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Wednesday, July 21, 2010

How Great Love Is

Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived: Happiness, Sadness, and all of the others including Love.

One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all repaired their boats and left. Love was the only one who stayed. Love wanted to persevere until the last possible moment. When the island was almost sinking, Love decided to ask for help.

Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said, "Richness, can you take me with you?" Richness answered, "No I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place for you here."

Love decided to ask Vanity, who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel, "Vanity, please help me!" "I can't help you, Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat," Vanity answered.

Sadness was close by so Love asked for help, "Sadness let me go with you." "Oh...Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!" Happiness passed by Love too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her!

Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come Love, I will take you." It was an elder. Love felt so blessed and overjoyed that he even forgot to ask the elder her name.

When they arrived at dry land, the elder went her own way. Love realizing how much he owed the elder, asked Knowledge, another elder, "Who helped me?"

"It was Time", Knowledge answered.

"Time?" asked Love. "But why did Time help me?"

Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and answered, "Because only Time is capable of understanding how great Love is."
--- Author Unknown
--- Submitted by Amy Yates --- Texas
--- Submitted by Tammy ---Texas


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Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Life Lessons I've Learned

* I've learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it.
- Age 39


* I've learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me clean it up.
- Age 13


* I've learned that children and grandparents are natural allies.
- Age 46


* I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
- Age 82


* I've learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice.
- Age 24


* I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
- Age 65


* I've learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone.
- Age 50


* I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die.
- Age 53


* I've learned that you can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
- Age 7


* I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt, the greater his need is to cast blame on others.
- Age 46


* I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
- Age 62


* I've learned that it pays to believe in miracles. And to tell the truth, I've seen several.
- Age 73


* I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.
- Age 64


* I've learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life's great pleasures.
- Age 29


* I've learned that wherever I go, the worlds worst drivers have followed me there.
- Age 29


* I've learned that singing "Amazing Grace" can lift my spirits for hours.
- Age 49


* I've learned that you can make someone's day by simply sending them a little card.
- Age 44


* I've learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up.
- Age 13


* I've learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back.
- Age 9


* I've learned that although it's hard to admit it, I'm secretly glad my parents are strict with me.
- Age 15


* I've learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
- Age 52


* I've learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision.
- Age 66


* I've learned that if you want to do something positive for your children, try to improve your marriage.
- Age 61


* I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.
- Age 58


* I've learned that everyone can use a prayer.
- Age 72


* I've learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing "Silent Night".
- Age 7


* I've learned that there are people who love you dearly but just don't know how to show it.
- Age 41


* I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch, holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
- Age 85


* I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
- Age 92




--- Author Unknown --- Submitted by Fran Sawyer --- Florida

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Time Is An Equal Opportunity Employer

Time is an equal opportunity employer. Each human being has exactly the same number of hours and minutes every day.

Rich people can't buy more time. Scientists can't invent new minutes. And you can't save time to spend on another day.

Even so, time is amazingly fair and forgiving. No matter how much time you've wasted in the past, you still have an entire tomorrow.

Success depends upon using it wisely - - by planning and setting priorities. Time is worth more than money, and by killing time, we are killing our own chances of success.
--- Author Unknown --- Submitted by Zully Bones Read More..

Can Your Actions Affect Others?

Mark was walking home from school one day when he noticed the boy ahead of him had tripped and dropped all of the books he was carrying, along with two sweaters, a baseball bat, a glove and a small tape recorder.

Mark knelt down and helped the boy pick up the scattered articles. Since they were going the same way, he helped to carry part of the burden.

As they walked, Mark discovered the boy's name was Bill, that he loved video games, baseball and history, and that he was having lots of trouble with his other subjects, and that he had just broken up with his girlfriend.

They arrived at Bill's home first and Mark was invited in for a Coke and to watch some television. The afternoon passed pleasantly with a few laughs and some shared small talk, then Mark went home.

They continued to see each other around school, had lunch together once or twice, then both graduated from junior high school. They ended up in the same high school where they had brief contacts over the years.

