BEATING HEART

BEATING HEART
"Many a beating heart is silenced by the tyranny of indifference." ~Michael Faudet

THE PUREST PLACE

THE PUREST PLACE
"Retrace your steps and go back to the purest place in your heart… where your hope lives. You’ll find your way again.” ~Everwood (Trust Your Journey)

The Bible says

"a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of things which he possesseth."

24 December 2012

To Winter

Stay, season of calm love and soulful snows!
There is a subtle sweetness in the sun,
The ripples on the stream's breast gaily run,
The wind more boisterously by me blows,
And each succeeding day now longer grows.
The birds a gladder music have begun,
The squirrel, full of mischief and of fun,
From maples' topmost branch the brown twig throws.
I read these pregnant signs, know what they mean:
I know that thou art making ready to go.
Oh stay! I fled a land where fields are green
Always, and palms wave gently to and fro,
And winds are balmy, blue brooks ever sheen,
To ease my heart of its impassioned woe.

by Claude McKay

AS FOR POETS

As for poets
The Earth Poets
Who write small poems,
Need no help from no man.

The Air Poets
Play out the swiftest gales
And sometimes loll in their eddies.
Poem after poem,
Curling back on the same thrust.

At fifty below
Fuel oil won't flow
And propane stays in the tank.
Fire Poets
Burn at absolute zero
Fossil love pumped back up.

The first
Water Poet
Stayed down six years.
He was covered in seaweed.
The life in his poem
Left millions of tiny
Different tracks
Criss-crossing through the mud.

With the Sun and Moon
In his belly,
The Space Poet
Sleeps.
No end to the sky--
But his poems,
Like wild geese,
Fly off the edge.

A Mind poet
Stays in the house.
The house is empty
And it has no walls.
The poem
Is seen from all sides,
Everywhere,
At once.

by Gary Snyder

20 December 2012

My Special List

I have a list of folks I know, all written in a book,
And every now and then, I go and take a look;
And that is when I realize that these names are all a part ...
Not of the book they're written in, but of my very heart.

For each name stands for someone who has crossed my path sometime,
And in that meeting they've become the rhythm in each rhyme;
And while it sounds fantastic for me to make this claim,
I really feel that I'm composed of each remembered name.

Though you may not be aware of any special link,
Just meeting you has changed my life, a lot more than you think;
For once I've met somebody, the years cannot erase
The memory of those pleasant words nor of a friendly face.

So please don't think my greeting as just a mere routine,
Your name was not forgotten somewhere in-between;
For when I send a greeting, that is addressed to you,
It's because you are on that list of folks I'm indebted to.

For I am the total of the many folks that I have met,
And you happen to be one of those I prefer not to forget.
So whether I have known you for many years or few,
In some way you have been a part in shaping things I do.

And every year at this time, I realize anew ...
The best gift life can offer is meeting folks like you.
So may the Spirit of this Season, that ever endures,
Leave the richest blessings in the hearts of YOU and YOURS.

~By Helen Steiner Rice 1949 in "Christmas Blessings"

The Heart of Friendship

True friendship isn't seen with the eyes,
it is felt with the heart,
when there is trust, understanding,
loyalty, and sharing...

True friendship is a rare feeling,
but when it is found,
it has profound impact on
our well-being, strength, and character.

True friendship does not need
elaborate gifts or spectacular events
in order to be valuable or valued.

To ensure long-lasting
quality and satisfaction,
true friendship only needs
a few key ingredients:

Undying loyalty, unmatched understanding,
unsurpassed trust, deep and soulful secrets,
and endless sharing.

These ingredients,
mixed with personality and a sense of humor,
can make a friendship last a lifetime!

This is just a thank you, my friend,
for all the wonderful and colorful
special ingredients
you've brought to my life!

~Author Unknown

Source: The Inspiration Line

18 December 2012

A Father's Promise

by Carl Johnson

If you are ill, I will cure you.
I will make you well again.
I will nurse you and ensure you
Have health that will not end.

A house for you I’ll build,
That your mother makes a home.
I will keep it cheerily filled
With a family to call your own.

I will put food on your table,
Wholesome, fresh and hot.
As far as I am able
You will have what I did not.

Should danger try to find you,
I will stand firm in its way.
You can put all fears behind you.
I am with you night and day.

I’ll forever be your Dad.
You can always count on me.
I will never make you sad.
I will keep you safe and free.

And when from this life to the next I go,
I will still guard you every day.
I will ever be you father, you know.
Your Dad will never go away.

10 December 2012

Our Destiny

Our destiny is not free of hurt and pain,
nor is the goal only in earthly gain.
Our destiny is to find the purpose of God's will,
to expose the lie and live out the real.

Our destiny is in what we were created for,
for the good works of God and so much more.
Our destiny is our choice to walk God's way,
saying yes to His will day by day.

Our destiny was set from the foundation of the earth,
it began to be revealed at the moment of our birth.
Our destiny knows which God we choose,
whether we'll walk in LIFE, or our life lose.

Our destiny is only known fully by God,
its eternal potential revealed as we walk this sod.
Our destiny will carry us through this life's course,
but all that it holds depends on the source.

