"INSPIRATION"
Some may own castles...
On the banks of the Rhine,
And hire the orchestra...
Every evening at nine,
But richer than I...
They will NEVER be,
For I had a Dad...
Who spent time with me!
Becke Schindler --- Ohio
"When the world pushes you to your knees... you're in the perfect position to pray."
Unknown --- Sent by Shelley Fotheringham --- South Africa
To Each His Own
I cannot change the way I am,
I never really try,
God made me different and unique,
I never ask him why.
If I appear peculiar,
There's nothing I can do,
You must accept me as I am,
As I've accepted you.
God made a casting of each life,
Then threw the old away,
Each child is different from the rest,
Unlike as night from day.
So often we will criticize,
The things that others do,
But, do you know, they do not think,
The same as me and you.
So God in all his wisdom,
Who knows us all by name,
He didn't want us to be bored,
That's why we're not the same
Unknown --- Sent in by Richard Braekevelt --- Michigan
"Dear Lord, So far today I've done all right. I haven't gossiped, haven't lost my temper, haven't been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish or over-indulgent. I'm very thankful for that. But in a few minutes, Lord, I'm going to get out of bed, and from then on, I'm probably going to need a lot of help. Amen."
Author Unknown --- Sent in by TLD --- Illinois
HUGS
It's wondrous what a hug can do
A hug can cheer you when you are blue
A hug can say "I LOVE YOU SO"
Or, "Gee, I hate to see you go"
A hug is, "Welcome back again!"
And "Great to see you soon!"
Or "Where've you been?"
A hug can soothe a small child's pain
And bring a rainbow after rain
The HUG! There's just no doubt about it
We scarcely could survive without it
No longer do you have to worry
For a hug is the way to say "I'm sorry"
A hug delights and warms and charms
It must be why we all have arms
Hugs are great for fathers and mothers
Sweet for sisters, as well as for brothers
Chances are some favorite aunt
Loves them more than potted plants
Kittens craves them
Puppies love them
Heads of State are not above them
A hug can break the language barrier
And make the dullest day seem merrier
No need to fret about the store of em'
The more you give, the more there are of 'em
So stretch those arms without delay and
GIVE SOMEONE A HUG TODAY!
Anonymous --- Sent in by Nora Magnus --- Singapore
"It's a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it."
Somerset Maugham --- Submitted by Michelle Linton --- North Carolina
"Change brings growth, and with growth comes PAIN. But it's the pain that causes me to overcome, in order to be SUCCESSFUL."
Monica L. Nash --- California
"One only has to view the fiery sunset into the ocean;
Feel the cottony soft sand beneath your feet;
Hear the rhythmic ocean waves breaking on the beach;
Witness the full golden moon being overtaken in the west
As the sun rises in the stillness of the eastern sky;
To appreciate and give thanks for the beauty of nature
That blesses our lives and renews the spirit within us."
Gary Harrington --- Michigan
"Why strive for something less then you want to achieve?"
Amy Throndsen --- Sent in by Mandy --- Wisconsin
When God is our companion
As we walk the road of life,
There is help for every problem,
And Grace for care and strife,
And we'll find that we've been happy
All along the path we've trod,
When in faith we've made the journey,
Hand in hand along with God."
Written by my ancestors --- Sent in by Gary Potratz --- Nebraska
WISDOM
We have the power to influence others' lives
Only when we share what we have learned.
If we fail to or refuse to recognize the value of our knowledge,
We force ourselves into a sort of isolation.
And - worse still - deprive others of our insights.
We know how to handle intricate personal relationships
And delicate problems.
We gained the emotional stability to allow ourselves to depend on others
And on our Higher Power.
We can share this knowledge with others,
Not to serve our own needs,
But to help our fellow human beings.
Anonymous --- Sent in by Vicki Hoyle
"Every problem bares a crossroads of being a better person or a bitter person."
Author Unknown --- Sent in by Kirk Scherz --- Washington
"The greatest achievements of mankind have been strengths of knowledge and wisdom not from the mind, but rather of the heart, where all things are created."
Jasen --- Ohio
"Faith alone saves, but faith that saves is never alone."
Martin Luther --- Sent in by Justin M., Age 16 --- Georgia
IN MY LIFETIME
In my lifetime
I hope to develop
Arms that are strong
Hands that are gentle
Ears that will listen
Eyes that are kind
A mind full of wisdom
A heart that understands
A tongue that will speak softly."
