Daily Reading - Calendar Books by Allen James - "The Journey: A Calendar Book"

Calendar Books by Allen James reading for October 17th, from "The Journey: A Calendar Book",

"Be neighborly".

"Won't you be my neighbor." Well known children's television personality Mr. Rogers' singing of these words are ingrained in most of America's youth and middle aged adults as he would begin each show. But just what does it mean to be a good neighbor? What does it mean to really be neighborly?

Although the word ‘neighbor’ doesn’t mean the same thing it did seventy years ago (the last time the US went through a depression with the sort of long standing unemployment we’re facing now) now, even if our neighbors live next door or just down the street, we may not know their names or even what they look like, but we may be intimately familiar with the goings on in a household halfway around the world, through online acquaintanceship which grow to friendship.

When applying these tips to your life, use your own definition of neighbor. If you don’t like or want to help the obnoxious jerk two doors down, don’t feel obligated. However, if you want to, you might find underneath the obnoxious exterior is a big ol’ softy who is masking shyness – or he might be a jerk through and through. If you want to help a friend you’ve known for a decade on line, but lives clear across the country, fine too. Or if you want to help a total stranger who happens to live nearby or ‘lives’ in the same net neighborhood, fine as well.

For Physical Neighbors and the Neighborhood at Large:

If you know a neighbor is hurting financially, ‘just show up’ claiming to have done some decluttering, with clothes for a member of the family and/or canned goods – and make it clear they’re welcome to use them or pass them on.
Offer to help organize a garage or yard sale to raise a little money.
Hire the neighbor to do a little work around the house- cleaning or yardwork or something else- either one time or as an ongoing source of income.
(If justified) offer to write a letter of recommendation for employers or serve as a personal reference.
With financial difficulty often comes depression and difficulty coping- offer to help with housework or yardwork if needed.
Take your friend out to lunch or dinner and a movie and pick up the tab.
Just hang out over coffee and talk. We don’t do this enough any more.

For Neighbors in your Net Neighborhood

Strike up a conversation through text or Facebook or whatever source you use. If it’s private, make sure you use direct messaging of some variety.
Organize a Paypal (or other online pay source) fundraiser for your neighbor. Make sure you verify the story first.
‘Listen’ well. Offer sympathy and offer advice only if asked.
Help your ‘neighbor’ find online and even local resources. Use the power of the online community (hive-mind) to help.

Being neighborly involves thinking of the other person’s preference before thinking of your own need to help. Sometimes people want companionship or friendship far more than they want or need material help. Pay attention and gauge the situation carefully, and then act.

Be neighborly, and always keep looking up. AJ

(amitheonlyonedancing.com)

Daily Reading - Calendar Books by Allen James - "The Journey: A Calendar Book"

Calendar Books by Allen James reading for October 16th, from "The Journey: A Calendar Book",

"Spend some of that time you're thinking, talking to your Maker".

Refraining from sounding "religious", but hoping to reflect on my "spiritual" side, today's reading expresses the difference between fulfilling personal success and empty happiness.

The Good Book stresses the importance of what we might call “inner prayer.” It infers strongly God does not force Himself into man’s consciousness, any more than air forces itself into man’s lungs. The Infinite waits patiently for the recognition and acceptance of the finite.

In Matthew 6:6 of the same Book we're encouraged with, “When you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (KJV).

Mankind may be amazingly creative, artistic, productive, inventive, vigorous, powerful and dynamic; all this is the outpicturing or “exhalation” of his true being. But there must also be a regular period of inhalation, or else he will “come to know want.”

Most people are good “achievers” but poor “receivers.” We set our minds on the achievement of things and positions in the world. But because we do not look within for support, we do not receive the wherewithal to keep on achieving. Living beyond our spiritual means, we are overdrawn and overextended. The answer is to get involved in the discipline of solitude and meditation. And to have much success with “inner prayer,” we must cultivate “the art of letting go,” and this takes much practice.

