Every year it's the same routine. Start off watching the ball drop in NYC, or watching country wide fireworks in Iceland. Whichever place I happen to be, It's a new year all over again. Another chance to set goals & affirmations for a better lifestyle, a happier you, a healthier you; whatever it is, it's a clean slate again. So, what are you going to do about it? Of course, you'll write down some goals to lose weight or make more money; the usual, but this is truly a year to take serious reflection upon doing something about achieving success in one of more of those goals on your sheet of paper.
Tuesday night, I attended a goal setting party. There were several excited people and I had noticed a couple of hesitant and quiet individuals; seeems they weren't too focused on their life; just there for the food, I guess. It made me reflect for a moment the past year. It has been a hard one for me; a new marriage and larger family to provide for, more loss of what little vision I had, both eyesight and mental vision; I didn't achieve what I wanted to career wise; in fact, I lost more than I gained, except for in my weight, lol. It was a year that I wouldn't mind writing off the books. To avoid the negative events of 2010, I quickly recalled the good times, although few, they are still worth thinking about. So, in order to have a better outcome for 2011, I had better put more effort into myself, my vision, my focus. I had better seriously consider this slate that I completely filled at tuesday's party. I had better do something about my new goals, affirmations, & resolutions or else 2011 will just become another year to watch the ball fall. Instead, I'm going to through that ball as far as I possibly can! Do you want to play ball with me? Let's go play this 2011 game; let's give it all we've got and call it a VICTORY for once!
I have linked personal happiness to personal success. One is incomplete without the other, like black is to white. Our fight for success must be done with determination & a smile.
Catch up on a good book! Be sure to view my recommended reading list at bottom of page.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
The Room ~Brian Moore
Heaven as written by a 17 Year Old Boy
This is excellent and really gets you thinking about what will happen in Heaven.
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. "I wowed 'em," he later told his father, Bruce. It's a killer. It's the bomb It's the best thing I ever wrote." It also was the last.
Brian's parents had forgotten about the essay when a cousin found it while cleaning out the teenager's locker at Teays Valley High School in Pickaway County
Brian had been dead only hours, but his parents desperately wanted every piece of his life near them, notes from classmates and teachers, and his homework. Only two months before, he had handwritten the essay about encountering Jesus in a file room full of cards detailing every moment of the teen's life. But it was only after Brian's death that Beth and Bruce Moore realized that their son had described his view of heaven.
It makes such an impact that people want to share it. "You feel like you are there," Mr. Moore said.. Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.
The Moore 's framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it," Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. "I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him.
Here is Brian's essay entitled:
" The Room.."
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings.
As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at."
Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents Often there were many more cards than expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived.
Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me.
One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards...
But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh
And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room.. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes.
Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room.. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files.. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him.. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, and so alive.
The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."
I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
This is excellent and really gets you thinking about what will happen in Heaven.
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. "I wowed 'em," he later told his father, Bruce. It's a killer. It's the bomb It's the best thing I ever wrote." It also was the last.
Brian's parents had forgotten about the essay when a cousin found it while cleaning out the teenager's locker at Teays Valley High School in Pickaway County
Brian had been dead only hours, but his parents desperately wanted every piece of his life near them, notes from classmates and teachers, and his homework. Only two months before, he had handwritten the essay about encountering Jesus in a file room full of cards detailing every moment of the teen's life. But it was only after Brian's death that Beth and Bruce Moore realized that their son had described his view of heaven.
It makes such an impact that people want to share it. "You feel like you are there," Mr. Moore said.. Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.
The Moore 's framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it," Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. "I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him.
Here is Brian's essay entitled:
" The Room.."
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings.
As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at."
Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents Often there were many more cards than expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived.
Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me.
One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards...
But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh
And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room.. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes.
Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room.. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files.. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him.. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, and so alive.
The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."
I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Attitude is everything
When diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, attitude is everything and it's really all you've got left. Believe me I know personally. Here is a fantastic story of courage, determination, love, & proper attitude towards life. Please take a moment to read this inspiring story and share it with others. >> Foundation Fighting Blindness
Friday, December 10, 2010
blind boy
I Like This Message!
A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said: "I am blind, please help." There were only a few coins in the hat.
A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.
Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy.
That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were.
The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning?
What did you write?"
The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way."
I wrote: "Today is a beautiful day but I cannot see it."
Both signs told people that the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind.
The second sign told people that they were so lucky that they were not blind.
Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective?
Moral of the Story: Be thankful for what you have. Be creative. Be innovative. Think differently and
positively. When life gives you a 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 reasons to smile.
Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future
without fear. Keep the faith and drop the fear.
The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling…
And even more beautiful, is knowing that you are the reason behind it!!!
If you appreciate this message, please share.
You may touch someone's heart today and forever.
=
A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said: "I am blind, please help." There were only a few coins in the hat.
A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.
Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy.
That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were.
The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning?
What did you write?"
The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way."
I wrote: "Today is a beautiful day but I cannot see it."
Both signs told people that the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind.
The second sign told people that they were so lucky that they were not blind.
Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective?
Moral of the Story: Be thankful for what you have. Be creative. Be innovative. Think differently and
positively. When life gives you a 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 reasons to smile.
Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future
without fear. Keep the faith and drop the fear.
The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling…
And even more beautiful, is knowing that you are the reason behind it!!!
If you appreciate this message, please share.
You may touch someone's heart today and forever.
=
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Do It Now!
"One of the first and most important steps toward any accomplishment is to find out what is holding us back", Sterling Sill.
What holds me back most of the time is procrastination. Procrastination has been such a problem of mine that I have invested time and money into curing my personal procrastinating disease. I am not a lazy person, nor am I slothful or uninvolved. I merely lack the motivation or have a break down of momentum. Perhaps it's that I get to comfortable and don't enjoy being uncomfortable. I doubt that, but what if a little, admittedly. I have noticed that most of the time my procrastination is due to simply not enjoying it or maybe even my priorities are mixed up? One day I was hit by a boulder of realization and when I awoke I knew my biggest problem with putting things off was and still is, thinking that there is no reward for my effort. Since, I remember many times that this has been the case for me, I have subconsciously programmed my mind to stall me in doing it again.
As I finally sit down to write my thoughts on the subject of procrastination, I admit that I too have procrastinated this very posting. Mentally, I have put it off because of the lack of response and readers for my thoughts on this life in perspective blog. Well, really it boils to the fact that people will only read what they enjoy. I suppose I better make these posts more enjoyable then. LOL.
“One of the most serious human defects in all ages is procrastination, an unwillingness to accept personal responsibilities now. … Many have allowed themselves to be diverted and have become … addicts to mental and spiritual indolence and to the pursuit of worldly pleasure” (Spencer W. Kimball [2006])
Mr. Sill shares another awakening, "Many of us want the simple way—the process that will not require serious work and sacrifice. Well, I once thought I found it. Driving in the back of a verdant valley above the city of Honolulu, I looked up, and there it was—Easy Street! As I was dreaming of the life-changing benefits of my discovery, I took out my camera to record the blissful moment. As I looked through the viewfinder, however, my focus literally and figuratively became clear. A large yellow sign returned me to reality—Easy Street was a dead end!
Procrastination may seem the easy way, as it momentarily removes the effort required to accomplish something of value. Ironically, in time, procrastination produces a heavy burden laced with guilt and a hollow lack of satisfaction. Temporal and, even more importantly, spiritual goals will not be achieved by procrastination.
Now is the time to exercise our faith. Now is the time to commit... Now is the time to do whatever is required to resolve our undesired circumstances...; Since that day, that image and its lesson have been valuable assets in my life."In reviewing talks given by Sterling Sill, I reflect his thoughts about the Three I's:
Ignorance: "If we think that we know it all, we are the ignorant." N.S. Ostergaard. I am the first to admit that I do not know it all. Although, I'd like to think that I do sometimes. When I don't have enough information I will usually put it off until I do. In recent years, I've flipped my ignorance. I now try to do as much as I can and collocate the mastering skills.
Indecision: I think that this is probably my worst enemy. Being able to make a decision and acting upon it. I make decisions every day that will probably do me alot of good in life, but it's the acting upon them that I procrastinate on. Perhaps because I just cannot lock into it being a positive action for me, so it gets shoved aside. I do feel that Mr. Sill said it true, "Procrastination is an important part of indecision. When we don’t or won’t make up our minds, we just postpone action, sometimes permanently. Just think how many people lose their blessings because of procrastination."
Indifference: For many people, fighting differences is one major cause of putting it off. Procrastination is usually an immediate result of indifference in a decision to act. Therefore, what needs to be done is one again not. The only solution to this is to accept that there is always an indifference and it must be accepted and overcome in order to progress.
