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Page # 1 Philosophy

  • Look to this day! For it is life, the very life of life; for yesterday is already a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision; but today, well lived, makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope (from the Sanskrit)
  • Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. (Confucius)
  • Give me... The sun in the morning To brighten my day, The moon at night To light my way A word with a friend A smile from a stranger God's guiding hand To keep me from danger.
  • "I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I- I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference." (Robert Frost)
  • Smile for the day: A family tree is likely to produce a few saps, more than a few nuts, and perhaps a few shady varieties.
  • The moment you wake up each morning, all your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists in shoving it all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other, larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in. (C.S. Lewis)
  • Music speaks what cannot be expressed; Soothes the mind and gives it rest; Heals the heart and makes it whole; Flows from heaven in the soul.
  • "Silence empties us so that we can be filled with God."
  • Community of Faith Called by Christ to community - to worship, to pray, to learn, to care, this is not a place for us to be unchanged, safe, exclusive. Here we bring our common brokenness and blessing; healing happens by God's grace, and our gifts are given for service. Here, in Christ's love and compassion, we belong to each other, here the stranger is welcome, and called friend. (Roberta Porter)
  • There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is. (Albert Einstein)
  • The Question
  • Near the end, Jesus asked his friends to watch with him - and still friends sometimes ask, Can you be present, be here, hear me? Can you pray, stay faithful in the struggle, despite fears, holding to the promise of light beyond darkness? Praise God for friends who stand with us in the shadows, who watch and wait for a time. (Roberta Porter)
  • God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow or sun without rain. But God did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and a light for the way, And for all who believe in His kingdom above, He answers their faith with everlasting love.
  • True happiness may be sought, thought, or caught - but never bought. (Anon)
  • When your good work is speaking for itself, don't interrupt.
  • All change is not growth, as all movement is not forward. (Ellen Glasgow)
  • Smile: Well, they say happiness is just a state of mind. Today I'm in the state of Kansas... in January...during a blizzard...after all the crops have died... and Toto's been hit by a snowplow. Anything new with you?
  • Smile: It amazes me how cheerful, how optimistic you can be in this crazy world of ours. You don't know what's going on, either, do you?
  • SMILE: Your turn....
  • If you come over to my place and see dust an inch thick, dirty laundry and ironing piled high, blame it all on my mother. She always told me - "If you can't do a job right, don't do it at all!"
  • Don't lose heart... We are stronger than we think, but it takes time to bring our world back into balance. God will see you through. There is yet much beauty and joy for us to discover. We'll make it through. Just wanted you to know...God and others are thinking of you today.
  • "Music...gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination...and life to everything." (Plato)
  • Bach gave us God's Word. Mozart Gave us God's Laughter. Beethoven gave us God's Fire. God gave us Music that we might pray without words.
  • We don't stop laughing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop laughing. Anon
  • Laughter lets me relax. It's the equivalent of taking a deep breath, letting it out and saying, "This too will pass." (Odette Pollar)
  • Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you. (Nathaniel Hawthorne)
  • If I can live a life that tells on other lives, And makes the world less full of anguish and of pain; A life, that like the pebbles dropped upon the sea, Sends its wide circles to a hundred shores; May such a life be mine.
  • "One reason so many of us are disappointed with life is that we keep praying for a gourmet meal instead of just giving thanks for our daily bread."
  • Overwieght - something that just snacks up on you.
  • Helping someone feels good in a way that just doing something for yourself doesn't. Freely and joyfully receive love when it is given to you.
  • The A - Z of Love
  • A Love .... (A)ccepts you as you are (B)elieves in "you" (C)alls you just to say "HI" (D)oesn't give up on you (E)nvisions the whole of you (even the unfinished parts) (F)orgives your mistakes (G)ives unconditionally (H)elps you (I)nvites you over (J)ust "be" with you (K)eeps you close at heart (L)oves you for who you are (M)akes a difference in your life (N)ever Judges (O)ffers support (P)icks you up (Q)uiets your fears (R)aises your spirits (S)ays nice things about you (T)ells you the truth when you need to hear it (U)nderstands you (V)alues you (W)alks beside you (X)-plain things you don't understand (Y)ells when you won't listen and (Z)aps you back to reality 
  • "You cannot change what you do not acknowledge. Get real with yourself about your life and everybody in it." Phillip C. McGraw
  • Say something nice to everyone you meet today! It'll drive them crazy!
  • Volunteers are like yachts. No matter where they are, they arouse your curiousity. Who are they? where do they come from? Why are they here? They could star moored where it's safe and still justify their being, but they choose to cut through the rough waters, ride out storms and take chances. They have style. They're fiercely independent. If you have to ask how much they cost, you can't afford them. Volunnteers are the human beings on the face of this earth who reflect this nation's compassion, unselfishness, caring, patience, need and just plain loving one another. Their very presence transcends politics, religion, ethnic background and marital status. Maybe like the yacht, the volunteer is a luxury, and luxuries are too often taken for granted.
  • I frightens me somehow to imagine what the world would be without volunteers!
  • There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something tomorrow. O.S. Marden
  • People who postpone happiness are like children who try chasing rainbows in an effort to find the pot of gold at the rainbow's end...Your life will never be fulfilled until you are happy here and now. Ken Keyes, Jr.
  • Smile: Why is a package sent by land carrier called a shipment, while a package sent by ship is called cargo?
  • FOR BRIAN (1960)
  • The day I die The grass will be as green, the sky as blue As any day since time began And I found you. I love the blue and early gold of each day's birth, And I love you. Dust unto dust - it must be. If I am not again to see The grass green and the sky so blue, Then let it be unknowingly I take my leave of them ...and you.
  • ESCAPE (January 1983)
  • I only wanted an escape for a few hours. How could I have known that you would change my life, That every waking hour would be filled with thoughts of you. I entered the circle of your arms and found I did not want to leave --Not after an hour or any amount of time that one could measure. You were supposed to be an escape, And you became a shelter -- a home. I got lost in your embrace And now I cannot leave the shelter of your arms, No matter how far away I go.
  • AFTER MY DIVORCE (1982)
  • Please tell me... It's been over now For quite some time; But there are things Never forgotten. What happens to -- The friends we shared, The children we love, The families we adopted? Are we just supposed to forget... Pretend they didn't exist? Tell me how to erase The time we shared. Yes, our lives have changed; I have mine and you have yours. But, can you just forget Ours? Memories are funny things. They appear when least expected.. a song...a word... Brings them back again. Tell me how you've managed To put it all behind you... To put it from your mind. ...I can't.
  • FOR TIM (March 8, 1991)
  • And someday I won't be tired Not ever, any more. Someday I'll be calm and free And walk by my beloved seashore. It'll all be over The thing will be done - - The fight will be won or lost. Then shall I have time to see more clearly. Then shall I really know, How you have always loved me, How you have always been here Standing by my side. I'll see how I needn't have worried And tossed and turned about so. I'll see that it all had a purpose A way that it had to go; I'll see that there was direction Though at times I didn't think so - - Then I'll be quiet and at peace.
  • "You cannot change what you do not acknowledge. Get real with yourself about your life and everybody in it." Phillip C. McGraw
  • If your nose runs and your feet smell, are you built upside down?
  • While preparing for a business trip over a holiday. I turned on the TV news to find out about travel delays. One report noted crowded airports. The newscaster's advice? "Plan to arrive at least an hour before you get there." Anthony Marcin in the Reader's Digest.
  • The Sage's Three Points
  • Not free - enslaved by that which you unfairly require of yourself and the world. You set up improbable situations of dubious value as "needs", and cling to them tenaciously; let go!
  • "He who is truly free--free from the need to be free!" G.C.
  • Afraid to live - fighting all the wrong battles. The Big Problem as a distraction from/avoidance of more important issues. Deal with your own shit: you have been putting this off for years (for all the good reasons, of course).
  • Lack of faith - Your lack of faith does violence to the flow of your life. The path of least resistance, while it corresponds to an external reality, is an inner road you must seek with subtlety and patience; quit thrashing!
  • Take a chance! Why fight to the death to sustain a mediocre, familiar existence?
  • The key is not to prioritize your schedule, but to schedule your priorities. Do the important things first - because where you are headed is more important than how fast you are going.
  • The key to understanding is listening with the eyes and the heart.
  • Did you start your day with nurturing activities that strengthened you in body and spirit?
  • Seek first to understand, then to be understood. The key to understanding is listening with the eyes and the heart
  • It is not easy...to apologize, to begin over, to be unselfish, to take advice, to admit error, to face a sneer, to be charitable, to keep trying, to be considerate to avoid mistakes, to endure success, to profit by mistakes, to forgive and forget, to think and then act, to keep out of a rut, to make the best of little, to subdue an unruly temper, to shoulder a deserved blame, to recognize the silver lining -- BUT IT ALWAYS PAYS.
  • Fairy tales used to begin with "once upon a time..." Now they begin with "If I am elected..."
  • Most of us jump into trouble, mouth first.

