One day..

One day...

I won't be quick to judge.

I won't be so insensitive.

I won't be so tired all of the time.

I will be what I want to be.

I will be what someone amazing deserves.

I will care more for other than myself.

I will be an amazing student.

I will let people know how amazing they are and how much they mean to me.

I will learn to think and consider the consequences before I speak.

I will be successful.

I will know what I want to do with my life.

I will overcome the natural man.

I won't cause others grief.

I will be like my Savior.

I will use time wisely.

I won't worry about and over analyze everything.

I will be a real example of the believers.

I won't worry about what others think.

I will see everyone as a child of God.

I will see only peoples good qualities and not their faults.

I won't dwell on my own faults.

I won't dwell on the mistakes of the past.

I will be the gentleman that I want to be.

I will respect myself for doing my best, day in and day out.

I will live what I write, say, think, and know.

I will express my appreciation to all those who have blessed my life.

I will live/be what I have been taught.

I will constantly have a smile on my face.

I will not let fear get in my way.

I will put the Lord before everything else.

I will be who I am meant to be!




One day, this will be me..


Mosiah 2:41
   "And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God.  For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end, they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never ending happiness.  O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it."


"And it came to pass that they did break forth, all as one, in singing and praising their God for the great thing which he had done for them... And their hearts were swollen with joy, unto the gushing out of many tears, because of the great goodness of God.."  3 Nephi 4: 31,33

One day I will get things right..

A lot of the time I tell myself, "One day you will get things right.." That can be taken as either a negative or positive view depending on how you look at life.  Sometimes school slaps you in the face, family and friends laugh at you, dating can be confusing, you lose a sporting event, and you get stressed out about your future.  Its our choice to determine what our reaction will be.

President Packer recently said "Understand that you are not perfect, but that you are moving along that road."  This is something that I try to remind myself of.  I am not perfect, I can give you a huge list of why I am not, but I am moving along that road, learning and growing from each and every day.  Sometimes I move along that road like a snail, and at other times I am in a dead sprint, but I am moving along that road at all times.

I've talked to some people about how much our attitude makes a difference.  We can think, act, and be positive and life will be happy and fruitful.  Or we can think, act, or be negative and be depressed and lonely.  It is up to us what our life is like.  Our situations and circumstances don't make us who we, its how we react to them that determines who we are.

We all know that things have a way of working out.  Rely on the Lord and they will work out for your benefit.

"Change your thoughts and you'll change your world"

"Your future is as bright as your FAITH" - President Monson

"If you don't like something, change it, if your can't change it, change the way you think about it"

"You were given this life because you were strong enough to live it"

"A river a mile wide 1 inch deep dries up faster than a river 1 inch wide a mile deep. Don't spread yourself too thin else you risk disappointment and things unfulfilled."

"Treat everyone like they're struggling with something, because half the time you'll be right."

Sometimes its about forgetting ourselves...

Sometimes I need an escape/fresh air

When I need fresh air I go for a run.  Tonight I pushed myself a little hard.  12 miles later, I'm sore, but feeling good.  


Sometimes this song hits home..


You know though, nothin' come easy
You gotta try real, real hard
I tried hard but I guess I gotta try harder

I tried so hard, can't seem to get away from misery
Man, I tried so hard but always be a victim of these streets
It ain't my fault ?cause I tried to get away but trouble follows me
And still I try so hard hopin? one day you'll come and rescue me

But until then I'll be posted up right here rain, sleet, hail, snow
But until then I'll be posted up right here with my heat gettin? dough

First let me explain that I'm just a black man
And I come from the darkside
So I'm havin? a hard time stayin' on track man
My mind be racin' and I don't even know what I'm chasin? yet
Been in and out of relationships
I'm startin' to see that it's me where the complication's at

But I'm layin' back prayin' that you get that piece of mind of me
I thought I was right but really I'm wrong
Then again I was too blind to see
I was in the fast lane chasin? my dream
And then it seemed when the fame and cash came they just got me

Goin' crazy, lately I been so faded tryna erase it
But I just can't cause the drama just grows greater
And I been in so many collisions by puttin? ** off till later

I tried so hard, can't seem to get away from misery
Man, I tried so hard but always be a victim of these streets
It ain't my fault ?cause I tried to get away but trouble follows me
And still I try so hard hopin? one day you'll come and rescue me

But until then I'll be posted up right here rain, sleet, hail, snow
But until then I'll be posted up right here with my heat gettin? dough

It's like I'm takin? five steps forward and ten steps back
Tryin? get ahead of the game but I can't seem to get it on track
And I keep runnin? away the ones that say they love me the most

How could I create the distance when it's supposed to be close?

