How beautiful

How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it.
How beautiful a life can be when it is valued.
How beautiful a smile can be when it warms the heart of another.
How beautiful a world can be when love conquers all.


Go be beautiful.

All In

I'm all in.
It's not just about poker.


Whatever it is that you do . . .
go All In!


If you only run from your front door to the mail box,
you probably won't be winning any marathons.
If you're only doing twelve ounce curls,
you probably won't be Mr. Universe.
If you're pizza eating conflicts with your cardio,
you might not see the size you want for a while.


When you are in . . . go ALL in.
No matter whether you are a waitress or an astro-physicist,
a dog-walker or a brain surgeon,
a cashier or POTUS,
be the best that you can be.
No job, or task, or goal, or achievement is out of reach.


If you're All In . . .
anything is possible.

Gift of Love

To humbly give of your self, your time, your talents . . .
that is the Gift of Love.


To selflessly offer what you have, without regard to acknowledgement, reward, or reciprocation . . .
that is the Gift of Love.


To seek to assist another, simply because they need help . . .
that is the Gift of Love.


Today, I wish two things for you:
1.  That you find it within yourself to offer the Gift of Love.
2.  That you are blessed by the Gift of Love from the kindest of strangers.

Whole New World

Our time here is but a blink of an eye.
Spend it wisely . . .


You've got to accentuate the positive
Eliminate the negative
Latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mr. In-Between


You've got to spread joy up to the maximum
Bring gloom down to the minimum
Have faith or pandemonium's
Liable to walk upon the scene


Don't let the sun go down on anger
Forgive those who have wronged you
Let go of the chaos you cannot control
Dream in the heavens of harmony
Wake in a Whole New World.

Meet my friend, Ray

Hi!
I'd like you to meet my friend, Ray.


His last name?
Ofhope!


He's a great guy! Very supportive.
These are some things that he has taught me.


Some days, you'll have to light the way,
and all you will have is my friend, Ray . . .
and that will be enough!


He says, "Have you ever tried and failed?
It is of no consequence.
Try again. Fail again.
Fail better."


He'd like you to know his wishes for you . . .
May all your walls know joy.
May every room hold laughter.
May every window open to infinite possibilities.


He is always available.
He is constant.
I like Ray.

Be the Encouragement

Be the Encouragement for someone else today.


Sometimes, it is only a simple nudge that someone might need to accomplish the greatest task they have ever set out to achieve.
Be that cheerleader.
Be that supporter.
Be that friend.
Be that person that pushes - but doesn't antagonize.
Be that person that urges - but doesn't taunt.
Be that person that celebrates every step along the way.


It does more than you know.
And, every now and again, you'll realize it is good for you as well.
A fulfilled heart and purpose is most rewarding.


Go . . .
Be the Encouragement!

NDP

Today is a National Day of Prayer.
To that end, here is a short story to emphasize that it does work, just maybe not always in the time frames and manner that WE choose.


Once, there were 3 trees on a hill in the woods.
The first tree shared a prayer. "Some day I hope to be a treasure chest, filled with gold and silver and precious gems. Everyone would see my beauty."
The second tree said, "Some day I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters. Everyone will feel safe in me."
The third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see how big I am and think of the heavens and God and how close I've grown to them. People will always remember me."


Years later, some woodsmen came and upon cutting down the first tree said, "This looks like a strong tree. I'll sell it to a carpenter." The tree was happy. He knew he'd become a treasure chest.
While chopping down the second tree, the woodsman spoke, "This is a big and sturdy tree. I will sell it to the shipyard." The tree was thrilled. He knew was going to be a mighty ship.
The third tree worried as the woodsmen approached. He knew he'd never be the biggest if he was cut down. The woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special. I'll keep this one for myself."


The first tree arrived at the carpenter. He was made into a feed box for animals, filled with hay and put in a barn. This was not at all what he had prayed for.
The second tree was cut into a small fishing boat. No king carrying for him.
The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark. Dreams dashed.


Years later, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box made from the first tree. The man wished he had a crib, but this manger would have to do. The tree realized he held the greatest treasure ever.
Some years after that, a group of men were in the fishing boat of the second tree. One of them grew tired and fell asleep. A great storm arose and the tree was worried about keeping his cargo safe. The sleeper awoke, he stood and said "Peace!" and the storm stopped. The tree knew he had carried the King of Kings.


Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who carried it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree realized how close he was to God because Jesus was crucified on him.


We don't always get exactly what we pray for. That doesn't mean we don't get exactly what we prayed for.