We all know how easy it is to become inundated with life's daily minutiae and how quickly one negative thought can become a cavalcade of misery -at least in our minds!
We have to be able to identify that one negative thought that starts the entire process rolling!
Recognize it as it changes our moods to anxiety, fear, sadness, worry, or depression!
And stop it dead in it's tracks!!!
Nothing -and I mean NOTHING - is as bad as it seems!
Focus on your Mental Ace in the Hole (MAITH) when you feel your mood change - FOCUS on action, planning, implementation of what you WANT to do next - NOT on the current situation!
Hope is a powerful thing - and Hope keeps all of us alive, either barely aive or thriving! It does not matter to what degree - All that matters is that we keep Hope close to our hearts, on our lips, and NEVER doubt it's power to deliver us to peace, joy and love!!!
Have a crummy job, or no job? FOCUS on what is next - NOT on the current state! VISUALIZE yourself at your next job - feel it, taste it - and take the steps necessary to put you in that direction!!
Nothing stays the same - so why convince yourself that you will always be in the spot you are today??
Set the GOAL - VISUALIZE the outcome - and take ACTION to make it a reality!
You are not alone - you always have someone willing to help - guide, support, and see you through to your goals!
Change the attitude you have - if necessary FAKE HAPPINESS!!
That is right - FAKE it as if you were on Broadway - but behind that facade KEEP THE SPIRIT OF HOPE and CHANGE alive! It will transform into reality if you simply keep it in your heart and have FAITH!!
More people than you know care about you - want you to succeed, and are there for you in time of need!
And you WILL succeed!! It is inevitable!!
Stay Strong!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Friday, July 10, 2009
Perspective is the KEY
We all know how easy it is to become inundated with life's daily minutiae and how quickly one negative thought can become a cavalcade of misery -at least in our minds!
We have to be able to identify that one negative thought that starts the entire process rolling!
Recognize it as it changes our moods to anxiety, fear, sadness, worry, or depression!
And stop it dead in it's tracks!!!
Nothing -and I mean NOTHING - is as bad as it seems!
Focus on your Mental Ace in the Hole (MAITH) when you feel your mood change - FOCUS on action, planning, implementation of what you WANT to do next - NOT on the current situation!
Hope is a powerful thing - and Hope keeps all of us alive, either barely aive or thriving! It does not matter to what degree - All that matters is that we keep Hope close to our hearts, on our lips, and NEVER doubt it's power to deliver us to peace, joy and love!!!
Have a crummy job, or no job? FOCUS on what is next - NOT on the current state! VISUALIZE yourself at your next job - feel it, taste it - and take the steps necessary to put you in that direction!!
Nothing stays the same - so why convince yourself that you will always be in the spot you are today??
Set the GOAL - VISUALIZE the outcome - and take ACTION to make it a reality!
You are not alone - you always have someone willing to help - guide, support, and see you through to your goals!
Change the attitude you have - if necessary FAKE HAPPINESS!!
That is right - FAKE it as if you were on Broadway - but behind that facade KEEP THE SPIRIT OF HOPE and CHANGE alive! It will transform into reality if you simply keep it in your heart and have FAITH!!
More people than you know care about you - want you to succeed, and are there for you in time of need!
And you WILL succeed!! It is inevitable!!
Stay Strong!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
We have to be able to identify that one negative thought that starts the entire process rolling!
Recognize it as it changes our moods to anxiety, fear, sadness, worry, or depression!
And stop it dead in it's tracks!!!
Nothing -and I mean NOTHING - is as bad as it seems!
Focus on your Mental Ace in the Hole (MAITH) when you feel your mood change - FOCUS on action, planning, implementation of what you WANT to do next - NOT on the current situation!
Hope is a powerful thing - and Hope keeps all of us alive, either barely aive or thriving! It does not matter to what degree - All that matters is that we keep Hope close to our hearts, on our lips, and NEVER doubt it's power to deliver us to peace, joy and love!!!
Have a crummy job, or no job? FOCUS on what is next - NOT on the current state! VISUALIZE yourself at your next job - feel it, taste it - and take the steps necessary to put you in that direction!!
Nothing stays the same - so why convince yourself that you will always be in the spot you are today??
Set the GOAL - VISUALIZE the outcome - and take ACTION to make it a reality!
You are not alone - you always have someone willing to help - guide, support, and see you through to your goals!
Change the attitude you have - if necessary FAKE HAPPINESS!!
That is right - FAKE it as if you were on Broadway - but behind that facade KEEP THE SPIRIT OF HOPE and CHANGE alive! It will transform into reality if you simply keep it in your heart and have FAITH!!
More people than you know care about you - want you to succeed, and are there for you in time of need!
