Words To Live By

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass -- it's about learning to dance in the rain!  - Author Unknown

This was sent to me in an e-mail and it really touched me.  I hope it inspires you!

I showered and shaved............... I adjusted my tie.

I got there and sat............... In a pew just in time.

Bowing my head in prayer......... As I closed my eyes...

I saw the shoe of the man next to me..... Touching my own. I sighed.

With plenty of room on either side...... I thought, 'Why must our soles touch?'

It bothered me, his shoe touching mine... But it didn't bother him much.

A prayer began : 'Our Father'.............. I thought, 'This man with the shoes, has no pride.

They're dusty, worn, and scratched. Even worse, there are holes on the side!'

'Thank You for blessings,' the prayer went on.

The shoe man said............... A quiet 'Amen.'

I tried to focus on the prayer....... But my thoughts were on his shoes again.

Aren't we supposed to look our best. When walking through that door?

'Well, this certainly isn't it,' I thought, Glancing toward the floor..

Then the prayer was ended............ And the songs of praise began.

The shoe man was certainly loud..... Sounding proud as he sang.

His voice lifted the rafters......... His hands were raised high.

The Lord could surely hear. The shoe man's voice from the sky.

It was time for the offering...... And what I threw in was steep.

I watched as the shoe man reached..... Into his pockets so deep.

I saw what was pulled out............ What the shoe man put in.

Then I heard a soft 'clink' . As when silver hits tin.

The sermon really bored me............ To tears, and that's no lie.

It was the same for the shoe man.... For tears fell from his eyes.

At the end of the service...... As is the custom here.

We must greet new visitors, And show them all good cheer.

But I felt moved somehow................ And wanted to meet the shoe man.

So after the closing prayer......... I reached over and shook his hand.

He was old and his skin was dark.... And his hair was truly a mess.

But I thanked him for coming......... For being our guest.

He said, 'My names' Charlie............. I'm glad to meet you, my friend.'

There were tears in his eyes........ But he had a large, wide grin.

'Let me explain,' he said.......... Wiping tears from his eyes.

'I've been coming here for months.... And you're the first to say 'Hi.''

'I know that my appearance............'Is not like all the rest.

'But I really do try.................'To always look my best..'

'I always clean and polish my shoes..'Before my very long walk.

'But by the time I get here..........'They're dirty and dusty, like chalk.'

My heart filled with pain.......... And I swallowed to hide my tears.

As he continued to apologize........... For daring to sit so near

He said, 'When I get here..............'I know I must look a sight.

'But I thought if I could touch you..'Then maybe our souls might unite.'

I was silent for a moment............ Knowing whatever was said

Would pale in comparison... I spoke from my heart, not my head.

'Oh, you've touched me,' I said.......'And taught me, in part;

'That the best of any man................'Is what is found in his heart.'

The rest, I thought,....................... This shoe man will never know.

Like just how thankful I really am... That his dirty old shoe touched my soul

Let old friends know you haven't forgotten them, and tell new friends you never will.  Remember, everyone needs a friend.

Quotes To Ponder

Dr. Norman Vincent Peale had some very wise words to share.  Regardless of your particular religious beliefs, they really are very valuable:

When life hands you a lemon, make lemonade.

Drop the idea that you are Atlas carrying the world on your shoulders. The world would go on even without you. Don't take yourself so seriously.

Those who are fired with an enthusiastic idea and who allow it to take hold and dominate their thoughts find that new worlds open for them. As long as enthusiasm holds out, so will new opportunities.

It is of practical value to learn to like yourself. Since you must spend so much time with yourself you might as well get some satisfaction out of the relationship.

Joy increases as you give it, and diminishes as you try to keep it for yourself. In giving it, you will accumulate a deposit of joy greater than you ever believed possible.

Believe it is possible to solve your problem. Tremendous things happen to the believer. So believe the answer will come. It will.

Never talk defeat. Use words like hope, belief, faith, victory.

Watch your manner of speech if you wish to develop a peaceful state of mind. Start each day by affirming peaceful, contented and happy attitudes and your days will tend to be pleasant and successful.

The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.

A positive mental attitude is a belief that things are going to turn out well, and that you can overcome any kind of trouble or difficulty.

The tests of life are not meant to break you, but to make you.

Live your life and forget your age.

If there is no fun in it, something is wrong with all you are doing.

Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that.

Is That You, Lord?

Is That You, Lord?


by Doug Hill
Courtesy of Guideposts


It's one thing to say that God will answer our prayers for guidance. But how, exactly should we ask?

There is no single answer to this question, of course. Our conversations with God are as varied as our personalities, our circumstances and our questions. Still, some practical guidelines for seeking God's will on a daily basis might help.

Guideposts contributor, Pam Kidd suggests the direct approach. She sets aside some time each morning for prayer. She begins by centering herself on God, thanking Him for the miracles of His creation—"the way He grows trees and fluffs clouds and paints the sky." Then she tells God how much she wants to surrender her will to His, and she states her desire to turn over all her problems to Him. Then she listens.

"Is there anything You want to tell me, God?" she asks.

In the silence, Kidd says, her mind clears. She feels the breeze ruffle her hair; a sense of well-being comes in.

Next she asks specifically for direction. "Is there anything I can do for You today, Father?"

A list forms in her mind: people to check in on, notes to write, someone who needs encouragement. Sometimes more, sometimes less.

That's Kidd's recipe. Nothing dramatic. Just a consistent conscious opening of herself in prayer to God's direction.

10 Tips for an Inspired 2011


Some simple affirmations will help you lead a more inspired new year.

1. Get Motivated
Tune out the doom and gloom brigade. They’re unhappy in life and want to spread their misery. You can either let the doubters and downers get to you, or you can make the decision to get focused and motivated and live your life with a sense of hope and purpose – the decision is yours, so make the right decision and affirm that starting now, you will be motivated, focused and energized.

2. Don’t just focus on what’s wrong in life. Focus on improving what you can and build on that
No one lives the ideal life. No matter how much you think some people do...they do not. Everyone has problems and stress. It’s how you deal with that stress and those problems that make all the difference in the world. No one should just ignore all of their problems because that would just cause more problems. But all of us should take a step back and really examine what is wrong...and what is right in our lives. Fix what you can now. Make a plan to fix anything else that’s wrong as soon as is humanly possible. But most important, focus on what is good and right in your life and build on that. Expand it. Maximize it. Use that as a source of energy to motivate and inspire yourself to tackle the negative.

3. Don’t dwell on the past
Are you still angry with a friend who you think did you wrong? Are you still raging about the promotion you didn’t get? Let it go. I know... easier said than done. And that’s true. It is much easier said than done. So sit down and write out things from your past that are upsetting you. Things you can’t let go of, but that in reality, may not be as important as you think. Once you’ve written them out, don’t look at the list. Wait 24 hours and then take out that list and read it. Really read each item carefully. Are you holding onto negativity? Are you “hung up” on issues that you should let go of? Obviously things of major importance may need more attention through professional help, etc. So don’t ignore your problems. But maybe let some of the minor ones go. Just throw them out, forget them and move on.

4. See each day as a fresh start
Sounds like a cliché and I suppose it is...but it’s true! Wake up each morning with the determination to make it a good day. Smile. Focus. Get motivated. And if you have an opportunity to do so, make it a good day for others as well – a kind word or two can really help someone feel better!

5. Take care of yourself
Nourish the body and the mind. Eat right. Drink lots of water. Take care of your body and that will help take care of the mind and soul.



“Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful.”
  - Mark Victor Hansen


“You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”
  - Zig Ziglar


"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense."
  - Ralph Waldo Emerson


"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."
  - Mark Twain