Sunday Prayer and Sunday Thoughts ~10/31/2010

Happy Sunday everyone and Happy Halloween to you all! The last day of October, wow another month done by. Friends, family and fun will abound today.

Today a day of trick or treaters,

candy eaters,

costumes that scare,

costumes done with great care,

hair blue and green,

some purple hair as well,

bags and bags of candy and stories to tell.

Please take your time when driving today,

and parents make sure your kids take safety with them

as they walk their way.

This holiday is special so lets keep it safe,

make sure their costume has some reflective tape.

Lets portion out the candy for them

or a belly ache is soon to rise and swell

they won't care, so they will tell

so happy Halloween to all of you

Parents and kids enjoy the day

Take time to smile and make it all play.

This day is all about sharing smiles, good food, and candy of course. But above all it makes memories, the photo's will be taken and shared I am sure. So enjoy the day and make some great memories for those you love.

Last week I started my series called 'One Can Make A Difference', I started it last Sunday and it ended Friday. If you did not get to see it please roll on by. We all have the power to do extra ordinary things for ourselves, and for others. It starts with us, it always does. If you want to share a story from your week gone by please do in the comments below. Its always welcome and others just may learn a thing or two about how you or someone made a difference.

Three weeks today, my how times swiftly runs by and yes I am a very happily married man. How awesome love is, Janice is my difference maker, her smiles, her warm heart make the difference for me. She is my cheerleader my biggest fan and she is and always will be loved. Grateful for her in my life, you bet!

My daughter trick or treats today, her and her friends will be gathering candy from house to house later. A lady bug costume, and a pillow case. What fun!

Take time when you drive today!

Take time to talk with your little ones about safety as well!

Make memories, record them, share them, and don't forget to smile! A quick video placed right here just to help those smiles start... : ) Enjoy!

May your smiles abound.

May your joy lift another spirit.

May you stay hungry and stay foolish!

May your heart be warmed because it always was.

Smiles sent your way this day and always!

Happy Sunday everyone! : )

Some thoughts on sharing a smile, your smile with so many who come within your circle of influence.

Till next time....share a smile, make a dream come true and make someone's else a bit happier.

www.makemesmileonline.com

************************

Where membership is always free and

so are the smiles!

**************

Make ME Smile Online

The ME is really all about YOU! Join today !

***********

Stand out in a sea of frowns and Make a Difference

Saturday Morning Reflection 10/30/2010

Good Morning and Happy Saturday everyone! Another great day to make a difference with those you love, and just maybe a simple sincere smile to a stranger. We never know when and where that smile may touch another human spirit. It may be when we least expect it.

A quick story about a smile its source (http://www.lexibridges.com/smile.html) Thanks Lexi for posting this and sharing it as well as your smile with so many. Thank you!

On with the story:

LEXI, an unhappy woman of substance, sits impatiently on a bus stop bench.

MICHAEL, a (great looking, well built, bald) homeless guy, sits down next to her with a big smile on his face. What are you smiling for? She asks

MICHAEL: It's what I do. I sell smiles for a living

LEXI: I'm not interested.

MICHAEL: Here, have a free one - on me. (He smiles at her.)

LEXI: No thank you.

MICHAEL: Sorry, can't take it back. You'll have to give it to someone else.

LEXI: What?

MICHAEL: The smile. You'll have to give it away if you don't want it. Or sell it if you like - apparently it hasn't been used much.

LEXI: What do you mean by that?

MICHAEL: You don't smile very often, do you?

LEXI: So what if I don't?

MICHAEL: Shouldn't waste your smile...there's plenty of people who could use one.

LEXI: Well they can have mine.

MICHAEL: Your what?

LEXI: My smile.

MICHAEL: I don't see one.

LEXI: I thought you just gave me one.

MICHAEL: I tried, but it didn't stick. I think it bounced right off.

LEXI: Fine. What's there to smile about anyway?

MICHAEL: Well--

LEXI: You don't have to answer that.

