ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING

Jerry was the kind of guy you love to hate. He was always in a good mood and always had something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!"

He was a unique manager because he had several waiters who had followed him around from restaurant to restaurant. The reason the waiters followed Jerry was because of his attitude. He was a natural motivator. If an employee was having a bad day, Jerry was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.

Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up to Jerry and asked him, "I don't get it! You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?"

Jerry replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, 'Jerry, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or you can choose to be in a bad mood.' I choose to be in a good mood. Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life."

"Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested.

"Yes, it is," Jerry said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut way all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people will affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live life."

I reflected on what Jerry said. Soon thereafter, I left the restaurant industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.

Several years later, I heard that Jerry did something you are never supposed to do in a restaurant business: he left the back door open one morning and was held up at gunpoint by three armed robbers. While trying to open the safe, his hand, shaking from nervousness, slipped off the combination. The robbers panicked and shot him. Luckily, Jerry was found relatively quickly and rushed to the local trauma center.

After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, Jerry was released from the hospital with fragments of the bullets still in his body.

I saw Jerry about six months after the accident. When I asked him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins. Wanna see my scars?"

I declined to see his wounds, but did ask him what had gone through his mind as the robbery took place. "The first thing that went through my mind was that I should have locked the back door," Jerry replied. "Then, as I lay on the floor, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live, or I could choose to die. I chose to live."

"Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked.

Jerry continued, "The paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the emergency room and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read, 'He's a dead man.'

"I knew I needed to take action."

"What did you do?" I asked.

"Well, there was a big, burly nurse shouting questions at me," said Jerry. "She asked if I was allergic to anything. 'Yes,' I replied. The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breathe and yelled, 'Bullets!' Over their laughter, I told them. 'I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead."

Jerry lived thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude. I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. Attitude, after all, is everything.

You have 2 choices now:

1. save or delete this mail from your mail box.
2. forward it to anyone you care about.

* Hope you will choose choice 2.

By Francie Baltazar-Schwartz

RULES FOR BEING HUMAN

You will receive a body.
You may like it or hate it,
but it's yours to keep
for the entire period.
You will learn lessons.
You are enrolled in a full-time,
informal school called life.
There are no mistakes, only lessons.
Growth is a process of trial, error
and experimentation.
The "failed" experiments are as much
a part of the process as the experiments
that ultimately "work".
Lessons are repeated until they are learned.
A lesson will be presented to you in various forms
until you have learned it.
When you have learned it,
you can go on to the next lesson.
Learning lessons does not end.
There is no part of life that doesn't
contain it's lessons.
If you're alive,
there are still lessons to be learned.
"There" is no better than "here".
When your "there" has become "here",
you will simply obtain another "there"
that will again look better than "here".
Other people are merely mirrors of you.
You can not love or hate something
about another person unless it reflects to you
something you love or hate about yourself.
What you make of your life is up to you.
You have all the tools and resources you need.
What you do with them is up to you.
The choice is yours.
by: Dr. Cherie Carter

BEGINNING A NEW LIFE

One day a seven-year-old boy was riding in the back seat of the family car. He was sitting between his older brother and sister. Their mother was driving.

On this day their mother was feeling especially distraught over having been recently abandoned by their father. Suddenly, in a fit of anger, she spun around and slapped the seven-year-old across the face. She
yelled at the boy: "And you! I never wanted you. The only reason I had you was to keep your father. But then he left anyway. I hate you!" That scene branded itself on the boy's memory.

Over the years, his mother reinforced her feelings toward him by constantly finding fault with him. Years later that son was able to tell his counselor. "I can't tell you how many times in the last twenty-three years I relived that experience. Probably thousands." He continued, "But recently I put myself in my mother's shoes. Here she was, a high school graduate with no skills, no job, no money and a family to support. I realized how lonely and depressed she must have felt.

"I thought of the anger and the pain that must have been there. And I thought of how much I reminded her of the failure of her young hopes. And so one day I decided to visit her and talk to her. I told her that
I understood her feelings and that I loved her just the same. "She broke down and we wept in each other's arms for what seemed to be hours. It was the beginning of a new life for me, for her, --- for both of us."

"Don't look back on yesterday
That's full of hurts and regrets,
Look ahead and seek God's way,
And learn to forgive and forget."

*By Doris and Donnelly
From "Forgiveness Brings New Life

A FRIEND...

