Friends Forever

Friends Forever - Good Morning and have a beautiful sunday.I just love,love this pic that i happened to see for the first time today.Was trying to find the history or source of this pic, but couldn't find.Stumbled upon at the right time and here is something beautiful to read as well.

Come, you children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Who is the man who desires lifee
And loves length of days that he may see good?

keep your tongue from evil
And your lips from speaking deceit.

Depart from evil and do good;
Seek peace and pursue it.

The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous
And His ears are open to their cry.

The face of the LORD is against evildoers,
To cut off the memory of them from the earth.

The righteous cry, and the LORD hears
And delivers them out of all their troubles.

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the LORD delivers him out of them all.

He keeps all his bones,
Not one of them is broken.

Evil shall slay the wicked,
And those who hate the righteous will be condemned.

The LORD redeems the soul of His servants,
And none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.

Sincerity : A beautiful short story with a good moral from the Life of King Solomon and Queen Sheba

Sincerity : A beautiful short story with a good moral from the Life of King Solomon and Queen Sheba They tell a story about the wise King Solomon of the Old Testament. One day his friend the Queen of Sheba sent him two vases of roses. One vase had real roses in it; the other had hand-made roses, which were so perfect that she challenged King Solomon to tell her which roses were the real ones witho ut smelling them. That was no problem to the wise Solomon. He just opened the window and let in a swarm of bees. They flew right over to the real roses. Many people may look alike from the outside, but God can easily tell the difference. Saint Paul in Galatians 6:3 puts it this way, "if someone thinks he is somebody when really he is nobody, he is only deceiving himself."

Nobody is perfect and nobody deserves to be perfect.

Nobody is perfect and nobody deserves to be perfect. Nobody has it easy,everybody has issues.You never know what people are going through, so pause before you start judging, criticizing or mocking others. Everybody is fighting their own unique war.

Marriage - A very beautiful and touching Story that i remember reading a few years back.

Marriage - A very beautiful and touching Story that i remember reading a few years back.

When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes.

Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic
calmly...She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?

I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her!

With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company.

She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.

The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane.

When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.

In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.

This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day.

She requested that every day for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.

I told Jane about my wife's divorce conditions. She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.

My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.

On the 2nd day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.

On the 4th day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given 10 years of her life to me.

On the 5th and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.

She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily.

Suddenly it hit me... she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.

Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mom out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.

But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy.

I drove to the office jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind...I walked upstairs. Jane opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce anymore.

She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart.

Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.

At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart.

That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead.

My wife had been fighting CANCER for months and I was so busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push thru with the divorce.-- At least, in the eyes of our son--- I'm a loving husband....

The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse's friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage!

If you don't share this, nothing will happen to you. If you do, you just might save a marriage.

Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.
~ Author Unknown

Heart warming Story behind the praying hands painting

Heart warming Story behind the praying hands painting - The Power and privilage of prayer : One of the most popular religious symbols used on Prayer/Memorial cards is the Praying Hands by Albrecht Durer.The history of this painting carries its own story of sacrifice and dedication.Today, this master piece is a symbol of love and sacrifice and is familiar to millions of people throughout the world.
Here is the story behind the painting.

Back in the 15th century, in a tiny village near Nuremberg, lived a family with 18 children. Born on May 21, 1471, Albrecht was the 3rd of 18 children. In order merely to keep food on the table for this mob, the father and head of the household, goldsmith by profession, worked almost 18 hours a day at his trade and any other paying chore he could find in the neighborhood. Despite their seemingly hopeless condition, 2 of Albrecht Durer's Elder children had a dream. They both wanted to pursue their talent for art, but they knew full well that their father would never be financially able to send either of them to Nuremberg to study at the Academy.

After many long discussions at night in their crowded bed, the 2 boys finally worked out a pact. They would toss a coin. The loser would go down into the nearby mines and, with his earnings, support his brother while he attended the academy. Then, when that brother who won the toss completed his studies, in 4 years, he would support the other brother at the academy, either with sales of his artwork or, if necessary, also by laboring in the mines. They tossed a coin on a Sunday morning after church. Albrecht Durer won the toss and went off to Nuremberg.

Albert went down into the dangerous mines and, for the next 4 years, financed his brother, whose work at the academy was almost an immediate sensation. Albrecht’s etchings, his woodcuts, and his oils were far better than those of most of his professors, and by the time he graduated, he was beginning to earn considerable fees for his commissioned works.

When the young artist returned to his village, the Durer family held a festive dinner on their lawn to celebrate Albrecht’s triumphant homecoming. After a long and memorable meal, punctuated with music and laughter, Albrecht rose from his honored position at the head of the table to drink a toast to his beloved brother for the years of sacrifice that had enabled Albrecht to fulfill his ambition.

His closing words were, “And now, Albert, blessed brother of mine, now it is your turn. Now you can go to Nuremberg to pursue your dream, and I will take care of you.” All heads turned in eager expectation to the far end of the table where Albert sat, tears streaming down his pale face, shaking his lowered head from side to side while he sobbed and repeated, over and over, “No …no …no …no.”

Finally, Albert rose and wiped the tears from his cheeks. He glanced down the long table at the faces he loved, and then, holding his hands close to his right cheek, he said softly, “No, brother. I cannot go to Nuremberg. It is too late for me. Look … look what 4 years in the mines have done to my hands! The bones in every finger have been smashed at least once, and lately I have been suffering from arthritis so badly in my right hand that I cannot even hold a glass to return your toast, much less make delicate lines on parchment or canvas with a pen or a brush. No, brother … for me it is too late.”

More than 450 years have passed. By now, Albrecht Durer’s 100's of masterful portraits, pen and silver-point sketches, watercolors, charcoals, woodcuts, and copper engravings hang in every great museum in the world, but the odds are great that you, like most people, are familiar with only one of Albrecht Durer’s works. More than merely being familiar with it, you very well may have a reproduction hanging in your home or office.

One day, to pay homage to Albert for all that he had sacrificed, Albrecht Durer painstakingly drew his brother’s abused hands with palms together and thin fingers stretched skyward. He called his powerful drawing simply “Hands,” but the entire world almost immediately opened their hearts to his great masterpiece and renamed his tribute of love “The Praying Hands.”

