Words of Inspiration - Part III [Archive]

bearkat77

Oct 15, 2001, 05:53 PM

Live A Happier Life

Next time you wake up, instead of dreading the day ahead, rise and shine and expect something wonderful to happen today!

When you go outside, notice people going about their lives, and wonder to yourself what they're thinking, and if they're happy.

Feel the rain or wind on your face, don't hide from it. Isn't it refreshing?

Smile at everyone you meet. It is a fact that people tend to respond to the look you are wearing on your own face!

Wiggle your toes if you are bored. Be happy that you have toes to wiggle!

Be polite, and say please and thank you. That girl taking your order at the fast food place is a human being too, be nice to her.

When you are eating, really slow down and enjoy every bite of what you are eating! It's good... well, and even if you don't like it, isn't it great that you have food?

Never underestimate yourself! You are always growing and learning. Just because you didn't succeed at something in the past doesn't mean you can't get it right this time around!

Stop complaining about your life. Never take for granted all the joys and freedoms you have. Remember those who have less.

Tell everyone who is important to you how you feel about them! You do not ever want to spend your days regretting things you never told them.

And last but never least, remember that life is about love. Give love when you can, and it will be given to you!

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bearkat77

Oct 15, 2001, 05:54 PM

The Journey Of The Soul

Your heart is filled with pain,
Your mind cluttered with confusion.

Pieces of your life fall around you
Like raindrops in a storm.

The path you chose so long ago
Led you straight to hurts door.

Now your weary feet struggle
To find the road back home,
Searching for the places
That love and beauty hide.

Temptations lie in wait all around,
Pulling at your every step,
Waiting for you to slide back
From the chosen, sought for, path.

Emptiness surrounds you,
Confusing your perceptions.
It is difficult to carry on.

I will do my best to fill your heart with joy,
To clear the cobwebs of confusion,
Help you find your purpose.

I am good at catching pieces
And I can chase away a storm.

Let me walk your path beside you,
I have walked this road before.

You can lean on me when the weariness comes.
My shoulders are very strong.

I can not fight your battles,
Or chase away demons of the soul,
But I can lend you my strength
Until you find your own.

I will help you find the courage
To face each day anew.

I can not shorten the journey you must make,
The road is just as long as before.

But I can fill the emptiness
And help you reach your center,
The place where love and beauty hide.

Take my hand, be my friend,
Let me walk with you awhile.

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Oct 15, 2001, 08:29 PM

Follow your dreams

I knew a man who had a mission
There was a mountain he had to climb
This dream of his became a vision
That never left his mind
He packed his gear and set on out
Trying to make that climb one day
And in his mind, there was no doubt
But the weather got in his way
So he fought the storm that slowed him down
And he made it through the night
And when the morning sun came round
He was woken by the light
He kept working every night and day
Trying to make his way on up
And come one morning when the night gave way
He was sitting there, right on top
And now the man sits on the mountain
With the gleam of stars in his eyes
But there's one thing that he knows for certain
He can get there if he tries

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Oct 15, 2001, 08:30 PM

Living is a lesson that never seems to end
A path that’s ever changing, sharing wisdom like a friend

A child is full of hunger for scenes he has not seen
And spends his time by feeding his curiosity
And many new experiments bring pleasure mixed with pain
But experience will teach him not to cause the pain again

A young man's life is formed by the choices that he makes
Before he even knows what he really has at stake
For knowledge comes from living and trying something new
But wisdom comes from learning from all that you've been through

And as a man grows older his habits tend to change
The things he came to care about have taken all his days
He cannot see the wonder he used to see in life
So he does not use the wisdom he's learned from all his strife

An old man has the wisdom, a young man has the drive
And when they work together they really come alive
For a young man has ideas for things he'd like to do
And an old man has the wisdom to make those dreams come true

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bearkat77

Oct 15, 2001, 10:14 PM

I Believe...

I believe in miracles and dreams that will come true,
And I believe in happiness and friendship, through and through.

I believe that when you cry your tears are not in vain,
And when you're sad and lonely, someone knows your pain.

I believe that when we laugh a sparkle starts to shine,
And I just know that spark will spread from more hearts than just mine.

I believe the gifts you have are there for you to share
And when you give them from the heart, the whole world knows you care.

I believe that if you give, even just to one,
That gift will grow in magnitude before the day is done.

I believe that comfort comes from giving part of me,
And if I share with others, there's more for all to see.

I believe that love is still the greatest gift of all
And when it's given from the heart, not one of us will fall.

- Author Unknown

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bearkat77

Oct 15, 2001, 10:16 PM

Carl And The Church's Garden

Carl was a quiet man. He didn't talk much. He would always greet you with a big smile and a firm handshake, but even after living in our neighborhood for over 50 years, no one could really say they knew him very well. All we really knew was he had worked for the Gas Company and had won an award when he retired for never having taken a sick day in all his 51 years with the company.

Before his retirement, he took the bus to work each morning. As his retirement approached and he grew older, the lone sight of him walking down the street often worried us. He had a slight limp from a bullet wound received in WW II. The bullet itself was still lodged very near his spine.Watching him, we worried that although he had survived World War II, he may not make it through our changing uptown neighborhood with its ever-increasing random violence, gangs, and drug activity. How could we have known that a Miracle limped in our midst?

Carl was in his early 70s when he began what was to be a 15 plus years job of caring for the gardens behind the minister's residence. He was then retired and his wife had died a few years earlier. When he saw the flyer at our local church asking for volunteers, he responded in his characteristically unassuming manner. Without fanfare, he just signed up to do the weeding, watering and seeding of flowers and vegetables that were planted each spring. He was well into his 87th year when the very thing we had always feared finally happened. He was just finishing his watering for the day when three gang members approached him. Ignoring their attempt to intimidate him, he simply asked, "Would you like a drink from the hose?"

The tallest and toughest-looking of the three said, "Yeah, sure", with a malevolent little smile. As Carl offered the hose to him, the other two grabbed Carl's arm, throwing him down. As the hose snaked crazily over the ground, dousing everything in its way, Carl's assailants stole his retirement watch and his wallet, and then fled.

Carl tried to get himself up, but he had been thrown down on his bad leg. He lay there trying to gather himself as the minister came running to help him. Although the minister had witnessed the attack from his window, he couldn't get there fast enough to stop it. "Carl, are you okay? Are you hurt?" the minister kept asking as he helped Carl to his feet.

Carl just passed a hand over his brow and sighed, shaking his head. "Just some punk kids. I hope they'll wise-up someday." His wet clothes clung to his slight frame as he bent to pick up the hose. He adjusted the nozzle again and started to water.

Confused and a little concerned, the minister asked, "Carl, what are you doing?" "I've got to finish my watering. It's been very dry lately", came the calm reply. Satisfying himself that Carl really was all right, the minister could only marvel. Carl was a man from a different time and place.

A few weeks later, the three returned. Just as before, their threat was unchallenged. Carl again offered them a drink form his hose. This time they didn't rob him. They wrenched the hose from his hand and drenched him head to foot in the icy water as he tried un-successfully to fend them off.

When they had finished their humiliation of him, they sauntered off down the street, throwing catcalls and curses, falling over one another laughing at the hilarity of what they had just done. Carl just watched them. Then he turned toward the warmth-giving sun, picked up his hose, and went on with his watering.

The summer was quickly fading into fall. Thankfully, things had been quiet and uneventful. Carl was doing some tilling and getting the rose beds ready for their winter mulch protection when he was startled by the sudden approach of someone behind him. He stumbled and fell into some evergreen branches. As he struggled to regain his footing, he turned to see the tall leader of his summer tormentors reaching down for him. He braced himself for the expected attack.

"Don't worry old man, I'm not gonna hurt you this time." The young man spoke softly, still offering the tattooed and scarred hand to Carl. As he helped Carl get up, the man pulled a crumpled bag from his pocket and handed it to Carl.

"What's this?" Carl asked.

"It's your stuff," the man explained. "It's your stuff back. Even the money in your wallet."

"I don't understand," Carl said. "Why would you help me now?"

The man shifted his feet, seeming embarrassed and ill at ease. "I learned something from you," he said. "I ran with that gang and hurt people like you.We picked you because you were old and we knew we could do it. But every time we came and did something to you, instead of yelling and fighting back, you tried to give us a drink. You didn't hate us for hating you. You kept showing love against our hate." He stopped for a moment. "I couldn't sleep after we stole your stuff, so here it is back." He paused for another awkward moment, not knowing what more there was to say. "That bag's my way of saying thanks for straightening me out, I guess." And with that, he walked off down the street.

Carl looked down at the sack in his hands and gingerly opened it. He took out his retirement watch and put it back on his wrist. Opening his wallet, he checked for his wedding photo. He gazed for a moment at the young bride that still smiled back at him from all those years ago, and then put the photo back in its place. He pocketed his billfold once again and went back to mulching his roses.

He didn't make it to the following spring to see those roses bloom again. He died one cold day after Christmas that winter.

Many people attended his funeral, in spite of the weather. In particular, the minister noticed a tall young man that he didn't know sitting quietly in a distant corner of the church. The minister spoke of Carl's garden as a lesson in life. In a voice made thick with unshed tears, he said, "Do your best and make your garden as beautiful as you can. We will never forget Carl and his garden."

The following spring, as the ice thawed in the yard, another flyer went up. It read: "Person needed to care for Carl's garden." The flyer went unnoticed by the busy parishioners until one day when a knock was heard at the minister's office door. Opening the door, the minister saw a pair of scarred and tattooed hands holding the flyer. "I believe this is my job, if you'll have me," the young man said.

The minister recognized him as the same young man who had returned the stolen watch and wallet to Carl. He knew that Carl's kindness had turned this man's life around. As the minister handed him the keys to the garden shed, he said, "Yes, go take care of Carl's garden and honor him."

The man went to work and, over the next several years, he tended the flowers and vegetables just as Carl had done. In that time, he went to college, got married and became a prominent businessman in the community.

But he never forgot his promise to Carl's memory and kept the garden as beautiful as he thought Carl would have kept it.

One day he approached the new minister and told him that he couldn't care for the garden any longer. He explained with a shy and happy smile, "My wife just had our baby last night, and she's coming home Saturday."

"Well, congratulations!" said the minister, as he was handed the garden shed keys. "That's wonderful! What's the baby's name?"

The young man said...Carl.

Author Unknown

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Oct 15, 2001, 11:23 PM

New Friends

New friends are like presents that you can't see inside
With an aura full of mystery that makes you come alive
For presents form a vision of a dream within your mind
That promises you pleasure when you open them in time
And friendship full of promise with love that seems to grow
Shines a light upon your life, that feeds into your soul
Anticipation brings you joy when meeting someone new
For you always hope they'll be the one
To make your dreams come true

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Oct 15, 2001, 11:24 PM

Living Love

Live your life by loving, let your feelings show
Love sings on forever, let the music flow
Listen to your feelings, beating in your heart
Let the pulse within you feed your love
For love is like a rhythm that is pulsing through your heart
And will harmonize in time with other lives
Values based on feelings rate the worth of all your love
As your pulsing heart will rate your force of life

Live your life by loving, each and every day
Love sings on forever, let the music play
Listen to your feelings, beating in your heart
Let the pulse within you feed your love
For love is like a rhythm that is pulsing through your heart
And will harmonize in time with other lives
Feelings will not fail you if they're based upon your love
For they're part of all that makes you what you are

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bearkat77

Oct 16, 2001, 09:24 PM

You Can

If you think you are beaten, you are,
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you'd like to win, but you think you can't,
It's almost a cinch you won't!

If you think you'll lose, you've lost,
For out in the world you find
Success begins with the will,
Its all in the state of mind.

If you think you're outclassed, you are,
You've got to think high to rise
You've got to think of yourself before
You can ever win the prize!

Full many a race is lost
Before ever a step is run;
And many a coward fails,
Before his work's begun.

Think big and your deeds will grow,
Think small and you'll fall behind,
Think that you can and you will,
It's all in the state of mind!

Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man;
But sooner or later the man who wins
Is the one who thinks he can!

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bearkat77

Oct 16, 2001, 09:25 PM

I Wish You

I wish you happiness deep within...
I wish you serenity with each sunrise.

I wish you success in every part of your life,
I wish you knowledge and wisdom and grace.

I wish you a bright day with much to be thankful for
And special memories of all the yesterdays,
And a bright path that leads to a beautiful tomorrow.

I wish you dreams that sometimes come true
And appreciation of all the wonderful things about you!

I wish you the caring of close friends
And I wish you Love that never ends!

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Oct 17, 2001, 04:50 PM

Wisdom from above

Black and white is easy, you've only got one choice
But life is lived in color, so let us all rejoice
For we've got many choices and colors in our lives
To paint the pictures in our minds and make them come alive

But questions aren't all easy and colors aren't all clear
And when the answer's maybe, more questions will appear
Where do you get the wisdom when the colors are all smeared
To paint the pictures clear enough to see through doubts you fear

Sometimes your faith in who you are must motivate your soul
To draw your wisdom from the Lord, to help you reach your goals
A man can't have the answers to all the questions asked
But faith and love will paint a scene of wisdom that will last

Paint the pictures in your mind, color them with love
Make those pictures come alive, with wisdom form above

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Oct 17, 2001, 04:51 PM

On this special Day

On this special day
You’ve made a brand new start
The seeds the Lord has planted
Have blossomed in your heart

Your charity and compassion
Have helped to make you grow
And you’ve touched the lives of others
Much more than you can know

I pray the Lord will bless you
And fulfill your every need
For the love you’ve shown his children
Makes you very special indeed

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bearkat77

Oct 17, 2001, 09:19 PM

After A While

After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning and company,
And it doesn't mean security.
And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises,
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes open,
With the grace of an adult, not the grief of a child,
And you learn to build all your roads on today
Because you never know what will happen tomorrow.
After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much.
And you learn to plant you own garden and decorate your own soul,
Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure,
That you really are strong,
And you really do have worth.

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Oct 18, 2001, 06:51 AM

Changing Places

I was walking in a field
what a sight to see
Flowers
with beautiful faces
all staring back at me
I walked down the rows
many different
flowers that did grow
Some were tall
and stood erect
Others were small
poor nourishment I suspect
Some had faces bright
that pointed toward the sun
Others were sad
for I fear they had none
The tall swayed back and forth
in the summer breeze
supported by sturdy roots
and healthy leaves
Yet others were small
and were lying on the ground
from roots that grew shallow
and their stems were not sound

A farmer approached
off came his hat
and with a sigh
Off to market the beauties to
for people to buy
The flowers that remained
the ones left for dead
their stems were supported
and their roots carefully fed
In no time at all
their faces did shine
It's never too late to grow
even when you are blind.

--Sandy Romer

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bearkat77

Oct 21, 2001, 07:59 PM

Heaven or Hell?

A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead. He remembered dying, and that the dog had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them.

After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble.

At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight. When he was standing before it, he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother of pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold.

He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side. When he was close enough, he called out, "Excuse me, where are we?"

"This is Heaven, sir," the man answered.

"Wow! Would you happen to have some water?" the man asked. "Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up." The man gestured, and the gate began to open.

"Can my friend," gesturing toward his dog, "come in, too?" the traveler asked.

"I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets."

The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going. After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road which led through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence. As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book.

"Excuse me!" he called to the reader. "Do you have any water?" "Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there" The man pointed to a place that couldn't be seen from outside the gate. "Come on in."

"How about my friend here?" the traveler gestured to the dog. "There should be a bowl by the pump."

They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it. The traveler filled the bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog.

When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree waiting for them.

"What do you call this place?" the traveler asked.

"This is Heaven," was the answer.

"Well, that's confusing," the traveler said. "The man down the road said that was Heaven, too."

"Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's Hell."

"Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?"

"No. I can see how you might think so, but we're just happy that they screen out the folks who'll leave their best friends behind."

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Oct 22, 2001, 01:17 PM

Beyond

Beyond where I am is where I have been and where I am going
Beyond this life of reality of which I call today,
Is a place, a state of mind or an air of existence
That holds answers to the questions which I ask along my way.

As I go from day to day in this life that I call now,
I wonder where I came from and where I am going someday.
It is as though this life is a dream, reality waits on either end,
The truth to be known only in death and before birth.

Someday I will awaken in the realm I call Beyond,
Then and only then will I know the truth.
Perhaps this life I'm living will be a dream I can't remember
And life to me then will be true knowledge and splendor.

I await the day when I go beyond this life I live today
When I will know the true meaning of what is life.
Till then I will live this life as though it is a pleasant dream
And someday waken in the realm I know now as “Beyond.”

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bearkat77

Oct 22, 2001, 09:43 PM

Don't Ever Forget

Your presence is a gift to the world,
You're unique and one of a kind.
Your life can be what you want it to be -
Take it one day at a time.

Count your blessings, not your troubles,
And you'll make it through what comes along.
Within you are so many answers,
Understand, have courage, be strong.

Don't put limits on yourself,
Your dreams are waiting to be realized.
Don't leave your important decisions to chance -
Reach for your peak, your goal, and your prize.

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying -
The longer a problem is carried, the heavier it gets.
Don't take things too seriously -
Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

Remember that a little love goes a long way -
Remember that a lot goes forever.
Remember that friendship is a wise investment,
Life's treasures are people... together.

Have health and hope and happiness,
Take the time to wish on a star.
And don't ever forget for even a day...
How very special YOU are!

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Oct 24, 2001, 05:24 PM

Heaven's Grocery Store

I was walking down life's highway a long time ago.
One day I saw a sign that read,"Heaven's Grocery Store".
As I got a little closer the door came open wide,
and when I came to myself I was standing inside.
I saw a host of Angels, they were standing everywhere.
One handed me a blanket and said, "My Child shop with care".
Everything a Christian needs is in that grocery store,
and all you can't carry, come back the next day for more.

First, I got some Patience, Love was in the same row.
Further down was Understanding, needed everywhere you go.
I got a box or two of Wisdom, a bag or two of Faith,
I just couldn't miss the Holy Ghost, it was all over the place.
I stopped to get some Strength and Courage to help me run this race,
but then my blanket was getting full, and I remembered I needed Grace.

I didn't forget Salvation, which like the others was free,
so I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me.
Then I started to the counter to pay my grocery bill,
for I thought I had everything to do my master's will.
As I went up the aisle, I saw Prayer and had to put it in,
for I knew when I stepped outside, I would run right into sin.
Peace and Joy were plentiful, they were on the last shelf.
Song and Praises were hanging near, so I just helped myself.

Then I said to the Angel, "How much do I owe"?
The Angel smiled and said, "Just take them everywhere you go."
Again, I politely asked "How much do I really owe?"
The Angel smiled again and said,"My Child, Jesus Paid Your Bill
A Long Time Ago."

