tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23966331810924021162024-03-13T11:34:27.773-04:00Feel Good CrapI've been receiving SOOOOOO many of these "feel good", "positive", "etc" emails that I thought I would post them here. There are so many of them. Some are touching, some are just too much... you decide and read what you like.stinkypawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04418558395508830375noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396633181092402116.post-41915116438773989682013-11-04T11:35:00.001-05:002013-11-04T11:35:27.160-05:00Bank Account<i>This is AWESOME ... something we should all remember. </i><br />
<br />
A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably combed and shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today.<br />
<br />
His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready.<br />
<br />
As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window.<br />
<br />
" I love it," he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.<br />
'Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait..'<br />
"That doesn't have anything to do with it," he replied.
"Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time.
Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged .. it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice;
I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do.
Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away.. Just for this time in my life..
"<br />
<br />
Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in.
So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories!<br />
<br />
<i>Thank you for your part in filling my Memory Bank.
I am still depositing. </i><br />
<br />
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:<br />
1. Free your heart from hatred.<br />
2. Free your mind from worries.<br />
3. Live simply.<br />
4. Give more.<br />
5. Expect less.<br />
<br />
Have a nice day, unless you already have other plans.
stinkypawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04418558395508830375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396633181092402116.post-49353615931939116322013-04-09T17:12:00.000-04:002013-04-09T17:12:12.434-04:00A Cup of Coffee on the Wall<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I sat with a friend in a high-class coffee shop in a small
town near Venice, Italy. As we enjoyed our coffee, a man entered and sat at an
empty table beside us. He called the waiter and placed his order saying,
"Two cups of coffee, one of them there on the wall." We heard this
order with some interest and observed that he was served with only one cup of
coffee but he paid for two. As soon as he left, the waiter pasted a piece of
paper on the wall with the words written 'A Cup of Coffee'. While we were
still there, two other men entered and ordered three cups of coffee, "Two
on the table and one on the wall." They had only two cups of coffee but
paid for three and left. This time again, the waiter did the same; he pasted a
piece of paper on the wall saying, 'A Cup of Coffee'. It seemed that this
gesture was a norm at this place. However, it was something unique and
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coffee, paid the bill and left.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After a few days, we happened to visit this coffee shop again.
While we were enjoying our coffee, a man entered. The way the man was dressed
did not match the standard nor the atmosphere of the coffee
shop. Poverty was evident from the look on his face and his attire.
As he seated himself, he looked at the wall and said, </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"One cup of coffee
from the wall please."</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The waiter served a coffee to this man with the
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a piece of paper from the wall and threw it in the dust bin. Then it dawned on
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inhabitants of this town welled up our eyes with tears. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Coffee is not a necessity. The point to note is that when we take
pleasure in any blessing, maybe we also need to think about those people who
appreciate that specific blessing as much as we do but they cannot afford to
have it. Note the character of the waiter, who is playing a consistent and
generous role to get the communication going between the affording and the
needy with a smile on his face. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ponder upon this man in need. He enters the coffee shop without
having to lower his self-esteem. He has no need to beg for a free cup of
coffee. He only looked at the wall, placed an order for himself, enjoyed his
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maintain human dignity for all.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
stinkypawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04418558395508830375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396633181092402116.post-32264902912024217682012-04-29T17:37:00.002-04:002012-04-29T17:37:35.215-04:00Fable of the Porcupine<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span> </span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wpyqmM8lhfs/T520QF22hhI/AAAAAAAACQw/cA6ptOeVRQY/s1600/Porcupine+baby2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wpyqmM8lhfs/T520QF22hhI/AAAAAAAACQw/cA6ptOeVRQY/s320/Porcupine+baby2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The porcupines, realizing the situation, decided to group
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After a while, they decided to distance themselves one
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Wisely, they decided to go back to being together. They
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their companions in order to receive the heat that came from the others. This
way they were able to survive.</div>
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The best relationship is not the one that brings together
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of others and can admire the other person's good qualities.</div>
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The moral of the story is: </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9QXckFw3nNo/T520dlqtpBI/AAAAAAAACQ4/hYjhHf5pYSY/s1600/Porcupine+baby3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9QXckFw3nNo/T520dlqtpBI/AAAAAAAACQ4/hYjhHf5pYSY/s320/Porcupine+baby3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Just learn to live with the Pricks in your life!</div>stinkypawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04418558395508830375noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396633181092402116.post-63250370313567890562011-11-07T16:45:00.000-05:002011-11-07T16:45:52.143-05:00LifeREAD THIS VERY SLOWLY... IT'S PRETTY PROFOUND. <br />
<br />
Too many people put off something that brings them joy just because they haven't thought about it, don't have it on their schedule, didn't know it was coming or are too rigid to depart from their routine. <br />
<br />
I got to thinking one day about all those people on the Titanic who passed up dessert at dinner that fateful night in an effort to cut back. From then on, I've tried to be a little more flexible. <br />
<br />
How many women out there will eat at home because their husband didn't suggest going out to dinner until after something had been thawed? Does the word 'refrigeration' mean nothing to you? <br />
<br />
How often have your kids dropped in to talk and sat in silence while you watched 'Jeopardy' on television? <br />
<br />
