Chapter 4, Page 30, Book 14

You can spread it with a hug.

You can catch it from a smile.

And you can celebrate it with a flower.

It's a miracle we call Hope.

Daffodil Days, California

Flowers are one of the most beautiful things I think God created and sometimes I think He created them just for me. They give me this happy feeling. When I see how simple but yet how fantastic flowers are, I can't help thinking that God is still in control and all is right with the world. There are several different varieties of daffodils around my house and today I'm sharing some folk lore and legends with you all about daffodils.  

Day 10 of 50:   Keep fresh flowers around.  Easter plants, such as tulips and Easter lilies. They're plants that hide themselves underground during the winter, and pop out around Eastertide. It's a symbol of rebirth and resurrection.

Plant lore tells us that daffodils bring good fortune to the person who avoids trampling on them, so watch where you step!

The daffodil is a symbol of rebirth, a sign of the new beginnings that come with spring. Daffodils are often found connected with Easter and Easter religious services because of their new birth significance.

Never give a single daffodil, as bringing a single daffodil into the house will bring misfortune.  

Always give a bunch to ensure happiness. 

In Wales finding the first daffodil of spring is expected to bring more gold than silver to your life and home during the following 12 months.  

There is a legend that the daffodil first appeared on the night of The Last Supper in the Garden of Gethsemane to comfort Jesus in his hour of sorrow.

Today I’m thankful for:

1625. for Mr. Blue Eyes,this grandson has a birthday is today

1626. for Spring rains that make things grow and grow

1627. for all the special occasions life gives us to celebrate

A house with daffodils in it is a house lit up,
whether or not the sun be shining outside. 

 A.A. Milne

Chapter 4, Page 29, Book 14

When life knocks you on your knees you are in a perfect position to pray.

Day 9 of 50: Celebrate new life by doing something to support unborn children and their parents.

The birth of a child is a miracle, a blessing, one of the world's wonders we can see for ourselves. As a mom with a large family, now all grown, I can look back and see how much a little encouragement meant to me at the time.

There were days on end that I could have used a little help, but the help I had was mostly right here at the end my arms, my own two hands.  I do remember some lovely ladies from our church who came to visit that would leave some pamphlets an what to expect and things to do with your child as they grew.  They were a welcome sight.

As a grandmother there is little I’ve been able to do for most of my grandchildren, so many are far away and I worked full time for years.  But thankfully since I’ve retired I have been able to do a lot of babysitting and I think that is something that is appreciated.  Child care costs a lot and I don’t charge anything of course, the joy of having time with the babies is payment enough for me.  

Being a parent is a big responsibility and one that really never stops.  One thing I’ve learned is that I always have time to pray.  We have a powerful God to whom we can bring our concerns. So before you do anything else, remember to ASAP, Always Say A Prayer

There's work to do, deadlines to meet;
You've got no time to spare,
But as you hurry and scurry-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

In the midst of family chaos,
Quality time is rare.
Do your best; let God do the rest-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

It may seem like your worries
Are more than you can bear.
Slow down and take a breather-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

God knows how stressful life is;
He wants to ease our cares,
And He'll respond to all your needs
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

Let’s all continue to pray for one another. 

Bringing joy to the world is yet another critical piece is the ability to convert our happiness into joy for others. Easter People share their hope outwardly and lift up those around them who need it.  Nothing gets us out of our personal doldrums quite like helping others out of theirs. 

Three things I’m thankful for today:

1622. for roses, a flower representing peace

1623. for peace filled days at home

1624.  for smiles, they bring peace

Faith is not without worry or care, but faith is fear that has said a prayer

Author Unknown

Chapter 4, Page 28, Book 14

There will be no crown bearers in heaven who are not cross bearers on earth. 

Source Unknown

Day 8 of 50:  Make a poster of a life giving cross. Add paper flowers and leaves to it throughout Easter.

At Easter time we place beauty all around us, decorating our home with signs of new life such as flowers, alleluia banners, eggs and chicks and lambs, new candles and lots of white.  We open wide the curtains to let the sun shine.  Visual reminders all around that say Proclaim Resurrection.

I think that having a life giving cross with flowers and leaves would certainly brighten up the place around here.  Any little thing we can do to add color to our space certainly adds a little celebratory feel to our rooms.  

