Saturday, May 31, 2008

A BETTER PRAYER FOR LIFE

Hornet on the window - “A habit cannot be tossed out the window; it must be coaxed down the stairs a step at a time.”

One man, too inebriated to drive, was walking home along railroad tracks when his foot suddenly became stuck. He pulled and tugged, but could not free it from the tracks.

Then he heard a noise and turned around to see an oncoming train. In a panic, he prayed. "Dear God, please get my foot out of these tracks and I'll stop drinking."

Nothing happened.

With the speeding train closer, he tried again. "Oh, Lord, get my foot out of these tracks and I'll stop drinking AND I'll quit cheating on my wife!"

Still nothing, and now the train was just seconds away.

He tried one last time. "Lord, if you get my foot out of the tracks, I'll quit drinking, cheating, AND ... I'll become a minister!"

Suddenly his foot shot out of the tracks and he dove out of the way of the passing train. Dusting himself off, he looked toward Heaven and said, "Never mind, Lord, I got it out myself."

Does that kind of prayer sound familiar? How often are prayers, even when one is not in a state of emergency, concerned only about physical needs -- health and safety?

Mahatma Gandhi claimed to have never made even a minor decision without prayer. Gandhi was known best as an Indian nationalist and spiritual leader, but he was also a man of rare courage. He developed the practice of nonviolent disobedience that eventually forced Great Britain to grant India's independence.

He spoke often about spirituality and prayer. He told about traveling to South Africa to oppose a law there directed expressly against Indians. His ship was met by a hostile mob and he was advised to stay on board. They had come, he was told, with the express intention of lynching him. Gandhi said of the incident: "I went ashore nevertheless. I was stoned and kicked and beaten a good deal; but I had not prayed for safety, but for the courage to face the mob, and that courage came and did not fail me."

Gandhi preferred courage over safety. If accomplishing his goals put him in the way of danger, then he wanted to face that danger bravely. His prayer was to receive enough courage to do what needed to be done, not to live his life free from harm.

Rabbi Harold Kushner speaks about such prayer. He reminds us that "people who pray for courage, for strength to bear the unbearable, for the grace to remember what they have left instead of what they have lost, very often find their prayers answered. Their prayers helped them tap hidden reserves of faith and courage that were not available to them before."

The courage you need will come, and will not fail you.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Friday, May 30, 2008

AUTOGRAPH YOUR WORK WITH EXCELLENCE FOR LIFE

Furry cat in a cage - “I never thought much of the courage of a lion tamer. Inside the cage he is at least safe from people.”

My mother used to say, "If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing well." I am not talking about perfectionism, for "perfect" is found only in the dictionary. Those who think a thing must be perfect before it is finished will accomplish very little. I have yet to write a perfect letter, prepare a perfect meal or give a perfect speech. (I admit, I've made a perfect fool of myself at times, but then I wasn't trying!

Most of the time, however, my mother's admonition was on the mark. If a thing is worthy of my time, it is worthy of my best time.

In some of his speeches, Louis T. Rader relates that many top executives feel that a 99 percent effort is good enough. But here is the eye opener - if this figure (99 percent good enough) were converted into our daily non-industrial life, it means that more than 30,000 babies would be accidentally dropped by doctors and nurses each year. Electricity would be off for fifteen minutes every day.

Others have calculated that 99 percent good enough means that: 12 newborns will be given to the wrong parents daily; 114,500 mismatched pairs of shoes will be shipped each year; 18,322 pieces of mail will be mishandled per hour; 2.5 million books will be shipped with the wrong cover; two planes will crash daily at Chicago's O'Hare airport; 315 entries in Webster's Dictionary will be misspelled; and 291 pacemaker operations will be performed incorrectly.

Sometimes 99 percent really isn't good enough. Texas' first African-American congresswoman, Barbara Jordon, once said, "Each day you have to look into the mirror and say to yourself, 'I'm going to be the best I can no matter what it takes.'" She never said, "I will be the best." She said, "I will be the best I can." And it was because of her desire to be her best ... that she became one of our best.

Perfect is only found in the dictionary, but doing and being one's best is an important part of a happy and fulfilled life. "Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it," Jessica Guidobono reminds us. "

Autograph your work with excellence."

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Thursday, May 29, 2008

LAUGHING DURING TOUGH TIMES IN LIFE

Hard clam shells - “Beauty is a form of genius - is higher, indeed, than genius, as it needs no explanation. It is of the great facts in the world like sunlight, or springtime, or the reflection in dark water of that silver shell we call the moon.”

Laughter and tears are part of living. But do you find enough time for laughter? I am not asking if you experience lots of good times. Of course we should laugh during the happy times. But do you also laugh during the difficult times?

Erma Bombeck is known for her humorous books, but she wrote one that covered a more serious topic: cancer in children. The book is titled, I WANT TO GROW HAIR, I WANT TO GROW UP, I WANT TO GO TO BOISE (Harper and Row, 1989). Erma talks with numerous children with cancer and learns important life lessons from them. She learns, for instance, that cancer survivors know how to laugh.

She cites the experience of 15-year-old Jessica from Burlington, VT. Jessica's leg was amputated at the knee because of cancer. She was learning to wear a prosthesis. Jessica tells about playing soccer. She kicked the ball hard and it flew off in one direction while her artificial leg flew another way. Then "the tall, gorgeous person that I am," she said, "convulsed on the floor in laughter."

Jessica may not have laughed about her cancer, but she laughed about dealing with the consequences of it. And her laughter helped her cope.

Then there is the story of 17-year-old Betsy. She made her way to the radiation room for her regular radiation therapy. As usual, she dropped her hospital gown and, wearing only her birthday suit, climbed onto the table and waited. After a couple of moments she began to realize something disturbing: the extra people in the room were not the medical students she had thought, but rather painters giving an estimate on painting! Betsy laughs heartily about the incident. And like Jessica, her ability to laugh helped her to cope with one of the most difficult things a young person can endure -- cancer.

Biblical wisdom teaches that "there is a time to weep and a time to laugh." Do you find plenty of occasions for laughter? You can...if you also find reasons to laugh during the especially difficult times.

