CHAPTER 6, PAGE 30

There was a very cautious man

Who never laughed or played

He never risked, he never tried

He never sang or prayed

And when he one day passed away

His insurance was denied

For since he never really lived

They claimed he never died.

author unknown

GOOD MORNING !

Just a little humor for you this morning . Isn't it true, we won’t really live life to the fullest if we don’t take a risk. To love is risking our hearts, to laugh and play we risk being called a fool sometimes. To sing or pray out loud we risk the embarrassment of our not so sweet voices.

I’ve been called a fool, my heart has been broken, I do sing and pray out loud…What can I say…maybe I’ll say I’m living to the fullest today.

I got to sleep in til almost 7 this morning, which is very good for me.  Now we'll be trying to re-coop a little and I'm sure every day will be a little better than the day before.  All my babes are either already back home or on their way today.  My old house will once again be very quiet.

THOUGHT FORTODAY

If you wait until you are sure you will never take off the training wheels.

May your day be filled with a few SMILES and lots of SUNSHINE to warm your heart !

MA

 

graphics by: www.untilthengraphics.com

 

 

CHAPTER 6, PAGE 29

Blest are they

Who walk in love,

They also walk

With God above.

Helen Steiner Rice

For thy steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in faithfulness to thee.

Psalm 26:3

GOOD MORNING !

My meditation for today was about attracting prosperity.

Being prosperous isn’t about having money. It is about being rich in happiness, love and positive experiences. These are things we can multiply with the right approach. Look for the joy in each day and you’ll find more.

As I watch my little grand ‘babes’, I find my self remembering the joy found in each new moment. They don’t have any bad experiences in their young lives to ruin the outlook of the future. They only look with anticipation to the next moment. We really need to bring out the child in ourselves more often.

We need to let go of the past and not let it ruin what might be our joy today. So feel happy with your life and the happiness will grow. You’ll wind up with wealth untold.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Lord, this world needs this marvellous wealth that is youth.

Help young people!

They possess the inexhaustible wealth of the future.

Do not allow an easy life to corrupt them,

Nor difficulties to quench their spirit.

Amen.

Prayer by Dom Helder Camara, the courageous Archbishop of Recife, Brazil, who spent his life working strenuously for social justice and on behalf of the oppressed. This prayer for young people reflects his own passion for life, his integrity and vision.

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

MA

 

 

graphics by: www.untilthengraphics.com

 

CHAPTER 6, PAGE 28

Others are brought into our lives, For A Time,

Some, for many years, others, for moments sublime.

From each, there are lessons to be learned,

 and to be shared, For A Time, with them,

God, lovingly arranged, we be paired.

We need remember, this lifetime,

is temporary and fleeting,

Others leave and enter our lives,

with a good bye and a meeting.

Pathways converging and crossing,

provide life’s valued amounts,

Destinations are uncertain, so it’s, indeed,

the journey that counts. We are blessed so by others,

gratefully brought to us, For A Time,

As we have been brought to them,

to make their lives better, …if but only, For A Time…

author unknown

Dedicated to my Dad, died 6/25/07. He loved and was loved by all of us..

GOOD MORNING !

In my morning meditation yesterday they said FAKE IT TIL YOU MAKE IT. Even if you don’t think your have the confidence to do what ever needs to be done, FAKE IT, and pretty soon you’ll have the ability to conquer life’s obstacles.

Today, I’m FAKING IT a whole bunch. That lopsided toothless grin (no I’ve not had time to get the tooth fixed) is going to FAKE being a ***BIG SMILE***. I’m going to be overcoming one more obstacle of my life and I’m going to MAKE IT.

I do want to thank you all for the very many many lovely and encouraging e-mails and comments in my journal. They do mean a lot. The support of family and friends is something I treasure for sure.

I’ve not been leaving any comments for my journal friends as I’m so very worn out, but hopefully after the weekend, I’ll be somewhat back to normal.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.

