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Tuesday, April 15, 2014

What will you Do if...Don't give up hope



Appreciation and/or recognition can definitely motivate you to produce some good work but...


    • What will you do if... all of your efforts go unnoticed?





    • What will you do if... all of your thoughts about your forte go unacknowledged?





    • What will you do if... all of your approaches go undetected?





    • What will you do if... all of your fundamentals are higher standards than most people understand?





    • What will you do if... all of your thoughts and ideas are a bit more advanced than your age?



You can convince me only if I will listen to you but what will you do if... I shut my eyes and ears or close my brain?

Judgment comes only after analysis. To analyze things the approach has to be detected, the effort has to be noticed and the thoughts have to be understood. It is not that you haven't worked hard but you are not able to display them.

It just might happen that one may draw him/herself to a total darkness out of despair because of a feeling of being unwanted. It is a like a disease which squeezes juice from life. Just like appreciation and recognition can do wonders, the opposite can kill one's spirit.

Man is a social animal, If society ignores you, what will you do? The man inside you turns out to an animal who will vent his feelings through aggression only.

Is there a better solution for this problem? Definitely! People just give up hope one step short of the most awaited moment.

Don't ever lose patience because hard work pays off in the form of confidence. Confidence is that quality which converts work into display. Of course opportunity plays a major role, but not the sole one.

Believe in yourself because luck favors those who believe in themselves. Make your presence felt and at the same time, don't forget to appreciate others efforts. Patience and perseverance are the two key factors which decide the fate of the fighter and that fighter is YOU!

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Letter from God

Hello from Heaven,
I am watching you.
With only a few pictures,
And memories to cherish,
You remember,
And I watch and marvel even as I write.

Of the man you have become,
Of the son I can no longer physically hold.
But by a stronger connection,
And through an unbreakable faith,
The son I am so proud,
The father in his son.

Completely by accident,
Completely by fate,
Your Mother and your Brothers,
With you still looking up,
All left to find your way, without my hand.
Completely alone, but completely watched.

I will always keep the porch light on.
For when that supper day arrives again,
We shall all feast and reconnect our souls,
Like it had been, like it shall be.
The ties are never broken,
Only frayed by the hand of the Master.

Hello from Heaven,
I'm closer than they think,
I will always keep my eyes on all of them,
But you I know, already feel my warmth.
My time was shorter than some others,
But time is not measured by light alone.

Hello from Heaven,
You know I am near,
Your heart and your drive always show it.
The son for which pride,
Could never be measured,
Continue to fight, continue to grow.

Your visits I always welcome,
I visit as often as you.
Through your life I live,
As you live from my life,
Ever connected, ever loved,
An incalculable love from Heaven.
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Are You A Quitter Or A Failure? Never Quit!



It's okay to fail. In fact, I highly recommend failing. A person can't fully appreciate the sweetness of success without first experiencing the bitter taste of failure. I would even say that if you haven't failed, you aren't really trying.

So what makes failing so appealing in our quest for success? The secret is to never quit. As long as you continue to strive toward your goal of success and refuse to quit, you haven't really failed. Instead, use these temporary setbacks as a means to gauge your progress. Quitting is easy. Rebounding from a failure can be difficult; but worth the effort.

In 1954 Elvis Presley performed on stage at the Hi Hat Club in Memphis. Eddie Bond, a local musician, listened to Presley play two songs and gave Elvis advice about his future as a singer. Bond told Presley to stick to driving a truck, "because you're never going to make it as a singer."

What would have happened if Elvis Presley quit playing music and took the recommendation of Eddie Bond? The music world would have been denied thirty number one hit records by a former truck driver who would earn the title; The King of Rock and Roll.

After receiving his first Social Security check, a 65-year-old Harland Sanders decided that retirement wasn't an option. Sanders had two things going for him; a secret fried chicken recipe and a fierce determination to succeed. He went door to door trying to sell his unique chicken recipe to restaurant owners. Sadly, there wasn't the interest Sanders had expected. In fact, the recipe was rejected over 1,000 times.

roadside showing the curves aheadBut this didn't deter Harland Sanders. On the 1,009th sales call Sanders found this first franchise partner. When Harland "Colonel" Sanders died at the age of 90 he was worth $3.5 million. What would have happened if Sanders had called it quits after sales call 10, or 100, or 1,000? The finger lickin' good taste of Kentucky Fried Chicken would have never been enjoyed by the hungry consumers of America.

The year was 1952. Florence Chadwick attempted to swim the 26 miles between Catalina Island and the California coastline. After swimming for about 15 hours a thick fog set in. Chadwick swam for another hour before asking to be pulled out of the water. What caused her to stop? Florence was unable to see the coastline due to the fog.

As she sat in the recovery boat, Chadwick found out she had quit swimming just one mile away from Catalina Island. Florence had stopped because she could no longer see her final destination. The truth is many people quite after losing sight of their goals.

Although she may have failed to complete her first attempt at swimming the 26-mile challenge, two months later Chadwick tried again. This time the result was different. Although a thick fog once again set in, Florence didn't quit. Instead of focusing on what she couldn't see, this time Florence kept a mental image of the shoreline in her mind while she swam. Yes, she may have failed to complete her initial swim challenge between Catalina Island and the California Coast, but her personal drive to try again helped to overcome that first failed attempt. Florence Chadwick's ultimate success and determination not to quit is what people will always remember.

Occasional failure helps to remind us that we are one step closer to reaching our goal. Elvis Presley, Harland Sanders and Florence all refused to quit. As the famous Vince Lombardi said, "Winners never quit and quitters never win." The key to success is to remember that failures are only temporary setbacks.

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Learn To Show Up,Ability is not enough!



Ability is nothing without availability.

Do you have a great idea resting majestically in your head?

A great song yet to be sung?

A great play/movie still unscripted?

A great knowledge/wisdom to better the world at large?

A great approach to world's power problems?

These are just great nothings and will remain so, until they become available.

You must learn to show up

Develop the ability called availability.

Be ready when it's convenient and when it's not.

Learn to be there when it matters most.

Take a prominent role in your family, team/group, and country.

Dare to ask that question even if it may seem stupid;

Get the attention of the people that matter.

Take the risk, the heavens will not fall.

At worst you will have to try again, but please, be available.

You can't win in a race where you are absent.

Always remember the saying, 'when the desirable is not available, the available becomes desirable.'

Are you available today to do great things in your life and better the life of others?

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Everyone Is Different,Because I am me.


Because I Am Me


Note: I wrote this for many reasons. There is a lot of bullying and a lot of judgment towards special needs and to everyone who is different. I hope you enjoy this. Really meaningful.

Why do you talk so different?

Because I am me, and this is who I am. I can't change that and wouldn't want to.

Why do you look so different?

Because I am me, and this is who I am. I can't change that and wouldn't want to. This is me and it doesn't make me any more different than you.

Why do you act so differently than everyone else?

Because I am me, and this is who I am. I can't change that and wouldn't want to. This is me and it doesn't make me any more different than you. It's okay to be different and just be myself.

Why do you wear the clothes that you do?

Because I am me, and this is who I am. I can't change that and wouldn't want to. This is me and doesn't make me any more different than you. It's okay to be different and just to be myself. I wouldn't change myself for anyone in the world.

Why do you not walk like everyone else?

Because I am me, and this is who I am. I can't change that and wouldn't want to. This is me and it doesn't make me any more different than you. It's okay to be different and just be myself. I wouldn't change myself for anyone in the world. I am my own person; this is who I was meant to be.

