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It Takes a Village: Music Teachers

Music lesson in Enschede (Muziekschool) (Photo credit: Johan Koolwaaij)

When someone says they’ve accomplished everything in life with no help they must have a short memory. It takes a village to raise a child and keep adults on track. This is a tribute to some of the people in my village.

Music teachers have played an important part in my life. Mrs. Partridge was my violin teacher in grade school and Junior High. She saw potential in me I didn’t see in myself and showed me the doors music can open.

Mr. Starr, my college violin teacher, modeled the importance of integrity and values as well as a great love of music. The music department became a refuge for me.

Music feeds the soul and gives us an outlet for expressing emotion. It can become a social activity if we join a musical group and playing music is just plain fun.

A great big THANK YOU to all the music teachers teaching notes and technique while building character and spreading the love of music, May the music go on and on and on…

Thought for Today

English: Leo Buscaglia, Miami Book Fair International, 1987 (Photo credit: Wikipedia) “There are two big forces at work, external and internal. We have very little control over external forces such as tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, disasters, illness and pain. What really matters is the internal force. How do I respond to those disasters? Over that I have complete control.” Leo F. Buscaglia

Thought for Today

“If you wait until you can do everything for everybody, instead of something for somebody, you’ll end up not doing nothing for nobody.” ~ Malcom Bane

An Affirmation for Today

I AM a walking example of God’s Love.

Affirmations are positive statements that describe how you want things to be. Repeat affirmations often and they begin to work on the subconscious mind bringing it to positive action. They must be repeated with attention, interest, faith and desire to be effective.

So, today let’s focus on the statement I AM a walking example of God’s Love. It doesn’t matter if you know you fall short. Repeating this statement often will keep your attention focused on being an example of God’s love. When you are tempted to say or do something not so loving, the words will be there guiding you.

Thought for Today

“When God puts love and compassion in your heart toward someone, He’s offering you an opportunity to make a difference in that person’s life. You must learn to follow that love. Don’t ignore it. Act on it. Somebody needs what you have.” – Joel Osteen

Thought for Today

“At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by ‘I was hungry and you gave me to eat, I was naked and you clothed me, I was homeless and you took me in.’ Hungry not only for bread — but hungry for love. Naked not only for clothing — but naked for human dignity and respect. Homeless not only for want of a room of bricks — but homeless because of rejection.” ~ Mother Teresa

Thought for Today

Fall at Chalco #35 Copyright 2013 by R.A. Robbins — Fall at Chalco #35
Copyright 2013 by R.A. Robbins

“Remember happiness doesn’t depend upon who you are or what you have; it depends solely on what you think.” ~ Dale Carnegie (1888-1955

The Holiday eBook and Bob’s Birthday

I have made revisions and added a few things, including photos to my Holiday eBook Have Yourself a Healthy Little Holiday. It is now available through the Kindle Store or from our bookstore.

Tomorrow is Bob’s birthday, so today (11/9), tomorrow (11/10) and Monday (11/11) we are offering this book FREE to everyone. Yes, I said FREE! I want everyone to have the happiest and healthiest holiday season ever.

Here’s how you can help:

* Get your free copy from the Kindle Store.

* Write a review and rate the book on it’s Kindle page.

* Tweet during the giveaway using the hashtag #FreeHolidayeBook

* Please reblog this post or mention the book on your blog.

* Mention the book on Facebook, Linked In or other social media.

* Tell your friends and relatives — anyone you think might need this information.

* If you have an Amazon bookstore, please add Have Yourself a Healthy Little Holiday for the holiday season.

Thank you for your help.

Thought for Today

Fall at Chalco #28 Copyright 2013 by R.A. Robbins — Fall at Chalco #28
Copyright 2013 by R.A. Robbins

“Fearing to lose what you have is not the same as appreciation. You have to take a step beyond that.” ~Terri Guillemets

November Follower of the Month: Reena Davis

The November follower of the Month is Reena Davis who blogs at Yoga with Maheshwari. I know you will want to take a minute to drop by and visit her blog.

Serenity

In seeking a place of serenity we sometimes find ourselves going through rage. We fight against the people or circumstances that we perceive are keeping us from the place of peace. Yogis have a saying — no matter how twisted we are on the outside, inside we

remain calm. The ability to find our internal peace even as we go through the storms of life is a skill; one that we can develop using mindfulness, practicing metta (loving-kindness), and practicing peace when times are not so difficult. In those times

that our internal peace seems lost, the serenity prayer can be useful:

God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

The courage to change the things I can,

And the wisdom to know the difference.

~May you find the peace you are seeking. Namaste, Reena

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About the Author: Reena is a certified yoga teacher from the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre where she was given the spiritual name Maheshwari. Drawing inspiration from yoga as well as other spiritual texts and philosophies, Reena writes a blog at www.yogawithmaheshwari.wordpress.com