CHAPTER 6, PAGE 30 (LAST PAGE IN THIS CHAPTER)

 

 

JUST A NOTE…

Just a note to say hello,

Before I start my day;

Couldn't help but drop a line,

To my friends here and away.

As I sip my fresh brewed coffee,

Thoughts of you have crossed my mind;

I'm sending morning greetings,

And hope your day is fine.

Today is filled with sunshine,

Like the friendship we all share;

My day will be just dandy,

I'll pretend that I am there.

I have to go for now my friend,

Have lots to do today;

Just wanted to say good morning !

I found the little note above on a card site and it made me think of all of you ! I often wish I could be sharing a cup of that good coffee with you all. Be it family or friends, a good cup of coffee is alwaysbetter when shared.

It’s day one of my 5 day vacation and I’m loving it!

***BIG SMILE ***

Thought for Today

Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.

Mother Teresa

I hope your day is blessed with a few smiles and lots of sunshine to warm your heart !

MA

 

 

 

www.graphicgarden.com

 

CHAPTER 6, PAGE 29

A LITTLE REMINDER

A few years ago at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash.

At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win. All, that is, except one boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times and began to cry.

The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and looked back. They all turned around and went back. Every one of them.

One girl with Down's Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said, "This will make it better." All nine linked arms and walked across the finish line together.

Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on for several minutes. People who were there are still telling the story.

Why? Because deep down we know this one thing: What matters in this life is more than winning for ourselves. What truly matters in this life is helping others win, even if it means slowing down and changing our course.

Good Morning !

My 5 day vacation from work starts tomorrow – I’m so excited ! I have the looooong list of things to do here and am looking forward to whittling it down!

Only 2 of the days are actually vacation days. I’d have Saturday and Sunday off anyway. And then Tuesday is the 4th of July holiday.

So, this is my FRIDAY at work. I’ve got things pretty well wound up and feel like everything that I usually do is done. I really could only work 4 days a week all the time and get it all done, but then no one would be there to answer the phone, get the mail and deliveries and SMILE occasionally when someone does come into the office.

I know when I get back to work next Wedneday there will be a huge pile on my desk of mail and things to do and it will be payroll day to boot! I’ll tackle that job when the time comes, but in the mean time I am looking forward to VACATION !

Thought for Today

Sometimes it's important to work for that pot of gold. But other times it's essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow.

Douglas Pagels, These Are the Gifts I'd Like to Give to You

May your day be blessed with a few smiles and lots of sunshine to warm your heart !

MA

 

 

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CHAPTER 6, PAGE 28

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

At least 2 people in this world love you so much they would die for you.

At least 15 people in this world love you in someway.

The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.

A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.

Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.

You mean the world to someone. If not for you, someone may not be living.

You are special and unique.

Someone that you don't even know exists, loves you.

When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.

When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look--you most likely turned your back on the world.

When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you believe in yourself, probably, sooner or later, you will get it.

Always remember the compliments you received.

Forget about the rude remarks.

Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know.

If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.

GOOD MORNING !

I spent a little while sitting on the patio in the back last night -- it was a beautiful evening. The neighborhood was on the quiet side and the birds were chirping away. After I came in, it got a little noisier as a few people on our street are already anticipating the 4th of July with some very loud firecrackers. We’ll be hearing them now for quite a while. Thankfully my critters don’t get upset by them.

I always feel like summer is half way over when we reach this holiday weekend. In reality it’s only 7 days old.

Well, my coffee is about done and I’m off to work again ! Only one more day after today and then 5 days off !

 

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Today is the tomorrow that I was worrying about yesterday, but it did not happen.

May your day be blessed with a few SMILES and lots of SUNSHINE to warm your heart.

Ma

 

www.creativeladiesministry.com

 

CHAPTER 6, PAGE 27

SPECIAL THOUGHTS

Wisdom is knowing when to speak your mind and when to mind your speech.

Honesty pays, but not enough for some people.

Experience teaches us that there is a small but important difference between keeping your chin up and sticking your neck out.

Caution: Do not ask for advice, you might get it.

A lot of trouble in this world is caused by combining a narrow mind with a wide mouth.

The trouble with being punctual is that no one notices it when you are.

A family man is one who replaces the money in his wallet with snapshots of the wife and kids.

The man who knows how, will always find a place in life, but the man who knows why, will probably be his boss.

Some people hold the key to the situation, and then are too lazy to turn it.

The best way to remember your wife's birthday is to forget it once.

A successful man is one who can earn more money than his family can spend.

The peak years of mental activity are between the ages of four and eighteen. At four they know all the questions, at eighteen they know all the answers.

He who laughs last probably intended to tell the story himself.

The early fish gets hooked for the same thing the early bird gets credit for.

There is nothing remarkable about love at first sight. It's when people have been looking at each other for years that it becomes remarkable.

There is just as much horse sense as ever, but it seems like the horses have it all.

Love is oceans of emotions surrounded by expanses of expenses.

Luck is a lazy person's estimate of a worker's success.

Death is more universal than life; everyone dies but not everyone lives.

A lot of people are smarter than they look, . . .and they ought to be.