The next time you see a copy of that touching creation, take a second look. Let it be your reminder, if you still need one, that no one – no one – ever makes it alone!

You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.

You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.

The Last 3 Wishes of Alexander the Great

The Last 3 Wishes of Alexander the Great - We are all aware of one last wish of Alexander the Great,but might not have heard about the other 2.One of the most interesting stories i happened to read recently and it has a very powerful message for all.I just loved it and here it is..

Alexander, after conquering many kingdoms, was returning home. On the way, he fell ill and it took him to his death
bed. With death staring him in his face, Alexander realized how his conquests, his great army, his sharp sword and all his wealth were of no use.

He now longed to reach home to see his mother’s face and bid her adieu. But, he had to accept the fact that his sinking health would not permit him to reach his distant homeland. So, the mighty conqueror lay prostrate and pale, helplessly waiting to breathe his last. He called his generals and said, “I will depart from this world soon, I have 3 wishes, please carry them out without fail.” With tears flowing down their cheeks, the generals agreed to abide by their king’s last wishes.

“My first desire is that”, said Alexander, “My physicians alone must carry my coffin.” After a pause, he continued, “Secondly, I desire that when my coffin is being carried to the grave, the path leading to the graveyard be strewn with gold, silver and precious stones which I have collected in my treasury”. The king felt exhausted after saying this. He took a minute’s rest and continued. My 3rd and last wish is that both my hands be kept dangling out of my coffin”.

The people who had gathered there wondered at the king’s strange wishes. But no one dared bring the question to their lips. Alexander’s favorite general kissed his hand and pressed them to his heart. “O king, we assure you that all your wishes will be fulfilled. But tell us why do you make such strange wishes?” At this Alexander took a deep breath and said: “I would like the world to know of the 3 lessons I have just learnt.

I want my physicians to carry my coffin because people should realize that No doctor on this earth can really cure anybody. They are powerless and cannot save a person from the clutches of death. So let not people take life for granted.

The 2nd wish of strewing gold, silver and other riches on the path to the graveyard is to tell people that Not even a fraction of gold will come with me. I spent all my life with the greed for power, earning riches but cannot take anything with me. Let people realize that it is a sheer waste of time to chase wealth.

And about my 3rd wish of having my hands dangling out of the coffin, I wish my people to know that I came empty handed into this world and empty handed I go out of this world”. With these words, the king closed his eyes. Soon he let death conquer him and breathed his last.

LESSON TO LEARN:

Remember, your Health is in your own hands, look after it. Remember, your Wealth is in your own hands, look after it.
Wealth is only meaningful if you can share and also enjoy while you are still alive, kicking & healthy.

God's Whisper -A story about a young man and an old preacher.

God's Whisper -A story about a young man and an old preacher.

The young man had lost his job and didn’t know which way to turn. So he went to see the old preacher.

Pacing about the preacher’s study, the young man ranted about his problem. Finally he clenched his fist and shouted,
“I’ve begged God to say something to help me. Tell me, Preacher, why doesn’t God answer?”

The old preacher, who sat across the room, spoke something in reply - something so hushed it was indistinguishable. The young man stepped across the room.

“What did you say?” he asked.

The preacher repeated himself, but again in a tone as soft as a whisper. So the young man moved closer until he was leaning on the preacher’s chair.

“Sorry,” he said. “I still didn’t hear you.”

With their heads bent together, the old preacher spoke once more.

“God sometimes whispers,” he said, “so we will move closer to hear Him.”

This time the young man heard and he understood. We all want God’s voice to thunder through the air with the answer to our problem. But God’s is the still, small voice - the gentle whisper.

Perhaps there’s a reason. Nothing draws human focus quite like a whisper. God’s whisper means we must stop our ranting and move close to Him, until our heads are bent together with His. And then, as we listen, we will find our answer. Better still, we find ourselves closer to God :)

"If" By Rudyard Kipling

"If" By Rudyard Kipling - An amazingly beautiful & insightful Poem.The poem 'If' is inspirational, motivational, and a set of rules for 'grown-up' living. Kipling's 'If' contains mottos and maxims for life, and the poem is also a blueprint for personal integrity, behaviour and self-development. 'If' is perhaps even more relevant today than when Kipling wrote it, as an ethos and a personal philosop
hy.It simply means to Be A Man with character and integrity,a series of attributes developed over a lifetime. If only more people desired to obtain these characteristics, the world would be a much better place :).Here is the Poem.....

If

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too:
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream---and not make dreams your master;
If you can think---and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:.
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build'em up with worn-out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings,
And never breathe a word about your loss:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings---nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And---which is more---you'll be a Man, my son!

Rudyard Kipling

A Glass of Milk - Paid in Full, A beautiful story about kindness :)

A Glass of Milk - Paid in Full, A beautiful story about kindness :)
One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door
to door to pay his way through school,found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry.

He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house.
However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door.Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water.She thought he looked hungry so brought
him a large glass of milk.

He drank it slowly, and then asked, "How much do I owe you?"."You don't owe me anything," she replied
"Mother has taught us never to accept payment for a kindness." He said... "Then I thank you from my heart."

As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt;
stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit.

Years later that young woman became critically ill.
The local doctors were baffled.They finally sent her to the big city,where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes.

Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the
hospital to her room.Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to see her.He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave special attention to the case.

After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room.She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all.
Finally, she looked, and something caught ;
her attention on the side as She read these words.....

"Paid in full with one glass of milk."
(Signed) Dr.Howard Kelly.

Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed:
"Thank You, GOD, that Your love has spread abroad
through human hearts and hands."

NOW YOU HAVE TWO CHOICES.
You can share this page on and spread a positive message
or ignore it and pretend it never touched you.

Second set of 10 Commandments

Second set of 10 Commandments - We all know about the original Ten Commandments, but have you ever heard of the Second Ten Commandments? These pearls of wisdom have been often attributed to Elodie Armstrong.Here they are -
11. Thou shall not worry, for worry is the most unproductive of all human activities.

