WHAT'S NEW AT MY HOUSE

Chapter 7, Page 9, Book 09

2009-07-09T05:20:00.004-04:00

We older women who know we aren't heroines can offer our younger sisters, at the very least, an honest report of what we have learned and how we have grown

Elizabeth Janeway

GOOD MORNING !

I still, on occasion, do some unwise things. I know that it requires making an effort to reach out, grab the opportunities and get the most out of them that we possibly can. Age can bring wisdom if we really work for it. Every day changes do occur and every day it seems I learn something new too.

We cannot remain stagnant in this world of ours. And if we are learning new things all the time it stands to reason that we’ll also find that the way we used to do things isn’t always the best way either.

Still somethings that I’ve learned over the years are things that just are…and will not change. I’ve found that putting your trust in God sure beats worrying your way through a lot of sleepless nights.

I’ve learned that prayers do work and that miracles do happen.

I’ve learned that with God all things are really possible.

Some things just don’t change at all.

I’ll be off to the camper after work so I’m wishing you all a great weekend and as always you will be in my thoughts and in my prayers.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Wisdom doesn't automatically come with old age. Nothing does - except wrinkles. It's true, some wines improve with age. But only if the grapes were good in the first place

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 7, Page 8, Book 09

2009-07-08T05:21:00.004-04:00

Characteristics of a healthy family
If your family doesn't already possess this list of characteristics, you now know what to work on!
Commitment to one another & a sense of connectedness
Adequate time together, which is spent effectively in meeting family needs, working together, and enjoying recreation.
Effective communication and conflict management.
Sufficient expression of appreciation and encouragement.
Agreement on and competence in the fulfillment of the roles and responsibilities of family life.
Shared spiritual life that gives meaning and purpose.
Involvement in, support from and contribution to their community and larger world.
Positive family identity and shared life story.
Ability to cope with crises and developmental changes

GOOD MORNING !

As you all know I truly value family life. It always warms my heart when I have my children and their children together. As they’ve all grown and have families of their own I know that some of the values that were developed in their childhood have carried on to adulthood and they are being passed on to their children too.

They don’t do every thing the way I did it that is for certain, but the basic values have carried through. All of them are very much their own individuals and not a carbon copy of mom and dad.

Many times things I’ve forgotten about are brought up in our discussions and I’m amazed at the things that they remember. I hear people say that they can see the love and caring that is evident in my family. I can only say that my husband and I loved them all so much that if anything else that had to have been absorbed. Not one of them could ever even doubt that at all.

If I was giving advice I would say that you can never love a child too much. A parent’s job, and I do look at it as a vocation, is to teach their children the values that will carry them through life.

It’s a good feeling knowing that with the good Lord’s help, I know they can take care of themselves and their families too.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Every child begins the world again.

Henry David Thoreau

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 7, Page 7, Book 09

2009-07-07T05:21:00.003-04:00

Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit. A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all's right with the world

Ada Louise Huxtable

GOOD MORNING!

I know that while I’m at my camper for the weekend it seems I am in a different world. Rarely do we even hear about what is going on in the rest of the world. The few days of peace and quiet are a blessing.

Last weekend however we did have a bit of campground drama and I hope it doesn’t become a habit as the peacefulness of the place will become a thing of the past.

Maybe it was just that there were a lot of people there for the holiday weekend. I do hope so. I really don’t want to see my relaxation spot shattered. I don’t like the bickering or back biting that can happen when folks are dissatisfied.

The drama had nothing to do with my immediate family so I’m thankful for that. We really do enjoy the peace and quiet and just get pleasure from our time together.

For the most part I feel like I add quality to my work days just because I take some time out on the weekends.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

It amazes me that most people spend more time planning next summer's vacation than they do planning the rest of their lives

Patricia Fripp

‘On Ya’- ma

Chapter 7, Page 6, Book 09

2009-07-06T05:24:00.003-04:00

Hollie over at www.lifeinasmalltown.blogspot.com gave me an award last week
for the Honest Blogger Award

Now the rules state that I need to post 10 honest things about me and then pass the award on to 7 other people.......well......here goes.....
1. I am 65 and looking forward to retiring next year.
2. I work for a contractor and am the only secretarial worker/office manager they have.
3. I am devoted to my family
4.I am a Christain and love the Lord.
5.The only pet I have left at my house is a very old Quaker parrot that is the same age as my youngest son
6. I enjoy camping and do it every weekend April through October.
7. I have 7 children. 6 boys and 1 girl.
8. I drive a 2000 Ford Taurus that I call the Silver Streak

9. I rarely watch tv and enjoy reading.
10. I enjoy the outdoors and all the beauty of nature

Thanks again Hollie......

I am not good at passing on awards but if you would like to list your 7 truthful things please pick up the award and follow the rules by posting your TRUTHFUL things on your blog.

GOOD MORNING!

I had a great weekend and am going to work again this Monday after having 3 nice relaxing wonderful days off. I have a vacation day again on Friday so I really am looking forward to another 4 day work week. The days always fly by but we had a great time. The pictures on the side bar reflect only a little of what we did. I can tell you we ate a lot and relaxed a lot and did little of anything else.

The babes all went to the local fireworks display on Saturday evening but I sat at the campground and relaxed some more.

Hope your weekend was a great one and you are refreshed and renewed for another brand new week.

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 7, Page 2, Book 09

2009-07-02T05:18:00.003-04:00

Hot July brings cooling showers,

apricots and yellow flowers,

firecrackers, flags, picnics and parties

that help us herald the birthday

of our country.
Author Unknown
GOOD MORNING !
I love it when my 5 day work week becomes a 4 day one. Tomorrow is a vacation day and I’ll be off to my camper now til Sunday evening.
I do miss my computer when I’m gone, but there is just no connection there for me. Of course I keep busy with many other things anyway and there would be very little computer time to use even if I could connect.
Hopefully I’ll remember to take pictures for you all to see. It should be a good weekend weatherwise and peoplewise too. Last year at this time we were able to have my entire family together. It was one of the rare occasions that everything worked out and they all made it together at the same time.
I’ll miss having them together this year though. Out of my 7 children there will be only 3 of them and their families there. The other 4 have other plans and that is fine. Fine for them but not for me for sure.
As they’ve grown apart, scattered here and there, home doesn’t always have the draw that it used to. That saddens me but you know, I look at it this way, they are all healthy and working, and have lovely homes and a good life. There is always lots to be thankful for.
Have a great weekend and remember you’ll all be in my thoughts and prayers.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Slow down; God is still in heaven.

