Still Waters

Unspoken Love

2011-02-11T05:34:00.000-08:00

From the very beginning, the girl's family objected strongly on her dating this guy. Saying that it has got to do with family background & that the girl will have to suffer for the rest of her life if she were to be with him.
Due to family's pressure, the couple quarrel very often. Though the girl love the guy deeply, but she always ask him: "How deep is your love for me?"
As the guy is not good with his words, this often causes the girl to be very upset. With that & the family's pressure, the girl often vents her anger on him. As for him, he only endures it in silence.
After a couple of years, the guy finally graduated & decided to further his studies in overseas. Before leaving, he proposed to the girl: "I'm not very good with words. But all I know is that I love you. If you allow me, I will take care of you for the rest of my life. As for your family, I'll try my best to talk them round. Will you marry me?"
The girl agreed, & with the guy's determination, the family finally gave in & agreed to let them get married. So before he leaves, they got engaged.
The girl went out to the working society, whereas the guy was overseas, continuing his studies. They sent their love through emails & phone calls. Though it's hard, but both never thought of giving up.
One day, while the girl was on her way to work, she was knocked down by a car that lost control. When she woke up, she saw her parents beside her bed. She realized that she was badly injured. Seeing her mum crying, she wanted to comfort her. But she realized that all that could come out of her mouth was just a sigh. She has lost her voice.
The doctor says that the impact on her brain has caused her to lose her voice. Listening to her parents' comfort, but with nothing coming out from her, she broke down.
During the stay in hospital, besides silence cry, it's still just silence cry that companied her. Upon reaching home, everything seems to be the same. Except for the ringing tone of the phone. Which pierced into her heart every time it rang. She does not wish to let the guy know. & not wanting to be a burden to him, she wrote a letter to him saying that she does not wish to wait any longer.
With that, she sent the ring back to him. In return, the guy sent millions & millions of reply, and countless of phone calls,.. all the girl could do, besides crying, is still crying.
The parents decided to move away, hoping that she could eventually forget everything & be happy. With a new environment, the girl learnt sign language & started a new life. Telling herself everyday that she must forget the guy. One day, her friend came & told her that he's back. She asked her friend not to let him know what happened to her. Since then, there wasn't anymore news of him.
A year has passed & her friend came with an envelope, containing an invitation card for the guy's wedding. The girl was shattered. When she opened the letter, she saw her name in it instead.
When she was about to ask her friend what's going on, she saw the guy standing in front of her. He used sign language telling her "I've spent a year's time to learn sign language. Just to let you know that I've not forgotten our promise. Let me have the chance to be your voice. I Love You. With that, he slipped the ring back into her finger. The girl finally smiled.

Lead India

2011-02-11T05:06:00.000-08:00

Life on a Tightrope

2010-04-02T23:32:00.000-07:00

Jean François Gravelet, "The Great Charles Blondin", was a famous French tightrope walker and acrobat.

Blondin's greatest fame came in 1859 when he attempted to become the first person to cross the rushing and roaring waters of Niagara Falls on a tightrope.

With a balancing pole, Charles Blondin walked across the 335m long tightrope in only five minutes. He went on to walk across the falls several times, each time with a different theatrical flair. Later crossings were made in a sack; on stilts; on a bicycle, in the dark with sparks flaring from his pole tips; with his hands and feet manacled; and sitting down halfway to cook an omelet!

On one such occasion a large crowd gathered as word went out that Blondin was going to attempt yet another incredible feat. A buzz of excitement ran along both sides of the river bank. The crowd “Oooohed!” and “Aaaaahed!” as Blondin carefully walked across one dangerous step after another -- blindfolded and pushing a wheelbarrow.

Upon reaching the other side, the crowd's applause was louder than the roar of the falls! Blondin suddenly stopped and addressed his audience: "Do you believe I can carry a person across in this wheelbarrow?"

The crowd enthusiastically shouted, "Yes, yes, yes. You are the greatest tightrope walker in the world. You can do anything!"

"Okay," said Blondin, "Could someone get in the wheelbarrow....."
No one did!

