An Attitude of Gratitude Goes A Long Way So Don’t Be Like Eeyore The Donkey.

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

eeyoreDo you have a roof over your head?  Do you have clothes on your back?  Food on the table? Do you have family… friends?  Did you wake up this morning?

IF YOU HAVE ANSWERED YES TO ANY OR ALL OF THOSE QUESTIONS, YOU ARE BLESSED.

Put a smile on your face.  Count your blessings.  You have been given another day, a fresh start, another chance.  Rather than focusing on yourself or all things negative, DO SOMETHING nice for someone else.  Look for opportunities to commit random acts of KINDNESS.  Believe it or not, those opportunities to commit random acts of KINDNESS happen quite frequently.  Extending yourself to help someone else will help begin the mending of a broken heart or a crushed spirit.

The most miserable people are those who have not learned to be content with what they have and not learned to be grateful.  Develop an attitude of gratitude; it will carry you through good and bad times

Much love to you all,

L.A. Knowles

“Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.” -1 Timothy 6:6

 

Is Anyone Else Tired?

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

anger

 

Life is too short to be angry all the time, and hatred takes way too much time and effort.

Current news, violent protesters, division, name calling… they don’t seem to end.

It’s downright exhausting.

Let it go.

maya

 

HAPPY 2017!

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

happy-new-year

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MAY YOU ALL HAVE A BLESSED

& PROSPEROUS

& HAPPY NEW YEAR!

PLEASE BE SAFE DRIVING

AND IN ALL YOUR CELEBRATING!

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MUCH LOVE TO YOU ALL,

L.A. KNOWLES

IN THIS SEASON…

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

TO ALL MY FAMILY,

FRIENDS, 

BLOG SUBSCRIBERS,

& BLOG VISITORS:

chanukah-2

chachristmas

Happy Kwanzaa

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May your holidays be filled with

the blessing of family and friends,

and may your days of celebration

be filled with joy.

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Much Love To You All,

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

Linda

Pen & Paper My Way

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

notebook-3I’ve loved paper and pen for as long as I can remember, and when I went to college, college only fueled my love for it a lot more.  Some say I was addicted, and many have wondered what my fascination was with pen and paper;  if I could write on it, I was fascinated.  No matter where I was, no matter what I did, paper and pen were immediately within my reach.

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There’s nothing like opening a brand new ream of paper, fresh scent, crisp feel to it where secrets, thoughts, things in life that make no sense can be worked out, described in detail until everything inside is out of your system…  A safe place, a friend, and a great therapist which can be immediately ripped to shreds, burnt up, or put away depending on the thoughts and/or the confession.  I know it may sound crazy to some people, and that’s fine.  However, each of us has some way of dealing with stuff.  My way happens to be with pen and paper.

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pen-paper-3With Much Love,

L.A. Knowles

May The Peace of God Fill Your Heart This Season

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR!

Black Friday shoppers mobbed the stores, filling carriages, and others making preparations as Christmas is fast approaching.  Some are trimming trees already as others are just bringing out their decorations from storage to get them ready for the family tree trimming day.  Some have their trees already trimmed and decorated.  Houses are being decked with boughs of holly.  Long held traditions are being put into action.  People making sure they got all the gifts for each child as well as for family and friends on their list as they rack up credit card debt or maxing those credit cards out. Children are looking forward to Christmas vacation from school and opening all their presents.  And then there is the flash forward, smiling as they think of Christmas day being with family and friends and gathering around the Christmas tree and possibly eating all day.

Let’s look at the other side of this:  Little Matty wants the latest toy and Mommy has to get to the store early to pick up the latest toy while trying not to get trampled by the other parents who are also trying to get their sons and daughters the latest toy.  People get stressed out as they watch the dollar amount accumulate on their credit cards.  Some dude is stuck in line as he mutters something about the commercialization of Christmas while he has been waiting in line for ten plus minutes.  Then there is the concern if Uncle Lou or Aunt Clara will jump over the dinner table to try to clobber Uncle Clyde or Aunt Rose.  Who’s going to sit next to Aunt Hilda at the Christmas meal because she won’t let anyone get a word in edgewise?  The stress runs high, blood pressure boiling, and tempers ready to hit the fan when a tray of cookies get burned or someone knocks the gravy onto the floor…  I could go on and on.

SO HERE IS WHAT I HOPE FOR

EVERYONE THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON

peace

(1) I hope you will be filled with the peace

that comes from God alone.

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.'” -Matthew 11:28-30

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:6-7

(2) I hope you remember the real season for this season:

Jesus Christ, Son of God, Our Lord and Savior

sent by God to this Earth. 

