"We are what we believe we are."
- C. S. Lewis

"Laughter is America's most important export."
- Walt Disney

"A good photograph is knowing where to stand."
- Ansel Adams

"Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration."
- Thomas A. Edison

"Life is half spent before we know what it is."
- George Herbert

Adopt the pace of nature, her secret is patience. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Correctional Officer's Prayer

Lord, we ask for courage...Courage to face and conquer our own fears.Courage to take us where others will not goWe ask for strength...Strength of body to protect othersStrength of spirit to lead others.We ask for dedication...Dedication to our job, to do it well.Dedication to our community, to keep it safe.Give us, Lord, concernFor all those who trust usAnd compassion for those who need us.And please, Lord, through it all...Be at our side.

You Are My Sunshine


The other night dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreamed I held you in my arms,but when I woke dear, I was mistaken,and I hung my head and cried.You are my sunshine, my only sunshine you make me happy when skies are gray you'll never know dear, how much I love you,please don't take my sunshine away. I'll always love you and make you happy if you will only say the same but if you leave me to love another you'll regret it all some day You are my sunshine, my only sunshine you make me happy, when skies are gray,you'll never know dear, how much I love you,please don't take my sunshine away.


You told me once dear you really loved me that no one else could come between but now you've left me and love another you have shattered all my dreams.


You are my sunshine, my only sunshine you make me happy, when skies are gray,you'll never know dear, how much I love you,please don't take my sunshine away.


Words and Music byJimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell recorded in 1931by(Governor) Jimmie Davis

The Real Cause of Global Warming:

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb.
He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.

I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him.

I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound.
On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.

While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.
The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife.

I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease.
As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.

I was surprised, and asked him, "And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?"
He smiled as he patted my hand and said, "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is."

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, "That is the kind of love I want in my life."

True love is neither physical, nor romantic.
True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

With all the jokes and fun that are in e-mails, sometimes there is one that comes along that has an important message.
I had to share this with you all.

The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

Why We Love Dogs:
1. Floppy ears
2. Faces that drip with wrinkles
3. They sense when you are sad
4. Wild rolls in the grass
5. They fearlessly stick their head out car windows
6. That quizzical head tilt
7. They go silly with joy when you get home
8. Pig like snorts
9. Pony like trots
10. They can walk themselves, leash in mouth
11. Noses that nuzzle
12. They get so excited, they shake
13. The ladylike way they sometimes cross their paws
14. The spot you can scratch to make their leg go crazy
15. Their bravery, except during storms
16. They “run” in their sleep, pawing the air
17. Mournful looks when they’re hoping for a treat
18. Going belly up for a tummy rub
19. Their enormous, contagious yawns
20. They always love you- even on the days when you can’t do anything right

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

I was at the corner grocery store buying some early potatoes. I noticeda small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrilyapprising a basket of freshly picked green peas. I paid for my potatoesbut was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushoverfor creamed peas and new potatoes. Pondering the peas, I couldn't helpoverhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller (the store owner) andthe ragged boy next to me. "Hello Barry, how are you today?""H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. They surelook good.""They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?""Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time.""Good. Anything I can help you with?""No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas.""Would you like to take some home?" asked Mr. Miller."No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with.""Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?""All I got's my prize marble here.""Is that right? Let me see it" said Miller."Here 'tis.. She's a dandy.""I can see that. Hmmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort ofgo for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?" the store ownerasked."Not zackley but almost.""Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip thisway let me look at that red marble". Mr. Miller told the boy."Sure will.. Thanks Mr. Miller."Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With asmile she said, "There are two other boys like him in our community,all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargainwith them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever. When they come backwith their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't likered after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a greenmarble or an orange one, when they come on their next trip to thestore."I left the store smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A shorttime later I moved to Colorado, but I never forgot the story of thisman, the boys, and their bartering for marbles. Several years went by,each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion tovisit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was therelearned that Mr. Miller had died. They were having his visitation thatevening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompanythem. Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet therelatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort wecould. Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an armyuniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and whiteshirts....all very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller,standing composed and smiling by her husband's casket. Each of theyoung men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with herand moved on to the casket.Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young manstopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand inthe casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes.Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and remindedher of the story from those many years ago and what she had told meabout her husband's bartering for marbles. With her eyes glistening,she took my hand and led me to the casket."Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about.They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim "traded" them.Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color orsize....they came to pay their debt.""We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world," sheconfided, "but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man inIdaho."With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceasedhusband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles.The Moral : We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kinddeeds.

