Perfection in Imperfection

I have developed my own theory of what a good person is

"The person who is constantly striving to be a better person, and improve upon himself, is truly a Good Person.  The prison inmate who has a life that was bent against him feels beat down, defeated by circumstance. But, should he decide to improve upon himself, and never give up trying---not to appease the parole board or authority, but genuine improvement in his heart...even this is a Good Person.  It doesn't matter where our journey begins...but in which direction it is heading---that is most important"

Most of us have not had to fall into this lowest rock-bottom, which is fortunate for our position; however, it fills us with a false sense of "contentment" causing stagnation in our folly.  But, I urge you to continue self-exploration.  Look deep inward, and find your area that needs improvement.  Only you can change yourself. Some people might say "Only God can make those changes", while it is true that God creates change in our heart. It begins with us creating fertile soil, for the seed of change to germinate and grow.

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter, and have a blessed year ahead.

Stephen

New Year Prayer

God grant me peace to accept each new moment as the only time I have to live in.
        grant me perseverance to continually strive to improve myself this year and work towards my goals.
        grant me a positive outlook to see all circumstances from your perspective
God I give you praise for all the blessings you have given me; making my basic needs met.
        I give you thanksgiving for opportunities that you have opened my eyes to see
        I give you love because my heart is filled with the love you have given to me
God help me to understand the needs of my heart which I do not know how to express
        help me determine my character defects so I can minimize their harm and maximize improvements
        help me to bring your message of peace, love, and happiness to others---even if it is just by living my life.

Happy New Year God,
Amen

Finding The Life Preserver during the Holidays

I often feel like I'm pulled in a hundred different directions during the Holidays.  Between the needs of family, friends, and work; there is the added stress of shopping, driving, and trying to make other people happy.  There is great JOY to be found in making someone else smile: whether it is through receiving a gift, playing games with family, or simply sharing special moments.  But there is also the people-pleaser that needs to go to this party, or that party...as if to make an appearance equates to love and care.  There is no avoiding the fact that other people judge us for attending, not attending, and our level of happiness over the Holidays.  Where am I going with this?---stay with me...
Being financially burdened this Holiday season has made me realize  those judgements were just in my head.  I have an imagination that thinks other people judge my gifts, my attendance at a party, my attitude...and anything else...and this imagination always has a negative judgement.  But this year felt different.  I had few gifts to give, and they were simple.  But everyone understood my situation, made me feel welcome and loved, and gave back a gift to me through the realization:  People are not superficial.  The season really IS about LOVE.  Everyone seems to want a genuine connection.  Seeing the good in people and situations has really made a difference in my attitude towards life.  My life preserver for the Holidays: A positive outlook!