SUCCESS IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

 
 
Every situation, properly perceived, becomes an opportunity.
But you have to act on them if you're going to be successful.

Distant pastures always look greener than those close at hand,
but real opportunities are right where you are.
You must simply take advantage of them when they appear.
You can start where you are at any time.

Success is all around you.
It's not in your environment,
it's not in luck or chance,
or in the help of others.
Success is in yourself alone.

You don't need more strength
or more ability or greater opportunity.
What you need is to use what you have.
Learn to seize good fortune,
for it is always around you.

You must go to success,
it doesn't come to you.
Open your own doors to opportunity.
http://www.dailyguru.com

Enjoy Abraham

Always, when you know what you don't want, that's when the rocket of desire is born of what you do want. That is the fruit of your experience. Now pluck it and savor it and enjoy it. Visualize it, and find the feeling place of it. And live happily ever after, once you get the hang of this.

Excerpted from a workshop in Spokane, WA on Wednesday, July 7th, 1999

http://www.abraham-hicks.com

My Day: Well went to the doctor he says my eye is healing fine. It does feel better already but then I am full of pain pills right now so don't know how it feels really. My boss was playing scheduling games again today. The other agency ask me to work two days a week but I was afraid to do that as just when I do this agency will put me on five days. I have been working for both agencies for two weeks and I get way too tired working six days. So I told them I could not do that. I will worry about it when they cut me back to four days again. My daughter is taking a nap she has to drive back tonight. The loan to remodel and buy her business has not come through it has been approved but maybe too late to buy the coffee cart she wanted. Nothing we can do about that except to wait and see if the guy sells it.

We went and saw the coffee cart and it is all my daughter could want and more. Also he has a truck that will pull the trailer. He told me he would wait for my loan to come through. The bank told me yesterday they had approved it and it would come through in a week, I committed to buying it. This is going to be a real learning experience as we now have to get a location. We are looking at putting it on a parking lot at Lowes. We have some other locations to call. Then there are business licenses, insurance, stocking the cart. This morning the bank called and said they would not loan me as much as planned not even enough to buy the cart. They are suppose to call back in a couple of hours. I am praying this happens. If they would loan us enough for the cart and truck at least then we could wait with the remodel. My daughters friend who has two little boys is counting on this too as she has never had a job and this would be a great way for her to get some job training. The man who is selling the trailer said he would go with the girls and show them where to buy wholesale and train them to do the Expresso. Plus the cart is fully loaded. Three stainless steel sinks, 2 steam tables, a ice cream machine, an expresso maker that has makes four cups at a time. It has a freezer, two fridges, a nice store room. It was custom made for Class four food with all the equipment which means you can serve all kinds of food. I really think this is a good deal and it would be an answer for the man who is selling it, my daughter and her friend, me in some ways because I would be making some money on my investment. Please pray for us.

'

What I am grateful for today: That I took the day off. A nice nap. My eye being alright. That I go back to work tonight. That I know what is for my daughters and my highest good is now unfolding. So it is, all is well. I love you all, Judi

Photos google images

Help From The Unseen

It is not I, but the Christ within who does the work.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills – from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

"Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact."

William James

"I will do my best. That is all I can do. I ask for your help-and God's."

Lyndon Baines Johnson

People around the world are joining us now as we lift our thoughts to God within – our ever-present source of help. As we link heart to heart in sacred prayer, we center ourselves in the presence of God and rise above any care or concern.

God is the source of our serenity. We are at peace.

What a precious time this is – a time to lift our spirits and our hearts to God within and to experience this divine presence more fully.

Centered in the presence of God, we relax our bodies, breathe deeply and let any negative thought fade away. With each breath we take, we feel God’s presence surrounding and enfolding us. We picture ourselves basking in the crisp, clear air of a mountaintop retreat and breathe in fresh feelings of peace.

God is the source of infinite peace, and immersed in this divine presence, we radiate serenity and poise. Relaxing in this sacred moment, we deepen our awareness of God and the peace that passes understanding …
as we pray …

We transform ideas into actions as we express the inner light of God.

In the stillness of this sacred mountaintop experience, we lift our thoughts and focus on the true source of wisdom and inspiration – God. From this heightened perspective, we look beyond any challenge to see the light that guides us to our good.

