WHAT IS INSPIRATION? Inspiration is a fragile thing... Just a breeze, touching the green foliage of a city park.

Just a whisper from the soul of a friend. Just a line of verse clipped from some book. Inspiration... Who can say where it is born, and why it leaves us? Who can tell the reasons for its being or not being? Only this... I can think inspiration comes from the Heart of Heaven... To give the lift of wings, and the breath of divine music to those of us who are earthbound. ~By Margaret Sangster~

AN INSPIRATIONAL POEM When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit-

Rest if you must, but don't you quit. Life is queer with its twists and turns, As every one of us sometimes learns, And many a fellow turns about When he might have won had he stuck it out. Don't give up though the pace seems slow You may succeed with another blow. Often the goal is nearer than It seems to a faint and faltering man; Often the struggler has given up Whe he might have captured the victor's cup; And he learned too late when the night came down, How close he was to the golden crown. Success is failure turned inside out The silver tint in the clouds of doubt, And you never can tell how close you are, It might be near when it seems afar; So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit It's when things seem worst that you must not quit. ~By Helen Stiener Rice~

L.O.V.E. Y.O.U.R.S.E.L.F.

Let go of the "shoulds" in your life. Open up to the miracle of now. Value your uniqueness.

Explore your dreams and passions. Yield to life - go with the flow. Obey the voice of your Spirit. Unwind - get cozy and comfy. Renew yourself - body and soul. Surround yourself with caring people. Express yourself - be true to you. Linger longer at what you enjoy. Feel God's special love for you.
~Author Unknown~

YOU HAVE WORTH Do not undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different that each of us is special. Do not set your goals by what other people deem important. Only you know what is best for you. Do not take for granted the things closest to your heart.

Cling to them as you would your life, for without them, life is meaningless. Do not let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past nor for the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live all the days of your life. Do not give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying. It is a fragile thread that binds us to each other. Do not be afraid to encounter risks. It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave. Do not shut love out of your life by saying it is impossible to find. The quickest way to receive love is to give love; The fastest way to lose love is too hold it too tightly; In addition, the best way to keep love is to give it wings. Do not dismiss your dreams. To be without dreams is to be without hope; To be without hope is to be without purpose. Do not run through life so fast that you forget not only where you have been, but also where you are going. Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored each step of the way. ~Nancye Sims.(shawn26@gte.net)~

A WORLD OF DREAMS Lean against a tree, And dream your world of dreams. Work hard at what you like to do, And try to overcome all obstacles. Laugh at your mistakes, And praise yourself for learning from them. Pick some flowers, And appreciate the beauty of nature. Say hello to strangers, And enjoy the people you know. Don't be afraid to show your emotions, Laughing and crying makes you feel better. Love your friends and family with your entire being, They are the most important part of your life. Feel the calmness on a quiet sunny day, Find a rainbow and live your world of dreams. Always remember life is better than it seems. ~Author Unknown~

A CREED TO LIVE BY. Don't dismiss your Dreams; to be without dreams is to be without hope. To be without hope is to be without purpose.

Don't run through life so fast that you forget where you've been, But also where you're going. Life is not a race, but a journey to be savoured every step of the way. Don't undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others: It is because we are different that each of us is special. Don't set your goals by what other people deem important: Only you know what is best for you. Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart. Cling to that as you would your life, for without them life is meaningless. Don't let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live all the days of your life. Don't give up when you still have something to give, Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying. ~Nancye Sims.(shawn26@gte.net)~

ONE One song can spark a moment, One flower can wake the dream. One tree can start a forest, One bird can herald spring.

One smile begins a friendship, One handclasp lifts a soul. One star can guide a ship at sea, One word can frame the goal. One vote can change a nation, One sunbeam lights a room. One candle wipes out darkness, One laugh will conquer gloom. One step must start each journey, One word must start each prayer. One hope will raise our spirits, One touch can show you care. One voice can speak with wisdom, One heart can know what's true. One life can make the difference, You see it's up to YOU! ~Author Unknown~

ALWAYS Always remember to forget The things that made you sad. But never forget to remember The things that made you glad. Always remember to forget The friends that proved untrue. But don't forget to remember Those that have stuck by you.