I cannot count the times I called my sister and said , 'How about going to lunch in a half hour?' She would gas up and stammer, 'I can't. I have clothes on the line. My hair is dirty. I wish I had known yesterday, I had a late breakfast, It looks like rain' And my personal favorite: 'It's Monday.' She died a few years ago. We never did have lunch together. <br />
<br />
Because Canadians cram so much into their lives, we tend to schedule our headaches.... We live on a sparse diet of promises we make to ourselves when all the conditions are perfect! <br />
<br />
We'll go back and visit the grandparents when we get Steve toilet-trained. We'll entertain when we replace the living-room carpet. We'll go on a second honeymoon when we get two more kids out of college. <br />
<br />
Life has a way of accelerating as we get older. The days get shorter, and the list of promises to ourselves gets longer. One morning, we awaken, and all we have to show for our lives is a litany of 'I'm going to,' 'I plan on,' and 'Someday, when things are settled down a bit.' <br />
<br />
When anyone calls my 'seize the moment' friend, she is open to adventure and available for trips. She keeps an open mind on new ideas. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious. You talk with her for five minutes, and you're ready to trade your bad feet for a pair of Roller-blades and skip an elevator for a bungee cord.<br />
<br />
My lips have not touched ice cream in 10 years. I love ice cream. It's just that I might as well apply it directly to my stomach with a spatula and eliminate the digestive process. The other day, I stopped the car and bought a triple-decker. If my car had hit an iceberg on the way home, I would have died happy. <br />
<br />
Now...go on and have a nice day. Do something you WANT to...not something on your SHOULD DO list. If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting? <br />
<br />
Make sure you read this to the end; you will understand why I posted this. <br />
<br />
Have you ever watched kids playing on a merry go round or listened to the rain lapping on the ground? Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight or gazed at the sun into the fading night? Do you run through each day on the fly? When you ask 'How are you?' Do you hear the reply? <br />
<br />
When the day is done, do you lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running through your head? Ever told your child, 'We'll do it tomorrow.' And in your haste, not see his sorrow? Ever lost touch? Let a good friendship die? Just call to say 'Hi'? <br />
<br />
When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift....Thrown away.... Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over. <br />
<br />
Show your friends how much you care. Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND. If it comes back to you, then you'll know you have a circle of friends. <br />
<br />
'Life may not be the party we hoped for... but while we are here we might as well dance.' <br />
<br />
Have a nice day and be good to yourself!!!stinkypawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04418558395508830375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396633181092402116.post-85290408148650497212011-08-31T17:43:00.000-04:002011-08-31T17:43:51.278-04:00Whipped Cream & Chocolate Ice Cream!One day I had lunch with some friends. Jim, a tall, balding golfer type about 80 years old, came along with them---all in all, a pleasant bunch.<br />
<br />
When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Jim who said, "Ice Cream, please. Two scoops, chocolate."<br />
<br />
I wasn't sure my ears heard right, and the others were aghast. "Along with heated apple pie," Jim added, completely unabashed.<br />
<br />
We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time.. But when our orders were brought out, I didn't enjoy mine.<br />
<br />
I couldn't take my eyes off Jim as his pie a-la-mode went down. The other guys couldnt believe it. They ate their lunches silently and grinned.<br />
<br />
The next time I went out to eat, I called and invited Jim. I lunched on white meat tuna. He ordered a parfait.<br />
I smiled. He asked if he amused me. <br />
<br />
I answered, "Yes, you do, but also you confuse me. How come you order rich desserts, while I feel I must be sensible?"<br />
<br />
He laughed and said "I'm tasting all that is Possible. I try to eat the food I need, and do the things I should. But life's so short, my friend, I hate missing out on something good. This year I realized how old I was. (He grinned) I haven't been this old before."<br />
<br />
"So, before I die, I've got to try those things that for years I had ignored. I haven't smelled all the flowers yet. There are too many trout streams I havent fished. There's more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to be flown overhead. There are too many golf courses I havent played. I've not laughed at all the jokes. I've missed a lot of sporting events and potato chips and cokes. <br />
<br />
I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face. I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His grace. I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast. I want un-timed long distance calls to the folks I love the most.<br />
<br />
I haven't cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morning rain. I need to feel wind on my face. I want to be in love again. So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner, then should I die before night fall, I'd say I died a winner, because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart's desire. I had that final chocolate mousse before my life expired.."<br />
<br />
With that, I called the waitress over.. "I've changed my mind, " I said. "I want what he is having, only add some more whipped cream!" <br />
<br />
This is my gift to you - We need an annual Friends Day! If you get this twice, then you have more than one friend. Live well, love much & laugh often - Be happy. <br />
<br />
Be mindful that happiness isn't based on possessions, power, or prestige, but on relationships with people we like and respect. Remember that while money talks, CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM SINGS! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
stinkypawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04418558395508830375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396633181092402116.post-48767038665572166522011-08-02T17:25:00.000-04:002011-08-02T17:25:53.487-04:00Please pass the biscuitWhen I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage, and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember <br />
waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his Biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school.<br />
<br />
I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits."<br />
<br />
Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your momma put in a long hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides... a burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!"<br />
<br />
You know, life is full of imperfect things... and imperfect people. I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else. What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each others faults and choosing to celebrate each others differences, is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship. <br />
<br />
So...please pass me a biscuit. And yes, the burned one will do just fine! And please pass this along to someone who has enriched your life... I just did!<br />
<br />
Life is too short to wake up with regrets... Love the people who treat you right and forget about the ones who don't.<br />
<br />
<br />
ENJOY LIFE NOW - IT HAS AN EXPIRATION DATE!stinkypawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04418558395508830375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396633181092402116.post-56505986542644560992011-05-13T17:47:00.000-04:002011-05-13T17:47:29.088-04:003900 SaturdaysThe older I get, the more I enjoy Saturday mornings. Perhaps it's the quiet solitude that comes with being the first to rise, or maybe it's the unbounded joy of not having to be at work. Either way, the first few hours of a Saturday morning are most enjoyable. <br />
