INSPIRATIONS FROM SANTA

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Your morning thought for the day:
An activist is not a person who says the river is dirty.
An activist is the person who cleans up the river.
-- Ross Perot

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Teaching today

SOMEBODY IS RAISING THEIR KID RIGHT!

One Nation, 'Under God.'

One day a 6 year old girl was sitting in a classroom. The teacher was going to explain
evolution to the children. The teacher asked a little boy: Tommy do you see the tree outside?

TOMMY: Yes.

TEACHER: Tommy, do you see the grass outside?

TOMMY: Yes.

TEACHER: Go outside and look up and see if you can see the sky.

TOMMY: Okay. (He returned a few minutes later) Yes, I saw the sky.

TEACHER: Did you see God up there?

TOMMY: No.

TEACHER: That's my point. We can't see God because he isn't there. Possibly he just
doesn't exist.

A little girl spoke up and wanted to ask the boy some questions.

The teach er agreed and the little girl asked the boy: Tommy, do you see the tree outside?

TOMMY: Yes.

LITTLE GIRL: Tommy do you see the grass outside?

TOMMY: Yessssss!

LITTLE GIRL: Did you see the sky?

TOMMY: Yessssss!

LITTLE GIRL: Tommy, do you see the teacher?

TOMMY: Yes

LITTLE GIRL: Do you see her brain?

TOMMY: No

LITTLE GIRL: Then according to what we were taught today in school, she possibly
may not even have one!

(You Go Girl!)

'FOR WE WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT'
II CORINTHIANS 5:7

[dagogga]

Great one, Santa! So very true, too. Thanks.

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Thanks! Dalina.

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>> A Birth Certificate shows that we were born
>> A Death Certificate shows that we died
>> Pictures show that we lived!
>> Have a seat. Relax . . .
>> And read this slowly.
>>
>> I Believe...
>> That just because two people argue,
>> It doesn't mean they don't love each other.
>> And just because they don't argue,
>> It doesn't mean they do love each other.
>>
>> I Believe...
>> That we don't have to change friends if
>> We understand that friends change.
>>
>> I Believe....
>> 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.
>>
>> I Believe...
>> That true friendship continues to grow,
>> even over the longest distance.
>> Same goes for true love.
>>
>> I Believe...
>> That you can do something in an instant
>> That will give you heartache for life.
>>
>> I Believe....
>> That it's taking me a long time
>> To become the person I want to be.
>>
>> I Believe...
>> That you should always leave loved ones with
>> Loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
>>
>> I Believe....
>> That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
>>
>> I Believe....
>> That we are responsible for what
>> We do, no matter how we feel.
>>
>> I Believe...
>> That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
>>
>> I Believe...
>> That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs
>> to be done, regardless of the consequences.
>>
>> I Believe....
>> That my best friend and I can do anything or
>> nothing and have the best time
>>
>> I Believe....
>> That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down
>> will be the ones to help you get back up .
>>
>> I Believe...
>> That sometimes when I'm angry
>> I have the right to be angry,
>> But that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
>>
>> I Believe....
>> 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.
>>
>> I Believe....
>> That it isn't always enough,
>> to be forgiven by others.
>> Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.
>>
>> I Believe...
>> That no matter how bad your heart is broken
>> the world doesn't stop for your grief.
>>
>> I Believe....
>> That our background and circumstances
>> may have influenced who we are,
>> But, we are responsible for who we become.
>>
>> I Believe...
>> That you shouldn't be so eager to find
>> Out a secret. It could change your life Forever.
>>
>> I Believe....
>> Two people can look at the exact same
>> Thing and see something totally different.
>>
>> I Believe...
>> That your life can be changed in a matter of
>> Hours by people who don't even know you.
>>
>> I Believe...
>> That even when you think you have no more to give,
>> When a friend cries out to you -
>> you will find the strength to help.
>>
>> I Believe...
>> That credentials on the wall
>> do not make you a decent human being.
>>
>> I Believe...
>> That the people you care about most in life
>> are taken from you too soon.
>>
>> I Believe...
>> That you should send this to
>> all of the people that you believe in, I just did>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------

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AN OLD MAN'S HANDS

Her last two or three years, my Mom would stare at her hands and say, "Look how ugly my hands have gotten." She just hated the way her hands had gotten in her old age. I wish she could have read this.

