Many folks today are distressed and troubled because they are worrying about tomorrow, but if they pull themselves back into today and live in the moment, and embrace every ounce of joy out of it, they will find tomorrow will take care of itself.

Many will find that if they take their nightmares of today into their tomorrows, their dreams will never be fulfilled. Life was not meant to be lived on a merry-go-round, so my suggestions would be: vanquish your nightmares today and go proudly into all your wonderful tomorrows.

Love should be the glue that holds families together. It should not be conditional, nor should it be bought or abused, because without it, what else is there?

There are too many wonderful things happening in this world and only a few, if any, should make one truly sad. Life is transient; therefore, one should not live like there is forever. When a case of the blues tries to steal your joy, look up and appreciate the beautiful, billowing clouds covering the azure sky; look outward at the collage of multicolored trees on a mountain side; and look down at the steadiness of the soil and the many pigments that form our earth. This is God's own palette, how can you be anything, but blessed and happy to be able to share it all?

The only way to enjoy today is to live today. When the "remember when's" are fading and the future seems all so dim, maybe it's time to start enjoying the blessings of today. No matter how distraught you are there is a peace within that God has given you. So when trouble threatens to overtake you, become the warrior you are and fight for that inner peace. Where there's peace, there's love, where there's love, there's happiness.

Psalm 30 tells us that "weeping may endure for a night, but there's joy in the morning." That should tell you that the most heartbreaking times are rehearsals for the incomparable happiness yet to be; these are lessons of life's parallels.

No one can deny there are biases and prejudices condoned and practiced by little folks, but don't stand around moaning about them, because evil doers will get their day of judgment and not always in the hereafter. Remember, nobody can make you feel less about yourself than you are prepared to feel. If you need further assurance, start repeating to yourself several times each day, "I am somebody special," I love myself because I'm a good person," and "I love others and that love is returned."

Today is precious, because tomorrow is not promised. Therefore, strive to live each day as though a tornado and paradise are on a collision course: one's at your back and you're meeting the other. Only you can determine which direction you are heading.

Live in the presence. You should make your life one that's filled with peace, joy, love and happiness. They can all be obtained right now, so pull them out, dust them off and enjoy life, as though there is no tomorrow. Do not look back unless you have lost something, and you need it desperately to move forward. Strive to look up and ahead; sooner or later you will get to your destination. We have only one time to make our mark on this world. So remember it's not what you did that will make others remember you; it is how you made them feel.

Sometime when you feel the world is closing in on you, sit still. Breathe deeply and think big thoughts. Soon you will feel you have more than enough room in your life for all types of possibilities. If you deny yourself love you will never get beyond the negative image you have created. So learn to love yourself no matter what image is peering back at you in the mirror. Make the adjustments in your mind's eye and be the best person you can be here on earth. Remember, it's how you have nurtured your spirit that matters to God. Your perfect or imperfect body will return to dust; your spirit is forever.

Your children will always be your most valuable assets. So take time to know and love them, no matter how ungrateful or tiresome they may seem to you at times. They are God's gifts, and He expects them to be treated as such.

God will provide our daily benefits if we allow Him. Therefore, when all else fails, look to Him. He will never ask embarrassing questions; He will never call you an idiot; and He will never, ever leave you alone. Keep Him upfront in your life and you will emerge a winner every time!