Sixteen (plus 43) Candles

How much money do you have to have to be rich? Money may make you wealthy but you can still be poor. Your life -- health, friends, family, and God are what make you rich.

I always thought that when I reached the age I am I would have it all figured out. But the older I get the less I know. I'm going to trust God, pray more, worry less, and definitely eat more chocolate!

If you want to stay active and in shape you need to find a fun way to exercise with friends. Something you look forward to doing, not something exhausting that you dread. For us, that is racquetball. I always look forward to the next game; it's always fun. I play with friends and when I'm done playing I discover I got a fee workout. Oh, and when you go back home, if there is a furry, four-legged creature hanging around to greet you, that's pretty cool too.

Life is what you make it - tired old saying, but true. You cannot expect other people to make your life more fun or to be there for you all of the time. Everyone is busy leading their own lives and you are not their top priority. If you are lucky enough to have a loving spouse/partner, a loving family and terrific friends, then you have a very rich life.

Sometimes I think I never grew up. I still believe life is all about giving of yourself and loving others. I have seen much death and destruction and sadness over the years. I have read and watched and been a part of many of these things. Yet, there are those moments, triggered by a picture, a comment, a sound, a smell- something where time stands still, and I am able to focus on how beautiful things may be.


When I read your request I had something pop into my head immediately. So here is my one thing I've learned in life and I feel it applies to more than Christmas.

Somehow or other it came just the same...
It came without ribbons! It came without tags!
It came without packages, boxes or bags!
Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store
Maybe Chrismas...perhaps...means a little bit more!

The Flame Continues - Birthday Candles

What have I learned in my 55 years? Not nearly enough I fear, but certainly this: In a world chock-full of options, a little patience and some prayerful thought and trust get us the divine guidance we need to make the right choices. My life is nothing like I thought it would be when I was dreaming in my 20s. It is, however, much better than I ever imagined. Each new day is a gift.

I have learned to try to smile at every one I come in contact with. I heard somewhere that when you smile, you are giving that person a gift.

OK, one of the things I learned is not to expect people to be grateful.
When you give something just give it and let go.

As for life's lessons, I guess I'd have to say I've learned that life
definitely isn't fair. You just make the best of every situation, and with
God's help, move on.
And, I've learned that it is far more rewarding to give rather than receive.

The Candles Burn On

Life is now. Live in the past and you loose it, live too far in the future and it's gone, too. No, It's not an excuse
for complete Epicureanism, "Eat, Drink and be Merry for Tomorrow We Die!", but a reminder to find joy, satisfaction - and perhaps even fun - in every day.

“The longest distance in the world is the 18 inches between your head and your heart.”

A sense of humor is a way of looking at life. It’s all about perspective. There are multitudes of challenges that we must face in our daily interactions and throughout life. Looking for the humor in daily living can provide the avenue to maintaining a positive outlook and even our sanity. Not everything in life is funny; many events we must deal with are tragic. But if we can remember to look for the humor in situations, it makes it much easier to cope. I often try to inject a bit of humor whenever I meet with friends/relatives/strangers/other. If I can bring a smile to their face, my day's work is done. So, in the immortal words of George Washington or was it Ben Franklin who first said, "When you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you", keep on smiling Kate. Your smile warms my heart and brings joy to my being!”

I used to think that the point of life was to find the "calm" spots...and that if I could just get through this one relationship problem, or this illness, or this financial strain....then I would finally be happy. God has been teaching me that the goal isn't to get through life without difficulty. The goal is to be transformed by the difficulties instead of just suffering through them.

Brain tumors, little paychecks, scary adoptions, new puppies eating my sunglasses and pooping on my carpet....they are all stretching my faith and transforming me into who God wants me to be!

More Birthday Candles

One of the things in life that I have found very beneficial is when a job needs to be done, get it done and do it right. And, handle those with whom you come in contact, in a caring and loving manner.

We need to always know that God is in control and everything that happens has a purpose -------Stand in faith with Our Lord and move on!!!!!!!!!!!

Life is what you make it (tired old saying, but true). You can't expect other people to make your life more fun or to be there for you all of the time. Everyone is busy leading their own lives and you are not their top priority. If you are lucky enough to have a loving spouse, a loving family and terrific friends, then you have a very rich life.

Sometimes I think I never grew up. I still believe life is all about
giving of yourself and loving others.
I have seen much death and destruction and sadness over the years, I have read and watched and been a part of many of these things.
Yet, there are still those moments, triggered by a picture, a comment, a sound, a smell; some thing where time stands still, and I am able to focus on how beautiful things may be.

Birthday Candles

Before another year lapses completely, with me doing little more than blabbing about it I am NOW starting to post some of the quotes I rec'd last year as "thoughts to live by". It occurred to me that I should not publish names. That was my delaying, great debate. OK, it was my excuse. But, without further delay here are some wise words from people in my life.

No matter what happens in life, I always find something to be thankful for everyday. A positive outlook is a must and it will help to keep you healthy. And really, all you need is love.

OK, one of the things I learned is not to expect people to be grateful.
When you give something just give it and let go.

In a world chock-full of options, a little patience and
some prayerful thought and trust get us the divine guidance we need to
make the right choices. My life is nothing like I thought it would be
when I was dreaming in my 20s. It is, however, much better than I ever
imagined. Each new day is a gift.

IT 'S HARD TO BEAT THE OL' TIME CLAMP TO THE TABLE TOP HAND GRINDER.

The beautiful part of any moment of any day is that we can create something of it rather than letting the moment merely pass. We can consciously choose to connect with each other through the simple process of giving and receiving.

What if your day included the question, "What will I do with my choices?"?

More to follow...