And you WILL succeed!! It is inevitable!!
Stay Strong!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
A friend of mine is dying.
He knows it. Everyone close to him and around him knows it - and it seems to be something that no one can stop, avoid, correct or remedy.
It really stinks.
I was thinking of him this morning, as he continues his battle and good fight - surely, albeit slowly and begrudgingly knowing the end is not a question mark any longer.
Fully knowing that his time here is limited and the end result is shortly out of his hands.
You often hear the ubiquitous phrase " live each day as if it were your last" bandied about whether it be on the radio, tv, literature, etc.
It is an American cultural theme and the sheer frequency of it's usage seems to have dampened and de-sensitized it's true meaning, impact and power.
I admit that I understand the concept, and yes I do agree we all should conduct our days in such a manner.
However I do not do this as often as I should and usually brush it off as something "that happens to the other guy". I don't need to do that as I (we) have all the time in the world to treat each day as it were my last! Plus I have other things to tend to - work, bills, children and family issues, etc...
My friend probably thought the exact same way too as he heard the lyrics playing on the radio in his car.
Until now that is...
We MUST remind ourselves that tomorrow is not guaranteed to any of us -- we may not actually have the time that we felt we did as youths - invincible, unstoppable, eternal!!
So, as I prayed for him this morning, I was thinking of the possible regrets he may have and thoughts he may be struggling with today - and it made me incredibly sorrowful for him - and for all of us!
If that were you - in his shoes this morning - would that fight with your family member you stopped speaking with really matter? Would the IRA account, bank accounts, home values, the job titles, resume, second homes, boats, cars matter to you if you were preparing for the final act?
Who would you want to forgive? Who would you ask to forgive you? What do you regret doing to someone that you would not want to take to your next life with you?
Imagine that feeling as you are running out of time - unable to correct things that you really should have corrected long ago. For so long being unable to tell a loved one or a friend what you really feel about them - how much they mean to you - until it is too late to enjoy it with them!
That feeling of regret and missed opportunity pains me already - and it is certainly not something I want to encounter as my days wind down and I have too little time to do the right thing!
Yet - I do not walk the walk, like many of us don't - when we have that time, that opportunity, that chance to DO IT NOW.
My friend is dying and if there is any morsel of goodness to come out of his inevitable passing, let it be that YOU will remember to use the God-given time you have to live, love, forgive, offer your mercy and kindness to those who need it most - serve others and do not wait until time is escaping to make things right!
So please, remember my friend and keep things in proper perspective! Life IS short and the things that truly matter as we look back on our lives do not come with $ or prestige!!
God Bless - Stay Strong and remind yourself daily to "Live each Moment as if it is your last"!
I am sure my friend would agree...
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Monday, June 22, 2009
Fallon O'Toole McIntyre
Yesterday, June 21st, marked the Fifth Anniversary of God's taking of my niece and God Daughter, Fallon O'Toole McIntyre from this earth.
We are continually humbled and amazed by the outpouring of love and support and comfort we receive from so many people despite the time that has passed since we lost Fallie.
We continue to remember Fallon each day that passes, and thank everyone who continues to keep Fallie alive in their memories, and in their words, and in their acts and deeds.
It is because of you that she lives on and brings the world her lessons of Love and Faith!
Thank You and God Bless!
>>
FOREVER REMEMBERED
Fallon O’toole McIntyre
Although I’ve moved on, I’m really not far.
At night you can see I’m a twinkling star
In your time of need you can feel me near
This is what to look for or what to hear:
I’m in a hug and in a smile
I’m the happy spirit in every child
I’m all things good, pure and true
I’m in each good deed you happen to do
Just look around or look above
My purpose on earth was to teach you love.
If there was one thing left that I could say,
It would be “thank you” for your care each day.
For when you held my hand just right
Or comfort you gave in the middle of the night.
All the hope you had in me I now hold for you
In my eyes of blue you can see what is true.
I hear your prayers and feel your heart
Because of this we will never part.
Our paths will meet again somewhere someway
Until then, my spirit will guide you everyday.
It is in this thought you can rest,
When God sent me, he wanted you blessed.
Your not alone, there’s no good-byes…
In every balloon my spirit flies,
Next time we meet… we’ll laugh and play,
Together is where we will plan to stay.
For now, I’m an angel
looking down from above,
and it is only because of you,
Fallon O’toole McIntyre
Although I’ve moved on, I’m really not far.
At night you can see I’m a twinkling star
In your time of need you can feel me near
This is what to look for or what to hear:
I’m in a hug and in a smile
I’m the happy spirit in every child
I’m all things good, pure and true
I’m in each good deed you happen to do
Just look around or look above
My purpose on earth was to teach you love.