You Would Never Have Guessed Captain Kangaroo passed away on January 23, 2004 as age 76 , which isodd, because he always looked to be 76. (DOB: 6/27/27 ) His deathreminds us of the following story:Some people have been a bit offended that the actor, Lee Marvin, isburied in a grave alongside 3- and 4-star generals at Arlington NationalCemetery . His marker gives his name, rank (PVT) and service (USMC).Nothing else Here's a guy who was only a famous movie star who servedhis time, why the heck does he rate burial with these guys? Well,following is the amazing answer:I always liked Lee Marvin, but didn't know the ext ent of his Corpsexperiences. In a time when many Hollywood stars served their country in the armedforces often in rear echelon posts where they were carefully protected,only to be trotted out to perform for the cameras in war bondpromotions, Lee Marvin was a genuine hero. He won the Navy Cross at IwoJima. There is only one higher Naval award... the Medal Of Honor!If that is a surprising comment on the true character of the man, hecredits his sergeant with an even greater show of bravery.Dialog from "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson": His guest was LeeMarvin. Johnny said, "Lee, I'll bet a lot of people are unaware thatyou were a Marine in the initial landing at Iwo Jima and that during thecourse of that action you earned the Navy Cross and were severelywounded." "Yeah, yeah... I got shot square in the bottom and they gave me theCross for securing a hot spot about halfway up Suribachi. Bad thingabout getting shot up on a mountain is guys getting' shot hauling youdown. But,Johnny, at Iwo I served under the bravest man I ever knew...We both got the Cross the same day, but what he did for his Cross mademine look cheap in comparison. That dumb guy actually stood up on Redbeach and directed his troops to move forward and get the hell off thebeach. Bulle ts flying by, with mortar rounds landing everywhere and hestood there as the main target of gunfire so that he could get his mento safety. He did this on more than one occasion because his men's safetywas more important than his own life. That Sergeant and I have been lifelong friends. When they brought me offSuribachi we passed the Sergeant and he lit a smoke and passed it to me,lying on my belly on the litter and said, "Where'd they get you Lee?" "Well Bob... if you make it home before me, tell Mom to sell the outhouse!" Johnny, I'm not lying, Sergeant Keeshan was the bravest man I ever knew.The Sergeant's name is Bob Keeshan. You and the world know him as CaptainKangaroo." On another note, there was this wimpy little man (who just passed away)on PBS, gentle and quiet. Mr. Rogers is another of those you would leastsuspect of being anything but what he now portrays to our youth. But Mr.Rogers was a U.S. Navy Seal, combat-proven in Vietnam with overtwenty-five confirmed kills to his name. He wore a long-sleeved sweateron TV, to cover the many tattoos on his forearm and biceps. He was a master in small arms and hand-to-hand combat, able to disarm or kill in aheartbeat After the war Mr. Rogers became an ordained Presbyterian minister andtherefore a pacifist. Vowing to never harm another human and alsodedicating the rest of his life to trying to help lead children on theright path in life. He hid away the tattoos and his past life and won ourhearts with his quiet wit and charm. America's real heroes don't flaunt what they did; they quietly go abouttheir day-to-day lives, doing what they do best They earned our respectand the freedoms that we all enjoy. Look around and see if you can find one of those heroes in your midst. Often, they are the ones you'd least suspect, but would most like tohave on your side if anything ever happened Take the time to thank anyone that has fought for our freedom. Withencouragement they could be the next Captain Kangaroo or Mr.Rogers

A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet. She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times, even. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes.Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door. She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention, but he was too busy at this moment. Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it! "And what do you want?" the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice. I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages," he said without waiting for a reply to his question "Well, I want to talk to you about my brother," Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. "He's really, really sick..and I want to buy a miracle.""I beg your pardon?" said the pharmacist. "His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how much does a miracle cost?""We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help you," the pharmacist said, softening a little "Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs."The pharmacist's brother was a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl, "What kind of a miracle does your brother need?" " I don't know," Tess replied with her eyes welling up. I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money.""How much do you have?" asked the man from Chicago ."One dollar and eleven cents," Tess answered barely audibly."And it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to." "Well, what a coincidence," smiled the man. "A dollar and eleven cents---the exact price of a miracle for little brothers. "He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said "Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the miracle you need." That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed free of charge and it wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well. Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place. "That surgery," her Mom whispered. "was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?"Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost...one dollar and eleven cents....plus the faith of a little child. In our lives, we never know how many miracles we will need.A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law. MY OATH TO YOU...When you are sad.....I will dry your tears.When you are scared.....I will comfort your fears.When you are worried.....I will give you hope. When you are confused.....I will help you cope.And when you are lost....And can't see the light, I shall be your beacon.....Shining ever so bright.This is my oath.....I pledge till the end.Why you may ask?.....Because you're my friend.Signed: GODGod, Grant me the SERENITY to accept the things I cannot change, The COURAGE to change the things I can, and the WISDOM to know the difference...