I once found a book called The Procrastinator's Handbook. It was a very helpful guide to recognizing procrastination and overcoming it. I wish I had that book still today because I have since been unable to find one. I remember how I felt like it was written for me or as if the author was my personal counselor and I was receiving personal treatment for my procrastination problem. The one thing that stands out in my memory of reading that book is; to do the things you don't like to do very first in your day and get them out of the way. Good advice that I still am procrastinating on doing. LOL.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Do you see?
I once was referred by a friend to a book entitled You Don't Have To Be Blind To See ~Jim Stovall that started a change in my life. That change was realizing that even though I am losing my eyesight, I still can achieve the things I want. If and only if I take action and have belief will I actually acquire it. It's the law of attraction fulfilling it's power. The law of attraction only comes to you with action.
So what can a blind person actually do?
"Nothing" most people say, but that just is not the case. True that we blind people are limited in our abilities, we are not, however, incapable, but rather restricted unfairly. We are restricted by those who feel we are not capable. Restricted only by prejudice. Why do prospective employers, investing capitalists, even friends and family, feel like a person with limited or no eyesight cannot achieve something? Why is it just because it may take a blind person a little bit longer to get from A to B that people set "can't" restrictions on them automatically? Blind people are people, too. God created man equally. That doesn't mean equal in looks, abilities, and mind. If that were the case we would all be like a Tom Cruise or Kelly Carlson, Michael Jordan or an Einstein. What it really means is that EVERY person, grasping the opportunity and proper mindset, could exceed expectations and all that is considered impossible. Obviously, not everyone is given the chance to be someone great. It is, understandably so, only possible with the right attitude, proper vision and also the proper actions to position one's self for achievement
Guess what?
Blind people have an ability to absorb all of those personal growth requirements just as well as anyone else.With those things in place, all can achieve greatness. What I have found in the difference between ordinary people and blind people is that the majority of blind people see more. They have the ability to see what most others don't. To see what others overlook. Most blind people have vision, just like the most successful entrepreneurs, they have the ability to look outside the box and envision what is possible, not impossible. Give the blind person a chance and he/she will take advantage of every opportunity they get to prove themselves. That's the difference I have found with all the blind people I have met. The average person does not grab hold of their opportunities; that's why they are called normal. You have probably heard of the 80/20 rule, but have you heard of the 90/10 rule? I believe the 90/10 rule to be more realistic. Here's how it works with normal people-- 90/10= 90% will not see, 10% will have true vision and succeed. With blind people it's the opposite-- 90/10= 90% will see and grasp what true vision is, 10% won't. It doesn't happen spontaneously. It is learned by acceptance, respect, and understanding of what life's lessons really teach us. Robert Kiyosaki explains the 90/10 rule in his books and teachings. His philosophy of 90/10 doesn't only apply to money, as he tells us, but human success as well. Ninety percent will not focus, ten percent will and that 10% wins in life. The visually impaired people have a knack to be part of that 10% because they are not willing to be normal.
What is the same?
Blind people are like everyone else--human and susceptble to negative thoughts and inferiority. For either the sighted or unsighted, it takes action and proper positive mentality to overcome life's depressions, discover true belief in one's self and find personal success. With vision and action anyone will excel, even the blind. So, the next time you want to underestimate a blind person or any person, remember this quote by Helen Keller:
It is a terrible thing to see and have no vision.
Helen Keller
So what can a blind person actually do?
"Nothing" most people say, but that just is not the case. True that we blind people are limited in our abilities, we are not, however, incapable, but rather restricted unfairly. We are restricted by those who feel we are not capable. Restricted only by prejudice. Why do prospective employers, investing capitalists, even friends and family, feel like a person with limited or no eyesight cannot achieve something? Why is it just because it may take a blind person a little bit longer to get from A to B that people set "can't" restrictions on them automatically? Blind people are people, too. God created man equally. That doesn't mean equal in looks, abilities, and mind. If that were the case we would all be like a Tom Cruise or Kelly Carlson, Michael Jordan or an Einstein. What it really means is that EVERY person, grasping the opportunity and proper mindset, could exceed expectations and all that is considered impossible. Obviously, not everyone is given the chance to be someone great. It is, understandably so, only possible with the right attitude, proper vision and also the proper actions to position one's self for achievement
Guess what?
