A Life In Your Hands

Author Unknown

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn;
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight;
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy;
If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty;

If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient;
If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence;
If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate;
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice;

If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith;
If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself;
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.

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Easy Vs. Difficult

Author Unknown

Easy is to get a place in someone's address book
Difficult is to get a place in someone's heart

Easy is to judge the mistakes of others
Difficult is to recognize our own mistakes

Easy is to talk without thinking
Difficult is to refrain the tongue

Easy is to hurt someone who loves us
Difficult is to heal the wound

Easy is to forgive others
Difficult is to ask for forgiveness

Easy is to set rules
Difficult is to follow them

Easy is to dream every night
Difficult is to fight for a dream

Easy is to show victory
Difficult is to assume defeat with dignity

Easy is to admire a full moon
Difficult to see the other side

Easy is to stumble with a stone
Difficult is to get up

Easy is to enjoy life every day
Difficult is to give its real value

Easy is to pray every night
Difficult is to find God in small things

Easy is to promise something to someone
Difficult is to fulfill that promise

Easy is to say we love
Difficult is to show it every day

Easy is to criticize others
Difficult is to improve oneself

Easy is to make mistakes
Difficult is to learn from them

Easy is to weep for a lost love
Difficult is to take care of it so you wont lose it

Easy is to think about improving
Difficult is to stop thinking it and put it into action

Easy is to think bad of others
Difficult is to give them the benefit of the doubt

Easy is to receive
Difficult is to give

Easy is to keep friendship with words
Difficult is to keep it with meanings

Easy to read this
Difficult to follow

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A Hero Is Never Far

By Joseph Paulk

The world is full of heroes
Heroes we choose not to see
Because we are all too busy
And want everyone to let us be

First there is Almighty God
Who created the heavens and earth
Then you have your mom and dad
Who fell in love and gave you birth

Then there are the teachers
Who educated and gave you knowledge
From elementary through high school
And even those in college

You have policeman and firemen
Who walk into harms way
Just to serve and protect us
Each and everyday

Even a complete stranger
Who you never met before today
And your spiritual advisor
With who you kneel and pray

The soldiers who defend
Your freedom from abroad
And the judges who protect your rights
From lawyers and legal fraud

Your friends who you confide in
A confidence they won't betray
And your family who gives you strength
To get you through the day

A hero can even be your pet
That loves you unconditionally
And keeps your hopes alive
For everyone to see

Everyone is a hero
To someone yes they are
All you have to do is look around
A hero is never far

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A Real Friend

Author Unknown

Anyone can stand by you when you are right,
But a real riend will stand by you even when you are wrong.

A simple friend identifies himself when he calls.
A real friend doesn't have to.

A simple friend opens a conversation
With a full news bulletin on his life.
A real friend says, "What's new with you?"

A simple friend thinks the problems you whine about are recent.
A real friend says,
"You've been whining about the same thing for 14 years.
Get off your duff and do something about it."

A simple friend has never seen you cry.
A real friend has shoulders soggy from your tears.

A simple friend doesn't know your parents' first names.
A real friend has their phone numbers in his address book.

A simple friend brings a bottle of wine to your party.
A real friend comes early to help you cook
And stays late to help you clean.

A simple friend hates it when you call after he has gone to bed.
A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.

A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems.
A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.

A simple friend wonders about your romantic history.
A real friend could blackmail you with it.

A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest.
A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps himself.

A simple friend thinks the friendship is over
When you have an argument.
A real friend knows that it's not a friendship until after
You've had a fight.

A simple friend expects you to always be there for them.
A real friend expects to always be there for you!

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This Child Of Mine

By Edgar A. Guest

"I'll lend you for a little while
A child of mine," God said,
"For you to have the while he lives,
And mourn for when he's dead.

It may be six or seven years
Or twenty-two or three;
But will you 'till I call him back
Take care of him for me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you
And, should his stay be brief,
You'll have his lovely memories
As a solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return;
But there are lessons taught below
I want this child to learn.