It’s one thing to believe, it's another thing to take a step of faith based on that belief. Belief must be followed by action if it is to take you where you want to go!

Later, on Sept 15, 1860, the world was amazed as Blondin made a crossing carrying his manager, Harry Colcord on his back.

* What will YOU do? Will you be merely another person in the crowd who ultimately goes nowhere?" Or will you, like the brave manager, put belief into action?

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

- Matthew 17:20

Paper Airplanes

2010-03-07T00:24:00.000-08:00

The Dash

2010-03-07T00:21:00.000-08:00

My Angel

2010-03-04T06:10:00.000-08:00

I never thought that I would find,
A friend so loving and so kind.

I look up to you in every way,
Coz' your there for me in all my days
Without you I don’t know where I’d be
Probably at the bottom of the sea
You deserve so much more than I can give
Without you I couldn’t live
You’ve given me more than money can give
You’ve given me the will to live
We have our problems now and then
But when once we make up
Our friendship is better times ten
I want you to know I truly care
Even when I say things that aren’t fair
It doesn’t matter what u say
I'll always love u anyways
I know the you deep down inside
In you I know I can always confide
Thank you for being the friend u are
My best friend and angel by far
Everything u do is always great
You’ll be loved by all coz that’s your fate
So never stop being the wonderful you
Coz God shines through in all you do
And when you feel like no one’s there
Read this poem and know I care.

A Sparrow’s Faith

2010-03-04T04:56:00.000-08:00

I’m just a little Sparrow
I have no pedigree
I’m rarely ever noticed
But the Lord is watching me

He gave me a coat of feathers
‘Tis very plain I know
Without a speck of color
For it wasn’t made for show

It keeps me warm in winter,
Protects me from the rain
Were it trimmed in gold or silver,
Perhaps would make me vain

I have no barn or storehouse
I neither sow nor reap
God gives my daily portion,
With never a seed to keep

There are many other Sparrows
All over the world they’re found
And my Father always knows
When one falls to the ground

I’m only one little Sparrow
A bird of low degree
I know my Father’s love
Dost thou know His love for thee?

~ Yolanda Cohen ~

God Brews The Coffee

2010-03-04T04:49:00.000-08:00

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. The conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.

Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups – porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain-looking, some expensive, and some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.

After all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: “If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is but normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.

“Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases, it’s just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups…and then began eyeing each other’s cups.

“Now consider this: Life is the coffee, and the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life, and the type of cup we have does not define nor change the quality of life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us.”

God brews the coffee, not the cups . . . enjoy your coffee.

Giving In To The Cold

2010-03-04T04:41:00.000-08:00

There are six people gathered around a dying campfire on a dark and bitter night. Each one has a stick which they might place on the fire. But, sadly, one by one they decide not to give what they have to keep the fire going. The lone woman does not give because there is a black man in the circle. The penniless tramp does not give because in that circle there is a member of the idle rich. The rich man does not give because he reasons his contribution would obviously help someone who was lazy and shiftless. Another didn’t give because one of the six didn’t belong to his church. The black man hung tight to his wood, because it was his way of getting even or back at all the whites. Still another would not give because he believed in giving only to those who also gave.. And each one felt if he or she were asked to give with a personal invitation, or if they knew the need was really great, then they would give.

The parable ends with these words: “Six logs held fast in death’s hand was proof of human sin, the sin of pride, ego, and selfishness. They didn’t die from the cold of that night, the cold without, they died from the cold within each heart.

True Worship

2010-03-04T04:15:00.000-08:00

The following true story is from the life of King Louis XIV of France: One Sunday when he and his royal party arrived at church, no one was there except Archbishop Fenelon, the court preacher. Surprised to see all the vacant seats, the King inquired, “Where is everybody? Why isn’t anyone else present this morning?” The minister answered “I announced that Your Majesty would not be here today, because I wanted you to see who came to the service just to flatter you and who came to worship God.”

Even today, many people go to church for the wrong reason.

Why do we go to church ? Out of habit? Because that is the way we were brought up? Because of the beauty of the songs? Because of the charisma of the minister and the inspiration of his sermons? Because of the fervor of the prayers? Because of the magnificence of the building? Because of the talent of the organists and choir director? To put on a good appearance?

