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Inspirational

Friends are the spice of life!!! To all my friends, I love you all.

Friendship is like peeing your pants- everyone can see it but only you can feel it. Thanks for being the pee in my pants!

If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day,
so I never have to live without you -- Winnie the Pooh

True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it is lost.
-- Charles Caleb Colton

A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.

Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind me, I may not lead.
Walk beside me and be my friend. -- Albert Camus

Strangers are just friends waiting to happen. Friends are the Bacon Bits in the Salad
Bowl of Life. --Uknown

Friendship is one mind in two bodies. -- Mencius

Friends are God's way of taking care of us.

Everyone hears what you say. Friends listen to what you say. Best friends listen to what you don't
say. - -Unknown

We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each
other everywhere.-- Tim McGraw

A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you
when you have forgotten the words. --Unknown  ~SB Linda

The Mother- The young mother set her foot on the path of life. "Is this the long way?" she asked. And the guide said "Yes, and the way is hard. And you will be old before you reach the end of it. But the end will be better than the beginning." But the young mother was happy, and she would not believe that anything could be better than these years.
So she played with her children, she fed them and bathed them, and taught them how to tie their shoes and ride a bike and reminded them to feed the dog and do their homework and brush their teeth. The sun shone on them, and the young Mother cried, "Nothing will ever be lovelier than this." Then the nights came, and the storms, and the path was sometimes dark, and the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them with her arms, and the children said, "Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come." And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary. But at all times she said to the children, A little patience and we are there." So the children climbed, and as they climbed they learned to weather the storms. And with this, she gave them strength to face the world. Year after year, she showed them compassion, understanding, hope, but most of all unconditional love. And when they reached the top they said, "Mother, we would not have done it without you." The days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years, and the mother grew old and she became little and bent. But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage. And the mother, when she lay down at night, looked up at the stars and said, "This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned so much and are now passing these traits on to their children." And when the way became rough for her, they lifted her, and gave her their strength, just as she had given them hers. One day they came to a hill, and beyond the hill, they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide. And mother said: "I have reached the end of my journey. And now I know the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk with dignity and pride, with their heads held high, and so can their children after them." And the children said, " You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates." And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said: "We cannot see her, but she is with us still. A Mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence."
Your Mother is always with you. She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street, she's the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick and perfume that she wore, she's the cool hand on your brow when you're not feeling well, she's your breath in the air on a cold winter's day. She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of a rainbow, she is Christmas morning. Your Mother lives inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every tear drop. A mother shows every emotion... happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger, helplessness, excitement, joy, sorrow..... And all the while, hoping and praying you will only know the good feelings in life. She's the place you came from, your first home, and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space...not even death!~ SB Dusty

HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay "them "
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9 Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
11. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~ SB Joe

Senior Reflections- Senior citizens are constantly being criticized for every conceivable deficiency of the modern world, real or imaginary. We know we take responsibility for all we have done and do not blame others.
HOWEVER, upon reflection, we would like to point out that it was NOT the senior citizens who took:
The melody out of music,
The pride out of appearance,
The courtesy out of driving,
The romance out of love,
The commitment out of marriage,
The responsibility out of parenthood,
The togetherness out of the family,
The learning out of education,
The service out of patriotism,
The Golden Rule from rulers,
The nativity scene out of cities,
The civility out of behavior,
The refinement out of language,
The dedication out of employment,
The prudence out of spending,
The ambition out of achievement, or,
God out of government and school.
And we certainly are NOT the ones who eliminated patience and tolerance from personal relationships and interactions with others!!
And, we do understand the meaning of patriotism, and remember those who have fought and died for our country.
Just look at the Seniors with tears in their eyes and pride in their hearts as they stand at attention with their hand over their hearts! ~ SB Jo

The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee -
When things in your lives seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.  The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "yes."  The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. "Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things--your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.  The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else---the small stuff. "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.  "Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."  One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend." ~SB Linda

One of my sons serves in the military. He is still stateside, here in California. He called me yesterday to let me know how warm and welcoming people were to him, and his troops, everywhere he goes, telling me how people shake their hands, and thank them for being willing to serve, and fight, for not only our own freedoms but so that others may have them also. But he also told me about an incident in the grocery store he stopped at yesterday, on his way home from the base. He said that ahead of several people in front of him stood a woman dressed in a burkha. He said when she got to the cashier she loudly remarked about the U.S. flag lapel pin the cashier wore on her smock. The cashier reached up and touched the pin, and said proudly, "Yes, I always wear it and I probably always will." The woman in the burkha then asked the cashier when she was going to stop bombing her countrymen, explaining that she was Iraqi. A gentleman standing behind my son stepped forward, putting his arm around my son's shoulder, and nodding towards my son, said in a calm and gentle voice to the Iraqi woman: "Lady, hundreds of thousands of men and women like this young man have fought and died so that YOU could stand here, in MY country and accuse a check-out cashier of bombing YOUR countrymen. It is my belief that had you been this outspoken in YOUR own country, we wouldn't need to be there today. But, hey, if you have now learned how to speak out so loudly and clearly, I'll gladly buy you a ticket and pay your way back to Iraq so you can straighten out the mess in YOUR country that you are obviously here in MY country to avoid." Everyone within hearing distance cheered! ~SB Jen

Good friends are hard to find, harder to leave, and impossible to forget... ~SB Linda