At one time or another all of us have had a cross to bear.  So many times over the years, I've needed something to make me feel alive and enthusiastic.  Some days wore me down so much that truthfully there was no where to look but up.  And sometimes when we're down and out, we're almost afraid to be happy, we get leery of life and what might happen next.

There is no sense in waiting for the other shoe to drop though. Difficult times have a way of convincing us that they're here to stay. Even when things are good, we have a tendency to believe that it's only a matter of time before things go wrong again. It’s in these times that we need to remember when things have improved, when the stone has been rolled back from the tomb, we should celebrate. When things are good, celebrate them. When life is blissfully boring, celebrate it. To me there is nothing so glorious as an ordinary day.  That way, when trouble finds you again, at least you're not treating it as though it never left.

When we spend too much time looking back at past events, we get caught up in the woulda, shoulda, coulda  mental talk. Learn from your past, then let it go.  Every day may not be good but there is something good to be found in every day.

Today I’m thankful for:

1619. for my inner clock, which is still ticking
1620. for time to do what I want and when I want to
1621. for a good sleep every night, it does make a difference.

The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances. 

Robert Flatt

Chapter 4, Page 27, Book 14

Hooray! Alleluia! Life is good – no matter what comes your way! So what if you're having a bad day? Celebrate your life! Just put on a happy face, and greet the day. If a problem comes along, greet it with respect and joy and dive into solving it. Don't put it off, or it'll get bigger. Things are never as difficult as you think they'll be. Take it from me; this is advice that works. Sure, some days I forget it myself, but as soon as I remember to look up (in every sense of the word) things improve. There is always a solution to even the worst problems. Take time, be creative, ask for help from other people and from God.  

Norris Chumley

Alleluia definition, praise ye the Lord

Day 7 of 50: Add an alleluia song or three alleluias to your grace before meals.

Easter is a time of renewal; hope and rejoicing  that follows Lent as Spring follows the Winter.  So let us not be grumpy and smile, praise God, and sing Alleluia!

Happiness is a choice.  For every minute you are angry or irritated, you lose 60 seconds of happiness.  Be happy.  Be yourself.  If others don’t like it, then let them be.  Life isn’t about pleasing everybody

Too often we forget that just like happiness, rejoicing is a choice.  We can learn to live it out more and more.  We can make the choice to rejoice in all circumstances,  Joy is an inside job and is not dependent on circumstances. It is your choice to rejoice. 

Easter is our season to rejoice, for our Alleluias to resound.  May we rejoice in the newness of life this day and sing Alleluia

Today I’m thankful for:

1616. for good stories that pass on good ideals 

1617. for the greatest story ever told

1618. for choices, we get to choose what we do

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!

Chapter 4, Page 26, Book 14

Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.

John Milton

When we show reverence it means that we have deep respect for someone or something.  Reverence is profound awe and love. A reverent attitude toward God includes honoring Him, expressing gratitude to Him.

I do love nature and have spent many wonderful times in the outdoors over the years.  I’m especially thankful for the times I got to enjoy camping.  Being in the woods on a beautiful summer day gives you more insight to the blessings all around us than most could ever know.

My out door times now include a lot of porch sitting.  The porch sitting season is almost here again and I’ve got some work to do to get it all ready to enjoy.  Not only do I have a nice porch but I also have a patio on the sunny side of the house and I’ve already been able to enjoy a few really nice days out there in my rocker with a good book.  

There is a lot to see and enjoy right in my own backyard.

Pursue some path however narrow and crooked in which you can walk with love and reverence. 

 Henry David Thoreau. 

Day 6 of 50:   Show reverence for God’s creation by spending time outdoors. 

Porch sitting is an old fashioned thing.  Many now a days don’t even have a porch.  I’m so thankful, particularly at this time of my life that I have one.    Here are some Porch Rules that everyone should follow while sitting on the porch

Put your feet up

Daydream

Have a drink.  Take a nap

Enjoy the day

Relax

Visit with friends. Read a book

Listen to the birds

Watch the sunrise or sunset

Wonder is the attitude of reverence for the infinite values and meaning of life, and of marveling over Gods purpose and patience in it all

Today I’m thankful for 

1613.  for lovely fragrant flowers 

1614. for delicious aroma of my morning coffee

1615. for sweet smell of chocolate !  

If a man loses his reverence for any part of life, he will lose his reverence for all of life.