And uh I just don't know but I be out here fightin? demons
And it's like the curse that I can't shake this part of Cleveland
And Lord would you help me?
And stop this pain I keep inflinctin? on my family

Hustlin? and gamblin?, drinkin' and scramblin'
And losin? sight of what I supposed to be handlin'
It's hard to manage ?cause every day?s a challenge
And man, I'm slippin? can't lose my balance, I?m tryin? not to panic

Even more often this song hits home.. 


Woke up in London yesterday 
Found myself in the city near Piccadilly 
Don't really know how I got here 
I got some pictures on my phone 

New names and numbers that I don't know 
Address to places like Abbey Road 
Day turns to night, night turns to whatever we want 
We're young enough to say 

Oh this has gotta be the good life 
This has gotta be the good life 
This could really be a good life, good life 

Say oh, got this feeling that you can't fight 
Like this city is on fire tonight 
This could really be a good life 
A good, good life 

Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh 

To my friends in New York, I say hello 
My friends in L.A. they don't know 
Where I've been for the past few years or so 
Paris to China to Col-or-ado 

Sometimes there's airplanes I can' t jump out 
Sometimes there's bull** that don't work now 
We are god of stories but please tell me-e-e-e 
What there is to complain about 

When you're happy like a fool 
Let it take you over 
When everything is out 
You gotta take it in 
Oh this has gotta be the good life 
This has gotta be the good life 
This could really be a good life, good life 

Say oh, got this feeling that you can't fight 
Like this city is on fire tonight 
This could really be a good life 
A good, good life 

Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh
A good good life Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh
Hopelessly 
I feel like there might be something that I'll miss 
Hopelessly 
I feel like the window closes oh so quick 
Hopelessly 
I'm taking a mental picture of you now 
'Cuz hopelessly 
The hope is we have so much to feel good about

Oh this has gotta be the good life 
This has gotta be the good life 
This could really be a good life, good life 

Say oh, got this feeling that you can't fight 
Like this city is on fire tonight 
This could really be a good life 
A good, good life 



I really like this song.. ( I may think about it in a 
different way than you do)



Mile upon mile got no direction,
We're all playing the same game.
We're all looking for redemption,
Just afraid to say the name.

So caught up now in pretending,
That what we're seekin' is the truth.
I'm just looking for a happy ending,
All I'm looking for is you.

You came upon me wave on wave,
You're the reason I'm still here, yeah
Am I the one you were sent to save?
You came upon me wave on wave.

I wondered out into the water,
And I thought that I might drown.
I dunno what I was after,
I just know I was going down.

That's when she found me,
I'm not afraid anymore.
she said"You know I always had you baby,
Just waitin for you to find what you were looking for.

You came upon me wave on wave,
You're the reason I'm still here.
Am I the one you were sent to save,
When you came upon me wave on wave.

Wave on wave.
Wave on wave.

And you came upon me wave on wave,
You're the reason I'm still here.
Am I the one you were sent to save,
when you came upon me wave on wave.
The clouds broke and the angels cried,
You ain't gotta walk alone,
That's why he put me in your way, 
And you came upon me wave on wave.

...

Don't know what to say, and just felt like saying something so here's a couple quotes I really like and try to live by.

Courage is being scared to death.. but saddling up anyways.  

“We should never assume, we should let them know” – Thomas S. Monson

“Come what may, and love it” – Joseph B. Wirthlin (This is a big one)

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."

-Gandhi

"Get on your knees and pray, then get on your feet and work."

-Gordon B. Hinckley

"Men are building too many walls and not enough bridges"

-JCDecaux

"If life gets too hard to stand, kneel."

- Gordon B. Hinckley

"Be one who nurtures and builds. Be one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart, who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them." - Marvin J. Ashton

"The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up."

Life is an adventure, make the most of it!

For When I Am Weak, Then Am I Strong

One of my roommates gave a really good lesson today in Sunday School.  I thought I'd just share the scripture and a thought because it impacted me, possibly because of certain situations.

