Author Alice M. Swaim gives us today's quote.

Courage is not the towering oak that sees storms come and go; it is the fragile blossom that opens in the snow.

Change comes from the inside. The blossom is the beauty that is seen by the world.

French novelist Gustave Flaubert is best known for his masterpiece, Madame Bovary. He said these words,

The artist must be in his work as God is in creation, invisible and all-powerful; one must sense him everywhere but never see him.

We are each artists. I must paint the world with my palette, trusting that He is guiding me to create a masterpiece that is beautiful and worthy to Him.

A wise person once said,

A friend is someone with whom I can reveal many parts of me, even those I am meeting for the first time.

I never really understood the meaning of a friend, until i called them out in times of need. They rushed and stood to my side. Listening, supporting, giving of themselves unconditionally because they want to express their love. I had no idea the true value of friendship, until right now. The sacrifice a person makes when they offer to become yours, and what that really means. I am grateful.

We turn to our old friend, 12th Century Japanese Buddhist monk, Dogen, for words of wisdom.

When we discover that the truth is already in us, we are all at once our original selves.

He has placed the answers within us, just need to ask how to find it.

Highly regarded in the Armed Forces, Navy Captain Gerald L. Coffee's military decorations include the Silver Star, two awards of the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Stars, the Air Medal, two Purple Hearts, and the Vietnam Service Medal with 13 stars. Through tremendous courage and resolve, Captin Coffee lived as a POW in the Communist prisons of North Vietnam for 7 years. After his repatriation in February, 1973, Jerry returned to operation duties, giving 28 years of service.

Our lives are a continuing journey - and we must learn and grow at every bend as we make our way, sometimes stumbling, but always moving toward the finest within us.

Sometimes we falter, but God does not let us fall. We become closer to the person we are supposed to be if we allow ourselves to learn, grow and love.

As a friend reminded me this day, Thanksgiving is an American Holiday and Tradition that the rest of the world does not celebrate. Personally speaking, they are missing out.
So with gratefulness of the Thanksgiving Holiday, I turn to 18th Century English Poet, Christina G. Rossetti.

Were there no God, we would be in this glorious world with grateful hearts: and no one to thank.

Thank you God.

Emmy Award Winning Television host and interviewer Dick Cavett once said,

It is a rare person who wants to hear what he doesn't want to hear.

We grow a little each time we step outside out comfort zone. Friends shared with me this weekend, "we must give a little to live alot." In reflection, it means to open myself to know and understand who I really am.

Let us listen and learn from the words of France's most beloved comedy writers and playrights, Moliere.

It is not only what we do, but also what we do not do, for which we are accountable.

Think first. Choose wisely. Act deliberately.

Today we turn to one of my favorite Quoters, American President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money. It lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.

I take great pride in effort, striving towards the finish line. Sometimes that line is nearer and other times so distant its not even visible, but I take personal worth knowing that I have given my all and will reach whatever finish line is deserved.

Comic book 'The Spectre' co-creator Bernard Baily shares his insight with these words,

When science discovers the center of the universe, a lot of people will be disappointed to find they are not it.

We are put to this earth to play a role and live with purpose. Our role and purpose are according to His will. We just have the choice of whether and how closely we listen.

I enjoy a good conversation and the realm of philosophy. Here's words to ponder by Socrates.

The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be.

As a child we attempt to become what we pretend and are not afraid to try. How did I let 'me' get in the way? How do I become what I pretend?

We turn today to wise words stated by author Mary H. Waldrip.

It's important that people should know what you stand for. It's equally important that they know what you won't stand for.

It's okay to draw a firm line on what is acceptable and not. Only then will we know where we stand, and the type of person I am.

Leadership coach Foster C. McClellan says,

Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.

It's so true. I am the one that has to look at myself in the mirror each day. Live with the decisions I've made. I can control myself, and only me. It's my decision, my action, my challenge, my opportunity.

Author, leadership coach and business strategist John C. Maxwell says,

If you think you are leading a team, department or organization and no one is following... you are just out for a walk.

Sometimes, I like taking a walk by myself.

American historian and writer James Truslow Adams is thought to be the man responsible for coining the phrase, 'American Dream'. He served to the aid of President Woodrow Wilson and was assigned with preparations and become part of the US Delegation for the Paris Peace Conference of 1918.

We cannot advance without new experiments in living, but no wise man tries every day what he has proved wrong the day before.

I must learn from yesterday so that I may not make the same mistake twice. A simpler phrase to be said then done, but nonetheless, something to look forward to. I must have been given this new knowledge for a reason.

Anti-Slavery Advocate and American Journalist Charles A. Dana was an instrumental proponent of free speech during the trying times leading up to, during and following the Civil War. His expressions led him to close ties with American Presidents and the decisions they made.

Fight for your opinions, but do not believe that they contain the whole truth or the only truth.

This human system is quite limited really. What I have come to know or learn is not necessarily absolute truth. Although in my mind, I think that it is. The same goes for my opinions. My opinion is not necessarily true, though it is what I stand upright fighting in defense. It makes me think... I must be forever learning, understanding, realizing that I may not always be right. And perhaps not 'wrong' - wise enough to understand others perspective, become knowledge in search of Truth.

A product of Abilene, Kansas, the 34th US President Dwight David Eisenhower was instrumental connecting the Union with the creation of the Interstate Highway System. Although he justified its use as a necessity to ensure America's Military Defense Strategy during the times of the Cold War, its greatest impact has been economic.

'Worry' is a word that I don't allow myself to use.

If I follow the guidance and thoughts of earlier posts this week, I have created my optimism, my own hope, my own rules and have trust and faith in all that is done is His will. Why should I waste earthly time with 'worry'?

Recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature, Albert Camus is considered by many to be a great French writer and philosopher. His concept focused on people, less on ideas.

Integrity has no need of rules.

No need to comment further.

Born on this day in 1895 in China, Lyn Yutang is honored today as a prolific writer, editor and philosopher.

Hope is like a road in the country; there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence.

I believe that we make our own hope. Optimism comes from our belief that good is possible, truth will prevail and all that is evil will subside. My perseverance will lead me to find, create and walk on that road. It is a path of discovery that gives me comfort, allows me to breathe and puts me at peace.

While I am not a real fan of her consult and far-side opinions, I do agree and promote her quote this day.

Dr. Joyce Brothers is a family psychologist who has received fame and most widely known for 40-plus years of work as a syndiciated advice columnist.

Listening, not imitation, may be the sincerest form of flattery.

It's amazing what I hear when I let the silence speak.