What would happen

Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?

What if we flipped through it several time a day?

What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?

What if we used it to receive messages from the text?

What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?

What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?

What if we used it when we traveled?

What if we used it in case of emergency?

This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?

Oh, and one more thing.

Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.

Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities' ? And no dropped calls!

When Jesus died for us, he was thinking of you!

Our Deepest Fear

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Nelson Mandela

Settlin'

I have always believed that you shouldn't settle in life. So I absolutely love this song. Hope it speaks to you too!

Fifteen minutes left to throw me together
For mister right now, not mister forever
Don't know why I even try when I know how it ends
Looking like another "maybe we could be friends"
I've been leaving it up to fate
It's my life so it's mine to make

I ain't settling for just getting by
I've had enough so so for the rest of my life
Tired of shooting too low, so raise the bar high
Just enough ain't enough this time
I ain't settling for anything less than everything, yeah

With some good red wine and my brand new shoes
Gonna dance a blue streak around my living room
Take a chance on love and try how it feels
With my heart wide open now you know I will
Find what it means to be the girl
Who changed her mind and changed her world

I ain't settling for just getting by
I've had enough so so for the rest of my life
Tired of shooting too low, so raise the bar high
Just enough ain't enough this time
I ain't settling for anything less than everything

I ain't settling for just getting by
I've had enough so so for the rest of my life
Tired of shooting too low, so raise the bar high
Just enough ain't enough this time

I ain't settling for just getting by
I've had enough so so for the rest of my life
Tired of shooting too low, so raise the bar high
I ain't settling no, no, no, no, no, no

So raise the bar high

-Sugarland

Handling Stress

A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked, "how heavy is this glass of water?" Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g.

The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it. "If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

He continued, "And that's the way it is with stress management.

If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on." "As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden. "

So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can. Relax; pick them up later after you've rested.

You can apply this positive tip to both your personal and professional life.

Yay for Work

Today is my first day of work after being on "vacation" for four months! I have never been unemployed this long, ever. I have been working since I was 15. It feels really good to be making money again since we've been depending on Nathan's salary. I have always believed that it is important to go after your dreams and passions and not to settle but today in our society, I also believe it's very important we all say thank you for the jobs we have. I know many people aren't happy with what they're doing but at least it's paying the bills and putting a roof over their head and food on the table. One of the reasons we left Useppa was to move forward in our lives and I'm doing the same thing now that I did on the island, serving. I wanted to be challenged and have responsibility but no luck. As frustrated as I am though, I'm thankful because things could be so much worse. I have a roof over my head, a car to drive, food in my belly, clothes to wear and hot showers. One day I will attain what I'm looking for but for today I'll just be thankful for what I already have.

It's Work

I look around and I see people rushing to grow up. Wanting to get married and have kids and settle down. I don't understand this especially when these are such big decisions. Marriage is for life (in my opinion) and so are kids. Growing up I never saw my parents fight, ever. So when people said marriage is work, I was "whatever." I didn't see or understand what was being said. As I have gotten older and now married myself, I get it.

In my early twenties I was about myself. I knew what I wanted and I wasn't going to compromise. It wasn't that the guy I was dating was wrong, I just wasn't going to settle for less than what I wanted. Compromising and sacrificing are two big things in a marriage. It's no longer "me" and "I" but "us" and "we." You have to think about the other person and their happiness and dreams. This is why it is so important to know upfront what you want and know what your partner wants. It can be very hard to have a good marriage when the two of you differ on where to live, how to raise kids, money, religion and household chores. I'm not saying that differences are bad but you have to know how to work with them and meet in the middle.

Communication is HUGE. I'm a natural communicator so this comes easy to me but it doesn't for everyone. You can't be in a relationship and not talk. It doesn't work. You have to talk out your problems, talk about the future, talk about your jobs, talk about the kids, everything. The person you married is your partner and he/she deserves to know what you think and feel. Your spouse can't be there for you if you don't let him in. Another side of the communication is complimenting your spouse and telling him you love him. Nonverbal communication is just as valuable; hugs, kisses and holding hands.

I think we all grow as we get older. Our changing environment (work, new friends) helps us learn new things about ourselves. This can be hard for your spouse who knows the "old" you. We have to be willing to allow our other half to grow and change and accept it. We all get caught up in the "old" days and get comfortable. A lot of people don't like change but being open and receptive to growth and change is the only way for us to be true to the best version of ourselves and is the way we embrace our true freedom.

I've been married eight months now and I see how important it is to work at your marriage. It's not easy. It is a lot of give and take. I just want to caution anyone reading this who isn't married to think about these things. Can you sacrifice your happiness for your spouse? Can you compromise on how to save and spend money? Can you talk about your problems? Can you agree on how many children? Can you accept that your spouse will change and grow with him? If you go into it with the mindset of this is forever, you may be more cautious. Love is more than a feeling, it's acts.

