Words of Inspiration - Part III

[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!

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[bearkat77]

A young man was at the end of his rope, seeing no way out, dropped to
his knees in prayer. "Lord, I can't go on," he said. "I have too heavy
of a cross to bear."

The Lord replied, "My son, if you can't bear it's weight, just place your cross inside this room. Then, open that other door and pick out any cross you wish."

The man was filled with relief and said, "Thank you, Lord," and he did as he was told.

Upon entering the other door, he saw many crosses, some so large the tops were not visible. Then, he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall. "I'd like that one, Lord," he whispered.

And the Lord replied, "My son, that is the cross you just brought in."

When life's problems seem overwhelming, it helps to look around and
see what other people are coping with. You may consider yourself far
more fortunate than you imagined.

YOUR CROSS

Whatever your cross, whatever your pain,

There will always be sunshine after the rain.

Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall,

But God's always there to help you through it all.

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ANYWAY

People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people may accuse you of selfish motives.
Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you may win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable.
Be honest and transparent anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
People who really want help may attack you if you help them.
Help them anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you may get hurt.
Give the world your best anyway.

~ Mother Teresa ~
"Meditations from a Simple Path"

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"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."
-- Teddy Roosevelt

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[bearkat77]

Priceless Gifts

Life holds so many priceless things...
The falling rain, the wind that sings.
Each star on high, each shining moon,
Each sunbeam dancing in your room.

The river as it rushes on,
A sunset as when day is gone.
No wealth can buy a mountain tall -
These priceless things belong to all.

An autumn tree lends beauty rare,
With colored leaves piled everywhere,
As nature wears a glowing smile
To make each day a day worthwhile.

Could anything be quite as dear
As laughing children that we hear?
The gift of friendship that is ours?
The miracle of growing flowers?

Each magic moment, treasured time,
These priceless gifts are yours and mine.

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[bearkat77]

Angels In My Life

There have been angels in my life,
While they haven't arrived with a blast of trumpets
Or a rustle of wings,
I've known them just the same.

They performed their acts in human guise,
Sometimes borrowing the faces of family and friends,
Sometimes in the form of a stranger lending a hand.

You have known them, too,
When just the right word was needed,
When a tiny act of kindness made a great difference.

Or perhaps you heard a voice whispering in the night of sorrow,
The words not quite clear but the meaning unmistakable:
"There is hope, There is hope."

May your angels watch over you
And always keep you safe
And whisper in your ear
To banish hate and fear.

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"Your biggest challenge isn't someone else. It's the ache in your lungs and the burning in your legs, and the voice inside you that yells 'CAN'T', but you don't listen. You just push harder. And then you hear the voice whisper 'can'. And you discover that the person you thought you were is no match for the one you really are."
-- Unknown

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An Irish Blessing

May you always have ...
Walls for the wind
A roof for the rain,
Tea beside the fire
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you
And all your heart might desire!

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[bearkat77]

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]

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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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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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]

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]

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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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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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]

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]

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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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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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]

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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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]

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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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]

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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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]

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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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]

~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]

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]

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]

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]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Tahoma, Arial, Sans-Serif">Quote:</font><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!
http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/dance.gif



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

[SleepyHead]

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]

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]

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]

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


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[SleepyHead]

He who angers you, controls you!

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[SleepyHead]

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]

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]

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]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Tahoma, Arial, Sans-Serif">Quote:</font><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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[SleepyHead]

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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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]

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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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)

[McCharlenstar]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Tahoma, Arial, Sans-Serif">Quote:</font><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]

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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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]

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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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]

"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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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]

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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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)

[McCharlenstar]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Tahoma, Arial, Sans-Serif">Quote:</font><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]

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 Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

[SleepyHead]

ISLAND OF FEELINGS

Once upon a time there was an island where all the feelings lived;
Happiness, Sadness, Kno