HANDS

A BASKETBALL in my hands is worth about $19. A basketball in Michael Jordan’s hands is worth about $33 million. It depends whose hands it’s in.

A BASEBALL in my hands is worth about $6. A baseball in Roger Clemens’ hands is worth $4.75 million. It depends on whose hands it’s in.

A TENNIS RACKET is useless in my hands. A tennis racket in Andre Agassi’s hands is worth millions. It depends whose hands it’s in.

A ROD in my hands will keep away an angry dog. A rod in Moses’ hands will part the mighty sea. It depends whose hands it’s in.

A SLINGSHOT in my hands is a kid’s toy. A slingshot in David’s hand is a mighty weapon. It depends whose hands it’s in.

TWO FISH and 5 loaves of bread in my hands is a couple of fish sandwiches. Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in Jesus hands will feed thousands. It depends whose hands it’s in.

NAILS in my hands might produce a birdhouse. Nails in Jesus Christ’s hands will produce salvation for the entire world. It depends whose hands it’s in.

AS YOU SEE now, it depends whose hands it’s in. So put your concerns, your worries, your fears, your hopes, your dreams, your families and your relationships in God’s hands because…
It depends whose hands it’s in.

THIS MESSAGE is now in YOUR hands. What will YOU do with it? It Depends on WHOSE Hands it’s in!


Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

The Scars in Life

Some years ago on a hot summer day in South Florida, a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house.
In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door,leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went.

He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, that an alligator was swimming toward the shore. His mother in the house was looking out the window saw the two as they got closer and closer together.

In utter fear, she ran toward the water, yelling to her son as loudly as she could. Hearing her voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his mother. It was too late. Just as he reached her, the alligator reached him.

From the dock, the mother grabbed her little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the mother, but she was much too passionate to let go. A farmer happened to drive by, heard her screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator.

Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal, and on his arms, were deep scratches where his mother's fingernails dug into his flesh in her effort to hang on to the son she loved.

The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs.
And then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, "But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my Mom wouldn't let go."

You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. No, not from an alligator, or anything quite so dramatic.
But the scars of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret. But, some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused to let go. In the midst of your struggle, He's been there holding on to you.

You are a child of God. He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way. But sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations.

The swimming hole of life is filled with peril -- and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack. That's when the tug-of-war begins -- and if you have the scars of His love on your arms be very, very grateful.
He did not and will not -- let you go.

If you see someone without a smile, stop ... and give them yours. God has blessed you, so that you can be a blessing to others.
You just never know where a person is in his/her life and what they are going through.

That is why it is soooo important that we are not selfish to receive the blessings of these messages without forwarding them to someone else.

Please pass it on or print it out and send it to someone else. It is more blessed to give than to receive.

You don't have any problems that the Lord can't solve, please stay encouraged
Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

Dark Candle

A man had a little daughter-an only and much-beloved child. He lived for her,she was his life. So when she became ill and her illness resisted the efforts of the best obtainable physicians, he became like a man possessed, moving heaven and earth to bring about her restoration to health.

His best efforts proved unavailing and the child died. The father was totally irreconcilable. He became a bitter recluse, shutting himself away from his many friends and refusing every activity that might restore his poise and bring him back to his normal self.

But one night he had a dream. He was in Heaven, and was witnessing a grand pageant of all the little child angels. They were marching in an apparently endless line past the Great White Throne. Every white-robed angelic tot carried a
candle. He noticed that one child's candle was not lighted. Then he saw that the child with the dark candle was his own little girl. Rushing to her, while the pageant faltered, he seized her in his arms, caressed her tenderly, and then asked: "How is it, darling that your candle alone is unlighted? "Father, they often relight it, but your tears always put it out."

Just then he awoke from his dream. The lesson was crystal clear, and its effects were immediate. From that hour on he was not a recluse, but mingled freely and cheerfully with his former friends and associates. No longer would his little darling's candle be extinguished by his useless tears.
Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

Live for others

My wife called, 'How long will you be with that newspaper? Will you come here and make your darling daughter eat her food?

I tossed the paper away and rushed to the scene. My only daughter Sindu looked frightened; tears were welling up in her eyes. In front of her was a bowl filled to its brim with curd rice. Sindu is a nice child, quite intelligent for her age.

I cleared my throat, and picked up the bowl. 'Sindu, darling, why don't you take a few mouthful of this curd rice? Just for Dad's sake, dear.

Sindu softened a bit, and wiped her tears with the back of her hands. "Ok, Dad. I will eat - not just a few mouthfuls, but the whole lot of this. But, you should...' Sindu hesitated. 'Dad, if I eat this entire curd Rice, will you give me whatever I ask for?'

'Promise'. I covered the pink soft hand extended by my daughter with mine, and clinched the deal. Now I became a bit anxious. 'Sindu dear, you shouldn't insist on getting a computer or any such expensive items. Dad does not have that kind of money right now. Ok?'

'No, Dad. I do not want anything expensive'. Slowly and painfully, she finished eating the whole quantity.

I was silently angry with my wife and my mother for forcing my child to eat something that she detested.

After the ordeal was through, Sindu came to me with her eyes wide with expectation. All our attention was on her.

'Dad, I want to have my head shaved off, this Sunday!' was her demand.

'Atrocious!' shouted my wife, 'A girl child having her head shaved off? Impossible!' 'Never in our family!' My mother rasped. 'She has been watching too much of television. Our culture is getting totally spoiled with these TV programs!'

'Sindu darling, why don't you ask for something else? We will be sad seeing you with a clean-shaven head.'

'Please, Sindu, why don't you try to understand our feelings?' I tried to plead with her.

'Dad, you saw how difficult it was for me to eat that Curd Rice'. Sindu was in tears. 'And you promised to grant me whatever I ask for. Now, you are going back on your words. Was it not you who told me the story of King Harishchandra, and its moral that we should honor our promises no matter what?'

It was time for me to call the shots. 'Our promise must be kept.'

'Are you out your mind?' chorused my mother and wife.

'No. If we go back on our promises, she will never learn to honor her own. Sindu, your wish will be fulfilled.'

With her head clean-shaven, Sindu had a round-face, and her eyes looked big and beautiful.

On Monday morning, I dropped her at her school. It was a sight to watch my hairless Sindu walking towards her classroom. She turned around and waved. I waved back with a smile. Just then, a boy alighted from a car, and shouted, 'Sinduja, please wait for me!' What struck me was the hairless head of that boy. 'May be, that is the in-stuff', I thought.

