NEW YEAR WISHES

I wish you Health...
So you may enjoy each day in comfort.

I wish you the Love of friends and family...
And Peace within your heart.

I wish you the Beauty of nature...
That you may enjoy the work of God.

I wish you Wisdom to choose priorities...
For those things that really matter in life.

I wish you Generosity so you may share...
All good things that come to you.

I wish you Happiness and Joy...
And Blessings for the New Year.

I wish you the best of everything...
That you so well deserve.

MORAL OF THE STORY

In 1962, four nervous young musicians played their first record audition for the executives of the Decca Recording company. The executives were not impressed. While turning down this group of musicians, one executive said, "We don't like their sound. Groups of guitars are on the way out." The group was called The Beatles.

In 1944, Emmeline Snively, director of the Blue Book Modeling Agency, told modeling hopeful Norma Jean Baker, "You'd better learn secretarial work or else get married." She went on and became Marilyn Monroe.

In 1954, Jimmy Denny, manager of the Grand Ole Opry fired a singer after one performance. He told him, "You ain't goin' nowhere son. You ought to go back to drivin' a truck." He went on to become the most popular singer in America, named Elvis Presley.

When Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876, it did not ring off the hook with calls from potential backers. After making a demonstration call, President Rutherford Hayes said, "That's an amazing invention, but who would ever want to use one of them?"

When Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, he tried over 2000 experiments before he got it to work. A young reporter asked him how it felt to fail so many times. He said, "I never failed once. I invented the light bulb. It just happened to be a 2000-step process."

In the 1940's, another young inventor named Chester Carlson took his idea to 20 corporations, including some of the biggest in the country. They all turned him down. In 1947 - after seven long years of rejections! He finally got a tiny company in Rochester, New York, the Haloid Company, to purchase the rights to his invention, an electrostatic paper-copying process. Haloid became Xerox Corporation we know today.

Wilma Rudolph was the 20th of 22 children. She was born prematurely and her survival was doubtful. When she was 4 years old, she contacted double pneumonia and scarlet fever, which left her with a paralyzed left leg. At age 9, she removed the metal leg brace she had been dependent on and began to walk without it. By 13 she had developed rhythmic walk, which doctors said was a miracle. That same year she decided to become a runner. She entered a race and came in last. For the next few years every race she entered, she came in last. Everyone told her to quit, but she kept on running. One day she actually won a race. And then another. From then on she won every race she entered. Eventually this little girl, who was told she would never walk again, went on to win three Olympic gold medals.

The moral of the above Stories: Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved.

You gain strength, experience and confidence by every experience where you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you cannot do. And remember, the finest steel gets sent through the hottest furnace. A winner is not one who never fails, but one who NEVER QUITS! In LIFE, remember that you pass this way only once! Let's live life to the fullest and give it our best.

A CREED FOR ALL OF US

The world was made
to be beautiful--

but sometimes we get caught up in
everyday actions
completely forgetting about this
completely forgetting about that
what is truly important
are the simple, basic things in life--

honest, pure emotions
surrounded by the majestic beauty
of nature

We need to concentrate on the
freeness and peacefulness of nature and
not on the driven material aspects of life

We need to smell the clear air
after the rainfall
and appreciate the good in things

Each of us must be responsible
and do our part
in order to help preserve a
beautiful world--

the waterfalls, the oceans, the mountains
the large gray boulders
the large green farms
the fluffy pink clouds
the sunrise and sunsets, ladybugs
rainbows, dew, hummingbirds
butterflies, dandelions

We need to remember that
we are here for a short time
and that every day
should count for something
and that every day
we should be thankful
for all the natural beauty

The world is a wonderful place
and we are so lucky to be a part of it.

LET ME COME IN

Two nights before Christmas I sat on my bed,
And more than just sugar plums danced in my head.
Our savings depleted; my job quite unstable;
My wife wanting clothes and a new kitchen table.
The kids were all fighting about who was first
On Santa's long list. My head nearly burst.
"Is Santa a fake?" the ten-year-old cried.
"Cause I'd hate to think that dear Daddy has lied."

"Of course Santa's real," answered mother with glee.
"When Christmas day comes, just look under the tree."
"Oh, Good!" the kids cried. "Cause St. Nick at the mall
Said he'd bring not just some of our list ... but all!"
My head started pounding; my temples were throbbing.
Then I heard the faint sound of my three-year-old sobbing.
"Oh, Daddy, oh, Daddy! How will Santa Claus guess
That me and my doll need the same pink silk dress?"

I turned to my wife ... a long pleading look.
She put on their jammies, while I found their book.
I read them a story, then tucked them in bed
With posters of Mickey and Simba o'erhead.
While Mama in her nightshirt and I in my skivvies
Collapsed on the bed and turned on the TV.
The news was all bad, the economy down.
The grimace on my face now distinctly a frown.

I shut the thing off and turned out the light.
With my wife on the left I rolled to the right.
A grunting of sorts was my tender goodnight.
Then I screwed shut my eyes to chase cares from sight.
Two minutes? Two hours? I couldn't be sure.
When I heard a noise that made my blood stir.
I ran to the window, threw open the drape.
Well, I saw a sight that made my mouth gape.

The moon on the breast of the five-day old slush
Made the yard as appealing as six-day old mush.
When what to my dull aching eyes should appear
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.
Yes, Santa was there, but him I expected.
The shock came when all of the rest I detected.
The Cratchits, with Scrooge, and young Tiny Tim.
King Arthur and Merlin, plus Old Madam Mim.

The Whos all from Whoville, the Grinch and ol' Max.
Young Dr. Doolittle there with his Yaks.
The Muppets there doing their whole Christmas thing.
While Alvin and Chipmunks started to sing.
And Jack with his beanstalk just starting to grow.
The poor little match girl asleep in the snow.
Frosty was singing and Rudolph was glowing,
The drummer boy drumming. And I had trouble knowing ...