You are not responsible for doing

it all yourself, right now.
Remember a happy, peaceful time in your past.

Rest there. Each moment has richnessthat takes a lifetime to savor.
Set your own pace.When someone is pushing you,

it's OK to tell them they're pushing.
Take nothing for granted:watch water flow,

the corn grow, the leaves blow, your neighbor mow.
Taste your food.God gives it to delight

as well as to nourish.
Notice the sun and the moon as they rise and set.

They are remarkable for their steady pattern

of movement, not their speed
Quit planning how you're going to use

what you know, learn, or possess.

God's gifts just are; be grateful

and their purpose will be clear.
When you talk with someone,

don't think about what you'll say next.

Thoughts will spring up naturally

if you let them.
Talk and play with children.It will bring out the unhurried

little person inside you.
Create a place in your home...at your work...in your heart...where you can go for quiet and recollection.You deserve it.
Allow yourself time to be

lazy and unproductive.Rest isn't luxury; it's a necessity.
Listen to the wind blow.It carries a message of yesterday & tomorrow- and now. NOW counts
Rest on your laurels.They bring comfort whatever their size,age, or condition.
Talk slower. Talk less.Don't talk. Communication isn't

measured by words.
Give yourself permission

to be late sometimes.Life is for living, not scheduling
Listen to the song of a bird;the complete song.

Music and nature are gifts,but only if you are willing to receive them.
Take time just to think.Action is good and necessary,but it's fruitful only if we

muse, ponder, and mull.
Make time for play - the things you like to do.Whatever your age, your inner childneeds recreation.
Watch and listen to the night sky.It speaks.
Listen to the words you speak,especially in prayer.
Learn to stand back and let others

take their turn as leaders.

There will always be new opportunitiesfor you to step out in front again.

Divide big jobs into little jobs.If God took six days to create the universe,can you hope to do any better?
When you find yourself rushing& anxious, stop. Ask yourself "WHY?"you are rushing and anxious.The reasons may improve

your self-understanding.
Take time to read.Thoughtful reading

is enriching reading
Direct your life with purposeful choices,not with speed and efficiency.The best musician is one who

plays with expression and meaning,not the one who finishes first.
Take a day off alone; make a retreat.You can learn from monks and hermits

without becoming one.
Pet a furry friend.You will give and get the gift of now
Work with your hands.It frees the mind.
Take time to wonder.Without wonder,life is merely existence.
Sit in the dark.It will teach you to see

and hear, taste and smell.
Once in a while, turn down the lights,the volume, the throttle, the invitations.

Less really can be more.
Let go. Nothing is usually the hardest

thing to do - but often it is the best.
Take a walk-but don't go anywhere.If you walk just to get somewhere,you sacrifice the walking.
Count your friends.If you have one, you are lucky.If you have more, you are blessed.

Bless them in return.
Count your blessings -one at a time and slowly
Author Unknown
‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 7, Page 1, Book 09

2009-07-01T05:24:00.004-04:00

The angel of July brings a season of leisure, a time to play and replenish our energy.
The projects we began in the spring should be well underway and growing stronger on their own. July's angel urges us to take the time, now, to step back and observe what we have planted. The July angel encourages us to tend to the garden of our life, to care for what we have started, and to be objective enough to weed out the unhealthy or unproductive elements.
This angel of summer reminds us to nurture the people and things that bring us happiness, so we can produce for ourselves a crop of joy and fulfillment

GOOD MORNING !
There are so many nice things to celebrate in July. The birthday of our country is of course July 4th and there are usually plenty of nice warm days to enjoy the beach and picnics and campfires too.
I’ll be sharing plenty of quotes and stories on R & R – taking time out to refresh and renew ourselves and how to care for ourselves so that life can be more enjoyable and less of a burden.
One thing I’ve learned is that all work and no play makes for a very dull life. The good Lord gave us so much to enjoy that we do need to take the time to do so and in doing so also show our appreciation for it.
Each new month brings us some wonderful things to celebrate and I do try to do just that. Each new day is such a wonderful gift that we just cannot take those precious moments we have for granted.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

At five minutes and six seconds after 4 AM on the 8th of July this year,

the time and date will be

04:05:06 07/08/09.

This will never happen again

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 6, Page 30, Book 09

2009-06-30T05:08:00.003-04:00

Shine little glow-worm, glimmer, glimmer

Lead us lest too far we wander

Love's sweet voice is calling yonder

Shine little glow-worm, glimmer, glimmer

Hey there, don't get dimmer, dimmer

Light the path below, above

And lead us on to love!

Glow little glow-worm, fly of fire

Glow like an in-can-des-cent wire

Glow for the female of the species

Turn on the AC and the DC

This night could use a little brightnin'

Light up you little ol' bug of lightnin'

When you gotta glow, you gotta glow.

Glow little glow-worm, glow

Glow little glow-worm, glow and glimmer

Swim through the sea of night, little swimmer

Thou ae-ro-nau-ti-cal boll weevil

Illuminate yon woods primeval

See how the shadows deep and darken

You and your chick should get to sparkin'

I got a gal that I love so

Glow little glow-worm, glow!

(a little music - and finally)

Shine little glow-worm, glimmer, glimmer

Hey there, don't get dimmer, dimmer

Light the path below, above

And lead us on to love!

GOOD MORNING

Can you believe it is the last day of June already? July and the lazy hazy days of summer will upon us. Soon we’ll be having Christmas in July in the field in front of my camper. The fireflies have returned to put on another Summer light show every evening for all of us to enjoy. I have even sat in my chair at the campfire and looked up at the trees and saw them twinkling in the tree tops.

They will be our natural fire works for the 4TH of July. The grand‘babes’ love to run around catching them and watching their little containers light up. Of course we always let them go before the evening is over. Nature just provides so much entertainment that I’m so thankful I get to enjoy it.

Lightning bugs, like many of God’s creatures do have a purpose after all. They are a reminder of a creative God who loves us so much, He'd even paint the rear end of a bug ...