Finally the long-awaited senior year came and three weeks before graduation, Bill asked Mark if they could talk.

Bill reminded him of the day years ago when they had first met. "Did you ever wonder why I was carrying so many things home that day?" asked Bill.

"You see, I cleaned out my locker because I didn't want to leave a mess for anyone else. I had stored away some of my mother's sleeping pills and I was going home to commit suicide. But after we spent some time together talking and laughing, I realized that if I had killed myself, I would have missed that time and so many others that might follow. So you see, Mark, when you picked up those books that day, you did a lot more, you saved my life."

--- Author Unknown --- Submitted by Jeff Pappas --- Texas



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Our Evolution - A Message of Hope

Our Evolution - A Message of Hope

Along our journey there will be many forks in the road and choices to be made. Ever evolving, a sense of calling grows within... ever beckoning The Way. It never insists, yet always remains; a loving whisper calling from that place of deepest being.

Dear Friends,

Last Wednesday, I smiled and said hello to another, and they pretended not to see or hear me.

Then, on Thursday, I overheard a passionate plea from a corporate boardroom about the need for teamwork and working together... but, that person was scoffed at as "dreaming in pink".

... On Friday, I watched a news story saying that we must cut back on world relief efforts, as times were tough at home.

Then, on Saturday I saw that same person from Wednesday so touched by the gesture, that they smiled and greeted their neighbor for the first time!

And then! On, Sunday morning an e-mail was sent from the CEO to that brave businesswoman saying "yes, we do need to create more harmony" and "please lead our team".

And finally, on Sunday evening, I watched a courageous news reporter make an emotional appeal declaring: "It was time that we all pulled together and help our sister countries in need!"

So it is with a joyful heart, I can report evidence supporting the evolution of humankind; and I am so very hopeful...

--- Written in 2010 by E.G. Drennan --- Canada


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God Is Always With You

God's Love Surrounds You

When you are down and out
Lost, and filled with despair
Know that God's love surrounds you
You're safe in His special care

When people taunt and abuse you
And leave you feeling low
Look to your Creator and Saviour
Let His Love surround you in its Glow

When you need to ask for forgiveness
And are hurting deep inside
Approach Him with an open heart
And let Him touch your life

When your situation seems hopeless
All you need is a friend and guide
Look to Him and seek His help
Hand held, he'll walk by your side

Just welcome Him into your heart
Make Him the center of everything
You will find an amazing transformation
As His love envelopes your being


--- Copyrght © 2010 Sharon Pires
This poem is based on some of my experiences when God's love has helped me through difficult and trying times.


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Sunday, July 18, 2010

Mothers - One of the Greatest Gifts of God

A Mother is one of the greatest gifts of God. There are many precious things that God has bestowed on us however a Mother is one of the unique gifts of God. She is the embodiment of sacrifice and love.

When a child is born, a Mother is born…and from that moment onwards, she sacrifices everything for her child.

Mama, as we all call her, is indeed an adorable person. From the time immemorial, the selfless love of a Mother is known all over the world and is a universal truth.


Have we ever thought about this unique gift of God?

In this maddening race for success and position, we are losing our values and are worried only about our goals and ourselves. In this journey of life, in some way or the other, are we not losing our values?

Yes we are, because nowadays some of us are hardly respecting this unique and pure relationship. However, it is very essential to follow these values in our lives.

Nowadays we hear many instances about mothers abandoning their children for the sake of money or for their personal benefits and there are some children who leave their parents in old age homes. These have become common in our day-to-day lives.

Let us not be one among them. Let us learn to revere our parents and of course our mother, who has given us this beautiful life by undergoing pains.

"Hundreds of dewdrops to greet the dawn
Hundreds of bees in the purple clover
Hundreds of butterflies on the lawn
But only one mother, the wide world over"

--- Written in 2008 by Deepthi Ayyappan --- India





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Thursday, July 15, 2010

Tips To Improve Your Relationships

Three-Word Phrases That Make Relationships Better

Three-Word Phrases That Make Relationships Better

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Three-Word Phrases can be tools to help develop every relationship. There are many things that you can do to strengthen your relationships. Often the most effective thing you can do involves saying just three words.

