Cole HomepageSTORIES, POEMS AND NOTES TO SELF
Calendar Year 2003
HOPE
December 22, 2003
I cannot and I will not lie down and kneel before my life. I cannot and I will not let the destiny that life has dealt me be the only destiny worth living for. I am I, you are you, we are distinct and we are individuals. I will carve my own destiny and I will dream my own dreams. I will walk bare footed through the warm golden sand, sleep naked under the stars and listen to the sea as it lashes against the rocks of hypocrisy. I will let the wind play with my hair and be at one with nature. This is my island and it is called hope.
As long as I am alive I have hope there is a chance, there is a dream to be fulfilled and a life worth living. I aspire not for wealth, for success, to conquer lands or the minds of men but seek refugee in conquering myself. I seek refugee in the hope of touching the stars in the blackness of the night. I ask for the courage to confront my greatest enemy, myself. I ask for the courage to help me to realise the potential that burns within my soul.
As I walk along my island of hope, alone, with merely my thoughts and the sound of my beating heart who have I become and what am I to become? As the sun sets on the horizon, there is calm all around me. The day nears to an end and slowly the sky goes black. Through the darkness appear the glittering eyes of the world and they gaze down at me, the moon smiles at me yet I am I. An eagle flies above me with its wings of hope spread wide into the vastness and emptiness of the ocean in front of me.
I am finally at peace with my soul. My island, which I have strove to seek all my life, is now within my grasp. I have arrived. My island is a place of non-attachment and non-possession. It is a place of calmness where the pains of yesterday are but a distant memory. I have courage within my heart to face my ultimate destiny. As it looks at me, I smile at it. I no longer fear that which I once feared, I no longer yearn for more but am content with what I have gained; I no longer yearn for a life of the past. I look at the demons within me and I have defeated them and they have not defeated me. I have finally conquered myself.
I now embrace my island without regret and walk into my destiny. I have been born, I have lived, I have loved and been loved, I have failed and succeeded, and I have forgiven. There is nothing more for me to do. I have become what I essentially was at birth, myself. I close my eyes and my soul transpires out of my body and takes me to a higher level of existence. I leave the pains of the world and embrace the wonders of what lie in front of me. A teardrop falls from my soul into the ocean, that is how it was created. I cease to exist.
--- Copyright © 2003 Naresh Jhali
BEHIND A SMILE
December 15, 2003
Do you ever wonder what people are feeling when they smile? Do they smile because they're happy or do they smile because they want people to believe they're happy? Maybe they smile because they want you to smile and be happy.
A smile can touch a person's life in ways you can never imagine. It's infectious and can cause a chain reaction. It can be memorable to someone you pass on the street or the mall or driving... and it only takes a split second to smile and forget, yet... to someone that needed it, it can last a lifetime. Maybe I should smile more often.
--- Written in 2003 by Delilah B. --- California
WHAT IS A BLESSING?
December 8, 2003
A blessing is being able to have a child
Seeing his or her bright eyes and smile
A blessing is the clear blue sky, the green grass
A smile or a hello to a stranger as you walk pass
A blessing is having family and friends that love you
And sticks together in good and bad times like glue
A blessing is having a faithful and respectful companion or spouse
Wanting to go to a peaceful and cheery home free of louse
A blessing is having clothes, food, a car, a house or apartment
And being able to pay some debts with dollar bills and cents
A blessing is having God here, there and everywhere
Giving much happiness, joy, and tender loving care
--- Copyright © 2003 Monique Nicole Fox
THE COLOR OF FRIENDSHIP
December 1, 2003
Once upon a time the colors of the world started to quarrel. All claimed that they were the best. The most important. The most useful. The favorite.
Green said:
"Clearly I am the most important. I am the sign of life and of hope. I was chosen for grass, trees and leaves. Without me, all animals would die. Look over the countryside and you will see that I am in the majority."
Blue interrupted:
"You only think about the earth, but consider the sky and the sea. It is the water that is the basis of life and drawn up by the clouds from the deep sea. The sky gives space and peace and serenity. Without my peace, you would all be nothing."
Yellow chuckled:
"You are all so serious. I bring laughter, gaiety, and warmth into the world. The sun is yellow, the moon is yellow, the stars are yellow. Every time you look at a sunflower, the whole world starts to smile. Without me there would be no fun."
Orange started next to blow her trumpet:
"I am the color of health and strength. I may be scarce, but I am precious for I serve the needs of human life. I carry the most important vitamins. Think of carrots, pumpkins, oranges, mangoes, and papayas. I don't hang around all the time, but when I fill the sky at sunrise or sunset, my beauty is so striking that no one gives another thought to any of you."
Red could stand it no longer he shouted out:
"I am the ruler of all of you. I am blood - life's blood! I am the color of danger and of bravery. I am willing to fight for a cause. I bring fire into the blood. Without me, the earth would be as empty as the moon. I am the color of passion and of love, the red rose, the poinsettia and the poppy."
Purple rose up to his full height:
He was very tall and spoke with great pomp: "I am the color of royalty and power. Kings, chiefs, and bishops have always chosen me for I am the sign of authority and wisdom. People do not question me! They listen and obey."
Finally Indigo spoke, much more quietly than all the others, but with just as much determination:
"Think of me. I am the color of silence. You hardly notice me, but without me you all become superficial. I represent thought and reflection, twilight and deep water. You need me for balance and contrast, for prayer and inner peace."
And so the colors went on boasting, each convinced of his or her own superiority. Their quarreling became louder and louder. Suddenly there was a startling flash of bright lightening thunder rolled and boomed. Rain started to pour down relentlessly. The colors crouched down in fear, drawing close to one another for comfort.
In the midst of the clamor, rain began to speak:
"You foolish colors, fighting amongst yourselves, each trying to dominate the rest. Don't you know that you were each made for a special purpose, unique and different? Join hands with one another and come to me."
Doing as they were told, the colors united and joined hands.
The rain continued:
"From now on, when it rains, each of you will stretch across the sky in a great bow of color as a reminder that you can all live in peace. The Rainbow is a sign of hope for tomorrow."
And so, whenever a good rain washes the world, and a Rainbow appears in the sky, let us remember to appreciate one another.
--- Author Unknown
THE PINK DRESS
December 1, 2003
There was this little girl sitting by herself in the park. Everyone passed by her and never stopped to see why she looked so sad. Dressed in a worn pink dress, barefoot and dirty, the girl just sat and watched the people go by. She never tried to speak. She never said a word.
Many people passed by her, but no one would stop. The next day I decided to go back to the park in curiosity to see if the little girl would still be there. Yes, she was there, right in the very spot where she was yesterday, and still with the same sad look in her eyes.
Today I was to make my own move and walk over to the little girl. For as we all know, a park full of strange people is not a place for young children to play alone.
As I got closer I could see the back of the little girl's dress was grotesquely shaped. I figured that was the reason people just passed by and made no effort to speak to her. Deformities are a low blow to our society and, heaven forbid if you make a step toward assisting someone who is different.
As I got closer, the little girl lowered her eyes slightly to avoid my intent stare. As I approached her, I could see the shape of her back more clearly. She was grotesquely shaped in a humped over form. I smiled to let her know it was OK; I was there to help, to talk. I sat down beside her and opened with a simple, "Hello."
The little girl acted shocked, and stammered a "hi," after a long stare into my eyes. I smiled and she shyly smiled back. We talked until darkness fell and the park was completely empty. I asked the girl why she was so sad.
The little girl looked at me with a sad face said, "Because, I'm different."
I immediately said, "That you are!" and smiled.
The little girl acted even sadder and said, "I know."
"Little girl," I said, "you remind me of an angel, sweet and innocent."
She looked at me and smiled, then slowly she got to her feet and said, "Really?"
"Yes, you're like a little Guardian Angel sent to watch over all those people walking by."
She nodded her head yes, and smiled. With that she opened the back of her pink dress and allowed her wings to spread, then she said "I am. I'm your Guardian Angel" with a twinkle in her eye.
I was speechless -- sure I was seeing things.
She said, "For once you thought of someone other than yourself. My job here is done."
I got to my feet and said, "Wait, why did no one stop to help an angel?"
She looked at me, smiled, and said, "You're the only one that could see me" and then she was gone.
And with that, my life was changed dramatically. So, when you think you're all you have, remember, your angel is always watching over you.
--- Author Unknown
CARL'S GARDEN
December 1, 2003
Carl was a quiet man. He didn't talk much. He would always greet you with a big smile and a firm handshake. Even after living in our neighborhood for over 50 years, no one could really say they knew him very well. Before his retirement, he took the bus to work each morning. The lone sight of him walking down the street often worried us. He had a slight limp from a bullet wound received in WWII. Watching him, we worried that although he had survived WWII, he may not make it through our changing uptown neighborhood with its ever-increasing random violence, gangs, and drug activity.
When he saw the flyer at our local church asking for volunteers for caring for the gardens behind the minister's residence, he responded in his characteristically unassuming manner. Without fanfare, he just signed up.
He was well into his 87th year when the very thing we had always feared finally happened. He was just finishing his watering for the day when three gang members approached him. Ignoring their attempt to intimidate him, he simply asked, "Would you like a drink from the hose?" The tallest and toughest-looking of the three said, "Yeah, sure," with a malevolent little smile.
As Carl offered the hose to him, the other two grabbed Carl's arm, throwing him down. As the hose snaked crazily over the ground, dousing everything in its way, Carl's assailants stole his retirement watch and his wallet, and then fled. Carl tried to get himself up, but he had been thrown down on his bad leg. He lay there trying to gather himself as the minister came running to help him.
Although the minister had witnessed the attack from his window, he couldn't get there fast enough to stop it. "Carl, are you okay? Are you hurt?" the minister kept asking as he helped Carl to his feet.
Carl just passed a hand over his brow and sighed, shaking his head. "Just some punk kids. I hope they'll wise-up someday." His wet clothes clung to his slight frame as he bent to pick up the hose. He adjusted the nozzle again and started to water.
Confused and a little concerned, the minister asked, "Carl, what are you doing?"
"I've got to finish my watering. It's been very dry lately", came the calm reply.
Satisfying himself that Carl really was all right, the minister could only marvel. Carl was a man from a different time and place.
A few weeks later the three returned. Just as before their threat was unchallenged. Carl again offered them a drink from his hose. This time they didn't rob him. They wrenched the hose from his hand and drenched him head to foot in the icy water. When they had finished their humiliation of him, they sauntered off down the street, throwing catcalls and curses, falling over one another laughing at the hilarity of what they had just done. Carl just watched them. Then he turned toward the warmth giving sun, picked up his hose, and went on with his watering.
