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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 07-06-2003, 09:32 AM:
 
Rated G The Gold Box

It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls, career, and life itself got in the way. In fact,Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams.There, in the rush of his busy life,Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him.

Over the phone, his mother told him, "Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday." Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.

"Jack, did you hear me?"

"Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago," Jack said.

"Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence' as he put it," Mom told him.

"I loved that old house he lived in," Jack said.

"You know, Jack, after your father died,Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life," she said.

"He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important...Mom, I'll be there for the funeral," Jack said.

As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown.Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.

The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time.

Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment.It was like
crossing over into another dimension,a leap through space and time.

The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture....Jack stopped suddenly.

"What's wrong, Jack?" his Mom asked.

"The box is gone," he said.

"What box? " Mom asked.

"There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk.I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside.All he'd ever tell me was 'the thing I value most,'" Jack said.

It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack
remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it.

"Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him," Jack said. "I
better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom."

It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died. Returning home fromwork one day Jack discovered a note in his mailbox.
"Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days," the note read.

Early the next day Jack retrieved the package.The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago.The
handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention.

"Mr. Harold Belser" it read.

Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope.Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside.

"Upon my death,please forward this box and its contents to Jack
Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life." A small key was taped to the letter.His heart racing, as tears filling his eyes,Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch.Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing,he unlatched the cover.

Inside he found these words engraved:"Jack,Thanks for your time! Harold Belser."

"The thing he valued most...was...my time."

Jack held the watch for a few minutes,then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days."Why?" Janet,his assistant asked.

"I need some time to spend with my son," he said.

"Oh, by the way, Janet...thanks for your time!"

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

~ Unknown ~

Have a great day. Oh, and thank you for your time.
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 07-06-2003, 03:27 PM:
 
Rated G To: All Members of Film-Tech

Today...I wish you a day of ordinary miracles----
A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself.

An unexpected phone call from an old friend.

Green stoplights on your way to work or shop.

I wish you a day of little things to rejoice in...

The fastest line at the grocery store.

A good sing along song on the radio.

Your keys right where you look.

I wish you a day of happiness and perfection little bite-size
pieces of perfection that give you the funny feeling that the Lord is smiling on you, holding you so gently because you are someone special and rare.

I wish you a day of Peace, Happiness and Joy.
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 07-09-2003, 10:53 AM:
 
Rated G

Somthing To Think About

I dreamed I had an interview with God:

"Come in," God said. "So, you would like to interview Me?"

"If you have the time," I said.

God smiled and said:
"My time is eternity and is enough to do everything; what questions do you have in mind to ask me?"

"What surprises you most about mankind?"

God answered:
"That they get bored of being children, are in a rush to grow up, and then long to be children again.

That they lose their health to make money and then lose their money to restore their health.

That by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such that they live neither for the present nor the future.

That they live as if they will never die, and they die as if they had never lived..."

God's hands took mine and we were silent for while and then I asked...

"As a parent, what are some of life's lessons you want your children to learn?"

God replied with a smile:
"To learn that they cannot make anyone love them. What they can do is to let themselves be loved. To learn that what is most valuable is not what they have in their lives, but who they have in their lives.

To learn that it is not good to compare themselves to others. All will be judged individually on their own merits, not as a group on a comparison basis!

To learn that a rich person is not the one who has the most, but is one who needs the least.

To learn that it only takes a few seconds to open profound wounds in persons we love, and that it takes many years to heal them.

To learn to forgive by practicing forgiveness.

To learn that there are persons that love them dearly, but simply do not know how to express or show their feelings.

To learn that money can buy everything but happiness.

To learn that a true friend is someone who knows everything about them...and likes them anyway."

I sat there for awhile enjoying the moment. I thanked Him for his time and for all that He has done for me and my family, and He replied,
"Anytime. I'm here 24 hours a day. All you have to do is ask for me, and I'll answer."

People may forget what you said.
People may forget what you did,
but people will never forget
how you made them feel.

--Unknown---
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 07-22-2003, 12:04 PM:
 
Rated G Louise

Why Women Cry...

A little boy asked his mother,"Why are you crying?" "Because I'm awoman, "she told him.

"I don't understand," he said. His Mom just hugged him and said,
"And you never will."

Later the little boy asked his father,"Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?"

"All women cry for no reason," was all his dad could say.

The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry.

Finally he put in a call to God.When God got on the phone,he
asked, "God, why do women cry so easily?"

God said:

"When I made the woman she had to be special.

I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the
world,yet gentle enough to give comfort.

I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the
rejection that many times comes from her children.

I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up,and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining.

I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all
circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly.

I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and
fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart.

I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his
wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand
beside him unfalteringly.

And finally, I gave her a tear to shed. This is hers exclusively
to use whenever it is needed."

"You see my son," said God, "the beauty of a woman is not in the
clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she
combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides."
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 08-04-2003, 07:29 AM:
 
Rated G

5 Fingers of Prayer

1. Your thumb is nearest to you.So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember.To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."

2. The next finger is the pointing finger.Pray for those who teach,instruct and heal.This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers.They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction.Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger.It reminds us of our leaders.Pray for the president,leaders in business and industry, and administrators.These people shape our nation and guide public opinion.They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger.Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger;as any piano teacher will testify.It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain.They need your prayers day and night.You cannot pray too much for them.

5. And lastly comes our little finger;the smallest finger of all.Which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others.As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself.

By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

Should you find it hard to get to sleep tonight, just remember the homeless family who has no bed to lie in.
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 09-25-2003, 12:10 PM:
 
Rated G

Dreams

The first day of school our professor introduced himself a challenged us to get to know someone we didn't already know.I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder.I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me with a smile that lit up her entire being.She said, "Hi handsome.My name is Rose. I'm eighty-seven years old. Can I give you a hug?"

I laughed and enthusiastically responded, "Of course you may!" and she gave me a giant squeeze. "Why are you in college at such a young,innocent age?" I asked. She jokingly replied,"I'm here to meet a rich husband,get married,have a couple of kids.." "No seriously,"I asked.

I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age. "I always dreamed of having a college education and now I'm getting one!"  she told me.

After class we walked to the student union building and shared a chocolate milk shake.We became instant friends. Every day for the next three months we would leave class together and talk nonstop.

I was always mesmerized listening to this "time machine" as she shared her wisdom and experience with me.Over the course of the year,Rose became a campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went.

She loved to dress up and she reveled in the attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She wasliving it up.

At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet.I'll never forget what she taught us.She was introduced and stepped up to the podium.As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her three by five cards on the floor..

Frustrated and a little embarrassed she leaned into the microphone and simply said, "I'm sorry I'm so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me! I'll never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know."

As we laughed she cleared her throat and began, "We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing.

There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success.You have to laugh and find humor every day.

You've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die.We have so many people walking around who are dead and don't even know it!

There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up.If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old. If I am eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything I will turn eighty-eight. Anybody can grow older. That doesn't take any talent or ability.  The idea is to grow up by always finding the opportunity in change.Have no regrets. 

