Think of:
Stepping on shore and finding it Heaven;
Taking hold of a hand and finding it God’s hand;
Breathing a new air, and finding it Celestial air;
Feeling invigorated and finding it immortality;
Passing from storm and tempest to an unknown calm
Waking up and finding it HOME.
For the believer . . . that is death!
- Author unknown
Top
I
THE WILL OF
GOD
The will of God will never take you
Where the Grace of God cannot keep you,
Where the Arms of God cannot support you,
Where the Riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where
the Power of God cannot endow you.
The will of God will never take you
Where the Spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the Wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the Army of God cannot protect you,
Where the Hands of God cannot mold you.
The Will of God will never take you
Where the Love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the Mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the Peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the Authority of God cannot overrule for you.
The will of God will never take you
Where the Comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the Miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the Omnipresence of God cannot find you.
- Author Unknown
Top
What Cancer Can't Do
Cancer is so limited.
It cannot cripple love.
It cannot shatter hope.
It cannot corrode faith.
It cannot eat away peace.
It cannot destroy confidence.
It cannot kill friendship.
It cannot shut out memories.
It cannot silence courage.
It cannot invade the soul.
It cannot reduce eternal life.
It cannot quench the spirit.
-- Author unknown
Top
A poem by Crumb
In the midst of these troubled times
A heart felt friend is hard to find.
As I dry the tears and raise my face
My heart feels the warmth of your embrace.
No need for tears or crying in pain
Your gift of life removes all shame.
Accepting your love and your gift of peace,
You have brought reality within reach.
For you, oh Lord, will give me strength.
Your lasting love knows no length.
From the highest peak to the distant shore,
No one person could ever give more.
From the darkness, you brought light
To these blind eyes you gave sight.
Within this heart burns the fire of love
For our living God who looks down from above.
Top
If ...
If tears could build a stairway
And memories a lane
I'd walk right up to heaven
And bring you home again.
--from Nicky Turner
Top
Got No Time
I knelt to
pray but not for long,
I had too much to do.
I had to hurry and get to work
For bills would soon be due.
So I knelt and said a hurried prayer,
And jumped up off my knees.
My Christian duty was now done
My soul could rest at ease.....
All day long I had no time
To spread a word of cheer
No time to speak of Christ to friends,
They'd laugh at me I'd fear.
No time, no time, too much to do,
That was my constant cry,
No time to give to souls in need
But at last the time, the time to die.
I went before the Lord,
I came, I stood with downcast eyes.
For in his hands God held a book;
It was the book of life.
God looked into his book and said
"Your name I cannot find.
I once was going to write it down...
But never found the time"
Top
The Heart
"Tomorrow
morning," the surgeon began, "I'll open up your heart..."
"You'll find Jesus there,"
the boy interrupted.
The surgeon looked up, annoyed "I'll
cut your heart open," he continued, to
see how much damage has been done."
"But when you open up my heart,
you'll find Jesus in there," said the boy.
The surgeon looked to the parents,
who sat quietly. "When I see how much
damage has been done, I'll sew your heart and chest back up, and I'll plan
what to do next."
"But you'll find Jesus in my
heart. The Bible says He lives there. The
hymns all say He lives there. You'll
find Him in my heart."
The surgeon had had enough. "I'll
tell you what I'll find in your heart.
I'll find damaged muscle, low blood supply, and weakened vessels. And I'll
find out if I can make you well."
"You'll find Jesus there too.
He lives there."
The surgeon left.
The surgeon sat in his office, recording
his notes from the surgery,
"...damaged aorta, damaged pulmonary vein, wide- spread muscle degeneration.
No hope for transplant, no hope for cure. Therapy: painkillers and bed
rest. Prognosis:," here he paused, "death within one year."
He stopped the recorder, but there
was more to be said. "Why?" he asked
aloud. "Why did You do this? You've put
him here; You've put him in this pain; and You've cursed him to an early
death. Why?"
The Lord answered and said, "The
boy, My lamb, was not meant for your flock
for long, for he is a part of My flock, and will forever be. Here, in My
flock, he will feel no pain, and will be comforted as you cannot imagine.
His parents will one day join him here, and they will know peace, and My
flock will continue to grow."
The surgeon's tears were hot, but
his anger was hotter. "You created that
boy, and You created that heart. He'll
be dead in months. Why?"
The Lord answered, "The boy,
My lamb, shall return to My flock, for He has
done his duty: I did not put My lamb
with your flock to lose him, but to retrieve another lost lamb."
The surgeon wept.. The surgeon sat
beside the boy's bed; the boy's parents
sat across from him. The boy awoke and
whispered, "Did you cut open my heart?"
"Yes," said the surgeon.
"What did you find?" asked
the boy.
"I found Jesus there,"
said the surgeon.