The summer was quickly fading into fall. Carl was doing some tilling when he was startled by the sudden approach of someone behind him. He stumbled and fell into some evergreen branches. As he struggled to regain his footing, he turned to see the tall leader of his summer tormentors reaching down for him. He braced himself for the expected attack.
"Don't worry old man, I'm not gonna hurt you this time." The young man spoke softly, still offering the tattooed and scarred hand to Carl. As he helped Carl get up, the man pulled a crumpled bag from his pocket and handed it to Carl.
"What's this?" Carl asked.
"It's your stuff," the man explained. "It's your stuff back. Even the money in your wallet."
"I don't understand," Carl said. "Why would you help me now?"
The man shifted his feet, seeming embarrassed and ill at ease. "I learned something from you," he said. "I ran with that gang and hurt people like you. We picked you because you were old and we knew we could do it. But every time we came and did something to you, instead of yelling and fighting back, you tried to give us a drink. You didn't hate us for hating you. You kept showing love against our hate." He stopped for a moment. "I couldn't sleep after we stole your stuff, so here it is back." He paused for another awkward moment, not knowing what more there was to say. "That bag's my way of saying thanks for straightening me out, I guess." And with that, he walked off down the street.
Carl looked down at the sack in his hands and gingerly opened it. He took out his retirement watch and put it back on his wrist. Opening his wallet, he checked for his wedding photo. He gazed for a moment at the young bride that still smiled back at him from all those years ago.
He died one cold day after Christmas that winter. Many people attended his funeral in spite of the weather. In particular the minister noticed a tall young man that he didn't know sitting quietly in a distant corner of the church. The minister spoke of Carl's garden as a lesson in life. In a voice made thick with unshed tears, he said, "Do your best and make your garden as beautiful as you can. We will never forget Carl and his garden."
The following spring another flyer went up. It read "Person needed to care for Carl's garden." The flyer went unnoticed by the busy parishioners until one day when a knock was heard at the minister's office door. Opening the door, the minister saw a pair of scarred and tattooed hands holding the flyer. "I believe this is my job, if you'll have me," the young man said.
The minister recognized him as the same young man who had returned the stolen watch and wallet to Carl. He knew that Carl's kindness had turned this man's life around. As the minister handed him the keys to the garden shed, he said, "Yes, go take care of Carl's garden and honor him."
The man went to work and, over the next several years, he tended the flowers and vegetables just as Carl had done. In that time, he went to college, got married, and became a prominent member of the community. But he never forgot his promise to Carl's memory and kept the garden as beautiful as he thought Carl would have kept it.
One day he approached the new minister and told him that he couldn't care for the garden any longer. He explained with a shy and happy smile, My wife just had a baby boy last night, and she's bringing him home on Saturday."
"Well, congratulations!" said the minister, as he was handed the garden shed keys. "That's wonderful! What's the baby's name?"
"Carl," he replied.
--- Author Unknown
A CREED FOR THOSE WHO HAVE SUFFERED
December 1, 2003
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey...
I asked for health, that I might do great things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things...
I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise...
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God...
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things...
I got nothing I asked for - but everything I had hoped for;
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among men, most richly blessed!
--- Attributed to an unknown Confederate soldier
A FIREFIGHTER'S GLOVES
December 1, 2003
A firefighter's gloves hold many things,
From elderly arms to a kid's broken swing.
From the hands they shake and the backs they pat,
To the tiny claw marks of another treed cat.
At 2:00 a.m. they are filled with the chrome,
From the DWI who was on her way home.
And the equipment they use to roll back the dash
From a family of 6 she involved in the crash.
The brush rakes in spring wear the palms out,
When the wind does a "90°" to fill them with doubt.
The thumb of the glove wipes the sweat from the brow
Of the face of a firefighter who mutters "What now"!
They hold inch and three quarters flowing one seventy five,
So the ones going in, come back out alive.
When the regulator goes then there isn't too much
But the bypass valve they eagerly clutch.
The rescue equipment, the ropes, the C-collars,
The lives that they save never measured in dollars,
Are the obvious things firefighter's gloves hold,
Or, so that is what I've always been told.
But there are other things firefighter's gloves touch,
Those are the things we all need so much.
They hold back the rage on that 3:00 am call.
They hold in the fear when your lost in a hall.
They hold back the pity, agony, sorrow.
They hold in the desire to "Do it tomorrow".
A glove is just a glove till it's on a firefighter,
Who works all day long just to pull an all-nighter.
And into the foray they charge without fear,
At the sound of a "Help!" they think that they hear.
When firefighter's hands go into the glove,
It's a firefighter who always fills it with love.
Sometimes the sorrow is too much to bear,
And it seeps the glove and burns deep "in there".
Off come the gloves when the call is done,
And into the pocket until the next run.
The hands become lonely and cold for a bit,
And shake just a little thinking of it.
And we sit there so red eyed with our gloves in our coats,
The tears come so fast that the furniture floats.
We're not so brave now; our hands we can't hide,
I guess it just means that we're human inside.
And though some are paid and others are not,
The gloves feel the same when it's cold or it's hot.
To someone you're helping to just get along,
When you fill them with love, you always feel strong.
And so when I go on my final big ride,
I hope to have my gloves by my side.
To show to St. Peter at that heavenly gate,
'Cause as everyone knows,
FIREFIGHTERS DO NOT WAIT!
--- Author Unknown
WHO ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?
December 1, 2003
As the holiday of Thanksgiving approaches, I wish each of you a happy holiday and ask you to think about the meaning of the word Thanksgiving. So often we get caught up in the pageantry that surrounds this holiday, and forget just who we are thankful for.
In life, you will meet many people along the way. Each person who touches our life brings a gift. Some will touch you more than others, but each person comes into your life for a reason. Many times we don't exactly know why. This person could be a teacher, a parent, a spouse, a sibling, a friend or a stranger. Maybe this person listens when we need to talk or cry. Maybe they help us financially when we are broke. Maybe they talk to us, when we need a different perspective. Maybe they hold us when we don't deserve it. Maybe they sit with us when our grief is too much to bear alone. Maybe they are just there, so we know we are not alone.
How have we acknowledged this help? Have we taken their gifts of love, compassion, and hope out into the world and offered it to others? We all need to give something back to this world that will help others along their paths. I think we all need to be more thankful. This year, stop, think, and remember all of the people who have crossed your paths and be thankful for them. Say it out loud, say it in silence, but say it.
--- Marlene
A TRUE STORY OF JOY
November 10, 2003
For two hours he lay in the grave-like confines of the irrigation ditch, waiting. His head, pillowed by the unbudging rock, seemed disconnected from his motionless body. As family members wondered at his delay, Tim Swieckowski remained imprisoned within the cell that was his own flesh. He tried to scream but physical injuries foiled any attempt. " Why can't I getup? " he agonized. Panic accompanied the struggling dance of life and death that whirled around and through him.
Tim's last day of freedom had held all of the routine and exuberance that belongs to a 15 year old: a day of classes at his Colorado Junior High, a trek to the video store with brother and parents for games and a movie, a bike ride to a friend's house.
Then, the return home, faster now because it was darkening and he was anxious to play the video games. He pumped with vigor, as always, past gray, silent fields. But a section of excavated pavement, like a demon's open mouth, waited in his path. No cautionary lights or reflectors slowed his pace. Without warning, Tim's "routine" ended, abruptly and forever.
As he catapulted over the handlebars he felt his neck hyper extend forward. His body slammed against hardened soil forcing the air from his lungs, leaving his feet twisted at a bizarre angle. What evil intent had so cruelly expelled him from the animated life of a teenager into an alien and unknown lifestyle--one as a quadriplegic?
Tim's awareness focused on one thing, the swelling in his neck. Its heat rose, contrasting the chill of the rock. As the temperature dropped to 15 degrees a light snow begin to fall. But Tim felt neither the water from the bottom of the irrigation ditch soaking his clothes, nor the pressure from blood pooling in his legs.
In the first moments of fear his mind cried out, "I need help, I need help." Then emerged a single thought, "It's going to be alright; there is a purpose in this." Where had it come from? With clarity and strength it penetrated the soul of a 15 year old boy who had so revealed in life and in experiences. Joined to get was a promise--of hope and vision. Tim felt, "all the love in the world was shining on me." And this love stayed with him, sustaining him until he was found by his parents. More than that, what Tim describes as a, "divine intervention that touched me," did not draw back once human help arrived.
"Code Black" were the words spoken into their radios by arriving paramedics. After examination at Poudre Valley Hospital, Tim wasn't expected to live through the night. But the love, which had visited him in the culvert, had in fact implanted itself within him welcoming and embracing each new day. Its presence miraculously disarmed the anger, frustration or despair that ordinarily would accompany such a devastating injury. Instead of raging, Tim, stabilized by a steel "halo" screwed into his skull, would sing "Sweet Mary Lou" to his nurse of that name. A "corset " was fitted to keep his torso straight, along with splints for hands and feet. Then Tim began the expansion of his mind to master new tasks--controlling blood pressure, maintaining body position.
After 2 months of stabilized hospital care, Tim was re-released to a rehab center in Denver. There, for the next 5 months he training like an Olympian, reclaiming the body this brutal accident had nearly destroyed. The kid who once gathered odds and ends from garage sales, turned them into a bike or a remote control airplane, now grabbed hold of everything without an within himself putting it to use in his recovery. " I just made everything work with what I {had} to work with."
With that first powerful touch of love in his desperate circumstances, Tim's mind and heart had surged and he knew he "couldn't get enough of life. " He's been in hot pursuit ever since mastering one challenge after another. From his return to Junior High in a wheelchair, to further studies a community college and subsequently, Colorado State, Tim has never slowed for self-pity or resentment. Instead, his purposeful quest for knowledge has elevated him above such debilitating emotions. It also promoted him into his dream job.
Today he lives alone in a Florida, beach-side duplex working as director for Dream Quest Adventurers Inc. His expertise in archaeology and maritime history makes Tim the ideal high-tech guide for recreating tragic history. From his desk he directs searches in foreign archives. Via computer he identifies manuscripts which hold the history and specifications of sunken ships. He himself participates in exploratory dives aided by a second diver.
Tim's contribution to the world in uncovering the past and retrieving priceless artifacts is impressive. Even greater value is his living example. It reaches the depths of our souls, uncovering and retrieving worth, purpose, courage. Those treasures, so easily submerged by waves of injustice, disease, fear or doubt, washing across our reality. Pure joy is reflected in his smile, his voice, his daily activities and his innumerable accomplishments. " I'm rich inside my soul, " he proclaims.
Is this the promise joy?
Let Earth Receive Her King;
Let Ev'ry Heart Prepare His Room,
And Heav'n And Nature Sing.
