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Living in the present helps keep life in perspective (8/10/24)Have you ever felt that all you do is to repair and replace things? Have you no sooner brought everything up-to- date when something else comes up on the horizon causing you to feel behind the times again? Your present furniture, your house, your clothes, your expertise in technology and numerous other things seem stuffy and old-fashioned. “What do I do now,” you ask yourself? I would venture to say that those feelings, opinions and judgments visit everyone sometimes. Consequently, we then attempt to replace or get rid of what’s too vintage, as we continually try to keep up with the times It isn’t always the next-door neighbor, the social network or other friends and relatives that we want to impress. It’s usually ourselves, but not always. Our tastes change, we want others to admire our expertise in decorating, and we look inside the windows of, and frequent stores, to see what’s new. There is little hope for those that feel they must continue to keep up with what’s trendy — that which is shining with the newness and the untouched perfection of what used to be.
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Thinking of others is the best therapy (7/27/24)"It’s horrible, I’ll never get over it,” we often say, and sometimes uncontrollable feelings of anger overflow within us. We can feel that our world is collapsing all around us and our purpose is gone. We drag our feet throughout each day, just waiting for the evening sun to take leave of our universe. Our warm, soft, cozy, bed stands and beckons to us to come and rest and get away from all the perceived meaningless activities we now dread. All have experienced similar feelings at sometimes during their lives. The question is: “What do we do about it?”
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Respecting the dignity of others (7/13/24)What makes us deserving of our human dignity? Are we always cognizant of the vulnerably and value of everyone, or do we gauge our measure of people’s worth on external things? What determines the criterion on which we place our evaluation of someone?
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Movement, change and life force (6/29/24)I have always been one to meditate on life, in general. Life is so awesome and filled with treasures that it’s too big and too great for one to fathom. I recently said goodbye to visiting members of my family. They had to get back and again settle into their routines at home. Life goes on. I re-entered into my world and they into theirs. I find it amazing that God provides so many things in our lives that make it necessary that we learn, change and move our bodies to meet the demands of living on this earth. Although many do not relish the thought of moving and changing and learning, I find it wonderful that we are able to do what we must.
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Recognizing the beauty of a person (6/15/24)A chill crept over me, as I witnessed the look on the face of the young man. He was standing alone in the room seeming so dejected and sad. As I approached him, he bravely raised his head and began to talk. Murphy was trying to hold his own and follow his chosen path of going to college. ...
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Change on the outside brings change on the inside (6/1/24)Did you, somehow, at some time, believe that you would never change? You liked the way you were and you knew that your opinions and outlooks were right ones? You plowed ahead, nonstop, following your dreams and ideas of what is important in life. You thought your logic, goals and aspirations would never change because you knew that you were well on your path to happiness?
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Keeping one foot on the ground, and the other on our dream (5/18/24)How many people, like us, have been told to “stop daydreaming and get to work? You can’t make a living with your head in the clouds.” Well, I dare say that most have heard those words directed toward ourselves. There is some truth in the statement and there is some erroneous advice, as well. Does the statement sound fitted for our journey through life?
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Being poor without feeling poor (5/4/24)As I sat, gazing out my family room window, I reminisced, somewhat, about my childhood and adolescent years. I am not one that looks back on, or lives in the past, but I meditate on people’s attitudes — and, mine — to see the connections between what happens in in those lives, ultimately.
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Your summer is coming (4/20/24)Of course, summer is coming. Your summer is coming. There are many different views as to whether summer is a time of joy or is it a sweltering balloon of heat trying to burst and spread its humidity and discomfort throughout the world? I reside within the Southeast Missouri area and there are different opinions of what summer means to each person. Neverthealess, I believe most look upon summer as a time of beauty, seeing the results of spring’s new birth, and relaxation.
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Keeping a song in your heart (4/6/24)Are you someone who likes to sing? I mean sing while you’re working, walking, performing or merely keeping yourself company? Whether we have a melodious voice or not, we can still utter a sound, a note of joy, a positive comment or maybe we just keep our singing, silently within. Regardless, we can keep on singing. We may be a professional performer, lighting up the lives of others — and some simply keep it in the shower. Nevertheless we all need to keep singing. We have to keep on pressing forward in spite of what life hands us, and continue doing the best we can. To keep on singing has little to do with having an enviable voice or a voice that sounds more like the bellowing of an angry bull. Singing can create a perfume that spreads our aura of happiness and love to others. Most of all, to sing is balm to our spirit, but we are the benefactor, most of all.
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Struggling for balance when you lose your footing (3/23/24)How can we be on top of the world one moment and down in the gutter the next? That's a question, I dare say, that all of us have asked ourselves a time or two. What do we do about that lost, left out and forlorn feeling? I listened to a friend, Randy, giving a speech recently. He was quite successful presently, but the path of, having made it, had not been an easy one...
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Needing someone to talk to (2/24/24)Are you one of those people that says, "I'm a loner, I am with people all day and I want to get away from everyone. I want my privacy?" I have felt that way many times and I still crave alone time--but not all the time. Until we experience loneliness when we aren't needing it or desiring the state, we cannot t pass an accurate judgment...
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Working at being happy (2/10/24)The feeder was empty except for some dry seed on the ground, and the weather was crisp but bearable. My morning was brightened by the sight of a bird lingering on the almost empty bird serving tray outside my window. The wren pecked around as he glanced sideways to see if he was going to have to share the meager pickings strewed on the ground and the edges of the feeder. ...
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Learning to be content (1/27/24)I had never given too much thought to the word "content", until I participated in a conversation with a friend, recently. We had both lost spouses and had been forced to make adjustments in our lives. We had to decide whether to give up or forge ahead with life. ...
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Finding the wonder in life (1/13/24)I sat in a chair, leaned back and flung both arms toward the sky. I took a deep breath and filled my lungs with air. Inside, excitement framed my whole being as I exhaled and basked in my appreciative mood. That day was one that could be described as a normal day. ...
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Your new year can be a good one (12/30/23)How was your year during 2023? What happened in your life? To many of us, thoughts of the past year were those of good fortune and happiness -- one filled with happy memories. To others it was a year to be forgotten. Are we now looking forward to another new beginning, or, are we already perceiving that the upcoming new year will the same as the last one? If we're looking for the worst, the self-fulfilling prophesy will probably materialize. So will we look forward, or backward?...
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Turning stress into joy at Christmas (12/16/23)How can the celebration of something so beautiful turn into such a nightmare for many people at Christmas time? Christmas comes only once a year, but we often begin to prepare for the next one as soon as the present celebration is finished. We look for things that would be useful and appropriate as gifts for next year. ...
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Love still prevails (12/2/23)"People do not show love, like they did in the old days," I hear people lament. "Life is too busy and people only care about themselves." Do those opinions sound familiar? Believing such statements is depressing and can lead to feelings of hopelessness. Although love is shown now, in different settings, if we stand back and look around, our minds will recognize that love remains...
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What is God looking for when He looks at us? (11/18/23)As I listened to a Christian minister's homily recently, the reverend made a statement that struck a chord inside me. "God doesn't look at our face." As I sat listening, his words seemed like a contradiction to me, and I was puzzled for a moment or two, while my thoughts took on a world all their own. ...
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Going on retreat (10/28/23)Do you want to just get away from it all, for a while? Does the daily hubbub of life get you down, worn out and out of sorts? Do you wonder how to accomplish your dream of a calm, peaceful and stress free life, at least sometimes? Those questions are fairly common among most people. ...
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Inserting love into the lives of others (10/14/23)Jenney sat forlornly on the front doorsteps feeling neglected and unloved. No one had taken the time to take note of and to celebrate Jenny's birthday. Her family, if they remembered, verbally told her, "Happy birthday" and possibly would make an effort, later on, to make a meager effort to celebrate it. ...
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Finding joy in the fall (9/30/23)Recently, I noticed something different in the air. It was a gradual slowing down of life. The restlessness of a forever summer had settled into reality, and I was looking for a change. It seemed that changes and daunting mystery was all around. I was looking for a new path now, one that would take me in a different direction. ...