<br />
A few weeks ago, I was shuffling toward the garage with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the morning paper in the other. What began as a typical Saturday morning turned into one of those Lessons that life seems to hand you from time to time. Let me tell you about it: <br />
<br />
I turned the dial up into the phone portion of the band on my hand radio in order to listen to a Saturday morning swap net. Along the way, I came across an older sounding chap, with a tremendous signal and a golden voice. You know the kind, he sounded like he should be in the broadcasting business. He was telling whomever he was talking with something about 'a thousand marbles..' I was intrigued and stopped to listen to what he had to say... <br />
<br />
"Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you're busy with your job. I'm sure they pay you well but it's a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to work sixty or seventy hours a week to make ends meet. It's too bad you missed your daughter's 'dance recital' he continued. 'Let me tell you something that has helped me keep my own priorities" And that's when he began to explain his theory of a 'thousand marbles.' <br />
<br />
"You see, I sat down one day and did a little arithmetic. The average person lives about seventy-five years. I know, some live more and some live less, but on average, folks live about seventy-five years.<br />
<br />
Now then, I multiplied 75 times 52 and I came up with 3900, which is the number of Saturdays that the average person has in their entire lifetime. Now, stick with me, Tom, I'm getting to the important part. <br />
<br />
It took me until I was fifty-five years old to think about all this in any detail", he went on, "and by that time I had lived through over twenty-eight hundred Saturdays. I got to thinking that if I lived to be seventy-five, I only had about a thousand of them left to enjoy. So I went to a toy store and bought every single marble they had. I ended up having to visit three toy stores to round up 1000 marbles I took them home and put them inside a large, clear plastic container right here in the shack next to my gear.<br />
<br />
"Every Saturday since then, I have taken one marble out and thrown it away. I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focused more on the really important things in life. <br />
<br />
There's nothing like watching your time here on this earth run out to help get your priorities straight. <br />
<br />
Now let me tell you one last thing before I sign-off with you and take my lovely wife out for breakfast. This morning, I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure that if I make it until next Saturday then I have been given a little extra time. And the one thing we can all use is a little more time. It was nice to meet you Tom, I hope you spend more time with your family, and I hope to meet you again here on the band. This is a 75 Year old Man, K9NZQ, clear and going QRT, good morning!" <br />
<br />
You could have heard a pin drop on the band when this fellow signed off. I guess he gave us all a lot to think about. I had planned to work on the antenna that morning, and then I was going to meet up with a few hams to work on the next club newsletter.<br />
<br />
Instead, I went upstairs and woke my wife up with a kiss. "C'mon honey, I'm taking you and the kids to breakfast." "What brought this on?" she asked with a smile. "Oh, nothing special, it's just been a long time since we spent a Saturday together with the kids. And hey, can we stop at a toy store while we're out? I need to buy some marbles"<br />
<br />
<br />
A friend sent this to me, so I share it with you, my blend.stinkypawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04418558395508830375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396633181092402116.post-43024156923872857562011-04-25T23:59:00.002-04:002011-04-25T23:59:43.744-04:00All I need to know I learned from the Easter Bunny!<div style="text-align: center;">Don't put all your eggs in one basket. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Everyone needs a friend who is all ears. </div><div style="text-align: center;">There's no such thing as too much candy. </div><div style="text-align: center;">All work and no play can make you a basket case. </div><div style="text-align: center;">A cute tail attracts a lot of attention. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Some body parts should be floppy. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Keep your paws off of other people's jelly beans. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Good things come in small, sugar coated packages. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The grass is always greener in someone else's basket. </div><div style="text-align: center;">To show your true colors, you have to come out of the shell. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The best things in life are still sweet and gooey!</div>stinkypawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04418558395508830375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396633181092402116.post-3606298562964701492011-02-10T00:37:00.000-05:002011-02-10T00:37:23.564-05:00Well worth the read.This is a beautiful and touching story of love and perseverance. <br />
<br />
At the prodding of my friends I am writing this story. My name is Mildred Honor and I am a former elementary school music teacher from DesMoines, Iowa. <br />
<br />
I have always supplemented my income by teaching piano lessons - something I have done for over 30 years.<br />
<br />
During those years I found that children have many levels of musical ability, and even though I have never had the pleasure of having a prodigy, I have taught some very talented students.<br />
<br />
However, I have also had my share of what I call 'musically challenged' pupils - one such pupil being Robby.<br />
<br />
Robby was 11 years old when his mother (a single mom) dropped him off for his first piano lesson. I prefer that students (especially boys) begin at an earlier age, which I explained to Robby. But Robby said that it had always been his mother's dream to hear him play the piano, so I took him as a student.<br />
<br />
Well, Robby began his piano lessons and from the beginning I thought it was a hopeless endeavor. As much as Robby tried, he lacked the sense of tone and basic rhythm needed to excel. But he dutifully reviewed his scales and some elementary piano pieces that I require all my students to learn. Over the months he tried and tried while I listened and cringed and tried to encourage him. <br />
<br />
At the end of each weekly lesson he would always say 'My mom's going to hear me play someday'. But to me, it seemed hopeless, he just did not have any inborn ability.<br />
<br />
I only knew his mother from a distance as she dropped Robby off or waited in her aged car to pick him up. She always waved and smiled, but never dropped in.<br />
<br />
Then one day Robby stopped coming for his lessons. I thought about calling him, but assumed that because of his lack of ability he had decided to pursue something else. I was also glad that he had stopped coming - he was a bad advertisement for my teaching!<br />
<br />
Several weeks later I mailed a flyer recital to the students' homes. To my surprise, Robby (who had received a flyer) asked me if he could be in the recital. I told him that the recital was for current pupils and that because he had dropped out, he really did not qualify. <br />
<br />
