Saints and Sinners

"Every Saint has a past and every sinner has a future."  Oscar Wilde

I like this quote because while I'm familiar with the sinner part of the quote, I am still looking to the future.  I am grateful that I have a future.  I know that everyday is a new chance to make it a better outcome by making a difference in this life.

"How can I get to Heaven?"

"The teacher asked the children in her Sunday School class, "If I sold my house and my car, held a big garage sale, and gave all of my money to the church, would I get into heaven?"

"No!" the children all answered.

Then I said, "If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard, and kept everything neat and tidy, would I get into heaven?"

Again, the answer was "No!"

"Well," I continued "then how can I get to heaven?"

A five-year-old boy shouted out "You gotta be dead!"

He's right.  We all will die eventually.  I guess the greatest question is " What have we done with the time we have?

"Whether it be treasure, time or talent, we all have something to offer."  Chris Pratt, actor

"There's no cap on success. The jury stays out till you take your last breath.  Judy Sheindlin, Judge

"No matter where you are in the world, somebody will be worse off than you.  And if you think like that, you will always have the mind-set to give back.  Priyanka Chopra, Actor

Be an answer to someone's prayer. Let God worry about the rest!

High School Reunions

I had the opportunity to attend my 50th high school reunion.  It was well-planned with a high attendance.  There were many of our class who were missed due to illness or death.  It was such a wonderful experience to meet as an adult with individuals I only knew as teenagers.  I survived high school, shy and insecure in my existence as a transplant from another state in my sophomore year. 

I was just an ordinary person who did not excel in sports, academics, attractiveness, confidence, social graces, or talent.  I was privileged to meet others who were on the same journey and we forged friendships that have survived the years intact. These friends have provided support and acceptance that made life full and bearable during difficult times. 

"Go and love someone exactly as they are. And then watch how quickly they transform into the greatest, truest version of themselves. When one feels seen and appreciated in their own essence, one is instantly empowered."  Wes Angelozzi

I appreciate the members of my high school who overlooked my ineptness and self-conscientiousness; who cared about finding out who I was underneath the quiet demeanor.  My alumni class took group pictures of all of the students who came to high school from various local grade schools. They also generously included a picture of the "transplant" students from out of state or non-local schools. 

We all need support and kindness to be able to survive in a difficult world.  Teens have a very tough journey going from children to adults.  High school is the crucial pathway in this developmental trek.  Friends, family, teachers, administrators, coaches, and fellow classmates make a difference to each other and provide the opportunity to help each person to utilize their gifts to their greatest capacity. High school students will become the leaders of the future. They can make a huge difference in the world as they empower all to achieve greatness.  We can bring hope, love, faith, acceptance, kindness, and encouragement to each other and whoever we encounter.

Thank you to my fellow classmates who took the time to encourage me in my life.  I hope that I helped others to realize that the world needs all of us and that we are all special. 

See my book, e book, and audio book "The Dying Teach Us How to Live" on amazon. My website includes books and art gallery.

Freedom

July 4th is a wonderful celebration of freedom in the United States.  This day is a symbol of the special opportunities we enjoy in America.  Freedom is an awesome gift as well as a great responsibility. 

Freedom is relative depending on who is experiencing life in our nation.  The responsibility to maintain the hard-won battles to achieve autonomy is the most difficult fight.  It is easier to corrupt the process by excluding segments of society from protection.  The rights of all members of this society are inclusive. 

There are many kinds of freedoms.  Freedom of faith, lifestyle, sexual orientation, educational level, ethnicity, social status, economic status, marital status, speech and ability to pursue happiness. When these freedoms are eroded by power, threats, intimidation, politics, prejudice, economic sanctions, inability to access affordable education, healthcare, nutrition, safety and housing; the entire nation suffers. We suffer ultimately because we have lost the intent of the original constitution and are supporting an elitist society. 

Let us remember the sacrifices of our founders, our military and all who protect the rights of all members of our country.  It is our legacy to our children, grandchildren and descendants to protect those who can't do it themselves simply because it is important to maintain the vision of our founders.  When we respect the rights of all members of the United States, we are fulfilling the letter of the law and we are all benefiting from the achievements, skills and knowledge of all segments of society. 

I appreciate our founders and their vision of better world.  I hope that everyone enjoys this special day with each other and in special celebrations. 

See the e book, audio book and book, "The Dying Teach Us How to Live" on Amazon, illuminangels.com and my art gallery