God is the light that makes our way clear and gently guides our steps. This light inspires us to make wise decisions, and we trust it to reveal ideas that open the way to meaningful experiences that transform our lives.

Secure in this light, we await divine direction and new insights now …
in the silence …

We are radiating centers of God’s healing love, energized in mind and body.

The peace and light of God are key to our well-being, and together with divine love, these wonderful qualities sustain our minds and bodies.

In the stillness of these sacred moments, we lift our hearts and minds to a higher vision of wholeness for our body temples. We visualize every cell and tissue alive with the strength and vitality of divine love that constantly renews us in every way.

Pausing to reflect on this wondrous activity, we give thanks to God for the renewal that is always taking place. In this awareness, we pray …
in the silence …

Open and free to receive, we welcome the unlimited blessings of God.

One with the peace, light and love of God, we now open our hearts and minds to the idea of abundance within and around us. Rich blessings come from an ever-deepening awareness of this divine idea, and as we still our thoughts, we become more receptive to ways of thinking and acting that bring greater meaning and supply into our lives.

In these quiet moments, we let God’s blessings inspire us and show us the way to live abundantly. Pausing for a moment to recognize God’s all-providing presence, we relax, prepare to receive fresh insights and allow creative ideas to flow freely to us …
in these quiet moments …

We are a world family, living together in perfect harmony.

Through our prayers and our oneness with God, we have the capacity to connect with every human heart – even to the farthest reaches of the globe. Knowing that we live and move and have our being in God, we honor the divine connection we share and enfold our entire world family in prayers of love and peace.

Lifting our hearts and thoughts to God within now, we affirm peace, understanding and compassion for people everywhere as we rest …
and pray …

Refreshed and renewed, we are inspired to embrace the day ahead with eyes turned to our true source of help – God. Our awareness of divine peace, light and love within grows deeper now as we conclude this very special time and pray the “Prayer for Protection” together:

The light of God surrounds us;
The love of God enfolds us;
The power of God protects us;
The presence of God watches
       over us.
Wherever we are, God is!

http://www.silentunity.com

 

Healing Prayers

In the stillness of Your presence, God, I feel Your healing life flowing through me now, bringing peace to my mind and energy to my body.

Enfolded in Your powerful healing love, God, I experience health and wholeness in mind, body, and emotions.

Thank You, God, for Your healing life that surges throughout every cell of my entire being, strengthening me and restoring me to wholeness.

To You, dear God, I release any concern about my health. I trust Your healing love and Your life-giving presence to renew me.

Dear God, I am open and receptive to Your healing power. Your light and life energize every cell of my being, and I am grateful.


Healing Affirmations

With my heart open to God’s renewing love, I accept my healing now.

I am healthy and strong because I am one with God’s healing, revitalizing presence.

I am created in the image of God, blessed with strength and wholeness.

The power of God sustains and blesses me with perfect health.

I have instant access to God’s healing power within. I am whole and well in mind, body, and spirit.

My Day: I got up early this morning and came home. I called my eye doctor to see what time the surgery was to happen. They had not bothered to let me know. They said it would be at 9AM so did my walk on Pete, the treadmill, my prayers and medication. I went to the eye surgery. I had a few problems there this time a nurse that had got up on the wrong side of the bed. She was yelling at me. Told her I was not so old yet I did not hear. She also was hurting me so I spoke up and said, I need some more pain meds you are hurting me. They complied. This surgery hurt when the other one did not hurt at all. My daughter and I came home and I took some of my pain meds for my back and then we went out to breakfast. I came home and went to bed and slept all day. My daughter called and wanted to bring me something to eat or take me out again but I don't feel like it. So I just took some more pain meds and think I will go back to bed. I am sure this will be fine by tomorrow. I have an appointment in the morning for them to look at the eye. Morning: My eye is all goopy and it hurts have an appointment at 11 O'clock. I can see fine out of it. I slept all night.  For some reason the comment box was not on. So I  do not have any comments this morning.

