Monday, December 31, 2007

Goals for 2008

Happy New Year's Eve! Our family plan this year is going to be spending some quality, quiet time at home reflecting on our blessings in 2007. Watching the ball drop on tv in Times Square, having some munchies & a glass or two of Martinellis is my ideal time for spending New Years Eve. Plus-- being in my own bed shortly after 2008 officially arrives!!! :)

I've already made it a mindset that 2008 is going to be GREAT, that even though they'll probably be trials & tribulations that may come our way in the New Year, But.. why waste time over whining & complaining over things that we possibly can't change? God only can change those things. However-- we can change how we perceive things.

Happiness is a personal choice. It just doesnt happen naturally. You have to make it a mindset.

So-- If life gives you lemons-- make lemonade. Every new day in your life is a gift from God-- and why waste precious time, right???

Here are some goals that a friend passed on to me to make 2008 a good one! :)

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. Try to get enough sleep.

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, "My purpose is to____ today."

5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

6. Watch more movies, play more games and read more books than you did in 2007.

7. Make time to practice meditation, quietness, and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.

8. Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13. Clear your clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.

14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in thepositive present moment.

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class, but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed-out charge card.

17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the negative energy away.

18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

24. Burn the candles, use the nice bed sheets. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"

27. Forgive everyone for everything.

28. What other people think of you is none of your business.

29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.

30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch.

32. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

33. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

34. The best is yet to come.

35. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

36. Do the right thing!

37. Call your family often. Keep in touch with them.

38. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: "I am thankful for ___." Today I accomplished ____.

39. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

40. Enjoy the ride. Remember that this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

HAVE A BLESSED DAY!!!!! May your troubles be less, May your blessings be more. And may nothing but happiness come through your door!

Saturday, December 29, 2007

What we need to see more of on the News!

Lord knows there is enough depressing news everytime we turn on our television. They need to broadcast more note worthy stories such as this one instead :)

Brothers hand out Christmas cash at mall
Wed Dec 26, 10:44 AM ET

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071226/od_nm/usa_money_dc;_ylt=AiHbOy.RiGWXJrKUFfyfv_guQE4F

Shoppers got a Christmas Eve surprise on Monday when a pair of brothers handed out $100 bills at a mall on Long Island, New York.
Police responded to a call from security staff at the Sunrise Mall in the town of Massapequa, concerned that the give-away might create a scene or involve counterfeit bills.

Instead, officers found a simple case of Christmas charity where calm prevailed as the businessmen, aged 45 and 41, gave out the money at the entrance to the shopping center, police said.

"These two brothers say they do this every year. They say they've been blessed and just want to give something back," Detective Sergeant Anthony Repalone said.

"They gave it to people who they thought needed it. The people were very appreciative."
Police declined to identify the brothers, respecting their wish to remain anonymous.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

The Faith of a Child: Logan, The Sky Angel Cowboy

They played this at our Christmas Eve Candlelight service at church last night & I'm sure it will touch your heart as well :)

(Warning... grab a kleenex!)

Merry CHRISTmas & God bless us all! :)

Monday, December 24, 2007

Happy Birthday Jesus!


Christ's Love was God's



God said:

Christ was harmonious, and yet he was firm in what he knew. He was not swayed. He ventured forth in a straight line. His God-given mission was to bring others closer to Me. He wanted nothing for himself but to give the gift of love that was given to him and which he had accepted whole-heartedly. A heart full of love can only pour out love, and so love is multiplied. Christ poured out so much love that his love still resounds around the world. The love he gave on My behalf still stirs hearts to beat to the tune of love. Boom, boom, boom-ti-boom, the beat of love.

He gave the only gift there is to give. He did not go shopping and gift-wrap. He was not Santa Claus. Santa Claus serves a different purpose from Christ. The physical giving of gifts is also nice, yet Christ gave not physical gifts. He gave love. That is all he had to give, and he gave it well. He gave love without ribbons. He simply gave love. He radiated it. He did not think about giving love. It would have been impossible for him not to give love. That would have been deprivation.

Christ was the fruit of the vine. A grape, full of juice, is ready to be picked, and juice turns into wine. And so Christ gave as innocently as a grape. Those who knew their thirst drank deeply of My love through Christ. They could not drink enough. They wanted more. They are drinking still.

