Archive for the 'Poems' Category

Views on Life & Death

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The Native American View on Life & Death

You live on earth only for a few short years
which you call an incarnation,
and then you leave your body as an outworn dress
and go for refreshment to your true home in the spirit.
~ White Eagle 

 

So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view,  and demand that they respect yours.
Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life.
Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people.
Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.
Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place.
Show respect to all people and grovel to none.
When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living.
If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself.
Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.
When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death,
so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way.
Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.

~ Chief Tecumseh (Crouching Tiger) Shawnee Nation 1768-1813


Buddha’s View on Life & Death

The secret of health for both mind and body
is not to mourn for the past,
not to worry about the future,
or not to anticipate troubles,
but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.

~ Buddha

POEM: The Greatest Story Ever Told

Christmas, Heart of the Holidays, Poems| No Comments »

Reprinted from HEART OF THE HOLIDAYS, book by Sheryl L. Roush


The Greatest Story Ever Told

By Rebecca Brinck

Do you remember?
Have you ever known
Of that night in December
When the brightest star shown?
Have you heard the story told
Of that fateful night of old?
The Virgin Mary, the unborn baby,
Looking for a place to stay.
“There is no room in the inn,”
They heard time and time again;
One had compassion, an older fashion,
And led them to the stables.
A newborn babe laid his head,
With a manger for a bed;
The star twinkled bright, with eternal light,
On the baby laid in hay.
Shining angels came to talk;
To shepherds that watched their flock
“I have tidings great,” angels did dictate,
“And news of great joy tonight.”

ORDER THE BOOK:
Bask in the glow of winter’s warmth. Celebrate the most blessed time of year with lighthearted tales, original stories and poems, and quotations… Chapters include: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Yuletide Around the Globe, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Ringing in the New Year…
ORDER COPIES of the HEART OF THE HOLIDAYS book here.


ORDER THE MUSIC CD:

Touching the heart with music, Heart of the Holidays is a celebration of the season. Included are creative new interpretations of the traditional Chanukah songs "Mo’oz Tsur" and "Sivivon." Two original numbers written and performed by Laurie Z., "Heart of the Holidays" and "Warmth From Within" easily hold their own next to the traditional songs we all know by heart. Playful touches are included, like special guest, late actor Jack Palance singing "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," topping it all off with Jack Palance’s delightful reading of "The Night Before Christmas."
ORDER COPIES of the HEART OF THE HOLIDAYS Music CD here.

 

 

VIEW OTHER BOOKS –AND MUSIC IN THIS SERIES:

Click on title to view each book.
Heart of a Woman (printed)
Heart of a Military Woman (printed) ….. and on Kindle
Heart of a Mother (printed)
Heart of a Mother (printed with Bonus Music CD)
Heart of a Mother …  Music CD
Heart of the Holidays (printed) ….. and on Kindle
Heart of the Holidays … Music CD
Heart of a Woman in Business (printed)

Corazon de Mujer
(printed) (Heart of a Woman in Spanish)

 

THANKSGIVING POEM: I’m Thankful

Heart of the Holidays, Poems, Thanksgiving| No Comments »

I’m thankful for my eyes—
that I might see spectacular sunsets, lovely flowers of spring, the sweet face of a child.

I’m thankful for my ears—
that I might hear the birds’ sweet songs,
children’s infectious laughter, glorious music that uplifts the soul.

I’m thankful for my lips—
that I might help kiss away a child’s tears,
whisper words of love, share encouragement and praise.

I’m thankful for my hands—
that I might help a neighbor in need,
hold hands with loved ones, give a warm hug or pat on the back.

Most of all, I’m thankful for my mind—that holds all these
memories—so that, when I feel sad or discouraged, I can once again
recall all these wonderful gifts with which I’ve been blessed.

– Connie Jameson

Published in Heart of the Holidays; Yuletide Treasures & Traditions, by Sheryl L. Roush

 

 

 

 

VIEW OTHER BOOKS –AND MUSIC IN THIS SERIES:

Click on title to view each book.
Heart of a Woman (printed)
Heart of a Military Woman (printed) ….. and on Kindle
Heart of a Mother (printed)
Heart of a Mother (printed with Bonus Music CD)
Heart of a Mother …  Music CD
Heart of the Holidays (printed) ….. and on Kindle
Heart of the Holidays … Music CD
Heart of a Woman in Business (printed)

Corazon de Mujer
(printed) (Heart of a Woman in Spanish)


POEM: Happy Thanksgiving

Heart of the Holidays, Holidays, Poems, Thanksgiving| No Comments »

Happy Thanksgiving

The turkey is cooking; we’ve all been to church,
Our grandparents soon will arrive.
The table is set; the best linen is used,
What a grand day to be alive!