Survivors know how to laugh. If you can laugh even when the going is rough, you'll make it. And you'll smile at the end.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

TRAVELLING LIFE IN IRELAND

Ireland is one of the popular destination of travel in Europe. Being the third largest island in Europe and the world's twentieth largest island, Ireland is known all over the world for its leprechaun folklore and St. Patrick's Day.With plenty of lush green country side and a rich historical background, Ireland is a sight to behold! A typical vacation or holiday to Ireland would start at Dublin, the largest city and capital of Ireland. Dublin started out as a Viking settlement during the medieval times. Visitors to Dublin can immerse themselves in Dublin's rich culture, primarily in literature, theatre and the Irish artistic scene. And with plenty of Dublin Hotels scattered throughout the city, visitors can easily check in to one to their liking.
Other places of interest in Ireland which are worth stopping by during the tour include Cork and Shannon. Cork is the second largest city in Ireland and the third most populous city. Visitors can set their eyes on architectural buildings originating from the medieval times up to the modern periods. There are also many local Cork traditions in food and customs for visitors to savor in like Crubeens and Tripe. Shannon is a new town built on reclaimed marshland. Its development has sky rocketed since its establishment due to its strategic location and a recent highway bypass construction. Accommodation is not an issue for travelers as there are many Cork Hotels and Shannon Hotels to choose from.

If you are keen to travel to Ireland for your next vacation, you can find cheap and pleasant Ireland Hotels easily at CheaperthanHotels United Kingdom.

AIN'T NOTHIN' YOU CAN DO

Shadowing the coconut tree - “All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree. All these aspirations are directed toward ennobling man's life, lifting it from the sphere of mere physical existence and leading the individual towards freedom.”

Jewish humor has it that a rookie recruit for the New York City Police had passed all of his examinations except public health. The police surgeon said, "Well, Murphy, you've done very well. I'll ask you one question and if you do all right on that, you can become a cop."

He wanted to ask him how he would respond if a rabid dog bit somebody; for instance, what does he know about the disease, how would he treat the victim, whom would he call and so forth. The doctor said, "Now, tell me, what is rabies, and what are you going to do about it?"

"Well, Captain," Murphy replied, "rabies is Jewish priests, and there ain't nothin' you can do about it."

There "ain't nothin' you can do" about quite a few situations! And it's true with people, too. There ain't nothin' you can do about the way they are, so it is fruitless to try to change them into something else. You are wise to learn to accept them without conditions, understand them the best you can and love them anyway. For they probably won't change much and there just ain't nothin' you can do about it.

Sam Keen Christine said, "We come to love, not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly." It's all about acceptance.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

PRACTICING PATIENCE FOR LIFE

Pretty maroon flowers - “As a lotus flower is born in water, grows in water and rises out of water to stand above it unsoiled, so I, born in the world, raised in the world having overcome the world, live unsoiled by the world”

"I grew up with six brothers," says comedian Bob Hope. "That's how I learned to dance, waiting to get into the bathroom."

Patience may not come easily for you. But whether or not you share a bathroom with others, you can get plenty of practice. We're presented daily with amply opportunity to learn patience.

After moving to the city. I grew impatient with the bumper-to-bumper traffic. I decided to keep a harmonica in the glove compartment, along with a beginner's book. When traffic was held up, I took out my harmonica and played. I figured I could either practice patience or practice the harmonica. The harmonica seemed like more fun. My patience still needs practice, but the harmonica is coming along.

Benjamin Franklin learned that persistence and patience were crucial to the success of his scientific experiments. He once said, "Genius is nothing but a greater aptitude for patience." So he practiced patience.

You can be a genius...just be patient! All it takes is practice.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Monday, May 26, 2008

NAMASTE FOR LIFE

Emergency escape exit point - “It is impossible to fall out of love. Love is such a powerful emotion, that once it envelops you it does not depart. True love is eternal. If you think that you were once in love, but fell out of it, then it wasn't love you were in. There are no 'exit' signs in love, there is only an 'on' ramp.”

Has this ever happened to you?

The day after we moved to a small town in Colorado my wife Bev did grocery shopping. We moved few food items with us so she filled four grocery carts full. She asked if she could pay with an out of state check. "We just moved here," she explained, "and don't have local checks yet."

They said, "Yes, no problem." But when she began looking for her checkbook, she discovered that she had left it at home.

All of the groceries had been checked and sacked. "I'm so sorry," she said, "I thought I had it with me. If I could just leave the groceries here for a few minutes, I'll run home and get the checkbook."

"Don't worry about it," the cashier told her. "Take the groceries home. The next time you're in the store you can pay for them."

We had just moved from a large city and she couldn't believe what she was hearing! This clerk had never seen her before. But she treated her as if she were a VIP. She was somebody!

Don't you love it when you are treated like you are somebody? Because the truth is, we are all somebody. We are all important. And maybe most businesses cannot (and should not) let everybody pay with credit, but even strangers can be treated with honor and respect.

"Namaste" is a polite Indian gesture of greeting or farewell. From Hindi, the word literally means "bowing to you." Namaste has also been used to mean "I honor the sacred that is within you." What a remarkable thing it would be to actually honor the sacred that is within each person we meet! Even strangers. Nobody would go unnoticed and everybody would count.

Here is an exercise that may dramatically change your life: for one month treat everybody you meet as if she or he is the most important person in the world. The man sweeping the sidewalk, your spouse and children, a teenager in the neighborhood, the elderly woman seated across the aisle from you -- honor that which is sacred in all of them.

Give your undivided attention. By your words and actions, communicate to them all how important they are to you. Show them great respect and kindness. You may be amazed at what happens to your relationships!

You may not single-handedly solve the problem of world peace -- but in one small way at least, you will make a great difference.

Namaste.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Sunday, May 25, 2008

FAITH AT WORK IN LIFE

Fire extinguisher safety equipment - “The wise man in the storm prays to God, not for safety from danger, but deliverance from fear

It's one thing to goof. But it's another thing to do it in front of a stadium full of people! In their book Oops (The Rutledge Press, 1981), authors Richard Smith and Edward Decter tell of such slip-ups. One occurred during a soccer match between two Brazilian teams. (To protect the player involved, I won't name the teams.) The first goal was scored within three seconds after kickoff. What made the score particularly hard for the team's fans to take was the fact that it was
made while their goalie was still on one knee with head bowed in prayer.

