2 THINGS DEFINE YOU - PATIENCE AND ATTITUDE

By Vernalee

This quote -"TWO THINGS DEFINE YOU: YOUR PATIENCE WHEN YOU HAVE NOTHING & YOUR ATTITUDE WHEN YOU HAVE EVERYTHING" - singles out two specific situations and the accompanying emotions – patience and attitude. In both cases, your needs are the same; your desires and wants on your wish list will likely not change. Nothing and Everything - are two opposite extremes with the latter for most being the preferable choice, however it is extremely important to keep a balanced view. Humility and keeping your feet on solid ground may be two handy things to keep in storage! They will serve you well and will never go out of style! Also keep these wise words by your side: * Failure teaches you that you aren’t perfect. * Never forget who was there for you when no one else was. * Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to have a good attitude while waiting. * Keep your Expectations (from others) balanced to minimize hurt and disappointment. * When you come to a point where you have no need to impress anybody, your freedom will begin. * No one can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending. * Your attitude determines your altitude by defining how high you go.

Do your best. Put your best foot forward. No matter where you land, be thankful; remain prayerful; keep striving. Photo credit: quotefancy

LIFE IS NOT A BED OF ROSES

By Vernalee

Without question, life and living are not without troubles or its accomplice, worry. Sooner or later, they walk through your door. Sometimes we worry about issues that do not directly concern us, but if they affect people that we love, they naturally become an extension of our lives. Flowers, particularly roses can be calming/soothing. Although they don’t wash our troubles away, roses brighten up our space. They are such beautiful flowers and come in an assortment of colors. Often, I think that roses, particularly red ones, have magical powers. A dozen delivered to my door can heal emotional wounds and bring instant joy and jubilation. A delivery of two dozen once made me jump through hoops. To its recipient, roses show thoughtfulness from the giver. They can definitely liven up your day and spirits with their fragrant delight. As beautiful and fragrant as roses are, rose bushes have thorns. The piercing of a thorn against our skin hurts. When that happens, we have God’s healing hands to give us relief. For certain, life is not always easy and is not without its problems. Certainly, it is not a bed of roses, but thank God for his mercy, love, grace, protection, and covering. Thank God for continuing the breathe of life in us and our loved ones. Actually, we need to thank God for the bed ... and for the roses.

Thank God for today and a tomorrow! As we feel the smooth petals, smell the fragrant scent, and adore the beauty of roses, we can digest God’s words and take in the beauty of his garden of life that is filled with many flowers along with life’s varied assets. As we stand, sit, and walk in God’s rose garden, we are provided with all of the necessities that we need in this life. He gives us the strength to make it through those troubled days. Oh yes, we are truly blessed! James 1:12 tells us – Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. Photo credit: www.brooklynmusuem.org

IF YOU LIE WITH DOGS, YOU GET UP WITH FLEAS

By Vernalee

Associating with bad company will most definitely yield negative consequences.

Beware of the company you keep. Associating with those of low reputation may not only lower your own, but it may also lead you astray.

The unscrupulous can be toxic and toxicity can produce - Fear, Bad and Manipulative Conduct, Avoidance, Neediness, and impair your Vision.

It is hopeful that we can discern who is in our lives - be they there accidentally or providentially. We know that if you "waller" with pigs, you get dirty. It is unavoidable! We also know that bad associations spoil useful habits, that birds of the same feather flock together, and of course, if we lie down with dogs, we get up with fleas.

It is not what we know. It is what we do with what we know! Many times, we see the dirt, but convince ourselves that we will remain spotless as we are much too smart to get the mud on us. Wrong!

The choices are ours to make. Our decision will reveal our wisdom. For lack of a better term, it will also determine how "clean" we are, become, and remain.