So why then do we go to Church? We go to church to be in the presence of God. We go to church to meet with God and worship Him. We go to church to share in the Eucharistic worship. We don’t go out of habit or obedience. We don’t go because of the prayers and songs. We don’t go because of the building and fellowship. We don’t go because of the organists or choir director.

We go because we want to worship our Lord, to receive the greatest gift God has to offer – the source and summit of our Faith, Jesus Christ Himself.

Afflictions

2010-03-04T04:07:00.000-08:00

During the depression a man lost a job, a fortune, a wife, and a home, but tenaciously held to his faith — the only thing he had left.

One day he stopped to watch some men building a stone church. One of them was chiseling a triangular piece of rock.

“What are you going to do with that?” asked the man.

The workman said, “Do you see that little opening way up there near the spire? Well, I’m shaping this down here so that it will fit up there.”

Tears filled the eyes of the heart-broken man as he walked away. It seemed that God had spoken through the workman to explain the ordeal through which he was passing.

Do you see what God was doing? God was shaping the man for heaven. God was using pain to prepare the man for the glory of the future. There is no glory unless there is also affliction and trial and troubles and pain and suffering.

Coaches know this. So do athletes. “No gain without pain,” they say. No gold medal without hour after hour of practice and pushing your body to the limit. No glory without suffering.

Oysters know this too. When the shell of an oyster is chipped or pierced, a foreign substance, usually a grain of sand, gets in. The inside of an oyster’s shell is made up of a lustrous substance called nacre. When a grain

of sand gets into a shell, the nacre cells get busy. They cover the grain of sand with layer after layer of nacre in order to protect the soft body of the oyster. The result is that a beautiful pearl is formed. No pain, no

glory.

“Faith always sees a star of hope

I do not know how long it will be

Or what the future holds for me

But this I know, if Jesus leads me,

I shall get home some day.”

-Dr. Charles Tindley

21st CENTURY LIFELESSNESS..!!

2010-03-02T04:40:00.000-08:00

Our Communication - Wireless

Our Business - Cashless

Our Telephone - Cordless

Our Cooking - Fireless

Our Youth - Jobless

Our Religion - Creedless

Our Food - Fatless

Our Faith - Godless

Our Labour - Effortless

Our Conduct - Worthless

Our Relation - Loveless

Our Attitude - Careless

Our Feelings - Heartless

Our Politics - Shameless

Our Education - Valueless

Our Follies - Countless

Our Arguments - Baseless

Our Commitment - Aimless

Our Life - Meaningless

Our Bosses - Hopeless

Our Salary -Very less !!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally,

Our Existence - Useless????

On a dream visit to Egypt

2010-02-26T03:30:00.000-08:00

I do not think there is any person in this world who does not dream. All of us dream – and a dream is nothing more than a wish our heart makes when we are fast asleep. We all wish to do something in this world – to gain something, to achieve something. Unless we dream we cannot achieve it. Therefore, one has to dream first about it until one day it’s no longer a dream but a reality. Sometimes a dream can come to us without our heart wishing for it. This kind of dream bears no relevance to our present life or to our future. Such a dream is what we may call a “bad dream” or more appropriately a “nightmare”.

I had a dream the other night. A dream I can still recollect so clearly, so vividly. It was a dream that took me to Egypt. How it all started and how it ended is what YOU are going to read in the paragraphs that follow. And as they say ‘dreams come true’, I certainly wouldn’t be surprised if I find myself landed in Egypt in the not-too-distant future.

Having said all this I would like to open my dream before you.

I now take you on a journey to the world of fantasy and glory. A world of make believe. A world too remarkable to be true. So come along, dream along, with me.

The Dream.

Someone knocked on my door in the very early hours of the morning. It was a cool silent morning. I got up and reached for the door. It was the postman with a cable for me. The cable contained the following message:-

“For the attention of Joe Mackintosh in Dubai –

Security Council meeting to be held in Egypt on Wednesday stop

We need your assistance stop It’s a challenging job, Joe, come fast stop

Chairman Silverman”

I quickly packed my things. I did not wish to be late for such an important assignment. But first I thought I should inform my office about this “challenging job”. My wife at that moment was in her deep slumber. I did not wish to wake her up and tell her about this appointment so soon. I wanted to matter to be confirmed by my office.