Just what I should do? If I had a choice
I'd go back to bed, but I heard a voice.
"Let me in," the voice said. What an odd piercing line.
I immediately looked for a wolf and three swine.
Not the voice of a wolf though, I knew from the start.
But a voice that could best be heard in the heart.
"Let me in," came again, and the crowd seemed to hear
And turned to a manger that lay at the rear.

My untidy lawn, how embarrassed was I.
That the sod was unfinished, I started to cry.
But not for the lack of good grass nor from shame,
But because that sweet voice had called me by name.
The Cratchits, Miss Piggy, the whole motley scene
All fell to their knees in a manner serene.
The girl in the snow awoke from her dream
And lit her last match as a lamp for her King.

I ventured to walk down the stairs and go out.
As I walked through the crowd I started to shout
"Oh, help me, please help me. I have bills to pay.
My job is in trouble and I've lost my way."
"We've too many mouths to feed and to dress.
I’m just a failure, a wash-out, I guess."
I said what I felt. I said it out loud.
And I looked for support from the odd-looking crowd.

Their faces were filled with contentment, not thought.
They had not the depth for the comfort I sought.
Nostalgia, some laughs, and some heart-warming plots,
All the magic of childhood ... of this there was lots
In my friends just behind me. But they don't possess
The power of true love; the power to bless.
My friends faded then ... fairy tales all.
But the Lord of All Hosts was still at my call.

I fell to my knees, folded hands at my chin.
I heard the voice say, "Please, let me come in."
I awoke in my bed and turned to my wife.
Her snoring repose took away all my strife.
The day of all days, Christmas Eve came.
We sat round the fire and called them by name,
"On Dasher, On Dancer, On Prancer and Vixen."
We sang Jingle bells. The kids got their licks in.

The Grinch carved his Beast. Tiny Tim God-Blessed all.
Then we looked at the painting I'd hung on the wall.
I opened to Luke. We read of His birth.
We read of His life, and His works here on earth.
We read of our Lord, of our Savior, my friend,
Then prayed to the Father and asked that he send
All the spirit of Christmas; the Spirit of Love;
All the blessings befitting us, down from above.

Christmas day came, and Santa Claus too.
And our own little Whos never cried "boo-hoo."
In fact, though their list had been shortened a tad
They whispered together and then asked me, "Dad,
"Is there someone out there, some girl or some boy,
Whom we could help out with a game or a toy?"
I did lose my job, then along came a better.
And we paid all our bills to the dot and the letter.

Our home now abounds not with money, nor fame,
But with unfettered love for the Holy of Name.
I remember the stress and the fear that has been,
But my soul now rejoices, 'cause I let Him in.

© 2005 by Richard Bugg

TIME IS LIKE MONEY IN THE BANK

Imagine there is a bank that credits your account each morning with $86,400.

It carries over no balance from day to day. Every evening the bank deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day.

What would you do? Draw out every cent, of course!

Each of us has such a bank. Its name is TIME.

Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose.

It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft. Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours. There is no going back. There is no drawing against the "tomorrow."

You must live in the present on today's deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness, and success! The clock is running. Make the most of today.

To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who failed a grade.

To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby.

To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask the editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.

To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who missed the train.

To realize the value of ONE-SECOND, ask a person who just avoided an accident.

Treasure every moment that you have! And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time.

Remember that time waits for no one. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present!

THE PARABLE OF THE MYSTERIOUS LAKE

In a distant town, a long time ago, there was a mysterious lake. It teemed with various fishes but they had the uncanny habit of remaining at the bottom. Since the lake was many fathom deep, the people could not take advantage of this natural resource.
Meanwhile, in spite of the teeming lake, the people were hungry. They had a shortage of grains and very little animal supplements.
It was in the midst of this irony that a farmer among them revealed a supernatural ability. He claimed he had the prowess to siphon off huge quantities of water in his mouth. So the people requested him to take out the water in the lake so that all of them could gather the fish at the bottom.
At first the farmer was reluctant for it was a delicate process. But seeing the hunger and malnutrition all around, he finally relented.
However, he had one condition. "I will siphon off all the water from the lake and retain it in my mouth. However, I can only hold my breath for exactly three minutes. Within that period you must gather all the fish you can get. When the time is up I will wave my hands. You must all get out of the lake for I will then let go the water from my mouth, and the lake will return to its original depth."
"But why only three minutes?" the people complained. "We need more time to catch the fish."
"Three minutes because that is all the time I can retain the huge volume of water in my mouth," the farmer replied. "And, also, the amount of fish you can gather in that time is all you need to be well fed for a whole week."
They all agreed to have the lake dried up the next day. All the townpeople appeared, for the good news had spread all over town. Even children came with their parents. They surrounded the big lake, and there was almost no space open at the edge of the water line.
At the appointed time, the farmer reminded them of the three-minute limit. With hushed expectation, the people saw the farmer dip his lips in the water. Slowly at first, then with a tremendous suction, the lake began to recede. The fish appeared and the lake was soon a dry bed.
The people rushed in and began picking up all the fish within sight. All were able to get at least a dozen each.
After exactly three minutes, the farmer waved both hands as his signal. Everyone scampered out with their catch still struggling. Many had brought baskets, and others even put the fish in their pockets, shouting with joy at the bounty of their harvest.
In a wink, water gushed from the farmer's mouth. It took only a minute for the lake to return to its former appearance and depth.
The next week, the same procedure and excitement were repeated. This time more came, for people from nearby towns had heard about the blessings from the man who siphoned off the water. All went well and the people got plenty of fish within three minutes.
On the third week, still more came. People from the adjoining provinces had heard the good news and wanted to have a share of the harvest.
As in the past two sessions, the farmer warned all about the three-minute limit and his hand signals for clearing the bed. He then sipped all the water.
The supply of fish seemed inexhaustible. People filled baskets, cans, and even sacks with fish.
At the precise moment, the farmer waved his hands. But the people continued to gather the jumping fish, disregarding the frantic waving of the farmer.
He could no longer hold the water in his mouth. In a burst of fury the water spurted out. The lake immediately filled up, drowning all the people in it.