An old man, probably some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the park bench. He didn't move, just sat with his head down staring at his hands. When I sat down beside him he didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if he was ok.

Finally, not really wanting to disturb him but wanting to check on him at the same time, I asked him if he was ok. He raised his head and looked at me and smiled.

"Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking," he said in a clear strong voice.

"I didn't mean to disturb you, sir, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were ok?" I explained to him.

"Have you ever looked at your hands?" he asked. "I mean really looked at your hands."

I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point he was making.

Then he smiled and related this story:

Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life. They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They dried the tears of my children and caressed the love of my life.

They held my rifle and wiped my tears when I went off to war. They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.

They wrote the letters home and trembled and shook when I buried my parents, and spouse, and walked my daughter down the aisle. Yet, they were strong and sure when I dug my buddy out of a foxhole and lifted a plow off of my best friends foot. They have held children, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand. They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body.

They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer. These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of my life. But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And He won't care about where these hands have been or what they have done. What He will care about is to whom these hands belong and how much He loves these hands. And with these hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ.

*************** No doubt I will never look at my hands the same again. I never saw the old man again after I left the park that day but I will never forget him and the words he spoke. When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and wife, I think of the man in the park. I have a feeling he has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God.

I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel his hands upon my face. Thank you, God,

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The Pink Dress

>Don't let your day go on without reading this first, no matter
>>how busy you may be!!!
>>
>>The Pink Dress
>>
>>
>>There was this little girl sitting by herself in the park.
>>
>>Everyone passed by her and never stopped to see why she looked so sad.
>>
>>Dressed in a worn pink dress, barefoot and dirty, the girl just sat
>>and watched the people go by.
>>
>>She never tried to speak.
>>
>>She never said a word.
>>
>>Many people passed by her, but no one would stop.
>>
>>The next day I decided to go back to the park in curiosity to see
>>if the little girl would still be there.
>>
>>Yes, she was there, right in the very spot where she was
>>yesterday, and still with the same sad look in her eyes.
>>
>>Today I was to make my own move and walk over to the little girl.
>>
>>For as we all know, a park full of strange people is not a place
>>for young children to play alone.
>>
>>As I got closer I could see the back of the little girl's dress.
>>
>>It was grotesquely shaped.
>>
>>I figured that was the reason people just passed by and made no
>>effort to speak to her.
>>
>>Deformities are a low blow to our society and, heaven forbid if
>>you make a step toward assisting someone who is different.
>>
>>As I got closer, the little girl lowered her eyes slightly to
>>avoid my intent stare.
>>
>>As I approached her, I could see the shape of her back more
>>clearly.
>>
>>She was grotesquely shaped in a humped over form.
>>
>>I smiled to let her know it was OK; I was there to help, to talk.
>>
>>I sat down beside her and opened with a simple, "Hello."
>>
>>The little girl acted shocked, and stammered a "hi"; after a long
>>stare into my eyes.
>>
>>I smiled and she shyly smiled back.
>>
>>We talked until darkness fell and the park was completely empty.
>>
>>I asked the girl why she was so sad.
>>
>>The little girl looked at me with a sad face said, "Because, I'm
>>different."
>>
>>I immediately said, "That you are!"; and smiled.
>>
>>The little girl acted even sadder and said, "I know."
>>
>>"Little girl," I said, "you remind me of an angel, sweet and
>>innocent."
>>
>>She looked at me and smiled, then slowly she got to her feet and
>>said,
>>"Really?"
>>"Yes, you're like a little Guardian Angel sent to watch
>>over all people walking by."
>>
>>She nodded her head yes, and smiled.
>>
>>With that she opened the back of her pink dress and allowed her
>>wings to spread, then she said "I am."
>>
>>"I'm your Guardian Angel," with a twinkle in her eye.
>>
>>I was speechless -- sure I was seeing things.
>>
>>She said, "For once you thought of someone other than yourself.
>>My job here is done".
>>
>>I got to my feet and said, "Wait, why did no one stop to help an
>>angel?"
>>
>>She looked at me, smiled, and said, "You're the only one that
>>could see me," and then she was gone.
>>
>>And with that, my life was changed dramatically.
>>
>>So, when you think you're all you have, remember, your angel is
>>always watching over you.
>>
>>Pass this to everyone that means anything at all to you.
>>Like the story says, we all need someone...
>>
>>And, every one of your friends is an Angel in their own way.
>>
>>The value of a friend is measured in the heart.
>>
>>I hope your Guardian Angel watches over you always.