The destiny of the wicked is destruction,
refusing God, they are the product of their function.
The destiny of the believer, the fullness of God's delight.
He brings them through the darkness to manifest His light.

By Kent Stuck

Source: Facebook, 11 December 2012

2 December 2012

I LOVED YOU ENOUGH

Someday when my children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates a parent, I will tell them:

I loved you enough to ask where you were going, with whom, and what time you would be home.

I loved you enough to insist that you save your money and buy a bike for yourself even though we could afford to buy one for you.

I loved you enough to be silent and let you discover that your new best friend was a creep.

I loved you enough to make you go pay for the bubble gum you had taken and tell the clerk, "I stole this yesterday and want to pay for it".

I loved you enough to stand over you for two hours while you cleaned your room, a job that should have taken 15 minutes.

I loved you enough to let you see anger, disappointment and tears in my eyes. Children must learn that their parents are not perfect.

I loved you enough to let you assume the responsibility for your actions even when the penalties were so harsh they almost broke my heart.

But most of all, I loved you enough to say NO when I knew you would hate me for it.

Those were the most difficult battles of all. I am glad I won them, because in the end you won, too.

by Erma Bombeck

29 November 2012

Dreams by Langston Hughes

"Hold fast to dreams,
For if dreams die,
Life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly,

Hold fast to dreams,
For if dreams go,
Life is a barren field.” ~Langston Hughes

Hold fast to dreams,
For if dreams go,
Life is a barren field,
Frozen with snow."

~Langston Hughes

20 November 2012

WONDERFUL WORLD

Every once in a while the world opens up
and lets heaven shine through...

We open up our senses and realize
just how wonderful the simple things are
and just how beautiful nature can be:

Sunshine on an early spring morning...
A beautiful sunset...

A song that brings back memories...
Moonlight over the water...
The smell of fresh flowers after a rain...

A snowy egret skimming across a pond...
The laughter of people having fun...

A peaceful stream and a gentle waterfall...
All of these things make me love life and feel good,
And the same is true when I think of you.

You are an important part of my life
and I just want to thank you for making
my world even more wonderful!

Thank you for being you!

~Author Unknown

Source: Inspiration Line

A Thanksgiving Day Prayer




















Lord, so often times, as any other day
When we sit down to our meal and pray

We hurry along and make fast the blessing
Thanks, amen. Now please pass the dressing

We're slaves to the olfactory overload
We must rush our prayer before the food gets cold

But Lord, I'd like to take a few minute more
To really give thanks to what I'm thankful for

For my family, my health, a nice soft bed
My friends, my freedom, a roof over my head

I'm thankful right now to be surrounded by those
Whose lives touch me more than they'll ever possibly know

Thankful Lord, that You've blessed me beyond measure
Thankful that in my heart lives life's greatest treasure

That You, dear Jesus, reside in that place
And I'm ever so grateful for Your unending grace

So please, heavenly Father, bless this food You've provided
And bless each and every person invited

Amen!

18 November 2012

BEND IN THE ROAD

Sometimes we come to life’s crossroads
And we view what we think is the end.
But God has a much wider vision
And He knows that it’s only a bend...

The road will go on and get smoother
And after we’ve stopped for a rest,
The path that lies hidden beyond us
is often the path that is best.

So rest and relax and grow stronger,
Let go and let God share your load.
And have faith in a brighter tomorrow.
You’ve just come to a bend in the road.

@Theolinda Foster
FB, 19 November 2012

13 November 2012

My Holiday Wish

My holiday wish is that we may
See good in those who pass our way;
Find in each a worthy trait
That we shall gladly cultivate;

See in each one passing by
The better things that beautify —
A softly spoken word of cheer,
A kindly face, a smile sincere;

I hope each day that we may view
The things that warm one's heart anew;
The kindly deed that can't be bought
That only from good are wrought,

A burden lightened here and there,
A brother lifted from despair,
The aged ones freed from distress;
The lame, the sick, brought happiness.

Grant that before each sun has set
We'll witness deeds we can't forget;
A soothing hand to one in pain,
A sacrifice for love — not gain;

A word to ease the troubled mind
Of one whom fate has dealt unkind.
So, friend, my wish is that we may
See good in all who pass our way.


~By Phil Perkins

12 November 2012

Today's The Day

Today I will delete from my diary two days:
yesterday and tomorrow...

Yesterday was to learn and tomorrow will be
the consequence of what I can do today.

Today I will face life with the conviction
that this day will not ever return.

Today is the last opportunity I have to live intensely,
as no one can assure me that I will see tomorrow's sunrise.

Today I will be brave enough not to let any opportunity pass me by,
my only alternative is to succeed.

Today I will invest my most valuable resource:my time,
in the most transcendental work: my life.

Today I will spend each minute passionately to make
of today a different and unique day in my life.

Today I will defy every obstacle that appears
on my way, trusting that I will succeed.

Today I will resist pessimism and will conquer the world with a smile,
with the positive attitude of expecting always the best.

Today I will make of every ordinary task
a sublime expression.