--- Tim Swieckowski
SHARING LIVES
November 3, 2003
We were meant to share our lives with each other, because life can be painful. We face too many fragile moments standing alone, often unable to contain our sadness, the feeling of staying lost forever. Sharing our sorrow helps us feel protected. We feel hopeful.
We were meant to share our lives with each other because life can be full of joy. It can overflow with each new success, rediscovering an old friendship, winning against all odds, carrying life within us. Sharing the abundance of our joy brings us the pleasure of feeling cherished. We have chosen happiness.
We were meant to share our lives with each other because life can catch us unaware. It can suddenly surprise us with unwanted adventures and the dare-devil risk of starting new jobs, falling out of love, questioning our faith. Sharing this crisis gives our loved ones a chance to hold steady a safety net even if we choose not to jump. They stand by, a proud witness to our courage.
We were meant to share our lives with each other, because we need each other. For our lives to sustain its purpose and continue to hold its profound significance, we need to be connected, appreciated and understood. We need to share and we need to belong.
--- Copyright © 2003 Bernadette Ballezza
LOVE AND ITS EXPECTATIONS
November 3, 2003
Life is full of expectations and disappointments, hopes and despair. It is said life takes a new turn for men and a women after their wedding. The newlyweds feel the sun shines for them; the stars in the sky are for them to reach out and touch. The only thing amongst them is love and admiration for each other. Life seems to be like a bed of roses, then kids come along and responsibilities are increased, which the new parents shoulder more than readily. Over the course of time, somewhere along the line, love evaporates between the parents and is sought by their kids, who reciprocate it fully.
The lives of parents revolve around the their children; teaching them the ways of life, inculcating morals and values, and then one fine day they grow up to be a fine human. By this time, parents are on the threshold of their old age. They expect the children to serve and make them an important part of their life, which creates problems.
Why do parents feel the need to dictate terms? Bringing up kids is the most joyful experience. Is it so that we wish to be compensated for the time spent in bringing them up?
Once the child is an adult it has its own mind. Who are parents to interfere? The basic values that were inculcated in them as a child, by parents, help them in a long way. Why judge them? Let them explore life on their own. Don't decide for them; be a part of their decision and not the part of their discussion.
As Geeta says:
"Until age 5, the child is the whole sole responsibility of mother. From 5 to 10, values are inculcated. From 10 to 15, watch over them with an eagle eye. 15 onwards, let go of them. They shall prove to be a better human than what we think them to be ."
--- Written in 2003 by VKK - India
REALITY
November 3, 2003
How CAN a single soul know what reality is?
For God only knows what the answers become
And the final say in all situations is His!
If you say you are in reality, what do you mean?
In the past, the present, or the future,
It does not exist during any of those times,
Reality is not past, present, future, or in between.
Moment to moment reality will change
And only during one given moment can reality be.
Reality becomes something new and restructured
That with each passing second you will see.
All that you have is this moment in time
And to be realistic is to understand
That the only thing real in this life right now
Is that God holds your soul in His Hand.
--- Copyright © 2003 Jennifer Hittie
PENNIES
November 3, 2003
Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home. My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house.
The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely.
As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband.
He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment. Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts.
Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny. He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up? Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her.
Finally, she could stand it no longer. She causally mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value.
A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this?
"Look at it." He said. "Read what it says."
She read the words "United States of America."
"No, not that; read further."
"One cent?"
"No, keep reading."
"In God we Trust?"
"Yes!"
"And?"
"And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!
When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, "In God We Trust," and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message. It seems that I have been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful!
And, God is patient...
--- Author Unknown
THE WISE WOMAN'S STONE
November 3, 2003
A wise woman, who was traveling in the mountains, found a precious stone in a stream. The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation. The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime.
But, a few days later, he came back to return the stone to the wise woman. "I've been thinking," he said. "I know how valuable this stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me this stone."
--- Author Unknown
HOLES IN MY HEART
November 3, 2003
I sat in awe not so long ago
Watching the beauty of a sunset.
Marking the passing of one more day
A reminder to me of all my regret.
I looked inside my chest
And saw the many holes in my heart.
Reminders of the friends
With whom I have grown apart.
Sadness overflows my soul
And tears drenched each eye
For I did not realize
How quickly the time went by.
For all that is left
Is an ache that hurts so much
It is a dark emptiness
That is felt but no one can touch.
My Father in Heaven above
Looks down and smiles
He sees my pain
And understands my trials.
He brings me to a wondrous place
And shows me a door
Behind which He says
All my holes He does store
I ask Him may I look
He nods and smiles with glee
I push open the gate
And I can't believe what I see.
I gaze on in wonder
Confused and no words can I say
For held in this room
Are the sunsets of each passing day.
--- Copyright © 2003 Todd Wielgos
Inspired by a friend who was grieiving over lost friendships
LIFE ITSELF ISN'T HARD
October 27, 2003
Life itself isn't hard but the lives we create for ourselves are. Remember that the next time you make a decision that will alter something you are used to. Don't take what you have created for granted, because the next thing you know, it'll crumble to pieces...... right before your eyes, and there won't be a thing you can do to stop it.
Everything that happens in your life, whether you knew about it or not, was predetermined by a choice you made earlier on. We start our life on this one road, the main road, and at the very beginning we make a decision. Some go to the left, some go to the right. Others just keep going.
But every person goes in a different direction. Paths collide, and paths split. And there comes a time in everyone's journey, when you come to a fork in the road. Do you take the left, or the right? There is no straight forward. Which one do you choose? How do you know that the path you will end up choosing will take you to the right place??
Choose the road that will best lead you to your final destination. Don't take for granted the time you have as a youth to prepare yourself for the real world, because what you learn now about life, will help you when you meet reality for the first time.
--- Written in 2003 by Noel C., Age 14 --- Alabama
I wrote this a while back when thinking about life in general. I've been having a rough time lately, and came to the realization that life isn't all that bad. I mean, sure, it has it's up's and down's, but hey, you have to live life like there's no tomorrow. That's what keeps me going.....
A SPECIAL KINDNESS
October 20, 2003
One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door.
Instead of a meal, he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry and so she brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, "How much do I owe you?"
"You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness." He said, "Then I thank you from my heart." As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strengthened also. He had been ready to give up and quit.
Years later, that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease.
Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, he went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor's gown, he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day, he gave special attention to the case.
After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested from the business office to pass the final billing to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge, and the bill was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She read these words:
"PAID IN FULL WITH ONE GLASS OF MILK.... "
(Signed)
Dr. Howard Kelly
Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed: "Thank You, God, that Your love is shed abroad through human hearts and hands."
--- Author Unknown
PERSEVERANCE
October 13, 2003
"Like water, which can clearly mirror the sky and the trees only so long as its surface is undisturbed, the mind can only reflect the true image of the Self when it is tranquil and wholly relaxed."
~Indra Devi
When the veil of darkness has draped itself around your life and concealed the tears of your pain and despair, when the destiny you had envisaged has all but faded like water amongst the golden sands of the desert, when you stand alone in your hour of adversity and need and no-one is willing to stand beside you, when the battles within your life are on the verge of defeat and ruin, when you are in exile within your own mind, when your heart is empty and is merely watered by the tears of your agonized and anguished soul.
When you feel like a bird caged behind bars which once flew high above snow capped mountains free and unhindered and now reach out to touch the essence of your dreams, when tears and sorrow have embraced your soul, when the temples of your dreams lie in ashes like the ruins of an ancient age gone by and there are no traces of your footsteps within the valley of your dreams.
When the haunting silence of the darkness hangs like a shadow within the depths of your heart. When you cling like a child to the dreams of yesterday, when the light of dawn refuses to appear and the sun refuses to shine, when each day has become an eternal struggle to survive.
When there is no light amongst the darkness within your existence, when your wounds cry out to be healed, when fear has held courage ransom, when your soul stands in solitude and loneliness choking on its tears of isolation under a moon which no longer smiles and no longer yearns to gaze at his children; the stars, when all those around you have betrayed you, when love has left your heart and refuses to return.
When you no longer believe in yourself, when pain and grief are your constant companions, when there is no vision within the mists of your agony, when no one is willing to listen to and understand you, when peace seems to be in a distant world, when life no longer has the belief to run within your veins, when you have become a fugitive within your own mind and shackled like a slave within your own insanity, refuse with every last drop of sacred blood within your bruised and battered body, to surrender your soul to the pains of your existence.
You must believe in yourself-even if all those around you doubt you and in your ability to rise from within the insanity in which your life now finds itself and to stand tall against the obstacles and challenges within your life-and you will conquer all that you believe cannot be conquered and all that which you believed you had lost within your life.
It is from the darkest hours of our lives, from the depths of our despair and pain and in our greatest hour of adversity that we find an inner strength, an inner courage and an inner meaning so vast that it enables us to rise from our knees and stand tall and fight that which has made us weak.
Just as water runs from a stream, as the oak tree grows strong and upright, as snow-the softest and most peaceful of natures elements-covers the most fierce of mountains and tames its anger portraying it merely as a pawn within the hands of nature so new life and meaning will emerge from your own inner source.
Do not at any cost surrender your life to the weaknesses within your life. Do not surrender your life to the mediocre thoughts of others; do not surrender the belief you hold in yourself and in your abilities, do not surrender the dreams that you have worked so hard to hold within the palms of your hands. For what right do others have to judge another's dreams for they have not walked a mile in your shoes! There are no limits to your courage and determination. The only limitations are those that we place upon ourselves. Our thoughts make the world what we want it to be. Mold your thought into a weapon of immense power.
Wipe away the tears from your heart and let your life be brushed by the fingertips of your immortal soul, breathe deep, with purpose and a deep held conviction. There is an inner strength and an inner peace within us all, which the world cannot penetrate and the hypocrisy and ignorance of the human mind cannot poison. Embrace that inner source of strength and you will become fearless and the obstacles within your life will seem insignificant.
You must be undisturbed and stern in your resolve that you are a creature so versatile and resilient that you cannot be defeated and you must hold firm in the conviction that you will not be defeated. You are a creature of boundless beauty and perseverance. You are a creature which can and which will endure. There is nothing that you cannot achieve and there is nothing that you do not have the ability to overcome within your life. Harness the power of your mind for it is your greatest barrier.
You are an individual of immense courage within the battlefield of life and there is no greater battle than that which will be fought with your own life. You must not, despite the pain, the despair, the grief, the intensity, the loneliness within your life, surrender the very essence of your dignity and hope to the enemy which hovers around you in pursuit of conquering both your mind and your soul.
