Inspirational Quotes

Inspiring Quotes

I love quotes. They provoke thought, bring comfort and speak to the heart for years to come.

Here is a collection of some of my favorite quotes. I hope that they inspire, comfort and bring smiles as you are reminded of their message.

I hope you don’t mind, but I tossed a few of my own at the bottom.

You’ll notice that many of these have links attached. Those quotes have a picture attached to it that you can use to encourage others by sharing or posting on facebook or on twitter. Click, Enjoy & Share!

enJOY

1. Faith goes up the stairs that love has built and looks out the window which hope has opened.–Charles Spurgeon
2. Even a small star shines in darkness ~ Finnish Proverb
3. If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together… there is something you must always remember. you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you ~ Winnie the Pooh
4. We rejoice in spite of our grief, not in place of it. ~ Woodrow Kroll
5. Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.–Christopher Reeve
6. Let your hopes, not your hurts shape your future ~ Robert H Schuller
7. God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with him. ~ Jim Elliot
8. Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: what are you doing for others? ~ Martin Luther King Jr
9. The things that make me different are the things that make me ~ Winnie the Pooh
10. A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition ~ William Author Ward
11. We cannot hold a torch to light another’s path without brightening our own.–Ben Sweetland
12. The place where light and dark begin to touch is where miracles arise ~ Robert A. Johnson
13. If you continually give, you will continually have. – Unknown
14. Colors fade, temples crumble, empires fall but wise words endure. ~ Edward Thorndike
15. The luxury of doing good surpasses every other personal enjoyment.- John Gay
16. The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart ~ Helen Keller
17. No one has ever become poor by giving.–Anne Frank
18. Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way ~ Booker T Washington
19. Blessed are those who give without remembering and take without forgetting.–Elizabeth Bibesco
20. He gives DOUBLE who gives unasked. ~ Arabian Proverb
21. To give without any reward, or any notice, has a special quality of its own.–Anne Morrow Lindbergh
22. It is possible to give without loving, but it is impossible to love without giving.–Richard Braunstein
23. Men are only great as they are kind. — Elbert Hubbard
24. Giving is true having.–Charles Spurgeon
25. Faith expects from God what is beyond all expectations ~ Andrew Murray
26. Getters don’t get–givers get.–Eugene Benge
27. No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow. ~ Alice Walker
28. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow ~ Melody Beattie
29. For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul. ~ Judy Garland
30. He conquers who endures ~ Persius
31. If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching,, or cool one pain, Or help one fainting robin into his nest again, I shall not live in vain ~ Emily Dickinson
32. Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can ~ Danny Kaye
33. The Journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step ~ Lao Tzu
34. Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud. ~ Maya Angelou
35. Spread joy. Chase your wildest dreams. ~ Patch Adams
36. Beauty is not caused, It IS ~ Emily Dickinson
37. Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy~ Thich Nhat Hanh
38. Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. ~ William James
39. One joy scatters a hundred griefs - Chinese Proverb
40. You never know what happiness a simple act of kindness will bring about.-Bree Abel
41. Comparison is the thief of joy.–Unknown
42. Sometimes,’ said Pooh, ‘the smallest things take up the most room in your heart ~ Winnie the Pooh
43. Let your imagination release your imprisoned possibilities ~ Robert H. Schuller
44. Joy is very infectious; therefore, be always full of joy.–Mother Teresa
45. Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation.- Elton Trueblood
46. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.–Mother Teresa
47. Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.~Corrie Ten Boom
48. In every single moment there is significance. Wonder is sprinkled all around us.–Flavia
49. Let your thoughts meander towards a sea of ideas ~ Leo D. Minnigh
50. Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.–Ralph Waldo Emerson
51. A life lived for others, is a life worthwhile. ~ Albert Einstein
52. No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. — Aesop,
53. If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader ~ John Quincy Adams
54. There is no education like adversity ~ Benjamin Disraeli
55. If people never did silly things nothing intelligent would ever get done ~ Ludwig Wiffgenstein
56. Nothing is so strong as gentleness, and nothing is so gentle as true strength ~ Ralph Sockman
57. Real generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find out. — Frank A. Clark