The elderly usually don't have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do.The only people who fear death are those with regrets."

She concluded her speech by courageously singing "The Rose."  She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives. At the year's end Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those years ago.One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep.Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it's never too late to be all you can possibly be.

When you finish reading this,please send this peaceful word of advice to your friends and family, they'll really enjoy it! 

These words have been passed along in loving memory of ROSE.

REMEMBER, GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY. GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL.

We make a Living by what we get, We make a Life by what we give.

God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.If God brings you to it--He will bring you through it.  Lord I love You and I need You, come into my heart, Today.For without You I can do nothing.

Pass this message to 7 people except you and me. You will receive a miracle tomorrow. If you choose not, then you refuse to bless someone else.
 

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 09-25-2003, 04:45 PM:
 
(Posted at the request of Mr. Maartini...he seems to think I'm his personal love-slave)

----------------------------------------------------
NOT ALL HEROES ARE PEOPLE



James Crane worked on the 101st floor of Tower 1 of the World Trade Center. He is blind so he has a golden retriever named Daisy. After the plane hit 20 stories below, James knew that he was doomed, so he let Daisy go, out of an act of love. She darted away into the darkened hallway. Choking on the fumes of the jet fuel and the smoke James was just waiting to die. About 30 minutes later, Daisy comes back along with James' boss, who Daisy just happened to pick up on floor 112.

On her first run of the building, she leads James, James' boss, and about 300 more people out of the doomed building. But she wasn't through yet, she knew there were others who were trapped. So, highly against James' wishes she ran back in the building.

On her second run, she saved 392 lives. Again she went back in. During this run, the building collapses. James hears about this and falls on his knees into tears. Against all known odds, Daisy makes it out alive, but this time she is carried by a firefighter. "She led us right to the people, before she got injured" the fireman explained.

Her final run saved another 273 lives. She suffered acute smoke inhalation, severe burns on all four paws, and a broken leg, but she saved 967 lives. The next week, Mayor Guilaini rewards Daisy with the Canine medal of Honor of New York. Daisy is the first civilian Canine to win such an honor.



I hope you enjoyed this story. I thought it was terrific .
-----------------------------------------------------------

>>> Phil
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 10-24-2003, 04:02 AM:
 
Rated G Diane in Reno

HIGHWAY 109

A drunk man in an Oldsmobile
They said had run the light
That caused the six-car pileup
On 109 that night.

When broken bodies lay about
And blood was everywhere,
The sirens screamed out elegies,
For death was in the air.

A mother, trapped inside her car,
Was heard above the noise;
Her plaintive plea near split the air:
"Oh, God, please spare my boys!"

She fought to loose her pinned hands;
She struggled to get free,
But mangled metal held her fast
In grim captivity.

Her frightened eyes then focused
On where the back seat once had been,
But all she saw was broken glass and
Two children's seats crushed in.

Her twins were nowhere to be seen;
She did not hear them cry,
And then she prayed they'd been thrown free,
"Oh, God, don't let them die!"

Then firemen came and cut her loose,
But when they searched the back,
They found therein no little boys,
But the seat belts were intact.

They thought the woman had gone mad
And was traveling alone,
But when they turned to question her,
They discovered she was gone.

Policemen saw her running wild
And screaming above the noise
In beseeching supplication,
"Please help me find my boys!

They're four years old and wear blue shirts;
Their jeans are blue to match."

One cop spoke up,
"They're in my car,
And they don't have a scratch.

They said their daddy put them there
And gave them each a cone,
Then told them both to wait for Mom
To come and take them home.

I've searched the area high and low,
But I can't find their dad.
He must have fled the scene,
I guess, and that is very bad."

The mother hugged the twins and said,
While wiping at a tear,
"He could not flee the scene, you see,
For he's been dead a year."

The cop just looked confused and asked,
"Now, how can that be true?"

The boys said, "Mommy, Daddy came
And left a kiss for you.
He told us not to worry
And that you would be all right,
And then he put us in this car with
The pretty, flashing light.

We wanted him to stay with us,
Because we miss him so,
But Mommy, he just hugged us tight
And said he had to go.

He said someday we'd understand
And told us not to fuss,
And he said to tell you, Mommy,
He's watching over us."

The mother knew without a doubt
That what they spoke was true,
For she recalled their dad's last words,
"I will watch over you."

The firemen's notes could not explain
The twisted, mangled car,
And how the three of them escaped
Without a single scar.

But on the cop's report was scribed,
In print so very fine,
An angel walked the beat tonight
On Highway 109.

"He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare ."

The 7 Second Prayer
Just repeat this phrase and see how God moves...
"Lord, I love you and I need you, come into my heart, and bless me, my family, my home, and my friends, in Jesus' name. Amen. "
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 11-09-2003, 01:37 PM:
 
Rated G

A Grandfather's Table

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered.

The family ate together at the table. But, the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

His son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess." We must do something about Grandfather," said the son. "I've had enough of the spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor."

So, the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There Grandfather ate alone, while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.

When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye, as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions, when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening, before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?"

Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat food in when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though, no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.

That evening, the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days, he ate every meal with the family. And, for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

Children are remarkably perceptive. Their eyes ever observe, their ears ever listen, and their minds ever process the messages they absorb. If they see us patiently provide a happy home atmosphere for family members, they will imitate that attitude for the rest of their lives. The wise parent realizes that every day the building blocks are being laid for the child's future.

Let's be wise builders.

Author Unknown
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 11-18-2003, 08:07 AM:
 
Rated G

The Box
  
I received this from a friend who had a choice to make. It said that I had a choice to make too. I've chosen. Now it's your turn to choose........
  
The story goes that some time ago a mother punished her 5 year old daughter for wasting a roll of expensive gold wrapping paper.
  
Money was tight and she became even more upset when the child pasted the gold paper to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree.
  
Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift box to her mother the next morning and said, "This is for you, Momma."
  
The mother was embarrassed by her earlier overreaction, but her anger flared again when she found the box was empty.
  
She spoke to her in a harsh manner, "Don't you know, young lady, when you give someone a present there's supposed to be something inside the package?"
  
The little girl looked up at her with tears in her eyes and said,"Oh,Momma, it's not empty. I blew kisses into it until it was full."
  
The mother was crushed. She fell on her knees and put her arms around her little girl, and she begged her to forgive her for her unnecessary anger.
  
An accident took the life of the child only a short time later and it is told that the mother kept that gold box by her bed for all the years of her life.
  
Whenever she was discouraged or faced difficult problems she would open the box and take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it there.
  
In a very real sense, each of us, as human beings, have been given a Golden box filled with unconditional love and kisses from our children, family, friends, and God.
  
There is no more precious possession anyone could hold.

You now have two choices ... you can:

1. Pass this on to your friends, or
2. Delete it

As you can see, I took choice No. 1.

