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WHO YOU ARE SPEAKS LOUDER TO ME
THAN ANYTHING YOU CAN SAY
an excerpt from Lee Ryan Miller's
TEACHING AMIDST THE NEON PALM TREES
December 19, 2005
At the beginning of my 8:00 a.m. class one Monday at UNLV, I cheerfully asked my students how their weekend had been. One young man said that his weekend had not been very good. He'd had his wisdom teeth extracted. The young man then proceeded to ask me why I always seemed to be so cheerful.
His question reminded me of something I'd read somewhere before: "Every morning when you get up, you have a choice about how you want to approach life that day," I said to the young man. "I choose to be cheerful."
"Let me give you an example," I continued. The other sixty students in the class ceased their chatter and began to listen to our conversation. "In addition to teaching here at UNLV, I also teach out at the community college in Henderson, about seventeen miles down the freeway from where I live. One day, a few weeks ago, I drove those seventeen miles to Henderson. I exited the freeway and turned onto College Drive. I only had to drive another quarter-mile down the road to the college. But just then my car died. I tried to start it again, but the engine wouldn't turn over. So I put my flashers on, grabbed my books, and marched down the road to the college."
"As soon as I got there I called AAA and asked them to send a tow truck. The secretary in the Provost's office asked me what had happened. This is my lucky day," I replied, smiling.
"Your car breaks down and today is your lucky day?" She was puzzled. "What do you mean?"
"I live seventeen miles from here." I replied. "My car could have broken down anywhere along the freeway. It didn't. Instead, it broke down in the perfect place: off the freeway, within walking distance of here. I'm still able to teach my class, and I've been able to arrange for the tow truck to meet me after class. If my car was meant to break down today, it couldn't have been arranged in a more convenient fashion."
The secretary's eyes opened wide, and then she smiled. I smiled back and headed for class. So ended my story to the students in my economics class at UNLV.
I scanned the sixty faces in the lecture hall. Despite the early hour, no one seemed to be asleep. Somehow, my story had touched them. Or maybe it wasn't the story at all. In fact, it had all started with a student's observation that I was cheerful.
A wise man once said, "Who you are speaks louder to me than anything you can say." I suppose it must be so.
Copyright © 2004 Lee Ryan Miller
CONSTANT DILEMMA
December 12, 2005
Have you ever experienced getting out of a romantic relationship where you felt as though you were already at the end of your rope, but you were still determined to go on? Sadly, many people unconsciously give a negative answer to this question by denying themselves the right to be happy. While some people see finding someone to love as a "dream come true," others view it as their "worst nightmare." For the latter, falling in love is a constant dilemma that puts them in an emotional roller coaster.
People who have loved and lost often become emotionally scarred. They may be haunted by disillusionment because of unrequited love, or they could be traumatized by pain from previous relationships. Their hearts pound with joy when they feel that new love has come along. They consider the possibility of loving and being loved again. Still, they are afraid to welcome the love that knocks on their doors; they are terrified by the possibility of getting hurt again. In doing so, they end up losing the love by timidly refusing it.
People who are brave enough to take the risk do love again, but they sometimes find themselves distraught. They may focus so much on trying to build a perfect relationship that they forget about laying a good foundation. When love comes to find rest in their hearts, they hold on to it, pamper it, try to keep it, and become glad that they have been given a second chance. Still, they cannot forget that since love came to them freely, then that same love could also leave on its own free will; thus they do everything materially or physically possible to keep love from departing. In doing so, they end up losing the love by imprisoning it.
"There's a time for everyone, if they only learn that the twisting kaleidoscope moves us all in turn." It is said that time heals all wounds; a wounded heart is no exception. In time, you will find the love that's meant for you. All you need is the patience and the courage to risk getting hurt again. If you do not try hard enough, you will only deny yourself the chance to become happy again. No one should ever be denied the bliss of love. No matter what the setback, you should keep trying to find the love you've always been waiting for, because it's worth all this constant dilemma.
--- Written in 2005 by Je Ma Vi --- Philippines
LETTING GO TO TAKE HOLD
December 7, 2005
You're probably looking at this line and wondering what in the world I am talking about. This is actually a line that I remember from my confirmation days over 26 years ago. I remember the story that we were studying was about a carousal at a carnival and comparing that carousal to life. It talked about how in life you need to let go of the difficult things in order to take hold of the beautiful things in life. So... I thought I would share a true story with each of you about… Letting go to take hold...
18 years ago a young girl walked into a hospital to give birth to a beautiful baby girl. Now, this young girl knew that when she left that hospital she would be leaving without that baby in her arms. But, she also knew that if she were to put her trust and faith in our Lord that the little girl that she gave up would have a life filled with love and kindness and that our Lord would give her the guidance and love to live her life to the fullest.
This young girl went home with empty arms on that warm day in September, but her heart was warm with the Love of Jesus. She knew that in God's eyes she was doing the right thing. She was letting go of this beautiful child to take hold of what life had in store for her. This young girl was going home to her little son and a life filled with amazing things that she knew she would experience.
This young girl went to college and grew up into a responsible adult. She worked full time, went to school full time (at the same time) and raised her son alone to give him the best life she would be able to give him.
15 years ago this young girl met and married a wonderful man who accepted her son and her with all her past. But, she never once forgot that little girl she gave birth to that warm September day. When that little girl turned 6 years old that young woman received the best gift that was ever given to her. A letter from her little girl's parents. For years following she received a letter from the parents and just 2 years ago, when that little girl turned 16 years old the woman received her first letter from her "little girl".
Now… she let go of her "Little Girl" to take hold of life. But, now comes the amazing part. Just 1 week ago that Woman received her first phone conversation from her "Little Girl" who is now 17 years old. She spent 2 hours talking and getting to know the baby that she let go of 17 years earlier. She watched as her son was able to talk to the sister he never met for the first time. The joy that she felt was absolutely amazing. Her excitement is continuing to grow knowing that in writing this today, she will be meeting her "Little Girl" in less than 4 weeks.
You might be wondering why I shared this story with each of you. I believe that this story shows that in order to move on in life… you need to let go to take hold of what life has in store for each of us. You see… That young girl 18 years ago… was me.
God bless each of you and I hope that your lives are filled with the spirit just as my life has been all these years. And remember… let go to take hold… it really is an amazing story…
--- Written in 2005 by Nancy F.
I wrote this July 19, 2005 .. the day after speaking with the "Little Girl" I gave up 18 years ago. I have been blessed to have gotten to know and love this bright and beautiful young woman. My story is probrably no different than many young girls out there. I just hope that putting this out there for others to see will give encouragement and strength to those that are going through the same thing I did. As I told her in my first letter to her... She was not a mistake, all children are a gift from God, it was the circumstances surrounding her conception that was a mistake. I loved her enough to let go.
UPDATE:
To all my friends that has been so very kind and supportive over the past months. I had the opportunity to meet and get to know the "little girl" who I gave up for adoption 18 years ago. It was an amazing experience and one that will stay in my heart for years to come. I finally feel complete after 18 years. The amazing part was that after all this time, when I held her for the first time, it felt as if I had never let her go.
Her parents are amazing people who have given me a gift that I could never repay. She is a beautiful and loving young woman who I am proud to call my daughter. God bless all of you who have kept us in your prayers. The meeting was one filled with love, excitement and joy like nothing I have ever experienced before in my life. We will be getting together again real soon.
TEACHING IN THE MUD GARDEN
December 7, 2005
Having just left a weekly faculty meeting during which absolutely nothing was accomplished, I was feeling woefully uninspired as I fought my way back to my classroom; I felt much like a salmon swimming upstream through the throngs of teenagers and tweenagers loitering in the halls.
Five minutes before homeroom, my room was mysteriously and mercifully devoid of students, leaving me a few moments to regroup before the day began. Then I saw it. I shall teach / in a mud garden / under rhythm was the poem that awaited me on the magnetic poetry board in my classroom. I read it several times to be sure that my eyes were not deceiving me.
Several thoughts raced through my mind at once. Thought one: one of my apathetic, disaffected students had actually written something -- something intriguing and somewhat clever to boot! Thought two: One of my students went behind my desk to retrieve the poetry board that I used during class but that remained hidden (though apparently not well hidden). Thought three: what does this mean?! I sped through the motions of homeroom, taking attendance and lunch orders and reading the daily announcements.
I was delighted to have first period free to uncover the meaning of this piece of anonymous poem. I perseverated over each and every detail and possible nuance.
I shall teach...well, yes, I shall. No mystery there. Under rhythm... well, this student was on to something. Teaching does have its own rhythm and each teacher has his or her own. In a mud garden...is that what this student considered school? We weren't a rural school and had neither mud nor a garden. I was stumped. Mud garden...mud garden...mud garden.
And then I realized it. Middle school is exactly that: a mud garden! A garden has tremendous potential but takes a great deal of cultivation characterized by patience, nurturing, care and gentleness. If given all of these nutrients, the garden will grow and flourish into something lovely and prosperous from an itty bitty seed. Neglecting one's garden can turn it to mud and make the garden lie fallow. Like a garden, middle schoolers require care and love and nurturing so that they don't turn to mud.
The door to my classroom swung open and my students began to pour in chatting about the science test through which they'd just suffered. They took their seats and got settled, borrowing pencils from one another and searching for their homework assignments. "Good morning, " I began. "Who can tell me what a metaphor is?"
--- Copyright © 2005 Daniella Garran
SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO CRY
December 7, 2005
There are a lot of things about parenthood that could make one cry... the cost of formula, sleepless nights, or diaper messes just to name a few. However, for me the absolute worst had to be - immunization shots.
At about two months into parenthood, I learned the true meaning of the word "heartbreak". There could not have be anything worse than watching helplessly as he receives his first round of immunization shots. I would have rather have been run over by a truck than have to sit there and watch him go through that. While listening to his screams, I kept thinking that surely medical science could have come up with a better way of doing this by now. As far as any solace from the doctor, all he could say was, "Ah, look at those healthy tears." As we left the office, I whispered into my son's ear, "It's okay, Sam. Sometimes you just have to cry."
In a way I guess it was only a matter of time before Sam was introduced to pain in his life. I remembered losing my father to a sudden car accident a number of years ago. I tried to remain strong through it all. One day, when a song came on the radio that reminded me of your grandpa, I completely lost it. It was the first time since the funeral that I just let go and cried. It felt good to not hold back anymore.
The earliest memory I have of my father is one of me as a young boy holding his hand by his two last fingers as we walked together. His hands seemed so large that his fingers were all I could actually grip. He always took me with him to basketball games even at my young age. I will never forget that.
As I grew older I remember dad and I listening to high school basketball games together on an old transistor radio. I would make a list of players names on a piece of paper and keep track of how many points each would score as the game went on. Too small to stay awake for the whole game, I always fell asleep before the game ended. When I would wake up in the morning I would find the score sheet lying next to me. The score sheet would be filled out with the final score on it completed by my father before he carried me to bed.
I remember the times when my father would stop by the house in the early morning on those cold days when I was home from school over Christmas break. I used to ride on the floor of that bread truck as he delivered the bread to the stores. I don't know if those old trucks even had heaters but it didn't matter. The smell and warmth from the bread that had just come from the bakery ovens would make my mouth water and keep me warm both at the same time.
In high school I became very interested in athletics. My father would attend all my games. My senior year our football team qualified to play in the state championship game. It was the first time in the history of our school that any team had advanced that far. The night before the game my father came to me and sadly announced that he would not be able to attend. He had to deliver the bread to the stores and the site of the games was a three hour drive from his route. He vowed to listen to every play on the transistor radio. Consumed with the anticipation of the game, I acknowledged his comments without fully noticing his regret.
The next day as game time approached I couldn't help thinking about my dad. For some reason as I lined up for the second half kickoff I happened to look across the field into the parking lot. There I saw his blue and white bread truck pulling into the stadium. He has delivered the bread and made the long drive in time to at least see part of the game in which we won the state championship.
Years later I had become a teacher and coach. Early one morning I was awakened by the sound of the telephone ringing at 5:30 A.M. As I struggled to answer the phone I'll never forget the sound of the sheriff's voice on the other end telling me that my dad had just been killed in an automobile accident on his way to work. Cattle from a nearby farm had broken through a fence and wandered onto the highway. Being a dark, rainy morning my father never saw them as he came over a ridge. The impact spun the car sideways in the highway before a semi-trailer collided with it. He was killed instantly. As I listened to the story I could hear my heart beat in my ears. I hung up the phone devastated.
For a long time after that things really didn't matter to me. I went about my life but I really didn't care. It felt as if my heart had been torn away and in a sense it had. I went to work. I still taught school but I was just going through the motions.
One day I was on the school playground supervising a first grade recess. A little boy walked up to me and grabbed my hand by my last two fingers. Just like I use to do to my dad. In that moment my father came back to me. In that instant I realized that even though my father was gone he had left me something behind. He had left me his smile. He had left me his compassion. He had left me his heart. When that little boy touched my hand I realized that all these wonderful gifts that I had loved so much about my father could be passed on to others. From that moment on I started. In that moment I understood the meaning of the word heritage.
Like his father, there will be times in my son's life when he will feel pain. When that happens, I hope I am there for him. If I am not, I hope he remembers the words I whispered in his ear that day as we left the doctor's office. "It's okay, Sam. Sometimes you just have to cry."
--- Copyright © 2004 Tom Krause
POEMS FROM THE HEART
December 7, 2005
SILENT FLIGHT
In the silence,
The clarity of your voice,
Climbs high
Upon the eagles wings.
The chains of doubt
That imprison my soul,
Fall away beneath my feet.
In the freedom and majesty
Of the sentinel's gaze,
Faith is strengthened
And hope returned
To a weary heart,
Upon the silent flight
Of eagles wings.
--- Written in 1998 by Chris Roe - England
SANCTUARY
Shafts of light
Through cathedral windows,
Dappled shade
Upon the leaves beneath my feet.
Bird song
In the branches above.
In the distance,
Hind and fawn
Cross the forest track.
The sweet fragrance of autumn
Fills the misty air.
A gentle breeze
Moving colours
To the forest floor.
So precious
Such beauty,
So hard to find,
Such peaceful sanctuary.
--- Written in 1998 by Chris Roe - England
LIFE IS EXCELLENT!
December 7, 2005
Life is indeed the most excellent of all virtues. If we were to even for a single moment reflect upon Life and its trajectories, all we could be able to perceive is that Life is encompassed and has bestowed each and every one of us with excellence in each sphere and facet of this most adventurous journey called, Life.
Life has always provided each and every one of us with the very best, all times, all instances, always in all ways. We should always appreciate with immense gratitude this precious gift, "Life", that we have been awarded fortunately.
To Live each and every moment with Awareness, Gratitude, Responsibility and Appreciation is an Excellence by itself. We live once. Let us Live excellently, with thanks.
Wish the very best for all, appreciate every moment, hope for the very best with an enthusiastic perspective whilst attending to the concerned assignments with due diligence, prudent acumen, a calibrated approach and a staunch belief that Life is Excellent, for it is truly Excellent.
--- Written in 2005 by Vashi Ramchand Chandiramani
Best wishes and kind regards to one and all. Wishing each and every person the very best, good luck and success in your endeavors, at all times and instances. May there be always be; peace, love, harmony, prosperity, greater understanding between people and bountiful happiness all across this beautiful universe, to one and all. Remember that life is excellent; there could never be a more precious gift than this. Think and appreciate, visualize and venture ahead with care & responsibility, as well as adopting, adhering, integrating and implementing relevance to the various corresponding facets of life diligently. Take care & all the best!
TOMORROW
November 28, 2005
Tomorrow-I'll tell him just what he means,
That living and loving with him is in my dreams
Tomorrow-I'll give a big hug to mum,
Say a quick thank you for all that she's done.
Tomorrow-I'll call or even drop by,
I'll say 'I love you' state all the reasons why.
Tomorrow-I'll go about getting in touch,
With forgotten friends I miss so much.
Tomorrow-I'll take the first step to my goal,
That I've always thought would make my life whole.
Tomorrow-I'll count all my blessings in life,
Consider it privilege to be a midwife …
But what should I do if that day never comes,
And all good intentions come undone.
If life should spin a crazy dance,
All these things and you never got the chance.
If you woke up tomorrow to find that they'd gone,
Looked at your list, realized you'd done none.
All the things you were going to do today,
A million things you never got to say.
Would you be confident that you'd given your all,
Or guilty that you didn't make that call?
Could you be at peace, content that they knew,
Just how much they all meant to you?
So, to avoid that nightmare never becoming real,
Love life, love others and show how you feel.
--- Written in 2004 by Stephanie Ineson
It's so important to let those who surround us know that we love them. We almost take it for granted that they will always be there but in life I have learnt that isn't always the case. So let the people you love know how they fill your life with purpose.
WE NEVER ACCEPT DEFEAT
November 7, 2005
Killer rain
Unending downpour
Sky torn beyond
Repair
Unleashing fury of hell
None could ever tell,
Gushing flood
In
Anger or retaliation?
Neck deep water all around,
No single
Patch of dry ground.
No ray of sunshine
None slept safe for
Awhile.
Nature powerful, might and strong
Roared like angered
Monster
Pounding all that came along,
Spared none, disturbed each and
Every one.
Rains be will gone,
Sun will shine all along,
Jumping
Back on our feet
We never accept defeat.
--- Written in 2005 by Vikki Kumar --- India
The damage done by the rains in Bombay is immeasurable. This is something I wrote - what I felt when I saw it on the TV and read in the papers.
ADVICE FOR LIFE
November 7, 2005
Let me sit down at your side,
Let me look into your eyes.
If I can see there's no pride
Let me give you this advice:
Nothing is that easy to get in life
And every bad thing happens twice.
In a world like today's you will survive
Only if you keep - on your face - a smile.
Thousands of things could make you cry
But you're strong enough to keep your head up high.
Here's a last thing no one can deny:
We are all just apprentices,
No one knows what it feels like
To live The Best Life...
So you better give it a try
Before time catches you up and makes you die!
--- Copyright © 2005 Valerie Lavoie
THE HELL OF LONELINESS
A Personal Story Of Transformation
November 7, 2005
There was a time in my life, a long time ago, when I felt very lonely in the world. Do you know what it is like to feel you will never be loved for who you are? To never feel truly understood? To feel that when people see you, they are not seeing the real you - and they don't even try to see the real you. It is like the real you is invisible to everyone but yourself - and everyone thinks you are somebody you are really not. To be next to a person and feel so far away. That kind of loneliness is even more lonely than being just by yourself. At least by myself, I can just be me. I can feel who I am.
I felt as if my life had no real value to anyone, and thus no value for myself. For me, this was worse than "death", because death seems a relief from loneliness. After death, I thought, there is probably nothing - and nothing is at least less painful than loneliness. For the tears of loneliness are one of the most painful experiences I have ever felt in my life. They are not tears of the body, but those of the soul. I wondered, why live when it seems so much easier to be dead? To be born into the world with so many people, and all your life feel alone. The present and the future seemed to stretch out into one long eternity. To tell you the truth, I did think of ending my life. But my heart told me, "That is against the law of nature." Were I to end my life, I think I would have only been creating more suffering for myself in the next life. But if an angel had come in those dark times and asked me if I wanted to leave this world, I would have gladly gone with her.
And that is how I knew I was in hell. If heaven is the place where you never want to leave, then hell must be the place where you always want to leave but can't. The place worse than death. And for me, loneliness is such a place, and it is one such a hell. Always wanting to leave, but not knowing how, seeing no way out, and no one to save you. And this hell was inside me, and I carried it everywhere I went, all the time, unable to be free. If only an angel would come and deliver me, for I did not know how to deliver myself.
But such an angel never came. Nobody came. Nobody came to save me. Nobody came to understand. The only person in the world, it seemed, was me. I was all alone, as it had always been, and seemed it always would be.
And in this darkness, I saw the only way out into the light… love. Love can save you. Love is the only way out of hell. Not someone loving you, because you can never expect anybody to love you. But you loving someone else. If no one loves you, at least you can love someone else. Love, without expecting love in return. There are others who are suffering in the hell of loneliness - love them so they need not suffer as you have suffered. Live so that others need not experience the hell you have experienced. A gentle eye, a kind word, a helping hand, a patient ear, a generous smile… these are the free acts of love you can give to ease the suffering of others. These acts of love take away loneliness - both their loneliness and yours. And they add to love - both theirs and yours.
I can't guarantee anyone will ever love you back in the way you need to be loved. Love is always a choice, made freely by people and by fate. But I can guarantee that the love you choose to give freely, returns to you freely to live inside your heart. As love lives, so you live in love. For in the love you give to others, lies the seed of heaven. The hell of loneliness you once felt gradually fades away into the past. Love has the power to transform hell into heaven.