58. The best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your own arm. — Swedish proverb
59. Character is much easier kept than recovered. — Thomas Paine
60. Courage is being scared to death — and saddling up anyway.~ John Wayne
61. What worries you, masters you.~ Haddon W. Robinson
62. I think we dream so we don’t have to be apart for so long. If we’re in each other’s dreams, we can be together all the time ~ Winnie the Pooh
63. When the world says, “Give up,” Hope whispers, “Try it one more time.” – Author Unknown
64. When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. – Franklin D. Roosevelt
65. Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there. - Josh Billings
66. Fall seven times, stand up eight. – Japanese Proverb
67. As you attempt to make big differences, remember to appreciate the small differences. And remember that you don’t always have to reach the goal you set in order to make a difference ~ Win Borden
68. The doors of wisdom are never shut. ~ Benjamin Franklin
69. Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.- Newt Gingrich
70. It’s not that I’m so smart; it’s just that I stay with problems longer. – Albert Einstein
71. Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another. – Walter Elliott
72. Don’t be discouraged. It’s often the last key in the bunch that opens the lock. - Author Unknown
73. To be inspired is great, to inspire is incredible ~ unknown
74. Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things ~ Peter F. Drucker
75. Nothing so conclusively proves a man’s ability to lead othes as what he does from day to day to lead himself. ~ Thomas J. Watson
76. We’ll be Friends Forever, won’t we, Pooh?’ asked Piglet. Even longer,’ Pooh answered.” ~ Winnie The Pooh
77. Live out of your imagination, not your history ~ Stephen R. Covey
78. It’s the ones you can call up at 4:00 a.m. that really matter. ~ Marlene Dietrich
79. Problems are not stop signs, they are guide lines ~ Robert Schuler
80. The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty. ~ Winston Churchill
81. Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. “Pooh?” he whispered. ”Yes, Piglet?”"Nothing,” said Piglet, taking Pooh’s hand. “I just wanted to be sure of you.” ~ Winnie The Pooh
82. We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone ~ Loretta Scott
83. Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great ones make you feel that you too can become great. ~ Mark Twain
84. Focus on where you want to go, not on what you fear ~ Anthony Robbins
85. Joy is untouched by circumstance ~ unknown
86. Humor is mankind’s greatest blessing. ~ Mark Twain
87. A man can fail many times, but he isn’t a failure until he begins to blame somebody else ~ John Burroughs
88. How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard ~ Winnie The Pooh
89. The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook ~ William James
90. A friend hears the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails. ~ Anonymous
91. Look through the eyes of compassion as you make your way through the day ~ Marie Wikle
92. Know storms will be coming…..remember you’ll be accompanied by the Master of the Wind ~ Marie Wikle
93. Don’t just look for the writing on the wall, listen for the whisper ~ Marie Wikle
94. I don’t have to be anyone special to be extremely special in God’s eyes ~ Marie Wikle
95. We are all fighting a battle. Pain is pain – no matter what kind – it still hurts! I’m glad for friends who help ease it ~ Marie Wikle
96. Be a light in someone’s life today, no matter how small – you’ll still light up their world! ~ Marie Wikle
97. Failure is never final, it’s usually a detour. Enjoy the new scenery! ~ Marie Wikle
98. Many look at failure as final, but it isn’t. It’s just a different road to get to where you need to go. ~ Marie Wikle
99. Infect others with Joy! Those smiles that you give away – powerful for the heart that is discouraged. ~ Marie Wikle
100. Utilize those things you excel in and focus on taking one more step towards your dream today. ~ Marie Wikle
101. WE have resources that NO one else has. We can make a powerful difference right here, right now. ~ Marie Wikle
102. A friend hugs the heart, brings smiles through tears & even when apart, is always near! ~ Marie Wikle
103. Don’t focus on fear or failure – focus on the FATHER! ~Marie Wikle
104. I choose to change what I can, fix what is wrong & find the good in the rest. ~Marie Wikle
105. When you are surrounded by hurt, use that to deepen your drive to make a difference! ~ Marie Wikle
106. Hug the ones you can, call those you can’t and the ones you can’t call…honor their memory today in a special way. ~ Marie Wikle
107. Regardless of their circumstances, everyone has it within themselves to make a difference. I just want to be a voice that is constantly reminding others that it can be done. ~ Marie Wikle
108. What awaits you is as vast as the ocean. Embrace the day, seize the precious moments and treasure the beauty of it all. ~ Marie Wikle
109. There’s no joy like Spreading Joy ~ Marie Wikle

What is YOUR favorite quote? Is there one that just renews your heart, encourages your mind and puts a little pep in your step?