Author Unknown --- Sent in by Vicki Hoyle
"The process of learning requires not only hearing and applying but also forgetting and then remembering again."
John Gray --- Sent in by Lori Hard --- California
"My business is not to remake myself, but to make the absolute best of what God made."
Robert Browning --- Sent in by Michelle Linton --- North Carolina
TAKE LIFE
Take life just as though it was --- as it is --- an earnest, vital and important affair. Take it as though you were born to the task of performing a merry part in it --- as though, the world awaited your coming. Take it as though it was a grand opportunity to do and achieve, to carry forward great and good schemes, to help and cheer a suffering, weary, it may be heart-broken brother. Now and then a man stands aside from the crowd, labors earnestly, steadfastly, confidently, and straightway becomes famous for wisdom, intellect, skill, greatness of some sort. The world wonders, admires, idolizes, and it only illustrates what others may do if they take hold of life with a purpose. The miracle, or the power, that elevates the few, is to be found in their industry, application, and perseverance under the promptings of a brave, determined spirit.
Author Unknown --- Contributed by Margery Callen --- Ontario, Canada
From a well-worn clipping preserved in an early note-book belonging to Mark Twain
"Learn something new everyday for if you don't, that's a wasted day... And life is too short for a string of wasted days."
By my Grandpa --- Sent in by J. Anderson --- Oklahoma
MYSTERY OF LOVE
Love what is it?
It is something everyone wants
But few seem to ever find.
Of those who find it,
Fewer can seem to hold on to it.
It can't be seen but it has many sounds.
What is love?
Love is that special bond between two people,
That lets them care about one another,
But also lets them have their own life.
It is the good and the bad times, the joy and the pain.
If you love someone, you must give them room.
You must love the good and overlook the bad.
You must be there when they're happy
And stay with them when they're sad.
If you can give yourself to them without expecting a return,
And stand by them when you don't want to,
Then only can you say those words everyone dreams of:
I LOVE YOU.
Copyright © Nora Magnus --- Singapore
"Never be ashamed or embarrassed to share the gifts and talents provided you. Likewise, never be ashamed or embarrassed to boldly state WHO provided you with the gifts and talents you share."
Copyright © Brian G. Jett --- Kentucky
"Some things arrive on their own mysterious hour, on their own terms and not yours, to be seized or relinquished forever."
Gail Godwin --- Sent in by Sue --- Australia
"Have a positive attitude and be a builder of confidence in others. That way lies strength and power and the lessening of one's burdens. Lift up your heart and rejoice!"
Lori Hard --- California
If you successfully carry your torch through the sea of doubters,
And avoid all attempts made to douse your flame,
Stand victorious upon the shore of success
And proudly displaying the light of your struggles.
Thank those who helped you on your journey,
And help those new travelers
Who may be making their own way through that perilous sea.
If you find yourself to be without a torch,
And contently observing as part of the sea,
Please try to calm your waters in the wake of oncoming travelers.
Dousing their flame will bring no happiness or progress
To a world that could surely use more of both.
With their flames extinguished,
These travelers would surely drown in the sea of your contentment.
I would rather sail on a vessel built from notions,
And fancy, and dreams of the new,
Than tread endlessly in an ocean with no shore and no view."
Copyright © 1999 Joe Rexroat
"The way of a fool seems right, but a wise man listens to advice."
Proverbs 12:15 --- Sent in by Kevin M. Clear --- Ohio
"All men and women are born to live, suffer and die. What distinguishes us from another is our dreams. Whether they be dreams about worldly things or unworldly things and what we do to make them come about. We do not choose to be born. We do not choose our parents. We do not choose our historical epoch, the country of our birth, or the immediate circumstances of our upbringing. We do not most of us choose to die, nor do we choose the time and conditions of our death. But within the realm of choicelessness, we do choose how we live. You have a choice. It may not be a choice you like, but it is still a choice."
Nora Magnus --- Singapore
"Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart.
Those who look outside DREAM. Those who look inside AWAKEN."
Author Unknown --- Sent in by Kirk Scherz --- Washington
Life.....when you think about it, you realize it's just a game.