Friends are like angels who lift us to our feet, when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly!
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 11-26-2003, 04:58 AM:
 
Rated G Diane in Reno

The Rock

A man was sleeping one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light, and God appeared. The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin.


The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might.

So, this the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sun up to sun down, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all of his might.


Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain.

Since the man was showing discouragement, the Adversary (Satan) decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the weary mind: "You have been pushing against that rock for a long time, and it hasn't moved." Thus, he gave the man the impression
that the task was impossible and that he was a failure. These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man.


Satan said, "Why kill yourself over this? Just put in your time, giving just the minimum effort; and that will be good enough."

That's what the weary man planned to do, but decided to make it a Matter of prayer and to take his troubled thoughts to the "Lord," he said, "I have laboured long and hard in your service, putting all my strength to do that which you have asked. Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?

The Lord responded compassionately, "My friend, when I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all of your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push.

And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back sinewy and brown; your hands are callused from constant pressure, your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. True, you haven't moved the rock.

But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom. That you have done. Now I, my friend, will move the rock."

At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is just a simple obedience and faith in Him. By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God who moves the mountains.

When everything seems to go wrong ... just P.U.S.H.!


When the job gets you down ... just P.U.S.H.!


When people don't react the way you think they should ..just P.U.S.H.!

When your money is "gone" and the bills are due ... just P.U.S.H!

When people just don't understand you ... just P.U.S.H.!

P = Pray

U = Until

S= Something

H = Happens


Pass this on to all the loved ones and friends who may need it; they may get it just in time. Truly, great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget! "A friend loves at all times..." -

Proverbs 17:17
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 01-20-2004, 06:16 AM:
 
Rated G Faye in Kingston, Ont. Ca

THREE TREES

Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems.could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty."

Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."

Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me."

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees.

When one came to the first tree he said,"This looks like a strong tree,I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter,"and he began cutting it down.

The tree was happy,because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree the woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true.

One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special from my tree,I'll take this one," and he cut it down.

When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals.He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay.This was not at all what he had prayed for.

The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end.

The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark.

The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree.The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do.The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.

Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried throughthe streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When theycame to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.

The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him,He will give you great gifts.Each of the trees got what they wanted,just not in the way they had imagined.We don't always know what God's plans are for us.We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.

Please keep this moving...pass it on,so He may inspire more people inthe way.May your day be blessed. And until we meet again,may God cradle you in the palm of His hand.
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 01-28-2004, 07:37 AM:
 
Rated G

Inspirational Posters

Top 20 sayings we'd like to see on those office inspirational posters:

1. Rome did not create a great empire by having meetings; they did it by killing all those who opposed them.

2. If you can stay calm, while all around you is chaos, then you probably haven't completely understood the seriousness of the situation.

3. Doing a job RIGHT the first time gets the job done. Doing the job WRONG fourteen times gives you job security.

4. Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

5. Artificial Intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity.

6. A person who smiles in the face of adversity...probably has a scapegoat.

7. Plagarism saves time.

8. If at first you don't succeed, try management.

9. Never put off until tomorrow what you can avoid altogether.

10. TEAMWORK... means never having to take all the blame yourself.

11. The beatings will continue until morale improves.

12. Never underestimate the power of very stupid people in large groups.

13. We waste time, so you don't have to.

14. Hang in there, retirement is only fifty years away!

15. Go the extra mile. It makes your boss look like an incompetent slacker.

16. A snooze button is a poor substitute for no alarm clock at all.

17. When the going gets tough, the tough take a coffee break.

18. INDECISION is the key to FLEXIBILITY.

19. Succeed in spite of management.

20. Aim Low - Reach Your Goals - Avoid Disappointment.
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 03-31-2004, 10:09 AM:
 
Rated G Inspiration

This is a true story that happened in Japan.

In order to renovate the house, someone in Japan tore open the
wall. Japanese houses normally have a hollow space between the
wooden walls. When tearing down the walls, he found that there was
a lizard stuck there because a nail from outside was hammered
into one of its feet. He saw this, felt pity, and at the same time
he was curious. When he checked the nail, turns out, it was nailed
10 years ago when the house was first built.

What happened?

The lizard had survived in such a position for 10 years! In a dark
wall partition for 10 years without moving, it is impossible and
mind boggling. Then he wondered how this lizard survived for 10
years without moving a single step--since its foot was nailed!

So he stopped his work and observed the lizard, what it had been
doing, and what and how it has been eating. Later, not knowing
from where it came, appeared another lizard, with food in its
mouth.

Ahh! He was stunned and at the same time, touched deeply. Another
lizard had been feeding the stuck one for the past 10 years...

Such love, such a beautiful love! Such love happened with this
tiny creature...

What can love do?

It can do wonders!

Love can do miracles!

Just think about it; one lizard had been feeding the other one
untiringly for 10 long years, without giving up hope on its
partner.

If a small creature like a lizard can love like this... just
imagine how we can love if we try.
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 04-23-2004, 12:22 PM:
 
Rated G Faye in Kingston, Ont.


A lecturer was giving a lecture to his student on stress management.

He raised a glass of water and asked the audience, "How heavy do you think this glass of water is?"

The students' answers ranged from 20g to 500gm.

"It does not matter on the absolute weight. It depends on how long you hold it.

If I hold it for a minute, it is OK.

If I hold it for an hour, I will have an ache in my right arm.

If I hold it for a day, you will have to call an ambulance.

It is the exact same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

"If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, we will not be able to carry on, the burden becoming increasingly heavier."

"What you have to do is to put the glass down, rest for a while before holding it up again."

We have to put down the burden periodically, so that we can be refreshed and are able to carry on.

So before you return home from work tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't carry it back home. You can pick it up tomorrow.

Whatever burdens you are having now on your shoulders, let it down for a moment if you can.

Pick it up again later when you have rested...

Rest and relax.

Life is short, enjoy it!!
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 04-23-2004, 12:32 PM:
 
Rated G

WORDS TO LIVE BY

Accept that some days you're the pigeon,
and some days you're the statue.

Always keep your words soft and sweet,
just in case you have to eat them.

Always read stuff that will make you look
good if you die in the middle of it.

Drive carefully. It's not only cars that
can be recalled by their maker.

Eat a live toad in the morning and nothing
worse will happen to you for the rest of the day.

If you can't be kind, at least have the
decency to be vague.

If you lend someone $20, and never see
that person again, it was probably worth it.

It may be that your sole purpose in life
is simply to serve as a warning to others.

Never buy a car you can't push.

Never put both feet in your mouth at the
same time, because then you don't
have a leg to stand on.

Nobody cares if you can't dance well.
Just get up and dance.

The early worm gets eaten by the bird,
so sleep late.

When everything's coming your way,
you're in the wrong lane.

Birthdays are good for you; the more
you have, the longer you live.

You may be only one person in the world,
but you may also be the world to one person.


Some mistakes are too much fun
to only make once.

Don't cry because it's over;
smile because it happened.

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.

A truly happy person is one who can
enjoy the scenery on a detour.

Happiness comes through doors you
didn't even know you left open.

