The most powerful moral influence is example. Huston Smith

freedigitalphotos.net

I've been trying to find the right quote and image for this post for a while now. You see, recently I saw a post by someone on Facebook who has a habit of posting cryptic messages about all the people who are mistreating her. Her recent post declared their devotion to Christianity. I found this very disturbing - not because I think Christians should be perfect, but because of the contrast in the example she sets for others and what appears to be her real beliefs.

It started me thinking about how easy it is to become pulled into behaviors that don't match our beliefs. When how we live our life is opposed to our beliefs, we will never reach our dreams and goals.

If you, like all of us at times, have gotten into the habit of focusing on set backs, instead of your dreams and goals, take time today to consider the values you portray with your words and actions and compare it to your beliefs about reaching your dreams.

Today, I am grateful for the nearness of spring that I know lurks beneath the snow. I am grateful for a cozy home, a warm fire and healthy food to eat. I am grateful for the road crews who work diligently through the night to keep the roads free of snow and ice.

I am grateful for warm blankets and soft pillows that keep me comfortable through the raging storm. I am grateful for dogs and cats that love unconditionally. 

I am grateful for my greenhouse that allows me to grow green things in the midst of winter, for good books to read and for the sound of wind chimes.

I am grateful for my family - for my children who always make me proud, a new daughter-in-law who has joined our family and for my husband who is always there. I am grateful for brothers and sisters who made me who I am, and for my parents who have long passed on.

And I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you take the time to consider the example you set for others as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

Expect A Miracle

Like most of us, I have a few books and authors that I turn to when I find myself lacking motivation. Today was one of those days and my author of choice was Norman Vincent Peale. Those of you already familiar with his work know how inspirational his work can be. Those of you who have not read is work; I urge to pick up a copy of  The Power of Positive Thinking. It has changed my life on a number of occasions, as it reminded me of the things I already know but sometimes forget to practice.

Today, I was reading You Can If You Think You Can by Dr. Peale. About half way through the book I suddenly confronted a chapter called "Expect A Miracle" and was immediately struck by how easily we forget the importance of our expectations.

I like to call it forgetting because it creeps up on us gradually. We don't make a conscious effort to alter our believing. Perhaps we are influenced by those around us, perhaps we simply forget that positive thinking requires active participation - at any rate, we gradually begin to adopt the attitudes and expectations of those around us.

Before we know it, we've forgotten the miracle of life bestowed on us with each passing day. We neglect to see the miracle of the rising sun. Our joy begins to weaken and life becomes routine. Like the proverbial frog in the pot of water who doesn't notice as the water heats and will sit there contentedly even though it is sure to bring him death, we become oblivious to our state of mind.

If you, like me, find yourself lulled into forgetting about the power of your thoughts and faith to build the life you desire, its time to begin Expecting Miracles and being ready to accept them when they come.

Today, I am grateful for the summer sun that warms my garden beds, for leaves that dance in the evening breeze and fireflies that light the night. I am grateful for the blades of grass that waver in the wind, the sounds of the tree frogs that make music in the night and for butterflies that dance by day.

I am grateful for the smell of newly-mown hay, for the feel of raindrops on the skin and for gentle breezes that cool the air. I am grateful for mighty oceans and majestic mountains, for shiny pebbles in the sun and sand beneath my feet.

I am grateful for family and friends, for strangers I have yet to meet and old friends who helped to make me who I am. I am grateful for children as they laugh and play, for pets that share our lives and animals that inhabit the earth.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as your stop to share my day. May you cultivate the art of Expecting Miracles as you go forth in the direction of your dreams.

Life is a mirror of your consistent thoughts. - Napoleon Hill

                                                                                                by Petra Bubníková
Even scientists are beginning to agree that what we think about, the thoughts we give our energy to and our underlying beliefs about ourselves and our world creates our reality. For some this comes as unwelcome news because it places responsibility for our destiny back on ourselves.

For those dealing with illness, personal struggles or financial difficulties it may seem a bit like blaming the victim--but that is not my intention here. We all find ourselves in trying times that seem to be created by people and events beyond our control, at times. The key is not to worry about how you may have created or contributed to the difficulties--although that may be a good exercise to increase your understanding of how your thoughts alter your reality.

The key is how you choose to alter your thoughts and behaviors to handle the seeming obstacles in your life, today.  Recognize that if your thoughts and your beliefs got you where you are today, they can also take you to where you want to be in the future.

Understanding that your thoughts and actions do in essence create your reality is a monumental step in taking control of your future.

Most of us are familiar with the concept of placebos--the proverbial sugar pill. Doctors have used them to bring about amazing results with unsuspecting patients. It seems that what the patient believes will cure their illness often does, whether the treatment is genuine or simply a placebo.