You either lose and you're nothing
Or you win and you're surrounded in fame.
It's sad, but true the way the game is played,
With each new horizon the odds of winning slowly fade.
Each day seems like a never ending battle,
Without anyone on your side, but don't give up,
God will always be there for the ride.
He created you in a perfect image,
No matter what you may believe.
Look into the mirror, you're beautiful,
To yourself don't deceive.
Just remember when life starts treating you bad,
That God is looking out for you.
Wipe your eyes and don't be sad.
Things can only get better, so hold your head high,
You're going somewhere, spread your wings and fly!"
Megan Lincoln
"God places the heaviest burden on those who can carry it's weight."
Reggie Whire --- Sent in by Kris Whetstone
"Jesus said: The will of God is the way of God, partnership with the choice of God in the face of any potential alternative. To do the will of God, therefore, is the progressive experience of becoming more and more like God, and God is the source and destiny of all that is good and beautiful and true. The will of man is the way of man, the sum and substance of that which the mortal chooses to be and do. Will is the deliberate choice of a self-conscious being which leads to decision-conduct based on intelligent reflection."
Found in the Book of Urantia --- Sent in by Jim Baumgartner
"Prayer is not a time to say Please but to say Thank You."
Author Unknown --- Sent in by Annice LeGrande --- Maryland
"We're building up and tearing down, in everything we do. Are you on the construction gang, or on the wrecking crew?"
Stephen Walsh
"If you surrender completely to the moments as they pass, you live more richly those moments."
Anne Morrow Lindbergh --- Sent in by Teresa Meyer --- Western Australia
"I feel your pain, but revel in the feeling of despair, because like all things in life, it will change, and then by comparison the true joys of life will seem greater."
Dann Filter
"If the opportunity exists, I will find it. If not, I will create it."
Stephen Sukman --- Canada
"Misery is a product of your own thoughts. So is prosperity a product of your thoughts. Do you want misery or prosperity? It is your choice! YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR THOUGHTS and have a fantastic life full of prosperity!"
Chris Putter --- South Africa
"A friend is one to whom one may pour out all the contents of one's heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away"
Arabic Proverb --- Sent in by Stela Plaku --- New York
--- Sent in by Katherine, Age 17 --- Texas
--- Completion of the quote and source provided by Jennifer --- Istanbul --- 4/28/99
"There are many words in our language that mean many things, but no word can mean as much as we, because we can do anything."
Dave Johnson --- Illinois
Effort Is Everything
Effort is everything
Give it your BEST!
To make your own name
To be different from the rest
To NEVER give up
And give it your all
As size doesn't matter
If you try to STAND tall
Effort is Everything
Give it your BEST!
To make your OWN name
To be different from the rest!!
©1994 Stacy Justice --- Sent in by Brian Jett --- Kentucky
"A slight is soon forgotten, a kindness is remembered forever."
Earl E. Busby
"Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own home. Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next door neighbor... Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting."
Mother Teresa --- Submitted by Nora Magnus --- Singapore
"Vision is the ability to see God's presence, plan, and power over obstacles."
Mike Breaux --- Sent in by Brian Jett --- Kentucky
"Security is not the absence of danger, but the presence of God."
Anne Ortlund --- Sent in by Angelica Leigh --- Missouri
"Trust the Unknown future to the Known God."
Unknown --- Sent in by Wade Lane
"One of the most hopeful words in the English language is the word "Maybe". Because if you say, "Maybe... Just Maybe, there's always a possibility. So, the next time you Dream, Dream BIG! Then say to yourself with confidence, "Maybe It Is Possible to Live My Dream." Remember: MAYBE brings forth Hope & Possibility."
Ty Howard --- Maryland
"Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."
William Jennings Bryan --- Sent in by Kris Hiuser --- Ontario, Canada
"Even memory is not necessary for love. There is a land of the living and a land of the dead, and the bridge is love, the only survival, the only meaning."
Thornton Wilder, 1897-1975, from "The Bridge of San Luis Rey" (1927)
--- Sent in by Martha Varzaly --- Pennsylvania
"One only has to view the fiery sunset into the ocean, feel the cottony soft sand beneath your feet, hear the rhythmic ocean waves breaking on the beach, witness the full golden moon being overtaken in the west as the sun rises in the stillness of the eastern sky to appreciate and give thanks for the beauty of nature that blesses our lives and renews the spirit within us."