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Living our mystery (9/16/23)Are you an avid reader of mystery books, a follower of mystery movies or mysteries in any form? We like the never-ending suspense of what's going on, what's hidden, who did it or what caused the confusion. We think we're bound to find out as we peel each page looking for an answer. We're hoping that the conclusion will suddenly jump off the page, so our heart will stop racing...
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Creating our own destiny (9/2/23)"Another boring day," said Janie, a recent widow, as she rolled over in bed for one last time that morning. Janie forced her feet to touch the floor as she threw the covers back. Her husband had been gone for a short amount of time, and Janie was trying to adjust to the new life she had been forced into. ...
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Walking through the fog to get where you're going (8/19/23)I had all sorts of things to accomplish on one particular Friday, and I sprang from bed full of energy and expectation. Isn't that what happens to most of us when we feel motivated and excited because of the plans we have for the upcoming day? My feet hit the floor like a champion on a track team, and I rushed to open all my window coverings. ...
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The awesome skill of adjusting (8/5/23)As Jane sat in front of a bay window overlooking a beautiful view of the outdoors, her mind was drawn toward how one must adjust, constantly, to something, in life. The landscape that sprawled in front of her stretched far and wide. The countryside lay undisturbed, begging for someone to love its beauty, yet to refrain from interfering with its serenity. Onlookers were invited to look, but not touch. It gave the impression of royalty...
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Finding our own Calcutta (7/22/23)Have you wished you could become a missionary and help other people? You would travel to different countries, be like Mother Teresa? Mother Teresa was a Catholic nun and missionary. She was famous for her charitable works and helping the poor, hungry and sick people of India. ...
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Honey attracts while vinegar repels (7/8/23)"Well, my dear, how are you today?" A musical voice echoed in the distance. Lisa turned around, quickly, to see who the well-wisher might be. A good friend of Lisa's, Jenny, came up from behind her. Jenny always had a smile and a cheerful word, for almost everyone, and today was no exception. Lisa and Jenny had known each other for years and the friendship was important to Lisa. Jenny was one of those people that drew others toward her like honey attracts flies...
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Will we ever finish trying to get our lives together? (6/24/23)I sat on my front porch -- eyes gazing out over the beautifully landscaped yards around me. Summer is arriving, and with it, comes awesome beauty, warm temperatures and the sounds of nature. The warbling of birds singing, filled my ears with melody, and the colors of scenery outside filled my eyes, ears, and heart with happiness. God's artistry displayed itself from every direction. Soon though, my thoughts turned to more serious matters,...
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Finding out what true freedom means (6/10/23)Freedom is a word we have heard, from childhood. Merriam Webster describes freedom as "the quality or state of being free, such as: the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action. It is liberation from slavery or from the power of another." Other definitions include "the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved" and "The power or right to act, or speak or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint."...
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Paying the debt we owe (5/27/23)May 29, 2023, is Memorial Day. It's a day on which everyone has the opportunity to meditate, and give thanks to the many who have given their lives so we can remain free. Does the Day receive the attention and reverence that it deserves? I think not. ...
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Let no one steal your joy in doing good (5/13/23)Whether people appreciate what you do for them, or not, no-one can steal your joy in doing it. As I read a text message from a woman very close to me, recently, I could tell that she was despondent and, definitely exasperated. "I am going to quit doing anything for them, "she said. ...
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Seeing the world around us (4/29/23)What do we see when we wake up in the morning? Do we leave our slumber and eagerly look toward the day? Do we direct our thoughts toward the good that is coming to us, or do we sluggishly throw the covers back and grumble with a vengeance? Possibly, we switch back and forth, depending on our mood or on what we've recently encountered...
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Let go of fear, Easter's promise lists all year (4/15/23)We have no need to fear for our life because the promise of Easter lasts forever, long after Good Friday and Easter Sunday are past. That the season of Easter lasts 50 days and that it ends on Pentecost Sunday is the belief of Western Christianity. Some others believe that Easter ends on Easter Sunday. ...
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Welcoming people wherever we are (4/1/23)"Get the front door," hollered Dora from the back bedroom. The doorbell rang, impatiently, letting her know that a guest had arrived. She had been expecting friends from out of town, and evidently they had arrived. Dora was in a flurry because her knowledge of their arrival was sudden, earlier than expected. ...
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Having a place to call home (3/18/23)Have you ever felt a yearning, a feeling you couldn't quite identify? You have done what you thought you wanted to do in life. You have followed what you thought was your dream, and you are still following the route you think will make you happy. So, what is wrong? What is causing that forlorn sadness or emptiness inside?...
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Fitting into the puzzle (3/4/23)Have you ever thought of life as a puzzle, and you are the one that has to find your place among the pieces? The pieces fit only where they should. We search and search trying to find the exact place where each outlined piece joins the others and we must find where each fits. ...
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Deciding if it's our problem (2/18/23)Have you ever had someone say to you, "Leave it alone, it's not your problem"? Almost all of us have heard that bit of advice at one time or another. Often that point of view is helpful to hear, but at other times, it's a frustrating statement. While at lunch, recently, a friend and I were discussing that very topic -- "with whom does responsibly lie in particular instances?" Mila and I tossed various issues around, concerning whether one should or should not respond to particular needs. ...
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Getting up one last time (2/4/23)Are you a quitter, or someone that keeps on going regardless of the outcome? Perhaps you think that it's easier to drop everything and give up, and it often is. Sometimes what we're striving for has run its course, and it's time to let go, but we must first take the time to discern if it's advisable to stop whatever we're doing, or keep trying...
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When life takes a different direction (1/21/23)Life takes many different turns. It's like the winding road that lazily winds up and around a mountain. You hit a smooth stretch for a distance, and then before you know it, you're going in circles trying to stay on the road. Whether it's a turn we choose, or one that suddenly appears in front of us, we have to change directions. ...
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Are we moving forward or retreating in 2023? (1/7/23)So, a new year has, again, entered into our midst. What do we plan to do with this new beginning? Will we constantly reminisce about what happened last year? Perhaps we will expect good things to land on our doorsteps. Will good fortune visit us without any effort on our part, or is it often tempting to blame the bad on something or someone else? We may even expect God to make changes in our lives, to do it for us. ...
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Christmas provides a reason for hope (12/24/22)"I'll bake the cookies, this year." Janice heard from her daughter, Jane's, room. "I'll pick up a vegetable tray and a fruit tray," said her middle son, Brett. "We kids will prepare the Christmas Eve and Christmas day, meal this year, mom," came from the eldest son, Michael. ...
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Be thankful for the journey (11/26/22)Do we believe that someday we will have completely arrived, or do we realize that we are always in process? As I pondered all the meanings attached to that thought, I was overwhelmed. I wanted to, eventually, be finished with what I worked toward and take a break...
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Riding out the storm (11/12/22)Life is filled with storms. No one or nothing escapes their bitter sting, and it's how we deal with the storms we face, that makes the difference. As I sat in a local restaurant, about to lift the forkful of Chinese food to my lips, I heard an awesome statement coming from a neighboring table. ...
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Life is filled with beginnings and endings (10/15/22)Beautiful fall leaves went floating through the air, the wind hurling them, up, up, up into the sky. They danced with the graceful cadence of the refreshing breeze as it daringly tossed their bodies into the atmosphere. Afternoon had arrived and the sun flaunted its glow and warmth, before it retired for its night of sleep. What an awesome sight! I felt caught up in the expectancy of afternoon restfulness and the exhibition of wildlife appearances...
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Choosing the right door (10/1/22)Life is a series of swinging doors--opening and closing doors. The doors we open and close are of equal importance because we must close our previous one before we can open another. If we leave the open door, ajar, we can't walk through the closed one -- the one we're fearfully wanting to attempt. ...
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Passing on what you've been given (9/17/22)I heard a conversation, recently, that caused me to conduct some in-depth, soul searching. "I am just trying to give back to others, as I have been given," said the man. Jack was a middle-aged person who had constantly helped, Jeff, a young person always needing help. ...
