BOOK O8, CHAPTER 2, PAGE 19

 

GIVE US DAILY AWARENESS

On life’s busy thoroughfares

We meet with angels unawares

So Father make us kind and wise

So we may always recognize

The blessings that are ours to take

The friendships that are ours to make

If we but open our heart’s door wide

To let the sunshine of love inside

Helen Steiner Rice

Good Morning !

Here I am once more sipping my good cup of coffee and trying very hard to wake up. Our days are getting longer now and I’ve noticed a slight light on the horizon on my way to work in the morning. Soon we’ll be having more sunshine too.

Work is very quiet and for the 3rd week in a row now all of our employees are laid off. The work I’m doing is clearing out old files. There is a lot of them as they want to condense a lot of things and that means someone has to get rid of them…that’s me for sure.

One thing I’ve noticed is that in this cold dry weather, my skin is very dry and handling all that paper is making my hands seem like sand paper. I thought they were bad before, but now they are much worse. I’ve got a bottle of hand lotion right by my desk so I remember to put it on often.

Yesterday the banks and post offices were closed because of the President’s Day Holiday, so at least today there will be mail to sort and I’ve some deposits to make at the bank too. I know that soon we’ll be getting very busy once again, so I’d just better appreciate the slow and easy task I’ve been given.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

When someone living in the desert sees snow for the first time, it is a big miracle for him.

He hears the snow, he feels it, he tastes it, and he perceives it with all his senses.

When someone living in the mountains sees snow, he does not even perceive it, as for him, it is something quite ordinary.

Make it an exercise to perceive things with all your senses, as if you were seeing them for the first time

May your day be blessed with a few SMILES

and lots of SUNSHINE to warm your heart !

MA

 

 

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BOOK 08, CHAPTER 2, PAGE 18

"It's snowing still," said Eeyore gloomily.

"So it is."

"And freezing."

"Is it?"

"Yes," said Eeyore.

 "However," he said, brightening up a little,

"we haven't had an earthquake lately."

 

A.A. Milne

 

GOOD MORNING !

I may have used this quote before but it is one of my favorites so forgive me if I repeat myself today.

Yesterday we had spring. We had some showers, then some glorious sunshine and temps in the 50’s and more rain showers with a little thunder thrown in. And yes, today we are back to snow and winter…but we haven’t had an earthquake around here for sure.

We do have to look at the bright side when things get us down and you know I’ve been trying hard to do that. The month of February is more than half over and Spring is about a month away now. That’s not so long to wait.

I had a great day with DD shopping on Sunday and got lots of goodies. I haven’t had time to take any pictures yet, but just know I will be the best dressed camper they’ll be seeing this year.

Back to work this morning…

I owe , I owe, it’s off to work I go….

 

Thought for Today

A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition.

William Arthur Ward

 

May your day be filled with a few SMILES

and lots of SUNSHINE to warm your heart !

MA

 

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BOOK 08, CHAPTER 2, PAGE 17

A SMILE MAKES THIS WORLD A BETTER PLACE

A warm smile can make a child feel better as well as cheer up an old man. It can soften hearts and firm up commitments. It can mend friendships and break tensions.

Perhaps most important of all a smile can make the world a better place for the person who gives it – you !

Humor is not just about telling, listening and laughing at jokes, it is about perceiving and chuckling at the absurdities of everyday life. We can find something in each of our heartaches and hard times, to laugh about

Watch children that are learning a new game, they know that doing things imperfectly is part of the learning process, that trying to do new things leads to new insights, a new way of looking at things and new skills. Instead of being embarrassed by failure, they LAUGH, jump up and try again.

Next time you find yourself getting uptight, relax a minute and look for the lighter side. It can make our difficult lives so much easier when we put them in perspective.

Bits and pieces from my daily devotionals this week

 GOOD MORNING !

This is R& R day and I’m off to a good start on that for sure. On the weekends I move pretty slow and easy through the days. I don’t get as much done as I once did and I’m learning to accept that is ok.