Albert Schweitzer

Chapter 4, Page 25, Book 14

Humorous Signs

At a Santa Fe gas station: We will sell gasoline to anyone in a glass container.  (Have you ever seen someone in a glass container?

On a long-established New Mexico dry cleaners: 38 years on the same spot.   (Gee, by now you'd think they'da gotten that spot off!) 

 In a Los Angeles dance hall: Good clean dancing every night but Sunday. ??? 

In a Florida maternity ward: No children allowed.   (So, where are the babies delivered?) 

 In the offices of a loan company: Ask about our plans for owning your home.

In a New York medical building: Mental Health Prevention Center  (WHO would want to prevent mental health?)

On a New York convalescent home: For the sick and tired of the Episcopal Church.

On a Maine shop: Our motto is to give our customers the lowest possible prices, and workmanship.

At a number of military bases: Restricted to unauthorized personnel. (The sign should read Unauthorized Personnel Restricted from access.)

On a display of I love you only Valentines -- Available in multi-packs.

In the window of a Kentucky appliance store: Don't kill your wife. Let our washing machine do the dirty work.

In a funeral parlor: Ask about our layaway plan. 

On a shopping mall marquee: Archery Tournament -- Ears pierced 

In the window of an Oregon store: Why go elsewhere and be cheated when you can come here?

In a Maine restaurant: Open 7 days a week and weekends.

In the vestry of a New England church: Will the last person to leave please see that the perpetual light is extinguished. NO comment!

In a Pennsylvania cemetery: Persons are prohibited from picking flowers from any but their own graves.   (That sounds fair to me!)

 On the grounds of a public school: No trespassing without permission.

 On a Tennessee highway: When this sign is under water, this road is impassable.

Similarly, in front of a New Hampshire car wash: If you can't read this, it's time to wash your car.

 Author Unknown

This is the Easter message, that awakening is possible, to the goodness of God, the sacredness of human life, the sisterhood and brotherhood of all.

Anne Lamott

Day 5 of 50:   Put up a sign or banner that proclaims, He is risen!

Signs often remind us of who we are or where we’re going.  Like the male or female signs on restroom doors or no right turns at red lights.  Signs of Easter are all around us this time of year.  New birth and new life seem to be around every corner.   

I have a little chalk board in my kitchen and that is where I usually post something for the day, the month or the season and there is where you find my sign that proclaims He is Risen!

Remember who you are.   Remembering that we are more than the sum of our parts and  that there are precious things about us that are beautiful and unique because we are created in the image of God.  This is a source of joy and redemption for anyone walking a difficult road.

Today I’m thankful for:

1607.  for hot dogs any way you fix them!
1608.  for cheese it is good just about any way you use it
1609. for crescent rolls and all the wonderful ways to use them.

Chapter 4, Page 24, Book 14

Having a place to go — is a home. Having someone to love — is a family. Having both — is a blessing. 

Donna Hedges

There are days that go by here at my house that for the most part I am alone.  My family may be large but they are all grown with families of their own.  They have jobs and responsibilities that keep them busy day to day  A very few of them live close, most are far away, but I do know if I need them they will be here for me.  

The picture above was of three of my children, the two youngest of my sons and my daughter,  and their families taken at church on Easter Sunday.  I don’t often get them there with me, usually I’m sitting by myself.  I do have warm memories of filling a whole pew just with my family alone.

We try to get together for holidays and special occasions, but it’s not often at all that the whole family is together.  If they can’t make it in person though I know they are here in spirit.  I’ve never regretted having such a large family.  They’ve been a blessing to me for sure

Day 4 of 50:  Plan fun family activities.  Do one for every week of Easter.

We do make sure there are some times set aside to be together.  The dates are usually set aside far in advance.  It’s not easy finding a time that is convenient for everyone so we put the date on the calendar.  Just like making an appointment for a dentist or doctor, the time is set aside.  

Cling to the people who love you.  We  all really need someone to lean on. It's only after we've come through the darkness that we realize that others were there, urging us on, reminding us to mind our step.

This Easter season, find joy in those who traveled through your Lent, literally and figuratively,  with you.  For me, my family and friends are the ones that help to keep me on track.

We laugh. We play. We give thanks.

Today I’m thankful for:

1610. For trees, big or small and their wonderful blossoms this time of year

1611. for my home, it’s a comfortable place to be

1612.  for a life, deeply rooted in faith

When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses. 