In the book Quantum Healing, Deepak Chopra introduces the concept if nocebos. A nocebo refers to the doctor's underlying belief--whether he verbalizes it or not--about the patient's recovery. According to Chopra, patient recovery typically follows the doctor's beliefs. If the attending doctor believes the patient has no hope of recovery, the patient typically obliges--while the doctor who recognizes that recovery is not only possible, but likely, often observes quick recovery in his patients. Of course, there are other factors that effect patient recovery, but Chopra exerts that the nocebo effect may be more instrumental that previously believed.

Beware of the nocebo effects in your own life. There is no reason to assume that it applies only to doctor-patient relationships; therefore must be at work in your life. There are always those around you who will expect you to fail. Guard against fulfilling their misguided expectations of you.

Today, I am grateful for the bright spring sun that melts away the mounds of winter snow. I am grateful for blades of grass that emerge and begin to grow, for spring birds that flit joyfully from branch to branch, and for fresh spring air that uplifts the soul.


I am grateful for two strong, healthy children who are not afraid to stand up for what they believe, who manifest their concerns for the world with the right action at the right time, and for their sharp clear minds that will take them far.


I am grateful for a husband who shares my life and brings joy to my soul. I am grateful for siblings who helped me make my way in the world, for my extended family that makes life rich, and for those I have loved that have gone before me and crossed over to the other side. May they enjoy the peace that comes with eternal life.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May the reflections of your thoughts--that we call reality--be crisp and clear, as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

Most people wish to serve God - but only in an advisory capacity. ~Author Unknown

kananaskis_country

How often we turn to God when we have needs, lay our souls bare and ask for his guidance--only to then try to direct his answer. Instead of giving our needs to him and trusting that he knows the way to bring our hearts desires to pass, we take it back into our own hands and view it from our own limited view, thinking we can somehow direct God's hand.

Faith is letting it go and trusting God to show you the way--not using your own fallible intellect to direct God's way.


Get into the habit of offering up your heart's desires and allowing God to direct the way.

Today, I am grateful for dawn as it makes way for day, for a sleeping world that rests silently at night and for puffs of new snow that cover the world.


I am grateful for music that lightens the load, for artists who add new perspective and for the manual laborer who works quietly to complete his tasks. I am grateful for scientists that study our world, for parents who provide guidance to our youth and for communities who pull together to improve the world.


I am grateful for family and friends who form the foundation of my life, for laughter and pizza that enrich our lives.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you cultivate the art of allowing God to direct your ways as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore. Christopher Columbus

By: lcg2001

Sometimes,  we are frustrated because we think we can not reach our goals, yet spend our  time clinging fearfully to old habits and old ways. Without the  courage and faith to step away from the known and venture into new  areas, we cannot go further than our current shore. Like the sailor, we  must be willing to risk losing sight of the shore before we can cross  the ocean and reach our dreams.

Cultivate faith in your dreams today by visualizing yourself completing  them and experiencing the joy that brings. Focus on where you need to go  and step forth in faith today, casting aside fear and doubt. Know that  your desires are within your reach, but that it may require the courage  to lose sight of the shore.

Today, I am grateful for the strengthening sun that sings of approaching spring, for our nation's children who go forth toward their futures--may they be filled with the faith and courage to do what they know is right, and for teachers who we entrust with their care--may they treat them with respect and concern.

I am grateful for those who devote their lives to building up others, who are eager to share kind a word or lend a helping hand.

I am grateful for the sharing of ideas, for good conversation and laughter that makes my life full. I am grateful for air to breathe, water to drink and food to fuel the body and soul. I am grateful for road crews and emergency workers who keep others safe amid the storms that blanket our nation today.

I am grateful for family who bring joy and courage and faith in the face of any circumstances.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you find the courage to step away from the shore of old habits and fears today, as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible. Author Unknown

By aconant

So often in life we become immobilized by the fear that what we wish to achieve is too hard, too far away or too difficult to attain and turn away from our heart's desires by convincing ourselves that we cannot go a step further.

Seldom do we admit that fear controls our actions. We rationalize and look through the eyes of the world and tell ourselves that we are being realistic, but in truth we have allowed fear a stronghold, as it cultivates doubt and colors our thoughts.

Guard against fear, today. Cultivate positive thoughts and faith and know that you can achieve the seemingly impossible--if you but believe.

Today, I am grateful for the seeds of success that have been planted with positive thoughts and the faith that all shall come to pass as it should.


I am grateful for ladybugs that survive the coldest of winters to remind me that spring is on its way,  for the gentle fall of lacy snowflakes that glitter in the morning light and for the day that is set before me.


I am grateful for those who lend a helping hand, for those who offer a positive word and those who offer up their lives for the good of man.

I am grateful that positive thoughts and positive energy chases away doubt and fear, that I have the ability to choose my thoughts and that I have the ability to touch the lives of others.


