I have known my friend, Elsie, for over a dozen years. She is an inspiration to me because she knows how to practice the fine art of looking for the good in life and putting it into practice.

If I didn't know a little about Elsie's background, I might put a Pollyanna label on her. But I'd be dead wrong for doing so. Elsie has earned a Ph.D. in confronting and overcoming extraordinarily difficult life situations. She would be the first person to tell a friend in a moment of disappointment or discouragement that if life hands you lemons, you can make some delicious, nourishing lemonade.

Last week I received an e-mail from Elsie. She passed along 12 pearls from author and speaker, Jewel Diamond Taylor. Here they are:

The easy stuff in life does not teach us much. Adversity reveals your strength and teaches you how to be creative, resourceful and humble.

Ideas never work unless you do.

Don't take God's grace, your income, love, health and peace for granted.

Your children watch you more than they listen to you.

You don't have to attend every argument you're invited to.

Winners train. Losers complain.

Look for the lesson and opportunities right where you are.

Write your goals and dreams down. Anything not written down is just a wish.

A person's greatest emotional need is to be appreciated.

You attract four things into your life - what you love; what you fear; what you expect; what you prepare for.

Action is worry's worst enemy.

Procrastination is a thief. Little messes ignored become big messes.

Perhaps one of these pearls of great price can provide you with delicious conversation food with a student, child or grandchild who you are helping to become a kid of character. As parents, grandparents or teachers we all can remember what my friend, Elsie, tries to remember daily: It's always a good time to practice bringing good to others.

Russell Williams is president of Passkeys Foundation~Jefferson Center for Character Education. For information contact (949) 770-7602 or www.jeffersoncenter.org.