Blind people have an ability to absorb all of those personal growth requirements just as well as anyone else.With those things in place, all can achieve greatness. What I have found in the difference between ordinary people and blind people is that the majority of blind people see more. They have the ability to see what most others don't. To see what others overlook. Most blind people have vision, just like the most successful entrepreneurs, they have the ability to look outside the box and envision what is possible, not impossible. Give the blind person a chance and he/she will take advantage of every opportunity they get to prove themselves. That's the difference I have found with all the blind people I have met. The average person does not grab hold of their opportunities; that's why they are called normal. You have probably heard of the 80/20 rule, but have you heard of the 90/10 rule? I believe the 90/10 rule to be more realistic. Here's how it works with normal people-- 90/10= 90% will not see, 10% will have true vision and succeed. With blind people it's the opposite-- 90/10= 90% will see and grasp what true vision is, 10% won't. It doesn't happen spontaneously. It is learned by acceptance, respect, and understanding of what life's lessons really teach us. Robert Kiyosaki explains the 90/10 rule in his books and teachings. His philosophy of 90/10 doesn't only apply to money, as he tells us, but human success as well. Ninety percent will not focus, ten percent will and that 10% wins in life. The visually impaired people have a knack to be part of that 10% because they are not willing to be normal.
What is the same?
Blind people are like everyone else--human and susceptble to negative thoughts and inferiority. For either the sighted or unsighted, it takes action and proper positive mentality to overcome life's depressions, discover true belief in one's self and find personal success. With vision and action anyone will excel, even the blind. So, the next time you want to underestimate a blind person or any person, remember this quote by Helen Keller:
It is a terrible thing to see and have no vision.
Helen Keller
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Teaching Children In Our Homes Before It's Too Late
Society is degrading right before our eyes and I believe that it has all started in corrupted homes. Many fathers and mothers are failing in raising their children properly. Meaning: Good values, good morals, good anything is becoming obsolete. Kids are dropping out of schools like flies dropping to the floor after a fogging. Except the poison here for us is lack of responsibility in teaching our kids what's right, what's wrong, and what's proper. Our children are turning into criminals of all types at rapid rates: thugs, thieves, rapists, etc. have always been around but are becoming more evident on both west side and east side of the tracks. Even in the workplace our young white collar & blue collar workers are committing fraud, embezzlement, cheating the system. Morality has dipped way below the redline. Adultery, pornography, disrespect of both men and women's personal boundaries are hammering filth and perverseness into our society.
The solution -- Take responsibility for ourselves and our children. Learn about truths, wisdom, and morality. Feel the warming, comforting feeling of choosing the right, doing something good on a daily basis as a habit, and of course do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Teach your children the same. Don't be a hippocrat. Teach by living as an example and giving your children direction and understanding, not dictatorship and control. The schools are not going to do it for you. The government is not going to do it for you, even church alone is not going to do it. It starts with you, the parent, the responsible one.
Tom Perry said, "Teaching in the home is becoming increasingly important in today’s world, where the influence of the adversary is so widespread and he is attacking, attempting to erode and destroy the very foundation of our society, even the family. Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and important responsibility.
Tom Perry said, "Teaching in the home is becoming increasingly important in today’s world, where the influence of the adversary is so widespread and he is attacking, attempting to erode and destroy the very foundation of our society, even the family. Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and important responsibility.
They know that the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world. The health of any society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity, and their peace all find common roots in the teaching of children in the home.
According to the great plan of happiness, it is parents who are entrusted with the care and development of our Heavenly Father’s children.
The inspired document “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” states: “Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. ‘Children are an heritage of the Lord’ (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live."
Sunday, October 17, 2010
A Matter Of A Few Degrees
In 1979 a large passenger jet with 257 people on board left New Zealand for a sightseeing flight to Antarctica and back. Unknown to the pilots, however, someone had modified the flight coordinates by a mere two degrees. This error placed the aircraft 28 miles (45 km) to the east of where the pilots assumed they were. As they approached Antarctica, the pilots descended to a lower altitude to give the passengers a better look at the landscape. Although both were experienced pilots, neither had made this particular flight before, and they had no way of knowing that the incorrect coordinates had placed them directly in the path of Mount Erebus, an active volcano that rises from the frozen landscape to a height of more than 12,000 feet (3,700 m).
As the pilots flew onward, the white of the snow and ice covering the volcano blended with the white of the clouds above, making it appear as though they were flying over flat ground. By the time the instruments sounded the warning that the ground was rising fast toward them, it was too late. The airplane crashed into the side of the volcano, killing everyone on board.
It was a terrible tragedy brought on by a minor error—a matter of only a few degrees.