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” -John 3:16

“Then Jesus told her, ‘I am the Messiah!'” -John 4:26

(3) I hope you remember how blessed you are as there are

those who have little to nothing or

are without family and friends.

“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” -James 1:17

MAY ALL MY FAMILY & FRIENDS,

ACQAINTANCES & BLOG READERS,

NEIGHBORS & THOSE I HAVE YET TO MEET

BE BLESSED ABUNDANTLY

THROUGH THIS SEASON AND ALWAYS!

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Much Love To All,

L.A. Knowles

“For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.” -Ephesians 2:14

 

 

Giving Thanks Is Not Just For Thanksgiving Day

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

PSALM 138

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

I thank you, Lord, with all my heart;

I sing praise to you before the gods.

I face your holy Temple,

bow down, and praise your name

because of your constant love and faithfulness,

because you have shown that your name

and your commands are supreme.

You answered me when I called to you;

with your strength you strengthened me.

All the kings in the world will praise you, Lord,

because they have heard your promises.

They will sing about what you have done

and about your great glory.

Even though you are so high above,

you care for the lowly,

and the proud cannot hide from you.

When I am surrounded by troubles,

you keep me safe.

You oppose my angry enemies

and save me by your power.

You will do everything you have promised;

Lord, your love is eternal.

Complete the work that you have begun.

thanks

Developing an attitude of gratitude is a daily practice.

Choose joy by being thankful every day.

Much Love To You All,

L.A. Knowles

Does He Know Your Name?

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

follow-1

One does NOT inherit Christianity, and one cannot get into Heaven riding on someone else’s coattails. There’s a choice that must be made. The book of John tells us TO ALL WHO BELIEVED AND ACCEPTED HIM, to them, He gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12).

As children of God, we are called to live righteous and holy lives, not to live as the world does. We’re in this world, but we’re NOT of this world because this world is a temporary home, a place we’re only traveling through; and we’re chosen to bear fruit, walking the walk, not just making claims but actually living the life. We must keep in mind our faith needs to be backed up by actions, walking in obedience to God who has chosen us to be His own. It is not enough to make claims. If we love God, we’ll obey Him. We’re called to bear good fruit such as helping our fellow man/woman, encouraging one another, following the examples Christ has given us.  May we always be His hand extended.

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’” -Matthew 7:21-23

Much Love To You All,

 

L.A. Knowles

Well, I’ve Had It… JUST VOTE

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

Ah, the right to vote!  Just dandy… I can’t wait for Election Day to get here so I don’t have to read about all the insane campaign melodramatics.  Trying to stay informed with the smearing in every article has gotten tedious and downright foolish.  It’s as if I’m reading the chronicles of mudslinging on an elementary school playground.

vote-4One of the rights you have as a citizen of the United States of America is the right to vote.  However, the irony is we have the right to vote, and there are those who are determined and have minds made up not to vote.   You’re a citizen, and you should, therefore, take part in the process.  Stop neglecting your right to vote.  It’s also a responsibility we have to the future of our country and to the current generation.

vote-2

I get it.  Personally, I would like a campaign year do-over.  It has been one wild and crazy ride.

I find myself with an overwhelming responsibility as a Christian to get out and vote.  I’m not so much voting for the person, but I’m looking at the platform.  In other words, if you cannot decide who to vote for, then the question is “Which platform best reflects your morals and ethics,” or if you’re a Christian, “Which platform best reflects Biblical beliefs and lines up with Godly morality.”

I’m not foolish to believe everyone lives by the morals and ethics I live by which is why I have thought about both questions.  Yes, we can protest.  Yes, we can shout and scream.  Is it realistic for you to believe your vote does not count?  Is it realistic for you to believe as a citizen of the USA that it’s not your responsibility to vote?  IF YOU DON’T VOTE, OTHERS ARE VOTING TO ELECT SOMEONE WHO WILL GOVERN THIS NATION WITHOUT YOUR SAY (YOUR VOTE) IN THE MATTER.  Do you really want others choosing for you?  Because if you don’t vote, you’ve basically handed over your say to someone else by not going to the polls and voting.  If you are able bodied and not bothering to vote come this November, in my opinion, that’s being lazy and shirking your responsibility. Even USA citizens overseas have gone through the trouble of obtaining their absentee ballots and are sending in their absentee ballots in order to have a say in who gets elected as well as exercising their right to vote.

Educate yourself on the Democratic Platform, Republican Platform, and the Libertarian Platform.  Do the research.

vote-5

Get all the information you can, make a decision, and go vote on November 8, 2016.

Don’t let others speak for you.

