Mercy

Another sweet story, to remind us of another great principle. Hope you enjoy it!

The Lion and the Mouse

It was a hot summer day. Sun was shining bright up in the sky. A lion was sitting under the shade of a big tree and in some time got asleep. Nearby that tree, there was a hole, in which there lived a mouse. When the lion was sleeping, the mouse came out of its hole and saw him asleep.

Unaware of the lions strength, it got tickled by an idea. It thought of waking up the lion by running over his body just for fun.

Unfortunately, the lion seized it in his strong paw. He was going to kill it when it begged, Spare me, sir; some day I may repay your mercy.

The lion was amused hearing its words and let it go with a smile thinking that how can such a small mouse be of any help to me.

But a day came, when the lion got into trouble. He got caught in a hunter’s net under that very tree. As a result, he started roaring loudly.

On hearing his roar, the mouse came out of its hole. This was the time to pay back the lion’s mercy. So, immediately it nibbled the cords of the net and set the lion free

Remember, mercy never goes un-rewarded.
http://inspireme.net/blog/2010/09/28/bet-time-stories/?

"I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice." --Abraham Lincoln

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace."  ~ Jimi Hendrix 

Sometimes a little rain must fall!

Well, today and last night were rough. I guess I over did it at Physical Therapy yesterday, and I didn't sleep much at all last night because of the pain. I have to admit, since I have been sleeping soooooooo much better, I am spoiled ...I want to keep sleeping! I was shocked at how most of the morning was over when I finally stopped hurting enough, to get out of bed. Half of the day was wasted...yuck, these are hard days. My hands have been bad all day too, even typing is really hurting so I will leave you with an appropriate photo to go with the appropriate poem. Sometimes a little rain MUST fall!  :)

 
" Be still sad heart and cease repining;
Behind the clouds the sun is shining,
Thy fate is the common fate of all,
Into each life a little rain must fall,
Some days must be dark and dreary."   ~ Longfellow

 

"Pain is only valuable once you know that you've learned from it."

I say that trials and tests locate a person. In other words they determine where you are spiritually. They reveal the true condition of your heart. How you react under pressure is how the real you reacts.-- John Bevere

Suffering has been stronger than all other teaching, and has taught me to understand what your heart used to be. I have been bent and broken, but - I hope - into a better shape. --Charles Dickens

Finding HOPE!

In a book (Armor) that I am reading, the author (Kim B. Clark) talks about what it felt like to him, when his daughter and wife both got diagnosed with cancer...within months of each other.  I thought I would share part of this chapter with you.
"In those months, we learned much about cancer and how it works. Cancer cells grow in an uncontrolled, haphazard way. They invade  and destroy tissues and organs around them, and they can spread the work of destruction far beyond where they start. If the cancer is not stopped, it will grow and spread until it causes death. It is , therefore, important to find cancer cells early and good to get rid of them before they wreak havoc in the body. But it is hard to find them early. When cancer first begins there are no outward signs it is there. It grows quietly at first, hidden away until it grows enough to disrupt. Sometimes there are blood tests or physical examinations that will reveal the presence of cancer in the body at an early stage of development. But sometimes we find out about it only when its destruction becomes obvious.
Cancer can also disrupt lives. When it happens, or when the doctor suspect it has happened, there are lots of tests, including different kinds of imaging and often biopsies. The treatment options are difficult. Sometimes the treatment is to cut out the cancer ( and surrounding tissue). In other cases the doctors prescribe toxic drugs that kill rapidly growing cells everywhere in the body. Yet another therapy is to bombard the cancerous cells with radiation. And in some cases the patient has to undergo all three.
Interlaced with all of this coming and going from doctor's offices and hospitals and laboratories is the worry, the fear associated with a disease that can bring and end to mortal life. Every case is different, but every case of cancer comes with that underlying apprehension and fear. We experienced all of this in a double dose over those several months. The tests and the operations and the treatments disrupted our lives. There was much pain and suffering ( cancer is one of those diseases where to save your life the doctors have to do some pretty bad thing to your body ), and there was much anxiety, worry and fear."

After all this, he then talks about how you find HOPE and PEACE ...under such circumstances!  Although he stated well the real facts and fears of cancer, he ended it with how to get help! I liked that! He talked about the scriptures which testify to us that God will not leave us alone in these types of battles in our lives. But we must come to Him, seek Him out and ask for help. He will not force that on us, even if we need it! We all have the ability to choose. In John 12:46 we read "I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness."  That is exactly what fear and worry can feel like, very dark and scary. Why not " Go towards the LIGHT!"

"In all things it is better to hope than to despair"  ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

"Man can live forty days without food, about three days without water, about eight minutes without air, but only for one second without hope"

"Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark"  ~ George Illes

 

 

Difference between Night and Day?

Jeff and I read this somewhere the other day and I loved it! " The rabbi who once asked his pupils, “how can you tell when night has ended and day is about to begin?” The pupils pondered for a while, argued, and finally one of them said, “Could it be when you look off in the distance and see two trees, and you are able to tell that one is a fig tree and one is a palm tree?” The rabbi answered, “No.” The pupils argued a bit longer until another one offered, “Could it be when you look off in the distance and, seeing two animals, are able to distinguish that one is a sheep and one is a dog?” Again the rabbi answered, “No.” Finally, exasperated by the arguing, the students said, “All right then rabbi, tell us, how do you know when night has ended and the day is about to begin?” The rabbi slowly looked each one of them in the eye and said, “It is when you can look on the face of any man or woman and see there a brother or a sister. Because if you cannot do that, no matter what time of day it is, it is still night.”

God does not expect that we will change the world in an instant, or heal all its divisions on our own – only that we be human; that we treat others as neighbors; that we not let our own needs blind us to our capacity to help others.  http://saintalbanchurch.org/carosel/sermon-alan-gates-july-11-2010/

"May God grant us the vision and courage
to tell the difference between night and day;
to recognize our brothers and sisters;
to offer our eyes, even when we are lame;
to offer our legs, even when we are blind.
to be the unexpected but ordinary heroes along the roadside of our own life’s journey."

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."  ~Anne Frank

"I expect to pass through life but once.  If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again."          ~William Penn

Finding HOPE!