When all of your wishes are granted, many of your dreams are destroyed. ~SB Linda

When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world ~SB Linda

I've learned that, no matter what happens nor how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn ~ SB Cliff

It was a busy morning, approximately 8:30 am, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He stated that he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.
I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and re-dress his wound. While taking care of his wound, we began to engage in conversation. I asked him if he had a doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I then inquired as to her health. He told me that
she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer Disease. As we talked, and I finished dressing his wound, I asked if she would be worried if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him. "And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?" He smiled as he patted my hand and said. "She
doesn't know me, but I still know who she is." I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose
bumps on my arm, and thought, "That is the kind of love I want in my life. "True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be. ~SB Linda

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

The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you. ~SB Jen

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between 2
"wolves" inside us all". One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false
pride, superiority, and ego. The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith." The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed." ~SB Jen

Before you can get on your feet, you must first get off your ass. ~SB LaKira

ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
FOUR. When you say, "I love you," mean it.
FIVE. When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.
SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.
SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.
EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.
NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
TEN.. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives.
TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.
THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"
FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
FIFTEEN. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.
SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson
SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and responsibility for all your actions.
EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
TWENTY-ONE. Spend some time alone.
~SB Dan

Someone will always be prettier. They will always be smarter. Their house will be bigger. They will drive a better car. Their children will do better in school. And their husband will fix more things around the house. So let it go, and love you and your circumstances. Think about it........ The prettiest woman in the world can have hell in her heart. And the most highly favored Woman on your job may be unable to have children. And the richest woman you know, she's got the car, the house, the clothes....might be lonely. And the Word says if "I have not Love, I am nothing." So, again, love you. Love who you are! Look in the mirror in the morning and smile and say "I am too blessed to be stressed and too anointed to be disappointed!" "Winners make things happen. Losers let things happen." Be Blessed ladies and pass this on to encourage another woman. "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you just might be the world". SB Linda

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 I was little, I used to believe in the concept of one best friend,
And then I started to become a woman.
And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up,
God would show you the best in many friends
One friend is needed when you're going through things with your man.
Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your
mom.
Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be.
One friend will say let's pray together, another let's cry together,
another let's fight together,
another let's walk away together.
One friend will meet your spiritual need, another your shoe fetish,
another your love for movies,
another will be with you in your season of confusion,
another will be your clarifier,
another the wind beneath your wings.
But whatever their assignment in your life,
on whatever the occasion, on whatever the day,
or wherever you need them
to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back,
or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself
those are your best friends.
It may all be wrapped up in one woman,
but for many it's wrapped up in several .
one from 7th grade, one from high school,
several from the college years, a couple from old jobs,
several from church, on some days your mother,
on others your sisters, and on some days your daughters. Sb linda

I'm only as strong as the cocktails I drink, the hairspray I use, and the girlfriends I have. Here's to you! Why do we only have parties for each other when one of us gets married, pregnant, has a birthday, or retires? What would most of us do without our sisters, confidants, and shopping, lunching and traveling girlfriends? Let's
 celebrate each other for each other's sake! Pass this on to your girlfriends! If you get this twice or more, you are lucky to have more than one girlfriend. Be happy!

"Happiness isn't getting what you want, it's wanting what you got". - Garth Brooks

"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. " ~Unknown

To fear love is to fear life, and those who fear life are already three parts dead. ~Bertrand Russell, Earl Russell

Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Love waxes and wanes.
Hearts break.
Careers end.
Jobs come and go.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Men don't call when they say they will.
BUT...........
Girlfriends are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you.  A girlfriend is never farther away than needing her can reach. When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk
it for yourself, your girlfriends will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end. Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you. Or come in and carry you out.
Daughters, Daughter-in-laws, sisters, sisters-in-law, mother, mother-in-law, aunties, nieces, cousins, extended family, and friends bless our life!  The world wouldn't be the same without them, and neither would I.  When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.  Every day, we need each other still.
~ SB Jen

Are you aware that if we died tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family we left behind will feel the loss
for the rest of their lives. And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more
 into work than into our own family, an unwise investment indeed,
 don't you think? So what is behind the story? ~ S.B. Amica

"There is no such thing in anyone's life as an unimportant day." Alexander Woolcott

To anyone with kids of any age, here's some advice.
Bill Gates recently gave a speech at a High School about 11 things
they did not and will not learn in school. He talks about how
feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of
kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for
failure in the real world.
Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!
Rule 2: The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will
expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about
yourself.
Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school.
You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.
Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.
Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your
Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping - they called
it opportunity.
Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine
about your mistakes, learn from them.
Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they
are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your
clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you
were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your
parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.
Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but
life HAS NOT. In some schools they have abolished failing grades and
they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer.
This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real
life.
Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers
off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND
YOURSELF. Do that on your own time
Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually
have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs
Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for
one. ~Submitted by Lamar

Moments in Life
There are moments in life when you miss someone so much that you just want to pick them from
your dreams and hug them for real!
When the door of happiness closes, another opens; but often times we look so long at the
closed door that we don't see the one, which has been opened for us.
Don't go for looks; they can deceive. Don't go for wealth; even that fades away.
Go for someone who makes you smile, because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright.
Find the one that makes your heart smile.
Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be,
because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.
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.
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.
Don't count the years-count the memories...........
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take;
but by the moments that take our breath away! ~Submitted by Amica

The best inheritance parents can give their children is
a few minutes of their time each day.

