Chapter 6, Page 30, Book 15

Sow seeds of gentleness
and  mercy.
Water daily with kindness
and love.
Cultivate a heart of goodness,
and bloom sweet
fragrance of love.

June 30th - love has a fragrance

I remember a story of a girl who was told by her mother to take flowers to a shut in who lived down the street. She did so and it was a marvelous visit. When she came back her mother said, Smell your hands. She did and she was surprised to discover that the fragrance of the flowers still lingered on her hands. Her wise mother said to her, Kindness always leaves a sweet fragrance.

What a great illustration of how the smallest things can have impactful results. The fact that the flower is small and seemingly insignificant, does not keep it from spreading the fragrance it was created to share. In fact, often the smallest flower can have the most potent fragrance.

If the day and night be such that you greet them with joy, and life emits a fragrance like flowers and sweet-scented herbs, is more elastic, more immortal — that is your success. All nature is your congratulation, and you have cause momentarily to bless yourself. 

Henry David Thoreau, Walden

Sometimes we may feel like a tiny flower. We wonder if we are really capable of doing anything big or important. Insecurities, feelings of unworthiness or life challenges prevent us from seeing how we can impact others. It is not the size of the actions that matter, but the aroma that is created by those actions. Our lingering fragrance should be one of love and kindness, not anger and harshness. Patience and faithfulness, not intolerance and selfishness.

When God created flowers, He intentionally created them to give off a sweet aroma. And He created us just the same.

A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives roses.

Chapter 6, Page 29, Book 15

But why should love stop at the border? 

Pablo Casals

June 29 - Cross the border into a zone of greater love.

Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.

Brian Tracy

In many aspects of our lives, we have various zones. For example, we all have comfort zones in work, relationships, prayer, study, and service. In our comfort zones, we are relaxed and probably enjoying ourselves.

If we, because of love or some other reason, cross the boundary of our comfort zone, we enter into a discomfort zone. In this zone, we are struggling and suffering. In this zone, we find both the danger of burnout and the opportunity for significant growth as as we meet new challenges. 

Many times the advice given to someone who is feeling down or who is experiencing difficult times is to do something for another person.  By focusing on the other we put our own problems in perspective.  

Life is a never ending journey of reaching out of our comfort zone. We can always reach new levels.

Matthew Donnelly

It’s easy to know what to do when you’re not the person who has to do it. When you actually have to implement the advice, things get complicated and uncomfortable.

If we proceed further in love and cross the boundary of the discomfort zone, we enter a new zone which is difficult to name. It is a zone of both mystery and indescribable joy. In this zone, we are living, giving, praying, 

on the 'edge’. We extend ourselves more than ever before.

 For every beauty there is an eye somewhere to see it.
For every truth there is an ear somewhere to hear it.
For every love there is a heart somewhere to receive it.

Ivan Panin

Chapter 6, Page 28, Book 15

 

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. 

 Carl Bard

June 28 - now is the time for love

What can anyone give you that is greater than this precious little instant known as 'now'?

Author Unknown

We all have at least one thing in our life that never seems to get done. By bringing that task to the top of the list and promising ourselves that we will do it as soon as possible is an act that could free a tremendous amount of energy in our lives. Doing things we don't want to do, or that scare us, creates flow in our lives and allows us to grow.  

We see the world as we are.
Remember the last bad day you had? Chances are you ended up in a grumpy mood and feeling fed up. Even though the sun may have been shining or people all around you were happy and laughing - you were miserable, which meant the day was bad no matter how you looked at it.

If you're depressed, think of the excitement that life offers. If you feel stressed look for opportunities with optimism in your heart. If you're lonely, realize the world is full of friendly people and go out and meet them.

By choosing to see the joy in the way things are, you'll soon feel the joy yourself!

Cancel the pity party. Love the people God brings to you. 

Max Lucado

Chapter 6, Page 27, Book 15

Perhaps love is like a resting place, a shelter from the storm. It exists to give you comfort, it is there to keep you warm, and in those times of trouble when you are most alone, the memory of love will bring you home.

John Denver, Take Me Home:

June 27 - love shelters us from the storms of life

Everyone goes through storms. They are a natural occurrence in life and here at my house we surely have had a lot of them lately. Sometimes, it seems that as soon as you’re through one storm, another one is just over the horizon.