(A)ccepts you as you are
(B)elieves in "you"
(C)alls you just to say "HI"
(D)oesn't give up on you
(E)nvisions the whole of you (even the unfinished parts)
(F)orgives your mistakes
(G)ives unconditionally
(H)elps you
(I)nvites you over
(J)ust "be" with you
(K)eeps you close at heart
(L)oves you for who you are
(M)akes a difference in your life
(N)ever Judges
(O)ffer support
(P)icks you up
(Q)uiets your fears
(R)aises your spirits
(S)ays nice things about you
(T)ells you the truth when you need to hear it
(U)nderstands you
(V)alues you
(W)alks beside you
(X)-plains thing you don't understand
(Y)ells when you won't listen and
(Z)aps you back to reality

THE BEGGAR KING

Once there was a time, according to legend, when Ireland was ruled by a king who had no son. The king sent out his couriers to post notices in all the towns of his realm. The notices advised that every qualified young man should apply for an interview with the king as a possible successor to the throne. However, all such candidates must have these two qualifications: They must (1) love God and (2) love their fellow human beings.

The Young man about whom this legend centers saw a notice and reflected that he loved God and, also, his neighbors. One thing stopped him, he was so poor that he had no clothes that would be presentable in the sight of the king. Nor did he have the funds to buy provisions for the long journey to the castle. So the young man begged here, and borrowed there, finally managing to scrounge enough money for the appropriate clothes and the necessary supplies.

Properly attired and well-suited, the young man set out on his quest, and had almost completed the journey when he came upon a poor beggar by the side of the road. The beggar sat trembling, clad only in tattered rags. His extended arms pleaded for help. His weak voice croaked, "I'm hungry and cold. Please help me... please?"

The young man was so moved by this beggar's need that he immediately stripped off his new clothes and put on the tattered threads of the beggar. Without a second thought he gave the beggar all his provision as well. Then, somewhat hesitantly, he continued his journey to the castle dressed in the rags of the beggar, lacking provisions for his return trek home. Upon his arrival at the castle, a king's attendant showed him in to the great hall. After a brief respite to clean off the journey's grime, he was finally admitted to the throne room of the king.

The young man bowed low before his majesty. When he raised his eyes, he gaped in astonishment. "You... it's you! You're the beggar by the side of the road."

"Yes," the king replied with a twinkle, "I was that beggar."

"But...bu...bu... you are not really a beggar. You are the king for real. Well, then, why did you do this to me?" the young man stammered after gaining more of his composure.

"Because I had to find out if you genuinely love God and your fellow human beings," said the king. "I knew that if I came to you as king, you would have been impressed by my gem-encrusted golden crown and my royal robes. You would have done anything I asked of you because of my regal character. But that way I would never have known what is truly in your heart. So I used a ruse. I came to you as a beggar with no claims on you except for the love in your hear. And I discovered that you sincerely do love God and your fellow human beings. You will be my successor," promised the king. "You will inherit my kingdom."

A CLEVER DOG

A butcher watching over his shop is really surprised when he saw a dog coming inside the shop. He shoos him away. But later, the dog is back again.

So, he goes over to the dog and notices he has a note in his mouth. He takes the note and it reads "Can I have 12 sausages and a leg of lamb, please. The dog has money in his mouth, as well."

The butcher looks inside and, lo and behold, there is a ten dollar Note there. So he takes the money and puts the sausages and lamb in a bag, placing it in the dog's mouth. The butcher is so impressed, and since it's about closing time, he decides to shut up shop and follow the dog.

So off he goes. The dog is walking down the street when he comes To a level crossing.

The dog puts down the bag, jumps up and presses the button. Then he waits patiently, bag in mouth, for the lights to turn. They do, and he walks across the road, with the butcher following him all the way.

The dog then comes to a bus stop, and starts looking at the timetable.

The butcher is in awe at this stage. The dog checks out the times, and then sits on one of the seats provided. Along comes a bus. The dog walks around to the front, looks at the number, and goes back to his seat.

Another bus comes. Again the dog goes and looks at the number, notices it's the right bus, and climbs on. The butcher, by now, open-mouthed, follows him onto the bus.

The bus travels through the town and out into the suburbs, the dog Looking at the scenery. Eventually he gets up, and moves to the front of the bus. He stands on 2 back paws and pushes the button to stop the bus. Then he gets off, his groceries still in his mouth.

Well, dog and butcher are walking along the road, and then the dog turns into a house. He walks up the path, and drops the groceries on the step.