Author Unknown - Celebrate Jesus
in 2004
Top
MAKING THE CHANGE
Making the change shall be regal
Dear one and, like the soaring eagle
Who dares to fly into the storm,
You shall surely transcend this form.
For me, all that you have so willingly done,
During your earthly distance run,
Means I must thank you with all my heart
And wish you well in your new start.
While on Earth you earn your spiritual wealth.
Next you will gain your spiritual health.
Through right action you are set free,
And new horizons you will see.
The circle which you shall enter
Will draw you closer to its center.
Be comforted in knowing this
As I give you one last kiss.
While you explore the unseen,
Pursue the dreams you dare to dream.
I can now bid farewell my friend,
Because spirit is without end.
©2001 Global Velocity
http://www.globalvelocity.net/
Top
Weep For Me
Weep
for me when I am gone,
But, please, please, don't sorrow too long.
Weep as you miss me and I know you do.
Oh, my dear loved ones I miss you too.
Weep for me when I am gone,
But for my sake, don't sorrow too long.
You know my earthly life had to come to an end.
Didn't the bible tell us that time and time again?
To tell you the truth, I was afraid of death,
but once it came I'm glad I left.
The glories of this new life are impossible to describe.
Why, I should sorrow for you who are still alive.
Don't weep for long with hearts torn apart,
But rejoice with me that I was blessed to depart.
So weep for me when I am gone,
But there's no need to sorrow for long.
I'm safe with Jesus, my savior and King.
He's made sure I don't need a thing.
Friends, family all gathered about,
Having such a wonderful time I just have to shout.
Weep for me when I am gone,
But please, please, please, don't sorrow for long.
So dry your eyes let sorrow be gone,
Prepare your soul to come, come along.
I'll be waiting for you my loved ones so dear,
But in the meantime really there's no need for a tear.
--Contributed
by Monica Shene
Top
A
Prayer For Today
Every day I need you Lord, but this
day specially.
I need some extra strength to face whatever is to be...
This day more than any day I need to feel you near -
To fortify my courage and to overcome my fear.
By myself
I cannot meet the challenge of the hour.
There are times when human creatures need a higher Power -
To help them bear what must be borne. And so, dear Lord,
I pray - hold on to my trembling hand and be with me today.
-- Contributed
by Peg Smith
Top
In
this silent peaceful place
I hear your voice, I see your face.
As the breeze moves and the leaves fall,
I realize your hand holds us all.
The sun shines, the rains
fall,
The wind blows, the birds call.
Wonders of nature all around
In all this beauty you are easily found.
I see your face in the stream.
I feel your hands in the suns beam.
The greatness of your love is all around
With you in my life, Peace has been found.
In
the morning, I'll lift your name.
All through my days I'll do the same.
I am at your beck and call
To you oh Lord I'll give my all.
Top
I just wanted
to take this opportunity to thank all of you that have come out tonight to say
goodbye to me and to celebrate my new life. I'm going to attempt to explain
what has been going on inside of me these past 2 to 2 1/2 years. When my brother
died of cancer in February, 2001, I was profoundly affected by a realization
of my own mortality. No other death that I have been involved with affected
me like that. Not just the sense of loss that is to be expected when someone
you love dies, but the profound statement about the way he lived and died has
changed how I feel about what I've done so far in my 45 short years. I'm not
saying that nursing is not a noble profession. What I am saying is, what you
do for a living has very little to do with how you live. He lived less than
44 years and touched so many lives in his community that they could not contain
the numbers at the wake or the funeral. You see, he was a Christian in more
than just name and on more than just Sunday. He truly walked with Jesus and
spoke the truth of God's plan for salvation to everyone who would listen and
to all of those in my family who wouldn't. He continued to do this even as he
died.
God touched Crumb
and me that day. We wanted what Bruce had. We started searching and reading
and praying and asking other Godly people what we needed to do. To make a long
story short, we accepted Jesus into our hearts and started learning how to live
for him and what it means to have a personal relationship with Christ. Crumb
was a much faster learner. He laid all of his attitudes and habits down, accepted
forgiveness and began telling everyone around him about Jesus and what He had
done for him. God has used him to affect several lives already.
I, on the other
hand, kept trying to fix everything I thought was wrong with me and my world
by my own strength instead of giving it all to God and allowing Him to make
the changes in me that were necessary. I kept getting more and more frustrated
by my failure to change myself or my circumstances. I couldn't control my mouth,
or stop being negative or lay down my worries and fears. I not only wasn't having
a positive effect on the world but many times it was negative. Finally, I called
out to God in despair and admitted my inability to make the changes. I begged
him to change my heart, to take over my life and make me new. I could just about
hear Him sigh and say, finally she understands. See, I had missed the most important
point...that God does not love me for what I do, He just loves me. He never
changes and His love for us never changes. His love is not dependent on our
performance and our salvation is not dependent on it either. He loved us so
much that He sent His son to die for all sin and to bridge the gap between us
sinners and Him. He has already paid the cost for all our sins. It's a done
deal. In His very words..."It is finished." (John 19:30) all that
is necessary is to confess your sin and turn from it, accept his forgiveness
through Jesus and to live in faith with Him. So now that I have a new heart,
I'm going home to draw closer to Him and to find out what His plan for my life
truly is. If I can just let Him drive I'm sure that I will enjoy the ride much
more. Do you know where you are going?