"This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind...let it be something good." Author Unknown

The most destructive habit-Worry
The greatest Joy-Giving
The greatest loss-Loss of self-respect
The most satisfying work-Helping others
The ugliest personality trait-Selfishness
The most endangered species- dedicated leaders
Our greatest natural resource-Our youth
The greatest "shot in the arm"-Encouragement
The greatest problem to overcome-Fear
The most effective sleeping pill-Peace of mind
The most crippling failure disease-Excuses
The most powerful force in life- Love
The most dangerous pariah-A gossiper
The world's most incredible computer-The brain
The worst thing to be without-Hope
The deadliest weapon- the tongue
The two most power-filled words-"I Can"
The greatest asset-Faith
The most worthless emotion- Self-pity
The most beautiful attire-SMILE!
The most prized possession-Integrity
The most powerful channel of communication-Prayer
The most contagious spirit-Enthusiasm ~ Submitted by Moi

Wise men learn by other men's mistakes, fools by their own.
Wise men don't need advice. Fools won't take it. ~Proverbs

 Proverbs
War does not determine who is right, war determine who is left.
Virginity like bubble, one prick all gone.
Man who eat prunes get good run for money.
Wife who put husband in doghouse soon find him in cathouse.
Man who fight with wife all day get no piece at night.
Man with one chopstick go hungry.
Man who live in glass house should change clothes in basement.
Man who scratch ass should not bite fingernails.
7/5th of all people do not understand fractions.
43% of all statistics are worthless.
A bird in the hand is safer than one overhead.
You can lead a fool to wisdom but you can't make him think.
"A Wise Man can see more from the bottom of a well than a Fool can see from the top of a mountain." .
"You never test the depth of a river with both feet."
"Hear and you forget; see and you remember; do and you understand."
"The believer is happy. The doubter is wise."
It takes both sunshine and rain to make a rainbow.
Anger is a condition in which the tongue works faster than the mind.
Everything has beauty but not everyone sees it.
Free speech carries with it some freedom to listen.
A man who thinks too much about his ancestors is like a potato—the best part of him is underground.
A ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.
A closed mouth gathers no feet.
Your heart understands what your head cannot yet conceive; trust your heart.
A peacock who sits on his tail is just another turkey.
He who never made a mistake never made a discovery.
It is never too late to be what you might have been.
If you are willing to admit faults, you have one less fault to admit.
You cannot get to the top by sitting on your bottom. Parents can tell but never teach, unless they practice what they preach.
Without vision, we are blind to opportunity.
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
Friendship is what binds the world together in peace, may we all become friends.
It matters not what you do, as long as you are the best one doing it.
If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man.
It's a great satisfaction knowing that for a brief point in time you made a difference.
In golf as in life it is the follow through that makes the difference.
The fellow who never makes a mistake takes his orders from one who does.
The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one.
Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.
It is only those who never do anything who never make mistakes.
Many complain of their looks, but none of their brains.
If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.
The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.
There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning.
To be loved is to be fortunate, but to be hated is to achieve distinction.
False hope is nicer than no hope at all.
Practice makes perfect, but nobody's perfect, so why practice?
Silence is one of the most effective forms of communication.
You may only be one person to the world, but you may also be the world to one person.
Choose a job you like and you will never have to work a day of your life.
Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.
I personally think we developed language because of our deep inner need to complain.
You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.
The secret of getting ahead is getting started.
Patience will come to those who wait for it.
Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of traveling. May today be better than yesterday, but, not as good as tomorrow.
"If you choose not to decide - you still have made a choice".
The best way to predict the future is to invent it!
No one is rich enough to do without a neighbor.
A friend is someone who doesn't like the same people you do.
The more beautiful the snake the deadlier its venom.
Make happy those who are near, and those who are far will come.
Question Authority and the Authorities will question You.
A person who can't lead and won't follow makes a dandy roadblock.
A morning without coffee is like something without something else.
It takes one tree to make 10,000 matches, but one match to burn 10,000 trees.
Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.
Quitters never win, and winners never quit, but those who never quit AND never win are idiots.
People who do the world's real work don't usually wear neckties.
Hard work has a future payoff. Laziness pays off NOW.
The sooner you fall behind, the more time you'll have to catch up.
Mines are equal opportunity weapons.
Make it too tough for the enemy to get in and you can't get out.
Incoming fire has the right of way.
If it's stupid but works, it isn't stupid ~Submitted by LaKira

~~ Beauty of a Woman ~~
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears,
The figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair.
The beauty of a woman must be seen from her eyes,
Because that is the doorway to her heart,
The place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,
But true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives,
The passion that she shows.
The beauty of a woman
With time, only grows.. ~Submitted by Amica

