SWS: A Matter of Perspective

The following quote reminds us that it's all of matter of perspective. The next time you find yourself in a crisis, please take these words to heart! ♥cap

+ + + + + + +

"The crisis of today is the joke of tomorrow."
—H. G. Wells

SWS: Following in Jesus' Steps

Dear Beloveds,

I came across the following quote today and thought it was Something Worth Sharing (SWS). ♥ cap

+ + + + + + +

It is so encouraging to know that Jesus experienced every negative emotion we go through. He also defeated them all, which gives us hope and confidence to do the same."
—Creflo Dollar

+ + + + + + +

SWS: Be Yourself

I love this quote. It's some good advice that everyone needs to follow. Pass this one along, because it is certainly Something Worth Sharing! ♥ cap

"Be a first-rate version of yourself, not a second-rate version of someone else."
—Judy Garland

SWS: Pray For Your Leaders

This being election day, I thought the following statement was Something Worth Sharing. ♥ cap

"If Christ call us to love our neighbor — and even our enemy — how much more so our politicians, whether we agree with them or not."
—Rev. Adam Hamilton
Pastor of United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
Leawood, KS.

SWS: Prayer of Comfort

The following was the prayer of the day from the Moravian Daily Texts for Sunday, September 26, 2010. I like this prayer so much I'm thinking about printing it on an index card and placing it by my bedside, so that I can say it every morning when I first wake up. I hope you find this prayer meaningful as well. ♥cap

Almighty God, how comforting it is to know that whatever the circumstances of this day, you already know and are eager to help us overcome them. We believe and do not doubt that with the help of your wisdom and guidance we will be victorious. In Jesus' name. Amen.

SWS: Do What Your Good At

I came across the following quote recently. It's very powerful and inspiring. In fact, it was a bit of a God Wink for me.

You owe it to us all to get on with what you're good at."
—W. H. Auden

Something to consider as you ponder this quote: if you don't do what you're good at, is it possible that you're depriving someone (or perhaps even the whole world) of gifts that only you are able to offer?

Be Blessed!
Clayton

SWS: Stepping Back

I came across the following quote recently, and thought it was Something Worth Sharing.

+ + + + + + + + + +

Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer, since to remain constantly at work will cause you to lose power of judgment. Go some distance away because then the work appears smaller, and more of it can be take in at a glance, and a lack of harmony or portion is more readily seen.

—Leonardo Da Vinci

SWS: The Right to Speak Your Mind

As we continue to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy as Americans during this Independence Day weekend, I thought the following remark made by Pete Seeger several years ago was Something Worth Sharing.

"Isn't that the wonderful thing about America? You got the right to be wrong! Where else in the world can you do it like we can do it here? Hooray for the United States of America and the right to speak your mind!"
—Pete Seeger

SWS: Prayer of Joy

Dear Friends,
In my October 22, 2009 blog entry, I shared a prayer by Quaker pastor, missionary, and author John Somervell Hoyland. Here's another prayer by Hoyland, expressing joy in the presence of God.

O Thou, who art, beyond all human telling,
Beautiful, adorable, and lovely,
Thou who revivest our souls,
Thou who fillest our lives with joy,
Thou whose touch on our hearts is bliss, deathless and ineffable,
Thou at whose word of love monotony and despair flee away,
Thou who makest the desert a garden with the sweet fragrance of Thy presence,
Thou with whom to live, in humble poverty and weakness,
Is the splendor of eternal life,
Give us the light and glory and joy
Of Thy perfect friendship - Amen.

- John Somervell Hoyland (1887-1857)

SWS: Prayer for God's Peace and Love

Dear Friends,
I came across the following prayer in my devotional reading today. Even though the language is a bit arcane, I pray that you find this as meaningful as I did.
Blessings,
Clayton
+ + + + + + +
Enable us, O God of patience, to bear one another's burdens, and to forbear one another in love. Oh, teach and help us all to live in peace and to love in truth, following peace with all men and walking in love, as Christ loved us, of whom let us learn such meekness and lowliness of heart that in Him we may find rest for our souls. Make us so gentle and peaceable that we may be followers of Thee as dear children, that Thou, the God of peace, mayest dwell with us forevermore. Amen.
--Benjamin Jenks (1642-1724)

SWS: Prayer For Guidance

Dear Friends,
I came across this prayer recently. I thought it was something worth sharing.
Blessings,
Clayton
++++++++++++++

Father,
The path ahead is dark,
And we know not where Thou wouldst have us go.
Give us, oh, give us, Thy gracious guidance
And a tranquil trust in Thy love,
That we may walk forward through the gloom,
Unfaltering, fearless, and confident,
Having within us that divine light
Which maketh clear as day the darkest midnight,
Guiding the traveller who shall trust in Thee
Safe through impenetrable forests and over trackless mountains.
Amen.
-John Somervell Hoyland (1887-1957)

SWS: On Being Agreeable

I have to admit that there are times when I find the following statement to be true.

"It takes a lot of thought and effort and downright determination to be agreeable."
--Ray D. Everson

SWS: Criticism

SWS: Something Worth Sharing.

This is not new, but it's certainly worth sharing again.

"Before you criticize any man, walk a mile in his shoes.
Before you know it, you'll be a mile down the road and he'll be barefoot."
--Author Unknown

SWS: Twain on Greatness

SWS = Something Worth Sharing

Living in Hannibal, Missouri, we are constantly surrounded by everything Mark Twain. Twain grew up in Hannibal, and so he is the major "cash crop" for this neck of the woods. I have long been a fan of Twain, and have many good quotes by him in my files.

Here's a quote by Mark Twain that I came across recently.

"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions.
Small people always do that,
but the really great make you feel that you, too,
can become great"
--Mark Twain