Why do you do things more slowly than others?

Because I am me, and this is who I am. I can't change that and wouldn't want to. This is me and it doesn't make me any more different than you. It's okay to be different and just be myself. I wouldn't change myself for anyone in the world. I am my own person; this is who I was meant to be. I do things as I am meant to do them, because this is me.

Why do you look so different from everybody else?

Because I am me, and this is who I am. I can't change that and wouldn't want to. This is me and it doesn't make me any more different than you. It's okay to be different and just be myself. I wouldn't change myself for anyone in the world. I am my own person; this is who I was meant to be. I do things as I am meant to do them, because this is me. I look so different because this is who I am and who I choose to be.

Why are you the person that you are?

Because I am me, and this is who I am. I can't change that and wouldn't want to. This is me and it doesn't make me any more different than you. It's okay to be different and just be myself. I wouldn't change myself for anyone in the world. I am my own person; this is who I was meant to be. I do things as I am meant to do them, because this is me. I look so different because this is who I am and who I choose to be. I am me, this is who I am. I am proud of who I am and will become, that's all that matters

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The Mystery In The Power Of Praise



Have you ever been in a state where it seemed that God had gone mute to your prayers? The state where even unbelievers had to use you as a reference point to ask God questions?

My name is Mrs. Wale, a promising young businesswoman.

In my early life, I served God so faithfully and was committed to doing his work. As I journeyed through my Christian life, so many suitors came asking my hand in marriage but none of them met my requirements for the kind of man I wanted.

After waiting for a while, Bro Wale showed up. He was very caring and lovely. We dated for a while and he finally proposed and within few months, we got married. It was a happy moment for me but little did I know that my happiness was just for seconds.

My faithful and God fearing Mr. Wale became a hand tool in the hands of the devil, after we waited on the Lord for two years to bless us with children. The situation worsened after we had the Dr. report that I had a tumor and I may not be able to conceive.

The report got our lovely home messed up. My husband became a source of mockery amongst friends. Before I knew it, my faithful husband ended up sleeping around with strange women and got me infected with HIV and AIDS and set me packing out of the house.

The bad moments he made me go through in life left bitterness in me against him and I placed curses on him.

"What am I going to do with my life and what am I living for?" was all I asked myself every night as I wet my pillows with tears.

Two weeks later, following my state of health, I decided to visit the Dr. for a checkup. At the end of his investigation, he came up to say I had been diagnosed with blood cancer and he advised I go home and put my house in order, for I may not survive 3 months of living.

It was at this point I knew that my end had come.

Like the prodigal son, I had to fall back to my master for forgiveness. I fasted and prayed for weeks believing God would make this change.

"But how can blood cancer, a tumor and HIV and AIDS disappear? Are all these not too much for me?" was all that puzzled my mind.

It was at that point when I decided to make plans to put my house in order, I heard a preacher on the radio. The preacher started by asking the question:

"Whose report are you to believe? Who says you can't fulfill your destiny? If you have tried all prayer doors and none seems to work or open for you, WHY NOT YOU TRY THE DOOR OF PRAISE?

For God is found in the harbinger of praises. Praise gets God committed into any situation. When you pray, God assigns his angels to answer. But when you praise him, God himself steps in. God is not through with you yet!"

When I heard these words, my heart melted and I knew immediately that God indeed is committed to restoring my lost glory. Instead of giving up, I immediately declared 7 days of dancing and praising God.

On that faithful night to complete the program, the spirit to call on MY FATHER came upon me. I praised him as never before. It was a night of completion and to be remembered.

I danced and praised him. It was the type of dancing that I had never done in my whole life. It was after such joyous dancing that the peace I had been longing for came like the cool morning dew

While still in my mood of celebration, like a dream, a man walked into my room and greeted me:

"Peace be unto you! Oh woman of praise.
Your day of celebration has finally come!"

"Who are you? And how did you get here?" I asked with my lips trembling.

With smile on his face he said, "Am he that has been sent to present to you, your packaged blessings. I had been around to present your answers to your prayer request, but was held back by evil spirits in your house."

"Spirits? Did you say spirits?" I asked him while trying to look around my house to see if I could see the evil spirits.

 

"Yes! Evil spirits", he responded.

Like I said earlier he continued...

"I had been here and was kept bound by evil spirits in your house. They are the spirits of unforgivingness and unbelief. The unforgivingness you have against your husband is after you. The unbelieving spirit came at that point when you switched to counting your illnesses, and that immediately reduced God's healing ability over you.

They both stopped me BUT when you praised and danced in the presence of God, God had to fulfill his words.

Congratulations!

For every year that you had counted a waste has been restored. Those that saw you as a source of mockery shall return to celebrate you. Congratulations, once more, for you had been made whole."

It was right there and then I knew my deliverance had started. It was a night to remember.

Two days later, I went back to that same Dr. that declared me a walking corpse. And after running several tests on me, he could not fine traces of Blood Cancer, the Tumor nor HIV and AIDS.

The mystery behind praise had turned my table around for Good. The Dr. and everyone immediately gave their lives to Christ for they had never seen this kind of miracle. "What a mystery!" was the exclamation of all as they celebrate with me. God is indeed faithful.

Moral Lessons:


    • Never give up on yourself when God had not said so.





    • The thickness of the night can never prevent the sun from rising for your light must shine forth.




  • If you had tried other doors, never forget to try Praise, for God is committed to fulfilling all that concerns you.


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Deep Within You Stands A Warrior


Believe In Yourself


"Tough people dare when others doubt. Believe in yourself for the walls around you do not define the will within you. See everything that you face in life as a test; face it because your heart wants what's beyond it. Embrace your results and never give less than what you expect, and always remember in your own ways - You are powerful, you can do it, and you are a champion."
--- Kiplimo Chemirmir - Kenyan Warrior

Here is a little bit of wisdom from a young warrior who's humbled by life:In my tribe we believe that beneath our skin stands a warrior. Our ultimate belief is that there's a shield and spear that is grasped by the warrior within us, which must always hang in the walls our hearts. We can only use them to protect ourselves and never hurt anyone in any way at all; to fight bravely but only for peace and victory that builds our lives from poverty and all that weakens us.

We must hunt for our goals and never cry when we are wounded by failure or disappointments. To be brave and never forget to be wise with our strength because your greatest enemy is yourself, so the choices that you make in life make sure none of them will make you dig your own grave.

Never use that spear to beat or hurt yourself, nor use the shield to hide from your battles. Use it for its purpose and for what's right. Always fight a good fight when life brings you challenges, for sometimes life is a beast that must be tamed. And, if this beast bring troubles that are mightier than your strength, remember a wise warrior listens keenly to those who advise him, but he never lets anyone decide for him.

You are the maker of your own destiny, fighting is in your spirit, valor is in your heart, endurance is in your blood... and this is why you must always believe in yourself, for deep within you stands a warrior who cannot be defeated easily.

You were born to be a warrior and this you will always will be; this is your birthright, you mustn't deny it. So do not fail yourself because of fear nor what's standing before you; the fighter in you defines you.

So fight back. Strive for a better life, strive for peace, strive to become and never settle, for in life we are growing and so it should be all that we live for. All is possible if you don't run away but in believing in whom you are within to overcome and choosing to live the life you want.