'Sir, your daughter Sinduja is great indeed!' Without introducing herself, a lady got out of the car, and continued,' that boy who is walking along with your daughter is my son Harish. He is suffering from... leukemia.' She paused to muffle her sobs. Harish could not attend the school for the whole of the last month. He lost all his hair due to the side effects of the chemotherapy. He refused to come back to school fearing the unintentional but cruel teasing of the schoolmates. 'Sinduja visited him last week, and promised him that she will take care of the teasing issue. But, I never imagined she would sacrifice her lovely hair for the sake of my son! Sir, you and your wife are blessed to have such a noble soul as your daughter.'

I stood transfixed and then, I wept. 'My little Angel, you are teaching me how self-less real love is!'

The happiest people on this planet are not those who live on their own terms but are those who change their terms for others & inspire others.
Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

Be Someone who understands..Puppies for sale

A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell. He painted a sign advertising the pups and set about nailing it to a post on the edge of his yard. As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt a tug on his overalls. He looked down into the eyes of a little boy.

Mister," he said, "I want to buy one of your puppies."

"Well," said the farmer, as he rubbed the sweat off the back of his neck, "these puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money."

The boy dropped his head for a moment. Then reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer. "I've got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?"

"Sure," said the farmer.

And with that he let out a whistle,"Here,Dolly!" he called.
out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four little balls of fur. The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fence. His eyes danced with delight.

As the dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse. Slowly another little ball appeared; this One noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid. Then in a somewhat awkward manner the little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up....

"I want that one," the little boy said, pointing to the runt.

The farmer knelt down at the boy's side and said, "Son, you don't want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would."

With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and began rolling up one leg of his trousers. In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe. Looking back up at the farmer, he said, "You see sir, I don't run too well myself, and he will need Someone who understands."

The world is full of people who need someone who understands.

Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

Bridge Of Love

Once upon a time two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict.

It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed without a hitch.Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.

One morning there was a knock on John's door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's toolbox. ;I'm looking for a few days work; he said.;Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I could help with? Could I help you?

;Yes,; said the older brother. ;I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbor, in fact, it's my younger brother.Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us.

Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll go him one better. See that pile of lumber by the barn?I want you to build me a fence - - an 8-foot fence -- so I won't need to see his place or his face anymore.;

The carpenter said, ;I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post hole digger and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you.;

The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing, and hammering.

About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job. The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all.

It was a bridge -- a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work handrails and all -- and the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming across, his hand outstretched.;You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done.;

The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other's hand. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox on his shoulder.

;No, wait! Stay a few days. I've a lot of other projects for you,; said the older brother.

;I'd love to stay on,; the carpenter said, ;but, I have many more love bridges to build
Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

Difference Between Meaning and Secret

A Brahman poor though he was, was fully contented, virtuous and learned. His wife who was very faithfully devoted to her husband was learned, possessed of knowledge in essence and was liberated from her mundane existence. The ruler of that country was also possessed of knowledge in essence and was an exalted soul free from his mundane existence. The Brahman's wife one day thought to herself that her revered husband was endowed with contentment, virtues and learning and as such he was undoubtedly worthy of attaining salvation. But if he came in contact with the king, he too could be possessed of knowledge in essence and be liberated in his mundane existence. Arguing to herself in that why she requested her husband thus-'O reverted husband, we are passing through great straits these days, it is difficult for us to make both ends meet and we have no source of income. People say that the ruler of this country is very saintly and a great soul liberated in his mundane existence and he greets and entertains the Brahmans in a respectful manner and is very generous. If you could meet him but once he would possibly, entertain you in a befitting manner and needless it is to remind you that according to the scriptural ordinances whatever the king offers without asking is nectarean to a Brahman.'

The learned Brahman said-'That's right but I think it undesirable on my part to accept gratuity from anyone for my subsistence even if it is had without asking unless I earn his gratitude by doing him some good. So I will refrain from doing that even though I am starved to death.'

'You are a learned man and you can earn the king's gratitude by exhorting him in a befitting manner', said the Brahman's wife.

This suggestion appealed to learned Brahman a little but he did not feel inspired to approach the king. At last on repeated requests from his wife the Brahman gave in and reached the king's court. The learned Brahman was well known throughout the kingdom for his good qualities and virtuous conduct. The king greeted the learned Brahman warmly. After making enquiries about his welfare, the king sent for a large number of gold coins and presented them to the learned Brahman. Refusing to accept them the learned Brahman said-'O king, I know you are very generous but I have made it a true not to accept money from any one, even if it is offered without asking, unless. I earn his gratitude by doing him some good. If you entrust me some work and if I am able to do it to your satisfaction in that case whatever you offer will be accepted by me. The king said-'Very well, you are a virtuous and scholarly Brahman. I would like to listen from you the real meaning of the Gita. Be pleased to explain to me clearly the meaning as well as the purport of the sixteenth verse of chapter XII of the Gita.

At first the learned Brahman recited the verse and then went on to explain it-

He who craves for nothing, who is both internally and externally pure, is clever and impartial and has risen against all distractions, who renounces the feeling of doership in all undertakings-that devotee is dear to Me.

After that he proceeded to give a detailed explanation of the verse as follows-He who does not entertain even the least desire, craving are hidden bias for anything who is satiated and has absolutely no concern with any object is spoken of as 'Anapeksha'.

He whose inner senses are absolutely pure whose external behaviours are pure, impartial and free from all agitations whose very sight, touch, speech and conversation lend purity to others is spoken of as truly pure-'Shuchi'.

The accomplishing of the object, for which human body has been vouchsafed to us, i.e., the realization of God is man's true cleverness. He who realizes his object is called clever (Daksha).

He who while giving evidence in a court of law or while acting as an arbitrator does not show any favour out of regard for a kinsman, relative or friend-always remains unbiased is spoken of as impartial (Udasin).

He whose mind does give way to any grief or cause of grief in other words who is not grieved at heart by any anxiety, sorrow or grief is spoken of as unperturbed (Gatavyathah).

He does nothing at all of his own accord but becomes only a puppet in the hands of 'Prarabdha' does nothing at all with a selfish motive, is contented with whatever he gets, who has given up the feeling of doership in all activities impulsed by 'Prarabdha', untainted internally or externally by egoism is spoken of as 'Sarvarambha-parityagi'.

When the learned Brahman had concluded the above detailed explanation the king modestly said to the Brahman-learned sir, you have given a good explanation. Your comments are based on sound arguments and supported by the Scriptures still I have reason to believe that in spite of giving such a beautiful explanation of the verse, you are unaware of its practical aspect. The learned Brahman spoke-'Had I not been aware of its secret meaning how could I have explained it so elaborately. I have learnt by role all the fifty two commentaries on the Gita. Still if you are aware of any further secret meaning you are requested to explain it yourself.'

