Every day should be Veteran’s Day…

“Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause.”

 Abraham Lincoln

The words “thank you” will never be enough to convey the depth of appreciation and respect I have for those who have served our country and defended our freedoms. It isn’t enough to say the words or even make donations and attempt to assist those who have served. The ultimate way of honoring those who put their lives on the line to provide for our freedoms is to live in such a way that honors their sacrifices every single day. So what can you do every day in appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy?

Commit to begin…

“Determine that a thing can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way.”

Abraham Lincoln

Defeat first happens in the mind. How often do we give up on things before we have even put forth the necessary effort?

I have found the first hurdle, the one of starting something new and unknown, is often the hardest and highest one. Once you have made it over, under, around or through that barrier, then the power of momentum kicks in and the next one is a little easier.

Whatever is is you want to do first commit to begin. Trust that even though everything might not work work out the way you hope and dream, you will be better and richer because of the experiences you gain. The first step is the most important one so lean in and go.

You will always regret the opportunities you didn’t seize…

The beauty of a mother…

“All that I am, or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.”

Abraham Lincoln

There is nothing more beautiful than the proud and radiant smile of a mother watching her child accomplish something, whether it is for the first or one hundredth time. Mothers are the epitome of so many things but especially of giving and self sacrifice. For me I think this verse says it all.

‘Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” ‘ Proverbs 31:28-29

Choose wisely…

“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed, is more important than any other one thing.”

Abraham Lincoln

Suffering setbacks, failures and challenges is inevitable. It is going to happen to all of us at some point or another. How we react and respond is a choice. Deciding to succeed despite the challenges is a choice. Doing whatever it takes to overcome is a choice.

But then, so is quitting… Which choice are you going to make today?

How can you choose happiness?

“People are just about as happy as they make up their minds to be.”

Abraham Lincoln

It is amazing how true this quote is.  Some people, who have everything, are never happy.  Others, who by the measure of the world, have nothing, are incredibly happy.  Why is this?  What is the difference between these types of people?  Why do some people choose to be unhappy and others choose to be happy?  

Over the past several weeks I have been doing a devotional on happiness and one verse has been stuck in my mind of late.  “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 

If you are working for something else, for a bigger calling, happiness isn’t dependent on receiving affirmation from this world.  Something to ponder.  Happiness is a choice…

Make your words count…

“It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.”

Abraham Lincoln

I rarely regret saying too little, but I have often thought perhaps I have said too much.  Reading this quote makes me think and reflect on the quality vs. quantity question.  Far better to make the words count than just have them add to the count…

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dusty