Years ago when I had little resources I still wanted to give those I cared for a gift for Christmas. I made coupon books with things I knew each person would like.
Thinking back was not such a bad idea. Most of us have little time so a coupon book with time with the person might be just the best gift. things like a meal out at their favorite restaurant, or a movie, coffee, a special trip to a museum or play etc. You get the idea.
This was very creative and much less frustrating than being pushed shoved and jostled around for the gift that really would they like it better than our time and attention?
Friday, November 23, 2012
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Saturday, November 10, 2012
A PATH TO HAPPINESS
Today in reading the Essence magazine I was touched by the editorial by Constance White. Yes, spiritual reading can be any found in many places not just certain spiritual books.
Constance shared 6 practices she feels will help us lead a happier life.
1. PAT YOURSELF ON THE BACK
How often do we wait for someone else to recognize our achievements They often do not know how hard it was for us to accomplish a particular task, but we know. So why not say to ourselves. Great job!
2.LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
one of my co-workers has a picture of a glass half full on her face book. Many see it as half-empty. Gratitude does wonders for us and our outlook. I am sure you can find something each day to be thankful for.
3. COUNT THE WAYS.
In this Constance is referring to our blessings. After watching what happened with Sandy I am sure it wouldn't take much to think of something to be grateful for. So if you can read this you are breathing some are not.
4. RETIRE THE SHOULD S
I once heard the Should train leaves every moment and the ride is free. Things we don't let go of or keep thinking I should have can lead to regret, guilt. I think every day has enough stress without adding some ourselves. Lately I heard someone ask Why do we create problems we then have to solve. So true. Each day has its own opportunities so no more Should's.
5 FORGIVE
We pray daily God forgive me as I forgive others. True, We may have been hurt but holding on to it puts us in bondage. I have found the person who hurt me no longer even remembers it or knows they did it. So why am I hanging onto it.
6. BECOME SELF-AWARE
We can reflect on things that upset us, depleted our happiness and make some changes in ourselves or those we relate to. Perhaps we have become accustom to the drama and like it?
Hopefully Constance's 6 point and some of my comments will have you reflecting with me on how to have a happier day.
God bless you.
Constance shared 6 practices she feels will help us lead a happier life.
1. PAT YOURSELF ON THE BACK
How often do we wait for someone else to recognize our achievements They often do not know how hard it was for us to accomplish a particular task, but we know. So why not say to ourselves. Great job!
2.LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
one of my co-workers has a picture of a glass half full on her face book. Many see it as half-empty. Gratitude does wonders for us and our outlook. I am sure you can find something each day to be thankful for.
3. COUNT THE WAYS.
In this Constance is referring to our blessings. After watching what happened with Sandy I am sure it wouldn't take much to think of something to be grateful for. So if you can read this you are breathing some are not.
4. RETIRE THE SHOULD S
I once heard the Should train leaves every moment and the ride is free. Things we don't let go of or keep thinking I should have can lead to regret, guilt. I think every day has enough stress without adding some ourselves. Lately I heard someone ask Why do we create problems we then have to solve. So true. Each day has its own opportunities so no more Should's.
5 FORGIVE
We pray daily God forgive me as I forgive others. True, We may have been hurt but holding on to it puts us in bondage. I have found the person who hurt me no longer even remembers it or knows they did it. So why am I hanging onto it.
6. BECOME SELF-AWARE
We can reflect on things that upset us, depleted our happiness and make some changes in ourselves or those we relate to. Perhaps we have become accustom to the drama and like it?
Hopefully Constance's 6 point and some of my comments will have you reflecting with me on how to have a happier day.
God bless you.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
LOVE GOD LOVE NEIGHBOR
Love God
Love your neighbor
As Christians, the way to live our life is contained in these two things.
Sounds easy to me until I did some reflection on my life. When is the last time I told God I love you? Behaved as if I loved God? Do I have other priorities that take the place of saying I love you God? Or do I settle for taking the time to converse with God only on Sundays or when I need help?
Love my neighbor, who do I think that is? Is it that staff member I would just not be with, is it the person who cut me off in traffic, is it the friend who seems to have other priorities different than mine, is it our family members who need our time and attention? Yes, it is.
Today, when God and I talked I said I will try to do better this week. Thanks for the reminder.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)