Thought for the Day
Robert E. Chatfield
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matt 5:15
"Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing." Albert Schweitzer
"Our actions, our expressions, our grooming habits, even the clothes we wear are constantly communicating messages to those around us." J. Spencer Kinard
"Your children may or may not choose to follow you - but the example you give is the greatest light you will hold before your children. You are accountable for that light." Ezra Taft Benson
Watching
What You Say--Watching What You Do
There's
a wide-eyed little youngster who believes
you're
always right;
And
his ears are always open, as he watches day and
night;
You
are setting an example every day in all you do,
For
the little one who's watching wants to grow up just
like
you!
Robert E. Chatfield
"It is selfishness which is the cause of most of our misery." Gordon B. Hinckley
"He who is in love with himself has at least this advantage --- he won't encounter many rivals in his love." -- Lichtenberg
The hardest work I will ever do is to put off selfishness. Neal A. Maxwell.
I Just Have to Outrun You
During
a camping trip, Sam and Tom saw a bear coming their way. Sam started
to take off his backpack and told Tom he was going to run for it.
When his surprised friend said, “You can’t outrun a bear,” Sam
replied, “I don’t have to outrun the bear. I just have to outrun
you.”
Sadly, this look-out-for-number-one mentality is common in business, politics, and sports. Everywhere, basically good people engage in — and justify — selfish, short-sighted conduct that treats coworkers, colleagues, and teammates as competitors rather than comrades.
Steven Carr Reuben, author of Children of Character, speaks about a very different social vision in which people find greater meaning and satisfaction in their lives by creating caring communities. To make his point, he tells of nine youngsters in the Special Olympics who were about to run the 100-yard dash.
Right after the start of the race, a young boy stumbled badly and began crying. The other eight heard him and looked back. First one, then another, then all of them stopped and went back to help their fallen comrade. A girl with Down syndrome bent down, kissed the boy, and said, “This will make it better.” Then all nine linked arms and triumphantly walked together to the finish line.
“That’s what being part of a community is about,” Reuben writes. It’s a lot better way to live than trying to outrun each other.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
Robert E. Chatfield
Now there are more overweight people in America than average-weight people. So overweight people are now average. See....You've met your New Year's resolution . 12-31-06
“Thursday,
is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one.”
Brad
Paisley
“Cheers
to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.”
Oprah
Winfrey
WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR
Someone (author unknown) has composed the following list of wishes for the new century. These were obviously written for last January, but most still apply:
May your hair, your teeth, your face-lift, your abs, and your stocks not fall; and may your blood pressure, your triglycerides, your cholesterol, your white blood count and your mortgage interest not rise.
May you get a clean bill of health from your dentist, your cardiologist, your gastroenterologist, your urologist, your proctologist, your podiatrist, your psychiatrist, your plumber, and the IRS.
May you find a way to travel from anywhere to anywhere during rush hour in less than an hour, and when you get there may you find a parking space.
May December 31 find you seated around the dinner table, together with your beloved family and cherished friends, ushering in the New Year ahead. You will find the food better, the environment quieter, the cost much cheaper, and the pleasure much more fulfilling than anything else you might ordinarily do that night.
May you wake up on January 1 finding that the world has not come to an end, the lights work, the water faucets flow, and the sky has not fallen.
May you have the strength to go through a year of presidential campaigning, and may some of the promises made be kept. May you believe at least half of what the candidates propose, and may those elected fulfill at least half of what they promise, and the miracle of reducing taxes and balancing budgets happen.
May what you see in the mirror delight you, and what others see in you delight them.
May the telemarketers wait to make their sales calls until you finish dinner, may your checkbook and your budget balance, and may they include generous amounts for your church and charities.
May you remember to say "I love you" at least once a day to your spouse, your child, and your parent(s). You can say it to your secretary, your nurse, your butcher, your photographer, your masseuse, your seamstress, your hairdresser or your tennis instructor, but not with a "twinkle" in your eye.
May we live as God intended, in a world at peace with the awareness of the beauty in every sunset, every flower's unfolding petals, every baby's smile and every wonderful, astonishing, miraculous beat of our heart.