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Revisitinig memories 'back in the day' (9/3/22)The phrase "back in the day" is an American idiom that refers to an earlier time one remembers, usually fondly. I recently thought of a close relative and his journey, back in the day. Leon seemed to be stuck in the past. He had fond recollections of a time filled with unrealistic memories. ...
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Rejoicing in the comfort of the seasons (8/20/22)As the nights seem cooler and the locusts sing louder, my body jumps with excitement. I can already feel the upcoming newness of fall, lurking in the air. Autumn's impatiently awaiting the time to make its grand entrance. I quiver with joy at the anticipation of what the season brings...
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Crushing the dreams of others (8/6/22)I overheard a conversation, recently, that made my heart sink. As I sat next to an elderly couple, on the bus road-trip, the words of the wife, caused me to feel dry and shriveled, inside. Although the woman may have thought she was helping her husband adjust to life, as he grew older, the words had the opposite effect...
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The value of a hobby (7/23/22)Almost everyone, at one time or another, becomes bored with life. The grass looks greener somewhere else, within another career, or just, in general. We don't like who we are, how we look, or perhaps, our group of friends. This may seem exaggerated, but there are few people who have not experienced boredom and dissatisfaction -- times when life seems tedious and demanding. ...
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Enjoying a little taste of heaven every day (7/9/22)What do you think heaven is like? Is it a foreign place to which we are journeying? There are many definitions of heaven. Christians, and those of other religions, believe in a future place of which they strive to occupy. Miriam Webster Dictionary describes heaven as "A very pleasant or enjoyable place or situation." As a Christian, I believe that it's a spiritual place where I will hopefully reside, forever, after my physical death...
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Asking 'What would Jesus do?' is the key to discernment (6/25/22)Have you wondered what to do, at various times? You just couldn't seem to arrive at an answer? No matter where you've searched, what facts you've discovered, or what other solutions you've found, you still can't seem to arrive at an answer. We may consult a priest, a counselor, a spiritual mentor and call upon our God, but we are still undecided. ...
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The difference between a house and a home (6/11/22)Do you live in a house or do you occupy a home? The word, home, has a soft and comforting sound to it. There is a question that we can ask ourselves and that is "What is the difference?"Britanica.com says that "a house is a building in which someone lives." A home can be any location that a person thinks of as a place they live and that belongs to them." It can be a tent, a boat, or in a box in an alley. ...
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Don't be too busy to live (5/28/22)Living, to live, to have life. What do those words and phrases mean to you? We think we know what living means to us, but does everyone have the same expectations about life? Does living simply mean "drawing our breath?" Well, that is probably the first and most important part of the definition--but what are we doing while we breathe? What quality of life do we have? Do we spend the biggest part of our days and nights trying to be productive, and what do we mean by being productive? That question varies, according to whom you ask. ...
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A way to deal with life (5/14/22)Does life often seem to get you down, cut you off or seem to be more than you can deal with? Most have been hurt by something another person has said to us, at one time or another. How did we respond to those injured feelings of disappointment, dashed-confidence, and rejection?...
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What are you really like inside? (4/30/22)Have you really, I mean really wondered, what you are like inside. If we've never had the desire or the need to know our real self, then we're maybe fortunate, perhaps not. Few have known exactly what life holds for them or what their calling is. Jim, a farmer, had just finished harvesting the last of his crop before fall and winter set in. ...
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Easter is a time for new beginnings (4/16/22)Everyone likes to have another chance. We like the idea of having a fresh new start that promises renewal, one that's full of hope and bright assurances. Those are the guarantees of Easter, the celebration that's upon us again. Christians believe, that, on Easter, Jesus died and arose from the dead to save humankind from our sins, and He promised us a fresh new beginning. ...
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Don't waste the time you have (4/2/22)Ring, ring, ring. The wake-up call jolts us away from our sleep, and we groggily weave our way out of bed. It's time to get up and face another day. We have places to go and things to do. But most of us do not give "time" a second thought. We take it for granted, feeling that there will always be plenty of it. Consequently, we treat the commodity carelessly and use it mindlessly, as if it will last forever for us...
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Happiness is not built on the absence of suffering (3/19/22)Happiness is a subject of which much has been written, yet most, maintain their individuality concerning what constitutes their state of happiness. Some of the most frequent answers to the query of what would make someone happy might be, "If I had a better house, or just owned a home, if my child would get chosen for the school basketball team, if I were prettier or more handsome, or if I had more friends, I would be happy." Other things such has, "if my husband could only recover from his illness, I lived somewhere else, or if I could retire, I would be happy. ...
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Delighting in a Sunday afternoon drive (3/5/22)Have you ever participated in a Sunday afternoon drive? If you haven't, you've missed a rare pleasure -- but it isn't too late. A Sunday afternoon drive is waiting for you whenever you choose to take the opportunity. As I grew up on our farm in Southeast Missouri, our family often took a drive after dinner. ...
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Fix it and keep on going (2/19/22)Do you merely browse and shop, buying items you want or need at stores, or do you receive other rewards, as well? One would normally assume that shopping is the main benefit of going to a store, right? I recently found that I reap other benefits, as well, even behind the mask that I wear now, because of the Coved precaution...
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Don't bury yourself (2/5/22)"I'll get on with my life and relax after I catch up," you say. This may be school, family concerns, health issues, changing an undesirable habit, or other things that compete for your attention. I often feel I mimic the words contained within a poem called "Stopping by the woods on a snowy evening" by the poet, Robert Frost. ...
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The Golden Rule still triumphs (1/22/22)Kindness is a much used word in our vocabulary. If you're Christian, you've undoubtedly read Bible Scriptures pertaining to the importance of kindness. You've, at least, heard about or participated in performing acts of kindness. In a world that has always been filled with struggle and pain, kindness is like sunshine, beaming on a cold dreary day. ...
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Picking up and moving on (1/8/22)The old year is gone, now, so what do we do? Do we evaluate the good we've derived from that time, or do we lament the bad that we can't remedy? Every year we're asked to turn over a new leaf and begin again. We are asked to rewrite another chapter inside our book of life--and that's what it's all about. ...
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What does Christmas mean to you? (12/25/21)Have you ever stepped back and wondered why YOU celebrate Christmas? Do you even know, or have you given the subject any thought? Frankly, I had not looked at Christmas in the context of my personal experience, what's inside me, concerning the holiday. ...
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Followers and leaders of the pack (12/11/21)Are you a follower or a leader? Do you travel, always with a pack, and feel insecure if you're left alone to make your own decisions? It doesn't matter if you're a follower or a leader because it takes both kinds. Most of us are, eventually, called upon to serve as both, depending on the time, place, and skills that are needed to carry out whatever the task may be...
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Looking at each day as your first (11/27/21)How was your day at work, today? Was it a good day in your estimation, or did it seem like the same old thing as yesterday? Did you sit and look at the clock, counting the hours until it was time to leave? Those are view-points most of us take, many times, whether we're taking about work or pleasure...
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Life just happens (11/13/21)Of what does your life consist, besides purely, the psychical side of it? One can go deeply into the mechanics of it if he chooses, but that isn't my purpose. My goal is to think about the role we have, and do not have, in the shaping of our existence...
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Creating your new world right where you are (10/30/21)Are you bored with your life, need to get away, start anew, or, don't know what you want? Almost everyone has felt this way at one time or another. Thinking those thoughts isn't a bad thing, but what we do with them can be. We can act irrationally and make mistakes that may impact our world for many years, or for a lifetime. We are particularly vulnerable if we have lost a spouse or, another, that's been a source of comfort and confidence for us...
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Letting your loved ones figure it out (10/16/21)"He's going to have to figure it out on his own," Lynn said, angrily. She was so distraught at Web's behavior and lack of motivation that she was ready to give up. It seemed that nothing she tried worked with him. He, merely wanted to stay around home and hang out with friends, doing nothing to better himself or prepare for his future. ...