Paul Harvey reads this essay by Lee Pitts:
We tried so hard to make things better for our kids that we made them worse. For my grandchildren, I'd like better.
I'd really like for them to know about hand me down clothes and homemade ice cream and leftover meat loaf sandwiches. I really would.
I hope you learn humility by being humiliated, and that you learn honesty by being cheated.
I hope you learn to make your own bed and mow the lawn and wash the car.
And I really hope nobody gives you a brand new car when you are sixteen.
It will be good if at least one time you can see puppies born and your old dog put to sleep.
I hope you get a black eye fighting for something you believe in.
I hope you have to share a bedroom with your younger brother/sister. And it's all right if you have to draw a line down the middle of the room, but when he wants to crawl under the covers with you because he's scared, I hope you let him.
When you want to see a movie and your little brother/sister wants to tag along, I hope you'll let him/her
I hope you have to walk uphill to school with your friends and that you live in a town where you can do it safely.
On rainy days when you have to catch a ride, I hope you don't ask your driver to drop you two blocks away so you won't be seen riding with someone as un cool as your Mom.
If you want a slingshot, I hope your Dad teaches you how to make one instead of buying one.
I hope you learn to dig in the dirt and read books.
When you learn to use computers, I hope you also learn to add and subtract in your head.
I hope you get teased by your friends when you have your first crush on a boy/girl, and when you talk back to your mother that you learn what ivory soap tastes like.
May you skin your knee climbing a mountain, burn your hand on a stove and stick your tongue on a frozen flagpole.
I don't care if you try a beer once, but I hope you don't like it. And if a friend offers you dope or a joint, I hope you realize he is not your friend.
I sure hope you make time to sit on a porch with your Grandma/Grandpa and go fishing with your Uncle.
May you feel sorrow at a funeral and joy during the holidays.
I hope your mother punishes you when you throw a baseball through your neighbor's window and that she hugs you and kisses you at Christmas time when you give her a plaster mold of your hand.
These things I wish for you - tough times and disappointment, hard work and happiness. To me, it's the only way to appreciate life. ~Submitted by Amica

What is greater than God, More evil than the devil, The poor have it, The rich need it, And if you eat it, you'll die? (answer: Nothing)  ~Submitted by Amica

No Matter what you do there will always be critics. ~ Unknown

Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting"...holy shit...what a ride!" ~ Submitted by Cliff

"Winners make things happen.
 Losers let things happen." ~SB Linda

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 color 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 color 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 making 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."~ Submitted by Brian

A Strong Woman Vs A Woman of Strength
A strong woman works out every day to
keep her body in shape....but a woman
of strength builds relationships to
keep her soul in shape.
A strong woman isn't afraid of
anything.... but a woman of strength
shows courage in the midst of her fear.
A strong woman won't let anyone get
the best of her.... but a woman of strength
gives the best of herself to everyone.
A strong woman makes mistakes and
avoids the same in the future... a
woman of strength realizes life's
mistakes can also be unexpected
blessings and capitalizes on them.
A strong woman wears a look of
confidence on her face... but a woman
of strength wears grace.
A strong woman has faith that she is
strong enough for the journey... but a
woman of strength has faith that it is in
the journey that she will become strong. ~Linda

I ran into a stranger as he passed by, "Oh excuse me please" was my reply. He said, "Please excuse me too; I wasn't watching for you." We were very polite, this stranger and I. We went on our way and we said good-bye. But at home a different story is told, How we treat our loved ones, young and old.
Later that day, cooking the evening meal, My son stood beside me very still. When I turned, I nearly knocked him down. "Move out of the way," I said with a frown. He walked away, his little heart broken. I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken. While I lay awake in bed, God's still small voice came to me and said, "While dealing with a stranger, common courtesy you use, but the family you love, you seem to abuse. Go and look on the kitchen floor, You'll find some flowers there by the door. Those are the flowers he brought for you. He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue. He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise, you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes." By this time, I felt very small, And now my tears began to fall.
I quietly went and knelt by his bed; "Wake up, little one, wake up," I said.
"Are these the flowers you picked for me?" He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree. I picked 'em because they're pretty like you. I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue." I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today;
I shouldn't have yelled at you that way." He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay.
I love you anyway." I said, "Son, I love you too, and I do like the flowers, especially the blue." ~Submitted by Amica

What we learn in this life.
I've learned....
That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for
That money doesn't buy class.
That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
That the Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can.
That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
That love, not time, heals all wounds.
That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
That there's nothing sweeter than sleeping with your babies and feeling their breath on your cheeks.
That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
That I wish I could have told those I cared about that I love them one more time before they passed away.
That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
That I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.
That when your newly born child holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.
That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.
That it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation.
That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done. ~ Submitted by Colleen

NEVER HURTS TO HAVE A FRIEND..........
A girl asked a guy if he thought she was pretty, He said...no.
She asked him if he would want to be with her forever....and he said no.
She then asked him if she were to leave would he cry, and once again he
replied with a no.
She had heard enough. As she walked away, tears streaming down her face.
The boy grabbed her arm and said.... You're not pretty you're beautiful.
I don't want to be with you forever. I NEED to be with you forever.
And I wouldn't cry if you walked away...I'd die...
WASN'T THAT A SWEET THOUGHT! ~Submitted by Amica

The best inheritance parents can give their children is
a few minutes of their time each day.

"This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind...let it be something good." Author Unknown

I AM THANKFUL FOR...
THE PARTNER WHO HOGS THE COVERS EVERY NIGHT, BECAUSE THEY ARE
NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.
THE CHILD WHO IS NOT CLEANING HIS ROOM, BUT IS WATCHING TV,
BECAUSE THAT MEANS HE IS AT HOME AND NOT ON THE STREETS.
FOR THE TAXES THAT I PAY,
BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT I AM EMPLOYED.
FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY,
BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.
FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG,
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.
FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK,
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM IN THE SUNSHINE.
FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING, WINDOWS THAT NEED
CLEANING, AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING, BECAUSE IT MEANS
I HAVE A HOME.
FOR ALL THE COMPLAINTS I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT,
BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
FOR THE PARKING SPOT I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT,
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING AND THAT I
HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION.
FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL,
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.
FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH THAT SINGS OFF KEY,
BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT I CAN HEAR.
FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING,
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.
FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY,
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.
FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS,
BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT I AM ALIVE.