GOD WANTED ME TO TELL YOU
Everything that is going wrong in your life today shall be well with you this year.
No matter how much your enemies try this year, "they will not" succeed.
You have been destined to make it and you shall surely achieve all your goals this year.
For the remaining months of this year (2007), all your agonies will be diverted and victory and prosperity will be incoming in abundance.
Today God has confirmed the end of your sufferings, sorrows, and Pains because HE that sits on the throne has remembered you.
I knocked at heaven's door this morning, God asked me...My child, what can I do for you? And I said, "Father, please protect and bless the person reading this message"...God smiled and answered...Request granted.
If you believe this message, send it to seven persons and the one who sent it to you.
By doing this you have succeeded in praying for eight people today.
If you do not forward, the prayer will stop.
"I can do all things through Him
who strengthens me." (Phil. 4:13)

The Wooden Bowl
I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year old grandson.
The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred,and his step faltered.
The family ate together at the table.But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess.
'We must do something about father,' said the son.
'I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.' So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner.
There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner.
Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl! When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometime he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone.
Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence.
One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor.
He asked the child sweetly, 'What are you making?' Just as sweetly, the boy responded, 'Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up.'
The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless.
Then tears started to stream down their cheeks.
Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband to took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table.
For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family.
And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.
..................................................
On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it may be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life..'I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.!I've learned that you should pass this on to everyone you care about. I just did. NOTICE AT THE END, THE DATE THE CANDLE WAS STARTED. GONNA GIVE YOU GOOSE BUMPS. I am not going to be the one who lets it die.
I found it believable -- angels have walked beside me all my life--and they still do.
The Candle Of Love, Hope & Friendship

This candle was lit on September,15, 1998. Someone who loves you has helped keep it alive by sending it to you.Don't let The Candle of Love, Hope and Friendship die! Pass It On To All Of Your Friends and Everyone You Love! Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

The Mayonnaise Jar When things in your life seemAlmost too much to handle,When 24 Hours a day is not enough,Remember the mayonnaise jarAnd 1 cup of coffee. A professor stood before his philosophy class And had some items infront of him. When the class began, wordlessly,He picked up a very large andEmpty mayonnaise jarAnd proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the studentsIf the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into thejar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the openareas between the golf balls. He then askedThe students againIf the jar was full,They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand And poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous yes. The professor then produced1 cup of coffee from under the tableAnd poured the entire contentsInto the jar, effectivelyFilling the Empty space between the sand. The students laughed. Now, said the professor,As the laughter subsided,I want you to recognize thatThis jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things- God, family, children, health,friends, favorite Passions Things that if everything else was lost andonly they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter Like your job, house, andcar. The sand is everything elseThe small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first, He continued, there is no roomfor the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your timeAnd energy on the small stuff,You will never have room for the things that are Important to you. SoPay attention to the thingsThat are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18 holes. There will always be timeTo clean the houseAnd fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first The things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand. One of the students raised her hand And inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled,I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,There's always room for a cup of coffee with a friend. Please share this with someone you care about. I JUST DID!

Every time I am asked to pray, I think of the old deacon who always prayed,
'Lord, prop us up on our leanin' side.'
After hearing him pray that prayer many times, someone asked him why he
prayed that prayer so fervently.
He answered, 'Well sir, you see, it's like this....I got an old barn out back.
It's been there a long time, it's withstood a lot of weather, it's gone
through a lot of storms, and it's stood for many years. It's still standing,
but one day I noticed it was leaning to one side a bit. So I went and got some
pine poles and propped it up on its leaning side so it wouldn't fall.
Then I got to thinking 'bout that and how much I was like that old barn. I been
around a long time, I've withstood a lot of life's storms, I've withstood a lot
of bad weather in life, I've withstood a lot of hard times, and I'm still
standing too. But I find myself leaning to one side from time to time, so
I like to ask the Lord to prop us up on our leaning side, 'cause I figure a lot
of us get to leaning, at times.'
Sometime we get to leaning toward anger, leaning toward bitterness, leaning
toward hatred, leaning toward cussing, leaning toward a lot of things that we
shouldn't, so we need to pray, 'Lord, prop us up on our leaning side,' so we
will stand straight and tall again, to glorify Him.
author unknown

In a zoo in California , a mother tiger gave birth to a rare set of triplet tiger cubs. Unfortunately, due to complications in the pregnancy, the cubs were born prematurely and due to their tiny size, they died shortly after birth. The mother tiger after recovering from the delivery, suddenly started to decline in health, although physically she was fine. The veterinarians felt that the loss of her litter had caused the tigress to fall into a depression. The doctors decided that if the tigress could surrogate another mother's cubs, perhaps she would improve. After checking with many other zoos across the country, the depressing news was that there were no tiger cubs of the right age to nrduce to the mourning mother. The veterinarians decided to try something that had never been tried in a zoo environment. Sometimes a mother of one species will take on the care of a different species. The only orphans" that could be found quickly, were a litter of weaning pigs. The zoo keepers and vet s wrapped the piglets in tiger skin and placed the babies around the mother tiger. Would they become cubs or pork chops? Take a look...you won't believe your eyes!!

