Present time

"We are so rarely in the present. Within a period of five minutes we are remembering one thing, anticipating something else, unable to focus on the only time that is ours to affect. In moments of intense exertion, physical or emotional, we are forced into the present. Part of the "high" that comes with long distance running is that there comes a point when all we can think about is the next step. There is also a "high" that comes with an emergency because we cannot think beyond what must immediately be done. But why when we are not pushed to our limits, can't our mind simply rest in the present? The present is not boring or routine. It is basically unknown and recovered only with a haze of nastalgia. When we stop skimming the surface and allow ourselves to be fully submerged in the present, we discover depths of beauty and meaning. THE PRESENT IS THE ONLY PLACE WHERE WE CAN FIND GOD."

- Carol Ochs "The Presence in the Desert"

Ask God

I asked God to take away my pain.
God said, No. It is not for me to take
away, but for you to give up.

I asked God to make my
handicapped child whole.
God said, No. Her spirit is whole
and her body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No. Patience is a
by-product of tribulations;
it isn't granted, it is earned.

I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No. I give you blessings.
Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No. Suffering draws you
apart from worldly cares and brings
you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No. You must grow on
your own, but I will prune you to
make you fruitful.

I asked for all things that I
might enjoy life.
God said, No. I will give you life so
that you might enjoy all things.

I asked God to help me LOVE others,
as much as He loves me.
God said...Ahhhh,
finally you have the idea.

Author Unknown

Dear God,

Thank you for loving us.
Thank you for leading us.
Thank you for teaching us.
Thank you for life...
that we may live lives that make you smile.

Thank you for all these things.

Amen

The Blame Game

When you blame others,
you give up your power to change.
Robert Anthony

"And Jesus said, "I tell you the truth,
unless you change, and become like little children,
you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 18:3

Leave a mark

Live life to the fullest. True and honest, begin with yourself and extend it to others. Use your words wisely. Words have power and create influence, do not spread them carelessly. Negative words create negative energy and repel those around you. Live in the positive.

Leave your 'stamp' on everything you do. Make yourself an icon to be admired and respected. Become an inspiration to others-so think carefully before you speak and act. Every action, every word carries a consequence. Create a genuineness about you that is addictive to all those who meet you.

And finally, leave a mark on those you meet that couldn't have been left if you weren't in their lives.

Author Unknown

In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds,
with purity in doctrine, dignified,
sound in speech which is beyond reproach….
Titus 2:7-8

It takes courage

It takes strength to be firm,
It takes courage to be gentle.

It takes strength to conquer,
It takes courage to surrender.

It takes strength to be certain,
It takes courage to have doubt.

It takes strength to fit in,
It takes courage to stand out.

It takes strength to feel a friend's pain,
It takes courage to feel your own pain.

It takes strength to endure abuse,
It takes courage to stop it.

It takes strength to stand alone,
It takes courage to lean on another.

It takes strength to love,
It takes courage to be loved.

It takes strength to survive,
It takes courage to live.
Author Unknown

Wait for the LORD;
Be strong and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the LORD.
Psalm 27:14