I work a long 5 day work week and need the weekend to refresh and renew me just as my trip to church every Sunday morning does. No matter how old I may get I know I’ll never stop learning and the good Lord always manages to teach me a few new things.

DD and I will be off on our shopping expedition and hopefully I’ll find some good buys.  It is raining buckets here today and I know the first thing we’ll do will be lunch. The food court there has a good variety of things offered, so we’ll find something good there to eat. I usually count on the trip to stock up on some things that would usually cost a lot more. I’ll be letting you know tomorrow if I found any good buys.

If I don’t it won’t be a wasted trip as I’ll have spent the afternoon with my daughter and that is always a good thing. I always feel this way about spending time with any of my ‘babes’ . They are all special and all have their families and work etc to keep them busy so any time I get to spend with them is precious.

I hope you all find some special way to bless your soul today. Just know that I’m always praying and that what ever you may be in need of right now, our good Lord knows and he hears and answers all our prayers.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

On My Knees

There are days when I feel

The best of me is ready to begin.

Then there’re days when I feel

I’m letting go and soaring on the wind.

 ‘Cause I’ve learned in laughter or in pain

How to survive: I get on my knees

There I am before the love that changes me.

See I don’t know how

But there’s power

When I’m on my knees

recorded by Jaci Velasquieze on her CD “Heavenly Place”

May your day be blessed by a few SMILES

and lots of SUNSHINE to warm your heart !

 MA

 

 

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BOOK 08, CHAPTER 2, PAGE 16

 

The Windows of Gold

There is a legend that has often been told

Of the boy who searched for

THE WINDOWS OF GOLD

The beautiful windows he saw far away

When he looked in the valley at sunrise each day

And he yearned to go down to the valley below

But he lived on a mountain that was covered with snow

And he knew it would be a difficult trek.

But that was a journey he wanted to make,

So he planned by day and he dreamed by night

Of how he could reach THE GREAT SHINING LIGHT

And one golden morning when dawn broke through

And the valley sparked with diamonds of dew

He started to climb down the mountainside

With THE WINDOWS OF GOLD as his goal and his guide…

He traveled all day and weary and worn

With bleeding feet and clothes that were torn

He entered the peaceful valley town

Just as the golden sun went down

But he seemed to have lost his GUIDING LIGHT

The windows were dark that had once been so bright,

And hungry and tired and lonely and cold

He cried, WON’T YOU SHOW ME THE WONDOWS OF GOLD?

And a kind hand touch him and said, BEHOLD

HIGH ON THE MOUNTAIN ARE

THE WINDOWS OF GOLD.

For the sun going down in a great golden ball

Had burnished the windows of his cabin so small

And THE KINGDOM OF GOD with its

GREAT SHINING LIGHT,

Like the golden windows that shone so bright,

Is not a far distant place somewhere,

It’s as close to you as a silent prayer…

And your search for God will end and begin

When you look for HIM and

FIND HIM WITHIN

Helen Steiner Rice

 

GOOD MORNING !

I sorta feel like that boy searching for his golden windows today. The weekend has come and I’m wishing and looking for SPRING .

Our trip to the campground was cancelled today and we won’t go now for a few weeks. It is not good weather to be moving a camper today for sure. It is only 15 degrees outside.

Tomorrow I’lll still go shopping with DD to see what kind of sales we can find, so that will help to brighten things a bit. They will probably have a lot of winter clearance.

I found this old calendar picture when I was cleaning out some things the other day so I scanned it in my computer to share with you all today

 

Just in case you cannot read it what it says --

And thank you Lord for every major appliance

That either hasn’t broken down in the past 12 months

Or is still under warranty

Isn’t it the truth, that we can find lots to be thankful for in our every day lives.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

He answers him from His holy heaven With the saving power of His right hand

Psalm 20:6

May your day be blessed with a few SMILES

and lots of SUNSHINE to warm your heart

MA

 

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BOOK 08, CHAPTER 2, PAGE 15

 

 

Alphabets Of Happiness

A--Accept

Accept others for who they are and for the choices they've made even if you have difficulty understanding their beliefs, motives, or actions.