If you don't understand any of this, then you are lucky, because you have not experienced the hell of loneliness, and so do not understand its language. Perhaps you live surrounded by love - or perhaps you feel you do not need love. But if you do understand the hell of loneliness, then know you are not alone. I know it may seem no one cares, but I care. That is why I write this for you. To let you know that you are not as alone as you may believe. And you need not envy those who never seem to have been lonely, for you are lucky too.
Yes, you are lucky too, even though you may not see it now. You are lucky because you have the chance to be stronger than others, for true strength is born from the ability to accept and overcome weakness. You have the chance to not fear death, for those who have been to hell no longer fear death. The chance to know how to love, for those who have never been loved have no choice but to love others - or die. The chance to always carry and feel love inside your heart, for that is the beginning and ending place of all love. To be a true survivor, for only those who have suffered can be said to have survived, and it is only the survivors who can become the true leaders. It is you who are lucky, because you have the chance to gain the power to transform hell into heaven, for only those who have been to hell can transform it into heaven.
--- Copyright © 2004 Evan Lyn
A KID BY THE WALL
November 7, 2005
A lonely kid stands
all alone by the wall
as others pass by
on their way thru the hall.
He never speaks out -
just waits for his class.
Not daring to talk
unless he is asked.
Meeting new friends -
how hard will he try?
He would like to reach out
but he is lonely and shy.
If you want to help out -
in a very simple way -
a quiet "Hello"
is all you need say.
But if nobody cares
as they pass in the hall
he will always remain
a lonely kid by the wall.
--- Copyright © 2005 Tom Krause
NEVER SAY NEVER
November 7, 2005
I'm nineteen years of age. In June 2004 my father passed. He died of alcoholism. My mother lived in California, he lived in Maryland while I lived in Utah with my uncle. Now, needless to say, I wasn't that close to my father. He was a royal pain. A few months before his death I got a DUI at age seventeen. I already had a drinking problem. Eventually I fell into alcoholism and habitual "reefer" use.
Well months went by. I met a great girl and fell in love. She fell in love with an addict, alcoholic, and codependent. Neither of us knew it at the time but I was a ticking bomb. This girl was amazing and extremely successful. She was an inspiration to many. She asked me to quit drinking so I did for her. She asked me to stop the "reefer" so I told her I did (can't give it all up). So I played it off for a few months. I was in love, still am. I slipped, had one beer. But when you're a "hopeless" alcoholic, one leads to 100. That was slip one.
So I said I was sorry, won't do it again. While I would have a few beers and bowls on a regular basis, two more months went by and I slipped again, she caught me. I begged, bought roses and I was forgiven. Now a few more months go by, here comes the codependence. Start manipulating her into whatever I wanted, which is very wrong.
The love of my life goes away to college; I was sad. I don't know what I started thinking now. I hit on her best friend. Talked very crude with her, dirty pictures, the whole shebang. My girlfriend comes home on a surprise visit and hears about this - comes over happy and confronts me. I fess up because I love her but yet I did that because of my mental condition. Well needless to say three strikes and you're out. She left me.
I was sober for 146 days prior to this last event. The day after she left me so did my sobriety. Pathetic! A twelver a night was my support group. Two joints in the morning were my coffee. This goes on for weeks.
The love of my life comes home for a few days again. She doesn't want to talk to me. She hears of what I'm doing. Still loving me, is upset that I fell into again. (To let the reader know I have two days sobriety as I'm writing this.) Since I was twelve, 146 days of straight sobriety was the longest I've ever had.
Well now, I see the pain I cause to the people that love me. And it hurts. I've dedicated my life to sobriety, fixing my codependencies in my realm.
The moral is don't lie to yourself or ones you love, nothing good will come out of it. Someone will get hurt, most likely won't be you but someone you love. Never too young to be an addict. Never say Never.
--- Written in 2005 by T.S.
SHAKE OFF YOUR PROBLEMS
October 24, 2005
A man's favorite donkey falls into a deep precipice;
He can't pull it out no matter how hard he tries;
He therefore decides to bury it alive.
Soil is poured onto the donkey from above.
The donkey feels the load, shakes it off, and steps on it;
More soil is poured.
It shakes it off and steps up;
The more the load was poured, the higher it rose;
By noon, the donkey was grazing in green pastures.
After much shaking off (of problems)
And stepping up (learning from them),
One will graze in GREEN PASTURES.
Written in 2004 by Sekola Phakoe --- Lesotho
Shake off your problems and learn how to overcome them in future.
I KNOW I WILL SURVIVE
(Ode to the Hurricane Victims)
October 5, 2005
Photographs and teddy bears have all been washed away
Bodies drifting lifelessly down into the bay
We ran to our upstairs window while 'copters flew on by
I wondered if my mom's alive as I heard a baby cry
All I know
Is I'm alive
And I'll survive
Politicians and the media don't care if I'm alright
They're just pointing fingers, and trying to win their fight
Is nature reeking vengeance, or just acting on its course?
Is God trying to punish us, or remind he's in control?
All I know
Is I'm alive
And I'll survive
Yesterday I did my hair and swept the kitchen floor
Today I'm watching looters roam as I hide behind my door
Yesterday I put on lipstick, drove my kids to school
Today I wonder if I'll eat or if chaos will now rule
All I know
Is I need my
Photographs and teddy bears back within my arms
Some new ribbons for your hair and maybe I'll be calm
And I know I will survive
--- Copyright © 2005 Karen Kansfield
ONE DAY, BUT NOT TODAY
For Jonathan - It's not your time
When I wake up in the morning
With the sun upon my face
Five been given another day to live
Only by God's great and wonderful grace
Most take life for granted
Never stopping along the way
"Gotta do this Gotta do that"
Can't wait til the end of the day
Then something tragic happens
And our eyes are opened wide
We realize how short life is
How we wished we had enjoyed the ride
Fortunately for some
Who receive the message clear
Who open hearts and mind
So his voice they finally hear
I just needed your attention
Came the voice from up above somewhere
You life became so busy
You forgot that I was there
Slow down my child and listen
I will help you to survive
If only you will let me
I'll keep your voice alive
Give me your situation
As I am the way the truth and the life
And I will certainly deliver thee
From all your worldly strife
For you, darkness has not come
You have years and much to give
So go my child and share with all
The power that caused you to live
One day I'll send an Angel
To bring you home to stay
Until that time spread love, peace and hope
To the world along your way
--- Copyright © 2005 Rick Flowers
I wrote the first poem in May of this year after a friend of mine was stricken with Cancer.
IT WASN'T YOUR TIME
October 5, 2005
On June 24, 2005 I sent out a poem entitled "One Day, But Not Today" because I felt in my heart, as many of you did, that it wasn't Jonathan's time to go. God had given him a beautiful daughter, a nice new home and enough resources to take care of her along with an extended family who have been wonderful throughout this crisis. We all knew deep down that it wasn't his time and began contacting family and friends literally from all over the country to join in praying for his complete healing.
Today's thought is titled, "It Wasn't Your Time" because God has answered those prayers and has lifted his child up and healed him completely. The journey of life will never be the same for any of us having experienced this Miracle. How many people do you know who have actually been able to know someone who was healthy, afflicted and then brought back completely from deaths grip? I'm sure there are many but for me, this is a first. I will never be the same. Thank you all for everything you have done and continue to do. The time for prayer is not over; it has just begun.
And so it was done,
Almost 3 months to the day you were diagnosed with cancer
We have witnessed a true act of God
The healing of one who was broken
But it was not without the prayers of literally hundreds of people
Those closest to us and those from far away
The Almighty has lifted the darkness
And presented a brand new day
With this healing comes new life
A new beginning, a new start
For what God has given you
You must now give back from your heart
You must take the new wings he has given you
And fly higher than before
For you have seen the dark side
You have been to death's cold door
So many things to be grateful for
For sure your life has changed
You will never see it as you did before
Its all been rearranged
Walk tall my friend in your new life
Hold your head up and be proud
Listen close to the still small voice
And you will soar above the clouds
Now is the time to forge ahead
Let nothing slow you down
The angels in heaven are singing
And flying all around
For one of God's children has been lifted up
God has touched you with his hand
It wasn't your time to join
The heavenly angel band
Don't hold back what God has brought you through
Share with all you see
Then one day when this life is over
With Jesus and the Angels you shall be
Welcome back my friend
--- Copyright © 2005 Rick Flowers
This second poem was written when he was proclaimed Cancer free just 3 short months later and after a LOT of Chemo.
LEARNING TO RIDE WITH ANGIE
October 5, 2005
Unlike the typical child of my city, I did not learn to ride a two-wheeler bike, without training wheels, at a very young age. Despite advice on how to go about achieving the ability, I was frustratingly unsuccessful. I was advised to try riding down the driveway, but this did not do the trick of ridding me of the extra wheels. On one overnight stay with my friend Angie, however, I was finally able to ride without the assistance of an additional set.
I do not remember, exactly, when I acquired this life-changing ability; it is likely that I was already junior high or late elementary aged. I had recently expressed my lament at not being able to ride to my mom. I could not just hop on a bike that was not laden with training wheels and ride down to the baseball park. An additional malady of needing training wheels is that I was different from my peers in that way.
One afternoon when I was on a break from school for the weekend, however, a change I am grateful for began. I was at my friend Angie's house, and I wanted to ride bike with her. Angie was four grades younger than me, and we met when she was "still in diapers," as her mom said.
On the day of this important stay the weather was cooperative for biking, but a bike with training wheels was not available. This fact did not deaden my desire to ride. The bikes were kept in a garage, and getting them out was not necessarily easy. Still, two were retrieved.
Even though I could not ride a two-wheeler, Angie was willing to go out with me and help me. She may have been very skeptical about going without training wheels on the bike I was using. Still, we left for St. Michael's, a nearby church and school.
We somehow arrived at the location; we may both have walked bikes there, since I could not ride. We came to St. Mike's. It was not to be just an ordinary afternoon. Angie set about teaching me to ride a bike without training wheels. She would go behind me as I sat on the bike and would hold on. The bike moved forward and I was able to ride with her behind me! Did Angie struggle to keep me balanced and moving at the same time? What a faithful friend she was!
St. Michael's was not the only place where my endeavors took place; there was a cemetery that was even closer to Angie's house. Besides being the burial place of many bodies, this site also had smooth, flat surfaces where riding could take place. I am not really one to hang out in the graveyards, but this time in one proved very helpful. There were one or more cemented routes that people visiting the commentary could walk on. I did not use such a route to arrive at the grave of a deceased family member, however. Rather, I acquired biking skill on the smooth, hard surface.
There, my skill progressed and Angie began to let go. At first, she did so after forewarning me. I would ride without her helping hand. Later, she may not warn me before letting go; she would remove her hand without letting me know she was going to. Besides my ability, my confidence also increased. I think Angie's letting go without forewarning me was very important or even crucial for this.
Did Angie get tired of following after her eager friend? I think she was also glad that I had achieved so much. We spent a good amount of time on my riding, and I was excited, thrilled at my ability. I did not really care to stop.
But, there are only so many hours of daylight; and after sunset, darkness falls. The expedition halted. Why does it have to get dark when one can progress, on a bike, with only two wheels? Morning would come, however, and the work of balancing a bike could begin again.
I woke up. Was it still real? Could I still, however shakily, move forward on a bike without four wheels? I again sat on the bike seat. My new ability had not escaped me, and I was still able to do the amazing act of going without training wheels. A night's sleep had not taken this away from me: I am not saying that I was, by any means, an expert biker, but I still had accomplished a lot.
My biking effort was not limited from city streets; I used the street by Angie's house for my riding also. There was a hill, though, and that street was not the safest place for a biker of my shaky caliber. Nevertheless, I showed Angie's dark-haired, blue-eyed mother my skill there. Her mom was not the most comfortable with my riding on that street that morning; it did have a hill and traffic.
My time with Angie drew to a close. My mom came by to pick me up, and guess what? I could ride (or though I could)! After this time with Angie, my ability was much better than it had been before. However, it was imperfect. I would not depend on brakes to impede motion. Why use brakes when you can count on your feet for stopping? A foot was frequently used for this during my first endeavors around my neighborhood.
I showed my mom my ability. She had not thought that I really could ride before she saw for herself. My reliance on my feet, besides for peddling, decreased, and now I can use a bike well on my own. This time spent around Angie's house has impacted me. I later got a bike as a gift and have often gone just for a ride on it, without training wheels of course. I have used it to go to a nearby park. Learning to ride with Angie was important to me, and she was very helpful in this manner. This learning adventure was only one time when Angie showed her friendship. She showed kindness, that weekend, in her persistence and patience.
--- Author's name withheld upon request
DON'T YOU DARE
October 3, 2005
When you think it's all behind you
And that you're far ahead of it,
Watch out
Because it's then that it sneaks up to grab you
And pull you right back down with it.
So don't you dare,
Don't you dare even think about quitting
You're in it this far
Just keep your head up
And keep on pushing
You'll make it all right
It's when you think that you're done
And you tell yourself that you can't go any farther
Then you have to look yourself in the eyes
And say, "Get up, get up"
And don't ever give up
For you are better then this.
So don't you dare
Don't you dare even think about quitting,
You're in it this far
Just keep your head up
And keep on pushing
You'll make it all right
And so when they say it's over
You say, "Never"
And then you must keep on going
Because it's that last mile that you go
When you think you can't go any farther
That will make all the difference in your life
So don't you dare
Don't you dare even think about giving up
When I know you have so much more to give
Don't you dare
Don't you dare.
--- Written in 2005 by Adam Spears --- Kentucky
BELIEVE IN YOU
no matter what others think
September 26, 2005
Note: Antonio Munoz is a successful actor, but his life didn't start out that way. He was kind enough to share his story to help others. When I asked him why he sent it in he replied graciously, " I hope maybe it might help others to do better in life." I think we can all learn about passion and determination thanks to Antonio.
Remember, obstacles are only obstacles if you let them be obstacles.
Antonio Munoz was born and raised in Guatemala City. He started racing motor-cross when he was only eleven years old. During the third year of racing, he suffered a major accident, leaving him with major facial fractures and the loss of taste and smell.
Never resigned to be the victim of any circumstance, he continued racing after the accident, which he did professionally for twenty years and held the National Champion title not once but three times.
He has since been driven to appreciate the tastes and textures in all aspects of life and the human condition. After another unfortunate accident, he was forced to put his love for motor cross racing on the back burner, while he moved onto go-kart racing (125 shifters) where he excelled, achieving the "rookie-of-the-year" title during his first year.
In July 2000, he arrived in the US and soon started living the American Dream on the receiving end of a very lucrative BMW sales position, achieving a top sales' record in the company soon after he arrived.
A strong believer in living and relentlessly following one's passion, Antonio walked away from the American financial dream to pursue his real passion for acting, despite the strong resistance and skepticism manifested by colleagues and people who insisted he had to be crazy to chase after something he had no chances of succeeding at.
As a testament to his tenacity and self-belief, Antonio had his first break only six months after he started his acting pursuits. Desmond Gumbs, a director on Straight Out (2003), (his first movie) took a great risk on Antonio's raw talent and cast him in a major plot-driver role. His desire for intense competition and speed quickly translated into an unstoppable and unconditional commitment to his work as an actor and to collaborating with other artists.
Soon after he signed with the biggest talent agency in San Francisco and again, always challenging his comfort zones, Antonio moved to Los Angeles in search of greater and more diverse work opportunities. Since then he has worked on the top-rated shows "Nip/Tuck" (2003), "24" (2001) with Kiefer Sutherland, The King of Queens, "Dragnet" (2003), "Karen Sisco" (2003), the miniseries "Kingpin" (2003) TNT's "Wanted" (2005), as well as in the feature films London (2005), Straight Out (2003), The Rundown (2003) and Spanglish (2004) with Adam Sandler.
Additionally, he has been seen in television and editorial commercials (Bank Of America, Ernest & Julio Gallo Wines and 21st Century Insurance) as well as industrials for The Discovery Channel.
"This is what I've achieved since I came to US 5 years ago. People called me "Crazy & Stupid" for quitting my job and trying Acting. This was because I was making a six-figure salary at that time at my work. But I didn't listen to any one, I listen to my Heart and I believe in Me."
"So if I was able to do so in the acting since start, and I didn't even speak English when I came to US five years ago, I believe anybody can make any Dream come True or Goal in His or Her life, right?"
"So follow your Heart and your Dreams always, because we only have one Life to Live, and never let other one's Choose for you."
--- Antonio Munoz
THINK ABOUT IT
September 12, 2005
People - Let's get the facts straight. In general, people are heartless. They're mean. They don't care. All we care about is ourselves and if we don't get what we want, then we get mad. We are all judging of others at sometime or another. If we see someone doing something that we think isn't normal, then we say stuff about them, and we don't even care if it hurts them.
That's life, but one person can make a difference. In order to make a difference, you have to be different. Be that person who takes a stand for what you believe in. If you see someone saying or doing something mean to someone, don't be afraid to do something about it. Make it your goal to do the best in everything. And if you fail, don't stay down, get back up and try again. You have family, friends, and people you don't even know who care about you and want you to succeed.
Make yourself somebody and someone. Don't let other people influence the way you want to live your life. Make the best out of everything, and achieve the impossible. Strive for the best. Work hard to get something because you like it, and don't be afraid to get it because you are scared about what others will think or say about it. Think about it.
--- Written in 2005 by Shaun, Age 14 --- Georgia
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN LOVE?
September 12, 2005
Have you ever been in love? Not the kind that seems to start out strong and you think this could be the one, only to have it fade out in a few weeks. I am talking about the kind of love where you would do anything for the person and know that they would do anything for you. The kind of love where you can just sit there and never need to say I love you, because you both feel it, and know it's true. If you ever have, then you are one of the lucky ones. If you haven't, the day will come when you do and only then will you truly understand what I am talking about. Now take it a step farther. Have you ever had this love at your fingertips, held it in your arms only to have it lost, and gone forever, with no chance of ever getting it back? I have. Everyone has a story in love, and here is mine.
I was about seventeen at the time this happened. I was spending the summer in Europe, where I would travel every year to visit my family. It was my first week there, and my friend Radka, took me to a dance party by a lake. That is where I met him. We were waiting in line to get drinks when he showed up. I will never forget the first time I saw him. He was wearing cream-colored slacks and a light cream-colored shirt to match, with a set of black shoes. His lightly curled hair was brushed back out of his face and his brown eyes were the deepest I have ever seen. Radka introduced us, he smiled and I think for the first time ever I found myself speechless and embarrassed. We all joined up with the rest of our friends and had a great rest of the night dancing and singing.
The weeks to follow were even better. We were together every single day. I had a summer job while I was there working at a halfway house. On the days that I had to work, he would always stop by just for a few minutes to say hello.
One day my friend Radka (18), Ales (19)( that was his name), Jirka(19), and I went out. We decided to have a full day of nothing but fun starting at nine am. So, right on the dot at 09:00AM, Ales picked us all up and off we went to town. We drove to a town not to far from where we lived called Ostrava. There was this really great tea bar that we were all going to go to. Once we got to the place we realized that there was still two hours before they would open. That was not a problem for us at all. We walked around and looked at all t he stores. Upon finding a toy store I made everyone go in.
My friend Radka has been my friend since we were little. Our mothers knew each other from school, and both had us around the same time. Radka always reminded me of a peach, so I was thrilled when I saw there was a big stuffed peach with a smile sitting on one the shelves. I had to get it, and so I did along with four small containers of bubbles. Everyone thought I was crazy to be buying those. Little did they know that at some point they too would be using them.
From the toy store we went to a small café, and had some coffee to help wake us up. We sat on the patio that was on the 5th floor. Being the kind of crazy and spontaneous person I am, I started blowing the bubble off the balcony. It did not take my friends long before they joined in. So there we were four teenagers at 11:00AM blowing bubbles off a building in the middle of downtown. We didn't care, it was great fun and we all laughed about it for hours afterward.
A little after noon, we arrived back at the teahouse only to find it in full service. Now this was my first time to one of these places, and I completely fell in love. When you walked in the lights were dim. There was light instrumental music playing and pillows everywhere. The ceiling and walls were covered in tapestries, and the floor was covered with pillows. There was just enough room for a single file walkway. The waiter brought us to our small table and we all sat around. Leaning into the wall was like leaning into heaven, they had padded the whole wall. It was great. Not knowing what to order my friends took the liberty of ordering for me.