While on my way to office I found myself riding on a bicycle. The bicycle amazed me with its many devices. It could float on water and even fly in the sky. At times I felt it going up and coming down very smoothly. The motion created was similar to that of a small boat on high seas. And all the time I kept ringing the cycle bell, like a little boy so fascinated with his new toy. Its “ring-ting-ting” sound fascinated me. But the people who were sleeping thought it was their alarm clock going off; so, they woke up and some of them even followed me. The, all of a sudden, I sensed a strong wind blowing behind me. With the onset of this wind it became difficult for me to keep my balance. I quickly seized the opportunity to fly. I whisked my bicycle right up in the air and landed it safely at the entrance of the office gate. That was the quickest time that I have ever made to office. As soon as I got of my cycle and both my feet were well on the ground, the bicycle turned into a helicopter and disappeared from my sight. Then the office gate opened before me all by itself. Likewise, the office door also opened. But before entering the office I realized that in m haste I forgot to carry my keys. I turned to go back but just then the office gate outside closed on me with a bang. I tried to climb over the wall but suddenly a black cat pounced right in front of my face with a loud and powerful “meow!!” and then ran off as fast as her four paws could carry her. I decided there and then NOT to try any stunts.

It was quite early in the morning and no one could be attending the office at that time. But I heard the sound of footsteps coming from inside the office. Then there was also the sound of plates rattling and the quick movement of furniture. I realized that something fishy was going on there. With all the manly courage I possessed, I entered my office and walked straight to my department – The Public Relations Dept.

Here, what do I see? The lights were switched on and on my table there was tea and breakfast all neatly laid out for me and yet there was no one around. Also on the table was a small note which read “Eat fast man we are waiting”. And soon after having read it, it disappeared. I quickly finished my breakfast expecting that too might vanish. Soon after I finished I saw three men coming towards me. These men dressed in short, sleeveless, colorful garments, walked directly into my room. Their faces were covered with helmets of bright steel and on their feet they wore silver gumboots which reached up to their heels. The broad golden belt which each of them wore around their waste was adorned with the finest jewels of the world. Their eyes were like beams coming from two different torches and the opened and shut at their own free will. Their hands were as hairy as a werewolf’s. Surely, these “richly decorated pieces” enhanced their vague personality and strength before me. I never felt so small and weak in my life as I did now in their magnificent presence. They fascinated me as much as they frightened me.

They spoke in their own language amongst themselves. But only the tall one, who carried a revolver, spoke in English.

He said to me: “We are Egyptians, do not e afraid, we have come to take you with us. However make no attempts to escape. We have order to shoot you if you play truant”

I said “Excuse me, but I am Joe Mackintosh. Surely I am not the man you are looking for. I’m only a poor, simple, hardworking person. It may be someone else, please… I’ll pay you for the breakfast if you want”

“You have received a cable this morning, haven’t you?”

“Yes I have, it was a cable alright”, I said.

“Well it was not the postman who delivered it to you; it was one of our men”

I soon smelt a rat and tried to escape from their midst. The leader of the group shouted “Seize HIM!” I was soon caught and put in chains and was then thrown mercilessly into a dark room. At length, I heard the sound of a helicopter just above my head. The noise, it gave me a splitting headache. The three men then came in and lead me to the helicopter. Except for the chains that binded me, I felt great inside the ‘copter. The cool fresh morning air added to the greatness and I felt very thankful to them for allowing me a free ride after that heavy breakfast. I looked around and I saw the sun rising in all its splendid glory and the Egyptians in turn worshipping it. The scenery from top was indeed marvelous to see. I felt truly great. My enjoyment was cut short as they had to land at their so-called hide out. There I was treated well by the commander. He not only gave meal that I asked for, including the hot morning coffee, but he also released me from the bonds of those chains. Then at last we settled down to talk.