HUNGER DID NOT KILL THEM.
GREED DID.


"A man's character is his fate"
-Heraclitus

20 WORDS TO THE WISE

1.

God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.

2.

Dear God: I have a problem. Sometimes, it's me.

3.

Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.

4.

There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.

5.

Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.

6.

Do the math. Count your blessings.

7.

Faith is the ability to not panic.

8.

Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging.

9.

If we worry, we probably didn't pray. If we pray, we probably don't worry.

10.

As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home every day.

11.

Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.

12.

The most important things in our homes are the people.

13.

When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knots for us.

14.

A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.

15.

He who dies with the most toys is still dead. And who knows where he has gone?

16.

We do not remember days, but moments. Life moves too fast, so enjoy your precious moments.

17.

Nothing is real to you until we experience it, otherwise it's just hearsay.

18.

It's all right to sit on our pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.

19.

Surviving and living our life successfully requires courage. The goals and dreams we seek require courage and risk-taking. Learn from the turtle -- it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.

20.

Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.

A SIX-THOUSAND PESO SERVANT

One of the richest men in the province was Mr.Cruz. He had many helpers. He treated them all kindly so they were very fond of him. They often told him their troubles and asked his advice.
Among his helpers were Ador and Madz. Ador was paid a wage of three thousand pesos a month and Madz was paid six thousand pesos.
Ador and Madz often met at their work. Ador's job was hard. He had to move heavy furniture about. He carried large boxes up and down the stairs.
Madz' work was much lighter. He carried messages for Mr.Cruz. He wrote letters for him. He kept his account, too.
Ador often wondered.
"Why does Madz receive more pay than I? I work harder for less money." He went to Mr.Cruz and said, "Something puzzles me,Sir." and he told to him his problem.
Mr.Cruz listened and then answered,
"I will show you why. There is indeed a difference between your wage and Madz. But first, do you see that loaded truck over there- the one that has stopped in the street? Ask the driver for me what he has on his truck."
Ador went to ask the driver and then returned. "The truck is loaded with palay on sacks," he reported.
"Where is the palay going?" asked Mr.Cruz.
Ador went back to the truck driver, spoke to him again and came back. "The palay will be sent to the city," he reported.
"Where is the palay from?" Mr.Cruz inquired.
Once more Ador ran out into the street and asked the driver.
Ador was told this and next his master wanted to know how much it cost per cavan. Again, Ador ran out to ask the driver. Altogether he made five trips in order to answer his master's questions.
Then Mr.Cruz sent for Madz and said, "Please go to that driver,Madz. I want to know what he has on his truck."
Madz went and after a short while came back,
"Well?" asked his master.
"The driver says that he comes from Barrio Castillo" says Madz. "His load of palay came from Lingayen town. He says he is taking it to the city of Dagupan. He has more than one hundred cavans of palay on the truck. A cavan costs nine hundred fifty pesos. Is that all, Sir?"
"Yes, thank you, Madz. Now, Ador," said Mr.Cruz after Madz left, "do you understand why Madz gets a bigger wage than you?"
Ador nodded. "Yes, Sir. MADZ THINKS WHILE HE WORKS."

-0- -0- -0-
Let the world know you as you are, not as you think you should be, because sooner or later, if you are posing, you will forget the pose, and then where are you?
-Fanny Brice

DON'T QUIT

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh
When care is pressing you down a bit
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns
As every one of us sometimes learns
And many a fellow turns about
When he might have won, had he stuck it out.
Don't give up though the pace seems slow
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man;
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor's cup;
And he learned too late when the night came down
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt
And you never can tell how close you are
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit
It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit.


Author Unknown

A KING AND FOUR WIVES

Once upon a time there was a rich King who had four wives. He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best. He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another. He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confidante and was always kind, considerate and patient with him. Whenever the King faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times. The King's 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love the first wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her. One day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought of his luxurious life and wondered, "I now have four wives with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone." Thus, he asked the 4th wife, "I have loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that Im dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No way!" replied the 4th wife, and she walked away without another word. Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart. The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, "I have loved you all my life, Now that Im dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No!", replied the 3rd wife. "Life is too good! When you die, Im going to remarry!" His heart sank and turned cold. He then asked the 2nd wife, "I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?" "I'm sorry, I cant help you out this time!" replied the 2nd wife. "At the very most, I can only send you to your grave." Her answer came like a bolt of lighting, and the King was devastated. Then a voice called out: "I will live with you and follow you no matter where you go." The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was so skinny as she suffered from malnutrition. Greatly grieved, the King said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!" >>>In truth,we all have 4 wives in our lives: Our 4th wife is our BODY. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it will leave us when we die. Our 3rd wife is our POSSESSION, STATUS and WEALTH. When we die, it will all go to others. Our 2nd wife is our FAMILY and FRIENDS. No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave. And our 1st wife is our SOUL, often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the ego. However,our SOUL is the only thing that willf follow us whenever we go. So cultivate, strengthen, and cherish it now, it is your greatest gift to offer the world.

MY DECLARATION OF SELF ESTEEM

I am me.

I am unique. There's not another human being in the whole world like me -- I have my very own fingerprints and I have my very own thoughts. I was not stamped out of a mold like a Coca-Cola top to be the duplicate of another.

I own all of me -- my body, and I can do with it what I choose; my mind, and all of its thoughts and ideas; my feelings, whether joyful or painful.

I own my ideals, my dreams, my hopes, my fantasies, my fears.

I reserve the right to think and feel differently from others and will grant to others their right to thoughts and feelings not identical with my own.

I own all my triumphs and successes. I own also all my failures and mistakes. I am the cause of what I do and am responsible for my own behavior. I will permit myself to be imperfect. When I make mistakes or fail, I will know that I am not the failure -- I am still O.K. -- and I will discard some parts of me that were unfitting and will try new ways.

