We can't choose our circumstances a lot of the time. We can't choose our family and our relatives. We can't choose how we look, how tall we are or the color of our skin. We don't choose to have handicaps or physical or mental limitations. Those things are determined for us. <br /><br /> But we can choose love. We can choose joy. We can refuse to be cynical. I know it's very easy to be cynical and bitter but it doesn't make the situation any better. We can choose to see other people as human beings created by a mighty God. And in doing so, we can choose to respect them even if they've done despicable things. <br /><br /> We can choose joy in the troubled times in which we live. We can choose to let world events bog us down with depression, fear and despair, or we can choose to help however we can and love whomever we can and pray whenever we can. We can choose to get prepared. <br /><br /> Every day we make choices. You can choose to take this road or that road, to turn left or turn right. You can choose to speed up or slow down. You can choose to speak harsh words or kind ones. You can choose to be degrading or uplifting. You can choose the direction you want your day to go by how you respond to your circumstance. <br /><br /> Think about the choices you make today and try to steer your course and your attitude onto a positive path. Choose to have more joy in your life no matter what. And I'm going to do my best to bring a little joy into your evening if you should choose to tune in to great love songs on the radio. <br />Have a great day!

Ghandi made the statement that "you must be the change you wish to see in the world." So many people speak of doing great things. I know a lot of people who have really good intentions. They intend to make a difference. But when it comes right down to it, they don't believe they can make enough of a difference to be worthwhile.<br /><br /> Well imagine if everyone took that attitude. Imagine if Mother Theresa felt too small as just one single person to make a difference and so she never started her ministry. It's not the size of your action, your donation, your volunteerism that counts. It's the fact that you did something that matters. Do something! If you intend to do great things, do it baby steps at a time.<br /><br /> What do I mean? I mean volunteer at a shelter or the Red Cross. Donate blood. Become a Big Sister or Big Brother. Work with your local Boy Scouts or Girls Scouts. You can become a pen pal to a soldier overseas. I mean clean out your closet and your sister's closet and your mother's closet and your baby's closet and drop your items off at a women's shelter. You can do small things that make a big difference in someone's life. And that's a great thing!<br /><br /> So be the change you want to see in the world and be the difference between someone who puts their words into action and someone who just keeps talking about it. Be the person you intend to be and start making a difference today.

You know what I love about Facebook? I love looking at pictures. It allows me to feel connected to friends who are hundreds and even thousands of miles away, because I can see how their life is unfolding in pictures and stories and updates.<br /><br />Recently I saw that a friend of mine posted a single photo of her three beautiful daughters. The girls were crammed together over the edge of the couch, smiling at the camera for their mother. The caption simply said, "Happy Monday" as if the girls' smiling faces would bring a little sunshine into our day. And it sure did for me.<br /><br />Later on in the day, my friend had a bunch of comments from people who obviously felt the same way, but when I viewed the picture (right after it was posted), there was a single comment beneath it: "Your legacy, " How true that is, and how powerful to see it written like that beneath those three, young smiling faces.<br /><br />What is your legacy? When you pass on to the next life, will your family and friends be equipped with the knowledge of things that matter to you? What will they take from your example and your experiences? Consider how you're living your life, the things you say and do, the good work you do, the hard work you do, and determine if it's the legacy you'll be proud to leave behind. Just a thought.

I spoke about on my program, and received so many comments on Facebook afterwards. Click here to see how you can help those so affected in the devastation of tornadoes this.

I spoke about on Friday nights program, and received so many comments on Facebook afterwards. Heres how you can help those so affected in the devastation of tornadoes this past week.lt;br /gt;lt;br /gt; Click to read more,

I've read and watched news reports from Japan, reporting on the very tough conditions caused by the Earthquake and Tsumani.  My heart breaks for the people affected and I realize it will be a long, long time before anything is normal again there, if ever.  Those affected need our help and organizations like World Vision and The Red Cross have responded, along with many other worthy organizations.  If your heart is speaking to you, suggesting you make a contribution to help those less fortunate than ourselves, click here to learn how you can help.

Are you feeling restless, bored, tired, lonely or maybe even a little bit sad? I think I may know the problem: cabin fever! Do you have it yet? It often comes around this time when the excitement of the holidays has come and gone.lt;br /gt; lt;br /gt; Click to read more,

Are you feeling restless, bored, tired, lonely or maybe even a little bit sad? I think I may know the problem: cabin fever! Do you have it yet? It often comes around this time when the excitement of the holidays has come and gone.<br /><br /> We so badly want to stay indoors in December, near the fire, the holiday music, the sparkling tree and stockings. Then January comes and strips us of that magic only to leave drab and drizzly and cold winter days that seem so short and dark and…I'm not helping, am I?<br /><br /> Well, I know it's been a particularly bad winter in many parts of the country with record-breaking temperatures, rainfall and snow. I don't think I'm alone in my desire for spring to arrive. "Okay God, send me a robin or two!" I miss my gardens, I miss my flowers, I miss being out in the dirt and riding my horse Samson.<br /><br /> I realize I need to face the rest of winter so I'm trying a few things to keep my energy up. I'm making an effort to add something bright to my wardrobe each day. I'm burning candles with aromas that make me happy. I'm perusing my recipe book for comforting dishes I have yet to try. And I'm cranking up the music I love as I'm folding clothes and doing other unending indoor chores.<br /><br /> What are you doing to beat the winter blues? If you're snowed in, rained out or chilled to the bone, tell me how you've managed to keep your energy high and your spirit bright. Let's appreciate the good qualities of this season and recognize how it makes us long for and appreciate the emergence of springtime, right around the corner.

Are you feeling restless, bored, tired, lonely or maybe even a little bit sad? I think I may know the problem: cabin fever! Do you have it yet? It often comes around this time when the excitement of the holidays has come and gone.<br /> <br /> Click to read more,

Are you feeling restless, bored, tired, lonely or maybe even a little bit sad? I think I may know the problem: cabin fever! Do you have it yet? It often comes around this time when the excitement of the holidays has come and gone.lt;br /gt; lt;br /gt; Click to read more,