No one is as busy as the person who has nothing to do.

Say what you will about the devil, ...he's a hustler.

Get to know your neighbors; you might just like them.

You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have truly lived are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love.

GOOD MORNING !

I made it through Monday so the rest of the week should be clear sailing ! It’s been really quiet at my house lately. I get the feeling that I step into an oasis when I get home.

There is no one to disagree with me, no one that gripes or complains, and no one that cares if I spend an hour or two on the computer instead of fixing dinner.

I do feed the critters and they are always happy to see me, but after that…I’m on my own. Believe me, after a day at work, it is my own little bit of heaven here.

I know I’m quite spoiled , but living on my own certainly would have never have been my choice, if I’d had that choice to make. It’s probably a good thing that I go off to work each day, otherwise home might not look as good as it does.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Praise, when used sparingly, retains an everlasting value.

May your day be blessed with a few smiles and lots of sunshine to warm your heart

MA

www.graphicgarden.com

 

CHAPTER 6, PAGE 26

SHOULD YOU…

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Should you find it hard to get to sleep tonight;

Just remember the homeless family who has no bed to lie in.

Should you find yourself stuck in traffic; don't despair.

There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work;

Think of the man who has been out of work for the last three months.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad;

Think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend;

Think of the woman in some third world country, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week, for $15.00 to feed her family.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance;

Think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror;

Think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering; what is life all about, what is my purpose?

Be thankful, there are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities;

Remember, things could be worse. You could be them!!!

Should you feel depressed because of your weight;

Remember, there is no cure for AIDS.

GOOD MORNING !

It is the truth…. No matter what circumstances we are in there is always something or someone that is worse off.

So…I’m counting my many blessings this morning and going off to work pretty soon. I have my good cup of coffee and am waking up rather slowly.

Yesterday was a nice relaxing day and the sun was shining ! The weekend is always too short, but I’m not complaining. This will be a short work week – only 4 days !

Thought for today

We learn more by looking for the answer to a question and not finding it than we do from learning the answer itself.

Lloyd Alexander

May your day be blessed with a few smiles and lots of sunshine to warm your heart !

MA

 

 

 

www.creativeladiessministry.com

 

CHAPTER 6 , PAGE 25

The five senses

Touch someone’s heart when ever you can

Taste all that life has to offer

Smell the roses

Hear the nice things that others have to say

See the beauty inside everyone

Unknown

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul.

Psalm 23:13

GOOD MORNING !

It’s my R & R day once again. I’m off to church to be refreshed and renewed for another week.

Every day I get all these messages from the Fly Lady sent to me in an E-mail. I signed up for them mainly because I was in a rut and needed something to perk me up. If I did everything she says my life would be clutter free and spotless ! However,I don’t do it all and I still have lots of clutter. But I enjoy her wisdom…

She asks that we ‘Bless our Spirit’ and she often has ‘God Breezes’ that always lift me up a little.

Going to church each Sunday is my way to ‘Bless my Spirit’. I’m always in awe of the great numbers of people there and that they must in someway feel the same thing.

We all join together in prayer and worship. It is a grand feeling. The ‘breezes’ of the Spirit lift me up and restore me more than anything else could do.

I hope that in some way your Spirit is renewed and refreshed today too

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Success is a mixture of good, hard work,

Good humor, good luck, and good sense,

And the little tasks of each day, well done,

Will bring their own recompense

Helen Steiner Rice

May your day be blessed with a few smiles and lots of sunshine to warm your heart.

MA

 

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CHAPTER 6, PAGE 24

 

 

10 LESSONS TAUGHT BY CHARLIE BROWN

1. It's okay to be afraid... just don't let your fears control you. Charlie Brown often sat in bed and spoke of his fears, but no matter how scared he was, he always did the things he wanted to do.

2. Persistence wins out. Charlie Brown often lost, failed at much, but he never gave up. Even though he knew Lucy was going to pull the football away before he could kick it.... Even though he knew the tree was going to eat his kite... Even though he knew his team would lose the ball game, he kept on trying

3. It's what you think of yourself that matters most. Linus carried a security blanket for years and his friends laughed at him. They also laughed at him because he believed in the 'Great Pumpkin.' Pigpen was a walking cloud of dust and dirt and was often regarded unkindly. Both characters, however, were always proud of themselves and believed they were as good as anybody else -- and they were right.

4. Sometimes you need to talk. One thing the 'Peanuts' gang understood was the importance of talking things out. Whether leaning up against Schroeder's piano or atop the brick wall, they always had someplace to discuss what was of concern to them.

5. Sometimes you need to listen. Even crabby, self-indulged Lucy knew the importance of listening. She started the famous 'Psychiatry Booth' where any and all could come and be heard.

6. Do what you love to do. Through all their adventures, Schroeder remained constant in his appreciation of Beethoven and his love of playing the piano. He loved to play piano and that's what he did, regardless of the circumstances. Charlie Brown flew his kite, played baseball and football, not just to win (he knew he wouldn't), but because he loved to do those things.

7. It's important to have friends that care. The 'Peanuts' gang was made up of individual characters, each with their own foibles and talents, but through it all they were always there for each other.

