Life's Mirror

There are loyal hearts, there are spirits brave,
There are souls that are pure and true,
Then give the world the best you have,
And the best will come back to you.

Give love, and love to your life will flow,
A strength in your utmost need,
Have faith, and a score of hearts will show
Their faith in your word and deed.

Give truth, and your gift will be paid in kind;
And honor will honor meet;
And a smile that is sweet will surely find
A smile that is just as sweet.

Give pity and sorrow to those who mourn,
You will gather in flowers again
The scattered seeds from your thoughts outborne,
Though the sowing seemed but vain.

For life is the mirror of king and slave,
'Tis just what we are and do;
Then give to the world the best you have,
And the best will come back to you.

~Madeline Bridges

Learn Who You Are and Be Yourself

Two gents of ancient vintage came
To the park each week to chat.
In the cooling shade of an ageless tree,
On a rickety bench they sat.

They spoke of events going on in the world,
Of their children, grandchildren and wives.
They spoke of various concerns they had,
Influences shaping their lives.

One said that he yearned to interact,
To participate in a group,
But with some groups he felt that he
Had dropped out of the loop.

"Why fret about that," the other replied.
"You should not be concerned.
"Loops change as people within them change.
"By now you should have learned."

"Just try to accept the hand you are dealt.
"Do not put yourself to the test.
"Enjoy the people, work hard at your role ...
"The role you find fits you the best."

"While you are involved, be part of the group,
"Avoid being left on the shelf.
"But learn who you are, and never try
"To be anyone but yourself."

© Shelby Forrest

YOU'RE OKAY

(You’re Just Not Fully Hatched!)

It’s not easy…
to be someone
who so easily falls.
Because, when you fall
you have to pick yourself up…
that is, if you want to get anywhere.
Someone who falls frequently…
has stronger muscles in different places
than someone who doesn’t fall very often:
Why?
Well, to get up
you use your arms,
your hands, your legs,
your stomach and buttocks
your back muscles, (and brain).
So, in some ways, you are stronger
than those who don’t fall as often!
And, after you have pulled yourself up
you must look up - with head held high
In order to see where you are going…
Yea! And, once you pull yourself up
you have to catch your breath,
and gain your composure —
take one uncertain step
And, after that —
take another…
You see —
If you are going to get anywhere
close to where you’re are aiming for
all those strong muscles will come in to play —
And, eventually, you’ll see — the result will be…
unusual balance, unusual poise —
And hey, your hard-won victory???
It will be clothed,
in well-deserved dignity!

~ By N.O. Tate (Reprinted with Permission) ~

EARLY SPRING

"That is one good thing about this world there are always sure to be more springs." ~Lucy Maud Montgomery .

I heard a thousand blended notes,
While in a grove I sate reclined,
In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts
Bring sad thoughts to the mind.

To her fair works did Nature link
The human soul that through me ran;
And much it grieved my heart to think
What man has made of man.

Through primrose tufts, in that green bower,
The periwinkle trailed its wreaths;
And 'tis my faith that every flower
Enjoys the air it breathes.

The birds around me hopped and played,
Their thoughts I cannot measure;
But the least motion which they made
It seemed a thrill of pleasure.

The budding twigs spread out their fan,
To catch the breezy air;
And I must think, do all I can,
That there was pleasure there.

If this belief from heaven be sent,
If such be Nature's holy plan,
Have I not reason to lament
What man has made of man?

~William Wordsworth

Eulogy Fit for a Dog

The “Eulogy” to Old Drum

“Gentlemen of the Jury, the best friend a man has in the world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son or daughter that he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name, may become traitors to their faith.

The money that a man has, he may lose. It flies away from him, perhaps when he needs it the most. A man’s reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees to do us honor when success is with us may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our heads.

The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him and the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog.

Gentleman of the Jury, a man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master’s side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and the sores that come in encounters with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert he remains.

When riches take wings and reputation fall to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens. If fortune drives the master forth an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard against danger, to fight against his enemies, and when the last scene of all comes, and death takes the master in its embrace and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even to death.”

Senator George Graham Vest (1830-1904): US Senator from Missouri,
Confederate States Congressman, Confederate Veteran, attorney, famed
orator, conservationist and champion for the rights of Native Americans.

Source: Inspiration Line (http://www.visitwarrensburg.org)

Just Enjoy Life

We all get caught up in our hopes, dreams, and sorrows.
We race around and plan for tomorrow.
But in a single day, there's only so much we can do,
and for our happiness, we should also be true.

Sometimes we need to sit back, relax, and unwind,
let the stress go-- free our minds.
We need to abandon our cares and
forget the grind, pressure, and strife
and do something we love and just enjoy life.