What I am grateful for today: I am grateful my daughter was here today. Support is always nice when one does not feel real good. I am grateful I was able to sleep most of the day.  I am grateful for my doctor. I am grateful that when this is healed I will not need glasses except for close work. I am grateful I heal fast. I am grateful for my kitty who stayed right with me all day. So it is, all is well, I love you all. Judi

Photo from morguefiles.com and Google images.

Mother's Day History

Contrary to popular belief, Mother's Day was not conceived and fine-tuned in the boardroom of Hallmark. The earliest tributes to mothers date back to the annual spring festival the Greeks dedicated to Rhea, the mother of many deities, and to the offerings ancient Romans made to their Great Mother of Gods, Cybele. Christians celebrated this festival on the fourth Sunday in Lent in honor of Mary, mother of Christ. In England this holiday was expanded to include all mothers and was called Mothering Sunday.

In the United States, Mother's Day started nearly 150 years ago, when Anna Jarvis, an Appalachian homemaker, organized a day to raise awareness of poor health conditions in her community, a cause she believed would be best advocated by mothers. She called it "Mother's Work Day."

Fifteen years later, Julia Ward Howe, a Boston poet, pacifist, suffragist, and author of the lyrics to the "Battle Hymn of the Republic," organized a day encouraging mothers to rally for peace, since she believed they bore the loss of human life more harshly than anyone else.

In 1905 when Anna Jarvis died, her daughter, also named Anna, began a campaign to memorialize the life work of her mother. Legend has it that young Anna remembered a Sunday school lesson that her mother gave in which she said, "I hope and pray that someone, sometime, will found a memorial mother's day. There are many days for men, but none for mothers."

Anna began to lobby prominent businessmen like John Wannamaker, and politicians including Presidents Taft and Roosevelt to support her campaign to create a special day to honor mothers. At one of the first services organized to celebrate Anna's mother in 1908, at her church in West Virginia, Anna handed out her mother's favorite flower, the white carnation. Five years later, the House of Representatives adopted a resolution calling for officials of the federal government to wear white carnations on Mother's Day. In 1914 Anna's hard work paid off when Woodrow Wilson signed a bill recognizing Mother's Day as a national holiday.

At first, people observed Mother's Day by attending church, writing letters to their mothers, and eventually, by sending cards, presents, and flowers. With the increasing gift-giving activity associated with Mother's Day, Anna Jarvis became enraged. She believed that the day's sentiment was being sacrificed at the expense of greed and profit. In 1923 she filed a lawsuit to stop a Mother's Day festival, and was even arrested for disturbing the peace at a convention selling carnations for a war mother's group. Before her death in 1948, Jarvis is said to have confessed that she regretted ever starting the mother's day tradition.

Despite Jarvis's misgivings, Mother's Day has flourished in the United States. In fact, the second Sunday of May has become the most popular day of the year to dine out, and telephone lines record their highest traffic, as sons and daughters everywhere take advantage of this day to honor and to express appreciation of their mothers

http://mothers-day.123holiday.net/

A mother serves her sugar with
A bit of peppermint
To clarify the passages
That carry what she meant

When she first set to bear a soul
Quite separate from her own,
Whom she would cherish, yet must teach
To live and die alone.

Author unknown

Happy Mother’s Day to my dear Mum,

Author of my personality:

Pleased, I hope, with what you read in me;

Pleased, I hope, with episodes to come.

Yet now I, too, would get some pleasure from

Making you the book in which I see,

Of all the players in my family,

The central character, whom I would plumb.

How beautiful to move in that direction!

Each to each a separate source of pleasure,

Reading in the other’s happiness,

‘Mid much description, underlying love.

So would we deepen the connection,

Discovering new passages to treasure

As we follow time towards tenderness,

Yearning for what years unread will prove.

Author unknown

My Day: I stayed with Ms. V. last night. I am to guard the door so she does not get up and run away in the middle of the night. I stayed with her last weekend and she never has even got up. But I sat up all night listening to my talking book. I am still reading or listening to The Mist of Avalon series. It is five books and I have enjoyed it so much. I will feel like I have lost a good friend when I am finished. Going to send all the books on tape and the movie to my oldest daughter now when I am done. She will love it I know. I am very tired this morning. I have a whole bunch of things I want to do today but first things first I think I just need to go to bed. I did hang the new shower curtain and make me some crepes and Canadian bacon for breakfast. I did my prayers and meditation. No Pete this morning too tired. If I go to bed now probably can get up and walk on Pete, the treadmill and do the other stuff I want to do. So will not visit this morning just too sleepy.