Have an awesome day, and know that
someone has thought about you today....
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 04-23-2004, 12:39 PM:
 
Rated G

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

1. The best way to get even is to forget...

2. Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death...

3. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts...

4. Some folks wear their halos much too tight...

5. Some marriages are made in heaven, but they ALL have to be maintained on earth....

6. Unless you can create the WHOLE universe in 5 days, Then perhaps giving "advice" to God isn't such a good idea!

7. Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, and faith looks up...

8. Standing in the middle of the road is dangerous. You will get knocked down by the traffic from both ways.

9. Words are windows to the heart.

10. A skeptic is a person who when he sees the handwriting on the wall, claims it's a forgery.

11. It isn't difficult to make a mountain out of a molehill, just add a little dirt.

12. A successful marriage isn't finding the right person; it's being the right person.

13. The mighty oak tree was once a little nut that held its ground.

14. Too m any people offer God prayers with claw marks all over them.

15. The tongue must be heavy, indeed, because so few people can hold it.

16. To forgive is to set the prisoner free and then discover the prisoner was you.

17. You have to wonder about humans, they think God is dead and Elvis is alive!

18. It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.

19. You'll notice that a turtle only makes progress when it sticks out its neck...

20. If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, you can bet the water bill is higher.

You are richer today if you have laughed, given, or forgiven!


"Anyone can catch your eye but it takes someone special to catch your heart"
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 10-24-2004, 10:01 AM:
 
Rated G George in Omaha

When my grandmother died, we traveled to a tiny country cemetery to bury her beside my grandfather.

Among those attending the funeral was a shabby figure in a dark, crumpled suit - too hot for the blazing August day.A dilapidated felt hat was clutched to his chest and tears followed the furrows of unshaven cheeks.

His name was Billy, and he had lived on the farm next to my grandparents.It was poor land.His family often went hungry,but they were proud and Billy used to carry an empty lunch pail to school rather than let anyone know there was no food at home.

He called for my father some mornings,setting his empty pail on the kitchen table where Grandmother was busily filling the family lunch pails.She would slyly fill his pail,too,and at school my father never noticed that Billy's lunch was the same as his.

She never told of the empty lunch pail and neither did Billy. But he tramped the mile to her graveside, still poor, still hungry, but determined to pay his last respects to Grandmother, who had filled his lunch pail but left his pride intact.
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 10-25-2004, 11:54 AM:
 
Rated G Ralph in Wisconsin

HERE ARE THE POSITIVES

For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves,
God has a positive answer for each one ..
You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you
(John 3:16 & John 13:34)

You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it"
God says: you can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)

You say "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it
(Romans 8:28)

You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I FORGIVE YOU
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)

You say: I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 11-15-2004, 01:18 PM:
 
Rated G

Our Dash,This is beautiful,and so true.


I read of a man who stood to speak
t the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone,
From the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came her date of birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.
(1934 - 1998)

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth...
And now only those who loved her,
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;
The cars...the house...the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard...
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what's true and real,
And always try to understand
The way other people feel

And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile..
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy's being read
With your life's actions to rehash...
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

If you have received this,
it means that you are truly special
to the one that sent this to you.
I am glad that you're in my life and part of my dash.

It back to the one who sent it to you...

From My dash to yours.
Laugh long, live long,
Yesterday is history
Tomorrow is a mystery
Today is a GIFT
 

---

Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 01-20-2005, 11:29 AM:
 
Rated G Diane in Reno

Robby's Night
True Story -- Worth Reading!!!

At the prodding of my friends, I am writing this story. My name is Mildred Hondorf. I am a former elementary school music teacher from Des Moines,Iowa.I've always supplemented my income by teaching piano lessons-something I've done for over 30 years.

Over the years I found that children have many levels of musical
ability.I've never had the pleasure of having a prodigy though I have taught some talented students.

However,I've also had my share of what I call "musically challenged" pupils.One such student was Robby.Robby was 11 years old when his mother (a single Mom) dropped him off for his first piano lesson.I prefer that students (especially boys!) begin at an earlier age,which I explained to Robby.But Robby said that it had always been his mother's dream to hear him play the piano.

So I took him as a student.

Well,Robby began with his piano lessons and from the beginning I thought it was a hopeless endeavor.As much as Robby tried, he lacked the sense of tone and basic rhythm needed to excel.But he dutifully reviewed his scales and some elementary pieces that I require all my students to learn.

Over the months he tried and tried while I listened and cringed and tried to encourage him.At the end of each weekly lesson he'd always say, "My mom's going to hear me play someday." But it seemed hopeless.

He just did not have any inborn ability.I only knew his mother from a distance as she dropped Robby off or waited in her aged car to pick him up.She always waved and smiled but never stopped in.

Then one day Robby stopped coming to our lessons.

I thought about calling him but assumed because of his lack of
> ability,that he had decided to pursue something else.I also was glad that he stopped coming.He was a bad advertisement for my teaching!

Several weeks later I mailed to the student's homes a flyer on the upcoming recital.To my surprise Robby (who received a flyer) asked me if he could be in the recital.

I told him that the recital was for current pupils and because he had dropped out he really did not qualify.He said that his mother had been sick and unable to take him to piano lessons but he was still practicing.

"Miss Hondorf . . . I've just got to play!" he insisted.

I don't know what led me to allow him to play in the recital. Maybe it was his persistence or maybe it was something inside of me saying that it would be all right.

The night for the recital came.The high school gymnasium was packed with parents, friends and relatives.I put Robby up last in the program before I was to come up and thank all the students
and play a finishing piece.I thought that any damage he would do would come at the end of the program and I could always salvage his poor performance through my "curtain closer."

Well,the recital went off without a hitch.The students had been
practicing and it showed.

Then Robby came up on stage.His clothes were wrinkled and his hair looked like he'd run an eggbeater through it."Why didn't he dress up like the other students?" I thought."Why didn't his mother at least make him comb his hair for this special night?"

Robby pulled out the piano bench and he began.I was surprised when he announced that he had chosen Mozart's Concerto #21 in C Major.I was not prepared for what I heard next.His fingers were light on the keys,they even danced nimbly on the ivories.He went from pianissimo to fortissimo.From allegro to virtuoso.His suspended chords that Mozart demands were magnificent! Never had I heard Mozart played so well by people his age.After six and a half minutes he ended in a grand crescendo and everyone was on their feet in wild applause.

Overcome and in tears I ran up on stage and put my arms around Robby in joy."I've never heard you play like that Robby!

How'd you do it? "

Through the microphone Robby explained:"Well Miss Hondorf . . ..
remember I told you my Mom was sick?Well,actually she had cancer and passed away this morning.And well . . . she was born deaf so tonight was the first time she ever heard me play.I wanted to make it special."

There wasn't a dry eye in the house that evening. As the people from Social Services led Robby from the stage to be placed into foster care,I noticed that even their eyes were red and puffy and I thought to myself how much richer my life had been for taking Robby as my pupil.