12. Thou shall not be fearful, for most of the things we fear never come to pass.

13. Thou shall not cross bridges before you come to them, for no one yet has succeeded in accomplishing this.

14. Thou shall face each problem as it comes. You can only handle one at a time anyway.

15. Thou shall not take problems to bed with you, For they make very poor bedfellows.

16. Thou shall not borrow other people’s problems. They can better care for them than you can.

17. Thou shall not try to relive yesterday for good or ill, it is forever gone. Concentrate on what is happening in your life and be happy now!

18. Thou shall be a good listener, for only when you listen do you hear ideas different from your own. It is hard to learn something new when you are talking, and some people do know more than you do.

19. Thou shall not become “bogged down” by frustration, for 90% of it is rooted in self-pity and will only interfere with positive action.

20. Thou shall count thy blessings, never overlooking the small ones, for a lot of small blessings add up to a big one.

GUIDANCE - Dancing With God - Found this Poem very beautiful and meaningful.Have a great Day!!

GUIDANCE - Dancing With God - Found this Poem very beautiful and meaningful.Have a great Day!!

When I meditated on the word Guidance, I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word. I remember reading that doing God’s will is a lot like dancing.

When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn’t flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.

When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music.

One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or another.

It’s as if two become one body, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other.

My eyes drew back to the word Guidance. When I saw "G" I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i". "God," "u" and "i" dance." God, you and I dance.

As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life. Once again, I became willing to let God lead.

My prayer for you today is that God’s blessings and mercies be upon you on this day and everyday.

May you abide in God as God abides in you.

Dance together with God, trusting God to lead and to guide you through each season of your life.

"You changed my mourning into dancing…"
Ps 30:12

~Author unknown

Free Compliments :)

Free Compliments :) Share these "Free Compliments" and make someone's day and have a great day!!!!!!

A Dewdrop - A short story with an even deeper meaning and i just love this photograph, reflection of the flowers captured so well inside the dewdrops :)

A Dewdrop - A short story with an even deeper meaning and i just love this photograph, reflection of the flowers captured so well inside the dewdrops :)
As the sun rose, a dew drop became aware of its surroundings. There it sat on a leaf; catching the sunlight and throwing it back out. Proud of its simple beauty, it was very content. Around it were other dew drops, some on the same leaf and some o
n other leaves round about. The dew drop was sure that it was the best, the most special dew drop of them all.

Ah, it was good to be a dew drop.The wind rose and the plant began to shake, tipping the leaf. Terror gripped the dew drop as gravity pulled it towards the edge of the leaf, towards the unknown. Why? Why was this happening? Things were comfortable. Things were safe. Why did they have to change? Why? Why?

The dew drop reached the edge of the leaf. It was terrified, certain that it would be smashed into a thousand pieces below, sure that this was the end. The day had only just begun and the end had come so quickly. It seemed so unfair. It seemed so meaningless. It tried desperately to do whatever it could to cling to the leaf, but it was no use.
Finally, it let go, surrendering to the pull of gravity. Down, down it fell. Below there seemed to be a mirror. A reflection of itself seemed to be coming up to meet the dew drop. Closer and closer they came together until finally...
And then the fear transformed into deep joy as the tiny dew drop merged with the vastness that was the pond. Now the dew drop was no more, but it was not destroyed.
It had become one with the whole.
~ Author Peter Hughes

“Man's life is like a drop of dew on a leaf.” - Socrates

In the bustle of our worldly lives, we sometimes forget to appreciate simple, yet intriguingly beautiful natural phenomena. The delicate dew that forms in the morning or evening on plants is clean and refreshing. It is a silent, yet powerful and recurrent reminder of the Creator, for those that seek such signs.
In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed - Khalil Gibran

Paper Cranes - A very touching story

Paper Cranes - A very touching story :(
There was once a guy who was very much in love with his girl. This romantic guy folded 1,000 pieces of paper cranes as a gift to his girl. Although, at that time he was just a small fry in his company, his future didn't seem too bright, they were very happy together. Until one day, his girl told him she was going to Paris and will never come back. She also t
old him that she couldn't visualize any future for the both of them, so let 's go their own ways there and then... Heartbroken, the guy agreed. But when he regained his confidence, he worked hard day and night, slogging his body and mind just to make something out of him. Finally with all these hard work and with the help of friends, this guy had set up his own company... "You never fail until you stop trying."

One rainy day, while this guy was driving, he saw an elderly couple sharing an umbrella in the rain walking to some destination. Even with the umbrella, they were still drenched. It didn't take him long to realize those were his girl's parents. With a heart at getting back at them, he drove slowly beside the couple, wanting them to spot him in his luxury sedan. He wanted them to know that he wasn't the same anymore, he had his own company, car, condo, etc. He made it!

Before the guy could realize, the couple was walking towards a cemetery, and he got out of his car and followed them...and he saw his girl, a photograph of her smiling sweetly as ever at him from her tombstone... and he saw his paper cranes beside her... Her parents saw him. He asked them why this had happened. They explained, she did not leave for France at all. She was ill with cancer. She had believed that he would make it someday, but she did not want to be his obstacle ... therefore she had chose to leave him...

"Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have." She had wanted her parents to put his paper cranes beside her,because, if the day comes when fate brings him to her again... he can take some of those back with him...

"Once you have loved, you will always love. For what's in your mind may escape but what's in your heart will remain forever."

"Find time to realize that there is one person who mean so much to you, for you might wake up one morning losing that person whom you thought meant nothing to you."

The guy just wept ...

The worst way to miss someone is to be sitting right beside them but knowing you can't have them... "

Interview with God - Check this out.This is very very beautiful.

Interview with God - Check this out.This is very very beautiful.A very beautiful poem with messages,stunning and breathtaking photographs and soothing music done in the form of a presentation.Listen and see the video and go through the Poem.

http://www.theinterviewwithgod.com/popup-frame.html

The Interview With God Poem :-
...
I dreamed I had an interview with God.

“So you would like to interview me?” God asked.

“If you have the time” I said.

God smiled. “My time is eternity.”
“What questions do you have in mind for me?”

“What surprises you most about humankind?”

God answered...
“That they get bored with childhood,
they rush to grow up, and then
long to be children again.”

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

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

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

God’s hand took mine
and we were silent for a while.

And then I asked...
“As a parent, what are some of life’s lessons
you want your children to learn?”