Always remember to forget The troubles that have passed away. But never forget to remember The blessings that come each day. ~Author Unknown~

REMEMBER TODAY Sometimes we tend to forget, You have a purpose that is all your own, No one else is you. You have dreams and hopes and desires, Listen to your heart for a while. Remember today all the blessings you have, There's beauty in every direction you look. Enjoy the abundance that is already yours, The world is a wonderful place and your're here. Remember today that you get what you give, Your world is a mirror of your inner self. Love will be yours when you give it away. Remember today that life is creation. As long as you live, you can always contribute Your own special voice. Remember today is a special time, Make the best of it while you can. ~Author Unknown~

HOW OFTEN WE WISH FOR ANOTHER CHANCE How often we wish for another chance To make a fresh beginning. A change to blot out our mistakes. And change failure into winning. And it does not take a special time To make a brand-new start, It only takes the deep desire To try with all our heart, To live a little better And to always be forgiving, To add a little sunshine To the world in which we're living. So never give up in despair And think that you are through, For there's always a tomorrow And a chance to start anew. ~Author Unknown~

RELISH THE MOMENT Yesterday belongs to history, tomorrow belongs to God. Yesterday's a fading sunset, tomorrow's a faint sunrise.

Only today is there light enough to love and live. So, gently close the door on yesterday and throw the key away. It isn't the burdens of today that drive men and women mad, but rather the regret over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow. "Relish the moment" is a good motto, especial when coupled with Psalms 118:24: "This is the day which the Lord hath made: we will rejoice and be glad in it" So stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead..., Swim more rivers, climb more mountains, Kiss more babies, count more stars. Laugh more and cry less. Go barefoot more often. Eat more ice cream. Ride more merry-go-rounds. Watch more sunsets. Life must be lived as we go along. ~Author Unknown~

IF TODAY... "If you planted hope today In any hopeless heart. If someone's burden was lighter

Because you did your part. If you caused a laugh That chased some tears away. If tonight your name is named When someone kneels to pray. Then your day has been well spent." ~Author Unknown~

SUNSHINE AND RAIN No Life is useless and no day is vain, For God has a purpose for sunshine and rain All are discouraged and everyone cries But we're never alone beneath cloudy skies, All hearts can break... they're fragile as glass But God will mend them, and this too shall pass. Sometimes we succeed, and sometimes we fail So follow your dream whatever the trail, For no one's a loser who gives it his best, and you can stand tall above all the rest. Those who are faithful are noble at heart, And no life is useless when God has a part. Be swift to give praises and slow to complain.... God has a purpose for sunshine and rain.

~By Clay Harrison~

WORDS OF WISDOM Do more than exist, Live Do more than touch, Feel Do more than look, Observe Do more than read, Absorb Do more than hear, Listen Do more than listen, Understand Do more than think, Ponder Do more than talk, Say Something! ~Author Unknown~

OBSTACLES For a long time it seemed to me that real life was about to begin, but there was always some obstacle in the way. Something had to be got through first, some unfinished business; time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.

~By Bette Howland~

ASKED GOD FOR STRENGTH...

that I might achieve; I was made weak, that I might learn to humbly obey.

I asked God for strength,

that I might do greater things; I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for health,

that I might be happy; I was given poverty, that I might be wise.

I asked for riches,

that I might have the praise of men; I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for power,

that I might enjoy life; I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I asked for all things,

But everything I had hoped for.

I got nothing that I asked for,

I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

~Author Unknown~

BALANCE WITHIN So much of the time, I believe, we have much more room for activity and doing in our lives, but in some way convince ourselves we're just too busy. Too busy to talk with a friend, too busy to plant flowers, too busy to try something that we've always wanted to do. The list goes on and on. But the truth is that when we are imbalanced by not honoring what is best for us as individuals, even the most sedentary lifestyle can seem stressful. It doesn't have to be that way though. At this time of new beginnings, perhaps it is time to have a renewed look at your dreams and aspirations. Determine what you wish to do, and what elements may be missing in your life that would give you the sense of balance and fullness once enjoyed. It is these things, sometimes very small, that will give you the sense of happiness if any can. Choose well to know your dreams! ~Author Unknown~

DON'T EVER... Don't ever try to understand everything, some things will just never make sense.

