We Become What We Feed Ourselves

Being here at my children’s home while they are away to care for their two furry critters, sure gives me plenty of content for my blogs. You see, my girl cherishes the things and the people that helped get her here to this time and place. Everywhere you look around here, she has vignettes of treasured memories.

Case in point is this vignette of the peace sign figurine. If you’ve ever seen one of Staci's videos, you’ll see her use that sign at the end. Under the figurine are books written by three of her favorite authors and speakers who impacted her life. "Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren is one of my favorites, too. We believe we are here on Planet Earth at this time and this place, intentionally, by God for purposes beyond coincidence. We believe that before we were born, God wanted us to discover the life He created for us to live – here on earth and forever in eternity. I love what St. Paul says in Ephesians 1:11 “Because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for He chose us in advance, and He makes everything work out according to His plan.” I am forever grateful to know we are products of His divine purpose for our lives.

Next in the stack is “The 360-degree Leader” by another of her favorite authors, John Maxwell. Staci would tell you that her business acumen has come from her thirst for knowledge by reading and devouring successful leaders’ advice and training. She has been driven to be a devoted Christ-follower and leader in the marketplace and books like this have helped her become the leader worth following in her faith, her business, in relationships and her personal life.

And, the book at the bottom which represents the foundation (besides the Bible) of her positive, optimistic, can-do attitude, is "Over the Top". That is just one of the many other books she consumed by her mentor and beloved father-figure while travelling with him for twelve years, Zig Ziglar. Before we were introduced to Zig, we were his followers, so much so that we became little Zigs. His life philosophies, motivational speaking, his Christian witness and his personal “walk” made him our mentor. We raised our kids on those principles and I attribute much of their success to what we spoke into them and lived before them. My husband taught those principles in his own "Born to Win" seminars in churches and organizations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Belize. We desired that others achieve what we knew were life-changing principles. We wanted to pay-it-forward and make the difference in people’s lives, too. “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” — Zig Ziglar

Even in something as simple as dog-sitting, we can find reasons to be grateful for who or what made us the best we can be. It’s reminded me to be thankful for the blessings of ups and downs that showed us how to navigate the waters and come safely to the other side. I’ll bet you’ve had wisdom and knowledge poured into your life that helped you navigate, too. Maybe you can think about them right now and thank God for His plan and purposes that caused you to be the amazing person that you are today!

What's Your Name?

The words on this gal’s shirt captured my attention at my grandson’s baseball game: "Sarcasm -- just one more service I offer". And indeed that's what she offered. I couldn’t believe my eyes that she’d wear a shirt like that and neither could I believe the sarcasm that she had. It was evident that she wore that shirt with pride. I thought to myself, why would she want to call herself that or would want to speak of herself in that way? How about a t-shirt that said “Encourager” or “Cheerleader” or “Proud Mom” or even “Free Hugs”?

Then, I thought about a precious little child that I saw wearing a t-shirt with the words "I'm a little monster." Sure, that child might be a little mischievous, but by no means does that merit being called a monster. Whoever gave her that shirt, is labeling her "a monster"! What are they thinking?

Then I thought about the inspiring words of our close and dear friend, Zig Ziglar, who led the way in optimism, speaking on-purpose words that would build up others, and who wrote the best-selling books, “Born to Win”, “See You at the Top”, “Staying Up, Up, Up in a Negative Word”, “Raising Positive Kids in a Negative World” and so many more “what you say, is what you get kind-of-books”. Obviously, that baseball mom and the one who put a “monster” t-shirt on their child never read any of those books because they were speaking the complete opposite of positivity. Zig said these words in his talks and books:

“There is power in words. What you say is what you get.”
“The greatest source of happiness is to be grateful at all times.”
“You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.”
“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.”
“You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.”

Our family gleaned so much from Zig's mentorship and leadership style. We raised our two children on his faith-filled, action-filled words. But, even more to the point is the Bible which says "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7) And, talk about name-calling, how do you like the names that God calls us? Blessed, beloved, friend, child of God, chosen one, righteous one, princess, beautiful, blameless, light of the world, holy, royal priesthood, redeemed. So, as children of Almighty God and made in His image, shouldn't we be calling ourselves, and those around us, names that build up and encourage?