Here is the shocker; all they served was tea. When they brought it out, it was served in these small coconut shell cups. The cup was full of herbs and steaming water. In the cup was a straw like spoon, which at the bottom had a strainer. You would use the spoon like a straw so you would not drink all the herbs. The tea was really amazing. I have never had anything like it in my life. It was bitter sweet and the smell of herbs was something else. So there we were just the four of us sitting and talking for hours. Some few teas later and many laughs we decided to depart. It was somewhere about 08:00pm by the time we left. If you ask where did the time go, I really can't tell you. Nor did we ever care. We were out to have fun and that is what we were going to do.
Once we left the teahouse we drove for about an hour to another town. Once we got there we found a small bar/ pool hall that was opened. It was a pretty warm summer night, so Ales and I stayed outside in the town square by a big water fountain while Radka and Jirka went into the pool hall to play some pool. Ales and I talked, and joked around. Sitting at the water fountain he told me a made up story about a crocodile that lived in there when I had the bright Idea to pour some of my bubble solution into it. My hand slipped and the whole thing spilled into the water fountain. The next thing we know there are bubbles starting for form when the streams of water hit the bubble solution. Laughing, we back away as the bubbles start to multiply. We walked into the pool hall, gathered our friends and set out back for yet another adventure.
We arrived back in our town and hit up a nightclub. This was sometime around midnight. We all ordered sandwiches and coffee to help rebuild our energy. Sitting around a small square table, recapping the events of the day and singing along to the music, a few more hours slipped by. It was sometime around 04:00 AM when we left the club. See in Europe the clubs don't usually close till 06:00 AM and reopen at 12:00 PM.
We decided to drive a short way to the lake where we had all met a few days prior, as the sun was going to be coming up soon. Making great time, we sat on the stonewall surrounding the lake as the sun started to come up. It was the best way to end a perfect day. As the sun was coming up, Ales drove us all home and at 05:30 AM, my friend Radka and I drifted off to sleep.
That is one of my best memories of my time with him. I was in Europe for about a month, and in that month we spent every day together, surrounded by our friends, camping, hiking, and going to play pool. Ales always knew how to make me smile, and feel great about myself. I loved every moment I spent with him, and if he would have asked me to stay and not return back to the United States I would have.
The day that I was leaving to come back to the USA, he was leaving to go to the army for one year. The day before our departure we spent together. It was about 3:00 AM when we parted ways. We spent that day with our friends playing volleyball, having lunch, and in the evening recapping our summer's adventures at an outdoor restaurant. Somewhere at about 2:30 I called for a cab to come get me and take me back to my grandparent's house. I offered him a ride back to his car, as it was on the way.
Sitting in the back of the cab, we made small talk about our summer. Then right before the cab stopped, he took my hand and asked if I would come back next year. I told him that I would. Offering a smile to make my answer as solid as possible he said " I will wait for you, if you promise to come back." What I felt at that moment I have never felt again. The joy and the butterflies in my stomach, the uncontrollable urge to start crying, because I was so happy. I promised up and down that I would come back, the same time he got back from the army I would fly back home to be with him. We shook hands in the car and looking at his smile I knew that he was thinking the same thing I was. I love you.
By this time the cab had come to a stop. I nodded and he got out. Closing the door he smiled and walked away. As the cab pulled away, I turned and look out the back window to see him standing in the road watching me leave. I didn't want to go. I wanted to stop the cab, run back to him and tell him how much I loved him, and how happy he made me. That never happened, the cab drove on, and when we rounded the corner I turned around and watched the city go by as I made my way home.
The next morning bright and early before I boarded the plane, I called him from a payphone at the airport to say my goodbye, and let him know I could not wait to be back with him next year.
Arriving back in the USA, I found my mother's health to have gotten worse. She had been battling lung cancer for a few years by this point, and it was starting to take its toll. Between going to school and taking care of my mother the time passed by quite fast for me. I would send an email to Ales at least once a week. One day I got a postcard from him. I laughed and jumped around like a little schoolgirl. I was so happy to read how much he missed me and that he was waiting for me. The one thing that you should know about him is that Ales would call all the girls "kittens", but I was his little girl.
For the longest time I did not understand it but when it finally hit me, it was like a light had gone off in my head. Yes, he did call all the other girls kittens, but I was different. And being called his little girl set me apart from the rest of them. At one point I was mad because I was not called the same as everyone else, but in the end I was glad that I was in a class of my own. Being that he was in the army I called him my little soldier. Not a day passed that I did not think of him. And every time I thought of him, the feeling in my stomach was the same.
The months passed and the summer grew closer. In the early spring my mother died from the lung cancer. I shut down. She was my whole world and now she was gone. As far as I was concerned there was nothing left for me here in the USA. I wanted nothing more and looked forward to going back to Europe in the summer.
My father broke the news to me early in June when school was over. I was not going back this year. He had thought about it and felt it was best for me to stay here. I was devastated. I didn't want to be here, I had an appointment to keep and I wanted to be there. Nothing I said changed my father's mind and the decision stood. I was heartbroken when I called my little soldier to let him know I would not be back this summer. He was disappointed, but understood and promised to wait for me until I came back. I made a vow to save my money from my summer job and fly out there in the fall. There was nothing that was going to keep me away. I was so mad with my father that I did not speak to him for days. How could he have done this to me? Did he not understand? It's funny how life works.
I sent Ales letters and pictures every week, and always got something back in reply. Then, one week the replies stopped coming. I tried calling, and my calls were never returned. I swallowed hard and let time go by. The summer came and went and turned into fall. Fall too came and went turning into winter. I was not able to go back in the fall and I could not get a hold of him to let him know.
It was sometime around Christmas that I called my friend Radka to wish her happy holidays. I could not help myself and asked about my little soldier. She was a little hesitant and then said he was gone. I did not understand her, and questioning what she meant I got the response I was not looking for. I thought she meant he had moved away, met someone and gone to another place and lost touch with everyone.
As it turned out, a week after he had gotten out of the army, he was walking home one night after they were all out, and on a dark back road he got hit by a drunk driver that went off the road. According to the news, the driver never stopped and kept going leaving him there on the side of the road. Had the driver stopped and taken him to the hospital he would have lived, but because he never stopped it cost him his life.
She said they never found the guy that hit him. I talked to her for a while after that, but I don't remember much of the conversation. Everything was a blur. I felt like for the second time my world was ripped out from under me.
Every single thought, feeling, and emotion came flooding through my head. My whole world fell apart. All I could think about is how I broke my promise, by not being there when I said I would. His eyes, his smile, the unsaid I love you, that we both felt so strong burned in my mind, . His voice, his hand, his lips. What I would give to have kissed those lips.
See, through all the time that we spent together we never kissed, and never once did we sleep together or fool around. The most we did was hold hands and cuddle by the fire when we were camping.
You may think upon reading this that I was naïve to think true love had passed me by. But I know different. When it comes, you know. It is unlike any feeling you ever had and you would be willing to risk anything for the person-anything at all.
I cried myself to sleep many of night thereafter. The blame I put on myself, the wish I had told him that I loved him. But deep down I knew that I did not have to tell him. He knew. He knew the same way that I knew he loved me.
In due time, I came to terms with what happened. I had no reason to go back to Europe now. The tables were clear. I stayed here in the USA, and made my life. I went to school, met a boy, and fell in love. But it is a different kind of love. I have never felt the same way about anyone as I did about my little soldier. Every now and then I think of him and what our life may have been. But I know there is no living in the past, he is gone and I cannot get him back. I love the man I am currently seeing, and have been with for the last three years. I knew my little soldier 6 years ago, and the love I still have for him will never fade, and none will ever replace him.
People get mad at me when I tell them my story of love, but I just smile and tell them it is all part of life. Life will not always be fair. But you can't give up when it throws you a curveball no matter how big. Things all happen for a reason, and we will never really understand till maybe one day. But that is for us all to find out. My name is Zuzana, and this is my story of life and love.
Gone but not forgotten.
--- Written in 2005 by Zuzana Kucerova
I was born and raised in the Czech Republic, and moved to the USA at the age of nine, with my mother. Currently I reside in Florida. My life has been quite colorful to say the least, but I would not change a single thing that has happened over the years. The experiences in my life have thought me many lessons and molded me into the person I am today, and I love the person I have grown up to be. I am 23 years old and this story was written last week while reminiscing about the glory of finding your first love, and the pain of losing it.
BEING YOURSELF, BECOMING REAL
September 12, 2005
" Your goal is to find out Who You Are."
--- A Course in Miracles
I heard a story once about an eagle's egg that had got lost or abandoned and was found by chickens. When the eagle hatched, it was loved and cared for by the chickens, brought up to act and behave as if it was a chicken. It knew nothing else… Until one day, the eagle was with his brothers and sisters pecking at the ground, like a chicken, when something made him look up to the sky. High above he saw a majestic sight, a beautiful bird soaring gracefully. Something was stirred inside him, a remembrance, a recognition of 'home'…
He asked the chickens, "What is that beautiful bird up there?" The chickens looked up. "Oh that," they said, "that's an eagle, king of the birds. But forget about him, you are one of us, you are a chicken…." I don't know how the story ended and, to me, it is not a case of an eagle being superior to a chicken…just different. The same story has been told about a duck's egg and one day the duck arrives at a great lake just swims, "because he can" --- "it's natural", leaving his family on the shore.
As I understand it, it's all just about remembering Who/What we really are, regardless of what we've been told by others or how we have been brought up. A rose will grow into a rose even if it's in the middle of a field of tulips.
There is an ancient Indian word "Dharma", which has two meanings. The first is, "Your nature, your true, real, essential nature." The second is, "Your purpose in life". To me the two are inseparable. I believe the word literally translates as Truth.
"You are what your deep driving desire is; as your desire is so is your will; as your will is so is your deed; as your deed is so is your destiny."
--- Upanishads, India
Or, like they said in ancient Greece, "Character is fate".
Whatever we are at our most fundamental level, at our most base, whether that be something metaphysical, or something like DNA, I believe that to discover, or remember it is our 'raison d'etre'. And to live in accord, harmony with our deepest selves is the meaning of success.
"Above all, to thine own self be true."
--- William Shakespeare
It's been said that when we die and go back home to 'our maker', we will never be asked why we didn't cure the common cold, why we never made a billion pounds or anything else like that, but simply be asked, "Why didn't you just be yourself?"
--- Written in 2005 by Simon Heighwaya --- United Kingdom
BROKEN EGGS AND SHATTERED GLASS
. . . with my sincere thanks to those late night pranksters!
On a recent Saturday evening at around midnight, my wife and I were just about to turn out the light and go to sleep when we heard the sounds of a group of people talking in the street, outside our home. Then out of the blue came two loud thuds above our bedroom window, followed by the noise of laughter and people running away down our street.
We both jumped out of bed, I turned on the external lights and rushed outside unsure of what had caused the two thuds or what damage I could expect to see. The silence of the night was broken by the distant sound of people laughing and at that moment I was of a mind to chase after them, however, running bare-footed on the road in the dark is not a very wise thing to do.
I could hear dripping noises on the driveway and the flood light above our garage helped me to identify just what had happened. Our home had been the victim of an egg bombing!
Being faced with the prospect of cleaning up this sticky mess in the early hours of the morning was not a pleasing thought, on top of which I was less than impressed that we had been singled out for this annoying prank. I decided that it was too late to clean up the mess, as it would disturb our neighbours, so it could wait to the morning.
Early next morning with a bucket of warm water and scrubbing brush in hand, and with the extension ladder placed on the front wall, I was now ready to wash off what was now two dry yellowish, egg grit impregnated, 1 metre long patches above our front bedroom windows.
My task was made even more challenging by the two large canvas awnings which protect our bedroom windows from the heat and glare of the afternoon sun. My annoyance with the late night pranksters was again building to the level of the night before.
After retracting each of the awnings, something we rarely do except when there is are very high winds, I then climbed the ladder to clean up the first patch of egg stain and then move the ladder to clean the second patch. As I climbed the ladder for the second time, I noticed that the glass in a small window just under the roof line was very badly cracked. On closer inspection the crack ran around over half of the outer edge of the window pane. As the awning protected the window, it was clear to me that the damage had not been caused by the egg bombing. As I carefully placed my hand on the glass, I discovered that the pane of glass was very loose and had the window been closed with any force, it would have most likely shattered and the glass dropped to the drive way, some seven metres below.
Just a few metres away, we have a basketball ring and on most days of the week there are up to six young people who play in the immediate area, including both my sons. My thoughts immediately turned to what could have happened if the broken glass in the window had gone undetected for much longer and then suddenly shattered. The likelihood of my two sons and their friends being seriously injured was extremely high.
After quickly washing the remaining egg stain off the front wall and with the help of Tom, my youngest son, I got to work with some heavy duty masking tape and secured the cracked window as best I could. Within 24 hours the cracked window had been replaced and all was back to normal, except for the small bits of egg shell I kept finding on the front drive way and stuck to our garage doors.
Over the next few days, I realised that had our home not been bombarded by those eggs late on that Saturday night, I may not have discovered the broken window pane before it shattered and came down all over our drive way.
Even though it had been an annoyance at time, the broken eggs and the stains were cleaned up very quickly, however, the pain that could have been caused by the shattering of glass would never gone away and would have haunted my wife and myself, forever and a day.
The cold shudder that ran down my spine when I first discovered the cracked window and the thought about the consequences of someone being seriously injured or even killed, made me realise just how very lucky we had been.
Frequently in life, the small things that happen to us may have a negative impact and cause some form of pain, sadness, discomfort or personal aggravation. It is often said that we should not 'sweat the small stuff' and always look for the positive outcome or the silver lining in those dark clouds of the current circumstance, even though at the time that is not always an easy thing to do.
My personal experience with the egg bombing on that Saturday evening reminded me that in most cases there is always a flip side to everything that happens to us and that often the flip side can provide a positive outcome or an even greater benefit, if not now, then at some time in the future.
From now on whenever I see or break an egg, I will think of the egg bombing incident and say a thank you to those late night pranksters. Equally, I will always be reminded of Jean-Paul Sartre's quote:
'What is important is not what happens to us, but how we respond to what happens to us'
--- Written by Keith Ready - July 2005
Keith Ready is an Australian based business adviser and trainer whose specialty is working with his clients to improve top and bottom line business performance in a measurable way, through people.
You can visit his website at www.agiftofinspiration.com.au
LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE, EXPERIENCE IT!
September 12, 2005
The definition of this Adventure called Life cannot be expressed with a few words alone since this encapsulates the most Fortunate and Privileged Journey called Life, that each one of us has been bestowed with. It would be Important to note that having consistent access to all of the finest intellectual faculties readily available at our disposition / the consistent access to the splendidly amazing realms of Perception, at every instance is Wonderful and Significant.
Each one of us has been bestowed with an Accolade of Bountiful Treasures - with Knowledge - with Awareness to utilize our endeavors Constructively and Meaningfully by Integrating and Implementing Visionary Objectives towards conceptualization - that should be intended for the Mutual Benefit of all the Inhabitants of This Wonderful Universe. To be imbued with a Passion for Excellence that holds in it's first and foremost Perspective, Mutual Benefit for The Inhabitants of This Wonderful Universe.
We come into this Lifetime ONCE. Let us do our Best for All the PEOPLE around us. To endeavor to work towards Establishment of A Better/Greater Understanding amongst PEOPLE, to endeavor to build Harmony, Peace, Love and Respect for One Another. Let us learn to Appreciate the Abundant Treasures that we have been bestowed with and continually express Thanks and Learn to Value each Priceless Moment.
Life is indeed an Adventure; an Adventure that requires many significant Pre-requisites to be Adhered to Consciously with Practicality, Logic and *Awareness, apart from a host of various other significant factors that have obviously not been outlined herewith. *Awareness (The Awareness - The Understanding of each Aspect of Life is what makes a Significant Difference)
A few of these suggestive notions to traverse this Adventure of Life are:
Institute Due Diligence whilst attending to each endeavor irrespective of its magnitude or stature.
Deploy Prudent Acumen and handle each Aspect of Life / each Venture with a creative and responsible approach.
Be Practical - Pursue each Aspect of Life / each Venture with meaningful reason and Analyze each Detail ** ** Detail (It is the d e t a i l / d e t a i l s that matter and apparently constitute many a time all the difference that Matters)
Acknowledge and continually learn to *Appreciate. (This is a continual process indeed since once we learn to Appreciate what we have, this clarifies the very essence of Life to a significant extent)
Appreciation - Expressing Appreciation towards Life continually for all the wonderful treasures that each one of us has been bestowed with.
The above were a very brief prelude / very brief expressions** (Each individual may/might have their own perspective that might differ from the above, hence this is not intended to influence the perspective or convey any kind of an endorsement or other such type of meaning that might be mis-interpreted or construed with ambivalence - since as indicated herein, that these are **very brief expressions and sharing of thoughts only)
Whilst Practically Analyzing and Venturing Ahead in Life, it could be thought of the following time and again that:- Each Moment Is Priceless, Each Moment is Beyond Compare, Each Moment is a Great Gift (The Greatest Treasure Indeed).
Life is an Adventure, Experience it!
--- Written in 2005 by Vashi Ramchand Chandiramani
INSIGHTS FROM THE HEART
August 29, 2005
"I finally reached the point as to where I am confident and content with who I am as a person, and I basically said what I look like doesn't matter because the physical part of one's self doesn't matter...it's what's in your heart that takes you places not your image. It is nice to look good but what's in here is what will be forever carried on, your body dies and does not carry on."
--- Author Unknown
I live for this quote and I hope people understand that you are who you are. Never try to be like everyone else because you will be considered secondary to them. What's in your heart will take you to new places.
Get up and turn off your TV; what you see on it is all fake. It brainwashes you into thinking that you're not good enough, trust me I've been there.
Everyone is beautiful in his or her own way. It's nice to want to look good and you can. You want people to see who you really are and that's true beauty. Don't spend one second doubting yourself, and never let anyone judge you for what you look like. True beauty always shines through because your spirit always carries on, your body doesn't. A beautiful heart takes you far, so always be true to who you are.
--- Written in 2005 by Lauren D., Age 17 --- Illinois
MEMORIES IN LIFE
My Brother
August 22, 2005
His name was Lawrence William Jackson. He was four years older than me in years but in knowledge of life he was much older. He was born with a disability. At the time they called it Muscular Dystrophy. Being younger, I don't think I ever really knew what it was. I just knew I had a brother who was different.
He could never walk and his arms and legs couldn't extend all the way out. He could not sit up straight. He spent his life bent over and crawled around on the floor with his legs tucked under him. He had to be helped in going to the bathroom, getting into a chair or getting in bed. Somebody had to be with him all the time in case he needed something.
When I was in elementary school, I had to come right home if mother wasn't going to be home to make sure somebody was there when Larry got off the bus. At the time, they tried all kinds of therapy to help him but the only thing I can remember is him crying in pain as they tried to stretch his legs and arms out. As he got older, his condition got worst and he had to be home schooled.
Growing up with him I did not see his disability as other people did, he was just my brother. We played together, had our fights and jealousies - just like all brothers do. I never really thought about having to help him because I grew up with him. I'm not saying there were times when I didn't want to do it but I knew it had to be done. I can't say I always treated him kindly but like I said, we were brothers and we acted like it.
My parents had two boys and he was the one that had the special talents with his hands and his mind. At a young age he could do things that seemed way beyond his years. He could draw, paint and figure anything out, if he thought about it awhile. When he was 16, my father was building a house and Larry sat done and drew a whole set of house plans. My mother still has pictures that he painted hanging in her house. When he was in high school he took tests that showed he was at a 2nd year college level. He would tell me things about space travel in the 50's and I would think he was just making them up but later on they turned out to be true.
As he grew older, I'm sure life was harder because he saw other teenagers doing things and having girl friends. To my regret, I probably didn't even see the torment he was probably going through. I was just becoming a teenager and I was so use to him that I worried about my own life. I was playing football and running track. Because of his condition, a lot of what Larry dreamed of doing, he would never be able to do. He got weaker and weaker. When he got sick, his body wasn't strong enough to fight it.
When he was 17 years old, my brother passed away of what was called pneumonia. I was only 13 at the time. I can remember the night we took him to the hospital. He was unconscious but I thought he would be fine. When we got him to the hospital, I couldn't even comprehend what the doctor was talking about when he came out and said there was nothing they could do for him. When I did realize he was gone, I started to cry and I don't think my parents even realized the impact it had on me.
The next week I had the last track meet of the year and the coach said, "Win this one for your brother". I loved track but I just looked at the coach and said, "I wouldn't run at all because my brother was more important than any high school track meet." I know the coach didn't mean anything bad, telling me to win it for my brother, but I just couldn't see how he could relate losing my brother to winning a race.