There is certainly a time for prayer, but this poor man learned the hard way that there is also a time for action. In fact, both are necessary in a well-lived life. As Gandhi once said, "I have so much to accomplish today, I will have to meditate two hours instead of one."

Often, however, the best spirituality begins with the prayer of the heart, and then moves to that prayer which is lived throughout the rest of the day.

Several years ago a bomb was detonated outside the huge oak doors of a Greek Catholic church in Jerusalem. The heavy doors were blown inward so that they careened up to the front of the sanctuary and destroyed the chancel area. Windows were blown out, pews were destroyed, and the balcony collapsed.

Dr. Ken Bailey, a Presbyterian missionary scholar and friend of the priest of the Greek Church, stopped by to assess the damage. It took little time to determine that the priest was in shock and unable to make necessary decisions. So Dr. Bailey took it upon himself to ask seminary administrators at the school where he taught to close classes, and he invited students to join him in helping the priest. They cleaned the church and boarded the windows to prevent looting.

The next day, Bailey again called on his friend. The maid confided in him that the priest did not cry at the bomb's destruction. However, she added, "He did cry when you and your friends helped clean up the mess it made."

Dr. Bailey has since remarked, "I did not teach any theology that afternoon - or did I?" If theology is about love in action, he held one of his best classes that day.

The truth is...faith is never so beautiful as when it has its working clothes on.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Saturday, May 24, 2008

THE POWER OF LAUGHTER IN LIFE

Arcade video games console terminals - “Never idealize others. They will never live up to your expectations. Don't over-analyse your relationships. Stop playing games. A growing relationship can only be nurtured by genuineness.”

Did you follow the 1987 football season when the Denver Broncos played the Cleveland Browns for the AFC title?

Less than two minutes remained in the game and Cleveland was ahead by a touchdown. The Broncos had just fumbled the ball out of bounds on their own 1/2-yard line. Hostile Cleve­land fans were already throwing dog biscuits onto the field and celebrating a sure Cleveland win.

While the announcer was discussing who Cleveland would play in the Super Bowl and Den­ver fans were nursing bruised egos, the Bron­cos huddled in their own end zone. Quarterback, John Elway, was known for miraculous wins, but this situation was almost impossible.

All-pro left tackle, Keith Bishop, looked around the huddle at his teammates, took a deep breath and said, "Hey, now we got them right where we want them!" Tense silence was broken by laughter. One player laughed so hard he fell down! Somehow the joke lent perspective to an absurd situation and a sense of calm confidence replaced anxiety.

What followed has been dubbed in the an­nals of football lore as The Drive. In less than two minutes, John Elway and the Broncos drove the length of the field and tied the game with just sec­onds left. They won in overtime and went on to the 1988 Su­per Bowl (which, judged by the Bron­cos' poor showing, was itself a kind of joke...).

An amazing shift occurred in the huddle that day. Laughter prepared them to bring their best to a demanding situation as nervous, negative energy was swept away in the absurdity of the moment.

Laughter has a way of creating positive change in any tense and stressful circumstance. But, as Mark Twain said, laughter is the greatest weapon that we humans possess and it's the one we use the least. Daily, we have countless oppor­tunities to use the power of laughter to make a positive difference.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Friday, May 23, 2008

SO YOU HAVE ENEMIES IN LIFE?

The view in the rear view mirror - “Look at life through the windshield, not the rear-view mirror”

A knight returned to his castle at twilight. He was a mess. His armor was dented, his helmet askew, his face was bloody, his horse was limping and he listed to one side in the saddle. His lord met him at the gate, asking, "What has befallen you, Sir Knight?"

Straightening himself up as best he could, he replied, "Oh, Sire, I have been laboring in your service, robbing and burning and pillaging your enemies to the west."

"You have been what?" cried the startled nobleman. "But I haven't any enemies to the west!"

"Oh!" said the knight. And then, after a pause, "Well, I think you do now."

What about you? Enemies to the west? Or the north, or the south, or the east? None of us will calmly sail through our lives in perfect harmony with everyone we meet. And though most conflict can be resolved along the way, and most of our bruised re­lationships can eventually be healed, some passionate issues may threaten to drive a per­manent wedge between people. Heartfelt moral and political stances, especially, can polar­ize folks who just as passionately hold differing positions.

Former U.S. Ambassador Claire Booth Luce once observed: "I don't have a warm per­sonal enemy left. They've all died off. I miss them terribly because they helped define me."

So-called "enemies" can serve a valuable purpose. If we let them, they can teach us about ourselves. By holding a mirror before us, they can help us see what we may have missed. By disa­gree­ing with our heartfelt convictions, they can sharpen our points of view. And, if we allow it, they can unwittingly help us practice strength and compas­sion in the face of criticism.

If enemies cannot become friends, they can become teachers. If we listen, they will teach us what our friends cannot.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Thursday, May 22, 2008

LIFE IN THE PACIFIC PARADISE

It is nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of our normal working lifestyle and go for a vacation at an exotic location somewhere on a tropical island. One of the real world destination that is a close match to the stated ideal vacation stop is at the South West Pacific Islands.From the world famous Republic of the Fiji Islands to the capital city of New Caledonia, Noumea, a vacation trip to these tropical destinations is the much desired solution to recharge your batteries and provide the much needed rest and relaxation in your life. The Republic of Vanuatu is also a popular vacation hotspot located in the South Pacific Ocean. With a rich historical background and cultural heritage, these island nations can offer visitors and travelers with fresh exotic experiences in sights and sounds to indulge in.

Getting the best accommodation during your vacation trip is easy and hassle free via CheaperthanHotels Australia. Not only do they provide a quick and simple way of finding fantastic Fiji Hotels and exotic Noumea Hotels that suit your requirements, they also provide their servives to Vanuatu Hotels and world famous Cairns Hotels. Do not worry if you have a tight budget as you can get quality cheap accommodations for your vacation through CheaperthanHotels Australia.

BEATITUDES FOR PARENTS IN LIFE

Tall green grass by the pond - “What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset.”

