These are my gifts to you

These Are My Gifts To You

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

------------------James 1:17

Presented to God's Gifts to Me My Daughter: Kamilah D. Williams-Kemp Son-in-law: Jason Henry Kemp I & My Grandson: Jason Henry Kemp II Presented By

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Presented On

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Love Always & Forever

Contents Prologue God – Thank You Poem - The Love Between A Mother And Her Child Is Forever Poem: What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up Hearts and Hands

The Gift of . . .

1.----------------------------------------------------------------Enjoying Everyday Miracles

2.----------------------------Knowing that Today Dawns Beautiful Tomorrows 3.---------------------------------------------------------------Supreme Blessedness 4.--------------------------------------------------------------Spiritual Foundations 5.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Purpose 6.-----------------------Faith: Something greater than you watches over you 7.-------------------------------------Hope: Trusting In The Goodness Of God 8.-------------------------------------------------Love: The ultimate guiding gift 9.----------------------------------------------------------------------Jesus Loves Me 10.--------------------------------------------- God's Love Shines Through You 11.-------------------------------------------------------------------------Masterpiece 12.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Universe 13.------------------------------------------------------------------------Your Legacy 14.-----------------------------------------------------------------The ABC's of Life 15.---------------------------------------------------------------Service and Charity 16.---------------------------------------------------------------------Share Yourself 17.----------------------------------------------Gratitude: Everyday Thankfulness 18.-------------------------------------------------------------------------Forgiveness 19.------------------------------------------------------------------Decide to Forgive 20.--------------------------------------------------------------------Forgiving Heart 21.------------------------------------------------------------------------------Wisdom 22.----------------------------------------------------------------------------Resiliency 23.-------------------------------------------------------------------------Mindfulness 24.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Peace 25.------------------------------------------------------------------------------Courage 26.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Joy

27.-----------------------------------------------------------Cultivating Compassion 28.---------------------------------------------------Experience Preceded By Mind 29.-----------------------------------------------------------------------Speaking Life 30.--------------------------------------------------------------------------Calm Spirit 31.--------------------------------------------------------------------------Possibilities 32.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Listening 33.-------------------------------------------------------------------Critical Thinking 34.---------------------------------------------------------Dealing With Difficulties 35.-------------------------------------------------------------------------Staging Life 36.-----------------------------------------------------------------Using Time Wisely 37.-----------------------------------------------------------Meeting Your Potential 38.-------------------------------------------Knowing The Joy Is In The Journey 39.----------------------------------------------------------------------------Psalms 23 40.--------------------------------------------------------------------Following Truth 41.----------------------------------------------------------------Health and Healing 42.-------------------------------------------------------------------------Enthusiasm 43.--------------------------------------------------------------------------Confidence 44.--------------------------------------------------------------------------Knowledge 45.---------------------------------------------------------------Thriving - Surviving 46.------------------------------------------------------------------------------Patience 47.---------------------------------------------------------------------------Friendship 48.--------------------------------------------------------------------------Uniqueness 49.-------------------------------------------------------------------------Imagination 50.--------------------------------------------------------------------------Persistence 5.1---------------------------------------------------------------------------Teamwork 52.---------------------------------------------------------------------------Excellence 53.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Success 54.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Spirit 55.------------------------------------------------------------------------------Integrity 56.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Curiosity 57.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Pride 58.-----------------------------------------------------------------------Be the Bridge 59.--------------------------------------------------------------------Positive Attitude 60.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Change 61.---------------------------------------------------------------Embracing Diversity 62.--------------------------------------------------------------------Good Character

63.---------------------------------------------------------------------------Optimism 64.-------------------------------------------------------------Survival (Les Brown) 65.------------------------------------------------------------------------Perseverance 66.--------------------------------------------------------------------------Leadership 67.--------------------------------------------------------------------------Challenges 68.-------------------------------------------------------------------------Goal Setting 69.----------------------------------------------------------------------Determination 70.------------------------------------------------------------------------------Attitude 71.--------------------------------------------------------------------------Inspiration 72.------------------------------------------------------------------------------Renewal 73.----------------------------------------------------------Remember These Things 74.-----------------------------------------------------------------------Armor of God 75.---------------------------------------------------------------Now You Are Ready 76.-----------------------------------------------------------------Staying the Course 77.------------------------------------------------------------------------Romans 12:6

Prologue

T

hese musings of my soul are dedicated to my beautiful daughter, Kamilah D. Williams-Kemp, Jason I, my son-in-law, and the wonderful gift they presented to me: Jason

Henry Kemp II.

I SEE You I HEAR You I LOVE You Your BEING Inspires me Strengthens me Enlightens me Makes me strive to be a better person You MATTER to me You are Beautiful You light up my life You are my never ending rainbow You are JOY rising in my soul

God, Bless

this new child with your tender love.

Send with this child your angels from above.

What a wonderful miracle This sweet child’s birth

THANK YOU For sending this New Life to earth

The Love Between A Mother and Her Child Is Forever

T

he love between a mother and her child is a bond of the strongest kind.

It is a love of the present, interwoven with memories of the past and dreams of the future.

It is strengthened by overcoming obstacles and facing fears and challenges together.

It is having pride in each other and knowing that our love can withstand anything.

It is sacrifice and tears, laughter and hugs.

It is understanding, patience, and believing in each other.

It is wanting only the best for each other and wanting to help anytime there is a need.

It is respect, a hug, and unexpected kindness.

It is making time to be together and knowing just what to do and say.

It is an unconditional forever kind of love.

-------

Barbara Cage

A Mother holds her child's hand for awhile. . .

Their hearts forever

Every

child on this earth has an overwhelming desire

to be loved, to be wanted, to be appreciated. To the extent that we can fulfill this desire, we will find happiness ourselves.

----Anonymous Jason, Jason, I'm so proud of you What do you want to do When you grow up?

There's so much to see What do you want to be When you grow up?

You can be a writer or learn to play the guitar You can be an astronaut and reach for the stars You can be an explorer or play on a team A doctor, a pilot Just follow your dreams Just believe in yourself And set your goals high You can do anything

Just don't be afraid to try, Jason, Jason, if only you knew How proud I am of you As I watch you, as you grow up.

Thank you for giving me joyful moments, warm memories and a very special bursting at the seams kind of happiness.

I am so glad that you are here - -

it helps me to realize how beautiful my world is

Nana’s Love is Always and Forever!

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Psalm 91:1-2 NIV

GOD

,

BLESS this child with gentle kindness.

GUIDE this child with tender love

SHOW this child the way of brightness, FILL this little heart with‌

Families are the warm memories of days spent in the harmony of home.

Families are the rich soil from which we grow, and the roots we return to for the nourishment of our souls.

A house is built by human hands; A HOME is built by human hearts.

The way is LONG . . .

Let us go TOGETHER. The way is DIFFICULT. . .

Let us HELP each other.

The way is JOYFUL . . .

Let us SHARE it.

The way is ours alone Let us go in LOVE. The way grows before us . . .

LET US BEGIN

Children Are A Trust From God When a man becomes a father, and a woman has a child of her own They share a trust they must remember, that is not theirs, not theirs alone.

The gift they share is from Jehovah; Of life and love He is the one true source.

To parents he gives sure direction That they may follow the wisest course.

A Sacred Trust you have been given A precious life is in your hands.

You can bestow the greatest favor Instruct your child in God’s commands.

All the words God has commanded They must always prove to be on your heart.

These words you’ll speak to sons and daughters This is your trust, this is your part.

To them you’ll speak along your roadway, When you rise up and when you are at rest.

In years to come, may they remember, May they be faithful, may they be blessed A Sacred Trust you have been given A precious life is in your hands.

You can bestow the greatest favor Instruct your child in God’s commands.

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. ~~~~~Proverbs 22:6

'Children Learn What They Live' -- Dorothy Law Nolte -• If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn • If children live with hostility, they learn to fight • If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive • If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves • If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy • If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy • If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty •

If children live with tolerance, they develop patience

•

If children live with encouragement, they develop confidence

and growth •

If children live with praise, they develop appreciation

•

If children live with fairness, they develop justice

•

If children live with security, they develop faith

•

If children live with acceptance, they develop friendship and

learn to find love in the world

"Greatest Love Of All" WHITNEY HOUSTON

I believe the children are our future Teach them well and let them lead the way

Show them all the beauty they possess inside Give them a sense of pride to make it easier Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be Everybody's searching for a hero People need someone to look up to I never found anyone who fulfilled my needs A lonely place to be So I learned to depend on me I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone's shadow If I fail, if I succeed At least I'll live as I believe No matter what they take from me They can't take away my dignity Because the greatest love of all Is happening to me I found the greatest love of all Inside of me The greatest love of all Is easy to achieve Learning to love yourself It is the greatest love of all I believe the children are our future Teach them well and let them lead the way Show them all the beauty they possess inside Give them a sense of pride to make it easier Let the children's laughter remind us how we use to be And if, by chance, that special place That you've been dreaming of Leads you to a lonely place

Find your strength in love

Only Believe Day Lily They said you wouldn't make it so far And ever since they've said it, its been hard But never mind that night you had to cry Because you had never let it go inside You worked real hard and you know exactly what you want and need, so believe And you can never give up You can reach your goals Just talk to your soul and say I believe I can I believe I will I believe I know my dreams are real I believe I stand I believe I'll dance I believe I'll grow real soon and That is what I do believe You fools are just a thing in your soul And you know that your moves will let them show You keep creating pictures in your mind So just believe they will come true in time It will be fine, leave all of your cares and stress behind and Just let it go Let the music go inside against the pain Just start to believe Never mind what people say Hold your head high and turn away With all my hopes and dreams I will believe Even though it seems it's not for me I won't give up, I'll keep it up Looking to the sky I will achieve on my knees I will always believe

Your life - just like pearls in an oyster, is a treasure chest of riches for the soul Only believe, only believe, all things are possible, only believe

May God's Word and Truth Take root in your soul May it lift your spirit and make you whole

In the HAPPY moments ……………………………………………………PRAISE God

In the DIFFICULT moments.............................................................................SEEK God

In the QUIET moments…………………………………………………WORSHIP God

In the PAINFUL moments………………………………………………....TRUST God

In EVERY moment THANK God

With a thankful heart And an open hand and mind Be prepared to receive all the goodness God has in store for you.

Unwrap the packages and look inside Let imagination be your guide...

A new world will unfold, before your eyes...

A wonderful place of dreams and possibilities Now spread your wings and fly Discover

YOU

It is YOUR life Invest Wisely

At the wondrous moment YOU were born, As you took your first breath, A great celebration was held in the heavens And MANY MAGNIFICENT GIFTS were granted to YOU

The Gift of Everyday Miracles Sunsets and moon risings Dawning of a new day Clouds Gentle breezes Snowflakes Bubble baths Smiles and laughter Sharing a meal with family and friends Parades and balloons Reading a good book Listening to a favorite song - music Dancing with joy and jubilation Hugs and kisses Star gazing Roaring thunder Lightening Bugs (June bugs) Cuddling with a pet Raindrops Rainbows The smell of new grass and fresh flowers The kindness of a stranger Splashing in rain puddles Making snow angels Metamorphosis: From caterpillar to butterfly What the caterpillar calls the end of the world as he knew it, the master calls a work of art Serenity in the midst of storms A trip to the zoo A helping hand - giving and receiving Aha moments Discovering an unknown, latent, or dormant talent Contentment in just being one with the universe Making every day matter; each day is a new blessing

The Miracle of Life (Based on Psalm 36:9) Every newborn child - Every drop of rain Every golden ray of sun - each head of grain All are gifts from God - they reveal His way Miracles performed by Him sustain us each day So what are we to do with a gift so rare But to love the one who gave it and show Him we care No matter what we do - We never can earn it This gift is still a gift The miracle of life Others may give up - Lose their will to try Echoing the wife of Job: "Curse God and die."

We are not that way - Praise to God we give Thanking Him for every precious moment we live So what are we to do with a gift so rare But to love the ones around us and show them that we care No matter what we do - We never can earn it This gift is still a gift The miracle of life

“There are only two ways to live your life.

One is as though nothing is a miracle.

The other is as though Everything is a miracle.� ~~~Albert Einstein

The Gift of Knowing that Today Dawns Beautiful Tomorrows. . .