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Everyone has something to offer (10/2/21)Do you often look at other people, and their lives seem so ordinary? You wonder what they do to fill their time because you are extremely busy -- doing important things, you think. You have an outside job, a family, and you feel valuable, like you're making a difference...
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Participating in life (9/18/21)"S N I F F, S N I F F." I felt myself inhale with a purpose. What was that lovely fragrance in the air? I took another whiff, slowly this time, but with a mission. I still could not name the scent. Then I heard sounds of music in the distance -- and marching footsteps keeping time rhythmically. ...
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Reflecting on the meaning of Labor Day (9/4/21)On the first Monday in September, you may be looking forward to one last fling. That's because Labor Day is arriving, then. What does it mean to most folks? Do we meditate on the true reason we celebrate Labor Day, or does it have another meaning for us?...
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Fighting the good fight (8/21/21)"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful." What a wonderful and empowering passage from Christian Scripture! As I read those words from Timothy 4:7, recently. I felt a warm wave of wonder and awe. I also felt sadness, mixed with admiration. ...
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Just getting through the day (8/7/21)One bird chased another as they scrambled toward the feeder. Their scrumptious entrees were laid out, neatly, within easy reach of the perches. The birds took a few bites, then flew away, only to return for more, later. They were only worried about the now -- not what tomorrow held. Robins, blue jays and wrens filled their stomachs with nourishment, just for today. They will let tomorrow take care of tomorrow...
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Just thinking (7/24/21)Do you know what you think about all day, and how much those thoughts impact your being? Little do we know how important it is to mentally keep track of what's going on inside our heads? Studies have shown that the direction in which our thoughts lead us often determines the condition of our physical and psychological health. ...
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Downsizing: Yes, no or when? (7/10/21)Are you wondering if it's time to downsize and live on a smaller scale? It seems as if the subject of downsizing has been an issue recently with many people. They are attempting to decide if they should scale down their lives, or continue as they are, presently. Although the decision may seem like a small one, much enters into making the choice...
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Making the happiness decision (6/26/21)Don't we all search for happiness? Think about it -- everything is geared toward our feeling of well-being and, a feeling of calm, or perhaps, excitement. If a loved one is ill, we want them to become well, or at least feel better. We can't be still, within, until we are reassured their health is improving and they are on the road to recovery. ...
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Working is a blessing and a privilege (6/12/21)Is work a dirty word? Although many revere the act of working, others shun the performance of work. As I drive around my town, I see numerous signs requesting help. From fast-food restaurants to retail stores, the need for employees is plentiful. Is work a curse or a blessing, we ask? As I read a book about Benedictine spirituality, recently, I was struck with awe at their view of work. ...
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Life requires constantly starting over (5/29/21)Do you feel that you're never settled, that when you think you're on an even path, something goes wrong? Sometimes it's planned and other times, it's a shock or surprise. We constantly have to start over -- many times moving to a different environment. Consequently, our lifestyle and attitude has to change -- a result, of our new start...
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Forgive unconditionally (5/15/21)To forgive is often difficult to do. It is a much discussed topic, especially within the Christian faith, and other faiths, as well. To refuse to forgive can be a prison, within whose walls, one can never escape. Forgiveness is a many faceted action that is well worth delving into. ...
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Blooming in the spring (5/1/21)Spring? Yes! It seems I see the evidence of spring everywhere I glance. I see it in the environment exhibiting its beautiful displays of natural beauty. I feel spring in the air, and my step agrees. My feet hit the ground like a playful rubber ball, bouncing up and down as fast as I touch a surface. ...
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Letting go of the unpleasant (4/17/21)Does letting go of the unpleasant mean we are weak, practice avoidance or we're cowards? Are we afraid to face things head on, so we pretend that all is well, while cowering in the corner and brooding, secretly? Are we stopped in our tracks and feeling too sorry for ourselves to move forward? "What's the point?" we say, and we accomplish nothing...
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Easter matters in our daily life (4/3/21)Is Easter important in your life? Do you understand the changes Easter brought to everyone on that day when Jesus rose from the dead? It seems it's often difficult to relate the things of the Bible to our lives. Sometimes we learn about the various happenings in the Bible and relate them to a historical study or merely general knowledge. ...
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Accepting life as it is (3/20/21)Would you like it if you had everything as you want it? Are you tired of people who disagree with your opinion? What if everybody agreed with your opinion? You feel as if you're right, anyway. This view may sound absurd, but although people don't always voice their inner feelings, many can't tolerate opinions that are different from the ones we possess. ...
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Stop, look and listen to life (3/6/21)I read these words of C.S. Lewis: "The most basic lesson that all art teaches us is to stop, look and listen to life on this planet, including our own life" Lewis goes on to say that "life is far more mysterious than we would suppose. If we are to love God, we must first stop, look, and listen for him in what is happening around us and inside us. ...
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Being content with what you are (2/20/21)Does being content with what you have mean you have no motivation to make more of yourself? Does it mean to stay stuck in a rut, to flee from trying for bigger and better successes? Those are questions we've all experienced. I first pondered how content I should be with what I have when COVID-19 invaded our borders. People are still asked to be careful, but fortunately, we now have numerous outlets from which to fulfill our needs...
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In God's world, everything fits (2/6/21)How does everything fit in your world? Do you live within your center, or around the edges? If you think about it, really think about it, I believe it isn't until we're living in the later part of our lives, or have experienced many struggles, we cease to live around the edges...
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Feeling for life (1/23/21)Do you ever feel that you want to dig deeper into your life? I mean, the feeling part of it -- the now. We want to find out what's there, and exactly what life is made of? What'll make us a part of it? We all feel the desire to reach out and grasp a hold on life, don't we? But when we spread our arms apart, all we physically feel is usually air--but that's a very important part, too. In fact air is the most crucial gift of all...
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Making changes in the New Year (1/9/21)Do you always make New Year's resolutions? This custom seems to be one numerous people feel compelled to follow each New Year. Many stress over what changes they need to make in their lives. After all--it's New Year's Day. I, myself, feel guilty if I neglect to attempt to come up with an idea or two...
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Pondering Christmas (12/26/20)We are now in the midst of celebrating Christmas. We might still be unwrapping presents and, visiting friends and family, but we're almost finished with the excitement of partying, and participating in the wonderful church services, pageants and other religious observances. It's time now to ponder and think about Christmas. When the commemorations are finished, how do we feel?...
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Waiting for the Son of God (12/12/20)What keeps you going when you're ready to drop? You can't take another step, think the darkness in your soul will never end and both hands go up in despair? All of us have felt that way at one time or another. Those feeling have been occurring since the time of Isaiah as he tried to comfort God's weary people (Isaiah 1)...
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Living with what you must (11/28/20)Thanksgiving Day is now over and hopefully we all found much for which we could be thankful. But were we indeed thankful? I believe most tried to make the most of what's happened within the scope of the pandemic -- thankful with their lives, in general. ...
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Struggling against change (11/14/20)How do we accept or adapt to change? Yes, to many that's a dirty word, "change." To others, change is an exciting adventure. Sometimes change brings discomfort and fear. How we react depends on how we view life, and consequently, many people depend on comfort from their higher power for that security. Numerous influences decide how we deal with change and conversion, and whether we stay stuck or move ahead...
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Beauty and excitement are everywhere (10/31/20)Have you looked outside your window recently? Have you taken a walk and really noticed what's around you? Climates are different in the various parts of the country, and fortunately I live in a location where the scenery changes according to the seasons. Each season exhibits a beauty all its own awakening wonder during this beautiful time of fall...
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Thanking God for mistakes and hardships (10/17/20)A mountain man once said, "Overcoming challenges is all a part of life." A truer statement was never made. If that statement is correct, then why do we become surprised, shaken, fearful and depressed when something unpleasant happens to us? Yet almost all, if not all of us, allow the results of what's occurring presently, to discourage us from continuing on our journey. ...
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Embracing reality (10/3/20)What is your reality? Is it a state of being from which you feel you must run away? Must you try to avoid what's in front of you or was contained within your past? Do you cover your present circumstances with fake and false dreams, or do you accept and embrace every day, immersing your whole being into what actually going on -- learning to cope rather than play make-believe?...
