RECIPE FOR HAPPINESS

I have a little recipe that isn't hard to make. But you must always start as soon as you awake.

Take a great big mixing bowl and fill it with a smile. Mix half a cup of sunshine with good deeds to last a while.

Add a pinch of work and play, a pinch of thoughtfulness and care. But don't bake it in the oven, just spread it around everywhere!

by Kerman Covenant Church Women, Kerman, Ca

Always Have A Dream Forget about the days when it's been cloudy, but don't forget your hours in the sun Forget about the times you've been defeated but don't forget the victories you've won Forget about mistakes that you can't change now but don't forget the lessons that you've learned Forget about misfortunes you encounter but don't forget the times your luck has turned Forget about the days when you've been lonely but don't forget the friendly smiles you've seen Forget about the plans that didn't seem to work out right but don't forget to always have a dream ~ author unknown ~  (thank you so much bluebear for sending this to me)

This poem was emailed to me and it touched my heart so much that I had to put it here! If you can get through this one without shedding a tear? I would wonder! The Most Beautiful Flower The park bench was deserted as I sat down to read, Beneath the long, straggly branches of an old willow tree. Disillusioned by life with good reason to frown, For the world was intent on dragging me down. And if that weren't enough to ruin my day, A young boy out of breath approached me all tired from play. He stood right before me with his head tilted down, And said with great excitement he said, "Look what I found!" In his hand was a flower and what a pitiful sight, With its petals all worn - not enough rain or too little light. Wanting him to take his dead flower and go off to play, I faked a small smile and then shifted away. But instead of retreating he sat next to my side, And declared with overacted surprise, "It sure smells pretty and it's beautiful too!" That's why I picked it, here, it's for you!" The weed before me was dying or dead. Not vibrant of colors: orange, yellow or red. But I knew I must take it, or he might never leave. So I reached for the flower, and replied, "Just what I need." But instead of him placing the flower in my hand, He held it mid-air without reason or plan. It was then that I noticed for the very first time, That weed-toting boy could not see, he was blind. I heard my voice quiver, tears shone in the sun As I thanked him for picking the very best one. "You're welcome," he smiled, and then ran off to play, Unaware of the impact he'd had on my day. I sat there and wondered how he managed to see A self-pitying woman beneath an old willow tree. How did he know of my self-indulged plight? Perhaps from his heart, he'd been blessed with true sight. Through the eyes of a blind child, at last I could see The problem was not with the world, the problem was me. And for all of those times I myself had been blind, I vowed to see the beauty in life, and appreciate every second that's mine. And then I held that wilted flower up to my nose, And breathed in the fragrance of a beautiful rose. And smiled as I watched that young boy, another weed in his hand, About to change the life of an unsuspecting old man. ~ author unknown

Things to think about You cannot climb uphill by thinking downhill thoughts................ The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones....... Never does the human soul appear so strong and noble as when it forgoes revenge and dares to forgive an injury.......e h chapin Your character is what you have left when you've lost everything you can lose......... Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow...........hellen keller We can only be what we give ourselves the power to be..............cherokee feast of days

The power of our attitude cannot be underestimated.......and it begins with our thoughts: THOUGHTS Keep your thoughts Positive Because your thoughts become your words. WORDS Keep your words Positive Because your words become your Actions. ACTIONS Keep your Actions Positive Because your Actions become your Habits. HABITS Keep your Habits Positive Because your Habits become your Values. VALUES Keep your Values Positive Because your values become your DESTINY. ~ author unknown ~  (thanks Daphne - this is great)!

It's No Wonder If radio's slim fingers can pluck a melody from the night and toss it over a continent or sea, if the petalled white notes of a violin are blown across a mountain or city's din, if songs like crimson roses are culled from the thin blue air, why should mortals wonder that God hears and answers prayer? ethel romig fuller May the wind gently lift you on wings of hope...... May the song of the earth free your spirit to rise and soar...... May each sunrise bring you renewed energy and the promise of a beautiful day...... May the angels smile upon you and touch your life with peace and joy. anonymous

Do you have a short poem or story that you would like to see here? Then EMail it to me! Don't forget to include your name with it and who the author is. bjscloset@yahoo.com Hope to hear from you soon!