~Anon~

GOOD MORNING !!!

An Untiring Love

This is a true story that happened in Japan.

In order to renovate the house, someone in Japan tore open the wall. Japanese houses normally have a hollow space between the wooden walls. When tearing down the walls, he found that there was a lizard stuck there because a nail from outside was hammered into one of its feet. He saw this, felt pity, and at the same time he was curious. When he checked the nail, he remembered it was nailed 10 years ago when the house was first built.

What had happened?

The lizard had survived in such a position for 10 years! In a dark wall partition for 10 years without moving, it is impossible and mind boggling. Then he wondered how this lizard survived for 10 years without moving a single step--since its foot was nailed!

So he stopped his work and observed the lizard, what it had been doing, and what and how it has been eating. Later, not knowing from where it came, appeared another lizard, with food in its mouth.

Ahh! He was stunned and at the same time, touched deeply. Another lizard had been feeding the stuck one for the past 10 years.

Tears welled up in the man's eyes. He set the nailed lizard free.

Such love, such a beautiful love! Such love happened with this tiny creature...

What can love do?
It can do wonders!
Love can do miracles!

Just think about it; one lizard had been feeding the other one untiringly for 10 long years, without giving up hope on its partner.

If a small creature like a lizard can love like this just imagine how we can love if we try.

~Anon~

The Four Candles

The Four Candles burned slowly. Their ambiance was so soft you could hear them speak...

The first candle said, "I Am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to keep me lit." Then Peace's flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely.

The second candle says, "I Am Faith, but these days, I am no longer indispensable." Then Faith's flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely.

Sadly the third candle spoke, "I Am Love and I haven't the strength to stay lit any longer. People put me aside and don't understand my importance.

They even forget to love those who are nearest to them." And waiting no longer, Love goes out completely.

Suddenly...

A child enters the room and sees the three candles no longer burning. The child begins to cry, "Why are you not burning? You are supposed to stay lit until the end."

Then the Fourth Candle spoke gently to the little boy, "Don't be afraid, for I Am Hope, and while I still burn, we can re-light the other candles."

With shining eyes the child took the Candle of Hope and lit the other three candles.

Do you let Hope burn brightly? Hope is like "happiness insurance." As long as you have hope, happiness is just around the corner.

~Anon~

Our Love is Like a Flower

It's simply wonderful to think of,
The careful tending of a rose,
Which is like the way our love works,
How every day it grows.

It's something very special,
For my eyes to behold,
To watch the fragile petals
As they gracefully unfold.

Like a beautiful flower
Reaching up to kiss the sun,
I feel so very close to you,
Because I know that you're The One.

Even when the rain does fall,
It's a comfort still to know
That eventually the skies will clear
And it will only help us grow!

You're an amazing person,
Because of everything you do,
And I just want you to know
How much I truly do love You!

~Author Unknown
from BlessTheDay.com

The Train of Life

"If one advances confidently in the direction of their dreams, and endeavors to lead a life which they have imagined, they will meet with a success unexpected in common hours." ~Henry David Thoreau

Some folks ride the train of life looking out the rear,
Watching miles of life roll by and marking every year.

They sit in sad remembrance of wasted days gone by,
And curse their life for what it was and hang their head and cry.

But I don't concern myself with that, I took a different vent,
I look forward to what life holds and not what has been spent.

So strap me to the engine, as securely as I can be,
I want to be out on the front, to see what I can see.

I want to feel the winds of change, blowing in my face,
I want to see what life unfolds, as I move from place to place.

I want to see what's coming up, not looking at the past,
Life's too short for yesterdays, it moves along too fast.

So if the ride gets bumpy, while you are looking back,
Go up front, and you may find, your life has jumped the track.

It's all right to remember, that's part of history,
But up front's where it's happening, there's so much mystery.

The enjoyment of living is not where we have been,
It's looking ever forward to another year and ten.

It's searching all the byways, never should you refrain,
For if you want to live your life, you gotta drive the train.

~By Marv Hardin
(Contributed by Ron who lives in Bend, Oregon)

Make This The Best Year Ever

I will no longer worry about yesterday.
It is in the past and the past will never change.
Only I can change by choosing to do so.

I will no longer worry about tomorrow.
Tomorrow will always be there, waiting for me to make the most of it.
But I cannot make the most of tomorrow without first making the most of today.

I will look in the mirror and I will see a person worthy of my respect and admiration.
This capable person looking back at me is someone I enjoy
spending time with and someone I would like to get to know better.

