Yesterday I attended the funeral of a nun who taught at my HS. She was there for 40+ years and was a dear, sweet woman full of life, love and spirit. Even at 91 she still made her way there every day to talk, listen, & cheer on faculty, students & athletes. She was the epitomy of a loving woman of faith. While she chose a life that set her apart she was by her demeanor and loving ways, a part of every family that came through the school. She was a delightful little pixie of a woman who managed to earn the respect and love of more people than most "giants" of our society. She was an icon. May each of us strive to be a fraction of the loving influence that Sr. Michaleen was. RIP Sr. Mike - you are loved!

Celebrate the blessing of finding something (or someone) who was lost! Be blessed!

You have the power to change the world because you have the power to change yourself. Bring your best self and you make all the difference. Be blessed!

The Difference He Made
By Randy Poole

Amidst the morning mist of the swift returning tide
I set out on my daily run, my walkman on my side.
Lost within my private world apart from cares and woes
I ran along the moistened shore, the sand between my toes.

In the distance, I saw a boy, as busy as can be.
He was running, stooping, picking up, and tossing in the sea.
Just what he threw, I couldn't tell, I looked as I drew near.
It seemed to be a rock or shell - as I approached him I could hear:

"Back you go, where you belong. You are safe now hurry home.
Your family's waiting for you little starfish, hurry on!"
It seemed the evening tide had washed the starfish on the shore,
And the swift receding water left a thousand there or more.

And this self-appointed saviour, was trying one-by-one
To toss them back into the sea, against the racing sun.
I saw his plight was hopeless, that most of them would die.
I called out from my private world, "Hey Kid, why even try?"

"Must be at least a thousand here, strewn along the beach,
And even if you had the time, most you'll never reach.
You really think it makes a difference, to waste your time this way?"
And then I paused and waited, just to hear what he would say.

He stooped and took another, and looked me in the eye.
"It makes a difference to this one sir, this starfish will not die!"
With that, he tossed the little life, back where there was hope.
He stooped to take another. I could tell this was no joke.

The words that he spoke to me cut like a surgeon's knife.
Where I saw only numbers, he saw only life.
He didn't see the multitude of starfish on the sand.
He only saw the little life he held there in his hand.

He didn't stop to argue, to prove that he was right.
He just kept tossing starfish in the sea with all his might.
So I too stooped, and I picked up, and I tossed into the sea,
And I thought, just what a difference, that this boy has made in me.

God is sufficient for all of our needs - whether emotional, spiritual, physical or financial. We need as much faith as we do action to get through the toughest of times, as well as the victories. Be blessed!

"God determines who walks into your life....it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go." ~ Anonymous

Give without reservation. If you open your hand just a little you will be able to receive just a little. If you open your hands and arms wide, you'll be able to receive an arm full. Be blessed!

"Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to those who, by the accidents of time, or place, or circumstances, are brought into closer connection with you." ~ Augustine of Hippo

Happy Father's Day to the fathers and (and single mothers) out there. May you and your families be blessed!

Even when things don't go as we plan - they always go as they are supposed to. Keep the faith and be blessed!

Separate yourself from all that is creating doubt and question about your worth. You are worthy, not because you somehow "earn" it but because God, who created you as a masterpiece, says that you are worthy! Be blessed!

In the still moments of the night or the whisper of dawn - those are the times when our spirit is most open to the nudging and voice of God. Listen and be blessed!

"Nobody can prevent you from choosing to be exceptional." ~ Mark Sanborn

In this moment, someone in your life is watching - amazed by your talents, cheering you on, loving you without abandon. Be blessed!

Sometimes to clear the pain in life you need personal awareness, forgiveness, and the help of those who love you. You have all you need if you look for it. Be blessed!

Check out my new video trailer for my book, MIGHTY INSPIRATION, Love Letters from God. Be blessed! http://ping.fm/EqWA5

"You weren’t an accident. You weren’t mass produced. You aren’t an assembly line product. You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on the earth by the Master Craftsman." ~ Max Lucado

"Life is like a coin....You can spend it any way you wish, but you only spend it once." ~ Lillian Dickson

Usually opportunity doesn't come in a shiny "package" that catches our eye or captures our imagination. But you will find it in the unmet needs of others, in the challenge that keeps coming around, in the task that looks too big. Opportunities are earned or thrust upon us at inconvenient times. And that timing is al...ways perfect. Take the opportunity before you and be blessed!

We must be the voice for those who cannot speak. We must hold the hope for those who cannot find their own. We must live the faith for those whose struggle to build it. Be blessed!

"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it." ~ Lou Holtz

There comes that moment in every challenge when the tide turns. Something shifts and you begin the uphill climb. It's a sweet moment - look for it so you don't miss it. Be blessed!

"Long shots do come in and hard work, dedication and perseverance will overcome almost any prejudice and open almost any door." ~ John H. Johnson

Every day, every challenges and every success give you clues to your true gifts and purpose. Be blessed!

Be still and know that I am God .... thank you Lord, I'm listening! Be blessed!