Just to see us smile....

Thought for Today

Anytime of the year can feel like Christmas if you have love in your heart and light in your soul.

Joseph Marzella

‘On Ya’ - ma

Chapter 6, Page 29, Book 09

2009-06-29T05:19:00.003-04:00

RIGHT NOW . . . .

-somebody is thinking of you.

-somebody is caring about you.

-somebody misses you.

-somebody wants to talk with you.

-somebody wants to be with you.

-somebody hopes you aren't in trouble.

-somebody is thankful for the support you have provided.

-somebody wants to hold your hand.

-somebody is praying for you.

-somebody hopes everything turns out all right.

-somebody wants you to be happy.

-somebody wants you to find him/her.

-somebody is celebrating your successes.

-somebody wants to give you a gift.

-somebody thinks that you ARE a gift.

-somebody hopes you're not too cold,

or too hot-somebody wants to hug you.

-somebody loves you.

-somebody admires your strength.

-somebody is thinking of you and smiling.

-somebody is thinking of your smile.

-somebody wants to be your shoulder to cry on.

-somebody wants to go out with you

and have a lot of fun.

-somebody thinks the world of you.

-somebody wants to kiss you.

-somebody wants to protect you.

-somebody would do anything for you.

-somebody wants to be forgiven.

-somebody is grateful for your forgiveness.

-somebody wants to laugh with you

all night long about old times.

-somebody is waiting to use new times

to make more memories.

-somebody remembers you fondly

and wishes that you were there.

-somebody is praising God for you.

-somebody has you in mind while

they wish upon a star.

-somebody values your advice.

-somebody wants to tell you

how much they care.

-somebody wants to stay up all night

watching old movies with you.

-somebody wants to share their dreams with you.

-somebody wants to hold you in their arms.

-somebody treasures your spirit.

-somebody wishes they could suspend time.

-somebody praises God for your friendship and love.

-somebody can't wait to see you.

-somebody wishes that things didn't have to change.

-somebody loves you for who you are.

-somebody loves the way you make them feel.

-somebody wants to be with you.

-somebody is hoping they can grow old with you.

-somebody hopes that you know they care.

GOOD MORNING !

Today I am one of the some bodies that care! Yes, I do care about all my family and friends for sure. I know that some days it feels like there is not anyone that really does care but there is always me and of course our dear Lord too. He is always there for us if we just believe.

The weekend was another beautiful one for the most part. We had a rather heavy down pour of rain on Thursday evening after I arrived at the campground and another very short rain Sunday around noon. Otherwise it was some of the best weather summer can provide.

I took only a few pictures as I never got my camera battery charged up. I must admit I was too busy being lazy and just forgot to do it.

Next weekend I promise I’ll take loads. It will be the 4th of July on Saturday so the whole weekend will be filled with a lot of red, white and blue activities.

It’s back to work for me today, but it’s another 4-day work week so I’m sure the time will fly by. If only I could get the weekends to slow down abit I’d be so ever thankful. I always think of the 4th as marking the halfway point of summer, although it really isn’t at all.

If they are not there already I’m sure the back to school clothing will soon be appearing in the stores. I don’t really even want to think about fall.

Have a great Monday!

TODAY’S THOUGHT

If you judge people, you have no time to love them

Mother Teresa

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 6, Page 25, Book 09

2009-06-25T05:16:00.003-04:00

Precious Gifts
Author Unknown

Yesterday a butterfly

Came floating gently through the sky.

He soared up through the atmosphere

Then drifted close enough to hear.

I said, "I'd love to fly with you

And sail around the way you do.

It looks like it would be such fun

To fly up toward the summer sun.

But I have not your graceful charm.

I haven't wings, just these two arms.

I've been designed to walk around.

My human feet must touch the ground.

Then magically he spoke to me and

told me what his wish would be.

He said, "What I'd love most to do Is

walk upon God's Earth with you,

To squish its mud between my toes

Or touch my finger to my nose.

I'd love just once to walk around

With human feet to touch the ground,

But I have not two legs that swing,

I haven't arms, just these two wings.

And so we went our separate ways

In wonder and surprise.

For we'd both seen

God's precious gifts

Through someone else's eyes.

GOOD MORNING !

The joy of having friends and family around is the fact that we all get to share our way of doing things, the way we think and our attitudes about different things.
Everyone, no matter, from the youngest to the oldest has a little different slant on life. Sometimes I enjoy the young ones more than anything, but each one has something different to share.

If we never heard about anyone else’s ideas, it would be a dull old world for sure. I know I learn something new every day of my life and I’d hate to think that I had no room for change in my life.

After work today I’ll be leaving for my little place in the woods for a 3 day weekend. My travel trailer, which I refer to as my camper, is permanently parked at a campground just 1 hour and 15 minutes from home. It sits on a hill and is surrounded by trees making it a very pleasant place to be in the summertime. My oldest son and his family and my only daughter and her hubby also have their campers parked right next to me. The camper is like a mini home away from home as it has electric, a fridge a tv, running water and even air conditioning if I want to turn it on.

I thought I’d try to explain a little bit about the camper for those that have never done anything like this before. It is like having a cabin except for the fact that should I choose to travel it could be hooked up to a truck and pulled down the road to wherever I wanted as it sits on wheels.

We rent a spot at the campground to park the campers on and we maintain the grass and what ever landscaping we choose to do. Along with the space we have we can also use the campground facilities. They have a beautiful new pool to swim in and a nice lake to fish in. For someone like me who has spent my life in town, being able to get out in the country like this is pure joy .

Well anyway that’s where I’ll be. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Have a great weekend!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving

Author Unknown

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 6, Page 24, Book 09

2009-06-24T05:15:00.003-04:00

All I Need To Know About Life I Learned From A Cow

1. Wake up in a happy mooo-d.

2. Don't cry over spilled milk.

3. When chewing your cud, remember: There's no fat, no calories, no cholesterol, and no taste!

4. The grass is green on the other side of the fence.

5. Turn the udder cheek and mooo-ve on.

6. Seize every opportunity and milk it for all its worth!

7. It's better to be seen and not herd.

8. Honor thy fodder and thy mother and all your udder relatives.

9. Never take any bull from anybody.

10. Always let them know who's the bossy.

11. Stepping on cowpies brings good luck.

12. Black and white is always an appropriate fashion statement.

13. Don't forget to cow-nt your blessings every day.

Good Morning !