I will cherish each moment of my life.
I value this gift bestowed upon me in this world and I will unselfishly share
this gift with others. I will use this gift to enhance the lives of others.

I will take a moment to step off the beaten path and to revel in the mysteries I encounter.
I will face challenges with courage and determination. I will overcome what barriers
there may be which hinder my quest for growth and self-improvement.

I will take life one day at a time, one step at a time.
Discouragement will not be allowed to taint my positive self-image,
my desire to succeed or my capacity to love.

I walk with renewed faith in human kindness.
Regardless of what has gone before,
I believe there is hope for a brighter and better future.

I will open my mind and my heart.
I will welcome new experiences. I will meet new people.
I will not expect perfection from myself nor anyone else ... perfection does not
exist in an imperfect world. But I will applaud the attempt to overcome human foibles.

I am responsible for my own happiness and I will do things that make me happy.
I will admire the beautiful wonders of nature, listen to my
favorite music, pet a kitten or puppy, and soak in a bubble bath.
Pleasure can be found in the most simple of gestures.

I will learn something new; I will try something different;
I will savor all the various flavors life has to offer.
I will change what I can and the rest I will let go.
I will strive to become the best me I can possibly be.

I will live life this year in a way that
I can look back on it fondly and without regrets and
I WILL MAKE THIS THE BEST YEAR EVER!

~Author Unknown

Light Your Candle

Light the candle in your soul,
Carry it into the dark.
If you find a flame that's lost its glow
Light it with a spark.

The flame only grows brighter
When it gives another light,
And a billion burning candles
Can drive away the night.

Believe in yourself to the depth of your being,
Nourish the talents your spirit is freeing.
Know in your heart when the going gets slow,
That your faith in yourself will continue to grow.
Don't forfeit ambition when others may doubt,
It's your life to live, you must live it throughout.
Learn from your errors, don't dwell in the past,
Never withdraw from a world that is vast.
Believe in yourself, find the best that is you,
Let your spirit prevail, "Steer a course that is true."

Hold up your candle for all to see,
Reach from shore to shore,
And light the world with kindness
Now and forever more!

~Anon~

Ripples

Drop a pebble in the water: just a splash, and 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: 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 word, or careless: 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 word, or careless: 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 was happy ere you dropped that unkind word.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness: just a flash and 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: 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.

~ By James W. Foley (1874-1939) Poet-laureate of North Dakota 1930-1939

GO GENTLY WITH THE FLOW

If the sky above seems cloudy, and you are left out in the rain,
If you are searching for a rainbow, but the colors bring you pain,

If your world is not revolving, and there is no end in sight,
If you are looking for the sunshine, but all you see is night,

If all around are smiling, but all you can do is frown,
If you are tired of all this living, when life just brings you down,

Then look beyond your teardrops, at the wonders of this land,
The beauty of a flower, like velvet in your hand.

Feel the air around you, the smell of new mown hay,
Laughing children in the park, the innocence there at play,

Imagine floating with a butterfly, as she flutters between the trees,
Or the whispers of the ocean, on warm hot summer's breeze,

Think of the taste of candy floss, as it melts upon your tongue,
Or the melody of morning birds, as they greet each day with song,

Remember words of beauty, told in your mother's embrace,
Feel the gentleness of her touch, as she softly kissed your face,

Seek the good within you, cast the clouds from your sky,
Don't look toward the pavement, but hold your head up high,

Think not what life owes you, but of all you have to give,
Forget about tomorrow, then you can start to live.

So bless this age you are living in, with the gifts you can bestow,
Don't disregard the stream of life,
Go gently with the flow.

~ © Shawnee Kellie

Heartprints

Whatever our hands touch
We leave fingerprints —
On walls, on furniture, on doorknobs and dishes;
There's no escape, as we touch we leave our identity.

Wherever I go today
Help me leave HEARTPRINTS —
Heartprints of compassion,
Of understanding and love.

Heartprints of kindness and genuine concern —
May my heart touch a lonely neighbor
Or a runaway daughter, or an anxious mother
Or perhaps an aged grandfather.

Send me out today to leave heartprints —
And if someone should say "I felt your touch,"
May they also sense the love
That is deep within my heart.

~Author Unknown

A Place for Me

There is a special place in life, that needs my humble skill,
A certain job I'm meant to do, which no one else can fulfill.

The time will be demanding, the pay is not too good,
And I wouldn't change it for a moment, even if I could.

There is a special place in life, a goal I must attain,
A dream that I must follow because I won't be back again.

There is a mark that I must leave, however small it seems to be.
A legacy of love for those who follow after me.

