WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT
Author Erynn Miller said: "It takes a lot of understanding, time and
trust to gain a close friendship with someone. As I approach a time in
my life of complete uncertainty, my friends are my most precious
asset."
I had a friend who felt that way. I sat next to Hal's "death-bed" and
thought about the fact that I had known him for over twenty years. Hal
knew he was dying and that these next few days would be his last. I
held his hand.
We spent time reminiscing about his long and fruitful career as a
church pastor. We talked about old friends. We chatted about his
family. And I listened as he offered a piece of sage wisdom to someone
he believed represented a "younger generation."
Hal seemed to carefully consider what he was about to say next. Then
he squeezed my hand, gazed intently into my eyes and whispered, just
loud enough for me to hear, "Nothing is more important than
relationships."
I knew that this utterance somehow mattered a great deal to him. He
seemed to consider a lifetime of experiences - personal, professional,
spiritual and family - and this one simple observation surfaced above
the rest: "Nothing is more important than relationships."
"Don't get too caught up in your career," he said. "And don't use
people just to get what you want, then throw them away. No project, no
program, no task - NOTHING - is more important than your friends and
family." I never knew Hal that well, but I wondered if he were talking
as much to himself as to me.
Remember," he repeated, "that in the end, only your relationships will
matter. Tend them well."
Writer Og Mandino put it this way: "Beginning today," he said, "treat
everyone you meet as if he or she were going to be dead by midnight.
Extend to them all the care, kindness and understanding you can
muster, and do so with no thought of any reward. Your life will never
be the same again."
At the end of a long life, my friend Hal would have agreed.
Steve Goodier
Monday, August 10, 2009
Great and Noble tasks
I long to accomplish a great and
noble task, but it is my chief duty to
accomplish humble tasks as
though they were great and noble.
The world is moved along, not only by
the mighty shoves of its heroes, but
also by the aggregate of the tiny
pushes of each honest worker.
~*~ Helen Keller
noble task, but it is my chief duty to
accomplish humble tasks as
though they were great and noble.
The world is moved along, not only by
the mighty shoves of its heroes, but
also by the aggregate of the tiny
pushes of each honest worker.
~*~ Helen Keller
A friend
Friend derives from a
word meaning "free." A
friend is someone who
allows us the space and
freedom to be.
~Debbie Alicen
word meaning "free." A
friend is someone who
allows us the space and
freedom to be.
~Debbie Alicen
The 10 commandments of success
1. Thou shall stop sitting on your assets, gifts and talents.
Procrastination is a thief. Tap into your creativity, purpose,
imagination, intuition, network and resources.
2. Thou shall stop worrying. Action and faith speak louder than fear.
Thou shall let go and let God.
(Therefore do not worry and be anxious.– Matthew 6:31)
3. Thou shall keep the main thing…the MAIN THING.
Follow your list of things to do to remain focused,
organized and productive.
4. Thou shall find a balance between encouraging and
helping others in need and knowing when to distance
yourself from “energy vampires” who drain you with
their drama and negativity.
5. Thou shall do the math and count your blessings.
Praise God in the good and the difficult times.
6. Thou shall have the self-esteem and courage to say “no” or “yes”
when it is appropriate and necessary.
7. Thou shall be a good listener and observer.
Keep your eyes, ears, heart and mind open.
Blessings and breakthroughs can show up in unexpected ways.
8. Thou shall be punctual and be one others can count on.
9. Thou shall continue to seek ways to grow in your education,
faith, self-esteem, skills and personal growth.
10. Thou shall drink water, eat healthy foods, stretch/exercise and
take good care of your body. Thou shall have a daily “laughsitive.”
because laughter moves out joy-blockages i.e. toxins, stress, anger and fear.
written by Jewel Diamond Taylor
Procrastination is a thief. Tap into your creativity, purpose,
imagination, intuition, network and resources.
2. Thou shall stop worrying. Action and faith speak louder than fear.
Thou shall let go and let God.
(Therefore do not worry and be anxious.– Matthew 6:31)
3. Thou shall keep the main thing…the MAIN THING.
Follow your list of things to do to remain focused,
organized and productive.