I've looked the whole world over
In search for teachers true;
And from the throngs that crowd life's land,
I have chosen you.

Now, will you give him all your love
Nor think the labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come to take
This lent child back again?"

I fancied that I heard them say:
"Dear Lord, Thy will be done.
For all the joys Thy child will bring
The risk of grief we'll run.

We'll shower him with tenderness,
We'll love him while we may.
And for the happiness we've known
Forever grateful stay.

But should Thy angel call for him
Much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes
And try to understand."

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Desiderata

Also known as Be Gentle With Yourself
By Max Ehrmann, Copyright 1952

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

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Closing The Door On The Old Year

By Merrel Thompson

Dear Lord, as I close the door on this old year,
I ponder on the things I've done...
on the things I've said and the joys I've had...
then I wonder, have I lost or won?

I've thought of the new friends I have made,
and of the old ones staunch and true...
the path of the old year was made easier Lord,
because I have walked it with You.

I think of all the many times,
when my burdens were so heavy to bear,
and how my faith slipped away from me...
but somehow You were always standing there.

Now as I open the door to this New Year,
and carefully peep inside,
I wonder what it holds for me...
but I'll throw the door open wide

And whatever it brings to me and mine,
I'll meet it with a heart so true...
I know that, Lord whate'er it may be
You'll be there to carry me through.

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I Was Never Promised

By Rich Barnes

I know as I sit here, I was never promised an easy life.

I was never promised happiness or comfortability.

I was never promised a roof over my head or food to eat on a daily basis.

I was never promised that my family or I would be healthy and I was never promised that I would develop friendships that I hold dearly.

I was never promised that today would be free and that I would have to exchange a day of my life for it.

I was never promised that I will make a better tomorrow and with the utmost humility, make a difference in many people's lives.

I was never promised clothing to wear on a daily basis and a washing machine and dryer to clean and dry them.

I was never promised a direction in life and I certainly was not afforded a road map to get to where I belong.

I was never promised the luxury of an automobile or the money to put gas in it.

I was never promised that I would live in a modest home and fill it with the essentials to make a house, a home.

I was never promised, but I do promise, to never take for granted the things that have been so graciously given to me in my life...

I will give thanks on a daily basis for everything and everyone I touch and that touches me.

I, as I sit here writing this to you, I know in a blink of an eye, that all of these things that I have can be gone.

Gratitude, Gratitude, Gratitude...

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I Asked God

Author Unknown

I asked God to take away my pain.
God said, No.
It is not for me to take away,
but for you to give it up.

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.
Patience is a by-product of tribulations,
it isn't granted, it is earned.

I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.
I give you blessings,
Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me suffering.
God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares
and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
You must grow on your own,
but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.

I ask God to help me love others, as much as he loves me.
God said,
Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.

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Faith Vs. Doubt

By William Jett

Doubt sees the obstacles.
Faith sees the way.

Doubt sees the darkest night.
Faith sees the day.

Doubt dreads to take a step.
Faith soars on high.

Doubt questions "Who believes"?
Faith answers "I".

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For Want Of A Nail

Author Unknown

For want of a nail the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe the horse was lost.
For want of a horse the rider was lost.
For want of a rider the battle was lost.
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.

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Just For This Day

By Sally Meyer

Just for this morning, I am going to smile whenever I see your face, and laugh when I feel like crying. 

Just for this morning, I will let you wake up softly, all rumpled in your flannel pajamas, and hold you until you are ready to stir. 

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how beautiful you are. 

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry to pick you up and take you to the park to play. 

Just for this morning, I am going to eat a huge breakfast , with bacon, eggs, toast and waffles, and you don't have to eat any. 

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that 100 piece puzzle together. 

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off and sit with you in the garden blowing bubbles. 

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by. 

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up or who you might have been before your diagnosis. 

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to 'fix' things. 

Just for this afternoon, I will let you put all kinds of barrettes in my hair and lipstick on my face, and I will tell you how pretty you have made me look. 