No, I've never had a prodigy but that night I became a prodigy.
...of Robby's.He was the teacher and I was the pupil for it is he that taught me the meaning of perseverance and love and believing in yourself and maybe even taking a chance in someone and you don't know why.

Robby was killed in the senseless bombing of the Alfred P.Murrah
Federal Building in Oklahoma City in April of 1995..... And now, a footnote to the story.

If you are thinking about forwarding this message,you may be considering which people on your list aren't the "appropriate" ones to receive this type of message.The person that sent this to YOU believes that we all can make a difference.So many seemingly trivial interactions between two people present us with a choice:Should we act with compassion or will we pass by the opportunity and,possibly,leave the world a bit colder in the process?
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 02-02-2005, 07:41 AM:
 
Rated G Ed in Aurora

A Carrot, an egg, or a cup of coffee

A young woman went to her mother and told her about
her life and how things were so hard for her. She did
not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up.
She was tired of fighting and struggling. It
seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three
pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon
the pots came to boil. In the first she placed
carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the
last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit
and boil, without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners.
She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl.
She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl.
Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a
bowl.

Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me, what do
you see?"

"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots.
She did and noted that they were soft. The mother
then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it.
After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard
boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to
sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its
rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What does it
mean, mother?"

Her mother explained that each of these objects had
faced the same adversity ... boiling water. Each
reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard,
and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to
the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The
egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had
protected its liquid interior, but after sitting
through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.
The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After
they were in the boiling water, they had changed the
water.

"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When
adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond?
Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?"

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems
strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and
become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the
heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a
breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial,
have I become hardened and stiff? Does my
shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and
tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually
changes the hot water, the very circumstance that
brings the pain When the water gets hot, it releases
the fagrance and flavor. If you are like the bean,
when things are at their worst, you get better and
change the situation around you. When the hour is the
darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate
yourself to another level? How do you handle
adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet,
enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to
keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the
best of everything; they just make the most of
everything that comes along their way. The brightest
future will always be based on a forgotten past; you
can't go forward in life until you let go of your past
failures and heartaches.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone
around you was smiling. Live your life so at the end,
you're the one who is smiling and everyone
around you is crying. You might want to send ths
message to those people who mean something to
you (I JUST DID); to those who have touched your life >
in one way or another; to those who make you smile
when you really need it; to those who make you see the
brighter side of things when you are really down; to
those whose friendship you appreciate; to those who
are so meaningful in your life.

If you don't send it, you will just miss out on the
opportunity to brighten someone's day with this
message!

It's easier to build a child than repair an adult.
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 03-03-2005, 12:24 PM:
 
Rated G

A sobbing little girl stood near a small church from which she had been turned away because it was "too crowded."

"I can't go to Sunday School," she sobbed to the pastor as he walked by. Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the pastor guessed the reason and, taking her by the hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the Sunday school class. The child was so happy that they found room for her, and she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to worship Jesus

Some two years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings. Her parents called for the kindhearted pastor who had befriended their daughter to handle the final arrangements.

As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled red purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump. Inside was found 57 cents and a note, scribbled in
childish handwriting, which read: "This is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go to Sunday School." For two years she had saved for this offering of love.

When the pastor tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do. Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the pulpit, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his deacons to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building.

But the story does not end there...

A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a wealthy Realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands. When told that the church could not pay so much, he offered to sell it to the little church for 57 cents.

Church members made large donations. Checks came from far and wide. Within five years the little girl's gift had increased to $250,000.00--a huge sum for that time (near the turn of the century). Her unselfish love had paid large dividends.

When you are in the city of Philadelphia, look up Temple Baptist Church, with a seating capacity of 3,300. And be sure to visit Temple University, where thousands of students are educated. Have a look, too, at the Good Samaritan Hospital and at a Sunday School building which houses hundreds of beautiful children, built so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside during Sunday school time.

In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved, made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind pastor, Dr. Russel H. Conwell, author of the book, "Acres of Diamonds."

This is a true story, which goes to show WHAT GOD CAN DO WITH 57 CENTS.
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 03-08-2005, 10:27 AM:
 
Rated G Diane in Reno

A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully.Three times, even.The total had to be exactly perfect.No chance here for mistakes.Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door.She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention but he was too busy at this moment.Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise.Nothing.She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster! No good. Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glasscounter.That did it!

And what do you want?" the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice."I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages," he said without waiting for a reply to his question.

Well, I want to talk to you about my brother," Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone."He's really, really sick... and I want to buy a miracle."

''I beg your pardon?" said the pharmacist.

His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how much does a miracle cost?"

We don't sell miracles here,little girl.I'm sorry but I can't help you," the pharmacist said,softening a little.

"Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get the rest.Just tell me how much it costs."

The pharmacist's brother was a well dressed man.He stooped down and asked the little girl,"What kind of a miracle does your brother need?"

I don't know," Tess replied with her eyes welling up. "I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my Daddy can't pay for it,so I want to use my money."

How much do you have?" asked the man from Chicago.

One dollar and eleven cents," Tess answered barely audibly "And
it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to"

Well, what a coincidence," smiled the man."A dollar and eleven
cents---the exact price of a miracle for little brothers.

" He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said "Take me to where you live.I want to see your brother and meet your parents.Let's see if I have the miracle you need."

That well dressed man was Dr.Carlton Armstrong,a surgeon,
specializing in neurosurgery.The operation was completed
without charge and it wasn't long until Andrew was home again
and doing well.Mom and Dad were happily talking about the
chain of events that had led them to this place.

That surgery," her Mom whispered."was a real miracle.I wonder
how much it would have cost?" Tess smiled. She knew exactly
how much a miracle cost...one dollar and eleven cents ......
plus the faith of a little child. A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law......A TRUE STORY

I know you'll keep the ball moving! Here it goes. Throw it back to someone who means something to you!

A ball is a circle, no beginning, no end. It keeps us together like our ! Circle of Friends.But the treasure inside for you to see is the treasure of friendship you've granted to me.

Today I pass the friendship ball to you.

Pass it on to someone who is a friend to you.

MY OATH TO YOU...
When you are sad....I will dry your tears.
When you are scared....I will comfort your fears.
When you are worried.....I will give you hope.
When you are confused.....I will help you cope.
And w! hen you are lost....And can't see the light.
I shall be your beacon.....Shining ever so bright.
This is my oath.....I pledge till the end.
Why you may ask?.....Because you're my friend.

Signed: GOD
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 03-10-2005, 11:23 AM:
 
Rated G

NICE STORY TO READ!!

I sat in my seat of the Boeing 767 waiting for everyone to hurry andstow their carry-ons and grab a seat so we could start,what I was sure to be,a long uneventful flight home. With the huge capacity and slow moving people taking their time to stuff luggage far too big for the overhead and never paying much attention to holding up the growing line behind them,I simply shook my head knowing that this flight was not
starting out very well.I was anxious to get home to see my loved ones so I was focused on "my" issues and just felt like standing up andyelling for some of these clowns to get their act together.I knew I couldn't say a word so I just thumbed thru the "Sky Mall" magazine from the seat pocket in front of me.You know it's really getting rough when you resort to the over priced,useless sky mall crap to break the monotony.

