!!!Things too think about!!!

Sweet Loaf by elizabeth perdomo Do you remember our youth... when we were all justice & no mercy? We were all ideas but wisdom had no where dawned? Now, as we grey pieces of wisdom have seeped into our bones & we have wrestled with the sides of things sometimes to win sometimes to lose We have found both reason & necessity for mercy formerly so scorned But our bones move slower now our fingers often ache & what we have planted & gleaned We must now share What we have harvested we must feed to the next ones... The ones issued from our own bodies & the others... the youth placed by God in our lives Let them eat with us now. Come a time they will scorn our gardens & come a time they may reject our wheat & leave our bread behind They may wander far... But will return one day guided by memory like the scent of fresh loaves baking & of wheat so sweet that it melts in the mouth like honey... They will come home to true things... Like we did. They will come home to the table later on.

The A to Z's of Friends A Friend.... (A)ccepts you as you are (B)elieves in "you" (C)alls you just to say "HI" (D)oesn't give up on you (E)nvisions the whole of you (even the unfinished parts) (F)orgives your mistakes (G)ives unconditionally (H)elps you (I)nvites you over (J)ust "be" with you (K)eeps you close at heart (L)oves you for who you are (M)akes a difference in your life (N)ever Judges (O)ffers support (P)icks you up (Q)uiets your fears (R)aises your spirits (S)ays nice things about you (T)ells you the truth when you need to hear it (U)nderstands you (V)alues you (W)alks beside you (X)-plain things you don't understand (Y)ells when you won't listen and (Z)aps you back to reality A friend is someone we turn to when our spirits need a lift A friend is someone we treasure for our friendship is a gift A friend is someone who fills our lives with beauty, joy, and grace And makes the world we live in a better and happier place.!!!!

You have it easily in your power to increase the sum total of this world's happiness now. How? By giving a few words of sincere appreciation to someone who is lonely or discouraged. Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime. -- Dale Carnegie--

((((My Wish For You)))) I wish that the sun will always   shine for you, and that your world   will always be bright     and warm and beautiful. I wish the wonder of   life's sweetest moments for you, with hours full of happiness   and days when everything     goes as best it can. I wish a million great beginnings   for you, with a perfect parade of   all your dreams come true and happy endings always. I wish with all my heart   for your greatest happiness. I wish you nothing but the brilliant   and vibrant colors     of the rainbows and life's brightest days... because the sun should always   shine for you.       -Poem by Barbara J. Hall

Sometimes... Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there, to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson, or to help you figure out who you are or who you want to become. You never know who these people may be (possibly your cyber-friend, neighbor, co-worker, long lost friend, lover, or even a complete stranger), but when you lock eyes with them, you know at that very moment they will affect your life in some profound way. And sometimes things happen to you that may seem horrible, painful, and unfair at first, but in reflection you find that without overcoming those obstacles you would have never realized your potential, strength, willpower, or heart. Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means of good luck. Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness, and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests, whatever they may be, life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere. It would be safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless. The people you meet who affect your life, and the success and downfalls you experience, help to create who you are and who you become. Even the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact, they are probably the most poignant and important ones. If someone hurts you, betrays you, or breaks your heart forgive them, for they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious when you open your heart. If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but because in a way, they are teaching you to love and how to open your heart and eyes to things. Make every day count. Appreciate every moment and take from those moments everything that you possibly can for you may never be able to experience it again. Talk to people that you have never talked to before, and actually listen. Let yourself fall in love, break free, and set your sights high. Hold your head up because you have every right to. Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself, for if you don't believe in yourself, it will be hard for others to believe in you. You can make of your life anything you wish. Create your own life and then go out and live it with absolutely no regrets. Most importantly, if you love someone tell them, for you never know what tomorrow may have in store. And learn a lesson in life each day you live. May sent this to me..Thank you!!

