Zen Teachings

*Always remember you're unique--just like everyone else.

*If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.

*If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.

*Some days you are the pigeon, some days you are the statue.

*Never test the depth of the water with two feet.

*A closed mouth gathers no foot.

*Generally speaking, you aren't learning when your lips are moving.

*Good judgment comes from bad experience, and most of that comes from bad judgment.
Church bulletin


Remember, "Everyday is a second chance."  Hallmark movie.

Some people don't celebrate birthdays.  I do.  It seems to be a better choice than the alternative.  Life is short, changeable, with many moods, pain, and confusion.  It is finite but everyday has new opportunities, new challenges, new hope, and new beginnings.  Celebrate your life as it is the only one you have!  Remember your fellow human beings are also experiencing life also and we can make it easier by being available to help and encourage each other!  Life is what we make it!  I am wishing a happy birthday to my much older sister.

My book, e book and audio book "The Dying Teach Us How to Live are available on amazon and my website/art gallery

Dad's Day

I imagine most fathers would agree with Brad Meltzer, author and TV host. 

We are all ordinary. We are all boring.

We are all spectacular.  We are all shy.

We are all bold.  We are all heroes.

We are all helpless. It just depends on the day. 

Fathers are not just ordinary people to their families.  They are key to the family environment, safety, security, contentment, faith, and love.  Fathers can partner with their spouse to create an atmosphere of acceptance, love, peace, hope and accountability. Fathers are the example of what an adult man should be for the young men who idolize and look up to them.  They are a living model of the way to treat a woman, a child, friends, neighbors, co-workers and acquaintances.

A father lives his life as a as a positive resource for his family.  If he puts God first, everything else will fall into place.  Children love, forgive and accept their fathers simply because you are their father. Some children equate their fathers with God since he is called our father.  It is a responsibility of great importance.  Children notice how a father acts.  Is he honest, trustworthy, kind, reverent, and a comfortable listener and teacher?  

There are many fathers in this world.  Biological fathers, step fathers, adoptive fathers, foster fathers, godfathers, substitute fathers, mentors and friend fathers.  Each one is a piece of the puzzle of the questions of life.  Children literally and figuratively look up to the adult males in their lives to figure out how to become a man.  Little girls want to know that they are loved, appreciated, and protected by males in their lives. All children need parents or significant adults to remind them they are special and loved unconditionally.  

Fathering is a life-altering experience for all traditional and nontraditional families.  Remember that you hold a particularly exhausting and many times a thankless job.  The pay of hugs, adoration, utter trust, and gifts made from the heart are not very lucrative financially, but are treasures to be cherished.  

If you feel overwhelmed with fatherhood, remember this quote from St. Philip Neri.  

"Cast yourself into the arms of God and be very sure that if God wants anything of you, God will fit you for the work and give you strength."

Happy Father's Day to all formal and informal fathers!  

Check out my art gallery, book "The Dying Teach Us How to Live" Book, audio book and e book available on Amazon 

Tornados

As I view the devastation from the recent Ohio tornadoes, I remember other parts of the world experiencing floods, hurricanes, fires, droughts and other massive weather destruction.  In Ohio, the most wonderful result of the chaos is the volunteers and community gathering together to help each other.  Gifts of money, time, experience, compassion, and love make something beautiful out of something unimaginable that is out of our control. Today, I am sending you a poem that might make a difference in your life.  

The Way

A loving word, 

 A cheerful smile,

A kindly thought or two...

A helpful hand,

A ready step,

They help, my friend, they do.

A patient heart,

A thoughtful deed,

A willingness to cheer...

An endless day

Of service, friend,

These things make life most dear.

Be kind, do good,

Have loving thoughts

Throughout the livelong day,

Think right, serve God,

Be friend to all,

And you have found The Way!

 Esther Nilsson 

I thank everyone who takes time to assist others who are in need. I know that you would appreciate a helping hand if you were the one in the midst of trouble!  

Check out "The Dying Teach Us How to Live", Book, e book and audio book at Amazon. See my art gallery at illuminangels.com

Words to Live By

1   Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue!

2   Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.

3   Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.

4   Drive carefully...it's not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker.

5   If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague! 

6   If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.

7   It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.

8   Never buy a car you can't push.

9   Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.

10  Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.


Taken from a church bulletin.

Humor is a wonderful way to take a look at our lives and remember that we have a positive or negative effect on others.  Humor reminds us to keep it positive!

Check out my book,E book and audio book "The Dying Teach Us How to Live" on Amazon, my art gallery and info illuminangels.com