I am afraid that if we have the encourage to be real, then the following story, though might be fiction could very well be non-fiction. Life as we know it is not like the sun will always rise in the East. There are lots of exceptions to the ideals we believe in. For our life-spans here, good do not always triumph over evil and neither is justice always served.
You need to bring with you faith when you read this story. You need to believe that even as this story ends, a most unhappy ending, the truth is that it has not ended yet. It is just not yet complete and there is no consensus among us breathing mortals on how it will really end.
In the end good will triumph over evil but not necessarily in our lifetimes.
So here is the story of someone who seems to have triumphed without leaving heartprints. Again, I have this story here only to make this blog real to life as lived by the majority of us.
Toward the end of Sunday service, the Minister asked,
'How many of you have forgiven your enemies?
' 80% held up their hands.
The Minister then repeated his question. All responded this time, except one small elderly lady. 'Mrs. Neely?';
'Are you not willing to forgive your enemies?' I don't have any.' She replied, smiling sweetly.
'Mrs. Neely, that is very unusual. How old are you?' 'Ninety-eight.' she replied.
'Oh, Mrs. Neely, would you please come down in front & tell us all how a person can live ninety-eight years & not have an enemy in the world?'
The little sweetheart of a lady tottered down the aisle, faced the congregation, and said:
"I outlived the bitches!"
I almost wanted to boldface the last line, but why should I? I know by faith that is a losing line!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
The most important part of your body
Here is a story my friend Lorraine in Canada sent me recently.
My mother used to ask me what the most important part of the body is.
Through the years I would take a guess at what I thought was the correct
Answer.
When I was younger, I thought sound was very important to us as humans,
so I said, 'My ears, Mommy.'
She said, 'No. Many people are deaf. But you keep thinking about it and
I will ask you again soon.'
Several years passed before she asked me again. Since making my first
attempt, I had contemplated the correct answer.
So this time I told her, 'Mommy, sight is very important to everybody,
so it must be our eyes.'
She looked at me and told me, 'You are learning fast, but the answer is
not correct because there are many people who are blind.'
Stumped again, I continued my quest for knowledge and over the years,
Mother asked me a couple more times and always her answer was, 'No. But
you are getting smarter every year, my child.'
Then one year, my grandfather died. Everybody was hurt. Everybody was
crying. Even my father cried.
I remember that especially because it was only the second time I saw him
cry.
My Mom looked at me when it was our turn to say our final good-bye to my
Grandfather. She asked me, 'Do you know the most important body part yet, my dear?'
I was shocked when she asked me this now. I always thought this was a
game between her and me.
She saw the confusion on my face and told me, 'This question is very
important. It shows that you have really lived in your life. For every
body part you gave me in the past, I have told you were wrong and I have
given you an example why.
But today is the day you need to learn this important lesson.'
She looked down at me as only a mother can. I saw her eyes well up with
tears. She said, 'My dear, the most important body part is your
shoulder.'
I asked, 'Is it because it holds up my head?'
She replied, 'No, it is because it can hold the head of a friend or a
loved one when they cry. Everybody needs a shoulder to cry on sometime
in life, my dear. I only hope that you have enough love and friends that
you will always have a shoulder to cry on when you need it.'
Then and there I knew the most important body part is not a selfish one.
It is made for others and not for yourself. It is sympathetic to the
pain of others.
People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did . But
people will NEVER forget how you made them feel.
Good friends are like stars...You don't always see them, but you always
know they are there.
You know because you have often left heartprints on each other before.
My mother used to ask me what the most important part of the body is.
Through the years I would take a guess at what I thought was the correct
Answer.
When I was younger, I thought sound was very important to us as humans,
so I said, 'My ears, Mommy.'
She said, 'No. Many people are deaf. But you keep thinking about it and
I will ask you again soon.'
Several years passed before she asked me again. Since making my first
attempt, I had contemplated the correct answer.
So this time I told her, 'Mommy, sight is very important to everybody,
so it must be our eyes.'
She looked at me and told me, 'You are learning fast, but the answer is
not correct because there are many people who are blind.'
Stumped again, I continued my quest for knowledge and over the years,
Mother asked me a couple more times and always her answer was, 'No. But
you are getting smarter every year, my child.'
Then one year, my grandfather died. Everybody was hurt. Everybody was
crying. Even my father cried.
I remember that especially because it was only the second time I saw him
cry.
My Mom looked at me when it was our turn to say our final good-bye to my
Grandfather. She asked me, 'Do you know the most important body part yet, my dear?'
I was shocked when she asked me this now. I always thought this was a
game between her and me.
She saw the confusion on my face and told me, 'This question is very
important. It shows that you have really lived in your life. For every
body part you gave me in the past, I have told you were wrong and I have
given you an example why.
But today is the day you need to learn this important lesson.'
She looked down at me as only a mother can. I saw her eyes well up with
tears. She said, 'My dear, the most important body part is your
shoulder.'
I asked, 'Is it because it holds up my head?'