When spoken sincerely, these statements often have the power to develop new friendships, deepen old ones and even bring healing to relationships that have soured.

The following three-word phrases can be tools to help develop every relationship.

Let me help:
Good friends see a need and then try to fill it. When they see a hurt they do what they can to heal it. Without being asked, they jump in and help out.

I understand you:
People become closer and enjoy each other more when the other person accepts and understands them. Letting your spouse know - in so many little ways - that you understand them, is one of the most powerful tools for healing your relationship. And this can apply to any relationship.

I respect you:
Respect is another way of showing love. Respect demonstrates that another person is a true equal. If you talk to your children as if they were adults you will strengthen the bonds and become closer friends. This applies to all interpersonal relationships.

I miss you:
Perhaps more marriages could be saved and strengthened if couples simply and sincerely said to each other "I miss you." This powerful affirmation tells partners they are wanted, needed, desired and loved. Consider how important you would feel, if you received an unexpected phone call from your spouse in the middle of your workday, just to say "I miss you."

Maybe you're right:
This phrase is very effective in diffusing an argument. The implication when you say "maybe you're right" is the humility of admitting, "maybe I'm wrong". Let's face it. When you have an argument with someone, all you normally do is solidify the other person's point of view. They, or you, will not likely change their position and you run the risk of seriously damaging the relationship between you. Saying "maybe you're right" can open the door to explore the subject more. You may then have the opportunity to express your view in a way that is understandable to the other person.

Please forgive me:
Many broken relationships could be restored and healed if people would admit their mistakes and ask for forgiveness. All of us are vulnerable to faults, foibles and failures. A man should never be ashamed to own up that he has been in the wrong, which is saying, in other words, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday.

I thank you:
Gratitude is an exquisite form of courtesy. People who enjoy the companionship of good, close friends are those who don't take daily courtesies for granted. They are quick to thank their friends for their many expressions of kindness. On the other hand, people whose circle of friends is severely constricted often do not have the attitude of gratitude.

Count on me:

A friend is one who walks in when others walk out. Loyalty is an essential ingredient for true friendship. It is the emotional glue that bonds people. Those that are rich in their relationships tend to be steady and true friends. When troubles come, a good friend is there - indicating "you can count on me."

I'll be there:
If you have ever had to call a friend in the middle of the night, to take a sick child to hospital, or when your car has broken down some miles from home, you will know how good it feels to hear the phrase "I'll be there." Being there for another person is the greatest gift we can give. When we are truly present for other people, important things happen to them and us. We are renewed in love and friendship. We are restored emotionally and spiritually. Being there is at the very core of civility.

Go for it:
We are all unique individuals. Don't try to get your friends to conform to your ideals. Support them in pursuing their interests, no matter how far out they seem to you. God has given everyone dreams, dreams that are unique to that person only. Support and encourage your friends to follow their dreams. Tell them to "go for it."

I love you:
Perhaps the most important three words that you can say. Telling someone that you truly love them satisfies a person's deepest emotional needs - the need to belong, to feel appreciated and to be wanted. Your spouse, your children, your friends and you, all need to hear those three little words: "I love you." Love is a choice. You can love even when the feeling is gone.

--- Author Unknown --- Submitted by Arvinder Singh Arora --- Surat










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Discovering Your Passion

Do You Know What You Are Passionate About?

There have been many who have asked the question, "How do I determine my best career path?" Here, I will describe how I have answered that question in the past, and how I continue to answer that very important question today.

Some signs when I knew that I was on the right path:

1. The day "flew by" because I was completely engrossed in the task.

2. I was happy and challenged while doing it.

3. At the end of the day, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction about what I had accomplished.


Our life's path is often discovered when we quiet our logical / analytical minds and really listen to what our "Inner Direction" is trying to tell us. It is the same feeling you get when you find a close friend or a special relationship. "It just feels right!"

Now, sometimes you need to "play the detective" to help you discover what your true calling is:

I suggest that you take note each time the above signals occur in your current employment or outside work activities and so, they will help point you towards what type of field most interests and satisfies you.