Today I will have my feet on the ground, understanding reality
and the stars' gaze to invent my future.

Today I will take the time to be happy and
will leave my footprints and my presence in the hearts of others.

Today, I invite you to begin a new season where we can dream
that everything we undertake is possible and
we fulfill it, with joy and dignity.


~Author Unknown
(Contributed by Diane who lives in New South Wales, Australia)

Live Your Best Life


11 November 2012

I Want To Know

I want to know, when day is done,
That life has been worth living;
That I have brought somebody joy
Through kind, unselfish giving.

I want to feel, when evening falls
And shadows quickly lengthen,
That I have made somebody glad,
Some weakness I have strengthened.

I want to know, that come what may
I've left some cheer and gladness;
I want to feel, at close of day
I've banished someone's sadness.

I want to feel at day's end,
That someone's cares were lighter;
Because of kindness I have done,
May someone's life be brighter.

~Author Unknown

Reflections

"Who am I today?" I ask ...
And I wonder if I'll ever know;
I know the past has shaped me now,
Though the past was long ago.

The little moments form a blur,
The times both happy and sad,
All the people I once knew,
And the things I used to have.

They all helped me to become
Where, what, and who I am now,
And everything has influenced me
... though I'm not sure exactly how.

But I'm thankful for the memories,
From everyone I've ever met —
People I miss and people I love,
Even people I'd like to forget.

For these memories have helped me grow,
They've made me calm, yet strong,
And now there's a story to my life,
That they've been writing all along.

So, thank you for the memories,
Without them, who would I be? —
Because somewhere in my memories
Are the things that define me.

~Author Unknown
(Contributed by Nori who lives in Trabuco Canyon, California)

Source: Inspiration Line Magazine

Listen To The Dream In You

Listen
To the dream within you.
It’s there
In whatever
Puts stars in your eyes
And makes your heart sing.

Listen
To your feelings,
And you will hear
Who you are
And what you must do.

Listen
To your needs,
And you will know
Where to find
What you are looking for.

Listen
To the wisdom within.
It is trying to lead you
To your destiny.

Listen
To the song in you,
And your life
Will be one of harmony.
You will be
Who you were meant to be.
You will be complete
And at peace
And happier than you’ve ever been,
If only you will

Listen
To the dream within you.

Copyright ©1996 By Nancye Sims



10 November 2012

LOVE AND FAITH

(From the author of Desiderata)

You are not poor if you
love something, someone,
humanity maybe, and have faith

that you will somewhere,
sometime be satisfied, though you
know not how.

You may even feel that your
sorrow is but a school to teach
you the virtues of sympathy and
gentleness, that will avail
you hereafter, though you know
not where.

I am not always on the highway
that leads to this hilltop,
but I have seen the lighted road
stretching on and on;
sometimes I have even fancied
that I saw the windows of
the castle aglow.

And I have hastened my steps
to be in time for the feast,
and taken counsel of my courage
lest I falter and fall on the way.

May I keep this vision of
the castle ever before my eyes,
and a belief in my heart
that the journey is worth while,
and the castle and the glow
in the windows not all illusion.

by Max Ehrmann

5 November 2012

Our Friendship

May our friendship last forever;
May I sail upon your sea.
May we go through life together;
May there always be a "we"...

May I be your endless sky;
May you breathe my gentle air.
May you never wonder why
Each time you look for me, I'm there ...

May we be for each a smile
Like the warm, life-giving sun;
Yet when we're in pain awhile,
May our suffering be one ...

May we share our special days,
The happiness of one for two;
And if we must go separate ways,
Let my love remain with you.

By Nicholas Gordon

THE COLD WITHIN

Six humans trapped by happenstance in dark and bitter cold
Each possessed a stick of wood — or so the story's told.
Their dying fire in need of logs, but the first one held hers back,
For, of the faces around the fire, she noticed one was black.

The next one looked cross the way saw one not of his church,
And could not bring himself to give the fire his stick of birch.
The third one sat in tattered clothes he gave his coat a hitch,
Why should his log be put to use to warm the idle rich?

The rich man just sat back and thought of wealth he had in store,
And keeping all that he had earned from the lazy, shiftless poor.
The black man's face bespoke revenge as the fire passed from his sight,
For he saw in his stick of wood a chance to spite the white.

And the last man of this forlorn group did naught except for gain,
Giving just to those who gave was how he played the game.

Their sticks held tight in death's stilled hands
Was proof enough of sin;
They did not die from cold without —
They died from cold within.

~By James Patrick Kinney

Regarding the identity of the poet, the following letter appeared in a Dear Abby column on October 25, 1999:

DEAR ABBY: My husband, James Patrick Kinney, wrote the poem "The Cold Within" in the 1960s. It is gratifying to know he left something behind that others appreciate. He submitted it to the Saturday Evening Post; however, it was rejected as "too
controversial for the times." Jim was active in the ecumenical movement. His poem was sent in to the Liguorian, a Catholic magazine. That was its first official publication to my knowledge. Since then, it has appeared in church bulletins, teaching seminars and on talk radio, listed as "Author Unknown." If that was done for legal protection, I understand.