Whatever problems we may be dealing with, we can make use of the means that God has given us to navigate this unpredictable life: the love of family and friends and the wisdom of the Scriptures

Life can change at a moment’s notice.  One moment everything seems perfect with the wind is at your back, the ocean is calm, the sun is shining. The next thing you know you’re being pelted with stinging rain, and your boat is being thrown around in a violent sea.

Life, much like the weather, is subject to change. There are beautiful days and dark days. There is sunshine, and there is rain. However, it is during the awful storms that we must focus on the things in our life that are constant. Family, friends, and most important of all, the unending love of God. 

Remember:   it is  in the challenges that we come to truly cherish joy

Chapter 6, Page 26, Book 15

Falling in love consists merely in uncorking the imagination and bottling the common sense.

Helen Rowland

June 26 - love has faith and commonsense

COMMONSENSE BE-ATTITUDES 

Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves;

they will always have entertainment

Blessed are those who can distinguish between a mountain and a molehill;

 they will save themselves a lot of trouble. 

Blessed are those who can rest and sleep without looking for excuses; 

they will become wise. 

Blessed are those who are intelligent enough not to take themselves too seriously; 

they will be appreciated. 

Blessed are you if you can look seriously at small things and peacefully at serious things; 

you will go far in life. 

Blessed are you if you can admire a smile and forget a scowl; 

your path will be sunlit. 

Blessed are you if you can always interpret the attitudes of others with good will, even when appearances are to the contrary; 

you may seem naive, but that is the price of charity. 

Blessed are those who think before acting and who laugh before thinking;

 they will avoid foolish mistakes.

Blessed are you if you know how to be silent and smile, even when you are interrupted, contradicted or walked on; 

the gospel is beginning to take root in your heart. 

Blessed are you especially if you know how to recognize the Lord in all those you meet; 

you have found the true light, true wisdom. 

This is a little difference twist to the Bee Attitudes that I shared in a previous post.  Our attitudes are so important in life and I think our faith plays a good part in what kind of attitude we have. Using our common sense is also part of a good attitude.

Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it. 

Lou Holtz

Mark Twain said it well with his definition: Common sense is the simple knack of seeing something the way it really is and doing something the way it should be done.   A good mixture of both, faith and a bit of common sense,  can only serve to improve our attitudes.

There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. That little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.

W. Clement Stone

Chapter 6, Page 25, Book 15

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. 

Dr. Seuss

June 25 - Love the real thing

Nobody likes being tricked. We don't like false advertising, phony small talk, or fake relationships. In our world, people often put on a plastic smile and tell everyone they're doing fine while inside they're falling apart. It's all an illusion.

We need to trust that the real you, even on your worst day, is better than being fake or phony and to make the choice today to be honest, genuine, and authentic with God and with all the people in our life.

I believe one of our souls' major purposes is to know, love, and express our authentic selves.  To live the life and be the person we were created to be.  However, our true selves only emerge when it's safe to do so.  Self condemnation, shame, and guilt send your true nature into hiding.  It's only in the safety of gentle curiosity, encouragement, and self love that your soul can bloom as it was created to do.      

Sue Patton Thoele

What it means to be authentic:

to be more concerned with truth than opinions
to be sincere and not pretend
 to be free from hypocrisy:  walk your talk
to know who you are and to be that person
to not fear others seeing your vulnerabilities
being confident to walk away from situations where you can't be yourself
 being awake to your own feelings
 being free from others' opinions of you
 accepting and loving yourself

Sue Fitzmaurice

In all the universe, in all time, you are the only you, never have molecules come together exactly like you, never again will your footsteps be repeated upon this earth. Your strength is the strength someone can count on, your life is the life that can make a difference.

Author Unknown

Chapter 6, Page 24, Book 15

Luxury isn 't a pleasure but pleasure is a luxury

June 24th - the luxury of love

What a luxury to do something you love to do

Amy Tan

When you think about it, having something to do that you love is really is a treat !  Not everyone is blessed to have that.  Think about the poor, the elderly, the sick and handicapped that cannot do what they want.

The ultimate of being successful is the luxury of giving yourself the time to do what you want to do.
 

