**HIS WORDS**

"If I think the battle is won, then it shall be so; if I think the battle is only beginning, I have a long way to go. My heart is not to destroy, but to begin a new way."

MDN (Jan.6,2000)

The following was written by "M" while he was listening to a recording of birds singing. His words are proof that his heart sings as beautifully as any bird. He calls it...

**J O Y**

"Each morning is filled with the sounds of blessings given. As He walked along the path, with trees towering above, the birds began to sing as the sun peeked over the mountain. With each step, the forest came alive with the sound of life. He knew each sound by heart and felt each breath was being taken to fill the forest with the sounds of life. His heart felt the love shared by each winged song.
The sun gave birth to the warmth of the new day. Each of the small creatures wanted to share their happiness with the ones they loved. Once again, He peered into the forest to find the secret of each of the small ones. His only thoughts were to share each of the moments of happiness that each felt.
He had nothing but love in His heart and the gift of life in His hands. How could He share this with the others? The sun was almost above the horizon and the warmth could be felt by everything it touched. He gazed across the breaking waters and could smell the salt breeze. His heart filled with JOY. He could not sing but was bathed with the sounds of the birds. He had no voice with which to speak, but His eyes conveyed each thought as clearly as if they had been spoken. He raised His hands to the heavens and closed His eyes.
One soft dove brushed His cheek to wipe the tear. He felt no anger at the world, nor did He keep a record of the wrongs. He did not boast, and did not strike out at the anger. His fear was gone and He felt only love.
As He continued along the path, He realized that the world was walking with him. Once again, He reached out to embrace the living and to touch the hearts that accepted Him.
He walks that same path each day and embraces each living thing with the same love. How great He is and how foolish we are. Only His love can humble each of us. His greatness will always be felt and His love will fill each heart.
Let me seek His face each day and give Him thanks for my life."
M.D.N. 12.6.99

"Go placidly among the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your acheivements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself; especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune; but do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations. In the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy."
Found in old Saint Paul's Church in Baltimore--dated 1692

**LOVE
I needed you
and found your arms around me,
Laughed with you
and saw clouds disappear,
Leaned on you
and felt your strength surround me,
Shared rough times with you
and felt no fear,
Believed in you
and saw my trust rewarded,
Dreamed with you
and saw my dreams come true,
Loved you
and saw every day grow sweeter.
Every day I've found more happiness with you.
Because of all the thoughts and feelings
that only we can share,
Because of all that you alone bring to my world,
I know we have the kind of love
that really is unique,
I know that the most important person
in my life
is you.
ALL MY LOVE

A prayer for you, my most precious, on the anniversary of your birth...April 12th
MAY YOU ALWAYS FEEL LOVED
May you find serenity and tranquility in a world you may not always understand.
May the pain you have known and the conflict you have experienced give you the strength to walk through life facing each new situation with optimism and courage.
Always know that there are those whose love and understanding will always be there, even when you feel most alone.
May you discover enough goodness in others to believe in a world of peace.
May a kind word, a reassuring touch, a warm smile be yours every day of your life, and may you give these gifts as well as receive them.
Remember the sunshine when the storm seems unending. Teach love to those who know hate, and let that love embrace you as you go into the world.
May the teaching of those you admire become a part of you, so that you may call upon them.
Remember, those whose lives you have touched and who have touched yours are always a part of you, even if the encounters were less than you would have wished.
May you not become too concerned with material matters, but instead place immeasurable value on the goodness in your heart.
Find time in each day to see the beauty and love in the world around you.
Realize that each person has limitless abilities, but each of us is different in our own way.
What you may feel you lack in one regard, may be more than compensated for in another.
What you feel you lack in the present, may become one of your strengths in the future.
May you see your future as one filled with promise and possibility.
Learn to view everything as a worthwhile experience.
May you find enough inner strength to determine your own worth by yourself, and not be dependent on another's judgements of your accomplishments.
MAY YOU ALWAYS FEEL LOVED
Author Unknown
"Longing For Love"
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