Scroll down for liberating a wardrobe. ♪ Carroll Roberson "He"♪
What makes life feel better?
Sometimes we are wary of change - not sure what works,
and what is really beneficial...
as we hug to ourselves routines, habits and thought patterns.
But, meanwhile we can be feeling like we
are almost stuck in a rut of work and expectations,
wishing we could change our life, but not sure how to start.
Follow some simple steps and a good change will follow.
As we wake thank God for the day and ask Him to lead us for what He wants from our day.
1. Move about, use and feel muscles!
Stretch and swing from waist, do a few squats against a chair (in-between tasks)
or take a short, brisk walk. - even around the garden-
in the freshness of morning- trim some plants and talk to the roses..
Feel invigorated, then begin to like it and work up to more vigorous activity
-or get an exercise ball -stretch and hold - while watching TV.
Simpy walking with a friend is wonderful!
Sometimes we are wary of change - not sure what works,
and what is really beneficial...
as we hug to ourselves routines, habits and thought patterns.
But, meanwhile we can be feeling like we
are almost stuck in a rut of work and expectations,
wishing we could change our life, but not sure how to start.
Follow some simple steps and a good change will follow.
As we wake thank God for the day and ask Him to lead us for what He wants from our day.
1. Move about, use and feel muscles!
Stretch and swing from waist, do a few squats against a chair (in-between tasks)
or take a short, brisk walk. - even around the garden-
in the freshness of morning- trim some plants and talk to the roses..
Feel invigorated, then begin to like it and work up to more vigorous activity
-or get an exercise ball -stretch and hold - while watching TV.
Simpy walking with a friend is wonderful!
1B. Begin and end the day with happy inner flora,
Drink half a lemon juice, enjoy vegies/grated sweet potato and egg gently cooked in coconut oil,-(with lid on)
with a refreshing hot peppermint tea, ie if we do our digestion a favour we feel better all over,
because an acidic system and flatulence will cause us feel quite depressed.
Before bed - take probiotic, either in tab form, or as fermented veg.
2. Keep in touch,
whether it's writing a letter, or using Facebook for contacting people,
take time to contact ones we care about, ask them about their day- it makes us think new thoughts.
Drink half a lemon juice, enjoy vegies/grated sweet potato and egg gently cooked in coconut oil,-(with lid on)
with a refreshing hot peppermint tea, ie if we do our digestion a favour we feel better all over,
because an acidic system and flatulence will cause us feel quite depressed.
Before bed - take probiotic, either in tab form, or as fermented veg.
2. Keep in touch,
whether it's writing a letter, or using Facebook for contacting people,
take time to contact ones we care about, ask them about their day- it makes us think new thoughts.
3. Play more music,
Open the window and listen to the birds or
put music on in the background while reading, or while getting ready in the morning,
music helps to invigorate and cheer.
4. Hug more,
it may sound simple, but hugging parents, children and close friends does make us feel loving and loved.
Don't wait to be hugged, they are more shy than us ;)
Open the window and listen to the birds or
put music on in the background while reading, or while getting ready in the morning,
music helps to invigorate and cheer.
4. Hug more,
it may sound simple, but hugging parents, children and close friends does make us feel loving and loved.
Don't wait to be hugged, they are more shy than us ;)
5. Be accepting of assistance.
Whether a friend is offering to cook or put the kettle on or keep us company,
say yes sometimes, they will feel cheered also.
If unwell, weak, run-down or lonely, this can be so nice.
6. Think happy thoughts, for happy thoughts become happy actions
Remember nice things about the past, the future, the birds we can hear, the sunshine, the flowers,
thank God for all we can think of.- Thankfulness does give strength.
Nice video - 'This world becomes a garden if...'
Whether a friend is offering to cook or put the kettle on or keep us company,
say yes sometimes, they will feel cheered also.
If unwell, weak, run-down or lonely, this can be so nice.
6. Think happy thoughts, for happy thoughts become happy actions
Remember nice things about the past, the future, the birds we can hear, the sunshine, the flowers,
thank God for all we can think of.- Thankfulness does give strength.
