Portals of Heaven.

[Kristin Bowers]

"There is no physician like cheerful thought for dissipating the ills of the body. There is no comforter to compare with goodwill for dispersing the shadows of grief and sorrow. To live continually in thoughts of ill will, cynicism, suspicion, and envy is to be confined in a self-made prison hole. But to think well of all, to be cheerful with all, to patiently learn to find the good in all--such unselfish thoughts are the very portals of heaven; and to dwell day by day in thoughts of peace toward every creature will bring abounding peace to their possessor."

James Allen

[Kristin Bowers]

And this....this....for one who truly understands it....WOW! :o)

"The thoughtless, the ignorant, and the indolent, seeing only the apparent effects of things and not the things themselves, talk of luck, of fortune, and chance. Seeing a man grow rich, they say, "How lucky he is!" Observing another become intellectual, they exclaim, "How highly favoured he is!" And noting the saintly character and wide influence of another, they remark, "How chance aids him at every turn!" They do not see the trials and failures and struggles which these men have voluntarily encountered in order to gain their experience; have no knowledge of the sacrifices they have made, of the undaunted efforts they have put forth, of the faith they have exercised, that they might overcome the apparently insurmountable, and realize the Vision of their heart. They do not know the darkness and the heartaches; they only see the light and joy, and call it "luck". They do not see the long and arduous journey, but only behold the pleasant goal, and call it "good fortune," do not understand the process, but only perceive the result, and call it chance.

In all human affairs there are efforts, and there are results, and the strength of the effort is the measure of the result. Chance is not. Gifts, powers, material, intellectual, and spiritual possessions are the fruits of effort; they are thoughts completed, objects accomplished, visions realized.

The Vision that you glorify in your mind, the Ideal that you enthrone in your heart—this you will build your life by, this you will become."

[Kristin Bowers]

Oh...and the photo. It's by a man named Hougaard. I think that's the correct spelling? He has created some spectacular photographs and is one of my favorite landscape photographers. :o)

[Kristin Bowers]

James Allen really seems to have gotten lost amongst the rubble, if you ask me. There are so many small but powerful volumes of wisdom out there.....left to gather dust. The "self-help" books of today don't compare, if you ask me. Another man who fascinates me is Elbert Hubbard. His life story is incredible and I consider him one of the wisest philosophers, authors, and publishers from the early twentieth century. "Elbert Hubbard's Scrap Book" is one that I long to obtain but I haven't done it, yet. I haven't even looked to see if I could find it online. It might be one that will be hard to get ahold of.

I still can't believe you found James Allen's work online....and it's free to boot. Imagine that! :o) "This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net" HOW BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!

Copyleft. *GRINNING*

You have great insight and are continuing to grow and I see it in your writings. Can I say "I love you" without you taking it the wrong way? *LAUGHING* I do, ya know. ;o)

[Kristin Bowers]

Oh...can't wait to check it out online!!! THANKS! *even bigger smile*

[Kristin Bowers]

It is an old book, for sure....and I am not one bit surprised that you know of it. Why does it not surprise me? *warm smile* He was such a wise man....eh?