“..Is love sweet love, not just for some but for everyone” (Jackie DeShannon)

Are you part of the problem or the solution? If there was ever a time for each of us to spread a little love, it’s now! Begin in your family so each member truly feels like a “loved one.”

Next comes friends, particularly those who are alone. It’s an unusually cold world when you are alone. How about coworkers? Most of them bring baggage with them to each workday.

Most importantly, don’t forget to love yourself. God only made one of you, so He must think you’re something wonderful!

If not today, when?

Who motivates you to take action? Does it come from within yourself or do you need to be prompted by someone else?

The danger of relying on someone else is that his/her motives may be suspect and not in line with your values or priorities. In order to enjoy a healthy sense of self esteem, you must take control of your life!

…And that process begins with you SETTING EXPECTATIONS of you.

Which aspects of your life are not acceptable and need to change?

How do you need to grow as a person and which steps will be required for you to become that person?

My dad used to tell me, “No one is better than you. They all put their pants on one leg at a time!”

Go for it. You have it within you!

If not today, when?

Have you taken any time lately to appreciate the dedication of our military members, police and fire personnel?

Unlike the rest of us, they put their lives on the line every day they go to work. Perhaps today, one of them will not return home to loved ones.

Whenever you see one of them, just say, “Thank you for your service.” That simple effort on your part will make their day.

Thank God that we have such brave, dedicated people who put the well being of fellow citizens ahead of their own.

The families of these patriots should also be in our prayers as they wait at the end of each day for their loved to walk through the door,

If not today, when?

Who motivates you to take action? Does it come from within yourself or do you need to be prompted by someone else?

The danger of relying on someone else is that his/her motives may be suspect and not in line with your values or priorities. In order to enjoy a high sense of self esteem, you must take control of your life!

…And that process begins with you SETTING EXPECTATIONS of you.

Which aspects of your life are not acceptable and need to change?

How do you need to grow as a person and which steps will be required for you to become that person?

My dad used to tell me, “No one is better than you. They all put their pants on one leg at a time!”

Go for it. You have it within you!

If not today, when?

I have lost count, but our current president has told something like 18,000 lies since he has been in office. Now, the many countries that were our allies say they don’t trust him.

Do you believe there is a direct relationship between truth and trust?

If so, how truthful are you? Are you only truthful based on each situation? As an example, are you only honest when a statement makes you look good?

I don’t think SITUATIONAL HONESTY is a good idea!

Those who always tell the truth have an easier life than those who don’t. Don’t make your life even more stressful. One lie requires more lies to cover it up.

The most vital necessity for strong inter personal relationships is trust.

Become more trusted by always telling the truth!

If not today, when?

 

One of them came back to Jesus, shouting, “Glory to God, I’m healed!” He fell flat on the ground in front of Jesus, face downward in the dust, thanking Him for what He had done…. Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the nine?” (Luke 17:15-17).

After Jesus cured ten men of leprosy, only one returned to thank Him, hence the question, “Where are the nine?”

Can you imagine that ten were cured of one of the most horrible diseases on earth and only one thanked Him for a life saving miracle?

..And how about you?

Do you thank people when they do something nice for you or do you just take it for granted? Let’s begin with your spouse. He/she would like to hear the words, “thank you” once in a while.

Express your thanks often!

If not today, when?

An increasing percentage of parents are or are becoming single parents.

First, let me take my hat off to you!

I know how hard it was to raise our kids with the two of us. Single parenting is definitely more than twice as hard. In most cases, the single parent has to work outside the home in order (hopefully) to make ends meet.

Because he/she can’t be available to the child/children all the time, guilt becomes another unwanted burden. Adding to all this is the resentful child who is unhappy with the situation. This resentment becomes an additional strain on the parent who is trying to make everyone happy, but finding no one truly happy.

Every single parent deserves our love and support. Can you help?

It takes a village!

If not today, when?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep Hope Alive!” (Rev. Jesse Jackson)

He has always ended his message to people everywhere with the familiar slogan, “Keep Hope Alive!”

For all too many African Americans, it has been a huge challenge to be able to enjoy a decent standard of living in the USA. There was a time when there were good paying jobs in the auto manufacturing plants around the country. During those years, many people of color benefited from high employment and a good standard of living.

Today, however, with the advent of high tech, many of those jobs are now performed by machine. Combine that with the tough life challenges in the large inner cities and hope is a rare commodity.

Jesse used this slogan wherever he he went.

What will you do to, “Keep Hope Alive” in your community?

If not today, when?

“Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities because…it is the quality which guarantees all others.” (Winston Churchill)

He joined the British Cavalry and fought in five wars before the beginning of World War One. We don’t need to be as courageous as him, however, in order to use our human qualities to their maxim potential.

You won’t become courageous unless you begin with fear!

Many people, as an example, are afraid to speak out in a crowd. They fear someone will criticize them for their opinion. After they have spoken out, however, they are proud that they expressed their deep felt opinion and a little criticism makes them stronger.

How about you? Take your fear and turn it into courage.

A courageous life is a great life!

If not today, when?

My wife and I started 9 different businesses. In each case, we had to take out a loan to get them launched. We felt it was was worth the risk because we had many children to raise and educate.

It, of course, was not easy and there were worrisome times along the way. Entrepreneurship is certainly not for the faint of heart. It may, however, be just right for you.

All great companies began with a simple idea. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos thought people should be able to shop for and buy books online.

Do you have an idea for a business?

If you are currently employed, you may think of starting your own company out of your home in the evenings or on weekends.

It’s tough getting it started, but could be your opportunity for financial independence!

If not today, when?