One man says he had a great speech for parents. It was called, "How to Raise Your Children." He went on speaking tours in the Midwestern United States and was paid a high honorarium for the talk. "This guy will wow you, " people said.

Then they had their first child. His majestic speech lost its punch at 2:00 AM with the baby in full cry. But he kept trying. He renamed his new, modified speech "Some Suggestions for Parents" and charged bravely on.

They had two more children. The speech changed again. And again. Now it's called, "Feeble Hints for Fellow Strugglers" and he begins with the question: "Does anyone here have a few words of wisdom?"

Parents through the ages can identify. "Could someone, please, just give me the final answers to parenting?" we ask. "ALL of them? Could someone tell please tell me how to respond and what to do and what to say and when to say it and do it and tell me now?"

But, of course, we ask the impossible.

Maybe this will help. I have saved it for years, and I'm convinced it was written by one who has been there.... It is not the final answer to parenting, but cherish it as a dose of wisdom worth re-reading as often as possible.

Beatitudes For Parents by Marion E. Kinneman (1895-1985) (Used by permission.)

Blessed are those parents who make their peace with spilled milk and with mud, for of such is the kingdom of childhood.

Blessed is the parent who engages not in the comparison of his child with others, for precious unto each is the rhythm of his own growth.

Blessed are the fathers and mothers who have learned laughter, for it is the music of the child's world.

Blessed and wise are those parents who understand the goodness of time, for they make it not a sword that kills growth but a shield to protect.

Blessed and mature are they who without anger can say "no," for comforting to the child is the security of firm decisions.

Blessed is the gift of consistency, for it is heart's-ease in childhood.

Blessed are they who accept the awkwardness of growth, for they are aware of the choice between marred furnishings and damaged personalities.

Blessed are the teachable, for knowledge brings understanding, and understanding brings love.

Blessed are the men and women who in the midst of the unpromising mundane, give love, for they bestow the greatest of all gifts to each other, to their children, and -- in an ever-widening circle -- to their fellow men.

Blessed are those who read these words...but more blessed will be they who follow them!

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

THIS WONDROUS WORLD OF LIFE

Amazing papercraft anime doll - “When you sell a man a book, you don't sell him 12 ounces of paper and ink and glue - you sell him a whole new life.”

Not everyone has a good grip of science. But these children's scientific musings at least show humor and creativity!

To explain nuclear reactions, one child said, "When they broke open molecules, the found they were only stuffed with atoms. But when they broke open atoms, they found them stuffed with explosions."

Concerning astronomy, one child said, "Most books now say our sun is a star. But it still knows how to change back into a sun in the day-time." And another said, "Some people can tell what time it is by looking at the sun. But I have never been able to make out the numbers."

"Vacuums are nothings," said a young physics student. "We only mention them to let them know we know they're there."

"Evaporation gets blamed for a lot of things people forget to put the top on," one child observed.

"Rain is often known as soft water, oppositely known as hail," reported a budding meteorologist. Another added, "Thunder is a rich source of loudness."

Other children added these observations: "Isotherms and isobars are even more important than their names sound." And, "It is so hot in some places that the people there have to live in other places." And, "The wind is like the air, only pushier."

These children have a way to go in their quest for more knowledge, but I applaud their efforts to learn more about the universe.

Unfortunately, the reputation of science suffers in some circles. There are those who feel that a scientific mindset and a spiritual outlook are contrary to one another. They believe that facts revealed by science contradict spiritual truths. Not so!

William Bragg, a pioneer in the field of X-ray crystallography, made the point well. He was asked whether science and theology are opposed to one another. "Yes, but in the sense that my thumb and forefinger are opposed to one another -- between science and theology, we cannot grasp everything, but surely the combination reveals more of the cosmic mystery than either can touch alone." They need each other.

If you love the universe -- if you love life, then learn about it. Learn about it from every place possible. Learn from science. Learn from the spiritual disciplines. Learn and keep an open mind, for that is the only way to truth. And the more you learn, the more you'll discover that there is nothing so enchanting or wondrous as this world in which we live!

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH ENCOURAGERS IN LIFE

Soft and comfortable plush pillows - “Fear can keep us up all night long, but faith makes one fine pillow.”

Simeon Ford, the proprietor of the old Grand Union Hotel in New York, said, "You don't need to know anything about a hotel to run one. You just open up and the customers tell you how to run it."

That must be true of other businesses, too. I heard of a newspaper editor who called in her assistant and handed him a stack of papers. "These are suggestions sent in by subscribers on how to run our paper. Make sure you carry them out," she said.

He did. He carried them out and dropped them in the trash bin.

Many people are quick to suggest, and quicker to criticize. When asked why she was always so critical, one woman said, "I guess I just have a knack for seeing other people's faults!" (There's a gift she could hide under a bushel.)

Criticizers are not hard to find. What the world needs are good encouragers. Not more people to find fault, but people to point out strengths and encourage us to excel. The most successful people look for positive qualities. They see potential where others see failure. And they encourage success in others.

Mark Twain put it like this: "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you too, can become great."

Who do you spend time with? Criticizers or encouragers? Surround yourself with those who believe in you. Your life is too important for anything less.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Monday, May 19, 2008

DO ALL THE GOOD YOU CAN IN LIFE

Standing on greener pastures - “The whole visible universe is but a storehouse of images and signs to which the imagination will give a relative place and value; it is a sort of pasture which the imagination must digest and transform.”

Someone advised, "If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague." But kindness and goodness extend far beyond how we talk about each other. The person who dares to be good -- and DO good -- may have to find the heart to stand up and be counted.

Not too long into the American Civil War the Union finally won a victory at Antietam. President Lincoln used the occasion to produce a proclamation to free American slaves. He called his cabinet together and laid the document before them. He had been shaking the hands of well-wishers all morning and his arm and hand were stiff. He rested his arm and spoke to Secretary of State William Seward.

"If my name ever goes into history, it will be for this act, and my whole soul is in it. If my hand trembles when I sign the Proclamation, all who examine the document hereafter will say, 'He hesitated.'"

Then he picked up a pen and signed "Abraham Lincoln" in bold writing. That signature, coupled with a later Union victory, changed the course of history forever. American slaves were finally freed.