He told me that his mother had been sick and unable to take him to his piano lessons, but that he had been practicing. 'Please Miss Honor, I've just got to play' he insisted. I don't know what led me to allow him to play in the recital - perhaps it was his insistence or maybe something inside of me saying that it would be all right.<br />
<br />
The night of the recital came and the high school gymnasium was packed with parents, relatives and friends. I put Robby last in the program, just before I was to come up and thank all the students and play a finishing piece. I thought that any damage he might do would come at the end of the program and I could always salvage his poor performance through my 'curtain closer'.<br />
<br />
Well, the recital went off without a hitch, the students had been practicing and it showed. Then Robby came up on the stage. His clothes were wrinkled and his hair looked as though he had run an egg beater through it. 'Why wasn't he dressed up like the other students?' I thought. 'Why didn't his mother at least make him comb his hair for this special night?' <br />
<br />
<br />
Robby pulled out the piano bench, and I was surprised when he announced that he had chosen to play Mozart's Concerto No.21 in C Major. I was not prepared for what I heard next. His fingers were light on the keys, they even danced nimbly on the ivories. He went from pianissimo to fortissimo, from allegro to virtuoso; his suspended chords that Mozart demands were magnificent! <br />
<br />
Never had I heard Mozart played so well by anyone his age.<br />
<br />
After six and a half minutes he ended in a grand crescendo, and everyone was on their feet in wild applause! Overcome and in tears, I ran up on stage and put my arms around Robby in joy. 'I have never heard you play like that Robby, how did you do it? <br />
<br />
Through the microphone Robby explained: 'Well, Miss Honor ... remember I told you that my mom was sick? Well, she actually had cancer and passed away this morning. And well ... she was born deaf, so tonight was the first time she had ever heard me play, and I wanted to make it special.'<br />
<br />
There wasn't a dry eye in the house that evening. As the people from Social Services led Robby from the stage to be placed in to foster care, I noticed that even their eyes were red and puffy. I thought to myself then how much richer my life had been for taking Robby as my pupil. <br />
<br />
No, I have never had a prodigy, but that night I became a prodigy ... of Robby. He was the teacher and I was the pupil, for he had taught me the meaning of perseverance and love and believing in yourself, and may be even taking a chance on someone and you didn't know why.<br />
<br />
Robby was killed years later in the senseless bombing of the Alfred P. Murray Federal Building in Oklahoma City in April, 1995.<br />
<br />
So many seemingly trivial interactions between two people present us with a choice:<br />
Do we act with compassion or do we pass up that opportunity and leave the world a bit colder in the process?<br />
<br />
Thank you for reading this.stinkypawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04418558395508830375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396633181092402116.post-59744754604228627962011-02-08T00:23:00.000-05:002011-02-08T00:23:24.367-05:00A Reason, A Season, A LifetimePay attention to what you read.<br />
<br />
Here goes:<br />
<br />
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.<br />
<br />
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.<br />
<br />
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.<br />
<br />
They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support,<br />
<br />
To aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.<br />
<br />
They may seem like a godsend and they are.<br />
<br />
They are there for the reason you need them to be.<br />
<br />
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,<br />
<br />
This person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.<br />
<br />
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.<br />
<br />
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.<br />
<br />
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.<br />
<br />
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.<br />
<br />
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.<br />
<br />
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.<br />
<br />
They may teach you something you have never done.<br />
<br />
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.<br />
<br />
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.<br />
<br />
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,<br />
<br />
Things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.<br />
<br />
Your job is to accept the lesson,<br />
<br />
Love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.<br />
<br />
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.<br />
<br />
<br />
Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.stinkypawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04418558395508830375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396633181092402116.post-62597365008425079332010-12-23T22:36:00.000-05:002010-12-23T22:36:23.034-05:00Santa Claus 'n GrandmaI remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her. On the way, my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"<br />
<br />
My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true. <br />
<br />
Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything.<br />
She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" she snorted... "Ridiculous! Don't you believe it! That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go." <br />
<br />
"Go? Go where?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my 2nd world famous cinnamon bun.<br />
<br />
"Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days.<br />
<br />
"Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.<br />
<br />
I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. <br />
<br />
I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbours, the kids at school, the people who went to my church. I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class.<br />
<br />
Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out at recess during the cold weather. His mother always wrote a note telling the teacher that he had a bad cough but all us kids knew Bobby Decker didn't have a cough, he didn't have a good coat.<br />
<br />
I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat! I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.<br />
<br />
"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down.<br />
<br />
"Yes ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby." The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas.<br />
<br />
That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it <br />
<br />
Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers. Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going."<br />
<br />
I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma. Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.<br />
<br />
Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumours about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were: ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team. I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $19.95.<br />
<br />