The most destructive habit-Worry
The greatest Joy-Giving
The greatest loss-Loss of self-respect
The most satisfying work-Helping others
The ugliest personality trait-Selfishness
The most endangered species- dedicated leaders
Our greatest natural resource-Our youth
The greatest "shot in the arm"-Encouragement
The greatest problem to overcome-Fear
The most effective sleeping pill-Peace of mind
The most crippling failure disease-Excuses
The most powerful force in life- Love
The most dangerous pariah-A gossiper
The world's most incredible computer-The brain
The worst thing to be without-Hope
The deadliest weapon- the tongue
The two most power-filled words-"I Can"
The greatest asset-Faith
The most worthless emotion- Self-pity
The most beautiful attire-SMILE!
The most prized possession-Integrity
The most powerful channel of communication-Prayer
The most contagious spirit-Enthusiasm ~ Submitted by Moi

Spiritual

I think we all need a little spiritual guidance and discussion in our lives. I would like to use this page as a venue for that. This one is going to be sensitive to some, so if it bothers you... well, change the page! I will not apologize for my beliefs or my opinions. If you are open to them, please read on! If you are not, please feel free to check out my less-sensitive material. Feedback is appreciated and discussion is always welcome. Keep in mind though, that my faith in God and Christ is strong and cannot be altered. I may be non-denominational, but my faith is untouchable. I am far from perfect and do not claim to have all the answers or even the right opinions. But I am strong in my own beliefs and that is what makes me who I am. I am always open to new information. Learning is a part of growing. This will be an ongoing page, and I will add to it as inspiration allows. If I can touch just ONE persons life with this page, I have accomplished a major goal. You do not have to agree with what I say, I simply ask you to keep an open mind and an open heart.

These are my personal philosophies and thoughts on God and creation:

For all things on this earth, there is a creator behind it. Living things are created by it's parents-people, plants, animals, sea creatures, and insects. Objects and ideas are created by man- buildings, computers, tests and theories, laws, government, books, art, and so forth. Now look around you at the beauty of the world as a whole. It makes sense to me that it in itself had a creator in the beginning as well. How could such incredible things be created otherwise-in such detail as the landscapes, living critters, and the human mind and heart? We as humans have the best gifts of all. We not only have the ability to survive as other living things do, but we have the gift of feelings and senses-sights, tastes, smells, and emotions that make life that much more incredible.
Playing devils advocate here: Say there is a God- if you spend your life believing in him and living right by him, you reap the benefits in the long run of everlasting peace and life. If you spend your life denying his existence, you will suffer some nasty consequences. But then, Say there is no God- when you die, either way you believe will not matter, right? You will never know that you had false hope, nor will you ever know that it was in vain. You will simply return to the dust from which you came. So in my opinion, you can't go wrong believing in God.
Believing in a higher power gives people a sense of purpose in life. You know that whatever you choose to do in this life will follow you into the next life. There is purpose and reason. There is a sense of security that death isn't the end. If living right by your higher power's laws, people tend to live a happier, fuller life than people with no faith in a higher power. They live by a righteous code of conduct and are pleasant people to be around. Please understand that I am not talking about the self-righteous religious fanatics who think they are better than the rest, or those who twist and then use their religion to hide their wicked ways, nor am I talking about those who make their lives and the lives of their families miserable in the name of their god. My God is a god of love, forgiveness, fairness, happiness, and righteousness. He forgives everyone's transgressions if they are humble enough to ask for it. He is a God of choice- we choose our own path. So how can I go wrong in my faith?
I find myself surrounded by people that have no faith in a higher power. It saddens me that they don't know the love and peace that I know from my faith, but I do not force my beliefs on others. All I can do is set an example and let people see the true glory of God through the blessings in my own life. If they are a non-believer and are interested in why I am, I simply state these reasoning's of mine of why I myself believe and if it makes sense to them and they want to hear more, then I will share what I know and believe. I am a sinner, through and through, but I still have the love of God in my life and in my heart. I am blessed with so much and have seen many miracles in my life. Some see that and that in itself is enough to make them question.
One thing I hear most from non-believers is this: I can not believe in something I can not see. Its like believing in fairy tales. With evolution and science, I have something to put my finger on. Well this is my response to that. Not everything that is real is visible. The air we breathe, toxic gases, the majority of the solar system. Most of us in our life time will never see what an atom looks like. We just trust in the people of science that they know what they are talking about and are telling us the truth, and pass it up to something for the scientists to figure out. We have "faith" in them to tell us the truth. Some of us will never see what truly goes on over seas while we are at war. We rely solely on what we hear from our government leaders and the media. We have a "faith" that they are telling us the truth. Most of us will never see the planets up close, yet we have "faith" in the astronauts that go and tell us about it and document everything. So my question is, how do we know that the tests they perform or the information they pass along is accurate? Well, we really don't for sure, but we have faith in our fellow man. Humans are flawed by nature. Who's to say our methods of gathering information are not flawed as well?
I liken not being able to see God to this: A child in the womb of it's mother cannot see her. Yet it knows she is there. They can sense her or feel her. It responds to her. They can hear her, yet they cannot distinguish what it all means. But in the end of that baby's journey, it will finally be able to see it's mother and come to learn what they were hearing all along. So to me, we are all infants inside the womb of our creator. We are growing into what we will be for our next journey. Some of us will chose to give up and not continue, and some of us will continue on to meet our creator and finally be able to understand what we were hearing in our hearts all along..... Life is a journey, with a destination unknown.
Something else I hear a lot from non-believers that really makes me sad, is that they wonder why God would turn their back on them, just because they do not believe in or worship him. This is my feelings on that matter: God does not abandon us, we abandon him. He loves us all. Believers and non-believers alike. He sent us ALL a teacher and a leader (Jesus Christ) so that we could know him and follow Jesus to salvation. It is a road that must be traveled in order to find ever-lasting life. Because of that miraculous gift of choice that God blessed us with, we have two choices; either follow Jesus down that path to God, or turn our backs on him and stay where we are. That is OUR choice to make. God does not make it for us nor will he force us to travel that path. He wants us to and his heart is saddened when we turn our backs on him, yet he doesn't stop loving us or hoping we will change our minds. If we choose to follow Christ, he will pick us up when we fall, carry us when we are tired, heal us when we are hurt, and comfort us when we are scared. Jesus is always looking over his shoulder to see if more people change their mind and choose to follow. He greets all with open arms, even if they have done horrible things in their life. Those of us that choose to stay behind and live in a bad way are still always welcome to give up that way of life and take that journey with Christ. It is OUR choice! What a wonderful and loving God he is.
God and Christ do not tolerate bad behavior just the same as parents not tolerating their child's bad behavior. But they love us still and will welcome us back when we decide to "pull our heads out", just the same. God is like a father in all aspects. He loves his children and will give them happiness when they are good. He will also punish us when we do bad. He loves us no matter what and wants the very best for us. If you ever really take a look at all of God's laws and rules, they all have and have had the sole purpose of keeping us and others around us safe and happy. They are much like the rules we set out for our children for that same reason; To keep them safe, to teach, and to prepare them for the next step in life...Everything in life has rules. We have rules as a child: in school and at home. Rules as an adult: at work, with fellow man, and from our government. If we break the law, we are punished. If we break rules at work, we loose our jobs. If we don't listen to our parents or teachers, we are punished. So why, then, should our higher power be any different?
People also say that there is no proof that God exists. I find that odd, because as I said above, we put our faith in other people all the time that tell us what we ourselves cannot see; doctors, scientists, anthropologists and such. We have had people of high status, such as Christ and many other disciples, which are the "scientists" of the religious world, telling us about God since the beginning of time. Yet do we have faith in them? The oldest history book in existence to this day, just so happens to be the Holy Bible! The book that tells us all about God and what his purpose is, and what is to come. it explains everything we need to know in this part of our journey, yet it is discredited as ramblings of mad men. Say a man that had never had any schooling or great teachings in his life or books to read, started rambling off Scientific laws and things that know one knows except for scholars would know. What would you think? You would probably believe anything he says after that point, right?