Every one of us must determine for ourselves whether we are going to go through life worrying and fretting over the challenges which come through change, or whether we are going to let the activity of the whole Spirit express in and through us. Letting go and letting God is a fine art, achieved only through the discipline of practice. Fear tends to hold on, but faith lets go. Practice faith. Human love holds on, but Divine Love lets go. Practice Divine Love. “Let God be God in you.”

Spend time thinking with Him.

Keep looking up. AJ

(rothbotham)

Daily Reading - Calendar Books by Allen James - "The Journey: A Calendar Book"

Calendar Books by Allen James reading for October 15th, from "The Journey: A Calendar Book",

"Keep in contact with your siblings".

Today's reading can be a difficult task, but all in all it is an important tool in striving for personal success and cultivates a positive lifestyle. Growing up and leaving home is one of those difficult realities of life. When siblings go away to college, begin his/her career or get married, quite often there is distance between them and adjustments have to be made.

Families come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and ethnicity. They are as well the starting point from where we gain social skills. As well, the degree to which we maintain those relationships throughout our adult lives is a determining factor in our satisfaction with personal success.

Coming from a large family (5 boys and 2 girls, all within 10 years of each other), undoubtedly there are varying types of relationships with each; I am very close with my oldest brother, number 1, and either visit three or four times a year or talk to on the phone every couple of weeks; my next to the oldest brother (number 2) and I have worked to build a closer relationship over the past 10 years as entered the Navy at the age of 18 when I was only 9, my oldest sister (sibling number 3) and I have a very close relationship, she's my best friend and supporter. I was very close as well with number four when I was younger (she passed away when she was 34 and I was 29). Number 5 and number 6, although the closest in age, have the most challenging relationships, due more than likely to the competitive nature of siblings so close in age and my being the "baby" of the family.

Yet they are each special to me in their own ways. Through the years I have attempted to keep close even though miles separate us. Luckily there are many ways you can stay in close touch with your siblings to maintain the close relationship you grew up having together.

Technology is amazing for supporting and strengthening sibling relationships. All that is needed is a bit of effort.

-Telephone/Cell phone

Today, you can reach your sibling any time, any day. With the convenience of the cell phone, “reaching out to touch someone” has never been easier. Most carry his/her cell phone on their person at all times and even if unable to answer a call, could receive a voice mail or a text. The communication opportunities are available and a simple way to stay in contact. Talking on the phone and hearing the voice of your sibling is a great comfort.

If there is more than one sibling, a three way call is a great way to share big news with the siblings at the same time. Catching up with one another at the same time helps keep the bond close and in these busy days, helps saves time as well.

Siblings have a great intuition for one another and hearing his/her voice can reveal in the tone if there is stress going on. This can give the sibling an opportunity to encourage conversation and offer support.

-Email

This form of contact is a wonderful way to stay in touch. While not as personal as a phone conversation, a great way to share everyday events, make plans for a get together and share photos. Email is also terrific as it can be opened and responded to at the convenience of the receiver.

If staying in touch with more than one sibling, emails can be sent and forwarded and this helps to keep everyone in the circle of good communication

-Skype

Skype is one of the most exciting ways to stay in touch with family. It is free to join and allows you to talk to your sibling and see their sweet face at the same time. You can group Skype if you choose to speak to more than one sibling at a time. . All you need is a webcam and most computers have one built in. If not, they are reasonably purchased.

Skype is a way to share the joy of a new niece or nephew with your sibling. This new technology allows the most exciting form of communication, especially when distance is an issue. To be able to see your sibling; share with them a live shot of the new puppy or simply show them your new hair style, brings you closer together.

-Plan time together

Make the effort to get together as often as possible. Sharing time together creates new memories and offers a great time to reminisce about the good old days. Take turns making the plans and hosting the gathering. You can make dinner arrangements or plan a vacation together. Be creative and if possible, spontaneous.

Cards/Letters

Everyone enjoys a personal, handwritten card from time to time. Remembering his/her birthday or anniversary shows you care and want to remind them of the importance of your relationship.