May you always have LOVE to share, HEALTH to spare and FRIENDS that care... and may you always believe in the magic of SANTA CLAUS!<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 15pt;"><u><b>Give back - what you can, where you can, whenever you can.</b></u></span></div>stinkypawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04418558395508830375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396633181092402116.post-25716884670562956442010-11-04T16:03:00.002-04:002010-11-04T16:03:20.621-04:00Life is Short<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1DlB0A1S6I4/TNMRaKX9n6I/AAAAAAAAB-o/q15Dk-UvlTs/s1600/Life+is+short.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1DlB0A1S6I4/TNMRaKX9n6I/AAAAAAAAB-o/q15Dk-UvlTs/s320/Life+is+short.bmp" width="138" /></a></div>stinkypawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04418558395508830375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396633181092402116.post-39405346611701983112010-10-15T01:53:00.000-04:002010-10-15T01:53:57.678-04:00The Pickle JarThe pickle jar as far back as I can remember sat on the floor beside the dresser in my parents' bedroom. When he got ready for bed, Dad would empty his pockets and toss his coins into the jar.<br />
<br />
As a small boy, I was always fascinated at the sounds the coins made as they were dropped into the jar. They landed with a merry jingle when the jar was almost empty. Then the tones gradually muted to a dull thud as the jar was filled. <br />
<br />
I used to squat on the floor in front of the jar to admire the copper and silver circles that glinted like a pirate's treasure when the sun poured through the bedroom window. When the jar was filled, Dad would sit at the kitchen table and roll the coins before taking them to the bank. <br />
<br />
Taking the coins to the bank was always a big production. Stacked neatly in a small cardboard box, the coins were placed between Dad and me on the seat of his old truck.<br />
<br />
Each and every time, as we drove to the bank, Dad would look at me hopefully. 'Those coins are going to keep you out of the textile mill, son. You're going to do better than me. This old mill town's not going to hold you back.' <br />
<br />
Also, each and every time, as he slid the box of rolled coins across the counter at the bank toward the cashier, he would grin proudly. 'These are for my son's college fund. He'll never work at the mill all his life like me.' <br />
<br />
We would always celebrate each deposit by stopping for an ice cream cone. I always got chocolate. Dad always got vanilla. When the clerk at the ice cream parlor handed Dad his change, he would show me the few coins nestled in his palm. 'When we get home, we'll start filling the jar again.' He always let me drop the first coins into the empty jar. As they rattled around with a brief, happy jingle, we grinned at each other. <br />
'You'll get to college on pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters,' he said. 'But you'll get there; I'll see to that.' <br />
<br />
No matter how rough things got at home, Dad continued to doggedly drop his coins into the jar. Even the summer when Dad got laid off from the mill,and Mama had to serve dried beans several times a week, not a single dime was taken from the jar. <br />
<br />
To the contrary, as Dad looked across the table at me, pouring catsup over my beans to make them more palatable, he became more determined than ever to make a way out for me 'When you finish college, Son,' he told me, his eyes glistening, 'You'll never have to eat beans again - unless you want to.' <br />
<br />
The years passed, and I finished college and took a job in another town. Once, while visiting my parents, I used the phone in their bedroom, and noticed that the pickle jar was gone. It had served its purpose and had been removed. <br />
<br />
A lump rose in my throat as I stared at the spot beside the dresser where the jar had always stood. My dad was a man of few words: he never lectured me on the values of determination, perseverance, and faith. The pickle jar had taught me all these virtues far more eloquently than the most flowery of words could have done. When I married, I told my wife Susan about the significant part the lowly pickle jar had played in my life as a boy. In my mind, it defined, more than anything else, how much my dad had loved me. <br />
<br />
The first Christmas after our daughter Jessica was born, we spent the holiday with my parents. After dinner, Mom and Dad sat next to each other on the sofa, taking turns cuddling their first grandchild. Jessica began to whimper softly, and Susan took her from Dad's arms. 'She probably needs to be changed,' she said, carrying the baby into my parents' bedroom to diaper her. When Susan came back into the living room, there was a strange mist in her eyes. <br />
<br />
She handed Jessica back to Dad before taking my hand and leading me into the room. 'Look,' she said softly, her eyes directing me to a spot on the floor beside the dresser. To my amazement, there, as if it had never been removed, stood the old pickle jar, the bottom already covered with coins. I walked over to the pickle jar, dug down into my pocket, and pulled out a fistful of coins. With a gamut of emotions choking me, I dropped the coins into the jar. I looked up and saw that Dad, carrying Jessica, had slipped quietly into the room. Our eyes locked, and I knew he was feeling the same emotions I felt. Neither one of us could speak. <br />
<br />
This truly touched my heart. Sometimes we are so busy adding up our troubles that we forget to count our blessings. Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life, for better or for worse. <br />
<br />
God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way. Look for GOOD in others.<br />
<br />
The best and most beautiful things cannot be seen or touched - they must be felt with the heart ~ Helen Kellerstinkypawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04418558395508830375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396633181092402116.post-43160288666151997802010-10-04T17:16:00.000-04:002010-10-04T17:16:45.529-04:00One Flaw In WomenWomen have strengths that amaze men... <br />
<br />
They bear hardships and they carry burdens, <br />
but they hold happiness, love and joy. <br />
<br />
They smile when they want to scream. <br />
They sing when they want to cry. <br />
They cry when they are happy <br />
and laugh when they are nervous. <br />
<br />
They fight for what they believe in. <br />
They stand up to injustice. <br />
They don't take "no" for an answer <br />
when they believe there is a better solution. <br />
<br />
They go without so their family can have. <br />
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. <br />
They love unconditionally. <br />
They cry when their children excel <br />
and cheer when their friends get awards. <br />
<br />
They are happy when they hear about <br />
a birth or a wedding. <br />
Their hearts break when a friend dies. <br />
They grieve at the loss of a family member, <br />
yet they are strong when they <br />
think there is no strength left. <br />
<br />
They know that a hug and a kiss <br />
can heal a broken heart. <br />
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. <br />
<br />
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you <br />
to show how much they care about you. <br />
<br />
The heart of a woman is what <br />
makes the world keep turning. <br />
They bring joy, hope and love. <br />
<br />
They have compassion and ideas. <br />
They give moral support to their <br />
family and friends. <br />
<br />
Women have vital things to say <br />
and everything to give. <br />
<br />
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, <br />
<br />
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH. <br />