I will laugh freely and loudly at myself -- a healthy self-affirmation.

I will have fun living inside my skin.

I will remember that the door to everybody's life needs this sigh:

Honor Thyself
I have value and worth.
I am me, and I am O.K.

(Adapted from Self Esteem by Virginia Satir)

BLESSING WE MAY NOT RECOGNIZE

1. If you own a Bible, you are abundantly blessed – about 1/3 of the world does not have access to one.
2. If you wake up each morning with more health than illness, you are blessed to rise and shine, to live and to serve in a new day.
3. If you have anyone in the planet, just one person that loves you and listens to you; count this as a blessing.
4. If you can freely attend a church meeting without fear, then you are more blessed than over 1/3 of the world.
5. If you have yearning in your heart to parent a child, you are blessed because you still desire what you can not see.
6. If you pray today or any day, you are blessed because you believe in God’s willingness to hear your prayer.
7. If you pray for someone else, you are blessed because you want to help others too.
8. If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes in your back, a roof over your head, and a place to sleep; all at the same time; you are rich in this world.
9. If you have a brother or sister in Christ that will pray with you and for you, you benefit from a spiritual unity, bond, and agreement, which the gates of hell cannot stand against.
10. If you have any earthly family that even halfway loves you and supports you, you are blessed beyond measure.
11. If you attend church with a church family that offers you one word of encouragement, you are blessed with some form of fellowship.
12. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, or some spare change in a dish, you are among the world’s wealthy.
13. If you can go to bed each night, knowing God loves you, you are blessed beyond measure.
14. If you try each day to imitate our Lord Jesus Christ for even a minute, you are blessed because you show a willingness to grow up in Him.
15. If you can read this message, you are more blessed than about 1/3 of the world who cannot read at all.
16. If you have never had to endure the hardship and agony of battle, imprisonment, or torture, you are blessed I indescribable measure.
17. If you a voice to sing His praises, a voice to witness God’s love, and a voice to share the gospel, you are blessed. About 1/3 of the world do not even know who the one true God is.
18. If you can hold someone’s hand, hug another person, touch someone on the shoulder, you are blessed because you can offer God’s healing touch.
19. If you can share a word encouragement with someone else, and do it with His love in your heart, you are blessed because you have learned how to give.
20. If you have the conviction to stand firm upon His Word and His promises, no matter what, you are blessed because you are learning patience, endurance and tenacity.
21. If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because most people can, but many will not.

THE BEAUTIFUL YOU

In an American history discussion group, the professor was trying to explain how, throughout history, the concept of "beauty" changes with time. "For example," he said, "take the 1921 Miss America. She stood five feet, one inch tall, weighed 108 pounds and sported a 30-inch bust, a 25-inch waist and 32-inch hips. How do you think she'd do in today's version of the contest?"

The class fell silent for a moment. Then one student piped up, "Not very well."

"Why is that?" asked the professor.

"For one thing," the student pointed out, "she'd be way too old."

Good point -- she would be way too old. But really, beauty is a peculiar thing, it changes with perspectives and means something different to everyone. The beauty that should be most noteable is authentic beauty.

Authentic beauty is something deep within -- the real you. It is the YOU that is being rediscovered with each new experience; the YOU that is so vividly reflected in those precious few who love us with all their heart.

For inside, you are more beautiful than you may ever know. It would be a waste to never realize that.

An elderly woman noticed that her granddaughter felt embarrassed by her freckles. "I love your freckles," she said, kneeling beside the girl and admiring her face.

"Not me," the child replied.

"Well, when I was a little girl I always wanted freckles," the grandmother said, tracing her finger across the child's cheek. "Freckles are beautiful."

The girl looked up. "Really?"

"Of course," said her grandmother. "Why just name me one thing that's prettier than freckles."

The little girl peered into the old woman's smiling face. "Wrinkles," she answered softly.

She knew about beauty. Do not close your eyes to the beauty that exists within you

LIFE . . .

I'm afraid to look ahead
I don't know want to know what I will find
But lately I've been thinking
and a few things have come to mind

Where will I be tomorrow
when the sun begins to rise?
Where will I be in 20 years
when I look back and remember the time?

Life is just a passing thing
it was never meant to stay
We were all put here together
but could be taken back any day

Friends come and go
and relationships never last
But these are the good ol days
the ones that will fill our past

Don't let these days slip away
you'll never get them back
you were put here to live
and you're never going to last

So when it's all said and done
and your time on earth is through
Don't look back and have regrets
Be happy with everything you do.

NO PROBLEM!

Don't worry if you have problems! Which is easy to say until you are in the midst of a really big one, I know. But the only people I am aware of who don't have troubles are gathered in little neighborhoods. Most communities have at least one. We call them cemeteries.

If you're breathing, you have difficulties. It's the way of life. And believe it or not, most of your problems may actually be good for you! Let me explain.

Maybe you have seen the Great Barrier Reef, stretching some 1,800 miles from New Guinea to Australia. Tour guides regularly take visitors to view the reef. On one tour, the guide was asked an interesting question. "I notice that the lagoon side of the reef looks pale and lifeless, while the ocean side is vibrant and colorful," a traveler observed. "Why is this?"

The guide gave an interesting answer: "The coral around the lagoon side is in still water, with no challenge for its survival. It dies early. The coral on the ocean side is constantly being tested by wind, waves, storms - surges of power. It has to fight for survival every day of its life. As it is challenged and tested it changes and adapts. It grows healthy. It grows strong. And it reproduces." Then he added this telling note: "That's the way it is with every living organism."

That's how it is with people. Challenged and tested, we come alive! Like coral pounded by the sea, we grow. Physical demands can cause us to grow stronger. Mental and emotional stress can produce tough-mindedness and resiliency. Spiritual testing can produce strength of character and faithfulness.

So, you have problems - no problem! Just tell yourself, "There I grow again!"