In the tribe, I hail to become a warrior who's destined to be an elder. A boy must go through a gruesome right of passage; for me, it will take a book to write them all down, but the last day was the highlight of it.

I was fourteen years old when my time came. The last week of the gruesome month of December was when I had to face a lion to complete the passage.

I remember that day like it was one second ago, standing breathless with my spear, a dagger on my hip, a quiver with twenty tranquilizing arrows hanging tightly on my back.

My bow fell somewhere while stalking the lion. The lion turned back roaring and staring at me with those fiery eyes that pierce the soul of its prey. Even thunder has never made my heart stop like in that moment. Being there, it wasn't about courage; it was about destiny.

What made me stand there strong and ready to charge is who I was, told by my elders I have and I am inside.

I grew up being taught to believe in the warrior within more than anything or anyone in my life. It is hope, courage, strength and all that shapes a man to bring out his best, to rely on who I am within, that has always given me triumph no matter the circumstances.

That glorious day, the way the lion stared at me, it saw it too.

I could see a slice of fear on its face, which made me even braver than I felt within. I was only a young boy at that moment but I didn't feel like I was a boy or young, weak or anything, I felt the spirit of the warrior breathing with the will that says, "Today we will wear the soul of a lion and live with valor of the lion and roar through all the rest of our lives."

To this day defeat or failure never hurts because if I let them control me, I will be betraying the warriors path that I grew up following.

My friend when you are alive, just like the lion, you must never stop hunting.

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4 Steps To Turn Mistakes Around To Success



Over time, successful people have come to realise that mistakes are almost unavoidable, and the only people that do not make mistakes are people that have not tried anything meaningful. Making mistakes does not mean that you have totally failed or you have little or no idea about what you are doing. It simply means that you need to sit back and reflect on your past actions to correct every correctable and learn all the learnable.

I have taken my time to simplify four simple techniques you can use to turn your mistakes into winning bullets. They have worked for me, and I am sure they would work for you too.

STEP 1: Stop The Mistake By Pausing The Plan/Project/Investment

There is actually no joy and wisdom in committing the same mistake over and over again using the same strategies, ideas and techniques. After noticing that the methods you have been using are not working or rather would never work, STOP IT AND MOVE TO STEP 2.

Before you do this, you must admit the fact that you are making a mistake and you must not shift the blame on anyone, situations and unforeseen circumstances. You must be ready to take responsibility (the 1st step to failure is shifting blame that can be easily corrected by you).

STEP 2: Have A Rethink

Your plans are definitely great, your plans are destined to succeed, your plans are achievable, but there is something wrong somewhere that is not actually making your plans work out. That is what we are after.

Now you have to start asking yourself questions. What actually went wrong? What am I supposed to do that I have not done? What am I doing that I am not supposed to do? Why am I making this mistake over and over again? Are my techniques outdated or do not fit? Am I putting the required effort needed? Do I have adequate knowledge needed? Ask yourself this and many more questions as they come into your head. Note, don't neglect any question.

STEP 3: Go Back And Learn More

Now you have to go back to the drawing board and write down the solution to all the questions you asked yourself in step two. Ensure that you seek the right answers to these questions by gaining more knowledge. You need to go back to the books you read, the people that advised you, the observations you made, the plans you evaluated, because there is something that is still missing that you have not done. There is a particular step that you have not taken.

Now at this stage, you have to be cool, calm and collected. There is no need to rush so that you would not make the same mistake again. You need to look deep for loopholes and road bumps so they can be mended. When you are sure that you have gathered enough knowledge and information, move on to step four.

STEP 4: Apply The New Knowledge

This is the last and final stage. At this stage, you need to be very careful and vigilant. Your aim is to get a better and more improved result than what you have been getting previously. Implement the new knowledge into the plan and make sure you put all the effort required to ensure that you get a more improved result.

NOTE: You might not get the best result now, but I am sure that at this stage you will get an improved result. This can definitely lead you to the best result you can ever expect.

Remember, your mistakes are not meant to discourage you but rather to teach you new steps that should be used to achieve the best.

Keep winning.

Cheers to your next big success step in life!!!

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The Miracle Granted,Have No Doubt, God Is Good



The phone ID flashed, "Emergency Vet". "Oh no" I whispered. I could not lose Merlin now.

Ron and I had tried to have children for a long time with dismal results. We went through many procedures to have a child, but it was not to be. I threw myself into my work. Any maternal feelings I had were spent on Merlin.

I could not wait to get home from work each night. I wanted to pick up that warm bundle of loving fur and cuddle him. I wanted to sing "Rock-a-bye Merlin", like I did every night as he would put his paws around my neck.

Merlin was my comfort and solace especially at times when I wondered if God was listening. But last night something had changed. Not only did I sing "Rock-a-Bye Merlin", but I asked, "What will I do after you are gone?

Although Merlin was 19 years old, a senior in the age of a cat, he did not look or act that way. I did not want to accept the fact that he was nearing the end of his lifetime. My job at the law firm was so demanding and stressful that I couldn't imagine getting through the day without Merlin waiting to greet me at home.

I dialed the vet's number. I asked for my husband but he already left. Then I took a breath and asked the question that no one wants to ask, "Is my Merlin still alive?" The nurse said "yes."

Ron came home and said that Merlin had almost no red blood cells left. White blood cells were replacing them. Merlin would be needing expensive transfusions most likely on a monthly basis. We both knew Merlin was running out of time. I asked Ron to drive me to the vet so I could say goodbye to my little boy cat but he was beat tired and it was late. Ron said if Merlin was still alive the next morning then he would take me to the vet.

The next morning I called the vet. Merlin had survived the night.

After driving to the vet, I went into the examining room. The nurse brought Merlin and placed him on an examining table on his side. His eyes were tightly shut. I thought he died already. I carefully edged my hand to reach his body. His body felt warm, but when I spoke his name there was no response. No response to his name or that I was there and that I loved him. I was devastated.

In that examining room I felt helpless. I wondered how many people in an examining room felt as helpless as I did. I could not communicate with Merlin.

Feeling driven to prayer I yelled, "God this isn't good enough. I need to see my Merlin the way I remember him, I need a miracle and I need it now!"

In that moment, God granted a miracle. A switch was thrown. Merlin's favorite compliment entered my mind. I said, "Merlin, You are Beautiful and You are Gorgeous, do you hear me?"

One eye opened.

I said "Gotcha". I kept repeating those words over and over.

Merlin opened the other eye and, one limb at a time, got up. He was waiting for that phrase. He wanted to hear that he was beautiful and gorgeous again.

Then I experienced another miracle.

There was no sound in that examining room until Merlin started walking to me. From out of nowhere, or maybe from heaven, I clearly heard a song we sung in church often: "It Is Well With My Soul." I remembered thinking, "Yes, it is well with my Soul. I got to see my little boy cat one more time."

My anger dissipated. I no longer felt alone. I felt it was okay for me to let him go now.

Merlin walked to me. He put his face in mine, which he had never done before. He rubbed a circle around my face twice. Merlin said goodbye with his face and marked me for life.

Ron appeared shocked that Merlin was up and had walked to me. I said to Merlin, "Tell God you are a good boy and how much we love you" and then handed him back to the nurse.

That was all I could say to him before we left. He would be put down that day.

I belong to a church choir and the next time we sang, "It Is Well With My Soul," I could not sing. Tears of gratitude poured forth in memory of a miracle. You see for nineteen years God spoke to me through a special cat named "Merlin." On Merlin's last day, God proved he heard me when he granted a miracle. That miracle gave me time to say goodbye.