Just for this afternoon, I will take you to McDonalds and buy us both a Happy Meal, so that you can have both toys. 

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born, and how much we love you. 

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the bathtub and not get angry when you throw water over your sister's head. 

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch swing and count all the stars. 

Just for this evening, I will bring you glasses of water, and snuggle beside you for three hours, and miss my favorite show on TV. 

Just for this evening, When I kneel down to pray, I will simply be grateful for all that I have and not ask for anything. 

Except just one more day.

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The Parents' Prayer

Author Unknown

Dear Heavenly Father, Make me a better parent. Teach me to understand my children, to listen patiently to what they have to say and to answer all their questions kindly.

Keep me from interrupting them, talking back to them and contradicting them. Make me as courteous to them as I would have them be to me. Give me the courage to confess my sins against my children and to ask them forgivness when I know that I have done them wrong.

May not I vainly hurt the feelings of my children. Forbid that I should laugh at their mistakes or resort to shame and ridicule as punishment.

Let me not tempt my child to lie or steal. So guide me hour by hour that I might demonstrate by all I say and do that honestly produces happiness.

Reduce, I pray, the meaness in me. May I cease to nag; and when I am out of sorts, help me O Lord, to hold my tongue. Blind me to the little errors of my children, and help me to see the good things they do.

Give me a ready word to honest praise. Help me to grow up with my children, to treat them as those of their own age, but let me not expect of them the judgements and conventions of adults.

Allow me not to rob them of the opportunity to wait upon themselves, to think, to choose and to make decisions. Forbid that I should ever punish them for my selfish satisfaction.

May I grant them for all their wishes that are reasonable and have the courage always to withhold a privilege which I know will do them harm.

Make me fair and just, so considerate and companionable to my children that they will have a genuine esteem for me. Fit me to be loved and imitated by my children. Amen.

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The Thing You Didn't Do

By Adelaide Proctor

It isn’t the thing you do, dear,
It’s the thing you leave undone,
Which gives you the bitter heartache
At the setting of the sun;
The tender word unspoken,
The letter you did not write,
The flower you might have sent, dear,
Are your haunting ghosts at night.

The stone you might have lifted
Out of your brother’s way,
The bit of heartsome counsel
You were hurried too much to say;
The loving touch of the hand, dear,
The gentle and winsome tone,
That you had no time or thought for,
With troubles enough of your own.

These little acts of kindness,
So easily out of mind,
These chances to be angels,
Which even mortals find
They come in night and silence,
Each chill reproachful wraith,
When hope is faint and flagging,
And a blight has dropped on faith.

For life is all too short, dear.
And sorrow is all too great,
To suffer our slow compassion
That tarries until too late.
And it’s not the thing you do, dear,
It’s the thing you leave undone,
Which gives you the bitter heartache,
At the setting of the sun.

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To Let Go

By Alison Peters

To let go does not mean to stop caring,
it means I can't do it for someone else.

To let go is not to cut myself off,
it's the realization that I can't control another.

To let go is not to enable,
but to allow learning from natural consequences.

To let go is to admit powerlessness,
which means the outcome is not in my hands.

To let go is not to try to change or blame another,
it's to make the most of myself.

To let go is not to care for,
but to care about.

To let go is not to fix,
but to be supportive.

To let go is not to judge,
but to allow another to be a human being.

To let go is not to be in the middle arranging all the outcomes,
but to allow others to affect their own destinies.

To let go is not to be protective,
it's to permit another to face reality.

To let go is not to criticize, or regulate anyone,
but to try to become what I dream I can do.

To let go is to fear less, and to love more.

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Love Is

Author Unknown

Love is a slow kiss goodnight.
It is anticipation.

Love is an imperfection in yourself not bothering you.
It is acceptance.

Love is passing up an opportunity because the time is not right yet.
It is patience.

Love is a back massage that starts above the hairline and ends around the innersoles.
It is exploration.

