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People Can Take What You Say To Heart

People Can Take What You Say To Heart

Please Don’t Tell Anyone That They Cannot Do It.

We all realize that some things are beyond our reach in our lifetimes. I was once told that I couldn’t win a contest, so I shouldn’t bother entering it. I was bound and determined to enter that contest, and I  won. Encourage people to take on challenges in their lives that may seem impossible, as they may exceed your wildest expectations. Never tell a child that they will not be able to get a good grade on a test, as they will most likely take it to heart and figure, ‘Why should I even study for the test, as I will not get a good grade anyway?’ Encourage children and be a positive role model for them; do so often. I was once told by someone that I would never get a good job in life. I proved them wrong. I asked someone years later how their life was going, and they told me not so well.

Never Say Hurtful Words

Some people try to cut you to the core with hurtful words. Never judge a book by its cover because you have not even looked at any chapters in the book yet. The cover may look bright and cheerful, but the chapters have been stained with hurtful words or actions. Always think before you speak, and consider how you would feel if someone said that to you. The tables should be turned then. People have health conditions that they have no control over, so never make fun of them or think that they are trying to get out of doing things, as you have no idea until you have walked in their shoes. Words and actions can stick with a person for a lifetime, so choose your words wisely and have kindness in your heart toward your fellow man.

Do Not Make Fun Of Anyone

My kindergarten teacher was absolutely not a good teacher for young children. She and the other kids in class would laugh and make fun of me. She seemed to delight in making me stand in the corner with a dunce hat on for no reason at all, and I would get blamed for things that I did not do. I was a sickly child, and she thought I was a good little guinea pig for her to have a good time with. I have forgiven her for her actions, but I can never forget what she did to me, as it still haunts my friendships with women, even today. I have a hard time trusting women or relating to them. My Mother once told me You do not like women very much, do you and she was right. I have become close friends with some women in my life, but it takes a very long time for trust to develop, as I am always waiting for the other shoe to drop. I used to be very shy, and now I am very talkative thanks to the North Iowa Bloggers Group, founded by Sara Broers. I found it easier to trust younger women after being in the blogging group. I will never trust women my age after my experience in kindergarten.

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Competion As It Should Be

Competion As it Should Be

Competition Should be Fair

You should not have a competition if you know that one opponent would not be able to win. I have seen people make fun of others in competitions, which is not right. I have seen others in a competition help their competitors so the competition is on more equal footing, which is a nice quality in a person.

Competition Should Have A Clear Set Of Rules

Rules should not be broken in a competition, even if someone has wagered on the game. Some fighters are told to lose the fight on purpose. I witnessed one fighter who did not do that. The coach and quite a few others were mad at him. He did not want to let down his friends, who knew he could win, or himself. You know what is right and wrong in a competition, so follow your heart and what your soul tells you to do. In boxing, there should be no kidney punches or hits that would cause permanent damage that could result in death.

Rowing Contest

I watched a Rowing Competition at Harvard University. There were two young men in each canoe paddling in tandem. If they rowed out of tandem, they soon fell behind. The leaders seemed to have an even rowing pattern in perfect tandem. Some competitors rowed very close to each other, so they could not row in perfect tandem. One tandem team seemed to run out of steam soon and fell way behind. One young man had his oars break in two, but luckily, they had a spare one with them. The coach came along in a canoe by the shore, and all the young men carried their canoes on top of their heads back to shore. It was fun to watch the rowing competition.

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Do Not  Let A Competitor Run Over You

I was playing badmiton in Junior High, and some of the girls played really poorly. They would slam the bad mitton shuttle next to the net, so it was impossible to hit it. I gave them some of their own medicine because they had been doing the same to all the girls they competed against. I stopped them from having a perfect winning streak, and I also taught them the errors of their ways. I cannot stand it when anyone plays really nastily or treats others with disrespect.

God does not Want You To Compete If You Are Not  A Just And Worthy Opponent.

No one should ever compete against their friends. You should want your friends to succeed and be glad for all of their wins and successes in life. God is pleased when we succeed in life, and he cheers us on;  we should do the same for others. God is our biggest cheerleader in life, and then our friends and family. Compete fairly, help others achieve their goals in life, and congratulate others on their accomplishments, as they have worked very hard to get where they are today. Praise  God for your many blessings in life.