To cry over spilled milk is to remain upset about a past loss.

Example: We came so close. Really. We almost won that game!
Reply: There's no use crying over spilled milk. When milk has been spilled, it is wasted and cannot be used. There is no reason to keep complaining over the loss
Crying over spilled milk is not useful because the thing is already lost.

Parents often tell their children to stop crying over spilt milk.
Example: I can't believe we lost my favorite toy!
Reply: Oh, stop crying over spilled milk. You have other toys to play with.

There are times that tears are a waste of time for sure. Other times they are good things though. Sometimes they help us wash away things we’ve been holding inside.

If I could recount all the things I’ve learned over the years and write a book about them, it would save a lot of people a lot of misery. But you know as well as I that most lessons have to be learned on our own. People can tell us and advise us but we really don’t understand til we learn for ourselves.

My Golden Nugget for Today – Lessons learned

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Heaven knows we need never be ashamed of our tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth, overlying our hard hearts.
Charles Dickens

‘On Ya’ –ma

Chapter 6, Page 23, Book 09

2009-06-23T05:21:00.002-04:00

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who will not survive the week.

If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75 percent of the world.

If you have money in the bank or in your wallet, you are among the top 80 percent of the worlds wealthy.

If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

Author Unknown

If a person gets his/her attitude toward money straight, it will help straighten out almost every other area of his life

Billy Graham

GOOD MORNING !

I guess I’ve gone on long enough about money for now, but I will keep on posting my GOLDEN NUGGET for each day in the side bar.

Our weather the past 3 days has been just about perfect. Summer is not always this nice but here in Northern Ohio it sure has been beautiful.

So my NUGGET FOR TODAY IS – beautiful summertime weather.

It is just so wonderful to wake up early in the morning and go to work in the daylight. It’s hard to believe that now the days will begin to get a little shorter each day. I no longer have to put those layers of heavy clothing or my wool socks and boots. It’s a grand feeling!

Except for the way my clothes fit, I feel like I lost 10 pounds. I feel so much better when I’m warm and I think I eat better too. Salads of any kind are much more appealing in the summer.

Today is supposed to be another gorgeous day – I hope yours is a good one too!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.

J.R.R. Tolkien

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 6, Page 22, Book 09

2009-06-22T05:19:00.002-04:00

Do you wish the world were better?

Let me tell you what to do —

Set a watch upon your actions,

keep them always straight and true;

Rid your mind of selfish motives;

let your thoughts be clear and high;

You can make a little

Eden of the sphere you occupy.
Do you wish the world were wiser?

Well, suppose you made a start —

By accumulating wisdom

in the scrapbook of your heart;

Do not waste one page on folly,

live to learn, and learn to live;

If you want to give men knowledge,

you must get it, ere you give.
Do you wish the world were happy?

Then remember day by day —

Just to scatter seeds of kindness

as you pass along the way;

For the pleasures of the many

may be oft times traced to one,

As the hand that plants an acorn

shelters armies from the sun.
Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850 – 1919)

Stay with us Lord, because our souls are full of darkness and you are the one true light; you alone can satisfy the longings that consume us. For we know that above everything that is beautiful and good, the greatest is this: to possess you forever, O Lord
St. Gregory Nazianzen

GOOD MORNING!

Why is it so acceptable in our culture to turn to yoga, meditation CDs, or a self-proclaimed TV ‘expert’ for healing and wellness, but yet sometimes awkward for us to suggest turning to God who is, after all, the source of all happiness?

We all have a choice to make. We can choose to let the current economic problems overtake us and drag us down. Or we can choose to ride the crest of the wave and soar through these challenging times, allowing God to teach us valuable lessons and turn our focus to where it needs to be.

The collapsing economy is causing people to take a good hard look at what’s important; to push the reset button on a lifestyle of spending and excess, and choose instead to make wise, informed decisions in the days to come

I read all that in an article this past week. I guess I am one person that is not living any differently that I did before the recession hit us. I’ve never had a lot of money and I’ve always lived on the frugal side of things. I am very thankful though that everything I have is now paid for because I couldn’t afford to make any payments.

When the babes were home and I did have payments to make and more mouths to feed, the money I made went just about as far as it does now without any payments to make. That is quite a difference for sure. One thing I’ve come to realize though is that God gives me just enough in what ever my circumstances that I have what I need.

That’s my Golden Nugget for Today – I have what is needed for each day.

THANKS BE TO THE GOOD LORD !

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Today I will delete from my diary two days:

yesterday and tomorrow...
Yesterday was to learn and tomorrow will be

the consequence of what I can do today.
Today I will face life with the conviction

that this day will not ever return.
Today is the last opportunity

I have to live intensely,

as no one can assure me that

I will see tomorrow's sunrise.
Today I will be brave enough not to let

any opportunity pass me by,

my only alternative is to succeed.
Today I will invest my most valuable resource:

my time,in the most transcendental work: my life.
Today I will spend each minute passionately

to make of today a different

and unique day in my life.
Today I will defy every obstacle

that appearson my way,

trusting that I will succeed.
Today I will resist pessimism and will conquer

the world with a smile,

with the positive attitude

of expecting always the best.
Today I will make of every

ordinary task a sublime expression.
Today I will have my feet on the ground,

understanding reality

and the stars' gaze to invent my future.
Today I will take the time to be happy and

will leave my footprints and my presence in the hearts of others.
Author Unknown

‘On Ya’- ma

Chapter 6, Page 19, Book 09

2009-06-19T05:15:00.003-04:00

We hold a treasure,
not made of gold,
in earthen vessels
wealth untold:
one treasure only,
the Lord, the Christ,
in earthen vessels...