“To learn they cannot make anyone
love them. All they can do
is let themselves be loved.”

“To learn that it is not good
to compare themselves to others.”

“To learn to forgive
by practicing forgiveness.”

“To learn that it only takes a few seconds
to open profound wounds in those they love,
and it can take many years to heal them.”

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

“To learn that there are people
who love them dearly,
but simply have not yet learned
how to express or show their feelings.”

“To learn that two people can
look at the same thing
and see it differently.”

“To learn that it is not enough that they
forgive one another, but they must also forgive themselves.”

"Thank you for your time," I said humbly.

"Is there anything else
you would like your children to know?"

God smiled and said,
“Just know that I am here... always.”

Never underestimate the amazing power of love to change hearts and mindsets.

Never underestimate the amazing power of love to change hearts and mindsets. Love can even give fresh inspiration to tackle what seems to be impossible.

First Aid For the Soul - Be Good to yourself - Very beautiful & every word counts,along with explanation and inspirational quotes on each one of them.

First Aid For the Soul - Be Good to yourself - Very beautiful & every word counts,along with explanation and inspirational quotes on each one of them.:)

BE YOURSELF ..... truthfully.

“People who are soft spoken and truthful are loved by all. ” Rig Veda
... “Every noble work is bound to face problems and obstacles. It is important to check your goal and motivation thoroughly. One should be very truthful, honest, and reasonable. One's actions should be good for others, and for oneself as well. Once a positive goal is chosen, you should decide to pursue it all the way to the end. Even if it is not realized, at least there will be no regret.” Dalai Lama
“People will feel safer around you and speak truthfully to you when they feel you are listening intently to them.” Brian Koslow

Good is decided when u speak frankly and act truthfully...You can't truthfully explain your smallest action without fully revealing your character.


ACCEPT YOURSELF ..... gratefully.

“Be grateful for the home you have, knowing that at this moment, all you have is all you need.” Sarah Ban Breathnach

“Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.” John Wooden

“It is just that we should be grateful, not only to those with whose views we may agree, but also to those who have expressed more superficial views; for these also contributed something, by developing before us the powers of thought.” Aristotle

Whatever we are waiting for - peace of mind, contentment, grace, the inner awareness of simple abundance - it will surely come to us, but only when we are ready to receive it with an open and grateful heart. Both abundance and lack exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend... when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present / love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature and personal pursuits that bring us pleasure / the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience Heaven on earth.

VALUE YOURSELF ..... joyfully.

“Work joyfully and peacefully, knowing that right thoughts and right efforts will inevitably bring about right results.” James Allen

“Participate joyfully in the sorrows of the world. We cannot cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy.” Joseph Campbell

FORGIVE YOURSELF ..... completely.

“Live life so completely that when death comes to you like a thief in the night, there will be nothing left for him to steal.”

“It is more noble to give yourself completely to one individual than to labor diligently for the salvation of the masses.” Dag Hammarskjold

All men seek one goal : success or happiness. The only way to achieve true success is to express yourself completely in service to society. First, have a definite, clear, practical ideal-a goal, an objective. Second, have the necessary means to achieve.

TREAT YOURSELF ..... generously.

“We should become prosperous by working hard and then donate generously. ” Atharva Veda

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

BALANCE YOURSELF ..... harmoniously.

“Authentic empowerment is the knowing that you are on purpose, doing God's work, peacefully and harmoniously.” Wayne Dyer

BLESS YOURSELF ..... abundantly.

“Lose yourself in generous service and every day can be a most unusual day, a triumphant day, an abundantly rewarding day!” William Arthur Ward

“The leader must know, most know that he knows, and must be able to make it abundantly clear to those about him that he knows.” Clarence B. Randall

True happiness is to understand our duties toward God and man; to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence on the future; not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears, but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is abundantly sufficient.

TRUST YOURSELF ..... confidently.

“If one advances confidently in the direction of one's dreams, and endeavors to live the life which one has imagined, one will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” Henry David Thoreau

If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. He will put some things behind, will pass an invisible boundary; new, universal, and more liberal laws will begin to establish themselves around and within him; or the old laws be expanded, and interpreted in his favor in a more liberal sense, and he will live with the license of a higher order of beings. In proportion as he simplifies his life, the laws of the universe will appear less complex, and solitude will not be solitude, nor poverty, nor weakness. If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.

LOVE YOURSELF ..... wholeheartedly.

“You may not accomplish every goal you set / no one does / but what really matters is having goals and going after them wholeheartedly.” Les Brown

“If you give your life as a wholehearted response to love, then love will wholeheartedly respond to you.” Marianne Whilliamson

Difficulty is what you look at. Work is what you do. Success is what you taste if you stop looking difficulties and do the work wholeheartedly.

EMPOWER YOURSELF ..... prayerfully.

“Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.” Saint Augustine

GIVE YOURSELF ..... enthusiastically.

“Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe, and enthusiastically act upon must inevitably come to pass.” Paul J. Meyer

“Those who donate enthusiastically make constant efforts to increase their income so that they never find problems in making charity.” Rig Veda

EXPRESS YOURSELF ..... radiantly.

“A radiant personality invariably proves that there is an intense spiritual fire burning within. ” Yajur Veda

“Vow to be valiant; Resolve to be radiant; Determine to be dynamic; Strive to be sincere; Aspire to be attuned.” William Arthur Ward

People should not worry as much about what they do but rather about what they are. If they and their ways are good, then their deeds are radiant. If you are righteous, then what you do will also be righteous. We should not think that holiness is based on what we do but rather on what we are, for it is not our works which sanctify us but we who sanctify our works.

People come into your Life for a Reason,Season and A Lifetime - A Beautiful Life Lesson.

People come into your Life for a Reason,Season and A Lifetime - A Beautiful Life Lesson.
People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.
When they are in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet A need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through Difficulty;
... to provide you with guidance and support,;
to aid You physically, emotionally, or spiritually.
They may seem like A God-send, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need Them to be.