May God bless you with happiness, great health, peace, and much love during the next year and all those that follow.
Alan Smith
Robert E. Chatfield
We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us really happy is something to be enthusiastic about. Charles Kingsley
It takes no more time to see the good side of life than to see the bad. - Jimmy Buffett
We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and
appreciating what we do have
The Emotional Dimension of Resolution
One
of the most important aspects of living a good life is feeling good
about the life we live. Whether we are happy, content and/or
fulfilled can be affected by our physical conditions. But in the end,
these mental states are emotions, deep and intense feelings that form
spontaneously or in response to events.
We can often increase the likelihood of positive emotions by increasing activities and relationships that make us feel good and decreasing activities and relationships that make us feel bad. Thus, as part of making a personal New Year strategic plan, it’s wise to assess the quality of your emotional life, asking yourself what you would like to see more of or less of. Once you’ve identified the things that will enhance your happiness, you can devise resolutions and specific implementation strategies. A strategic plan may call for spending more time with children or grandchildren or with enjoyable activities like reading, vacationing and recreational activities.
But, as important as it is to exercise more thoughtful control over the experiences that generate emotions, we can do even more to improve our lives by adopting positive attitudes such as enthusiasm, optimism and gratitude.
Resolve to be less cynical. Assume the best, not the worst, especially of co-workers and family members who may be in your life. Consciously resist temptations to see the world through dark lenses.
Finally, note that pursuing fulfillment involves more than having fun and experiencing pleasure. Look for opportunities this year to make a significant long-term, positive impact on the lives of others. The best way to feel good is to be good.
Robert E. Chatfield
There is absolutely no point in sitting around and feeling sorry for yourself. The great power you have is to let it go...You focus on what you have, not that which has been mean, or unkindly removed. - Minnie Driver
Sign outside a church in Seneca, MO last Thanksgiving. "BE THANKFUL WE DON'T GET WHAT WE DESERVE"
Constant thankfulness makes a human magnet out of a common personality.
Life Is a Gift
"Pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."1
"There was a blind girl [or so the story goes] who hated herself because of her blindness. Not only did she hate herself but she hated everyone else, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She said that if she could only see the world, she would marry her boyfriend.
"One day someone donated a pair of eyes to her and then she could see everything—including her boyfriend. Her boyfriend asked her, 'Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?' The girl was shocked when she saw that her boyfriend was blind too, and refused to marry him. Her boyfriend walked away in tears, and later wrote a letter to her that simply said, 'Just take care of my eyes dear.'
"Too often we change when our status changes. Only a few remember what life was like before and even fewer remember who to thank for always being there when times were painfully unbearable.
"Life is a gift, so today: Before you think of saying an unkind word, think of someone who can't speak. Before you complain about the taste of your food, think of someone who has nothing to eat. Before you complain about your husband or wife, think of someone who's crying out to God for a companion. Before you complain about your life, think of someone who went too early to heaven.
Before you complain about your children, think of someone who desires children but is barren. Before you argue about your dirty house that someone didn't clean or sweep, think of the people who are living in the streets. Before whining about the distance you drive, think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet. And when you are tired and complain about your job, think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.
"And before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another, remember that not one of us is without sin and all will answer to one Maker. And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down, try to put a smile on your face and thank God you're alive and still around. Life is a gift, live it, enjoy it, celebrate it, and fulfill it.
"Enjoy the moment. It may not come around again."2
1. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
2. Author unknown. Source: Marcella's Inspiring Collection,http://tinyurl.com/w9nb9.
Robert E. Chatfield
"You are searching for the magic key that will unlock the door to the source of power; and yet you have the key in your own hands, and you may use it the moment you learn to control your thoughts." Napoleon Hill
"The brain is like a muscle. When we think well, we feel good." Carl Sagan
Be careful of your thoughts: They may become words at any moment.
"If we are not most careful with our thoughts and speech, the words we use will use us. Language has its own ethics, and one who communicates truth is like a bright light in the darkness." Ted E. Brewerton
What
You Think
"Research Proves: 90% of the thoughts you have today are the same thoughts you had yesterday ... until you observe them and stop the patterns. Think differently!" Dr. Henry Cloud
"You are not what you think you are. What you think--you are."