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A Poem Worth Reading

He was getting old and paunchy
And his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion,
Telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he once fought in
And the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies;
They were heroes, every one..

And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors
His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly
For they knew where of he spoke.

But we'll hear his tales no longer,
For ol' Bob has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer
For a Soldier died today.

He won't be mourned by many,
Just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary,
Very quiet sort of life..

He held a job and raised a family,
Going quietly on his way;
And the world won't note his passing,
'Tho a Soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth,
Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing,
And proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell of their life stories
From the time that they were young
But the passing of a Soldier
Goes unnoticed, and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution
To the welfare of our land,
Some jerk who breaks his promise
And cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellow
Who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country
And offers up his life?

The politician's stipend
And the style in which he lives,
Are often disproportionate,
To the service that he gives.

While the ordinary Soldier,
Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal
And perhaps a pension, small.

It's so easy to forget them,
For it is so many times
That our Bills, Dennys and Johnnys,
Went to battle, but we know,

It is not the politicians
With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom
That our country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,
Would you really want some cop-out,
With his ever waffling stand?

Or would you want a Soldier--
His home, his country, his kin,
Just a common Soldier,
Who would fight until the end.

He was just a common Soldier,
And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us
We may need his like again.

For when countries are in conflict,
We find the Soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles
That the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor
While he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage
At the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simple headline
In the paper that might say:
"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
A SOLDIER DIED TODAY."


Pass On The Patriotism!
YOU can make a difference

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Jesus from Genesis to Revelation
The Bible, from cover to cover, answers the question, “Who is this Jesus?”

In the Old Testament:
- In Genesis, He is the Creator God.
- In Exodus, He is the Redeemer.
- In Leviticus, He is your sanctification.
- In Numbers, He is your guide.
- In Deuteronomy, He is your teacher.
- In Joshua, He is the mighty conqueror.
- In Judges, He gives victory over enemies.
- In Ruth, He is your kinsman, your lover, your redeemer.
- In I Samuel, He is the root of Jesse.
- In 2 Samuel, He is the Son of David.
- In 1 Kings and 2 Kings, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
- In 1st and 2nd Chronicles, He is your intercessor and High Priest.
- In Ezra, He is your temple, your house of worship.
- In Nehemiah, He is your mighty wall, protecting you from your enemies.
- In Esther, He stands in the gap to deliver you from your enemies.
- In Job, He is the arbitrator who not only understands your struggles, but has the power to do something about them.
- In Psalms, He is your song–and your reason to sing.
- In Proverbs, He is your wisdom, helping you make sense of life and live it successfully.
- In Ecclesiastes, He is your purpose, delivering you from vanity..
- In the Song of Solomon, He is your lover, your Rose of Sharon.
- In Isaiah, He is the mighty counselor, the prince of peace, the everlasting father, and more. He’s everything you need.
- In Jeremiah, He is your balm of Gilead, the soothing salve for your sin-sick soul.
- In Lamentations, He is the ever-faithful one upon whom you can depend.
- In Ezekiel, He is your wheel in the middle of a wheel–the one who assures that dry, dead bones will come alive again.
- In Daniel, He is the ancient of days, the ever- lasting God who never runs out of time.
- In Hosea, He is your faithful lover, always beckoning you to come back–even when you have abandoned Him.
- In Joel, He is your refuge, keeping you safe in times of trouble.
- In Amos, He is the husbandman, the one you can depend on to stay by your side.
- In Obadiah, He is Lord of the Kingdom.
- In Jonah, He is your salvation, bringing you back within His will.
- In Micah, He is judge of the nation.
- In Nahum, He is the jealous God.
- In Habakkuk, He is the Holy One.
- In Zephaniah, He is the witness.
- In Haggai, He overthrows the enemies.
- In Zechariah, He is Lord of Hosts.
- In Malachi, He is the messenger of the covenant.