Nice video - 'This world becomes a garden if...'
7. Give hurts to Jesus
If sad, fearful, hurt feelings arise, give them to Jesus and leave them there,
He died for the release of all damage and hurt.
Then replace with inspiring creativity and hope and good dreams,
and doing something nice for someone-
even if its a friendly email.
Take guilt to the Lord Jesus, take hurts and unforgiveness to Him too,
allow His new thoughts of love to heal and renew our minds.
If sad, fearful, hurt feelings arise, give them to Jesus and leave them there,
He died for the release of all damage and hurt.
Then replace with inspiring creativity and hope and good dreams,
and doing something nice for someone-
even if its a friendly email.
Take guilt to the Lord Jesus, take hurts and unforgiveness to Him too,
allow His new thoughts of love to heal and renew our minds.
8. Ponder the reality of expectations
As children we expect someone to care for us, to meet our needs.
It takes time and experience to let go of that expectation.
When we mature, we can't expect another person to bring happiness,
that is part of childhood and the unreal movie land.
Other adults are needing love as much as we are-
we cannot expect them to have some different miraculous strength,
inspiration, romance, communication that we don't have.
They too have damage from the past.
Another human cannot create what we are searching for- they have the same 'searching' that we have.
The only way to find happiness/contentment is knowing
where we came from, why we are here and where we are going.
Being free is realising we need to know God made us, has a plan for us, loves us, died for us,
can live IN us, and is preparing a home for us,
-we then live in the beauty of everlasting life now.
To want to 'see' with God's eyes is the most liberating choice we can make.
As children we expect someone to care for us, to meet our needs.
It takes time and experience to let go of that expectation.
When we mature, we can't expect another person to bring happiness,
that is part of childhood and the unreal movie land.
Other adults are needing love as much as we are-
we cannot expect them to have some different miraculous strength,
inspiration, romance, communication that we don't have.
They too have damage from the past.
Another human cannot create what we are searching for- they have the same 'searching' that we have.
The only way to find happiness/contentment is knowing
where we came from, why we are here and where we are going.
Being free is realising we need to know God made us, has a plan for us, loves us, died for us,
can live IN us, and is preparing a home for us,
-we then live in the beauty of everlasting life now.
To want to 'see' with God's eyes is the most liberating choice we can make.
9. Be aware of frustration.
We can get frustrated with life and happenings and people,
sometimes we are not even aware that's why we feel niggly.
Frustration with imperfection can damage relationships, and our own contentment
This temporary life is frayed with decay and loss,
it must be so, to urge us to seek God's permanent world.
Accept reality and work within the challenge of keeping life as settled as we can,
be adaptable, be accepting, relax
and don't stress the little things, so we are prepared to manage the big things.
Most stuff really doesn't matter.
We need to learn to develop a smile down deep inside,
so when we get bumped it bubbles up as joy, not irritation.
We can get frustrated with life and happenings and people,
sometimes we are not even aware that's why we feel niggly.
Frustration with imperfection can damage relationships, and our own contentment
This temporary life is frayed with decay and loss,
it must be so, to urge us to seek God's permanent world.
Accept reality and work within the challenge of keeping life as settled as we can,
be adaptable, be accepting, relax
and don't stress the little things, so we are prepared to manage the big things.
Most stuff really doesn't matter.
We need to learn to develop a smile down deep inside,
so when we get bumped it bubbles up as joy, not irritation.
10. Don't worry what others think.
A Grandma wisely said.
"Don't worry about what others are thinking about you, they probably aren't,"
In other words, they are so busy coping themselves,
they won't spend much time being concerned about our life.
ie live as if we don't know what they are thinking.
Besides some people won't like us, no matter what we do,
just because they are different and do things different,
But, it is wonderful to be very thankful for and glad of those that we love being with.
A Grandma wisely said.
"Don't worry about what others are thinking about you, they probably aren't,"
In other words, they are so busy coping themselves,
they won't spend much time being concerned about our life.
ie live as if we don't know what they are thinking.