I am fine now. I know I am not alone and never was. Like the last line of "Taps": "God is Nigh." God is near.

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To Touch The Face Of God



An old man, probably some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the park bench. He didn't move, just sat with his head down staring at his hands. When I sat down beside him he didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat, I wondered if he was ok.

Finally, not really wanting to disturb him but wanting to check on him at the same time, I asked him if he was ok. He raised his head and looked at me and smiled.

"Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking", he said in a clear strong voice.

"I didn't mean to disturb you, sir, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were ok", I explained to him.

"Have you ever looked at your hands", he asked. "I mean really looked at your hands?"

I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point he was making.

Then he smiled and related this story:
Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.

They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler, I crashed upon the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back.

As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They dried the tears of my children and caressed the love of my life. They held my rifle and wiped my tears when I went off to war.

They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent.

They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band, they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.

They wrote the letters home and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse and walked my daughter down the aisle. Yet, they were strong and sure when I dug my buddy out of a foxhole and lifted a plow off of my best friend's foot.

They have held children, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand. They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body.

They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day, when not much of anything else of me works real well, these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.

These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of my life.

But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And He won't care about where these hands have been or what they have done. What He will care about is to whom these hands belong and how much He loves these hands. And with these hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ.
No doubt I will never look at my hands the same again. I never saw the old man again after I left the park that day but I will never forget him and the words he spoke.

When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and wife, I think of the man in the park. I have a feeling he has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God.

I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel his hands upon my face. Thank you, Father God, for hands.

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Young Adults Readers Excerpt from Bill Gates' Book:

For high school and college graduates, here is a list of 11 things they did not learn in school. In his book, Bill Gates talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world. You may want to share this list with some you know.

RULE 1: Life is not fair; get used to it.

RULE 2: The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

RULE 3: You will NOT make 40 thousand dollars a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice president with a car phone, until you earn both.

RULE 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss. He doesn't have tenure.

RULE 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your grandparents had a different word for burger flipping; they called it opportunity.

RULE 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

RULE 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills; cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you are. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parents' generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

RULE 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life has not. In some schools they have abolished failing grades; they'll give you as many times as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

RULE 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you find yourself. Do that on your own time.

RULE 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

RULE 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.
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Something to ponder if you don't know what to be thankful for.

"If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep ... you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace ... you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation... you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

If you can attend a church or synagogue meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death ... you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.

If your parents are still alive and still married ... you are very rare, even in the United States.

If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful ... you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder ... you are blessed because you can offer a healing touch.

If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.
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Life Throws a Brick at You

A young and successful executive was travelling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared, instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door. He slammed on the brakes and spun the Jag back to the spot from where the brick had been thrown.

He jumped out of the car, grabbed some kid and pushed him up against a parked car, shouting, "What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing?" Building up a head of steam, he went on. "That's a new car and that brick you threw is gonna cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?"

"Please, mister, please, I'm sorry. I didn't know what else to do!" pleaded the youngster. "I threw the brick because no one else would stop."

Tears was dripping down the boy's chin as he pointed around the parked car. "It's my brother," he said. "He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up." Sobbing, the boy asked the executive, "Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me."

Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He lifted the young man back into the wheelchair and took out his handkerchief and wiped the scrapes and cuts, checking to see that everything was going to be okay.

"Thank you, sir. And God bless you," the grateful child said to him. The man then watched the little boy push his brother to the sidewalk toward their home. It was a long walk back to his Jaguar... a long, slow walk. He never did repair the side door. He kept the dent to remind him not to go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention.

Life whispers in your soul and speaks to your heart. Sometimes, when you don't have the time to listen... Life throws a brick at your head. It's your choice: Listen to the whispers of your soul or wait for the brick. Do you sometimes ignore loved ones because your life is too fast and busy leaving them to wonder whether you really love them?
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Saturday, March 8, 2014

I am An African

I am an African

Not because I was born there

But because my heart beats with Africa's

 

I am an African

Not because my skin is black

...But because my mind is engaged by Africa

 

I am an African

Not because I live on its soil

But because my soul is at home in Africa

When Africa weeps for her children

My cheeks are stained with tears

When Africa honors her elders

My head is bowed in respect

When Africa mourns for her victims

My hands are joined in prayer

When Africa celebrates her triumphs

My feet are alive with dancing

 

I am an African

For her blue skies take my breath away

And my hope for her future is bright

I am an African

For her people greet me as family

And teach me the meaning of community

 

I am an African

For her wildness quenches my spirit

And brings me closer to the source of life

When the music of Africa beats in the wind

My blood pulses to its rhythm

and I become the essence of music

When the colors of Africa dazzle in the sun

My senses drink in its rainbow

And I become the palette of nature

When the stories of Africa echo round the fire

My feet walk in its pathways

And I become the footprints of history

 

I am an African

Because she is the cradle of our birth

And nurtures an ancient wisdom

I am an African

Because she lives in the world's shadow

And bursts with a radiant luminosity

I am an African

Because she is the land of tomorrow

And I recognize her gifts as sacred

 Image 

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Am a Proud African

I am an African

Not because I was born there

But because my heart beats with Africa's

 

I am an African

Not because my skin is black

...But because my mind is engaged by Africa

 

I am an African

Not because I live on its soil

But because my soul is at home in Africa

When Africa weeps for her children

My cheeks are stained with tears

When Africa honors her elders

My head is bowed in respect

When Africa mourns for her victims

My hands are joined in prayer

When Africa celebrates her triumphs

My feet are alive with dancing

 

I am an African

For her blue skies take my breath away

And my hope for her future is bright

I am an African

For her people greet me as family

And teach me the meaning of community

 

I am an African

For her wildness quenches my spirit

And brings me closer to the source of life

When the music of Africa beats in the wind

My blood pulses to its rhythm

and I become the essence of music

When the colors of Africa dazzle in the sun

My senses drink in its rainbow

And I become the palette of nature

When the stories of Africa echo round the fire

My feet walk in its pathways

And I become the footprints of history

 

I am an African

Because she is the cradle of our birth

And nurtures an ancient wisdom

I am an African

Because she lives in the world's shadow

And bursts with a radiant luminosity

I am an African

Because she is the land of tomorrow

And I recognize her gifts as sacred

 

 
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Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Over 1,000 Reasons to visit Tanzania with Us

 

1. Wonderfully Diverse and Untouristic Country

Tanzania is a wonderfully diverse country which contains more than its fair share of the continent's natural wonders and yet remains relatively lightly touristed.

Although the big names ... Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar ... do attract decent numbers of visitors, there is very little of the overt mass market tourism that is so prevalent in parts of Kenya and elsewhere.

A second rank of locations ... Selous, Ruaha, Mahale, Tarangire, Pemba, Mafia ... although in many ways equally impressive, are much lesser visited and remain places where one can still feel a something of a pioneer.

Beyond that lies a host of other fabulous locations which remain virtually untouched by outsiders, many of which don't even make it onto this or any other websites as yet.


Tanzania Safari: Katavi National Park in Western Tanzania
Game on the plains of the fabulously remote Katavi National Park in Western Tanzania





2. Best Location for Safari and Tropical Beach






The combination of a Tanzania safari and beach holiday really is a classic experience, and by far the most popular type of African trip.