I do not believe in defeat because defeat does not believe in me. I do not believe in fear for I am fearless. I do not believe in pain for I find strength in the weaknesses of my enemies. Within the mist of your despair and the obstacles and challenges that life presents before you be calm and peaceful. An angry and misguided mind will make decisions and judgment based on haste and anger which in the long run will continue to merely add to your suffering whereas the peaceful mind within that moment of insanity will have the ability to bring forth a clear, reasoned judgment and solution to the challenges at hand.
No one owns you so you have not lost anything. Only you can give away or surrender all that you hold to the challenges within your life. Control your mind from its aimless wandering within your own insanity-guide it to think positively and with purpose. Once you have conquered your mind you will also introduce yourself to an inner peace, which will bring meaning and a freedom to both your life and thought.
Do not kneel before anyone for your knees were not made for such purposes, they were made for the purpose of enabling you to stand upright! Be like an elephant, which once upright will not easily be brought to its knees! Adapt your mind, thinking, actions and life to the challenges, which have surrounded your existence.
You and you alone hold the foundations of your dreams and your destiny in the way you approach the challenges and obstacles within your life. Do not falter in the face of adversity; rise to the challenge however difficult it may be. Your difficulties will only be difficult if you believe them to be difficult. How can you fear that which you have never challenged?
Endure and challenge the pains of your existence for freedom will wait for you and it will eventually embrace you. In defeating the challenges within your life continue to be a good person, do not become like your enemies for to do so will deprive your soul of the peace it desires.
You must be like the seasons of the year ever changing, ever adapting, ever growing, and ever challenging. Nature is always in constant change, the old give way to the new, and this is the course of life. Yet within this existence life continues, it evolves and continues to grow despite its pains.
Your time has not yet come to let nature embrace you in its totality, so go forth into the wilderness of your life and reclaim what mother nature granted you at birth; the right to dream, the right to live and the right to be who you want to be. Challenge with the might of your mind and your inner strength all the barriers that your existence places at the gates of your destiny. If you don't risk anything, you risk even more!
For within the midst of our suffering there is a meaning!
As Carl Jung once commented:
"Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside dreams. Who looks inside, awakens."
--- Copyright © 2001 Naresh Jhali (England)
CRIMES OF THE HEART
October 6, 2003
Crimes of the heart cause us great injury. Hurt feelings, harsh words, nasty misunderstandings leave deep imprints in our minds and hearts. We dwell on the cruel and unkind violations against us. Letting go of anger about things that have occurred in the past is difficult and sometimes feels insurmountable. We get stuck and hold on to our anger, and the wounds grow deeper and fester. The pain keeps us from finding peace within ourselves. When is it time to let go?
It is time to let go when holding on to the anger no longer serves us. When carrying the burden of our anger keeps us from moving in the direction of our ideals. When the anger keeps us from growing and becoming the person we seek to be. How do we begin?
We begin by letting go. Just letting go. We begin by no longer allowing ourselves to dwell on the negative and relive the injustices. We focus on recovering from the injury. We recover by surrounding ourselves with loved ones we can trust and by moving on. Forgiveness comes much later.
Finding peace within ourselves doesn't mean we forget about the crimes. Rather, it means we choose to release them. To learn to live and love in a place where past grievances no longer touch us deeply brings wisdom. A life where harmony resides.
--- Copyright © 2003 Bernadette Ballezza
MAKING PEACE WITH PARENTS -- A PRAYERFUL SOLUTION
October 1, 2003
Grief when my parents died and a difficult father-in-law. Two very different problems but I found that one solution, prayer, healed them both.
My husband had been having problems with his father for many years which resulted in some deep-seeded resentment. Like my husband, I believed him to be a tyrant who was a control freak. Since we lived so far away, we were both relieved that we didn't see them often.
He got very angry and said hurtful things to both me and my mother-in-law. No matter what I did, it displeased him, and he wouldn't hesitate to tell me. We also had a few very unpleasant and heated arguments.
Flashback to an earlier time when I was dealing with a different parental problem. Within 6 months of each other, my mom and dad both passed away.
I was very close to my parents and here I was, at 36 years of age, feeling like an orphan! An empty, hurting feeling welled up in me.
Yet even during these dark days, I sensed a distant light of hope. I had been learning about the spiritual nature of God and man from a book called Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy; learning about the Fatherhood and Motherhood of God and of my identity as the child of God.
For instance, I began to understand that God is always with me, and I felt His fathering and mothering qualities comforting and caring for me. I saw that, spiritually speaking, everyone is God's image and likeness. When I thought of my parents I saw that they each expressed some of those lovely spiritual qualities that can come only from God; qualities like strength, integrity, compassion, tenderness, comfort, and joy.
I began to gain a tangible spiritual sense of my mom and dad's true being. Some how I knew that my parents always had been and always would be with God, and that nothing had really happened to their true identity. The ideas in Science and Health comforted me to such an extent that within a few days of my parents' passing, I no longer grieved.
Flash forward to the stress of dealing with my father-in-law. It took a few years, but I began to realize that it wasn't "Dad's" responsibility to love me, but that it was my responsibility, as it was with my own parents, to see him the way God sees him. I had to recognize that my father-in-law possessed those same spiritual qualities, even if they seemed buried under a gruff exterior.
In Science and Health, Eddy writes a provocative statement: "When we realize that there is one Mind, the divine law of loving our neighbor as ourselves is unfolded; whereas a belief in many ruling minds hinders from man's normal drift towards the one Mind, one God, and leads human thought into opposite channels where selfishness reigns."
As I did this, I began to see Dad as God's man, including the Fatherhood of God, as being loving and lovable. And I started appreciating all the beautiful things about him-- his continuing activity at a rather advanced age, his love for his wife, (although it wasn't always obvious), his singing in a quartet at his church and his love of God.
Over the last few years, our relationship began to blossom. I began to see a real attitude change toward me. I was beginning to feel that we were actually friends. One day Dad actually apologized to me for something he had said. My husband thought that was the first time he had ever heard him apologize to anyone for anything.
And another time he asked me to help him plant a tomato plant. All I did was hold the plant; he did all the work. But I could feel his tender love for me, his daughter-in-law. He even started smiling when I would give him a goodnight kiss on the cheek. I also noticed that my husband began to enjoy our trips to visit his parents. He even looked forward to them!
Four months ago, my father-in-law passed away, but not before he and my husband had the sweetest exchange of words. And I know that my husband now knows that his dad loved him very much.
At Dad's memorial service family and friends were asked if they'd like to share a few thoughts about him. So I had the opportunity to share how my relationship with Dad had grown in grace giving God the full credit for this healing.
On top of all this good was another healing! A lingering feeling of competition and a strained relationship with my mother vanished in the light of all I was learning.
There were lots of lessons learned in these experiences. But maybe the biggest was that underneath each problem is the false notion that we are somehow cut off from God and from expressing God's qualities. That's something I now realize I don't have to believe!
--- Copyright © 2003 Jan Jacoby
--- Submitted by Valerie Minard --- New Jersey
THE MARBLE TILES
October 1, 2003
There was this museum laid with beautiful marble tiles, with a huge marble statue displayed in the middle of the lobby. Many people came from all over the world just to admire this beautiful marble statue.
One night, the marble tiles started talking to the marble statue.
Marble tile: "Marble statue, it's just not fair, it's just not fair! Why does everybody from all over the world come all the way here just to step on me while admiring you? Not fair!"
Marble statue: "My dear friend, marble tile. Do you still remember that we were actually from the same cave?"
Marble tile: "Yeah! That's why I feel it is even more unfair. We were born from the same cave and yet we receive different treatment now. Not fair!" he cried again.
Marble statue: "Then, do you still remember the day when the designer tried to work on you, but you resisted the tools?"
Marble tile: "Yes, of course I remember. I hate that guy! How could he use those tools on me, it hurt so badly."
Marble statue: "That's right! He couldn't work on you at all as you resisted being worked on."
Marble tile: "So???"
Marble statue: "When he decided to give up on you and start working on me instead, I knew at once that I would be something different after his efforts. I did not resist his tools, instead I bore all the painful tools he used on me.."
Marble tile: "Mmmmmm......."
Marble statue: "My friend, there is a price to everything in life. Since you decided to give up half way, you can't blame anybody who steps on you now."
--- Author Unknown
MAGIC CUTOFF
October 1, 2003
Is there a magic cutoff period when offspring become accountable for their own actions? Is there a wonderful moment when parents can become detached spectators in the lives of their children and shrug, "It's their life," and feel nothing?
When I was in my twenties, I stood in a hospital corridor waiting for doctors to put a few stitches in my son's head. I asked, "When do you stop worrying?" The nurse said, "When they get out of the accident stage." My mother just smiled faintly and said nothing.
When I was in my thirties, I sat on a little chair in a classroom and heard how one of my children talked incessantly, disrupted the class, and was headed for a career making license plates. As if to read my mind, a teacher said, "Don't worry. They all go through this stage and then you can sit back, relax and enjoy them." My mother listened and said nothing.
When I was in my forties, I spent a lifetime waiting for the phone to ring, the cars to come home, the front door to open. A friend said, "They're trying to find themselves. Don't worry. In a few years, you can stop worrying. They'll be adults."
By the time I was 50, I was sick & tired of being vulnerable. I was still worrying over my children, but there was a new wrinkle. There was nothing I could do about it.
I continued to anguish over their failures, be tormented by their frustrations and absorbed in their disappointments. My friends said that when my kids got married I could stop worrying and lead my own life.
I wanted to believe that, but I was haunted by my mother's wan smile and her occasional, "You look pale. Are you all right? Call me the minute you get home. Are you depressed about something?"
Can it be that parents are sentenced to a lifetime of worry? Is concern for one another handed down like a torch to blaze the trail of human frailties & the fears of the unknown? Is concern a curse or is it a virtue that elevates us to the highest form of life?
One of my children became quite irritable recently, saying to me, "Where were you? I've been calling for 3 days, and no one answered. I was worried." I smiled a wan smile.
The torch has been passed.
--- Author Unknown
WHAT IS A COACH?
October 1, 2003
A coach is a politician, a judge, a public speaker, a teacher, a trainer, a financier, a laborer, a psychiatrist, psychologist and a chaplain. It also helps if he is an astrologer or at least understands numerology.
He must be an optimist and yet at times appear a pessimist, seem humble and yet be very proud, strong but at times weak, confident yet not over-confident, enthusiastic but not too enthusiastic.
He must have the hide of an elephant, the fierceness of a lion, the pep of a young pup, the guts of an ox, the stamina of an antelope, the wisdom of an owl, the cunning of a fox, and the heart of a kitten. It will also be to his benefit to develop the acting ability of a poker player with a pat hand.
He must be willing to give freely of his time, his money, his energy, his youth, his family life, his health and sometimes even life itself. In return, he must expect little financial reward, little comfort on earth, little privacy, little praise but plenty of criticism.