Then he walks back down the path, takes a big run, and throws himself against the door. He goes back down the path, runs up to the door and again, it throws himself against it. There's no answer at the house, so the dog goes back down the path, jumps up on a narrow wall, and walks along the perimeter of the garden. He gets to the window, and beats his head against it several times, walks back, jumps off, and waits at the door.

The butcher watches as a big guy opens the door, and starts abusing the dog, kicking him and punching him, and swearing at him.

The butcher runs up, and stops the guy. "What in heaven's name are You doing? The dog is a genius. He could be on TV, for the life of me!" to which the guy responds: "You call this clever? This is the second time this week that this stupid dog's forgotten his key."

Reflection:
Looks like some, people will never be satisfied with what they've got.

When it comes to the work place, Employers do not know how to appreciate their people who have served them loyally through the years. I've seen companies lose good people for the simple fact their leaders failed to show appreciation. Employers with big egos enjoy the fact that they have more power and authority than others. They show, in the way they give orders and directions, that they think they are superior. They get a kick out of displaying this superiority. People who do this are fools, and everyone but them knows it. They are never satisfied because they could not be satisfied even if their people perform well.

They don't listen to the opinion and ideas of their subordinates.

Why? Because of their stupid pride and insecurity.

People of this kind will never be satisfied. Why? Because they are so busy wrapped up in themselves and, fact is, the self can never be satisfied. Happy and productive people are always those who are "others-centered" rather than "self- centered." The greatest idea of leadership is not someone who throws his weight around. Rather, he is a servant. As Bible would say, "He who wish to be a leader should first be a servant."

His joy is derived from delivering a job that others benefit from his contribution. Aim for service and success will follow.

MODERN DAY RESURRECTION STORY

Woman Wakes 17 hours after pronounced dead - Rigor Mortis Set-in

CLEVELAND,OHIO - A West Virginia woman was being transferred to the Cleveland Clinic after walking the line between life and death.
Doctors are calling Val Thomas as medical miracle. They said they can't explain how she is alive.
They said Thomas suffered two heart attacks and had no brain waves for more than 17hours. At about 1:30am Saturday, her heart stopped and she had no pulse. A respiratory machine kept her breathing and rigor mortis had set in, doctors said.
''Her skin had already started to harden and her fingers curled. Death had set in.'' said son Jim Thomas.
They rushed her to a West Virginia hospital. Doctors put Thomas on a special machine which induces hypothermia. The treatment involves lowering the body temperature for up to 24 hours before warming a patient up.
After the procedure, her heart stopped again.
''She had no neurological function,'' said Dr. Kevin Eggleston.
Her family said goodbye and doctors removed all the tubes.
However, Thomas was kept on a ventilator a little while longer as an organ donor issue was discussed.
Ten minutes later the woman woke up and started talking.
''She(nurse) said, 'I'm so sorry Mrs.Thomas.' And mom said, 'That's OK honey. That's OK,'' Jim Thomas said.
Val Thomas and her family strongly believe that the Lord granted them their miracle and they want everyone to know.
''I know God has something in store for me, another purpose I don't know what it is but I'm sure He'll tell me,'' she said.
She was taken to the Cleveland Clinic for specialist to check her out. Doctors said amazingly she has no blockage and will be fine.

THE WOMAN, THE DRAGON and THE CHILD

The woman bent over in promised deep pain
Accepted these birth pangs with mortal disdain;
Suddenly another wave over her sweeps;
Her husband beside her kneels while she weeps.

The baby was born in surroundings so poor
No heat, not a window, not even a door;
From this humble beginning a life would soon spring;
This at the birth place of our Saviour and King.

The Dragon has planned for dirges to play,
''This baby will die, and I plan to stay;
In power and might I shall rule o'er the earth;
While all people wallow in sorrow's dark mirth.''

The woman around her where twelve stars had been hung,
A place in the heavens where angels had sung;
The woman despised him, the Dragon drew near;
His deadly intent becoming more clear.

He sent his minion to inspire a King,
To kill all babies, the first born offspring;
Alas, the Dragon has been thought to prevail;
During these times of ancient travail.

But God in His Wisdom, wise above all,
Did know before time, before the Great Fall;
The Serpent's planned folly, on all he had rest,
God's plan was far greater than Dragon could best.

The child was taken to Egypt you see,
As Matthew tells the story,
Joseph's family would flee;
Yes, male babies died, of this it is true
But One is postected for me and for you.