MICHAEL: There's lots of things to smile about. It's a beautiful day outside; the buses are running on time--

LEXI: I don't want to hear about it.

MICHAEL: --and look at that flower over there, now that would make anybody smile--

LEXI: Would you leave me alone!(a long moment of silence. Finally, she gives in.)

LEXI: So what's the going rate on smiles these days?

MICHAEL: Pardon me?

LEXI: Your smiles...how much are they?

MICHAEL: Oh, they're very expensive.

LEXI: So's my taste.

MICHAEL: You probably couldn't afford one.

LEXI: Try me.

MICHAEL: I'm warning...it'll cost you.

LEXI: Yes, I know, HOW MUCH?

MICHAEL: One smile.

LEXI: One smile?

MICHAEL: That's how much they cost.

LEXI: What?

MICHAEL: The price for a smile is exactly one smile. That's the going rate. (She thinks about it)

LEXI: Alright. (smiles) I'll take one.

MICHAEL: It was a pleasure doing business with you.(he leaves)(Daisy, a streetwalker, sits down next to her.)

DAISY: What's with the smile?

LEXI: I sell smiles for a living.

This Story is to remind you to always smile and be cheerful! It makes people happy! Keep on smiling!

A quick reflection from a past post this one you should all like, I have share it before, but then again that's what sharing is all about.

From May 17, 2009 A recipe for a Happy Life

Happy Sunday everyone! I hope this day is a day of fun, joy and plenty of smiles! Sunday is a great day to recharge and refocus on what is coming and reflect on what was shared.

I hope you have Sunday traditions that starts your week strong. Some have a local church or family gathering. Some have a favorite place for lunch to share with family over good food. Whatever you have relish in the fact that family and fun are so important.

May your day be blessed with love.

I found this Recipe for a Happy life on the web. Author is unknown, however it is a good read and something I wanted to share. Enjoy!

Take twelve whole months.

Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness,

hate, and jealousy.

Make them just as fresh and clean as possible.

Now cut each month into twenty-eight, thirty, or

thirty-one different parts,

but don't make up the whole batch at once.

Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients.

Mix well into each day one part of faith,

one part of patience, one part of courage,

and one part of work.

Add to each day one part of hope,

faithfulness, generosity, and kindness.

Blend with one part prayer, one part meditation,

and one good deed.

Season the whole with a dash of good spirits,

a sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play,

and a cup full of good humor.

Pour all of this into a vessel of love.

Cook thoroughly over radiant joy,

garnish with a smile, and serve .

Till next time, keep smiling! : )

May your smiles abound.

May your joy lift another spirit.

May you stay hungry and stay foolish!

May your heart be warmed because it always was.

Smiles sent your way this day and always!

Happy Thursday everyone! : )

Some thoughts on sharing a smile, your smile with so many who come within your circle of influence.

Till next time....share a smile, make a dream come true and make someone's else a bit happier.

www.makemesmileonline.com

************************

Where membership is always free and

so are the smiles!

**************

Make ME Smile Online

The ME is really all about YOU! Join today !

***********

Stand out in a sea of frowns and Make a Difference

One Can Make A Difference Part 6 of 6 10/29/2010

Happy Friday everyone!

The 6th part and final part of the 'One Can Make A Difference' series. Here are the links to the first five parts. I hope if you missed one you click on the one you missed.

Part 1 Making a Difference for Self

Part 2 Making a Difference for Family and Friends

Part 3 Making a Difference for Community and Workplace

Part 4 Making a Difference, simple and easy ways to do so

Part 5 Making a Difference, digging deeper, our own backyard

Today I want to recap and provide a few more idea's on how we can make a difference, how yes one person, that one person being you can and will make a difference in the world that you live in.

First a quote to share here:

"I have one life and one chance to make it count for something . . . I'm free to choose what that something is, and the something I've chosen is my faith. Now, my faith goes beyond theology and religion and requires considerable work and effort. My faith demands -- this is not optional -- my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference."