She replied, 'No, it is because it can hold the head of a friend or a
loved one when they cry. Everybody needs a shoulder to cry on sometime
in life, my dear. I only hope that you have enough love and friends that
you will always have a shoulder to cry on when you need it.'
Then and there I knew the most important body part is not a selfish one.
It is made for others and not for yourself. It is sympathetic to the
pain of others.
People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did . But
people will NEVER forget how you made them feel.
Good friends are like stars...You don't always see them, but you always
know they are there.
You know because you have often left heartprints on each other before.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Use your imagination to leave heartprints.
This story has been circulated on the Internet for sometime. It is now made into a film snippet. It shows that you don't need money to help others. You can do as well, may be better with some imagination and creativity.
What is your gift? Everyone has something to offer.
HISTORIA DE UN LETRERO (THE STORY OF A SIGN)
What is your gift? Everyone has something to offer.
HISTORIA DE UN LETRERO (THE STORY OF A SIGN)
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Learning to leave Hearprints through the years
I've learned that I like my teacher because she cries when wesings "Silent Night".
Age 5
I've learned that our dog doesn't want to eat my broccoli either.
Age 7
I've learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back.
Age 9
I've learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me clean it up again.
Age 12
I've learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you shouldtry cheering someone else up.
Age 14
I've learned that although it's hard to admit it, I'm secretlyglad my parents are strict with me.
Age 15
I've learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice.
Age 24
I've learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life's great pleasures.
Age 26
I've learned that wherever I go, the world's worst drivers have followed me there.
Age 29
I've learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it.
Age 30
I've learned that there are people who love you dearly but just don't know how to show it.
Age 42
I've learned that you can make some one's day by simply sending them a little note.
Age 44
I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt, the greater his or her need to cast blame on others.
Age 46
I've learned that children and grandparents are natural allies.
Age 47
I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
Age 48
I've learned that singing "Amazing Grace" can lift my spirits for hours.
Age 49
I've learned that motel mattresses are better on the side awayfrom the phone.
Age 50
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way hehandles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
Age 51
I've learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills.
Age 52
I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die.
Age 53
I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.
Age 58
I've learned that if you want to do something positive for your children, work to improve your marriage.
Age 61
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
Age 62
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.
Age 64
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
Age 65
I've learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision.
Age 66
I've learned that everyone can use a prayer.
Age 72
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
Age 82
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.
Age 90
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
Age 92
I've learned that you should pass this one on to someone you care about. Sometimes they just need a little something to make them smile.
Author Unknown, but leave me a note if you do. Thanks.
Age 5
I've learned that our dog doesn't want to eat my broccoli either.
Age 7
I've learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back.
Age 9
I've learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me clean it up again.
Age 12
I've learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you shouldtry cheering someone else up.
Age 14
I've learned that although it's hard to admit it, I'm secretlyglad my parents are strict with me.
Age 15
I've learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice.
Age 24
I've learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life's great pleasures.
Age 26
I've learned that wherever I go, the world's worst drivers have followed me there.
Age 29
I've learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it.
Age 30
I've learned that there are people who love you dearly but just don't know how to show it.
Age 42
I've learned that you can make some one's day by simply sending them a little note.
Age 44
I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt, the greater his or her need to cast blame on others.
Age 46
I've learned that children and grandparents are natural allies.
Age 47
I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
Age 48
I've learned that singing "Amazing Grace" can lift my spirits for hours.
Age 49
I've learned that motel mattresses are better on the side awayfrom the phone.
Age 50
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way hehandles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
Age 51
I've learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills.
Age 52
I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die.
Age 53
I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.
Age 58
I've learned that if you want to do something positive for your children, work to improve your marriage.
Age 61
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
Age 62
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.
Age 64
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
Age 65
I've learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision.
Age 66
I've learned that everyone can use a prayer.
Age 72
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
Age 82
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.
Age 90
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
Age 92
I've learned that you should pass this one on to someone you care about. Sometimes they just need a little something to make them smile.
Author Unknown, but leave me a note if you do. Thanks.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Thank you and Good Bye Doreen
I never plan or expect to have this blog entry. This is for Doreen, a Singaporean teacher here in Dubai who is leaving for home after a brief stay at the international school my two girls are attending.
It was Monday, September 15, the girls first day of school. We were quite late in joining the school. The school term has started a couple of weeks before. As expected, things were not starting on the right foot. I was somewhat anxious if the girls would be able to fit in.
We arrived very early that morning - an hour before school began. As I tried to find my way to the girls' classrooms, a young lady walked up to me to introduce hereself and asked if she could help us. Completely disoriented, I was grateful for the kind offer.
So we started chatting as she walked us to the right rooms for each girl. I learned that she has been here only two weeks before. I imagined she must be disoriented and may be coping with culture shock herself. She explained the school to me, provided my first map and compass. Well this is just my shorthand way of explaining what she has done for us.