What I am grateful for today: Having the mother I had I sent her a lot of love this morning. She has been gone several years now but whereever she is I am sure she felt the love. I am grateful for my daughters. I am grateful for my home that everything is nice and quiet this morning and that I can sleep. I am grateful for my earplugs if it gets noisey later on. I am grateful for Sophia, my kitty that she always joins me in my naps. So it is, all is well, I love you all, Judi

Take the first step

'Faith is not complacent; faith is action. You don’t have faith and wait. When
you have faith, you move."

-- Betty Eadie

"It is not my business to think about myself. My business is to think about God.
It is for God to think about me."

-- Simone Weil

"We have so much. All we have is all we need. All we need is the awareness of how blessed we really are."

— Author Sarah Ban Breathnach

"I know for sure that whenever your gut is out of kilter, trouble awaits. Your gut is your inner compass. Whenever you have to consult with other people for an answer, you're headed in the wrong direction."

— Oprah

"When we take one step toward God, he takes seven steps toward us."

-- Hindu Proverb

If our ego is to know spirit, we must make the first move. Spirit does not come
down and knock on our door. It sits waiting for us to acknowledge it. We must
want to change and take the initiative and persevere. The love of spirit will
embrace us. But we must take the first steps.

In what areas of your life are you ready for change? What step can you take to
open the door to new possibilities? It starts with you.
http://www.dailyguru.com

Enjoy Abraham

You are always molding yourselves into a better feeling place. And you will never get it done. It will never be completely finished. It will never be absolutely right. You will always have some dominant thoughts that are not a vibrational match to the newfound desire. But that is always what your work is. And it's time for you to just begin relaxing about it, and not make it a personal issue of your own valor, or your own value, or your own integrity. In other words, it's just, how many times have I thought this thought?

Excerpted from a workshop in San Rafael, CA on Friday, March 9th, 2001

http://www.abraham-hicks.com

Article:

Taking it Step by Step: Combining Intuition, Spiritual Purpose, and Creativity
By Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster

I have always found helpful is taking affirmative

action where the universe and my path in life are concerned.

Many years ago when I first read Louise Hay’s You Can Heal Your

Life, one thing she said stuck in my mind; always put your order

in to the Universe. How do you receive what you want if you

never place your order? It’s like going to a restaurant. I

found this concept very powerful at the time and continue to use

it today. One way I do that is by affirming to the Universe that

I am taking steps to achieve my goals. I do this through the

hands-on creative process of creating stepping stones. Not only

have I been making these stones for several years, but I teach

this process to others as well. It is a powerful spiritual

exercise.

During this creative stepping stone process, you discover your

inner path, uncover your spiritual nature and open to the

Universe by setting your intentions to step forward. Taking a

step, figuratively and literally, by creating the ‘stepping

stone’ sends out a call to the Universe with an affirmation of

your intention and desire. Each stone you create can be a symbol

of that intention. Stepping forward opens up energy around you

to help you achieve your goals. It’s always surprising to see

what wonderful things start to happen after you create new

stepping stones.

Stones can be decorated with symbols of your intention, words,

colors, etc. This may include feathers, leaves, shells, stones

or crystals. Each stepping stone is as unique as your individual

path. No two stones are ever alike. It is a wonderful process

of self discovery and creative expression.

What message or ‘order’ would you like to place with the

Universe? Are you prepared to show the Universe you are ready to

take the steps involved in having what you’re asking for? Think

about it… then take the action. Go to a local hardware store or

a Home Depot and buy masonry mix that only requires you to add

water. I use plastic trays that go underneath flower pots as

molds for stepping stones. Just follow directions for the mortar

mix and use a trowel to smooth it into place. While the mix is

still wet, decorate the stone with your intentions- I use a

pencil to draw words and intentions on mine, sometimes Chinese

symbols, maybe crystals, etc. It’s all up to you! You are the

creator of your stones, and the creator of your path- you

determine what step you will take next. This is a wonderful

action to empower yourself and to send a clear message to the

Universe at the same time.