-- Rita Catherine
Cook
Top
SLOW
DANCE
Have you
ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Do you run
through each day
On the fly?
When you ask How are you?
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Ever told
your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say,"Hi"
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
When you
run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.
Top
We All Know
Someone Like This. One day, when I was a freshman
in high school, I met a kid home from school .His name was Kyle. It
looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself,
"Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must
really be a nerd." I had quite a weekend planned (parties and
a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders
and went on. As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward
him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and
tripping him so His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about
ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his
eyes. My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him and
as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye.
As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks. They really
should get lives." He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!"
There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real
gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived.
As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him
before. He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never
hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I
carried some of his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked
him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends. He said yes. We
hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him,
and my friends thought the same of him.
Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with
the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, "Boy, you are gonna
really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!"
He just laughed and handed me half the books. Over the next four years, Kyle
and I became best friends. When we were seniors, we began to think about college.
Kyle decided on Georgetown, and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always
be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor,
and I was going for business on a football scholarship.
Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased
him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation.
I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak. Graduation
day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found
himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses.
He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him. Boy, sometimes I was
jealous. Today was one of those days. I could see that he was nervous about
his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll
be great!" He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful
one) and smiled. "Thanks," he said. As he started his speech,
he cleared his throat, and began "Graduation is a time to thank those who
helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your
siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends... I am here to tell all of
you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am
going to tell you a story." I just looked at my friend with disbelief
as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself
over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom
wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard
at me and gave me a little smile. "Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved
me from doing the unspeakable." I heard the gasp go through the crowd
as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his
Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that
moment did I realize it's depth.
Never underestimate the power of your actions.
With one small gesture you can change a person's life. For better or for worse.
God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way. Look
for God in others. Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings
have trouble remembering how to fly. There is no beginning or end.. Yesterday
is history. Tomorrow is mystery. Today is a gift.
Top
I
Wish You enough
Recently I overheard
a mother and daughter in their last moments
together at the airport. They had announced the departure. Standing near
the security gate, they hugged and the mother said "I love you and I
wish you enough." The daughter replied, "Mom, our life together has
been
more than enough.Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too,
Mom." They kissed and the daughter left.
The mother walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing
there I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to
intrude on her privacy but she welcomed me in by asking "Did you ever
say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?". "Yes, I have,"I
replied. "Forgive me for asking but why is this a forever good-bye?".
"I
am old and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the
reality is - the next trip back will be for my funeral" she said.
"When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say 'I wish you enough'.
May I ask what that means?". She began to smile. "That's a wish that
has
been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to
everyone".
She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail
and she smiled even more.
"When we said 'I wish you enough' we were wanting the other person to
have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them". Then
turning toward me she shared the following as if she were reciting it
from memory --
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright. I wish you enough
rain to appreciate the sun more. I wish you enough happiness to keep
your spirit alive. I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in
life appear much bigger. I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess. I wish you
enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.
She then began to cry and walked away.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to
appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget
them.
Send this to the people you will never forget and remember to send it
back to the person who sent it to you. If you don't send it to anyone it
may mean that you are in such a hurry that you have forgotten your
friends.
TAKE TIME TO LIVE..... To all my friends and loved ones, I WISH YOU
ENOUGH!!
Top
Thanks for
your time.
A YOUNG MAN LEARNS WHAT'S MOST IMPORTANT IN LIFE FROM THE GUY
NEXT DOOR.
IT HAD BEEN SOME TIME SINCE JACK HAD SEEN THE OLD MAN. COLLEGE, GIRLS, CAREER,
AND LIFE ITSELF GOT IN THE WAY. IN FACT, JACK MOVED CLEAR ACROSS THE COUNTRY
IN PURSUIT OF HIS DREAMS. THERE, IN THE RUSH OF HIS BUSY LIFE, JACK HAD LITTLE
TIME TO THINK ABOUT THE PAST AND OFTEN NO TIME TO SPEND WITH HIS WIFE AND SON.
HE WAS WORKING ON HIS FUTURE, AND NOTHING COULD STOP HIM. OVER THE PHONE, HIS
MOTHER TOLD HIM, "MR. BELSER DIED LAST NIGHT. THE FUNERAL IS WEDNESDAY."