I didn't know it at the time but I had lost the person that had the most affect on my life. He taught me more about how to accept life and how to treat people than anyone I had met or will ever meet in my life. My father was a stern man and a hard worker and taught me how to be a man. But my brother taught me the important things in life. Larry's life was harder than I can even imagine but he never complained. He took life as it came and always tried to have a good attitude when he had every reason not to. He never gave up trying to be the best person he could be, against all odds, and accepted life as it was for him knowing that it was not going to get much better.
After Larry died, I went on to become the Captain of my high school football and track teams, All the time I was participating, I always felt his presence - like he was there helping me and wanting me to succeed.
During my life I have been a police officer, a firefighter /paramedic and have always tried to help people. I do not judge people for their faults. I try to be good man and kind to everyone I meet. I try to understand that all of us are trying to find the same thing in life; that's happiness.
In 2001 I was assaulted and left for dead. I had a brain injury and was in a coma for 4 weeks. When I finally woke up, I had some disabilities from the head injury and people could not figure out why I wasn't more depressed or bitter about my situation.
Growing up with a brother who had so many disadvantages, but took life as it came without complaint, my problems seemed to be small in comparison to 17 years of living with a disability that was never going to improve and accepting it.
Every day of my life, I thank my brother for showing me the kind of person I should be.
If people would just appreciate all the gifts they have in life and not try to harm or cheat other people for greedy reasons, thinking that this will bring them happiness. If we would try to help are people without looking for something in return, this would be a much better world.
We must find happiness in our journey through life and not always be searching for it. Always strive to achieve and be the best that you can be but be happy with the things you have while you're doing it.
I moved to Florida after graduation and I hadn't gone to my brother's grave in 35 years. When I went back to Michigan last year, I decided I would go to his grave. I didn't realize how emotional I would become when I saw his grave marker. I began to cry knowing that he had always been a big part of my life.
Thanks Larry, for making me a better person and accepting life as it is.
--- Copyright © 2005 Jon Jackson (Florida)
A JOURNEY TO LIFE
August 15, 2005
It wasn't Forever
When I was in the heart of my Mother
Unconsciously waiting
I was conceived to take life's Journey
The Joy was unimaginable to Papa and Mama
Of my Existence
The warm Love of my parents
Which brought comfort to my tender Soul
Made me open my Eyes
To the beauty and vastness of Creation
And also the uncertainty I would have to face
Then Moments came, when confusion reigned
Trying to understand my Purpose
In this world of Illusion
I fell astray from the mirage of my being
Which lead me to Emptiness
But the relentless haunting of my conscience
Redeemed me from Darkness
And showed me the path to Light
Time passed unnoticed
And I have my own lives to nurture…my family
Now I understand
Why there had to be parents
Who unselfishly struggled every single day for me
Like Pilgrims, in this sojourn,
My parents, who are ahead of me
Leave their tracks for me to Follow
Keeping the Footprints from fading
That will lead my children and my Children's children
To the destination … to the Abode of life
Where we belong.
--- Copyright © 2005 Julius P. Lagcao (Philippines)
IN YOUR HEART
August 8, 2005
When you're old,
When you're sad,
When you're weary,
When you're ill and hurting,
When you're lonely,
When you have lots of problems,
When you're full of anxiety,
When you're in despair,
Remember…
It's not the money, which we all thought answers everything and brings us joy, BUT simple jovial memories and Kodak moments. Other than faith, these two things that can lift your spirit up and bring a smile to your face. Where are these? They are in your heart.
--- Copyright © 2005 James Padilla (Philippines)
When I am in those moments, I just recall little happy moments and unknowingly in spite of the adversities, I just notice that there's a smile on my face.
My insight:
So often we forget that WE can only control ourselves and how we react to our situations. Be joyful and grateful for all you have. Focus on what you want, the life you want to live and become the caring and kind person you know you are. Everyone, including me, has moments of doubt, pain and loneliness. That's part of the human experience - lessons we need to learn - so we can become more compassionate people. Everyone has triumph and tragedy in their life - it's hard sometimes to be positive when all around you seems so wrong.
But you can do it! Be committed to becoming the best person you can be. Always invest in yourself first. Learn, grow, reach! Remember you can do anything and be anyone you want to be. Learn to embrace change and use it to propel you to greatness.
As my friend Jim from Texas says,
"A great week is yours for the taking! Take and give more than you take!"
Love,
Marlene
THE POETRY OF DESIREÉ BOTHA
August 1, 2005
GARDEN OF COLOURS
The colours of my mind,
Oh so dear, oh so kind.
There is a place - I need to find,
The address to the colours of my mind…
At night I dream of this place,
And then I awaken to life's race -
I work and I run with all - but grace.
In my heart I feel this place…
My soul becomes light,
As I abandon society's fight.
I capture the colours - with all my might,
And I find my garden within, I Am - Light…
--- Copyright © 2005 Desireé Botha
GENTLE MIND
Found on the side of an old dusty track
Took you home and gave you food and water
Groomed you and named you My Boy Zack
Built you a warm home with stones and mortar
Your expressive eyes make me feel so calm
Everywhere I go you always follow
Making really sure I come to no harm
At night around the fire we mellow
You give me love and companionship
If I laugh or if I cry you cuddle
You and I my sweetest relationship
But what you really want is a riddle
If I could read your gentle mind I would
Give you all you dream of and not just food
--- Copyright © 2005 Desireé Botha
MAKE PLANS
(Prepare) for the pain and persevere (Push) through it,
While Perceiving Victory
August 1, 2005
Often times we are faced with situations or circumstances that appear to be beyond our control; however, the truth of the matter is we have the answer but the fear of pain makes us hold on to it. Therefore, make plans and prepare to deal with the pain and move forward. You will discover the agony of knowing a decision should be made and not making it - is the most painful part of it all.
If you are depressed, make plans to wake up to your favorite song, talk to encouraging people, hang out with positive friends, and most importantly seek after joy.
If you want to end a relationship, make plans with your family & friends to be available when you have your moments.
If you want to spend less, make a vow with those around you to keep you on track. Have your accountability partners asks questions each time you are ready to make a purchase.
If you plan for the pain, you can get through it. It's only when situations catch you off guard, you tend to stumble.
--- Copyright © 2005 C. Renee Phillips
LOVE
August 1, 2005
LOVE. A word that is very dear to all of us. A word we all care about. A word that make us cry, makes us smile. But really, we still don't have the exact definition of LOVE.
A few years ago, LOVE had a different meaning for me. It was an amazing feeling; everything seemed to be very filmy, like we see in the movies. LOVE a girl, a little bit of tragedy in the middle and finally success and a happy ending. But, my friends, real life is not a movie or a boogie show.
The first thing, LOVE is just not loving one or two people. LOVE is the way we all LOVE each other like a family; we should care for each other. Like our family, we also have many brothers and sisters, elders and friends universally. We should love all and love should be evenly balanced to everyone.
There are some factors that dishonor LOVE. The men or women who are imprisoned by their own self pride, arrogance and egoistic nature don't have respect for LOVE because they never care.
For example: some people, when they succeed in their life, forget LOVE and its exact definition. In other cases people have rude and boorish feelings for people of different origins, different states, cultures and languages. This also disrespects LOVE.
There are other kinds of people who have a big attraction to the things that look good and sound good. They believe in the show world. They give importance to flashy living or lifestyles. Sometimes this way of thinking also disesteems LOVE.
But friends, one of my best friends, a guy, told me that he LOVES only his job. That's right. A job is a responsibility and our responsibility is not only to earn money, working in a corporate world, but also being a good human being.
We should teach LOVE to those people who dishonor it. We should LOVE them without limits and I am sure this will guide them to LOVE you, as the world LOVES them.
Now, I have already gone through different stages of LOVE. For many, LOVE starts with friendship and after a few days of going very deep into the ocean of LOVE, it continues - more than a friend; but LOVE has never been stopped. In a few rare cases, LOVE starts with LOVE (like life) and ends with friendship, nothing sad! Similarly, LOVE has never stopped, only conciliation is made with the cruelty of life. Still, life has its own way for the verdict and that should always be in favor of the good and dedicated people and I think I am not good at all.
I suffered for LOVE because I was bit immature. But I conclude that I will never stop loving. I LOVE you people and I LOVE everyone.
Sir Einstein said, "LOVE neither be created nor destroyed only transferred from one form to another like energy".
So, I LOVE you and I LOVE you all a lot.
--- Copyright © 2004 Jayakrushna Pattnaik
THE MEANING OF LIFE
August 1, 2005
Some years ago, in India, there was a famous Guru giving a talk to thousands of people. In the crowd were holy men, presidents, film stars, musicians and many, many others. Apparently when this man talked, his voice was kind of 'hypnotic' and people became entranced by his words.
When he had finished speaking, the Guru asked if there were any further questions. There was a silence as people absorbed what they had just heard…until a man stood up. He was a business type, a western, skeptical man and half-laughing he said to the Guru, "Alright then, if you know everything, what's the meaning of life?"
The man was trying to embarrass the Guru, to kind of belittle him. But, the Guru answered, "I'll answer your question, but first let me tell you something about yourself."
Now the man was the one that everyone was looking at and became uncomfortable.
"You have never been in love, have you?? Real, deep, true Love??"
"No", replied the man, now slightly embarrassed himself, "No, I haven't."
"Because..." said the Guru, "...a person who asks the question that you asked me, about the 'meaning of life', is really only telling you something about themselves. They have missed out on, or not experienced…love. Basically, a person who knew real Love, from their own direct, personal experience, would never even be able to ask the question, 'What is the meaning of life' because they would already know."
--- Copyright © 2005 Simon Heighwaya
LOVE THYSELF
August 1, 2005
How many times do we think about our own real self? Not the way world wants us to think, but how we ourselves want to think. We think, behave, express, talk ...talk, speak and live like someone who is totally alien to us. We can't relate to that person, but still just want to be like that person because that particular person happens to be some celebrity.
What we become is something totally different, someone we don't know at all --- like an unknown stranger. If we pause for a while and look deep inside ourselves, we will be shaken to core because of what we see. The image is horrible and disgusting, which anyone can abhor but no one can adore. The human in our self is neglected, dejected, deformed and helpless. Instead of sympathy or empathy, we just turn our face away.
Our inner picture is always reflected outward. Just think, if we can't even look at our own inner self, how can we love something that's so horrible? Is it fair, on our part, to let this happen to the human inside us? Despite this, we know it's not good on our part. We do let it happen to ourselves knowingly or unknowingly. Somewhere along the line, the real being in us is taken for granted. Day in and day out, we don't listen to its humble voice - ignoring it always, letting others rule our heart and influence our decisions. In life, this is so wrong. The only thing we did then was love our own self rather than wishing to be someone that the other person loves.
The following simple guidelines can help us to love ourselves again:
Do not try to live another's life.
Enhance your qualities
Know your flaws and correct them
Lead a disciplined lifestyle
Give space to others so that you get your own
Voice your own views, if not then keep quiet
Sit with your own self for at least 10 minutes in a day
Replace negative with positive
Believe in yourself and the heavens above
Do not take anyone or yourself for granted
Last, but not the least, never underestimate the power of prayer
--- Copyright © 2005 Vikki Kumar
BIPOLAR DISORDER
August 1, 2005
Tears were building up as I was reminded of the events that took place the previous year. Amy and I had been friends for several years when all of a sudden, everything took a turn for the worse - she was diagnosed with a mental illness known as bipolar disorder.
Date: 24/09/2004
Dear Diary,
She's so far away from everybody now. The fight that separated us forced her to find company with her new "groupies". I'm not sure where the girl I once knew went, but it feels like she was stolen away from us and this can only be explained using two words; bipolar disorder. But is this the truth? Can someone be that moody all the time? How am I meant to cope with it?
A disagreement would turn into a drama and that drama would lead to her holding her arm at school the next day…
Would it just be better to go out separate ways? Lead our own lives? It just has to be done.
Date:19/12/2004
Dear Diary,
It's amazing how hard those two little words are to say; I'm sorry, but there was no shortage of them tonight when Amy started talking to me. I never thought she would miss me, but she did, and I missed her too. Things aren't back to normal yet. We have a lot to talk about and I'm scared of what might happen, but I am willing to try to get to know her again. It never hurt to try, did it?
Well we might be catching up soon and I'm actually looking forward to it.
I started to feel sick as I finished reading this. I was unaware at the time, but what happened between us affected Amy much more than I realised. To her, self harm had become like taking all your anger out on a punching bag. This was her method of relieving all her emotions. Her arm now possessed many scars and her condition had worsened. Worse yet, I wasn't there when she needed me the most.
In just a short amount of time, Amy had changed everything about herself. Spikes and sweatbands were now her favourite accessory. Her clothes never varied from black and her music taste revolved around metal. But she was still the same on the inside - loving and caring.
It's been a few months since this whole incident took place, and after talking for a while, Amy and I managed to sort out the majority of our problems. We decided to focus on the future instead of dwelling on the past. Not all people are as accepting this though. Many people are unable to see past the new exterior and use such terms as 'freak' or 'goth' in a dismal attempt to describe her.
There have been some rocky times, but the good ones have made up for everything. I've finally come to the realisation that I want to help Amy through her problems. I can never begin to understand what she goes through, but if I don't try, I never will. Bipolar disorder has not only affected Amy, but those around her too.
--- Copyright © 2005 Nicole Spitalieri
IT COSTS NOTHING TO BE NICE
August 1, 2005
This is a true story. In 1998, I was working at Johns Hopkins as an Administrative Manager. I left my office to go to the ladies room and found one of our medical residents sobbing. I sat and talked with her for a while and tried to give her encouragement.
The next morning, she arrived at my office with a little box of Godiva chocolates and a very heartwarming note, thanking me and telling me how much my pep talk had helped her and that she knew she'd be fine now.
I sat at my computer and wrote the following, and after printing in a large font, taped it to my wall - as a reminder:
"It costs nothing to be nice ..... but the dividends are priceless."
--- Copyright © 1998 Sherrie Holland
THE SECRET OF HOW TO
TURN A SETBACK INTO TRIUMPH
IN MARKETING OR IN LIFE
July 25, 2005
Pauline and I were married young, in our teens, and two years later had our only child, Laura.
My life changed forever when I met the doctor in the hospital waiting room, when he came out to tell me the good news: "You're the father of a beautiful baby girl."
Strangely, there was no joy in his face, so I asked, "How are mom and baby doing?"
He replied hesitantly, "Well, Pauline is fine."
Then he looked down with a pained expression, and I instantly knew my world was changing.
As we later learned, after lots of doctor visits and diagnoses, our Laura was born with mental retardation and other medical problems.
Yet the story of our little family is not a tragedy, not by a long shot, due to the always mixed nature of life and the principle mentioned above. As it would take Pauline and me painful years to appreciate, it's not what happens to you that determines your happiness and success in life, but how you respond.
After all, you can't always control what happens to you. But you can always control how you respond, especially if you remember: Every adversity carries within it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.
You might ask, "What possible benefit could arise from your daughter being born with mental retardation? Or from a war, for that matter? Or a plague? Or an earthquake?"
Let me speak only from my own experience.
Our daughter, despite her disabilities, quickly became and remains the light of our lives.
What she lacks in brains she makes up in heart.
She has taught us more about how to love and care for others than any religious sermon, Indian guru, new age course or book ever could.
She has brought into our lives a caring and dedicated network of teachers and friends we would have never met otherwise.
She has opened our hearts and turned us into benefactors for children's causes.
She has taught us how to be brave. Can you imagine the bravery it takes to look different, attract attention just by walking down the street or through a mall, speak unintelligibly to most people's ears, encounter so much frustration in attempting simple tasks like tying a shoe or buttoning a blouse, never fit in with the social activities of your peers while growing up, not belong in their classes at school, not understand the jokes everyone laughs at and, at times, be laughed at yourself by ignorant people or other children who see only what's different about you and not what's human and tender?
Can you imagine the bravery it takes to experience all that ... yet still go through life with a smile on your face, acceptance in your heart and a bubbly spirit of joy for those who share your life?
That's just the beginning of what Laura has taught us.
--- Copyright © 2004 Gary Bencivenga
http://www.bencivengabullets.com
TO THE PEOPLE OF LONDON
A POEM OF SUPPORT
July 18, 2005
Your bombs shed our blood and tore our flesh,
And until we bring you to justice, we will not rest.
For you will never break our spirit or weaken our resolve,
For we will hunt you down till we find and arrest all involved.
So remember, all you enemies of society,
That you're doomed to defeat and failure,
For the die of the British spirit has been mold and cast,
In the minds, hearts and soul of our great people.
For we are the heirs of Nelson, Montgomery,
Mountbatten and Churchill,
To name just a few.
Great and brave national patriots,
Statesmen and protectors of liberty and freedom
Who's memories of will instill and inspire, aid and comfort us
In our battle to attain eventual victory in our fight against terrorism.
Adolph Hitler and his Third Reich could not bring us to our knees
Nor defeat us in World War II
And neither will you and the rest of your sympathizers
And murderous crew.
For we will emerge victorious!!!!
--- Copyright © 2005 Joseph P. Martino
THE VALUE OF QUOTES
July 11, 2005
Let us value and appreciate the quotes that are sent to you in whatever manner it may be. A lot of people disregarded them and consider them as a mere quote, just like that. If only we realize that a mere quote can be so much more. Here are a few observations, from my point of view:
Quotes are created by authors because something touched him/her and would love the same effect be felt by you.
Quotes can summarize a lesson learned. We don't live a lifetime to learn all the lessons, let others lessons be ours as well.
Words have power. A powerful quote/lines can make a difference, change a life, lift your spirit and perk you up with positivity.
A quote is also a form of reminder that the sender values you and loves you and is concerned about you.
It's not a just a quote per se. If you'll read between the lines and try to decipher it, word for word, you'll realize the brilliance the message is trying to convey.
A quote can define an experience felt by others, whether a sad or jovial experience, moments of grief, moments of remembering your spirit.
These are just a few reasons and am sure there are a lot more. So, the next time you receive a quote, find time to read, reflect, and embrace its wisdom. For sooner or later, that quote will be of use somehow, someway, and it can build a better person in YOU.
--- Copyright © 2005 James Padilla
Let us exchange thoughts and wisdom.... keeping it to yourself won't do any good; for it's in sharing ourselves with others that makes our life meaningful.
OUR MOM AND DAD
July 11, 2005
Who made for us the possibility
That we, a part of all humanity,
Could walk this earth? Who gave us birth?
OUR MOM AND DAD!
Who bathed and clothed and fed us, quenched our thirst?
Who cared for us in sickness and who nursed
Us back to health? Who gave us wealth?
OUR MOM AND DAD!
Who was it helped us through those growing years?
Who stilled our fears and brushed away our tears
And cheered us on? Who said, "Well done"?
OUR MOM AND DAD!
Who saw us marry, have our families?
Who took their grandchildren upon their knees
Their love to show? Who helped them grow?
OUR MOM AND DAD!
And whom do we re-echo in life's song?
Whose symphony of love is carried on?
Whose glad refrain our souls sustain?
OUR MOM AND DAD!
--- Copyright © 1978 Doreen (Adams) Ellis - All rights reserved
MY DAD
July 11, 2005
Young girl was on board an old sailing ship on a wild windy day. The crew was rushing around to ensure all safety procedures were taken, cause the clouds and gusts were increasing rapidly. Water was now pounding the deck and ripping away at the ship, and they had to move fast.
One sailor was almost taken away by the water, as his mates scurried to do all they could to help. One noticed the girl playfully undisturbed and running across the deck. Well, they grabbed her to put her down in the gally - they could not understand how she just stood there unperturbed. She was not afraid whatsoever.
They asked her, "How can you be so calm at a time like this?"
She quietly answered, "Oh, I'm not afraid of anything going on here, my dad is the Captain".
--- In Freedom and Grace --- Annie Walton --- Ontario, Canada
THE WINNING TRUTH
July 11, 2005
Believe That There Is Always A Way
Don't Tell Me What We Don't Have…Tell Me What We Have
Never Make Excuses - Anyone And Everyone Does That - If You Need To Make An Excuse - Look In The Mirror
Champions Train Early In The Morning And Late At Night When Know One Is Watching
Quitting Is The Easiest Thing To Do - It Requires No Effort But Simply Walking Away (I Will Never Quit)
Winning Is The Most Important Thing (Anything Else Is An Excuse From A Loser)
I Will Have No Mercy For My Opponent
I Will Always Fight Until The End
I Do Believe
I WILL WIN !
--- Copyright © 2005 Bill E. Williams
THANK GOD FOR WOMEN
July 11, 2005
One of God's greatest creations is that of a woman.
She is an awesome example of radiance, magnificence
And stunning beauty.
