SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP!

A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule 'braying' or 'praying' - or - whatever mules do when they fall into wells.

After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened...and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery. Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back...a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back...HE SHOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP! This he did, blow after blow. "Shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up!" he repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or distressing the situation seemed the old mule fought "panic" and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP! You're right! It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, STEPPED TRIUMPHANTLY OVER THE WALL OF THAT WELL! What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed him...all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity. THAT'S LIFE!

If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity...THE ADVERSITIES THAT COME ALONG TO BURY US USUALLY HAVE WITHIN THEM THE POTENTIAL TO BENEFIT AND BLESS US!

Remember that FORGIVENESS--FAITH-- PRAYER--PRAISE and HOPE...all are excellent ways to "SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP" out of the wells in which we find ourselves!
Anonymous

JUST FOR TODAY

"I will live through the next
12 hours and try not to tackle
all of life’s problems at once.
I will improve my mind.
I will learn something useful.
I will learn something that
requires effort, thought and
concentration.
I will be agreeable.
I will look my best, speak in a well-
modulated voice, be courteous
and considerate.
I will not find fault with
friend, relative or colleague.
I will not try to change or
improve anyone but myself.
I will do a good turn and
keep it a secret. If anyone
finds out, it won’t count.
I will do two things I don’t
want to do, just for the exercise.
I will believe in myself.
I will give my best to the world
and feel confident that the
world will give its best to me."
Author Unknown

What Time Are You?

The YouTube Campaign

The candidates are making good use of YouTube...especially Hillary and Obama. I spent some time watching a few of the videos and wanted to share this one with you. BTW, I am unsure who I will vote for but I liked what Michelle had to say.

BONO and BRUCE and one of my favorite songs...