My family is always happy to see it appear, but we do think the true author should be given credit.

Source: Inspiration Line

Great Spirit

O Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the winds,
And whose breath gives life to all the world, hear me!
I am small and weak, I need your
strength and wisdom.

Let Me Walk In Beauty, and make my eyes
ever behold the red and purple sunset.
Make My Hands respect the things you have made
and my ears sharp to hear your voice.

Make Me Wise so that I may understand
the things you have taught my people.
Let Me Learn the lessons you have hidden
in every leaf and rock.

I Seek Strength, not to be greater than my brother,
but to fight my greatest enemy-myself.
Make Me Always Ready to come to you
with clean hands and straight eyes.

So When Life Fades, as the fading sunset,
my spirit may come to you
Without Shame.

Prayer from the Children of the Red Cloud Indian School, Pine Ridge, South Dakota
Chief Yellow Lark, Lakota Tribe

Source: Inspiration Line

IF TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME

If tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me;

I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,
While thinking of the many things, we didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too;

But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,
that an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand,

And said my place was ready, in heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.

Then as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for, so much left yet to do,
it seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all that we shared, and all the fun we had.

So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me, I'm right there, in your heart

Abridged Version ~ Author Unknown
(Contributed by John in Mojave, Arizona)

Source: Inspiration Line

18 August 2012

The Mirror

Between the woods the afternoon
Is fallen in a golden swoon,
The sun looks down from quiet skies
To where a quiet water lies,
And silent trees stoop down to trees.
And there I saw a white swan make
Another white swan in the lake;
And, breast to breast, both motionless,
They waited for the wind's caress ...
And all the water was at ease.

~@A.A. Milne

14 August 2012

Love of Friends

Man strives for glory, honor, fame,
That all the world may know his name.

Amasses wealth by brain and hand;
Becomes a power in the land.

But when he nears the end of life
And looks back o'er the years of strife,

He finds that happiness depends
On none of these, but love of friends.

~Anon~

12 August 2012

Your Hand

When my world falls down around me,
And the ground is sinking sand;
When peace can't be found on this earth,
I reach out for your hand.

When your hand wraps 'round my own,
A strength pours from your soul;
It brings to me a quiet calm,
Till once again I'm whole.

A peace beyond all reason,
A rest there in your touch;
Something in your quiet words,
My heart yearns for so much.

If I but rest my worries,
Upon your shoulder there;
Strength that pours forth from your soul,
Will wash away each care.

Like a cool sweet taste of water,
For a tired thirsty man;
My heart finds peace, my soul is calm,
When I reach out for your hand.

@Allison Chambers Coxsey ©1996

Source: Inspiration Line

7 August 2012

She is Gone

You can shed tears that she is gone,
or you can smile because she has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see her,
or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her only that she is gone,
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back.

Or you can do what she'd want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

~David Harkins quotes (British Poet and Painter b.1958)


3 July 2012

SOMEDAY WHEN

" SOMEDAY WHEN..."

Another season passing, passing in time
The dreams so clear, seems so long ago
Fading in Spring, and more with each Fall.

A husband, a wife ... a child and then two.
Another Winter, building a bike for under the tree,
Thoughts of taxes, they soon will be due,
Another new year, as holidays draw nearer.

Each new Spring seems warmer than last,
Seems the grass in the yard grows far too fast.
There's still time enough for those dreams long ago
Someday when the kids are all grown,
Someday when they are out on their own.

Another year ... another ... or two ...
Dreams, the life of our sleep,
Fleeting thoughts ... a long ago wish.

Then one day, another Spring ...
A smile, a thought ... dreams from the past.
Someday when ... my children are grown up,
I'll quit this job, my life my own ...
I'll see the world ... I remember when.

Our hearts, ageless they know of no bounds,
Until one day, the dreams we would live
Are now out of reach ... we ran out of time.
They never got past "Someday When"
Having been replaced instead of with,
"What could have been."

...So dreams they stay inside of our hearts,
Turned into just wishes, past "Wishes" on stars.
We thought we had time, as they most always began
With the simple notion of ... "Someday When."

An untouchable place "Someday When"
Today is as good as any day can be ...
To live the beginning of a least one of those dreams.

Through the warm spring days, Summer then Fall,
Then on through the Winter ... time passes slow.
Until one day, the direction we look,
Is not of the future, but a place of the past.

A time comes to all, when all we will have
Are the memories of love, and the lives we have lived
Or ... dreams turned to wishes wished on the stars
Waiting for tomorrows for our dreams to come true.
Dreams that began with "Someday When"...
And stayed there ... empty place unfulfilled.

"Tomorrow" never comes when our dreams
"Always" begin with "Someday When."
That place in our hearts, where time never ends
A place where, "When" sleeps, if never begins.

... Don't Wait For Tomorrow ...


~Excerpted From Poetry By D. Enise ©2001

Source: Inspiration Line

1 June 2012

To Believe

To believe is to know
that every day is a new beginning.
It is to trust that miracles happen,
and dreams really do come true.

To believe is to see angels dancing among the clouds,
to know the wonder of a stardust sky,
and the wisdom of the man in the moon.