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" Philippians 4:8
bobchat1
"Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great." Kenny Rogers
"If we concentrate too intently on our obvious earthly methods or objectives, we can lose sight of our eternal goals." Dallin H. Oaks
"We must put God in the forefront of everything else in our lives. . . .When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives." Ezra Taft Benson
"When you do the things you have to do when you have to do them, the day will come when you can do the things you want to do when you want to do them."
THERE'S
SOMETHING BIGGER
A number of years ago, Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks did a popular series of comedy sketches called the "2000-Year-Old Man" which developed into several hilarious albums. The premise has Carl Reiner interviewing Mel Brooks playing the old man and inquiring concerning life way back when. At one point, Reiner asks the old man, "Did you always believe in God?"
Brooks replies, "No. We had a guy in our village named Phil, and for a time we worshiped him."
Reiner wonders, "You worshiped a guy named Phil? Why?"
"Because he was big, and mean, and he could break you in two with his bare hands!"
The interviewer asks, "Did you have prayers?"
Brooks answers, "Yes, would you like to hear one? -- 'O Phil, please don't be mean, and hurt us, or break us in two with your bare hands.' "
Reiner: "So when did you start worshiping God?"
And then this wonderful answer: "Well, one day a big thunderstorm came up, and a lightning bolt hit Phil. We gathered around and saw that he was dead. Then we said to one another, "There's somethin' bigger than Phil!"
There are a variety of things which we look to as our gods -- material things, immorality, climbing the corporate ladder, entertainment. Oh, we may not call them our gods. But those are the things we build our lives around. That's where the majority of our time, money and thoughts go. They serve as the center of our lives.
But, there are times in our lives when we are reminded that "There must be something bigger!" Like Solomon shares in the book of Ecclesiastes, we discover that nothing we fill our lives with can truly satisfy us and eventually we come to the realization that all of it will someday be gone. What then? There must be something bigger than success at work. There must be something bigger than collecting "things."
Whether they realized it or not at the time, Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks made such an insightful observation. It is only when we see that there is something bigger than us and bigger than all the things around us that we tend to elevate that we will truly begin to worship God.
Whatever you may be worshiping in your life, there's something bigger! Praise the LORD!
Have a great day!
Alan Smith
Robert E. Chatfield
If your lips you'd keep from slips,
Five
things observe with care,
To whom you speak, of whom you speak,
and how and when and where.
Choose
your words carefully, you can never take them back.
A careless word may kindle strife;
a cruel word may wreck a life;
a timely word may level stress;
a loving word may heal and bless.
If You Can’t Say Anything Nice
Tragic stories and new data on the prevalence and harmfulness of bullying have made us all more sensitive to the ways our words can hurt others – merciless criticism, nasty sarcasm, hurtful nicknames, malicious rumors, and careless gossip.
In Words That Hurt, Words That Heal, Joseph Telushkin writes about the moral implications of what we say. He points out that most people choose their clothes more carefully than they choose their words, yet, “Unless you’ve been a victim of terrible physical violence, chances are the worst pains you have suffered in life have come from words.” The simple fact is that what we say about others can not only hurt feelings, it can damage reputations and affect the way the person we talk about is treated or thought of.
So much for sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never harm me.
To prove how often we engage in gossip or negative words, Telushkin challenges his readers to go for 24 hours without saying an unkind word to or about anyone.
Ethical speech – speaking fairly, respectfully, responsibly, and carefully about others – is an easy duty to neglect. Here’s an easy test: ask yourself how the person you’re talking about would feel if he or she overheard the conversation. And would you be willing to say what you said if the object of your gossip was present?
In the end, I was left with a greater appreciation for the advice I’ve heard often but regularly ignore: “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”
Robert E. Chatfield
Time for an update and an explanation why.
About
a month ago we sent out a notice as to the availability of three new
puppies coming to Massachusetts from Arkansas,
Vince,
Ross
and
Shayla.
Three
Pyrenees mix puppies from the same litter. These were the 31st
– 33rd our daughter, Miene had an opportunity to foster. All
previous 30 being totally successful placements.