Share it with us in the comments below. I’d love to know what speaks to your heart.

The Light You Shine

Thank you for the light you shine
For the encouragement you give.

Thank you for being bold and confident
On this journey called life we live.

Thank you for the laughs and the smiles
And for being there through every mile.

It’s a joy and honor to be called your friend
And because of a mighty God, that friendship will never end.

I’m honored to be surrounded by some of the bestest friends ever.

In real life or online, you make my world better.

I’m looking forward to spending an eternity with you!

It All Matters

To Him…It All Matters

Dear Lord Jesus
As big as my problems are
As big as my fears are
As big as my doubts are

Help me to remember that YOU are bigger

As big as my dreams are
As big as my needs are
As big as my desires are

Help me to be reminded every day that you are bigger

Help me to be reminded every day that you know what I need
Help me to be reminded every day that you want us to live abundantly
Help me to be reminded every day that you are in control

Help me to be reminded every day that you see every tear…and they matter

You see my fearful heart and it matters
You know when I’m discouraged and it matters
Help me to keep trusting you when I don’t understand

Help me to keep following you when I can’t see where the next step is going to take me

Help me to remember just how great YOU are, just how mighty you are and just how much you LOVE me

Don’t let me forget these things; keep them close to my heart, so when the fear pops in and the tears flow I know instantly that YOU have me.

You’ve got me and you are going to keep me….. and it all matters to you.

In Jesus name Amen

This was originally published in Tell It On the Mountain Online Magazine. Click the name of the magazine to see it and other amazing articles. Thanks @DeMacb for allowing me to submit to your Magazine

Extra Day

I’m a wife, mom, sister, cousin, aunt, full time employee, church member, occasional student, Non-Profit owner and a whole host of other things. Much like you are, I’d say, I’m pretty busy.

Sometimes, I find myself saying “will someone PAAAALEEEEEEEESE order me up another day!!” and I tend to get all kinds of whiny about it.

Well, thanks to leap year, I GET just that! And I have to tell you, I’m pretty excited about my adventure!

I am NOT going to waste this extra day that I’m given and I hope that you’ll JOYn me in making the most of our extra 24 hours!

At the very least, I’m going to make a difference an hour.

Here is what I’m planning on accomplishing with my extra DAY!

1. Calling my mom and telling her how awesome she is
2. Sending pizza to my husband for lunch!
3. Letting my children know how special they are
4. Using this coupon to purchase someone’s meal
5. Making a contribution to Spreading Joy’s Basketball Tournament Event
6. Calling an old friend and letting them know they are thought about
7. Reminding everyone to use their extra day to make a difference for others
8. Mail a thinking of you card to someone that I’ve lost touch with
9. Passing out an entire package of Reese’s cups (ok…maybe minus one…maybe)
10. Comment on a blog and share on social media sites
11. Dedicating all of my tweets to others for the entire day. Shouting out THEIR websites
12. Sending an email, thanking someone for being a precious friend – sticking with me through thick and thin, good and bad and loving me no matter what
13. Purchase a little girl toy and give it away randomly & tell them I’m spreading joy their way
14. Purchase a little boy toy and give it away randomly & tell them I’m spreading joy their way
15. Purchase a bouquet of flowers and give away…yes, randomly (if I were home, I’d give to my mom…so maybe Friday)
16. I will email 10 corporations asking for sponsors and/or donations for Spreading Joy
17. I will thank a US Vet for their service in the military
18. I will encourage everyone to use their extra day with care
19. I will be the typical big sister and harass my little sister
20. I will praise the Lord for the extra time publically
21. I will pick up any trash that I happen upon and not complain
22. I facebook a few people that I’ve not had a lot of contact with and encourage them
23. I will Laugh with someone today
24. Completely enjoy my extra day of making a difference for others

How about you? What adventure will you plan for your extra day? Will you let it come and slowly slip away without even giving notice?