Christ did not give love from a sense of obligation. He didn't feel that the love which was his to give was owed. He did not think in terms of debt or debtor. He gave as freely as the sun shines My light. Christ was a bright sun on Earth, and he shone. How he shone. He could not do otherwise. Light was his to give, and give he did. He was helpless in that he could not help but to give. He was a singer of love who had to sing. He could not deny himself the burst of song.

He was a fish who had to swim. A fish does not think, "Oh, I must swim today." It is natural for a fish to swim. And so Christ swam in love. He did not travel all over the world, but his love did, and his love travels still. Once set in motion, love stays in motion. Just as the sun is not given instruction to shine every day, so does love continue its revolutions without further ado.

Christ gave, yet he never thought, "I am giving." He never got up in the morning and thought, "Oh, I must give today." Giving was not a thought. Giving was his Being. And yet Christ had no thought that was not about giving love. He was powerless to do anything but give love. And so he had wisdom as well as love, and yet there was no difference between the love and wisdom he gave. His love and wisdom were grapes from the same vine I had planted and given to all My sons.

Do you think you are not from the same vine as Christ? Do you think you are a pretender to the throne I seat you on? Do you think you were given a special dispensation to refuse to accept My love or, once accepted, to refrain from sharing it?

Beloveds, no one is more special to Me than you are, nor is there anyone less special than you. There is no first, and there is no last. May you make every day Christmas for all My beloved sons and daughters. Accept My gifts, and, in the same motion, give them away.



~ Heavenletters ~

Saturday, December 22, 2007

If You Want to Experience God In Your Life


If You Want To Experience God In Your Life


... God is love. That is the essential teaching from all the scriptures. If we want to experience God, we should express that love in our life, just as God loves everything and everybody. God loves a rat, a cat, a dog, a donkey, a pig, a sinner, a saint, an idiot, a scholar. The most beautiful and the most ugly. A good dancer. The one who doesn't even know how to walk.

No matter what you are and how you are, you see that unconditional love from God. God never said, "I will love you if only you do this, if only you are like that." No. Loving without limitations is "universal love." And that is God. If you want to experience that God in your life, love everything and everybody as God would love. Unconditionally.

Show the same love to one and all. Let nothing get harmed, hurt, or pained, even by your thought. It is possible to develop a life like that. We want everybody to love us, and we don't want anybody to hate us. In the same way, everybody would want that. Do unto others as you yourself would want it to be done unto you.

Spiritual teaching is very simple. Whether you repeat your mantram or not, whether you practice hatha yoga or not, whether you learn all the scriptures by heart or not, who worries about that? But, do you have unconditional love in your life? If you have that, you have everything.

At least during these beautiful holy days of Hannukah, Christmas, New Year's, and Deepavali, let us reaffirm ourselves to lead a life filled with love. That will take care of everything else.

OM Shanthi, Shanthi, Shanthi



~ Sri Swami Satchidananda ~

Christmas and Materialism

I ran across this article after pondering a commercial on the radio advertising one of our local Malls. Basically, the ad's focus and the theme was playing was "You cant always get what you want" by the Rolling stones--which made me ponder even more that a trip to the local Mall is NOT what Christmas is all about.

Sure, we may not receive exactly what we want at Christmas... but, then again... its not our birthday anyway!

This type of materialism/commercialism annoys me so much that Americans have been desensitized-- that buying your sweetie the latest diamond or Lexus is what Christmas is all about..... to that I say.... "NOT"!!!!!

Instead of pondering what "We" want for Christmas, we should be thinking about what to give Jesus (who is the best gift of all, btw) instead. :)

After all-- We can't spell Christmas without CHRIST &; yes its true... we all are in need of a Savior (thus, when we honor the birth of Christ on Christmas & make him Lord over our lives--even the Rolling Stones had it right... "we get what we need"! :)

Merry CHRISTmas Everyone!


