It's a mindset

you is loved

expect nothing . . . no no no, expect everything, expect the best to happen

Positive Thinking is not only about expecting the best to happen. But it is also about accepting whatever happens is for THE BEST or making the best of whatever has happened. 

But always expect good things to come your way, we atract what we think, we create what we think, expect the best, appreciate come what may. 

trust

slow down. calm down. don't worry. don't hurry. trust the process.

I think I will be HaPpY toDaY

Count them one by one

You can accomplish anything

when the challenges we face are frightening

More than 150 years ago, thousands of stalwart pioneers fled their comfortable homes into the wilderness in search of freedom from religious persecution. A newspaper headline from 1914 summarized their remarkable westward trek in these words: "Strong Men, Brave Women and Sturdy Children Crossed the Wilderness Afoot."

But if you could talk to some of those men, women, and children, they would probably tell you that they didn't always feel strong, brave, and sturdy. Betsey Smith Goodwin, who pushed and pulled a handcart more than 1,000 miles as a 13-year-old, recalls food rationing and bitter cold weather. "But we never forgot to pray," she said, "and we sang, 'Come, Come, Ye Saints,' with great zeal and fervor. We realized that we needed the help of God to see us through."

Betsey continues, "I will not dwell upon the hardships we endured, nor the hunger and cold, but I like to tell of the goodness of God unto us." She recounts one day that especially stood out in her memory. The wind blew fiercely. The dark clouds were ominous and threatening. The approaching storm was so violent, the thunder and lightning so frightening, that even the ox teams refused to take another step. The group's captain stood in the middle of the road, took off his hat, and bowed his head. Soon other members of the company joined him in bowing their heads and removing their hats, until 100 carts had gathered around the captain, who said, "Let us pray." Betsey remembers that as he poured his heart out in prayer, heaven felt close. The clouds then parted, and the company pressed forward with faith until they reached camp and pitched their tents—just before the storm clouds finally burst open with torrents of rain.

So often, the best thing to do—the only thing to do—is pray and then get to work. That's true whether we're crossing plains in handcarts or facing more modern hardships and difficulties. When our days are daunting, when the challenges we face are frightening even paralyzing for a moment we don't have to rely on our own strength, bravery, or sturdiness. We can seek divine help. As we do, will be able to share with future generations stories of 

"the goodness of God unto us." 

Lloyd D. Newell

You are worthy of your own trust

You are wonderful

Love one another as I have loved you

It's more than just worth it

So far

There is beauty all around

. . . may cherish them over a lifetime

One thing this world needs more of is kindness. Our daily interactions provide limitless opportunities for more patience, thoughtfulness, forgiveness, and compassion: in other words, more kindness. 

A short poem by an unknown author conveys this sentiment well:

I have wept in the night

For the shortness of sight

That to somebody's need made me blind;

But I never have yet

Felt a tinge of regret

For being a little too kind.

Perhaps the pressing demands on our time are what make us blind to the needs around us. When we're preoccupied with ourselves, it's easy to forget that everyone has the same basic needs—we all need and appreciate basic human kindness. And though we've all felt a "tinge of regret" for being a little less than kind, we can resolve to open our eyes, and more importantly our hearts, to be a little more kind in our interactions. 

Everyone who tries to do this—in homes, in workplaces, in communities—discovers the same thing: When we simply practice genuine kindness, other desirable qualities—respect, honesty, trust, fairness, and affection—all blossom and grow. In the absence of kindness, nothing very positive can take root or flourish. 

We might have different views on any aspect of life, we might disagree on a range of issues, or we might have diverse personalities and interests—but we all have the need for kindness. The well-known American writer and speaker Dale Carnegie shared his belief that we all have within ourselves the "power to increase the sum total of the world's happiness . . . By giving a few words of sincere appreciation to someone who is lonely or discouraged . . . Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime."

We never forget kindness in word or deed. And we will never regret being a little too kind. 

Lloyd D. Newell

Happy 4th of July - I love you! :D xoxox

Land of the Free

Home of the Brave

sometimes we just need a little reminder

When you need something to believe in start with yourself

really truly

Be your own hero

We'll miss you Aaron!