Instead of saying anything in reply the king very modestly said-'O learned Brahman, I am quite satisfied with the beautiful explanation, based on the scriptures, that you have given. I am greatly obliged to you. So please accept the presents I have offered you.'

The learned Brahman said-'O king, there is actually no cause for satisfaction when you say that I am unaware of the secret meaning. The satisfaction is only verbal. So long as you aren't truly satisfied I do not intend to accept anything whatsoever from you.' In spite of repeated requests from the king the learned Brahman returned home without accepting the present. On the other side the king called for trusted spy and said-'The revered Brahman is very selfless, virtuous and self-respected scholar. You follow him in his foot step and find out how he behaves at his house and what sort of conversation takes place there and then inform me about it.' At the order of the king the spy followed him and marked the behavior and conversation of all the members of his family.

On returning home being asked by his wife the learned Brahman told her the detailed account of the happenings at the court. The wife modestly and lovingly said-'O husband, whatever the king has said seems to be proper. You shouldn't have taken ill of it.

The Brahman: (displaying a little anger and agitation). O ! You too are supporting the king's statement.

Wife: It is you who often say that a just cause must be supported.

The Brahman: (a little more agitatedly in order to prevail on her at once). It is king's statement justifiable when he says that my explanation is beautiful but I do not know its secret meaning?

Wife: Please excuse me. The king's observations are quite correct for it is easy to explain a verse but it is very difficult to know its true and hidden meaning.

The Brahman: How is it so?

Wife: In the same way as the gramophone record, which is set on the machine plays the music but is unable to know its secrets.

The Brahman: Do you mean to compare me to a gramophone?

Wife: What difference could there be between the gramophone and the man who commends and exhorts others in a beautiful manner but does not live up to his own ideals? Do you live up to the ideals you talked of, while explaining the verse to the king?

The Brahman: Why not? Where do you find me lacking?

Wife: Please listen to my humble submission unagitatedly. Pray, explain again to me each word of the verse. What do you understand by the term 'Anapaksha'?

The Brahman: He does not entertain any desire, craving or bias for anything and has no concern with anything is unconcerned (Anapeksha).

Wife: Is this term truly applicable to you?

The Brahman: Why not? I entertain no desire, craving or bias for anything whatsoever. It was on your insistence that I went to the king and in spite of repeated requests from the king I did not accept anything from him.

Wife: Very well, I take it as true that you went there on my insistence. It is your favour on me, I suppose. But tell me what does the term 'Shuchi' imply?

The Brahman: He whose inner senses are quite pure, whose external behavior is also pure, impartial and free from agitation whose sight, speech, touch and conversation even purify others, is spoken of as 'Shuchi'.

Wife: Are you internally and externally pure like that? Do people get purified by your sight, touch, speech and conversation? Are your inner senses free from all taints? Is your external behavior free from agitation, pure and unbiased? If it is so how did the feeling of anger and agitation arise in your mind and why did you utter words expressive of your ego to the king?

The Brahman: (Perplexed) well, I admit I lack that quality.

Wife: Now, how did you explain the word 'Daksha' (clever)?

The Brahman: The realization of the object for which human form has been vouchsafed to man i.e., realization of God is the true cleverness of man. He who achieves his object only he is said to be clever (Daksha).

Wife: Is it then that you have realized the great object for which you came to this world? Have you achieved the Supreme Abode? If not, there is hardly anything to demur at the king's observation.

The Brahman: You are right. I am lacking in this respect also.

Wife: What do you mean by the term 'Udasin'?

The Brahman: He who while giving evidence in the court, sitting in judgment or working in the capacity of an arbitrator makes no allowance for the members of his family, friend or kinsman out of attachment, malice, greed, infatuation or fear and remains unbiased and impartial in each and every circumstance is spoken of as unconcerned (Udasin).

Wife: Then, are you impartial? Did you not plead your own points before the king? Did you think seriously over the king's observation that you did not know the secret meaning of the verse? If not, why is the king's observation not valid?

The Brahman: (Confessing his own drawback with a pure and upright mind) You are right to tell the truth. You have opened my eyes today. I very much lack the quality of being impartial. Often in debates, I do not desist from pleading my own stand point too far in spite of knowing that my arguments hold no water.

Wife: And what does the term 'Gatavyathah' imply?

The Brahman: He who does not grieve even when confronted with the greatest sorrow or even at the presentation of a cause of sorrow, whose inner senses do not give way to any grief, anxiety or sorrow is spoken of as 'Gavyathah'.

Wife: Don't you grieve at heart for anything at all? If you do not, why were you so much agitated and grieved at the king's remarks and subsequently on my supporting the king's statement?

The Brahman: You are right indeed; I do not possess this quality in the least. When things go against my expectations, I not only feel grieved at every step but fear, agitation, envy, sorrow and such other evils make their way into my mind.

Wife: How do you interpret the term 'Sarvarambha-parityagi'?

The Brahman: One who has given up all activities internal or external impulsed by Prarabdha and does nothing with a selfish motive, who is satiated with whatever he gets unasked, who has renounced the feeling of doership in all actions impulsed by Prarabdha-such a renounced of actions, internal or external, is spoken of as 'Sarvarambha-parityagi'.

Wife: An excellent exposition indeed! But tell me whether you have renounced all actions internal or external. Do your inner senses not entertain any worldly desire? If not, why should you nurse so much of ego notwithstanding that you are performing all actions only externally?

The Brahman: True it is that I am totally devoid of this quality. All my shortcomings have been brought home to me. It is true that I reveled only in giving literal explanations and remained unaware of its secret import. Now the true meaning is being revealed to me gradually. Now I intend to become a recluse give your consent to my resolve-saying this the learned Brahman renouncing all finally resolved to proceed from his house on his spiritual quest.

Wife: (Imploringly) I too want to follow suit and accompany you.

The Brahman: I do not want to keep any sort of botheration for me far less to speak of allowing a woman to stay with me.

Wife: Please do not consider me to be a burden on you. I shall put no hindrance in your spiritual practice. My intention in sending you to the king today was surely not of procuring money. I made money only a means to an end. My only intention was that you should attain the principal object of life. The king is verily possessed of the knowledge of Truth, and is great soul liberated in his mundane existence. You too are the knower of duties, virtuous, a renouncer of actions, contented and learned as well. By virtue of your contact and association with the king who is possessed of the knowledge of Truth. You will certainly be able even to attain God-realization. Such was my intention in sending you to the king. Now if you are pleased to allow me, I would like to accompany you.