“The reason why we want you to go to Egypt” said the commander –

“is because the Chairman Mr. Silverman insisted upon one Mackintosh to be captured and brought before him, and since we couldn’t trace anyone of that name in Dubai, we thought of taking you. By the way, you are well known as Joe Mackintosh in Dubai, please explain”

“You see, my friend” I said to him.

“Joe is my proper name, but Mackintosh has been conferred on me by the public because I am in charge of the sole distributorship for Mackintosh Chocolates all over Dubai… and these are quite distinctly famous chocolates…. Please let me go now I am not the man for you. I told you who I am and what I am. .. Let me go please.”

“No, no, no” he kept on saying “We couldn’t do that. We couldn’t let you go under any circumstances. It would be absurd to do that now. Besides, Chairman Silverman is a very impatient man. He will be so upset if we go without you now that we have found you. Whereas the real Mackintosh is absconding, we are only taking you as his substitute if not the “duplicate”. Do all you can to help us, please. In return for your valuable services, you will be handsomely rewarded. It is needless to say that we have a great deal of trust in you and we hope you will not disappoint us.”

I was now getting infuriated. I couldn’t follow what he meant by “substitute, duplicate”

So I asked him with a very loud tone in my voice

“What precisely do you want me to do????”

“You have to act like Mr. Mackintosh. That’s all, it’s as simple as that”

“Like what” I asked, I was still in a fit of anger. “Carry lots of chocolates in my pockets OR go about the streets wearing a chocolate coat or something? I haven’t seen this man before, you know that.”

This time I saw that he too was losing his temper on me.

“I don’t know what you must do” he said. “But all that I ask you is to use your own judgment, your own skill, your… … intellect, that’s it, use your intellect.”

Then he cooled down and began to specify me.

“We believe you are an idealistic man, Mr. Mackintosh. A man for all seasons. We also believe you have creative abilities and an aptitude for hard work. You ARE the man for us. So keep it up and do what you are told to do. I think I have made myself clear to you now. Goodbye then and Good luck.”

As I came out of the hideout I saw the 3 men sleeping in the morning sun – naturally they were tired after the night duty. I tried to take advantage of the peaceful situation. I tried to escape. But just before I could make my move, someone from behind me gave a hard blow on my head and I blew away my plan. Suddenly, the entire picture of the Egyptian land came into my view. The land of Egypt is indeed bright and beautiful. Their music is enchanting. Their language I remarkably picked up. The people there were the most unhappy lot. I witnessed their riots, even attended their meetings – one after another – I heard some talking about peace, some talking about war. I saw nothing but the utter political confusion prevailing there. In the midst of all this turmoil and confusion and danger, I suddenly hit upon another plan. A plan to advertise and distribute chocolates in the land of Egypt – real, good, wholesome Mackintosh chocolates. The sweetest in the world, the finest and the best. This would be my framework for peace in the mid-east. So far so good.

“Well, have you thought about your plan?” the commander asked as I regained my consciousness. When I explained to him about my plan in detail, he congratulated me and said “I now have confirmed you as the man for the job. Be ready to leave for Egypt at once”

So in the next moment we were off in the helicopter towards Egypt, this time the journey was different, I was lost in thought. A day had past so quickly, most of the time must have passed when I was unconscious; I was worried too, as I hadn’t informed my wife at home about my whereabouts, she will get awfully worried. And on the other hand I was going to attend a Security Council meeting, what will I do there? All this was a mental torture for me. As we were nearing I had to think about the job at hand, if they found out I’m an impersonator, things would turn out to be ugly. So I worked out the entire plan how to promote and spread the message of peace through chocolates. Sounded weird, but that was what I am good at and it was the best that I could think of under pressure. I had it all worked out, from advertising to distributorship. And having each chocolate in an attractive wrapper which said “For Peace, Love and Friendship” It all started sounding good to me.