My brother Dave's stepson Aaron just passed away. He was 36. The kids all called Dave Dad and were very close. I just found this picture in a bag of memories mom sent home with me recently. I drew this in Florida when we lived there Jan 8, 1992, just a few months before my son Joshua was born. Dave is the only sibling I've ever drawn anything for that I can remember. :'] Hearts breaking for them!

When you are empty

Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.

who makes you happy?

note to SELF:

every time you were convinced you couldn't go on, you did.

It's good to be less green

You can

Yes, life can be a challenge at times

There's no question that we live in a beautiful world and that life is full of reasons to be grateful and joyful. But unfortunately, we still manage to find things to complain about. It may be the weather, traffic, current events, the people around us or anything in between. Yes, life can be a challenge at times, but there are better ways to face life's challenges than complaining about them.

Years ago, a member of the board of trustees of a large university overheard some students grumbling about various aspects of college life. The advice he gave them was perhaps a bit surprising. He suggested "that they lay their books aside for a few hours, leave their rooms, and go visit someone who is old and lonely, or someone sick and discouraged. By and large," he said, "I have come to see that if we complain about life, it is because we are thinking only of ourselves. . . . The most effective medicine for the sickness of self-pity is to lose ourselves in the service of others."

You've probably heard this counsel before, but it's worth a reminder. While venting our frustrations may help us feel better for a moment, what really improves our outlook and enriches our lives is thinking of others. It's simple, really, but simple things are not always easy.

For many years now, one woman has made it her practice to start her day by thinking about who might need her help. Who can she call? Who can she visit? Who might need a little sunshine? Somehow she can always think of someone; there's no shortage of people to reach out to. Sometimes she offers nothing more than a listening ear; other times she brings small gifts or food, but always she gives a portion of herself only to have it replenished for the next day's giving! 

Yes, there's certainly a lot to complain about in life. But giving of ourselves not only shifts our focus away from our problems, it also allows us to make the world just a little more beautiful even if it's only in small ways. As the university leader wisely observed, "Generally speaking, the most miserable people I know are those who are obsessed with themselves; the happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others."

Lloyd D. Newell

:D

the sacredness . . . Don’t worry. I’ll take care of you

Happy Fathers Day

A young father, noticing that his wife was not feeling well, made extra efforts to help out. He took care of things around the house, prepared a warm bath for her, and took the children for a walk so she could rest. "Don't worry," he told her. "I'll take care of you." Imagine the satisfaction he felt when, a few days later, he heard his three-year-old daughter use these same words when she acted kindly to her mother. The father felt grateful but also humbled. He realized how closely his daughter was observing his behavior. He determined to be more intentional about setting a good example for his daughter to follow. 

Good wisdom is offered in this statement about fatherhood: "As a father, you are always teaching. For good or ill your family learns your ways, your beliefs, your heart, your ideas, your concerns. Your children may or may not choose to follow you, but the example you give is the greatest light you hold before your children, and you are accountable for that light."

Fathers always matter. But too often, modern media portrays fathers as incompetent, indifferent, or simply absent from family life. And while it's true that there are some disengaged fathers in real life, most would do anything to protect and provide for their family; they desire to work hard and set a good example. 

Of course, no father gets it right every time. Some days are better than others, but if a father tries to live so that his children can honor his name, so that they think of him with love and affection, so that they remember him as a man of honor and integrity, then that father, while less than perfect, is a good father. Each father is a work in progress, and it is in the process of trying that he makes his progress. His very efforts refine him, slowly helping him become all that he is capable of becoming; nothing allows for opportunities for growth and development like fatherhood. 

The greatness of the task, the sacredness of the responsibility may make some fathers feel inadequate, but good fathers simply stand up, do their best, and say to their families, through their words and actions, "Don't worry. I'll take care of you." 

Lloyd D. Newell

the happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.

"Once you become consciously aware of just how powerful your thoughts are, you will realize everything in your life is exactly how YOU allow it to be."

 

The Meaning of Life

  HELPING PEOPLE

+ YOUR TALENTS

-------------------------------------

PURPOSE

It's not how we look, it's how we see

It is better to Look Up!