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bearkat77

Oct 27, 2001, 08:28 PM

A Guardian Angel

A Guardian Angel
Flew down from above,
To teach me a lesson
About the powers of love.

She whispers to me,
Takes a hold of my hand,
There are so many things
I wish you to understand.

About the powers of love,
And all it can do,
To someone who needs
To share it with you.

A pat on the back,
A kind smile on your face,
Can make someone's life,
A much brighter place.

It doesn't take much,
To show someone you care,
To give them the love,
God gave you to share.

So please keep in mind,
All the powers you possess,
To grace someone's life,
When they're in distress.

You've been put on this earth
To bestow the powers of love,
And with those final words,
She disappeared up above.

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Oct 31, 2001, 12:15 AM

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge you never walk alone.
We leave you a tradition of the future.
The tender loving care of human beings will never become obsolete.
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, redeemed and redeemed and redeemed.
Never throw anyone away.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand,
you'll find one at the end of your arm.
As you grow older, you'll discover that you have two hands: one for helping yourself, the second for helping others.
You have great days still ahead of you.
May there be many of them.

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bearkat77

Nov 04, 2001, 01:45 AM

~Meanings~

Standing for what you believe in,
Regardless of the odds against you,
and the pressure that tears at your resistance,
...means courage

Keeping a smile on your face,
When inside you feel like dying,
For the sake of supporting others,
...means strength

Stopping at nothing,
And doing what's in your heart,
You know is right,
...means determination

Doing more than is expected,
To make another's life a little more bearable,
Without uttering a single complaint,
...means compassion

Helping a friend in need,
No matter the time or effort,
To the best of your ability,
...means loyalty

Giving more than you have,
And expecting nothing
But nothing in return,
...means selflessness

Holding your head high,
And being the best you know you can be
When life seems to fall apart at your feet,
Facing each difficulty with the confidence
That time will bring you better tomorrow's,
And never giving up,
...means confidence.

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SleepyHead

Nov 12, 2001, 05:16 PM

THANK YOU, EMILE

By Pamela Jenkins

Working in a veterinary hospital, I often help clients who
are faced with the painful decision of determining when
to let an ill or dying pet go. I tell them that there are two
rules of thumb to follow: when the owner no longer enjoys
caring for the special needs of the pet, or when the pet no
longer enjoys life.

The latter was certainly true in the case of Pretty. She
lay in her owner's lap, her haircoat dull and unkempt, eyes
sunken, and her typical Siamese yowl was nothing but a
pitiful moan. For fifteen years she had been Mrs. Peterson's
companion, seeing her through the trials of becoming a widow
and moving back closer to her family. Pretty was now losing
the battle with renal failure, a common problem in older cats.

Sitting beside Mrs. Peterson in the reception area was
Emile, her neighbor. He had called our office to schedule
the appointment, and had driven this elderly lady and her
pet to the clinic. He told me that he had prepared a place
in Mrs. Peterson's backyard for Pretty to be buried. He
had taken care of the form-signing and paperwork. Now
the only thing left for him to do was to sit quietly beside his
friend and give his support while she gently stroked her cat
and murmured her final goodbye.

As Mary, the veterinary assistant, gently lifted Pretty and
carried her to the back of the building, Mrs. Peterson's
eyes filled with tears. Once Pretty was out of sight, her
owner lost the composure she was fighting for, and putting
her face down into her hands, gently sobbed.

My four-year-old daughter was spending the morning with
me at work. Before I realized what she intended to do, she
walked up and placed her hand on Mrs. Peterson's knee
and said, "Shhh, you'll wake the owl."

Mrs. Peterson looked up, dabbed at her eyes with a tissue
and smiled weakly. She asked, "What did you say, honey?"
"You'll wake the owl if you cry."

Mrs. Peterson and Emile both looked at me with confusion,
so I quickly explained. Earlier that morning, an owl with a
broken wing had been brought to the clinic. In trying to
keep my daughter still while I worked, I had warned her
that owls sleep in the daytime, and that she had to be
quiet so it could rest.

Mrs. Peterson nodded her head, then placed the tissue
back over her eyes as tears once more threatened. Then
I noticed Emile sit up straight in his chair, and he cleared
his throat.

"The Owl and the Pussycat went to sea
In a beautiful pea-green boat.
They took some honey, and plenty of money
Wrapped up in a five-pound note..."

We sat and listened to the poem by Edward Lear that I
barely remembered from my childhood. My daughter
edged closer to Emile and listened with wide-eyed
attention. Mrs. Peterson clutched the forgotten tissue
in one hand as she, too, was swept up in the tale of
The Owl and Pussycat and their journey to a faraway
land where Bong-trees grew.

"...and hand in hand, on the edge of the sand,
They danced by the light of the moon,
the moon, the moon,
They danced by the light of the moon."

As Emile reached the end of the poem, Mary stepped back
into the reception area with Pretty's still, wrapped form and
handed it over to Mrs. Peterson. There were tears in Mary's
eyes, also, for she had heard the last few lines Emile had
quoted.

Emile stood quickly and helped his neighbor to her feet, and
gently led her to the door.

As they left, he turned to me and said a quiet, "Thank you."

No Emile, I thought to myself. Thank you.

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SleepyHead

Nov 12, 2001, 05:17 PM

A little boy about 10 years old was standing before
a shoe store on the roadway, barefooted, peering
through the window, and shivering with cold.
A lady approached the boy and said, "My little fellow,
why are you looking so earnestly in that window?"
"I was asking God to give me a pair of shoes," was
the boy's reply.
The lady took him by the hand and went into the store
and asked the clerk to get half a dozen pairs of socks
for the boy. She then asked if he could give her a basin
of water and a towel. He quickly brought them to her.
She took the little fellow to the back part of the store and,
removing her gloves, knelt down, washed his little feet,
and dried them with a towel. By this time the clerk had
returned with the socks. Placing a pair upon the boy's
feet, she purchased him a pair of shoes. She tied up
the remaining pairs of socks and gave them to him.
She patted him on the head and said, "No doubt, my
little fellow, you feel more comfortable now?"
As she turned to go, the astonished lad caught her by the
hand, and looking up in her face, with tears in his eyes,
answered the question with these words: "Are you God's Wife?"

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SleepyHead

Nov 12, 2001, 05:19 PM

PLEASE SEE ME

Author Unknown

When an old lady died in the geriatric ward of a hospital
near Dundee, Scotland, it was felt that she had left nothing
of value. Then the nurses, going through her possessions,
found this poem. Its quality so impressed the staff that
copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the
hospital. One nurse took her copy to Ireland. The old lady's
sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas
edition of the News Magazine of the North Ireland Association
for Mental Health.

"A Poem"

What do you see, nurses, what do you see,
what are you thinking when you're looking at me?
A crabby old woman, not very wise,
uncertain of habit, with faraway eyes.

Who dribbles her food and makes no reply
when you say in a loud voice, "I do wish you'd try!"
Who seems not to notice the things that you do,
and forever is losing a stocking or shoe.

Who, resisting or not, lets you do as you will
with bathing and feeding, the long day to fill.
Is that what you're thinking? Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse; you're not looking at me.

I'll tell you who I am as I sit here so still,
as I use at your bidding, as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of ten with a father and mother,
brothers and sisters, who love one another.

A young girl of sixteen, with wings on her feet,
dreaming that soon now a lover she'll meet.
A bride soon at twenty-my heart gives a leap,
remembering the vows that I promised to keep.

At twenty-five now, I have young of my own
who need me to guide and a secure happy home.
A woman of thirty, my young now grown fast,
bound to each other with ties that should last.

At forty my young sons have grown and are gone,
but my man's beside me to see I don't mourn.
At fifty once more babies play round my knee,
again we know children, my loved one and me.

Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead;
I look at the future, I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing young of their own,
and I think of the years and the love that I've known.

I'm now an old woman and nature is cruel;
'tis jest to make old age look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles, grace and vigor depart,
there is now a stone where I once had a heart.

But inside this old carcass a young girl still dwells,
and now and again my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys, I remember the pain,
and I'm loving and living life over again.

I think of the years - all too few, gone too fast -
and accept the stark fact that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, nurses, open and see,
not a crabby old woman; look closer-see ME!!

Remember this poem when you next meet an
old person. We will all one day--hopefully--
be there, too.

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McCharlenstar

Nov 14, 2001, 07:46 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE>Quote:<HR>Originally Posted By bearkat77:
Symptoms Of Inner Peace

An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.

A tendency to think and act spontaneously, rather than on fears based on past experiences.

A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others and judging other people.

A loss of interest in conflict.

A loss of the ability to worry.

Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.

Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.

Frequent attacks of smiling.

An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

Inner Peace is contagious... Pass it on!

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

These are GREAT ones to live by!
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------------------

SleepyHead

Nov 15, 2001, 12:23 AM

IF YOU LOVE ME, SAY THAT!

By Mitch Anthony

Jerry couldn't forget the snowy winter day that his first-born
son almost had a serious accident. Jeff was in his first year
of driving, which made Jerry nervous to begin with. The close
call with disaster only heightened his anxiety.

One day following the near-accident, Jeff told his father he was
getting ready to leave the house.

"Drive carefully, now!" Jerry warned.

Jeff turned to his father with a look of chagrin and asked, "Why do
you always say that?"

"Say what?"

"'Drive carefully.' It's like you don't trust me driving."

"No, Son, that's not it at all," Jerry explained. "It's just my way
of saying, 'I love you.'"

"Well, Dad, if you want to say you love me, say that!" Jeff said.
"That way I can't mix up the message."

"But...," Jerry hesitated. "What if your friends are here with you?
If I say 'I love you,' you might get embarrassed."

"In that case, Dad, when you're saying goodbye, just put your hand
near your heart, and I'll do the same," Jeff offered.

Jerry was touched that his son wanted, as badly as he, to express
his love. "You've got a deal," he said.

A few days later, Jeff was getting ready to leave again, this time
with a friend. "Can I have the keys, Dad?" he asked his father.

"Sure," Jerry answered. "Where are you headed?"

"Downtown."

Jerry tossed him the keys. "Jeff," he said, pausing before adding,
"have a great time." He subtly placed his hand near his heart. Jeff
did the same. "Sure, Dad," he said.

Jerry winked.

Jeff walked back to his father and whispered, "Winks weren't a part
of the deal." Jerry was slightly taken aback.

Jeff headed for the door. "Okay, Dad, see ya," he said. Just before
he shut the door, he turned back - and winked

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SleepyHead

Nov 15, 2001, 12:55 AM

Probably everyone, no matter what country you
hail from, has heard of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. We
have lost these two good people and to many of us, they
were our idols as we were growing up. Here is what Roy
wrote himself....to put on his headstone.

The Cowboy's Prayer

Oh Lord, I reckon I'm not much just by myself.
I fail to do a lot of things I ought to do.
But Lord, when trails are steep and passes high,
Help me to ride it straight the whole way through.
And when in the falling dusk I get the final call,
I do not care how many flowers they send--
Above all else the happiest trail would be
For You to say to me, "Let's ride, My friend."
Amen
(Sunset Hills Memorial Park, Apple Valley, California)

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bearkat77

Nov 17, 2001, 03:15 PM

Crayons

We could learn a lot from crayons:
Some are sharp,
Some are pretty,
Some are dull,
Some have weird names,
And all are different colors..........
But they all have to learn to live in the same box.

~Author unknown

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SleepyHead

Nov 19, 2001, 05:51 PM

Do your best and then sleep in peace. God is Awake.

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SleepyHead

Nov 19, 2001, 05:52 PM

He who angers you, controls you!

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SleepyHead

Nov 19, 2001, 05:56 PM

I'LL DO BETTER TOMORROW

Dear God, are You still awake?
Have you got a minute or two?
You're pretty good at understanding
And I really need to talk to You.

You see, Mommy came to tuck me in,
Like she does every night.
I was trying to play a trick on her,
Since she can't see without the light.

I was going to close my eyes,
And pretend to be asleep.
But when I heard her crying,
I didn't dare let out a peep.

She started talking to you, God.
Did you hear the things she said?
Could You hear what she was saying
As she stood beside my bed?

Why would Mommy be so sad?
I wondered just what I had done,
And then I began to remember it all
As she named them one by one...

This morning we worked in the garden,
But, honest, I really didn't know
That if I picked all the little yellow blooms,
The tomatoes wouldn't grow!

Charlie and I were trying to be helpers,
'Cause I know that's what Mommy needs,
But I don't think she was too happy with us
When we pulled up carrots instead of weeds.

Mommy said we should stop for the day,
She decided we had helped quite enough.
I sure had worked up an appetite...
I didn't know gardening was so tough!

We had peanut-butter and jelly for lunch,
And I shared too much, I guess...
But I didn't realize until I was done
That Charlie had made such a mess.

Mommy said she needed a nap,
She had one of her headaches today.
She told me to keep an eye on my sister
And find something quiet to play.

Well, God, do You remember all those curls
You gave my little sister Jenny?
We played barber shop...very quietly...
And now, well, she doesn't have any.

Boy, was Mommy mad at me...
I had to go sit on my bed.
She said never to cut "people hair" again.
I guess I'll practice on Charlie instead.

We sat and watched poor old Albert,
I just knew he must be so bored
Going round and round in the same place all day,
Wouldn't You think so, Lord?

I didn't think it would hurt to let him out for a while,
I mean, mice need exercise, too
By the way, have You seen Albert lately?
He's been sort of missing since two.

Mommy sent us outside for the rest of the day.
She said we needed fresh air.
But when Daddy came home she told him
She was trying to get something out of her hair.

We thought Mommy needed cheering up,
So we decided to brighten her day.
But, God, did You see the look on her face
When we gave her that pretty bouquet?

We had gotten a little bit dirty,
So Mommy said to get in the tub
"Use soap this time," she reminded,
"and please don't forget to scrub."

Charlie didn't like the water too much,
But I lathered up real good.
I knew Mommy would be so proud of me
For cleaning up like I should.

I went downstairs to the table,
But during dinner it started to rain...
I'd forgotten to turn off the water, it seems,
And I hadn't unplugged the drain!

I decided right then it was just about time
To start getting ready for bed,
When Mommy said, "It's sure been a long day,"
And her face began turning all red.

I lay listening to Mommy,
As she told You about our day.
I thought about all of the things I had done
And I wondered what I should say.

I was just about to tell her
That I'd been awake all along,
And ask her to please forgive me
For all of those thing I'd done wrong.

When suddenly, I heard her whisper,
"God, forgive me for today..
For not being more understanding
When those problems came my way..."

"For not handling situations
In the way You want me to...
For getting angry and losing my temper,
Things I know You don't want me to do..."

"And, God, please, give me more patience,
Help me make it through another day,
I'll do better tomorrow, I promise...
In Jesus' name I pray."

Wiping her eyes, she kissed me
And knelt here beside my bed.
She strokes my hair for a little while...
"I love you, precious, " Mommy said.

She left the room without ever knowing
That I'd been awake all the time.
And God, could we make it our little secret?
You know, Just Yours and mine?

I'm sorry I was so much trouble today.
I really didn't mean to be...
Daddy says it's tough being a kid sometimes,
But I think it's harder on Mommy than me.

Well, goodnight, God. Thanks for listening.
It's sure nice to know You're there.
I feel so much better when I talk to You
"Cause You always hear my prayer.

And I'll do better tomorrow, I promise...
Just You wait and see!
I'll try not to be so much trouble again,
But, God, please give more patience to Mommy just,
in case, for me?!

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SleepyHead

Nov 19, 2001, 06:55 PM

EASY TO SAY

It's easy to sit in the sunshine
And talk to the man in the shade.

It's easy to sit in a well-made boat
And tell others where to wade.

It's easy to tell the toiler
How best to carry his pack.

But you'll never know the weight of the load,
Till the pack is on your back.
Author Unknown

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SleepyHead

Nov 19, 2001, 07:13 PM

MY GRANDFATHER'S STORY

By Vickie Smith

There was Grandfather, his little grandson often came in the
evenings to sit at his knee and ask the many questions that
children ask. One day the grandson came to his Grandfather
with a look of anger on his face.

Grandfather said, "Come, sit, tell me what has happened today."

The child sat and leaned his chin on his Grandfather's knee.
Looking up into the wrinkled, nut brown face and the kind dark
eyes; the child's anger turned to tears.

The boy said, "I went to the town today with my father, to trade
the furs he has collected over the past several months. I was
happy to go, because father said that since I had helped him
with the trapping, I could get something for me. Something that
I wanted.

I was so excited to be in the trading post, I have not been there
before. I looked at many things and finally found a metal knife! It
was small, but a good size for me. So father got it for me."

Here the boy laid his head against his Grandfather's knee and
became silent. The Grandfather, softly placed his hand on the
boys raven hair and said, "and then what happened?". Without
lifting his head, the boy said, "I went outside to wait for father,
and to admire my new knife in the sunlight. Some town boys
came by and saw me, they got all around me and started
saying bad things.

They call me dirty and stupid and said that I should not have
such a fine knife. The largest of these boys, pushed me back
and I fell over one of the other boys. I dropped my knife and
one of them snatched it up and they all ran away laughing."

Here the boy's anger returned, "I hate them, I hate them all!"

The Grandfather, with eyes that have seen too much, lifted his
grandson's face so his eyes looked into the boys. Grandfather
said, "Let me tell you a story. I too, at times have felt a great hate
for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do.
But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like
taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled
with these feelings many times. It is as if there are two wolves
inside me, one is white and one is black. The white wolf is good
and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him and
does not take offense when no offense was intended. But will only
fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way.

But, the black wolf is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him
off
into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no
reason.
He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is
helpless anger, for his anger will change nothing. Sometimes it is
hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to
dominate my spirit."

The boy looked into his Grandfather's eyes, and asked, "Which one
wins Grandfather?"

The Grandfather, smiled and said, "The one I feed".

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McCharlenstar

Nov 20, 2001, 05:20 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE>Quote:<HR>Originally Posted By SleepyHead:
Probably everyone, no matter what country you
hail from, has heard of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. We
have lost these two good people and to many of us, they
were our idols as we were growing up. Here is what Roy
wrote himself....to put on his headstone.

The Cowboy's Prayer

Oh Lord, I reckon I'm not much just by myself.
I fail to do a lot of things I ought to do.
But Lord, when trails are steep and passes high,
Help me to ride it straight the whole way through.
And when in the falling dusk I get the final call,
I do not care how many flowers they send--
Above all else the happiest trail would be
For You to say to me, "Let's ride, My friend."
Amen
(Sunset Hills Memorial Park, Apple Valley, California)

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

This is a GREAT one to read!!Thanks!!

------------------
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bearkat77

Nov 22, 2001, 02:20 PM

A Garden

Life is a garden,
Good friends are the flowers
And time spent together,
Life's happiest hours.

And friendship, like flowers,
Blooms ever more fair,
When carefully tended
by dear friends, who care.

Thank You My Friend!!