There is a special place in life, that only I may share.
A little path that bears my name, awaiting me somewhere.

There is a hand that I must hold, a word that I must say,
A smile that I must give, for there are tears to blow away.

There is a special place in life that I was meant to fill.
A sunny spot where flowers grow, upon a windy hill.

There's always a tomorrow
and the best is yet to be,
for somewhere in this world,
I know there is a place for me.

~© Grace E. Easley

Little Things in Life

Little stones make big mountains,
Little steps can cover miles,
Little acts of loving-kindness
Give the world it's biggest smiles...

Little words can soothe big troubles
Little hugs can dry big tears,
Little candles light the darkness,
Little memories last for years...

Little dreams can lead to greatness,
Little victories to success~
It's the little things in life
That brings the greatest happiness...

~ Author Unknown

Friendship

Friendship needs no studied phrases,
Polished face, or winning wiles;
Friendship deals no lavish praises,
Friendship dons no surface smile.

Friendship follows Nature's diction,
Shuns the blandishments of Art,
Boldly severs truth from fiction,
Speaks the language of the heart.

Friendship favors no condition,
Scorns a narrow-minded creed,
Lovingly fulfills its mission,
Be it word or be it deed.

Friendship cheers the faint and weary,
Makes the timid spirit brave,
Warns the erring, lights the dreary,
Smoothes the passage to the grave.

Friendship - pure, unselfish friendship,
All through life's allotted span,
Nurtures, strengthens, widens, lengthens,
Man's relationship with man.

~Author Unknown

May You Always Feel Loved

May you find serenity and tranquility
in a world you may not always understand.

May the pain you have known
and the conflict you have experienced
give you the strength to walk through life
facing each new situation with courage and optimism.

Always know that there are those
whose love and understanding will always be there,
even when you feel most alone.

May a kind word,
a reassuring touch,
and a warm smile
be yours every day of your life,
and may you give these gifts
as well as receive them.

May the teachings of those you admire
become part of you,
so that you may call upon them.

Remember, those whose lives you have touched
and who have touched yours
are always a part of you,
even if the encounters were less than you would have wished.
It is the content of the encounter
that is more important than its form.

May you not become too concerned with material matters,
but instead place immeasurable value
on the goodness in your heart.
Find time in each day to see beauty and love
in the world around you.

Realize that what you feel you lack in one regard
you may be more than compensated for in another.
What you feel you lack in the present
may become one of your strengths in the future.
May you see your future as one filled with promise and possibility.
Learn to view everything as a worthwhile experience.

May you find enough inner strength
to determine your own worth by yourself,
and not be dependent
on another's judgment of your accomplishments.

May you always feel loved.

By Sandra Sturtz Hauss © 1987

WILDFLOWERS

Marsh Marigolds

(Photo: Courtesy by Janie of Utah)

 **********************************

Artwork by Jema Abellera Cejero

Are you a wildflower?

Wildflowers grow from mere dust to reach their full potential.

Wildflowers grow well, even in adverse soil conditions.

Wildflowers don't require late nights at the office to grow.

Wildflowers grow thick and stick together.

Wildflowers grow strong and tall.

Wildflowers display their brilliant personalities for all to see.

Wildflowers withstand drought and grow all the more beautiful when watered.

Wildflowers withstand frost and hale.

Wildflowers last late in the season, when other flowers have given up.

Are you a wildflower?

~The Happy Guy~

Angel in My Heart

When I have no one to turn to
And I am feeling kind of low;
When there is no one to talk to
And nowhere I want to go...

I search deep within myself
For it's the love inside my heart
That lets me know Angels are there
Even though we are miles apart.

A smile then appears upon my face
And the sun begins to shine;
I hear a voice, so soft and sweet
Saying, 'Everything will be just fine.'

It may seem that I am alone
But I'm never by myself at all;
Whenever I need my Angels near,
All I have to do is call.

An Angel's love is always true
On that you can depend;
They will always stand behind you
And will always be your friend.

Through darkest hours and brightest days
Our Angels see us through;
YOU are one of my Angels ...
Perhaps I am one for you.

~Anon~

ALWAYS A SUNRISE

Look out, look in. Every day has a sunrise.
Wherever you are, like a magic circle, the world is all around you.
Everything has a purpose. Every action a reaction.
All around you there are happenings.

People, places and ideas, all offering you opportunities.
Some to be touched and changed by the very nature of your uniqueness.
Others to be left alone for they are not worthy of you.
Life is a love affair. Love the people around you, love what you do.