Then, without any wrong doing on your part, or at
An inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring The relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die, sometimes they move,
Sometimes they walk away, And sometimes they act up and force you To take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met,
Our desire fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you have Sent up has been answered, and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON,
Because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh.
They may teach you something that you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, because it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you life long lessons;
Things you must build upon in order to have a solid
Emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson,
Love the person with all of your heart, and put what you
Have learned to use in all of the other relationships and areas Of your life.

Thank you for being a part of my life. Whether you were a reason,A season, or a lifetime.

THE TOUCH OF THE MASTERS HAND - Very beautiful and very meaningful Poem and the Story behind it.

THE TOUCH OF THE MASTERS HAND - Very beautiful and very meaningful Poem and the Story behind it.This just touched my soul now especially after reading about the Poet.

'Twas battered and scarred and the auctioneer
Thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin,
... But he held it up with a smile.

"What am I bid, good folk?" he cried.
"Who'll start the bidding for me?
A dollar, a dollar . . . now two . . . only two . . .
Two dollars, and who'll make it three?

"Three dollars once, three dollars twice,
Going for three" . . . but no!
From the room far back a gray-haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow.

Then wiping the dust from the old violin
And tightening up the strings,
He played a melody pure and sweet,
As sweet as an angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer,
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said, "What am I bid for the old violin?"
As he held it up with the bow.

"A thousand dollars . . . and who'll make it two?
Two...two thousand, and who'll make it three?
Three thousand once and three thousand twice . . .
Three thousand and gone!" said he.

The people cheered, but some exclaimed
"We do not quite understand . . .
What changed it's worth?" and the answer came:
" 'Twas the touch of the master's hand."

And many a man with soul out of tune
And battered and scarred by sin
Is auctioned cheap by the thoughtless crowd
Just like the old violin.

A "mess 'o pottage"
A glass of wine
A game and he travels on.
He's "going" once
And "going" twice
And "going" . . . and almost "gone"

Then along comes the Master, and the foolish crowd
Never can quite understand
The worth of a soul or the change that's wrought
By the touch of the Master's Hand.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NOW Here is a little note about the Poet and the story behind this:

“The Master’s Hand” was written by Myra Brooks Welch(1877-1959). She was called “The poet with the singing soul.” She came from a very musical family. As a young woman, Myra’s special love was playing the organ.

In 1921, she heard a speaker address a group of students. She said she became filled with light, and “Touch of the Master’s Hand” wrote itself in 30 minutes! She sent it anonymously to her church news bulletin. She felt it was a gift from God, and didn’t need her name on it. It’s popularity spread like magic. Finally, several years later, the poem was read at a religious international convention – “author unknown.” A young man stood up and said, “I know the author, and it’s time the world did too. It was written by my mother, Myra Welch.”

Then her name, as well her other beautiful works of poetry became known worldwide. All of her poetry told of the rejoicing she had in God’s love.

What the world did not see, was the woman who created these masterpieces: Myra in her wheelchair, battered and scarred from severe arthritis, which had taken away her ability to make music. Instead, her musical soul spoke through her poetry.

She took one pencil in each of her badly deformed hands. Using the eraser end, she would slowly type the words, the joy of them outweighing the pain of her efforts. Her words, a joyous expression of the wonders of life, as seen by a singing soul that was touched by the Master’s Hand.

As a friend turned to leave her home, Myra patted the arm of her wheelchair and said, “And I thank God for this!” Imagine being grateful for a wheelchair! But her talent lay undiscovered prior to her wheelchair days. Rather than becoming bitter, she chose to let her handicap make her better, and a wonderful new door opened for her.

Good Morning and have a beautiful day :)

THE DREAM OF 3 TREES :-

Here is a beautiful story....
THE DREAM OF 3 TREES :-
Once upon a mountain top, 3 little trees stood and dreamed of what they wanted to become when they grew up. The first little tree looked up at the stars and said: "I want to hold treasure. I want to be covered with gold and filled with precious stones. I'll be the most beautiful treasure chest in the ...world!" The 2nd little tree looked out at the small stream trickling by on it's way to the ocean. "I want to be traveling mighty waters and carrying powerful kings. I'll be the strongest ship in the world!" The third little tree looked down into the valley below where busy men and women worked in a busy town. "I don't want to leave the mountain top at all. I want to grow so tall that when people stop to look at me, they'll raise their eyes to heaven and think of God. I will be the tallest tree in the world."

Years passed. The rain came, the sun shone, and the little trees grew tall. One day three woodcutters climbed the mountain. The first woodcutter looked at the first tree and said, "This tree is beautiful. It is perfect for me." With a swoop of his shining axe, the first tree fell. "Now I shall be made into a beautiful chest, I shall hold wonderful treasure!" The first tree said.

The second woodcutter looked at the second tree and said, "This tree is strong. It is perfect for me." With a swoop of his shining axe, the second tree fell. "Now I shall sail mighty waters!" thought the second tree. "I shall be a strong ship for mighty kings!"

The third tree felt her heart sink when the last woodcutter looked her way. She stood straight and tall and pointed bravely to heaven. But the woodcutter never even looked up. "Any kind of tree will do for me." He muttered. With a swoop of his shining axe, the third tree fell.

The first tree rejoiced when the woodcutter brought her to a carpenter's shop. But the carpenter fashioned the tree into a feedbox for animals. The once beautiful tree was not covered with gold, with treasure. She was coated with saw dust and filled with hay for hungry farm animals.

The second tree smiled when the woodcutter took her to a shipyard, but no mighty sailing ship was made that day. Instead the once strong tree was hammered and sawed into a simple fishing boat. She was too small and too weak to sail to an ocean, or even a river; instead she was taken to a little lake.

The third tree was confused when the woodcutter cut her into strong beams and left her in a lumberyard. "What happened?" The once tall tree wondered. "All I ever wanted was to stay on the mountain top and point to God..."

Many many days and nights passed. The three trees nearly forgot their dreams. But one night, golden starlight poured over the first tree as a young woman placed her newborn baby in the feedbox. "I wish I could make a cradle for him." her husband whispered. The mother squeezed his hand and smiled as the starlight shone on the smooth and the sturdy wood. "This manger is beautiful." she said. And suddenly the first tree knew he was holding the greatest treasure in the world.

