I have found that the practice of daily gratitude is important ... The actual practice of writing is very therapeutic in itself.... but the act of writing out the things that you are actual grateful for.. makes us realize and understand that you really do have many things that God has already given you .. and your family to be really grateful for..  

I watch an Oprah show.. some years ago.. and she had a guest, Sarah Ban Breathnach.  She has written many books on gratitude.. and has gone through her experiences poor and plenty.. I've always tried to be thankful for all that I have.. but she is the one who really made it plain and simple to WRITE THESE THINGS OUT... it makes things vividly real.. and forces you and your mind to make the strong mental note .. to really be grateful.. 

Since that show .. I have lots of her publications .. and have made it a point to "pass it on".. and show my gratitude as much as possible ... I have purchased journals and have given them to people... to share my feelings on gratitude..  I encourage them to 

write ten things down EVERYDAY... to show them that being grateful.. will show you new things in their lives that God wants to show them no matter how difficult they may think things are going right now ...  trust me God has a plan.. keep the faith...

Aloha & A Hui Hou

Jeremiah 29:11

Alo)(a, 
Today, I am thankful for meditation.. mind centeredness .... listening to God speaking to me .. to my inner self..   I was introduced to mediation through a friend of mine.. and have recently registered for at least three free guided mediations through the Chopra Center.. You may use mediation in many ways.. and center your thoughts and prayers to what maybe familiar to you.. but I truly believe I can hear God's voice through his presence.. and calmness...

There are reasons for all of our ups and downs in our lives.. and we may not understand them right away.. but we need to make sure we are always listening to our inner self.. God's voice speaking to us.. as praying is good .. and listening is also...

"Be still and know that I am God.... "
Psalms 46:10

A )(ui )(ou!!!  

What does "Gratitude" mean???

Hmmm  .. What does "Gratitude" really mean??

Gratitude - thankfulness, gratefulness, a feeling of appreciation; is an attitude in acknowledgement of a benefit that one has received or will receive. 


Is it a feeling??  Is it a state of being??? Is it an action?? Is it a state of mind??  

I believe its ALL of these things.. 

Gratitude... is TRULY ALLLLL OF THESE THINGS....

We all need to be clearly conscious of being grateful for ALLL things .. even the things we dont plan on .... or that WE think maybe aren't so good.. God has a plan for us..each of us individually... we need to make sure that we are listening at all times... 

Aloha & A Hui Hou!!!  

Walking?

Sometimes its hard to think of things as they are... and we can only imagine in our minds .. the way we WANT things to be...  I am thankful for my desire to write.. but, I know there shouldn't be a "But",  I do at times find it difficult to find things to write ... to explain my thoughts... and what is in my heart...

I cant imagine what it would have been like to hike the PCT... my feet actually hurt just listening and reading this wonderful experience.  Cheryl is a wonderful writer that makes you think and feel you are right there with her on the trail.  Its funny to me how much I love to walk... and how I've been drawn to these stories about walking .. just like in The Camino ... by Shirley McClaine..

I often picture myself on these walks.. of great adventure.. and then sitting down each evening and writing my thoughts.. about each and every step.. pebble, stone, stick that I see and step over.  I believe that nature gives us a new experience each time we're there.. even though we may be going over that very same trail.. each time.  Each and every thing that we experience, good and bad... that we go through makes us and creates us the beautiful unique creatures that we are in God's image.  There is a reason for ALL of our experiences... even though at times... things seems utterly exhausting and frustrating...  We all MUST keep things on a POSITIVE DIRECTION... it is truly  MUST... to keep our eyes on the idea that God is always in charge and He DOES NOT MAKE MISTAKES... 

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 

Phillippians 4:13 KJV

Aloha & A Hui Hou!!!

There are so many "THINGS" in this lifetime... and I won't lie but some people, including myself can get caught up with the THINGS in this life.. which can be literally gone in seconds!  

But, since I'm a recovering shopaholic.. so I know for sure about having THINGS.. and buying stuff to cure a bad day.. or get a quick fix.
I definitely found out the hard way .. that that DOESNT WORK... cause basically you'll always end up wanting more and more.. and just NEVER be HAPPY.  
I know its not a necessity to have a new car.. but not having one for about ten years.. and worried about repairs and unexpected brake downs.. I knew a new car was the next event in my life.  I thought I knew the car that I wanted for sure.  But after much searching and researching.. and with much gratitude and thankfulness to my Husband.. my new car was delivered two weeks ago.. and its exactly what I wanted.  My first love, THE BEETLE was back in my life.  I must say I do feel very spoiled.... cause it is a pretty awesome ride... 
  
So whether big or small things .. we always need to be happy for what we have.. and be THANKFUL for ALL things..no matter what you HAVE or dont Have... 

Aloha & A Hui Hou

The Importance of "Thank You!"

Growing up we never lacked for anything... but through my years of marriage.. I have been very blessed to experience alot of luxuries of life through travel, learning new things and experiences, being able to afford expensive items like clothing, handbags and jewelry, enjoying fine foods in exotic places... the list goes on..   The most important thing I learned was the ability and necessity of a simple "Thank you"


Hmmm... did someone ever forget to say "Thank you" to you in any occasion??  How did that make you feel??  I trust not so well...

Its just a really simple expression that means alot and can make a very big difference in even the simplest of relationships.  The simple "Thank you.." is the outward expression of your inner gratitude.....  

Through the years I learned that this simple outwardly expression shows others that we are thinking, acknowledging and accepting their true gift of kindness and selflessness....

Enjoy your day and "Thank you" for listening ...

A Hui Hou... 

Being THANKFUL ... no matter what!

You know when sometimes... when everything just keeps turning out wrong no matter what or how hard you try... you just cant get it right...?   Well these are the times when you when you REALLY NEED to be THANKFUL AND POSITIVE!!!


I believe it does make us stronger.  Especially when a situation keeps nagging and nagging at you, chewing and tearing you down, bit by bit, piece by piece ... until you end up being sooo numb that you just dont really feel anything more at all.

We must keep close to God and be faithful with strong prayer and ride the storm out... but it sure is one hell of a trip!!!


A Hui Hou!!

TODAY ... will be a Great Day!!!

TODAY.... will be a great day!!!  

The beginning of a NEW YEAR 2013!!! 

A time for NEW and GREAT BEGINNINGS!!! Great ideas, resolutions, commitments, discipline ... NEW plans, programs and soooo much more learning in so many ways... !!  and most importantly BEING GRATEFUL... for EVERYTHING in our lives.. cause God does NOT make mistakes...

Lets face it when you actually sit down... and think about things ... we LEARN everyday about EVERYTHING!!!  I think the biggest thing I learned in 2012... is about BEING POSITIVE... and I want to continue to keep the PASS IT ON mantra going!!  I really and truly believe that your "inner voice" and strong faith in God and know that He is ALWAYS there for us...  This is what we ALL have to focus on in our lives..  
Everything in our lives is shown, given and presented to us for reasons that make us better, stronger followers of God.  

I cant say it enough.. POWER THOUGHTS for my New Year that is and should be our FOCUS for our NEW YEAR!!!  Joyce Meyer is truly amazing preacher, author and presenter of Gods promises.  Her insight through God is so very life changing and thought provoking... I cant say enough... wonderful things about this amazing book Joyce wrote for all of us to apply to our lives...  I think the most important thing that made the biggest difference for me is that Joyce is a product of her writings... and shows us through her own experience what God can do in our lives.

We all need to take time for ourselves and to remember that there is truly a POSITIVE side to allll things in our lives... ALWAYS!!   

Take a look!!!  It will change your life!!! 

Aloha & A Hui Hou!!