With everyone finally seated, we just sat there with the cabin door open and no one in any hurry to get us going,although we were well past the scheduled take off time. No wonder the airline industry is in trouble I told myself.Just then,the attendant came on the intercom to inform us all that we were being delayed.

The entire plane let out a collective groan.

She resumed speaking to say, "We are holding the aircraft for
some very special people who are on their way to the plane and the delay shouldn't be more than 5 minutes."

The word came after waiting six times as long as we were promised that;"I" was finally going to be on my way home.

Why the hoopla over "these" folks? I was expecting some celebrity or sport figure to be the reason for the hold up. Just get their butts in a seat and let's hit the gas I thought.

The attendant came back on the speaker to announce in a loud and excited voice that we were being joined by several U. S. Marines returning home from Iraq!!!

Just as they walked on board,the entire plane erupted into applause. The men were a bit taken by surprise by the 340 people cheering for them as they searched for their seats. They were having their hands shook and touched by almost everyone who was within an arm's distance of them as they passed down the aisle.One elderly woman kissed the hand of one of the
Marines as he passed by her.The applause,whistles,and cheering didn't stop for a long time.

When we were finally airborne, "I" was not the only civilian checking his conscience as to the delays in "me" getting home, finding my easy chair,a cold beverage and the remote in my hand.These men had done for all of us and I had been complaining
silently about "me" and "my" issues I took for granted the everyday freedoms I enjoy and the conveniences of the American
way of life.I took for granted that others had paid the price for my ability to moan and complain about a few minutes delay to
"me" while those Heroes were going home to their loved ones.

I attempted to get my selfish outlook back in order and minutes before we landed,I suggested to the attendant that she announce over thespeaker a request for everyone to remain in their seats until our heroes were allowed to gather their things and be first off the plane.The cheers and applause continued until the last Marine stepped off and we all rose to go about our too often taken for granted everyday freedoms.

I felt proud of them. I felt it an honor and a privilege to be among the first to welcome them home and say "Thank You for a job well done." I vowed that I will never forget that flight nor the lesson learned.I can't say it enough,THANK YOU to those Veterans and active servicemen and women who may read this and a prayer for those who cannot because they are no longer with us. GOD BLESS AMERICA! WELCOME HOME! AND THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE!!!!!
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 03-23-2005, 07:35 AM:
 
Rated G

A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell. He
painted a sign advertising the 4 pups. And set about nailing it toa post on the edge of his yard. As he was driving the last nail intothe post, he felt a tug on his overalls. He looked down into the eyesof a little boy.

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



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

The boy dropped his head for a moment.Then reaching deep into
his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held up to the farmer.

I've got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look"

Sure," said the farmer.And with that he let out a whistle

Here, Dolly!" he called. Out from the doghouse and down the
ramp ran Dolly followed by four little balls of fur. The little boypressed his face against the chain link fence. His eyes danced with delight,As the dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse. Slowly another little ballappeared, this one noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid.

Then in a somewhat awkward manner,the little pup began hobbling
toward the others, doing it's best to catch up.

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

The farmer knelt down at the boy's side and said, Son, you don't want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with youlike these other dogs would." With that the little boy stepped backfrom the fence,reached down, and began rolling up one leg of his trousers.

In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe. Looking back up at the farmer,he said,You see sir,I don't run too well myself, and he will need someone who understands." With tears in his eyes, the farmer reached down and picked up the little pup. Holding it carefully he handed it to the little boy.

How much?" asked the little boy. "No charge," answered the farmer,

There's no charge for love."

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

It's National Friendship Week.


Show your friends how much you care.


Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND.

If it comes back to you, then you'll know you have a circle of friends.
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 03-24-2005, 09:01 AM:
 
Rated G Faye in Kingston

Slow down; God is still in heaven.
You are not responsible for doing
it all yourself, right now.

Remember a happy, peaceful time in your past.
Rest there. Each moment has richness
that takes a lifetime to savour.

Set your own pace.
When someone is pushing you,
it's OK to tell them they're pushing.

Take nothing for granted:
watch water flow, the corn grow,
the leaves blow, your neighbour mow.

Taste your food.
God gives it to delight as well as to nourish.

Notice the sun and the moon as they rise and set.
They are remarkable for their steady pattern of movement,
not their speed.

Quit planning how you're going to use
what you know, learn, or possess.
God's gifts just are; be grateful and their purpose will be clear.

When you talk with someone,
don't think about what you'll say next.
Thoughts will spring up naturally if you let them.

Talk and play with children.
It will bring out the unhurried little person inside you.

Create a place in your home...at your work...in your heart...
where you can go for quiet and recollection.
You deserve it.

Allow yourself time to be lazy and unproductive.
Rest isn't luxury; it's a necessity.

Listen to the wind blow.
It carries a message of yesterday,
tomorrow, and now. NOW counts.

Rest on your laurels.
They bring comfort whatever their size, age, or condition.

Talk slower. Talk less. Don't talk.
Communication isn't measured by words.

Give yourself permission to be late sometimes.
Life is for living, not scheduling.

Listen to the song of a bird; the complete song.
Music and nature are gifts,
but only if you are willing to receive them.

Take time just to think.
Action is good and necessary,
but it's fruitful only if we muse, ponder, and mull.

Make time for play-the things you like to do.
Whatever your age,
your inner child needs re-creation.

Watch and listen to the night sky. It speaks.

Listen to the words you speak, especially in prayer.

Learn to stand back and let others take their turn as leaders.

There will always be new opportunities
for you to step out in front again.

Divide big jobs into little jobs.
If God took six days to create the universe,
can you hope to do any better?

When you find yourself rushing and anxious, stop.
Ask yourself "WHY?" you are rushing and anxious.
The reasons may improve your self-understanding.

Take time to read the Bible.
Thoughtful reading is enriching reading.

Direct your life with purposeful choices,
not with speed and efficiency.
The best musician is one who plays with expression and
meaning, not the one who finishes first.

Take a day off alone; make a retreat.
You can learn from monks and
hermits without becoming one.

Pet a furry friend. You will give and get the gift of now.

Work with your hands. It frees the mind.

Take time to wonder.
Without wonder, life is merely existence.

Sit in the dark.
It will teach you to see and hear, taste and smell.

Once in a while, turn down the lights, the volume,
the throttle, the invitations. Less really can be more.

Let go. Nothing is usually the hardest thing to do -
but often it is the best.

Take a walk-but don't go anywhere.
If you walk just to get somewhere,
you sacrifice the walking.

Count your friends.
If you have one, you are lucky.
If you have more, you are blessed. Bless them in return.

Count your blessings - one at a time and slowly.

author unknown
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 04-20-2005, 10:37 AM:
 
Rated G

ONE OF THE BEST STORIES I'VE EVER HEARD!!!!!!