Yesterday I had the opportunity to see my friend, whose husband passed away last month. She was holding up well she said, but she also feels like she is definitely still in shock. She knows the grieve will come. I finally was able to tell her why I hadn't called or even sent a card. I tried to express to her how it hurts to see someone you know, die of the very same disease that you, yourself have battled. It doesn't really matter if you were close to them, it still hurts and hurts bad. She was kind to try and understand, and then went on to tell me about the few last days they had together. They were much shorter than the Doctors predicted. I tried to not cry as she spoke, I could tell once again, my heart began aching and I wanted to some how to ease her pain. Yet I also know that her faith is strong, and that she will make it with the help of her Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ.  Tonight I will leave you with this beautiful poem about Death, I don't think I have used it before. If I did, I am sorry... but I think it bears repeating. Good night dear friends!

"Death is nothing at all
I have only slipped away into the next room
I am I and you are you
Whatever we were to each other
That we are still
Call me by my old familiar name
Speak to me in the easy way you always used
Put no difference into your tone
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
Laugh as we always laughed
At the little jokes we always enjoyed together
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was
Let it be spoken without effort
Without the ghost of a shadow in it
Life means all that it ever meant
It is the same as it ever was
There is absolute unbroken continuity
What is death but a negligible accident?
Why should I be out of mind
Because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you for an interval
Somewhere very near
Just around the corner
All is well.
Nothing is past; nothing is lost
One brief moment and all will be as it was before
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again! "

"Fear needs to give away to faith in order for us to access the Lord's guidance and comfort"

Matthew 11:29-30 "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;...and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

"I felt as if the sun had burst through the clouds after a long, dark storm."

A great thought for the day!

I just love it when I find a great story, with a great moral! I hope you haven't heard this one before. It is a bit long but soooooooooooo worth it! Enjoy!

The Duck & the Devil

There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their
farm.   He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods.
He practiced in the woods; but he could never hit the
target.

Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner.
As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck.
Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck
square in the head and killed it. He was shocked and grieved!

In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile; only to
see his sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said
nothing.   After lunch the next day Grandma said, 'Sally,
let's wash the dishes' ',But Sally said, 'Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to
help in the kitchen.' Then she whispered to him, 'Remember the duck?'
So Johnny did the dishes.

Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go
fishing and Grandma said, 'I'm sorry but I need Sally to help
make supper.' Sally just smiled and said, 'Well that's all right
because Johnny told me he wanted to help' She whispered again, 'Remember the duck?' So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help.

After several day of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's; he
finally couldn't stand it any longer.   He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck.

Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug and said, 'Sweetheart, I know. You
see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing, but because
I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let
Sally make a slave of you.'

Thought for the day and every day thereafter?

Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done ...the things the devil keeps
throwing it up in your face (lying, cheating, debt, fear, bad habits, hatred, anger, bitterness, etc.) ...whatever it is...You need to know that God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing. He has seen your whole life. He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven. He's just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you.

The great thing about God is that when you ask for
forgiveness;   He not only forgives you, but He forgets.

"To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness."    ~ Robert Muller

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong."  ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Time...how do we use it?

"To get all there is out of living, we must employ our time wisely, never being in too much of a hurry to stop and sip life, but never losing our sense of the enormous value of a minute." ~ Robert Updegraff

Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground?
Ever follow a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down. Don't dance so fast.
Time is short. The music won't last.
Do you run through each day on the fly?
When you ask: How are you? Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done, do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores running through your head?
You'd better slow down. Don't dance so fast.
Time is short. The music won't last.
Ever told your child, we'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste, not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time to call and say, "Hi"?
You'd better slow down, Don't dance so fast.
Time is short, The music won't last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift thrown away.
Life is not a race do take it slower.
Hear the music before the song is over.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100414090535AAlWr6k

"The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once"  ~Albert Einstein

Getting out and about again...

Today was a wonderful day, because I was able to teach a class at one of my favorite Quilt Shops.http://www.gatheringfabric.com/about_us.html The owner Susan, is a friend of mine and she asked me to do a DEMO class for some fabric pumpkins I made. I don't have any photos of them but they were simple to make and of course fun to decorate your house with. Most of all, I was just grateful that I felt well enough to go out and be able to be among other women today. I love making new friends, and of course talking about quilting. We also talked about everything from cancer, arthritis, grand-kids and other craft additions! It was fun to rub shoulders with such amazing and talented women.
I remember years ago (before I ever knew how to quilt) going into Susan's shop to look at fabric. I had an idea for a quilt but really didn't know much about it. When they started asking me specific questions about the quilt I wanted to make, I realized that there was quilting language, and I didn't know what they were talking about. So I headed out of the door quickly, then came home and asked my neighbors ( who both quilt beautifully ) what the words meant? They smiled and explained them to me. Like I mentioned in another post, everything seems to have it's own lingo and quilting is the same way. I now can walk confidently in there and talk the talk, about fat quarters, sashing and bindings! Yes, I studied hard and it was worth it!
Most of the ladies there today were seasoned Quilters, and it was a treat to meet them, share a new idea  and just spend some time ...out and about! This was a great day for me! I did something pretty normal, that doesn't happen a lot and I felt blessed!

P.S. Since Susan put out candy corn for the class to eat, I had to tell them about how I decorate for all the seasons with candy in old Mason Jars. And how I would get upset when my kids would eat them, I didn't give my kids sugar very often and I really only wanted the candy to decorate with. The kids would not stop eating my decorations, so I finally had to resort to something tougher than just words. I hair sprayed the candy, that way...it still looked the same but...the kids didn't like it any more! :) No I wasn't trying to poison them, I did tell them they were sprayed. Now I have my candy that is years old ( I beat the hair spray actually helps preserve it), and it still looks great! Ok... I can almost hear you laughing, but in my defense...every Mother has her own issues, right? I am not suggesting you try it out on your family, but fair warning when  you come to my house, on any given holiday...don't eat my decorations! :)

"Quilts are like friends, a great source of comfort."

"Friends are always friends no matter how far you have to travel back in time. If you have memories together, there is always a piece of your friendship inside your heart."   ~ Kellie O'Connor

"Quilting holds my life together, one stitch at a time"

Missed opportunities!

I really liked this story, it was a great reminder for me to watch my habits. There have been times that I have had blessings in my life but I did not recognize them. Yes, two good reminders here. Hope you enjoy it!

 The Touchstone

When the great library of Alexandria burned, the story goes, one book was saved. But it was not a valuable book; and so a poor man, who could read a little, bought it for a few coppers.The book wasn't very interesting, but between its pages there was something very interesting indeed. It was a thin strip of vellum on which was written the secret of the "Touchstone"!

The touchstone was a small pebble that could turn any common metal into pure gold. The writing explained that it was lying among thousands and thousands of other pebbles that looked exactly like it. But the secret was this: The real stone would feel warm, while ordinary pebbles are cold.