Share with us something you plan to do. It doesn’t have to be 24 items…. Just do something extra with your extra day!

Sprinkling HOPE this Christmas

Spreading JOY, making a difference and doing what we can, where we are with what we have.  That’s all that any of us can do.

When several hundred of us get together, it simply amazes me as to what can be accomplished.  I wish that I had the time and space to list what each one of you mean to Spreading Joy!  You should know because you cared, gave, worked and used your voice that there was hope sprinkled in the hearts of Mom’s and Children this Christmas.

The tears of joy, laughter and hugs were unbelievable as everyone enjoyed an afternoon of carefree fun.

Children held up “PaSketti” as long as their arms while trying to slurp it up. My friend and I were soaking up the moment as we watched one boy completely enjoying his “PaSketti,” he had a huge smile as he was navigating the food in the right direction and the Pasketti face was priceless!  Others enjoyed the hotdogs and scrumptious macaroni and cheese.  All enjoyed the delicious desserts that the ladies of New Grace Baptist Church provided for us.

We were able to reach out to these amazing women and kids because you reached out with your huge heart, time, talents and gifts.  Thank you! By partnering with us we were able to bring Christmas Joy their way.  Here is a look at what happened:

• We feed approx. 120 Moms and kids and volunteers spaghetti, salad, bread, mac-n-cheese, hotdogs and dessert


• There was an awesome selection of drinks for everyone to choose from


• The Moms were taken next door for some encouragement and shopping for toys.  They were encouraged to Boldly Walk into 2012.


• We were able to give each Mom a gift bag with the following – Chicken Soup for the Soul book, a second encouraging book, beaded bookmark, Oriental Carpet Creation purse, Nativity book/cd combo, body wash and/or hand sanitizer, coffee & condiment pack.  Do you realize how HUGE this gift is?  These Mothers didn’t come for anything for themselves.  They only wanted gifts for their kids!


• Each Mom was allowed to Shop for Free for 5 toys for their child to open on Christmas morning


• After the shopping was completed, they moved into our Wrapping Rooms and wrapped, tagged and secured each present for travel home. You should have been here to hear the laughter and giggles of delight!

While all of this was going on, the kids were having a grand time of their own!

• They heard the story of the Birth of Christ and how the Angels proclaimed this wonderful gift!


• We allowed them to row by row shop at our Candy Store.  There were about 30 different candies and treats for them to choose from.  YOU should have been there to hear their giggles and laughter at this! Such a sweet treat!


• We brought the children over to the gift rooms and allowed them to choose 2 gifts each to take home THAT day.  (The others were from their mom to be placed under the tree)


• Before each child left, I personally gave each one of them a hug and a Reese’s Cup.  As I hugged them, I told them just how very special they were and that people from all over the world cared about them and wanted them to have a very Merry Christmas.  Their smiles will forever warm my heart!

 


As exciting as this day was, there is no way it could have been possible without the help of so many wonderful people.


Huge thanks and a deep appreciation goes out to:

• Todd, from Mooresville NC - For donating all of the spaghetti, macaroni and cheese and hotdogs.  A HUGE thank you to Murdock, my friend for being my knight in shining armor in this! Both of you guys saved the day!


• Olive Garden for donating the Salad


• Those that collected toys for us: Clark Nexsen Architecture, Sport Clips Denver, Lake Norman Oral and Facial Surgery, Iron Mountain & Sugar Creek Garden Center


• Those that sponsored the Christmas Joy Event – Jeff & Kathy Broom, Teen Challenge Women’s Center, Hope Circle of Linden ARP Church, Sock Grams and LifeBridge Christian Center


• Thank you Jackie and Bob for using your voices by adding our Christmas Joy Event to your web site and spreading the word as much as possible.


• Thank you Michael and Angie for helping with emailing and rounding up places to collect toys and make donations.


• Thank you to The Book Rack in Charlotte for Donating books and the beaded bookmarks and to Lincolnton Book Stop in Lincolnton for donating books.


