Th — Look, a bird — ing at a time.
Lord help me to do only what I can, and trust you for the rest. And would you mind putting that in writing?
Lord, keep me open to others' ideas, WRONG though they may be.
Lord, help me be less independent, but let me do it my way.
Lord, help me follow established procedures today. On second thought, I'll settle for a few minutes.
Lord, help me slow down andnotrushthroughwhatIdo. — Unknown
What I Have Learned (But Not All That I Have Learned )
I've learned that you can get by on charm for about 15 minutes. After that, you'd better know something.
~ I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do, but to the best you can do.
I've learned that it's not what happens to people that's important. It's what they do about it.
~ I've learned that you can do something in an instant that will give you a heartache for life.
I've learned that no matter how thin you slice it, there are always two sides.
~ I've learned that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I've learned that it's alot easier to react than it is to think.
~ I've learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I've learned that you can keep going long after you think you can't.
~ I've learned that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I've learned that either you control your attitude or it controls you.
~ I've learned that sometimes I just need to be held.
I've learned that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.
~ I've learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I've learned that learning to forgive takes practice.
~ I've learned that there are people who love you dearly, but just don't know how to show it.
I've learned that money is a lousy way of keeping score.
~ I've learned that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.
I've learned that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.
~ I've learned that I'm getting more and more like my grandma, and I'm kinda happy about it.
I've learned that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
~ I've learned that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I've learned that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
~ I've learned that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back.
I've learned that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
~ I've learned that you should never tell a child her dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if she believed it.
I've learned that your family won't always be there for you. It may seem funny, but people you aren't related to can take care of you and love you and teach you to trust people again. Families aren't biological.
~ I've learned that no matter how good a friend someone is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I've learned that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
~ I've learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I've learned that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
~ I've learned that sometimes when my friends fight, I'm forced to choose sides even when I don't want to.
I've learned that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.
~ I've learned that sometimes you have to put the individual ahead of their actions.
I've learned that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.
~ I've learned that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I've learned that if you don't want to forget something, stick it in your underwear drawer.
~ I've learned that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.
I've learned that the clothes I like best are the ones with the most holes in them.
~ I've learned that it's not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that counts.
I've learned that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
~ I've learned that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.
I've learned that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.
~ I've learned that there are many ways of falling and staying in love.
I've learned that no matter the consequences, those who are honest with themselves, get farther in life.
~ I've learned that many things can be powered by the mind, the trick is self-control.
I've learned that no matter how many friends you have, if you are their pillar, you will feel lonely and lost at the times you need them most.
~ I've learned that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
I've learned that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.
~ I've learned that writing, as well as talking, can ease emotional pains.
I've learned that the paradigm we live in is not all that is offered to us.
~ I've learned that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon.
~ I've learned that although the word "love" can have many different meanings, it loses value when overly used.
I've learned that it's hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people's feelings and standing up for what you believe. — Unknown
What We Share
When we share laughter,
There's twice the fun;
When we share success,
We've surpassed what we've done.
When we share problems,
There's half the pain;
When we share tears,
A rainbow follows rain.
When we share dreams,
They become more real;
When we share secrets,
It's our hearts we reveal.
If we share a smile,
That's when our love shows;
If we share a hug,
That's when our love grows.
If we share with someone
On whom we depend,
That person is always
Family or friend.
And what draws us closer
And makes us all care,
Is not what we have,
But the things that we share. — Jill Wolf
When We Leave
At the end of a long day, we set down to rest
After all we have done, it is time to de-stress
We work hard to do so much while we are here
Sometimes the reasons are not all that clear
It is not important if the impact was small or great
One should take pride in all they have accomplished to date
Have you ever thought about the legacy you leave
You can make a difference, that you must believe
When the day is done and we take time to reflect
There are some important facts we must accept
Set aside a moment in time to see if you should do more
You may not be the only one that is keeping score
Take some time to assess all that was given to you
It is possible that you might have a balance due
Our purpose in life is to leave something behind
Hopefully a better world for others to find — Unknown
Twelve Steps to Insanity
1. We admitted we were powerless over nothing - that we could manage our lives perfectly. We could also perfectly manage the lives of those around us.