Page # 2 Philosophy

  • This has never been a perfect world, and I don't quite suppose it ever will be, but now and then - in brief flashes - we catch glimpses. I don't quite mean great revelations of perfection, but glimpses. 
  • There's delight in city streets - someone playing the piano as I pass a strange house, the smell of fresh coffee alone might stop me just to savour the aroma.The unexpected smile of a passing stranger lights up my day. The beginnings of journeys are exciting - starting out on a new adventure. But better still is coming home after a long trip, the moment I open your own front door and know I am home.  
  • Glimpses: A single rose on my pillow tells me I am loved. A hug from a friend fills me with warmth. A card from my son says, "I am so glad we are great friends."  
  • Glimpses: The fall trees a riot of colour - red, orange, yellow; my flower garden ablaze in its last burst of colour before the first frost.  
  • Standing on a rocky Bermuda hillside overlooking the crashing waves on the rocks below, the vastness and mystery of the endless expanse of ocean reaching to the horizon overwhelms me. Travelling home from work, my friend and I share a perfect rainbow that seems to last forever. Another evening a spectacular red sky silhouettes the landscape in black.  
  • I remember when a child, the wonder of waking to a strange, muffled, white velvet world, to find snow blanketing everything?
  • Or the sun glittering on diamond ice after a freezing winter rain? I can still feel that magic.  
  • Think of all the tiny things that bring delight: a hug a child, the laughter of a child, the sound of a Chopin Etude, church bells on Christmas Eve, the smell of the fresh earth after a summer rain. Just think how one of these things can light up your whole day! 
  • No, it isn't a perfect world, but we do catch glimpses of perfection if we but look.Each day that I live provides yet another glimpse of perfection - another glimpse stored, to be retrieved when needed. 
  • Destiny is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for. It is a thing to be achieved. William Jennings Bryan
  • You can easily determine the caliber of a person by the amount of opposition it takes to discourage him.
  • Life is like riding a bicycle. You don't fall off unless you stop pedaling Claude Pepper
  • Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved. Face your deficiencies and acknowledge them, but do not let them master you. The marvelous richness of human experience would lose something of rewarding joy if there were no limitations to overcome. -- Helen Keller
  • There is no such thing as a hopeless situation, only men who have grown hopeless about it. -- Anon
  • Let every dawn of the morning be to you as the beginning of life. And let the setting of the sun be to you as its close. Then let everyone of these short lives leave its sure record of some kindly thing done for others; some good strength or knowledge gained for yourself. John Ruskin
  • Problems are opportunities in work clothes. Henry Kaiser
  • I could not help Him heal the sick that thronged in Galilee, nor serve the fishes and the loaves that day beside the sea. I could not comfort while He prayed for strength to drink the cup, nor lend my shoulder to the Cross. He, staggering, carried up. But I can soothe a body's pain serve those too weak to labour, cheer hearts that quail before a cup, share crosses with a neighbour.
  • At the close of life the question will be, not how much have you got, but how much have you given; not how much have you won, but how much you have done; not how much have you saved, but how much have you sacrificed; how much have you loved and served, not how much were you honoured. Nathan C. Shaeffer
  • Life
  • Let me but live my life from year to year, With forward face and unreluctant soul; Not hurrying to, nor turning from the goal; Not mourning for the things that disappear In the dim past, nor holding back in fear From what the future veils; but with a whole And happy heart, that pays its toll To Youth and Age, and travels on with cheer. So let the way wind up the hill or down, O'er the rough or smooth, the journey will be joy; Still seeking what I sought when but a boy, New friendship, high adventure and a crown, My heart will keep the courage of the quest, And hope the road's last turn will be the best. Henry VanDyke
  • To be nobody but yourself means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight, and never stop fighting.
  • "My grandfather once told me that there are two kinds of people: those who do the work and those who take the credit. He told me to try to be in the first group; there was less competition there." Indira Gandhi
  • Calvary reality
  • 'Lord, make Calvary real to me...' How real? Enough to See the sweat and blood Hear the agony Hold His wounded hands Bathe His feet with my tears Break my heart - when His is pierced Pray for my enemies Forgive as He forgives Love the rejected Care for the grieving Know my sins...in His body, on the cross Follow His commitment 'Father, into Thy hands.' Share his victory 'I am crucified with Christ... nevertheless I live... Yet not I... But Christ liveth in me.' Own Him Lord of all?
  • Busy people always seem the ones who understand someone else's problems, and find time to lend a hand; yes, we all have problems, but life has often shown by overcoming others' woes, we overcome our own. Elizabeth Gozney
  • Often when things seem too difficult to cope with, another person's kindness or our own resolve to look at the problem from a different angle can make all the difference and give us the determination to succeed.
  • The most unhappy man is he that is not patient in adversity. For men are not killed with the adversities they have, but with the impatience they suffer them.
  • A king once had a beautiful diamond. It was large and rare and he was very proud of it. One day, the diamond was scratched and became so disfigured that none of the court jewelers would risk tying to remove the mark.The king became very unhappy.
  • Not long afterwards, a new young jeweler came to the court. He examined the diamond carefully and promised that he could make it even better than before. The king was very skeptical, but he decided to give the man a chance, so he handed over the diamond. When it was returned to him, the king was amazed, for the craftsman had engraved a beautiful rosebud around the flaw, and the ugly scratch had become the stem. It was, indeed, more beautiful than it was.
  • Sometimes we are apt to think that something - a plan or a relationship - has been ruined. Instead of giving it up as a bad job, it's always worth taking another look. So often there is a way, not only of saving the situation, but of making it even better than before. Francis Gay
  • Don't look for the faults as you go through life; But if perhaps you find them, 'Tis wiser and kinder to turn a blind eye, And seek for the virtues behind 'em!
  • A smile:
  • A Sunday school teacher had been telling the story of the Prodigal Son to her class. She carefully explained the younger son's sorrow and repentance after his wrongdoing, and his return home. She also explained the father's joy at welcoming back his lost son and his preparation of a celebration meal. "But there was someone for whom that feast brought only bitterness and resentment," said the teacher. "Do you know who it was?" "Yes, miss," said one eager little boy. "It was the fatted calf!"
  • Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation. Psalm 69:19
  • A Few Natural Highs
  • Laughing so hard your face hurts Holding or being held by your love and feeling safe & secure Taking a drive on a pretty road. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside Walking in the rain A chocolate milkshake Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you Making new friends or spending time with old ones Making eye contact with a cute stranger Spending time with a close friend Long hot bubble baths with a good book Watching your friends follow their life dreams Singing at the top of your lungs while you drive down the road A summer rain storm Reading a great book from start to finish in one sitting. Getting flowers or a card with no signature but knowing who its from Giving your family a kiss goodbye...because you never know what will happen Seeing your child smile with happiness when they see you. Listening to a child's conversation about something really important to them Holding your baby for the first time Song lyrics printed inside your new CD so you can sing along without feeling stupid Going to a really good concert. Playing the same game for hours with a child and rediscovering having fun in doing simple things Lying in the grass at night, out in the coutryside, and looking at the stars
  • Perhaps I feel that in some relationship, job, or situation, I am capable of giving more and being more. I accept this feeling as something positive - an inner urging to claim and experience the great untapped potential that is within me. I can do more and be more. I do not have to settle for less, for as a creation of God, I am always in the process of becoming more. Each day I am moving forward to become something greater than I have ever been in the past. No matter what my age, I am never finished growing. My development is real and ongoing - moment to moment, day to day, year to year. I am a creation of God, and God has created me as one who is enriched with potential and possibility.
  • Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense. regardless of how it turns out.
  • Earth teach me stillness as the grasses are stilled with light. Earth teach me suffering as old stones suffer with memory. Earth teach me humility as blossoms are humble with beginning. Earth teach me caring as the mother who secures her young. Earth teach me courage as the tree which stands all alone. Earth teach me limitation as the ant which crawls on the ground. Earth teach me freedom as the eagle which soars in the sky. Earth teach me resignation as the leaves which die in the fall. Earth teach me regeneration as the seed which rises in the spring. Earth teach me to forget myself as melted snow forgets its life. Earth teach me to remember kindness as dry fields weep with rain. Ute Prayer
  • Don't Quit:
  • When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, when the road you're trudging seems all uphill, when the funds are low, and the debts are high, and you want to smile, but you have to sigh, when care is pressing you down a bit, rest if you must, but don't you quit. Life is queer with its twists and turns, as everyone of us sometimes learns, and many a failure turns about, when he might have won had he stuck it out, don't give up though the pace seems slow, you may succeed with another blow. Success is failure turned inside out, the silver tint of the clouds of doubt, and you never can tell how close you are, it may be near when it seems so far, so stick to the fight when you're hardest hit, it's when things seem worse, that you must not quit!
  • The Piano
  • Wishing to encourage her young son's progress on the piano, a mother took her boy to a Paderewski concert. After they were seated, the mother spotted a friend in the audience and walked down the aisle to greet her. Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders of the concert hall, the little boy rose and eventually explored his way through a door marked "NO ADMITTANCE". When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that the child was missing. Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage. In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star". At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy's ear, "Don't quit. Keep playing". Then leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in the base part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child and he added a running obbligato. Together, the old master and the young novice transformed a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience. The audience was mesmerized. That's the way it is with our Heavenly Father. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren't exactly graceful flowing music, but with the hand of the Master, our life's work truly can be beautiful. Next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You can hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear "Don't quit. Keep playing." Feel his loving arms around you. Know that His strong hands are there helping you turn your feeble attempts into true masterpieces. Remember, God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called. And He'll always be there to love and guide you on to great things.
  • The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.
  • Sometimes the littlest things in life are the hardest to take. You can sit on a mountain more comfortably than on a tack.
  • Let me but live my life from year to year, With forward face and unreluctant soul; Not hurrying to, nor turning from the goal; Not mourning for the things that disappear In the dim past, nor holding back in fear from what the future veils; but with a whole And happy heart, that pays its toll To Youth and Age, and travels on with cheer. So let the way wind up the hill or down, O'er the rough or smooth, the journey will be joy; Still seeking what I sought when but a boy, New friendship, high adventure and a crown, My heart will keep the courage of the quest, And hope the road's last turn will be the best. This poem by Henry Van Dyke
  • When our youngsters were in elementary school, we lived in a community that greatly valued education. When we went to an open house, we had to go very early or we couldn't find a parking place. It was just packed. When we went to an open house in a middle school, we didn't have to go early because there were plenty of spaces. When we went to the high school open house, there was an empty parking lot. At their point of greatest need in our society, we abandon our children. Copied from a school bulletin
  • "A friend hears the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails."
  • Better late than never! We ought daily or weekly to dedicate a little time to the reckoning up of the virtues of our belongings - wife, children, friends - contemplating them then in a beautiful collection. And we should do so now, that we may not pardon and love in vain and too late, after the beloved one has been taken away from us to a better world. Jean Paul Richter
  • The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved, loved for ourselves, or rather loved in spite of ourselves.
  • Twice Saved - A True Titanic Hero By Charles W. Colson
  • If you saw the movie "Titanic," you know much of what took place 87 years ago tonight, when the ship that even God couldn't sink, DID sink. Of the 1,528 people who ended up in the icy water, only six were rescued. But did you know that one of those six was actually saved twice that night? His story is an inspiring reminder that there's more to life than mere survival. To tell this man's story, though, I have to first tell you about another man, a Scot named John Harper. Harper, a minister of the Gospel, boarded the Titanic with his six-year-old daughter, Nana. He planned to travel to the Moody Church in Chicago, where he'd been invited to preach for three months. When the ship struck the fateful iceberg and began to sink, Harper made sure his daughter was placed into one of the lifeboats. He then began what would be the last evangelistic work of his young life. As the freezing waters began to fill the ship, Harper was heard shouting, "Let the women, children and the unsaved into the lifeboats." Survivors reported that Harper took off his own life jacket and gave it to another man. "Don't worry about me," he reportedly said, "I'm not going down, I'm going up!" When the ship began to sink, more than 1,500 passengers jumped or fell into the icy waters. As they gradually drowned or froze to death, Harper was seen swimming from one passenger to another, pleading with them to accept Christ. Only six of the 1,500 people struggling in the water were later rescued, including a man who later identified himself as Harper's last convert. This young man had climbed up on a piece of debris. Harper, who was struggling in the water near him, shouted out, "Are you saved?" "No," the man replied. Harper then shouted the words from Scripture: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." The man did not answer, and a moment later he drifted away on the waves. A few minutes later, the current brought the two men back together. Again Harper asked, "Are you saved?" Once again, the answer was "no." With his dying breath, Harper shouted, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." He then slipped under the waves for the last time. Then and there, the man he had witnessed to decided to turn his life over to Christ. Four years later, at a Titanic survivors meeting in Ontario, Canada, this man tearfully gave his testimony recounting how John Harper had led him to the Lord. I don't need to tell you that this dramatic story never made it into the movie. We live in a culture that seems to be more interested in fictional stories of romance, illicit sex, and priceless jewelry than in the real romance between God and His people. When the subject of the Titanic comes up, as it may today on the eighty-seventh anniversary of the sinking, tell your friends the story of the young Scottish minister who witnessed to Christ with his dying breath. And make sure your kids know the story a well. John Harper reminds us of a great lesson, the secret of the ages: that there's more to life than mere survival.
  • The Doll and a White Rose
  • I hurried into the local department store to grab some last minute Christmas gifts. I looked at all the people and grumbled to myself. I would be in here forever and I just had so much to do. Christmas was beginning to become such a drag. I kinda wished that I could just sleep through Christmas. But I hurried the best I could through all the people to the toy department.
  • Once again I kind of mumbled to myself at the prices of all these toys; and wondered if the grandkids would even play with them. I found myself in the doll aisle. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a little boy about 5 holding a lovely doll. He kept touching her hair and he held her so gently. I could not seem to help myself. I just kept looking over at the little boy and wondered who the doll was for. I watched him turn to a woman and he called his aunt by name and said, "Are you sure I don't have enough money"? She replied a bit impatiently, "You know that you don't have enough money for it. The aunt told the little boy not to go anywhere that she had to go get some other things and would be back in a few minutes. And then she left the aisle. The boy continued to hold the doll. After a bit I asked the boy who the doll was for. He said, "It is the doll my sister wanted so badly for Christmas. She just knew that Santa would bring it." I told him that maybe Santa was going to bring it. He said "No, Santa can't go where my sister is...I have to give the doll to my Mamma to take to her". I asked him where his sister was. He looked at me with the saddest eyes and said, "She was gone to be with Jesus". My Daddy says that Mama is going to have to go be with her. My heart nearly stopped beating. Then the boy looked at me again and said, "I told my Daddy to tell Mama not to go yet. I told him to tell her to wait till I got back from the store".