She is your mother, grandmother, wife, sister, aunt or friend-
Always manifesting elegance and confidence that only she can convey.
The world would be an empty place of existence
Without the touch of a woman…
Who would mend your first broken heart?
Who would chase your fears away?
The world is a much better place
Because of a woman's true inner being…
One of courage, determination and that of pure grace.
Be thankful for all of the positive women in your life,
For somewhere along the way …
They prayed for you-
Stayed when others left you-
Comforted you-
Held on when no one else believed in you-
Took pride in you-
Never lied to you-
Respected and protected you-
Nurtured and never forsake you-
Who could not love, honor and respect
A person who would give their all to you?
Let us honor all women not just on this day, but every day-
For some woman, somewhere has loved, honored and respected you …
Why not thank Him for one of his greatest creations?
For if it were not in His divine plan and some woman's caring heart-
There would be no you or I,
So, why not thank God for women?
--- Copyright © 2001 Shauneille M. DeLaney
I SEE POTENTIAL
July 11, 2005
This is what I see as I begin my career,
Crippled culture in a banal fear,
Musky shadows coagulating under cowards,
Annihilating hope, grace, respect, flowers
A moment wished to be skipped in time,
Please throw courage at the fire, not crime,
Knowledge is power, only if we use it,
The tools are in your head, not your grip.
If revenge is your joy, I pray thee bereft,
You have permission to be humble,
Why stray from true dignity and peace?
Take a deep breath, let yourself release.
So many view life through a burdened eye,
Exchange lenses, slowly evolve your ty,
Life is a lovely journey of choice,
Pick love or hate, it's your voice.
--- Copyright © 2005 Robert Pepper
WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT YOURSELF
IS MORE IMPORTANT
THAN WHAT SOMEBODY THINKS ABOUT YOU
July 11, 2005
I do not remember if I have told you this story before but it does not cost me anything to relate the story again. When I was a student in class one during my college days, I was walking down to the dormitory with two of my friends when I saw the Senior Prefect who, then, was in class six.
I admired him so much and I coveted is integrity and reputation as a leader. He commanded so much respect and I remember I once sought a chance just to talk to him. I told my friends I was going to be the Senior Prefect of my set but all they did was jeer at me.
Six years later, I became the Senior Prefect. I also commanded respect and people were talking about me in places I've never been to. It's because I had that picture in mind. The college is Mayflower School, Ikenne, Nigeria.
Create a picture of where you want to be. What matters is not what others think, so long as you believe it. You will be there.
--- Copyright © 2005 Fola Daniel
ACCEPT ME
July 11, 2005
This is dedicated to all the teens like me who have had a hard time but are working through it and who like being who they are!
I am I...
Do not change me, condemn me, nor put me down.
Accept me for what I am,
No, you need not agree with me,
But accept me, for I am total in being.
I have my faults
I have my guilts
But that is who I am.
Perfect I will never be!!!
Allow me to be uninhibited,
DO NOT PRESURE ME
Into feeling what I do not feel.
Accept me when I am flying high,
As I have accepted you
When you were flying high.
Do not put me down,
Nor make me feel unhappy about me.
I AM I...
And I like being what I am...
ME!
--- Author Unknown
--- Submitted by Kayla O., Age 14 --- Pennsylvania
My observation:
I remember what it was like during my teen age years, the struggle for identity and the constant wish to be accepted for who I was. Being the "Black Sheep" of the family, I was constantly chided to conform. As adults, we sometimes forget what it is like to be a teen, to experience all these new emotions and situations without the benefit of lifetime experiences behind us. These kids need us to embrace their uniqueness and encourage them just like we want people in our lives to embrace and encourage us for who we are.
Over the last 8 years, I have had the privilege and pleasure of communicating with many teens through this site. Their ability to speak their hearts inspires and humbles me. The teens who visit and contribute here are from a global family. Each of them is special with unique gifts and talents. Both girls and boys come here to help lift people up with their words of hope and encouragement. Be curious. Stop by and read the Teen Quotes Pages for yourself. These young adults are sharing wisdom and hope that may be of benefit to you.
So the next time you feel like complaining about teens, stop and take a look back at yourself. Remember what you went through and cut them some slack. Open your eyes and mind to the possibilities they bring to this world. Catch them doing something right - because most of them do a lot right. Slow down, listen and validate their feelings and concerns. Wouldn't that be what you would have wanted way back when?
--- Marlene
ONLY A BELIEVER CAN BECOME A SURVIVOR
June 27, 2005
What is the most difficult thing in this world? There are many, but when I concentrate, I just beam to the same answer always.
The most difficult thing is to have victory over yourself--- To win over your own emotions. This sounds a little dramatic, but it's not a mere dialogue. It is the fact of our daily lives. I humbly agree here that this goes under the following category:
"EASY TO SAY, HARD TO FOLLOW, DIFFICULT TO IMPLEMENT"
But everybody has to do it, knowingly or unknowingly; otherwise you hurt yourself beyond your own imagination.
When the tide of panic shakes your body, propagates through your nerves, you have only that invisible faith of yours to fight against that terrible wave.
If you compare both the things ---panic wave and faith---both of them are generated through a state of mind and both are invisible emotions. Panic is momentary and faith is permanent. Which one should we choose? The one with a temporary nature or the one with long lasting nature?
Panic is something that we can sense; rather it fills up all your senses. It can make you emotionally paralytic. It is generated in your mind and takes control of the entire body within a fraction of second. What we see, what we hear, what we think cannot be registered by our body because of its presence.
If I am into my senses I can find my way out. But these visible and daily used capabilities of mine, are under the shadow of that rare feeling. What do I do for myself to keep my senses alive in that panicky moment? Is this the behavior that we call "human"??
Nope, certainly not. It's not the case that only some people go through this emotion. Everybody goes through it, everybody, at some point of time in his or her life. Many of the people go through this at the crucial stages of their lives. Great people survive through it with only their invisible faith and great determination. This itself becomes their shield against this invisible negative feeling to which we give birth to, nurture and become a slave to.
Is it worth it? Do we have to become slave of some negative thought?
We have to remember that we are the creator of it and we have every right and potential to destroy it. I believe that every poison has an antidote. If poison is within you, believe me an antidote is also present in you. You just have to make use of it.
Now I have the answer how to fight with panicky moments, but merely saying and writing it down will not help. We have to think, we should reflect, we should implement ---then it would be more like an answer to a problem that we face when we become panicked.
--- Copyright © 2004 Priyanka D. Teredesai
My observation:
Priyanka is right. Panic hits everyone - we have to have a plan to deal with it. Panic and anxiety are seldom talked about. We feel isolated and ashamed to discuss it, though everyone, at some point or points in their lives, will experience it. I know I have and you must be aware of your thinking at this moment. Don't let it get the best of you. We must learn to control our thoughts so we can control our emotions. Panic can become like a freight train, running wild on the tracks at full speed, and we must make a conscious decision to pull back hard on the brake or risk the train jumping off the tracks.
We can't afford to lose ourselves to these negative thoughts. We must be willing to pull up all of our courage and strength from inside and change that thought instantly.
We need, in my opinion, to learn about ourselves everyday. Look for what you do right. Look for the goodness that is within you. Believe you can overcome anything because our thoughts shape our reality. If we can learn to control our thoughts, we can learn to control our emotions - how we feel about something. Don't give power to your negative thoughts - don't dwell on them. Let them float through like the other thousands of thoughts we have everyday that we don't emotionally respond to.
Get help, if you need it. Don't be paralyzed by panic - do something good for yourself.
--- Marlene
TIME IS NOW
June 20, 2005
The greatest Curiosity is the unknown,
Sitting right in front of us to be shown,
Whispering, taunting, teasing, flirting,
For some, a useless case, me, the world.
We, us, them, together again?
Time is against us, but let us not worry,
Rather make the time now, to become one,
Stop telling stories about our loaded gun.
Peace is the ultimate goal in this life,
Yet we maintain our right hand by our knife,
The need of vengeance hinders the spirit,
Stepping behind, another cancerous pregnant.
Africa is in the twelfth century, maybe,
Yet you and I complain about our gravy,
Maybe you and I should trade thy shoes,
Or, trade eyes --- then we'd truly have a clue.
--- Copyright © 2005 Robert Michael Pepper
Just a note:
After reading Robert's poem, I understand what he is asking. Don't wait to care about peace - the time is now. Don't wait to be less angry - the time is now. Don't decide to be positive later - the time is now.
What are we doing to advance peace, harmony and love? Why are we complaining when we have so much, right in the palms of our hands? When is the best time to change your life and be the person you want to be?
Today I ask that you consider being grateful and hopeful. Grateful for all that has come into your life - the good times and the not so good times and hopeful about today and tomorrow. Each experience we have teaches us something about ourselves and how we view the world. Be pro-active today! Pray for peace and harmony, love and understanding. We are all brothers and sisters on this planet - when will we realize this and act accordingly? Practice kindness and gratitude this week. Be an instrument of peace.
--- Marlene
TEAMS WIN WITH CHARACTER
NOT CHARACTERS
June 15, 2005
"It amazes me that so many coaches think this great game of football is about x's and o's."
--- Coach Bill E. Williams
CHARACTER - the mental and ethical traits marking a group or an individual
TRAIT - a specific quality of a person
QUALITY - the degree of excellence
ETHICS - a set of moral principles or values
VALUES - something that is important to an individual
MORALS - principles of right and wrong
PRINCIPLES - a code of conduct
Teams win with character not characters. Character is the mental or ethical traits that mark an individual or a group. A trait is a Quality of a group or an individual and ethics are moral sets of principles or values. A principle is an individual's code of conduct. A value is something that is important to an individual.
To have character, as individuals and as a team, one must first have a code of conduct (principles). This code of conduct is the standard of behavior that individuals and teams hold themselves and teammates accountable for (morals). This code of conduct is something that becomes important to the individual and the team (values). The task of instilling a set of moral principles and values (ethics) lies in the hands of the head coach. The head coach instills the specific qualities that he desires his team to have (traits). With this, the individuals now hold themselves to a higher degree of excellence (quality).
This is how you win with character and fail with characters. Character is the mental and ethical traits that mark an individual. The following is a list of traits that my football teams will know and hold each other accountable to:
14 LEADERSHIP TRAITS
JUSTICE- a reward or penalty as deserved.
JUDGMENT- the ability to come to a sound opinion
DEDICATION- to devote to a purpose
INTEGRITY- acting honestly and sincerely
DISCIPLINE- being efficient in controlling oneself
TACT- the ability to say something without offending
INITIATIVE- the action of taking the first step or move
ENTHUSIASMan intense or eager interest
BEARING- the way one carries and conducts oneself in pressure situations
UNSELFISHNESS- showing a concern for the interest of others rather than yourself
COURAGE- the quality of being consistently brave
KNOWLEDGE- how well you understand a specific task
LOYALTY- faithful to ones family, friends, colleagues, and obligations
ENDURANCE- the ability to last and withstand pain
These traits are the road map to character. They separate a team with character from a team of characters. A team of characters will never be successful, no matter how gifted they are, because they lack the traits that give them standards for the degree of excellence that they hold themselves and teammates accountable for day to day, hour to hour, minute to minute. If we teach character we can go to bed knowing that we sent young men into life with the tools to succeed, because in the long run if we are just teaching them how to play football what are we really teaching them?
--- Copyright © 2005 Bill E. Williams
IF YOUR DOG WERE YOUR TEACHER !
June 6, 2005
You would learn stuff like...
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
Take naps and stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you
Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout - run right back and make friends.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
And MOST of all...
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
--- Author Unknown --- Submitted by Marcial Sarmiento
JO, I LOVE YOU
June 6, 2005
Jo, where do I start? First I'm sorry. I never really appreciated you as much as I should have. It's true you never realize just how much you love someone until that person is out of your life. It's only been three days since we have been apart but it feels like a lifetime.
You are the strength to our family and without you we have lost the biggest part of our lives. I don't want to live the rest of my life without you, you mean the world to me and life without you is like taking away the air I breathe.
My heart is so empty without you. You make our lives whole and complete. I hope and pray that you will forgive me for all the wrong I have done. I do know that this is a huge ask but please try. I want to grow old with you and I have never wished for anything more in my life as much as hoping you do too. I want to share everything with you, both good and bad. I want to be able to go to sleep with you and wake beside you; I want to help you when you are sick I want to share my entire life with you.
You have always been there for me even in my worst of times, you have made me feel complete and you always do. I only wish I could have been there for you when you really needed me. Please let me prove to you that you are the only person I will love completely and you will always come first in everything we do. That, I swear and promise. I don't want to be like my father, it makes me a lesser person to know that I am.
Please Jo, give me the opportunity to prove myself. I'm sitting here without reservation about how I have been and I am disgusted in myself. You have always been honest in our relationship and you have tried so hard in everything you do.
As I write this I have never felt so alone. I have tears running down my face and I can't stop them from falling, it hurts. If there is one thing I have ever wished for and sincerely wanted it is for you to be here with me. There is nothing I won't do to make this work. You name it babe, I will. Not only because I have to, I want to.
I want to make you happy and spoil you and make you feel like a princess. You deserve so much more. I miss you so much, I love you so much and I respect you for who you are. I only wish I could turn back the clock and fix all I have done wrong to you but I can't.
I SAY ALL THIS FROM MY HEART and truly mean everything I say to you. You are my soul mate and at present my soul is so empty without you.
Please find it in your heart to try and love me in the same way. We have so much more together to accomplish in life and that I want nothing more than to do than with the one I love the most, YOU. You truly are the best thing that has ever happened in my life and I would like to prove that to you. I Truly Love you dearly.
--- Written in 2005 by Andrew Whare - Australia
A PILLOW AND A BLANKET
June 6, 2005
A long time ago, a young, wealthy girl was getting ready for bed. She was saying her prayers when she heard a muffled crying coming through her window. A little frightened, she went over to the window and leaned out.
Another girl, who seemed to be about her age and homeless was standing in the alley by the rich girl's house. Her heart went out to the homeless girl, for it was the dead of winter, and the girl had no blanket, only old newspapers someone had thrown out. The rich girl was suddenly struck with a brilliant idea. She called to the other girl and said, "You there, come to my front door, please."
The homeless girl was so startled she could only manage to nod.
As quick as her legs could take her, the young girl ran down the hall to her mothers closet, and picked out an old quilt and a beat up pillow. She had to walk slower down to the front door as to not trip over the quilt which was hanging down, but she made it eventually.
Dropping both the articles, she opened the door. Standing there was the homeless girl, looking quite scared. The rich girl smiled warmly and handed both articles to the other girl. Her smile grew wider as she watched the true amazement and happiness alight upon the other girl's face. She went to bed incredibly satisfied.
In mid-morning the next day a knock came to the door. The rich girl flew to the door hoping that it was the other little girl there. She opened the large door and looked outside. It was the other little girl. Her face looked happy, and she smiled. "I suppose you want these back."
The rich little girl opened her mouth to say that she could keep them when another idea popped into her head. "No, I want them back."
The homeless girl's face fell. This was obviously not the answer she had hoped for. She reluctantly laid down the beat up things, and turned to leave when the rich girl yelled, "Wait! Stay right there."
She turned in time to see the rich girl running up the stairs and down a long corridor. Deciding whatever the rich little girl was doing wasn't worth waiting for she started to turn around and walk away. As her foot hit the first step, she felt someone tap her on the shoulder, turning she saw the rich little girl, thrusting a new blanket and pillow at her. "Have these." she said quietly.
These were her own personal belonging made of silk and down feathers.
As the two grew older they didn't see each other much, but they were never far from each other's minds. One day, the Rich girl, who was now a Rich woman got a telephone call from someone. A lawyer, saying that she was requested to see him.
When she arrived at the office, he told her what had happened. Forty years ago, when she was nine years old, she had helped a little girl in need. That grew into a middle-class woman with a husband and two children. She had recently died and left something for her in her will. "Though," the lawyer said, "it's the most peculiar thing. She left you a pillow and a blanket."
--- Author Unknown
STRATEGIES FOR BUILDING SELF-ESTEEM
June 6, 2005
The University of Texas at Austin
STRATEGIES FOR BUILDING SELF-ESTEEM
Crises of self-esteem are a part of the human experience. When you feel troubled by low self-esteem, review the suggestions below and choose those that are relevant to your situation and work on them. Be patient with yourself: change takes time and steadfast work.
Free yourself from "shoulds". Live your life on the basis of what is possible for you and what feels right to you instead of what you or others think you "should" do. "Shoulds" distract us from identifying and fulfilling our own needs, abilities, interests and personal goals. Find out what you want and what you are good at, value those, and take actions designed to fulfill your potential.
Respect your own needs. Recognize and take care of your own needs and wants first. Identify what really fulfills you — not just immediate gratifications. Respecting your deeper needs will increase your sense of worth and well-being.
Set achievable goals. Establish goals on the basis of what you can realistically achieve, and then work step-by-step to develop your potential. To strive always for perfectionist, absolute goals — for example, "Anything less than an A in school is always unacceptable" — invites stress and failure.
Talk to yourself positively. Stop listening to your "cruel inner critic." When you notice that you are doubting or judging yourself, replace such thoughts with self-accepting thoughts, balanced self-assessment and self-supportive direction.
Test your reality. Separate your emotional reactions — your fears and bad feelings — from the reality of your current situation. For example, you may feel stupid, anxious and hopeless about a project, but if you think about it, you may still have the ability and opportunity to accomplish something in it.
Experience success. Seek out and put yourself in situations in which the probability of success is high. Look for projects which stretch — but don't overwhelm — your abilities. "Image" yourself succeeding. Whatever you accomplish, let yourself acknowledge and experience success and good feelings about it.
Take chances. New experiences are learning experiences which can build self-confidence. Expect to make mistakes as part of the process; don't be disappointed if you don't do it perfectly. Feel good about trying something new, making progress and increasing your competence.
Solve problems. Don't avoid problems, and don't moil about them. Face them, and identify ways to solve them or cope with them. If you run away from problems you can solve, you threaten your self-confidence.
Make decisions. Practice making and implementing positive decisions flexibly but firmly, and trust yourself to deal with the consequences. When you assert yourself, you enhance your sense of yourself, learn more, and increase your self-confidence.
Develop your skills. Know what you can and can't do. Assess the skills you need; learn and practice those.
Emphasize your strengths. Focus on what you can do rather than what you cannot. Accept current limitations and live comfortably within them, even as you consider what strengths you might want or need to develop next.
Rely on your own opinion of yourself. Entertain feedback from others, but don't rely on their opinions. Depend on your own values in making decisions and deciding how you feel about yourself and what is right for you to do.
I BELIEVE IN YOU
May 23, 2005
You are a good and worthy person. You are courageous and brave. You are caring and kind. You always try to do the right thing and feel compassion for those who struggle. You extend your hand in friendship every day and people love to be around you because your energy is so positive. You have a terrific smile and share it with everyone you meet. You are willing to take risks and falter. You motivate and inspire others when you rebound from tragedy. You care and believe in the goodness of others and cheer for the underdog. You are a champion, a winner in all you do. I believe in you!
Make me proud this week!!!
--- Copyright © 2005 Marlene Blaszczyk
WHAT THE GAME MEANS TO ME
May 16, 2005
Every day my eyes open and my feet hit the floor; my heart beats, thankful for the game of football. This game God gave us is my life, and everything that I am, from my toes to my soul, I burn with a desire for this game. When I see it played passion and guts, whether it is in a Pee Wee game or the NFL, you may see me wince and hang my head to hide a tear of joy.
This game of football is of big heart and hard hits. Sometimes people go down; that's part of the war of football. This game can make you a hard man if you buy what it sells, if you commit to the pain it takes to play it. When you give your heart to this game, you separate yourself from the rest of life and become a football player. There are a lot of people that play football, but you will know and people can tell when you are a football player. If you were accused of being a football player, would there be enough evidence to convict you?
--- Copyright © 2005 Bill E. Williams
Side Note:
Last week, I had the honor and pleasure of talking with Coach Williams, a former Marine and High School Football Coach in Texas. He believes discipline, structure, love, and hard work will make productive, successful young people.
I asked Coach what helps make him so successful with kids? He replied, "I have been given a great gift of motivation and with my passion for and knowledge of the game and knowledge of the power of the human mind. I influence young people to realize that they are already great and only need the tools to bring it to the surface. I take young people to levels that they could not reach alone."
Be inspired and motivated this week in your life and relationships.
GROWING YOUNG
May 9, 2005
We're not ready yet for
"On Golden Pond,"
Too late for "Blue Lagoon;"
The midlife years so perfect now,
With harmony we're in tune.
So Follow me and don't look back;
Our future lies ahead --
We'll not grow old, no never old
Our love will grow young instead.