Joyce Brothers

Chapter 4, Page 23, Book 14

The spirit of Easter is all about Hope, love, and joyful living. 

 Anonymous.

Day 3 of 50:   Every day, read together from the Easter story: Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20-21.

Tell me the old, old story, of Jesus and His love.

We are the Easter People and ‘Hallelujah’ is our song. 

 St. Augustine

The picture today is of 3 of my little grandsons on Easter Sunday.   The Easter story has been described as the greatest story ever told. As 'Easter people' we know that goodness can overcome evil. We understand that even in the darkest moments of our lives, there is a promise of new life, new hope, new energy, new possibilities. We know that God can transform everything into something good – no matter how painful, boring, or difficult things may seem. We can be renewed, re-energized, recreated.

How will you live as an 'Easter person'?

Will you let go of bad habits, judgmental attitudes, or negative outlooks?

Will you let go of anger or resentment toward someone who hurt you?

 Will you ask for forgiveness from someone you have hurt?

Will you reach out to someone who needs a kind word or a helping hand?

Will you set aside time to work on your spiritual life?

Will you stand up for something that is important?

Will you say no to something that is wrong?

Will you try to cultivate a sense of gratitude for all of the good things in your life?

If your answers to any of these questions is yes, then you understand the power and the promise of being an 'Easter person.’

Author Unknown

The story of Easter is the story of God's wonderful window of divine surprise.  

Carl Knudsen

Today I’m thankful for:

1604. for the chance to do something new

1605.  for all the risks I took in life

1606. for the opportunity to broaden my faith

See the land, her Easter keeping,
Rises as her Maker rose.
Seeds, so long in darkness sleeping,
Burst at last from winter snows.
Earth with heaven above rejoices…  

Charles Kingsley

Chapter 4, Page 22, Book 14

Prayer for the Home

Peace, unto this house, I pray,

Keep terror and despair away;

Shield it from evil and let sin

Never find lodging room within.

May never in these walls be heard

The hateful or accusing word.

Grant that its warm and mellow light

May be to all a beacon bright,

A flaming symbol that shall stir

The beating pulse of him or her

Who finds this door and seems to say,

Here end the trials of the day.

Hold us together, gentle Lord,

Who sit about this humble board;

May we be spared the cruel fate

Of those whom hatreds separate;

Here let love bind us fast, that we

May know the joys of unity.

Lord, this humble house we'd keep

Sweet with play and calm with sleep.

Help us so that we may give

Beauty to the lives we live.

Let Thy love and let Thy grace

Shine upon our dwelling place.

Edgar Guest

Home and family are two of the most important things in my life.

Day 3 of 50 :   Use a special candle at family meals to recall the light of Christ.

I always have candles lit here at my house, but to have one dedicated to Easter will remind me over and over that  Easter is more than a Day, it is a Way.   A Way of living our lives differently as we make our way in the journey of life.  The real issues of life, love, loss, death, fear cannot be resolved by anything we can see, touch or feel. They can only be dealt with through hope, and the greatest symbol of hope is resurrection, our dear Lord’s  power to raise anything and anyone from the depths.

Remember: Smile

Wherever you go, look people in the eyes, and smile. It seems so simple, but a smile can bring light into a person’s life quicker than anything else you can do.

Today I’m thankful for:

1601. for daffodils and tulips bring a world of color to my door

1602. for automated car washes that save me a lot of work

1603. for warmer weather and sunshine giving me wonderful days to spend outdoors

Light gives of itself freely, filling all available space.  It does not seek anything in return; it asks not whether you are friend or foe.  It gives of itself and is not thereby diminished.  

Chapter 4, Page 21, Book 14

This is going to be a joyful day. Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, whomever you’re with, you can add your own joy to the mix.

Ralph Marston

 I’ve decided to celebrate the season of Easter here on my blog this year.  Easter Day was celebrated yesterday, the 20th of April and today for some it’s over and done.  But Eastertide is the season of the year that begins on Easter Sunday and ends 50 days later on the day of Pentecost, that is on June 8th this year.

Easter is a season of JOY!  And I’m all about celebrating every day and enjoying what each one offers.  Just as with Christmas, Jesus is still the reason for the season.