The Brahman: (expressing his gratitude) Now I stand correct. Your presence will not be of any disadvantage to me. You alone are a true benefactor and friend to me. In fact the truest friend are they who help their kinsman attain God-realization. Come alone, there too you will rather be helpful to me in God-realization.

Therefore the couple renouncing all went out of their house never to return. Thither the king's spy who had heard their conversation and witnessed the occurrences went to the king and precisely reported to him the whole affair. The king who had already handed over the charge of the state and the royal treasury etc., to the prince, after receiving the report of the spy and renouncing his state started from there. On the way he came across the Brahman couple coming towards him from the opposite direction. The king joyfully exclaimed, 'O revered Brahman, now, I see, you have understood the secret meaning of the verse of the Gita.'

The learned Brahman modestly replied-'I have not understood it yet, but am fairly on my way to understand it.'

The king too accompanied them. Then the three retiring to a solitary and secret place settled down there. The king and the Brahman's wife were verily great souls, and possessed the Brahman's wife were verily great souls, and possessed the knowledge of Truth and were liberated in their mundane existence. By virtue of his association with them the learned Brahman also succeeded in attaining God-realization.

(This story has been designed to exemplify the interpretations of the verse XII. 16 of the Gita corresponding to the 'discipline of renunciation' (The cessation of activity). Its inter-pretation and exemplification corresponding to the 'discipline of action' will be quite different from the present one).

Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

Taking Care of Anger

Compare our anger to a small child, crying out to his mother. When the child cries the mother takes him gently in her arms and listens and observes carefully to find out what is wrong. The loving action of holding her child with her tenderness, already soothes the baby’s suffering. Likewise, we can take our anger in our loving arms and right away we will feel a relief. We don’t need to reject our anger. It is a part of us that needs our love and deep listening just as a baby does.

After the baby has calmed down, the mother can feel if the baby has a fever or needs a change of diaper. When we feel calm and cool, we too can look deeply at our anger and see clearly the conditions allowing our anger to rise.

When we feel angry it is best to refrain from saying or doing anything. We may like to withdraw our attention from the person or situation, which is watering the seed of anger in us. We should take this time to come back to ourselves. We can practice conscious breathing and outdoor walking meditation to calm and refresh our mind and body. After we feel calmer and more relaxed we can begin to look deeply at ourselves and at the person and situation causing anger to arise in us. Often, when we have a difficulty with a particular person, he or she may have a characteristic that reflects a weakness of our own which is difficult to accept. As we grow to love and accept ourselves this will naturally spread to those around us.


Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

We are all motivated by a keen desire for praise, and the better a man is, the more he is inspired to glory. -Cicero

"A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him or her." - David Brinkley

"Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally." - David Frost (via eQuotes)

Calamity

A girl grumbled to her father about her hard life. She didn't know what she had to do and wanted to give up. She felt tired for fighting and fighting. One problem had been finished but the other overcame.

Her father, a cooker, took her into kitchen. He poured water into three pans and boiled them. After boiling, in the first pan was put some carrots, the second was put some eggs and the last was put with coffee. He waited for them for few minutes without any words from his mouth.

The girl closed her mouth and waited for inpatient, confused by what her father did. After approximately 20 minutes, her father turned off the stove, took out the carrots and put in the bowl. He took the eggs and put in the bowl. After that coffee was poured into the cup.

Turning back to her daughter, he asked, "My sweet heart, what do you see? " "Carrots, eggs, and coffee", she replied.

Her father closed her and asked for touching the carrots. She did and felt that the carrots were soft. After that he asked her to take the eggs and broke them. After peeling them, she got the eggs cooked and hard. The last, the father asked her to smell coffee. She asked generously, "What's the meaning, Father? " He explained that each things had felt the same unfortunate, the boiling water but different action. The strong and hard carrots. The strong and hard carrots became soft and weak after in the boiling water. The fragile eggs and thin epidermis covering the liquor became hard after cooked. Coffee cores were very unique, but they could changed water. "Who are you? " asked her father, "When the calamity knocks your door, how is your reaction? Are you carrots, eggs, or coffee? "


Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

What Matters Most

I'd watched this old man for many months, with tattered clothes most worn
I'd seen the look on many a face, as each looked at him with scorn

He did not hold a sign up, on the corner where he stood Begging for food or money, like others like him would And each day that I'd see him, I'd glimpse into his eyes He'd catch my gaze and look away, and I'd often wonder why...

I began to think to myself, what life he'd lived before A beggar not was this man I saw, was he rich or feigned be poor?

One day I noticed he wasn't there, that corner, his familiar place And I vowed that if I saw him again, I'd speak to him face to face As days went by I forgot this man, this man who'd seen much hate He must have been just another bum, another corner would be his fate

One day I walked past his spot, on my way to meet a friend And saw him right in front of me, my vow this day I'd spend "Sir, I vowed I'd talk to you, if ever I saw you here. And ask you what your life had been, throughout your many years."

"Son", he said, "I know you, I've seen your face before I'm not a bum as you probably think, I'm rich and not poor."

"If rich why do you dress this way, can you explain this to me? The rich own cars and have big homes, they stand not on the street."

He reached into his pocket, and showed me a picture of His wife who'd died one year ago, the one he dearly loved "It matters not how big the home, I have everything I need What matters most in life my son, is that which we can't see."

So Stop running after Money spend some time more today eith your dear ones.....

Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

Gold and Diamond

Long time ago, in Egypt lived a famous mystical person name Zun-Nun who used to dress in a very shabbily and simple manner. A young man came to visit him and asked "Teacher, I do not understand why people like you dress in such a way and very simple, isnt in this era was necessary to dress neatly, not only for performance but also for other reasons?.

The mystycal only smile of the man appeared on his face and he asked the young man to take his ring from one of his fingers, and said "Young friend, I will answer your question, but first do one thing for me, take this ring and go to the the market accross this street, try and u sell this for one chip of gold ?

Looking at Zun-Nun's dirty ring, the young man become doubtfull, "One chip of gold? I am not sure this ring could be sold at that price."

"Try first, young man, who knows you may sell it ." The Young man went to the market quickly. He offered the ring to the textile, vegetable, meat, fish traders, and the others. But to his expectations no body was willing to pay a chip of Gold for that ring. He went back to Zun-Nun residence and report "Teacher, no body has agrred to pay more than one chip of silver for this ring."

With a wise smile of Zun-Nun, he said "Now go to the Gold Shop at the back of this street, show this to the owner or to the gold trader. Dont give your price just listen how much he will pay for this ring."