One evening a tired traveller and his friends crowded into the old fishing boat. The traveller fell asleep as the second tree quietly sailed out into the lake. Soon a thundering and thrashing storm arose. The little tree shuddered. She knew she did not have the strength to carry so many passengers safely through with the wind and the rain. The tired man awakened. He stood up, stretched out his hand, and said, "Peace." The storm stopped as quickly as it had begun. And suddenly the second tree knew he was carrying the king of heaven and earth.

One Friday morning, the third tree was startled when her beams were yanked from the forgotten woodpile. She flinched as she was carried through an angry jeering crowd. She shuddered when soldiers nailed a man's hands to her. She felt ugly and harsh and cruel. But on Sunday morning, when the sun rose and the earth trembled with joy beneath her, the third tree knew that God's love had changed everything. It had made the third tree strong. And every time people thought of the third tree, they would think of God. That was better than being the tallest tree in the world.

So, the next time you feel "down" because you didn't get what you asked for in prayer, just sit tight. God is thinking of something BETTER to give you.
-~ Traditional folk tale

Rose's Dream - A very beautiful story.

Rose's Dream - A very beautiful story.
The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn't already know. I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder.

I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me with a smile that that lit up her entire being.
...
She said, "Hi, handsome. My name is Rose. I'm 87 years old. Can I give you a hug?" I laughed and enthusiastically responded, "Of course you may!" and she gave me a giant squeeze.

"Why are you in college at such an young, innocent age?" I asked.

She jokingly replied, "I'm here to meet a rich husband, get married, have a couple of children, and then retire and travel."

"No seriously," I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age.

"I always dreamed of having a college education and now I'm getting one!" she told me.

After class we walked to the student union building and share a chocolate milkshake. We became instant friends. Every day for the next three months we would leave class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized listening to this "time machine" as she shared her wisdom and experience with me.

Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up and she reveled in the attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She was living it up.

At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. I'll never forget what she taught us. She was introduced and stepped up to the podium. As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her three by five cards on the floor. Frustrated and a little embarrassed she leaned into the microphone and simply said, "I'm sorry I'm so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me! I'll never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know."

As we laughed she cleared her throat and began: "We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success. "You have to laugh and find humor every day. You've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die. We have so many people walking around who are dead and don't even know it!"

"There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up. If you are 19 years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old. If I am 87 years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything I will turn 88. Anybody can grow older. That doesn't take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding the opportunity in change."

"Have no regrets. The elderly usually don't have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets."

She concluded her speech by courageously singing The Rose. She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives. At the years end Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those years ago.

One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep.

Over 2000 college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it's never too late to be all you can possibly be.
~ Author Unknown

A Dinner Date with Another Woman!!! :A Very beautiful story ,dedicated to all MOM's

A Dinner Date with Another Woman!!! :A Very beautiful story ,dedicated to all MOM's
After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said, "I love you, but I know this other woman loves you too, and she would love to spend some time with you."

The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my MOTHER, who has been a widow for 19 years, but ...the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally. That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie.

"What's wrong, are you well?" she asked. My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news.

"I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you," I responded. "Just the two of us."

She thought about it for a moment, and then said...
"I would like that very much."

That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up, I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary. She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's.

"I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed," she said, as she got into the car. "They can't wait to hear about our meeting."

We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print. Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips.

"It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small," she said.

"Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor," I responded.

During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation - nothing extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each other's life. We talked so much that we missed the movie.

As we arrived at her house later, she said, "I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you." I agreed.

"How was your dinner date?" asked my wife when I got home.

"Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined," I answered.

A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to do anything for her. Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined. An attached note said: "I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me. I love you, son."

At that moment I understood the importance of saying, in time, "I LOVE YOU."
And to give our loved ones the time they deserve. Because nothing is more important in life than family... and they shouldn't be put off until "some other time.”

She is strong enough to endure childbirth
She held you in her arms when you came in to this world.
She fed you, taught walking, dressed you, cooked meal for you
She is always there for us to listen to our woes, our frustrations
She gives strength to us in difficult situations
She soothes our biggest disappointments
She worries to see us in pain & sickness.
She loves despite of our flaws
She has strength to take all the weight of the family
Her love is strong and forever which never changes for any reason

NOTE : This Cyber-circulated version of this tale is a shortened form of a piece that appeared in Readers Digest in 1995.That David Farell story,titled "The Other Woman in my Life", does not ,however ,conclude with the death of the mother:instead ,that one dinner works to form the basis of ongoing interaction between them which itself works to further enrich the writers life.

“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”

“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”

40 GOLDEN RULES OF LIVING :

40 GOLDEN RULES OF LIVING :
Just loved this beautiful list.A wonderful reminder of some of the core truths that we should be living by.Not sure where this list originated, but these are very good rules to live by. As we live day-to-day we tend to forget some important essentials.May be its good to check at times.

1.Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

... 2.Memorize your favourite poem.

3.Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

4.When you say, "I love you," mean it.

5.When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.

6.Never laugh at anyone's dreams.

7.Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.

8.Don't judge people by their relatives.

9.Talk slow but think quick.

10.When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"

11.Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

12.Call your mom.

13.Say "Bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.

14.When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

15.Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; Responsibility for all your actions.

16.Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

17.When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

18.Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.

19.Marry someone you love to talk to. As you get older, conversational skills will be as important as any other.

20.Spend some time alone.

21.Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.

22.Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

23.Read more books and watch less TV.

24.Live a good, honourable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll get to enjoy it a second time.

25.Trust in God but lock your car.

26.A loving atmosphere in your home is so important. Do all you can to create a tranquil harmonious home.

27.In disagreements with loved ones, deal with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.

28.Read between the lines.

29.Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.

30.Be gentle with the earth.

31.Pray -- there's immeasurable power in it.

32.Never interrupt when you are being flattered.

33.Mind your own business.

34.Don't trust a lover who doesn't close his/her eyes when you kiss them.

35.Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.

36.If you make a lot of money, put it to use helping others while you are living. That is wealth's greatest satisfaction.

37.Learn the rules then break some.

38.Remember that the best relationship is one where your love for each other is greater than your need for each other.

39.Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

40.Remember that your character is your destiny.