Our reality may just be what we're calling to ourselves. If we want and desire a life of joy, contentment, peace, and love, doesn't it make sense that we do our best to promote it in every way possible? If we want our children to be confident, feeling loved and embraced, shouldn't we be calling them champions? World Changers! History Makers! Brilliant! Smart! Precious!

Complain and Remain; Praise and Be Raised

Complain and Remain; Praise and Be Raised
COMPLAIN: to express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something; grumble, criticize, moan, find fault
PRAISE: compliment, commend, express admiration for, applaud, speak highly of, admire, gratitude

Maybe you live with or know someone who seems to be an incessant COMPLAINER – they seem to always find something to complain about: the weather, the president, their next-door neighbor, their body aches and pains, their spouse, their children, their church. I back out of conversations as quickly as possible with those folks. They are certainly not my “besties”. Then there are those who are incessant PRAISERS – they habitually have something to be grateful for, have sunny dispositions and always seem to find the good in everything.

While there are plenty of folks we encounter each day who are filled with optimism, in spite of their negative situations, still there are plenty of “Debbie Downers” around. In case you don’t know who “Debbie Downer” is – she’s someone who frequently adds bad news and negative feelings to any conversation. She can be found everywhere. Her presence puts an abrupt end to the enthusiasm of others. She is critical of herself and others, and fails to see why people can be happy about anything when there is so much to worry about. Debbie Downer isn’t just negative: she is a pessimist to the core. She can see the downside to anything and won’t hesitate to mention it. She plans for the worse and even finds comfort in her negative mindset. Most Debbie Downers believe that they are only being realistic and everyone else is impractical and delusional.

I know there are reasons why we have innate personalities and outlook mindsets. We are products of the environment we were raised in – our homes, schools, family values, our faith. I’m so grateful that I was raised in a church-going, Bible-toting, song-singing and gratitude-lifting home. We were blessed, but not with material wealth. I was raised having a very sick daddy who couldn’t work and my Mama had to bring in the income for our little family of three (older siblings had married and left the nest). I never heard her COMPLAIN about her “lot in life”. She was a PRAISER – not a COMPLAINER. I recall hearing her singing and praying in the midst of our circumstances.

My husband and I were Zig Ziglar junkies which meant we pursued optimism and gratitude – so much so that our little girl at age 6 would correct someone who said “That scared me to death!” She’d say, “No, it scared you to life!” She did get a little annoying to those who didn’t want a 6-year old correcting them, but, no doubt, her message was clear. Debbie Downers and anyone who talks negatively, even casually, and complains about their present circumstances and challenges will determine how long they’ll get to stay right there, and, if they keep it up, they'll even get to go around the same mountain again and again and again! Remember the Israelites being stuck wandering in the wilderness for 40 years -- that should have taken them only 11 days (Deuteronomy 1:2)? They complained....and remained!

Maybe your environment was and is different than mine was and today, you feel like you’re in a desert of defeat, worry and fear. Maybe it feels like you’re getting nowhere fast. We can do something to help change that. Could it possibly be that the stalemate has much to do with negative thinking and speaking. Just maybe you've remained because you’ve complained way more than you praised God for the blessings you do have. Not that I’m suggesting that we be a “Pollyanna” or “Little Mary Sunshine” all the time, but I am suggesting that the more we catch ourselves when we’re complaining, to find ways to be praising instead, the more we’ll be blessed.

I listened to an audio book about an Episcopalian Priest who had a habit of “sighing and moaning” all the time. Rather than speaking negatively, he just moaned and those moans indicated his complaints. To create a better atmosphere of praising instead of complaining, he set up for himself a “Sighing/Moaning” jar. Every time he sighed, he’d have to add a dollar to the jar. I laughed out loud when he was up to $11 in a short period of time. He recognized that even his thoughts were complaining so he did something about it.

Maybe it’s time we do something about it, too! Here’s our options: We COMPLAIN. We remain. We PRAISE. We are raised! When our PRAISES go UP, the blessings come down.
#COMPLAIN...and remain! OR #PRAISE....and be raised!

See You at the Top!

