Author Archives: watchwordsblog

We pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the ordinary, small (and yet really not small) gifts. How can God entrust great things to one who will not thankfully receive from Him the little things? Dietrich Bonhoeffer Meditation: It is challenging for children to understand why we ask them not toContinue reading “The Little Things in Life…”

We humans have lost the wisdom of genuinely resting and relaxing. We worry too much. We don’t allow our bodies to heal, and we don’t allow our minds and hearts to heal. Thich Nhat Hanh Meditation: The day after Thanksgiving is usually a commercial day of being seduced into shopping in stores or online. ItContinue reading ““Come With Me and Get Some Rest”…”

I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness — it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude. Brene Brown Meditation: Thanksgiving is a special day for most Americans. Family and friends are gathering around a festive table. Traditional meals are being served and people talk about what theyContinue reading “Having a Different Thanksgiving…”

Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open, and rules are flexible – the kind of atmosphere that is found in a nurturing family. Virginia Satir Meditation: What makes a family, a church or an organization nurturing and life giving? When we appreciateContinue reading “Nurturing Communities…”

The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away. Pablo Picasso Meditation: Finding our gift and then giving it away… what an amazing suggestion of meaning for our life. However, sometimes societies or families corrupt this idea, by telling people what their gift should be. EspeciallyContinue reading “Find Your Gift…”

The least of things with a meaning is worth more in life than the greatest of things without it. Karl Jung Meditation: I am wearing three rings. Each of them costs not more than $100, but each of them holds a lot of meaning to me. One I bought when I was in my twenties whenContinue reading “The Least of Things…”

For that again, is what all manner of religion essentially is: childish dependency. Albert Ellis Meditation: If people who create the institutions within religion keep other people in a childish dependency, they are using religion for their own purpose of achieving power or for having control over others. This is abuse. Abuse of claimed “god given”,Continue reading “The “God Beyond God”…”

We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth. Virginia Satir Meditation: The first two words in sequence my daughters learned to say as babies were “hold you!” They had heard me say many times “Wait a moment, I willContinue reading “Twelve Hugs For Growth…”

It’s no accident many accuse me of conducting public affairs with my heart instead of my head. Well, what if I do? Those who don’t know how to weep with their whole heart don’t know how to laugh either. Golda Meir Meditation: Being a leader requires both head and heart. In today’s business world whiteContinue reading “Leading With The Heart…”

Today is a most unusual day, because we have never lived it before; we will never live it again; it is the only day we have. William Arthur Ward Meditation: If we live life only to prepare for retirement, we might be wise. However, we might also be foolish. Tomorrow is not promised. Today isContinue reading “Seize The Day…”