--- Copyright © 2005 Joy Barton Hale
BE HAPPY
May 2, 2005
Red is for love
Let your love shine
Orange is for hope
Dream your dream
Yellow is for happiness
Create it in your soul
Green is for trust
Trust yourself
Blue is for truth
Live your inner truth
Indigo is for freedom
Take responsibility for yourself
Violet is for respect
Toward everybody you meet.
And so you create your own circle of colours to see a Rainbow
Hear and feel the sounds of each colour
Write your own symphony
And share it with the World
--- Copyright © 2004 Desireé Botha
I accompany tourists on their tours. We went to Namibia last year, my birth country. This is a group that has come back to tour with me each year since 2001. So on the last evening I wrote this and gave them each a string of rainbow beads to remind them of Africa and her people, especially South Africa and Namibia.
A STRONG WOMAN
VS.
A WOMAN OF STRENGTH
May 2, 2005
A strong woman works out everyday to keep her body in shape…
But a woman of strength builds relationships to keep her soul in shape
A strong woman isn't afraid of anything…
But a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of fear.
A strong woman won't let anyone get the better of her…
But a woman of strength gives the best of herself to everyone.
A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future…
A woman of strength realises life's mistakes can also be unexpected blessings, and capitalises on them
A strong woman wears a look of confidence on her face…
But a woman of strength wears grace.
A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey…
But a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong.
--- Author Unknown --- Submitted by Caroline --- Ireland
THE SONG
May 2, 2005
When a woman in a certain African tribe knows she is pregnant, she goes out into the wilderness with a few friends and together they pray and meditate until they hear the song of the child. They recognize that every soul has its own vibration that expresses its unique flavor and purpose. When the women attune to the song, they sing it out loud. Then they return to the tribe and teach it to everyone else. When the child is born, the community gathers and sings the child's song to him or her.
Later, when the child enters education, the village gathers and chants the child's song. When the child passes through the initiation to adulthood, the people again come together and sing. At the time of marriage, the person hears his or her song. Finally, when the soul is about to pass from this world, the family and friends gather at the person's bed, just as they did at their birth, and they sing the person to the next life.
In the African tribe there is one other occasion upon which the villagers sing to the child. If at any time during his or her life, the person commits a crime or aberrant social act, the individual is called to the center of the village and the people in the community form a circle around them. Then they sing their song to them. The tribe recognizes that the correction for antisocial behavior is not punishment; it is love and the remembrance of identity.
When you recognize your own song, you have no desire or need to do anything that would hurt another. A friend is someone who knows your song and sings it to you when you have forgotten it. Those who love you are not fooled by mistakes you have made or dark images you hold about yourself. They remember your beauty when you feel ugly; your wholeness when you are broken; your innocence when you feel guilty; and your purpose when you are confused.
You may not have grown up in an African tribe that sings your song to you at crucial life transitions, but life is always reminding you when you are in tune with yourself and when you are not. When you feel good, what you are doing matches your song, and when you feel awful, it doesn't. In the end, we shall all recognize our song and sing it well. You may feel a little warbly at the moment, but so have all the great singers. So remember, just keep singing and you'll find your way home.
--- Original tribe unknown
--- Submitted by Mitesh Vageriya --- Mumbai, India
This is lovable and makes you start new life over in case of any problems. It shows that we can win the world by love, and not by hatred.
Recently a visitor to the site was kind enough to inform us of an article citing this story written by Alan Cohen. Here is what Alan writes about the African tribe:
"I do not have the name of the tribe. I learned the story from several sources, and did not receive the name. Although I understand this to be a true story, I see its metaphoric importance to be of even greater value. I am hoping readers will appreciate and apply the principle of the uniqueness of each soul's purpose, and the power of remembering who we truly are."
Please stop by and read the entire article at: http://www.alancohen.com/articles/they_are_playing_our_song.htm
HIS BEST
May 2, 2005
I married the first time in 1975. We had two beautiful children. He drank and ran around on me. He left me in 1994 for my good friend. In 1999 I married an old school friend that I had known almost all my life. I got very ill and he left me because he said, "I will have to change my life to stay with you". He wasn't committed to our marriage.
In June of 2000 I met the man I am married to and we married in August of that year. He is the one that God sent to me and we are soul mates. He loves me even though I am ill a lot of the time. He loves me for what I am and not what he wants me to be. God had me go through what I did because he wanted me to be strong and He gave me the strength to believe that I wasn't just a "nobody". He knew what I was going to go through from the moment I was conceived. I think that's AWESOME!!!
--- Copyright © 2005 Ginger Lewis
God gave me his best. How could I not give Him myself?
DEAR JOHN
Grow old along with me!
The best is yet to be.
The last of life,
for which the first was made.
Our times are in His hand
Who saith 'A whole I planned,
Youth shows but half,
trust God, see all nor be afraid!
Robert Browning
May 2, 2005
Back in the good old days of 1941-42, I was enjoying going to an old country high school in the little community of East Mountain located in the Piney Woods of East Texas. Yes, I was enjoying it, mainly because of an association I had developed with a beautiful young lady, Betty Jo (Jodie) Sturgis, who attended White Oak High School in a community nearby.
These schools, although small by today's standards, were located on land that contained producing oil wells, part of the famous East Texas discovery. The oil income helped the schools to buy the best equipment and provide quality education.
Since the school furnished the instruments, I was able to play trombone in the school band for three years. In my senior year I finally convinced Mom to let me play football. I mention these activities because they are the reasons I occasionally got to see my sweetheart when our schools competed in band contests and football games.
Dad lost his job and could not find employment. Free natural gas from an oil well in our back yard supplied our lights and heating. At this point in time, this "well-head" gas was considered surplus and provided heat and lighting to many needy families. Since we didn't have a car and neither family had a telephone, it was extremely difficult for me to communicate or spend time with my sweetheart.. Luckily, one of my buddies started dating Jodie's sister and his family was fortunate enough to own an automobile. His father would occasionally let him use it. When he had a date he would invite me to go along so that I could see Jodie and as I later learned, to be his chauffeur. I always had to drive while he and his date sat in the back seat and 'cuddled.'
As my friends and I enjoyed these happy, carefree days, we were also aware of the specter of war and our upcoming invitations by Uncle Sam. I graduated from high school in May of 1943 at the age of 17. I had almost a year to find a job and make some money before my 'call to arms.' I managed to see Jodie from time to time and in my mind she was the girl I would marry and be with the rest of my life. There was just one problem, she didn't know this and I was just too bashful to open my heart and mouth to tell her how I felt.
I found a job at an aircraft plant in Ft Worth, Texas where I helped build B-24 bombers and participated in the early development of the giant six-engine B-36 bomber. During this time I wrote letters to Jodie and hoped she would 'read between the lines' of things I didn't have the nerve to write. Inevitably, decision time arrived and in April 1944 I enlisted in the US Navy to avoid being drafted in the Army. I planned to serve on the 'high seas' while seeing the world (how romantic the recruiters made it sound). I managed a few days at home while waiting for the Navy to get ready for me. These were bittersweet days as I prepared to say farewell to my family and my sweetheart, Jodie. I finally got up enough nerve to give her a real goodbye kiss on our last date. I promised to return to her and hoped she could read my thoughts about marriage and happiness ever after.
After a whirlwind session in boot camp at San Diego (they really shoved us through in '44) I was transferred to radio operator school at the US Naval Armory in Los Angeles. With hard work and a natural affinity I had for Morse code, I graduated from radio school with 3rd Class Petty Officer rating. When the Navy asked my preference of duty, I requested aircraft carrier and was totally surprised when I was assigned to the carrier USS Ranger, CV-4. I went aboard and immediately found that I was in trouble; a brand new RM 3/C with very little Navy 'savvy' and still wet behind the ears. It was really a struggle but perseverance finally won their friendship and cooperation.
This brings me to the reason for my story. While out at sea on a training mission the old Blue Goose (our mail plane) brought a letter one day from my one-and-only sweetheart, Jodie. It turned out to be a DEAR JOHN! For those who don't know, a Dear John letter meant that you had been replaced. It seems that she was swept off her feet by a tall red-headed guy with a gift of gab that I didn't have. She had actually MARRIED him! How would I ever live through the grief?
Well, those buddies I had managed to cultivate decided they would help me through my crisis. When we docked at North Island, across the bay from San Diego, several of them convinced me to get ready for liberty and hustled me ashore. Many bars later they carried me aboard ship and put me in my bunk. Somehow they covered for me and after two or three days I gradually came back to life.
Now for the rest of the story!
I settled in San Antonio, Texas after discharge from the Navy in 1946 and worked at Kelly Air Force Base for 36 years. In 1980, I received a phone call from my sister. She blew my mind by telling me she had received a letter from Jodie. She told me that Jodie was single again and wondering what had become of me. She gave me Jodie's phone number where she now lived in Longview, Texas. I called immediately, and with a gift of gab I had developed over the years, wasted no time assuring her how much I still loved her and wanted to see her. I left San Antonio that night at midnight and arrived in Longview (almost 400 miles away) by daylight.
Jodie met me at the door with the same beautiful smile I had remembered for 35 years. I could sense that she still cared for me and I wasted no time assuring her that she was the only one I had ever really loved.
I returned to San Antonio a very happy man and in a few weeks , went back to Longview and arranged for Jodie and all her belongings to return with me to my home in 'San Antone.' We were married in a beautiful service performed by an Air Force Chaplain at Lackland Air Force Base.
After 17 years together, we decided to move back to Longview. Jodie has three daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and she is enjoying being back near them. I go down memory lane occasionally and visit the old school building and look at the marble monument erected in memory of WW II veterans from our school. I am saddened by the names of those who were lost in action but thankful that mine is listed with the survivors.
God didn't promise us life without thorns as I was to learn again. My Jodie began to have shortness of breath and chest pains. A visit to the doctor followed by a litany of tests confirmed that she had congestive heart failure. The prognosis was not positive, however, the doctor would not predict her life expectancy. This was in 1996 and we continued to grow old together and pray without ceasing that the Lord would intercede. He has his own timetable so as Jodie's health continued to get worse, we made the best of her remaining time on earth by spending as many hours as we could with our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
In June of 2001 we reached a point where the doctor advised that hospice was inevitable. On June 22nd Jodie's last words were "I don't want to live in this body anymore!" God heard her plea and at 5:45 that evening she went peacefully to sleep and departed the worn-out body for eternal rest and happiness.
If there is a good ending to this story, it is that my widowed sister moved in with me and we share a delightful life together as we grow older and wait for our reunion with my Jodie and her Joe.
--- Copyright © 2005 James Johnston (Jim)
GOD'S PRECIOUS GIFT
May 2, 2005
The day you were born, my world shattered
My heart ached as I saw you lie
Lifeless, still, no cry ……….
I could only ask "Is she going to die?"
There was no response from the doctors
I saw panic written on their faces
Oxygen cylinders, tubes, injections
What was going to be your fate?
I heard voices spoken in unison
This babe is in very bad shape
90% brain damage, convulsions
….. too weak, breathing complications….
You spent twenty days in the ICU
God, my darling child was with you
Compelled, mum and dad sometimes left your side
The pain was deep, we were hurting inside
In His arms, you, He did safely hide
We prayed for you day and night
We would never give up on our baby
The doctors marveled at your progress
You made a speedy recovery
We named you "Samara" meaning "Under God's care"
For with you, my dear one, He was always there.
--- Mrs. Sharon Pires --- India
I am a mother of three children, two girls and a boy. When my second daughter was born she was not breathing after birth for two hours, and was put on oxygen. The doctors had given up all hopes saying that she would be a mentally challenged child and even if she came through she would have to be kept alive on a respirator. My little girls was suffering from Mucenium Aspiration Syndrome and her lungs were clogged. Her body was ice cold and she lay lifeless attached to a machine.
The doctors advised my husband to sign some medical papers giving up the baby. I was away in the labor room and not aware of the happenings in the neonatal unit. My parents who were present were in great distress and tried to comfort my husband. My husband was in a turmoil and unsure what decision to take. At that very moment my little girl showed signs of movement and her body temperature shot up. Her pediatrician and my gynecologist were amazed and my husband elated. As he later described these events to me he concluded with these words "Luckily for us, Providence made the decision and our little girl has taken her first step towards recovery."
She had to be shifted to a sophisticated hospital and spent 20 days in the ICU before returning home to us. Her homecoming brought great happiness and her sister was thrilled. Just a month after returning home she was admitted again for 5 days as she was suffering from fever and on investigation was found to have malaria, both falcifurum and vivax. I was heart broken, but the doctor a kind and understanding man, reassured me "If she came through the first time, she is much stronger now and will come home to you, healthier and sooner. God is with your baby, don't lose hope now." She was home in five days and her health slowly improved.
At times I even doubted the presence of God in our lives, my husband too felt very depressed but we tried our best to reassure each other. Our parents were very supportive and my elder daughter Nichelle prayed everyday for her sister to get well. God must have surely heard our families united in prayer, for He saw our tiny helpless innocent babe safely through the tough times, and gave us the courage to face each day bravely, make the right decisions and support each other.
This incident will always remain with me, the memories as vivid as if it happened just yesterday and I have learnt to Trust God, no matter what. He knows what's best for us and when things turn out differently from what we expect, we have to surrender it to Him and let Him work in our lives. Through my daughter's illness our family grew closer and my husband and I learnt to make Jesus and Mary the center of our lives. "If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. Believe in His power."
Today Samara is 5 - a happy healthy school kid, and a joy to all. Thank you Lord for working this miracle in our lives.
Remembering Loralai
A Brave and Courageous Fighter til the end
April 25, 2005
"Fight one more round. When your arms are so tired that you can hardly lift your hands to come on guard, fight one more round. When your nose is bleeding and your eyes are black and you are so tired that you wish your opponent would crack you one on the jaw and put you to sleep, fight one more round-remembering that the man who fights one more round is never whipped."
---James Corbett
I wanted to share a little of my will to everyone who reads this. 2 weeks ago, I received a "well wishes" card from a long lost friend, and this quote was written in it. I read it over and over again till in was clinging in the cores of my weakened heart. I have AIDS, which is in its critical stage.
Later that week, it was about 2am when I started to get really, really sick and couldn't even get up. It felt like someone was choking me to death and I was all alone in my apartment. Just when I fell to the floor and gave up any hope of getting any help what-so-ever, that's when I remembered this quote.
Fight one more round.....it kept ringing in my ear and I decided to fight. I struggled all my way to the medical centre about 2 blocks away from my place and fainted right at the counter. I wouldn't be sharing with you all of this if I hadn't chose to fight my one more round, my one more battle. If I have to fight another, I will. My only wish, to all those who are confronting death, don't succumb to it. Don't give it the opportunity to show its power to you. Fight it, it doesn't matter if you lose, just fight one more round.
--- Loralai --- Age 21, United Kingdom
Sadly, Loralai lost her battle last Friday and is now a star shining brightly in the night sky. Her sister-in-law was kind enough to let me know about her passing.
Over the last 2 weeks, I have had the honor of corresponding, through email, with this gentle, young woman. Her courage and bravery humbled me as she shared with me her life story. All I could do was wrap my arms around her virtually and listen to her as she poured out her heart. I tried to offer her hope, kindness and love in return and shared her pain. In the end, I think she knew that I truly cared for her and I will always be grateful for the time we had together.
SURE YOU CAN!
April 18, 2005
Remember when you were a little child trying to learn to walk? Maybe not, but I'm pretty sure it went something like this:
First you had to learn to stand: a process involving constantly falling down, then getting back up. You laughed sometimes and cried at other times. Somehow there was a determination and conviction that you would succeed, no matter what.
After much practice you finally figure out how to balance yourself, a necessary requirement. You enjoyed this new feeling of power - you'd stand everywhere you could - in your crib, by the couch, on someone's lap. It was a joyous time - you did it! You were in control of you.
Now - the next step - walking. You'd seen others do it - it didn't look that hard - just move your legs while you were standing, right? Wrong - more complexity than you ever imagined. More frustration than anyone should have to deal with. But you tried, again and again and again until you figured this out, too.
If people caught you walking, they applauded, they laughed, it was a, "Oh my God, look at what he's/she's doing". This encouragement fueled you on; it raised your self-confidence. But how many times did you attempt when no one was watching, when no one was cheering? Every chance you got. You had places to go, things to see, knowledge to learn. You couldn't wait for someone to encourage you to take the next steps. You learned how to encourage yourself.
If we could only remember this about ourselves in today's day.
Remember that we can do anything we set our minds to if we are willing to go through the process, just like when we learned to walk. We don't need to wait for others to encourage us; we need to encourage ourselves.
If you've forgotten how to do this, or feel like your self-esteem needs a boost, take a short journey back through the your life - look at your accomplishments, no matter if they were large or small - you met the challenge and figured out a way to succeed. Focus on all the things you thought you could never do, initially, and did. While going back, look for the little child you once were. Thank them for never giving up. As you wave goodbye, remember they will never give up on you. They have believed in you all of your life!
Now you need to believe in you too!
"Remember, today is the best day of your life because yesterday was and tomorrow may only be." --- Marlene
Have a wonderful week ahead - make a difference!
--- Marlene
CELEBRATE LIFE AT THIS MOMENT
Remembering Pope John Paul II
April 11, 2005
Pope John Paul II, a man of peace, has left our midst. Millions around the world, in this moment, mourn his passing and celebrate the life that slipped away. I have to say personally, that I admired the Pope's love of humanity and commitment to peace and will miss that gentleness of spirit.
Today I ask that you celebrate life and all that comes with it, in this moment. Plan for your future, but live in the present moment. Enjoy all that this moment has to offer. This moment is truly what we can embrace, as a minute from now, we may not be here. An hour from now, we may be gone. Tomorrow, may come or it may not.
Though most of us think we will live until we are old, many of us won't. Don't put off your dreams until tomorrow. Don't decide to change your life tomorrow. Do it today, right now. This is the moment that you control and only this moment. Be in charge of you and choose to be the best possible person you can be this moment. Live your life as an example for others, this moment. Be more loving in this moment, more forgiving, kinder, more positive and generous. Be present with people, in this moment. Give more than you take, in this moment.
They say that time waits for no one and that includes you and me. Be who you want to be fully, in this moment. Decide today to love each precious moment you get and, if you are offered another minute, another hour, another day, always be grateful for these gifted moments and put them to good use.
--- Copyright © 2005 Marlene Blaszczyk
SHADOWS
April 4, 2005
She often walked in sunlight
and I tried to catch her shadow.
She often walked in lamp light
that I hoped would never stop.
Shadows take on special shapes
especially the forms of those we love.
But where do the shadows go
when our loved ones are not there.
I hope these shadows don't fade away
but also have their place, somewhere nice.
The feeling that I had watching that shadow
is one I'd like to have again, and possibly twice.
--- Written in 2005 by Joyce Cotman
MIRACLES STILL HAPPEN
April 4, 2005
On January 17, 2005, I went into the Emergency Room because I was having upper respiratory problems along with high fevers and cold chills. I was told that I had Pneumonia and it was very overwhelming. It seems that I may have had the pneumonia for quite some time, therefore, it had affected both lungs. The doctors immediately admitted me into the hospital and started to administer the antibiotic treatment.
My body was not responding to the treatments as anticipated. I was also having an allergic reaction to one of the medications. I had high fevers for three days, my blood pressure was very low, and I was having a lot of trouble breathing. My lungs were so affected by the infection that it caused me to have Respiratory Distress. My lungs just completely gave out and I had to be rushed to the ICU on January 23, 2005. I was placed on a ventilator at 100% oxygen and 100% respiration.
Since I was under heavy sedation for the incubation procedure to be completed, I don't remember anything that occurred after I arrived at the ICU. According to family members, my health had deteriorated to the point that the doctors were only giving me a 50% chance to live. At this point the doctors recommended that my family members come to the hospital. So my entire family and some friends were called into the hospital and were told that this might be the last time they see me.
Thank God that I have many Christian family members. They gathered together and started to pray. The effectual fervent prayer is one with power behind it, one that produces results. That is the type of prayer that you are about to read. That night, I had a vision. I saw the light and it kept coming closer to me. I then realized that I was in Heaven. As the light was right before me, the Lord appeared. He was holding his arms wide open ready to receive me. I didn't actually see the Lord's face, only His image. Yet, I knew it was Him. Then I saw the heavenly hosts, angels were all around me. At that moment, I knew that He was calling me to go into Heaven and live my eternal life there.
Suddenly, I saw my oldest son's face that came in between me and the Lord and he said, "Mommy, don't go." Tears rolled down my cheeks. Then my Fiancé appeared, my son, and my fiancé's son. I knew right there that I just couldn't leave because my family needed me. I said, "Lord, I cannot leave, I cannot leave my family. Please Lord, please give me a second chance because my family needs me."
