Advice and Encouragement

Bring Back Yesterday

Henry Herman is quoted as saying, back in the 1800s – “Oh God, put back the universe and give me yesterday.” Those who have traveled half a dozen decades or more do seem to value their yesterdays more than their tomorrows.

Their yesterdays, it would seem, were better, sweeter, simpler, less demanding. It was a time of sitting on the dock, watching the clouds go by.

Of walking down the lane hand-in-hand. A time without troubles or concerns.

Or perhaps those yesterdays are just the result of selective memory.

They also have tales of having to walk five miles to school, uphill both ways!

Of course TODAY is the yesterday that our kids will remember. How will this time be reflected in their memory? Will they remember too many toys, too many demands, time disappearing into a texting telephone?

What can we do to make today a joyful memory for them? They probably won’t remember who had the biggest toy or the designer book bag. My guess is that they’ll remember who made them feel good, and why.

Make sure you are part of those happy memories for the youngsters in your life.

Show #321

Because She Loves Him

They were leaving that day for a few weeks in Florida. The wife had made her lists, put her stuff together, had check marks on just about everything on the list and was ready to go.

The husband – well, he was still deciding which fishing poles to take. The car had not gotten washed as he planned and not everyone was informed of what was expected of them while the couple was away.

She could find it maddening. Why hadn’t he spent his time doing his share? She could yell, bang around, scold him, and put him down. Instead, she went and read a book, ignoring the sounds of his hustling.

You see, she loves him. And she found out years ago that he is who he is. And not being ready on time is one of his traits. She could hate it and fight it, or she could find a way to cope.

So she stretches the truth a bit, telling him they have to leave at noon, when the actual ETD is 2 p.m. She knows that with a few extra hours, he’ll almost be ready. She’ll then gently remind him of those things he was most likely to forget, and they’ll be on their way – perhaps a little late, but happy.

Sounds like a 1950s sitcom strategy. But it works, because she loves him enough to accept him as he is and to be a managing partner, when necessary. What a wise woman. A master at turning lemons into lemonade. This is the essence of love.

[Show #265]

Those Niggling Things

I read this HeartQuote of the Day on the Heartspoken.com website:

Be master of your petty annoyances and conserve your energies for the big, worthwhile things.

It isn’t the mountain ahead that wears you out – it’s the grain of sand in your shoe.

The author is Robert Service.

Good ole Bob has such a heartspoken-worthy sentiment. Think about the last half dozen things that really ticked you off. I’ll bet most of them were silly, insignificant niggling things. Yet they can take away so much of our energy, trying to make them change.

From putting down the toilet seat…to slamming the car door…to feeding the dog…to remembering where you put the keys; whether these annoyances are caused by others in your life, or by yourself, they sure can take up space in your heart and mind.

Well, there is another side to the story. You have a choice. You can allow the niggling behavior to get to you – or not.

How important is it, in the big picture? Will it still be important, a year from now? Would it be a show of love, for you to do it, instead of the person you expect to do it?

React differently, next time you’re annoyed. Decide in what category of importance it belongs. Move it over to a place where you can have more peace and give yourself better quality time to address the things that really matter.

[Show #520]

I Had To Sell My House

I had to sell my house! I loved that house. It’s on the river, with views of the mountains, in a wonderful community where people care about each other and help each other.

I lived there for more than a decade and had set down roots. But things changed, and it was time to live elsewhere.

I moved everything out and looked at the bare walls. They looked good and had fared well.

One year, I decided to turn the rest room into a stunning oasis. I built in lighted glass shelves to spotlight treasures that I could change every month or so. Wallpaper set the theme, enhanced by crown molding and pewter side lamps. I added a beautiful antique mirror. The floor was laid with marble tiles and a furniture quality vanity was installed, with granite top. It all blended beautifully. I so enjoyed the feeling of that small, lovely space.

Sliding doors to the deck were replaced with romantic French doors. Shelves were added for displaying my teapot collection. I could see myself in every nook and cranny of the house. I had made it my own. And now, it was passing into new hands. How would it be treated?

Would the next family know joy and happiness here? Would they replace my version of beauty with themes of their own? Of course they will. And I am so happy for them.

[Show #530]

I Bought Gifts

Sometimes your gifts to children just don’t work. You enjoyed shopping for them, but it was clear they were not well received. Are you disappointed when they aren’t gracious in their response? Or do you just chalk it up to being out of touch with what young people want these days. See if you recognize yourself in these reflections.

Show #528

For Mothers Everywhere: The Consider This Gift CD

In anticipation of Mother’s Day I have recorded a wonderful tribute to mothers I think you’ll enjoy. It’s only a minute and a half. Take a break, click the arrow on the audio player above, and enjoy.

I’ve also put together some of my favorite recordings from the Consider This series into a gift album that’s perfect for Mother’s Day, birthdays or any time. It’s available with or without special gift box packaging. Here are the details. The CD has gotten rave reviews, and it’s a marvelous companion for your next road trip:

Consider This Gift CD – Vol 1: A Heartwarming Collection About Life and Love

The gift CD includes dozens of stories, messages, and lessons in short, easy-listening format. Written and narrated by Annette Petrick of the popular radio show, Consider This. Annette presents a refreshing, positive viewpoint wrapped in humor and love. Her delightful short stories and messages will renew your outlook on life, encourage you , and bring you great enjoyment. Her deep insights present new ideas to ponder. You’ll relate to the anecdotes, laugh at the ironies, and weep at the poignant moments she’ll help you recall. Whether tender, humorous, or bold, her fascinating presentations will enrich your day.

Deluxe Gift Boxed Vol. 1 Consider This Gift CD with personalized gift card and bonus PDF book – $16.95

(Shipping charge for 1 to 5 Gift CDs is only $3.00)

Consider This Gift CD, Vol. 1 with bonus PDF book – $14.95

(Shipping charge for 1 to 5 Gift CDs is only $3.00))

Order using Credit Card via PayPal

cd_deluxe* — Deluxe, boxed gift set with bonus PDF booklet

Don’t like to order online? We understand!

Print form below and mail with your check to:

Consider This
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