4. Thou shall find a balance between encouraging and
helping others in need and knowing when to distance
yourself from “energy vampires” who drain you with
their drama and negativity.
5. Thou shall do the math and count your blessings.
Praise God in the good and the difficult times.
6. Thou shall have the self-esteem and courage to say “no” or “yes”
when it is appropriate and necessary.
7. Thou shall be a good listener and observer.
Keep your eyes, ears, heart and mind open.
Blessings and breakthroughs can show up in unexpected ways.
8. Thou shall be punctual and be one others can count on.
9. Thou shall continue to seek ways to grow in your education,
faith, self-esteem, skills and personal growth.
10. Thou shall drink water, eat healthy foods, stretch/exercise and
take good care of your body. Thou shall have a daily “laughsitive.”
because laughter moves out joy-blockages i.e. toxins, stress, anger and fear.
written by Jewel Diamond Taylor
You are still blessed
* You may not have the house, car or job
that you want --- but you know you are still
blessed.
* You may not have someone to call you
sweetheart --- but you know you are still blessed,
worthy and whole.
* You may not like the way your body feels or looks
right now --- but you know you are still blessed and
beautiful.
* You may be achieving slow progress with your
goal --- but you still feel determined.
* You may complain at times ---- but you know you
are still blessed.
* You may struggle with issues of anger,
resentment, depression or worry --- but you know
you are too blessed to be stressed.
* You may feel stuck between "when and why" ---
and yet, you remain grateful, hopeful and
proactive.
* People may misunderstand you, drain you,
criticize you or ignore you --- and yet, your self-
esteem, courage and peace of mind
remain in tact.
* You may struggle with an addiction --- but each
day you are overcoming it with a strong "Yes, I
can!"
attitude.
* You may find fault in yourself and others --- and
yet, you continue to teach your heart to heal and
live with wisdom, discernment and love.
* You may be tired of waiting for your
breakthrough --- but you won't give up.
Jewel Diamond Taylor
that you want --- but you know you are still
blessed.
* You may not have someone to call you
sweetheart --- but you know you are still blessed,
worthy and whole.
* You may not like the way your body feels or looks
right now --- but you know you are still blessed and
beautiful.
* You may be achieving slow progress with your
goal --- but you still feel determined.
* You may complain at times ---- but you know you
are still blessed.
* You may struggle with issues of anger,
resentment, depression or worry --- but you know
you are too blessed to be stressed.
* You may feel stuck between "when and why" ---
and yet, you remain grateful, hopeful and
proactive.
* People may misunderstand you, drain you,
criticize you or ignore you --- and yet, your self-
esteem, courage and peace of mind
remain in tact.
* You may struggle with an addiction --- but each
day you are overcoming it with a strong "Yes, I
can!"
attitude.
* You may find fault in yourself and others --- and
yet, you continue to teach your heart to heal and
live with wisdom, discernment and love.
* You may be tired of waiting for your
breakthrough --- but you won't give up.
Jewel Diamond Taylor
Honest emotion
Go beyond merely appearing to
be happy, and dive into the authentic
joy of making a positive difference.
Give the best that you have to life,
and you'll find each day to be even
more fulfilling than the last. There
is a treasure within you that is
yearning to weave itself into the
fabric of life. Go ahead
and let it come shining through.
Ralph Marston
be happy, and dive into the authentic
joy of making a positive difference.
Give the best that you have to life,
and you'll find each day to be even
more fulfilling than the last. There
is a treasure within you that is
yearning to weave itself into the
fabric of life. Go ahead
and let it come shining through.
Ralph Marston
Journey
We're all on a trip, following different
road maps, but to the same destination.
Be ready to lend a helping hand
to a troubled traveler today.
It will breathe new life into
your own trip.
Unknown
road maps, but to the same destination.
Be ready to lend a helping hand
to a troubled traveler today.
It will breathe new life into
your own trip.
Unknown
A friendly face
We can beautify the day by
smiling throughout all the
experiences it offers us. The
expression of love to everyone
we meet guarantees to make
us more lovable in return.
Unknown
smiling throughout all the
experiences it offers us. The
expression of love to everyone
we meet guarantees to make
us more lovable in return.
