Dedication: It is the effort of many that create the ripples that can move mountains.

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Sometimes we are so concerned with making big changes in our lives that we forget that change does not come overnight. Its so easy to forget that small efforts can make big changes. Like the pebble that sends out ripples that grow as they move outward, the efforts you make today are capable of leading you to a bright future.

Get into the habit of accomplishing small tasks that lead to your goals, today, and don't be discouraged because you can't reach them right away.

Today, I am grateful for the cool summer breeze, for tiny cucumbers on the vine, and tomatoes that turn from green to gold and finally red. I am grateful for the bees that are abuzz in my garden, for the hummingbird that darts about, and for dragonflies that devour mosquitoes about my head.

I am grateful for the hoot of the owl in the midst of darkness, for the night sky in all its glory, and for mountains that remind me to stand strong.

I am grateful for butterflies that flit from flower to flower, for the deep green moss that blankets the forest floor, and for winding streams that tumble and splash over logs and stones.

I am grateful for the bounty of the earth that provides nuts and berries for man and beast. 

I am grateful for my children who always make me proud, for my husband who is always there,  and for brothers and sisters who have shared my life. 

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop and share my day. May you create ripples that move mountains as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them. Walt Disney

                                                                                                                           Freedigitalphotos.net

It's funny how you can go along in life convincing yourself you are working towards your goals and dreams, and then in flash realize you are playing it safe and not really taking a risk at all. I've been doing that for a while. As some of you know, I am a writer. It's what I do for a living. Lately, though I've been settling for work that comes my way and rationalizing that times are tough and I'm lucky to have work all.

It isn't like the work is bad or the pay is abysmal or anything like that. It's not. It's just that I suddenly realized that by playing it safe and sticking with a relatively sure thing,  I was probably missing out on opportunities to expand and grow as a writer.

I made a decision to do something about it and finally published my author site and put myself out there for the world to see. You can check it out, if you'd like at Professional Writing Services. Where it will lead is anyone's guess.

If you, like me, have fallen into the habit of settling for less than you really desire, and find yourself rationalizing about the rotten economy or thinking you are lucky to have what you have - it's time you take a risk and step it up a notch.

Remember the words of Walt Disney today, "All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." 

Today, I am grateful for the setting sun that sends rays across the sky, for the chattering squirrel who thinks I should offer him more food, and the robins as he serenades the night. 

I am grateful for my rudbeckia in full bloom, for my beautiful lilies, and for my vegetables garden that grows by leaps and bounds in the hot summer sun. 

I am grateful for clean fresh air to breath, water to drink and food to eat. I am grateful for pink clouds touched by the sun, for the ever-changing blue of the sky, and for the night stars that will soon appear. 

I am grateful for a healthy body, a clear sound mind, and for peaceful moments amid nature. I am grateful for summer nights that sing to the soul, for ears that hear, and eyes that see. 

I am grateful for children who make me proud, for a spouse who is always there, and for family that I hold dear .

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you be filled with the words of Walt Disney today, as you find the courage to reach for 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.