Within no time, we were there. The place was exactly as I thought it was while I was unconscious, and then I started wondering was I really unconscious at the time or not?? They then lead me to this place; it was more like a court room than a hall for a Security Council meeting. As soon as we entered, the place erupted in shouts and cheers, I felt like a man of importance, a counselor of peace. I was led to the podium in the centre. And sitting right in front of me was a man who looked so different from the rest, dressed in an all gold and diamond apparel, he was none other than Chairman Silverman. Well, I thought to myself, the time has come, the time to share my thoughts.

The Chairman then raised his hand and in an instant there was pin drop silence, and in a commanding voice he asked me -

“How do you plead?”

Then it all dawned on me. It was like the entire world crushing in on me. My smile turned to tears. This was not a peace meeting, it was a trial, and I was the accused. I had been tricked by the commander.

“You have the wrong man!!” I said “I am not the real Mackintosh”

At this the chairman lost his temper and shouted back -

“What!!! You who have cheated the public, You who have tortured your workers, You who are uncompassionate, You Mr. Mackintosh have committed a grave felony against Egypt. And you say we have the wrong man! My men are the best of the best and they have travelled far and wide in search of you and after three relentless years of work, they have finally succeeded.”

“Do you have a last request!?” He ended abruptly.

This can’t be happening to me. Oh! How I wished I could get my hands on the real Mackintosh. Or on the commander who got me into all of this in the first place. This world is such a selfish place. But then I thought of my wife, I wished I had waked her up before I left, maybe she would have not let me go in the first place. Then I heard this continuous buzz, like that of telephone, it was a telephone, and it was my own office phone. I answered it –

“Hello this is Joe Monteiro speaking. May I know who this is calling?”

“What the hell are you doing there, dreaming?” said the caller “Do you know what time it is? Let me tell you….. You… I cannot tolerate it any more... You’re FIRED!”

Well, yes, I was caught dreaming at work, and was thankful it just was a dream. You can well imagine who the person at the other end of the line speaking to me was – that was my boss – the great Mackintosh.

Love is....

2010-02-11T23:22:00.000-08:00

"Love is passion, obsession, someone you can't live without. If you don't start with that, what are you going to end up with? Fall head over heels. I say find someone you can love like crazy and who'll love you the same way back.. How do you find that person??... Forget your head and listen to your heart.. let lightning strike, get swept away, levitate, sing with rapture and dance like a dervish. Run the risk, if you get hurt, you'll come back. Because, the truth is there is no sense living your life without this. To make the journey and not fall deeply in love -- well, you haven't lived a life at all. You have to try. Because if you haven't tried, you haven't lived..."

-From the movie "Meet Joe Black".

50 Thoughts to Ponder

2010-02-08T11:41:00.000-08:00

1. Life isn't fair, but its still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. Its more healing than crying alone.

8. Its OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9 Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it wont screw up the present.

12. Its OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Dont compare your life with others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14 If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldnt be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But dont worry; God never blinks.

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. Its never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, dont take "no" for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Dont save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Dont wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job wont take care of you when you are sick. Your family will.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative! dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone elses, wed grab ours back.

41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don't ask, you don't get.

49. Yield.

50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but its still a gift.

Love - Bible Quote

2010-02-06T06:20:00.000-08:00

Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking.

It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.

I Corinthians 13:4-8

Making Pancakes!!!

2009-12-20T07:03:00.001-08:00

Six -year-old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents pancakes He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on the floor.

He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten.

Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated. He wanted this to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad.

He didn't know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove and he didn't know how the stove worked!. Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away, knocking the egg carton to the floor. Frantically he tried to clean up this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky.

And just then he saw Dad standing at the door. Big crocodile tears welled up in Brandon's eyes. All he'd wanted to do was something good, but he'd made a terrible mess. He was sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking. But his father just watched him.

Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process!

That's how God deals with us.. We try to do something good in life, but it turns into a mess. Our marriage gets all sticky or we insult a friend, or we can't stand our job, or our health goes sour.

Sometimes we just stand there in tears because we can't think of anything else to do. That's when God picks us up and loves us and forgives us, even though some of our mess gets all over Him.

But just because we might mess up, we can't stop trying to "make pancakes" for God or for others. Sooner or later we'll get it right, and then they'll be glad we tried...