Please pass this along to all your women friends and relatives to remind them just how amazing they are.stinkypawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04418558395508830375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396633181092402116.post-6805502293706092262010-06-05T22:46:00.002-04:002010-06-05T22:52:51.573-04:00I thank you for your timeA young man learns what's most important in life from the guy next door.<br /><br />It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls, career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him.<br /><br />Over the phone, his mother told him, "Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday." Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.<br /><br />"Jack, did you hear me?"<br /><br />"Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago," Jack said.<br /><br />"Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence' as he put it," Mom told him.<br /><br />"I loved that old house he lived in," Jack said.<br /><br />"You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life," she said<br /><br />"He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important...Mom, I'll be there for the funeral," Jack said.<br /><br />As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.<br /><br />The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time.<br /><br />Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture... Jack stopped suddenly.<br /><br />"What's wrong, Jack?" his Mom asked.<br /><br />"The box is gone," he said <br /><br />"What box?" Mom asked.<br /><br />"There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was 'the thing I value most,'" Jack said.<br /><br />It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it.<br /><br />"Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him," Jack said. "I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom."<br /><br />It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died Returning home from work one day Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. "Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days," the note read.<br /><br />Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention.. "Mr. Harold Belser" it read. Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside.<br /><br />"Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life." A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, as tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch.<br /><br />Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover. Inside he found these words engraved:<br /><br />"Jack, Thanks for your time! -Harold Belser."<br /><br />"The thing he valued most was....my time"<br /><br />Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days. "Why?" Janet, his assistant asked.<br /><br />"I need some time to spend with my son," he said. "Oh, by the way, Janet, thanks for your time!"<br /><br /><br />Think about this. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true. <br /><br />1. At least 2 people in this world love you so much they would die for you.<br /><br />2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.<br /><br />3. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.<br /><br />4. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.<br /><br />5. You mean the world to someone.<br /><br />6. If not for you, someone may not be living.<br /><br />7. You are special and unique.<br /><br />8. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you trust God to do what's best, and wait on His time, sooner or later, you will get it or something better.<br /><br />9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good can still come from it.<br /><br />10. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world.<br /><br />11. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.<br /><br />12. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.<br /><br />13. Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know and you'll both be happy.<br /><br />14. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.<br /><br />To everyone who reads this: "Thanks for your time! "stinkypawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04418558395508830375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396633181092402116.post-31729216289556223502010-04-04T22:14:00.002-04:002010-04-04T22:17:11.706-04:00Noah's ArkEverything I need to know, I learned from Noah's Ark.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1DlB0A1S6I4/S7lHskQHJGI/AAAAAAAAB1k/1Ktj6WH6H0I/s1600/Noah.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1DlB0A1S6I4/S7lHskQHJGI/AAAAAAAAB1k/1Ktj6WH6H0I/s320/Noah.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456471254507136098" border="0" /></a>ONE: Don't miss the boat.<br /><br />TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat!<br /><br />THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.<br /><br />FOUR: Stay fit. When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.<br /><br />FIVE: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.<br /><br />SIX: Build your future on high ground.<br /><br />SEVEN: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.<br /><br />EIGHT: Speed isn't always an advantage.. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.<br /><br />NINE: When you're stressed, float awhile.<br /><br />TEN: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.<br /><br />ELEVEN: No matter the storm, when you are with loved ones, there's always a rainbow waiting.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Most people walk in and out of your life... but FRIENDS leave footprints in your heart.</span>stinkypawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04418558395508830375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396633181092402116.post-49869958755968950982010-03-30T16:35:00.001-04:002010-03-30T16:38:27.669-04:00Attitude<div style="text-align: center;">The longer I live, the more I realize<br />the impact of attitude on life.<br /><br />Attitude, to me, is more important than facts.<br /><br />It is more important than the past, than education, than money,<br />than circumstances, than failures, than successes,<br />than what other people say or do.<br /><br />It will make or break a company... a church... a home.<br /><br />The remarkable thing is that we have a choice every day<br />regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.<br /><br />We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that<br />people will act in a certain way.<br /><br />The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have,<br />and that is our attitude...<br /><br />I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me<br />and 90 percent how I react to it.<br /><br />And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes.<br /></div>stinkypawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04418558395508830375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396633181092402116.post-89358986359321465202010-02-01T13:30:00.001-05:002010-02-01T13:34:36.228-05:00May youMay today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.<br /><br />May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.<br /><br />May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge 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.'stinkypawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04418558395508830375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396633181092402116.post-91944278723600866382010-01-03T21:31:00.000-05:002010-01-03T21:32:50.441-05:00A Baby's HugWe were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly sitting and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, 'Hi.' He pounded his fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled with merriment.<br /><br />I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man whose pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map.<br /><br />We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled.. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists.. 'Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster,' the man said to Erik.<br /><br />My husband and I exchanged looks, 'What do we do?'<br /><br />Erik continued to laugh and answer, 'Hi.'