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Looking for the open door (9/19/20)Have you ever been locked in a room and couldn't find the door to take you outside the confinement? You possibly bang on the walls and try the same lock over and over. The lock doesn't budge. Do you then stop attempting to leave the room and sit down on the floor waiting for someone to rescue you, or do you try a window, another opening, or even try to yell loudly? Do you keep on, or do you give up and choose to stay where you are?...
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Recognizing the good things in life (9/5/20)Early one morning, recently, I went out my front door with my Pug, Penelope, for a short romp. This ritual is a frequent occurrence, although her walks are becoming shorter and less spontaneous. This morning was different for me, however, because the experience became more than simply a chore or mundane job I must perform each day...
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Just being still (8/22/20)When things become overwhelming in your life, what do you do? Do you run around in a frenzy trying to control and straighten out what's going on, or what? Whose life doesn't often feel as if it's a mystery? We begin to think we've finally arrived, then our security is suddenly jerked out from under us...
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Reaching inside to find direction (8/8/20)Do you sometimes wake up and wonder what your day may bring? Now that COVID-19 is staring us in the face, things are certainly different. How are we making the adjustments that are forced upon us? Since our days aren't as crammed full of activities as they once were, how are we interpreting all the changes? Are we saddened by what's occurred and feel hopeless, or do we feel that a new era is approaching? We can choose to greet our days with a curious anticipation of what's next, or we can mourn what once was? Everyone has their own way of coping. ...
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Enjoying guests during Covid-19 (7/25/20)What do you do when your loved ones come to visit during this season of COVID-19? We are told to social distance, wear masks and stay home, a scenario that's unconducive to entertaining. I asked this question of myself recently. My son, Jack, and his family came to visit for a week from a far-a-way state. ...
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Moving mountains through encouragement (7/11/20)Jim couldn't get things in his life together. It seemed that everything he desired, or thought he wanted, failed. He felt very insecure inside and this thought pattern seemed to overshadow his whole life. Jim was depressed and discouraged, but a great person. ...
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Standing firm (6/27/20)Driving through the country is always exciting. The quiet surroundings minus the hub-bub of town and city activity are awesome. This year, particularly, brings a vivid beauty of greenery. Trees are filled with leaves waving in the winds, and tall slim stalks of grass gingerly bending and bowing to those passing by. Old trees and barns, having battled the elements so long, stand firm, stubbornly refusing to budge...
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Liking who you are (6/13/20)What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you like what stares back at you or are you disappointed by it? Those are questions we can all ponder. As a child, I remember a favorite declaration of my mother. Mom, as I've stated in former writings, was a simple farm lady who was the very essence of common sense and wisdom. ...
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Getting things accomplished (5/16/20)"I just don't feel like I've gotten anything accomplished today," we sigh and say. People particularly feel this during the pandemic we are, now experiencing. We beat ourselves up and ask why. We think we're accomplishing nothing? We feel sad and unfulfilled...
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Looking for the right tree (5/2/20)Have you ever shook a tree to allow the delicious goodies to fall on the ground? Maybe the fruit was still somewhat green and stuck to the branches more tenaciously. We had to be patient and wait, even though we felt we must hurry. We climbed the tree and we shook even harder. ...
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It hurts to let go (4/18/20)As I watched a television show, recently, a plea from a little girl tugged at my heartstrings. She was losing a teacher she dearly loved. The student was overwrought at her teacher's upcoming departure, and she couldn't understand why her mentor, ever, had to leave. ...
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Being joyful in all circumstances (4/4/20)Are you happy? Happiness has been written about all through the ages. It is a state of well-being and contentment, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Often happiness and joyfulness are used interchangeably, but they aren't the same. Lifestyle mentor, Rachel Fearnley, describes the difference between joy and happiness as this: "Joy is more consistent and is cultivated internally. ...
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Improving our lives without effort? (3/21/20)Jim and Katie couldn't figure out why their life kept going downhill. It seemed that everything, and everybody, was against them. What was the cause? Why couldn't they move ahead? Katie, especially, felt that other people were at fault. She believed that she and Jim were definitely victims. ...
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Seeking purpose in what you do (2/22/20)Do you often feel that your work must be clean cut, be performed in a nice environment and exist with the absence of drudgery? When people are young, dependent on their parents and, consequently, must do necessary jobs, their thoughts aren't always on where their direction is going to be in life. ...
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Comparing yourself to others can be devastating (2/8/20)"As I drove home from a visit with friends, I felt rather sad," said my friend, Connie. I was surprised, because of all the people I know, she is one of the least likely to complain. I listened intently knowing something must be wrong. I wondered what had caused her disappointment...
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Structure adds stability and purpose to our lives (1/25/20)"Oh, I'm so sleepy -- not ready to awake and get up yet," I heard myself whispering. I yawned lazily, opening my mouth widely, as I stretched both my legs and arms, like a cat. This was just one of my unthought-of, morning gestures, a part of my usual routine. Another facet of my morning routine is to open the curtains and shades in our house to let the sunshine or another weather surprise, inside. I experience the divine in this. I feel that I am joining all of nature...
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Creating peace in our little corner of the world (1/11/20)Peace is a coveted word. Just the meaning of the letters brings feelings of tranquility and calm. "Ah-h, "we say, "If I could merely have this feeling of serenity and safety, always; I would feel secure." Often we're only relaxed when we can find refuge in our home, and being with those we love--and that love us. Peace is a much sought after state. How can we acquire this diamond, this lack of anxiety living within, this never ending oasis of tranquility?...
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Contentment is learned (12/28/19)The Rev. Charles Stanley said, "Contentment isn't something that comes naturally: It is learned." I had never heard contentment explained in this way so I read on about the meaning of contentment. Stanley talks about contentment as if it were learned in a classroom environment and he asks, "What kind of classroom do you think God uses?" and says , "It's not in the midst of comfort and ease that we sense gratification most profoundly, but in situations that cause us to be troubled, fearful and anxious." "What an interesting perspective that is," I thought, but it made sense to me.. ...
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Celebrating Christmas (12/14/19)Have you begun to plan for Christmas -- or do you allow things to take their course? Many people go all out with decorating, buying and wrapping presents, having large groups of people over and all kinds of other festivities. As long as my mother was physically able, she would excitedly put up a Christmas tree and decorate. ...
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Jesus is the light of the world (11/30/19)"Christmas lights, Christmas lights, everywhere you go. Up and down and all around, in ice and rain -- and sleet and snow. Why lights, someone asks, always at Christmas season? I can answer, not a task, Jesus is the reason." My thoughts first fell on the subject of lights when I read about the events soon to be seen in my town. ...
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Thanksgiving should be every day (11/16/19)How do you plan to spend the holiday of Thanksgiving? Is the planning of a large dinner and serving it to those you love, high on your list? Fellowship, mouth-watering food to tickle you pallet and getting together with loved ones is certainly a worthy goal. ...
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Looking outside my window (11/2/19)My husband and I congratulated ourselves on having all our windows washed for fall. To do this we had to raise all our window blinds, or take them down. I was stunned by what I recognized. My, that which was behind the shades was much prettier and eye-catching than our usual window coverings! I had failed, to be so observant in the past, of that mind-boggling gift. ...
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Everybody deserves to be loved (10/19/19)"I could never love someone like him/her, one might say. If you only knew them, you couldn't find anything to love about them, either," and someone verbalizes the person's negative qualities. How should we look at those who, more often than not, perform undesirable actions or say mean words? Someone we know may be guilty of immorality, and that may be forbidden in our moral vocabulary. Again, we proclaim, "I don't even like the person, so how can I possibly love him/her?"...
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Don't let bad experiences last a llifetime (10/5/19)The first thing we all need to know and realize is our past does not define our future. Have you ever believed it did? It is true our past has an influence on how we look at life, what happens, our moral values and other opinions on many things. Our understanding of the past, however needn't remain permanent in our mind. We can relearn our thoughts and the ways we perceive our past, particularly those happenings that are unpleasant...
