one last view of our last few adventures:)

Our Christmas eve house making contest:) the white house was the winner:)





a few days in the big Apple;)

Smilemaker's 2007 final motivator:)

Sow an act, and you reap a habit; sow a habit, and you reap a character; sow a character, and you reap a destiny.
G. D. Boardman

Reputation is for time; character is for eternity.
J. B. Gough

Character is a diamond that scratches every other stone.
Cyrus A. Bartol



Follow Your Dreams

I have spread my dreams beneath your feet. Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
W.B. Yeats

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.
Henry David Thoreau

All men dream but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes to make it possible.
T.E. Lawrence

Smilemaker Jersey inspiration :)

OK so these are not my personal inspiration, but they have inspired me for the last few days:)

Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over:
F. Scott Fitzgerald.


this one for QBF: Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies:
Aristotle

The reason angels can fly is because they take themselves lightly:
G.K. Chesterton

self talk makes me a smilemaker

Getting ready for the new year mentally:)
Voyage of discovery
You are the person you have discovered yourself to be. And there is no limit to what you can discover.
The more you live and experience and accomplish, the more fully you evolve. Every moment is an opportunity to add strength and effectiveness to your life.

Every experience helps you more clearly see and understand the magnificent, enormous potential of your life. The joys and the sadness, the pleasures and the frustrations all enable valuable discoveries.

The more fully you understand who you are and what you have, the more effectively you can put it all to use. Take advantage of each opportunity for discovery, in each moment, in each encounter, and in each challenge.

Every experience is a learning experience. Every day is a voyage of discovery.

A lifetime of discovery awaits you right now. Climb aboard, eager and enthusiastic for whatever experience awaits, and begin the journey.

-- Ralph Marston

Christmas presence
There is a light in the darkness. It is love; it is joy.
There is a pure and simple radiance with a positive, joyous power. It warms the hearts of those who value peace and love.

The spirit of Christmas transcends beliefs, traditions, culture and customs. It speaks directly to the heart, of love and grace, of giving and of renewal.

In the pure, limitless power of love, life is created and sustained. In the radiance of this day, love's presence is joyously expressed again and again, in countless ways.

In this moment, new life begins. And love is the ever-present purpose that drives every other purpose.

On this day, you have a glimpse of how truly blessed you are. Give love, give joy, and you have even more.

-- Ralph Marston

enjoy life:)

en Judaism

Let go of pride, ego, and opinions. Admit your errors and forgive those of others. Relinquishment will lead to calm and healing in your relationships. If that doesn't work, try small claims court.

Though only your skin, sinews, and bones remain, though your blood and flesh dry up and wither away, yet shall you meditate and not stir until you have attained full Enlightenment. But, first, a little nosh.

Accept misfortune as a blessing. Do not wish for perfect health or a life without problems. What would you talk about?

Be here now. Be someplace else later. Is that so complicated?

There is no escaping karma. In a previous life, you never called, you never wrote, you never visited. And whose fault was that?

The Torah says, "Love thy neighbor as thyself." The Buddha says there is no "self." So, maybe you are off the hook.If there is no self, whose arthritis is this?

Wherever you go, there you are. Your luggage is another story.

Do not let children play contact sports like football. These only lead to injuries and instill a violent, warlike nature. Encourage your child to play peaceful games, like "sports doctor."

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single "oy."



just smile:) and enjoy:)

this is only for those with a funny bone:)

this cute site may offend some of you, but most of you will love it:) I guarantee this will make you smile today:)



This is cute.

cut and paste this and enjoy
http://adoniscabaret.co.uk/saucy-santa-hen-night/index.htm

QBF and Me:)

This reminded me of QBF and me:)
except QBF doesn't have a nice accent like me:)

Grades are in:

“To fail is a natural consequence of trying, To succeed takes time and prolonged effort in the face of unfriendly odds. To think it will be any other way, no matter what you do, is to invite yourself to be hurt and to limit your enthusiasm for trying”


grades are in , and after a long difficult semester, most of you have heard me complain about two classes physical science and humanities, well here is the outcome:

physical science ( C )yes, you might think thats not good at all but if you know me, that is great, I don't have to retake it.

humanities,: (B) this is a small miracle in itself, I failed the midterm so I was praying for at least a (C) a B is an early Christmas present. one more semester to go:)

Possibilities


With focus, dedication and steroids, men can achieve impossible dreams. Like breaking a world record. Or growing their own breasts.

Inspiration

Genius is 1 percent inspiration and 99% perspiration, which is why engineers sometimes smell really bad.