2 Corinthians 12: 9-10 

         9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.  Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

        10  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

It's the trials and hard times in our lives that help us to grow and to progress.  If we don't fight against it, whine, complain, and ask why?, but embrace those times as learning moments, then we are truly progressing.  Lately I've noticed that when I do those things, that life is hard and I feel bad for myself.  But when i realize that its for my good in one way or another, that is when life becomes more meaningful.  This is how we become closer to our Savior, to feel of His love, and to be His disciples.  I still have a lot to learn when it comes to this, but I know that through the power of Christ, that my weaknesses may become strong.  I will now and continue to glory in my infirmities, thrive during times of trial, and thank the Lord for His goodness.  This just sorta hit home today.

This also goes well with one of my favorite scriptures while I was on my mission.  Everyone knows it, but it had a special meaning for me during those two years and still today. 

Ether 12:27

       27  And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

A wise friend relayed a quote to me - "Pray not to calm the waters, rather pray to strengthen the boat"

A couple of quotes from my New Testament class that I liked..

Look at the Stars

I decry the great waste of time that people put into watching inane television.  I am not anti-sports.  I enjoy watching a good football game or a good basketball game.  But I see so many men who become absolutely obsessed with sports.  I believe their lives would be enriched if, instead of sitting on the sofa and watching a game that will be forgotten tomorrow, they would read and think and ponder.

They would be blessed if they were to go out into the dark of night, look at the stars, and ponder their place in the eternal plan of the Almighty.

President Gordon B. Hinckley

A Thought

So you might call me strange, or super sensitive, or whatever for having this blog and for some of the things I say, but it's me and sometimes like to share thoughts with others.   Mostly I want to be able to bless other lives in some way.  I don't really know how, but I like to try...

I've been thinking about how amazing girls/women are.  Not just because I'm a guy and am attracted to them, but for who they really are.  So many girls have had an amazing impact on my life.  They have a social and spiritual maturity above and beyond what us guys can reach. You may think that this is an over-exaggeration because yes there are dumb/immature girls.  But in general, they are so much better than the male race.  As I look back at my life and think of the people that have helped me to be a better person and to be who I am, I can think of a lot of people; The majority of them being females.  It's the girls that helped me to gain confidence in myself.  They helped me to prepare for my mission, lifted me up on my mission, and have supported me through day to day life.  Most of the best conversations I've ever had have been with the women that have blessed my life.  I have a deep respect for women that hopefully I show outwardly. You may even be able to call me a feminist.

I don't really know what I'm trying to say.  Basically I just want to thank you all (ladies) for being who you are and for blessing our lives.  Every single General Authority talks about he attributes who he is to his wife.  That is something to be said.  Thank you for having standards.  Thank you for helping us to see things the way you see them.  Thank you for being humble and examples of the believers.  Thank you for putting up with us and being so patient.  Thank you for your purity and virtue.

I like to think that I am old fashioned.  I believe in a thing called chivalry, which is becoming a lost art.  I'm not perfect at it, but i work on it.  Women deserve to be treated like the beautiful daughters of God that they are.  Nothing makes me more angry than seeing a daughter of God being mistreated, and it tears me up inside to see one cry.

Most of this comes from the example of my mother.  She has helped to be who I am and helped to realize the important things in life.  I owe her so much for everything she has done for me and taught me.  I look up to her so much.

Like I said, all women deserve to be treated properly, and you have the right to demand that proper treatment. Teach us a lesson.  Let us know what needs to be fixed.

I am so very grateful for all of you women who have blessed my life in so many ways.  Most of you don't even realize how much you have helped me and those around you.  If it wasn't for the women in my life I wouldn't be anywhere and would be a waste of space. ;)

They say about women that "you can't live with them, and you can't live without them."  There is no doubt that we can't live without them.  A country song says something to the effect that "they say that every good man has a women behind him, but I'd have her by my side."

I don't say these things to get an in or to act like I'm better than anyone else.  I am far from perfect, but I'm working at it, I always will, progressing day by day.  I just want you girls to know how special you are and what an impact you have on our (male race) lives.  I don't know if everyone realizes that.

If I'm stupid for sharing this with the world, let me know, and I'll keep it to myself.