STOPPED BY A BRICK

About ten years ago, a young and very successful executive named Josh was traveling down a Chicago neighborhood street. He was going a bit too fast in his sleek, black, 12-cylinder Jaguar XKE, which was only two months old. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no child darted out, but a brick sailed out and -- WHUMP! -- it smashed into the Jag's shiny black side door! SCREECH...!!!! Brakes slammed! Gears ground into reverse, and tires madly spun the Jaguar back to the spot from where the brick had been thrown. Josh jumped out of the car, grabbed the kid and pushed him up against a parked car. He shouted at the kid, "What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing?!" Building up a head of steam, he went on. "That's my new Jag, that brick you threw is gonna cost you a lot of money. Why did you throw it?"

"Please, mister, please...I'm sorry! I didn't know what else to do!" pleaded the youngster. "I threw the brick because no one else would stop!"

Tears were dripping down the boy's chin as he pointed around the parked car. "It's my brother, Mister," he said. "He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up." Sobbing, the boy asked the executive, "Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me."

Moved beyond words, the young executive tried desperately to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat.

Straining, he lifted the young man back into the wheelchair and took out his handkerchief and wiped the scrapes and cuts, checking to see that everything was going to be OK. He then watched the younger brother push him down the sidewalk toward their home. It was a long walk back to the sleek, black, shining, 12-cylinder Jaguar XKE -- a long and slow walk.

Josh never did fix the side door of his Jaguar. He kept the dent to remind him not to go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at him to get his attention.

Some bricks are softer than others. Feel for the bricks of life
coming at you.

MY ROLE MODEL

I still remember the first time I saw Her,
She was demonstrating how to block.

I was going into my freshmen year,
She was already going to be a senior.

I made the freshmen volleyball team,
She made the varsity.

I remember staying after school,
Just to watch the varsity practice,

And Thinking to myself how awesome She was,
And how I would do anything to be just like Her.

Or, at least get to know Her.
I continued to see Her throughout the season,

She really never noticed me.
I thought She was the coolest person ever,

Still do.
She's the one who gives me my encouragement,

Where ever I go and whatever I do.
The only thing I know about Her,

Is Her name, but that's ok,
Because She made me realize so much more,

She means so much more.....
She's my role model,

And She always will be.

ACTS OF KINDNESS

He was driving home one evening, on a two-lane country road. Work, in this small mid-western community, was almost as slow as his beat-up Pontiac. But he never quit looking. Ever since the Levis factory closed, he'd been unemployed, and with winter raging on, the chill had finally hit home. It was a lonely road. Not very many people had a reason to be on it, unless they were leaving. Most of his friends had already left. They had families to feed and dreams to fulfill. But he stayed on. After all, this was where he buried his mother and father. He was born here and knew the country.

He could go down this road blind, and tell you what was on either side, and with his headlights not working, that came in handy. It was starting to get dark and light snow flurries were coming down. He'd better get a move on. You know, he almost didn't see the old lady, stranded on the side of the road. But even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was still sputtering when he approached her.

Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn't look safe, he looked poor and hungry. He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was that chill that only fear can put in you. He said, "I'm here to help you m'am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm. By the way, my name is Joe."

Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady, that was bad enough Joe crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt. As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down her window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid. Joe just smiled as he closed her trunk.

She asked him how much she owed him. Any amount would have been alright with her. She had already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped. Joe never thought twice about the money. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way. He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance that they needed, and Joe added "...and think of me".

He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight. A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her. The cash register was like the telephone of an out of work actor, it didn't ring much.

Her waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn't erase. The lady noticed that the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her attitude. The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Joe.

After the lady finished her meal, and the waitress went to get her change from a hundred dollar bill, the lady slipped right out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back. She wondered where the lady could be, then she noticed something written on a napkin. There were tears in her eyes, when she read what the lady wrote. It said, "You don't owe me a thing, I've been there too. Someone once helped me out, the way I'm helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here's what you do. Don't let the chain of love end with you."

Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day. That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could she have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard. She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, "Everything's gonna be alright, I love you Joe."

THE HOUSE OF 1000 MIRRORS...

Our life is actually a reflection of our thoughts and actions.

Long ago in a small, far away village, there was place known as the House of 1000 Mirrors. A small, happy little dog learned of this place and decided to visit.

When he arrived, he bounced happily up the stairs to the doorway of the house.He looked through the doorway with his ears lifted high and his tail wagging as fast as it could.

To his great surprise, he found himself staring at 1000 other happy little dogs with their tails wagging just as fast as his. He smiled a great smile, and was answered with 1000 great smiles just as warm and friendly.As he left the House, he thought to himself, ” This is a wonderful place. I will come back and visit it often .”

In this same village, another little dog, who was not quite as happy as the first one, decided to visit the house. He slowly climbed the stairs and hung his head low as he looked into the door. When he saw the 1000 unfriendly looking dogs staring back at him, he growled at them and was horrified to see 1000 little dogs growling back at him. As he left, he thought to himself, ” That is a horrible place, and I will never go back there again .”

ALL THE FACES IN THE WORLD ARE MIRRORS. JUST OBSERVE WHAT KIND OF REFLECTIONS DO YOU SEE IN THE FACES OF THE PEOPLE WE MEET?

THOUGHTS FROM PRES. CPORAZON “CORY” AQUINO (1933 - 2009)

All the world wondered as they witnessed... a people lift themselves from humiliation to the greatest pride.


As I came to power peacefully, so shall I keep it.


Faith is not simply a patience that passively suffers until the storm is past. Rather, it is a spirit that bears things - with resignations, yes, but above all, with blazing, serene hope.

Freedom of expression - in particular, freedom of the press - guarantees popular participation in the decisions and actions of government, and popular participation is the essence of our democracy.

I am not embarrassed to tell you that I believe in miracles.


I don't have any formula for ousting a dictator or building democracy. All I can suggest is to forget about yourself and just think of your people. It's always the people who make things happen.


