In a world of chaos, predictability is important.

Our ancestors had traditions that were part of the GLUE that held their families together.

There were special prayers, meals, services to name just a few.

Everyone knew what to expect and what was needed to keep the traditions alive.

What value do you put on traditions?

It is an effort and takes time and usually quite a bit of preparation.

Maybe you don’t have any traditions in your family. We did not.

START SOME!

Think of something simple that everyone, young and old, can participate in.

We started with Jesus’s birthday cake when our children were little.

Who doesn’t love birthdays and cake?

We would sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and the kids would blow out the candles. It has lasted 32 years!

Look into your ethnic or faith traditions. You will surely find many examples.

Start small and simple and the enjoyment in your family will follow.

WOW!

What a storm!

I have been in like yacht races pictured above where MOTHER NATURE is the boss!

In such a storm, will you keep an even keel?

The phrase, “Keep an even keel” is obviously a sailing term.

The keel protrudes from the bottom of the boat to prevent a capsize.

So, for us, it means maintaining a state of stability in adverse circumstances.

All of us face turbulent conditions throughout our lives.

We must manage our emotions so we don’t CAPSIZE!

Happy sailing!

Yes, everyone is dealing with stress these days.

We know any kind of simple exercise strengthens our bodies.

BUT, DID YOU KNOW IT ALSO REDUCES OUR STRESS?

Those are TWO HUGE BENEFITS we enjoy when we keep moving.

That’s what we have muscles for.

Even if you’ve never done any deliberate exercising before.

It’s never too late.

If you could reduce your stress w/o the need for medicine, wouldn’t you do it?

Then, DO IT!

You have probably heard of the UNTOUCHABLES in India.

These are exceedingly poor people who live along the railroad tracks.

They and their children are generations of outcasts from society.

Here in the U.S. we have UNMENTIONABLES!

Society knows we have millions of poor citizens, but no one talks about them.

Or, wants to think about them.

So, on it goes, round and round. What will become of them?

Nobody knows.

Young Americans are “a generation under profound strain” with little confidence in institutions and widespread economic concerns.

This is according to a Harvard Institute of Politics survey of adults younger than 30 released Thursday.

Young adults say, 57% to 13%, that things in the country are generally on the wrong track, rather than headed in the right direction.

Just 32% describe the US as a healthy democracy or one that’s “somewhat functioning,” while 64% call it a system in trouble or one that has completely failed. (CNN)

This recent survey indicates those in a vital age group are losing or have lost hope!

Notice that we have learned how to drive in dense conditions!

There are hundreds of cars & trucks in perfect lines one behind the other.

It’s obvious that we can adapt to the changing needs of civilization.

The majority of drivers are courtious to one another.

When changing lanes, they notify others with their turn signal.

The amazing fact is that, when going 60mph, we can trust adjacent drivers.

There is still hope for us! Alleluia!

We are all probably afraid of something.

And some fears are not worth overcoming.

Do you have a fear that you’ll always regret at least not trying to overcome?

If so, stop dwelling on the obtacles and focus on the solutions.

I know it may seem to be too high of a mountain to climb.

Mountain climbers, however, reach the top by taking one step at a time.

You can do that too!

If not today, when?

Will you be the sunshine today or a cloud?

The great Thanksgiving holiday is in the rear view mirror.

And the grind of returning to work is upon us.

Did you spend more money than you should have?

Anrticipation of an upcoming event is usually greater than the event itself.

Whatever.

So, Monday is here.

Let me repeat.

Will you be the sunshine or a cloud?

Sometimes you have to fake it.

(This is one of those times!)

(Confucius)

This is a difficult issue for all of us!

Of course, the pain we feel depends on the closeness of the relationship.

One thing we can never take back are the words we speak.

As a child I remember, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me!”

That’s a nice little rhyme, but not always true!

Words are powerful.

They can HURT or HEAL.

Be careful. The words you use will determine the course of your life!

(Mark Twain)

Mark Twain reminds us that we should strive to to be proud of ourselves.

Even if we are going through a tough time, we can improve our situation.

It may take time to turn things around.

The best way to begin that process is to have a DAILY victory.

Identify something you will accomplish, even if it’s minor, that results in progress.

The accumulation of DAILY victories will turn things in your favor.

If not today, when?