B--Break Away

Break away from everything that stands in the way of what you hope to accomplish with your life.

C--Create

Create a family of friends whom you can share your hopes, dreams, sorrows, and happiness with.

D--Decide

Decide that you'll be successful and happy come what may, and good things will find you. The roadblocks are only minor obstacles along the way.

E--Explore

Explore and experiment. The world has much to offer, and you have much to give. And every time you try something new, you'll learn more about yourself.

F--Forgive

Forgive and forget. Grudges only weigh you down and inspire unhappiness and grief. Soar above it, and remember that everyone makes mistakes.

G--Grow

Leave the childhood monsters behind. They can no longer hurt you or stand in your way.

H--Hope

Hope for the best and never forget that anything is possible as long as you remain dedicated to the task.

I--Ignore

Ignore the negative voice inside your head. Focus instead on your goals and remember your accomplishments. Your past success is only a small inkling of what the future holds.

J--Journey

Journey to new worlds, new possibilities, by remaining open-minded. Try to learn something new every day, and you'll grow.

K--Know

Know that no matter how bad things seem, they'll always get better. The warmth of spring always follows the harshest winter.

L--Love

Let love fill your heart instead of hate. When hate is in your heart, there's room for nothing else, but when love is in your heart, there's room for endless happiness.

M--Manage

Manage your time and your expenses wisely, and you'll suffer less stress and worry. Then you'll be able to focus on the important things in life.

N--Notice

Never ignore the poor, infirm, helpless, weak, or suffering. Offer your assistance when possible, and always your kindness and understanding

O--Open

Open your eyes and take in all the beauty around you. Even during the worst of times, there's still much to be thankful for.

P--Play

Never forget to have fun along the way. Success means nothing without happiness.

Q--Question

Ask many questions, because you're here to learn.

R--Relax

Refuse to let worry and stress rule your life, and remember that things always have a way of working out in the end.

S--Share

Share your talent, skills, knowledge, and time with others. Everything that you invest in others will return to you many times over.

T--Try

 Even when your dreams seem impossible to reach, try anyway. You'll be amazed by what you can accomplish.

U--Use

Use your gifts to your best ability. Talent that's wasted has no value. Talent that's used will bring unexpected rewards.

V--Value

Value the friends and family members who've supported and encouraged you, and be there for them as well.

W--Work

Work hard every day to be the best person you can be, but never feel guilty if you fall short of your goals. Every sunrise offers a second chance.

X--X-Ray

Look deep inside the hearts of those around you and you'll see the goodness and beauty within.

Y--Yield

Yield to commitment. If you stay on track and remain dedicated, you'll find success at the end of the road.

Z--Zoom

Zoom to a happy place when bad memories or sorrow rear a ugly head.

Author Unknown

GOOD MORNING !

I hope those ABC’s didn’t make you feel like you were back in school this morning. When I read them I thought it would be a good way to remember the important things our hearts have or will yet learn.

It is TGIF day and I’m so ready for the weekend. More snow is supposed to be on the way today. Saturday the sun is supposed to shine so that is good even though it will still be very cold.

Sunday it is supposed to rain. Hopefully that will be after the President’s Day shopping DD and I will do. We’ll see…

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

We may not always realize that everything we do, affects not only our lives, but touches others too.

A single happy smile can always brighten up the day, for anyone who happens to be passing by your way.

And a little bit of thoughtfulness that shows someone you care, creates a ray of sunshine for both of you to share.

Yes, every time you offer someone a helping hand, every time you show a friend you understand.

Every time you have a kind and gentle word to give, you help someone to find beauty in this precious life we live.

For happiness brings happiness and loving ways bring love, and giving is the treasure, that contentment is made of.

Author Unknown

May your day be blessed with a few SMILES

and lots of SUNSHINE to warm your heart !

MA

 

 

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BOOK 08, CHAPTER 2, PAGE 14

THE MEANING OF TRUE LOVE

It is sharing and caring,

Giving and forgiving,

Loving and being loved,

Walking hand in hand,

Talking heart to heart,

Seeing through each other's eyes,

Laughing together,

Weeping together,

Praying together,

And always trusting

And believing

And thanking God For each other...