TODAY, my dear family, the sun rises on the first day of the rest of your life: Embrace It Enjoy It Explore It Fall Deeply In Love With It Walk in serenity and peace knowing that you are wonderfully made in God's image Inhale Deeply Exhale Slowly Leave Worry Behind For this is the day that the Lord has made Let us rejoice and be glad in it ``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` ` We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time.

----- T. S. Elliot

The Gift of Supreme Blessedness Eight declarations of blessedness made by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 5: 3-10 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

May blessings come from Heaven above to fill your life with peace and love.

The Gift of Spiritual Foundations

You Are God's Spiritual Vessel Through thick and thin Through prosperity and adversity Through health and illness Through it all, rely not on your own understanding but on the Word - the Book of Knowledge, as your foundation If your knees are knocking, kneel on them ---- Anonymous Whatever is to make us better and happy, God has placed either openly before us or close to us ---- Seneca A coincidence may be God's way of acting anonymously in our lives. --- Anonymous Life is fragile: Handle with prayer. - - - Anonymous Keep on sowing your seed, for you never know which will grow - perhaps it all will.

----------- Ecclesiastes 11:16

Do not pray for easier lives.

Pray to be stronger men.

Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers.

Pray for powers equal to your tasks.

Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle, But YOU shall be the miracle.

------------Phillips Brooks

The Gift of Purpose Becoming What God Intended You To Be

Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself and know that everything in this life has a purpose.

------ Elizabeth Kubler Ross Developing YOUR dreams creates passion Developing the dreams of OTHERS Heaven.

creates

Purpose: the reason for which anything is done, created, or exists. What happens outwardly in your life is not nearly as important as what happens inward.

First, you discover your identity and purpose through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

This is your life; YOU are responsible for it.

“You [God]know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something.” “God decided to give us life through the word of truth so we might be the most important of all the things he made.”

• • • • •

What on Earth Am I Here For? Purpose #1: You Were Planned for God's Pleasure (Worship) Purpose #2: You Were Formed for God's Family (Fellowship) Purpose #3: You Were Created to Become Like Christ (Discipleship) Purpose #4: You Were Shaped for Serving God (Ministry) Purpose #5: You Were Made for a Mission (Mission)

God The Stream of Plenty

The Ocean of Power The Supplier of All

Conscience

Duty

Action

Physical Life

Responsibility

PURPOSE ROAD

≼

World

Service

Spiritual Life

Interest

Courage

Consecration

Understanding Your Purpose Search For Your Purpose - And Do It The Best You Can

U

nderstanding the "why" of one's existence can be a challenging and daunting task for many people. They sometimes drift through life without really enjoying it, understanding it, learning from it, or knowing themselves. They are actors in their own undeveloped script, punting through each scene aimlessly, improvising as they go along, but often not very well; there is no applause when the curtain closes. We cannot plan for all life's contingencies; we can assuredly count on the unexpected curve ball. But knowing who you are, the "core" of you, what drives you, what makes you tick, what delights you, what diminishes your joy, is an exercise in self understanding.

And never forgetting that the center of it all is staying rooted in foundations of Biblical Truths, which is your ultimate guide.

Never let your “ego”, that sense of self-importance, get in the way of your higher calling and ultimate life’s fulfillment.

E – edging G – God O - Out

Clarifying and Understanding YOUR Purpose (A Purpose Driven Life: Rick Warren) It is helpful in clarifying and understanding your purpose by developing your own unique life statements in the four main areas of your life: personal, spiritual, vocational, relational.

Personal Life - This is the area of SELF:  Character  Core Values  Strengths  Weaknesses  Hobbies  Health  Rest  Diet

Spiritual Life This is the area of your FAITH:  Service  Stewardship  Prayer  Evangelism  Worship  Life Purpose

Vocational Life This is the area of your career/work/specialties; Ensure that your vocational life is attuned to, and in tune with your spiritual life.

Relational Life This is the area of FELLOWSHIP  Friends  Family  Parenting  Dating  Marriage  Community

I. PERSONAL: WHAT DO I WANT TO BE (character) MY LIFE MISSION What is success for me?

Knowing God As Your Best Friend.

"Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts, boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD" Jer. 9:23-24 (NIV) "Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence Him. With them alone He shares the secrets of his promises." Ps. 25:14 (LB) "Knowing God results in every other kind of understanding" Pr. 9:10 (LB) "Some people have missed the most important thing in life--they don't know God" 1 Tim. 6:21 (LB)

Becoming Like Christ In Character And Values.

"For from the very beginning God decided that those who came to him...should become like His Son" Rom. 8:29 (LB) "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus" Phil. 2:5 (LB)

Developing And Using The Abilities God Gave You. "Christ has given each of us special abilities--whatever He wants us to have out of His rich storehouse of gifts" Eph. 4:7 (LB) "If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success" Eccl. 10:10 (LB)

Being Wise And Balanced - Making Wise Choices "Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do!.. If you exalt wisdom, she will exalt you." Pr. 4:7-8 (LB) "Wisdom will make the hours of your day more profitable and the years of your life more fruitful" Pr. 9:11 (LB) "A relaxed mind makes for physical health" Pr. 14:30 (Berkley)

MEANING

M

eaning is not something you stumble across, like the answer to a riddle or the prize in a treasure hunt.

Meaning is something you BUILD into your life. You build it out of your own past, out of your affections and loyalties, out of the experience of humankind as it is passed on to you; out of your own talent and understanding, out of the things you believe in, out of the things and people you love, out of the values for which you are willing to sacrifice something. The ingredients are there. You are the only one who can put them together into that pattern that will be your life. Let it be a life that has dignity and meaning for you. If it does, then the particular balance of success or failure is of less account. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~John Gardner For all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these‌ It might have been ~~~John Greenleaf Whittier Respectfully speak your truth CHOOSE to be happy It is not a matter of luck or circumstances But a CHOICE in spite of circumstances One of your endearing qualities is a daily check-in: Is Nana happy?

Yes, Nana is very happy!

Is Jason happy? – Then you give a Big Smile This is YOUR life Follow YOUR dreams Stay HAPPY!

The Gift of Faith Faith: the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.

-----------------Hebrews 11:1 Faith is not believing God can, it is knowing that He WILL

We've come this far by Faith Leaning on the Lord Trusting in His holy word He's never failed me yet

Recognize That:

Work + Time + FAITH = Results

Never relinquish your FAITH - It Determines Your Destiny If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, "Move from here to there," and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20

Father All In Thine Hands

FAITH IS TAKING THE FIRST STEP . . .

EVEN WHEN YOU DON'T SEE THE WHOLE STAIRCASE.

Martin Luther King Jr.

The Gift of Hope

Hope springs eternal Learn from yesterday, live for today, HOPE for tomorrow.

Each day is a new blessing Dwell on the positive Think in terms of great possibilities Maximize your potential Understand your purpose Happiness is not about what happens to you, but how you choose to respond to what happens. How long you stay in the wilderness is determined by your thoughts and actions. There is an attainable promised land.

Always leave room for HOPE that all has happened for good cause.

Just like nature, there are "seasons" in our life: When you are in a place of winter that is cold, barren, and not fruitful, focus on the individuality of each beautiful snowflake, knowing that it will give way to budding trees, green grasses, and blooming flowers that will lead into hot days when you wish for a cool breeze, and swimming is your best friend; followed by the burst of fall color as autumn leaves drift by your window....and so the cycle continues.

Never look down. Keep looking forward and upward Train your heart to smile and your soul to sing, and you'll find blessings in each and everything -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hold on. Hope hard. ---------------------------------------------------------Robert Browning

The Gift of

The Ultimate Sacrifice The Ultimate Gift

For He so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

I Corinthians 13 And now I will show you the most excellent way.

If I speak in the tongues of men and angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: Faith Hope Love

But the GREATEST of these is

Jesus Loves Me Jesus loves me this I know For the Bible tells me so Little ones to him belong I am weak but He is strong Yes, Jesus loves me Yes, Jesus loves me Yes, Jesus loves me For the Bible tells me so

Jesus loves the little children All the children of the world Red and Yellow, Black and White All are precious in His sight Jesus loves the little children of the world Songs Nana sang as a child

God Is Love (I John 4:7-8)

God is love, and he invites us, "Walk with me and love my way When we love both God and neighbor Gracious deeds will fill each day Therein lies the key to living; Therein lies the life we seek Christ-like love will never fail us. Christ-like love through us will speak.

Love of truth moves us to action; Love of God moves us to love When we fail he seeks to help us; By His strength we rise above.

Love is pure and never jealous; Love is kind and bears all things.

May we grow to love our brother. May we taste what true love brings.

Never let resentment lead you; May it never take your hand Look to God, and he will guide you; He will teach you these commands Love of God and love of neighbor, Everything that love should be May we always show to others, God-like love, yes tenderly.

ALL THINGS GROW WITH LOVE Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with GREAT love………Mother Teresa

God's Love Shines Through You

Love is the kindness of generous ways Love is the comfort that soothes our days.

Love is the greatest of blessings to give Love is a beautiful way to live.

-------------Emily Matthews

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

Jesus has commanded that we shed our light Like the sun impartial, that all may gain sight Through God’s Holy Scriptures, Words of wisdom shine May we now reflect his light, by our deeds so fine.

With God’s Kingdom message Light on hearts is shed, Comfort brought to mourners Hope for those now dead.

Light from Scripture guides us as we do His will Gracious words, well seasoned too Make it brighter still.

Light from fine works gleaming, brightens up this world To our words adds luster, like a priceless pearl May our light keep shining, as we do what’s right Then our works will always be, pleasing in God’s sight.

YOU are the artist who paints a masterpiece In the lives of those around you.

Maybe you are doing it right now. Maybe you will do it tomorrow, or the day after that. But you WILL make a difference.

With words of encouragement,

Words of hope, With a smile. . .

A long hug. . .

A heartfelt "thank you."

There are CANVASES . . .

All around you.

Some are in desperate need of what only YOU can offer.

Awaken the artist within yourself and

PAINT A masterpiece?

YES. . .

A living, breathing, masterpiece!

How? One person at a time, One stroke at a time, With the color of . . .

LOVE

The universe sings a melodious symphony each time you show love to a fellow traveler on this journey called life.

It is not he who has the most "toys" who wins.

There is no material thing, no possession, that defines who you are.

Every smile, every hug, every act of kindness creates YOUR Life's Masterpiece; a tapestry gently touching the lives of others - proof of YOUR existence that can never be measured in dollars and cents.

Continue to make beautiful music throughout your wonderfully blessed life.

Your Legacy By painting.............................................with the color of love

By writing...........................................with the Melody of love

By touching................................................with the Gift of love

By reaching........................................ with the open arms of love

By changing the future With the promise of

The ABC'S Of The Spirit Iyanala Vanzant Almighty Creator of the universe Beloved Father, Mother, God Create in me a clean heart this day Deliver me from the limitations of the ego Exalt your presence in my mind Forgive all I have held against you, myself and others Grant me peace this day Hold me steadfastly within the boundaries of Your truth Inspire my heart to know You, my ears to hear You, and my eyes to recognize You Justify me in the presence of all enemies Knead my heart with words of kindness Let no harm befall me or my loved ones May all I do this day glorify You Nourish me with your wisdom Open my eyes to know Your truth Purge my heart of all things offensive to Your law Quiet my soul in the midst of confusion Renew my connection to You Save me from my secret fears Teach me to trust You at all times Use all You've given me to serve you Victory for your cause is my desire Walk with me so my sytregth is never diminished Xamine my heart continually Your love and grace are my good fortune

Zealously I commit myself to Your will for my life

The Gift of Service and Charity Feed the Hungry Clothe the Naked Shelter the Homeless Care for the sick

Feed the hungry

Clothe the naked

Shelter the homeless

Care For the Sick

He who, forgetting self, makes the object of his life service, helpfulness and kindness to others, finds his whole nature growing and expanding; himself becoming largehearted, magnanimous, kind, sympathetic, joyous, and happy; his life becoming rich and beautiful. -----------Ralph Waldo Trine

"Our task must be to free ourselves from our prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all humanity and the whole of nature in its beauty.

