The following inspirational piece by Ralph Marston just seemed so appropriate at this time. Pause, turn off the noises around you, and imagine!

Power of Imagination

Do more than merely wishing for success.

Imagine it in every detail. In your mind's eye, see yourself reaching the goals you have set.

See and feel yourself living the dreams that mean the most to you.

Whatever your goal may be, clearly and richly imagining it is a critical step.

See yourself going there and you'll develop a workable understanding of precisely how to make the journey.

Opportunity is turned into reality when you imagine yourself working your way through every step of that opportunity. Imagination is the starting point in bridging the gap between where you are and where you would like to be.

The very act of imagination forces you to accept that certain things are indeed possible for you.

Once those possibilities gain a foothold in your belief system, they begin to grow into real and tangible achievements.

Everything you've ever done, you've first done in your mind. Imagine the very best, and you'll find yourself making it happen.

I'm thankful to a friend who sent this to me. I wish to share it with you.

1. Free your heart from hatred
2. Free your mind from worries
3. Live simply
4. Give more
5. Expect less

Thank you Ralph Marston for those words.

Stepping Out And Stepping Up!

Here's a great story that was sent to me (author unknown) that can be applied to most of us at some point or another!

A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule "braying" or whatever mules do when they fall into wells.

After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened ... and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.

Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back. A thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back ... he should shake it off and step up! This he did, blow after blow. "Shake it off and step up ... shake it off and step up ... shake it off and step up! he repeated to encourage himself.

No matter how painful the blows, or distressing the situation seemed, the old mule fought "panic" and just kept right on shaking it off and stepping up!

You're right! It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well! What had seemed would bury him, actually blessed him ... All because of the manner in which he handled his adversity. Hey, that's life!

If we face our problems and respond to them positively and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness or self-pity ... the adversities that come along to bury us usually have within them the potential to benefit and bless us!

Remember that forgiveness, faith, praise and hope all are excellent ways to shake it off and step up" out of the wells in which we find ourselves!