Don't ever be reluctant to show your feelings when you're happy, give into it! When you're not, live with it. Don't ever be afraid to try to make things better, you might be surprised at the results. Don't ever take the weight of the world on your shoulders. Don't ever feel threatened by the future, take life one day at a time. Don't ever feel guilty about the past, what's done is done. Learn from any mistakes you might have made. Don't ever feel that you are alone, there is always somebody there for you to reach out to. Don't ever forget that you can achieve so many of the things you can imagine, imagine that! It's not as hard as it seems. Don't ever stop loving, don't ever stop believing, don't ever stop dreaming your dreams. ~By Laine Parsons~

ALWAYS HAVE A DREAM Forget about the days when it's been cloudy, but don't forget your hours in the sun. Forget about the times you've been defeated,

but don't forget the victories you've won. Forget about the mistakes that you can't change now, but don't forget the lessons. Forget about the misfortunes you've encountered, but don't forget the times your luck has turned. Forget about the days when you've been lonely, but don't forget the friendly smiles you've seen... Forget about the plans that didn't seem to work out right, but don't forget to always have a dream. ~By C Willing~

ONE THING TO NEVER FORGET One Thing To Never Forget Your presence is a PRESENT to the world. You're UNIQUE and one of a kind. Your Life can be what YOU want it to be. Take the days just one at a time Count your BLESSINGS, not your troubles. You'll make it through whatever comes along. Within you are so many ANSWERS. Understand, have courage, be STRONG. Don't put LIMITS on Yourself. So many dreams are waiting to be REALIZED. Decisions are too important to be left to chance. Reach for your peak, your goal, and your PRIZE.

Nothing wastes more ENERGY than worrying. The longer one carries a problem, the HEAVIER it gets. Don't take things too SERIOUSLY. Live a life of SERENITY, not a life of regrets. Remember that a little love GOES A LONG WAY. Remember that a lot, goes FOREVER. Remember that FRIENDSHIP is a wise investment. Life's treasures are people...TOGETHER. Realize that it's NEVER TOO LATE. Do ordinary things in an EXTRAORDINARY way. Have health and hope and HAPPINESS. Take the time to wish UPON A STAR. And don't EVER FORGET... For EVEN A DAY... HOW VERY SPECIAL YOU ARE. ~Author Unknown~

TAKE THE TIME Take time to be friendly--It is the road to happiness. Take time to dream--It is hitching your wagon to a star. Take time to love and to be loved---

It is the privilege of the gods. Take time to look around--It is too short a day to be selfish. Take time to laugh--It is the music of the soul. ~Old English Prayer~

MAKE EACH DAY OF YOUR LIFE HAPPIER Every Day ... Share a kind word with a friend. Give away a smile. Tell one secret. Listen to what someone has to say. Listen with your heart, to what someone cannot say. Try one new thing. Forgive one person who has hurt you. Forgive yourself for past mistakes. Realize your imperfections. Discover your possibilities. Make a new friend. Accept responsibility for everything you do. Refuse responsibility for anyone else's actions. Dream one dream. Watch the sunset. Cherish what you have. Cherish who you are.

Love your life. ~Author Unknown~

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES

"Waste not fresh tears over old griefs." "Life is thickly sown with thorns, and I know no other remedy than to pass quickly through them. The longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater is their power to harm us." ~By Voltaire~ "Though no one can go back and make a brand new start my friend, anyone can start from now and make a brand new end." ~By Carl Bard~ "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." "Troubles like babies grow larger by nursing." "If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it." "Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we should dance." "Worry a little bit every day and in a lifetime you will lose a couple of years. If something is wrong, fix it if you can. "Complaining about your problems takes up much more time than solving them." "You have to live life, To love life, And you have love

life, To live life." "Train youself not to worry. Worry never fixes anything." "Problems are only as big as you yourself will allow them to be. Clear your mind, glance again and you will find that they are not as big as they seem." ~Author Unknown~ "All the hardships that come to you in life, all the tribulations and nightmares, all the things you see as punishments from God, are in reality like gifts. They are an opportunity to grow." ~Author Unknown~ "Don't let yesterday use up too much of today." ~By Will Rogers~ "A day you waste is one you can never make up." ~By George Allen~ "The way you get rid of the fear of doing something is to go out and do it!" ~Author Unknown~ "As every thread of gold is valuable, so is every minute of time." ~By Mason~ "Each morning when you wake up, You choose to take a step forward, A step back, Or remain the same." ~Author Unknown~ "Problems don't go away if you ignore them, but they won't seem as significant if you change your perspective about them." "Complaining about your problems takes up much more time than solving them." ~Author Unknown~ "Do not undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different that each of us is special."

~Author Unknown~ "I try to avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward." ~By Charlotte Bronte~

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