As she stood in front of her 5th grade class on the very first day of school, she told the children an untruth.

Like most teachers, she looked at her students and said that she lovedthem all the same.However, that was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped inhis seat, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard.

Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he did not play well with the other children, that his clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath.
In addition, Teddy could be unpleasant.

It got to the point where Mrs.Thompson would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen,making bold X's and then putting a big "F" at the top of his papers.

At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child's past records and she put Teddy's off until last.However,when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise.

Teddy's first grade teacher wrote,"Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh.He does his work neatly and has good manners... he is a joy to be around.."

His second grade teacher wrote,"Teddy is an excellent student, well liked by his classmates,but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle."

His third grade teacher wrote,"His mother's death has been hard on him.

He tries to do his best,but his father doesn't show much interest,and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken."

Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote,"Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school.He doesn't have many friends and he sometimes sleeps in class."

By now,Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of
herself.

She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas presents,wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper,except for Teddy's.His present was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper that he got from a grocery bag.

Mrs.Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other
presents.Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing,and a bottle that was one-quarter full of perfume.But she stifled the children's laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was,putting it on,and dabbing some of the perfume on her
wrist.

Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say,"Mrs.Thompson,today you smelled just like my Mom used to."

After the children left,she cried for at least an hour.

On that very day, she quit teaching reading, writing and arithmetic.Instead,she began to teach children.

Mrs.Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy.As she worked with him,his mind seemed to come alive.The more she encouraged him,the faster he responded.By the end of the year,Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class and,despite her lie that she would love all the children the same, Teddy became one of her "teacher's pets.."

A year later,she found a note under her door,from Teddy,telling her that she was the best teacher he ever had in his whole life.

Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy.
He then wrote that he had finished high school,third in his class,and she was still the best teacher he ever had in life.

Four years after that,she got another letter,saying that while things had been tough at times,he'd stayed in school,had stuck with it,and would soon graduate from college with the highest of honors.

He assured Mrs. Thompson that she was still the best and favorite
teacher he had ever had in his whole life.

Then four more years passed and yet another letter came.
This time he explained that after he got his bachelor's degree, he decided to go a little further.The letter explained that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had.

But now his name was a little longer....

The letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, MD.

The story does not end there. You see, there was yet another letter that spring. Teddy said he had met this girl and was going to be married.

He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit at the wedding in the place that was usually reserved for the mother of the groom.

Of course,Mrs.Thompson did. And guess what?

She wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing.
Moreover, she made sure she was wearing the perfume that Teddy
remembered his mother wearing on their last Christmas together.

They hugged each other,and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs. Thompson's ear,"Thank you Mrs.Thompson for believing in me. Thank you so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could make a difference."

Mrs. Thompson,with tears in her eyes,whispered back.
She said, "Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference.I didn't know how to teach until I met you."

(For you that don't know,Teddy Stoddard is the Dr.at Iowa Methodist in Des Moines that has the Stoddard Cancer Wing.)









Beverly Chapman
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 05-20-2005, 11:09 AM:
 
Rated G

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.

Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and colour of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every colour and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it. In his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days and weeks passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.

The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.

She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you." Epilogue: There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.

"Today is a gift, that's why it is called the present."
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 09-15-2005, 08:24 PM:
 
Rated G

Child's Definition of LOVE.

A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, "What does love mean?" The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:

"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love." Rebecca - age 8

When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You know that your name is safe in their mouth." Billy - age 4

"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other." Karl - age 5

"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs." Chrissy - age 6

"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired." Terri - age 4

Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK." Danny - age 7

"Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss" Emily - age 8

"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen," Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)

"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate," Nikka - age 6

"There are two kinds of love. Our love. God's love. But God makes both kinds of them." Jenny - age 8

"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday." Noelle - age 7

"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well." Tommy - age 6

"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore," Cindy - age 8

"My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night." Clare - age 6

"Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken." Elaine -age 5

"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford." Chris - age 7

"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day." Mary Ann - age 4

"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones." Lauren - age 4

"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you." Karen - age 7

"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross." Mark - age 6

"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget," Jessica - age 8
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 11-26-2005, 01:10 PM:
 
Rated G

Their marriage was good, their dreams focused. Their best friends lived barely a wave away.

I can see them now, Dad in trousers, tee shirt and a hat and Mom in a house dress, lawn mower in one hand, and dish-towel in the other. It was the time for fixing things. A curtain rod, the kitchen radio, screen door, the oven door, the hem in a dress. Things we keep. It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that re-fixing, eating, renewing, I wanted just once to be wasteful.

Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant you knew there'd always be more. But then my dad died, and on that clear summer's night, in the warmth of his room, I was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't any more.

Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away... never to return. So... while we have it... its best we love it.... and care for it... and fix it when it's broken...... and heal it when it's sick.

This is true.... for marriage..... and children with bad reportcards..... and dogs with bad hips.... and aging parents..... and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it.

Some things we keep. Like a best friend that moved away or a classmate we grew up with. There are just some things that make life important, like people we know who are special..... and so, we keep them close!

I received this from someone who thinks I am a 'keeper', so I've sent it to the people I think of in the same way.

Now it's your turn to send this to those people that are "keepers in your life."

Good friends are like stars.... You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.

Keep them close!
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 02-20-2006, 09:24 AM:
 
Rated G

Success

When you can see failure as an inspiration and success as an opportunity then you have learned the secret to success.


Thanks to: Jens Mathew
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 02-20-2006, 01:34 PM:
 
Rated G B.B.

Here's a Kudo to firefighters...

February 17, 2006 - Lincoln, Nebraska - Ap- Firefighters braved sleet, wind and freezing cold to rescue a valentine that got snagged in a tree after a boy sent it into the sky by balloon for his mother, who died of cancer last fall.

Seven-year-old Joel Enriquez had made the valentine, a pink heart with purple heart stickers and the message 'I miss you', for Maria Enriquez at a grief support group.

On Tuesday, the first-grader brought the valentine to his school, attached it to balloons and went outside with his 13-year-old brother and classmates to release the balloons. But as the balloons sailed up, the curly ribbon got tangled on tree branches.

Mary Rowan, the boy's English-language teacher, later told firefighters what had happened, and on Thursday, despite the cold and 20-mph wind, an aerial truck crew pulled into the playground.

Capt. Arnold Jensen climbed 40 feet up an extended ladder and, after a couple of attempts, grabbed the deflated balloons, cut the ribbons and brought down the valentine.

Another firefighter pulled three red balloons from the truck, helped Joel attach the valentine, and the boy released the balloons. This time, they disappeared into the clouds.

