joy

Merry Christmas – Peace & Joy

by

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along th’unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:
‘There is no peace on earth, ‘ I said
‘For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.’

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
‘God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men.’

Till, ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
 

Joy & Sorrow by Khalil Gibran

by

Joy and Sorrow chapter VIII by Khalil Gibran

Then a woman said, “Speak to us of Joy and Sorrow.”

And he answered:

Your joy is your sorrow unmasked.

And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears.

And how else can it be?

The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.

Is not the cup that hold your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter’s oven?

And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hollowed with knives?

When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.

When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.

Some of you say, “Joy is greater than sorrow,” and others say, “Nay, sorrow is the greater.”

But I say unto you, they are inseparable.

Together they come, and when one sits alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.

Verily you are suspended like scales between your sorrow and your joy.

Only when you are empty are you at standstill and balanced.

When the treasure-keeper lifts you to weigh his gold and his silver, needs must your joy or your sorrow rise or fall.

Lee Child Shares His Writing Wisdom

by

A great writing tip from fiction writer, Lee Child. He tells us about research, and how he writes. I enjoy his Jack Reacher books. I grateful for his willingness to share from his writing experience. Keep on writing. Don’t quit. Write for the joy of writing. If fame and fortune follow, all the better for you.

Quote for Today – December 8, 2017

by

Practice kindness all day to everybody and you will realize you’re already in heaven now. – Jack Kerouac

Quote for Today – December 4, 2017

by

I once asked a bird, how is it that you fly in this gravity of darkness? She responded, ‘love lifts me.’ – Hafez

Quote for Today – November 24, 2017

by

No one has a right to sit down and feel hopeless. There is too much work to do. – Dorothy Day

Quote for Today – November 23, 2017

by

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself. – Tecumseh

Quote for Today – November 18, 2017

by

When the Sun of compassion arises darkness evaporates and the singing birds come from nowhere. – Amit Ray

The Simple Things of Life

by

Want to feel a bit better? Connecting with the simple things in life works wonders. Life’s pleasures surround us. It’s always a good time to slow down, smile more, enjoy a good conversation and cup of coffee with a best friend. Simple things make big differences in the quality of our lives. The following video shares the simple things of life that bring joy.

Bring Back Spontaneity

by

When was the last time you were spontaneous? You know, did something fun, on the spur of the moment. It’s what children do. It’s time to put a little more fun and joy into our lives. Acting spontaneously to fill up a moment with joy and laughter, song, and dance are good starters. The following video begins with a person playing a piano in the park, a stranger joins in on the same keyboard. Both people joined in the spontaneity of moment and brought fun to their lives and all who watched them. Enjoy.  

Verified by MonsterInsights