-------------Albert Einstein

Share of Yourself

The Gift of Gratitude

Whatever We Are Waiting For: Peace of Mind Contentment Grace The Inner Awareness of Simple Abundance It will surely come to us, but only when we are ready to receive it with an open and grateful heart.

------------------Sarah Ban Breathnach Remember that not to be happy is not to be grateful.

-------------Elizabeth Carter

God has given us two hands: one to receive with and the other to give with.

------------------------Billy Graham We learn each day how cultivating gratitude tills the soil of our souls, and then how the seeds of simplicity, order, harmony, beauty, and joy send their roots deep down into the earth of everyday existence.

To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to LIVE gratitude is to reach Heaven.

--------- Johannes A. Gaertner

Take time for daily reflection and let gratitude be your peacemaker

A Prayer of Thanksgiving (Psalm 95:2)

Gracious Jehovah, deserving of praise; to you O sovreign, our voices we raise.

We bow to you, O Great Hearer of prayer, Placing our selves under your tender care.

Daily our errors reveal we are weak; For our transgressions forgiveness we seek.

Look, with the blood of your Son we were bought Now our desire is by you to be taught.

Happy are those whom you choose to invite Into your courts of instruction and light.

Teach us to know you, your Word is our guide, Here in your temple, we wish to reside.

Awesome in deed is your powerful hand Giving your servants the courage to stand.

God of salvation, your Kingdom we hail.

Preach it we must, for it never will fail.

A Thankful Heart

The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but the THANKFUL heart sweeps through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings.

A Thankful Heart Ephesians 5:20 Words by Bob Hartman and Dino Elefante I have a thankful heart that you have given me And it can only come from you There is no way to begin to tell you how I feel There are no words to express how you've become so real Jesus, you've given me so much I can't repay I have no offering There is no way to begin to tell you how I feel There's nothing more I can say and no way to repay Your warming touch that melts my heart of stone Your steadfast love - I'll never be alone I have a thankful heart that you have given me And it can only come from you I have a thankful heart; words don't come easily But I am sure you can see my thankful heart Help me be a man of God A man who's after Your own heart And keep in me a thankful heart

The Gift of Forgiveness

The Lords' Prayer Our father, which art in heaven Hollowed will be thy name; Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day, our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory Forever and ever Amen ------Matthew 6: 9 - 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

----------------------------------------- Colossians 3:13 Remember to be gentle with yourself and forgive yourself when you make mistakes.

Decide to Forgive Decide to forgive For resentment is negative Resentment is poisonous Resentment diminishes and devours the self.

Be the first to forgive, To smile and to take the first step And you will see happiness bloom On the face of your human brother or sister.

Be always the first Do not wait for others to forgive For by forgiving You become the master of fate The fashioner of life A doer of miracles.

To forgive is the highest, Most beautiful form of love.

In return you will receive Untold peace and happiness.

To Achieve A Truly Forgiving Heart Sunday: Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday:

Forgive yourself Forgive your family Forgive your friends and associates Forgive across economic lines within your own nation Forgive across cultural lines within your own nation Forgive across political lines within your own nation Forgive other nations

Only the Brave know how to forgive. A coward never forgives. It is not his nature.

- - - - - Abigail Van Buren

The Gift of Wisdom Much of life's happiness is based on wisdom, revelation, and discernment, which brings long life, protection and contentment.

Be still enough so that you may hear the Holy Spirit saying, "This is the way, walk in it."

----------------------- Isaiah 30:21

Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold.

------------------ Proverbs 3:13-14 Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom. ---------Psalm 90:20 Learn to make Wise choices

The Gift of Resilency

W

hen trouble comes, and it will come, you must let go of what's holding you back or holding you down, or getting you down, in your body, mind, or spirit, and resolve yourself that no matter what, God is on your side. It is then that you reach down deep to change your circumstances or to adapt to them. It is with the strength of Jesus that you adapt well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or family and relationship problems, serious health problems of your own or those you love, school (bullies and sometimes even teachers), or workplace and financial stressors. Resilience means "bouncing back" from those difficult experiences.

Being resilient does not mean you will get off "scot-free" without experiencing problems and difficulties that cause you distress. Emotional pain and sadness are common in people who have suffered major adversity or trauma in their lives. In fact, the road to resilience is paved with potholes that involve considerable emotional distress, that can also manifest itself as physical distress also. However, RESILENCY is a learned response of behaviors, thoughts, and actions that can be developed in anyone.

10 Ways to build resilience Make connections. Good relationships with close family members, friends, or others are important. Accepting help and support from those who care about you and will listen to you, strengthens resilience. Sometimes being active in civic groups, faith-based organizations, or other local groups provides social support and can help with reclaiming hope. Helping others in their time of need not only benefits them, but you also.

Avoid seeing crises as an insurmountable mountain. "Ain't no mountain high enough; ain't no river wide enough" to keep you from bouncing back. You can't change the fact that stressful "stuff" happen; you can change how you interpret and respond to these events. Close your eyes and visualize a future where things are better; take note of any little way in which you might already feel somewhat better as you deal with difficult situations. Seek a quiet place in the midst of the storm; calm down, take a deep breath, and always remember to pray.

Know that change is a part of living. Sometimes the day is sunny; sometimes it's cloudy; we have no control over what it will be. Sometimes you may want something you can't get: the girl with the pretty eyes you like, a fast sports car you're too young to drive, but as one door closes, another opens if you are open to the possibilities. You may want something that is no longer attainable because of circumstances not under your control.

Focus on things under your control. Don't lose sight of your goal by brooding about things you can't change. Like the Serenity Prayer . . . . Lord help me to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Move toward your goals. Develop some realistic goals. Do something regularly -- even if it seems like a small accomplishment -- that enables you to move toward your goals.

Instead of focusing on tasks that seem unachievable, ask yourself, "What's one thing I know I can accomplish today that helps me move in the direction I want to go?"

Take decisive actions. Work out a strategy. Take decisive actions Hiding from the issue by literally putting a pillow over your head, or emotionally or physically detaching from problems and stresses won't make them go away.

Look for opportunities for self-discovery. When you're in the midst of your troubles, it may not seem like it, but it can be an opportunity for further growth and development in your physical, mental, relational, and spiritual life, giving you a greater appreciation for the life entrusted to you.: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Nurture a positive view of yourself. You are SOMEBODY, you are WORTHY; You DESERVE to be treated WELL. Developing confidence in yourself and your ability to solve problems and trusting your instincts helps build resilience.

Keep things in perspective. Even when facing very painful events, look at the "big picture" and keep a long-term perspective. Avoid blowing things out of proportion. As my grandparents use to say "Don't turn a mole hill into a mountain; for this to shall pass."

Maintain a hopeful outlook. An optimistic outlook enables you to EXPECT GOOD THINGS TO HAPPEN IN YOUR LIFE. Try visualizing what you want, rather than worrying about what you fear.

Take care of yourself. Pay attention to your own needs and feelings. Engage in activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Exercise regularly. Taking care of yourself helps to keep your mind and body healthy and primed to deal with situations that require resilience.

Additional ways of strengthening resilience others have found helpful include journaling - writing about your deepest thoughts, about what is happening in your life.

(Nana likes to write; I started journaling in high school and have kept a log of everyday I've spent with you - that part makes me so very happy) and I always stay prayerful and count my blessings). It restores my faith and hope when I feel down - yeah, even Nana feels down sometimes - everybody does. The key is to identify ways that work well for you as part of your own personal strategy for developing resilience.

We Fall Down But We Get Up Donnie McClurkin

We fall down but we get up For a saint is just a sinner who fell down But we couldn't stay there and got up We fall down but we get up For a saint is just a sinner who fell down and got up Get back up again Get back up again Get back up again

The Gift of Mindfulness

Quiet the mind - block out the noise of the world.

M

indfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. When you're mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to experience.

Rest in stillness - stop doing and focus on just being.

-----------Kabat-Zinn

The quieter you become, the more you can hear

------------Ram Dass

Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well.

-------------------Gandhi Waking up this morning, I smile. Twenty-four brand new hours are before me. I vow to live fully in each moment and to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.

------------Thich Nhat Hann Mindfulness is a whole-body-and-mind awareness of the present moment. To be mindful is to be fully present, not lost in daydreams, anticipation, indulgences, or worry.

Mindfulness also means observing and releasing habits of mind that maintain the illusion of a separate self. This includes dropping the mental habit of judging everything according to whether we like it or not. Being fully mindful means being fully attentive to everything as-it-is, not filtering everything through our subjective opinions.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent

or praiseworthy—think about such things.

International Version (NIV)

------------------ Philippians 4:8 New

The Gift of Peace

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).

Inner peace (or peace of mind), serenity, and calmness refer to a state of being mentally and spiritually at peace, with enough knowledge and understanding to keep oneself strong in the face of discord or stress. In some cultures, inner peace is considered a state of consciousness or enlightenment that may be cultivated by various forms of training, such as prayer, meditation, t'ai chi or yoga.

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Jesus is our Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6).

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27).

Heed His commandments and your peace will be like a river (Isaiah 48:17, 18).

There is no peace for the wicked (Isaiah 48:22).

The work of doing what is right will be peace (Isaiah 32:17, 18).

The Lord will speak peace to His people, but let them not turn back to folly (Psalm 85:8, 10).

Great peace have those who love His law (Psalm 119:165).

You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts You (Isaiah 26:3, 4).

God's thoughts toward you are thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11-13).

God's purpose is for peace on earth and goodwill toward men (Luke 2:13, 14).

Let your requests be made known to God, and His peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6, 7).

Our peace with God is through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).

Jesus is our peace. Apart from Him, we do not have His peace (Ephesians 2:14, 17).

Jesus in His last discourse with His disciples before His crucifixion said to them, "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27

Our Possession of Peace (John 14:27)

Praise Jehovah, God of peace, God of unity He will make all wars to cease, Bring in harmony.

Prince of Peace is Christ his Son, Tender, calm, and kind.

When the fight for right he's won, Perfect peace we'll find.

We have left off angry words, Making quarrels cease.

We have made from spears and swords, Implements of peace.

If this peace we want to keep, Then we must forgive.

Peacefully as Jesus' sheep, May we learn and live.

As a fruit of righteousness, Peace we all must bear, Proof of wisdom from above, Gained through heartfelt prayer.

We would recommend our way, Show our peacful care Till the Kingdom's perfect day, Brings peace everywhere.

The Gift of Courage

Courage isn't having the strength to go on . .

It's going on when you don't have the strength.

Use courage, infused and inspired by Jesus, to follow your own path

Biblical Commands to be Courageous

Daniel in the Lions Den Protected by angels Angles watching over me, My Lord, Angles watching over me

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

Courage is not the absence of fear, but the judgment that something else is more important than fear.

May you speak and act with confidence and use courage to follow your own path.

The Gift of Strength Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

Psalm 29:11

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

Psalm

59:17

You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Remember to call upon this strength when you need it.

Psalm 73:26 - My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

You do not have to be big to be strong.

The Gift of Joy A feeling of great pleasure or happiness that comes from success, good fortune, or a sense of well-being.

May your heart be filled with light that shines from the inside out

Psalm 97:11-12 - "Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.

Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name.

Psalm 118:24 - "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Proverbs 15:13 - "A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit."

Proverbs 17:22 - "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

Isaiah 55:12 - "You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands."

Joy is a light that fills you with hope, faith and love ----Adela Rogers St. Johns Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer ---Book of Romans CHOOSE to be happy. It is not a matter of luck or circumstances, but a CHOICE in spite of circumstances.

HAPPINESS

Cannot be . .

.

Traveled to, Owned, Earned Worn or consumed.

Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with

LOVE GRACE &

Gratitude.

~~~~~~~Denis Waitley

The Gift of Cultivating Compassion to Live An Ethical Life Doing the Right Thing and Doing the Right Thing Right

Right View Supports wisdom- the understanding of things as they are Knowing what is going on inside and outside of ourselves

Right Intention Renunciation, which counters the intention of desire The intention of good will, which counters the intention of ill will.

The intention of harmlessness, which counters the intention of harmfulness.

Right Action Do not kill; do no steal; do not lie; do not abuse alcohol or drugs

Right Livelihood Earning a living without compromising your values of love and compassion. The way you support yourself can be an expression of your deepest self, or it can be a source of suffering for you and others.

Your vocation can nourish your understanding and compassion, or erode them. Strive to be awake to the consequences, far and near, of the way you earn your living.

Right Effort Cultivation and strengthening of skillful and wholesome qualities of generosity, loving kindness and wisdom, and extinguishing unwholesome qualities of greed, anger, and ignorance.

Right Concentration - Mindfulness Right Listening Deep listening is the foundation of Right Speech. If we cannot listen mindfully, we cannot practice Right Speech. No matter what we say, it will not be mindful, because we'll be speaking only our own ideas and not in response to the other person.

All experience is preceded by mind, Led by mind, Made by mind.

Speak or act with a corrupted mind, And suffering follows As the wagon wheel follows the hoof of the ox.

All experience is preceded by mind, Led by mind, Made by mind.

Speak or act with a peaceful mind, And happiness follows Like a never-departing shadow.

Right thoughts produce right actions and right actions produce work that will be a material reflection for others to see of the serenity at the center of it all.

-------------Robert M. Pirsig

The Gift of Speaking Life Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

------------------------Psalm 19:14 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.

-----------Psalm 21:23

Speak Truthfully And Honestly Speak In A Way That Promotes Harmony And Good Will Use Language To Reduce Anger And Ease Tensions Use Language In A Way That Is Useful  Abstain from false speech; do not tell lies or deceive.  Do not slander others or speak in a way that causes disharmony or enmity. The state or feeling of being actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.  Abstain from rude, profane, impolite or abusive language.  Do not indulge in idle talk or gossip.  Speak words of nourishment and encouragement  Speak words of loving kindness  Speak words of compassion  Speak words of sympathetic joy  Speak words of equanimity - Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.

Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.

----------------------------------Buddha If your speech is not useful and beneficial, it is better to keep silent.

Do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inward peace, even if your whole world seems upset.

Commend all to God, and then lie still and be at rest , knowing that his loving hands will support you always.

He's got the whole world in His hands.

Peace Be Still

Master, the tempest is raging.

The billows are tossing high.

The sky is over shadowed with blackness, no shelter or help is nigh.

Care you not that we perish?

How can you lie asleep, when each moment so madly is threatening, a grave in the angry deep?

The winds and the waves shall obey my will, peace be still.

Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea or demons, or men, or whatever it be.

No water can swallow the ship where lies the Master of ocean and earth and skies; they shall sweetly obey my will, peace be still, peace be still.

They all shall sweetly obey my will; peace, peace be still.

Master, with anguish of spirit I bow in my grief today.

The depths of my sad heart are troubled.

Oh, waken and save, I pray!

Torrents of sin and of anguish sweep o'er my sinking soul, And I perish! I perish! dear Master.

Oh, hasten and take control!

Master, the terror is over, the elements sweetly rest.

Earth's sun in the calm lake is mirrored, and heaven's within my breast.

Linger, O blessed Redeemer!

Leave me alone no more, and with joy I shall make the blest harbor and rest on the blissful shore.

The Gift of Calmness Bible Scriptures James 1:19-20 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Proverbs 29:11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

James 1:20 For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Proverbs 19:11 Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools.

Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.

Colossians 3:8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.

Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 14:17 A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.

Ephesians 4:26 Do not let the sun go down on your anger, Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

Proverbs 16:32 Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

James 1:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; Proverbs 22:24 Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, Proverbs 12:16 The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.

Galatians 5:19-20 Now the works of the flesh are evident: fits of anger. . .

Proverbs 29:22 A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression.

Psalm 37:8-9 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.

Proverbs 27:4 Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?

Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Proverbs 14:29 Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.

The Gift of Possibilities

Live Outside the Box Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and prayerful always.

--------------------Romans 12:12 “Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it. On the contrary, if I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.” ------------- Mahatma Gandhi “Without leaps of imagination or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities.

Dreaming, after all is a form of planning.”

------------- Gloria Steinem “A thought, even a possibility, can shatter and transform us.”

― Friedrich Nietzsche

“You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going.

What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope.” ------------- Thomas Merton “All the possibilities of your human destiny are asleep in your soul. You are here to realize and honor these possibilities. When love comes in to your life, unrecognized dimensions of your destiny awaken and blossom and grow. Possibility is the secret heart of time.” ― John O'Donohue, Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom “The possible's slow fuse is lit by the Imagination.”

― Emily Dickinson

"Without leaps of imagination you lose the excitement of possibility" ------------Gloria

Steinem

“But this was that view of human destiny which she had most passionately hated and rejected: the view that man was ever to be drawn by some vision of the unattainable shining ahead, doomed ever to aspire, but not to achieve. Her life and her values could not bring her to that, she thought; she had never found beauty in longing for the impossible and had never found the possible to be beyond her reach.”

― Shrugged

Ayn

Rand,

Atlas

The Gift of Dreams

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, Begin it!

Boldness has power, magic and genius in it."

Sleeping Dreaming Waking up enjoying and living life to the fullest DANCE to the MUSIC of YOUR DREAMS Follow Your Heart And Your Dreams Will Come True

To Achieve Your Dreams – Remember your ABC’s Avoid negative sources, people, places, things and habits Believe in yourself Consider things from every angle Don’t give uo and don’t give in Enjoy life today: yesterday is gone; tomorrow may never come Family and friends are hidden treasures, seek them and enjoy their riches Give more than you planned to Hang on to your dreams Ignore those who try to discourage you Just do it Keep trying no matter how hard it seems; it will get easier Love yourself first and foremost Make it happen Never lie, cheat or steal; always strike your own deal Open your eyes and see things as they really are Practice makes perfect Quitters never win and winners never quit Read, study, and learn about everything important in your life Stop procrastinating Take control of your destiny Understand yourself to better understand others Visualize it Want it more than anything Xcellerate your efforts You are unique of all God’s creatures; nothing can replace you Zero in on your target and go for it!

The Gift Of Listening

Listen to those sages of wisdom who have lived and experienced the good the bad the ugly the beauty of this life and still look thankfully upward - they have something valuable to say

It is a funny thing about life.

If you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.

----- W. Somerset Maugham

The Gift of Critical Thinking Making Good and Wise Choices

Clarify Goals Examine Assumptions Discerns Hidden Values Evaluate Evidence Accomplish Actions Assess Conclusions

How To Become A Critical Thinker • • • • • • • • • •

Be open-minded to new ideas.

Know that people have different ideas about the meaning of words.

Separate emotional and logical thinking.

Question things that don't make sense to you.

Avoid common mistakes in your own reasoning.

Don't argue about something that you know nothing about.

Build a strong vocabulary to better share and understand ideas.

Know when you need more information.

Know the difference between conclusions that could and must be true.

Good Choices: foundational principles and values based on selfawareness, accountability, responsibility, and being the creator of your own destiny

Seek first to understand

Then to be understood

The Gift of Coping with Difficulties

When trouble comes Cloudy in the sky Hold on and learn to stretch out This race isn't given to the swift Neither is it given to the strong But to he who endures to the end Keep your faith Trust in yourself All things are possible if you only believe Lean on the everlasting arms of Jesus, they do no tire They will soothe your spirit Comfort your soul And Bring you peace Have you got a problem?

Do what you can where you are with what you've got.

------ Theodore Roosevelt

I am only one, but I am one.

I cannot do everything, but I can do something And what I can do, that I ought to do And what I ought to do, by God's grace I shall do.

-------- Edward Everett Hale

The Gift of Staging Your Life for. . .

Good Things to Happen

The Theater of Life The whole world is a stage and everyone plays a part They have their exits and entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts -- Shakespeare Go on deserving applause, and you will be sure to meet with it.

The Law of Attraction What you send into the lives of others comes back into your own Use positivity to attract positivity Let your light shine; others will catch the light Life is never a solo performance. Every movement you make ripples through the lives of those sharing the stage, just as their actions affect yours. Together, you enhance each others steps and help each other become more than each could achieve alone

Find the thing meant for you to do, and do your best --------- Thomas Jefferson

The Seven Laws of Spiritual Success Deepak Chopra In the natural world, creation comes forth with ease.

A seed doesn’t struggle to become a tree ― it simply unfolds in grace.

SUNDAY - The Law of Pure Potentiality Take time to be silent, to just BE. Meditate for 30 minutes twice a day. Silently witness the intelligence within every living thing. Practice non-judgment.

MONDAY - The Law of Giving Today, bring whoever you encounter a gift: a compliment or flower. Gratefully receive gifts. Keep wealth circulating by giving and receiving care, affection, appreciation and love.

TUESDAY - The Law of Karma Every action generates a force of energy that returns to us in like kind. Choosing actions that bring happiness and success to others ensures the flow of happiness and success to you.

WEDNESDAY - The Law of Least Effort Accept people, situations, and events as they occur. Take responsibility for your situation and for all events seen as problems. Relinquish the need to defend your point of view.

THURSDAY - The Law of Intention and Desire Inherent in every intention and desire is the mechanics for its fulfillment. Make a list of desires. Trust that when things don’t seem to go your way, there is a reason.

FRIDAY - The Law of Detachment Allow yourself and others the freedom to be who they are. Do not force solutions—allow solutions to spontaneously emerge. Uncertainty is essential, and your path to freedom.

SATURDAY - The Law of Dharma Seek your higher Self. Discover your unique talents. Ask yourself how you are best suited to serve humanity. Using your unique talents and serving others brings unlimited bliss and abundance.

The Gift of Using Time Wisely

Time: the great equalizer Each of us has twenty-four hours in a day Make each day count Count your blessings Nothing is worth more than this day.

