Chapter 8, Page 14, Book 18

Promise only what you can deliver. then deliver more than you promise.

Author Unknown

I’ve promises to keep

Losers make promises they often break.  Winners make commitments they always keep.

Denis Waitley

When we don’t keep a promise, it communicates that we don’t value the people that we’ve made them to.  We have chosen to put something else ahead of our commitment.  Even when we break small promises, others learn they cannot count on us.

Keeping promises is important for happy and healthy relationships.  To know that you trust someone is one of the keys to friendship.

It’s easy to make promises but keeping and delivering on them show that you have integrity and honesty and that you are trustworthy.

If you can’t keep a promise don’t make it.  Make a promise and be committed.  

But  I’ve promises to keep, 

And miles to go before I sleep

Robert Frost

Chapter 8, Page 13, Book 18

Always Remember

Always remember to forget 

the things that made you sad

But never forget to REMEMBER

the things that made you glad...

Always remember to forget 

the friends that proved untrue.

But don’t forget to REMEMBER 

those that have stuck by you…

Always remember to forget 

the troubles that have passed away

But never forget to REMEMBER

the blessings that come each day…

Author Unknown

Celebrate the good memories

The best things in life are free.

Family, Friends, Smiles,

Hugs, Kisses, Nature,

Oxygen, Love, Sleep and 

Good Memories

Good times make for good memories and those are the ones I treasure. I try to never miss a celebration of any kind in our family because that is where memories are in the making.  It’s the people that we celebrate with who make our days joyful and meaningful.  The trick is to celebrate the good times in advance of the difficult times.  

Life is richer with good memories and I intend to make more of them.  It’s easy to lose sight of life’s little pleasures, but if you take the time to notice them, to bring them in to focus, you can make them last for years and years.

Don’t let the years pass with creating some good times that you and your family and friends will cherish.  The people in our lives, not places are what make the best memories.

Sometimes

your will never know

the true value of 

A MOMENT until it becomes 

A MEMORY

Chapter 8, Page 12, Book 18

We all grow up with the weight of history on us.  Our ancestors dwell in the attics of our brains as they do in the spiraling chains of knowledge hidden in every cell of our bodies.

Shirley Abbott

We are all similar, yet we are unique

To understand and reconnect with our stories, the stories of the ancestors, is to build our identities.

Frank Delaney

I know very little about my ancestors but I do know they, more than not, came from England, Ireland, Germany, Hungary and France.  There could have been some that were Scottish and Dutch too.  I even discovered an American Indian in my maternal grandmothers family tree. I could only hope to know more about their lives.  

One thing I know for sure, maybe two, is that with the exception of the American Indian, they were all immigrants to the United States and where would I be without them.

I’m thinking that they had to have been courageous and adventuresome people to have left where they came from and travel to a virtually brand new country.  I only wish I knew what circumstance brought them here.

My dad said that his mother came from Hungary to join her husband and came through Ellis Island which is well known for processing immigrants into the US.  The story of how they met and why they choose to live here is unknown.  

We are more alike, my friends,

than we are unalike.

Maya Angelou

Yet for all the unknowns, they are all a part of me.  They make up my DNA.  They say that we’re all 99.9 percent alike .  Of the 3 billion base pairs in the human genome, only 0.1 percent are unique to us.  What that 0.1 percent is still what makes us unique, it means we’re all more similar than we are different.

I think it is good to remember those similarities as well to celebrate our differences.  We live in a world that is a rich blend of cultural traditions that all have something contribute to our way of life.  

Our history begins before we are born.  We represent the hereditary influences of our race and our ancestors virtually live in us.

James Nasmyth

Chapter 8, Page 11, Book 18

Quit worrying about how everything is going to turn out.  Live one day at a time; better yet, make the most of this moment.

Joel Osteen

Just for today I will choose joy 

One day at a time - this is enough.  Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come.  Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering.

Ida Scott Taylor

I think living one day at a time means focusing on what you can do right now.  Life happens one day at a time.  Today I will do what I’m able to do now.  Today I’ll count my blessings.  I’m going to take each day as it comes and make the best of what I’ve got.

You live longer once you realize that any time spent being unhappy is wasted.

Ruth E. Renki

A great life is made up of a lot of good days. One thing about time is that it will pass no matter what.  We can’t make it go faster, or stop it from happening. What we can do is make the the most of the moments we get.

All we need to do is try each day to do our best and enjoy what we have. 

Give every day the chance to become the most beautiful day of your life.

Mark Twain

Chapter 8, Page 10, Book 18

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter.

Izaak Walton

Good friends are life’s best traveling companions

A man has to live with himself, and he should see to it that he is always in good company.

Charles Hughes

When you live by yourself as I do, you learn to truly value good company , but very often it’s only me,  myself and I here at my house.  I really don’t mind that some days I’m the only one I see. 

 It almost seems impossible in this day and age that you can live in the middle of a community and never see another person, but it happens.  I may see a car or truck go by but don’t get an opportunity to see or speak with an actual person.

