A SWEET SUMMER DAY

In the heat of summer, and the body is dragging, nothing looks more delightful than seeing children selling lemonade on the street corner, just as in days gone by. My smile is as big as theirs, as they hold up their homemade signs, calling out to buy a cold cup of the refreshing drink. I hand them my quarters and drive away, sipping the sweet taste of sugar and lemons, my spirit and soul renewed, thanking God for these precious children, all on a summer’s day. ~Marie T. Morrison~

MEMORIES

Though life does not last forever, memories do. Share those memories with each generation. Stories can be told, photographs viewed, letters read, journals expressed, all while the gathering of friends and family bring bread to the table. Feel God’s presence as the memories are shared. He was always there, bringing life into each breath of laughter and every tear shed, no matter the number of years it may be. ~Marie T. Morrison~

FINDING WISDOM

HOW DO I FIND WISDOM?
Wisdom does not always come from our elders. It can be learned from an innocent toddler, a teenager hungry for knowledge, a peer explaining what is understood from a given image or from one’s own experience. Important to remember is the living Spirit living within those surrounding us, each carrying a tiny piece of wisdom, unique as a snowflake and as fresh, crisp and beautiful, landing upon us, to implant a distinguished memory.
~Marie T. Morrison~

MAKING ROOM

Instead of having a worry consume us, make room for prayer take over. It will bring much more nourishment to the body, allowing God to help carry our burdens, warm our soul with His Spirit and provide for the Lord’s strength to nurture us to withstand whatever is given to us. ~Marie T. Morrison~

TAKING AHOLD OF THE ROOTS

While out for a walk, notice the flower having the strongest roots. Notice how bold and solid it is, planted deep into the earth’s soil. Admire it, reflect upon it, thinking how you can build the same, strong roots upon something worthwhile in your life. As the flower has taken hold, take hold of that important piece in your life, not straying from your path. Listen to the wisdom of God, as He separates the healthy roots from the weak ones. The healthy ones will give the life we want to reach for personal spiritual fulfillment. Once this is accomplished, we become accessible to others, so they may plant their dreams, making deep-rooted memories along their personal paths. The cycle continues, providing the best for all of those wanting to take root of their dreams, wanting a vine to grow, spreading their joy to everyone. Cuttings from the vine will keep the bold, strong,roots growing in all the generations to come. ~Marie T. Morrison~

WHAT IS LEFT?

If someone is not ready to make peace with me, what could I pray for? I can only pray for their peace.
~Marie T. Morrison~

A ROUGH DAY

Making a moral decision does not always come with a sigh of relief. It may make others unhappy, even cause the loss of a friendship. Obstacles can temporarily get in the way of accomplishing the selected choice, but staying fast and true to the self is what counts. It is something that will become teachable to the children and grandchildren in the years to come, showing how one did make it over the tough times, never losing a sense of dignity. It is a time to hold the head up high, always having God’s faith to carry His loving child through another rough day. ~Marie T. Morrison~

CHANGE THAT MOOD

I frequent a public facility where the employees are unhappy while interacting with the public. My personal goal is to make them smile before they leave my presence. It only takes a few seconds, to recognize them as people, not as a number. Feeling the Holy Spirit within, it makes my task a pleasant one. They are my brethren, my neighbor, whom I should love. We should not take moods personally; instead, see how we can change that mood!
~Marie T. Morrison~

READY TO MOVE ON

After falling off a bicycle or a horse, we learn we have to get back on and go for another ride, to build up our confidence. This also holds true after a conflict with a co-worker, friend, classmate or acquaintance. Instead of avoidance, we need to just meet the person in the eye with a smile and a friendly greeting, instead of avoidance, ready to move on in the spiritual journey of life, . ~Marie T. Morrison~

THE OPPOSITES

Falling into the negative happens faster than a minute. The second this emotion or thought befalls, turn to prayer for the more positive emotion. Anger vs. calmness, bitterness vs. sweetness, hate vs. love, despair vs. hope, helplessness vs. faith, emptiness vs. fulfillment Make it a habit to switch the darkness into light. Have conversations with God, seeing how often and how fast you can make the change. Soon you will be smiling as you walk down the street, people wanting in on what secret you have to carry the glow that you do.
~Marie T. Morrison~

AN UNEXPEDTED LEADER

What some people see as completely accepting and behavior we may see in a different light. It takes a mighty strong will to not speak out, as it is inappropriate to do so in some instances. It is a time for us to practice the virtue of silence, to face challenges bestowed upon us, to understand how things cannot always go our way, and to keep our egos in sync. We may disagree throughout our time while this other person leads a group, but it is something we can add to our list of experiences, of how we made it through this especially hard time. We can smile at the end, and say what our neighbor has taught me, ‘Now you have a story to tell.” What a wonderful piece of wise advice! ~Marie T. Morrison~

GOSH, WHICH PATH SHOULD I TAKE

Going off the straight and narrow path makes one dizzy. Roads wtih many twists & turns will require prayer and asking God to help us see the way back. The road may be rocky at times, but it doesn't mean we give up, as God is there to pull us up, to move on. It might be the hardest path we have ever taken. At the end, we will have learned widsom, maturity beyond our years and experiences we had never dreamed up. Our character has blossomed into a beautiful flower, one with a strong root, not ready to wither, ready to withold its beauty, because it has been through everything!

Go out for a walk this week and find that flower. See how solid it is planted into the earth. Admire it, reflect upon it, decide how you will begin to lead your life, holding strong to your roots, not straying far from your path, always listening to the teachings of God, . ~Marie T. Morrison~