Video final

when you keep your chin up all you see is rainbows:)

Walk Through
Today's Scripture

“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me” (Psalm 23:4 NKJV).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Do you ever feel like you are walking through the valley of the shadow of death? During the tough times, it’s easy to get to discouraged. I love what it says in the verse, “though I walk through…” No matter what you are facing today, know this: you are not alone, and you are just walking through. You don’t have to stop and live in the tough times. They are only temporary. I encourage you today; don’t allow fear to paralyze you in the middle of “the valley of the shadow of death.” Remember, God is with you. He is walking beside you. He is strengthening you. He is making a way of escape for you. He is lining up people and situations to bring you out of that tough place into a place of strength and victory. Don’t give up! Press on and walk through! Begin to get a vision of your life on the other side. See yourself more loving, more faithful, stronger and more blessed than ever before. As you keep moving forward and walking through, you will get to the other side and experience the victory God has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Thank You for walking with me even in the hard times. I trust that You are taking me through my circumstances to a place of victory and strength. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

be careful what you wish for:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQYrD8YfEWA
update for today, son # 2 has made a video, final for class, get a laugh and enjoy the lesson:)


Wishes

When you wish upon a falling star, your dreams can come true. Unless it's really a meteorite hurtling to the Earth which will destroy all life. Then you're pretty much hosed no matter what you wish for. Unless it's death by meteor.

Think Big:)

happy blessing day:) ok so I just made that up, but it is something we all need to hear.

Your many blessings

The best way to count your blessings is to make them count. The best way to give thanks is to live with a thankful heart in every moment. As you do that, your many blessings will grow beyond you and continue to fill the world with their goodness.
Stop and consider all those things for which you can be thankful. Each one of them is more than merely a blessing. In each one of them is your opportunity to add your own special treasures to life, to the world in which you live. What more meaningful and powerful blessing could there possibly be?

Your blessings are not yours to be stored up and hidden away. Indeed, the moment you do that they lose their value. Rather, your blessings are yours to be fulfilled. They are not static, but dynamic. They have no limits other than the ones you impose upon them by your fear and shortsightedness.

Your blessings are yours to bring to life. Give thanks, and give life and power to your many blessings. Live them in every moment and watch as they grow to spread their goodness far beyond you. They are yours not only to treasure. They are yours to live, to give, to confidently share, to fulfill.

Bring your blessings to life and let them shine their light over all the world.

-- Ralph Marston

wish on a star today:)

What seems impossible one minute becomes,
through faith,
possible the next.
Norman vincent Peale

Smile at an angel today:) He might just be watching:)

Think Big:)

What we think, we become.
Buddha

inspiration for study

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work::
Thomas Edison


if it were easy everyone would be doing it.
this is true for so many things

Immaculate Conception:)

Feast day for the RC sometimes a misunderstood Holy day, many think that it in honor of Mary conceiving Jesus , It really surprises me how many Catholic's do not understand this day, so get smart about your faith and pass it on, especially during your lessons this week;)




The Immaculate Conception is, according to Roman Catholic dogma, the conception of Mary, the mother of Jesus without any stain of original sin, in her mother's womb: the dogma thus says that, from the first moment of her existence, she was preserved by God from the lack of sanctifying grace that afflicts mankind, and that she was instead filled with divine grace. It is further believed that she lived a life completely free from sin. Her immaculate conception in the womb of her mother, by normal sexual intercourse (Christian tradition identifies her parents as Sts. Joachim and Anne), should not be confused with the doctrine of the virginal conception of her son Jesus.
The feast of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated on December 8, was established in 1476 by Pope Sixtus IV. He did not define the doctrine as a dogma, thus leaving Roman Catholics freedom to believe in it or not without being accused of heresy; this freedom was reiterated by the Council of Trent. The existence of the feast was a strong indication of the Church's belief in the Immaculate Conception, even before its 19th century definition as a dogma.
The Immaculate Conception was solemnly defined as a dogma by Pope Pius IX in his constitution Ineffabilis Deus, on December 8, 1854.
The Roman Catholic Church believes the dogma is supported by Scripture (e.g. Mary's being greeted by Angel Gabriel as "full of grace" or "highly favoured"), as well as either directly or indirectly by the writings of many of the Church Fathers, and often calls Mary the Blessed Virgin (Luke 1:48). Catholic theology maintains that, since Jesus became incarnate of the Virgin Mary, it was fitting that she be completely free of sin for expressing her fiat.

John 12:24 and more:)

24 Most certainly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 He who loves his life will lose it. He who hates his life in this world will keep it to eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, let him follow me. Where I am, there will my servant also be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

If you know me you perhaps think this pertains to TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) the best retreat program I had the honor of directing for several years:) but I just heard Joyce talking about this passage and it was just the tip of the iceberg of my journey.

I tell you unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by it self alone:
when I was on my journey , doing what God had anointed me to do I was blessed truly blessed, I would never change the experience, the lessons and the friends I made along the journey changed my life. but as the journey cames to an end it is like the wheat falling into the earth and dying a sad process but necessary.

it remains by itself alone, but if it dies, it bears much fruit
being left behind on my journey trying to find a new direction it was as if I was alone, abandoned. a way of dying to self, a new direction which seems uncertain and uncomfortable, but with change come discomfort.
the fruit has begun to ripen and the journey seems to have found purpose just when I had given up on looking for the way.