  • Then he asked me if I wanted to see his picture. I told him I would love to. He pulled out some pictures he'd had taken at the front of the store. He said "I want my Mamma to take this with her so she don't ever forget me." "I love my Mama so very much and I wish she did not have to leave me". "But Daddy says she will need to be with my sister."
  • I saw that the little boy had lowered his head and had grown so very quiet. While he was not looking I reached into my purse and pulled out a handful of bills. I asked the little boy, "Shall we count that money one more time?" He grew excited and said, "Yes, I just know it has to be enough". So I slipped my money in with his and we began to count it.
  • Of course it was plenty for the doll. He softly said, "Thank you Jesus for giving me enough money." Then the boy said "I just asked Jesus to give me enough money to buy this doll so Mama can take it with her to give to my sister." "And he heard my prayer." I wanted to ask him for enough to buy my Mama a white rose, but I didn't ask him, but he gave me enough to buy the doll and a rose for my Mama." "She loves white roses so very, very much".
  • In a few minutes, the aunt came back and I wheeled my cart away. I could not keep from thinking about the little boy as I finished my shopping in a totally different spirit than when I had started. And I kept remembering a story I had seen in the newspaper several days earlier about a drunk driver hitting a car and killing a little girl and the Mother was in serious condition. The family was deciding on whether to remove the life support.
  • Now surely this little boy did not belong with that story. Two days later, I read in the paper where the family had disconnected the life support and the young woman had died. I could not forget the little boy and just kept wondering if the two were somehow connected. Later that day, I could not help myself and I went out and bought some white roses and took them to the funeral home where the young woman was. And there she was holding a lovely white rose, the beautiful doll, and the picture of the little boy in the store. I left there in tears, my life changed forever.
  • The love that little boy had for his little sister and his mother was overwhelming. And in a split second a drunk driver had ripped the life of that little boy to pieces.
  • To think about:
  • An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house-building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife enjoying his extended family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by. The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career. When the carpenter finished his work and the builder came to inspect the house, the contractor handed the front-door key to the carpenter. "This is your house," he said, "my gift to you." What a shock! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently. Now he had to live in the home he had built none too well. So it is with us. We build our lives in a distracted way, reacting rather than acting, willing to put up less than the best. At important points we do not give the job our best effort. Then with a shock we look at the situation we have created and find that we are now living in the house we have built. If we had realized that, we would have done it differently. Think of yourself as the carpenter. Think about your house. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Build wisely. It is the only life you will ever build. Even if you live it for only one day more, that day deserves to be lived graciously and with dignity. The plaque on the wall says, "Life is a do-it-yourself project." Who could say it more clearly? Your life today is the result of your attitudes and choices in the past. Your life tomorrow will be the result of your attitudes and the choices you make today.
  • A light heart lives long. Shakespeare
  • Into all our lives, in many simple, familiar, homely ways, God infuse this element of joy from the surprises of life, which unexpectedly brighten our days and fill our eyes with light. Samuel Longfellow
  • "You know you're getting older when: You realize that your first house cost less than the new car you just bought. You remember when mail was delivered the next day. You remember when banks didn't look like airline ticket offices. You remember when movie theatres showed double features and gave away dishes. You stop worrying about things you can't do anything about."
  • If a man has a talent and cannot use it, he has failed. If he has a talent and uses only half of it, he has partly failed. If he has a talent and learns somehow to use the whole of it, he has gloriously ucceeded and won a satisfaction and a triumph that few men ever know. Thomas Wolfe
  • Something to think about...
  • The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints; we spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less. We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; we have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, but more problems; more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry too quickly, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too seldom, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life; we've added years to life, not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor. We've conquered outer space, but not inner space; we've done larger things, but not better things; we've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul; we've split the atom, but not our prejudice; we write more, but learn less; we plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait; we have higher incomes, but lower morals; we have more food, but less appeasement; we build more computers to hold more information to produce more copies than ever, but have less communication; we've become long on quantity, but short on quality. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion; tall men, and short character; steep profits, and shallow relationships. These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare; more leisure, but less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition. These are days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throw away morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom; a time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to make a difference, or to just hit delete... -Author Unknown
  • THE FENCE
  • There was a little boy with a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, to hammer a nail in the back fence. The first day the boy had driven 7 nails into the fence. Then it gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence. Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days Passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, "You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound is still there. A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one. Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us.Show your friends how much you care.
  • WARNING LABELS
  • In case you needed further proof that the human race is doomed through stupidity, here are some actual label instructions on consumer goods:
  • On Sears hairdryer: Do not use while sleeping. (Gee, that's the only time I have to work on my hair!)
  • On a bag of Fritos: You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside. (The shoplifter special!)
  • On a bar of Dial soap: Directions: Use like regular soap. (And that would be how?)
  • On some Swanson frozen dinners: Serving suggestion: Defrost. (But it's *just* a suggestion!)
  • On a hotel provided shower cap in a box: Fits one head.
  • On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert: (printed on bottom of the box) Do not turn upside down. (Too late! You lose!)
  • On Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding: Product will be hot after heating. (Are you sure??? Let's experiment.)
  • On packaging for a Rowenta iron: Do not iron clothes on body. (But wouldn't that save more time?) (Whose body?)
  • On Boot's Children's cough medicine: Do not drive car or operate machinery. (We could do a lot to reduce the rate of construction accidents if we just kept those 5 year olds off those fork lifts.)
  • On Nytol sleep aid: Warning: may cause drowsiness. (One would hope!)
  • On a Korean kitchen knife: Warning keep out of children. (Or pets! What's for dinner?)
  • On a string of Chinese-made Christmas lights: For indoor or outdoor use only. (As opposed to use in Outer space, or underground)
  • On a Japanese food processor: Not to be used for the other use. (Now I'm curious.)
  • On Sainsbury's peanuts: Warning: contains nuts.
  • On an American Airlines packet of nuts: Instructions: open packet, eat nuts.
  • On a Swedish chainsaw: Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands or genitals. (What is this, a home castration kit?)
  • On a child's superman costume: Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly. (That's right, destroy a universal childhood fantasy!)
  • WHERE ARE OUR PRIORITIES?
  • Funny how a $20 bill looks so big when we take it to church and so small when we take it to the store. Funny how big an hour serving GOD looks and how small 60 minutes are when spent playing golf, fishing, etc. Funny how laborious it is to read a chapter in the Bible and how easy it is to read 3,000 pages of a best selling novel. Funny how we believe what newspapers say but question what the Bible says. Funny how we can't think of anything to say when we pray and don't have any difficulty thinking of things to talk to about to a friend. Funny how we need 2 or 3 weeks to fit a church event into our schedule, but can adjust it for a social event at the last minute. Funny how folks want to sit on the front row at a ball game or concert, but scramble to get a back seat at church services. Funny how difficult to memorize scripture to share the simple gospel message but how easy to hear and repeat gossip. Funny, isn't it? OR IS IT?
  • Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. And every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color of the rainbow. Grand old trees graced the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene. One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words. Days and weeks passed. One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone. Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the world outside. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it for himself. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."
  • Epilogue. . . .There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all of the things you have that money can't buy. "Today is a gift, that's why it is called the present."
  • A Living Bible
  • His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans, and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college. He is brilliant. Kind of esoteric and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college. Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students, but are not sure how to go about it. One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Bill starts down the aisle looking for a seat. The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything. Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit and, when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet. (Although perfectly acceptable behavior at a college fellowship, trust me, this had never happened before in this church). By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick. About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Bill. Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit. A godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do. How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor? It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do. And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with him so he won't be alone. Everyone chokes up with emotion. When the minister gains control, he says, "What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget. Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read." How true it is! We need to each of us stop and ask ourselves "What kind of testimony do give through my actions?"
  • WRITTEN BY A 12 YEAR-OLD-GIRL in Boston
  • Now I sit me down in school where praying is against the rule. For this great nation under God finds mention of Him very odd. If Scripture now the class recites it violates the Bill of Rights. Anytime my head I bow becomes a federal matter now. The law is specific; the law is precise. Praying out loud is no longer nice. Praying aloud in a public hall upsets those who believe in nothing at all. In silence alone we can meditate and if God should get the credit-great! They are bringing their guns, I don't dare bring my Bible. To do so might make me liable. So, now Oh Lord, this plea I make;Should I be shot in school, my soul please take.
  • How can we blame it all on guns?
  • For the life of me, I can't understand what could have gone wrong in Littleton, Colorado. If only the parents had kept their children away from the guns, we wouldn't have had such a tragedy. Yeah, it must have been the guns. It couldn't have been because of half our children being raised in broken homes. It couldn't have been because our children get to spend an average of 30 seconds in meaningful conversation with their parents each day. After all, we give our children quality time. It couldn't have been because we treat our children as pets and our pets as children. It couldn't have been because we place our children in day care centers where they learn their socialization skills among their peers under the law of the jungle while employees who have no vested interest in the children look on and make sure that no blood is spilled. It couldn't have been because we allow our children to watch, on the average, seven hours of television a day filled with the glorification of sex and violence that isn't fit for adult consumption. It couldn't have been because we allow our children to enter into virtual worlds in which, to win the game, one must kill as many opponents as possible in the most sadistic way possible. It couldn't have been because we have sterilized and contracepted our families down to sizes so small that the children we do have are so spoiled with material things that they come to equate the receiving of the material with love. It couldn't have been because our children, who historically have been seen as a blessing from God, are now being viewed as either a mistake created when contraception fails or inconveniences that parents try to raise in their spare time. It couldn't have been because we give two-year prison sentences to teenagers who kill their newborns. It couldn't have been because our school systems teach the children that they are nothing but glorified apes who have evolutionized out of some primordial soup of mud by teaching evolution as fact, and by handing out condoms as if they were candy. It couldn't have been because we teach our children that there are no laws of morality that transcend us, that everything is relative and that actions don't have consequences. What the heck, the president gets away with it.
  • GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT LIFE THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED
  • > 1. You can't put an apple in your neighbor's toilet.
  • > 2. No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.
  • > 3. When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.
  • > 4. If your sister hits you, don't hit her back..."they" always catch the second person.
  • > 5. Never ask a 3 year old to hold a tomato.
  • > 6. You can't trust dogs to watch your food.
  • > 7. Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.
  • > 8. Puppies still have bad breath even after eating a tic-tac.
  • > 9. Never hold a dustbuster and a cat at the same time.
  • > 10. School lunches stick to the wall.
  • > 11. You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
  • > 12. Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.
  • > 13. Reading what people write on desks can teach you a lot.
  • > 14. The best place to be when you are sad is in Grandma's lap.
  • > --------------------------------------------------------------------
  • > GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT LIFE THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED
  • > 1. Raising teenagers is like trying to nail Jell-O to a tree.
  • > 2. There's always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it. (For example: I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt.)
  • > 3. Reason to smile: Every seven minutes of every day, someone in an aerobics class pulls a hamstring.
  • > 4. The best way to keep kids at home is to make the home a pleasant atmosphere.....and let the air out of their tires.
  • > 5. Families are like fudge...mostly sweet with a few nuts.
  • > 6. Middle age is when you choose cereal for the fiber, not the toy.
  • > 7. The more you complain, the longer God lets you live.
  • > 8. If you remain calm, you don't have all the facts.
  • > 9. Eat a live toad first thing in the morning, and nothing worse can happen to you the rest of the day.
  • > 10. You know you're getting old when you stoop to tie your shoes and wonder what else you can do while you're down there.
  • > 11. Carsickness is the feeling you get when the monthly car payment is due.
  • > 12. Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.
  • > 13. Laughing helps, it's like jogging on the inside.
  • > 14. My mind not only wanders, sometimes it leaves completely.
  • > 15. "Life's a journey not a destination"
  • Mary had a little lamb
  • Its fleece was white as snow
  • And everywhere that Mary went
  • The lamb was sure to go.
  • He followed her to school one day
  • When it wasn`t against the rules
  • He made the children laugh and play
  • To see a lamb at school.
  • And then the rules changed one day
  • Against the law it became
  • To bring the lamb of God to school
  • Or even speak His name.
  • Every day got worse and worse
  • And days turned into years
  • Instead of hearing them laugh and play
  • You hear them crying tears
  • What must we do to stop the crime
  • That's in our schools today?
  • Let the Lamb come back to school
  • And teach our kids to pray.
  • Françoise & Pierre,
  • Monday, June 7th, 1999, is your wedding day. We had sun today and we had rain; blue skies and dark clouds. The winds were calm and then high; the birds sang and the thunder boomed. The angels looked down and said "This is good". A good day for a wedding.
  • Françoise & Pierre, they are telling you that life is truly a mixed bag. There will be joy and sadness, good times and bad. There will be days when you'll agree and others when nothing will seem right. As you have placed your love in the hands of our Lord today,He has blessed you and we have joined with you here to celebrate the love you share. We wish you Happiness, Health, Peace and Joy. May you enjoy many years together as husband and wife. CONGRATULATIONS!
  • Your brothers and sisters.