Often we graduate with a particular degree only to discover (if we really listen to ourselves) that we need to make a "course correction" to better align with our highest career path.

Yes, talking to others about different types of careers is helpful... but, it is really only by experiencing the function that we truly understand it. On that line, while with your current and future employers, I would encourage you to volunteer for as many "different" types of tasks as possible, and in so doing bring greater exposure to a wider range of activities.

This does not need to be limited to work only, I would also recommend that you do volunteer work in areas that appeal to you to learn more... also reading trade articles in as many different industries as possible to gain exposure to "what is out there".

By being alert to all of these messages you will then stand a very good chance to Discover your Passion and so create your optimum career path and all the happiness and satisfaction that it brings!

--- Copyright © 2009 Edward G. Drennan





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Wednesday, July 14, 2010

24 Thoughts To Remember As You Go Through Life

Principles Of Life

* Winning isn't everything but wanting to win is.

* You would achieve more, if you don't mind who gets the credit.

* When everything else is lost, the future still remains.

* Don't fight too much or the enemy will know your art of war.

* The only job you start at the top is when you dig a grave.


* If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for everything.

* If you do little things well, you'll do big ones better.

* Only thing that comes to you without effort is old age.

* You won't get a second chance to make a first impression.

* Only those who do nothing do not make mistakes.

* Never take a problem to your boss unless you have a solution.

* If you are not failing, you're not taking enough risks.

* Don't try to get rid of your bad temper by losing it.

* If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.

* Those who don't make mistakes usually don't make anything.

* There are two kinds of failures: Those who think and never do, and those who do and never think.

* Pick battles big enough to matter, small enough to win.

* All progress has resulted from unpopular decisions.

* Change your thoughts and you change your world.

* Understanding proves intelligence, not the speed of the learning.

* There are two kinds of fools in this world.: Those who give advice and those who don't take it.

* The best way to kill an idea is to take it to a meeting.

* Management is doing things right. Leadership is doing the right things.

* Friendship founded on business is always better than business founded on friendship.

--- Compiled by Tony Peeris --- India
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Life's Loving Gifts

... An inner journey; accepting and calm

A quieted mind, a healing balm

Centered awareness; treasures shown

Timeless wisdom, we've always known

Smiles of joy, thanksgiving to above

Trusting in our true source of love ...

"Life has a wonderful way of guiding us along the highest path; one which serves our greatest good!"

I understand that some may have difficulty with such a claim, and yet, it has always proven true throughout my life's experiences. Yes, sometimes we may feel that all is in a state of disorder and that everything is stacked up against our efforts ... indeed, along my personal journey, I can divide my life into those events that have gone my way and those that seemed counter to my goals. So, where were the "loving gifts" in all of those challenges?

Dear friends,

There may be times when we feel anxious, all alone and lacking any true wisdom. Yet, when we choose to really look for these "gifts" we will then begin to realize what our higher selves are lovingly calling to our attention. It is helpful to raise our awareness above what may seem to be the constant "mental noise" generated by our daily challenges.

Yes, this may prove difficult, as many of us have been conditioned since birth to use only a small number of the many potential tools at our command. Yet, when we calmly enter into our place of inner wisdom to search out these gifts they will always be given, even during our darkest hours ... just the faith in that alone will help to bring them into our awareness ... in what seems like an instant!

Life's Gifts often come in many different disguises ... sometimes they appear as barriers, blocking our goals or even bringing us pain; but yet, they are actually doorways opening into our greatest dreams ... a place to realize true peace and happiness.

So, try this experiment the next time you feel burdened by what seems like a great weight upon your shoulders ... first, bring acceptance upon the situation ... as it is in your present reality, and then, search out its hidden gems! Soon, you will begin to discover its hidden treasures, which will then prove helpful along your life's journey!

Know that we are all connected to a loving source that always wants to help us, as life was never meant to be a painful struggle. These precious gifts will then help us to get back onto the "right path" towards peace, health and happiness! We need have only a small measure of trust that they exist and are being freely given ... and so, they will soon be brought into our current reality.