Christmas and Materialism
By Dainial MacÀdhaimh

http://www.worldspirituality.org/christmas-materialism.html

"In today's consumer society, this time of the year unfortunately suffers from a sort of commercial 'pollution' that threatens to alter its real spirit."Pope Benedict XVI, December 11th, 2005

Like most of the other pages on this website, this page has a commercial component; there are advertisements at the top of this page, and there are advertisements at the bottom of this page. The ads produce income, and the revenue from them pays for the continued presence of this website on the internet. Whether or not this demonstrates a pro-commercial attitude, such a circumstance certainly argues against any rampant anti-materialistic bias.

And yet, we cannot immediately disagree with Pope Benedict's assertion. Commercialism - at least, the raging hyper-consumerism that is so prevalent in the United States during the Christmas holiday season - does not seem to have anything to do with the spirit of Christmas, or the spirit of Christianity. In fact, such hyper-consumerism appears to be directly opposed to Christ's message.

Christmas presents have, in a sense, existed since the very first Christmas. We read in the second chapter of Matthew that the Magi, "....saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." But these, of course, were gifts to one regarded as the Savior.

Christianity, as a religion, embraces the idea that we are all brothers and sisters, not only equal to each other, but also responsible for each other's welfare, even the "least and the poorest among us." Numerous examples of this stress on equality and compassion exist in the New Testament, along with clear warnings against vain demonstrations of opulence. We are told in Mark, chapter 10, that " . . . many that are first shall be last; and the last first." The same chapter tells us that, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." Both sentiments are repeated virtually word-for-word in Matthew, chapter 19. We are also told that the poor are blessed, and the meek shall inherit the earth.

How, then, can one justify celebrating the birth of the religious figure who taught such lofty ideals with stampeding (and occasionally violent) crowds at Wal-Mart? Where in the New Testament does Jesus command his followers to run up credit card debt at jewelry stores? What does giving a bottle of expensive Scotch have to do with the birth of Christ?

Puritans, who played an incredibly important role in the founding of the United States, felt that Christmas was a celebration tainted by heathenism; they regarded the day as any other workday, and in fact recommended that one should work all the harder on December 25th.

Quakers, another influential group in American history, likewise chose not to regard Christmas as a special holy day, for the simple reason that Quakers regard all days as holy. That these sentiments endured in some history-rich areas of the United States is demonstrated by the fact that Christmas was not publicly celebrated in New England until a point well into the 19th century.

Even if we choose to disagree with Puritans and Quakers - and one must admit that their ideas bear merit, especially given the sorry spectacle we are faced with today - we still ought to try to face the fact that Christmas is a holy day, a spiritual day, and has nothing at all to do with buying things. Indeed, the hyper-consumerism presently associated with Christmas flies in the face of true Christianity!

Want to do something truly "Christmas-like" this season?

Then first, make a pledge to avoid the malls, and the jewelry stores, the Wal-marts and the Targets.

Second, go to church, or to meeting, or stay home and read the Bible. Christmas is about honoring the birth of Christ, isn't it?

Third, purge your heart of all anger, all hatred, and all prejudice toward those who are different from you, be it because of their race, or their religious beliefs, or their political beliefs, or anything else, choosing instead to love your neighbor as yourself.

And finally, fourth, do those other things Jesus clearly instructed us to do; feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick.

Merry Christmas, and may God bless us all.

Friday, December 21, 2007

Spreading Goodwill that can return to you

"Blessed is he who speaks a kindness; thrice blessed is he who repeats it".- Arabian proverb

This quote can be read in a few ways, and all of them are worth thinking about.

First, complimenting and encouraging others is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to be a positive force in someone's life. As long as you're sincere, repeating that encouragement as often as possible can have effects that far outweigh the effort. Countless people have exceeded their own expectations just because others believed in them.

Second, giving positive feedback works even better if done publicly. Take those kind words and repeat them until everyone knows the great things that this person is doing.

Third, we've all had kindnesses bestowed on us in word and deed. In return for that favor, it's up to us to repeat that generosity for someone else's benefit. However you read this quote, the point is that there's a kindness out there to be performed.

And you're just the person to do it!

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Ahhhhh.... sing it, Josh!

This is the best version of O Holy Night that Ive ever heard so far! :)

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Self Talk is Revealing


Self Talk is Revealing

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"If you wish to know the mind of a man, listen to his words."
-- Chinese Proverb

What passes over your lips each day?