I was thinking. .. and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed, friendships that need rekindling or three words needing to be said, sometimes, "I love you" can heal & bless! Remind every one of your friends that you love them. Even if you think they don't love back, you would be amazed at what those three little words,

a smile, and a reminder like this can do.

Just in case I haven't told you lately...

I LOVE YA!!!

Please pass some of this love on to others....suppose one morning you were called to God; do all your friends know you love them?

And never stop "making pancakes."

CATastrophic Or CATelicious

2009-12-02T20:50:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

Well this is what most of you would like to term this years CAT. Taking for granted that most of you know the LOD of CAT 2009, it would have been a disaster for some of those who suffered coz of "virus attacks". My heart goes out to those who have had to face various problems due to certain issues beyond their control. Many of us would term this CAT as having an unfair testing ground. But I feel the IIM’s surely have something up their sleeve considering the level they are at. Lest we know, we may have a 2003 repeat. But this by far has been one of the best games of Cat and mouse the IIM’s have ever played. And this year they had an accomplice-Prometric. How unfortunate for us 2lakh+ "mices" who are in a rat race to get into the top B-schools.

I gave my test yesterday in the second half, marking the end of the first half of the testing period. Well, with the kind of publicity this CAT has been generating I went in with a very negative frame of mind, but fortunately for me, comparing to what I was expecting, it was CATelicious. Though my test took 5 minutes longer to load than the rest of the students in my lab(a common issue I’ve heard), I say it was good because I had excellent proctors who knew their job and which in turn gave me a sense of confidence too. And as it has been discussed in other forums the LOD has been that of a 10th Std. aptitude test. Going with what I have heard and done, most of us would have attempted 35-40+ questions with almost 100% accuracy, which leads us to discussing the marking pattern. Nowhere was anything mentioned and trust me, I read every line of the tutorial and searched the entire review page hoping to get an idea but of no avail. Though one thing for sure there is negative marking. If there was weighted marking, it would have been mentioned somewhere in the test, but it was not and they have clearly mentioned negative marking. I’m not sure if any of you have heard about it before but I feel the IIM’s will be making the use of weighted negative marking. A concept not widely used, but not ruling out a possibility, it is based on the LOD of the question. For e.g.:- If you have marked a wrong answer of a relatively easy question the negative marks would be more than that of a more difficult question, its like a punishment for getting an easy question wrong. Thus accuracy will be the utmost criterion in this test.

A few tips to those who will be appearing in the remaining 5 days, I would say relax there have been issues and most of them have been sorted out. But do be prepared to expect the unexpected both in terms of the test and the environment. Please confirm your tesing site not with the students around but with an appointed personnel as soon as you reach the centre. I say this because mine was a group of institutes all located in a 5 km radius and if you were at the wrong lab it would be an awfully long walk to your proper site. And follow the simple rule that we have been thought in our school days- “Don’t discuss your paper”. It will not only benefit you but the others too.

All the Best.

Lost Generation

2009-11-25T04:54:00.001-08:00

How the Poor Live - Touching story

2009-11-23T02:17:00.001-08:00

One day, a father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose of showing his son 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?"

"It was great, Dad."

"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.

"Oh yeah," said the son.

"So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.

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."

The boy's father was speechless.

Then his son added, "Thanks, Dad, for showing me how poor we are."

You don't actually have to take the quiz. Just read straight through, and you'll get the point, an awesome one..

2009-11-23T02:02:00.000-08:00

Take this quiz:
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are
no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields.
But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten.
Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel, appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you. Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not
the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

Value

2009-11-23T01:59:00.000-08:00

A well known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?"

Hands started going up.

He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this." He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill up.

He then asked, "Who still wants it?"

Still the hands were up in the air.

"Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe.

He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty. "Now who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air.

"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20.

Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way.

We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. You are special - Don't ever forget it!

The Brick

2009-11-23T01:54:00.000-08:00

About ten years ago, a young and very successful executive named Josh was traveling down a Chicago neighborhood street. He was going a bit too fast in his sleek, black, 12 cylinder Jaguar XKE, which was only two months old.