Page # 3 Philosophy

  • Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans. Thomas La Mance
  • From now on:
  • I'm reading more and dusting less. I'm sitting in the yard and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden. I'm spending more time with my family and friends and less time at work. Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them. I'm not "saving" anything. We use our good china and crystal for every special event such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, or the first Amaryllis blossom. I wear my good blazer to the market. My theory is if I look prosperous, I can shell out $28.49 for one small bag of groceries. I'm not saving my good perfume for special parties, but wearing it for clerks in the hardware store and tellers at the bank. "Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary. If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now. I'm not sure what other people would've done had they known that they wouldn't be here for the tomorrow that we all take for granted. I think they would have called family members and a few close friends. They might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think they would have gone out for a Chinese dinner, or for whatever their favorite food was. I'm guessing; I'll never know. It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew my hours were limited. Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to write one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my husband and children and parents often enough how much I truly love them. I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. And every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself that it is special. Every day, every minute, every breath truly is a gift from God. You receive this because someone cares for you. If you're too busy to take the few minutes that it takes right now to forward this, would it be the first time you didn't do the little thing that would make a difference in you relationships? I can tell you it certainly won't be the last. Take a few minutes to send this to a few people you care about, just to let them now that you're thinking of them. People say, "true friends must always hold hands", but true friends don't need to hold hands because they know the other hand will always be there. Wilma
  • "Time has no substitute teacher." Lori Jeschke-Colby
  • "I will not wish thee riches nor the glow of greatness, but that wherever thou go, some weary heart shall gladden at thy smile, or shadowed life know sunshine for awhile. And so thy path shall be a track of light, like angels' footsteps passing through the night." -Words on a church wall in Upwaltham, England
  • Make The Devil Pay
  • There was a Christian lady who lived next door to an atheist. Everyday, when the lady prayed, the atheist guy could hear her. He thought to himself, "She sure is crazy, praying all the time like that. Doesn't she know there isn't a God?" Many times while she was praying, he would go to her house and harass her, saying "Lady, why do you pray all the time? Don't you know there is no God?" But she kept on praying. One day, she ran out of groceries. As usual, she was praying to the Lord explaining her situation and thanking Him for what He was gonna do. AS USUAL, the atheist heard her praying and thought to himself. "Hmph. . . I'll fix her." He went to the grocery store, bought a whole bunch of groceries, took them to her house, dropped them off on the front porch, rang the door bell and then hid in the bushes to see what she would do. When she opened the door and saw the groceries, she began to praise the Lord with all her heart, jumping, singing and shouting everywhere! The atheist then jumped out of the bushes and told her, "You ol' crazy lady, God didn't buy you those groceries, I bought those groceries!" Well, she broke out and started running down the street, shouting and praising the Lord. When he finally caught her, he asked what her problem was . . . She said, "I knew the Lord would provide me with some groceries, but I didn't know he was gonna make the devil pay for them!"
  • A well known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?" Hands started going up. He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this." He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill up. He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air. "Well," he replied, "what if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty. "Now who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air. "My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value in God's eyes. To Him, dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to Him.
  • Psalm 17:8 states that God will keep us, "as the apple of His eye."
  • THOUGHT: The worth of our lives come not in what we do or who we are but
  • by WHOSE WE ARE!
  • You are special - Don't ever forget it!
  • A few smiles:
  • These are pretty cute. KIDS!
  • A little girl became restless as the preacher's sermon dragged on and on. Finally she leaned over to her mother and whispered."Mommy, if we give him the money now, will he let us go?
  • A Sunday School teacher asked a little boy, "Bobby, do you believe in the devil?" "No," said the little boy. "He's just like Santa Claus. I think it's my daddy."
  • A boy was watching his father, a pastor, write a sermon. "How do you know what to say?" he asked. "Why, God tells me." "Oh, then why do you keep crossing things out?"
  • A father took his five-year-old son to several baseball games where the Star Spangled Banner was sung before the start of the game. Then the father and the son attended a church on a Sunday shortly before Independence Day. The congregation sang that song, and after everyone sat down, the boy suddenly yelled out, "PLAY BALL"
  • A six year old boy was overheard reciting the Lord's Prayer at church service. "And forgive us our trash passes as we forgive those who passed trash against us."
  • After a church service on Sunday morning, a young boy suddenly announced to his mother, "Mom, I've decided to become a minister when I grow up." "That's okay with us, but what made you decide that?" Well, I'll have to go to church on Sunday anyway, and I figure it will be more fun to stand up and yell than to sit down and listen."
  • A heavy snow storm closed the schools in one town. When the children returned to school a few days later, one grade school teacher asked her students whether they had used the time away from school const- ructively. "I sure did, teacher," one little girl replied. " I prayed for more snow."
  • This Moment
  • I may never see tomorrow; there is no written guarantee, And things that happened yesterday belong to history, I cannot predict the future, I cannot change the past, I have just the present moment, I must treat it as my last I must use this moment wisely for it soon will pass away, and be lost to me forever as part of yesterday, I must exercise compassion, help the fallen to their feet, Be a friend unto the friendless, make an empty life complete The unkind things I do today may never be undone, And friendships that I fail to win may nevermore be won, I may not have another chance on bended knee to pray, And thank God with humble heart for giving me this day. ----Author Unknown
  • Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.
  • To handle yourself, use your head; To handle others, use your heart.
  • Anger is only one letter short of danger.
  • If someone betrays you once, it's his fault; if he betrays you twice, it's your fault.
  • Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people.
  • God gives every bird it's food, but He does not throw it into it's nest.
  • He who loses money, loses much; He who loses a friend, loses more; He who loses faith, loses all.
  • Beautiful young people are acts of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.
  • Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.
  • The tongue weighs practically nothing, but so few people can hold it.
  • I Have Learned That ....
  • The world has enough sorrow of its own. For us to add to it would be such a shame. Sometimes it is difficult, but nothing is sweeter than balancing out the bad that is beyond your control with the goodness -and greatness - that is within reach. Let us always try our best. May we find our own special ways of making happiness a permanent part of our lives, rather than an occasional guest. - Douglas Richards
  • Your morning Irish blessing: May God be with you and bless you. May you see your children's children. May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings. May you know nothing but happiness From this day forward.
  • Parable of the Rose
  • A certain man planted a rose and watered it faithfully and before it blossomed, he examined it. He saw the bud that would soon blossom, but noticed thorns upon the stem and he thought, "How can any beautiful flower come from a plant burdened with so many sharp thorns?" Saddened by this thought, he neglected to water the rose, and before it was ready to bloom, it died. So it is with many people. Within every soul there is a rose. The Godlike qualities planted in us at birth growing amid the thorns of our faults. Many of us look at ourselves and see only the thorns, the defects. We despair, thinking that nothing good can possibly come from us. We neglect to water the good within us, and eventually it dies.
  • We never realize our potential. Some people do not see the rose within themselves; someone else must show it to them. One of the greatest gifts a person can possess is to be able to reach past the thorns and find the rose within others. This is the characteristic of love ~ to look at a person and know their true faults. Accepting that person into your life, while recognizing the nobility in their soul. Help them to realize that they can overcome their faults. If we show them the rose, they will conquer their thorns. Only then will they blossom many times over. Within every soul there is a rose ~
  • THERE IS GREATNESS WITHIN YOU
  • Throughout your life, always pursue sensitivity and kindness as your chosen way. A sense of humor is wonderful; hold on to yours. Being able to laugh at the world will see you through many hard times. Guard against bitterness and sarcasm; they can destroy you. Be yourself; the world will benefit from your talent. Search for people who love and appreciate you for who you are and who encourage you to improve. Don't be satisfied with less than all you can be, for you have greatness within you. -Bill Cross
  • Eleanor Roosevelt wrote:
  • Many people will walk in and out of your life, But only true friends will leave footprints in your heart. To handle yourself, use your head; To handle others, use your heart. Anger is only one letter short of danger. If someone betrays you once, it is his fault; If he betrays you twice, it is your fault. Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people. He who loses money, loses much; He who loses a friend, loses much more; He who loses faith, loses all. Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, But beautiful old people are works of art. Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself. Friends, you and me.... You brought another friend.... And then there were 3.... We started our group.... Our circle of friends.... And like that circle.... There is no beginning or end.... Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery. Today is a gift. It's National Friendship Week.
  • When you're right, no one remembers; when you're wrong, no one forgets.
  • Ways To Annoy People by Josh
  • Leave the copy machine set to 200%, extra dark, 17 inch paper, 99 copies. Sit in your yard pointing a hair dryer at passing cars to see if they slow down. Specify that your drive-through order is "To go". Sing along at the opera. Practice making fax and modem noises. Signal that a conversation is over by clamping your hands over your ears. Holler random numbers while someone is counting. Adjust the tint on your TV so that all the people are green, insist to others that you "like it that way." Staple papers in the middle of the page. Honk and wave to strangers. Decline to be seated at a restaurant and simply eat the complimentary mints at the cash register. TYPE ONLY IN UPPER CASE. Play the William Tell Overture ( Lone Ranger theme) by tapping on the bottom of your chin. When nearly done, announce " No, wait, I messed it up." and repeat it again. Ask people what gender they are. While making presentations, occasionally bob your head like a parakeet. In the memo field of all you checks write " For sensual massage". Stomp on little plastic ketchup packets. Go to a poetry recital and ask why each poem doesn't rhyme. Send this list to everyone in your e-mail address book even if they sent it to you or asked you not to send them things like this.
  • GOING HOME
  • A three-hour round-trip to the airport, to fetch some friends flying in from the prairies, passed right by a river where the salmon were spawning, so we stopped to watch the incredible, though somewhat heart-wrenching, miracle.
  • The river was low, making their moves more arduous than usual, but still the salmon struggled, propelled by the mystery of nature which calls them home in an uphill battle to lay new life before losing their own.
  • Some of the salmon were in pretty good shape. Others were bruised and battered; fins bent and broken; some, almost unrecognizable, seemed to have already been "scaled"; and there were those who were worn, weary and spent. Yet they continued, sure and steadfast.
  • Though they are cattle farmers, one of my friends found it hard to watch the beautiful and natural event of salmon going home to "leave life" before "leaving life".
  • From the moment we are born, we too, are "going home", our routes predetermined. Some of us journey through life relatively unscathed. Others are bruised and battered emotionally, physically, spiritually. Many are bent and broken, unrecognizable from sickness, addictions, loneliness. Some seem to live in a constant uphill battle, worn, weary and spent.
  • Though the salmon are pulled by a force of nature, our pull is to the spirit, our hope and surety of salvation, our "soul's anchor". When accompanied by Christ, no matter the veil through which we pass, strengthened by faith, our journey home is steadfast and sure; our cares comforted; our fears conquered.
  • Mary Daniel mdaniel@islandnet.com
  • My Special List
  •  I have a list of folks I know...all written in a book, And every now and then.. I go and take a look. That is when I realize these names... they are a part, not of the book they're written in... but taken from the heart. For each Name stands for someone... who has crossed my path sometime, and in that meeting they have become... the reason and the rhyme. Although it sounds fantastic. for me to make this claim, I really am composed... of each remembered name. Although you're not aware... of any special link, just knowing you, has shaped my life... more than you could think. So please don't think my greeting... as just a mere routine, your name was not... forgotten in between. For when I send a greeting... that is addressed to you, it is because you're on the list... of folks I'm indebted to. So whether I have known you... for many days or few, in some ways you have a part... in shaping things I do. I am but a total... of many folks I've met, you are a friend I would prefer... never to forget. Thank you for being my friend!
  • Il est si simple de considérer la maladie comme une dysharmonie venant du dehors au lieu de rechercher des réponses spirituelles...L’origine de tout cela ? Un grand manque d’Amour ! Envers sois-mêmes, pour commencer, puisque nous avons pris l’habitude de nous considérer comme peu de chose et de douter de nos capacités à changer ; manque d’Amour du prochain également, puisque celui qui tombe malade devient aussitôt la victime d’un système où la rentabilité économique est reine d’un univers où le don et la compassion devraient dominer. Seul l’accroissement de la Fraternité et la reconnaissance de la dimension spirituelle de l’être peut permettre d’apporter un vrai soulagement qui commence par la compassion.
  • MEMO FROM GOD
  • To: YOU
  • From: THE BOSS
  • Date: TODAY
  • Subject: YOURSELF
  • RE: LIFE
  • I am God.