There’s a nip in the air; we’re planning on snow,
We kids have new scarves and new muffs.
The cat, a new bell—the dog, a new bow,
And the phone is ringing for us.

“Hurry up, kids! Talk to great Uncle Joe,”
Who lives a long ways away.
Then we’ll call Cousin Jo and dear Auntie Flo,
And wish them joy today.”

Oh, something special there is in the air,
And not just good smells from the oven.
The holiday feeling is felt everywhere,
“Come on, darlin,’ give Mama some huggin.’”

The kitchen door opens; the food is brought in,
We kids all race to the table.
Napkins are snugly tucked ‘neath our chins,
We are hungry, willing and able.

Dad starts to carve, right after grace,
Then my brother shouts, “Dibs on a leg!”
Mom has a special smile on her face,
Our dog sits at Dad’s knee and begs.

“Please pass the beans.” “Where are the yams?”
“Does anyone want a roll?”
“That turkey is almost as big as I am.”
“Who emptied the gravy bowl?”

So the feast moves on straight to the pie,
I rub my tummy; it’s so full.
But I’m no piker—oh no—not I,
“Whipped cream, if you please, a big spoonful.”

So, with warmth and laughter and much good cheer,
For this day, we send thanks above.
We’re grateful we’ve all been together this year,
“Thank You, Dear Lord for such love.”

~ Virginia "Ginny" Ellis
© 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007
www.poetrybyginny.com

Published in Heart of the Holidays, by Sheryl Roush
Order here!

Desiderata

Poems| No Comments »

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

 Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, 1927

 

NATIVI-TEA (Tea Prayer)

Christmas, Heart of the Holidays, Holidays, Poems| No Comments »

NATIVI-TEA

At the moment of my birth there was a celebration, too.
The angels sang and God was all I knew.
God was all I remembered – for on earth
as in Heaven, we are all one.
To remind us of this God sent us his Son.
Once a year we are reminded of His special birth.
It is a rejoicing that encircles all of the earth.
Gifts are given, hearts open wide,
the focus is on good and we all take pride.
The hope for my daily rebirth is now understood.
A child in a manger, simple and pure;
    a symbol of peace and innocence;
that we are all safe from danger, sound and secure.
To be in God’s presence is the present I truly need.
In this time of celebration I am freed from my own greed.
I live to give – my gifts I share.
I do not hide them or disguise them, nor place them under a tree.
My gifts of love and laughter, kindness and caring were meant for sharing;
not just once a year or for a select few.
The gifts I have are unique to me and I celebrate my own nativity.
Every birth is planned, every child has a right,
every life is precious, delicate and meant to be.
On the tree of life every child’s light shines bright for all to see.
Thank you, God; my own light clears my visibility.
There is a place for each and every one of us on God’s special tree.
We glisten and twinkle in colourful harmony.
We each have our place and together we light up the world as we claim our space;
next to each other, side by side; loving and grateful God takes pride
at the birth of each and every one of His children – that’s you and me.
Christmas is a celebration of all we are and all we can be.
Thank you God, for this divine festivity.

Amen

Dharlene Marie Fahl
Author, Poet, Tea Expert
© 2009
www.TakeUpTheCup.com

Christmas Poem: It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, by Sheryl Roush

Christmas, Heart of the Holidays, Poems| No Comments »

Christmas Poem:
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
by Sheryl Roush


It came upon a midnight clear
That glorious song of old
God’s child was born to earth so began
The greatest story ever told.

Wise men came to see him there
Laying in soft manger’s hay
Radiant angelic hosts proclaimed
“Unto you a child is born” they say.

Centuries from that first nativity scene
From Christ’s birth, we’ve come to hear
Of God’s plan, Virgin Mary’s gift
Come closer to love, and farther from fear.

Still today, we celebrate that glorious night
Midnight clear, and stars so bright
That all will know of Divine love
And great gifts from Heaven above.

(C) 2007 Sheryl L. Roush
Author of Heart of the Holidays
Speaker, Author, www.SherylRoush.com

 

 

VIEW OTHER BOOKS –AND MUSIC IN THIS SERIES:

Click on title to view each book.
Heart of a Woman (printed)
Heart of a Military Woman (printed) ….. and on Kindle
Heart of a Mother (printed)
Heart of a Mother (printed with Bonus Music CD)
Heart of a Mother …  Music CD
Heart of the Holidays (printed) ….. and on Kindle
Heart of the Holidays … Music CD
Heart of a Woman in Business (printed)

Corazon de Mujer
(printed) (Heart of a Woman in Spanish)

 

Holiday Poem: In Three Words, by Sheryl Roush

Christmas, Heart of the Holidays, Poems| No Comments »

Holiday Poem:
In Three Words
by Sheryl Roush


Memories, Flashbacks, Celebrations
Kisses under mistletoe
Cheery red check
Children wide-eyes
Excited laughing children
Frantic rushing parents
Presents under trees
Receiving favorite things
Proposals and rings
Families traveling far
Driving loaded cars
Sweet hot chocolate
Candy cane treats
Apple Rum Cider
Nutmeg and Eggnog
Making plans early
Late night parties
Singing holiday tunes
Cherished friends re-un
Love abundantly shared
Long airplane flights
Snowed-in delays
Families lovingly reunited
Tears of joy
Cats batting ornaments
Dogs chasing cats
Lights flickering on
Angels atop trees
Sweet treats galore
Frosting sugar cookies
Dipping cheese balls
Avoiding fruit cakes
Exchanging holiday recipes
Joyous carols sung
Hope-filled stockings hung
Crisp snowflakes fall
Card sentiments mailed
Monthly earnings spent
Playing in snow
Sparkling garland shines
Shopping last minute
World peace rings
Packing it up
Storing it away
Waiting another year
Anticipating next year
Doing it again

(C) 2007 Sheryl L. Roush
Author of Heart of the Holidays
Speaker, Author, www.SparklePresentations.com

Yuletide Poem: A Time, by Sheryl Roush

Christmas, Heart of the Holidays, Poems| No Comments »

Yuletide Poem: A Time, by Sheryl Roush
Published in Heart of the Holidays, by Sheryl Roush

 

Yuletide

A time of Celebration
,
Bringing closure to the old year,
Setting resolutions for a better life,
Making goals for the next year.

A time of Gratitude,
Expressing to those near and dear to us,
A special fondness in our hearts.

A time of Hope,
Hope for a better future.
Hope for deeper meaning on our lives.
Hope for strengthened family ties.

A time of Forgiveness,
Letting by-gones by truly by-gone.
Starting anew with fresh, clean slates.

A time of Peace,
A deeep longing for harmony.
Reunion, collaboration, trust.

A time of Spirit,
Celebrating our soul’s profound wisdom of the ages.
Rekindling our uniqueness and collectiveness
as we are ONE on the planet.

We are the Family of God.

A time of Reconnection,
Being back in touch with those we’ve not seen/heard
from in ages,
and picking back up the conversation
right where we left off.

A time of Hearts,
Bonding for the first time.
Reuniting from separation.
Deepening in trust.
Pure, innocent, Divinely connected.
Connections so deep, it’s beyond words.

A time of Humor,
Laughing over advertises won.
Telling our tales of tribulations.
Seeing the irony of it all.
Sharing stories of our life’s adventures.
Recognizing our common journeys.

A time of Love,
Express candidly.
Sharing more openly to others of our true feelings.
Knowing that we are truly loved.
Not for what we have, or for presents given, or promises made.
Just because.
Unconditional, non-judgmental.
The love that connects us all – one heart to the other.
Our Divine umbilical cord soul to soul.
Heart to Heart.

(C) 2007 Sheryl L. Roush
Author of Heart of the Holidays
Speaker, Author, www.SherylRoush.com

 

 

 

VIEW OTHER BOOKS –AND MUSIC IN THIS SERIES:

Click on title to view each book.
Heart of a Woman (printed)
Heart of a Military Woman (printed) ….. and on Kindle
Heart of a Mother (printed)
Heart of a Mother (printed with Bonus Music CD)
Heart of a Mother …  Music CD
Heart of the Holidays (printed) ….. and on Kindle
Heart of the Holidays … Music CD
Heart of a Woman in Business (printed)

Corazon de Mujer
(printed) (Heart of a Woman in Spanish)

 

Holiday Poem: Seasoned Meetings

Christmas, Poems, Thanksgiving| No Comments »


Seasoned Meetings

Turned up collar,
Extra socks,
Find another station,
(Anything but rock,)
 
Something cheery,
Maybe with some bells,
And scrub-faced boys
Who smile as voices swell.
 
Getting in the spirit,
Finding the right mood,
Being very thankful,
You’ve a table full of food.
 
Cozy robes, warm slippers,
A fragrant twinkling tree,
Greetings full of kisses,
Meeting smiles for you and me.
 
It’s holding close the knowing
Of the love you feel today,
Let others feel it showing,
As you pass along their way.
 
It’s keeping Season’s Feelings,
(The Humanity of Man,)
Wrapped in joyful trimmings,
To give all year our plan.

© Reta Lorraine Bowen Taylor
Written Christmas Eve 1986

Reta’s work in also published in the Heart of the Holidays book by Sheryl Roush

Christmas Poem/Prayer: NATIVI-TEA

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Christmas Poem/Prayer:
NATIVI-TEA

At the moment of my birth there was a celebration, too.
The angels sang and God was all I knew.
God was all I remembered – for on earth
as in Heaven we are all one.
To remind us of this God sent us his Son.
Once a year we are reminded of His special birth.
It is a rejoicing that encircles all of the earth.
Gifts are given, hearts open wide, the focus is on good
and we all take pride.
The hope for my daily rebirth is now understood.
A child in a manger, simple and pure –
a symbol of peace and innocence –

that we are all safe from danger, sound and secure. 
To be in God’s presence is the present I truly need. 
In this time of celebration I am freed from my own greed.
I live to give – my gifts I share. 
I do not hide them or disguise them,

nor place them under a tree.
My gifts of love and laughter, kindness and caring
were meant for sharing –

not just once a year or for a select few. 
The gifts I have are unique to me
and I celebrate my own nativity. 

Every birth is planned, every child has a right,
every life is precious, delicate and meant to be. 
On the tree of life every child’s light shines bright for all to see.
 Thank you, God; my own light clears my visibility.
There is a place for each and every one of us
on God’s special tree. 

We glisten and twinkle in colourful harmony. 
We each have our place and together
we light up the world as we claim our space –

next to each other, side by side,
loving and grateful God takes pride

 at the birth of each and every one of His children –
that’s you and me.

Christmas is a celebration of all we are and all we can be.
Thank you God, for this divine festivity. 
Amen.


Dharlene Marie Fahl
Author/Inspirational Speaker/Tea Specialist
http://www.takeupthecup.com/
http://www.linkedin.com/in/takeupthecup/
http://www.youpublish.com/dharlenefahlbrittian/
(C) December 2008

Dharlene’s Tea Prayers are also published in the Heart of the Holidays, Heart of a Mother, and Heart of a Woman in Business books by Sheryl Roush.

Poem: A Christmas Commitment

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Poem: A Christmas Commitment

Being happy is our first commitment
It is a huge gift for our loved ones
It is a box full of wonderful surprises
They will delight us through enchantment
 
Christmas is time for having fun
Enjoy the brightness of the winter sun
When you sometimes are feeling blue
Remember think about God’s route.
 
New Year’s Eve is a true ending
When we are ready to go back and review
What we have learned through living memories
Which make us stronger for a new beginning
 
God gives you a chance of surviving
Keep this greatness in your mind
Sharing love, joy and understanding
They are powerful from a new humankind.
 
By Consuelo Sanchez
December 2008

Consuelo is published in Corazon de Mujer, the inspirational gift book, Heart of a Woman fully translated in Spanish. CLICK HERE TO ORDER.

ORDER the Heart of the Holidays Book here.

Veterans Day Remembrance

Holidays, Patriotism, Poems| No Comments »

Veterans Day Remembrance

It is the soldier, not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the soldier, not the campus or community organizer,
Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.

It is the soldier, who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag.

— Father Dennis Edward O’Brian, USMC

The Day After Elections: Today I am an American

Patriotism, Poems| No Comments »

The Day After Elections: Today I am an American

Yesterday I was a registered Republican campaigning for a Democrat.
I spent the day walking my neighborhood, working to get out the vote.
During the campaign I spent hours on the phone and worked the rallies.
I placed a bumper sticker on my truck, and a sign in my yard.
 
I witnessed the best and worst in my fellow Americans.
Their behavior did not fall along party lines, but was split between those who fear and those with hope.
It was the first election where I did more than cast a ballot.
I admire and applaud all of you, win or lose, who worked your tail off for your candidate.
 
But today is a new day.
I believe it’s time for a new attitude, a different outlook.
Simply saying I belong to one political party doesn’t seem quite big enough.
 
Starting today, whenever I’m asked about my political affiliation, I will say with pride, I am an American.
 
I’m not sure what will happen next, but I’m excited about the possibilities.
I intend to be a part of whatever it is, and I hope you feel the same.
 
I share common ground with those of you who voted for, or worked on behalf of, any of the candidates.
I invite you to use the link below to visit my blog and post a comment of what you think should come next.
Not about what the politicians should do, but what we as individual Americans will do.

Today I am an American
 
Jerry Gitchel

For more information, click here.

POEM: The Entrepreneur

Heart of a Woman in Business, Poems| No Comments »

Published in Heart of a Woman in Business by Sheryl Roush

The Entrepreneur

I used to spend a lot of time trying to impress,
Little did I realize how it added to my stress.

My zealousness for business and my desire to succeed,
Led me at times to stretch the truth, exaggerate, mislead.

Name-dropping, bragging or a little white lie,
It’s harmless I’d say, I must impress, or at least try.

My home is the biggest, I make lots of money,
My spouse the most wonderful, my world is sunny.

Look at me! Look at me! Do you think I’m great?
I’m not quite sure, how do I rate?

Later I’d lament that all was not well,
What in the world was I trying to sell?

It was then that I learned as I worked with my coach,
That perhaps what I needed was an adjusted approach.

Be humble, speak the truth, understate, promise less,
This new way of thinking would be key to success.

As I shifted my focus and turned inward to grow,
I discovered the truth that I had longed to know.

I’m truly enough, just as I am, being me
No exaggeration necessary, WOW, I feel free!

Pat Morgan, Life Coach
www.SmoothSailingSuccess.com

POEM: Heart of a Woman in Business

Heart of a Mother, Heart of a Woman, Heart of a Woman in Business, Poems| No Comments »

OPENING POEM from the book
Heart of a Woman in Business

 

 

Heart of a Woman in Business
by Sheryl L. Roush

A woman in business is like no other
Multi-brilliant at work, and a great mother.

Guided by vision to make a difference in this world,
Reporting for service, with her hair even curled.

Ready to go, whenever the need
She knows in her heart, there’s a calling to feed.

To do right, to speak up, determined to succeed
A role model that plants the possibility seed.

Knows who she is, right down to the core
Her essence, her passion—shine all the more!

She’s in charge with a handle on it all.
At the office, at home, or at the mall.

Even in the depth of all she may know
Realizes there’s still plenty room to grow.

So energetic, creative and fun…
Early rise, there’s much to be done!

She still finds time to laugh and to play
Sacred time too, to kneel and to pray

It comes from inside, driven by vision,
Get on board – she’s on a great mission!

Her daily prayer resides in God’s grace
Serving others from her heart sets the pace

Making use of her talent, wisdom and skill
From strengths and trust in Divine will.

Gentle, compassionate, loving and strong
In this sisterhood of success you want to belong

Anything she puts her heart to she can do
She’s not alone sis’ta – as you can too!

The road to get here has been quite a ride
“Call me ‘Woman’– it’s my source of pride!”

Come along, she’s blazin’ new trail
A woman in business—whom we all hail!

-Sheryl Roush
©2008 Sheryl L. Roush, All rights reserved.

If want to distribute or publish this poem, email for permission to Sheryl@SparklePresentations.com
Poem credit (below) must be included.

Sheryl Roush is an 8-time business entrepreneur, starting her first business at the young age of 16 in the patio of her parent’s home. She is a top-rated international speaker, inspiring people to bring their heart to work. Her programs rekindle the spirit, raise the bar and create excitement. www.SherylRoush.com

 

 

 

 

VIEW OTHER BOOKS –AND MUSIC IN THIS SERIES:
Click on title to view each book.

Heart of a Woman (printed)
Heart of a Military Woman (printed) ….. and on Kindle
Heart of a Mother (printed)
Heart of a Mother (printed with Bonus Music CD)
Heart of a Mother …  Music CD
Heart of the Holidays (printed) ….. and on Kindle
Heart of the Holidays … Music CD
Heart of a Woman in Business (printed)

Corazon de Mujer
(printed) (Heart of a Woman in Spanish)

STORY: The Best Business School

Heart of a Mother, Heart of a Woman, Heart of a Woman in Business, Poems, Readers Respond, Stories| No Comments »

The Best Business School

by Sheryl Roush
Author of Heart of a Woman in Business


Business schools, workshops, seminars and boot camps abound today. Everyone is going off to attend something somewhere. Perhaps what we need most is a retreat—one back to our childhood.

Being an eight-time entrepreneur, I can attest to the best business school courses worthy of consideration, with the lowest tuition yet the highest return. Some of the most valuable ethics were those role modeled by my mother. To support the family income, and to get her out of the house being a young stay-at-home mom, she was the door-to-door Avon lady. Since my two brothers were old enough to attend school, she carted me around on her weekly routes. Believe it or not, I was quite shy, so she made me meet people – which translated later into natural networking skills.

A few years later, to help put my brothers through college, mom starting selling Amway products, and our household was one of the first to use biodegradable products – a truly novel “green” concept at that time. When I was 14, she dragged me to an Amway “Revival” where I heard my first motivational speaker, Charlie “Tremendous” Jones. Today, we are colleagues in the National Speakers Association, and I’M a motivational speaker! From painfully shy to inspirationally high! (We never know where the seeds are going to be planted.)

From mom, I learned Midwestern values, work hard, show respect, do right, have integrity, help others, and what I now know as good old-fashioned customer service skills.

“Know what you want in life—and go for it.” A child of the Depression, at 18, mom moved herself from the farm in Iowa, with only $10, and her best girlfriend to “get a life” in California. She taught me about goal setting and visualization, without ever using the phrases. (I was named after that best girlfriend.)

“Be positive.” Attitude truly does make a difference in our ability to succeed—I’m convinced of that! In challenges where I have not yet developed the skills, it’s been having a positive attitude has catapulted me through the fears. As a speaker on the topic today, I believe that Faith is the “compass” of Attitude. We’ve also got to believe in ourselves.

“You can do anything you put your mind to.” A secret dream of Mom was to compete in the Olympics. At 68, she was selected to carry the Olympic Torch, on its way from San Diego to the 1984 Los Angeles Games. When I started a business at age 16 in the patio of my parents’ home, she encouraged and helped me with the silk-screening of t-shirts and bumper stickers. (My first “client” was the Shriners.)

 “Use what you’ve been given.” We each have skills, talents and unique abilities. As a youth, I was a graphic artist with a typewriter and mimeograph paper. (Remember those?) Mom constantly volunteered me to donate time designing the boating club and church newsletters. Later I earned four international design awards for newsletters (Top Ten in the world), have written five books and have presented seminars in eight countries on the topic. (It’s as if she knew…)

The best business school courses I’ve ever attended have been those in the classroom of life with Mom as my Teacher.

~ Sheryl Roush, Speaker, Author
Proud Daughter of Beverly J. Roush
www.SherylRoush.com

God Bless America

Holidays, MUSIC, Patriotism, Poems| No Comments »

God Bless America
Song Lyrics by Irving Berlin

God Bless America.
Land that I love
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.

From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America
My home sweet home.

God Bless America,
Land that I love
Stand beside her,
And guide her,
Through the night
With the light from above,

From the mountains,
To the prairies,
To the ocean,
White with foam,

God bless America,
My home sweet home.
God bless America,
My home sweet home

POEM: A Tribute to Old Glory

Patriotism, Poems, Quotations| 1 Comment »

A Tribute to Old Glory
by Cynthia Groopman

In the soft gentleness of the dawn’s early light,
My eyes are dazzled by an enchanting breathtaking sight.
For regally gracing the clear early morning sky,
Is Old Glory cheerfully waving so very high.

For dear red, white and blue you symbolize a nation of heroes
Who are so loyal, brave and true.
Like a dove of peace, your stripes are of a snowy white,
Symbolizing freedom’s preciously shining eternal light.
A bright red is as fiery as a blaze,
Adding luster and brightness to the morning haze.

For dear Old Glory, you are indeed a joyful gift for us to behold,
As you picturesquely narrate a story that is remarkably told.
For you are priceless treasure and I love and admire you,
With emotions, words and sentiments that are loving true.

Valentines’ Day Love Poem

Heart of a Mother, Heart of a Woman, Poems, Valentine's Day| No Comments »

LOVE
by Roy Croft

I love you not only for what you are,
but for what I am when I am with you.

I love you not only for what you have made
of yourself, but for what you are making of me.

I love you for the part of me that you bring out.

I love you for putting your hand
into my heaped up heart and for passing over
all of the foolish things you can’t
help dimly seeing there,
and for drawing out into the light
all of the beautiful belongings
that no one else has looked quite
far enough to find.

I love you because you have
done more than any creed
could have done to make me good
and more than any fate could
have done to make me happy.

You have done it without a touch,
without a word, without a sign.

You have done it by being yourself –
Perhaps that is what being a friend means, after all.

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