-- Jimmy Carter

David Gergen once was quoted as saying:

“A leader's role is to raise people's aspirations for what they can become and to release their energies so they will try to get there.”

It is the role of every neighbor to allow our aspirations raised even when there is no leadership. We are to look into the mirror each day and not dwell on past short comings but to look into the future and dwell on todays promise of possibility.

We have the power and the ability to do anything, we just need to believe we can. Once we get by the thought that we just need to get by, we allow ourselves to have greater success.

In review to make a difference among others we must first make that difference with ourselves. The next focus should be to make a difference with those closest to us, our loved ones those we call family. The family in the past 40 years have been so neglected by the resources that we all have been given. We have two working parents, kids focused on hand held controllers that blast away violence on electronic games. We have kids depending on cell phones to keep in touch instead of a parent that is just around the corner.

You can't just blame the parent, the economy and lifestyle has driven some of this change in the family life. But you can make a difference, set aside time at meals, or turn off the TV when the opportunity arises. Your the parent and you have that power to make that choice. Use that power to make a difference.

The power to make a difference is in our grasp. As a nation and as a group of people that coexist together we can, should and with determination make a difference to make this world better, stronger, more united we just need to do, not try, but to do.

The will and desire is within all of us.

We need not start with those countries far away to make a difference.

To feed, to clothe, to educate, to provide, to heal the broken heart, to comfort the lonely.

We have plenty of that right here in the USA. We need, no we must learn to heal a nation with love, with a simple sincere smile, a kind gentle touch, a warm friendly acknowledgement that everyone is significant.

We give so much across the pond, we fight wars, we fix broken lands from hurricanes, tsunami's, floods, earth quakes and yet we still have Americans living in FEMA Trailers from Katrina days.

WHY? HOW? We should care and tie up those loose ends.

We see images of hunger in third world countries but yet the face of America is being strained

Why? How? We should feed and care for those right around the block.

A video to watch and really think and push desire to do just that.

The time to do is now.

Time to share

Time to grow

Time to make a difference and yes you are the

'ONE THAT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE'

We make the difference, today and everyday here in America.

Keep the focus on our own backyard so we can make leaders and strong minded adults for the future.

Only when we become strong as a nation can we lead by example for the world. Don't leave one child behind. Don't leave one family to hunger. Lets focus on our country so we can be strong for the rest of the world.

May your smiles abound.

May your joy lift another spirit.

May you stay hungry and stay foolish!

May your heart be warmed because it always was.

Smiles sent your way this day and always!

Happy Thursday everyone! : )

Some thoughts on sharing a smile, your smile with so many who come within your circle of influence.

Till next time....share a smile, make a dream come true and make someone's else a bit happier.

www.makemesmileonline.com

************************

Where membership is always free and

so are the smiles!

**************

Make ME Smile Online

The ME is really all about YOU! Join today !

***********

Stand out in a sea of frowns and Make a Difference

One Can Make A Difference Part 5 of 6 10/28/201

Happy Thursday everyone! Ok (sigh), my birthday is over, I am 48 years old. But a great day had, my wonderful daughter, and wonderful wife got to share it with me. Got some awesome gifts and lots and lots of love from them and from my son, Troy down in Texas! A great day, a great meal and a wonderful ice cream cake! Yummy!

The 5th part of the 'One Can Make A Difference' series. Here are the links to the first four parts. I hope if you missed one you click on the one you missed.

Part 1 Making a Difference for Self

Part 2 Making a Difference for Family and Friends

Part 3 Making a Difference for Community and Workplace

Part 4 Making a Difference, simple and easy ways to do so

Today we dig a little deeper on Making A Difference and doing it right in our own back yard, America.

First a quote to share here:

"The REAL American Dream is not about a garage full of new cars, winning the lottery, or retiring to a life of ease in Florida. It’s about doing work that has meaning, work that makes a difference, and doing that work with people you care about."