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Turning struggles into opportunities (9/21/19)Have you wished you had never suffered? That no problems had interrupted your tranquility? Or, when you've gone through your own life and death situations, within, do you hope for no more? Do you merely want to be left alone to enjoy what you choose to do?...
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Goodness still prevails (9/7/19)How often have you needed help and no one came to your aid? We can all probably remember a few times, at least, when we've felt abandoned, alone and like nobody cared. You then start to think of all the other times no one gave you a hand. This scenario does happen occasionally, but often there's an explanation for it. ...
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Rushing through life (8/24/19)I couldn't believe my eyes as I shopped in a popular department store recently. Walking down the aisles was uplifting to me. The colorful merchandise drew my attention and my spirits were lifted. To many, this may sound frivolous, but not to me. The fruit beaconed to me as I passed by. ...
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Experiencing change (8/10/19)Everyone has dealt with the reality of change. In fact life is a series of changes. Change happens on a daily, no, an hourly, or moment-by-moment basis. Change can wear many faces, contain numerous personalities and cause many emotions to surface. I became interested and mesmerized by this thing called change during a summer that was so filled with different happenings, requirements and expectations, I was overwhelmed. ...
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What determines your success? (7/27/19)You must be a success, right? You attend college, enter into a vocational or trade center, or you gain training in another field. This is all to help you prepare to be a success in life. It could also be an effort to attain the skills which will lead to, "merely," personal fulfillment...
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Don't spoil the sunshine (7/13/19)"Oh look," I excitedly exclaimed, "It's such a pretty sunshiny day." We'd been having a huge amount of rain in my general area. Fields and streets were flooded, and on occasion it literally rained almost every day. We even experienced a storm or two. All these forces of nature had knocked on our doors and walked right in...
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Goodness is beautiful (6/29/19)Have you ever said or heard the words, "He or she is a goody-goody?" The words were stated with an air of disdain? Others may call you a "Bible thumper" if you quote Scripture to back up your opinion. It often seems to be that goodness is frowned upon, and it's considered a sign of weakness or cowardice...
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Living one life within another (6/15/19)Are you amazed at how you can go from doing one thing to performing another? If your life is anything like mine, you know that things become very sticky sometimes. The happenings that take place, daily, sometimes weigh me down. If I don't watch myself, I can become overwhelmed and pressured. I wonder if whatever I'm experiencing will ever end...
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Turning the ordinary into the extraordinary (6/1/19)How many are bored with their life? Do we want a better house or, particularly, a different job, one that we look forward to each day rather than dread? Think we'd be happier if we lived within another environment, or maybe a change in our church or religion is what we need...
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'Carry your home inside you' (5/18/19)"I'm going home. Home sweet home," and "There's no place like home" are all phrases we hear, regarding home and our attachment or distaste for it. Recently, I had the pleasure to read a retirement letter written by a friend and former co-worker. In the letter Debbie thanked everyone for their love and friendship throughout her term of employment at the institution. ...
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Retreating within (5/4/19)To say we're retreating within can mean different things to different people. How you perceive the meaning of the word determines whether it is a good thing or unfavorable. I find the idea of retreating within myself to be very reassuring and comforting--like my own oasis of church, friendships, and all of life, relaxation and calm. ...
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Experiencing Easter joy every day (4/20/19)How often do you experience the joy of Easter? Is it that one Sunday each year when you celebrate? The Easter bunny comes and hides eggs, you gather with family, and attend church? You may even buy new clothes for that day. Most Christians, though, celebrate in a far more meaningful way, because our purpose may be different. ...
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Loving as God does (4/6/19)Have you ever pondered why you love and how do you love others? What causes you to love another human being, pet, or another object of your affection or love? After being around various individuals and listening to their conversations and opinions, I wondered what someone had to do or become before he/she could be deserving of love. ...
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Recognizing the awesomeness of life (3/23/19)I took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. I felt the rush of joy as it swooped within my being. The air I breathed was like what I was feeling -- the calming breeze of the fresh, sun-covered park and my neighborhood. All was peaceful, yet vibrant with expectation -- much as Easter will be, in a few weeks...
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Noticing what's present (3/9/19)Taking life for granted -- rather than crediting God's miracles -- makes living seem ordinary. Yes God still performs miracles. To many, they may seem like a scientific invention, a normal occurrence, or merely a chance happening. I discovered, recently, that much of the mundane is notoriously miraculous and it's difficult to understand how they could possibly be. ...
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When our world is coming apart (2/23/19)Have you sometimes felt like what you did made no difference? Perhaps you are feeling your world is falling apart? You have no control. When you're on a roller-coaster ride or another carnival experience, it's fun. However, when we're that out of control of our lives it's another story...
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Making our world what it is (2/9/19)How do you perceive your life? Do you look forward to each day as it comes or dread the sound of the alarm filled with ambiguities? Perhaps it depends on what your plans are for the upcoming day, before night hides the sun and the promise of the day. What's the most difficult or the most enjoyable things you face every morning?...
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Creating your haven (1/26/19)Are you someone who thinks the world moves too fast? Noise resides on every corner, and you just want to get away from it all. You yearn for a slower pace and wonder how to find such a place. I, for one, like the word progress because without it we would cease to grow, as would the world in which we live. ...
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Two magic words (1/12/19)How often have you wished someone believed in you? You've felt like people seldom complimented you, or cheered you on. You need an extra boost to keep going. Sometimes we're merely feeling down hearted and discouraged when those feelings emerge. Maybe we're just feeling sorry for ourselves...
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Whose troubles are worse? (12/29/18)So you think your problems and challenges are broader, more tragic and heart-breaking than those of others? There are many times when you feel as if what you're enduring is so traumatic the experience is overshadowing your life. We feel like we can't lead our own lives because our mind is so occupied with our challenges...
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Having a joyful Christmas (12/15/18)Who and what determines whether someone has a joyful Christmas? Do your circumstances signify how happy the Holiday is? For some reason, it seems that the celebration of Christmas brings dread and stress to some, and energy and motivation to others. ...
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Babies give insight at Christmas time (12/1/18)Whether we dote on babies or not, there's something about seeing, touching and bouncing an infant at Christmas. They are so soft, smell like baby power, usually, and are so cute and sweet. As you can tell I am a lover of the cuddly little people. As I saw a baby on television the other night, I gained insight I had failed to see before. ...
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Taking things a little bit at a time (11/17/18)"A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step" is from a famous Chinese proverb. This may sound like a trite and worn-out phrase, but contained inside is much wisdom. A thousand miles is a long way to walk, but it's possible. If you think of the distance in terms of the immense expanse of miles, you will give up. ...
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The importance of a job (11/3/18)What does your job mean to you? Is it something you do merely to earn a living? Does your job bring a sense of fulfillment to you, or do you enjoy the praise you receive from other people, the boss or your co-worker? We all have our reasons for going to work every day -- for getting up early in the morning or staying up late at night. ...
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How to place your ladder (10/6/18)Author Charles F. Stanley says, "Life is a ladder we climb until we die." (In Touch devotional) He goes on to say, "It would be a shame if we simply sat down and did nothing, but it would be worse if we placed our ladder against the wrong wall and discovered, after a life of climbing we had wasted all the years before."...
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Focusing on that bright spot ahead (9/22/18)Can you remember a truly depressing time in your life -- a time when you saw no way out of your predicament? You thought you had to quit what you were doing and flee -- find another avenue to attain your goals, or maybe even change your goals. Perhaps you lost your mate, girlfriend or boyfriend. ...
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The value of a good reputation (9/8/18)"I don't care what other people think. It's my life. I'll do as I please." We hear these words often and, perhaps, we have uttered them, ourselves. What you do in life determines the regard others have of you. It isn't that you want to be a people pleaser, but there are certain ways of acting and relating to others that one is required to do. You must communicate in a particular way to survive in the world...
