LOOKING FOR THE GOLDEN TICKET?

In the beloved children’s story Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the mysterious candy maker Willy Wonka hides a golden ticket in five of his candy bars and announces that whoever finds one of the tickets wins a tour of his factory and a lifetime supply of chocolate. Written on each golden ticket is this message: “Greetings to you, the lucky finder of this Golden Ticket … ! Tremendous things are in store for you! Many wonderful surprises await you! Mystic and marvelous surprises … will … delight, … astonish, and perplex you.”

In this classic children’s story, people all over the world desperately yearn to find a golden ticket. Some feel that their entire future happiness depends on whether a golden ticket falls into their hands. In their anxiousness, people begin to forget the simple joy they used to find in a candy bar. The candy bar itself becomes an utter disappointment if it does not contain a golden ticket.

So many people today are waiting for their own golden ticket—the ticket that they believe holds the key to the happiness they have always dreamed about. For some, the golden ticket may be a perfect marriage; for others, a magazine-cover home or perhaps freedom from stress or worry.

There is nothing wrong with righteous yearnings, for we hope and seek after things that are “virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy.” The problem comes when we put our happiness on hold as we wait for some future event—our golden ticket—to appear.

This is not to say that we should abandon hope or temper our goals. Never stop striving for the best that is within you. Never stop hoping for the righteous desires of your heart. But, don’t close your eyes and hearts to the simple and elegant beauties of each day’s ordinary moments that make up a rich, well-lived life.

The happiest people I know are not those who find their golden ticket; they are those who, while in pursuit of worthy goals, discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of the everyday moments. They are the ones who, thread by daily thread, weave a tapestry of gratitude and wonder throughout their lives. These are they who are truly happy. 

(These are the poignant words of wisdom coming from an extraordinary man, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, in whom I have great respect. Excerpts from his talk, Forget me not.) 

THRIVING IN THE WORKPLACE

My son, David, was hired to manage a store for a company with the lowest percentage of profits out of 1800 stores. He specializes in recovery and within a few short months this store had surpassed all sales records in the company. There were also five standards that were required monthly and he met five for five, every month he was employed. David was the first manager in the company to reach quota percentage above budget for the entire year. It wasn't long before he was approached by another company, who offered him a substantial increase to come aboard their team. He accepted the new position and relocated his family to Salt Lake City. The challenge was even greater. This store was failing considerably, but within one month this same sales team was at the top the company's sales charts.

This company had never experienced such a rapid turn around and increase in sales. When David was asked how he was able to achieve this in such a short period of time, he replied, "I train my employees to focus on the most positive outcome. I request that they bring only their positive energy to work and leave any personal problems behind. I ask each employee to commit to work together with the purpose of creating an amazing environment. Everyone deserves to succeed and we can achieve a higher level of productivity when the team is all on board. My goal is to provide a safe and happy environment, free from the negative connotations that destroy opportunities for success. If there is anyone who feels they cannot live up to these standards, I will assist them in finding a new environment that works for them."

David's ability to recover lost potential has proven to be successful. He is capable of taking the worst case scenarios and turning them into lucrative and productive businesses. He believes that the height of a person's success is based on their level of integrity. "As manager, it's my responsibility to establish a strong foundation and I start by creating the safest and most positive working environment possible. My employees deserve to be successful and I constantly strive to push them to the top. My goal is to work diligently to duplicate myself; a manager who doesn't do that is being selfish and is insecure about their own abilities to produce. I have learned that successful people surround themselves with those whom they believe possess greater potential. It isn't long before many of my employees are pulled from my store and placed in management positions within the company. You are only as valuable as your commitment level and I can honestly say that my commitment level is crystal clear; I will produce results."

He is capable of creating working teams that are single to none and backed by an excellent standard. "No one can be productive in a hostile environment. Each employee must develop a deep respect and value for others, as well as within themselves. Reinforcing this firm code of ethics creates cohesion in any team (there is no self respect or integrity in stripping a team member of their glory, we all lose)!  Gossip, back bitting, and jealousy produces failure; these weak characteristic will never create a thriving working environment. If an employee causes contention or conspirers to destroy the success of others, they clearly understand that they will be released immediately; that is a darkness beyond my comprehension. As a team, we aspire to push everyone to the top! The second most important goal is for our customers to have a great experiences in our store. It's exhilarating to create an atmosphere where the employees love to come to work and loyal customers continue to frequent regularly. Business thrives! I can rest comfortably on my days off knowing that my employees are competent."

David also has a commitment of excellence in his personal life. When he interviews with a new company, he informs them that God is first, his family is second, and business is third. "When my priorities are in the right order, I am more focused, extremely efficient, and able to perform at a higher level of productivity, and everyone benefits." By Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day 

YOU'RE POSITIVELY AMAZING

Several years ago, I read an article about the effects of negative versus positive communication. Though a series of studies, the article derived at the conclusion that it takes approximately 60 positive acts of kindness to make up for one negative action. Ponder over these thoughts the next time you think of having a negative word with someone you love. 

Below is a list with 60 examples of expressions of love... for those who slip up. REMEMBER, it takes at least 60 to recover from one nasty gram.  It's an exhilarating experience to read these affirmations, one after another, and the spirit behind the words of love are powerfully motivating. 