Are your words typically negative, critical, gossiping, deceptive, illusory, justifying, blaming, manipulative and argumentative? Are they more uplifting, inspirational, positive, questioning, beautiful, loving, universal, truthful, accepting and supportive?

The throat is our center of expression. Who we are sneaks out in our attitudes and in what we say.

"Handle them carefully, for words have more power than atom bombs."
-- Pearl Strachan Hurd

"The wise weigh their words on a scale with gold."
-- Bible



~ The Inner Journey ~

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Lifes Lessons :)


Reflecting On What One Has Learned

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Rabbi Elisha ben Abuyah used to say:

‘Those who are open to life’s lessons and who do not live on a diet of prejudices are like a blank sheet of paper on which God writes his words in divine ink.

Those who view the world through cynical, prejudiced eyes are like a sheet of paper that has already been filled and on which there is no room for any new words.

Do not concern yourself with what you know or what you do not know. Do not think about the past or the future, merely allow God’s hands to write the surprises of the present on each new day.’



~ Paulo Coelho ~

Friday, December 7, 2007

Thankful

I really love this song. Its from Josh Groban's "Noel" CD. Christmas is a time of giving from our hearts. My sister -in- law & her husband sent us a card that really touched me.

It said " Let's give less stuff and share more love, Lets be the peace that we have been dreaming of."

Those words reminded me of the beautiful lyrics to this song that says "its up to us to be the change!" :)

Although we can't change people & our circumstances (only God has that ability!) However; we DO have the ability to change the way that we react to people/circumstances.:)

Besides, it is so very true... it isnt "what" we have, but "whom" we have in our lives. So much to be thankful for :)


Thankful ------Josh Groban

Some days, we forget to look around us
Some days, we can't see the joy that surrounds us
So caught up inside ourselves
We take when we should give
So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be
And on this day we hope for
What we still can't see
It's up to us, to be the change
And even though we all can still do more
There's so much to be thankful for

Look beyond ourselves
There's so much sorrow
It's way to late to say, I'll cry tomorrow
Each of us must find our truth
It's so long overdue
So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be
And everyday, we hope for
What we still can't see
It's up to us, to be the change
And even though we all can still do more
There's so much to be thankful for

And even with our differences
There is a place were all connected
Each of us can find each other's light
So for tonight, we pray for
What we know can be
And on this day, we hope for
What we still can't see
It's up to us to be the change
And even though this world can still do so much more
There's so much to be thankful for

Dealing with Difficult People :)

I thought this was a great article, as I'm sure we've all dealt with one or more of these people in our lives.The Holidays are time for get togethers & personally, I know that I have a hard time dealing when I'm not spiritually filled and/or out of balance. :)

Dealing With Difficult People
http://webuildpeople.ag.org/wbp_library/9508_difficult_people.cfm

"I try to get along with John, but we always seem to be on different pages. I try to work with him, but a conflict always arises. Then I feel guilty. I don't like the tension, but I don't seem to understand how he thinks and acts or how to get along with him."

Sound familiar? We all have people in our lives who are difficult to understand, work with, or be around. We say things like, "I'm tired of his pushiness," "She's so picky, " "I can't seem to get him involved."

As long as we live, we will experience conflicts. Some persons are more difficult to get along with than others. They seem irregular to us.

Getting along with people takes effort. It means loving them when we don't feel like it and when they are not lovable.

Understanding the Types of Difficult People

There are several types of difficult people. Each has certain characteristics and requires different responses.

Busybody
Characteristics: He is zealous to police people's lives. He attempts to force others to conform to his expectations. He's judgmental, an overbearing warden, a meddler in other people's business, and a gossiper.
Response: Personally commit to giving and receiving only good reports. Refuse to give ear to his gossip. Confront him about the facts, and press him toward personal responsibility. Reprove, then rebuke him redemptively.

Antagonist
Characteristics: He is controlling and needs to shape his world. He's domineering, aggressive, hostile, hot-tempered, and intimidating. He's a bully who makes cutting remarks.
Response: Don't argue with him or listen to his opinions. Express your opinions, and don't be intimidated. Demonstrate strength without argument, and give him room and time to respond.