A few days ago I was inspired when I saw my daughter’s Instagram post: “Intensely grateful for the role this man (Zig Ziglar) played in my life for so many years. Next to my father, his words, encouragement and life shaped my perspective like no other. I give thanks that he was able to call a blessing upon my son, Payton, who seems to carry a similar ability to inspire us daily with his unique and ever-positive perspective! We’ll see you “over the top”, Pops!” (Daily, Payton posts on Instagram a life message. For example, “Worship gets you through the tough parts of life because it shifts your focus from the problem to the problem solver.”)

I loved that. Often we look in the rear view mirror and think about the mistakes we’ve made and we do a lot of “would-a, should-a, could-a” talking. That does us little good, if any at all. But, how incredibly beneficial it is for us to reminisce about those good people and good situations that molded us and gave us sure footing that stays with us today – in our attitudes, our decision-making, and our overall outlook on life. We know that there were those who left footprints in the sand for us to follow.

Zig was such a vital part of our family's lives for so many years. My children literally "cut their teeth" on Zig's philosophies and the belief that "we were born to win". ("Born to Win" was one of his inspiring books.) His motto "You can have anything you WANT in life if you will help enough other people get what they WANT. His trainings and principles for success in business and life -- and his friendship with our family, sincerely impacted the people we are today -- optimistic, relentless work ethics and audacious determination to succeed at whatever we put our hands and hearts to.

I was thinking about what Zig meant when he said “See You at the Top” (one of his best-selling books). Zig made it to the top in business, family life….and ultimately – in heaven. I figure that he and my husband are conspiring daily and interceding for all of us to continue to live passionately with determination to live our lives with gusto and as role models for others to follow. Here’s some of Zig’s philosophies that help us make sure that we get to the top of our game and our life if we live them. We know we’re at the top when:

• You know that success doesn’t make you and failure doesn’t break you.
• You are filled with faith, hope and love; and live without anger, greed, guilt, envy or thoughts of revenge.
• You are mature enough to delay gratification and shift your focus from your rights to your responsibilities.
• You know that failure to stand for what is morally right is the prelude to being the victim of what is criminally wrong.
• You are secure in who you are, so you are at peace with God and in fellowship with man.
• You have made friends of your adversaries, and have gained the love and respect of those who know you best.
• You understand that others can give you pleasure, but genuine happiness comes when you do things for others.
• You are pleasant to the grouch, courteous to the rude and generous to the needy.
• You love the unlovable, give hope to the hopeless, friendship to the friendless and encouragement to the discouraged.
• You can look back in forgiveness, forward in hope, down in compassion and up with gratitude.
• You know that "he who would be the greatest among you must become the servant of all."
• You recognize, confess, develop and use your God-given physical, mental and spiritual abilities to the glory of God and for the benefit of mankind.
• You stand in front of the Creator of the universe and He says to you, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

Looking forward to seeing my sweetheart, Zig and YOU at the TOP!

DOING Christianity is Complicated; BEING a Christian is NOT

This sweet time of solitude for the last 3+ weeks has given me great insight on “doing Christianity versus being a Christian”. I really needed this time of focus for wisdom and direction – not to mention, clear out some of the cobwebs in my thinking.

I’ve been a gal who has relentlessly pursued God most all of my life. I think my thinking became somewhat skewed because I thought that the more I did for God, the more I read His Word, the more times I attended church, the more I gave and volunteered, the more I knocked on His door for answers to my prayers and needs -- the more I would receive His favor. My daily walk seemed to be more about striving -- to do more and be more. But God wasn’t asking me to do, do, do. He was offering me a life of abundance for simply BEING His girl.

I think about a marriage/love relationship. Out of the love we have for each other, it’s just natural to be loving, caring and considerate of each other. The more we love….the more we aim to please – not out of necessity, but out of the sheer enjoyment of bringing pleasure to our loved one. We complicate it when we disconnect from each other and become careless and we get sidetracked on things that distract us from cultivating the love. That’s when our relationship gets complicated. It’s then about a score card – not about that mutual love and respect for each other.