MEMORIES FLASHED THROUGH HIS MIND LIKE AN OLD NEWSREEL AS HE SAT QUIETLY REMEMBERING
HIS CHILDHOOD DAYS. "JACK, DID YOU HEAR ME?" "OH, SORRY, MOM.
YES, I HEARD YOU. IT'S BEEN SO LONG SINCE I THOUGHT OF HIM. I'M SORRY, BUT I
HONESTLY THOUGHT HE DIED YEARS AGO," JACK SAID.
"WELL, HE DIDN'T FORGET YOU. EVERY TIME I SAW HIM HE'D ASK HOW YOU WERE
DOING. HE'D REMINISCE ABOUT THE MANY DAYS YOU SPENT OVER 'HIS SIDE OF THE FENCE'
AS HE PUT IT," MOM TOLD HIM. "I LOVED THAT OLD HOUSE HE LIVED IN,"
JACK SAID. "YOU KNOW, JACK, AFTER YOUR FATHER DIED, MR. BELSER STEPPED
IN TO MAKE SURE YOU HAD A MAN'S INFLUENCE IN YOUR LIFE," SHE SAID. "HE'S
THE ONE WHO TAUGHT ME CARPENTRY," HE SAID. "I WOULDN'T BE IN THIS
BUSINESS IF IT WEREN'T FOR HIM. HE SPENT A LOT OF TIME TEACHING ME THINGS HE
THOUGHT WERE IMPORTANT... MOM, I'LL BE THERE FOR THE FUNERAL," JACK SAID.
AS BUSY AS HE WAS, HE KEPT HIS WORD. JACK CAUGHT THE NEXT FLIGHT TO HIS HOMETOWN.
MR. BELSER'S FUNERAL WAS SMALL AND UNEVENTFUL. HE HAD NO CHILDREN OF HIS OWN,
AND MOST OF HIS RELATIVES HAD PASSED AWAY.
THE NIGHT BEFORE HE HAD TO RETURN HOME, JACK AND HIS MOM STOPPED BY TO SEE
THE OLD HOUSE NEXT DOOR ONE MORE TIME. STANDING IN THE DOORWAY, JACK PAUSED
FOR A MOMENT. IT WAS LIKE CROSSING OVER INTO ANOTHER DIMENSION, A LEAP THROUGH
SPACE AND TIME. THE HOUSE WAS EXACTLY AS HE REMEMBERED. EVERY STEP HELD MEMORIES.
EVERY PICTURE, EVERY PIECE OF FURNITURE.... JACK STOPPED SUDDENLY. WHAT'S WRONG,
JACK?" HIS MOM ASKED.
"THE BOX IS GONE," HE SAID. "WHAT BOX?" MOM ASKED. "THERE
WAS A SMALL GOLD BOX THAT HE KEPT LOCKED ON TOP OF HIS DESK. I MUST HAVE ASKED
HIM A THOUSAND TIMES WHAT WAS INSIDE. ALL HE'D EVER TELL ME WAS THE THING I
VALUE MOST,'" JACK SAID. IT WAS GONE. EVERYTHING ABOUT THE HOUSE WAS EXACTLY
HOW JACK REMEMBERED IT, EXCEPT FOR THE BOX. HE FIGURED SOMEONE FROM THE BELSER
FAMILY HAD TAKEN IT.
"NOW I'LL NEVER KNOW WHAT WAS SO VALUABLE TO HIM," JACK SAID. "I
BETTER GET SOME SLEEP. I HAVE AN EARLY FLIGHT HOME, MOM."
IT HAD BEEN ABOUT TWO WEEKS SINCE MR. BELSER DIED. RETURNING HOME FROM WORK
ONE DAY JACK DISCOVERED A NOTE IN HIS MAILBOX. "SIGNATURE REQUIRED ON A
PACKAGE. NO ONE AT HOME. PLEASE STOP BY THE MAIN POST OFFICE WITHIN THE NEXT
THREE DAYS," THE NOTE READ.
EARLY THE NEXT DAY JACK RETRIEVED THE PACKAGE. THE SMALL BOX WAS OLD AND LOOKED
LIKE IT HAD BEEN MAILED A HUNDRED YEARS AGO. THE HANDWRITING WAS DIFFICULT TO
READ, BUT THE RETURN ADDRESS CAUGHT HIS ATTENTION. "MR. HAROLD BELSER"
IT READ. JACK TOOK THE BOX OUT TO HIS CAR AND RIPPED OPEN THE PACKAGE. THERE
INSIDE WAS THE GOLD BOX AND AN ENVELOPE. JACK'S HANDS SHOOK AS HE READ THE NOTE
INSIDE.
"UPON MY DEATH, PLEASE FORWARD THIS BOX AND ITS CONTENTS TO JACK BENNETT.