Over the years I’ve found that I don’t need to mix socially with others in order to be content.   But I do have some wonderful friends and family that help to make my life complete.  

You are only as good as the company your keep.

The friends I have are slightly different shades of me.  We have a lot of the same likes and dislikes.  We enjoying doing a lot of the same things and enjoy being in each others company.  It really doesn’t matter how much time goes by before our next visit, it seems as though we were never apart.

In order have a friend we must be a friend. We can’t be good friends to others if we aren’t friends with ourself.  The more you know yourself, the better you are to deal with anything life throws your way.  Friends are honest with us when no one else can be.  So it’s important to be honest with yourself, to be the best person you can be.

Best friends are not just good together, they are good for each other.

No road is long with good company.

Proverb

Chapter 8, Page 9, Book 18

It’s clear the future holds great opportunities.  It also holds pitfalls.  The trick will be to avoid the pitfalls, seize the opportunities and get back home by six o’clock.

Woody Allen

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Put your future in good hands — your own.

Author Unknown

The picture above is of two of my grandchildren that graduated from high school this year and will soon be off to college.  They have studies in mind that will lead them to great careers but as a mom I know that might change.  One of my sons switched his major 3 times before he settled on the right one for him.

The possibilities are endless and I’ll be waiting to see what comes in their future.  They’ll be going to new schools, making new friends and learning lots of new things, but they’ll be leaving behind their family and old friends that they are familiar with.  Hopefully their new life will bring many kind people their way.  And I hope that with all their endeavors for the future they will always remember to be kind.  

Sometimes life will take you to unhappy places or situations but when you live your life with courage and kindness, life will be good to you.

I found this advice to share and it remains true for the rest of your life.

Remember to always be kind. Say your prayers and call your mother .

Chapter 8, Page 8, Book 18

Every moment of light and dark is a miracle.

Walt Whitman

Don’t miss the miracle of the moment

I am thankful for every moment.

Al Green

One of my sons recently told me that there is never a dull moment at his house and I replied:  there’s never been a dull moment in my life. 

Truthfully every moment has been busy and filled with good things for the most part.  Even the not so good moments were good ones if you consider that we learn and grow through it all.

Life is too short not to enjoy it.

Glen Campbell

There has been and still is something new and exciting happening every day of my life.  I feel sorry for those that say their lives are dull and boring.  I think that life is what we make it.  When you take the time to look for the beauty of life in every day, you’ll never experience a boring day again.

I may lead a quiet life but it never boring.  Just trying to keep up with all that there is to do and see makes it exciting.  There is always something new and different to do.  

Breathe, Let go.  And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one your know you have for sure. 

Oprah Winfrey

Chapter 8, Page 7, Book 18

May no gift be too small to give, nor too simple to receive, which is wrapped in thoughtfulness and tied with love.

L.O. Baird

The giver is the greatest recipient

It takes great generosity to accept generosity

Merle Shain

There are times I feel like I’m on the giving end and other times I feel like I’m always taking with nothing to give back in return.  I think we’ve all had times like that at one time or another.  Life is full of give and take and you really don’t get one without the other.

When I was younger and had family at home, I really felt like I was always giving and getting nothing back in return, but as I’ve gotten older, I feel like I’m getting a lot more than I give.

They say that the act of giving can produce satisfaction, which comes when the givers sees the recipient’s gratitude.  When we focus on someone else, rather than ourselves, it improves our moods.  I know I love to see someone’s face light up when I give them something.  

Just as we need to be cheerful givers we also need to be cheerful receivers and acknowledge the gifts we get and be grateful for them.

Life is full of give and take.  Give thanks and take nothing for granted.

Author Unknown

Chapter 8, Page 6, Book 18

Every day is an opportunity to have a fresh start.  It doesn’t matter what happened yesterday; all that counts is today.  When you wake up in the morning know that today is full of opportunities waiting to be grabbed.  It is a new day, a new start. The beginning of a new life awaits you.

Author Unknown

This is a simple reminder that life is short and we cannot afford to waste the days just watching the world go round.  Every day is a new opportunity to start, don’t waste it.  

The only limitation we have when we wake up in the morning is ourself.  We have a chance every day to make a difference in our lives and the lives of others.

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.

Thomas Edison

Remember:  you don’t have to wait until next week, month or year to stat that thing you want to do.  Every day is a new opportunity, starting right now.

We learn something new every day of our lives.  That something new might just be our next opportunity.

Your one big opportunity may be right here where you are now. 

Napoleon Hill

Life is a gift .  Every day we have a new chance , another opportunity.  We have an opportunity live our best life ever.  To do the very best we can with what we’ve got and to be thankful for it all.

The next opportunity is on the way.  Get yourself in its path, ready to give your best. 

Ralph Marston

Chapter 8, Page 5, Book 18

Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.

Warren Buffett

There is always something to be thankful for.