They
were so cute and so soft, especially Shayla. Vince was a loner.
Always seemed to be off napping or exploring on his own (May have
been a huge blessing or maybe he knew something we didn't). Ross and
Shayla were continually on each others case, wrestling, biting
(playfully) and of course, much sleeping.
Vince
was adopted quickly and a few days later Ross and Shayla were spoken
for by the same family. They were to be picked up three Sundays ago
in the AM.
On
that Sunday morning it became quite evident there was something
seriously wrong, especially with Ross. He was throwing a lot and
seemed terribly lethargic. Calls and visits to the vet, tests and
time brought us to 23 December when tests confirmed they had Parvo, a
very serious dog virus. In fact, so serious, it was determined
there was no hope for Ross and he had to be put down.
Soon
it was determined that Shayla was traveling down the same path and
was going to need serious help. She was taken to Tufts Veterinary
Hospital in Walpole. Cost? $1,000 a day. However, for foster
puppies there is a dramatic discount. $500 a day.
As
many of you know a request for help was put out and 62 of you
responded. Originally $3,000 was the goal, later raised to $4,500.
Thus far about $4,000 has been donated.
I'll
not itemize what that little spirit went through, but it can best be
described as HELL!. Tubes up the nose, IV's in the legs, forced
feeding, continual diarrhea, throwing up and pneumonia, for days on
end. At one point her white blood count went from normal to
virtually zero, so no immunity.
One
bit of good news we learned midterm was, if a dog can survive the
first three days of this virus, she most likely will beat it. Sure
enough, once the pneumonia was discovered and treatment commenced,
each day started delivering better and better news. She started
eating on her own. That raised another problem. They were having
trouble getting her to eat puppy food. She was hooked on chicken.
Miene had to suggest giving her a mix.
Well,
the news is as good as one could hope for. Shayla came home Saturday
and immediately began fitting in.
Her
initial reaction upon seeing Miene
Didn't
take long to settle down for some well deserved naps
start
enjoying life's little pleasures
Or to just survey the world
In
the midst of all this the question was raised, “Why in the world
would you go through all that and expend so much money, FOR
A DOG?????????
The
best answer I was able to come up with is that I know of no better
example of true love than one gets from a dog. Love that comes from
one who does not judge, is earnest, cares not about your beauty,
intelligence, wealth, talents, assets. One who only cares that you
are willing to return his/her love. And once that love is
established, that dog never forgets you. Never.
Maybe
the following best explains why one is willing to do “ALL
THAT FOR A DOG?”
So God Made a Dog
I think this Paul Harvey style tribute to dogs is perhaps the best description of Man’s Best Friend I’ve ever heard.
http://biggeekdad.com/2013/03/so-god-made-a-dog/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA8VJh0UJtg
If this doesn't touch your heart nothing will.
Robert E. Chatfield
"Prayer is the preparation for miracles." H. Burke Peterson
The
effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
James:5:16
Some people think God does not like to be troubled with our constant asking. The way to trouble God is not to ask at all. Dwight L. Moody
"God understands our prayers even when we can't find the words to say them."
From
the Davis'
When
God Sends You Help,
When God sends you help, don't ask questions.
She hurried to the pharmacy to get medication, got back to her car and found that she had locked her keys inside. The woman found an old rusty coat hanger left on the ground. She looked at it and said, "I don't know how to use this."
She bowed her head and asked God to send her some HELP. Within 5 minutes a beat-up old motorcycle pulled up, driven by a bearded man who was wearing an old biker skull rag. He got off of his cycle and asked if he could help.
She said: "Yes, my daughter is sick. I've locked my keys in my car. I must get home. Please, can you use this hanger to unlock my car?"
He said, "Sure." He walked over to the car, and in less than a minute the car was open. She hugged the man and through tears said, "Thank You, God, for sending me such a very nice man."
The man heard her little prayer and replied, "Lady, I am NOT a nice man. I just got out of prison yesterday; I was in prison for car theft."
The woman hugged the man again, sobbing, "Oh, thank you, God! You even sent me a Professional!"
Is GOD great or what!?!