This realization will then form an integral part towards our awakening, serving on the journey to reunite in that place where we all originated!

--- Copyright © 2009 Edward G. Drennan
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Tuesday, July 13, 2010

TRUE LIFE STORY

My heart bleeds for the things I cannot change
Watching people suffer in a world that's rich is strange

Last night I saw a little girl sleeping by the road
Compassion and pity hit me like a load

She was on her school uniform "white and blue"
I just stared at her not knowing what to do

The night was young but very cold
She tucked her arms in her sweater fold

I walked back and forth then I approached her
The brother walked up to me "what can I do for you sir?"

I'm a poet and I write for newspapers
I saw your sis and I got scared of rapists or kidnappers

Don't worry sir; we are waiting on our mum
We'll be gone by the time she comes

We live in the thatched house by the right
Very soon we'll call it A DAY and goodnight

As I walked on,
Listening to the savage garden song "Two Beds and A Coffee Machine"
I learnt to appreciate the little things I have, even if it's a peg or a pin

And so I soliloquized the song as I strolled home
Another ditch in the road - KEEP MOVING
Another stop sign - KEEP MOVING ON

And the years would go by so fast
And you'd wonder how you ever made it through
Finally, what had I learnt?

That life is a challenge - FACE IT
Life is a journey - TRAVEL IT
Life is a song - SING IT
LIFE IS A STORY - TELL IT

People, while we complain on the absence of wine, some people wine and dine on the streets. So be ever grateful for where you are, because life could have been worse.

--- Copyright © 2010 Michael Ogah
I wrote this because I had the experience.
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Monday, July 12, 2010

LIFE AND THE ROLLER COASTER

I have never figured out why people will pay thirty-six dollars to get into an amusement park so that they can rides that scare them silly and raise their stress level to the max. Yet, the amusement parks (I find the name a little strange) would go out of business if it didn't have rides that sent your stress level off the chart. We pay, and pay big, to be beat to death in a little cart dropping off a hill and flipping us upside down two or three times stopping just in time for most people to catch their stomach.

On the other hand, let some outside stress come into life, something we didn't pay for, and suddenly the world is coming to an end. Since everyone says we can't have stress, or at least not the kind we don't pay for, then we must have a fix.

"Doctor just give me a vacation, some place warm please." "Can't do that? Well -- maybe a pill? A drink?"

How come we can be so brave and tough on the roller coaster and be so whimsy and whinny when the boss wants the job done by five? Actually, I've done a done a little thinking on this matter (Some of you stop laughing right now!). I think I have come up with four simple reasons why "unpaid for" stress get us down so quickly.

First, life's stress events get us down so easily because we are not expecting them. On the roller coaster you knew when you got to the top of the hill that stress was shortly coming. No one can predict exactly when stressful event in life come but we do know they will. A life that is "prayed up" and in touch with God is prepared when those stress related moments come. God's safety straps of love help you hold on and you of his care. The closer you are to Him the easier it is to hold on.

Next, we doubt or forget the security and safety of the Lord. When some youth from my church talks me into riding one of those silly rides, I do so only because I believe that they are somewhat safe. You would never get anyone, with any sense, to ride one of those things it they thought they might really die. When life sends us through the loop, it is assuring to know God is with you all the way. We get stressed out when we forget that we can depend on the security and protection of the Lord.

Another reason the amusement ride is fun and normal everyday stress events drain us is because we lose sight of the end. No matter how high the hill, no matter how fast the ride, no matter how many loops, the roller coaster ride has the glorious end when you can stop and get out. The knowledge that there is an end has helped me through many a tough ride in life. Focus of the simple truth that what every event has an end.

Lastly, but perhaps the single greatest reason we get stressed in everyday life but survive and enjoy the stress of riding "The Wild Thing," is our mindset. We go to an amusement park with the full intention of riding the rides for the thrill of it. We make it fun (Okay some of us do). When we view life with the mindset that this is going to be fun, suddenly stressful events aren't any more that a roller coaster ride.