The Young man went to the shop mentioned and return with a different expression from his face. He then report "Teacher, the traders in the market really dont know the value of this ring, the gold trader offered me for this this ring one thousand gold chips, And the value of this ring was one thousands times from what the traders in the market offer.

Zun nun just smile subtly spoke softly, "That was the answer of your questions my friend, "Someone cannot be value only from his dress " The traders in the market" give value like that.

But not for "The gold trader" The gold and Diamond inside someone only could be seen and value if you could look at the inner soul. It need heart to see, and it need a process. We cannot see it from the words or attitude that only seen for a while. Many time what we thing is a gold, is only a brass but a brass is a gold.


Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

Bear and the Two Travelers,

Two men were traveling together, when a Bear suddenly met them on their path. One of them climbed up quickly into a tree and concealed himself in the branches. The other, seeing that he must be attacked, fell flat on the ground, and when the Bear came up and felt him with his snout, and smelt him all over, he held his breath, and feigned the appearance of death as much as he could. The Bear soon left him, for it is said he will not touch a dead body. When he was quite gone, the other Traveler descended from the tree, and jocularly inquired of his friend what it was the Bear had whispered in his ear. "He gave me this advice," his companion replied. "Never travel with a friend who deserts you at the approach of danger."

Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

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
Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

How To Call The Police !!

HOW TO CALL THE POLICE WHEN YOU'RE OLD AND DON'T MOVE FAST ANYMORE !!


George Phillips , an elderly man, from Meridian, Mississippi, was going up to bed, when his wife told him that he'd left the light on in the garden shed, which she could see from the bedroom window. George opened the back door to go turn off the light, but saw that there were people in the shed stealing things.


He phoned the police, who asked "Is someone in your house?"


He said "No," but some people are breaking into my garden shed and stealing from me.


Then the police dispatcher said "All patrols are busy. You should lock your doors and an officer will be along when one is available."


George said, "Okay."

He hung up the phone and counted to 30.


Then he phoned the police again.


"Hello, I just called you a few seconds ago because there were people stealing things from my shed.Well, you don't have to worry about them now because I just shot them." and he hung up..


Within five minutes, six Police Cars, a SWAT Team, a Helicopter, two Fire Trucks, a Paramedic, and an Ambulance showed up at the Phillips' residence, and caught the burglars red-handed.


One of the Policemen said to George, "I thought you said that you'd shot them!"


George said, "I thought you said there was nobody available!"

(True Story) I LOVE IT!

Don't mess with old people


Live well, laugh often, love much!!!

Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

Get more out of life with deep silence

Silence is a valuable constituent of the game of life; silence is the key that has the potential to open doors; it can free you of confusion. Silence empowers you think things through and come up with solutions because it is only in silence you can listen well. You can listen to the deepest wisdom of your soul.

In the absence of silence you tend to get overtaken by the mind and the body, and emotions. The clutter prevents you from listening to your psyche and soul. To listen to your psyche, your soul, your Divinity, you need to establish a strong relationship with silence; without it we might remain unaware of many things. When we live on the surface, the noise is overpowering.

It may be interesting to carry out a small experiment with your life. Go some place where there is plenty of silence and quiet. Sit in silence and observe yourself. You will find that in that silence you are beginning to get to know yourself. People go to the Himalayas and the caves to find a silent, secluded place free of distractions. The ambience of quiet engenders the exercise of looking within.

The life we have designed and created; the life most of us live, is an outer life. The outside is a very beautiful world; we have created it with our consciousness. However, the inner world is even better, more powerful, stronger, greater and bigger. Whatever exists in the universe outside also exists inside you. The whole universe, and maybe more, exists inside you. With our limited mental, vital and physical capacities we are able to become a little bit aware of the outer world, but by bringing alive our inner world we can know much more. We wish for possible happiness and success; its the inner world that has the capacity to open many more possibilities for you.

Right now you are enjoying travelling. This is a possibility. You take decisions on the basis of the possibility of a peaceful, joyful, harmonious, healthy, mindful and clear life, without any kind of insecurity or fear, pain, sufferings, worries. That is the desire, the aspiration every one of us nurtures. If we are searching for those possibilities in the outer world it is not possible, because the outer world has different kinds of possibilities also. It can give every comfort you ask for, but with every comfort, there comes some discomfort too. With any outer joy, pain will also be there. With any outer happiness, unhappiness would come too. Anything that comes from the outer world comes with its opposite in tow.

Take some time off every day to be silent, even if for five or 10 minutes Feel it, experience it, and observe it. That is the moment when you are with you, when you available to yourself. When you are in silence you are living in the present, which we dont do very often.

Silence does not mean absence of speech. Silence is an inner state. Something will automatically change in your state, in your nature, and silence will establish itself. Even if you are in a catastrophe, no one can destroy your silence; no one can take the inner quiet away from you. Once silence starts helping you, helping your evolution, then you can enjoy the beauty of life.

Silence is a state of consciousness. Silence is not an effort. If you are making an effort to be silent you are making more noise. Silence is an effortless effort. It will be born spontaneously with your understanding. Silence is the birthplace of your soul.


Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

Be A Blessing To Others

A blessing is a thing conducive to our happiness. We, certainly, all look for our daily blessings from God. Recognizing our blessings is an important factor in order to be a blessing to others. How can we be a blessing to others? Everyone wants the feeling of being happy and feeling loved. By reflecting on what makes us feel happy or brings a smile to our faces. We can then be a blessing to others, simply by doing for others what we would like done for us.

This morning, did you wake up fully aware of a brand new day? That's a blessing in itself. Why not make someone aware of their blessing by greeting them with a ,"Good morning".Those simple two words, may start off their day with a blessing, just by bidding them a "good morning".

Our families are one of our many blessings. Do you bid them a good morning each day or just take that blessing for granted? So let's, get started by being a blessing to others in our own homes. No one wants to ever imagine their life without their families, so showing them a little appreciation is a blessing to them.

Outside of our families, we can still be a blessing to others by just being kind and patient. Any random act of kindness towards a stranger is a blessing. Greeting them with a smile in the morning, Simple gestures may be overlooked by some people. But, there are others that will recognize that gesture and deem it a blessing from you. We are out there, waiting on a blessing from you!

A neighbor's son mowed our lawn, the other day. It was truly a blessing to us. He didn't expect anything in pay. He just did it to help a neighbor. His kind deed was a blessing to us and deeply appreciated. I peered out the bedroom window to see a fresh mowed lawn. By blessing others, you then become a conductor of happiness. He was the conductor of my happiness that morning.