Thank-you  for allowing me to share my thoughts with you. God Bless you and yours.

_________________________________________________________________

A simple Prayer- May today there be peace within.
May you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be....
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you....
May you be content knowing you are a child of God....
Let this presence settle into our bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of you.... ~ SB Jo

"Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you're not willing to move your feet." ~SB Jen

"Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will acknowledge him before My Father in heaven. But whoever disowns Me before men, I will disown him before
My Father in heaven" Matthew 10:32
~SB Jen

 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Philippines 4:13

 The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, a
loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called
Enemies, caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs.
But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance,
insurance called Faith, a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place
called Success. ~SB Jen

Father, I ask you to bless my friends and relatives reading this right now. Show them a new
revelation of your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask you to minister to their spirit at this very moment.
Where there is pain, give them your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence
through your grace. Bless their homes, families, finances, their goings and their comings. In Jesus' precious name.
Amen. ~SB Jen

I asked God to take away my pain. God said, No. It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said, No. her spirit is whole; it's the body that is temporary.
I asked God to Grand me patience. God said, No. Patience is the by-product of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is learned.
I asked God to give me happiness. God said, No. I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you.
I asked God to spare me pain. God said, No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.
I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, No. You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, No. I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.
I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as he loves me. God said...Ahhhh, finally you have the idea. ~Unknown

One rainy afternoon I was driving along one of the main streets
of town, taking those extra
precautions necessary when the roads are wet and slick.
Suddenly, my daughter, Aspen,
spoke up from her relaxed position in her seat. Dad, I'm
thinking of something.
This announcement usually meant she had been pondering some
fact for a while, and
was now ready to expound all that her six-year-old mind had
discovered. I was eager to hear.
What are you thinking? I asked.
The rain ; she began, is like sin, and the windshield
wipers are like God wiping our sins away.
After the chill bumps raced up my arms I was able to respond.
That's really good, Aspen.
Then my curiosity broke in. How far would this little girl take
this revelation? So I asked... Do you notice how the rain
keeps on coming? What does that tell you?
Aspen didn't hesitate one moment with her answer:
We keep on sinning, and God just keeps on forgiving us.
I will always remember this whenever I turn my wipers on.
~SB Bill