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bearkat77

Nov 22, 2001, 02:21 PM

A Wonderful Story

A woman came out of her house and saw 3 old men with long white beards sitting in her front yard. She did not recognize them. She said "I don't think I know you, but you must be hungry. Please come in and have something to eat."

"Is the man of the house home?", they asked.

"No", she replied. "He's out."

"Then we cannot come in", they replied.

In the evening when her husband came home, she told him what had happened. "Go tell them I am home and invite them in!"

The woman went out and invited the men in."We do not go into a House together," they replied.

"Why is that?" she asked.

One of the old men explained: "His name is Wealth," he said pointing to one of his friends, and said pointing to another one, "He is Success, and I am Love." Then he added, "Now go in and discuss with your husband which one of us you want in your home."

The woman went in and told her husband what was said. Her husband was overjoyed. "How nice!!", he said. "Since that is the case, let us invite Wealth. Let him come and fill our home with wealth!"

His wife disagreed. "My dear, why don't we invite Success?"

Their daughter-in-law was listening from the other corner of the house. She jumped in with her own suggestion: "Would it not be better to invite Love? Our home will then be filled with love!"

"Let us heed our daughter-in-law's advice," said the husband to his wife. "Go out and invite Love to be our guest."

The woman went out and asked the 3 old men, "Which one of you is Love? Please come in and be our guest."

Love got up and started walking toward the house. The other 2 also got up and followed him. Surprised, the lady asked Wealth and Success: "I only invited Love, Why are you coming in?"

The old men replied together: "If you had invited Wealth or Success, the other two of us would've stayed out, but since you invited Love, wherever He goes, we go with him. Wherever there is Love, there is also Wealth and Success!!!!!!"

MY WISH FOR YOU...

-Where there is pain, I wish you peace and mercy.
-Where there is self-doubting, I wish you a renewed confidence in your ability to work through it.
-Where there is tiredness, or exhaustion, I wish you understanding, patience, and renewed strength.
-Where there is fear, I wish you love, and courage.

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SleepyHead

Nov 23, 2001, 11:06 AM

THE BITTER TASTE OF GOSSIP
© 2001 - Marissa Montgomery

An unknown author once related that during
Aaron Burr's long life, "he tasted from the
cup of honour and distinction and also drained
the dregs of bitterness, humiliation and gossip."

Burr, a prominent New York lawyer and politician,
served as U.S. Vice-President under Thomas Jefferson
from 1801-1805. He is best known for challenging
longtime political rival, Alexander Hamilton, to a
pistol dual and mortally shooting him.

The fatal dual marked Burr's fall from grace and
completely destroyed his promising political career.
He was later indicted for treason pertaining to a
empire land aquisition scheme, acquitted of all
charges and eventually returned to practicing law
in New York.

As Burr lay in his final sickbed at age 80, a
visiting friend wished to cheer him by reporting a
tasty tidbit of gossip and began, "They say...."

Burr, whose prior actions had made him the target
of malicious gossip for the last 30 years of his
life, raised his hand in quiet interruption. "My
dear," he said to his friend, "never use that
phrase. It has broken more hearts than any other."

Whenever we are tempted to spread gossip or rumors,
it is best to remember that it takes just as much
vocal effort to say something good about someone
as it does to speak ill of them.

As writer James Truslow Adams once stated, "There
is so much good in the worst of us, and so much
bad in the best of us, that it ill behaves any of
us to find fault with the rest of us."

Marissa Montgomery is a published writer
and poet. She lives in the Midwest with
her husband, two daughters and a bossy
mixed-breed dog named "Mr. Chips." She
may be contacted for reprint info at -
marissa_montgomery@hotmail.com

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SleepyHead

Nov 23, 2001, 11:08 AM

A TURN OF GOSSIP

Claire, the town gossip and supervisor of
the town's morals, recently accused George,
a local man, of cheating on his wife because
she saw his pickup truck parked outside the
home of a beautiful blonde the previous night.

George, who had lent his truck to the beautiful
blonde's boyfriend on the night in question,
just stared at Claire in complete disbelief for
a moment and then said nothing.

Later that evening, George parked his pickup
truck in front of Claire's house and left it
there all night.

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SleepyHead

Nov 23, 2001, 11:13 AM

BILL GATES AT HIS BEST
Source - Clean Humor Digest http://www.jokesnstuff.net/digest/

To anyone with kids of any age, here's some
advice Bill Gates recently dished out at a
high school speech about 11 things they did
not learn in school.

He talks about how feel-good, politically
correct teaching has created a full generation
of kids with no concept of reality and how this
concept set them up for failure in the real world.<UL TYPE=SQUARE>RULE 1
Life is not fair-get used to it.

RULE 2
The world won't care about your self-esteem.
The world will expect you to accomplish something
BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

RULE 3
You will NOT make 40 thousand dollars a
year right out of high school. You won't be
a vice-president with a car phone, until you
earn both.

RULE 4
If you think your teacher is tough, wait 'till
you get a boss. He doesn't have tenure.

RULE 5
Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity.
Your grandparents had a different word for
burger flipping - they called it opportunity.

RULE 6
If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault
so don't whine about your mistakes, learn
from them.

RULE 7
Before you were born, your parents weren't
as boring as they are now. They got that way
from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes
and listening to you talk about how cool you
are. So before you save the rain forest from
the parasites of your parent's generation,
try delousing the closet in your own room.

RULE 8
Your school may have done away with winners
and losers, but life has not. In some schools
they have abolished failing grades and they'll
give you as many times as you want to get the
right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest
resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

RULE 9
Life is not divided into semesters. You don't
get summers off and very few employers are
interested in helping you find yourself. Do
that on your own time.

RULE 10
Television is NOT real life!! In real life
people actually have to leave the coffee
shop and go to jobs.

RULE 11
Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll
end up working for one.[/list]

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[This Message Has Been Edited By SleepyHead On November 23, 2001 11:14 AM]

SleepyHead

Nov 23, 2001, 11:22 AM

WORKING TOWARD DREAMS
Unknown

Before Orville and Wilbur Wright ever flew the
first airplane at Kitty Hawk, they believed
flight was possible. They had a picture of it
in their minds.

The first step in creating anything is to be
able to picture it in our minds. If we can
picture it as a possibility, we can work to
make it happen.

When we were small, we dreamed a thousand
dreams about what could happen in our lives.
Anything, even magical things, seemed like
they could happen and our world was full of
visions. That part of us that believes
wonderful, magical things can happen is still
in us. It may have been beaten down for a
while, but it is still there waiting to help
us seek the wonderful, lovely and good things
in life.

Which of your dreams can you work toward today?

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SleepyHead

Nov 23, 2001, 11:26 AM

SEIZE THE DAY
Excerpt from T.E. Denton's "Seize The Day" sermon.

It's said that a king once sent for his jester
and presented him with a staff, saying, "Take
this staff, and keep it until you find a bigger
fool than yourself."

Lying on his deathbed many years later, the king
again sent for his jester. "I am going away,"
the king said.

"Where?" asked the jester.

"To another country," replied the king.

"What provision has your majesty made for this
journey and for living in the country where you're
going?" asked the jester.

"None," was his answer.

The jester handed the king the staff. "Take it,"
he said, "because I've found a bigger fool than
myself, for I only trifle with the things of time,
while you trifle with things of eternity."

Seize the day while we may so that there will be
no regrets when at last we must face the grave.

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SleepyHead

Nov 23, 2001, 11:29 AM

5 RULES TO JOY

1. Free your heart from hatred.

2. Free your mind from worries.

3. Live simply.

4. Give more.

5. Expect less.

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SleepyHead

Nov 23, 2001, 11:34 AM

HUGS

Has no moving parts, no batteries,
No monthly payments and no fees.

Inflation proof, nontaxable,
In fact, it's quite relaxable.

Can't be stolen, won't pollute,
One size fits all, do not dilute.

It uses little energy,
But yields results enormously.

Relieves your tension and your stress,
Invigorates your happiness.

Combats depression, makes you beam,
And elevates your self esteem!

Your circulation it corrects
Without unpleasant side effects.

It is, I think, the perfect drug,
May I prescribe, my friend,.....The HUG!

(and, of course, fully returnable!)

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SleepyHead

Nov 23, 2001, 11:42 AM

Is There A Place Without Sorrow?

There is an old Chinese tale about a woman whose only son
died. In her grief, she went to the holy man and said,
"What prayers, what magical incantations do you have to
bring my son back to life?"

Instead of sending her away or reasoning with her, he said
to her, "Fetch me a mustard seed from a home that has never
known sorrow. We will use it to drive the sorrow out of
your life." The woman went off at once in search of that
magical mustard seed.

She came first to a splendid mansion, knocked at the door,
and said, "I am looking for a home that has never known
sorrow. Is this such a place? It is very important to me."

They told her, "You've certainly come to the wrong place,"
and began to describe all the tragic things that recently
had befallen them.

The woman said to herself, "Who is better able to help these
poor, unfortunate people that I, who have had misfortune of
my own?" She stayed to comfort them, then went on in search
of a home that had never known sorrow. But wherever she
turned, in hovels and in other places, she found one tale
after another of sadness and misfortune. She became so
involved in ministering to other people's grief that
ultimately she forgot about her quest for the magical
mustard seed, never realizing that it had, in fact, driven
the sorrow out of her life.

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SleepyHead

Nov 23, 2001, 11:52 AM

THE TOUCH OF THE MASTER'S HAND

Twas battered and scarred,
And the old auctioneer,
Thought it scarcely worth his while,
To waste much time on the old violin,
But held it up with a smile,
"What am I bidden, good folks," he cried,
"Who'll start the bidding for me?"
"A dollar, a dollar"; then, "Two!" "Only two?
Two dollars, and who'll make it three?
Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice;
going for three ..." but no.
From the room far back, a gray-haired man,
Came forward and picked up the bow;
Then, wiping the dust from the old violin,
And tightening the loose strings,
He played a melody pure and sweet,
As a caroling angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer,
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said; "What am I bidden for the old violin?"
And he held it up with the bow.
"A thousand! And who'll make it two?
Two thousand! And who'll make it three?
Three thousand, once, three thousand, twice,
And going, and gone," said he.
The people cheered, but some of them cried,
"We do not quite understand,
What changed it's worth."
Swift came the reply,
"The touch of the master's hand."

And many a man with life out of tune,
And battered and scarred with sun,
Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd,
Much like this old violin.
A "mess of pottage," a glass of wine;
A game; and he travels on.
He is "going" once, "going" twice,
He's "going" and almost "gone."
But the Master comes,
And the foolish crowd,
Never can quite understand,
The worth of a soul and the change that's wrought,
By the touch of the Master's hand.

Copyright © - Myra Brooks Welch

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SleepyHead

Nov 24, 2001, 12:00 AM

SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD

A group of Geography students studied the Seven Wonders of the World.
At the end of that section, the students were asked to list what
they considered to be the Seven Wonders of the World. Though there
was some disagreement, the following got the most votes:

1.Egypt's Great Pyramids,
2.Taj Mahal,
3.Grand Canyon,
4.Panama Canal,
5.Empire State Building,
6.St.Peter's Basilica,
7.China's Great Wall.

While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student, a quiet
girl, hadn't turned in her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was
having trouble with her list.

The quiet girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my
mind because there were so many."

The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help."

The girl hesitated, then read, "I think the Seven Wonders of the World
are:

1.to touch
2.to taste,
3.to see
4.to hear."

She hesitated a little, "and then

5.to run
6.to laugh
7.and to love."

It is far too easy for us to look at the exploits of man and refer to
them as "wonders" while we overlook all God has done, regarding them
as merely "ordinary."

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SleepyHead

Nov 24, 2001, 12:06 AM

THE ANT PHILOSOPHY

Over the years I've been teaching kids about a simple but powerful
concept - the ant philosophy. I think everybody should study ants.
They have an amazing four-part philosophy, and here is the first part:
ants never quit. That's a good philosophy.

If they're headed somewhere and you try to stop them, they'll look for
another way. They'll climb over, they'll climb under, they'll climb
around. They keep looking for another way. What a neat philosophy, to
never quit looking for a way to get where you're supposed to go.

Second, ants think winter all summer. That's an important perspective.
You can't be so naive as to think summer will last forever. So ants are

gathering in their winter food in the middle of summer.

An ancient story says, "Don't build your house on the sand in the
summer." Why do we need that advice? Because it is important to be
realistic. In the summer, you've got to think storm. You've got to
think rocks as you enjoy the sand and sun. Think ahead.

The third part of the ant philosophy is that ants think summer all
winter. That is so important. During the winter, ants remind them-
selves, "This won't last long; we'll soon be out of here." And the
first warm day, the ants are out. If it turns cold again, they'll dive
back down, but then they come out the first warm day. They can't wait
to get out. And here's the last part of the ant philosophy. How much
will an ant gather during the summer to prepare for the winter? All
that he possibly can.

What an incredible philosophy, the "all-that-you-possibly-can"
philosophy.

Wow, what a great seminar to attend - the ant seminar. Never give up,
look ahead, stay positive and do all you can.

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SleepyHead

Nov 24, 2001, 12:19 AM

DON'T WE ALL

I was parked in front of the mall wiping off my car. I had just come
from the car wash and was waiting for my wife to get out of work.

Coming my way from across the parking lot was what society would
consider a bum. From the looks of him, he had no car, no home, no
clean clothes, and no money. There are times when you feel generous
but there are other times that you just don't want to be bothered.
This was one of those "don't want to be bothered times."

"I hope he doesn't ask me for any money," I thought. He didn't.

He came and sat on the curb in front of the bus stop but he didn't
look like he could have enough money to even ride the bus. After a few
minutes he spoke. "That's a very pretty car," he said. He was ragged
but he had an air of dignity around him. His scraggly blond beard keep
more than his face warm. I said, "thanks," and continued wiping off my
car.

He sat there quietly as I worked. The expected plea for money never
came.

As the silence between us widened something inside said, "ask him if
he needs any help." I was sure that he would say "yes" but I held
true to the inner voice.

"Do you need any help?" I asked. He answered in three simple but
profound words that I shall never forget. We often look for wisdom in
great men and women. We expect it from those of higher learning and
accomplishments. I expected nothing but an outstretched grimy hand.
He spoke the three words that shook me.

"Don't we all?" he said.

I was feeling high and mighty, successful and important, above a bum in
the street, until those three words hit me like a twelve gauge shotgun.

Don't we all?

I needed help. Maybe not for bus fare or a place to sleep, but I needed
help. I reached in my wallet and gave him not only enough for bus fare,
but enough to get a warm meal and shelter for the day. Those three
little words still ring true. No matter how much you have, no matter
how much you have accomplished, you need help too. No matter how little
you have, no matter how loaded you are with problems, even without
money or place to sleep, you can give help. Even if it's just a
compliment, you can give that.

You never know when you may see someone that appears to have it all.
They are waiting on you to give them what they don't have. A different
perspective on life, a glimpse at something beautiful, a respite from
daily chaos, that only you through a torn world can see. Maybe the man
was just a homeless stranger wandering the streets. Maybe he was more
than that. Maybe he was sent by a power that is great and wise, to
minister to souls too comfortable in themselves. Maybe God looked
down, called an Angel, dressed him like a bum, then said, "go minister
to that man cleaning the car, that man needs help."

Don't we all?

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SleepyHead

Nov 24, 2001, 12:20 AM

THE VISITOR

One Sunday morning the congregation of a ritzy church (with vaulted
ceilings, hand carved oak pews, stained glass windows and deep plush
carpet) had a real upset.

A man came in just minutes before the service was to begin and he was
dressed horribly. He had on boots, overalls, a flannel shirt, and a
cowboy hat. The congregation was aghast! Many quickly sent notes to
the minister about this concern. At the end of the service the minister
greeted the humbly dressed man and asked him if he enjoyed the service.

The man exclaimed that he enjoyed it very much. The minister asked
the man to consider possibly dressing differently, and told him to pray
to Jesus about how he would have him dress if he should return again.

The next week the man returned. He was dressed the same and once again
the congregation was disturbed. At the end of the service the minister
greeted the man again and asked him what he had been told by Jesus
concerning how to dress for church.

The man exclaimed, "I spoke with Jesus about this but Jesus said he
didn't know how I should dress for your church because he has never
been here."

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SleepyHead

Nov 24, 2001, 12:27 AM

Dr. Laura Schlessinger is a US radio personality who dispenses advice
to people who call in to her radio show. Recently, she said that as an
observant Orthodox Jew - homosexuality is an abomination according to
Leviticus 18:22 and cannot be condoned in any circumstance.

The following is an open letter to Dr. Laura penned by a US resident,
which was posted on the Internet. It's funny!

Dear Dr. Laura:

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law.
I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that
knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend
the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that
Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination.

End of debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the other
specific laws and how to follow them.

1. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates
a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors.
They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in
Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair
price for her?

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in
her period of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15:19-24. The problem is,
how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

4. Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and
female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend
of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians.
Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus
35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated
to kill him myself?

6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an
abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than
homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?

7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I
have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses.
Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?

8.Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair
around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev.
19:27. How should they die?

9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes
me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two
different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments
made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also
tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go
to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? -
Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family
affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev.
20:14)

I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident
you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is
eternal and unchanging.

Your devoted disciple and adoring fan.
Jim

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McCharlenstar

Nov 26, 2001, 03:30 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE>Quote:<HR>Originally Posted By SleepyHead:
THE ANT PHILOSOPHY

Over the years I've been teaching kids about a simple but powerful
concept - the ant philosophy. I think everybody should study ants.
They have an amazing four-part philosophy, and here is the first part:
ants never quit. That's a good philosophy.

If they're headed somewhere and you try to stop them, they'll look for
another way. They'll climb over, they'll climb under, they'll climb
around. They keep looking for another way. What a neat philosophy, to
never quit looking for a way to get where you're supposed to go.

Second, ants think winter all summer. That's an important perspective.
You can't be so naive as to think summer will last forever. So ants are

gathering in their winter food in the middle of summer.

An ancient story says, "Don't build your house on the sand in the
summer." Why do we need that advice? Because it is important to be
realistic. In the summer, you've got to think storm. You've got to
think rocks as you enjoy the sand and sun. Think ahead.

The third part of the ant philosophy is that ants think summer all
winter. That is so important. During the winter, ants remind them-
selves, "This won't last long; we'll soon be out of here." And the
first warm day, the ants are out. If it turns cold again, they'll dive
back down, but then they come out the first warm day. They can't wait
to get out. And here's the last part of the ant philosophy. How much
will an ant gather during the summer to prepare for the winter? All
that he possibly can.

What an incredible philosophy, the "all-that-you-possibly-can"
philosophy.

Wow, what a great seminar to attend - the ant seminar. Never give up,
look ahead, stay positive and do all you can.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

This story gives good advise!