Besides some people won't like us, no matter what we do,
just because they are different and do things different,
But, it is wonderful to be very thankful for and glad of those that we love being with.
11. Enjoy something simple in a normal day eg
BUBBLE BATH,
warm up, relax - after being in the rain or a hard day.
MASSAGE
- ok now that's difficult, but just get your fav oil and rub it on your neck, hands, arms, legs and feet.
Being with a LOVED ONE
• Quiet moments with someone you love - your partner, family or friend. -Hug someone.
LIP BALM
Apply a healthy natural oil lip balm, so soothing
AROMATHERAPY
• Smell aromatic oils, light a fragrant candle, refresh the pot-pourri , breathe in some rose petals.
HOT SHOWER
nothing feels better than a nice, hot shower with nice fragrant shower gel..
8 GREEN TEA- decaff is best, or peppermint.
so nice after a big meal.
SWIM or spa
slip into cold bubbly water on a hot, summers day - one of the best feelings.
Soak feet in warm water and oil -PEDICURE, foot spa
BUBBLE BATH,
warm up, relax - after being in the rain or a hard day.
MASSAGE
- ok now that's difficult, but just get your fav oil and rub it on your neck, hands, arms, legs and feet.
Being with a LOVED ONE
• Quiet moments with someone you love - your partner, family or friend. -Hug someone.
LIP BALM
Apply a healthy natural oil lip balm, so soothing
AROMATHERAPY
• Smell aromatic oils, light a fragrant candle, refresh the pot-pourri , breathe in some rose petals.
HOT SHOWER
nothing feels better than a nice, hot shower with nice fragrant shower gel..
8 GREEN TEA- decaff is best, or peppermint.
so nice after a big meal.
SWIM or spa
slip into cold bubbly water on a hot, summers day - one of the best feelings.
Soak feet in warm water and oil -PEDICURE, foot spa
COLD DRINKS/banana smoothies
Yes, go make one with coconut milk, banana, vanilla, egg, and a dob of raw natural honey,
ANIMALS
Playing with furry friends is so peaceful and joyous. Walk the dog,
feed the guinea pigs, watch cats doing funny things, - all simple moments to love.
LAUGH
A joke shared with a friend; something on the radio; watching a comedy - laughter is one of the best feelings
and it's also the best medicine.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Have a picnic - even if it's on the living room floor
smell the flowers at the local gardens, go outdoors and feel close to all God created,
toss off the shoes and walk on grass or sand.
CHOCOLATE, find sugar/dairy/soy free choc and enjoy it.
or make a cocoa drink and add natural honey.
FINDING SOMETHING YOU THOUGHT YOU had lost
or a do-it-yourself project and discover that all you need, is at home without having to spend a penny
Yes, go make one with coconut milk, banana, vanilla, egg, and a dob of raw natural honey,
ANIMALS
Playing with furry friends is so peaceful and joyous. Walk the dog,
feed the guinea pigs, watch cats doing funny things, - all simple moments to love.
LAUGH
A joke shared with a friend; something on the radio; watching a comedy - laughter is one of the best feelings
and it's also the best medicine.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Have a picnic - even if it's on the living room floor
smell the flowers at the local gardens, go outdoors and feel close to all God created,
toss off the shoes and walk on grass or sand.
CHOCOLATE, find sugar/dairy/soy free choc and enjoy it.
or make a cocoa drink and add natural honey.
FINDING SOMETHING YOU THOUGHT YOU had lost
or a do-it-yourself project and discover that all you need, is at home without having to spend a penny
~ A Mother's Ponderings ~
1. Stay calm, we're all working through it.
There will always be someone you look at and think, what is it they have?
How come they have that - or - how did they become what they are?
Sometimes you might think it looking at a bunch of folks.
How come they look happy? Do I have a group I am happy with?
It's really very normal to feel it. Just feel it and then remember you have God and eternity
and a forever family,
then smile inside and smile at them and do something nice for someone and you'll soon brush it off.