However, a good coach is respected in his community, is a leader in his school, is loved by his team, and makes lasting friends wherever he goes.
He has the satisfaction of seeing youth develop and improve in ability. He learns the thrill of victory and how to accept defeat with grace. His associations with athletes help keep him young in mind and spirit; and he, too, must grow and improve with his team.
In his heart he knows that, in spite of the inconveniences, the criticisms, and the demands on his time, he loves his profession, for he is THE COACH.
--- Author Unknown
HANDWRITING ON THE WALL
October 1, 2003
A weary mother returned from the store,
Lugging groceries through the kitchen door.
Awaiting her arrival was her 8 year old son,
Anxious to relate what his younger brother had done.
"While I was out playing and Dad was on a call,
T.J. took his crayons and wrote on the wall!
It's on the new paper you just hung in the den.
I told him you'd be mad at having to do it again.
She let out a moan and furrowed her brow,
"Where is your little brother right now?"
She emptied her arms and with a purposeful stride,
She marched to his closet where he had gone to hide.
She called his full name as she entered his room.
He trembled with fear--he knew that meant doom!
For the next ten minutes, she ranted and raved
About the expensive wallpaper and how she had saved.
Lamenting all the work it would take to repair,
She condemned his actions and total lack of care.
The more she scolded, the madder she got,
Then stomped from his room, totally distraught!
She headed for the den to confirm her fears.
When she saw the wall, her eyes flooded with tears.
The message she read pierced her soul with a dart.
It said, "I love Mommy," surrounded by a heart.
Well, the wallpaper remained, just as she found it,
With an empty picture frame hung to surround it.
A reminder to her, and indeed to all,
Take time to read the handwriting on the wall
--- Author Unknown
JOY IN THE JOURNEY
September 3, 2003
If you have ever been discouraged because of failure, please read on.
Far often, achieving what you set out to do is not the important thing. Let me explain.
Two brothers decided to dig a deep hole behind their house. As they were working, a couple of older boys stopped by to watch.
"What are you doing?" asked one of the visitors.
"We plan to dig a hole all the way through the earth!" one of the brothers volunteered excitedly.
The older boys began to laugh, telling the younger ones that digging a hole all the way through the earth was impossible.
After a long silence, one of the diggers picked up a jar full of spiders, worms and a wide assortment of insects. He removed the lid and showed the wonderful contents to the scoffing visitors.
Then he said quietly and confidently, "Even if we don't dig all the way through the earth, look what we found along the way!"
Their goal was far too ambitious, but it did cause them to dig. And that is what a goal is for - to cause us to move in the direction we have chosen; in other words, to set us to digging!
But not every goal will be fully achieved. Not every job will end successfully. Not every relationship will endure. Not every hope will come to pass. Not every love will last. Not every endeavor will be completed. Not every dream will be realized.
But when you fall short of your aim, perhaps you can say, "Yes, but look at what I found along the way! Look at the wonderful things which have come into my life because I tried to do something!"
--- Author Unknown
Educate & Protect Yourself
Computer Tips for Home Users
September 3, 2003
As a computer user for over 10 years, I must tell you that we all have a responsibility to learn how to protect our computers from the malicious worms and viruses that are going around. Last week the Sobig virus was launched. It has raised havoc worldwide. Many of your computers are infected because your Anti-Virus software was not updated. Make yourself a promise to do it today - get your updates daily and be vigilant. This is not the end of these anomalies, this is really only the beginning.
Here are a few tips that can make your life easier:
If you are running Microsoft as your operating system, go out to their site and get any patches that are available and install them.
Install Norton Anti-Virus Software - read the tutorials first and keep it updated.
I go out and check for updates everyday.
Install a firewall - Zonelabs has some of the best software I have ever used.
READ THE TUTORIAL after you have installed it before doing anything else.
Many people don't think they need a firewall, but if you are connected to the Internet and don't have one, anyone who knows how to hack can come into your computer.
New users: Don't be so curious about your email messages. Never open any email from someone you don't know; the subject line can be appealing yet deceiving. If you receive an email message from a friend that doesn't look right, call them. Ask them if they sent you an email message. Don't click on attachments unless you are expecting them. Learn how to use the filters in your email program so you can delete unwanted emails without having to open them.
If you receive unsolicited email that says "Click here to unsubscribe" DON'T DO IT! If you do, you have just told them that a real person answered their email and now your name will go onto another list for sale. Just delete the email and get on with life.
All of the above tips have helped me throughout the years. Hope some of the advice will help you too.
--- Marlene
HEAVEN AND HELL
September 3, 2003
Just a merit of questioning...
When we're out of this life, can we still feel the pain? Can we feel it in order to suffer the angst and torture of hell? Isn't it that pain is triggered only by the impulses sent by our skins to our brains? When we no longer have this body, would there still be pain?
How about happiness? At what nature would we be able to feel the pleasures of Heaven? Does the soul or spirit have brain-like activity to give us the bliss of what we call heaven.
This Earth, this life is the only Heaven we ever get. For those who are inspired to live and have found a meaning to live, Life is Heaven.
For those who don't want to be here and imagine things of different ways out, Life is Hell.
What it would have been if each of us stop thinking of some heavens out there, and start making Earth the Heaven we imagine?
We do not act, we do not start because we believe Heaven is somewhere. Maybe we should start believing. Otherwise.
--- Copyright © 2003 Marcial Sarmiento
LIFE'S STRUGGLES
September 3, 2003
A man found a cocoon of an emperor moth. He took it home so that he could watch the moth come out of the cocoon. On the day a small opening appeared, he sat and watched the moth for several hours as the moth struggled to force the body through that little hole.
The moth seemed to be stuck and appeared to have stopped making progress. It seemed as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no farther. The man, in his kindness, decided to help the moth; so he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The moth then emerged easily. But its body was swollen and small, its wings wrinkled and shriveled.
The man continued to watch the moth because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to and able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the little moth spent the rest of its life crawling around with a small, swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.
The man in his kindness and haste did not understand that the struggle required for the moth to get through the tiny opening was necessary to force fluid from the body of the moth into its wings so that it would be ready for flight upon achieving its freedom from the cocoon. Freedom and flight would only come after the struggle. By depriving the moth of a struggle, he deprived the moth of health.
Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If we were to go through our life without any obstacles, we would be crippled. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. Give every opportunity a chance, leave no room for regrets, and don't forget the power in the struggle.
--- Author Unknown
ONE HOUR OF TIME
September 3, 2003
A man came home from work late again, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year old son waiting for him at the door. "Daddy, may I ask you a question?"
"Yeah, sure, what is it?" replied the man.
"Daddy, how much money do you make an hour?"
"That's none of your business. What makes you ask such a thing?" the man said angrily.
"I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?" pleaded the little boy.
"If you must know, I make $20.00 an hour."
"Oh," the little boy replied, head bowed.
Looking up, he said, "Daddy, may I borrow $10.00 please?"
The father was furious. "If the only reason you wanted to know how much money I make is just so you can borrow some to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you're being so selfish. I work long, hard hours everyday and don't have time for such childish games."
The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door. The man sat down and started to get even madder about the little boy's questioning. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money?
After an hour or so, the man had calmed down, and started to think he may have been a little hard on his son. Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $10.00 and he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door.
"Are you asleep son?" he asked.
"No daddy, I'm awake," replied the boy.
"I've been thinking, may be I was too hard on you earlier," said the man.
"It's been a long day and I took my aggravation out on you. Here's that $10.00 you asked for."
"The little boy sat straight up, beaming. "Oh, thank you daddy" he yelled.
Then, reaching under his pillow, he pulled out some more crumpled up bills. The man, seeing that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, then looked up at the man. "Why did you want more money if you already had some? " the father grumbled.
"Because I didn't have enough, but now I do," the little boy replied.
"Daddy, I have $20.00 now. Can I buy an hour of your time?"
--- Author Unknown
LIFE IS LIKE A PUZZLE
September 8, 2003
As children we all played with those "connect the dots" puzzles. We would trace along the numbers from 1 to 2 to 3 ...until suddenly a picture appeared. It always amazed me that when it was just a page of hapless numbers, I was unable to see what it was meant to be and even as I traced along through the numbers, the meaning of the picture often remained a mystery until the end. The odd thing is, once the picture appeared, it was easy to see the outline and I would wonder why I hadn't been able to guess it earlier.
Life is a lot like a "connect the dots" puzzle. The direction of our life takes many turns, changing jobs leading to new relationships, lessons learned from bad choices guiding us towards inward reflection, one casual decision moves us toward an unsuspecting detour, while our purpose in life remains unclear to us. And as we trace along more and more "dots" in our life, what appeared as random events, fall together with profound meaning. We begin to glimpse our direction and what once was a puzzle to us suddenly becomes clear.
Maybe it is part of a bigger plan, maybe it is hindsight, but what was once the big mistake we thought we'd regret forever becomes the lesson that taught us compassion, the cherished friendships carefully nurtured over the years holds us close when crisis strikes, and the unsuspecting detour leads us safely toward home.
--- Copyright © 2003 Bernadette Ballezza
TREASURE LIFE
September 15, 2003
Yesterday I was on my way to picking up my children. I was remembering someone I lost and the pain it caused me.
I stopped at a traffic light. There was this man who fell off his bike in the middle of the road. He was carrying two huge bags filled with clothes. I assumed he was carrying all his possessions.
He struggled to get up and finally managed to pick up his bike. People would walk by him and cars would just go around him. As I was about to get out of my car to help him, this kind man jumped out of his car. He helped him with his belongings and placed them on the sidewalk. The man still struggled to get on the bike and carry those two huge bags.
I looked at him with intense sadness. I saw him stop and put his head down. In that moment I felt his pain. I knew what he was feeling. He was struggling to take hold of a situation, but couldn't. He felt helpless, discouraged and alone. I felt connected to him. Although our lives were different, we both knew what true suffering is.
I will never forget that man. He helped me remember to be thankful that I had a car to take me home, that my clothes were safely folded in my bedroom dresser, that I had a secure place to lay my head, that I was not alone, that I have the love of my children, friends and family, that even though there has been great loses and suffering in my life, there has also been great accomplishments.
He reminded me to be grateful and never take the slightest thing for granted. He reminded me how fortunate I am and how loved I am.
--- Copyright © 2002 Jen Crespo
THE GOLDEN BOX
September 22, 2003
The story goes that some time ago a mother punished her 5 year old daughter for wasting a roll of expensive gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and she became even more upset when the child used the gold paper to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree. Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift box to her mother the next morning and said, "This is for you, Momma."
The mother was embarrassed by her earlier over reaction, but her anger flared again when she opened the box and found it was empty. She spoke to her daughter in a harsh manner. "Don't you know, young lady, when you give someone a present there's supposed to be something inside the package?"