A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT
They were together in the House. Just the two of them. It was a cold, dark, stormy night. The storm had come quickly and each time the thunder boomed he watched her jump. She looked across the room and admired his strong appearance...and wished that he would take her in his arms, comfort her and protect her from the storm. Suddenly, with a pop, the power went out... She screamed... He raced to the sofa where she was cowering. He didn't hesitate to pull her into his arms. He knew this was a forbidden union and expected her to pull back. He was surprised when she didn't resist but instead clung to him. The storm raged on... They knew it was wrong... Their families would never understand... So consumed were they in their FEAR that they heard no opening of doors...just the faint click of a camera......

Dad's Story On July 22nd I was in route to Washington , DC for a business trip. It was all so very ordinary, until we landed in Denver for a plane change. As I collected my belongings from the overhead bin, an announcement was made for Mr. Lloyd Glenn to see the United Customer Service Representative immediately. I thought nothing of it until I reached the door to leave the plane and I heard a gentleman asking every male if he&nb sp;were Mr. Glenn. At this point I knew something was wrong and my heart sunk. When I got off the plane a solemn-faced young man came toward me and said, 'Mr. Glenn, there is an emergency at your home. I do not know what the emergency is, or who is involved, but I will take you to the phone so you can call the hospital.' My heart was now pounding, but the will to be calm took over. Woodenly, I followed this stranger to the distant telephone where I called the number he gave me for the Mission Hospital . My call was put through to the trauma center where I learned that my three-year-old son had been trapped underneath the automatic garage door for several minutes, and that when my wife had found him he was dead. CPR had been performed by a neighbor, who is a doctor, and the paramedics had continued the treatment as Brian was transported to the&n bsp;hospital. By the time of my call, Brian was revived and they believed he would live, but they did not know how much damage had been done to his brain, nor to his heart. They explained that the door had completely closed on his little sternum right over his heart. He had been severely crushed. After speaking with the medical staff, my wife sounded worried but not hysterical, and I took comfort in her calmness. The return flight seemed to last forever, but finally I arrived at the hospital six hours after the garage door had come down. When I walked into the intensive care unit, nothing could have prepared me to see my little son laying so still on a great big bed with tubes and monitors everywhere. He was on a respirator. I glanced at my wife who stood and tried to give me a reassuring smile. It all seemed like a terrible dream. I w as filled-in with the details and given a guarded prognosis. Brian was going to live, and the preliminary tests indicated that his heart was OK, two miracles in and of themselves. But only time would tell if his brain received any damage. Throughout the seemingly endless hours, my wife was calm. She felt that Brian would eventually be all right. I hung on to her words and faith like a lifeline. All that night and the next day Brian remained unconscious. It seemed like forever since I had left for my business trip the day before. Finally at two o'clock that afternoon, our son regained consciousness and sat up uttering the most beautiful words I have ever heard spoken. He said, 'Daddy hold me' and he reached for me with his little arms. [TEAR BREAK...smile]By the next day he was pronounced as having no neurological or physi c al deficits, and the story of his miraculous survival spread throughout the hospital. You cannot imagine, we took Brian home, we felt a unique reverence for the life and love of our Heavenly Father that comes to those who brush death so closely. In the days that followed there was a special spirit about our home. Our two older children were much closer to their little brother. My wife and I were much closer to each other, and all of us were very close as a whole family Life took on a less stressful pace. Perspective seemed to be more focused, and balance much! Easier to gain and maintain. We felt deeply blessed. Our gratitude was truly profound. The story is not over (smile)!Almost a month later to the day of the accident, Brian awoke from his afternoon nap and said, 'Sit down Mommy.. I have something to tell you.' At this time i n his life, Brian usually spoke in small phrases, so to say a large sentence surprised my wife. She sat down with him on his bed, and he began his sacred and remarkable story. 'Do you remember when I got stuck under the garage door? Well, it was so heavy and it hurt really bad. I called to you, but you couldn't hear me.. I started to cry, but then it hurt too bad. And then the 'birdies' came.' 'The birdies?' my wife asked puzzled.'Yes,' he replied. 'The birdies made a whooshing sound and flew into the garage. They took care of me.' 'They did?''Yes,' he said. 'One of the birdies came and got you. She came to tell you 'I got stuck under the door.' A sweet reverent feeling filled the room. The spirit was so strong and yet lighter than air. My wife realized that a three-year-old had no concept of death and spirits, so he was referring to the beings who came to him from beyond as 'birdies' because they were up in the air like birds that fly.. 'What did the birdies look like?' she asked. Brian answered, 'They were so beautiful. They were dressed in white, all white. Some of them had green and white. But some of them had on just white.''Did they say anything?' 'Yes,' he answered. 'They told me the baby would be all right.''The baby?' my wife asked confused.Brian answered.! 'The baby laying on the garage floor.' He went on, 'You came out and opened the garage door and ran to the baby. You told the baby to stay and not leave.' My wife nearly collapsed upon hearing this, for she had indeed gone and knelt beside Brian's body and seeing his crushed chest whispered, 'Don't leave us Brian, please stay if you can.' As she l is tened to Brian telling her the words she had spoken, she realized that the spirit had left His body and was looking down from above on this little lifeless form.. 'Then what happened?' she asked. 'We went on a trip,' he said, 'far, far away.' He grew agitated trying to say the things he didn't seem to have the words for. My wife tried to calm and comfort him, and let him know it would be okay. He struggled with wanting to tell something that obviously was very important to him, but finding the words was difficult. 'We flew so fast up in the air They're so pretty Mommy,' he added.'And there are lots and lots of birdies.' My wife was stunned. Into her mind the sweet comforting spirit enveloped her more soundly, but with an urgency she had never before known. Brian went on to tell her that the 'birdies' had told him that he had to come back a nd tell everyone about the 'birdies.' He said they brought him back to the house and that a big fire truck, and an ambulance were there. A man was bringing the baby out on a white bed and he tried to tell the man that the baby would be okay. The story went on for an hour. He taught us that 'birdies' were always with us, but we don't see them because we look with our eyes and we don't hear them because we listen with our ears. But they are always there, you can only see them in here (he put his hand over his heart). They whisper the things to help us to do what is right because they love us so much. Brian continued, stating, 'I have a plan, Mommy. You have a plan.. Daddy has a plan. Everyone has a plan. We must all live our plan and keep our promises. The birdies help us to do that cause they love us so much.' In the weeks that follow ed, he often came to us and told all, or part of it, again and again Always the story remained the same. The details were never changed or out of order. A few times he added further bits of information and clarified the message he had already delivered. It never ceased to amaze us how he could tell such detail and speak beyond his ability when he talked about his birdies. Everywhere he went, h e told strangers about the 'birdies.' Surprisingly, no one ever looked at him strangely when he did this. Rather, they always got a softened look on their face and smiled. Needless to say, we have not been the same ever since that day, and I pray we never will be. You have just been sent an Angel to watch over you. Some people come into our lives and quickly go...Some people become friends and stay awhile...leaving beautiful footprints on our hearts .. . and we are never quite the same because we have made a good friend!! Yesterday is history. Tomorrow a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present! Live and savor every moment...this is not a dress rehearsal!