Gary Harrington --- Michigan
"If you have love in your heart, you always have something to give."
Unknown --- Submitted By Maegen Mac --- Michigan
"Love is blinding and the one who loves most closes his eyes to the faults of the one he loves."
Shakespeare --- Contributed by SRW
"God has faith in you. He proved it by giving you life."
Pete Zaffra --- California
It may be misery not to sing at all
And to go silent through the brimming day.
It may be sorrow never to be loved,
But deeper griefs than these beset the way.
To have come near to sing the perfect song
And only by a half-tone lost the key,
There is the potent sorrow, there the grief,
The pale, sad staring of life's tragedy.
To have just missed the perfect love,
Not the hot passion of untempered youth,
But that which lays aside its vanity
And gives thee, for thy trusting worship, truth.
This, this it is to be accursed indeed;
For if we mortals love, or if we sing,
We count our joys not by the things we have,
But by what kept us from the perfect thing.
Paul Laurence Dunbar --- Sent in by Aimee A. Seaborn --- Ramstein AB, Germany
"Someday we may finally understand the depth of God's love, even for men who hate in his name."
Found in TIME MAGAZINE --- Sent in by Laurence J. Gillis --- New Hampshire
"When you discover who you are, you'll be free."
Author Unknown --- Sent in by Michelle --- Illinois
"If your day is hemmed with prayer, it is less likely to ravel."
Author Unknown --- Sent in by Kirk Scherz --- Washington
"It wasn't the nails that held Jesus to the cross, but simply his love for you and me."
Unknown --- Submitted by Jocelyn H., Age 17 --- Ontario, Canada
"Go spread to the needy, sweet charity bread, for giving is living, the angel said. Oh must I be giving again and again? My peevish and willful answer ran. Oh no, said the angel, piercing me through, just give till the Lord stops giving to you."
Unknown --- Sent in by Marc D. Zabriskie
"There is never enough time to do or say all the things that we would wish; the thing is to do as much as you can in the time that you have."
Charles Dickens --- Submitted by Maryann Koshiyama
I fight a battle every day
Against discouragement and fear.
Some foe stands always in my way
The path ahead is never clear.
I must forever be on guard
Against the doubts that skulk along.
I get ahead by fighting hard.
But fighting keeps my spirit strong.
I hear the croakings of despair,
The dark predictions of the weak.
I find myself pursued by care,
No matter what the ends I seek.
My victories are small and few.
It matters not how hard I strive.
Each day the fight begins anew.
But fighting keeps my hopes alive.
My dreams are spoiled by circumstance.
My plans are wrecked by fate or luck.
Some hour, perhaps will bring my chance.
But that great hour has never struck.
My progress has been slow and hard.
I've had to climb and crawl and swim.
Fighting for every stubborn yard.
But I have kept in fighting trim.
I have to fight my doubts away
And be on guard against my fears.
The feeble croaking of dismay
Has been familiar through the years.
My dearest plans keep going wrong.
Events combine to thwart my will.
But fighting keeps my spirit strong
And I am undefeated still!"
S.E. Kiser --- Submitted by Adina Zaiontz --- Ontario, Canada
"A true person is someone who is unrestrained, unconditioned, and unswayed by the opinions of others. He is driven by his heart and soul."
Laura Davis --- Submitted by Shooting Star --- Ohio
"The type of person I respect most is one who cares not what others think of them. The ones who are going to be themselves no matter what anyone says or does to them.The ones that get talked about and made fun of yet still have self-respect for themselves and love for the ones that laugh at them."
Tami P., Age 16 --- Georgia
"Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time; the need for man to overcome oppression and violence without resorting tooppression and violence. Man must evolve for all human conflict, a method which rejects revenge, aggression, and retaliation. The foundation for such a method is love."
Dr. Martin Luther King --- Sent in by Martha Varzaly --- Pennsylvania
(From his Speech accepting the Nobel Peace Prize, 11 December 1964)
"The highway to success is forever under construction. If you reach your destination you have traveled nowhere."
Author Unknown --- Duane Hanni --- Indiana
"He who loses money, loses much; he who loses a friend, loses more; he who loses faith, loses all."
Author Unknown --- Sent in by Kristy Smith --- Arizona