a sappy poem:)

do you ever read something that is so sappy, but at the same time so sweet:) I read this today and I wanted to share it, I am so blessed to have a great best friend and I could only hope that everyone is so blest:) we are off to ATL to a womens conference, yes Joyce Myers, look her up if you don't know who she is, a great woman preacher:) we will be enjoying ourselves in a retreat, and for the first time we will not be sleeping on the floor:) and not watching kids:) enjoy my sappy poem that I read today;)


if love was a raindrop I would send you a shower
If hope was a minute I would send you an hour
If happiness was a leaf I would send you a tree
If you need a friend you will always have me!

are you the bridge to a better day:)

when we go into our day are we ready for the problems that are waiting for us? even on my best day I know that something or someone is going to come and try to upset me. my job is to not get caught up in the moment and loose my cool, sometimes easier said than done. the one thing we need to remind our selves of is that nothing anyone can do, can take the power of positive thought away, ok so sometimes I think" I am positive you are an idiot":) (keep that thought on the inside and I promise it will make you smile:) enjoy the below quote:)




Problems become opportunities when the right people join together."

a day vacation:)

sometimes we need a minute vacation, if I could take a mini vacation I would love to be on the beach, not that I am a beach person, but you cannot be in a bad mood on the beach so save this photo for a mental vacation when you need it.

( happy moment of the day)
watching a frown turn around because you said hello to a stranger:) the stranger smiles:) who needed it more?

Happy Monday

Monday's are not always happy, so today it is my mission to make it a happy monday to anyone that comes in contact with me. I can hear QBF saying right now, how annoying she is going to make people laugh:) laughter makes everyone feel better:) make a choice today to have a good day:)
also a big welcome to The Affable Imp to the world of smilemaker:)


Making choices

Carefully consider your choices. But don't get so consumed with making the perfect choice that you fail to make any choice at all.
Most choices will involve some degree of compromise. In the real world, the perfect option may not be available to you.

Instead of holding out for a perfect choice that never does come, make the best choice from the options available to you. It's better to move forward with a slight degree of disappointment than to be endlessly stuck on making a decision.

Carefully and wisely consider your options, then go ahead and choose one. Take what you have to work with and begin actually working with it to create real value in your world.

Remember that the fulfillment of your dreams is a journey and not a single step. It is unrealistic and counterproductive to expect that a single choice will solve all your problems or instantly bring you everything you ever hoped for.

Over time, careful, intelligent choices will get you precisely where you want to go, even though each individual choice will involve a little compromise. Keep choosing the best every chance you get, and those dreams will indeed become real.

-- Ralph Marston

a child of god;)

today I am sharing a repeat poem, yes, I love it and I need to remind myself of how many great things it saids:)
today I was blessed to watch children at prayer:) and it was my smile moment:)


Let Your Light Shine



Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, which most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented, and fabulous?"
Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that
other people won't feel insecure around you.

We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And, as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give
other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.
- Marianne Williamson

enjoy the fun:)

Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a tatol mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.

somethings are so obvious that we refuse to see the real thing:) and we pretend that we see what we want to see, but in reality we know better:)

Happy Birthday :)

QBF thank you for being you, thank you for sharing yourself with so many
especially me:)
we will celebrate next week when we get to go away:)


Have a blest day and enjoy the small moments:)


St. Theresa's Prayer

May today there be peace within. May you trust God
that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the
infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts
that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence
settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance,
praise and love. It is there for each and every one.

a celebration of life

we found time to laugh and tell stories:) and remember the smile:)
boys quoted something not sure who said it, but it really helped us this weekend:)

as long as we have stories, as long as we have memories, he will live on:)

The Dash

I was blessed to have been part of Gerard's dash:)
Sweet dreams Grandpa rest in peace:)

The Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of his friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
from the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the second with tears,
but he said that what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth,
and now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;
the cars, the house, the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard,
are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left.
(You could be at "dash mid-range.")

If we could just slow down enough
to considerwhat's true and real,
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.

And...be less quick to anger,
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile,
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read
with your life's actions to rehash...
would you be pleased with the things they have to say
about how you spent your dash?