• Thank you to those that have Facebooked our event, recommending us for those seeking for places to give funding too.


• The precious friends I’ve come to know and love on Twitter that help us make a difference! My twitterverse is an amazing place of love and I’m forever grateful for each one of you.  You’ll never know the extent of my gratitude for you! You encourage me more than you can possibly imagine!


• Thank you to Patterson Pope – my full time employer, for the paid 16 hours of Community Service time to take care of the “STUFF” that is near and dear to my heart.


• Thank you to Pastor Jerry Taylor and the wonderful family of New Grace Baptist Church! Thank you for your monthly support, the use of your facilities, vehicles and for how you always step up and volunteer to help when we do these various events!


• My friends and family that always have time to help, volunteer and look for/round up what was missing, needed and offered an arm of support, smile of inspiration and heart of love. I love you and wouldn’t know what to do without you.

 

A special thanks to my Mom for helping me load and unload the majority of these gifts bright and early Thursday morning and last minute sorting on Saturday morning.  I hope that when I’m 70, I’ll still be going as strong as you are.  I love you dearly.

A very special thank you to Steve….my wonderful husband.  For listening to the endless chatter about the new ideas, the Candy Store and how excited I am to be spreading joy.  Christmas has always excited me, but making a difference in this fashion, kicks up the excitement factor…a LOT.  Thank you honey!! I love you.

I hope that you’ll watch the videos, see the pictures and that as you do, you’ll sit back, smile and say…

There’s no Joy like Spreading JOY!

 

Thank you! The hope you've sprinkled this Christmas will carry in the hearts of many for years to come!

[whispering] if I've forgotten anyone, PLEASE tell me so that I can fix it...and do so quickly!

Also - if you were THERE on this amazing day, please take a moment to comment and share YOUR story! I know you have one!  If you don't, share how your heart soared in helping to sprinkle HOPE this Christmas!



Here is an audio recording of the encouragement I gave to the ladies:

Boldly Walk into the New Year!



A Video for your Viewing Pleasure! Thank you for how you are Spreading JOY and Making a Difference!

I Remember

I remember the excitement of Christmas and thinking it would never get here (Wait..that was JUST last week *grins*)

I remember Thanksgiving trips to the mountains to see my Grandmother and other family members

I remember the many, many games of kill the man with the ball

I remember playing dodgeball in our street till way past we were supposed to

I remember walking to school and enjoying it

I remember my favorite doll being my Baby-That-Away and I carried her everywhere, until my Dad sat on her accidentially

I remember playing freeze tag

I remember always being the pitcher for the softball games and my brothers aiming at me when they were at bat

I remember a bus that came by on Sundays to take us to Church

I remember getting up and making Mom's coffee early for her for a while

I remember sleeping with the window open as we had no air conditioning

I remember walking in the snow, always

I remember walking down the railroad tracks with Mom & Angie - but when we got to the bridge, I'd go down the hill, across the road and back up again.

I remember riding our bikes everywhere, even 4 to 8 miles away to the grocery store

I remember only having enough for "today" and being the happiest ever

I remember walking home in the rain from the grocery store and stomping through the puddles

I remember thumping Mom in the head and her chasing me down, sitting on me, thumping me back and NOT getting up when the cable dude came in to install our new "gift"

I remember getting up in the mornings and running to the heater to get ready as only one room had heat

I remember my first kiss, and then later.... I remember wishing I had not wasted it on someone who truly didn't care

I remember burning up our toaster oven and feeling horrible as a teen because we had nothing else to cook with....nothing

I remember playing card games with Mom until 2 or 3 am and singing most of the time. The torture she endured while we had fun

I remember going to sleep anticipating Christmas and dreaming of wrapped presents all around me

I remember not having much by way of "things" but always feeling more loved than I could describe

I remember the few wonderful trips to the beach, Dad taking me WAY out, but I wasn't afraid as he was a giant in my eyes. I remember him lifting me high above the water and giggling with delight

I remember the crab that got out of the coffee pot at the beach house and chased me out of the bathroom

I remember popping HUGE bags of popcorn and the popcorn fights

I remember chasing down the boys that picked on the girl that lived behind us

I remember being afraid of the "monster" under the bed, but not the bully down the road