At that moment, the light started to fade away and a war in Heaven had begun. I saw the mighty angels rush down as they were preparing to fight. I saw my son and my fiancé in what looked like Roman soldier outfits leading the battle against the demons. I felt the presence of my family members and friends. They were there ready to fight the war. It was a battle for my life. That is where my vision ended.
I suddenly woke up and I was in my room in the ICU unit. I felt the Lord's presence as if He was sitting right next to me, and I actually felt Him holding my hand. It was the most amazing feeling. I was so at peace, so comforted by His presence. I knew that He had given me a second chance to live. He had never left my side. The Lord said that the battle had been won but the war was not over, so onward Christian Soldier. The Lord also said that I am a living testimony of His power and might and my story must be told to all.
My fiancé, who had been in deep prayer and communication with God all day and all night, told me that he experienced a peace that he has never experienced before on Sunday morning at around 3 AM. My mom experienced a peace at around the same time. My aunt experienced comfort and heard a voice in her head that told her that I would be fine. I have heard countless statements of family members and friends who either felt the peace and comfort or actually had visions that just reassured them that I was going to be all right.
The Lord continued to speak to me through visions. The visions were of me being with my family. I had been given a second chance because I have to be there for my family; my sons and my future family with my fiancé and his son that are my new duty in life. That is my family and I will have to take care of them so first I need to take care of myself and my health.
I didn't fully wake up out of the sedation I was under until Wednesday, January 26, 2005. The first thing I did was thank the Lord for giving me a second chance to live, but His miracles didn't stop there. I was still in the ICU and I remained very dependent on oxygen, and my blood pressure had dropped so I had to have a blood transfusion. Suddenly, I started to stabilize day after day. I had no temperature, my blood pressure got back up to a low but healthy status, and they continued to drop my oxygen dependency from 100% to 80% and gradually down thereafter. I was breathing on my own on certain days for three hours, then six hours, and it felt so good.
Every day that I was in the hospital, I received visits from family members or friends who just wanted to share with me how many people, group, churches and schools were praying for my health. It was such a wonderful feeling to know that so many people who love and care for me were praying for me because that was the best thing they could have done for me at that moment.
On Monday, January 31, after more than a week in the ICU, I felt the Lords presence again. Suddenly I heard my lungs make a popping noise. Then I felt as if I had stopped breathing. What actually happened was that I was breathing on my own. I could feel Him healing my lungs. I was so excited. The doctors told me that they were hoping to remove me off the vent by the end of the week. Although I was a little disappointed that it was going to take that long, I had no other choice but to be patient.
Tuesday morning, at about 5:00 A.M., the Lord came to me again. He told me that he was going to take me off the vent that morning and that I would get up out of the bed that day. I asked the Lord to remove my doubt and fears. At 5:30 A.M. that morning, a nurse came in to draw my blood. She told me not to mind her and that she hopes I am not offended by what she was going to do. I didn't think anything of it but suddenly she started praying for me. Once she finished praying, she grabbed my hand and told me, "No matter what the doctors tells you, always remember that God is in control. He has said that He would heal you and His word is true."
That morning around 9:00 A.M., a doctor came in and checked my oxygen level and read my chart. He stated that they were thinking of getting me off the ventilator by Thursday. Again I was disappointed but suddenly I remembered . . . no . . . the Lord said He would take me off that day and I believed Him. They sent the Head RN into my room to do an experiment with my oxygen. She took me down to 10% respiration, which means I was basically breathing on my own with minimal support. She also took down my oxygen to 30%. My breathing was fine. She kept me on this setting for about an hour.
After the hour was over, an ABG test was done. The ABG test showed exactly how much oxygen was in my blood being circulated and how the lungs were functioning. According to the test, my oxygen had improved so much that I was ready to be taken off the ventilator.
It was 11:A.M. when the ICU doctors were discussing my status outside my door and I could hear them debating whether or not to take me off the ventilator that day. They decided to remove me off the ventilator on Wednesday morning but my nurse, who had been wonderful during my entire time in the ICU, right away disagreed with their decision and really pushed for them to take me off the ventilator on that day.
The Resident ICU Doctor came into the room and asked me if I felt ready to have the ventilator removed that day. Very enthusiastically I shook my head yes. He laughed and told the nurse to remove me from the ventilator. Thank you Lord. Thank you Lord. You did it as you said you would. Those were the thoughts that ran into my head. At that moment my sister and my two cousins showed up and they came into the room and they saw the brightest smile on my face. They were wondering what was going on. The nurse explained to them what they were going to do and asked them to step out while they remove the ventilator tubes. They were just thrilled, all sharing my excitement. I was breathing on my own but I was still dependent on oxygen. The doctors explained that they would keep me in the ICU for observation for a couple of days. Nevertheless, with the therapist's assistance, I was able to get out of bed and walked that day, just like the Lord had said I would.
I could finally talk and the first thing I wanted to do was speak with my fiancé and my kids. I hadn't spoken to them since I was admitted into the ICU and I was missing them profoundly. I wanted to share my good news with them. I wanted to share with them my experience and let them know they were and will always be my reason for living. I wasn't allowed to have a phone in my room but that day I requested one right away.
Wednesday evening I was released from the ICU and placed in a regular room. I was told that I needed to remain hospitalized for at least another week so that I could finish my treatment. I still needed oxygen and I was placed on a 4.0 Liter setting. I couldn't be happier that at least I was getting out of the ICU after being there for ten days.
Thursday morning I got a visit from all my doctors and from the Discharge Coordinator. It seemed as if I was doing amazingly well and I would not need to remain hospitalized for much longer. They were looking into releasing me by the weekend. They were sending me home with oxygen so a vendor was contacted and my equipment was ordered and scheduled for delivery for the very next day.
I was released from the hospital on Friday, February 4, 2005. I was released with only 2.5 Liters of oxygen. I still had to take my Pneumonia medication at home for two weeks and I had a little bit of wheezing so I needed to use an inhaler if needed. None of that mattered to me because I was finally going home to my family. The miracles didn't stop upon my discharge from the hospital. My family continued to pray for healing and their answers were not left unheard.
A week later I went to my doctor for a follow up and I was removed from the oxygen and the ABG test that I took confirmed that my lungs were basically functioning back to normal. I did not need to use the inhaler since the first day I was home, and I was feeling great.
Some doctors will recognize the power of God while others place their amazement of my recovery on the unknown or their treatment. I know in my heart that if it weren't for my Christian family and friends who fervently sought the Lord for mercy and healing, I wouldn't be here today. God is an almighty God, full of power and might. What would I have done without the Holy Trinity in my life? The Lord saved me from a path of destruction and I understood why I went through this trial. I had too because I had forsaken my Lord and turned away from the faith. He sat me down and just wanted to talk to me and tell me that He loved me and would never leave me or forsake me.
--- Copyright © 2005 Glorivel Castillo
THE PRETTY ONE
April 4, 2005
It had been a very long night. Our black Cocker spaniel, Precious, was having a difficult delivery. I lay on the floor beside her large four-foot square cage, watching her every movement. Watching and waiting, just in case I had to rush her to the veterinarian.
After six hours the puppies started to appear. The first-born was black and white. The second and third puppies were tan and brown in color. The fourth and fifth were also spotted black and white. "One, two, three, four, five," I counted to myself as I walked down the hallway to wake my wife, Judy, and tell her that everything was fine.
As we walked back down the hallway and into the spare bedroom, I noticed a sixth puppy had been born and was now laying all by itself over to the side of the cage. I picked up the small puppy and laid it on top of the large pile of puppies, who were whining and trying to nurse on the mother. Precious immediately pushed the small puppy away from rest of the group. She refused to recognize it as a member of her family.
"Something's wrong," said Judy.
I reached over and picked up the puppy. My heart sank inside my chest when I saw the little puppy had a cleft lip and palate and could not close its little mouth. I decided right there and then that if there was any way to save this animal I was going to give it my best shot.
I took the puppy to the vet and was told nothing could be done unless we were willing to spend about a thousand dollars to try and correct the defect. He told us that the puppy would die mainly because it could not suckle. After returning home, Judy and I decided that we could not afford to spend that kind of money without getting some type of assurance from the vet that the puppy had a chance to live. However, that did not stop me from purchasing a syringe and feeding the puppy by hand, which I did every day and night, every two hours, for more than ten days. The little puppy survived and learned to eat on his own as long as it was soft canned food.
The fifth week I placed an ad in the newspaper, and within a week we had people interested in all of the pups, except the one with the deformity. Late one afternoon I went to the store to pick up a few groceries. Upon returning I happened to see the old retired schoolteacher, who lived across the street from us, waving at me. She had read in the paper that we had puppies and was wondering if she might get one from us for her grandson and his family.
I told her all the puppies had found homes, but I would keep my eyes open for anyone else who might have an available cocker spaniel. I also mentioned that if someone should change their mind, I would let her know. Within days, all but one of the puppies had been picked up by their new families. This left me with one brown and tan cocker as well as the smaller puppy with the cleft lip and palate.
Two days passed without me hearing anything from the gentleman who had been promised the tan and brown pup. I telephoned the schoolteacher and told her I had one puppy left and that she was welcome to come and look at it. She advised me that she was going to pick up her grandson and would come over at about eight o'clock that evening. That night at around seven-thirty, Judy and I were eating supper when we heard a knock on the front door. When I opened the door, the man who had wanted the tan and brown pup was standing there. We walked inside, took care of the adoption details and I handed him the puppy. Judy and I did not know what we would do or say when the teacher showed up with her grandson.
At exactly eight o'clock the doorbell rang. I opened the door, and there was the schoolteacher with her grandson standing behind her. I explained to her the man had come for the puppy after all, and there were no puppies left. "I'm sorry, Jeffery. They found homes for all the puppies," she told her grandson.
Just at that moment, the small puppy left in the bedroom began to yelp.
"My puppy! My puppy!" yelled the little boy as he ran out from behind his grandmother.
I just about fell over when I saw that the small child also had a cleft lip and palate. The boy ran past me as fast as he could, down the hallway to where the puppy was still yelping. When the three of us made it to the bedroom, the small boy was holding the puppy in his arms. He looked up at his grandmother and said, "Look, Grandma. They found homes for all the puppies except the pretty one, and he looks just like me."
The schoolteacher turned to us, "Is this puppy available?"
"Yes," I answered. "That puppy is available."
The little boy, who was now hugging the puppy, chimed in, "My grandma told me these kind of puppies are real expensive and that I have to take real good care of it."
The lady opened her purse, but I reached over and pushed her hand back down into her purse so that she would not pull her wallet out. "How much do you think this puppy is worth?" I asked the boy. "About a dollar?" "No. This puppy is very, very expensive," he replied.
"More than a dollar?" I asked.
"I'm afraid so," said his grandmother.
The boy stood there pressing the small puppy against his cheek. "We could not possibly take less than two dollars for this puppy," Judy said, squeezing my hand. "Like you said, it's the pretty one."
The schoolteacher took out two dollars and handed it to the young boy.
"It's your dog now, Jeffery. You pay the man."
Still holding the puppy tightly, the boy proudly handed me the money. Any worries I'd had about the puppy's future were gone.
The image of the little boy and his matching pup stays with me still. I think it must be a wonderful feeling for any young person to look at themselves in the mirror and see nothing, except "the pretty one."
--- Copyright © Roger Dean Kiser
Stories from The Life and Times of Roger Dean Kiser http://www.rogerdeankiser.com
STAY IN SCHOOL
April 4, 2005
Children of today
Stay in school
That's the No.1 rule!
Obstacles come your way
Push them aside and do not stray!
Education=Success
Success= Progress!
So children of today
Stay in school
And do your best
Getting an education is your money nest!
--- Copyright © Bridgette J. Wilcox
TELL SOMEBODY
April 4, 2005
Children of today
Tell somebody
If you are violated,
He or she will be isolated!
This behavior is wrong
But you are strong!
You are not alone,
So please, do not postpone!
You may hear threats,
Telling somebody is no sweat!
The hurt is in a vault,
You are not the fault!
Self-esteem may be low,
Rise above and flow!
You may feel fear,
Remember God is always near!
Tell somebody,
Because it's your body!
--- Copyright © Bridgette J. Wilcox
March 28, 2005
I was reading this month's "Costco Connection" magazine when I came across an article by Wally Amos, of Uncle Wally's Muffin Company. In it he writes,
"Many people throughout the years have commented to me that being famous makes it easy for me to have a positive attitude. I explain that I am famous because of my positive attitude."
Here's the question: What's your attitude like today? Is it helping you or hurting you as you go after what you want in life? Is it positive or negative?
Help me out here. Do you believe the following statements are true?
Companies are always looking for people with negative attitudes to hire.
You will make more money in your lifetime with a negative attitude than with a positive one.
Successful people like to be around negative people.
Teams thrive with negative team members.
I'm sure someone out there is saying, "It's hard to be positive in such a negative world?" Why? Because you believe it is. What if you could teach yourself to look at things differently? What if you could teach yourself to believe that hard does not mean impossible, hard does not mean can't be done. That hard is just a word and that words have no power until you believe they do.
Here's a suggestion:
Start feeding your brain with different messages. Start by reading ALL of the new submissions on the quotation pages - each category. There is food for thought on every one of these pages and the message you need for today may be on a page you don't normally look at. Digest the wisdom. Make the decision to be more positive today and go out into your world and enjoy every moment. Be in control of yourself and how you think and act.
Be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Look for the opportunities, not the obstacles.
Be someone with a positive attitude not someone who is thinking about having a positive attitude.
--- Marlene
IRAQI WALLS TAGGED:
A CHAPLAIN'S RESPONSE
March 21, 2005
The following thoughts were found on an Iraqi gym wall. I believe soldiers wrote them. I found them and thought that they may make a nice addition to motivateus.com
This page is dedicated to the hero's of the United States. To the men and woman who put their life on the line every day to protect the freedom of Americans.
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We have a choice: to plow new ground or let the weeds grow.
Jonathan Westover
Is it possible to work with what we have? Cultivate what is rather than put something new in….
Chaplain K
Even in the common affairs of life, in love, friendship, and marriage, how little security we have when we trust our happiness in the hands of others!
William Hazlitt
That is why I encourage all to find happiness and joy in knowing God. It is in knowing and having a relationship with God that we can find peace in the midst of chaos. Realize that our happiness is often circumstantial, but joy can and will always be in our heart and soul - if we know God. Joy is a fruit of the spirit and it can blossom even though we went through the valley of the shadow of death.
Chaplain K
There is only one success…to be able to spend your life in your own way and not to give others absurd maddening claims upon it.
Christopher Morley
You're a soldier. You gave others claim upon it when you signed on the dotted line and raised your hand for the oath of enlistment. Make the choice to learn from these experiences and one day you will be able to influence others around you - either in or out of the military!
Chaplain K
God save me from my friends. I can protect myself from my enemies.
Marshall De Villars
Who is going to protect you from you? Keep a positive outlook on life. A person should always find some time alone to decompress. Working in an environment that never stops (24/7) is hard on the best of friends.
Chaplain K
Never explain - your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway?
Elbert Hubbard
This is a good principle, never explain unless asked to!
Chaplain K
It is better to be alone than in ill company.
George Pettie
I agree when it comes to human interaction. However, know that God's presence can always sooth a lonely or hurt heart.
Chaplain K
--- Copyright © 2003 Dan Kinjorski (Chaplain K)
IT'S ALL ABOUT HOW YOU LOOK AT THINGS
March 14, 2005
Things can get rough, but remember:
If you have a bed to get out of,
And your lucky enough wake up that morning,
And there is a solid floor for you to step on,
And there just so happens to be a fridge to open,
And maybe, just maybe, there's food in it...
Then it's gonna be a darn good day.
--- Written by Justin W., Age 16 --- Virginia
STRENGTH
March 7, 2005
Have you ever thought
When you were caught
In the middle of the storm
Crying loud, hue and cry
And still nobody gave it a try
You shouted, you screamed high
And everybody took it as a lie?
Suddenly you got up
And recollected the strength
With utmost faith, fought till the end
Suddenly you won, simply at the dot
You have won, believe it or not
Have you ever thought
From where the strength came
It resides within us from beginning till the end
Only if we trust the courage we have
We can solve all our problems within ourselves
If we cannot, how can anyone else?
Only we know our desires and only we know our plans
So don't search outward, only deep inside
You will get all the answers
Only if you will listen to the quiet
Problems will never end
How many times we'll knock outside?
How many times will people stand by our side?
End it here and end it right
Fight yourself with all your might
You will win because you possess the strength
And even if you don't
You will not regret trying
In the end.
--- Copyright © 2003 Ankeeta Sausan
I think this poem says it all - it asks a question and presents you with an answer. It's all about believing in one's own capabilities rather than looking to someone else for answers.
HOW TO LIVE LIFE
March 2, 2005
Open your heart to others, try to understand,
When someone reaches for you, hold out to them your hand,
Follow your heart, whatever people say,
Do things that make you able, to smile throughout you days,
Treat other people the way, you'd like them to treat you,
Do what you know is right, to your heart and self stay true,
Remember what life's all about, it's how you make people feel,
What you do, where you go and making dreams become real,
Helping people through, in hard times of pain and strife,
What you do for others, is what's important in this life,
Look deeper don't judge people, by what's on the outside,
It's what's inside that counts and what people often hide,
Care, help, love, be honest and be kind,
And pure and good within yourself, and happiness you'll find,
Do all you can in the time you have, you won't always be around,
Recapture the joy of little things, that once were easily found,
And if you can do all this and live a life of love,
You'll be helped through life, by all those up above.
--- Copyright © 2005 Stephanie Ineson
I hope this sums up how we should be approaching life…clue it's not about money, not about looks, not about popularity!
LIFE AND LOVE'S UNENDING JOURNEY
March 2, 2005
Love should always remain hopeful and positive in the difficult journey that follows along life's "bumpy detours and highways". Love should never lead dreamers astray, left to stumble and stammer along the "narrow muddy paths" of unfulfilled love, nor leave them alone to pass the dark and shadowy graveyards on the "lonely boulevards" of broken hearts, strewn with unkept promises and shattered dreams of "what was to be".
Love should always be alert and avoid the uncompromising grey sidewalk of the "two way street" of opposite direction and conflict and seek the sunny "one way street" of like attraction, goals, aims, purposes and desires.
So always drive on the "high road" on life's golden carpet down the "yellow brick road" to love and life's grand "promenades" and elegant "thoroughfares," leaving together to follow and smell the sweet scents and fragrances that waif and rise to greet and linger in the air.
--- Copyright © 2004 Joseph P. Martino
RECIPE FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR
March 2, 2005
Take twelve whole months,
Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness, hate, and jealousy,
Make them just as fresh and clean as possible.
Now cut each month into twenty-eight, thirty, or
thirty-one different parts,
but don't make up the whole batch at once.
Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients.
Mix well into each day one part of faith,
one part of patience, one part of courage,
and one part of work.
Add to each day one part of hope,
faithfulness, generosity, and kindness.
Blend with one part prayer,
one part meditation, and one good deed.
Season the whole with a dash of good spirits,
a sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play,
and a cupful of good humor.
Pour all of this into a vessel of love.
Cook thoroughly over radiant joy,
garnish with a smile,
and serve with quietness, unselfishness,
and cheerfulness.
You're bound to have a happy new year.
--- Author Unknown --- Submitted by Jim Johnston --- Texas
LIBERATION
March 2, 2005
Down through the ages it's been said that women have been subjected to suppression by the male gender in the society. Then some women, with a brighter outlook towards life, started a movement called "liberation of women". The basic need was to educate a woman as a person, as it is said, "if you educate a man you educate a single person, but if you educate a woman you educate a family". But in the due course of time, the true essence of liberation was lost somewhere along the line and the outcome was entirely different.
Women, who were open in their life style and dress, were considered liberated and modern. Women who did not follow the culture and were disrespectful towards it were labeled as liberated. But would it not have been better if instead of all this, the mind was liberated? And instead of probing at the lower level and a narrow spectrum of the word "liberation" a broader and an open outlook would have been more helpful?
If women had been suppressed, there would have been no women rulers till the modern era. The true essence of liberation is liberation of the mind with a broader outlook, greater understanding, and the will and determination to face any situation in life without being labeled as the weaker gender.
--- Written in 2004 by Vikki K. --- Maharastra, India
STRESS
March 2, 2005
Some time ago it was found in a survey, every second child in primary school under goes stress and tension. This leads to hypertension in coming years of his/her life. What exactly is stress and tension? The dictionary describes tension as difference of views and opinions between two people. Stress is the emphasis on some point or the other, a pressure of any kind.