It's not always about being nice. It's about doing the right thing. And it was never put better by anyone than by eighteenth century church reformer John Wesley:

"Do all the good you can,
by all the means you can,
in all the ways you can,
in all the places you can,
at all the times you can,
to all the people you can,
as long as ever you can."

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Sunday, May 18, 2008

THREE MESSAGES OF STRONG FAMILIES FOR LIFE

Green leafy view at the balcony - “An optimist is a person who sees a green light everywhere, while a pessimist sees only the red stoplight. . . The truly wise person is colorblind.”

One family subscribed to the notion that money really can buy happiness -- send the kids to summer camp! So they sent their son Joey away for the season. He was apparently as blissful about the arrangement as his parents, for after about three weeks, they finally received a postcard. Both parents huddled together to read it. After a moment, Joey's mother looked up and commented to her husband, "Well, it certainly is Joey."

The card read: "Dear Mom and Dad, they are making everyone write home. Love, Joey."

At times, families may need some space. They also need togetherness -- lots of it. And those of us who live in families realize that our family is far from perfect, even on the best of days. But perfection is not required for a strong family life.

What is required, according to family expert Nick Stinnett (USA Today, 1-29-86) are three basics. "When you have a strong family life," he said, "you receive the message that you are loved, that you are cared for, that you are important. The positive intake of love and affection and respect...gives you inner resources to deal with life more successfully. "

Love, affection and respect -- a dynamic trio in any strong family. Where there is love there is a place of safety and security. Where there is affection there is a place of warmth. And where there is respect there is a place where the mind and spirit can flourish.

Not all of us live in family groups. But we probably came from families and there just may be a family in our future.

Dr. Joyce Brothers has dedicated her life to marriage and family issues. She observes, "When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses. " That can be true in any family where you are loved, you are cared for and where you are made to feel important. Make this trio part of your family life and you truly will find happiness.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Saturday, May 17, 2008

A BEAUTIFUL HEART FOR LIFE

Plastic wrapped fruits - “I believe that every individual is naturally entitled to do as he pleases with himself and the fruits of his labor, so far as it in no way interferes with any other men's rights”

One grandfather quipped about his grandchildren: "My grandkids are four and six. The Pulitzer Prize winner is four and the brain surgeon is six."

Parents and grandparents are understandably proud of the quick minds and impressive talents of their little ones. But let me tell you about another quality, perhaps even more important, found in a little girl named Skylar.

I received a letter from a grandmother who told me about her four- year-old granddaughter Skylar. Ever since Skylar learned of Disneyland from TV, she saved her nickels and dimes in a piggy bank in hopes of visiting there someday. Her parents surprised her with a trip when she was four, however, and didn't even require her to use her own money!

When Skylar returned it was Christmastime. She decided to buy presents with her savings. But she also learned from announcements on TV about a local homeless shelter called "The Road House." She repeatedly asked her mother what "homeless" meant and why those children needed coats and warm clothes. She couldn't seem to get the homeless off her mind.

Her mother took her to the store to buy presents. Instead of buying for herself or her family, however, she decided to purchase a warm coat, socks, gloves and crayons for a little girl in the shelter. She also wanted to buy a doll (a "baby," as she called it), but when she discovered she didn't have enough money, she left the doll behind.

When Skylar got home, she lined up her own much-loved "babies" and chose one she thought another child could also love. The baby went into a box with the other items she bought that day.

She could hardly wait for Christmas! Skylar was not thinking about Santa Claus or the presents she would be getting. She was thinking about going to the shelter and giving her carefully selected gifts to a homeless child.

On Christmas Eve she and her family drove to the shelter where Skylar presented her Christmas box to a grateful little girl. She was so filled with joy at truly helping someone else, that her family has decided to make the journey to the homeless shelter an annual tradition.

"Perhaps it's good to have a beautiful mind, but an even greater gift is to have a beautiful heart," says Nobel Laureate John Nash ("A Beautiful Mind"). Young Skylar has a beautiful heart. It is that one quality, above all else, that makes beautiful people.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Friday, May 16, 2008

GETTING RID OF DISAPPOINTMENT IN LIFE

Promotional banner display - “I have loved but one flag and I can not share that devotion and give affection to the mongrel banner invented for the League of Nations

A great many people are disappointed because of unrealistic expectations.

Walking up to a department store's fabric counter, an attractive young woman said, "I want to buy this material for a new dress. How much does it cost?"

"Only one kiss per yard," replied the smirking male clerk.

Not to be taken back by the harassment, the woman said, "That's fine! I'll take ten yards."

With expectation and anticipation written all over his face, the clerk hurriedly measured out and wrapped the cloth, then held it out teasingly, leaning forward to receive his "payment."

The woman snapped up the package and pointed to a little old man standing beside her. "Grandpa will pay the bill," she smiled.

He was no doubt disappointed. But in the course of living, many people are disappointed when others do not live up to their expectations. In order to be happy, some expectations must be dropped. These three particular unrealistic and unhealthy expectations are some of the main culprits:

1. Do not expect appreciation. When others say, "Thank you," or in any way show their gratitude, be happy. It is a gift!

2. Do not expect others to make you happy. They simply cannot do that. Make yourself happy and share your joy with others.

3. Do not expect not to be let down. At times, people will simply not come through for you in the way you need. Forgive them and move on.

Get rid of these three unrealistic expectations and you can begin to expect more happiness right away!

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Thursday, May 15, 2008

LEAVING GREAT LEGACIES IN LIFE

Bright neon lights - “May you grow up to be righteous, may you grow up to be true. May you always know the truth and see the lights surrounding you. May you always be courageous, stand upright and be strong. May you stay forever young.”

Edwin Hubbel Chapin once said, "Every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity." That is the definition of a legacy. Wouldn't you love to do something that might strike a beautiful chord that will "vibrate in eternity"?

I've discovered this about legacies -- generous people leave great legacies. I read about a couple in Canada who stopped to help a motorist who had run out of gasoline. It was a regular occurrence in their part of rural Canada. After they got him on his way, they bought a new fuel can, scratched their initials on it, filled it with petrol and stored it in the trunk of their car.

A few months later they again stopped to assist a stranded motorist. But this time they GAVE him their gas can and told him to fill it up, keep it with him and pass it along to the next motorist he sees who has run out of fuel.