Ecclesiastes 7:14,

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

MA

 

 

graphics by: www.untilthengraphics.com

 

CHAPTER 6, PAGE 27

An Oprah episode a few years back had Toni Morrison asking, "Do your eyes light up when your children come into the room?" Because that is what they are looking for, Morrison said.

I find myself reflecting on that wisdom frequently. Because is that not what we are all looking for? Today, let us make sure someone finds it.

GOOD MORNING !

Tuesday I took the day off from work. Lots of arrangements had to be made and things had to be done. This morning, I’ll go into work and do the payroll, but I will not stay the full day as my bosses were kind enough to let me have off.

The funeral will be Friday. My children will be coming in for that and even though the circumstances are not so great, it will be a joy to see them all. They will make my eyes light up! They have been the joy of my life and a blessing for sure.

My ability to add graphics is nil this morning.  Something must not be working right in AOL Jland again.

Maybe tomorrow!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Fill the hours with purpose, and the passing of time works in your favor. Fill your days with meaning, with creativity, with goodness, joy and love, and each day leaves behind lasting value for your world.

Ralph Marston

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

MA

CHAPTER 6, PAGE 26

When troubles come and things go wrong

And days are cheerless and nights are long,

We find it so easy to give in to despair

By magnifying the burdens we bear.

We add to our worries by refusing to try

To look for the rainbow in an overcast sky,

And the blessings God sent in a darkened disguise

Our troubled hearts failed to recognize,

Not knowing God sent it, not to distress us

But to strengthen our faith and redeem and bless us.

Author, Helen Steiner Rice

GOOD MORNING !

It's about 12:35 am here, so it is morning,  I should be in bed at this hour, but sleep will not come for awhile yet.  Last night the end of a long journey came for my Dad. He is now safely home and hopefully rejoicing with my dear Mom in heaven.

It is a blessing, and I really do feel that way, that he is no longer in pain nor is he suffering. The days ahead won’t be easy ones for us that are left behind, but we’ll do just fine. I’m blessed with a loving family that will support and help me.

Thought for Today

When an old person dies, a library burns down.

African proverb

In my search for thoughts of the day, I came across this one that seemed so appropriate.  My dad was one of those people that had so much knowlege about so many things and for the most part it was all self taught. With his passing a lot will be lost, but a lot will remain too.

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

MA

 

 

 

graphics by:  www.moonandbackgraphics.com

 

CHAPTER 6, PAGE 25

Peace is a daily, a weekly, a monthly process, gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, quietly building new structures.

John F. Kennedy

Good Morning !

Is it really Monday morning already? I spent most of the weekend at Dads. He continues to go down hill and at this point all we can do is make him as comfortable as possible. I hate to keep repeating my self on his progress so I’ll try only update you when something different happens.

The only trouble of working in a one gal office is that there is no one else around to do your job, so I’ll be off to work in a few minutes.

We'll see what today brings...

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Our part of knowledge consists in being ignorant of things that are not worth knowing.

author unknown

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

MA

 

 

graphics by:  www.amretasgraphics.com

 

CHAPTER 6, PAGE 24

 

God comes closest to us

When our souls are in repose . . .

Like petals dropping soundlessly

From a fullblown rose.

Helen Steiner Rice

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 is Sunday , my R&R day once again. With the long days I’ve been putting in, I’m really in need of some R&R. My nights, just like the nights of summer have become shorter and shorter and I’m operating on very little steam. I know for sure that my old body needs it’s rest and it’s just not to be had.

I’m sure that the worst is not over by a long shot and I’ll have to be drawing on the strength the good Lord provides for me. I’ll make it through all this and the ‘ordinary’ days will return . That is life, the ups and downs and all in between.