So the man sold his few belongings, bought some simple supplies, camped on the seashore, and began testing pebbles.
He knew that if he picked up ordinary pebbles and threw them down again because they were cold, he might pick up the same pebble hundreds of times. So, when he felt one that was cold, he threw it into the sea. He spent a whole day doing this but none of them was the touchstone. Yet he went on and on this way. Pick up a pebble. Cold - throw it into the sea. Pick up another. Throw it into the sea.

The days stretched into weeks and the weeks into months. One day, however, about mid-afternoon, he picked up a pebble and it was warm. He threw it into the sea before he realized what he had done. He had formed such a strong habit of throwing each pebble into the sea that when the one he wanted came along, he still threw it away.

So it is with opportunity. Unless we are vigilant, it's easy to fail to recognize an opportunity when it is in hand and it's just as easy to throw it away.

- Author UnknownBits & Pieces, Economic Press
“We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” ~ Charles R. Swindoll

It's truly the simple things in life!

I am trying to remember each day this quote by Marjorie Pay Hinckley..."The grand and the simple, they are equally wonderful"  I need to keep looking for the simple things that bring great joy into my life, that is much healthier, than looking at all the grand things I cannot do. I thought of this today, when my granddaughters and I were go looking all around our house looking for the neatest spider web. Jeff and I decided it should be this one. My youngest granddaughter Jenny, is still not sure about all this spider stuff, and is still trying to get used to all the fake spiders we have all over the house with the Halloween decorations.

Simple yes, but still amazing! So below are some fun facts for you about Spiders and their webs.
Also thanks to all of  you who took time to write me about the blog. I have to say that it definitely was a shot in the arm, that I needed. I am glad that it is making a difference. I will be sending out the winner their box of cards tomorrow. Thanks again!

Spider Webs

Spiders are classified according to their way of life. Web-Spinning-Spiders  spin webs to trap insects because their vision is not very good.  They know when prey is trapped on their web by detecting and reacting to the vibrations the line makes from their prey moving and trying to get free. Hunting Spiders run after insects or lie in wait for them.  Some hunting spiders spin simple webs that stretch out along the ground to catch  insects.  These spiders are grouped as hunters because they run after the insects that land in their webs.
This article will deal with silk of spider' web as well as different types of webs and how various spiders use these webs in their daily lives.  Did you know that each spider can produce several different types of silk?

http://www.pestproducts.com/spider-webs.htm

"The ordinary arts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest."  ~ Thomas More

"The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak."  ~ Hans Hofmann

"The means to gain happiness is to throw out from oneself like a spider in all directions an adhesive web of love, and to catch in it all that comes"  ~ Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy

Putting the mask back on.

Another tough day today, constantly I am hitting the wall...emotionally and physically. I am not sure why, but I am struggling and I am desperately trying to get back to my normal bright side of life. I tried to explain to Jeff tonight, how hard I am struggling, I just cried through most of it and he just looked helpless. I wish I could pin point why I am feeling like this? This really isn't like me. I am usually happy just doing what limited things I can, but at least I can still do something! I have been going over and over again in my thoughts why I am hurting so much, I know I am in pain, I am physically tired ( too tired ) but that is part of my normal every day life, and I always seem to wake up excited to have another day, but not today. Everything I had to do, I did the best I could, but it took effort and I had to put my mask back on. You know the one that tries to show the world you are ok and doing well, but underneath you are hurting, scared or frustrated.

I knew I was at a low point today, because my thoughts were out of control. I kept having these questions of why I feel like this, why am I not better or stronger? Then the thoughts that came were...your cancer must have come back. Now I normally DO NOT go there, but for some reason, I can't shake this today. I know that thoughts like that aren't productive or healthy. They are however normal for survivors, some of the time. But ever since my friend lost her battle with Cancer, it has been a reoccurring thought.

Anyway, I am sorry to have been so honest. I don't want my blog to be discouraging or hard on you. Yet at the same time, I feel a big impression to be real and  honest. I am going to bed soon, and I am just going to chalk this whole day up as a BIGGER THAN ME DAY! Thank you for your faith and prayers in my behalf. I am sure that this to will pass...I just hope it doesn't take too long! I need to also remember that Saturday night and Sunday were good days, I know that counting your blessings helps a lot, so I don't want to forget to do that. Good night dear friends!

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one, which has been opened for us.” ~ Helen Keller

“ One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn’t pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.”   ~Lucille Ball

From darkness into light

I have to admit that for some reason the past few days, have seemed very dark for me. I couldn't find much to be happy about and the feelings I had about myself, were very self defeating to say the least. I sorta felt that this darkness, has been creeping up on me for the few weeks now. I cry more than normal, everything seems too big to handle and the worst is, I felt a sadness about myself and my life that really wasn't healthy at all. I was sharing these feelings with a dear friend and her comment was, 'you need to go easy on yourself Lynn, for the past 3 weeks  you and Jeff both have had pneumonia, you had a friend pass away, Lee was sick, your granddaughter got really sick and because of your illnesses, you haven't been able to keep up on the exercises that the PT has given you, so you haven't really had very much improvement on your back, neck and knees. You have had a lot on you.'

Well, that is good and true but the truth is, that is exactly what most of what my life has been and yet I usually can always find things to be happy and grateful about. I even noticed a week or so ago, that I was jealous of someone, for something! That is really not like me, oh I some times wonder what it would be like to have health, money, resources to go on vacations and so on, but I am truly not jealous. And yet I was, and it felt bad. I noticed that my communication with my Heavenly Father has even been less and that always makes me feel sad too. Probably it also makes Him sad.
So the past couple of days, I have tried to stay off to myself, keep my mouth shut, so some of the discouraging things...didn't come out, and then I just prayed and prayed hard to know what was going on. Last night after another sincere, and heartfelt prayer, I felt a bit of light coming through. I felt hopeful that this darkness that was around me, didn't have to stay forever! Today has been even better and once again, even though I am still in pain, still make the same amount of money, still have the same limitations and restrictions...I feel happy and I am soooooooooooo grateful for that.
Another dear friend of mine spoke in church lately, and her talk was about prayer.  She compared it to light. She was kind enough to share her notes with me so I could use it in my blog. I will only use part of it tonight, but it was exactly what I needed to read again. What a great friend she is to me. So I will leave you with these words, and tell you that I probably did take for granted these last few weeks, my communication with my Heavenly Father. I was too sick, too tired, or whatever, to do what I needed to do...which was  pray for help and strength. Prayer has always been essential in my life, I am not sure why I let that slip?  I now can feel the light, and it is something I need not take for granted anymore! Good night dear friends!

