Chapter 4, Page 30, Book 10

Doing what you love means that, each morning, you awaken with passion and excitement at your core. Loving what you do means no regrets. No matter what, you’re living an exciting life, doing what you were born to do.

If you are doing what you love, you won’t feel burdened doing it. You will have fun and happy time. You will be happier than before. This thing alone is a great reward of doing what you love.

Since you enjoy your time doing your works, naturally you will devote more time and energy into it, and if you pour more of your time and energy into it, that allows you to think more about your works, thinking about how to make them better and better. As a result, the quality of your works will be improved and touch the heart of the people using them

Having a fulfilling life is more important than being wealthy. Following your heart and following your purpose. That’s what life is all about.

If you read my journal regularly you know it was quite a decision for me to quit working. It was one that I prayed about and deliberated over for a while. I finally decided that I'd rather have a little less money and a lot more time and I'm so glad I made that decision. I can now do what I love to do. One of my loves is family. My faith, my family and home are the important things in my life.

My purpose in life as I see it is to be a mom. A mom that will always be there for her children when she is needed and give them all the love and care that she can. Believe me when I say that being a mom doesn't end when they become adults. It's a life time career.

The way I look at it working at my other job was just a means to do what I love. Quitting my job has allowed me all the time I want to do what I love.

Take the time today to do something wonderful. Take the time to do something that reminds you of how precious and beautiful life is

Have a FANTASTIC Friday everyone!

'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 4, Page 29, Book 10

CELEBRATING THANKFUL THURSDAY!

An April prayer………

Lord of the wind and the waves, calm the storms of our life

when we are afraid.

Lord of the loaves and fishes, be our food when we are hungry.

Lord of spring, growth and new life, be our source of new beginnings.

Lord of the lambs and the flocks, seek us out when w

e are lost.

Lord of signs and wonders, show yourself when we have doubts.

Lord of the blind and lame, take our hand when we falter.

Lord of the fields and flowers, care for us when others

seem far away.

Lord of all that lives, be a source of life when we’re struggling t

o be alive and active in our daily activities.

Lord of simplicity, help us to recognise your gentle presence in everything we do each day.

Amen

The prayer above came from one of my daily devotionals.

Prayers are so important and one thing I am very thankful for. I pray for lots of people daily and I've asked for lots of prayers in my life too. They are my personal connection with the dear Lord. I really believe He knows all our wan

ts and needs anyway. But to be able to talk to him through prayer does give me a deep sense of well being.

Prayers aren't always answered in just the way we might think is right, but trusting that His way is the better one, I know that the

y are all answered.

As we said our prayer before dinner they other evening I was blessed with hearing my youngest son pray. He added prayers for all our loved ones and the specific needs of a few too. As I've not been able to spend much time with him at his home I was indeed gratified to know that he does this

each day.

It was truly one of those very tender, heartfelt moments that make a Mom's heart just want to burst.

Immersing ourselves in the everlasting love of God, we can become willing and able to live life much fuller and more abundantly

. Prayer does just that.

My prayer today

Thank you, Lord, that your word never returns to you empty! Give me the courage to tell of your love to those I meet. Teach me how to offer hope to those who need the light of Christ.

For these and my many blessings I am truly thankful.

I hope your day is filled with many things to be THANKFUL for too.

'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 4, Page 28, Book 10

If it is not truthful and not helpful, don't say it.

If it is truthful and not helpful, don't say it.

If it is not truthful and helpful, don't say it.

If it is truthful and helpful, wait for the right time.

Buddha

TRUTH

the true or actual state of a matter

Sometimes the truth can be beautiful and other times the truth can be down right ugly. The truth is righteous and powerful.

We all would like to know the truth of the matter, but sometimes the truth hurts. Some times things sound too good to be true.

Here are some very good truths full of wisdom for us all.

Much of the time we get stressed and worked up over stuff that in the grand scheme of things really doesn't matter.

Just say never and see what happens! To avoid the jolt when life's surprises come your way, be prepared by being open-minded and maintain the a positive outlook

It's wonderful to be self-confident and self-sufficient, however, it's not all about you. There is nothing more monotonous than hearing someone talk about themselves all the time

Relationships are more important than any material goods you may acquire on the road to success.

Your happiness and state of mind are your responsibility. Our relationships enhance our lives and make them richer, but they do not make us happy. We do.

It's important to be a person of honor. Your good word and deeds inspire trust and confidence from family, friends and employers

We are all only too human. All of us slip sometimes and make mistakes. Holding grudges and past hurts only serves to prevent us from enjoying life

Take time to laugh each day. A good joke is better than any pill you can take.

Life is short so learn to give and receive love. Love and be loved.

I'm back home today and will go back to DS#6's tomorrow. They had a funeral to attend so while they do that I came home. It looks like a wonderful day here in Ohio.

Have a WONDERFUL Wednesday everyone!