If there was one thing left that I could say,
It would be “thank you” for your care each day.
For when you held my hand just right
Or comfort you gave in the middle of the night.
All the hope you had in me I now hold for you
In my eyes of blue you can see what is true.
I hear your prayers and feel your heart
Because of this we will never part.
Our paths will meet again somewhere someway
Until then, my spirit will guide you everyday.
It is in this thought you can rest,
When God sent me, he wanted you blessed.
Your not alone, there’s no good-byes…
In every balloon my spirit flies,
Next time we meet… we’ll laugh and play,
Together is where we will plan to stay.
For now, I’m an angel
looking down from above,
and it is only because of you,
that I had been loved.
-- Kristin Osterman
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
You are not ALONE!
YOU are NOT ALONE!
Certain days it seems like things pile up and pile up on you until you feel like you are at a breaking point.
You feel helpless, hopeless, useless, anxious, lost, overwhelmed -- you feel like you are all ALONE in this universe!
Well I have news for you - You are NEVER alone!
It is easy for our minds to go immediately to the worst case scenario and isolate ourselves from others when we are in trials and strife! It is all to easy to rollover in the face of pain and fear!
Don't Do It!
You are Never alone!!
The Holy Spirit waits for you to ask for His help! That is why He has been given to us by the Lord!
He is ALWAYS with you!! Utilize Him!
He is the answer to all sincere prayer!! He is the Comfort we seek in all times of challenge!!
Never despair! Never fear!
Call upon the Holy Spirit for guidance - and it will come to you!
Certain days it seems like things pile up and pile up on you until you feel like you are at a breaking point.
You feel helpless, hopeless, useless, anxious, lost, overwhelmed -- you feel like you are all ALONE in this universe!
Well I have news for you - You are NEVER alone!
It is easy for our minds to go immediately to the worst case scenario and isolate ourselves from others when we are in trials and strife! It is all to easy to rollover in the face of pain and fear!
Don't Do It!
You are Never alone!!
The Holy Spirit waits for you to ask for His help! That is why He has been given to us by the Lord!
He is ALWAYS with you!! Utilize Him!
He is the answer to all sincere prayer!! He is the Comfort we seek in all times of challenge!!
Never despair! Never fear!
Call upon the Holy Spirit for guidance - and it will come to you!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
A Tremendous Loss to All; Frank Becerra, Sr.
When Through one man a little more Love,a little more Goodness, a little more Hope,
a little more Beauty, a little more Joy,
And a little more faith
Has come to the world
Then that man's life has has Meaning
Rarely in life do we encounter a soul as delightful, caring, pleasant and comforting as Frank Becerra.
No matter the occasion, Mr. Becerra was always upbeat, always had a smile and a "twinkle" in his eye. You were always delighted when you would see him at a function, a party, a ball game, or his home - and he always seemed delighted to see you (whether or not he was -haha)!
Mr. Becerra was a gift from Heaven to us all - an inspiration to everyone as to the kind of person we should strive to become and the life we should all attempt to lead.
He will be missed by all who had the true honor and privilege to have known him, laughed with him, and shared time with him. His kind do not pass this way often!
Rest well, Mr. B - and Thank You!
God Bless!
May 27, 2009
Frank Becerra, retired newspaper artist, dies at 82Milt HoffmanRetired senior editor
Frank Becerra Sr., whose artistic talents brought him fame as an editorial cartoonist for The Journal News' predecessor newspapers and for thousands of portraits he did for the community, died Monday at Sarah Neuman Nursing Home, Mamaroneck, after a battle with Parkinson's disease.
A resident of White Plains, he was 82.
More than an artist, Becerra was the newspaper's unofficial goodwill ambassador. In 1982, he was inducted into the Westchester County Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his sports cartoons and illustrations. The work he did as an artist for charity causes was cited in 1998, when he was inducted into the White Plains High School Hall of Fame. He also was awarded the Luric Werden Golf Journalism Award by the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association.
But his portraits were not restricted to the Lower Hudson Valley.
In 1962, when he painted and sent to the Vatican a picture of Pope John XXIII depicting the "adoration of the cross," Becerra received a warm letter of thanks from the papal secretary of state that granted him and his family "the paternal apostolic benediction of His Holiness."
"My father touched so many peoples lives, not only through his artwork but through his kindness and generosity," said his son, Frank Becerra of Brewster, a photographer for The Journal News. "I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to work with him, and observe firsthand his work ethic. Anyone who has ever met my father knows what a humble and wonderful man he was."
Former Gov. Mario Cuomo once invited Becerra and his wife, Isabel, to the state Capitol, where his drawing of Cuomo was mounted outside the governor's office.