Let the stone dry for 24 hours in a warm place and then pop it

out of the mold. The stepping stones can be displayed in your

home, garden path, or flower bed upon completion.

Good luck with it and have fun!

© 2004 Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster is an Intuitive Counselor who assists clients to create extraordinary transformations in their everyday lives. Her work is uplifting, empowering and success-oriented. You can visit Jodie’s website at http://www.illuminationsnetwork.com for further information and to schedule a private intuitive session. You can also look for weekly updates to her blog at: http://intuitiveinnovations.blogspot.com.

 
My Day: I came home mowed the yard and planted some more peas and spinach in my garden. Talked to my oldest daughter on the phone. Her colt was lying in the field this morning she thought he was dead. He must of got an awful scare during the night as he jumped the fence and was in another field next to the barn this morning. She got some stuff at the feed store to calm him. I am so glad he is alright. She saved his life as he broke his leg and my other daughter was going to put him down. He is so healthy now. Hope nothing happens to him. I am praying for Snickers that is his name.

My other daughter called she planned to come for Mother's Day. But her car is not running right. Some kind of electrical problem. I am praying for her too. But I know all God sends is wonderful even when it does not look like it. It is all very very good.

Then came in ate something and walked on Pete. Having a hard time getting my time done on Pete today and have to go to work earlier tonight so have to sleep a couple of hours and get up and walk on him again. I visited a few of you. I will visit the rest of you as soon as possible.

What I am grateful for today: My daughters that we have each other for love and support. My friends both here and in real life they are so supportive and loving. My yard and my little garden it blesses me so to plant a few veggies and flowers. My home that it is filled with love. That I walk each day with God.

Calm the mind

"Meditation helps me feel the shape, the texture of my inner life. Here, in the
quiet, I can begin to taste what Buddhists would call my true nature, what Jews
call the still, small voice, what Christians call the holy spirit."

-- Wayne Muller

"In a world filled with noise, we need to quiet ourselves to hear God’s voice."

--Paul Borthwick
"All man's miseries derive from not being able to sit quietly in a room alone."

-- Blaise Pascal

Meditation calms our minds and makes it easier for us to pay attention to the
reality around and within us. Meditation breaks through the masks that have
built up as our identity. It helps us see through our defenses and connect with
unacknowledged and unloved aspects of ourselves. It opens us to higher mind and
the voice of intuition.

We can consciously choose meditation as a way to become more aware of who we
truly are. If we don’t take the initiative to open to our authentic selves, we
can be certain that deep challenge and pain from life experience will push us to awaken.

http://www.dailyguru.com

Enjoy Abraham

We are all one Energy Stream, but what makes the separations or distinguishes the differences is perspective. You are a unique and individual perspective.

Excerpted from a workshop in Los Angeles, CA on Sunday, January 31st, 1999

http://www.abraham-hicks.com

Top 10 Budget Busters
by Michelle Jones

Many people make sincere attempts to set up a household budget and get themselves together financially, but too often these attempts fail.  And for those with the most difficult financial circumstances, it may take several attempts to finally create a plan that works.  

*  *  *

We’ve talked a lot about how to get started with budgeting (and back on track), but let’s look at some of the budget busters that may be throwing us off track in the first place.

1. Living on Two Incomes

When a couple first starts out, they often have two incomes and will set up their household budget based on that combined total.  But as soon as the first financial crisis hits and one of those incomes is reduced or even wiped out, everything can fall apart.  The solution; couples should make every effort to live on one income. Use the second income for savings and extras, many of which will be needed due to the additional job.

2. Not Enough Money in Savings - for Emergencies

This should be obvious to everyone, and recent financial reports reveal that we’re finally starting to set more and more money aside in savings accounts… congratulations!  However, there are still many of you out there who haven’t even opened an account yet.  So, when your next paycheck arrives, just DO it!

3. Spending More Money than You Really Need To

Ouch.  I know that one hurts. The fact is, many of us are still spending too much money, even though we know better!  There are lots of things you can do to control spending,  if it’s a constant problem for you then make yourself some rules and stick to them.  Some of your rules might include: “I won’t buy anything that isn’t on sale - at least 40% off” or, “I won’t buy anything the first time I see it, instead I’ll wait for at least 48 hours - or a week - to see if the ‘need’ passes,” or even better, “I won’t buy anything that isn’t on my ‘need’ list!” 

