A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.” ~Oscar Wilde


Consider your dreams today, however faraway they seem, they are the compass to where you need to go. Dreams don't just float into your life for no reason.

If you have a dream, that is secreted away out of the light of day, bring into the light today and make it happen.


Today, I am grateful for moonlight and shadows, for the sun as it slides into night, and for the sunrise that promises a new day.


I am grateful for sleep that brings rest to the soul, for cool water to drink, and the fruit of the earth to eat. I am grateful for computers, photographers who willingly share their magnificent works of art and for dogs who sleep lazily in summer sun.


I am grateful for family and friends who complete my life, for the elderly who share the stories of the past, and for strangers who have yet to cross my path. I am grateful for great minds that bring knowledge to the world, for great hearts that fill the world with compassion, and for strong bodies that perform labor that we all might live in comfort.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May your dreams be lofty and may you pursue them with conviction as you go forth with your day.

“People only see what they are prepared to see.”~Ralph Waldo Emerson


What you see in this picture depends on how you look at it. Some see a polar bear as he climbs out of a pool of water, while others see a seal. 

Many of us can see either by shifting our focus, but others become so fixated on one image that it is all they are able to see.


It's a lot like life, really. As Emerson says, each of us sees exactly what we are prepared to see.


Consider what you are prepared to see this morning, as it will surely color your day and your life. Focusing on the negatives around you fine tunes your ability to see the negative, but with a slight shift in focus you may be surprised at the positive you will see.


Practice shifting your focus today to allow yourself to see the positive around you. Look for opportunities today and be ready to act. 


Today, I am grateful for darkness that gives way to light, rain that replenishes the earth, and joyous birds that flit from tree to tree untouched by gentle rain.

I am grateful for a clear, sound mind, a heart that beats, and feet that will carry me through my day. I am grateful for the scent of summer as it gives way to fall, for wildflowers that punctuate the earth, and natural springs that bubble cool, fresh water from the earth.


I am grateful for family and friends who share my life and give me strength, for new perspectives that allow me to see the world in another way, and for opportunities I have yet to recognize. 

I am grateful for insight and understanding that improves my life, for laughter that lightens the load, and for forgiveness that allows me to release those who have wronged me.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you stretch your mind today to see the world through a new perspective and grasp the opportunities you find along the way.

Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson






photo by nrichford

So often in life, we become so focused on the thistles that we forget to see their beauty. Consider the lowly thistle today. It's prickers are sharp and it can be an annoyance, but with its bloom it brings us the soft down that serves to line the nests of the striking Goldfinch and inspired Clement Clark Moore when writing "Twas the Night Before Christmas."


If you have ever seen the down of a thistle as it floats through the air then "Away they all flew like the down of a thistle" takes on new meaning.


Examine the thistles in your life, today and consider what hidden beauty they may hold.
Sometimes, we become so focused on the things we do not want in our lives that we forget they may have gifts to bear. That momentary set back may well be a sign to take stock of your life, change your focus and look for undiscovered treasures. Take a moment today and seek out the beauty around you and appreciate all that you have. Only by deep appreciation and gratitude for what life has given us can we go forward to attain seemingly unreachable goals. 

Today, I am grateful for misty air that once again promises rain, for the squirrel that stamps his angry feet to scare me from his path and for soft gray clouds that envelop my world. I am grateful for dancing leaves, thistle blossoms and bold wild flowers. I am grateful for another day to share my thoughts, to laugh and to enjoy the wonders of the world around me.


I am grateful for new babies and I am grateful for those yet to be born as they have much to give to this world. I am grateful that my heart holds compassion for those who struggle, that I have eyes that see beyond the surface and the drive to make a difference. I am grateful for family and friends who help me make sense of the world when it becomes confusing, from guidance from an unseen force that I call God when I lose my way, and for the knowledge that the path is always open if I but open my eyes and see it.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader as you stop and share my day. May you take the time to see the beauty around you today as you go forth to reach your goals.

“Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way.”~ Dr Seuss

Consider your goals and heart's desires today. They are out there waiting for you, all you need to do is go forward and claim them. Too often, the mountain looks too big or the distance seems so far that we become discouraged and fail to strive for what we want.

But we can't cross the distance or scale the mountain simply by viewing. Visions are wonderful, but to reach them takes action. 


Are you ready to take action today? Go forward with singleness of mind and conquer that mountain. Never forget the power that is inside you.


Today, I am grateful for soft damp air that whispers that rain may come and renew the earth. I am grateful for a reprieve from the beating sun that has dried the earth. I am grateful for unfolding flowers that bring beauty to my day.

I am grateful for grasshoppers as they spring from plant to plant, for crickets that sing into the night and for leaves that rustle in proud strong trees. I am grateful for the faraway cry of the crow, the barking of dogs and the tender meow of loving cats. I am grateful for old country roads that ramble through the wilderness, moss covered rocks and meandering streams.


I am grateful for a family to love, for friends to share a laugh and for the kindness of strangers. I am grateful for work that beckons, for eyes that see and a heart that feels.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day while you go forward to conquer your mountain. May your heart be filled with joy that overflows to the lives of others today.

Vision is only the first step . . .

You cannot plough a field by
turning it over in your mind.
Author Unknown

Photo by  jzlomek

The farmer knows that vision is only the beginning. To bring that vision to fruit requires dedication and hard work. Simply wishing it so, does not prepare the soil or sow the seeds.

Consider the attitude of the farmer today as he works steadfastly toward his vision. Just like you and I, he faces challenges beyond his control, but he does not give up.  If the weather takes a bad turn, the farmer does not give up in despair. He strives to reach his goal despite the circumstances. 

How many times in our lives we think we cannot go on--that reaching our goals is impossible--simply because of the circumstances around us. Rise up above the temptation to give in to circumstances and go forward with the determination of a farmer today as you strive to meet your personal goals.

Today, I am grateful for the chattering squirrel as he raids my feeder, for the gentle breeze that tells me fall is on its way, and for fluttering leaves that are music to my soul.  I am grateful for flowers in bloom, fragrant garden herbs, and hummingbirds as they dart through the air. I am grateful for the air I breathe, sweet garden vegetables, and sunshine.

I am grateful for family and friends who make my life full. I am grateful for those who have crossed my path and brought me the knowledge I needed to move forward. I am grateful for those I am yet to meet as they bring with them things I still need to learn.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May your heart be filled with warmth and joy as you go forward--like the farmer-- to bring your vision to pass. 

The Principles and Power of Vision: Keys to Achieving Personal and Corporate Destiny (Study Guide)