I guess my religious faith sustained me more than anything else. Family is also very important. If I didn't have children, it would have been too difficult. Even if you are strong, you still need people who would support you all the way.


I just do whatever it is that I believe I should do, regardless of the risks to my life.


I know my limitations, and I don't like politics. I was only involved because of my husband.


I would rather die a meaningful death than to live a meaningless life.


I've reached a point in life where it's no longer necessary to try to impress. If they like me the way I am, that's good. If they don't, that's too bad.


It is not I who have been consigned to the bedroom of history.


It is true you cannot eat freedom and you cannot power machinery with democracy. But then neither can political prisoners turn on the light in the cells of a dictatorship.


It wasn't until we got over the self pity that we were able to accept suffering as apart of our life with Christ. A man or woman reaches this plane only when he or she ceases to be the hero.


It's very simple, I just tell my sad story, and people weep.


National leaders who find themselves wilting under the withering criticisms by members of the media, would do well not to take such criticism personally but to regard the media as their allies in keeping the government clean and honest, its services.


One must be frank to be relevant.


Reconciliation should be accompanied by justice, otherwise it will not last. While we all hope for peace it shouldn't be peace at any cost but peace based on principle, on justice.


The media's power is frail. Without the people's support, it can be shut off with the ease of turning a light switch.


The nation was awakened by that deafening shot.

You have spent many lives and much treasure to bring freedom to many lands that were reluctant to receive it. And here you have a people who won it by themselves and need only the help to preserve it.


You, the foreign media, have been the companion of my people in its long and painful journey to freedom.

-------------

Thank you for your love and service to the Philippine nation. Your humility, courage, leadership, goodness, and Faith in God are virtues that God-fearing people all over the world will emulate. Our condolences to the Aquino family

ENJOY YOUR LIFE AT EVERY MOMENT

Once a fisherman was sitting near seashore, under the shadow of a tree smoking his beedi. Suddenly a rich businessman passing by approached him and enquired as to why he was sitting under a tree smoking and not working. To this the poor fisherman replied that he had caught enough fishes for the day.

Hearing this the rich man got angry and said: Why don’t you catch more fishes instead of sitting in shadow wasting your time?
Fisherman asked: What would I do by catching more fishes?
Businessman: You could catch more fishes, sell them and earn more money, and buy a bigger boat.
Fisherman: What would I do then?
Businessman: You could go fishing in deep waters and catch even more fishes and earn even more money.
Fisherman: What would I do then?
Businessman: You could buy many boats and employ many people to work for you and earn even more money.
Fisherman: What would I do then?
Businessman: You could become a rich businessman like me.
Fisherman: What would I do then?
Businessman: You could then enjoy your life peacefully.
Fisherman: What do you think I’m doing right now?

MORAL – You don’t need to wait for tomorrow to be happy and enjoy your life. You don’t even need to be more rich, more powerful to enjoy life. LIFE is at this moment, enjoy it fully.

As some great men have said “My riches consist not in extent of my possessions but in the fewness of my wants”.

JUGGLE BALLS

Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them – work, family, health, friends and spirit and you’re keeping all of these in the air. You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls – family, health, friends and spirit are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for balance in your life. How?
• Don’t undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different that each of us is special.
• Don’t set your goals by what other people deem important. Only you know what is best for you.
• Don’t take for granted the things closest to your heart. Cling to them as you would your life, for without them, life is meaningless.
• Don’t let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or for the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live ALL the days of your life.
• Don’t give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying.
• Don’t be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect. It is this fragile thread that binds us each together.
• Don’t be afraid to encounter risks. It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave.
• Don’t shut love out of your life by saying it’s impossible to find. The quickest way to receive love is to give; the fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly; and the best way to keep love is to give it wings.
• Don’t run through life so fast that you forget not only where you’ve been, but also where you are going.
• Don’t forget that a person’s greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.
• Don’t be afraid to learn. Knowledge is weightless, a treasure you can always carry easily.
• Don’t use time or words carelessly. Neither can be retrieved. Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored each step of the way.

THE PARABLE OF THE WISE FARMER by Juan M. Flavier

The farmer was known in the barrio and in the whole kingdom as a wise man. In time, he earned the appellation as the wise farmer. He never wentto school but he had a native wisdom. His reasoning and logic were much admired.

One day, the wise farmer accidentally found a ruby stone as big as a cashew nut. He did not know where to return it so he decided to hold on to the precious stone. He knew the matter of the loss would soon be publicized.

True enough, a proclamation was made announcing the loss of the ruby of the Emperor. The stone was part of the royal crown.The decree included a handsome reward if the finder returned the stone within 30 days. Beyond that period, the holder would be beheaded. The wise farmer heard the decree but decided to return the stone on the 31st day. Facing the Emperor, the wise farmer bowed his head and handed the ruby to its rightful owner. "Did you not hear my decree limiting the return within thirty days for the handsome reward?'' roared the Emperor.
"And that beyond that period meant death?''
"Yes, your Highness,'' answered the wise farmer meekly.
"I heard the proclamation on the first day. But I decided to return the ruby on the thirty-first day for a definite reason. If I returned it within the thirty-day period, you may say I did so out of fear. I returned it today and I did so because of my God who taught me to be honest.''
"Blessed be your God,'' exclaimed the Emperor. "Now you have to show me your God otherwise I am compelled to execute you.''
"Very well,'' said the wise farmer, "I will do it at high noon tomorrow, your Highness.''

At exactly midday at the palace porch, the Emperor and his court summoned the wise farmer. "Now show me your God,'' he commanded.
"Your Highness please gaze directly at the sun above for five minutes and you will see my God.'' The Emperor and the whole court looked up. But after a few seconds, everyone's eyes smarted with great pain.
"I cannot do it!'' exclaimed the Emperor.
"In that case, you cannot see my God,'' explained the wise farmer. "If you cannot gaze at the brilliance of the sun, then you cannot look to the splendor of God.''