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SleepyHead

Nov 26, 2001, 01:40 PM

TAPS
Unknown

We have all heard the haunting song, "Taps."
It's the song that gives us that lump in our
throats and usually creates tears in our eyes.
But do you know the story behind the song? If
not, I think you will be pleased to find out
about it's humble beginnings.

Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the
Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert
Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's
Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army
was on the other side of the narrow strip
of land.

During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the
moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on
the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or
Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to
risk his life and bring the stricken man back
for medical attention.

Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire,
the Captain reached the stricken soldier and
began pulling him toward his encampment. When
the Captain finally reached his own lines, he
discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier,
but the soldier was dead.

The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught
his breath and went numb with shock. In the
dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It
was his own son. His son had been studying music
in the South when the war broke out. Without
telling his father, the boy enlisted in the
Confederate Army.

The following morning, heartbroken, the father
asked permission of his superiors to give his son
a full military burial despite his enemy status.
His request was only partially granted. The
Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army
band members play a funeral dirge for his son at
the funeral. The request was turned down since the
soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for
the father, they did say they could give him only
one musician.

The Captain chose a bugle player. He asked the
bugler to play a series of musical notes he had
found on a piece of paper in the pocket of his
deceased son's uniform.

This wish was granted. The haunting melody, we
now know as "Taps," used at military funerals,
was born.

"Day is done,
Gone the sun,
From the lakes,
From the hills,
From the sky.
All is well,
Safely rest,
God is nigh.

Fading light,
Dims the sight,
And a star,
Gems the sky,
Gleaming bright,
From afar,
Drawing nigh,
Falls the night.

Thanks and praise,
For our days,
Neath the sun,
Neath the stars,
Neath the sky,
As we go,
This we know,
God is nigh."

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SleepyHead

Nov 26, 2001, 01:51 PM

WHAT DO YOU HEAR?
Unknown

A Native American and his friend were in the
downtown area of a large city. It was during
the noon lunch hour and the streets were filled
with people. Cars were honking their horns,
taxicabs were squealing around corners, sirens
were wailing, and the sounds of the city were
almost deafening. Suddenly, the Native American
said, "I hear a cricket."

His friend said, "What? You must be crazy. You
couldn't possibly hear a cricket in all of this
noise!"

"No, I'm sure of it," the Native American said.
"I heard a cricket."

"That's crazy," said the friend.

The Native American listened carefully for a
moment, and then walked across the street to
a big cement planter where some shrubs were
growing. He looked into the bushes, beneath
the branches, and sure enough, he located a
small cricket. His friend was utterly amazed.

"That's incredible," said his friend. "You
must have superhuman ears!"

"No," said the Native American. "My ears are
no different from yours. It all depends on
what you're listening for."

"But that can't be!" said the friend. "I could
never hear a cricket in this noise."

"Yes, it's true," came the reply. "It depends
on what is really important to you. Here, let
me show you." He reached into his pocket, pulled
out a few coins, and discreetly dropped them on
the sidewalk. And then, with the noise of the
crowded street still blaring in their ears, they
noticed every head within twenty feet turn and
look to see if the money that tinkled on the
pavement was theirs. "See what I mean?" asked
the Native American. "It all depends on what's
important to you."

What's important to you? What do you listen for?
Some people say that there is no God, and that
He never speaks to us anymore. But perhaps they
can't see or hear Him because they aren't listening
for Him. They are living for themselves, not for God.

If you are in tune with God, you will be able to
notice Him at work in your life and in the world.
And you'll be able to hear Him when He speaks.

May God Bless You And Keep You Safe.

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SleepyHead

Nov 26, 2001, 01:56 PM

"Where there is hate, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light."

~~ St. Francis of Assisi ~~

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SleepyHead

Nov 26, 2001, 01:58 PM

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER
by Erma Bombeck

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet
was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the "GOOD" living room and
worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a
fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble
about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a
summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before
it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried
about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television
and more while watching life.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of
pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern
if I weren't there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was
practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have
cherished every moment realizing that the wonderment growing
inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said,
"Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."
There would have been more "I love yous" ... more "I'm sorrys"
but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize
every minute.....look at it and really see it .... live it ... and
never give it back.

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McCharlenstar

Nov 26, 2001, 08:26 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE>Quote:<HR>Originally Posted By bearkat77:
Crayons

We could learn a lot from crayons:
Some are sharp,
Some are pretty,
Some are dull,
Some have weird names,
And all are different colors..........
But they all have to learn to live in the same box.

~Author unknown

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

This one is GREAT for our times!! We need to accept and treat everyone the same,regardless of our differences!!

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bearkat77

Nov 29, 2001, 11:05 PM

The Facts of Life

1. At least 5 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. The only reason anyone would ever hate you, is because they want to be just like you.

4. A smile from you, can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.

5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.

6. You mean the world to someone.

7. Without you, someone may not be living.

8. You are special and unique, in your own way.

9. Someone that you don't know even exists, loves you.

10. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.

11. When you think the world has turned it's back on you, take a look, you most likely turned your back on the world.

12. When you think you have no chance at getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you believe in yourself, you probably sooner or later will get it.

13. Always remember complements you received, forget about the rude remarks.

14. Always tell someone how you feel about them, you will feel much better when they know.

15. If you have great friends, take the time to let them know that they are great.

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SleepyHead

Dec 19, 2001, 01:58 PM

ISLAND OF FEELINGS

Once upon a time there was an island where all the feelings lived;
Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all the others, including Love.

One day it was announced to all of the feelings that the island was
going to sink to the bottom of the ocean. So all the feelings prepared
their boats to leave.

Love was the only one that stayed. She wanted to preserve the island
paradise until the last possible moment.

When the island was almost totally under love decided it was time to
leave. She began looking for someone to ask for help. Just then
ichness was passing by in a grand boat. Love asked, "Richness, Can
I come with you on your boat?" Richness answered, "I'm sorry, but there
is a lot of silver and gold on my boat and there would be no room for
you anywhere."

Then Love decided to ask Vanity for help who was passing in a beautiful
vessel. Love cried out, "Vanity, help me please." "I can't help you,"
Vanity said, "You are all wet and will damage my beautiful boat."

Next, Love saw Sadness passing by. Love said, "Sadness, please let me
go with you." Sadness answered, "Love, I'm sorry, but, I just need to
be alone now."

Then, Love saw Happiness. Love cried out, "Happiness, please take me
with you." But Happiness was so overjoyed that he didn't hear Love
calling to him.

Love began to cry. Then, she heard a voice say, "Come Love, I will take
you with me." It was an elder. Love felt so blessed and overjoyed that
she forgot to ask the elder his name. When they arrived on land, the
elder went on his way. Love realized how much she owed the elder.

Love then found Knowledge and asked, "Who was it that helped me?" "It
was Time," Knowledge answered. "But why did Time help me when no one
else would?"

Love asked. Knowledge smiled and with deep wisdom and sincerity,
answered, "Because only Time is capable of understanding how great
Love is."

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SleepyHead

Dec 19, 2001, 01:59 PM

The more you give,
The more you get
The more you do unselfishly
The more you live abundantly.
The more of everything you share,
The more you laugh, the less you fret.
The more you'll always have to spare.
The more you love, the more you'll find
That life is good and friends are kind.
For only what we give away,
Enriches us from day to day.

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bearkat77

Dec 26, 2001, 06:52 PM

Love A Child

A Hundred Years From Now

...it will not matter what my bank account was,

...the sort of house I lived in,

or the kind of car I drove...

...but the world may be different

because I was important in the life of a child.

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bearkat77

Dec 26, 2001, 06:54 PM

Angels Of Wisdom

You have been sent the Angels of Wisdom!
Follow their words of wisdom and you will be blessed!
Don't be so busy adding up your troubles
That you forget to count your blessings.

The smallest deed done
Is greater than the best of intentions.
Love is a language that can be heard by the deaf
And seen by the blind.

A house is made of wooden beams.
A home is made of love and dreams.
To be a good friend open your ears and heart
More often than your mouth.

People don't care how much you know
Until they know how much you care.

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SleepyHead

Dec 29, 2001, 11:45 AM

THE SACRIFICE FLOWER
© - Jose Hobday

My mother, who was a native American, taught me
all kinds of wonderful ways to pray when I was a
child. A very special one was the Sacrifice Flower
prayer, which she adapted from the heritage of her
people, the Seneca Iroquois.

She taught me to say this prayer when I was
feeling low or had a burden I wanted to lifted.
Later, I learned to use it for happy occasions
and when I had a special request I wanted to
make of God.

Like all mothers, she could always tell when
something was bothering me. She'd say to me,
"All right, Jo, I think it's time you went
outside and find yourself a Sacrifice Flower.
It's time you get your burden lifted from your
heart and give it to God."

So, I'd go looking for a flower. Sometimes Mother
would go out with me to help me with my flower or
talk about what was bothering me. Sometimes, too,
she had something weighing on her heart and she
would find a Sacrifice Flower of her own.

The flower was supposed to be special, one that
meant a lot to me. As a girl, I picked dandelions,
hollyhocks, and daises. So, I usually picked one
of them. In addition, Mother said I was to be very
careful with the flower because it had been selected
for a holy purpose. I lovingly cupped it in my hands
so nothing would happen to it.

When I got home, I did as my mother instructed
and told the flower what burden I wanted lifted
and taken to God. How was the flower to do this?
Remember, this was a Sacrifice Flower, one that
was going to die. The idea was that as life went
out of the flower,it would carry my prayer to God.

That meant, of course, the flower was not to be
placed in water. I had a shelf in my room that I
liked to use for my Sacrifice Flower because it
was sort of private and yet I could see it as I
went in and out.

Everytime I saw the flower, I could see it giving
its life for me and I could imagine my prayer
being carried to the Lord. That was true even
when I was elsewhere and was just thinking about
the flower. Either way, I had a strong sense my
prayer was being heard. My flower and I were in
union.

Sometimes it took a few days, sometimes a couple
of weeks. When the flower finally died, I would
take it outside, say goodbye to it, and thank it
for giving its life for me and for delivering my
prayer. Then I would bury it so it would have a
chance at a new life, and I always hoped it would
come back as an even nicer flower.

In this simple, graphic way my mother taught
me how uplifting prayer can be. And, in the
process, she taught me about life, too - how
basic both dying and rising are to living and
how important it is that we become Sacrifice
Flowers for each other.

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SleepyHead

Dec 29, 2001, 11:51 AM

WHAT'S IMPORTANT
Unknown

What's important...
Is not what kind of car you drive,
But how many people you give a lift.

What's important...
Is not the size of your house,
But rather the number of people you welcome into your home.

What's important...
Is not your social status,
But whether you live your life with class.

What's important...
Is not what you possess,
But rather what you give.

What's important...
Is not how many friends you have,
But rather how many to whom you are a friend.

What's important...
Is not how much overtime you worked,
But rather if you work overtime for your family & loved ones.

What's important...
Is not if you live in a great neighborhood,
But rather how you treat your neighbor.

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SleepyHead

Dec 29, 2001, 11:55 AM

THE WEIGHT OF NOTHING
Unknown

"Tell me the weight of a snowflake," a coal
mouse asked a wild dove.

"Nothing more than nothing," was the answer.

"In that case," said the coal mouse, "I must
tell you a marvelous story. I sat on a fir
tree branch, close to its trunk, when it began
to snow. Not heavily, not a raging blizzard,
no, just like a dream, without any wind and
without any violence. I counted the snowflakes
settling on the twigs and needles on my branch.
Their number was exactly 3,741,952. When the
3,741,952 snowflake dropped on the branch -
nothing more than nothing, as you say - the
branch broke off." Having said that, the coal
mouse flew away.

The dove, since Noah's time an authority on
the matter, thought about the story for awhile
and finally said to himself, "Perhaps there is
only one persons' voice lacking for peace to
come to the world."

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SleepyHead

Dec 29, 2001, 11:55 AM

THANKFULNESS
© 2000 - Steve Goodier

I understand that Fulton Oursler, a medical
doctor some years ago, used to tell of an
old woman, Anna, who took care of him when
he was a child. Anna was a former slave
and worked for the family for many years.

He remembered her sitting at the kitchen
table, her hands folded and her eyes gazing
upward and praying, "Much obliged, Lord,
for my vittles."

He asked her what vittles were and she replied
that they were food and drink. He told her that
she would get food and drink whether or not she
gave thanks, and Anna said, "Yes, we'll get our
vittles, but it makes 'em taste better when we're
thankful."

She told him that an old preacher taught her,
as a little girl, to always look for things to
be grateful for. So, as soon as she awakes each
morning, she asks herself, "What is the first
thing I can be grateful for today?" Sometimes
the smell of coffee perking in the kitchen found
its way to her room. The aroma might prompt her
to say, "Much obliged, Lord, for the coffee.
And much obliged, too, for the smell of it!"

Young Fulton grew up and left home. One day
he received a message that Anna was dying.
He returned home and found her in bed with
her hands folded over white sheets, just as
he had seen them folded over her white apron
at the kitchen table so many times before.
He wondered what she could give thanks for
at a time like this. But she opened her eyes
and gazed at the loving faces around her bed.
Then, shutting her eyes again she said quietly,
"Much obliged, Lord, for such fine friends."

Oursler was deeply influenced by Anna's uncanny
ability to always find something to be thankful
for. This wise woman taught him a vital secret
that many people have never learned...she taught
him how to be happy.

Steve Goodier is the editor of "The Life
Support System," a motivational e-newsletter
delivered daily to 150,000 subscribers in over
100 nations. He left his position as senior
minister in a Denver,Colorado church to write
and publish his newsletter and books, which
are available through his website at - http://www.lifesupportsystem.com

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[This Message Has Been Edited By SleepyHead On December 29, 2001 12:00 PM]

bearkat77

Dec 29, 2001, 11:49 PM

About Friends and Friendship

1. I love you not because of who you are, but because of who I am when I am with you.

2. No man or woman is worth your tears, and the one who is, won't make you cry.

3. Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want him/her to, doesn't mean s/he doesn't love you with all s/he has.

4. A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.

5. The worst way to miss someone is to be sitting right beside the person knowing you can't have him/her.

6. Never frown, even when you are sad, because you never know who is falling in love with your smile.

7. To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.

8. Don't waste your time on a man/woman, who isn't willing to waste his/her time on you.

9. Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right one, so that when we finally meet the person, we will know how to be grateful.

10. Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened.

11. There's always going to be people that hurt you so what you have to do is keep on trusting and just be more careful about who you trust next time around.

12. Make yourself a better person and know who you are before you try and know someone else and expect him/her to know you.

13. Don't try so hard, the best things come when you least expect them to.

REMEMBER: WHATEVER HAPPENS, HAPPENS FOR A REASON.

True friends: How many people actually have 8 true friends?

Hardly anyone I know. But some of us have all right friends and good friends.

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SleepyHead

Dec 30, 2001, 12:10 AM

SANTA'S PRAYER

The sleigh was all packed, the reindeer were fed,
But Santa still knelt by the side of the bed.
"Dear Father," he prayed "Be with me tonight.
There's much work to do and my schedule is tight.

I must jump in my sleigh and streak through the sky,
Knowing full well that a reindeer can't fly.
I will visit each household before the first light,
I'll cover the world and all in one night.

With sleighbells a-ringing, I'll land on each roof,
Amid the soft clatter of each little hoof.
To get in the house is the difficult part,
So I'll slide down the chimney of each child's heart.

My sack will hold toys to grant all their wishes.
The supply will be endless like the loaves and the fishes.
I will fill all the stockings and not leave a track.
I'll eat every cookie that is left for my snack.

I can do all these things Lord, only through You,
I just need your blessing, then it's easy to do.
All this is to honor the birth of the One,
That was sent to redeem us, Your most Holy Son.
So to all of my friends, least Your glory I rob,
Please Lord, remind them who gave me this job.

------------------
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Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Dec 30, 2001, 12:38 AM

Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth;
Count on God instead of yourself.

~Anonymous~

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Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Dec 30, 2001, 04:21 AM

Just In Case You Forgot

If G~d had a refrigerator, your picture would be
on it.

If G~d had a wallet, your photo would be in it.

He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning.

When you want to talk, He'll listen.

He could live anywhere in the universe and yet He chose our heart.

And that Christmas gift He sent you in Bethlehem?

Face it friend,

He's crazy about you.

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
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Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Dec 30, 2001, 04:23 AM

The Facts of Life

1. At least 5 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. The only reason anyone would ever hate you, is
because they want to be just like you.

4. A smile from you, can bring happiness to anyone,
even if they don't like you.

5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before
they go to sleep.

6. You mean the world to someone.

7. Without you, someone may not be living.

8. You are special and unique, in your own way.

9. Someone that you don't know even exists,
loves you.

10. When you make the biggest mistake ever,
something good comes from it.

11. When you think the world has turned it's back
on you, take a look, you most likely turned your
back on the world.

12. When you think you have no chance at getting
what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you
believe in yourself, you probably sooner or later
will get it.

13. Always remember complements you received,
forget about the rude remarks.

14. Always tell someone how you feel about them,
you will feel much better when they know.

15. If you have great friends, take the time to let
them know that they are great.

------------------
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Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Dec 30, 2001, 04:25 AM

G~d Bless America

G~d Bless all of the fallen heroes, who over
the span of American History, have lost their
lives for our freedom......

G~d Bless all of the heroes who will carry on
the fight for freedom.......

G~d Bless President George Bush and the
tears that fall from his cheeks...his burden
is great.......

G~d Bless the multitude of tears that are shed
from families that have suffered great loss..........

G~d Bless the heartfelt pain that the rest of
America is feeling for the loss of lives and the
violation imposed on our freedom....

May G~d hold America in His hand and guide
and protect us through the difficult times to come.....

G~d Bless America.......

------------------
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Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Dec 30, 2001, 04:28 AM

Ring The Bells!

I receive letters from people around the world. A predominant
theme I encounter daily, and especially now, is fear. As a
nation, as a world, and as individuals, we are afraid. The root
of the word "terror," from whence we get "terrorism," comes from
the Indo-European base "tre" (shake or tremble) and means to
"shake with fear." We tremble in the wake of planes crashing and
buildings burning. The earth trembles and our very security is
shaken.

I sense more fear now than before. "Afraid is a country with no
exit visas," says Audre Lorde. If you have entered the country of
"Afraid," or are concerned that you may, then listen to this.

In 1799, when the armies of Napoleon were sweeping over Europe,
Massena's army of 18,000 suddenly appeared on the heights above
the town of Feldkirch. It was Easter Sunday and the rising sun
glittered on the weapons of the French army as they overlooked
the village below.

A hasty town council meeting was called to decide what could be
done. Resisting such an army was out of the question. Finally,
the dean of the church arose and said, "It is Easter Day. Ring
the bells and have services as usual, and leave the matter in
G~d's hands." They agreed to do as he suggested and, from the
towers of Feldkirch there rang out loud and joyous peals calling
worshippers to gather.