THIS IS A SPECIAL GUARDIAN ANGEL...

Too Busy for a Friend...

One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the otherstudents in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space betweeneach name.Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say abouteach of their classmates and write it down.It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment,and as the students left the room, each one handed in the papers.That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on aseparate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said aboutthat individual.On Monday she gave each student his or her list.she heard whispered. "I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!"and, "I didn't know others liked me so much," were most of thecomments.No one ever mentioned those papers in class again.She never knew if they discussed them after class or with theirparents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished itspurpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another. Thatgroup of students moved on.Several years later, one of the students was killed inVietnam and his teacher attended the funeral of that special student.She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. He lookedso handsome, so mature.The church was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved himtook a last walk by the coffin.The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin.As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer came upto her. "Were you Mark's math teacher?" he asked. She nodded: "yes."Then he said:"Mark talked about you a lot."After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to aluncheon. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting tospeak with his teacher."We want to show you something," his father said, taking a wallet outof his pocket "They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thoughtyou might recognize it."Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebookThe teacher knew without looking that the papers were the ones on whichshe had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had saidabout him."Thank you so much for doing that," Mark's mother said. "As you cansee, Mark treasured it."All of Mark's former classmates started to gather around. Charliesmiled rather sheepishly and said, "I still have my list. It's in thetop drawer of my desk at home."Chuck's wife said, "Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album.""I have mine too," Marilyn said. "It's in my diary."Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took outher wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. "I carrythis with me at all times," Vicki said and without batting an eyelash,she continued: "I think we all saved our lists.That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried.She cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see himagain.The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that lifewill end one day. And we don't know when that one day will be.So please, tell the people you love and care for, that they are specialand important. Tell them, before it is too late.Remember, you reap what you sow. What you put into the lives of otherscomes back into your own.

May Your Day Be Blessed

AS LONG AS YOU HAVE FAMILY AND FRIENDS , YOU ARE RICHER THAN YOU COULD EVER DREAM!

Breakfast at McDonald'sThis is a good story and is true, please read it all the way through until the end! (After the story, there are some very interesting facts!):I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree.The last class I had to take was Sociology.The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with.Her last project of the term was called, "Smile."The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions.I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So, I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally.Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning.It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son.We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did.I did not move an inch... an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved.As I turned around I smelled a horrible "dirty body" smell, and there standing behind me were two poor, homeless men.As I looked down at the short gentleman close to me, he was "smiling".His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance.He said, "Good day" as he counted the few coins he had been clutching.The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation.I held my tears as I stood there with them.The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted.He said, "Coffee is all, Miss" because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes.That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action.I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray.I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand.He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Thank you."I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, "I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope."I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, "That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope."We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give.We are not church goers, but we are believers.That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love.I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand.I turned in "my project" and the instructor read it.Then she looked up at me and said, "Can I share this?"I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class.She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed.In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my son, instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn:UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to:LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS - NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.There is an Angel sent to watch over you.In order for her to work, you must pass this on to the people you want watched over.An Angel wrote:Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.To handle yourself, use your head.To handle others, use your heart.God gives every bird it's food, but He does not throw it into its nest
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
With a secret insidethat has never been told
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
This box is pricelessbut as I see*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The treasure inside isprecious to me*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Today I share thistreasure with thee*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It's the treasure offriendship you'vegiven me.*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