I found a list of 50 things to do for the season Easter and am going to be improvising on it and hopefully giving some new insight along the way including 50 days of Gratitude - the 3 things I’m thankful for each day.  I think Easter is about resurrection, resurrection is about new and unexpected possibilities, and unexpected possibilities are an occasion for gratitude. My hope is that by spending the next fifty days giving thanks for all that I have been given I will live into the Easter reality of new life and possibility more fully and thereby face all the challenges of my life with greater faith and confidence

Rise up and walk in newness of life

Day 2 of 50

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for a little over a  year and have now reached 1600 gifts.  On my way to 2000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1598.  for all the good and the beautiful all around us, it is there if we take the time to look

1599. for another new week ahead. 

1600.  for time to revive and refresh

The Lenten fasts are over, so rejoice with special meals or treats. The purple or violet of Lent is replaced by the white and gold of Easter, so wear brightly colored clothing to show your joyful spirit, and decorate with lilies and other flowers.

Easter isn’t one day because love in its fullest measure does not happen in one day. It roots and grows over days and weeks and a lifetime. It enters our lives sometimes quietly, sometimes surprisingly, always a change. We may open the door to love after a time of grief or a period of preparation. On Easter, we are asked to open the door to love in its most glorious expression. 

One of the articles I read about the 50 days of Easter call it 50 days to Fabulous!  Easter is pure gift, but it takes some discipline to live into that gift. First we need to receive the gift, which requires more than restoring some Alleluias into our lives, celebrating the return of baseball and basking in the blossoms of Spring. We are given fifty days  which, tellingly, is longer than Lent, to allow the Easter gift to be absorbed into the depth of our souls. 

If you want to change your living, you need to change your thinking.

 Robert Maddox

Chapter 4, Page 20, Book 14

An Easter Prayer

God, give us eyes to see
the beauty of the Spring,
And to behold Your majesty
in every living thing.

And may we see in lacy leaves
and every budding flower
The Hand that rules the universe
with gentleness and power.

And may this Easter grandeur
that Spring lavishly imparts
Awaken faded flowers of faith
lying dormant in our hearts.

And give us ears to hear, dear God,
the Springtime song of birds
With messages more meaningful
than man's often empty words.

Telling harried human beings
who are lost in dark despair
'Be like us and do not worry
for God has you in His care.'

Helen Steiner Rice

Happy Happy Easter everyone!  It’s especially rewarding for me to be celebrating Easter this year.  I do hope you all have a very Happy and Blessed Easter Day!

Chapter 4, Page 19, Book 14

The fasts are done; the Aves said;
The moon has filled her horn
And in the solemn night I watch
Before the Easter morn.
So pure, so still the starry heaven,
So hushed the brooding air,
I could hear the sweep of an angel's wings
If one should earthward fare.

Edna Dean Proctor

Today’s focus:

Give up giving up----hang in there!

Here we are on the eve of Easter and finally we are almost done.  If you’ve hung in there with me these 40 plus days during the season of Lent, I hope that something in my reflections helped you to have a more meaningful Easter.  I know they have made me realize what I needed to do more of and less of too for that matter.  It’s been a time of new paths, new perspectives; of renewal and hope.

Lent gives us time to think anew, to change our thinking and how we view life. Every day we get a chance to do better than the day before.  No one is perfect, but we have choices to make that can and will make our lives better.  Each day is a new day and a new opportunity to grow and learn.

Let go of the struggles and embrace your potential. Your shift in attitude will shift your life from the shadows into the sunshine.

Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life.  

S.D. Gordon

Chapter 4, Page 18, Book 14

It's Up to You

One song can spark a moment,
One flower can wake the dream.
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.

One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts a soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame the goal.

One vote can change a nation,
One sunbeam lights a room.
One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.

One step must start each journey,
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.

One voice can speak with wisdom,
One heart can know what's true.
One life can make the difference,
You see, IT'S UP TO YOU!

Author Unknown 

Today’s focus:

Give up giving up----hang in there!

Faith goes
up the stairs
love has built
and looks out the window
which hope has opened...

Charles Spurgeon

The value of one can seem so insignificant in the grand scheme of things but when we think about one positive word of encouragement, one positive goal, one precious new life, we realize that one can make a tremendous difference for good.

 When we hang in there, we are practicing the God given characteristic of perseverance

There is no challenge too small for someone who is rooted in faith. There is no time that is too hard, because those with faith keep their ideal outcome in mind and know that they are stronger than their circumstances.