Unknown
Have the courage
Have the courage
Have the courage to appear foolish, for the real fools are those who never attempt anything. Have the courage to make mistakes, for they can teach you like nothing else can.
Have the courage to take action. For even though your actions carry the possibility of failure, if you never act then you are certain to fail.
Have the courage to live each day fully, with enthusiasm and a generous spirit. Though there are many problems in this world, there are a whole lot more positive possibilities.
Have the courage to do what is right instead of what is easiest or most convenient. It will earn you the respect of others and, even more importantly, the respect of yourself.
Have the courage to see and accept things for what they are. That will put you in position to make a real difference.
Have the courage to love, to speak your mind, to follow your curiosity and your passions. Have the courage to give of yourself, for the goodness you give will come back to you over and over again.
Ralph Marston
Have the courage to appear foolish, for the real fools are those who never attempt anything. Have the courage to make mistakes, for they can teach you like nothing else can.
Have the courage to take action. For even though your actions carry the possibility of failure, if you never act then you are certain to fail.
Have the courage to live each day fully, with enthusiasm and a generous spirit. Though there are many problems in this world, there are a whole lot more positive possibilities.
Have the courage to do what is right instead of what is easiest or most convenient. It will earn you the respect of others and, even more importantly, the respect of yourself.
Have the courage to see and accept things for what they are. That will put you in position to make a real difference.
Have the courage to love, to speak your mind, to follow your curiosity and your passions. Have the courage to give of yourself, for the goodness you give will come back to you over and over again.
Ralph Marston
What you want to hear
There are things you love
to hear but you would
never hear it from the
person whom you would
like to hear it from, but
don't be deaf to hear it
from the person who
says it with his heart.
to hear but you would
never hear it from the
person whom you would
like to hear it from, but
don't be deaf to hear it
from the person who
says it with his heart.
Keep pressing forward
The difference between success and failure is not in how many times you get knocked down. The difference is in how quickly you get back up.
High achievers experience at least as many setbacks as everyone else, and often quite a few more. Yet they refuse to let those setbacks stop them.
There are plenty of things that can come along to ruin your plans, and many of them are impossible to avoid. You don't have to let those things ruin your day, or your attitude, or your determination to move forward.
In fact, the more life pushes against you, the more clearly you'll see and understand how to push ahead. When you so choose, you can transform every setback into a new opportunity.
When the situation changes unexpectedly, choose to quickly adjust. Somewhere in all that change there is valuable energy that you can harness and put to good use.
When you get knocked down, get back up quickly. You'll very likely see a new way forward that you had never noticed before.
Ralph Marston
High achievers experience at least as many setbacks as everyone else, and often quite a few more. Yet they refuse to let those setbacks stop them.
There are plenty of things that can come along to ruin your plans, and many of them are impossible to avoid. You don't have to let those things ruin your day, or your attitude, or your determination to move forward.
In fact, the more life pushes against you, the more clearly you'll see and understand how to push ahead. When you so choose, you can transform every setback into a new opportunity.
When the situation changes unexpectedly, choose to quickly adjust. Somewhere in all that change there is valuable energy that you can harness and put to good use.
When you get knocked down, get back up quickly. You'll very likely see a new way forward that you had never noticed before.
Ralph Marston
Wearing other shoes
Always put yourself
in other's shoes.
If you feel that it hurts
you, it probably
does hurt the person too.
Unknown
in other's shoes.
If you feel that it hurts
you, it probably
does hurt the person too.
Unknown
Today is the day
Today is your opportunity to express
yourself to the world through
the life you live and the actions
you take. The challenges of this
moment provide a rich
canvas upon which
you can paint the highest
vision you have.
~ Ralph Marston
yourself to the world through
the life you live and the actions
you take. The challenges of this
moment provide a rich
canvas upon which
you can paint the highest
vision you have.
~ Ralph Marston
Make it Happen
If you really want to do something you'll find a way; if you don't you'll find an excuse.
Letting your light shine
Does the world around you seem too hectic and frenzied? Then your best response is to be extra calm, peaceful and patient.