To believe is to know the value of a nurturing heart,
the innocence of a child's eyes,
and the beauty of an aging hand;
for it is through their teachings we learn to love.

To believe is to find the strength and courage
that lies within us when it is time
to pick up the pieces and begin again.

To believe is to know we are not alone,
that life is a gift,
and this is our time to cherish it.

To believe is to know that wonderful surprises
are just waiting to happen,
and all our hopes and dreams
are within reach...
"If only we believe"

~Author Unknown~

Angel E-Mail











There's an angel in my inbox
And she came here from a friend
Who typed in my e-mail address
Then clicked on the button 'Send'

There's an angel in your e-mail
And you got her straight from me;
I knew when I finished reading this,
It was something you should see.

This little angel in your inbox
Does contain a nice surprise;
For when you send her on to friends,
Her message multiplies.

She brings you a note of
Joy, happiness and song;
And the nicest thing you can do today
Is to forward her along.

Please send this little angel on,
And have a great day, too;
Just smile and be happy because
This angel was sent to you!

~Author Unknown~

An Angel What I'd Be

If I had a choice
An angel's what I'd be,
And everything that happened
I'd be there to see.

You'd be right there with me
To wrap my wings around,
Only you would know I'm there
For I wouldn't make a sound.

I would see ahead of you
To help direct your path,
I'd always be there with you
You'd never have to ask.

I'd be there protecting you
And keeping you from harm,
For nothing is too hard for me
With my loving arms.

When you have somewhere to go
I'll be with you in flight,
I'll also be there protecting
In the middle of the night.

So if I had a choice
An angel's what I'd be,
I'd be right there beside you
Helping you to see.

~Melinda Tanner©2003~

Calling All Angels

Calling all angels, put down your disguise,
Unveil your hearts, wipe the sleep from your eyes;
We are falling ... lost in the garden.

Calling all angels, this is Starseed Command,
We've misused our freewill and we messed with The Plan;
We are falling ... lost in the garden.
Falling like gold leaves in autumn,
Falling with hardly a sound;
Oh, sorrow and sickness are upon us,
The darkness is pulling us down
... Won't you save us?

Calling all angels, we're sad and alone,
We wandered too far, now it's time to come home;
We are falling ... lost in the garden.

Separation has bonded me with gravity,
Hesitation has robbed me of my throne;
Liberation is my soul's sweetest destiny,
My heart wants to fly away home;
I want to play through the ages,
And make the changes
... Like the angels.

Calling all angels, if you're out on patrol,
We're armed and we're dangerous, spinning out of control;
We are falling ... lost in the garden
... Lost in the heavens.

Calling all angels ... Calling all angels ...
Calling all angels ...

~Eliza Gilkyson~

Sending You My Angel

I am sending you my special angel
On the wings of pure love,
One of exquisite beauty
From heaven above.

I am sending her to you
Just so you will know
I care so much about you
And wanted to tell you so.

I have called upon my angel
And am sending her to you
To comfort, love, and guide
In everything you do.

Her soft wings will gather
Close around your soul;
When you feel that touch
from "nowhere,"
It's then you will know.

She has promised to protect you,
To keep you safe from harm,
To take away the dark fears,
To make your heart light and warm.

Trust in your "angel"
You will feel her all around,
In your time of loneliness
Is when she will be found.

~Author Unknown~

Angel Dust

The world needs tolerance, love and trust,
And kindness scattered like Angel Dust!

We need quiet moments, a lot more peace,
That conflicts may end and hatred cease.

We need caring friends, some hope, some mirth,
And a glimmer to guide us here on this earth.

We need joyful hearts, cures for disease,
And gentle reminders to say 'thank you' and 'please'.

We need to remember our wildlife, green trees,
For we are no greater or lesser than these.

How to begin the changes we must?

By scattering KINDNESS ...
like Angel Dust!

~Author Unknown~

Angel on My Doorstep

There is an Angel on my doorstep, waiting with a smile,
A kind hand, touch or offer to go an extra mile.

The Angel on my doorstep outstretched — a helping hand,
To help me when I've fallen and care for me when sad.

There was an Angel on my doorstep, and now I've let her in.
Some things are a-changing, as I listen through the din.

My Angel, guide and special friend, ever closer will I grow,
As the chatter in the background gets quieter while it goes.

My Angel, all I ask of you is help for my own journey...
As I learn much more about myself
On my voyage of discovery.

Thank You for Being the Angel on My Doorstep!

~Author Unknown~

24 April 2012

YOU

A poem by “Mystic Dave” Lanier

No matter where you go,
be it near or far,
when you finally get there,
well then, there you are.

Find you are the same one,
who tried to go away.
Travel can't change you,
only the place you stay.

Perhaps you will see
something that is new.
Find that you are wiser,
and find you are still you.


Source: The Happy Guy
May 13, 2009

Each day is a new beginning

Your life is a journey ahead of you.
Each day is a new beginning.
Yesterday is a friend that will guide you.