Though they never expected to see their can again, in a couple of years they spotted it being passed along to a grateful motorist on the road. They recognized it several more times over the years, and each time they asked its owner where it had come from. They ascertained that the can had traveled across the continent at least two times!

They never intended to leave a legacy. When they bought the fuel can they never dreamed that their action might strike chords that could vibrate in eternity. But that container is probably still traveling across Canada in the back of somebody's vehicle!

I wonder how many stranded motorists have been recued by the generosity of complete strangers who stopped to help? And how many have then taken the container, re-filled it, and finally passed it along to some other poor soul? Good will generated by a humble can of fuel has no doubt been multiplied many times in countless ways, striking beautiful chords that vibrate forever.

It's true -- generous people leave great legacies. Even that small piece of yourself you freely give away may thrive in surprising ways throughout eternity.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

HOW IS IT WITH YOUR SOUL IN LIFE?

Stowaway space saving table - “A single conversation across the table with a wise person is worth a month's study of books”

How is it with your soul?

I meet regularly with a few friends and we ask one another that question. How is it with your soul? In other words, at the core of your being ... what is going on?

It's a bigger question than, "How are you feeling?" It includes body, mind and spirit -- everything.

How would you answer that question today? How is it with YOUR soul?

Are you caring for it? After all, you care for your body. Do you care for your soul, too?

Do you FEED your soul?

I'm told that a hummingbird flaps its wings some 50-80 times a second. It must eat constantly to work that hard. It takes tremendous energy simply to live.

We, too, must feed our spirits if we intend to be healthy. It may include prayer or meditation or the practice of other spiritual disciplines. Or taking classes and reading books that not only teach, but uplift and inspire.

These are only a few of the ways we feed our souls, but without constant nourishment, our spirits will grow weak and listless.

Do you REST your soul?

In our multi-tasking lives, sometimes the best thing we can do is to do nothing at all. Just to sit quietly long enough to let our souls catch up with our bodies.

Charles Darwin said, "If I had my life to live over again, I would have made a rule to read some poetry and listen to some music at least once a week."

What rests your soul? Poetry? Music? Enjoying the beauty of nature? This is a wonderful world we live in -- a world full of wonder. Can you find ways to rest your soul?

Do you CHEER your soul?

Use one of the greatest gifts you have been given is a gift of laughter. And it is a gift we never use enough.

A woman diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis told me how painful the disease had become. Debra said that no drugs would touch the devastating pain. "At times I prayed to die because I did not think I could go on this way," she said.

"In 1996 I began seeing a doctor who gave me the most important prescription that I ever could have received. He excused himself from the room. I watched him walking back and forth in the hall; he seemed to be in deep thought."

The doctor came back in with this prescription. He told Debra to get some funny movies and to begin laughing. If she didn't feel like laughing, then she should smile. If she didn't feel like smiling, she should smile anyway. He said that it would increase the endorphins in her brain to help with her pain.

She did just as he suggested. She smiled constantly. Her children teased her about the fake smile, but she told them that it was going to get rid of her pain.

And it did. Of course, not all of her pain is gone, but her newly acquired habit of laughing and smiling has made it manageable. And now Debra says that she takes only a fraction of the pills she used to consume, and that she would feel abnormal without a smile.

Someone beautifully said, "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass -- it's about learning how to dance in the rain."

How is it with your soul? That may be the best question you can ever ask yourself.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

DESIGNING WEBSITES IN LIFE

So you have come to the point in your life that you have decided to start your own little site in the world wide web. Most would agree that there are many ways that you can go about this task at hand. One popular approach would be to use free blogging hosting services like blogger (currently my second life on the internet!) and wordpress. These free blogging platforms are easy to use: just sign up and start posting!There are thousands of freely available blog templates that you can use to customize and personalize the look and layout design of your blog. But if you are feeling adventurous and want to design blog on your own instead of using other people's creations, you need to sharpen your web design skills. One of the better way to accomplish that is to read all about it at Max web design.

Max web design is a wonderful blog about web design and a few extras like marketing tips and tricks thrown in for good measure. At Max web design you can find insightful articles on designing blog and websites. Each and every news story is a delight to read as they are based around real life cases.

WEDDING BANDS FOR LIFE

There will come a time in our lives where we will be given the golden opportunity to make one of the most important choices in your lives. It goes without saying that the holy sanctity of marriage is one of those momentous occasions.If you are one of the lucky ones who have found their true soul mate in life, you definitely need the highest quality wedding bands to match! They are important life long symbols representing ever lasting love between you and your life partner. If you do not want to follow the flock and settle for your typical gold wedding bands, one of the best available alternative is celtic wedding bands!
Wedding-Band-Ring.Com is one of the most reliable online merchant that offers high quality celtic wedding rings. They have a wide selection of quality celtic wedding bands at bargain selling prices. These include white gold wedding bands, platinum wedding bands, titanium wedding bands and of course diamond wedding bands as well. For those who desire a little more flair in their choices can pick the tri-color wedding bands which are definitely eye catching!

For those seeking a more personal touch, do not worry as Wedding-Band-Ring.Com also provides a fantastic selection of personalized wedding bands. Wedding-Band-Ring.Com ships orders worldwide and has a one year warranty for all their celtic wedding bands. Head on over to Wedding-Band-Ring.Com and shop with added peace of mind as they have a reliable 45 days return policy for a full refund if you are somehow not satisfied with what you ordered.

LIFE CHANGING THE WORLD, ONE CLIP AT A TIME

Man-made rock decoration - “A pile of rocks ceases to be a rock when somebody contemplates it with the idea of a cathedral in mind.”

What can one person possibly do in this large world? How can one person or one small group accomplish anything significant to help bring people together in understanding and peace? Listen to this true and moving story.

In 1998 deputy principal and football coach David Smith, at Whitwell Middle School (Whitwell, Tennessee) attended a teacher training course in nearby Chattanooga. He came back and proposed that an after-school course on the Holocaust be offered at the school. This -- in a school with hardly any ethnic and no Jewish students.

English and social sciences teacher Sandra Roberts was selected to teach, and in October, 1998 she held the first session. She began by reading aloud from Anne Frank's DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL and Elie Wiesel's NIGHT. She read aloud because most of the students could not afford to buy books.

