Tuesday, July 27, 2010

A Singing Bird

I read a Chinese proverb on a calendar recently that appealed to me. "Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps the singing bird will come."

I like the "perhaps" part in this proverb. Did you know that a proverb is a meaning with a promise? Now it doesn't mean that if you do what the proverb says, than you will always have positive results or negative. It just means that your chances of obtaining good or bad results are more likely. It's a probability, but not a certainty.

Most of us want a sure thing, but I was reminded this week that the only sure thing we can expect in life are problems. After countless things going wrong, I realized that nothing is certain except problems. Things and people fall apart; relationships may suffer and need to be repaired. What I like about this proverb is that it reveals a secret to a happy life. Cultivating a positive vibrant attitude will attract positive vibrant people. I got to thinking. How does one grow a green tree inside our heart.

By living in thankfulness. In Thessalonians 5: 18 says, "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

The writer of this verse (the apostle Paul) said to give thinks in everything. No matter what happens. Why? Because this is God's will for us. But how can we do that when bad things come our way. It's not easy, but Jesus Christ, God's Son, offers the gift of salvation to every single person on this earth so that everyone can find God. Jesus' death and suffering on the cross was for our sins, and is the reason we have hope and life. And this is certain, not a probability.

So remember, keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps the singing bird will come. Here's a little poem I wrote a while back.

Morning Greetings


The sun yawns each morning
and rubs its sleepy eyes.
Then, slowly misty ghosts
whisper, good bye and rise.
Then birds greet the morning
like a lost and cherished friend.
And earth feels right again
from beginning to end.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Today

Have you ever started the day wishing you could stay in bed and not bother with anyone? Sometimes I feel like that. Usually the best remedy for fixing that problem for me is to ignore that feeling, get out of bed and keep moving. Soon, bad feelings disappear and you feel great again. Move your body, move your brain, speak positive words and soon negative feelings are drowned out. It's really up to us.

Today I will laugh more
Not take life so seriously.
I'll throw out garments of fear
I’ll wear clothes of simplicity.
Today I’ll run through the rain
Feel raindrops on my face.
And later I’ll count the stars
From inside my hiding place
Today I’ll stop and listen
Consider the words of a friend
And if we have a conflict of view
I know our joy won’t end.
For friendships will grow sweeter
When kindness is given a chance
And watered with the passage of time
That starts and ends with a dance.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Light A Candle

There's a proverb that says--You may light another's candle at your own without loss. How true. When we share joy and happiness with others we don't loose anything. In fact, we gain much more in return.

If you light someones candle
Your flame can't grow dimmer.
Your candle will keep glowing
And retain its light and shimmer.
It's the same with happiness.
And if you smile to those around
Your happiness keeps growing
And new friends will be found.