To be posted VERY LOW on the refrigerator door - nose height.
Dear Dogs and Cats,
The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate of food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.
The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack.
Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run
I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.
For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years --canine or feline attendance is not mandatory.
The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough!
To pacify you, my dear pets, I have posted the following message on our front door:
To All Non-Pet Owners Who Visit & Like to Complain About Our Pets
1. They live here. You don't.
2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. (That's why they call it "fur"niture.)
3. I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
4. To you, it's an animal. To me, he/she is an adopted son/daughter who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly.
Remember: Dogs and cats are better than kids because they:
1. Eat less
2. Don't ask for money all the time
3 Are easier to train
4. Usually come when called
5. Never drive your car
6. Don't hang out with drug-using friends
7. Don't smoke or drink
8. Don't worry about having to buy the latest fashions
9. Don't wear your clothes
10. Don't need a gazillion dollars for college, and
11. If they get pregnant, you can sell their children.

Top accomplish great things
we must not only plan
but also believe.
-Anatole France

"Dreams are necessary to life."

- Anais Nin

THE BEARS AND I
Black bears typically have two cubs, rarely one or three. In 2007, in northern New Hampshire , a black bear sow gave birth to five healthy young. There were two or three reports of sows with as many as four cubs but five was, and is, extraordinary. I learned of them shortly after they emerged from their den and set myself a goal of photographing all five cubs with their mom, no matter how much time and effort was involved. I knew the trail they followed on a fairly regular basis, usually shortly before dark. After spending nearly four hours a day, seven days a week, for six weeks I had that once in a lifetime opportunity and photographed them in the shadows and dull lighting of the evening. Due to these conditions the photograph is a bit noisy as I had to use the equivalent of a very fast film speed on my digital camera. The print is properly focused and well expos! ed with all six bears 'posing' as if they were in a studio for a family portrait.
I stayed in touch with other people who saw the bears during the summer and into the fall hunting season. All six bears continued to thrive. As time for hibernation approached, I found still more folks who had seen them and everything remained OK. I stayed away from the bears as I was concerned that they might become habituated to me, or to people in general, as approachable 'friends.' This could be dangerous for both man and animal. After Halloween I received no further reports and could only hope the bears survived until they hibernated.
This spring, before the snow disappeared, all six bears came out of their den and wandered the same familiar territory they trekked in the spring of 2007. I saw them before mid April and dreamed nightly of taking another ?family portrait,? an improbable second once in a lifetime photograph. On April 25, 2008 I achieved my dream. When I showed the result to a woman who had purchased a print of the cubs a year earlier she exclaimed, 'I have never seen such an extraordinary photograph.' When something as magical as this happens between man and animal Native Americans say: 'We have walked together in the shadow of a rainbow.' And so it is with humility and great pleasure that I share these photos with you.
Sincerely, Tom Sears

"Sunsets are so beautiful that they almost seem as if we were looking through the gates of Heaven."
- John Lubbock

"If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking."
- George S. Patton

"Millions saw the apple fall, but Newton was the one who asked why."

- Bernard Baruch

A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old).

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.'

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good Life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?' The Six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.'

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deaply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

"Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you."
- Charlotte Whitton

"Great thoughts come from the heart."
- Luc de Clapier

"Great thoughts come from the heart."

- Luc de Clapier

ABC's of Friendship

Accepts you as you are

Believes in you

Calls you just to say Hi

Doesn't give up on you

Envisions the whole of you

Forgives your mistakes

Gives unconditionally

Helps you

Invites you over

Just because

Keeps you close at heart

Loves you for who you are

Makes a difference in your life

Never judges you

Offers support

Picks you up

Quiets your fears

Raises your spirits

Says nice things about you

Tells you the truth when you need to hear it

Understands you

Values you

Walks beside you

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Yells when you won't listen

Zaps you back to reality

Golden Girls theme song to all who I call a friend!...."Thank you for being a friend, traveled down the road and back again, your heart is true, your a pal and a confidant. Thank you for being a friend!"

