Mary Pierce

Listen in to “Say WHO?” Today’s Laugh on radio…

TODAY’S LAUGH: The other morning I woke DaMama up and a few minutes into the morning routine, she looked at me, frowned and said, “I know I know you, but I just don’t know who you are.”

I gave her a hint. “My name is the same as Jesus’ mother.”

DaMama smiled in recognition. “Aha! You’re Mrs. Christ!”

TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: How wonderful to have a moment of laughter in the middle of it all. And I’d have missed that moment if I’d rushed on with the tasks at hand. Life with DaMama keeps me in the moment. (And taking notes, because she gives me great material!)

“Live in the moment” sounds easy. It’s not, with all the noise and clamor of life. So many distractions keep us from being where we are. But we miss a lot that way.

Living in the moment means we shut out everything but what life is offering us, right here, right now.

Wherever you are, be 100% present. While at work, work for all you’re worth. Give 100% to the task at hand. (Make the boss glad she hired you!)

When at home, be 100% present. Give your loved ones all of yourself. Laugh, hug, talk, and enjoy life together. (Make the family glad you showed up!)

Wherever you are, right now, clear the distractions. Forget multi-tasking. Give 100% of your focus and energy to this moment. Right here. Right now.

Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, BE there, with all your heart. 100%.

And in this moment, may you be blessed!

LISTEN AND LAUGH ALONG to Today’s Laugh audio… (What’s YOUR gift?)

TODAY’S LAUGH: I confess. I’m hooked on the American Idol auditions. Look at this guy.

Larry Platt is his name and he’s an internet sensation, enjoying his moment in the spotlight.

TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: Larry’s living proof that you don’t have to wait until you’re polished, professional or perfect to have an impact in this world. You just need a lot of passion and some courage.

Seriously. LOOK at this guy! Larry Platt got out there. He made his statement. He took his shot.

How about you? What’s your dream? What’s holding you back?

Are you listening to that little voice that says you can’t do it–or you shouldn’t do it!–so don’t even try? (Where did that liar come from anyway?)

We all–even the most accomplished among us–hear that little voice. I am grateful that Larry didn’t listen. I’m grateful that Susan Boyle didn’t listen. Grateful that Mozart, Edison, Curie, Bell and the rest didn’t listen to the voices of doubt and discouragement. I’m grateful they took their shots.

Maybe one day somebody will be inspired watching you, listening to your song, reading your words, enjoying your art–whatever it is that comes from your passion and courage–and be grateful that you took your shot.

May you be filled with passion and courage today, and may you be an inspiration–right here, right now–to everyone you meet!

TODAY’S LAUGH: Four-year-old grandson Joey was here the other night for dinner. Spying the bowl of leftover holiday candy, he asked if he could have a piece. I said, “We have to eat dinner first, and then we’ll eat ALL the leftover Christmas candy! How would you like that?” (I thought it was a GREAT idea.)

“No,” Joey said, ‘We should only have two or three pieces so we don’t get a tummy ache.” (There was pity for his foolish grandma in that look he gave me!)

From the mouths of babes…

TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: Joey was right, of course. I just didn’t expect such wisdom from a four-year-old. But thinking about it later, plenty of wisdom has come my way over the years from unexpected sources.

For instance, a stranger made a “random” comment to me in the grocery store one day that changed my outlook on life. Another day, a friend asked a simple question that led me to make huge changes in my life. I’ve been impacted by a “Dear Abby” column, a quote from a favorite author, and people I’ve heard on the radio.

One long-ago evening, I listened to a message left on my voicemail by a “wrong number” that was exactly what I needed to hear at that time. And at a time when I felt lost and hopeless, it wasn’t a preacher but my tough Marine Corps cousin who pointed me back to God.

Timely words. Unexpected sources. Such words have inspired me to forgive, to forget, to move forward, to slow down, to love, to share, and to laugh. And even to eat more sensibly. (Thanks Joey!)

How about you? Who has offered a bit of wisdom, an unexpected “timely word” to you? If you can, let that person know how much their word meant to you.

Maybe today you’ll hear a “timely word” that will lead you toward greater love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, healing, self-control, gratitude or faithfulness. Whatever it is that you need.

And today may you find comfort and courage in the certainty that you –whoever you are, in the middle of whatever it is–you are loved!

You are loved.

LISTEN IN and LAUGH ALONG…

TODAY’S LAUGH: As DaMama ate her dinner the other night I said, “It’s a new year, Mom, and the time people usually give up bad habits and such. Is there anything you want to give up for the new year?”

“Yes,” she said. “This dinner.” I couldn’t blame her; it’d been three nights in a row of leftover turkey, stuffing and gravy. Ugh.

TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: DaMama likes to keep life simple. She lives for today–actually more for the moment.

Following her lead, I’ve decided not to make the usual dozen resolutions I fail to keep past the first week of January. Instead I’m framing my desires for the new year in terms of “less and more.”

Less lazy leftovering, more conscious cooking. Less loafing, more moving. Less procrastination, more action. You get the idea.

What if I spent a minute less today feeling sorry for myself, and spent a minute more encouraging somebody else?

What if I spent a few dollars less this week on my own wants (Do I really NEED MORE stuff?) and donated a few dollars more to others less fortunate?

What if I spent a little less time worrying, “What’s in this for me?” and a little more time figuring out, “How can I bless others in this situation?”

What if I spent less time being afraid and more time trusting God? Less time complaining and more time being thankful.

Perfection I can’t do, but “less and more” I can manage. Every little step is progress in the direction of a better life.

How about you? What “less and more” will you pursue today?

Wishing you a happy, healthy–blessed–New Year!