Many of us wonder at times what our life goal has become. Why am I here, what am I supposed to accomplish?
I have decided on the best life goal for me and hopefully understand the reason why I am here.
each one of us have been blessed with different opportunities, varying levels of health, unique talents, obstacles to overcome and support systems. None of us are the same yet we all have bodies and a soul.
My own life goal is to be the best I can be by utilizing my skills and talents to make a difference for myself and others in the relatively short life spans we can expect. I know that I have a great way to go to achieve my goal. However, I am committed to try. I am far from perfect and I don't think it would be possible to ever become that way.
By taking personal responsibility for myself, I am aware that my life can't be predicted, controlled, manipulated or lived by others. I make my own decisions, I can't blame others for my actions or reactions. I have the opportunity to grow physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally by my own reactions and choices in my life. I don't expect it to be easy. I don't always expect to succeed.
However, I am convinced that for my life to make a positive difference for others, I need to have a positive outlook and say yes to whatever happens to me with the help of my family, friends and faith.
I look to others who have had more to overcome than I can imagine. Yet they remain content, peaceful and are amazing examples of using the abilities we have to achieve greatness. Check out my book, "The Dying Teach Us How to Live". my art gallery, and vinyl prints
"If you are what you should be, you will set the entire world ablaze." Saint Catherine of Siena
From the Author
Saturday, August 31, 2019
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Life Friends
"Friendship is the source of the greatest pleasures, and without friends even the most agreeable pursuits become tedious." St. Thomas Aquinas
Many of us have friends that we are not acquainted with. They are the troops who keep our country safe and who often send goodwill to the world. There are friends who we have known most of our lives. Friends who also happen to be relatives or spouses. There are friends that we share a special time with and who remain friends in our hearts even though they are not present physically.
It is important to remember and appreciate our friends who we often take for granted, especially our service members.
"The Service:
One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Alex was staring up at the large plaque that hung in the foyer of the church. It was covered with names and small American flags were mounted on either side of it.
The seven-year-old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the pastor walked up, stood beside the boy, and said quietly, "Good morning, Alex."
"Good morning," replied the young man, still focused on the plaque. "What is this?" Alex asked.
"Well son, it's a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service."
Soberly, they stood together, staring at the large plaque. Little Alex's voice was trembling and barely audible when he asked, "Which service, the 9:45 or the 11:15?" Church bulletin.
If we can laugh at the world, we can learn to deal with many of the difficult times when God gives us a chance to relax and enjoy the small moments of laughter.
Check out my book, "The Dying Teach Us How to Live", my art gallery and prints, and speaker information
Many of us have friends that we are not acquainted with. They are the troops who keep our country safe and who often send goodwill to the world. There are friends who we have known most of our lives. Friends who also happen to be relatives or spouses. There are friends that we share a special time with and who remain friends in our hearts even though they are not present physically.
It is important to remember and appreciate our friends who we often take for granted, especially our service members.
"The Service:
One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Alex was staring up at the large plaque that hung in the foyer of the church. It was covered with names and small American flags were mounted on either side of it.
The seven-year-old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the pastor walked up, stood beside the boy, and said quietly, "Good morning, Alex."
"Good morning," replied the young man, still focused on the plaque. "What is this?" Alex asked.
"Well son, it's a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service."
Soberly, they stood together, staring at the large plaque. Little Alex's voice was trembling and barely audible when he asked, "Which service, the 9:45 or the 11:15?" Church bulletin.
If we can laugh at the world, we can learn to deal with many of the difficult times when God gives us a chance to relax and enjoy the small moments of laughter.
Check out my book, "The Dying Teach Us How to Live", my art gallery and prints, and speaker information
Friday, August 9, 2019
Saturday, July 27, 2019
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!
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!
Monday, July 15, 2019
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 3, 2019
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
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
Thursday, June 27, 2019
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
*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
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