You all are in my prayers as always!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

The ordinary acts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest

Thomas Moore

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

MA

 

 

graphics by: www.untilthengraphics.com

 

CHAPTER 6, PAGE 23

All I Need To Know About Life I Learned From A Cow

1. Wake up in a happy mooo-d.

2. Don't cry over spilled milk.

3. When chewing your cud, remember: There's no fat, no calories, no cholesterol, and no taste!

4. The grass is green on the other side of the fence.

5. Turn the udder cheek and mooo-ve on.

6. Seize every opportunity and milk it for all its worth!

7. It's better to be seen and not herd.

8. Honor thy fodder and thy mother and all your udder relatives.

9. Never take any bull from anybody.

10. Always let them know who's the bossy.

11. Stepping on cowpies brings good luck.

12. Black and white is always an appropriate fashion statement.

13. Don't forget to cow-nt your blessings every day.

Good Morning !

I’m counting my blessings one by one this morning. There is nothing that quite perk you up better than remembering all the things we really do have to be thankful for.

It is so easy to let things get you down, and I try never never to dwell on them. As always on a Saturday morning I’m going to go spend the day with Dad.

I don’t know what the day will bring, but one thing for sure, no matter what may happen this too is a day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it. It’s not always an easy thing to do, but if we have faith and believe, then we must accept all the joys and sorrows of each day and make the best of them.

Thought for Today

You got to sing like you don't need the money

Love like you'll never get hurt

You got to dance like nobody's watchin'

It's gotta come from the heart

If you want it to work.

Susanna Clark & Richard Leigh

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

MA

 

 

 

graphics by:   www.graphicgarden.com

 

CHAPTER 6, PAGE 22

TRAINS DON'T WANDER

ALL OVER THE MAP

'CAUSE NOBODY

SITS IN THE ENGINEER'S LAP

Burma Shave

SHE KISSED THE HAIRBRUSH

BY MISTAKE SHE THOUGHT

IT WAS HER HUSBAND JAKE

 Burma Shave

DON'T LOSE YOUR HEAD

TO GAIN A MINUTE

 YOU NEED YOUR HEAD

YOUR BRAINS ARE IN IT

Burma Shave

DROVE TOO LONG

DRIVER SNOOZING

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT

 IS NOT AMUSING

Burma Shave

BROTHER SPEEDER

LET'S REHEARSE

 ALL TOGETHER

GOOD MORNING, NURSE

Burma Shave

CAUTIOUS RIDER

TO HER RECKLESS DEAR

LET'S HAVE LESS BULL

AND MORE STEER

Burma Shave

SPEED WAS HIGH

WEATHER WAS NOT

TIRES WERE THIN

X MARKS THE SPOT

Burma Shave

THE MIDNIGHT RIDE

OF PAUL FOR BEER

LED TO A WARMER

HEMISPHERE

Burma Shave

AROUND THE CURVE

LICKETY-SPLIT

BEAUTIFUL CAR

WASN'T IT?

Burma Shave

NO MATTER THE PRICE

NO MATTER HOW

NEW THE BEST

SAFETY DEVICE

IN THE CAR

IS YOU

Burma Shave

A GUY WHO DRIVES

A CAR WIDE OPEN

IS NOT THINKIN'

HE'S JUST HOPIN'

Burma Shave

AT INTERSECTIONS

 LOOK EACH WAY

A HARP SOUNDS NICE

BUT IT'S HARD TO PLAY

 Burma Shave

BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL

EYES ON THE ROAD

THAT'S THE SKILLFUL

DRIVER'S CODE

Burma Shave

THE ONE WHO DRIVES

WHEN HE'S BEEN DRINKING

DEPENDS ON YOU

TO DO HIS THINKING

Burma Shave

CAR IN DITCH

DRIVER IN TREE

THE MOON WAS FULL

AND SO WAS HE.

Burma Shave

And my all time favorite:

PASSING SCHOOL ZONE

TAKE IT SLOW

LET OUR LITTLE SHAVERS

GROW

Burma Shave

Do these bring back any old memories? If not, you're merely a child. If they do - then you're old as dirt... LIKE ME! and I remember:

The rhythm of life is intricate but orderly, tenacious but fragile.

Shirley Hufstedler

GOOD MORNING!