And families can keep each other on track – “I won’t buy anything that (name of family member) doesn’t agree we should buy.”  That one will cut out a lot of extra spending, and remember, it goes both ways!

4. Not Keeping Track of the Extra Money You Do Spend

If you haven’t tried this yet it may be the biggest step you will take in keeping your finances under control.  For 30 days, write down everything you spend money on, and keep doing it as often as needed; every month, once a quarter, and then down to once a year if you’re staying within your budget.

If you get off track, start recording your expenses every month again.  Keep a small notebook in your purse or car, and log every purchase, every day. It may seem trivial, but it works.

5. Putting Too Many Purchases on Credit

Boy is this easy to do if you’re not paying your bill in full each month.  A few purchases can easily add up to hundreds – or thousands – of dollars.  Keep track of your purchases when using credit, just as you would when using your checking account or cash.

6. Giving Money Away When You Can’t Afford It

This subject is difficult to discuss because the final decision must be left up to the individual – each person ultimately must do what he/she feels is the right thing to do, at any given time.  Generosity is certainly a worthy trait, and one we should all continue to improve. However, if you continue to give money away that you can’t really afford, as Dr. Phil McGraw would say, “How’s that working for you?”

If it’s working, great!  If it’s not, consider adjusting your giving, or increasing your income so you can continue to be so generous.  You can also give your time and the material items you no longer need to those who do.  That can be just as valuable as money, if not more.

7. Buying People Gifts When You Can’t Afford It

This area of spending is similar to #6 above, but goes a little deeper than just being generous.  I’m referring mainly to the annual birthday and Christmas presents we purchase for our friends and family.  If it’s stretching your budget or keeping you in debt, make an effort to scale back this year, and every year. 

And this includes the lavish birthday parties some parents feel they must put on for their children, even giving away ‘goodie bags’ that value $10, $20 or even more. When I was a kid birthday cake and ice cream was wonderful enough.  It’s possible, by handing out ‘goodie bags’ to all the party attendees, we – as a society – are teaching the children to expect something in return whenever they give a gift.  Who started this madness?

8. Accumulating Too Many Monthly Bills

It may not seem like much, but $20 here, $15 there, and another handful of monthly expenses everywhere can add up to one big mess.  Just as keeping track of your monthly spending will benefit your budget, keeping your monthly bills in line will help tremendously.  That’s what creating a budget does, your monthly income must cover the outgo, and if it doesn’t, you cut back.

9. Not Earning Enough Money

If you feel you’re not earning enough money for the work you do, you might consider asking for a raise or promotion, or, looking for a better job.  If these options are not available to you at this time, work on improving your skills and value to your employer so they will be soon.  Taking on a temporary second job might help as well, just don’t create a schedule that you can’t handle.

10. And Maybe Our Worst Budget Buster of All… Not Creating a Budget in the First Place 

“Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.”  – proverb

Don't let another day go by without gaining control of your finances... it's just money, you CAN handle it.  And we'll continue to be here to help!
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/articles/budgeting/budgetbusters.htm

My Day: I went right from work to the doctor. He told me what I already knew except for my allergies and a little back pain I am abundantly healthy. I needed kitty food so went to Bimart and got that, some tomato plants, litter, a coffee grinder, a new shower curtain. I went home planted some wild flowers and the tomatoes. I  moved some mint to along the foundation. It keeps the ants out. I changed the two kitty boxes. Then went and got my hair cut. I did my own waxing this month. Wow that stuff is messy no wonder they charge so much. Well got that done and a facial. I will work on a pedicure myself this week. I walked on Pete, the treadmill, worked out with some weights now it is time for bed. I still may not be able to visit this is the busiest week of my life I think. So to sleep fast so I can go to work.

What I am grateful for today: That I am abundantly healthy. My kitties. My yard and home. My daughter is going to try and come for Mother's Day. That I did a good job of waxing my face and eyebrows today. I was on time to the doctor. Thank you those of you who prayed. Keep praying please this is a too busy week. By Tuesday things should be back to normal. So it is, all is well, I love you all, Judi