2. Came to believe that there was no power greater than ourselves and that the rest of the world was insane.
3. Made a decision to have our loved ones turn their wills and lives over to our care even though they couldn't understand us at all.
4. Made a searching and fearless inventory of everyone we knew.
5. Admitted to the whole world the exact nature of everyone else's wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to make others give us the respect we thought we deserved.
7. Demanded that others do our will because we were always enlightened.
8. Made a list of all the persons who had harmed us and became willing to go to any length to get even with them all.
9. Got direct revenge on such people wherever possible except when to do so would cost us our lives or at least a jail sentence.
10. Continued to take inventory of others, and when they were wrong promptly and repeatedly told them about it.
11. Sought through complaining and self-medication to improve our relations with others as we could not understand them at all, asking only that they do things our way.
12. Having had a complete physical, emotional, and spiritual breakdown as a result of these steps, we tried to blame others and get sympathy in all our affairs. — Unknown
The Road Map
My life is my prayer.
As I live, so I am.
I am the creator of my own health and reality.
The more I love and bless myself and all of Creation
The more my Self and the Creator loves and blesses me.
All my thoughts, words and deeds bring forth all the good in life.
I live, love, enjoy and appreciate the gift of my life and all of life.
I love and bless myself and all creation daily.
I am filled with love, life and light.
I practice this way of being,
I achieve this way of being, and
I maintain this way of being through living it,
All day, every day.
Give thanks, be humble and remember, life begets life. — Unknown
The Way to Peace and Harmony
I bless all creation in the entire universe.
I fill the universe with all my love.
I love, bless and respect the Earth, all life and all humanity.
I love, bless and respect the visible and the invisible.
I love, bless and respect all ancestors of all humanity.
I give thanks for my new life, power and health.
I rejoice in each new moment and experience.
I give complete blessings and love to my life and to all life
Always in all ways.
And so it is. — Hawaiian Shaman
To Achieve Your Dreams Remember Your ABC's A void negative sources, people, places, things and habits. B elieve in yourself. C onsider things from every angle. D on't give up, and don't give in. E njoy life today; yesterday is gone, and tomorrow may never come F amily and friends are hidden treasures. Seek them out and enjoy their riches. G ive more than you planned to give. H ang on to your dreams. I gnore those who try to discourage you. J ust do it! K eep on trying. No matter how hard it seems, it will get easier. L ove yourself first, and most. M ake it happen. N ever lie, cheat or steal. Always strike a fair deal. O pen your eyes, and see things as they really are. P ractice makes perfect. Q uitters never win, and winners never quit. R ead, study and learn about everything important in your life. S top procrastinating. T ake control of your own destiny. U nderstand yourself in order to better understand others. V isualize it. W ant it more than anything. X ccelerate your efforts. Y ou are unique of all God's creations. Nothing can replace you. Z ero in on your target and go for it!!! — Unknown
Strength and Courage
It takes strength to be firm. It takes courage to be gentle.
It takes strength to stand guard. It takes courage to let down your guard.
It takes strength to conquer. It takes courage to surrender.
It takes strength to be certain. It takes courage to have doubt.
It takes strength to fit in. It takes courage to stand out.
It takes strength to feel a friend's pain. It takes courage to feel your own pain.
It takes strength to hide feelings. It takes courage to show them.
It takes strength to endure abuse. It takes courage to stop it.
It takes strength to stand alone. It takes courage to lean on another.
It takes strength to love. It takes courage to be loved.
It takes strength to survive. It takes courage to live. — Unknown
Things Worth Remembering
The value of time,
The success of perseverance,
The pleasure of working,
The dignity of simplicity,
The worth of character,
The improvement of talent,
The influence of example,
The obligation of duty,
The wisdom of economy,
The virtue of patience,
The joy of originality,
The power of kindness,
The primacy of love. — Unknown
The Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself to others you may be become vain and bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortune of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you from what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself, especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture the strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the Universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be; and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul.
