God,
Grant me serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can
And Wisdom to know the difference!
In Stillness...Listen
Turn off the alarm and get up, early.
Turn off the tv,
the vcr,
the radio,
the computer,
the telephone,
the oven.
Tune out all worldly cares.
Close the door.
Bend your knees.
Listen:
"Be still, and know that I am God."
He speaks to those who listen,
in silence, waiting.
Listen:
For insight.
Answers.
Blessings.
Conviction.
Encouragement.
Love.
His still, small voice speaks to those who listen.
Changes happen.
Love is renewed.
Blessings are bestowed.
Joy replaces tears.
Miracles occur, daily.
Lives are touched.
The Spirit makes us whole.
Those who bend their knees
and in stillness listen
know that
He is God. ~Leslie Seifert
Footprints
One night a man had a dream.
He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the
sand: one belonged to him, and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life
there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very
lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him,and he questioned the Lord about it.
"Lord, You said that once I decided to follow You,
You'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times
in my life, there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when I needed You most
You would leave me."
The Lord replied, "My precious child,
I love you and would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred...let me sow love.
Where there is injury...pardon.
Where there is doubt...faith.
Where there is despair...hope.
Where there is darkness...light.
Where there is sadness...joy.
Oh Divine Master, grant that I may not so much
seek to be consoled...as to console.
To be understood...as to understand.
To be loved...as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.
It is in dying that we are born to eternal life. ~St. Francis of Assissi
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly,
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant,
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter,
for always there will be greater
and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble,
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But, let this not blind you to what virtue there is,
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be Yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit
to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And, whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore, be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be Cheerful.
Strive To Be Happy. ~Max Ehrmann
I Wish...
When you are Lonely,
I wish you Love.
When you are Down,
I wish you Joy.
When you are Troubled,
I wish you Peace.
When things are Complicated,
I wish you simple Beauty.
When things are Chaotic,
I wish you inner Silence.
When things are Empty,
I wish you Hope.
Know that even the darkest night
Is followed by the dawn! ~KayLynn Penaluna