  • Today I will be handling all of your problems. Please remember that I do not need your help.
  • If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it.
  • Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. It will be addressed in My time, not yours. Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold on to it.
  • •If you find yourself stuck in traffic; Don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.
  • •Should you have a bad day at work; Think of the man who has been out of work for years.
  • •Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; Think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.
  • •Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; Think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.
  • •Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; Think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.
  • •Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; Think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.
  • •Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.
  • •Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; Remember, things could be worse. You could be them!!!!
  • Red roses were her favorites, her name was also Rose. And every year her husband sent them, tied with pretty bows. The year he died, the roses were delivered to her door. The card said, "Be my Valentine," like all the years before. Each year he sent her roses, and the note would always say, "I love you even more this year, than last year on this day. My love for you will always grow, with every passing year." She knew this was the last time that the roses would appear. She thought, he ordered roses in advance before this day. Her loving husband did not know, that he would pass away. He always liked to do things early, way before the time. Then, if he got too busy, everything would work out fine. She trimmed the stems, and placed them in a very special vase. Then, sat the vase beside the portrait of his smiling face. She would sit for hours, in her husband's favorite chair. While staring at his picture, and the roses sitting there. A year went by, and it was hard to live without her mate. With loneliness and solitude, that had become her fate. Then, the very hour, as on Valentines before, the doorbell rang, and there were roses, sitting by her door. She brought the roses in, and then just looked at them in shock. Then, went to get the telephone, to call the florist shop. The owner answered, and she asked him, if he would explain, why would someone do this to her, causing her such pain? "I know your husband passed away, more than a year ago," the owner said, "I knew you'd call, and you would want to know. The flowers you received today, were paid for in advance. Your husband always planned ahead, he left nothing to chance. There is a standing order, that I have on file down here, and he has paid, well in advance, you'll get them every year. There also is another thing, that I think you should know, he wrote a special little card...he did this years ago. Then, should ever I find out that he's no longer here, that's the card...that should be sent, to you the following year." She thanked him and hung up the phone, her tears now flowing hard. Her fingers shaking, as she slowly reached to get the card. Inside the card, she saw that he had written her a note. Then, as she stared in total silence, this is what he wrote... "Hello my love, I know its been a year since I've been gone, I hope it hasn't been too hard for you to overcome. I know it must be lonely, and the pain is very real. For if it was the other way, I know how I would feel. The love we shared made everything so beautiful in life. I loved you more than words can say, you were the perfect wife. You were my friend and lover, you fulfilled my every need. I know it's only been a year, but please try not to grieve. I want you to be happy, even when you shed your tears. That is why the roses will be sent to you for years. When you get these roses, think of all the happiness, that we had together, and how both of us were blessed. I have always loved you and I know I always will. But, my love, you must go on, you have some living still. Please...try to find happiness, while living out you're life I know it is not easy, but I hope you find some ways. The roses will come every year, and they will only stop, when your door's not answered, when the florist stops to knock. He will come five times that day, in case you have gone out. But after his last visit, he will know without a doubt, to take the roses to the place, where I've instructed him, and place the roses where we are, together once again.
  • •Sometimes in life, you find a special friend;
  • •Someone who changes your life just by being part of it.
  • •Someone who makes you laugh until you can't stop;
  • •Someone who makes you believe that there really is good in the world.
  • •Someone who convinces you that there really is an unlocked door just waiting for you to open it.
  • This is Forever Friendship.
  • Lessons To Be Learned
  • They say there's a universal plan an, for every woman for every man I do believe there's a higher power, But in our darkest hour It's hard to understand. So we start to question, start to doubt We lose faith in what life's all about.
  • Why did the right road take that wrong turn? Why did our heart break"? Why d'we get burnt? Just like the seasons, There are reasons for the path we take. There are no mistakes, Just lessons to be learned.
  • Don't give up, Keep on looking deep inside. Let knur heart beat be your guide. 'Cause there's a gift for those who keep believing. You find what you've been needing Is right before your eyes. You hold the answer In your hands. And then you'll know You'll finally understand why...
  • Why did the right road take that wrong turn? Why did our heart break"? Why d'we get burnt? Just like the seasons, There are reasons for the path we take. There are no mistakes, Just lessons to be learned.
  • No matter how many times you stumble or fall, The greatest lesson is loving yourself through it all.
  • Why did the right road take that wrong turn? Why did our heart break"? Why d'we get burnt? Just like the seasons, There are reasons for the path we take. There are no mistakes, Just lessons, lessons to be learned. (Barbra Streisand "Higher Ground")
  • "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." -Martin Luther King, Jr.
  • "Our dreams, goals, and ideas come from our values...If what we are doing does not come from what we care about most in life, it is meaningless." -G. Lynne Snead and Joyce Wycoff
  • Slow Dance
  • Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round? Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground? Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight? Or gazed at the sun into the fading night? You better slow down.
  • Don't dance so fast. Time is short. The music won't last. Do you run through each day on the fly? When you ask "How are you?" Do you hear the reply? When the day is done. Do you lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running through your head? You'd better slow down.
  • Don't dance so fast. Time is short. The music won't last. Ever told your child, we'll do it tomorrow? And in your haste, not see his sorrow?
  • Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die cause you never had time to call and say "Hi"? You'd better slow down. Don't dance so fast. Time is short. The music won't last. When you run so fast to get somewhere you miss half the fun of getting there. When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift.... thrown away. Life is not a race. Do take it slower, hear the music before the song is over.
  • "All humanity is one undivided and indivisible family, and each on of us is responsible for the misdeeds of all the others." -Mahatma Gandhi
  • I N S T R U C T I O N S F O R L I F E
  • 1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
  • 2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
  • 3. Follow the three Rs: Respect for self; Respect for others; Responsibility for all your actions.
  • 4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
  • 5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
  • 6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
  • 7. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps tocorrect it.
  • 8. Spend some time alone every day.
  • 9. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.
  • 10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
  • 11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.
  • 12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
  • 13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.
  • 14. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.
  • 15. Be gentle with the earth.
  • 16. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.
  • 17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
  • 18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
  • 19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.
  • "Happiness does not depend on outward things, but on the way we see them." -Leo Tolstoy
  • "Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." -Helen Keller
  • "Everything that enlarges the sphere of human powers, that shows man he can do what he thought he could not do, is valuable." -Samuel Johnson
  • "Fear less, hope more; eat less, chew more; whine less, breath more; talk less, say more, and all good things will be yours." -Swedish Proverb
  • "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." -Gandhi
  • Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right one so that when we finally meet the right person, we will know how to be grateful for that gift. When the door of happiness closes, another opens, but often times we look so long at the closed door that we don't see the one which has been opened for us. The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've every had. It's true that we don't know what we've got until we lose it, but it's also true that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives. Giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they'll love you back! Don't expect love in return; just wait for it to grow in their heart but if it doesn't, be content it grew in yours. It takes only a minute to get a crush on someone, an hour to like someone, and a day to love someone, but it takes a lifetime to forget someone. Don't go for looks; they can deceive. Don't go for wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright. Find the one that makes your heart smile. There are moments in life when you miss someone so much that you just want to pick them from your dreams and hug them for real! Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do. May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, enough hope to make you happy. Always put yourself in others' shoes. If you feel that it hurts you, it probably hurts the other person, too. The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. Happiness lies for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have searched, and those who have tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives. Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss and ends with a tear. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past, you can't go on well in life until you let go your past failures and heartaches. When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so that when you die, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying. Please send this message to those people who mean something to you, to those who have touched your life in one way or another, to those who make you smile when you really need it, to those that make you see the brighter side of things when you are really down, to those who you want to let them know that you appreciate their friendship. And if you don't,don't worry, nothing bad will happen to you, you will just miss out on the opportunity to brighten someone's day with this message........
  • "Live every day to the fullest, you never know what the next day will bring"
  • "Expect to have hope rekindled. Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways. The dry seasons in life do not last. The spring rains will come again." -Sarah Ban Breathnach
  • "Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself and know that everything in life has a purpose." -Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
  • "We grow neither better nor worse as we get old, but more like ourselves." -Mary Lamberton Becker
  • "A spiritually optimistic point of view holds that the universe is woven out of a fabric of love. Everything that is happening is ultimately for the good if we're willing to face it head-on and use our adversities for soul growth." -Joan Borysenko, Ph.D.
  • L'amour en cadeau
  • Parfois, les parents se cassent la tête pour trouver quel cadeau offrir à leurs enfants. Voici une liste de cadeaux qu'un jeune a suggéré à ses parents:
  • "J'aimerais être un journal pour que vous preniez un peu de temps à chaque jour pour me demander de mes nouvelles...
  • J'aimerais être un téléviseur pour ne jamais m'endormir sans avoir été au moins une fois regardé avec intérêt...
  • J'aimerais être Félix, notre petit chat, pour être moi aussi pris dans vos bras chaque fois que vous revenez à la maison...
  • J'aimerais être un baladeur pour me sentir écouté par vous sans aucune distraction, que vos oreilles n'entendent que mes paroles fredonnant l'écho de ma solitude...
  • J'aimerais être une équipe de hockey pour toi papa, afin de te voir t'exciter de joie après chacune de mes victoires...
  • et un roman pour toi, maman, afin que tu puisses lire mes émotions...
  • A bien y penser, je n'aimerais être qu'une chose: un cadeau inestimable pour vous deux. Ne m'achetez rien, permettez-moi seulement de sentir que je suis votre enfant..."
  • Anonyme
  • Read this poem, and follow the recommendation at the end...
  • Heavens Grocery Store
  • As I was walking down life's highway many years ago I came upon a sign that read Heavens Grocery Store. When I got a little closer the doors swung open wide And when I came to myself I was standing inside. I saw a host of angels. They were standing everywhere. One handed me a basket and said "My child shop with care." Everything a human needed was in that grocery store And what you could not carry you could come back for more. First I got some Patience. Love was in that same row. Further down was Understanding, you need that everywhere you go. I got a box or two of Wisdom and Faith a bag or two. And Charity of course I would need some of that too. I couldn't miss the Holy Ghost It was all over the place. And then some Strength and Courage to help me run this race. My basket was getting full but I remembered I needed Grace, And then I chose Salvation for Salvation was for free I tried to get enough of that to do for you and me. Then I started to the counter to pay my grocery bill, For I thought I had everything to do the Masters will. As I went up the aisle I saw Prayer and put that in, For I knew when I stepped outside I would run into sin. Peace and Joy were plentiful, the last things on the shelf. Song and Praise were hanging near so I just helped myself. Then I said to the angel "Now how much do I owe?" He smiled and said "Just take them everywhere you go." Again I asked "Really now, How much do I owe?" "My child " he said, "God paid your bill a long long time ago."
  • "I have no methods; all I do is accept people as they are." -Dr. Paul Tournier
  • "Think 'impossible' and dreams get discarded, projects get abandoned , and hope for wellness is torpedoed. But let someone yell the words 'It's possible,' and resources we hadn't been aware of come rushing in to assist us in our quest." -Greg Anderson
  • "The principles you live by create the world you live in; if you change the principles you live by, you will change your world." -Blaine Lee
  • "Seek to do good, and you will find that happiness will run after you." -James Freeman Clarke
  • "The man is not old until regrets take place of dreams." -John Barrymore
  • Down in the dumps? Make a regular date with a supportive friend.
  • "Happiness comes most to persons who seek her least, and think least about it. It is not an object to be sought; it is a state to be induced. It must follow and not lead. It must overtake you, and not you overtake it." -John Burroughs