Nowhere does this better than Tanzania, which is able to offer a huge range of absolutely top class safari experiences, all in close proximity to some of the very best tropical beaches. Light aircraft connect the parks directly with the coast, which means that you really can be on safari with lions on the morning and snorkelling with lion fish in the afternoon.

This is in stark contrast with safari countries such as Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, from where tropical coastline often takes the best part of two days to get to, often necessitating an overnight in Johannesburg, seriously detracting from the flow of a trip.

The only other country which can provide this safari and tropical beach combination with similar levels of convenience is Kenya, although the mass market traffic there needs to be avoided and high quality beach options are rare and generally overpriced.

A good number of people enquire to us about Kenya and Seychelles combinations, which are commonly pushed by less specialist travel companies. There are viable and can be good quality, but the two areas also require the best part of two days to get between, including an overnight in Nairobi, all of which can slightly take the wind out of your sails. Tanzania and Seychelles has similar issues, but is a more popular option amongst our guests.

The KwaZulu Natal area of South Africa is also able to offer a decent safari and beach combination in close proximity, but this is a sub-tropical coastline, very different from the palm-fringed lagoons of the East African coast.
Mafia Island Tanzania
Dhow sailing into the landing at Chole Mjini Lodge on the island of Mafia


3. Kilimanjaro



Up to 25% of all international visitors are motivated to visit Tanzania primarily to climb Kilimanjaro. We are one of the leading providers of treks on the mountain.


Uhuru Summit on Mount Kilimanjaro
Uhuru Summit on Mount Kilimanjaro





4. Northern Parks



In the north of Tanzania a group of parks including Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara and Tarangire combine to form what is arguably the greatest safari area in Africa. More than any other, this area brings together the three very powerful elements of awesome volcanic landscape, prodigious gameviewing and superb tribal interaction with the local Maasai people.

This is by far the most popular Tanzania safari area, attracting around ten times the number of visitors than that of the second most popular Southern Parks (Selous, Ruaha etc.). Whilst there are specialists out there who advise against the Northern Parks on the basis that they are over-touristed, we strongly disagree ... this is a spectacular area and one where high quality safaris are still be operated. Everyone needs to see these parks at least once. Some of us have been out on safari here literally dozens of times and still go back for more ... and we are hyper-sensitive to traffic issues!


Serengeti National Park
A little visited corner of the Serengeti close to Sanjan Camp





5. Serengeti Migration



The wildebeest and zebra migration of the greater Serengeti safari area is one of the best known wildlife events on the planet and clearly acts as a major inspiration for prospective visitors to the country. Over two thirds of all visitors include Serengeti in their trip, although many of these actually come at the wrong time of year to see the migration at its best. In reality the migration tends to play a surprisingly modest part in a much broader and utterly fabulous safari experience that is to be had in these Northern Parks.


Serengeti National Park: Migration Herds
Migration herds in the remote north of the Serengeti





6. Ngorongoro Crater



The second best known element of the Northern Parks is the remarkable Ngorongoro Crater, a huge flat bottomed volcanic caldera which contains within its steep sides virtually all the aspects of a classic East African safari. This is a truly remarkable place, not to be missed.


Ngorongoro Crater
View across the Ngorongoro Crater from the main southeasterly viewpoint





7. Maasai interaction



Another real highlight of a Tanzania safari into the Northern Parks is the opportunity to interact with the local Maasai people. Many Tanzania camps have Maasai walking guides and some have a much deeper relationship with the local villages. Walking, hiking and trekking in the fabulous volcanic landscapes of Ngorongoro in the company of genuine Maasai warriors is a real privilege, one which substantially broadens and enriches the safari experience.


Maasai guide from Olduvai Camp in Southcentral Serengeti
Maasai guide from Olduvai Camp in Southcentral Serengeti





8. Overland Safari



Most of the higher quality safari areas in Africa are operated by air these days, with guests moving around by light aircraft and camps providing all of the accommodation, food and safari services. This tends to lead to a relatively easy, comfortable and reliable safari experience, but one which some people may find a little narrow and tame.

The Northern Parks of Tanzania is one of the last great refuges of the overland safari. Here our guests travel from camp to camp with a driverguide and a private safari vehicle, deploying their time along the way as they see fit. This tends to provide a much greater sense of adventure and a broader experience, since visitors are exposed to the whole of life between and through the parks, rather than being restricted to the areas immediately around the camps. It is a slightly more arduous experience, but should ultimately prove to be more rewarding for the more adventurous visitor.


Ngorongoro Crater
Vehicles descending into the Ngorongoro Crater





9. Best Combo with Gorillas in Rwanda



The Northern Parks of Tanzania provide the natural safari for combination with the gorilla tracking lodges of Rwanda, since the two are connected by a light aircraft service between Kigali and Serengeti.


Gorilla in the Ruhengeri Mountains in Rwanda
Gorilla in the Ruhengeri Mountains in Rwanda





10. Best Flying Safari in East Africa



Having laid claim to the best overland safari in East Africa above, we now do the same for flying safari. The high quality reserves of Southern Tanzania and the superb remote reserves of Western Tanzania are generally accessed by air, with camps providing all accommodation food and safari services. In this respect this Tanzania safari experience is similar to that in countries such as Botswana, and Zambia.

Selous, Ruaha, Katavi and Mahale are reserves of the very highest order and each one very different from the next. A flying safari through these regions is therefore able to offer a higher degree of diversity and interest than just about anywhere in Africa.

In terms of budget, a short flying safari into Selous can work out quite cost effective and combine well with largely beach oriented trip in Zanzibar and elsewhere. A longer flying safari covering all stops west to Mahale tends to get very expensive and is therefore only suited to the lucky few who can afford it.


Selous Game Reserve
Aerial view of Selous Game Reserve





11. Chimpanzees at Mahale



Mahale Mountains National Park is one of the most remarkable places we know. Not only is it a stunningly beautiful location in its own right, but the chimpanzee interaction here is, in our opinion, the finest animal experience in Africa. Hard to put into words, but just amazing. Pricey though.

Mahale Mountains National Park
Chimp interaction at Mahale Mountains national park





12. Motorboat Safari in Selous



Selous game reserve is fabulous for lots of reasons, but perhaps the standout experience is the motorboat safari on the Rufiji river, which is an absolute pleasure. To be honest, close up encounters with elephant are not nearly so common as they are on the Zambezi at either Lower Zambezi or Mana Pools, but the overall experience can be an absolute delight.


Rufiji River in Selous Game Reserve
Out on the Rufiji river in Selous





13. Tropical Tanzania Beaches



Tanzania contains the best and most accessible tropical beaches in Africa. The majority of visitors head for the island of Zanzibar, which does have some spectacular white-sand lagoons on its eastern side. The other main islands of Pemba and Mafia are much lesser visited, whilst much of the mainland coast remains virtually untouched.


Tanzania Beach Safari: Zanzibar
Beach in Zanzibar





14. Swahili culture



The coastline of East Africa has a culture which is very distinct from the hinterland. Although the kiSwahili language has spread to become the langua franca across much of Africa, it is here on this coast that the Swahili culture derives and remains strongest.

Swahili is a blend of Arab and African cultures whose origins lie in the great Indian Ocean trades of centuries gone by. The culture brings an exoticism to the coast, with Sultan's palaces and mazed towns looking out over oceans dotted with the characteristic lanteen sails of Arab style dhows.