Indecisive
Characteristics: He is noncommittal, postpones decisions, ignores issues, and wants all the facts.
Response: Let him voice his concerns. Use face-to-face settings, offer alternatives, press for agreement in stages, and press for decision and action.

Complainer
Characteristics: He gripes but takes no action. His gripes may be real concerns, or he may feel powerless and refuse responsibility.
Response: Let him blow. Acknowledge his concerns, but don't agree or empathize. Ask problem-solving questions. Don't allow complaints to go unsettled.

Spoiler
Characteristics: He is negative and always says, "It won't work." He's critical, cynical, a wet blanket, a negative influencer, and an impossibility thinker. He finds problems and makes excuses for his lack of responsibility, saying, "It's just the way I am."
Response: Don't give him a platform to complain or make excuses. Counter his negativism with realistic optimism. Don't try to convince him. Work to influence the larger group toward positive action. Don't allow him to sway the group. Kindly express your confidence in him, but point out that change is a choice.

Dead Beat
Characteristics: He won't take risks and is fearful and lazy. He resists change, and he appears apathetic, disinterested, or bored.
Response: Ask open-ended questions and demand more than a yes or no answer. Draw out his perspectives, and press for conclusions and responses. State presumed conclusions to solicit responses.

Know-It-All
Characteristics: He is strongly opinionated, competitive, imposing, pompous, and intimidating. He often tries to make others feel foolish or dumb.
Response: Know your facts. Be factual and concrete about the issues. Ask how his facts bear on things, and ask him to restate his views. Allow him to save face when he is inaccurate, and deal with him alone when possible.

Mr. Nice Guy
Characteristics: He has a strong need for acceptance and approval and portrays reasonable support in public. He may be a totally different person in private. He accepts responsibility but doesn't follow through.
Response: Give approval, and help him express his true feelings. Work out task descriptions, and hold him accountable for tasks to help him follow through.

Volcano
Characteristics: He's unpredictable and tends to be unapproachable. he causes tension, and others are fearful and uncertain around him. He's explosive, insensitive, loud, and cutting.
Response: Be calm and poised. Remove him from the crowd, and give him time to blow. Don't argue or interrupt him. You may need to ask him to repeat the details later. Minimize his exaggerations. Remove hearsay, and deal only with facts, not emotion. Hold him accountable for his actions and those he has hurt.

Sherman Tank
Characteristics: He has a tendency to intimidate others. His "I'm right, you're wrong" attitude is insensitive and difficult to reason with. He strongly influences others.
Response: Assess the degree of influence he has, and evaluate the importance of the issue in conflict. If the issue has a direct or negative effect on others, it may be worth fighting for. Be direct, and be sure you have enough influence to fight for the issue.

Space Cadet
Characteristics: He lives in his own world and marches to a different drummer. He doesn't respond to normal motivations. Most feel frustrated working with the space cadet which causes much confusion.
Response: Don't be concerned about this type. Don't evaluate your leadership by his responses. Don't ask his opinions; don't place him in a team ministry; don't place him in a leadership position. Seek to develop his uniqueness.

Crybaby
Characteristics: He tends to pout, to be full of self-pity, to use moodiness to manipulate others, and to use the silent treatment to get his way. He is sometimes negative, often infantile, and usually irresponsible and hypersensitive.
Response: Tell him that moodiness is a choice. Teach him he is responsible for the atmosphere he creates. Don't patronize or enable his moodiness. Never reward or give undue attention to him. Expose him to people with real problems, and praise his positive ideas and actions. Ignore him when he pouts.

Garbage Collector
Characteristics: He is the most negative type. He gives himself over to negative emotions and loves to replay and nurse his injuries and victimization. He wants to hold on to his wounded spirit and collect negative garbage.
Response: Confront him about trying to speak on behalf of others. When he complains, make him give you names of those he is supposedly speaking for. Challenge his generalizations and exaggerations. If he has created a serious situation that needs to be resolved, expose him to leaders who have the authority to make the necessary decisions.