IT'S THE THING I VALUED MOST IN MY LIFE."
A SMALL KEY WAS TAPED TO THE LETTER. HIS HEART RACING, AS TEARS FILLING HIS
EYES, JACK CAREFULLY UNLOCKED THE BOX. THERE INSIDE HE FOUND A BEAUTIFUL GOLD
POCKET WATCH. RUNNING HIS FINGERS SLOWLY OVER THE FINELY ETCHED CASING, HE UNLATCHED
THE COVER. INSIDE HE FOUND THESE WORDS ENGRAVED: "JACK, THANKS FOR YOUR
TIME! HAROLD BELSER."
"THE THING HE VALUED MOST... WAS... MY TIME."
JACK HELD THE WATCH FOR A FEW MINUTES, THEN CALLED HIS OFFICE AND CLEARED HIS
APPOINTMENTS FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS. "WHY?" JANET, HIS ASSISTANT ASKED.
"I NEED SOME TIME TO SPEND WITH MY SON," HE SAID. "OH, BY THE
WAY, JANET... THANKS FOR YOUR TIME!"
"LIFE IS NOT MEASURED BY THE NUMBER OF BREATHS WE TAKE BUT BY THE MOMENTS
THAT TAKE OUR BREATH AWAY."
THINK ABOUT THIS. YOU MAY NOT REALIZE IT, BUT IT'S 100% TRUE.
1. AT LEAST 2 PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD LOVE YOU SO MUCH THEY WOULD DIE FOR YOU.
2. AT LEAST 15 PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD LOVE YOU IN SOME WAY.
3. A SMILE FROM YOU CAN BRING HAPPINESS TO ANYONE, EVEN IF THEY DON'T LIKE
YOU.
4. EVERY NIGHT, SOMEONE THINKS ABOUT YOU BEFORE THEY GO TO SLEEP.
5. YOU MEAN THE WORLD TO SOMEONE.
6. IF NOT FOR YOU, SOMEONE MAY NOT BE LIVING.
7. YOU ARE SPECIAL AND UNIQUE.
8. WHEN YOU THINK YOU HAVE NO CHANCE OF GETTING WHAT YOU WANT, YOU PROBABLY
WON'T GET IT, BUT IF YOU TRUST GOD TO DO WHAT'S BEST, AND WAIT ON HIS TIME,
SOONER OR LATER, YOU WILL GET IT OR SOMETHING BETTER.
9. WHEN YOU MAKE THE BIGGEST MISTAKE EVER, SOMETHING GOOD CAN STILL COME FROM
IT.
10. WHEN YOU THINK THE WORLD HAS TURNED ITS BACK ON YOU, TAKE A LOOK: YOU MOST
LIKELY TURNED YOUR BACK ON THE WORLD.
11. SOMEONE WHOM YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW EXISTS LOVES YOU
12. ALWAYS REMEMBER THE COMPLIMENTS YOU RECEIVED. FORGET ABOUT THE RUDE REMARKS.
13. ALWAYS TELL PEOPLE HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THEM; YOU WILL FEEL MUCH BETTER WHEN
THEY KNOW AND YOU'LL BOTH BE HAPPY.
14. IF YOU HAVE GREAT FRIENDS, TAKE THE TIME TO LET THEM KNOW THAT THEY ARE
GREAT.
"THANKS FOR YOUR TIME."
Top
TO THE WONDERFUL WOMEN IN MY CIRCLE
When I was little, I used to believe
in the concept of one best friend, and
then I started to become a woman. And then I found out that if you allow
your heart to open up, God would show you the best in many friends.
One friend's best is needed when
you're going through things with your
children. Another friend's best is needed when you're going through things
with your momma. Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or
just be.
One friend will say let's pray together,
another let's cry together, another
let's fight together, another let's walk away together.
One friend will meet your spiritual
need, another your shoe fetish, another
your love for movies, another will be with you in your season of confusion,
another will be your clarifier, another the wind beneath your wings.
But whatever their assignment in
your life, or whatever the occasion, or
whatever the day, or where ever you need them to meet you with their gym
shoes on and hair pulled back or to hold you back from making a complete
fool of yourself... those are your friends.
It may all be wrapped up in one woman,
but for many it's wrapped up in
several... one from 7th grade, several from high school, several from the
college years, a couple from old jobs, several from church, on some days
your mother, on others your sisters, and on some days it's the one that you
needed just for that day or week that you needed someone with a fresh
perspec- tive, or the one who didn't know all your baggage, or the one who
would just listen without judging ... those are good best friends.
I thank my girlfriends, those who
honor intimacy, those who hold trust, and
those who hold me up when life is just too heavy! The special bond we share
is unique.
Thanks for the words we've shared.