Hang on tight and enjoy the ride!
--- Author Unknown --- Sent in by Joyce C. --- Singapore
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LIFE

December 4, 2000

This is an encouraging passage that I wrote about life a few months ago. It's directly to teens mostly, like myself. It's not something to read for something really big, but it makes you think a little, and helps people realize things that they may have forgotten at times.


I believe that everything in life is a lesson. There is an opportunity to learn from everything. And when you're faced with a hard situation, think about what you can learn from it and how you can benefit from it. Nothing should be totally bad, that's not the way is supposed to be. No one's life is perfect and no one turns out exactly the way they wanted or expected, but life shouldn't be a burden or something that you dread.

You're only young once, so you should enjoy it, and you shouldn't be in such a hurry to grow up. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger and everything that you do and all of the decisions that you make, the big ones and the small ones, are all important.

There is such a thing as destiny and fate, but it only takes you so far. You have to help yourself along the way. In life, the end product is certainly important, but it's how you got there that matters the most. No one wants to look back on their life and regret half of the things that they did.

You're going to have to choose between a lot of things in your life. Sometimes it will be an easy choice, sometimes it will be hard. But remember that you're not alone and everyone goes through what you're going through. You'll laugh and you'll cry; you'll get your heart broken at least once, and you'll probably break someone else's heart at least once.

Good things will happen to you and bad things will happen to you, but no matter what, don't let anything or anyone control or drastically change your life. Because it's your life, you're the one who's going to have to live it. And, sometimes, you really can't listen to what anybody else says, you just have to listen inside and follow your heart.

--- Copyright © 2000 Kristen Killgore
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HOW POOR WE ARE

One day a father, of a very wealthy family, took his son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose of showing his son how poor people can be. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.

On their return from the trip, the father asked his son,"How was the trip?"

"It was great Dad!"

"Did you see how poor people can be?" the father asked.

"Oh yeah," said the son.

"So what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.

The son answered,

" I saw we have one dog and they have four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.

We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them."

With this the boy's father was speechless.

Then his son added,

"Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."
--- Author Unknown --- Sent in by Rachel D., Age 16 --- California
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GOD SAID

If you never felt pain,
Then how would you know that I'm a Healer?
If you never went through difficulties,
How would you know that I'm a Deliverer?
If you never had a trial,
How could you call yourself an overcomer?
If you never felt sadness,
How would you know that I'm a Comforter?
If you never made a mistake,
How would you know that I'm forgiving?
If you knew all,

How would you know that I will answer your questions?
If you never were in trouble,
How would you know that I will come to your rescue?
If you never were broken,
Then how would know that I can make you whole?
If you never had a problem,
How would you know that I can solve them?
If you never had any suffering,
Then how would you know what Jesus went through?
If you never went through the fire,
Then how would you become pure?
If I gave you all things,
How would you appreciate them?
If I never corrected you,
How would you know that I love you?
If you had all power,
Then how would you learn to depend on me?
If your life was perfect,
Then what would you need Me for?

THANK YOU GOD!
--- Author Unknown --- Submitted by Esther Chai --- Malaysia
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THE PARADOX OF OUR TIME IN HISTORY

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 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 cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul;
We've split the atom, but not our prejudice.
We have higher incomes, but lower morals;
We've become long on quantity, but short on quality.

These are the times of 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.
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 just hit delete.
--- Copyright © 1998 Jeff Dickson
--- Submitted by Jenny Lange, Illinois
--- Submitted by Stephanie L., Age 16 --- Minnesota
--- Author's name supplied by Jean LaClair 12/18/01
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A LETTER FROM THE HEART

December 13, 1999

My father was diagnosed with cancer almost 2 years ago and through the really, really hard times, I tried to keep my sanity by writing. Your site on grief made me cry, but also made me realize that I am definitely not alone as I'm dealing with my father's cancer. I'd like to submit a letter that I wrote late one night when my father was going in for his 4th brain surgery.

Dear Dad,

I want to say thank you for being such a wonderful father. Though you've brought us many a struggle with your various ailments over the years, you've taught me more about life than any other experience could have. It's been tough. You've thrown more at me than I ever thought my 21 years could handle. You've taught me that nightmares can come true.