'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 4, Page 27, Book 10

Retirement Benefits

One of the many benefits of retirement is the fact that I can spend more time with family. I've always been busy working and would miss out on so many things that went on in their lives and the lives of their children. Watching my grandson is really special for me.

Benefits mean lot and when you add them to your income they can sometimes double the value. We all need to have a sense of meaning in our lives. We know the benefits of people and pets but even plants and goldfish can prolong survival when they give us meaning.

Another benefit is that I’m now a lot more conscious of the little favors people do. The kindnesses that touch your heart and make you feel appreciated and loved.

There’s a shady side and a sunny side to growing older. Each day I find more and more benefits, Now a days it is almost impossible to go far without bumping into an ad for something that promises to prevent aging. But there are many great things about getting older too.

Among them are : Tranquility, Submission to what you cannot control, Willingness to be wrong, Increased appreciation and gratitude, and most important the love of family

I found a new motto that seemed just perfect for me

Grow old along with me. The best is presently

Have a TERRIFIC Tuesday everyone!

'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 4, Page 26, Book 10

There are hundreds of paths up the mountain,

all leading in the same direction,

so it doesn't matter which path you take.

The only one wasting time is the one

who runs around and around the mountain,

telling everyone else that their path is wrong."

Hindu Teaching

When I read this quote I found myself thinking about how different we are all. Our lives are a potpourri of so many ways of living. But in some things we are all the same. I try to never judge what someone else does as I wouldn't like to be judged either. I've always been afraid to make mistakes and have other people judge me because of them. Keeping myself on track isn't always easy. People do make mistakes, but sometimes that is the only way to learn how to do things right.

Well today I'm taking on the job of caring for my grandson. Babies are not taken care of as they once were. My hope is that I don't do something wrong. I've got a lot of love to give this little one so I'm hoping things will go just fine.

Thankfully the basics of feeding, changing diapers and rocking them to sleep haven't changed so I'm thinking I can do what's needed in that department.

HAVE A MERRY MONDAY !

On Ya- ma

Chapter 4, Page 25, Book 10

CELEBRATING SUNDAY

Sundays are always my day for R&R. Rest, relaxation and refreshment and renewal. Each week I find that my hour at church does more good for my soul than just about anything. Lot of people don't think they need church but I'm not one of them. Maybe it is habit , but I need to be there in order to put things right and ready myself for a new week ahead.

Rest is important for all of us and it does give refreshment. We keep so busy all the other days of the week that it important to set a day aside to nurture your body and your soul. Sundays give us an opportunity to enjoy the things we like. If it wasn't supposed to rain here in Ohio I'd probably be puttering around outside but that isn't an option today.

Every thing is ready for my week ahead. I no longer have to make sure all is ready to go off to work and my days are not as busy as they once were, but the pleasure of just relaxing is no less enjoyed because of it. This old body of mine seems to crave it. Relaxation gives us more ability to reflect on things. It's a key to better health and greater vitality.

I can read a good book and relax, or do some of my crafts. To me even cooking is relaxing. Other times sitting on the patio watching the birds is the best thing in the world I could do. When I'm at the camper just being there is relaxing.

I don't always need to get away in order to relax. Now that I've retired just being at home is often relaxing. I can't ever complain about being able to do what I want when I want to do it.

What ever you do today, I hope that you'll find plenty of that R & R to enjoy.

As always you all are in my thoughts and in my prayers.

'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 4, Page 24, Book 10

The years teach much which the days never knew.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

It is SUPER Saturday!

From one of my Friday morning meditations:

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

Living alone as I do and spending so much time in solitude, I have plenty of time for reflection. Days of my life seem to fly by and to look back is not always a good thing. I can tell you that on the bumpy road of life there were times that I went left and should have gone right.

It's not going to do me any good at this point of my life to even waste time thinking about the past. Here I am now on Route 66 as I like to call it. 66 years of learning and those lessons sure have hit home time and again. I think sometimes God puts us certain situations because there is something He once taught us that we need to relearn.

I have learned that the best way to live is to laugh a lot and to look on the BRIGHT side of life. To live as though this were the last day. Today is the only day we are sure of and although many of us prefer to think there are many ahead for some it will be the last day.

We all have expiration dates, but only God can read the bar code

There are so many blessings in each day that it is just great to be alive and enjoy the beauty all around us on these glorious Spring days. Today there is going to be a little rain in our neck of the woods, but I'm making my own sunshine here.

I've put a little nick in my house work and I've got my bag packed for my week ahead, so I think today I'll be doing something just for fun around my house. Maybe I'll even paint my toenails in anticipation of sunny warm days when I can wear my flip-flops .

With the good Lords help today is going to be a SUPER day. I can always count on Him to send me words of encouragement and love. These words lift me up higher that I can say. Sometimes I just want to sit back and relish them over and over and feel His nearness and soak in His love.

You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear as young as your hope, as old as your despair

Douglas MacArthur

I do hope your Saturday is a SUPER one too!