I remember loving to sit in the library at school and reading, holding a rag doll that was always in the rocking chair

I remember never being picked for any team in school until last

I remember loving the balance beam

I remember keeping to myself in school with one or two close friends, and I often wonder where one from elementary school is

I remember loving each of my elementary teachers dearly - even the 4th grade teachers assistant that was always so mean to me and wouldn't help me OR allow me to call her MOM in class. She totally made me work for those A's

I remember being a safety patrol in school and loving helping the smaller kids

I remember watching scary movies with my mom till the wee hours of the morning

I remember hardly ever spending the night away from home

I remember wishing I could give my mom everything she needed...not realizing that loving her unconditionally was enough

I remember going to the Christmas Tree lot and picking the biggest tree they had. I remember Daddy always saying yes, even though it had to be cut way down

I remember so many things!

Some good, some bad and some worse - but more than anything, I remember always being loved....no matter what.

All these things, good and bad, have shaped my heart into what it is today.

and for THAT - I'm truly thankful.



What are some of the things you remember?

Courageous Living

I hesitated as I saw the book title sitting in my email.

Courageous Living: Dare To Take A Stand; A book that is a call for men to stand up, fight back for their faith and get involved with their families written by Michael Catt, Pastor of Sherwood Baptist in Albany Georgia.

I’m a lady that stands up for her faith and I am and will always be involved with my family in that my greatest desire is that my children serve the Lord faithfully while my husband and I follow the path set before us.

I admit that I half-heartedly downloaded the book from christianaudio.com. I’m truly glad that I did!

Not only is this book a call for men to “man up” courageously, but ladies, much of it applies to us too.

This book reminds us that we need men to boldly lead the way, following Christ and husbands/dads to hold their family accountable in their actions, owning their mistakes. We need men to courageously stand up for what is right, even if you are standing alone.

The book is filled with example after example of courageous men and women doing what God has called them to do with modern day applications that will encourage the timid, motivate the discouraged and inspire all who read to courageously do more.

Ladies, we are not off the hook here. Much of what is in this book applies to us too. We want men to lead the way, but we resist following them. We use the fact that our husbands don’t go to church to simply stay home because “what’s the use anyway.” We let our children do whatever they want to because it’s such a bother to keep up with them and we wonder why they don’t choose to serve the Lord when they move out. Enough of the excuses…..time to “man up” ladies.

Being a Christian isn’t easy, never has been, but when in your life time have you heard of a stoning in the USA? Sure it’s often not a life of convenience, but neither is anything that is worth having.

Courageous Living is a call to action for each and every one of us.

It’s our choice to boldly stand and choose right courageously. It’s our choice to own up to our responsibilities and make a difference for the Lord. It’s our choice to get involved and be faithful to our local church.

If you don’t like the study groups that are going on, suggest a new one – LEAD a new one, but don’t just be passive about it. DO SOMETHING. Go, be faithful and get involved!

Be courageous….and watch how others around you will gather courage as well.

Will you answer the call? Will you dare to stand?

This book was filled with many lines that I could quote for days.

Get the book and enJOY.

(Ladies, anytime you see the word man or husband – simply replace with woman/wife. WE need this too.)

• We need a new generation of men that don’t look to the corporate as a measure of their success; rather they look into the lives of wives and children.

• We desperately need men who find their significance in faith, family and hard work.

• Greatness is determined by God not by man.

• Life should not be about stuff, it should be about the Savior.

• A life of courage will see what others can’t see and believe what others can’t believe.

• Courage demands a decision.

• The Church can’t resurrect what the family puts to death.

• If fear is contagious then courage is also contagious.

• Fear focuses on obstacles, courage focuses on opportunity. Fear sees with eyes of the flesh, Courage sees with eyes of faith.

• Following Christ should not be multiple choice in your home.

• The faith that once cost people their lives, doesn’t even motivate us to stay faithful to the local church.

• You aren't a man until you take responsibility and live in accountability.

This audio book is read by Maurice England and is extremely easy to listen to as he reads with passion.

I've not seen it as of yet, but I'm sure the movie will be just as good. Watch a trailer of Courageous the Movie here.

