Embracing Change:  Anne Morrow Lindbergh, the bride of aviator Charles Lindbergh, gained fame for her bestselling book, Gift from the Sea.  Anne had sound advice about the changing tides of life.  “It is only in growth, reform, and change, paradoxically enough, that true security is found.”  For each of us, real security means mastering the art of sailing our little boats on the shifting seas of life.  Sometimes life’s waters are smooth; sometimes, choppy.  When we encounter changing conditions, as we most certainly will from time to time, be flexible, be persistent and be optimistic. When we embrace change, when we learn to grow with the flow, it’s clear sailing ahead.”

It isn’t who you were that matters, it’s who you are becoming. Liz Curtis Higgs

The Wisdom to be Optimistic:  Audrey Meadows was an optimist by nature and by training.  Audrey was born in China, where her parents served as missionaries.  She later returned to America, began an acting career in NY, and eventually won the part of Alice Kramden on the old TV classic The Honeymooners.  Miss Meadow’s advice for life was straightforward: she said, “It was my mother’s belief, and mine as well, to resist any negative thinking.”  The rest of   us should take note.  Optimism is a gift you give yourself—a way of putting self-fulfilling prophecy to work for you.  So if you find yourself focusing on your fears instead of on your faith, it’s time for an Audrey Meadows-style attitude adjustment.  It’s time to trust yourself, your future and your God.

One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn’t pay to get discouraged.  Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith.  Lucille Ball

Happy to be Here:  The woman they called the “Queen of Country Comedy” was actually a college graduate and the daughter of a prominent businessman.  She was Sarah Colley, who when she married became Sarah Cannon; but the world knew her best as the character she created:  Minnie Pearl.  Minnie always began her act with the same phrase:  “Howdeeeee! I’m just so happy to be here.”  Those words should apply to each of us as we step onto the stage of life.  Today, in honor of the Southern socialite who became the Matron of the Grand Old Opry, celebrate a grand and glorious life—yours.  When you do your star will shine, just like Miss Minnie’s.

If you could choose just one characteristic that would get you through life, choose a sense of humor. Jennifer Jones

The Power of Words:  Our attitudes are contagious.  If we’re optimistic and upbeat, we’ll spread optimism wherever we go; but if we fall prey to pessimism and doubt, our friends and loved ones will suffer right along with us.  Are you fully aware of the power of your words?  The words you speak and the tone in which those words are spoken have the power to lift others up or to bring them down.  You have the power to be a source of encouragement to others, and they need that kind of encouragement.  So remember the words of Lydia Maria Child, the author and social reformer who said, “An effort made for the happiness of others lifts us above ourselves,” then start lifting.

One filled with joy preaches without preaching.  Mother Teresa