What gripped the eighth graders most as the course progressed was the sheer number of Jews put to death by the Third Reich. Six million. They could hardly fathom such an immense figure.

One day, Roberts was explaining to the class that some compassionate people in 1940s Europe stood up for the Jews. After the Nazis invaded Norway, many courageous Norwegians expressed solidarity with their Jewish fellow citizens by pinning ordinary paper clips to their lapels, as Jews were forced to wear a Star of David on theirs.

Then someone had the idea to collect six million paper clips to represent the six million Holocaust victims. The idea caught on, and the students began bringing in paper clips ... from home, from aunts and uncles and friends. They set up a Web page (you may visit http://www.whitwellmiddleschool.org/ to learn more). A few weeks later, the first letter arrived -- then others. Many contained paper clips. By the end of the school year, the group had assembled 100,000 clips. But it occurred to the teachers that collecting six million paper clips at that rate would take a lifetime.

The group's activities spilled over from Roberts' classroom. Soon it was called the Holocaust Project. Across the hall, students created a concentration camp simulation with paper cutouts of themselves pasted on the wall. Chicken wire stretched across the wall to represent electrified fences. Wire mesh was hung with shoes to represent the millions of shoes the victims left behind when they were marched to death chambers. And they reenacted the "walk" to give students at least an inkling of what people must have felt when Nazi guards marched them off to camps.

Meanwhile, the paper clip counting continued. Students gathered for their Wednesday meeting, each wearing the group's polo shirt emblazoned: "Changing the World, One Clip at a Time." All sorts of clips arrived -- silver and bronze colored clips, colorful plastic- coated clips, small clips, large clips, round clips, triangular clips and even clips fashioned from wood. The students filed all the letters they received in ring binders.

They obtained an authentic German railroad car from the 1940s, one that may have actually transported victims to camps. The car was to be turned into a museum to house all the paper clips (tens of millions have already arrived), as well as to display the many letters received from around the world.

When the project is finally completed, for generations of Whitwell eighth graders, a paper clip will never again be just a paper clip. Instead, it will carry a message of perseverance, empathy, tolerance and understanding. One student put it like this: "Now, when I see someone, I think before I speak, I think before I act and I think before I judge."

Can one person, or one small group, truly do anything to help bring humanity together in understanding and peace? Just ask the students at Whitwell and all of those around the world who are helping them to collect paper clips!

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Monday, May 12, 2008

LIFE SOUL SEARCHING IN EUROPE

One of my college buddies got married recently to his long time great romance life partner. He came by and asked me for suggestions on where to go for their honeymoon together. I suggested a European tour since his lady has never been there.Of all the places they should visit there, I suggested that they must stop by Rome, Paris, Dublin and London. Why? Because these capital cities provide one of the best wholesome travel experiences available for the casual traveler.

One of the major concern faced by my friend during the honeymoon planning was how to get suitable accommodations in the various destinations of travel. Based on my personal experience, I recommended CheaperThanHotels to him. I told him finding suitable accommodation like Rome Hotels as well as Hotels Paris and Dublin Hotels is easy and convenient through CheaperThanHotels.

A few days later he then told me he found some suitable London Hotels and he was glad that I told him about CheaperThanHotels. I am just glad I could help him out in planning his honeymoon vacation. A friend in need is a friend indeed!

WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU A KICK

Travel luggages - “Did you ever notice that the first piece of luggage on the carousel never belongs to anyone?”

I'm told the story is true: A woman was giving birth to a baby in an elevator at a hospital. When she complained about the location, a nurse said, "Why, this isn't so bad; last year a woman delivered her baby out on the front lawn."

"Yes," said the woman giving birth, "that was me, too."

Who said, "If I didn't have bad luck I wouldn't have any luck at all"? But on the other hand, not all "bad luck" should be considered a bad thing! Like someone said, "When life gives you a kick, let it kick you forward."

In the 1920s, Ernest Hemingway learned something about "bad luck" and getting kicked by life. He was struggling to make his mark as an author when disaster struck. He lost a suitcase containing all his manuscripts - many stories he'd polished to jewel-like perfection - which he'd been planning to publish in a book.

According to Denis Waitley in his book EMPIRES OF THE MIND (William Morrow and Company, Inc., 1995), the devastated Hemingway couldn't conceive of redoing his work. All those months of arduous writing were simply wasted.

He lamented his predicament to friend and poet Ezra Pound who called it a stroke of good fortune! Pound assured Hemingway that when he rewrote the stories, he would forget the weak parts; only the best material would reappear. He encouraged the aspiring author to start over with a sense of optimism and confidence. Hemingway did rewrite the stories and eventually became a major figure in American literature.

Don't pray for fewer problems; pray for more skills. Don't ask for smaller challenges; ask for greater wisdom. Don't look for an easy way out; look for the best possible outcome.

When life gives you a kick, let it kick you forward.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Sunday, May 11, 2008

NO FUTURE IN THE PAST IN LIFE

Hanging picture on a wall - “To the attentive eye, each moment of the year has its own beauty, and in the same field, it beholds, every hour, a picture which was never seen before, and which shall never be seen again

The man looked a little worried when the doctor came in to administer his annual physical, so the first thing the doctor did was to ask whether anything was troubling him.

"Well, to tell the truth, Doc, yes," answered the patient. "You see, I seem to be getting forgetful. No, it's actually worse than that. I can never remember where I park my car, where I'm going, or what it is I'm going to do once I get there -- if I get there. So, I really need your help. What can I do?"

The doctor mused for a moment, then answered kindly, "Pay me in advance."

Actually, forgetfulness isn't all bad...especially when we decide to forget all that pain from the past that threatens to ruin the present. Like one song says, "There ain't no future in the past."

The past is to be remembered -- how else will we learn from it and keep from repeating it? But why would I want to remember every time I felt hurt because of my spouse, my children, my friends, my boss or anybody else? Why would I want to fill my mind with a detailed catalogue of past pain? Better to remember the times they brought me joy or love or feelings of warmth. Unfortunately, even those wonderful and magical moments too easily fade away.

A friend of Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, asked her about a particular traumatic event in her life. Miss Barton seemed perplexed.