With all its shams, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy. — Max Ehrmann
You Learn
After a while you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning and company doesn't mean security.
And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts and presents aren't promises,
And you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes open
With the grace of an adult, not the grief of a child,
And you learn to build all your roads on today because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans
And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.
After a while you learn...that even sunshine burns if you get too much.
So you plant your garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure...that you really are strong.
And you really do have worth...and you learn and learn...with every good-bye you learn. — Veronica A. Shoffstall
Symptoms of Inner Peace
A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.
An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
A loss of interest in judging other people.
A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
A loss of interest in conflict.
A loss of the ability to worry.
Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.
Frequent attacks of smiling.
An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it. — Peace Pilgrim
Risk
To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out for another is to risk involvement.
To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.
To place your ideas, your dreams, before a crowd is to risk their loss.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To hope is to risk failure.
But risks must be taken.
Because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
If you risk nothing and do nothing, you dull your spirit.
You may avoid suffering and sorrow, but you cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, and live.
Chained by your attitude, you are a slave.
You have forfeited your freedom.
Only if you risk are you free. — Unknown
Understanding Sorrow ~ ~ Sorrow ~ Resistance ~ ~
Sorrow is the tears you cry, and the ones you hide so that no one knows you are hurting inside.
Sorrow is the memory of life and the regret of death.
Sorrow is the guilt and the self-condemnation for what was and what might have been.
Sorrow is the plans, expectations and dreams shattered into little pieces.
Sorrow is the loneliness you feel inside even though you are surrounded by well-meaning friends.
Sorrow is the anger at our Creator for taking away someone so special.
Sorrow is the inner voice fighting with reality, trying desperately, even if in fantasy, to return to yesterday.
Sorrow is the automatic habits, triggers and sights heightening our senses, bringing with it the feeling of desperation.
Sorrow is confusion mixed with responsibility to make arrangements, stay in control and let the loved one go; but continue with you own vacant life.
Sorrow is the doubt that life is worth all this pain and suffering.
Sorrow is the end of hope, the brick wall, the road to nowhere, the end of the line.
Or so we think, for beyond this valley is the road to understanding and acceptance. ~ ~ Understanding ~ Acceptance ~ ~
Understanding that the only thing you can count on in life is change.
Understanding that each moment is precious and is not to be wasted.
Understanding that loved ones are "loaned" to us and are not to be possessed; and when the time comes, in the physical life (as in divorce) or in the life beyond (as in death), we must let them go to their own individual destiny.
Understanding that there is life after death, and death after life, in an unending cycle, since the beginning of time.
Understanding that love transcends all time and space, keeping those dear to us connected from within.
Understanding that sorrow is the medicine upon the wounded heart, calling forth the natural antibodies of life to combat the infection of negativity and dis–ease.
Understanding that how you feel about death is based on your present "perception" of it. This perception can be changed by acceptance of new beliefs.
Understanding that death is not "bad," but yet a new birth into something wondrous. The death of a caterpillar is the birth of a butterfly; the dead of a seed is the birth of a flower; and the death of a loved one means only that the form has changed, but the life goes on to something different.
Be joyous in your own way for this new beginning. Let the memory nourish life and not death; let the love and energy derived from this relationship open your faith, not fear.
The Lord moves in mysterious ways, sometimes beyond our present comprehension. Out of the rubble comes order, and out of sorrow will come understanding and acceptance. Be grateful for that which you did have and not bitter for that which you did not. — Suzan Lindstrom