-----Johann Wolfgang von Goethe I know not what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.

-------- Anonymous Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you. ~Carl Sandburg

The Gift of Seizing Your Potential

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.

------------Isaiah 40:31 Have the daring to accept yourself as a bundle of possibilities, and undertake the game of making the most of your best.

-------Harry Emerson Fosdick

May God's Grace and Mercy Be the Wind Beneath Your Wings No one knows what he can do until he tries.

-------Publilius Syrus

If we did all the things we were capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.

Who Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up? Good Life Goals To respect myself.

To be respected by people who know me.

To be wise (make good decisions).

To be a lifelong learner To be capable of doing what I set my mind to do as worthwhile To be disciplined and able to control most things in my life.

To be able to take care of myself and the people I care about.

To be justifiably proud of my abilities, knowledge, talents, and what I have accomplished To be trustworthy To be honest To be persistent, to not give up easily To be kind to people and animals To be helpful To understand people To understand the world To be a good citizen To understand science . . . enough to make good decisions for myself and the environment To seek truth

The Gift of The Journey Joy - Hope - Courage A Dance of Beauty and Belief

Every journey, no matter how great or small, begins with a single step There will be hills and valleys along the way There will be sunshine and clouds Sometimes the road may feel like a long, lonely path Sometimes people will disappoint you Sometimes you will feel misunderstood But you are never alone Always look for the beauty around you A blade of grass, a flower, a snowflake, a gentle breeze - - a smile, a loving touch, a precious memory If you walk in the footsteps of the Master, you will master your true self May God light your path on your journey to truth and wholeness Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. -------------------------------Proverbs 3:5-6

PSALM 23

The Lord is my shepherd PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP I shall not want SUPPLY He makes me to lie down in green pastures SABBATH REST He leads me beside still waters REFRESHMENT He restores my soul HEALING He guides me in the path of righteousness GUIDANCE For His name's sake PURPOSE Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death TESTING I will fear no evil PROTECTION For You are with me FAITH Your rod and your staff, they comfort me DISCIPLINE You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies HOPE You anoint my head with oil CONSECRATION My cup runs over ABUNDANCE Surely goodness & mercy shall follow me all the days of my life BLESSING And I will dwell in the house of the Lord SECURITY

Forever

ETERNITY

The Gift of Following Truth

Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man ------------------------Proverbs 3:3-4 If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever - - the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

----------------John 14:15-17 If you abide in My word (hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them), you are truly My disciples. And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.

----------------John 8:31-32

The Gift of Enjoying a Life of Health

and Healing

Maintaining health and energy to do God's will

"Praying that your body is as healthy as I know your soul is."

-------------Jn. 3:2 (LB) Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayers of a righteous man avails much.

Your body is your temple; treat it with respect and dignity.

Do not defile it with excesses of drink, drugs, food or other harmful substances or activities.

The greatest wealth is health

The Gift of Enthusiasm Great excitement for or interest in a subject or cause "Only one who bursts with enthusiasm do I instruct; Only one who bubbles with excitement do I enlighten."

-----------------------Confucius Life's blows cannot break a person whose spirit is warmed at the fire of enthusiasm.

----------------------- Norman Vincent Peale Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.

-----Einstein Enthusiasm is excitement with inspiration, motivation, and a pinch of creativity.

------- Michael Josephson

Enthusiasm ignites greatness!

Continue to embrace life, the newness of each day, with your unadulterated enthusiasm. It is a lovely contagion that brightens Nana's days and makes me smile even when we are apart.

"Enthusiasm is a supernatural serenity."

----------------------Henry David Thoreau

The Gift of Confidence

Faith or Belief that one will act in a right, proper, and effective way For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

-------------------------------------2 Timothy 1:17

W

ith anyone, confidence can waver from time to time. It is during those times when we feel bewildered, lost and insecure, that you lean into the strong arms of the Lord, knowing that all your strength comes from Him.

Remember that no one is perfect. Everyone has insecurities, some visible to others, some internalized that others don't see. At some point in any of our lives we may feel we lack something; something is missing; we want more (and sometimes we can't even define what it is we want; just an unsettled feeling that's hard to shake). This is natural.

The key is always knowing your own strength and confidence and not comparing yourself to others in a negative way. Life is full of bumps in the road and when we meet what seems like a mountain too tall to climb, a river too wide to cross, or a brick wall with no footholds, the universe may be whispering that you need to take the path less traveled - there may be many pleasant surprises! Often these insecure feelings are situational and come and go, depending on where you are, who you're with, the mood you're in or how you are feeling, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Once, when your mom was a little girl and she sensed I was worried, I told her there was light at the end of the tunnel: Her reply, "but mommy, how long is the tunnel". Sometimes that tunnel can seem unending, but it's not; things do change. We made it through, not unscathed, but stronger for having weathered the storm. In other words, nothing is constant but change itself, but through any and all difficulties you may encounter TRUST GOD.

Be thankful for what you have. A lot of the times, at the root of insecurity and lack of confidence is a feeling of not having enough of something, whether it's emotional validation, good luck, money, etc. By acknowledging and appreciating what you do have, you can combat the feeling of being incomplete and unsatisfied. Finding inner peace will boost your confidence as well as always recognizing the abundance of God's provisions.

Identify your successes. Everyone is born with talents, strengths and gifts - something uniquely you, what you're good at, so discover the things at which you excel and enjoy, then focus on your talents and how you express yourself - art, music, writing, dancing, mountain climbing, scuba diving -- give yourself permission to take pride in them and give credit to God for the successes with which He has blessed you. When you're following your passion, not only will it have a therapeutic effect, but you'll feel unique and accomplished, all of which can help build your self confidence. Plus, adding a variety of healthy experiences to your life will not only make you more confident, but it can open doors that increase your chances of meeting people who share your passions. This can lead to your dream job or your soul mate.

Be Positive even if you don't feel it at the time. Avoid self-pity or taking the "victim stance". Never allow others to make you feel inferior--they can only do so if you let them. Do not put yourself down, or others will think they can also. Instead, speak positively about yourself, about your future, and about your progress - SPEAK LIFE GIVING WORDS. Do not be afraid to project your strengths and qualities to others, but without being arrogant. Engage others in positive conversations. By doing so, you reinforce those ideas in your mind and encourage your growth in a positive direction. Be the "Little Engine That Could" - I think I can, I think I can - I KNOW I CAN - then do it.

For your second birthday you received a chalkboard. EVERYDAY you draw happy faces and say "happy". Nana thinks happiness is at your core. Stay Happy!

Accept compliments gracefully. Take and respond positively ("Thank you" and a smile works well). Feel confident that the compliment is well deserved. But also know that some people will use this tactic to gain something from you that they want. Learn to "read" people and understand their motives.

Look in the mirror and smile. The "facial feedback theory" suggest that the expressions on your face can actually encourage your brain to register certain emotions. So by looking in the mirror and smiling every day, you might feel happier with yourself and more confident in the long run. Years ago Nana worked in the Milwaukee State Office Building that had nine floors; people who didn't know my name referred to me as "smiley".

Stick to your principles and values. It might be tough, but if you don't have something you can believe in, you don't have anything. If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything. No matter what's happened in your life, you can always lay claim to the fact that from this day forward, you've followed your principles to the best of your ability.

Help others. When you know you're kind to the people around you, and are making a positive difference in other people's lives (even if it's just being kinder to the person who serves you lunch at school), you'll know that you are a positive force in the world--which will boost your self confidence. One of your pre-school teachers told me that when another child has an accident or falls down, you are the first person there to try to help to rub their back, to try to help them get up - and you were not even two years old at the time. Always stay in touch with that part of your wonderful personality. Even before you were old enough to know what a fire truck or an ambulance actually was, your countenance would fall as a sad look came over your face. Together we would stand at the window and say a prayer for those who needed God's help.

Avoid perfectionism: Perfectionism paralyzes you and keeps you from accomplishing your goals. NO ONE IS PERFECT: Don't down yourself when you make mistakes, correct your errors if you can, ask for forgiveness, and forgive yourself.

Self Confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings. -----------------W. Dave

The Gift of Knowledge

Knowledge is a familiarity with someone or something, which can include information, facts, descriptions, or skills acquired through experience or education. Reading is not only educational, it is also fun! Through books you can let your imagination roam freely as you envision the words on the page that transport you to far away places - other countries and continents, outer space, into the deep blue ocean, and fantasy worlds created by a writers imagination - the list is endless! May God's Word be your bedrock.

One's mind, once stretched by a new idea,

never regains its original dimensions.

The Gift of Thriving - Not Just Surviving

S

ometimes we must release what we "think" we know or understand, that comfortable place of holding on to protect one's ego, in order to "Become Whole" - dying to self in order to live as Jesus would have us live.

It is walking in God's Truth, not our own.

In order to be able to be in God's will, we must be out of our own self-will.

If our goal is to be in God's will all the time, then we need to go through some processes to purge ourselves of pride, self-will, selfishness, and all the other things that cause us to think about ourselves first and God second.

These processes will lead us through a journey that will involve humility, strengthening our faith, and will ultimately result in a closer walk with God, as we walk not in our own understanding but in His truths.

Surviving: Just over broke; paycheck-to paycheck - literally and spiritually Lost in the "wilderness", not knowing the way out

Thriving: Living on the Bread of Life, staying prayerful and strong in the face of adversity - like Job in the Bible, who resisted the devil's temptation to curse God and die. Job didn't listen to the devil and God brought him through and delivered him from his trials and tribulations.

THE GIFT OF PATIENCE

Patience is not only the ability to wait, but to keep a good attitude while waiting.

Proverbs 19:11 A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Proverbs 25:15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

Ecclesiastes 7:8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.

THE GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP

A friend is one who knows you as you are; Understands where you have been Accepts what you have, and still allows you to grow

A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same.