THE MEANING OF LIFE

THE MEANING OF LIFE :-
A story is told by Robert Fulghum, a Unitarian minister, about a seminar he once attended in Greece. On the last day of the conference, the discussion leader walked over to the bright light of an open window and looked out. Th...en he asked if there were any questions. Fulghum laughingly asked him what was the meaning of life. Everyone in attendance laughed and stirred to leave. However, the leader held up his hand to ask for silence and then responded "I will answer your question." He took his wallet out of his pocket and removed a small round mirror about the size of a quarter. Then he explained "When I was a small child during World War II, we were very poor and we lived in a remote village. One day on the road, I found the broken pieces of a mirror. A German motorcycle had been wrecked in that place. I tried to find all the pieces and put them together, but it was not possible, so I kept the largest piece. This one. And by scratching it on a stone, I made it round. I began to play with it as a toy and became fascinated by the fact that I could reflect light into dark places where the sun could never shine. It became a game for me to get light into the most inaccessible places that I could find. I kept the little mirror, and as I grew up, I would take it out at idle moments and continue the challenge of the game.

As I became a man, I grew to understand that this was not just a child's game, but a metaphor of what I could do with my life. I came to understand that I am not the light or the source of the light. But light - be it truth or understanding or knowledge - is there, and it will only shine in many dark places if I reflect it. I am a fragment of a mirror whose whole design and shape I do not know. Nevertheless, with what I have, I can reflect light into the dark places of this world - into the dark places of human hearts - and change some things in some people. Perhaps others seeing it happen will do likewise. This is what I am about. This is the meaning of my life."

Do we reflect the light of God into the darkness of other people's lives? Will the world be a better place for our having been in it?
From It Was On Fire When I Lay Down On It, by Robert Fulghum. Ivy Books, 988.

Don't be Serious, Be Sincere....

Don't be Serious, Be Sincere....
A good read.....This is part of a speech by Chetan Bhagat, an author of several books, at the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune. He was a student of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Delhi, and also an alumni of the renowned IIM Ahmadabad – where he was named ‘The Best Outgoing Student’. In 2010, Time magazine placed Chetan Bhagat in the Time 100 list of ‘World’s Most Influential people’.

Puppy Size :

Puppy Size :

Very very beautiful and breath taking story.Every time i read, it warms my heart.I absolutely loved it.Read till the end and only then you will get it.[:)]

"Danielle keeps repeating it over and over again. We've been back to this animal shelter at least five times. It has been weeks now since we started all of this," the mother told the volunteer.

... "What is it she keeps asking for?" the volunteer asked.
"Puppy size!" replied the mother.

"Well, we have plenty of puppies, if that's what she's looking for."

"I know..... We have seen most of them", the mom said in frustration.

Just then Danielle came walking into the office.

"Well, did you find one?" asked her mom.

"No, not this time," Danielle said with sadness in her voice. "Can we come back on the weekend?"

The two women looked at each other, shook their heads and laughed.
"You never know when we will get more dogs. Unfortunately, there's always a supply," the volunteer said. Danielle took her mother by the hand and headed to the door. "Don't worry, I'll find one this weekend," she said.

Over the next few days both Mom and Dad had long conversations with her. They both felt she was being too particular. "It's this weekend or we're not looking any more," Dad finally said in frustration. "We don't want to hear anything more about puppy size, either," Mom added. Sure enough, they were the first ones in the shelter on Saturday morning. By now Danielle knew her way around, so she ran right for the section that housed the smaller dogs.

Tired of the routine, mom sat in the small waiting room at the end of the first row of cages. There was an observation window so you could see the animals during times when Visitors weren't permitted. Danielle walked slowly from cage to cage, kneeling periodically to take a closer look. One by one the dogs were brought out and she held each one. One by one she said, "Sorry, but you're not the one." It was the last cage on this last day in search of the perfect puppy. The volunteer opened the cage door and the child carefully picked up the dog and held it closely. This time she took a little longer.

"Mom, that's it! I found the right puppy! He's the one! I know it!" She screamed with joy. "It's the puppy sighs!"

"But it's the same size as all the other puppies you held over the last few weeks," Mom said.

"No, NOT size... the sighs. When I held him in my arms, he sighed," she said. "Don't you remember? When I asked you one day what love is, you told me love depends on the sighs of your heart. The more you love, the bigger the sigh!"

The two women looked at each other for a moment. Mom didn't know whether to laugh or cry. As she stooped down to hug the child, she did a little of both.

"Mom, every time you hold me, I sigh. When you and Daddy come home from work and hug each other, you both sigh. I knew I would find the right puppy if it sighed when I held it in my arms," she said. Then, holding the puppy up close to her face, she said, "Mom, he loves me. I heard the sighs of his heart!"

Close your eyes for a moment and think about the love that makes you sigh. I not only find it in the arms of my loved ones, but in the caress of a sunset, the kiss of the moonlight and the gentle brush of cool air on a hot day. They are the sighs of God. Take the time to stop and listen; you will be surprised at what you hear.

"Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.".I hope your life is filled with Sighs!!

Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends!Life is too short and friends are too few.Life is too short to wake up with regrets.
Love the people who treat you right and forget about the ones who don't!
~ Author Unknown

A teenage girl and an angel

A teenage girl about 17 had gone to visit some friends one evening and time passed quickly as each shared their various experiences of the past year. She ended up staying longer than planned, and had to walk home alone. She wasn't afraid because it was a small town and she lived only a few blocks away. As she walked ...along under the tall elm trees, Diane asked God to keep her safe from harm and danger. When she reached the alley, which was a short cut to her house, she decided to take it. However, halfway down the alley she noticed a man standing at the end as though he was waiting for her. She became uneasy and began to pray, asking for God's protection. Instantly a comforting feeling of quietness and security wrapped round her, she felt as though someone was walking with her. When she reached the end of the alley, she walked right past the man and arrived home safely. The following day, she read in the newspaper that a young girl had been raped in the same alley just twenty minutes after she had been there. Feeling overwhelmed by this tragedy and the fact that it could have been her, she began to weep. Thanking the Lord for her safety and to help this young woman, she decided to go to the police station. She felt she could recognize the man, so she told them her story. The police asked her if she would be willing to look at a lineup to see if she could identify him. She agreed and immediately pointed out the man she had seen in the alley the night before. When the man was told he had been identified, he immediately broke down and confessed. The officer thanked Diane for her bravery and asked if there was anything they could do for her. She asked if they would ask the man one question. Diane was curious as to why he had not attacked her. When the policeman asked him, he answered, "Because she wasn't alone. She had two tall men walking on either side of her." Amazingly, whether you believe or not, you're never alone.
God is always there in your heart and loves you no matter what and
if you stand up 4 him he will stand up for you..