Page # 4 Philosophy

  • "Life does not stand still. Where there is no progress, there is disintegration." -Grenville Kleiser
  • "Live all you can; it's a mistake not to. It doesn't so much matter what you do in particular, so long as you have your life. If you haven't had that, what have you had?" -Henry James
  • "Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." -Albert Einstein
  • The Way Things Were:
  • "I was talking to my Dad about current events the other night. I asked him what he thought about the shootings at schools, our immoral President, the computer age and just things in general." He replied: ..."Gee, let me think a minute...................I was born before television, penicillin, polio shots, frozen foods, Xerox, contact lenses, Frisbees and the Pill. There weren't things like radar, credit cards, laser beams or ball-point pens. Man had not invented pantyhose, dishwashers, clothes dryers, electric blankets, air conditioners and he hadn't walked on the moon. Your Mom and I got married first-then lived together. Every family had a father and a mother, and every kid over 14 had a rifle that his dad taught him how to use and respect. Until I was 25, I called every man older than me 'sir'; and after I turned 25, I still called policemen and every man with a title, 'sir.' "In our time, closets were for clothes, not for 'coming out of.' Sunday's were set aside for going to church as a family, helping those in need, and just visiting with your neighbors. We were before gay-rights, computer dating, dual careers, day-care centers, and group therapy. "Our lives were governed by the Ten commandments, good judgment and common sense. We were taught to know the difference between right and wrong, Serving your country was a privilege, living here was a bigger privilege. "We thought fast food was what you ate during Lent. Having a meaningful relationship meant getting along with your cousins. Draft dodgers were people who closed the front doors when the evening breeze started. And time sharing meant time the family spent together in the evenings and weekends-not condominiums. "We never heard of FM radio, tape decks, CD's, electric typewriters, artificial hearts, word processors, yogurt or guys wearing ear rings. We listened to the 'big bands', Jack Benny and the President's speeches on the radio. I don't ever remember any kid blowing his brains out listening to Tommy Dorsey. "If you saw anything with 'Made in Japan' on it, it was junk. The term 'making out' referred to how you did on your school exam. Pizza's, McDonald's and instant coffee were unheard of. We had 5 and 10 cent stores where you could actually buy things for 5 and 10 cents. Ice cream cones, phone calls, rides on a street car, and a Pepsi were all a nickel. And if you didn't want to 'splurge,' you could spend your nickel on enough stamps to mail a letter and two postcards. You could buy a new Chevy Coupe for $600, but who could afford one. Too bad, because gas was 11 cents a gallon. "In my day 'grass' was mowed, 'coke' was a cold drink,'pot' was something your mother cooked in, and 'rock music' was your grandmother's lullaby. 'Aids' were helpers in the Principal's office, a 'chip' meant a piece of wood, 'hardware' was found in a hardware store and software wasn't even a word." "We were not before the difference between the sexes was discovered, but we were surely before the sex change, 'Billy' has two mommy's, and pornography in a family home and at newsstands. And we were the last generation that was so dumb as to think you needed a husband to have a baby. No wonder people today call us old and confused, and there is such a generation gap......and I'm only 53!!!" Did you dig that, Son?
  • MEMO FROM GOD:
  • To: YOU
  • Date: TODAY
  • Subject: YOURSELF
  • Reference: LIFE
  • I am God. Today I will be handling all of your problems. Please remember that I do not need your help.  
  • If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it. Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box.  
  • It will be addressed in My time, not yours. Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold on to it  
  • If you find yourself stuck in traffic; Don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.  
  • Should you have a bad day at work; Think of the man who has been out of work for years. 
  • Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; Think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.  
  • Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; Think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.  
  • Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; Think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.  
  • Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; Think of the cancer patient in chimo who wishes she had hair to examine.  
  • Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.  
  • Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; Remember, things could be worse. You could be them!!!!  
  • "You've got to dance like nobody's watching, Love like it's never going to hurt, Sing like nobody's listening, and
  • Live like it's heaven on earth."  
  • Unknown 
  • "We are all mortal until the first kiss and the second glass of wine." Eduardo Galeano
  • Slow Dance
  • Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round? Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground? Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight? Or gazed at the sun into the fading night? You better slow down. Don't dance so fast. Time is short. The music won't last.
  • Do you run through each day on the fly? When you ask "How are you?" Do you hear the reply? When the day is done ,do you lie in your bed With the next hundred chores running through your head? You'd better slow down. Don't dance so fast. Time is short. The music won't last.
  • Ever told your child, we'll do it tomorrow? And in your haste, not see his sorrow? Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die Cause you never had time to call and say "Hi"? You'd better slow down. Don't dance so fast. Time is short. The music won't last
  • When you run so fast to get somewhere You miss half the fun of getting there. When you worry and hurry through your day, It is like an unopened gift thrown away. Life is not a race. Do take it slower Hear the music Before the song is over.
  • On a British Airways flight from Johannesburg, a middle-aged, well-off white South African Lady has found herself sitting next to a black man. She called the cabin crew attendant over to complain about her seating."What seems to be the problem Madam?" asked the attendant. "Can't you see she said " You've sat me next to a kaffir. I can't possibly sit next to this disgusting human. Find me another seat! "Please calm down Madam." the stewardess replied. "The flight is very full today, but I'll tell you what I'll do-I'll go and check to see if we have any seats available in club or first class." The woman cocks a snooty look at the outraged black man beside her (not to mention many of the surrounding passengers). A few minutes later the stewardess returns with the good news, which she delivers to the lady, who cannot help but look at the people around her with a smug and self satisfied grin: "Madam, unfortunately, as I suspected, economy is full. I've spoken to the cabin services director, and club is also full. However, we do have one seat in first class." Before the lady has a chance to answer, the stewardess continues.... "It is most extraordinary to make this kind of upgrade, however, and I have had to get special permission from the captain. But, given the circumstances, the captain felt that it was outrageous that someone be forced to sit next to such an obnoxious person." With which, she turned to the black man sitting next to the woman, and said: So if you'd like to get your things, sir, I have your seat ready for you..." At which point, apparently the surrounding passengers stood and gave a standing ovation while the black guy walks up to the front of the plane. ..people will forget what you said.... ..people will forget what you did.... ..but people will never forget how you made them feel.
  • En toute amitié , SIMON & LOUISE
  • Une petite réflexion sur la vie...
  • Mon ami ouvrit le tiroir de la commode de son épouse et en sorti un petit paquet enveloppé de papier de soie: " Ceci, dit-il, n'est pas un simple paquet, c'est de la lingerie ". Il jeta le papier et observa la soie et la dentelle. " J'ai acheté ceci la premiere fois que nous sommes allés à New York il y a 8 ou 9 ans. Mais, elle ne l'a jamais utilisé. Elle voulait le conserver pour une occasion spéciale. Et bien... je crois que c'est le bon moment justement ". Il s'approcha du lit et rajouta ce paquet à d'autres choses que les pompes funèbres emmeneraient. Sa femme venait de mourir.
  • En se tournant vers moi il me dit: " Ne garde rien pour une occasion spéciale, chaque jour que tu vis est une occasion spéciale". Je pense toujours à ces paroles ... elles ont changé ma vie.
  • Aujourd'hui, je lis beaucoup plus qu'avant et je nettoie moins. Je m'assied sur ma terrasse et admire le paysage sans prêter attention aux mauvaises herbes du jardin. Je passe plus de temps avec ma famille et mes amis et moins de temps au travail. J'ai compris que la vie est un ensemble d'expériences à apprécier. Désormais je ne conserve rien. J'utilise mes verres en cristal tous les jours. Je mets ma nouvelle veste pour aller au supermarché si l'envie m'en prend. Je ne garde plus mon meilleur parfum pour les jours de fêtes, je l'utilise dès que j'en ai envie. Les phrases du type " un jour... " et " un de ces jours ... " sont entrain d'être bannies de mon vocabulaire. Si cela en vaut la peine, je veux voir, entendre et faire les choses maintenant. Je ne suis pas tout à fait sûr de ce qu'aurait fait la femme de mon ami si elle avait su qu'elle ne serait plus la demain (un demain que nous prenons tous à la légère). Je crois qu'elle aurait appelé sa famille et ses amis intimes. Peut-être aurait-elle appelé quelques vieux amis pour faire la paix ou s'excuser pour une vieille querelle passée. J'aime penser qu'elle serait peut-être allée manger chinois (sa cuisine préférée).Ce sont toutes ces petites choses non faites qui m'énerveraient beaucoup si je savais que mes heures sont comptées. Je serais énervé de ne plus avoir vu certains de mes amis avec lesquels je devais me remettre en contact "un de ces jours..." Énervé de ne pas avoir écrit les lettres que j'avais l'intention d'écrire " un de ces jours... " Énervé de ne pas avoir dit assez souvent à mes proches combien je les aime. Maintenant je ne retarde rien, ne repousse ou conserve rien qui pourrait apporter de la joie et des rires à nos vies. Je me dis que chaque jour est spécial. Chaque jour, chaque heure, chaque minute est spéciale...
  • Again thanks for you quick reply. I am a pretty good judge of character this is one thing I know and I think you are a great person and again thanks for your patience and understanding.
  • THE EMPTY CHAIR
  • A young woman had asked the local minister to come and pray with her father. When the minister arrived, he found the man lying in bed with his head propped up on two pillows. An empty chair beside his bed. The minister assumed that the old fellow had been informed of his visit. I guess you were expecting me," he said. "No, who are you?" said the father.
  • The minister told him his name and then remarked, "I see the empty chair; I figured you knew I was going to show up." "Oh yeah, the chair" said the bedridden man. "Would you mind closing the door?"
  • Puzzled, the minister shut the door
  • "I have never told anyone this, not even my daughter," said the man. "But all of my life I have never known how to pray. At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer, but it went right over my head." "I abandoned any attempt at prayer, "The old man continued "until one day about four years ago my best friend said to me, "Johnny, prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with Jesus. Here is what I suggest." "Sit down in a chair; place an empty chair in front of you, and in faith see Jesus on the chair. It's not spooky because he promised, "I'll be with you always." Then just speak to him in the same way you're doing with me right now." So I tried it and I've liked it so much I do it a couple of hours every day, I'm careful though. If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair she'd either have a nervous breakdown or send me off to the funny farm." The minister was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the old man to continue on the journey. Then he prayed with him, anointed him with oil, and returned to the church. Two nights later the daughter called to tell the minister that her daddy had died that afternoon "Did he die in peace?" he asked.
  • "Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock, he called me over to his bedside, told me he loved me and kissed me on the cheek. When I got back from the store an hour later, I found him dead. "But there was something strange about his death. Apparently, just before Daddy died, he leaned over and rested his head on the chair beside the bed. What do you make of that?" The minister wiped a tear from his eye and said, "I wish we could all go like that."
  • I ran into a stranger as he passed by, "Oh excuse me please" was my reply. He said, "Please excuse me, too; I wasn't really watching for you." We were very polite, this stranger and I. We went on our way and we said good-bye. But at home a different story is told, How we treat our loved ones, young and old. Later that day, cooking the evening meal, My son stood beside me very still. When I turned, I nearly knocked him down. "Move out of the way," I said with a frown. He walked away, his little heart broken. I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken. While I lay awake that night in bed, God's still small voice came to me and said, "While dealing with a stranger, common courtesy you use, But the children you love, you seem to abuse. Go and look on the kitchen floor, You'll find some flowers there by the door. Those are the flowers he brought for you. He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue. He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise, You never saw the tears that filled his little eyes." By this time, I was feeling very small, And then my tears began to fall. I quietly went and knelt by his bed; "Wake up, little one, wake up," I said. "Are these the flowers you picked for me?" He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree. I picked 'em because they're pretty like you. I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue." I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today; I shouldn't have yelled at you that way." He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay. I love you anyway." I said, "Son, I love you too, and I do like the flowers, especially the blue."
  • Are you aware that if we died tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family we left behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than into our own family----an unwise investment indeed, don't you think? So what is behind this story? Do you know what the word FAMILY means? FAMILY=(F)ATHER (A)ND (M)OTHER, (I) (L)OVE (Y)OU!
  • Cette année-là, il manquait quelqu'un d'important à la table du reveillon. Quelques semaines auparavant, maman s'était découvert une petite bosse à un sein. Une biopsie avait montré qu'il s'agissait d'un cancer. Notre médecin de famille l'avait convaincue qu'elle recevrait de bien meilleurs soins si elle se rendait à Montréal. Nous sommes donc allés la conduire à la gare un soir du mois de novembre. Quelques jours plus tard, un téléphone nous a appris que l'opération s'était bien passée. Mais elle devait maintenant recevoir des traitements de chimiothérapie. Au sortir de l'hôpital, elle avait loué une petite chambre pas très loin de l'endroit ou elle devait recevoir ses traitements. C'est là qu'elle a passé Noël, seule et loin des siens. Quant à nous, nous sommes allés réveillonner chez mon oncle. Malgré tous les efforts de nos hôtes pour nous divertir, l'atmosphère n'était pas à la fête. Dans la soirée, papa a téléphoné à maman et, à tour de role, nous avons pû dire quelques mots à maman. Sa voix était lointaine. Je crois qu'elle faisait un effort pour ne pas pleurer. Je ne me souviens pas des cadeaux que jai reçus cette année-là. Je ne me rappelle que ce vide immense laissé par l'absente. Et que papa, malgré ses efforts pour mettre un peu de gaieté dans la maison, arrivait mal à cacher sa peine. Je ne m'attarderai pas sur le dénouement de cette histoire, car il est triste. Quelques années plus tard, le cancer a eu raison de notre mère... Mais ce que j'ai compris cette année-là, et pour toujours, c'est que ce sont les êtres qu'on aime qui donnent un sens à la fête. Et qu'il ne faut jamais hésiter à les serrer fort contre nous pendant qu'il en est encore temps.
  • A Prayer to contemplate !
  • Heavenly Father, we come before You today to ask Your forgiveness and to seek Your direction and guidance out of this caos we caused in disobedience to Your loving truth ! We know Your word says," Woe on those who call evil good " but this is what we have done all along. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We admit and confess to You: that we have ridiculed the absolute truth of Your word and called it pluralism. that we have worshiped other Gods and called it multi-culturalism that we have endorsed perversion and called it alternative lifestyle that we have exploited the poor and called it playing the lottery that we have neglected the needy and called it self-preservation that we have rewarded laziness and called it welfare that we have crushed true efforts and called it leadership that we have killed our unborn children and called it choice that we have shot abortionists and called it justifiable that we have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self-esteem that we have abused power and called it political savvy that we have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition that we have polluted all our media with profanity, pornography and vulgarity and called it freedom of expression that we have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment
  • Search us, O God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from all sin, and set us free in Your truth Guide and teach us, and let us look up to the men and women who have been sent to direct us to the center of Your will ! I ask this in the name of Your Son, the living Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen
  • Here is something to think about, particularly in this season of reflections....
  • If we could shrink the earth's population to a village of precisely 100 people with all the existing human ratios remaining the same, it would look something like the following.
  • There would be:
  • 57 Asians
  • 8 Africans
  • 21 Europeans
  • 14 from the Western Hemisphere, both north & south
  •  
  • 52 would be female, 48 would be male.
  • 70 would be nonwhite, 30 would be white.
  • 70 would be non-Christian, 30 would be Christian
  • 89 would be heterosexual, 11 would be homosexual.
  •  
  • 6 people would possess 59% of the entire world's wealth and all 6 would be from the United States.
  • 80 would live in substandard housing
  • 70 would be unable to read
  • 50 would suffer from malnutrition
  • 1 (yes, only 1) would have a college education,
  • 1 would own a computer