Thank you to christianaudio for a complimentary copy of this book via the Reviewers program. I am not required to give a positive review of this book.

Christianaudio has a free audiobook for your downloading pleasure each and every month, as well as gift certificates for the audio book enthusiast in your world.

Taming The Madness

This is the time of year that we set aside specific time to reflect on all the wonderful blessings we have. We focus on the huge things like our family, home, job, car and friends as well as the gobs of little things like coffee, Diet Coke, Reese’s Cups and warm cozy sweaters. We could never truly list all of the things that we are and should be grateful for. So, why are we a grumpy sort of people sometimes?

We sometimes get grumpy during this season of Thanksgiving & Christmas because there is so much to do and so much to get for this time of the year.

How do we tame the madness?

I’m going to give you the best kept secret ever! You are going to thank me for years to come for revealing this to you. Shoot…..maybe you’ll even throw a party in my honor, who knows. Here it is…..

Plan ahead!

You heard me. A little planning is all it takes!

Here are some easy ways to do so:

1. Between now and Christmas, start purchasing the pantry staples you’ll need for your gatherings. Add a little into your weekly shopping trip and the cost won’t kill you either.


2. Take advantage of Christmas items already being displayed and toss in a roll of wrapping paper to your buggy.


3. Plan easy family meals for the day/night just prior to your larger events. Your family will enjoy the change and you’ll have less to worry about.


4. Make your Christmas List right NOW. (I’ll wait) Divide it up and start purchasing some items so that the finances are not stressed the week before Christmas. If you get your shopping done ahead of time, you can simply enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.


5. Are you baking gifts for others this year? Gather up all of your supplies with each shopping trip. Plan who is getting what and jot down the items you need.


6. CANDY – Candy is on sale – especially right after Halloween. Purchase some bags of it and DO NOT eat it. Gosh…trust me when I say that I know how hard that is, but put it away for stockings and make up a few bags for those last minute gifts that you can pop into a nice container and present JOYfully.


7. Plan a simple yet delicious Thanksgiving or Christmas feast. It doesn’t have to cost a lot and the presentation can be amazing, especially for you artsy types. Turkeys go on sale, so do all the other items. You could easily pull off a huge meal for less than 40 bucks. Less than going out to eat at many places these days.


8. Slowly decorate your home. Don’t rush through the evenings like a mad person, barking out orders, shoving things out of the way – instead, turn on some soothing Christmas Music and enlist the help of your family. Have fun, sing LOUD and make a wonderful memory.


9. Start a Gratitude List and display on your refrigerator. Include a column for each of your family members names. Add to it daily to keep your heart in the true spirit of thankfulness.


10. Tell others what they mean to you. Such a small thing when you think about it as it doesn’t take a lot of time or effort, BUT when you are the one hearing it….it’s priceless.


11. Start writing out Christmas Cards now! Do this as you are watching TV in the evenings. As you are writing you'll be thinking of the amazing people that fill your world with great JOY and gratitude will flood your heart!


12. Schedule YOURSELF some down time! You are planning for everything, leaving nothing out.....well, sortof. Make sure you plan some time to simply relax and be joyful.

There are so many more that I could include here, but I want to hear some of YOUR tips for taming the busiest season of the year!

I also want to see some of the things you are thankful for – big and LITTLE…so use the comment box below and share with us!

The Birth

The Birth is a stunning drama that literally has one simple focus…. The Birth of Christ.


I had the privilege of a sneak preview via the Producer Nathan Rouse and found it nothing short of amazing.


With obvious love for what they do and the message they are presenting, the cast pours their heart into each of their roles as they focus on the one thing that is so often overlooked during the Christmas Season, The Birth.


As you listen to the actors, hear the music and see the performance, your mind will resonate with the characters as you consider their words. Me, personally – I was struck by the Inn Keeper. He saw them from a distance and knew what they wanted and the MILLION things he had going on instantly told him he didn’t have time for them. I wonder how many of us get so busy during the Christmas Season that we are just like the Inn Keeper and don’t have room for the very One we are celebrating.

This production is a refreshing reminder to focus on The Birth of Christ. It is done in a fashion that anyone, even those that are not active in a church, can enjoy.

If you are available to see The Birth, I hope that you will. Go with a group or with a special someone, regardless, you are in for a treat!

If you look at the materials on the website and decided you’d like to have the crew do a performance in your Church, please Contact them, you’ll be glad you did.


Thank you Nathan for inviting me! It was an honor and pleasure to meet you! I'm excited to see where The Birth will be headed in years to come!


To Purchase your Tickets - Click Here

THE BIRTH 2011: AT A GLANCE

• Starving Artist Productions’ SIXTH YEAR staging The Birth.


• Performing eight shows (or more if needed) over 7 days at the Duke Energy Theatre at Spirit Square in uptown Charlotte.


• Shows run December 12 – 19, 2011


• Show times, tickets and more information can be found at www.thebirth.net


• Show has been twice-nominated (2009 & 2010) for Creative Loafing’s “Theatre Event of the Year”


• “The Birth” is available for a limited number of private engagements for the holiday season


• The Birth will host its annual Celebration Event with show and concert on Saturday, 12/17.


• Check out previous reviews and stories about “The Birth” from Creative Loafing and the Charlotte Observer at www.thebirth.net/press/


• The show features both original and traditional holiday music and is based on the writings of Pulitzer Prize nominated author and theologian, Frederick Buechner.


• Source material for the monologues is from The Magnificent Defeat by Buechner.

Here's a video of the Cast performing Shepherd's Song

Shepherd Song - The Birth - thebirth.net from Starving Artist Productions on Vimeo.

Not Anymore

Useless

Everyone has a secret…

This makes my heart smile!

I love Post Secrets. Like the secrets we hide in our hearts, there are good ones, bad ones and everything in between. If you have never heard of Post Secrets, this site is a collection of post cards that people have mailed in, releasing their secrets. This site is updated with new secrets weekly. Many of them make me smile – as not all secrets are bad. Then there are those that make me think or wonder. But then you have some that just break your heart.

Tonight, one secret did just that, broke my heart.

Trust me - YOU matter!

When I read the secret above, I wanted to reach out and wrap my arms around this person and whisper to their heart:

YOU are not useless…YOU matter

There are so many people that struggle with this. One thing I’ve noticed with nearly everyone of them is that they truly matter a lot. The trouble is that the people they are around are not the squishy hugs, you matter to me kind of emotional people. If they were, the person who sent in this secret and those that feel this way would know beyond a doubt that they truly do matter. Some people simply struggle with this just because their heart is fighting a battle that many of us can’t even begin to imagine.

What can we learn from this secret?

• The people we are around MATTER and need to know it! Tell them. Do not assume they know it.
• Everyone wants and needs to matter. We all do. We need to make a difference. Why else do little toddlers hand little yellow ”weeds” to us and we validate that?
• Many feel useless needlessly. It doesn’t cost us a single cent to hug someone important to us and tell them that they matter.
• Something so small, is actually HUGE in our lives. Amazing how far a little affirmation goes isn’t it?
• The negative things we hear stay with us far longer than the positive. Keep reinforcing the positive.
• The old rhyme we all said as a child is a lie – Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me. Words not only hurt us, but often times break us. Choose them wisely.
• Put it in writing! That card or letter letting someone know that they made a difference in you will likely be read and re-read time and time again.
• When you see someone or leave someone give those big squishy hugs! They matter too. Don’t be in a hurry to let go quickly. Enjoy the moment!
• When our hearts are screaming in pain, our minds simply do not remember the difference that we’ve made. Keep pictures or something that will jog our memory.
• If you make someone smile….at anytime EVER – you are NOT useless. Period! Times are tough, things are hard – smiles are priceless.
• Fearlessly be YOURSELF! We need you to be you – not who you think we want you to be. Y O U – because you are amazing!

There is so much more that can be said here.

I invite you to do a few things.

1. Look around. Have you told those that matter to you, that they matter?
2. Take stock in your own heart….do you KNOW that you matter and are NOT useless? YOU matter!
3. What would you tell someone that feels like they are useless. Please encourage others and share your thoughts in the comments below.

*whispering to your heart* You matter! YOU are making a difference!