Proverbs 6:22
When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.

WORDS OF WISDOM

WORDS OF WISDOM - Excellent Quotes from Warren Buffet, the world's richest investor.Read this simple 6 point list, will definitely help in the long run.

1) ON EARNINGS: Never depend on single income. Make investment to create a second source.
2) ON SPENDING: If U buy things U don't need, soon u'll have to sell things U need.
3) ON SAVINGS: Don't save what is left after spending but spend what is... left after savings.
4) ON TAKING RISK: Never test the depth of river with both the feet.
5) ON INVESTMENT: Don't put all your eggs in a single basket.
6) ON EXPECTATIONS: Honesty is a very expensive gift.Don't expect it from cheap people.

STORY : STOP AND HEAR THE MUSIC

This is a true Story, before reading further Guess the person.

STORY : STOP AND HEAR THE MUSIC

PERCEPTION : What do we miss as we rush through life?
...
Location: Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007.

A man with a violin played 6 Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approximately 2000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

After 3 minutes, a middle-aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.

4 minutes later:

The violinist received his first dollar; a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

6 minutes:

A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

10 minutes:

A 3 yr old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.

45 minutes:

The musician played continuously. Only six people stopped and listened for a short while. About twenty gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

1 hour:

He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth Thirty Five million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post in 2007 as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people’s priorities.

The questions raised:

In a commonplace environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?
Do we stop to appreciate it?
Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made…

How many other things are we missing?

It’s an important reminder about the power of our attention - it’s not about the beauty of the music, it’s about our willingness to hear it and appreciate it.

NOTE : This is a true story and this picture is of Joshua Bell with his violin.The Washington Post won a Pulitzer in the feature writing category for Gene Weingarten's April 2007 Story about this experiment.

A Friend

A Friend -
If I could catch a rainbow, I would do it, just for you,
And, share with you, its beauty, on the days you're feeling blue.

... If I could, I would build a mountain, you could call your very own.
A place to find serenity, a place just to be alone.

If I could, I would take your troubles, and toss them into the sea.
But, all these things, I'm finding, are impossible for me.

I cannot build a mountain, or catch a rainbow fair;
but, let me be, what I know best,
A Friend, who's always there.

I promise to defend you, should the occasion ever rise,
And, I promise to wipe away the tears,
which might stream from your weeping eyes.

Let me be the trusted Friend, the one that you know best.
I will never leave you, on that, you can surely rest.

- Author unknown.
I just love this picture too,just found on the net and source is unknown too.

The 9 Timeless Secrets of Being Happy :

The 9 Timeless Secrets of Being Happy :
1) Embrace New Experiences.
Most people suffer from merely existing versus really living. Don’t get caught in a rut; get out of it if you are. Explore. Play. Go beyond your comfort zone. Don’t lean on the excuse “I don’t have time to try new things.” It is as tragic and ridiculous as saying “I don’t have time to breat...he.” New experiences are life. Live deeply.

2) Be Who You Are.
Recognize and clear through what others expect of you, including society’s expectations, your parents’ expectations, the opposite genders’ expectations, and anyone’s expectations. Recognize and clear through the guilt, anger, fear and other emotions that are sabotaging you. What are your dreams? Your goals? Your loves? Who are you? Be that person.

3) Let Go of the Past.
The past is good for two things: the happy memories, and the lessons it provides. Clinging to resentment and sadness for past events hurts one person the most: you. Don’t let the past suck the gift of the present out of you. Forgive. Let go. Be here now, and go forward.

4) Be Kind.
It is easy to act kindly to those who have been kind to you. Do so, but also remember that is not where kindness is needed most. Recall those many times where you made mistakes, where you reacted out of negative emotions instead of responding from who you really are. Recall how you felt, or how you would have felt, if others responded to your mistakes with kindness instead of harsh criticism or a cold shoulder. Negativity only breeds more negativity. Empathize, and choose to be kind. It spreads rapidly.

5) Be Responsible for Yourself.
Whatever happens, however promising or tragic, only one person is responsible for how you respond to it: You. There are no greater wastes of energy and potential than blame, envy, a desire for revenge, and wallowing in self-pity. You and only you are responsible for how you respond to anything and how you act. You wish others were a certain way? You wish the world were a certain way? Be the example.

6) Nurture Relationships.
Think of your most joyful moments. Think of all you have learned. Think of what has helped you grow. Chances are great these all involve other people, and other relations such as pets and nature too. There are over six billion people on this earth. There are infinite relationships to be had. Everyone has something to understand and to learn from. There is infinite love to be had, and to give. You can choose to be lonely, but you are never alone.

7) Recognize All You Have, and Be Grateful for It.
If you are alive, you are fortunate. If you can read this, you are fortunate. If you can walk, talk, see, smell, taste, or feel, or all of these, you are fortunate. You are what you focus on, so if you focus on what you lack, you become that lack. Focus on all that you do have, on the gifts inside and all around you. Be grateful to be great.

8) Do What Inspires You.
Painting, singing, writing, biking, swimming, gardening, reading, dancing, walking, woodcarving … what is your flame? What ignites you, inspires you, enlightens you, restores your life? Do it, and do it often. Do not believe your excuse of having too much work to do and too little time for what inspires you. Doing what inspires you is the very fuel that will give you the strength and motivation to do the other things you need to do, and do them well.

9) Remember that Happiness is a State, Not a Circumstance
Happiness is a state of being, not merely a moment of pleasure or joy. By committing to your happiness you acknowledge and accept that there will be times of challenge and suffering, but by staying true to who you are you will not just endure but thrive. Happiness is not just the bird floating serenely on the water, and happiness is not made unhappy by the rock that falls and temporarily disturbs the water. Happiness is the water itself, always being exactly what it is.

Written by Brian Vaszily.