You Are My Sunshine NEVER UNDER ESTIMATE THE POWER OF PRAYER AND CHILDREN!!!"You are My Sunshine, My only Sunshine" (Be prepared to get wateryeyes!) Like any good mother, when Karen found out that another baby wason the way, she did what she could to help her 3-year-old son, Michael,prepare for a new sibling. They found outthat the new baby was going be a girl, an d day after day, night afternight, Michael sang to his sister in Mommy's tummy. He was building a bond oflove with his little sister before he even met her. The pregnancy progressed normallyfor Karen, an active member of the Panther Creek United Methodist Church inMorristown ,Tennessee . In time, the labor pains came. Soon it was every fiveminutes, every three, every minute. But serious complications arose during deliveryand Karen found herself in hours of labor. Would a C-section be required? Finally,after a long struggle, Michael's little sister was born. But she was in very seriouscondition.With a siren howling in the night, the ambulance rushed the infant tothe neonatal intensive care unit at St. Mary's Hospital, Knoxville, Tennessee. Thedays inched by. The little girl got worse. The pediatrician had to tell the parentsthere is very little hope. Be prepared for the worst. Karen and her husbandcontacted a local cemetery about a burial plot.They had fixed up a special room in theirhouse for their new baby but now they found themselves having to plan for afuneral. Michael, however, kept begging his parents to let him see hissister. I want to sing to her, h e kept saying. Week two in intensivecare looked as if a funeral would come beforethe week was over. Michael kept nagging about singing to his sister,but kids are never allowed in Intensive Care.Karen decided to take Michael whether they liked it or not. If hedidn't see his sister right then, he may never see her alive. She dressed him in anoversized scrub suit and marched him into ICU. He looked like a walking laundry basket.The head nurse recognized him as a child and bellowed, "Get that kid out of herenow. No children are allowed." The mother rose up strong in Karen, and theusually mild-mannered lady glared steel-eyed right into the head nurse's face,her lips a firm line. "He is not leaving until he sings to his sister" she stated.Then Karen towed Michael to his sister's bedside. He gazed at the tiny infantlosing the battle to live. After a moment, he began to sing. In the pure-hearted voice ofa 3-year-old, Michael sang: "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, youmake me happy when skies are gray." Instantly the baby girl seemed to respond. Thepulse rate began to calm down and become steady. "Keep on singing, Michael,"encouraged Karen with tears in her eyes. "You never know, dear, how much I love you,please don't take my sunshine away." As Michael sang to his sister, the baby'sragged, strained breathing became as smooth as a kitten's purr. "Keep on singing,sweetheart." "The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreamed I held you in my arms".Michael's little sister began to relax as rest, healing rest, seemed to sweepover her. "Keep on singing, Michael." Tears had now conque red the face of the bossy head nurse.Karen glowed. "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. Please don't take my sunshineaway..."The next day...the very next day...the little girl was well enough to go home. Woman's Day Magazine called it The Miracle of a Brother's Song.The medical staff just called it a miracle. Karen called it a miracle of God's love. NEVER GIVE UP ON THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE. LOVE IS SO INCREDIBLY POWERFUL. Life is good. Have a Wonderful Day! In God We Trust

Sometimes when you are angry with someone it helps to sit down and think about the problem ...

The Two Wolves
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

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

The last line is the clincher...
One Flaw In Women
By the time the Lord made Woman,
He was into his sixth day of working overtime..
An angel appeared and said,
"Why are you spending so much time on this one?"
And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her?
She has to be completely washable, but not plastic,
have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable
and able to run on diet coke and leftovers,
have a lap that can hold four children at one time, and
a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart
-and she will do everything
with only two hands."
The angel was astounded at the requirements.
"Only two hands!? No way!
And that's just on the standard model?
That's too much work for one day.
Wait until tomorrow to finish."
"But I won't," the Lord protested.
"I am close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart.
She already heals herself when she is sick
AND can work 18 hour days."
The angel moved closer and touched the woman.
"But you have made her so soft, Lord."
"She is soft," the Lord agreed,
"but I have also made her tough.
You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."
"Will she be able to think?", asked the angel.
The Lord replied,
"Not only will she be able to think,
she will be able to reason and negotiate."
The angel, noticing something, reached out, touched the woman's cheek.
"Oops , it looks like you have a leak in this model.
I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one."
"That's not a leak,"
the Lord corrected,
"That's a tear!"
"What's the tear for?" the angel asked.
The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy,
her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love,
her loneliness, her grief and her pride"
The angel was impressed.
"You are a genius, Lord.
You thought of everything!
Woman is truly amazing."
And she is!
Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer if there's a better solution
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel; cheer when friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when
they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail to show how much they care.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideals.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give.
THERE IS ONLY ONE FLAW IN WOMEN:
THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF THEIR WORTH.