There are many possibilities to stay in close, personal touch with your adult sibling. Your relationships are based on a history full of good times and most likely, a few bad times as well. Continue to build the bond between you and your siblings. Make the effort and your lives will be forever connected.

Keep in contact with your siblings...and keep looking up. AJ


(helium.com)

Daily Reading - Calendar Books by Allen James - "The Journey: A Calendar Book"

 

 

 

 

What a beautiful fall weekend we experienced in Southeast Missouri. Several hay wagons passed by full of hay and friends having a wonderful evening carousing country gravel roads. Memories in the making or just good times, it's always nic...e to see some things remain constant.

Our reading for October 14th, from "The Journey: A Calendar Book",

"Revere your significant other's parents".

We're all familiar with the age old jokes about the mother-in-law. A few years back Jane Fonda portrayed the mother-in-law of Jennifer Lopez's character in, appropriately titled, "Monster-in-law; a comedy which carried through with our preconceived ideas about in-laws.

But just as everything else in life, there are always two sides to an opinion. I CAN speak from some experience on the topic; believe it or not I was married many years ago. For me the stereotyped in-laws wasn't applicable. I was on of the family from day one. I found a great article on the topic while browsing a few days back. I think you'll enjoy it as well if you have any interest in it.

"If your in-laws love you, you've got it made, but if you're not their favorite person in the world, there could be arguments, resentments and even hatred. Often the relationship that you have with your in-laws directly affects the relationship that you have with your mate. Sometimes you have no idea why they don't like you. It could be that they think you're not good enough for their child or maybe you are of a different religion than them. No matter what the base of the animosity, there are ways that you can show your in-laws that you're willing to work on the relationship, if they are. Even if they're not willing, make an effort to get along with them out of respect for your mate. Analyze what you think the problem might be and work on ways to improve the way that they perceive you.

"It will be easier to deal with your in-laws in general if you have a sense of humor. Insults roll off easier if you laugh them off. Don't take everything so seriously that your temper flares. This will only create more tension between you. Sometimes, although difficult, it's best to pretend that the rude comments made were not upsetting to you in the least. If the in-laws notice that they can't get an angry reaction from you, they might just ease up on the snide comments. Try smiling or even laughing aloud when they've said something hurtful. If nothing else, this at least prevents them from receiving the response for which they'd hoped.

"Always offer your in-laws respect. Even though they might not be courteous to you, it's imperative that you not give them more reason to dislike you. Communicate in a friendly way with your in-laws, when possible. If you have been pushed to the point of speaking out, state your complaints properly. Do not yell, insult or use foul language with your in-laws. Speak frankly and explain why you think they are being unfair to you and what you think should be done to resolve the matter. Try also explaining to them that their actions are affecting not only you, but their son or daughter, not to mention any children involved. If they realize that they are hurting their own child, they might bite their tongue more often. If children are involved, never talk about your in-laws in a negative way when they are within earshot. Children often repeat what they hear and you'll earn no points with the in-laws if the kids repeat malicious comments you've made.

"If you have to go to your in-laws but would like the visit to be limited in time, devise a secret word or phrase that you can implement when you feel as though you've had enough. Decide on this code before going to the in-laws and agree that once you've spoken the secret phrase, it's time to go. Change the code from time to time, so they don't catch on.

"Never try to keep your spouse or children from associating with your in-laws; it will only cause more hostility. If you feel like you just cannot be around them, let the family go without you. It's best though, if you try to continue having a relationship with the in-laws, even if it's not a good one. One day things might change and they could even begin to accept you, once they see you are not going away.

"Kill them with kindness. Endear yourself to your in-laws by offering to help them out around their house on occasion. Give them attention when they are sick. Volunteer to keep the maintenance up on the house while they go on vacation. Don't get discouraged if they reject your offers time and time again. Eventually an occasion might present itself to where they have no where else to turn, and there you'll be. Realize that you can't change them, but you can change your attitude towards them. Think of their ways as different, not wrong. This might help you to forgive and forget and move towards a closer relationship with them. In time, you could actually begin to like each other
(essortment.com).


