We just had a foot of snow delivered to us this week, and I can’t think of a better quote to sum up how I feel right now:

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.”

―Edith Sitwell

The winter months definitely make me want to sit back and snuggle up with my family. I love having good friends come over and just sit and talk. We did this on New Year’s with our good friends Diane and Dave, and it was a great time. So as the song says, “let it snow!”

This is certainly very true:

Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away.

— Philip K. Dick, novelist

I’m always amazed at the people who live their lives in the world of denial. Denying things doesn’t make them disappear. It doesn’t make them easier, either. Growing up in an alcoholic family, I know this all too well. This is one of the patterns of alcoholism in a family. Someone acts as the enabler, and that person is usually very much in denial about what’s happening in their family.

Dealing with your problems head on is the only way to get a handle on them. It’s the only way to get past them, too.

Boy, I sure know this one is true:

“There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.”

―Ben Williams

Many times, I get discouraged. Too much, in fact. It’s always when I work my butt off and don’t see the results. Or when I’ve prayed (and prayed) for something that seems like everyone else in the world has so easily (a great relationship, good health, children, a loving family). If you’ve ever felt this way, I know you will take comfort in this quote:

Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14)

Don’t let the negative aspects of the world get you down. Lean on God, and ask Him to help you through these feelings. Focus on all the good things in your life, and believe in God’s plan for your life.

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die” (John 11:25–26).

“A new dress doesn’t get you anywhere; it’s the life you’re living in the dress, and the sort of life you had lived before, and what you will do in it later.”

—Diana Vreeland

Here’s a quote that circulated on Twitter yesterday, and I liked it so much I retweeted it. I thought I’d also share with you here.

The value of consistent prayer is not that He will hear us, but that we will hear Him.
~William McGill

Image: sxc.hu.

Yesterday was “National Teacher’s Day.” Did you celebrate your favorite teacher? Even privately thank him or her for making an impression?

I’ve talked in the past about my favorite teacher, and how she helped channel my hyper activity while I was in school. I had quite a few teachers who made an impact, most of them from my grade school years. One of them was my first grade teacher. A few years ago I tracked her down through her sister, and sent her a copy of one of my books, along with a note thanking her for all the wonderful things she taught me. In short, she helped me realize it was okay to “be myself,” which is a gift to any young person, especially someone with a background like mine.

Coincidentally enough, yesterday her sister emailed me to let me know that she had passed away. I expressed my sadness, but also told her how much joy she brought to my life. I know I’m not alone in that. I will never forget her.

I hope that if you have a teacher who has made an impact in your life, that you take the time to tell him or her thank you. Just say thank you. Let them know they brought something good to your life.

Image: sxc.hu.

Yesterday was “National Teacher’s Day.” Did you celebrate your favorite teacher? Even privately thank him or her for making an impression?

I’ve talked in the past about my favorite teacher, and how she helped channel my hyper activity while I was in school. I had quite a few teachers who made an impact, most of them from my grade school years. One of them was my first grade teacher. A few years ago I tracked her down through her sister, and sent her a copy of one of my books, along with a note thanking her for all the wonderful things she taught me. In short, she helped me realize it was okay to “be myself,” which is a gift to any young person, especially someone with a background like mine.

Coincidentally enough, yesterday her sister emailed me to let me know that she had passed away. I expressed my sadness, but also told her how much joy she brought to my life. I know I’m not alone in that. I will never forget her.

I hope that if you have a teacher who has made an impact in your life, that you take the time to tell him or her thank you. Just say thank you. Let them know they brought something good to your life.

Image: sxc.hu

I like this quote a lot:

Happiness is a bowl of cherries and a book of poetry under a shade tree.

―Astrid Alauda

Image: sxc.hu.