THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MORGAN: Part 5 in an ongoing series

First things first:

DOES IT GET ANY CUTER THAN THIS? GO STEELERS!

On with the rest of the programming:


So, maybe the cold weather has dissolved my plans to go walking today. It hasn't put a damper on my Wii Fit and the ever popular digital hula-hoop. Don't you just think it is twisted that Wii Fit is pronounced "We fit" as if it is a declarative sentence? Or, equally as twisted, that it could also be interpreted as a French statement "Oui, fit!"


Today is Blog Sunday. As soon as this missive is put to press, the TV goes on my drill sergeant avatar will be screaming my name. So, without further adieu, Part 5 in the continuing posting of THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MORGAN. Soon to be a made for TV series starring Ruth Naginnarb as Scoop Murphy.


NUMBER 18: NEVER ALLOW ANOTHER PERSON TO MAKE YOU ANGRY, NO MATTER WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES

Morgan as a soloist for Sacred Heart Church

      Of course, sometimes we fall prey to other people making us angry. When that happens, you cease being logical because your thought process has been taken over by the ever absorbing dynamic of anger. One can mirror anger from some else or be deliberately goaded into losing control by someone with negative ulterior motives. By losing your self-control, you give up command of your senses to welcoming anger or, worse yet, allow yourself to be manipulated. Have you ever lost your temper only to regret it? Have you ever been able to remember what you said or did in a fit of anger? We all have done so, either partially or completely. All this proves is that we have relinquished control of ourselves.
       Instead, try being a calming and productive influence and leave behind a better situation. A side benefit is your blood pressure hasn't been elevated and your nerves aren't a wreck. Instead, there is more than one winner.


NUMBER 19: POWER OF A SHORT PRAYER
     This is a good one to go with the last point: say a short prayer for the angry person. If you aren't in the mood for that, saying one in thanksgiving for your own well being. The positiveness of this action will be a plus in your life. It will also be a plus to an angry person too in that you are holding a good thought for them. They may not change immediately and that is okay. If you see them once they are calm, you can tell them you prayed about the situation, which should be a plus for them.  They may even decide to emulate you if you truly believe in the efficacy of prayer.




NUMBER 20: POSITIVE IMAGING
     For a large portion of our daily lives we are assailed by negative imagery. On TV and radio we are told we have bad breath, are in dire need of deodorant, and have feet that smell like a buffalo.  Is it any wonder we suffer from a lack of confidence and feel that people might not like us?

Morgan in St. Mary's Grade School

    The secret is to think of what we want: money; a new car; a bigger home; a different job. Dwell on this goal until we can see ourselves having it. Do that on a solid basis and pretty soon good things will start happening.


NUMBER 21: KNOW YOURSELF FIRST AND THEN LIKE YOURSELF FOR WHO YOU ARE
    That is right. Know yourself first and then like it. Pretty easy, sweet, and short. Take stock of your good points and, above all, be honest about your bad points too.  Don't ruminate on your bad qualities. Use your good ones to minimize the bad ones.


NUMBER 22: HELP OTHERS
     Think of the good feeling of helping others. You've had that experience, right? It is exhilarating. Always keep in mind the feelings of others and experiment with making people you come in contact with feel better for having known you.  If you have made another life better or have made them feel uplifted about themselves, you have succeeded in life.  Remember: if you are not sanctimonious or judgmental, instinctively people will want to be with you.


Thus sayeth the Morg.
Stay tuned for this limited series of life skills brought to you by Morgan James Brannigan. Last week was the 21st anniversary of his passing. Unbelievable how fast the time has gone, in some respects. He was so thrilled seeing the Berlin Wall demolished in his lifetime. He would have relished the Internet for all it is worth.


That's all, folks, at least for today. I've enjoyed visiting with you. Thanks for the coffee and the swell company. You know I love you madly.
Scoop