Page # 5 Philosophy

  • When you consider our world from such a compressed perspective, the need for acceptance, understanding and education becomes glaringly apparent.
  • The following is also something to ponder....
  • If you woke up this morning with more health than illness - - you aremore blessed than the million who will not survive this week.
  • If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation -- you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
  • If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death -- you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
  • If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep -- you are richer than 75% of this world.
  • If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace -- you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.
  • If your parents are still alive and still married -- you are very rare, even in the United States and Canada.
  • If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful -- you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.
  • If you can hold someone's hand, hug them, or even touch them on the shoulder you are blessed because you can offer healing touch.
  • If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing, in that, someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.
  • Prière à Dieu-Prayer to God
  • Oh Lord, please have mercy on me, I work so hard, meantime my wife stays at home, I would give anything if you would grant me one wish "switch me with my wife" she's got it easy at home I want to teach her a lesson of how tough a man's life is. As God was listening he felt sorry for this soul and granted his wish.
  • Next morning the "new woman" wakes up at dawn, makes lunch boxes, prepares breakfast, wakes up the kids for school, puts a load of clothes in the washer, takes the meat out of the freezer, drives the kids to school, on his way back stop at the gas station, cashes a check, pays the electricity and phone bills, picks up some clothes from the cleaners, quickly goes to the market. It was 1:00 o'clock already, he made the beds, took the clothes out of the washer and put another load in, he vacuumed the house, made some rice, went to pick up the kids from school had an argument with the kids. As soon as he got home he fed the kids, washed the dirty dishes, he hung the damp clothes he had washed on the chairs because it was raining outside. He helped the kids with their homework, watched some TV while he ironed some clothes, prepared dinner, he gave the kids a bath and put them to sleep. At 9:00 o'clock he was so tired and he went to bed. Of course there were some more duties and some how he managed to get them done and finally fell a sleep.
  • The next morning he prays to God once again: Oh Lord, what was I thinking when I asked you to grant my wish, I can't take it anymore. I beg you please change me back to myself, please oh please. Then he heard God's voice speaking to him, saying: Dear son, of course I'll change you back into yourself but there's one minor detail: you will have to wait 9 months because last night you got pregnant.
  • The Trees
  • Three trees were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty." Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull." Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me." After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter," and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest. At the second tree the woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship. When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special from my tree, so I'll take this one", and he cut it down. When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for. The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark. The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams. Then one day, a man and a woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time. Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat. Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets, and they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it. The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts. Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined. We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.
  • GAGNER
  • Si vous pensez que vous êtes battu
  • Vous l'êtes
  • Si vous pensez que vous n'oserez pas
  • Vous ne le ferez pas
  • Si vous aimer gagner
  • mais pensez que vous ne le pouvez pas
  • Votre défaite est quasi certaine
  • Si vous pensez que vous allez perdre
  • Vous êtes perdu, car le succès
  • Commence avec la volonté
  • Tout est une question d'état d'esprit
  • Les batailles de la vie
  • Ne sont pas toujours remportées
  • Par le plus fort ou le plus rapide des hommes
  • Mais tôt ou tard, l'homme qui gagne
  • Est celui qui pense qu'il le peut
  • Wooden Bowl
  • A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. We must do something about Grandfather," said the son. I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor. So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work. The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.
  • Children are remarkably perceptive. Their eyes ever observe, their ears ever listen, and their minds ever process the messages they absorb. If they see us patiently provide a happy home atmosphere for family members, they will imitate that attitude for the rest of their lives. The wise parent realizes that every day the building blocks are being laid for the child's future. Let's be wise builders and role models. Lord, we ask not that you move the mountains, but that You give us the strength to climb. "Life is about people connecting with people, and making a positive difference" Take care of yourself, and those you love, ... today, and everyday
  • This is a true story of something that happened just a few years ago at USC. There was a professor of philosophy there who was a deeply committed atheist. His primary goal for one required class was to spend the entire semester attempting to prove that God couldn't exist. His students were always afraid to argue with him because of his impeccable logic. For twenty years, he had taught this class and no one had ever had the courage to go against him. Sure, some had argued in class at times, but no one had ever really gone against him because of his reputation. At the end of every semester on the last day, he would say to his class of 300 students, "If there is anyone here who still believes in Jesus, stand up!"
  • In twenty years, no one had ever stood up. They knew what he was going to do next. He would say, "Because anyone who believes in, God is a fool. If God existed, he could stop this piece of chalk from hitting the ground and breaking. Such a simple task to prove that He is God, and yet He can't do it."
  • And every year, he would drop the chalk onto the tile floor of the classroom and it would shatter into a hundred pieces. All of the students would do nothing but stop and stare. Most of the students thought that God couldn't exist. Certainly, a number of Christians had slipped through, but for 20 years, they had been too afraid to stand up.
  • Well, a few years ago there was a freshman who happened to enroll. He was a Christian, and had heard the stories about his professor. He was required to take the class for his major, and he was afraid.
  • But for three months that semester, he prayed every morning that he would have the courage to stand up no matter what the professor said, or what the class thought. Nothing they said could ever shatter his faith...he hoped. Finally, the day came. The professor said, "If there is anyone here who still believes in God, stand up!"
  • The professor and the class of 300 people looked at him, shocked, as he stood up at the back of the classroom. The professor shouted, "You FOOL!!! If God existed, he would keep this piece of chalk from breaking when it hit the ground!" He proceeded to drop the chalk, but as he did, it slipped out of his fingers, off his shirt cuff, onto the pleat of his pants, down his leg, and off his shoe. As it hit the ground, it simply rolled away unbroken.
  • The professor's jaw dropped as he stared at the chalk. He looked up at the young man, and then ran out of the lecture hall.
  • The young man who had stood, proceeded to walk to the front of the room and shared his faith in Jesus for the next half hour. 300 students stayed and listened as he told of God's love for them and of His power through Jesus.
  • You have 2 choices:
  • 1. Delete this and never look at it again.
  • 2. Pass this along to your Christian and non-Christian friends, giving them encouragement we all need every day.
  • When you choose option 2, you have chosen to STAND UP
  • THE GARDEN OF EDEN
  • One day in the Garden of Eden, Eve calls out to God. "Lord, I have a problem!" "What's the problem, Eve?" "Lord, I know you created me and provided this beautiful garden and all of these wonderful animals and that hilarious comedic snake, but I'm just not happy." "Why is that, Eve?" came the reply from above. "Lord, I am lonely, and I'm sick to death of apples." "Well, Eve, in that case, I have a solution. I shall create a man for you." "What's a man, Lord?" "Man is to be a flawed creature, with many bad traits. He'll lie, cheat, and be vain; all in all, he'll give you a hard time. But he'll be bigger, faster, and will like to hunt and kill things. He will look silly when he's aroused, but since you've been complaining, I'll create him in such a way that he will satisfy your physical needs. He will be witless and will revel in childish things like fighting and kicking a ball about. He won't be too smart, so he'll also need your advice to think properly." "Sounds great." says Eve, with an ironically raised eyebrow. "What's the catch, Lord?" "Well ... you can have him on one condition." "What's that, Lord?" "As I said, he'll be proud, arrogant, and self-admiring ..So you'll have to let him believe that I made him first. Just remember, it's our little secret... "You know, woman to woman."
  • TWO HEARTS
  • One day a young man was standing in the middle of the town proclaiming that he had the most beautiful heart in the whole valley. A large crowd gathered and they all admired his heart, for it was perfect. There was not a mark or a flaw in it. Yes, they all agreed it truly was the most beautiful heart they had ever seen. The young man was very proud and boasted more loudly about his beautiful heart. Suddenly, an old man appeared at the front of the crowd and said "Why your heart is not nearly as beautiful as mine." The crowd and the young man looked at the old man's heart. It was beating strongly, but full of scars, it had places where pieces had been removed and other pieces put in but they didn't fit quite right and there were several jagged edges. In fact, in some places there were deep gouges where whole pieces were missing. The people stared. How can he say his heart is more beautiful, they thought? The young man looked at the old man's heart and saw its state and laughed. "You must be joking," he said. "Compare your heart with mine, mine is perfect and yours is a mess of scars and tears." "Yes," said the old man, "Yours is perfect looking but I would never trade with you. You see, every scar represents a person to whom I have given my love. I tear out a piece of my heart and give it to them, and often they give me a piece of their heart which fits into the empty place in my heart, but because the pieces aren't exact, I have some rough edges, which I cherish, because they remind me of the love we shared. Sometimes I have given pieces of my heart away, and the other person hasn't returned a piece of his heart to me. These are the empty gouges...giving love is taking a chance. Although these gouges are painful, they stay open, reminding me of the love I have for these people too, and I hope someday they may return and fill the space I have waiting. So now do you see what true beauty is?" The young man stood silently with tears running down his cheeks. He walked up to the old man, reached into his perfect young and beautiful heart and ripped a piece out. He offered it to the old man with trembling hands. The old man took his offering, placed it in his heart and then took a piece from his old scarred heart and placed it in the wound in the young man's heart. It fit, but not perfectly, as there were some jagged edges. The young man looked at his heart, not perfect anymore but more beautiful than ever, since love from the old man's heart flowed into his. They embraced and walked away side by side. How sad it must be to go through life with a whole heart. Remember... Work like you don't need the money. Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like nobody is watching.
  • I, for one, am sick and tired of those high paid teachers. Their hefty salaries are driving up taxes, and they only work nine or ten months a year! It's time we put things in perspective and pay them for what they do, baby-sit! We can get that for less than minimum wage. That's right.........I would give them $3 dollars an hour and only the hours they worked, not any of that silly planning time. That would be $15 a day. Each parent should pay $15 a day for these teachers to baby-sit their children. Now, how many do they teach in a day....maybe 25. Then that's 15 X 25=$375 a day. But remember they only work 180 days a year! I'm not going to pay them for any vacations. Let's see... that's 375 x 180=$67,500.00 (Hold on, my calculator must need batteries!!) What about those special teachers or the ones with Masters Degrees? Well, we could pay them minimum wage just to be fair. Let's round it off to $6 an hour. That would be $6 times 5 hours times 25 children times 180 days = $135,000.00 per year. Wait a minute, there is something wrong here!!! There sure is, huh????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • A Powerful Baby (Read: Psalm 13)
  • How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? . . . But I trust in Your unfailing love. --Psalm 13:1,5
  • The first time I saw him, I cried. He looked like a perfect, pink little newborn asleep in his crib. But he never woke up. Never. He didn't get oxygen soon enough, and now he clung to life as his family cared for him, prayed for him, and loved him 'round the clock.
  • His mother told us of his death via a heart-wrenching e-mail some months later. "Our hearts are seared with pain," she wrote. "It is that deep, deep pain that groans inside you. There is no way to get away from it."
  • I prayed a short, intense prayer you may have prayed before. "Why, God, why? Why do things like this happen to such good people?"
  • This side of heaven, there aren't any good answers to that question. But through the testimony of these grief-torn parents, I've caught a glimpse of our heavenly Father. That baby's mother used a surprising word to describe her boy. She called him "powerful." She wrote, "How deeply God carved His work of love into our hearts through that little life! What a powerful life it was!" Powerful? How was that limited life powerful?
  • His life was powerful in the way it brought friends, family, and even strangers together. His life was powerful in the way it showed us that we must depend completely on God for His grace and sufficiency--while we were still praying in faith for the baby's healing! And his life was powerful in the living legacy he bequeathed to his parents, who through their anguish still attest to God's goodness and mercy.
  • "Please thank God for his life and testimony," his mom said. "Thank Him with us for being the infinite God of finite man. Thank Him for the Son who gave His all for us." And it hit me. God does know how it feels. He knows! He knows the unbearable ache of loss and separation. He knows the deep, dark anguish of losing the One closest to Him. As that grieving mother put it, "Jesus' earthly purpose was death for life."
  • Yes, I think that little baby was powerful. He showed us that our notions about success and value don't mean much. It is God who gives ultimate significance to even the most tragic events. Always God. --TG
  • REFLECTION
  • * To whom or what do I turn when a crisis first hits?
  • * Do I ever get angry at God for life's unfairness? Have I ever shared my anger or sadness with Him? Have I ever asked God for His peace?
  • God can do the most with what we think is the least.
  • Heavenly Healing Does prayer have the power to heal? No one knows for sure, but research suggests that a little spiritual help probably doesn't hurt. In a recent review of scientific studies examining distant healing practices, over half of the studies indicated that a patient's healing process was helped when prayer, therapeutic touch, or mental or spiritual healing was practiced by the patient, friends, or family. RealAge Benefit: Taking care of your emotional health and well-being can make your RealAge up to 16 years younger.
  • I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.
  • I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.
  • I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day.
  • I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
  • I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.
  • I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.
  • I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.
  • I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
  • I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
  • I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
  • I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
  • I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
  • I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.
  • I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
  • I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
  • I've learned.... That the Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?
  • I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
  • I've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
  • I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.
  • I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
  • I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
  • I've learned.... That there's nothing sweeter than sleeping with your babies and feeling their breath on your cheeks.
  • I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
  • I've learned.... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
  • I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
  • I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
  • I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.
  • I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
  • I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
  • I've learned.... That I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.
  • I've learned.... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.
  • I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.
  • I've learned ... That it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation.
  • Some years ago on a hot summer day in south Florida a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, Leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward theshore. His mother--in the house was looking out the window--saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, she ran toward the water, yelling to her son as loudly as she could. Hearing her voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his mother. It was too late. Just as he reached her, the alligator reached him. From the dock, the mother grabbed her little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the mother, but the mother was .much too passionate to let go. A farmer happened to drive by, heard her screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator. Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal, and, on his arms, were deep scratches where his mother's fingernails dug into his flesh in her effort to hang on to the son she loved. The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs. And then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, "But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my mom wouldn't let go." You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. No, not from an alligator, or anything quite so dramatic.. But the scars of a painful past, Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret. But, some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused to let go. In the midst of your struggle, He's been there holding on to you. The Scripture teaches that God loves you. If you have Christ in your life, you have become a child of God. He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way. But sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations. The swimming hole of life is filled with peril - and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack. That's when the tug-o-war begins -and if you have the scars of His love on your arms be very, very grateful. He did not - and will not - let you go.
  • L'ARGENT
  • Il peut acheter une maison Mais pas un foyer
  • Il peut acheter un lit Mais pas le sommeil
  • Il peut acheter une horloge Mais pas le temps
  • Il peut acheter un livre Mais pas la connaissance
  • Il peut acheter une position Mais pas le respect
  • Il peut payer le médecin Mais pas la santé.
  • Il peut acheter du sang Mais pas la vie
  • Il peut acheter du sexe Mais pas de l'amour
  • Alors comme vous pouvez le constater, l'argent n'est pas grand chose; et souvent il amène des problèmes et des souffrances. Je vous dis ceci parce que vous êtes mes amis, et parce que je vous aime beaucoup, je desire vous éviter ces désagrements. Alors, envoyez moi tout votre argent et je souffrirai pour vous!!! P.S. Du comptant seulement s'il vous plait ... en petites coupures.
  • DRINKING FROM MY SAUCER
  • I've never made a fortune and it's probably too late now. But I don't worry about that much, I'm happy anyhow. And as I go along life's way, I'm reaping better than I sowed. I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed. Haven't got a lot of riches, and sometimes the going's tough. But I've got loving ones around me, and that makes me rich enough. I thank God for his blessings, and the mercies He's bestowed. I'm drinking from my saucer, 'cause my cup has overflowed. O, Remember times when things went wrong, My faith wore somewhat thin. But all at once the dark clouds broke, and sun peeped through again. So Lord, help me not to gripe about the tough rows that I've hoed. I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed. If God gives me strength and courage, when the way grows steep and rough. I'll not ask for other blessings, I'm already blessed enough. And may I never be too busy, to help others bear their loads. Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed.
  • A LITTLE SMILE FOR YOU
  • This little smile somehow found its way onto your screen to brighten your day. So pass it along to each of your friends, To remind them all that friendship never ends. God Bless
  • Children - Aren't they great?
  • A Kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they drew. She would occasionally walk around to see each child's art work. As she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was. The girl replied, "I'm drawing God." The teacher paused and said, "But no one knows what God looks like." Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing, the girl replied, "They will in a minute." ....................................................................
  • A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six year olds. After explaining the commandment to "honor thy Father and thy mother," she asked, "is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?" Without missing a beat one little boy (the oldest of a family) answered, "Thou shalt not kill."
  • An honest seven-year-old admitted calmly to her parents that Billy Brown had kissed her after class. "How did that happen?" gasped her mother. "It wasn't easy," admitted the young lady, "but three girls helped me catch him." .......................................................
  • One day a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink. She suddenly noticed that her mother has several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast on her brunette head. She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked, "Why are some of your hairs white, Mom?" Her mother replied, "Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white." The little girl thought about this revelation for while and then said, "Momma, how come ALL of grandma's hairs are white?" .......................................................
  • A three-year-old went with his dad to see a litter of kittens. On returning home, he breathlessly informed his mother that there were two boy kittens and two girl kittens. "How did you know?" his mother asked. "Daddy picked them up and looked underneath," he replied. "I think it's printed on the bottom."
  • The children had all been photographed, and the teacher was trying to persuade them each to buy a copy of the group picture. "Just think how nice it will be to look at it when you are all grown up and say, 'There's Jennifer; she's a lawyer,' or 'That's Michael. He's a doctor.'" A small voice at the back of the room rang out, "And there's the teacher. She's dead."
  • A teacher was giving a lesson on the circulation of the blood. Trying to make the matter clearer, she said, "Now, class, if I stood on my head, the blood, as you know, would run into it, and I would turn red in the face." "Yes," the class said. "Then why is it that while I am standing upright in the ordinary position, the blood doesn't run into my feet?" A little fellow shouted, "Cause yer feet ain't empty."