Mighty to Save

Everyone needs compassion,
Love that's never failing;
Let mercy fall on me.

Everyone needs forgiveness,
The kindness of a Saviour;
The Hope of nations.

Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.

Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

So take me as You find me,
All my fears and failures,
Fill my life again.

I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in,
Now I surrender.

My Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

Shine your light and let the whole world see,
We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus (x2)

My Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

My Saviour, you can move the mountains,
You are mighty to save,
You are mighty to save.
Forever, Author of Salvation,
You rose and conquered the grave,
Yes you conquered the grave

It Couldn't be Done

Somebody said that it couldn't be done,
But, he with a chuckle replied
That "maybe it couldn't" but he would be one
Who wouldn't say so till he'd tried.

So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, as he did it.

Somebody scoffed: "Oh, you'll never do that;
At least no one we know has done it";
But he took off his coat and he took off his hat,
And the first thing we knew he'd begun it.

With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
Without any doubting or quiddit,
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.

There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,
There are thousands to prophesy failure;
There are thousands to point out to you, one by one,
The dangers that wait to assail you.

But just buckle right in with a bit of a grin,
Just take off your coat and go to it;
Just start to sing as you tackle the thing
That cannot be done, and you'll do it

-Edgar Guest

Phenomenal Woman

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size But when I start to tell them, They think I'm telling lies. I say, It's in the reach of my arms The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me. I walk into a room Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees. Then they swarm around me, A hive of honey bees. I say, It's the fire in my eyes, And the flash of my teeth, The swing in my waist, And the joy in my feet. I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me. Men themselves have wondered What they see in me. They try so much But they can't touch My inner mystery. When I try to show them They say they still can't see. I say, It's in the arch of my back, The sun of my smile, The ride of my breasts, The grace of my style. I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me. Now you understand Just why my head's not bowed. I don't shout or jump about Or have to talk real loud. When you see me passing It ought to make you proud. I say, It's in the click of my heels, The bend of my hair, the palm of my hand, The need of my care, 'Cause I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me. Maya Angelou

Expand your Horizons

I have been so fortunate to have traveled around the east side of the U.S. The fantastic places I've visited, the wonderful people I've met, has been so rewarding. I was just looking at recent pictures of Useppa Island Club posted on their Facebook page. Looking at those brought back so many wonderful memories and seeing all the people that brought such joy to my life, made me miss them so much. It's always hard to start the next chapter of your life because you're leaving behind something. I guess it's not always hard, sometimes the change is more than welcomed but this change was hard for me. To leave behind an island of people that I adored was really hard. It was never the job or the location that made me stay, it was the people.

Nathan and I chose to leave the island to move forward with life. I think we all know when it's time to move on but most people don't like change. It's scary and nerve wracking. We could have easily stayed there because it was comfortable but what kind of life is that?

I encourage everyone to travel, to see different places and meet different people. You learn so much about yourself and grow in ways you never expected. Get out of your box and experience life. Build relationships with people because they make life so much more enjoyable and fulfilling. Life isn't about acquiring things and being rich. Those things won't make you happy all the time or keep you company. One of the worst things that you can be in this life is lonely. We were not created to be by ourselves. Don't be afraid of change and moving on. You can never improve and better your life if you stay where you are forever.

Helping Hand

We all lead busy lives; work, children, running errands, cooking dinner, cleaning and so on. I don't have any children yet, thankfully but I do have an adorable nephew who can drive my sister nuts at times. When we were having lunch today I knew she needed some time to herself so Cameron came home with me so Kristen could spend some time by herself doing whatever she wanted.

I did this for many reasons, one being I love Kristen and hate seeing her so stressed. We all need time to ourselves and it's hard when you have children. I don't know how stay at home moms do it. Kudos to them. Such patience and tolerance. I encourage everyone to help out in these little ways to make a difference in someones life. We reap what we sow. If you help someone in need the favor will be returned.

Starting Points

I am reading the book The Reason for God by Timothy Keller and find it very interesting and is helping me see things differently. In one chapter he talks about how people view the church and what can put people off about Christianity. One of the things he talks about is character flaws in Christians. How many of us know someone who isn't a believer and is a better and more moral person than a believer you know? You've been to churches where there is pettiness and lying and people aren't gracious and welcoming. The thing we all have to remember is that just because someone goes to church doesn't mean he's perfect. We go to church to better ourselves and learn. We aren't all in the same place when we become Christians.

