Monday 31 December 2012

Precious

There is a reason God limits our days…
To make each one precious.   
– Mitch Albom

Friday 28 December 2012

Happiness

True happiness is found 
in simple seemingly unremarkable things. 
– Eckhart Tolle

Wednesday 26 December 2012

Snowflake

I think we make the whole thing too high falutin.   
Maybe all God wants to do in human form 
is touch a snowflake.    
– Rev. Cynthia Bourgeault

Monday 24 December 2012

Smarter

At some point our actions become smarter 
and thus the results are 
less of a drag on our wings.  
 – Daniel Ladinsky

Friday 21 December 2012

December 21, 2012 Chautauqua


From the Editor's Computer


   December 21st - the first official day of winter, the Winter Solstice, the shortest, and therefore darkest, day of the year.

   The ancients knew that it is impossible to fight or retaliate against the darkness.  The darkness always wins when you try to attack it.

   The only way to remove the darkness is to dispel it by adding light.

   Even the tiniest spark or ember of light will defeat the darkness.

   Our world today seems filled with so much darkness, despite it being a festive time of year. 

   Whether it is the darkness of the night (as the days shorten) or the darkness of human actions (recent mass shooting in Connecticut), the only way to deal with the darkness is to add more light.

   The darkness of night is powerless against even a small candle.  And the darkness of human action becomes powerless against the light of love, compassion, and kindness.

   And what does the light of love, compassion, and kindness look like?  A smile...a hug...holding someone’s hand...saying hello to someone on the street...holding the door for someone...letting someone go in line ahead of you...donating to a local organization which benefits local youth...the list goes on and on and on.

   Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate evidence of the darkness receding.  While one small candle causes the darkness to recede, it doesn’t remove it totally.  More light is necessary.

    Just as one tiny spark or ember can start a roaring fire, so too can one kind action by each individual start a wave of kindness that spreads far beyond what we can imagine.  

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kUReTEKIW241H024tt1c45TfEMOTDi9I/view?usp=sharing

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.

Wednesday 19 December 2012

Person

Become a person 
that others want to be around!  
  This is far and away 
the greatest success secret in existence.  
 A man or woman who has become someone 
others want to be around 
holds the world by the tail.    
– Andy Andrews

Monday 17 December 2012

Surrender

In the state of surrender, 
you see very clearly what needs to be done,
 and you take action, 
doing one thing at a time 
and focussing on one thing at a time.   
Learn from nature: 
See how everything gets accomplished 
and how the miracle of life unfolds 
without dissatisfaction or unhappiness.
 – Eckhart Tolle

Friday 14 December 2012

Wrong

I have dared myself to take 
the wrong path along the years – 
and then make it an exercise 
to find the right choice within it.  
 – Cecelia Montero

Wednesday 12 December 2012

Accept


Accept yourself as you are. 
Otherwise you will never see opportunity. 
You will not feel free to move toward it; 
you will feel you are not deserving.  
 - Maxwell Maltz

Monday 10 December 2012

Irritate


I am willing to release
 that part of me that irritates me 
when I think of you. 
 – Doreen Virtue

Friday 7 December 2012

December 7, 2012 Chautauqua


From the Editor's Computer


   A couple of months ago, five ball players from Irma, Alberta had the honour and distinction of being named to the Canadian National fast pitch team.

   This is a very special opportunity for these five young men, and a great moment for our country.

   Too often, we hear that people have to take their children to the “city” as there are greater opportunities for them there.  

   The ball players from Irma are not the first ones from a small town to become honoured, or famous.  We can list countless other ones in various areas of life - hockey players, models, and more.  Many, not only from Alberta, but from our own local communities.

   Yes, cities offer more varied opportunities, however, no one can take advantage of all the opportunities out there, not even adults.

   While it is true, there are more opportunities in larger centres, that does not necessarily mean that your child (or children) will have access to, or even experience, the best opportunities for them.

   The advantage of small town opportunities is that there are less options, or distractions, so children can really focus their time and attention on what interests them.

   Another advantage is that expertise is not divided between so many, as it is concentrated upon a few.  Part of the Irma ball players’ success is due to their coach who was able to provide personalized training that suited each athlete’s special talents and areas needing improvement.

   Along the similar lines, there is less competition in smaller centres.  Seldom does a child have to try out to make a team, or be included in an activity.  It is easier to join groups and sports.

   I personally have found that smaller communities are more willing to support someone who wants to create their own opportunity, whether it is starting a new business, creating a new product, or any other adventure.

   Yes, there are more opportunities in the city, no doubt about that, but the best opportunities are usually found in a small town.
Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/114cfgHxInN7nksVbicNzUJG-NV_Ay8Sc/view?usp=sharing

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.

Wednesday 5 December 2012

Turn

If the river turns and you don’t turn, 
you end up on dry land.  
 – Nina Zimbelman

Monday 3 December 2012

Keys

People can't drive you crazy
if you don't give them the keys 
- Title of a book

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