~~~~~~~~ Elbert Hubbard

A friend should be one in whose understanding and virtue we can equally confide, and whose opinion we can value at once for its justness and its sincerity. ~~Robert Hall A man's growth is seen in the successive choirs of his friends. ~~~Ralph Waldo Emerson A single rose can be my garden... a single friend, my world.

A true friend never gets in your way,

~~~~~ Leo Buscaglia

unless you happen to be going down. ~~~~~~ Arnold H. Glasow

Sometimes there is someone who takes time enough to listen – someone who cares about Us when we lose, and loves us even when we are wrong. ~~~~~~~Flavia & Lisa Weedn

The Gift of Understanding Your Uniqueness

You inherit many things from your genes, the combination of your mother and father that came together to produce you: your eye and hair color, for example. And yet, You are as unique as each individual snowflake, just as your fingerprint is uniquely you. No one else in the world, not even your mother or father, has the same fingerprints as you. Though you may have great role models along your journey, use your unique gifts to be all you are meant to be, not a carbon copy of anyone else.

The Gift of Imagination

Imagination gives WINGS to your thoughts and ideas Allowing them to roam free

Allowing them to

create

If the Wright brothers had not imagined flight, we would not have airplanes

If Ford had not imagined a horseless carriage, we would not have automobiles

First steam car

If Alexander Graham Bell had not imagined hearing over distances, we would not have the telephone

Keep stretching your imagination.

Always imagine the possibilities ------the "what if's" Read Fairy Tales

The Gift of Persistence

The key is to keep going even in the face of adversity: set-backs, road blocks, detours, and bumps in the road. Sometimes it may feel like tsunami forces are pushing against you. Keep your eye on your goal and keep pressing forward. When I “Nana� showed you the slant of your shoes and the slant of your toes, you were able to put your shoes on the right foot. At first you got frustrated, but you did NOT give up until you got it right!

The Gift of Accountability

God blessed you with this wonderful life. You are accountable for what you make of it. This wonderful journey is not always easy sometimes it's difficult to dodge all the curve balls that test your endurance, your commitment, and your faith. Don't be deceived.

God is always on your side. His hand is always extended to you. His word is your saving grace.

The Gift of Teamwork Working together to get things done. You showed Nana how to turn on the oven light; together we unload the dishwasher and put the dishes away - you're really good with the forks and spoons and showing me where everything goes. Together we get the clothes in the washer and you push the start button for the dryer. You help me sweep the floor and put away your toys.

Go Team, Go!

The Gift of Excellence

Cultivate your natural talents and abilities.

Keep reading, open your mind to new ideas.

Learning is a lifelong process; ask questions.

Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try. When you make WISE Choices you are on your way to having an excellent life. Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars. When you do each task to the best of your ability, then you have excelled.

The Gift of A Successful Life Learning from challenges helps you to build a strong foundation.

With that in place, do whatever you can, whenever you can, where ever you can, to help transform this world into a better place. Developing a vision early on in life will assist you in getting a clearer perspective of the future, laying the foundation for what you want to build, and setting a level balance for your life.

Believe in the Power within Yourself Laugh Out Loud Reinvent Yourself Have Adventures Smell the Roses Be Kind to Yourself Go For Long Walks Daydream – Create Something – Explore Tell Stories – Look at the Stars – It’s a Wonderful World Wake Up With Passion For Each Blessed Day

The Gift of Spirit Success is not a place at which one arrives but rather the spirit with which one undertakes and continues the journey.

If you want to accomplish the goals of your life, you have to begin with the spirit.

Oprah Winfrey

The Gift of Integrity

Ordinary people, even weak people, can do extraordinary things through temporary courage generated by a situation. But the person of character does not need the situation to generate his courage. It is a part of his being and a standard approach to all life's challenges. We’re all ethical in our own eyes. Although we are usually judged by our last worst act, we usually judge ourselves by our most noble deeds, our best intentions and our most virtuous traits.

Character is not a fancy coat we put on for show, it’s who we really are.”

“Everything you do sends a message about who you are and what you value”

The Gift of Curiosity

“Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers�

Voltaire

May you find this wonderful life entrusted to you full of exploration. The questions you have will be many - never be afraid to ask: who, what, when, where, how, or why - nor be afraid of the answers.

Seek the truth in the questions you ask; validate the answers you are given.

Inspiration CAN COME FROM the

MOST UNLIKELY

of

PLACES.

This does not mean a sense of Puffed up false selfimportance, but rather a satisfaction in knowing you have given your all, your very best to accomplish a task or a goal. You don't have to measure yourself against someone else; just know that you have given all that you have to give and take pride in that. It may be as simple as helping an old lady cross the street, or finding a lost wallet filled with money and returning it to the owner. It's your personal commitment to do the right thing.

Choices made now will influence your life for years to come.

If you want others to respond favorably, lead with charm, grace, and good intentions.

Use knowledge and skills strategically to bridge the gap between knowledge and ignorance

The Gift of a Positive Attitude

The Gift of Coping With Change

The Gift of Embracing Diversity

We all live with the objective of being happy; our lives are all different and yet the same. ~~Anne Frank Diversity may be the hardest thing for a society to live with, and perhaps the most dangerous thing for a society to be without.

If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the whole gamut of human potentialities, and so weave a less arbitrary social fabric, one in which each diverse human gift will find a fitting place. ~~Margaret Mead

The Gift of Being of Good Character

The Gift of Teamwork

The Gift of Striving for Excellence

The Gift of Optimism

Everyday you draw happy faces and say you are happy - that is optimism which comes from within. It is your daily decision, that no matter what, you are going to be optimistic, no matter the circumstances. It is hoping for the best. It is turning a frown upside down; looking for the rainbow after the thunderstorm, and that when life may sometimes roll you snake eyes, with God's help you can get through whatever comes your way. If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands. Hurray!

The Gift of Survival

Many years ago, Nana had the pleasure of seeing Les Brown, a motivational speaker, He said "you need to hit the ground running" and be hungry for that which you desire. You have to be a go-getter to achieve your goals. This doesn't mean you don't have time for leisure and relaxation, but you must have focus and make good choices to thrive and be all that you can be.

The Gift of Perseverance This race isn't necessarily given to the strong but to he who keeps his eye on the prize, grounds himself in the Word, stands by his principles, and finds alternate paths through adversity. "Many of the great achievements of the world were accomplished by tired and discouraged men who kept on working."

Edison failed numerous times before he made the electric light. How long should you try? "Until"

ENDURING TO THE END (Matthew 24:13) God’s Word and all it promises Give reason to endure The things you’ve learned and come to love Are all well-founded and sure.

Be stabilized in holy faith Keeping God’s day close in mind Stand firm in your integrity Bt tests you will be refined.

Maintain the love you had at first Which somehow could be lost Despite the trials you will meet Endure no matter the cost.

Whatever test may come your way Never yield to doubt or fear Jehovah will provide escape Our God ever will be near.

All those enduring to the end Are those who will be saved.

The book of life will list their names A record clearly engraved So let endurance be your aim Let it have its work complete Jehovah;s favor you will know With joy you will be replete.

The Gift of Leadership

The Gift of Coping With Challenges

•

Take a deep breath

•

Stay Calm

•

Re-focus

The Gift of Setting Goals

Stretch yourself to be your own personal best in whatever you do. That does not mean that you are always number one, but knowing you have done all that you can do and finding satisfaction in that.

Shoot for the moon; even if you miss you'll still land among the stars.

The Gift of Determination

Be determined to be and do YOUR personal best at whatever challenge you face. It doesn't mean you are always the one with the trophy, but knowing and being satisfied that you have given it your all. You will find your natural talents, some things will come easier than others. Hone your skills and practice to achieve your personal best.

There is an old adage that nothing is constant but change itself. Your body will change from infant, to toddler, to "tween", to adolescence, to manhood, and old age - no one has found a fountain of youth. So to, do the things around us - friends, jobs, where we live - some things are under our control; many that are not. Stay prayerful and hopeful, and keep that wonderfully cheerful, smiling outlook that is you.

We ALL make mistakes Listen Adapt Learn Grow Mature Become the wonderful young man Nana knows you are destined to become

ENDURING TO THE END (Matthew 24:13) God’s Word and all it promises Give reason to endure The things you’ve learned and come to love Are all well-founded and sure.

Be stabilized in holy faith Keeping God’s day close in mind Stand firm in your integrity By tests you will be refined.

Maintain the love you had at first Which somehow could be lost Despite the trials you will meet Endure no matter the cost.

Whatever test may come your way Never yield to doubt or fear Jehovah will provide escape Our God ever will be near.

All those enduring to the end Are those who will be saved.

The book of life will list their names A record clearly engraved So let endurance be your aim Let it have its work complete Jehovah;s favor you will know With joy you will be replete.

Core Strengths Bruce Duncan Perry, M.D.; Ph.D. Each of the core strengths--attachment, self-regulation, affiliation, awareness, tolerance, and respect--is a building block in a child’s development. Together, they provide a strong foundation for your future health, happiness, and productivity.

ATTACHMENT: Making relationships What it is: The capacity to form and maintain healthy emotional bonds with another person. It is first acquired in infancy, as a child interacts with a loving, responsive and attentive caregiver.

Why it’s important: This core strength is the cornerstone of all the others. An infant’s interactions with the primary caregiver create his or her first relationship. Healthy attachments allow a child to love, to become a good friend, and to have a positive model for future relationships. As a child grows, other consistent and nurturing adults such as teachers, family friends, and relatives will shape his or her ability for attachment. The attached child will be a better friend, student, and classmate, which promotes all kinds of learning.

SELF-REGULATION: Containing impulses What it is: The ability to notice and control primary urges such as hunger and sleep, as well as feelings such as frustration, anger, and fear. Developing and maintaining this strength is a lifelong process. Its roots begin with external regulation from a caring parent, and its healthy growth depends on a child’s experience and the maturation of the brain.

Why it’s important: Putting a moment between an impulse and an action is an essential skill. Acquiring this strength helps a child physiologically and emotionally. But it’s a strength that must be learned --we are not born with it.

AFFILIATION: Being part of a group

What it is: The capacity to join others and contribute to a group. This strength springs from our ability to form attachments. Affiliation is the glue for healthy human functioning: it allows us to form and maintain relationships with others to create something stronger, more adaptive, and more creative than the individual.

Why it’s important: Human beings are social creatures. We are biologically designed to live, play, grow, and work in groups. A family is a child’s first and most important group, glued together by the strong emotional bonds of attachment. In other groups, such as those in school, children will have thousands of brief emotional, social, and cognitive experiences that can help shape their development. It is in these groups that children make their first friendships. Affiliation helps children feel included, connected and valued.

ATTUNEMENT: Being aware of others

What it is: Recognizing the needs, interests, strengths, and values of others. Infants begin life self-absorbed, and slowly develop awareness--the ability to see beyond themselves, and to sense and categorize the other people in their world. At first this process is simplistic: "I am a boy and she is a girl. Her skin is brown and mine is white." As a child grows, his awareness of differences and similarities becomes more complex.

Why it’s important: The ability to be attuned, to read and respond to the needs of others, is an essential element of human communication. An aware child learns about the needs and complexities of others by watching, listening, and forming relationships with a variety of children. She becomes part of a group (which the core strength of affiliation allows her to do), and sees ways in which we are all alike and different. With experience, a child can learn to reject “labels” used to categorize people such as skin color or language. The aware child will also be much less likely to exclude others from a group, less likely to tease, and less likely to act in a violent way.

TOLERANCE: Accept Differences

What it is: The capacity to understand and accept how others are different from you. This core strength builds upon another, awareness: once aware, how do you respond to the differences you observe?

Why it’s important: It’s natural and human to be afraid of the new and the different. To become tolerant, a child must first face the fear of difference. This can be a challenge because children tend to affiliate based on similarities--in age, interests, families, or cultures. But they also learn to reach out and be more sensitive to others by watching how the adults in their lives relate. With active modeling, you can build on your students’ tolerance. When a child learns to accept difference in others, he is able to value what makes each of us special and unique.

RESPECT: Finding value in differences

What it is: Appreciating the worth in yourself and in others. Respect grows from the foundation of the other five strengths. An aware, tolerant child with good affiliation, attachment, and self-regulation strengths acquires respect naturally. The development of respect is a lifelong process, yet its roots are in childhood.

Why it’s important: Your students will belong to many groups, meet many kinds of people, and will need to be able to listen, negotiate, compromise, and cooperate.

Having respect enables a child to accept others and to see the value in diversity.

She can see that every group needs many styles and many strengths to succeed.

He will value each person in the group for the talents he or she brings to the group.

When children respect--and even celebrate--diversity in others, they find the world to be a more interesting, complex, and safer place. Just as understanding replaces ignorance, respect replaces fear.

The Gift of Renewal And be renewed in the spirit of your mind.

Ephesians 4:23 (KJV)

Renew thyself completely each day. Do it again, and again, and forever again. Chinese inscription cited by Thoreau in "Walden".

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect.

---------------------------------Romans 12:2 The beauty of daily renewal is that no matter how yesterday went, you have the opportunity to improve on it and better yourself today.

-----------Bob Greene Only when you have self-awareness can you achieve self-acceptance and only when you have accepted yourself can you experience self-love.

--------------Oprah Renew yourself by finding Sabbath Rest, a spiritual place of rest entered into by faith, where believers can abide without worry or anxiety.

Remember these things --YOU ARE

valued, YOU ARE

precious, YOU ARE

needed, YOU ARE

LOVED.

Finally, be strong in the power. Put on the full can take your stand schemes. For our struggle blood but against the authorities, against the and against the spiritual heavenly realms. armor of God, so that comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after to stand.

Lord and in His mighty armor of God so that you against the devil's is not against flesh and rulers, against the powers of this dark world forces of evil in the Therefore, put on the full when the day of evil you have done everything,

Stand firm, then, with the BELT OF TRUTH: buckled around your waist

Shield of Faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUS: in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

Helmet of Salvation & Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

NOW YOU ARE READY You are God's child. He will never let you go! Hold onto that Truth!

Always do what is good and right.

Be ready to tell anyone you meet about God's amazing love by showing love to others

