Sometimes this world can really get us down. I see it everywhere, people struggling with health concerns, financial problems, addictions, family crisis, and on and on. All I know for sure is you’re not alone. Everyone is dealing with something. And although misery loves company I’m not certain that we should seek out people to share in our sorrows as much as we should try to find a way to rise above our strife.

But how, perhaps we should consider GK Chesterton’s quote “we are all in the same boat and we are all seasick.” Know that you are not alone and that this world is filled with trials and tribulations. These trials are meant to make us stronger to bring us in tune with what truly matters. For instance if you’ve been meddling in someone else’s business and your happy home starts to disintegrate it might be a wakeup call that you should focus your energy on your own life rather than that of others.

Ask yourself if you are one of those people that are never happy. If that’s the case, then you need to change in order to bring happiness into your heart. Everyone has countless reasons to be happy, but often we take so much for granted that we cannot think of even one in which to be thankful. Many times we see our circumstances worse than they are so we might need to practice contentment and gratitude.

One of the simplest ways to improve one’s attitude is to be surrounded by supportive and positive people. We are communal people so human interaction is fundamentally necessary. We all need a helping hand from time to time and having friends and family which we can count on is definitely a blessing.

Exercise is another way to cope with stress. Exerting physical energy helps clear the head and you don’t need to be an athlete. Thai Chi, yoga, dance, water aerobics, walking, cycling, and swimming are some great ways to increase one’s sense of well-being. Then there is always the option of adopting a pet, also known as pet therapy. Gentle, affectionate, and cuddly animals can help improve your mood and provide you with companionship. Pets require care, regular feeding, watering, grooming, and exercise. In return they provide you with unconditional love and purpose.

Of course helping others is one of the best ways to distract ourselves from our own sufferings and avoid self-pity. There’s always someone who has it worse than we do and being able to give them a helping hand fills our hearts with joy. It’s the original two for one promotion—in giving we receive.

Finally we cannot forget the power of prayer. When life gives you more than you can stand, kneel. But don’t forget to listen for your answer. Often we are given the answers to our problems in the silence of our prayers and often those answers require us to follow the wisdom given us. For example, we cannot simply wish for a healing, we may also have to change our habits. Never doubt that you are stronger than you think. Asking or seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Today is the Right to Life Community ½ price sale at the Versailles K of C Hall until 7 p.m.

Saturday, August 12, the Quintessentials will be performing in Versailles’ Performing Arts Center at 3 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5.50 for more contact Michele Hyre at 526-4710.

Thursday, August 17 at 2 p.m. make plans to attend the “open to the public” Senior Citizen’s Gathering at the Fr. Jackle Room within the Versailles K of C. There will be guest speaker on Fatima from 2 – 2:20 p.m.followed by bid euchre with refreshments.

Happy birthday Owen Thomas Lester (2), Bob Hartzell, Nathan Hayes, Tiffanie Mora, Kim Ward, Dane Nagel, Jeanette Barga, Warren Hartzell, John Rimmer, Shirley Derr, Storm Davis, Lacey Lewis, Kristen Collins, Laura Beireis, Barb Berger, Mary Jo Deal, Cheryl Huelskamp, Barb Siegel, Cheryl Magoto, Cindy Miller, Lois Knapke, Kelly Francis, Stacy Dirksen, Erin Rismiller, Chris Kemper, Ryland Breeding, Megan Wuebker, Dave Huelskamp, Lisa Voisard, Pete Magoto, Jenni Johns, Dan Bensman and Susan Fields as their birthdays approach as well as, anniversary wishes to Kim and Scott Ward (12), Audra and Mitch Wietholter (14), Ann and Brad Yerick (15), Kim and Pat Custenborder (22), Kelly and Tony Luthman (22), Amy and Robert Kozak (?), Melanie and Jim Huffman (30), Melissa and Robert Fraley (31), Donna and Jim Monnier (36), Karen and Jim Kelch (38), Vicki and Ron Schulze (38), Connie and Jeff Stammen (39), Jennie and Ted Baltes (43), Janet and Leon Ruhenkamp (50), Shirley and John Huddle (52), Collette and Lester Kueterman (55), Bernice and Richard Berger (56), Kay and Dave Holfinger (58), and Sally and Don Hampshire (66).

Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Pooch Barga, Anthony “Bucky” Francis, Mildred Levering, Wilma Heiby, Dick Ware, Carl DeMange, Rosie Cordonnier, Romaine Berger, Irene Gehret, Judy York, Bill Luthman, Miriam Harman, Jack Monnin, Mary Batty, Norma Magoto, Terry Black, Betty Kremer, Denny Grilliot, Beverly Brown, Harold Langston, Sr., Julie Keihl, Joan Magoto, Jeanne Brandon, Rosie Pearson, Virginia Smith, John Subler, Mary Barga, Anabelle Subler, Julia Billenstein, Merilyn Borchers, Connie (Baltes) Lechleiter, Dan Monnin, Lois Youngker, Barb Goubeaux, Cyril Frantz, Eileen Rahm, Cyril Voisard, Samantha Smith, Brian Voisard, Chris Apple, and all those not mentioned by name who are recuperating, ailing, suffering, hospitalized, homebound and/or in need of our prayers and their caregivers.

Heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Larry Heitkamp (72), Barb Monnier (75), Joyce McEldowney (77), and also remembering within our hearts the lives of Darla Robbins, John Sargent, Brother Jude Brown, Pat Hiatt, Bud Wirrig, Eleanora Zumwald, Edith Richhart, LuEmma Horine, Ruth and Harold Knapke, Jan Francis, Jeff Moorman, Mary Hartzell, Joan Selzer, Dale Gariety, John Voisard, Wilma Francis, George Wooley, George Mangen, Maria Dircksen, Esther Pitsenbarger, Lawrence Grewe and all those not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their passing nears.

“Friends double our joy and divide our sorrows.” ~Unknown

“We help ourselves when we help others.” ~C. Edwards

“God speaks to those who listen and He listens to those who pray.”~Unknown