The French heard the sudden clanging of the bells with surprise
and alarm. They concluded that the Austrian army had arrived to
defend the town. Massena broke up his camp, gave the order to
march and, before the bells had ceased tolling, not a soldier was
to be seen.

In the midst of fear, when there is nothing more to be done, it
may be time to ring the bells. For courage is not the absence of
danger, but deciding to go ahead anyway. So ring the bells! Let
everyone know that you have chosen to LIVE. Let them know that
your true security will NOT be shaken by fear.

Ring the bells! In America and around the world. Ring the bells
and live boldly. You were not given the spirit of fear, as the
Bible teaches, but the spirit of power and love and a sound mind.
Ring the bells! Ring them loudly. Let the mountainsides resound
with their joyous pealing. And after the chimes have died away,
your fear, too, will have disappeared.

Ring the bells!

© 2001 Steve Goodier

Get Books By Steve Goodier Here: (877) 344-0989 OR http://store.yahoo.com/lifesupportsystem/books.html

------------------
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Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Dec 30, 2001, 04:29 AM

Life Is...

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Dec 30, 2001, 04:30 AM

What The World Needs Now

More Hugs.

Hugs are the heart's way of smiling and saying
thanks, come closer, give more love.

More smiles. More dreams.

More kisses on steam-filled windows.

More stars in heaven, more lovers on earth.

More midnight dreams.

More dreamers to believe in, more believers.

More magical stories.

More heartstrings to pull.

More black-and-white pictures. More color.

More swing sets under rainbows.

More prayer.

More dogs to pet, and cats to run after.

More eyes filled with joyous tears.

More collages.

More finger painting.

More flowers.

More mushy love notes.

More animal-shaped clouds.

More waterfalls.

More space to spin.

More songs to sing.

More freedom to be you.

More girls to dance on daddy's toes.

More Merry-go-rounds.

More lives filled with love.

More faith in people.

More conversations over coffee.

More laughter.

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Dec 30, 2001, 04:31 AM

Priority List

The six most important words in the English language:
"I admit I made a mistake."

The five most important words:
"You did a good job."

The four most important words:
"What is your opinion?"

The three most important words:
"If you please. "

The two most important words:
"Thank you. "

The one most important word:
"We."

The one least important word:
"I"

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Dec 30, 2001, 04:32 AM

World as 100 People

If we could shrink the Earth's population to a village
of precisely 100 people, with all the existing human
ratios remaining the same; the village would look
like this.

There would be 57 Asians, 21 Europeans, 14 from
the western hemisphere (north and south) and 8
Africans.

51 would be female;49 would be male

70 would be non-white; 30 white

70 would be non-Christian; 30 Christian

50% of the entire world's wealth would be in the
hands of only 6 people and all 6 would be from
the United States

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

50 would suffer from malnutrition

1 would be near death; 1 would be near birth

Only 1 would have a college education

No one would own a computer

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Dec 30, 2001, 04:34 AM

Only One Move

Sometimes your biggest weakness can become
your greatest strength.

There was a 10 year old boy, who's left arm was
damaged and subsequently amputated. He decided
to learn judo. His Sensai (teacher) was an old Chinese
judo expert.

The boy learned quickly. After three months, he had
learned only one move. He asked his teacher to teach
him more moves. The Sensai told him that this was
all he would need.

Soon after, the boy entered a tournament, where he
quickly advanced to the finals, where his opponent
was bigger and more experienced. The boy seemed
very out matched. After a long match, the opponent
seemed to lose concentration. Quickly, the boy took
advantage and pinned what seemed to be his superior
opponent.

On the ride home, the boy asked his Sensai. "How
could I win with only one move?"The Sensai replied,
"You have nearly mastered one of the most difficult
moves in all of judo. And, the only defense against
that move, is for your opponent to grab your left arm."

Sometimes your biggest weakness can become
your greatest strength.

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Dec 30, 2001, 04:35 AM

Pancakes
Six year old Brandon decided one Saturday morning
to fix his parents pancakes. He found a big bowl and
spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the
cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister,
spilling it on the floor. He scooped some of the flour
into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup
of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail
on the floor which by now had a few tracks left by
his kitten.

Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated.
He wanted this to be something very good for Mom
and Dad, but it was getting very bad. He didn't know
what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or
on the stove, (and he didn't know how the stove worked)!

Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix
and reached to push her away, knocking the egg carton
to the floor. Frantically he tried to clean up this
monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his
pajamas white and sticky. And just then he saw Dad
standing at the door.

Big crocodile tears welled up in Brandon's eyes. All
he'd wanted to do was something good, but he'd made
a terrible mess. He was sure a scolding was coming,
maybe even a spanking. But his father just watched him.
Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying
son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas
white and sticky in the process.

That's how G~d deals with us. We try to do something
good in life, but it turns into a mess. Our marriage gets
all sticky or we insult a friend or we can't stand our job
or our health goes sour. Sometimes we just stand there
in tears because we can't think of anything else to do.
That's when G~d picks us up and loves us and forgives
us, even though some of our mess gets all over Him.
But just because we might mess up, we can't stop
trying like Brandon to "make pancakes," for G~d or
for others. Sooner or later we'll get it right, and then
they'll be glad we tried.

------------------
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Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Dec 31, 2001, 10:28 AM

THE COURAGE OF A BUTTERFLY

Author Unknown

Walking down a path through some woods in Georgia in
1977, I saw a water puddle ahead on the path. I angled my
direction to go around it on the part of the path that wasn't
covered by water and mud. As I reached the puddle, I was
suddenly attacked!

Yet I did nothing for the attack was so unpredictable and
from a source so totally unexpected. I was startled as well
as unhurt, despite having been struck four or five times
already.

I backed up a foot and my attacker stopped attacking me.
Instead of attacking more, he hovered in the air on graceful
butterfly wings in front of me. Had I been hurt I wouldn't have
found it amusing, but I was unhurt, it was funny, and I was
laughing. After all, I was being attacked by a butterfly!

Having stopped laughing, I took a step forward. My attacker
rushed me again. He rammed me in the chest with his head
and body, striking me over and over again with all his might,
still to no avail. For a second time, I retreated a step... while
my attacker relented in his attack.

Yet again, I tried moving forward. My attacker charged me
again. I was rammed in the chest over and over again. I
wasn't sure what to do, other than to retreat a third time.
After all, it's just not everyday that one is attacked by a
butterfly. This time, though, I stepped back several paces
to look the situation over.

My attacker moved back as well to land on the ground.
That's when I discovered why my attacker was charging
me only moments earlier.

He had a mate and she was dying.

She was beside the puddle where he landed. Sitting close
beside her, he opened and closed his wings as if to fan her.
I could only admire the love and courage of that butterfly in
his concern for his mate. He had taken it upon himself to
attack me for his mate's sake, even though she was clearly
dying and I was so large. He did so just to give her those
extra few precious moments of life, should I have been
careless enough to step on her.

Now I knew why and what he was fighting for. There was really
only one option left for me. I carefully made my way around the
puddle to the other side of the path, though it was only inches
wide and extremely muddy. His courage in attacking something
thousands of times larger and heavier than himself just for his
mate's safety justified it. I couldn't do anything other than reward
him by walking on the more difficult side of the puddle. He had
truly earned those moments to be with her, undisturbed.

I left them in peace for those last few moments, cleaning the mud
from my boots when I later reached my car.

Since then, I've always tried to remember the courage of that
butterfly whenever I see huge obstacles facing me. I use that
butterfly's courage as an inspiration and to remind myself that
good things are worth fighting for.

------------------
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Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

bearkat77

Dec 31, 2001, 05:34 PM

(I just received this today in my mail and thought I'd share it with all here.)

SANTA CLAUS - 'The Real Story'

I remember my first Christmas party with Grandma. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb:

"There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"

My grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her world-famous cinnamon buns. Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites I told her everything. She was ready for me.

"No Santa Claus!" she snorted. "Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad. Now, put on your coat, and let's go."

"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second cinnamon bun.

"Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days.

"Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's. I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping.

For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, the people who went to my church. I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobbie Decker.

He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class.

Bobbie Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out for recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobbie Decker didn't have a cough, and he didn't have a coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobbie Decker a coat. I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.

"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter askedkindly, as I laid my ten dollars down.

"Yes, "I replied shyly. "It's ... for Bobbie." The nice lady smiled at me. Ididn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag and wished me Merry Christmas.

That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat in Christmas paper and ribbons,and write, "To Bobbie, From Santa Claus" on it -- Grandma said that Santa alwaysinsisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobbie Decker's house, explainingas we went that I was now and forever officially one of Santa's helpers. Grandmaparked down the street from Bobbie's house, and she and I crept noiselessly andhid in the bushes by his front walk.

Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus", she whispered, "getgoing." I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present downon his step, pounded his doorbell and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma.

Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobbie.

Forty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my grandma, in Bobbie Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were: ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team.

...Anonymous

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SleepyHead

Jan 01, 2002, 11:09 AM

TO HONOR A VETERAN

By Bill Paxton

Several years ago my father was killed in a tractor accident
in Arkansas. He didn't have much experience on a tractor.
He was a military man. He'd seen combat duty in World
War II, Korea, and Viet Nam. For twenty-seven years he'd
worn the uniform of his country and it was decorated with a
silver star, a bronze star, and a purple heart. He was to be
buried with full military honors at the national Cemetery in
Arlington, Virginia. Things like that don't seem to matter to
most folks these days.

The lot had fallen to my older brother to drive to Pine Bluff,
Arkansas to pick up the cremated remains of my father
and return them to the family home for a memorial service.
My brother drove home on Interstate 30 with a plastic box
containing my father's remains and an American flag
riding on the passenger seat of his pickup. As he drove
along, somewhere in east Texas, his emotions started to
get the best of him so he pulled on to the shoulder of the
road to cry for a while. He placed the plastic box and the
neatly folded flag on the hood of his truck, sat on the
bumper and let the tears flow.

It wasn't long before a trucker stopped to see if he was
all right. My brother told him the story and showed him
the flag. The trucker listened patiently, patted my brother
on the shoulder, and said, "Son, It's going to be all right."

The trucker disappeared for a minute and was soon back
at my brother's side. In a few minutes another trucker stopped
to pay his respects and to listen to the story of my Father's
life and passing.

A few minutes later two more truckers stopped to lend their
support. Within fifteen minutes there were more than thirty
rigs parked along the interstate. The truckers stood in a
semicircle around my Father's remains and quietly paid
their respects. One of the truckers took off his cap and
said, "Let's have a prayer." All of the other truckers took
off their caps and bowed their heads as a prayer was
spoken. After the prayer each of the truckers had a word
of encouragement or strength.

One of the truckers said, "Come on friend. Follow us into
town." The truckers all turned on their lights and escorted
my brother the rest of the way into the Metroplex.

I owe a debt to those unknown truckers. Those men stopped
to help what they thought might be a stranded traveler. Instead
they paid a deep honor to a man who had done his duty. Those
truckers understood duty, honor, and sacrifice. And their kindness
helped my family to deal with its grief over the loss of our Father.

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Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
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[This Message Has Been Edited By SleepyHead On January 01, 2002 11:53 AM]

SleepyHead

Jan 01, 2002, 11:11 AM

In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed
November 11 as Armistice Day to remind all
Americans of the tragedies of war. A 1938 law
made the day a federal holiday. In 1954, Congress
changed the holiday's name to Veterans Day to
honor all United States veterans.

To honor the veterans of all foreign wars, paper poppies
have been given out every Veteran's Day for many years.
The tradition stemmed from a poem written about Flanders
Field in Europe.
Flanders Field is a United States military cemetery near
Waregem, Belgium. Buried in this cemetery are the bodies
of 368 members of the armed forces who died in World
War I (1914-1918) The cemetery is famous for its beautiful
red poppies growing in abundance over the graves of those
who are buried there.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

By John McCrae

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SleepyHead

Jan 01, 2002, 11:14 AM

May I Salute You?

By Patricia Salwei

I approached the entrance to Ft Belvoir's medical facility
last year as an old veteran puttered towards me. Easily
over 80 years old, stooped and slow, I barely gave him a
second glance because on his heels was a full bird Colonel.

As they approached, I rendered a sharp salute and barked,
"Good morning, Sir!" Because they were heel to toe, I began
my salute, as the old veteran was about two paces from me.
He immediately came to life! Transformed by my greeting,
he rose to his full height, returned my salute with pride, and
exclaimed, "Good morning, Captain!" I was startled, but the
full bird behind him was flabbergasted. The colonel stopped
mid-salute, smiled at me and quietly moved on.

As I entered the clinic, the utter beauty of the encounter
preoccupied me. What prompted the old man to assume
that I was saluting him? Perhaps he just thought, "It's about
time!" After all, doesn't a WW II vet outrank us all?

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SleepyHead

Jan 01, 2002, 11:15 AM

WAR CHEST

He looked a little different
And he stood out from the rest
`Cause I couldn't help but notice
The Marine Corps' tattoo on his chest
An Eagle, Globe and Anchor
Etched forever on his chest
A middle aged gentleman
Who once served with the best

The tattoo called to me
I walked over and said hello
I see you were once a Marine
Was it very long ago?

Once Marine, Always Marine
He said with a grin
`Cause once you've earned the title
You're a Marine until the end

So as long as this tattoo
Remains upon my chest
I'll be a Marine forever
Until they lay me down to rest

This chest has hit the ground
In an effort to survive
As bullets and mortar rounds
Fell closely by my side

This chest has supported the weapon
That resulted in an enemy kill
And has supported my buddy's head
As he lay dying and still

This chest has been covered
By our Marine Corps' Dress Blues
As on this chest decorations were pinned
Attesting to duty proud and true

So you see, this chest tells the story
Of a Marine who has done his best
An Eagle, Globe and Anchor tattoo
Upon an old Marine "War Chest"

By Loyd P. Arender

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SleepyHead

Jan 01, 2002, 11:54 AM

ALWAYS BEING THERE

My friend, I was so lonely,
until I saw your smile.
And then you brightened up my life,
by staying for awhile.
Your gentle words of friendship,
soothed all my cares away.
Helping me to look ahead,
for better things each day.
You taught me how to laugh again,
instead of shedding tears.
And how much joy, life could contain,
if I set aside my fears.
So when I took that first step,
you were holding out your hand.
Ever ready to steady me,
if I faltered in my stand.
But when I finally made it,
and was standing on my own.
You proudly stood behind me,
so I wasn't there alone.
I know, I can never thank you,
for the friendship that we share.
But let me thank you many times,
for always being there.

By Julie Schroeder

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SleepyHead

Jan 01, 2002, 11:54 AM

bearkat77

Jan 01, 2002, 09:39 PM

God Made You For A Reason

When I look upon my screen
I find a happy reason
the joy that comes to me from you
is gratitude so very pleasing...

What a wonderful creator
that made a friend like you,
He placed a sweet kind person
and gave me lots of comfort too.

A world without your kindness
would be a sad sad world.

But I don't have to worry,
there's no need to be,
because of you I am very happy,
and that's good enough for me.

I've found great people everywhere,
they come into my life.
Just like you, all those others too,
have given me delight.

So I thank God I met you,
I thank him for all seasons.
Now I know for sure with all my heart,
GOD Created YOU for a reason.

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bearkat77

Jan 10, 2002, 10:48 PM

FOR THE GARDEN OF YOUR DAILY LIVING

PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS:
1. Peace of mind
2. Peace of heart
3. Peace of soul

PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH:
1. Squash gossip
2. Squash indifference
3. Squash grumbling
4. Squash selfishness

PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE:
1. Lettuce be faithful
2. Lettuce be kind
3. Lettuce be patient
4. Lettuce really love one another

NO GARDEN IS WITHOUT TURNIPS:
1. Turnip for meetings
2. Turnip for service
3. Turnip to help one another

TO CONCLUDE OUR GARDEN WE MUST HAVE THYME:
1. Thyme for each other
2. Thyme for family
3. Thyme for friends

WATER FREELY WITH PATIENCE AND CULTIVATE WITH LOVE. THERE IS MUCH FRUIT IN YOUR GARDEN BECAUSE YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.

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bearkat77

Jan 10, 2002, 10:48 PM

If Only I Knew

If I knew it would be the last time That I'd see you fall asleep, I would tuck you in tighter 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 would 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 or two 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 is always tomorrow to make up for an oversight, and we always get a second chance to make everything right.

There will always be another day to say our "I love you," In addition, certainly there is another chance to say our "Anything I can dos?"

However, just in case I might be wrong, and today is all I get, I would like to say how much I love you and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike, Moreover, today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved one tight.

So, if you are 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 always, hold them dear. Take time to say "I'm sorry," "Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay." Ultimately, if tomorrow never comes, you will have no regrets about today.

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[This Message Has Been Edited By bearkat77 On January 10, 2002 10:49 PM]

bearkat77

Jan 14, 2002, 07:55 PM

Anyway

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you
of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends
and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough.
Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.

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bearkat77

Jan 14, 2002, 07:56 PM

If A Child...

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.

If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.

If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.

If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.

If a child lives tolerance, he learns to be patient.

If a child lives with encouragement, he learns to be confident.

If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate.

If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.

If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.

If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.

If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.

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bearkat77

Jan 16, 2002, 10:26 PM

The Keys To Happiness And Success

Try to end a quarrel.
Seek out a forgotten friend.
Dismiss suspicion, and replace it with trust.

Write a love letter.
Share some treasure.
Give a soft answer.
Encourage youth.

Manifest your loyalty in word and deed.
Keep a promise.
Find the time.
Forgo a grudge.
Forgive an enemy.

Listen.
Apologize if you were wrong.
Try to understand.
Flout envy.
Examine your demands of others.

Think first of somebody else.
Appreciate.
Be kind.
Be gentle.
Laugh a little.
Laugh a little more.

Deserve confidence.
Take up arms against malice.
Express your gratitude.
Go to church.

Welcome a stranger.
Gladden the heart of a child or a senior.
Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth.
Do a random act of kindness.
Speak your love.

If you use these keys to happiness you can unlock the doors of success!

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bearkat77

Jan 25, 2002, 12:38 AM

Before It's Too Late

Around the corner I have a friend,
In this great city that has no end
Yet the days go by and weeks rush on,
And before I know it, a year is gone.

And I never see my old friends face,
For life is a swift and terrible race,
He knows I like him just as well,
As in the days when I rang his bell.

And he rang mine if, we were younger then,
And now we are busy, tired men.
Tired of playing a foolish game,
Tired of trying to make a name.

"Tomorrow" I say "I will call on Jim"
"Just to show that I'm thinking of him."
But tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes,
And distance between us grows and grows.