WEEKLY CHORES
Monday
Wash Day
Lord, help me wash away all my selfishness and vanity, so I may serve
you with perfect humility through the week ahead.
Tuesday
Ironing Day
Dear Lord, help me iron out all the wrinkles of prejudice I have collected
through the years so that I may see the beauty in others.
Wednesday
Mending Day
O God, help me mend my ways so I will not set a bad example for others.
Thursday
Cleaning Day
Lord Jesus, help me to dust out all the many faults I have been hiding in
the secret corners of my heart.
Friday
Shopping Day
O God, give me the grace to shop wisely so I may purchase eternal
happiness for myself and all others in need of love.
Saturday
Cooking Day
Help me, my Saviour, to brew a big kettle of brotherly love and serve it
with clean, sweet bread of human kindness.
Sunday
The Lord's Day
O God, I have prepared my house for you. Please come into my heart so I
may spend the day and the rest of my life in your presence. ~SB Jen

Christian One Liners
Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited - until you try to sit in their pews.
Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers !
The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close.
When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.
People are funny, they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church.
Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever.
Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
If the church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.
Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
Peace starts with a smile.
I don't know why some people change churches; what difference does it make which one you stay home from?
A lot of church members who are singing "Standing on the Promises" are just sitting on the premises.
We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges!
Be ye fishers of men. You catch them - He'll clean them.
Don't put a question mark where God put a period.
Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.
Forbidden fruits create many jams.
God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
When you feel you can't take the heat of a hot sermon...remember the Pastor is trying to save you from the fire!
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
He who angers you, controls you!
If God is your Copilot - swap seats!
Prayer: Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty!
The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.
The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.
You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.
The best mathematical equation I have ever seen: 1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.
"Father, bless the person reading this in whatever it is that You know they need" ~SB Linda

I knelt to pray but not for long,
I had too much to do.
I had to hurry and get to work
For bills would soon be due.
So I knelt and said a hurried prayer,
And jumped up off my knees.
My Christian duty was now done
My soul could rest at ease.....
All day long I had no time
To spread a word of cheer
No time to speak of Christ to friends,
They'd laugh at me I'd fear.
No time, no time, too much to do,
That was my constant cry,
No time to give to souls in need
But at last the time, the time to die.
I went before the Lord,
I came, I stood with downcast eyes.
For in his hands God held a book;
It was the book of life.
God looked into his book and said
"Your name I cannot find.
I once was going to write it down...
But never found the time" ~SB Jen

The man whispered, "God, speak to me" and a meadowlark sang. But, the man did not hear. So the man yelled, "God, speak ! to me" and the thunder rolled across the sky. But, the man did not listen. The man looked around and said, "God let me see you." And a star shined brightly. But the man did not see. And, the man shouted, "God show me a miracle." And, a life was born. But, the man did not notice. So, the man cried out in despair, "Touch me God, and let me know you are here." Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man. But, the man brushed the butterfly away! and walked on.
I found this to be a great reminder that God is always around us in the little and simple things that we take for granted ... even in our electronic age .. so I would like to add one more: The man cried, "God, I need your help!" And an e-mail arrived reaching out with good news and encouragement. But, the man deleted it and continued crying ... Don't miss out on a blessing because it isn't packaged the way that you expect.  ~ SB Jen

The best way to dress up is to put on a smile.
A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.
Man looks at outward appearance;
but the Lord looks at the heart."
I Samuel 16:7

"Lord, I believe; help my unbelief" is the most natural and most human and most agonizing prayer in the gospels, and I think it is the foundation prayer of faith.
-Flannery O'Connor
A pastor once stated, "I always noticed that its was the adults who chose the children's hymn 'Jesus Loves Me' (for the children of course) during a hymn sing, and it was the adults who sang the loudest because I could see they knew it the best."
Here is a new version just for us who have white hair, or no hair at all. For us over 40 (or even those almost there) and all you others...Check out this newest version of "Jesus Loves Me". It is quite cute, so read, sing and enjoy:"

JESUS LOVES ME
Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow.
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him.
(CHORUS)
YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME...
YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.
Though my steps are oh, so slow,
With my hand in His I'll go.
On through life, let come what may,
He'll be there to lead the way.
(CHORUS)
Though I am no longer young,
I have much which He's begun.
Let me serve Christ with a smile,
Go with others the extra mile.
(CHORUS)
When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song.
Telling me in words so clear,
"Have no fear, for I am near."
(CHORUS)
When my work on earth is done,
And life's victories have been won.
He will take me home above,
Then I'll understand His love.
(CHORUS)
I love Jesus, does he know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say,
That I love Him every day.  ~Submitted by Linda

Wake Up !!
Decide to have a good day.
"Today is the day the Lord hath made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalms 118:24

A woman was asked by a co-worker, "What is it like to be a Christian?"
The co-worker replied, "It is like being a pumpkin. God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then he cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc., and then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see." ~Amica

A beautiful poem with an unknown author
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 eulogies, 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. " ~Submitted by Dan

God's Boxes
I have in my hands two boxes, Which God gave me to hold. He said, "Put all your sorrows in the black box, And all your joys in the gold." I heeded His words, and in the two boxes, Both my joys and sorrows I stored, But though the gold became heavier each day, The black was as light as before. With curiosity, I opened the black, I wanted to find out why, And I saw, in the base of the box, a hole, Which my sorrows had fallen by. I showed the hole to God, and mused, "I wonder where my sorrows could be!" He smiled a gentle smile and said, "My child, they're all here with me." I asked God, why He gave me the boxes, Why the gold and the black with the hole? "My child, the gold is for you to count your blessings, The black is for you to let go."  ~Submitted by Amica