Put all your trust in Jesus, and know that he has saved you.

And finally, fight wrongdoing with God's own Word.

Don’t worry - God is on your side!

And with God on your side, nothing can defeat you.

Be bold! Be strong! For the Lord your God is with you!

STAYING THE COURSE To know that even one life has breathed easier because YOU have lived. This is to have succeeded.

---------------------Ralph Waldo Emerson May you always see the sun in the midst of the storm May you always see the rainbow behind the clouds Though the seas be turbulent, may you navigate calmly May you bend, but not break, when swift winds assail you May your wonderful smile and laughter continue to light up your world and the world of those around you May God's love, mercy, and grace be your guiding compass, giving you courage, strength, faith, and hope always.

The light and joy you bring into my life will never fade. You are my blood line and my love line.

This is my gift to you:

A heart filled with the Love YOU'VE given me

Love Always Diane Mom Nana

Closing Prayer Jesus, give us the wisdom and courage to be poor in spirit. . . in a world that glorifies power and fame.

Give us the wisdom and courage to mourn. . . because we know you are with us always.

Give us the wisdom and courage to remain meek. . . and to be mindful of the truth that all we have and all we accomplish comes through you.

Give us the wisdom and courage to always do what is right. . . even when what is right is not what is popular or easy.

Give us the wisdom and courage to be merciful. . . even when it is very difficult to forgive.

Give us the wisdom and courage to be pure of heart. . . even when we feel overwhelmed by jealousy or a thirst for power

or popularity.

Give us the wisdom and courage to be peacemakers. . . in a world torn apart by violence.

Jesus, give us the wisdom and courage to remain strong when people make fun of us because we love you and follow you. . .may we never forget that our reward in heaven is great!

Amen.

Let The Journey Begin This is YOUR journey A tale of HOPE and COURAGE A dance of BEAUTY and Belief

Finding YOUR life's path Through your words and deeds Let your life be the material reflection of God within you.

Be a BLESSING to others

Life is a series of new beginnings, &

Every passage in time

Brings beauty to the dance

Romans 12:6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Be still, take a deep breath, stay calm, and listen to your inner voice, the gentle voice of the Lord guiding you and revealing your gifts to you with each step of your journey.

"May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."

EMBRACE the exquisite gift it is to be YOU! This is YOUR life; invest wisely Dr. Seuss said, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

Keep a positive attitude. Even if you prepare for the worst, always hope for the best

Core Strengths Bruce Duncan Perry, M.D.; Ph.D. Each of the core strengths--attachment, self-regulation, affiliation, awareness, tolerance, and respect--is a building block in a child’s development. Together, they provide a strong foundation for your future health, happiness, and productivity.

ATTACHMENT: Making relationships What it is: The capacity to form and maintain healthy emotional bonds with another person. It is first acquired in infancy, as a child interacts with a loving, responsive and attentive caregiver.

Why it’s important: This core strength is the cornerstone of all the others. An infant’s interactions with the primary caregiver create his or her first relationship. Healthy attachments allow a child to love, to become a good friend, and to have a positive model for future relationships. As a child grows, other consistent and nurturing adults such as teachers, family friends, and relatives will shape his or her ability for attachment. The attached child will be a better friend, student, and classmate, which promotes all kinds of learning.

SELF-REGULATION: Containing impulses What it is: The ability to notice and control primary urges such as hunger and sleep, as well as feelings such as frustration, anger, and fear. Developing and maintaining this strength is a lifelong process. Its roots begin with external regulation from a caring parent, and its healthy growth depends on a child’s experience and the maturation of the brain.

Why it’s important: Putting a moment between an impulse and an action is an essential skill. Acquiring this strength helps a child physiologically and emotionally. But it’s a strength that must be learned --we are not born with it.

AFFILIATION: Being part of a group

What it is: The capacity to join others and contribute to a group. This strength springs from our ability to form attachments. Affiliation is the glue for healthy human functioning: it allows us to form and maintain relationships with others to create something stronger, more adaptive, and more creative than the individual.

Why it’s important: Human beings are social creatures. We are biologically designed to live, play, grow, and work in groups. A family is a child’s first and most important group, glued together by the strong emotional bonds of attachment. In other groups, such as those in school, children will have thousands of brief emotional, social, and cognitive experiences that can help shape their development. It is in these groups that children make their first friendships. Affiliation helps children feel included, connected and valued.

ATTUNEMENT: Being aware of others

What it is: Recognizing the needs, interests, strengths, and values of others. Infants begin life self-absorbed, and slowly develop awareness--the ability to see beyond themselves, and to sense and categorize the other people in their world. At first this process is simplistic: "I am a boy and she is a girl. Her skin is brown and mine is white." As a child grows, his awareness of differences and similarities becomes more complex.

Why it’s important: The ability to be attuned, to read and respond to the needs of others, is an essential element of human communication. An aware child learns about the needs and complexities of others by watching, listening, and forming relationships with a variety of children. She becomes part of a group (which the core strength of affiliation allows her to do), and sees ways in which we are all alike and different. With experience, a child can learn to reject “labels” used to categorize people such as skin color or language. The aware child will also be much less likely to exclude others from a group, less likely to tease, and less likely to act in a violent way.

TOLERANCE: Accept Differences

What it is: The capacity to understand and accept how others are different from you. This core strength builds upon another, awareness: once aware, how do you respond to the differences you observe?

Why it’s important: It’s natural and human to be afraid of the new and the different. To become tolerant, a child must first face the fear of difference. This can be a challenge because children tend to affiliate based on similarities--in age, interests, families, or cultures. But they also learn to reach out and be more sensitive to others by watching how the adults in their lives relate. With active modeling, you can build on your students’ tolerance. When a child learns to accept difference in others, he is able to value what makes each of us special and unique.

RESPECT: Finding value in differences

What it is: Appreciating the worth in yourself and in others. Respect grows from the foundation of the other five strengths. An aware, tolerant child with good affiliation, attachment, and self-regulation strengths acquires respect naturally. The development of respect is a lifelong process, yet its roots are in childhood.

Why it’s important: Your students will belong to many groups, meet many kinds of people, and will need to be able to listen, negotiate, compromise, and cooperate.

Having respect enables a child to accept others and to see the value in diversity. She can see that every group needs many styles and many strengths to succeed. He will value each person in the group for the talents he or she brings to the group. When children respect-and even celebrate--diversity in others, they find the world to be a more interesting, complex, and safer place. Just as understanding replaces ignorance, respect replaces

fear.

Let The Journey Begin

Finding your life's path – The road of spiritual power This life you’ve been granted will give you sufficient stress, crises, complexity, and strife to do great things beyond your imagination, greater than your aspirations, and more complex than all your dreams. The privilege of a lifetime is being who YOU are. Heed the call of your life’s adventure and. . . . . . . . . .

FOLLOW YOUR BLISS

Romans 12:6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Be still, take a deep breath, stay calm, and listen to your inner voice, the gentle voice of the Lord guiding you and revealing your gifts to you with each step of your journey.

"May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."

This is YOUR life; invest wisely

Smile because YOU happened.

Core Strengths Bruce Duncan Perry, M.D.; Ph.D. Each of the core strengths--attachment, self-regulation, affiliation, awareness, tolerance, and respect--is a building block in a child’s development. Together, they provide a strong foundation for your future health, happiness, and productivity.

ATTACHMENT: Making relationships What it is: The capacity to form and maintain healthy emotional bonds with another person. It is first acquired in infancy, as a child interacts with a loving, responsive and attentive caregiver.

Why it’s important: This core strength is the cornerstone of all the others. An infant’s interactions with the primary caregiver create his or her first relationship. Healthy attachments allow a child to love, to become a good friend, and to have a positive model for future relationships. As a child grows, other consistent and nurturing adults such as teachers, family friends, and relatives will shape his or her ability for attachment. The attached child will be a better friend, student, and classmate, which promotes all kinds of learning.

SELF-REGULATION: Containing impulses What it is: The ability to notice and control primary urges such as hunger and sleep, as well as feelings such as frustration, anger, and fear. Developing and maintaining this strength is a lifelong process. Its roots begin with external regulation from a caring parent, and its healthy growth depends on a child’s experience and the maturation of the brain.

Why it’s important: Putting a moment between an impulse and an action is an essential skill. Acquiring this strength helps a child physiologically and emotionally. But it’s a strength that must be learned --we are not born with it.

AFFILIATION: Being part of a group

What it is: The capacity to join others and contribute to a group. This strength springs from our ability to form attachments. Affiliation is the glue for healthy human functioning: it allows us to form and maintain relationships with others to create something stronger, more adaptive, and more creative than the individual.

Why it’s important: Human beings are social creatures. We are biologically designed to live, play, grow, and work in groups. A family is a child’s first and most important group, glued together by the strong emotional bonds of attachment. In other groups, such as those in school, children will have thousands of brief emotional, social, and cognitive experiences that can help shape their development. It is in these groups that children make their first friendships. Affiliation helps children feel included, connected and valued.

ATTUNEMENT: Being aware of others

What it is: Recognizing the needs, interests, strengths, and values of others. Infants begin life self-absorbed, and slowly develop awareness--the ability to see beyond themselves, and to sense and categorize the other people in their world. At first this process is simplistic: "I am a boy and she is a girl. Her skin is brown and mine is white." As a child grows, his awareness of differences and similarities becomes more complex.

Why it’s important: The ability to be attuned, to read and respond to the needs of others, is an essential element of human communication. An aware child learns about the needs and complexities of others by watching, listening, and forming relationships with a variety of children. She becomes part of a group (which the core strength of affiliation allows her to do), and sees ways in which we are all alike and different. With experience, a child can learn to reject “labels” used to categorize people such as skin color or language. The aware child will also be much less likely to exclude others from a group, less likely to tease, and less likely to act in a violent way.

TOLERANCE: Accept Differences

What it is: The capacity to understand and accept how others are different from you. This core strength builds upon another, awareness: once aware, how do you respond to the differences you observe?

Why it’s important: It’s natural and human to be afraid of the new and the different. To become tolerant, a child must first face the fear of difference. This can be a challenge because children tend to affiliate based on similarities--in age, interests, families, or cultures. But they also learn to reach out and be more sensitive to others by watching how the adults in their lives relate. With active modeling, you can build on your students’ tolerance. When a child learns to accept difference in others, he is able to value what makes each of us special and unique.

RESPECT: Finding value in differences

What it is: Appreciating the worth in yourself and in others. Respect grows from the foundation of the other five strengths. An aware, tolerant child with good affiliation, attachment, and self-regulation strengths acquires respect naturally. The development of respect is a lifelong process, yet its roots are in childhood.

Why it’s important: Your students will belong to many groups, meet many kinds of people, and will need to be able to listen, negotiate, compromise, and cooperate.

Having respect enables a child to accept others and to see the value in diversity. She can see that every group needs many styles and many strengths to succeed. He will value each person in the group for the talents he or she brings to the group. When children respect-and even celebrate--diversity in others, they find the world to be a more interesting, complex, and safer place. Just as understanding replaces ignorance, respect replaces

fear.

• • • •

self-awareness - we can be aware of who we are and what we do; imagination - we can find new answers; conscience - we have an innate ability to tell right from wrong; free will - due to our self-awareness, we can decide how to respond.

Legacy of an Adopted Child Once there were two women who never knew each other.

One you do not remember, the other you call Mother.

Two different lives shaped to make your one.

One became your guiding star, the other became your sun.

The first one gave you life, and the second taught you to live it.

The first gave you a need for love, the second was there to give it.

One gave you a nationality, the other gave you a name.

One gave you a talent, the other gave you an aim.

One gave you emotions, the other calmed your fears.

One saw your first sweet smile, the other dried your tears.

One sought for you a home that she could not provide, The other prayed for a child and her hope was not denied.

And now you ask through your tears The age old question through the years Heredity or environment, which are you the product of Neither, my darling -----neither. . .

Just two different kinds of love.

--------------------Author unknown And for you, Jason, my dear son-in-law I hope you count it three For I also have a deep and abiding love for thee.

The purpose of life is to live it, to taste it, to experience it to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences, grounded in God's Truth as your guide.

CORE STRENGTHS

The key is to keep going, even in the midst of adversity: set-backs, road blocks, detours and bumps in the road. Sometimes it may feel like tsunami forces are pushing against you. Keep your eye on your goal and keep pressing forward.

• Ephesians 6:10-18 New International Version (NIV)

The Armor of God

10

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming it.

------------Helen Keller

The Lord your God has blessed you in all the works of your hand ---------------------Deuteronomy 2:7 I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made --------------------------Psalm 139:14 Oh give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good.

----------------------------Psalm 118:1 Some glad morning when this life is over, I'm going to fly away Well done, thou good and faithful servant.

----------------------Matthew 25:21 Angels watching over me my Lord, angels watching over me For He shall give His angels charge over thee.

---------------------------Psalm 91:11 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart. Psalm 27:14

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. -------------------------------Proverbs 3:5-6 Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.

---------------------------------------------------I Peter 5:7 NIV Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain you.

---------------------------------------------------Psalm 55:22 His compassion fails not. They are new every morning ------------------------Lamentations 3:22-23 Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ----------------------------Matthew 11:28

Deuteronomy 31:23 The LORD gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: "Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you."

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Joshua 10:25 Joshua said to them, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous.

This is what the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to fight."

1 Chronicles 22:13 Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.

1 Chronicles 28:20 David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.