Before visiting Tanzania many people think that the coast is simply about beaches, when in reality it is quite a cultural odyssey in its own right. And some of the more remote Tanzania lodges can be considered to offer more of a marine safari than a beach vacation.


Zanzibar rooftop restaurant
Rooftop restaurant in Zanzibar Stonetown





15. Tanzania Scuba Diving



Tanzania offers some of the very best diving in the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar is the default choice, where casual divers will find plenty to keep them occupied for three, four or more days. More dive focussed visitors should also look to one or both of Mafia and Pemba islands, the former offering a wide range of high quality diving and opportunities to swim with whalesharks, whilst the latter specialises in big pelagic wall and drift dives.


Tanzani Scuba Diving: Mafia
Whaleshark under the bows off the island of Mafia

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Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Lessons in Life

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's okay to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's okay to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over-prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
"A REAL FRIEND IS ONE WHO WALKS IN WHEN
THE REST OF THE WORLD WALKS OUT

[skype-status skype_id="guruyuna" user_name="Yuna Tiya"]
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Parable of footprints on the sand

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonging to him, and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it. “Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.”

The Lord replied, “My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”

 
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What does Love really mean?

A group of professional people posed this question to a group of four through eight year olds, "What does love mean?" The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:

"Love is that first feeling you feel before all the bad stuff gets in the way."

"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That’s love."

"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You know that your name is safe in their mouth."

"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other."

"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your french fries without making them give you any of theirs."

"Love is when someone hurts you. And you get so mad but you don’t yell at them because you know it would hurt their feelings."

"Love is what makes you smile when you’re tired."

"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK."

"Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."

"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate."

"When you tell someone something bad about yourself and you’re scared they won’t love you anymore. But then you get surprised because not only do they still love you, they love you even more."

"There are two kinds of love: Our love and God’s love. But God makes both kinds of them."

"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday."

"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well."

"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn’t scared anymore."

"My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don’t see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night."

"Love is when mommy gives daddy the best piece of chicken."

"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day."

"I let my big sister pick on me because my Mom says she only picks on me because she loves me. So I pick on my baby sister because I love her."

"Love cards like Valentine’s cards say stuff on them that we’d like to say ourselves, but we wouldn’t be caught dead saying."

"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you"

"You really shouldn’t say ‘I love you’ unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget."

"God could have said magic words to make the nails fall off the cross, but He didn’t. That’s love."

 
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Truths for Living

The more generous we are,
the more joyous we become.

The more cooperative we are,
the more valuable we become.

The more enthusiastic we are,
the more productive we become.

The more serving we are,
the more prosperous we become.

The more outgoing we are,
the more helpful we become.

The more curious we are,
the more creative we become.

The more patient we are,
the more understanding we become.

The more persistent we are,
the more successful we become.

 
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This Day is Mine

Today I will search for the goodness in everyone I meet. I will remember that light reflects off the whole world around me, and that how I view that would depend on the glasses I choose to wear.…

Today I will walk through doors and lives knowing that it is my contributions and not my comments that shape the world around me. It is not the big things but the little things for which I will best be remembered; in any case I will be myself.

I will feed where there is hunger, I will comfort where there is loneliness and I will listen to the words, the music and the rhythm of those with whom I share my life. I will bring love where there is hatred, fight for what is right, make amends for any wrongs I may have done and ask forgiveness from those I have harmed. Today I will hug my loved ones.…

This day is mine to work for the Harvest Master.

 
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The 'Second' Ten Commandments


  1. Thou shall not worry, for worry is the most unproductive of all human activities.

  2. Thou shall not be fearful, for most of the things we fear never come to pass.

  3. Thou shall not cross bridges before you come to them, for no one yet has succeeded in accomplishing this.

  4. Thou shall face each problem as it comes. You can only handle one at a time anyway.

  5. Thou shall not take problems to bed with you, for they make very poor bedfellows.

  6. Thou shall not borrow other people’s problems. They can better care for them than you can.

  7. Thou shall not try to relive yesterday for good or ill, it is forever gone. Concentrate on what is happening in your life and be happy now!

  8. Thou shall be a good listener, for only when you listen do you hear ideas different from your own. It is hard to learn something new when you are talking, and some people do know more than you do.

  9. Thou shall not become "bogged down" by frustration, for 90% of it is rooted in self-pity and will only interfere with positive action.

  10. Thou shall count thy blessings, never overlooking the small ones, for a lot of small blessings add up to big ones.

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Proverbs for Abudant living

In life we are to encourage and build up each other;
not to discourage and tear down one another.

In life we are to add, not subtract;
to multiply, not divide.

In life we are to leave an enduring impression;
not a careless dent.

In life we are to smooth out the rough roads along the journey;
not create new potholes.

In life we are to sing a joyful song;
not just drone a groan.

In life we are to add our harmonious strains to life's symphony;
not strain the symphony with clatter and clang.

In life we are to soar on eagles' wings.
not to peck and cluck with our beaks in the dirt like chickens.

In life we are to radiate light into unseen places;
not permit unknown fears to dim our radiance.

In life we are to leap in faith;
not to limp with doubt.

In life we are to give freely of our time, our love, our resources;
not to cling on to them greedily.

In life we are to lift up others;
not push them down.

In life we are to open our hands to those in need;
not to clutch our hands in fists of distrust.

In life we are to lend a helping hand to make loads lighter;
not use heavy hands to hold others back.

In life we are to be messengers of peace, signs of joy;
not Chicken Little portents of gloom-n-doom.

In life we are to enjoy, to savor, to remember, to reflect;
not to overlook, to forget, to ignore, to reject.

In life we are to seek conscious awareness;
not doze in the doldrums of half-awake.

In life we are to dare mighty things;
not to fear things gravely.

In life we are to show up, stand up, step forward and speak up;
not to cringe in fear, choosing to sit down, or to step back,
allowing the voices of silence to speak so loudly.

In life we are to exercise proper stewardship of earth's resources;
not pillage the heritage of future generations.

In life we are to move forward through forgiveness;
not grind to a halt mired in bitterness and resentment.

In life we are to be wacky, weird, and wonderful
in our own unique God-given way;
not to be staid-n-proper lemmings, stuck on life's treadmill.

In life we are to reach, to stretch, and to soar;
not to slink in fear, held back by mistrust and doubt.

In life we are to realize: "I am a remarkable Somebody!";
not listen to other's jabs:
"You're a Nobody, an Everybody, an Anybody."

In life we are to comprehend, "I am worthwhile";
not tremble with feelings of worthlessness.

In life we are to create, to laugh, and to live life nobly;
not to despair, to moan, or to live life less.
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Mr. Shaoff's simple strategies to success

My original mentor, Mr. Shoaff, over a five-year period of time before he died at age 49, taught me some extraordinarily simple things. He taught me that life puts some of the more valuable things on the high shelf so that you can't get to them until you qualify. If you want the things on the high shelf, you must stand on the books you read. With every book you read, you get to stand a little higher.

And the "biggie" that forever had an impact on me, "Success is something you attract by the person you become." That phrase changed my life.

Success is not to be pursued, but to be attracted by the person you become. Put your energy into becoming a better you, the best you.

Learn the skills.
Practice the skills.
Attract the success.


 
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An Old farmer's advice


  • Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bull-strong.

  • Keep skunks and bankers and lawyers at a distance.

  • Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.

  • A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.

  • Words that soak into your ears are whispered…not yelled.

  • Meanness don't jes' happen overnight.

