Open your eyes

The most moving and exciting thing happened to me this morning....my eyes opened! How marvelous! I will live to see another day! Of all of the gifts that I have received, LIFE has been the most significant to me. As any other gift that I receive, I will appreciate this gift and put it to GOOD use! I will fill my day with all of the GOOD and wonderful works that are well pleasing to my Heavenly Father.

Last night I ran into a friend whom I had not seen in maybe two years. She shared some very sad news with me, the news that her dear sister had passed away last year. She had gone to wake her sister in the morning, and it was then that my friend realized that her sister had lived her last day on the previous day. No one had expected her heart attack. She was vivacious and young. I can't help but wonder if she had lived a life that was fulfilling to her.

When your eyes opened this morning, did you greet this day as though it were the first and the last day of your life? Are you doing your very best to make little steps at every moment of your day that will lead you in the direction that you WANT to head in, or are you just coasting along in life hoping that you will drift into peace, joy, fulfillment, or any other exciting life achievement?

Take control of your life today! This precious gift is YOUR life and no one else knows what stirs your heart and brings you joy. No one else can live out your dreams for you. Be responsible for your life and where it is going. Today may be your last. If this were your last day, would you be ready or would your end come before you had done ALL of the things that would make you feel satisfied and unashamed to meet the KING OF KINGS?

From THE GREATEST SALESMAN IN THE WORLD ~ OG MANDINO

I will live this day as if it is my last.
I have but one life and life is naught but a measurement of time. When I waste one I destroy the other. If I waste today I destroy the last page of my life. Therefore, each hour of this day will I cherish for it can never return. It cannot be banked today to be withdrawn on the morrow, for who can trap the wind? Each minute of this day will I grasp with both hands and fondle with love for it's value is beyond price. What dying man can purchase another breath though he willingly give all his gold? What price dare I place on the hours ahead? I will make them priceless!

King James Bible ~ Ecclesiastes 8:5-8~

Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.
Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him.
For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?
There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.

So as you can read. We have no power over the time of our death, but we do have power over the state of our souls and the state of our lives at the UNKNOWN time of our death! So start living RIGHT today! Now, while your eyes are open!

What is your GOOD news today?

My three year old has developed a habit of asking me periodically throughout the day this VERY wonderful question;
"Mama, what is your good news today?" I am a deep thinker and most often if no one is talking to me I will fall immdeiately into my thoughts. Perhaps my son mistakens my "thinking face" for my "upset face" because I can feel as I awaken from my thoughts, how my brow has been creased with seriousness and concentration. So when he suddenly asks his question with his excited and expectant eyes, I can't help but smile and laugh as he rouses me from the depths of my thoughts. I then begin to pick through my day's adventures to find my very most favorite part of my day. Once I have retrieved the memory I then share it with him and then put the question right back to him. He laughs as he recounts his "good news" to me.
It is often too easy for us to be overwhelemed and saddened by what we hear through our televisions and radio stations. We are constantly accosted by the headlines of our magazines and newspapers. More than ever it has become essential to habitually take inventory of all that is good and positive and motivational in our lives.
I take great pleasure in elevating my mind and spirit to new hieghts. My mind and spirit may be resident in this carnal flesh of mine, but they cannot however, be bound by my flesh! My mind and spirit's potential to grow and aquire GOOD knowledge upon GOOD knowledge is endless!

Philippians 4:8~ Finally, brethren, Whatsoever things are TRUE, whatsoever things are HONEST, whatsoever things are JUST, whatsoever things are PURE, whatsoever things are LOVELY, whatsoever things are of GOOD REPORT; if there be any VIRTUE, and if there be any PRAISE, think on THESE things.

A particular train of thought persisted in, be it good or bad, cannot fail to produce
it's results on the character and circumstances. A man cannot directly choose his circumstances, but he can choose his thoughts, and so directly, yet surely, shape his circumstances. (AS A MAN THINKETH By James Allen)