He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no child darted out, but a brick sailed out and - WHUMP! - it smashed Into the Jag's shiny black side door! SCREECH..!!!! Brakes slammed! Gears ground into reverse, and tires madly spun the Jaguar back to the spot from where the brick had been thrown. Josh jumped out of the car, grabbed the kid and pushed him up against a parked car. He shouted at the kid, "What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing?!" Building up a head of steam, he went on. "That's my new Jag, that brick you threw is gonna cost you a lot of money. Why did you throw it?"

"Please, mister, please. . . I'm sorry! I didn't know what else to do!" Pleaded the youngster. "I threw the brick because no one else would stop!" Tears were dripping down the boy's chin as he pointed around the parked car. "It's my brother, mister," he said. "He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up." Sobbing, the boy asked the executive, "Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me."

Moved beyond words, the young executive tried desperately to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. Straining, he lifted the young man back into the wheelchair and took out his handkerchief and wiped the scrapes and cuts, checking to see that everything was going to be OK. He then watched the younger brother push him down the sidewalk toward their home.

It was a long walk back to the sleek, black, shining, 12 cylinder Jaguar XKE -a long and slow walk. Josh never did fix the side door of his Jaguar. He kept the dent to remind him not to go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at him to get his attention. . . Some bricks are softer than others. Feel for the bricks of life coming at to you. For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has positive answers.

Don't We All?

2009-11-23T01:50:00.000-08:00

I was parked in front of the mall wiping off my car. I had just come

from the car wash and was waiting for my wife to get out of work.

Coming my way from across the parking lot was what society would

consider a bum.

From the looks of him, he had no car, no home, no clean clothes, and no

money. There are times when you feel generous but there are other times

that you just don't want to be bothered. This was one of those "don't

want to be bothered times."

"I hope he doesn't ask me for any money," I thought.

He didn't.

He came and sat on the curb in front of the bus stop but he didn't look

like he could have enough money to even ride the bus.

After a few minutes he spoke.

"That's a very pretty car," he said.

He was ragged but he had an air of dignity around him. His scraggly

blond beard keep more than his face warm.

I said, "thanks," and continued wiping off my car.

He sat there quietly as I worked. The expected plea for money never

came.

As the silence between us widened something inside said, "ask him if

he needs any help." I was sure that he would say "yes" but I held true

to the inner voice.

"Do you need any help?" I asked.

He answered in three simple but profound words that I shall never forget.

We often look for wisdom in great men and women. We expect it from

those of higher learning and accomplishments.

I expected nothing but an

outstretched grimy hand. He spoke the three words that shook me.

"Don't we all?" he said.

I was feeling high and mighty, successful and important, above a bum

in the street, until those three words hit me like a twelve gauge

shotgun.

Don't we all?

I needed help. Maybe not for bus fare or a place to sleep, but I

needed help. I reached in my wallet and gave him not only enough for bus

fare, but enough to get a warm meal and shelter for the day. Those

three little words still ring true. No matter how much you have, no matter

how much you have accomplished, you need help too. No matter how little you

have, no matter how loaded you are with problems, even without money or

a place to sleep, you can give help.

Even if it's just a compliment, you can give that.

You never know when you may see someone that appears to have it all.

They are waiting on you to give them what they don't have. A different

perspective on life, a glimpse at something beautiful, a respite from

daily chaos, that only you through a torn world can see.

Maybe the man was just a homeless stranger wandering the streets. Maybe

he was more than that.

Maybe he was sent by a power that is great and

wise, to minister to a soul too comfortable in themselves.

Maybe God looked down, called an Angel, dressed him like a bum, then said, "go minister to that man cleaning the car, that man needs help."

Don't we all?

Graduation Day

2009-11-23T01:44:00.000-08:00

A young man was getting ready to graduate college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.

As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box.

Curious, but somewhat disappointed the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible. Angrily, he raised his voice at his father and said, "With all your money you give me a Bible?" and stormed out of the house, leaving the holy book.

Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business.

He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day. Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care things. When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart.

He began to search his father's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. As he read those words, a car key dropped from an envelope taped behind the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words...PAID IN FULL.

How many times do we miss God's blessings because they are not packaged as we expected?