Thoughtful Thursday: Tips For A Better Life

I recently received these tips in an email and really enjoyed reading them so I thought I'd share them here on the blog:

1. When you wake up in the morning, always start your day with a prayer.
2. And then, complete the following statement: My purpose is to__________ today.
3. Take a 10 to 30-minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
4. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day...buy a lock if you have to.
5. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
6. Drink plenty of water and fresh juices. Eat blueberries,salad, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds, etc.
7. Make at least three people smile each day.
8. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present.
9. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone, so give the best of your kindness.
11. Take yourself seriously.
12. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
14. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about. Don't compare your partner with others either.
15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you. So, just be happy!
16. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
17. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; Responsibility for all your actions.
18. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
19. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: In five years, will it matter? Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class, but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
20. Forgive everyone for everything.
21. Read more books and watch less TV than you did last year.
22. What other people think of you is none of your business.
23. God has everything you'll ever need in life so hook up with Him.
24. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
25. In disagreements with loved ones, deal with the current situation; don't bring up the past.
26. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful in your life.
27. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch.
28. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
29. Keep believing that the best is yet to come.
30. Once a year, go some place you've never been before.
31. Each day give or do something good to/for others.
32. Don't over-do. Keep your limits. Learn to say "No."
33. Sleep for 7 hours every day or what ever your body needs.
34. Don't trust someone who doesn't close their eyes when you kiss them.
35. Remember that the best relationship is one where your love for each other is greater than your need for each other.
36. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a stroke of luck.
37. Do the right thing...even if it's not the easiest!
38. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for__________. Today I accomplished_________ .
39. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
40. Trust in God, but lock your car.
41. Realize that as you get older, you are not approaching death, but heaven.
42. Know that God heals everything.

Thoughtful Thursday

Before you begin reading, scroll down to the very bottom of this page. Look for the Playlist. Click on the third song (Sweet By and By) and then come back up here. Make sure your speakers are turned on. Then continue reading below.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

Perfect. Isn't that beautiful? That song evokes a very sweet memory for me. The person in the center of that memory is my Granny Bradley.

I can distinctly remember going to church with her as a young child. I remember the tiny old handles to the church door. I remember the kind old white-haired pastor - Brother Trotter - that always shook your hand as you left. I remember the wooden pews that were surprisingly comfy. I remember the Sunday School room where my aunt taught any kids that happened to be visiting that day. I remember learning my first Bible verse - John 3:16 - and the pride I felt when I had it completely memorized.

Then comes this song. I vividly remember standing next to Granny as she sang this song in a very sweet, off-key voice with all her heart while my aunt played the antique church piano during the worship service. I recall several old hymns, but this one stands out in my mind. Hearing it how makes my heart yearn for a simpler time and place. Oh how I wish I could go back in time and relive another Sunday like that. I know I would appreciate the moment a lot more now than I did back then. Do you have a special memory you wish you could relive? I'm pretty sure we all have them...if only we take the time to remember. As this song plays out, bask in your own sweet memories and appreciate the moments so fondly remembered.

Thoughtful Thursday

Today I want to copy some info I read on another blog. After reading it, I thought about it for a long time and what exactly it meant to me. I hope you will do the same. Again, this is copied from another person's blog, but it is very thought provoking so I thought I'd share it here. Click the words in bold for additional links.

I had a friend who said he just couldn't pray for a certain President we had -- even though he knew what Jesus said. I'm guessing he'd have even more trouble adopting a terrorist. Want to? You don't have to actually bring him home and make scrambled eggs and bacon and tuck him in at night. But maybe something good could happen, even from far away. There's a whole catolog of terrorists to choose from. Pick yours HERE.