The Emperor was insulted by the words of the wise farmer. "For this I should have you beheaded immediately. But for returning the ruby I will give you a fair chance to be saved by your God. I will put two pieces of paper in a box. On one will be written the word Guilty' and on the other, 'Innocent.' Whichever you pick is your verdict.''

The wise farmer knew that both pieces of paper would bear the word "Guilty.'' It was the Emperor's way to make sure he was beheaded. It was also a way to discredit his God. The court attendant brought the box to the wise farmer who picked one piece of paper. Quickly he placed the paper in his mouth and swallowed it.
"Why did you do that?'' screamed the court attendant.
"Now how can we determine your verdict?''

"Very easy,'' replied the wise farmer. "Just look at the other piece of paper remaining in the box. Whatever it says is the opposite of what I picked and swallowed earlier.''

The court attendant retrieved the slip of paper from the box and read out, "Guilty!'' Which proved that the wise farmer was indeed innocent.
__________________

"When they hand you over, do not worry about what you will say or how you will say it. When the hour comes you will be given what you are to say.

For it is not you who will speak; but it will be the Spirit of your Father in you" (Matthew 10:19-20).

"The Lord is the salvation of the righteous; in time of distress, he is their refuge" (Psalm 37:39)

A GLASS OF MILK - PAID IN FULL

One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, “How much do I owe you?” “You don’t owe me anything,” she replied. “Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness.” He said, “Then I thank you from my heart.”

As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit.

Year’s later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes. Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor’s gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave special attention to the case.

After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She began to read the following words:

“Paid in full with one glass of milk”
Signed, Dr. Howard Kelly.

PEARLS OF WISDOM

* Don't love the Heart that hurts you and don't hurt the Heart that loves you.
* Don't cry over anyone who won't cry over you.
* Good friends are hard to find, harder to leave, and impossible to forget.
* Most people walk in and out of your life, but only friend's leave footprints in your heart.
* True friendship "never" ends. Friends are forever.
* People are lonely because they build walls instead of bridges.
* If we are incapable of finding peace in ourselves, it is pointless to search elsewhere.
* The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.
* A change of heart changes everything.
* Our greatest glory is not in ever falling, but in rising every time we fall.
* You only live once - but if you work it right, once is enough.
* One generation plants trees, and the next enjoys the shade.
* It is difficult to live in the present, ridiculous to live in the future, and impossible to live in the past. Nothing is as far away as one minute ago.

OLD WEST JUSTICE (What You Sow,What You Reap)

A man in the Old West was being tried for stealing a horse.
You need to remember that stealing a horse in the Old West was a very grave and serious offense. A person could be hanged if found guilty of such a deed.
It so happened that the man whose horse had been stolen had always made it a point to get the best of any person with whom he had any dealings(mapanglamang). He had never tried to do anything good for anyone other than himself.Consequently, the man whose horse had been stolen didn't have a single friend in the entire town. The case was tried and presented to the jury.
The evidence against the accused man was pretty strong. After about thirty minutes of deliberation, the jury returned to the court chambers.
"Gentlemen of the jury, have you reached a verdict?" the judge asked. The chairman of the jury stood up. "Yes we have, your honor," he replied.
"What is your verdict?" inquired the judge.
There were a few moments of silence and then the chairman spoke. "We find the defendant(accused) not guilt if he will return the horse."
After the judge had silenced the laughter in the courtroom, he admonished the jury. "I can not accept that verdict," said the judge. The jury went back into their room to deliberate toward another verdict. No member of the jury had any particular liking for the man whose horse had been stolen. At one time or another he had gotten the best of each of them. About an hour passed before the jury could reach another verdict. They re-entered the courtroom. They took their place in the jury box and the courtroom grew silent.
"Gentlemen of the jury," began the judge, "have you reached a verdict?" The chairman of the jury stood up.
"Yes we have, your honor," he replied. "What is your verdict?" asked the judge.
The courtroom was totally silent. You could have heard a pin drop. Everyone eagerly awaited the verdict. The chairman read the decision reached by the twelve good men, tried and true.
"We find the defendant(accused) not guilty, and can keep the horse!
The courtroom burst into laughter!

MORAL OF THE STORY:
If you spend your life trying to take advantage of others, never caring about them in any way except what you can get from them or what they can do for you, you will end up a loser, like the man who lost his horse.
If you desire a friend, then be a friend.
If you desire for other people to help you, then help other people.
If you desire justice at the hands of others, then practice justice towards them.
Regardless of what you may think, the Biblical admonition is true. We do reap what we sow

THINK OF THOSE WHO LOVE YOU

If someone should hurt you and say a thing unkind...
Remember what I write to you and keep these thoughts in mind.

For everyone who makes you cry, there are three to make you smile...
And a smile will last a long, long time, but a tear just a little while.

Don't let someone who hates the world cause you to have it too...
Behind the clouds is a Golden sun, and a sky that's full of Blue.

If someone said a thing that's cruel, don't let it get to you...
Your achievements are greatly numbered and your faults are very few.

So if a certain person should act a certain way...
Think of those who love you and don't let is spoil your day!

LIFE IS CHANGING (And Through It All I Have Learned)

I've learned that no matter what happens,
or how bad it seems today, life does go on,
and it will be better tomorrow.


I've learned that people will forget what you said,
people will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person
by the way he or she handles these three things:
a rainy day, lost luggage,
and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I've learned that regardless of the differences
you have with the people in your life,
you'll miss them when they're gone.

I've learned that making a "living"
is not the same thing as making a "life."

I've learned that life sometimes
gives you a second chance.



I've learned that you shouldn't go through life
with a catcher's mitt on both hands.
You need to be able to throw something back.

I've learned that if you pursue happiness,
it will elude you.

But if you focus on your family, your friends,
the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can,
happiness will find you.

I've learned that whenever I decide something
with an open heart,
I usually make the right decision.

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

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

I've learned that you should
pass this on to someone you care about.
Sometimes they just need a little something
to make them smile.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.