Finding out that you have terminal stage IV cancer, out of nowhere, on Christmas Day; what does one even do with that as part of reality? But it was from that pit of desperation and fear that hope somehow sprang forth. My life did not end at that moment and neither did yours.

Dad, you've taught me what heroes are made of: how to go in and do what you have to do, even when it's hard and scary and you know it's going to be painful. As I sat at your feet through many chemo sessions, I saw an incredible person. I learned how precious life is. It was worth the toxic chemicals that were pumped into your vein. It was worth the horrible side effects including loss of hair, strength, and abscessing finger nails.

As I am constantly immersing myself in the world of medicine as a pharmacy major, you've taught me to always remember the personal aspect of what I will soon be calling my career; the part that seems to get lost amid the exams, labs, and lectures. This is what pharmacy is about, people like you, Dad, who are alive today because of what I read in my textbooks.

You've taught me that world isn't about money. What good is a 401K that gives you 10 million at age 60 if you die at 59? Life is too precious, too unpredictable, to be put on hold for 40 years.

You've taught me never to give up...even when it seems that all odds are against you and medical professionals only give you a few months to live. Don't believe in anyone who doesn't believe in you. As long as their is a tiny chance, you can be the exception because you are like no one else. But, you've also taught me not to fear death. Fight the good fight, but know that you can never beat God.

Dad, you've taught me how amazing and resistant the human body can be. Surgeons have opened you up and touched your lungs, heart, and brain...and they are still working enough to sustain life. God has done an incredible job in creating us, why mistreat this wonderful gift? No one is made perfect though. True beauty is shown on the inside.

As I look at you now, Dad, I don't see the pale, bald, slow man before me, I see my father; the person who taught me how to ride a two wheeler, and how to drive a standard shift car. The person who drove me to swim meets and sat there for hour upon boring hour in the hot, humid pool bleachers, never complaining. The person who built my loft freshman year at college in the hundred degree heat. The person who went to work everyday, even though he felt physically worse than I could ever imagine, to his daughter a wonderful chance at a promising future. That's who I see--and that whom I see is the most beautiful person I can imagine.

Though it's been hard getting through the days after learning of your diagnosis, I'm thankful that from this disease I have grown to appreciate every day of my life at such a young age.

Love,
Christine

--- Christine M. Walko --- Pennsylvania
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CHOICES

Portia Nelson reports that she has written her autobiography in just five short chapters. It goes like this:

CHAPTER ONE
I walk down the street.
There's a hole in the sidewalk.
It is a very deep hole.
I fall in... I am helpless.
It isn't my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.

CHAPTER TWO
I walk down the same street.
There's a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in... again.
I can't believe I'm in the same place, but it isn't my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.

CHAPTER THREE
I walk down the same street.
There's a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in... it's a habit, but my eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.

CHAPTER FOUR
I walk down the same street.
There's a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

CHAPTER FIVE
I walk down another street.
What a marvelous progression from... a helpless victim of life... to a victim of self... to taking responsibility... to self-discipline... to making better choices!
--- Author Unknown --- Sent in by Andrew Ho --- Malaysia
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What If?

One Of Life's Biggest Questions:

What If?

What if, GOD couldn't take the time to bless us today because
we couldn't take the time to thank Him yesterday?

What if, GOD decided to stop leading us tomorrow because
we didn't follow Him today?

What if, we never saw another flower bloom because
we grumbled when GOD sent the rain.

What if, GOD didn't walk with us today because
we failed to recognize it as His day?

What if, GOD took away the Bible tomorrow because
we would not read it today?

What if, GOD took away His message because
we failed to listen to the messenger?

What if, GOD didn't send His only begotten Son because
He wanted us to be prepared to pay the price for sin.

What if, the door of the church was closed because
we did not open the door of our heart?

What if, GOD stopped loving and caring for us because
we failed to love and care for others?

What if, GOD would not hear us today because
we would not listen to Him yesterday?