"Can't you remember?" the friend prodded.

Clara Barton replied, "I distinctly remember forgetting it."

Dwell on the past -- but not the negative past, not the pain of the past nor the sadness. Dwell on the good. Be consumed by past joys and obsessed with gratitude. Dwell upon the moments that uplifted you, the times you laughed and the memories of love shown to you by friends and family.

Not everything should be remembered, and those who live well know what to forget and what to cherish. Like the song says, "There ain't no future in the past." But there IS joy there. And love. And kindness...if we choose to remember.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Saturday, May 10, 2008

NUDGING WITHOUT NAGGING IN LIFE

Tin golfer trophy statue - “Book collecting is an obsession, an occupation, a disease, an addiction, a fascination, an absurdity, a fate. It is not a hobby. Those who do it must do it. Those who do not do it, think of it as a cousin of stamp collecting, a sister of the trophy cabinet, bastard of a sound bank account and a weak mind.”

We've all been there. We want to encourage a child to do her homework, or a spouse to complete his project, or a colleague to complain less and act more. How can we encourage without criticizing, berating or pushing too hard?

Here are three techniques that can help you nudge without nagging.

* Show appreciation.

Novelist Arnold Bennett had a publisher who boasted about the extraordinary efficiency of his secretary. One day while visiting the publisher's office, Bennett asked her: "Your boss claims you're extremely efficient. What's your secret?"

"It's not my secret," said the assistant, "it's his." She went on to tell him that her boss always acknowledged and appreciated everything she did, regardless how insignificant. That was why she worked so hard for him. Her boss' appreciation nudged her toward constant improvement.

* If possible, keep it light-hearted.

The careful use of humor can work in any relationship where nudging may be required. One wife used it effectively when she found herself on the verge of nagging her husband to repair the lawn mower. He had promised to fix it, but the grass grew ever taller while he procrastinated.

Then one day he came home and found her seated on the ground snipping grass with sewing scissors, one blade at a time. He watched in amazement and then went into the house. When he returned, he handed her a toothbrush. "Honey," he said, "when you finish cutting the grass would you mind sweeping the sidewalks?"

They both laughed. And, more importantly, the mower was fixed.

* Be polite and respectful.

Sometimes it's more about how you say it than what you say. People respond best when they are respected and valued.

Elizabeth Harrison stated, "Those who are lifting the world upward and onward are those who encourage more than criticize." Try these simple techniques next time you want to nudge without nagging.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Friday, May 9, 2008

KEEPING THE MOTOR IDLING IN LIFE

Trays of eggs for sale - “It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad.”

I relate well to the comment made by Barbara Johnson: "Patience is the ability to idle your motor when you feel like stripping your gears." I know that if I can keep the motor idling, it will be ready to go when I need it.

A kindergarten teacher practiced keeping her motor idling. A story has it that she was helping one of her students put his snow boots on. He asked for help and she could see why. With her pulling and him pushing, they finally succeeded and she had by now worked up a sweat. She almost whimpered when the little boy said, "They're on the wrong feet."

She looked and, sure enough, they were. It wasn't any easier pulling the boots off, and then she had to wrestle the stubborn boots on again.

Just as she finished lacing them he announced, "These aren't my boots." She bit her tongue to keep from screaming, "Why didn't you say so?"

Once again she struggled to pull off the ill-fitting boots. He then calmly added, "They're my brother's boots. My mom made me wear them." She began to realize how close she was to stripping her gears as she struggled with the boots yet again.

When they were finally laced, she said, "Now, where are your mittens?"

"I stuffed them in the toes of my boots," he said.

She may have been the same teacher who once commented about a particularly difficult child in her class, "Not only is he my worst behaved child this year, but he also has a perfect attendance record.

A Dutch proverb observes, "A handful of patience is worth more than a bushel of brains." I may never have to worry about having a bushel of brains, but I can sometimes muster a handful of patience. And that should be enough.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Thursday, May 8, 2008

LIFE TRAVELS IN EUROPE

There is no denying that Europe is one of the world's most interesting and fascinating travel destination. Being one of the world's seven traditional continents, Europe is well known all over for being the place of origin of Western culture. With a total of 50 sovereign states within its borderlines, Europe has much to offer for its visitors and travelers from all over the world.A typical travel plan is to start from the south of Europe in Rome, slowly moving in the northern direction stopping by Barcelona then London and finally Amsterdam. Each city along this travel route can provide a wide diversity of sights and sounds for travelers to savor and indulge in. Whether its a family vacation or a romantic getaway, Europe caters for all desired requirements.
Worried about finding the right hotels and accommodation during the trip? Well cast all your woes and worries away this instant by heading to CheaperthanHotels. They provide one of the best and easiest way of finding Hotels in Rome, Hotels in Barcelona and other major cities in Europe. And in case you are wondering, yes they also have Hotels London and Hotels Amsterdam covered!

BE STILL IN LIFE

Twin white swans - “Just because swans mate for life, I don't think its that big a deal. First of all, if you're a swan, you're probably not going to find a swan that looks much better than the one you've got, so why not mate for life?”

I have noticed that the best way for me to get a few minutes of solitude at the end of the day is to start washing the dishes! And a few minutes of solitude is something I need frequently. A time to be alone. A time to reflect.

I think there is a difference between aloneness and loneliness. Aloneness is necessary for the soul to thrive - even to come alive. Not loneliness.

German theologian and pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer was arrested and eventually hanged for opposing Hitler. While in prison, he wrote letters to his fiancée. The last letter she received was dated Christmas 1944. Speaking of the war that separated them, Bonhoeffer wrote this:

"These will be quiet days in our homes, but I have had the experience over and over again that the quieter it is around me, the clearer do I feel a connection to you. It is as though in solitude the soul develops senses which we hardly know in everyday life. Therefore I have not felt lonely or abandoned for one moment."

I can be alone without being lonely. In fact, those times of solitude are necessary respite for a beleaguered soul, set upon by the pressures of life. I need to take whatever moments I can to just be still.

Only in quiet waters things mirror themselves undistorted, " says Hans Margolius. "Only in a quiet mind is adequate perception of the world."

So I'll find time to ... be still.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

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