The rich and affluent are often times a blessing to others through their philanthropic endeavors. However , we don't have to have any money to be a blessing to others. We can be a blessing to others in so many ways. Blessings others, offers endless possibilities. The strategy behind being a blessing to others, should never be seeking anything in return.

Of course, a thank you is always warranted. Even blessings, should never ever be taken for granted. Being a blessing to others is recognized as a sincere gesture and never tainted with ulterior motives.

The last time someone made you smile. They were a blessing to you. The time, when someone enriched your life. They were a blessing to you. The time someone made you feel loved. They too were a blessing to you. The point is there are many ways to be a blessing to others. Take a moment, reflect on what makes you happy. You are now capable of being a blessing to someone else, with that knowledge. Please take note, "don't block any blessings."

Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

Heaven and Hell

A man, his horse and his dog were traveling down a road. When they were passing by a gigantic tree, a bolt of lightning struck and they all fell dead on the spot.
But the man did not realize that he had already left this world, so he went on walking with his two animals; sometimes the dead take time to understand their new condition…

The journey was very long, uphill, the sun was strong and they were covered in sweat and very thirsty. They were desperately in need of water. At a bend in the road they spotted a magnificent gateway, all in marble, which led to a square paved with blocks of gold and with a fountain in the center that spouted forth crystalline water.
The traveler went up to the man guarding the gate.
“Good morning. What is this beautiful place?”
“This is heaven.”
“How good to have reached heaven, we’re ever so thirsty.”
“You can come in and drink all you want.”
“My horse and my dog are thirsty too.”
“So sorry, but animals aren’t allowed in here.”
The man was very disappointed because his thirst was great, but he could not drink alone; he thanked the man and went on his way. After traveling a lot, they arrived exhausted at a farm whose entrance was marked with an old doorway that opened onto a tree-lined dirt road.

A man was lying down in the shadow of one of the trees, his head covered with a hat, perhaps asleep.
“Good morning,” said the traveler. “We are very thirsty – me, my horse and my dog.”
“There is a spring over in those stones,” said the man, pointing to the spot. “Drink as much as you like.”
The man, the horse and the dog went to the spring and quenched their thirst. Then the traveler went back to thank the man.

“By the way, what’s this place called?”
“Heaven.”
“Heaven? But the guard at the marble gate back there said that was heaven!”
“That’s not heaven, that’s hell.”
The traveler was puzzled.
“You’ve got to stop this! All this false information must cause enormous confusion!”

The man smiled:
“Not at all. As a matter of fact they do us a great favor. Because over there stay all those who are even capable of abandoning their best friends…”


From Book “The Devil and Miss Prym” By Paul Coelho

Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

Do not be afraid of defeat. You are never so near to victory as when defeated in a good cause. -Henry Ward Beecher

What Life is About

A Long time ago, there was an Emperor who told his horseman that if he could ride on his horse and cover as much land area as he likes, then the Emperor would give him the area of land he has covered. Sure enough, the horseman quickly jumped onto his horse and rode as fast as possible to cover as much land area as he could. He kept on riding and riding, whipping the horse to go as fast as possible. When he was hungry or tired, he did not stop because he wanted to cover as much area as possible. Came to a point when he had covered a substantial area and he was exhausted and was dying. Then he asked himself, "Why did I pushed myself so hard to cover so much land area? Now I am dying and I only need a very small area to bury myself."

The above story is similar with the journey of our Life. We push very hard everyday to make more money, to gain power and recognition. We neglect our health, time with our family and to appreciate the surrounding beauty and the hobbies we love to do. One day when we look back, we will realize that we don't really need that much, but then we cannot turn back time for what we have missed.

Life is not about making money, acquiring power or recognition. Life is definitely not about work! Work is only necessary to keep us living so as to enjoy the beauty and pleasures of life.

Life is a balance of Work and Play, Family and Personal time. You have to ecide how you want to balance your Life. Define your priorities, realize what you are able to compromise but always let some of your decisions be based on your instincts. Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of Life, the whole aim of human existence. So, take it easy, do what you want to do and appreciate nature. Life is fragile, Life is short. Do not take Life for granted. Live a balance lifestyle and enjoy Life!


Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

"Always Follow Your Dreams"

There were once 2 brothers who lived on the 80th level. On coming home one day, they realized to their dismay that the lifts were not working and that they have to climb the stairs home.

After struggling to the 20th level, panting and tired, they decided to abandon their bags and come back for them the next day. They left their bags then and climbed on. When they have struggled to the 40th level, the younger brother started to grumble and both of them began to quarrel. They continued to climb the flights of steps, quarreling all the way to the 60th floor.

They then realized that they have only 20 levels more to climb and decided to stop quarreling and continue climbing in peace. They silently climbed on and reached their home at long last. Each stood calmly before the door and waited for the other to open the door. And they realized that the key was in their bags which was left on the 20th floor.

This story is reflecting on our life…many of us live under the expectations of our parents, teachers and friends when young. We seldom get to do the things that we really like and love and are under so much pressure and stress so that by the age of 20, we get tired and decided to dump this load.

Being free of the stress and pressure, we work enthusiastically and dream ambitious wishes. But by the time we reach 40 years old, we start to lose our vision and dreams. We began to feel unsatisfied and start to complain and criticize. We live life as a misery as we are never satisfied. Reaching 60, we realize that we have little left for complaining anymore, and we began to walk the final episode in peace and calmness.

We think that there is nothing left to disappoint us, only to realize that we could not rest in peace because we have an unfulfilled dream …… a dream we abandoned 60 years ago.

So what is your dream? Follow your dreams, so that you will not live with regrets.

Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

"A Clever Dog"

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. Some 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.


Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

Judge Gently !!

Pray, don't find fault with the man that limps

Or stumbles along the road.

Unless you have worn the shoes he wears

Or struggled beneath his load.



There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt

Though hidden away from view.

Or the burden he bears placed on your back

Might cause you to stumble too.



Don't sneer at the man who's down today

Unless you have felt the blow

That caused his fall or felt the shame

That only the fallen know.



You may be strong but still the blow

That was his if dealt to you

In the selfsame way, at the selfsame time

Might cause you to stagger too.



Don't be too harsh with the man that sins

Or pelt him with word or stone

Unless you are sure - yea, doubly sure -

That you have no sins of your own.



For you know, perhaps,

If the tempter's voice should whisper as soft to you

As it did to him when he went astray

It might cause you to falter too.



Let's all try to be a little bit more sympathetic to others.

Let's try to live life with a clear conscience.

Let's not judge others.

Let's treat everyone like we want to be treated.

Let's act as God would want us to act.

Let's not just talk about it.

Let's really do it!

Starting right now!!




Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

Saying Sorry After Fight!!