Through years of serving the Lord and in countless interviews, I have learned that the difference between happiness and misery in individuals, in marriages, and families often comes down to an error of only a few degrees. ~ A Matter Of A Few Degrees by Dieter Uchtdorf
Let's look at some replacement words for degrees that are small in consideration, but make a huge difference in the way your life will turn out:
- Minutes- Taking just a few extra minutes to recognize and seize the opportunity. Taking just a few minutes extra to spend with your child will make a huge impact on how they view you as a parent. It could possibly make all the difference in their own life. Taking just a few minutes to do something special for your spouse every now and then will keep you together for many more anniversaries!
- Clicks- Change the channel, radio station, or website to a more inspiring, uplifting, clean, moral media that sustains good values and positive spirit in the home & workplace. Nothing can deteriorate morality & goodness in your environment than loud, obnoxious music, violent TV or filthy websites. So just click to the next channel for happiness.
- Lessons- Teach your children and yourself something new. Find a good magazine or book that has topics of interest for you or your family. Read short stories, articles, etc. that enhances good thoughts and mind provoking aspects of being a better person. There's nothing like a heart warming story to share with the ones you love :)
- Hugs- If you aren't hugging your spouse & kids every chance you get, then you are losing out on the greatest of rewards. Sharing your love and care with your family is above any other on your agenda. Let them know how much you love them and show it with a hug!
These are just a few degrees you can correct to stay on course and avoid tragedy and instead reap rewards of happiness and success!
Monday, October 11, 2010
What Is Faith
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel. It is a spiritual gift and it is necessary for our salvation. "Salvation cometh to none...except it be through repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ" (Mosiah 3:12) Faith is a "hope for things which are not seen, which are true" (Alma 32:2 see also Hebrews 11:1) Faith is a principle of action and power that motivates our day-to-day activities.
Would we study and learn if we did not believe we could obtain wisdom and knowledge? Would we work each day if we did not hope that by doing so we could accomplish something? Would a farmer plant if he did not expect to harvest? Each day we act upon things we hope for when we cannot see the end result. This is faith. (see Hebrews 11:3)
Think about your everyday activities. What are things you act upon each day that you cannot see the end results of ? How does faith move you to action? How does having faith in Christ help you fulfill your day-to-day activities? To have faith in Jesus Christ means to have such trust in Him that we obey whatever He commands...becoming his disciples. Greet the morning with humbleness and prayer. The day will bring you many things good and bad, accept it, expect it, and with faith---- all is well.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Recommended Reading
As you know the choas of life often results in something lost. Well, the same is true for my reading list. I recently had a laptop break beyond repair compared to it's worth. On that laptop I had an inspirational list of fine books and blogs that are worth anyone's valuable time to read. It was a priceless loss. However, it can be replaced with time and research on my part. A few hours in my library and memory should recall many of those lost items to re-list. So be sure to take a peek at my READING LIST below. Check it often to see updates to current reads and for new listings posted. I promise that every book or blog I put there is worth it. Enjoy!
Law Of Attraction
Acknowledging the Law Of Attraction and how to implement it's concept into my own life, I find happiness and success together; as that is how they function.
To learn more about the Law of Attraction I suggest watching "The Secret" DVD, reading The Answer, The Secret To The Law Of Attraction, The Missing Secret, and so many others. If you were to Google it, you would find ENDLESS authors and speakers, websites, seminars, training products, sales gimmicks, schemes, scams, and more. It has taken the world by storm just as Microsoft took the PC world by storm. There are many opinions, observations, and so called experts on the subject. What it boils down to is that it does exist! It is an unseen, untouchable, but SURELY experienced, witnessed & felt law. It's to be had when you figure it out for yourself. It will bring you anything and everything you attract to yourself. It is a powerful, resourceful law, but NOT nearly as POWERFUL AS YOU WITHIN YOU!
To learn more about the Law of Attraction I suggest watching "The Secret" DVD, reading The Answer, The Secret To The Law Of Attraction, The Missing Secret, and so many others. If you were to Google it, you would find ENDLESS authors and speakers, websites, seminars, training products, sales gimmicks, schemes, scams, and more. It has taken the world by storm just as Microsoft took the PC world by storm. There are many opinions, observations, and so called experts on the subject. What it boils down to is that it does exist! It is an unseen, untouchable, but SURELY experienced, witnessed & felt law. It's to be had when you figure it out for yourself. It will bring you anything and everything you attract to yourself. It is a powerful, resourceful law, but NOT nearly as POWERFUL AS YOU WITHIN YOU!
submission to proper authority
To teach children to be acquiescent to seniority is to be persistant & unmitigated as a parent, mentor and leader. ~ Nathan Ostergaard
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