2. Know what makes life content.
It's little things really, like; what memories smell like, what pretty things look like,
cute pets we have, watching the wind in the trees,
all the things, the cute stuff that makes us smile,
the people that are kind,
the ones who will be the same and pick up where you left off, even if it's years since you saw them,
it's folks who smile, even if it's the lady at the shop,
the way we work out what really matters in life,
and most of all it's being grateful.
It's that old saying it's not what you have
but what you make the most of- or how you use what you have.
3. Don't dwell on the bad things.
We all know if we smoulder with bitter thoughts, they become consuming,
and that God said - think on all that's good and kind and true.
He had good reason, for negativity does poison us, not just our mind and emotions, but our bodies too.
We will be healthier if we keep our souls calm and content.
Let's not be drama queens, but let's be true and balanced in our thinking,
and be real with ourselves and our friends and family.
Life brings us enough trouble, let's not bring it to ourselves.
God's Love, truth and light will keep us in His light, love and truth.
Love His light, for His light leads us home. One thing we can be sure of,
-"those who walk with God ALWAYS reach their destination"
4. Don't Sweat It.
When you feel like yelling, because it all seems too much, you feel overdone and too pressed,
then figure out how to deal with that feeling.
Yelling at someone will hurt worse. The regret of damaging a relationship hurts far worse.
You may feel justified, you may feel like it's the truth,
but it's HOW you say it that counts.
If you go away, or pause for a bit and ask God's wisdom,
how you return will be far more effective and things will change for the better,
for you will understand what to do and what to say..
God has a way of making miracles out of our weakness.
5. Do We Gain Or Lose
Pondering the quotes 'nothing comes for free'
and 'getting what you want comes with a price'
eg You wanted to go to a party, but then missed out on what the family did while you were away.
You want to get married, but then you must give up your past, Do you gain or lose?
You want a new house and new furnishings, but then how do you achieve that.
You want children but also want to do so many things.
How do we choose priorities so that we feel content with the choices we make?
Is there a way to know which we should choose?
There may be many thoughts floating about on this..
BUT
I know the only way is to ask God to guide each day,
so then the result of how it turns out and the direction it goes,
is not my responsibility but God's, for it is impossible to know what is a best choice.
Then we don't need to live in regret or sorrow for what occurs.-
There is no other solution.
BUT first- We need to know God's word, His guidelines, and trust HIM to take care of our needs,
eg if He says Mothers should be carers of the home, then I do just that and let Him provide all we need.
I don't need to have the mind-set to choose something for me, for He will make sure I receive what I need.
I have found this true over and over again.
eg He says - If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin,
then I will not watch TV, so they are not drawn by the pull of the world before they know what is right.
And I will be glad I have done all I can for the eternal security of my child.
I don't ever consider 'moving heaven and earth' to get what I want.
What do I want, I want my children in heaven - first priority.
6. Everything Does Work Together For Good.
This seems tough at times, VERY tough, for we cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel,
nor understand what God is up to.
But trust we must, and trust we need to, for then and only then will be find peace of heart.
Meanwhile during the trial, ask God to reveal what it is He is trying to teach and change in us..
So when the tears are flowing and you feel like screaming with;
anger, frustration, pain, hurt, fear, confusion, worry, dread, terror, loss, ,
ask Him "What are you planning Lord?" and"Teach me what You are working at in me?"
Ask Him every day if need be, but then also shhh and listen..
Allow Him to fill your heart, read His word until you find a peace of heart and a comfort.
“ I have faith that God will show you the answer.
But you have to understand that sometimes it takes a while to be able to recognize what God wants you to do.
That's how it often is. God's voice is sometimes a whisper,
and you have to listen very carefully to hear it. But other times, in those rarest of moments,
the answer is obvious and rings as loud as a church bell.”
― Nicholas Sparks
~ Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always.
~ 1 Chronicles 16:11
THE MOST IMPORTANT SKILL YOU CAN TEACH YOUR CHILD
'...Your thoughts...are the source of true life.' Proverbs 4:23
Teach your child to ask themselves these two questions:
1) 'How will I feel afterwards?'
What outlasts our decisions are the feelings.