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Think How God Has Helped You Today

Think How God Has Helped You Today

God Has Given You Another Day

Every day that we have on earth is a gift from God. I start my day thinking, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” If we reflect on this verse every day, we can accomplish much. Another day on earth is a blessing, as we can appreciate all of God’s beauty and serve as one of God’s shepherds by spreading his good works and teaching others how God can help them in their daily lives. Go for a walk and listen to all of the sounds of nature. I heard a Bald Eagle Shriek the other day as it was high up in an old Norway Spruce Tree watching for prey. I enjoy reading a devotion in the morning and seeing how it reflects on my day. Almost every day, there is Something in the devotion that I read that pertains to how my day went.

If I cannot Find Something, I Pray To God To Help Me Find It.

I misplaced my vehicle’s keys the other day, and I prayed that God would help me find them. By 3 PM, I had located them. I thanked God for answering my prayers. God can help you find your way back to him if you have drifted away. Ask God to help you walk on the road you know is right for you and to stay off roads that have dangerous detours.

I Pray For Those That Are Fighting Horrible Diseases

I pray that God will take away their pain and heal them. When we pray for people, we become one of God’s healing messengers, as He listens to all our prayers and lays His healing and loving hands on our loved ones to comfort and heal them. Having people around you who love and care for you makes all the difference in the world when it comes to healing, as they give you the willpower and love necessary to carry on.

God Puts The Right People In Our Lives At The Right Time

I can reflect on what would have happened if a chain of events had not unfolded as they did, and I would not be here today. Life can be messy and involve life-threatening situations. If you get misdiagnosed or you get the wrong Doctor, you could end up dead. I am grateful for my wonderful friends over the years, who have helped me through the turbulent times in my life, and for all the joy they bring, as well as the excellent travel adventures they have shared with me. My friends who have passed will hold a special place in my heart forever.

God Always Knows What You Need Even Before You Do

God knows our waking thoughts and what we will do today, as well as how we will spend our lives. God will provide us with many options in our lives, and I hope we all choose the right ones. God helps point us in the right direction in life, and our job is to avoid dangerous detours so God can be pleased with what we accomplish as we complete our mission on earth.

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Make Time For You

Make Time For You

Take Time To Reflect On How God Has Helped You

Think of how many times you might have died if God had not intervened in some way. Perhaps you called a friend right before they turned their phone off, and another friend took you to the hospital. Also, think about the fact that God sends the right people into your life at the right time so that you get diagnosed correctly and end up with a team of doctors who can save your life. I once hit a high wire with a paint scraper, but luckily I used one that day with a plastic handle because I could not find my old one with the wooden handle. God will help you get on the right path in life to achieve your goals if they are worthy goals that will support and educate others in some way.

Have A Day With Your Phone Off And Talk To No  One

You will be surprised how relaxing it is to talk to no one and catch up on things on your to-do list. One does not need to be distracted by constant pop-up ads and scammers. You do not have to respond to emails, and you can read, relax, and take an afternoon nap with no distractions whatsoever. I do not like it if I am in the middle of something and someone calls me. I have to give one of my cats a treatment for her kidneys, and if someone calls me, then I get angry as my cat takes off and I have to try to catch her again. We need a day now and then with no distractions.

 

Go For A Relaxing Bike Ride

Everyone should have a day when they listen to the sounds of nature and watch God’s creatures frolicking around in the great outdoors. I love going for a bike ride as it is a good way to burn off unwanted calories and build up your leg muscles. One day, I had a wonderful visit with one of my neighbors, who was out riding his bike as well.

Always Take Time For You

We help others out when we can. We may volunteer or provide car rides for people. If we wear ourselves thin, we will be no good to anyone, not even ourselves. If I get too worn out, I generally get sick, which is bad. If you don’t take time to relax after you have worked hard, you will pay the price down the road. A worn-out body cannot function eventually, and you could end up in the hospital. Do not let people goad you into doing more than you can. People will lay the guilt trip on you, such as you don’t know what you can do until you try. People have no idea whatsoever of your health; only you know that, so tell them no firmly, no matter how much they hem and haw. Relax and enjoy your life, as life is short.