Ten Commandments for the Bereaved
1. Take time to accept death.
2. Take time to let go.
3. Take time to make decisions.
4. Take time to share.
5. Take time to believe.
6. Take time to forgive.
7. Take time to feel good about yourself.
8. Take time to make friends.
9. Take time to laugh.
10. Take time to give. There is tremendous wisdom to be accumulated during a time of grief.
That wisdom needs to be shared. — Unknown
Ways To Grow
There are only three ways to grow in life:
A. to stop doing what you've been doing that doesn't work;
B. to start doing more of what you know that does work;
C. to try doing things that you've never done before and see if they work. — Jack Canfield
Success
To laugh often and much,
to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children,
to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends,
to appreciate beauty,
to find the best in others,
to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch,
to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded. — Ralph Waldo Emerson
The Principles of Attitudinal Healing
1. The essence of our being is love.
2. Health is inner peace. Healing is letting go of fear.
3. Giving and receiving is the same.
4. We can let go of the past and the future.
5. Now is the only time there is and each instant is for giving.
6. We can learn to love ourselves and others by forgiving rather than judging.
7. We can become love finders rather than fault finders.
8. We can choose & direct ourselves to be peaceful inside regardless of what is happening outside.
9. We are students & teachers to each other.
10. We can focus on the whole of life rather than the fragments.
11. Since love is eternal, death need not be viewed as fearful.
12. We can always perceive others as either extending love or giving a call for help. — Gerald G. Jampolsky and Diane V. Cirincione
Roger's Rules for Living
Love Everyone
Tell the Truth
Seek Peace
Follow Your Bliss
Make a Commitment
Take Responsibility
Live Courageously
Strive for Freedom
Demand Justice
Choose Your Battles Wisely
Expect Nothing
Be Here Now!
Tolerate Frustration
Embrace Change
Understand Powerlessness
Open Up to Abundance
Give Thanks
Be Generous
Be Gentle
Be Respectful
Be Honorable
Live Powerfully
Pursue Completion
Don't Quit
Hold Your Own Counsel
Stay on Task
Become Yourself
Love Yourself
Treat Yourself with Respect
Risk Imperfection
Find Perfection (God)
Find Your Higher Self
Come to your Senses
Trust Your Intuition
Know Yourself, Hear Your Inner Voice
Enjoy Your Life
Pursue Happiness
Practice Dying — Unknown
The Way to Happiness
Keep your heart free from hate
Keep your mind free from worry
Live simply
Expect little
Give much
Fill your life with love
Scatter sunshine
Forget self
Think of others
Do as you would be done — Unknown
The School of Life
Respect all people — the old, the young, the rich, and the not so rich.
Try not to worry.
Don't tell everyone your business.
Be happy with the things you have.
Exercise every day.
Don't go looking for trouble.
Look for the good in everything and everyone.
Get enough sleep.
Try to forgive and forget.
Always do what you think is right.
Don't worry about what people think of you.
Spend time with your family.
Make time to see friends.
Don't spend money that you don't have.
Try to be happy.
Be kind.
Don't be afraid to say what you think.
Try to be the best that you can be. — Bonnie Tivenen
Thoughts To Ponder
Several years ago the sociology department of Duke University did a study on peace of mind. Several factors were found to contribute greatly to emotional and mental stability, they are: ~~Forgive. Rid yourself of suspicion and resentment. Nursing a grudge was a major factor in unhappiness. ~~Forget. Live in the present. An unwholesome preoccupation with old mistakes and failures leads to depression. ~~Accept life. Don't waste time and energy fighting conditions you cannot change. Cooperate with life, instead of trying to run away from it. ~~Stay involved. Force yourself to stay involved with the living world. Resist the temptation to withdraw and become reclusive during periods of emotional stress. ~~Roll with the punches. Refuse to indulge in self-pity when life hands you a raw deal. Accept the fact that nobody gets through life without some sorrow and misfortune. ~~Be old-fashioned. Cultivate the old-fashion virtues — love, honor, compassion and loyalty. ~~Be reasonable. Don't expect too much of yourself. When there is too wide a gap between self-expectation and your ability to meet the goals you have set, feelings of inadequacy are inevitable. ~~Go outside yourself. Find something bigger than yourself to believe in. Self-centered, egotistical people score lowest in any test for measuring happiness. — Unknown
Recipe For A Happy Life
Take a couple of whole months,
clean them thoroughly of all Bitterness, Rumors, Hate and Jealousy;
in other words, make them as fresh and as clean as possible.
Now cut each month into 28, 30 or 31 different parts...
But don't make up the whole batch at once..