Our actions ultimately become history, but our thoughts about them continue to shape our future.
'Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life.'
Children with healthy feelings re self are much less likely to indulge in antisocial behaviours.
Giving in to selfish choices is like abandoning the moral core of our being/the sacred soul God gave us.
2) 'How will the people I value feel about me after this decision?'
'Choose a good reputation over great riches;
being held in esteem is better than silver or gold'
(Proverbs 22:1 NLT).
'A person who plans (chooses) evil will get a reputation as a troublemaker' (Proverbs 24:8 NLT).
When you get a negative reputation, it's hard to recover from it (Proverbs 25:10 NLT).
The person God blesses must '...exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation...'
(1Timothy 3:2 NLT).
Thankfully God can forgive, heal and renew our lives again, when it all feels like it's gone wrong.
As seen in The UCB WordsFor Today
1. Stay calm, we're all working through it.
There will always be someone you look at and think, what is it they have?
How come they have that - or - how did they become what they are?
Sometimes you might think it looking at a bunch of folks.
How come they look happy? Do I have a group I am happy with?
It's really very normal to feel it. Just feel it and then remember you have God and eternity
and a forever family,
then smile inside and smile at them and do something nice for someone and you'll soon brush it off.
2. Know what makes life content.
It's little things really, like; what memories smell like, what pretty things look like,
cute pets we have, watching the wind in the trees,
all the things, the cute stuff that makes us smile,
the people that are kind,
the ones who will be the same and pick up where you left off, even if it's years since you saw them,
it's folks who smile, even if it's the lady at the shop,
the way we work out what really matters in life,
and most of all it's being grateful.
It's that old saying it's not what you have
but what you make the most of- or how you use what you have.
3. Don't dwell on the bad things.
We all know if we smoulder with bitter thoughts, they become consuming,
and that God said - think on all that's good and kind and true.
He had good reason, for negativity does poison us, not just our mind and emotions, but our bodies too.
We will be healthier if we keep our souls calm and content.
Let's not be drama queens, but let's be true and balanced in our thinking,
and be real with ourselves and our friends and family.
Life brings us enough trouble, let's not bring it to ourselves.
God's Love, truth and light will keep us in His light, love and truth.
Love His light, for His light leads us home. One thing we can be sure of,
-"those who walk with God ALWAYS reach their destination"
4. Don't Sweat It.
When you feel like yelling, because it all seems too much, you feel overdone and too pressed,
then figure out how to deal with that feeling.
Yelling at someone will hurt worse. The regret of damaging a relationship hurts far worse.
You may feel justified, you may feel like it's the truth,
but it's HOW you say it that counts.
If you go away, or pause for a bit and ask God's wisdom,
how you return will be far more effective and things will change for the better,
for you will understand what to do and what to say..
God has a way of making miracles out of our weakness.
5. Do We Gain Or Lose
Pondering the quotes 'nothing comes for free'
and 'getting what you want comes with a price'
eg You wanted to go to a party, but then missed out on what the family did while you were away.
You want to get married, but then you must give up your past, Do you gain or lose?
You want a new house and new furnishings, but then how do you achieve that.
You want children but also want to do so many things.
How do we choose priorities so that we feel content with the choices we make?
Is there a way to know which we should choose?
There may be many thoughts floating about on this..
BUT
I know the only way is to ask God to guide each day,
so then the result of how it turns out and the direction it goes,
is not my responsibility but God's, for it is impossible to know what is a best choice.
Then we don't need to live in regret or sorrow for what occurs.-
There is no other solution.
BUT first- We need to know God's word, His guidelines, and trust HIM to take care of our needs,
eg if He says Mothers should be carers of the home, then I do just that and let Him provide all we need.
I don't need to have the mind-set to choose something for me, for He will make sure I receive what I need.
I have found this true over and over again.
eg He says - If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin,
then I will not watch TV, so they are not drawn by the pull of the world before they know what is right.
And I will be glad I have done all I can for the eternal security of my child.
I don't ever consider 'moving heaven and earth' to get what I want.