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Admiring the indomitable human spirit (8/25/18)What does the word indomitable mean? I was driven to look the definition up as I watched a man, Cal, face one difficulty after another. I looked for a word that would describe the awesome spirit I saw displayed within him. I found the meaning of the word indomitable to mean: to never give up or admit they have been defeated, strong, brave and impossible to defeat, or make frightened (Collins dictionary). "Oh my," I thought, "Cal fits that description perfectly."...
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Finding life's beauty (8/11/18)Whoever said life was boring, humdrum, not worth living, or to just be endured? Many hold this view. When someone says, "Isn't this a beautiful day?" they answer, "What's good about it?" It's true that some endure more hardships than others, enjoy fewer material possessions and experience more illness. ...
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How many chances do you give someone? (7/28/18)Do you think they will never do it again? "This is the last time," you say. "I'll give him/her another chance." Then do you go on your way truly believing the deed, unseemly words, or whatever shouldn't have been, was an accident. If you have ever been a parent or have been in charge of other people or children, this may sound familiar. People are changeable and prone to making mistakes and performing bad behavior...
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Appreciate what you have before it's too late (6/16/18)What does it take before we finally wake up, before we finally realize that time doesn't last forever? One thinks he can accomplish something or take a trip, tomorrow. Yet, the present is all we really have. Proverbs 27:1 warns us when it says, "Do not boast about tomorrow for you do not know what a day may bring."...
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Forever moving along (6/2/18)To where are you traveling and will you ever get there? I mean, will you ever get to the point where you can kick back in your recliner and think all is well and all your challenges are finished? When will we be able to say "Whew, now, I am free. I am free of life's bad news, free of the struggles that have held me captive and stop the swift pace of life"?...
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Discovering your gifts (5/12/18)Do you ever reflect on the gifts you have -- those talents and abilities that are a part of you? You may become educated to become better at what those gifts enable you to do. Or perhaps, you can't see what you're really skilled at -- those that seem to come naturally. You often fail to notice them because they are so effortless for you. Nevertheless God has given each of us a special attribute that belongs to, only us...
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Being like the sun (4/28/18)What pleasures does the sun hold for you? What feelings does it arouse within? Do you look forward to seeing and feeling the sun, or dread its rays? Various people probably have different opinions on what the sun brings to their lives, besides the necessities it supplies. ...
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Your worst enemy lives within (4/14/18)"I'm a failure," John sadly lamented. John had applied to numerous colleges. He had been accepted at some, but his first choice was denied. John felt quite a shock because he had excelled in Boy Scouts, school, and in other leadership positions. His grades were superior, but evidently did not satisify his chosen school. John judged himself as being a failure...
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Those who believe in God will never die (3/31/18)Does the thought of dying sound morbid to you? To many, or most perhaps, the fear of leaving this earth is terrifying. I must admit that I've fallen victim to that fear during my life. I later discovered that the more I accepted the reality -- and began to prepare for the state someday -- I felt freer. I could genuinely live knowing my new life would be joyful and wonderful. Rather than living in fear and dread, I could hand it all over to my higher power knowing I would never truly die...
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Being like an old shoe (3/17/18)Why would someone want to be like an old shoe? It sounds like a ridiculous question, doesn't it? I know many people who are like old shoes, and I love them. As I researched the subject of shoes, in general, I found it was a fascinating topic. I asked myself just what was an old shoe like, what does it look like, symbolize and what does it have to offer. What can we learn from the comparison between people and an old shoe?...
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Moving so fast (3/3/18)My! But things move so fast, so quickly, don't they? It seems that daylight savings time just stopped. Now it's almost time to, again, have longer days. I'm not sure I'm ready for that. But I have no choice except to accept it, or try to start a major crusade against it...
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Happiness is having a clear conscience (2/17/18)"Keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander" (Peter 3:16). Do you believe we have a conscience? And if so, do we allow it to guide us? There are many individual definitions of what conscience means...
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Being the person God intended you to be (2/3/18)We can have numerous selves. Yes, selves. "How can that be?" you might ask. From infancy into adulthood, we try to find out who we are and how we should be. Depending on confidence and love of self, we present ourselves in various ways. Most people put together what is called "the ideal self." We decide how we want to appear to other people, and then act in a way that will, hopefully, get the desired results. ...
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Poor communication causes strife (1/20/18)If you had only spoken your feelings, much discord could have been avoided. Why don't people tell it like it is and take a chance? Most arguments, hard-feelings, hurt emotions and anger are because of a breakdown in communication. The best of friends and relatives fall prey to disputes uncalled for. ...
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Making resolutions is a way to hope (1/6/18)Are you one who says, "I've stopped making New Year's resolutions because I never keep them anyway?" I thought about that attitude and reflected on the outcome. Making promises to myself was at least a start. It was certainly better than feeling like the celebration of a new year was nothing but a custom, having no meaning...
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Making your Christmas a joyful one (12/23/17)Love and Christmas go together! Wonder why? There are lots of reasons, why, but perhaps you feel like the holiday season, so filled with glitter and over-celebration is anything but loving. The truth is, the perspective and aim you maintain determines whether it's joyful, or stressful and depressing...
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Learning from life-changing moments (12/9/17)Once, I experienced a particularly life-changing moment! Do you remember any such times? A life-changing moment doesn't have to be something large and spectacular. It can be the song of a bird, or a detour in the road that leads you to a different destination. It can be a child's graduation that causes you to reminisce your past...
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Being thankful leads to joy (11/26/17)Do we desire to be joyful? It's a dumb question. Right? Everybody wants to be happy and joyful. Thanksgiving has passed and the holidays are fast approaching. For many, sizzling, beautifully browned turkeys and other delicacies lined kitchen tables, the aroma filling the air soon after entering the door. The dishes of meat, vegetables and home-baked bread, produced a smorgasbord of beauty and elegance. And delicious caked, pies, puddings and fruit were plentiful...
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Remaining calm (11/12/17)"How can I stay calm within?" you may ask. "I am too busy, and if you had my troubles you would be upset, too. Staying calm all the time is impossible." Such are the thoughts of many. You may think if you internalize everything that happens around you, you're doing the right thing. You are immersing yourself into other people's lives and are helping to "bear another's burdens and show empathy." You may reason empathy is feeling what other people feel...
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Don't run away from problems (10/15/17)Wouldn't it be great if every time something unpleasant reared its head, you could simply walk away -- walk away from it all? I have certainly felt like getting away from it all and I'm certain that I'm not alone. Often you feel overwhelmed with other people's problems and concerns. ...
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Don't rely on outward appearances (10/1/17)Outward appearances don't tell the whole story. "I didn't realize this would take as long as it is," said Joyce, after taking on a painting job. "I thought I'd be through way before now. I didn't realize that filling in the crevices would be so time-consuming, so I short figured the time it would take."...
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Renewing your mind (9/17/17)"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2). The Scripture is a familiar one, but how many actually mediate on the scope of meaning contained within it? The wisdom of those words covers multitudinous answers to what you may be encountering in life. To renew your mind about various problems and puzzles can be a blessing you've neglected to see...
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Seeking the will of God (9/3/17)People have trouble listening to Jesus. "What do I look for? How do I know if I'm genuinely following the will of God for my life? How do I hear God when he speaks?" Those are all questions people ask. You needn't feel badly, though, because even Peter had trouble listening to Jesus...
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Believing that God has forgiven you (8/20/17)"Have mercy on me God, in your goodness, in your abundant compassion" (Psalm 51:3). When you read Psalm 51:3, it may sound like an outdated, distantly written scripture. Sometimes when you study the Bible, you examine it like history, a reference book or a guidebook for life...
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God hears your call (8/6/17)Her name was Reba. I met her in a restaurant as I settled in a private place inside the establishment. I usually choose comfortable padded chairs if they're available. As I eased into the soft, inviting seat, I smiled to the woman sitting at a table beside my chair. Reba was alone and quite friendly. My husband and I settled in to catch up on business matters. Although my husband fulfilled his mission, mine went by the wayside...