We reach out to God when we're struggling and in need of help. Who's more likely to reach for God: the person who was raised in a loving, safe family and social environment and never had anything bad happen to her or the person who was raised by a single mother and turned to drugs and alcohol because that's what her mom did? Who's more likely to see their need for a God? One of the girls is well adjusted, confident, smart and the other is burdened with deep insecurities, lack of self-confidence, addition and uncontrolled anger. The girl that has deep issues has accepted Christ but she is starting her walk with God in a very dark place. She has a lot of growing and learning to do. You end up meeting both girls and the one is doing great in life without God and the other one who has God is struggling. Do you think some people would think "What's the point of becoming a Christian? The one girl has a great life without God while the other one is struggling and has anger issues." The thing you have to understand though is how far has that girl come since she accepted Christ. She may not be perfect but her life is slowly getting better. You can't judge someone when you don't know where there journey started.

The rule of Christianity isn't that you come to God when you have your life cleaned up in order to merit God's presence. You come to God just as you are and He will transform you and make you into the person you can and will be. Since this is the case then, the church will be filled with people who are broken and immature and still have a long way to go emotionally, morally and spiritually. There's a saying, "The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.

God used many not perfect people in the Bible to accomplish his goals; Moses, David, Rahab and Jonah are just a few. You don't have to be perfect for God to work in your life, you just have to be willing and have an open heart.

I know God has worked in my heart since I accepted Christ. I am a much more loving person and I try my best not to judge. I know we all need love and acceptance to grow and learn. I give people the benefit of the doubt and I forgive easier. I accept people for who they are. I am truly a much better person. If you saw where I started and where I am now you'd see what effect God can have on you and your heart.

Footprints in the Sand One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there were one set of footprints. This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints. So I said to the Lord, "You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there have only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?" The Lord replied, "The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, is when I carried you."

Just Checking In

A minister passing through his church In the middle of the day, Decided to pause by the altar And see who had come to pray. Just then the back door opened, A man came down the aisle, The minister frowned as he saw The man hadn't shaved in a while. His shirt was kinda shabby And his coat was worn and frayed, The man knelt, he bowed his head, Then rose and walked away. In the days that followed, Each noon time came this chap, Each time he knelt just for a moment, A lunch pail in his lap. Well, the minister's suspicions grew, With robbery a main fear, He decided to stop the man and ask him, 'What are you doing here?' The old man said, he worked down the road. Lunch was half an hour. Lunchtime was his prayer time, For finding strength and power. 'I stay only moments, see, Because the factory is so far away; As I kneel here talking to the Lord, This is kinda what I say: 'I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD, HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN, SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHERS FRIENDSHIP AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN. DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY, BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY. SO, JESUS, THIS IS JIM CHECKING IN TODAY.' The minister feeling foolish, Told Jim, that was fine. He told the man he was welcome To come and pray just anytime Time to go, Jim smiled, said 'Thanks.' He hurried to the door. The minister knelt at the altar, He'd never done it before. His cold heart melted, warmed with love, And met with Jesus there. As the tears flowed, in his heart, He repeated old Jim's prayer: 'I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD, HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN, SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHERS FRIENDSHIP AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN. I DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY, BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY. SO, JESUS, THIS IS ME CHECKING IN TODAY.' Past noon one day, the minister noticed That old Jim hadn't come. As more days passed without Jim, He began to worry some. At the factory, he asked about him, Learning he was ill. The hospital staff was worried, But he'd given them a thrill. The week that Jim was with them, Brought changes in the ward. His smiles, a joy contagious. Changed people, were his reward. The head nurse couldn't understand Why Jim was so glad, When no flowers, calls or cards came, Not a visitor he had. The minister stayed by his bed, He voiced the nurse's concern: No friends came to show they cared. He had nowhere to turn. Looking surprised, old Jim spoke Up and with a winsome smile; 'the nurse is wrong, she couldn't know, That he's in here all the while Everyday at noon He's here, A dear friend of mine, you see, He sits right down, takes my hand, Leans over and says to me: 'I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, JIM, HOW HAPPY I HAVE BEEN, SINCE WE FOUND THIS FRIENDSHIP, AND I TOOK AWAY YOUR SIN. ALWAYS LOVE TO HEAR YOU PRAY, I THINK ABOUT YOU EACH DAY, AND SO JIM, THIS IS JESUS CHECKING IN TODAY.' Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart May God hold you in the palm of His hand And Angels watch over you.

Summer

Summertime brings about so many wonderful things! BBQ's, swimming, Fourth of July, Cedar Point and Kings Island, family vacations, hammocks, camps, boating, tubing, sunny days, water parks, my birthday (can't forget that one, LoL), weddings, family reunions, lazy days, air conditioning, and much more. Summer is total enjoyment.