Every day dawns with a sunrise. Always, high days and low days.
Blue skies of pleasure, there to enjoy. Celebrate.
Dark clouds of storming hurt, however black, they always pass.
Today was yesterday’s tomorrow; yesterday is gone. History.
And the wonder of yesterday is whatever we didn’t like is behind us.
Make a change. Unlimited you. Greatness from within.

There is no such thing as failure, only learning experiences.
Some things are easy to learn, others hard.
What is easy for one may be hard for another.
Lessons to be learned, not burdens to be carried.
Everyone is different. Everyone is special.
We are all creative. We are all tool makers.

Greatness and humility. Both are you.
Leader and follower. Warrior and water carrier.
Teacher and student. Champion and cheerleader. Who is to say?
One day you are one, the next day you are the other.
Pace setters tread the untrodden path.
Never given away your sunrise day of action to an excuse.

'When the time is right.' 'When I feel like it.' 'When I've enough money.'
Sometimes it’s too easy to justify not taking action.
Sometimes you have to say 'no' to your inner voice ...
when it tries to keep you too comfortably where you're at.
Always a new light. Always a new day. Each day a gift of opportunity.
There is always a sunrise even when it is far from our view.

There is always a door. We simply have to seek.
There is always a key. We simply have to persist.
And, sometimes, we just have to wait a while. Patience does have virtue.
There is always a future. The future is hope and the magic is faith.

It begins with you today. Today a new day. Always.
Today our decision to be the person we really want to be.
Today our choice of courage to accept what we cannot change.
Today our choice to rise to the challenge of changing what we must.
These are the choices of happiness.

Always an answer. You simply have to believe.
The dawn. The magic of a new day given to us.
A love affair. A love affair with today.
Today, a gift of opportunity; to laugh; to learn; to achieve;
to make someone happy, to be happy.
Always a sunrise.

~ By Rex Barker

Touch of an Angelic Friend

An angel was sent down from heaven one day
to visit a child who had nothing to say;
Now this young child was poor, great wealth she did lack,
but she always was happy in spite of the fact.

Until one day it happened — her best friend went away
and it left her heartbroken with nothing to say.

Now the task of the angel was a great one indeed,
to give hope to a heart that was so much in need.
And though great riches and power were at the angel's command,
he sent a lost kitten and the healing began.

The girl cheered the kitten as it tracked down a snail,
and she started to giggle when he chased his own tail.

Then without any warning the girl whose heart broke
found some reason for saying these words that she spoke —
"I love you little kitten ... I hope you will stay!
We will always be friends and together we’ll play."

Now the little girl was happy though she still remained poor,
for she had a new friend someone to care for.

You see riches and power are fine things indeed
but for a broken heart that is not what you need.
The angel was wise for he knew in the end
how to mend a broken heart with the touch of a friend.


Original version © 1999 ~ By Motivational Speaker Tom Krause ~ All rights reserved
Feline adaptation with permission - by Chelle Thompson of Inspiration Line

The Gift

"Every gift which is given, even though it be small, is in reality great, if it is given with affection."~Pindar.



I GIVE TO YOU
A fire to light inside your heart,
to feel the warm embers glow;
A splash of the sun's bright rays,
to melt even winter's snow.

I GIVE TO YOU
A piece of a rainbow to color your world,
when all seems totally gray;
Some roses for their lovely perfume,
to kiss you with a sweet bouquet.

I GIVE TO YOU
A sprinkling of some twinkling stars,
to wish upon at night;
The morning dew to bless the day,
to bask in its delight.

I GIVE TO YOU
A summer's breeze to caress your face,
to show that someone cares;
The sweet song of the nightingale,
to remind you nature's there.

I GIVE TO YOU
My lasting friendship, always true, and
Love to hold inside if ever you feel blue,
Or just because you need a friend ...
this friend, who is always there for you!!

~Author Unknown (Adaptation)

Photography: My friend Marilyn, who came down from Orange leaving home on a thick frosty morning to travel far just to give me my 60th Birthday treat on Magistic Cruise Dinner around Sydney Harbour. Afterward, she took me to the National Maritime Museum exploring The Endeavour and RAN Submarine. For once, we were like children one more time having fun and enjoying the day. We also had a Monorail Ride and culminated the day over a large glass of Milkshake. Thank you Marilyn for making my day unforgettable.

TO MY CHILDREN

"If we could hold each grain of sand
that sifts through the hour glass of life,

And cherish each one as a diamond rare,
and permit them to reflect their light,

We'd understand that diamonds are priceless,
and sand but worthless dust ...

And how we live each bit of today
reveals our life's brilliance."

~ By Daniel Roberts
(Submitted by his son Derek, an Inspiration Line subscriber
who lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado)