The beauty of a smile!

Good Afternoon, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!

We SLEPT IN, this morning; including our Blue! He usually is our 'alarm clock'; but I woke up at 9:15 am, and realized that I had missed 45 minutes of 'Hour of Power'. So, we turned on our bedroom T.V. and I am glad to have listened to the last 15 minutes of the program, with Dr. Robert Schuller Snr. Basically, he was sharing about the 'power of positive thinking'. So true. Both Alan and I have been 'feeling under the weather'; and methinks a sound 'sleep' was necessary! Still feel 'pluggy' and 'fuggy'; but enlightened at the same time!

Then Joyce Meyer, of 'Enjoying Everyday Life' was on; and she is always so uplifting! I feel, there are no coincidences; and even in my most recent posts, what I touched upon, was validated / or endorsed by the insightful messages today from both her and her wonderful guest, John Maxwell (Author and Speaker). ATTITUDE is huge, methinks too. They were saying that your 'attitude is a choice'; I full heartedly agree! Their recommended books, 'Attitudes of the Mind' by Joyce Meyer, and 'Attitude 101' by John Maxwell, may serve as an enlightening encouragement, for those that wish to make an 'intentional' choice of having a more optimistic outlook. I agree too, that 'Keeping things simple' works best! Letting go of 'stuff' cluttering your mind, and /or always being 'too busy'. Slow down and Seek Him out to be your Guide and to give you UNDERSTANDING. Ask yourself, 'How would Jesus behave?'. I have started to do that alot; particularly during these uncertain and tough times. That is where HOPE and FAITH come in; Lean patiently, calmly, and joyfully on Him to carry your burdens, to help you through all these 'storms'.

The thing is, you just simply need to 'slow down'; always be thankful for your Blessings; and daily think of others, as to how best to uplift them; even with a smile, and / or a kind word or deed. Think positive and GOOD thoughts; a lot more 'fruitful' and 'peaceful'. If you accept Jesus Christ into your heart, He will never leave you; and His Holy Spirit will reside forever within you. You and your 'attitude' change - for the better! Alas, there are some that may not appreciate or understand the 'change'; but then, perhaps 'it is not yet in their time' to understand. Having compassion, and treating others well, is very
important; and when you are genuinely 'happy', the 'Fruit of the Spirit' is working through you and hence reaching others.

Joyce and John were saying that if you choose to think positive thoughts and take time out to Pray for good things to happen; ie first thing in the morning, then that is a good start to your day! 'Thoughts Feed Attitude!' True! Once again, for the best results, check them out and / or tune directly into them; because they offer such illuminating messages! As mentioned in earlier posts, 'Hour of Power'(the Schullers); 'Enjoying Everyday Life' (Joyce Meyer); and 'Living Truth' (Charles Price) are so uplifting and have certainly given me enthusiastic encouragment! A huge appreciative 'Thank you' and big hugs to them! Also, the good thing too, is that God, LOVES us all UNCONDITIONALLY!

Last but not least, I watched 'Living Truth' with Charles Price. Presently, he is travelling throughout Africa. He was in South Africa last week, and is now in Mozambique. (My posts of last week, you can refer to, if you wish). His Ministry has 'partnered' with 'Hands at Work', which provide support to orphans, widows, and the dying (Aids, HIV). We have so much to be thankful for in our part of the globe; having observed (on our T.V.) only a glimpse of unthinkable poverty and raging disease in Mozambique, and other African areas.

Would like to give you a bit of info, should any of you wish to lend a helping hand and donate to their worthy and just cause. Also, George Synam, of 'Family Hands at Work' is working in conjunction with other African Churches, to build another 'Life Centre', which will provide the care, the food, the protection, the education, life skills, etc. for these less fortunate people. Telephone number is 1-888-269-6085; the website is: www.livingtruth.ca; and the address for Canadians and Americans is: Living Truth, Box 6100, Station B, Toronto, Ontario, M2K 2Z5. We will be sending them a cheque before too long; as we too, have been sffected by the world economic crunch. There was a scene in one village, showing that their staple diet, is mice. Can you believe it? Something has got to CHANGE and be DONE! With everyone contributing, even if only, a bittidz bit, towards their vision of building a 'Life Centre', this is a wonderful endeavour. Charles Price was sharing that the 'Biblical Mandate' is to care for the widows and orphans; and the Church there, has been turned from 'upside down', to 'rightside up!' Plus it would cost Canada approx $50K to help out with donations; so again, a tidbitz tid from each and every one of us, would help 'Living Truth' and 'Hands at Work' achieve their awesome goal.

Boy, methinks I have written quite a bittid. Hope there is a tidbit or few that are of encouragement to all those who read my blog(s). Will share too, that this bug, flu?, that Alan and I have 'picked up', has 'slowed' us down; and we have been reflecting upon much! ie Thanking Him for our Blessings!

I only watched about 30 minutes of Charles, because the fire department and an ambulance arrived at our neigbour's across the way. Apparently, she was having 'breathing bronchial' difficulties (she is 86 yrs approx; and very young looking for her age; as well as being 'young at heart'!); so the caregiver called 911. It turns out that she has gone to the hospital (for a check up); so our Prayers are with her. Alan took over some turkey leftover soup (in the event she was remaining home); so turkey soup has many wonderful uses! Our other neighbours might pop in today or later this week for a bowl! The great thing with Turkey soup, is that you can really 'stretch it'; plus it is very good for what ails you! Maybe serve a glass of wine (South African!) or sherry with it, have a slice of bread (French, Italian, whatever works!) or a roll, and / or a salad with it, and you are set! I have suggested to Alan that during these 'storms', we should just keep on cooking turkey; as turkey can provide so many delicious dishes! Small wonder that 'turkey' is what is served as a Thanksgiving meal! 'Thanksgiving', is to give special thanks! Alan is just about to go and give away some of our cooked turkey to some 'street people'. Once again, always better to give genuinely from the heart!

Here is wishing you a nice R & R day! Love the above cheerful photo image and its bright message! Also, 'Smile, and the world laughs with you; Weep, and you cry alone' was a 'saying', my Dad always shared with me; very true!

God Bless.