Making Up After a Fight Quotes

It's said, "Love means never having to say you are sorry". However, this is not entirely true. At times, you need to say sorry after a fight, just to let your partner know that you realize your mistake. Saying sorry does not lower your self-respect. Infact, it helps in bridging the barrier created between the two of you because of a fight. You should never ever hesitate to sorry if you are at fault. However, most of the people do not how to say sorry after a fight. And, even though they are feeling apologetic, they fail to convey the same.

In the following lines, we have provided tips on saying sorry and making up after a fight…

• Say sorry only when you mean it. Saying sorry after a fight just to avoid further argument does not help. This is so because deep down you still feel that you were right and your partner was wrong. The issue does not get resolved and the next time even a smallest of mistake by your partner will snowball into a major issue and all the old matters will be raised again, leaving both of you frustrated.

• Do not take too much time in saying sorry. Saying sorry after a week will mean nothing. However, do take some time to think about your apology. It should not look as if you are saying sorry just for the heck of it.

• While saying sorry, do not bring up old issues or do not refer to the mistakes of your partner. You are here to accept your mistakes and not to criticize.

• Do not say sorry on the phone, through sms or via e-mail. It will hurt your partner even more. If you feel you have done something wrong, have the courage to say that you are sorry.

• After saying sorry, wait for the reaction of your partner. Give him/her an opportunity to vent his/her feelings, hurt as well as anger. Be patient and only after he/she is through, give your explanation.




Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

Hold my Hand

Hold my Hand Quotes

Here is a short story with a beautiful message...
Little girl and her father were crossing a bridge.
The father was kind of scared so he asked his little daughter,
'Sweetheart, please hold my hand so that you don't fall into the river.'
The little girl said, 'No, Dad. You hold my hand.'
'What's the difference?' Asked the puzzled father.
'There's a big difference,' replied the little girl.

'If I hold your hand and something happens to me,
chances are that I may let your hand go.
But if you hold my hand, I know for sure that no matter what happens,
you will never let my hand go.'


In any relationship, the essence of trust is not in its bind, but in its bond.

So hold the hand of the person who loves you rather than expecting them to hold yours...
This message is too short......but carries a lot of Feelings.


Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

''A BABY'S HUG''

We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly eating and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, ''Hi there.'' He pounded his fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled with merriment.
I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man whose pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map. We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists.

''Hi there, baby; Hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster,'' the man said to Erik. My husband and I exchanged looks,''What do we do?'' Erik continued to laugh and answer, ''Hi, hi there.'' Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby. Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, ''Do ya patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek-a-boo.''

Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk. My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skidrow bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments.

We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door. ''Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik,'' I prayed.

As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's ''pick-me-up'' position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man's. Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love relationship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back. No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time. I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, ''You take care of this baby.'' Somehow I managed, ''I will,'' from a throat that contained a stone. He pried Erik from his chest unwillingly, longingly, as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, ''God bless you,ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift.'' I said nothing more than a muttered thanks

With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, ''My God, my God, forgive me.'' I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes.

I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. I felt it was God asking, ''Are you willing to share your son for a moment?'' when He shared His for all eternity. The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, ''To enter the Kingdom of God, we must become as little children.''


Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

Thank You God

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings,
thank you, Lord,
that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible,
thank you, Lord, that I can see. Many are blind.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising,
thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise.
There are many who are bedridden.

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned,
tempers are short, and my children are so loud,
thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.

Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in magazines
and the menu is at times unbalanced,
thank you, Lord, for the food we have.
There are many who are hungry.

Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous,
thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work.
There are many who have no job.

Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish
my circumstances were not so modest,
thank you, Lord, for life.


Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

PUT THE GLASS DOWN TODAY !

A professor began his class by holding up a glass with some water in it. He held it up for all to see & asked the students.

“How much do you think this glass weighs?”
’50gms!’ ….. ’100gms!’ …..’125gms’ …the students answered.

“I really don’t know unless I weigh it,” said the professor, “but, my question is: What would happen if I held it up like this for a few minutes?”
‘Nothing’… the students said.

‘Ok what would happen if I held it up like this for an hour?’ the professor asked.
‘Your arm would begin to ache’ said one of the student.

“You’re right, now what would happen if I held it for a day?”
“Your arm could go numb, you might have severe muscle stress & paralysis & have to go to hospital for sure!”… ventured another student & all the students laughed.

“Very good. But during all this, did the weight of the glass change?” asked the professor.
‘No’… was the answer.

“Then what caused the arm ache & the muscle stress?” The students were puzzled.

“What should I do now to come out of pain?” asked professor again.
“Put the glass down!” said one of the students… “Exactly!” said the professor.

————————————-

Life’s problems are something like this. Hold it for a few minutes in your head & they seem OK.
Think of them for a long time & they begin to ache. Hold it even longer & they begin to paralyze you. You will not be able to do anything.

It’s important to think of the challenges or problems in your life,
But EVEN MORE IMPORTANT is to ‘PUT THEM DOWN’ at the end of every day before You go to sleep.

That way, you are not stressed, you wake up every day fresh &strong & can handle any issue, any challenge that comes your way!

So, when you leave office today, Remember friend to

*** PUT THE GLASS DOWN TODAY! ***


Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

Who is packing your parachute

Charles Plumb was a US Navy jet pilot in Vietnam. After 75 combat missions, his plane was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile. Plumb ejected and parachuted into enemy hands. He was captured and spent 6 years in a communist Vietnamese prison. He survived the ordeal and now lectures on lessons learned from that experience!

One day, when Plumb and his wife were sitting in a restaurant, a man at another table came up and said, "You're Plumb! You flew jet fighters in Vietnam from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down!"

"How in the world did you know that?" asked Plumb.

"I packed your parachute," the man replied. Plumb gasped in surprise and gratitude. The man pumped his hand and said, "I guess it worked!" Plumb assured him, "It sure did. If your chute hadn't worked, I wouldn't be here today."

Plumb couldn't sleep that night, thinking about that man. Plumb says, "I kept wondering what he had looked like in a Navy uniform: a white hat; a bib in the back; and bell-bottom trousers. I wonder how many times I might have seen him and not even said 'Good morning, how are you?' or anything because, you see, I was a fighter pilot and he was just a sailor." Plumb thought of the many hours the sailor had spent at a long wooden table in the bowels of the ship, carefully weaving the shrouds and folding the silks of each chute, holding in his hands each time the fate of someone he didn't know.