Thank you Dori for sending this!!!! INSPIRATIONS To those of you who have pushed me, thank you. Without you I would have fallen. To those of you who laughed at me, thank you. Without you I wouldn't have cried. To those of you who just couldn't love me, thank you. Without you I wouldn't have known real love. To those of you who hurt my feelings, thank you. Without you I wouldn't have felt them. To those of you who left me lonely, thank you. Without you I wouldn't have discovered myself. But it is to those of you who thought I couldn't do it; It is you I thank the most, Because without you I wouldn't have tried. I'm not sure who wrote this peom, but it is beautiful.

^^^Poems & Thoughts^^^

""The Guardian"" An angel was assigned to you, On the day you were born; It watched you as a slumbering babe, And kept you safe from harm. It followed every childhood step, Then guarded you as you grew; The dangers that you never saw, God and your angel knew. For the Father gave the angel, A mission to fulfill; To keep and guard you every step, Was the Heavenly Father's will. To gently guide you on your path, To stand and do battle for you; A constant, holy companion, Until life's journey is through. An angel was assigned to you, On the day that you were born; A Guardian sent to walk with you, To keep you safe from harm. This Poem was Graciously Donated by: Allison Chambers Coxsey....

Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room. Instead the angels were given a space in the cold basement. As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it. When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied ... "Things aren't always what they seem". The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife.   After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest. When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field. The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel "how could you have let this happen!? The first man had everything, yet you helped him," she accused. "The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let their cow die." "Things aren't always what they seem," the older angel replied. "When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it. Then last night as we slept in the farmer's bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I told him to take the cow instead. Things aren't always what they seem." Sometimes this is exactly what happens when things don't turn out the way we think they should. If you have faith in God, just trust that every outcome is always to your advantage.   You might not realize it until much later.""""

SLOW DANCE Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground? Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight Or gazed at the sun into the fading night? You better slow down Don't dance so fast Time is short The music won't last Do you run through each day on the fly When you ask "How are you?" Do you hear the reply? When the day is done, do you lie in your bed With the next hundred chores running through your head? You'd better slow down Don't dance so fast Time is short The music won't last Ever told your child, We'll do it tomorrow And in your haste, not see his sorrow? Ever lost touch, Let a good friendship die 'Cause you never had time to call and say "Hi"? You'd better slow down Don't dance so fast Time is short The music won't last When you run so fast to get somewhere You miss half the fun of getting there. When you worry and hurry through your day, It is like an unopened gift.... Thrown away... Life is not a race. Do take it slower Hear the music Before the song is over. (author unknown)

 

((((Why Mothers)))) Why are you crying?" he asked his mom. "Because I'm a mother," she told him. "I don't understand," he said. His mom just hugged him and said, "You never will!" Later the little boy asked his father why Mother seemed to cry for no reason. "All mothers cry for no reason," was all his dad could say. The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why mothers cry. So he finally put in a call to God and when God got on the phone the man said, "God, why do mothers cry so easily." God said, "You see son, when I made mothers they had to be special. I made their shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort. I gave them an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times come from their children. "I gave them a hardiness that allows them to keep going when everyone else gives up, and to take care of their families through sickness and fatigue without complaining. "I gave them the sensitivity to love their children under all circumstances, even when their child has hurt them very badly. This same sensitivity helps them to make a child's boo-boo feel better and helps them share a teenager's anxieties and fears. "I gave them a tear to shed. It's theirs exclusively to use whenever it's needed. It's their only weakness. It's a tear for mankind."