The Power of Prayer

Since 1879, the electric light bulb has changed the way we see the world. Small shacks may be merely lit by a dusty yellow street lamp outside, and lavish mansions are illuminated by great chandeliers. Because of them we can work 24 hours a day, we can perform surgery in the dead of night if we need to, we can illuminate anything, almost anywhere, at the flip of a switch. Think of the hope and joy that comes to one, struggling in a dark cave or well, when finally they see the lights of rescuers coming to save them. Rescuers who will call their name, until they hear a response….

What power is behind that little carbon filament, what power behind that light we take so for granted.

Prayer is something that many of us may take for granted, perhaps we do it, but it has become too routine, mundane. We underestimate the power it can have in our lives. The truth is, sincere, heartfelt prayer has the power to save our souls, our marriages, our families, and enable us to be a light to others.

 

“God knows our needs better than we can state them, but He wants us to approach Him in faith to ask for blessings, safety, and comfort.”   ~ James E. Faust

"The value of consistent prayer is not that He will hear us, but that we will hear Him."  ~William McGill

"Prayer may not change things for you, but it for sure changes you for things."  ~Samuel M. Shoemaker

This is the GIVE-AWAY day!

Who? What? When? Where? and Why?  I have been asked more than one time all of these questions about my blog. Who is it that reads your blog? That one I don't always know for sure, and that is why I am doing a Give Away Post today. Now, I know that your Mother's always told you that "NOTHING IS FREE IN LIFE". Well, I have said that one many times myself to my kids. So the Give Away isn't exactly FREE, here's the catch. I would like to get to know some of my readers or blog followers, I love when I get your comments but that isn't very often. Someone said that it is hard to leave a comment on my blog. Since I am not  great with the computers, I will need to ask for help in getting that fixed. But for now, I am going to give away a box of 6 photograph cards. This particular line of cards, my daughter did for me when I was battling Cancer for the second time. We have sold and sent quite a few of these cards to others, those who need just the perfect card to a loved one who is going through some really tough times in their lives. They are a 5X7, double matted photographed card, perfect for framing, and they are blank inside. You can see her cards at www.biggerthanmedays.blogspot.com .

So the 16th person to email me at www.learningfromlynn@gmail.com and tell me a little about yourself, or why you read my blog or any suggestions for me, I will send a box of these neat cards to you.

The next question I get asked is What keeps you motivated each day? I have to admit, by nature I am a positive person and usually it isn't hard for me to find something to be happy about. My family is a great motivator for me, my talents keep me motivated to learn more and create more. Other writers and their books motivate me. My friends keep me motivated and feeling needed. My faith is a huge motivator for me. And I guess, YOU...my readers, keep me motivated to try and find something good, uplifting and motivating each day, so you can read it in my blog.

Another question I get asked a lot is...Why did you start a motivational blog? Well, I have been doing volunteer Motivational Speaking for over 27 years now, and after I speak... people always ask me if I have a Web site or a book? So, I thought maybe there is a need for it.

The next question is Where do I get all my photos from? My youngest daughter Lauren has her own Photography Business and probably over 80 % of them are her's. You can see her work at www.adayinwashington.blogspot.com

The last question is ....When you are having a really bad day, what keeps you going? I do have really tough days, I call them my Bigger Than Me Days. I have struggled with my health for years, survived incest as a child, multiple surgeries, chronic pain, cancer ( two times ) and all the side effects of the surgeries and treatments for that. I am a full time mom and have been married for 28 years, have 4 kids and 2 granddaughters, that is a lot of life to experience!
I try to be honest in my blog, I try not to sugar coat everything. I try to share my thoughts and feelings, in hopes that someone else who may be going through the same thing, will not feel alone. I know that part of my mission here on earth is... to help motivate, inspire, teach, encourage and love others. If my blog even gives just one person hope and makes them smile, then it has been worth it.
Ok, start writing those emails to me, and I will announce the winner this weekend! Thanks again!

As a little child!

I read and article today, about how children are so teachable. I love some of the points that the writer mentioned. I will share parts of this article, by Gerald Causse.  I am always amazed at how often in the scriptures Jesus talks about how we need to be more like a little child, very teachable, humble and very trusting. I see this every day in my granddaughters, they want to know and learn about everything. This is a photo of Jenny ( my 1 year old granddaughter ), I am teaching her to listen for sounds of birds and airplanes outside. It is fun to see her eyes light up and the expression on her face, when she hears a plane or a bird overhead, and wants to go outside and see it.

What a powerful teacher Jesus was. He taught so simply and with parables, so every one that needed to understand it...could understand it. During His earthly ministry, Jesus constantly compared the simplicity and authenticity of His teachings to the tortuous logic of the Pharisees and other doctors of the law. They tried time and again to test Him with sophisticated questions, but His replies were always crystal clear and childlike in their simplicity.(Matthew 18:1, 2-4)

I am grateful for these little children who are a great example to me each day, it is through watching them, that I am learning over and over again... to be patient, humble, grateful to love simply, and never lose that wonder and excitement about life!

It has been two years ago today since I began my blog. It is hard to believe that 2 years have come and gone. I think tomorrow I am going to ask a favor of each of you, with a give-away if you choose to participate! So stay turned! Good night dear friends!

 

"If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in." ~ Rachel Carson

 

"Religion is to do right. It is to love, it is to serve, it is to think, it is to be humble"  ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

We are all the same!

When the kids were little, they loved the Shel Silverstein books that we read to them. The illustrations were a bit funky, but still they liked them. Tonight I will share one of the poems he wrote that I really like. It  reminds us of our worth, and no matter what we look like or our financial situation is...we are all the same worth and value to God! What a great reminder!

P.S.  I almost forgot, my granddaughter is doing much better, and so thanks to all of you for your prayers and calls. We will get the results of all the tests tonight or tomorrow hopefully. Gee, it is hard to watch these little ones be sick! Good night!

No difference

Small as a peanut,
Big as a giant,
We're all the same size
When we turn off the light.
Rich as a sultan,
Poor as a mite,
We're all worth the same
When we turn off the light.
Red, black or orange,
Yellow or white,
We all look the same
When we turn off the light.
So maybe the way
To make everything right
Is for God to just reach out
And turn off the light!

"It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else's eyes."  ~ Sally Field

"The way you treat yourself sets the standard for others."   ~ Dr. Sonya Friedman

Thoughts are important!

It has been a long day today, my granddaughter is sick and so we have been watching my other granddaughter tonight. I really need to get some sleep. Here is one of my favorite poems about how important our thoughts are!Good night dear friends!