Around the corner!- yet miles away,
"Here's a telegram sir" "Jim died today."
And that's what we get and deserve in the end.
Around the corner, a vanished friend.

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bearkat77

Mar 18, 2002, 08:35 PM

A Friend

In kindergarten your idea of a good friend was the person who let you have the red crayon when all that was left was the ugly black one.

In first grade your idea of a good friend was the person who went to the bathroom with you and held your hand as you walked through the scary halls.

In second grade your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you stand up to the class bully.

In third grade your idea of a good friend was the person who shared their lunch with you when you forgot yours on the bus.

In fourth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who was willing to switch square dancing partners in gym so you wouldn't have to be stuck do-si-do-ing with Nasty Nick or Smelly Susan.

In fifth grade your idea of a friend was the person who saved a seat on the back of the bus for you.

In sixth grade your idea of a friend was the person who went up to Nick or Susan, your new crush, and asked them to dance with you, so that if they said no you wouldn't have to be embarrassed.

In seventh grade your idea of a friend was the person who let you copy the social studies homework from the night before that you had.

In eighth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you pack up your stuffed animals and old baseball but didn't laugh at you when you finished and broke out into tears.

In ninth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who would go to a party thrown by a senior so you wouldn't wind up being the only freshman there.

In tenth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who changed their schedule so you would have someone to sit with at lunch.

In eleventh grade your idea of a good friend was the person who gave you rides in their new car, convinced your parents that you shouldn't be grounded, consoled you when you broke up with Nick or Susan, and found you a date to the prom.

In twelfth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you pick out a college/university, assured you that you would get into that college/university, helped you deal with your parents who were having a hard time adjusting to the idea of letting you go...

At graduation your idea of a good friend was the person who was crying on the inside but managed the biggest smile one could give as they congratulated you.

The summer after twelfth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you clean up the bottles from that party, helped you sneak out of the house when you just couldn't deal with your parents, assured you that now that you and Nick or you and Susan were meant to be.

Now, your idea of a good friend is still the person who gives you the better of the two choices, holds your hand when you're scared, helps you fight off those who try to take advantage of you, thinks of you at times when you are not there, reminds you of what you have forgotten.

Thank you for being a friend. No matter where we go or who we become, never forget who helped us get there.

There's never a wrong time to pick up a phone or send a message telling your friends how much you miss them or how much you love them.

You know who you are, pass it on to someone who you want to remind.

So send this to all your friends and maybe those who aren't but just watch and see who sends it back.

If you love someone, tell them. Remember always to say what you mean.

Never be afraid to express yourself. Take this opportunity to tell someone what they mean to you. Seize the day and have no regrets.

Most importantly, stay close to your friends and family, for they have helped make you the person that you are today and are what it's all about anyway. Pass this along to your friends. Let it make a difference in your day and theirs.

The difference between expressing love and having regrets is that the regrets may stay around forever.

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shyGirl

Mar 18, 2002, 09:30 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE>Quote:<HR>Originally Posted By bearkat77:]A Friend

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I've always liked that one. Thanks for putting that up bearkat.

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bearkat77

Mar 18, 2002, 10:43 PM

I thought this was a nice place to post it, since I have so many friends here.

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SleepyHead

Mar 20, 2002, 10:36 AM

THE LIST

The most destructive habit....................Worry

The greatest Joy..............................Giving

The greatest loss.............................Loss of self-respect

The most satisfying work......................Helping others

The ugliest personality trait.................Selfishness

The most endangered species...................Dedicated leaders

Our greatest natural resource.................Our youth

The greatest "shot in the arm"................Encouragement

The greatest problem to overcome..............Fear

The most effective sleeping pill..............Peace of mind

The most crippling failure disease............Excuses

The most powerful force in life...............Love

The most dangerous pariah.....................A gossiper

The worlds most incredible computer...........The brain

The worst thing to be without.................Hope

The deadliest weapon..........................The tongue

The two most power-filled words..............."I Can"

The greatest asset............................Faith

The most worthless emotion....................Self-pity

The most beautiful attire.....................SMILE!

The most prized possession....................Integrity

The most powerful channel of communication....Prayer

The most contagious spirit....................Enthusiasm

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SleepyHead

Mar 20, 2002, 10:43 AM

TO BELIEVE is to know that every day is a new beginning,
to trust that miracles can happen, and that dreams really do come true.

TO BELIEVE is to see the angels dancing among the clouds, to know the
wonder of a starlit sky and the wisdom of the man in the moon.

TO BELIEVE is to know the value of a nurturing heart, the innocence of
a child's eyes, and the beauty of an aging hand, for it is through
their teachings we learn to love.

TO BELIEVE is to find the strength and courage that lies within us,
when it is time to pick up the pieces and begin again.

TO BELIEVE is to know that we are not alone, that life is a gift and
this is our time to cherish it.

TO BELIEVE is to know that wonderful surprises are waiting to happen,
and all our hopes and dreams are within our reach.

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SleepyHead

Mar 20, 2002, 10:44 AM

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 your day holds,
He will see you through.

So when the road you're traveling
Seems difficult at best,
Just keep your faith in God
And God will do the rest

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SleepyHead

Mar 20, 2002, 10:44 AM

How To Stay Young, Happy & Healthy

Throw out non-essential numbers. This includes age, weight and height.
Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her.

Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. If you really
need a grouch, there are probably a few dozen of your relatives to do
the job.

Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening
...whatever. Just never let the brain idle.

Enjoy the simple things. When the children are young... that is all
that you can afford. When they are in college... that is all that you
can afford. When they are grown and you are on retirement... that is
all that you can afford!

Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. Laugh so
much that you can be tracked in the store by your distinctive laughter.

The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is
with us our entire life is ... ourselves.

Surround yourself with what you love, whether it is family, pets,
keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies ... whatever. Your home is your
refuge.

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.

Don't take guilt trips. Go to the mall, the next county, a foreign
country... but not guilt.

Tell the people you love, that you love them ... at every opportunity.

Remember ...

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the
moments that take our breath away.

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SleepyHead

Mar 20, 2002, 10:45 AM

Never Forget

Your presence is a gift to the world,
You're unique and one of a kind.
Your life can be what you want it to be -
Take it one day at a time.

Count your blessings, not your troubles,
And you'll make it through what comes along.
Within you are so many answers,
Understand, have courage, be strong.

Don't put limits on yourself,
Your dreams are waiting to be realized.
Don't leave your important decisions to chance -
Reach for your peak, your goal, and your prize.

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying -
The longer a problem is carried, the heavier it gets.
Don't take things too seriously -
Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

Remember that a little love goes a long way -
Remember that a lot goes forever.
Remember that friendship is a wise investment,
Life's treasures are people... together.

Have health and hope and happiness,
Take the time to wish on a star.
And don't ever forget for even a day...
How very special YOU are!

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SleepyHead

Mar 20, 2002, 10:53 AM

THE THIRD MAN

Last night I dreamed I took a walk
Up Calvary's lonely hill,
The things I saw with my own eyes
Could not have been more real.

I saw upon three crosses
Three men in agony;
Two cried out for mercy...
But the third man just looked at me.

Oh, the pain in this man's eyes
Broke my heart in two!
It seemed I could hear the third man say:
"I'm doing this for you."

I knelt beneath the third mean's cross,
And slowly bowed my head,
I reached out to touch his feet,
And it stained my hands with red.

And when I heard him cry in pain,
I raised my eyes to see;
Blood spilled from the third man's side...
And some of it spilled on me.

The third man wore a crown of thorns,
Spikes held him to the tree,
I heard him cry, "My God, My God,
Why hast thou forsaken me?"

And those who mocked him cried,
"King...save Thyself
If thou art King!"
And then the third man died.

I heard the thunder roll,
And saw the lightening pierce the sky.
Then third man was still hanging there,
And I began to cry.

I heard the boulder fall,
And saw the breaking of the ground.
And then I awoke, and thou I dreamed; I touched my cheek
And found my eyes were wet where I had cried.

A DREAM? I wished I knew---
I can still hear the third man say,
"I'm doing this for you."

------------------
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SleepyHead

Mar 20, 2002, 10:59 AM

REACH FOR THE STARS

A child sat before a learned mage seeking the
answer to a recurrent dream. He dreamt of
nighttime stars gliding before his outstretched
fingertips, teasing and tantalizing him with
their very nearness. He reached for their
brilliant beauty, only to have them turn to
shooting stars, catapulting out of reach into
the dark night sky. They were quickly replaced
by others, and he became frantic, as he feverishly
attempted to grasp them, and make them his own.

The dream progressed, and he saw himself as a
young man becoming a man in the prime of his
life, and still the stars danced before his
fingertips, taunting him.

Finally, he dreamt of himself as an old man,
worn out and bitter, futilely closing his hands,
and turning his back on the stars. He wept, as
he thought of the years wasted chasing stars,
and thought God was cruel for putting them so
close, only to yank them away before he could
capture their priceless splendor.

When the child finished recounting his dream,
the mage contemplated for a moment, scratching
his chin and pulling on his beard before replying,
"Son, the stars are placed in the heavens for
everyone, they stretch into eternity. No one
can possess them for themselves."

Unsatisfied, the child implored him for a better
understanding of his dream, tearfully pleading
for more answers. The mage squinted at the child,
once again scratched his chin and tugged at his
beard before replying, "The stars represent your
dreams, aspirations, and goals for the future."

Becoming impatient, the child blurted, "But, if
they're my hopes for the future, that means I'll
never have any of them, they're always just out
of reach and flying away before I get them."

The mage smiled indulgently, and replied, "No,
my son, your dream is telling you to always reach
for the stars, to never give up your hopes and
aspirations. For if you do, you will become the
bitter old man you saw, cursing God. For every
achievement, there is another before you. You
must always set new goals, dream new dreams, and
constantly seek to improve yourself. Whenever you
think you possess the stars,that you have all the
answers, you become close-minded and embittered
to life. In your dream, you cannot possess the stars,
instead they flash as fire in the heavens. This means
that your triumphs become brilliant in the sky for
all to see, not for you to selfishly squander."

Finally understanding, the child thanked the mage
for his wisdom, and was never again taunted by
nighttime stars always out of reach.

© 1999 - Kristie Kusch

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SleepyHead

Mar 20, 2002, 11:03 AM

"May you have all the happiness,
And luck that life can hold,
And at the end of your rainbows,
May you find a pot of gold."

~~ Irish Blessing ~~

------------------
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SleepyHead

Mar 20, 2002, 11:03 AM

"May good luck be with you,
Wherever you go,
And your blessings outnumber,
The shamrocks that grow."

~~ Irish Blessing ~~

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SleepyHead

Mar 20, 2002, 11:04 AM

"May you always have work for your hands to do,
May your pockets hold always a coin or two,
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane,
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain,
May the hand of a friend always be near you,
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you."

~~Irish Blessing~~

------------------
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SleepyHead

Mar 20, 2002, 11:25 AM

A 5-STEP PRIORITIES TEST
Unknown

There are five things going on simultaneously
which need to be taken care of -

1.The telephone is ringing.

2.The baby is crying.

3.Someone knocks at the front
door or rings the doorbell.

4.There is laundry hanging on the
line outside and it begins to rain.

5.The water faucet in the kitchen is running.

In what order do you take care of the problems?

Jot down your order and scroll down after
you've made your decision. Don't cheat!

Here are the answers. Each of the items
above represents a facet in your life.

1.The phone represents your job or career.
2.The baby represents your family.
3.The visitor represents your friends.
4.The laundry represents your love life.
5.The running water represents money or wealth.

Makes you think, right? How close did
this test match your priorities in life?

------------------
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SleepyHead

Mar 20, 2002, 11:31 AM

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well.
The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer
tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided
the animal was too old and the well needed to be
covered up anyway, it just wasn't worth it to
retrieve the donkey.

So he had a load of dirt dumped near the well.
He invited all his neighbors to come over and
help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began
to shovel dirt into the well.

At first, the donkey realized what was happening
and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement,
he quieted down. A few shovel loads later, the
farmer finally looked down the well and was
astonished at what he saw.

With every shovel of dirt that hit his back,
the donkey was doing something amazing. He
would shake it off and take a step up. As the
farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on
top of the animal, he would shake it off and
take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was
amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge
of the well and trotted off.

Moral: Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all
kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the
well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each
of our troubles is a stepping stone. We can get
out of the deepest wells just by not giving up!
Shake it off and take a step up!

Shake it off! "Whether it is the best of times or
the worst of times, it's the only time we've got."

Remember these five simple rules of Happiness -

1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worry.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

------------------
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SleepyHead

Mar 20, 2002, 11:36 AM

ANOTHER CHANCE
Unknown

How often we wish for another chance
To make a fresh beginning.
A change to blot out our mistakes
And change failure into winning.

It does not take a special time
To make a brand-new start,
It only takes the deep desire
To try with all our heart.

To live a little better,
To always be forgiving.
To add a little sunshine,
In a world for which we're living.

Never give up in despair
Nor think you are through,
For there's always a tomorrow,
A chance to start anew.

------------------
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Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Mar 20, 2002, 11:41 AM

TWELVE WAYS TO KEEP SMILING

1. Hold on to your dreams and never let them go.

2. Show the rest of the world how wonderful you are!

3. Give things a chance and people the benefit of the doubt.

4. Wish on a star that shines in your sky.

5. Take on your problems one by one and work things out.

6. Rely on all the strength you have inside.

7. Let loose of the sparkle and spirit you sometimes hide.

8. Stay in touch with those who touch your life with love.

9. Look on the bright side and don't get discouraged.

10. Be yourself, because you have special qualities.

11. Keep your spirits up.

12. Make your heart happy and let it reflect on what you do.

© - Douglas Pagels, "Always Believe in Yourself"

------------------
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Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Mar 20, 2002, 11:44 AM

FOUR LESSONS ON LIFE
Warren Wiersbe

1. Never take down a fence until
you know why it was put up.

2. If you get too far ahead of the army,
your soldiers may mistake you for the enemy.

3. Don't complain about the bottom rungs
of the ladder; they helped to get you higher.

4. If you want to enjoy the rainbow,
be prepared to endure the storm.

------------------
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Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Mar 20, 2002, 11:47 AM

THE LIFE WE CHOOSE
© - Peter McWilliamsIn "Do It! Let's Get Off Our Butts" - Prelude Press

Here is the premise - We are all, right now,
living the life we choose.

This choice, of course, is not a single, monumental
choice. No one decides, for example, "I'm going
to move to Los Angeles, and in 5 years I will be
a waiter in a so-so restaurant, planning to get
my 8 x 10 glossies done real soon so that I can
find an agent and become a star," or "I'm going
to marry a dreadful person and we will live
together in a loveless marriage, staying together
only for the sake of the children, whom I don't
much like, either."

No. The choices I'm talking about here are
made daily, hourly, moment by moment.

Do we try something new, or stick to the
tried-and-true? Do we take a risk, or eat
what's already on our dish? Do we ponder
a thrilling adventure, or contemplate what's
on TV? Do we walk over and meet that
interesting stranger, or do we play it safe?
Do we indulge our heart, or cater to our fear?

The bottom line question is, "Do we pursue what
we want, or do we do what's comfortable?"

For the most part, most people most often choose
comfort - the familiar, the time-honored,the
well-worn but well-known. After a lifetime
of choosing between comfort and risk, we are
left with the life we currently have.

And it was all of our own choosing.

------------------
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Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Mar 20, 2002, 11:54 AM

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING
Unknown

When you thought I wasn't looking...
I saw you hang my first painting on
the refrigerator, and I wanted to
paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking...
I saw you feed a stray cat, and I thought
it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking...
I saw you make my favorite cake for me,
and I knew that little things are special things.

When you thought I wasn't looking...
I heard you say a prayer, and I believed
there is a God I could always talk to.

When you thought I wasn't looking...
I felt you kiss me goodnight, and I felt loved.

When you thought I wasn't looking...
I saw that you cared and I wanted
to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking...
I looked and wanted to say thanks for
all the things I saw when you thought
I wasn't looking.

------------------
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Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Mar 20, 2002, 11:58 AM

JUST BECAUSE
Unknown

Just because no one has been fortunate enough
to realize what a gold mine you are,
Doesn't mean you shine any less.

Just because no one has been smart enough
to figure out that you can't be topped,
Doesn't stop you from being the best.

Just because no one has come
along to share your life,
Doesn't mean that day isn't coming.

Just because no one has
made this race worth while,
Doesn't give you permission to stop running.

Just because no one has come
to take the loneliness away,
Doesn't mean you have to settle for a lower quality.

Just because no one has shown up
who can love you on your level,
Doesn't mean you have to sink to theirs.

Just because you deserve
the very best there is,
Doesn't mean that life is always fair.

Just because God is still
preparing your king or queen,
Doesn't mean that you're not already royalty.

Just because your situation doesn't
seem to be progressing right now,
Doesn't mean you need to change a thing.

Keep shining,
Keep running,
Keep hoping,
Keep praying,
Keep being exactly what you are already -
COMPLETE!

------------------
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Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
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SleepyHead

Mar 21, 2002, 12:01 AM

MYSTERIES OF LIFE

I live in my own little world, but it's okay,
they know me here.

Nobody is perfect until you fall in love with them.

The most precious thing we have is life,
yet it has absolutely no trade-in value.

Snowmen fall from Heaven unassembled.

------------------
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Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Mar 21, 2002, 12:07 AM

TWO LITTLE KITTENS
Unknown - (C. 1879)

Two little kittens, one stormy night,
Began to quarrel, and then to fight;
One had a mouse, the other had none,
And that's the way the quarrel begun.

"I'll have that mouse," said the biggest cat;
"You'll have that mouse? We'll see about that!"
"I will have that mouse," said the eldest son;
"You shan't have the mouse," said the little one.

I told you before 'twas a stormy night
When these two little kittens began to fight;
The old woman seized her sweeping broom,
And swept the two kittens right out of the room.

The ground was covered with frost and snow,
And the two little kittens had nowhere to go;
So they laid them down on the mat at the door,
While the old woman finished sweeping the floor.

Then they crept in, as quiet as mice,
All wet with the snow, and as cold as ice,
For they found it was better, that stormy night,
To lie down and sleep than to quarrel and fight.

------------------
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Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Mar 21, 2002, 12:12 AM

I HOPE
Unknown

I hope you woke up this morning with a big smile on your face ...
I hope the sun is shining just for you and
the birds are singing their very best songs ...

I hope your coffee is hot and tastes just right
and the cats are purring contentedly,
and the mailman waves a cheery hello
and there are no bills in the mailbox ...

I hope that your day is filled with lovely surprises
and friends call you up just to say "Hi" ...

I hope you feel on top of the world
with a spring in your step all day ...

I hope just everything goes your way ...

I hope everything is well with your world,
a place for everything and everything in its place ...

I hope you can enjoy all you do and you are complimented
on the way you look and you can laugh and talk
and share to your heart's content ...