The little daughter had tears in her eyes and said, "Oh, Momma, it's not empty! I blew kisses into it until it was full."
The mother was crushed. She fell on her knees and put her arms around her little girl, and she begged her forgiveness for her thoughtless anger.
An accident took the life of the child only a short time later, and it is told that the mother kept that gold box by her bed for all the years of her life. Whenever she was discouraged or faced difficult problems, she would open the box and take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it there.
In a very real sense, each of us, as human beings, has been given a golden box filled with unconditional love and kisses from our children, family, friends and GOD. There is no more precious possession anyone could hold.
--- Author Unknown --- Submitted by C. Narrin --- Michigan
SUCCESS' SECRET
September 29, 2003
During a meeting of top salespeople from around the country, the 'big cheese' himself, a man who'd consistently had the highest sales figures for the last 20 years, and who earned more money than even the owner of his company, got up to speak.
"I am now going to reveal the secret of my success," he said. "I wrote it down on a piece of paper and I put it in this envelope. But success must be earned. So I'm going to sell the envelope to the highest bidder. You have my word that it contains what I said - the Secret of my Success, not only as a salesman, but also in life."
The bidding started slowly... $5, then $10, then $50, $100, $130, $150, $200. Finally one of his colleagues bought the envelope for $1000. The happy buyer took the envelope and kept it to himself until he got home that night. Only then did he open it to learn THE SECRET OF SUCCESS.
What do you think was written on the piece of paper?
Think about it. Make a mental note of whatever comes to mind before reading the answer and in my opinion, what was written on that piece of paper, is worth much more than $1000.
The winner of the auction tore open the envelope, unfolded the piece of paper and read the following hand-written words:
THE SUCCESS' SECRET IS... TO ASK.
--- Author Unknown
ONLY A MOMENT AGO
It was only a moment ago I was a child.
It was only a moment ago I was a teen.
A moment ago I bought my first car,
Got my first career.
It was only a moment ago I was married
It was only a moment ago I had my first child
A moment ago I watched them grow
Got my first grandchild
It was only a moment ago I retired
It was only a moment ago I traveled places
A moment ago I was so young
Got my first Great Grandchild
It was only but a moment ago.
--- Copyright © 2003 Caroline Walker
TALE OF A YOUNG FRIEND
I met her at a church function; she was in my youth group you see,
Out of all the young people in our small group, she was the first one that smiled at me.
This smile made me feel so good. It made me feel special and glad to be around.
Throughout the year I was blessed by this smile, and her smile I am happy I found.
With quite a wit about her, she stood up and presented for our team,
She joked and laughed and a smiled a lot, as so it always seemed.
The last time I saw her, at a restaurant, as we were walking out, she was walking in;
There she was, with her arms stretched out, and of course, that ever-loving smile again.
Now there was so much more about her that I had later come to find out.
She had touched a lot of others in her life, and this is proven, no doubt.
You see, at her vigil, she had many friends therein,
Who told tales about her life as she shared herself with them.
Now I am not her mother, but I hurt and am very disturbed today, still;
That because of drinking and driving, my young friend was killed.
--- Copyright © 2003 Geri L. Phillips
DREAM BIG DREAMS
It has been proven that we gravitate towards the targets that we set ourselves. Just ask salesmen - studies have shown that if they are set a target they usually get there or close to it - but very rarely exceed it. If you set your financial targets 100% higher than you think you really need - then you will have a better target for your subconscious to aim for.
Action Point: What is limiting your belief that you cannot earn as much money as you want? Set yourself a target of a pay-raise that is double what you would normally aim for. Look at people who are earning as much as you want and look at what they do (and how they act) differently from you. Spend just 5 minutes every day applying this knowledge…and you will be amazed at how this, in conjunction with your higher target, will move you forward.
--- Author Unknown --- Submitted by Ramesh Madhava --- Chennai, India
MAKE GENTLE THE LIFE OF THIS WORLD
A LETTER TO BOBBY KENNEDY... 35 YEARS LATER
Dear Bobby,
It's been 35 years since your tragic death and our nation is still facing the challenges you spoke of nearly forty years ago. I'm only 19 and I wonder sometimes if things will ever change. I wonder if we can survive this time of crisis and sadness. I wonder if my generation really can make a difference. Sometimes I even wonder if we should try... but then I think of you.
I remember how you reached out to those less fortunate, with no regard to race. I remember how you fought for those who couldn't fight for themselves, and never gave up. I remember how you gave a voice to the voiceless, even though you knew maybe people disagreed. I remember how deeply you allowed yourself to feel others pain, especially children. But most of all, I remember how you taught young people that one voice did matter, that their voice was unique and that together we really could change the world.
Bobby, since September 11th, it has been hard to follow your vision for America. There is so much fear, loss of hope and violence. I asked myself this morning what you would say to those people who felt disillusioned in America, what you'd say to our soldiers fighting in Iraq and what you'd say to those people whose homeland we're fighting in. I realized suddenly, that the answer might well be the same for all... simply that we should "Make gentle the life of this world".
So Bobby, from this young person and from Americans everywhere, thank you. I for one will always believe that together, we can change the world. I believe too that we must love our neighbors even when we'd rather hate them, that we must stand up for ideals even when we have no courage left and that most of all we must not fail in our belief that America at heart is still good and decent.
35 years since your death you are still inspiring young people.....and reminding us that youth is not "a time of life, but a temper of will". So here's to your vision and here's to healing our wounds... I hope we make you proud...
Thank you,
From a grateful American
--- Copyright © 2003 Stephanie Warren
ANOTHER BILL OF RIGHTS
You have the right to be you-the way you are. the way you want to be.
You have the right to grow, to change, to become, to strive. to reach for any goal, to be limited only by your degree of talent and amount of effort.
You have the right to privacy-in marriage, family, or any relationship or group-the right to keep a part of your life secret, no matter how trivial or important, merely because you want it to be that way. You have the right to be alone part of the each day, each week and each year to spend time with and on yourself.
You have the right to be loved and to love, to be accepted, cared for, and adored, and you have the right to fulfill that right.
You have the right to ask questions of anyone at anytime in any matter that effects your life, so long as it is your business to do so; and to be listened to and taken seriously.
You have the right to self-respect and to do everything you need to do to increase your self-esteem, so long as you hurt no one in doing so.
You have the right to be happy, to find something in the world that is meaningful and rewarding to you and that gives you a sense of completeness.
You have the right to be trusted and to trust and to be taken at your word. If you are wrong, you have the right to be given a chance to make a good if possible.
You have the right to change your mind.
You have the right to be free as long as you act responsibly and are mindful of the rights of others and of those obligations that you entered into freely.
You have the right to win, to succeed, to compete, to make plans. to see those plans fulfilled. to become the best you can possibly become.
You have a right to boundaries and limits, a right to be intentional, a right to choice.
--- Author Unknown
WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn't looking saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.
When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
When you thought I wasn't looking, learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, "Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking."
--- Author Unknown
CHALLENGES TO THE "TEACHER" IN ME
Dear friends,
We are a group of teachers, doctors, scientists, parents and students striving for the qualitative improvement of Science, Education and Development in the tribal rich areas of Orissa and other states of India. The name of our group is Manavik. This is a write-up for teachers that has been highly appreciated by teachers, parents and parents. This basically encourages the society to look at education in totality and try to associate all the partners of Society in children's learning. We hope you would appreciate this Indian Quote on Education by none other than the famous educationist of our country.
Like any of us she has two powerful ears, i.e., the best of sound receivers on Earth. She listens to each of the sounds from all around and constructs her knowledge about the world. Her ears are very sharp and attentive. She listens to me as well. How do I orient my voice and words for my dear child? How do I culture my learning atmosphere so that she develops her listening skills and understanding the best way possible?
Like any of us she has two powerful eyes, i.e., the best of cameras on the Earth. She looks at every object and incident around her with rapt attention. Her eyes are sharp and attentive. She looks at every of my activity as well. How do I orient my thought and practices for my dear child? How do I cultivate my learning atmosphere so that she develops the best of her observation skills and understanding?
Like any of us she has a highly sensitive and powerful nose, i.e., the best of smelling systems on Earth. She inhales every possible smell from all around her with rapt attention. How do I orient my system and practices for my dear child? How do I cultivate a meaningful learning atmosphere that helps her develop the smelling skills and understanding the best way possible?
Like any of us she has a highly sensitive tongue, i.e., the best of tasting equipment on Earth. She tastes every of the object she comes across around her with rapt attention. Her tongue is very sharp and attentive. How do I cultivate a meaningful learning atmosphere so that she develops the best of her tasting skills and understanding?
Like any of us she has a highly sensitive skin, i.e., the best of receivers on Earth. She feels the whole world all the time with rapt vigilance and attention. She feels my concern, approach and intentions as well. How do I orient my perception, attitude and practices so that they help her sharpen own sense and understanding skills the best way possible?
Like any of us she has an advance brain, i.e., the best of the processing, understanding, designing and influencing systems on Earth. She explores, calculates and interprets each object and incident very intensively. Her brain is extremely sharp and efficient. She explores me as well. How do I orient my constructive skills, knowledge, perception and behavior for my dear child? How do I create an effective learning atmosphere that facilitates her learning, creativity and construction skills the best way possible?
Like any of us she has two powerful hands, i.e., the best of the creators on Earth. She experiments, enacts and changes the world around her very efficiently. Her hands are skillful and creative. She explores and experiments with each of my knowledge and skills. How do I orient my knowledge, ability, plans and applications to enthuse my dear child? How do I create an effective learning atmosphere that facilitates her skills and actions the best way possible?
Like any of us she has an efficient mouth, i.e., the most efficient broadcaster on Earth. She expresses most of her experiences and ideas through this channel. She participates and exchanges ideas actively during all my social expressions. How do I orient my thought, attitude and approach for my dear child? How do I create an effective learning atmosphere that facilitates her thinking, creating and speaking abilities the best way possible?
On the whole, like any of us she has a highly efficient and sensitive body system, i.e., the most advanced of all the machines on Earth. She explores her whole world most scrupulously and vigilantly through all her senses and organizes the whole experience in the form of concrete knowledge for progress through her superb brain all the time. She examines all my thought and practices with a lot of hope. How do I orient myself for my dear child? How do I create an effective learning atmosphere that facilitates her life skills and actions the best way possible?
Like her .... I have so many curious, enthusiastic, promising, aspiring, dynamic and eager learners striving seriously day in and day out to acquire knowledge, skills and promises.