What do I want, I want my children in heaven - first priority.
6. Everything Does Work Together For Good.
This seems tough at times, VERY tough, for we cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel,
nor understand what God is up to.
But trust we must, and trust we need to, for then and only then will be find peace of heart.
Meanwhile during the trial, ask God to reveal what it is He is trying to teach and change in us..
So when the tears are flowing and you feel like screaming with;
anger, frustration, pain, hurt, fear, confusion, worry, dread, terror, loss, ,
ask Him "What are you planning Lord?" and"Teach me what You are working at in me?"
Ask Him every day if need be, but then also shhh and listen..
Allow Him to fill your heart, read His word until you find a peace of heart and a comfort.
“ I have faith that God will show you the answer.
But you have to understand that sometimes it takes a while to be able to recognize what God wants you to do.
That's how it often is. God's voice is sometimes a whisper,
and you have to listen very carefully to hear it. But other times, in those rarest of moments,
the answer is obvious and rings as loud as a church bell.”
― Nicholas Sparks
~ Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always.
~ 1 Chronicles 16:11
THE MOST IMPORTANT SKILL YOU CAN TEACH YOUR CHILD
'...Your thoughts...are the source of true life.' Proverbs 4:23
Teach your child to ask themselves these two questions:
1) 'How will I feel afterwards?'
What outlasts our decisions are the feelings.
Our actions ultimately become history, but our thoughts about them continue to shape our future.
'Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life.'
Children with healthy feelings re self are much less likely to indulge in antisocial behaviours.
Giving in to selfish choices is like abandoning the moral core of our being/the sacred soul God gave us.
2) 'How will the people I value feel about me after this decision?'
'Choose a good reputation over great riches;
being held in esteem is better than silver or gold'
(Proverbs 22:1 NLT).
'A person who plans (chooses) evil will get a reputation as a troublemaker' (Proverbs 24:8 NLT).
When you get a negative reputation, it's hard to recover from it (Proverbs 25:10 NLT).
The person God blesses must '...exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation...'
(1Timothy 3:2 NLT).
Thankfully God can forgive, heal and renew our lives again, when it all feels like it's gone wrong.
As seen in The UCB WordsFor Today
When you thought I wasn’t looking...
I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator,
and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
I saw you feed a stray cat,
and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
I saw you make my favorite cake for me,
and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.
I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to,
and I learned to trust in Him.
I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick,
and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
When you thought I wasn’t looking,
I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing,
and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.
I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it,
and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
I saw how you handled your responsibilities,
even when you didn’t feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.
I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt,
but it’s all right to cry.
I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
I learned most of life’s lessons that I need to know
to be a good and productive person when I grow up.
I looked at you and wanted to say,
'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.'
I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator,
and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
I saw you feed a stray cat,
and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
I saw you make my favorite cake for me,
and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.
I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to,
and I learned to trust in Him.
I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick,
and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
When you thought I wasn’t looking,
I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing,
and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.
I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it,
and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
I saw how you handled your responsibilities,
even when you didn’t feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.
I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt,
but it’s all right to cry.
I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
I learned most of life’s lessons that I need to know
to be a good and productive person when I grow up.
I looked at you and wanted to say,
'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.'
THOUGHTS TO LIVE BY....
You shall not worry, for worry is the most unproductive of all human activities. You shall not be fearful, for most of the things we fear never come to pass. You shall face each problem as it comes. You can only handle one at a time anyway. You shall not carry grudges, for they are the heaviest of all life's burdens. You shall not become "bogged down" by frustration, for 90% of it is rooted in self-pity and will only interfere with positive action. |
You shall not take problems to bed with you,
for they make very poor bedfellows. You shall be a good listener, for only when you listen do you hear ideas different from your own. You shall not borrow other people's problems. They can better care for them than you. You shall not try to relive yesterday for good or ill, it is forever gone. Concentrate on what is happening in your life and be happy now! You shall count your blessings, never overlooking the small ones, for a lot of small blessings add up to a big one. ~Unknown~ |