In the New Testament:
- In Matthew, He is king of the Jews.
- In Mark, He is the servant.
- In Luke, He is the Son of Man, feeling what you feel.
- In John, He is the Son of God.
- In Acts, He is Savior of the world.
- In Romans, He is the righteousness of God.
- In I Corinthians, He is the rock that followed Israel.
- In II Corinthians, He the triumphant one, giving victory.
- In Galatians, He is your liberty; He sets you free.
- In Ephesians, He is head of the Church.
- In Philippians, He is your joy.
- In Colossians, He is your completeness.
- In I Thessalonians, He is your hope.
- In II Thessalonians, He is your glory.
- In I Timothy, He is your faith.
- In II Timothy, He is your stability.
- In Titus He is your reason for serving.
- In Philemon, He is your benefactor.
- In Hebrews, He is your perfection.
- In James, He is the power behind your faith.
- In I Peter, He is your example.
- In II Peter, He is your purity.
- In I John, He is your life.
- In II John, He is your pattern.
- In III John, He is your motivation.
- In Jude, He is the foundation of your faith.
- In Revelation, He is your coming King.
STAY BLESSED
BRENDA M (GAUTENG RSA)

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat". R. Eastman
"Salvation: Nothing to Earn, Much to Learn". Adrian Rogers

Seven days without prayer makes one weak.
Do your best, bring out the best in others,
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!
Put God first, be happy at last!

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Fifth Grade Assignment


A fifth grade teacher in a Christian school asked her class to look at TV commercials and see if they could use them in 20 ways to communicate ideas about God.

Here are some of the results: scroll down. Wouldn't this be great if it was taught in every school.


God is like.
BAYER ASPIRIN
He works miracles.

God is like.
A FORD
He's got a better idea..

God is like.
COKE
He's the real thing.

(This is great)

God is like.
HALLMARK CARDS
He cares enough to send His very best..

God is like.
TIDE
He gets the stains out others leave behind. ....

God is like.
GENERAL ELECTRIC
He brings good things to life.

God is like.
WAL-MART
He has everything.

God is like.
ALKA-SELTZER
Try Him, you'll like Him

God is like.
SCOTCH TAPE
You can't see Him, but you know He's there.

God is like..
DELTA
He's ready when you are.

God is like.
ALLSTATE
You're in good hands with Him.

God is like.
VO-5 Hair Spray ;
He holds through all kinds of weather

God is like.
DIAL SOAP
Aren't you glad you have Him? Don't you wish everybody did?

(that one is my favorite)

God is like
The U.S. POST OFFICE
Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet nor ice will keep Him from
His appointed destination.

God is like.
Chevrolet. .. . .the heart beat of America

God is like
Maxwell House. .... .
Good to the very last drop

God is like.
B o u n t y . . .. .
He is the quicker picker upper. . Can handle the tough jobs. ...
And He won't fall apart on you

BLESSINGS FROM MY HOUSE TO YOUR HOUSE

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God's cake...

This is about the best thing I've ever read as an explanation.

Sometimes we wonder, 'What did I do to deserve this?' or 'Why did God have
to do this to me?' Here is a wonderful explanation! A daughter is telling her Mother how everything
is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.
Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack,
and the daughter says, 'Absolutely Mom, I love your cake.'
'Here, have some cooking oil,' her Mother offers.
'Yuck' says her daughter.
'How about a couple raw eggs?' 'Gross, Mom!'
'Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?'
'Mom, those are all yucky!'
To which the mother replies: 'Yes , all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! '
God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!

God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!

[dagogga]

Great inspirations, Santa! I enjoyed the adverts, and 'God's cake' is so very true. The individual ingredients may be unpalatable, but together they are perfection.

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I've learned...
that the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned...
that when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned...
that just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day.

I've learned...
that having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned...
that being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned...
that you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned...
that I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help them in some other way.

I've learned...
that no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned...
that sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned...
that simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned...
that life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned...
that we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned...
that money doesn't buy class.