Now, Plumb asks his audience, "Who's packing your parachute?" Everyone has someone who provides what they need to make it through the day. He also points out that he needed many kinds of parachutes when his plane was shot down over enemy territory - he needed his physical parachute, his mental parachute, his emotional parachute, and his spiritual parachute. He called on all these supports before reaching safety.

Sometimes in the daily challenges that life gives us, we miss what is really important. We may fail to say hello, please, or thank you, congratulate someone on something wonderful that has happened to them, give a compliment, or just do something nice for no reason. As you go through this week, this month, this year, recognize people who pack your parachutes.

Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

Are you listening, or are you waiting to be called?

Back when the telegraph was the fastest method of long-distance communication, a young man applied for a job as a Morse Code operator. Answering an ad in the newspaper, he went to the office address that was listed.

When he arrived, he entered a large, busy office filled with noise and clatter, including the sound of the telegraph in the background. A sign on the receptionist’ s counter instructed job applicants to fill out a form and wait until they were summoned to enter the inner office.

The young man filled out his form and sat down with the seven other applicants in the waiting area. After a few minutes, the young man stood up, crossed the room to the door of the inner office, and walked right in.

Naturally the other applicants perked up, wondering what was going on. They muttered among themselves that they hadn’t heard any summons yet.

They assumed that the young man who went into the office made a mistake and would be disqualified.

Within a few minutes, however, the employer escorted the young man out of the office and said to the other applicants, “Gentlemen, thank you very much for coming, but the job has just been filled.”

The other applicants began grumbling to each other, and one spoke up saying, “Wait a minute, I don’t understand. He was the last to come in, and we never even got a chance to be interviewed. Yet he got the job. That’s not fair!”

The employer said, “I’m sorry, but the last several minutes while you’ve been sitting here, the telegraph has been ticking out the following message in Morse Code: ‘If you understand this message, then come right in. The job is yours.’ None of you heard it or understood it. This young man did. The job is his.”

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We are so busy living in a world that is full of noise and clatter, like that office. People are distracted and unable to hear the still, small voice of God as He speaks in creation, in the Scriptures, and in the life and work of Jesus Christ.

Are you listening, or are you waiting to be called?

Do you hear the Lord when he speaks to you?






Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

Sacrifice Play

Sacrifice Play



In Brooklyn, New York, Chush is a school that caters to learning disabled children. Some children remain in Chush for their entire school career, while others can be main streamed into conventional schools.

At a Chush fund-raising dinner, the father of a Chush child delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all that attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he cried out, “Where is the perfection in my son Jerry?

Everything God does is done with perfection. But my child cannot understand things as other children do. My child cannot remember facts and figures as other children do. Where is God’s perfection?”

The audience was shocked by the question, pained by the father’s anguish and stilled by the piercing query. “I believe,” the father answered, “that when God brings a child like this into the world, the perfection that He seeks is in the way people react to this child.”

He then told the following story about his son Jerry:

One afternoon Jerry and his father walked past a park where some boys Jerry knew were playing baseball. Jerry asked, “Do you think they will let me play?” Jerry’s father knew that his son was not at all athletic and that most boys would not want him on their team. But Jerry’s father understood that if his son were chosen to play it would give him a comfortable sense of belonging.

Jerry’s father approached one of the boys in the field and asked if Jerry could play. The boy looked around for guidance from his teammates. Getting none, he took matters into his own hands and said, “We are losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we’ll try to put him up to bat in the ninth inning”

Jerry’s father was ecstatic as Jerry smiled broadly. Jerry was told to put on a glove and go out to play short center field. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Jerry’s team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Jerry’s team scored again and now with two outs and the bases loaded with the potential winning run on base, Jerry was scheduled to be up. Would the team actually let Jerry bat at this juncture and give away their chance to win the game?

Surprisingly, Jerry was given the bat. Everyone knew that it was all but impossible because Jerry didn’t even know how to hold the bat properly, let alone hit with it. However, as Jerry stepped up to the plate, the pitcher moved a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Jerry should at least be able to make contact. The first pitch came in and Jerry swung clumsily and missed. One of Jerry’s teammates came up to Jerry and together they held the bat and faced the pitcher waiting for the next pitch. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly toward Jerry.

As the pitch came in, Jerry and his teammate swung the bat and together they hit a slow ground ball to the pitcher. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could easily have thrown the ball to the first baseman. Jerry would have been out and that would have ended the game. Instead, the pitcher took the ball and threw it on a high arc to right field, far beyond reach of the first baseman.

Everyone started yelling, “Jerry, run to first. Run to first!” Never in his life had Jerry run to first. He scampered down the baseline wide eyed and startled. By the time he reached first base, the right fielder had the ball. He could have thrown the ball to the second baseman that would tag out Jerry, who was still running. But the right fielder understood what the pitcher’s intentions were, so he threw the ball high and far over the third baseman’s head. Everyone yelled, “Run to second, run to second.”

Jerry ran towards second base as the runners ahead of him deliriously circled the bases towards home.

As Jerry reached second base, the opposing short stop ran to him, turned him in the direction of third base and shouted, “Run to third.” As Jerry rounded third, the boys from both teams ran behind him screaming, “Jerry run.”

Jerry ran home, stepped on home plate and all 18 boys lifted him on their shoulders and made him the hero, as he had just hit a “grand slam” and won the game for his team.

“That day,” said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, “those 18 boys reached their level of God’s perfection.”



Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

A Carrot and an Egg to examine

A student complained to his learned teacher about the difficulties he has to endure in his life. He came from a very poor family and had to look after his home and support his aged and sick parents and his younger siblings by working hard every day after the classes in school while his wealthy class-mates could play and rest without any stress or strain. He was almost exhausted and had even thought about committing suicide.

The wise teacher gave him a carrot and an egg to examine. He was asked to comment on their hardness. He said that the carrot was sufficiently hard that it cannot be crushed by hands. The egg could be easily cracked and the liquid contents would leak out with ease. Then the teacher put the carrot and egg together in a pan, added some water to cover the articles and then boiled the water over the flame.

After some time, the teacher took out the articles from the pan and asked for the comments of the student. The boy observed that the carrot, which was hard earlier, had become very soft after boiling. The egg, on the other hand, became very hard during the boiling. Its contents had solidified and now would not flow out even when the shell is shattered.

The teacher told the boy, “Earlier, you were like the carrot. Your courage and strength of mind were lost when you were exposed to the hard realities of life. You became weak and could be smashed easily.” Next, he displayed the egg and told, “Be like the egg. You are soft and tender by nature, but the adversities of life should make you bolder and stronger. Then you can gain the courage to face any harsh moments with confidence.” He then narrated the biography of successful persons who could overcome the hard times of early life with confidence and earnest efforts.


Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You