Let your voice be heard through your vote.

The Toxic Friend

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

THE TOXIC FRIEND

Written By Linda A. Knowles

toxic-1

She brought up past sins,

from those long ago days,

a time from the past;

and I saw her ways.

toxic-2

A friendship so toxic,

and it finally fell apart;

But it felt for me,

a yoke,

that broke;

and no more dart-like words,

to smack me in the face,

for towards the very end,

the friendship was covered with oleander,

concealed by pretty lace.

Toxic 4.jpeg

It took its toll,

discouraging words,

background trolls,

broken promises,

so many no’s.

toxic-3

The spouting of a familiar phrase,

One I would often hear her say,

“I didn’t do anything wrong,”

and fault fell to me,

even when it was hers,

constantly-

always-

apologizing,

endlessly.

toxic-5

Continually,

I was saying,

“I’m sorry for…”

seemingly all the time;

but she claimed no part.

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How she got all innocent;

to this day,

I still don’t know;

But,

more and more,

I understand,

as time goes on and on.

toxic-6

Just Mangia!

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

Saying the word “diet” in an Italian Home is like saying the “F” word.  It will NEVER go over well.  “Have you considered baking the veal cutlets in the oven, Mama?”  “I cook the veal cutlets in the fry pan with olive oil.  It’s healthy.”

frying-pan-1

You sit down at the table and see it’s covered with food already but more is coming.  Right now it’s simply covered with the antipasto, cold cuts, soup, and salad for appetizers… Italian rolls, Italian bread (pre-sliced of course)…

Any attempt to mention the word “diet” will never go over very well.  “You too thin!  Mangia!”  But Mama…..  You might as well stop.  Don’t try to convince Mama.  She’ll give you the look.  You know the look, the look that sends a million icicles piercing through you as she puts an overfilled plate in front of you.  “Be quiet!  Mangia!”

Great!  Let’s eat!  So you eat, but wait, there are several other entrees coming out.  You need to make room in your stomach for the other food.   Bring out the Eggplant Parmigiana, Pasta Alfredo, Chicken Cacciatore!  Chicken Marsala, Anyone?!  And let’s not forget the lasagna.  Bring out the pasta with clams and clam sauce!  Bring out every fat-filled, extravagantly tasty food!  “We got tiramisu for dessert.”  Don’t forget the Italian pastry, but isn’t there enough food?  “Got to make sure we got enough food for everyone.  We’ll send people home with food.  Don’t you worry.  Now go get the cannoli out of the refrigerator  and put it on the table.”  Wait!  We haven’t finished dinner!  “DO WHAT I SAID!”  No arguing with Mama.  Just get the cannoli out of the refrigerator.

wrecking-ball-1And by the time you leave the house to do whatever you have to do, you’ll have to be rolled out, or it may feel as if you are going to explode.

However, there is a bright side to all of this:    Even though you may have to roll yourself out the door or break down a wall to get out of your house,  AT LEAST YOU WON’T STARVE.

Peaceful Protest

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

FLAGLet me start by saying this:  I love the USA.  I live in the USA, and I’m a citizen.  I do NOT agree with anyone who protests by sitting during the National Anthem or the Pledge of Allegiance;  I’m also a firm believer if one does not like our laws, customs, and culture, that one or few should just pack up and leave.

With that being said…

PEOPLE

We’ve seen protests that have involved looting, rioting, blocking highways or main roads which caused problems for emergency vehicles and rescue workers, violent acts of murder, fighting, and the like.

We keep calling out and saying, “PEACEFUL PROTESTS!”  However, when Colin Kaepernick sits down during the national anthem we are outraged, and yet Colin did not riot, burn anything down, loot, or commit any act of violence. So he chose and did a peaceful protest, and then some of us even got more outraged when another athlete followed his example.

“Stand up for what you believe” as long as what? They do it our way? As long as they believe our way? We’re still not satisfied with their peaceful protest…  And by which list of standards are we measuring these “peaceful” protests? The athletes brought no physical harm to anyone by sitting down. Sure, they may have embarrassed their fellow teammates by sitting out, but the key phrase here is THEY PROTESTED PEACEFULLY.

What would we rather the athletes have done? Would we rather them steal, harm someone, burn something down in the name of whatever it is they believe? We wanted peaceful protests. We expected people do peaceful protests and not the kind of protest that breaks out violence, injuring others, and destroying community businesses and homes.

It may not have been ideal for any of you, including myself, but they chose what was best for them as individuals.  In this country, there’s the right to protest, and that is their freedom to do so.  They chose a peaceful demonstrative protest, and no one got hurt.

And we’re still not satisfied.