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God And Your Life

God And Your Life

Your Most Important Relationship Is With God

God is your constant teacher and cheerleader in life. Without God in your life, you are like a ship adrift in a big, vast ocean. God helps you navigate all obstacles in life. It may take a lot of time for your prayers to be answered, but they will be answered when God knows you are ready to receive them. God will help you whenever he can. Nature is unpredictable, and storms and fires will happen, as that is just part of nature. God has helped me through many storms in my life. I have been blessed to have the right people in my life at the right time.

God Helps Make My Life Brighter

God adds sunshine to your life even on the darkest and dreariest of days. I have seen Cardinals singing in trees on a day when I  needed cheering up. I am sure that one of God’s angels had something to do with me seeing a Cardinal singing up high in a tree on that particular day. I enjoy riding my bike, listening to frogs croaking in the morning, and seeing a big buck run through our yard. I love the fresh morning air and the smell of fresh-cut alfalfa and freshly plowed soil.

God And Your Friends

God puts friends in your life that will add laughter and years to your life. God knows that your friends will be an extension of his love sent to you. God knows who your friends will be in life, as he has helped pick them out for you. Sometimes the wrong friends may be picked, but God will let you see what is truly in their hearts when he knows you can handle it. Remember, when one door closes in your life, another one will open eventually. All of us want a forever friend that will be by our side when we take our last breath on earth. No one wants a rainy-day friend; all of us want a friend who is like a solid tree with roots that run deep with kindness and compassion. God has more love and compassion for us than we can imagine. He gave his life, the ultimate gift for our souls to live on forever, when he died on the cross for our sins.

God Never Fails

God knows what we will do with our lives the minute we are born. Some of us may drift away, and he will try to direct us back to him again. God forgives us many times, and hopefully,   we learn from our mistakes and never repeat them. No one on earth is perfect, as we all fall short. We should try to be more like God and bring joy, love, Peace, and hope into people’s lives. Be kind, considerate, and compassionate, and try to lift people. Give someone a special treat, take a meal to someone. Be one of God’s shepherds. God bless everyone with love, kindness, and the joy that God brings to everyone who believes in him.

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What I Like To Do On A Cold Winters Day

What I Like To Do On A Cold Winters Day

House Cleaning

Over the past several days, I have cleaned out all of the kitchen cupboards and drawers and put fresh paper in them. I cleaned out the corner china hutch and washed everything in it with dish soap and water. I took down all of the curtains in the bedrooms and washed them. I hung up the curtains wet, and by the time they are dry, there are no wrinkles in them. I took all the books out of the bookcase, dusted them, and placed them back on their shelves. It is a wonderful feeling when you get a room completely clean. I find winter a perfect time for cleaning, as there are no outdoor chores to do as there are in spring, summer, and fall.

Weeding Out Clutter

If you have not used something for one to five years, your chance of ever using it again is slim to none. Getting rid of old paperwork makes room for paperwork that you do need. Make sure you clean out those catch-all drawers or other places that seem to collect too much stuff. If you keep looking at the same old clothes in your closet and do not wear them, give them to someone who could. There are lots of used clothing stores that benefit many people in your area.

Curling Up With A Good Book

I love reading history books, devotional books, magazines, biographies, and more. I love reading a book that keeps you enthralled so you do not want to set it down. I do not like fiction books, as I want to learn about something that actually happened.

Talking On The Phone

I love visiting with people and carrying on an actual conversation with them. I do text, but  I prefer to talk to a human being. I do not like trying to get a robot to understand what I need help with, as most of the time it seems to be impossible. Once I get a human on the phone, the problem gets resolved ASAP.

Writing A Blog Post

I love to write a blog post on a cold and blustery day. Writing relaxes one, and it is a great way to share your ideas and knowledge with others across the World. I love writing about my cats, travel, and inspirationswithlaura. My experience with cats will also help others who have and love cats. All of us need something that positively inspires us, and I hope my inspirationswithlaura inspires others to grow closer to God and be good shepherds. I love sharing my travel adventures with you so you can experience the joys of traveling, such as exploring new areas, eating new foods, and learning a lot about the area’s history. Keep your mind and heart open to learning something new every day. I hope you will find things that you enjoy doing in the cold winter months that will warm your spirit and soul.