FRIDAY'S FABLE

A woman came out of her house and saw three old men with long white beards sitting in her front yard. She did not recognize them. She said, I don't think I know you, but you must be hungry. Please come in and have something to eat. Is the man of the house home? they asked. No, she said. He's out Then we cannot come in, they replied. In the evening when her husband came home, she told him what had happened. Go tell them I am home and invite them in, he said.The woman went out and invited the men in. We do not go into a house together, they replied. Why is that? she wanted to know. One of the old men explained:

His name is Wealth, he said pointing to one of his friends, and said pointing to another one, He is Success, and I am Love. Then he added, Now go in and discuss with your husband which one of us you want in your home." The woman went in and told her husband what was said. Her husband was overjoyed. How nice!" he said. Since that is the case, let us invite Wealth. Let him come and fill our home with wealth! His wife disagreed. My dear, why don't we invite Success?

Their daughter-in-law was listening from the other corner of the house. She jumped in with her own suggestion: Would it not be better to invite Love? Our home will then be filled with love! Let us heed our daughter-in-law's advice, said the husband to his wife. Go out and invite Love to be our guest. The woman went out and asked the three old men, Which one of you is Love? Please come in and be our guest. Love got up and started walking toward the house. The other two also got up and followed him. Surprised, the lady asked Wealth and Success: I only invited Love, why are you coming in? The old men replied together: If you had invited Wealth or Success, the other two of us would've stayed out, but since you invited Love, wherever He goes, we go with him. Wherever there is Love, there is also Wealth and Success!

GOOD MORNING

A few days ago I said I was starting a club. The club is for people that consider themselves to be blessed with an OVER abundance of wealth; wealth that has nothing to do with money. There were a few people that said they’d like to join my club. I was hoping for many more and I’m sure there really are many of us that have more blessings than sorrows if we really took the time to think about it. So if you qualify and want to share that abundance, please just add a GOLDEN NUGGET to your blog each day. The GOLDEN NUGGET of course is something that you’ve been blessed with. Nuggets of gold could be a SMILE, a HUG, a beautiful sunset, or even a furry friends kisses. Anything that you would put in your TREASURE BOX to store away for a rainy day.

As usual I’ll be away from my computer for a couple of days and will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Have a great weekend everyone!

TODAY’S GOLDEN NUGGET

It is Friday and I have a weekend off to go to my little place in the woods. This is my retreat away from everyday life and I find that being out in the woods is a perfect place to renew and refresh myself for another work week

TODAY’S THOUGHT

Count your blessings.
Once you realize how valuable you are
and how much you have going for you,
the smiles will return,
the sun will break out,
the music will play,
and you will finally be able to move forward
with the life that God intended for you
with grace, strength, courage, and confidence

Og Mandino

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 6, Page 18, Book 09

2009-06-18T05:20:00.003-04:00

Sometimes we are

so busy adding up

our troubles that

we forget to count

our blessings.

Choose to love ... rather than hate.

Choose to laugh ... rather than cry.

Choose to create ... rather than destroy.

Choose to persevere ... rather than quit.

Choose to praise ... rather than gossip.

Choose to heal ... rather than wound.

Choose to give ... rather than steal.

Choose to act ... rather than procrastinate.

Choose to grow ... rather than rot.

Choose to pray ... rather than curse.

Choose to live ... rather than die

Each new day is a gift from God, and therefore it should be counted as a blessing.

GOOD MORNING !

God usually gives us more blessings than we can keep to ourselves so that we have to share in our abundance.

God not only gives people money, food, clothing, shelter, and other things that are necessary for life, but he also gives people talents that they can use to help others and themselves.

Abundance is what you have when the blessings that God gives to you are overflowing so much that you have to share them with someone, because you don't have the means for keeping it all to yourself

There are people in the world though, that do not have enough. I think this is not because the Lord is unjust and likes to see people suffer. It is because the Lord is waiting to see whether or not the people whom he has blessed with abundance are going to share their wealth with them. It really is more blessed to give than to receive.

I love talking about blessings and abundance because it lets me realize just how wonderful my life is. I hope it does the same for you

Together we can count our wealth. Make a list and then study it. Count them again. Tally your assets! Our blessings overflow and sometimes we are unmindful of them, like a child spoiled in luxury. God has bestowed them with generosity and regularity

Count them one by one!

There are so many things we take for granted. Often we dwell on the woes of the day instead of remembering all the blessings.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Never start counting your troubles until you've counted at least a hundred of your blessings. By that time, you probably won't think you have troubles!

from God's Little Devotional Book

Original Blessings
by Robin C. Burns
May soft gentle breezes brush o'er your face,
For each loving touch is God's warm embrace.
May you have enough for all that you need,
And never be hurt by another one's greed.
The Lord keep you safe from terrible things,
And at the end of this life, lift you up on His wings

‘On Ya’ - ma

Chapter 6, Page 17, Book 09

2009-06-17T05:22:00.003-04:00

Money can’t buy real friendship—real friendship must be earned.
Money can’t buy a clear conscience—square dealing is the price tag.
Money can’t buy happiness—happiness is a mental attitude and one may be as happy in a cottage as in a mansion.
Money can’t buy sunsets, songs of the birds, and the music of the wind—these are as free as the air we breathe.
Money can’t buy inward peace—peace is the result of a constructive philosophy of life

Author unknown to me

If you haven’t been able to find a lot of happiness in your life, maybe you’re looking in the wrong place

GOOD MORNING!

I've been in my treasure box a lot lately and when I stack up the golden bits and pieces there they do add up to quite a bit. In fact I'm a very rich woman. I've accumulate my wealth over a period of many years and often dig in the box and check to see what dividends I've earned.

First and foremost I have a loving and generous God. He gets me through life in the most amazing ways and has opened my eyes to the immeasurable power of love.

Then I have my family. Such a blessing they are and are worth far more than their weight in gold. My grandchildren shine like jewels in the sun.

I have my health which is of untold value as I am able to do what is needed and enjoy a life free from pain.

I have loving friends too and some wonderful sisters that just cannot be underrated. They are the best.

I have a home, food on the table and all I need for each day - I am blessed with wealth beyond compare!!

I'm thinking of starting a club - do you have enough wealth to join? You've got to have an overabundance in order to qualify.

If you think you might, you can put a brief listing of your treasures in the comments today. It will be interesting to see what jewels you possess.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Begin the quest for happiness by separating memories into three separate chests.

The Treasure Chest of the mind is where we put our most cherished memories. We open this chest when looking for happiness, comfort and contentment.

The Hope Chest of our mind is for our goals and dreams of tomorrow. As each is fulfilled it is then moved to our Treasure Chest.

