56 things I've learned in my 56 years

Today is my 56th birthday.  I spent most of the day on the beach.  It was a great day.  I thought I'd share 56 things I've learned in my 56 years on this earth.  I hope you know most of these things.  I'm glad I can share these things with you and I look forward to learning more as I continue to live my life.

1. God is good, all the time.
2. I'm never going to be perfect. 
3. Marriage is tough, but it is worth the effort.
4. Being a mother is a tough job.
5. I made mistakes in my parenting, but I was always doing my best.
6. I am a child of the creator of the universe. 
7. Telling the truth is better than lying.  The truth will always come out.
8. My parents loved me more than I'll ever know.  Everything they did, even the things that hurt, they did because they loved me and were doing the best they could.
9. Saying "please" and "thank you" go a long way.
10. Worrying about things changes nothing.  Worrying just wastes time and keeps you from acting.
11. You cannot pray too much.
12. Church people are going to let you down.  Put your faith in God, not people, even good people.
13. Saving money for a rainy day is better than looking for a loan.
14. Accepting the way you look will allow you to have more vacation pictures with you in them. 
15. Trust your gut.  If it doesn't feel right, don't do it.
16. Every day is a new chance to do better. 
17. Say "no" when you really want to say no. 
18. Say "yes" to yourself.  Don't put yourself last on your to-do list.
19. Exercise gratitude.  Don't take your blessings for granted.
20. Smiles are contagious
21. It's easier to clean up messes right away than it is if you wait until later.
22. You can't hold a baby too much.
23. Be encouraging to a mom having a tough time with her toddler in a store.  Don't give her a hard time.
24. Be on time.  Making people wait for you is arrogant.
25. Remember that school teachers aren't always right and you know your child better than they do.
26. Some people cannot be taught.  They just refuse to learn.  I call them knuckleheads.
27. Don't carry a grudge.  Keeping hatred in your heart for someone is like drinking poison and expecting them to die. 
28. Get along with your neighbors. 
29. When people tell or show you who they are, believe them. 
30. If you can get a job you love, you'll never work a day in your life.
31. If you can't get the job you love, do a good job at the job you have while you are there.
32. Be kind to your parents.  Even when they get older and lose their health and mental faculties.
33. Walk as much has you can.
34. What goes around comes around.  Be kind to people.
35. When you have your health, you have an easier life.  Do what you can through diet and exercise to keep yourself healthy.
36. When things don't go your way, work on solving the problem, don't be a victim.
37. A good night's sleep is a way to solve many of life's problems.
38. Money and things do not bring happiness.
39. Happiness is multiplied when it is shared with others.
40. The only person you can change in this world is yourself.
41. No one can steal your joy.  You have to give it away.
42. Remember that your children don't live in the same world you grew up in.
43. If you buy a new shirt, throw an old shirt away.  This way you won't collect too much stuff.
44. Watching too much t.v. or playing video games too much is just keeping you from participating in life.
45. Nobody sinks into poverty by being generous.
46. Don't use God's name in vain.  
47. Words have power.  Be careful with what you say to others and what you say to yourself.
48. Drink water.
49. Tell the people you love that you love them.  Out loud!
50. Don't gossip or participate in gossip.  No good can come of this.
51. If it sounds too good to be true.  It most likely isn't true or good.
52. If you don't want EVERYBODY to know something, don't put it on facebook.
53. Be friends with your siblings.  It's the longest relationship you will have with anyone you know.
54. Pick your battles in life.  Pick them carefully and then, don't lose.
55. Pick up the check when you go out for a meal with your dad.
56. Troubles don't last.  And time is a great healer.

I'm linking over at Emily's at Imperfect Prose on Thursdays.


300.  Another birthday
301.  Being treated like a queen by my husband
302.  Birthday calls from all my family
303.  My son singing Happy Birthday to me over the phone
304.  The day isn't over yet so there is more fun to come