"The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for what He is sending us every day in His goodness." St. Gianna Molia
"Gratitude is a way of life, not something that you think about once a year. If you weave an attitude of gratitude into your thinking-and-feeling process, your life will get better. People who start writing down three things for which they're grateful and doing this every day usually feel more joy within two weeks. Try it." Dr. Barton Goldsmith, a psychotherapist in Westlake Village, California.
The best gift is the love we share with each other; the forgiveness, acceptance, inclusiveness, kindness, caring, reaching out to help others, and thanking those who have been available to help us.
"Healed people can heal people. Freed people can free people. Changed people can play their part in seeing lives and communities changed." Jo Saxton, from her book 'The Dream of You: Let Go of Broken Identities and Live the Life You Were Made For'
Always count your blessings, not your problems and you will find peace, comfort and hope.
Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your family and friends! Become grateful for all that we have!
From the Author
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Veterans Day
We have the opportunity to remember our veterans and their many sacrifices to protect us. Our veterans have to spend time away from family and friends, face the possibility of dying as they fulfill their service obligations and have uncertainty on a daily basis.
"We do something for someone else that we may not even remember but can cause that other person's life to turn in some way that's positive." Ann Curry, Emmy-winning journalist
Our veterans do something for all of us that definitely causes us to have our lives protected and safe.
By assisting us, veterans have the opportunity to find the best in themselves.
"The moments of my greatest fears--when I was sure I was going to wimp out under the pressure of it all-- have also been the open doors to the greatest changes in my life." Annie F. Downs, from her book, 100 days to Brave
I hope that our veterans have many doors open to make wonderful things happen in their lives!
"The Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, or even at their difficulty, as at the love with which we do them." St Therese of Lisieux
Thank you veterans for all of the love you have put into your special work!
"We do something for someone else that we may not even remember but can cause that other person's life to turn in some way that's positive." Ann Curry, Emmy-winning journalist
Our veterans do something for all of us that definitely causes us to have our lives protected and safe.
By assisting us, veterans have the opportunity to find the best in themselves.
"The moments of my greatest fears--when I was sure I was going to wimp out under the pressure of it all-- have also been the open doors to the greatest changes in my life." Annie F. Downs, from her book, 100 days to Brave
I hope that our veterans have many doors open to make wonderful things happen in their lives!
"The Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, or even at their difficulty, as at the love with which we do them." St Therese of Lisieux
Thank you veterans for all of the love you have put into your special work!
Friday, November 9, 2018
Books
From the New York Times:
"A book is proof that humans are capable of working magic: the cosmologist Carl Sagan once said, 'It's a flat object made from a tree with flexible parts on which are imprinted lots of funny dark squiggles. But one glance at it and your're inside the mind of another person, maybe somebody dead for thousands of years.' As a physical object and a feat of technology, the printed book is hard to improve upon. Apart from minor cosmetic tweaks, the form has barely evolved since the codex first arose as an appealing alternative to scrolls around 2,600 years ago."
I have loved books all of my life. They could transport me anywhere in the world. I could get to know the lifestyle, environment, family and friends of someone from another culture, country or faith.
Books can be the means to express our deepest feelings, our love of people, our love of the world, our faith, hope and dreams. I have a paperback book, e book and audio book. I was talking to a potential buyer and she said, "I like a book I can hold in my hands and take my time reading it." Others like to read a book on the computer, tablet, or electronic means. Others like to download an audio book and listen to it as they travel or have lost their vision and need to "hear" their books. Books are our friends and a great source of comfort, education, mind traveling, and our window to the world!
Check out my e book, audio book and book, "The Dying Teach Us How to Live" on Amazon
"A book is proof that humans are capable of working magic: the cosmologist Carl Sagan once said, 'It's a flat object made from a tree with flexible parts on which are imprinted lots of funny dark squiggles. But one glance at it and your're inside the mind of another person, maybe somebody dead for thousands of years.' As a physical object and a feat of technology, the printed book is hard to improve upon. Apart from minor cosmetic tweaks, the form has barely evolved since the codex first arose as an appealing alternative to scrolls around 2,600 years ago."
I have loved books all of my life. They could transport me anywhere in the world. I could get to know the lifestyle, environment, family and friends of someone from another culture, country or faith.
Books can be the means to express our deepest feelings, our love of people, our love of the world, our faith, hope and dreams. I have a paperback book, e book and audio book. I was talking to a potential buyer and she said, "I like a book I can hold in my hands and take my time reading it." Others like to read a book on the computer, tablet, or electronic means. Others like to download an audio book and listen to it as they travel or have lost their vision and need to "hear" their books. Books are our friends and a great source of comfort, education, mind traveling, and our window to the world!
Check out my e book, audio book and book, "The Dying Teach Us How to Live" on Amazon
Monday, October 29, 2018
Baking a Cake
Baking a Cake
A young man is telling his Grandma how everything is going wrong. School problems, friend problems, family problems, financial problems, severe health problems, etc.,
Meanwhile, Grandma is baking a cake. She asks her grandson if he would like a snack, which, of course, he does.
"Here, have some cooking oil." "Yuck", says the young man. "How about a couple of raw eggs?" "Gross, Grandma!" "Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?" "Grandma, those are all yucky!"
To which Grandma replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in his order, they always work for good."
"We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!"
"God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the world, and He chooses your heart."
Anonymous on internet.
The cake you create is one of a kind and delicious! Hang in there!
A young man is telling his Grandma how everything is going wrong. School problems, friend problems, family problems, financial problems, severe health problems, etc.,
Meanwhile, Grandma is baking a cake. She asks her grandson if he would like a snack, which, of course, he does.
"Here, have some cooking oil." "Yuck", says the young man. "How about a couple of raw eggs?" "Gross, Grandma!" "Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?" "Grandma, those are all yucky!"