The Dumpster Chest of the mind is for letting go of the hurts and trash of yesterday. Once in this chest they are dumped, to be forever let go. Once these memories are put in the Dumpster Chest you should never go digging them out.

If you want to be happy, focus only on your Treasure Chest and Hope Chest for they are now full of the jewels of hope and joy

'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 6, Page 16, Book 09

2009-06-16T05:18:00.002-04:00

NOT ENOUGH CASHIERS
1. Here are the reasons I'd Like to thank Wal-Mart, K-Mart, and my local grocer for having 25 checkout lanes and only three open at any given time....
2. Waiting in long lines keeps my domestic brain from going completely idle -- there's so much to learn!
3. I can catch up on my magazine reading without buying any.
4. I have time to leave my cart in line and run back to get the 13 things on my list I forgot.
5. I can be one of those annoying cell phone users and catch up on all my phone calls to my insurance agent, mother-in-law, and Auntie Anne.
6. I can catch a quick catnap now rather than on the drive home.
7. I can assess what other people have in their carts and get exciting new dinner ideas.
8. I can finally apply my top coat of nail polish with plenty of drying time.
9. I can run next door and pick up my dry cleaning.
10. I can update my coupon organizer and leave the trash in the we-never-open-enough-checkout-lanes store instead of my purse.
11. I can practice my standup comedy routines on unsuspecting fellow customers.
12. I can practice some standing yoga poses and then do those isometric muscle-contracting exercises no one else in line is Supposed to know you're doing.
13. I can taste test my package of the newest low-carb, zero-transfat, Splenda-saturated cookies.
14. I can breathe heavily on my T-bones so they're defrosted in time for dinner and I won't have to leave them out on the driveway in the hot late afternoon sun as I normally do.
Author Unknown

We may not feel like smiling or laughing because we have too much upsetting us. This is a condition that we can usually do something about. Since we are happy when we have pleasant thoughts, we can change our thoughts to something that is enjoyable. Sometimes it is difficult when we are in a deep rut but it can be done with practice

GOOD MORNING !

I love it when someone can turn a bad situation into something to SMILE about. It’s so easy to stress out about conditions we can do nothing about. The good Lord knows I need to remember to SMILE more often.

I used to get compliments on how cheerful my voice always was on the phone. I haven’t had any of those in awhile now. Maybe I better try putting a SMILE on my face before I pick up the phone.

In our world of modern technology we tend to send more e-mails than actually talk to some one. The younger generation is always using text messages and would be lost with out their cell phones which are used to send the messages. Yet our voices can say so much more than the words we speak.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. They are but trifles, to be sure, but, scattered along life's pathway, The good they do is inconceivable

Joseph Addison

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 6, Page 15, Book 09

2009-06-15T05:21:00.002-04:00

Spread love everywhere you go:

first of all in your own house.

Give love to your children,

to your wife or husband,

to a next door neighbor…

Let no one ever come to you without

leaving better or happier.

Be the living expression of God's kindness;

kindness in your face,

kindness in your eyes,

kindness in your smile;

kindness in your warm greeting

Mother Teresa

As I smile at a stranger or offer assistance to someone, I am contributing to a world of peace. On a broader scale, I show respect for the people of other nations and cultures, knowing that we all share planet earth as the home God created for us--a home in which we live together in peace and love

GOOD MORNING!

As usual with me SMILES do not come easy on Monday morning. After a busy weekend spent with family members it is very hard for me to get back in to the work mode. With the exception of one brief shower on Saturday evening, the weekend was mild and sunny. That certainly makes it better for outdoor get togethers.

Most of the rainy period I was in the car traveling home from the campground. By the time I reached home the skies were clearing and giving way to more sunshine.

Friday evening and most of Saturday was spent with DD and her hubby at the campground. A lot of DSIL’s relatives were also camping there this weekend so a lot of their time was spent with them so I did get some quiet times where I could just sit and read and enjoy the down time to rest.

Saturday evening DS#6 and his wife came in to my house we went out to eat dinner and they stayed the night. They and DS#5 and his wife joined me in traveling to DS#3’s house Sunday. This was a mixture of joy and sorrow as we did celebrate DS#3’s birthday but we also went to view the memorial for his little son that passed away. Family members on both sides had a hand in designing the headstone which makes it all the more special.

DS#3 and his wife are expecting a baby come November and they are thrilled as are their 2 children. It is always a blessing to welcome new life.

Now it’s back to work and although I’m not ready for it—it’s ready for me!

Have a great Monday everyone!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

If you care at all you will get some results.
If you care enough you will get incredible results!

Jim Rohn

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 6, Page 12, Book 09

2009-06-12T05:19:00.004-04:00

Friday’s Fable

A fly was buzzing along one morning when he saw a lawn mower someone had left out in their front yard. He flew over and sat on the handle, watching the children going down the sidewalk on their way to school.

One little boy tripped on a crack and fell, spilling his lunch on the sidewalk. He picked himself up, put his lunch back in the bag and went on. But he missed a piece of baloney. The fly had not eaten that morning and he sure was hungry. So he flew down and started eating the bologna. In fact he ate so much that he could not fly, so he waddled across the sidewalk, across the lawn, up the wheel of the lawn mower, up the handle, and sat there resting and watching the children.

There was still some baloney laying there on the sidewalk. He was really stuffed, but that baloney sure did look good.

Finally temptation got the best of him and he jumped off the handle of the lawn mower to fly over to the baloney. But alas he was too full to fly and fell straight to the ground... splat!

The moral of this story is simple... don't fly off the handle when you are full of baloney.

Author Unknown

People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing

Will Rogers

GOOD MORNING !

I don’t know about you but it seems I meet angry people every day. It could be driver following along behind me who doesn’t think I’m going fast enough or it could be a sales clerk that just had a difficult customer so she’s taking her frustration out on everybody else.

There are two kinds of anger – healthy and unhealthy

When my anger is projected at injustice or oppression, that is usually a sign of healthy anger. When my anger revolves around my self-interest, it is more likely to be selfish and unhealthy

Anger can be good - Righteous anger tends to be slow, thoughtful and controlled. It leads to the formation of a plan rather than hasty and wild actions.