Who is responsible for creating this tension? You, me or someone else? We just conveniently put this blame on the society, but what is the society? Who constitutes it? I do and you do, right? As a responsible person of the society, we also contribute to the mounting tensions and stress in the society, which subsequently results in health problems.
According to 'Ayurveda', "if health is lost all is gone, no amount of money or any kind of therapy can rebuild any sort of tissue that is damaged by trauma or some disease. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical science, which was written thousands of years ago. It says self control is the mantra for good life, all kind of stress can be avoided by control, by channeling it into something productive.
The irony today is even the most developed countries are trying to exercise these rules for living. They've adopted some fundamentals from the Ayurveda to ensure proper food habits, which they are inculcating in everyone these days.
Previously 50 percent of the medical schools did not teach the students the importance of nutrition, which subsequently enforces eating mostly junk food. Result: bad health which is seen in their performance at office and home. Deadlines are to be met, child is to be fed, mother isn't well, father is nagging over some thing or the other, wife is not trying to understand anything, and one fine day we crumble under the pressure.
The body, which lacks nutrition, has to overwork mentally, physically and emotionally and crumbles no matter what the circumstances are. It is said the more we are close to nature and the more natural in our approach toward life or ourselves, the happier and more joyful we shall be.
But in the pursuit to be someone other than who we are, we trigger the pressure to act artificially. This builds up pressure on us physiologically and psychologically. Our body stops to emote and react to basic phenomena as laughter - which gives rise to clubs like comedy clubs - teaching people to laugh. In these clubs, people do know the importance and significance of laughter. If they didn't, only hyenas would be allowed to laugh.
The pressure is immense on all of us to excel and be perfect, which at times we fail to do what is actually required in a particular situation. The biggest irony is we all know there is only one number one, all can't be there, still we do have insatiable want to excel and be prefect in all spheres of life.
They say destiny can't be changed and more over, we have only one destiny. So why not make full use of this opportunity to live it right? When destiny can't be changed, that which can surely change is our attitude towards our life - being positive in our approach under all circumstances. That surely helps in reducing the stress and tensions considerably.
--- Written in 2004 by Vikki K. --- Maharastra, India
THIS MOMENT
March 2, 2005
Today is a new day! Each of us aspires to become more. Each of us wants to improve ourselves in some way. Our chance has come! It is time to seize this opportunity to transform ourselves. The time has come to harness the blessed power within us and to use it to transcend from our current existence into a more empowered reality.
What will you do with this moment? It is this, and only this, moment that is yours. What shall be of the fruit of this moment? Will you seize it and empower yourself with its juices? Or will you let this fruitful moment spoil and gamble that you will receive another?
The power found in this moment is immeasurable. It can propel you to success and happiness or chain you to failure and misery. Which would you rather? Haven't you had this choice before? Which did you choose? We all know that our lives can change in a flash - in a moment. We have become accustomed to being a victim of a moment.
Today is your opportunity to break free of the limiting belief that the moment answers to no one. This moment is yours and yours alone! Take charge, seize this moment and allow it to propel you to the high levels of an empowered life. Allow upon this fertile moment to be planted the seeds of your happiness and success.
Today is a new day.
Seize this moment!
--- Copyright © 2004 Steve Maraboli
WHY NOT YOU?
February 28, 2005
Today, many will awaken with a fresh sense of inspiration. Why not you?
Today, many will open their eyes to the beauty that surrounds them. Why not you?
Today, many will choose to leave the ghost of yesterday behind and seize the immeasurable power of today. Why not you?
Today, many will break through the barriers of the past by looking at the blessings of the present. Why not you?
Today, for many the burden of self-doubt and insecurity will be lifted by the security and confidence of empowerment. Why not you?
Today, many will rise above their believed limitations and make contact with their powerful innate strength. Why not you?
Today, many will choose to live in such a manner that they will be a positive role model for their children. Why not you?
Today, many will choose to free themselves from the personal imprisonment of their bad habits. Why not you?
Today, many will choose to live free of conditions and rules governing their own happiness. Why not you?
Today, many will find abundance in simplicity. Why not you?
Today, many will be confronted by difficult moral choices and they will choose to do what is right instead of what is beneficial. Why not you?
Today, many will decide to no longer sit back with a victim mentality, but to take charge of their lives and make positive changes. Why not you?
Today, many will take the action necessary to make a difference. Why not you?
Today, many will make the commitment to be a better mother, father, son, daughter, student, teacher, worker, boss, brother, sister, & so much more. Why not you?
Today is a new day! Many will seize this day. Many will live it to the fullest. Why not you?
--- Copyright © 2004 Steve Maraboli
WHEN YOU DON'T WANT TO
February 21, 2005
Be a little more forgiving, when you don't want to.
Be a little more helpful, when you don't want to.
Be a better listener, when you do want to.
Be a better friend, when you don't want to.
Be a better parent, when you don't want to.
Be a better person, when you don't want to
Be little more loving, when you don't want to.
Why?
We all need the practice.
--- Marlene
A FEW CONSTANTS
February 14, 2005
In today's society of technological advancements and earth shattering discoveries, there are some things that have been here since the beginning and they will endure until the end like Peace. You will not find peace in a self- help book or in a Zen magazine. We must pursue it with all of our gusto it takes, discipline to know our limits and courage to not let others push us past them.
Love. Love is not the feeling or the emotion that so many of us identify it with. Love is the constant commitment that we pledge to those things or relationships we value the most, even when they no longer feel good. Compassion. Compassion is not feeling sorry enough for someone or some cause to volunteer your time once a month. True compassion comes when we are angry, sad, or happy enough to fight for change of the things that we know should not be. Those are just a few of the constants.
--- Copyright © 2004 Racheal Reddick WIlliams
WHAT YOU WERE BORN TO BE
February 7, 2005
Today I recommit to all I hold dear
To let the world know, through these pages of words
That there are great people, from near and far
Who know it's better to be motivated and positive and swing from stars
Than to be negative, hopeless and trapped behind self-imposed bars
I know there is negativity spewing throughout the land
And sometimes it's hard to be positive
To tell your mind to believe, as you originally planned
But I have seen goodness and kindness, the impossible attained
It has to do with self-belief, commitment and action
Never giving up and trying again and again
I feel this positive vibration everyday
So many out there, trying to be
A role model for others to see
A smile, a gentle touch, a hand to hold
A written thought that shows a heart of gold.
Overcoming obstacles, small and bold
Never giving up on the dream that their heart unfolds
We are scattered across this planet, yet connected as one
People who care and have work to be done
Work that says "You matter, you can do this, be strong
Remember when you couldn't then? See how you won?"
So when you fell lost and down in your day
Remember to look into your heart and ask,
"Who do I want to be today?
Someone with hope, faith and commitment?
Is this possible for me?"
I suspect your heart will smile and answer
"Yes, that's what you were born to be."
--- Copyright © 2005 Marlene Blaszczyk
I believe that everything is possible. Don't let fear stand in your way. You can do whatever your heart desires if you believe in yourself, make daily commitments, have a plan, and take action. You may stumble or fall face down, but so what? Get up and try again. Get up and laugh and say, "Okay, that didn't work, what do I try next?", then keep going. There will be tough moments, not bad days and if you choose, you'll get through them.
Look at little children who are learning to walk. They fall time and time again and still get up and try again until they have mastered this task. It's not failure to them each time they fall, it's a learning experience. They laugh at themselves and have champions around them encouraging them to try again. As adults, we need to become our own champion. We can encourage ourselves, when no one else is. This is your life, your choice. Be positive or negative, be the victor or victim, all you need to succeed is already in you. You just have to choose which way you want to live, then do it!
THE REAL MEANING OF PEACE
February 2, 2005
There once was a king who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. Many artists tried. The king looked at all the pictures. But there were only two he really liked, and he had to choose between them.
One picture was of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror for peaceful towering mountains all around it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace.
The other picture had mountains, too. But these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky, from which rain fell and in which lightning played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all.
But when the king looked closely, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird had built her nest. There, in the midst of the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest - in perfect peace.
Which picture do you think won the prize? The king chose the second picture. Do you know why?
"Because," explained the king, "peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace."
--- Author Unknown
FAITH CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS
February 2, 2005
A small congregation in the foothills of the Great Smokies built a new sanctuary on a piece of land willed to them by a church member. Ten days before the new church was to open, the local building inspector informed the pastor that the parking lot was inadequate for the size of the building. Until the church doubled the size of the parking lot, they would not be able to use the new sanctuary.
Unfortunately, the church with its undersized lot had used every inch of their land except for the mountain against which it had been built. In order to build more parking spaces, they would have to move the mountain out of the back yard. Undaunted, the pastor announced the next Sunday morning that he would meet that evening with all members who had "mountain moving faith." They would hold a prayer session asking God to remove the mountain from the back yard and to somehow provide enough money to have it paved and painted before the scheduled opening dedication service the following week.
At the appointed time, 24 of the congregation's 300 members assembled for prayer. They prayed for nearly three hours. At ten o'clock the pastor said the final "Amen." "We'll open next Sunday as scheduled," he assured everyone. "God has never let us down before, and I believe He will be faithful this time too."
The next morning as he was working in his study there came a loud knock at his door. When he called "come in," a rough looking construction foreman appeared, removing his hard hat as he entered. "Excuse me, Reverend. I'm from Acme Construction Company over in the next county. We're building a huge new shopping mall over there and we need some fill dirt. Would you be willing to sell us a chunk of that mountain behind the church? We'll pay you for the dirt we remove and pave all the exposed area free of charge, if we can have it right away. We can't do anything else until we get the dirt in and allow it to settle properly."
The little church was dedicated the next Sunday as originally planned and there were far more members with "mountain moving faith" on opening Sunday than there had been the previous week!
Would you have shown up for that prayer meeting? Some people say faith comes from miracles. But others know: MIRACLES COME FROM FAITH!
--- Author Unknown
THE TRUTH ABOUT FAILURE
February 2, 2005
Failure doesn't mean you are a failure...
it does mean you haven't succeeded yet
Failure doesn't mean you have accomplished nothing...
it does mean you have learned something
Failure doesn't mean you have been a fool...
it does mean you had a lot of faith
Failure doesn't mean you have been disgraced...
it does mean you were willing to try
Failure doesn't mean you don't have it...
it does mean you have to do something in a different way
Failure doesn't mean you are inferior...
it does mean you are not perfect
Failure doesn't mean you've wasted your life...
it does mean you've got a reason to start afresh
Failure doesn't mean you should give up...
it does mean you should try harder
Failure doesn't mean you'll never make it...
it does mean it will take a little longer
--- Author Unknown
WAS IT YOU?
February 2, 2005
Someone started the whole day wrong
Was it you?
Someone robbed the day of its song
Was it you?
Early this morning some one frowned
Someone sulked until others scowled
And soon harsh words were passed around
Was it you?
Some one started the day aright
Was it you?
Some one made it happy and bright
Was it you?
Early this morning, we are told
Some one smiled and all through the day
This smile encouraged young and old
Was it you?
--- Author Unknown
SLEEPING THROUGH THE STORM
February 2, 2005
A young man applied for a job as a farmhand. When the farmer asked for his qualifications, he said, "I can sleep when the wind blows."
This puzzled the farmer. But he liked the young man, and hired him.
A few days later, the farmer and his wife were awakened in the night by a violent storm. They quickly began to check things out to see if all was secure. They found that the shutters of the farmhouse had been securely fastened. A good supply of logs had been set next to the fireplace.
The young man slept soundly.
The farmer and his wife then inspected their property. They found that the farm tools had been placed in the storage shed, safe from the elements.
The tractor had been moved into the garage. The barn was properly locked. Even the animals were calm. All was well.
The farmer then understood the meaning of the young man's words, "I can sleep when the wind blows."
Because the farmhand did his work loyally and faithfully when the skies were clear, he was prepared for the storm when it broke. So when the wind blew, he was not afraid. He could sleep in peace.
--- Author Unknown
CHILDREN ARE LIKE KITES
February 2, 2005
You spend years trying to get them off the ground. You run with them until you are both breathless. They crash ... they hit the roof ... you patch, comfort and assure them that someday they will fly.
Finally, they are airborne.
They need more string, and you keep letting it out.
They tug, and with each twist of the twine, there is sadness that goes with joy.
The kite becomes more distant, and you know it won't be long before that beautiful creature will snap the lifeline that binds you together and will soar as meant to soar ... free and alone.
Only then do you know that you have done your job.
--- Author Unknown
LISTEN TO MOTHER
January 31, 2005
When I learned to share with others, was my turning point in life.
Had I listened to my mother's way, to keep away most strife,
I would have been so much wiser, early on in life.
That's true.
I ignored my sweet advisor, just like most of us all do.
Now I'm older and I wonder, how much better life would be,
If we had not made this blunder when our mother made this plea.
--- Copyright© 2004 Jim Johnston
MAGGIE
January 24, 2005
A sister's made of things so nice
Of special things beyond all price
She's soft and lovely, kind and warm
An angel wrapped in human form
A sister's good for cheer-up talks
For sharing cares while taking walks
All secrets told are locked away
Some things a sister just won't say
When heartaches come and one's alone
A sister's love will still be shown
At times she speaks with just her eyes
No words are needed, no replies
Through joys and worries, peace and strife
A faithful sister's there for life
A trusted friend so full of grace
No one can take a sister's place
If God had said that I could chose a sister for myself,
I would have gone to heaven's store and looked on every shelf
There is no doubt that in my search I would have chosen you
Of all the sisters I could find, no other one would do
But even though I had no choice, I am so richly blessed
Our father in his wisdom knew which one would suit me best
For when he chose you as my own, he showed how much he cared
Yes heaven's filled with all good things but you are one he shared
I look at you before me and I see what you've become
And I see how much you've grown
From what I see your knowledge has truly shown!
I know at times we fight and it doesn't make it right
But I just want you to know
Anytime, day or night
I'll come running regardless of yesterday's fight
I love you Maggie with all my heart
And I hope you know that's true
I hope you understand that
I would give my life for you!
You are something special
An image created by God
When you were handed to me he knew
I'd need a hand someday to guide me along the way
A smile from you could change the world
Light up the sky on a cloudy day
I hope you know the power of a sister's love
And I hope you see it through
I wish to you the best of success
And I know it will come true!
Don't give up on your dreams
There is still so much to see and so much left to do
Yes you'll fall before you fly
But no one can say you never tried!
I know at times you tease me
And I know it's because you care
I know when I get mad
It can be a nightmare
But please put away all despair
I will always be there whether or not it may seem fair!
Please remember it's ok to cry and it's ok to sigh
All you have to do is spread your wings and fly
You don't have to be perfect and you don't have to die,
You just have to try!
And as you walk each step…
Seek education rather than grades
Seek your best rather than someone else's
Seek friendship rather than acceptance
Seek worth rather than rank
Seek to build rather than to tear down
Seek laughter and love
In spite of all the pain it may have caused…
You will have learned to live!
Cry or laugh loud, be humble stand proud,
Hold onto the faith of your heart
Be careful, be brave, be still
But don't stay at anyone's place for too long
Remember God's grace,
Give more than you take,
All of this, all that there is,
I wish for you
So please keep this in mind,
A sister like you isn't an easy find
Even though you're younger in each and every way
I guess I can say I look up to you
Each and everyday
With everything you stand for, I guess it's safe to say
It's nice to have a sister who can always make my day!
--- Copyright © 2004 Molly Mae Miller
I wanted to give my sister a really nice Christmas present this year and we didn't really have that much money. Since I love writing, I decided to write a poem, and it just came together so easily. Once I typed the poem up, I put it on poster board (with pictures of the two of us all around it) then put it in a frame. I think that was the best present I ever gave anyone. I was more excited to give my gifts to her, than to open my own on Christmas morning.
This year was the first year my grandma was in a nursing home for Christmas and it was really hard on all of us. In writing this poem, it showed me how important family is, and how important it is to value your time.
I couldn't have asked for a better Christmas. Christmas Eve, we brought my grandma home for the day and our whole family got together for dinner and presents. Then we went to midnight mass. It was all so beautiful, and it felt like everything was great. I had lost all hope of a white Christmas, and when I woke up Christmas morning, it happened to be snowing! I was so happy. Every thing just seemed so perfect.
I learned a lot this year. It doesn't matter how many gifts you get or how much they cost. It's the thought the give put into them. It's also so important to live for the moment and value your time with your family.
OVERCOMING THE FEAR OF FAILURE
January 17, 2005
"We are born into a vast room whose walls consist of a thousand doors of possibility. Each door is flung open to the world outside, and the room is filled with light and noise. We close some of the doors deliberately, sometimes with fear, sometimes with calm certainty. Others seem to close themselves, some so quietly that we do not even notice."
---Terry Teachout, City Limits
When I read this for the first time, I realized that my whole life was in this quote. I did not want to do things because I feared failure, and other things I did because I knew I could succeed. But because I didn't take a risk and prove to myself that I would not fail, I will never have the chance to realize what could have happened. But then there are those that I took, that I will never regret in my whole life, and that's when the other doors close so quietly behind you that you don't even notice.
--- Alisha Krukemeyer --- Nebraska
GROWING UP
January 10, 2005
It starts in the morning and ends at night
You pray that tomorrow will be all right
But it's always the same again and again
No matter how much you want it to end
Your parents are always there just wanting the best
But sometimes they just make your life one big mess
Now they just don't understand when you say times have changed
They think you're just making up excuses for misbehaving
But that's not the truth we're just kids having fun
We make mistakes but our lives are not done
We wish our parents would just stop and think
And remember the times when they were thirteen
How growing up seemed so over-rated
And being a kid was so out-dated
But for them to do this
They would have to forget
Everything they've learned in the grown-up process
But once you grow up there's no turning back
There are only those days that were once your past
Now, I'm not choosing sides on whose right or wrong
But once you grow up and have kids of your own
It'll seem the same way to them all along
So as time passes by
You've got to let go of all those bad memories you've been holding onto
Because if you take one second to stop and think
You'll remember you have tons of great memories of friends and families
--- Written in 2004 by Nina H., Age 13 --- Indiana
I'm in gymnastics and I have had so many problems because, to be honest, I think too much. I put way too much pressure on myself, and even though you have your ups and downs, you just have to keep going or you'll miss out on life!!
TREASURE THE PLEASURE
January 10, 2005
"We sometimes find ourselves under pressure but do not know they are pressures that will bring treasures."
Copyright © 2004 Fola Daniel
Sometimes a lot of people do not know why they are in the situation they have find themselves in. Sometimes you try, sometimes you cry. You run into a mess and the solution is another mess. You want a way and all you get is nay and then you ask why me?. But everybody asks why me? It's you because you are a gold digger. Gold diggers dig deep. Don't stop until the world stops to see who is coming...you. People often run into problems and are in haste to get out of the problems instead of learning the lesson that the problem is supposed to teach. No matter how frustrated you are about a situation, do not be too frustrated to learn the message that situation will teach you because a friend would always say that the mess you go through is the message you have for tomorrow and the test you go through is your testimony for tomorrow.
--- Copyright © 2004 Fola Daniel
ELEMENTS OF SUCCESS
January 10, 2005
"Will" is what creates the energy and courage to create. "Want," by itself, just isn't enough. Being "willing", moves you beyond your limitations and into greatness. Birds fly, fish swim and humans create. This is our nature. At the end of the day, both optimists and pessimists are always right. Why wait when you can create? When you take your success for granted, you don't give yourself the chance to learn from the process and apply it in other areas of your life. Failure is simply a result that differs from the one we expected. You can have success now, or you can have it later. It's entirely up to you. Success is waiting, here and now. It doesn't care where you came from, what you're doing or what you did previously. It's available to anyone who wants it and is prepared to go out and take it.
"You can't always get what you want" makes a great song lyric, but it's a terrible motto for life. The more you practice creating success in one area, the easier it becomes to create success somewhere else. If you're attempting to create something perfect, I have three words of advice for you: Get over it! To be successful, you have to care about what you're doing. Creating success is all about fulfilling or manifesting the purpose for which you were born. When your mind is sharp, attentive and ready for use, you'll find that you can create anything you are willing to have. Our mind gives us the power to both create and destroy.
--- Quotes from "Elements of Success" by Nisandeh Neta, Copyright © 2003
--- Submitted by the author
NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS
January 10, 2005
My resolutions for the New Year:
*Give enthusiasm to everyone
*Make other people feel important
*Count my assets, not my liabilities
*Forgive myself if I fail
*Be an optimist
*Keep moving
*Keep trying
*Give the gift of heart to those in need
--- Reed Markham, American Educator