For love that is shared is a beautiful thing--

It enriches the soul and makes the heart sing!

Helen Steiner Rice

GOOD MORNING !

AND HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO YOU ALL !

I hope you'll always remember that "Love" is the one treasure that multiplies by division ... the more you take away from it, the bigger it grows! When it comes to "Love," it does pay to be an absolute spendthrift. So empty your pockets, give it away, throw it away, and splash it everywhere! Tomorrow you will have much more than you ever did before!

There are lots of way to share your love and my list goes on and on. The dear Lord has blessed me with a large family and endless ways to share my love. I’m counting my blessings today and always…

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

 Love is the best thing in the world ...

And the thing that lives longest.

Love is something to share with a wonderful person,

And once it's there, you've got to make it last.

Love isn't something to be taken for granted ...

It's something to be nurtured,

And cared for and caressed.

Love can last forever ...

If you want it to.

Love isn't tough and tentative ...

It's wonderful and gentle and tender.

Love is mysterious ...

But it asks that you keep no secrets.

Love is blind ...

But it asks that you see how happy

it can make you.

Love is more like a flower than a tree ...

The wrong things can hurt it so easily.

But the right things can make it more beautiful

Than anything else your life has ever know.

Love is something to be treated

As the best of blessings ...

And as your own little miracle

That will keep coming true ...

As long as you want it to.

 Author Unknown

May your day be blessed with a few SMILES and lots of Sunshine to warm your Heart !

Ma

 

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BOOK 08, CHAPTER 2, PAGE 13

If I was one thing, I'd be a candle

Lighting the way so you can handle

Your life easier without woes

Not having to fight with your foes.

I'd help keep you from stumbling over

Things blocking your path to an open door.

If I light your path, life is easier,

Even strong winds, my light will not deter.

No matter what, I'm here for you

To cheer you up when you are blue.

Do not fret when times get tough,

If things look down or kind of rough.

Just remember, I'm always here,

In your heart, close and near.

I will help you out in every way,

Happiness and love in your heart will stay.

Don't blow me out, that's one request

Unless it's me you do detest.

I do not try to hurt anyone

That isn't good or any fun.

But one day you may leave me behind

You may no longer need my light to shine.

If that day comes, go on your way

And I will hope to see you again one day.

If one day, I don't appear,

Do not worry, do not fear

I may be gone, but in your heart

The light I gave you did not depart.

It will be there forever and a day

To always bring happiness and light your way.

Farewell for now, I'm needed elsewhere

If your path grows dark, in your heart, I'm there.

So I'm really not gone, just not seen,

I would not leave, I'm not that mean.

Only one simple request that I must say,

 Please, never forget those who lit your way.

Author Unknown

GOOD MORNING !

It is WEDNESDAY and we made it over the HUMP once more. Halfway through this work week once again.

February certainly has brought us a variety of weather so far. Last week we were having rain storms and flooding, this week below freezing temps and snow and ice . The only people that were happy were the kids that got off school one day because it was so cold.

March usually brings us lots of wind and we certainly have had that too ! It keeps us all on our toes for sure. I’m not much of a ‘white knuckle ‘ driver. Last evening the roads were very icy coming home and my grip on the steering wheel was so tight I had to remind myself to loosen up.

Everyone was going slow so there weren’t any problems, thank the good Lord. Today should be a little calmer and by evening they say we could see the sun peep through briefly. We’ll see…

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

A candle's but a simple thing

It starts with just a bit of string

Yet dipped and dipped with patient hand

it gathers wax right up the strand

Until, complete with snowy white

it gives at last a lovely light

Life is so like that bit of string

each deed we do, a simple thing

Yet day by day if on life's strand

we work with patient heart and hand

It gathers joy, makes dark days bright

and gives at last a lovely light

Author Unknown

May your day be blessed with a few SMILES

and lots of SUNSHINE to warm your heart !

 

MA

 

 

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