Anger is natural and even necessary to survival because it can provoke powerful, aggressive feelings that allow us to protect ourselves when attacked

Mental health experts agree that anger itself isn't bad; the problems lie in how we handle it

One way to combat anger is to write down the daily positives in your life, to offset the negatives

Soon it will be summer. Not only are we going to be hot and sweaty, more than a few of us will be hotheaded too. We must take time to cool off and not let the heat get to us.

I’m off now for the weekend and this one will be a busy one as I’m not only going to the camper but also going up to DS#3’s to help celebrate his coming birthday. You’ll all be in my thoughts and prayers as you always are. Have a great weekend!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Speak when you're angry, and you'll make the best speech you'll ever regret

Lawrence J. Peter

‘On Ya’ - ma

Chapter 6, Page 11, Book 09

2009-06-11T05:20:00.003-04:00

Reflections
A little boy and his father were walking on the mountains.Suddenly, his son falls, hurts himself and screams:

AAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

To his surprise, he hears the voice repeating, somewhere in the mountain:

AAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

Curious, the little boy yells:

Who are you?

He receives the answer:

Who are you?And then the boy screams to the mountain:

You're Stupid

The voice answers:

You're Stupid

Frustrated at the response, the boy screams:

I Hate You

He receives the answer:

I Hate You

He looks to his father and asks: What's going on?

The father smiles and says: My son, pay attention.

The man screams:

You are a champion!

The voice answers:

You are a champion!

The boy is surprised, but does not understand.

Then the father explains: People call this ECHO, but really this is LIFE.

It gives you back everything you say or do.

Our life is simply a reflection of our actions.

If you want more love in the world, create more love in your heart.

If you want people to respect you, respect them.

This relationship applies to everything, in all aspects of life.

Life will give you back everything you have given to it.
Your Life is not a Coincidence.

It's a Reflection of You!

What turns out to be your echos are your friends, relatives, family, work, talents, situations, possessions, capabilities, opportunities, and everything else in your life. If you want to know what you believe, simply look at your life-It is a perfect reflection of what beliefs you hold at a very deep level
No one likes admitting they are the cause of their own miserable circumstances, so outside causes are always found, or sometimes a person will say we are all responsible for what happened. This is not exactly true. You are totally and completely the source of everything that you experience.

GOOD MORNING!
When I look at my life I can really see that the things I’ve given have come back to me. And sad but true is the fact that the things I’ve not given have also been sorely lacking in my life.
For the most part my life is a happy one and I’ve been blessed by some good friends and a loving family. I feel content with what I have and rarely want for anything more than what I do have.
I’ve had days of illness, hardships and sorrow just like most people. The thing is that the people in my life and my faith have helped me rise above the difficult times.
In my thought for the day today I’ve put a list I found that is full of very wise ways to help us to Live a life you love!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Live a life you love!

Live your life so that everything is a reflection of your truth.

You can also choose whom you give your time and energy too

Understand that you need God and your faith to deal with the issues and problems that will arise in life. Then use your faith to help you endure

Discipline will help us have control over our life and our decisions.

You must make a commitment to have your life stand and mean something

We must refuse to partake in the misery moments. In order to feel fulfilled in life, you must refuse to make excuses in your life. You must do everything you can to keep your life progressing in a positive way

We must incorporate time for ourselves into our lives. Choose to give time to yourself and decide when and how you will take time for yourself.

We are all blessed with the ability to live a life we love. We must remember that it is a commitment that affects every area of our life, every decision that we make, and every person that we allow to be in our life. Everyone and everything in your life should be a reflection of the joy that is in your life.

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 6, Page 10, Book 09

2009-06-10T05:18:00.004-04:00

Your own mind is a sacred enclosure into which nothing harmful can enter except by your permission

Arnold Bennett

It is very important to establish good thinking guidelines and follow them. Placing thoughts of peace and happiness in our minds will help to make our lives peaceful and happy. If we do not set our thoughts properly, we travel through life by way of places where we will wish we had not gone

Our daily life includes thoughts associated with responsibilities concerning work, other people, and handling problems. If possible, try not to think of too many different things during your day, and don't move or think too quickly. Start your morning with a plan to come through to bedtime relaxed, contented, and ready for a restful night's sleep

Think about your happiness, goals, life and its pleasures, your principles and your conduct. Think about enjoying the moment

GOOD MORNING !

I found the thoughts above in one of my internet searches yesterday and was reminded once again how easily I can get off track. I really do try to think positive and keep upbeat most of the time. But sometimes things happen that make me conjure up all sorts of not so good thoughts. It seems sometimes I can go down to the depths of despair much easier than I can convince my self that all will be well and the dear Lord has control of it all.

On days like that I start counting my blessings and thinking of all the good there is in the world. I read and pray and listen to uplifting music. I really work at maintaining a good attitude. But there are times it takes a little longer than others to bounce back.

It’s ok to be gloomy about things now and then. Everyone has those times, but to dwell on what’s bothering us and go over it again and again only seems to make it worse. If I’m upset I tend to get grouchy and do and say things I never would otherwise, so I work at picking myself up and dusting myself off and starting all over again. Each new morning brings a new start and a whole 24 hours to make the best of.

Today is the first day of the rest of my life they say so I’m going to make it as good as I can.

I do hope yours is a great one too!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Garner up pleasant thoughts in your mind,

for pleasant thoughts make pleasant lives

John Wilkins

'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 6, Page 9, Book 09

2009-06-09T05:21:00.004-04:00

You can't always get what you want.

But if you try sometimes,

You just might find

You get what you need.

Mick Jagger and Keith Richards ("You Can't Always Get What You Want")

GOOD MORNING !

Most of my life I think I’ve been trying to accomplish things. I guess most of us are like that. We started out with the little things as children and as we grew somehow the things we needed to do seemed to grow into bigger and bigger things.

It is so true that we never get anywhere without trying something new. Today our world changes so fast it is often hard to keep up. There are some new things I don’t think I’ll try, but you never know.

If I didn’t have something untried on the horizon, maybe life would be very dull, but I’ve never reached that point yet. Life has always been full of new and wondrous things to me.

I used to think that as some point in my life I could just sit back and relax and enjoy watching the world go round. I really doubt that this is ever going to happen. And I don’t really think that is a bad thing at all.