I hope you have all you wish for yourself and
those dear to you, and all your dreams come true ...

At the end of the day
I wish you a perfect moon shining just for you,
a snug and cozy bed with the softest of pillows
and I hope you sleep like a lamb with a smile on your face ...

I hope you have a perfect end to the perfect day
and I hope that every day is just as wonderful in its own way ...

I hope your day is ...
Filled with love.

------------------
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Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Mar 21, 2002, 12:16 AM

LISTEN

When I ask you to listen to me and you start
giving me advice, you have not done what I asked.

When I ask you to listen to me and you begin to
tell me that I shouldn't feel that way, you are
trampling on my feelings.

When I ask you to listen to me and you feel
you have to do something to solve my problem,
you have failed me, strange as that may seem.

Listen! All that I asked was that you listen--
not talk or do--just hear me.

Advice is cheap. Thirty-five cents will get
you both Dear Abby and Billy Graham in the
same newspaper.

All I can do is do for myself. I am not helpless--
maybe discouraged, but not helpless.

When you do something for me that I can and
need to do for myself, you contribute to my
fear and inadequacy.

So, please listen and just hear me. If you
want to talk, wait a minute for your turn --
and I'll listen to you.

------------------
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Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
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SleepyHead

Mar 21, 2002, 12:31 AM

A little boy is telling his Grandmother how 'everything' is going wrong.

School, family problems, severe health problems, etc. Meanwhile, grandma is
baking a cake. She asks her grandson if he would like a snack, which of
course he does.

"Here, have some cooking oil." "Yuck" says the boy.
"How about a couple of raw eggs?" "Gross, grandma."
"Would you like some flour then? Or, maybe some baking soda?" "Grandma,
those are all yucky!"

To which grandma replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by
themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a
wonderful delicious cake! God works the same way. Many times we wonder why
he would let us go through such bad and difficult times.

But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always
work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all
make something wonderful. God is crazy about you. If God had a
refrigerator, your picture would be on it. IF He had a wallet, your photo
would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning.

Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the
universe, but He chose your heart. What about the Christmas gift He sent to
you in Bethlehem; not to mention the Friday in Calvary.

Face it, He is Crazy about you.

------------------
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Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Mar 21, 2002, 12:36 AM

DANIEL O'CONNELL AND THE TRICKSTER

A Celtic folktale

There was a man living at Carhan, near Caherciveen, in
the time of DanielO'Connell. He was poor and he had a
large family. One day he was selling two pigs- a white one
and a black one- at Tralee fair. A buyer asked him how
much he wanted for the white one, along with the black one.
The poor man thought, and no wonder, that the buyer wanted
only the white pig; so he named the price.

The buyer immediately marked both pigs and took from his
pocket only that which had been asked for the white one.

"What do you mean?" asked the poor man. "You only inquired
about the white pig"

"That's a lie!" said the buyer. "Didn't I ask you how much you
wanted for the white one along with the black one?"

The poor man could do nothing but give him the two pigs for
the price of one. He returned home and told his story to his wife
and to all the neighbors. It wasn't long till it spread all over the
district, and everybody was sorry for the poor man.

He told his story to Daniel O'Connell, who had great sympathy
for him. "We'll get our own back on that buyer later on," said
O'Connell. "Are you willing to cut off the lobe of your right ear?"

"I am ," said he.

O'Connell cut of the lobe of the man's right ear, put it into
an envelope, and took it home. He asked the poor man to
accompany him to Tralee next day to play a trick on the buyer.

"He has a tobacco shop in Tralee," said O'Connell; "and we'll
call into him. After a while, you must take out your pipe and take
a whiff or two from it. I will then pass the remark that you don't
smoke very much, and you must reply that you would smoke seven
times as much, if you had the tobacco. I will then say that I'll give
you all the tobacco you want."

The following day, they both went to Tralee and went into the
tobacco shop. The poor man pulled out his pipe, "reddened it,
drew a few whiffs, and put it back into his pocket.

"You don't smoke very much," said O'Connell to him.

"I'd smoke seven times as much, if I had it," said the poor man.

"Well, I'll give you plenty of tobacco," said O'Connell. He ordered
the buyer to give the poor man as much tobacco as would reach
from his toe to the lobe of his right ear and asked how much it
would cost.

"Eight shillings" said the buyer. "

"That's agreed" said O'Connell. The buyer then began to
measure the length from the man's toe to the lobe of his right
ear, but when he reached the ear, he found that the lobe was
missing. He pretended as if nothing was wrong when he saw
there was no lobe and hollered out the measurement anyway.

"We have caught you!" said O'Connell. "That's not the lobe of
his right ear. It is back in Carhan, if you know where that place
is. So you must measure from his toe to Carhan!"

The buyer was dumbfounded. He could say nothing. The O'Connell
ordered him to pay the man for the black pig, and he would not insist
on the tobacco at all. The buyer paid the money, and even something
extra, and went off to his kitchen covered with shame. And no
wonder....
as well he should!!!

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Mar 21, 2002, 12:36 AM

May the lilt of Irish laughter lighten every load,
May the mist of Irish magic shorten every road,
May you taste the sweetest pleasures
That fortune ere bestowed,
And may all your friends remember
All the favors you are owed.

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Mar 22, 2002, 02:33 AM

THE LOCKET

It was tarnished and old with a broken clasp.
I tossed it into the drawer.
Why did my mother give it to me,
and what would I want it for ?

She said I liked it long ago
when it was shiny and new.
But why she thought I'd like it now,
I really wished I knew.

The years passed by, and my little girl
was going through my things,
slipping bracelets on her tiny arm
and trying on my rings.

"What's this?" I heard my daughter ask
as she held it for me to see.
"Why, it's just an old locket," I replied,
"that your grandma gave to me."

"Oh, Mommy, isn't it beautiful?
It's looks just like a book
with pages you can turn inside
and pictures... Oh, look, Mommy, look."

I saw it then through a child's new eyes,
what I should have seen from the start,
the reason my mother treasured it so
and wore it close to her heart.

Now when I'm tempted to look at the surface,
discounting what's broken or old,
I think of the locket all tarnished outside
with an inside of purest gold.

Author Unknown

------------------
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Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Mar 22, 2002, 03:45 AM

In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less,
a 10 year old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at
a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him.
"How much is an ice cream sundae?" "Fifty cents," replied
the waitress. The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket
and studied a number of coins in it. "How much is a dish of
plain ice cream?" he inquired.
Some people were now waiting for a table and the waitress
was a bit impatient. "Thirty-five cents," she said brusquely.
The little boy again counted the coins."I'll have the plain ice
cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the
bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice
cream, paid the cashier and departed. When the waitress
came back, she began wiping down the table and then
swallowed hard at what she saw. There, placed neatly beside
the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies -- her tip.

------------------
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Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Mar 22, 2002, 04:00 AM