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Don't expect life to be perfect and you'll find it is (7/23/17)Your evaluation of your life is your own. No one determines your perspective on what happens, except you. I write often about life, attitude, misfortune and how to best derive joy when it's all over. To begin with, know that life is messy. Almost everything begins with ugliness that ultimately turns to beauty. If you're a giving person, you'll know it's what you contribute that brings your greatest happiness...
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Learning something from everyone (7/9/17)Janie had some relatives with whom she failed to connect. Many were older and seemingly somewhat uneducated. She felt they had little to offer in the way of genuine knowledge, much as youth think about their parents when they're teenagers. Nevertheless, she visited them, loved them and respected them...
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Finding life after death (6/25/17)Life can be wonderful at any stage. Unfortunate situations occur, and so do happy ones. Only you have to determine which outlook will be for you. Can you turn what most would consider a bad condition into a good one? Will you wallow in self-pity and refuse to go on? Will you continue with joy? Will you lock yourself in a self-made prison?...
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How to really love yourself (6/11/17)How important is it to really love yourself? Everyone has heard the commandment, "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31). That alone tells you that it isn't wrong to love yourself. In fact, Jesus places such value on the self that he tells you to love others the same as yourself. It means you can't give away love to others if you don't first love that person called "you."...
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Finding inner strength (5/28/17)Jim came bounding down the steps so fast, his feet barely touched the ground. He had just graduated from college with his degree, and he scarcely could contain his excitement. "I can do what I want now," he said. Although he had enjoyed the privilege of attending school, he had resented all the deadlines, curfews and feelings of a lack of freedom. His parents had paid for his education, and he couldn't wait to get out from under their peering eyes, either...
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Happiness is built on the little things (5/14/17)I flung open my bedroom curtains to see if it was sunny or rainy outside. We had received much rain recently. Immediately the warmth and beauty of the sun warmed my skin, as my eyes feasted on the bright horizon. "We have had enough rain for a while," I thought...
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Waiting for the perfect time (4/30/17)"Want to drive to Alaska?" I shouted to my husband, Don, from an adjoining room. "What?" his barely audible voice sputtered. That may sound like a dumb and impossible thing to do for many, but I had my reasons. Don loves to drive, and it would be an exciting adventure for the two of us. ...
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The art of living (4/16/17)Have you ever thought of living as an art? What do you do to become a great artist? Are you ready to reach the heights of expertise in the field? Sounds like a lot of questions, and it is. You might notice some are better at living than others. What are their secrets? I'm not talking about health or your state in life, but rather how you handle what happens in life...
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Allowing others the freedom to choose (4/2/17)Decisions, decisions and more decisions. That's the stuff of which life is made. The question is; do you have to approve of everybody's perspective, for their choices to be the right ones? Parents, particularly, have a hard time agreeing with the decisions their kids make. You can have difficulty understanding why anyone thinks and acts as they do. You may attempt to change them or force them into adopting your point of view...
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Keeping your own cross (3/19/17)Do you have more to bear than anyone? Do you wonder if you can handle what you're going through? Do you look around and say, "I don't understand why all these things continue happening to me?" All those questions are asked by people. A relative, June, suffered numerous physical ailments. It seemed she no sooner recovered from one surgery or illness than she incurred another...
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Working with all your might (3/5/17)What is your attitude toward work? Do you consider it to be a blessing or a hardship? Since most have to work in order to have a living, I can think of no other alternative. Aside from the fact of necessity, working allows the world to function as it should, and people to reach their potential as well as find fulfillment...
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Turning the Valley of Pain into hope (2/19/17)This is a continuation of a former reflection from a grieving relative, Randy Burnett, who lost his wife of 31 years to cancer. May you find solace in his insights on readjusting to life. "In the years of being married, before the cancer years, we could look down on a valley full of trees, fields and wildlife roaming about and stopping to drink in the streams of clear water that traveled throughout the valley. ...
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Getting to know someone (2/5/17)Have you ever met someone you couldn't like and for sure couldn't love? Have you taken the time to "really" know him or her? Perhaps you've thought and said, "There's nothing to love about them." You then list all the flaws you see. It's true you won't like everyone you meet. Some people are just naturally more lovable than others...
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Stop talking and do it (1/22/17)Lucy couldn't wait to begin her new job, but she first had to gain training for it. She enrolled in the adequate classes and felt she was well on her way. She talked and talked about her plans to everyone who would listen. She then proceeded to obtain the education she needed. It was challenging to look forward to living her dream. She rehearsed what she thought was the reality of what her life would be like. It was so much fun living in her mind's perfect landscape...
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Don't lament; learn from what's passed (1/8/17)
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The gift that lasts forever (12/25/16)"I certainly hope next year turns out better than this year's been," Betty said. She and I were talking as we left Mass on a Sunday. It was getting close to Christmas, and expectations were high. The promise of hope and love and companionship was in the air. Smiles were opening up all around...
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Turning jobs into works of art (12/11/16)Janie buzzed around the house, dusting hastily. As she worked, she chattered incessantly, telling me about her week and her plans with her children. I hire someone to clean our house sporadically, and Janie's a jewel. By the time she leaves, I'm tempted to quit what I'm doing and join her in the work of cleaning houses...
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Constantly rearranging your life (11/27/16)When you plan something, it ought to turn out as planned, right? If you have done everything you could to assure that all your bases were covered, you had a no-lose situation. It's like when you work hard, save and get an education, everything will go smoothly. Not always true!...
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Is life like a bowl of cherries? (11/13/16)"Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries," the name of a song, popular years ago. The music was by Ray Henderson and the lyrics by Lew Brown. Not knowing the phrase was the name of a song, I credited its wisdom to another source -- my mother. Mom claimed a quote appropriate for every occasion. Sometimes Mom would sigh and say, "Life is certainly no bowl of cherries," and went on about her business...
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Watching your pride (10/30/16)"Pride goes before the fall," my grandma said! I used to wonder what she meant. Wasn't pride a good thing? You must have pride in how you looked, pride in your actions and pride to do your best. You needed to be proud of what you were proud of too -- your gifts, accomplishments, family and so on. What did it mean to say, "Pride goes before the fall"? I wanted to investigate the meaning and ramifications of that clique...
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Life follows the seasons (10/16/16)Colors of orange, brown, dusty green and yellow fill the landscape outside my window and along the roads, fields and streets. Fall is my favorite season of the year. Every day brings different hues and tints. It's like walking or driving within a paradise of vivid but subdued paintings. Leaves crunch under your feet and you trip over fallen sticks. The changing atmosphere adds constant joy and excitement. You don't have to go far to be entertained; just look around you...
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Don't wait to be appreciated; just do it! (10/2/16)The word "anonymous" comes to mind when I think of giving or helping. "Appreciation" is another word of which I think. "Thank you" fits into the puzzle, too. How many yearn to hear a simple word of appreciation? It seems life is filled with thankless jobs -- things you do over and over, and nobody seems to notice. It almost causes you to want to give up...
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You carry your world within you (9/18/16)Do you perceive what occurs in your life as reality or do you judge it by your inner vision of your world? Or do you take a large population of people in a room and ask them their opinion of a topic or subject? Will their estimation or evaluation be the same as yours, similar or entirely different? There are as many different opinions and judgments as there are people in the world...
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Controlling your emotions (9/4/16)Jesse was always angry about something. Her first response about whatever happened was to become angry and play the victim role. She was unpleasant to be around, but she had a good heart. Most people tried to counteract her negative moods and love her despite her attitude...
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Just make a decision (8/21/16)Please, just make a decision! Have you ever tried to live with someone who never wants to take a stand? Anytime you ask their opinion, they answer with anything but a definite statement. Jeanie was trying to reach a decision of whether to allow her daughter, Megan, to visit overnight anytime she chose. ...
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Going from messiness to beauty (8/7/16)How often have you said, "My life is in a mess; I don't know what I'll do"? You've sighed and even become depressed at your plight. You were confronted with a mass of vomit to clean up. "O-o-o," you said, as you held your nose and clutched your own stomach. ...