Revere your significant other's parent. Remember, disrespecting them is disrespecting your significant other.

Keep looking up. AJ

Daily Reading - The Journey: A Calendar Book

 

 

 

 

Calendar Books by Allen James reading for October 12th, from "The Journey: A Calendar Book",

"Fall in love at least once in your life".

Do we as human beings have a choice as to whether we fall in love one time or 400 times? When we over...view the varying types of love we encounter in our lives: Storge love ... or affection; Phileo love...or friendship; Eros love...or romance; Agape love...or unconditional love, we realize love is an aspect of our emotions we would find it difficult to dodge over our lifetime; love isn't a choice, but a gift; we choose whether to accept the gift or to refuse it.

Yet when talking about the ONE time we fall in love we find falling in love happens at least once in everyone’s life. We meet someone somewhere who causes our heart to miss a beat and makes the person more important than the rest of the universe. Ideologists explain it as a strong feeling of caring about someone which gives us an immense pleasure. Cynics identify it as a folly of mind while for lovers it is the power which makes the world go, not round but wild.

The conviction we are loved is perhaps the supreme happiness in our lives, which often turns into a tragedy afterwards. First love, no doubt, is the most beautiful thing we experience Just recall your first fall, you might not remember anything but pure madness keeping you above from all worldly considerations. Purity and perplexity are the real beauty of first affair. Initially an aficionado creates hundred of excuses for having a glimpse of his sweetheart, then become completely dumb or in some cases turns into a chatterbox in front of his beloved. Whether it’s a first sight love or a fore sight incidence, it arises such tender sentiments transform an ordinary person into a poet, writer, singer or an artist at some point of life.

However, first love is often destined to die before it flourishes and leaves its victims in the world of despair and gloom where they shed tears on sad filmy songs and ghazals while saving the memories of their beloved in diaries with faded flowers. But it doesn’t take them long to come out of this trauma and meet other nice people around them. So life goes on like this. If first love is irreplaceable, second is almost a reflex action — a desperate attempt to fill the gap created by the first one. Dejected souls badly need a companion to share their feelings and raise their shattered self-esteem with acceptance and emotional support.

So in matters of heart, once beaten often becomes twice bold.

Today’s media crazy generation has seen and heard so much rubbish about media generated romance its thoughts are fully contaminated by bigger than life images. They are unable to differentiate between lust and love. Those who can afford it, change their sweethearts with fashion, mood and season. They idealise their favourite movie and sport stars and imitate filmy style in their love lives. Most of them truly reflect the saying: ‘tu nahi aur sahi, aur nahi aur sahi’ (if not thou, someone else, if not him/her anyone else)

Accept the gift of true love at least once in your life. Experiencing full fledged love changes us for the better, each time we allow it to.

Keep looking up. : ) AJ

(erumsuchistan)

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Daily Reading - Calendar Books by Allen James - "The Journey: A Calendar Book"

 

First, I apologize for not posting since July.  As I had stated in previous blog postings the network where I post from had put up a new firewall and it has taken until today for it to be changed.  Your patience is appreciated.  To catch up with the past 2 1/2 months (so sorry) of postings you can go to my Facebook product page which is hyperlinked at the beginning of today's posting. 

 

 

 

Calendar Books by Allen James posting for October 10th, from "The Journey: A Calendar Book" is a quote by renowned author and poet, Emily Dickinson...

"Success is counted sweetest by those who never succeed".

All of my life I've heard the... axiom, "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence". It seems human beings are never satisfied with anything; and when we do experience any degree of satisfaction, we immediately find something else with which to be dissatisfied. Why is this?

Emily Dickinson's words ring such truth in relation to our sense of dissatisfaction. Many times we are so envious of those who succeed because we feel we haven't; they possess something we desire. We work, strive, urge our lives toward personal success, feeling as if we can almost taste its sweet nectar only to be let down by each failure.

Don't just attempt to taste success' "sweetness"...make it a reality.

Keep looking up. : ) AJSee More