I've learned...
that it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned...
that under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned...
that the Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?

I've learned...
that to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned...
that when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned...
that love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned...
that the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned...
that everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned...
that there's nothing sweeter than sleeping with your babies and feeling their breath on your cheeks.

I've learned...
that no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned...
that life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned...
that opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned...
that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it.

I've learned...
that you can make some one's day by simply sending them alittle note.

I've learned...
that the greater a person's sense of guilt, the greater his or her need to cast blame on others.

I've learned...
that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned...
that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone.

I've learned...
that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I've learned...
that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.

I've learned...
that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life".

I've learned...
that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've learned...
that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.

I've learned...
that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

I've learned... that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I
usually make the right decision.

I've learned...
that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned...
that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch - holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned...
that I still have a lot to learn.

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THE PINE TREES KNOW WHEN IT'S EASTER

This is neat.

I will begin to watch closely as Easter nears.



http://wandascountryhome.com:80/pinetrees/index

[dagogga]

THE PINE TREES KNOW WHEN IT'S EASTER

This is neat.

I will begin to watch closely as Easter nears.



http://wandascountryhome.com:80/pinetrees/index

Truly amazing! Thanks for that, Santa.

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You are welcome.

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Let`s all read and heed today's Devotional Thought and Action Point.

One Burning Focus
(copied from the messages of Adrian Rogers)

BIBLE MEDITATION:
Matthew 6:33 - "But seek ye first the kingdom of God,
and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Do you know what the problem with many of us is?
Our faith is something tacked onto our lives.
Jesus said, "No man can serve two masters." (Matthew 6:24).
Do you believe that?
You are to have but one goal in your life, and that is to know Jesus Christ
personally,
powerfully, passionately, and preeminently. Everything else will flow out of
that.
You say, "But wait a minute. I've got other things to do! I've got a job.
I've got to rest. I've got to have recreation. I've got to have friends.
I can't just narrow my interests to one."
When you bring your life into a burning focus,
all of these other things will contribute to the main thing.

ACTION POINT:
What is the burning focus of your life?
Make it Jesus and you've made it!

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Big Hanky Alert

Went to a party Mom

I went to a party,
And remembered what you said.
You told me not to drink, Mom,
So I had a sprite instead.

I felt proud of myself,
The way you said I would,
That I didn't drink and drive,
Though some friends said I should.

I made a healthy choice,
And your advice to me was right.
The party finally ended,
And the kids drove out of sight..

I got into my car,
Sure to get home in one piece.
I never knew what was coming, Mom,
Something I expected least.

Now I'm lying on the pavement,
And I hear the policeman say,
The kid that caused this wreck was drunk,
Mom, his voice seems far away.

My own blood's all around me,
As I try hard not to cry...
I can hear the paramedic say,
This girl is going to die.

I'm sure the guy had no idea,
While he was flying high.
Because he chose to drink and drive,
Now I would have to die.

So why do people do it, Mom
Knowing that it ruins lives?
And now the pain is cutting me,
Like a hundred stabbing knives.

Tell sister not to be afraid, Mom
Tell daddy to be brave.
And when I go to heaven,
Put ' Mommy's Girl' on my grave.

Someone should have taught him,
That it's wrong to drink and drive.
Maybe if his parents had,
I'd still be alive.

My breath is getting shorter,
Mom I'm getting really scared
These are my final moments,
And I'm so unprepared.

I wish that you could hold me Mom,
As I lie here and die..
I wish that I could say, 'I love you, Mom!'
So I love you and good-bye.

MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers)

[smokymtnsanta]

Mornings at the Pentagon
(Maybe add a tissue alert for this post)

By JOSEPH L. GALLOWAY
McClatchy Newspapers

Over the last 12 months, 1,042 soldiers, Marines, sailors and Air
Force personnel have given their lives in the terrible duty that is war.
Thousands more have come home on stretchers, horribly wounded and facing months or years in military hospitals.

This week, I'm turning my space over to a good friend and former
roommate, Army Lt. Col. Robert Bateman, who recently completed a yearlong tour of duty in Iraq and is now back at the Pentagon.

