What was happy can turn to sad, things get
rearranged and nothing stays the same. You cannot
always choose the changes that come your way.
But you can always choose your response. Whether
you are facing an empty nest, life after divorce, a
new city, change in your health or a change in your
daily job policy and procedures, change in weather or
a change of heart from a friend/lover/spouse, learn to
adapt rather than be a victim of change.
Sometimes change is needed but you want to hold on
in spite of the writing on the wall. The need to
change or let go can be obvious, inevitable and the
signs are everywhere to be seen and heard. You
may be resisting change with all your will in fear of
the unknown or the need to have what's comfortable
and familiar remain status quo.
Just like the seasons change, your life
changes. You have to be open to the change that
is coming and willing to learn the lesson it often offer."
Jewel Diamond Taylor
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Showing someone you care
Receiving a loving hug from a parent,
or perhaps a smile from a friend, or even
a stranger, give us a special feeling inside.
We know we are important to others when they
show us their love through attention.
And we sometimes forget that we matter to others.
Family members and friends feel good in the
same way when we show them our love.
Everyone needs to be loved.
How can we show our love?
It might be through a hug.
Doing a favor for someone is loving.
Helping around the house or the yard
is loving, particularly when we've
volunteered our help.
Giving an unexpected gift to a friend is a
way of showing love.
What new way can we show someone
that we care today?
or perhaps a smile from a friend, or even
a stranger, give us a special feeling inside.
We know we are important to others when they
show us their love through attention.
And we sometimes forget that we matter to others.
Family members and friends feel good in the
same way when we show them our love.
Everyone needs to be loved.
How can we show our love?
It might be through a hug.
Doing a favor for someone is loving.
Helping around the house or the yard
is loving, particularly when we've
volunteered our help.
Giving an unexpected gift to a friend is a
way of showing love.
What new way can we show someone
that we care today?
Why settle for less?
Why Settle for Less?
by Jane Powell
“Believe in yourself and set your standards high.”
Next time you’re tempted to settle for something less than ideal – a man, a job, a home, a friend’s behavior… perhaps even a pair of shoes – stop!
You’re a woman of many talents and inner strengths. Your gifts enhance life and nurture so many. You deserve and are worthy of far more than second best. So, why accept less?
Never settle! Be discerning. Be demanding. Instead of lowering your standards, wait for the quality you deserve. The wait will be worth it.
Jane Powell
by Jane Powell
“Believe in yourself and set your standards high.”
Next time you’re tempted to settle for something less than ideal – a man, a job, a home, a friend’s behavior… perhaps even a pair of shoes – stop!
You’re a woman of many talents and inner strengths. Your gifts enhance life and nurture so many. You deserve and are worthy of far more than second best. So, why accept less?
Never settle! Be discerning. Be demanding. Instead of lowering your standards, wait for the quality you deserve. The wait will be worth it.
Jane Powell
Isn't love grand?
I had lunch with 2 of my unmarried friends. One is engaged, one is a
mistress and I have been married for 20+ years. We were chatting about
our relationships and decided to amaze our men by greeting them at the door
wearing a black bra, stiletto heels and a mask over our eyes.
We agreed to meet in a few days to exchange notes.
Here's how it all went.
My engaged friend:
The other night when my boyfriend came over he found me with a black
leather bodice, tall stilettos and a mask.He saw me and said,'You are the
woman of my dreams. I love you.' Then we made passionate love all night
long.
The mistress:
Me too! The other night I met my lover at his office and I was wearing a
raincoat,under it only the black bra,heels and mask over my eyes. When I
opened the raincoat he didn't say a word but he started to tremble and we
had wild sex all night.
Then I had to share my story:
When my husband came home I was wearing the black bra,black
stockings,stilettos and a mask over my eyes.
When he came in the door and saw me he said, 'What's for dinner, Batman?'