How Do You Think

By Author Unknown

If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you don't!
If you'd like to win, but you think you can't,
It's almost certain you won't.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you think you'll lose, you're lost;
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow's will;
It's all in the state of mind!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you think you're outclassed, you are;
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of yourself
Before you'll ever win the prize.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man;
But sooner or later the man who wins
Is the person who thinks he can!
-- Author Unknown

" We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves."  ~ Budda

"A man is what he thinks about all day long."  ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Life Is Fragile—Handle with Prayer

Today our son Lee had to stay home again from school because he is sick. We kept him home Friday when the cold began, with the hopes that we could catch it in time. He was pretty sick that night and most of the day on Saturday, but by Saturday evening, he seemed much better. He felt good enough to go to church yesterday but, by last night he had gotten worse again, his sinus area was throbbing and packed. The doctor told him today, that he needed to stay home from school for the next two days also, he heard some sounds in the lungs and doesn't want it to go into pneumonia, as Jeff and I's did, in August.
I found it hard  trying to reassuring him once again, that he would be alright and that his body would heal. It does seem like we just can't get better around here!  He is worried about his classes and homework, about missing weight training and about just getting better... period. Man, do I ever understand what he is feeling like. Yet, I want him to know that he needs to share his worries and concerns with his Heavenly Father too, in prayer. I want him to remember to keep praying, it's easy when things are going well, but it is vital to keep that communication open with God always, and receive peace and strength from Him. I struggle watching my kids be sick, I would rather be sick any time, they to watch them hurt and suffer...but that's not how it works some times. I too, am praying that he will not get pneumonia and that his body will be strong enough to fight this and heal soon.

For Family Home Evening tonight we had lesson on prayer. I know that as a family we have gone over this topic before but like anything worth doing,  you have to learn it over and over many times. We talked about some of the PITFALLS of prayer!

... Not understanding our relationship with God our Heavenly Father, when we finally truly understand we are His children then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive. It is important to remember that relationship.

... We need to remember to listen and not do all the talking, otherwise our prayers sound like a message rather than a conversation.

... We need to be careful of vain repetitions ( as the Bible says ). Where we say the same thing over and over, as if we have it memorized. We wouldn't do that in a conversation with a friend would we? And if we did, wouldn't they find it hard to think we were really serious?

...We need to remember we are not trying to change the will of God through prayer, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part, before we can obtain them. (Bible Dictionary)

I love this poem on prayer...it says it all! :)

THE INFORMAL PRAYER

“The proper way for a man to pray,”
Said Deacon Lemuel Keyes,

“And the only proper attitude
Is down upon his knees.”

“Nay, I should say the way to pray,”
Said Reverend Dr. Wise,

“Is standing straight with outstretched arms
And rapt and upturned eyes.”

“Oh, no, no, no,” said Elder Snow;
“Such posture is too proud.

A man should pray with eyes fast closed
And head contritely bowed.”

“It seems to me his hands should be
Austerely clasped in front.

With both thumbs pointing toward the ground,”
Said Reverend Dr. Hunt.

“Las’ year I fell in Hodgkin’s well
Head first,” said Cyrus Brown,

“With both my heels a-striken’ up,
My head a-p’inting down;
An’ I made a prayer right then an’ there;
Best prayer I ever said;
The prayingest prayer I ever prayed;
A-standin’ on my head.” (Sam Walter Foss, “The Prayer of Cyrus Brown,”)

 

"I believe in prayer.  It's the best way we have to draw strength from heaven."  ~Josephine Baker

… Answers from the Lord come quietly—ever so quietly. In fact, few hear his answers audibly with their ears. We must be listening so carefully or we will never recognize them. Most answers from the Lord are felt in our heart as a warm comfortable expression, or they may come as thoughts to our mind. They come to those who are prepared and who are patient”  ~ H. Burke Peterson

We need to stop and face our problems!

Yesterday was a tough day for me. I was doing good in the morning, but later in the afternoon I hurt my back and neck, doing something very simple... like picking up my granddaughter out of the crib. I felt it right away and knew I was in trouble. The pain actually made me sick to my stomach, and so needless to say, the rest of the day went down hill from there. For some reason, I couldn't quite get on top of my feelings. I felt like, I am always going to be hurting and unable to do so many SIMPLE things. I worried that it would be like this forever, yes I was stuck in that moment, and it became one of those BIGGER THAN ME DAYS very quickly.
I had to take some pain medicine and then usually I lay down but actually the pain was so bad, that I felt antsy and just keep walking around. I finally got a bit of relief and I took off and went for a drive. It was a beautiful day and I kept wondering if I would ever be able to go for a walk again and enjoy the fall weather? I wondered if I am always going to hurt? If I am ever going to be able to hold my grand-kids? Would it be like this forever? Yes, today my problem seemed so huge. Jeff went somewhere  with me  later that evening, and I cried and told him that I didn't want to keep doing this. I didn't want this type of life...in pain all the time. I explained to him that I just can't keep doing this, it is wearing me down. He just held me and tried to tell me that things would get better...I doubted it though!
When I went to bed last night, I tried to tell my Heavenly Father all the things I am missing, with all this pain. I tried to remind Him of all the good things, I could do if I had my health back. Yes, once again...I was telling Heavenly Father what is best for me. I beat He gets that alot, but yet somehow, I also know that He understands.
Thank goodness, today is a better day and I have decided, I can continue to do this...if that's what's required. I hope that it isn't, but I need to remember to be patient and diligent in doing all that I can to get stronger. I know that it will not be an easy fix! Some how in my life...it never is! 
So this story was the perfect one for me today, to remind me to try and stand back and not only count my blessings but look at the bigger picture! I hope it is a good reminder for you too, good night! 

The Rock

An old farmer had plowed around a large rock in one of his fields for years. He had broken several plowshares and a cultivator on it and had grown rather morbid about the rock.

After breaking another plowshare one day, and remembering all the trouble the rock had caused him through the years, he finally decided to do something about it.

When he put the crowbar under the rock, he was surprised to discover that it was only about six inches thick and that he could break it up easily with a sledgehammer. As he was carting the pieces away he had to smile, remembering all the trouble that the rock had caused him over the years and how easy it would have been to get rid of it sooner. ~ Brian Cavanaugh   "The Sower's Seeds"

 

"Pain is inevitable.  Suffering is optional."  ~M. Kathleen Casey

"We have no right to ask when sorrow comes, "Why did this happen to me?" unless we ask the same question for every moment of happiness that comes our way."  ~Author Unknown

It's all connected!