User
Characteristics: He manipulates others for personal gain, avoids personal responsibility, and demands time and energy from others. He often uses guilt to get his way and may appear weak and needy to get others' help.
Response: Set predetermined limits. Don't allow him to use others. Require responsibility and accountability, and don't feel guilty or obligated when a firm "no" is the best answer.

Ten Principles for Getting Along With Difficult People

*Maintain your confidence by being in right relationship with God. You can't be objective or discerning if you're not in good standing with God. A strong relationship with God gives you the grace and confidence to deal properly with difficult people.

*Remember over-reacting will only accentuate the conflict and confuse the issue.
Hold realistic expectations. Make sure the difficult person can reach your expectations. You may be expecting him to do or be something that is impossible.

*Quit trying to change the difficult person. Give up your rights and expectations regarding this person. Accept the fact that you can't change him, but you can change your reactions to him.
Refuse to play his games. He may attempt to use you or make you feel guilty or obligated.

*Recognize the emotional games, and don't participate.
Don't allow yourself to become the difficult person's slave. Be honest with yourself and learn to say no.

*Keep a proper spirit and attitude. Maintaining credibility is the greatest struggle. Don't let bitterness, anger, or resentment grow.

*Allow God to lead you in dealing with the difficult person. There are no easy answers or set patterns to dealing with him. The Holy Spirit will give guidance.

*Confront immediately. Don't put off facing the conflict. It only makes matters worse.

*Demonstrate godly compassion. The basis for getting along with people is found in Jesus' words. A religious leader asked Jesus what was the greatest commandment in the Law. Jesus responded, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:37-40, NIV).

*It's easy to love those who love us and those who are easy to get along with. But how do you treat the stranger, the difficult person, that person you don't really understand, can't relate to and don't really care about? Jesus said that is the true test of our character and love.

Ten Commandments of Confrontation
Do it privately, not publicly.
Do it as soon as possible.
Speak to one issue at a time.
Once you've make a point don't keep repeating it.
Deal only with behaviors the person can change.
Avoid sarcasm.
Avoid words like "always" and "never".
Present criticisms as suggestions or questions if possible.
Don't apologize for the confrontation.
Don't forget the compliments.

Start with Joy


Start With Joy

Butterfly 02 with Iris

There's a reason why the sunrise is so beautiful and magnificent. It sets the stage for a positive, fulfilling day.

When you start the day by choosing to be joyful, you put yourself in a creative, effective state of mind. You'll make yourself better able to handle whatever may come your way during the day.

A relationship that gets off to a positive start at the very beginning will quickly flourish and build great value. You can forge a positive relationship with each day when you begin it in a joyful way.

Even if the day is gray and gloomy you can choose to start it with a positive experience of your own making. Fulfillment comes to those who make it happen, and there's no better time than the beginning of your day to start moving forward.

There's an endless list of ways in which you can begin the day on a positive note. And the days that start well have the best chance of going well.

A new day arrives, ready to be lived. Choose to start it with joy.



-- Ralph Marston

Monday, December 3, 2007

Ron Paul leaves impression on college students

I really like the fact that every decision that Ron Paul makes is based on our Constitution. Its nice to see someone want to get America back on course. I feel that we've been so off course for a long time now!

Ron Paul leaves impression on college students at football game
Published: Sunday, December 2, 2007

By JEFF ABKOWITZ
Telegraph Staff

http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200771202001

NASHUA – A crowd of onlookers and Ron Paul supporters gathered and shivered as blustery winds whipped about. “It’s good to be here,” said presidential hopeful Paul, a Republican representative of Texas. Paul made an appearance at Greeley Park to meet with students, faculty and staff from Thomas More College of Liberal Arts in Merrimack to field questions about his campaign and personal views.The annual “Mud Bowl” football game, which is organized by students, took a back seat as the players stopped their game to come over and meet Paul.

The players were promptly introduced to Paul and were asked if they had any questions.“Who’s your favorite poet?” one player asked. Paul paused for a moment, laughed and said, “I can’t think of one at the moment.”A member of the crowd quickly quipped, “Robert Frost would be a good choice.”

He was then asked about how he felt about Thomas More College, chiefly because of its function as a liberal arts college.“I went to a small liberal arts college,” Paul said. “I think you get a better education at a smaller college.”