Does the world around you seem too greedy and selfish? That's your opportunity to be extra loving, giving and sincerely compassionate.
Does the world around you seem too confusing and aimless? Then choose to be extra focused and purposeful.
The world outside reflects back to you the energy you give it. If you don't like what you see, you have every opportunity to change it by changing the way you are.
When you're a beacon in the darkness, your light will shine for a long, long way. When you're the difference that makes the difference, your efforts will bring abundant fruit.
If things around you seem to be at their worst, that's when you can accomplish the most by being your best. Shine your positive light in the face of negativity, and you will change your world.
Ralph Marston
Does the world around you seem too greedy and selfish? That's your opportunity to be extra loving, giving and sincerely compassionate.
Does the world around you seem too confusing and aimless? Then choose to be extra focused and purposeful.
The world outside reflects back to you the energy you give it. If you don't like what you see, you have every opportunity to change it by changing the way you are.
When you're a beacon in the darkness, your light will shine for a long, long way. When you're the difference that makes the difference, your efforts will bring abundant fruit.
If things around you seem to be at their worst, that's when you can accomplish the most by being your best. Shine your positive light in the face of negativity, and you will change your world.
Ralph Marston
The color of your shell
Don't go for looks,
they can deceive.
Don't go for wealth
even that fades away.
Go for someone
who makes you smile.
they can deceive.
Don't go for wealth
even that fades away.
Go for someone
who makes you smile.
From the mouths of babes
Written by a 15 yr. old School Kid in Ohio :
New Pledge of Allegiance (TOTALLY AWESOME!)
Since the Pledge of Allegiance & The Lords Prayer
Are not allowed in Schools anymore
Because the word 'God' is mentioned...
A Kid in Ohio wrote the attached...
NEW School prayer :
Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.
If Scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.
Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That's no offense; it's a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise..
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.
For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the state.
We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks..
They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.
We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.
It's 'inappropriate' to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such 'judgments' do not belong.
We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.
It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My soul please take!
Amen
If you aren't ashamed to do this,
Please pass this on.
Jesus said,
'If you are ashamed of me,
I will be ashamed of you before my Father.'
New Pledge of Allegiance (TOTALLY AWESOME!)
Since the Pledge of Allegiance & The Lords Prayer
Are not allowed in Schools anymore
Because the word 'God' is mentioned...
A Kid in Ohio wrote the attached...
NEW School prayer :
Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.
If Scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.
Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That's no offense; it's a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise..
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.
For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the state.
We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks..
They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.
We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.
It's 'inappropriate' to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such 'judgments' do not belong.
We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.
It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My soul please take!
Amen
If you aren't ashamed to do this,
Please pass this on.
Jesus said,
'If you are ashamed of me,
I will be ashamed of you before my Father.'
Is There Something Missing?
If there are things that are missing in your life, ask yourself this question. Have you given those things a place to live?
The person who has many friends is the person who has made a place for friendship in her life. The person who is amazingly knowledgeable is the person who has made a place for learning in his life.
In order to receive a delivery at your home, you must tell the delivery service where to take it. In the same way, for the best things in life to be yours, you must provide a space within your life where they can arrive.
Make a place in your life for love, and love will certainly fill it. Make a place within your life for joy, and joy will soon be there.
Create the time, the space, the energy, the interest, the passion and the commitment in your life for whatever it is you seek. And the things you seek will begin to inhabit the places you have made for them.
Give the best things in life a place to live within yourself. And you'll soon find those things filling your world.
Ralph Marston
The person who has many friends is the person who has made a place for friendship in her life. The person who is amazingly knowledgeable is the person who has made a place for learning in his life.
In order to receive a delivery at your home, you must tell the delivery service where to take it. In the same way, for the best things in life to be yours, you must provide a space within your life where they can arrive.
Make a place in your life for love, and love will certainly fill it. Make a place within your life for joy, and joy will soon be there.
Create the time, the space, the energy, the interest, the passion and the commitment in your life for whatever it is you seek. And the things you seek will begin to inhabit the places you have made for them.
Give the best things in life a place to live within yourself. And you'll soon find those things filling your world.
Ralph Marston
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