The prayers we've sent up. The laughs,
the tears, the phone calls, the emails, the shopping, the movies, the
lunches, the dinners, the talking, talking, talking and the listening,
listening, listening....
So whether you've been there 20 minutes
or 20 years, I love you! Each of
you know exactly where you fit in my life and I do thank God for each and
every one of you every day. He places special people in special places in
our lives for a reason. God Bless You All.
Top
To A Keeper
One day someone's husband died,
and on that clear, cold morning, in the
warmth of their bedroom, the wife was struck with the pain of learning that
sometimes there isn't any more. No more hugs, no more special moments to
celebrate together, no more phone calls just to chat, no more "just one
minute." Sometimes, what we care about the most gets all used up and goes
away . . never to return before we can say good-bye, say "I love you."
So while we have it . . . it's best we love it . . . and care for it
and fix it when it's broken . . . and heal it when it's sick. This is true
for marriage . . and old cars . . . and children with bad report cards and
dogs with bad hips and aging parents and grandparents. We keep them because
they are worth it, because we are worth it.
Some things we keep -- like a best friend who moved away or a classmate
we grew up with. There are just some things that make us happy, no matter
what. Life is important, like people we know who are special . . . and so,
we keep them close!
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The Wooden Bowl
I guarantee you will remember the
tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year
from now.
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law,and four-year old
grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step
faltered. The family ate together at the table.
But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult.
Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled
on the tablecloth.
The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do
something about father," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled
milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor."
So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There,Grandfather ate
alone while the rest of the family
enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had
broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.
When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, soetime he had a tear in
his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp
admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.
The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the
father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child
sweetly, "What are you making?"
Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for
you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled
and went back to work.
The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started
to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, bothknew what must be
done.
That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to
the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family.
And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when
a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.
On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems
today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles
three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
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 even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned
that I still have a lot to learn.
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DANCING WITH GOD
When I meditated on the word GUIDANCE, I kept seeing "dance"
at the end of the word. I remember reading that doing God's will is
a lot like dancing. When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The
movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable
and jerky. When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead, both bodies
begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge
to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or another. It's as if
two become one body, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender,
willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and
skill from the other.
My eyes drew back to the word GUIDANCE. When I saw "G," I thought
of God, followed by "u" and "i." "God,"
"u" and "i" dance." God, you, and I dance. As
I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance
about my life. Once again, I became willing to let God lead.
My prayer for you today is that God's blessings and mercies
be upon you on this day and everyday. May you abide in God as God
abides in you. Dance together with God, trusting God to lead and to guide
you through each season of your life.
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Expect the Unexpected
Hello God,
I called tonight
To talk a little while
I need a friend who'll listen
To my anxiety and trial.
You see, I can't quite make it
Through a day just on my own...
I need your love to guide me,
So I'll never feel alone.
I want to ask you please to keep
My family safe and sound.
Come and fill their lives with confidence
For whatever fate they're bound.
Give me faith, dear God, to face
Each hour throughout the day,
And not to worry over things
I can't change in any way.
I thank you God for being home
And listening to my call,
For giving me such good advice
When I stumble and fall.
Your number, God, is the only one
That answers every time
I never get a busy signal,
Never had to pay a dime.
So thank you, God, for listening
To my troubles and my sorrow.
Good night, God, I love You too,
And I'll call again tomorrow!
The man whispered,
"God, speak to me"
and a meadowlark sang.
But, the man did not hear.
So the man yelled,
"God, speak to me"
and the thunder rolled across the sky.
But, the man did not listen.
The man looked around
and said,
"God let me see you."
And a star shined brightly
But the man did not see.
And, the man shouted,
"God show me a miracle."
And, a life was born.
But, the man did not notice.
So, the man cried
out in despair,
"Touch me God, and let me know
you are here."
Whereupon, God reached down
and touched the man.
But, the man brushed
the butterfly away and walked on.
I found this to be
a great reminder
that God is always around us in the
little and simple things
that we take for granted...
even in our electronic age...
so I would like to add one more:
The man cried, "God,
I need your help!"
And an e-mail arrived reaching out
with good news and encouragement.
But, the man deleted it and continued
crying...
-- Author Unknown
Don't miss out on
a blessing because it isn't packaged the way that you expect.
Please pass this to
people you want to be blessed. Expect the unexpected.....
Have A Happy Day!
Share this with all
your friends and family. Including the person who shared it with you.
Anyone that you love and care about. Let them know God is there for them
always even when everyone else has betrayed them and left them.
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HOW
TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential
numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them.
That is why you pay "them "
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever.
Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop."
And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with
us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes,
music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve
it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9 Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county;
to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that
take our breath away.
And if you don't send this to at least 8 people - who cares? But do share this
with someone. We all need to live life to its fullest each day.
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"I
wish for you..."