President N. Eldon Tanner -


"Girls, you are of great strength and support to the men in your lives, and they sometimes need your help most when they are least deserving. A man can have no greater incentive, no greater hope, no greater strength than to know his mother, his sweetheart, his wife, or his daughter has confidence in him and loves him. And men should strive every day to live worthy of that love and confidence."


"And girls, don’t underestimate your influence on your brothers and your sweethearts. As you live worthy of their love and respect, you can help greatly to determine that they will be clean and virtuous, successful and happy. Always remember that you can go much further on respect than on popularity."

Mormon Dating Made Easy?

So, I've come to realize how competitive the Business program here at BYU is and how competitive the business world is in general.  They have informed us that if you haven't had several internships that you will never get a good job.  So I decided to get an on-campus internship which they randomly place you in.  They put me on the "Mormon Dating Made Easy" project.  The lady who needs our help with her growing business and marketing ideas is a professional dating coach... She has informed that "I am a marriage and family therapist with 17 years of experience. I am also a dating coach. I have been on TV and radio nationwide and have been across the country speaking at LDS singles conferences, wards, and events. I have a dating-coach program complete with professional one-on-one coaching, books, workshops, teleseminars, cruises, and conventions." 


I find it quite hilarious that they put me on this project.  It's sort of like a slap in the face.  Maybe I need to learn something from her. Who knows..  Anyways, of all the financial based internships and real companies, I got stuck with mormon dating, what a party!

The small stuff

It's funny how we take the small things for granted and it isn't until we don't have it that we realize how important it is/was.

Not being able to use my right hand and not being able to really sit/stand has made me appreciate what I do have a little more fully.

Referring to life in general; we all don't realize how much the small things mean or how much of an impact they have on our lives.  It's the small things that add up to have the greatest effect.  A friend stopping by, a caring text, a smile from across the room, a mother that pushes aside everything to help you out, feelings or reassurance and peace from our Heavenly Father, seeing a long lost friend.  There are so many small things that happen in our lives that have a big impact, that help mold us into who we are.  It's hard to recognize that fact and be grateful for the small things.

I'm not so good at fully expressing my thoughts and feelings, and I may be on drugs, but you get the the gist of what I'm trying to say.  I'm grateful for the small stuff and the people that have had a huge influence on my life by small means.  Everyone I meet and talk to is a blessing in my life in one way or another..

..

I sort of like people watching and conversations where you really get to know how people think and feel. There is so much to be learned from everyone around you.  Hearing others share insights helps me to better understand myself as well.  When people will open up and share their feelings you know you have a real friendship, not just a superficial relationship.  There is always more than what meets the eye.  I'm not always good at expressing myself, but I love to listen to others, I learn so much.  


I also love being active ad getting out and doing things.  Thanks to those who have invited me to do things and done things with me all summer, you have made my life joyful.


If anyone ever needs someone to chat with or has some insights, just let me know, you know how to contact me.  

Good Times..

Had some good times this week.  Relived some past memories with the guys.  Went biking and I'm excited about getting more into it.

Also had a guys temple trip, with chili's for dinner.  The temple is such a wonderful place, so peaceful and calming.  It is great having friends that build you up and help make you a better person.  Not many groups of friends could all go to the temple together or would want to.  Having the Gospel in my life is such a blessing.  That eternal perspective gives me purpose and drive from day to day.  I wish I could go back to the spiritual plane of my mission.  Gotta work day to day to get back there.  I never was happier than during those two years.  I can't believe I've been home a year already.  Time flies by as if it were a dream; and that is both good and bad.

Natalie, Gordy, & I walked to 7- eleven and got slurpees, brought back some good childhood memories. I love that our family is so close.  I don;t know many families that still spend a lot of time together into their early to late 20's.

Also got a call from the Marriott School of Management.  I guess there were some changes and now I am accepted!  Love it when things work out like that.  I constantly see how blessed I am and wonder why I deserve it.


Random picture of Nate planking near the top of Mount Olympus..

Well....

Didn't get accepted to the Business Program... I can keep trying and get in later, dont think that will be too big of a problem.  Or does this mean I should do something else?

What should I do with life?

Sometimes I get bored.  So I fix that with a crazy run or something like that.

Today I jogged/quick walked up Mt. Olympus.  Up in 1 hr 20 min up, not sure down.  8.13 miles.  4200 elevation gain.