I love Zig Ziglar’s quote: “We are human BEINGS, NOT human DOINGS.” And I’ve been one of those over-complicated responders to God. Don’t get me wrong. I love my Lord and I love the relationship I have with Him. Seriously, I thrive in the knowledge of knowing who I am and Whose I am. But rather than BEING with the One 24/7 Who loves me most and just living each moment of every day in the knowledge of my trust and complete devotion to Him, I complicated things by giving myself rules of engagement with Him. Look at His love words I read yesterday: John 15:4-5 4 “Abide in me, and I will abide in you. Just as the branch cannot produce fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. The one who abides in me while I abide in him produces much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing." I got it. The crux of my relationship with Him isn’t about do’s and don’ts, about have to’s and have not’s…..it’s about a lifestyle of BEING and ABIDING, being grafted into the vine. When we abide in Jesus, He becomes more than a Sunday God or when-in-trouble God or when-we-think-about- Him God. Abiding in Him means He's our Monday through Sunday -- our 24/7 Lord Who we are involved with every moment!

I recently read “The Magnolia Story” – it’s the sweet, often hilarious, and amazing story of Chip and Joanna Gaines from the show “Fixer-Upper”, their love story, taking daily steps of making a living, to wisdom and knowledge in business and how they made it to stardom. It’s a story of faith and just really “abiding in God” on a daily basis. It’s about hearts for family and humanity. It’s about REAL LIFE and real struggles and a REAL everyday walk with God….just BEING. I really didn’t want the book to end. You’ll laugh out loud at their mistakes that turned into “all things working together for good because they trusted God”. I also urge you to watch the show which is REAL LIFE of turning old homes into new…..just like in our lives when the old man gets destroyed and the new man awakens to “new life in Christ”. That, my friends, is the greatest FIXER-UPPER ever. Not complicated. Just sweet air….even on those days when the struggles of life can be quite stinky……but because we ABIDE IN HIM….He even makes the stinky turn into a sweet aroma when lifted to Him in trust that He will turn even the stinky into good in our lives.

The Attitude of Gratitude

I've loved seeing FB posts by many of you who are expressing 30 days of gratitude in this month of Thanksgiving. Others are just randomly posting how grateful they are for their faith, God's love and life's sweetest blessings -- their family, friends, their health, their precious times together making memories -- all those things that money just can't buy.

I love it! And, if you and I have let that attitude of gratitude slip us by, just maybe it's a perfect way for us to start our day and week -- this week -- with simple words and thoughts of gratitude!

Zig Ziglar was such a dear friend and such had such a tremendous influence in our family's lives -- in so many ways. You could tell where he came from -- and that an attitude of gratitude was right up there in his values. What was Zig's secret? Zig's widowed mother of eleven raised her children alone. Though extremely poor, Mrs. Ziglar instilled a strong work ethic in her children and raised them to believe that both she and God loved them. She also taught her children to practice saying "please" and "thank you." Those lessons stuck. Her formula of work, love and faith made their difficult lives easier and enjoyable.

Zig said, "When we neglect to require our children to say `thank you' when someone gives them a gift or does something for them, we raise ungrateful children who are highly unlikely to be content. Without gratitude, happiness is rare. With gratitude, the odds for happiness go up dramatically."

And even more so, how much our Father God wants to bless His kids as He sees our attitudes of gratitude! To acknowledge Him for not just the big things, but all the daily blessings in each and every day.. So, today, I'm starting with saying "Dear God. Today I woke up. I am healthy. I am alive. I am blessed beyond what I deserve. Thank you."

Love is GIVING and RECEIVING

Day 26 in the Month of Love -- Love is GIVING and RECEIVING

It's like a boomerang -- when we give love, it will come back to us. If we give joy, we'll receive back joy. Like today's photo of the little bird and his reflection, we should be a reflection of what we want to receive. If we want love, we give love. If we want truth, we need to be truthful. What we give out will come back to us. It's the Laws of Reciprocity. That's what social psychologists call it when someone does something nice for us, and, we have a deep rooted urge to do something nice for them in return. As a matter of fact, we may even reciprocate with a gesture far more generous than their original good deed.

That LAW isn't new at all. It started with the greatest of all GIVERS when Jesus said, "Give......and it shall be given!"