25 He who loves his life will lose it. He who hates his life in this world will keep it to eternal life.

the fact that change makes us uncomfortable makes perfect sense when we read this part.



27 "Now my soul is troubled. What shall I say?'Father, save me from this time





it seems like yesterday I was quoting this passage:) and today I rejoice because the journey is beautiful and the steps to get there I would never change, it has made me the stronger, smarter,faithful and most of all happy to find a new anointing:)

In honor of the festival of lights:) and St.Nick

Happy Hanukkah to all of you guys:) and Happy Saint Nicholas day:) be kind to many and bring them your light:)

Hanukkah Songs That Never Quite Caught On:

- Oy to the World

- Schlepping through a Winter Wonderland

- Hava Negilah - The Megamix

- Bubbie Yetta Got Run Over by a Reindeer

- Enough with those God Damn Jingle Bells Already...Sheez!

- Matzo Man (by the Lower East Side Village People)

- I Have a Little Dreidel (the Barking Dog Version)

- Come on Baby, Light My Menorah

- Deck the Halls with Balls of Matzos

- Silent Night? I Should Be So Lucky

submitted by leighli

7 steps to success

sometimes we need tips from people who have proven the steps to success.
enjoy and put into practice.

Chris Widener
Your Success Store



KNOW YOUR PURPOSE. Nothing will bring you joy more than knowing what it is that you are about on this earth. Not knowing brings sadness, wondering, fear and lack of fulfillment. Above all, find out what your unique purpose is here on this earth—then fulfill it! As you do, you will experience joy!

LIVE PURPOSEFULLY.…It is one thing to know your purpose, but then you need to live according to that purpose. This is a matter of priorities. Let your actions and schedule reflect your purpose. Don't react to circumstances and let them cause you to live without your purpose fully in sight. Living without your purpose will cause frustration. Living purposefully will bring you deep satisfaction and joy!

STRETCH YOURSELF. Don't settle into the status quo. That will leave you unfulfilled. Always look to stretch yourself. Whatever you are doing, stretch yourself to do more! Stretching yourself will break the limits you have set for yourself and will cause you to find joy in your expanded horizons!

GIVE MORE THAN YOUR TAKE. It brings happiness to accumulate. It brings joy to give away. Sure, getting the car you worked hard for will bring you a sense of satisfaction and even happiness. But it won't bring you joy. Giving something away to the less fortunate will bring you deep, abiding joy.

SURPRISE YOURSELF AND OTHERS TOO. The words here are spontaneity and surprise! Every once in a while, do the unexpected. It will cause everybody to sit back and say, "Wow, where did that come from?" It will put a little joy in your life, and theirs.

INDULGE YOURSELF SOMETIMES. Too much indulgence and you are caught in the happiness trap; looking for the next purchase, celebration, etc., to bring you a little "happiness high." But if you will allow yourself an infrequent indulgence as a reward for a job well done and a life well lived, you will appreciate the indulgence and experience the joy of it.

LAUGH A LITTLE—NO, A LOT! Most people are just too serious. We need to laugh a little—no, a lot! Learn to laugh daily, even if you have to learn to laugh in bad situations. This life is to be enjoyed! The next time you go to the movie rental store, get a comedy and let loose! Let yourself laugh!

Joy can be yours! Look for it, pursue it and enjoy it!

Find peace today:)

Saint 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.

A gift, use it or it will continue to follow you:)

Pursue Your Strengths
Today's Scripture

Joel Osteen has become one of my favorite motivator he makes sense and makes you laugh too. if you visit his website to listen to his word, be patient through his praise and worship music because his motivational preaching is very uplifting:)


“Do not neglect your gift…” (I Timothy 4:14).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

God has equipped each one of us with specific gifts and talents. It’s up to you to not only to identify those gifts, but to be disciplined to develop those gifts. You have to learn to stay in your strength zone. What are you naturally good at? What do you enjoy doing? Take the time to identify your strengths and weaknesses and as the scripture says, give yourself to your gifts. In other words, don’t spend all your time trying to improve your weaknesses. Don’t waste valuable days pursuing things that are outside your main gifting. Focus on your strengths. There is something that you’re good at naturally—something you can do that comes easy to you. Step out into your area of gifting. Are you good with people? Are you good with your hands? Do you have a great voice? Find ways to develop those gifts. Know that your gifts and talents are a part of your divine destiny. If you’ll be comfortable with who God made you to be, and thank Him for your unique gifting, you’ll not only enjoy your life more, but you’ll be ready to receive the abundant blessing God has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for equipping me with everything I need to be successful in this life. I ask that You show me how to develop the gifts within me for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

a great show

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.”

QBF son is an amazing actor, he was by far the best on stage, a star in the making;) a great big thanks for a great evening of theatre:) a star is born and I knew him when;)_