I am grateful for a past that has made me strong, for the present that holds great joy and for the future filled with awesome possibilities.


I am grateful for family that I call home, for my children who have grown strong and for the bright vision of their futures.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you cultivate an attitude of gratitude for all you have been given and challenge your fears so that you may go forward in the direction of your dreams.

“We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.”

According to the Laws of Attraction, our thoughts determine the direction of our lives. For those who have grown accustomed to the belief that thoughts merely come and that we have no control over them, this may not be a comforting thought. But for those who understand that we choose our thoughts, or at least we choose which we will focus on, it opens the door to enlightenment.

Before you declare that you do not have control over the thoughts that enter your mind, let's take a moment to explore that belief.  If I ask you to think about pizza, surely you can change your thoughts to images of crispy brown crusts, covered with melted cheese and dotted with hot spicy pepperoni. Chances are you have no difficulty visualizing your favorite pizza complete with topping and may even conjure up the aroma, taste and texture as well. Sure, my suggestion may have prompted it--just as circumstances and events in your life may prompt thoughts--but you chose to entertain the thought and create the image.

As human beings we have the remarkable ability to govern our thoughts and determine the direction they will go. It is this ability to direct our thoughts that determines the direction and circumstances of our lives. Jesus tells us in Matthew 17:20 "... For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” Surely, if he instructs us in the measure of faith required to create action from our thoughts, the ability to choose those thoughts must lie within us.

Even though you are the director of your thoughts, there are times when it seems you simply cannot get an idea, a fear, or an annoying thought out of your head. Believe it or not, there is a reason for this. Your mind can not process a negative thought. Now, I know what you thinking. Look closely. I didn't say your mind can not think negative thoughts--I said it cannot process a negative thought. In this context a negative thought refers to your instructions to stop thinking about something. 

Let's give it a try, shall we? Right now. Right this very minute--do not think about penguins. Be strong. Be adamant. Instruct your mind not to think about penguins. What happened to your thoughts? The more you instruct your brain to NOT think about penguins the harder it is to move past the thought. The mind does not process the word NOT and focuses on penguins, simply because it is the way the mind functions. To remove the thought of penguins require a conscious shift in thought.

You probably had no problem erasing the image crispy pizza, but the image of penguins persisted. In the first instance, you simply changed your thinking away from pizza. In the second, you fed your mind a negative command and experienced your mind's inability to process a negative.

So what does all that have to do with your future? Everything. Many of us make the error or thinking about the things we don't want in life. We don't want to be fat. We don't want to be tired. We don't want to be poor. We don't want to think about penguins. In turn, our mind refuses to let go of the image and we release to the images of the things we don't want to the universe. It in turn complies and brings more of what we don't want into our lives.

If you want to change your life. Change your thoughts. Focus on what you do want and go forward to reach your dreams.

Today, I am grateful for the flickering light of a candle that adds warmth and comfort in cold winter months, for rich color that enhances my life and for artists who bring a canvas to life.

I am grateful for the department of transportation that works to keep winter roads clear, for firemen willing to risk their lives to save others and for electricians who keep our homes safe.

I am grateful for weathermen who warn me of winter storms, for news anchors who keep me informed and for television to brings news to the world.

I am grateful for my children who always make me proud, for a husband who shares my life and for siblings who have formed my world.

I am grateful for parents who taught me much, for teachers who showed me the way and college professors who encouraged me.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May your thoughts be filled with goodness and light today that you may go forth and claim your dreams.

“It's not the towering sail, but the unseen wind that moves the ship”

“It's not the towering sail, but the unseen wind that moves the ship”

photo by nazka2002


Too often in life we devote our time and energy into creating the most elaborate and powerful sails assuming that when we say, "I'm ready" the universe will respond and we will sail onward to reach our goals. We overlook that without the wind beneath our sails, we go nowhere.

Consider for a moment the source of the wind in your life. Many refer to the wind as God, who gives power and direction to their lives, while others prefer to call it the power of the Universe--but one thing remains the same, without the wind, your ship will never set sail.

Get in touch with your wind today as you prepare for the adventure set before you. 

Today, I am grateful for a warm home that provides a harbor to the storm, for family that binds my life together and for friends who make me smile.

I am grateful for air to breathe, for food to eat and coffee. I am grateful for warm dry socks, cozy blankets and soft pillows.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May your sails be strong and your wind be mighty as you sail forward to reach your goals.

“The world is full of abundance and opportunity, but far too many people come to the fountain of life with a sieve instead of a tank car… a teaspoon instead of a steam shovel. They expect little and as a result they get little.”

~Ben Sweetland  

Photo by earl53


Many Americans, it seems, live in a culture of lack, expecting nothing great from the world and quite willingly accepting a life of lack in return. But this doesn't need to be the case.