Sometimes I push myself hard.  It's worth it afterwards.

For example, a few weeks ago I ran/hiked 12.5 miles, it was around 3 hours, and I didnt take any water.  After a blister on my heel was killing me and I felt like I might pass out I turned around, but that left me with 6 miles back to the car.

I don't always think ahead, but usually do.  Now I have a camelback, so that wont happen again.

Any ideas on what I should do next?

I've Learned..

I’ve learned-
 that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.

I’ve learned-
 that no matter how much I care, some people just don’t care back.

I’ve learned-
 that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.

I’ve learned-
 that no matter how good a friend is, they’re going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I’ve learned-
 that it’s not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.

I’ve learned-
 that you should never ruin an apology with an excuse.

I’ve learned-
 that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you’d better know something.

I’ve learned-
 that you shouldn’t compare yourself to the best others can do.

I’ve learned-
 that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I’ve learned- 
that it’s taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I’ve learned-
 that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I’ve learned-
 that you can keep going long after you can’t.

I’ve learned-
 that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I’ve learned-
 that either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I’ve learned-
 that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.

I’ve learned-
 that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I’ve learned-
 that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I’ve learned-
 that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I’ve learned-
 that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you’re down will be the ones to help you get back up.

I’ve learned-
 that sometimes when I’m angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.

I’ve learned-
 that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I’ve learned-
 that just because someone doesn’t love you the way you want them to doesn’t mean they don’t love you with all they have.

I’ve learned- 
that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you’ve had and what you’ve learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you’ve celebrated.

I’ve learned-
 that you should never tell a child their dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if they believed it.

I’ve learned-
 that your family won’t always be there for you. It may seem funny, but people you aren’t related to can take care of you and love you and teach you to trust people again. Families aren’t biological.

I’ve learned-
 that it isn’t always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you are to learn to forgive yourself.

I’ve learned-
 that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn’t stop for your grief.

I’ve learned-
 that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I’ve learned-
 that a rich person is not the one who has the most, but is one who needs the least.

I’ve learned-
 that just because two people argue, it doesn’t mean they don’t love each other. And just because they don’t argue, it doesn’t mean they do.

I’ve learned-
 that we don’t have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I’ve learned-
 that you shouldn’t be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I’ve learned-
 that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I’ve learned-
 that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.

I’ve learned-
 that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

I’ve learned-
 that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I’ve learned-
 that the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

I’ve learned-
 that it’s hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people’s feelings, and standing up for what you believe.

I’ve learned-
 that people will forget what you said, and people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

By Omer B. Washington

Some of my ideas...


(I'm not very good with words, but you get the idea)

I’ve learned – that God puts people in our lives at the right moment, for the right reason.

I’ve learned – that the most beautiful things aren’t man-made

I’ve learned – that life’s stresses can be relieved by nature.

I’ve learned – that we all have our insecurities and weaknesses, pointing out those of others doesn’t fix ours.

I’ve learned – that we realize who and what we care about most once its gone.

I’ve learned – that it’s the small and simple things that make life great.


I’ve learned – that what others think doesn't really matter as long as it feels right to you.


I’ve learned – to listen to and follow parents advice, they have experience and wisdom that will bless your life.


I’ve learned – that happiness comes from within.


I’ve learned – that fear stops progression, faith and courage speed it up.


I’ve learned – that I'm happiest when I forget myself and think of others.


I’ve learned – that sulking doesn't do anyone any good.


I’ve learned – that family relationships are a whole lot more important than any other relationship.


I’ve learned – to learn from and remember the past, but to focus on the here and now.  Live in the moment.


I’ve learned – that giving into human desires and appetites only weakens and brings pain, overcoming them builds character.


I’ve learned – that worldly accomplishments mean little compared to daily  personal accomplishments.


I’ve learned – that realizing out many blessings and what we have gives us perspective and erases feelings of self-pity.


I’ve learned – that men/women build up defenses, but once you break through and get to know them, you will see someone just like you and I.


I’ve learned – that sometimes the truth hurts, but lies always hurt.


I’ve learned – that your words, actions, and decisions affect more than just yourself.


I’ve learned – that there is a lot of good despite all the sleeze of the world.