There will be good times and bad times;
Cherish the good, because they make life sweet,
But be thankful for the bad,
For through them you come to know
The important things in life
And the meaning of life.
There will be times when you face
Difficult decisions,
And you won’t know which way to turn.
The important thing is that you make a choice,
And move forward.

There will be times that test your strength and endurance,
But don’t give up;
Refuse to accept defeat,
For perseverance is the key to success.
there will be times when you are hurt by love.
Forgive those who hurt you
So that your heart will be free to love again.
There will be times when you make mistakes.
Remember that mistakes are not a reflection of your self-worth,
But of your humanity.
Nor do they make you less of a person.
Because of the lessons you’ve learned,
You’ve grown and become wiser.

There will be times when your search for happiness
Leads to frustration and disappointment,
But don’t stop believing in happiness.
Being happy with yourself goes a long way toward
Knowing happiness in your life.
There will be times when life seems unfair,
But don’t allow it to make you bitter
And steal your joy.
Nothing is worth this.
When fear stands in the way of reaching out for your dreams,
Confront them and you will conquer them.

There will be times when your faith is shaken,
But don’t despair,
It will rise up and carry you above the storm and to victory….

by Nancye Simms
@1996

Source: Positive Thoughts

21 April 2012

The Moment Matters

Precious moment, help me to not waste
you by attacking the great big world,
searching for all answers, for some solutions.

Help me to not weigh you down
with a negative thought,
a thoughtless word or action.

Help me remember that how well I use you
will determine my subsequent
moments, my hours, my days.

Help me remember that you are fleeting,
rushing, soon gone into eternity and
could take my existence with you.

So help me grasp you,
relish you, savor the inner peace
you afford me.

Help me use you to begin afresh,
if no more than to take a quick glimpse
into how I might use this rare opportunity...

To convince myself that I want to
live, live, live, and possibly,
feel another glorious moment like you.

~By Glasceta Honeyghan ©1997
Associate Professor & Motivational Speaker, Florida Memorial University

Source: The Inspiration Line

20 April 2012

Promise Yourself

Promise yourself
to be so strong
that nothing can
disturb your
peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness
and prosperity
to every person you meet.

To make all your friends
feel that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything
and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best
and expect only the best.

To be enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to
greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times
and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticise others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger,
too strong for fear and too happy
to permit the presence of trouble.

by Christian D Larson

Source: Positive Thoughts

YOU ARE EVER IN DEBT TO LIFE

On New Year's Eve (2010)
at set of sun,
another day.
It's course has run
the "Balance Sheet"
was steeped in Red,
"You are my debtor,"
Life now said,
"I, your debtor?",
that cannot be,
but first your books,
I would like to see."
Life took the scroll
of my Account
And staggered me
with this Amount.
"A breathless dawn, you have had each day
A brilliant sun, to light your way
A million stars hung overhead
A golden moon, your eyes has fed
The songs of birds, the running streams
The night to dream, your splendid dreams
A rendezvous in moon-drenched lanes
The cooling touch of summer rains
The open road, the meadows green
What miracles your eyes have seen
The rolling clouds were yours to view
The countless flowers still wet with dew
A clinging vine on garden wall
An April's Robin's mating call
In early spring, the Daffodils
The setting sun, against the hills
You have had the painted sky above
A full share of a mother's love
You have had a few, but loyal friends
These benefactions know, no end."
Amazed,
I heard these charges made,
the list was long
that life displayed
I scanned the page,
now steeped in "Red,"
and could do nothing
but bow my head and pledge,
no more would I abase,
these things that once seemed
commonplace unchanged,
the record stands today,
next year Dear Lord,
Can I repay?

Author Anon

Source: Unidentified Australian Magazine


13 April 2012

Myself

I have to live with myself and so
I want to be fit for myself to know,
I want to be able as days go by,
To look at myself straight in the eye.
I don't want to stand with the setting sun
And hate myself for the things I've done.

I don't want to hide on a closet shelf
A lot of secrets about myself,
And fool myself as I come and go
Into thinking that nobody else will know
What kind of man I really am;
I don't want to dress myself in sham.

I want to go with my head erect,
I want to deserve all men's respect
And in this struggle for fame and pelf
I want to be able to like myself.
I don't want to look at myself and know
That I am a bluster and empty show.

I cannot hide myself from me;
I can see what others can never see;
I know what others can never know,
I cannot fool myself, and so

Whatever happens, I want to be
Self-respecting and conscience free.

by Edgar A. Guest

Source: Facebook

WHAT DID I LEARN?