You hold the power to change your thinking about yourself and your life.Once your expectations increase, you are on your way to meeting your goals.

Today, I am grateful for Christmas lights, for multi-colored bows, and boxes tied up with ribbons. I am grateful for the fresh scent of the tree and my cat as she gently bats the balls.


I am grateful for Christmas music to make my heart light, for feelings to make my life full and words to express it all.

I am grateful for family that I hold dear, for old friends who send Christmas cheer and and snow that creates a winter wonderland.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you expect much and receive much as you go forward to meet your goals.

“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.

Develop an attitude of gratitude and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation. ~Brian Tracy


Photo By: RAYWAL65


Take time to be grateful today. Often we become so involved in getting where we want to go that we forget to be grateful for the people and events that lead us there. 

All the great believers, those who have taught us the value of creating an image and holding fast until it comes to pass, have also taught that expressing gratitude is an essential step in achieving abundance in our lives. 

 Our want for the future must be tempered with a sincere gratitude for what we already have and for that which is to come. Why or how it works is a mystery. For those with religious beliefs, the explanation is that when we are grateful for what he has given us and have faith is his almighty power, God rewards us with the desires of our hearts. But, even those with religious faith admit that the technique works whether we believe in an almighty God or not. Those without religious beliefs attribute it to the Universe. Whatever your belief, whatever you choose to call the ever-present almighty power in your life, it must be combined with gratitude.

Express  your gratitude today as you work towards building the future you have always dreamed of.

I am grateful for air to breathe, for songs to sing and for chickadees. I am grateful for sunny days, starry nights and rain that fuels the earth and growing things. I am grateful for a sound mind that allows me to visualize what I want most, for the faith to see it through and for the knowledge that it will comes to pass. 

I am grateful for family and friends to share my life, for the song of the robin that announces the break of day and for opportunities that have not yet comes to pass. I am grateful for a bright future for my children as they seek their way  in the world.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May your heart be filled with gratitude and your thoughts look to the future with hope and faith and the knowledge that what you desire most will come to pass. 

To believe in the things you can see and touch is no belief at all. But to believe in the unseen is both a triumph and a blessing.~Bob Proctor


 photo by wallyir

Consider the return of birds in spring, today. The robin and the swallow return not by knowing the month and day that promises the return of spring, but by faith in that which they cannot yet see.  They know in their heart that spring will return and take action as though it were already here.

Their joyous chorus rings out long before the first rays of sun that signals dawn, yet they celebrate the coming of day. How wonderful to be like the birds of the field and act as though what we desire most already exists.

Take your cue from the faithful birds today and take action whether so see your goals coming to fruit or not. Act as though they already exist and let your soul shout out in song.

Today, I am grateful for green grass that grows in rain knowing the sun will return. I am grateful for the chorus of birds that reminds me that all is well with the world, for sleeping frogs soon to ring out in chorus and for flowers that will unfold when it is time. I am grateful for spring rain and cloudy skies that prepare my world for the glory of spring, for people I have yet to meet who will enliven my soul and for strangers who I will never know but touch with my words.




I am grateful for family and friends who challenge me to think outside the box and who remind when it is time for rest. 


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop and share my day. May your day be filled with faith as you act on things not yet seen with the eyes, but you know in the heart will comes to pass. May your thoughts be joyous and your heart be light as you journey through your day.

Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. It's what sunflowers do. - Helen Keller

This little beauty sprung forth beneath my bird feeder in a secluded corner that receives filtered sun a mere few hours each day. Instead of withering away from want of the sun, it choose to stand strong and tall to welcome the few rays it receives with gratitude.

Instead of giving up for lack of soil, it sent forth its roots into the shallow soil and held fast never faltering against the winds.

It held its head high and bloomed despite its circumstances and reached forth to greet the sun with joy, turning its face to follow its path.

We have much to learn from the lowly sunflower that awakes with joy, never faltering in its focus on that which brings it warmth and growth and life.

I wish for you, today, that you greet the world like the humble sunflower, lifting up your face with joy to all that is good and life affirming. Maintain your focus and follow the path of that which brings you joy with gratitude.

Today, I am grateful for the quiet of the morning, the cool soft breeze and the first rays of sun. I am grateful for birds on wing, for butterflies and blooming flowers. I am grateful for the fragrance of nature, the glorious dew drop on the leaf and grass that blankets the land. I am grateful for the opportunity to greet another day with joy. I am grateful for the rustling of leaves, delicate ferns in dappled sunlight and wildflowers that bloom despite their circumstances. I am grateful for family and friends who bring me great joy and make my life full. I am grateful to my God, and creator, for the immense beauty he has bestowed upon this earth.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader. May you greet the world like a radiant sunflower lifting up your face to all that is good and life affirming today.