Blessings of JOY and HUGs to you all!

'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 4, Page 23, Book 10

It's FANTASTIC Friday!

WOW, what a fast week it was! It seems impossible to believe that I've been retired now for 2 weeks! Last week at this time I was at the camper getting it all set up for the season. Today I'm at home packing for my trip to DS#6's . I'll leave Sunday evening and stay the week there watching their little son while they go off to work. It'll be a fun time for this grand'ma' for sure. DS#6 lives too far away for me to drive back and forth each day so I'll be there till next weekend when I'll come home for a couple days and then go back again.

I always said that I'd love to rock babies for my retirement job. Little did I know I'd really get the chance to do it. Our little Lucky is just about 2 months old now and it'll be a pleasure for me to care for him. Retirement came just in time for me to be able to help them out.

I've managed to get a lot done around home this week. Of course there is still more to be done,. When fall comes and camping season ends I still would like to get my front room and dining room painted. Summer time will be set aside for lots of camping so I won't be home much then either. I'll be back and forth just to make sure things are ok at home. I've decided that if the weather is nice I'll be at my little place in the woods. If it is raining then I'll come home.

I'm trying to decide exactly just what I'll need for 5 days away from home. I don't want to take too much. As little babes sleep a lot I know I'll need to take a book or two to read. And I have my crocheting project that I started last summer to finish up so I'll take that along to do in my spare time.

My laptop and my camera are on the list too. It's so nice to know that wherever I go I can be connected to the internet.

Sending you blessings and a prayer for a FANTASTIC Friday!

'On Ya' -ma

Chapter 4, Page 22, Book 10

Today is THANKFUL Thursday

I love this time of the week when I reflect upon all the things that I have to be THANKFUL for . I have so many blessings in my life.

We should all take time to be thankful. This is a way to stay healthy in your thinking and reduces your stress.

God tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

This week I am especially thankful for:

The fact that I don’t have to pay for sunrises or sunsets

That the best things in life are free

That there are always things to smile about

For growing older. Not everyone gets this opportunity. Aging with health and grace is a rare and beautiful gift.

For the ability to pay my bills, even if it means giving up some things that I want. Remember that having basic needs met is a luxury for many people

For my family and friends that encourage me each day

For these and all my blessings I am so very THANKFUL

Always remember to take time to care for your mental, physical and spiritual well being, by setting moments aside to be quiet and still, and mostly, to be thankful

I do hope that you too can have a THANKFUL Thursday

'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 4, Page 21, Book 10

Celebrating Wonderful Wednesday!

Isn't it just wonderful that we have people in our lives that make for a fuller, richer and happier life.

I once heard a story about a group of people in a pleasure trip aboard a ship. A major water leak developed in the ship threatening the well being of those on board.

People were alarmed but one fellow trying to calm the crowd said, "Don't worry, the hole is on the other side of the boat."

Sometimes people do not realize that a hole in the boat is a hole in the whole boat.

We May Not Have It All Together,

But Together We Have It All

The statement that No Man Is an Island means that we human beings necessarily depend on one another

We cannot do it all. Some have what others don't and it is important to share with each other. I'm not an electrician nor a doctor. I cannot fix my car myself. I am dependent on a lot of different folks each and every day of my life.

Just as we depend on others we all need someone to love and also someone to lean on. I know the good Lord sends angels our way in the form of family and friends every day and I know I couldn't do half as well if I didn't have them

None of us is as smart as all of us

Ken Blanchard

Have a WONDERFUL Wednesday! May your day bust out all over with unexpected blessings of peace and plenty for you and yours

'On Ya' -ma

Chapter 4, Page 20, Book 10

Celebrating Terrific Tuesday!

Simple pleasures in life are really the treasures we can always count on.

I'm back home from the camper today and have lots to do around here. I'll be leaving again next week for DS#6's house so I hope to have things pretty ship shape around here before I go.

I won't get it all done, but I'll make a dent in what there is to do around here. At least I'm happy that I've got things pretty much all set at the camper. Now when I go again there won't be so much work to do.

I'm finally putting away all the Easter decorations and digging out my Red White and Blue things as they will be what will decorate my house from now until fall. I found some wonderful Painted Stars in red white and blue to put on the front room walls along with a Blue 'BELIEVE' sign. There were very inexpensive because I got them at one of the dollar stores. I always had pictures of my family on that wall but decided it was time for a change. I did have a blue flowered swag at the center top and it goes well with the stars and the sign. I'll have to post a picture when I'm able to.

And I already had a grapevine wreath shaped like a star with some red flowers and blue and white ribbon in it that I've hung over the mirror as you come in the front door. It all looks very nice together.

I have a blue checkered table cloth that I could put in the dining room and I also have a white one so I'll be playing around with that to see which looks better.

Having my home clean and shiny will be a good thing for sure!

I do hope your Tuesday is a TERRIFIC one.

'On Ya'-ma