...Linda Ellis

Speed bumps

have you ever gotten a speeding ticket? I have, that is when you wish you had a speed bump, they slow you down and make you realize that you should have been paying more attention to the road. just like life, I need to slow down and look around and refocus.
as the goals seem closer sometimes we hit speed pumps, my speed pumps are taking test, I study, know the stuff, but have trouble sometimes getting it on paper:) this week not so bad, 80 on a science test:) my happy place today

some times when you have tried different things to accomplish a goal and you still need help you look for help in the usual place. So anyone who wants to do a novena with me please join in. St. Jude novena to be exact, we need prayers for better test scores:) if you do not know what a novena is you can fine the explanation below:) So join me beginning on Saturday



Novena
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


The word Novena is the feminine form of the Medieval Latin word, "novenus", "ninth", which is the ordinal number from novem, nine.
In the Catholic Church, a novena is a devotion consisting of prayer said (most typically) on nine successive days, asking to obtain special graces. These may consist of small prayer books, recitation of the Rosary, or small prayers through the day.
The practice of saying novenas is derived from Scripture. After Jesus' Ascension into heaven, he told his disciples to pray together in the upper room and devote themselves to constant prayer (Acts 1:14). The Apostles, Blessed Virgin Mary, and other followers of Jesus prayed together for nine consecutive days, concluding in the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.
Though the novena is primarily a devotion used by members of the Catholic Church, it has spread to the Orthodox, Anglican, and even some Lutheran churches.

have you seen a rainbow?

I have not seen a rainbow in about a year, but that does not mean I don't see one in my mind, do you remember the prettiest rainbow you have ever seen? take a minute today and remember that moment.

a double rainbow in Hawaii:) breathtaking and a true sign of God:)




“Leave no stone unturned, no bridge burned, no lesson unlearned, no praise unearned. Accept every challenge, live life fully engaged and rest assured that the view at the journey’s end will be spectacular.

same parking lot 8 years later:)

7 years ago, I sat in a parking lot waiting for my child to finish class, yes a senior in high school and he did not want to drive. I did not mind, because it was good time to talk and discuss the future. As I look back I realize that we only discussed his future, now I realize that children need to hear from their parents that they have future plans too. We are never done with our future building plan, not just when I retire, or when I get old, remember to say today, as I get old as I retire, I will be ___________.
So much has changed in 8 years, what seemed so important and urgent, (people, job, soical) has gone and a gratitude takes it's place. Associates, which at that time were called friends, gone, and what a real blessing that is to know who is really there for you when it is not popular. Mentally I have changed totally, I truly understand that being a religious person has nothing to do with a righteous person, faith is what you believe not what you say, and that God is there all the time, even if you are not looking:)

with that said, I return to the same parking lot and sigh, where do I park, and will I be late to class:) apart from God I can do nothing, amen


John 15-5 apart from me you can do nothing.

monday is great

it is great when you feel refreshed;) yes you heard right, ok so I am trying to convince myself, but all in all I feel refreshed and ready for a fast and furious week:)

a child with a concept of understanding of the real world:)

Humble thy self:)

a restful spirit, and sleeping out:)


Humility

In addition to persistent, ongoing effort, continued success requires humility. If you grow arrogant after a few accomplishments, you're not likely to have many more.
With each success you gain more confidence, and that's great. When you've done it before, you know that you can do it again.

Yet even as your confidence level grows higher and higher, do not make the mistake of discarding your humility. For humility keeps you reasonable, respectful, thankful, thoughtful and realistic, and those are all qualities essential for continued success.

Thinking that you're entitled to something just because you want it is a reliable recipe for failure and disappointment. Humility reminds you that in order to receive value, you must create value in equal measure.

While it is certainly possible to accomplish things without humility, those accomplishments will be empty and short-lived. Those people who enjoy meaningful success and fulfillment year after year and decade after decade are those people who know the value of humility.

Choose to be strong enough and smart enough to live with genuine humility. The rewards for doing so will show up throughout your whole life.

-- Ralph Marston

connecting to the pass with purpose

connecting with the past:) here is a photo of my father, my two sisters and my stepmom, it has been 29 years since we really talked:) but the door has opened to connect and begin again:)

I love the way this guy writes:)

Purpose

Somewhere inside, somehow you know that there's a purpose for you on this day. Let that purpose come to the surface and bring it fully to life.
Authentic purpose is not a deep, dark secret that you must struggle to discover. Decide to allow it, and purpose will find you where you are.

Purpose is not so much a matter of what you do. Purpose is more about the way you feel while doing whatever it is you are doing.

Those things you know without having to learn, connect you to purpose. Purpose is not merely what you think you might believe, but what you're certain that you are.

Purpose is the unconditional, limitless realm in your life that cannot be diminished by anything that happens. Whatever you undertake from the sense of that purpose brings great fulfillment and richness to life.

Always you have known that there is purpose within you, a purpose essential to who you are. Give it to life again and again, for you'll never tire of seeing its shine.