Leontyne Price

Little luxuries are available to most of us every day.  We have running water, heat, electricity for lights, not everyone has that.  Due to a storm the other morning I had no electricity here at my house and what an inconvenience .  I’m glad it gets light out early and I had no problem seeing things around the house, but there was no internet connection, no TV or radio, and no air conditioning.   I felt a little out of sorts at not being able to do what I usually do.  

I am spoiled, I have a lot of luxuries. 

 We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us really happy is something to be enthusiastic about.

Charles Kingsley

Chapter 6, Page 23, Book 15

Family Reunion 2015

June 23rd - family in not an important thing, it is every thing

The most important thing in the world is family and love.

John Wooden

My family is very important to me and I’m thankful to be blessed with a large one !  I just spent the better part of a week with all of my children .  I have two sons that live out of state and it is a rare thing indeed when they both come home at the same time, but they did this year and I was so happy to have all of my seven children together at one time. The others all live in Ohio, but only a few live close by so it was a real effort on the part of all to be together at the same time.  I appreciate all those that had to take time out of their busy lives to come together and make our family reunion possible.  

As it turned out we were still missing a few of the grandchildren, but at least all my own children were all together. When they were young they were very close and I hope that even though time and distance may separate them all that they will always remain so. 

My children

The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have passed at home in the bosom of my family. 

Thomas Jefferson

Family is where your heart lives, your memories exist, your laughter is plentiful and your soul is safe. No family is perfect, we may argue and fight but in the end family is family.  The love will always be there.

Being a family means you are a part of something very wonderful.  It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life, no matter what. 

In family relationships love is really spelled t-i-m-e, time.  Whether family members get together for scheduled outings, sharing interests, or serving others, these gatherings strengthen relationships that can be eternal. 

Every family is beautiful, but ours is my favorite.  

Other things may change us, but we start and end with family. 

Anthony Brandt

Chapter 6, Page 22, Book 15

It’s Summer Time and the living is...

June 22nd - Summer love

It’s officially now Summer so I thought it must be the time to talk about what I love about summer and give you my summer bucket list.

Sit on the porch in the early AM and the late PM, enjoying coffee or iced tea

Take a walk on a beach, barefoot in the sand

Eat popsicles

Take tons of photos

Picnic in the park

farmers market

watch the sunset

spend part of every sunny day outside

Watch the sunrise

Eat watermelon

Try a new fresh salad recipe

I can’t be alone in feeling that rising sense of panic when the calendar flips to June and the realization hits that we have reached the halfway point of the year.  I do love summer but I don’t care for the days that it gets hot and steamy and I wind up inside sitting where it is cooler due to the fact that I have an air conditioner.  Morning and evening are my favorite times of day when it gets hot out.  Then I can enjoy being outdoors.

Whatever reasons we have, we should always enjoy the gifts of this beautiful season.

Will love be true as December frost, or fickle and fall like the rose in June?

Clement Scott

Chapter 6, Page 21, Book 15

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad

June 21st - Happy Fathers Day !

Small boys become big men through the influence of big men who care about small boys.

Anonymous

Fathers everywhere,
We honor you and wish to say
May God's blessings be with you
In a special way today!

Happy Fathers Day !

Chapter 6, Page 20, Book 15

Everyone has inside himself a piece of good news! The good news is that you really don't know how great you can be, how much you can love, what you can accomplish, and what your potential is!

Anne Frank

June 20 - GOOD NEWS

There is no end to the Good News inside you.

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

Leo Buscaglia

The potential for greatness lies within us all and I’ve found that it’s impossible to reach your full potential if you’re not willing to change.  We need to commit to learning something new everyday. 

If you don't change your beliefs, your life will be like this forever. Is that good news?

W. Somerset Maugham

Some beliefs are worth keeping, but there are others that could be changed for the better.  It’s a wise person that knows which to keep and which to change.

The bad news: nothing is permanent. The good news: nothing is permanent.

Be grateful for your opportunities. Be grateful for right now! Being grateful invites even better things to come into your life. 

The good news is, that the bad news can be turned into good news when you change your attitude.

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.

George Washington Carver 

Chapter 6, Page 19, Book 15

A Summer Blessing

May you walk with God This summer
In whatever you do Wherever you go

Walking with God means... Walking with honesty
And with courage, Walking with love

And respect
And concern for the feelings of others

May you talk to God This summer
And every day and In every situation

Talking with God means... Praying words of praise
For the beauty of creation Saying prayers of thanks For friends and good times, Asking God's help

In all your decisions Expressing sorrow When you have failed

May you talk with God Every day. 