What if, GOD answered our prayers
the way we answer His call to service?

What if, GOD met our needs
the way we give Him our lives???
--- Author Unknown --- Submitted by Tammy --- Texas
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You!

What Do You Want From Life?
What Are You Willing To Give?

You!

What is happening to my marriage?
What is happening to me?
What is happening to my children?
What is happening to my wife?
What is happening to my life?
What is happening to my career?
What is happening?

Why is it going worse each month?
Why is this world so cruel and cold?
Why is there so much violence?
Why is there so much corruption?
Why is it so?
Why?

These questions arise daily
The answers to them seems so difficult
While in fact, it is so simple...
The simple fact is...
We have done everything without God
We have forgotten where we came from
We have forgotten who has paid the price
We have lost our charity
We have lost our faith
We have lost our trust
We have lost our love
We have lost ourselves

God said in His book
We must love one another
We must have faith
We must have charity
We must trust in Him

We have come to trust only ourselves
We have come to believe in worldly values
We have come to seek worldly goods
We have come to look only after our own destiny
We have come to distrust everyone
We have come to love ourselves

YOU want to have financial freedom
YOU want to have worldly goods
YOU want to have a successful marriage
YOU want your kids to grow up, having a meaningful life
YOU want to have a successful career
YOU want everything...
Do YOU want God?
Look for yourself,
Open your eyes
Open your ears
Open your heart
Open your soul
Open yourself
Because God WANTS YOU!

He loves YOU
He cares for YOU
He has faith in YOU
He waits for YOU
He has plans, greater that YOU can imagine - for YOU

God waits patiently for YOU
To come back to Him
To tell Him that YOU need Him
To tell Him that YOU trust Him
To tell Him that YOU love Him
To tell Him that YOU are His
To be led by Him
To be fed by Him
To be guided by Him

If God is for YOU, who can be against YOU?
Who can overpower God?
Who can tell the wind to blow?
Who can tell the waves to stop crashing onto the beaches of the world?
Who can tell the sun to stop shining?
Who can?
Can YOU?

If YOU can not do these things
Why do YOU trust in yourself?
Trust in Him that can do all of these things
Him that can do so much more than these things
He can change everything
If YOU allow Him to do it
If YOU trust Him enough

God waits for YOU
He loves YOU
He cares for YOU
He has plans for YOU
He knows YOU

Why YOU?
Because YOU are His child
Confess to Him
And come back to Him
He was, is and will always be there for YOU!
It is up to YOU!
--- Copyright © 1998 Chris Putter --- South Africa
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Food For The Soul

Food For The Soul

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer, a building 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.

His employer 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 it was easy to see that his heart was no longer in his work. He had lost his enthusiasm and had resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career.

When the carpenter finished his work and his boss came to inspect the new 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 for ourselves. If we had realized, 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.
--- Author Unknown --- Submitted by Amy Yates --- Texas
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Who Is A Real Friend?

A Friend Is...

Anyone can stand by you when you are right,
But a Friend will stand by you even when you are wrong.

A simple friend identifies himself when he calls.
A real friend doesn't have to.

A simple friend opens a conversation
With a full news bulletin on his life.
A real friend says, "What's new with you?"

A simple friend thinks the problems you whine about are recent.
A real friend says,
"You've been whining about the same thing for 14 years.
Get off your duff and do something about it."

A simple friend has never seen you cry.
A real friend has shoulders soggy from your tears.

A simple friend doesn't know your parents' first names.
A real friend has their phone numbers in his address book.

A simple friend brings a bottle of wine to your party.
A real friend comes early to help you cook
And stays late to help you clean.

A simple friend hates it when you call after he has gone to bed.
A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.

A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems.
A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.

A simple friend wonders about your romantic history.
A real friend could blackmail you with it.

A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest.
A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps himself.

A simple friend thinks the friendship is over
When you have an argument.
A real friend knows that it's not a friendship until after
You've had a fight.

A simple friend expects you to always be there for them.
A real friend expects to always be there for you!

--- Author Unknown --- Submitted by Jeff Pappas --- Texas
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