For the love of Dogs
I love and miss my Cody! This article really upset me -
http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/11/potentially-explosive-bbc-doc-on-purebreds-set-to-air-stateside/?icid=main|htmlws-main-n|dl5|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawnation.com%2F2009%2F12%2F11%2Fpotentially-explosive-bbc-doc-on-purebreds-set-to-air-stateside%2F
The love you give away is the only love you keep.
I've been reading a lot about making socks for other people and how difficult it is when the receiver isn't pleased with the gift. I've had many similar experiences with this and therefore can empathize very much with those crafters who feel slighted at the response they get from the receiver.
For me, craft work is a way of life for me. I love looking at my finished worked (we've talked about this before) and seeing that I made something with my hands from little to nothing at all. Regardless of quality of product I'm using or the project itself - perhaps the bottom line is that every piece I work is done with love; both the love of the craft and for the love of that person.
In further thinking of this thread of discussion - I've had to re-think my position on the work or the finished product banter we had a bit ago and admit that I do take some pleasure in the process of the project far more than I want to believe I do. Each piece is like a time vault - the time I invested in working the piece - (and I am one to take craft work with me wherever I go to keep my hands busy) details the life I'm living at the moment and the emotions I'm dealing with when working the piece.
It is therefore expected that some crafters would and somewhat should be a little upset when the receiver of the gift isn't as appreciative as we'd hope they'd be. I think this is a big reason why many crafters don't make things for money - rather for love. There just isn't enough money in the world to compensate those lost moments of "work", but there is no price you can put on love.
With that being said, I can honestly say that when I do make gifts for others, I do so with a heart full of love. And as such, I wouldn't want someone to put my love in a drawer and forget about it, or look at me disappointedly hoping I was going to give them an iPod rather than a new pair of socks. The gift is the love and the time I dedicate to making that gift. There is no monetary value you can put on love - it is priceless. So of course, it hurts just a little when the receiver isn't happy with the gift, but, such as in life, I've learned that when I give my love and it's not given back, I don't harbor ill will - I just focus my love on others who will be better receptive to it. It is not the acknowledgement I'm looking for from the recipient - its the return of love and a little appreciation. Love sometimes means having to use the 6 slice toaster your mother bought you when you already have two other toasters because she bought it for you. Love sometimes means wearing the lop sided crocheted scarf your daughter made not because it keeps you warm - but because she made it. And yes, love means sometimes wearing a pair of socks you didn't need because the person who made them for you loves you that much.
What usually ends up happening (time and again) is that the person who was so offhanded about my homemade gift eventually realizes what a special treat they've been given, but by then I've filtered them to the bottom of my to do craft list - and they'll just have to wait until everyone else gets some of my love - a long wait by any standard.
My oldest learned this lesson.
Being the first child she had everything hand crafted, but when she got older and started to complain about homemade gifts I focused my work on others (especially her younger sister) and now she begs to have a pair of mom socks.
In all of my time crafting, I can honestly say that I still have not made (ever) anything for myself to keep. Love is best when you give it away generously and I hope the experience has taught my oldest that love is a precious thing that should be appreciated when it's offered so willingly (especially in craft form). Without it - life is not worth living.
For me, craft work is a way of life for me. I love looking at my finished worked (we've talked about this before) and seeing that I made something with my hands from little to nothing at all. Regardless of quality of product I'm using or the project itself - perhaps the bottom line is that every piece I work is done with love; both the love of the craft and for the love of that person.
In further thinking of this thread of discussion - I've had to re-think my position on the work or the finished product banter we had a bit ago and admit that I do take some pleasure in the process of the project far more than I want to believe I do. Each piece is like a time vault - the time I invested in working the piece - (and I am one to take craft work with me wherever I go to keep my hands busy) details the life I'm living at the moment and the emotions I'm dealing with when working the piece.
It is therefore expected that some crafters would and somewhat should be a little upset when the receiver of the gift isn't as appreciative as we'd hope they'd be. I think this is a big reason why many crafters don't make things for money - rather for love. There just isn't enough money in the world to compensate those lost moments of "work", but there is no price you can put on love.