I am not here to help them alone. There are so many of them - their own peers, sisters & brothers, parents, the community and the social and physical environments who are full of resources and promises. All of them together have enormous potential. How do I orient myself to welcome all of them into our pedagogy, curriculum and learning ventures? How do I create a meaningful learning atmosphere for all of us?
Few of the steps in my life have given me this idea that schools can be platforms for community learning. Now we all in the community are joining hands as friendly partners to strive for a learning society. We are realizing our important roles day by day. To day we are constructing new aims for our learning venture. We are constructing a new society together and a better tomorrow on Earth.
--- Copyright © 2003 Mr. Binay Pattanayak
--- Submitted by Dr. Sagarika, MANAVIK --- India
TEDDY BEAR'S CALL
I was on the outskirts of a little Southern town, trying to reach my destination before the sun went down. The old CB was blaring away on channel 1-9, when there came a little boy's voice on the radio line. He said, "Breaker 1-9, is anyone there? Come on back, truckers, and talk to Teddy Bear."
I keyed the mike and said, "You got it, Teddy Bear."
The little boy's voice came back on the air, appreciate the break. "Who we got on the other end?"
I told him my handle and then he began.
"Now I'm not supposed to bother you boys out there. Mom says you're busy and for me to stay off the air. But you see, I get lonely and it helps to talk cause that's about all I can do. I'm crippled and cannot walk."
I came back and told him to fire up that mike, I'd talk to him as long as he'd like.
"This was my dad's radio," the little boy said, "but I guess it's mine and Mom's now cause my daddy's dead. Dad had a wreck about a month ago. He was trying to get home in a blinding snow. Mom has to work now to make ends meet. I'm not much help with my crippled feet. She says not to worry that she'll make it all right. But I hear her crying sometimes late at night.
"You know, there's one thing I want more than anything else to see. Ah I know you guys are too busy to bother with me. But, you see, my dad used to take me for rides when he was home. But I guess that's all over now since my daddy's gone."
Not one breaker came in on that CB as that little crippled boy talked to me. I tried hard to swallow the lump, it just would not stay down as I thought about my boy in at home in hometown.
He continued, "Dad was going to take Mom and me with him later on this year. I remember him saying, 'Someday this old truck will be yours, Teddy Bear.' But I know I will never get to ride in an 18-wheeler again. But this old base will keep me in touch with all my trucker friends. Teddy Bear's going to back out now and leave you alone cause it's almost time for Mom to come home. But you give me a shout when you're passing through and I'll be happy to come back to you."
Well I came back and said, "Before you 10-10, what's your home 20, little CB friend?"
He gave me his home address and I didn't hesitate one second because this hot load of freight was just gonna have to wait. I turned that truck around on a dime and headed for Jackson Street 229.
As I rounded the corner, I got one heck of a shock, 18-wheelers lined up for three city blocks. I guess every trucker from miles around had caught Teddy Bear's call, and that little boy was having a ball.
For as fast as one driver would carry him in, another would carry him to his truck and they'd take off again. Well you better believe I took my turn at riding Teddy Bear. And then I carried him back in and put him down in his chair.
Buddy, if I never live to see happiness again, I want you to know I saw it that day in the face of that little man. We took up a collection before his mom came home. Each driver said goodbye and then they were gone. He shook my hand with a mile-long grin and said, "So long trucker, I'll catch you again."
I hit that interstate with tears in my eyes. I turned on my radio and got another surprise.
"Breaker 1-9," came a voice on the air, "just one word of thanks from Mom Teddy Bear. We wish each and every one a special prayer for you cause you just made my little boy's dream come true. I'll sign off now before I start to cry. May God ride with you; 10-4 and goodbye."
--- Author Unknown
KINDNESS
We don’t always have to be brave.
Sometimes we lack valor.
We don’t always have to be fearless.
Sometimes we get lost in despair.
We don’t always have to be trusting.
Sometimes we have doubts.
We don’t always have to be right.
Sometimes we are to blame.
We don’t always have to be happy.
Sometimes we become disheartened.
We don’t always have to be the winner.
Sometimes we feel conquered.
We don’t always have to be infallible.
Sometimes we make mistakes.
We don’t always have to be grounded.
Sometimes we lose our way.
We don’t always have to be strong.
Sometimes we are fragile.
But we must always try to be kind.
--- Copyright © 2003 Bernadette Ballezza
THE DALAI LAMA ON LIFE
Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
Follow the three R's: Respect for self, Respect for others and Responsibility for all your actions.
Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
Spend some time alone every day.
Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.
Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.
A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.
Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.
Be gentle with the earth.
Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.
Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.
FEELINGS
What are feelings? Feelings are just pure, unadulterated sentiments towards someone; people whom we care about. They are the expression of our inner most self.
At times, we base them on others behaviors and attitudes, which leaves us with a character that is not ours. Generally we try to see how the other person reacts to our actions and words. We wait for others to react, rather than act ourselves, to the situation. We love or hate on the basis of the feedback given to us by others, not realizing that we are interpreting their thoughts and feelings and making a fool out of our own self.
We seldom go by our heart and what we really feel. And if by chance we react with the wrong feedback, we try to justify our wrong by blaming the circumstance, rather than realizing the mistake and trying to interpret our own feelings.
--- Written in 2003 by VKK --- Maharastra, India
FOR MY BEST FRIEND
As the hours slowly pass and the sun rises over the hilltop, I lie awake trying to think of what life would be like without you. A life that hasn't been blessed with your beauty or the kindness of your heart can truly not be possible, for you reach out to even the simplest of souls, touching their hearts with love and their minds with hope.
The light in your eyes shows me that you care so much about other people that you show it off always with that beautiful smile you wear upon your face. Your soft touch tells me that you'll be there no matter how far I fall.
When I hold you in my arms, I know that I will never forget you, because you are the part of me that I hope never changes.
And when I see you laugh, I know that it is truly a miracle that you are here in my life. Because without you, I wouldn't have such an amazing best friend, and there would be no star in my sky to show me the way.
--- Copyright © 2003 Chris Hogan
YOU'RE WONDERFUL
A famous singer had been contracted to sing at a Paris opera house and ticket sales were booming. In fact, the night of the concert, the house was packed; every ticket had been sold.
The feeling of anticipation and excitement was in the air as the house manager took the stage and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your enthusiastic support. I am afraid that due to illness, the man whom you've all come to hear will not be performing tonight. However, we have found a suitable substitute we hope will provide you with comparable entertainment."
The crowd groaned in disappointment and failed to hear the announcer mention the stand-in's name. The environment turned from excitement to frustration.
The stand-in performer gave the performance everything he had. When he had finished, there was nothing but an uncomfortable silence. . . No one applauded.
Suddenly, from the balcony, a little boy stood up and shouted, "Daddy, I think you're wonderful!"
The crowd broke into thunderous applause.
Make someone's day. Tell them you think they're wonderful!
--- Author Unknown
WHEN WILL MY FINGERS GROW BACK?
A man came out of his home to admire his new truck. To his puzzlement, his three-year-old son was happily hammering dents into the shiny paint.
The man ran to his son, knocked him away, hammered the little boy's hands into a pulp as punishment. When the father calmed down, he rushed his son to the hospital.
Although the doctor tried desperately to save the crushed bones, he finally had to amputate the fingers from both the boy's hands. When the boy woke up from the surgery & saw his bandaged stubs, he innocently said, "Daddy, I'm sorry about your truck." Then he asked, "but when are my fingers going to grow back?"
The father went home and committed suicide.
Think about the story the next time you see someone spill milk at a dinner table or hear a baby crying. Think first before you lose your patience with someone you love. Trucks can be repaired. Broken bones & hurt feelings often can't. Too often we fail to recognize the difference between the person and the performance. People make mistakes. We are allowed to make mistakes; but the actions we take while in a rage will haunt us forever.
Pause and ponder. Think before you act. Be patient. Understand and love.
--- Author Unknown
STRENGTH OF A MAN
The strength of a man isn't seen in the width of his shoulders.
It is seen in the width of his arms that encircle you.
The strength of a man isn't in the deep tone of his voice.
It is in the gentle words he whispers.
The strength of a man isn't how many buddies he has.
It is how good a buddy he is with his kids.
The strength of a man isn't in how respected he is at work.
It is in how respected he is at home.
The strength of a man isn't in how hard he hits.
It is in how tender he touches.
The strength of a man isn't in the hair on his chest.
It is in his Heart that lies within his chest.
The strength of a man isn't how many women he's loved.
It is in can he be true to one woman.
The strength of a man isn't in the weight he can lift.
It is in the burdens he can understand and overcome.
--- Author Unknown
A GIFT FROM GOD
One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd."
I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.
As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him so I jogged over to him> As he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye.
As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives."
He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!" There was a big smile on his face.
It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before.
We talked all the way home, and I carried his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play football on Saturday with me and my friends. He said yes.
We hung all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him. And my friends thought the same of him. Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, "Darn boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!" He just laughed and handed me half the books.
Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors, we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown, and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor, and I was going for business on a football scholarship.
Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak.
Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than me and all the girls loved him!
Boy, sometimes I was jealous. Today was one of those days. I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!" He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. "Thanks," he said.
As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began.
"Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach ... , but mostly your friends. I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story."
I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. "Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable."
I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize its depth.
Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life; for better or for worse. God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way. Look for God in others.
Each day is a gift from God! Don't forget to say, "Thank you!"
--- Author Unknown
I AM MAKING PROGRESS
Yen Hui said, "I am making progress."
Confucius asked, "In what way?"
Yen Hui said, "I have given up doing good and being right."
Confucius said, "Very good, but that is not quite enough."
Another day, Yen Hui saw Confucius and said, "I am making progress."
Confucius asked, "In what way?"
Yen Hui said, "I have given up ceremony and music."
Confucius said, "Very good, but that is not quite enough."
Another day, Yen Hui saw Confucius again and said, "I am making progress."
Confucius asked, "In what way?"
Yen Hui said, "I just sit and forget."
Confucius was startled and asked, "What do you mean by sitting and forgetting?"
Yen Hui said, "I am not attached to the body and I give up any idea of knowing. By freeing myself from the body and mind, I become one with the infinite. This is what I mean by sitting and forgetting."
Confucius said, "When there is oneness, there are no preferences. When there is change, there is no constancy. If you have really attained this, then let me become your pupil."
--- Author Unknown
THE POWER OF WORDS
A speaker was speaking about the power of positive thinking and the power of words.
One of the audience raised his hand and said,
"It's not because I say good fortune, good fortune, good fortune that will make me feel better. Nor will saying bad luck, bad luck, bad luck, make me feel worse. They're only words and, by themselves, have no power."
The speaker replied. "Shut up, you fool, you don¹t understand a thing about this."
The member of the audience was stunned, his face became red and he was about to reply. "You, son of a..."