What is that old song that went like this....the knee bone connected to the thigh bone, the thigh bone is connected to the hip bone...? Anyway, maybe some of you are too young to know it, but the idea is that everything is connected. I am learning this lesson more and more as I continue on with my new Physical Therapist who is also a Spine Specialist. Today she was testing the strength of my arm muscles and lower traps, she was shocked that they were almost not working at all. She then tested the soreness on the T -4 rib area and it was very sensitive. She then talked about all the scarring from my mastectomy and how that is effecting those muscles in my arms and around the ribs. She was shocked that no one told me about the side effects of cutting all those muscles and from the surgery. Of course if there is any kind of surgery, amputation, or accidents to your body...yes there will be side effects. I am frustrated ONCE AGAIN, of the lack of knowledge given to the cancer patients.
I know that the oncologist's and surgeons have done their job and when they are finished, they are finished. But we (the survivors) are the ones that have to continue to live with all the side effects of the surgeries, medications and or treatments. No one really talks much about that. Most of the information you have to find out on your own, it is NOT just told to you. And many patients are so scared and paralyzed from their diagnosis, that they just blindly do what they are told. I just get frustrated that there isn't more done to get patients to become healthy, happy survivors. There is a lot in between there that has been missed!
So once again, I am still struggling with the after effects of having had cancer and still paying $ for it too! That seems a bit much, when  you realize my surgery was almost 2 years ago! It definitely is life altering, for the Good and the Bad!

Well, it is Friday and Date Night with Jeff and so I will finish this up. The message of this post today is... that we need to listen to our bodies, know what they need and don't need! We need to also get informed about anything (such as surgery or treatments and medications) that will be done to our bodies! It is all connected, yes, they only took a breast but...they cut my muscles, my immune system has been compromised and other other areas have been damaged from the whole ordeal, not even mentioning the emotional effect it has had. Yes, from our head to our toes, it is all connected and it is vital that we know that, and be pro-active to get all the knowledge we can, to get to the healthiest place we can be! I am still on that journey frustrated but grateful to be able to at least take this journey!

"The body never lies."  ~Martha Graham

"The human body is the only machine for which there are no spare parts."  ~Hermann M. Biggs

"Trying out new ways of using your body in handling various situations breaks you free from old ways of thinking and being."  ~ Mirka Knaster

Believing in yourself

Why is it so easy to doubt ourselves, and yet so hard to believe in ourselves? Maybe because we forget that we are here on earth, to learn, grow and many times, that can only come through personally challenges and experiences that God designed especially for us! I have studied a lot on this subject, because it is one that I find myself struggling with often. I feel like some times it is always an uphill climb, when it comes to conquering fears and doubts about myself. I love the quote... “ Through self-doubt, we lose our sense of self-worth." That is so true, when doubt and fear become so strong, then it seems to paralyze us and we can't continue to progress or move on.

As I read my scriptures today, I just looked up things that  reminded me of my self worth. Things that the Lord wanted written down in the scriptures, to remind us for this very purpose. The trick is ...we have to read them and ponder and pray about them, to get the real effect, I believe! Here are some that I found that reminded me of this topic.... Psalms 8:5, Isaiah 13:12, Matthew 18:11, Luke 9:56, John 3:16. I sure there are many more, but these all reaffirmed to me, the importance and worth of a soul to God. How much more important is it that we understand that about ourselves? I hope we will be able to try and remember that Life is Hard, but it is soooooooooooooo worth it! And so are we!!!

  " The greatest achievement was at first for a time a dream. The oak sleeps in the acorn, the bird waits in the egg, and in the highest vision of the soul a waking angel stirs. Dreams are the seedling of realities."                  ~James Allen

 

Nothing to Fear

There's nothing to fear --- you're as good as the best,
As strong as the mightiest, too.
You can win in every battle or test;
For there's no one just like you.
There's only one you in the world today;
So nobody else, you see,
Can do your work in as fine a way:
You're the only you there'll be !

So face the world, and all life is yours
To conquer and love and live:
And you'll find the happiness that endures
In just the measure you give;
There's nothing too good for you to possess,
Nor heights where you cannot go:
Your power is more than belief or guess ---
It is something you have to know.

There is nothing to fear --- you can and you will.
For you are the invincible you.
Set your foot on the highest hill ---
There's nothing you cannot do.

-- Author Unknown

"All that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts"                   ~ James Allen

 

You know you are getting old when...

When my son and his wife lived with us this past winter (while doing their internships for college), we really had a fun time together. One of the things that stands out in my mind, (which quickly reminded me of the difference in our ages) was...when Brad got hurt or was sick, I got him the Hot Water Bottle out. ( Now just a side note here, Brad and Krystal love old things, old records, old clothes, yes they think the more vintage the better.) So when they saw the Hot Water Bottle they were thrilled, they couldn't believe I still had one of those. Then they went on to tell me, that they don't even think Hot Water Bottles are made any more. By the way they went on, I wondered if I should even be using it, or put it away so that I can sell it and be rich some day?

It was just a reminder that I am getting older! :) Oh well, it is going to happen, it just seemed it came faster than I realized. I smile every time I get that ( old, vintage ) Hot Water Bottle out and realize that I am now the Grandmother ( Nana ), and many of my things will be consider antiques before long. I guess that isn't so bad. I actually have a lot of my grandmother's things in my home, they too, are considered antiques. I love having my house filled with them, it reminds me of her home and that was a good memory. So hopefully, I provided Brad and Krystal a few sweet memories for the future!

I guess, I am ok with getting older, as long as my kids don't say jokes like this about me...

"Yo momma's so old she went to an antiques auction and three people bid on her"  Yes, that would hurt! :)

"About the only thing that comes to us without effort is old age."  ~ Gloria Pitzer

"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."    ~ Mark Twain 

'Age' is the acceptance of a term of years. But maturity is the glory of years."   ~ Martha Graham 

September is here!

Everyone has there favorite season. Mine has always been FALL! I love the colors, putting on sweaters, watching our pumpkins grow, smelling the soup on the stove, picking apples and everything else... wonderful about FALL! It just makes me want to go and put on a pot of soup and light my favorite candles. Since it is September officially, I told my granddaughter that we could put up the FALL decorations this week, she gets about excited as I do!
I found this quote from a dear lady, that I admire greatly which goes like this...