I met Doreen again two days later. I wanted to tell her about a mid-autumn gathering at the Singapore consul general villa that evening. She thanked me but told me that she would not be able to attend because she is flying home on Saturday. She has resigned. My heart sank. I have watched her from a distance looking out for the kids, directing them to the right places and I will always remember her smiling and patting my younger girl on her head and showing her the way to me.
Thank you Doreen for being so kind and caring. Thank you very much for the map and compass you gave me. Thank you for leaving heartprints in our lives.
Bon Voyage and all the best to you back in Singapore.
It was Monday, September 15, the girls first day of school. We were quite late in joining the school. The school term has started a couple of weeks before. As expected, things were not starting on the right foot. I was somewhat anxious if the girls would be able to fit in.
We arrived very early that morning - an hour before school began. As I tried to find my way to the girls' classrooms, a young lady walked up to me to introduce hereself and asked if she could help us. Completely disoriented, I was grateful for the kind offer.
So we started chatting as she walked us to the right rooms for each girl. I learned that she has been here only two weeks before. I imagined she must be disoriented and may be coping with culture shock herself. She explained the school to me, provided my first map and compass. Well this is just my shorthand way of explaining what she has done for us.
I met Doreen again two days later. I wanted to tell her about a mid-autumn gathering at the Singapore consul general villa that evening. She thanked me but told me that she would not be able to attend because she is flying home on Saturday. She has resigned. My heart sank. I have watched her from a distance looking out for the kids, directing them to the right places and I will always remember her smiling and patting my younger girl on her head and showing her the way to me.
Thank you Doreen for being so kind and caring. Thank you very much for the map and compass you gave me. Thank you for leaving heartprints in our lives.
Bon Voyage and all the best to you back in Singapore.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
At the edge of the Cliff
A friend from the UN in NY sent me this about 11 hours ago. I think this is a wonderful way to look at life when you are at the edge of the cliff.
When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go, only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly!
When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go, only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Because we are not home yet
This morning trying to encourage someone from the other side of the world, I sent her this. I have received this story, usually the longer version. I am glad for this shorter one and finally to know where it probably came from.
Early in the last century an old missionary couple who had been working in Africa for many years returned to America to retire. With no pension and broken in health, they were discouraged, and somewhat fearful of the future.
They happened to be booked on the same ship as Teddy Roosevelt, who was returning from a big-game hunting expedition. They watched the passengers trying to glimpse the great man, the crew fussing over him. At the dock in New York a band was waiting to greet the president…but the missionary couple slipped off the ship unnoticed.
That night the man's spirit broke. He said to his wife, "I can't take this; God is not treating us fairly." His wife suggested he go in the bedroom and tell the Lord.
A short time later he came out with a face completely changed. His wife asked, "Dear, what happened?"
"The Lord settled it with me," he said. "I told him how bitter I was that the president should receive this tremendous homecoming, when no one met us as we returned home. And when I finished, it seemed as though the Lord put His hand on my shoulder and simply said, 'But you're not home yet!'" *
And now I can share what went before the story to my friend.
Hi,
It is not practical to go into the details here, also what I have been through might not be directly relevant to you. What is common with all who suffer is this - We experience some kind of loss. What I have discovered and here again, it could be different from person to person is that through suffering we might find the Lord in ways that just isn't possible any other way.
You come out of this with a deeply personal relationship with him that you struggle to find to words to explain. When you are still in there, it is like fire. When you come out of it, you realize it is worth it.
We suffer, become depressed because we are not home yet and especially so when we thought we are already home. Let me explain briefly from a story I have received several times. (i.e., the story you just read above)
* From "My Time With God" by Donald McCullough.
Early in the last century an old missionary couple who had been working in Africa for many years returned to America to retire. With no pension and broken in health, they were discouraged, and somewhat fearful of the future.
They happened to be booked on the same ship as Teddy Roosevelt, who was returning from a big-game hunting expedition. They watched the passengers trying to glimpse the great man, the crew fussing over him. At the dock in New York a band was waiting to greet the president…but the missionary couple slipped off the ship unnoticed.
That night the man's spirit broke. He said to his wife, "I can't take this; God is not treating us fairly." His wife suggested he go in the bedroom and tell the Lord.
A short time later he came out with a face completely changed. His wife asked, "Dear, what happened?"
"The Lord settled it with me," he said. "I told him how bitter I was that the president should receive this tremendous homecoming, when no one met us as we returned home. And when I finished, it seemed as though the Lord put His hand on my shoulder and simply said, 'But you're not home yet!'" *
And now I can share what went before the story to my friend.
Hi
It is not practical to go into the details here, also what I have been through might not be directly relevant to you. What is common with all who suffer is this - We experience some kind of loss. What I have discovered and here again, it could be different from person to person is that through suffering we might find the Lord in ways that just isn't possible any other way.
You come out of this with a deeply personal relationship with him that you struggle to find to words to explain. When you are still in there, it is like fire. When you come out of it, you realize it is worth it.
We suffer, become depressed because we are not home yet and especially so when we thought we are already home. Let me explain briefly from a story I have received several times. (i.e., the story you just read above)
* From "My Time With God" by Donald McCullough.
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