I’ve learned – that everything happens for a reason, even if we can't see it right now.  There is a lesson to be learned.


I’ve learned – that time flies, make the most of every minute.


I’ve learned – that a little bit of change can make a world of a difference.


I’ve learned – that the Lord gives us enough to take the 1st step, then expects us to take the 2nd based on faith.


I’ve learned – that storms provide for new life.


I’ve learned – that happiness or sadness is a choice.


I’ve learned – that every morning we decide how our day will be.


I’ve learned – that attitude is everything.


I’ve learned – that love, true love, is what brings us together.

“As A Man Thinketh” – James Allen

These are my favorite quotes from James Allen's book.  Very good read that helped me during and since the mission.  

THOUGHT AND CHARACTER

As a man thinketh in his heart so it he

A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts

Every act of man springs from the hidden seeds of though, and could not have appeared without them

Act is the blossom of thought, and joy and suffering are its fruit; thus does a man garner in the sweet and bitter fruitage of his own husbandry

A noble and God-like character is not a thing of favor or chance, but is the natural result of continued effort in right thinking, the effect of long-cherished association with God-like thoughts

Man is made or unmade by himself.  In the armory of though he forges the weapons by which he destroys himself.  He also fashions the tools with which he builds for himself heavenly mansions of joy and strength and peace

By the right choice and true application of though, man ascends to the divine perfection

Man is the master of thought, the molder of character, and the maker and shaper of condition, environment, and destiny

Only by patience, practice, and ceaseless importunity can a man enter the door of the temple of knowledge

EFFECT OF THOUGHT CIRCUMSTANCES

A man’s mind may be likened to a garden, which may be intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild; but whether cultivated or neglected, it must, and will bring forth.  If no useful seeds are put into it, then an abundance of useless weed-seeds will fall therin, and will continue to produce their kind

Thought and character are one, and as character can only manifest and discover itself through environment and circumstance, the outer conditions of a person’s life will always be found to be harmoniously related to his inner state

The soul attracts that which it secretly harbors; that which is loves, and also that which it fears

The outer world of circumstances shapes itself to the inner world of thought, and both pleasant and unpleasant external conditions are factors which make for the ultimate good of the individual.  As the reaper of his own harvest, man learns both of suffering and bliss

A man does not come to the alms-house or the jail by the tyranny of fate or circumstance, but by the pathway of groveling thoughts and base desires.  Nor does a pure-minded man fall suddenly into crime by stress of an mere external fore; the criminal thought had long been secretly fostered in the heart, and the hour of opportunity revealed its gathered power. 

Circumstance does not make the man; it reveals him to himself

Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are

Not what he wished and prays for does a man get, but what he justly earns

His wishes and prayers are only gratified and answered when they harmonize with his thoughts and actions

Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound. 

Good thoughts and actions can never produce bad results; bad thoughts and actions can never produce good results

Suffering is always the effect of wrong thought in some direction.  It is an indication that the individual is out of harmony with himself, with the law of his being.  The sole and supreme use of suffering is to purify, to burn out all that is useless and impure.  Suffering ceases for him who is pure.

Blessedness, not material possessions, is the measure of right thought; wretchedness, not lack of material possessions, is the measure of wrong thought.  A man may be cursed and rich; he may be blessed and poor.  Blessedness and riches are only joined together when the riches are rightly and wisely used. 

Happiness, health, and prosperity are the result of harmonious adjustment of the inner with the outer of the man with his surroundings

A man only beings to be a man when he ceases to whine and revile, and commences to search for the hidden justice which regulates his life.  And he adapts his mind to that regulating factor, he ceases to accuse others as the cause of his condition, and builds himself up in strong and noble thoughts; ceases to kick against circumstances, but begins to use them as aids to his more rapid progress, and as a means of discovering the hidden powers and possibilities within himself

Men imagine that thought can be kept secret, but it cannot.  It rapidly crystallizes into habit, and bait solidifies into circumstance.

Thoughts of fear, doubt, and indecision crystallize into weak, unmanly, and irresolute habits, which solidify into circumstances of failure, indigence, and slavish dependence

On the other hand, beautiful thoughts of all kinds crystallize into habits of grace and kindliness, which solidify into genial an sunny circumstances.  Pure thoughts crystallize into habits of temperance and self-control, which solidify into circumstances of repose and peace.  Thoughts of courage, self-reliance, and decision crystallize into manly habits, which solidify into circumstances of success, plenty, and freedom.  Energetic thoughts crystallize into habits of cleanliness an industry, which solidify into circumstances of pleasantness.

