“Having inner peace means committing to letting go of self-criticism and self-doubt.” ― Sanaya Roman, Living with Joy: Keys to Personal Power and Spiritual Transformation
Thought for Today
Always Learning
Copyright 2014 by R.A. Robbins
It is important to continue to learn new things throughout our lifetime. It builds new neural pathways that keep our memories sharp and our brains young.
Habits and patterns of thinking and behavior can be hard to break so we can learn to think in new ways. We also get caught up in the need for higher education to get a good job and make a livable income and forget what it’s like to learn just for the sake of knowledge.
Learning opportunities are everywhere. Special interest classes are offered by colleges, community centers, county extension offices, churches etc. We learn by reading and researching topics that interest us. We can also learn by doing and experiencing. Want to learn to identify native birds? Find a field guide and a pair of binoculars and go bird watching. Want to learn to apply special effects to your photos? Learn everything you can about programs that will do this then start playing. Learning can and should be fun.
Staying young isn’t about looking like you’re still thirty in your seventies. It’s about having a healthy active mind that never stops learning. So go out there, learn something new and don’t forget to have fun!
What are you learning?
Thought for Today
“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” — Saint Francis de Sales [Source: http://www.stfrancislzparish.org/Pages/PatronSaint.aspx%5D
Thought for Today
“And so I went into the second phase of my life. I began to live to give what I could, instead of get what I could, and I entered a new and wonderful world.” — Peace Pilgrim [Source: Steps Toward Inner Peace http://www.peacepilgrim.com/steps1.htm%5D
Till the Storm Passes By
You learn to live with storms in the American Midwest, but I don’t think you ever get used to them. We live in a manufactured home. Thankfully, they aren’t built like they used to be. Newer models have vinyl or wood siding and shingled roofs, so we don’t have to deal with the sound of rain on a metal roof. But we live in a wooded area full of walnut and pecan trees so when it storms along with rain and possibly hail, tree branches and nuts fall as well. The first time we had a good storm it sounded like we were being bombed.
Early yesterday morning when I woke up to the sound of falling rain (and nuts) I also heard the old gospel song Till the Storm Passes By. I hope you will enjoy and find comfort in this version by Vestal Goodman.
Thought for Today
“We need to meditate on what is peaceful. Once we have ‘filled up’ in this way, we once again have an abundance of love to send out into the world.” — Jean Shinoda Bolen [Source: http://www.doonething.org/quotes/innerpeace-quotes.htm%5D
Follower of the Month for August: Cathy Mounts
Our August Follower of the Month is Cathy Mounts of Foodradical.wordpress.com with a wonderful healthy cooking idea.
Campfire Pouches
Photo Source: Cathy Mounts
There is something about being out in the woods that brings me a sense of peace. I can relax, I can be wondrous and thoughtful. I can find healing and gratitude. I can come back to the city feeling refreshed and renewed.
I have found tin foil pouches to be my number one favorite way to create delicious campfire meals, just the way I like them! That smoky, campy taste is undeniably delightful.
Using heavy duty tin foil, pull off a sheet that gives you enough coverage for folding (about 12″x12″), fill with your favorite veggies, layering with the veggies that cook the longest on the bottom. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with your choice of spices. Fold the foil and pinch edges to create a pouch. Set on campfire grill once flames are lower and wood is hot. Give it a shake every few minutes. Usually cooks up quickly!! Relax and enjoy.
Cathy Mounts is the author of the WordPress blog Foodradical. Be sure to stop by and visit. Cathy has lots of good healthy living and eating ideas.
Thought for Today
Copyright 2008 by R.O. & R.A. Robbins
“Peace comes from being able to contribute the best that we have, and all that we are, toward creating a world that supports everyone. But it is also securing the space for others to contribute the best that they have and all that they are.” —
HafsatAbiola in Architects of Peace: Visions of Hope in Words and Images (2000) edited by Michael Collopy
Healthy Living A to Z: R is for Rest
No matter how hard we try we cannot ignore the need of body, mind and spirit for rest. If we do not take time to rest and renew sooner or later the universe will intervene. For me this is when the car breaks down, the computer crashes, the electricity shuts down, or if all else fails to get my attention, I become physically ill unable to do much of anything.
First we must be sure we are getting enough sleep. The body must have sleep to recharge and repair itself. But rest can also involve meditation, spending time in nature, listening to music and other activities that are fun, joyful and help us reconnect with the Creator.
Set aside one day each week to rest, relax, recharge and reconnect. Turn off the “electronic devices.” Resist temptation to turn every activity into work, money or an opportunity for “success” and just be. Listen to the universe and you may receive the greatest inspiration yet.
Thought for Today
[Photo Source: MorgueFile]
“Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got a hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.” — George Bernard Shaw
espirational.com 