VALUE

A well known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?"

Hands started going up.

He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this." He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill up.

He then asked, "Who still wants it?"

Still the hands were up in the air.

"Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe.

He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty. "Now who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air.

"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20.

Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way.

We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. You are special - Don't ever forget it!

THE OBSTACLE IN OUR PATH

In ancient times, a king had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it.

Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the big stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. On approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. As the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many others never understand.


Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve one's condition.

LIFE STILL HAS A MEANING

If there is a future there is time for mending-
Time to see your troubles coming to an ending.


Life is never hopeless however great your sorrow-
If you're looking forward to a new tomorrow.


If there is time for wishing then there is time for hoping-
When through doubt and darkness you are blindly groping.


Though the heart be heavy and hurt you may be feeling-
If there is time for praying there is time for healing.

So if through your window there is a new day breaking-
Thank God for the promise, though mind and soul be aching,


If with harvest over there is grain enough for gleaning-
There is a new tomorrow and life still has meaning.

~ Author unknown~

THE VALUE OF SMILE

A smile cost nothing, but gives much.
It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give.
It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.

None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it, and none is so poor but that he can be made rich by it.

A smile creates happiness in the home,
fosters good will in business,
and is the countersign of friendship.
It brings rest to the weary,
cheer to the discouraged,
sunshine to the sad,
and is nature's best antidote for trouble.

Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen,
for it is something that is of no value to anyone
until it is given away.

Some people are too tired to give you a smile,
Give them one of yours,
as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.

FRIENDSHIP AND LOVE

* Love starts with a smile, grows with a kiss, and ends with a tear.
* Don't cry over anyone who won't cry over you.
* Good friends are hard to find, harder to leave, and impossible to forget.
* You can only go as far as you push.
* Actions speak louder than words.
* The hardest thing to do is watch the one you love, love somebody else.
* Don't let the past hold you back; you're missing the good stuff.
* Life's short. If you don't look around once in a while, you might miss it.
* A best friend is like a four leaf clover: hard to find and lucky to have.
* If you think that the world means nothing, think again. You might mean the world to someone else.
* When it hurts to look back, and you're scared to look ahead, you can look beside you and your best friend will be there
* True friendship never ends.
* Friends are forever.
* Good friends are like stars....You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.
* Don't frown. You never know who is falling in love with your smile.
* What do you do when the only person who can make you stop crying is the person who made you cry?
* NOBODY IS PERFECT UNTIL YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH THEM. (Isn't that the truth?)
* Everything is okay in the end. If it's not okay, then it's not the end.

Most people walk in and out of you life. But only True friends leave footprints in your heart.

Send this on to everyone special in your life, even the people who really make you mad sometimes. Whether we realize it or not, everyone we know is very special to us.

When we look back on our younger years, we will remember the people who went to school with us, the people who made us laugh, the people who hung out with us when nobody else would, and the people who made our lives much better simply by being a part of it.

There may be somebody who is thinking about you RIGHT NOW and wishing that you were around. That's the wonderful thing about friendship-you always feel loved and cared about.

The most important thing to remember is... Always appreciate the friends that you have.

A fight may come and go very easily, but a friendship could last forever.

For every second spent in anger, a minute of happiness is wasted. So send this to your friends and let them know that you care.

SAND AND STONE

A story tells that two friends were walking through the desert. During some point of the journey they had an argument, and one friend slapped the other one in the face. The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand: "TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE."

They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one, who had been slapped, got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but the friend saved him. After the friend recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone: "TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE."

The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write on a stone, why?"

The other friend replied: "When someone hurts us, we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it."

LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND, AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE

GIVE A LITTLE SMILE

A smile costs nothing, but gives much.
It enriches those who receive,
without making poorer those who give.
It takes but a moment,
but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.
None is so rich or mighty
that he can get along without it.
A smile creates happiness in the home,
fosters good will in business,
and is the countersign of friendship.


It brings rest to the weary,
cheer to the discouraged,
sunshine to the sad,
and it is natures best antidote for trouble.
Yet it cannot be bought, begged,
borrowed, or stolen,
for it is something that is of no value
to anyone until it is given away.
Some people are too tired to give you a smile.
Give them one of yours,
as none needs a smile so much
as he who has no more to give.

ALWAYS BELIEVE

Believe in your heart that something wonderful
is about to happen.

Love your life.

Believe in your powers, and your potential,
And in your own goodness.



Wake every morning with the awe of just being alive.
Discover in each day the magnificent,
awesome beauty of the world.

Explore and embrace life in yourself,
and in everyone you see each day.



Reach within to find your own special being.
Amaze yourself and arouse those around you
to the potential of each new day.




Don’t be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect;
this is the essence of your humanity.



Let those who love you help.
Trust enough to be able to take.



Look with hope to the horizon of each new day,
For today is all we truly have.



Live this day like it were your last.
Let a little sun out as well as in.
Create your own rainbows.

Be open to all possibilities.

Always believe in Miracles.

Points to Ponder Could Shrink The Earth

If we could shrink the earth's population to a village of precisely 100 people, with all the existing human ratios remaining the same, it would look something like the following:

There would be:
57 Asians
21 Europeans
14 from the Western Hemisphere, north and south
8 Africans

52 would be female
48 would be male

70 would be nonwhite
30 would be white

70 would be non-Christian
30 would be Christian

6 people would possess 59% of the entire world's
wealth and all 6 would be from the United States.

80 would live in substandard housing
70 would be unable to read

50 would suffer from malnutrition
1 would be near death; 1 would be near birth

1 (yes, only 1) would have a college education
1 would own a computer

When one considers our world from such a compressed perspective, the need for acceptance, understanding and education becomes glaringly apparent.

The following is also something to ponder...
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness...
you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pains of starvation... you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death... you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.

If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep... you are richer than 75% of this world!

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace ... you are among the top 8% of the worlds wealthy.