IRISH BLESSINGS

May you always walk in sunshine.
May you never want for more.
May Irish angels rest their wings
Right beside your door.
~~~~~
May God grant you many years to live,
For sure he must be knowing.
The earth has angels all too few.
And heaven is overflowing.
~~~~~
For each petal on the shamrock.
This brings a wish your way
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.
~~~~~
May your troubles be less,
And your blessing be more.
And nothing but happiness,
Come through your door.

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Mar 22, 2002, 04:27 AM

All I Really Need to Know I Learned from my Dog

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Be loyal.

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit
close by and nuzzle them gently.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the
guilt thing and pout - run right back and make friends.

On cold nights, curl up in front of a crackling fire.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Mar 22, 2002, 06:18 AM

How the "M" came to be above the face of all tabby cats...
paraphrased from Paul Harvey

When Jesus was born in the stable in Bethlehem, one
of the animals there was a dusty little tabby cat.

It was cold in the stable, and the baby started to cry. The
little tabby cat washed and washed and washed until his
coat was clean and shiny, and then jumped into the manger
and lay down next to little Jesus and began to purr. He was
so warm, and his purr so soothing, that soon the baby had
gone to sleep.

Mary wanted to thank the cat, so she drew her initial on
his head with her fingertip. And from that day to this,
every tabby cat has worn a letter "M" above its eyes -
the mark of the grateful Virgin.

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Mar 22, 2002, 06:45 AM

Keep Swimming

Two frogs fell into a deep cream bowl.
One was an optimistic soul.
But the other took the gloomy view.
"We'll drown," he lamented without much ado.
And with a last despairing cry,
he flung up his legs and said "Goodbye."

Quote the other frog with a steadfast grin,
"I can't get out but I won't give in,
I'll just swim around till my strength is spent,
then I'll die the more content."

Bravely he swam to work his scheme,
and his struggles began to churn the cream.
The more he swam, his legs a flutter,
the more the cream turned into butter.
On top of the butter at last he stopped,
and out of the bowl he gaily hopped.

What is the moral? It's easily found...
If you can't hop out, keep swimming around!

Anonymous

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Mar 24, 2002, 05:20 PM

SAFELY RETRIEVED
© 2001 - Richard Pinnow
Source - Guideposts Books http://www.guidepostsbooks.com

Each evening my wife, Barbara, and I open
the gate of our drive to let our four golden
retrievers run free. Like clockwork, they
return in a pack ten minutes later for their
treats. But one evening last fall, Sam didn't.
We put up signs and searched for 48 hours
nonstop.

Late on the third night he was missing, I went
to the post office to check our mail. I was
surprised to see someone else there at 10 p.m.,
a woman reading the bulletin board. "Isn't this
a beautiful dog?" she asked, pointing to the sign
I had made.

"Sure is," I said. "Happens to be mine."

"Let's pray right now for his safe return," she
said. "God, carry this dog home. Amen."

Early the next morning, Barbara woke me up with
a shout, "Sam's home!" I ran outside to hug him.

"Good boy," I said. There wasn't one burr in
his coat. Odd, I thought, for a dog who had
been roaming through the countryside for days.
And how had he gotten through the closed gate?
I walked down our drive to check the gate -
still locked.

Sam wasn't only carried home. He had been
safely lifted over the gate.

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Mar 24, 2002, 05:27 PM

Hold Your Head High

Standing for what you believe in regardless of the odds against you,
and the pressure that tears at your resistance...is Courage.

Keeping a smile on your face when inside you feel like dying, for the
sake of supporting others...is Strength.

Stopping at nothing and doing what's in your heart that you know is
right...is Determination.

Doing more than is expected, to make another's life a little more
bearable, without uttering a single complaint...is Compassion.

Helping a friend in need, no matter the time or effort, to the best
of your ability...is Loyalty.

Holding your head high, and being the best you know you can be when
life seems to fall apart at your feet, facing each difficulty with
the confidence that time will bring you better tomorrows, and never
giving up...is Confidence.

Hold your head high and make your life better every day!

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Mar 24, 2002, 05:28 PM

GOD WON'T ASK

God won't ask what kind of car you drove, but He'll ask how many
people you drove who didn't have transportation.

God won't ask the square footage of your house, but He'll ask how
many people you welcomed into your home.

God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet, but He'll
ask how many others you clothed.

God won't ask about your social class, but He'll ask what kind of
class you displayed.

God won't ask how many material possessions you had, but He'll ask
if they dictated your life.

God won't ask what your highest salary was, but He'll ask if you
compromised your principles to obtain it.

God won't ask how much money you spent on yourself, but He'll ask
how much you gave back to Him.

God won't ask how much overtime you worked, but He'll ask if your
overtime was for yourself or for your family.

God won't ask how many promotions you received, but He'll ask how
you promoted others.

God won't ask what your job title was, but He'll ask if you performed
your job to the best of your ability.

God won't ask what you did to help yourself, but He'll ask what
you did to help others.

God won't ask how many friends you had, but He'll ask how many
people to whom you were a friend.

God won't ask what you did to protect your rights, but He'll ask
what you did to protect the rights of others.

God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived, but He'll ask how
you treated your neighbors.

God won't ask about the color of your skin, but He'll ask about
the content of your character.

God won't ask how many times your deeds matched your words, but
He'll ask how many times they didn't.

God won't ask if His Son loved you, but He'll ask if you loved
His Son.

God won't ask how many people you forwarded this to, but He'll
ask you how many people you didn't because you were too ashamed.

------------------
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Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Mar 25, 2002, 12:22 AM

Whose Hands?

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

A baseball in my hands is worth about $6.
A baseball in Mark McGuire's hands
is worth $19 million.
It depends on whose hands it's in...

A golf club is useless in my hands.
A golf club in Tiger Wood's hands
is a 4 Major Golf Championship.
It depends on whose hands it's in...

A rod in my hands will keep away a wild animal.
A rod in Moses' hands
will part the mighty sea.
It depends on whose hands it's in...

A sling shot in my hands is a toy.
A slingshot in David's hands
is a mighty weapon.
It depends on whose hands it's in...

Two fish and five loaves in my hands
is a couple of fish sandwiches.
Two fish and five loaves in Jesus' hands
will feed thousands.
It depends on whose hands they're in...

Nails in my hands might produce a bird house.
Nails in Christ Jesus' hands
will produce salvation for the entire world.
It depends on whose hands they're in...

As you see now it depends on whose hands it's in ~
So put your concerns, your worries, your fears,
your hopes, your dreams, your families and your
relationships in G~d's Hands because,
It depends on whose hands they're in.

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Apr 08, 2002, 02:09 PM

Three Days

It was a beautiful spring day, and a sense of
peace stayed with me as I left the cathedral
on Easter Monday morning. I paused for a
moment on top of the steps leading to the
avenue, now crowded with people rushing to
their jobs.

Sitting in her usual place inside a small archway
was the old flower lady. At her feet, corsages
and boutonnieres were parading on top of a
spread-open newspaper.

The flower lady was smiling, her wrinkled old
face alive with some inner joy.

I started down the stairs--then on an impulse,
turned and picked out a flower.

As I put it in my lapel, I said, "You look happy."

"Why not?" she answered. "Everything is good."

She was dressed so shabbily and seemed
so very old that her reply startled me.

"You've been sitting here for many years now,
haven't you? And always smiling. You wear
your troubles well."

"You can't reach my age and not have troubles,"
she replied. "only it's like Jesus and Good
Friday...." She paused for a moment.

"Yes?" I prompted.

"Well, when Jesus was crucified on Good Friday,
that was the worst day for the whole world. When
I get troubles I remember that, and then I think of
what happened only three days later - Easter and
our Lord rose from the dead. So when things go
wrong, I've learned to wait three days and somehow
everything gets much better."

She smiled good-bye, but her words still follow me
whenever I think I have troubles... "Give G-d a
chance to help... wait three days."

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Jun 26, 2002, 12:00 AM

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when
I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you
want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the
laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park
to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the
sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle
of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone
and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the
backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even
a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the
ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you
are going to be when you grow up, or second guess
every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake
cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and
buy us both a "Happy Meal" so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell
you a story about how you were born and how much
I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and
not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we
sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours,
and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your
hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has
given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are
searching for their missing children, the mothers and
fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead
of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in
hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly,
and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little
tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank Lord
for you, and ask Him for nothing, except one more day...

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

bearkat77

Jun 26, 2002, 01:23 AM

Daily Affirmations

If you open it, close it.

If you turn it on, turn it off.

If you unlock it, lock it up.

If you break it, admit it.

If you can't fix it, call in someone who can.

If you borrow it, return it.

If you value it, take care of it.

If you make a mess clean it up.

If you move it, put it back.

If it belongs to someone else and you want to use it, get permission.

If you don't know how to operate it, leave it alone.

If it's none of your business, don't ask questions.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

If it will brighten someone's day, say it.

If it will tarnish someone's reputation, keep it to yourself.

------------------
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Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

bearkat77

Jun 26, 2002, 01:24 AM

The Integrity Of Love

A man stopped at a flower shop to order some flowers to be wired to his mother who lived two hundred miles away. As he got out of his car he noticed a young girl sitting on the curb sobbing. He asked her what was wrong and she replied, "I wanted to buy a red rose for my mother. But I only have seventy-five cents, and a rose costs two dollars."

The man smiled and said, "Come on in with me. I'll buy you a rose."

He bought the little girl her rose and ordered his own mother's flowers. As they were leaving he offered the girl a ride home. She said, "Yes, please! You can take me to my mother."

She directed him to a cemetery, where she placed the rose on a freshly dug grave.

The man returned to the flower shop, cancelled the wire order, picked up a bouquet and drove the two hundred miles to his mother's house.

------------------
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Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Jun 26, 2002, 06:32 AM

WHEN GOD CREATED FATHERS

By Erma Bombeck

When the good Lord was creating fathers, He started with
a tall frame. And a female angel nearby said, "What kind
of father is that? If you’re going to make children so close
to the ground, why have you put fathers up so high? He
won’t be able to shoot marbles without kneeling, tuck a
child in bed without bending, or even kiss a child without
a lot of stooping."

And God smiled and said, "Yes, but if I make him child size,
who would children have to look up to?"

And when God made a father’s hands, they were large
and sinewy.

And the angel shook her head sadly and said, "Do You
know what You’re doing? Large hands are clumsy. They
can’t manage diaper pins, small buttons, rubber bands
on pony tails or even remove splinters caused by baseball bats."

God smiled and said, "I know, but they’re large enough to hold
everything a small boy empties from his pockets at the end of
a day…yet small enough to cup a child’s face."

Then God molded long, slim legs and broad shoulders.

The angel nearly had a heart attack. "Boy, this is the end
of the week, all right," she clucked. "Do You realize You just
made a father without a lap? How is he going to pull a child
close to him without the kid falling between his legs?"

God smiled and said, "A mother needs a lap. A father needs
strong shoulders to pull a sled, balance a boy on a bicycle or
hold a sleepy head on the way home from the circus."

God was in the middle of creating two of the largest feet
anyone had ever seen when the angel could contain herself
no longer. "That’s not fair. Do You honestly think those large
boats are going to dig out of bed early in the morning when
the baby cries? Or walk through a small birthday party without
crushing at least three of the guests?"

And God smiled and said, "They’ll work. You’ll see. They’ll
support a small child who wants to "ride a horse to Banbury
Cross" or scare off mice at the summer cabin, or display
shoes that will be a challenge to fill."

God worked throughout the night, giving the father few words,
but a firm authoritative voice; eyes that see everything, but
remain calm and tolerant.

Finally, almost as an afterthought, He added tears. Then He
turned to the angel and said, "Now are you satisfied that he
can love as much as a mother?"

And the angel shutteth up!

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Jun 28, 2002, 12:08 AM

A FATHER'S ADVICE

Sending his son out into the world, a father
gave him the following rules -

Tell the truth...falsehoods are hard to remember.

Shine the heels of your shoes as well as the toes.

Don't lend money to your friends - you will lose both.

Don't watch the clock, it will keep
on going - you do the same.

You do not need clean cuffs every day, but
you need a clean conscience all the time.

Don't borrow money, unless you positively
have the wherewithal to pay it back - and
then you don't need it.

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Jun 28, 2002, 12:12 AM

OVERCOMING FEAR OF FAILURE

You've failed many times, although you may
not remember.

You fell down the first time you tried to
walk.

You almost drowned the first time you
tried to swim, didn't you?

Did you hit the ball the first time you
swung a bat? Heavy hitters, the ones who
hit the most home runs, also strike out
a lot.

* R.H. Macy failed seven times before
his store in New York caught on.

* English novelist, John Creasey, got 753
rejection slips before he published 564 books.

* Babe Ruth struck out 1330 times, but he
also hit 714 home runs.

Don't worry about failure. Worry about the
chances you miss when you don't even try.

------------------
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Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Jun 29, 2002, 08:42 AM

SOME THINGS WORTH KEEPING
Unknown

Some things you keep. Like good teeth, warm
coats and loving, long-term spouses. They're
good for you, reliable, practical and so
sublime that to throw them away would make
the garbage man a thief.

So, you hang on, because something old is
often better than something new, and what
you know is often better than something
strange.

These are my thoughts, they make me sound old --
old, tame and dull in a time when everybody
else is risky, racy and flashy. All is new
and improved in their lives. New careers,
new thighs, new cars. The world is dizzy
with trade-ins.I could keep track, but I
don't think I want to.

I grew up with practical parents. My mother,
God bless her, washed aluminum foil after she
cooked in it, then reused it. My father was
happier getting old shoes fixed than buying
new ones. Their marriage was good, their
dreams focused. Their best friends lived
barely a wave away. I can see them now,
Dad in trousers and a tee shirt and Mom
in a housedress, a dishtowel in hand. It
was a time for fixing things -- a curtain
rod, the kitchen radio, screen doors, the
oven door, the hem in a dress.

Some things you keep. It was a way of life,
and sometimes it made me crazy. All that
re-fixing, reheating, renewing -- I wanted
just once to be wasteful.

Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away
meant there'd always be more. But then my
father died, and on that clear autumn night,
in the chill of the hospital room, I was
struck with the pain of learning that
sometimes there isn't any "more." Sometimes
what you care about most gets all used up
and goes away, never to return.

So, while you have it, it's best to love it,
care for it, fix it up when it's broken and
heal it when it's sick. That's true for marriage,
old cars, children with bad report cards, dogs
with bad hips and aging parents. You keep them
because they are worth it -- because you're
worth it.

------------------
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Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Jun 29, 2002, 09:24 AM

I Am Learning, Lord

My life has taken many falls
And tumbles 'long the way.
The many trials have left me
In a sure state of dismay.

For with each trial, I tried alone
To tend, and soothe, and mend,
Instead of giving them to God -
And on Him just depend ...

But, I am learning, Lord.

It seems I was determined
To carry all the load.
I longed for smoother pathways.
Yet, I walked a rocky road.

Little did I understand,
God waited patiently
To pave a new beginning
With a better life for me.

But, I am learning, Lord.

It took a real disaster
To bring me to my knees;
To finally call upon the Lord
And say, "God help me, please."

He came with no delaying,
With strong arms that could hold -
The weight of all my burdens;
He gladly took the load.

And, I am learning, Lord.

What a needless cross I carried,
All because I could not see -
What a friend I have in Jesus,
And the love He has for me.

Peace I find when troubles hover,
Though' the outcome is unknown.
For if yet the road is rocky,
I won't walk it all alone.

For, I am learning, Lord.

------------------
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Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Jul 30, 2002, 01:01 AM

Ten Rules for Staying Young

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age,
weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them.
That is why you pay him/her.

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you
down. If you really need a grouch, there are probably
a few dozen of your relatives to do the job.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the Bible,
computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Just never let
the brain stay idle.

4. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp
for breath. Laugh so much that you can be tracked in
the store by your distinctive laughter.

5. Do not worry about situations beyond your control.
God is still on His throne!

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The
only person who is with us our entire lives is
ourselves.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it is
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. Shoulder only your own
responsibilities. Then go to the mall, the next
county, a foreign country, but not to guilt. God
forgives and forgets. Go to Him.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at
every opportunity. Remember, life is not measured by
the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that
take our breath away.

------------------
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Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Jul 30, 2002, 01:02 AM

A church goer wrote a letter to the editor of the newspaper and
complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. "I've
gone to church every Sunday for 30 years now,"he wrote, "and in that
time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me,
I can't remember a single one of them. So I think I'm wasting my time
and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all".

This started a real controversy in the "letters to the editor" column,
much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone
wrote this clincher.

"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked
some 32,000 meals. But for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire
menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this: they all
nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If I
hadn't eaten those meals I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if
I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead
today!"

------------------
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Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Jul 30, 2002, 01:04 AM

SUPER HERO

My son is now a grown man going to college.
Our children make life so interesting and teach us so much along the
way. Here is one of my precious storehouse of memories:

Our son came to the table, his cape over his shoulders and with a
smile of confidence he ordered breakfast. I would say, "Good morning, and
who are you today?"
He would answer, "Aw mom, you know I'm Spider Man and I'm ready to
help someone today."

In a few days I would say, "Good morning Spider Man, are you hungry?"
His reply would be, "Mom, don't you know anything? I'm Superman, and
Superman is always hungry!"

He went from one super hero to another like a woman changes shoes.
Each character was mightier than the one before, but they all needed a
cape.

The other day he came to me -- a young man with determination in his
eyes, but doubt on his lips -- "Mom, it's tough out there, kind of scary,
you know?"

"Yes, I know," I told him, "but I remember a young boy with a cape who
could do anything. He's turned into a man who's quite capable of doing
great things, cape or no cape."

"Gee thanks Mom, I needed that!" he said with his great smile and eyes
filled with love. And just for a moment I knew what it felt like to be a
super hero.

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Jul 30, 2002, 01:06 AM

THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE

Today, when I awoke, I suddenly realized that this is
the best day of my life, ever!
There were times when I wondered if I would make it to
today; but I did! And because I did I'm going to celebrate!

Today, I'm going to celebrate what an unbelievable life
I have had so far: the accomplishments, the many blessings,
and, yes, even the hardships because they have served to
make me stronger.

I will go through this day with my head held high, and
a happy heart.

I will marvel at God's seemingly simple gifts: the morning
dew, the sun, the clouds, the trees, the flowers, the birds.
Today, none of these miraculous creations will escape my notice.

Today, I will share my excitement for life with
other people. I'll make someone smile. I'll go out of
my way to perform an unexpected act of kindness for
someone I don't even know.
Today, I'll give a sincere compliment to someone who
seems down. I'll tell a child how special he is, and
I'll tell someone I love just how deeply I care for
them and how much they mean to me.

Today is the day I quit worrying about what I don't
have and start being grateful for all the wonderful
things God has already given me.

I'll remember that to worry is just a waste of time
because my faith in God and his Divine Plan ensures
everything will be just fine.

Tonight, before I go to bed, I'll go outside and
raise my eyes to the heavens. I will stand in awe
at the beauty of the stars and the moon, and I will
praise God for these magnificent treasures.

As the day ends and I lay my head down on my pillow,
I will thank the Almighty for the best day of my life.
And I will sleep the sleep of a contented child,
excited with expectation because I know tomorrow
is going to be ......

The Best Day Of My Life!
--Author Unknown

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Jul 30, 2002, 01:08 AM

What Do Angels Look Like?"

Like the little old lady
~ who returned your wallet yesterday.

Like the taxi driver who told you that your eyes
~ light up the world, when you smile.

Like the small child who showed you
~ the wonder in simple things.

Like the poor man who offered to
~ share his lunch with you.

Like the rich man who showed you that it
~ really is all possible, if only you believe.

Like the stranger who just happened to come along,
~ when you had lost your way.

Like the friend who touched your heart,
~ when you didn't think you had one to touch.

Angels come in all sizes and shapes,
~ all ages and skin types.

Some with freckles, some with dimples,
~ some with wrinkles, some without.

They come disguised as friends, enemies,
~ teachers, students, lovers and fools.

They don't take life too seriously,
~ They travel light.

They leave no forwarding address,
~ They ask nothing in return.

They wear sneakers with gossamer wings,
~ They get a deal on dry cleaning.

They are hard to find when your eyes are
closed, but
They are everywhere you look,
~ when you choose to see.
Author Unknown

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Jul 30, 2002, 01:09 AM

I HAVE A FEATHER on the door to my office.

When folks ask me about it, I tell them of the lady who said one morning,
"I have sinned as a gossiper. I take my chickens to market every week, and
along the way, as I stop by my houses to deliver the chickens, I tell
horrible untruths about other people."

The father told her to leave a feather at the door of each house she sheds
gossip and come back next week.

At her next confession, the father told her to go gather the feathers she
had left.

When she returned the subsequent week, she said, "I could not gather the
feathers, for they had blown away on the winds."

And he told her although her gossiping could be forgiven, he could not
gather the results that her gossiping would cause.

So I have a simple feather glued to my office door as a reminder to
everyone who comes to speak to me, or at staff or committee meetings in my
room, that we will not speak words that carry potential of pain to others
when ill winds blow.

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Jul 30, 2002, 01:51 AM

It's Not Too Late

He was a gentle man who stood with pride,
His body was ebbing like the outgoing tide.
His walk was slow, for age took its toll,
To live but one season was his goal.
Passing two lads in the park,
He noticed something, though almost dark.
There was a cloth on the ground,
A cloth that the boys had recently found.
With cold gray eyes he looked their way,
Then tears fell as be bowed to pray.
God, give me strength, show me what to do,
To teach them respect for the red, white and blue.
Mister, why are you crying, what did we do?
It's just an old rag that's red, white and blue.
That cloth you call just an old rag,
Is Old Glory, our nation's flag.
There's 13 stripes and 50 stars,
Blood was shed for those bars.
Each star represents one great state,
Pick up the flag, it's not too late.
But mister, why are you angry, oh what did we do?
It's still just a rag that's red, white and blue.
He bent is head and closed his eyes,
Then looked at the boys and said with a sigh,
This is your flag, a sight to behold,
A symbol of freedom worth more than gold.
Our freedom to speak and think as we choose,
For this our ancestors paid their dues.
They fought in wars, and gave their lives,
Fever took their children and their wives.
These were your families as well as mine,
We put their honor on the line.
So our flag can fly for all to see,
Symbolizing freedom for you and me.
Mister, we're so sorry, what can we do?
We'll brush off the dirt from the red, white and blue.
And put up a pole here in the park,
Fly her with pride from morn' til dark.
The three stood still and silence was strong,
The boys knew now why they were wrong.
As they gazed upon that tattered flag,
Their hearts told them this was no rag.
Though dirty and torn, she flew that day,
"That's our flag," he heard them say.

Poem written by Pat Odiorne, Brandon, Florida.

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Jul 30, 2002, 02:22 AM

The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Jul 30, 2002, 02:22 AM

The hardest thing to learn in life is which bridge to cross and which to burn.

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Jul 30, 2002, 02:23 AM

Ability is what you're capable of doing.

Motivation determines what you do.

Attitude determines how well you do it.

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Jul 30, 2002, 02:23 AM

Coincidences happen when God chooses to remain anonymous.

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Jul 30, 2002, 02:23 AM

Never give the devil a ride...he will always want to drive.

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Jul 30, 2002, 02:38 AM

PAPA'S SERMON
Author Unknown
From "Christian Herald Encyclopedia of Religious Anecdotes,"
Compiled by James Gilgrist Lawson - © 1923
Fleming H. Revell Co. Publishing, Grand Rapids, MI
A division of Baker Book House Company

Busy in his study, a minister was preparing his
sermon for the coming Sunday. He reached to
the shelf at his side for a book, and then
remembered that he had left it downstairs.

His little daughter was playing in the bedroom,
and he called her. She came, running, eager
and delighted at the thought that Papa needed
her. He explained carefully where she could
find the book, and she went gladly, returning
in a moment with a book which he saw at a
glance was the wrong one.

But he hardly looked at the book as he took it
and laid it on the table. He looked only at the
eager face of his daughter, wreathed in smiles.
Gathering her close to his heart, he kissed her
and said, "Thank You, darling."

And when she had gone back happy and contented
to her play, he went quietly for the book he
needed.

I think I should like to listen to the sermons
that man would preach.

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Jul 30, 2002, 02:41 AM

A little girl was visiting her grandmother
in the country. One evening they sat and
enjoyed the panorama of the stars in the
heavens -- such sparkling brilliance the
little girl hadn't seen, living in the
city with all the lights.

She was in awe of the beauty and said to
her grandmother, "If heaven is so beautiful
on the wrong side, what must it be like on
the right side?"

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

bearkat77

Aug 04, 2002, 10:12 PM

Eleven Things I've Learned from Noah's Ark

One
Don't miss the boat.

Two
Remember that we are all in the same boat.

Three
Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.

Four
Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.

Five
Don't listen to critics;
just get on with the job that needs to be done.

Six
Build your future on high ground.

Seven
For safety's sake, travel in pairs.

Eight
Speed isn't always an advantage.
The snails were on board with the cheetahs.

Nine
When you're stressed, float a while.

Ten
Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs;
the Titanic by professionals.

Eleven
No matter the storm, when you are with God,
there's always a rainbow waiting.

------------------
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SleepyHead

Aug 12, 2002, 08:15 AM

Cracked Pot

A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung
on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck.
One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot
was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water
at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master's
house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer
delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his
master's house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud
of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it
was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of
its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to
accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure,
it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. "I
am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you."

"Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?"

"I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver
only half my load because this crack in my side causes
water to leak out all the way back to your master's house.
Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work,
and you don't get full value from your efforts," the pot said.

The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot,
and in his compassion he said, "As we return to the
master's house, I want you to notice the beautiful
flowers along the path." Indeed, as they went up the
hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming
the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and
this cheered it somewhat.

But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had
leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to
the bearer for its failure.

The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there
were flowers only on your side of your path, but not
on the other pot's side? That's because I have always
known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I
planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and
every day while we walk back from the stream, you've
watered them. For two years I have been able to pick
these beautiful flowers to decorate my master's table.
Without you being just the way you are, he would not
have this beauty to grace his house."

The moral of this story: Each of us has our own
unique flaws. We're all cracked pots. In this world,
nothing goes to waste. You may think like the cracked
pot that you are inefficient or useless in certain areas
of your life, but somehow these flaws can turn out to
be a blessing in disguise.

Kind of makes one proud of being a cracked pot.

------------------
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In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Sep 16, 2002, 08:11 AM

In the sentence of life the devil may be a comma, but

DO NOT let him be the PERIOD!

------------------
http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/sleep2.gif
In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Sep 16, 2002, 08:12 AM

Nothing ruins the truth like stretching it.

------------------
http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/sleep2.gif
In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Sep 16, 2002, 08:12 AM

Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.

------------------
http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/sleep2.gif
In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Sep 16, 2002, 08:12 AM

"Pray" is a four-letter word that you can say anywhere

(except in a public school).

------------------
http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/sleep2.gif
In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Sep 16, 2002, 08:12 AM

Don't give God instructions - just report for duty!

------------------
http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/sleep2.gif
In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Sep 16, 2002, 08:42 AM

SleepyHead

Sep 16, 2002, 08:43 AM

He who is good at making excuses is seldom good for anything else.

------------------
http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/sleep2.gif
In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Sep 16, 2002, 08:43 AM

He who kneels before God can stand before anyone!

------------------
http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/sleep2.gif
In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Sep 16, 2002, 08:44 AM

If God is your copilot - swap seats!

------------------
http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/sleep2.gif
In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Sep 16, 2002, 08:48 AM

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"

author unknown

------------------
http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/sleep2.gif
In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Sep 16, 2002, 08:54 AM

The true test of character is not how much we know how to do, but how we behave when we don't know what to do.

------------------
http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/sleep2.gif
In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Sep 16, 2002, 08:55 AM

For the truly faithful, no miracle is necessary.

For those who doubt, no miracle is sufficient.

------------------
http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/sleep2.gif
In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Sep 16, 2002, 09:00 AM

A sick man turned to his doctor as he was leaving the room after paying a visit and said, "Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side."

Very quietly the doctor said, "I don't know."

"You don't know?!? You're a Christian man, Doc. Yet, you don't know what's on the other side?"

The doctor was holding the handle of the door, on the other side of which came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.

Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing, except that his master was here, and when the door opened he sprang in without fear. Now, I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing, I know that my Master is there, and that is enough. And when the door opens, I shall pass through with no fear, but with exceeding gladness."

------------------
http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/sleep2.gif
In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Sep 16, 2002, 09:06 AM

CHALLENGING THE LORD'S PRAYER

I cannot say OUR if I live only for myself.

I Cannot say FATHER if I do not endeavor each day to act like His child.

I cannot say WHO ART IN HEAVEN if I am laying up no treasure there.

I cannot say HALLOWED BE THY NAME if I am not striving for holiness.

I cannot say THY KINGDOM COME if I am not doing all in my power to hasten that wonderful event.

I cannot say THY WILL BE DONE if I am disobedient to His word.

I cannot say ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN if I will not serve Him here and now.

I cannot say GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD if I am dishonest or seeking things by subterfuge.

I cannot say FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES if I harbor a grudge against anyone.

I cannot say LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION if I deliberately place myself in its path.

I cannot say DELIVER US FROM EVIL if I do not put on the whole armor of God.

I cannot say THINE IS THE KINGDOM if I do not give the King the loyalty due him from a faithful subject.

I cannot say THE POWER if I fear what others may do.

I cannot say THE GLORY if I am seeking honor only for myself.

I cannot say FOREVER if the horizon of my life is bounded by the things of today.

------------------
http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/sleep2.gif
In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Sep 16, 2002, 09:12 AM

God Promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.

------------------
http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/sleep2.gif
In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Sep 16, 2002, 09:12 AM

The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.

------------------
http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/sleep2.gif
In Memory Of Robby (http://inmemoryofrobby.50megs.com)
Our Lady's Psalter (http://ourladyspsalter.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

SleepyHead

Dec 16, 2002, 07:34 AM

"Friends - Reason, Season, Lifetime"

People come into your life for a reason, a season,
or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you
know exactly what to do. When someone is in your
life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you
have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have
come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide
you with guidance and support, to aid you physically,
emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like G~d-
send, and they are. They are there for the reason you
need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on
your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will
say or do something to bring the relationship to an
end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk
away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you
to take a stand. What we must realize is that our
need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is
done. The prayer you sent up has been answered
and it is now time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON, it
is because your turn has come to share, grow, or
learn. They may bring you an experience of peace
or make you laugh. They may teach you something
you have never done. They usually give you an
unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But,
only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;
those things you must build upon in order to have a
solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the
lesson, love the person/people (any way); and put
what you have learned to use in all other relationships
and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but
friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life.....