With that being said, I can honestly say that when I do make gifts for others, I do so with a heart full of love. And as such, I wouldn't want someone to put my love in a drawer and forget about it, or look at me disappointedly hoping I was going to give them an iPod rather than a new pair of socks. The gift is the love and the time I dedicate to making that gift. There is no monetary value you can put on love - it is priceless. So of course, it hurts just a little when the receiver isn't happy with the gift, but, such as in life, I've learned that when I give my love and it's not given back, I don't harbor ill will - I just focus my love on others who will be better receptive to it. It is not the acknowledgement I'm looking for from the recipient - its the return of love and a little appreciation. Love sometimes means having to use the 6 slice toaster your mother bought you when you already have two other toasters because she bought it for you. Love sometimes means wearing the lop sided crocheted scarf your daughter made not because it keeps you warm - but because she made it. And yes, love means sometimes wearing a pair of socks you didn't need because the person who made them for you loves you that much.
What usually ends up happening (time and again) is that the person who was so offhanded about my homemade gift eventually realizes what a special treat they've been given, but by then I've filtered them to the bottom of my to do craft list - and they'll just have to wait until everyone else gets some of my love - a long wait by any standard.
My oldest learned this lesson.
Being the first child she had everything hand crafted, but when she got older and started to complain about homemade gifts I focused my work on others (especially her younger sister) and now she begs to have a pair of mom socks.
In all of my time crafting, I can honestly say that I still have not made (ever) anything for myself to keep. Love is best when you give it away generously and I hope the experience has taught my oldest that love is a precious thing that should be appreciated when it's offered so willingly (especially in craft form). Without it - life is not worth living.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Kevin vs. Satan
A few minutes before the church services started, the congregation was sitting in their pews talking.
Suddenly, Satan appeared at the front of the church.
Everyone started screaming and running for the back entrance, trampling each other in a frantic effort to get away from evil incarnate.
Soon the church was empty except for one elderly gentleman who sat calmly in his pew without moving, seemingly oblivious to the fact that God’s ultimate enemy was in his presence.
So Satan walked up to the man and said, “Do you know who I am?”
The man replied, “Yep, sure do.”
“Aren’t you afraid of me?” Satan asked.
“Nope, sure ain’t.” said the man.
“Don’t you realize I can kill you with one word?” asked Satan.
“Don’t doubt it for a minute,” returned the old man, in an even tone.
“Did you know that I can cause you profound, horrifying agony?” persisted Satan.
“Yep,” was the calm reply.
“And you’re still not afraid? asked Satan.
“Nope,” said the old man.
More than a little perturbed, Satan asked, “Why aren’t you afraid of me?”
The man calmly replied, “Been married to your sister for 48 years.”
Suddenly, Satan appeared at the front of the church.
Everyone started screaming and running for the back entrance, trampling each other in a frantic effort to get away from evil incarnate.
Soon the church was empty except for one elderly gentleman who sat calmly in his pew without moving, seemingly oblivious to the fact that God’s ultimate enemy was in his presence.
So Satan walked up to the man and said, “Do you know who I am?”
The man replied, “Yep, sure do.”
“Aren’t you afraid of me?” Satan asked.
“Nope, sure ain’t.” said the man.
“Don’t you realize I can kill you with one word?” asked Satan.
“Don’t doubt it for a minute,” returned the old man, in an even tone.
“Did you know that I can cause you profound, horrifying agony?” persisted Satan.
“Yep,” was the calm reply.
“And you’re still not afraid? asked Satan.
“Nope,” said the old man.
More than a little perturbed, Satan asked, “Why aren’t you afraid of me?”
The man calmly replied, “Been married to your sister for 48 years.”
Focus on your talent
Talent does not mean that you have to be an artist who paints
Masterpieces, or a gymnast who does flips. Talent resides
Within you right now, in many different ways.
Caring for others is a talent, teaching is a talent, making people feel
Welcome is a talent, solving problems is a talent and parenting is a talent.