To which Grandma replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in his order, they always work for good."
"We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!"
"God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the world, and He chooses your heart."
Anonymous on internet.
The cake you create is one of a kind and delicious! Hang in there!
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Life Goes On
"What I've Learned:
I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: 1) a rainy day, 2) lost luggage, 3) tangled Christmas Tree lights.
I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you will miss them when they are gone from your life.
I've learned that "making a living is not the same as "making a life."
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the best you can, happiness will find you.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision .
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.
People love that human touch--holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
Finally, always remember: people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.....
Anonymous from the internet
Remember how special you are and how many opportunities you have to make a difference in someone's life!
I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: 1) a rainy day, 2) lost luggage, 3) tangled Christmas Tree lights.
I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you will miss them when they are gone from your life.
I've learned that "making a living is not the same as "making a life."
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the best you can, happiness will find you.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision .
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.
People love that human touch--holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
Finally, always remember: people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.....
Anonymous from the internet
Remember how special you are and how many opportunities you have to make a difference in someone's life!
Friday, October 5, 2018
How Much Am I Worth?
A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill.
In the room of 200, he asked, Who would like this $20 bill?" Hands started going up.
He said, "I am going to give this to one of you. But first, let me do this."
he proceeded to crumple the bill up. He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were in the air.
"Well," he replied, "what if I do this?" He dropped it on the ground, and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty.
"Now who still wants it?" Still hands went into the air.
"My friends, you all have learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it, because, it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20."
"Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel we are worthless, but, no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who love you."
"The worth of our lives come not in what we do or who we know, but by who we are. You are special. Don't ever forget it!" Copied from the internet
All of you are special!
In the room of 200, he asked, Who would like this $20 bill?" Hands started going up.
He said, "I am going to give this to one of you. But first, let me do this."
he proceeded to crumple the bill up. He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were in the air.
"Well," he replied, "what if I do this?" He dropped it on the ground, and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty.
"Now who still wants it?" Still hands went into the air.
"My friends, you all have learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it, because, it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20."
"Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel we are worthless, but, no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who love you."
"The worth of our lives come not in what we do or who we know, but by who we are. You are special. Don't ever forget it!" Copied from the internet
All of you are special!
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Friends
I recently had a visit from a friend who is very special because she has survived an incredibly difficult childhood. She has evolved into a very compassionate human being with a warm heart, ability to listen, and the will to reach out to others who are hurting.
What would life be like without friends? Friends are are defenders of our sanity, protectors of our reputations, cushions through the fear of new situations, loyal over many years of life crisis, active listeners as we pour out deep emotions, present when we need support, provide shoulders to cry on, are champions of our successes, and models of inspiration.
I have many friends that I have been privileged to interact with for many years. I have also met individuals that I met only briefly in my life but the friendship was instantaneous and timeless. The world is full of potential friends who do not want anything from you except for your friendship.
I hope that we can all look for all the relationships that are possible among individuals, family, acquaintances, neighbors, fellow parishioners, and co-workers. Our governments have the opportunity to look for the good people in other cultures, other countries, and in the world in general. If we all have a goal to make the world safe, peaceful, pristine, beautiful, productive (with jobs, homes, nutrition, health and commerce), collaborative while sharing resources, diplomatic to reduce war, famine, homeless refugees and turmoil, creative while conserving beauty, and friendly with our world neighbors.
In movies and literature, we are considered a primitive society because we do not trust each other, we have constant wars, we do not protect our environment, we are not reliable stewards of the gifts we have been given, we are not friendly and protect each other's backs. We are king and queen of manipulation, terror, fear, lack of integrity, unethical standards, intimidation, discrimination, murder, war mongers, death and destruction, pain and suffering and loss of hope.
Friends on the other hand, look out for each other in the pitfalls of life, provide timely and efficient assistance, are lifelong supporters without compensation, are loving, kind, and giving. I hope we can be open to finding friendships among others that we have already met but haven't taken time to know, with new friends we have not yet met, and with ourselves so we know we have a huge opportunity to serve and be served by friends.
What would life be like without friends? Friends are are defenders of our sanity, protectors of our reputations, cushions through the fear of new situations, loyal over many years of life crisis, active listeners as we pour out deep emotions, present when we need support, provide shoulders to cry on, are champions of our successes, and models of inspiration.
I have many friends that I have been privileged to interact with for many years. I have also met individuals that I met only briefly in my life but the friendship was instantaneous and timeless. The world is full of potential friends who do not want anything from you except for your friendship.
I hope that we can all look for all the relationships that are possible among individuals, family, acquaintances, neighbors, fellow parishioners, and co-workers. Our governments have the opportunity to look for the good people in other cultures, other countries, and in the world in general. If we all have a goal to make the world safe, peaceful, pristine, beautiful, productive (with jobs, homes, nutrition, health and commerce), collaborative while sharing resources, diplomatic to reduce war, famine, homeless refugees and turmoil, creative while conserving beauty, and friendly with our world neighbors.
In movies and literature, we are considered a primitive society because we do not trust each other, we have constant wars, we do not protect our environment, we are not reliable stewards of the gifts we have been given, we are not friendly and protect each other's backs. We are king and queen of manipulation, terror, fear, lack of integrity, unethical standards, intimidation, discrimination, murder, war mongers, death and destruction, pain and suffering and loss of hope.
Friends on the other hand, look out for each other in the pitfalls of life, provide timely and efficient assistance, are lifelong supporters without compensation, are loving, kind, and giving. I hope we can be open to finding friendships among others that we have already met but haven't taken time to know, with new friends we have not yet met, and with ourselves so we know we have a huge opportunity to serve and be served by friends.
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