Instead prepare it One Day At A Time.
Mix well each day:
One part of Faith, One of Patience, One of Courage, One of Work,
Add one part each of:
Hope, Faithfulness, Generosity, Kindness;
Blend with:
One part Prayer, One part Meditation, One part Good Deeds.
Season the whole with:
a dash of Good Spirit, a sprinkle of Fun, a pinch of Play, a cupful of Good Humor.
Pour all of this into a Vessel Of Love,
Cook thoroughly over Radiant Joy,
Garnish with Smiles
Serve with Quietness, Unselfishness and Cheerfulness
And you are bound to have a Happy Life. — Unknown
Things To Remember
Your presence is a present to the world.
You're unique and one of a kind.
Your life can be what you want it to be.
Take the days just one at a time.
Count your blessings, not your troubles.
You'll make it through whatever comes along.
Within you are so many answers.
Understand, have courage, be strong.
Don't put limits on yourself.
So many dreams are waiting to be realized.
Decisions are too important to leave to chance.
Reach for your peak, your goal, and your prize.
Nothing wastes more energy than worrying.
The longer one carries a problem, the heavier it gets.
Don't take things too seriously.
Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.
Remember that a little love goes a long way.
Remember that a lot goes forever.
Remember that friendship is a wise investment.
Life's treasures are people — together.
Realize that nothing is ever too late.
Do ordinary things in an extraordinary way.
Have health and hope and happiness.
Take the time to wish upon a star.
And don't ever forget — for even a day — how very special you are. — Unknown
Take Time
Take time to WORK. It is the price of success.
Take time to THINK. It is the source of power.
Take time to PLAY. It is the secret of youth.
Take time to READ. It is the foundation of wisdom.
Take time to WALK. It is the door to peace.
Take time to RELAX. It is better than pills.
Take time to LAUGH. It is the music of the soul.
Take time to BE FRIENDLY. It is the road to happiness.
Take time to REST. It is the highway to the stars.
Take time to LOOK AROUND. It is a shortcut to unselfishness.
Take time to PRAY. It is the way to heaven. — Unknown
The Stepping Stones to Forgiveness
Be open to the possibility of changing your beliefs about forgiveness. Recognize that forgiveness is an act of strength, not weakness.
Be willing to let go of being a victim. Choose to believe that holding on to grievances and unforgiving thoughts is choosing to suffer. Find no value in self-pity.
Remind yourself that your anger and judgments can't change the past or punish someone else, but they can hurt you. The events of the past cannot hurt you now, but your thoughts about the past can cause you immense distress and pain. Recognize that any emotional pain you feel this moment is caused only by your own thoughts.
See the value of giving up, not some, but all of your judgments. It is no coincidence that the happiest people are those who choose not to judge and know the value of forgiveness.
Recognize that holding on to anger will not bring you what your truly want. Ask yourself this question, "Does holding on to my justified anger really bring me peace of mind?" Anger and peace; judgment and happiness do not occur at the same time.
See that there is no value in punishing yourself. Once you truly recognize that your angry, unhappy thoughts about the past are poisoning your life, you will embrace forgiveness and know the meaning of love.
Believe that forgiveness means giving up all hope for a better past! Accept your past, forgive your past, and embrace the present and future with hope! There is no law forcing you to remain a victim of the past.
Choose to be happy rather than right. When we stop trying to control others and focus instead on our own thoughts, we give ourselves the gift of freedom and peace.
Believe that you have the power to choose the thoughts you put into your mind. Perhaps the greatest gift we have been given is the power to choose loving thoughts rather than angry ones. Your mind is not a dumpster that will remain unaffected by the trash you put into it. Treat it like a garden and it will blossom.
Be willing to make peace of mind your only goal and believe that forgiveness is the key to happiness. Regardless of the chaos around us, we can know peace if that is our single goal. Choose not to let outside circumstances or people decide whether you will be happy. Anger, judgments and unforgiving thoughts make suffer, and releasing them brings us joy. It truly is that simple! — Gerald G. Jampolsky and Diane V. Cirincione