The speaker raised his hand.
"Please excuse me. I didn't mean to upset you. Please accept my most sincere apologies."
The member of the audience calmed down. Some people in the hall murmured; others shuffled their feet.
The speaker resumed. "There's the reply to the question you asked me. A few words made you very angry. The other words calmed you down."
"Now do you understand the power of words?"
--- Copyright © 2003 Christian H. Godefroy
BEQUEST TO POSTERITY
When an old lady died in the geriatric ward of a hospital near Dundee, Scotland, it was felt that she had left nothing of value. Then the nurses, going through her possessions, found this poem. Its quality so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital. One nurse took her copy to Ireland. The old lady's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas edition of the News Magazine of the North Ireland Association for Mental Health.
"A Poem"
What do you see, nurses, what do you see,
what are you thinking when you're looking at me?
A crabby old woman, not very wise,
uncertain of habit, with faraway eyes.
Who dribbles her food and makes no reply
when you say in a loud voice, "I do wish you'd try!"
Who seems not to notice the things that you do,
and forever is losing a stocking or shoe.
Who, resisting or not, lets you do as you will
with bathing and feeding, the long day to fill.
Is that what you're thinking? Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse; you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am as I sit here so still,
as I use at your bidding, as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of ten with a father and mother,
brothers and sisters, who love one another.
A young girl of sixteen, with wings on her feet,
dreaming that soon now a lover she'll meet.
A bride soon at twenty -- my heart gives a leap,
remembering the vows that I promised to keep.
At twenty-five now, I have young of my own
who need me to guide and a secure happy home.
A woman of thirty, my young now grown fast,
bound to each other with ties that should last.
At forty my young sons have grown and are gone,
but my man's beside me to see I don't mourn.
At fifty once more babies play round my knee,
again we know children, my loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead;
I look at the future, I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing young of their own,
and I think of the years and the love that I've known.
I'm now an old woman and nature is cruel;
'tis jest to make old age look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles, grace and vigor depart,
there is now a stone where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass a young girl still dwells,
and now and again my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys, I remember the pain,
and I'm loving and living life over again.
I think of the years - all too few, gone too fast -
and accept the stark fact that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, nurses, open and see,
not a crabby old woman; look closer -- see ME!!
Remember this poem when you next meet an old person. We will all one day be there, too.
--- Author Unknown
A MATTER OF PERSPECTIVE
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness...
you are more 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.
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 God's healing touch.
If you prayed yesterday and today...
you are in the minority because you believe God does hear and answer prayers.
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 that cannot read at all.
Have a good day, count your blessings.
--- Author Unknown --- Submitted by Rick Seymour --- Michigan
WALK LIKE A WARRIOR
This poem is hauled out from a warrior heart. Warrior name is Anand Manoharan. He has lots of talent in him and used to write poems in his precious/leisure time. This is the one of his yields from his golden wits.
It's hard to get a victory in every moment of life! There it goes with courage and determination... Thy needed for every moment, every sec to Fight for the best one in this world You need to face every hurdle, every scream On you and killing discouraging phrases on you... Thy don't care it at all, just hear what is good for you dear And walk like a warrior to fight for your desire It tells how every minute, every sec to persist for a final desire Smile, where you carry with thousands and thousands of miles... Beyond no one leading the way or couldn't find a road to walk along Doesn't mind at all, remove the thorns and hurdles and the stones Which blocks on the way, stay high and mighty always with you... Never give back, even if you have to face lots and lots of cries and hurts... Take a stride along the lean waves and Walk like a Warrior; reach your desire as the king of hearts...
--- Anand Manoharan --- Submitted by Gokulraj Prabhakaran
THE BEAUTY OF LIFE
The beauty of life I miss when my thoughts race in an unsteady haste
Is worrying about problems the solution or is it only that I am making waste?
Taking what I have for granted instead of appreciating the good in life that awaits
Do I not take notice of the kindness others show or do I dwell on past experiences that arise which bring about the hates
Life is too short not to have fun and experience the joy of giving and sharing one's self as I awake to a brand new day
To overcome the small unimportant problems or worries that mount because of the lack of not understanding one's inner self and not applying one's faith by turning and running away
I look around and see what's before me and come to notice I have a choice either to live life to the fullest or watch it go by
Life is what you make of it and how you perceive yourself by making positive choices and decisions that you will remember and know as your time has passed that you will not have to ask yourself why?
Struggles and challenges of making a living and caring for one's self and loved ones is what most of us live for
It's the determination to make our lives more meaningful and happy as difficult as this is to achieve when we fall short of our expectations and cry out in silence of wanting more
I am a person who accepts the good with bad and glad I am healthy and alive to be able to view life as the person who I am without regret or sorrow
I live for today to know my horizon can be reached for it is my tomorrow
--- Copyright © 2003 Duane Gomez
A SOLDIER
An elderly man with a young child approaches a fence. All around them are unfamiliar faces stricken with fear, heartache, and tears. The American flag bellows in the wind like a giant blanket covering the grief stricken. He gently squeezes his granddaughter's hand as she hugs in closely.
"Grandpa," a tiny voice calls out, "why is daddy leaving?"
The grandfather looks at his precious granddaughter for a moment with tears welling up. He quickly turns to his son now boarding a plane. For a brief moment the father and son exchange a look that only they know and understand. The son, a soldier, gives one last glance to his beloved daughter before turning and loading on the plane with the others who are Vietnam bound.
"Wave to daddy, little-one", the grandfather says.
As if she had forgotten her question, she begins to wave with all she could. As though those waves are what would bring her daddy home.
They watched with awe as the plane left the runway. So many doubts run through the grandfather's mind. He didn't dare express himself while the child was in his presence.
They slowly walk to the car as the day's events sink into their hearts. The elderly man thought long and hard about his granddaughter's question. Pondering what he could possibly say to ease the child's mind. Her tiny voice with such a large question still ringing in his ears. It broke his heart and touched his soul.
As they pulled out of the airport, traffic came to halt. The busy street that once held cars, now people marched up and down, carrying signs filled with words of hate towards the soldiers that just left. They screamed of peace, mis-justice, and abuse. The little girl looked at her grandfather in confusion. He could only smile at her, his heart heavy with the burden that now lied ahead.
Soon the demonstration came to an end and traffic began to flow again. As they drove down the busy city streets, the grandfather looked at the city as if truly seeing it for the first time. He saw beggars on the streets, chasing pedestrians down and young boys running through alleyways instead of sitting in a classroom. He heard sirens screaming in the distance and people yelling profanity at their neighbors.
" Thief! Baby killers! GET OUT OF MY WAY!" came from all directions humming in his ears...and hers.
They finally came to their driveway. He slowly shut the car door and took his granddaughter's hand. He looked off into the sky as it began to darken. They went inside. The house was dark and musty. He turned the TV on and the news report began, "this evening a suspect was arrested for the shooting and murder of a local shop owner".
Quickly the grandfather turned the TV off. He had enough. He called to his granddaughter to come sit by him. Lightly touching her hair, he breathed a heavy sigh and began speaking to her.
"My dear little one, you asked me earlier why it was your daddy had to go away. Although it breaks our hearts to see him leave, you have to believe that he has a greater purpose.
Daddy left so that those people marching the streets may do so. He fights for their freedom to say what it is they feel. Even though, they hate him... he loves them that much. Daddy left so that the man on the corner can live as he chooses. Daddy fights for that man's freedom to sit on that street corner. And though, your daddy's valor leaves a bitter taste in that man's mouth...he loves him that much.
Daddy left so that the children, who run in the alleyway and skip school, may have the freedom to go to school and learn. Even though, those children don't understand what sacrifices daddy makes...he loves them that much. Daddy left so that men may bear arms without persecution or prejudice. Even though one-day daddy may be at the end of that barrel...he loves them that much. Your daddy left for the love of freedom. To give all that choice even if it is taking away his own freedom.
So little one be proud of your daddy and believe in what he believes in no matter what others may say about what daddy is doing today. One day you will understand the choices your daddy makes. So till then never forget the things I have told you today and always remember that he loves you that much."
The little girl was confused. She trusted her grandfather though and saw the tears that welled in his eyes. She knew in her heart, he meant what it he was saying. So she kissed him on the forehead and gave him a big hug and said, " I won't forget grandpa."
Two years later the little girl lost her daddy. She never got to ask her daddy about what her grandpa had taught her and what freedom had meant to him. She never got the chance to hold his hand, or dance for him in the school play. She didn't get to hear him laugh at her birthday party or have him kiss her good night. She just carried the image of that fateful goodbye and the words of her grandfather.
"PARADE REST!" boomed the voice of the Sergeant.
As they were being briefed, the young soldier thought back to the day her daddy had boarded that plane. Fear, pride, and sorrow began to over whelm her. She could still see her daddy's eyes as he disappeared into the dark. Her heart was racing, as the company begins to load their things. She looked off into the distance at the fence. The same fence where so many years ago her and her grandfather had stood. Slowly a tear fell as, a faded image of her grandfather stood there. Almost as though he had never left. She smiled at the waving image. She exclaimed under her breathe to the ghost. " I never forgot grandpa, I never forgot."
--- Copyright © 2003 Caleb Brouk
GOING HOME
(A tribute to the Columbia crew)
Far, far above in a bright Texas sky,
Streaking toward home at a speed so high,
With loved ones waiting just minutes away,
Our work is done, we're going home today.
We've traveled far with knowledge our quest.
How could we have known or even guessed?
We've circled the earth and given our best,
But soon we'll face our final test.
Pushing the limits of time and space,
We all know it's a risky race.
We've gone far above the mountain peak,
Living a dream that few dare seek.
And now we've seen the other side,
A longer trip but what a ride.
With loved ones waiting just minutes away,
Our work is done, we're going home today.
--- Copyright © 2003 Paul W. Smith
STORIES
We all have our stories; intimate stories about our lives that we long to share. Stories about those things that have dearly touched us and stories about things that have cruelly torn us apart; stories about honor, stories about despair.
Our stories are about what happens to us, within us, around us. Our daily joy, grief, the silly times, the lonely times. Some of our stories are about that simple moment in our lives that change us forever. And some are about the significant moments that we wish we could do over.
We add daily to the stories we need to tell. And we let go of the ones that no longer seem meaningful enough to share. These stories we gently lay to rest.
When we listen to each other's stories we learn about ourselves, and we learn we are not alone. Listening to another's story, we feel united by common experiences. It is what helps us recognize the hero within and graciously receive the one standing before us.
Our stories need to be told. We search out someone to listen, someone to understand, someone to tell us their stories. This profound connection is essential to our wellness. The telling and the listening are what makes our lives authentic.
--- Copyright © 2003 Bernadette Ballezza