I learned that sometimes it is easier to share my soul with the whole world
Than it is to share it with someone intimate
I learned that aspiring toward my desires takes true commitment
And, a solid belief that my goals have legitimacy
I learned that asking for understanding is sometimes impossible
But, giving understanding is not
I learned that trying to prepare others for what lies ahead,
May confuse their innocence and thwart their progress
I learned that saying no to someone else, even when they object
Can help them learn to say no in their own lives, when need be
I learned that wanting and needing are hard to separate
But the difference is of great importance
I learned that I am stronger than I thought I was
And, that I need both strength and insight to function
I learned that I will not always feel positive
But that, my down days give me perspective
I learned that patience takes self-discipline
But, its rewards are immense
I learned that laughing after making a mistake
Does not erase its valuable lesson
I learned that letting someone else’s laughter reach my heart
Is just as rewarding as saying something to make them laugh
I learned that appreciation of others, of life and of challenges
Causes each day to be full and fruitful
I learned that it is good to expect better of one’s self
But, not so good to stress over petty details
I learned that living is not one huge moment of joy
It is the travel, and the unravel — the discovery of life,
That builds foundations for joy and for loving and living

~By N.O. Tate (Reprinted with Permission)
Source: Inspiration Line

19 March 2012

A Summer Day By The Sea

The sun is set; and in his latest beams
Yon little cloud of ashen gray and gold,
Slowly upon the amber air unrolled,
The falling mantle of the Prophet seems.
From the dim headlands many a light-house gleams,
The street-lamps of the ocean; and behold,
O'erhead the banners of the night unfold;
The day hath passed into the land of dreams.
O summer day beside the joyous sea!
O summer day so wonderful and white,
So full of gladness and so full of pain!
Forever and forever shalt thou be
To some the gravestone of a dead delight,
To some the landmark of a new domain.

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Autumn

Thou comest, Autumn, heralded by the rain,
With banners, by great gales incessant fanned,
Brighter than brightest silks of Samarcand,
And stately oxen harnessed to thy wain!
Thou standest, like imperial Charlemagne,
Upon thy bridge of gold; thy royal hand
Outstretched with benedictions o'er the land,
Blessing the farms through all thy vast domain!
Thy shield is the red harvest moon, suspended
So long beneath the heaven's o'er-hanging eaves;
Thy steps are by the farmer's prayers attended;
Like flames upon an altar shine the sheaves;
And, following thee, in thy ovation splendid,
Thine almoner, the wind, scatters the golden leaves!

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Source: Internet

17 March 2012

Take Life's Simple Pleasures

Life can be hurtful, and not always fair.
Life can surround you, with people who care.
Life clearly does offer, its ups and its downs.
Life teaches us to take, the good with the bad.
Life is a mixture, of happy and sad.

So.....

Take the life that you have, and give it your best.
Think positive, be happy, let the Universe do the rest.
Take the challenges, that life has laid at your feet.
Take pride and be thankful, for each one you meet.
To yourself give forgiveness, if you stumble and fall.
Take each day that is dealt you, and give it your all.

Take the love that you're given, and return it with care.
Have faith that when needed, it will always be there.
Take time to find the beauty, in the things that you see.
Take life's simple pleasures, let them set your heart free.

Source: The Positive Thoughts

28 February 2012

A Healing Prescription

I gathered a thousand kisses and into this bottle they flew,
Then I wrapped it in some loving hugs —
prescribed especially for you:

No moving parts, no batteries; no monthly payments and no fees;
Inflation proof, nontaxable, in fact, it's quite relaxable;
It can't be stolen, won't pollute, one size fits all, do not dilute.

It uses little energy, but yields results enormously.
Relieves your tension and your stress; invigorates your happiness;
Combats depression, makes you beam, and elevates your self esteem!

Your circulation it corrects without unpleasant side effects
It is, I think, the perfect drug — may I prescribe, my friend:
THE HUG!
(And, of course, fully returnable!)

~Henry Matthew Ward

14 February 2012

"How do I love thee?

"How do I love thee?
Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth
and height my soul can reach,
when feeling out of sight
for the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level
of every day's most quiet need,
by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise."

~Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

Touch My Heart

Touch my heart and I'll touch yours with a gentle word or two,
For kindness bears the sweetest fruit that makes our dreams come true.
Touch my life with tenderness and fill my cup with love;
Share my dreams as I share yours beyond the stars above.

Take my hand as I grow old and lead me when I'm blind;
Show me that you really care … pure love is hard to find.
Touch my heart and I'll touch yours a little more each day;
Then we shall both find happiness somewhere along the way.

~Author Unknown~

Source: Inspiration Line

11 February 2012

A Lesson from a Pebble.

Drop a pebble in the water and with just a splash it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea.
And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be.

Drop a pebble in the water and in a minute you forget,
But there's little waves a-flowing, and there's ripples circling yet,
And those little waves a-flowing to a great big wave have grown;
You've disturbed a mighty river just by dropping in a stone.

Drop an unkind or careless word and in a minute it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on.
They keep spreading, spreading, spreading from the center as they go,
And there is no way to stop them, once you've started them to flow.

Drop an unkind or careless word and in a minute you forget;
But there's little waves a-flowing, and there's ripples circling yet,
And perhaps in some sad heart a mighty wave of tears you've stirred,
And disturbed a life that was happy ere you dropped that unkind word.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness and in just a flash it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Bearing hope and joy and comfort on each splashing, dashing wave
Till you wouldn't believe the volume of the one kind word you gave.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness and in a minute you forget;
But there's gladness still a-swelling, and there's joy circling yet,
And you've rolled a wave of comfort whose sweet music can be heard
Over miles and miles of water just by dropping one kind word.