Author unknown

June 19 - we are loved

I have loved you with an everlasting love

Jeremiah 31:3

As the seasons change, so our lives are constantly changing, sometimes from day to day! In the center of all of this change there can be a constant; this is what we need, and what we search for. The human heart longs for love, stability and security. In a fast paced world where our culture is rapidly changing and we all to often face the unpredictable, it is comforting to know that Love is ever present.  Life is just a little opportunity for you during a few years to say, 'I love you, too.'

Love is characterized by a deep respect for all people, regardless of their race, belief or whatever makes them different from ourselves. Love responds generously to the needs of the poor, and it is marked by compassion for those in sorrow. Love is quick to offer hospitality and is persevering in times of trial. It is always ready to forgive, to hope and to return a blessing for a curse. 

... I have called you and you are Mine

The essence of of my faith is love. Delight in the beauty of each season and rejoice knowing that just as His signature marks the landscape, He has also written your name on His hand.

May you remember today and every day that you are loved

Chapter 6, Page 18, Book 15

Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone's face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come.

Henri Nouwen

June 18 - love is my daily motivation

When we give a little love each day, we begin to notice the random acts of kindness that happen as our day unfolds.  Few things make us feel as good as doing something unselfishly, especially for someone we don’t even know.  When we give a little love all throughout our day, I think that we are the ones that ends up being blessed

Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.

Lou Holtz

I am not sure if you have noticed this in your daily interactions, but people are in dire need of being loved.  It does not have to be difficult or time consuming to sprinkle a little love on people. It can be as simple as validating who they are, appreciating something about them, giving them a hug or by just listening .  Opportunities exist everywhere!

It is not our job to determine who is deserving of your love. That is a waste of time and energy.  Our job is to freely give love. 

 Share a little love today and may the love you give be return to you multiplied!

Chapter 6, Page 17, Book 15

The Bee Attitudes

Bee busy
Doing what you love to do.

Bee true
To the dreams God's given you.

Bee sure
To taste the sweetness of each day


Bee silly
Giggle lots...take off and play.


Bee Bold
Enough to trust your wings and fly.


Bee-lieve
The power of prayer will get you by.


Bee Happy
Keep your outlook bright and sunny.


Bee Yourself...Bee-cause
You really are a honey!

June 17- love is a blessing

When I think of blessed I think of good circumstances, a happy heart and being free from worry. But that is not always reality.  The Beatitudes say that it means being poor in spirit, meek, merciful, persecuted, insulted or hungry, probably not the definition of blessed that I would have written up myself. 

The Beatitudes are an explanation of what it is to be well off spiritually: to know God’s grace and protection and to feel his blessing, even despite what you are experiencing in life.  Beatitudes are profound for many reasons, not the least of which is how applicable their lessons are to different life situations.

 The Bee Attitudes above are just one of many examples.  Bees are very loyal and extremely hard working creatures. They are so conscientious that they get very upset when they are disturbed in their work.  All good things when we consider how blessed we are just to be.

We were created to work together, to love and watch out for each other.  That is a very valuable lesson from the bees.

Bee-Happy !

Chapter 6, Page 16, Book 15

A loving heart is the truest wisdom. 

Charles Dickens

June 16 - a mind filled with wisdom and a heart filled with love

Satisfaction comes from giving your wisdom away.

Each one of us can make a difference by passing on what we know. We’ve all learned lessons along the way that make us just a little bit wiser.  We all have something to give.

I may have made mistakes because I lacked the knowledge or skill to handle a certain situation. Yet feeling guilty is pointless and only hurts me.  One thing I’ve learned is that we become wiser, more loving and grateful by taking responsibility for our mistakes, making amends, and letting them go.

When your heart speaks, take good notes. 

Judith Campbell

When we listen to not only to our minds, but also to our hearts we can express patience, acceptance, forgiveness, and grace. The wisdom of the heart takes in all you know and do with your mind. When you learn to love unconditionally, and I agree at times it is hard, you grow in wisdom. Love brings wisdom. 

For wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul

Proverbs 2:10