This article is about an amazing boy in Africa who lived in an impoverished village and had to drop out of school. But that didn’t stop him. He simply went to the library and looked at the pictures in a textbook (because he couldn’t read English) and built a windmill that powered his family’s farm. He created the windmill from salvaged junk–anything he could find. The other people in his village called him a madman! But he kept on for three months until he accomplished what he set out to do. Why? Because he believed he could.

Here in American we have advantages and blessings that William never even dreamed of. What excuses are you making for not accomplishing your goals? Believe in the power of the windmill and go get it done.

http://williamkamkwamba.typepad.com/

I have been doing a lot of self work lately. It is amazing how much I am growing and learning. A few moments can be disheartening when I look at all that I need and want to change in my behavior and attitudes. Then, I just have to think about how far I’m come. When I look back to what I was like in my teens and twenties I realize I have come a long way, baby! : ) That gives me inspiration and encouragement to continue the upward climb on living a more conscious and fulfulling life.

The big AHA realization I want to share today has to do with excitment. I have always prided myself on wanting to live an exciting, adventurous life filled with great stuff, travel, joy, etc. I mean I really wanted this stuff. I bet you do, too. But being an introvert I sat back, crossed my arms and waited for it to come to me. Of course, I really didn’t know I was doing that. I thought I was doing something. Maybe this is obvious to everyone else, unfortunately, I was just fooling myself because I didn’t realize until the last several weeks that in order for me to have excitment in my life I have to get excited.

Pause. Think.

Yes, the most profound things are so very simple. In fact, you might say, wow, that is just stupid: of course, you have to get excited to have excitment. Somehow, I don’t think this message is getting through to countless others just like it wasn’t getting through to me. If it is maybe someone should tell them to tell their faces. In our American culture, excitment isn’t really cool unless you are on T.V.  Sitting back and examining, analyzing, and judging people or things is the “in” thing. If we get excited we risk looking foolish. Children get excited about things–mature adults don’t. Isn’t that the message we are sent?

I now commit that I don’t care what other people think. If I want to live an exciting life, I have to get excited. I have to risk. I have to put myself out there. It has to start inside me. The same goes for joy, happiness  and simplicity. It all starts right here and now.

What about you? Will you take the leap?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6MhAwQ64c0&eurl=http://www.48Powerful and inspiring video about the self-employed. You may want to watch it every day : )
days.net/profiles/blogs/entrepreneurs-can-change-the&feature=player_embedded

Two quotes I would like to share today:

“A DAY WITHOUT LAUGHTER IS A DAY WASTED”

and

“You can use most any measure when you’re speaking of success. You can measure it in a fancy home, expensive car or dress. But the measure of real success is one you cannot spend – It’s the way your child describes you when talking to a friend.”  Martin Baxbaum

I don’t know about anyone else, but these words slam me in the face and help me realize what my days should truly consist of.

This video is so beautiful it gave me cold chills.

Listen AND watch!This is what heaven will be like…I can’t wait!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMVxzEueJ6A

I am thrilled to announce that I have placed first for the third year in a row at the U.S. Bank Art Show in the Professional Photography Division. This is the photo that garnered the award. Another shot of life in Haiti. God is good.

Livelihood III

This road of life can be discouraging especially when we think we are traveling it alone.  We all need encouragement to uplift our souls as we walk along this journey of life. 

God has put this question on my heart:

What am I doing to show others God’s love?

 I ran across this very inspirational article about some Christians who decided to reach out and make a difference to some boys that needed some encouragement.

Truth Projects “Cheering for the Underdog

“

I am seeking inspiration and input from others. 

Please share your ideas for getting involved in our communities so that others will see God’s love for them.

I DESIRE:

to leave evidence of a creative and curious life using all the gifts God has given me to fulfill His purposes for my life here on this earth.

to be still in order to know and experience the presence of God daily.

to live a life that blesses others and be an inspiration of what is possible.

to have my uniqueness shine in 2009.

to have clear goals that by year’s end I feel I have accomplished.

to create and maintain loving relationships and cultivate true friends

to have a pure heart, feel a sense of personal peace and live a simple life.

to create purposeful and creative work that gives true value to the world and develops multiple profitable income streams.

to have a sense of humor and be aware of the power of laughter.

to have patience to wait on God’s timing and the wisdom to know when it comes.

Just wanted to share a few quotes about the New Year. Time for a change. 

Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man.   ~Benjamin Franklin

Every man should be born again on the first day of January. Start with a fresh page. Take up one hole more in the buckle if necessary, or let down one, according to circumstances; but on the first of January let every man gird himself once more, with his face to the front, and take no interest in the things that were and are past.   ~Henry Ward Beecher

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.   ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul……… Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do nothing effective.  ~G.K. Chesterton

2009 is a clean slate for all of us.  Let us all allow God to refresh and invigorate our souls and turly give us a fresh start.

Nick and Joni

This is one of the most inspiring videos I have ever seen. How anyone can still complain or whine about anything after watching it is beyond my understanding.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MslbhDZoniY

Remember this important lesson in the New Year — Get Back Up!

And count your blessings : )