He grew up in Judea, and God's gospel He spread,
The sparrows have nests, but no place for His head;
He healed many people, He made the blind see;
Crooked limbs straightened for God's great glory.

Ancient Dragon persisted, and as if in one breath,
The people cried out, ''Put Him to death!''
The Dragon was proud as if he had won,
''Kill this man Jesus, 'God's only Son.'''

God would soon triumph o'er this snake,
For He loved so the world, too much was at stake;
For this Man Immortal, God's only Son;
To rise from the grave, the victory won!
(Based on Revelation 12:1-5)

THE FOURTH KING

The whole world knows of the three kings - the wise men who travelled far to saw homage to the Baby born in a stable, and to offer Him their gifts of gold, incense and myrrh. They followed the star of Bethlehem in their quest for Baby Jesus.
A little known fact was the fourth King. He, too, was a wise man who journeyed from the east guided by the same star, and who brought his own gift securely fastened to his faithful camel.
But the fourth king did not succeed in his quest. Or so he thought at first. For long the way, he kept making stops. Every time he saw a man in need, he would alight and provide help.
He overtook a farmer carrying a heavy load. He stopped and offered his camel as he himself alighted and walked.
Near a rocky valley, he found a farmer wounded from the attack of a wild animal. The fourth King stayed for days taking care of the farmer's needs. He refused to continue his journey until the man was brought home to his village.
A group of bandits was stealing the produce of another farmer. The fourth King again stopped to depend the helpless man. In the end, the bandits took away his camel and his gift.
So he continued his travel on foot, still stopping and tarrying at every town, where need beckoned him.
Many years passed before the fourth King reached Bethlehem. He was told that the Messiah had proceeded to Jerusalem on a donkey. He rushed over and found a throng of people. They were talking about a Jew who had carried a cross to Calvary.
The fourth King ran and from a distance saw the silhoutte of two crosses. A third one was just being erected. At the foot of the Christ nailed on the cross, the fourth King knelt and wept. "I am despicable for tarrying on my journey. I lost my gift, and failed in my quest," he sobbed bitterly.
The Man on the cross spoke in a whisper a most kindly voice... "Stand. i received your gift long ago and yours is the greatest of them. You found me!"

Enjoy the good day

I will cause you to walk in the straight way...
I will open to you the gates of righteousness...
For whoever finds Me. finds LIFE.
-Psalm 118:19; Proverbs 8:35-6

THE GREATEST GIFT

GOD
+The Greatest Lover
SO LOVED
+The Greatest Degree
THE WORLD
+The Greatest Company
THAT HE GAVE
+The Greatest Act
HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON
+The Greatest Gift
THAT WHOEVER
+The Greatest Opportunity
BELIEVES
+The Greatest Simplicity
IN HIM
+The Greatest Attraction
SHOULD NOT PERISH
+The Greatest Promise
BUT
+The Greatest Difference
HAVE
+The Greatest Certainty
EVERLASTING LIFE
+The Greatest Possession

-John 3:16

THE HOUSE OF 1000 MIRRORS (What Attitude Reflects You?)

Long ago in a small, far away village, there was a 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 waggin as fast as it could. To his great surprised, he found himself starring 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 back and visit it again."
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 mirror.
What kind of reflections do you see in the faces of the people you meet?

LIGHT CONQUERS DARKNESS

If you're in a darkness room,
And a small candle is lit,
The darkness retreats away,
From light the candle emits.

If two rooms are side by side,
One is dark, the other, bright,
And a door opens between,
The dark is conquered by light!

So when your life seems dark,
Just remember this law:
Light always conquers darkness!
Soon the darkness will withdraw,

And your heart will become bright,
As it filled with the light.
(Benjamin Graber)

DONT CHANGE THE WORLD

Once upon a time, there was a King who ruled a prosperous country. One day, he went for a trip to some distant areas of his country. When he was back to his palace, he complained that his feet were very painful, because it was the first time that he went for such a long trip, and the road that he went through was very rough and stony. He then ordered his people to cover every road of the entire country with leather. Definitely, this would need thousands of cows' skin, and would cost a huge amount of money.
Then one of his wise servant dared himself to tell the King,
"Why do you have to spend that unnecessary amount of money? Why don't you just cut a little piece of leather to cover your feet?"
The King was surprised, but he later agreed to his suggestion, to make a "shoe" for himself.

There is actually a valuable lesson of life in this story:
To make this world a happy place to live.
You better change yourself
your attitude,
your heart...
and NOT the world.