Here's Lt. Col. Bateman's account of a little-known ceremony that
fills the halls of the Army corridor of the Pentagon with cheers, applause and many tears every Friday morning. It first appeared on May 17 on the Weblog of media critic and pundit Eric Alterman at the Media Matters for America Website.

"It is 110 yards from the "E" ring to the "A" ring of the Pentagon.
This section of the Pentagon is newly renovated; the floors shine, the
hallway is broad, and the lighting is bright. At this instant the entire
length of the corridor is packed with officers, a few sergeants and some civilians, all crammed tightly three and four deep against the walls. There are thousands here.

This hallway, more than any other, is the `Army' hallway. The G3
offices line one side, G2 the other, G8 is around the corner. All Army.
Moderate conversations flow in a low buzz. Friends who may not have seen each other for a few weeks, or a few years, spot each other, cross the way and renew.

Everyone shifts to ensure an open path remains down the center. The air conditioning system was not designed for this press of bodies in this area.

The temperature is rising already. Nobody cares. " 10:36 hours: The
clapping starts at the E-Ring. That is the outermost of the five rings of
the Pentagon and it is closest to the entrance to the building. This
clapping is low, sustained, hearty. It is applause with a deep emotion
behind it as it moves forward in a wave down the length of the hallway.

"A steady rolling wave of sound it is, moving at the pace of the soldier in the wheelchair who marks the forward edge with his presence. He is the first. He is missing the greater part of one leg, and some of his wounds are still suppurating. By his age I expect that he is a private, or perhaps a private first class.

"Captains, majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels meet his gaze
and nod as they applaud, soldier to soldier. Three years ago when I
described one of these events, those lining the hallways were somewhat different. The applause a little wilder, perhaps in private guilt for not having shared in the burden ... yet.

"Now almost everyone lining the hallway is, like the man in the
wheelchair, also a combat veteran. This steadies the applause, but I think deepens the sentiment. We have all been there now. The soldier's chair is pushed by, I believe, a full colonel.

"Behind him, and stretching the length from Rings E to A, come more
of his peers, each private, corporal, or sergeant assisted as need be by a field grade officer.

"11:00 hours: Twenty-four minutes of steady applause. My hands hurt, and I laugh to myself at how stupid that sounds in my own head. My hands hurt. Please! Shut up and clap. For twenty-four minutes, soldier after soldier has come down this hallway - 20, 25, 30.. Fifty-three legs come with them, and perhaps only 52 hands or arms, but down this hall came 30 solid hearts.

They pass down this corridor of officers and applause, and then meet for a private lunch, at which they are the guests of honor, hosted by the generals. Some are wheeled along. Some insist upon getting out of their chairs, to march as best they can with their chin held up, down this hallway, through this most unique audience. Some are catching handshakes and smiling like a politician at a Fourth of July parade. More than a couple of them seem amazed and are smiling shyly.

"There are families with them as well: the 18-year-old war-bride pushing her 19-year-old husband's wheelchair and not quite understanding why her husband is so affected by this, the boy she grew up with, now a man, who had never shed a tear is crying; the older immigrant Latino parents who have, perhaps more than their wounded mid-20s son, an appreciation for the emotion given on their son's behalf. No man in that hallway, walking or clapping, is ashamed by the silent tears on more than a few cheeks. An Airborne Ranger wipes his eyes only to better see. A couple of the officers in this crowd have themselves been a part of this parade in the past.

These are our men, broken in body they may be, but they are our brothers, and we welcome them home. This parade has gone on, every single Friday, all year long, for more than four years.

"Did you know that?

[smokymtnsanta]

> BANK ACCOUNT!!!

> This is AWESOME ... something we should all remember.
>
> 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.
>
> 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.
>
> 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.
>
> I love it,' he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.
>
> Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait.'
>
> '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..
>
> 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!
>
> Thank you for your part in filling my Memory Bank.
>
> I am still depositing.
>
> 'Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
>
> 1. Free your heart from hatred.
>
> 2. Free your mind from worries.
>
> 3. Live simply.
>
> 4. Give more.
>
> 5. Expect less.
>
> Have a nice day, unless you already have other plans.
>