After answering questions that ranged from the purported lack of adherence to the Constitution by other candidates, to how successful his campaign can be, Paul thanked the crowd of roughly 75 people and left to speak in Salem.

His appearance left a big impression on Jeff Comar, who came all the way from Portsmouth to hear Paul speak. “Every decision he makes is based on the Constitution,” Comar said. “I also respect him for his view on Iraq. He’s the only one with the guts to say we shouldn’t be there and we need to get out now.”And Comar believes Paul will be speaking at many more places in the future after the results from the primaries.“He’ll do well. He’ll survive. He’ll go on to the next round,” Comar said with conviction.

A Blessing For You to Climb :)


A Blessing for You to Climb

 McGee Canyon  21 June

You, as you are right now, and as your life is right now, are completely responsible for the direction your life will take. From this moment forward, from the place you now stand. There will be obstacles, of course. And there will be setbacks and unforeseen events to be dealt with. There will also be unexpected gifts and joys. All of this will happen as you walk your path.

But nonetheless, you are responsible for your life. You are responsible for how you respond to what comes your way, and you are responsible for creating a fertile garden in your mind and heart where the seeds of love and joy can take root and blossom.

But know this. As you walk your path, you will be guided and you will be showered with love. You will not walk it alone. You are not alone right now. You are surrounded by help and love showers down upon you. And all you have to do is learn to connect in order to receive the guidance; just reach up with your mind into the light, and reach down with your center into the peace. Become very quiet and reach the peaceful center where the truth resides and you will find all the answers there.

But yet, there is more. I wish for you to truly understand, feel and know the love that is there for you. It is a river flowing deep within you, running through every moment of your life. It is a warm blanket to surround you and comfort you in the darkest storm. It is a shining light of joy that not only illuminates your path so that you might find the next step, but also opens to you the gates of knowledge, wonder and glory.

This love is personal and deep. This love is caring and comforting. This love is real, tangible. Open your heart and it will flow in. Ask for its warmth and it will surround you.

And it is this love that leads you ever upwards, into the best and brightest version of yourself, into the higher energies, into the goodness and wonder that you are. For your path is really a growing awareness of your own beauty and power, your own wonder and glory. Once you allow love to lift you, once you allow yourself to be embraced completely by faith and let faith open the floodgates to the light, then you will see the truth: you are everything. You have all the power, all the wonder and glory, for you are what there is. You are (what) you seek. You are the angels and the guides. You are the love that flows. You are the garden that blooms, the sun that shines, the stars that sparkle. There is no separation between you and all else, for there is no other. There is only this and you are this, you are that, you are all.

And so this, then, is the ultimate responsibility. To be yourself as fully as you can, present deeply in each moment, fully aware of your own godliness and knowing and feeling the world as an extension of yourself. And then do the obstacles transform themselves into stepping stones, each apparent challenge becoming what it is, a pathway, a step up into the next level of awareness, a means to lift yourself higher, a blessing for you to climb.



~ Carrie Hart ~

Sunday, December 2, 2007

First Snowfall of the Season :)

Our first snow fall of the year arrived right on time... on Dec 1rst! Noah was especially excited to see the white stuff come down & insisted that we walk around it it! We woke up to a light dusting of snow & then it started again around 1PM & kept falling until around 5PM :)
Our front door with the snow falling
Noah insisted wearing his sunglasses & Santa hat! I couldnt resist snapping a picture!

Our backyard being transformed into a Winter Wonderland!


Noah is just in awe of the snow & had so much fun making footprints in the snow!










Saturday, December 1, 2007

Think Big!


Think Big

Blue  Marble and the Moon

We need to think big. We need to escape from those little concepts that keep us small. Life is more than we can ever perceive. We need to see it in its totality. The nuclear family can be restrictive if taken as the center of our loyalty. Even our national citizenship needs to be placed in the context of the world.

Our freedom rests in our universal humanity.

Spirituality is about thinking big. It is finding God in the richness of creation. Our insistence on our shared humanity is the path to world peace and serenity. Divisions should not exist for the humanitarian who seeks acceptance for all individuals simply because they are people.



From, "Say Yes to Life",
By Father Leo Booth