He who plants a tree, plants hope

Lucy Larcom

I am truly very thankful for the shade I have here at my house.  There is hardly a minute I’m not in the shade all day long.  The trees are beautiful to look at and I’m sure they save me money in the amount I spend on air conditioning too.

I might have more sun in the spring  before the trees leaf and in the fall when the trees have shed their leaves, but that is something to be thankful for too as the sun warms everything.

Trees clean our air too.  Trees produce oxygen, intercept airborne particulates and reduce smog.  And did I mention they are beautiful look at.  Trees can soothe and relax us.  There is nothing quite so restful as sitting in the shade and watching a summer breeze blowing the leaves.

We can’t really put a price tag on a trees.  Each year they grow more and more priceless.

The wonder is that we can see these trees and not wonder more.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Chapter 8, Page 4, Book 18

God has a plan for all of us, but He expects us to do our share of the work.

Minnie Pearl

God’s love is enough…

God’s will is like a jigsaw puzzle until you put all the pieces together,you won’t be able to see the whole picture.

Danny L. Deaube

I am a planner.  I make New Years resolutions, write monthly goals and make daily to do lists.  I think ahead when it comes to carving out time with the people I love.  

The problem is that not everything goes the way I’ve planned, but I have learned to be very flexible.  If things don’t work out the way I planned, I try to do the best with what I’ve got and sometimes that is not a lot.

Change can be disconcerting and may require making adjustments in life.  What supports me in facing the unknown is my faith.

God will keep his promise.  It must happen because of who God is!  And because God’s promises are unbreakable, our hope is unshakable.

Max Lucado

Everything we do can change in an instant and what we thought we were going to do changes.  We can make all the plans we want, but the good Lord often has other plans for us. 

It’s important to remember that God is the master planner.  Thankfully I’m not the master of the universe.  He can take care of things so much better than I can.

The only time any of us is assured of is now, the present moment.  Plans need to be made, but we never know what the next moment may bring.

Let love and gratitude push doubt and dismay out of your awareness.  Every possibility that exists, is now.  Give now a chance, now.  

Ralph Marston

Chapter 8, Page 3, Book 18

To my dear friends..

Nice Person

Hello there nice person

Did anyone ever tell you,

Just how special you are

The light that you emit

Might even light a star

Did anyone ever tell you

How important you make others feel.

Someone out there is smiling

About love that is so real

Did anyone ever tell you

Many times, when they were sad

Your email made them smile a bit

In fact it made them glad

For the times you spend sending things 

And sharing whatever you find.

There are no words to thank you

But somebody, thinks you’re fine

Did anyone ever tell you

Just how much they love you

Well, my dearest online friend

Today I an telling you

Author unknown

If some one is rude today, respond in a loving way, instead of matching their demeanor.

Be nice to people…maybe it’ll be unappreciated, unreciprocated, or ignored.  But spread the love anyway.  We rise by lifting others.

Germany Kent

Sad to say there are many rude people in this world today.  I don’t think they mean to be, but they are often in their own world, thinking about only themselves and not the people around them.

I am so thankful for the kindnesses that have been shown to me by others and I do realize just how important it is always to be nice. The Nice Person poem above expresses it so very well.  And online friends, many whom I’ve never met in person, are some of the very best.  

No matter who we are or what we’re doing, there is always time to be nice.  There’s no excuse not to be anything but kind.  Our every word and every action is like a ripple effect, it spreads out and we never know who it might affect.

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Maya Angelou

Chapter 8, Page 2, Book 18

Life moves on, whether we act as cowards or heroes.  Life has no other discipline to impose , if we would but realize it, than to accept life unquestioningly   Every thing we shut our eyes to, everything we run away from, everything we deny, denigrate or despite, serves to defeat us in the end.  What seems nasty, painful, evil, can become a source of beauty, joy and strength, if faced with an open mind.  Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognize it as such.  

Henry Miller

Golden moments

 Life is about accepting the challenges along the way, choosing to keep moving forward, and savoring the journey.

Roy T. Bennett

There are no guarantees that every decision will come out the way we’d like them to.  Outcomes are not controllable.  Life is a series of decisions.  The key to deciding is to take courage, listen to your heart, choose your path, then go forward without looking back.

Imagine driving down a crowded street with only the use of your rearview mirror.  The idea is laughable and more than a bit dangerous.  It doesn’t make any sense to drive while looking backward.

This isn’t a bad image for our lives. Most of the time, we need to be looking forward not backward.  There are times we need to glance back, to check for blind spots or to assess our progress. Just as we review our day or learn from past mistakes.  But overall we need to be looking forward if we want to move forward.

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.

Robert Frost

Just as a golden necklace is made from many small links, all perfectly interlocked, my life is formed from days, years, and decades of interconnected moments. Will these moments be forged from fear or crafted by love?

When I choose love, my life becomes a precious chain of golden moments.

The golden moments in the steam of life rush past us, and we see nothing but sand;  the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they are gone.

George Eliot