~Joe Tye

We give so much across the pond, we fight wars, we fix broken lands from hurricanes, tsunami's, floods, earth quakes and yet we still have Americans living in FEMA Trailers from Katrina days.

WHY? HOW? We should care and tie up those loose ends.

We see images of hunger in third world countries but yet the face of America is being strained

Why? How? We should feed and care for those right around the block.

A video to watch and really think hard about:

Want to make a difference and fight American Poverty

Click on these resources, Trusted and True

Feeding America

The Salvation Army

Every day we watch our families enjoy every day life in our homes, safe, secure and loved. Yet kids at school feel the pain of a bullying. We need to wake up, listen to our kids, watch them, talk to them and teach them tolerance not hate.

Make a Difference not just in your home but in your church, your neighborhood watch and listen for the signs.

A video and a message to listen to and understand more:

Want to learn more and make a difference. Click on to learn more.

Stop Bullying Now

Resources from Teachers First

Mentor Resources

We make the difference, today and everyday here in America.

Keep the focus on our own backyard so we can make leaders and strong minded adults for the future.

Only when we become strong as a nation can we lead by example for the world. Don't leave one child behind. Don't leave one family to hunger. Lets focus on our country so we can be strong for the rest of the world.

May your smiles abound.

May your joy lift another spirit.

May you stay hungry and stay foolish!

May your heart be warmed because it always was.

Smiles sent your way this day and always!

Happy Thursday everyone! : )

Some thoughts on sharing a smile, your smile with so many who come within your circle of influence.

Till next time....share a smile, make a dream come true and make someone's else a bit happier.

www.makemesmileonline.com

************************

Where membership is always free and

so are the smiles!

**************

Make ME Smile Online

The ME is really all about YOU! Join today !

***********

Stand out in a sea of frowns and Make a Difference

One Can Make A Difference Part 4 of 6 10/27/2010

Happy Wednesday everyone! Yes another trip around the sun for me. Turned 48 today wow how the years rush by. But I do have three great years of my life, 1994 when my daughter Tori Lynn was born. 1996 when my son Troy Daniel was born. This year 2010 when Janice came back into my life and became my wife. Three great years with more to come of course. It is all in the attitude and opening your mind up for the good that comes our way.

We are continuing with the series 'One Can Make A Difference'.

Please if you have not taken the time to see part one which was on Sunday please click here. It will give you a better idea on our concept.

Today I want to give you my view on Making a Difference and some simple ways to do that. Easy, simple and even some that I have used over and over again in my life.

First a quote to share here:

Never be afraid to do something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the titanic.

~Author Unknown

How often we are afraid to reach out, we don't want to be misunderstood or maybe we feel a sincere simple smile may not be enough. Understand this, sometimes a kind word, or a smile is more than enough. For some people in need a smile maybe the best thing they just got.

Some idea's, simple ones to easily make a difference, many of these I have done.

* give an apple, or a sandwich to a homeless man or woman. Give a smile with it to go. A kind word goes along way as well.

* hold open a door for anyone, just to lighten their load in such a simple way, just may go a long way.

* help someone with a heavy load of groceries into their car or van. This one you just have to watch for. Offer to take their shopping cart. It still is funny that we all go to the store to get our cart (a buggy here in Pittsburgh) and we walk by 3 or 4 on the way in.

* Donate old clothes to the Salvation Army or Goodwill. It will open up some closet space as well.

* Donate Blood, they never have enough and yours just maybe needed.

* Donate Can Goods to the Soup Kitchen or Pantry. The burden on these facilities has grown. The need for monetary or food donations has never been greater.

More to come tomorrow. Just wanted to share a few today.

"Before giving, the mind of the giver is happy; while giving, the mind of the giver is made peaceful; and having given, the mind of the giver is uplifted."

-Buddha -

and

"Before you speak, listen. Before you write, think. Before you spend, earn. Before you invest, investigate. Before you criticize, wait. Before you pray, forgive. Before you quit, try. Before you retire, save. Before you die, give."

-- William A. Ward

A quick video about how simple gestures can make a difference.

Little things really do add up! Enjoy it !

Little steps, little gestures, big difference, a difference you made today!

It all starts with us! It always starts with you.

My mission and my favorite quote on Success:

To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. --- Ralph Waldo Emerson

May your smiles abound.

May your joy lift another spirit.

May you stay hungry and stay foolish!

May your heart be warmed because it always was.

Smiles sent your way this day and always!

Happy Wednesday everyone! : )

Some thoughts on sharing a smile, your smile with so many who come within your circle of influence.

Till next time....share a smile, make a dream come true and make someone's else a bit happier.

www.makemesmileonline.com

************************

Where membership is always free and

so are the smiles!

**************

Make ME Smile Online

The ME is really all about YOU! Join today !

***********

Stand out in a sea of frowns and Make a Difference

One Can Make A Difference Part 3 of 6 10/26/2010

Happy Tuesday everyone! We are continuing with the series 'One Can Make A Difference'. Please if you have not taken the time to see part one which was on Sunday please click here. It will give you a better idea on our concept.

Today I want to continue with a view on Making a Difference with our community and our workplace.

First a quote to share here:

The purpose of life is not to be happy - but to matter, to be productive,

to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all.

~Leo Rosten

So many times we look at our community with the thought that this should not be this way or that way. That truly why do people have to litter, or why do people have to pan handle.

The stories are easily told and explained

when we are not the one writing them.

One way or another we judge the outcome before we understand or seek the reasons.

To truly make a difference we need to be part of the solution and not the reason to explain the fault.

A quick video aimed mainly at the work place but it can fit into our neighborly actions just as well. Enjoy!

Respect is a Value and it is an Action!

If we just choose to make a difference by first respecting the others point of view.

If we just chose to show empathy to another in a point of need.

If we just chose to smile when another shows concern or worry.

A kind word goes a long way. So does the smile!

When we start to make a difference with ourselves change will happen with us.

When we start to make a difference with our family change will happen for them.

When we start to make a difference with our workplace and our community as far as how we perceive change, we will grow and change will grow with it.

It all starts with us! It always starts with you.

A quick quote here:

I am only one, but I am one.

I cannot do everything, but I can do something.

And I will not let what I cannot do

interfere with what I can do.

~Edward Everett Hale

May your smiles abound.

May your joy lift another spirit.

May you stay hungry and stay foolish!

May your heart be warmed because it always was.

Smiles sent your way this day and always!

Happy Tuesday everyone! : )

Some thoughts on sharing a smile, your smile with so many who come within your circle of influence.

Till next time....share a smile, make a dream come true and make someone's else a bit happier.

www.makemesmileonline.com

************************

Where membership is always free and

so are the smiles!

**************

Make ME Smile Online

The ME is really all about YOU! Join today !

***********

Stand out in a sea of frowns and Make a Difference

One Can Make A Difference Part 2 of 6 10/25/2010

Happy Monday everyone! The last week in October has arrived. This Monday we are continuing with the series 'One Can Make A Difference'. Please if you have not taken the time to see part one which was yesterday please click here.

Today I want to continue with a view on Making a Difference with the family and friends.

First a quote to share here:

To put the world right in order, we must

first put the nation in order;

to put the nation in order, we must

first put the family in order;

to put the family in order, we must

first cultivate our personal life;

we must first set our hearts right.

Confucius

Even though he was born in 551 BC and died in 479 BC, he knew

the importance of putting the family in order and making a difference with them first. How amazing after all these centuries the advice remains as strong.

Family, nothing is more important nor should it. Family, the core of all that we do should be the first place we always strive to make a difference.

An interesting quote about making a difference while we still can:

“No man on his death bed ever looked up

into the eyes of his family and friends

and said, "I wish I'd spent more time at the office”

unknown

We make the difference by what we do with our children. We set the bar. This video advertisement has a powerful message:

How true the message, we are the reflection to our children.