Love is not having to say, "Let us make love", because you know what the other person wants.
It is understanding.

Love is being given an honest chance to say no when you thought you were committed.
It is consideration.

Love is saying the perfect phrase to make a solemn embrace dissolve into giggles.
It is humor.

Love is being told, "Stop and I will kill you".
It is desire.

Love is reviewing the damage to your living room and realizing personal effects are strewn
in a clockwise pattern from the front door to the bedroom.
It is abandonment.

Love is seeing what your lover really looks like for the first time.
It is truth.

Love is knowing what time it is and not caring.
It is joy.

Love is the arms around you tightening their embrace.
It is ecstasy.

Love is telling a person, if you have to leave, you will let them sleep, and being told they would rather be awakened.
It is tenderness.

Love is waking up to find the subject of the dream you were having asleep on your shoulder.
It is where fantasy meets reality.

Love is being there to wake your lover, slowly.
It is sensuousness.

Love is belatedly knowing why you bought a king size bed three years ago.
It is practicality.

Love is two people only taking up a third of a king size bed.
It is closeness.

Love is knowing you gave the extra set of keys to the right person.
It is trust.

Love is saying goodbye and knowing you will be back by mutual consent.
It is faith.

Love is stretching your arms and discovering the real meaning of the word "sore".
It is a lesson in human frailty.

Love is opening your medicine cabinet and finding your tooth-paste turned into a pretzel.
It is adaptation.

Love is sitting at the window, looking out, and remembering who you were with the night before.
It is reflection.

Love is hearing the weather forecast for a winter storm, and wishing you could spend it in bed with your lover.
It is loneliness.

Love is stories that will never be told.
It is personal.

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He Is Just A Little Boy

By Chaplain Bob Fox

He stands at the plate
with his heart pounding fast.
The bases are loaded,
the die has been cast.

Mom and Dad cannot help him,
he stands all alone.

A hit at this moment,
would send the team home.
The ball meets the plate,
he swings and he misses.

There's a groan from the crowd,
with some boos and some hisses.
A thoughtless voice cries,
Strike out the bum."

Tears fill his eyes,
the game's no longer fun.
So open your heart and give him a break,
For it's moments like this,
a man you can make.

Please keep this in mind,
when you hear someone forget,
He is just a little boy, and not a man yet.

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The Oyster & The Grain of Sand

Author Unknown

There once was an oyster whose story I tell,

who found that some sand had got into his shell.

It was only a grain, but it gave him great pain,
for oysters have feelings although they're so plain.

Now, did he berate the harsh workings of fate 

that brought him to such a deplorable state?

Did he curse at the government, cry for election,
and claim that the sea should have given him protection?

No - he said to himself as he lay on a shell,
since I cannot remove it I shall try to improve it.

Now the years have rolled around, as the years always do,
and he came to his ultimate destiny, a stew.

And the small grain of sand that had bothered him so,
was a beautiful pearl all richly aglow.

Now the tale has a moral, for isn't it grand 

what an oyster can do with a morsel of sand?

What couldn't we do if we'd only begin,
with some of the things that get under our skin?

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Words

By Shiny Oommen

Make them loving, make them calm,
Never let them do any harm,
They make a difference to ones near and far,
Let your words be kind never to make a scar.

They decide your life's journey,
They get you friends so many,
Speak your words thoughtfully,
Let them make your world a melody.

Use your words to comfort the one,
Who has lost his track in the long run,
Let your words bring a smile,
Throughout life across miles.

When life's journey comes to a halt,
Let your words remain without a fault,
Let your words give an everlasting memory,
Let them carry a hope for many!! 

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To A Beautiful Person

Author Unknown

If God had a refrigerator,
Your picture would be on it.

If He had a wallet,
Your photo would be in it.

He sends you flowers every spring.
He sends you a sunrise every morning.
Whenever you want to talk, He listens.

He can live anywhere in the universe,
But He chose... your heart.
Face it, friend - He is crazy about you!

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