On occasion, he illustrated the scenes during high-profile trials at the Westchester County Courthouse. In 1970, he drew Westchester's answer to Smokey Bear - "Flora the Fawn," a cute deer to illustrate directional signs in the county parks system and urge people to pick up their litter and be careful with fire.
Becerra was generous with his talents, often offering to draw pictures for friends, whether it be of their grandchildren, or in the case of Francesco Spinali, a portrait of the Francesco's Italian restaurant owner that has graced the cover of the menu for more than 30 years.
"It was special because he made it," Spinali said. "He was something special."
One of his best known editorial cartoons depicted New York City banks as octopuses with tentacles trying to move into Westchester and take over local banks. His cartoons concerning the accident carnage on Westchester's parkways helped convince the state to take over and modernize the county-built roads.
Becerra's infectious smile and the twinkle in his eyes drew the comments of a colleague in 1960, when he illustrated the newspapers' 12-part story, "The Year That Christmas Disappeared." In a promotional story, Madelaine Wilson wrote, "How nice they chose an artist who believes in Santa Claus. … Actually, Frank's eyes have a sort of built-in twinkle. It gives him the appearance of knowing something delightfully pleasant which, with a little encouragement, he will share with you."
He was born in White Plains to Theodore and Angelina Tedesco Becerra and, after high school, joined the Coast Guard in 1945, during World War II, serving as a radioman. After three years of service, he studied at night at the Art Students League in New York under the G.I. Bill while working with an ad agency during the day.
He joined what was the Macy Westchester Newspapers in 1954, rising to the post of chief artist for the group when it was called Gannett Westchester Rockland Newspapers, directing all editorial art, illustrations, cartoons and photo retouching. He retired in 1992, but continued to draw portraits of high school students chosen as the Con Edison athlete of the week.
The portraits appeared in the newspapers; the originals went to the students. There were hundreds of drawings of celebrities Becerra met in his career, including Joe DiMaggio, Ralph Branca, Roy Campanella, Joe Louis, Jack Dempsey and Bob Hope.
He and his wife met on a trip to Spain in 1950, and were married two years later.
A considerable amount of art charity work that Becerra did in the community sprang from working next to Isabel in her many volunteer activities, which included White Plains Hospital Center and the former St. Agnes Hospital.
An avid fisherman, Becerra was a familiar figure knee-deep in the Bronx River on April 1, the start of trout season, and friends made it a habit to drive by and wave to him - and he waved back.
Besides his wife and son, he is survived by a daughter, Maria Gallagher of Yorktown; sons Peter, Joseph, Anthony and William, all of White Plains; nine grandchildren; and two brothers.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Give it up!
How many of us struggle daily with the seemingly overwhelming burdens we place on ourselves in the form of worry, anxiety and Fear?
How many of us continually pile problem atop issue atop worry atop fear and carry this gigantic weight of problems around on our shoulders every single day??
How do we handle these issues?
Usually we do 1 of 2 things:
1. We ignore them and hope they go away. We simply stick our heads in the sand like the proverbial ostrich and hope when we peek back out at reality that the problems will have simply disappeared.
Or we:
2. Allow the enormous weight of our issues to force us into attacking them one by one - using our own frame of reference of reality as a guide.
We should know from past experience that neither one of these actions or inactions deliver the results we seek - which is Peace and Joy!
So - what can we do to reach that goal??
It is simple - Just Give it Up!!
Give up your problems, fears, worries, and anxieties to the Holy Spirit!!
You may ask as I certainly did - "What does that mean exactly??"
It means that all of our efforts to gain peace and remove fear fail when we try to do it ourselves! We cannot do it alone!!
Why do we think that after so many tries to remove this Fear on our own, with our own perspective and limited knowledge, that simply doing the same thing repeatedly will yield different results?
Afterall - that is the definition of "insanity" - is it not?
Try this tonight -- either lying in bed prior to falling asleep or find a quiet spot without any interruptions. Summon to your mind ALL of your current worries, fears, concerns, troubles, problems, etc. Be specific - really feel the fear and worry that these thoughts bring to your awareness.
Then simply "Give Them Up" to the Holy Spirit!
That is right - Ask the Holy Spirit to assume these issues for you!
Turn them all over to Him and allow Him to take care of them for you!!
Literally say to Him "Holy Spirit, Please take these fears and worries from me and deliver me Peace - I trust in your guidance"
Say it numerous times if you must although only one invitation to Him is necessary!
I guarantee that after sincerely turning over all of your worries and fears to Him, you will have the most peaceful sleep you ever have experienced and wake in a state of peace!
Just Give it Up! He is waiting for your invite! It will not happen unless you open it up to Him!
I would love to hear of your results on the comments section...!!
Try it tonight - It works and what do you have to lose trying it?
God Bless!
DF
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
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