Comfort on difficult days,
Smiles when sadness intrudes,
Rainbows to follow the clouds,
Laughter to kiss your lips,
Sunsets to warm your heart,
Gentle hugs when spirits sag,
Friendships to brighten your being,
Beauty for your eyes to see,
Confidence for when you doubt,
Faith so that you can believe,
Courage to know yourself,
Patience to accept the truth,
And love to complete your life.
God Bless you!
I asked the Lord to bless you
As I prayed for you today
To guide you and protect you
As you go along your way....
His love is always with you
His promises are true
No matter what the tribulation
You know He will see us through.
So, when the road you're traveling on
Seems difficult at best
Give your problems to the Lord
And God will do the rest.
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A
Lady Shares Getting Old
The other day a young person asked
me how I felt about being old. I was taken aback, for I do not think of myself
as old. Upon seeing my reaction, he was immediately embarrassed, but I explained
that it was an interesting question, and I would ponder it, and let him know.
Old age, I decided, is a gift. I
am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted
to be. Oh, not my body! I sometime despair over my body- the cellulite, the
wrinkles, the baggy eyes, the jiggly thighs, and the sagging butt. And often
I am taken aback by that old lady that lives in my mirror, but I don't agonize
over those things for long.
I would never trade my amazing friends,
my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As
I've aged, I've become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself. I've
become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or
for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need,
but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to overeat, to be messy,
to be extravagant.
I have seen too many dear friends
leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes
with aging. Whose business is it if I choose to read until 4 A.M., and sleep
until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 40's, and
if I at the same time wish to weep over a lost love, I will. I will walk the
beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging midriff, and will dive
into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from
the bikini set. They, too, will get old (if they are lucky).
I know I am sometimes forgetful.
But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten - and I eventually remember
the important things. Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can
your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or
when you lose a beloved pet. But broken hearts are what give us strength and
understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and
will never know the joy of being imperfect.
I am so blessed to have lived long
enough to have my hair turn gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever
etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many
have died before their hair could turn silver. I can say "no," and
mean it. I can say "yes," and mean it.
As you get older, it is easier to
be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself
anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.
So, to answer your question, I like
being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going
to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting
what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert
every single day.
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MOMENTS IN
LIFE
There are moments in life when you
miss someone
so much that you just want to pick them from
your dreams and hug them for real!
When the door of happiness closes,
another opens;
but often times we look so long at the
closed door that we don't see the one,
which has been opened for us.
Don't go for looks; they can deceive.
Don't go for wealth; even that fades away.
Go for someone who makes you smile,
because it takes only a smile to
make a dark day seem bright.
Find the one that makes your heart smile.
Dream what you want to dream;
go where you want to go;
be what you want ! to be,
because you have only one life
and one chance to do all t he things
you want to do.
May you have enough happiness to
make you sweet,
enough trials to make you strong,
enough sorrow to keep you human and
enough hope to make you happy.
The happiest of people don't necessarily
have the best of everything;
they just make the most of
everything that comes along their way.
The brightest future will always
be based on a forgotten past;
you can't go forward in life until
you let go of your past failures and heartaches.
When you were born, you were crying
and everyone around you was smiling.
Live your life so at the end,
you're the one who is smiling and everyone
around you is crying.
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IF I KNEW
If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.
If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.
If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.
If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.
If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.
For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.
There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"
But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.
Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.
So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,
That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.
So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear
Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.
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Sisters
A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot,humid day, drinking iced
tea and visiting with her mother. As they talked about life, about marriage,
about responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the mother
clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance
upon her daughter. "Don't forget your sisters," she advised, swirling
the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. "They'll be more important as
you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much
you love the children you may have, you are still going to need sisters. Remember
to go places with them now & then, do things with them and remember that
sisters also mean your girlfriends, your daughters and other women relatives
too. You'll need other women. Women always do."
"What a funny piece of advice!" the young women thought.
Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couples world?
I'm now a married women, for goodness sake! A grown-up. Surely my husband and
the family we may start will be all I need to make life worthwhile! But she
listened to her mother. She kept in contact with her sisters and made more women
friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually
came to understand that her mom really knew what she was talking about. As time
and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman: time passes,
life happens, distance separates, hearts break, careers end, jobs come &
go, children grow up, love waxes & wanes, parents die, colleagues forget
favors, men don't call when they say they will.
BUT sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles
are between you. A sister is never farther away than needing her can reach.
When you have to walk that lonesome valley, and you have to walk it for yourself,
your sisters will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you,
pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the
valley's end. Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you.
Or come in and carry you out. They are MY sisters, daughters, neices and girlfriends
who bless my life! The world wouldn't be the same without them, and neither
would I. When we began this adventure called womenhood, we had no idea of the
incredible joys & sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would
need each other. Every day we need each other still.