Fourth of July

Since today is July 4th I think I'll give THANKS that I live in this fabulous country. It's not perfect but we, Americans have a lot to be thankful for. Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of press. We have opportunities and can have more than one child (although some don't know when to stop). We get to vote for our government leaders and all people get to vote; women, men, blacks, whites. We're a developed nation with running water, restaurants, doctors and hospitals. We don't have to walk miles to get clean drinking water and have plenty of food to eat. The list can go on and on but point is, we're lucky and have a lot to be thankful for. Happy 234th Birthday USA

Burned Biscuits

When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite! When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits." Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides - a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!" You know, life is full of imperfect things.....and imperfect people. I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else.What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each others' faults - and choosing to celebrate each others' differences - is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship. And that's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn't a deal- breaker! We could extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the basis of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship! "Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket - keep it in your own." Life is short, break the rules, forgive sooner, love with true love, laugh without control and always keep smiling. Maybe life is not the party we were expecting, but in the mean time we are still here and we can dance...... **not a personal story**

It's a Thinking Thing

Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it. Groucho Marx

I am a Pollyanna. Can't help it. I usually always have a smile on my face and I am friendly to everyone. Granted I am human so I have my moments but I am genuinely a happy person. I choose to focus on the good in my life, not the bad. In the last thirteen years that I have been in customer service I have come across some very unhappy, negative people and for whatever reason this is the way they are. I have also come across people who settled in life b/c they don't think they can do better. These people break my heart b/c I don't know how you can have a happy life with these attitudes. I don't wish for anyone to live life this way. They are missing out on so much.

Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be: Abe Lincoln

I've included things to remember so you don't live your life in defeat and unhappiness:

• The barrier is in your mind. If you don't think you can have what you want for whatever reason (like you're not good enough, smart enough, or rich enough) then you won't. You have to get over that mental hump and believe anything is possible which it is if you work hard enough. Wrong thinking will prevent good things from happening in your life.

• Your life won't change until you change they way you think. You have to drop the negative, cynical, unproductive thoughts and move onto positive, encouraging, and happy thoughts. No barely-get-by mentality.

• Your expectations set the boundaries for your life. If you expect to stay at the same job, making the same money and living in the same apartment then you will. Your thoughts link you to your actions. If your thoughts are saying you'll never move up at your job then your actions will show that's what you believe.

• Your emotions follow your thoughts. If you think sad, depressing thoughts, then that's the emotions you're going to feel. So important to think happy, positive thoughts.

• You can't let your circumstances or feelings dull your enthusiasm for life. It can imprison you in a negative frame of mind. We all go through tough times, it's inevitable but you can choose to keep a positive attitude and one that expects things to get better. There is always some good in your life. Choose to focus on that, not the bad things.

• Proverbs 23:7 "As a person thinks in his heart, so he will become."

• Proverbs 18:21 "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and you will eat the fruit thereof. "

• You move toward what you see in your mind so it's important to look where you want to be. Have a mental picture of the life you want and your actions should move you in that direction.

• If your thinking is limited then your life will be limited. Think BIG!

• Don't make plans for negative things. If your grandma and mom had breast cancer, don't plan to have breast cancer. Be proactive and get check-ups but don't plan on having it.

• Your words tend to produce what you're saying. If you keep telling your children they are lazy, then will start to think they are lazy and then act lazy. Watch the way you word things.

• Speak affirmatively about yourself. Don't keep thinking and telling yourself that you're not pretty or smart or a good enough mother. As you speak positively about yourself, you're building up your self-esteem.

• Other people's opinion does not determine your potential!

• Romans 12:1-2 "We should cast down every wrong imagination and take into captivity every wrong thought."

If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes: Andrew Carnegie

If you struggle with negative thoughts or bad attitudes, remember you are the only one that can make yourself happy. You are the only one that can change your attitude and thoughts. And once you do the sky is the limit.

Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude.- Denis Waitley

The Wooden Bowl

**I was going through my emails and came across this one that I received in 2007. I think the story makes a great point and something we need to remember**

I guarantee you will remember the tale of the
Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week
from now, a month from now, a year from now.

A frail old man went to live with his son,
daughter-in-law, and four-year
old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his

eyesight was blurred, and his
step faltered. The family ate together at the
table.

But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and
failing sight made eating
difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the
floor. When he grasped the glass,
milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with
the mess. "We must do
something about father," said the son. "I've had
enough of his spilled milk,
noisy eating, and food on the floor."

So the husband and wife set a small table in the
corner. There, Grandfather
ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed
dinner. Since Grandfather had
broken a dish or two, his food was served in a
wooden bowl!

When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction,
sometime he had a tear
in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words
the couple had for him were
sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled
food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his
son playing with wood
scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly,
"What are you making?"

Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am
making a little bowl for you
and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The
four-year-old smiled and
went back to work .

The words so struck the parents so that they were
speechless. Then tears

started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word
was spoken, both knew what

must be done.

That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand
and gently led him back to

the family table. For the remainder of his days he
ate every meal with the
family. And for some reason, neither husband nor
wife seemed to care any longer

when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the
tablecloth soiled.

On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.

I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life".

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn!