What is it in us, as we move into adulthood, that takes away the joy of living in the present moment as we did when we were children? Happily, though, we can learn from children. Young children are masters at living in the present moment. They are also such wonderful teachers.

Even in the Old Testament, through the Book of Proverbs, we are encouraged to live life one day at a time. Yet who better to learn from than Jesus, who lived for the day and wants us to do so too. Live one day at a time.

Silver Linings presents inspirational stories with focus on action principles, encouraging you to make decisions that positively affect your life. There are messages that speak to the human heart.

The young Check-out cashier suggested to a much older lady that she should bring her own grocery bags, because plastic bags are not good for the environment. The woman apologised to the young girl and then sighed, "We didn't have this 'green thing' back in my earlier days." The young clerk responded, "That's our problem today. You folk didn't do enough to save our environment for future generations." The older woman proceeded to give the young cashier examples of how the older generations were far more caring of the environment that those of today.

The Environment is by far one of the issues most of us take for granted. What most of us forget that by being Green or environmentally aware ourselves is only the beginning; we often overlook the need to influence and affect people around us to be aware and lead environmentally mindful lifestyles. We can all do better to care for God’s creation.

Silver Linings offer suggestions in a simple basic way for living a relaxed and balanced life through the power of attitude, thinking, and creating your own stress-less life.

Frolic in the Rain

Rain is a blessing after a drought, a symbol of God's love and teachings to spread over the world. It’s always very special when the wet season comes and the rain pours down upon this parched land of ours, setting the dry rivers running and bringing a new freshness to the environment. The ancient roman philosopher, Seneca, said: Life is the fire that burns and the sun that gives light. Life is the wind and the rain and the thunder in the sky. Life is matter and is earth, what is and what is not, and what beyond is in Eternity. Make time and take the opportunities to make memories every day. Remember, every moment in life is an act of faith.

Episode transcript and more writings, reflection and prayers are available for free at https://ministryoftheshepherd.com.au

The Seed in the Mud

Sometimes, struggles are exactly what we need in our life. The seed buried in the mud believed it had no chance to grow. Life isn’t always fair, but, without a struggle, there can be no progress. The wise Apostle Paul reminds, that hardship develops perseverance, and perseverance develops a tested character. People who have overcome obstacles are more secure than those who have never faced them. It is often the struggles that help us grow strong, stand tall and make a difference in life.

Episode transcript and more writings, reflection and prayers are available for free at https://ministryoftheshepherd.com.au

Ask – It’s That Simple

"Young man, you’ll never get anywhere in this world unless you ask for what you want from life!”

This was wise advice, I never forgot, from the boss in my first public service job in Canberra. One of life's fundamental truths states: Ask and you shall receive. The world responds to those who ask. Most people in this world, however, never really achieve or receive what they hold in their dreams . . . because they just never ask... People who've mastered the art of asking know what they want, are clear about their vision, purpose and goals. They are passionate about what they are requesting. They act even when they feel fear. They are persistent - if at first they don't receive, ask, ask, ask until they do. God will always give us good things. Our job is to understand what is good, so that we know what to ask for.

Episode transcript and more writings, reflection and prayers are available for free at https://ministryoftheshepherd.com.au