  • For weeks, a six-year old lad kept telling his first-grade teacher about the baby brother or sister that was expected at his house. One day the mother allowed the boy to feel the movements of the unborn child. The six-year old was obviously impressed, but he made no comment. Furthermore, he stopped telling his teacher about the impending event. The teacher finally sat the boy on her lap and said, "Tommy, whatever has become of that baby brother or sister you were expecting at home?" Tommy burst into tears and confessed, "I think Mommy ate it!
  • One does not realize the riches of life or love until shared with a soulmate.
  • A little girl was sitting on her grandfather's lap as he read her a bedtime story. From time to time, she would take her eyes off the book and reach up to touch his wrinkled cheek. She was alternately stroking her own cheek, then his again. Finally she spoke up, "Grandpa, did God make you?" "Yes, sweetheart," he answered, "God made me a long time ago." "Oh," she paused, "Grandpa, did God make me too?" "Yes, indeed, honey," he said, "God made you just a little while ago." Feeling their respective faces again, she observed, "God's getting better at it, isn't he?"
  • ROSE
  • The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn't already know. I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder. I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me with a smile that lit up her entire being. She said, "Hi handsome. My name is Rose. I'm eighty-seven years old. Can I give you a hug?" I laughed and enthusiastically responded, "Of course you may!" and she gave me a giant squeeze. "Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?" I asked. She jokingly replied, "I'm here to meet a rich husband, get married, have a couple of children, and then retire and travel." "No seriously," I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age. "I always dreamed of having a college education and now I'm getting one!" she told me. After class we walked to the student union building and shared a chocolate milkshake. We became instant friends. Every day for the next three months we would leave class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized listening to this "time machine" as she shared her wisdom and experience with me. Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up and she reveled in the attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She was living it up. At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. I'll never forget what she taught us. She was introduced and stepped up to the podium. As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her three by five cards on the floor. Frustrated and a little embarrassed she leaned into the microphone and simply said "I'm sorry I'm so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me! I'll never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know." As we laughed she cleared her throat and began: "We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success. "You have to laugh and find humor every day. You've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die. We have so many people walking around who are dead and don't even know it!" "There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up. If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old. If I am eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything I will turn eighty-eight. Anybody can grow older. That doesn't take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding the opportunity in change." "Have no regrets. The elderly usually don't have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets." She concluded her speech by courageously singing "The Rose." She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives. At the year's end Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those years ago. One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep. Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it's never too late to be all you can possibly be. If you read this, please send this peaceful word of advice to your friends and family, they'll really enjoy it! We send these words in loving memory of ROSE
  • Remember, GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY, GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL
  • What's Prettier Than Freckles?
  • An elderly woman and her little grandson, whose face was prinkled with bright freckles, spent the day at the zoo. Lots of children were waiting in line to get their cheeks painted by a local artist who are decorating them with tiger paws. "You've got so many freckles, there's no place to paint!" a girl in the line said to the little ella. Embarrassed, the little boy dropped his head. His grandmother knelt down next to him. "I love your freckles. When I was a little girl I always wanted freckles," she said, while tracing her finger across the child's cheek. "Freckles are beautiful." The boy looked up, "Really?" "Of course," said the grandmother. "Why just name me one thing that's prettier than freckles." The little boy thought for a moment, peered intensely into his grandma's face, and softly whispered, Wrinkles."
  • 5 Important Lessons
  • 1- First Important Lesson
  • During my second month of nursing school, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say 'hello.'" "I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy. 2 - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain One night, at 11:30 PM, an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rain storm.Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her,generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960s.The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxi cab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away. God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others." Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole. 3 - Third Importand Lesson - Always remember those who serve. In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10 year old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked "Fifty cents," replied the waitress. The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. "Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied." The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies - You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip. 4 - Fourth Important Lesson - The Obstacle in Our Path. In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock.Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand. Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition. - 5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts. Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying,"Yes, I'll do it if it will save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away?" Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her. You see, after all, understanding and attitude, are everything.
  • THE WORLD WE LIVE IN...?"
  • Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem. And we said, an expert should know what he's talking about, so we won't spank them anymore..
  • ~~~~~~~~~~~THEN~~~~~~~~~~~~
  • Someone said teachers and principals better not discipline our children when they misbehave. And the school administrators said no faculty member in this school better touch a student when they misbehave because we don't want any bad publicity, and we surely don't want to be sued. And we accepted their reasoning..
  • ~~~~~~~~~~~THEN~~~~~~~~~~~~
  • Someone said, let's let our daughters have abortions if they want, and they won't even have to tell their parents. And we said, that's a grand idea..
  • ~~~~~~~~~~~THEN~~~~~~~~~~~~
  • Some wise school board member said, since boys will be boys and they're going to do it anyway, let's give our sons all the condoms they want, so they can have all the fun they desire, and we won't have to tell their parents they got them at school. And we said, that's another great idea..
  • ~~~~~~~~~~~THEN~~~~~~~~~~~~
  • Some of our top elected officials said it doesn't matter what we do in private as long as we do our jobs. And agreeing with them, we said it doesn't matter to me what anyone, including the President, does in private as long as I have a job and the economy is good.
  • ~~~~~~~~~~~THEN~~~~~~~~~~~~
  • Someone published nude pictures of children and then stepped further still b! y making them available on the Internet. And we said they're entitled to their free speech.
  • ~~~~~~~~~~~THEN~~~~~~~~~~~~
  • The entertainment industry said, let's make TV shows that promote profanity, violence, and illicit sex. And let's record music that encourages rape, drugs, murder, suicide, and satanic themes. And we said it's just entertainment, it has no adverse effect, and nobody takes it seriously anyway, so go right ahead..
  • ~~~~~~~~~~~AND NOW~~~~~~~~~~~~
  • We're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves?
  • ~~~~~~~~~~~PROBABLY~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  • If we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with... "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."
  • ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  • In light of the recent shooting in Michigan,
  • Dear God: "Why didn't you save the little girl in Michigan?"
  • Sincerely, Concerned Student
  • AND THE REPLY........
  • Dear Concerned Student: "I am not allowed in schools."
  • Sincerely, God
  • Are you a Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime?
  • Pay attention to what you read. After you read this, you will know the reason it was sent to you. People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person.
  • When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are! They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part, or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered. And now it is time to move on.
  • When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.
  • LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant. Thank you for being a part of my life.
  • Stop here and just SMILE. This last part is to show people you love them, and to see how many people love you!!! Don't feel embarrassed. Only you will get the results. Send it to every friend that you have online, including the person who sent it to you.
  • Cross to Bear
  •  A young man dropped to his, knees in prayer. "Lord, I can't go on," he said. "I have too heavy of a cross to bear." The Lord replied, "My son, if you can't bear it's weight, just place your cross inside this room. Then, open that other door and pick out any cross you wish." The man, who was filled with relief, said, "Thank you, Lord," and he did as he was told. Upon entering the other door, he saw many crosses, some so large the tops were not visible. Then, he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall.  "I'd like that one, Lord," he whispered.   And the Lord replied, "My son, that is the cross you just brought in." When life's problems seem overwhelming, it helps to look around and see what other people are coping with. You may consider yourself far more fortunate than you imagined. *~ YOUR CROSS ~*~*~ Whatever your cross, whatever your pain, there will always be sunshine after the rain. Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall, but God's always there to help you through it all.
  • J'ai reçu des fleurs aujourd'hui...J'ai reçu des fleurs aujourd'hui....J'ai reçu des fleurs aujourd'hui. Ce n'était pas mon anniversaire ni un autre jour spécial. Nous avons eu notre première dispute hier dans la nuit et il m'a dit beaucoup de choses cruelles qui m'ont vraiment blessées. Je sais qu'il est désolé et qu'il n'a pas voulu dire les choses qu'il a dites parce qu'il m'a envoyé des fleurs aujourd'hui. J'ai reçu des fleurs aujourd'hui. Ce n'était pas notre anniversaire ni un autre jour spécial. Hier, dans la nuit, il m'a poussé contre un mur et a commencé à m'étrangler. Ça ressemblait à un cauchemar, je ne pouvais croire que c'était réel. Je me suis réveillée ce matin le corps douloureux et meurtri. Je sais qu'il doit être désolé parce qu'il m'a envoyé des fleurs aujourd'hui. J'ai reçu des fleurs aujourd'hui et ce n'était pas la fête des mères ni un autre jour spécial. Hier, dans la nuit, il m'a de nouveau battu, c'était beaucoup plus violent que les autres fois. Si je le quitte, que deviendrais-je? Comment prendre soin de mes enfants? Et les problèmes financiers? J'ai peur de lui mais je suis effrayée de partir. Mais je sais qu'il doit être désolé parce qu'il m'a envoyé des fleurs aujourd'hui. J'ai reçu des fleurs aujourd'hui. Aujourd'hui c'était un jour très spécial, c'était le jour de mes funérailles. Hier dans la nuit, il m'a finalement tué. Il m'a battu à mort. Si seulement j'avais trouvé assez de courage pour le quitter, je n'aurais pas reçu de fleurs aujourd'hui...........
  • Un jour, un vieux professeur de l'Ecole nationale d'administration publique (ENAP) fut engagé pour donner une formation sur la planification efficace de son temps à un groupe d'une quinzaine de dirigeants de grosses compagnies nord-américaines. Ce cours constituait l'un des 5 ateliers de leur journée de formation. Le vieux prof n'avait donc qu'une heure pour passer sa matière. Debout, devant ce groupe d'élite (qui était prêt à noter tout ce que l'expert allait enseigner), le vieux prof les regarda un par un, lentement, puis leur dit: "nous allons réaliser une experience". De dessous la table qui les séparait de ses élèves, le vieux prof sortit un immense pot Mason d'un gallon (pot de verre de plus de 4 litres) qu'il posa directement en face de lui. Ensuite, il sortit environ une douzaine de cailloux à peu près gros comme des balles de tennis et les plaça délicatement, un par un, dans le gros pot. Lorsque le pot fut rempli jusqu'au bord et qu'il fut impossible d'y ajouter un cai llou de plus, il leva lentement les yeux vers ses élèves leur demanda: "est-ce que ce pot est plein ?" Tous répondirent :"oui". Il attendit quelques secondes et ajouta : "vraiment?" Alors, il se pencha de nouveau et sortit de sous la table un récipient rempli de gravier. Avec minutie, il versa ce gravier sur les gros cailloux puis brassa légèrement le pot. Les morceaux de graviers s'infiltrèrent entre les cailloux... jusqu'au fond du pot. Le vieux prof leva à nouveau les yeux vers son auditoire et demanda: est-ce que ce pot est plein?". Cette fois, ses brillants élèves commençaient à comprendre son manège. L'un d'eux répondit :"probablement pas !" "Bien!"répondit le vieux prof. Il se pencha de nouveau et cette fois, sortit de sous la table une chaudière de sable. Avec attention, il versa le sable dans le pot. Le sable alla remplir les espaces entre les gros gros cailloux et le gravier. Encore une fois, il demanda : "Est-ce que ce pot est plein ?". Cette fois, sans hésiter et en coeur, les brillants élèves répondirent : "non!". "Bien!" répondit le vieux prof. Et comme s'y attendaient ses prestigieux élèves, il prit le pichet d'eau qui était sur la table et remplit le pot jusqu'à ras bord. Le vieux prof leva alors les yeux vers son groupe et demanda : "quelle grande vérité nous démontre cette expérience?" Pas fou, le plus audacieux des élèves, songea au sujet de ce cours, répondit "cela démontre que même lorsqu'on croit que notre agenda est complètement rempli, si on le veut raiment,on peut y ajouter plus de rendez-vous,plus de choses à faire". - Non répondit le vieux prof. "Ce n'est pas cela". - La grande vérité que nous démontre cette expérience est la suivante: -"Si on ne met pas les gros cailloux en premier dans le pot, on ne pourra jamais les faire entre tous, ensuite". Il y eut un profond silence, chacun prenant conscience de l'évidence de ces propos. Le vieux prof leur dit alors: "Quels sont les gros cailloux dans votre vie?" -votre santé -votre famille -vos ami(e)s -réaliser vos rêves -faire ce que vous aimez - apprendre -... -et moi !! "Ce qui faut retenir, c'est l'importance de mettre ses GROS CAILLOUX en premier dans sa vie, sinon on risque de ne pas réussir...sa vie. Si on donne priorité aux pecadilles (le gravier, le sable), on remplira sa vie de pecadilles et on aura plus suffisamment de temps précieux à consacrer aux éléments importants de sa vie". Alors n'oubliez pas de vous poser à vous-même la question : "quels sont les GROS CAILLOUX DANS MA VIE? Ensuite, mettez-les en premier. D'un geste amical de la main, le vieux professeur salua son auditoire et lentement quitta la salle.
  • Plusieurs personnes entrent et sortent de nos vies. Seuls les vrais amis laissent une empreinte sur nos coeurs. Contrôle-toi avec ta tête, supporte les autres avec ton coeur. Si quelqu'un te trahit une fois c'est sa faute. S'il te trahit deux fois, c'est ta faute. Les grands esprit discutent d'idées, les esprits moyens discutent des évènements, les petits esprits parlent des autres. Qui perd de l'argent, perd beaucoup. Qui perd un ami, perd encore plus. Qui perd la foi, perd tout. La beauté des jeunes, c'est une erreur de la nature. La beauté des personnes agées, c'est une oeuvre d'art. Apprends des erreurs des autres; tu n'as pas le temps de faire toutes les erreurs! La vie n'est pas assez longue... Hier, c'est de l'histoire. Demain, c'est un mystère. Aujourd'hui, c'est un cadeau!
  • The Gates
  • A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead. He remembered dying, and that the dog had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them. After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight. When he was standing before it, he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother of pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side. When he was close enough, he called out, "Excuse me, where are we?" "This is Heaven, sir," the man answered. "Wow! Would you happen to have some water?" the man asked. "Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up." The man gestured, and the gate began to open. "Can my friend," gesturing toward his dog, "come in, too?" the traveler asked. "I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets." The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going. After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road which led through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence. As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book. "Excuse me!" he called to the reader. "Do you have any water?" "Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there". The man pointed to a place that ?couldn't be seen from outside the gate. "Come on in." "How about my friend here?" the traveler gestured to the dog. "There should be a bowl by the pump." They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it. The traveler filled the bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog. When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree waiting for them. "What do you call this place?" the traveler asked. "This is Heaven," was the answer. "Well, that's confusing," the traveler said. "The man down the road said that was Heaven, too." "Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's Hell." "Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?" "No. I can see how you might think so, but we're just happy that they screen out the folks who'll leave their best friends behind."
  • MEMO FROM GOD
  • To: YOU Date: TODAY Subject: YOURSELF Reference: LIFE  
  • I am God. Today I will be handling all of your problems. Please remember that I do not need your help. If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it. Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. It will be addressed in My time, not yours. Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold on to it. If you find yourself stuck in traffic; Don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege. Should you have a bad day at work; Think of the man who has been out of work for years. Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; Think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return. Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; Think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children. Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; Think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk. Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; Think of the cancer patient in chimo who wishes she had hair to examine. Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity. Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; Remember, things could be worse. You could be them!!!! "You've got to dance like nobody's watching, Love like it's never going to hurt, Sing like nobody's listening, and Live like it's heaven on earth." Unknown
  • http://www.reata.org/exit.html
  •  TAKE HOLD OF EVERY MOMENT
  •  A friend of mine opened his wife's underwear drawer and picked up a silk paper wrapped package: "This, - he said - isn't any ordinary package." He unwrapped the box and starred at both the silk paper and the box. "She got this the first time we went to New York, 8 or 9 years ago. She has never put it on. Was saving it for a special ocasion. Well, I guess this is it. He got near the bed and placed the gift box next to the other clothings he was taking to the funeral house, his wife had just died. He turned to me and said: "Never save something for a special ocasion. Every day in your life is a special ocasion". I still think those words changed my life. Now i read more and clean less. I sit on the porch without worrying about anything. I spend more time with my family, and less at work. I understood that life should be a source of experiences to be lived up, not survived through. I no longer keep anything. I use crystal glasses every day. I'll wear new clothes to go to the supermarket, if i feel like it. I Don't save my special perfume for special ocasions, I use it whenever i want to. The words "Someday..." and "One Day..." are fading away from my dictionary. If it's worth seeing, listening or doing, I want to see, listen or do it now. I don't know what my friend's wife would have done if she knew she wouldn't be there the next morning, this nobody can tell. I think she might have called her relatives and closest friends. She might call old friends to make peace over past quorels. I'd like to think she would go out for chinese, her favourite food. It's these small things that i would regret not doing, if i knew my time had come. I would regret it, because i would no longer see the friends i would meet, letters... letters that i wanted to write "One of this days". I would regret and feel sad, because i didn't say to my brothers and sons, not times enough at least, how much i love them. Now, I try not to delay, postpone or keep anything that could bring laughter and joy into our lives. And, on each morning, i say to myself that this could be a special day. Each day, each hour, each minute, is special.
  • If I knew it would be the last time that I'd see you fall asleep, I would tuck you in more tightly and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.
  • If I knew it would be the last time that I see you walk out the door, I would give you a hug and kiss and call you back for one more.
  • If I knew it would be the last time I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise, I would video tape each action and word, so I could play them back day after day.
  • If I knew it would be the last time, I could spare an extra minute or two to stop and say I love you, instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.
  • If I knew it would be the last time I would be there to share your day, well I'm sure you'll have so many more, so I can let just this one slip away.
  • For surely there's always tomorrow to make up for an oversight, and we always get a second chance to make everything right.
  • There will always be another day to say our I love you's, And certainly there's another chance to say our "Anything I can do's?"
  • But just in case I might be wrong, and today is all I get, I'd like to say how much I love you and I hope we never for Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike, And today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved one tight..
  • So if you're waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today? For if tomorrow never comes, That you didn't take that extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss and you were too busy to grant someone, So hold your loved ones close today, whisper in their ear, Tell them how much you love them and that you'll always hold them dear, Take time to say "I'm sorry, please forgive me," "thank you" or "it's okay". And if tomorrow never comes, you'll have no regrets about today.

Page # 6 Philosophy

N'arrêtez jamais...

N'arrêtez jamais de montrer vos sentiments
quand vous êtes heureux.
Plusieurs personnes seront ravies de votre bonheur.
N'arrêtez jamais d'essayer des nouvelles choses.
Vous pourriez être étonnés des résultats !
Ne prenez jamais le poids du monde entier sur vos épaules.
Il ne faut jamais se sentir menacé par l'avenir.
Il faut vivre un jour à la fois !
Ne vous sentez jamais coupable pour le passé.
Ce qui est fait est fait.
Il suffit d'apprendre de vos erreurs et vous dire que
n'importe qui aurait pu les faire à votre place.

Ne croyez jamais que vous êtes seuls.
Il y a toujours quelqu'un qui est là... et qui attend pour vous aider.

N'oubliez jamais que vous pouvez réaliser
de belles choses que vous ne pouvez même pas imaginer....
ce n'est pas aussi difficile que vous croyez.

N'arrêtez jamais d'aimer...
N'arrêtez jamais de croire...
N'arrêtez jamais de rêver.