TODAY’S THOUGHT

Expect the people you love to be better.

It helps them to become better.

But don't get upset when they fail.

It helps them keep trying

Anonymous

Chapter 6, Page 8, Book 09

2009-06-08T05:14:00.002-04:00

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely,or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature, and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As long as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.

Anne Frank

GOOD MORNING !
The weather this past weekend certainly soothed this tired old body. The days were sunny and I soaked up as much sunshine as I could. Sooner or later I keep thinking I’ll finally make up for what was lost during winter and start building up a surplus for the next winter ahead. Can one do such a thing???

Maybe I put too much importance on fresh air and sunshine, but having had to spend half the year indoors with very little of either one, I cannot begin to tell you what a difference it makes to me.

Last week we had rain and clouds most every day until Friday and then as if the good Lord knew we’d had enough, the sun came out and blessed us the entire weekend.
It’s back to work today and it will be a 5-day work week. After having 2 four day work weeks in a row, I’m sure this will seem like a long one. However the days are warmer and the hours of sunlight longer now so maybe it won’t be too bad after all.

I owe, I owe,
It’s off to work I go!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station,through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will but listen.
George Washington Carver

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 6, Page 4, Book 09

2009-06-04T05:23:00.002-04:00

Be grateful for the kindly friends that walk along your way;

Be grateful for the skies of blue that smile from day to day;

Be grateful for the health you own, the work you find to do,

For round about you there are men less fortunate than you.

Be grateful for the growing trees, the roses soon to bloom,

The tenderness of kindly hearts that shared your days of gloom;

Be grateful for the morning dew, the grass beneath your feet,

The soft caresses of your babes and all their laughter sweet.

Acquire the grateful habit, learn to see how blest you are,

How much there is to gladden life, how little life to mar!

And what if rain shall fall today and you with grief are sad;

Be grateful that you can recall the joys that you have had.

Edgar Guest

GOOD MORNING !

Can you still remember one of the really good times of your life? A time that you were ready to burst you were so filled with joy? I still can and I am so grateful that I can do just that. Every time I get the urge to have a pity party I am reminded of the many things I can do and am blessed with.

You know there are people in the world that cannot remember and memory loss is something that we are hearing more and more about these days. I’m not talking about forgetting where on earth you put something. I’m talking about forgetting where you live and the people that you live with. Yes, if we can remember, we are blessed.

I’ve read a lot of Edgar Guests poems and he comes second on my list of poets. Helen Steiner Rice is the first on the list. I haven’t quoted her lately, but I have done so quite a bit in the past.

I’ll be off now for a 3 day weekend at the campsite. I’ll be making more of those wonderful memories I’m sure. You’ll all be in my thoughts and prayers. Remember that when you are down and out – count those blessings!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Of cheerfulness, or a good temper – the more it is spent, the more of it remains.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 6, Page 3, Book 09

2009-06-03T05:07:00.004-04:00

If you want to be successful,
it's just this simple:
Know what you're doing.

Love what you're doing.

And believe in what you're doing.

By Will Rogers

GOOD MORNING !

Success is something we all try to achieve. Whether it is to be successful in our work, in our home life, in our marriages, in just about anything we do, we try to be successful.

Attributes like Resiliency, Nurturing, Intuition, Creativity, Passion, Self- Value, and Sensitivity all help to make us successful in what ever we strive to do

Sometimes it appears as though success is defined primarily in terms of income or wealth or status. I think that If someone has achieved important life goals -- especially in the face of obstacles -- then that's a measure of success.

Highly successful people don’t obsess or feel guilty about past choices or failures. They make mistakes, move on, and apply what they’ve learned to new situations.

I can count my successes on my 10 fingers.
I had a good marriage
I raised a wonderful family (they take up 7 of my fingers)
And I have succeeded in providing a life for myself – it’s really something I never thought I could do.

Many people look at the failures in their lives and forget about the successes they’ve had. Just like blessings we need to count the ways we’ve been successful too.

Give yourself a pat on the back sometimes and reward yourself for a job well done, just in case someone else forgets to do it. If you beat yourself up for being overweight, a “bad” parent, or not exercising enough, you just create a downward spiral. Successful people remind themselves of their achievements and successes

Last but not least we need take time to recharge our batteries and refuel our emotional, spiritual, and physical energy by spending at least a few quiet moments alone each day.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

There's more merit and satisfaction in being a first-rate truck driver than a tenth-rate executive.

B C Forbes

'On Ya'- ma

Chapter 6, Page 2, Book 09

2009-06-02T05:15:00.003-04:00

June is the month of dreams, I think;

Gardeners watch their roses, pink.

Birds leave the nest and try their wings

And songbirds learn just how to sing.

Brides have planned for the perfect day

When to their love their vows will say.

June is a month of graduations;

Proud parents give congratulations.

The birth of baby girls and boys

Makes us look at tiny toys.

First communions are realized;

Decisions taken to change lives.

Recitals seem to be everywhere;

Dancing and music is in the air.

June is the month to sing your joy -

the month of dreams for you to enjoy.

Joan Adams Burchell

GOOD MORNING !

Don’t you think we all feel better when winter is over and warm weather and sunshine take over? Being outdoors and enjoying it makes a world of difference for me. I feel better physically and mentally. Real health and happiness is experienced when we live with a true balance of body, mind, heart and soul. But we also understand that in our busy lives this is often easier said than done.

Nature can have an incredible effect on our spirit. Take a walk on the beach, in your local park or on a mountain trail. Just ‘be’ in nature – appreciate the random beauty of waves crashing on the rocks, listen to the sounds, and soak in the smells

Walking even for just one and a half hours each week can help with your mental performance. Apart from enjoying the benefits of being outside – fresh air, natural light and the warmth of the sun – getting enough sunlight is important for healthy skin and bones

Enjoying nature should not be just a weekend activity, or a one week family vacation. It is a way of being and doing that pervades everyday life. Simple things like hummingbird feeders or birdbaths can bring hours of pleasure and relaxation.

Busy days are here as many plan vacations and family reunions and all sorts of traveling. So much more can be done in nice weather it seems.

I love all the parts and pieces of the beauty of Summertime

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Life Is.... by Mother Teresa
Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.

‘On Ya’-ma