@James W. Foley

Source: Positive Thoughts

3 February 2012

Life is a Miracle

Life is a miracle don't let it slip away,
Open your heart to others, give of yourself each day.

See the beauty in everyone, regardless of where they've been,
Some have a difficult journey and really need a friend.

Share your gifts and talents, listen with your heart.
Do the things you dream about but don't have time to start.

Pick a bouquet of flowers, show someone that you care,
Be gracious and forgiving, for life is never fair.

Hold on to your courage, you may need it down the road,
We all have a cross to bear, it could be a heavy load.

If you practice all these things, wherever you may roam,
You might find both sun and rain, but you'll never feel alone!

~Author Unknown~

Source: Inspiration Line

3 January 2012

Words of wisdom. . .

Take nothing for granted:  watch water flow, the corn grow,
the leaves blow, your neighbors mow.

Set your own pace.  When someone is pushing you,
it is okay to tell them they're pushing.

Remember a happy, peaceful time in your past.  Rest there.
Each moment has a richness that takes a lifetime to savor.

Taste your food.  God gave it to delight as well as to nourish.

Notice the sun and the moon as they rise and set.
They are remarkable for their steady pattern of movement,
not their speed.

Talk and play with children.  It will bring out the unhurried
little person inside you.

When you walk with someone, don't think about what
you'll say next.  Thoughts will spring up naturally if you let them.

Quit planning how you are going to use what you know,
learn or possess.  God's gifts just are; be grateful and
their purpose will be clear.

Allow yourself time to be lazy and unproductive.
Rest isn't a luxury, it's a necessity.

Listen to the wind blow.  It carries a message of yesterday
and tomorrow, and now.  Now counts.

Create a place in your home, at your work, in your heart,
where you can go for quiet and recollection.  You deserve it.

~Positive Thoughts~

You and Me

If I knew you and you knew me;
If each of us could clearly see,

As with an inner sight divine,
The meanings of your heart and mine,

I'm sure that we would differ less
And clasp our hands in friendliness;

Our thoughts would pleasantly agree,
If I knew you and you knew me.

~ Nixon Waterman ~

Possibilities

When your dreams start to seem so impossible,
When roadblocks are all you can see —
Look beyond all the problems that face you
And focus on POSSIBILITIES.

Don’t limit your thoughts to the present
Or solutions you have learned from the past;
Remember to keep looking forward —
You may find the answer at last.

It is YOU who determines your future —
How your journey through tomorrow will be;
To fill all your days with adventure,
Dare to see what no one else dares to see.

So never let obstacles stop you —
Or keep you from doing your part;
Have faith that your dreams are all possible
If you truly believe in your heart.

~Anon~

Choices

Some people sit – some people try;
Some people laugh – some people cry;
Some people will – some people won’t;
Some people do – some people don’t.

Some people believe and develop a plan;
Some people doubt – never think that they can;
Some people face hurdles and give it their best;
Some people back down when faced with a test.

Some people complain of their miserable lot;
Some people are thankful for all that they’ve got;
And when it’s all over — when it comes to an end —
Some people lose out and some people win.

We all have a choice — we all have a say;
We are spectators in life or we get in and play;
Whichever we choose — how we handle life’s game;
The choices are ours — no one else is to blame.

~Anon~

1 January 2012

Prov. 29:25

We must thank God each day for what we have and ask him to help you with your situation. You never know when God is going to bless you!! Good things happen when you least expect them.

Dear Lord, I thank You for this day,
I thank You for my being able to see
and to hear this morning.
I'm blessed because You are
a forgiving God and an understanding God...

You have done so much for me and
You keep on blessing me.
Forgive me this day for everything
I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you....

I ask now for Your forgiveness.
Please keep me safe
from all danger and harm.

Help me to start this day
with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude.
Let me make the best of each and every day
to clear my mind so that I can hear from You.

Please broaden my mind
that I can accept all things.
Let me not whine and whimper
over things I have no control over.
And give me the best response
when I'm pushed beyond my limits.

I know that when I can't pray,
You listen to my heart.
Continue to use me to do Your will.
Continue to bless me that I may be
a blessing to others.

Keep me strong that I may help the weak...
Keep me uplifted that I may have
words of encouragement for others.
I pray for those that are lost
and can't find their way.

I pray for those that are misjudged
and misunderstood.
I pray for those
who don't know You intimately.
I pray for those that don't believe.

But I thank You that I believe
that God changes people
and God changes things.
I pray for all my sisters and brothers.
For each and every family member
in their households.

I pray for peace, love and joy
in their homes; that they are out of debt
and all their needs are met.

I pray that every man knows there is no problem,
circumstance, or situation greater than God.
Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight.

I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees it .

Amen!

Your Success and Happiness Lie in You

If you give a part
  of yourself to life,
the part you receive back
  will be so much greater.
Never regret the past,
  but learn by it.
Never lose sight of your dreams;
a person who can dream
  will always have hope.
Believe in yourself;
  if you do, everyone else will.
You have the ability
  to accomplish anything,
but never do it at
  someone else's expense.
If you can go through life
  loving others,
you will have achieved
the greatest success of all.
Judy LeSage

Source: Positive Thoughts