<br /><br />Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby. Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, 'Do ya patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek- a-boo.'<br /><br />Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk.<br /><br />My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid-row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments.<br /><br />We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door. 'Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik,' I prayed. As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's 'pick-me-up' position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man. Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love and kinship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back. No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time.<br /><br />I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, 'You take care of this baby.'<br /><br />Somehow I managed, 'I will,' from a throat that contained a stone.<br /><br />He pried Erik from his chest, lovingly and longingly, as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, 'God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift.'<br /><br />I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying,'My God, my God, forgive me.'<br /> <br />I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes. I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. I felt it was God asking, 'Are you willing to share your son for a moment?' when He shared His for all eternity. How did God feel when he put his baby in our arms 2000 years ago. <br /><br />The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, 'To enter the Kingdom of God , we must become as little children.'<br /><br />If this has blessed you, please bless others by sending it on. Sometimes, it takes a child to remind us of what is really important. We must always remember who we are, where we came from and, most importantly, how we feel about others. The clothes on your back or the car that you drive or the house that you live in does not define you at all; it is how you treat your fellow man that identifies who you are.stinkypawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04418558395508830375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396633181092402116.post-75423995108409372232009-12-03T22:46:00.002-05:002009-12-03T22:52:31.734-05:00I Believe...I Believe...<br />That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other.<br />And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do love each other.<br /><br />I Believe...<br />That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.<br /><br />I Believe....<br />That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.<br /><br />I Believe...<br />That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.<br />Same goes for true love.<br /><br />I Believe...<br />That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.<br /><br />I Believe....<br />That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.<br /><br />I Believe...<br />That you should always leave loved ones with Loving words.<br />It may be the last time you see them..<br /><br />I Believe....<br />That you can keep going long after you think you can't.<br /><br />I Believe...<br />That either you control your attitude or it controls you.<br /><br />I Believe...<br />That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.<br /><br />I Believe...<br />That money is a lousy way of keeping score.<br /><br />I Believe...<br />That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.<br /><br />I Believe....<br />That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.<br /><br />I Believe...<br />That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.<br /><br />I Believe....<br />That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.<br /><br />I Believe....<br />That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others.<br />Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.<br /><br />I Believe...<br />That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.<br /><br />I Believe....<br />That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are,<br />But, we are responsible for who we become.<br /><br />I Believe...<br />That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life Forever.<br /><br />I Believe....<br />Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.<br /><br />I Believe...<br />That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.<br /><br />I Believe...<br />That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you -<br />You will find the strength to help.<br /><br />I Believe...<br />That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.<br /><br />I Believe...<br />The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything;<br />They just make the most of everything.stinkypawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04418558395508830375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396633181092402116.post-39674643484972795242009-10-24T18:23:00.006-04:002009-10-24T18:30:20.481-04:00Don't take life too seriously!<div style="text-align: center;">Don't take life so seriously!<br /><br />DANCE!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1DlB0A1S6I4/SuN-hh8LteI/AAAAAAAABuU/kLfPqcJAcrY/s1600-h/Dancing+baby.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1DlB0A1S6I4/SuN-hh8LteI/AAAAAAAABuU/kLfPqcJAcrY/s320/Dancing+baby.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396295893031564770" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">KISS A LOT!<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1DlB0A1S6I4/SuN-69-NcBI/AAAAAAAABuc/YSt_si835i4/s1600-h/Swine+Culprit.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1DlB0A1S6I4/SuN-69-NcBI/AAAAAAAABuc/YSt_si835i4/s320/Swine+Culprit.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396296330052988946" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">RELAX IN NATURE!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1DlB0A1S6I4/SuN_MGWBJqI/AAAAAAAABuk/qu-QCtaN-4c/s1600-h/Relax+in+nature.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1DlB0A1S6I4/SuN_MGWBJqI/AAAAAAAABuk/qu-QCtaN-4c/s320/Relax+in+nature.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396296624358106786" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">HAVE FUN!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1DlB0A1S6I4/SuN_aPmLFNI/AAAAAAAABus/rNrbQLZhAQM/s1600-h/Have+fun.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 227px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1DlB0A1S6I4/SuN_aPmLFNI/AAAAAAAABus/rNrbQLZhAQM/s320/Have+fun.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396296867359954130" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">AND BE HAPPY!!!! </div><br /><br />Life is short, Break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you smile...stinkypawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04418558395508830375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396633181092402116.post-80305211327599138162009-09-16T00:27:00.002-04:002009-09-16T00:36:43.909-04:00Puppy Size"Puppy Size", 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. <br /><br />"What is it that she keeps asking for?" the volunteer asked. <br />"Puppy size!" replied the mother.<br />"Well, we have plenty of puppies, if that's what she's looking for." <br />"I know...we have seen most of them," the mom said in frustration. <br /><br />Just then Danielle came walking into the office <br />"Well, did you find one?" asked her mom. <br />"No, not this time," Danielle said with sadness in her voice. <br />"Can we come back on the weekend?" <br />The two women looked at each other, shook their heads and laughed. <br />"You never know when we will get more dogs. Unfortunately, there's always a supply," the volunteer said. <br /><br />Danielle took her mother by the hand and headed to the door. "Don't worry, I'll find one this weekend," she said. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />"We don't want to hear anything more about puppy size, either," Mom added. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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." <br /><br />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. <br /><br />"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!" <br /><br />"But it's the same size as all the other puppies you held over the last few weeks," Mom said. <br /><br />"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!" <br /><br />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. <br /><br />"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!"<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.' <br /><br />I hope your life is filled with Sighs! <br /><br />Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends! Life is too short and friends are too few. <br /><br />Life is too short to wake up with regrets. <br /><br />Love the people who treat you right and forget about the ones who don'tstinkypawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04418558395508830375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396633181092402116.post-14062724411147300332009-08-19T18:41:00.001-04:002009-08-19T18:44:21.965-04:00It's all how you look at itOne day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family. On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?" <br />"It was great, Dad." <br />"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked. <br />"Oh yeah" said the son. <br />"So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father. <br /><br />The son answered: "I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us , they have friends to protect them." <br /><br />The boy's father was speechless. Then his son added , "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are." <br /> <br />Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have. Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends! <br />Pass this on to friends and acquaintances and help them refresh their perspective and appreciation. "Life is too short and friends are too few."stinkypawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04418558395508830375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396633181092402116.post-82198972274344669562009-07-27T19:43:00.002-04:002009-07-27T19:46:24.509-04:00What Happens in Heaven<span style="font-style:italic;">This is one of the nicest e-mails I have received and is so true:</span> <br /><br />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." <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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 Earth. <br /><br />Finally 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 Acknowledgment Section," my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed "How is it that there is no work going on here?" I asked. <br /><br />"So sad," the angel sighed. "After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments ." <br /><br />"How does one acknowledge God's blessings?" I asked. <br /><br />"Simple," the angel answered. Just say, "Thank you, Lord." <br /><br />"What blessings should they acknowledge?" I asked. <br /><br />"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." <br /><br />"And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity." <br /><br />"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." <br /><br />"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." <br /><br />"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! ." <br /><br />"If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair." <br /><br />Ok, what now? How can I start? <br /><br />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. <br /><br />Have a good day, count your blessings, and if you want, pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are. <br /><br />ATTN: Acknowledge Dept.: <br />"Thank you Lord, for giving me the ability to share this message and for giving me so many wonderful people to share it with." <br /><br />If you have read this far, and are thankful for all that you have been blessed with, how can you not send it on???? I thank God for everything, especially all my family and friends!!stinkypawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04418558395508830375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396633181092402116.post-44123370530108156812009-06-15T16:44:00.002-04:002009-06-15T16:49:35.073-04:007%(Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio)<br /><br />"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written."<br /><br /><br />My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:<br /><br />1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.<br /><br />2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.<br /><br />3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.<br /><br />4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.<br /><br />5. Pay off your credit cards every month.<br /><br />6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.<br /><br />7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.<br /><br />8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.<br /><br />9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.<br /><br />10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.<br /><br />11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.<br /><br />12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.<br /><br />13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.<br /><br />14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.<br /><br />15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.<br /><br />16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.<br /><br />17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.<br /><br />18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.<br /><br />19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.<br /><br />20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.<br /><br />21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.<br /><br />22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.<br /><br />23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.<br /><br />24. The most important sex organ is the brain.<br /><br />25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.<br /><br />26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'<br /><br />27. Always choose life.<br /><br />28. Forgive everyone everything.<br /><br />29. What other people think of you is none of your business.<br /><br />30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.<br /><br />31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.<br /><br />32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.<br /><br />33. Believe in miracles.<br /><br />34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.<br /><br />35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.<br /><br />36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.<br /><br />37. Your children get only one childhood.<br /><br />38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.<br /><br />39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.<br /><br />40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.<br /><br />41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.<br /><br />42. The best is yet to come.<br /><br />43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.<br /><br />44. Yield.<br /><br />45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."<br /><br />It's estimated 93% won't forward this. If you are one of the 7% who will, forward this with the title '7%'.stinkypawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04418558395508830375noreply@blogger.com1