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Life Has Its Ups And Downs

Life Has Its Ups And Downs

Smooth Sailing

When things are going our way and we are feeling well, we may forget to thank God for our many blessings. We should never get so comfortable in life that we forget to thank God for what he has done for us, helping us have a happy life. We should not become complacent and think things will be fine without thanking God every day for our home, family, health, happiness, and what he provides for us. Not all days will have sunny skies. Some days will bring rain, but that is a blessing as it helps crops, trees, and vegetables grow that sustain us. Blizzards are common in the winter months, and the melted snow helps replenish the soil’s moisture for next year’s crops. All things have a purpose and season in life, and it is our job to see the purpose in what goes on in our lives. We can help each other when the storms of life get turbulent and seem out of our control. Always remember that God knows what you are going through, and you are never truly alone in life.

Travel

I love to travel, see new places, and experience new things. I love eating the various foods that each country specializes in. I love Greek baklava, Italian pizza, and many more mouthwatering foods. Travel delays are never fun, but try to make the best of them. If you have to stay an extra night in a town, go to a concert or play and have a wonderful experience that will stay with you forever. Go to some of the stores in town, and I guarantee you will find a treasure to take home.

Life Can Be Full of Fun Surprises

Life has a new adventure every day. We should never waste a day; we should make it count. Reading is a good pastime in the winter months. I like to read devotions and see how they apply to my day. Call someone on the phone and have a pleasant visit with them instead of texting. The human voice can be very soothing and healing if it is the voice of someone who truly cares about you and loves you. Have a spontaneous day with a friend where you don’t really have any plans, and I am sure you will have a very memorable day. You may discover a new restaurant, bakery, or coffee shop that you want to return to later. I got stuck in an Amish driveway one winter, and he put hot ashes under my tires, and I got unstuck right away. He was very friendly and kind, and I still go there to buy eggs, baked goods, and more.

Life Will Have Ups And Downs.

How we handle ups and downs is up to us. We must not let the down times keep us down, as there will always be blue skies again after the storms. God helps us weather storms, as all we have to do is pray to God without ceasing, on our journey through life. God heals us; we are all God’s messengers; and he cares for all of his flock.

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Pray Everyday

Pray Everyday

Make Time For Prayer Everyday Of  Your Life

Thank God for all of the many blessings he has bestowed on you. Pray to God to help those in need with pain and suffering. Remember, there is always someone out there that is worse off than you are. Do not have a pity party, and remember God is helping you the best he can. Make friends with people, and thank God that God has blessed you with wonderful friends. Listen to Gospel or Religious music for inspiration.
Reach out to others and let them know how God has helped you. Read your Bible and devotion every day. I always think about how the love I have read applies to my day. Make friends in church, and then you can pray together for those who need extra prayers.

Prayer And Faith

Prayer and faith go hand in hand. Blessings increase your confidence, and faith rises your prayers. I have faith that God will answer my prayers to help heal and strengthen those I pray for daily. My prayers get answered. Many people were praying for my recovery when I was sick, and I know I would not be here now without those prayers. If you do not have faith in yourself, you will not have faith in God, as they go hand in hand. The more you pray, the more your prayers get answered. Make sure your prayers are always to help people, lift them, and heal them of their afflictions.

Pray And Help Those In Your Community

If someone has a house fire, give money to them or good quality used and new items to help them get back on their feet. Pray for those that have lost everything in their life all at once due to a terrific accident or tragedy. Always put yourself in the other guy’s shoes, and then you can see how they must feel. Bad things happen to good people as it is part of life, and you never know when it may knock at your door. Pray to God how you can best benefit someone who has lost everything. If family members are killed in a car accident, fire, army, and other ways, pray for them without ceasing and support and uplift them in all ways that are possible for you to do so.

Pray For Peace And Harmony In The World

If you were in a country at war and went out for the necessities of life, you may be shot in the back or run over. The stores may have no food on the sleeves in a war zone. The power source could be knocked out, and you would be shivering from the cold for days with no end in sight. War can happen in any country at any time. Pray for peace and promote peaceful relations with other countries. God bless and protect us with your many blessings, and we will pray together for people to have a good quality of life.