You never know when your guardian angel will be there for you so Ihave to try...I am sending this to you to see how many actually read their e-mail.Your response will be interesting. Pay attention to what you read.After you have finished reading it, you will know the reason it was sent to you.Here goes:pPeople come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person..When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet aneed you have expressed.They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you withguidance and support,to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem likea godsend and they are.They are there for the reason you need them to be.Then, without any wrongdoing 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 walk away.Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desirefulfilled, their work is done.The prayer you 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 hascome to share, grow or learn.They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.They may teach you something you have never done.They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.Your job is to accept the lesson,love the person and put what you have learned to use in all otherrelationships and areas of your life.It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.Thank you for being a part of my life,whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

WHAT HAPPENS IN HEAVEN

This is one of the nicest e-mails I have seen and is so true: I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels.My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, "This Is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are Received." I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section. The angel then said to me, "This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them."I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to EarthFinally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the Door of a very small station To my great surprise, only one angel was Seated there, idly doing nothing. "This is the Aknowledgment Section," My angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed "How Is it that there is no work going on here?" I asked. "So sad," the angel sighed. "After people receive the blessings that they asked For, very few send back acknowledgments ." "How does one acknowledge God's blessings?" I asked. "Simple," the angel answered. Just say, "Thank you, Lord.""What blessings should they acknowledge? " I asked."If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy ." "And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity. "Also ." If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... You are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day ." "If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation .. You are ahead of 700 million people in the world." ;"If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people In the world ." "If your parents are still alive and still married ...you are very rare ." "If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair." Ok, what now? How can I start?If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you as very special and you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all. Have a good day, count your blessings, and if you want, pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are.

ATTN: Acknowledge Dept.: "Thank you Lord, for giving me the ability to share this message and for giving me so many wonderful people to share it with."

Don'tBreak The Elastic!!
In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday.
Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older.
And, there on television, she said it was "exciting." Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day...like her breasts.
they seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first.
The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words!
Maya Angelou said this:
"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."
"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."
"I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life."
"I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life'."
"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."
"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."
"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision."
"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."

"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.
People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."
"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

This is one of the kindest things I've ever experienced. I have no way to know who sent it, but there is a beautiful soul working in the dead letter office of the US Postal Service. Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month.The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words: Dear God, Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick. I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her, You will know that she is my dog. I really miss her. Love, Meredith. We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had. Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith,' in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note: Dear Meredith, Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away. Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by. Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you. I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much. By the way, I'm easy to find, I am wherever there is love. Love, God

Psa 66:20 Blessed be God, who hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me

http://www.dogsinyc.us/JustADog.html

The prayer:
Father, I ask You to bless my friends, rel atives and those that I care deeply for, who are reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence through your grace. Where there is need, I ask you to fulfill their needs. Bless their homes, families, finances, their goings and their comings. In Jesus ' precious name. Amen.

Puppy Size
This is one of the neatest stories you will ever hear. You will know precisely what this little girl is talking about at the end (you'll want to share this one with your loved ones and special friends)!
'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, you're not the one.'
It was the last cage on this last day in search of the perfect pup.
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 size!'
'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.'

Beware of Garbage Trucks

By David J. Pollay

How often do you let other people's nonsense change your mood? Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive employee ruin your day? Unless you're the Terminator, for an instant you're probably set back on your heels. However, the mark of a successful person is how quickly she can get back her focus on what's important. Sixteen years ago I learned this lesson. I learned it in the back of a New York City taxi cab. Here's what happened. I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for Grand Central Station. We were driving in the right lane when, all of a sudden, a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his breaks, skidded, and missed the other car's back end by just inches! The driver of the other car, the guy who almost caused a big accident, whipped his head around and he started yelling bad words at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was friendly. So, I said, "Why did you just do that?This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!" And this is when my taxi driver told me what I now call, "The Law of the Garbage Truck." Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it. And if you let them, they'll dump it on you. When someone wants to dump on you, don't take it personally. You just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. You'll be happy you did. So this was it: The "Law of the Garbage Truck." I started thinking, how often do I let Garbage Trucks run right over me? And how often do I take their garbage and spread it to other people: at work, at home, on the streets? It was that day I said, "I'm not going to do it anymore." I began to see garbage trucks. Like in the movie " The Sixth Sense," the little boy said, "I see Dead People." Well, now "I see Garbage Trucks." I see the load they're carrying. I see them coming to drop it off. And like my Taxi Driver, I don't make it a personal thing; I just smile, wave, wish them well, and I move on. One of my favorite football players of all time, Walter Payton, did this every day on the football field. He would jump up as quickly as he hit the ground after being tackled. He never dwelled on a hit. Payton was ready to make the next play his best. Good leaders know they have to be ready for their next meeting. Good parents know that they have to welcome their children home from school with hugs and kisses. Leaders and parents know that they have to be fully present, and at their best for the people they care about. The bottom line is that successful people do not let Garbage Trucks take over their day. What about you? What would happen in your life, starting today, if you let more garbage trucks pass you by? Here's my bet. You'll be happier. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so.. Love the people who treat you right.Forget about the ones who don't. Believe that everything happens for a reason.If you get a chance , TAKE IT! If it changes your life , LET IT!Nobody said it would be easy... They just promised it would be worth it!