CHANGES

Norman Rockwell

There is a time for everything and a season for every activity, therefore we should spend our days contemplating on what is important to our well being, and finding ways of making it happen. Changes often are unpleasant, but if you are aware they are stepping stones towards achieving your goals, you will not be disappointed.

It was John Quincy Adams who reminds us that "All great changes are irksome to the human mind, especially those which are attended with great dangers and uncertain effects." I do believe, "We cannot alter external things, nor shape other people to our liking, nor mold the world to our wishes but we can alter internal things, our desires, passions and our  thoughts, we can shape our liking to other people, and we can mold the inner world of our own mind in accordance with wisdom; and so reconcile it to the outer world of men and things. The turmoil of the world we cannot avoid, but the disturbances of mind we can overcome." James Allen.

Therefore it behooves us to strive always to overcome life's obstacle, and embrace change. Adopt a right attitude to change, and watch the change you can make, when those difficulties of life claim your attention; rise above all anxiety concerning them. And be at rest; in the midst of strife, uncertainties and calamities you can know the abiding peace of God.

As you go through life always be mindful to the qualities of life to strive for, they are purity, patience, humility, knowledge wisdom compassion, fearlessness and above all exercise love towards all men considering how God through His love died that you can have the abundant and wonderful life.  There is nothing new about change ever since time began change existed, Change is as old as time and as unlikely to disappear. It is the essence of all human experience. All things change, Isaac Asimov puts it well when he said. "It is change, continuing change, inevitable change, that is the dominant factor in society today. No sensible decision can be made any longer without taking into account not only the world as it is, but the world as it will be."

A HIGHER STANDARD

John Waterhouse

Spring Spreads One Green Lap of Flowers

There is a higher standard that all can reach. What do you do with failure? Do you become despondent? Do you give up? Or do you simply just try again? 

Failure has the ability to show us our weakness, and our strengths; from your particular failure there is wisdom that is gained that would otherwise not have been. None could have led you to this wisdom but the experience you gained through your failure. Every mistake you make, every fall you encounter, there is a lesson of vital import if you will but look for it. Utilize your failure as precious lessons that will lead you to ultimately succeed.

A PRAYER FOR ALL

Windswept John William Waterhouse
1849-1917

O God and Father of mankind

We thank you for life, for you are good.

And it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour,

Who desires all people to be saved and to come

To the knowledge of the truth.

We thank thee that thy dear Son

Who gave himself a ransom for all,

Overcame the enemy, and has given

Us the power to be victors.

O God I know that you made us

And we are from God, and the whole

World lies in the power of the evil one

So protect us now we pray.

THE GARDEN OF THE HEART

Restr: Miranda - The Tempest

Our heart is the most wonderful organ that has been given to man, it has the ability to love; a truly rewarding experience. It also has the ability to be broken; therefore we ought to cultivate carefully the soil of our heart.

RESTLESS HEART

This famous quote comes from St. Augustine of Hippo, found in his work Confessions. The full passage states:

"You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you."

St. Augustine’s words reflect the deep longing of the human soul for divine connection, emphasizing that true fulfillment is only found in God. His Confessions is a profound exploration of faith, self-discovery, and the journey toward spiritual peace.

Understanding the Meaning of the Quote

Augustine, one of Christianity’s most influential theologians, recognized that people often search for meaning in external things—success, relationships, wealth, or personal achievements. However, he argues that no earthly pursuit can truly satisfy the soul, because we were created for something greater—for communion with God. Until we find that divine relationship, we remain spiritually restless, always seeking but never fully content.

This idea is echoed in Psalm 42:1:
"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God."
The human soul naturally longs for its Creator, and true peace is only found in surrendering to Him.

Relevance in Today’s World

This timeless truth remains relevant today. Many people feel restless, constantly searching for fulfillment in careers, material possessions, or social status. Yet, even after achieving success, they often find themselves longing for something deeper. Augustine’s words remind us that true contentment does not come from external achievements but from a relationship with God.

Applications of This Truth

• Finding Inner Peace – Instead of chasing fleeting satisfaction, we can focus on deepening our faith.
• Redirecting Priorities – Recognizing that material success is temporary and placing greater value on spiritual growth.
• Overcoming Anxiety – Understanding that fulfillment is not in external things but in resting in God’s presence.

How to Cultivate Gratitude Daily

• Start Each Day with Thankfulness – Reflect on at least one thing to be grateful for.
• Speak Words of Appreciation – Express gratitude in conversations to uplift others.
• Shift Perspective in Challenges – Instead of focusing on difficulties, seek the hidden blessings within them.
• Keep a Gratitude Journal – Writing down daily blessings helps reinforce a thankful mindset.

Final Reflection

Augustine’s insight challenges us to examine where we seek fulfillment. Are we looking in temporary things, or are we pursuing a deeper connection with God? By recognizing that only He can truly satisfy, we open ourselves to lasting peace and purpose.

A Life Enriched by Gratitude

Gratitude transforms our hearts, strengthens our relationships, and renews our perspective. It is not dependent on perfect circumstances but is a conscious choice to recognize the goodness already present. As we practice gratitude, we not only enrich our own lives but also inspire and uplift those around us.