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The Present
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.
One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help
drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window.
The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for
hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs,
their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.
Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would
pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he
could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his
world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity
and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on
the water while children sailed their model boats. Young
lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the
city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on
the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the
picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by.
Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it. In his mind's
eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive
words.
Days and weeks passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to
find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died
peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants
to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved
next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making
sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look
at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.
It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his
deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things
outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not
even see the wall.
She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."
Epilogue:
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.
Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't
buy.
"Today is a gift, that's why it is called the present."
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Ten Guidelines From God
Effective Immediately,
please be aware that there are changes YOU need
to make in YOUR life. These changes need to be
completed in order that I may fulfill My promises
to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in
this life. I apologize for any inconvenience,
but after all that I am doing, this seems very
little to ask of you. Please, follow
these 10 guidelines
1. QUIT WORRYING:
Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit
and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here
to take all your burdens and carry them for you?
Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little
thing that comes your way?
2. PUT IT ON THE LIST:
Something needs to be done or taken care of. Put it
on the list. No, not YOUR list. Put it on MY
to-do-list. Let ME be the one to take care
of the problem. I can't help you until you turn
it over to Me. And although My to-do-list
is long, I am after all... God. I can take care
of anything you put into My hands. In fact,
if the truth were ever really known, I take
care of a lot of things for you that you never
even realize.
3. TRUST ME:
Once you've given your burdens to Me,
quit trying to take them back. Trust in
Me. Have the faith that I will take care of
all your needs, your problems and your trials.
Problems with the kids? Put them on My list.
Problem with finances? Put it on My list.
Problems with your emotional roller coaster ?
For My sake, put it on My list. I want to
help you. All you have to do is ask.
4. LEAVE IT ALONE:
Don't wake up one morning and say,
"Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think
I can handle it from here." Why do you think
you are feeling stronger now? It's simple.
You gave Me your burdens and I'm taking
care of them. I also renew your strength
and cover you in my peace. Don't you
know that if I give you these problems back,
you will be right back where you started?
Leave them with Me and forget about
them. Just let Me do my job.
5. TALK TO ME:
I want you to forget a lot of things.
Forget what was making you crazy.
Forget the worry and the fretting because
you know I'm in control. But there's one
thing I pray you never forget. Please, don't
forget to talk to Me - OFTEN! I love YOU!
I want to hear your voice. I want you to
include Me in on the things going on in your life.
I want to hear you talk about your friends
and family. Prayer is simply you having
a conversation with Me. I want to be your
dearest friend.
6. HAVE FAITH:
I see a lot of things from up here that you
can't see from where you are. Have faith in
Me that I know what I'm doing. Trust Me;
you wouldn't want the view from My eyes.
I will continue to care for you, watch over you,
and meet your needs. You only have to trust Me.
Although I have a much bigger task than you,
it seems as if you have so much trouble just
doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?
7. SHARE:
You were taught to share when you were
only two years old. When did you forget?
That rule still applies. Share with those who are
less fortunate than you. Share your joy with
those who need encouragement. Share your
laughter with those who haven't heard any in
such a long time. Share your tears with those
who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith
with those who have none.
8. BE PATIENT:
I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime
you could have so many diverse experiences.
You grow from a child to an adult, have children,
change jobs many times, learn many trades,
travel to so many places, meet thousands
of people, and experience so much. How can
you be so impatient then when it takes Me
a little longer than you expect to handle
something on My to-do-list? Trust in My
timing, for My timing is perfect. Just
because I created the entire universe in
only six days, everyone thinks I should
always rush, rush, rush.
9. BE KIND:
Be kind to others, for I love them just
as much as I love you. They may not dress
like you, or talk like you, or live the same way
you do, but I still love you all. Please try
to get along, for My sake. I created each
of you different in some way. It would be
too boring if you were all identical.
Please, know I love each of your differences.
10. LOVE YOURSELF:
As much as I love you, how can you not
love yourself? You were created by me for
one reason only -- to be loved, and to love
in return. I am a God of Love. Love Me.
Love your neighbors. But also love yourself.
It makes My heart ache when I see you
so angry with yourself when things go
wrong. You are very precious to me.
Don't ever forget......
Touch someone with your love.
Rather than focus upon the thorns of life,
smell the roses and count your blessings!
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A Prayer For My Family
I offer thanks, dear Lord, for the gift of my family. May we always strive for peace and harmony among ourselves.
May we accept one another's weaknesses ... and encourage one another's strengths. May we always forgive one another's failings ... and rejoice in one another's successes.
I pray that we will always be patient, kind, and cheerful with one another. Help us to be selfless, always placing the welfare of one another ahead of self.
Through Jesus Christ, your only son, our Lord. Amen.
Father Joseph, S.T.
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