"THE GRAND AND THE SIMPLE, THEY ARE EQUALLY WONDERFUL"  ~ Marjorie Pay Hinckley

I really believe that is true, if we step back and enjoy each one. The big and grand things are easy to notice, but how often do we stop and enjoy the small and simple things in our life? I think that is the test of gratitude. Do we honestly notice, all the incredible blessings in our life?  If we would (as my Mom used to sing to us) COUNT  YOUR MANY BLESSING, NAME THEM ONE BY ONE AND IT WILL SURPRISE YOU WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE. So today that is my goal, to look outside my window and be grateful that my favorite season is here, and then look around my home and my family and realized how blessed I am!  Try it yourself...Count your many blessing!

"If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness.  It will change your life mightily."  ~Gerald Good

"Delicious autumn!  My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns."  ~George Eliot

"Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn."  ~Elizabeth Lawrence

"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving."  ~W.T. Purkiser

Grandchildren

When we got back from out trip the first thing we did, is call my daughter and son-in-law and see if they and our two granddaughters, could come over for dinner and family night. It had only been a few days that we had seen them, but Jeff and I realize that they might not live close forever, so we want to spend as much time as we can with them. I loved getting away, and it was the perfect vacation. Still it was also nice to have my house full of the kids and everyone working together in the kitchen creating dinner and a special dessert. Angie and I had to check the garden and see what had grown since she had been gone. Now I know those of you who aren't a grandparent yet, probably think we are way too crazy our about our grandkids but... all I can say is wait and see, it is wonderful!

"If becoming a grandmother was only a matter of choice, I should advise every one of you straight away to become one. There is no fun for old people like it!"
-- Hannah Whithall Smith

I read a quote the other day that said ..."A grandmother is a mother who has a second chance." That is really what it feels like. Since you don't have the responsibility to raise them, then your job is to just love,teach, and play with them. I feel like I  have the time now to play more and yet I  still have the guilt of maybe not playing enough with my kids, so yes, it does feel like grandparenthood...is a second chance to make things right! They also love you unconditionally and that is a huge thing. This story tells it best and I could totally relate, since my granddaughter Angie was only little over 2 when I was diagnosed the second time with cancer. She has seen me go through a mastectomy and radiation and much more...and loves me just the same. I think that is why this story hit such a deep part in my heart. Enjoy!

 
The sincere and innocent wisdom of a child never ceases to fill me with wonder.
Last year I had surgery to remove a tumor from my thyroid gland. I had staples across the front of my neck for a week afterward (a true Frankenstein look) and then a very angry looking red scar after the staples were removed. Since I couldn't tolerate a collar against the wound, I became very creative at wearing scarves. My granddaughter Caitlynd, 3 1/2 yrs old at the time, also started wearing scarves.
The two of us had a grand time picking out 'the perfect scarf' for our outfits and finding unique ways to tie them. As I opened my closet door to choose our scarves for Caitlynd's fourth birthday, my precious granddaughter put her hand on my forearm and said, "Let's not wear a scarf today."
Looking into her serious little face, I took a deep breath and closed the closet door. On the way out of the house, I took a quick look in the mirror and felt the tears rise in my eyes.
Her birthday party was a big affair and I knew people were going to stare at my now---bright pink scar---and whisper about it behind their hands.
To this day, I don't know if Caitlynd saw the well of tears I fought back or sensed my hesitant mood, but as we walked out the door she said, "Don't worry Grammy, I'll hold your hand."
And she did, all day long. I haven't worn a scarf since.

http://www.motivateus.com/stories/caitlynd.htm

"Our grandchildren accept us for ourselves, without rebuke or effort to
change us, as no on in our entire lives has ever done, not our parents,
siblings, spouses, friends-and hardly ever our own grown children." Ruth Goode

 

"A grandchild fill a space in your heart that you never knew was empty."  ~ Unknown

What is true Happiness?

"True Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence." Helen Keller

I read this article about happiness and thought, some of the quotes were enlightening and so I will share them for today. This was also perfect topic for us as a family this weekend, for a couple of reasons. First of all, we all finally got well from our pneumonia, and second because we were able to take a quick, last minute, mini vacation to Sequim, Washington. We have dear friends that have a beautiful beach house, and they were gracious enough invite over for the long weekend.

I love the feeling I get, when we are here. You wake up, looking at the water and watching the tide go in and out, and then go to bed listening to the waves and the different animals that are here. No sound or noise of the city, yes...it is just a beautiful place! We feel blessed to be with incredible friends and being able to just BE...not do anything, but just...enjoy this beautiful place and being together, that is true happiness for sure! So here are those quotes...

What is the definition of happiness anyway?

Finding happiness is like finding yourself.

"You don't find happiness,

You make happiness.

You choose happiness."

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."

"True happiness is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose."

Let's define happiness as a feeling of contentment created when all of one's physical, emotional, psychological, intellectual and spiritual needs have been gratified.

Say thanks for the joy and happiness in life and trust that God does indeed want me to be happy.

Happiness is the only good. The time to be happy is now. The place to be happy is here. The way to be happy is to make others so.

"The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness.  You have to catch it yourself. " ~Benjamin Franklin

Happiness is never stopping to think if you are.  ~Palmer Sondreal

http://www.soulnpeace.com/happiness.html

Faith of a little child!

I have always loved the scripture, where the Savior says that we need to be more like a little child. Why is that? I think it is because they are kind, believing, happy and full of faith! This story is a wonderful example of that.

I want to buy a miracle
A little girl went
to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet.

She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three
times, even The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes.

Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she
slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with
the big red Indian Chief sign above the door.

She waited patiently for
the pharmacist to give her some attention, but he was too busy at this moment.
Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat
with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good Finally she took a
quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it!

'And what do you want?' the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of
voice. I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages,' he
said without waiting for a reply to his question.

'Well, I want to talk
to you about my brother,' Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. 'He's
really, really sick...and I want to buy a miracle.'

'I beg your pardon?'
said the pharmacist.

'His name is Andrew and he has something bad
growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now So how
much does a miracle cost?'

'We don't sell miracles here, little girl.
I'm sorry but I can't help you,' the pharmacist said, softening a little.

'Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get
the rest. Just tell me how much it costs.'

The pharmacist's brother was
a well dressed man He stooped down and asked the little girl, 'What kind of a
miracle does your brother need?'

' I don't know,' Tess replied with her
eyes welling up. I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an
operation. But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money.'

'How much do you have?' asked the man from  Chicago

'One dollar
and eleven cents,' Tess answered barely audibly.

'And it's all the money
I have, but I can get some more if I need to.'

