Don't wait for the weather...

...tomorrow may not be better.

I had an interesting experience while on a business trip. A colleague and I wanted to go out for dinner but decided that we shouldn't since the skies were grey (as they usually are in this city). We agreed that we should go out the next evening when the weather may be better.

Then the next day came and the weather forecast promised more than "grey" it proposed rain. So we were chatting about it and I said:

"I guess we've learned not to wait for the weather."

Hence the topic of this post; now you know where I'm coming from, let's move on...

Where do you stand?

Every individual is important and influential. The impact of others on your life all depends on where you “stand.” Let’s use 2 words: UNITE and UNTIE to expantiate on this.

From experience, when “I” move a bit in any relationship, I find that I’m either on the “unite” path or the “untie” path and both are important paths that I must be cognizant of. For marriage you must remain on the “unite path” with your spouse and the “untie path” from people, things and thoughts that want to pull you apart.  Putting these words into a phrase, I'd say in marriage it's "United we thrive, untied (from each other) we fail." For every other relationship you need to know when to step right into the middle of it and “unite” or step aside and “untie” yourself from that connection.

BEAR Hug

I've previously written about how much of a "hugger" I am.*I love to give and receive hugs...and without pushing it, I encourage those around me to show me the same courtesy.

When you think about it, there is just something so heart-touching about hugs. Of course there is - since you get to "touch" the other person's heart with a hug that's from your heart.

A recent email prompted this...so I looked up quotes and pictures to buttress my point.

Children have rights too...

Yes, like us they have many rights. For now, let's focus on each letter of the word "Children":

• Character: Good, honest, hardheaded character is a function of the home. If the proper seed is sown there and properly nourished for a few years, it will not be easy for that plant to be uprooted. ~George A. Dorsey
• Home: Home is the place where boys and girls first learn how to limit their wishes, abide by rules, and consider the rights and needs of others. ~ Sidonie Gruenberg
• Inheritance: "A good man leaves an inheritance [of moral stability and goodness] to his children's children..." (Proverbs 13:22a - Amplified)
• Love: Kids spell love T-I-M-E. ~John Crudele
• Discipline: Discipline doesn't break a child's spirit half as often as the lack of it breaks a parents heart. ~ Anonymous  
• Responsibility: If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders. ~Abigail Van Buren
• Example: “A good example has twice the value of good advice ~ Anonymous
• Needs: Your children need your presence more than your presents. ~Jesse Jackson

Like C. Everett Koop said: "Life affords no greater responsibility, no greater privilege, than the raising of the next generation." It is our responsibility to meet our children's rights.

"I know my rights!"

I’m sure you may have heard that phrase more than once. Each time I hear it, I’m tempted to respond with a simple question: “Do you know your responsibilities?”

Irrespective of whatever you may have heard or want to believe, rights are not FOC (i.e. free of charge). To truly enjoy your rights you must know, accept and fulfill the related responsibilities. Too many people focus only on their rights and totally ignore their rights. The UK riots in August are a good example. People were saying that the government failed the young people – that they had rights to better lives. What about the young people’s responsibilities and not to mention their parents’ responsibilities to raise their children properly - that’s every child’s right. Why would they ever think that destroying things is a right? Doing the wrong thing is never right nor is it a right - period.

2 jars

I got this from someone who got it from Daily Encourager* (comments and pictures mine)

The preacher placed two identical jars on the table next to the pulpit. He quoted 1 Samuel 16:7 "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart"

"These jars came from the same factory, were made of the same materials, and can hold the same amount. But they are different," he explained.

Who asked you?

Projected conversation:

Lady 1: I like your outfit

Lady 2: Really?

Lady 1: Yes - it's so unique and suits you

Lady 2: It's old...
Lady 1: It doesn't look it
Lady 2: Really? Infact I got it at a bargain...

Have you ever heard or been part of such conversations? Whenever I witness such, actively or passively, the first question that pops in my mind is: "Who asked you?"

Let's think about it...
Why does it matter if what you have is "old," inexpensive (that's the nicer word) or whatever? Even at interviews I've seen people put themselves down - what's that all about?