""What we have learned the ages"".. I've learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing "Silent Night"...............     Age 6 I've learned that you can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk..............     Age 7 I've learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back.............. Age 9               I've learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me clean it up..............     Age 13               I've learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up..............Age 14               I've learned that although it's hard to admit it, I'm secretly glad my parents are strict with me..............   Age 15            I've learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice...............Age 24               I've learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life's great pleasures...............Age 26               I've learned that wherever I go, the world's worst drivers have followed me there...............     Age 29            I've learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it...............     Age 39        I've learned that there are people who love you dearly but just don't know how to show it...............     Age 41           I've learned that you can make some one's day by simply sending them a little card...............     Age 44            I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt, the greater his need to cast blame on others................ Age 46            I've learned that children and grandparents are natural allies................Age 47               I've learned that singing "Amazing Grace" can lift my spirits for hours................ Age 49            I've learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone................Age 50               I've learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights................Age 51               I've learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills................Age 52           I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die........ Age 53           I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.................Age 58           I've learned that if you want to do something positive for your children,try to improve your marriage.................Age 61          I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. Age 62           I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. Age 64        I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.   ..............Age 65           I've learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision.................Age 66          I've learned that everyone can use a prayer.................Age 72           I've learned that it pays to believe in miracles. And to tell the truth, I've seen several.................Age 73           I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. .................Age 82           I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch - holding hands, a warm hug, or just a   friendly pat on the back.................Age 85          I've learned that I still have a lot to learn..............Age 92......

The World needs more of this!!!!

For every kiss you receive, return two. Your lips will be sweeter for the giving. He was driving home one evening, on a two-lane country road. Work in this small mid-western community, was almost as slow as his beat-up Pontiac. But he never quit looking. Ever since the factory closed, he'd been unemployed, and with winter raging on, the chill had finally hit home. It was a lonely road. Not very many people had a reason to be on it, unless they were leaving. Most of his friends had already left. They had families to feed and dreams to fulfill. But he stayed on. After all, this was where he buried his mother and father. He was born here and knew the country. He could go down this road blind, and tell you what was on either side, and with his headlights not working, which came in handy. It was starting to get dark and light snow flurries were coming down. He'd better get a move on. You know, he almost didn't see the old lady, stranded on he side of the road. But even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was still sputtering when he approached her. Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn't look safe, he looked poor and hungry. He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was that chill which only fear can put in you. He said, "I'm here to help you ma'am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm? By the way, my name is Bryan." Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady, that was bad enough. Bryan crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt. As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid. Bryan just smiled as he closed her trunk. She asked him how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She had already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped. Bryan never thought twice about the money. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty who had given him a hand in the past... He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way. He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance that they needed, and Bryan added "... and think of me". He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight. A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her. The cash register was like the telephone of an out of work actor-- it didn't ring much. Her waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn't erase. The lady noticed that the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her attitude. The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Bryan. After the lady finished her meal, and he waitress went to get change for her hundred dollar bill, the lady slipped right out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back. She wondered where the lady could be, then she noticed something written on the napkin. There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote. It said: "You don't owe me anything, I have been there too. Somebody once helped me out, the way I'm helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you." Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day. That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard. She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, "Everything's gonna be all right; I love you, Bryan." Today, I sent you this story, now I am asking you to pass it on... Let the Light Shine. Don't put it under a basket. Please pass this on to a friend. Better yet, live the lesson. Bye for now but not forever

""Heavens Grocery Store"" As I was walking down life's  highway many years ago  I came upon a sign that read  Heavens Grocery Store.  When I got a little closer the  doors swung 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 basket and said  "My child shop with care."  Everything a human needed was  in that grocery store  And what you could not carry  you could come back for more.  First I got some Patience.  Love was in that same row.  Further down was  Understanding, you need that everywhere you go.  I got a box or two of Wisdom  and Faith a bag or two.  And Charity of course I would  need some of that too.  I couldn't miss the Holy Ghost  It was all over the place.  And then some Strength and  Courage to help me run this race.  My basket was getting full but  I remembered I needed Grace,  And then I chose Salvation for  Salvation was for free  So I tried to get enough of  that to do for you and me.  Then I started to the counter  to pay my grocery bill,  For I thought I had everything  to do the Masters will.  As I went up the aisle I saw  Prayer and put that in,  For I knew when I stepped out  side I would run into sin.  Peace and Joy were plentiful,  the last things on the shelf.  Song and Praise were hanging  near so I just helped myself.  Then I said to the angel "Now  how much do I owe?"  He smiled and said "Just take  them everywhere you go."  Again I asked "Really now, How  much do I owe?"  "My child " he said, "God paid  your bill a long long time ago."