8. Big dreams lead to big things! Snoopy was the biggest dreamer of them all, but his wild imagination often led to even wilder, more fantastic adventures in real life. Snoopy knew that you must have a big dream if you are going to lead a big life.

9. Action creates reality. As Charlie Brown was reminded time and again after prodding from Linus: it takes action to bring about change. Though he often failed, Chuck took action quite regularly... and every now and again things would go his way.

10. Laugh every day! While the kids themselves may not have seen the humor in the things they did, Schulz made sure that *we* did. Life is only as serious or as humorous as YOU make it... Lighten up. Go play softball. Fly a kite. Dance with your dog. Smile... it makes people wonder what you're up to.

FOUND WHILE SURFING THE INTERNET

 GOOD MORNING !

I do love Charlie Brown !

It’s a lovely Saturday morning. The storms have cleared out and won’t return until Monday. That means it will be nice for the weekend activities.

Such as -- we will probably be able to mow the grass, which has grown considerably.

Yesterday one of our employees at work asked me when I was going to retire. This started me thinking that maybe I was looking pretty old or something??? The question just came out of the blue when this fella picked up his paycheck. I guess I’d better spiff myself up a bit, put some make up on or something! You all know that I’m never going to retire…

I’m only as old as I feel… and as someone once said, I’m thankful that wrinkles don’t hurt! HaHa

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Don’t be envious if the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. It’s also harder to cut.

Author Unknown

I HOPE YOUR DAY IS BLESSED with a few SMILES and lots of SUNSHINE to warm your heart !

MA

 

 

 

graphics by: Moon and Back

 

 

CHAPTER 6, PAGE 23

 

A 12 step program to the Good Life

1. Live a simple life. Be temperate in your habits. Avoid self-seeking and selfishness. Make simplicity the key-note of your daily plans. Simple things are best.

2. Spend less than you earn. This may be difficult, but it pays large dividends in contentment. Keep out of debt. Cultivate frugality, prudence and self-denial. Avoid extravagance.

3. Think constructively. Train yourself to think clearly and accurately. Store your mind with useful thoughts. Stand porter at the door of your mind.

4. Cultivate a yielding disposition. Resist the common tendency to want things your own way. See the other person's viewpoint.

5. Be grateful. Begin the day with gratitude for your opportunities and blessings. Be glad for the privilege of life and work.

6. Rule your moods. Cultivate a mental attitude of peace and good will.

7. Give generously. There is no greater joy in life than to render happiness to others by means of intelligent giving.

8. Work with right motives. The highest purpose of your life should be to grow in spiritual grace and power.

9. Be interested in others. Divert your mind from self-centeredness. In the degree that you give, serve, and help will you experience the by-products of happiness.

10. Live in a daytight compartment. This means living one day at a time. Concentrate on your immediate task. Make the most of today.

11. Have a hobby. Nature study, walking, gardening, music, golfing, carpentry, stamp collecting, sketching, voice culture, foreign language, books, photography, social service, public speaking, travel, authorship, are samples. Cultivate an avocation to which you can turn for diversion and relaxation.

12. Keep close to God. True and enduring happiness depends primarily upon close alliance with Him. It is your privilege to share His thoughts for your spiritual nourishment, and to have constant assurance of divine protection and guidance.

by Grenville Kleiser

GOOD MORNING!

I think I must be living the GOOD LIFE and didn’t even realize it. After I went over the list above, I found very few things that I don’t already strive for. Isn’t that the way, we often don’t appreciate what we have when we’ve got it.

It’s FRIDAY morning and as usual I’m sipping my good coffee and looking forward to the weekend. There seems to be nothing on my schedule except for the usual ‘house blessing’, my visit with Dad, and church on Sunday.

Quiet lazy hazy days of summer are upon us. Next weekend is the 4th of July weekend. That means I will have 5 straight days off from work and I plan to get a lot done around here. That will be my summer vacation as there will be no more days off til Labor Day.

The usual weekend just skims the top off things needing to be done.

I OWE, I OWE … its off to work I go

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

The time will come when winter will ask you what you were doing all summer.

Henry Clay

I hope your day is blessed with a few smiles and lots of sunshine to warm your heart

MA

 

 

graphics by:

 

 

www.graphicgarden.com

 

CHAPTER 6, PAGE 22

Blessed are they with a cheery smile

Who stopped by to chat for a little while. . . .

Blessed are they that make it known

That I am loved and not alone.

Grace McDonald

GOOD MORNING !

(running late as my first post got lost in cyberspace somewhere)

We’ve got our rain that was so badly needed. Rain yesterday, today, tomorrow and probably the day after that. When I went to bad last night all I could hear was thunder rolling across the sky.

On my way to work I did notice that everything in the farmer’s fields seemed to have grown a lot overnight. So the farmers should be happy! It’s always a pretty drive because the fields look like a patchwork quilt.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Life is a garden,

Good friends are the flowers,

And times spent together

Life's happiest hours

Helen Steiner Rice

I hope your day is blessed with a few smiles and lots of sunshine to warm your heart

MA

 

 

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