Psalm 27:14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Isaiah 43:1 But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.

1 Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear ; do not be frightened."

Take Courage - Ask for it! Take it!

2 Chronicles 15:8 When Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Azariah son of Oded the prophet, he took courage. He removed the detestable idols from the whole land of Judah and Benjamin and from the towns he had captured in the hills of Ephraim. He repaired the altar of the LORD that was in front of the portico of the LORD's temple.

Ezra 7:28 and who has extended his good favour to me before the king and his advisers and all the king's powerful officials. Because the hand of the LORD my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.

Ezra 10:4 Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.

Mark 6:51 Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed,

The Effects Your Courage Will Have On Others Acts 4:13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

The Rewards of Having Courage Hebrews 3:6 But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.

Isaiah 35:4 ... say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you."

Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

14.Compassion Mercy Courage Happiness Persistence Endurance Responsibility Critical Thinking Honor Choice Extrordinariness Mindfulness Good Advice: Keeping a listening ear Dealing with Difficulties: Rising above your troubles Setting The Stage For Good Things To Happen Using Time Wisely Rising Up To Meet Your Potential: Soar Like An Eagle •

Of all the things in the human heart, anger can be one of the most intense, destructive, and unhealthy emotions that we can experience. If not handled in the proper way, it can have drastic life-changing consequences. Anger may be caused by pressures of work, family or even from being the innocent victim of another’s wrong-doing. Left unresolved, anger creates an intense desire to destroy something.

Regardless of the reason for anger, the Bible has answers on what causes anger, examples of good (righteous) and bad (unrighteous) anger and how we should deal with it as Christians. Our earnest prayer should be that God changes our heart as we allow Him to mold us into a vessel fit to carry His gospel to the world. Take a look at these twenty Scripture quotes that talk about anger. Don’t forget to enjoy the video to the right “Change My Heart Oh God”.

Examples of Righteous Anger Psalms 7:11 (KJV) God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.

1 Kings 11:9,10 And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods. But he did not keep what the LORD commanded.

2 Kings 17:18 Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel and removed them out of his sight. None was left but the tribe of Judah only.

Mark 3:4,5 And he [Jesus] said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.”

He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.

John 2:13-16 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the moneychangers sitting there. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.”

Results of Unrighteous Anger Genesis 4:5-8 but for Cain and his offering he [the LORD] had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin

is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.

Psalms 37:8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.

Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.

Proverbs 29:22 A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression.

Proverbs 30:33 For pressing milk produces curds, pressing the nose produces blood, and pressing anger produces strife.

Wisdom & Patience Key to Overcoming Anger Proverbs 14:16,17 (KJV) A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident. He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.

Proverbs 14:29 Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.

Proverbs 19:11 Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools.

James 1:19,20 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Put Off Sinful Anger; Put On Forgiveness and Loving Kindness Matthew 5:21-24 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift…” (Jesus’ words) Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions,

divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

Ephesians 4:26-28 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

Colossians 3:8, 12-13 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Christian Quotes About Anger “Anger and bitterness are two noticeable signs of being focused on self and not trusting God’s sovereignty in your life. When you believe that God causes all things to work together for good to those who belong to Him and love Him, you can respond to trials with joy instead of anger or bitterness.” ~ John C. Boger “Wise anger is like the fire from the flint; there is a great ado to bring it out; and when it does come, it is out again immediately.” ~ Matthew Henry “Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be.” ~ Thomas A’ Kempis “Is all anger sin? No, but some of it is. Even God Himself has righteous anger against sin, injustice, rebellion and pettiness. Anger sometimes serves a useful purpose, so it isn’t necessarily always a sin. Obviously, we’re going to have adverse feelings, or God wouldn’t have needed to provide the fruit of self-control. Just being tempted to do something is not sin. It’s when you don’t resist the temptation, but do it anyway, that it becomes sin.” ~ Joyce Meyer “Our God is not an impotent God with one arm; but as he is slow to anger, so is he great in power.” ~Abraham Wright

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20 Bible Verses About Hope- Are you in need of hope today? Check out these great uplifting scriptures on the subject on hope.

25 Bible Verses For Strength- Are you looking for Strength? Check out these scriptures about how to find strength in God. Resources The Holy Bible, English Standard Version The Holy Bible, King James Version “Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” www.youtube.com – Song “Change My Heart Oh God” Tagged as: Anger, Bible Verses by Topic, Indignation, Strife, Wrath

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Article by Pamela Rose Williams Pamela Rose Williams is a wife, mom and grand mom. She and her Pastor-husband serve together at Selah Mountain Ministries in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is a Christian freelance writer and has her own web site Christianity Every Day. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Christian Education. Other interests include bird-watching, gardening, crafting and technology. Her motto is “Christianity isn’t for just once a week; Christianity is for Every Day.” Pamela is also Senior Editor and writer here at WhatChristiansWantToKnow.com.

Pamela Rose has written 165 articles on What Christians Want To Know! Read them in the archive below.

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Thanks for stopping by! { 34 comments… read them below or add one }

Jack August 30, 2011 at 5:32 pm Superb again my dear friend and fellow co-heir in Christ. I can see that you have such a heart for God and that shows in your writing and it overflows from your heart. May God richly bless you my beloved sister, friend, and co-heir in Christ. I can’t wait to meet you some day at the great Marriage Supper of the Lamb of God. Save me a seat next to you.

Reply

Pam September 8, 2011 at 12:47 pm Gotcha covered Jack!

Reply

jenn September 7, 2011 at 1:13 pm our pastor says the same thing..if its not daily its not christianity..thanks i loved this topic and review Reply

Pam September 8, 2011 at 12:48 pm So glad you enjoyed the topic Jenn. Feel free to stop by often to WCWTK as we post something new every day! Blessing to you.

Reply

Joy Sides January 25, 2012 at 9:24 pm My son has a problem with his anger. I hope some of this will help him. Thanks so much for having this page!

Reply

Pam January 25, 2012 at 10:06 pm Hi Joy, It is my pleasure to share the Word of God in this way. I will pray for your son.

Reply

Oscar January 27, 2012 at 3:36 pm This website provides me with some quotes and bible-verses related to anger, yet I don’t know what to do practically since I don’t even know where my anger comes from. But the opening lines mentioned that anger can come from certain pressures. I have those indeed. I hope I can deal with it properly so that I won’t let it destroy parts of my life so dear to me.

Well, one thing for the writer of this website, there is a mentioning of Ephesians 4:26-28 saying ‘Be angry …’. I guess it is missing the words ‘Do not’ in front of it Reply

Pam January 30, 2012 at 3:53 pm Hello Oscar, Thank you for taking the time to comment on this article. It is true there are always roots to the anger that we experience. It is very important to

identify the things that lead to anger. Might I suggest that you try to find a pastor or a Biblical Counselor in your area that can help you to identify and work through the roots that cause your anger? You may email me at “contact@selahmountain.com” and I will help find someone in your area to help you.

Also regarding the Bible passage that you mentioned, please read it as posted: Ephesians 4:26-28 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

In the context it does say “be angry and do not sin”. What this means is that there are things that we may be “righteously” angry about, however that anger should never lead us to sin. We must deal with anger in an unsinful way because when we do not, we give Satan opportunities to use us to do sinful things. See how the passage continues with an example: Don’t steal anymore, instead work honestly and then with the wage that you earn, give to someone in need.

Again, thanks for stopping by, visit again soon!

Reply

Aura March 25, 2012 at 9:27 pm Thank you so much for this article. It’s insightful and motivates one to be introspective. Questioning one’s reaction to a situation stimulated by anger. I’m glad I read this as I have been consumed with anger & frustration, but I’m feeling a lot calmer now. Thank you! God bless Reply

Maria G.Cookie Ramirez April 23, 2012 at 11:50 am I have been dealing with anger towards my husband of 11 years due to his alchoholism. Reading this this morning has given me great comfort & reminded me to not have such a short temper. Thank you &God Bless.

Reply

hope May 10, 2012 at 10:44 pm

this article is great…

Yes indeed, if it’s not daily, it’s not Christianity. As Christians, we should be slow to anger, but quick to forgive Reply

Mary Payne May 29, 2012 at 4:57 am I am Feeling Stressed,Hurt,an Sometimes angry,I lose control,Then later very sorry,for how I handle all.But I am daily lied to,used,Feel mistreated,By my son an his girlfriend,,Which I totally keep them off the streets,I have kidney cancer,,COPD,Now doing bio,of my thyroid,to see if that cancer,I ask GOD’s help all day long,,He does help,Thank Him for this,How much should a person take,or be able to handle? I forgive them,feel stuck,an confused,Do I put them on the streets again,That’s wrong I know,,HELP PLEASE!! A Mother’s cry,,I Love the Lord,am Thankful for each day He gives me here,How much should I allow to be in my life??

Reply

Tiffany June 13, 2012 at 11:10 pm When considering your anger Mary, you must put God first and ask for guidance.

Also, keep your health in your mind because you can become more ill if you fail to focus on the right things. I think you would benefit from focusing on the Word and get some counseling because you are dealing with a lot. Also look into natural remedies to help like chamomile tea etc. Get a good relaxation regime. Things work out in God’s time and God’s way!

Reply

Beth June 1, 2012 at 10:12 pm Thanks for the great article I have really been struggling with some intense anger at a friend that is living with me and its super frustrating. I am just going to read this whenever I feel overwhelming anger. Thanks again! (: Reply

Raquel June 24, 2012 at 7:49 am Thank you for this article. I will be reading a lot more from this website. I struggle a lot with anger and i have discover that it ruins everything i do every decision i make and affects everyone around me. I really need to change and need help overcoming my anger towards life, my family, myself. Thank you.

Reply

Eval June 25, 2012 at 10:04 am My ex-Husband molested my two girls, I have so much hatred and anger towards him. He is still free because he has been running from police.I want him to pay for what he did. Is this anger just ? or will I also be judged because of my feelings towards a man who hurt my little girls?

Reply

Marlissia July 27, 2012 at 8:37 pm I do indeed suffer from a lot of anger so i needed to hear a few friendly words from the man above on the subject.

Reply

arun deep July 28, 2012 at 10:36 am thanx a lot for this, it has helped me a lot to prepare for the sunday worship assignment given to me & guess what topic was “anger�

Reply

Ronnie August 19, 2012 at 5:49 am Hi Mga Kapatid, (as we call our co-believer in Christ in tagalog, main dialect here in Philippines)

I would like you to know that I found this website very interesting and it gives enlightenment to all Christian like me. Specially now that I am being trained to be a full blown leader. I hope you don’t mind and the rest of the writers here that I used some of your articles for my Lectures and Devotion.

More Power and continue to be a blessing to others.

In Christ, Ronnie Reply

janet pais August 26, 2012 at 5:55 am plis i need pryer concering my husbnd for anger, alot of times when there are things tht i need to sit and discuss with him and if he is not hppy he gets angry so quick at me,i need prayers Reply

Pamela Rose Williams August 26, 2012 at 3:42 pm I will keep you in my prayers Janet. I will pray that hour husband’s heart is softened to listen when you need him to.

Reply

Candace September 7, 2012 at 10:03 am I just came across this article after googling “biblical answers to anger”. I feel as my life is upside down; at 31 yrs old, I sometimes feel I can no longer survive.

Life has taken a tole and left me in a world of hurt! Your article really helped me and I will continue reading and ask if you remember, please say a pray for me.

Thank you!

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Adrian Evans September 7, 2012 at 10:57 am

Thank you so much for this reference. A friend just asked me to pray for him due to being angry about a recent situation and aside from praying for him, I also sent him a few of the scriptures quotes on anger.

Very helpful! May God continue to bless your ministry!

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Regina Marie Baldwin September 12, 2012 at 12:18 am Thank you and God Bless you for the work you are doing. I use your words of wisdom in my Christian Coaching ministry.

It is so sad that the doctrine of what we speak and what our anger affects isnt’ taught more in the church. Too many Christians are speaking death unto others and hindering God’s blessings in their own life.

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Pamela Rose Williams September 14, 2012 at 9:38 am I continue to be blessed by all who share through comments. Know that I thank God for you and if you have requested prayer I have lifted your request on high.

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Esperanza Pastore September 17, 2012 at 2:49 pm This is the first time I read your article and quotes. This shows just how much God would love for us to be richly blessed by fellow Christians. He is using His own children to be instruments to speak truth in love. I am about to counsel a woman who is filled with anxiety. Am sure I could use what I have learned from this today. Janet and /candace, you will be in my prayers. May the loving Hands of our merciful Creator tranform your hearts to be filled with His goodness. Let us all surrender our all to God. Trust Him completely.

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Pamela Rose Williams September 17, 2012 at 11:00 pm All glory goes to God Esperanza and thank you for the words of encouragement.

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Justin Foster September 20, 2012 at 9:56 pm Thankyou so much for this!! I really mean it!! At my school my friends and I started a bible study called RFC and its my turn to speak and I really do thankyou for helping me out with this!

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Joseph Jacob October 8, 2012 at 9:11 am I want 2 really tank God 4 what u are doing on line, God will reward u. Pls i want 2 know what is really de cause of anger, is it in de system? Is it natural?

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Dominic Lam October 13, 2012 at 11:36 am Thank you, Pam, for being such a God-seeker who’s passionate to meditate on and share His Word. I was searching for verses on anger as I had been frustrated that some of my fellow church youth members had turned cold in responding to The Lord in extravagant worship and in answering altar calls. Just as my pastor has prayed for me also through your words on this site, I’m reminded once again that I cannot give up or neglect them in frustration, but keep caring and praying for them. Keep doing the good work you have done, sister (: Reply

chris November 2, 2012 at 8:14 pm i get angry alot and dont know why thanks for writing this page it helped calm me down Reply

edmund November 3, 2012 at 10:18 am

my girlfriend has a problem with her anger and we are far from each other. every time do things she get easily angry. can you help me in this situation?

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john November 12, 2012 at 8:42 pm love is kind, patient, and easy. my pastor has told me i need to wait for a woman who is more on fire for god than i am. i encourage you to do the same Reply

Thea November 16, 2012 at 5:16 pm I believe that the Holy Bible teaches that anger is a very healthy emotion when dealt with in a Godly manner Reply Leave a Comment Name * E-mail * Website

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