Take time to send out the right reflection, it just might make a difference in their life you will be very proud you made.

I close with this thought we can make a difference each and every day. You, yes you as a mother, a father, a brother, a sister, a husband or wife, a son or daughter. Choose to make that difference, choose to make your family priority number one!

May your smiles abound.

May your joy lift another spirit.

May you stay hungry and stay foolish!

May your heart be warmed because it always was.

Smiles sent your way this day and always!

Happy Monday everyone! : )

Some thoughts on sharing a smile, your smile with so many who come within your circle of influence.

Till next time....share a smile, make a dream come true and make someone's else a bit happier.

www.makemesmileonline.com

************************

Where membership is always free and

so are the smiles!

**************

Make ME Smile Online

The ME is really all about YOU! Join today !

***********

Stand out in a sea of frowns and Make a Difference

One Can Make A Difference Part 1 of 6 10/24/2010

Happy Sunday everyone and welcome to the first day of my 6 part series. My thoughts and prayers are that just one will want to make a difference not because of what is written in this series but because their heart opened up to the idea.

As I write my thoughts are of the many people in this world that feel alone, that feel abandoned or just feel small. We all have the power to change that perception that they feel by the way we talk, walk and share our life.

We must not, in trying to think about how

we can make a big difference,

ignore the small daily differences

we can make which,

over time, add up to

big differences that we

often cannot foresee.

Marian Wright Edelman

So many of us want to change the world in a big way, the way that some in that video, from yesterday, made a difference.

But the true way to make a difference is in the tiny steps. The kind word, the sincere smile, the door held open, the compliment paid with randomness.

There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. That little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.

W. Clement Stone

All the difference, big or small is in our attitude towards others. Our empathy, our general concern for the human race. Not dependent on the color of ones skin, or their religious beliefs, or their general beliefs of habit or practice but because they are significant.

“Until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned, everywhere is war and until there are no longer first-class and second-class citizens of any nation, until the color of a man's skin is of no more significance than the color of his eyes. And until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all without regard to race, there is war.

And until that day, the dream of lasting peace, world citizenship, rule of international morality, will remain but a fleeting illusion to be pursued, but never attained...

now everywhere is war.”

Haile Selassie

The basic human right to feel significance will always cast a shadow over feeling joy and happiness. So what of this word significance, this feeling that we belong, we are cared about and what we do matters. A basic human need, you bet. A feeling that shapes who we are, today and tomorrow of course.

So to start with making a difference we must start with the core.

The core, knowing that no matter what we are significant.

Not because someone tells us or shows us that it is so.

Not because someone thinks highly of us or gives us that just notice. For what other people think of you or me is really none of our business.

Not gossip or random feelings should ever be allowed to ripple our inner spirit. For gossip and hate run amok, quickly. They attach to our soul and if allowed they will conquer any desire to make progress.

Like a fire left burning it will rage on to the next flammable object and consume it till it shows no semblance of importance. Just charred and useless carbon.

We are the difference that makes the difference.

It starts with you and me and ends only when objection is lay at the feet of progress.

A video that I hope explains this weeks vision of making a difference. I hope you enjoy it, bookmark it and share it with another.

Yes, one can make a difference, with one action, one random thought that with focus and care can enlighten another soul.

Please stay hungry and stay foolish.

Fill your soul and spirit with gratitude and the knowledge that yes you too can make a difference.

Not just in the world but in ourselves. The world will change soon enough once we do.

May your smiles abound.

May your joy lift another spirit.

May your heart be warmed because it always was.

Smiles sent your way this day and always! Happy Sunday everyone

e, your smile with so many who come within your circle of influence.

Till next time....share a smile, make a dream come true and make someone's else a bit happier.

www.makemesmileonline.com

************************

Where membership is always free and

so are the smiles!

**************

Make ME Smile Online

The ME is really all about YOU! Join today !

***********

Stand out in a sea of frowns and Make a Difference