  • Forgive your enemies. It messes up their heads.

  • Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.

  • It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge.

  • You cannot unsay a cruel word.

  • Every path has a few puddles.

  • When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.

  • The best sermons are lived, not preached.

  • Most of the stuff people worry about ain't never gonna happen anyway.

  • Don't judge folks by their relatives.

  • Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

  • Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time.

  • Don't interfere with somethin' that ain't botherin' you none.

  • Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.

  • If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.

  • Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.

  • The biggest troublemaker you'll probably ever have to deal with, watches you from the mirror every mornin'.

  • Always drink upstream from the herd.

  • Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.

  • Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back in.

  • If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.

  • Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.


 
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A Key to Motivation

Keep People in the Know:

Your goal is to become a transformational leader, the kind of person that motivates and inspires people to perform at levels far beyond anything that they had previously thought possible. Transformational leaders empower others by keeping them "in the know," by keeping them fully informed on everything that affects their jobs. People want and need to feel that they are "insiders," that they are aware of everything that is going on. There is nothing so demoralizing to a staff member than to be kept in the dark about their work and what is going on in the company.

Give Regular Feedback:

One empowering behavior practiced by transformational leaders is regular feedback on performance and results. People need to know how they're doing so they can improve if performance is below standards and so that they can be proud of their successes. The more feedback you give to people, the better it is, as long as the feedback is objective and not critical. My friend, Ken Blanchard, says that, "Positive feedback is the breakfast of champions."

Praise Generously:

Be generous with your praise and encouragement. Remember, people are the only asset that can be made to appreciate in value by giving them warmth, respect, approval and by creating a climate of positive expectations.

Set High Standards for Yourself:

What companies and countries and institutions need today are courageous visionary leaders who are committed to creating an exciting future for themselves and others. You have within yourself the ability to evolve and grow as a leader and to make a real difference in the world around you. And the one thing you can know for sure about yourself is that, no matter what you've accomplished up to now, there is far more that you can do.

As you practice the behaviors of effective leaders, you will grow more and more toward the realization of your full potential. It's completely up to you.

Action Exercises:

Here are two things you can do immediately to put these ideas into action in your work.

First, hold regular meetings with your staff and tell them everything that is going on. Invite their comments, questions and concerns. Make everybody feel as if he or she was an insider in the organization.

Second, continually look for opportunities to give positive feedback, praise and encouragement. People need praise and encouragement like roses need rain and sunshine. Take very opportunity to make people feel better about themselves and their work.

 
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Happiness Is a Product of Realization

Clinical psychologists believe that happiness is a product of realization. One must allow oneself to go through a process to feel happiness. They explain the following phase:

  • Accept the Pains. You must get in touch with your situation. Sometimes people deny their hardship, thinking that if they don't face them, they will be happier. But it's the other way around. Allow yourself to go through the pains.

  • Choose Not to Stay in Pain. They say this is "self-empowerment." You can either be bitter about the pains and feel very powerless. Or you can do something and feel powerful enough to handle them. It's a choice to live with or without pain.

  • Forgive Yourself, Other People. But before forgiveness comes in, think about how other people hurt. Then realize that you can see yourself for what you actually are and not how they want you to be. So finding happiness is no longer rooted outside, but it's inside you—what you see, how you view things, what you want. Then it leads to your choice: to live your life with yourself.

  • Take Responsibility for Your Life. We sometimes allow ourselves to let other people, circumstances, or pains in the past to rule our lives. So we become very unhappy and very bitter because we live blaming others for who we are, where we're at, or how we should be. It's an exhausting process because you'll forever be blaming other people. Don't be bothered by what others think who you are or the standards they set. Take responsibility for your life.

  • Learn to Let Go and Trust Yourself. To be happy means learning to let go of expectations from yourself or from other people. You can't always have your way. At work, you can't always be sure your strategies will work or your plans will happen. But before you let go, have a deeper trust in yourself.

  • Learn to Receive Blessings. Think of the little things that make you happy or the people that give you assurance where you're good at. This is called receiving. Most of us have reasons to be happy, only that we don't see them or we take them for granted. We need to have little eyes and little hearts too, and realize that all things that make us happy have been there all along.

  • Have Somebody to Turn To. Even if you're in turmoil, there are people who will support you. But often we stick with people who make us very unhappy. If you're unhappy, seek people who will nurture you or look for a partner who will serve as a well-spring of inspiration.

  • Be Hopeful. Hoping is better than being optimistic since it's whole and real. Because sometimes, one's optimism can be a denial of hardship. It's easy to be optimistic about things, but inside you, you're anxious about them. Hoping is deeper. It's something you look forward to even when you recognize the difficulties and pains. The more hopeful a person is, the more he recognizes how bad the situation is, and lets himself to bear it. In the end, he knows it will bear good results. You don't deny difficulties. You're touching ground instead.

  • Keep the Faith Alive. There'll be points in your life when you can't handle problems alone. Think about someone who's more powerful, and who loves you dearly to take care of you. Having faith in God will give you hope.

  • You Can Actually Give Intangible Gifts Even Without Your Conscious Effort. People will tell you later that you've helped them, and gradually, you will feel you're making a difference in their lives. That's a deeper gift. When you help others, they affirm you by saying, "You're good." Then you realize that you're a good person and your goodness is not merely based on meeting deadlines or getting a raise. It's more of proving your self-worth based on being loved for who you really are and not simply for the result you can deliver or the money you can contribute to the company. This strengthens your positive attitude towards difficulties in life.

  • Be Grateful. You have to develop in yourself the sense of gratitude. You should be thankful for what you have. But you should recognize that there are things you can do to improve your life.

  • It's All in the Mind. We are unhappy because we think we are. Unhappy people are attached to their unhappiness. They refuse to change. When one thinks negatively, then he attracts negative thoughts. If you think that a tragedy will fall on you, somehow you fulfill it. Unconsciously, you make it happen.

  • Money Isn't Everything. People accumulate more and more money but the amount of happiness they can "buy" gets smaller and smaller. Although more money may bring greater feeling of empowerment, studies show that personal relationships, spirituality and feelings about oneself most directly influence well-being.

  • Discover the Best Friend in You. We can all change for the better. You can be happy even with yourself by discovering the best friend in you. Get real. Don't be hard on yourself with those high, unattainable goals. It's time you don't look for happiness outside you.


 
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The Few Things You Really Need to Remember

Remember that your presence is a present to the world.

Remember that you are a unique and unrepeatable creation.

Remember that your life can be what you want it to be.

Remember to take the days just one at a time.

Remember to count your blessings, not your troubles.

Remember that you’ll make it through whatever comes along.

Remember that most of the answers you need are withinyou.

Remember those dreams waiting to be realized.

Remember that decisions are too important to leave to chance.

Remember to always reach for the best that is within you.

Remember that nothing wastes more energy than worry.

Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

Remember that the longer you carry a grudge, the heavier it gets.

Remember not to take things too seriously.

Remember to laugh.

Remember that a little love goes a long way.

Remember that a lot goes forever.

Remember that happiness is more often found in giving than getting.

Remember that life’s treasures are people, not things.

Remember that miracles can still happen.

 

 
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A creed to Live By


  • Don't undermine your worth by comparing yourself to others.
    It is because we are different that each of us is special.

  • Don't set your goals by what other people deem important.
    Only you know what is best for you.

  • Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart.
    Cling to them as you would your life, for without them life is meaningless.