We've heard the words: "Serve....and you shall be served." "Love....and you shall be loved." "Be a friend.....and you shall have friends." Just makes good sense -- especially when it's been tested and proven by successful leaders! Robert Kiyowsoki (Rich Dad, Poor Dad) said, "Change your focus from making money to serving people. Serving more people, makes the money come in."

Zig Ziglar, a dear friend of ours, said, "You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want." Smart and truly successful people get this. Most times we give..... with absolutely no expectation or desire to receive back.....but it's just those laws....God's Laws of Reciprocity.....YOU WILL RECEIVE, when your heart's attitude is to GIVE, SERVE and LOVE!

#LiveToLove #LiveToGive

You Are Who You Hang Around

Day 84 of Photo Inspirations -- You Are Who You Hang Around
#TBT -- I love this photo of Zig Ziglar and his "red head", Jean, as well as the happy couple standing with them.  This was a momentous time of achievement on our part because of our alignment with such greatness, as the Ziglars.

Before we had been introduced to Zig, we were his followers, so much so that we became "little Zigs".  His life philosophies, motivational speaking, his Christan witness and his personal "walk", made him our mentor.  We owned every one of his books and teaching cassettes (that's all they had at the time), and eventually CDs.  What he taught was from his personal walk and living out success principles that worked.  And they worked for us, too!  We raised our kids on those principles and I attribute much of their success to what we spoke into them and lived before them because of what we received from the teachings of Zig.  In fact, my husband traveled to churches and organizations teaching these principles in his own "Born to Win" seminars.  Yes, we were inspired enough to want to see others achieve what we knew were life-changing principles to live by.  He made a difference in our lives, so of course, we wanted to pay-it-forward and make the difference in people's lives too.  "You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want." -- Zig Ziglar

Who would know that one day our daughter would be on tour with him in the "Get Motivated" Success Seminars for over 12 years.  Zig became her "Road Dad"  during that season.  In fact, he wrote the Foreword in the "Mission Possible" book that she wrote.

Not long after that, we were given the opportunity to be a part of Zig's training program and became his certified trainers, and the friendship continued to grow.  My husband's expertise in the field of network marketing was a tremendous asset to Zig, especially when he wrote the book "Network Marketing for Dummies", and asked Ron to be the Technical Editor of the book.

My Honey graduated to heaven in 2010, and Zig caught up with him in 2012.  I like to think that they are a part of the "great cloud of witnesses" that are cheering us on to realize we were born to win -- and they are great examples of WINNERS, on this side of heaven and beyond.

Yes, it's important to select our mentors and leaders wisely.  Hanging around eagles causes us to rise higher and be better -- the eagles take us to places we could have never been or even imagined.

Prime THAT Pump

See that pump in the middle of our Solavei leaders and Tom Ziglar? That's the pump used by Zig Ziglar as he gave his memorable "pump illustration". I'll never forget watching him, time and time again, share the story about having to put something in, to get something out, and each time it stirred me to action. He said, "You must prime the pump and pump very hard before you start getting water. Then the pumping becomes easier." The reality is...in life, relationships and business.....you must put something in, before you get something out. Zig would go on to say, "Regardless of what you are doing, if you pump long enough, hard enough and enthusiastically enough, sooner or later the effort will bring forth the reward.”

I watched history being made last night. Not only was an awesome path for success, growth, and increased blessings revealed for our Solavei family, but the "It's Happening" webcast taking place at Zig Ziglar's headquarters in Texas caused this Mama to "have her moments"! As Zig's son, Tom Ziglar, who is carrying his father's legacy on, watched our live webcast, I thought about the legacy of success that Zig Ziglar had and the influence of his life on ours, and how the indelible print of success will carry on in Solavei. That's a perfect example of the ripple effect or the butterfly effect.that can take place when we realize that WE MATTER and we can make a difference!

I was so deeply moved as I thought about Zig and my Honey looking on, and cheering us on, from heaven's grandstands. Every room in that complex represents a man who made the difference in millions of people's lives, including our family's. His trainings, philosophies, principles for success in business and life -- and his friendship with our family, sincerely impacted the people we are today -- optimistic, relentless work ethics and audacious determination to succeed at whatever we put our hands and hearts to.