"I think she got your valentine," Rowan said...and Joel smiled.
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 03-01-2006, 01:22 PM:
 
Rated G

Death is Inevitable

There is an Eastern fable, told long ago, of a traveler overtaken on a plain by an enraged beast. Escaping from the beast he gets into a dry well, but sees at the bottom of the well a dragon that has opened its jaws to swallow him. And the unfortunate man, not daring to climb out lest he should be destroyed by the enraged beast, and not daring to leap to the bottom of the well lest he should be eaten by the dragon, seizes a twig growing in a crack in the well and clings to it. His hands are growing weaker and he feels he will soon have to resign himself to the destruction that awaits him above or below, but still he clings on. Then he sees that two mice, a black one and a white one, go regularly round and round the stem of the twig to which he is clinging and gnaw at it. And soon the twig itself will snap and he will fall into the dragon's jaws. The traveler sees this and knows that he will inevitably perish; but while still hanging he looks around, sees some drops of honey on the leaves of the twig, reaches them with his tongue and licks them. So I too clung to the twig of life, knowing that the dragon of death was inevitably awaiting me, ready to tear me to pieces; and I could not understand why I had fallen into such torment. I tried to lick the honey, which formerly consoled me, but the honey no longer gave me pleasure, and the white and black mice of day and night gnawed at the branch by which I hung. I saw the dragon clearly and the honey no longer tasted sweet. I only saw the inescapable dragon and the mice, and I could not tear my gaze from them. And this is not a fable but the real unanswerable truth intelligible to all.

The deception of the joys of life that formerly allayed my terror of the dragon now no longer deceived me. No matter how often I may be told, "You cannot understand the meaning of life so do not think about it, but live," I can no longer do it: I have already done it too long. I cannot now help seeing day and night going round and bringing me to death. That is all I see, for that alone is true. All else is false.

The two drops of honey, which diverted my eyes from the cruel truth longer than the rest: my love of family, and of writing - art as I called it - were no longer sweet to me.

"Family"...said I to myself. But my family - wife and children - are also human. They are placed just as I am: they must either live in a lie or see the terrible truth. Why should they live? Why should I love them, guard them, bring them up, or watch them? That they may come to the despair that I feel, or else be stupid? Loving them, I cannot hide the truth from them: each step in knowledge leads them to the truth. And the truth is death....

No sweetness of honey could be sweet to me when I saw the dragon and saw the mice gnawing away my support.

Nor was that all. Had I simply understood that life had no meaning I could have borne it quietly, knowing that that was my lot. But I could not satisfy myself with that. Had I been like a man living in a wood from which he knows there is no exit, I could have lived; but I was like one lost in a wood who, horrified at having lost his way, rushes about wishing to find the road. He knows that each step he takes confuses him more and more, but still he cannot help rushing about.

~Leo Tolstoy~

Thanks to: Travis K. Sullivan Indianapolis USA
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 04-08-2006, 12:48 PM:
 
Rated G Faye in Kingston, Ont.

To realize
The value of a sister

Ask someone
Who doesn't have one

To realize
The value of ten years:
Ask a newly
Divorced couple.

To realize
The value of four years:
Ask a graduate.

To realize
The value of one year:
Ask a student who
Has failed a final exam.

To realize
The value of nine months:
Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.

To realize
The value of one month:
Ask a mother
Who has given birth to
A premature baby.

To realize
The value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize
The value of one minute:
Ask a person
Who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize
The value of one-second:
Ask a person
Who has survived an accident.

Time waits for no one.

Treasure every moment you have.
You will treasure it even more when
You can share it with someone special.

To realize the value of a friend or family member :
LOSE ONE.

The origin of this letter is unknown
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 07-29-2006, 02:35 PM:
 
Rated G

The elephant story-

If you love inspirational stories (and don't we all?),prepare to weep buckets of tears.

A man was on holiday in Kenya.While he was walking through the bush,he came across an elephant standing with one leg raised in the air.

The elephant seemed distressed so the man approached it very carefully. He got down on one knee and inspected the elephant's foot. There was a large thorn deeply embedded in the bottom of the foot.

As carefully and as gently as he could he removed the thorn and the elephant gingerly put down its foot. The elephant turned to face the man and with a rather stern look on its face,stared at him. For a good ten minutes the man stood frozen -- thinking of nothing else but being trampled.

Eventually the elephant trumpeted loudly,turned and walked away.

For years after,the man remembered the elephant and the events of that day.

One day the man was walking through the zoo with his son. As they approached the elephant enclosure,one of the creatures turned and walked over to where they are standing at the rail.It stared at him and the man couldn't help wondering if this was the same elephant.

After a while it trumpeted loudly;then it continued to stare at him.

The man summoned up his courage,climbed over the railing and made his way into the enclosure. He walked right up to the elephant and stared back in wonder.

Suddenly the elephant trumpeted again,wrapped its trunk around one of the man's legs and swung him wildly back and forth along the railing,killing him.......

Probably wasn't the same elephant.
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 08-03-2006, 06:47 AM:
 
Rated G Faye in Kingston, Ont.

Grandpa's Hands- - - Grandma's too

This is good; I'll never look at my hands the same!

Grandpa,some ninety plus years,sat feebly on the patio bench.He
didn't move,just sat with his head down staring at his hands. When I sat down beside him he didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if he was OK. Finally,not really wanting to disturb him but wanting to check on him at the same time,I asked him if he was OK.

He raised his head and looked at me and smiled."Yes,I'm fine, thank you for asking," he said in a clear strong voice.

"I didn't mean to disturb you, Grandpa, but you were just sitting herestaring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK," I explained to him.

"Have you ever looked at your hands," he asked. "I mean really looked at your hands?"

I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over,palms up and then palms down.No,I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point he was making. Grandpa smiled and related this story:

"Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled,shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.

They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor.

They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back.

As a child my Mother taught me to fold them in prayer.

They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots.

They held my rifle and wiped my tears when I went off to war.

They have been dirty,scraped and raw,swollen and bent.They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son.

Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.

They wrote the letters home and trembled and shook when I buried my Parents and Spouse and walked my Daughter down the aisle.

Yet,they were strong and sure when I dug my buddy out of a foxhole and lifted a plow off of my best friend's foot.

They have held children,consoled neighbors,and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand.

They have covered my face,combed my hair,and washed and cleansed the rest of my body.

They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw.

And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.

These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of my life.

But more importantly! it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home.

And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ ."

I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God
reached out and took my Grandpa's hands and led him home.

When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and wife I think of Grandpa.I know he has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God.

I,too,want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 08-22-2006, 08:04 AM:
 
Rated G Faye in Kingston

A carrot, an egg and a cup of coffee...





You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again........



A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.



Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word.



In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.



Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see." Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.



Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.



Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?"



Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity... boiling water. Each reacted differently.



The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.



The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.



The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.



Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?"



Think of this: Which am I?



Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?



Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit .. but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?



Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.



When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity?



Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?



May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.



The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.



When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.



You might want to send this message to those people who mean something to you (I JUST DID); to those who have touched your life in one way or another; to those who make you smile when you really need it; to those who make you see the brighter side of things when you are really down; to those whose friendship you appreciate; to those who are so meaningful in your life.



If you don't send it, you will just miss out on the opportunity to brighten someone's day with this message!



May we all be COFFEE.
 

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