The number one reason to never give up is we don’t know what will happen next.  We can’t know what the next minute, hour, or day will bring. And maybe if we hold on and keep trying, it will be the turn for the better we were waiting for.

Chapter 4, Page 17, Book 14

Finally some signs of Spring are popping up everywhere!

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. 

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. 

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. 

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become bitter or vain, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. 

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. 

 Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. 

Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. 

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. 

Especially, do not feign affection.

 Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass. 

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. 

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. 

But do not distress yourself with imaginings. 

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. 

You are the child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. 

Be cheerful. 

Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann

Today’s focus:

Give up giving up----hang in there!

I used to keep a copy of the Desiderata on the wall right in front of my computer so that I’d see it every day.  I worked at a very fast paced job where problems seemed to be around every corner.  Reading this good advice seemed to calm me and put me in a place where I could tackle the stress of the job.  

Years later, long after I left that job and went to another one, I kept it right there in front of me because it was still good advice and even now after I’ve retired, It is still the best of advice for my everyday life.

When something is good you keep it.

It's not the outlook but the UP look that counts. Keep looking up friends

When you reach the bottom, there is only one way to go, UP

Chapter 4, Page 16, Book 14

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When cares are pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns.
And many a fellow turns about,
When he might have won, had he stuck it out.
Don't give up, though the pace seems slow,
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man;
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup;
And he learned too late when the night came down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt.
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit,
It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit.

Author Unknown

Today’s Focus:  Give up giving up----hang in there!

These last few days before Easter will be all about hanging in there!

Don't give up! Don't give in! You hang in there! Because if you quit right now, you ain't never gonna see it! You ain't never gonna get it! 

Eric Thomas.

Challenging, difficult times bring about opportunity.  Opportunities to grow, improve, and build strength and character.  Realizing dreams requires, drive, determination, and commitment to do whatever it takes.

The old saying is about when the going gets tough the tough get going.  It’s really true.  Focusing on a problem will only serve to energize the problem, causing it to become bigger.  We have to get tough and keep on going.

When you think you are at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on

God is the one who helps me tie the knot to hang on, because He is holding the rope. He gives strength to hang onto the dreams .

Persevere; hang in there and keep the faith

When you get to your wits end, you will find, God lives there.  

Author Unknown

Where there is a will, there is a way

Chapter 4, Page 15, Book 14

The 7-Ups

Wake Up - Decide to have a good day. 

Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it

Psalms 118:24 

 Dress Up -The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.

 Man looks at outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart 

I Sam 16:7

Shut Up - Say nice things & learn to listen. God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. 

He who guards his lips guards his soul

Proverbs 13:3 

Stand Up - For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything. 

Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good…

 Galatians 6:9-10

Look Up - To the Lord. 

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength

  Phillipians 4:13

Reach Up - For something higher. As Jiminy Cricket sings High Hopes! Always try to better yourself. Have FAITH. 

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 

 Hebrews 11:1

Lift Up - Your Prayers. 

Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING

Phillipians 4:6

 Author Unknown 

Today’s focus:  Give up sin----turn to virtue.

The sin of pride and virtue of humility

Matthew 5:5 

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

It is often said that Virtue is its own reward.  Virtues are important because they are antidotes to the root causes of our suffering and delusions.  Virtues are the essence of the human spirit and the content of our character. 

Meekness and humility are closely related, but not identical. You cannot have one without the other, but they are not precisely the same thing. Meekness is not weakness. It takes a strong person to be meek. 

Uncertainty is a sign of humility, and humility is just the ability or the willingness to learn. 

 Charlie Sheen

We need to let go of the feeling that we  know it all and be ready to learn something new every day.  Having to say the last word on a subject, even though we may be right, is also something I need to let go of too.

Humility overcomes the sin of pride.  Humility is the virtue that recognizes our 100% reliance on God for all that we have, or ever will have. Everything on earth is on loan from God, including our good looks, our money, our house, etc. Those who think that they got all of these things on their own are in for a big surprise. 

Pride moves us to love ourselves. Humility moves us to assess our motives carefully. Pride leads us to love our thoughts and to blur the truth when it challenges us. Humility leads us to listen humbly and judge the truth on its own merit. May we always choose the humble path and not allow ourselves to become puffed up with self love

Swallowing your pride seldom leads to indigestion

Let someone else blow your horn, the sound will go twice as far.