Never underestimate your talents and try not to compare or wish for
The talents of others. Focus on and accept the talents you have,
And you will find great fulfillment in life.
unknown
Masterpieces, or a gymnast who does flips. Talent resides
Within you right now, in many different ways.
Caring for others is a talent, teaching is a talent, making people feel
Welcome is a talent, solving problems is a talent and parenting is a talent.
Never underestimate your talents and try not to compare or wish for
The talents of others. Focus on and accept the talents you have,
And you will find great fulfillment in life.
unknown
Leave the Light on
Remember, if you light a lamp
for somebody, it will also
brighten your path.
Unknown
for somebody, it will also
brighten your path.
Unknown
Kindness
Kindness
Give kindness, and it keeps going.
Give kindness, and it continues
Long past the original expression.
Kindness inspires more kindness.
A little bit of kindness can go
A long, long way.
But why stop with just a little?
Offer great kindness, again and again,
And you truly change the world.
Think of how good it feels
When someone is kind to you.
Make it your goal to pass
That feeling along to others
Every chance you get.
Give kindness and
Something amazing happens.
Your own strength, confidence
And joy will increase.
Add some kindness to your world today.
And see the positive benefits
As it continues to grow beyond you.
-- Ralph Marston
__._,_.___
Give kindness, and it keeps going.
Give kindness, and it continues
Long past the original expression.
Kindness inspires more kindness.
A little bit of kindness can go
A long, long way.
But why stop with just a little?
Offer great kindness, again and again,
And you truly change the world.
Think of how good it feels
When someone is kind to you.
Make it your goal to pass
That feeling along to others
Every chance you get.
Give kindness and
Something amazing happens.
Your own strength, confidence
And joy will increase.
Add some kindness to your world today.
And see the positive benefits
As it continues to grow beyond you.
-- Ralph Marston
__._,_.___
Time to be Lazy
Allow yourself time to be
lazy and even unproductive.
Rest isn't luxury; it's
a necessity.
Unknown
lazy and even unproductive.
Rest isn't luxury; it's
a necessity.
Unknown
Spotting Qualities
Spotting Qualities
A compassionate person develops an eye for spotting the qualities that make each person special. Even when others are at their lowest ebb, it is possible to help them restore their self-belief by keeping a firm, clear vision of their goodness and specialities. Taking a gently encouraging approach, I must never give up on anyone.
unknown
A compassionate person develops an eye for spotting the qualities that make each person special. Even when others are at their lowest ebb, it is possible to help them restore their self-belief by keeping a firm, clear vision of their goodness and specialities. Taking a gently encouraging approach, I must never give up on anyone.
unknown
Allow yourself comfort and joy
Care for Others Without Resentment
by Jane Powell
“Allow yourself comfort and joy.”
Think about everything you’ve done for other people this week; the ways you brought comfort and joy to partners, children, parents and friends. Now think about the things you did for yourself. Chances are, there’s a big imbalance, right?
As women, we need to remember to nurture our own emotional needs and make our well being a priority. Give yourself permission to feel tired or sad. Comfort yourself with a leisurely bath or an early night with a great book. Stay connected with others and seek joy through a lunch with friends. Why not treat yourself to a bouquet of your favorite flowers? There are so many things you can do.
It’s important that you comfort yourself so you have the energy to take care of others without resentment. Through this you feel comfort and joy!
by Jane Powell
“Allow yourself comfort and joy.”
Think about everything you’ve done for other people this week; the ways you brought comfort and joy to partners, children, parents and friends. Now think about the things you did for yourself. Chances are, there’s a big imbalance, right?
As women, we need to remember to nurture our own emotional needs and make our well being a priority. Give yourself permission to feel tired or sad. Comfort yourself with a leisurely bath or an early night with a great book. Stay connected with others and seek joy through a lunch with friends. Why not treat yourself to a bouquet of your favorite flowers? There are so many things you can do.
It’s important that you comfort yourself so you have the energy to take care of others without resentment. Through this you feel comfort and joy!
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