I do hope those BURMA SHAVE sayings brought a smile to your face this morning. One of my fondest memories were the trips we made from Northern Ohio down to West Virginia to visit my maternal grandparents. We’d see these signs all along the road.

That was in the days before there were any interstate highways and it took us a lot longer to get there than it does now. There were lots of little towns to go through and also lots of that fresh country air ! I think it’s called the scent of cow manure.

Of course there was no air conditioning in the cars then either and we all were quite wind blown by the time we got there. I was always in the back seat of the car, in the middle, with each of my sisters on either side of me.

My sisters have always been so very special to me and to this day they still are.

Memories , especially good ones are the things I draw on for strength when times get troubled. In the days ahead I imagine there will be lots of stories told as family and friends are beginning to come now to see my Dad. They know the end is close and want to say their good byes while he is still with us.

Time is getting very short for him they say. I do have to work today, but then I’ll have the weekend.

Soon , very soon , I’m going to start a new journal – it will be called THE NEXT 20 YEARS. It will be about what I do and am faced with as I become the OLDER generation.

I’ll be the oldest in my immediate family. Is that bad? Or good? I guess I’ll be finding out. I’ll let you all know when I begin it, I won’t be giving up this one, just adding another.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

It is perhaps frightening for us to think that we have chosen to live our life exactly as it is today

Matthew Kelly The Rhythm of Life

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

MA

CHAPTER 6, PAGE 21

 

Oh, I've had my moments and

if I had to do it all over again,

I'd have more of them.

In fact, I'd try to have nothing else.

Just moments, one after another,

 instead of living so many years ahead of each day.

Nadine Stair on her 85th birthday

GOOD MORNING !

Summer brings flowering trees and flower gardens; hot days and warm nights; beach walking; sand castles; U.S. Independence Day; fireworks; parades; Labor Day; vacations everywhere; cottage stays, beach fires, and many more seasonal holidays and traditions to celebrate.

It seems my times to celebrate will be far and few in between in the weeks to come. My dear Dad has taken a turn for the worse . Please pray for him.

I’m trying to go off to work this morning, but my heart isn’t in it for sure. My 2 sisters are caring for Dad and I know that my presence really is not needed at this time, but Dad will be in my thoughts and prayers throughout this day ..

He is , as are we all , in the hands of the dear Lord.

Thought For Today

The moment when you first wake up in the morning is the most wonderful of the twenty-four hours. No matter how weary or dreary you may feel, you possess the certainty that, during the day that lies before you, absolutely anything may happen. And the fact that it practically always doesn't, matters not a jot. The possibility is always there.

Monica Baldwin

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

MA

 

 

Graphics by:  www.untilthengraphics.com

 

CHAPTER 6, PAGE 20

 

To give yourself the best possible chance

of playing to your potential,

you must prepare for every eventuality.

This means practice. If you really want to improve,

you will have to make the decision

and then the commitment.

There are no shortcuts.

You must lay the proper foundation.

Seve Ballesteros (Spanish golfer)

All good things just don't happen. There are few shortcuts, whether it's family life, a relationship, work, some interest or even prayer. All have the same need, a decision on our part to go for it and then the commitment to make it happen. Once these are in place all things are possible.

GOOD MORNING !

Sometimes we feel there is just no solution to our problems. But if we take a moment to look back at past troubles, we see thatwe did overcome them. I always try to remember that ‘This too Shall Pass’ .

Nothing and no one lasts forever (with the exception of our good God) I’ve done it before and I’ll do it again. Relief is just around the corner. HANG IN THERE

Every journey needs a beginning and an energy to keep going on that journey. I pray for guidance, enthusiasm, energy and direction in all I do each day

It's OVER THE HUMP day and I'm sure glad of that.  We finally got our rain yesterday and we really needed it.  Today is going to be one of those perfect day weatherwise. 

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Count the garden by the flowers,

never by the leaves that fall.

Count your life with smiles

and not the tears that roll.

Author Unknown

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

MA

 

 

graphics by: www.untilthengraphics.com