I'm so excited about the future for all of us in Solavei -- history was made two years ago, and today we will continue to make history that will MAKE THE DIFFERENCE IN MILLIONS OF PEOPLE'S LIVES. It will be -- after all we're "priming the pump"! . Enjoy this clip where Zig explained "Priming the Pump"!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCYokEMBHJs — with Staci Wallace and 11 others at Zig Ziglar Corp.

Train Up a Child -- It is Worth the Effort

For over 12 years, our daughter, Staci Wallace, travelled, sang and spoke at the "Get Motivated" seminars with Peter Lowe, Zig Ziglar, Tom Hopkins, and always on the guest speaker list were former presidents, prime ministers, professional athletes, and many other dignitaries. I don't share this to impress you, but it impresses me about the mightiness of God's orchestration of our lives.

My husband and I had planned on being at a conference in Maui, but something altered our plans, and since we had already paid for the conference, we insisted that our daughter take our place to just get strengthened, motivated and encouraged at a very vulnerable time in her life -- long before meeting her wonderful husband, Larry. Staci's Dad (my sweet husband) was her coach (better known as Sargeant Dad because he was relentless in pulling every ability, talent and gifting out of her -- when it came to her basketball playing, her singing, and her public speaking). And, I was relentless in being a Stage Mom -- entering her into vocal competitions, pageants and speaking opportunities. As she was about to leave for the trip to Maui, her Dad, as always, said, "Be prepared just in case they ask you to sing -- take your accompaniment tracks with you!" Which, she always did. And, sure enough, she was asked to sing at the event. She WAS prepared, and belted out a song in her usual passionate style. This time, Peter Lowe was at the back of the room and heard her. At the end of the session, he introduced himself to her and asked if she'd like to be a part of his "Get Motivated" events. And, that began a remarkable journey for both of us -- I was her travel companion, photographer, and product sales manager. It was a thrill, and joy -- on so many levels. We knew it was a divine set-up!

I shared this story with you to urge you to cultivate, embrace, celebrate, coach and nurture the giftings of your children and grandchildren. There is no greater gift or asset that God gives us than our children. God gives them to us and what we help them become.....is our gift back to God. It is worth every effort, every investment of time and resources, when we see them excel and become all God has destined them to be. At those "Get Motivated" events, Staci always opened the day with her "American Medley" song. Later Tom Hopkins asked her to record an album of motivational songs for his speaking tour, which included this song. The backdrop of the song was compelling photos, videos and scenes of our great country, the men and women who serve our country and those who have given their lives to give us the freedoms we have today. I gift this song and my precious daughter to you today in honor of this glorious land that we live in, the freedoms that we have, and the blessings of God to call this land our HOME on this side of heaven.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sZH8qGwqMk

Be of Good CHEER!

I love the story our good friend, Zig Ziglar, told about the businessman who got a ticket for driving too fast on the way to work, who got to his office and yelled at his assistant, and then she yelled at the receptionist, who came home and yelled at her son, who kicked the poor cat. That little story describes how "our presence" -- good or bad -- can affect the atmosphere in our world.

Did you know that we can operate in God-given ability to bring heaven to earth and create environments of love, hope, faith, and good CHEER in every facet of our lives? It's our choice whether we bring anxiety or peace, doubt or optimism, anger or love into our world. Our kitchens, our workplaces, and even our cars can become "sanctuaries" -- safe havens and stability -- even in the midst of the bustle of activity....and life. They can be places were love is lived and where people sense God's peace and acceptance -- just because of the atmosphere we create.

Husbands and Wives, Dads and Moms, Granddads and Grandmoms -- we ought to be the family CHEER Leaders. And here's my suggestion for a family cheer. Get them up in the morning and say, "All right family. Let's all begin our cheer for the day. Jesus said be of good CHEER (Matt. 14:27), so here's our good CHEER. "WE ARE HAPPY. WE ARE BLESSED. WE ARE WINNERS. YES, YES, YES!! Two bits! Four bits! Six bits! A dollar! All for Jesus.....stand up and holler!!"

Okay....that's dorky, but seriously -- isn't dorky better than gloomy, cranky, angry and dreary? Our joy-filled, blessed, and grateful attitude will change our world and our calm, peaceful, and loving presence, that we create, will be infectious to our world. Let’s spread THAT presence today, and be of good CHEER!