  • Don't let life slip through your fingers by living in the past or for the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live up all the days of your life.

  • Don't give up when you still have something left to give,
    Nothing is really over . . . till the moment you stop trying.

  • Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect.
    It is this fragile thread that binds us together.

  • Don't be afraid to encounter risks.
    It is by taking chances, that we learn to be brave.

  • Don't shut love out of your life by saying it's impossible to find.
    The quickest way to receive love is to give love;
    the fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly;
    and the best way to keep love is to give it wings.

  • Don't dismiss your dreams.
    To be without dreams is to be without hope;
    to be without hope is to be without purpose.

  • Don't run through life so fast
    that you forget not only where you've been,
    but where you are going.

  • Life is not a race,
    but a journey to be savored every step of the way.


 
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Yuna Ideals


  1. Everyone has a God-given Mission: You have a job to do in this world that only you can do. A healthy sense of self is directly related to knowing your mission in life.

  2. One Person can Make a Difference: Your efforts might seem insignificant to you but they may be all that is needed to overcome great evil. Take courage and follow your heart.

  3. Positive Constructive Action Works Miracles: Complaining can be a waste of precious time and energy. Be positive.

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21 Keys to a happy Life


  1. Compliment three people everyday.

  2. Watch a sunrise.

  3. Be the first to say "Hello."

  4. Live beneath your means.

  5. Treat everyone as you want to be treated.

  6. Never give up on anybody; miracles happen.

  7. Forget the Jones’s.

  8. Remember someone’s name.

  9. Pray not for things, but for wisdom and courage.

  10. Be tough-minded, but tender hearted.

  11. Be kinder than you have to be.

  12. Don’t forget that a person’s greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.

  13. Keep your promises.

  14. Learn to show cheerfulness even when you don’t feel it.

  15. Remember that overnight success usually takes 15 years.

  16. Leave everything better than you found it.

  17. Remember that winners do what losers don’t want to do.

  18. When you arrive at your job in the morning, let the first thing you say brighten everyone’s day.

  19. Don’t rain on other people’s parades.

  20. Don’t waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.

  21. Keep some things to yourself and don’t promote havoc by backstabbing people you love.


 
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12 Absolutely unbreakable Laws of Leadership

1. The Law of Integrity: Great business leadership is characterized by honesty, truthfulness and straight dealing with every person, under all circumstances.
2. The Law of Courage: The ability to make decisions and act boldly in the face of setbacks and adversity is the key to greatness in leadership.
3. The Law of Realism: Leaders deal with the world as it is, not as they wish it would be.
4. The Law of Power: Power gravitates to the person who can use it most effectively to get the desired results.
5. The Law of Ambition: Leaders have an intense desire to lead; they have a clear vision of a better future, which they are determined to realize.
6. The Law of Optimism: The true leader radiates the confidence that all difficulties can be overcome and all goals can be attained.
7. The Law of Empathy: Leaders are sensitive to and aware of the needs, feelings and motivations of their people.
8. The Law of Resilience: Leaders bounce back from the inevitable setbacks, disappointments and temporary failures experienced in the attainment of any worthwhile goal.
9. The Law of Independence: Leaders know who they are, what they believe in and they think for themselves.
10. The Law of Emotional Maturity: Leaders are calm, cool and controlled in the face of problems, difficulties and adversity.
11. The Law of Excellence: Leaders are committed to excellent performance of the business task and to continuous improvement.
12. The Law of Foresight: Leaders have the ability to predict and anticipate the future.
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The Paradoxical Commandments


  1. People are illogical, unreasonable and self-centered. Love them anyway.

  2. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Do good anyway.

  3. If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.

  4. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.

  5. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.

  6. The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds. Think big anyway.

  7. People favor underdogs, but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

  8. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.

  9. People really need help, but may attack you if you do help them. Help them anyway.

  10. Give the world the best you have and you will get kicked in the teeth. Give the best you have anyway.



 
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10 Qualities of a Leader


  1. A leader must be able to take criticism. No person in a position of authority will be immune from it. One must learn to sort out the constructive, from which one can learn, and the malicious which one must ignore.

  2. A leader must learn to stand adversity. Things will not always go well. Failures will happen. A good leader will bounce back.

  3. A leader must be able to delegate authority. He or she must be able to give up power, to trust those under them.

  4. The leader must make decisions. The person who cannot take a stand does not deserve to lead others.

  5. The leader must be free from prejudices. "Prejudice," someone once said, "is a luxury only little people can afford."

  6. A leader must learn to praise others, to share the credit, and to give credit where it is due. If he or she tries to take credit for everything, they will not lead, they will only frustrate those under them.

  7. A leader must be able to concentrate under difficult conditions, to keep the goal constantly in mind, to keep his or her head when all about them are losing theirs.

  8. A true leader will assume responsibility for their own mistakes.

  9. A leader will not try to avoid responsibility for the mistakes of others.

  10.  A good leader will grow and learn. Stagnation is not leadership.

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To be Successful-Have a Mentor

During my first years as a speaker and author, the most important factor in my success was the wisdom and experience of my mentors. It would have taken years of research and experience to acquire all the minute details involved in the success I was seeking. Instead, I cut my learning time by at least one half through the guidance of my mentors. The late Cavett Roberts, the dean of professional speaking and founder of the National Speakers' Association, originated the quote, "O.P.E." (Other People's Experience). That's what the mentor-protégés relationship is based upon: other people's experience.

I've found that most people who have become successful in life and/or business are proud to share their knowledge and experience. If you find someone who can act as your mentor, it would be a wonderful experience for both of you. I now act as a mentor for several people. Having discussed mentorship with several friends who are also mentors, we have agreed that there are some tips on the mentor-protégé relationship that would be helpful to pass on. I have listed them in the hopes that you can make the most of one of the best resources available to you—a mentor!

  1. As defined by Webster's, a mentor is an adviser, coach/teacher–not a partner or replacement for your active participation. Look upon your mentor as a source of inspiration and information, not a replacement for action.

  2. Be very careful of your mentor's time. The quickest way to alienate a mentor is to be on the telephone, e-mail or in his or her office for repeated information and unimportant details. On the other hand, don't be afraid to ask what you may think is a dumb question. There are no dumb questions, only uninformed, unprepared people. If you have already covered the material or problem and you still have questions, make sure you aren't just being lazy. If you do need further clarification and help, then certainly contact your mentor.

  3. When working with a mentor take careful notes so you don't have to go back for repeated information. Always take notes; they will help you in preparing intelligent, meaningful questions and in retaining the information.

  4. If you are asking advice of a mentor—take it! Proteges, in their enthusiasm, often ask advice and then argue the point. Don't reinvent the wheel.

  5. When you receive advice and suggestions from you mentor, report back on the results or action taken. Your mentor may see that you need a slight adjustment or correction. Small game- plan refinements can be extremely helpful. If you are proceeding correctly and all is well, you need to know that also. Reporting to your mentor will give you this knowledge.


Finally, once you have had a mentor, pass on the legacy. It is a wonderful and rewarding endeavor. One of the fastest ways to go from success to significance is to be a mentor to someone else!

 
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R-2 A-2 Formula for Success

 Recognize:      to identify the principle, idea, or technique.

Relate:            to connect or join together, to establish
a relationship to your own life.

Assimilate:     to incorporate; to absorb;
to become a part of your own thinking.

Apply:            to follow through and act upon.

Do It Now!


 
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