"Sometimes, of all the people in the world, the one who is the hardest to forgive—as well as perhaps the one who is most in need of our forgiveness—is the person looking back at us in the mirror."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"The Lord looks upon the light we have received, the desires of our hearts, and our actions, and when we repent and seek His forgiveness, He forgives. As we consider our own lives and the lives of our loved ones and acquaintances, we should be equally willing to forgive ourselves and others."

 Craig A. Cardon

"Whenever we are inclined to feel burdened down with the blows of life's fight, let us remember that others have passed the same way, have endured, and then have overcome."  

 Thomas S. Monson

"Every day brings something beautiful if we are just willing to look up and see it." 

Marjorie P. Hinckley

"Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see the beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead." ... Remember, "It is better to look up" with gratitude and love, and in this way—see God moving in His majesty and power! 

Louisa M. Alcoot

"In order to be guided in life's journey and have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, we must have a "hearing ear" and a "seeing eye," both directed upward. We must act on the direction we receive. We must look up and step up. And as we do, I know we will cheer up, for God wants us to be happy." 

Carl B. Cook

"Jesus Christ has commanded us, 'Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.' Doubt, fear, and worry indicate we have taken all of life's burdens and anxieties on ourselves. When plagued by thoughts that you are inadequate, confidently say, 'I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.' Then as you 'cheerfully do all things that lie in your power,' you can rest assured that the Lord will do the remainder and things will work out all right."

Anthony D. Perkins

"With our hands to the plow, looking forward; with our eyes to the light, looking upward; we enter into our 'Father's business' with fear and trembling and love. We know our Heavenly Father lives. We know his glorified Son Jesus Christ lives. And we know his work is divine." 

Spencer W. Kimball

No Bake Mini S’more Cheesecakes

Six Sisters Stuff

Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 1 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs
• 6 Tablespoons of butter, melted
• 1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
• 1 jar (14 oz.) marshmallow creme
• 1 cup of miniature marshmallows
• 1 cup of hot fudge
• 6 Fun Size Hershey Bars, broken in half (For the topping)
• 6 individual graham cracker sticks, broken in half (For the topping)

Instructions

1. Mix together the graham crumbs and butter until well blended; press onto bottoms of 12 paper-lined muffin cups. Spoon ¾ cup of heated Hot Fudge evenly over crusts.
2. Beat the cream cheese and marshmallow creme in small bowl with mixer until well blended. Spoon into muffin cups; top with marshmallows.
3. Drizzle with hot fudge and put a graham cracker and piece of Hershey's chocolate in each one. Refrigerate 3 hours before serving. 

Happy Birthday Susan! “I’m glad you were born!” :D

For the most part, every day on the calendar is like every other—each starts with sunrise and ends with a sunset, with lots of busyness in between. But there are certain days that we set apart. National holidays, for example, help us remember our past and inspire our future. Religious holidays turn our hearts toward things of the soul. And then we have personal days of remembrance—such as birthdays and anniversaries—to commemorate the milestones in our own lives and the lives of those we love. 

What would happen to our sense of self and family if birthdays and anniversaries were forgotten or ignored? A birthday is certainly more than cake and ice cream; it is an expression of gratitude that someone we care about came into the world and came into our lives. One family, for example, always makes it a point to say on birthdays, “I’m glad you were born!” Similarly, anniversaries give us the chance to mark important events; they link us to the past and point us to the future, giving life a sense of continuity from one year into the next, generation after generation. Each birthday and anniversary is a celebration of enduring life and love, memories and milestones. And that is something worth celebrating. 

More than one children’s book depicts a character who loves birthdays so much that he or she wants to have one every day! The character soon realizes that what makes such a day extraordinary is that it happens only once a year. It marks a meaningful passage of time. While we look for opportunities to express love and even gather as friends and family as often as possible, a birthday or anniversary is something we plan and prepare for, a special event that deserves special attention. Then, even in advancing years, we cherish those important days and look forward to the next one as a time to give and receive love. 

Be our celebrations large or small, it’s good to take time to remember, reflect, and rejoice. As the English poet Alexander Pope wrote:

“Pleased to look forward, pleased to look behind,
And count each birthday with a grateful mind.”
'
-Lloyd D. Newell

Breathe in the amazing

Embrace your journey

like oxygen

"Love yourself and the

 rest

 will follow."

Common Sense