We are grateful, continued...

Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

Of course any of us can easily create a list of things that have went wrong in our life but it is a bit more difficult to look beneath the challenges and find silver linings that we probably reluctantly learned to appreciate. If you haven't, get ready for another round of heartache while the universe attempts to mentor you in a new direction!

I write 5 gratefuls down each day to get my mind processing positively. These articles also keep me on track. There are many times when I'm feeling down, I will thumb through the pages of my work and re-read an article or 2 as a reminder to keep my chin up.

I know things can get very tough but the message here is to make sure your focusing your energy on the positive stuff instead of energizing more mayhem!

Drop me a note and share what you are thankful for this year!

After his mother's death, continued...

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Examiner article

Unfortunately, Max is not alone. His story is among many; children with step-parents who do not feel the parental love they shared with their natural parent. Many of the newcomers do not feel this love in their heart nor to they feel it necessary to work on developing. During the interview with Max he did talk about how his Dad's wife, at times, tried to make an effort. Hopefully she'll continue to work on their relationship. Acknowledging a need for improvement is a great start.

I can only imagine what Max went through; first losing his mother and then trying to find a way to embrace someone else who is very different from his mom. Through all of his heartache he is still holding on to his faith and leaning on a support circle that includes his work with Willow House and his religion. Max has found a healthy way to cope and hopefully someday as he matures into an adult he'll find a way to relate better with his step-mom and she'll be able to view him as the remarkable person he is and will continue to be!

The power that elevates, continued...

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Examiner article

The power that elevates, many christians would start by giving God credit as the foundation of this. I believe he is the underlying source that fuels sincere power. Of course, individuals come to mind who have come to the forefront through dark power such as Hitler but this isn't the type of power my article is focused on. It is about striving for and succeeding through hard work and with purpose. Many times this means going against the current and overcoming hardship during the early years. Most people do not even attempt their dreams because of their fear associated with such hardship. It takes a lot of courage and persistence to keep pushing through!

People like Oprah have remarkable spirits, it is evident in their work.

I believe I have a remarkable spirit also and I am working to enable it to soar! I'm living each day with purpose and I'm fighting the change one obstacle at a time. I have faith that I'll get there. I'll never be Oprah, there is only room enough for 1 in this world and I'm just fine with that:) It is my dream to help as many as possible by inspiring and soothing souls with my art and words.

What is your purpose? Tell me about it, I really want to know.

Patience is love, hope and faith, continued...

Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

I am someone who leaves the house with a bag filled with opportunity just in case I get a spare moment during my day. Why not take advantage of this time? This is where multi-tasking really works well. It helps you get ahead while you're still crossing tasks off of your list. You're actually killing 2 birds with one stone although I would never really want to KILL A BIRD!

Everyone is intolerant at times because we're human but I do believe if you embrace the concepts shared in the article, you'll find your day, even when filled with delays, will run much more smoothly!

Leave me you thoughts, what do you think?

I hope you never hear, your mom died, continued...

Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

Max is an extraordinary teenager today. He suffered more than most can even imagine at the tender age of 8 years old. His world was changed and his dreams with his mother lost. It is a true miracle which I credit God for that he was able to work through this loss with the help of Willow House and come out of this as a healthy young adult.

I've said this before but the healing powers continue through volunteer work and Max is discovering this now as he works with kids in this organization. He chose a path that gives back as a gesture of love and appreciation that reflects his journey of loss and survival.

Do you know anyone who might benefit from Max's story? If so, please forward the blog and article link. Max is hopeful by sharing, he will continue to touch and help others!

You don't believe, continued...

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Examiner article

I often refer to myself as "hokey poky" because I believe in ghost, UFOs, psychics, heaven and hell, dream interpretation, and many other intangible and mysterious happenings. This doesn't mean I believe ever person who steps forward with a ghost video or every psychic who sells their service is real. Realistically there are probably more hoax's than real occurrences or fakes than authentic intuitive people. I love how Ghost Hunters go to "debunk" the activity first and if they catch their own evidence and after they've ruled out man-made interference, they rule it as "paranormal".

I do think that this mind-set carries over into flexibility in other areas of your life. Of course, you can still be open-minded and not believe in ghost but I think this case is an exception to the norm. It is interesting how your view/opinion can create havoc or promote flow. It is a great rule of thumb to start open-minded in every situation, look at the facts unbiased and then make your decision.

Are you open-minded? What are your thoughts about how this plays into your life?

Disappointed with politics, continued...

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Examiner article

I must admit that I wasn't very thrilled to jump out of bed yesterday and rush to the poll to vote. First of all the commercials that bombarded me on a daily basis caused me to run the other way. I was not motivated by the negative attacks that came forward. You see I usually vote for the person meaning I have been known to vote right left or in between (not really loyal to a party). I wasn't totally impressed with either candidate in our local Michigan election although I really am grateful for my right to vote. I don't mean this as an insult to these men who fought for the Governor's spot but I feel strongly about the horrid condition of the economy here in Michigan and because of this I was praying for an extraordinary person to step forward. I did do some research and I voted for the best person considering everything. I'm hopeful they will surprise me as their passion is fueled by our challenge!

As I stepped forward to cast my vote I thought of the women who were jailed as they stood strong and fought for the right to vote. It was their spirits I felt yesterday and that motivated me to get out of bed and fit voting into my day!

How do you feel about our voting process and/or about your political outcome?