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God And Holidays

God And Holidays

Take Time To Thank God During Holidays

Sometimes, one gets wrapped up in the holiday and forgets to thank God for all that he has given us and provided for us. Don’t just sit at the table and eat; give a blessing before you eat your holiday meal, and thank God for providing the food you are eating and how blessed you are to have loved ones, family, and friends sharing a meal with you. Holidays are a time to celebrate all that has been given to you, such as a good husband or wife and children, and without God in your life, none of this would be possible because with God, you are nothing at all. God makes holidays special if we celebrate the blessings of having God in our lives every day and on special holidays and special events.

We Must Not Leave God Out Of Holidays

At Christmas time, we should always say Merry Christmas and not Xmas because Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ, our Lord and Saviour. When we do not include Christ at Christmas, we can not celebrate Christmas, as Christ is the only reason for the Christmas season. Christmas is not about seeing how many gifts you receive or how many fancy foods you will be eating at the dinner table. The greatest gift you will ever receive in your entire lifetime is from Christ, as he died on the cross so that you may be forgiven and have eternal life in heaven with our Lord and saviour. Thanksgiving is about celebrating a bountiful harvest that would not have been possible without God giving the crops moisture in the form of rain and the proper growing temperatures, and for creating the seeds that our crops grow from..

God Makes Everything Much Better

Christ suffered unthinkable pain when he died on the cross. He knows the pain we have when we are sick or dying, and he does the best that he can to eliminate our pain and suffering. If you are sad on holidays, God knows your pain, and he will try to comfort you, or someone will come into your life unexpectedly to comfort you. God has a way of bringing the right person into your life at the right time. It is natural to mourn the death of a loved one on special holidays such as Christmas, birthdays, and anniversaries. Go ahead and cry, and do not try to suppress it. If you hold grief in, it makes the pain worse once you do cry. We all have a mission in life. If you have lost track of your mission, pray to God to help you get back on the right track again. Preach to the masses when given the opportunity. Help the oppressed and the downtrodden, be kind, caring, and compassionate at all times. Help God by being a good steward, listening to people’s concerns, and uplifting them. Help fill a void in someone’s life by being someone they can depend on, no matter what storm comes their way. God bless you today and at the holidays with love and joy in your heart and in your soul.

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Pace Yourself

Pace Yourself

Slow And Steady Wins The Race

Remember, Rome was not built in a day. We try to get too much accomplished in one day. Set a realistic goal for what you can get done in one day. Never beat yourself up if you did not finish everything you set out to do today. If you feel tired and worn out, rest and do not continue until you recover. I have a list of things I want to accomplish each day. Most of the time, I get everything off the list, but if I don’t, I work on it the next day, and sometimes I can get more done than I planned. Work at a pace that works for your health and condition.

Even A Horse Has To Pace Itself

If you are in a race and running way ahead of the pack, you will soon tire and have no steam left to run your competitors down. A person who wins the race is very close to his fellow runners and gives it all he has to fly past them toward the last lap of the race to the finish line.

Cramming For A Test

I never crammed for a test at the last minute. I always studied at a regular pace, took notes, and highlighted pages in my books. I would review my notes and remember the key points from my teacher’s class discussion. I did well on all my tests and was well-rested when I took my test. By cramming for a test the night before, you will be exhausted the day of your test, and it will show up on your test results.

Carpenters

A good carpenter will not try to set a time record and will concentrate on the job. A good carpenter will take several measurements before he starts cutting the wood, for once the wood is cut too short, it is useless, perhaps. A good carpenter takes pride in his work and pays attention to every detail. I saw some carpentry jobs that looked awful over the years. One party had a door that did not open or close properly, and one party had a carpenter who did not know how to space ceiling tiles. I had a carpenter only one time who cut around light fixtures and plumbing, and everything had to be redone completely.

The Turtle Can Beat The Hare

If you buy something too quickly, you can have buyer’s remorse. Just because a car is beautiful does not mean it will take you to the finish line. Remember the old saying, “Look Before You Leap.” Before you sign a contract, read all of the fine print. Never let someone lead you astray with false promises or their way of thinking when you know in your heart and soul that it is wrong. Don’t be a hare and jump into something until you have crossed all your I’s and T’s. The turtle keeps moving slowly but reaches his destination safely.

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338Followers