A Wonderful Way To Explain Death:
 A sick man turned to his doctor ,as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, "Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side. "Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know." "You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side? "The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a Dachshund sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness. Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing... I know my Master is there and that is enough."
May today there be peace within you. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. "I believe that friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly. ~Submitted by Amica

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings. Thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.
Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible. Thank you, Lord, that I can see. Many are blind.
Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising. Thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.
Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned and tempers are short, my children are so loud. Thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.
Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced. Thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.
Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous. Thank you, Lord, For the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.
Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest. Thank you, Lord, for life. ~Submitted by Amica

 "People travel to wonder at the height of the mountains, at the huge waves of the seas, at the long course of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars, and yet they pass by themselves without wondering." ~St. Augustine

I am the way and the truth and the life. ~ John 14:6

For I am mindful of the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. You call upon me and come and pray to me, and I heed you. You seek Me and find Me: Now you seek Me with all your heart and I am at hand for you, says the Lord...- Jeremiah 29:11-14a; Matthew 7:7 ~Submitted by LaKira

"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."- Mark,11:22-24 ~Submitted by LaKira

IRAQ - VERY INTERESTING - DID YOU KNOW?
1. The garden of Eden was in Iraq.
2. Mesopotamia, which is now Iraq, was the cradle of civilization!
3. Noah built the ark in Iraq.
4. The Tower of Babel was in Iraq.
5. Abraham was from Ur, which is in Southern Iraq!
6. Isaac's wife Rebekah is from Nahor, which is in Iraq.
7. Jacob met Rachel in Iraq.
8. Jonah preached in Nineveh - which is in Iraq.
9. Assyria, which is in Iraq, conquered the ten tribes of Israel.
10. Amos cried out in Iraq!
11. Babylon, which is in Iraq, destroyed Jerusalem.
12. Daniel was in the lion's den in Iraq!
13. The three Hebrew children were in the fire in Iraq (Jesus had been in Iraq also as the
 fourth person in the fiery furnace!)
14. Belshazzar, the King of Babylon saw the "writing on the wall" in Iraq.
15. Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, carried the Jews captive into Iraq.
16. Ezekiel preached in Iraq.
17. The "Empire of Man" described in Revelation is called Babylon, which was a city in Iraq!
And you have probably seen this one. Israel is the nation most often mentioned in the Bible. But do you know which nation is second? It is Iraq! However, that is not the name that is used in the Bible. The names used in the Bible are Babylon, Land of Shinar, and Mesopotamia. The word Mesopotamia means between the two rivers, more exactly between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.
The name Iraq, means country with deep roots. Indeed Iraq is a country with deep roots and is a very significant country in the Bible. No other nation, except Israel, has more history and prophecy associated it than Iraq
Since America is typically represented by an eagle. Saddam should have read up on his Muslim passages...
The following verse is from the Koran, (the Islamic Bible)
Koran (9:11) - For it is written that a son of Arabia would awaken a fearsome Eagle.
The wrath of the Eagle would be felt throughout the lands of Allah and lo, while some
of the people trembled in despair still more rejoiced; for the wrath of the Eagle
cleansed the lands of Allah; and there was peace.
(Note the verse number!) Hmmmmmmm?! God Bless you all Amen! ~Submitted by Rose

Mary had a little lamb, His fleece was white as snow.
And everywhere that Mary went, The Lamb was sure to go.
He followed her to school each day, T 'wasn't even in the rule.
It made the children laugh and play, To have a Lamb at school.
And then the rules all changed one day, Illegal it became;
To bring the Lamb of God to school, Or even speak His Name!
Every day got worse and worse, And days turned into years.
Instead of hearing children laugh, We heard gun shots and tears.
What must we do to stop the crime, That's in our schools today?
Let's let the Lamb come back to school, And teach our kids to pray!
 It is said that 86% of Americans believe in God. Therefore I have a very hard time
understanding why there is such a mess about having "In
God We Trust" on our money and having God in the Pledge
of Allegiance. Why don't we just tell the 14% to shut up and
sit down???? ~Submitted by Lamar

Written with a pen. Sealed with a kiss. I'm here for you. And if I die before you do, I'll go to heaven and wait for you.  ~Unknown

Faith is not believing that God can, It is knowing that God will. ~By Ben Stein

Were there no God, we would be in this glorious world with grateful hearts and no one to thank. ~Christina Rosetti

Live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. ~ 2 Corinthians 13:11

There are two kinds of people in this world. Those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good morning, Lord," and those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good Lord, it's morning." ~Tidbits of the Mid-Columbia

Your faith is what you believe, not what you know. ~John Lancaster Spalding

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. ~ Psalm 46:1

Hope is hearing the melody of the future. Faith is to dance it. ~ Rubem A. Alves

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. ~ John 8:12

Hope is some extraordinary spiritual grace that God gives us to control our fears, not to oust them. ~Vincent McNabb

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them. ~ Matthew 18:20

Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time. ~ Oswald Chambers

Sinning wouldn't be so popular if it's wages were paid immediately ~Unknown

 

Fairies, Fairies, Fairies

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