You are perfect, great job, excellent performance, I appreciate you, you are amazing, how thoughtful, your talents never cease, you are important to me, I trust you, bravo, well done, you make me smile, I love your imagination, that's fantastic, what a great sense of humor, I love to hear your voice, you are the best, thanks for being there, outstanding, congratulations, you are so thoughtful, I am glad you're here, way to go, you're so creative, you are a miracle, what a terrific thought, thank you for your honesty, you are a joy, I love your creativity, you have a lot of strength, thank you for showing up in my life, you are loved, terrific choice, you're fantastic, thanks for being a great support, that was an awesome move, what a genius, God loves you, you have a lot of patience, what a beautiful countenance, you radiate love, please forgive me, you deserve success, I respect you, you're so original, you are very observant, I have confidence in you, I'm grateful you're in my life, you're one of a kind, nothing can stop you now, go for it, you're a marvelous person, you made my day, so glad you're here, what a great option, I will alway be here for you, you move mountains, thanks for brightening my day, two thumbs up, and I love you with all my heart!

Positive communication reinstates, replenishes, restores, recharges, and rebuilds while negative communication degrades, devalues, demeans, debases and dishonors. The author of the article challenged the readers to be aware of how their words and actions impact the world and those around them. Negative thoughts and actions rob the human soul. Harsh words may not cause bruises, but they leave deep psychological scars and dishonor those who are being abused. The old saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" is absolutely untrue. Words of decrease hurt, while words of increase creates a ripple effect that is powerful enough to change the world. By Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day.

LIVING YOUR WORTH

Maybe you're the mother who is hurting deep inside, 

or the father who is struggling every day just to provide.

Maybe you're the little child from a broken home, 

or sixteen or seventeen and feeling all alone.

Maybe you're the soldier who is clinging onto life

and praying to return to your children and your wife. 

Maybe you're disabled and feel that no one cares, 

and consumed by the torment of the whispers and the stares.

Maybe you're the bully that you know you shouldn't be, 

who is waiting for a kind friend to come and set you free.

Maybe you're the parent who buried a child today 

and afraid that your broken heart will never go away.

Maybe you're the person who believes you are too weak,

because your thoughts have overpowered the sweet spirit that you seek.

Just maybe you are greater than the life you have defined

and maybe your "true worth" is in your heart, not in your mind.

Your destiny is before you, there are no reasons to regress,

for the life that is worth living is the one that you possess.

Author unknown

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be to be brilliant, gorgeous, talent, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."  Marianne Williamson, Author

THEY STAND AS SENTINELS

This beautiful painting is the work of Thomas Blackshear II and titled: Watchers of the light. Every man, woman, and child has the capacity to do great and wonderful things. We have the power to reach beyond our own capabilities, with the assistance of angels, to create a bright and prosperous future.

There are many people who have had the privilege of being in the presence of angels and witnessed their guiding light. There are angels who descend from heaven to assist us from beyond the veil and those who walk among us. They inspire, teach, heal, serve, love, protect, comfort, and bless the lives of those who are seeking worthy endeavors; they are watching over by day and guarding by night.

What do angels look like? They look like the soldiers who gave their lives today to preserve your tomorrows. They look like the poor man on the street who stretches forth his weary hand to soften another heart. They look like the little child who's innocent face is a constant reminder of what we are to become. They look like the person who gave their candle to a friend when the light was going dim. They look like the good samaritan who just happened to be there at the right time. They look like the neighbor who loves your children, as if they were their own. They look much like you and me, and they are always in the service of their fellowman. They are amazing pillars of light who are willing to do what others fail to see. They watch over by day and guard by night. By Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day 

BUYING POWER

An elderly lady was shopping in a supermarket and noticed a mother pushing  her little girl in a shopping cart.  The toddler was screaming as they moved through the isles, but the mother managed to maintain remarkable composure.

 As the lady passed her, she overheard the mother calmly respond, “It’s okay, Janna, we’re going to be out of here pretty soon and then we can go home.” 

The child's crying did not stop. When the lady passed the mother in another aisle, once again, she heard the mother's reverent tone, “Calm down Janna. We’re almost done and then we can go home.”  The lady was amazed at the level of composure this young mother was demonstrating.  

She soon found herself standing behind the mother at the checkout counter, and the child was still out of control. Then she heard the mother softly response, “Look Jenna, all we have to do is pay for the groceries and we’re out of here, won’t that be nice?”

The lady was so impressed with the mother’s self-control, that she couldn't hold back her comment, “I admire how well you are handling your daughter, Janna's tantrum.” “Oh, thank you,” said the mother, “But my daughter’s name is Amber. My name is Janna.”

I empathize with this story. When I was raising my children, several times, I had to coach myself to endure to the end and hoped the end was near. Most parents can relate to similar experiences. The great moral to this story is: those amazing individuals who are capable of remaining calm, in the midst of chaos, are uplifting and inspiring to others. Children, as well as adults, learn through the consistency of calm responses and not from the sharp disapproval or criticism of their loved ones. By Linda  Sumner Urza, One fine day.