Gentle and forgiving thoughts crystallize into habits of gentleness, which solidify into protective and preservative circumstances.  Loving and unselfish thoughts solidify into circumstances of sure and abiding prosperity and true riches.

Let a man cease from his sinful thoughts, and all the world will soften towards him, and be ready to help him

EFFECTS OF THOUGHTS OF HEALTH AND BODY

The body is the servant of the mind.  It obeys the operations of the mind, whether they be deliberately chosen of automatically expressed.  At the bidding of unlawful thoughts the body sinks rapidly into disease and decay; at the command of glad and beautiful thoughts it becomes clothed with youthfulness and beauty

If you would perfect your body, guard your mind.  If you would renew your body, beautify your mind

To think will of all, to be cheerful with all, to patiently learn to find the good in all – such unselfish thoughts are the very portals of heaven

THOUGHT AND PURPOSE

Even if he fails again and again to accomplish his purpose—as he must until weakness is overcome – the strength of character gained will be the measure of his true success

Strength can only be developed by effort and practice

As the physically weak man can make himself strong by careful and patient training, so the man of weak thoughts can make them strong by exercising himself in right thinking

To put away aimlessness and weakness and to begin to think with purpose is to enter the ranks of those strong ones who only recognize failure as one of the pathways to attainment

Thoughts of doubt and fear can never accomplish anything.  They always lead to failure.

Purpose, energy, power to do, and all strong thoughts cease when doubt and fear creep in

Doubt and fear are the great enemies of knowledge, and he who encourages them, who does not slay them, thwarts himself at every step.

He who has conquered doubt and fear has conquered failure

THE THOUGHT-FACTOR IN ACHIEVEMENT

All that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts

A man’s weakness and strength, purity and impurity, are his own and not another man’s.

His sufferings and his happiness are evolved from within.  As he thinks, so is he; as he continues to think, so he remains

A strong man cannot help a weaker unless that weaker is willing to be helped

A man can only rise, conquer, and achieve by lifting up his thoughts

He is limited only by the thoughts that he chooses

The can be no progress nor achievement without sacrifice, and a man’s worldly success will be by the measure that he sacrifices  his confused animal thoughts, and fixes his mind on the development of his plans, and the strengthening of his resolution and self-reliance. 

The higher his he lifts his thoughts, the greater will be his success, the more blessed and enduring will be his achievements

Spiritual achievements are the consummation of holy aspirations

He who lives constantly in the conception of noble and lofty thoughts, who dwells upon all that is pure and selfless, will, as surely as the sun reaches its zenith and the moon its full, become wise and noble in character and rise into a position of influence and blessedness

Achievement of any kind is the crown effort, the diadem of thought

By the aid of self-control, resolution, purity, righteousness, and well-directed thought a man ascends

He who would accomplish little need sacrifice little; he who would achieve much must sacrifice much.  He who would attain highly must sacrifice greatly

VISIONS AND IDEALS

He who cherishes a beautiful vision, a lofty ideal in his heart, will one day realize it

To desire is to obtain; to aspire is to achieve

Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become

The greatest achievement was at first and for a time a dream

Dreams are the seedlings of realities

For you will always gravitate toward that which you, secretly, most love.

Into your hands will be placed the exact results of your own thoughts.  You will receive that which you earn; no more, no less

The strength of the effort is the measure of the result

Gifts, powers, material, intellectual and spiritual possessions are the fruits of effort.  They are thoughts completed, objectives accomplished, visions realized

The vision that you glorify in your mind, the ideal that you enthrone in your heart – this you will build your life by; this you will become

SERENITY

Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom

Only the wise man, only he whose thoughts are controlled and purified, makes the winds and the storms of the soul obey him.

In the ocean of life the isles of blessedness are smiling and the sunny shore of your ideal awaits you coming. 

Keep your hands firmly upon the helm of thought.  In the core of your soul reclines the commanding master; He does but sleep; wake Him. 

Self control is strength.  Right thought is mastery.

Calmness is power.  Say unto your heart, “Peace.  Be still”