-- Ralph Marston

the road sometimes looks long:)

bouency force is my smile for yesterday:)

I think I invented the word procrastination, why do you ask? well, there are some things I never get done, but in reality I don't want to do . so instead of procrastination should it be notwantdoing,? hey that can be a new word so I will start using it today. begin a word revolution use my new word,here is an example of how to use it.
I should be cleaning my closet but notwantdoing gets in the way:)

The cure for procrastination

The only cure for procrastination is action. Go beyond wishing, dreaming, considering, debating the options and get busy making it happen.
Yes, it's going to be a little uncomfortable, it's going to involve effort, it's going to require commitment, and you're going to run into difficult challenges. So ask yourself -- do you intend to make it happen or would you rather put it off again and again so that it never gets done?

What gets done is what gets done now. In a little while, in a couple of weeks, in a few years, when you get around to it -- these "somedays" never do come.

It's helpful to substitute the word "never" for someday, for that will force you to confront the issue. Give yourself the choice between doing it now or doing it never, and you'll be much more likely to do it now, if it's truly important to you.

This moment right now is loaded with great value. You can choose to take action, and make that value your own, or you can choose to do nothing and forever leave this moment's bountiful treasure behind.

Decide to accept the tremendous opportunity that is already available to you. Let go of the excuses, and make this the moment you jump into real, effective, purposeful action.

-- Ralph Marston

the seed is planted

I have been noting down my daily smile, just saw the big O last week and watched the author of the book , eat, pray, love and she gave great advise and also to note your daily happy moment, so I have been using this blog to share it, but had not explained it, so every time you see a random thought followed by a :) it was or is my daily smilemaker:) enjoy:)

Dillion playing chapel for an hour:)

Harvest the rewards

The influence of each action continues long after the action has been completed. The power of each thought resonates far into the future.
Think and act as if each thing you do will start a chain reaction. Because that's exactly what will happen.

Exercise control over the big, obvious issues in life and you'll have some measure of success. Learn also to control, direct and focus all the thousands of little things that few people ever even think about, and your success will be great indeed.

Each tiny little fraction of a moment is an opportunity to make a difference. Bundle all those opportunities together in the service of your goals, and they will bring spectacular results.

With each and every thing you do, with each thought you think, with every word you speak, you are planting seeds. Those seeds continue to grow, long after the moment has passed.

When a positive, purposeful attitude permeates your life, those seeds you plant will develop into powerful, enduring expressions of your most authentic self. Give your best to each moment, and you'll harvest the rewards over and over again.

-- Ralph Marston

my smile today is a child's smile :)

Real treasure to be found

If you're always chasing happiness, it will never be able to find you. Relax, simply give happiness a place to live in you, and it will be in great abundance.
When you put conditions on enjoyment, it turns into just another chore. Let go, and sincerely enjoy the miracle that is your life as it comes to you in each moment.

If you become overly attached to specific results, you set yourself up for disappointment and disillusionment. Be ambitious, yet do not be your ambition.

Sometimes, when things fail to go the way you planned, they turn out better than you could have possibly expected. Welcome life's surprises and choose to see the positive value that is in each one of them.

Don't be too quick to place judgments on the people, situations and events in your life. In everything that comes along, there is an opportunity for you to more fully discover and express your true purpose.

Be open to whatever life brings your way. There is real treasure to be found in it all.

-- Ralph Marston

a cute couple

they are the cutest couple and they are really smart too:)

I am a Dr.

if you believe you will become:) so this is my new path, why get a Masters, when for a little more effort I can get a PHD. It was just a few years ago I longed to get a BA, now that longing has become a fact. never just wish, DO IT!!!!


Fulfillment of desires

If you are not moving forward, it's because you are holding yourself back. You may have chosen to blame your lack of progress on outside factors, yet deep down you know that you are the primary factor.
It doesn't really matter why or how you've chosen to prevent yourself from achieving your desired results. What's crucial is that you simply get out of the way and allow yourself to move forward.

There is a very real and accessible connection between you and whatever it is that you desire. To achieve your desired results takes nothing more than activating that connection and letting it follow its natural course.

The same conditions that make your desires possible also make it possible for you to fulfill those desires. So stop fighting those conditions and start making use of them.

You are not separate from the fulfillment of your dreams. You are in fact the person through whom that fulfillment can be most easily and most magnificently expressed.

Let the seeds of your treasured desires grow as they will in the fertile ground of intention. Allow whatever you seek to flow freely and unhindered from the best of who you are.

-- Ralph Marston

don't lose focus

The desire to grow is powerful and natural. Find the courage to sacrifice what you are for what you could become.”