'Well, what a
coincidence,' smiled the man. 'A dollar and eleven cents---the exact price of a
miracle for little brothers. '

He took her money in one hand and with
the other hand he grasped her mitten and said 'Take me to where you live. I want
to see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the miracle you
need.'

That well dressed man was Dr.Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon,
specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed free of charge and it
wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well.

Mom and Dad were
happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place.

'That surgery,' her Mom whispered. 'was a real miracle. I wonder how
much it would have cost?'

Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a
miracle cost..one dollar and eleven cents....plus the faith of a little child.

In our lives, we never know how many miracles we will need.

"A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law."

"Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe."  ~ Gail Devers

Be your companion's cheerleader!

I am still reading the book MARRIED FOR BETTER, NOT WORSE by Gary and Joy Lundberg .One section that really stood out to me was the chapter called ...Secret #9 Be your mate's favorite cheerleader.
I was discussing with a dear friend the other day, some problems that they were facing in their home. She said that she was struggling to watch her husband have so much stress and big decisions on him. He was even acting different, and both of them didn't seem to know which direction to go next. I know how that feels, Jeff and I have both been there before...it is a really tough, and scary place.

What I liked in the book was this part...
Picture yourself as a member of a basketball team. Your fellow teammate has been fouled and is at the free throw line. The game is tied with only 3 seconds left. He bounces the ball, takes a deep breath, and tosses it toward the basket. The crowd is dead silent. The ball hits the inside of the rim, rolls around, and bounces out of the basket. No score. So close, but no score. You step forward with other teammates and give him supportive fives and words of encouragement. He moves to the line for his second throw, feeling the support of his team while sweat rolls off his forehead. Another deep breath, the toss and ...it's nothing but net! The crowd goes wild. Your teammate is a hero. And the whole team is cheering, laughing, and hugging each other.

Now consider the same scenario. your teammate is at the line ready to make his first shot. He misses. You move in close to him and say, " You should have made the basket! You knew how the team was depending on you. You had your big chance and you blew it. You don't have the talent to make the next shot, so why even try." What is the likelihood of your teammate making the next shot after a comment like that? What is the likelihood of anyone with your attitude remaining on the team?

On a successful team, that kind of belittling would never happen. Teammates work together--they are each other's most valuable cheerleader. When one succeeds, the whole team succeeds and everyone is happy. That needs to happen in marriage. As a spouse, you are a member of the most important team in the world--your "home" team.

"When love and skill work together expect a masterpiece."   ~ John Ruskin

"Even if marriages are made in heaven, man has to be responsible for the maintenance."  ~ James C. Dobson

"If there is forbearance, if there is forgiveness, if there is an anxious looking after the happiness of one's companion, then love will flourish and blossom. The prescription is simple and wonderfully effective. It is love. It is plain, simple, everyday love and respect."   ~ Gordon B. Hinckley

Change, Choice and Principles

I have studied for years, ways to control my thoughts. I have known for quite some time that, how you see life could be a great help or a great hindrance to you! Thoughts are so powerful. Do we even realize how powerful they are and if they are helping or hurting our life? I have watched many dear family and friends, face terrible and challenging things in their lives and yet...they still seem to be ok! How does that work?
Then you know others who have had some bad things  happen to them and yet to talk to them...it is just the end of the world. What's the difference? I think their thoughts are a big part of that. Understanding that things will happen, change will come, helps you be better prepared for it. Understanding that we always have a choice, I have heard people ( like myself at times) say " I just don't have a choice" , we always have a choice! Then the principles, that are the very foundation of what we believe or we don't believe... make a huge difference too! Yes, I want to be known as one of THOSE PEOPLE, who face the changes and challenges of life head on, who studies out all the options and makes the wisest choice, and the person that has some great principles to stand on, when all seems lost!
With that tall order, I just placed for myself...I realize that it takes a daily effort to control my thoughts. I can choose to have a good day or bad day. I can choose to be happy or sad....yes...it is up to me! I challenge all of us to put more effort in checking the quality of our thoughts on a daily basis, it could make all the difference!

Thought

Thought is a vital, living force, the most vital, subtle and irresistible force that exists in the universe.
Thought is a dynamic force.
Thought moves.
Thought is infectious.
Thought creates.
You can work wonders with the power of thought.
Through the instrumentality of thought, you acquire creative power. There are nowadays numerous books on thought-power.

Every thought has a literal value to you in every possible way. The strength of your body, the strength of your mind, your success in life and the pleasures you give to others by your company - all depend on the nature and quality of your thoughts

James Allen , the famous philosopher and writer , wrote a book called “As The Man Think “ This book later on became the foundation for Para psychology in the west .
Dr Stephen Covey is another well-known writer, who in his book called “Seven Habits Of effective People” has also argued on the power and importance of thought level.

I love these quotes by Steven R.Covey...

  “The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” 

  “There are three constants in life... change, choice and principles.” 

  “The way we see the problem is the problem”

Amazing!

Someone sent me this story of NOAH'S ARK, it was simply amazing!

Working Replica of Noah's Ark Opened In SCHAGEN, Netherlands ..
Man Builds Noah's Ark to the exact scale given in the Bible

The massive central door in the side of Noah's Ark was opened the first crowd of curious townsfolk to behold the wonder. This replica of the biblical Ark was built by Dutch Creationist Johan Huibers as a testament to his faith in the literal truth of the Bible.

'I knew the story of Noah, but I had no idea the boat would have been so big ' There is enough space near the keel for a 50-seat film theater where kids can watch a video that tells the story of Noah and his ark. Huibers, a Christian man, said he hopes the project will renew interest in Christianity in the Netherlands, where church going has fallen dramatically in the past 50 years.

I wonder if Johan knew before he under took this project, what type of criticism he would get and how far his testimony of the Bible would be spread by such a project? The article does not tell that he had conflicts, but it is never too far away especially when someone is trying to do good. I would love to travel there and see it. I have to give Johan my respect, for sharing his testimony and beliefs with others. In a world where people are constantly denying the reality of God, I am grateful for someone who would be so bold, so brave and so committed to the mission that he was doing... that he did it any way. If it is true that he did it, to simply share his believes, I would say that in and of it's self is amazing. How many of  us would stand up and share our testimonies of Christ like that?  Yes, it was an amazing story, I hope that many, have been able to enjoy and learn more about the scriptures and about God, because of this man's commitment to this project.

https://mail.google.com/mail/?shva=1#inbox/12acb32249ee8c47

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around  you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." ~ Maryanne Williamson

"Though our feeling come and go, God's love for us does not."   ~ C.S. Lewis

"People see God every day, they just don't recognize him."  ~Pearl Bailey